Family Rise: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 621 Escape, Change of Control of the Mountain Gate, Frenzied Revenge
Without even glancing at the door, Luo Xu kicked open the tightly closed courtyard gate and rushed straight into the inner room, which was still filled with decadent music.

Inside the room, Luo Hao was flirting with his alluring concubine, whose clothes were disheveled. His mood was interrupted, and his face immediately showed strong displeasure and hostility: "Luo Xu! How dare you! You dare to trespass into my courtyard, do you have a death wish?!"

"Young Master! Something terrible has happened! The Soul Hall... the Soul Hall..." Luo Xu fell to his knees with a thud, his voice filled with sobs and extreme fear, "The soul lamps of the Clan Chief and all the Elders... have all been extinguished!"

"What?!" Luo Hao's displeasure froze instantly, replaced by absurdity and disbelief. "Bullshit! What nonsense are you spouting! My Luo family has sent out all its elite forces, how could this be..."

"It's absolutely true, young master! How could I dare to joke about such a thing! Clan leader... their soul lamps have all gone out!" Luo Xu kowtowed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.

Luo Hao felt as if struck by lightning. He jerked up from the bed, a chill running from his feet to the top of his head, instantly sobering him up considerably. He could distrust Xu, but the Soul Lamp couldn't be faked! The family's main Golden Core cultivator... was it really over?
If he's the only one left at the early Golden Core stage... then this Luo family stronghold...

He suddenly remembered his father's repeated instructions before he left—"Keep a close eye on the mountain-protecting array at all times!" An unprecedented panic gripped his heart!

"Formation! Quickly! Follow me to the formation's core, close the mountain gate, and activate the highest level of defense!" Luo Hao's voice was shrill. He could no longer care about anything else and rushed out, his clothes disheveled. As long as they could hold the great formation, with the foundation laid by their centuries-old stronghold, they might not be unable to survive like the Tianyin Tribe!
However, as soon as he rushed out of the courtyard, he suddenly stopped, his face turning ashen.

Above the entire Luo family stronghold, the familiar light blue protective array, originally powered by the Luo family's spiritual energy, had been replaced by a blazing crimson light screen with flowing Vermilion Bird totems! The light screen emanated a scorching and repulsive aura, firmly sealing off the entire stronghold!

He hurriedly probed the central control console of the array with his divine sense.

The next moment, he "saw" the scene inside the control panel—two cultivators dressed in the attire of the Vermilion Bird Tribe, whose auras had clearly reached the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, were leisurely standing in front of the main array plate. One of them even looked up, as if through layers of obstacles, and gave him a cold, mocking smile.

The clansmen who were supposed to be on duty there, including the formation master Elder Li, were all gone!

Finished!

The Luo family's centuries-old legacy is finished!
All his hopes and illusions shattered at that moment. Luo Hao felt ice-cold all over, his heart ashen. But then, a surge of overwhelming anger and the humiliation of betrayal suddenly welled up inside him!
How could the Suzaku tribe have infiltrated the core array so precisely? Unless... there's a traitor among them!

He turned his head sharply, his bloodshot eyes fixed on his favored concubine, Liu, who had just followed him out from the inner room, her clothes disheveled, her face showing a hint of panic and innocence.

It was her! It must be that bitch! She tricked me into leaving, she let the wolf into the house!
"You bitch! I'll kill you!!" Luo Hao roared like a wild beast, all his fear and despair transforming into a destructive impulse. He gave Liu Shi no chance to explain, his golden core surging wildly, gathering all his magical power, and unleashing a powerful punch towards the exquisite courtyard and Liu Shi within it!
A thick beam of spiritual energy, containing all the rage of a Golden Core cultivator, crashed down like a meteor!
"No—!" Liu only managed to let out a short scream.

"Boom!!!"

The deafening roar shook the entire stronghold. The luxurious courtyard instantly disintegrated under the violent energy impact, with bricks, stones, and wood chips flying everywhere and dust billowing into the sky. Liu Shi and all the servants inside were reduced to dust by this one punch!
...

...

Inside the central control panel of the formation, the short, stocky Chi Tu saw through the formation screen the scene of Luo Hao slaughtering his concubine, acting like a madman. He grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"Hey, this little rabbit will bite when cornered? Yingque, you stay here and watch this tortoise shell. I'm going to stretch my muscles and crush this little bug!" He twisted his thick neck, making a cracking sound, clearly not taking Luo Hao, who had just broken through to the early stage of the Golden Core realm, seriously.

The Shadow Sparrow, standing silently like a shadow to the side, frowned slightly and said in a hoarse voice, "Let's finish this quickly and avoid any unforeseen complications."

