From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 207 New and old grudges
"Sixth Uncle, she is the one who trained demonic cultivators in the Xue family and whom we call 'Master'."

Xu Zhongxi hovered beside Xu Xiaohou and introduced him to Xue Yimiao, who was chasing after them from afar.

Within the sacred land of Baihe Mountain, not only Xu Xiaohou was alarmed, but also Xu Fugui and others.

Xu Fugui is at the eighth level of Qi Refining, Xu Xiaoniu is at the peak of Qi Refining, and Xu Zhongche has just advanced to the seventh level of Qi Refining. They are all late-stage Qi Refining cultivators from the Xu family.

The rest, including Zhong Lei, Zhong Yao, Zhong Huai, and Li Yuan, who was only sixteen years old, lacked spirit stones and relied solely on the spiritual energy within the first-order spirit gathering array for cultivation. They were all only at the early or middle stages of Qi Refining.

"Foundation Establishment Realm?!"

Xue Yimiao sensed Xu Xiaohou's clear Foundation Establishment Realm aura and her expression turned solemn.

Although the other person was at the first level of Foundation Establishment, her condition was extremely poor.

The Exploding Spirit Pill allowed her, with her Foundation Establishment Level 3 cultivation, to contend with Yan Yijin, who was at the Foundation Establishment Level 5. Its side effects couldn't be eliminated in just a day or two. She also suffered considerable injuries.

On the surface, she is at the third level of Foundation Establishment, but her actual combat power is greatly reduced.

She then noticed the large number of Qi Refining cultivators in the Xu family and exclaimed in surprise, "Your Xu family is really good at hiding things. On the surface, there are only two Qi Refining cultivators, but in reality, there are so many Qi Refining cultivators, and even Foundation Establishment cultivators."

Xu Xiaohou's face was cold and stern. The Foundation Establishment cultivator in front of him was of a higher realm than him, but his aura was weak, so he was not invincible.

"Who are you from the Xue family? Did you kill Meng Jiaojiao?"

"Xue Yimiao".

Now that things have come to this, Xue Yimiao no longer needs to hide her identity. Enemies meeting are bound to be extremely hostile; either the other party kills her, or she kills the other party and continues to flee.

Who is Meng Jiaojiao?

"By the way, her title in your Xue family is Silver Bell."

You mean silver bells?

Mentioning the name "Silver Bell," Xue Yimiao gritted her teeth in anger: "That's right, Silver Bell died at my hands. She's currently in the elixir bottle in my storage pouch, haha."

"Why didn't I discover you sooner? You were causing trouble in secret, bringing about the destruction of my Xue family!"

She never imagined that the one who would bring about the destruction of her family was this extremely hidden and inconspicuous little Xu family.

The enemy who wiped out their clan was right before their eyes. As for the reasons, coincidences, and twists of fate, none of that mattered at this moment.

"With both new and old grudges, it's time to settle things."

Xu Xiaohou was also filled with resentment.

Twenty-one years ago, his third brother, Xiao Gou, died at the hands of a demonic cultivator trained by Xue Yimiao.

If it weren't for the Xue family, his third brother wouldn't have died!
Xiaoxi wouldn't have been away from home for twenty years and lost her memory.

And then there's Meng Jiaojiao's death.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Xu Fugui's heart sank as he looked at Xue Yimiao, who exuded the aura of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

The Xue family was wiped out. Who would have thought that the Xue family members who managed to escape and reach the Foundation Establishment stage could find Baihe Mountain?

A battle between Foundation Establishment cultivators is bound to be extremely intense, and even the residual power of their spells is something that cultivators in the early or middle stages of Qi Refining cannot withstand.

Xu Fugui, Xu Xiaoniu, and Xu Zhongche, three late-stage Qi Refining cultivators capable of flying with their Qi, are barely qualified to assist in the battle, but they are unlikely to be of much help.

“Zhongyao, Zhonghuai, both of you leave and stop the others from getting close, lest they be accidentally hurt.”

He ordered all the clansmen at the mid-stage of Qi Refining and below to go to the residential area and block the ordinary people of the Xu family, so as not to attract them with the noise of the fierce battle.

"Da Niu, Zhong Che, and Xiao Xi, let's stand by and provide support, waiting for the right opportunity to strike."

