Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 498 Fire Escape
Before Li Xiangming finished speaking, the entire Calabash Valley instantly erupted in excitement.

Kung Fu!

Magic weapon!

Cave dwelling!

Foundation Building Pill!
Each of these items is something that demon-hunting cultivators desperately want. Not to mention the merit points accumulated through normal means, which can be exchanged for spirit stones, a huge fortune in itself.

Beside Hu Qidao, a young cultivator clad in leather armor leaped into the air. His face was flushed crimson, veins bulging on his neck, and his broadsword pointed straight at the sky: "I am willing to fight to the death for Hall Master Li!"

"Fight to the death for Master Li!"

"Fight to the death for Master Li!!"

Zhou Miao's roar was like a spark falling into a haystack.

At the valley entrance, hundreds of magical artifacts were raised simultaneously, and shouts echoed like crashing waves, lasting for a long time. The approaching beast tide was stunned by this enormous momentum, and the demonic beasts at the front hesitated for a moment.

"Moo!"

Upon seeing this, the Xuanjia Rhinoceros was enraged and stomped its front hooves heavily on the ground.

In an instant, the ground undulated like waves, and countless stones and rocks transformed into a raging torrent, sweeping towards the valley entrance with the force of destroying cities and fortresses.

Li Xiangming's pupils contracted slightly. Xuanjia Xikui unleashed a powerful attack right from the start! If the valley entrance were breached, the consequences would be unimaginable.

He clenched his fists, but forcibly suppressed the urge to strike.

The demon hunter had just heard that there were five Foundation Establishment cultivators in the camp. Now that the Xuanjia Rhinoceros had made his move, he, as the commander, was forced to personally fight, which was a breach of military discipline.

In a flash, the Green Sheep Taoist appeared, raising a three-foot-long green peak in front of him.

His withered fingers gently brushed across the sword's edge; the seemingly slow movement caused the surrounding spiritual energy to vibrate violently, and his faded Taoist robe billowed like a banner amidst the surging air currents.

"disease!"

The Green Sheep Taoist's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He brandished his longsword, and a white wave of sword energy swept out, colliding fiercely with the surging torrent of earth and rocks.

"Boom!"

Amidst the deafening roar, the violent shockwave blew away all the vegetation within a hundred feet, causing chaos among both the demon-suppressing cultivators at the valley entrance and the distant beast tide.

"Hold on, hold on!"

Li Xiangxin flew out from beside Li Qianshi, shouting repeatedly.

Seeing that the fight between Qingyang Daoist and Xuanjia Xikui was loud but did not actually affect the valley entrance, the cultivators of the Demon Suppression Camp quickly regained their composure, and some even cheered: "Master Qingyang is mighty!"

Qingyang Daoist, however, did not feel excited. Xuanjia Xikui's attack looked spectacular, but it was ultimately a probing strike. In order to block the overwhelming mudslide, he had used all his strength, and his face was slightly pale at this moment.

Clearly, he was no match for his opponent. It's a mystery how the brothers Li Xiangming and Li Xiangyu managed to fight against the Burning Sky Violent Ape and the White Feather Crane Demon, both of whom were at the mid-stage of the Bone Fusion realm.

"Master, you've worked hard!"

Seeing that Qingyang Daoist was slightly out of breath, Li Xiangming said with concern.

The Taoist priest was, after all, an alchemist and a rogue cultivator. His cultivation methods and spells were fundamentally different from those of a fighting prospect like Li Xiangyu. Being able to withstand the initial attack of the beast tide proved his words were true, and that was enough.

The Taoist Qingyang nodded slightly and stepped back.

The Xuanjia Rhinoceros seemed to understand each other perfectly, and stopped attacking, continuing its advance towards Calabash Valley with the massive beast tide.

Soon, the vanguard of the beast tide arrived at the valley entrance.

Leading the charge was a group of massive iron-backed mountain boars, followed closely by hundreds of red-eyed wolf demons. Although the two groups of demons were not as earth-shattering as when the Xuanjia Rhinoceros King made his move, they still moved with great force, their hooves creating waves of earth that surged through the air as they rushed forward.

