Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 265 Departure of De Ling, Traces of the Ancient Demon (Bonus Chapter for 3000 Monthly Tickets Before the End of the Month!)

"Sister Ling, what brings you here?"

Ye Fan and Xu Deyue asked in unison.

"I heard the Liu family is holding the 'Yunhu Small Gathering' here, so I came to check it out." Xu Deling glanced at Ye Fan and, seeing that he seemed a little weak, asked, "Are you injured?"

"A minor injury like this can be quickly healed with a healing pill. Even someone at the Foundation Establishment stage won't be having an easy time," Ye Fan said casually.

Xu Deling scanned the crowd, his gaze settling on Yun Yi.

Of everyone present, aside from Ye Fan, he was the only one whose breathing was unstable.

"Did you hurt my Xu family?" Xu Deling's eyes turned pale gold, and a pressure descended on Yun Yi, bringing him unimaginable stress.

"What, you think the Xu family has no one to rely on, so you only target those with lower cultivation levels than yourself?"

"Ye Fan, how many moves did you exchange?"

"Three moves."

Xu Deling continued to look at Yun Yi and said, "We are in the same realm. You should also take one of my moves, and then we can consider this matter settled."

A middle-aged man walked over, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Master Ling, it was all a misunderstanding just now. Junior Brother Yun was also seriously injured. Why don't you give me face and let's just let it go?"

"Who are you? Why should I give you face?" Xu Deling said without any politeness.

"Wang Chuan, an unworthy disciple of the Jiao Cang Sect, has been ranked seventh on the Genius List."

"Don't know me? You want to take my hits?"

Seeing Wang Chuan's embarrassment, the people in the pavilion all smiled knowingly, their eyes falling on the two of them.

Wang Chuan felt his cheeks burning, his embarrassment and annoyance turning into anger, his face so dark it could drip water: "I was just about to ask Master Ling for guidance, please forgive me if I have offended you!"

"Enough with the nonsense, just do it!"

Xu Deling's voice was clear and cold, without the slightest hesitation.

Wang Chuan's anger intensified after being choked by these words. He raised his right hand, and a battle blade gleaming with black light appeared out of thin air.

The blade is covered with fine patterns, and a murderous aura lingers on it like black mist. It is the "Bloodthirsty Blade," a magical weapon that made him famous.

With this sword and the "Mad Demon Blade Technique," he ranked seventh on the genius list.

Enraged, he unleashed his attack, his sword technique intensifying the murderous aura and chilling the surrounding air.

"Take this! Berserker Slash!"

As soon as the shout fell, Wang Chuan swung his knife and struck out.

The blade, carrying a surge of murderous aura, struck Xu Deling's face like a black lightning bolt, its ruthless move leaving no room for retreat.

Everyone held their breath upon seeing this.

After all, Wang Chuan's "Mad Demon Blade Technique" is exceptionally domineering, and ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators at the peak of their cultivation level would find it difficult to withstand.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have ranked seventh on the genius list with just a magic weapon.

"Junior Sister Deling, be careful!" Yan Yue exclaimed in alarm.

Upon hearing this, many people showed strange expressions.

It seems that the weapon-refining master from the Yan family has come for Xu Deling.

Xu Deling remained calm, her eyes slightly narrowed, then suddenly snapped open.

Two pale golden flames ignited in her pupils.

This is the divine power of the "Fire Emperor's True Eye"!
Although he had not yet truly mastered this eye technique, Xu Deling had already comprehended the supernatural power to a certain extent and could unleash some of its power.

When the True Eyes opened, the pale golden flames in the pupils suddenly transformed into two thin lines of fire, shooting out like golden rainbows, directly towards the black blade light.

The two lines of fire flew into the air and suddenly converged before everyone's eyes, merging into one with a "hum" and transforming into an even thicker golden pillar of fire.

