Two days prior.
Zhou Qingfang's immortal official token trembled. It turned out a large-scale beast tide had occurred in Tongshan Commandery.
The Great Wei Cao clan issued an emergency mission, ordering sixth-rank and above immortal officials to go provide support. There was no compensation,
But there was profit to be made.
After all, those demon beasts themselves were resources.
Moreover, large-scale beast tides would inevitably produce Foundation Establishment and above demon beasts, and their numbers wouldn't be few.
Zhou Qingfang departed with some of the Zhou clan's elite forces and informed Xu Chuan along the way.
Xu Chuan also summoned elite disciples, including Innate perfection and above martial artists.
After training for so long, whether they were mules or horses, they needed to be taken out for a run.
This five-person combat method could defeat enemies above their level and could even battle mid to late-stage grandmasters.
As for cultivators, they formed three-person groups.
Not in fixed positions, but often two focused on offense with either spells or flying swords, while one assisted with talismans or defensive magical artifacts.
However, this was commonly used by mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators.
Late-stage Qi Refining cultivators mostly fought independently.
Xu Chuan went by way of Guangling Commandery to notify the Guangling branch to also dispatch suitable disciples.
Ren Xiaoyao also set out.
At this time, even if the Wei family had ten times their courage, they wouldn't dare attack the Xu family.
Otherwise, the Wei family would face the fury of Tongshan Commandery's Foundation Establishment families and the Cao clan's wrath.
"Mingwei, keep an eye on the juniors when you have time."
"Then what about you, Father?"
"Fighting and killing doesn't suit me, so your father wants to use this pill refining skill to make a deal with Tongshan Commandery and expand our market.
The resources here are much more abundant than our Yuehu Commandery.
Whether it's spirit iron, spirit ores, or demon beasts and spiritual herbs from the Cangwu Mountain Range, they all rank among the top in all of Great Wei."
Xu Mingwei glanced at the Xu family juniors who came this time: Xu Mingqing, Xu Deqian, Xu Deyue, and Xu Chonghui.
Xu Chuan brought them for tempering.
Obviously, in ten or twenty years, they too might be core figures in the Xu family.
Xu Mingxuan also came along this time. His realm had already recovered to seventh layer of Qi Refining late stage. In another three or four years, returning to Qi Refining perfection wouldn't be difficult.
After all, all his cultivation resources were of the highest grade.
Arriving at Tongshan Commandery.
Outside the city were densely packed wild beasts, probably tens of thousands in number. Moreover, fierce beasts continued rushing out from the mountain range, heading straight for Tongshan Commandery.
Most rushed toward the commandery city.
Because the magical artifacts on the city walls could draw demon beasts toward the commandery city.
If they scattered throughout the commandery, manpower would be spread too thin and difficult to handle.
However, this magical artifact's effectiveness was limited after all, so some demon beasts still ravaged Tongshan Commandery.
Some villages had suffered disaster.
In the beast tide, those with particularly large bodies were basically all demon beasts.
At this time, quite a few cultivators and martial artists were engaged in slaughter.
Martial artists cleared out wild beasts, while cultivators either flew through the air on swords or fought demon beasts on the ground.
When someone saw the Xu family arriving on a dharma boat, a person immediately came forward and asked, "May I ask which family you friends are from?"
"The Xu family of Yuehu Commandery. We heard about the beast tide and came specially to assist in battle."
"So it's the Xu family. Please, friends, first enter the city for registration and receive war tokens. With these tokens, you can enter the protective city array at any time.
They can also record the number of wild beasts and demon beasts killed for post-battle statistics, so our Tongshan Commandery can distribute compensation."
That person led the Xu family members flying into the array to register.
Then Xu Chuan said, "Mingwei, take them."
"Yes, Father."
Xu Mingxian was very interested in the prohibition within the tokens and didn't go out to hunt demon beasts, but instead stayed in the city to study it.
Xu Chuan said, "I once had ties with Prince Cao. I wonder where he is. Could I go pay my respects?"
"You two are Foundation Establishment seniors, right? Currently, the Foundation Establishment seniors who've arrived are all gathered at the prince's residence. You two seniors can also go there to rest.
Should this junior lead the way?"
"No need. I know the way."
"Then this junior won't disturb you two seniors. This junior takes his leave."
Xu Chuan took Ren Xiaoyao and Xu Mingxian to the prince's residence.
In the residence's great hall.
Xu Chuan saw quite a few familiar faces.
There were Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Wei family of Guangling Commandery, and the Old Ancestor of the Feng family from Yunshan Commandery.
"Daoist Xu, you've come." Zhou Qingfang said with a smile.
Only about a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators were here. Some who came early were already quietly cultivating in the guest rooms of the prince's residence.
"Master Sanshu, after more than twenty years apart, you've also established your foundation." The dignified middle-aged man on the main seat said with a smile.
"Thanks to the prince's blessing. If I hadn't been fortunate enough to meet Daoist Yun Zhongzi at the prince's residence, I might not have had this opportunity."