"Smash!"

Li Qianshi's command suddenly rang out.

A row of figures appeared on each of the two high grounds at the valley entrance, and countless giant trees and rocks tumbled down, causing the monsters to howl in agony.

A few pieces of wood and stone were also bound with explosive talismans, causing explosions to erupt continuously. Although the density was not high, precisely because of this, the effect of each explosive talisman was maximized.

The momentum of the monsters was immediately halted!
But more demonic beasts surged in, and the wild boars and wolf demons had no way to retreat but to charge desperately. Some of the clever wolf demons charged directly up the hillside and attacked the demon-suppressing camp cultivators who were throwing giant logs and stones.

"Bah!"

With a roar, Gao Can wielded the giant log in his hand, and the several wolf demons that pounced at him were instantly flung away by the immense force, like kites with broken strings, disappearing without a trace.

Another wolf demon pounced!

One of them, with its agile body, managed to dodge the giant tree at the last second, its sharp claws hooking onto Gao Can's thigh, and its blood-red mouth biting down hard.

However, Gao Can had a faint magical shield around him. When the wolf demon bit him, it not only didn't smell blood, but it also felt like it was gnawing on iron and stone, making a "crunch" sound and breaking several teeth.

"what?"

Gao Can then noticed the wolf demon clinging to him. With one hand dragging the giant log, he easily lifted the wolf demon up as if it were a chick with the other, and asked in confusion, "Why don't you bite me?"

The wolf demon's eyes bulged as it was being pinched, its limbs kicking wildly. Suddenly, with a muffled "plop," its head was crushed flat, and red and white fluid dripped from between its fingers.

"oops!"

Gao Can looked at the filth in his palm and scratched his head sheepishly, "I used too much force."

As he spoke, he casually wiped his hands on his trousers and turned to look at the remaining wolves.

At that glance, the wolf demons, who had been displaying their ferocious nature, froze on the spot. The first few in the front row let out a few whimpers, tucked their tails between their legs, and turned to run. The remaining wolves were immediately thrown into chaos, fleeing in panic, some even colliding with each other in their haste.

"What an awesome guy!"

Chi Laiyong was also on the high ground, witnessing this scene, his heart pounding wildly.

It was no secret that Gao Can was in Monkey Valley. He had been there several times. Ordinary demon-hunting cultivators would only consider it a strange story and talk about it over tea when faced with such a "giant".

These demon-hunting groups who followed Master Li knew how precious Gao Can was in Master Li's eyes.

Take food for example. Other demon hunters eat a bland fasting pill every three days to save money and for convenience; Gao Can, on the other hand, eats fish and meat every day at the Taibai Restaurant and is very happy.

You should know that Gao Can eats spiritual food and drinks spiritual wine.

His food expenses alone were higher than the earnings that most members of the Mad Lion Demon Hunting Team earned by risking their lives.

If it were Master Li directing such an extraordinary person to do things that ordinary people cannot do, that would be fine. But Gao Can, in Monkey Valley, either lies down sunbathing or wanders around aimlessly, laughing foolishly.

Master Li is raising someone like this; it doesn't seem like he's raising a younger brother at all.
This is clearly raising a son!
The demon hunters were all envious, jealous, and resentful, and some even ostracized this honest, big guy.

Chi Laiyong naturally wouldn't dare to speak ill of Master Li's people behind his back, but he felt somewhat resentful, thinking that Gao Can was too lucky and received more care than his trusted confidant.

Now it seems that Master Li's arrangements were perfectly correct.

Gao Can is not just a "good-for-nothing"; this guy's magical power seems to be different from ordinary people! Although they are both at the seventh level of Qi Refining, it is impossible for him to be as relaxed and at ease in front of the wolf demon group as Gao Can.

"Gao Can, let's retreat!"

After giving a shout, Chi Laiyong led the nearby demon-suppressing camp cultivators away.

Although this place offers a commanding view, it is too close to the front line. After the wolf demon escapes, other demonic beasts will continue to surge up. Forcibly defending this place is tantamount to a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

"oh oh!"