"I know!" Chi Tu waved his hand impatiently, and with a swift movement, he shot out of the control panel like a cannonball, bringing with him a scorching gust of wind, heading straight for Luo Hao's location.

Luo Hao had just killed his concubine, and the violence in his heart had not yet subsided when he felt an incomparably powerful and oppressive aura of a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator lock onto him and rapidly approach! He looked up and saw the bald, burly man charging towards him with a ferocious grin, like a god of fire descending to earth, moving at an incredible speed!

The shadow of death instantly loomed over my heart.

"Elder Xu! Stop him! Buy me some time!" Luo Hao's face was deathly pale, his voice shrill. He shoved the still-shaken Pseudo-Core Elder Luo Xu towards the direction Chi Tu was coming from. He himself turned without hesitation and fled frantically towards the most fortified patriarch's mansion.

"All Luo family members, listen to my command! Form ranks! Defend the mansion to the death! I have sent out a distress signal, and reinforcements will arrive in an instant! As long as you hold the position, the family will reward you handsomely!" Luo Hao shouted loudly as he fled, channeling his spiritual power. His voice echoed throughout half of the stronghold.

Upon hearing this, some of the Luo family cultivators who were still resisting or at a loss grasped at straws and flocked to the family head's mansion, attempting to rely on the restrictions there for a final resistance.

Elder Luo Xu, who was pushed out by Luo Hao, couldn't even muster the slightest thought of resistance when facing the murderous Chi Tu. He could only roar in despair and symbolically summon a shield magic weapon.

"Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot!" Chi Tu laughed wildly, neither dodging nor avoiding, and threw a punch directly!
"boom!"

The high-quality shield, along with Elder Luo Xu behind it, was torn apart and shattered like paper under this punch, turning into a rain of blood and flesh!
Chi Tu didn't even glance at the cloud of blood mist. His gaze was fixed on Luo Hao, who had fled into the mansion. He strode after him, shouting, "Little rabbit, where do you think you're going!"

Luo Hao rushed into the mansion, ignoring the screams and resistance from his clansmen behind him. He navigated the layers of corridors with practiced ease, activating several mechanisms and restrictions, finally arriving at an extremely secluded secret chamber. In the center of the chamber, a small teleportation array was emitting faint spatial fluctuations.

This was a life-saving contingency plan that his father, Luo Tianyue, had secretly arranged at great cost. No more than three people in the entire Luo family knew of its existence! Originally intended to preserve the core bloodline in the event of the family's annihilation, it has now become his hope for escaping alone.

He quickly embedded several precious mid-grade spirit stones into the array's core and hurriedly cast the activation incantation.

The teleportation array gradually brightened, and the spatial fluctuations became more intense.

Behind them, the protective barriers surrounding the mansion groaned under the ferocious attacks of Chi Tu, while the shouts of battle and explosions grew ever closer.

Luo Hao's face was covered in sweat, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear, relief, and a trace of guilt towards his people, but the will to survive overwhelmed everything.

"Faster! Faster!" he screamed in his heart.

...

...

The Crimson Slaughter was like a ferocious humanoid beast, sweeping away everything in its path.

The restrictions surrounding the mansion shattered like bubbles under his violent fist force. Any Luo family cultivators who dared to block his way, whether they were Foundation Establishment or Qi Refining cultivators, were turned into pieces of flesh and blood with a casual strike, unable to slow him down even for a moment.

Following the lingering scent of Luo Hao, he forcefully smashed through several walls and finally rushed into the hidden secret room.

Inside, the lingering effects of the spatial fluctuations had not yet completely dissipated, and the small teleportation array was gradually dimming, with the spirit stone in the center already turned to dust.

"Damn it! That little bastard got away!" Chi Tu watched helplessly as his target slipped away, a surge of furious rage at being tricked instantly clouding his judgment. He had fought his way in, only to find nothing!
"Ah—!" He roared furiously, his fire-attribute spiritual energy erupting out of control, instantly incinerating the tables and chairs in the secret room. He suddenly raised his right foot, carrying immense force, and stomped it heavily on the teleportation array!
"boom!!!"

With a deafening roar, the entire secret chamber shook violently, and rubble rained down. The expensive and intricately designed teleportation array was completely shattered by Chi Tu's enraged attack; the runes vanished, the base turned to dust, and a deep crater appeared in the ground below.

This completely cut off any possibility of Luo Hao being teleported back, and also severed any clues to trace his whereabouts.

