From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 208 Division of Power
Xu Xiaohou was extremely anxious. While controlling the feather-patterned flying sword to attack, he risked his life to catch up with Xue Yimiao.

He has very few tricks up his sleeve; apart from flying sword techniques, he can only unleash his full combat power in close combat.

Although his martial arts aura is only equivalent to the level of Qi Refining Perfection, he has honed his fist and foot skills for many years, and with the physical transformation after breaking through to Foundation Establishment, he can barely exert the close combat power of Foundation Establishment.

As he engaged in close combat with Xue Yimiao, the threat of her fire magic increased, raising the level of danger for him.

He didn't want to take such a risk, but he had no better option.

If Xue Yimiao escapes, she will surely bring great disaster to the Xu family in the future.

Of all the cultivators present, only Xu Xiaohou posed a threat to Xue Yimiao; the others were all at the Qi Refining stage and posed negligible threat to her.

"Hey~~"

The feather-patterned flying swords relentlessly attacked from the side, preventing Xue Yimiao from escaping.

Many Qi Refining cultivators used various methods.

The two members of the Pei family, Pei Wanchang and Pei Baiming, practiced the Pei family's ancestral water-based martial arts.

Pei Baiming conjured several water arrows, each over ten feet long, and shot them toward Xue Yimiao.

Pei Wanchang reached out and summoned water from a pond in Baihe Mountain below. The water then gathered in the air and flew towards Xue Yimiao.

Water and fire are mutually destructive, but Xue Yimiao is at the Foundation Establishment stage!
As the water arrows and water dragons approached Xue Yimiao, they were vaporized by the residual heat of the surrounding fire magic.

Jiang Hao cultivates the Gengjin Sword Qi Technique, which allows him to release sharp sword qi within a range of 100 meters.

"Om~~"

He used all his strength to condense a huge sword aura three zhang long in front of him, which emitted a dazzling golden light and flew towards Xue Yimiao.

As if mocking him, Xue Yimiao flicked her finger, sending out a fireball the size of a fist.

The fireball collided with the three-zhang-long metal sword energy, exploding into flames in the air and burning the sword energy into nothingness.

The spiritual power of the Foundation Establishment stage is qualitatively different from that of the Qi Refining stage.

Besides them, there is also Xu Zhongche's "Nine Flames Spiritual Fire Technique". He has the cultivation level of the seventh level of Qi Refining and controls seven kinds of spiritual fire.

He kept emitting clusters of spiritual fire.

The Nine Flames Spirit Fire Technique is primarily used for alchemy; it contains few spells for combat and killing enemies. It can only condense spiritual fire into a fireball.

However, compared to Xue Yimiao's Foundation Establishment stage Blazing Sun Fire, Xu Zhongche's Qi Refining Stage 7 spiritual fire was insignificant and couldn't even pose a threat to her.

Xu Zhongche was also holding a high-grade defensive magic weapon, the Golden Flame Shield, which belonged to Xue Fangyuan, a member of the Xue family.

Xu Zhongche is the only one in the Xu family who cultivates fire-based techniques. After he broke through to the seventh level of Qi Refining some time ago, the Golden Flame Shield was given to him.

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.

The attacks from these Qi Refining cultivators posed little threat to Xue Yimiao, but they still annoyed her greatly.

If it weren't for Xu Xiaohou threatening her, she would have killed these people long ago.

"Has this person gone mad?!"

Xue Yimiao was surprised to see Xu Xiaohou suddenly rush forward to engage in close combat.

A sword-wielding cultivator, instead of using his flying sword to launch a long-range attack, chooses to engage in close combat?
She controls the Blazing Sun Flame, and her close-range destructive power far exceeds that of a sword-wielding cultivator.

"Hu~~"

With a wave of her hand, flames, like a golden dragon, swept towards Xu Xiaohou.

Xu Xiaohou held the green wooden shield in front of him and charged towards Xue Yimiao.

"Boom~~"

The fire dragon exploded in front of him, turning into flames that engulfed him. He used his spiritual power to protect himself from the burning flames.