Immediately afterwards, a clear and high-pitched phoenix cry suddenly rang out, echoing across the shores of Yunhu Lake.

Everyone felt a slight vibration in their eardrums, and even the surface of the lake rippled.

The merged flames instantly surged, shooting into the sky and coalescing into a pale golden fire phoenix with a wingspan of about ten feet!
The phoenix spread its wings, its tail feathers swaying like flowing gold, and its flames, though scorching, were not blinding, exuding a sacred majesty as it swooped down to meet the blade's edge, which was wreathed in malevolent energy.

Chichi~
The moment the fire phoenix clashed with the blade's edge, golden flames and black malevolent energy intertwined fiercely. The malevolent energy was scorched by the flames, emitting a piercing sound, and melted away as quickly as ice and snow meeting the blazing sun.

Then it let out another clear cry, its power undiminished, and its body swooped down like an arrow, its sharp golden claws gleaming with a scorching light, aiming straight for Wang Chuan's heart.

Upon seeing this, Wang Chuan's expression changed drastically, and he broke out in a cold sweat.

The power of the Fire Phoenix's piercing light had already frightened him, and now that he saw the Fire Phoenix rushing towards him, he dared not be careless in the slightest.

Before he could think it through, he slapped his storage bag at his waist with his left hand, and a beam of earth-yellow spiritual light flew out instantly, transforming into a three-foot square shield in the air.

"block!"

Wang Chuan shouted urgently and formed a hand seal.

A thick, earthy-yellow halo emanated from the shield as it faced the fire phoenix's sharp claws.

The claws collided with the shield, and the earthen-yellow light screen flickered for a moment.

The next moment, it shattered on the spot.

"clang!"

Two claw marks were scratched on the surface of the shield, and then a huge force slammed into Wang Chuan, causing him to cough up blood and fly backward.

Upon seeing this, everyone's pupils constricted sharply.

"How can it be?!"

"Wang Chuan is at least seventh on the genius list, at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. How could he not even withstand a single spell?!"

Liu Yue's beautiful eyes, hidden beneath her veil, gazed at Xu Deling, who stood calmly in the center of the room, her expression unusually solemn.

After a short while, she parted her red lips slightly and uttered two words: "Supernatural power".

These two words, though light, struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer.

Xu Deling glanced disdainfully at Wang Chuan in the distance and said indifferently, "Don't jump out if you don't have the strength."

Then, he said to Yun Yi, "It's your turn."

"Take one of my moves, and I'll let you leave unscathed."

Yun Yi was in a difficult position, but he gritted his teeth and finally said, "Fine!"

Xu Deling did not use the "Fire Emperor's True Eye" this time, but only used a trace of supernatural power and incorporated it into the spell. However, its power should not be underestimated.

With a single move, he sent his defensive magic weapon flying and injured his body.

The two brothers from Jiao Cangzong were too ashamed to stay any longer and left immediately.

"Junior Sister Deling," Yan Yue greeted her as he stepped forward.

"Yan Yue?"

"So you're Sister Deling! My brother has been talking about you all the time. Today I finally get to meet you in person. You're so beautiful, and your strength is terrifying."

"Sister Deling, are you also participating in the Heavenly Pride Gathering?"

Yan Fengwu said with a smile.

Many people listened intently, also out of curiosity.

They never expected that besides Xu Deyue, the Xu family had another exceptionally talented prodigy who had comprehended supernatural powers.

Very few people in the entire Tiancang Prefecture can achieve this; most of them are older Foundation Establishment experts who are over sixty years old.

Forming the Golden Core is extremely difficult. One either needs elixirs to aid in the formation, or one needs to find innate spiritual objects, or one needs to comprehend supernatural powers and follow the path of forming the Golden Core through supernatural powers.

The first two rely on external factors and can only be encountered by chance.

Therefore, most Foundation Establishment cultivators, after reaching the peak of Foundation Establishment, will seek out suitable supernatural methods to comprehend, rather than placing all their hopes on elixirs and innate spiritual objects.