But this did not quell Chi Tu's rage. He abruptly turned his head, his ringed eyes bloodshot, filled only with the most primal and cruel killing intent. Luo Hao's escape felt like a profound insult to him, and this shame had to be washed away with blood!
"Good! Very good! One escaped, so I'll pay with the blood of your entire clan!" Chi Tu grinned savagely, his voice like a demonic murmur from hell. He slapped the storage pouch at his waist, and a crimson stream of light flew out, landing in his hand and transforming into a grotesque, door-sized, crimson giant axe! The giant axe was named [Burning Wasteland], forged from core earth fire copper and the souls of various ferocious beasts. It was his natal magic weapon, possessing immense power and a terrifying aura.

"Men of the Vermilion Bird Tribe! Kill them all! Leave no one alive!" Chi Tu raised his Burning Wasteland Battle Axe high, his voice like thunder, echoing throughout the entire Luo family stronghold.

Upon receiving the order, the Vermilion Bird Tribe cultivators, who already held an absolute advantage, became even more ferocious and ruthless, like tigers among sheep.

Chi Tu himself transformed into a true butcher. Carrying the Burning Wasteland Battle Axe, he strode out of the secret chamber and rushed into the depths of the mansion, into the place where the Luo family members were gathered, attempting to put up a last-ditch resistance.

"Pfft!"

"Crack!"

"boom!"

The axe flashed, accompanied by the sickening crack of bones breaking and flesh tearing apart. Whether it was the servants fleeing in panic or the Luo family members trying to form a defensive formation, they were all as fragile as weeds before the Burning Wasteland Battle Axe. The scorching axe blades swept across, sending sprays of blood flying, limbs and severed bodies scattering everywhere, instantly staining the walls, ground, and pillars a blinding crimson.

He didn't even bother to identify people, killing anyone he saw! A young Luo family child hiding behind a rockery was discovered by his divine sense. With a casual swing of his battle axe, the fiery axe beam that cleaved the rockery and the child behind it in two!
Screams, cries, pleas for mercy, the clash of weapons, the collapse of buildings... all intertwined within the Luo family stronghold, creating a symphony of hell.

The Red Slaughter was like a tireless killing machine, leaving nothing but desolation in its wake! Blood flowed in streams along the steps of the mansion, and the heavy stench of blood rose into the sky, almost impossible to dissipate.

The entire Luo family stronghold has been completely wiped out, a true... total extermination!
...

...

In a secluded mountain hollow far from the bloody battlefield of Tianyin Mountain, Fu Yongxuan and Luo Haitang revealed themselves. Although they had escaped at the last moment, neither of them looked well, especially Luo Haitang, whose eyes were filled with worry and resentment as she gazed in the direction of Tianyin Mountain.

"Yongxuan, we must rush back to the mountain gate immediately!" Luo Haitang said urgently, with a hint of hope. "We can't save the clan leader and the others, but the mountain gate has a protective formation. If Hao'er and the others can hold on by relying on the formation, they might still have a chance! We can't abandon them!"

Father, like son.

Fu Yongxuan was much calmer than her. He quickly took out a specially made communication jade talisman from his storage bag and tried to contact several trusted confidants she had placed in the Luo family's stronghold. After the jade talisman was infused with spiritual power, it was like a stone sinking into the sea, without any response whatsoever, and even the most basic sense of connection was completely severed.

Her heart sank.

“Mother, it’s too late.” Fu Yongxuan put away the jade talisman, his voice carrying a chilling insight into the situation. “The communication has been cut off, which means that the communication within the stronghold has been completely blocked or destroyed. The Vermilion Bird Tribe has been planning this for a long time. Since they dared to attack the main force at the front, how could they let go of the empty mountain gate at the rear? At this moment… I’m afraid the stronghold has already changed hands. If we go back now, not only will we not be able to save anyone, but we will also be walking into a trap, playing right into the Vermilion Bird Tribe’s hands.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Haitang's delicate body trembled violently, and her face instantly turned deathly pale. It wasn't that she couldn't imagine it, but rather that she refused to believe it, refused to accept this cruel reality.

"The Luo family, with its thousand-year history... it... it's all destroyed in an instant..." she murmured to herself, her voice filled with endless sorrow and unbearable pain. A family that had been passed down for a thousand years, possessing dozens of Golden Core cultivators, had crumbled and vanished in a single day? This blow was simply too great for her.

Fu Yongxuan supported her swaying adoptive mother, her gaze grave but not panicked. She quickly analyzed the situation:

“Mother, there is no place for us to stand in the Eastern Wilderness now. The Luo family has been destroyed, and the Vermilion Bird Tribe is at the height of its power. They will never let us, the ‘remnants,’ go. The most urgent thing is to find a safe place to stay and avoid their sharp edge for the time being.”