Gao Can responded in a muffled voice and strode back into the valley.

On the other side, the vanguard of the beast tide had already rushed into the valley entrance.

But the gourd-shaped opening was narrower and longer than they had imagined. The Iron-Backed Boar and the Red-Eyed Wolf Demon were almost completely wiped out by the various traps and mechanisms.

"Roar!"

Two colossal beasts, a lion and an elephant, arrived first despite starting later.

The lion demon was incredibly fast, having already crossed half of the gourd-shaped mouth in the blink of an eye. The fire talismans buried underground exploded one after another, yet they couldn't even scratch its fur. The elephant demon was not to be outdone. Although it was slower, its long trunk picked up stones from the ground and hurled them towards the cliffs on both sides like a catapult.

Several demon-suppressing camp cultivators who were unable to retreat in time were instantly smashed into a bloody pulp, their blood mixed with rubble splattering on the rock wall in a horrifying sight.

"Beast!"

Li Qianshi's eyes were bloodshot, and his right hand, with veins bulging, swung down violently: "Shoot it to death!"

As soon as the order was given, the sound of wheels rolling came from behind Li Qianshi. Ten cultivators from the Demon Suppression Camp pushed five crossbow carts with runes out in formation. Two people were paired up, one using a star chart to calibrate the carts and the other filling the silver-plated arrows into the slots.

"Oh!"

Five silver rays tore through the sky, the air twisting and exploding wherever the arrows passed. Before the elephant demon could even raise its trunk, its entire body, along with dozens of other demonic beasts behind it, instantly vaporized.

When the smoke cleared, only a deep and long scorched ravine remained in the valley.

The only one that had attacked first, the gray-blue lion demon, was unharmed and now stood alone on the other side of the ravine, its beastly eyes showing fear for the first time.

"Who will take its head?!"

Li Qianshi shouted again.

A thin young cultivator flew out first, drew his bow and arrow in mid-air, and shot it fiercely at the gray lion demon.

The lion demon leaped away, dodging the arrow. After landing, it bared its teeth, its scarlet beast eyes filled with savagery, as if it would devour Xu Buxiu alive at any moment.

Xu Buxiu remained unfazed, holding three black-feathered arrows between his fingers and launching them into the air in rapid succession.

The lion demon's pupils constricted, and it roared as it rolled to dodge, only to see Xu Buxiu's movements fluid and graceful as he unleashed three more arrows.

Before the lion demon could react, he drew three more arrows.

The second arrow was faster than the first, and the nine arrows arrived almost simultaneously. All the lion demon's landing points were blocked. Even though it tried its best to swat away several arrows, it was still hit. Its huge body fell to the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

Without the slightest hesitation, Xu Buxiu put away his bow and arrows, drew a short sword from his waist, and rushed into the dust like a ghost.

"This madman!"

A collective gasp of astonishment immediately arose around Li Qianshi.

The physique of a demon beast is far stronger than that of a human. To engage in close combat with a lion demon is tantamount to using one's own weakness to attack the opponent's strength.

However, as soon as the smoke and dust cleared, Xu Buxiu stood proudly, his short knife dripping with blood, and in his hand he held the lion demon's head, which lay dead with its eyes wide open.

"it is good!"

"Commander Xu is mighty!"

"mighty!"

The demon-suppressing camp cultivators were concentrated at the valley entrance, but in addition to the main force blocking the road in front, a large number of people were also hidden on the hillsides on both sides. When everyone saw Xu Buxiu cleanly and efficiently take off the lion demon's head, they cheered.

Even Li Xiangming couldn't help but glance at him.

Although a lion demon at the late stage of the Spirit Summoning Realm was nothing to him, Xu Buxiu's daring and fighting spirit still satisfied him greatly. It was worth it for him to withstand the pressure and promote him to the position of Commander.

"Look!"

The Green Sheep Taoist let out a soft exclamation.

Li Xiangming turned his head and looked at the beast tide army in front of him, which resembled a black cloud. They seemed to know that the vanguard had suffered a setback and had become somewhat restless.

