Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 446 The White Lion Parades Through the Streets
"Vice Sect Leader, what exactly is Monkey Valley?"

Starting from Xiaolan Valley, Xu Qingchi asked Zhang Min curiously.

After a brief recollection, Zhang Min recalled that she had stayed in Monkey Valley for a few days before accompanying Li Xiangming to search for the Thousand-Jun Grass, and had some impression of Monkey Valley. So she replied softly, "Monkey Valley was originally an important stronghold of the Li family outside Puyin Mountain. Your master operated there for many years, attracting a large number of demon-hunting cultivators. Nowadays, Monkey Valley is not much different from the cultivation market."

"Cultivation Marketplace?"

Xu Qingchi was shocked, and the bustling Pushui market came to mind.

No wonder Master summoned the disciples of Green Cloud Cave to help defend Monkey Valley. Such an important place cannot be given to demons for nothing.

He thought for a moment and then asked, "Does Master have a very high status in the Li family?"

"Ah."

Zhang Min nodded: "Your master is very good at dealing with people and has friends everywhere. He is naturally very comfortable in front of his own family members. I heard that he once served as the head of the Li family's Foreign Affairs Hall, whose status was second only to the family head and elders. Now that he has achieved the Foundation Establishment stage, he can be considered to be second only to the head of the family."

Upon hearing this, Xu Qingchi's face showed envy.

Yin Feng, standing to the side, chuckled and teased, "Qingchi, they say the student surpasses the master. The sect leader is so powerful; as his only disciple, you can't afford to be inferior."

"I will definitely not let my master down!"

Xu Qingchi was immediately filled with passion and shouted loudly.

Upon hearing this, Yin Feng and the others couldn't help but chuckle.

Green Cloud Cave, having experienced decline, now has a young spark, which adds a touch of vitality.

At this moment, Zhang Min turned around, her gaze falling on a melancholy woman. "Miss Tang, Monkey Valley is facing a threat from demonic beasts and may be in danger. I remember the sect leader and you had an agreement that you only needed to stay and guard Little Orchid Valley."

Tang Xueyan, holding Nie Rong's hand, stopped and shook her head: "Thank you for your kindness, Vice Sect Leader Zhang. I have something to discuss with your sect leader, that's all."

Seeing her resolute attitude, Zhang Min said no more.

As the setting sun changed its colors several times, and light and shadow intertwined, the group traversed the rolling mountains and wilderness, finally arriving at a steep cliff.

"There's an additional illusion array at the entrance of this valley."

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhang Min's eyes, then she turned to Xu Qingchi and instructed, "Although this illusion array doesn't seem complicated, it's easy to get lost in it without preparation. You're new to the sect and haven't encountered illusion techniques before, so stay by my side after entering the array and follow my instructions."

Before he finished speaking, Xu Qingchi had already taken several quick steps.

Zhang Min was taken aback and quickly chased after him, only to find that Xu Qingchi's steps were all correct.

"Qingchi, how do you know about formation steps?"

Just as Zhang Min was about to speak, Yin Feng interrupted incredulously.

Green Cloud Cave has a complete sect heritage. Even if the disciples do not practice illusion magic, they still have some understanding of basic illusion magic knowledge, so they will not be at a loss after entering the formation.

Xu Qingchi, being a beginner, shouldn't have had the opportunity to learn these things.

“My master gave me a notebook about practicing illusion magic.”

Xu Qingchi turned around, his face full of excitement: "To me, this illusion array is full of flaws. This feeling is really good."

Zhang Min and Yin Feng looked at each other in bewilderment.

Finally, Yin Feng chuckled dryly: "I thought your master abandoned you in Xiaolan Valley, meaning he didn't care about you anymore. It turns out he was secretly teaching you some special skills."

Xu Qingchi scratched his head, unsure how to respond.

Zhang Min quickly glared at Yin Feng, then said gently to Xu Qingchi, "Your master is usually very busy. He rarely comes back to Green Cloud Cave, let alone take care of you. Don't worry about it."

