Chapter 204: Divine Consciousness Shows Its Might, Mingshu Returns, A Family Full of Actors

Among the eleven Foundation Establishment demon beasts, only two were at second layer of Foundation Establishment.

Ren Xiaoyao and Zhou Qingfang's pair were the first group to kill a demon beast.

However, their strength ranked at the bottom among the many Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Most of the others had reached second layer of Foundation Establishment peak, or were stuck at third layer of Foundation Establishment.

"Two Fellow Daoists, your timing is perfect. This Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle is too rampant. Let's join forces to surround and kill it."

The Feng family Old Ancestor saw Ren Xiaoyao and Zhou Qingfang approaching and immediately spoke.

The two exchanged glances and without much hesitation, stepped forward to help.

Ren Xiaoyao stared at the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle.

He saw that each of its feathers was like black iron repeatedly tempered by thunder, presenting a deep purple-black color throughout, yet the edges of the feathers flowed with piercing silver-white electric light.

Its tail feathers had three long purple crystal feathers about a zhang in length, faintly coiled with purple electric arcs.

Its eyes were two piercingly brilliant golden orbs. When the pupils contracted, they were as sharp as needle points; when expanded, they transformed into vertical pupils covered with lightning patterns.

Its pair of eagle talons were cast from refined steel, the talon tips emanating a dark blue cold light, with thunder patterns naturally inscribed on their surface.

They could easily pierce through superior-grade defensive magical artifacts and could also withstand Foundation Establishment cultivators' top-tier magical artifacts.

After observing for a while, Ren Xiaoyao noticed the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle's flight trajectory had no pattern at all. Sometimes it leaped like lightning, other times leaving afterimages in the air.

The Feng family Old Ancestor and the others' encirclement often could only strike scattered thunder light.

"We five will each block off one of its routes."

The Dongguo Old Ancestor's hoarse voice had just fallen when a gust of bloody wind qi rose around him. His withered ten fingers clawed toward the void like eagle talons.

Instantly, five blood-colored chains condensed, wrapping toward the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle's wing roots like living creatures.

"Everyone attack! This spell of mine can trap it for at most two or three breaths!" The Feng family Old Ancestor's forehead veins bulged as he said through gritted teeth.

The Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle screeched sharply, its wings suddenly spreading. The thunder light bursting from between its feathers made the blood-colored chains sizzle.

However, before it could break free, Zhou Qingfang had already closed in!

His left hand's Profound Ink Peak crashed down with a rumble. The pitch-black mountain shadow carried ten thousand jun of force pressing toward the eagle's head, forcing the thunder eagle to dive and evade.

His right hand's Azure Wood Sword silently traced an arc of light. Sword qi grew wild like vines, viciously slashing toward its wings.

"Swoosh!"

Ren Xiaoyao's Five Spirits Casket unfolded again, deploying the Five Elements Sword Array to coordinate with Zhou Qingfang's attack on its abdomen.

From the Dongguo Old Ancestor's sleeve flew a rust-spotted bronze nail that transformed into a blue light shooting straight for its brow.

Another person, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Tongshan Commandery's Qin family, also cast ice-element spells, wanting to slow the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle's movements.

"Screech!"

It cried out sharply, also sensing the crisis.

The next moment.

Its feathers stood on end. The purple crystal feathers burst with dazzling purple intent. Combined with the electric arcs around its body, they actually formed a layer of lightning thorn-like defensive barrier.

Not only did it break the blood-colored chains, even the ice on its feathers turned to dust.

As for Zhou Qingfang and Ren Xiaoyao's attacks, they all struck the lightning barrier. The two sides were at a stalemate, unable to break through.

"Screech~"

The Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle flapped its wings and cried out again.

The lightning barrier exploded, shocking all the magical artifacts away. A shockwave even sent all five people flying backward.

Electric light flashed. Sharp talons suddenly appeared above the Feng family Old Ancestor.

From the Feng family Old Ancestor's sleeve flew a fine-quality shield.

Sizzle sizzle~

The shield's surface was immediately scratched with several marks. Ten thousand sparks burst forth. Then the Feng family Old Ancestor was also sent flying far away by this strike.

It was as if the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle had been toying with them before.

Only now was it truly unleashing its full power.

The silver-white electric light on its feather surface was now tinged with purple.

Seeing this, everyone's expressions changed drastically. They again drove their top-tier magical artifacts to attack, but with its speed, it continuously dodged.

Boom~

Another claw sent the Qin family Foundation Establishment cultivator flying. After the violent impact, a trace of sweetness surged in his throat, but he swallowed it back down.

The Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle then attacked Zhou Qingfang. Fortunately, his Profound Ink Peak was quite formidable. It suddenly expanded to five or six zhang in size and directly met the attack.

Where they collided, sparks flew, but it was the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle that was knocked back.