In particular, the Crimson Ape Demon finally began to speed up and rushed towards Calabash Valley.

"A mid-stage Bone Fusion demonic beast is approaching, everyone be careful."

Li Xiangming shouted and flew into the air, beginning to gather his magical power.

The Crimson Ape Demon seemed to notice him, pounding its chest with both fists, unleashing a fierce burst of flames that swept in all directions. Any remaining demonic beasts nearby were instantly annihilated, suffering heavy casualties.

The Crimson Ape Demon, however, paid no attention, lowering its head slightly as if gathering its strength.

Suddenly, it raised its head sharply, baring its fangs, and a burst of scorching flames shot out from its mouth, heading straight for Li Xiangming.

"A move similar to the Heaven-Burning Violent Ape!"

Li Xiangming's expression darkened slightly, and he moved aside in a flash.

His opponent had a higher cultivation level and more profound magical power, so he refused to accept such a deadly move no matter what.

Even in a head-on confrontation, he has to take the initiative!

"Gah!"

Just then, the Golden-feathered Iron-clawed Eagle extended its gleaming metallic claws from the clouds and pounced on Li Xiangming's head.

Li Xiangming slightly raised his head, his expression unchanged.

The claws only went halfway before they made a "clang" sound, scattering blinding sparks.

The Green Sheep Taoist's sword transformed into a dazzling rainbow, meeting the gaze of the Golden Feather Iron Claw Eagle. On the other side, Li Xiangyu also unleashed his Fire Crow Spear, charging towards the Black Armor Rhinoceros.

In an instant, the three Foundation Establishment cultivators and the three-headed Bone Fusion Demon Cultivator all engaged in combat.

Li Xiangming's gaze kept shifting as he observed the surrounding situation.

Although Qingyang Daoist is not known for his fighting skills, he has lived for nearly a hundred years and has accumulated a lot of wealth. The Golden Feather Iron Claw Eagle is only a demon beast in the early stage of Bone Fusion, so it should not be able to do anything to him. Li Xiangyu's combat strength is far above that of ordinary early Foundation Establishment cultivators, but he is facing the Xuanjia Rhinoceros King in the middle stage of Bone Fusion, so he needs reinforcements.

Fortunately, there's no need for Li Xiangyu to fight Xuanjia Xikui. They can simply use a luring tactic to lead Xuanjia Xikui into Calabash Valley.

As for myself
In an instant, the heatwave suddenly became scorching!

Immediately following was a sharp stab to the back!

Li Xiangming's expression suddenly changed, and the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. In his haste, he only had time to turn halfway to the side before he was slammed into the back by a tremendous force, crashing into the mountain path like a meteorite with a deafening roar.

"Commander!"

"The sound of the bell resonates!"

"Master Li!"

Exclamations of surprise erupted throughout the valley!
Everyone's gaze was fixed on a huge cloud of smoke.

"Cough cough."

A violent coughing fit rang out, and a milky white halo dispelled all the smoke and dust.
Li Xiangming knelt on one knee in the deep pit, his hair disheveled and his appearance extremely wretched. He looked down at his chest, where a shocking crack had appeared in the "Fish-Dragon Wall Shadow."

Without the protective spell of this superior-grade magic artifact, he would probably have died from that punch!

"careful!"

Li Xiangyu's voice suddenly rang out.

Li Xiangming gritted his teeth, activated the Instantaneous Movement Talisman, and retreated several feet.

As soon as he landed, the deep pit was filled with flames. The Crimson Ape Demon emerged from the fire, its fur shimmering like magma, and roared at Li Xiangming.

Wherever the sound waves passed, spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the surface of rocks within a radius of ten zhang.

"Is this Fire Release?"

Li Xiangming was sweating profusely.

Despite repeatedly reminding himself to take the Crimson Ape Demon's cultivation and combat power seriously, he never expected that the Crimson Ape Demon could so easily approach him with just a fire escape technique.

They even ignored all obstacles and barged directly into Calabash Valley!

　6k is still quite challenging for me. As I type, I lose track of time.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)