Xu Qingchi nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, Vice Sect Leader, I know everything. After following Master, my grandfather's illness was cured, my cultivation level was promoted to the second level of Qi Refining, and I also learned many skills that I never dared to imagine before. Compared with life in Shenfeng Valley, I am already very satisfied. I will never forget the great kindness and virtue of Master and Green Cloud Cave."

Zhang Min gently patted Xu Qingchi's head.

The group quickly passed through the illusion array, and the first thing that came into view was a simple fortress built of wood and stone.

Shadows flickered on the stockade wall, and the sounds of commotion could be faintly heard.

"finally reached!"

Despite his small stature, Xu Qingchi was full of energy. Even though he couldn't hide the fatigue on his face, he was still the first to rush towards the valley entrance.

But he had only taken a few steps when a sharp shout came from the city wall: "Who goes there?"

Xu Qingchi hurriedly looked up and happened to meet a fierce and menacing gaze.

He was immediately startled, stopped in his tracks, and turned to Zhang Min.

Zhang Min frowned and said loudly, "I heard that Monkey Valley is an open place where traveling merchants and demon-hunting cultivators from all over can freely enter and exit. Why are checkpoints suddenly set up to make it difficult for those who want to enter the valley?"

On the city wall stood a gaunt, one-armed cultivator. He glanced at the Green Cloud Cave group and sneered, "Times have changed. The beast tide has swept through Dai Mountain, and the people of Pudong are filled with fear. Although Monkey Valley is not a top-secret place, it has become an independent entity under the leadership of Hall Master Li, and we will not allow petty villains to take the opportunity to cause trouble."

"presumptuous!"

Fang Renkui flew into a rage and took a step forward menacingly.

Li Xiangming is the head of the Green Cloud Cave, and his relationship with the Green Cloud Cave disciples is beyond question!
If the Li family members showed displeasure, they might still consider the sect leader's reputation and exercise some restraint.

But now, these nobody from Monkey Valley dare to turn away the disciples of Green Cloud Cave and even label them as "petty scoundrels." How could he swallow this insult?
Considering that Green Cloud Cave's mission was to support Monkey Valley, Fang Renkui was even more furious, wishing he could rush up and teach the injured gatekeeper a lesson.

"Fellow Daoist Fang, please wait. Let me negotiate with him."

Just then, Tang Xueyan flew out from behind him and landed in front of him.

At the same time, Zhang Min quickly stepped forward, grabbed Fang Renkui's arm, and said with a hint of reproach in her eyes, "You've made a big scene. How is the sect leader going to clean up this mess? Haven't you suffered enough from the losses at Yingyue Market?"

Upon hearing about Yingyue Market, Fang Renkui's face flushed red and then turned pale. In the end, he could only angrily flick his sleeves, step aside, and remain silent.

"Miss Tang?"

Before Tang Xueyan could speak, Lin Hao on the city wall recognized her and asked in surprise, "Didn't you leave the Demon Hunting Group?"

Tang Xueyan has always been a special presence in the Mad Lion Demon Hunting Group.

Several years ago, she already had the cultivation level of the seventh level of Qi Refining, which was comparable to the leader of the group, Lü Mao. She had also made great contributions to the Mad Lion Demon Hunting Group.

If she wanted, she could very well seize leadership of the demon-hunting group with the support of the Li family.

This was a major concern for the regimental commander.

However, Tang Xueyan always maintained a pure and abstinent attitude. Apart from participating in demon hunting activities, she stayed alone in her small room. She was not like those two restless guys, Chi Laiyong and Ji Shilun.

Even though the Mad Lion Demon Hunting Team suffered a crushing defeat at Mount Dai, Chi Laiyong's rebellious intentions were almost blatant. Tang Xueyan did not take sides, but instead resolutely left the Demon Hunting Team.

In Lin Hao's eyes, Tang Xueyan was an outsider arranged by Li Xiangming, so it was understandable that he couldn't win her over. However, Tang Xueyan's neutral stance allowed the Mad Lion Demon Hunting Team to enjoy several years of peace.

Lin Hao had a rather good impression of her.

Upon seeing her reappear in Monkey Valley, he flew down from the city wall and spoke with her.

"One of Master Li's men?"

