From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 257 The Demonic Cultivator of the Tuoba Family

"This demonic art is becoming less and less effective for me; it's time to return to my family."

Tuoba Luopu thought to himself.

Although the "Reverse Regeneration Demon Art" can restore his youth and increase his lifespan, its effects are limited and it is impossible to restore youth indefinitely.

If it could extend lifespan indefinitely, then it wouldn't be the Reverse Life Demon Art, but rather the "Reverse Life Divine Art" that everyone would fight over and that was revered as a treasure by powerful families.

According to Tuoba Luopu's judgment, since he started practicing the Reverse Life Demon Art, his lifespan limit has increased by about fifty years, and the effect of the technique has become extremely weak.

In the beginning, the souls and blood marrow of dozens of children were enough to make him noticeably younger.

Now, the effect of a few dozen children on him is negligible.

The reason he hasn't stopped is because of his greed. In any case, the lives of innocent people are worthless to him; tens of millions of people are resources he can take at will.

He couldn't remember how many people he had killed.

Five or six hundred people? Or seven or eight hundred? Anyway, quite a lot.

Especially since he hasn't been caught for so many years, he's become increasingly audacious.

"How about we try one last time while the Reverse Life Demon Art is still somewhat effective? Once we return to the family, we'll have no chance at all."

He changed his mind again and didn't want to go back to his family like that.

This has happened several times before. Every time before taking action, they say it's the last time, and they keep doing it, over and over again, never stopping.

"time to go."

He decided it was not a good time to stay there, so he left the cave and headed to the next remote mountain village to look for a target.

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.

It's not far from this barren mountain.

Xu Xiaohou hid on a high hilltop, cautiously observing his surroundings.

He has been waiting here for two days.

They didn't know if the demonic cultivators were still nearby, so they had no choice but to hold out like this.

"That demonic cultivator should leave in the next couple of days after he finishes practicing his demonic arts. If he doesn't leave in two more days, our mission will be considered a failure."

Xu Xiaohou thought to himself.

"I wonder what realm that demonic cultivator is at? If I encounter him, could I defeat him?"

They were unaware of the specific strength and level of the demonic cultivators.

Judging from the traces left behind by the demonic cultivator, his strength would not have reached the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. However, this is only a rough estimate, because demonic cultivators can conceal their strength, and his true level might have reached the late-Foundation Establishment stage.

The three of them teamed up precisely because of this kind of risk.

Even if they encounter an invincible demonic cultivator, the three can scatter and escape, and someone will always be able to bring the news back alive.

"Someone!"

Just then, Xu Xiaohou noticed someone flying overhead.

The man was acting suspiciously, flying slowly using his inner energy, and deliberately concealing his aura.

However, when flying in the air, it is impossible to completely conceal its aura, and some of it will always be revealed.

"It seems to be the third level of the Foundation Establishment realm."

Xu Xiaohou assessed the opponent's strength and breathed a sigh of relief.

The fact that they concealed their presence and moved so stealthily in the dead of night left no doubt about their identity; they were most likely demonic cultivators.

He first sent a message to Xu Xiaoniu and He Shoucheng using a talisman, and then quietly followed them.

He did not act rashly, after all, the other party was a demonic cultivator, and if he had any special methods, Xu Xiaohou would probably have difficulty dealing with him.

Once the two arrive, the three of them working together will surely ensure victory. No matter how powerful the opponent is, it's impossible for a Foundation Establishment Level 3 cultivator to defeat three Foundation Establishment Grandmasters with higher cultivation levels.

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 Xiaoniu and He Shoucheng, who were lying in wait elsewhere, gave chase at full speed after receiving Xu Xiaohou's message.

Xu Xiaohou followed Tuoba Luopu from a distance.

However, after flying not far, Tuoba Luopu suddenly increased his speed.

"Ok?"

Xu Xiaohou also sped up.

As he sped up, his opponent sped up even faster.

"Discovered?!"

Although Xu Xiaohou concealed his aura, he was still flying using qi and couldn't be completely silent.

"Run away!"

He gave a low shout and gave chase at full speed.

The two pursued each other at full speed.

Although Tuoba Luopu's cultivation level was lower, his flight speed was actually slightly faster, making it impossible for Xu Xiaohou to catch up.

Xu Xiaohou assessed the distance between them and determined that his flying sword could catch up.

"Huh! Huh!"

With a flick of his wrist, two invisible flying swords pierced the air and chased straight towards Tuoba Luopu.

Xu Xiaohou specialized in flying sword techniques and could control two flying swords simultaneously with perfect skill and mastery. He could control his flying swords for extremely long distances, up to four or five miles away.

Of course, the killing power of a flying sword will be weaker at its maximum distance.

Given the distance between Xu Xiaohou and Tuoba Luopu, the flying sword technique would be difficult to effectively kill them, but it could hinder their flight and slow them down.

