Chapter 263 Taihua Domain, Defeated Madman of Yan (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
"Mingxian, I see you've expended quite a bit of energy. Didn't you say that condensing the battle formation wouldn't waste much mana?"
Xu Chuan asked Xu Mingxian.
Xu Mingxian swallowed a high-grade Condensing True Pill and smiled bitterly, "The last two moves are my own understanding of the Five Elements Dao, realizing the application of the Five Elements power.
You can think of it as a powerful spell.
This requires me to maintain it with my own mana, unlike the various attacks of the previous Five Elements Battle Formation. Once the battle formation is condensed, the attacks are continuous, and I only need to control and guide it with my divine sense." "
So it's a killing move."
Xu Mingxian nodded slightly, his complexion improving somewhat.
Xu Chuan analyzed, "The defensive power of a two-patterned defensive magic weapon is definitely not weaker than the physical body of a peak second-tier dragon, but it requires mana to support it.
The stronger it is, the more mana it needs.
With your Five Elements Battle Formation's continuous attacks, it's enough to break it. Then, condense an illusion array. Few Foundation Establishment cultivators can withstand the erosion of a low-grade second-tier illusion array.
Even if you can't trap them, it will still affect the strength of those fighting."
He paused, then looked up at Xu Mingxian, "Go, I won't stop you."
"And there's no reason to stop you now!"
"It's time to let the world see the prodigy of my Xu family!"
"Thank you, Father," Xu Mingxian said, "In the remaining year or so, I will further advance my understanding of battle formations.
If Yue'er and her husband find nothing, then I will climb the Prodigy Ranking and ask Fei'er for a cultivation technique that combines water and fire."
Xu Chuan smiled and nodded.
Xu Mingxian left to continue studying the Dao of Formations and the Dao of Battle Formations.
His understanding of battle formations stemmed from his comprehension and understanding of the Dao of Formations. Therefore, he couldn't abandon his study of formations simply because he had grasped battle formations.
On the contrary, the higher his achievement in the Dao of Formations, the more likely he was to make this school of thought a true system in the future.
Soon after, Mo Yue also carried Xu Chongfei away.
Xu Chuan condensed the Vitality Liquid, fed it to the ancient locust sapling, the Heavenly God Fruit sapling, and the Green Spirit Fruit tree, and then continued to create techniques.
Now that he had grasped the basics of the True Meaning of Withering and Flourishing, all that remained was to unleash it in the way most suitable for him.
This was the technique.
Of course, according to Murong Yun, for things to come to fruition naturally, the True Meaning of Withering and Flourishing should at least reach a minor level of mastery.
The next day,
he took advantage of the [Daily Divination] opportunity to use the "Minor Astrology" to predict Xu Mingxian's future.
However, what he saw was a chaotic future. When he tried to see through it, the heavens warned him, abruptly stopping him.
If he hadn't used the [Daily Divination], he would have suffered a direct backlash, instead of being warned and forcibly interrupted like this.
For the past six years, Xu Chuan had honed his "Minor Astrological Technique" almost daily, reaching the entry-level stage.
He had inquired about this method with Murong Yun, but she knew nothing about it, only saying that very few in the entire Azure Dragon Sect practiced it.
Once someone succeeded, they could be guided to the upper sect's holy land for further cultivation.
The holy sons of the Starry Constellation Holy Land were almost all skilled in divination.
"It seems my divination skills and realm are far from sufficient to deduce Ming Xian's future," Xu Chuan sighed. "Even casually peeking into the future of an ordinary cultivator would likely result in a backlash. Until I
've mastered this technique, I shouldn't pry into others' futures anymore."
However, judging from Xu Ming Xian's current achievements, it was clear his future might involve the causal relationship of array formations.
"When De Yue returns, I'll ask Murong Yun again to see if there were any corresponding array formation schools in ancient times."
How could he not make good use of such an ancient senior sister!
Xu Ming Xian silently studied array formations and researched battle formations; he didn't intend to travel and challenge like a typical Foundation Establishment cultivator.
However, Xu Deyue and Ye Fan had already made a name for themselves in Tiancang Prefecture.
Ye Fan was known among the younger generation of the seven cities of Tiancang as invincible below the late Foundation Establishment stage, nicknamed "Heaven-Covering Hand."
His physical strength was formidable; he was once a Grandmaster-level martial arts expert, skilled in close combat and possessing a technique for rapidly converting spiritual energy into true qi.
Unfortunately, after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, this technique gradually lost its effectiveness.
No matter how powerful the converted true qi, it couldn't match the burst of power from Foundation Establishment stage mana.
However, his childhood experiences and special encounters allowed his physical strength to rival that of ordinary second-tier demonic beasts, his capital for fighting beyond his level.
Furthermore, thanks to the Xu family's nurturing, his divine sense had prematurely transformed into divine consciousness, making his divine consciousness far stronger than other cultivators at the same level after reaching Foundation Establishment.
He cultivated the "Nine Thoughts Technique," and now could achieve perfect unity of six thoughts.
He could simultaneously cast multiple spells.
To outsiders, he was a genius of magic.
But everyone in the core of the Xu family could achieve this level.
Of course, as someone with a Heavenly Spiritual Root aptitude, Ye Fan still possesses advantages over other members of the Xu clan.
With his accumulated resources, no one has yet forced him to unleash his true magical artifacts.
Xu Deling crafted gauntlets and battle armor for Ye Fan, allowing him to perfectly unleash his physical strength.
Both of these artifacts are two-patterned.
Even though Ye Fan is currently only at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment, he can fight against a ninth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator with the help of these two artifacts.
In addition, he also carries spare top-tier offensive and defensive magical artifacts.
Any family with a master craftsman like Xu Deling would ensure that its core members have no shortage of magical artifacts.
Recently, Ye Fan easily suppressed a seventh-level Foundation Establishment genius from a Golden Core family.
This is how he earned the title "Hand That Covers the Sky."
That Foundation Establishment genius was no ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator; he had a record of fighting against an eighth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator without being at a disadvantage.
As for Xu Deyue, she was ranked fifteenth on the genius list, and second only to Yan Fengwu of the Yan family and a fairy named Liu Yue from the Tiancang Sect on the fairy list.
Only these three fairies made it into the top twenty;
the rest were all male cultivators.
Each of the three had their own nickname: "Cangyue Fairy," "Yanyue Fairy," and "Hanyue Fairy."
Countless male cultivators admired them.
Of course, Xu Deyue had the fewest admirers.
There was no way around it; after all, she already had a Daoist partner.
Many people initially mocked Ye Fan for being a kept man, but as his title "Hand That Covers the Sky" spread, people gradually accepted it.
They felt that Ye Fan was worthy of Xu Deyue.
Their fame led to the Xu family becoming increasingly famous in Tiancang Prefecture, and cultivators from the seven cities of Tiancang frequently visited Yunxi Town.
The more they inquired, the more they realized the Xu family was not to be underestimated.
However, all they could find out were things that were common knowledge in Yunxi Town.
Since becoming the rulers of Yunxi, the Xu family had become more low-key, with few core members traveling outside. It was the Yan and Wu families who were busy managing the Xu family's affairs.
Then there were the rogue cultivators recruited by Huang Tianba and others, as well as guest elders specializing in alchemy, weapon crafting, array formation, and talisman making.
They did not live in the Xu residence.
The guest elders of immortal arts lived in the four halls—the Alchemy Hall, Weapon Crafting Hall, Talisman Hall, and Array Formation Hall—near the cultivation tower on the other side of the spiritual vein.
With the help of the Xu family , the cultivation
levels of Huang Tianba and his brothers had greatly increased.
Huang Tianba had now reached the late stage of the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, Huang Tianxiong had entered the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, and Huang Tianhu, who had mixed spiritual roots, had also successfully established his foundation and was now at the late stage of the first level of Foundation Establishment.
