Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 285 Fighting
"Rumble--"

The deafening thunder and blinding lightning shattered the entire underground riverbed, leaving it in ruins, as if it had been baptized by the wrath of the gods.

Gradually, the lightning began to dissipate.

The light inside the cave gradually dimmed from a dazzling white light, leaving only scattered arcs of electricity flickering in the air, like the lingering effects of a thunderstorm.

Li Xiangming knelt on the ground, panting heavily. The Water Element Flag had fallen to the ground, dim and lifeless. The Crimson Armor Talisman had also been completely destroyed, rendering it useless. His clothes were tattered, and his body was covered with marks from electric shocks.

"You are the first Qi Refining cultivator to withstand this move of mine."

Zhao Yue's cool voice carried a hint of undisguised surprise.

Li Xiangming raised his head slightly, as if to say something, but his internal organs were churning under the bombardment of lightning, and as soon as he opened his mouth, a mouthful of blood spurted out.

However, after spitting out the stagnant blood, the tightness in Li Xiangming's chest was relieved somewhat, and he grinned: "Then I am extremely honored."

As he spoke, he forced himself to stand up.

Zhao Yue's lightning magic did not fully descend upon him; otherwise, with his Qi Refining stage physique, he would have been reduced to ashes long ago.

To withstand these terrifying lightning bolts, he first summoned the Water Element Flag, which possessed defensive capabilities.

However, the magical shield of the Water Element Flag was pierced almost instantly, and even the magic weapon itself was severely damaged, becoming a piece of junk.

Fortunately, the four Crimson Armor Talismans that Li Xiangming activated in advance became the backbone of the force.

The Crimson Armor Symbol is said to be able to resist attacks from Foundation Establishment cultivators. Although it often performs poorly in actual combat, wearing four Crimson Armor Symbols is much more reliable than the Water Element Flag.

However, the terror of Zhao Yue's lightning technique far exceeded Li Xiangming's expectations, and it was even stronger than the spell attacks of ordinary early Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Although the four Crimson Armor Talismans withstood most of the attacks, they eventually succumbed to the overwhelming force and were all destroyed.

Li Xiangming was also struck by countless bolts of lightning, his life hanging by a thread.

At the critical moment, "Fish and Dragon Shadow" proved its worth, releasing a protective spell—Fish and Dragon Twin Shadows—that firmly enveloped Li Xiangming.

The problem is that Li Xiangming had already used this move to block the mysterious man's Six Yin False Divine Finger back when they were in the underground river.

In less than a few days, the magical power within the jade pendant has not been restored at all.

The watered-down version of the Fish-Dragon Twin Shadows, while providing protection for Li Xiangming, was not thorough.

Li Xiangming was still struck by lightning in a small area, and this less than one percent of the lightning almost destroyed all the remaining magic power in his body.

At the same time, Li Xiangming noticed that Zhao Yue's palm, which had released the palm lightning, was charred black and flickering with arcs of electricity similar to those on his body.

Clearly, using lightning magic is not an easy task.

Nevertheless, Zhao Yue was in much better shape than the disheveled Li Xiangming, still possessing at least half of her magical power.

She glanced at Li Xiangming indifferently and said, "Although I don't know why you've come, let's leave it at that."

After she finished speaking, she raised her scarred right hand, and lightning once again gathered in her palm.

"madman!"

Li Xiangming's eyes were filled with apprehension. That move just now had exceeded the limit of lightning techniques that a Qi Refining cultivator could use, which was why Zhao Yue suffered a backlash.

But this madwoman was willing to risk having her arm crushed at any moment, just to kill him on the spot.

Li Xiangming did not sit idly by and wait for his death.

He gently gripped his left arm, chanted an incantation, and began to unseal the Ruins of Return to Nothingness.

He had already used up most of the mana in the Ruins of Return, and like the Fish-Dragon Wall Shadow, it could not be replenished.

But at this moment, every wisp of magical power is extremely precious.