Ren Xiaoyao and the Dongguo Old Ancestor seized the opportunity, driving their magical artifacts to viciously slash at its feathers. But they only cut off a few feathers and sent it flying.

They didn't cause it any major harm at all.

"Unless we attack the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle's vital points, only Foundation Establishment middle stage and above can break through its defense head-on." The Feng family Old Ancestor transmitted to the five.

The Qin family Foundation Establishment cultivator said, "Then let's stalemate first and rely on numbers to surround and kill it!"

The Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle's speed far exceeded everyone present. Its defense was no less than the Foundation Establishment middle stage White Scale Flood Dragon's. Combined with that power-amplifying purple lightning,

Foundation Establishment early stage cultivators facing it alone would probably have a nine-in-ten chance of death.

Fierce battles raged at the Foundation Establishment demon beast locations.

Qi Refining cultivators also fought the endless stream of demon beasts.

Each family suffered casualties.

The Xu family was alright. Xu Mingwei and the others watched over them, avoiding deaths as much as possible. But if this continued endlessly and magical power gradually decreased,

Everyone would face danger.

The four Demon Flame Bandits observed from a distance, not daring to approach.

Leng Mu licked the corner of his mouth and said sinisterly, "This scene is truly spectacular. I can't help wanting to go up and slaughter.

Boss, those Foundation Establishment demon beast corpses are all wealth. How about we..."

Blood Ming coldly swept a glance, "Don't create complications. First circle around into the Cangwu Mountain Range to see if there are suitable mountain formations on the map."

"Alright, we'll listen to big brother."

…

"Ren has a secret technique that can cause it to fall into chaos for a moment. Perhaps we can kill it."

The Qin family Foundation Establishment cultivator originally planned to wait for other Foundation Establishment battles to end before reinforcements arrived. Hearing Ren Xiaoyao's words, he couldn't help but say in surprise, "I heard Daoist Ren established foundation only a few years ago, yet you have such a secret technique?"

"Are you Fellow Daoists willing to try?"

The Feng family Old Ancestor and Dongguo Old Ancestor looked at each other, then nodded.

"Everyone, strike with full force. The opportunity will be fleeting!" Ren Xiaoyao said.

What he relied on was naturally divine consciousness superior to others and divine consciousness attack techniques.

A point of silver light at his brow sparked like a star.

His vast divine consciousness condensed into a spike that silently penetrated the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle's sea of consciousness in an instant.

At this moment, it was about to spread its wings and soar, but suddenly its form froze, as if seized by an invisible hand.

The thunder eagle let out a piercing shriek. The thunder rings in its eyes twisted violently. The purple lightning between its feathers also scattered in chaos—

It could defend against top-tier magical artifacts and spell attacks, but it had no means to defend against divine consciousness attacks.

In that instant, the others all realized it was a divine consciousness attack technique.

Such secret techniques were rare. Not just anyone had the chance to learn them.

But they also understood this wasn't the time to delve deeply. Each launched their previous full-force strike again, aiming at the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle's weak points like its abdomen, brow, and throat.

At this time, its sea of consciousness was wounded. For a short time, it couldn't deploy the purple lightning barrier again. Even its flight had slowed considerably.

Swish swish swish~

In an instant, the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle's abdomen was pierced by Zhou Qingfang's Azure Wood Sword. Its brow was also penetrated by the bronze nail. Its throat bone was severed.

The massive eagle corpse crashed thunderously to the ground.

The Qin family Foundation Establishment cultivator's lips curved in a smile. He and the others landed around its corpse.

Everyone's faces were slightly pale, showing their consumption wasn't small either.

The Qin family Foundation Establishment cultivator cupped his hands, "Thanks to you Fellow Daoists' assistance, we could kill this beast. Otherwise, with its speed, it might have actually escaped."

The Feng family Old Ancestor said, "It's still thanks to Daoist Ren's divine consciousness attack technique. I didn't expect that though you just advanced to Foundation Establishment, your divine consciousness power is actually quite strong."

"Just a small fortunate encounter," Ren Xiaoyao said.

The Qin family Foundation Establishment cultivator very skillfully sealed the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle's essence spirit, extracted its inner core, then collected the corpse.

"You Fellow Daoists all contributed to killing the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle. If you need materials from this demon beast, feel free to speak. You can also exchange for other demon beast materials."

The Dongguo Old Ancestor said, "Let's discuss this after the battle. First recover some magical power, then go help the others and quickly end this beast tide.

Even if we can hold on, the disciples of each family can't hold on much longer."

The others all nodded.

The five all sat cross-legged. Suddenly a pill fragrance permeated. They saw Ren Xiaoyao take out an Azure Spirit Pill and immediately consume it.

The Qin family Foundation Establishment cultivator looked closely, somewhat incredulously saying, "Superior-grade Azure Spirit Pill?!"

