Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 441 Spiritual Pivot Golden Light Array

"give it to me!"

Having said that, Li Xiangren stepped forward, and "Zhan Yun" hovered above his head, bursting forth with golden light.

The Great Burning Heavenly Ape was instantly drawn to the spot. Its pupils, as big as copper bells, glared fiercely at Li Xiangren, and even the speed at which the raging flames around its body rolled increased by three points.

Li Xiangming's eyes were piercing, not daring to miss a single detail.

He had a series of extraordinary encounters, successively obtaining the evil green robe and the Enlightenment Spring, which gradually earned him the reputation of being a "prodigy". Li Xiangyu was exceptionally talented from a young age and also possessed the Crimson Flame Spirit Fire, making him a child of destiny.

In comparison, Lee Sang-in looked much more shabby.

However, Li Xiangren's cultivation level has always been superior to that of his peers, and his flying sword, which is as fast as lightning and as powerful as mountains and rivers, has amazed countless people.

Back at the Maojing Mine, Li Xiangren, with his early Foundation Establishment cultivation, defeated Li Dong, a mid-Foundation Establishment elder of the Mountain Moving Sect.

Li Xiangming was actually quite surprised, but his clansmen took it for granted, as if Li Xiangren was born so powerful. This made his curiosity about Li Xiangren rise to a peak, and he often regretted not having seen this battle.

Now, he finally has the opportunity to witness Lee Sang-in's full potential.

Li Xiangming was still excited at this moment, while the momentum of Li Xiangren and the Burning Sky Violent Ape had reached its peak.

A human and a demon stood facing each other, dividing the sky and the earth into two realms. One side shone with golden light and a chilling sword intent; the other was engulfed in raging flames and exuded a ferocious aura.

Suddenly, Li Xiangren's eyes flashed like lightning, and his body shone with golden light, as if he had merged with the "Cloud Slash" above his head.

The Great Burning Sky Ape sensed the sharp sword intent, roared, and slammed its palms into the ground.

In an instant, the earth shook and flames erupted from the ground, transforming into two blazing pillars of fire that shot straight toward Li Xiangren.

Li Xiangren remained calm and gently raised his hand. "Cloud Slash" split into thousands of golden sword shadows, like a cascading river of stars, to meet the two pillars of fire.

The flames collided with the sword shadow, only to be shattered by the sword energy, turning into countless sparks that vanished without a trace.

"Roar!!"

The Great Burning Sky Violent Ape was extremely angry and suddenly leaped up, its massive body resembling an erupting volcano.

Upon seeing this, Li Xiangming was greatly alarmed.

This was the first time he had ever seen the Blazing Sky Ape leave the ground.

However, what shocked him even more was yet to come.

Despite the onslaught, Li Xiangren remained unmoved, his clothes fluttering and his long hair standing on end.

He muttered something under his breath, and the golden sword shadows around him suddenly shattered, turning into countless starlight that formed a "star field" around him.

The Great Burning Sky Violent Ape showed no weakness and plunged headlong into the "Starfield".

Instantly, countless sword energies burst forth from the starlight, like constantly shimmering "threads," surrounding the intruding prey.

Bound by the "silk threads," the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape's movements visibly slowed down, and even the flames on its body were suppressed by the sword energy, gradually dimming.

"Is this a formation?"

Li Xiangming was taken aback, then quickly shook his head to deny his own thoughts.

Li Xiangren was not a formation master, a fact he knew all too well.

That's precisely why the scene before him shocked him.

Why could the Six Harmonies Returning to One Formation stop the disciples of the Mountain Moving Sect?
That's because the core of the formation is where the magical power of dozens of Li family cultivators has been poured in over half a year.

The Five Elements Locking Gold Formation is able to block the beast tide because of the continuous supply of spiritual energy.

Traditional array masters need at least several months to set up arrays, whether magic arrays or spirit arrays, not only because the arrays themselves are complex, but also because they need to be charged.

Of course, the emergence of array plates has disrupted this phenomenon to some extent.

Some array masters have changed their mindset and inscribed the array on a specific array plate, thus obtaining a castrated array that can be used at any time.

This allows formation masters, who are not skilled in combat, to participate in real-time battles.

There is another method that can also achieve this, and that is the use of rune arrays!

