Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 438 Responsibilities
The little raging ape seemed to sense a threat, constantly twisting its body and slapping the water around it, but the water flow continued uninterrupted, and soon surrounded it.

"What kind of spell is this?"

Tang Xinyue screamed in shock. In her eyes, the water flowing around the fire ape was clearly rhythmic, and in a short moment, it had transformed into a huge palace.

She herself is a water cultivator, so it's not difficult for her to manipulate magic and conjure up small objects. But to do this, what kind of amazing magic power would she need?

Could the other party be a Foundation Establishment cultivator?
"It's because of that magical artifact!"

Yu Mingqian had an even sharper eye and immediately saw that the other party was forcibly casting a high-level spell at the cost of damaging the magic artifact.

That's why Yu Mingqian's expression became even more anxious: "None of these people are simple; we can't stay here."

"But those bald devils have their eyes on us."

Tang Zhennan gave a wry smile.

They had wanted to leave for a while, but as soon as they turned around, they bumped into a familiar face.

Perhaps it was fate, but the group of Thunder Crimson Ghost Eagles that had previously attacked them happened to gather at the Maojing Mine and were now eyeing them menacingly.

"Xin Yue, let's join forces and fight our way out!"

Yu Mingqian took a deep breath. This was the time to fight desperately; if he didn't go all out now, he would perish here.

Tang Xinyue nodded, and just as she was about to say something, her eyes suddenly caught sight of a green figure approaching the Little Burning Sky Violent Ape with lightning speed.

It's that Master Li!

Tang Xinyue immediately pictured a cold-faced young man in her mind.

Despite being the same age, the other person's cultivation level had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and they possessed unparalleled prestige.

The thought of hundreds of cultivators obeying his command and charging towards the beast tide as if facing death made her heart tremble.

Who exactly is Master Li?

…………

"Boom!"

The explosion of the magic was like a thunderclap from the heavens. Li Xiangming retreated rapidly, but the Weeping Spirit Desolate Heaven Rope in his hand continued to move forward, hooking the arm of the Great Burning Heaven Violent Ape. This not only stopped his decline but also allowed him to swing a distance using the force.

The Great Burning Sky Violent Ape was furious and immediately grabbed the rope, but the rope happened to come undone at that moment, causing it to miss its target.

"Roar!"

The Great Burning Sky Violent Ape grew even angrier and opened its mouth to spew out a stream of fire, which swept between Li Xiangming and the Little Burning Sky Violent Ape.

The scorching air currents and immense demonic power split the dense beast tide in two, causing countless demonic beasts to be caught in the crossfire and die innocently.

The sky also presented a vacuum zone, as if it were a forbidden zone that no living person could approach.

Li Xiangming retreated again, raising his hand to wipe the blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes involuntarily turned to the little Burning Sky Violent Ape trapped in the "Water Palace".

"hateful!"

Li Xiangming cursed under his breath, feeling extremely anxious.

Although he didn't know the name of Long Yang's spell, he could guess its origin.

Long Yang's master and Fairy Green Cloud were from the same school.

Since Fairy Green Cloud possesses extraordinary skills such as the Panic-Splitting Palm and the Six Yin Divine Finger, Fairy Good Cloud naturally also has a trump card left to her by True Man Zhijing.

However, the spells left behind by Master Zhijing were all at the Golden Core level. Even if they were used in a way that was merely superficial, they would still consume a huge amount of magical power.

Magic power has always been a major factor hindering the combat strength of cultivators.

With the help of the Enlightenment Spring, Li Xiangming has mastered the three great skills of Fairy Green Cloud, but when he fights, he often only uses the Six Yin Divine Finger, which he is most familiar with.

There's no other reason than to conserve magical energy.

Long Yang, a mere Qi Refining cultivator, could not sustain such a high-level spell for long.

Such a golden opportunity, if he doesn't act now, will slip away in an instant.

But the Great Burning Sky Ape in front of him kept its eyes fixed on him, and even though he used all his strength, he was still firmly suppressed in place.