Huang Tianba's wife, Jiang Youniang, was at the mid-stage of the second level of Foundation Establishment.
Four years ago, she gave birth to twins for Huang Tianba, and two years ago, she gave birth to a son.
Because Yunxi Town had stabilized, the Xu family finally decided to settle down and develop their clan.
Huang Tianxiong and Huang Tianhu both married and had children a couple of years ago.
The Huang family became followers of the Xu family, following their lead, and their residence was located near the cultivation tower.
Now, this place is the trading hub of Yunxi Town, known as "Yunxi Market."
The Xu family's Immortal Arts Hall, cultivation tower, battle arena, and life-and-death arena are also nearby.
Every day, a large number of independent cultivators set up stalls and traded in the independent cultivator hall, with the first floor for Qi Refining stage cultivators and the second floor for Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.
Its bustling prosperity was further enhanced by the presence of the Ascension Pavilion, attracting many traders from surrounding towns.
Even some independent cultivators from the seven cities of Tiancang came here out of admiration.
Yunxi Town grew stronger and more prosperous, but the Xu family became increasingly low-key.
This was also why no one recognized Ye Fan and his companions when they first ventured out to challenge others. It is
estimated that Xu Chuan, Xu Mingxian, and Xu Deling faced the same situation when they traveled outside.
Xu Deling was known as "Master Ling" in Tiancang Prefecture, but very few people had actually seen her.
This was because she was either cultivating the divine ability "Fire Emperor's True Eye" in Fire Cloud Valley, refining weapons, comprehending second-tier weapon patterns, or occasionally returning to the Xu residence for a few days.
"This Xu family is extraordinary. I thought they were just lucky to have the protection of the Tiancang Sect, but now it seems they are indeed not to be underestimated.
I've been to Yunxi Town several times, and it has completely changed."
"Brother Madman, are you really planning to challenge 'Fairy Cold Moon' at the Xu family?" "
You are a hidden genius of my Yan family. Although you are not on the genius list, your strength surpasses that of the publicly known geniuses of the Yan family. Wouldn't it be more impressive to make a name for yourself when you appear during the selection process at my Tiancang Mansion?"
"Yan Han, don't worry, it's just a private challenge, it won't be leaked. This time, I just want to see who this Xu family fairy who defeated you really is."
"She is very strong. Although I have now obtained a two-patterned attack magic weapon and climbed to twenty-second place on the genius list, I feel that the gap between us is still quite large."
"Interesting." The burly, bearded middle-aged man in front of Yan Han laughed and looked towards the Xu family's territory. "Then I'd like to test her skills even more."
"If we can't even get into the top ten of Tiancang Prefecture, then the chances of getting a regular spot are almost nonexistent; it's purely a matter of luck."
Yan Han sighed upon hearing this. "Since you've already decided, Brother Kuangtu, then we should pay a proper visit in the name of the Yan family. The Xu family is no ordinary Foundation Establishment family. They
have a deeper foundation than the top five Foundation Establishment families in our Xinsu City.
Not only do they have the protection of the Tiancang Sect for a hundred years, but according to the information I've gathered, the Xu family has five Golden Core True Persons on good terms with us.
There's the Weapon Dao Grandmaster Huoyun True Person, the Enforcement Elder Changge True Person of the Qingmu Sect, the current Sect Master Juechen True Person of the Qingmu Sect, and two True Persons from the Cang family of the Tiancang Sect.
They all attended the Xu family's opening banquet six years ago.
This is common knowledge."
Hearing the names of these Golden Core True Persons, Yan Kuangtu's expression turned solemn. "I understand, I won't act recklessly."
Xu Deyue and Ye Fan had traveled all over the seven cities but hadn't found the Water and Fire Simultaneous Cultivation Technique.
So they returned to the Xu family, preparing to go into seclusion to cultivate and participate in the Heavenly Pride Gathering a year later.
As for the Three Sects and the Heavenly Azure Sect, Xu Chuan had previously asked Chen Changge, True Person Huoyun, and Cang Yuyang to inquire about them.
If they were available, he wouldn't have sent his wife and son to the Seven Cities to try their luck.
"Deyue, your father is also preparing to participate in the Heavenly Pride Gathering. You will accompany him in a year."
"Father is also participating?"
Xu Deyue was slightly startled. Since birth, her father had been the family's array master, almost always in seclusion studying and deducing arrays.
Although his cultivation level had improved rapidly, he was more renowned for his talent in arrays.
"Although Father is now at the peak of Foundation Establishment, setting up arrays takes a lot of time. I'm afraid he's not suitable for a competition on the arena, is he?
I heard there are secret realm trials after the arena battles. Perhaps there will be a chance for Father to shine."
Seeing her seriously planning for her father, Xu Chuan shook his head and chuckled, "Deyue, you underestimate your father too much.
Not only your father, but your uncles and aunts are all extraordinary."
"No matter how powerful they are, they can't be as powerful as my successor?"
A moon-white flying sword shot out from Xu Deyue's dantian, and a clear, cold voice echoed around them.
"Senior Sister Murong," Xu Chuan said with a faint smile, "that's hard to say!"
"Senior Sister, have you ever heard of any array masters in ancient times who were skilled in combat, of course, not by using array plates or array flags?"
"Not by using array plates or array flags?"
The voice from the Taiyin flying sword stopped abruptly, as if it had fallen into deep thought.
After a short pause, he continued, "I have indeed heard of it, but not from our Tiannan Region, but from the Taihua Region.
There used to be a sacred ground for array formations there. Some geniuses from that sacred ground, skilled in array formations, could set up array spaces without using array plates or flags, relying solely on their own abilities—truly impressive.
This is the true teaching of the sacred ground for array formations."
"A sacred ground for array formations? There really is such a school?!" Xu Chuan asked, "But where is the Taihua Region?" "
In the southwest of the Tiannan Region, there is a Death Desert stretching for millions of miles. Crossing it leads to the Taihua Region. In ancient times, this region was renowned for its four wonders: alchemy, artifact crafting, array formations, and talismans.
The 'Alchemy Scripture' you possess originated in the Taihua Region. It is said that the Alchemy Ancestor came from the Taihua Region."
"Besides the Tiannan Region, the Blackwater Region, and the Taihua Region, what other regions are there?"
"The Blackwater Domain?" Murong Yun was slightly taken aback, then said, "Does such a domain exist? Never mind, this is too early for you.
In ancient times, only those at the Nascent Soul stage could barely be considered experts, able to travel around seeking opportunities for breakthroughs.
Only those who reached the Nascent Soul stage were qualified to cross the boundary barrier and travel to other domains.
As for now, I don't know, it must have changed long ago. After all, according to you, the strongest cultivator in the entire Tiannan is only at the Nascent Soul stage." Xu Chuan's lips twitched slightly at the thought
of being considered an expert at the Nascent Soul stage
. So, we're all just minor experts.
No!
Those at the Foundation Establishment stage probably aren't even minor experts.
"By the way, why are you asking about this?" Murong Yun asked curiously.
"Because Mingxian may have embarked on the true path of the Taihua Domain Holy Land, as you just mentioned. Of course, he can't yet create an array with a single thought, but he already has the rudimentary form you described.
Currently, his battle array power is only at the second-tier low-grade, but because of his profound understanding of array formations, he can combine the Five Elements Battle Array with illusion arrays to create various array effects such as defense, killing, trapping, and illusion.
Even Mo Yue, who suppressed his strength to the second tier, was forced to break the restriction."
"Really?!"
"Why would I lie to Senior Sister?"
"Then he is truly a prodigy, no different from you, who created your own divine ability at the Foundation Establishment stage.
No!
Perhaps even more prodigy!"
Xu Deyue smiled upon hearing this, genuinely happy for his father.