"This is your own fortune." Cao Jinming laughed heartily.
"Everyone, please sit."
The Feng family Old Ancestor also cupped his hands and said, "Daoist Xu, we meet again. Last time we met, you were still at Qi Refining. In the blink of an eye, several years have passed and you've successfully established your foundation.
Your luck is quite good."
"Daoist Feng." Xu Chuan cupped his hands.
Cao Jinming said, "Currently, no Foundation Establishment demon beasts have appeared yet. Those wild beasts and Qi Refining demon beasts, let's leave them to the juniors for tempering. I presume you Fellow Daoists have no objections?"
"Naturally not."
"Fellow Daoists can temporarily stay at my prince's residence. When Foundation Establishment demon beasts appear, that will be when we act."
Everyone cupped their hands and said, "We'll follow the prince's arrangements."
Over twenty years ago, Cao Jinming was already at third layer of Foundation Establishment peak cultivation, stuck at the bottleneck for many years. Now he had finally advanced to fourth layer of Foundation Establishment.
Among the Foundation Establishment cultivators present, his cultivation was the highest.
Ren Xiaoyao and Xu Mingxian rested in their rooms while Xu Chuan was invited by Cao Jinming for a chat.
"I heard Daoist Xu didn't become an immortal official. Why did you also come to my Tongshan Commandery to help this time?" Cao Jinming said.
"First, to let my clan disciples gain experience. Second, Tongshan Commandery shouldn't refuse to provide compensation just because those who came to assist aren't immortal officials, right?"
"Ha ha, of course not." Cao Jinming said. "A beast tide of this scale is rare in a hundred years. My Tongshan Commandery's families alone can't withstand it.
The more families that come to assist, the easier it will be for my Tongshan Commandery."
After a pause, Cao Jinming continued, "Daoist Xu, you were able to advance to Foundation Establishment through your own efforts. Your aptitude is not low."
"My aptitude is just average. However, by relying on rare thousand-year spiritual herbs and divine sense superior to others, I gained some additional chance.
When breaking through, I even fell into mental obstruction and nearly lost myself, almost failing.
Fortunately, I achieved enlightenment.
Perhaps because of this, the subsequent breakthrough of the Foundation Establishment bottleneck was much easier."
"Encountering mental obstruction when attempting Foundation Establishment? That's quite rare." Cao Jinming's eyes showed surprise. "Although this can't compare to the heart demons one might encounter when attempting Golden Core,
Most who encounter it will fail at Foundation Establishment.
However, perhaps this was where your opportunity lay, Daoist Xu. Mental obstruction greatly increases Foundation Establishment difficulty, but if you break through the delusion, it can also loosen the Foundation Establishment bottleneck."
"Perhaps."
"But regardless, congratulations, Fellow Daoist."
"Ha ha, and congratulations to the prince on advancing to Foundation Establishment middle stage."
After a moment, Cao Jinming finally got to the main topic.
"Now that Daoist Xu has entered Foundation Establishment, your pill refining attainments should be even stronger, right? I heard that when you were at Qi Refining, you approached Daoist Yun Zhongzi's level. Now you shouldn't be far off either."
"I dare not compare myself with Daoist Yun Zhongzi. I've only been at Foundation Establishment for a few years and still need to spend time on cultivation. My pill refining attainments haven't improved much."
Xu Chuan currently displayed first layer of Foundation Establishment, as did Ren Xiaoyao.
If in just a few years, the Xu family's two Foundation Establishment cultivators successively advanced to second layer of Foundation Establishment, it might attract malicious speculation from those with ulterior motives.
"This prince discussed with Fellow Daoists from Tongshan Commandery's five Foundation Establishment families. After the beast tide ends, besides distributing demon beast compensation based on battle achievements, we also want to refine some pills and magical artifacts as thanks.
For magical artifacts, one of my Tongshan Commandery friends is himself a top artifact refinement master.
He can forge fine-quality and superior-grade magical artifacts as rewards for the top three families by battle achievements.
The rest will receive compensation in pills or demon beast materials.
As for Foundation Establishment families, top-tier magical artifacts are too difficult to forge. That friend only has a twenty to thirty percent success rate. The material wastage is too great and not cost-effective. Just some demon beast materials alone isn't very considerate.
After all, without artifact refiners, these demon beast materials aren't actually worth that much.
So we considered refining some Foundation Establishment pills that advance cultivation.
We were originally planning to have someone go to the Dan Hall in a few days to request several elders. I didn't expect you, Daoist Xu, to come."
"If you have any conditions, feel free to state them."
"If there's an essence spirit from a Foundation Establishment middle-stage demon beast, I want one portion. If not, Foundation Establishment early stage will do."
"Your Xu family has two Foundation Establishment cultivators. One will definitely hunt Foundation Establishment demon beasts. Daoist Xu will also work hard refining pills for us. This condition isn't excessive."
"Additionally, my Xu family would like to request that Tongshan Commandery open itself to my Xu family, allowing my Xu family disciples to come to the Cangwu Mountain Range for tempering."
