Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains

Chapter 349: 184, Organize the Army and Join the Battle_3

"I think it's best not to participate. Tongling now has only twenty percent of its population remaining. The war between the two states is extremely fierce. Once involved, it would be difficult to retreat unscathed. Although the war is currently confined to Wanyang County, if it expands, our small number of people will not be effective. We could very likely be used as cannon fodder by the Holy Church!"

"I also believe we should not fight. Right now, Tongling is in dire need of revival, urgently needing more martial artists to assist in rebuilding the city. We also need to attract populations from the unaffected Zhaoyang and Yulin counties. We are severely short of manpower. Rashly going to war would not only delay the rebuilding of the city but also result in more casualties. I hope the Family Head will consider this carefully."

"I too disagree with participating in the war. When the two Holy Lands commence battle, we indeed cannot make any substantial contribution. To profit from it, we need equivalent strength. With our power, rashly joining the war would easily make us targets for Xuzhou!"

......

As expected, voices opposing participation in the war quickly became the mainstream. Hou Yuxiao glanced down and noticed that those disinclined to participate were mostly from the Medicine Dust Sect, West Cloud Escort Agency, and the Bai Clan. Some from the Hongdao Gang spoke in favor of participation. As for the members of the Hou Clan, not one had voiced an opinion, their gaze all fixed on him.

From this, one could tell it was not a matter of loyalty. The four families had just joined the Hou Clan. Even for Li Sanyun and the other three, Hou Yuxiao did not expect much loyalty, let alone from those below them.

What Hou Yuxiao recognized was the different nature of the people from these four families. Evidently, compared to the others, the Hongdao Gang members were more inclined towards warfare, likely due to their background.

As the people below discussed for a while, Hou Yuxiao did not interrupt. He merely indicated with his eyes to Li Sanyun and the other three that it was their intention to inquire. Having been leaders themselves, they generally guessed his intention. Now, receiving his signal, they naturally understood it was their turn to speak.

Bai Yunfan stepped forward first, about to speak, when suddenly a refined voice from outside interrupted everyone, who then turned to look.

"Of course we must participate in the war!

Firstly, this catastrophe that befell Tongling was caused by demons and the Xuzhou Army. The demons are all dead, but the Xuzhou Army remains. At this moment, both our Mansion Army and the Hou Family Warriors are eager for revenge. Taking them across the border while their morale is at its peak to attack within Xuzhou territory will surely be invincible, as long as we don't encounter any overwhelmingly powerful enemy!

Secondly, during this massive war between the two states, seizing this opportunity, not only can my Hou Clan expand our influence into Xuzhou, but we can also show our loyalty to the Holy Church and the Master. Once we participate in the war, after the battle, if my Hou Clan is elevated to second-rate, the Holy Church will surely not obstruct, and the Master will also offer strong support.

Thirdly, in this war, I assert that the Rakshasa Holy Sect will definitely win—as in they will take a part of Xuzhou's territory. Tongling lies right on the western frontier of Xuzhou, and if we exert efforts in the battle, the ownership of these territories should be undisputed as long as we can handle them!

Lastly, although Tongling City indeed needs reviving, the most crucial issue is the population. City structures can be quickly restored with enough manpower and time. Even if we relocate everyone from Zhaoyang and Yulin, it wouldn't return to pre-war conditions. Thus, seizing this chance to raid Xuzhou extensively, even if we don't gain other benefits, capturing a batch of population—isn't that a great benefit as well..."

Hou Yuduan's forceful speech, coupled with his white scholar's robe fluttering without wind, inexplicably had a convincing power. After he finished, the entire room fell into a deathly silence, as the crowd seemed still immersed in his words.

"Old Fifth speaks well. Hou Yucheng, Hou Yujie, Nie Xinchuan, Liu Jianghong, you three quickly organize our Hou clan and the over five thousand Mansion Army. Gather outside the city by tomorrow morning without fail!

This time, I will personally lead the troops. Li Sanyun, Bai Yunfan will remain to guard the home, leading the rest of our men to continue assisting the people in rebuilding the city and overseeing all affairs. If there are issues you cannot decide upon, let Sanni adjudicate."

Hou Yuxiao's command was resolute. Hearing this, the audience knew he had made his decision. They quickly bowed and chorused in unison: "Your subordinates obey!"