Dongxi.
Jade Cold Pool.
After arriving at the Xu family, Ye Fan remained in secluded cultivation for half a month, successfully breaking through to peak Qi Refining.
A few days later, he rode the momentum to attempt his Foundation Establishment breakthrough.
Even for someone with a Heavenly Spiritual Root, following a normal cultivation speed, reaching the Foundation Establishment stage at the age of fourteen was highly improbable.
After all, large clans naturally prioritized building a solid foundation when nurturing their disciples.
The more talented a genius was, the more necessary this approach became to fully unlock their potential.
However, Ye Fan had achieved this extraordinary fortune through a series of serendipitous encounters.
He was originally a favored son of heaven, meant to gather all the love and adoration in the world, but he had unexpectedly fallen into the mud, treated as a lowly bug for anyone to trample.
Though still young, his mental fortitude far surpassed that of the vast majority of immortal cultivators.
His obsessions and inner desires had ultimately forged an indomitable Dao Heart within him.
Xu Chuan looked toward the quiet room where his disciple was secluded and smiled faintly. "Good apprentice, Foundation Establishment is merely your starting point. I hope that in the future, you will be able to cover the heavens with a single hand!"
Immediately after, he turned to Xu Mingxian beside him and instructed, "Begin replacing the clan's grand array."
"Yes, Father."
"However, regarding the Guangling branch, it is ultimately just a Spiritual Energy Node rather than a true Spirit Vein. Even if we set up a Tier 3 grand array there, it won't be easily utilized.
"Otherwise, over a prolonged period, it could drain the Spiritual Energy Node completely, causing devastating damage to it."
"Then we shall continue using the peak Tier 2 formation there. Before the great tribulation arrives in the future, the branch family will ultimately have to return to the main lineage."
"Understood." Xu Mingxian nodded slightly.
Meanwhile.
In the Azure Sea Forest, within the Cloud Gold Mountain Range.
Thousands of verdant peaks were embedded with countless specks of flowing gold. The mountain rocks contained dense metallic essence, and whenever the wind swept through the forest canopy, it carried a sharp, piercing whistle.
The mountain range housed a Tier 2 metal-element Spirit Vein, making the sharp metallic qi incredibly robust and highly suitable for metal-element demonic beasts to cultivate.
The Xu family's White Tiger was currently cultivating in seclusion here.
Atop a certain cliff in the mountain range, the White Tiger crouched dormant on a crimson-gold rock. Its thirty-foot-long body was covered in frost-white fur with faint golden patterns flowing across it. The faint "King" character on its forehead throbbed subtly.
At first, the metallic qi around the cliff merely rippled slightly, swimming about like tiny scales. Soon after, the wind ceased and the forest grew still. The metallic essence from all directions surged toward the tiger's body, drawn like rivers returning to the sea.
The tiger's body trembled slightly as its frosty fur stood on end. The bloodline within its body boiled, striving to smash through its bottlenecks. A low growl rumbled, causing rock fragments to rustle and fall.
Suddenly, sharp metallic qi erupted from its body and shot into the sky. Initially resembling a silver spear, it rapidly expanded into a solid pillar of pure gold dozens of feet thick. It pierced straight into the heavens, tearing through the drifting clouds and leaving a stark white scar against the azure sky.
Wherever the pillar of qi reached, ancient pine needles were stripped away into golden dust, and peeling rocks revealed lustrous golden veins beneath. The stream at the foot of the mountain was frozen solid by the coldness of the metallic qi, its icy surface glinting with a metallic sheen.
In the distance, the crimson-gold ore veins hummed vibrantly, as if resonating in response.
When the qi pillar finally dissipated, the White Tiger settled back onto the rock. Its frosty fur was now draped in a crimson-gold luster, and the "King" mark shone brilliantly. As the tiger opened its eyes, beams of golden radiance shot forth.
The White Tiger then threw its head back and unleashed a long, roaring tiger howl. The sound reverberated like a massive golden bell, carrying the spiritual pressure of a Tier 3 Demonic Beast alongside the imposing aura of the Four Spirits White Tiger bloodline as it spread outward.
Every demonic beast within dozens of miles trembled in terror.
Red foxes abandoned their prey and scrambled back to their dens. Black-maned bears fled frantically into the dense woods. Flocks of gold-winged finches plummeted to the ground, flapping helplessly. Even the Tier 2 Iron-backed Demonic Wolves groveled on the earth, whimpering and not daring to raise their heads.
Naturally, the energy fluctuations from this breakthrough drew the attention of Moyue, the Three-Tailed White Fox, and the Tree King.
"This stupid cat finally broke through!"
