Published: March 8, 2025
Li Wubo was very happy.
He was so pleased that he engaged in a lengthy discussion with Li Xiong Tu about the state of the world, pointing out the grand landscapes of the universe, and evaluating the heroes across the land.
Only after this did he bring up the gloomy topic: "Xiong Tu, Li Jue, Ba Tian; you three need to remember one thing I say."
"What is it?"
"In the event that... I mean, in the event! Of course, before that, we will do our utmost to strive for the best outcome, but if by chance, the Nine Calamity Sword Master has not yet arrived, and our Li family is unable to hold on, then... you three should take your women, support each other, and worry about nothing else—escape at the first opportunity!"
A hint of shock flickered in Li Wubo's hawk-like, cold eyes. He remained silent for a long time before saying, "If the Li family truly falls, you must... preserve the seeds of the Li family... If it really comes to that, remember your escape is not the coward's evasion, but the responsibility of the bravest!"
The three of them stared blankly at Li Wubo, not expecting the patriarch to say such things at a time like this.
"At that time, none of us will blame you, and everyone will do their utmost to cover your escape!" Li Wubo said in a grim tone. "Of course, I only mention 'if'!"
The three of them stood there, stunned.
Li Wubo, who was usually cold-hearted and used iron-fisted methods, actually spoke such words.
Even his biological son, Li Jue, and Li Ba Tian, found it hard to accept.
"Of course, that kind of 'if' may not happen!" Li Wubo smiled comfortingly, stood up, and walked out.
Li Jue and Li Ba Tian exchanged complex glances with Li Xiong Tu, then followed Li Wubo out, leaving Li Xiong Tu alone.
Li Xiong Tu's heart was turbulent!
The family actually made such a choice! If it comes to the last moment, then to protect myself at all costs... I, Li Xiong Tu, came to the upper heavens like a stray dog, yet received such honor!
What merit do I have to deserve such treatment?
...
After sending Li Jue and Li Ba Tian away, Li Wubo walked along a broad road with three supreme elders, the night fog was deep, and the winter chill was sharp.
"Have the families of the major affiliated clans been arranged?" Li Wubo finally asked this question after a long time.
"Yes, everything is arranged," one elder replied. "They are gathering around Skyline, easy to defend and hard to attack, absolutely safe."
"I'm not asking about that," Li Wubo gently shook his head.
"In the event that our family truly cannot make it to a turning point, then our Li clan must sacrifice everything for the future! With the most heroic sacrifice, we must strive for the brilliant future of our descendants!"
Li Wubo said solemnly, "You must be prepared for this. Our lives can be sacrificed."
"Understood." The three elders all showed a look of resolve.
"The Ancestral Patriarch is very disappointed in us, and he has already developed a sense of despair. He believes that the Li family's doom has arrived! Moreover, it is irreversible."
Li Wubo let out a bitter laugh and said, "The Ancestral Patriarch founded this family, yet it is my generation, Li Wubo, that will see its destruction…"
The three supreme elders were somewhat speechless, and they sighed together: "The patriarch need not worry; victory and defeat are all predetermined! We can only do our best."
"Doing our best is not enough!" Li Wubo said lightly. "Even if the fall of the Li family is a trend, I must leave seeds for the Li family! And this requires the efforts of the nine affiliated clans..."
"The efforts of the nine affiliated clans?" The three elders simultaneously thought of something, a cold sweat suddenly breaking out on their backs.
"Yes; the combatants and all family members of the nine affiliated clans have already been separated, right?" Li Wubo calmly asked.
"They have been separated."
"Are there enough family members for a hundred thousand?" Li Wubo was evidently more concerned about this question.
"Adding in guards and so forth... all family members should be around two hundred thousand! Currently, they are all under our... protection."