Ren Xiaoyao replied calmly, "My Grand Elder knew this beast tide would inevitably be brutal, so before coming, he gave me several superior-grade Azure Spirit Pills to prevent magical power depletion."

After consuming it, his magical power rapidly recovered twenty percent. The rest would require time to slowly recover.

Only superior-grade Azure Spirit Pills had such efficacy.

Lower-grade ones could at most rapidly recover half a percent.

After thinking, Ren Xiaoyao took out a pill and tossed it to Zhou Qingfang, "Daoist Zhou, I see you don't seem to have this type of pill. This is a middle-grade Azure Spirit Pill. Consume it."

"How can I accept this."

"Our two families need not be polite. If you hadn't come to notify us, my Xu family wouldn't even know about the beast tide."

Zhou Qingfang smiled slightly and no longer declined, consuming the pill to meditate.

The others were envious but too embarrassed to ask. After all, they had no relationship with the Xu family.

Moreover, they also had pills in hand, just lower-grade Azure Spirit Pills.

The Qin family Foundation Establishment cultivator said, "The Xu family Grand Elder is worthy of being a former Dan Hall elder. Refining such superior-grade pills poses no difficulty for him at all."

Hearing this, the Feng family Old Ancestor and Dongguo Old Ancestor were both slightly shocked.

They also instantly understood why that Xu family could rise so quickly.

After the time to drink a cup of tea.

The group rose and left.

At this time, most of the Foundation Establishment demon beasts had already been slain.

Only three demon beasts remained: the White Scale Flood Dragon, Vajra Violent Ape, and Blood Python Tiger.

The White Scale Flood Dragon possessed decent flood dragon bloodline. If it could advance to third-rank, its bloodline could further purify, perhaps even transforming into a true white flood dragon.

But unfortunately, it was now at the end of its rope.

The Vajra Violent Ape was the same. Its defensive power was even slightly stronger than the White Scale Flood Dragon's. Its offensive power was even more terrifying. At this time, it was still in a berserk state.

If there were only three or four Foundation Establishment early stage cultivators, they fundamentally couldn't stop it.

Ren Xiaoyao, Zhou Qingfang, and the others saw the final three battlefields and immediately decided to first join forces to resolve one location.

They all attacked the White Scale Flood Dragon together.

In just over a dozen breaths, the White Scale Flood Dragon perished on the spot.

Then came the Vajra Violent Ape.

Finally, numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators surrounded the Blood Python Tiger. Quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators had consumed considerable magical power and only blocked from the outside.

Those truly attacking numbered only about twenty.

Even though the Blood Python Tiger erupted, its entire body burning with blood flames, its majesty overwhelming, it still couldn’t withstand this overwhelming momentum and met its demise here.

Without the intimidation of Foundation Establishment demon beasts, the Qi Refining demon beasts all scattered and fled. Many ran back to the Cangwu Mountain Range.

Cultivators from each family all breathed a sigh of relief. Their magical power was nearly depleted.

Among them, many were severely injured. Some even had limbs bitten off by demon beasts.

"Those who came to assist, bring nearby injured cultivators and martial artists back to the city for treatment. Tongshan Commandery families clean up the battlefield, collect resources for subsequent unified allocation and distribution.

Those with remaining strength can pursue the scattered demon beasts.

What they obtain belongs to themselves."

Cao Jinming's voice resounded above Tongshan Commandery's city outskirts.

Many cultivators were tempted, but considering their own conditions, ultimately returned to the commandery city to recuperate.

"Mingxuan, take them back to the city. Mingyuan, Mingxian, let's hunt a few more demon beasts." Xu Mingwei immediately decided.

The two nodded.

The three directly consumed two superior-grade Recovery Pills, then departed separately.

Seeing Xu Mingwei and the others leave in the distance, Xu Mingxuan swept his gaze over everyone.

Seeing two innate squads, one grandmaster, and one cultivator squad had died, his eyes dimmed slightly. He sighed and said, "You all follow me back to the city. Those who need healing, heal. Those who need quiet cultivation, cultivate."

"Yes."

All the Xu family members cupped their hands, their faces all grave.

In one beast tide, Tongshan Commandery alone saw thousands of martial artists die. Commoners who died were countless.

Among the families that came, only the Xu family had the convenience of a dharma boat and brought martial artists. The others who came were all cultivators.

However, in terms of cultivator casualties, the Xu family had the fewest.

Others had at least seven or eight deaths, some over a dozen.

This was a great battle and also tempering. Those who survived would definitely be granted resources by their families and focused cultivation.

"Mingqing, what's wrong? Aren't you happy to have survived?" Xu Mingxuan said.

"War is too cruel."

"It's not that war is too cruel. It's that Father and Elder Brother have protected the Xu family too well. When I was your age, I was conscripted into the army.

I witnessed even more cruel wars.

Mingqing, I don't know if it's fortunate or unfortunate that you're born in this era of the Xu family."

"Why does Third Brother say this?"