Some Foundation Establishment cultivators with exceptional talent can comprehend supernatural powers, but in the past few hundred years, Tiancang Prefecture has not produced another person who has truly mastered supernatural powers and formed a Core.

A genius like Xu Deling could definitely be ranked on the list of prodigies.

As for how far it can go, that's hard to predict.

After all, the world has no shortage of geniuses.

Xu Deling glanced at everyone and said, "I don't really like fighting and killing, so I won't go to the Heavenly Pride Gathering. My sister Deyue can go."

She was unaware that Xu Mingxian would also be participating.

"That's a real pity." Liu Yue smiled. "Could it be that Master Ling's age no longer meets the requirements of the Heavenly Pride Gathering?"

"You can think of it that way too."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yue stopped asking questions.

Xu Deling looked at Yan Yue, his gaze intense and somewhat familiar to her.

So long ago that she had long forgotten.

"Youth is always bittersweet." A sentence Xu Chuan said came to her mind.

"So, Grandfather was referring to him. Does he have feelings for me?"

Xu Deling knew that since Xu Chuan hadn't spoken, it was up to her to make the decision.

However, she has no interest in love at the moment, hence her very indifferent attitude.

There are quite a few single people in Tiannan.

Those with less power tend to value their offspring more.

Because they are powerless to change their own or their family's circumstances on their own, but as long as they have enough offspring, one or two geniuses will always emerge.

It can help oneself, or make the family rise to prominence.

Xu Deling's arrival and display of her abilities made her the focus of attention at this "Yunhu Small Meeting".

Even Liu Yue, the initiator, was slightly inferior.

Of course, most people who tried to curry favor with Xu Deling wanted her to help them customize magical artifacts.

After all, Ye Fan was able to fight against Yun Yi, who was at the peak of Foundation Establishment, with only minor injuries while at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment. The greatest credit for this was the magic weapon that Xu Deling had tailored for him.

"Fellow Daoists, you are too kind. However, I will be going on a trip with my master, True Man Huoyun, in a few days, so I'm afraid I won't be able to help you anymore."

Let's take all these things back.

If you're truly looking for a magical artifact with patterns that suit you, you could try visiting the Ascension Pavilion in town; you might find something there.

The geniuses were inevitably somewhat disappointed.

"Junior Sister Deling, where are you and Senior Huoyun going?"

"I don't know," Xu Deling said. "However, please don't call me Junior Sister, Fellow Daoist Yan Yue. We are not from the same sect, and that would cause misunderstandings."

"I misspoke, please forgive me, Fairy Ling," Yan Yue said with a smile.

Xu Deling then transmitted his voice again: "Fellow Daoist Yan Yue, if you want to find a Daoist partner, you should not waste your time on me. Women of the Xu family rarely marry outside the family."

Soon after, Xu Deling left.

Yan Yue stared blankly at his retreating figure.

Yan Fengwu patted Yan Yue on the shoulder and sighed softly, "Brother, this woman is too arrogant; you can't handle her."

However, Yan Yue seemed not to hear, and muttered to himself, "Fairy Ling, even in red, you are still so heroic and beautiful."

Not only is his skill in weapon crafting profound, but his comprehension, talent, and strength are also exceptionally powerful.

What an extraordinary woman!

Seeing his dazed expression, Yan Fengwu rolled her eyes and said with a twitch at the corner of her mouth, "Big brother, your little sister is also dressed in red today."

Upon hearing this, Yan Yue turned and glanced at her, "How can you compare to Fairy Ling?"

"You keep wearing the same few outfits over and over again. Aren't you tired of them? I'm tired of seeing them."

"Me!" Yan Fengwu grimaced at him, thinking to herself, "Are you still the older brother who cared for me so much since we were little?"