Suddenly, a sandstorm appeared around Tuoba Luopu, enveloping him in it.

This is a sandstorm-type spell he practiced.

Tuoba Luopu remained cautious and vigilant throughout his departure. Therefore, he was discovered by Xu Xiaohou after only a short time of being followed.

He practiced a technique for flying by the wind, which made him fly much faster than ordinary cultivators of the same level.

He was wearing a low-grade spiritual artifact robe, which also had the effect of increasing flight speed. This robe was a gift from an elder in his family when he had just advanced to the Foundation Establishment Realm.

This is the foundation of the Tuoba family.

A sandstorm swept around Tuoba Luopu, and two flying swords entered the sandstorm's range, making a clanging sound.

Xu Xiaohou's spiritual sense and flying sword were affected by the sandstorm, making it difficult for him to pose a threat to Tuoba Luopu for the time being.

Fortunately, Tuoba Luopu's speed was inevitably slower when he used the sandstorm spell.

If Xu Xiaohou can hold them off until Xu Xiaoniu and He Shoucheng arrive, this man will definitely not be able to escape.

A moment later, He Shoucheng was the first to catch up.

He was at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, making him even stronger. Seeing Tuoba Luopu shrouded in sandstorm, he reached out without a word, and a water dragon several tens of feet long condensed in the air and rushed into the sandstorm formation.

Wherever the water dragon passed, all the sand and gravel were absorbed into its body.

"Woo~~"

As if it were alive, the water dragon rushed toward Tuoba Luopu accompanied by the sound of the wind.

"Oops!"

When Tuoba Luopu saw that another Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator had arrived, his expression changed.

He wasn't that capable. If his opponent was only at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, he could fight them with his family's resources. But now that a fifth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator had appeared, he was no match for the two of them.

However, another person appeared and completely extinguished his hopes.

How could they have arrived so quickly? Unless... they were already lying in wait nearby!

Faced with the three pursuers, Tuoba Luopu was neither able to fight them nor escape them.

He didn't try to fight back, knowing that would only hasten his death, so he simply gave up resisting.

As two flying swords hurtled toward his forehead and dantian from the left and right, he shouted, "Stop, everyone! I surrender!"

"Whoa!"

The two flying swords veered off course and passed him by.

Xu Xiaohou and his two companions, worried that he might be up to something, formed a triangular encirclement around him.

He Shoucheng shouted, "Since you admit defeat, you should now destroy your dantian and let us take you back to claim your reward."

For demonic cultivators, capturing them alive is ideal; bringing them back for interrogation and soul-searching can solve many cold cases without a clear culprit. However, capturing them alive isn't essential, as their primary objective is to eliminate demonic cultivators.

Xu Xiaoniu said angrily, "This wicked man should be beheaded on the spot, not allowed to live for even half an hour longer!"

Among the demonic cultivators of Yuanli County, Tuoba Luopu is ruthless and has committed numerous crimes.

But Tuoba Luopu looked completely unconcerned: "I advise you to release me. I'm not someone you can capture."

"Huh? What's so special about you, this demonic cultivator, that we can't arrest you?"

Xu Xiaohou scoffed, thinking the demonic cultivator in front of him was going mad.

"My surname is Tuoba."

Tuoba Luopu only said four words.

Tuoba?

Upon hearing this, He Shoucheng frowned and his expression changed.

Xu Xiaoniu naturally knew what the surname "Tuoba" meant, and for a moment he didn't know how to deal with it.

The Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator before us, who has committed countless atrocities and harmed countless lives, is a member of the Tuoba family?!
Their Demon Subduing Division Chief is Tuoba Hongyang.

The surname Tuoba represents not only Tuoba Hongyang, but also the powerful Jindan family behind him.

Xu Xiaohou was only stunned for a moment before reacting quickly, saying, "You demonic cultivator, how dare you impersonate a member of the Tuoba family and frame me? You're not worthy!"

As soon as he finished speaking, two flying swords flew towards Tuoba Luopu's throat and dantian, aiming to take his life.

"you!"

Tuoba Luopu never expected that the other party would dare to silence him after learning his identity.

He hurriedly took out a stone sword from his storage bag to defend himself.

He parried a flying sword with one sword, dodged to the side, but couldn't avoid another flying sword and was pierced through the left shoulder by another sword.

The two flying swords changed direction in mid-air and attacked Tuoba Luopu again.

"You are brave!"

"Wait a minute!"

The first sentence was said by Tuoba Luopu, and the second sentence was said by He Shoucheng.

In that instant, a communication talisman appeared in Tuoba Luopu's hand: "Stop! Even if you can kill me, I guarantee that you and your family will suffer the revenge of the Tuoba family!"

With the communication talisman in hand, Tuoba Luopu felt confident.

"Ah~"

Xu Xiaohou sighed inwardly and shook his head helplessly.

