Chapter 257 The Fang Family in Turmoil, the Beginning of Their End (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
After leaving the Yuan family, the Fang family head quietly went to the Hua family.
This was something the Yuan family head probably never expected.
Of the three families in Yunxi Town, the Yuan family was the most domineering, the Fang family was the most opportunistic, siding with whoever offered the most benefits.
As for the Hua family, their foundation was the weakest, they grew stronger through marriage alliances, and their network of connections was the deepest.
Hua family head's study.
Hua Yunfei was surprised when his guards reported that the Fang family head had come to visit.
Although his Hua family had a bias towards the Xu family, they had not truly turned against the Yuan and Fang families, so he still had to see them.
He then went to the main hall.
"Brother Hongchang, what brings you here today?" Hua Yunfei smiled faintly.
"I have something I'd like to ask you, Brother Yunfei. What are your thoughts on the recent events involving the Xu family?"
Hua Yunfei glanced at him with a sidelong glance, and immediately understood.
So it was about this matter!
He smiled faintly, "The Xu family has obtained an opportunity, so it's only natural for them to develop."
"If it were the Yuan family or your Fang family, if they entered the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm and obtained an opportunity, would they remain indifferent?" "
Brother Fang, no family in this world prospers forever. Even Golden Core families decline and may even perish one day, let alone us.
If it weren't for the Xu family's rise today, it might be the Xiao family, the Yuan family, or the Huang family in a decade or two."
Fang Hongchang nodded slightly upon hearing this, feeling that Hua Yunfei's words did indeed make some sense.
The rise and fall of a family is predetermined; what must be done is to try to ensure the family's survival. When a genius emerges in the future, they can seize the opportunity to rise again, or even go further.
However, if they are too aggressive, it will bring utter destruction to the family.
"Brother Hua, if the Xu family grows powerful enough to destroy our three families and attacks us, will your Hua family surrender without resistance?"
"The Xu family wouldn't be so heartless, especially since my Hua family has a Golden Core cultivator behind us."
Fang Hongchang lowered his head in contemplation. The Hua family's situation was indeed different from theirs.
Now, Hua Qingxue had regained her youth, while the Qingmu Sect Master, Feng Juechen's father-in-law, was nearing his end. The Qingmu Sect was about to hold a new election for its Master.
Feng Juechen had a very high chance of being elected.
If it weren't for the Qingmu Sect Master's suppression, Feng Juechen would definitely bring Hua Qingxue to his side.
In the future, the Hua family might be able to relocate near the Qingmu Sect, and it wasn't impossible for the entire family to monopolize a second-tier spiritual vein. Since
the Yuan, Hua, and Fang families all had disciples who had joined the Qingmu Sect, they naturally had access to some inside information.
"The Hua family has a way out, but my Fang family doesn't!"
"They previously showed goodwill towards the Xu family, and the two families are on good terms, so they can treat each other calmly, but my Fang family can't."
Fang Hongchang sighed inwardly.
"It seems the Hua family has already decided that the Xu family will definitely be the overlord of Yunxi Town in the future. If my Fang family joins the Yuan family to fight against the Xu family, we might end up being wiped out.
Once we really become enemies, even if my entire Fang family moves away from Yunxi Town, the Xu family probably won't let us go.
Perhaps only the family members of the three major clans can escape this calamity." "
Brother Fang, what are you thinking about so intently?" Hua Yunfei asked with a smile.
"Just some trivial matters within the clan." Fang Hongchang looked up. "I roughly understand what Brother Hua means, so I won't disturb you any longer."
Then, he got up and returned to the Fang family residence.
He felt that if he discussed this matter with the clan elders, there would be quite a few who would agree to join forces with the Yuan family.
After all, while the Xu family has great potential, its foundation is quite shallow. Its core members are few and far between, and the rest are mostly mid-stage Qi Refining disciples, not many in number.
The only problem is the various demon-hunting teams the Xu family has allies with.
Their strength varies.
If they unite, they might indeed be able to contend with the two families,
but they are generally still inferior.
After all, both families also have several well-connected demon-hunting teams.
If they act now, swiftly and decisively, killing all the core members of the Xu family, the Heavenly Azure Sect won't have time to react.
That Heavenly Azure Token has far greater deterrent power over Golden Core families and the three sects than over Foundation Establishment families.
Golden Core families have cultivated their power for five or six hundred years; they certainly wouldn't risk offending the Heavenly Azure Sect for the sake of a mere Foundation Establishment family, letting the hard work of generations go to waste.
"But is the Xu family really that simple?"
After careful consideration, Fang Hongchang felt something was amiss. How could the Hua family be so certain that the Xu family would become the overlords of Yunxi Town in the future?
"Master Huoyun, Chen Changge... If the Xu family has more than just these two Golden Core cultivators behind them, then everything makes sense.
The Yuan and Fang families won't do anything to the Xu family if they don't touch them.
But if they really kill a member of the Xu family, they'll probably be enraged and attack!
If the Yuan and Fang families join forces against the Xu family, the best outcome will be mutual destruction.
Otherwise, there's only..."
Fang Hongchang didn't sleep a wink all night.
The next day,
he quietly went to the Xu residence.
"What brings you here, Patriarch Fang? My father is in seclusion and probably can't receive guests,"
Xu Mingxian said calmly to Fang Hongchang in the main hall of the Xu family.
"What a coincidence?"
"Indeed, it's a coincidence. If there's anything, just let me know. I'll inform my father when he comes out of seclusion."
Xu Mingxian naturally wouldn't let a trivial matter disturb Xu Chuan's seclusion.
Fang Hongchang hesitated for a moment before saying, "I...I want to attach myself to the Xu family so that the Fang family can secure a place in Yunxi Town in the future."
Upon hearing this, Xu Mingxian's pupils constricted sharply, but he quickly regained his composure and said calmly, "What do you mean by this, Patriarch Fang?
My Xu family's current strength is hardly enough to warrant the Fang family's reliance.
With the Fang family's strength, we could rank among the top twenty even in Jiaoxiu City.
You overestimate my Xu family."
"I'm not joking, I'm serious," Fang Hongchang said. "As a token of sincerity, my Fang family is willing to give up our cultivation room built on a second-tier spiritual vein.
In the future, if the Xu family wants to use it, they can simply send someone there."
The cultivation rooms of the three families are arguably their greatest source of wealth. Any Qi Refining Perfection cultivator needs to pay one thousand spirit stones to borrow them once.
Over the decades, the three families have obtained over one hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones through this.
It is also because they possess this spiritual vein that the three families have such a foundation.
However, each of the three families has also transferred a portion of their wealth to the Golden Core True Person behind them.
"Furthermore, I can tell Elder Xu some news: Yuan Qishan, the head of the Yuan family, is currently trying to win over my Fang family to join forces against the Xu family."
A strange look appeared on Xu Mingxian's lips. "Family Head Fang, are you betraying your ally?"
"We are only allies in name only. After all, neither of us can really defeat the other. When two sides fight, the other side will inevitably have the opportunity to benefit.
That's why we've maintained harmony for decades.
Now, your Xu family's arrival has disrupted everything. It seems that it's time for Yunxi Town to be reshuffled."
"The Yuan family plans to join forces with your Fang family, but what about the Hua family?"
"The Hua family has its own way out. Even if they don't develop in Yunxi Town, it doesn't matter."
"An escape route? Is the Hua family willing to give up the benefits of this second-tier spiritual vein?"