"Grandfather, Deyue understands. In the remaining year or so, I will try my best to reach the peak of Foundation Establishment and strive to ascend to the Heavenly Pride Ranking with Father."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly.
Murong Yun returned to Xu Deyue's dantian with a depressed mood.
She considered herself a top genius in the ancient Azure Dragon Sect, but ten thousand years later she encountered two even more monstrous geniuses. While Core
Formation with Divine Abilities was not uncommon in ancient times,
creating one's own Divine Abilities at the Foundation Establishment stage was a rare feat, occurring only once every few thousand years.
For a Foundation Establishment cultivator to independently comprehend the rudiments of a battle formation was even rarer, occurring only once every ten thousand years.
Just as Xu Deyue was about to leave, Ye Fan approached and said, "Master, the Yan family from Xinsu City has come to visit and is currently outside the gate."
"The Yan family?"
Ye Fan said, "Master, a month or so ago, Yue'er and I challenged the Yan family and defeated the Yan brothers, Yan Qing and Yan Han.
Yan Qing's strength was average, but Yan Han had some skill.
I heard he recently rose to twenty-second place on the Genius Ranking.
However, he's still not as good as Yue'er.
Master, Yue'er is ranked fifteenth on the Genius Ranking and is known as the 'Fairy of the Cold Moon' by the cultivators of Tiancang Mansion." "
Han Yue? Quite fitting." Xu Chuan chuckled. "The Yan family is, after all, a Golden Core clan. Although we don't have much of a relationship, since they've come to visit, we should treat them well."
"Let's go, let's meet the Yan family's genius."
Xu Chuan led Ye Fan and Xu Deyue to the main hall of the Xu residence.
Yan Kuangtu and Yan Han had been brought there by Yan Muyi.
Xu Chuan greeted the two with clasped hands, "I am Xu Chuan, the head of the Xu family. What brings you two fellow Daoists from the Yan family to my Xu family?"
"I am Yan Han." Yan Han introduced himself, "This is my cousin, Yan Kuangtu."
"A few days ago, I was defeated by the noblewoman Xu Xianzi. My cousin heard about this after emerging from seclusion and wanted to see Xu Xianzi's strength. I wonder if the Xu family head would allow it?"
Xu Chuan sat down, took a sip of tea, and said calmly, "It's up to Yue'er herself."
"I accept." Xu Deyue glanced at Yan Kuangtu.
"I have another request. I hope the results of this competition will not be spread. My cousin is a hidden genius of the Yan family."
Xu Chuan nodded. "Then let's go. There's a martial arts arena in the manor; let's go there to compete."
"Thank you," Yan Han said, clasping his hands in thanks.
Martial Arts Arena.
Xu Deyue and Yan Kuangtu lightly leaped onto the arena.
Xu Chuan flicked his sleeve, activating the arena's formation.
Instantly, pale yellow spiritual light, like a giant bowl inverted, enveloped the entire arena.
Xu Deyue, dressed in plain clothes, stood on the left, her body radiating a chilling aura that lingered. Yan Kuangtu, dressed in black robes, stood on the right, his body radiating heat, occasionally crackling with crimson lightning.
The moment their auras touched, a fine frost rose in the arena, only to be scorched away by the heat.
"Fairy Xu, please!"
Yan Kuangtu's voice boomed like a bell. As he finished speaking, his right palm surged, and three crimson fireballs fell like meteors, aimed directly at Xu Deyue's face.
Where the fireballs passed, the air seemed to be distorted by the heat, showing that these fireballs were no ordinary flames.
Xu Deyue remained calm, lightly slicing her left finger. A surge of icy energy erupted, sending three ice shards hurtling through the air and colliding with the fireball.
A muffled "bang" resounded.
Amidst the rising steam, the ice shards melted, and the fireball scattered into sparks, resulting in a stalemate.
Yan Kuangtu's eyes flashed with surprise. "It seems this woman's cultivation method is no ordinary water-based technique. The intensity of her icy energy rivals my Crimson Sun Blazing Flame." He
then blurred, his crimson light intensifying, and a dozen fire snakes shot from his palms, weaving into a net that pressed down relentlessly.
Where the fire net passed, the black bricks on the ground were slightly bleached white.
Xu Deyue formed a hand seal, pushing her magical power to its limit, quickly conjuring a half-zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) ice shield before her, its surface covered with a fine layer of frost.
The fire snakes hissed as they struck the ice shield, but could not break through.
Simultaneously, while defending, Xu Deyue also condensed a ten-zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) ice phoenix.
After a long cry, its sharp claws reached for Yan Kuangtu's head.
"Fairy Xu, your divine sense control is truly powerful. While resisting my attack, you can still manage to control such a powerful ice phoenix.
However, I, Yan, am not so easily dealt with."
Before he finished speaking, Yan Kuangtu made a hand seal, controlling the fire snake to condense into two six- or seven-zhang-long fire dragons. One continued to ram the ice shield, while the other swept its tail towards the ice phoenix.
Ordinary flames would have been suppressed by the ice phoenix's icy aura, but the Crimson Sun Flame that Yan Kuangtu condensed was a supreme yang flame, so they were evenly matched.
Xu Deyue remained silent, condensing another half-zhang-long ice jade rabbit.
Yan Kuangtu frowned slightly, but since Xu Deyue hadn't used any magic weapons, he would be slightly inferior if he did. Therefore, he also condensed another three- or four-zhang-long fire snake.
Xu Deyue could now concentrate on seven things at once, but the ice shield and the ice phoenix each required two thoughts to control. After condensing the ice jade rabbit, she still had some energy left.
But she felt there was no need to reveal too many of her trump cards.
A moment later,
Xu Deyue and Yan Kuangtu's spells dissipated.
"Fairy Xu, if our spells are evenly matched, let's settle this with our magical artifacts!"
Yan Kuangtu shouted, reaching into his storage bag and summoning a crimson flying sword.
Two patterns flowed across the sword's blade, one burning with fire, the other wrapped in lightning—it was the Crimson Lightning Flying Sword, a two-patterned magical artifact.
The flying sword roared as it left its sheath, transforming into a streak of crimson lightning that slashed directly at Xu Deyue.
Xu Deyue's eyes narrowed, and with a flick of her jade finger, a silver disc flew out from her sleeve. Moonlight swirled around the disc—it was the Taiyin Moon Wheel, a top-tier magical artifact she often used.
As the moon wheel spun, a chilling aura emanated from it as it met the Crimson Lightning Flying Sword.
"Clang!"
The sound of metal clashing resounded throughout the arena.
The Crimson Lightning Flying Sword, carrying the force of thunder and fire, struck the Taiyin Moon Wheel, causing lightning and fire to scatter and explode violently. The moon wheel was even shaken and slightly shrank back.
Taking advantage of the momentum, Yan Kuangtu intensified his power, the lightning and fire on his flying sword burning even brighter, gradually forcing back the chilling aura surrounding the Moon Wheel.
Xu Deyue's forehead was beaded with sweat, struggling to withstand the combined force of the lightning and fire.
The rotation of the Taiyin Moon Wheel slowed, clearly indicating it was at a disadvantage.
Moments later, the chilling aura around the Taiyin Moon Wheel dissipated, and the Moon Wheel was sent flying, crashing into the array's light barrier.
"Fairy Xu, this Moon Wheel magic weapon is indeed quite good, and it suits your own cultivation method, but it is ultimately just an ordinary top-tier magic weapon, far inferior to the two-pattern magic weapon I possess.
I've heard that 'Master Ling' is a member of your clan, so you must have no shortage of suitable two-pattern magic weapons.
Why not use it to fight me, otherwise, my victory would be dishonorable!"
A wild laugh rang out.
"Fellow Daoist Yan Han, your clansman truly lives up to his name of madman," Xu Chuan smiled faintly.
Yan Han clasped his hands and smiled, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Patriarch Xu."