The superior defensive magic weapon, the Azure Wood Armor Shield, which withstood the direct impact of the fire dragon, was destroyed by this single blow and turned into charcoal.

With its resistance, Xu Xiaohou rushed in front of Xue Yimiao.

Xu Xiaohou unleashed a punch, using the Vajra Arhat Fist, a technique he frequently employed at the Grandmaster level. However, at this moment, the energy circulating within his body was not martial arts internal strength, but rather Foundation Establishment level spiritual power.

"This is?!"

Xue Yimiao was surprised. She had seen martial arts cultivators who were good at close combat before, but those were all wearing spiritual armor and wielding spiritual swords. This was the first time she had seen hand-to-hand combat like this.

She controlled a fire spirit shield to block Xu Xiaohou's fist.

"when--!"

The Fire Spirit Shield, which Xue Yimiao controlled to float with her divine sense, was blasted away by a punch, causing it to tremble and fly backward.

Xu Xiaohou then punched Xue Yimiao in the lower abdomen, making a loud "thud" sound.

Xue Yimiao used this force to fly backward and distance herself from Xu Xiaohou.

She felt the chaotic spiritual energy within her body, and her eyes widened in horror.

However, the dantian and spiritual platform of the Foundation Establishment stage are very solid, unlike the dantian and qi sea of ​​the Qi Refining stage.

In her haste, she waved her hand, and a ball of fire flew towards Xu Xiaohou.

At such close range, Xu Xiaohou had no chance of dodging and would have to endure the fireball attack. With the power of Xue Yimiao's fire-based magic, it would surely severely injure Xu Xiaohou.

At the critical moment, an earthen wall flew in and blocked Xu Xiaohou's way.

The earthen wall was three zhang long and wide, and half a zhang thick.

It is Xu Xiaoniu's "Mysterious Earth Turtle Spirit Manual".

He had reached the pinnacle of Qi cultivation and practiced the Xuan Tu Turtle Spirit Technique, which excelled in defense. He had already condensed this thick earthen wall to help Xu Xiaohou.

"boom!"

The fireball struck the earthen wall, instantly blasting it apart and sending burning, charred debris flying everywhere.

The aftershocks of the flames did not cause much damage to Xu Xiaohou.

Xu Xiaohou lunged forward again, simultaneously controlling his feather-patterned flying sword to attack from the side.

Xue Yimiao had never practiced close combat techniques; she only practiced the Blazing Sun Fire Technique. Having just unleashed a fireball, she didn't have time to mobilize her spiritual power and was hit squarely by Xu Xiaohou's two punches.

The power of the Vajra Arhat Fist caused Xue Yimiao's spiritual energy to surge wildly, making it even more difficult for her to gather spiritual power to cast spells.

She also had to control the Fire Spirit Shield to defend against the Feather Pattern Flying Sword, which was Xu Xiaohou's real killing move.

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.

Having fallen into a disadvantageous position, Xue Yimiao took another punch from Xu Xiaohou, then used the force of the attack to turn around, retreat, and fly away.

While the two were fiercely fighting, the attacks from the others did not stop.

The Qi Refining stage, which used to be harmless to Xue Yimiao, has now become a major obstacle for her.

Blocking her path to escape were two members of the Pei family.

Seeing that Xue Yimiao was at a disadvantage, Pei Wanchang and Pei Baiming continued to use water-based spells.

When Xue Yimiao dies, their contributions will be indispensable.

For a moment, the two overlooked the fact that it was Xu Xiaohou who could entangle with Xue Yimiao; they were so weak and vulnerable in front of Xue Yimiao that they were easily defeated.

"Die!"

Xue Yimiao was annoyed by the two's water-based spells. She endured Xu Xiaohou's attack and flew towards them, dozens of fist-sized fireballs flying towards them at high speed with trails of flame.

Oops!

The two tried to dodge, but were unable to escape.