"The Xu family has developed to this point and can no longer quietly remain in rural lands like before. Back then, the Xu family basically wouldn't encounter any danger.

We only needed to keep developing and accumulating foundation but now, we've already entered the vision of Great Wei's major families. Keeping a low profile is impossible.

To strengthen our power and arm ourselves, both the number of cultivators and martial artists in the clan must continuously increase.

Although various cultivation resources aren't lacking temporarily, to avoid sitting idle and consuming our reserves, we can only continue forward, competing for all types of resources.

Sometimes struggles can be avoided, but sometimes they cannot be avoided and we can only fight.

Life and death, no retreat!"

Xu Mingxuan raised his head to look at the blood-red setting sun and said calmly, "Father brought most of the Xu family's elite this time precisely to have you experience the tempering of blood and fire.

To prepare you for the future."

"Third Brother, Mingqing will cultivate well and protect the Xu family in the future!"

Xu Mingxuan patted his head and smiled, "Third Brother believes in you. After all, you're our family's little genius."

…

Nightfall.

Xu Mingwei and the other two returned. Each had killed at least three or four mid to late stage demon beasts, enough to forge quite a few middle and superior-grade magical artifacts.

Besides this, they also brought back Xu Mingshu.

Xu Mingshu had been traveling abroad. Hearing about the Tongshan Commandery beast tide, she came to take a look. As a result, she encountered Xu Mingwei and immediately followed him to Tongshan Commandery city.

Xu Mingxuan was quite surprised, "Mingshu, why are you here?"

"Just happened to meet, so I brought her back together." Xu Mingwei said calmly.

Xu Mingxuan nodded, "Miss home? Traveling for over a year, you haven't changed much in appearance. Any interesting stories to share?"

Xu Mingshu pursed her lips, "What interesting stories? Does being chased by families count?"

"Oh, and I also killed a few rogue cultivators who coveted me."

"Fourth Sister, which family dares chase you? Mingqing will help you take revenge. Most of the families came to Tongshan Commandery for this beast tide."

"Mingqing, don't mess around. The beast tide just ended. If you go cause trouble at their door, even if you're right, it becomes wrong." Xu Mingyuan said. "However, we Xu family members aren't easy to bully. Tell us which family it is."

"Taishu family." After hesitating, Xu Mingshu finally said.

Xu Mingwei's brow furrowed, "Third-rank family, Black Flame Taishu?"

"That's right. I heard Qiyun Commandery had special ores, so I went to take a look. As a result, I encountered Taishu family cultivators who pestered me.

Originally I didn't want to cause more trouble, but they actually wanted to capture me, seal my magical power, and make me submit. I couldn't tolerate it and killed them all.

Later I was chased for quite a while. I entered the mountain range and escaped."

Xu Mingshu said huffily, then suddenly continued, "But it also brought me a blessing in disguise. I found a spirit iron mine in the mountain range."

"Spirit iron mine?" Xu Mingyuan's eyes lit up.

"It's Black Cloud Spirit Iron. The scale isn't large. A small portion was devoured by Iron-Devouring Flying Ants, which then caused them to lay eggs. Now they number two or three thousand.

Then I traded a third of the Black Cloud Spirit Iron. The rest I had them help me mine out, planning to bring it back for Ling'er to forge artifacts with."

Xu Mingshu continued, "I have to say, Iron-Devouring Flying Ants mine spirit iron really fast. They can also remove impurities, only spitting out pure spirit iron."

Xu Mingwei's lips curved slightly, "This is their talent. Even if we cultivators went to mine spirit iron, it would be extremely laborious.

Even a small vein would take two or three years."

"Everyone rest tonight. The return journey will probably take another two or three days. You can take time to stroll around the city." Xu Mingyuan said.

The next day, Xu Mingshu took Xu Mingqing shopping.

The beast tide had just receded. The city had lost its heavy atmosphere from the previous days and recovered its former prosperity and liveliness.

Later they ate at the city's famous Bamboo Grove.

After eating, they strolled along the corridor, admiring the garden scenery of this place.

"Eat what you should eat, drink what you should drink. Life is carefree and happy." Xu Mingshu said with a light smile.

"Fourth Sister, you've been traveling so long, you must have been to many places and eaten lots of delicious food." Xu Mingqing stopped walking and turned to look at her.

"Naturally."

"I want to travel Great Wei in the future, even travel outside Great Wei!"

"Ambitious. However, to go outside Great Wei, wait until after you establish foundation. Qi Refining stage is really too dangerous." Xu Mingshu's eyelashes trembled lightly. Her eyes curved into crescents.

"I know, Fourth Sister. I'll definitely successfully establish foundation in the future." Xu Mingqing's eyes were full of brightness.

"What a joke."

Suddenly, a sharp and mocking laugh rang out.

The voice carried unconcealed contempt, like a cold pebble thrown into calm water.