The best opportunity has been missed.

If He Shoucheng and Xu Xiaoniu had attacked together, they would have been able to kill him instantly.

As for what happens next?

Xu Xiaohou had already decided that they would forgo the reward for killing the demonic cultivator, pretend they had never seen Tuoba Luopu, and completely destroy all traces of him.

When Tuoba Luopu dies, who will know that it was the three of them who did it?

It's definitely not the right time to take action now.

If this person truly has the identity to help the Tuoba family avenge him, then Xu Xiaohou taking action would only bring great trouble to the Xu family.

There was already a rift between the Tuoba family and the Xu family.

If it weren't for the Nie family's intervention back then, the Xu family might be somewhere right now.

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.

"Even if you are a member of the Tuoba family, do you think you can escape the law of the court after killing so many innocent people?"

Xu Xiaoniu questioned.

"Ha, the common people are like weeds, how many die is not a big deal. Every year, so many people are born, and so many die. I am merely using their lives to cultivate immortality, which is the most valuable thing they have done with their lives..."

Tuoba Luopu's words were cruel and cold-blooded, causing the three of them to frown repeatedly.

There's nothing more to say to demonic cultivators with such views.

"you!"

Xu Xiaoniu wished he could kill him on the spot, but he was also worried about the Tuoba family behind him.

"My two colleagues, may I speak with you in private?"

He Shoucheng wanted to discuss the matter with the two of them.

So the three of them flew to a distant place.

Xu Xiaohou and Xu Xiaoniu refused to fly too far, keeping a close eye on Tuoba Luopu out of the corner of their eyes to prevent him from escaping.

However, Tuoba Luopu had no intention of running away; he waited calmly.

Most of the crimes he committed took place in Yuanli County because the head of the Demon Subduing Division in Yuanli County was Tuoba Hongyang.

He would be safer here.

Even if those Demon-Subduing Guards are not afraid of the Tuoba family's power, they still have to worry about whether they can continue to work in the Demon-Subduing Division.

At this moment, He Shoucheng, Xu Xiaoniu, and Xu Xiaohou discussed in hushed tones.

Xu Xiaohou gritted his teeth: "This man's beastly behavior cannot be let go."

“The Tuoba family members who committed such crimes should also be executed.”

Xu Xiaoniu said.

He Shoucheng looked troubled: "I understand what you're saying, but..."

But if they actually killed this person, they would not only gain no merit, but would also get into big trouble.

Xu Xiaohou said fiercely, "We'll pretend to let him go later, then kill him when he's not paying attention, burn the body to cover our tracks, and no one will know!"

In his view, this was the best approach.

"No, no, that's not right."

He Shoucheng was unwilling.

Xu Xiaoniu continued, "If you ask me, the Tuoba family has a million members. A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator might not hold a high position in the Tuoba family. What difference would killing him make?"

He Shoucheng remained silent for a few moments before speaking, "The issue isn't whether he deserves to die. Perhaps even if he returns to his family, he won't escape death. The Tuoba family may not even know about his evil deeds."

But it's not our place to do it.

Now that we know his identity, if we still take action, we will offend the Director and needlessly provoke the Tuoba family.

He Shoucheng came for the reward of killing the demonic cultivators, not to avenge the tragic deaths of the common people.

Killing Tuoba Luopu would bring no reward and would only provoke a powerful family, so he certainly wouldn't want to do it.

"This extermination of demonic cultivators was initiated by the Prefect. With him around, the Director shouldn't be able to target us specifically."

"I was wondering why we hadn't received the arrest warrant from the Zhennan Prefecture government, and why there was so much we didn't know. It seems the director is deliberately protecting us and intentionally concealing the truth!"

Xu Xiaoniu suddenly realized what was happening.

"The conflict between Chief Tuoba and the Prefect is not something we should interfere with."

He Shoucheng is now in a dilemma.

Given their status, they cannot afford to offend either side.

Unexpectedly, capturing the demonic cultivator was not a good thing, but instead brought a lot of trouble.

Seeing that He Shoucheng was determined not to kill the demonic cultivator, Xu Xiaoniu and Xu Xiaohou stopped trying to persuade him. Of the three present, He Shoucheng had the highest cultivation level and the deepest experience, so his opinion was the most important.

After much discussion, He Shoucheng came up with a compromise: "Take him back to the Demon Subduing Division and hand him over to the director. What happens to him is none of our business. Let's make a big show of it to ensure the news reaches the Prefect's ears."

As for what happens next, let's see how they handle it.

"fair enough."

Xu Xiaoniu and Xu Xiaohou nodded in agreement.

We cannot let the demonic cultivator go, but we also cannot kill him on the spot; this is the only option.

They guessed that, given the new prefect's attitude towards Tuoba Hongyang, this demonic cultivator was bound to die.

(End of this chapter)