Lin Hao said "Oh," and glanced at the Green Cloud Cave disciple in front of him with a suspicious look, lingering for a moment on Fang Renkui's face.

Faced with such provocation, Fang Renkui could no longer tolerate it.

Mao Jingze and Luo Changqing reached out together and managed to subdue him.

Seeing this, Lin Hao proudly raised his head and chatted with Tang Xueyan for a full quarter of an hour before waving his hand. The gate to Monkey Valley slowly opened.
-
"How could Master let someone like that guard the valley! It's infuriating!"

Even after leaving the city gate, Xu Qingchi was still indignant.

Fang Renkui deeply agreed and complained to Zhang Min, "Look! Even Xiao Qingchi can't stand it. The sect leader must have been deceived by a villain to use such a bullying scoundrel. When I see the sect leader, I will definitely report him."

"All right!"

Zhang Min looked helpless: "You're so old, why are you still acting like a child? Monkey Valley is facing the threat of a beast tide. Those who dare to stay will not survive. No matter how despicable that person is, if they stay to help the sect leader guard the valley, they are a force we can unite. Why bother arguing with them?"

"Yes, yes, you're so generous!"

Fang Renkui muttered something in dissatisfaction, but said nothing more.

After passing through the path at the mouth of the valley, the view suddenly opened up before them.

The valley is lush and green, with rows of willows growing vigorously beside the neat cobblestone path, their branches swaying gently in the wind like emerald ribbons.

The stream beside them was crystal clear, and countless fish and shrimp chased and played in the water, splashing water everywhere.

If it weren't for the endless noise around them, the disciples of Green Cloud Cave would have thought they had stumbled into a paradise.

"This place is worlds apart from the wild wilderness outside!"

Yin Feng couldn't help but sigh.

Although Puxian County is covered with mountains, forests and vegetation, most of it is in a primitive state, barren and chaotic.

It's hard to find another natural landscape like Monkey Valley, so meticulously maintained and full of life, within a thousand miles.

There were more people than I had imagined.

Zhang Min chimed in, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes.

Logically speaking, after being impacted by the beast tide of Mount Dai, not many people should have remained in Monkey Valley.

After all, earning spirit stones is important, but staying alive is even more important.

"Vice Sect Leader, and everyone else, look!"

Xu Qingchi ran ahead, suddenly becoming extremely excited, waving continuously.

Seeing this, Zhang Min and the others had no choice but to follow.

After walking a short distance, a procession with gongs and drums came towards us.

The group was quite large, with the leader riding a white spirit steed, looking imposing. Behind him, a huge iron cage was supported by an open-top carriage, with more than ten people standing on the left, right, front, and back, flanking the cage, ready for battle.

"Azure Moon Lion!"

Zhang Min blurted it out.

"What is this?"

Xu Qingchi immediately asked curiously.

The other disciples of Green Cloud Cave also showed expressions of doubt.

Zhang Min had no choice but to explain, "My master once had a monster encyclopedia that hadn't been passed down. Only I had ever seen it. It recorded a monster that was extremely ferocious under the moonlight, namely the Azure Moon Nether Lion! Legend has it that the Azure Moon Nether Lion has the cultivation level of the Bone Fusion stage after reaching adulthood. Judging from its size now, it is clearly already an adult!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Qingchi and the others immediately became serious and looked cautiously at the white-haired lion demon in the cage.

Monkey Valley actually allowed a demon cultivator in the Bone Fusion stage to be watched by a crowd in public.
"This fairy has great insight!"

At this moment, a young man in his twenties or thirties suddenly interjected, "This lion demon is indeed called the Azure Moon Lion, and it also has the cultivation of the early stage of Bone Fusion."

Zhang Min turned around and asked politely, "May I ask how you are addressed, my friend?"

The young man also sized up Zhang Min, a blush rising to his face. He lowered his head and replied, "My name is Zhou Miao. I greet you all."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou seems to know quite a bit about the Azure Moon Nether Lion?"

Zhang Min continued to press for answers.

