Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 462 Injury

The white-feathered crane demon, having failed to summon its subordinates, suddenly became extremely agitated, its immense demonic power surging like a tidal wave. Within just a few breaths, fine beads of sweat appeared on Li Xiangyu's forehead.

Li Xiangming rushed back to help. He and Li Xiangyu were not very familiar with each other, but they were both experienced in combat and worked together well, managing to fight the White Feather Crane Demon to a standstill.

However, the timeframe was slightly longer.

Both of them felt immense pressure.

Every strike from the White Feather Crane Demon was powerful and heavy, making it impossible to collide with it. Their attacks, when they landed on the opponent, were blocked by the thick demonic energy, like scratching an itch through a boot. Even high-level spells like the Flying Flame Wheel and the Sky-Splitting Palm, which were hard-won, could only cause minor injuries and pain to the White Feather Crane Demon.

Fortunately, the two had a numerical advantage, each diverting some of the White Feather Crane Demon's energy, preventing it from using its full strength. They then took turns counterattacking, which also reduced the depletion of its magic power, thus barely maintaining the battle situation.

The problem is that the White Feather Crane Demon is not an ordinary mid-stage Bone Fusion demon cultivator. Its cultivation level is on par with the Burning Sky Violent Ape, and it is only one step away from the late stage of Bone Fusion!
"Xiangyu!"

Li Xiangming found an opportunity to escape the battlefield and shouted something.

If this continues, both of them will eventually be defeated.

They must change their tactics!
Li Xiangyu understood immediately. Before he could finish speaking, he took a step forward, and the flames around him instantly surged. The crimson flames shot into the sky like an angry dragon, then fell back onto the Fire Crow Spear, emitting bursts of dragon roars.

Seeing this, the white-feathered crane demon's eyes flashed with a violent glint. It flapped its wings suddenly, and the dense gale around it suddenly gathered together, stirring up a tornado that kept expanding.

In the blink of an eye, the tornado had grown to over ten zhang tall. Even though Li Xiangyu was like a god of fire, he still appeared insignificant in the face of such a celestial phenomenon.

"How could this beast possess such formidable demonic power?"

Li Xiangming watched with bated breath, not daring to relax in the slightest. He quickly formed hand seals, and a golden light gradually shone between his brows, as if a bright sun was rising on his forehead.

Meanwhile, the duel between Bai Yuhe Yao and Li Xiangyu has reached a fever pitch.

The fierce winds and flames collided violently in the air, like two irreconcilable forces tearing each other apart. Jinlin Slope was affected; from the top down, countless trees were uprooted, boulders shattered, and dust flew everywhere.

After the hurricane, the flames leaped and raged, like a wildfire, spreading rapidly and turning the entire hilltop black.

"Xiangyu!"

Seeing this, Li Xiangming felt anxious.

He asked Li Xiangyu to buy him time to unleash "Golden Eyes of the Sun," but he never expected that the White Feather Crane Demon's furious attack would be so terrifying. Li Xiangyu's blazing magic power seemed to be clashing with the tornado, but that was only for a brief moment.

A moment later, the flames were extinguished, but the tornado became even more rampant. Li Xiangyu was caught in it, like a flickering candle, sometimes bright and sometimes dim.

"puff!"

Li Xiangyu ultimately couldn't hold on any longer and was sent flying backward, his blood splattering onto the rolling ground, instantly evaporating in the high temperature and emitting wisps of steam.

In his panic, the golden light between Li Xiangming's brows dimmed in an instant.

Without Li Xiangyu as the main attacker, his "Golden Eyes of the Sun" technique was merely a waste of his mental energy and magical power.

"I'm fine!"

Just then, Li Xiangyu's faint voice came.

Li Xiangming quickly turned around, only to see Li Xiangyu unexpectedly stop and slowly fly back to the top of Jinlinpo.

However, at this moment, Li Xiangyu was disheveled, his chest was pounding violently, and his clothes were torn to shreds, revealing his muscular body covered in scars, making him look extremely disheveled.

