Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 365 Guilt
"who are you?"

Sun Siyan gave a sharp cry, her long sword gleaming coldly as she warily held it in front of her.

The mysterious man ignored her, and, leaning on his cane, limped over to Nangong Mu and coldly asked, "You said you live in the Great Swamp? Which direction do you live in? Tell me everything clearly."

Nangong Mu wrinkled his nose, then looked disgusted and waved his little hand: "You smell worse than that big stupid snake, I'm not telling you."

"Find a fight!"

The lame monk's face instantly darkened. He raised his cane and slammed it hard against Nangong's wooden frame.

But Nangong Mu was prepared. He nimbly dodged the attack, flew into the air, and called out to Sun Siyan, "Good sister, let's not play with him."

Just as Sun Siyan was about to say something, she suddenly looked at the crippled cultivator.

Suddenly, the opponent's magical power surged, and seven or eight magical chains flew out like serpents.

"Get out of the way!"

Sun Siyan couldn't help but shout, but her voice was too slow, or the chains came too fast. In the blink of an eye, Nangong Mu was successfully bound.

Nangong Mu struggled incessantly, but was unable to break free from his restraints.

He was quickly dragged back to the lame monk's side.

Sun Siyan hurriedly intervened, slashing her sword at the magical chains.

"Qiang!"

The magical chains emitted a tangible clanging sound, but instead of breaking, they forced her to retreat repeatedly.

"Out of control."

The lame cultivator sneered, still prioritizing Nangong Mu, and escorted him to his side, his gaze sharp as he demanded, "Tell me, who are the people in the Great Swamp?"

Nangong Mu shuddered and finally showed a look of fear. Before the crippled cultivator could continue to ask questions, he burst into tears and kept wiping away his tears with his arm.

"Stop!"

The lame monk was annoyed and about to get angry.

Suddenly, the child stretched out his arm, and a bronze sword flew out from his short sleeve with unstoppable force.

"How dare you?"

The lame monk shouted sharply and hurriedly dodged.

However, at such close range, even though his cultivation level was much higher, he still couldn't dodge and was hit squarely by the bronze sword.

Fortunately, the golden light emanating from his robes completely concealed the faint white light emanating from the bronze sword.

In no time, the bronze sword went dark and fell to the ground.

"You little beast, you have some nerve!"

The crippled cultivator was furious. He made a gesture of closing his large hand, and the magical chains writhed like living things, tightly binding Nangong Mu's waist, abdomen, and arms, causing him to scream in pain.

That wasn't all. The crippled cultivator grabbed Nangong Mu by the throat with one hand, his knuckles tightening until Nangong Mu's face turned red and he almost suffocated and fainted. Only then did he release his grip and say viciously, "If you don't talk, I'll make you wish you were dead!"

"Pooh!"

Taking the opportunity to catch his breath, Nangong Mu's heavy breathing rose and fell with a "huff, huff" sound, but his face was full of stubbornness. He even spat at the crippled cultivator: "I just won't say it, even if you cut off my head, I won't say it."

"Good good!"

The crippled cultivator wiped the spittle from his face and sneered, "You little beast, you've got some backbone. But you want to die? Not so easy!"

After saying that, his gaze turned to Nangong Mu's legs. The magic chains seemed to understand his intention and immediately split into two, wrapping around Nangong Mu's calves respectively.

"stop!"

Sun Siyan immediately realized the other party's intentions and rushed over anxiously, carrying her long sword.

But more magical chains lashed between the two, making a series of booming sounds. Sun Siyan was forced to retreat and was unable to help. She was also choked by the smoke and dust and coughed repeatedly.

"Zhengyang!"

Just then, a deep call came.

Sun Siyan looked up and saw a woman in black carrying a long spear flying towards her.

"Sister Zhengru, what brings you here?"

"I don't trust you."

Qin Zhengru answered, then looked at the young-looking Nangong Mu and his legs which were about to fall, and frowned.

"Zhengyang, leave the questioning to me!"

"No, I want to find out their whereabouts myself."

Qin Zhengyang clenched his fists, his eyes burning with intense hatred.

He was in the prime of his youth, born into the prestigious Qin family, and should have had a bright future ahead of him.

However, his own sister cut off both of his legs.

Of course, he did not resent Qin Zhengru, because the situation was urgent at the time. His legs were infected with a deadly poison, and if he had hesitated for even a moment longer, he might not have been able to save his life.

But he was unwilling to accept it!

He couldn't accept being disabled, not even for a moment!

But reality is cruel, so cruel that it drove him to madness countless times behind the scenes.

Now, all he wants to do is find the rats hiding in this nameless swamp, and then skin them alive, fry them in oil, and roast them over a fire, only then can he slightly alleviate the pain in his heart.

Looking at his frantic state, Qin Zhengru felt a surge of sadness.