Men in love are terrifying!
Being caught in unrequited love is even worse!
"Alright, you can continue your conversation with these geniuses. I'm already quite satisfied to have met Fairy Ling today, so I'll head back now."

After saying this, he took his leave.

The "Yunhu Small Meeting" is gradually returning to normal, with participants exchanging ideas, news, and so on.

Ye Fan and Xu Deling learned a lot of information from their conversations with them, including information about some forces outside Tiancang Prefecture.

The Xu family is focused on developing Yunxi Town and has no plans to expand beyond Tiancang Prefecture.

Therefore, they knew very little about the outside world of Tiancang Prefecture.

The Tiannan and Northwest regions comprise eight prefectures, with Tiancang Prefecture being the weakest in terms of overall strength.

Each prefecture is basically guarded by a Nascent Soul cultivator.

However, in Xuan Yue Prefecture, where Xuan Yue Sect is located, there are two other Nascent Soul forces besides Xuan Yue Sect.

One is a sect, the other is a family.

These geniuses were almost all aware of the Nascent Soul faction, but they couldn't be fully aware of the Golden Core faction.

Because there are too many Golden Core factions, large and small.

As for foundation building, it is something that cannot be explained to outsiders.

Although there were some unexpected events along the way, the "Yunhu Small Meeting" was generally held smoothly.

Shen Shi Shi Fen.

After the "Yunhu Gathering" concluded, all the geniuses departed.

"Fairy Liu, we'll take our leave now." Ye Fan and Xu Deyue clasped their hands in greeting, then took to the air and flew towards Yunxi Town.

They were the last to leave.

In the blink of an eye, only the Liu siblings and their numerous servants remained on the once bustling south bank of Yunhu Lake.

"Sister, how was the harvest?" Liu Feng asked.

Liu Yue's beautiful eyes, hidden beneath her veil, rippled slightly. "I have largely achieved my goal. Currently, there are three people who may be able to lend me a hand."

"Who?"

"Wen Chong, Gao Zheng, Qiao Song."

"Wen Chong is a disciple of the Tiancang Sect and has always admired you, so it is normal for him to agree. Gao Zheng and Qiao Song are both from Golden Core families in the Seven Cities of Tiancang."

Are you sure they'll help?

"Both the Gao and Qiao families only have one Golden Core cultivator, and they are not young. The reputation of their families depends entirely on them. The more eager they are, the easier it is to persuade them."

Of course, we are allied because of interests, and we may also part ways because of interests in the end; I am well aware of this.

"It's good that you understand, Sister. Father and grandfather also have high expectations for you, hoping that our Liu family will produce another Golden Core cultivator."

Then Liu Feng added, "Hasn't Sister considered the Xu family?"

"Speaking of the urgent need for a Golden Core cultivator, although the Xu family has developed well, in order to truly consolidate everything they have now, a Golden Core cultivator must be born in the clan."

After all, even connections at the Golden Core stage are just connections; in crucial moments, only one's own people can be relied upon.

"The Xu family."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yue's eyes sparkled. "The Xu family is quite surprising. They seem to have a weak foundation, but in fact, they are quite powerful."

If Xu Deyue reaches the peak of Foundation Establishment in a year, I will invite him before the trial in the secret realm.

"Indeed unfathomable. I never expected to find a genius who has comprehended supernatural powers. Moreover, judging from his spirit and energy, he should also be among the younger generation."

But for some reason, he didn't want to participate in the Heavenly Pride Gathering.

Could it be that Master Ling is confident he can form his own core?

"We don't know. What the Xu family thinks is none of our business. Our Liu family also has its own plans."

“What my elder sister says is true.”

Ye Fan and Xu Deyue returned to the Xu residence and briefly told Xu Chuan about the "Yunhu Small Meeting".

Upon hearing this, Xu Chuan smiled faintly, "A grand gathering of geniuses has affected the entire situation in Tiannan. Beneath the seemingly calm surface, countless undercurrents are surging."