Only the red spider pattern on his chest became unusually vivid, like a standing sticker, and began to crawl rapidly all over his body. Red energy flowed continuously from the "sticker," coiling around him like a living thing, completely enveloping him.

It was the Shen family's doing!

Li Xiangming breathed a sigh of relief.

The Shen family is not easy to get along with, especially Shen Qiushui, that old fox, who is cunning and calculating, always trying to gain some benefits from the Li family. But it must be admitted that their family's attainments in the art of talismans are extraordinary.

The unknown "spider" rune on Li Xiangyu's body withstood the full force of the White Feather Crane Demon's attack and remained intact, demonstrating that the Shen family's reputation as a "rune master family" was well-deserved.

Seeing that Li Xiangyu was alright, Li Xiangming was relieved and focused his mind to continue using "Golden Eyes of the Sun".

The Golden Sun Eyes is similar to the Ice-Dissolving and Soul-Melting Technique; whenever it is used, someone must be present to watch over it or buy time.

However, battles in the cultivation world are often calculated in an instant. Whoever can gather more magic power and strike faster in a moment will gain an absolute advantage.

Spells like the Golden Sun Eyes, which require a lot of mental effort and are slow to activate, are destined to lack widespread practicality. Even Li Qianxiong, upon seeing this newly added spell, remarked that it was useless.

It wasn't that Li Qianxiong couldn't see the potential of Hao Ri Golden Eyes, but rather that a cultivator's energy is ultimately limited.

Even though the Li family's library contained thousands of magical arts, how many of them were actually learned and utilized?

For ordinary cultivators, mastering two or three spells is already quite remarkable.

If one were to expend energy studying the Golden Eyes of the Sun, it would undoubtedly weaken one's initiative in combat, which is incompatible with the Li family's concept of "entering the Dao through techniques."

In other words, Li Xiangcheng, who had a talent for magic, and Li Jihu, who was struggling to find an opportunity to exchange for advanced spells, both studied this unique spell for a period of time.

Of course, the one who truly mastered it was Li Xiangming, who possessed the Enlightenment Spring.

Under Li Xiangyu's cover, Li Xiangming had already made full preparations. With a low shout, the golden pupil between his brows suddenly widened, and a dazzling golden light, like a sharp sword, pierced straight into the eyes of the white-feathered crane demon.

The white-feathered crane demon, having just engaged in a fierce battle, was slightly weakened. Its inherent caution prevented it from pressing its advantage. Now, caught off guard, it was struck by the golden light. Its massive body stiffened abruptly, as if bound by an invisible force, rendering it unable to move.

Two breaths!

Li Xiangming gritted his teeth, his eyes bloodshot. As the white-feathered crane demon was imprisoned, he was also struck by lightning, his magical power being drained uncontrollably.

This was even after he unsealed the Ruins of Return to Nothingness!
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to hold on for even a single breath.

Fortunately, Li Xiangyu did not slack off at all and charged towards the White Feather Crane Demon. Eleven illusory flying wheels appeared behind him, each radiating blazing flames.

"disease!"

Li Xiangyu roared, and the Flying Flame Wheel solidified, suddenly accelerating with earth-shattering power, heading straight for the head of the White Feather Crane Demon.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment.

Li Xiangming held his breath and stared intently at the scene. The white-feathered crane demon was unable to move. With only the protective demon power on its body, it was impossible to stop the flying flame wheel carrying the crimson flame spirit fire!
"Faster!"

Li Xiangming was starting to feel the strain, and his inner voice began to scream.

Finally, the Flame Wheel was within reach!

At the critical moment, a crane's cry rang out through the sky.

Suddenly, a fierce light burst forth from the white-feathered crane demon's eyes. Its wings swiftly closed in, and its demonic power surged forth like a volcanic eruption, forcefully breaking free from the restraints of Hao Ri Jin Tong.