It's an uphill battle.

Xu Fugui didn't know if they could win, but the consequence of losing was "extermination of the entire clan." Given the Xue family's ruthlessness, they certainly wouldn't spare the rest of the Xu family.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

To avoid affecting Baihe Mountain below, Xu Xiaohou ascended into the air and hovered high above.

Xue Yimiao corresponds to him from afar.

Behind Xu Xiaohou were Xu Fugui, Xu Xiaoniu, Xu Zhongche, and Zhongxi.

Xue Yimiao's clansman Xue Changqing, who was at the ninth level of Qi Refining, did not come along.

She didn't care about that. The key to this battle was still her and Xu Xiaohou, both Foundation Establishment cultivators. Qi Refining cultivators were too weak in front of Foundation Establishment cultivators and wouldn't affect the outcome. She was at the third level of Foundation Establishment and didn't believe she could lose to someone at the first level.

Xu Xiaohou took out the Green Wood Armor Shield from his storage bag. Since he had no other magical artifacts available, he could only continue to use the superior-grade defensive magic weapon, the Green Wood Armor Shield.

This green wooden armor and shield was a gift from Xue Yimiao to his demonic cultivators, but it ended up in Xu Xiaohou's hands.

When she saw the Green Wood Armor Shield, a disdainful sneer appeared on her lips: "Green Wood Armor Shield? How shabby, a Foundation Establishment cultivator still using a magic weapon."

As she spoke, a triangular shield floated up beside her; it was a mid-grade defensive magical artifact: the Four-in-One Fire Spirit Shield.

In terms of defensive capabilities alone, she completely outclassed Xu Xiaohou. Despite her extremely poor condition, she had no difficulty utilizing the magic weapon.

"call out!"

Xu Xiaohou was too lazy to waste words. With a flick of his wrist, the feather-patterned flying sword flew out from behind him, tracing an almost imperceptible arc as it flew into the distance.

Although the feather-patterned flying sword was only a high-grade magic weapon, with Xu Xiaohou's Foundation Establishment stage spiritual power and divine sense, it would be enough to kill Xue Yimiao if it hit her.

"what?"

Xue Yimiao frowned.

The feather-patterned flying sword flew out from behind Xu Xiaohou, circled in the air, and had already circled behind Xue Yimiao.

She didn't see the feather-patterned flying sword, but sensed a faint aura flash by in her divine sense, instantly appearing behind her.

She instantly became alert, and the Four-in-One Fire Spirit Shield split into four smaller shields that surrounded her.

"coming!"

She sensed a tiny object flying toward the back of her head.

As she turned around, she controlled a fire spirit shield to defend herself.

With a crisp clang, sparks flew from the Fire Spirit Shield, the feather-patterned flying sword was deflected, and in the blink of an eye disappeared into the darkness and vanished from Xue Yimiao's sight.

In the brief exchange just now, Xue Yimiao finally saw clearly what attacked her: a gray flying sword about the size of a palm.

The flying sword was only a magic weapon, not a spiritual weapon; otherwise, its threat level to her would have been raised to another level.

"A sword-controlling cultivator!"

These are a very difficult type of cultivator to deal with.

With a wave of her hand, Xue Yimiao unleashed a massive, golden fireball that burned fiercely and emitted intense heat, flying toward Xu Xiaohou.

"Watch out! Back off!"

As Xu Xiaohou dodged backward, he reminded the others.

Even a tiny spark from a Foundation Establishment cultivator's fireball is enough to incinerate a Qi Refining cultivator into ashes.

Xu Xiaohou dodged and flew back several hundred meters away.

Xue Yimiao couldn't control the fireball that far. When she sensed the limit, she controlled the fireball to explode.

"boom--!"

The giant fireball transformed into clusters of flames that scattered and flew everywhere, with most of the flames engulfing Xu Xiaohou.

At this distance, the power of the fireball spell is greatly reduced.

Xu Xiaohou used his green wooden armor shield to block several flames.

"What a raging fire."

He was amazed; with just a few sparks, he sensed a decrease in the defensive capabilities of the Green Wood Shield, indicating minor damage.

If it were to take a direct hit from a fireball, the Green Wood Shield, given its quality, would be completely destroyed after at most two hits, reduced from a superior magical artifact to a useless wooden plank. No, the Green Wood Shield would be burned to ashes.