Zhou Miao shook his head: "In the entire Monkey Valley, very few people know the origins of this lion demon. In the end, it was the Taoist priest of Qingyang Temple who recognized it and said it was the Cangyue Ming Lion. However, I do know why the Cangyue Ming Lion has fallen to such a state!"

"Oh? I'd like to hear the details!"

Zhang Min cupped her hands in greeting again.

Hearing the beautiful woman's praise, Zhou Miao seemed quite excited, her face flushed red. She spoke with great emotion, "This story begins with the monster horde sweeping through Dai Mountain. The Maojing Mine was besieged by a massive beast tide. Upon learning the news, Hall Master Li rallied hundreds of demon-hunting cultivators to his aid. An unprecedented battle erupted outside the Maojing Mine. The battlefield was littered with corpses and rivers of blood. Initially, the demon-hunting cultivators were outnumbered, but Hall Master Li displayed incredible power, defeating the Azure Moon Lion with a single finger, and then using lightning and fire magic to slay two Burning Sky Apes. The demon beasts within a hundred miles trembled in fear at the sight of him, and they all collapsed. Hall Master Li seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack, inflicting heavy casualties on the demon beasts, thus relieving the siege of the Maojing Mine."

"Not long ago, Hall Master Li returned to the valley in triumph. Every demon-hunting cultivator made a fortune. This Azure Moon Nether Lion was Hall Master Li's exclusive trophy. You must know that both the Azure Moon Nether Lion and the two Burning Sky Violent Apes were powerful demons in the Bone Fusion stage. Hall Master Li eliminated them all. What kind of spirit does he have?"

Zhou Miao spoke at length, praising Li Xiangming's abilities to the extreme. Zhang Min, Yin Feng, and the others listened with wide eyes.

The sect leader's cultivation progressed rapidly, unlike someone who had just entered the Foundation Establishment stage. Moreover, his comprehension was astonishing. He inherited three great skills from his master, and defeating the Azure Moon Nether Lion, who was in the early stage of Bone Fusion, did not seem like an unimaginable thing.

But to deal with three Bone-Melting Demon Cultivators in a row, and even kill two of them, isn't that a bit too exaggerated?
Moreover, the sect leader doesn't know any thunder magic at all!
Even the Li family's world-renowned fire magic is rarely used.

After a moment's thought, Zhang Min understood.

These words are most likely exaggerated claims spread by demon-hunting cultivators.

Or it could simply be a tactic used by the Li family to build momentum for their new leader.

She then interrupted, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, you said that Hall Master Li returned to Monkey Valley, where is he now?"

"this."

Zhou Miao stammered for a while before finally explaining, "Master Li is always elusive. Whenever he has something to do, he entrusts it to the Golden Eye and Divine Wind demon-hunting teams. How would we know his whereabouts? However, if you want to find him, you can inquire at the Taibai Tavern. The manager of the Taibai Tavern is one of the Li family's own people."

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhou!"

Zhang Min spoke with him for a few more minutes, then made an excuse to leave.

Walking in the heart of the bustling valley, Xu Qingchi gripped Zhang Min's sleeve tightly, his face filled with excitement as he asked, "Vice Sect Leader, did Master really fight three against one and repel the beast tide?"

"Many of the rumors are untrue."

Zhang Min shook her head, glanced at Xu Qingchi, and said, "But your master's ability to capture the Azure Moon Lion is enough to prove his strength. Let's go see your master."

"Yes!"

Xu Qingchi was extremely excited, and he even seemed to be floating on air when he walked.

Even if it wasn't him, the other disciples of Green Cloud Cave were still not at peace.

Mao Jingze said with a wry smile, "The sect leader's move, 'White Lion Parade,' is truly ingenious. The morale of Monkey Valley, which was originally filled with fear, has been greatly boosted upon hearing this news."

"more than!"

Fang Renkui chimed in, "Didn't you hear? All the demon-hunting cultivators who followed the sect leader returned laden with spoils. I'm afraid countless demon-hunting cultivators in Monkey Valley are already itching to strike it rich overnight!"

"No wonder there are still so many people left in the valley!"

"With the sect leader's methods, dealing with these demon-hunting cultivators is a piece of cake."

(End of this chapter)