Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 547 Returning Home
"This"

A hint of hesitation flashed across Li Qianhe's face. He hadn't expected that Yu Liu would be among the men in black who were attacking him.

It would be a lie to say he wasn't angry, but Yu Liu had known him for many years, and it seemed understandable that he was acting under orders. In any case, even if he was captured, he would eventually return safely to the Li family.
If I kill Yu Liu in a moment of impulse, will I regret it later?
Thinking of this, Li Qianhe couldn't help but glance at Li Xiangming.

Li Xiangming frowned slightly. He didn't want to let Yu Liu go. Besides the fact that Yu Liu had already harmed Li Qianhe, there was another reason—he couldn't be sure of Yu Liu's true intentions.

In fact, he had doubts in his heart.

If the Soul Suppressing Sect wants to carry out its schemes, does it need an outsider like Yu Liu?
What if Yu Liu came up with this idea himself, then "offered" it to the Soul Suppressing Sect in exchange for the trust and rewards of his new employer?
Furthermore, what is the background of the man in black beside Yu Liu?
There's no way the Soul Suppressing Sect would send him so many people!

These people are very likely the "wandering ghosts" of Flying Fox Cave, that is, Yu Liu's fellow disciples.

Now that they have all died by their own hand, the enmity between the Li family and Yu Liu has deepened. If Yu Liu is allowed to return to the Zhenhun Sect and establish himself, will he pose a threat to the Li family in the future?
Thinking of the Black Lucky Crow of Ziyin Cave, Li Xiangming's determination became even stronger.

But he didn't want to offend Li Qianhe, so he stood there silently.

Seeing this, Li Qianhe gave Yu Liu a wink.

"Many thanks to Brother Qianhe for disregarding past grievances."

Yu Feixuan was overjoyed and kowtowed to Li Qianhe several times, even breaking his scalp, but he didn't stop.

It wasn't until Li Qianhe couldn't bear it any longer and shouted to stop him that he got up tremblingly, keeping his head down and never daring to meet Li Xiangming's eyes. He then used his escape light to randomly choose a direction and fled.

He didn't know how much time had passed when he suddenly realized that his magical power was almost depleted.

Yu Feixuan quickly landed on the ground and leaned against an old tree, panting heavily.

"Li Xiangming is back."

Yu Feixuan murmured, looking at his hands covered in abrasions, his expression bitter: "Just a little bit more, Li Xiangming, why did you have to return at this time?"

Recalling the look Li Xiangming had given him earlier, as if he were already dead, Yu Feixuan clenched his fists in resentment: "One day, I will make your Li family pay the price."

What he didn't notice was that an inconspicuous "belt" on his body suddenly swayed, then made a "rustling" rubbing sound as it moved around on his clothes.

"What is this?"

After several laps, Yu Liu finally realized what was happening and stared in astonishment at his tightly bound waist and abdomen.

But it was too late. The reflection on the scales cast a crimson glow, and a black snake as thick as an arm coiled around his back, flicking its tongue and baring its white fangs as it swiftly attacked.

"what!"
-
Ten miles of verdant mountains rise one after another, and the setting sun casts its last rays of golden light across the mountain ridges.

Li Xiangming looked down at the village below from his high vantage point.

Wisps of smoke rise slowly from between the green tiles, mingling with the twilight; farmers carry their hoes and walk slowly home along the field ridges, while several children chase and laugh by the stream, their clear laughter carried up the mountain by the evening breeze.

However, this tranquility is confined to within the high walls.

Outside the winding city walls of Yuanmen Town, scorched earth stretches for miles, obscuring the road. A few withered trees stubbornly survive, with tattered strips of cloth hanging from their branches like fluttering funeral banners.

Further away, a claw mark more than ten feet deep tore through the earth, with blood-stained plowshares and half a broken oxcart scattered along the way.
"Nineteenth Brother?"

Suddenly, a voice called out came from afar.

Li Xiangming turned to the side and caught sight of Li Xiangcheng, raising an eyebrow: "Why did you come here?"