Li Xiangming leaped into the air, forming hand seals, and wisps of mist emanated from his body—it was the Mist Manipulation Technique.

At the same time, the seawater beneath his feet surged, with countless waves rising and falling like a stampede of horses, ready to meet Zhao Yue's attack.

"Exactly what I want!"

A hint of mockery flashed in Zhao Yue's eyes as she unleashed a palm lightning bolt, which struck the waves.

Instantly, Li Xiangming's "Phantom Waves" were filled with lightning. These lightning bolts did not stay in the seawater, but surged wildly towards Li Xiangming at the source.

Almost in the blink of an eye, Li Xiangming was bathed in white light and let out a shrill scream.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Yue immediately flew forward.

But just as she was about to reach him, Li Xiangming, who was being ravaged by lightning, suddenly disappeared.

Zhao Yueyue turned around abruptly, raised her hand, and lightning bolts struck a figure against the wall like javelins.

The figure struggled desperately, clearly resembling Li Xiangming. But as Zhao Yue approached, the figure immediately blurred and vanished with the wind.

"Illusion?"

Zhao Yue finally realized what was happening, her expression changed, and she looked into the distance.

It was pitch black there, deep within the underground riverbed, and also the secret passage connecting Green Cloud Cave to the outside world.

"Li Xiangming!!"

Zhao Yue roared angrily, her figure moving like lightning, leaving behind a series of afterimages.

------

"That crazy woman."

Li Xiangming cursed inwardly again, now fully focused on heading towards the underground river.

But even such a short distance is incredibly difficult to traverse.

Zhao Yue was like a tireless machine, constantly using her palm lightning to block his path.

The power of the palm lightning was terrifying. Li Xiangming, whose magic power was already exhausted, did not dare to confront Zhao Yue head-on. He could only rely on his divine sense and experience to keep dodging.

"My illusion magic is still a bit rudimentary."

Li Xiangming turned his head, secretly anxious. Although his tactic had succeeded, Zhao Yue had noticed the clues almost instantly.

This woman possesses exceptional talent in combat and also cultivates lightning magic, making her formidable in battle. She is arguably the strongest opponent Li Xiangming has ever encountered on his path to enlightenment, bar none.

In his mind, among Qi Refining cultivators, perhaps only Li Xiangyu and Blind Luo could rival Zhao Yue.

"Li Xiangming, you might as well surrender!"

Zhao Yue's voice echoed in the corridor, like a final ultimatum.

As Zhao Yue's figure drew closer, Li Xiangming steeled his resolve and pinched a burning Crimson Cloud Talisman between two fingers.

This Crimson Cloud Talisman was a trump card given to him by Li Qianxiong. Its power far exceeded that of the Flame Burst Talisman, enough to give him a chance to survive in a desperate situation.

It would be a pity to use up such a precious talisman before even seeing the Enlightenment Spring.

After hesitating for a moment, Li Xiangming decided to save his life first.

He turned around, made a hand seal, and bursts of flames flew out from his body, turning the surrounding area into a sea of ​​fire.

Under the cover of the firelight, Li Xiangming affixed the Crimson Cloud Talisman to the wooden puppet, hid in a corner, and waited for Zhao Yue to pass by.

However, what he didn't notice was that Zhao Yue was already getting impatient.

From Zhao Yue's perspective, Li Xiangming was like a nimble monkey, constantly being chased by her, yet always managing to escape unscathed.

This made Zhao Yue extremely irritated.

She didn't have time to play around with Li Xiangming. Since the ordinary palm lightning couldn't stop Li Xiangming, she would use the "lightning cage" technique again.

Zhao Yue focused her mind and spirit, her hands surging with lightning, countless lines emanating dazzling light and deafening thunder.

Obscured by the flames, Li Xiangming didn't notice Zhao Yue's actions at all. Judging by Zhao Yue's flying speed, he suddenly attacked. The wooden puppet leaped out and detonated the Crimson Cloud Talisman. Instantly, a huge explosion rang out, and the entire underground riverbed collapsed as if an earth dragon had overturned.