Fang Hongchang said, "There was a rumor that Fairy Qingxue gave birth to a son when she was young. Although it is said that he died young, it is possible that her brother adopted him.
Now, the Hua family's lineage is very likely to be the lineage of Fairy Qingxue.
Of course, if Fairy Qingxue herself does not admit it, no one can be sure.
Also, the Qingmu Sect Master is facing the end of his lifespan, and the Qingmu Sect will elect a new sect master in the next two years."
"Does this have anything to do with the Hua family?"
"The Qingmu Sect Master's surname is Yin. He is the father of the Qingmu Sect's Grand Elder Feng Juechen's partner. He is also the only late-stage Golden Core expert in the Qingmu Sect."
Upon hearing this, Xu Mingxian suddenly realized, "If the Qingmu Sect Master passes away, and Feng Juechen takes power, he may bring Hua Qingxue back to the Qingmu Sect.
The Hua family may also relocate to the vicinity of the Qingmu Sect and receive its protection."
"Very likely."
Xu Mingxian listened with great interest, then looked at Fang Hongchang and said, "I didn't expect Patriarch Fang to know so many interesting things.
I understand your meaning. I will inform my father, and he will decide everything."
"I understand. Then I will take my leave. If there is any news, please use this communication talisman to contact me, and I will come again."
Xu Mingxian nodded slightly.
After Fang Hongchang left, Xu Mingxian pondered for a moment, then went to Xu Chuan's secluded meditation room to inform him of the matter.
"To become one of the three major powers in Yunxi Town, the Fang family is certainly not all mediocre," Xu Chuan said calmly. "Originally, I wanted to intimidate them with the power of Senior Huoyun and Chen Changge.
After all, it will probably take nearly twenty years for my Yunxi Xu family to truly grow strong,
until the Wu family, the Yan family, and their next generation grow up.
Otherwise, if we wipe them out now, we won't have enough loyal people to manage the industries in Yunxi Town.
Since the Fang family wants to be our pawns, then we'll give them a chance. As for
the Yuan family, there's no need to keep them alive."
Xu Mingxian's heart skipped a beat; her father had finally decided to make his move!
"Mingxian, during this time, craft a second-tier illusion array plate for concealment."
"Then shall I craft a mid-tier second-tier array plate?" Xu Mingxian asked with a smile. "This level of array artifact should take five or six days.
If time is longer, I can craft a high-tier second-tier array plate."
"If the materials are sufficient, go for a top-tier second-tier plate. That way, even if a Golden Core cultivator scans it with their divine sense, unless they investigate with full force, they'll likely find it difficult to detect anything.
Combined with a top-tier second-tier Six Harmonies Sealing Array, sealing the heavens and earth, isolating energy fluctuations, it will be much easier to act in the future."
"I understand. The clan should have enough materials. I remember we happen to have the materials to craft a top-tier second-tier illusion array plate.
It's just that a month might not be enough."
"That's alright, just go all out. Mo Yue will also need a little over a month to fully recover to his peak; that will be a good time for him to stretch his muscles."
"When we destroy the Yuan family, I will work with Father. The relevant array formations and restrictions will be entrusted to you, son."
"This way we can save the use of that formation-breaking bead."
The father and son exchanged a smile, and in a few words, they sealed the fate of the largest family in Yunxi Town.
Several days later.
Fang Hongchang received a message and immediately went to the Xu residence.
This time, he met Xu Chuan.
"Patriarch Fang, please sit."
Fang Hongchang clasped his hands and sat down opposite Xu Mingxian.
"Patriarch Xu, what's your decision?" he asked.
Xu Chuan smiled faintly, "Patriarch Fang, it's not you asking me, but me asking you. You've decided to submit to my Xu family. Have you thought about what form of submission you want?
As a vassal, a follower, or like the other families in Yunxi Town?"
Fang Hongchang was shocked, looking at Xu Chuan in disbelief. It seemed that Xu Chuan today was different from the Xu family he had seen before.
"Or have you changed your mind again, wanting to join forces with the Yuan family to deal with my Xu family?"
Looking at the smile on Xu Chuan's lips, he felt a chill inexplicably.
"Of course not. The rise of the Xu family is unstoppable, and my Fang family has always followed the trend." Fang Hongchang said.
"Then what choice do you make?"
Fang Hongchang fell silent, deep in thought.
After a short while, he spoke again: "What about ordinary families in Yunxi? And what about followers?"
"Ordinary families develop on their own. As long as they don't have any ill intentions towards my Xu family, my Xu family will not interfere. As for followers, they follow my Xu family's lead and work for my Xu family.
They will also receive rewards from my Xu family."
"Your Xu family really won't interfere with the development of other families?" Fang Hongchang was slightly taken aback.
Other families would do their best to suppress them.
"Of course, but times change, and it's hard to say what will happen in the future. For example, my Xu family has a large population and occupies most of Yunxi Town. Those who need to relocate will relocate, and those who need to expand outwards will expand." "
Then my Fang family chooses to become an ordinary family in Yunxi Town."
"Decided?"
"Yes, this should be the best for my Fang family."
Fang Hongchang originally thought of relying on them, but now Xu Chuan has given him an unexpected choice. As long as the Xu family agrees not to interfere, then it would be best for the Fang family to develop normally.
Xu Chuan didn't say much, "Then you should pretend to be friendly with the Yuan family and delay dealing with my Xu family for a month and a half.
Then the Yuan family's affairs will no longer need your Fang family to worry about.
As for the subsequent division of benefits, we can discuss it after this matter is settled."
Hmm, why does Xu Chuan's attitude seem much colder?
Fang Hongchang and Zhang Er were puzzled, so they stopped thinking about it and clasped their hands, saying, "I understand. If the Xu family needs manpower to help deal with the Yuan family, they can come to me.
My Fang family will definitely do its best to help!"
Xu Chuan nodded slightly, and Fang Hongchang took his leave.
"What a pity!"
Xu Chuan sighed softly and returned to the backyard.
To the Xu family, the Fang family's only use was as temporary tools, working for them.
Fang Hongchang was clearly unwilling; he preferred to maintain the Fang family's exclusivity. His previous talk of dependence was merely out of fear that the Xu family would discard him after using him.
This was understandable.
Now, it seemed the Xu family could only arrange for a trustworthy demon-hunting team like the Huang family to manage the spirit fields, mines, and lakes of Yunxi Town after the Yuan family's annihilation.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
Yuan Qishan, the head of the Yuan family, sent someone to the Fang family to invite Fang Hongchang.
"Brother Fang, six or seven days have passed, why haven't you given me a definite answer yet?" Yuan Qishan's eyes showed slight dissatisfaction.
"Brother Yuan, why are you in such a hurry? Do you intend to wipe out the Xu family within a few days?" Fang Hongchang chuckled. "Don't forget that the Xu family's trading company possesses a mid-grade second-tier array plate.
This indicates that the Xu family has connections with array masters capable of setting up high-grade second-tier arrays. Brother
Yuan, you yourself are well aware of the power of a high-grade second-tier defensive array. Even if more than twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators from your Yuan family attacked together, I'm afraid they wouldn't be able to break through it in a short time."
Most of these Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Yuan family were in the early to mid-stages, with only a few at the late stage.
If there were truly more than twenty late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, then with their full strength, they could break through the high-grade second-tier defensive array in just a few attacks.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Qishan fell into deep thought. "Brother Fang, what you say makes sense. So, what do you think we should do?"