"call out!"

He found an opportunity, and the feather-patterned flying sword flew out again.

His advantage lies in the fact that his feather-patterned flying swords appear and disappear without a trace, forcing his opponents to be constantly on guard against sneak attacks. Furthermore, the feather-patterned flying swords have a longer range, which is an advantage that cannot be ignored.

Xue Yimiao's fire spells are slow, becoming increasingly difficult to hit from a distance, and their power also decreases. Her extremely poor condition further weakens the spells.

Thus, Xu Xiaohou maintained a considerable distance from Xue Yimiao, engaging her in a prolonged struggle. The feather-patterned flying sword remained hidden in the shadows, ready to launch a sneak attack at any moment.

The Four-in-One Fire Spirit Shield's defense deflected the feather-patterned flying swords each time.

The two were locked in a stalemate for a moment.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Near Tonggu County, Jiang Hao, Pei Wanchang, and others are searching for traces of the Xue family.

The bounty offered by the prefectural government is too tempting; who wouldn't want a Foundation Establishment Pill?
The cultivator who had just flown past Baihe Mountain, startling Xue Yimiao into hiding, was none other than Jiang Hao, a Qi Refining Perfection cultivator.

He was taking a chance, patrolling the area surrounding Tonggu County.

Anyway, he won't suffer any losses. If he's lucky enough to run into a member of the Xue family, he can get a reward by spreading the news to the county government. Why not?
"Hey, over there?"

Jiang Hao looked in the direction of Baihe Mountain, which they had just passed.

The battle between Foundation Establishment cultivators was so loud that he could sense it even from more than ten miles away.

He flew to Baihe Mountain with doubts in his heart, and the closer he got, the clearer his feelings became.

"It's a great monk who has established his foundation!"

That commotion could not possibly have been caused by a Qi Refining cultivator.

When did foundation building begin in Tonggu County? Could it be...?

Jiang Hao's eyes lit up. It would be great if the Xue family members showed up.

He increased his speed even further.

Not only him, but Pei Wanchang also noticed the commotion at Baihe Mountain.

Pei Wanchang did not act alone. His Pei family was more powerful than the Jiang family. In addition to himself, he also brought along a Qi Refining Level 8 cultivator named Pei Baiming, who was his grandfather's generation.

The two worked together to search for traces of the Xue family members near Tonggu County, but instead discovered activity at Baihe Mountain.

Then they ran into Jiang Hao.

"Magistrate Jiang?"

"County Magistrate Pei?"

Both of them were somewhat surprised.

"I wonder which Foundation Establishment cultivator is over there? Could they really be a member of the Xue family?"

Jiang Hao's speed remained unchanged, still flying rapidly towards Baihe Mountain.

"Perhaps. That direction seems to be Xu Family Hundred Valleys Mountain."

Three people traveling together.

Although Jiang Hao and Pei Wanchang are currently in a competitive relationship, the situation is not yet clear, and there is no need for them to be hostile to each other.

Before they even reached Baihe Mountain, the three of them encountered Xue Changqing, a member of the Xue family who was also on his way.

Xue Changqing only knew that Xue Yimiao had gone to investigate the surrounding area, and then, seeing that she had not returned for a long time, he went out to look for her and discovered the fighting fluctuations in Baihe Mountain. He recognized the aura of one of the people in the fight; it was Xue Yimiao.

He went to investigate and happened to run into Jiang Hao and his two companions who had been lured there.

Upon seeing three unfamiliar late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, Xue Changqing did not hesitate and turned to flee.

"Who is that person? Is there such a person in our Tonggu County?"

There are only so many cultivators in Tonggu County, and even fewer at the late Qi Refining stage. They know every single one of them.

"Escape?"

Jiang Hao was stunned for a moment, then came to his senses: "Quick, after them! The Xue family!"

The fact that they turned and ran away upon seeing them suggests they are likely members of the Xue family who have a bounty on their heads.

The three of them, two at the peak of Qi Refining and one at the eighth level of Qi Refining, were chasing after Xue Changqing, who was at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

A moment later they caught up with Xue Changqing.

Three against one, their cultivation level was no weaker than Xue Changqing's, and their methods were no less effective.