The Blazing Sun Flame of the Foundation Establishment Realm landed on Pei Wanchang and Pei Baiming, and the two instantly burst into flames.

In just three breaths, Pei Baiming transformed into a ball of flame and fell from the sky. Before he even hit the ground, he was completely burned up, leaving only ashes scattered in the wind.

Pei Wanchang held out a little longer, attempting to resist with a superior-grade Golden Light Talisman. However, the golden light of the talisman melted instantly before the Blazing Sun Flame, like snowflakes against a raging fire. He only managed to hold out for a few more breaths before turning to ashes amidst agonizing screams.

This sight frightened Jiang Hao so much that he flew even further away.

He was always cautious and kept his distance from Xue Yimiao. Merit was important, but his life was more important.

"call out!"

A flying sword took the opportunity to fly towards Xue Yimiao.

She had just used her skills against the Pei family members, and this was a golden opportunity that couldn't be missed.

The Fire Spirit Shield blocked the flying sword, but this time the sword bounced even further away, its power so weak that it barely affected the Fire Spirit Shield.

"Ok?"

Xue Yimiao wondered if Xu Xiaohou's spiritual power was about to run out.
Why is its power so weak?
That wasn't Xu Xiaohou's feather-patterned flying sword, but Xu Fugui's flying sword!

Xu Fugui also practices flying sword techniques. Although he is at the eighth level of Qi Refining, his spiritual power has reached the ninth level of Qi Refining. Moreover, he has practiced flying sword techniques for many years and can control his flying sword as easily as using his own arm.

After all, he was only at the Qi Refining stage, and his flying sword was only a low-grade magic weapon, two levels lower than the Feather Pattern Flying Sword. Therefore, he posed virtually no threat to Xue Yimiao. Even without the protection of a spiritual weapon, he could not harm Xue Yimiao.

However, his intention was not to harm the enemy, but to disrupt their vision and affect their judgment.

He didn't use the flying sword at all from beginning to end, except for that crucial moment when he used it to confuse Xue Yimiao. He did succeed.

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.

At the same time, an even more concealed feather-patterned flying sword attacked, finally bypassing the Fire Spirit Shield's defense and striking Xue Yimiao's arm.

"bass!"

The sharp feather-patterned flying sword sliced ​​open Xue Yimiao's wrist, severing her meridians, and a few drops of blood flew out.

She quickly controlled the bleeding from the wound.

With her Foundation Establishment realm spiritual sense and control over her physical body, she could control the bleeding and recover quickly from this injury.

However, this brief injury is enough to influence the outcome of a battle between evenly matched Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The severing of the meridians in her wrist will affect the flow of spiritual energy and hinder her ability to cast spells!
Even slowing down her spellcasting by half a breath would be fatal.

Xu Xiaohou lunged forward, his Golden Arhat Fist aimed straight for Xue Yimiao's vital points.

This fierce battle, coupled with Xue Yimiao's earlier injury and the sudden onset of the side effects of the Exploding Spirit Pill, caused her spiritual energy to recede like a receding tide, leaving her weak and powerless.

"No!"

Xue Yimiao was unwilling to accept it. The enemy who had caused the extermination of her Xue family was right in front of her, yet she had failed to take revenge.

Her gaze swept across the area and she saw Xu Zhongxi. Without hesitation, she flew forward.

"Xiaoxi, be careful!"

Xu Xiaohou quickly reminded him, while simultaneously throwing a punch at the completely unguarded Xue Yimiao.

With her last breath, Xue Yimiao released a blazing fireball that flew towards Xu Zhongxi.

"Xiao Xi!"

Zhongche reacted quickly; he had been by Zhongxi's side the whole time, protecting his sister from danger.

At that moment, disregarding the danger, he stood in front of Xu Zhongxi and blocked the fireball, which was two zhang in diameter.

In his hand was the Golden Flame Shield.

"boom--!"

The two-zhang-long fireball exploded, turning into countless sparks that scattered and flew everywhere, creating a scene of fireworks display against the dark night sky.

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.

"Die!"

