The fairy forced me to marry into her family, so I retorted by throwing myself into the Pool of Fate

"It's still the same problem as before. You need to explain the true situation of the cave's layout clearly," Mu Jin said slowly.

Hong Peng felt a chill run down his spine. Although he was now under the control of the Mu family, he knew that the layout of the cave was his only bargaining chip.

Once he handed it over, he would become like a fish on a chopping board, completely at the mercy of the Mu family.

But the Hong family has already been destroyed and the clan no longer exists. Even if he holds this bargaining chip, what use is it?

Is there any point in continuing to struggle?

As he hesitated, Mu Jin slowly walked up to him:

"Fellow Daoist Hong, don't be too pessimistic. Aren't there still a few Hong family cultivators alive on this Green Vine Island?"

As long as they exist, the Hong family will survive.

After saying that, Mu Jin patted Hong Peng heavily again: "Now, the Hong family's last hope rests entirely on your decision."

"Fellow Daoist Hong, don't rush. Think it through before you speak."

Surprisingly, Hong Peng didn't hesitate for a moment and immediately asked, "What do you plan to do with the Hong family cultivators on the island?"

"Fellow Daoist Hong, don't worry. The Mu family's decision is none of an outsider's business. All you need to do is tell them the details of the cave," Mu Jin said calmly.

Ultimately, he couldn't fight city hall. Clinging to that sliver of hope, Hong Peng remained silent for a long time before finally choosing to tell the truth:

"In fact, initially, our Hong family was only dissatisfied with the return of management rights, not to the point of plotting against the Mu family."

Then one day, someone suddenly came to the door.

"Who?" Li Ping and Mu Jin asked in unison.

"I don't know the specifics, I only know that this person comes from the Zheng family," Hong Peng said.

"You actually believe that? Aren't you afraid of being sold out?" Li Ping asked doubtfully.

"At first, like Fellow Daoist Li, the rest of the clan didn't believe it either," Hong Peng said with a wry smile. "But the conditions that person offered were just too tempting, and we simply couldn't refuse."

"What promises did he make to you?" Mu Jin asked curiously.

"That person said that as long as the cave setup is effective, he will give us Green Vine Island and also promised to help our clan cultivate a Foundation Establishment cultivator," Hong Peng said.

Upon hearing this, Mu Jin laughed in anger, but upon closer reflection, he sensed a conspiracy.

Promising to cultivate a foundation is a pipe dream, so let's leave that aside for now.

Sending it to Qing Teng Island is actually quite possible.

However, the island is in the hands of the Mu family, and the only way to take it over is... the destruction of the Mu family.

Thinking of this, Mu Jin's heart skipped a beat. He exchanged a glance with Li Ping, and both of them became serious.

Suppressing his thoughts, he gestured for Hong Peng to continue.

"According to the Zheng family, the layout of the cave is a kind of formation," Hong Peng said. "This formation is called 'Erosion of Fortune.' Once it is set up, the fortune of the people on the island will be slowly eroded."

Over time, good fortune turns into misfortune, and opportunity into trap.

More importantly, this formation is extremely well-hidden, completely undetectable under normal circumstances. Only during crucial moments like breakthroughs will the "misfortune" erupt, causing all efforts to be in vain.

"If it weren't for Fellow Daoist Li's timely discovery, the setup would probably have been completed long ago," Hong Peng said, glancing guiltily at Li Ping.

This formation is truly insidious and extremely vicious.

Li Ping and his companion's expressions hardened, as they felt a chill run from their backs to the top of their heads.

"Brother Jin, have you ever heard of this formation before?" Li Ping asked.

"No," Mu Jin said.

Li Ping nodded, then turned to Hong Peng: "Did that person mention the origin of this formation?"

"According to him, it seems that this formation originated from a man named Gongshu Yan," Hong Peng said.

Sure enough it was him.

Li Ping pondered to himself, then suddenly realized something was amiss: "The Zheng family has gone to such great lengths; surely they're not just targeting me?"

Hong Peng shook his head and revealed the truth: "Their target is Fairy Mu Yuebai."