When Li Xiangming was attacked in Pushui, he witnessed Elder Ma Houchen of the Bailu Sect using the Golden Silk Soul-Locking Array.

Once the talisman array was deployed, it displayed power no less than that of a magic formation, instantly suppressing the mysterious man's snake demon spirit pet until it could not move.

He himself once successfully blocked a furious attack from the Burning Sky Violent Ape by using the Starry Sky Talisman Array.

However, array plates cannot avoid the time-consuming and energy-intensive process of storing mana or spiritual energy, and talisman arrays cannot be created in an instant.

When it comes to combat, none of these methods are as quick as magic.

The cultivation world has conducted in-depth research on magic, giving rise to all sorts of powerful and incredible spells, including many that simulate formations, such as the Fubo Illusion Formation in the Li family's Scripture Pavilion.

However, the Fubo Illusion Array is essentially a water-based spell. Although it can confuse enemies, it is far inferior to a true illusion array and can only be used against some untrained cultivators.

In fact, most spells that are called "arrays" are like this.

It wasn't that the founder's talent wasn't amazing, but rather that the cultivator's magical power was ultimately limited.

No cultivator could possibly unleash all the magical power in their dantian with a single shout.

A spell cast by a single individual cannot compare to a complex array.

However, the "star field" that was currently enveloping Li Xiangren and the Burning Sky Violent Ape completely overturned Li Xiangming's understanding.

The orderly starlight and the constantly moving yet rhythmic sword energy were no different from a real formation.

"It's the Spirit Pivot Golden Light Array!"

Li Xiangyu stared intently at the scene before him, a hint of resentment in his eyes: "My elder brother's swordsmanship comes with a sword formation. This formation is incredibly profound and has transcended the scope of ordinary spells. I have been defeated by this move many times."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming instantly recalled the rumors circulating in his clan.

It is said that when Li Xiangren was young, he followed Li Huinan to guard the Pushui area and performed outstandingly. As a result, he received a scroll of sword manual from a Golden Core cultivator of the Wuliang Sword Sect.

And the name of this sword manual is Ling Shu Golden Light Sword!

Unfortunately, the Ling Shu Golden Light Sword was incomplete. At the time, the family, especially the eldest branch, strongly opposed Li Xiangren practicing this incomplete technique.

However, Li Xiangren was a man of strong opinions from a young age, and in the end, despite the opposition of his clan, he resolutely chose to become a sword cultivator.

In retrospect, Lee Sang-in's choice seems to have been absolutely correct.

Because of this technique, Li Xiangren's cultivation level has always been among the top tier, and he has also been endowed with incomparably powerful combat strength. In particular, when the Spirit Pivot Golden Light Array is activated, even Li Xiangyu, who possesses the Crimson Flame Spirit Fire, has to admit defeat!
"Ling Shu Golden Light Array"

Li Xiangming muttered to himself.

Although his Six Yin Void Divine Finger was extraordinary, it was nothing compared to this sword formation.

No wonder Li Xiangren was able to kill Li Dong, a man of a higher rank.

How many people in the world can fight to the death while being interfered with by a formation?

The Great Burning Sky Violent Ape refused to believe it and frantically waved its hands, trying to tear the silk threads apart. However, the silk threads were formed from sword energy, so they were broken but not destroyed, and continued to cut the Burning Sky Violent Ape's protective demonic power like sharp blades.

The Great Burning Heaven Violent Ape then realized it was in trouble. It charged left and right, trying to break free of the Spirit Pivot Golden Light Array with its enormous demonic power.

However, how could Lee Sang-in let it leave so easily?

Whenever the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape tried to break through, golden sword energy would follow.

In a direct confrontation, even within a sword formation, Li Xiangren was still no match for the Burning Sky Violent Ape.

However, his control over the sword energy in the formation was already superb. He could often hide in the massive amount of sword energy, strike once and then retreat, using delaying tactics to wear down the power of the Burning Sky Violent Ape.

In a short while, the Great Burning Heavenly Ape was covered in wounds, and even its surging demonic power began to show signs of decline.

Li Xiangyu immediately turned his head and reminded him, "Xiangming, the Burning Sky Violent Ape is no longer a threat, but Big Brother's magic power won't last much longer either. We still need to lend a hand!"