Cao Jinming nodded. "This issue isn't major either."
"My Xu clan's commercial firm wants to establish itself in Tongshan Commandery's market, selling pills and magical artifacts."
"My Tongshan Commandery's magical artifact materials are quite prevalent, but middle and superior-grade pills are scarce. If the Xu family can trade these, it would also benefit my Tongshan Commandery.
This matter, this prince makes the decision and agrees to it."
Xu Chuan grinned and cupped his hands, saying, "Then I thank the prince. I have no other issues. May I ask what pills the prince wishes to have refined?"
"For first-rank, Qi Nurturing Pills and Barrier Breaking Pills. With your pill refining attainments, Daoist, refining middle and superior-grade shouldn't be difficult."
"For second-rank, True Essence Pills and Azure Spirit Pills. Daoist Xu, refine as many as you can. We'll distribute them according to circumstances."
"I understand, Prince. Have someone send the pill formulas and ingredients to my room. I'll refine them in the pill refining room when I have time."
"Thank you." Cao Jinming cupped his hands.
Tongshan Commandery naturally had pill refiners who could refine second-rank pills, but six or seven portions producing one or two lower-grade pills had too low a material utilization rate.
This time, they needed quite a few as compensation for the Foundation Establishment cultivators who came to assist.
They could only request a top pill refining master to act.
As for the compensation Xu Chuan proposed, only the Foundation Establishment middle-stage essence spirit was somewhat valuable. The rest didn't amount to much.
Even opening up to the Xu family, the Xu family alone couldn't possibly compete with so many families in Tongshan Commandery.
Cao Jinming had originally thought Xu Chuan would request some rare hundred-year spiritual herbs or the like.
But Xu Chuan had long ago set part of his compensation on the pills he refined.
For a pill refiner to take a percentage when refining pills for others wasn't excessive, right?
After Xu Mingxian deduced the token's prohibition, he also went out to hunt demon beasts.
He controlled his dharma boat, standing above the city wall. As far as his eyes could see, there was scorched earth everywhere. A thick bloody smell lingered in the air, mixed with a burnt odor.
Most wild beasts had their fur and claws removed, then would be burned.
As for demon beasts, after being killed, Tongshan Commandery had people specially collect and transport them back to the city for processing.
Wave after wave of cultivators flew outside the city array. Quite a few whose magical power was too exhausted returned to the city to meditate.
Martial artists were the same.
Xu Mingxian searched for traces of Xu family members.
Suddenly, a flying bird demon rushed over, spreading its talons to grab at Xu Mingxian's head.
He flicked his sleeve, and a superior-grade flying sword flew out from within.
Cold light flashed, carving a dark blue trajectory through the dusk like a comet striking the moon, piercing through the flying bird's skull then, his token absorbed this demon beast's soul aura.
Based on soul strength, it distinguished between wild beasts and demon beasts, recording them separately.
Before long, he discovered traces of Xu family innate martial artists on the ground. Five-person squads formed battle formations that were particularly eye-catching.
Like sharp blades, they tore open huge gaps in the beast horde.
"Father's personnel allocation is quite ingenious. With mutual coordination, the effect far exceeds one plus one."
Sword-shield bearers primarily defended but also had offensive power, capable of repelling enemies that got close.
Paired with someone ruthless in combat who could fight above their level, they could reap lives frantically. If there were oversights, the spear-wielding martial artist could force enemies back.
Archer martial artists also first cleared distant enemies to prevent their numbers from becoming too great.
After fighting for a long time, each Xu family battle team only had light injuries. They all carried healing pills and true qi recovery pills. Their sustained combat ability far exceeded other families.
Many family disciples all discussed which family they belonged to.
After discovering demon beasts, Xu Mingxian quickly went over. The Xu family's three-person formation was also quite eye-catching.
"Fifth Brother, you've come." Xu Mingqing smiled when he saw Xu Mingxian then he saw a flying sword pass by his side.
With a "clang," the flying sword collided with that Qi Refining late-stage demon bird's talons, forcing it back.
"On the battlefield, you mustn't be careless."
"I know, Fifth Brother."
Xu Mingqing smiled, turned around and formed hand seals with one hand, instantly casting two first-rank middle-grade wood-element spells that bound the demon bird.
At the same time, he controlled his flying sword to kill it.
He too had cultivated the Nine Flames Formula. Forming seals to cast spells and controlling flying swords could proceed simultaneously.
"Worthy of being our Xu family's currently highest talent. In just moments, you killed a Qi Refining late-stage demon bird."
Xu Mingxian smiled faintly.
Xu Mingqing had an eighth-rank Yin Wood bloodline, plus the [Supreme Green Spirit] fate talent. When casting wood-element spells, he could save thirty percent of magical power.
The power was also stronger.
Combined with his comprehension of wood-element spells, despite only being at seventh layer of Qi Refining early stage, he had already learned quite a few first-rank superior-grade wood-element spells and could cast them quickly.