However, the number of prodigies is limited.

Most people's plans ultimately come to nothing.

"That's what Master said."

Xu Chuan looked at Ye Fan and said with a faint smile, "If you can reach the seventh level of Foundation Establishment in a year, you can also give it a try."

"Really?!" Ye Fan exclaimed in surprise.

"Your foundation is already quite strong. Reaching the seventh level of Foundation Establishment is comparable to a ninth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator. Furthermore, with the two-patterned magic weapon crafted for you by De Ling, you should have no problem normally engaging in combat with a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the peak." "Thank you, Master."

"However, you should all treat this Gathering of Prodigies as a training exercise for yourselves. There is no need to work too hard for the so-called title of prodigy."

"Yes."

Ye Fan and Xu Deyue cupped their hands in greeting.

Xu Deling watched with a faint smile. She planned to stay at the Xu residence for three days before leaving with Master Huoyun.

These past few days, she has been unusually free from her spiritual practice.

Walk around and take a look.

She toured Yunxi Town, the mines, the spiritual fields, and Yunhu Lake.

"If Father and Second Uncle came here and saw everything the Xu family has in Tiannan now, they would be very surprised."

“No, perhaps not.” Xu Deling shook his head and smiled self-deprecatingly. “They have long since honed their Dao heart by following their grandfather’s side, and are not moved by external things.”

Perhaps they feel that all of this is perfectly normal.

Three days later.

In the soft light of dawn.

Xu Chuan and the others watched Xu Deling and Huoyun Zhenren leave.

Before leaving, Xu Chuan gave Xu Deling a storage bag containing various pills, including the Heavenly Spirit Pill and the Purifying Spirit Pill needed for breaking through to the Golden Core stage.

"Grandfather, where are Sister Ling and Senior Huoyun going to travel? Outside Tiancang Prefecture?" Ye Fan asked.

"Perhaps even further. Senior Huoyun once said he would help De Ling find an opportunity. If this trip goes smoothly, then De Ling will be just one step away from reaching the Golden Core stage when he returns."

Xu Deyue said, "Sister Ling will definitely not be trapped by the Golden Core Realm!"

Xu Chuan smiled slightly, "You should all start cultivating properly now. Put aside your cultivation techniques for now. Fei'er is still young, so she will start cultivating a few years later than the scions of ordinary noble families."

"My Xu family can also make him advance faster than others!"

"Yes, Grandfather (Master)."

------------

Summer passes and autumn comes.

Tiancang Mountains.

The location of the Chen family's ancestral home.

There are a few scattered families in this area that are affiliated with the Qingmu Sect.

Most of their ancestors were Golden Core cultivators, but they all declined later. Their strength and foundation are more profound than those of Foundation Establishment families.

at this time.

The moonlight, as white as frost, shone on the gray walls of the Chen family's estate.

A pale blue light curtain was hidden in the night, only faintly glowing under the moonlight, like an invisible barrier, protecting the Chen family's territory.

Suddenly, a dark figure darted out from the forest and landed three zhang away from the formation.

The newcomer was dressed in a long black robe, his face hidden in shadow, and surrounded by a faint black aura.

His gaze was piercing, fixed on the depths of the Chen family's territory, his eyes surging with murderous intent.

"Chen Changge, you ruined my plan back then. Since I can't kill you in the Green Wood Sect, I'll take the lives of your Chen family members as interest!"

This person is none other than the ancient demon, Yaromo!
Seven years later, after fleeing Tiancang Mansion in a sorry state, he has finally returned.

Yaromo raised his hand, his five fingers forming a claw, and black energy condensed in his palm, transforming into a jet-black claw.

He moved with lightning speed, lunging at the light screen like a ghost, his claws whistling through the air as he fiercely slashed at its surface.

"Oh!"

The claws collided with the light barrier, and the pale blue spiritual light suddenly surged, firmly blocking the black energy outside.