"understood."

Li Xiangming took a deep breath and held his breath.

The innate divine power of the Heaven-Burning Ape is about to dissipate, and now is the best time to strike.

However, Li Xiangyu and Li Xiangren had already used powerful spells such as the Flying Flame Wheel and the Spirit Pivot Golden Light Array, and their magical power was almost exhausted. Only he could deliver a fatal blow to the Burning Sky Violent Ape.

Sure enough, not long after, the raging flames on the Great Burning Sky Ape were extinguished by most of them, and its huge body fell heavily from mid-air, scattering blood mist all over the sky, like a scarlet rain.

This time, Li Xiangren's sword formation did not pursue.

Instead, there was a simple, dark blue hemp rope.

The hemp rope, like a nimble snake, moved swiftly and stealthily, and in an instant it coiled around the head of the Great Burning Sky Ape, tightening abruptly.

"Woo!!"

Before the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape had completely fallen to the ground, it was suspended in mid-air by a hemp rope.

It let out a shrill scream, its two huge hands gripping the rope around its neck tightly, trying to break free.

"A cornered beast's struggle!"

Li Xiangming sneered, his eyes flashing with cold light, about to unleash his magic power to finally end this old enemy.

At this moment, a sudden change occurred.

The Weeping Spirit Desolate Sky Rope was suddenly ripped open by the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape, and Li Xiangming was also pulled away, rushing straight towards the Burning Sky Violent Ape.

Li Xiangming was completely unprepared for this scene, and his expression changed drastically.

Meanwhile, the Great Burning Sky Ape, which was right next to them, opened its blood-red maw, and its remaining demonic power condensed into a blazing fire dragon, which it then spewed out.

"The sound of the bell resonates!"

A gasp rang out, but Li Xiangming calmed down instead.

He quickly chanted the incantation, and the fish-dragon shadow hanging around his neck floated up gently. The soft white light transformed into a cocoon, enveloping his entire body.

"boom!"

The fire dragon crashed into the "white cocoon," scattering countless sparks, but it was unable to break through the seemingly weak white light.

Disappointment immediately flashed in the eyes of the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape.

Just as it was about to exert all its strength, a dark shadow flashed past its eyes.

The exhausted fire ape seemed to understand something, and twisted its body unwillingly, but it still couldn't stop Li Xiangming from landing steadily on its head.

Li Xiangming looked down and met those eyes filled with hatred and pain.

For some reason, a feeling of pity suddenly welled up in his heart.

Having immense power, yet reduced to a puppet controlled by a great demon—how tragic!

"Goodbye."

The pity in Li Xiangming's eyes vanished in an instant, and his magical power suddenly erupted, like an invisible sword, piercing fiercely into the brow of the Burning Sky Violent Ape.

"thump!"

The Great Burning Sky Ape could no longer hold on, and its massive body crashed into the ground, creating a huge crater.

Countless dust particles flew up at this moment, as if playing a final lament for the fall of this ferocious beast.

Li Xiangming landed on the corpse of the Great Burning Sky Violent Ape, and with a wave of his hand, the smoke dissipated.

His sharp gaze swept across the surroundings, and the demonic beasts from all directions lowered their heads and began to slowly retreat. At first, only a few demonic beasts retreated, but then this fear spread like a plague. Demonic beasts all over the mountains and plains fled like a tidal wave, their hooves thundering and their roars intertwined, making the entire mountain forest tremble.

"Won!"

"Master Li is mighty!"

A deafening cheer suddenly erupted in the Maojing mine.

The demon hunters' faces lit up with the joy of surviving a calamity, and they shouted Li Xiangming's name.

The name "Li Xiangming" spread throughout the mountains and fields in an instant, and even Li Xiangren and Li Xiangyu took notice of him.

Only Li Xiangming showed no joy. He looked down at the Weeping Spirit Desolate Sky Rope in his hand. The aura of this top-grade magic weapon had become extremely weak, and several fine cracks had even appeared on the surface of the rope.

"We'll need to ask a weapon refiner to repair it."

Li Xiangren flew over and said softly.

