Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 285 Successive Core Formations, Great Misfortune Approaches!

a few days later.

Lei Hekong arrived at the Xu family in Dongxi.

It was only because the Xu family sent a message that they had agreed to the Lei family's request to refine pills.

Lei Hekong has now reached the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, but his lifespan is already quite long, approaching two hundred years.

Those who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage can live for up to 240 years.

Given his aptitude, it's estimated that he'll never reach the peak of Foundation Establishment in this lifetime.

As for Lei Yunchao, the head of the Lei family, he stepped down from his position more than ten years ago and his cultivation reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.

He is currently the second Foundation Establishment Perfection expert in the Lei family.

He was also the one recommended by the three families to attempt the Golden Core stage.

Shortly after Lei Hekong explained his purpose, he was led by guards to Xu Mingqing's quiet room in the Alchemy Hall.

"Fellow Daoist Lei, please sit down and have some tea."

"Master Qing, you are too kind." Lei Hekong clasped his hands in greeting. "I have come here today because I received a message from the Xu family saying that Master Qing has accepted my Lei family's request?"

"The 'Golden Core' is considered one of the more difficult pills to refine among third-tier pills, and its preciousness is even greater. Are you truly confident in your ability to refine it?"

Xu Mingqing looked up at Lei Hekong and said, "If the Lei family can find an alchemist to refine the Golden Core, why would they need to ask my Xu family for help?"

If you don't want to, you can always go back.

"Master Qing, please don't be offended. It's just that the ingredients for this pill are very precious. It took the Lei family several generations of effort to finally gather them all, so we were being a bit cautious."

"To be honest with Fellow Daoist Lei, I'm not very confident about obtaining a Golden Core. I can only say it's worth a try. If I'm lucky enough to get one, then..."
Now that my father has secluded himself in the pass, I dare say that in the entire Great Wei, and even in the three regions of Great Liang and Great Jin, my alchemy skills are the highest.

I imagine your Lei family considered this carefully before coming to me.

Lei Hekong nodded slightly. He had also gone to Guangling to look for Yunding and Weidao.

The two of them are the top alchemists in the entire Great Wei Dynasty, but they both said they had no chance of success.

Besides Xu Chuan, only Xu Mingqing might be worth trying.

"I wonder how Fellow Daoist Xu Chuan is doing now? I wonder if I could ask him to give it a try?"

“My father is in seclusion and we can’t even see him, let alone Fellow Daoist Lei. If you agree to let me try, then I will give it a shot.”

If you are unwilling, then Fellow Daoist Lei, may you depart without further ado.

Of course, if you miss this opportunity, I, Xu, will not help the Lei family refine pills again.

"I agreed this time because of the relationship between my elder brother, my father, and your Lei family."

"Alright, Master Qing's alchemy skills were taught to him by Fellow Daoist Xu Chuan, so he can be said to have received his true teachings. I am willing to trust Master Qing."

My Lei family is willing to gamble this time too.

"Then hand over the materials for the 'Golden Core' to me, and stay in the town at the foot of the mountain for ten days to half a month. Regardless of success or failure, there will be results."

"Alright, I understand."

After Lei Hekong clasped his hands in a fist salute, he handed over the materials and then, led by his guards, went to the town at the foot of the mountain.

Decades have passed, and this place has developed into a small town.

After all, mortals have children much more frequently than cultivators.

Given the Xu family's status, the Lei family, having invited the Xu family to refine pills, naturally dared not mention any oaths.

If he dared, he would probably be kicked out on the spot.

Xu Mingqing opened the storage bag and checked it. It was indeed the complete material for the "Golden Core". "It's hard for them to have gathered it all. My Xu family has not been able to gather another set yet."

Previously, Xu Chuan had brought them back from the Xuan Yue Secret Realm.

He put these into the treasure vault, and then took out a low-grade "Golden Core Pill".

In fact, according to Xu Mingqing's idea, he could have embezzled the money and simply said that the refining process had failed, and the Lei family would not have dared to say anything.