Not far away, along the winding corridor, five or six young men and women in brocade robes were leisurely approaching.

The leader was about twenty-five or twenty-six, with a face that could be called handsome, but the deliberately raised arcs at his eye corners and brows, plus the mockery at his lips that he didn’t bother to conceal, made him appear somewhat harsh.

He toyed with a jade-bone folding fan in his hand. His gait was casual and leisurely, as if the ground beneath his feet was naturally meant for him to walk on.

The men and women behind him were of similar age. Their faces either wore the same mockery or the leisure of watching a show. Their gazes swept over Xu Mingshu and the other like examining novel objects, unbridled.

"If Foundation Establishment could be achieved just by saying a few sentences, wouldn't Foundation Establishment cultivators be everywhere?" the leader said.

Xu Mingqing looked at him, sensing his seventh layer of Qi Refining cultivation, and said disdainfully, "No need for someone like you to judge!

Moreover, you don't even dare say it.

You'll probably stop at Qi Refining."

"What did you say?!" The leader's chest heaved. His finger joints turned slightly white from clenching. His throat bobbed, almost breaking through his clenched teeth.

"What, did I hit a sore spot?" Xu Mingqing's voice wasn't loud, but carried a tone of seeing through everything.

"Looking at you becoming angry from embarrassment... It seems, even if you truly had a Foundation Establishment opportunity, those high and mighty elders of yours might not be willing to waste it on someone like you."

Once these words fell, it was like dropping a bit of water into boiling oil!

"Outrageous!"

"Arrogant little thief!"

The men and women beside the youth instantly exploded, all sternly rebuking. Their spiritual power fluctuations showed anger.

The youth's face first drained of all color "whoosh," then was flushed purple by surging fury!

"No one has ever dared slander our Taishu family like this. Which family disciple are you? If you have guts, announce your name!" a purple-robed woman with arrogant eyes shouted severely.

Her face was iron blue, clearly also enraged by Xu Mingqing's naked insult and provocation.

"Why should I tell you? So what if it's the Taishu family?"

Xu Mingshu was somewhat surprised. She didn't expect that coming out to eat a meal, she'd actually encounter Taishu family people.

"Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit. Yuan cousin, teach him a lesson!" the purple-robed woman said.

"Want to attack? Don't have others do it for you. Rest assured, even if you're a woman, I won't hold back." Xu Mingqing mocked.

"A mere fourth layer of Qi Refining dares speak to me like this. If you have ability, don't let the red-robed woman beside you attack," the purple-robed woman said.

"Rest assured, you're not worthy of having my Fourth Sister attack."

Just at this critical moment, the leader Taishu Yuan suddenly calmed down and said, "Hearing our Taishu family's name in various commandery cities and still showing such disrespect, which third-rank family disciple are you?

Liu family? Qin family, or someone from the prince's residence?"

"None of them. Yuehu Commandery, Dongxi Xu clan!"

"The Xu family where Arrow Demon Xu Mingwei is!"

The people beside him were like having cold water poured over them. They immediately calmed down, revealing surprised expressions.

Although the Xu family was a newly advanced family, before officially advancing, they destroyed a Foundation Establishment family. In just a few years, two Foundation Establishment cultivators emerged successively.

Their momentum was fierce. Many families said they had third-rank potential.

"Rest assured, I won't stoop to having my eldest brother help me get ahead!" Xu Mingqing said.

"Don't get too cocky. So what if it's the Xu family? In terms of strength and foundation, you're far inferior to our Taishu family."

"But can you few represent the Taishu family?"

Taishu Yuan, the purple-robed woman, and the others' faces flushed red again, quite angered.

Among those present, Taishu Yuan was one of the direct lineage disciples, but also not very valued.

In cultivation families, talent and aptitude represented everything.

Even if from a collateral line, as long as talent was high enough, they'd be focused on cultivation.

Even their entire collateral branch's status would rise because of one person.

"Yuan'er, I could hear your voice from far away. What are you arguing about? Forgot what your father said? Don't cause trouble!"

Hearing this voice, the Taishu family members all trembled. They saw a middle-aged man in a black cloud-patterned brocade robe turn from the corridor corner.

His face was sharp and angular, his short beard shaped like a halberd. At his waist hung a jade chi-dragon patterned token. As he walked, his robe sleeves fluttered in the wind, faintly producing sounds like metal and stone striking.

"Third Uncle!"

Taishu Yuan’s folding fan ‘clapped’ shut. His previously venomous, snake-like cold momentum was instantly restrained. Along with the disciples behind him, they all bowed in neat unison.

Their movements were as neat as if practiced thousands of times.

Then Taishu Yuan pointed at Xu Mingshu and said, "It's not us causing trouble. The other party provoked our Taishu family."

The middle-aged man followed the sound and looked over. His pupils suddenly contracted. His gaze ignored Xu Mingqing and directly fixed on Xu Mingshu in her gold-trimmed crimson dharma robe.

