The crowd was so jubilant because this confirmed a long-held suspicion: the Li family's old ancestor was likely finished.
The escape of some core younger disciples was naturally intended to preserve the Li family's lineage.
"Those young disciples of the Li family, while not the absolute top-tier core members, were the next best. They clearly feared that if they released overly talented disciples, it would arouse our suspicion, so they sent out those of upper-middle grade," Wang Hantian analyzed calmly, his eyes gleaming. "The reason I didn't act then was to avoid alerting them. Those young disciples must have carried transmission stones. If they were killed by us, the Li family would know we had discovered them or were preparing to make a move. That's why I held back. After all, once the Li family's Void Refinement realm powerhouses are eliminated, the rest will be easy to kill. Even if a few slip through the cracks, it won't make much difference."
"You did very well!" the Wang family's old ancestor praised.
"This way, we don't need to worry about which level the Li family is on. It means the Li family's old ancestor is in an extremely dire situation. He might not even last a few months, let alone a few years!"
"Even if he still has fighting power, it will only be temporary. Even with the aid of the great array, his combat strength won't see any substantial improvement!"
"Moreover, our family has obtained the Star Luo Array Disk. Even within the Li family's great array, once the Star Luo Array is activated, it can cripple their array by about seventy to eighty percent!"
"Old Ancestor, we can make our move!"
Everyone present spoke up.
There weren't many people in the meeting room; including Wang Hantian, there were only ten. However, nine Void Refinement realm cultivators and the Wang family patriarch, Wang Hantian, made this a force representing ninety-nine percent of the Li family's combat power!
"Indeed, it's time to act!" the Wang family's old ancestor said after a period of silent analysis, nodding. "Once the Li family is eliminated, I can then focus on breaking through to the Integration realm with peace of mind!"
The Wang family's old ancestor was slightly older than the Li family's old ancestor, though not by much, they were roughly from the same generation.
He had previously considered attempting to break through to the Integration realm. However, if he waited until old age and decline, it would be too late.
But it was not feasible now. If he attempted it now and failed, he would suffer the same fate as the Li family's old ancestor, Li Huagang!
Then their two families would be evenly matched. Although the Wang family was slightly stronger than the Li family, the difference wasn't significant. If a real conflict erupted, it would ultimately result in both sides being severely weakened.
Therefore, any attempt to break through had to come *after* the Li family was annihilated!
Hearing the old ancestor decree the annihilation of the Li family, the eyes of everyone present lit up.
Guangnan City was long overdue for a reshuffle.
By eliminating the Li family, they would be able to absorb all of the Li family's assets, propelling the Wang family up to a significantly higher tier.
They might even be able to cultivate more Void Refinement realm powerhouses in the future.
"Old Ancestor, when should we make our move?"
"Yes! Which day would be better?"
"Since we are going to act, let's choose the day before the Li family's eldest daughter's wedding!" the Wang family's old ancestor's eyes gleamed.
"Why choose that day?" everyone was puzzled.
They either wanted to act as soon as possible, or strike on the wedding day itself.
"Acting too soon isn't ideal. They released the news today specifically to gauge our reaction. If we act now, we might be falling right into their trap. The level of resistance will differ greatly between a prepared and unprepared opponent, and the difference between being prepared and being severely prepared is even greater," the Wang family's old ancestor calmly analyzed.
"Furthermore, the Li family's old ancestor's Dao injuries will only worsen with each passing day!"
"Besides, on the wedding day itself, there will be many guests. Accidentally killing some of them would be problematic, and not killing them would also be difficult. It would be quite awkward. Moreover, that day is also when Hantian's daughter is getting engaged. If we Void Refinement realm cultivators don't show up, the Li family will definitely realize something is amiss and become cautious!"
"This will increase the difficulty of eliminating the Li family!"
Hearing the Wang family's old ancestor's calm analysis, everyone showed expressions of understanding, followed by admiration. Truly, as expected of a wise and experienced old ancestor, his thoughts and insights were extraordinary.
"Then why not wait until after the Li family's wedding?" someone asked, still puzzled. "Since the Li family's old ancestor's Dao injuries will worsen with time, wouldn't it be better to postpone for a few more days?"
"Hantian, you tell them," the Wang family's old ancestor did not give a direct answer but turned his gaze towards the young Wang Hantian.
Wang Hantian was also the most talented among the younger generation of the Wang family. He had reached the Nascent Soul realm before the age of fifty and was quick-witted. Naturally, the old ancestor wanted to test him.
"Old Ancestor, I believe it is for the sake of our Wang family's reputation. After all, Li Xiuzhu was once almost married to me, and then she eloped. If we were to stand by and watch them hold their wedding, even if we destroy the Li family afterwards, it would be a stain on our Wang family's honor!" Wang Hantian pondered briefly, analyzing calmly.
When Li Xiuzhu was mentioned, a flicker of hatred flashed in his eyes. He had once poured out his heart for that woman, loving her passionately, but she had eloped. This was an unbearable humiliation for him.
Even after more than twenty years, he still felt unresolved resentment!
"Hantian is right. In fact, if we wait a little longer, our losses might be even smaller, but the difference won't be significant. Compared to our reputation, any additional losses can be ignored!" the Wang family's old ancestor said with a chuckle.
"So that's how it is!"
"The Old Ancestor is truly far-sighted, considering matters from all angles!"
"In that case, we will choose the day before the Li family's wedding and present the Li family with such a grand gift!"
"..."
Watching his clansmen discussing the details with great enthusiasm, the Wang family's old ancestor showed a gratified smile.
Soon, his gaze swept out the window, towards the direction of the Li family.
"Li Huagang, it's time to settle the score from back then."
The Wang family's old ancestor and Li Huagang had both been prodigies of their respective families thousands of years ago. They were less than five years apart in age, with the Wang family's old ancestor, Wang Xingyun, being the elder.
Initially, he had always suppressed Li Huagang because his cultivation had begun earlier. However, upon reaching the Golden Core realm, he found himself suppressed by Li Huagang and could never regain the advantage. Even the woman he desired had become Li Huagang's wife.
Over the years, the two families had experienced many conflicts, as they were the two strongest forces in Guangnan City.
They had assassinated Void Refinement realm cultivators of the Li family who were venturing out. The Li family had also done the same, but they had been more successful, which was why the Li family's strength was now a step above the Wang family's.