At Zhao Yue's location, the earth's fire surged, as if a fire god had descended, devouring the endless abyss.

"Success!"

Li Xiangming was thrown away by the shockwave of the Crimson Cloud Talisman, and his clothes, except for the evil green robe, were also faintly emitting flames.

Despite this, Li Xiangming remained excited.

Such terrifying power could even reduce a Foundation Establishment cultivator to ashes.

Zhao Yue has no chance to catch up with him anymore.

Just as he was relaxing, a white light suddenly flashed across the sea of ​​fire, and countless lightning snakes surged towards him.

"It's over!"

Li Xiangming's face turned deathly pale; he couldn't imagine that Zhao Yue would still have the ability to retaliate under the attack of the Crimson Cloud Talisman.

He patted the cloth bag at his waist, and without even bothering to reach the location of the secret passage, he jumped directly into the underground river.

The moment it entered the river, the Black Water Serpent emerged from the bag, its tail coiling around Li Xiangming's waist and abdomen, transforming into a shuttle-like shadow as it darted underwater.

------

"what sound?"

Inside the pavilion of the Flying Fish Nine Cauldrons Formation, stood seven or eight late-stage Qi Refining cultivators. One of them was Long Yang from the Shan Yun Sect.

Long Yang looked surprised and suspicious. He could faintly hear the sound of thunder.

It should be noted that within the entire Shan Yun Sect, only Senior Sister Zhao is capable of using thunder magic.

But since Senior Sister Zhao was in the inner cave and appeared in public as Fairy Green Cloud, who would dare to fight her?
Long Yang wasn't the only one who noticed the thunder and the huge explosion. A middle-aged cultivator in his forties asked authoritatively, "Does anyone know what happened inside the cave?"

"Senior Brother, it seems like there are people fighting!"

Shao Zhen was also in the formation pavilion, where he offered his analysis.

The one addressed as Senior Brother was none other than He Xuan, the head of the four true disciples of Green Cloud Cave.

He Xuan frowned. He knew, of course, that there was a battle of magic, but to make such a commotion, they were no ordinary people.

Currently, nine-tenths of the disciples of Green Cloud Cave and Good Cloud Sect are deployed near the Flying Fish Nine Cauldrons Formation. Which powerful cultivator is left in the inner cave and fighting at this critical juncture?

He Xuan glanced at the people around him, and finally fixed his gaze on Long Yang.

He was familiar with all the disciples of Green Cloud Cave, and this variable undoubtedly came from Shanyun Sect.

However, at this critical juncture, he did not want to ask too many questions and damage the friendship between the two factions, so he waved his hand and said, "Jingze, go back and take a look."

"Yes!"

Mao Jing was panting heavily. He was already seriously injured and had little magic power left, but he was ordered to go to the formation pavilion to defend against the attack of the Mang Sect.

Facing the crazed Mang Cult disciples, Mao Jingze was under immense pressure. Although he didn't fight back often, it still affected his injuries.

Mao Jingze is now exhausted, and even doing nothing is a huge burden for him.

"That's not good?"

Just then, Shao Zhen suddenly interrupted.

He certainly understood the deeper meaning behind He Xuan's concern for Mao Jingze.

However, in Shao Zhen's view, if Mao Jingze hadn't colluded with Zhang Min, Zhang Min wouldn't have been in such a hurry to launch an attack against Shanyunmen.

His identity doesn't need to be exposed, and he doesn't need to endure Zhang Min's disdain today.

All the blame lies with Mao Jingze, his former rival in love. He'd love for Mao to work himself to death here.

Seeing the surprised looks from everyone, Shao Zhen concealed his expression and chuckled, "Green Cloud Cave is in grave danger right now. We four true disciples should be at the forefront. If someone goes back to the rear to rest, what will the other disciples think?"

