Chapter 203 Blood for Blood, Cao Family Visits, Old Jiao Moyue, Demon Flame Bandits (10k Long Chapter)
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The evil of the human heart is even greater than that of demons.
Everyone present felt a little disgusted upon hearing this.
Even though many people regarded the commoners as ants, they did not deserve to be mocked like this.
"Aren't you afraid of being punished by the Xu family?"
"Two mere commoners, would the Xu family kill me because of them?
My great-grandfather was a Foundation Establishment cultivator!
However, the Xu family, a dignified cultivation family, wants to enjoy themselves with the common people, which is really tantalizing and lowers the status of the families present.
I heard that the Xu family's Grand Elder is the son of a commoner, and..."
"You bastard, shut up!"
Wei Changkong shouted angrily, his voice containing a divine sense impact, instantly breaking Xu Chuan's bewitching spell.
The young man from the Wei family immediately regained his clarity and murmured, "What happened?"
"Fellow Daoist Changkong, why didn't you let your grandson continue? I really want to hear what else he has to say!"
"My grandson is still young and doesn't understand. Please forgive him, Fellow Daoist!"
"Kneel down and kowtow to Fellow Daoist Xu to apologize."
Seeing that Wei Changkong was truly angry, the young man from the Wei family quickly complied and kowtowed to Xu Chuan, saying, "Senior, I was wrong. I shouldn't have caused trouble at the Xu family.
But I truly didn't mean to."
Everyone looked at him with disgust. If they hadn't heard his true words just now, they would probably have been fooled by his pretentious act.
"Nonsense!" Wei Changkong scolded again, then said to Xu Chuan, "Fellow Daoist Xu, my grandson has committed a grave error, disturbing everyone's enjoyment.
My Wei family is willing to compensate with two high-grade magic artifacts as restitution. What do you think?"
Trading the lives of two commoners for two high-grade magic artifacts—almost every aristocratic family present would consider this a worthwhile deal.
"Two high-grade magic artifacts," Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Brother Wei is truly generous. But is this magic artifact compensation for the lives of the people of Dongxi, or for disturbing my Xu family's grand ceremony?" Wei
Changkong was taken aback. Was this an attempt to make an exorbitant demand?
He gritted his teeth and glanced at his great-grandson.
Although he was disappointed in him, this was the most talented of his great-grandchildren, even showing some promise of becoming the next Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Wei family.
"We will compensate the people of Dongxi, but disrupting the Xu family's grand ceremony was also the fault of my Wei family. My Wei family is willing to offer another high-grade magic artifact, is that alright?"
"That sounds good." Xu Chuan said calmly, "But what about his insults to my Xu family just now?" "
And what about his insults to this Foundation Establishment cultivator?"
"Not only me, but Xiaoyao is also of humble origin, and he also insulted him in his words. How do you intend to appease him, fellow Daoist?"
"Fellow Daoist Xu, are you perhaps toying with me?"
Xu Chuan stared at Wei Changkong and said, "My Xu family acts with an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and blood for blood!"
His voice boomed, echoing over Dongxi and reaching the ears of a certain Dongxi resident.
The other aristocratic families were all shocked.
This was a public execution of the Wei family's outstanding genius!
The Xu family was far too decisive!
Weren't they known for their low-key and patient style?
Before Wei Changkong could speak, the Wei family patriarch preemptively said, "Since Fellow Daoist Xu has spoken, then my unworthy disciple will be dealt with by Fellow Daoist Xu."
"Patriarch!" The young man from the Wei family looked incredulous and hurriedly said, "Great-grandfather, save me!"
The Wei family patriarch transmitted his voice, "Have you forgotten what you said before? At this time, you must be on good terms with the Xu family no matter what. Now, Mingyang has already offended the Xu family.
Do you want to put my entire Wei family in danger because of him?!
If you take action, it will be a three-on-two situation.
Moreover, this is the Xu family's ancestral land. Don't forget that Feng Xiuyuan died in the Xu family's ancestral land.
If he couldn't escape, the Xu family's ancestral land is not as peaceful as it seems."
"I know what to do."
Wei Changkong glanced at Xu Chuan and said, "My grandson Mingyang indiscriminately killed the people of Dongxi and insulted the Xu family and Brother Xu. How to deal with him is up to Brother Xu."
I thought he would act impulsively!
Indeed, having an elder in the family is like having a treasure!
Xu Chuan glanced at the Wei family patriarch, then clasped his hands in a fist salute to Wei Changkong and said, "Brother Changkong is wise and righteous, I admire you!"
"Xiaoyao, you shall pronounce the sentence and take action." "
Yes, Elder!"
Ren Xiaoyao looked at Wei Mingyang with icy eyes, his voice booming in the sky above Dongxi, echoing far and wide.