"My cousin is always like this when he's fighting, even the elders of the clan have the same attitude."
"As expected of the genius the Yan family has been hiding, with his strength he's more than capable of entering the top ten of the genius list, getting a regular spot shouldn't be difficult.
I congratulate your Yan family."
"Patriarch Xu, you're too kind, but every time there's a grand gathering of geniuses, there are always dark horses who aren't on the lists of their respective prefectures, who defy the geniuses on the lists and thus gain fame.
Whether they can really enter, it's hard to say until the final results are out."
This young man is indeed composed, he will definitely be a pillar of the Yan family in the future.
Xu Deyue raised her fair hand, and the Taiyin Moon Wheel instantly transformed into a silver light and entered her sleeve. Then, with a slight turn of her wrist, a moon-white flying sword appeared out of thin air.
The sword's body was as clear as ice crystal, surrounded by a condensed and lingering cold aura.
"Fellow Daoist Yan, I have a sword technique. Please teach me. If you can block it, I will admit defeat!"
Xu Deyue's voice was cold, but it carried an undeniable determination.
As her words fell, she formed hand seals, unleashing her full magical power. A chilling aura mingled with moonlight, transforming into countless tiny ice stars that swirled around her.
"Moonlight!"
A clear shout rang out, and her moon-white flying sword suddenly soared into the air, its blade expanding several meters in length, transforming into a radiant crescent moon that crashed down towards Yan Kuangtu.
Wherever it passed, the air froze into frost, and a chilling mist filled the air.
"Haha, well done!"
Yan Kuangtu laughed again.
His hands rapidly formed hand seals, and the Crimson Lightning Flying Sword surged with lightning and fire, transforming into a crimson wall of flame
. Simultaneously, he shouted, "Lightning Fire Spreads Across the Plains!" Countless tiny arcs of lightning danced across the wall of fire.
The instant the Moonlight Sword struck, an extreme chill erupted, freezing the arcs of lightning on the wall of fire, which visibly condensed into ice.
Then, the faint glow of lightning and fire on the blade suddenly flared, and the ice shattered with a deafening roar.
The Crimson Thunder Flying Sword was sent flying backward by the impact. Yan Kuangtu felt as if he had been struck in the chest, spitting out a mouthful of blood and staggering back several steps, his face filled with disbelief.
"Young Master Yan, you flatter me."
Xu Deyue stood in the center, holding the Moonflower Sword. Although his plain clothes were slightly dusty, his posture remained upright, though his face was even paler, clearly indicating that he had expended a great deal of magical power.
As the master of the "Taiyin" Flying Sword, Xu Deyue could naturally use it, but even without unleashing its true power, a single strike would consume two or three tenths of his magical power.
This was the price!
And this was only because Murong Yun, the spirit of the weapon, shared the burden and reduced her pressure.
After all, the "Taiyin" was once a low-grade spiritual treasure, and even though its grade had dropped, it now possessed the power of a high-grade magic weapon, which was not something a Foundation Establishment cultivator could easily use.
Yan Kuangtu stood up, took out a healing pill from his storage bag and swallowed it. He clasped his hands and said, "Fairy Xu's strength is so great, yet she is only ranked fifteenth on the genius list.
Obviously, she didn't use her full strength in the competition.
Otherwise, she would be no less than the third-ranked 'Fairy Cangyue'."
Xu Chuan flicked his sleeve, dispelling the formation of the martial arts arena, and said to Yan Kuangtu who had come over, "Fellow Daoist Yan is injured. Would you like to recuperate at my Xu family?"
"No need. I have already taken a pill and am fine. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Farewell!"
After saying that, the two left the Xu residence.
"Brother Kuangtu, are you alright?" Yan Han asked with concern.
"It's alright. Do you think I'd be devastated by losing to a woman?" Yan Kuangtu laughed. "No, I'm only happy!
A mere Foundation Establishment family has such a genius; the Heavenly Pride Gathering is getting more and more interesting!
For me, enjoying the process of battle is more meaningful!"
"Besides, the final challenge of the Heavenly Pride Gathering is the Secret Realm Trial. I lost the normal match against Fairy Xu, but in a life-or-death battle, I'm confident I can beat her."
With that, the two left Yunxi Town and flew towards Xinsu City.
Meanwhile,
Ye Fan looked at Xu Deyue and said, "Are you alright? Yan Kuangtu actually managed to force you to use 'Taiyin,' so his strength is indeed not to be underestimated." Xu
Deyue shook his head and smiled faintly, "It's just that the mana consumption is a bit high." "
However, just from Yan Kuangtu alone, we can see that the geniuses of Tiancang Prefecture are not as simple as those on the list.
There are countless hidden geniuses in the entire Northwest region, and even the entire Tiannan." "
After all, the Tianjiao Grand Gathering is a grand event for the entire Tiannan, so naturally there are many hidden talents." Xu Chuan said, "Alright, go see Fei'er. He's been giving Mo Yue a real headache these days.
I think you should prepare a two-pattern ice-type magic weapon. Go to Huoyun Valley to find De Ling in a while and have her forge one for you.
'Taiyin' can be your last resort."
"Yes, Grandfather (Master)."
A few days later, Xu Deyue and Ye Fan went to Huoyun Valley and told Xu De Ling about this.
Xu De Ling immediately agreed.
Five or six days later.
A two-pattern magic weapon flying sword named "Tianshui" was successfully forged, with the "water" and "cold" patterns engraved on its blade.
The reason this magical artifact was forged was because Murong Yun planned to teach Xu Deyue the "Heavenly Water Sword Technique."
In her previous battle with Yan Kuangtu, she relied almost entirely on her cultivation technique and the artifact itself, while Yan Kuangtu also possessed the powerful Thunderfire Sword Technique.
This allowed her to slightly outmaneuver him without using the "Taiyin" technique.
Of course, part of the advantage was that the Taiyin Moon Wheel was inferior to his Crimson Thunder Flying Sword, and there was also a difference in their magical power.
"Yue'er, once you learn the first three forms of the Heavenly Water Sword Technique, at least during the Foundation Establishment stage, few will be able to completely defeat you in terms of technique."
"Thank you, Master!"
After receiving the Heavenly Water Sword, Xu Deyue began her seclusion. She focused
on improving her cultivation level, practicing the sword technique, and occasionally venturing out to reunite with her family.
Ye Fan did similar things.
Half a month later.
Fire Cloud Valley.
"De Ling, are you really going to refine a pill furnace for your first magic weapon? This is much more difficult to refine than ordinary flying swords and other magic weapons.
I know you want to give this magic weapon to your grandfather, but there's no need for that."
"Master, my mind is made up. You don't need to persuade me anymore. I believe I can succeed."
"Alright, then go into seclusion. During this time, I won't let anyone disturb you. You have enough materials for five sets. If it's not enough, I'll collect more for you." "
Thank you, Master."
Seeing the door to the weapon-refining room close and the restrictions activated, True Person Huo Yun's eyes flashed with anticipation.
If he succeeds this time, De Ling will be a third-tier weapon refiner, or even a high-tier weapon refiner, or a weapon-refining grandmaster.
Huo Yun had never seen anyone in the Heavenly Forging Sect improve their weapon-refining skills to this extent while only at the Foundation Establishment stage.
"Ling'er, don't disappoint your master," Master Huoyun murmured. "Your master is waiting for you to help me achieve glory."
He planned to take Xu Deling to the Heavenly Forging Sect once she successfully forged the magic weapon, to challenge it again and fulfill the vow she made years ago.
Forging a magic weapon is not easy even for a Golden Core cultivator; it cannot be accomplished in just a few days.
As for Foundation Establishment cultivators, over 99% of them haven't even scratched the surface of magic weapon forging.
Forging it is naturally even more difficult.
Success in a month or two is considered fast.