However, Xu Chuan naturally had his own ideas.

If the Xu family helps refine it, and someone from any of the three families successfully forms a core, they will surely become an ally of the Xu family.

This calamity is no small matter, and having another Golden Core cultivator in the Great Wei can help alleviate some of the pressure.

"Let's wait. We can hand over this 'Golden Core Pill' to the Lei family in half a month. They're getting it for free."

Xu Mingqing murmured to himself, then closed his eyes to comprehend the wood-based divine power.

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

South of the sky, Tianzhu Sect.

Lord Lieyang led Xu Deling back to the back of the main peak.

"Ling girl, why are you back? Did you miss your second master?" Yanlongzi was overjoyed to see Xu Deling and laughed heartily.

Zhenyangzi seemed to have guessed something and asked with slight surprise, "You've already mastered the basics of supernatural powers so quickly?"

"Grandmaster understands me best." Xu Deling smiled slightly. "Senior Brother Lieyang brought me back to prepare for the formation of my supernatural core."

"Then prepare accordingly. You should first crystallize your mana, and I will go and obtain the other auxiliary pills for you."

"No need, Master." Xu Deling clasped his hands and said, "The pills are ready, and I can enter the breakthrough site for seclusion at any time."

Zhenyangzi didn't say much, "In that case, Lieyang, you take 'Phoenix Feather' with you."

"Yes, Uncle-Master Zhenyangzi."

The Heavenly Forging Sect has established a secluded cultivation area at the core of the fourth-order spiritual vein on the main peak, specifically for those attempting to break through to the Core Formation and Nascent Soul stages.

After Zhenyangzi returned, he told Xu Chuan about his supernatural ability to form a Golden Core. However, they were all surprised to hear that Xu Chuan had killed two veteran Golden Core level experts in a one-against-two battle right after breaking through.

Zhenyangzi said, "I heard that he is very confident in his Core Formation. I have a vague idea that he is a Core Formation expert. Five geniuses in one family. I wonder what kind of good fortune the Xu family has received."

"Senior brother, even the bestowal of fortune will only benefit one person, how could it possibly benefit five people, and each of them has taken a completely different path."

Moreover, before Ling Yatou's Nirvana, she was only exceptional in the art of weaponry; in other aspects, she was still somewhat lacking.

Ye Fan cultivates both body and magic, Xu Deyue follows the path of extreme cold, Xu Mingxian likely studies formations, and Xu Chuan is probably skilled in alchemy.

“Perhaps it really is just a coincidence,” Masamiko said.

Yanlongzi then asked, "By the way, do you have the secret method that Xu Chuan mentioned for helping newly formed Core cultivators quickly convert their magical power and break through realms?"

"Reporting to Martial Uncle, this disciple has no such skill, but I imagine he passed it on to Junior Sister 'Phoenix Feather'."

"You mean I should ask Ling girl for it? I can't bear to lose face like that. A mere 30,000 spirit stones is not enough for this secret technique to be of extraordinary value to a Nascent Soul sect. Can't you see that?"

"Lieyang understands, and will definitely succeed in the deal next time."

"Junior brother, calm down. Perhaps she will hand it over voluntarily after 'Phoenix Feather' forms her core, since she is now a member of our Heavenly Forging Sect."

"I hope so. By the way, Senior Brother, why don't we wait until after the Golden Core Ceremony for 'Phoenix Feather' is completed before sending it back to Tiancang Mansion?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhenyangzi shook his head and said, "Phoenix Feather is now ranked as the number one prodigy, and she has already formed her core in less than half a year. It's too eye-catching."

Our Heavenly Forging Sect should let it settle, not overheat it, as that would only put her in danger.

We might even have to help her conceal the celestial phenomenon of her Core Formation, by activating a cloud and mist array to hide the main peak, and then claiming to the outside world that I am attempting to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage.

“Senior brother has considered everything thoroughly; junior brother has oversimplified things,” Yan Longzi said. “Let’s do as senior brother says.”