Moyue surfaced from Mirror Lake, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He let out a heaven-shaking dragon roar, flicked his tail, and soared into the sky, heading straight for the Cloud Gold Mountain Range.
The Three-Tailed White Fox and the Tree King's treant clone also transformed into two streaks of light—one white, one green—and rushed toward the scene.
Xu Mingshu was also nearby in the Cloud Gold Mountain Range. As the White Tiger's master, she naturally sensed its transformation through their spirit beast restriction.
She immediately established a mental connection. "Xiao Bai, you've finally broken through."
"I'm heading over to find you right now."
"Master, wait, there are other Tier 3 demonic beasts coming. They should be the Three-Tailed White Fox and the Ancient Locust Tree King that Boss Moyue mentioned. I will come find you after they leave," Xiao Bai transmitted.
"Alright."
A brief moment later.
Moyue, the Three-Tailed White Fox, and the treant clone all stood before the cliff.
The Three-Tailed White Fox felt a subtle sense of pressure radiating from Xu Bai. He was significantly stronger than the Sky-Rending Tiger from before.
"This tiger actually possesses the Four Spirits White Tiger bloodline as well, and his bloodline is even stronger than that Sky-Rending Tiger's. His potential is extraordinary."
"Boss Moyue," Xu Bai said, looking toward the dragon.
The Three-Tailed White Fox was slightly startled and immediately turned to Moyue. "Big Brother Moyue, he's your underling?"
"That's right. He's followed me for a long time. I specifically brought him here from the Hundred Thousand Mountains to cultivate using the Spirit Vein. In the end, he didn't disappoint my expectations."
A faint smile played at the corners of the treant clone's mouth. He saw through the lie but chose not to expose it.
"Sister White Fox, I plan to have my underling oversee the Cloud Gold Mountain Range. How about you give your territory to him?" Moyue asked with a grin.
A trace of wariness flashed through the Three-Tailed White Fox's eyes. "Brother Moyue, didn't we agree previously? If you help me reach the peak of the mid-stage of Tier 3, I will leave and surrender this territory."
"Tree King, you're my witness."
The treant clone stroked his beard. "No problem."
To fully control the Azure Sea Forest, the Xu family was naturally willing to pay any price.
Xu Chuan had long instructed his people to collect materials from peak Tier 2 water-element demonic beasts. He planned to refine twelve water-element Demonic Spirit Pills and then use the Five Spirits Reverse Pill Method to elevate a water-element demonic core to Tier 3.
Once she refined all of those, it should be enough to elevate the Three-Tailed White Fox to the peak of the mid-stage of Tier 3.
Moyue said, "However, the cost of doing so is quite steep. I have a condition as well."
"What condition?"
"You must first report to the higher-ups, admitting that you are inferior to me and voluntarily surrendering your position as the guardian of this territory.
"Of course, before you advance to the peak of the mid-stage of Tier 3, you may continue cultivating here."
"This..."
"Sister White Fox, you aren't losing out on this deal. With your aptitude, trying to reach the peak of the mid-stage of Tier 3 in a short amount of time would likely require several decades or even over a century of bitter cultivation.
"And even then, success isn't guaranteed.
"Otherwise, our demonic beast race wouldn't have so many individuals trapped in the early and mid-stages of Tier 3.
"If one could simply reach the late-stage of Tier 3 or even the peak of Tier 3 just through bitter cultivation, then given the long lifespans of our demonic race, every beast that stepped into Tier 3 would have already achieved it."
The Three-Tailed White Fox fell into deep thought.
Moyue's strength made her incredibly apprehensive. Now that there was another White Tiger demonic beast possessing the Four Spirits White Tiger bloodline, if they insisted on taking her territory by force, she would be defenseless.
She would have no choice but to hand it over; otherwise, she would end up dead, just like the Sky-Rending Tiger.
As for the Ancient Locust Tree King, he never interfered in such disputes, remaining completely detached from worldly affairs.
"Alright, I agree to your terms."
The treant clone said, "Then Moyue, White Fox, the two of you should accompany me to the Holy Mountain to make the report. You will eventually need to explain the reasoning yourselves."
"Sure."
After they left, Xu Bai went to find Xu Mingshu. Together with the rest of the Xu family members, they returned to Dongxi.
Jade Cold Pool.
Everyone gathered together.
"Father, Xiao Bai has broken through to Tier 3."
Xu Mingshu hugged Xu Bai's neck. The white tiger had shrunk its body to a size that was perfectly convenient for her to embrace.
Xu Chuan nodded slightly, offering a faint smile. "Xu Bai, you will be in charge of guarding the Cloud Gold Mountain Range from now on."