If she fails repeatedly, it would be perfectly normal for Xu Deling's seclusion to take half a year.
Chapter 264 Cloud Lake Gathering: Geniuses Gather (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
Xu Deling possesses profound knowledge in the art of weapon crafting.
Her weapon crafting techniques are inherited from the ancient Azure Dragon Sect's weapon crafting tradition. While not the absolute best, they are still among the top tier.
Her cultivation method is the Golden Core chapter of the top-tier cultivation technique that leads directly to the Mahayana stage, the Crimson Emperor Fire Emperor Scripture.
Her
control and comprehension of flames are rarely surpassed by any other fire-based cultivation method.
Fire Cloud Valley's unique terrain makes it an excellent place for weapon crafting.
The flames required for weapon crafting are also true flames at the Golden Core level, making the refining of third-tier materials no problem at all.
Xu Deling's divine sense entered the Golden Core stage, making her no different from an early-stage Golden Core cultivator.
After comprehending second-tier weapon patterns, due to her innate talent, she comprehended other weapon patterns even more efficiently. Even True Person Fire Cloud was unaware of how many second-tier weapon patterns Xu Deling had comprehended.
Even ordinary weapon-refining masters might not be as adept at understanding weapon patterns as she is.
Compared to Golden Core stage weapon-refining masters, Xu Deling's only shortcomings are her own magical power and the pressure inherent in a Golden Core cultivator.
These foundations are the basis for Xu Deling's confidence in refining a pill furnace as her first magic weapon!
Once she succeeds, her weapon-refining skills will even approach those of True Person Huoyun.
After all, True Person Huoyun is only a third-tier low-grade weapon refiner, only with a higher success rate than ordinary third-tier low-grade weapon refiners.
However, after obtaining the weapon-refining inheritance of the Azure Dragon Sect, he is not far from refining a mid-grade magic weapon.
Many late-stage Golden Core cultivators' natal magic weapons only reach the level of mid-grade magic weapons, and as for high-grade magic weapons, only a few late-stage Golden Core cultivators possess them.
Some cultivators who have just entered the Nascent Soul stage also use high-grade magic weapons.
Like Xu Deyue, if she were to enter the Golden Core stage one day and fully refine the "Taiyin," she would have the strength to fight against a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, and even have the opportunity to kill them.
Time passed day by day.
One material after another was refined by the true flames of the Golden Core level.
Whenever her mana dropped below 50%, Xu Deling would consume a high-grade Condensing True Power Pill to restore it.
Her divine sense, being powerful, could sustain her for longer.
However, over time, the consumption was considerable.
She used high-grade Divine Sense Pills to replenish her divine sense.
Whether it was a Divine Sense Pill, a Spirit Advancement Pill, or a Spirit Nourishing Pill, although they had no effect on Xu Deling's growth, they did have the effect of restoring her depleted divine sense.
The Xu family was not lacking in pills, so Xu Deling was not stingy in this regard.
The four steps of refining a magic weapon are: first, the materials are melted and refined individually, as much as possible; second
, they are mixed according to the material ratio. An error in this step will greatly affect the quality of the magic weapon.
The next step is shaping, refining it into a magic weapon embryo.
Refining techniques can speed up this process; some exquisite techniques can even improve the quality of the magic weapon embryo, further removing impurities.
If this step is completed, there will be no further opportunity to remove impurities.
Of course, the most common process of removing impurities from the materials is still in the first step.
The final step is inscribing second-tier artifact patterns. These patterns, containing various profound powers, can endow or enhance the inherent attributes of a magical artifact.
Any mistake in any of these steps will, at best, affect the quality of the magical artifact, and at worst, lead to a failed forging process, rendering it a waste.
Tiancang Sect.
Liu Family.
"Sister, are you going to hold a small gathering of geniuses?"
a young man asked in surprise. Standing before him was a woman wearing a white veil, her figure as slender as newly sprouted bamboo in spring, delicate yet strong. She
wore a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) that reached her ankles, the hem embroidered with dark silver flowing cloud patterns, and a matching jade belt around her waist, cinching her slender waist.
Her eyes were like ink-black spring water, the pupils jet black and clear, the corners slightly upturned but without any allure, instead adding a touch of aloofness and sharpness.
When she looked at the young man, her gaze was as still as a deep pool, seemingly able to see into his heart.
Her eyelashes were long like butterfly wings, casting pale shadows beneath her eyes as they fell. Occasionally, she would raise a hand to brush the edge of her veil, revealing slender wrists with clearly defined joints, and skin that was almost translucent and fair.
A faint fragrance lingered around her, neither orchid nor musk, but like the crisp scent of plum blossoms after a snowfall.
This woman was Liu Yue, ranked fifth on the Genius Ranking, and the man before her was her younger brother, Liu Feng.
At the peak of the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, he was also a genius of the Liu family, but unfortunately, he was too young and his cultivation was insufficient; otherwise, he would surely be on the Genius Ranking as well, vying for a spot in the Heavenly Pride Gathering.
"According to past experience, Tiancang Prefecture, under the auspices of Tiancang Sect, first selects thirty-six of the most outstanding Foundation Establishment geniuses, and then they go to Xuan Yue Prefecture to compete for the title of Heavenly Pride.
More than three hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators from the eight prefectures are vying for seventy-two spots. Besides their own strength, choosing good allies is also extremely important."
Hearing this, Liu Feng pondered for a moment and said, "Sister, do you mean you want to take this opportunity to find a few collaborators?"
"Exactly."
"Then holding a small gathering of geniuses in your name is a piece of cake, after all, you have many admirers."
Liu Feng chuckled twice, "I'll take care of it right away."
"Don't be hasty, do you know the location I want to hold it and the people I want to invite?"
"That's right, the location is very important, it has to be convenient for travel. Tiancang Sect is definitely not suitable, and neither is our Liu family's territory. It should be a place that is convenient for everyone and has a pleasant scenery."
Liu Feng muttered to himself, then suddenly his eyes lit up and he said, "I know a place that is very suitable."
"Yunxi Town is relatively close to the Tiancang Mountains. It is located at varying distances from the seven cities and three sects of Tiancang, but overall it is considered to be in the middle.
There is a Yunhu Lake thirty miles to the north.
Genius gatherings can be held on the shore of Yunhu Lake, and it is called the "Yunhu Gathering".
"The 'Fairy of Cold Moon,' who is on par with you, belongs to the family of Yunxi, and Yunhu Lake is also within their sphere of influence.
It shouldn't be a problem to have them temporarily lend Yunhu Lake to our Liu family for the 'Yunhu Small Gathering.'
After all, no matter what, the Xu family is only a Foundation Establishment family; they shouldn't dare offend our Liu family."
Liu Yue raised her eyes to look at Liu Feng, her eyes behind her veil seemingly holding a glimmer of light. Without any urgency, she simply said, "Yunxi Town? The shores of Yunhu Lake?"
After a moment's thought, she added, "If we use force to coerce them into lending the land, it might give them ammunition, defeating the purpose of the small gathering.
It would be better if you sent someone with gifts to discuss this matter, showing the sincerity of our Liu family while also giving the Xu family face.
After all, the title of 'Fairy of Cold Moon' carries considerable weight among the younger generation of Tiancang Prefecture."
"I know what to do, and I will handle things perfectly," Liu Feng said with a carefree smile, patting his chest.
Seeing his expression, a faint warmth flickered in Liu Yue's eyes beneath her veil. She slowly nodded, "In that case, go and prepare.
The gifts you bring need not be too expensive.
When you meet the Xu family, speak humbly and do not put on airs as a member of the Liu family.
The Xu family is on good terms with five Golden Core cultivators and has considerable connections. Do not be disrespectful just because they are a Foundation Establishment family."