"By the way, Lieyang, how is the situation in Tiancang Prefecture? Should I go over there and give the Greedy Wolf Sect a warning?" Yanlongzi asked, remembering something.

"Xu Chuan used the Xuan Yue Sect's matter to prevent the Tan Lang Sect from making trouble for killing his Golden Core elder, but it's hard to say what will happen in the long run. As for the other Golden Core forces in Tian Cang Prefecture..."

True Monarch Lieyang smiled faintly: "Since he revealed his strength, ordinary Golden Core cultivators have not dared to make a move against the Xu family. To fight Xu Chuan, one must at least have the strength of a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator."

This is only now; years or even decades from now, the Xu family's position should be even more secure.

Unless numerous Golden Core cultivators besiege the Xu family, or Nascent Soul cultivators intervene.

"Let's take it one step at a time. The Xu family has its own path. Unless it's a matter of life and death, our Tianzhu Sect shouldn't interfere too much."

Even without our protection, the Xu family has still managed to get to where it is today.

"The Heavenly Azure Sect and the Greedy Wolf Sect should be evenly matched in the short term, which should give the Xu family plenty of time to develop," Zhenyangzi said.

Upon hearing this, Yan Longzi nodded slightly, then added, "But no matter what, Ling'er must be protected."

“Lieyang understands.”

Xu Deling first used the Purifying Spirit Pill to clear the poison from her body and purify her magical power. Then she took the Heavenly Spirit Pill and completed the crystallization of her magical power in just over half a month.

Then he condensed the seed of divine power and attempted to break through to the Golden Core stage in one go.

Unlike Xu Chuan, she didn't need to consider so many things and use the power of Core Formation to intimidate others.

Xu Deling only needs to focus on moving forward without distraction.

Another half month passed.

Suddenly, spiritual energy gathered at the main peak, and countless disciples of the Heavenly Forging Sect witnessed this scene.

"Such abundant spiritual energy, it has even formed a long river of spiritual energy!"

"It's heading towards the main peak. Could someone have formed their Core Formation there?"

"who is it?"

"Junior Martial Aunt 'Phoenix Feather'? But didn't she leave? Could it be Senior Brother Zhu Rong?"

The main peak is shrouded in clouds and mist, making even the Golden Elixir difficult to discern.

A few moments.

Yan Longzi's voice echoed throughout the entire Tianzhu Sect, "Elder Zhenyangzi is currently in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Great Cultivator realm. All disciples must refrain from discussing this to avoid any disruption."

All the disciples were shocked.

"Is a great cultivator about to emerge from my Heavenly Forging Sect?"

Many people became excited.

More than half a day later.

The strange phenomenon disappeared, and Xu Deling successfully broke through to the Golden Core stage. During the formation of the Golden Core, he used the "Ancient Golden Core Devouring Heaven Method" to borrow the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and the spiritual energy of the fourth-grade mid-level spiritual vein, and broke through to the second level of the Golden Core stage in one fell swoop.

a few days later.

Xu Deling bid farewell to his two masters and returned to Tiancang Mansion with True Lord Lieyang.

As for the Heavenly Forging Sect, news spread that Elder Zhenyangzi had failed in his attempt to break through.

The news quickly reached the ears of many forces in the south.

"It's not so easy to become a Grand Cultivator, otherwise how could there only be a few Grand Cultivators in the entire Tiannan?" Many Nascent Soul cultivators sighed.

There were also those who mocked Shinyoko for overestimating his abilities.

Yet almost no one mentioned the possibility of Xu Deling achieving the Core Formation stage.

After all, compared to Zhenyangzi's attempt to become a Great Cultivator, Core Formation is insignificant.

Dongxi.

Xu Mingqing sent a message to Lei Hekong, informing him that he had successfully refined a "Golden Core Pill," which made Lei Hekong overjoyed.

However, Xu Mingqing also made it clear that the person from the Lei family who was attempting to break through to the Core Formation stage should come and collect it personally.

After much hesitation, Lei Hekong returned to the Lei family and brought Lei Yunchao with him.