"Today, Wei Mingyang, a member of the Wei family of Guangling County, has killed a grandfather and grandson from Dongxi, insulted the Xu family, and humiliated the Xu family's Grand Elder. His crimes are unforgivable."
"No, no, I don't want to die! I don't want to die!"
"Great-grandfather, save me! Ancestor, save me!"
"I am the hope of the Wei family!"
"You are nothing but a lowly commoner! Why kill me? What right do you have to kill me!"
"We are the same kind of people!"
Ren Xiaoyao's face was icy, his eyes flashing with a sword-like light. He coldly said, "According to the Xu family rules, he should be executed!"
"No, I don't want to die! I will become a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the future!"
Wei Mingyang tried to release his magical artifact to defend himself, but two invisible divine thorns shot out from Ren Xiaoyao's eyes. He was struck and immediately clutched his head, screaming in agony.
Then, Ren Xiaoyao flicked his finger, condensing a white light.
This is the Condensing Yuan Technique! With
a flick of his finger,
he pierced through the man's brow.
Wei Changkong's previously furious expression suddenly calmed. He glanced at Wei Mingyang, then clasped his hands in thanks to Xu Chuan, saying, "Thank you, Brother Xu, for eliminating this scourge for my Wei family.
If such a person were to grow stronger, my Wei family would be in grave danger.
Now that the matter is settled and the ceremony is over, my Wei family will take our leave."
"We apologize for any shortcomings in our hospitality. Fellow Daoists, please take care, we won't see you off," Xu Chuan replied, also
clasping his hands in thanks. The Wei family members, having achieved Foundation Establishment, departed on the air, with the others following on their swords.
"Elder, we will also take our leave."
"Me too."
One family after another departed.
In the end, only the Zhou family remained.
Xu Chuan said calmly, "De Zhao, send someone to return the bodies of this grandfather and grandson to their family. Let them grieve in moderation, and give them two of our Xu family's key training spots."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Zhou Qingfang said, "Fellow Daoist Xu, this Wei family member seems to have good talent. It seems your Xu family and the Wei family will always be at odds."
"Our Xu family will handle this carefully. If we need to ask the Zhou family for help, Brother Zhou, please don't find it troublesome."
"Haha, then our Zhou family would be more than happy to oblige." Zhou Qingfang laughed and stroked his beard, saying, "We should go back now. Farewell."
"Brother Zhou, take care."
Seeing the Zhou family members leave, Xu Mingwei and the others stepped forward and said, "Father, what about the Wei family..."
"Mingyuan, Mingwei, have someone keep an eye on them when you get back. Xiaoyao, even if you go out to seek opportunities, be careful.
Judging from the Wei family's actions today, they won't rashly attack our Xu family.
But if they find an opportunity, they will definitely take revenge on our Xu family."
"Yes, Father (Elder)!"
Xu Mingshu said, "Then why not destroy the Wei family first?"
"Our Xu family is already quite prominent. If we destroy the Wei family in the blink of an eye, how can those Foundation Establishment families around us sit still? They will probably launch a joint attack."
"It was my oversight."
"Rest at home for the night, and return to the branch tomorrow."
The next day.
Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and Ren Xiaoyao led their people back to the Guangling branch.
Several days later, Xu Mingshu left the Xu family and traveled around.
Several months later.
Xu Chuan entered the second level of Foundation Establishment.
Soon, it was tax payment day again.
Just like last year, Xu Dezhao went.
Qingyue Terrace.
"Patriarch Xu, your Xu family is now stronger than my Zhou family. Why don't we hold the reception of the spirit tax envoys at the Xu family in the future?" Zhou Zongran said.
"Before coming, my grandfather instructed that it was unnecessary. Our Xu family is in a remote location and truly unsuitable for entertaining an envoy like yourself. Qingyue Terrace is sufficient."
Zhou Zongran smiled slightly upon hearing this. "In that case, my Zhou family will not hesitate to accept."
When the heads or elders of various aristocratic families arrived, they all greeted Xu Dezhao first, and then Zhou Zongran.
This showed that in their hearts, the Xu family's status had already surpassed that of the Zhou family.
When the tax collector arrived, he also asked whether the tax collection would be centralized at the Xu family's location from now on, to which Xu Dezhao naturally declined.
The tax collector did not mind and continued, "I heard that your Xu family's Grand Elder recently withdrew from the Pill Hall. Do you know why?"
"The Pill Hall?" Many aristocratic family heads were shocked.
No wonder the Xu family had developed so rapidly.
With a top-tier alchemist in the clan whose alchemy skills were enough to join the Pill Hall, any other family could have grown rapidly.
Xu Dezhao clasped his hands and said, "Reporting to the envoy, I do not know, but I suppose it is because he is stationed in the clan for a long time and cannot attend to both."