Liu Feng agreed to everything and turned to leave, but Liu Yue called him back, "Remember, this trip is only to borrow land. Do not say anything else to avoid causing any trouble."
"I understand!" Liu Feng replied and strode away, his steps light.
————————————
Two days later.
Yunxi Town, the main hall of the Xu family mansion.
Xu Chuan, Xu Mingxian, and Xu Deyue were all in seclusion. Ye Fan was receiving guests in the main hall.
"Tiancang Sect, the Liu family?"
"Indeed, my elder sister, 'Fairy Cangyue,' I think you should have heard of her, Brother Ye." "
Of course, I've heard of it, but I've never seen it before."
"This time, my elder sister is preparing to hold a 'Yunhu Small Gathering' on the shore of Yunhu Lake in Yunxi Town. Please lend the south bank of Yunhu Lake to my Liu family for the time being.
My Liu family will make all the necessary preparations for the gathering."
Ye Fan thought for a moment and nodded, "That's fine, but there are many fishermen and spirit farmers on the shore of Yunhu Lake. I hope Brother Liu won't injure them, and the surrounding spirit fields are also part of my Xu family's property.
I don't want any conflict to arise because of this."
"Haha, Brother Ye, you've made it so clear. I will remember it and instruct my Liu family to act carefully. If there is any injury or damage, we will definitely make compensation." Ye Fan
smiled faintly.
Soon, the "Yunhu Small Gathering" held in the name of "Fairy Cangyue" spread throughout all the forces in Tiancang Prefecture.
This small gathering will be held on the fifth day of the fifth month, which is half a month later, on the south bank of Yunhu Lake, thirty miles north of Yunxi Town.
Xu Deyue is a member of the Xu family of Yunxi, and now everyone knows that.
Many people who received the invitations were quite interested in the fact that "Fairy Cangyue" was holding a small gathering at the Xu family's location.
They speculated whether there was a special reason behind it.
Perhaps the two families were on good terms?
The top fifty on the genius list, as well as some possibly hidden geniuses, were all invited.
Xu Deyue was naturally among those invited. Ye
Fan, as the host who provided the venue, was also invited.
In the blink of an eye, it was the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
On the south bank of Yunhu Lake,
the lake surface was like a piece of green silk, and a gentle breeze rippled out fine golden waves.
Willows drooped along the shore, their new leaves glistening with dew. When the wind blew, the willow branches lightly brushed the water's surface, startling a few silver scales that quickly disappeared into the lake, leaving only ripples spreading outwards.
Not far away, calamus grew in clusters, its green sword-like leaves standing upright on the shore. In
the open space on the shore, seven or eight wooden pavilions built by the Liu family stood scattered, their roofs covered with light gray thatch, and small copper bells hanging from the eaves, their chimes clear and crisp when the wind blew.
Scattered throughout the pavilion were blue stone tables and benches, their surfaces polished smooth. Porcelain cups and tea canisters were already laid out on them, and servants from the Liu family were serving tea to the invitees.
By this time, quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators had arrived.
Their attire varied, and their auras were distinct.
In the eastern pavilion, a young man dressed in dark, close-fitting clothes, a long sword at his waist, was discussing magic with a woman in green beside him. His slender fingers occasionally gestured on the stone table, his brows radiating sharpness.
On a stone bench to the west, a girl in a pink dress played with a jade pendant at her waist. The pendant glowed with spiritual light, clearly a low-grade magic artifact, but her gaze frequently drifted towards the center of the lake, as if anticipating someone's arrival.
Several others, dressed in sect attire, stood either gazing at Cloud Lake from the pavilion's edge or sipping tea around stone tables, their bodies subtly radiating magical energy. Those
who came here were mostly at the peak of Foundation Establishment.
Just then, two figures broke through the air and arrived.
The man wore a crimson-gold robe, while the woman wore a simple, light blue robe, the fabric as light as mist.
The two were Ye Fan and Xu Deyue.
They approached Liu Yue and Liu Feng, clasping their hands in greeting, "Brother Liu, 'Fairy Cangyue,' are you and my wife not late?
Yue'er just emerged from seclusion, and we rushed here."
Liu Feng was seeing Xu Deyue for the first time, and his heart fluttered; he felt her beauty was no less than his elder sister's.
"No wonder she can be ranked alongside my elder sister. Xu Deyue is indeed outstanding; it's just a pity she's already become a Daoist partner so early."
In Tiannan, those with exceptional talent, regardless of gender, don't consider Daoist partners for the time being, but rather wait until their strength reaches a certain level and their progress slows down before considering such matters.
Of course, it's also possible that they marry into other families for some benefit.
As for the main force of procreation, it's naturally those clansmen with aptitude below the True Spiritual Root level.
Liu Yue parted her lips slightly, a gentle smile playing on her lips, and said calmly, "The presence of 'Fairy Cold Moon' adds considerable luster to the 'Cloud Lake Gathering.'
In our Tiancang Prefecture, only 'Fairy Flame Moon' from the Yan family of Fangsu City remains in March."
Many people came to talk to Xu Deyue.
Xu Deyue returned their greetings one by one.
Suddenly, an inappropriate voice rang out, "Brother Liu, this 'Cloud Lake Gathering' is supposed to be a top-tier gathering for Foundation Establishment cultivators, so why invite someone who hasn't even reached the late Foundation Establishment stage?
Doesn't this make us look bad?"
The speaker was a cultivator dressed in a royal blue brocade robe, who glanced at them sideways.
"So it's Senior Brother Yun Yi, the esteemed disciple of True Person Black Wind of the Horned Cang Sect. This time, the Xu family lent Cloud Lake to my Liu family; shouldn't they at least invite Brother Ye? Moreover,
although Brother Ye's cultivation level is weak, his actual combat strength is quite remarkable." " Even if someone
at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment is strong, can they stand on equal footing with us Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators?"
Ye Fan frowned.
Liu Yue said, "Fellow Daoist Yun, all those who have come today are guests of the Liu family. How about giving me some face?"
Yun Yi glanced at Liu Yue. Even without considering her, the Liu family behind her was worthy of his respect.
"Since 'Fairy Cangyue' has said so, I, Yun, will naturally give her face. However, I have some grudges with the Xu family. Today, he withstood three of my moves, so I will not interfere further."
Yun Yi was responsible for liaising between True Immortal Heifeng and the Fang family of Yunxi. Each time, he could obtain a large amount of spirit stones from the Fang family.
Now that the Fang family had been destroyed by the Xu family, and True Immortal Heifeng had given up on causing trouble for the Xu family, he had lost this extra source of spirit stones. How could he not feel resentful?
However, since his master, True Immortal Heifeng, had given up on causing trouble for the Xu family, he naturally did not dare to provoke them alone.
The "Yunhu Small Gathering" was a gathering of Foundation Establishment cultivators, and since members of the Xu family were also among the invitees, he naturally did not want to miss this opportunity.
He could not kill them, but he had to humiliate them to vent his anger.
As for strength, he was just one place ahead of Xu Deyue, and his strength was definitely not weak, ranking second among the younger generation of Jiao Cang Sect.
However, to vent his anger, he naturally chose to pick on the weak.
That was the reason he targeted Ye Fan.
Many people looked at Yun Yi with disdain in their eyes.
However, they were also curious about what grudge made Yun Yi, a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator, keep targeting the sixth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Xu family.
"Master, is it Black Wind True Person of Jiao Cang Sect?"
"Indeed."
"I see, I understand now. Brother Yun is targeting me because of this old matter. I can only say that your heart is as small as a needle." "
Haha, Fellow Daoist Ye, are you sure you are referring to Brother Yun's heart, and not other parts of his body?"
Upon hearing this, the people around immediately understood and burst into laughter.
"Looking for death!"
Yun Yi was about to condense a palm and strike Ye Fan hard.
But a cold sword light suddenly appeared, the light flashing past his eyes.
