Leidi Mountain, vast and towering.
As the foremost peak in the Lei Feng Realm, Leidi Mountain naturally comprised more than just a single summit; numerous peaks along its spine belonged to the Leidi Hall sect.
Now, as the master of Leidi Hall, Wan Lei’s dominion extended over this entire region.
It was indeed only Wan Lei, owing to his lineage as a direct descendant of the Thunder Emperor and his own merits, who possessed the right to preside over Leidi Hall without provoking widespread opposition.
Were it anyone else, regardless of their strength, unless they achieved immortality and erected their own palace upon Leidi Mountain, any claim to being the master of Leidi Hall would inevitably draw the ire of the entire realm.
Even powers as formidable as the Liu family and the Kaitian Sword Sect, who had been paramount forces in the Lei Feng Realm for fifty thousand years, had never dared to openly declare Leidi Mountain their territory and take up residence.
In recent days, structures had sprung up across Leidi Mountain like mushrooms after rain, allocated to the various rogue cultivators and families who had come to pledge their allegiance.
In the evening, within a side hall, Wan Lei hosted Yunxiao and two others for a banquet.
Wan Lei occupied the principal seat, with Qingfeng and Taodian serving as his companions.
Qingfeng was a rogue cultivator in the truest sense, unburdened by ties, his home wherever he roamed.
Taodian, however, had disciples. On the very first day he followed Wan Lei to Leidi Hall, all of them had come along.
Yunxiao Shangren and Beihan Wu, while not having established sects, were renowned experts with millennia of fame. They too had followers and disciples, all of whom had now been properly settled.
“Hall Master, before our arrival, the two of us contacted some of our friends at the Mahayana stage. Upon hearing that we were coming to pledge our loyalty to you, some agreed.
We’ve just urged them again to ensure they arrive before Leidi Hall is officially established.”
“Oh? That is excellent news. Thank you, brothers. Approximately how many are they?”
Wan Lei raised his wine cup and clinked it with theirs.
“Mahayana stage experts are somewhat scarce; there are about seven or eight. They also have disciples and clansmen under them, all of whom will be brought along.”
“Very well, we welcome all who come.”
“Hall Master! Hall Master!”
Yunxiao Shangren reminded him gently.
“Alas, it’s not a formal occasion,”
Wan Lei waved his hand with a smile.
“Hall Master, our manpower is still somewhat lacking,”
Qingfeng said with evident worry.
“Do not fret. It has only been a few days. Moreover, we are not solely relying on rogue cultivators.
The surrounding nations near Leidi Mountain have all sworn their fealty to Leidi Hall. Some families, though not yet present, have also indicated that should Leidi Hall require it, they will rush to our aid at a moment’s notice.
We are merely in the preparation stages of establishment; many are still too distant to arrive in time. Consider the Southern and Northern Regions, vast expanses with numerous powerful individuals.
The starry sky beyond is even more expansive, and news has not yet reached them.
Furthermore, in our nascent stage, our prestige is insufficient. We are primarily attracting people through the reputation of the old Thunder Emperor and the merits I’ve previously accumulated.
However, this is not concrete.
Once we engage in a couple more glorious battles, allowing people to witness our combat prowess and build their confidence in us, to see that we are not a mere facade destined to crumble before the Liu family and the demon race, but true leaders capable of resisting invaders, then more will flock to our banner.”
Wan Lei understood this situation clearly. He had also discussed it with Fang Xiaoyu and Old Fang. This matter could not be rushed; one could hardly go and drag people to join them.
True Man Taodian nodded and said,
“The demon race, the Liu family, and the Huo family have allied themselves with the Kaitian Sword Sect. As for the Yin Yang Sect, the Kui Lian Sect, the Fang family, and the Four Great Heavenly Pavilions, they maintain excellent relations with our Leidi Hall and have declared their intention to resist the demon race.
Of the nine major powers, six have declared their allegiance. Therefore, the Wu family, the Zhou family, and the Dun family are of paramount importance; we must win them over.
If they are swayed to the enemy’s side, the balance will shift, placing us in a disadvantageous position.”
Wan Lei sighed as well,
“Our alliance is imperative. I have dispatched envoys to contact those three families, but there has been no reply. Their intentions remain unknown.”
“Hmph, they are merely waiting for the highest bidder, eager to see who offers more or whose victory seems more likely before they join.
Traitors who vacillate! They hesitate even in matters of resisting foreign invasion!”
Beihan Wu, with his fiery temperament, immediately cursed.
“After the establishment of the sect, I will find an opportunity to visit them personally and ascertain their stance,”
Wan Lei smiled.
“However, do not hold out too much hope. After all, we are rebuilding Leidi Hall. Three of those families contributed to the downfall of Leidi Hall fifty thousand years ago. This is an old grievance. Even if I harbor no ill will, they will not believe I truly do not.”
Yunxiao sighed,
“Alas, in times of national crisis, how can we dwell on such distant past grievances? Those from that era are long dead. Who truly remembers…”
“Hall Master, someone from the Wan family has arrived,”
At this moment, Xi Renjun entered, interrupting Yunxiao Shangren.
“The Wan family?”
Wan Lei was momentarily stunned. He pondered, unable to recall any major power with the surname Wan. Then, Wan Lei slapped his forehead.
“My family?”
“Yes.”
“Esteemed sirs, please excuse me. Family has arrived, and I must go and greet them.”
Wan Lei stood up and apologized with clasped hands.
“When the Hall Master’s family arrives, it is only proper to greet them. This is, after all, the Thunder Emperor’s family. Their return to Leidi Hall now is rightful and will further legitimize our hall.
We shall accompany you to welcome them.”
Yunxiao stood up.
“No, no, they are family. Not outsiders. No need for a formal welcome. Please, continue your discussion. This is our Grand Steward, currently overseeing all matters of Leidi Hall. He will brief you on our current situation, so you may familiarize yourselves.”
“Greetings, Grand Steward.”
Yunxiao and the other immediately recognized the Grand Steward’s cultivation and strength. He was at least capable of defeating both of them single-handedly.
Leaving the side hall, Wan Lei proceeded directly to the main hall.
Outside the main hall, tens of thousands of people stood in neat formation. Their cultivation was not high, mostly at the Core Formation and Foundation Establishment stages, with many even at the nascent strength stage.
They curiously observed everything about Leidi Hall, their eyes filled with yearning, excitement, and a burning desire for battle.
These were the disciples of the Wan family, their most elite warriors.
Having experienced two major wars, they felt no fear of the impending conflict, only the will to fight for the Wan family’s return to Leidi Hall and the resistance against their enemies.
It could be said that they were the most loyal to Wan Lei and the Wan family.