"Yes, Grand Elder."
"Mingwei, Mingshu, we already have the materials from the three peak Tier 2 water-element demonic beasts needed to refine the twelve water-element Demonic Spirit Pills. However, for the Five Spirits Reverse Pill Method, we still need wood and earth-element demonic cores to complete the five elements.
"The two of you will make a trip to the Hundred Thousand Mountains and gather them as quickly as possible."
"Yes, Father."
With a Tier 3 demonic beast accompanying them, obtaining peak Tier 2 demonic cores was naturally an easy task.
In just four or five days, the White Tiger carried the two of them back.
Along the way, they also brought back a peak Tier 2 lightning-element demonic beast. This was perfectly suited to be refined into a lightning-element Demonic Spirit Pill, which could be fed to Xu Ying alongside fire-element Demonic Spirit Pills.
Relying solely on his own cultivation, Xu Ying was currently only at the late-stage of Tier 2, wielding strength comparable to a cultivator at the peak of the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment.
Reaching peak Tier 2 wasn't going to be an easy feat for him.
Since Xu Bai's path to Tier 3 had been a success and the Xu family had the capability to replicate it, they naturally needed to plan ahead for him as well.
After all, out of all the demonic beasts the Xu family currently possessed, only Xu Ying and Xu Hei had the potential to break through to Tier 3.
The other spirit pets belonging to Xu Mingxian, Xu Mingyuan, and Xu Mingxuan, including the blood-pupil spider and the silkworm-type demonic beasts, lacked the potential to reach Tier 3.
Demonic beasts with Tier 3 potential were equivalent to Golden Core seedlings among human immortal cultivators. Naturally, they were incredibly rare to come by.
Like Moyue, Xu Hei was a water-element beast, and his current potential appeared slightly inferior to Xu Ying's.
Furthermore, in terms of closeness and loyalty, Xu Ying was much more devoted to the Xu family.
Even without his spiritual contract with Xu Mingshu, Xu Chuan believed that Xu Ying would still choose to protect the Xu family.
After all, he had been raised by the Xu family since birth. From the very beginning of his cultivation to his current transformation, giving him the potential to become a Tier 3 demonic beast, everything was thanks to the Xu family.
He had bled for the Xu family!
He had earned tremendous merit for the Xu family!
His brother had even died for the Xu family!
Demonic beasts also possessed high intelligence and emotions. Whether it was hatred or loyalty, their feelings lasted far longer than humans.
Xu Bai was the same.
If he merely had Tier 3 potential but possessed the nature of an ungrateful wretch, the Xu family would never have helped him.
He was more like a protagonist of the demonic beast world.
Born as a mortal beast, he gained sentience and became a demon. Initially possessing mediocre aptitude, he was forcefully pushed to the late-stage of Tier 1 using resources. Then, in a single miraculous transformation, he awakened the Four Spirits White Tiger bloodline, unlocking Tier 3 potential.
Afterward, by a stroke of serendipity, he received focused nurturing from the Xu family, ultimately allowing him to become a Tier 3 demonic beast.
Several days later.
Xu Chuan and Xu Bai headed to the Azure Sea Forest.
By this time, Moyue and the others had already returned. The Holy Mountain had acknowledged Moyue's position as a guardian, and the Cloud Gold Mountain Range was officially granted to Xu Bai.
Xu Chuan began refining pills in the Cloud Gold Mountain Range.
He refined twenty Tier 2 water-element Demonic Spirit Pills, yielding exactly twelve high-grade pills.
Following that, he utilized the Five Spirits Reverse Pill Method to elevate a demonic core to Tier 3.
Moyue took the items and headed to Mirror Lake to find the Three-Tailed White Fox.
"Sister White Fox, I brought what you asked for."
A blur of white flashed by, and the Three-Tailed White Fox appeared on the shore of Mirror Lake.
"So fast?" She was slightly surprised. "Hurry and let me see what kind of precious pill this is."
Moyue flashed a toothy grin. "No rush, Sister White Fox. You must swear an oath on your bloodline that you won't leak this information. If word gets out, everyone will come looking for me to make demands.
"When that happens, I wouldn't be able to handle it!
"It might even bring a fatal disaster upon me!"
The Three-Tailed White Fox pondered for a moment before replying, "Alright, I'll swear the oath."
A demonic beast's inherited power came from its bloodline. When swearing by their own blood, a demonic beast would almost never break the vow. Otherwise, the bloodline backlash could cause them to regress into a mere mortal beast.
Seeing the Three-Tailed White Fox swear the oath, Moyue first handed over the Tier 3 water-element demonic core.