Her gaze shifted to the southeast, and her tone became firm:

"Right now, in this Eastern Wilderness, the only family with any connection to us, and the ability or willingness to protect us, is the Fu family. We must head to Tianlang Mountain immediately! Only there will we be temporarily safe. If we hesitate any longer, and the Vermilion Bird Tribe's Golden Core cultivators are free to clean up the battlefield, we'll be sitting ducks!"

Luo Haitang took a deep breath, suppressed his surging blood and qi, nodded heavily, and said in a hoarse voice, "Okay... let's go to Tianlang Mountain."

...

...

Inside the stone fortress at the summit of Tianlang Mountain.

Su Wan, Chen Feng, and Fairy Tianyin sat around the floating "Thousand-Mile Spirit-Gazing Mirror." Although the details of the Tianyin Mountain battlefield could no longer be clearly seen in the mirror, the gradually calming yet still lingering tragic spiritual energy fluctuations, as well as the unique scorching spiritual pressure of the Vermilion Bird Tribe that joined later, spreading like wildfire, clearly indicated the direction of the battle.

Chen Feng slapped his thigh suddenly, his face full of a mocking "as expected" expression:

"See! What did I tell you? That old man Luo Tianyue is a complete idiot! Did he really think he could become the overlord of the Eastern Wilderness just by using pills? Now look what happened, not only did he fail to take down that tough nut Tianyin, but he also attracted those ruthless devils from the Vermilion Bird Tribe! He tried to steal a chicken but lost the rice instead, no, he lost his life! He's utterly foolish!"

His tone carried a hint of schadenfreude, and even more so, a disdain for Luo Tianyue's stubbornness.

Su Wan frowned slightly, giving Chen Feng a gentle glare, signaling him to tone it down. Her gaze remained calmly fixed on the spirit mirror, her tone steady yet tinged with seriousness:
"The defeat of the Luo family was expected. But the rapid intervention of the Vermilion Bird Tribe and the ruthless methods used were somewhat unexpected. It seems that they have been plotting to seize Tianyin Mountain and even the Luo family's stronghold for some time. After this battle, the power of the Vermilion Bird Tribe has greatly increased. Being adjacent to my Tianlang Mountain, they may become a major threat."

Her analysis focused more on the impact of the changing situation on the Fu family's future, revealing a calm and far-sighted perspective.

The Heavenly Sound Fairy, standing to the side, exuded an icy aura: "The life or death of the Luo family is of no importance. But the Vermilion Bird Tribe... if they dare to interfere with the family head, they will be our mortal enemies."

Her world is simple: everything revolves around Fu Changsheng's interests.

Just then, a dark figure silently slipped into the stone fortress like a wisp of smoke. It was a Fu family spy responsible for perimeter reconnaissance. He knelt on one knee and reported quickly and clearly:
"Elders, according to the latest reconnaissance, in addition to the main force that participated in the siege of Tianyin Mountain, the Vermilion Bird Tribe has another elite squad led by two Nascent Soul cultivators. Half a day ago, they secretly infiltrated the 'Black Wind Ravine' area, which is 300 miles outside of our Tianlang Mountain, and their intentions are unclear."

"Furthermore, it has been confirmed that of the Luo family members who went to fight the Golden Core cultivators, except for Luo Haitang and her adopted daughter Fu Yongxuan, who were missing after failing to enter the Tianyin Mountain Grand Formation, the rest, including the clan leader Luo Tianyue, have all perished!"

Upon hearing the news, the atmosphere inside the stone fortress suddenly became tense.

The mockery on Chen Feng's face vanished instantly, replaced by a solemn expression:
"Two fake infants are lying in ambush in Black Wind Ravine? That's one of the only routes to my Heavenly Wolf Mountain! What are they planning to do?"

A glint flashed in Su Wan's eyes, and she almost immediately grasped the key point. She abruptly stood up:

"Their target isn't us! It's Luo Haitang and Yongxuan!"

She spoke faster, with an undeniable urgency: "With the Luo family destroyed, Luo Haitang and her companion are now rootless duckweed. The only place they can turn to is my Tianlang Mountain! The Zhuque Tribe is determined to eliminate them completely to prevent future troubles! The ambush at Black Wind Ravine is precisely to intercept and kill them!"

She immediately took out a specially made communication jade talisman, the emergency communication method agreed upon with Fu Yongxuan earlier. Without hesitation, she immersed her divine sense into it, issuing the sternest warning:
"Yongxuan, never come to Tianlang Mountain again! The Vermilion Bird Tribe has already laid an ambush in Black Wind Ravine, specifically targeting you and Elder Luo! Quickly find a secluded place to hide, cut off all contact, and wait for the storm to subside before making further plans! Remember! Remember!"