"It's you!" His eyes immediately filled with bloodshot lines. He shouted severely, "You escaped that day. Today, let's see where you run!"

"Such trouble!"

Xu Mingshu grabbed Xu Mingqing's collar. Her fingertips formed seals. The long sword at her feet "zheng" rose into the air with a sound.

Seeing a blue light shoot from behind, she brought out the Black Evil Banner from her sleeve. It unfurled in the wind.

Instantly, sinister wind howled. Rolling black clouds, like a giant python, coiled toward the pursuing blue light, sending it flying.

Taishu Yuan and the others were all stunned.

Calling us not to cause trouble, yet Third Uncle himself starts fighting without a word!

Who is this woman? What enmity does she have with Third Uncle?!

The short-bearded middle-aged man closely pursued Xu Mingshu. Taishu Yuan and the others also followed behind.

"Roar!"

The short-bearded middle-aged man sacrificed a purple-gold shuttle. The shuttle tip's thunder light condensed into a fierce beast head that tore toward the black cloud.

Unfortunately, what he used was only a superior-grade magical artifact. Although its power was decent, it still couldn’t compare to the Black Evil Banner.

This magical artifact combined offense and defense.

Black clouds protected the body. Ordinary attacks were very difficult to break through.

Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingqing flew toward the various families' camps.

"Fourth Sister, something's not right. Shouldn't it be me attacking to teach the Taishu family a lesson? How did a middle-aged man pop out and you two start fighting directly?"

"Didn't I say yesterday? Someone from the Taishu family was pestering your sister. Later I killed him. This person is his father."

Xu Mingqing suddenly understood, "So it's the hatred of killing his son!"

"I'm saying, Fourth Sister, Father often says to leave people a line. You don't leave any room at all."

"Father also said, if you don't eliminate the roots when cutting grass, they'll grow again in the spring breeze."

"But you can't destroy the entire Taishu family. Killing the young one only brings out the old one. Killing the old one only brings out even older ones. In the end, it's Foundation Establishment personally chasing you."

"Stop nagging. Going shopping and eating a meal, so unlucky. This is going to cause big trouble now."

Xu Mingshu and the short-bearded middle-aged man frequently exchanged blows. Their combat aftershocks were intense. Instantly, from the camp, cultivators rose into the air one after another.

"Eh, it's the Taishu family's Taishu Ze. Who is fighting with him? How dare they provoke the Taishu family!"

"The black cloud obscures, can't see clearly either."

"This magical artifact is truly ingenious. Feels quite extraordinary!"

After Xu Mingwei and the others rose into the air, although they didn't discover Xu Mingshu in the black cloud, they recognized the magical artifact as their own Black Evil Banner.

Xu Mingyuan shook his head and smiled, "Elder Brother, looks like our fourth sister encountered enemies. Her luck is a bit bad."

Taishu family people also discovered this. A middle-aged man immediately shouted, "Third Brother, stop! What kind of behavior is causing trouble in the city!"

Only then did Taishu Ze realize he'd already reached above the family camps. All around were spectators.

Cultivators from each family all wore expressions of watching a good show.

His eldest brother Taishu Feng and several Taishu family elders stopped not far away.

"Elder Brother, the woman who killed my son is in the black cloud. Today I must kill her!"

"She's actually here?"

The middle-aged man's brow furrowed. Initially, they thought the other party was a rogue cultivator. But appearing here, she was clearly someone from a certain family.

At the same time.

Xu Mingwei spoke, "Mingshu, come over here."

The black cloud dispersed, revealing Xu Mingshu’s figure. That crimson outfit, her dazzling, graceful elegance, immediately made quite a few cultivators’ eyes light up.

"Elder Brother!"

Xu Mingshu immediately flew over, accompanied by Xu Mingqing.

"Demoness, don't run!" Taishu Ze suddenly fired a cold arrow. A sword light shot straight toward Xu Mingshu's back heart.

Ding~

A blue light suddenly darted out, knocking it flying, then flew back into Xu Mingyuan's hand.

Xu Mingwei said in a stern voice, "Daoist Taishu, tell your third brother to stop. If there's a next time, I'll also attack."

"Daoist Xu, that woman is from the Xu family?"

"Precisely my fourth sister, Xu Mingshu."

At this time, Taishu Yuan and the others also arrived. Seeing this formation, they exchanged glances, then could only obediently stand to the side, not daring to utter a word.

"Daoist Xu, do you know what your fourth sister did?" Taishu Feng's face was cold. "She killed my fourth brother's only son!"

"I heard about this yesterday, but it seems your Taishu family people were pestering endlessly, right? I know my fourth sister's character.

Though she acts impulsively, if it weren't truly excessive, she absolutely wouldn't kill.

As for your nephew's character, I think you're also clear about it.

