Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 590 New Alliance
Without the intervention of the Five Scattered Sect, it's unclear how long the battle between Li Xiangming and Black Swamp Dragon would have lasted.

However, he naturally wouldn't say these things aloud.

Following Granny Lai's directions, Li Xiangming walked to the Dragon Blood Ancient Tree. Looking at the bare branches and the crimson fruits hanging precariously on them, a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit!

I never expected Huang Quanze to have such a treasure.

It is said that if a cultivator at the first level of Qi Refining takes this, they will not need to breathe in spiritual energy for three years. They can simply refine the medicinal power within it and smoothly break through to the fourth level of Qi Refining.

In addition, the Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit can make a cultivator's blood and qi boil, and it is extremely beneficial to those who are seriously injured.

If elderly cultivators take it, it can even prolong their lives.

And this is merely the effect of the Vermilion Fruit itself.

The art of alchemy has been further developed, with Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit as the main ingredient. The Dragon Blood Pill, which is refined, can help young cultivators cleanse their marrow and bones and establish their Dao foundation. It is said that cultivators who consume the Dragon Blood Pill rarely encounter bottlenecks before establishing their foundation.

Dragon Blood Pills can also help cultivators at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining to regulate their Qi and blood, cleanse impurities, and increase the probability of Foundation Establishment.

Therefore, it is also known in cultivation as the "Minor Foundation Building Pill".

Unfortunately, due to the rarity of Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit, Dragon Blood Pills are not widely circulated in the cultivation world, even less common than ordinary Foundation Establishment Pills—this is not surprising, as Foundation Establishment Pills are a broad category with hundreds of formulas, each with different main ingredients. For example, the Thousand-Jun Foundation Establishment Pill is made primarily from Thousand-Jun Grass.

The same applies to common cultivation pills such as Huangya Dan and Ningqi Dan.

Dragon Blood Pill, however, does not receive this treatment. As can be seen from its name, the main ingredient for refining this pill is Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit, and there are very few variant formulas for it.

When a certain elixir is precious and its variant formulas are rare, the main ingredients for refining it will inevitably be in short supply, or even scarce.

The Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit is an example of this.

This thing is a rare item that only appears once every ten years or so in Pushui Market and even Dendrobium Market.

Li Xiangming subconsciously took a few steps forward to observe carefully.

The Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit is about the size of a fist, entirely crimson, with a surface covered in fine, scaly patterns. Two golden leaves grow at the stem end, making it look quite extraordinary.

Judging from the spiritual energy, all of these Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruits are over two hundred years old, and a few large fruits that resemble blood jade may even be over five hundred years old.

"Black Swamp Dragon has quite the composure."

Li Xiangming sighed.

While demonic beasts cannot use the Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit to refine pills, even direct consumption would benefit the Black Swamp Dragon.

Not to mention, there are a full twelve Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruits here.

If Black Swamp Dragon swallows it down in one gulp, it might just break through to the mid-stage of Bone Fusion.

"If this tree is a companion spirit of the Black Swamp Dragon, then it is understandable that it is reluctant to eat."

Grandma chimed in.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming nodded slightly.

He also thought of this point. After childbirth, the strength of a demon cultivator would be greatly reduced in a short period of time because childbirth would greatly consume the demon cultivator's own essence and blood.

However, demon cultivators do not see this as a bad thing. On the contrary, they will deliberately squeeze out more essence and blood to cultivate stronger offspring. This is the reason for the birth of innate demon species.

In order not to waste this essence, demon cultivators often seek out a spiritual object to witness the birth of their offspring before giving birth.

For example, snake demons like to perch on certain spirit trees. When the snake demons continuously use their own blood essence to nourish the snake eggs, the spirit tree will also benefit and undergo subtle changes.

It is highly likely that the Black Swamp Dragon was born on the Dragon Blood Ancient Tree. This spiritual tree holds special significance for it.

Therefore, it will be more patient with the Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit than with other spiritual herbs. Unless the Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit reaches a thousand years of medicinal age and its allure reaches a new peak, it will not easily take a bite.

Thinking of this, Li Xiangming's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at Granny Lai: "Since the Dragon Blood Ancient Tree is a companion spirit of the snake demon, it is an unclaimed possession for us humans! I have eliminated the evil spirits guarding the side, and I should take all its fruits. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Lai has any objections?"

Grandma Lai remained silent.

Of course she had objections!