The tax envoy nodded slightly, "I have heard that Master San Shu is one of the best alchemists in the Pill Hall, but unfortunately he has to go to other places to collect taxes on this trip.
When I have time, I will definitely visit Master Dongxi."
"My Xu family will naturally welcome him."
Xu Dezhao thought to himself, as expected, as the Xu family's reputation spread, many of his grandfather's deeds would be dug up by the Cao family.
Fortunately, he left the Pill Hall in advance.
After that, even if the Cao family came to see his grandfather, it was at most an invitation, a transaction, or asking him to refine pills.
"Previously in Guangling County, I sparred with Xu Mingwei, the Grand Elder of your Xu family branch. His strength is indeed extremely formidable, deserving of the title of the number one Qi Refining expert in both Guangling and Yuehu Counties."
Xu Dezhao's pupils contracted slightly, and he clasped his hands in a fist and smiled, "How could my father be a match for the Envoy? It must be that the Envoy showed mercy. I am grateful." "
Oh, Xu Mingwei is your father? It seems your Xu family is indeed full of talented people."
"The Envoy flatters me."
"Stop flattering me. In my battle with your father, we didn't even go all out. We only exchanged three moves, and it was a draw.
I could see that he had a trump card, but so could I.
But if it were a life-or-death battle, I'm confident I would have a 60-70% chance of winning."
"Of course."
Afterwards, the spirit tax was paid.
After the event, the spirit tax envoy left, and each family returned to their clan.
Zhou Zongran reminded him, "Brother Xu, being targeted by the Cao family could bring unpredictable fortune or misfortune."
"Thank you, Brother Zhou, I understand."
Several months later.
Previously, the Spirit Tax Envoy had indeed come to visit the Xu Clan of Dongxi.
This time, however, he was not accompanied by any Foundation Establishment cultivators, only a few Qi Refining Perfection guards.
Even within the Cao Clan, Foundation Establishment cultivators from outside the clan were considered guest elders, not reduced to serving as bodyguards for a Qi Refining Perfection disciple.
The Alchemy Hall.
The main hall.
"I have long admired Master San Shu's name, and this junior, Cao Yu Chen, has come to pay my respects."
"Fellow Daoist Cao, there's no need for such formality. May I ask what brings you here today?"
Cao Yu Chen smiled faintly. "This junior originally thought Master would be quite old, but I didn't expect you to be so young. Could it be that you've taken the Youth Preservation Pill?"
"The Youth Preservation Pill, I've heard of it, but I've never seen it." "
Is that so? Then this junior happens to have the formula for it. How about I give it to you as a gift?"
"Fellow Daoist Cao, you're too kind."
"Please accept it, Senior."
Xu Chuan no longer refused.
Then, Cao Yu Chen began to explain the purpose of his visit.
Xu Chuan said, "Xu Chuan is responsible for overseeing the clan and cannot leave. I can only thank Fellow Daoist Cao for the invitation. However, if Fellow Daoist Cao has any pills that I would like to help with,
then I might be able to assist."
Cao Yuchen frowned slightly.
"Senior, are you really not going to reconsider? This junior is willing to offer you 50% of the profits."
"I only wish to cultivate quietly in the mountains and protect the peace of my clan. I truly cannot help with this matter."
"Since you are unwilling, senior, then I will not force you. However, I would like to make a deal with you."
"Please speak, Fellow Daoist Cao."
"If one day I obtain the materials for Foundation Establishment Pills, could you refine them for me? Of course, I will not ask for your help for nothing.
I have collected seven pill formulas, one of which is the formula for the Youth Preservation Pill.
Two of the other six are quite useful for Foundation Establishment cultivators."
Xu Chuan pondered, then hesitated, "I pride myself on my alchemy skills, but refining Foundation Establishment Pills is not easy, and I have never refined them before.
Therefore, even if I agree, if the materials are too few, I may fail."
Cao Yuchen lowered his head and pondered.
He had also heard of this matter. When Yun Zhongzi first refined the Foundation Establishment Pill, it took him five sets of materials to successfully refine it.
Of course, his success rate was now almost 70-80%.
The Foundation Establishment Pill materials obtained by the Great Wei at the previous two "Wuhua Dharma Assemblies" were all used to refine it.
"How about this, after this 'Wuhua Dharma Assemblies,' I, Cao, will try to recommend you, senior, to refine Foundation Establishment Pills for our Great Wei. This will increase your experience in alchemy.
Afterwards, you can help me refine them. You know that the materials for Foundation Establishment Pills are extremely strictly controlled. I can only manage to get one set at most."
This young man's talent was probably not high, but his status was not low.