Even a moment's carelessness could lead to death.

This sense of powerlessness was something he had never experienced since he established his foundation.

"Xiangming, I'm here to help you!"

Just then, Li Qianxiao shouted and flew towards the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape, carrying his three-foot sword.

Having just emerged from the slump caused by the damage to his natal magic weapon, he immediately saw through Li Xiangming's plan and rushed to provide support.

"Uncle?"

A hint of hesitation flashed in Li Xiangming's eyes.

Although Li Qianxiao established his foundation earlier than him, he did not believe that Li Qianxiao could directly delay the Great Burning Heaven Violent Ape, especially since Li Qianxiao was already injured.

Once Li Qianxiao falls at the feet of the Burning Sky Violent Ape, his risky move to support the Maojing Mine will lose its meaning.

However, he had no time to think about it at that moment.

Seeing that Li Qianxiao had rushed close, Li Xiangming made a decisive move and released the Void Returning Rune within his body.

In an instant, immense magical power surged forth like a river bursting its banks. With a wave of his hands, four ferocious dragons instantly materialized, roaring as they pounced on the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape.

"boom!"

The dragon and the giant fist of the Great Burning Sky Ape collided fiercely, unleashing a violent roar and sending shockwaves sweeping in all directions.

Li Qianxiao flashed behind the Great Burning Heaven Violent Ape like a ghost, his sword gleaming coldly as he slashed down fiercely.

"Qiang!"

The sword clashed with the giant hand, producing a metallic clang and sparks flying.

Li Qianxiao's expression changed drastically. Although the Changping Sword was not a peerless divine weapon, it was still a fine magical artifact that he had nurtured since childhood, capable of cutting through iron like mud.

But the fire ape in front of him blocked his all-out attack with just one bare paw.

"What...what kind of monster is this?"

Li Qianxiao was horrified. Before he could recover, the Great Burning Heavenly Ape suddenly turned around, glaring angrily. The red hair on its back stood up, and its demonic power surged by three points. Its palms slammed down like giant hammers.

Li Qianxiao hurriedly retreated, but the ape was even faster. With each swing of its arm, the air seemed to be torn apart.

With a deafening roar, Li Qianxiao crashed down from mid-air like a kite with a broken string.

The ground cracked instantly, and dust flew everywhere.

Countless demonic beasts, drawn by the stench, surged toward Li Qianxiao.

"Grand Steward!"

Xu Jin, who was following the demon hunters towards the mine, happened to witness this scene and was immediately panicked.

"Master, save...save people!"

Xu Jin grabbed Master Shen's arm and pleaded.

Li Qianxiao not only had a mentorship relationship with him, but was also the only person in the Maojing Mine—no! the entire Li family—who appreciated him.

If Li Qianxiao were to die in battle, given Xu's talent, cultivation level, and age, he would never have a chance to rise in the Li family.

"This……"

Master Liaoshen hesitated. He also had a good impression of Xu Jin and was not without the intention to help him.

The reason they dared to charge forward in unison was not only because they were encouraged by Li Xiangming, but also because the Five Elements Locking Gold Formation of Maojing Mine had not yet been broken.

As long as the Li family cultivators who control the formation cooperate well with them, they can get a group of demon-hunting cultivators into the Five Elements Locking Gold Formation.

At that time, the Maojing Mine will have more than a hundred Qi Refining cultivators in the mid-to-late stage, and two Foundation Establishment cultivators will be stationed there. Even if they can't repel the beast tide, they can at least hold out for a few more days.

However, giving up the opportunity to enter the mine and instead fighting countless monsters outside would be suicide, even if there were ten times that number, let alone a hundred or so. "Follow me!"

Just as he hesitated, a fiery red figure flashed past him.

Li Jihu took the lead, followed closely by Zhang Guangqing, Song Ye, and others.

Xu Jin was overjoyed and, disregarding Master Shen, rushed over as well.

The Great Burning Sky Ape caught a glimpse of this scene out of the corner of its eye, a contemptuous smile curving its lips. It suddenly stepped forward, causing the ground to tremble, and blazing flames suddenly erupted from its arms and chest.

