Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 178 The Power of Foundation Establishment
"Don't go, don't go!"

Ma Wu shook his head like a rattle drum.

He knew perfectly well that the scions of these powerful families were cunning and scheming, and that associating with them would bring him no benefit.

"I'm afraid this is not up to you."

Li Xiangfeng spoke coldly, his tone carrying an undeniable firmness.

"What do you mean by this? Are you trying to force me?"

A look of vigilance flashed in Ma Wu's eyes as he glanced around. He saw that the disciples of the beast-catching room had quietly formed an encirclement.

"Hmph, do you expect us to visit Zhuge Liang three times?"

Li Xiangfeng smiled contemptuously and took a step forward, with the other disciples following suit.

"Ma Wu, what do we do now?"

The giant seemed somewhat uneasy; his voice was low and tinged with anxiety.

Li Xiangming looked in the direction of the sound and was surprised.

The giant in front of him was fifteen or sixteen feet tall, like a small giant. He had thought it was a puppet, but it turned out to be a real person.

"How do I know what to do?"

Ma Wu felt a chill in his heart; he never imagined that a simple outing would lead to his capture.

If this gets back to the village, how embarrassing will it be?

“We were just passing by and have nothing to do with your Danggui Mountain.”

Ma Wu waved his hand, trying to find a way out.

Li Xiangfeng remained unmoved. "You don't need to say anything more. Just come with us to avoid suffering."

Upon hearing this, Ma Wu's face turned ugly.

He was only at the sixth level of Qi Refining, and compared to the dozen or so cultivators in front of him, he had no chance of winning.

The giant beside him, though enormous in size, was utterly incompetent in terms of combat skills.

Circumstances are beyond our control!

Ma Wu hung his head and offered no resistance as he was carried away by the people from the animal trapping house.

Li Xiangming arranged for the people from the animal trapping station to escort the two of them, one in front and one behind, with Ma Wu walking in front and the giant man behind.

Cao Fuyi was surprised by this sudden change.

He thought he had just encountered two rogue cultivators by chance, but he never expected that the two of them would become prisoners of the Li family in the blink of an eye.

However, this has nothing to do with him, and he cannot interfere with the Li family's decision.

But he was deeply impressed by Ma Wu's magic, so he walked over to Ma Wu and tried to continue the conversation.

Li Xiangming became very interested in the giant and asked, "What's your name?"

"My name is Gao Can, and it was the chieftain who gave me this name."

The giant revealed a simple and honest smile.

"Chief?"

Li Xiangming pondered for a moment, then continued to ask questions.

Through a conversation, Li Xiangming easily learned from Gao Can that he came from a place called Huanyun Village, and that his companion, Ma Wu, was also from Huanyun Village.

Surprisingly, Gao Can, who is so tall, is only 15 years old this year, and has only been a member of Huanyun Village for a year.

What's even more surprising is that Gao Can cultivated from an ordinary person to the third level of Qi Refining in just one year.

"You mean it's because you took the elixir?"

Li Xiangming couldn't resist his curiosity and wanted to understand the secret behind it.

"Probably. The chieftain makes me take pills and drink medicine every day, and that medicine is extremely bitter."

Gao Can couldn't help but shudder when he mentioned the medicine.

Elixirs that can enhance cultivation level?
Li Xiangming's eyes flickered, filled with deep curiosity about Huanyun Village and their "omnipotent" village chief.

It is important to understand that the improvement of cultivation level is essentially the accumulation of magical power, which in turn comes from the refinement of spiritual energy and does not increase without reason.

Taking Li Xiangming as an example, if he wants to improve his cultivation, he needs to breathe in the surrounding water spiritual energy, circulate it throughout his body, stimulate his spiritual apertures, generate magical power, and finally gather it into his dantian. Only in this way can his cultivation be considered to have made progress.

Of course, as a cultivator with the three spiritual roots of water, wood, and fire, he can also absorb spiritual energy of the wood and fire attributes for cultivation.

In theory, he could even absorb spiritual energy of the metal and earth elements.

In any case, the breathing process is nothing more than a few types, and spiritual energy of any attribute can be absorbed and refined.

However, breathing in spiritual energy is not an easy task. Calming the mind, discerning the spiritual energy, and guiding the energy into the body is a process that requires a huge amount of time, and this is only the first step in cultivation.

Therefore, cultivators must pay attention to the issue of efficiency.

The reason Li Xiangming primarily uses the water elemental root is because he has the highest affinity for water elemental energy, allowing him to locate it more quickly and accurately.

If you switch to breathing in other types of spiritual energy, you will find the whole process extremely difficult. Not only is guiding the spiritual energy time-consuming and laborious, but the speed of circulating the energy throughout the body and generating magical power will also be greatly reduced.

The reason why cultivators with a Heavenly Spiritual Root can cultivate at a much faster pace than cultivators with multiple spiritual roots is their affinity for specific spiritual energy.

Li Xiangming had personally witnessed Xu Ci's cultivation. The other party could easily identify the wood elemental energy around him, and he hardly exerted any effort during the entire breathing process.

