The demonic cultivators of the Blackwater Region had long since entrenched themselves here.
Dozens of Nascent Soul cultivators and a massive number of Golden Core demonic cultivators were present. They sat or stood with varying expressions; some rested with their eyes closed, while others conversed in low whispers.
Over the course of the past few days.
Four Grand Cultivators from the Blackwater Region had descended.
Afterward, they shifted their position to this location, waiting for the arrival of the various powers from Heavenly South.
"They are here."
Suddenly, a withered old man sitting cross-legged on a Black Lotus Platform slightly raised his eyelids, gazing toward the distant horizon.
Just three simple words.
Yet they caused the spirits of all the demonic cultivators to rally as they collectively looked up.
Immediately following that, a low, resonant hum—like the collective breathing of countless giant beasts—rolled in like an ocean tide, surging from afar!
That was not the sound of the wind, but a tide of spiritual pressure formed by the friction of massive Spirit Power against the air!
The cloud layers were pushed aside and torn apart by an invisible force!
The next moment, hundreds of black dots abruptly pierced through the clouds, rapidly magnifying in size!
They were Magic Skiffs!
Many of the Magic Skiffs exceeded a hundred and fifty meters in length, while even the smaller ones were roughly sixty to a hundred meters long.
Their entire hulls flickered with various colored spiritual light and runic patterns. They had diverse designs—some majestic, some ethereal, some quaint, and others fiercely sharp!
They did not fly over in a chaotic, disorganized manner.
Instead, they were vaguely divided into several formations, maintaining a tacitly understood distance and array among themselves. Their majestic spiritual light linked together into a massive expanse.
It actually illuminated half of the gloomy firmament, making it overflow with vibrant colors and swirling spiritual clouds!
Among them, five vessels were the most eye-catching.
They respectively belonged to the five hegemonic powers of Heavenly South.
Each of their Magic Skiffs exceeded three hundred meters in length, appearing exceptionally conspicuous.
Of course, it was not that the other powers could not construct such vessels, but rather that they did not dare to compete with their glory.
The Profound Moon Sect's Magic Skiff resembled a crescent moon. The Clear Void Sect's vessel was entwined with phantom vines, and the faint illusions of immortal cranes circled it with clear cries, embodying the natural way of the Dao.
The Azure Cloud Sect's Magic Skiff was engraved with pale azure cloud patterns, its overall shape resembling a giant azure sword.
Thunder Sound Temple arrived steering a completely golden, lotus-shaped Magic Skiff. It radiated ten thousand streaks of golden light and a thousand strands of auspicious aura, while the continuous Sanskrit chanting of countless Buddhist disciples cleansed the soul.
The Feather Transformation Sect's Magic Skiff was constructed entirely of white jade, featuring six pairs of massive wings on its sides.
The towering ship possessed carved beams and painted rafters, flying eaves and interlocking brackets. Surrounded by immortal clouds and fluttering illusions of spiritual birds, it exuded a transcendent aura of standing high above and ruling over all living beings.
In addition, there were the major Nascent Soul powers such as the Spirit Taming Sect, the Heavenly Foundry Sect, and the Heavenly Alchemy Sect.
It could be said that all the Nascent Soul powers from both the Heavenly South and Blackwater regions were present.
Aside from them, there were also some top-tier Golden Core powers.
The Magic Skiffs of Heavenly South came to a halt on the opposite side of the Blackwater Region's forces.
One side was eerie with demonic energy and shrouded in dark clouds, while the other side was radiant with multicolored light and endless auspicious auras.
The two formed a stark contrast.
The withered old man sitting cross-legged on the Black Lotus Platform was the first to speak. "Fellow Daoists, shall we proceed the same as before?"
The Daoist friends he referred to were naturally the several Grand Cultivators who had arrived from Heavenly South.
The rest of the Nascent Soul cultivators were not yet qualified to address him as a fellow Daoist.
The Ancestor of Profound Moon chuckled. "Everyone below the Nascent Soul stage shall enter the grand array. Nascent Soul cultivators may act according to their own will, but anyone at the mid-stage or above is forbidden from taking action.
"They may engage in life-and-death struggles or simply exchange pointers. There are no rules.
"This continues until the Ancient Battlefield manifests."
"Excellent!"
The Grand Cultivators from Heavenly South, such as those from the Clear Void Sect and Azure Cloud Sect, voiced their agreement one after another.
"Agreed!"
The four Grand Cultivators on the Blackwater Region's side exchanged glances and also gave slight nods.