Yeromo felt a tremendous force come from him, his arm went numb, and he was shaken back two steps. A look of surprise flashed in his eyes: "When did the Chen family set up a third-order formation?"
It's still a mid-grade tier 3!

The protective formations of the three sects, including the Green Wood Sect, are only at the mid-third rank!

Yeromo was extremely surprised, but after a moment's thought, he understood. "They must have exposed me, gained merit, and were afraid of retaliation, so they asked the people of Tiancang Sect to set up the formation."

However, the Heavenly Azure Sect is quite generous, actually providing a mid-grade third-tier item to a mere family that has just produced a Golden Core cultivator!

He glared fiercely at the Chen family's territory, then his figure blurred and disappeared into the forest as a black shadow.

Because he knew that in his current state, he was simply no match for this formation.

But if one's whereabouts are exposed, then things will be troublesome.

The formation has changed.

Immediately, guards from the Chen family arrived at the scene, carrying magical artifacts.

"I clearly heard some noise, but why is no one here?" a guard asked in surprise.

"Perhaps it was a passing demon beast that accidentally bumped into the array's light barrier. Now that our Chen family has this mid-grade third-tier array, who would dare to invade?!"

"Indeed, even a Golden Core cultivator at the peak of their cultivation cannot easily break through this formation, but we still need to be careful. Ancestor Changge has offended that ancient demon. As long as the ancient demon is not dead, our Chen family cannot relax for a single day!"

A few moments.

The patrol team then left to patrol other areas.

Yemolu began hunting human cultivators in the Tiancang Mountains, and occasionally also hunted demonic beasts.

But compared to demonic beasts, the souls of human cultivators are their true delicacy.

Yunxi Town.

Huang family.

Main hall.

“Brother Huang, my husband has been away at Eagle Beak Ridge for over a month. He told me he would be back in half a month at most. Could you help me go and find him?”

A female cultivator at the Qi Refining stage pleaded with Huang Tianba, tears streaming down her face.

"Yunniang, don't worry, Brother Lu was one of my best brothers before, and I, Huang, will not abandon him, but you also know that my status is different now."

I need to get the Xu family's consent first, since going there is not something that can be done in a day or two.

Once I have the Xu family's permission, I will inform you and then you will make a trip to Eagle's Beak Ridge.

Whether they can be found, whether they are dead or alive, depends entirely on luck.

"I understand, thank you Brother Huang! Thank you Brother Huang!"

After Li Yunniang left, Huang Tianxiong came in.

He overheard their conversation from outside the door.

"Brother, are you really going?" Huang Tianxiong frowned and looked at Huang Tianba, saying, "Eagle Beak Ridge is not a dangerous place for a Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator like Lu Shan."

They haven't returned after more than a month; they're either trapped or dead.

Moreover, it's uncertain whether he's even in Eagle's Beak Ridge.

"I know, but he's still a brother we made during our time in the demon-hunting team. He helped us before, and regardless of life or death, we have to go and see him since Yunniang asked us for help."

"Do your best and leave the rest to fate."

"Then I'll go with you, brother, and we'll invite a few more people along. That way, the search will be easier."

"Hmm." Huang Tianba nodded slightly.

Now, the Huang family wields considerable power in Yunxi Town, and can naturally mobilize a large number of people.

"By the way, brother, it seems that several people have recently disappeared in the Tiancang Mountains, just like Lu Shan. I heard people talking about it when I was outside at noon."

Huang Tianxiong's gaze sharpened slightly. "Do you think something has happened in the Tiancang Mountains?"

He paused, then continued, "Tomorrow, please also report this matter to the Xu family. If the number of missing persons continues to increase, it will cause panic."

Huang Tianba nodded again, "I understand."

The next day.

Huang Tianba went to the Xu residence.

Upon meeting with Steward Wu Zhuqi, he had two requests: first, to request seven or eight days' leave to visit the Tiancang Mountains; and second, to report that some cultivators had gone missing in the Tiancang Mountains.