"I, Xu, can only try my best. Whether I can succeed on the first try, or how many pills I can produce, is hard to say."
"I understand."
These Cao family disciples would only recruit Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Not to mention Xu Chuan, a top alchemy master rumored to have alchemy skills close to Yun Zhongzi's.
It would be best to recruit him on this trip; if not, then they would ask him to refine Foundation Establishment Pills for them.
He possessed only ordinary True Spiritual Root aptitude. Many in the Cao Clan possessed far greater talent than him, except for those with Earth Spiritual Root or higher who didn't need Foundation Establishment Pills. Those with
True Spiritual Root aptitude generally required their assistance.
The Cao Clan had a rule that Foundation Establishment Pills must be distributed according to aptitude, with a portion reserved for clan disciples with exceptional talent in immortal arts.
His chances of getting them were slim, but his grandfather was the clan's Second Elder, one of the few cultivators to have reached the Foundation Establishment stage.
He was a truly powerful figure in the Cao Clan.
Getting Foundation Establishment Pills was unlikely, but obtaining Foundation Establishment materials was still possible.
People had done this before, but back then they all privately commissioned Yun Zhongzi to refine them.
However, Yun Zhongzi's lifespan was nearing its end; he wouldn't live to see the "Wuhua Dharma Assembly."
The Cao Clan naturally had many alchemy masters, but none whose alchemy skills reached Yun Zhongzi's level.
Cao Yuchen had accidentally learned that Xu Chuan's alchemy skills were close to Yun Zhongzi's, which was why he specifically requested to serve as the Spirit Tax Envoy and was now formally visiting him.
Xu Chuan accepted the pill formula, and Cao Yuchen took his leave.
"These pill formulas are quite rare. It seems Cao Yuchen selected them carefully, but the materials..."
The seven formulas are: Youth Preservation Pill, Meridian Expansion Pill, Marrow Cleansing Pill, Yuan Explosion Pill, Blood Burning Pill, Azure Spirit Pill, and True Essence Pill.
"Never mind, I'll collect them slowly. Besides, with the Azure Spirit Pill and True Essence Pill formulas, Wanqing and the others can learn these two types of pills later."
Half a year later.
Xu Deling believed his weapon-refining skills were sufficient to upgrade his father's bow and arrow set, so he specially sent a message asking him to return to Dongxi.
After asking about his preferences, Xu Deling began to forge magical artifacts for him:
a high-grade robe, magic boots, and a fine defensive magical artifact, the Dingyuan Bell.
The Dingyuan Bell, suspended above the head, can release a bell-shaped defensive light screen. When the bell rings, it will ripple out special sound waves, disrupting the cultivator's magical power.
It may be extremely useful at crucial moments.
The louder the bell rings, the stronger its effect.
This is related to the force of the strike, which is perfectly suited to someone as powerful as Xu Mingwei.
Finally, there's the upgraded Ink Dragon Bow set.
After the upgrade, Xu Mingwei's strength increased by more than 70-80%.
Of course, Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingxuan also received high-grade robes and boots.
It wasn't that Xu Deling couldn't refine high-quality items; it was simply that the silk materials were insufficient.
This time, Xu Deling was refining a large number of high-quality magic artifacts, and several core members of the Xu family each possessed two high-quality magic artifacts.
Afterward, he went into seclusion to research the refining of top-tier magic artifacts.
Besides cultivation, Xu Mingqing also studied alchemy with Xu Chuan.
Over the years, he became familiar with all the medicinal herbs and spiritual herbs of the Xu family, understanding their medicinal properties.
Only then did he formally begin learning alchemy.
Now, after just over a year, he can already consistently refine low-grade pills, occasionally producing mid-grade pills.
The number of pills he condenses is generally around two or three.
This is due to Xu Mingqing's own talent and comprehension, as well as Xu Chuan's dedicated teaching.
Furthermore, his cultivation level has reached the early stage of the seventh level of Qi Refining.
Another half year passed.
Xu Chuan would go to the Azure Cold Pool every half month or month.
When the old dragon talked to Xu Chuan, it became increasingly less concerned with its tone of voice.
Simply put, it stopped pretending to be aloof.
It acted on its whims, scolding when it wanted and praising when it wanted.
"Senior, what's your decision?"
Xu Chuan arrived at the Azure Cold Pool and had barely spoken when a phantom emerged from the pool, solidifying into a dragon over ten feet long.
Its entire body was covered in rhomboid scales resembling ice crystals, each scale edge shimmering with a deep-sea-like indigo halo. Two coral-like silver horns protruded from its forehead, their tips entwined with wisps of mist.
Two amber-colored vertical pupils were embedded in its eye sockets; when the pupils contracted, they resembled blades slicing through water, reflecting Xu Chuan's face.