At that time, Qin Zhengyang was ambushed by that vicious corpse cultivator. Enraged, she was preoccupied with revenge and went deep into the swamp, which delayed her for most of the day, leaving Qin Zhengyang's legs with no chance of recovery.

Of course, even if she remained completely calm and immediately carried Qin Zhengyang back to the Qin family, it would still take several days.

By then, the daylily buds had all gone cold.

The blame lies with her arrogance; she didn't inform her family before leading Qin Zhengyang all the way to Pudong.

Thinking of this, Qin Zhengru couldn't help but squeeze the Ganglong Spear in her hand.

This family heirloom granted her immense power.

But she couldn't control this power and always messed things up.

"Sister Zhengru, don't worry about it. This kid definitely knows something. Just leave it to me."

Qin Zhengyang's voice continued to come through.

Qin Zhengru opened her mouth, but ultimately did not insist on her opinion.

She knew that Zheng Yang dreamed of revenge.

The rest of the clansmen had been deep in Pudong for over a month. Although they had located the nearby swamp, they were unable to find the murderer due to the dense fog.

In peacetime, it would simply mean a little more time wasted.

But now the Qin and Geng families have reignited their war.

Pudong was right under the noses of the Geng family.

It's too dangerous for the Qin family to stay here.

The team leader, Uncle Shi Pan, has decided that if the real culprit is not found in ten days, the operation will be temporarily suspended and the team will return to Red Stone Valley.

Neither Qin Zhengyang nor she could accept this ending.

Therefore, now any clue, no matter how small, is worth exploring, even if it requires some extraordinary methods.

With Qin Zhengru's tacit approval, Qin Zhengyang immediately revealed a cruel smile: "Kid, I've given you a chance, but I won't hesitate to give you one more. Tell me quickly! Who exactly is inside the Great Swamp? How do we get in and find them?"

Nangong Mu pursed his lips and didn't say anything.

Although the marshland stretches as far as the eye can see, only Jiming Mountain is home to a single living person.

These fierce-looking guys are clearly looking for trouble with their master and the others.

My master is a bit slow-witted, and I often can't answer his questions.

But his master and the other wandering monks treated him very well, and he was unwilling to betray them.

Seeing that Nangong Mu refused to cooperate, Qin Zhengyang's face flashed with a fierce look: "You asked for this!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly pulled his hand back, and the magical chains binding Nangong Mu's calves instantly contracted.

"do not want!"

"boom!!"

Sun Siyan's scream and the sound of chains breaking rang out at the same time.

Qin Zhengru suddenly turned around, and the Ganglong Spear vibrated continuously. Powerful magic condensed into a lifelike black dragon, which rushed towards an old Taoist priest with a white beard on the horizon. The old Taoist priest glanced at the Ganglong Spear with some surprise, then waved his Taoist robe, and a surge of powerful magic erupted, suppressing the black dragon in mid-air.

After only a few breaths, the black dragon could no longer hold on, let out a mournful howl, and vanished into the world.

"Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

Qin Zhengru looked stunned.

The old Taoist priest lightly patted his robe, landed in front of Qin Zhengyang, and said calmly, "One should be lenient when possible; he is just a child."

Qin Zhengyang made a gurgling sound, as if he wanted to say something. At this moment, Sun Siyan ran up excitedly and grabbed the old Taoist's arm: "Master, you've finally come."

Master Qingyang affectionately patted his beloved disciple's head, then looked at Qin Zhengyang and said unhappily, "Do I still need to take action?"

"senior."

"Ignorant of good and evil."

The Green Sheep Taoist snorted coldly, took out a slender longsword from his storage bag, held it up in front of the door to show his disciple, and then muttered, "Yan'er, watch carefully!"

As soon as he finished speaking, an arc of sword light appeared.

Not only did all the remaining magical chains on Nangong Mu's body break, but Qin Zhengyang himself was also shocked and retreated repeatedly. Due to the impact of the Foundation Establishment magic, his cane could no longer help him maintain his balance, so he fell to the ground and got a mouthful of dirt and grass.

"Hahaha."

Qin Zhengyang wiped his mouth, looked at the mud residue on his arm, and laughed maniacally.

"Zhengyang, are you...are you alright?"

Qin Zhengru hurriedly flew forward to help Qin Zhengyang up.

Unexpectedly, Qin Zhengyang shoved her away violently and shouted, "Get out of my way!"

Qin Zhengru was stunned. Looking into the other person's eyes, which were filled with hatred, she was at a loss for what to do.

"Hahahaha!"

Qin Zhengyang burst into laughter again, grabbing handfuls of dirt from the ground and repeatedly slamming it onto Qin Zhengru.

Qin Zhengru completely forgot to dodge, and soon she was covered in filth.

After a while, Qin Zhengyang's laughter stopped. He struggled to get up, picked up his crutch from the ground, and limped away, looking quite disheveled.

"Zhengyang!"

Qin Zhengru finally realized what was happening, gripped the Ganglong Spear tightly, and gave chase.