Li Xiangming nodded. If the Weeping Spirit Desolate Sky Rope were intact, it would never have been torn so easily. The damage to this magical artifact was more severe than he had anticipated, and it was no longer suitable for use in combat for the time being.

The terrifying scene he just witnessed left him drenched in cold sweat.

Fortunately, the Great Burning Sky Ape was already at its last gasp.

Otherwise, the consequences would be disastrous.

Watching the beast tide retreat, Li Xiangming did not order a pursuit.

Although striking at this moment would undoubtedly result in a resounding victory, everyone—including him, Li Xiangren, Li Xiangyu, and the demon-hunting cultivators he brought—needed rest.

A cultivator's life is far more precious than that of a demon beast!
When will my elder brother return home?

Li Xiangming glanced at the scorched battlefield and the mountains of monster corpses, then cast a questioning look at Li Xiangren: "I thought my family wouldn't be able to support Maojing Mine in time, so I took it upon myself to come over."

Li Xiangren slowly replied, "As soon as I returned, my family received your alert about the strange movements of the monsters in Puyin Mountain."

"It just so happened that the mining team transporting the Maojing ore lost contact, and since we couldn't get in touch with my uncle, the family judged that Daishan might also have been attacked by monsters, so they sent me and Xiangyu to check."

"I see."

Li Xiangming nodded. It seemed that when he received the message from his family, they had already taken some action.

It would take time to dispatch Li Chenggeng and others, but it wouldn't be a problem to send Li Xiangren and Li Xiangyu, who were free.

It was also thanks to the timely response from his family that he was able to hold off the Great Burning Heaven Ape and allow the demon-hunting cultivators to hide in the Five Elements Locking Gold Formation, otherwise he might not have been able to defend the Maojing Mine.

After all, the beast tide outside Maojing Mine was much larger than that of Yuanmen Town.

What about the remaining two?

Lee Sang-woo's voice broke the brief silence.

Following his gaze, Li Xiangming saw that among the three Bone Fusion demon cultivators, the unknown white lion had the lowest cultivation level, likely having recently advanced to the early stage of Bone Fusion.

This guy hasn't recovered from being hit by his Six Yin Divine Finger technique.

If I hadn't been so busy dealing with the Great Burning Heavenly Ape that I didn't have time to finish it off, I would have sent it to its death long ago.

The smaller, fiery ape was in excruciating pain within the electric net of the Five Thunder Talisman, but as Long Yang withdrew the spell, the effect of the Five Thunder Talisman weakened and quickly disappeared.

These beasts are not all dead.

Of course, like the white lion, it no longer had the means to cause trouble.

After a moment's thought, Li Xiangming said, "The Burning Sky Violent Ape is too wild and belligerent, making it almost impossible to tame. It would be better to kill it directly and take its paws, which could be used to forge a decent magic weapon. As for the white lion, it can be taken back to Beast Breeding Peak and given to the Beast Tamers to study."

Li Xiangyu frowned slightly: "Most beast tamers are of low strength. Is it a bit presumptuous to ask them to study bone-fusion demon cultivators?"

Li Xiangming scoffed: "Is a tiger still a tiger if its teeth have been pulled? As long as we have the right methods, even if it's at the Bone Fusion stage, its life or death is just a matter of a thought. Besides, most demonic beasts are dangerous to Qi Refining cultivators. Our Li family now has eight Foundation Establishment cultivators, why should we be afraid of a captured beast?"

Li Xiangming had his own plans. If the Li family didn't follow the path of beast taming, it would be best to kill such a dangerous creature as soon as possible.

However, the Li family has a beast-taming prodigy like Li Xianghong, as well as the Myriad Spirits Manual, and there are precedents of successfully controlling spirit pets in the Bone Fusion stage.

The research value of a living Bone-Melting Demon Cultivator is beyond doubt.

As a high-ranking member of the family, he cannot stifle the opportunity to further explore the art of beast taming simply because he is afraid of risks.

Upon hearing Li Xiangming's analysis, Li Xiangyu fell silent.

He was completely focused on cultivation and had no interest in the family's management strategies and development direction. Li Xiangming, on the other hand, was an expert in this area and was often relied upon by the family head.

He neither wanted to nor needed to refute the advice of professionals.

Even if he doesn't think the suggestion is correct.

(End of this chapter)