Six long, transparent whiskers, like shark silk, hung down from either side of its nose, swaying with its breath as if alive. Its
ten-foot-long body possessed a streamlined, sharp appearance, with bony spikes protruding from its back like serrated edges made of ice.
"You come every day, keeping me awake!"
"Senior, you're quick on your feet. I hadn't even finished speaking when you appeared."
"You human junior, who are you calling 'come whenever I call'?!" The old dragon glared at Xu Chuan with its amber vertical pupils, its dragon face almost touching his own.
"Is it that whoever has the bigger eyes is right?"
The old dragon was angered again, circling in the air for a while, staring at Xu Chuan for several breaths, then coldly snorted, "I won't stoop to the level of an ant."
"Your address changes too quickly. You called me 'me' just now, and now you're calling me 'I'? You seem so arrogant!"
"Who's old? Who are you calling old?!"
"If I had a body now, I'd crush you with one claw."
"Yes, yes, yes, you've got quite the nerve," Xu Chuan chuckled. "It's been a few years, senior, have you made up your mind?
You help my Xu family, and my Xu family will help you.
I believe you can see that my Xu family has considerable potential, and we have a chance to become a Golden Core family within two hundred years.
At that time, my Xu family can also help you recover to your full strength, and even help you advance to the fourth rank.
If you can advance to the fourth rank, you will definitely be able to escape the lifespan limit.
Otherwise, even if you escape alone in a hundred or two hundred years, escape the pursuit of my Xu family's many Foundation Establishment cultivators, and recover with your weak strength, or even advance further?"
"You should learn from us humans. Sometimes face and dignity are not important; what's important is to survive.
If you survive, you can regain both face and dignity.
Perhaps in the future, you will also feel proud to be a member of my Xu family."
"Heh, wishful thinking. You want me to feel proud? Unless your Xu family one day becomes a Nascent Soul family, comparable to the Immortal Sects and Demonic Sects of this region."
Xu Chuan's eyes flickered. Could the "upper sect" that Senior Yun Zhongzi mentioned earlier be the Immortal Sects and Demonic Sects he spoke of, both with Nascent Soul cultivators in charge?
Xu Chuan grinned and said, "What's impossible about that?"
"Senior wasn't born with the strength of a Golden Core cultivator, was he? You started from the first rank and gradually improved, reaching the peak of the third rank, right?"
"Making me the spirit beast of a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator like you? Impossible!"
"Senior is really concerned about face. How about this: you become my spirit beast, but this matter is only known to you and me. On the surface, you are the Supreme Elder of my Xu family.
As long as you swear not to harm anyone in my clan, you can move freely.
When the time comes, everyone in my Xu family will bow and address you as Supreme Elder."
"That sounds pretty good," the old dragon murmured.
"I'll consider it."
"This is a rare opportunity. If you agree now, I swear that if my Golden Core fails, I'll set you free, to roam the world freely.
Of course, you can stay as well; my Xu family will always keep its promise and help you recover and even break through."
"I suppose you're tired of that dark, sunless place within the sealing formation. Divine sense illusions are nothing compared to the fresh air of the outside world."
"Then you must swear you will never use spirit beast restrictions to forcibly command me."
"Of course. As I said before, as long as your actions don't harm my Xu family, you are free."
"I'll give you three days. I'll give you an answer in three days."
"Alright, then consider three days as our Xu family's final consideration for you, senior. If this doesn't work, I'll have my son, Mingxian, patch up the gaps in this formation."
"Isn't that unnecessary?"
"Senior, do you think I'm bluffing?" Xu Chuan said, "These next three days, you should take good care of yourself and carefully consider the gains and losses.
If it were me, I'd die anyway, so I'd naturally choose to die under the sun."
"I won't die!"
"Golden Core cultivators die, Nascent Soul cultivators die, even Deity Transformation cultivators might perish. No one can live forever; who can escape death?"
The old dragon fell silent.
He saw in Xu Chuan's eyes a yearning for immortality, a steadfast pursuit of the Dao that even made it feel ashamed.
This young human was indeed extraordinary.
His Dao heart was pure, his aim straight for immortality.
The cultivators he had encountered before had either reached the Foundation Establishment stage or the Golden Core stage, while some human geniuses with Heavenly Spiritual Roots aspired to become Nascent Soul or even Divine Transformation experts.
Perhaps, this dragon should really consider this carefully.
The old dragon watched Xu Chuan leave the Azure Cold Pool formation, then vanished into the pool itself. Three days later. "Auspicious day!" Xu Chuan's lips curled slightly. "Finally, it's done!" "My Xu family will gain another trump card!" At Chen Shi (7-9 AM).