The message transformed into a barely perceptible stream of light, instantly piercing through the stone fortress and hurtling towards the direction Fu Yongxuan might be coming from.

After sending the message, Su Wan's expression did not relax. She looked at Chen Feng and Fairy Tianyin and said in a deep voice:
"Immediately strengthen the vigilance around Tianlang Mountain and activate some of the defensive formations. The Zhuque Tribe is riding high on their success this time, and we must guard against them taking advantage of the situation to test the bottom line of the Fu family."

"Yes"

Chen Feng and Fairy Tianyin nodded in unison, their expressions solemn.

… …

Upon receiving Su Wan's urgent message, Fu Yongxuan's expression hardened, and he immediately informed Luo Haitang of the situation.

"Black Wind Ravine... two fake infants lying in ambush?" A flicker of fear flashed in Luo Haitang's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a resolute and fierce look. She was not a coward; the destruction of the Luo family had fueled a burning desire for revenge within her, but she had chosen to temporarily retreat for the sake of the bigger picture.

At that moment, a brilliant idea flashed through her mind, an extremely bold and even crazy thought emerged.

"The Vermilion Bird Tribe has mobilized all its forces to annex Tianyin Mountain and our Luo family, even deploying two Nascent Soul cultivators to intercept us from the rear... What does this mean?" Luo Haitang looked at Fu Yongxuan, her eyes sharp as swords. "It means that their internal forces are definitely weak right now!"

She clenched her fists tightly, her voice trembling slightly with excitement: "They thought we would just flee to Tianlang Mountain like stray dogs for help, or hide in a corner trembling with fear! We won't!"

"Yongxuan, I'm turning back! Heading straight for the heart of the Vermilion Bird Tribe! Taking advantage of their weakened rear, we'll destroy their branch outposts and cut off their retreat! Let's see if they still dare to act recklessly on the front lines!"

This plan was incredibly audacious, venturing into the lion's den with extremely high risks. But Luo Haitang saw further ahead: "Only in this way can we force the Vermilion Bird Tribe to return to defend! Otherwise, once they've digested the resources of Tianyin Mountain and my Luo family's stronghold, their next target will definitely be the Fu family's Tianlang Mountain! If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold; Tianlang Mountain alone is absolutely not enough to withstand the Vermilion Bird Tribe's advance!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Yongxuan's eyes flashed with surprise, but it quickly turned into calm contemplation. She had to admit that although her adoptive mother's plan was risky, it hit the nail on the head and was the most effective and unexpected move to break the current deadlock.

“Mother is absolutely right. I will go with you.” Fu Yongxuan said without any hesitation, his tone calm yet firm.

"No!" Luo Haitang refused resolutely, her eyes filled with concern and worry. "This journey is fraught with peril! I watched you grow up, I absolutely cannot let you face such danger! You must go to Tianlang Mountain immediately to reunite with Elder Su and the others, it's relatively safe there..."

“Mother!” Fu Yongxuan interrupted her, stepping forward to grasp Luo Haitang’s hand, which was slightly cold from excitement. His gaze was clear and resolute. “It is precisely because of the danger that I must accompany you. My daughter and I have cultivated the ‘Azure Profound Combined Sword Technique’ for many years, and our minds are already in sync, our sword techniques complementing each other. When we join forces, our power is multiplied. Even if we encounter a fake infant cultivator, we will have the strength to fight, and at least escaping will not be difficult. If you go alone, it will truly be a perilous journey.”

She paused, her tone resolute and unwavering: "You are one of my closest relatives. How can I stand by and watch you face danger alone while I remain unharmed? If we're going to fight, we'll fight together! If we're going to charge forward, we'll charge forward together!"

Hearing Fu Yongxuan's resounding words and seeing the genuine determination and concern in her eyes, Luo Haitang's heart trembled. An indescribable warmth dispelled some of the coldness and sorrow brought about by the destruction of her family.

Over the years, she raised Fu Yongxuan from a young child, imparting all her knowledge and skills to her. Although they were not related by blood, their bond was like that of a mother and daughter. She had worried whether this sacrifice was worthwhile, and whether their affection could withstand the test of life and death.

At this moment, Fu Yongxuan gave her the most affirmative answer through his actions.

In times of crisis, they will never abandon each other, and are even willing to go to their deaths together!
Luo Haitang's eyes welled up slightly. She gripped Fu Yongxuan's hand tightly in return, nodded heavily, and all her unspoken words were condensed into a single word:

"it is good!"

