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Ascension of the Divine Farmer (Web Novel) - Chapter 17: Gathering of Allies
Chapter 17: Gathering of Allies
This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl
The tension in the air was palpable as Wei Long strode through the bustling streets of the town, his mind already set on the next step. The Jade Serpent Sect's veiled threat had been clear: submit or face the consequences. But Wei Long had no intention of yielding, not when the town was beginning to thrive through its own efforts.He knew they couldn’t stand alone against the full force of the sect. They would need allies—those who were equally threatened by the Jade Serpent Sect’s creeping influence. The surrounding region was home to other sects, families, and independent warriors who had resisted the larger factions for years, each cultivating their own power.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the town, Wei Long met with Li Cheng, Lin Mei, and several other key figures. Their expressions were grim but determined.
“We can’t face the Jade Serpent Sect alone,” Wei Long began, his voice steady. “They’re too powerful, and we’re still building our strength. But we’re not the only ones who’ve been targeted by them. There are others in the region who see the sect as a threat. We need to reach out to them.”
Lin Mei nodded, her face serious. “I’ve heard rumors of independent cultivators in the western mountains. Some of them were once part of major sects but left to live on their own terms. They won’t trust easily, but they hate the large factions, especially the Jade Serpent Sect.”
Li Cheng rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “And there are smaller villages to the east. They’ve been resisting the sect’s influence for years. Their warriors may not be as powerful as the sect’s disciples, but they’re fiercely loyal to their land.”
Wei Long’s mind raced. “We’ll need to approach them carefully. They won’t just join our cause without trust. They’ll need to see that we have something to offer—that standing with us is better than standing alone.”
Lin Mei spoke up. “We should divide our efforts. I’ll go to the western mountains and try to make contact with the independent cultivators. My family has some connections in that region, and it might help.”
“I’ll head to the eastern villages,” Li Cheng added. “They’ve always respected strength, and if they see that we’re resisting the Jade Serpent Sect, they might be willing to stand with us.”
Wei Long nodded in agreement. “While you’re gone, I’ll focus on preparing the town. We need to keep strengthening ourselves. We can’t afford any weaknesses.”
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The following morning, Lin Mei and Li Cheng departed, each heading in their respective directions with a small group of trusted allies. Wei Long stayed behind, working closely with the town’s farmers, craftsmen, and warriors. The cultivation of spiritual energy was not just limited to the body; it extended to every aspect of life. The fields flourished, the blacksmiths’ forges glowed hot with spiritual fire, and the town’s defenses were fortified.
But even as the town grew stronger, Wei Long felt the looming presence of the Jade Serpent Sect like a dark cloud on the horizon. The elder was patient, but he wouldn’t wait forever. Soon, they would be forced to choose between submission and resistance.
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Lin Mei’s journey to the western mountains took several days, the path winding through treacherous forests and steep cliffs. The cultivators she sought were known for their reclusive nature, preferring solitude over the politics of sects. Rumor had it they were once powerful members of the larger factions but had left in disgust over the corruption and power struggles.
Arriving at the base of a mountain range, Lin Mei encountered her first challenge—a barrier of spiritual energy, invisible to the untrained eye but deadly to those who didn’t know how to pass through it. She paused, closing her eyes and focusing her senses. The barrier thrummed with power, ancient and strong. Slowly, she found the weak point, slipping through the crack in the energy field.
She climbed higher, the air growing thin and cold, until she reached a hidden valley nestled between the peaks. There, among the rocks and trees, were small homes carved into the mountainside, barely visible to the untrained eye. She could sense the power of the cultivators living within—strong, but disciplined. They were watching her, waiting to see if she was friend or foe.
“I come seeking an alliance,” Lin Mei called out, her voice carrying across the valley. “My name is Lin Mei, of Wei Long’s people. We share a common enemy.”
For a long moment, there was silence. Then, a figure stepped forward from the shadows—a tall man with silver hair and a weathered face. His eyes were sharp, and his aura crackled with restrained power.
“You speak of the Jade Serpent Sect,” he said, his voice deep. “We have no love for them here, but why should we ally with you?”
Lin Mei met his gaze, unflinching. “Because they won’t stop with us. If they take our town, they’ll move on to others, seeking to control everything in this region. Alone, you can resist for a time, but together, we can push them back.”
The man studied her for a moment before nodding. “I am Lei Feng, leader of this valley. We left the sects long ago, but you are right. Their hunger for power knows no bounds. Let us speak further.”
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Meanwhile, Li Cheng’s journey to the eastern villages was no less difficult. The roads were rough, and the villages themselves were wary of outsiders, especially those from towns associated with larger powers. The Jade Serpent Sect had made overtures to these villages before, offering protection in exchange for loyalty, but the villagers had always refused, preferring their independence.
When Li Cheng arrived, he was met with suspicion. The village chief, an old warrior named Zhou Tian, stood at the head of his people, arms crossed.
“You come from the town near the Jade Serpent Sect,” Zhou Tian said, his voice gruff. “Why should we trust you?”
Li Cheng bowed respectfully. “Because we resist them, just as you have. We don’t want their control any more than you do. My people have fought to keep our independence, but we can’t stand alone. If we don’t unite now, they’ll pick us off one by one.”
Zhou Tian frowned, considering his words. “We’ve resisted the sect for years. Why should we change now?”
Li Cheng looked him in the eye. “Because they’re growing stronger. They’ve been patient, but their influence is spreading. Soon, they’ll make their move. If we don’t prepare, we’ll be caught off guard.”
Zhou Tian was silent for a long moment. Then, he nodded. “We’ll consider your proposal. But know this—we won’t be anyone’s pawns. If we ally with you, it will be on equal terms.”
Li Cheng smiled. “That’s all we ask.”
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Back in the town, Wei Long continued his preparations. The people were beginning to rally behind him, their confidence growing with each passing day. They had seen the changes—stronger crops, fortified walls, and warriors training harder than ever. The town was becoming a force in its own right, but Wei Long knew that the real test was yet to come.
As the sun set on another day, Wei Long stood atop the town’s walls, gazing out at the distant horizon. Lin Mei and Li Cheng would return soon, hopefully with allies by their side. But even with their help, the battle ahead would not be easy.
The Jade Serpent Sect was watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
But Wei Long was ready.
The seeds of rebellion had been sown, and soon, they would rise.
