But under normal circumstances, when you lose the decisive deterrent power and control vast interests you cannot protect, how could outsiders possibly let you continue to possess them?
Thus, from the moment you begin to decline, it's inevitable that packs of wolves pounce all at once.
A look at the history of the Immortal Sects of East China Continent after they've lost a Great True Person to preside over them shows nothing but invasions from enemies and instability within; then, beleaguered by internal and external troubles, they are completely destroyed in a short period.
So it's true, the Jiuzhou Immortal Gate initiated the war, and indeed, it is their sin.
But even without the Jiuzhou Immortal Gate, some other Immortal Sect would stand up to challenge the status of the Changqing Immortal Sect.
This is unavoidable.
However, for those involved, regardless of whether others might challenge or not, you're the first to step out and do this, and thus you become the most hated.