The Dragon Blood Ancient Tree was first discovered by the Five Scattered Sects. Both the tree itself and the Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit on it should belong to the Five Scattered Sects.

Of course, Li Xiangming made a great contribution by eliminating the Black Swamp Dragon, so he should also get a share of the spoils.

But it is absolutely impossible to take away all the Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit.

After all, even without Li Xiangming, the Five Scattered Sects could still find a way to get rid of the snake demon.

If one year isn't enough, then five years; if five years isn't enough, then ten or twenty years. In the end, the Dragon Blood Ancient Tree and the Vermilion Fruit fell into the hands of the Five Scattered Sects.

However, Li Xiangming took the initiative.

It emphasizes that the Dragon Blood Ancient Tree is ownerless, and dismisses the credit for the discovery by the Five Scattered Sects—but the Dragon Blood Ancient Tree was not told to Li Xiangming by the Five Scattered Sects, but rather he found it himself after hearing the noise.

Now that Li Xiangming has eliminated the Black Swamp Dragon, he considers himself the new master of the ancient tree and the Vermilion Fruit. Logically, she couldn't find anything to refute him for the time being.

She didn't dare to refute it.

With Li Xiangming having saved her life and the fierce battle against Heonuma Ryuzo left her with no choice but to remain silent in the face of her discontent.

Seeing that she didn't speak, Li Xiangming immediately stepped forward, emptied a few jade boxes, and picked out four Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruits that were five hundred years old.

As for the remaining eight, he hasn't made a move yet.

From his mother-in-law's words, he knew that Qingyang Daoist was also one of the people hunting the Black Swamp Dragon.

In other words, Qingyang Daoist should also have had a share of these Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruits.

If he were to take it all, even if Qingyang Daoist didn't say it aloud, he would inevitably feel some resentment in his heart.

The other individuals regarded him as a dangerous monster and would no longer associate with him.

This is not good news for the Li family.

Of course, he wouldn't lower himself to discuss sharing the opportunity with the Five Scattered Sect. If the Five Scattered Sect wanted the remaining Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit, they would have to pay the price!
When Granny Lai met Li Xiangming's gaze, she seemed to understand what he meant. She took a deep breath and said, "It is truly impolite of the Five Scattered Sect to fail to welcome Hall Master Li, who has personally come to Huangquanze. We would be grateful if Hall Master Li could come to Jiming Mountain so that we may prepare a small gift to express our respect."

Li Xiangming smiled slightly and soared into the air. He then looked down at the Black Water Serpent, which was reluctant to emerge from the Black Swamp.

Little Black swallowed the Black Swamp Dragon's Nest and will probably seclude himself in the pool for several years. That's fine, he can also protect the Dragon Blood Ancient Tree.

Without further hesitation, Li Xiangming summoned the Green Cloud Flying Boat and flew towards Jiming Mountain.

Grandma Lai sighed and followed closely behind.
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"Welcome, Hall Master Li!"

At Jiming Mountain, dozens of people shouted in unison.

Zhang Can walked ahead, his expression respectful yet somewhat awe-inspiring.

He hurriedly fled from the Black Swamp back to Chicken Cry Mountain, intending to gather his disciples and return to the Yellow Spring Swamp to search for Granny Lai's whereabouts.

As soon as the mobilization order was issued, Grandma Lai returned. Accompanying her was Li Xiangming, who had been missing for a long time.

Without a doubt, Li Xiangming escaped the calamity of the beast tide at Lingyue Peak. Recalling his decision to disband the Demon Suppression Camp, Zhang Can felt a pang of regret.

The Taoist Qingyang, standing to the side, also looked surprised.

In just over a month, Little Li's spiritual cultivation had improved once again, and even his temperament had been completely renewed.

Compared to the chaotic situation he faced during his time in the Demon Suppression Camp, Li Xiangming is now much more confident, exuding an indescribable aura of power in every gesture.

"Sect Leader Zhang, you're too kind." Li Xiangming first bowed to Zhang Can in return.

He was actually somewhat surprised. Since its inception, the Five Scattered Sect had never had a sect leader; the five independent cultivators had always served as acting sect leaders through a lottery system. He had originally thought that Granny Lai, with the highest cultivation level, the most seniority, and the most stable approach, would gradually become the true sect leader. He had even tried to build momentum for Granny Lai in this regard.

Unexpectedly, this position was ultimately taken by the hot-tempered Zhang Can.

However, this is a family matter of the Five Scattered Sect.