Xu Chuan headed towards the Azure Cold Pool. "Senior, this junior has arrived." The old dragon's illusory form appeared. After a moment, the old dragon asked, "Aren't you curious about what decision I've made?" "Whether you ask or not, there will be a result today, just like whether you walk or not, the road is still there." The old dragon paused, "That seems to make some sense." "But it also feels like nonsense." Xu Chuan looked at him, smiling without speaking. "Fine, I'm too lazy to argue with a junior like you!" "Now, I solemnly tell you, let your Xu family welcome my arrival." Xu Chuan turned to leave. "Don't go!" the old dragon hurriedly said. Xu Chuan turned back and said, "Speak properly, speak like a human." "I am a dragon, I don't speak like a human." "Haha, just kidding, you've made fun of me so many times before." "Isn't this joke funny?" the old dragon asked seriously. Xu Chuan's lips twitched. "I, Mo Yue, swear a true dragon oath today: if the Xu family is willing to help me escape this predicament, I will become Xu Chuan's spirit beast until the day his lifespan ends. If I break this oath, my bloodline will degenerate, my intelligence will be destroyed, and I will be reduced to a mortal beast for the rest of my life." "Xu Chuan, it's your turn," Mo Yue said. "The Oath of the True Dragon?" "This is an extremely powerful oath of the dragon lineage, its binding effect even stronger than your inner demon oath. Once this oath is made, it will be sensed by the True Dragon Ancestor in the darkness. If it is broken, the oath will be fulfilled on the spot." "Your inner demon oath, or Dao heart oath, the former is an oath to the inner demon ancestor, and the latter is an oath based on one's own Dao heart. They are considered common oaths, but not unbreakable. As for oaths with even stronger effects, such as the oath of the soul and the blood oath, they involve taking a wisp of soul and essence blood to perform a secret technique. Once broken, the soul and essence blood will shatter on the spot, or the essence blood will spontaneously combust." "Senior, do you know these two oath techniques?" "Of course I do. Why do you want to make these two oaths? Actually, it's unnecessary. You..." Xu Chuan cupped his hands and said, "Please teach me, senior." " Alright, I will teach you." Previously, the Xu family's soul restriction could only prevent soul searching, but if he leaked the secret, the Xu family could do nothing. But if there is an oath of the soul... Then the Xu family's information would most likely not be leaked. The methods for using the two secret techniques entered Xu Chuan's mind. These techniques were not difficult, and he learned them in a short while. "What oath does Senior want me to make?" "A Dao Heart Oath will suffice," Mo Yue said. "According to you, Senior, the Dao Heart Oath isn't very effective; it can even be broken." "That's right. The Dao Heart is ethereal and intangible; even if broken, it can be rebuilt. But every oath has flaws; it's just that one's own methods and realm are insufficient. For someone like you, with only one Dao Heart in this life, the Dao Heart Oath should be stronger." "Then I'll make a Dao Heart Oath." Xu Chuan smiled and immediately swore: "I, Xu Chuan, today swear with my Dao Heart that once Senior Mo Yue becomes my spirit beast, I will help him escape his predicament. As long as his actions do not harm the Xu family, I will never forcibly restrain him with spirit beast restrictions. I will also lead the Xu family, when we have the ability, to help him recover, even break through to the Transformation Great Demon realm. When his lifespan reaches its limit, I will automatically lift the spirit beast restrictions and set him free. If I break this oath, my Dao Heart will shatter, and my path to enlightenment will be severed!" "Are you satisfied, Senior?" Mo Yue nodded, somewhat excited, his dragon whiskers fluttering. "I, Mo Yue, am finally going to escape!" "Senior, don't be too happy yet. The great formation sealing you is extraordinary. My son told me last time that even with all our efforts, it would probably take several months to widen the opening to a certain extent. As for completely breaking it open, we don't have that capability yet." "Once the opening of the great formation is widened, Senior, please send out a wisp of your essence to me. I will set up a spirit beast restriction, and from then on, my son will stay here permanently to help Senior escape." "Let's do as you say." Three months later. Xu Chuan had all the martial artists and cultivators of the Xu family swear an oath of divine soul, including the several vassal families, the Chang and Yang families. The Guangling branch did the same. Not long after, Mo Yue sent out a wisp of his essence, which Xu Chuan absorbed into his sea of consciousness after setting up a spirit control restriction. From then on, he could control Mo Yue's life and death with a single thought. Xu Mingxian followed Xu Chuan's instructions and did his best to help Mo Yue escape.
The Azure Cold Pool was encased in a high-grade second-tier magic array, the Returning Origin Spirit-Locking Array, completely isolating it from the leakage of spiritual energy.
The spiritual energy in this small world grew increasingly dense,
more than enough for Foundation Establishment cultivators to cultivate in, and also serving as a place to attempt Foundation Establishment.