"Our Fang family hasn't fully agreed to attack the Xu family yet. It will probably take some time. We'll hold a few clan meetings to discuss it. In the meantime, Brother Yuan, you can try to win over the Hua family.
It doesn't matter if you fail. If you succeed, then the three of us joining forces will definitely be able to wipe out that thief Xu!"
Yuan Qishan stroked his chin and pondered, "That's fine, but we need to set a timeframe. If it drags on for two or three years, then we'll have no choice but to give up the spiritual vein and obediently leave Yunxi Town." "
Then let's do it in two months. We also need to accumulate a batch of pills to replenish our resources when attacking the Xu family."
"Two months? That's still manageable. Let's do it that way." Yuan Qishan said, "Brother Fang, please don't disappoint me again."
"Of course." Fang Hongchang laughed heartily and then left the Yuan family.
Yuan Qishan watched his retreating figure, a slight glint in his eyes. "There's something strange about Fang Hongchang. He agreed too readily this time."
After a moment's thought, he flipped his hand, and a talisman appeared in his palm. He made a hand seal and chanted a few words to the talisman.
The talisman then transformed into a faint stream of light and flew into the distance. The talisman
flew towards the Fang family and landed in the hands of a guard captain at the eighth level of Qi Refining.
He was currently sitting cross-legged in a room, cultivating.
"The patriarch sent a message?"
"It's fortunate that I'm off today, otherwise it would be difficult to explain."
The guard was of average build, an ordinary-looking young man in his thirties. He was an undercover agent sent by the Yuan family to the Fang family, and had been there for several years.
Because his strength had reached the eighth level of Qi Refining, he had also become a squad leader, leading a five-man patrol team.
There are thirty-six such squads in the Fang family, each consisting of twelve members. The captain is always a Qi Refining Perfection cultivator, while the leader of all guards is a Foundation Establishment early-stage cultivator from the Fang family.
Some squads patrol the family residences, while others guard the Fang family's mines, patrol the spirit fields, and spirit lakes.
[Investigate the Fang family's movements over the past two months, reporting every three days, especially regarding clan meetings and whether there are any signs of preparations for war or the procuring of supplies.]
"This is…" The young guard's eyes narrowed. "Is a family war about to break out?"
"With whom? With the Yuan family?"
He lowered his head in thought, saying, "In terms of family strength and foundation, the Fang family is still a step below the Yuan family, but if they fought, it would be a draw.
So it can't be the Yuan family. If it were, the atmosphere in the Fang family wouldn't be like this.
But it seems the Fang family hasn't made any big moves lately.
Could the patriarch have made a mistake?
Oh well, the patriarch will judge for himself. I'm not a member of the Yuan family, why should I worry so much? Daily patrols, occasional messages, and a peaceful collection of spirit stones are enough.
Even if both families lose, we can just run away again."
"Wait, it's the Xu family!"
The young guard's eyes lit up immediately.
Although he didn't go out much, he occasionally heard about the Xu family from his colleagues. Recently, the Xu family's trading company had developed extremely rapidly.
The trading company had acquired many good items that were rarely seen in the Yuan and Fang family's shops.
"Yes, the Xu family is an outsider. They were alright before, but now they're developing rapidly, which will inevitably have a significant impact on both families' businesses."
A few years ago, everyone in Yunxi Town thought the Xu family was a small family that needed the Hua family's protection.
Now they all know that a young tiger has arrived, enough to shake and overthrow the dominant family in Yunxi Town, and even replace them.
"If we fight the Xu family, I don't know what our chances of winning are."
No one has yet seen through the Xu family's true strength
. Otherwise, the Yuan family wouldn't have wanted to join forces with the Fang family.
"Sigh, they start fighting as soon as they say it, and it's only been a few years!"
The young guard seemed quite resentful. "Why can't they just let me lie down in peace?"
"Is it so hard to find a family in the cultivation world where I can just collect a fixed salary and coast along until I die?"
"Or am I just born with bad luck, bad luck, Mei Yun... my parents really gave me a good name." Mei Yun thought to herself.
"Last time I joined a small family, it was wiped out after a few years. Now I've come to Yunxi Town and joined a large family like the Yuan family, and I still can't last more than a few years.
In a few days, I'll resign.
I can't put myself under a dangerous wall because of a few spirit stones.
Hmm, maybe I should try a Golden Core family next time?"
Six days passed in the blink of an eye.
Mei Yun sent two messages, both informing that although the Fang family had held a clan meeting to discuss matters, there was no indication of any preparation for war.
When Yuan Qishan saw Mei Yun's messages, his eyes immediately blazed with anger.
"The Fang family, Fang Hongchang, are you trying to put on an act with me?"
"Are they planning to sit back and watch the tigers fight, or have they already colluded with the Xu family?"
"Since you are so ruthless, don't blame my Yuan family for being unjust."
With Mei Yun as an undercover agent, if their Yuan family concentrated their forces and launched a sudden attack, they could definitely catch them off guard.
But after only two days, Mei Yun resigned from both families.
Although Yuan Qishan was furious, now was not the time to target a mere Qi Refining level eight cultivator.
Three days later, many of the Fang family's properties were inexplicably attacked at night. A batch of spirit iron ore was stolen, and spirit fields were destroyed, resulting in significant losses.
Shops were also attacked, but fortunately, they were protected by array formations. The cultivators guarding the shops informed the Fang family, who quickly arrived, preventing any further damage.
The Fang family was furious.
They immediately convened a clan meeting to discuss the matter.
"Patriarch, who do you think did this?" the Fang family's First Elder asked Fang Hongchang.
"Whoever it is, anyone who provokes our Fang family must pay the price!" The Fang family's Fifth Elder, his eyes filled with rage, slammed his fist on the table and roared.
"Could it be the Xu family?" someone else said. "We previously joined forces with the Yuan family to suppress the Xu family, and now that they've received the protection of the Tiancang Sect, they're showing their fangs and starting their revenge?"
Fang Hongchang sighed deeply. "On the same day, multiple properties were attacked. Do you think the Xu family has that many people? At
each attacked location, there are at least three Foundation Establishment cultivators and a dozen late-stage Qi Refining cultivators."
The other elders of the Fang family fell silent.
"It's the Yuan family." Fang Hongchang put his hand to his forehead.
Had the Yuan family discovered them so quickly?
He sighed inwardly, wondering how to explain this to the Xu family.
"How did the patriarch know?" the Fang family's first elder asked.
"Enough. Now that things have come to this, there's no need to hide it from you all. Yuan Qishan previously consulted me about joining forces with the Xu family. After much deliberation and consulting with Hua Yunshan, I
ultimately decided to side with the Xu family.
Xu Chuan asked me to mislead and delay the Yuan family for a month and a half, and I feigned compliance, but I didn't expect them to discover the trick so quickly.
It seems there are rats sent by the Yuan family within our Fang family."
"Is that so?!" The Fang family's Grand Elder exclaimed in shock, "Patriarch, how could you decide to ally with the Xu family on your own without consulting us on such a crucial matter!"
Fang Hongchang's lips curled into a cold smile as he stared at the Fang family's Grand Elder. "Because I know that many in our Fang family are on the Yuan family's side.
Even if we discussed it, the final result would only favor the Yuan family!
But I don't want that!"