Li Xiangming didn't want to get involved, so he didn't say much. He then looked at Qingyang Daoist—given the size of Pudong, the fact that the old Daoist had run to Jiming Mountain for refuge was something he hadn't expected at all.

The Taoist Qingyang didn't explain, but stepped forward, patted Li Xiangming on the shoulder, and laughed heartily: "Young Master Li, this old Taoist has been waiting for your return for a long time!"

Li Xiangming smiled and chatted with Qingyang Daoist for a few minutes.

The solemn atmosphere instantly became relaxed.

Taking advantage of this moment, Zhang Can secretly glanced at her mother-in-law, her eyes full of questions.

Grandma gently shook her head.

Zhang Can frowned.

Kurozuma Ryūzō used his innate divine power, greatly increasing his strength. Granny Lai should have been unable to escape, but now she has returned with Li Xiangming. Could it be that Li Xiangming has also discovered Kurozuma Ryūzō?
Before he could react, Li Xiangming suddenly beckoned: "Mumu, come here."

Nangong Mu gently raised his head and slowly moved closer. Li Xiangming ruffled his hair, a hint of hesitation on his face.

Based on his experience, it's not hard to see that Nangong Mu received a serious warning from the Five Scattered Sect during the Black Swamp Dragon's Hibernation incident. Even when he saw Granny Lai return safely, he didn't dare to go up and greet her.

Perhaps the child was also afraid of being scolded by his grandmother.

Of course, the Five Scattered Sect's actions were not excessive. Nangong Mu's unforeseen circumstances caused the Five Scattered Sect to miss the "opportunity," and the fact that they were only given a verbal warning was already a concession to him.

If it were him, he would only punish more severely.

However, he also held the position of brother-in-law, so he naturally couldn't stand idly by and watch Nangong Mu gradually fall out of favor at the Five Scattered Sect. In fact, he was considering whether to take Nangong Mu away with him.

However, if the Five Scattered Sects can't control Nangong Mu, can the Li family control him?
After a moment's hesitation, Li Xiangming gave up on the idea.

At this moment, he was no longer the instructor of the Qingmiao Academy. He couldn't even take care of his own younger brother, so where would he find the time to teach Nangong Mu? If Nangong Mu continued to misbehave despite repeated teachings at Danggui Mountain, it would be better for him to stay at Jiming Mountain and cause trouble for the Five Scattered Sects.

"Qingchi, why don't you go play with Mumu?"

In the end, Li Xiangming simply patted the two children beside him.

Xu Qingchi and Nangong Mu were old acquaintances, and Xu immediately pulled him away. Nangong Mu remained expressionless but did not object, and the two quickly disappeared into the shallows of Jiming Mountain.

Seeing this, Zhang Can also waved his hand.

The disciples of the Five Scattered Sect behind them dispersed.

With the younger generation no longer present, the group spoke more freely, and the Flower Monk asked directly, "Hall Master Li, is your trip here for the Demon Suppression Camp?"

Li Xiangming looked at him and asked in return, "The beast tide in Pudong is wreaking havoc everywhere. We cultivators all have the right to kill it. You five are outstanding rogue cultivators, so why do you live in seclusion?"

The Flower Monk looked embarrassed.

Zhang Can's eyes flashed, and he took over the conversation: "Hall Master Li is too kind! The current demonic calamity in Pudong originates from the beast tide on Lingyue Peak. Dozens of Bone-Melting Demon Cultivators are ferocious and ruthless. It's not that the Five Scattered Sect is unwilling to help, but we are truly powerless! Unless Hall Master Li can rebuild the Demon-Suppressing Camp, the Five Scattered Sect might be willing to risk our lives to assist you, but..."

Zhang Can didn't say the rest aloud, but the meaning was self-evident.

The Demon Suppression Camp, with its five hundred members, was defeated. Why should the Five Scattered Sect be asked to come out alone to resist the beast tide?

Of course, he didn't dare to make any definitive statements, lest the Li family use the Lingtan of Jiming Mountain as leverage again.

As for whether Li Xiangming can rebuild the Demon Suppression Camp.

He didn't believe it.

Monkey Valley is now in ruins, and the Demon Hunting Guild is nowhere to be seen. Hundreds of demon hunting teams have disbanded on the spot. Where can Li Xiangming find demon hunting cultivators to recruit?
Let alone the demon-hunting cultivators, even the Li family's own vassal cultivators went their separate ways without a second thought when the Demon-Suppressing Camp was disbanded. The Li family's idea of ​​rebuilding the Demon-Suppressing Camp within a month or two was simply a pipe dream.