Superior-grade and below, he could almost instantly cast.
If it were other seventh layer of Qi Refining cultivators, just casting superior-grade spells would probably take considerable time, completely unsuitable for spell combat.
Xu Mingwei and the others were also nearby.
These elders intentionally didn't spread out too far, lest they couldn't look after the Xu family's cultivators.
After all, the Xu family had too few cultivators. If four or five died, that would be heartbreaking.
Although they still recruited rogue cultivators, few could pass the Xu family's review.
The Xu family preferred quality over quantity, preferring to spend more time cultivating loyal people themselves.
Even if they only had pseudo spiritual root aptitude, they could be cultivated to sixth layer of Qi Refining.
As for seventh layer of Qi Refining, it was very difficult for them to advance on their own.
But if they made good contributions to the Xu family, the Xu family would also bestow breakthrough pills to assist them.
Over ten li away.
Just as a certain family elder was about to slay a Qi Refining late-stage demon beast,
Silently, a streak of flowing light arrived in an instant. An arrow nailed into that demon beast's head, killing it instantly then that arrow returned along its original path.
Angering that family elder to curse, "Which friend is so despicable!"
He looked around but found no one using bow and arrow magical artifacts.
Someone said, "Friend, don't look. That person isn't nearby at all. He's over ten li away."
"What? Over ten li away, killing a Qi Refining late-stage demon beast with one arrow?"
"Right over there." That person pointed toward where the Xu family was located. "If you want to argue, you can go, but only if you can block one of his strikes."
"Someone once went to seek redress and had his middle-grade magical artifact pierced by an arrow. If he hadn't shown mercy, that person would have died."
This family elder's throat bobbed. "So terrifying? Which family's prodigy is he?"
"Yuehu Commandery, Xu family, Xu Mingwei!"
"Many friends gave him a nickname, Arrow Demon!"
"Any demon beast that enters his line of sight is shot and killed by him!"
"But over ten li away is too terrifying. What kind of eyesight is that!"
"Some friends have said that Xu Mingwei's eyes seem abnormal when shooting arrows, turning dark gold. Moreover, he also has a black tiger spirit beast that's also extremely fierce.
However, he seems to intentionally be protecting his own family disciples, so he hasn't acted widely. Otherwise, we'd have nothing left to harvest!"
"The Xu family, a family that just advanced to Foundation Establishment, actually has such a powerful expert." The family elder sighed.
"That Xu Mingwei seems to be the number one Qi Refining cultivator of Yuehu and Guangling Commanderies. No, in my opinion, he should be number one in the surrounding five commanderies!"
"That Xu family really is remarkable. They'll probably become a third-rank family like Qingbo Liu clan."
This family elder had completely lost his previous anger.
Sometimes when the gap is too great, people can't even muster competitive spirit.
With Xu Mingwei as the center, the area within a radius of over ten li was basically monopolized by the Xu family.
Xu Mingwei would let some demon beasts through.
As for those from other families, when they wanted to act, Xu Mingwei would always shoot and kill them one step faster.
Forcing them to leave.
However, there were ultimately some who refused to accept this and came knocking.
"Friend, your family occupying this radius of over ten li is going a bit too far, isn't it?"
A youth flew over on his sword, hands behind his back.
His crimson long robe rolled in the wind like burning flowing fire. His robe hem fluttered loudly. Gold thread embroidered dark patterns flowed in the sunlight, faintly revealing an overwhelming pressure.
His face was as sharply defined as if carved by a blade. A pair of sword-like eyebrows swept diagonally toward his temples. His eyes were deep like a cold pond reflecting stars, cold yet revealing a trace of inviolable dominance.
The crimson robe wasn't ordinary fabric but woven from thousand-year fire silkworm silk.
The sleeve and lapel edges were all trimmed with mysterious black cloud patterns. Around his waist was bound a dark gold chi-dragon patterned belt, with a jade token hanging from it.
The token was carved with the character "Liu."
The corners of his lips curved into a smile that wasn't quite a smile, not seeming gentle but rather like a bird of prey's mockery when examining its prey.
"That's the Liu family genius, Liu Wuqing, known as Heartless Young Master. It's said he touches ten thousand flowers but never takes one away."
"Some rumor that his aptitude is outstanding. Before long, he'll become the Liu family's next Foundation Establishment cultivator."
"Impossible. Geniuses who haven't yet established their foundation are basically all preparing for the Wuhua Dharma Assembly and definitely won't casually establish foundation."
"You're Arrow Demon, Xu Mingwei?" Liu Wuqing smiled faintly.
"What does Heartless Young Master want with me?"
"I heard that in Longjiang, next door to Guangling Commandery, an arrow cultivator skilled with bows emerged with formidable combat power. Liu has always wanted to exchange moves, but unfortunately never had the chance to meet.
Now meeting in Tongshan, please enlighten me."
"Second Brother, keep watch. I'm going to deal with this person." After transmitting this, Xu Mingwei rose into the air and said, "Come up for a battle!"
"Straightforward!"