Flames danced wildly, and the air was thick with the scorching heat of fire, making it hard to breathe.

"Danger! Back away!"

Zhang Guangqing shouted, his voice urgent and sharp.

However, before he could finish speaking, a deafening thunderclap suddenly erupted, as if the sky had been torn apart, and the power of lightning descended from the heavens, instantly drowning out his shouts.

The deafening noise made everyone's eardrums go numb. Even the densely packed monsters around the Maojing Mine couldn't help but tremble and turn their gazes to one side.

A majestic "water palace" was seen amidst lightning and thunder, and the figure of the Little Burning Sky Violent Ape struggled in the interwoven lightning net, its mournful howls shrill and piercing.

In the blink of an eye, the Little Burning Sky Violent Ape was already kneeling on the ground in pain, then rolling around on the ground, its sharp claws leaving deep marks on the ground.

Even so, the lightning did not diminish; instead, it spread outwards, affecting all the demonic beasts that approached the Little Burning Sky Ape, turning them to ashes in the lightning.

The birds and beasts in the air could not withstand the power of the thunder and fled in panic.

Above the Little Burning Sky Ape's head, or rather the entire sky, suddenly cleared up, leaving only the dumbfounded demon-hunting cultivators.

"This...this is lightning magic?"

Tang Xinyue asked in a trembling voice, her tone filled with disbelief.

"No, thunder magic doesn't just appear out of thin air! This is a thunder talisman! Someone has activated a thunder talisman!"

Yu Mingqian's eyes were also filled with shock.

The thunder roared, and both human cultivators and demonic beasts feared its power.

But there are always exceptionally talented individuals who can overcome this fear and even use unpredictable magical powers to simulate this power, which is the terrifying thunder magic!

The destructive power of thunder magic is beyond doubt; the cultivation world universally acknowledges that thunder magic is the most powerful of all magics.

Such powerful methods naturally attracted countless covetous eyes.

However, the inheritance of thunder magic is extremely rare. Many cultivators never have the opportunity to witness it in their entire lives, let alone learn it.
Even if someone is lucky enough to find a complete lineage of thunder magic, practicing thunder magic is extremely painful, and without immense perseverance and a firm Dao heart, it is impossible to persist.

The fact that sects with a long tradition of lightning magic and extensive experience still produce only a handful of lightning cultivators in each generation is proof enough of this.

Lightning-attribute talismans are a substitute for lightning magic, allowing ordinary cultivators to unleash incredibly powerful lightning strikes.

However, lightning-attribute talismans are even rarer than lightning magic.

The reason is simple: no talisman master can create talismans beyond their own power.

Even if you are a second- or third-tier talisman master, even if you are very familiar with thunder talismans and can complete the inscription of talismans in one go, the fundamental reason why thunder talismans are effective is still thunder attribute magic power.

In other words, if you cannot infuse the Thunder Talisman with Thunder-attribute magic, even if you strictly follow the method of drawing the Thunder Talisman, what you will end up with is nothing more than a piece of paper that is merely for show and cannot be called a Thunder Talisman at all.

Those who possess lightning-attribute magic power, or those cultivators who have mastered the inheritance of lightning magic, are all the chosen ones of sects and aristocratic families, receiving much attention and cultivation.

How could such a person be willing to waste his precious time on the art of talismans?

The creation of a thunder talisman requires the person who draws the talisman to simultaneously fulfill two seemingly uncontested but actually impossible roles: a talisman master and a thunder cultivator.

This restriction directly resulted in a scarcity of thunder talismans in the cultivation world, making each one extremely rare and highly sought after.

The lightning talisman aims for instantaneous explosive damage; after a few breaths, the mana is exhausted, and the lightning will naturally disappear.

But after a while, the power of thunder in the "Water Palace" was still raging, and the lightning reflected on everyone's face, sometimes bright and sometimes dim.

Li Xiangming hovered high in the air, his eyes fixed on the little Burning Sky Violent Ape below.