He glanced at the other Fang family elders and then asked, "Do you know how the Hua family decided to deal with the Xu family?"
"They should be helping the Xu family, right?" one elder said.
"They chose to remain neutral. You all know that the Qingmu Sect's leadership transition is imminent, and Feng Juechen is very likely to be elected. The Hua family has a way out,
but our Fang family doesn't!
In the Hua family's view, the Xu family will most likely become the overlord of Yunxi Town in the future. As for why they are so sure, I don't know.
But Xu Chuan gives me the feeling that he is much more terrifying than Yuan Qishan."
Therefore, I chose the Xu family, but not to form an alliance with them. I was merely doing them a favor by delaying the Yuan family's actions against the Xu family.
After that, we would have nothing to do with each other. As long as the Fang family became an ordinary family in Yunxi Town, the Xu family also promised not to target us. "
Patriarch, are you confused? You trust the Xu family so easily?" said the Fang family's Grand Elder. "How do you know they won't retaliate later?"
Fang Hongchang said, "Since we've already laid everything out, let's have all the elders vote today."
"Follow me, or help the Yuan family?"
"Based on the result, it's better for our Fang family to split into two branches than to be completely wiped out."
"Fine!" the Fang family's Grand Elder roared, "Since the Patriarch is so resolute, then let's split!"
"I agree to join forces with the Yuan family. The Xu family's foundation is shallow after all. Even if they befriend two Golden Core cultivators, our two families are still in the same boat. As long as we plan properly, destroying the Xu family won't be difficult."
"The Grand Elder is right, I agree with what the Grand Elder said!"
"I am also willing to follow the Grand Elder!"
"What the Fang family has gained so far is hard-earned. Maintaining the current tripartite balance of power is the best course of action."
The Fifth Elder, who had previously been furious and determined to make the other side pay the price, changed his attitude in the blink of an eye.
"Fifth Elder, you didn't say this before?"
"The Yuan family's revenge is because you, Patriarch, were wrong."
Fang Hongchang was utterly helpless. Of the nearly twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Fang family, only five or six were willing to follow him.
Apart from one late-stage Foundation Establishment elder, the rest were all at the early to mid-stages.
"Fine, fine."
Fang Hongchang flicked his sleeve and left the clan hall.
Soon after, news spread from Yunxi Town that several of the Fang family's properties had been attacked, and the Fang family had split into two branches, causing a huge uproar.
The Fang family patriarch led some of the Fang family members to reside in the ancestral home, while the Fang family's Grand Elder, along with most of the other elders, remained in the main Fang family mansion.
The Yuan family.
"Patriarch Yuan, all of this was done by Fang Hongchang alone, and it did not represent the decision of my Fang family. Now that I am in charge of the Fang family, I am willing to share the fate of the Yuan family."
Yuan Qishan laughed heartily, "Elder Fang, you are truly wise."
"Rest assured, with our two families joining forces, we will surely be able to destroy the Xu family. At that time, we will divide the Xu family's resources equally between our two families."
"Then thank you very much, Patriarch Yuan." The Fang family's elder clasped his hands and smiled.
"Then
let's discuss how to deal with the Xu family." After settling his Fang family members who followed him, Fang Hongchang went to the Xu residence.
Xu Chuan was in seclusion.
Fang Hongchang did not see him; Xu Mingxian was still the one who received him.
"Elder Mingxian, I am truly sorry for botching things up."
Xu Mingxian sighed slightly. "It seems the rumors from a few days ago were true."
Fang Hongchang nodded slightly. "My Fang family has been infiltrated by spies who leaked information to the Yuan family, incurring their retaliation.
I also made an agreement with your Xu family without the knowledge of the clan elders.
Now that my Fang family is divided, most of them have followed the Grand Elder and allied with the Yuan family. Your Xu family needs to be careful.
Even if your Xu family is on good terms with Huoyun Zhenren and Changge Zhenren, they can still get the Golden Core elders of Jiao Cang and Qing Cang Sects to intervene."
"Is that so? If my Xu family doesn't ask Huoyun Zhenren and the others to help, will the Yuan and Fang families ask Golden Core elders to help?"
Fang Hongchang was taken aback, then shook his head and said, "Probably not. Golden Core elders are not our two families' henchmen. Unless destroying our two families would greatly harm their interests,
they will not interfere in the battles between small families like ours."
"Regarding the aftermath, I, Fang, am truly powerless to intervene. I have failed the trust placed in me by Patriarch Xu. Please convey my message to Elder Mingxian."
"Rest assured, Father will not blame you."
After you refused to be a tool of the Xu family last time, my father lost all expectations of your Fang family.
Now, it seems even the promise of the spiritual vein cultivation room cannot be fulfilled.
"By the way, what are Patriarch Fang's plans for the future?"
"Currently, I am temporarily residing in my Fang family's ancestral home, but this is not a long-term solution. Out of sight, out of mind. I plan to lead the rest of my clansmen away from Yunxi Town and settle in other towns.
With the strength of my lineage, settling down in other towns should not be a problem. As for development, we'll take it slowly."
He did not tell Xu Mingxian where he was going next, which was also an instinctive precaution.
"Then I wish Patriarch Fang a bright future and continued success."
"Thank you."
Afterwards, Fang Hongchang left the Xu residence.
However, someone was watching at the Xu family's gate and informed Patriarch Yuan of this news.
"Fang Hongchang, it seems I can't let you live. Keep an eye on the movements of the Fang family branch. If they intend to leave Yunxi Town, report back immediately."
"Yes, Patriarch."
A ruthless glint flashed in Yuan Qishan's eyes.
If Fang Hongchang and his group were staying at the Fang family ancestral home, it would be difficult to act now that he had allied with the Fang family's eldest elder.
But if they left Yunxi Town, there were many ways to eliminate them silently.
"You brought this all upon yourself!" Yuan Qishan muttered under his breath.
Xu Mingxian then told Xu Chuan about the recent events.
"Fang Hongchang is finished," Xu Chuan suddenly said.
"Why did Father come to this conclusion? With the strength of the Fang family branch he leads, avoiding this conflict between Yuan Fang and our Xu family should have been the best course of action."
"If your eldest and second brothers were here, they certainly wouldn't think that way," Xu Chuan said with a faint smile. "You are indeed not suitable to lead the family."
Xu Mingxian didn't feel ashamed. If the Xu family in Yunxi hadn't been so small, and if Xu Chuan hadn't been busy cultivating recently, it wouldn't have been his turn to do these things.
In the past, in Dongxi, he only needed to focus on comprehending the Dao of Arrays.
"Then when will Father arrange for someone else to come?"
"De Ling doesn't come back often, Ye Fan is busy with the Xu Family Business, and De Yue's personality is similar to yours. Who else is there besides you?"
Xu Mingxian sighed softly upon hearing this. "Father, you should have brought someone skilled in managing the household to Tiannan back then."
Xu Chuan shook his head and chuckled.
"By the way, Father, why did you say Fang Hongchang was finished just now?" Xu Mingxian asked again.
"Two-faced, and breaking with the family, seemingly trying to protect the Fang family, it's all foolish. Now he wants to leave Yunxi Town peacefully? Do you think Yuan Qishan will let Fang Hongchang go?"
Chapter 258 The Entire Clan Attacks, Peak Mo Yue (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
"The last time the Yuan family retaliated, it showed that Yuan Qishan was dissatisfied with Fang Hongchang's actions."