The corners of Liu Wuqing's mouth curved up. His flying sword suddenly shot straight up, rapidly rising to level with Xu Mingwei.
"I'll only use four moves. If you can withstand them, you win!"
"Then I'll see just how strong your archery is!"
Xu Mingwei said no more and quickly drew his bow to shoot an arrow.
First move, ordinary attack.
Without using any magical power, relying solely on physical strength and the magical artifact's own might.
Liu Wuqing held a blue-white long sword. The sword edge trembled lightly, and a zhang-long blue-white sword light broke through the air.
Like the Milky Way pouring down from the nine heavens, wherever it passed, the air hissed. Even the dusk was forcibly split open with a pale crack.
A point of dark gold cold light shot rapidly from afar.
Before the arrow arrived, its fierce killing intent already stung people's skin painfully.
It transformed into an electric light and collided with the sword light in mid-air.
"Boom—!"
Blue-white sword qi and dark gold lightning light wove into a violent net, instantly clearing the clouds within a radius of ten zhang.
The explosion's aftershock raised a violent wind that rippled outward.
Just at this moment, Xu Mingwei's second arrow moved.
Magical power surged, coiling around the arrow, transforming into a black flood dragon that roared toward Liu Wuqing.
Liu Wuqing's pupils contracted slightly. His fingertip swept across the blue-white sword body, suddenly changing his seal. His five fingers bloomed like a lotus flower then suddenly clenched. He shouted fiercely, "Cut!"
The blue-white long sword responded with violent trembling. Dazzling blue-white light burst from the sword tip, transforming into a three-zhang-long light blade. Its edges coiled with fine lightning, tearing the surrounding dusk to shreds.
As the sword light surged, nine overlapping sword shadows faintly appeared, spreading behind Liu Wuqing like a peacock's tail.
A violent wind rose from the ground, lifting his robes and hair. His eyes were colder than the sword light.
Nine sword shadows flew out one after another, stacking layer upon layer. With each additional layer, the power increased by ten percent.
"Boom—!"
The flood dragon roared, sword light rang out.
This strike, the two were evenly matched again.
"Twin Dragons Playing with Pearl!"
Two three-zhang-long black flood dragons took form, coiling and tumbling. Dragon roars shook the air.
"Azure Lotus Blooms!"
Liu Wuqing’s eyes were calm. The momentum of his sword suddenly changed.
His figure danced like a crane, light and graceful. The trajectory traced by his sword edge was no longer fierce as thunder, but revealed a mysterious rhythm.With each sword swing, a strand of blue-white sword light congealed in mid-air. In an instant, they actually wove into a nine-petaled lotus form.
As he pointed his final sword toward the lotus heart, that sword lotus exploded into bloom——
The instant the lotus petals unfurled, pure azure light rolled like a tide. Each petal had extremely strong condensed sword light, almost solid.
The black flood dragons strangled the azure lotus from both sides but were ground apart by strand after strand of powerful sword light.
Finally transforming into two arrow shafts that rolled back.
"Three Stars Reflecting the Moon!"
Xu Mingwei’s bowstring resonated. Three black iron arrow shafts tore through the air, weaving into a three-zhang-wide bright moon in mid-air.
Silver flames surged at the moon wheel’s edge, like meteors fallen from the firmament, carrying mountain-and-river-crushing momentum as it thundered toward Liu Wuqing.
Seeing that moon wheel, beautiful yet full of killing intent, Liu Wuqing's expression turned grave. He immediately bit his fingertip. A drop of essence blood traced across the blue-white sword body.
The sword spine immediately burst with piercing blood light.
He changed sword seals continuously. His complexion visibly paled, but behind him, three giant azure lotus phantoms suddenly appeared.
The three azure lotuses slowly rotated, courageously crashing toward the bright moon.
When the three azure lotuses overlapped,
Azure light illuminated the world, attracting even the wild beasts on the ground to raise their heads and gaze. In their eyes were only the bright moon and azure light.
When the bright moon was cut into countless light points by sword light, only one world-illuminating azure lotus remained spinning in the air. After a moment, it dissipated formlessly.
Joy rather than anger flashed through Xu Mingwei's eyes, but he still restrained himself and cupped his hands, saying, "Heartless Young Master's strength is formidable, his sword techniques astounding. I've lost."
"Trying to concede defeat like this? This young master hasn't agreed!" Liu Wuqing's face was pale as he shouted angrily, "I know you definitely still have trump cards. Use them and let this young master see!"
Xu Mingwei seemed tempted, wanting to see if the other party could withstand his "Four Symbols Strangulation."
But just at this moment, a green-robed middle-aged man flew over on his sword with outstanding bearing. He cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "My younger brother is stubborn. Brother Xu, please don't hold it against him.
It's just sparring. Going all out wouldn't be good, moreover there's still a beast tide nearby."
Xu Mingwei glanced at him and cupped his hands, saying, "What you say makes sense, friend."
"Third Brother, I..."