The information was exactly the same as what Xu Mingyuan had told him: the person from the Lei family who was attempting to break through to the Core Formation stage was most likely Lei Yunchao, the former head of the Lei family.

“Patriarch Lei, it really is you,” Xu Mingqing said. “There are rumors that you are a hidden genius with earth spiritual roots in the Lei family, and it seems that it is true.”

Why does Master Qing say that?

"The success rate of breaking through to the Golden Core stage from a True Spiritual Root is too low, even though it relies on the 'Golden Core Formation'."

However, if one possesses the aptitude of a spiritual root, coupled with the ability to form a "Golden Core," and also has pills or secret methods to aid in the formation of a Golden Core discovered from an ancient cave, then there might be a 20-30% chance.

If the odds are slim, why would the Jiang and Lin families help the Lei family?

"If I don't answer, will Master Qing refuse to give me the Golden Core?"

"Of course not. Elder Lei should know what kind of people the Xu family are: fair trade and integrity are fundamental principles—that is the essence of 'Golden Core Formation'."

Xu Mingqing smiled and handed over the pills, then added, "What I said before was just out of curiosity."

Confirming that the rumors were true, Lei Yunchao put away the pills and smiled faintly, "I do indeed have the aptitude of an Earth Spirit Root."

Xu Mingqing nodded and said, "By the way, Patriarch Lei, you still need to swear an oath that if you successfully form your core one day, you will not be an enemy of my Xu family, otherwise you probably won't be able to take it with you."

"So this is the real reason why Master Qing called me here."

"Even if my Xu family were foolish, we wouldn't stoop so low as to refine such pills for the enemy," Xu Mingqing said with a faint smile.

Lei Yunchao's expression changed for a moment, then he said helplessly, "I understand. If it were my Lei family, we would have done the same thing."

Then, in front of Xu Mingqing, he swore: "If I, Lei Yunchao, am fortunate enough to form a core in the future after obtaining this pill, as long as the Xu family does not provoke me, I, Lei Yunchao, will not be an enemy of the Xu family."

If this vow is broken, inner demons will afflict the person, and their path to enlightenment will be utterly destroyed.

"I hope Elder Lei will not take offense. You know that my Xu family has always been cautious."

“Understood, it’s all an old tradition passed down from Fellow Daoist Xu Chuan.” After saying that, he clasped his hands in a fist and said, “Master Qing, we will take our leave.”

"Mingqing wishes you success in achieving the Core Formation!"

"I accept your good words!"

Afterwards, Lei Yunchao and Lei Hekong left the Xu family.

As soon as they left, Xu Mingyuan appeared beside Xu Mingqing and asked calmly, "Is the matter with the Lei family over?"

"Well, the rest depends on Lei Yunchao's luck," Xu Mingqing said. "However, Second Brother, Lei Yunchao does indeed have the aptitude of an Earth Spirit Root."

“That’s not surprising, but his patience is truly admirable. My father had dealt with him a few times before, but he probably didn’t notice it at all.”

He paused, then smiled slightly and said, "Xiaoyao is almost ready. His chances of successfully forming his core are much higher than Lei Yunchao's."

"Xiaoyao will definitely break through and become the first person on our side to reach the Core Formation stage."

"I have no doubt about that, your second brother."

a few days later.

Ren Xiaoyao mentioned to Xu Mingyuan that he wanted to go to the "Qinghai Forest" and the Yunjin Mountain Range where Xu Bai was in seclusion.

“Master, there is a second-tier metal-type spiritual vein there. Spiritual energy is also crucial for the breakthrough to the Core Formation stage, and the spiritual energy contained in the spiritual energy node is simply not enough.”

"The spiritual energy here in Dongxi has far exceeded the spiritual energy node level. It's best to form your core at home. The 'Azure Sea Forest' might become quite turbulent."

"Why? Didn't Aunt Mingshu and the others go to the 'Qinghai Forest' not long ago?"

"You also know that a great calamity may be approaching, and you may encounter danger at any time."