Xu Mingxian immediately understood. "Now that Yuan Qishan has received most of the Fang family's support, he is no longer of any use to Yuan Qishan.
But after all, he was once the head of the Fang family. In Yunxi Town, under the noses of the Fang family's main branch, the Yuan family will be wary.
If he leaves, the Yuan family will definitely send people to hunt him down! If
he dies outside, even if the Yuan family is suspected, there are more than a dozen reasons to cover it up."
After saying this, he sighed again, "Before, I thought he was a wise man. It seems that the future destruction of the Fang family will also owe some credit to him." "
Therefore, for a family, how important is the head of the family? If the head is not chosen well, the decline of the family business is only normal, and it may even lead to annihilation."
Xu Mingxian sighed.
"Let's not talk about him anymore," Xu Chuan said calmly. "I estimate that Yuan Qishan currently wants Fang Hongchang dead, but he might still try to take action against our Xu family.
Have people strengthen defenses. Leave the spirit fields and spirit lake alone for now, and let the spirit farmers and fishermen rest for a month to avoid them being implicated because of our Xu family .
The trading company will remain open as usual. As for the demon-hunting team, have the Huang family remind the teams that are on good terms with our Xu family not to leave Yunxi Town for the next month."
"Yes, Father," Xu Mingxian said. "The trading company is outwardly equipped with a high-grade second-tier defensive array, but secretly it also has a top-tier second-tier offensive and defensive array.
If they come, they will definitely pay a heavy price.
As for our mansion, the low-grade third-tier array cannot be broken even by their attacks."
He was very confident in the array he had set up.
Xu Chuan smiled faintly.
Half a month later.
Fang Hongchang led his men away from Yunxi Town, encountering a group of masked people en route.
"Yuan Qishan, I know it's you! Why hide?"
Seeing his clansmen killed one by one, their blood staining the earth, Fang Hongchang's eyes were bloodshot as he roared furiously at the masked leader.
"So what if I know? Their deaths today are all because of your stupidity!"
"Because of my stupidity?!"
"Hahahaha~"
"Perhaps I am indeed stupid, my stance not firm enough, but how much better are you? Domineering, greedy, selfish.
Compared to Xu Chuan, you are far inferior.
In the near future, I'll be waiting for the entire Yuan family to come down and accompany me!"
As he spoke, Fang Hongchang's aura surged rapidly, and crimson cracks appeared on his skin.
"Retreat!"
The next moment.
Fang Hongchang exploded, the violent shockwave sweeping in all directions, tearing the ground three feet high, sending weeds, trees, and rocks flying everywhere.
Three or four Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Yuan family, and more than a dozen late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, all died in this self-destruction.
The others also suffered various injuries.
Yuan Qishan was closest. This self-destruction by a Foundation Establishment cultivator would have left him severely injured, if not for a second-grade high-level talisman and a top-level defensive magic artifact. He
was now only slightly wounded, his internal energy unstable.
"Damn it, even in death, he took so many of my Yuan family members with him, wasting my second-grade high-level talisman and top-level defensive magic artifact,"
Yuan Qishan thought bitterly. "Let's go back to Yunxi!"
At the Fang family.
"Elder, it's bad, Patriarch! Fang Hongchang and the others' life lamps just went out one after another,"
a Fang family disciple reported to the Elder.
The Elder's expression changed slightly, his eyes flashing, as if he had guessed something.
He closed his eyes, sighed softly, and then opened them, his eyes gleaming. He looked at the disciple and said, "This matter must not be leaked. You must quickly dispose of Fang Hongchang and the others' life lamps.
If anyone asks, say they have already been taken."
"This…" the disciple hesitated slightly.
"You have a problem with that?" the Fang family elder asked in a deep voice.
"No, this disciple will take care of it immediately."
After he left, the Fang family elder murmured, "Hongchang, you chose the wrong path, which is why you've ended up like this.
Don't worry, I will lead the Fang family through this chaos, and even go further!"
Several days later.
The Yuan and Fang families first sent people to attack the Xu family's spiritual fields and spiritual lake properties.
However, at this time, these two properties were completely unattended and were protected by a second-tier mid-grade formation.
They didn't send many people, and seeing that they couldn't take them down after a long time, they gave up.
Then they also sent people to attack the Xu family's trading company and the Xu family's residence, but even with six or seven Foundation Establishment cultivators and more than a dozen Qi Refining cultivators, they couldn't shake the formations.
There was also the demon-hunting team led by Huang Tianba, which the Yuan and Fang families also sent people to keep an eye on, but unfortunately, they had been staying at home in quiet cultivation for nearly a month.
The Xu family was like a tortoise shell, and they couldn't do anything about it.
At this time, in the study of the Yuan family patriarch.
"Patriarch Yuan, our measures against the Xu family over the past few days seem to have failed completely. The Xu family appears to be considering abandoning the spirit fields and spirit lake.
The demon-hunting team has also not made any contact.
The trading company and the Xu family residence are protected by a powerful array.
That array is extremely powerful; if there are too few people, it cannot be shaken at all.
What should we do now?"
Yuan Qishan glanced at the Fang family's Grand Elder, pondered for a moment, and said, "The focus should still be on the trading company and the Xu family residence; the others are not important."
"Since things have come to this point, there is no need to hold back. Let's try a full-scale attack first. If that fails, then we will ask the Golden Core elders behind each of us to take action."
"I think offering them a large reward should sway them."
"A full-scale attack?"
"That's right. All cultivators above the late Qi Refining stage in the entire clan, including the recruited retainers, will participate. My Yuan family will attack the Xu family's residence.
Your Fang family will attack the Xu family's trading company."
Doing this will inevitably make everyone aware of it.
It will be too damaging to the reputation of both families in the future.
After all, the Xu family is just doing business as usual and has never provoked either of them.
People's hearts are on their side.
The Fang family's Grand Elder's face was gloomy, and he hesitated.
"What, Grand Elder, do you also want to be like Brother Hongchang, wavering? This is not the character for doing great things!"
Mentioning Fang Hongchang, the Fang family's Grand Elder's heart tightened, and he forced a smile and said, "Then let's do as the Yuan family head says."
"When to make the move?"
"Tomorrow at Hai hour!"
"Interesting. The Yuan family is decisive, but unfortunately, their strength is a bit weak."
Xu Chuan sensed the situation in Mo Yue. He had completely closed his senses and was fully recovering. In another ten days or so, he should be able to succeed.
"Although we can't break the great formation, we can't skimp on the interest we're owed."
Xu Chuan patted his storage bag, sending out a communication talisman. He activated it with his magic power, chanted a few words, and then the talisman flew towards the Xu Clan Trading Company.
It landed in Ye Fan's hand.
"A message from Master?"
Ye Fan immediately checked it, and Xu Chuan's voice rang in his ears.
[Tonight at Hai hour, the entire Fang family attacked the trading company. Give them a severe lesson.]
Upon hearing this, Ye Fan's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he said coldly, "The Fang family, they're really courting death!"
"What happened?"
Xu Deyue, who was opposite Ye Fan, opened her eyes.
"Master sent a letter saying that tonight at Hai hour, the Fang family attacked, and we should give them a severe lesson."
"They're just asking for death."
The two of them cultivated in the same quiet room, mainly because they had accidentally discovered that when their cultivation techniques were combined, it seemed to accelerate their cultivation speed.
Now, Ye Fan was only one step away from entering the third level of Foundation Establishment.