The mother and daughter exchanged a glance, both seeing in each other's eyes the courage and understanding to fight to the death.

...

...

“According to the intelligence our Luo family gathered years ago,” Luo Haitang transmitted to Fu Yongxuan telepathically as they sped along, “five hundred miles ahead, there is a place called ‘Crimson Flame Valley,’ which is an important supply depot and branch outpost for the Vermilion Bird Tribe. It stores a large amount of spirit stones, pills, and low-level magic artifacts for the front lines. Normally, the defenses there consist of only one early-stage Golden Core elder and several Purple Mansion cultivators. Now that their main force has been deployed, the defenses there must be even weaker!”

Her voice carried a hint of suppressed excitement and the satisfaction of revenge.

Destroying this place would not only cause substantial losses to the Vermilion Bird tribe, but would also be like a resounding slap in the face of the arrogant Chi Liao!

Several hours later, the sky began to lighten slightly.

A vast valley, surrounded by crimson mountains, appeared at the edge of the field of vision.

Above the valley, a faint red light curtain hung in the air, which was the protective formation of Crimson Flame Valley. At the valley entrance, Vermilion Bird Tribe warriors clad in crimson leather armor patrolled, but their numbers were few, and their auras were far less formidable than those of the Golden Core cultivators on the front lines.

Luo Haitang and Fu Yongxuan hid on a mountain peak outside the valley, observing carefully.

“The formation’s strength is average, equivalent to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm. The patrol team rotates every half hour, and the Golden Core aura sensed in the valley… is only one, and it seems somewhat restless and unstable, so it should undoubtedly be the early stage.” Fu Yongxuan quickly made a judgment.

"Heaven is on my side!" A cold glint flashed in Luo Haitang's eyes. "Prepare to make a move!"

The two exchanged a glance, and an unspoken understanding arose between them. They simultaneously activated their cultivation techniques, and spiritual energy of cyan and black surged from their bodies. Although their attributes were slightly different, they began to merge and resonate under some mysterious connection.

"Azure Mystic Combination Attack - Breaking Army!"

Luo Haitang let out a low shout, and the longsword in his hand burst forth with a dazzling blue light, its sword intent sharp and unstoppable! Fu Yongxuan drew his sword almost simultaneously, the blade swirling with a deep, dark aura, agile and unpredictable!
The two sword lights merged into one, transforming into a massive sword aura interwoven with cyan and black, containing the dual meanings of tearing and piercing. Like a thunderbolt falling from the heavens, it slashed fiercely at the pale red light curtain above Crimson Flame Valley with a sharp whistling sound!
"boom--!!!"

A deafening roar shattered the tranquility of dawn!

The pale red protective light barrier trembled violently like fragile glass under the impact of the dark blue sword energy. It only lasted for a moment before shattering into countless scattered points of light!
"Enemy attack!!" The patrol team at the valley entrance was terrified by the sudden attack and hastily sounded the alarm.

However, Luo Haitang and Fu Yongxuan completely ignored these lowly soldiers. After breaking through the formation, the sword energy continued its momentum, directly blasting into the most conspicuous area deep in the valley, where numerous warehouses were being built!
"Boom!"

Another series of explosions rang out, and flames shot into the sky! The warehouses storing spirit stones and pills collapsed and burned in the aftershocks of the sword energy and the subsequent explosions, billowing thick smoke and chaos instantly engulfing the entire Crimson Flame Valley.

"Who dares to offend my Vermilion Bird Tribe!"

The Vermilion Bird Elder who remained behind was named Chi Hu. He had just rushed out of the stone hall when he saw the dark blue sword energy that had effortlessly shattered the formation and burned the warehouse, and two graceful figures standing with swords on the distant mountain peak. His heart sank. The opponent's aura was incomparably fierce, and they were also proficient in combined attacks; they were definitely not easy to deal with!

But as an elder of the Vermilion Bird tribe, how could he retreat without a fight? Moreover, if this place were completely destroyed, he would be held severely responsible!
"You scoundrel, prepare to die!" Chi Hu mustered his courage, formed hand seals, and his fire-attribute spiritual power surged around him, condensing into three enormous fire crows. With a piercing cawing, they flapped their wings and swooped down on Luo Haitang and the other person! This was his signature technique, "Fire Crows Burning the Sky," which was quite powerful and difficult for ordinary early-stage Golden Core cultivators to withstand.

However, Luo Haitang and Fu Yongxuan remained calm and did not separate when faced with the fierce onslaught of fire crows.