Li Xiangcheng scratched his head: "Uncle Qianhe's injuries have been treated and he can continue his journey. He said he wants to return to Danggui Mountain as soon as possible and report your return to the family head."

Li Xiangming said "Oh," and then looked Li Xiangcheng up and down.

After the Baolong Valley incident, Li Xiangcheng was depressed for a time, but as a cultivator, he did not give up. Instead, he devoted himself to cultivation.

The fourth branch of the family went to great lengths to secure a spot for him to enter the Enlightenment Cave. The results seemed quite good; Li Xiangcheng, who had been stuck at the seventh level of Qi Refining for a long time, finally broke through.

"It's all thanks to Grand Uncle."

Li Xiangcheng said embarrassedly.

Li Xiangming raised an eyebrow and asked a few more questions. Only then did he learn that Li Xiangcheng's cultivation in the Tihu Cave had not gone smoothly at first. The death of Chen Ling'er had always bothered him. Fortunately, Li Huinan enlightened him many times and finally helped him get rid of his inner demons.

This is one of the advantages of having an elderly person in the family!
When Li Huinan was mentioned, Li Xiangming involuntarily frowned again.

Those who came with Li Qianhe to find him included not only Li Xiangcheng from the fourth branch of the family, but also his former subordinate Li Xiangguang.

According to Li Xiangguang's confession, when the Demon Suppression Camp was facing a life-or-death situation in Calabash Valley, Li Huinan suddenly appeared, severely injuring the Centipede Poison Granny and other multi-headed bone-fusion demon cultivators, and successfully rescuing important members of the Li family such as Li Xiangyu and Li Xianghua.

But the Demon Suppression Camp was ultimately defeated!
Not only did they suffer a major defeat in Calabash Valley, but they also failed to defend Monkey Valley.

The beast tide from Lingyue Peak swept southward, conquering Pudong with unparalleled might.

Li Huinan had no choice but to lead some of the Demon Suppression Camp cultivators to retreat all the way to Danggui Mountain. Most of these Demon Suppression Camp cultivators were members of the Shenfeng and Jintong Demon Hunting Teams.

Since the Demon Suppression Camp had only been established for a short time, the five commanders were not yet able to fully control the cultivators under their command. After suffering a major defeat, it was only natural that the various departments and teams would revert to the loose state of the previous demon-hunting groups.

However, Chi Laiyong, Xu Buxiu, Hu Qidao, Liu Qingzhou, and their subordinates were all nowhere to be seen, and even Zhang Min and other disciples of the Green Cloud Cave did not come to Dangui Mountain to await orders.

How could Li Xiangming not feel?
You should know that he risked his life to cover the escape of the demon-suppressing camp cultivators, but in the end, he failed to win their loyalty.

But that's just human nature.

The reason why the Demon Suppression Camp followed him in fighting the beast tide was essentially because he exploited the weaknesses of human nature, such as creating an aura of invincibility and promising big rewards, including Foundation Establishment Pills.

Since everyone came for profit, and now that the beast tide is too strong to resist and there is no more profit to be made, are they going to throw their lives away?

Li Xiangming quickly calmed down, squatted down, and extended his palm.

The Blackwater Serpent emerged from the dense forest and returned to his side, its white teeth still stained with mottled blood.

"Let's go home!"

There is still a considerable distance between Daishan and Dangguishan, and there are scattered beast tides blocking the way, making the journey difficult.

Li Xiangming did not hesitate to use spirit stones and immediately summoned the Green Cloud Flying Boat.

The Green Cloud Flying Boat can only carry two or three people. Now, with four people squeezed in, the flying speed has slowed down considerably, but it's still much better than walking.

Throughout the journey, Li Xiangming's expression remained solemn.

Wherever the beast tide passed, it was like a giant plow turning over the ground, leaving behind a shocking array of crisscrossing ravines.

He had once served as the head of the Foreign Affairs Hall and remembered the locations of many of the forces in Pudong. But now, all those forces he encountered were reduced to ruins, and the scattered villages around them were reduced to charred outlines.

Li Xiangming couldn't imagine how many casualties had occurred in Pudong during the month he was missing.

