Chapter 206: Talisman Genius, Trade Fair, Extermination Target

In the quiet room.

Xu Chonghui and the shop manager brought several portions of talisman-making materials for the female cultivator.

The Cao Shengyang siblings were also interested and watched from the side.

"By the way, we still don't know your name?" the shop manager asked.

"This humble woman is Li Hongyi. My elder brother is called Li Yuanhua."

The shop manager nodded slightly. "Begin. If you truly have talisman-making talent, my shop can recruit you siblings."

"Thank you, Senior." Li Hongyi cupped her hands in salute.

After hesitating briefly, she took out a talisman brush from her storage pouch.

About nine inches long, the brush shaft was dark black wood with dark gold patterns on its surface. The brush hairs were silver-white, faintly revealing a pale ice-blue luster.

"A superior-grade talisman brush?"

Those present all had considerable discernment. They recognized it at a glance. However, they all remained silent, quietly watching Li Hongyi draw talismans.

"This woman and her brother are only at Qi Refining third and fourth layers, yet they have a superior-grade talisman brush. Either it's family learning passed down or they obtained such an opportunity.

First observe quietly. If she truly has potential to become a talisman master, it won't be too late to recruit and cultivate her."

Li Hongyi successively drew four lower-grade talismans. Only one failed, and that was because her magical power was somewhat insufficient.

A third layer of Qi Refining cultivator using a superior-grade magical artifact was naturally difficult.

Moreover, she hadn't even developed divine sense yet, but had such talisman-drawing attainments. This surprised everyone quite a bit.

"This woman's talisman-making talent is extraordinary, perhaps surpassing Second Great-Uncle. If she can receive my Xu family's full cultivation, the probability of becoming a top talisman master isn't small. She might even hope to become a talisman grandmaster.

However, she's in her twenties and only at third layer of Qi Refining. She should only have pseudo spiritual root aptitude."

As Xu Chonghui deliberated, Cao Shengyang also set his sights on Li Hongyi.

"Fairy Hongyi's talisman Dao attainments are quite good. I happen to have a Spring Return Pill. I'll gift it to the fairy." Cao Shengyang smiled faintly.

"Really? Thank you, Senior."

Li Hongyi's eyes focused, radiance bursting forth.

Her originally pale face suddenly gained some color in her excitement.

"Brother Shengyang intends to recruit this woman?" Xu Chonghui said.

"Seeing her talisman Dao talent is decent, I do have such intentions." He turned to look at Li Hongyi. "Is Fairy Hongyi interested in joining my Prince's residence?

My Prince's residence will definitely fully assist you in going further on the talisman Dao path."

Li Hongyi's brow showed a surprised expression. After being tempted, she pondered slightly before opening her mouth to reply, "If the Prince's residence can save my elder brother, Hongyi is willing to enter the Prince's residence."

"Fairy Hongyi truly loves her brother deeply. Unfortunately, those who can save your brother are few and far between. Even joining the Prince's residence would be futile."

Xu Mingqing suddenly walked in.

"What do you mean by that, Brother Mingqing?" Cao Shengyang's brow furrowed slightly, somewhat displeased. "My Prince's residence has pill refining masters. Can't we treat a small fourth layer of Qi Refining cultivator?"

"If Brother Shengyang doesn't believe me, by all means take him back and have your residence's pill refining master try treating him."

"Fine! I, Cao, refuse to believe it!"

Xu Chonghui also extended an invitation to Li Hongyi. However, her answer was identical, the precondition was saving her elder brother.

At the Prince's residence.

"Master He, how is it? Can this person be saved?"

After Master He examined him, he cupped his hands toward Cao Shengyang. "Replying to the Crown Prince, this old man's abilities are limited. This person's injury isn't ordinary but severe divine sense damage.

He's only at fourth layer of Qi Refining and developed divine sense not long ago. He fundamentally can't hold on much longer.

At most, he can last one or two days."

"My mother also suffered divine sense injury back then. I remember there should still be Jade Sprout Pills remaining. Can't even that kind of healing sacred medicine save him?"

"Jade Sprout Pills can indeed treat divine sense injuries. If it were right after the injury, it should work. But this person's life force is now too weak. He can't withstand the Jade Sprout Pill's medicinal properties.

Before the medicine takes effect, he'll probably perish on the spot."

"Is there truly no remedy?"

Master He shook his head and cupped his hands again. "Forgive this old man's inability."

"Is my elder brother truly beyond saving?"