"Moon White?" Li Ping's expression changed, his face showing doubt. "She's a Foundation Establishment cultivator; she wouldn't stay on the island for long. How could this formation affect her?"

"According to that person, Fellow Daoist Li and Fairy Mu have become Daoist partners, and their destinies are already intertwined. Fellow Daoist's stay on the island can also influence the other side, no matter how far away," Hong Peng said.

"I see."

Li Ping suddenly realized something and couldn't help but ask, "So when you asked me about my plans for Qing Teng Island and wanted to send someone to my side, was it to keep me on the island long-term?"

Hong Peng didn't dare to meet Li Ping's gaze and nodded guiltily.

"Just as I thought." Li Ping breathed a sigh of relief, then asked, "So, what's the current status of this Corrosion Array? Has it taken effect?"

"This formation is only set up. To truly take effect, it needs a crucial element to connect it," Hong Peng said. "If Fellow Daoist Li is not pleased, you may simply destroy it."

It was good that it didn't work; Li Ping and the other man finally felt relieved, and their expressions improved.

"I'll leave the rest of the work in the cave to you?" Mu Jin asked.

Li Ping nodded; he was looking forward to studying this.

"Is it possible that the Zheng family will come again?" Mu Jin asked again.

"He was supposed to come soon, but given the current situation, I doubt he'll walk right into our trap," Hong Peng said.

Mu Jin sighed, silently calculating in his mind which member of the Zheng family this person belonged to.

After pondering for a moment without any clue, he got up and went outside.

Upon seeing this, Hong Peng immediately became anxious: "What should we do with the Hong family cultivators on the island?"

"They can live, but they need to be controlled with a soul tablet." Mu Jin said, then looked at Li Ping, "I forgot, except for Hong Heipi."

Li Ping smiled, acknowledging the favor.

After giving their explanations, the two men turned and left, leaving Hong Peng kneeling on the spot.

His face was deathly pale, his eyes were vacant, and his face was filled with sorrow.

Controlled by the soul tablet, their lives are in the hands of others, like puppets.

What is the point of Yu Hongjia living such a wretched life?

Hong Peng slowly shook his head, the light in his eyes gradually fading.

After a long while, he seemed to have figured something out and gave a bitter smile.

Well, at least there's a glimmer of hope.

What happens next is up to fate.

While laughing, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground.

It wasn't until a member of the Hong family entered that they discovered Hong Peng was already lifeless.

Upon hearing the news, the cultivators rushed over and surrounded Hong Peng's body, their expressions complex.

"This person had long been determined to die and did not want to be controlled by the soul tablet," Li Ping sighed.

Mu Jin stood aside, looking regretful: "He has backbone, it's a pity he was born into the Hong family."

Three days later, the matter concerning the Hong family was finally settled.

Of the six cultivators from the Hong family, all but Hong Heipi and Hong Peng survived.

Hong Xing stayed on Qing Teng Island to help manage the island's affairs.

The other three journeys were to Hongjiafang Market and the ferry.

As for their freedom, the Mu family has set a rule that they can return their soul tablets when they turn sixty.

There's a specific timeframe for this. Once a Qi Refining cultivator is over sixty, their Qi and blood decline, and their spiritual roots degenerate, making it unlikely they can establish a foundation. Even if they are released, they won't be able to cause any trouble.

In this way, no trouble will be left behind, and the benevolence of the Mu family can be demonstrated.

In the courtyard, Mu Yusheng handed Hong Xing's soul tablet to Li Ping: "Keep it safe. This soul tablet cost more than a hundred contribution points to obtain."

Li Ping was taken aback upon hearing this: "Elder, this deducts my contribution points."

"Hong Xing is at least a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator, and she's only in her early twenties. Her future potential benefits far exceed one hundred contribution points. The fact that you can acquire her cheaply is only because of your merit this time," Mu Yusheng said.

"So you're saying Hong Xingcheng is my private property?" Li Ping asked, puzzled.

"Of course," Mu Yusheng said with a grin.

Li Ping realized what was happening and immediately cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you for your kind words, Elder."

"You're quite smart." Mu Yusheng nodded.

"By the way, Elder, how many contribution points will I get this time?"