This way, there was no need for those attempting Foundation Establishment to travel to the county city or Guangling Azure Jade Peak.
"Father, I've discussed it with Senior Mo Yue. It'll probably take three years to reach the size of the crack he requires."
"Three years is just right. By then, Ling'er should be able to refine top-tier magic weapons. Getting Mo Yue to contribute a few dragon scales shouldn't be a problem."
"Senior Mo Yue probably won't agree."
"Don't worry, Father has plenty of tricks up his sleeve."
Tongshan County.
"Chou Jiu, this is the Great Wei." "
Yes, Boss Xue Ming, this is Tongshan County of the Great Wei. They were the ones who hunted me and my brothers everywhere, and in the end, only I escaped."
A red-haired man in black robes glanced at the majestic city, his eyes narrowing.
Three others were beside him.
One of them was a female cultivator.
Her face was like a peach blossom in March, and her lips were like rouge dipped in blood.
A cinnabar mole between her brows was shaped like an inverted dagger, and as her eyes moved, it seeped out wisps of scarlet spiritual energy.
The corners of her eyes were adorned with mandala patterns outlined in gold powder, fluttering like butterfly wings when she blinked.
Her shoulders were like carved jade, her waist like a bound ribbon, and a crimson robe made of mermaid silk hung loosely below her collarbone, revealing half of her snow-white chest, where a blooming black lotus was tattooed.
"Don't worry, Little Nine, now that you've joined our Flame Demon Bandits, your second sister will stand up for you."
This woman was named Qing Ling, and was even a Blood Netherworld Daoist partner. Her voice was captivating, and she was clearly not someone who cultivated orthodox techniques.
"Thank you, Second Sister."
Qiu Jiu clasped her hands in thanks, glancing at the snow-white figure out of the corner of her eye, and couldn't help but lower her head and swallow.
The remaining person was called Leng Mu, the third-ranking member of the Flame Demon Bandits.
Four people stood high in the sky, hovering in the air.
All were Foundation Establishment cultivators.
The Flame Demon Bandits primarily roamed the Great Jin Dynasty.
There was no imperial court or similar system of governing territories there; instead, numerous powerful families existed, where the strong preyed on the weak, and vice versa .
Families rose and fell every year.
Compared to the Great Wei and Great Liang, it was far more chaotic.
It was precisely this chaos that gave rise to demonic cultivators like the Flame Demon Bandits.
The Flame Demon Bandits were infamous throughout the Great Jin, having wiped out many ordinary Qi Refining families.
Because of their recklessness, they accidentally killed a newly established Foundation Establishment disciple from a family that ranked among the top three in the entire Great Jin, second only to Golden Core families. This
was equivalent to a first-rank family in the Great Wei.
This Foundation Establishment family, in alliance with many other families, joined forces to hunt down the Flame Demon Bandits.
The Flame Demon Path originally had five members, but only three remained.
Two of them were at the peak of Qi Refining.
Qiu Jiu joined later, switching to demonic cultivation techniques and reaching Foundation Establishment.
As for the Great Wei and Great Liang, due to strict management, it's rare to see local cultivators practicing demonic arts, because anyone discovered doing so would be hunted down.
"I wonder what Second Sister plans to do?" Qiu Jiu asked curiously.
"I remember you said, Little Jiu, that the Cangwu Mountains, not far from Tongshan County, are rich in demonic beast resources, and there are so many ferocious beasts that they could form a beast tide."
"Second Sister, you can trigger a beast tide?!" "
We obtained demon-attracting incense in our early years. In Second Sister's hands, it has an effect on demonic beasts, and wild beasts will go mad upon smelling it.
Now we still have a quarter left, which should be enough to trigger a considerable beast tide."
"Boss, should we wait until Tongshan County is in chaos and then raid the city?" Leng Mu turned to look at Xue Ming.
"Let's find out the situation first. I've heard that the Great Wei is different from the Great Jin. There are basically no demonic cultivators here. Once discovered, they'll be hunted down.
Is that right, Qiu Jiu?"
Qiu Jiu nodded. "Brother Xue Ming, you're right. We can't just expose ourselves. This hunt isn't from Foundation Establishment families, but from the Cao family of the Great Wei royal family.
All celestial officials will be hunting us down."
"Celestial officials?" Qing Leng asked doubtfully.
"The Great Wei has celestial officials and military officials, and it has also established a court. Military officials are under the court's jurisdiction, but celestial officials are not. Almost every family has registered celestial officials.
Most Foundation Establishment families are.
Normally, celestial officials only receive a salary, but once the Cao family issues a celestial official mission, the celestial official must carry it out, and the rewards for such missions are usually quite high."
"That's really troublesome. But once we finish one mission, and find a remote place to hide for a few years, those celestial officials of the Great Wei can't just stop cultivating and keep hunting us down, right?" Leng Mu said.