"Probably not. That's Xu Bai's territory. He's already reached the mid-stage of the third rank." Ren Xiaoyao smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Master, I'll be careful."

"If we encounter danger, Xu Bai can protect me."

"More importantly, this is the only high-grade 'Golden Core' in the clan. I don't want to waste it and am determined to successfully form the core. Please, Master, do not try to persuade me any further."

Only a second-tier spiritual vein can guarantee the maximum amount of spiritual energy I need to form my core. If it's insufficient, I might fail to form my core and waste an opportunity.

Xu Mingyuan thought about it and agreed.

"Alright, then go ahead. Remember to be careful, and return as soon as you succeed in forming your core."

"Yes, Master."

The next day.

"Rong'er, I'm going to the 'Qinghai Forest' for a trip. It will take at least two or three months, and at most half a year, before I return." After a long-awaited intimate moment with Xu Derong yesterday, Ren Xiaoyao said calmly to Xu Derong after getting up.

"Going to the 'Qinghai Forest'?" Xu Derong was slightly surprised. "My father and the others have sent all the family members in the Qinghai Forest back, saying there might be danger."

"Don't you believe in my strength? I am at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and I am not afraid of even a second-tier peak demon beast. As for the third tier, after the three-tailed white fox left, only Xu Bai and the Ancient Locust Tree King remained."

Xu Bai is one of our own.

The ancient locust tree king had an agreement with my grandfather that it would not harm our Xu family, so there would be no danger.

Even if I did, I could ask Xu Bai for help; he's a mid-stage third-tier demonic beast.

“But my father and the others won’t send the family members back without a reason. Husband, try not to go if you can avoid it.”

Ren Xiaoyao sighed softly, "Fine, I'll be frank with you. I went there to use the second-tier metal-type spiritual energy of the Yunjin Mountains to strike the Golden Core."

My family bestowed upon me a top-grade "Golden Core," and I cannot let it go to waste; I must succeed in forming my core!

"A top-grade Golden Core?!" Xu Derong was slightly surprised. "I see. I heard that my family only has one."

That is indeed something we cannot let down the clan's expectations.

Xu Derong looked up at Ren Xiaoyao's face and said, "Then you must be careful, my husband."

"Don't worry, I'll be in seclusion in the Yunjin Mountains, there won't be any danger."

Xu Derong nodded.

Half an hour later.

Ren Xiaoyao left Dongxi and headed to "Qinghai Forest".

Yunjin Mountains.

"Young man, what brings you here?" Xu Bai looked at Ren Xiaoyao in surprise. "Didn't we say that the Xu family wouldn't be coming to 'Qinghai Forest' for the time being?"

"I need to break through to the Golden Core stage, which requires the help of spiritual veins. Once I succeed, I will leave," Ren Xiaoyao said.

"Finally, I'm about to break through to the Golden Core stage. Are you confident?"

"nature!"

"That's good, go ahead." Xu Bai didn't think much of it, yawned, and said lazily, "No one will bother you on my turf."

Ren Xiaoyao nodded and flew towards the cultivation room established by the Xu family in the core of the Yunjin Mountains.

He first took the Purifying Pill to purify his body and magic power, and then began the crystallization of his magic power. However, without the Heavenly Spirit Pill, his progress was slow.

It took more than two months to complete this step.

"No wonder forming the core is so difficult; the crystallization of mana alone can stump many people."

Ren Xiaoyao muttered to himself, "Even with my local spiritual root aptitude, it would take me nearly two months. If I had a true spiritual root, it might take several years to succeed."

Without the right opportunity, the chances of forming a core with true spiritual root aptitude are slim.

However, once I reach the Core Formation stage, I can seek opportunities for my master, senior uncles, and other disciples to achieve the same.

After adjusting himself for half a day, Ren Xiaoyao took a high-grade "Golden Core Pill" and began to break through the bottleneck of the Golden Core stage.

A superior-grade "Golden Elixir" can increase the success rate of achieving Golden Elixir Formation by 30%.