The two of them mostly cultivated, only appearing in public when needed.
At the Xu residence.
"Ye Fan and De Yue, one of supreme Yang, the other of extreme cold, under their command, can unleash the full power of a top-tier second-order Cold Yang Ancient Array.
If both of them reach the peak of Foundation Establishment, controlling the array, they could even withstand a brief clash with a Golden Core cultivator."
This array was deduced by Xu Mingxian over the past few years in Yunxi Town, combining some array classics with a second-order high-grade array.
As for the Xu residence's array, it's a third-order low-grade Azure Nether Array, primarily for defense.
Currently, his array cultivation is at a bottleneck. If he had complete array knowledge, he's confident he could set up a third-order low-grade array combining offense and defense.
Unfortunately, such array inheritance is rare.
Ordinary Foundation Establishment families simply don't possess such resources.
Ideally, one could follow Xu Deling's example and apprentice under an array master, or join a sect.
Sects certainly have many third-order arrays in their collection.
It was indeed difficult for Xu Mingxian to deduce a third-order composite array on his own. It wasn't that he couldn't do it, but the time and energy required were enormous. It would take
at least five or six years, even more than ten years, to deduce it, making it not worthwhile.
Of course, if his divine sense could break through to the Golden Core level, it would be much easier.
"However, when I used the [Daily Divination] and then cultivated the [Minor Astrology], it was as if I was divinely aided, allowing my divination skills to rise rapidly. Would you
call that cheating?"
Xu Chuan grinned.
If he mastered this technique, Xu Chuan felt he could deduce some simple things, such as the location of a Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment cultivator, their fortune, and so on.
If he achieved minor success, he should be able to deduce the Golden Core level. Although the
divination method was powerful, practically omnipotent, if one accidentally deduced something beyond one's own capabilities, one would suffer a backlash.
This backlash could even reach the level of Heavenly Dao, which was almost incurable.
However, Xu Chuan felt that when he needed to deduce important matters in the future, he could combine his daily divination to transfer the backlash to the family genealogy.
This was equivalent to a daily exemption.
"I'm really a little genius!" Xu Chuan secretly boasted.
The "Minor Astrology" also recorded the Heavenly Eye Divine Power for observing fortune.
There was no need to cultivate it now, because it was too difficult, unless he had the corresponding physical bonus.
He planned to wait until he reached the Golden Core stage and rely on "Heaven Rewards Diligence" to hone his skills.
Even the bottleneck of a major realm could be worn away, so cultivating divine powers would naturally be easier.
Theoretically, there was no divine power or spell that Xu Chuan could not cultivate successfully; the only difference was the time consumed.
It was late at night.
The moonlight was mostly obscured by clouds.
The area around the Xu residence was so quiet that only the soft sound of the wind sweeping away withered leaves could be heard.
Suddenly, dark figures appeared one after another from street corners, behind trees, and on rooftops, numbering over a hundred.
They were all wrapped in dark cloaks, with their hoods pulled down very low, concealing their faces, only revealing pairs of eyes that gleamed coldly.
Even the one with the weakest aura was in the late stage of Qi Refining, with his spiritual energy condensed and not dissipating.
In front of the crowd stood twenty-one figures, whose auras were even stronger, clearly Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.
The leader was Yuan Qishan, who calmly ordered, "Attack!"
As soon as he finished speaking, hundreds of cultivators behind him moved simultaneously.
They formed hand seals and unleashed spells or used magical artifacts.
Spells and artifacts of various elements, accompanied by multicolored glows, bombarded the Xu residence.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A series of sounds rang out.
A pale blue light shield appeared above the Xu residence, enveloping the entire complex.
"A second-tier high-grade formation?" Yuan Qishan muttered to himself, then waved his hand again, "Everyone, go all out! Break this formation in the shortest time possible!"
With that, he and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators also began their attack.
The power of an attack from a Foundation Establishment cultivator was several times stronger than that of a Qi Refining cultivator, not to mention that many of them were mid-to-late stage cultivators, or even those at the peak of Foundation Establishment.
Even a second-tier high-grade formation trembled violently under this storm of attacks.
Such an astonishing commotion naturally did not escape the notice of those nearby.
Many people flew into the air to observe, while others extended their divine senses.
"Someone is actually besieging the Xu family! What a grand display! Who
could it be?" "Who else could it be?" A cold laugh rang out from mid-air, but no one revealed themselves. "Besides one of the Yuan, Fang, or Hua families, which other family has such strength and resources?" "
Yes, they're even concealing their presence; it's nothing but self-deception."
The defensive power of a second-tier high-grade array is indeed formidable.
However, the Yuan family has almost mobilized its entire force this time, and their determination should not be underestimated.
Half an hour later,
cracks appeared in the pale blue light barrier above the Xu residence.
"Continue!"
Yuan Qishan was delighted upon seeing this, waving his hand and shouting loudly.
Everyone once again unleashed their magical power in a fierce attack, using both magical artifacts and spells.
"Isn't it strange? The attacks outside are so intense, but the Xu family seems to have no reaction at all. Could it be that no one is here?"
Only a moment later...
Someone exclaimed, "The array outside the Xu residence is about to be breached!"
The cracks grew larger and larger, and when everyone attacked the cracks simultaneously, it accelerated the shattering process.
Meanwhile,
inside the Xu residence,
the patrolling members of the Yan and Wu families continued their routine patrols.
They had been instructed not to pay attention to external affairs and to continue with their duties.
Xu Mingxian sat cross-legged at the core of the array, a cold smile playing on his lips, his hands rapidly forming hand seals.
Just as the pale blue light screen shattered, the array dissipated, and the Yuan family members showed joy, another grayish-blue light screen seamlessly appeared above the Xu residence.
"Patriarch, look, another array light screen has appeared!"
a Yuan family disciple suddenly shouted.
Yuan Qishan looked uncertainly and indeed saw the grayish-blue light screen appear, replacing the previous pale blue one.
He gritted his teeth, saying in disbelief, "How could this be?"
"The Xu family actually hired an array master to set up two defensive arrays?!"
The onlookers were all dumbfounded.
"Using a second-tier high-grade formation as a disguise, could this newly appeared bluish-gray formation have reached the peak of the second tier?"
Many people were surprised and doubtful, then smiles appeared on their lips.
This is going to be good.
"Everyone, swallow the Rejuvenation Pills and continue the attack!"
"Yes!"
The Yuan family disciples shouted in unison.
This was a considerable amount of pill resources.
For this surprise attack, the Yuan family had used all of their Rejuvenation Pill reserves.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
In the blink of an eye,
the Yuan family attacked for nearly an incense stick's time.
"Patriarch, something's not right," the Yuan family elder beside Yuan Qishan transmitted his voice. "This array's defense is far too strong. It feels like even if we attack for another three or four hours, we might not be able to break through.
This is at least a top-tier second-order array.
Most arrays of this kind can only be set up by array masters, and even among array masters, only a very few can do it.
The Xu family's network of connections is truly unfathomable. Should we—"
"Continue attacking!" Yuan Qishan gritted his teeth. "If after two hours this array is still impenetrable, then we'll return and reconsider!"
"Understood, Patriarch," the Yuan family elder sighed slightly.
While the Yuan family was attacking the Xu family,
the Fang family's Grand Elder led the clan's elite to the Xu family's trading post. Their numbers were fewer than the Yuan family's, but still over eighty people, including thirteen or fourteen Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Their combined attack attracted many onlookers from afar.