At this moment, a voice also transmitted from afar from the Azure Sea Forest.
"Fellow Daoists of the Heavenly South and Blackwater regions, please give this old man some face and refrain from causing chaos in my Azure Sea Forest."
The Ancestor of Profound Moon replied, "It is only right."
The others clearly had no objections either.
They all knew the Tree King's identity. That was an old monster who had lived for nearly ten thousand years. Even their sect Heritages might not be as old as him.
"If there is nothing else, then let them all enter," stated a burly middle-aged man from the Blackwater Region, whose murderous aura was so condensed it felt tangible.
"Enter!"
"Enter!"
"Enter!"
As the major powers gave the command.
The remaining Golden Core cultivators of the Blackwater Region, along with some Early-Stage Nascent Soul cultivators, all charged into the Heaven-Sealing Grand Array.
On the Heavenly South side, this also included a massive number of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.
They were the main force that would fight against the Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators of the Blackwater Region and the Demonic Beasts.
Among them, there might be disciples of sects or aristocratic families who, just like during the last Thousand-Year Great Tribulation, had been left behind in the Land of Imprisonment due to severe injuries.
This included the ancestors of the Jiang, Lei, and Lin Families, as well as the ancestors of the Cao Clan and the Sima Family, among others.
Even after the Heaven-Sealing Grand Array unsealed later, wanting to rely on Foundation Establishment strength to cross tens of thousands of miles back to Heavenly South or the Blackwater Region was basically impossible.
Because the journey required passing through numerous territories occupied by Golden Core stage Demonic Beasts.
Even the Golden Core stage was fraught with danger.
Tens of thousands of streaks of multi-colored light flooded into the Land of Imprisonment.
Golden Core cultivators traveled in twos and threes, forming groups, while those confident in their formidable strength chose to move alone.
The Foundation Establishment cultivators acted based on their respective factions. Most traveled in groups of dozens or even hundreds, and some were accompanied by Golden Core cultivators.
The personnel from the Azure Dragon Prefecture could be said to be the fewest among the various prefectures of Heavenly South.
All of them followed behind Moyue in his human form and Mo Wentian.
"Daoist friend Moyue, I have not seen the First Elder on this trip. Could it be that he has already entered in advance?"
"Naturally," Moyue replied. "You all know the rules by now. The mission for the Foundation Establishment stage is to slaughter the Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators of the Blackwater Region and the Demonic Beasts. Those who leave alive will naturally be rewarded with vast amounts of resources.
"Even Core Formation resources are possible.
"In theory, the same applies to the Golden Core stage, but it is more about exchanging pointers with one another while waiting for the Ancient Battlefield to open.
"Inside, there are great perils, but also great Opportunities.
"After all, even hegemonic powers like the Profound Moon Sect and Azure Cloud Sect cannot possibly bestow Nascent Soul Formation Opportunities; they do not even have enough for themselves."
"This Land of Imprisonment is not small. How should we proceed? Just let those Foundation Establishment disciples search blindly?" Yang Qi asked. "If they run into a Tier 3 Demonic Beast or a Golden Core cultivator from the Blackwater Region, wouldn't it be a dead end?"
Moyue glanced at him. "This is a battlefield in the first place. If you run into the top experts among Golden Cores, or even a Peak Third-Tier Demonic Beast, you might also die."
Hearing this, the Ancestor of the Lei Family, Bingqian, and Yang Qi all fell silent.
Only the three of them had come as Golden Core representatives of the Azure Dragon Prefecture. The rest were supplemented by members of the Xu Family.
"Let's go. We will find Xu Chuan first. He has been inside for many days, so he must be much clearer on the situation."
Along the way.
Many Foundation Establishment cultivators wore horrified expressions upon witnessing the tragic states of some villages, county towns, and even Commandery Cities.
"Was there a massacre here?"
"It feels like the work of Demonic Beasts, but some places bear the hallmarks of demonic cultivators."
The Lei Family, the Mo Family, Yang Qi, and the others had all seen fragments of such descriptions in their family's Ancient Classics.
But seeing such a situation with their own eyes brought about a completely different feeling.
"To us, this is just an ordinary War of Two Domains, but to the living beings here, it is a Great Tribulation. If this happens once every five hundred years..."
"How sorrowful that must be!"
Several hours later.
Moyue brought them outside of Dongxi.
"This formation..." Mo Wentian muttered softly, then looked toward Moyue.