The only saving grace was that Pudong was large enough that the beast tide on Lingyue Peak spontaneously split into countless groups, each foraging for food. By the time they reached the vicinity of Danggui Mountain, the destructive power had greatly decreased.

"Xiangming, the family is not at peace right now. When you go back, you must be careful with your words and actions."

Just then, Li Qianhe suddenly spoke.

Li Xiangming was taken aback and looked at his father: "Is it because of the defeat of the Demon Suppression Camp that the family is dissatisfied with me?"

Li Qianhe shook his head: "You and Xiang Yu have only recently reached the Foundation Establishment stage. How could you possibly handle such a massive beast tide? Your family is too worried about you to punish you."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming pondered for a moment and then asked, "Could it be that the Daishan Incident has put the family in a predicament?"

The Mang Sect attacked the allied forces aiding Dai, and the Zhenhun Sect annexed the Shengyi Sect.

The situation in Daishan is constantly changing. Bailumen cannot stand idly by.

The Li family, caught between the Bailu Sect and the Zhenhun Sect, inevitably faces some pressure.

However, Li Qianhe shook his head again: "You'll know when you get back. Anyway..."

He sighed softly halfway through his sentence: "Never mind, I don't know how to explain this to you either. You've always been a person of your own mind, so just handle it as you see fit."

Li Xiangming's expression changed, and he turned to look at Li Xiangcheng and Li Xiangguang.

To everyone's surprise, the two of them lowered their heads and remained silent.

Just as he was wondering, a sharp shout came from afar: "Who dares to trespass on my Danggui Mountain?"

Li Xiangming immediately slowed down the speed of the Green Cloud Flying Boat. Looking up, he saw a young man with a short beard flying into the sky, followed by two boys of about fifteen or sixteen years old.

"Resonance?"

Upon seeing Li Xiangming, the short-bearded youth's face instantly turned to surprise, followed by overwhelming joy: "It really is you! I knew you'd be alright!"

"Xianglin, it's been a long time."

Li Xiangming also smiled. The first family member he saw upon his return after disappearing due to the evil green robe was none other than his former colleague, Li Xianglin.

Seeing him again now, I can't help but feel a sense of warmth.

Li Xianglin immediately flew over, and upon seeing Li Qianhe and the others on the flying boat, his face lit up with even greater joy: "You've all returned safely, that's wonderful! Jiguang, quickly go back and inform the family head that your Uncle Qianhe and Uncle Xiangming have both returned."

"Yes!"

Behind Li Xianglin, a person turned and left.

Li Xiangming was slightly surprised when he saw the figure from behind. This child, at the age when he was graduating from Qingmiao Academy, actually had the cultivation level of the fifth level of Qi Refining.

It should be noted that Li Jihu had received his help many times, yet he only reached this level of cultivation upon graduation.

Li Xiangxin and others were only at the third or fourth level of Qi Refining.

"His name is Jiguang. He is a promising talent newly cultivated by the second branch of the family. He has just been transferred from the Service Department to the Guard Hall."

Li Xianglin smiled and then waved to another boy: "This is Jiyan, a member of our third branch. His cultivation is slightly inferior to Jiguang's."

"Greetings, Uncle Nineteen!"

Before Li Xiangming could speak, Li Jiyan bowed and cupped his hands, his attitude somewhat reserved.

Li Xiangming looked at him, then at Li Xiangcheng beside him, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

When he returned home, the Xiang generation was just beginning to emerge. He and Li Xianglin were both newcomers to the police station, while those who were a little younger, like Li Xiangcheng, were still hiding at home practicing their skills.

Now he has grown into a capable individual, and the new generation in the family has changed from the Xiang generation to the Ji generation.

How similar is Li Jiyan now to his former self?
Li Xiangming gently patted the other's shoulder and encouraged him, "Since you are born into the direct lineage, you should shoulder greater responsibilities. You must cultivate diligently in the future. If you can catch up with Jiguang within two years, I will recommend you to enter Xiufeng Academy."

Xiufeng Courtyard?

Li Jiyan was stunned at first, and then became excited instantly.