Facing Xue Yimiao, who had given up resistance and was completely unprepared, Xu Xiaohou punched her in the dantian.

"Click~~"

The hardened dantian shattered, and spiritual energy overflowed.

Xue Yimiao was completely crippled and died after being punched in the chest by Xu Xiaohou.

The Xu family's enemy is finally dead.

Xu Xiaohou, a Foundation Establishment Level 1 cultivator, killed a Foundation Establishment Level 3 cultivator. He endured fire spells at close range multiple times, sustaining serious injuries. His entire body was covered in smoke, as if he had been roasted.

Fortunately, he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and such physical injuries only required a few more days of rest to recover.

On the other side, Zhongche and Zhongxi endured Xue Yimiao's last fireball before she died.

Zhongche was a fire-type cultivator, and the Golden Flame Shield was a fire-type defensive magic weapon, which is why the two of them survived.

The Golden Flame Shield, a superior defensive magic weapon, is now unusable.

Zhongche and Zhongxi, however, suffered more severe injuries than Xu Xiaohou from the aftershocks of the flames; they were almost roasted alive and only survived by sheer luck.

In this battle, two members of the Pei family died, but Xue Yimiao was killed.

The battle has ended, but the troubles that follow are far from over.

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.

When Jiang Hao saw that Xue Yimiao was dead, and that his rivals Pei Wanchang and Pei Baiming were also dead, he felt a pang of sorrow, but also a secret joy.

This is the ever-changing world of cultivation.

There are opportunities, but also dangers. You could die at any moment.

He flew forward and bowed to Xu Xiaohou: "Foundation Establishment Senior, I am Jiang Hao, the magistrate of Tonggu County. May I ask your name?"

"..."

Xu Xiaohou didn't know how to answer. Was he about to reveal his identity?

He looked to his father, Xu Fugui, and his elder brother, Xu Xiaoniu, for help. What should he do?
Xue Yimiao is the current crisis, while the Xu family's secret spiritual root is a potential danger.

Besides Xu Xiaohou, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, there were also many Qi Refining cultivators from the Xu family present.

Xu Fugui flew forward and answered on his behalf: "Magistrate Jiang, I am Da Niu's father. This Foundation Establishment senior received some favors from my family in the past and promised to repay us in a critical moment."

Director Xu's father?
Jiang Hao sized up Xu Fugui: "Grandpa Xu? I saw you at Director Xu's wedding banquet. I didn't expect that after so many years, you would still be so young and have even cultivated to the late stage of Qi Refining?"

As for Xu Fugui's talk of gratitude and repayment, he didn't believe it at all.

Whether he believed it or not was not up to him, and he couldn't very well question it in front of the Foundation Establishment seniors.

As Xu Fugui explained, he winked at Xu Xiaoniu and the others: "I had some opportunities that allowed me to embark on the path of cultivation. Let's talk about the Xue family's contributions. The people from the prefectural government should be arriving soon."

Before the great battle, Jiang Hao sent a message to the Demon Subduing Division of the prefectural government.

Given the distance between Tonggu County and Yuanli City, the officials from the prefectural government would arrive in two hours.

"Credit?"

Jiang Hao didn't understand what Xu Fugui meant, so he looked at Xu Xiaohou and quickly said, "I only have the merit of sending messages and assisting in the battle. The merit of killing Xue Yimiao of the Xue family is up to this Foundation Establishment senior to decide."

Xu Fugui said, "In my opinion, the credit should go to Magistrate Jiang. We will give the credit for the Foundation Establishment Pill to Magistrate Jiang, and only hope that my Da Niu can get a share of the credit."

"Oh?"

Jiang Hao was surprised. Could it be that this Foundation Establishment cultivator really listened to the Xu family patriarch?
"What conditions?"

he added.

Giving him the Foundation Establishment Pill for free must come with conditions.

"There are no particularly difficult conditions. I just hope that Magistrate Jiang can keep the secret of my family having so many Qi Refining cultivators and not let it be spread."

(End of this chapter)