Liu Zhou's voice was like a bolt from the blue, making everyone's scalp tingle and their heads buzz. They hadn't expected that not only Nong Nian had sided with Kui En, but Liu Zhou had too. It was well known that Liu Zhou and Kui En had a terrible relationship. Kui En had even been bedridden for months after being beaten by Liu Zhou. After that, they had a deep-seated feud, and wouldn't even acknowledge each other when they met. Who could have imagined... he would join Kui En's side? His decision would determine the final outcome!
"Why?"
"Why?"
"Why are you all helping Kui En?"
"How is he better than me?"
"What right does he have to be the leader of the tribe?"
"How can he lead everyone out of the current predicament?"
"I am the true chosen one."
"I can break the current situation and lead our people to a better life!"
Shi Wu's eyes were bloodshot as he roared in anger. He couldn't accept everyone helping Kui En and fighting against him.
Nong Nian replied, "In these chaotic times, mere survival is a luxury. We don't want the 'better life' you speak of!"
"Perhaps it's a good life for you," Liu Zhou said expressionlessly. "But for the tribesmen, it might not be the life they desire."
"You are a cultivator with exceptional talent. If you truly care for the tribe, you should focus on your cultivation. Only by becoming a powerful figure can you lead the tribe to a good life," Liu Zhou continued, "instead of letting desire and power blind your eyes."
Shi Hao's face was ashen, as if he had lost his soul. This outcome was beyond his imagination. He thought he had the situation in hand. Little did he know, even Nong Nian and Liu Zhou had joined Kui En's side. Otherwise, would he have lost so miserably?
"The answer has been revealed. I announce that Kui En is the new leader of the tribe!" Gu Jian's face showed a look of satisfaction. "I will assist him for three years, to help him become a qualified tribal leader and lead the tribe to better survive this chaotic era." Gu Jian had been on the verge of death, but after consuming that蟠桃 (pan tao), his body had undergone a miraculous transformation. Not only could he live for three more years, but even thirty years wouldn't be a problem.
Hearing that he had become the leader, Kui En showed no signs of happiness. If Shi Wu hadn't tried to become the tribal leader, he would never have thwarted his scheme. He had never thought of becoming the tribal leader himself, because he understood the principle that with great power comes great responsibility. But now, he couldn't refuse. Taking a deep breath, he solemnly said, "I, Kui En, swear to the heavens that from now on, I will consider the life and death of the tribesmen as my top priority."
"If I break this oath, may lightning strike me and my soul be scattered!"
Gu Jian nodded with relief. Then, a black compass appeared in his hand. This was the tribe's formation disk, which only the tribal leader could control. Seeing Kui En reach out and take the disk, a sly glint flashed in Shi Wu's eyes. He loudly declared, "We are willing to support Kui En as the new leader!"
"We will go through fire and water, and never disobey!"
Upon hearing this, Shi Wu's followers also voiced their support. Then, the tribesmen in the tribe all expressed their support for Kui En to become the new leader. A surge of anger rose in Kui En's heart. He hadn't expected Shi Wu to support him as the tribal leader. This was completely unexpected. He had planned to kill Shi Wu after becoming the leader to avenge Gong Yong. But now, how could he kill Shi Wu for his own selfish reasons? If he did, how could he command the respect of the tribe?
Shi Wu sensed Kui En's anger and showed a faint smile. Although he was unhappy with Kui En becoming the new leader, he knew that survival was his only option was to support Kui En. That way, even if Kui En wanted to kill him, he would have to consider the attitude of the tribesmen.
"It's bad!"
"It's bad!"
Just then, a middle-aged man ran over, pale with fright. Panting, he said to Gu Jian, "Leader, some异魔 (yi mo) have broken in and discovered our location!"
Before Gu Jian could speak, an elder of over fifty years said dismissively, "A few异魔 (yi mo) are nothing. Just kill them."
"Exactly. This is our stronghold. Why should we fear a few异魔 (yi mo)?" In the past,异魔 (yi mo) had discovered Wushuang City's location, but they were killed by the tribe's strongmen. So, everyone didn't take it seriously.
"No!" Xia Yuan said, his expression grave. "We don't know what's happening, but there are tens of thousands of异魔 (yi mo) on the surface!"
"If the horde of异魔 (yi mo) discovers the location of the underground city, even the formation might not be able to withstand their attack."
"Tens of thousands of异魔 (yi mo)?"
"Heavens, how can there be so many异魔 (yi mo)?"
The tribesmen were all panicked, their eyes filled with deep unease and fear. Previously, when there were only a hundred-odd异魔 (yi mo) in their territory, they had walked on thin ice when carrying out missions. Now, tens of thousands of异魔 (yi mo)? How could they possibly survive? A deep sense of despair enveloped everyone, like an indelible shadow, causing them to be restless.
"Leader, I volunteer to lead my brothers to the exit to hold back the异魔 (yi mo)!" Shi Wu stepped forward, his face filled with a look of resolute determination. Normally, this was not his opportunity to shine, as he was a failure. However, if even a failure had such resolve, how could Kui En, the new leader, remain indifferent and let Shi Wu lead his brothers to fight the异魔 (yi mo)? He was forcing Kui En to go out and fight the异魔 (yi mo). If he succeeded, perhaps he could win over some people. On the other hand, if he died at the hands of the异魔 (yi mo), wouldn't that be wonderful? To put it plainly, this was a strategic retreat, a move to force Kui En's hand.
Kui En naturally knew Shi Wu's ulterior motives. Although he was angry, he couldn't say it directly. He looked at the tribesmen below and said, "As the leader of the tribe, I must set an example. I will go out to resist the attack of the异魔 (yi mo)."
"You cannot go!" Gu Jian's voice rang out. "As the new leader of the tribe, setting an example is important, but before that, you need to refine the formation disk and control the tribe's formation."
"Kui En, you need to remember one thing," Gu Jian continued. "Although you are the leader of the tribe, you cannot go to the battlefield. Unless the entire tribe is left with only you. Otherwise, even if one tribesman survives, you must protect his safety."
Kui En's face was filled with anxiety. "How can I stand by and watch the tribesmen fight while I stay behind?"
Gu Jian sighed, "Although it is cruel! But, this is your mission!"
As soon as his voice fell, there were rustling sounds in the air. Everyone instinctively looked up and saw countless异魔 (yi mo) digging through hundreds of meters of soil, revealing a pair of scarlet eyes. Those cold eyes were like stars dyed red with blood, inspiring fear! Despair!