The Three-Tailed White Fox's eyes widened in shock at the sight. "Big Brother Moyue, you killed a Tier 3 water-element demonic beast?"
"Don't ask so many questions. Just swallow it now and start refining it immediately."
The Three-Tailed White Fox's expression turned solemn as she nodded. She promptly swallowed the core and began the refining process.
Her aura skyrocketed rapidly.
However, she was ultimately elevating her cultivation rather than simply recovering her former strength like Moyue, so fully converting it into her own power wouldn't happen quite so quickly.
Several hours later.
The Three-Tailed White Fox suddenly noticed that the remaining power within the demonic core had plummeted sharply, leaving her greatly astonished.
"What's going on?"
"Just a small trick. Once you finish refining this demonic core, your strength will be roughly comparable to a sixth-layer Golden Core cultivator. Next up are these pills."
Moyue presented the twelve high-grade Demonic Spirit Pills.
"These pills... are extraordinary!"
The Three-Tailed White Fox could feel an immense attraction toward these pills, completely incomparable to any she had consumed in the past.
"Refine them in batches of three. They should be enough to push you to the peak of the mid-stage of Tier 3. If it's still not quite enough, a few more years of independent cultivation will definitely do the trick."
The Three-Tailed White Fox stared at the pills. After assessing them for a moment, she nodded. "It does feel like it'll be enough."
"Then, Sister White Fox, our transaction concludes here. I wish you a speedy breakthrough to the late-stage of Tier 3!"
"The same to you, Big Brother Moyue. I imagine you'll certainly achieve it faster than I will."
Moyue chuckled, not offering any further explanation.
"I'm off."
With that, Moyue slithered through the void and vanished into the distance.
The Three-Tailed White Fox watched him leave before gently swaying her three snow-white tails and turning back to her den.
Upon returning to the Cloud Gold Mountain Range, Moyue's eyes burned with battle intent. "Next up, we should go kill that old snake in the Ten Thousand Serpent Valley, right?"
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Let's head back to Dongxi first. We'll gather everyone and go single him out."
"Single him out?"
"Exactly. All of us will single him out together. After all, the other party is a mid-stage Tier 3 demonic beast. We have to give him some face."
"Xu Chuan, you really are insidious. However, I like it."
The party assembled to siege the old snake in the Ten Thousand Serpent Valley consisted of Xu Bai, Moyue, Xu Ying, Xu Chonghui, Xu Mingyuan, Xu Chuan, Xu Mingshu, Xu Mingwei, and Xu Mingxian.
The main attackers were Moyue and Xu Bai. Next in line were the Golden Core-level trump cards held by Xu Chonghui and Xu Mingyuan. The remaining people and demonic beasts were simply there to run interference.
Xu Mingxian was put in charge of trapping the enemy with a grand array.
Currently, he couldn't refine Tier 3 formation flags, nor did he have the materials required to do so, as they mostly involved extremely precious treasures of the Array Dao.
A single set of low-grade Tier 3 formation flags would likely be worth as much as several magic treasures.
Taking into account that their future opponents would involve the Demonic Dao and demonic beasts, Xu Mingxian had refined two sets of formation flags: the Seven Stars Demon-Sealing Formation and the Heavenly Dipper Demon-Locking Formation.
The one they were deploying this time was the Heavenly Dipper Demon-Locking Formation.
This formation possessed the effect of suppressing demonic beasts and severely weakening their strength.
It was still highly effective even against Tier 3 demonic beasts.
The group departed for the Ten Thousand Serpent Valley.
"Mingxian, set up the grand array around here. Xu Bai, go lure that old snake out and bring him to this spot. Even if we're going to kill him, it's best to do it away from his home base.
"That way, we prevent him from utilizing any hidden trump cards in his lair.
"The rest of you, suppress your cultivation realms and conceal your aura fluctuations."
Everyone followed his instructions.
The world of demonic beasts was very simple: the weak are meat for the strong to eat.
If they saw a territory they liked, they snatched it. If they saw a mate they desired, they snatched them!
The vast majority of demonic beasts lived by these rules, making it incredibly easy to provoke their fury.
Xu Bai bounded into the core area of the Ten Thousand Serpent Valley and let out a mighty tiger roar that could crack metal and shatter stone, tearing the clouds above apart.
"This Grandpa Tiger is taking over this territory! Any fellow inside with half a brain, scram immediately!"
The very next moment.
A dark red python nearly two hundred feet long surged out from the valley. Its massive head was shaped like a triangular cauldron, and a half-foot-tall fleshy tumor bulged on its forehead, faintly glowing with a sinister black light.