If your Taishu family truly insists on pressing, I, Xu Mingwei, am also willing to fight you!"

"Ha ha, Daoist Taishu, your Taishu family is a third-rank family. The Xu family just advanced to fourth-rank. Why fear them? In terms of numbers, your Taishu family has the advantage."

Liu Wuqing suddenly spoke, acting as if stirring things up.

This time, the Taishu family naturally also brought top Qi Refining experts. He really wanted to see what level the Taishu family people could reach against Xu Mingwei.

This could judge the gap between the Taishu family and his Liu family.

Taishu Hua stepped forward. His eyes were like lightning, directly staring at Xu Mingwei. "I've long heard of Arrow Demon's name. Today, let's see if you're as formidable as the rumors say."

Wait!” Xu Mingyuan suddenly said, “Want to exchange moves? My elder brother would eagerly welcome it. But today’s matter needs an explanation.

"What explanation do you want?" Taishu Feng said.

"After this battle, are grievances settled, or do the Taishu and Xu families formally become enemies?"

Xu Mingyuan said calmly, "Previously, my fourth sister was traveling abroad and nearly forcibly abducted by your Taishu family. To speak frankly, your nephew deserved to die even if he died.

If you don't believe me, Daoist Taishu can ask those present whether your Taishu family is in the right or our Xu family is."

All around was silence.

The Taishu family people also fell silent. Only Taishu Ze cursed loudly, "Bullshit! The hatred of killing my son, irreconcilable!"

Indeed, these words aren’t false either. But this matter must ultimately have a result, right? Will you, because of a spoiled rich brat, become mortal enemies with a fourth-rank family, or end hostilities with a single battle?

Let me make it clear. My fourth sister is the only sister of us brothers and also my father's only daughter!"

"Master Xu's only daughter. That status and position aren't something just anyone can compare with." Some whispered privately.

Xu Mingyuan glanced at the nearly crazed Taishu Ze, then continued, "Has Daoist Taishu decided? A fight to the death, or a sparring match?"

Just as Taishu Feng was about to speak, Taishu Ze said, "Elder Brother, I'll avenge my son myself. I choose a fight to the death, with that demoness!"

Then he said to Xu Mingyuan, "Do you dare let her come out and fight me!"

Taishu Feng saw Xu Mingshu was only at seventh layer of Qi Refining perfection and immediately said, "What Daoist Xu says makes sense. This matter indeed needs a result.

How about letting the parties involved resolve it themselves!

Life and death determined by fate!

Neither of us will interfere!

Afterward, our two families' grievances will be completely eliminated!"

Xu Mingyuan hesitated for a long while, then transmitted, "Mingshu, Second Brother has found a once-and-for-all method for you."

"Second Brother, you're too devious. You deliberately mentioned a fight to the death, making that Taishu Ze walk into the trap himself.

This way, when I publicly kill him, with all these family witnesses, the Taishu family can only swallow this bitter pill.

Otherwise, if there’s real conflict, my Xu family also can’t really kill people at this moment.

And that Taishu Ze has considerable status in the Taishu family. If he keeps refusing to let go and incites clan members, my Xu family will definitely have follow-up trouble.

“Going out once, you’ve gained experience!” Xu Mingyuan praised. “Remember to act more convincingly later.”

“Don’t worry.”

Xu Mingshu suddenly stepped forward resolutely. “Second Brother, you needn’t feel embarrassed. Elder Brother, you also needn’t stand up for little sister. One person does things, one person takes responsibility.

I’ll resolve my own grievances. If I implicate the family, I’ll have no face to see Father again.”

Cultivators from various families instantly felt deeply sympathetic.

They even developed admiration for Xu Mingshu.

Liu Wuqing’s eyes lit up. With a “snap,” his jade fan closed. “What a remarkable woman, willing to face death for her family!

However, such grace being sent to die is too regrettable.

If your elder and second brothers won’t act, this young master can help youresolvethis grievance. How about it?”

Xu Mingshu glanced at Liu Wuqing. Handsome was handsome, but more leaning toward the feminine type. She couldn’t help asking Xu Mingwei, “Elder Brother, who is this sissy? Such a big attitude!”

Liu Wuqing’s smile froze at the corner of his mouth. Though his face still wore a smile, that smile didn’t reach his eyes. Instead, it highlighted the coldness within.

“Such a fiery temper. This young master likes it!”

Previously, Liu Wuqing was more appreciative. Now he wanted to bring her back to properly train this bold woman.

Xu Mingwei said coldly, "Heartless Young Master, you want to covet my sister? Want to exchange moves with me again right now?"

"Xu Mingwei, can your Xu family withstand pressure from two third-rank families?"

"You can try!" Xu Mingwei said. "Are there more late-stage Qi Refining members from your Liu family present, or more of my arrows? One arrow easily taking one person, I think that's no problem!"