This is a great opportunity for any cultivator in the Foundation Establishment stage, and those with true spiritual roots have a good chance of breaking through their bottlenecks.

Time passed by, one day, two days, three days.

More than a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

Under Ren Xiaoyao's relentless attacks, cracks have already appeared in the Golden Core barrier.

"It's now!"

Ren Xiaoyao did not hesitate to use the Golden Core Formation technique to fiercely attack the Golden Core barrier.

Kakakaka~
The crisp sound of the ramparts shattering rang out continuously.

The bottleneck to the Golden Core stage has been broken!

In an instant, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth within a radius of nearly a hundred miles was attracted, forming a long river of spiritual energy that surged backward.

at the same time.

Thousands of miles away, a crimson-black shadow streaked across the sky, heading straight for the "Forest of Qinghai".

Sensing this unusual spiritual energy, the crimson-black figure suddenly stopped and revealed its true form.

That was a gigantic demonic bird with a wingspan of over twenty zhang!

When its wings are spread, they are like dark clouds obscuring the sun, with red and black flames swirling around its feathers. As the flames flicker, they emit a scorching heat that can destroy everything.

Each feather on his body had a tiny spark at its tip, which seemed capable of igniting anything if touched.

Simply by hovering in the air, the surrounding air is scorched and distorted.

This monstrous bird has two heads. The left head has reddish feathers and eyes that are like cast bronze, with wild flames dancing in its pupils. The right head has black feathers and eyes that are like carved black jade, with a sinister and ruthless look.

Its claws, forged from cold iron, were half the length of a person, with a chilling gleam at the tips. Under the sunlight, they seemed capable of cleaving the air, sending shivers down one's spine.

The demonic bird's two pairs of eyes looked towards the direction of "Azure Sea Forest," its eyes flashing with a fierce light, and its whole body exuding an overwhelming ferocity.

"That's the phenomenon of a human cultivator forming their core?!"

"What a courage!"

"However, this is a good way to whet my appetite. It's been a long time since I've tasted a human's elixir; the flavor is truly wonderful!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the demonic bird's wings suddenly flapped!
Crimson flames and gale suddenly intertwined, stirring up scorching air waves that filled the sky. The massive body shot towards the Azure Sea Forest like an arrow released from a bow, its speed increasing by 60-70% compared to before.

Yunjin Mountains.

Ren Xiaoyao used the vast spiritual energy of heaven and earth to condense a golden elixir, then inhaled and exhaled the elixir outside his body, using a secret technique to continuously connect with the essence of heaven and earth and rapidly transform it into magical power.

Countless monsters in the "Qinghai Forest" looked towards the direction of the Yunjin Mountains.

But a domineering tiger-like aura emanated from them, preventing them from daring to cross the line.

After an hour or two.

The unusual phenomenon of elixir formation dissipated.

Feeling the abundant magical power within his body, Ren Xiaoyao smiled with satisfaction. "This secret technique is truly remarkable, but unfortunately my cultivation has not made any breakthroughs as described above."

Ultimately, their foundation was simply too weak.

"It's time to go back!"

"Master, Uncle-Master, Uncle-Master, Madam, and Kai'er will all be very happy to know!"

"My Xu family finally has its own Golden Core cultivator!"

As Ren Xiaoyao flew out of the cultivation room, a deep, aged voice suddenly echoed in his mind, "A great calamity is imminent, flee!"

"What's going on? That voice comes from the King of Ancient Locust Trees?!"

Why did he warn me to run?!

"But if even the ancient locust tree king thinks it's a terrible omen, where can I escape to?"

"I can't go back to the Xu family!"

"Go beyond the 'Forest of Qinghai'!"

Ren Xiaoyao didn't have time to think much. Without going to see Xu Bai, he took off into the air and transformed into a golden ray of light, flying south.

"Hmm, we were actually discovered?"

"But where do you think you're going!"

The demonic bird arrived nearby early, waiting for Ren Xiaoyao to successfully form his golden core, so it could then devour it.