As spirits of cultivation, demon cultivators possess physical strength a hundred times greater than that of human cultivators, resulting in a significant reduction in the effectiveness of many spells cast upon them.

He didn't have high hopes for the Five Thunder Talisman's effects.

The Five Thunder Talisman in his hand was an old talisman he had acquired from the Xiaoganshan Market under Shen Ruqing's guidance, costing only one hundred and twenty spirit stones.

Of course, this price is already quite high for a second-tier talisman.

A regular fireball talisman costs only forty or fifty spirit stones, yet it can still injure a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

However, injuring a human cultivator and killing a tough-skinned demon cultivator are two completely different concepts.

He never expected that he could defeat the Blazing Sky Ape with just a Five Thunder Talisman.

But now, the lightning net and electric snakes released by the Five Thunder Talisman, under the blessing of Long Yang's water magic, have not dissipated for a long time.

The Little Burning Sky Violent Ape's aura weakened at an alarming rate, clearly indicating that it had suffered a severe injury.

Li Xiangming was both surprised and delighted. He glanced at the "Water Palace" and immediately judged that the Little Burning Sky Violent Ape had lost its fighting ability. He immediately waved his hand and shouted, "Quickly into the mine! I'll cover you!"

Without the threat of the Little Burning Sky Ape and the flying beasts, the group of demon hunters immediately sped up and rushed towards the Maojing Mine.

The originally solid Five Elements Locking Metal Formation revealed a vortex once again at this moment.

"Master Li!"

Suddenly, Xu Jin shouted.

Looking around, Li Xiangming noticed that Li Qianxiao had been defeated, while Li Xiangting, Li Jihu, and a few others were rushing to the ground, trying to save their uncle.

Damn!

Li Xiangming's face was grim. The Great Burning Heaven Violent Ape and Li Qianxiao and the others were right in front of him, and they could kill him at any moment.

Fortunately, the beast's attention was drawn to the screaming Little Burning Sky Violent Ape.

"Come here!"

Li Xiangming roared and threw out the Weeping Spirit Desolate Sky Rope, which pulled a large demonic beast from the beast tide and threw it at the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape.

"Hoohoho!"

The Great Burning Heavenly Ape roared to the sky, smashing the attacking demon beast to pieces with a single punch. The worry in its eyes, which had been evident when the Little Burning Heavenly Ape was injured, was instantly replaced by a desire for revenge, and its pupils flashed with violence and madness.

Its surging demonic power erupted like a long-suppressed volcano, forming a visible crimson wave that violently swept towards Li Xiangming.

Li Xiangming felt the pressure and took a deep breath. He knew that attacking the Little Burning Sky Ape had already offended this old nemesis. Now, by actively provoking it, he had become its target for a life-or-death struggle.

Only by doing this could the demon hunters be covered to enter the mine, and also provide an opportunity for Li Xiangting, Li Jihu and others to rescue Li Qianxiao.

As a member of the Li family, a high-ranking member of the family, and the leader of a group of demon-hunting cultivators, he had to shoulder this responsibility.

"careful!"

"Master Li!"

"Sino-resonance!!"

Countless shouts surged into his ears like a tide. Li Xiangming held his breath and focused intently, his gaze sharp as a knife, locking onto the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape's every move.

Just then, the clouds on the horizon suddenly parted, and a dazzling golden light pierced the sky. The golden light expanded in an instant, transforming into a golden pillar that pierced through the heavens and earth, carrying unparalleled power as it crashed down between Li Xiangming and the Great Burning Heaven Violent Ape.

"boom--!"

Golden light landed, sword energy crisscrossed, stirring up a strong gale that violently collided with the crimson energy waves surging around the Burning Sky Ape, unleashing a deafening magical explosion.

The surrounding monsters exploded and died under the impact of this force, their flesh and blood flying everywhere, creating an extremely gruesome scene.

The Great Burning Sky Ape, which was charging forward, was also forced to stop, revealing a bewildered expression.

　Updates are back, everyone!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)