"Missing?" Wu Zhuqi was slightly taken aback. "Are you sure he's not dead?"

"I don't know the specifics," Huang Tianba said. "I just felt something was amiss, which is why I came to tell you."

"I've given my permission to go to Eagle's Beak Ridge to look for someone. But since you feel something is amiss, be careful and make thorough preparations before you go, lest you get yourself into trouble."

"Thank you very much, Steward Zhu Qi."

Wu Zhuqi nodded upon hearing this.

Then Huang Tianba clasped his hands in a fist salute and left.

Wu Zhuqi immediately arranged for a detailed investigation into the disappearance of cultivators in Yunxi Town.

Two hours later.

Recently, information on all the dead or missing persons in the past month or so has come into his possession.

"Of the nine cultivators, two Qi Refining cultivators and one early Foundation Establishment cultivator are confirmed dead, and their bodies have been recovered. However, the fate of the remaining people, a demon-hunting team, and Lu Shan, is unknown."

The destination of that demon-hunting team was only seven or eight miles from Eagle's Beak Ridge.

Looking at the information on the paper, Wu Zhuqi did indeed notice something unusual.

This incident could be a coincidence, or it could be a murder for treasure with the perpetrator escaping afterward, or it could be the appearance of a powerful monster, etc.

The probability of danger to the Xu family or Yunxi Town is not high.

However, the Xu family rule is that any risky matter must be taken into account in advance, and no one should act on their own initiative.

Many harms often begin with people thinking things like, "I think this person is insignificant," or "I think this matter doesn't need to be taken seriously."

If some families can properly assess the risks of certain things and certain people, and eliminate potential threats at the root, they may be able to survive longer.

Wu Zhuqi immediately reported the matter to Ye Fan.

After thinking it over, Ye Fan informed Xu Chuan.

"A demon-hunting team and a Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator named Lu Shan have gone missing near Eagle Beak Ridge?"

Xu Chuan murmured to himself, then used "Minor Astrology" to deduce the fate of Lu Shan and the demon-hunting team.

After half a cup of tea.

“They’re all dead,” Xu Chuan said calmly. “As for their bodies, they’re probably gone.”

"Destroy the evidence," Ye Fan said. "Then it's highly likely that you encountered a powerful demon beast or a cultivator, but it's likely that the other party has already left."

Brother Tianba and his group are destined to have made a wasted trip.

"Something's not right. How is this matter somehow connected to me?"

Xu Chuan was somewhat taken aback. He didn't know any of these people at all, and even if they were residents of Yunxi Town, they shouldn't have any connection with him.

With this in mind, Xu Chuan once again made calculations about Huang Tianba and his group.

"The trip to Eagle Beak Ridge by the brothers Huang Tianba and Huang Tianxiong is extremely ominous, and they may die."

"What?!" Ye Fan exclaimed in surprise.

"How could this be related to me again? That's really strange."

Xu Chuan wanted to deduce who the murderer was, but he was worried that the other party was involved in some karmic cause and effect, and that forcibly making a deduction would result in a backlash. He decided to wait until tomorrow when he was granted a pardon before making a deduction.

"Master, what exactly happened?" Ye Fan asked with concern.

"They won't be able to get to Eagle's Beak Ridge so quickly. We'll discuss everything tomorrow," Xu Chuan said, waving his hand.

"Yes, Master." Ye Fan clasped his hands and left.

The next day.

It's just past midnight.

Xu Chuan began to calculate.

A few moments.

He opened his eyes, his brow furrowing. "It was him who came back!"

"No wonder they're all connected to me!"

The "he" Xu Chuan was referring to was naturally Yaromo. If he hadn't had Chen Changge test him that day, Yaromo wouldn't have ended up in this predicament.