He was the only one present who noticed the clues of the Cloud Heaven Illusionary Array. The other Golden Core cultivators, even Bingqian, failed to detect it.
At this moment.
Xu Chuan, Xu Mingxian, Xu Deling, Ye Fan, and Xu Deyue stepped out of the grand array.
Xu Chuan had a mental connection with Moyue, so he naturally knew of their arrival.
"Grand Elder, Elder Bingqian, Elder Yang, and Daoist friend Lei, you have arrived."
Xu Chuan cupped his fists in greeting.
"First Elder," Mo Wentian, Bingqian, and Yang Qi greeted one after another.
"Daoist friend Withered Glory," the Ancestor of the Lei Family replied with a smile.
"Disciples pay our respects to the First Elder!" The crowd behind them, entirely composed of Azure Dragon Alliance disciples, chorused.
"This place is the Clan Territory established by the members of my Xu Clan."
Hearing this, Mo Wentian said, "So it turns out there were members of the Xu Family trapped in the Land of Imprisonment. No wonder you arrived early, First Elder."
Bingqian and the others also felt slight astonishment in their hearts.
Xu Chuan nodded. "Everyone, lead your disciples to set up camp and settle down nearby. After that, you may head out on your own. If enemies invade,
"The disciples of my Xu Clan will also join in to resist them together."
"We will follow the First Elder's arrangements," Mo Wentian agreed without objection.
Afterward, the members of the Azure Dragon Alliance began to busy themselves.
Mo Wentian and the others were invited into Dongxi to converse in the Council Hall.
"I saw traces of large hordes of Demonic Beasts passing by outside, yet it remains peaceful and tranquil in here. The First Elder's methods are truly formidable," Mo Wentian said with a smile.
"Grand Elder praises me too much."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Let this one first explain the current situation."
"Please do, First Elder." Bingqian and Yang Qi cupped their hands.
"Three days ago, the demonic cultivators of the Blackwater Region entered. Countless villages and cities were slaughtered. At almost the exact same time, a Demon Tide numbering in the millions surged out of the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
"Of course, not all of them are Demonic Beasts. True Demonic Beasts probably number around a million or so; the rest are driven Wild Beasts.
"Their intrusion has only added frost to snow in the Land of Imprisonment."
The group fell silent.
"Now, regarding the major factions here, there are a total of four main powers: three empires and one alliance. The three empires are Great Wei, Great Jin, and Great Liang.
"The alliance is the Immortal Martial Alliance.
"However, after the devastation brought by the demonic cultivators and the Demon Tide, they should all be completely destroyed by now."
The Ancestor of the Lei Family looked at Xu Chuan. "Daoist friend Withered Glory, my Lei Family's Ancestor's Ancient Classics recorded that there seems to be a branch of our Lei Family here. Do they still survive today?"
"Daoist friend Lei must be speaking of the Lei Family in Great Wei. According to the descendants of my Xu Family.
"More than a decade ago, someone in the Lei Family advanced to the Golden Core stage, truly making them a Golden Core Aristocratic Family.
"But with the fall of Great Wei, the Lei Family is likely near annihilation. Finding any surviving clan members will be very difficult.
"However, my Xu Family has taken in a few geniuses from the Lei Family.
"It was a transaction between my Xu Family and that Perfected Person Lei.
"If Daoist friend Lei wishes to bring them back to the Lei Family, you may take them with you."
"Geniuses?" The Ancestor of the Lei Family raised an eyebrow.
Xu Chuan chuckled. "I have seen a few of them. In this land, they can indeed be considered absolute geniuses, all possessing Earth Spirit Root Aptitudes.
"But in the Azure Dragon Prefecture, they can only be considered above average.
"With careful cultivation, they could reach the level of high-tier geniuses within our Azure Dragon Alliance.
"As for the Prodigy tier, that depends on whether your Lei Family is willing to pay the price to nurture them."
The Ancestor of the Lei Family nodded slightly, then sighed. "It is their blessing to receive the Xu Family's protection. This old man's strength is limited; whether I can return alive remains to be seen.
"If I can, hand them over to this old man after returning from the Ancient Battlefield.
"If I cannot, then let them decide for themselves.
"Whether they want to stay in the Xu Family or return to their roots in our Lei Family, let it be their own choice.
"However, could you take this old man to see them later? Just a glance from afar will suffice."
"Naturally."
A short while later.
Yang Qi asked, "First Elder, how do the major powers of this Land of Imprisonment fare? And what level is your Xu Family branch at?"