Its vertical, crimson pupils radiated a blinding, chilling light every time it blinked, as if capable of piercing through solid rock.
When its jaws parted, it revealed venomous fangs resembling white jade hooks. Droplets of saliva splattered onto the ground with a sharp "Sizzle," corroding the bluestone into pitted honeycombs as a foul, bloody stench spread with every flick of its tongue.
That scarlet tongue was over a foot long, darting in and out like a writhing serpent of flame.
Fleshy wings sprouted from its back, clinging tightly to its scaled spine. Every occasional flap whipped up gusts of foul-smelling wind.
"Little white cat, this is my territory. If you don't want to die, roll far away from here!"
A shrill hiss erupted, unleashing waves of sonic force that rippled outward in all directions.
Xu Bai couldn't be bothered to respond. He simply raised a paw and condensed three massive, dozens-of-feet-long golden radiances. The fiercely condensed golden light flashed forward, directly tearing through the giant python's dark red scales to expose the bloody flesh beneath.
The triangular-headed giant python cried out in pain. Its vertical pupils flared crimson as it opened its jaws and spewed out a stream of crimson-black fire.
Xu Bai stepped on the wind to evade it. The crimson-black flames struck the ground, and the scorching heat instantly melted a crater several feet deep, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air.
Since Xu Bai was only acting as bait, there was no need for him to engage in a life-and-death melee. He gathered sharp metallic qi at his claws once more and unleashed several streaks of golden radiance aiming straight for the python's fleshy tumor.
However, he didn't succeed this time.
The fleshy wings on the python's back suddenly snapped open like a pair of crimson sails catching the wind. Using the momentum, its massive body shot several dozen feet into the air. The golden light merely grazed its scales, sending a shower of sparks flying.
As the fleshy wings beat the air, they whipped up a bizarre, erratic wind.
Hidden within the bizarre wind was highly toxic poisonous miasma.
"Roar—"
The White Tiger let out a low growl. Its metallic qi condensed into a translucent barrier, repelling the incoming poisonous miasma.
Seeing this, the giant python grew increasingly enraged. It reared its triangular head and unleashed another stream of crimson-black fire. The intense flames were laced with toxic gas, scorching the very air and filling it with the smell of burning.
The White Tiger sidestepped, stepping lightly on its metallic qi to dodge.
Black smoke billowed from the ground once again.
Before the smoke and flames could dissipate, the giant python's body had already lashed out like a steel whip, its scales reflecting the firelight with a sinister red hue.
The White Tiger twisted its body to evade, and the metallic qi on its claws swept across the tip of the python's tail.
With a loud "Clang", sparks flew everywhere. The strike had only managed to slice open a half-inch gap in the scales.
The giant python reeled from the pain. Its tail abruptly whipped back around, attempting to constrict and crush the White Tiger.
The White Tiger retreated like a flash of golden lightning. Glancing back at the triangular-headed giant python, it immediately darted off into the distance.
Having been bullied on its own doorstep and even suffering a minor loss in the exchange, how could the giant python possibly let this go? The fury in its heart had been completely ignited.
"A mere early-stage Tier 3 brat! Even if you flee to the ends of the earth today, I will swallow you alive!"
The giant python had considered the possibility that this White Tiger might have companions, but relying on its mid-stage Tier 3 strength, it believed it could retreat completely unscathed if things went south.
It figured it was probably two early-stage Tier 3 beasts eyeing its territory.
If their strength truly far surpassed its own, there would be no need for such tricks. They could just directly conquer the territory by force.
Just like it had done in the past.
Unfortunately, it had run into the hyper-cautious Xu Chuan.
Even with Moyue, whose strength could completely suppress the giant python, along with three other combatants holding early-stage Golden Core battle power, Xu Chuan still wanted to play it overwhelmingly safe.
Xu Bai's speed wasn't slow, but the giant python was even faster.
It would only take the time it takes to drink a cup of tea for it to catch up.
Xu Bai fought while retreating, constantly maintaining his distance and never letting the python get too close.
Half an incense stick of time later, he finally lured the beast into the grand array.
Xu Bai abruptly stopped. He turned around and roared at his pursuer, "Don't push things too far!"
"You are guaranteed to die today!" the giant python spat furiously.
Xu Bai instantly charged forward, locking into a fierce melee. This was to tie the enemy down, and for a short time, he wouldn't fall into a disadvantage.
However, the moment they clashed.
Several curtains of azure light shot into the sky. The Heavenly Dipper Demon-Locking Formation that had been prepared well in advance snapped shut instantly, rapidly shrinking its effective range from dozens of miles down to a radius of just a few miles.