"Although he is still at the peak of Foundation Establishment, he is incomparable to any Foundation Establishment cultivator and can definitely fight against an early Golden Core cultivator." Xu Chuan muttered to himself, "With Mo Yue here, suppressing him is not a problem in terms of combat power."

But you only have one chance to catch him!

He guessed that Yeromo must have gone to the Chen family and, knowing that his current strength was no longer enough to avenge himself, decided to focus on restoring his power.

They might even use someone close to Chen Changge as bait, such as themselves, to lure him out of the sect.

“Yeromo is indeed a hidden danger. Now that we know his whereabouts, we must kill him. Otherwise, once he recovers, my Xu family will not have an easy time!”
And only my Xu family can take action!

If Xu Chuan is going to deploy Mo Yue, it is not appropriate for outsiders to be present.

"Ye Fan," Xu Chuan transmitted his voice directly to Ye Fan, saying, "Immediately send a message to Huang Tianba and the others, telling them not to go to Eagle Beak Ridge for now, and to continue their journey only after receiving your message again."

Although Ye Fan was puzzled, he did as instructed.

Then, Xu Chuan transmitted his voice to Xu Mingxian, instructing him to refine the top-tier level two Seven Star Demon Sealing Array flag.

Tiancang Mountains.

Huang Tianba received the communication talisman.

Fortunately, they had only recently entered the Tiancang Mountains, and since it was nighttime and not a good time to move around in the mountains, they had not yet left the range of the communication talisman.

"Brother, who sent you this message?" Huang Tianxiong asked in surprise.

Huang Tianba's expression was solemn as he said, "It was Elder Ye. He told us not to go to Eagle Beak Ridge for now, but to wait for his instructions before setting off."

After speaking, Huang Tianba took out a communication talisman from his storage bag and replied that he had received the message.

Huang Tianxiong's pupils contracted slightly upon hearing this. "The Xu family's involvement indicates that Lu Shan's matter is no small thing. Brother, do we really still have to go to Eagle Beak Ridge?"

Huang Tianba sighed softly, "This matter is beyond our control. Elder Ye didn't let us go back, which means we still have to go in a few days."

"Could you please tell me what exactly happened?"

"I don't think it's necessary. The Xu family generally doesn't like people talking too much about things. If it's something important, they won't tell you even if you ask, as it might cause unpleasantness."

I know you're worried about what dangers might arise on this journey, but the Xu family has been kind to us. Both your life and my third brother's life were saved by the Xu family.

My Huang family has also sworn to follow the Xu family.

He told us to go east, so we can't go west.

Moreover, having known the Xu family for many years, we should know their character; they are not the kind of family that would casually disregard human life.

“Indeed.” Huang Tianxiong sighed slightly, “But sometimes I miss the days when I was in a demon-hunting team, fighting to the death with demons and cultivators in the mountains.”

"Are you sure you can adapt?" Huang Tianba laughed. "There are countless people in town who envy our Huang family."

You have to give in order to gain!
We gained our current resources, wealth, and status by following the Xu family, and what we have to give up is to be at their beck and call.

The Xu family is no ordinary Foundation Establishment family. Anyone who tries to defy them or harbors disloyalty will have no chance of survival.

“I understand, brother,” Huang Tianxiong said. “I hope nothing unexpected happens on this trip to Eagle Beak Ridge.”

Five days later.

Huang Tianba received another message from Ye Fan, and then the two brothers set off for Eagle Beak Ridge.

It took about two days.

They arrived at Eagle's Beak Ridge in search of Lu Shan.

"Brother, I hope we can find Lu Shan as soon as possible. I have a bad feeling about this."

"We have two days. If we can't find him, we'll go back and tell Li Yunniang about Lu Shan's death."

"Mm." Huang Tianxiong nodded.

At this moment, on a mountain peak five or six miles away from them, a man in black robes was observing them with his divine sense.

The Huang brothers were completely unaware.

　I need some votes at the end of the month!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)