"The major powers only have one Golden Core cultivator each. The veteran Golden Core Aristocratic Families have a Mid-Stage Golden Core cultivator holding down the fort, while the rest are at the Early-Stage Golden Core.
"The Immortal Martial Alliance is led by my Xu Family, but unfortunately, my Xu Family can barely protect itself right now and cannot provide aid.
"As for my Xu Family's strength, it naturally ranks at the top."
"Sigh, the Great Tribulation is brutal. With so many Golden Core demonic cultivators and Third-Tier Demonic Beasts, it is already a rare feat for the First Elder to protect the Xu Family," Yang Qi sighed.
"By the way, regarding the Immortal Martial Alliance, I heard from my Xu Family descendants that the immortal and martial paths stand side by side here. Someone has created the path to the second realm of the Martial Dao.
"It is comparable to the Foundation Establishment stage, known as the Origin Martial Realm. Furthermore, it has been imparted to the world."
"Opening up the Martial Dao? Imparting it to the world?!" the group exclaimed in unison.
Mo Wentian was endlessly surprised. "Who possesses such astonishing Innate Talent?"
"That person has already fallen. It seems he attracted jealousy and died in the jaws of a Third-Tier Demonic Beast. It can truly be said that the heavens envied his brilliance.
"If he had survived until the Great Tribulation, this one would have done whatever it took to protect him."
Mo Wentian's eyes flashed slightly. "It is indeed a pity. But hearing the First Elder say that he imparted it to the world, wouldn't that mean the Xu Family has also mastered the method to break through to the Origin Martial Realm?"
"In the end, it is only the second realm of the Martial Dao, a trivial path. You gentlemen may take a look."
Xu Chuan was already prepared. With a wave of his Sleeve Robe, four jade slips flew out and landed in the hands of Mo Wentian and the other three.
They probed the jade slips with their Divine sense.
A moment later.
"The first realm of the Martial Dao, the Mortal-Shedding Realm, and the second realm, the Origin Martial Realm. This Martial Dao is somewhat different from what Mortals cultivate in Heavenly South.
"It looks extremely profound, possessing much of the True Intent of the body-tempering lineage."
Mo Wentian, being a Nascent Soul cultivator after all, had extraordinary foresight and saw through its essence at a glance.
"Fusing True Qi and Qi and Blood to form Yuan Power... a genius idea," Bingqian praised coldly. "To think that such a monstrous genius could be born in such a barren land.
"For him to fall so prematurely is truly a shame."
"Elder Bingqian, it is precisely because of this kind of place that the Martial Dao could be born," Mo Wentian said. "In Heavenly South and the Blackwater Region, everyone focuses primarily on Immortal Cultivation.
"How could it develop there? Who would bother pouring their heart into researching it?"
"What the Grand Elder says is entirely correct." Yang Qi nodded.
"This path has no small potential, but to develop it further, no one other than an unparalleled martial arts prodigy could forge the way ahead. For Heavenly South, it is merely a decorative addition.
"However, if some Mortals could practice it slightly, it would still be of some help to them."
Hearing this, Xu Chuan smiled. "These Martial Dao jade slips are a gift for you gentlemen. At the Immortal Martial Alliance Headquarters, this method is publicly carved onto stone steles for anyone to view.
"It is nothing much."
"Many thanks, First Elder (Daoist friend Withered Glory)," Mo Wentian and the others cupped their fists in gratitude.
Then, the Ancestor of the Lei Family asked, "Right, Daoist friend Withered Glory, you have been here for a few days. Have you seen any top-tier experts?"
"This one has only gone out occasionally, but there are many Late-Stage Golden Core cultivators, and even Golden Core Perfection demonic cultivators. Rumor has it that there is a demonic cultivator who controls multiple peak third-tier Blood Corpses.
"There is also someone who commands a hundred thousand Yin Soul Ghostly Creatures.
"This is a War of Two Domains, and it involves the Opportunities of the Ancient Battlefield. It is safe to assume that the Golden Core elders and Prodigies from the hegemonic powers of the Blackwater Region will all appear.
"The same goes for our Heavenly South.
"Since you gentlemen traveled with the main force, you should have seen them.
"Your opponents are not just the Golden Core demonic cultivators of the Blackwater Region. Conflicts might also arise on the Heavenly South side, leading to mutual slaughter."
Hearing this, Bingqian, Yang Qi, and the Ancestor of the Lei Family all nodded.
The Ancestor of the Lei Family said, "Daoist friend Withered Glory's words are reasonable. We will be careful."