"Father transmitted for me to come. This exchange was too intense and has already attracted the attention of Foundation Establishment cultivators in the city. It's not appropriate to be more conspicuous."
"I understand."
Liu Wuqing turned to Xu Mingwei and said, "Brother Xu's strength is formidable, your reputation well-deserved. Today ended in a draw. If there's time in the future, let's compete again."
With that, he left with the green-robed middle-aged man.
"Elder Brother, Xu Mingwei of the Xu family's strength may be greater than mine," Liu Wuqing transmitted.
"Not 'may be.' You clearly lost to him by a slight margin. Azure Lotus Illuminating the World defeated his fourth move, but not necessarily his fifth. Moreover, you haven't truly mastered this technique yet.
Previously, you relied on essence blood to forcibly catalyze it.
If you frequently deploy it this way, it will leave indelible harm to you."
"Third Brother, I was wrong. I won't act rashly next time."
"After returning this time, go into seclusion and cultivate properly. Old Ancestor once said that this Wuhua Dharma Assembly may not be simple, more brutal than previous ones."
"I understand."
Xu Mingwei descended from the air.
Xu Mingyuan came forward teasingly, "Elder Brother, it's rare to see you exchange moves with someone. You lost by a margin."
"Indeed, truly rare," Xu Mingxuan also said with a smile.
"I didn't lose," Xu Mingwei said. "That Liu Wuqing's final move clearly wasn't truly mastered yet. He forcibly catalyzed it with essence blood, boosting its power somewhat.
However, he indeed is a notch stronger than Feng Qingyang from the Feng family previously.
Can only say, worthy of being Qingbo Lake's Liu clan, one of the few third-rank families among the various commandery cities."
Xu Mingyuan pondered and said, "Based on Elder Brother's several exchanges with various families' prodigies, if Mingxuan, Mingshu, and Mingxian can't block your fourth move,
Then there's fundamentally no need to participate in the Wuhua Dharma Assembly."
"No, they need to at least block my fifth move.
Third-rank families are like this, what about second-rank, first-rank, and the Cao clan!"
Xu Mingwei said gravely, "Even if sword techniques, cultivation methods, and moves are similar to Liu Wuqing's, their trump cards are definitely stronger. Even I must avoid their edge."
"That's why Father also had Mingxuan enter. When there's danger, avoid it when necessary. Mingshu's combat power isn't overly strong either, but her beast taming Dao can presumably play a huge role in environments like secret realms."
Xu Mingwei sighed, "Father always thinks more thoroughly than we do."
The next day, the battle between Xu Mingwei and Liu Wuqing spread throughout all of Tongshan Commandery.
Moreover, people from various commanderies had come here.
The two could be said to have become famous in one battle!
Hearing of this, Xu Chuan just shook his head and smiled.
"Cultivation doesn't necessarily require fighting and killing to succeed."
After Cao Jinming delivered the spiritual herbs to Xu Chuan, he began refining pills.
He just met Tongshan Commandery's requirements. Anything extra was his commission.
Things like Qi Nurturing Pills and Barrier Breaking Pills, Xu Chuan definitely didn't mind having too many. After all, as long as the Xu family existed, late-stage Qi Refining cultivators would continuously emerge.
In the blink of an eye, it was the seventh day.
Following waves of astonishing roars, their sound waves materialized, rippling outward like tides.
Foundation Establishment demon beasts finally emerged from the mountain range.
There were Foundation Establishment flying demon birds, Purple Lightning Thunder Eagles with auras comparable to third layer of Foundation Establishment. But because they were flying demon beasts and could use lightning spells, even fourth layer of Foundation Establishment might not be their match.
Hundred-Legged Centipede, second layer of Foundation Establishment demon beast.
Blood Fiend Black Leopard, third layer of Foundation Establishment demon beast.
Golden-Backed Blood Mantis, third layer of Foundation Establishment demon beast.
White Scale Flood Dragon, fourth layer of Foundation Establishment demon beast.
Vajra Violent Ape, fifth layer of Foundation Establishment demon beast.
Finally was a seventh layer of Foundation Establishment Blood Python Tiger.
Foundation Establishment cultivators generally had top-tier magical artifacts but still found it difficult to independently kill same-level demon beasts, unless they had extremely strong combat ability or profound trump cards.
Above Tongshan Commandery's city walls, over thirty Foundation Establishment cultivators stood in the void, their gazes falling on those eleven Foundation Establishment demon beasts.
"There's even a Foundation Establishment late-stage demon beast." Cao Jinming smiled faintly. "Everyone, Foundation Establishment demon beasts' entire bodies are treasures.
Feathers, fur, claws, fangs, and the like are all excellent materials for forging fine-quality or even top -tier magical artifacts.
Please, Fellow Daoists, don't hold back. Once this beast tide chaos is resolved, my Tongshan Commandery will naturally provide compensation to thank everyone for this assistance."
"The prince is too kind. This is also our duty."
They all came because they accepted the Great Wei imperial Cao clan's immortal official mission. Family disciples came for tempering.