Even when circulating energy throughout the body, the spiritual energy is extremely compliant and can quickly generate magical power.

In contrast, cultivators with multiple spiritual roots appear clumsy when practicing breathing exercises. Their spiritual energy is difficult to tame, like a cunning loach. Once inside the body, it becomes restless and uneasy, creating numerous obstacles during its transport.

This difference is not temporary, but rather accompanies a cultivator throughout their entire life's cultivation journey.

That's why the cultivation world places such importance on the seeds of celestial spiritual roots or dual spiritual roots.

However, the cultivation world is also trying to reduce this difference. For example, the alchemy world has introduced the so-called "cultivation pill".

The "Cultivation Pill" cannot increase cultivation level out of thin air, but it contains a large amount of easily absorbed spiritual energy.

By taking these kinds of pills, cultivators can skip the breathing exercise and instead of absorbing spiritual energy from the spiritual energy of heaven and earth or spirit stones, they can directly refine the pills to obtain spiritual energy, greatly increasing their cultivation speed.

However, every medicine has its side effects.

"Cultivation Pills" naturally also contain toxicity, and should not be taken in large quantities in a short period of time.

Even if one could continuously consume "Cultivation Pills," wouldn't it still take time to refine the pills and generate magical power?

However, Gao Can raised his cultivation to the third level of Qi Refining in just one year. If this is not a lie, it is simply too unbelievable.

"What is your chieftain's name?"

Li Xiangming couldn't help but ask.

"Isn't the chieftain just the chieftain?"

Gao Can scratched his head, seemingly having never considered this question before.

"Gao Can, shut up!"

When Ma Wu heard Gao Can reveal all his secrets, he was so angry that he yelled loudly.

"Xiangfeng".

Li Xiangming gave a casual instruction.

"Yes."

Li Xiangfeng understood immediately and pulled Ma Wu to quicken their pace, keeping a distance from Gao Can.

"You bastard, let me go!"

Ma Wu struggled, but was unexpectedly slapped by Li Xiangfeng, which made him dizzy.

When he regained consciousness, he was already close to the exit of Puyin Mountain.

"You bastards, the chieftain will avenge me!"

Ma Wu roared angrily.

Seeing this, Li Xiangfeng said disdainfully, "No matter who your chieftain is, when you come to our Li family's territory, dragons will coil up for you, and tigers will lie down for you."

"is it?"

At that moment, a faint, ethereal voice suddenly rang out, causing everyone present to shudder.

Li Xiangming suddenly looked up, searching for the source of the sound: "Who's speaking?"

"Weren't you quite interested in me?"

The voice sounded again.

Then, a man dressed in a black robe appeared out of thin air in front of everyone.

"Chieftain, save me!"

Upon seeing the newcomer, Ma Wu immediately shouted excitedly. Liu Xiong Yu ignored him, first observing Gao Can before turning to Li Xiangming.

"what?"

When Liu Xiong Yu saw the green robe on Li Xiangming's body, he exclaimed in surprise, seemingly lost in thought.

Li Xiangming, however, felt as if he were facing a formidable enemy. The person before him was fluctuating with magical power like the wind, and he couldn't even discern the other's cultivation level for a moment.

Seeing that the other party remained silent, Li Xiangming asked in a deep voice, "Are you the chieftain of Huanyun Village?"

He then signaled to Li Xiangfeng to protect the two members of the Cao family, while he himself would restrain Gao Can.

He could sense that Gao Can was no ordinary person to Huanyun Village, otherwise the other party would not have been so eager to improve his cultivation.

"That's right, your name is Li Xiangming, isn't it?"

Liu Xiongyu's voice was calm, and his gaze was deep.

"how do you know?"

Li Xiangming felt a chill run down his spine, as if the other party had seen right through him.

The last time I had this feeling was when I was facing Hou Xianbo, the leader of the Mang Sect.

Liu Xiong Yu chuckled lightly, "A few years ago, your brother Li Xiangren made a huge scene for you, causing quite a stir in Pu County. Your name is well-known in certain circles."

years ago?
circle?

Li Xiangming's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in surprise, "You're a member of the Mang Cult?"

"It used to be, but it isn't anymore."

Liu Xiongyu waved his hand dismissively, seemingly trying to distance himself from the Mang Sect.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming's heart sank.

If the other party were a member of the Mang cult, he might not need to worry.

But now that the other party has broken away from the Mang religion, they are no longer bound by Hou Xianbo's oath.

The standoff between the two sides could escalate into a fierce confrontation at any moment.

Despite being very wary of his opponent, Li Xiangming did not show any fear. Instead, he took the initiative to ask, "Forgive my ignorance, but what kind of treasure is Huanyun Village? And why is it located in Puyin Mountain?"

"Where I am, there is Huanyun Village. I am in Puyin Mountain, and Huanyun Village is naturally also in Puyin Mountain."

Liu Xiongyu answered slowly.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming frowned deeply.

The fact that the chief of Huanyun Village could approach the people in the beast-catching room so quietly shows that his strength is far beyond that of any wild cultivator.

He did not want to engage in armed conflict with the other side.

After all, the animal trapping house also served the purpose of protecting the Cao family uncles and nephews.