Nearly an hour later, the Fang family finally broke through the Xu family's apparent second-order high-grade array, and everyone showed joy.
But the next moment…
A massive, crimson-blue disc resembling a yin-yang symbol appeared above the Xu Clan Trading Company, followed by a crimson-blue light barrier where the previous pale blue barrier had been.
"This…"
Seeing this, the Fang family's Grand Elder was speechless.
Damn it!
At that moment, two figures flew out of the trading company—Ye Fan and Xu Deyue.
Ye Fan stood beneath the crimson light barrier on the left, while Xu Deyue stood beneath the blue one.
"The Fang family, is it? I've been waiting for you for a long time. It took you an hour to break through the formation; you've truly worked hard."
"Next, it's time for me to entertain you all."
He exchanged a glance with Xu Deyue, and a jade tablet appeared before each of them. They formed hand seals, channeling their magical power into the tablets.
The crimson jade tablet instantly emitted a faint red glow, while the blue jade tablet was enveloped in a chilling blue aura. The two distinct auras intertwined, forming a Tai Chi-like halo in mid-air.
On the left side of the Cold Sun Ancient Array, crimson light surged, and blazing flames rose, condensing into a crimson fire dragon over ten feet in size.
Its scales were clearly visible, and it spewed forth pure Yang fire from its mouth. Wherever the flames passed, the air seemed to ignite, crackling and popping.
On the other side, a chilling blue light flickered, and a sudden surge of cold energy condensed into an icy blue phoenix. Its feathers were as crystalline as ice crystals, and with each flap of its wings, it scattered extremely Yin and cold dust, freezing anything it touched.
The fire dragon coiled, and the phoenix spread its wings, one ablaze, the other icy, dancing around the merchant guild.
Suddenly, dozens of crimson and blue streaks of light shot out from the dragon and phoenix, transforming into countless three-inch flying swords—crimson swords wreathed in flames, blue swords condensed into frost—shooting towards the Fang family cultivators like a torrential rain.
"A top-tier second-order killing formation?!" The Fang family's Grand Elder, also knowledgeable in such matters, narrowed his eyes, a look of fear flashing across his face, and hurriedly shouted, "Retreat! Retreat!"
"Too late!"
The Fang family cultivators were caught off guard.
Qi Refining stage cultivators were utterly unable to withstand it; the crimson flame flying swords ignited upon contact, and screams of agony rose
and fell. The extremely Yin flying swords froze upon contact, many instantly turning into ice sculptures, shattering on the ground.
Only Foundation Establishment stage cultivators could withstand some of the damage.
A moment later
, the fire dragon suddenly swooped down, and where the Yang flames swept, three late-stage Qi Refining stage cultivators from the Fang family had no time to dodge and were instantly incinerated.
The Frost Phoenix flapped its wings, unleashing a chilling aura that froze the five cultivators in place before they were pierced through by the Crimson Flame Flying Sword.
In just a dozen breaths, more than ten Fang family cultivators had fallen.
Three early Foundation Establishment cultivators were also injured, suffering from the pain of being burned by flames or penetrated by the icy aura.
They could only divert their mana to resist, otherwise their lives would be in danger.
However, this left them with little fighting power; if they didn't escape the array's attack range in time, they would be pierced and killed instantly by the Crimson Flame Flying Sword or the Extreme Yin Flying Sword.
Within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, only half of the Fang family had escaped the array's attack range, their eyes filled with horror as they stared at the fire dragon and the Frost Phoenix hovering above the Xu Clan Trading Company. A
top-tier second-order killing array, if used at full power against a single person, would take even a Foundation Establishment cultivator only a few moves to withstand. Those
who died this time were all the weaker early Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators.
Under such an array attack, Qi Refining cultivators were simply easy prey.
"Elder, what should we do now? Should we continue the attack?" An elder swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing.
The Fang family's elder turned to look at him, his eyes filled with anger. "Attack? Didn't you see that Qi Refining disciples are just easy prey in front of it?
With just over ten Foundation Establishment cultivators, do you think we can break through the formation?
It's not just a killing formation!
It's a top-tier second-order formation that combines offense and defense!"
After careful observation, the Fang family's elder realized that it wasn't just an offensive formation.
When he counterattacked earlier, some of his attacks landed on the crimson-blue light barrier, yet only caused barely perceptible ripples.
Therefore, he guessed that its defensive level had definitely reached the top-tier second-order level as well.
"Then we—"
"Let's go back. The Xu family's foundation is truly unimaginable. This matter needs to be discussed further with the Yuan family."
The Fang family members left.
Ye Fan let out a long breath and immediately swallowed a True Condensation Pill.
Xu Deyue was at the late Foundation Establishment stage, so she was alright, only a few beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.
He collected all the storage bags and magical artifacts of the deceased Fang family cultivators, leaving nothing of value behind. As for the corpses,
Ye Fan burned them all. The previously constructed second-tier high-grade array was difficult to restore immediately and required Xu Mingxian's personal inspection.
"With the Cold Sun Ancient Array in place, they can't break in. Let's go down and recuperate," Ye Fan said.
Xu Deyue nodded slightly.
On the other side,
the Yuan family attacked for nearly two more hours, but they couldn't break through the array at all.
"Patriarch Yuan, your entire clan is attacking my Xu family's array in the middle of the night. Your Yuan family certainly has a refined taste,"
Xu Chuan's teasing voice suddenly rang out in the night sky, echoing for miles around.
Many people chuckled secretly.
"If you want to launch a surprise attack on my Xu family, you should clean up the spies within first,"
Yuan Qishan thought with a chill, half-believing and half-doubting.
Xu Chuan's single sentence was enough to sow suspicion between the Yuan and Fang families, leaving them no time to deal with the Xu family for days.
It was better to believe it was true than not.
In family battles, failing to investigate spies could lead to failure.
Just like the Fang family's vulnerability to Yuan's infiltration and leaked information.
Yuan Qishan glanced at the grayish-blue light screen again, a look of helplessness in his eyes, and then said, "Let's go!"
The Yuan family members didn't linger and immediately disappeared into the night sky.
The Yuan and Fang families' confident battle for annihilation ended so comically.
The next day,
the news spread throughout Yunxi Town.
Countless people discussed the Yuan and Fang families' domineering nature and marveled at the Xu family's deep foundation.
Some even relished describing how Ye Fan and Xu Deyue manipulated the grand formation, routing the Fang family.
For a time...
The two families became the laughingstock of the entire Yunxi Town.
Hua Yunfei, the head of the Hua family, learned of this and immediately informed Hua Qingxue.
"Are the Yuan and Fang families so impatient? A top-tier second-tier offensive and defensive integrated formation—the Xu family's foundation is truly unfathomable."
Hua Qingxue's eyes gleamed, and she said softly, "Some Golden Core families with shallower foundations might only use this tier as their clan's protective formation."
"The Xu family is indeed unexpected; they've hidden themselves too deeply," Hua Yunfei said. "The Yuan family is alright, but I heard that nearly half of the Fang family's Qi Refining disciples died, and three Foundation Establishment cultivators were also lost." "
Shortsighted; they deserved to die," Hua Qingxue said.
"Grandmother, what should our Hua family do next? If the Xu family destroys the Yuan and Fang families, will they allow our Hua family to exist?"