"Foundation Establishment early-stage demon beasts, pairs of two deal with them. Foundation Establishment middle-stage, three or four people join forces. The rest, come with this prince to deal with that Foundation Establishment late-stage Blood Python Tiger."
"Yes, Prince."
Then Zhou Qingfang said, "Daoist Ren, where is your Grand Elder?"
"The Grand Elder has other matters and won't participate in this Foundation Establishment demon beast hunt."
"I see. Then how about you and I hunt a Foundation Establishment demon beast together?"
"Ren couldn't ask for more."
Both were considered newly advanced Foundation Establishment. Zhou Qingfang was second layer of Foundation Establishment, while Ren Xiaoyao appeared to be first layer of Foundation Establishment on the surface. They were just right to deal with a second layer of Foundation Establishment Hundred-Legged Centipede.
The two flew near the Hundred-Legged Centipede.
The air here was filled with the scent of damp earth and rotting branches, mixed with a faint sweet smell.
This was the unique odor emitted by the second layer of Foundation Establishment demon beast, the Hundred-Legged Iron-Backed Centipede.
Its massive body coiled in the forest clearing. Its dark brown carapace gleamed with metallic cold luster in the dappled sunlight filtering through leaf gaps.
Its densely packed steel-nail-like hundred legs wriggled slightly. Each scrape against the ground produced a teeth-aching "rustling" sound.
Its triangular head rose high. A pair of enormous jaw pincers opened and closed constantly, emitting threatening "clicking" sounds. Its compound eyes glowed eerily as they stared at the two people in the air.
Ren Xiaoyao's eyes were sharp as an eagle's.
He formed hand seals with both hands. The storage pouch at his waist flashed with spiritual light. An ancient and exquisite Five Spirits Casket instantly flew out, hovering about a chi in front of him.
With several soft "clicks," the spirit box gracefully unfolded like a peacock spreading its tail, revealing five embedded grooves.
"Out!"
With Ren Xiaoyao's command, five streams of differently colored, flowing radiant sword lights suddenly shot out from the grooves!
The gold sword had compelling sharp qi, the wood sword overflowed with vitality, the water sword was agile and sustained, the fire sword was blazing and explosive, the earth sword was steady and heavy.
Five fine-quality flying swords each occupied a position, sword tips pointing at the centipede. They trembled slightly in the air, emitting clear sword cries.
They instantly constructed a simple sword array containing the principle of Five Elements generation and restriction. Sharp sword qi stirred the surrounding air.
Seeing this, Zhou Qingfang secretly marveled, "Last time was a hurried glance. Looking closely now, Daoist Ren, this magical artifact is truly extraordinary, containing the conception of Five Elements generation and restriction.
Without deep comprehension of the Five Elements Dao, manipulating this kind of magical artifact cannot be done at will.
Moreover, this old man observes this magical artifact also contains a sword array.
Its power definitely doesn't lose to top-tier magical artifacts!"
"You flatter me, Daoist Zhou. I obtained this by chance. My Xu family's foundation is still shallow. We only have one Profound Ice Awl, which I heard was gifted to the Xu family by you, Daoist, back then."
Speaking of this brought heartache.
The corner of Zhou Qingfang's mouth twitched slightly but he was also glad that he didn't develop greed over this and attack the Xu family.
Otherwise, the two families absolutely couldn't have such a harmonious relationship.
Looking at all the commanderies, there were probably few like their two families.
Casting aside distracting thoughts, he restrained his mind.
Zhou Qingfang's left palm flashed with light. A small and exquisite yet emanating thousand-jun heavy pressure black mountain peak appeared out of thin air, steadily cradled in his palm.
Though the mountain peak was small, one could vaguely see its rugged, strange rocks and pines dotted here and there. A vast, overwhelming earth-element force permeated outward.
His right hand tightly gripped a sword gleaming with blue light, its blade engraved with mysterious runes—the Azure Wood Sword. The sword edge surged with vigorous vitality, yet also contained sharpness.
"Evil beast, take this!"
Zhou Qingfang roared and exploded forward, his form like an arrow released from its string, leading the charge toward the Hundred-Legged Centipede!
His left hand's seal changed. The Profound Ink Peak cradled in his palm instantly grew with the wind, transforming into a zhang-tall pitch-black mountain peak phantom.
Carrying mountain-crushing momentum, it whistled toward the centipede's head covered in thick carapace and crashed down viciously!
Using absolute force to suppress its fierce might!
The Hundred-Legged Centipede emitted a sharp hissing sound, clearly enraged by this sudden heavy pressure.
Its thick tail suddenly whipped, bringing a gust of wind, viciously lashing toward the falling Profound Ink Peak phantom!
"Clang!"
A dull bell-like collision sound exploded!
The Profound Ink Peak phantom violently quaked, its downward pressing force momentarily halted.
Where the centipede's tail's hard carapace collided with the Profound Ink Peak, sparks even flew!
Zhou Qingfang's body slightly swayed. Obviously manipulating the magical artifact to withstand such tremendous force impact was quite taxing. But his eyes became even more determined.