Li Hongyi's heart filled with grief. Her eyes dimmed. But suddenly, she thought of Xu Mingqing's earlier words and quickly turned to look. "Earlier, Young Master said those who could save my brother are few.

Then Young Master must know such a person. Please tell me.

If my brother is saved, Hongyi will definitely serve the Xu family for life."

"Brother Mingqing mentioned must be Uncle Xu."

"Naturally."

Xu Mingqing already had attainments comparable to a pill refining master. Even he couldn't confidently save Li Yuanhua. How could ordinary pill refining masters do it?

Unless he could comprehend the life force that Xu Chuan taught him.

Unfortunately, this Dao was extremely mysterious. Even with his innate Yin Wood bloodline, he had no clue.

"Take your brother and follow me. Any later, even my father can't save him."

"Thank you, Young Master."

Li Hongyi immediately brought Li Yuanhua and left.

Master He asked curiously, "Crown Prince, may I ask who this person's father is to have such ability?"

Cao Shengyang turned to look. After a moment, he uttered one phrase: "Master Sanshu."

"If it's him, it's truly possible."

"What a pity—a good talisman-making seedling." Cao Shengyang sighed lightly, then said to his sister, "Sister, the Xu family's fortune is truly strong. Father's judgment was indeed correct.

I wonder if you've made your decision?"

Cao Shengling nodded slightly. "Brother, I've already decided."

When Xu Chuan saw Xu Mingqing and Xu Chonghui arrive with two people in tow, he couldn't help smiling faintly. "You two, what trouble did you cause?"

Xu Mingqing smiled. "What trouble could Chonghui and I cause?"

He then introduced the Li Yuanhua siblings, especially emphasizing Li Hongyi's talisman-making talent.

Xu Chuan glanced at the siblings. "Bring the person over for me to examine."

"Thank you, Senior." Li Hongyi bowed repeatedly.

After Xu Chuan carefully examined him with divine consciousness power, he reached roughly the same conclusion as Master He, but said, "I can save this person. But are you truly without regret joining my Xu family?

With your talisman Dao talent, you could have sought refuge with other families before. With powerful backing, your brother wouldn't have fallen to this state."

"Replying to Senior, I have pseudo spiritual root aptitude, while my brother has miscellaneous spiritual root aptitude. My brother is also a talisman master and has some reputation in the commandery city.

Someone once recruited my brother, but he insisted on bringing me along. The matter fell through.

At that time, I hadn't yet begun learning talisman-making."

"Then that explains it." Xu Chuan nodded slightly, then continued, "Saving your brother is quite difficult. If I successfully treat him, you siblings will both join my Xu family. This is the condition.

Are you willing?"

"This junior is willing."

Li Hongyi had seen the talismans sold in the Xu clan's commercial firm. Being able to have superior-grade talismans showed the Xu family had talisman masters.

Tongshan Commandery had over a dozen artifact refinement masters, but only one or two talisman masters.

All were major clan guests.

For rogue cultivators to grow into talisman masters was extremely difficult.

Even with decent talent, if they blocked family interests, they'd either integrate or be suppressed.

She and her brother had heard that in Yuehu Commandery, since the Xu family rose, the entire commandery had a new look. As long as rogue cultivators behaved, families wouldn't make things too difficult.

Many rogue cultivators wanted to join the Xu family, but unfortunately, the Xu family's conditions for recruiting rogue cultivators were harsh.

For her and her brother, this was an opportunity.

"Leave the person. You all wait outside."

Xu Mingqing and the others left. Xu Chuan set about treatment.

He used vast life force to nourish his body, restoring it to normal. Even some accumulated old injuries healed then he took out a lower-grade Jade Sprout Pill to help him refine it.

With life force sustaining him, his body naturally bore the Jade Sprout Pill's astonishing medicinal power with ease.

Two hours later, he swept his sleeve. The door opened.

"Take your brother away. He should wake after another half hour of rest. During this time, you siblings should stay in the Prince's residence guest rooms first. Mingqing, go tell Cao Shengyang."

"Got it, Father."

That night, Cao Jinming learned the Xu family had recruited a talisman master with decent talent and immediately came to congratulate them.

"As long as Brother Cao doesn't blame me for intercepting."

"What kind of talk is that? If not for Brother Xu's superb medical skills, even wanting to intercept would be impossible."

Many things seemed coincidental, but this precisely proved the Xu family's strong fortune.

Cao Jinming became even more determined to maintain good relations with the Xu family.