The few of them then planned to leave.
"Grand Elder, please stay for a moment. This one has something to discuss with you."
Mo Wentian nodded.
The others immediately took their leave.
Xu Mingxian took the Ancestor of the Lei Family to view Lei Xiaoyun and the others from afar.
Afterward, he also left Dongxi.
Inside the Council Hall.
Only Xu Chuan and Mo Wentian remained.
"If the First Elder has a matter, please speak plainly."
Xu Chuan looked at Mo Wentian. "Grand Elder, are you intending to enter the Ancient Battlefield this time?"
"I do have an interest in going in to take a look."
"It is incomparably dangerous inside. Many at Golden Core Perfection enter for the sake of a Nascent Soul Formation Opportunity. But you have already reached Nascent Soul Formation, extending your lifespan by a thousand years. Moving forward, you only need to proceed step by step.
"Sooner or later, your Mo Family will naturally become a true Nascent Soul Noble Family."
"What is the First Elder implying?" Mo Wentian raised an eyebrow. "Could it be that you wish to persuade this old man against entering the Ancient Battlefield?"
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "This one wishes to use the final favor to ask Daoist friend to hold the fort in Dongxi. If you agree, I can inform you about certain matters regarding the Ancient Battlefield."
"First Elder, you actually know the situation inside?"
Mo Wentian was mildly astonished. He had previously asked other veteran Nascent Soul cultivators in the Northwest Region, but they had all been highly secretive about it.
"Since it is so perilous inside, are you still going to enter, First Elder?"
"This one naturally has reasons for entering."
"Then why do you not want me to enter?"
"Because the Azure Dragon Alliance currently cannot lack an expert of the Nascent Soul level holding down the fort. The Ancestor of the Lei Family wishes to risk everything because his lifespan limit is approaching, and the Lei Family still has Lei Wuji holding the fort, ensuring they have a successor.
"Bingqian and Yang Qi both belong to the Azure Dragon Alliance. Even if they perish, it will not be a massive detriment to the Alliance; other Golden Core cultivators within our ranks can simply replace their positions.
"Moreover, Grand Elder, you must consider your Mo Family. Your Mo Family has not yet truly grown strong. Once you unexpectedly fall...
"The Mo Family would likely decline within a few hundred years, perhaps even face extinction."
Xu Chuan was not fear-mongering; he was laying out the factual pros and cons plainly before Mo Wentian.
As for what he chose to do, the decision rested entirely in his own hands.
"If Daoist friend Mo agrees, it will benefit both the Azure Dragon Alliance and the Mo Family. It will also settle the karma of the transaction we originally made.
"You should know that as my Xu Family grows stronger, if you miss this chance to cash in your final strike, there might never be another opportunity to redeem it."
Mo Wentian lowered his head in deep thought.
He knew that despite everything Xu Chuan said, the ultimate goal was simply to have him watch over the house.
However, since the other party brought it up, it meant that the inside was truly extremely dangerous, and with his current strength, there was a significant chance he might fall.
And his death would inevitably have a certain impact on the Xu Family.
Only Xu Chuan from the Xu Family had joined the Azure Dragon Alliance, serving as the First Elder who held absolute power. It was obvious that he didn't want the Xu Family to be tied too closely to the Azure Dragon Alliance.
If Mo Wentian died, then Moyue, a Tier 4 Shapeshifting Great Demon, would have to take over and watch over the Azure Dragon Alliance to defend against external risks.
Additionally, Xu Chuan would also have to divide a portion of his energy to manage things.
After deliberating for a moment, Mo Wentian gave a bitter smile. "I still couldn't escape your calculations, First Elder. Forget it, this old man has just formed his Nascent Soul.
"My foundation is shallow; there really is no need to engage in life-and-death struggles right now.
"But five hundred years from now, I do not want to miss it."
"That is natural. After this time, the karma between you and me will be fully settled."
Mo Wentian nodded, chuckling. "Earlier, the First Elder mentioned intelligence regarding the Ancient Battlefield..."
"Inside, Ghostly Creatures, demon entities, and demonic beings run rampant. The most numerous are monsters called 'Chi'. They possess Early-Stage Golden Core strength but lack intelligence, killing purely on instinct.
"These monsters typically appear in swarms.
"The stronger your cultivation, the more of them you will attract.
"These monsters are extremely peculiar; they can only be killed by Divine Abilities. Even High-Grade Magic Treasures and Top-Tier Magic Treasures can at most injure them if they do not carry the intent of a Divine Ability.