"If even the true disciples aren't giving their all, how can the closed-door disciples and nominal disciples serve the sect with peace of mind?"

Shao Zhen's reason was so plausible that He Xuan was speechless.

He asked Mao Jingze to leave only because he was worried about his health, but it would not be worth it if it affected the morale of the Green Cloud Cave disciples.

At this moment, every person and every bit of magical power is crucial. If the disciples of Green Cloud Cave become disloyal and disloyal, the Flying Fish Nine Cauldrons Formation will never have lasted this long.

And everyone will die a horrible death under the slaughter of the Mang Cult.

Shao Zhen's words caused concern among the crowd, but Zhang Min replied without hesitation: "Green Cloud Cave will not refuse to repay the kindness of their master just because they are missing Senior Brother Mao. Disloyal disciples are always a minority."

Zhang Min's words had a hidden meaning, which others might not understand, but Shao Zhen certainly did.

With a grim face, he said, "Anyone can be sent back to check the situation, but there are only so many qualified people to guard the array pavilion. You can decide for yourselves."

The seven people currently holding the position are all high-ranking members of the two factions. Even Zhang Min and Mao Jingze, who have already been captured, were sent over by Long Yang, with the aim of boosting morale.

He Xuan was unaware of why Mao Jingze was seriously injured, nor was he aware of the dispute between Zhang Min and Shanyunmen.

However, he strongly agreed with Long Yang and Shao Zhen's arrangements, and upon being reminded, he hesitated and glanced at Mao Jingze.

Mao Jingze immediately understood He Xuan's intention and gave a wry smile: "Senior Brother, it's alright, I can still hold on!"

He Xuan breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "Thank you for your hard work, Junior Brother Mao. Just watch us make our move. After this ordeal is over, I will have Master personally heal you."

Zhang Min was unwilling to give up and wanted to fight for it. Just then, a series of drumbeats suddenly sounded outside the pavilion.

Hundreds of zombies, clad in armor, staggered and crashed into us.

Fueled by the drumbeats, the zombies seemed incredibly fierce, wielding all sorts of weapons as they struck the protective shield of the Flying Fish Nine Cauldrons Formation, creating ripples.

"It's that trick again!"

He Xuan's face turned angry. The Mang Sect had been using zombies to wear down the magic power of the Flying Fish Nine Cauldrons Formation.

These iron zombies possessed weak magical power, and their cultivation levels in life were likely not high. However, their bodies had been refined into copper tendons and iron bones, allowing them to fight against cultivators in the mid-to-late stages of Qi Refining with just their physical bodies.

Who among those present wasn't a Qi Refining Level 9 cultivator?

If it were just one or two zombies like that, everyone would just treat it as a joke.

But once the number of zombies exceeds one hundred, they become like an army, unstoppable.

The disciples of both factions dared not confront them directly, and were not even allowed to harass them.

Because the elite members of the Mang Sect are poised to fight, they are eager for the disciples of Green Cloud Cave and Good Cloud Sect to come out and battle them.

Long Yang, He Xuan, and the others were not fooled and were determined to defend themselves using the Flying Fish Nine Cauldrons Formation.

However, the methods of the Mang Sect's sorcerers are constantly evolving, especially that guy who cultivates the path of corpses, whose subordinates are filled with zombies, putting the disciples of both sects under great pressure.

As the drumbeats quickened, zombies began to swarm onto the protective array, showing no regard for the disciples of both factions.

"You demon, cease your arrogance!"

He Xuan shouted loudly, his palms swung in a circle, and the wind from his palms condensed into the shape of a dragon, like a shooting star, instantly blasting the two zombies into dust.

However, there were too many zombies, and even though He Xuan and the others tried repeatedly, they could not stop the zombies' movements.

He Xuan was anxious, but Shao Zhen suddenly said, "Oh no! Senior Brother, we can't make a move now."

"What does this mean?"

He Xuan was puzzled.

"What they want to deplete is our magical power."

(End of this chapter)