Xue Changqing had more spiritual pills, but he was outnumbered and killed before long.

After his storage pouch was examined, Jiang Hao said, "With so many spirit pills, it must be someone from the Xue family."

That Foundation Establishment cultivator is very likely from the Xue family!
Two Foundation Establishment cultivators escaped from the Xue family, and they encountered one of them.

"Let's go and see!"

The three of them rushed to Baihe Mountain and saw Xu Xiaohou fighting fiercely with Xue Yimiao.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"That female cultivator seems to be Xue Yimiao from the Xue family!"

Jiang Hao recognized Xue Yimiao.

The wanted poster issued by the prefectural government contains detailed information about Xue Yimiao and Xue Wanqiao, including their portraits.

Who's on the other side?

Neither Jiang Hao nor Pei Wanchang recognized Xu Xiaohou at first glance.

Xu Xiaohou, Xu Xiaoniu's sixth brother, was someone Jiang Hao had met many years ago.

Later, Xu Xiaohou embarked on the path of cultivation and kept a low profile within the Xu family to conceal his cultivation level, never venturing out. Over the years, his demeanor has changed significantly, so it's normal that Jiang Hao didn't recognize him.

Besides Xu Xiaohou, there were also Xu Fugui, Xu Xiaoniu, and others.

"Why are there so many cultivators in Hundred Valleys Mountain?"

The three of them were confused.

Besides the Jiang and Pei families, which other cultivation families are there in Tonggu County?

As the three discovered Xue Yimiao and the Xu family, they were also discovered by them.

Xue Yimiao merely glanced at Jiang Hao and the others; they were just three Qi Refining cultivators, no threat to her. "Hmph, a few more flies."

When Xu Fugui and Xu Xiaoniu saw Jiang Hao and the other two, they knew things were going badly.

The Xu family's secrets can no longer be hidden.

But the current crisis is Xue Yimiao. If Xue Yimiao is not dealt with, the Xu family will be wiped out. There is no need to worry about whether the secret can be kept.

"Magistrate Jiang, Supervisor Pei, please lend your assistance! This man is a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Xue family!"

Xu Xiaoniu shouted immediately.

Anyone who can help deal with Xue Yimiao is welcome.

"I know who she is. I'll send word to the prefectural government right away!"

Jiang Hao dared not rush forward to deal with Xue Yimiao. He was at the peak of Qi Refining, and the gap between him and the Foundation Establishment Realm was too great. If he was not careful, he would die.

Fortunately, he carried a communication talisman with him so that he could notify the county government immediately if he discovered any members of the Xue family.

Once the officials from the county government's Demon Subduing Division arrive and capture or kill Xue Yimiao, he will have earned his credit.

His communication talisman was specially provided by the county government, and he quickly used it to send out the news that Xue Yimiao had appeared in Baihe Mountain, Tonggu County.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Xue Yimiao, who was entangled with Xu Xiaohou, came to her senses upon hearing the words "prefectural government office".

She was in too poor a condition to defeat Xu Xiaohou, and she would surely die once the officials from the prefectural government arrived.

It would be better to retreat first and wait for an opportunity to take revenge.

Now that she knows who the enemy who wiped out her clan is, she will definitely seek revenge. Whether it's restoring her strength to the third level of Foundation Establishment or targeting other members of the Xu family, she can take revenge on the Xu family.

If we perish here, we will never be able to avenge the extermination of our clan.

"Hmph, we'll see!"

She glared fiercely at Xu Xiaohou, then her gaze swept over the others, as if trying to memorize each one.

Then it turned and flew away.

"Stop her!"

In an instant, everyone in the Xu family realized the consequences of Xue Yimiao's escape.

That's something the Xu family can't afford.

"Magistrate Jiang, if she escapes, none of us will get the credit!"

Jiang Hao and Pei Wanchang both realized this: the bounty notice was very clear: either kill the Xue family's Foundation Establishment cultivator, or provide location clues and help the Demon Subduing Division kill the Xue family's Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Providing only the location, but the Xue family members escaped, does not earn any credit.

"What are you waiting for? Let's do it!"

In order to capture Xue Yimiao and gain the credit for the Foundation Establishment Pill, everyone fought back without holding back, risking their lives in the battle.

(End of this chapter)