In any case, if it were Hua Yunfei, he had the strength to monopolize Yunxi Town and would never give other families a chance.
Especially powerful families; they would have to be eliminated.
Only then could he rest easy.
"It's hard to say, but given the Xu family's character, we should be able to negotiate. As for the final outcome, we can only wait and see,"
Hua Yunfei sighed. "I previously thought the Xu family could be an ally of the Hua family, but in just a few years, they've fallen to this state. Fate is truly unpredictable and fickle." "
Perhaps from the moment the Xu family arrived in Yunxi Town, they were planning to become the sole dominant family here, keeping a low profile and not revealing their true strength.
They simply didn't want to expose their trump cards too early and compete with our three families.
It's possible that, as rumored, the Xu family was a Golden Core family in a certain region of Tiannan before coming here. Even after suffering heavy losses, their foundation still surpasses that of ordinary Foundation Establishment families."
After a pause, Hua Qingxue looked at Hua Yunfei and said, "The conflict between the Xu family and the Yuan and Fang families is none of our concern. The Hua family can simply maintain the status quo."
"Understood, Grandmother."
Hua Yunfei bowed and withdrew, leaving the room.
The Yuan family.
The Fang family's Grand Elder came to complain and received some compensation from the Yuan family.
"Patriarch Yuan, while the truth of the spies' claim is hard to ascertain, Ye Fan mentioned waiting for us at the Xu Clan's trading post. Do
you think it's possible that someone from either of our families has been infiltrated?"
Yuan Qishan was slightly startled upon hearing this, and after careful consideration, said, "Our two families should focus on investigating the non-clan cultivators recruited by our clans."
"What about the Xu family?"
"Let's confirm the spies' identities first. Otherwise, even if we ask a Golden Core cultivator for help, if the news leaks, the Xu family can also get Huoyun and Changge to assist.
Wouldn't that be a waste of effort?
And we'd have to pay those two a large sum for their services for nothing."
The Fang family's Grand Elder nodded slightly upon hearing this.
"Then let's discuss it later."
Four or five days later.
Neither family could find any spies, leading them to believe that Xu Chuan was likely creating a diversion.
But even if there were no spies internally, there might be someone externally monitoring their movements, so they spent another two days carefully investigating the people living around their homes.
Still, they found nothing.
"Brother Fang, tomorrow we'll each visit a Golden Core cultivator and make sure they agree to come," Yuan Qishan said to the Fang family's Grand Elder.
"Understood," the Fang family's Grand Elder nodded in response.
They couldn't deal with the Xu family on their own, so they had to ask for Golden Core cultivators for help.
But this wasn't so simple.
If the Xu family hadn't received the protection of the Tiancang Sect, their backers might have agreed for the sake of the large amount of spirit stones.
But even with protection, if they still knowingly violated the sect's rules, they might be severely punished by the Tiancang Sect afterward.
Even if they did it quietly, they could still be traced back to the Yuan and Fang families.
That day, both Yuan Qishan and the Fang family's Grand Elder returned empty-handed.
That night,
Mo Yue finally awoke, flying out of the spirit beast pouch, his eyes filled with extreme excitement.
"I've finally recovered my peak strength!"
"Roar~"
A dragon's roar echoed.
Fortunately, Xu Chuan's meditation room could isolate the sound waves, otherwise it would have caused panic.
"Mo Yue, you're finally awake."
"That's right, I've finally returned to my peak! Little Chuanzi, from now on, I'll protect you!"
Mo Yue grinned, revealing a set of white dragon teeth, and the cold air he exhaled caused the temperature in the entire quiet room to drop rapidly.
"There's no need for that. I'm not one to flaunt my abilities." Xu Chuan smiled faintly.
"Indeed." Mo Yue nodded, his dark golden dragon eyes looking at Xu Chuan, and laughed, "Now that I've recovered, can you hand over that Dragon Essence Pill to me? I
've never taken such a pill before."
"No rush. It wouldn't be good if you went into seclusion and slept again after taking it. Let's wait until we've completely occupied Yunxi Town before we talk about it."
"Oh, you've finally made up your mind?" Mo Yue wandered through the void, revealing a human-like smile.
"The Yuan family's style is rather domineering. I originally intended to deal with them gradually, but they didn't just wipe out my Xu family in a short time. Some time ago, they even attacked our residence and business with the entire Fang clan... Their
array formation's true strength has been exposed.
Since that's the case, I won't tolerate it. There's still half a month until the New Year's sacrifice, perfect for settling everything.
A new year should bring a new beginning, what do you say?"
"A blood sacrifice, this new beginning... I quite like it, hehehe."
"Don't let out that villainous laugh, it's unlucky."
"Oh."
That night,
Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian
concealed their presence and arrived above the Yuan family mansion. Shortly afterward, Ye Fan, Xu Deyue, and Huang Tianba led a group of friendly demon-hunting teams to various properties of the Yuan and Fang families, eliminating their outposts.
Six or seven Foundation Establishment cultivators, plus a dozen or so Qi Refining cultivators, swiftly and decisively killed the disciples of the Yuan and Fang families.
"Brother Ye, are you sure you won't face retaliation from the two families?" Huang Tianba asked. "We three brothers don't care, after all, we've already joined the Xu family.
But the rest of the demon-hunting teams..."
Ye Fan smiled faintly, "Don't worry, after tonight, there will be no more Yuan or Fang families in Yunxi Town."
"Understood."
With Ye Fan's words, Huang Tianba and the others could only trust him and the Xu family.
On the Yuan family's side
, Xu Chuan stood in the void, flicked his sleeve, and six beams of azure light shot out, disappearing into the six directions. Then, a light curtain rose, enveloping the entire Yuan family compound.
This scene was quickly noticed.
However, the grand formation isolated the flow of energy and sealed off the space, preventing any sound from escaping.
Then, Xu Mingxian flipped his hand, and seven array flags, each about an inch long, appeared, swirling around his palm, surrounded by wisps of cloud-like energy.
"Go!"
he shouted, forming a hand seal with his fingers.
The array flags shot out, swelling against the wind, and disappeared into the void.
In an instant,
countless clouds of energy filled the air, covering the outer edge of the Six Harmonies Sealing Array's protective barrier.
Then, an illusory Yuan family mansion descended.
This array was called the Cloud Heaven Illusion Array, a top-tier second-order illusionary killing array. Using clouds to transform mansions, mountains, and rivers was merely a common technique. Those trapped in this array would have the array conjure up images of people, objects, and scenes
that evoked their inner demons.
Those with weak wills faced a near-death experience.
Even those with strong wills but insufficient strength would find it difficult to break the array.
Because the gathering and dispersing of clouds are unpredictable, they can transform into tangible killing moves, unlike ordinary illusion arrays which merely torment the mind; one can break the array simply by being fearless.
As for the array's weakness, it lies in the array flags hidden in the void.
Without anyone controlling it, the array's danger level is normal.
However, if someone controls it, changing the flag positions at any time, shifting between illusion and reality, the danger increases several times over.
After Xu Mingxian set up the Cloud Heaven Illusion Array, if someone passed by the Yuan family mansion, they would only perceive everything as normal, without any abnormality.
Even divine sense would reveal the same.
Unless the visitor is at the Golden Core stage
.
Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian flew into the Six Harmonies Absolute Sealing Array.
"Break the array," Xu Chuan said calmly, looking at the Yuan family's pale yellow protective array.