This truly wasn't bragging. Quite a few had seen Xu Mingwei's arrow pierce through someone's middle-grade defensive magical artifact, and that was while holding back.

If not holding back, easily slaying twenty or thirty late-stage Qi Refining cultivators wouldn't be a problem.

"You!" Liu Wuqing was quite furious.

Xu Mingyuan chuckled. “Heartless Young Master, today my Xu family is resolving a grievance with the Taishu family. Your Liu family shouldn’t get involved.

After all, our two families have no enmity or hatred.”

“That’s true. Even if your Xu Mingwei is strong, your Xu family currently isn’t a match for my Liu family. My Liu family has no need to make a move against your Xu family.”

With that, Liu Wuqing’s jade fan opened again. His expression returned to being breezy and unruffled.

“Mingshu, you truly want a life‑and‑death battle with him?” Xu Mingwei turned to stare at Xu Mingshu solemnly.

“Even if death is the outcome, it doesn’t matter?”

“Why should death matter? We cultivators born between heaven and earth seek only freedom. I never regretted killing that Taishu clansman back then!”

This spirit and integrity made quite a few male cultivators feel ashamed.

Many female cultivators’ eyes lit up with sharp brilliance, as if seeing a model for all female cultivators.

Waving the Black Evil Banner in her hand, her eyes locked directly onto Taishu Ze.

“Black Evil Banner stirs the winds and clouds—laughing as I ask whether heroes dare stand alongside!”

“What a ‘laughing as I ask whether heroes dare stand alongside’!”

Many people clapped in admiration.

“Elder Brother, Second Brother, little sister goes!”

Xu Mingshu’s expression was one of righteous resolve.

Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan both showed reluctance, their eyes filled with sorrow, as if watching Xu Mingshu walk toward her death.

The corner of Xu Mingqing’s mouth twitched slightly. Inwardly, he grumbled: Elder Brother and Second Brother are so dramatic. There's no role for me at all.

Immediately, he said, “Fourth Sister, no! Little brother will fight in your place!”

Xu Mingshu, Xu Mingwei, and Xu Mingyuan all turned to look at Xu Mingqing, staring until his scalp tingled. He weakly said, “Fourth Sister, I was joking. Return safely!”

Xu Mingshu rose into the air to face Taishu Ze.

Xu Mingyuan gritted his teeth and said, “Daoist Taishu, don’t forget what you said. Life and death determined by fate. Afterward, the grievances between our two families are completely eliminated!”

"Naturally so." Taishu Feng stroked his short beard.

“Demoness, today I’ll make youpay with your lifefor my son!”

Taishu Ze shouted, hisbeard and hair bristling in fury. From his sleeve, a silver lightflashed outlike lightning. Before the sword even arrived, its sharp sword‑qi was already stabbing toward Xu Mingshu.

Xu Mingshu formed hand seals. The Black Evil Banner in her handfluttered violently. A mass of black fiendish qi swept out, easily blocking the sword‑qi.

Taishu Ze’s longsword only dispersed part of the fiendish qi, then atremendous forcesent Xu Mingshu flying.

“Relying on a powerful magical artifact! Today, even if you escape to the ends of the earth, you must die!”

Taishu Ze sneered. A purple‑gold shuttleentwined with purple thunder‑fireappeared in his palm. With a flick of his finger, it turned into a meteor, shooting directly at Xu Mingshu, who was shrouded in black fiend qi.

Hesplit his focusto command both the flying sword and the purple‑gold shuttle. The magical artifacts launchedferociousattacks.

The black fiend qi gradually thinned. Several times, they could already see Xu Mingshu’s silhouette.

Taishu Feng said, “Daoist Xu, since this is a life‑and‑death duel, everything the deceased owned should belong to the victor, correct?”

“Hmph. Before the match is over, Daoist Taishu shouldn’t beso pleased with himself!”

In just a short span of time, the black fiend qi released by the Black Evil Banner was completelydispersedunder therelentlessattacks of the flying sword and the purple‑gold shuttle.

“Let’s see where you hide now!”

Seeing the hope of revengeright before his eyes, Taishu Ze’s face filled with wild delight.

At this moment, a point ofghostly lightlit up between Xu Mingshu’s brows.

“Ah—!”

Taishu Ze’s sea of consciousness felt as thoughpierced by a thousand needles. His two magical artifacts immediately lost control and dropped toward the ground.

He himself did the same.

At that instant, the surface of the Black Evil Banner suddenlyswelled, likedark clouds blotting out the sun.

A Black Fiend Flood Dragon, condensed entirely from black fiend qi and covered in scale armor,roared out.

It swallowed Taishu Ze in one gulp.

Under thecorrosionof the black fiend qi, he lost his breath within a few seconds. A cold corpse fell from the sky.

The entire arena fell silent.

Only the Black Fiend Flood Dragon continued tocircleabove Xu Mingshu’s head, roaring in all directions.