As it departed, it immediately unleashed a terrifying and fierce aura, enveloping the Yunjin Mountains.

Peak third-tier pressure!

Ren Xiaoyao's expression immediately changed.

Xu Bai suddenly woke up!

Dangerous!Dangerous!Dangerous!
Ren Xiaoyao's spiritual energy surged, and he wished he could push his speed to the limit, not daring to stop for even a moment.

But this terrifying, mountain-collapse-like force crashed down on him, instantly slowing him down by several times.

Immediately afterwards, that fierce aura, carrying a destructive and scorching energy, rapidly approached.

In the blink of an eye, they overtook him and blocked his way at the end of the Yunjin Mountains.

Ren Xiaoyao looked up and saw a huge demonic bird, over twenty feet long, whose body blotted out the sky and whose ferocious power was terrifying.

The crimson flames on his body posed a deadly threat to him.

"You think you can run away from me?!"

"Human cultivator, how dare you!"

"Trying to escape from this prison? Dream on!"

With a flap of his wings, a gale-force wind carrying black flames formed several black flame wind blades, slashing towards Ren Xiaoyao with a sharp whooshing sound.

The trees and rocks along the way were instantly burned to ashes, leaving behind scorched gullies on the ground.

Ren Xiaoyao immediately took out the top-tier magic weapon set, the Five Spirit Box!

Five flying swords flew out of the box, carrying five-colored spiritual light, and slashed fiercely at the oncoming black flame wind blade.

Because the magical power has transformed into the Golden Core level, the power unleashed by the Five Spirit Box is far greater than before.

But this is ultimately just a magic artifact, and only a common top-tier magic artifact.

As soon as the five-colored flying swords collided, a series of cracking sounds came from the surface of the swords, and then the spiritual light was scattered, and they all flew backward.

Ren Xiaoyao held the Five Spirit Box in front of him, and a five-colored light screen rose up in an attempt to block the remaining power of the black flame wind blade, but unfortunately it was not enough.

The light barrier shattered, leaving several deep scratches on the surface of the Five Spirit Box, its spiritual light dimmed considerably.

He was thrown backwards by the impact, flying several dozen feet.

"Interesting. A cultivator who has just formed his core can actually withstand one of my attacks!"

The demonic bird's eyes revealed a mocking look.

With both heads roaring, the left head spewed out a condensed wind dragon, while the right head surged forth with towering black flames. The wind fueled the fire, instantly transforming it into a black flame wind dragon tens of feet long, baring its fangs and claws as it pounced towards Ren Xiaoyao.

Where the dragon claw swept, tiny cracks appeared in the space, and the scorching heat almost melted his spiritual energy shield.

Ren Xiaoyao's eyes sharpened, and he quickly formed hand seals, causing his golden core to circulate wildly within his body.

"Golden rainbow penetrates the sun!"

A golden beam of light, condensed to its fullest extent, shot out from him and collided violently with the black flame wind dragon.

A deafening roar shook the heavens!

Golden spiritual energy and crimson flames flew everywhere. Ren Xiaoyao was blown several miles away by the shockwave and crashed heavily into a mountain peak. The mountain collapsed with a roar, and smoke and dust filled the air.

As for the Black Flame Demon Bird, it remained completely still.

"interesting!"

The Black Flame Demon Bird showed surprise; it hadn't held back in either of its attacks, yet both were blocked.

"This is the first time I've heard of someone whose magical power is so abundant right after forming their core."

"But with this strike, you should die too!"

The Black Flame Demon Bird's four pairs of sinister eyes were fixed on him, its sharp claws gleaming coldly as it swooped down, seemingly intending to pluck out his golden core with a single claw.

Just at this critical moment, a deafening tiger roar suddenly came, the sound waves causing the black flames on the Black Flame Demon Bird's body to tremble slightly!
The clouds in the distance burst open, and a platinum-gold figure rushed over like lightning—it was Xu Bai!
His sharp tiger claws, accompanied by a piercing whistle that tore through the air, condensed into three golden rays, each several meters in size, which shot towards the black flame demon bird.

