Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 449 Inner Demon
"Miss Tang, you've come too?"

Li Xiangming asked in surprise.

Logically speaking, Tang Xueyan's task should have been to stay behind in Xiaolan Valley, so why did she suddenly appear here?

"It's about Nie Rong."

Tang Xueyan clenched her fists and said in a deep voice, "Nie Rong's condition is deteriorating, and you need to give me an explanation."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming frowned, and his mind immediately sank into his sea of ​​consciousness, where he indeed sensed a subtle connection nearby.

Tang Xueyan actually brought Nie Rong along!
"Have Nie Rong come to see me."

Li Xiangming gave an instruction.

Tang Xueyan turned around and returned with Nie Rong shortly afterward.

Nie Rong remained in that dazed state, his face expressionless, his eyes lifeless, and his whole being exuding an aura of death.

However, if someone who doesn't know the inside story sees him, they would never easily associate him with a puppet.

"His realm has fallen again."

Li Xiangming sighed inwardly.

As Nie Rong's master, he was naturally aware of the current situation of this puppet.

After leaving Madam Zhen, Nie Rong's cultivation level plummeted from the ninth level of Qi Refining to the eighth level in just two or three years, and now he only has the power of the peak of the seventh level of Qi Refining.

Tang Xueyan's eyes were filled with sorrow: "It's not just his cultivation that has regressed; I've tested him many times, and even his reaction speed and comprehension have weakened. If this continues, what will become of him?"

Li Xiangming was speechless.

Even magical artifacts made from inanimate objects need to be refined daily, otherwise their power will be greatly diminished, let alone human puppets that can speak and move.

Such a sophisticated puppet naturally requires more care and attention, but he rarely paid attention to Nie Rong, instead leaving it to roam freely outside.

Over time, Nie Rong's condition naturally declined drastically.

Even more surprisingly, Li Xiangming didn't even notice that Nie Rong had entered Monkey Valley.

Because a full ten years had passed since he first branded Nie Rong with his divine sense imprint, and with the passage of time, this divine sense imprint had become negligible.

The reason Li Xiangming didn't deepen the mark was because he had promised to give Nie Rong to Tang Xueyan.

Puppets and magical artifacts are actually quite similar. If he repeatedly strengthens his connection with Nie Rong, Nie Rong will have a deep memory of his divine sense and magical power. If a later person wants to get rid of this memory, he must spend a huge amount of time.

In contrast, Tang Xueyan showed great care and concern for her "senior brother".

However, what Nie Rong truly needed was the puppeteer's methods, not the daily concern and care.

Tang Xueyan's efforts were ultimately in vain.

Her coming to him now must be a last resort.

After all, if they continue to ignore it, even a fool could see that Nie Rong would most likely become a mindless humanoid puppet in ten or twenty years, and a piece of trash whose cultivation level would plummet to rock bottom.

After a moment's thought, Li Xiangming slowly said, "I can have someone take a look at his condition, but as for the reward..."

"I'll help you guard the valley."

Before Li Xiangming could finish speaking, Tang Xueyan interrupted him.

She was clearly prepared.

"I'll pass on guarding the valley."

Li Xiangming looked somewhat helpless.

In Tang Xueyan's mind, the image of him as a "landlord" who was extremely exploitative was probably already deeply ingrained.

However, from his perspective, how could he let go of this late-stage Qi Refining expert in front of him?
At that time, having one more person would have been able to turn the tide of beasts around.

Putting aside his distracting thoughts, Li Xiangming continued, "Keep an eye on the road from Monkey Valley to Ape Gate Town. If you encounter a large group of demonic beasts, don't engage them; just come back and let me know."

"Oh."

Tang Xueyan didn't think this task was easier than guarding the valley.

Although she was a scout and didn't have to fight on the front lines, she was alone and might not be able to outrun those flying monsters if she encountered a beast tide.

However, she did not refuse.

One thing at a time, she couldn't save Nie Rong, so she could only place her hopes on Li Xiangming.

Even if it comes at a price, I'm willing to do it.

After all, she had already lost enough.

Tang Xueyan tilted her head and looked at her "senior brother's" ashen face, suddenly feeling utterly exhausted.

Perhaps, dying on the battlefield is a kind of relief?
In a daze, she felt as if she had returned to the Northern Cold Gate.

Her master and senior brother held her hands as they walked through the snow-covered mountains.

Suddenly, the senior brother strode forward, plucked a snow fungus, turned around with a bright smile: "Junior sister, what do you think of my luck?"

Just as Tang Xueyan was about to answer, the scene before her suddenly shattered.

The overwhelming stench of blood assaulted her senses, and Madam Zhen's arrogant and piercing laughter echoed in her ears, as if countless sharp needles were piercing her mind.

"no, do not want!"

Tang Xueyan trembled violently, suddenly looked up, her face streaked with tears, her eyes bloodshot. Her voice was hoarse and desperate, as if bursting from the depths of her soul: "Die... all of you die!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she drew her soft sword from her waist, the sword flashing like lightning, and thrust it straight at Li Xiangming.