"And because they lack intelligence, Spiritual Sense Attacks and the like are nearly useless against them.
"Their physical bodies are not weak either, comparable to Third-Tier Demonic Beasts.
"As for the other Ghostly Creatures and demon entities, they might appear at the Mid-Stage, Late-Stage, or Perfection Golden Core levels, and there is even a possibility of encountering ones comparable to the Early, Mid, or Late Stages of the Nascent Soul realm."
Mo Wentian's expression changed upon hearing this. "If one lacks a powerful offensive Divine Ability, wouldn't it be ten deaths and no life?"
"The weaker your strength, the higher your chances of surviving inside. Of course, if you are too weak, such as at the Qi Refining Stage, although you won't attract 'Chi', you probably wouldn't survive in that treacherous environment anyway.
"Foundation Establishment cultivators also struggle to move a single step. Very few are able to obtain any Opportunities.
"This is exactly why, despite knowing there are great Opportunities inside, those Grand Cultivators at the Mid-Stage and Late-Stage Nascent Soul realms refuse to enter.
"Even they face the risk of perishing.
"If too many fall and the balance between the two domains is shattered, a true war between the two regions would probably erupt in an instant.
"It would no longer be like this—a minor skirmish confined to a single location."
"Compared to other Nascent Soul cultivators, my foundation in Divine Abilities is indeed too shallow." Mo Wentian sighed slightly, then cupped his fists. "Many thanks to the First Elder for informing me of this.
"Once the Ancient Battlefield opens, I will certainly keep my promise and guard this place, ensuring the Xu Family branch remains unharmed."
"I will trouble you then."
Afterward, Mo Wentian departed Dongxi to settle down outside.
The next day.
Bingqian, the Ancestor of the Lei Family, and Yang Qi departed to roam the surroundings.
The Azure Dragon Alliance disciples also left one after another.
Very few Foundation Establishment cultivators remained outside Dongxi.
In Xu Chuan's eyes, Foundation Establishment cultivators were purely sacrificial offerings; only Golden Cores were fit to traverse this land.
He summoned Xu Mingwei, Xu Deling, and all the other Golden Core cultivators to the Jade Cold Pool.
"I called you all here today to ask if any of you wish to go out and temper yourselves. Though there are substantial risks, it is also an excellent Opportunity."
"Then what about you, Father?"
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "I will monitor the situation. Ordinarily, I will just hold the fort within the clan.
"If any of you fall into danger, send a message to me. With my Great Accomplishment Evasion Divine Abilities, I can reach anywhere within seven or eight minutes."
"Then I will go." Xu Mingwei thought for a moment before replying, "I also wish to exchange blows with those Peak Third-Tier beings and the top Prodigies of Blackwater and Heavenly South."
Xu Chuan nodded. "When the time comes, declare yourselves under the name of the Cloudstream Xu Family of the Azure Dragon Prefecture."
"I understand."
"Grandfather, I will go as well," Xu Deling declared.
"Honored Master, there's me too," Ye Fan added. "The Battle Intent Divine Ability is comprehended much faster during combat. Currently, my War Intent has only reached Minor Success.
"If I wish to reach Great Accomplishment as soon as possible, it is essential to constantly exchange blows with powerful experts to temper myself."
"I will go together with my husband."
Xu Deyue held Ye Fan's hand, smiling radiantly.
"Approved," Xu Chuan said, then looked toward the others. "Is there anyone else?"
Xu Mingyuan pondered. "Although I also want to, what is more important for me right now is to comprehend the path of Talismans."
"Honored Master, I need to cultivate my Secret Method, so I will not be going out." Mei Yun chuckled.
"You're just plain lazy!" Xu Chuan scolded with a laugh.
"Father, I want to go on a journey as well," Xu Mingshu spoke up. "I plan to bring Ah Ying along. Even if I encounter danger, with Ah Ying around, ordinary Golden Core Perfection cultivators won't be able to catch me."
Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingqing, and the others all indicated that they would not be going out.
"Then it is decided," Xu Chuan said. "Oh right, there is one more thing. Black Cloud wishes to join my Xu Family. Who among you is willing to take it as a Spirit Pet?
"Although its combat strength is not great, it is quite adept at concealing its aura and fleeing."
Black Cloud looked at everyone with an expression of anticipation.
They looked at each other.
A moment later, Xu Mingxuan offered, "Then let it become my Spirit Pet."
"Does anyone else have an objection?"