In the blink of an eye, several days passed.

After Cao Jinming collected the Divine Sense Pill materials, he personally delivered them to Xu Chuan's room.

After Xu Chuan finished refining pills, he handed the agreed-upon six superior-grade Divine Sense Pills to Cao Jinming.

"Thank you, Brother Xu. Now the betrothal gifts the Qin family requested are all complete."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly, then asked, "Then what betrothal gifts does Brother Cao want?"

Cao Shengling ultimately chose Xu Chonghui.

Once Xu Chonghui married and had children, that would be the Xu family's fifth generation.

"Given our friendship, just give what seems appropriate. I'm marrying off my daughter, not selling her." Cao Jinming said.

Xu Chuan raised his hand. "That won't do, Brother Cao. If I give too little, everyone will scold my Xu family for being stingy or say I look down on you."

After a moment, he continued, "How about this—I'll reference Nephew Shengyang's betrothal gift list. Would that work?"

After deliberating, Cao Jinming took out the betrothal gift list from his storage pouch.

Xu Chuan glanced over it.

The betrothal gifts were substantial. The main items were fine-quality magical artifacts and three superior-grade Divine Sense Pills. Additionally, there were two superior-grade flying swords.

Seeing Xu Chuan's brow move slightly, Cao Jinming said, "Mainly because the Qin family woman being married this time has both outstanding talent and aptitude. If not for the approaching Wuhua Dharma Assembly, the Qin family probably wouldn't marry off their daughter.

Originally planned to return to the main lineage and call in a favor, but Brother Xu happens to be here, so I'll brazenly request your help."

No wonder he answered every question earlier.

"Other clan members can't compare to your lineage." Xu Chuan smiled. "Fine-quality magical artifacts, my Xu family can still produce.

As for specifics, I have a good idea. After a few days, once I draft the betrothal gift list, I'll send it to Brother Cao for review."

Time came to the trade fair.

Xu Chonghui brought the Li Yuanhua siblings back to Dongxi. Xu Mingqing pleaded with Xu Chuan to attend the trade fair's excitement.

Xu Chuan thus let him stay.

…

Yuehu Commandery, Dongxi.

Xu Dezhao received Xu Chuan's handwritten letter that Xu Chonghui brought back.

The letter mentioned settling the Li Yuanhua siblings and also Xu Chonghui's marriage.

He looked at Xu Chonghui. "Chonghui, your great-grandfather has selected a marriage match for you."

"Is it that Cao Shengling? No wonder Great-grandfather summoned both Little Great-Uncle and me. With her status and position, there are few in my Xu clan who match her."

"Are you willing?"

After thinking, Xu Chonghui said, "Two years ago, Father also mentioned this. But I temporarily refused under the pretext of cultivation.

Great-grandfather proposing a marriage alliance this time should be to leverage the Cao clan Tongshan branch's reputation, helping my Xu family develop better in Tongshan Commandery.

As the legitimate eldest lineage, I've enjoyed the Xu family's finest cultivation since childhood.

If I refuse again, I'll have no face to call myself a Xu family member."

Xu Dezhao patted his shoulder. "Good that you understand. In the future, if you have women you like, just marry them home."

"Thank you, Father."

…

Tongshan Commandery.

Precious Treasures Trade Fair.

This trade fair was held at the Treasure Pavilion.

Xu Chuan heard quite a bit of inside information from Cao Jinming. The demon beast inner cores were mainly the Blood Python Tiger inner core, White Scale Flood Dragon inner core, and Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle inner core—three cores.

The first was a Foundation Establishment late-stage demon beast inner core, extremely valuable. The White Scale Flood Dragon contained flood dragon bloodline, so its inner core was naturally precious.

As for the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle, it was a demon beast variant. Though only Foundation Establishment early stage, it contained lightning attributes. It was no less valuable than the Foundation Establishment middle-stage White Scale Flood Dragon inner core—perhaps even more so.

All three were extremely useful to the Xu family. He was determined to obtain them.

As for pill formulas, thousand-year spiritual herbs, spiritual wood, demon beasts, artifact refinement materials, etc., he'd see how it went.

He even transferred several superior-grade magical artifacts from Tongshan Commandery's Xu clan commercial firm and refined quite a few superior-grade pills as trading capital.

Inside the Treasure Pavilion, the first floor served as the trade fair's main venue.

Inside were all late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, while Foundation Establishment stage cultivators were arranged on the second floor.