"A formation?! How do you have a formation? Aren't your companions other demonic beasts?" The giant python's vertical pupils instantly shrank to the size of pinpricks.
"Your own wild guesses have nothing to do with me!" Xu Bai swiftly pulled away from the giant python. "Boss Moyue, screw him up!"
An azure flood dragon, visibly bulkier and longer than the giant python, abruptly materialized to the east.
Its scales reflected the sunlight like shattered jade, its dragon whiskers trailed down its chest, and its draconic eyes were as cold as a frozen deep pool.
"Roar!"
A terrifying dragon roar erupted, causing the giant python to feel a distinct suppression of the flood dragon bloodline within its own body.
It possessed both the flood dragon bloodline and the bloodline of the ancient great demon, the Heavenly Fire Python. Since its Heavenly Fire Python bloodline was more dominant, it had retained the form of a giant python even after reaching Tier 3.
"A mid-stage Tier 3 flood dragon?!"
Immediately following that.
A sinister wind howled from the west. Dark red bloody mist rolled in, carrying the stench of corpses, as the Profound Yin Blood Corpse stepped out of the fog.
It stood over twenty feet tall, its undead body covered in thick, dark red hide that gleamed with a metallic sheen in several places. Its ten fingers resembled red iron hooks, and the bloody, malicious aura swirling around it was so dense it was almost tangible.
It halted with a guttural roar on the giant python's western flank.
To the north, the air grew eerie with ghostly qi. Black fog condensed like ink, and the faint, agonizing wails of countless ghosts could be heard.
The Ghost King materialized from the mist. Its form flickered between ethereal and solid, its black robes fluttering noisily in the phantom wind. In place of eyes were two dancing clusters of eerie green ghost-fire.
Its piercing screeches carried an innate spiritual sense attack, causing splitting headaches to anyone who heard it.
Finally, to the south stood Xu Bai.
His frosty fur and golden patterns shimmered brilliantly in the light of the formation. His golden eyes swept over Moyue, the Blood Corpse, and the Ghost King as the sharp metallic qi on his claws condensed, ready to strike.
The giant python's body coiled tightly, its nearly two-hundred-foot frame spinning like a top. Its scales scraped against the ground with a sharp, grating noise as the foul wind swept the poisonous miasma everywhere.
Those crimson, vertical pupils swept past Moyue's scales, dragged across the Blood Corpse's dark red hide, stared at the Ghost King's eerie green flames, and finally landed on the White Tiger in the south.
As its venomous fangs shifted, a threatening low growl rolled from its throat.
"Kill!"
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the edge of the grand array.
Moyue struck first. Opening his jaws, he manifested hundreds, no, thousands of sharp ice cones, launching them at the giant python in a torrential downpour.
The giant python opened its mouth and spat its crimson-black line of fire. Sweeping its massive head back and forth, it blasted the incoming ice.
But simultaneously, the White Tiger closed the distance. Its razor-sharp claws tore through the python's scales once more. Enraged by the pain, the python swung its long tail for a crushing blow.
Just then, a black iron arrow ripped through the air, carrying terrifying force as it struck the python's vital seven-inch spot. The arrowhead grated against the scales, unleashing a shower of countless sparks.
However, the sheer impact successfully deflected the python's swinging tail.
The White Tiger instantly retreated.
Only then did the giant python realize that there were actually several human immortal cultivators with incredibly faint auras lurking at the edges in all directions.
Although it was seething with pure rage and desperately wanted to devour those humans, it simply couldn't free itself to do so.
The moment the White Tiger retreated, the Profound Yin Blood Corpse and the Ghost King attacked from both sides.
Though the Profound Yin Blood Corpse couldn't slice through its scales as easily as the White Tiger, its bloody, malicious flames were exceptionally vicious. Every time they landed on an open wound, they inflicted unimaginable agony.
The Ghost King's black robes fluttered wildly. Countless eerie green ghost-fires shot out from the fog, raining down like meteors onto the fleshy tumor on the python's forehead. The assault left the serpent dizzy and disoriented, utterly incapable of unleashing its full strength.
Every time it tried to whip its tail, a freakishly powerful iron arrow would come whistling toward it. If not for its staggeringly tough scales and incredible defenses, its body would have been pierced right through by those arrows.
The giant python frantically sprayed lines of crimson-black fire in every direction. Seizing the brief window where Moyue and the others were forced back, it launched its massive body upward, attempting to smash through the azure light curtain overhead.
However, the azure glow of the light curtain suddenly blazed. Beams of green light cascaded down onto the beast, landing with the weight of massive boulders and binding it in invisible shackles.