Xu Mingwei smiled faintly. "Mingxuan has first-rate defenses, but his escaping ability is lacking. Black Cloud is indeed suitable for him."
Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingyuan and the rest again, but none of them voiced any disagreement.
"Then it is settled." Xu Chuan looked at the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard. "From now on, you will follow Mingxuan. Protect him well. I shall reward you with this Demonic Spirit Pill refined from a mid-third-tier snow leopard."
"Many thanks to the Ancestor."
The Black Cloud Spirit Leopard opened its mouth and swallowed it, enjoying the pill with absolute delight.
Moyue folded his arms across his chest and chuckled. "You have quite the eye, Little Leopard. This is a wise choice.
"Although your potential is limited and you will never reach my heights.
"By following the Xu Family, reaching the Late-Stage of the Third-Tier, or even the Peak Third-Tier, is still entirely possible."
"Many thanks to Boss Moyue for guiding this little leopard."
"Alright, those who wish to head out may leave now. The fighting and slaughtering will only last for six or seven days."
"Yes."
Xu Mingwei and the others immediately cupped their fists and departed.
Mei Yun and Xu Mingyuan both went into secluded cultivation.
In the blink of an eye.
Only Xu Chuan, Moyue, and Xu Mingxian were left at the Jade Cold Pool.
Moyue sized up his surroundings. "I must say, having not been here for so long, this place actually feels quite endearing."
He took out a lounge chair and lay on it, completely relaxed and carefree.
Then, he looked toward Xu Mingxian. "Kid Mingxian, why aren't you going out for a walk? Your combat strength isn't weak, either."
"The Way of Formations triumphs through steady accumulation leading to sudden breakthroughs. My current attainment in the battle array path is at best comparable to Mid-Stage Golden Core combat strength.
"But if I can form a Third-Tier Battle Array with a single thought.
"A Battle Array is somewhat inferior compared to a complete Tier 3 Low-Grade formation, but it still isn't something a Late-Stage Golden Core strike can easily shatter.
"At that time, Confinement Formations, Illusory Arrays, bewildering traps, killing arrays, and so on will all condense instantly.
"Even a Golden Core Perfection expert can be handled easily."
"That path is indeed terrifying. So how much longer do you need?"
"Give me another twenty years or so, and I should have hope of succeeding."
"Tsk!" Moyue was dumbfounded upon hearing that. He waved his hand dismissively. "I thought you were close!"
Xu Mingxian merely smiled in amusement, not bothering to argue with him.
Twenty-odd years was already incredibly fast.
After all, that was a Third-Tier Battle Array, and one that could condense in the blink of an eye. One could easily imagine how terrifying it would be.
This estimation was only possible because he had recently gained insights from comprehending the "Nine Marvelous Spiritual Restrictions".
Under normal circumstances, achieving it in sixty to seventy years would already be considered impressive!
His current deduction of the Battle Array had only reached the Tier 2 High-Grade.
Above that was the peak of Tier 2.
If he could reach the peak of Tier 2, and his True Intent of the Formation Dao reached Great Accomplishment, the power would also be comparable to a Third-Tier Battle Array.
Xu Chuan continued practicing Alchemy.
After refining a few cauldrons of pills, he would spend the remaining time comprehending Divine Abilities.
Xu Mingwei traveled all the way toward Great Wei.
With Moyue holding the fort in Dongxi, their safety was basically guaranteed, which allowed him to act without any constraints.
Everything he saw along the way was completely devastated.
Villages had been reduced to ruins, and towns were nothing but broken walls. Blood soaked the earth, corpses could be seen everywhere, and what was most prevalent were the wildly wandering Demonic Beasts searching for humans to devour.
Xu Mingwei was not a savior; he could not save everyone. However, whenever he encountered a large-scale horde of Demonic Beasts, or sensed a powerful Demonic Beast slaughtering a gathering place of survivors, he would stop.
Every time his Treasure Flood Dragon Bow twanged, it was accompanied by the blooming of demonic blood.
His archery had already reached a state of perfection. Ordinary Demonic Beasts were simply not worth him using the Nine Origin Heavenly Star Arrow.
By merely condensing dozens to over a hundred arrows made of Mana, he could effortlessly obliterate swarms of Demonic Beasts.
Continuing forward.
Several hours later.
He arrived at the Great Wei Imperial City.
When he saw the silhouette of the Great Wei Imperial City from afar, his brows furrowed slightly.