Most of these late-stage Qi Refining cultivators came from various commanderies' Qi Refining families. Some were rogue cultivators.

Xu Chuan and Xu Mingqing had just reached the second floor when they heard a familiar voice from nearby.

"Brother Xu, you're here too."

"Brother Zhou."

This person was Zhou Qingfang. Beside him were four or five Zhou family disciples, including Ye Xuehua.

This woman's face was like carved ice jade, her complexion like fresh snow covering jade. Her brows were like distant mountains with black pigment. Her brow ends naturally curved up three points. Her hair was half-bound with a simple silver hairpin. The remaining black hair fell to her waist.

Her neck was long and slender like a crane's. Her waist was bound by a jade belt. She held a treasured sword in her hand, closely following Zhou Qingfang's left side.

When Xu Mingqing saw Ye Xuehua, his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Twelve or thirteen years have passed. She's reached Qi Refining ninth layer. Seems the Zhou family fully cultivated her. Are they planning to have her participate in the Wuhua Dharma Assembly?"

Xu Chuan thought to himself, "Indeed. Earth spiritual root aptitude. If she enters the Wuhua Secret Realm, she could even directly attempt Foundation Establishment.

Anyone who can establish foundation in the secret realm can mostly enter the top ten."

Zhou Qingfang said, "I originally wanted to notify Brother Xu, but didn't expect you'd already come to Tongshan Commandery early."

"Brother Zhou is thoughtful."

Seeing his son's expression, Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "How about together?"

"That would be perfect."

The two families entered one private box together. Opposite was a wooden floor-to-ceiling window. Outside the window was a small balcony. Every box had this layout.

"Fairy, may I ask your name?"

"Ye Xuehua."

"'Chilling frost-colored sword light moving, singing to snow magnificence with poetic rhythm'—good name. I'm called Xu Mingqing."

Hearing this, Ye Xuehua nodded slightly.

"The Xu family's Ming generation is the second generation. Then this person is the Xu family Grand Elder's youngest son."

Thinking of this, she couldn't help examining him more closely.

The other Zhou family disciples saw Xu Mingqing seemed to have designs on Ye Xuehua. Each face showed resentment but with both Zhou Qingfang and Xu Chuan present, they dared be angry but not speak.

Ye Xuehua was the heavenly pride daughter admired by many Zhou family disciples. Who knew how many had dreamed of her?

However, her temperament was cold, keeping people at a thousand li distance. She was also Zhou Qingfang's personal disciple with extremely high seniority.

Even the Zhou family head didn't dare casually order her around.

"Brother Zhou's disciple is indeed outstanding." Xu Chuan suddenly spoke.

"Hardly. Mingqing is the dragon among men." Zhou Qingfang returned the compliment.

"What do you think of my son and your disciple?"

Zhou Qingfang wasn't surprised. He smiled faintly. "Xuehua is Zhou's precious disciple. I promised him I wouldn't interfere with his marriage.

If Mingqing has the ability to move him, Zhou would be happy to see it happen."

This response was flawless.

"Hear that, brat? If you have ability, fight for it yourself." Xu Chuan transmitted.

"Thank you, Father." Xu Mingqing grinned.

Several quarters of an hour later, the trade fair officially began.

Hosting was a plump Qi Refining perfection woman from the Qin family. The snow-white expanse at her chest was quite eye-catching.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoists and Seniors, for traveling far to participate in my Tongshan Commandery's once-a-decade trade fair. This trade fair is being hosted by my Qin family.

This humble woman, Qin Shiyun, please support us, Fellow Daoists and Seniors."

"This trade fair is divided into upper and lower sessions. The upper session features my Tongshan Commandery's various families leading by example. The lower session is left to you Fellow Daoists and Seniors present.

If you have items you wish to trade, you can directly take the stage, introduce them yourself, and specify what you wish to trade.

Trade items can be spirit stones, pills, spiritual herbs, spiritual wood, materials, magical artifacts, cultivation methods, and various other cultivation resources."

"Without further ado, this humble woman announces this trade fair officially begins."

Though called trading, it was actually similar to an auction.

Immediately, a young female cultivator carrying a red sandalwood tray ascended the high platform.

On the tray was a palm-sized blue wooden box.

Qin Shiyun took the wooden box, walked a few steps. That snow-white expanse bounced, making people's eyeballs follow.

She smiled sweetly. "This item is offered by my Qin family—the inner core of a Foundation Establishment late-stage Blood Python Tiger. Trade for a first-rank superior-grade defensive array plate, or twelve superior-grade talismans.