Not only that, the white-feathered crane demon's wings were also crackling with lightning. The gale and thunder intertwined, instantly swatting away the flying flame wheel. The powerful shockwave swept around, and Li Xiangming and Li Xiangyu were simultaneously blasted away, spitting out blood as they crashed heavily to the ground.

"It's that beast's innate supernatural power!"

Li Xiangyu forced himself to stand up first, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes.

The "red spiders" on his body helped him withstand most of the damage, but casting the Flame Wheel twice had exhausted his magic power, leaving him with little chance of fighting back.

Moreover, they resonate.
Li Xiangyu's gaze involuntarily turned to Li Xiangming in the distance.

With Hao Ri's Golden Eyes shattered, Li Xiangming suffered a backlash in an instant. He was then blown away by the demonic power of the White Feather Crane Demon. At this moment, he didn't even have the strength to get up, let alone fight alongside him.

"We have no choice but to retreat."

Lee Sang-yu finally decided to withdraw.

He alone couldn't possibly withstand the White Feather Crane Demon. The demon might attack the others below Golden Scale Slope after he left, with unimaginable consequences. But if the situation dragged on any longer, he might not be able to safely evacuate Li Xiangming.

Li Xiangming's life is more important than anyone else's!

Just as he was about to make up his mind, a sharp whooshing sound came from above.

Li Xiangyu quickly looked up and saw that the white-feathered crane demon's body suddenly exploded.

Its massive body staggered in mid-air, nearly falling, and let out a painful cry.

"It's the Breaking Sky-Splitting Crossbow!"

Li Xiangyu was overjoyed and immediately took flight.

After the White Feather Crane Demon unleashed its innate divine power, it couldn't even dodge a weapon like the Breaking Army Sky-Splitting Crossbow, which is used to deal with weaklings.

Although the Breaking Army Sky-Splitting Crossbow is slow, its power should not be underestimated.

This is undoubtedly the weakest moment for the White Feather Crane Demon.

As expected, the white-feathered crane demon flapped its wings and circled continuously. When the smoke and dust cleared, its bloodied and mangled right wing was revealed.

It should be noted that when the White Feather Crane Demon was at its peak, it could easily draw upon its demonic power to protect itself, and even the Flying Flame Wheel could hardly harm it in the slightest.

Li Xiangyu suddenly drew his Fire Crow Spear, no longer wanting to retreat.

He still had one last trump card, even though the patriarch and elders had repeatedly warned him and even explicitly forbidden him from using it.

But at this critical juncture, what is there to hesitate about?
In a short while, Li Xiangyu soared into the sky, chanting obscure incantations.

As the incantation was recited, eerie black patterns appeared all over his forehead, neck, and even face.

However, seeing Li Xiangyu's aggressive demeanor, the white-feathered crane demon refused to fight any longer. It suddenly flapped its wings, creating a gust of wind, and its body quickly rose into the air, fleeing into the distance.

Li Xiangyu was stunned for a moment, not expecting the other party to escape so decisively.

But for the cultivators defending Golden Scale Slope, this was undoubtedly the best outcome.

He immediately bent down and looked down, shouting sternly, "The Bone-Melting Demon Cultivator has retreated! Everyone, follow me and bravely kill the demon!"

Li Xiangyu's voice was like thunder, instantly spreading throughout the entire battlefield.

The cultivators on Golden Scale Slope all looked up and, upon seeing this scene, immediately erupted in excitement.

"Won!"

"The Bone-Melting Demon Cultivator fled in disarray."

"The Li family's Foundation Establishment Divine Power!"

"Kamiwei!!"

Cheers and shouts rose and fell.

Li Qianshi, who was originally sweating profusely with anxiety, jumped up with joy.

He immediately took out the "Demon Suppression Camp" banner from his storage bag, waved it continuously, and shouted loudly: "The demon beasts are at their last gasp, drive them out of Golden Scale Slope!"

After saying this, he personally rushed to the front line, leading by example.