This once majestic city now had its City Protection Great Formation thoroughly shattered. Multiple sections of the city walls had collapsed. Flames flickered everywhere inside, thick smoke billowed into the sky, and demonic energy surged upwards. It was obvious that the city had fallen a long time ago.
"To think there are actually Third-Tier Demonic Beasts lingering here."
Xu Mingwei murmured.
Throughout his entire journey, he hadn't bumped into a single Third-Tier Demonic Beast.
Changing his mind, he immediately dashed toward the Great Liang Imperial Palace.
Halfway there, he patted the high-grade Storage Pouch at his waist. A Copper Bell flew out, expanding rapidly against the wind until it hovered right above his head.
"Clang—!"
A clear, melodious toll of the bell echoed in all directions!
Xu Mingwei possessed the Swift Wind Chasing Lightning talent. Although he was only at the Early-Stage Golden Core, his speed was absolutely not inferior to a Golden Core Perfection cultivator in the slightest.
Now that his Mana had been elevated to the level of a Late-Stage Golden Core, his speed was even faster.
In just a brief moment.
He arrived at the periphery of the imperial palace.
"Swish!"
A blazing white, dazzling Geng Metal Arrow tore through the sky, shooting with peerless precision right into the head of a Red Flame Flying Lizard. It pierced cleanly through its skull and exploded with a bang!
A Third-Tier Early Stage Demonic Beast actually perished on the spot.
The other three Third-Tier Demonic Beasts were simultaneously jolted awake. Pairs of multi-colored pupils locked tightly onto Xu Mingwei as they roared furiously at him.
Their startling roars rippled outward like shockwaves.
The massive abdomen of a One-Horned Ghost-Faced Spider bulged, and a pitch-black poisonous web covering an area of over three hundred square meters cast over Xu Mingwei, accompanied by a foul wind.
A Golden-Eyed Iron-Backed Ape and a Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard attacked from both sides.
Xu Mingwei dodged the attacks from the One-Horned Ghost-Faced Spider and the Golden-Eyed Iron-Backed Ape, but he was struck by the sharp claws of the Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard.
Clang~
Fortunately, he had deployed the defensive Light Screen of his Origin-Stabilizing Bell early on.
Otherwise, those sharp claws would have been enough to tear off one of Xu Mingwei's arms.
"What fast speed. This Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard actually reached the Late-Stage of the Third-Tier. Combined with its innate lightning talent, no wonder even I was almost caught off guard."
But now that Xu Mingwei was prepared, it wouldn't be so easy for the Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard to strike him again.
He continuously dodged in mid-air, his pale golden pupils constantly tracking the movements of the three Demonic Beasts.
The moment an opportunity presented itself, he would immediately draw his bow and loose an arrow.
Even while evading, he could shoot with perfect stability.
It was as if he and his bow had completely merged into one.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Three consecutive arrows!
The One-Horned Ghost-Faced Spider was heavily injured directly, collapsing to the ground on its last breath.
The Golden-Eyed Iron-Backed Ape roared, hammering its arms forward.
With a flip, Xu Mingwei easily dodged it, then fired another arrow to finish off the One-Horned Ghost-Faced Spider.
After it died, the Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard summoned many avian Demonic Beasts to besiege Xu Mingwei, while it concealed its own aura, preparing for a sneak attack.
However, crowd tactics were utterly useless against him.
He had long since comprehended mass-attack methods in the Dao of the Arrow. Condensing hundreds to thousands of arrows, two swift volleys were enough to slaughter almost all of the densely packed demonic birds.
An incense stick's time later.
Xu Mingwei slew the Golden-Eyed Iron-Backed Ape and could finally focus solely on dealing with the Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard.
The Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard's strength was not weak, and its speed was incredibly fast. Unfortunately, Xu Mingwei's speed was not slower than its own, and the speed of his arrows far exceeded it.
In just a short moment.
Its abdomen was cleanly pierced by a fire-attribute Arrow.
The Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard finally felt fear. Completely ignoring its injuries, it fled frantically into the distance with everything it had.
After fleeing for tens of kilometers.
All of a sudden.
"Ring—!"
A clear sword ring, as resounding as a dragon's cry, abruptly echoed from high in the sky!
The very next moment.
A streak of purple lightning sword light descended.
The timing of that sword light's appearance was flawless to the absolute peak. The Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard's attention was completely pinned by Xu Mingwei, so it didn't notice the incoming crisis from above at all.
"Slash!"
The Purple-Patterned Thunder Leopard was immediately decapitated on the spot.