"Qiang!"

Li Xiangming flicked his finger, sending the soft sword flying and causing Tang Xueyan to fall heavily to the ground as well.

Noisy footsteps echoed all around.

The disciples of Green Cloud Cave rushed out, staring in astonishment at the scene before them.

"Uncle Zhang, what happened to Sister Tangtang?"

Xu Qingchi nervously tugged at Zhang Min's skirt.

Zhang Min was also somewhat flustered. Judging from the positions at the scene and the traces of magic, Tang Xueyan was clearly trying to assassinate Li Xiangming.

But Tang Xueyan was only a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, so how could she possibly hurt Li Xiangming?

Moreover, wasn't Tang Xueyan Li Xiangming's subordinate?
If she remembered correctly, Tang Xueyan was ordered by Li Xiangming to stay in Xiaolan Valley to protect the Chi family.

It was precisely because of this relationship that she agreed to give guidance when Tang Xueyan revealed her desire to cultivate fairy orchids.

What exactly is going on?

The sect leader has a bad temper!

Zhang Min's heart tightened, and she quickly covered Xu Qingchi's eyes.

"Head!"

Yin Feng stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "Miss Tang, what's going on?"

Li Xiangming ignored Yin Feng; at this moment, he was also somewhat confused.

Tang Xueyan was clearly blinded by her inner demons, which is why she suddenly attacked him.

But where does this inner demon come from?

Was there a problem with her cultivation, or was the task she had assigned too difficult, causing Tang Xueyan to be unable to withstand the pressure?

After thinking for a while, Li Xiangming still couldn't figure it out.

But whatever the reason, Tang Xueyan's mental state had reached its limit, and she was no longer suitable to be a scout.

With a sigh, Li Xiangming waved his hand and said, "Take her down to rest."

"Yes!"

Yin Feng accepted the order and, together with Xu Qingchi, stepped forward to help the unconscious Tang Xueyan away.

Watching them walk away, Li Xiangming turned his gaze to Nie Rong.

For some reason, he felt that Nie Rong at this moment resembled Madam Zhen somewhat.
-
Back in the Dongfu area, the banquet was nearing its end.

Li Xiangren and the others left early, but the younger members of the Li family, such as Li Jihu, were still not satisfied and even started playing mahjong, a new gambling game launched by Baishengfang!
Li Xiangming glanced at it a few times but did not try to dissuade him.

Today's banquet is both a farewell feast for Li Xiangren and a celebration of everyone's great victory at the Maojing Mine. Compared to here, the Moon Shadow Pavilion and Jade Hook Pavilion outside, packed with members of the six demon-hunting teams, are truly bustling.

He needed this lively atmosphere to dispel the panic in Monkey Valley.

"Master Li!"

At this moment, Chi Laiyong hurried over with small steps.

Li Xiangming glanced at him and asked, "What is it?"

"The cultivators from the Chi family have also arrived."

"I'm late," Yong replied in a low voice.

"Has everyone been received?"

Li Xiangming didn't really want to see them.

The cultivators of the Chi family generally have low cultivation levels. If they are sent here, they will only be able to do some logistical work, such as digging tunnels.

It was enough that these people were received by Chi Laiyong, the former head of the family.

"Everything is settled, but..."

Chi Laiyong's tone revealed a hint of unease.

Li Xiangming was already irritated, and immediately asked with dissatisfaction, "What is it now?"

"This one……"

Chi Laiyong blushed and stammered, "It's Youyan, she's here too."

Chi Youyan?

Li Xiangming was stunned for a moment, then anger surged up.

It was bad enough that Xu Qingchi was causing him trouble, but Chi Youyan also came to join in the fun.

Those who don't know the situation might think that Monkey Valley wasn't facing the threat of a beast tide, but instead had unearthed a gold mine.

Seeing Li Xiangming's gloomy expression, Chi Laiyong explained with a wry smile, "Youyan came here secretly, even before the Chi family cultivators. If she hadn't come to me, we wouldn't have known."

"Have her come to see me."

Li Xiangming snorted heavily.

"Yes!"

Chi Laiyong dared not delay and quickly withdrew.

Just a moment later, a young girl in a light purple dress and with exquisite makeup approached. Her porcelain-white skin shimmered with a golden glow, and her almond-shaped eyes curved into a sweet smile, making her look very radiant.

"Brother Li!"

Chi Youyan called out in surprise, her voice full of joy.

But Li Xiangming remained expressionless, causing her excited steps to pause slightly.

“Didn’t I tell you to stay at Yiyuan Peak and study alchemy properly?” Li Xiangming spoke up, breaking the awkward silence.

Hearing this gentle rebuke, Chi Youyan was no longer afraid. She quickly stepped forward and said with a bright smile, "I want to help you."

"What can you help me with?"

Li Xiangming raised an eyebrow.

Chi Youyan immediately replied, "I've heard about helping you fight the monsters."

"With your paltry cultivation level?"

Li Xiangming scoffed, which immediately drew Chi Youyan's displeasure. She waved her pink fist and shouted, "Don't underestimate me! I also work very hard in my cultivation!"