Everyone saw a flash of silver light, and Xu Deyue moved slightly, a long sword appearing in her hand without anyone noticing.
The sword's blade was as white as autumn water; it was the Tianshui Sword, which she had acquired just over a month ago.
"Dare to say that again?"
At this moment, the tip of her sword was pointed diagonally, the blade firmly against Yun Yi's throat, and a chilling aura instantly surged and spread around her.
The lake water on the shore began to freeze.
With the sword tip pressed against his throat, Yun Yi felt a chill spread from his neck throughout his body.
A warning rose in his heart; he began to doubt whether he, ranked one place higher than her, could truly defeat her!
Yun Yi looked at Ye Fan and said, "What, are you going to hide behind a woman?"
"I have to say, no wonder you're a live-in son-in-law, you're perfectly comfortable living off a woman!"
Ye Fan chuckled lightly, pressing Xu Deyue's hand down, "Yue'er, give your husband a chance to prove himself, otherwise any Tom, Dick, or Harry will jump out and question you. It's
really annoying."
Xu Deyue looked at Ye Fan's face for a moment, then flicked her wrist, shrinking the Heavenly Water Sword and sending it flying back into her storage bag. She then stepped back, clearing the battlefield.
Yan Kuangtu transmitted his voice to Yan Han, saying, "See that? That sword isn't the flying sword I fought last time. Its aura is fluctuating, and it's in no way weaker than my Crimson Thunder Flying Sword.
As expected of the Xu family, having a top-notch weapon-refining master is so convenient. It hasn't been long before they've crafted a matching two-pattern magic weapon."
Yan Han remained silent, but sighed inwardly, "My brother, is this something to be happy about?"
Ye Fan clasped his hands towards Liu Yue and said, "Fairy Liu, I'm truly sorry that the 'Cloud Lake Gathering' you were hosting has been disrupted because of my Xu family's affairs."
The difference in their demeanor was immediately apparent.
Anyone who wasn't stupid, or didn't have a grudge against the Xu family, would definitely choose Ye Fan as a friend.
"Fellow Daoist Ye, what are you saying? Not all the invited people have arrived yet, so it's not officially started. Since you and Fellow Daoist Yun have a grudge, then so be it.
Of course, let's stop here.
If anyone tries to commit a crime intentionally, I won't stand idly by."
Liu Yue glanced at Yun Yi intentionally or unintentionally out of the corner of her eye.
"Of course."
Everyone stepped aside.
Standing beside Xu Deyue, Liu Yue asked softly, "Fairy Xu, what grudge does Fellow Daoist Yun hold against your Xu family?"
Xu Deyue looked at the two facing off and said coldly, "Before my Xu family took over Yunxi Town, did Fairy Liu know that Yunxi was controlled by the three top Foundation Establishment families: Yuan, Fang, and Hua?" "I've
heard a little about it. The Yuan and Fang families were wiped out by your Xu family, but the Hua family survived, though their influence has diminished considerably."
"Yunxi Town is considered one of the top towns in the entire Tiancang Prefecture, solely because it possesses a second-tier spiritual vein, serving as the foundation for Golden Core families.
The reason these three major families have dominated Yunxi Town for over a century is because they have Golden Core True Persons protecting them.
The Hua family has some connections with the current Sect Master Feng of the Qingmu Sect, the Yuan family is backed by True Person Yanshan of the Qingcang Sect, and the Fang family by True Person Heifeng.
These two families offer a large sum of spirit stones to their respective True Persons every year."
Liu Yue, being a clever person, immediately understood everything. "It's because the Fang family was destroyed, which also caused him to lose a stable source of income.
However, this happened six or seven years ago.
No wonder Fellow Daoist Ye said he was as narrow-minded as a needlepoint.
Even his master no longer holds a grudge, yet he still harbors resentment; that's how narrow-minded he is.
In this matter, I should apologize to both of you."
"The incident happened suddenly, and Fairy Liu is unaware of the details. As the saying goes, ignorance is no excuse."
Suddenly,
two beams of red light shot out from afar, their scorching aura detectable from a distance.
A phoenix's cry rang out.
Someone exclaimed, "Fairy Yan Yue has arrived!"
A moment later,
a man and a woman arrived.
The woman was Yan Fengwu, and the man was Yan Yue, who had once sparred with Xu Deling in weapon crafting; he possessed the Yang Fire Spirit Body of the Yan family.
"Senior Brother Yan Yue, you've come too."
Liu Yue bowed slightly to Yan Yue.
Yan Yue said, "Junior Sister Liu, you're too kind. I heard from my younger sister that you were holding a small gathering at Cloud Lake, so I insisted on coming to join in the fun. I hope Junior Sister Liu doesn't mind."
"Of course not. Senior Brother Yan Yue is a top-tier weapon crafting master; who here wouldn't welcome you?"
Many people stepped forward to greet Yan Yue and Yan Fengwu.
Yan Yue glanced around, seemingly somewhat disappointed.
"Big Brother, I'm a little disappointed not to see the person I wanted to see!" Yan Fengwu said with a smile, transmitting her voice.
Yan Yue ignored her and inquired about what had happened.
Someone immediately explained.
Then, Yan Yue looked at Ye Fan and Yun Yi.
Everyone else turned their attention to the two.
"Fellow Daoist Yun, are you also trying to curry favor with Master Yan Yue?"
"Hmph."
Yun Yi snorted coldly, withdrawing his gaze. "Ye Fan, since you're so eager to be taught a lesson by me, then I, Yun, will grant your wish."
With that, he flipped his right palm, and earth-elemental magic power condensed in his palm, transforming into a half-foot square earth-yellow palm print. Fragments of stone flowed between the palm lines, and he struck down towards Ye Fan's head.
The power of a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator combined with his technique was extraordinary, carrying a heavy pressure.
He seemed to want to see Ye Fan kneel before him.
Ye Fan clenched his fists, his right arm suddenly bulging, clearly a size larger than his left.
His whole body flashed with crimson light, especially his arms and fists, which were covered in orange spiritual fire, resembling a miniature fire dragon.
He punched towards the earth-yellow palm print.
"Supreme Yang Flame? This magical aura seems to originate from the same source as Junior Sister De Ling."
Yan Yue himself possessed a Yang Fire Spiritual Body, making him naturally sensitive to Yang attribute spiritual fire.
"Bang!"
The earthen-yellow palm print collided with Ye Fan's fist, shattering inch by inch, though blood still flowed from his fist.
Everyone was shocked. He
actually withstood a blow from a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator without using any magical artifacts?!
They knew that in their own situation, they would have to use their strongest magical artifacts to barely withstand it.
Because the gap between Foundation Establishment Perfection and Foundation Establishment Level 6 was that vast, like a chasm.
And now, that chasm had actually been crossed?
"If Ye Fan were also at Foundation Establishment Perfection now, do you think he would have a place in the top three of the Genius Ranking?" someone murmured.
Everyone fell silent upon hearing this.
Yun Yi snorted coldly, not seeing the scene he wanted to see, his eyes showing dissatisfaction. He flicked his hand across his storage bag, and a jet-black iron rod suddenly flew out.
With immense magical power, the staff swept out, aiming directly for Ye Fan's waist.
The speed of the strike was incredibly fast, the wind carrying earth-elemental pressure, causing the air around Ye Fan to stagnate.
A set of crimson-gold battle armor suddenly appeared on his body. A
semi-transparent crimson light barrier automatically condensed several inches around the armor.
The iron staff struck the semi-transparent crimson light barrier; Ye Fan wasn't severely injured, but was forced back several steps, though some cracks appeared in the light barrier.
Yun Yi's pupils contracted; he hadn't expected Ye Fan to withstand an attack using a magical weapon.
However, there would never be a next time!
"Ye Fan, take my third move!"