After a month or two, the demonic calamity in Pudong had subsided. The involvement of the Five Scattered Sects was no longer a significant issue.

Li Xiangming found it amusing upon hearing this.

Who says the Li family can only gather rogue cultivators?

Even after becoming the sect leader, Zhang Can couldn't shake off his petty-mindedness. But this couldn't be blamed on him; the Five Scattered Sect hadn't reached a certain scale, so it was true that it couldn't discover the core advantages of a force.

At the same time, he also knew that even if he revealed the Gushe Alliance and the news that the Demon Suppression Camp had been rebuilt, it would be ineffective.

Zhang Can and the other members of the Five Scattered Sect would continue to use the excuse that the Demon Suppression Camp had not reached its former scale to make excuses and delay.

Because the Five Scattered Sect has no need to join the alliance or seek protection. On the contrary, the alliance is in dire need of high-end combatants like the Five Scattered Sect members, or those with special talents.

"I heard that your esteemed institution has sent a physician named Jiu?" Li Xiangming suddenly asked.

Zhang Can and the others exchanged glances. Xie Daoren replied, "That's true. However, Doctor Jiu was seriously injured by a demon and is currently still in bed."

"You are all from Liusha County, don't you want to go back?"

Li Xiangming smiled faintly.

Upon hearing this, Master Xie's expression changed slightly, and he looked at Granny Lai.

Grandma Lai was also surprised that Li Xiangming would bring this up, and asked in a deep voice, "What do you mean by what Hall Master Li said?"

Li Xiangming glanced at the mist outside the island, then stood with his hands behind his back: "The Li family regards the Five Scattered Sect as a vassal. The Five Scattered Sect fears the power of the Li family, so they outwardly obey but often deceive each other behind the scenes. This is a common phenomenon among many major and minor sects, but everyone is used to it and keeps it to themselves. However, the relationship between the Li family and the Five Scattered Sect is slightly different."

Li Xiangming paused, then looked at Zhang Can: "To be honest, Sect Leader Zhang, the Li family values ​​the desolate land of Huangquanze and also sees the potential of the Five Scattered Sect. The Five Scattered Sect is not a native sect. The place where you are standing now is land that my Li family has leased out. I think you all remember that, right?"

Zhang Can's face instantly turned ugly, but he did not refute it.

Li Xiangming, however, remained solemn: "I did not mean to belittle you all, but simply wanted to clarify one point: there should have been a deeper level of cooperation between the Li family and the Five Scattered Sect."

“Master Li, please speak frankly,” the Flower Monk suddenly interrupted.

Li Xiangming smiled and replied, "On behalf of the Li family, I am willing to establish an alliance with the Five Scattered Sect. As a token of sincerity, the Li family will extend the lease of the Lingtan Pond at Jiming Mountain for thirty years! During this period, the Li family will provide strong support to the Five Scattered Sect and promises to help them return to Liusha County."

Returning to Liusha County?
The Flower Monk shuddered and looked at Zhang Can.

Zhang Can was also shocked, but quickly frowned and remained silent.

He certainly wanted to return to Liusha County to avenge the past when he was driven out by the Beast Soul Sect.

However, the so-called alliance was not a one-sided effort by the Li family.

The price for the Five Scattered Sect's growth and even its return to Liusha County was undoubtedly becoming a dagger in the hands of the Li family. The first and foremost task was dealing with the current beast tide crisis for the Li family.

Is this a good thing for the Five Scattered Sect?

Zhang Can looked up at the others, none of whom refuted Li Xiangming.

Clearly, the tragedy of the Soul-Severing Alliance is a pain in everyone's heart. If the corpse-driver and Doctor Jiu were present, they would probably also show a longing to return to Liusha County, wouldn't they?

Zhang Can couldn't help but smile bitterly. Li Xiangming seemed to always have a firm grasp on the Five Scattered Sect's fate. This was true in the past when they rented spiritual veins, and it was also true now with their so-called "alliance."

Seeing that the group of people hesitated, Li Xiangming glanced at Granny Lai.

Granny Lai opened her mouth, but finally said, "Everyone, Hall Master Li has eliminated the Black Swamp Dragon, and the Dragon Blood Vermilion Fruit has also fallen into our hands."

(End of this chapter)