Besides Qingmiao Academy, there is also Xiufeng Academy, which has now spread within the Li family. All the disciples who have graduated from Qingmiao Academy want to enter Xiufeng Academy to continue their studies.

However, Xiufeng Academy has a strict admission requirement: the fifth level of Qi Refining.

Among his cohort, only Li Jiguang reached this level of skill.

The reason Li Jiguang appeared at Shouyu Hall was only for a short period of time to gain experience; he would be enrolling in school in September.

However, he will remain in the Shouyu Hall to continue serving.

However, things are different with Uncle Nineteen's approval.

Even if he misses this opportunity, as long as he reaches the fifth level of Qi Refining within two years, he will still have the chance to enter Xiufeng Academy for further study!

Thinking of this, Li Jiyan was filled with excitement and bowed to Li Xiangming, saying, "Thank you for your high regard, Uncle Nineteen. I will definitely work hard!"

Li Xiangming smiled slightly, greeted Li Xianglin, and continued towards Tailai Peak.

A short while later, another dozen or so people appeared ahead.

The leader was not tall, but he had a dignified air about him, especially with the jade crown on his head reflecting the afterglow of the setting sun, which made his face look extremely solemn.

Li Xiangming immediately put away the Green Cloud Flying Boat and respectfully bowed to Li Qianhe and the others, saying, "Greetings, Patriarch!"

"The sound of the bell resonates!"

Before Li Qianxiong could speak, an elderly man with a white beard rushed over, grabbed Li Xiangming's hand, and said with tears in his eyes, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!"

Li Xiangming was taken aback by Li Chenglu's intense reaction and turned to look at Li Qianxiong.

Li Qianxiong let out a breath and said, "Come with me."

Having said that, he left the crowd behind and flew away alone.

Everyone looked at each other.

Li Xiangming roughly understood Li Qianxiong's temperament, so he didn't dare to be negligent and immediately followed.

The two flew one after the other for quite a while.

Li Qianxiong finally stopped and looked at Li Xiangming: "Where have you been these past few days? Xiangyu said you disappeared in full view of everyone, and even your great-uncle couldn't find you."

Li Xiangming gave a wry smile and briefly recounted how he was taken away by Liu Xiongyu and then broke into the Ziyin Cave.

Purple Shade Cave?
Li Qianxiong was clearly surprised and kept asking for more details.

Li Xiangming did not want to hide anything, so he told everyone about refining the Enlightenment Spring, obtaining the Thousand-Faced Sorrowful Flame, and receiving the Great Dream Jade Scripture as a gift.

Li Qianxiong was already aware of the existence of the Enlightenment Spring.

However, there's no need to be honest about whether he's refined it or not. After all, the Enlightenment Spring can't directly increase his combat power, and mentioning it would involve the evil green-robed figure, which would be too troublesome.

The same applies to the Thousand-Faced Sorrowful Flame; it's pointless to speak of the already sleeping Sorrowful Mother.

As for the Great Dream Jade Scripture, if one can successfully cultivate an avatar, it is a closely guarded secret. He has no intention of sharing it with Li Qianxiong, Li Qianhe, or even Cao Yanjun.

Nevertheless, Li Qianxiong was still deeply shocked by what he heard.

The small secret realm with withered spiritual energy, the meticulous planning of True Monarch Ziyin, and the millennia-long conflict between the Su family and the Black Fortune Dao Crow—there is so much information worth exploring.

However, upon hearing that Li Xiangming had obtained such a powerful secret technique as Wind Escape from Liu Xiong Yu, Li Qianxiong remained silent for a long time. Only when Li Xiangming couldn't help but remind him did he sigh deeply and say, "Xiangming, you've turned misfortune into blessing; it's heaven's mercy. But your elder brother..."

big brother?

Li Xiangming suddenly remembered Li Qianhe's hesitant tone when talking about the family's recent situation, and his heart sank: "What's wrong with my brother?"

Li Qianxiong looked up and closed his eyes: "Your elder brother died at the hands of the Qin family traitors."

My older brother.
Fallen?
Li Xiangming froze on the spot, Li Xiangren's hearty smile and the gleaming golden flying sword flashing through his mind.

(End of this chapter)