The golden light was extremely sharp, and even the Black Flame Demon Bird dared not easily meet it. It immediately flapped its wings and quickly took off. Then, it stared at Xu Bai with its four eyes and shouted, "You are one of the guardians of this place, the Tiger King, aren't you?"

"You're stopping me, perhaps to protect this human!"

"So what if he did? He once saved me, so I will protect him!"

"Fine, fine, since that's how it is, then you can die too!"

"Wow~"

The black flame demon bird cried out with both heads, swooping down towards Xu Bai. The white tiger, undaunted, raised its claws to meet the attack and telepathically told Ren Xiaoyao, "Run! I can't hold him off for long!"

Ren Xiaoyao climbed up from the mountain peak, severely injured. After glancing at the battle between the two sides, he knew that even if he joined in, he would not be a match for that peak third-tier demonic bird!

Therefore, gritting its teeth, it took off and flew south.

Enraged, the Black Flame Sparrow cried out again from both heads. A whirlwind whipped up the black flames, creating a barrier that sent Xu Bai flying several feet. His tiger-like body scraped across the ground, carving a deep trench.

"You beast, you're in the way!"

Wind blades cascaded down from the left like a waterfall, while black flames surged like a sea from the right, both pouring down simultaneously.

Xu Bai roared, his spiritual power surged, and the "King" character pattern lit up as he withstood the astonishing attack.

His claws tore through the wind blades, his tiger body withstood the scorching black flames, charged through the sea of ​​fire, and fiercely bit at the right wing of the demonic bird.

But the demonic bird was extremely fast and reacted with lightning speed, immediately shifting and dodging.

Then it retaliated, its sharp claws slashing fiercely at Xu Bai's back, tearing off a large chunk of flesh, revealing the white bones and the blood soaking through the fur.

The Black Flame Demon Bird then threw it onto the mountain rocks.

Boom!
The boulder split open, sending plumes of smoke and dust billowing into the sky.

Then the black flame beast opened its mouth and spewed out a stream of black flame, burning Xu Bai's fur black and leaving his flesh and blood a mangled mess, with a faint smell of burning permeating the air.

Xu Bai was immediately on the verge of death.

But this monstrous bird was unusually fierce and showed no intention of letting him go. It spread its wings and swooped down, its sharp claws aimed fiercely at his head.

If this move is implemented, Xu Bai will undoubtedly die.

Just then, a cyan light barrier suddenly rose up, blocking the black flame demon bird's sharp claws.

However, the light screen shattered into pieces the next moment.

A green shadow flashed by, and the person who appeared was the clone of the Ancient Locust Tree King.

"Tree King." The black-flame demon bird's pupils contracted. "Are you also going to oppose me?"

"Black Flame Sparrow," the Ancient Locust Tree King's clone said calmly, "Spare Tiger King's life; after all, he is the guardian of this place."

"He stopped me from killing humans, he deserves to die!"

"The holy mountain only asked us to stop people from leaving, but it did not say that we could not befriend humans."

The ancient locust tree king's clone said, "All living things have feelings. That person helped the tiger king who had not yet attained enlightenment, so it is only natural for the tiger king to repay the favor."

Now, a lesson is enough; there's no need to kill him.

Otherwise, we'd have to find another garrison commander, which would be a real hassle!

The ancient locust tree king's clone looked at the black flame sparrow, "Could it be that you are willing to sit here and guard this place for the next few hundred years?"

Black Flame Sparrow's eyes flickered, filled with apprehension.

His father, Nine Nether Sparrow, had warned him not to provoke the old locust tree.

The Tree King was indeed terrifying for being able to easily block his full-force attack; perhaps it really was a transformed great demon as rumored!
He glanced down at the barely breathing Xu Bai and said, "Fine, I'll give you face today, Tree King. However, Tree King, you must keep an eye on him and prevent him from making friends with human cultivators again."

They are merely food for our demon race!

(End of this chapter)