Qiu Jiu nodded slightly. "This method is feasible, but it's not safe."
"How so?" Leng Mu was quite surprised.
"If they can't find anyone, it will probably become a matter of each prefecture investigating on its own. There aren't many Foundation Establishment cultivators in the prefecture cities, basically only one or two, but there are quite a few Qi Refining cultivators.
If martial artists are mobilized as well, the number will be even greater."
The other three remained silent.
Xue Ming looked over and said, "Qiu Jiu, you're familiar with the Great Wei,
can you suggest a method?" "To be on the safe side, avoid using demonic arts when killing. Refine non-demonic magical artifacts to kill enemies, and avoid leaving behind any demonic aura.
In addition, try not to provoke Foundation Establishment families. If you fight against Foundation Establishment families, your demonic arts will inevitably be exposed.
You can plunder more Qi Refining families."
Many Qi Refining families in the Great Wei Dynasty aren't lacking in resources; their only problem is the absence of Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Many fifth-rank families possess at least a considerable number of century-old spiritual herbs, perhaps even one or two thousand-year-old ones, as well as materials for crafting high-quality magic weapons, and possibly even top-tier magic weapon materials.
It's difficult to discern this from appearances alone.
Each family is keeping their resources extremely well-hidden.
If we're going to plunder, I suggest limiting it to a maximum of two families per prefecture, then moving on to the next.
Too many families being targeted will arouse suspicion.
Furthermore, news doesn't travel very smoothly between prefectures; it'll likely take several months for the news to spread throughout the surrounding prefectures."
"Several months?" Xue Ming asked in surprise.
"Because each prefecture is basically autonomous, ruled by Foundation Establishment families, they are very resistant to outside forces. Generally, Qi Refining families won't go to other prefectures, as this would easily cause conflict.
Of course, some family scions will disguise themselves as rogue cultivators and travel to other prefectures."
The scar on Xue Ming's rugged face curved like a crescent moon, and his cracked lips revealed menacing canine teeth. "That's quite interesting.
Foundation Establishment families jointly govern each prefecture, and there are also institutions established by the imperial court to manage mortals and martial artists. The Cao family
of Great Wei only needs to supervise these Foundation Establishment families. That's much easier than the Wen family in Great Jin."
"It is precisely because of the imperial court's management style that Great Wei and Great Liang often fight over border resources, while we've hardly heard of any wars with Great Jin," Qiu Jiu said.
"Although it's a bit humiliating, we'll do as Qiu Jiu says. Those Qi Refining families are just small fry; we can even ignore them.
The real opportunity is the corpse of a third-tier peak-level dragon."
A glint of greed flashed in Xue Ming's eyes as he said this.
That was an opportunity even a Golden Core Ancestor would risk everything for!
Qiu Jiu said, "Unfortunately, Boss Xue Ming's map is too ancient, at least several thousand years old. The terrain seems different now, so we can only search little by little for any mountain peaks resembling broken teeth.
Finally, we'll carefully search the surrounding area for sealing formations."
After entering Tongshan County and investigating, they discovered that entering the Tongshan market was extremely strict.
It was no longer as easy as when Qiu Jiu and his brothers plundered the market.
As for those families, they were all in the city.
They weren't far apart, so it wasn't suitable for them to plunder.
After all, Tongshan County was prone to beast tides. If a family was located outside the city, once a beast tide broke out, it would surely result in the destruction of their formation and the extermination of their clan.
Each county usually had its own unique circumstances.
The four members of the Demon Flame Bandits didn't dwell on the matter, but they still used the Demon-Attracting Incense to unleash a large-scale beast tide.
Even just watching the spectacle was fine.
Cao Jinming immediately sent a request for reinforcements to the imperial city.
Subsequently, the Cao family ordered the celestial officials of each prefecture to provide support.
This was an urgent mission, and all celestial officials of the sixth rank and above set off for Tongshan Prefecture.
A day or two later.
Tongshan Prefecture.
As dusk settled,
it was suddenly torn apart by streaks of light.
Initially, only a few silver rays pierced the clouds, but in an instant, they developed into dozens, even hundreds, of rainbow bridges spanning the sky.
Each sword light trailed a comet-like trajectory of spiritual energy, drawing ever-changing star charts on the indigo sky.
The four members of the Demon Flame Bandits, observing in secret, were all shocked.
Xue Ming's expression turned solemn as he said, "Qiu Jiu was right after all. Even if they weren't entirely sincere, their
rapid arrival in Tongshan County is enough to demonstrate the influence of the Cao family of Great Wei."
Among those who came
were also members of the Xu family of Dongxi.
And there were quite a few of them
, including martial artists and cultivators.