"Azure Xuan Flows, Splitting Light and Transforming Shadows!" Luo Haitang shouted, drawing a mysterious trajectory with her azure longsword.

Fu Yongxuan understood immediately, and the dark sword shadow danced in response.

The two figures seemed to blur at this moment, the blue and black sword lights intertwined, like a perfect Tai Chi circle, instead of retreating, they advanced, charging straight towards the three fire crows!

As the sword light passed, the seemingly ferocious fire crow seemed to have met its nemesis. It was twisted by the ever-flowing Azure Profound Sword Qi and instantly disintegrated into a sky full of sparks, without even producing an explosion!

"What?!" Chi Hu was shocked. His magic was broken so easily?

Just as his old strength was waning and new strength was beginning to emerge, Luo Haitang and Fu Yongxuan's combined attack changed again!

"Azure will be the main attacker, and Black will be the supporting attacker!"

Luo Haitang suddenly accelerated, becoming one with her sword, transforming into a streak of azure light that tore through the sky, aiming straight for Chi Hu's brow! Before the sword even arrived, the incomparably sharp sword intent already caused Chi Hu's brow to ache, and his soul to tremble!
Chi Hu was horrified and hurriedly summoned a bronze shield to block in front of him, while retreating rapidly.

However, Fu Yongxuan's sword was faster! She did not attack directly, but her dark sword energy arrived first, like an invisible thread or a viscous swamp, instantly wrapping around Chi Hu's body, causing his retreating figure to suddenly stop and his movements to be half a beat slower!

That momentary hesitation could determine life or death!

"laugh--!"

The azure sword pierced the hastily conjured bronze shield with unparalleled precision. The shield let out a mournful cry, its spiritual light dimming as it flew backward. The sword's momentum undiminished, and in Chi Hu's despairing gaze, it instantly pierced through his protective aura, passing right between his brows!

Chi Hu's body froze in mid-air, the light in his eyes quickly fading. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but could only let out a hoarse, leaky sound.

Luo Haitang flicked his wrist, and the cyan longsword was withdrawn.

Fu Yongxuan's dark sword energy then subsided.

Chi Hu's body, like a bird with broken wings, fell straight down from the sky and crashed into the ruins below with a thud, kicking up a cloud of dust.

From the moment they made their move to the moment they killed the Vermilion Bird Elder, who was at the early stage of the Golden Core realm, Luo Haitang and Fu Yongxuan coordinated perfectly. The whole process was as smooth as flowing water, taking only a few breaths!
"Leave no one alive!!" Luo Haitang said coldly.

They had to cut off communications so that they could destroy more strongholds before the rest of the Vermilion Bird tribe could react.

...

...

Tianyin Mountain.

The area where the Luo family cultivators lay dead had been roughly cleaned up, but a faint smell of blood and burnt flesh still lingered in the air. Inside the council hall, which originally belonged to the Tianyin tribe, sat high-ranking members of the Zhuque tribe, all clad in crimson robes.

Chief Chi Liao sat high on the main seat, his knuckles tapping the armrest carved from crimson jade, producing a dull thud. His gaze swept over the assembled elders below, their spirits high, his voice carrying the lingering power of victory and an undeniable resolve:

"The Luo family is destroyed, and Tianyin Mountain is in my hands! However, this is not the end!" His voice boomed like a bell, making the hall reverberate. "The aristocratic families of the Great Zhou have long occupied the edge of the Eastern Wilderness, like a malignant tumor! Now that we have removed the thorn that is the Luo family, it is the time when the other aristocratic families are most panicked! We must take advantage of their inability to unite and before the reinforcements from the Great Zhou homeland arrive, and annihilate them in one fell swoop with thunderous force, completely driving them out of the Eastern Wilderness!"

He suddenly stood up, his tall figure exuding a powerful aura of oppression: "I have decided that Elder Chiwu, along with Elders Chiyan, Chigu, and Chifeng, will lead five hundred Chiyan Guards to stay and guard Tianyin Mountain, suppress the remnants, and assimilate this place! We must, in the shortest possible time, completely transform Tianyin Mountain into a fortress for the advance of my Vermilion Bird Tribe!"

Elder Chiwu, who was mentioned (the one with the fiery temper from before), and three other elders with powerful auras, all of whom were at the late stage of the Golden Core realm, stood up in unison, bowed, and accepted the order: "We will obey the chieftain's command! We will not fail in our mission!"

Chi Liao nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to the south, his eyes revealing a murderous intent: "As for me, the chieftain, I will personally lead all the remaining Golden Core warriors of the tribe to continue the advance! We will be like a prairie fire, burning away all enemies who dare to stand in the way of my Vermilion Bird tribe!"

