While Wu Shuai and his forces were looting the Xia Family's wealth without restraint, the atmosphere aboard the Whale Fishing Boat was heavy and grim.
"Supreme Grand Elder, what should we do next?"
"The enemy is far too powerful—over a dozen Eighth Transformation Gu Immortals. There's no way we can hold the base!"
"The worst part is that the enemy leader is Wu Shuai himself. The chances of us mounting a counterattack are virtually nonexistent."
"It's a pity that Xia Ying and the others sacrificed themselves in vain."
The Xia Family Gu Immortals were seething with frustration and helplessness, each feeling that their prospects were bleak.
Xia Ruizhi, the Supreme Grand Elder of the Xia Family, let out a cold snort. "I don't care who it is—whether it's Wu Shuai or the Two Heavens' Eighth Transformation Gu Immortals—none of them will be allowed to encroach on our territory. They won't get away with this for long! We'll send a distress call to the Righteous Path of the Eastern Sea right away."
"Hmph, it would be one thing if they were merely human Gu Immortals. But with Wu Shuai leading them and alien-race Gu Immortals making up the majority, it's a different matter entirely. The battle footage we captured is the best evidence. The Righteous Path of the Eastern Sea—and indeed the Righteous Path of all Five Regions—will never sit idly by while this alien faction grows stronger!"
Hearing this, the Xia Family Gu Immortals' morale lifted slightly.
Calling for help was the only way out, but deciding whom to ask was itself a matter worth careful consideration.
The Xia Family was located at the far eastern edge of the Eastern Sea. With the Xia Family at the center, the Merfolk Royal Court lay to the west. To the southeast was the Tang Family, and to the northeast the Xie Family. None of these three were ideal candidates for aid.
All three were supreme forces that bordered the Xia Family's territory. Relations with the Merfolk Royal Court were the best of the three, but the Merfolk Royal Court was an alien faction. Although no Merfolk Gu Immortals had appeared during the recent battle, the Xia Family wasn't willing to take that risk.
As for the Tang Family and the Xie Family, both had frequently clashed and feuded with the Xia Family in ordinary times. Going to them for help and placing themselves under someone else's roof was not an experience the Xia Family Gu Immortals were willing to endure.
After considerable discussion, the Xia Family Gu Immortals piloted the Whale Fishing Boat on a cautious route that gave the Merfolk Royal Court a wide berth, heading further west to seek aid from the Shen Family.
This meant that their journey would more than double in distance.
While the Xia Family was still en route to seek help, the news of the Two Heavens Gu Immortals' invasion had already exploded across the Treasure Yellow Heaven, shocking the entire world.
"Alien-race Eighth Transformation Gu Immortals—this many of them? Is this news actually real?"
"It's not that surprising. Black Heaven alone is every bit as vast as the Five Regions, and the same goes for Light Heaven."
"Those wretched aliens have been hiding far too well!"
"Their audacity is staggering—they dare to openly declare war on humanity. They're courting death!"
"What enrages me even more is that there are human Gu Immortals among them. What could they possibly be thinking? Betraying their own race?!"
In an instant, Gu Immortals across the entire world were discussing the matter.
The Shen Family was no exception.
The Xia Family's plea for help had already arrived at the Shen Family's doorstep ahead of schedule.
The matter was of grave importance, so Shen Congsheng, the Supreme Grand Elder of the Shen Family, gathered the Gu Immortals for deliberation.
"The reason the Xia Family has come to us for help is self-evident—there's no need to belabor the point. But should we offer them aid? I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts," Shen Congsheng said.
"The enemy is overwhelmingly powerful. Why should our Shen Family shoulder this burden alone? Remember, Wu Shuai possesses the Dragon Palace, Di Cangsheng, and even Dream Path techniques. His combat strength is absolutely terrifying."
"Exactly. What worries me even more is Wu Shuai's connection to Fang Yuan. We have no way of knowing the true nature of their relationship, but it's clear they're closely tied. If we move against Wu Shuai, we might just provoke that great demon Fang Yuan into action!"
Shen Congsheng nodded. "A valid point."
He remained perfectly composed.