It was forced to crash back down to the ground.
"Screech!"
An eagle's cry rang out from the sky. The Purple Lightning Azure Flame Eagle spread its wings and swooped past the top of the formation. With a single flap, it rained down clusters of purple lightning and azure flames, viciously bombarding the giant python's spine and sending charred scale fragments flying.
Immediately after, Moyue, the White Tiger, the Profound Yin Blood Corpse, and the Ghost King launched their next wave of attacks.
Xu Chuan unleashed the Hundred Grass Needles in a sneak attack. The thirty-six needles slipped effortlessly into the python's body through the torn wounds.
Xu Mingshu, meanwhile, released a small swarm of iron-devouring flying ants, which burrowed into the python's flesh to devour its blood and muscle.
Between the bone-piercing agony tearing through its physical body, the splitting pain in its sea of consciousness, the relentless external bombardment, and the overbearing suppression of the formation's azure light, the giant python sank into a state of profound despair.
'Who the hell did I even offend?!'
In merely half an incense stick of time.
The python's colossal body crashed to the ground, devoid of even a single trace of life force.
Xu Chonghui recalled the Ghost King, and Xu Mingyuan stored away the Profound Yin Blood Corpse.
Xu Chuan and the rest approached and began systematically harvesting the beast. They extracted its inner core, spirit essence, essence blood, scales, venomous fangs, and gallstones—all superb materials for refining magic treasures. Even its flesh and blood were incredibly nourishing tonics for the demonic beasts reared by the Xu family.
However, the meat needed to be carefully processed first. Its flesh was heavily laced with lethal venom, which meant even Tier 2 demonic beasts wouldn't be able to safely withstand or refine it.
Afterward, the group proceeded to the giant python's lair, digging three feet deep to clean out every last bit of treasure.
"Let's go. We return to Dongxi."
With everything settled, Xu Chuan waved his hand.
Upon returning to Dongxi, Xu Chonghui and Xu Mingyuan went their separate ways to handle their respective tasks.
Xu Chuan meditated and regulated his breathing for a few hours before commencing his alchemy.
He refined peak Tier 2 lightning-element Demonic Spirit Pills, peak Tier 2 fire-element Demonic Spirit Pills, and finally, a Tier 3 fire-element Demonic Spirit Pill.
The first two sets would help Xu Ying swiftly reach the peak of Tier 2, while the latter would assist his breakthrough to Tier 3.
Any surplus pills were stored within the clan vault.
"Mingshu, I'll hand these Demonic Spirit Pills over to you. Once Xu Ying reaches peak Tier 2, have Xu Bai take him to the core of the fire-element Spirit Vein in the Ten Thousand Serpent Valley. Have him remain in secluded cultivation there until he breaks through."
"Yes, Father. Your daughter understands."
A moment later, noticing that Xu Mingshu remained standing there motionlessly, Xu Chuan asked in confusion, "What's wrong? Is there something else?"
"Father, are you... leaving?"
Given all the recent major operations, even if Xu Mingshu was terribly oblivious, she would have figured it out.
Xu Chuan chuckled and gently patted her head. "Our Xu family must ultimately expand into the Southern Heaven Region. Your father is simply going ahead to establish a vanguard outpost.
"Once things are stable and we successfully survive the coming great tribulation, I will send for the rest of you."
"Then, can I come with you this time?" Xu Mingshu stared at him with burning eyes.
"You are the chief supervisor in charge of rearing the clan's spirit beasts. Right now, spirit beasts are the most crucial part of the Xu family's plans. If you aren't here, no one else will be able to keep them in line.
"Could you bear to see the day when they turn their fangs on our Xu family disciples?"
Xu Mingshu lowered her head. A moment later, she forced a bright smile. "Your daughter understands. Father, please be careful and look after yourself when you're out there.
"Xueji will properly guard the Xu family here while waiting for her daddy's return."
"Daddy will." Xu Chuan reached out and lightly flicked her dainty nose, just like when she was a little girl, before joking, "Your daddy is the person most terrified of dying in the world, after all."
After Xu Mingshu left.
Moyue popped his head out of the cold pool. He looked at Xu Chuan and asked, "Who are you planning to take with you?"
"Mingxian, Deling, Deyue, and Ye Fan."
"Mingxian and Deling make perfect sense; after all, one is a grandmaster of formations and the other is a grandmaster of the Dao of Artifacts. That brat Ye Fan has a Heavenly Spiritual Root, so naturally he'll develop much better in the outside world. But Deyue?
"That little girl has a very low presence in the Xu family. She's completely detached from worldly desires and fully devoted to cultivation. You're actually bringing her along this time?"