He made a sweeping gesture in the air in front of him, as if sketching a map of the Eastern Wilderness: "The first target is this place—the Fu family, Tianlang Mountain!"

His tone carried a hint of contempt and confidence: "According to the intelligence we have, the Fu family of Tianlang Mountain only has three Golden Core cultivators stationed there! The highest-ranking among them is only at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm! As for the others, such as the Shangguan family and the Cui family, they only have Pseudo-Core cultivators in charge, making them utterly vulnerable!"

"Once we take Tianlang Mountain and remove the Fu family, which is a relatively tough nut to crack, the other smaller forces will surely surrender without a fight, or we can easily wipe them out! At that time, wherever my Vermilion Bird tribe marches, the entire edge of the Eastern Wilderness will fall into our hands!"

He surveyed his generals, his voice suddenly rising, filled with fervor: "My lads! Follow me into battle, and crush Tianlang Mountain! Let the Fu family become the next stepping stone for my Vermilion Bird tribe to sweep across the Eastern Wilderness! Let those cowards of the Great Zhou roll back to their laps!"

"Flatten Tianlang Mountain! Sweep across the Eastern Wilderness!"

"The chieftain is mighty! The Vermilion Bird will surely prevail!"

Inside the hall, Chiwu and the others who remained behind, along with the elders and commanders who were about to set off, raised their arms and shouted, their fervent fighting spirit soaring into the sky, as if they could already see the scene of Tianlang Mountain collapsing in the flames.

Soon, the massive Vermilion Bird Tribe battle formation reassembled. Chief Chi Liao led the charge, commanding over fifteen Golden Core cultivators and thousands of elite warriors, transforming into a surging crimson torrent, carrying an aura of destruction, and sweeping towards the direction of the Fu Family's Heavenly Wolf Mountain!

Elder Chiwu, who remained at Tianyin Mountain, watched the departing troops, licked his lips, and a bloodthirsty glint flashed in his eyes. He then turned and shouted sternly to his subordinates, "All of you, be alert! Clean up the battlefield, plunder resources, and wipe out all the remaining Tianyin rebels who dare to resist! This place is now our Vermilion Bird Tribe's territory!"

...

...

Vermilion Bird Tribe, Soul Palace.

Unlike the somewhat gloomy Soul Hall of the Luo family, the Soul Hall of the Vermilion Bird Tribe was far more magnificent and solemn. The four walls were carved with fiery Vermilion Bird totems, and the dome was inlaid with glowing red gems, illuminating the interior in a crimson light. Rows of soul lamps, some bright and some dim, were neatly arranged according to rank, like loyal guardians, signifying the rise and fall of the tribe.

The one in charge of guarding the Soul Hall was an old man with white hair and beard and a withered face, named Chi Zhu. Although his cultivation was only at the early stage of Golden Core, he was extremely senior, calm and composed, and deeply trusted by the tribe. He had been guarding the Soul Lamp here for more than two hundred years.

As usual, he sat cross-legged on the futon in the center of the hall, closing his eyes to rest. His divine sense, like an invisible spider web, gently covered every soul lamp in the hall, sensing the strong or weak, stable or fluctuating aura they emitted.

suddenly!

The soul lamp located at the front of the array of soul lamps, representing Elder Chi Hu who guards Crimson Flame Valley, suddenly began to shake violently without warning! The originally steadily burning crimson flames, as if being squeezed by an invisible hand, rapidly shrank and dimmed, and the color changed from crimson to an ominous gray!

Elder Chizhu suddenly opened his eyes, a horrified glint flashing in his cloudy old eyes! He stared intently at the soul lamp that was flickering violently, as if it would be extinguished at any moment, his withered fingers trembling slightly from the force.

"Chi Hu... How is this possible?!" A storm raged in his heart. Although Chi Yan Valley was not on the front line, it was located in the heart of the tribe and was protected by an array. Chi Hu himself was a Golden Core cultivator, so how could he suddenly encounter such a crisis?

In the blink of an eye—

"puff……"

A soft, yet thunderous, thud.

The flame of Chi Hu's soul lamp struggled and flickered a few times before it was finally extinguished, leaving only a wisp of smoke that rose and then dissipated into the air.

The Soul Lamp... went out!
Elder Chi Hu has fallen!

Elder Chizhu abruptly stood up, his face instantly turning extremely grim, even pale. The death of a Golden Core elder in the heart of the tribe, within a stronghold protected by array formations, was no small matter! It meant that a powerful enemy had infiltrated and launched a deadly attack!
"Something's happened in Crimson Flame Valley!"

(End of this chapter)