Witnessing this scene, Sun Siyan felt a chill creep into her heart and couldn't help but clutch Qingyang Daoist's sleeve: "Master, what... what's going on?"

The Taoist priest gently patted her back without saying a word or making any move to stop her.
-
"The Geng family?"

In the Mingjun Courtyard, Li Xiangming and Cao Yanjun were having a meal.

Since venturing into spiritual cuisine, Cao Yanjun has maintained a high level of enthusiasm, trying it every few days, and his skills have become increasingly refined.

Li Xiangming naturally supported this idea.

After all, if you have the chance to eat spiritual food, who would still eat that dry fasting pill?
However, before the meal was even halfway through, Lee Sang-jeong rushed in and brought some news that surprised him.

“That’s right. Four people from the Geng family came. The one in the lead is called Geng Shiheng. He asked to see you first.”

Li Xiangzhen bowed her head and clasped her hands in a very respectful manner.

Li Xiangming glanced at him and said, "You don't need to be so reserved at home."

"Although they were at home, they were discussing official business, and their subordinates dared not overstep their bounds."

Lee Sang-jeong shook his head.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming smiled.

A few days ago, he used his position to transfer Li Xiangzhen to the Foreign Affairs Hall to serve as a guest room attendant. This move was naturally intended to give his half-brother some experience.

Regardless of the outcome, at least in terms of attitude, Li Xiangzhen was quite upright.

"Have they met with the head of the family?"

"Not yet, the manager said it needs your approval."

Li Xiangming raised an eyebrow. Although the Li family's organizational structure was complete, the number of cultivators was limited. Not to mention the head of the family, even a family spiritual farmer at the first level of Qi Refining was qualified to request an audience with the family head.

Whether or not to allow the Geng family to meet Li Qianxiong is entirely up to Li Qianliang.

The reason for needing his permission was merely to put on a show of respect for him as the head of the hall.

It seems that the newly appointed head of the guesthouse is far more shrewd than he had imagined.

However, the job of a clerk is one that only a smooth and tactful person can handle.

Thinking of this, Li Xiangming looked at Li Xiangzhen.

As the child grew up, he lost his childhood liveliness and instead became somewhat dull.

From a cultivation perspective, this is not a bad thing.

However, Li Xiangzhen's aptitude was insufficient, and reaching the Foundation Establishment stage was as difficult as ascending to heaven for him.

It would be better to learn from Li Qianliang for a few years and have him help manage the family business in the future.

Of course, Li Xiangming would never say these words.

If Li Xiangzhen persists in his path, he will continue to support her as always.

It depends on his own thoughts.

"Let Geng Shiheng go to the Foreign Affairs Hall."

After giving the order, Li Xiangming was not in a hurry, but continued to have dinner with Cao Yanjun.

Seeing this, Cao Yanjun silently put down his chopsticks.

Li Xiangming patted her small hand and said, "When you need someone's help, it's only right to wait a little longer."

Cao Yanjun said helplessly, "I'm afraid it will be bad for your reputation."

"Do you care about this?"

Li Xiangming countered with a question.

Cao Yanjun shook his head: "I know you, that's enough. No matter what outsiders say about you, it won't change my opinion."

Li Xiangming pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her soft, black hair and gently rubbing it: "I'm sorry, I made you suffer."

"what are you talking about?"

Cao Yanjun suddenly laughed.

Li Xiangming gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled, saying, "I'll give you a surprise in a few days."

Cao Yanjun wrapped her arms around Li Xiangming's waist, raised her head slightly, and asked with a smile, "It's not another flower delivery, is it?"

Li Xiangming was stunned for a moment, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

When he was pursuing Cao Yanjun, he sent her a lot of flowers and plants at Ye Yun's suggestion, so much so that Cao Yanjun now thinks that all he does is send flowers.

But the surprise he prepared turned out to be rare and exotic plants he brought back from Min Ning's curling garden.

"I guessed right again!"

Cao Yanjun smiled sweetly, then buried her face in Li Xiangming's chest and took a deep breath.

Li Xiangming gently stroked her head, but felt a little guilty.

As his status in the family rose, he had more and more things to do. Although he didn't always do things himself, he had to meet people from time to time, and even eating a meal was not peaceful.

Having finally found some free time, he couldn't wait to immerse himself in cultivation.

The actual time spent with Cao Yanjun was not much.

In fact, he had known for a long time that Cao Yanjun did not like her current life. She preferred to choose a place with green mountains and clear waters, far away from the hustle and bustle, to cultivate while living a simple life until the two of them grew old together.

But he couldn't let go of his position and attachment to the Li family.

Cao Yanjun knew this too, and always accommodated and understood him, never letting him worry.

How could Li Xiangming not feel guilty?

To alleviate his guilt, he could only try to please Cao Yanjun.

Even though he knew it wasn't what the other person needed.

But he couldn't give any more.

(End of this chapter)