If Cao Fuyi or Cao Yanjun were to encounter an accident in the mountains, it would undoubtedly be a major problem for the Li family.

After thinking for a moment, he said seriously, "Since the chieftain is not a local force, I will release these two people, and we will leave each other alone, how about that?"

"It's fine, but your Li family kidnapped my men and then said 'we'll keep to ourselves,' isn't that a bit too arrogant?"

"What do you mean?"

Li Xiangfeng sensed something was wrong and stepped forward, holding Ma Wu, to question him.

Liu Xiong Yu's lips curled into a cold smile, his gaze sharp as a knife: "Release my men, and then one of you must stay before the rest of you can leave."

His gaze finally settled on Li Xiangming, and his tone left no room for doubt: "I've suddenly become interested in you, Li Xiangming. You can stay."

"Absolutely impossible!"

Li Xiangfeng was furious. How could Li Xiangming, as the head of the animal trapping room, be treated like a fish on someone else's chopping board?

He suddenly grabbed Ma Wu's hair, his fingers gripping his neck like iron clamps, causing Ma Wu to have difficulty breathing and his face to turn red.

"Don't forget, your people are still under our control."

Li Xiangfeng warned.

Liu Xiong Yu remained unmoved. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and his internal magical power surged. A powerful current of energy erupted from him, sweeping across the surrounding area.

"Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

Li Xiangming was startled and hurriedly turned his head to look for Li Xiangfeng's figure, but the surroundings were shrouded in black gale, obstructing his vision.

He himself felt an invisible pressure, as if he were being held down firmly by a huge, invisible hand, unable to move an inch.

Time seemed to stand still until the gale gradually dissipated, and the people in the animal trapping room collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, their faces covered with beads of sweat.

Only Li Xiangfeng remained kneeling, head bowed, his fate unknown.

Ma Wu and Gao Can both returned safely to Liu Xiongyu's side.

"Xiang Feng?"

Li Xiangming was extremely anxious, his eyes fixed on Li Xiangfeng, but he received no response, and a sense of panic welled up in his heart.

He struggled desperately, but the invisible force grew stronger and stronger, as if he were carrying an entire mountain on his back.

In desperation, Li Xiangming had no choice but to compromise: "Let them go, and I'll go with you."

He never imagined that the leader of Huanyun Village was actually a Foundation Establishment cultivator. If the other party truly had murderous intent, none of those present would have been spared.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ma Wu burst into laughter and flattered Liu Xiong Yu, saying, "Chieftain's divine skills are unparalleled, invincible under heaven!"

Liu Xiongyu gave him a cold glance and rebuked him, "What did I tell you? Is this how you protect Gao Can?"

Ma Wu looked aggrieved and explained, "Chief, the enemy outnumbered us and I was simply powerless to resist. Besides, we knew you were nearby, which is why we didn't put up a fight."

Liu Xiong Yu was unconvinced and sneered, "If you always wait for me to take action, what use are you to me?"

"Yes, the chieftain is right."

Ma Wu quickly lowered his head, not daring to say another word.

"Take people away."

Liu Xiongyu issued the order.

"As ordered!"

Ma Wu scurried forward, kicked Li Xiangming to the ground, and said smugly, "The Li family of Dangui Mountain? So what? Aren't they still my prisoners?"

Li Xiangming's brows furrowed, and his cheeks twitched involuntarily.

"Chief, this kid is still not convinced."

Ma Wu quickly turned around and complained to Liu Xiong Yu.

Suddenly, a new pressure descended like thunder.

Li Xiangming felt a tightness in his chest and couldn't help but let out a low groan as blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

Upon seeing this, Ma Wu was overjoyed and was about to drag Li Xiangming away when he caught sight of Cao Yanjun lying unconscious on the ground. A greedy glint flashed in his eyes: "Chief, there's a pretty young lady here. Why don't you keep her as your wife?"

"Ma Wu, if you cause any more trouble, watch out for your dog's head."

Liu Xiongyu's voice was cold and devoid of any emotion.

Ma Wu immediately fell silent, repeatedly agreeing, and dared not say another word.

However, just as he reached out to grab Li Xiangming, his body suddenly stiffened, as if he had been frozen in place by some force.

"Chief, I..."

“When you can forgive, forgive.”

Before Ma Wu could finish speaking, a loud voice came from afar.

A tall Taoist priest slowly approached and sighed, "Chief Liu, could you spare young Layman Li for my sake?"

"The Green Ram Taoist?"

Liu Xiong Yu narrowed his eyes and sized up the other person: "It's been many years. So you've also successfully established your foundation."

"It was just a fluke."

The Green Sheep Daoist nodded slightly, his Daoist robe fluttering in the wind, naturally exuding the aura of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Instantly, the force binding Li Xiangming vanished without a trace.

Li Xiangming felt a lightness in his body and turned around to look at the Green Sheep Daoist with surprise: "Daoist Master, you've reached the Foundation Establishment stage?"

"Haha, I have to thank Layman Li for his help."

The Taoist priest responded with a smile and reached out to help Li Xiangming up.

(End of this chapter)