His right hand's Azure Wood Sword unhesitatingly transformed into a blue silk ribbon, directly stabbing toward the centipede's exposed lower jaw vital point from looking up to attack!
This sword was swift and cunning, containing wood element sword qi with penetrating and eroding power.
Just as the centipede's attention was fully drawn by the Profound Ink Peak and it responded to the Azure Wood Sword somewhat hastily——
"Five Elements Rotation, rapid!"
Ren Xiaoyao's cool voice rang out.
His finger seals changed like butterflies threading flowers. The suspended five flying swords moved in response!
Five sword lights crisscrossed, weaving into an impenetrable sword net, precisely cutting toward the centipede's relatively vulnerable joint connections and belly legs!
"Hiss hiss hiss!"
The flying swords slashed at carapace crevices, producing teeth-aching cutting sounds.
Although they couldn't immediately break through the second layer of Foundation Establishment demon beast's tough defense, they still successfully left obvious sword marks on its resilient carapace.
The Hundred-Legged Centipede felt pain and went berserk!
It suddenly inhaled. Its chest and abdomen violently swelled. A stream of rank, incomparable, highly corrosive dark-green poisonous mist sprayed like a fountain toward Zhou Qingfang, who was close at hand!
Wherever the poisonous mist passed, ground weeds instantly withered and blackened. Rocks also emitted "sizzling" sounds.
"Beware the poisonous mist!" Ren Xiaoyao's pupils contracted. He warned sternly.
Zhou Qingfang had long prepared for this move. The instant the poisonous mist sprayed out, he forcefully pressed down on the Profound Ink Peak with his left hand. The mountain peak phantom forcibly descended a chi, forming a solid barrier before him by the narrowest margin.
Simultaneously, his form rapidly retreated backward.
"Puff—!"
The viscous poisonous mist viciously crashed into the Profound Ink Peak phantom, producing sounds like boiling water poured on snow.
The thick earth-element spiritual power flickered, stubbornly resisting the violent poison’s erosion. But the phantom’s light also visibly dimmed somewhat.
“Good opportunity!”
Ren Xiaoyao’s eyes burst with spirit light. The seals of his hands suddenly unified. The spiritual power within him poured unreservedly into the Five Spirits Casket core!
“Five Elements Sword Array, Evil-Breaking!”
Hum—!
The five flying swords emitted a deafening hum. They instantly abandoned their individual agile trajectories, transforming into five streams of intense primal radiance—gold, green, blue, red, and yellow.
As if drawn by a strong force, they suddenly converged at one point!
The five-colored radiance intertwined and flowed, finally transforming into an extremely condensed Primordial Sword Energy carrying an annihilating aura. It tore through the air, emitting ear-piercing shrieks.
At a speed several times faster than before, it directly shot toward the centipede’s mouth organ, which couldn’t fully close due to spewing poisonous mist!
The centipede sensed the lethal threat. Terror flashed through its compound eyes. It was already too late to close its mouth and defend!
Puchi!
The Primordial Sword Energy precisely penetrated its open mouth organ!
“Hiss—!!!”
A piercing, distorted scream resounded through the mountain forest!
The Hundred-Legged Centipede’s massive body convulsed and rolled violently as if struck by lightning. Inside its hard skull, it was frantically strangled by violent Five Elements sword qi!
Dark-green, rank-smelling blood mixed with shattered tissue wildly sprayed from its mouth and nose!
Seeing this, Zhou Qingfang's face revealed joy.
His form surged violently again, magical power injected. The Azure Wood Sword in his hand burst with unprecedented brilliant azure light.
Like an enraged azure dragon, carrying indomitable momentum, it viciously stabbed into the centipede’s compound eye depths that it couldn’t protect due to severe pain!
“Die!”
Azure Wood sword qi exploded within the centipede’s skull!
The Hundred-Legged Iron-Backed Centipede’s mountain-like body suddenly froze. Then all struggling and hissing abruptly stopped.
Its highly raised head powerlessly drooped, heavily smashing onto the ground, splashing a cloud of dust.
Its densely packed hundred legs twitched several times, finally completely falling into silence.
The clearing was utterly ruined. The ground was torn apart. The massive Hundred-Legged Centipede corpse lay motionless. Residual sharp sword qi remained on its shell.
The poisonous mist also dissipated in the air.
Ren Xiaoyao glanced around, then formed seals to completely purify the poisonous mist. Then he waved to recall the five flying swords whose light had dimmed somewhat.
Zhou Qingfang also retrieved the Profound Ink Peak, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and watched the dark-green blood dripping from the Azure Wood Sword tip. His face revealed a relieved smile.
"Senior, please collect this demon beast corpse. After the battle, deliver it to Tongshan Commandery."
"Alright."
Tongshan Commandery would definitely gift quite a few demon beast materials to each family, but they couldn't possibly let them take all the materials.
Especially Foundation Establishment demon beast materials.
"Let's go see how the others are doing!"