He gripped the staff with both hands, holding the black iron staff upright in front of him, and earth-elemental magical power surged into it wildly.
The staff swelled several meters, transforming into a giant earthen pillar covered in rock-like patterns. Simultaneously, he shouted, "Earth-Splitting Staff Technique—Mountain Collapse!"
A yellowish-brown spiritual light emanated from the top of the pillar, carrying the power to shatter mountains and split rocks, as it crashed down towards Ye Fan. The combined power of the magical weapon and the technique was overwhelming, its force causing many present to tremble with fear.
Ye Fan's expression turned solemn. A flash of crimson light appeared on his hands, revealing a pair of gauntlets, also crimson-gold, perfectly matching his battle armor.
He channeled his fire-elemental magic to its maximum, frantically pouring it into the gauntlets and battle armor.
The patterns on the gauntlets resonated with those on the battle armor, causing flames to surge three feet, making him appear like a fire demon.
His aura surged to a level comparable to the peak of the eighth level of Foundation Establishment.
"Flame Emperor Fist!"
"Boom!"
The fiery fist collided with the earthen pillar, scattering flames and rubble.
Ye Fan was sent flying backward, his fiery armor's defensive light barrier shattering instantly, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.
Yun Yi was also struck by the recoil, his internal organs trembling, a metallic taste rising in his throat, which he forcefully suppressed.
He staggered back four or five steps, the earth patterns on his black iron rod dimming slightly, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"How is this possible?!" Yun Yi staggered.
"What's impossible?" At this moment, Yan Yue stepped forward and said, "If I'm not mistaken, Brother Ye's armor and gauntlets are both second-level magic weapons.
How many people here can afford such extravagance?
In addition, his combat strength is already comparable to the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, so it's no surprise that he could withstand your attack."
Then, he looked at Ye Fan and said, "This was crafted for you by Junior Sister De Ling, wasn't it?"
Junior Sister?
Ye Fan was stunned for a moment, then nodded slightly.
"Didn't Junior Sister Deling attend the 'Cloud Lake Gathering'?"
"Sister Ling should be in seclusion in Fire Cloud Valley. Even if she comes out, she doesn't plan to participate in the Heavenly Pride Gathering, so she probably won't come."
"That makes sense."
Hearing this, everyone understood that Yan Yue had come here for Xu Deling.
However, they were also very curious about her.
After all, very few people present had ever seen Xu Deling.
However, another crimson glow came from afar.
Sensing this aura, Ye Fan and Xu Deyue exchanged a glance, revealing surprised expressions, "Sister Ling?!"
The newcomer was indeed Xu Deling.
In fact, no sooner had Ye Fan and the others left the Xu residence than True Person Fire Cloud and Xu Deling arrived.
Xu Deling had naturally come to deliver the magic treasure alchemy furnace.
Xu Chuan looked at the three-foot-tall alchemy furnace that Xu Deling held in her hands, his eyes filled with joy.
The furnace was dark gold in color, its material neither jade nor gold, its surface gleaming with a warm luster, with spiritual energy faintly flowing within it.
At the very center of the furnace, a Tai Chi diagram floated silently, its black and white halos intertwined.
The yin fish's eyes were inlaid with crimson fire patterns, while the yang fish's eyes were adorned with pale blue water patterns, subtly implying the mutual generation of yin and yang, and the harmony of water and fire.
Surrounding the Tai Chi diagram were eight trigrams: Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui, each clearly defined, its edges engraved with intricate runes.
The furnace's handles were shaped like dragon heads, each holding a ring in its mouth, the ring also bearing patterns connecting to the eight trigrams on the furnace body.
"Grandfather, this is Ling'er's first magical artifact, named the 'Eight Trigrams Alchemy Furnace,' a gift to you in the hope that you will make further progress in your alchemy practice.
When infused with magical power, this furnace can generate true flames at the Golden Core level, which will certainly aid you in refining third-tier elixirs.
Furthermore, it can also serve as an offensive and defensive artifact, though it is not particularly outstanding in these aspects compared to other magical artifacts." "
That's enough, thank you Ling'er."
"By the way, Grandfather, when we came, we sensed Ye Fan and De Yue. Were they heading towards Yunhu Lake?"
"Indeed, the Liu family of the Tiancang Sect is using our Xu family's location on the south bank of Yunhu Lake to host the 'Yunhu Small Gathering,' inviting all the top geniuses from the Tiancang Prefecture.
I suspect that 'Fairy Cangyue' intends to use this opportunity to select allies."
"All those underhanded tricks." True Person Huoyun said disdainfully, "If De Ling participated in the Heavenly Pride Gathering, she would definitely be able to secure a place on the Heavenly Pride Ranking."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly upon hearing this, "Is the 'Fire Emperor True Eye' almost at the beginner level?"
"Stuck at a bottleneck, probably still two or three steps away from truly mastering it."
"It seems that cultivating eye-type supernatural abilities is indeed difficult." Xu Chuan sighed.
"That's natural," said Master Huoyun. "Most people can't even reach the basic requirements for cultivation. De Ling possesses a fire-type innate spiritual eye, giving her a much higher starting point for cultivation."
He paused, then added, "Next, I plan to take De Ling on a journey to take care of some business and see if I can secure a transformative opportunity for her.
If successful, it will be much easier for her to form her core, and she might succeed within ten years!"
"What kind of opportunity?" Xu Chuan was slightly surprised.
"You don't need to worry about that. I certainly wouldn't harm my own disciple."
"I naturally trust you, senior."
"Well, it's settled then. We plan to set off in a few days."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly, looked at Xu Deling, and suddenly had a premonition. He calculated with his fingers and smiled faintly, "Deling, why don't you also go to Yunhu?
Someone has come specifically for you."
"Grandfather, who is it?"
"You'll find out when you get there. And since you're going on a long journey, you probably won't be back for a while. You can also spar with the younger generation of Tiancang Prefecture.
That way, you'll have a better understanding of their strength when you're out there."
Xu Deling nodded thoughtfully. "I understand, Grandfather. I'll go to Yunhu now."
After she left,
Huoyun Zhenren picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and said, "You won't let Deling go there casually. Is something wrong?"
"It's nothing serious. I see that Deling seems to be bound by a marriage thread."
"What?!" Huoyun Zhenren, who had been calm, almost spat out his tea upon hearing this.
"This isn't a big deal?!" he exclaimed angrily, "Tell me, which bastard is after my disciple?!"
Xu Chuan's lips twitched slightly.
Even I, his own grandfather, am not as agitated as you!
However, her protective expression warmed his heart; it was clear he regarded Xu Deling as his own daughter.
Although it's said that a teacher for a day is a father for life,
the cultivation world is cruel, and betrayals between teachers and disciples are commonplace.
How many truly treat their disciples like their own children?
A person with Huoyun Zhenren's personality is truly rare; because of his unpredictable temper, he has the nickname "Fire Cloud Old Monster."
"Tell me, or I'll go to Yunhu myself!"
Xu Chuan laughed heartily. "Speaking of this person, was it you who recruited him, Senior?"
"Me?"
"Yan Yue, a disciple of True Person Chi Huo!" Xu Chuan said, "Perhaps many years ago, after sparring with De Ling and losing to her, a sliver of affection developed in his heart."
"That boy?!" True Person Huo Yun was stunned. "Although he has extraordinary talent in weapon crafting and his aptitude is also quite good, with the backing of the Yan family and Chi Huo, his chances of becoming a Golden Core cultivator in the future are not small.
But to become my disciple's Daoist partner is simply a dream!
Xu Chuan, you wouldn't want to see that either, would you?"
"As long as De Ling herself is willing, I have no objection. Of course, De Ling also understands the rules of my Xu family; she will never marry outside." "
Only marrying into the family, then this old man is at ease." True Person Huo Yun stroked his beard and smiled, his expression changing.