"I have my own plans."
Moyue curled his lip. "If you won't say it, then don't! I couldn't be bothered to ask anyway!"
With that, he sank back into the freezing depths of the pool.
A few days later.
Xu Chuan summoned Xu Mingwei.
"Mingwei, once Ye Fan breaks through to Foundation Establishment, I plan to leave with Mingxian, Deling, Deyue, and Ye Fan."
Xu Mingwei sighed softly. He had known in his heart for a long time that he wouldn't be part of the group, but hearing it with his own ears still inevitably left him feeling slightly dejected.
"The Tier 2 formation flags of various grades that Mingxian has left behind are more than enough for the clan's use, and the same goes for the Top-Grade Magical Artifacts. Keeping him and Deling here would be a waste of their talents.
"By heading to the outside world, they can seek out stronger inheritances and improve themselves. It's all for the future of the Xu family."
"Your son understands. I will stand in Father's stead and fiercely guard the Xu family, protecting all of our clansmen," Xu Mingwei stated solemnly.
"You never disappoint me." Xu Chuan smiled gently. "I summoned you today to appoint you as the leader of the Protectors.
"Your duty is to protect clansmen with high potential. Whenever the family faces internal strife or dire crisis, you must either set things right or ensure our lineage survives.
"These scenarios may never occur, but taking these precautions is simply your father preparing for a rainy day.
"You may select the members yourself from among the clan's disciples, and even those of outside surnames are acceptable. The only requirement is that they must possess absolute loyalty to the Xu family, to the point of sacrificing themselves for the clan at the critical moment.
"The identities of those who join the Protectors will be strictly confidential. Neither the Family Head nor the Grand Elder is permitted to know. Only you will possess this information."
"Yes, Father."
Over the next few days.
Xu Chuan successively summoned Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingyuan, and Xu Mingqing for private conversations, passing down his final instructions to each of them.
Within the Xu Clan Main Estate.
Xu Chuan finally spoke to Bai Jing about his departure.
Bai Jing gazed at him and simply let out a gentle sigh. "Husband, I know that your greatest desire is immortality. I will not stop you, and I know that I couldn't stop you even if I tried.
"Therefore, go forth, my husband. Just remember that your wife will be right here in our home, forever waiting for your return."
Xu Chuan stepped forward and pulled Bai Jing into a tight embrace, whispering softly into her ear, "I am sorry, my wife."
Bai Jing smiled faintly. "On the day we wed, you stood before me and swore an oath to the heavens and earth, promising that for the rest of my life, you would ensure I lived peacefully, securely, and filled with joy.
"You have long since fulfilled your promise, my husband. There is absolutely no need to say sorry.
"Being able to marry you has been my greatest fortune."
Seven or eight days later.
Ye Fan emerged from seclusion, having successfully broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage.
A few days after that, Xu Chuan stowed the rubbings of the various ancient classics into his storage ring. Together with Xu Mingxian, Xu Deling, Xu Deyue, and Ye Fan, he journeyed to the Azure Sea Forest.
They then rode atop Moyue, flying rapidly toward the southern edge of the Azure Sea Forest.
On the shores of Mirror Lake.
The resting Three-Tailed White Fox sensed Moyue's aura and raised her head to watch him depart. She soon muttered to herself, "Never mind. I am no longer the guardian of this place. It has nothing to do with me.
"Still, I wonder... how on earth did Moyue manage to persuade the Tree King to turn a blind eye to this?"
Unable to figure it out, the Three-Tailed White Fox laid her head back down and continued refining the pills in her body.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Upon the sturdy branches of the Ancient Locust Tree King, a green light flashed, and the treant clone appeared, gazing toward the south.
"It is for the best that he left. This place was always a cage, and all that remains for the human race here is endless despair."
The treant clone stroked his long beard, his eyes sparkling with profound wisdom.
"There were others who left in the past, but I never saw a single one return.
"The Southern Heaven Region is dazzling and prosperous. Countless aristocratic families stand tall, alongside Nascent Soul Upper Sects, and even the supreme overlords who reign above all living beings.
"Faced with all of that, I wonder... what choice will you make, Xu Chuan?
"Will you become lost in the bewildering prosperity of the outside world?
"Or will your original Dao Heart remain steadfast, still wishing to fight for a sliver of survival for the humans of this land?
"Or perhaps, as you once declared, will you shatter this cycle entirely and put an end to this land's eternal tragedy?"
The treant clone's form flickered, entirely vanishing from sight.
At the edge of the Azure Sea Forest, Xu Chuan and the others met with the treant clone.