Upon seeing this, Li Jihu and Hu Qidao, who were lying in ambush, could no longer contain themselves and shouted in unison, "If Dean Li charges in, we'll charge too!"

The two demon-hunting groups undoubtedly had the largest numbers of people. Once these people emerged from hidden places such as rock crevices and caves, the situation at Golden Scale Slope was reversed almost instantly.

Against the backdrop of "Li Family's valiant Foundation Building and the defeated Bone-Melting Demon Cultivator's escape," everyone saw the dawn of victory and pulled out all their trump cards, unleashing a barrage of talismans, magical artifacts, and spells.

The shouts of battle were deafening and filled the air.

The vanguard of the demonic beasts, who were attacking Luo Silin and his group, were suddenly surrounded.
"Throw the talismans towards the second gate!"

As Li Qianshi charged forward, he directed the attack. Soon, four or five Li family cultivators gathered around him. They were the first to respond, and more than ten explosive talismans landed in front of the huge pit.

The monsters that tried to jump over the pit to support the front line were immediately severely injured, their flesh and blood flying everywhere, and their cries of agony filling the air.

Other cultivators saw the effect and followed suit.

Under the relentless bombardment, the main force of the beast tide was squeezed between the first and second gates, unable to move an inch.

Meanwhile, the small group of demonic beasts behind the third gate were continuously divided, surrounded, and eventually completely annihilated by the cultivators' attacks.

The monsters finally grew fearful and slowed their advance considerably.

Some of the more timid ones, who had even given up their desire for the Clear Mind Fruit, began to scatter to the sides.

"The monsters are showing signs of retreating!"

Li Qianshi instantly realized this and was overjoyed.

When monsters roam in groups, it is extremely difficult to defeat them.

Once they flee, the situation will be very different.

Because the monsters don't know how to cover each other, they will instead fight each other for the route.

At that time, the cultivators of Jinlinpo will launch a coordinated attack. Even if they are not completely annihilated, they will at least be able to put on a spectacular pursuit, potentially expanding today's gains by two to three times.

Just as he was about to give the order, Li Xiangxin hurriedly approached and said urgently, "Uncle Qianshi! Brother Xiangyu wants you to sound the retreat!"

"Sound the retreat?"

Li Qianshi was taken aback, but quickly realized what was happening.

Li Xiangyu, who called on everyone to fight bravely against the enemy, did not personally participate in the battle just now.

Li Xiangming, the commander of the Demon Suppression Camp, never showed his face from beginning to end.

Needless to say, the two paid a heavy price to repel the suddenly appearing Bone-Melting Demon Cultivator.

Xiang Yu has already appeared and seems to be unharmed, so what about Xiang Ming?
Li Qianshi immediately became nervous and quickly asked, "What's wrong with Xiangming?"

Busy commanding the battlefield, he had no time to pay attention to the battle on the hilltop.

Not only him, but almost no one paid any attention.

Because in everyone's heart, as long as Li Xiangming is there, the mere Bone Fusion Demon Cultivator is not worth worrying about at all.

And that was indeed the case—the Bone-Melting Demon Cultivator was repelled, and the beast tide completely lost its morale.

Just when it seemed that the human race was about to win the fierce battle against the demon beasts, who would have thought that the two most crucial Foundation Establishment cultivators would suffer casualties?
"Sang-yu only gave one instruction and didn't say anything more, but we didn't see the instructor."

Li Xiangxin's anxiety was no less than Li Qianshi's, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Compared to ordinary clansmen, Li Xiangming not only served as his instructor at the Qingmiao Academy, but also took care of him repeatedly in the days that followed. In his mind, Li Xiangming was both a teacher and an older brother.

"Xiangxin!"

Li Qianshi took a deep breath, suppressing his unease, and instructed, "Go and inform Ji Hu and Hu Qidao to cover Luo Silin and the others as they retreat to the third gate."

After saying that, Li Qianshi hurriedly returned to the top of Jinlinpo.

(End of this chapter)