Li Xiangming watched her quietly. This girl was becoming more and more graceful. For some reason, every time he saw her, his anger would vanish in an instant, and even his voice would become gentle involuntarily.

"Let's go, I'll take you to Qingyang Temple."

"Qingyang Temple?"

Chi Youyan was stunned for a moment, then shook her head repeatedly: "I don't want to go, I want to stay and help you."

"Don't you want to see your master?"

Li Xiangming asked calmly.

Chi Youyan hesitated as the kind and amiable image of Qingyang Daoren flashed through her mind.

Li Xiangming gently patted her head. "Let's go. You are an alchemist. If the battlefield needs alchemists to fight, the battle is destined to fail. Why bother? Staying at Qingyang Temple and refining healing pills for the demon hunters on the front lines is the best help you can give me and the Chi family."

Upon hearing this, Chi Youyan finally stopped insisting and, like a docile rabbit, followed closely by Li Xiangming's side.
-
"Sister Chi, you left Xiaolan Valley without saying a word. I wondered where you went! I didn't expect you to come to Monkey Valley with us."

Xu Qingchi rode a tall, dark gray horse, looking curiously at Chi Youyan beside him.

Upon hearing these words, Chi Youyan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she retorted, "Even a little kid like you is thinking about fighting off the beast tide, so why can't I?"

"That's true."

Xu Qingchi touched his head and rubbed it vigorously, whispering, "Who would have thought that Master would think our cultivation level was too low and insist on sending us to some Qingyang Temple? By the way, what exactly is Qingyang Temple?"

When Qingyang Temple was mentioned, Chi Youyan straightened his expression and answered seriously, "Qingyang Temple was founded by my master, Qingyang Daoren, and it is an orthodox Taoist sect. Because my master is skilled in alchemy and swordsmanship, Qingyang Temple is also famous for these two skills."

"An alchemy sect?"

Xu Qingchi's face showed even more curiosity.

He remembered that his senior brother Zhang had said that alchemy was the foremost of the four traditional arts of cultivation.

Alchemists are highly sought after in the cultivation world, and even those with lower cultivation levels are rarely bullied.

Moreover, being an alchemist is a profession that can make a lot of money.

The Green Cloud Cave where he lives is in dire financial straits!

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but ask, "Sister Chi, how many alchemists does your Qingyang Temple actually have?"

"Well..."

Chi Youyan hesitated for a moment, but still answered, "Strictly speaking, all the disciples of Qingyang Temple study alchemy and can be considered alchemists. If you include me, there are six alchemists in total."

"Six alchemists?"

Xu Qingchi was taken aback.

Chi Youyan gently tapped Xu Qingchi's head, reminding him, "Alchemists are not as simple as you think. Someone can casually refine a second-rate Blood Stasis Removal Pill and call themselves an alchemist. But these people may not be able to refine a Bigu Pill. And the Yellow Sprout Pill is ten times more difficult to refine than the Bigu Pill... In the true Dao of Alchemy, the Yellow Sprout Pill is only the beginning."

"In short, even if you become an alchemist, you may not be able to go far in the path of alchemy. If I hadn't received guidance from Master Qingyang, I would only be able to refine pills like the Bigu Pill in this life, let alone make a lot of money."

Xu Qingchi nodded as if she understood, then asked, "Can Sister Chi refine the Yellow Sprout Pill now?"

Chi Youyan paused for a moment, then answered softly, "It can be refined, but the success rate is not high."

"Oh, it seems that Sister Chi has not yet received the true teachings of Master Qingyang."

Xu Qingchi did not notice the change in Chi Youyan's expression and continued talking to himself.

Chi Youyan pouted: "How long have I been with Master? According to Master, only Senior Sister Siyan in the temple has received three-tenths of his true teachings."

"Siyan!"

Just then, a loud shout suddenly rang out.

Li Xiangming, who was walking in front, suddenly reined in his Fire-Scaled Steed, which reared up and neighed.

The Fire-Scaled Steed is a unique spirit pet of the Luo family of Shangqingyuan.

Although they have no cultivation, they are basically half-demons who grew up absorbing spiritual energy. They are strong and sturdy, run as fast as the wind, and have considerable endurance, making them excellent riding pets.

The Li family tried several times to acquire the Fire-Scaled Steed from the Luo family, but were refused each time.

However, during festivals, the Luo family still had to give the Li family, the overlord of Pudong, some face and would always send them many gifts, including a castrated Fire-Scaled Steed.

Over the past ten years, the Li family has accumulated two palm-sized number of Fire-Scaled Steeds.

Even when Li Xiangming and Cao Yanjun got married, the Luo family specially gifted them a purebred Fire-Scaled Steed, which was kept by the Li family in Shifang Valley.

Yesterday, when Guishan sent someone to Monkey Valley to convey the Li family's order to defend Monkey Valley, he also brought six strong fire-scaled steeds.

Li Xiangming would naturally not waste these fine horses; he brought three with him when he escorted Xu Qingchi and Chi Youyan to Qingyang Temple.

(End of this chapter)