A bottle of second-rank superior-grade pills beneficial for Foundation Establishment cultivation is also acceptable."

"The Qin family is preparing for the Wuhua Dharma Assembly," Zhou Qingfang transmitted.

"With only three years until the Wuhua Dharma Assembly, whether Foundation Establishment families or those Qi Refining families wanting to give it their all, all are like this."

Superior-grade defensive array plates were precious. Even if a seventh layer of Qi Refining cultivator had one, Qi Refining perfection would find it very difficult to injure him.

In a Qi Refining perfection cultivator's hands, it was comparable to a fine-quality defensive magical artifact.

Of course, it also had drawbacks.

Using it long-term consumed quite a bit of magical power or spirit stones.

Therefore, its value was far less than fine-quality defensive magical artifacts, but also considerably more precious than superior-grade defensive magical artifacts.

The Foundation Establishment late-stage Blood Python Tiger inner core was precious, but the items the Qin family proposed weren't commonly seen either.

If one didn't have another use for the demon core, ordinary families truly wouldn't trade this item.

After deliberating briefly, Xu Chuan spoke, "One bottle of superior-grade True Essence Pills."

Many looked toward Xu Chuan's direction.

"So it's the Xu family Grand Elder. Only someone with his pill refining attainments could easily produce superior-grade True Essence Pills."

"Rumor has it his pill Dao can rank in Great Wei's top three. Don't know if this is true or false."

"The Dan Hall has several elders who can refine second-rank superior-grade pills. I think Great Wei's top three pill refining attainments is truly exaggerating."

"Does Senior Xu offer second-rank superior-grade True Essence Pills? Are there other Fellow Daoists or Seniors who wish to trade?"

"If no one speaks within ten breaths, this demon core belongs to the Xu family."

The countdown ended.

"Congratulations, Senior Xu, on trading for the Blood Python Tiger demon core."

Xu Chuan delivered a white porcelain bottle to Qin Shiyao's hands. After she inspected it, she nodded with a smile. "Indeed second-rank superior-grade True Essence Pills."

With that, she delivered the blue wooden box containing the Blood Python Tiger demon core to Xu Chuan's hands.

He also opened it to inspect, then said, "The trade is correct."

Qin Shiyao smiled shallowly. "Then please bring up my Qin family's second trade item."

"This is a set of superior-grade magical artifacts called 'Earthquake Sky,' comprising seven flying swords. The main artifact is superior-grade; the rest are middle-grade. Attack power is comparable to fine-quality attack magical artifacts.

For this item, my Qin family still trades for eight hundred or more spirit stones, equivalent fine-quality or top-tier magical artifact materials, plus the previously mentioned superior-grade array plates, superior-grade talismans, and second-rank superior-grade pills."

Xu Chuan had no interest. A Zhou family disciple was tempted, but clearly, quite a few wanted this set of magical artifacts.

Zhou Qingfang bid once but was quickly surpassed.

The next item was also a Qin family trade item—a fine-quality magical artifact. Competition was even fiercer then came other Foundation Establishment families.

Both the White Scale Flood Dragon inner core and Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle inner core were acquired by Xu Chuan.

The former cost one bottle of Azure Spirit Pills. The latter was five superior-grade Azure Spirit Pills and three Pure Truth Pills.

Pure Truth Pills were pills suitable for Foundation Establishment stage injury recovery, more precious than Azure Spirit Pills, even comparable to True Essence Pills.

"The next trade item is a second-rank Azure Jade Spirit Bamboo, which can forge fine-quality magical artifacts. Can probably be used to forge three times.

This item is provided by Prince Cao. Trade for two hundred spirit stones, middle-grade or above Foundation Establishment cultivation pills, or four superior-grade talismans."

"This wood-attribute spirit bamboo is perfect for forging magical artifacts for Xu Mingqing. With Xu Deling's current artifact Dao attainments, he can utilize these materials almost perfectly."

Xu Chuan glanced at Xu Mingqing. Seeing his gaze constantly on Ye Xuehua, he couldn't help rolling his eyes.

At this time, two or three people had already bid.

Xu Chuan said calmly, "I offer one bottle of middle-grade True Essence Pills."

"My Prince's residence is willing to trade with the Xu family." Cao Jinming smiled. His voice transmitted out.

Many all discussed.

After all, up to now, Xu Chuan had been using second-rank pills for exchange, and all were middle and superior-grade. This made quite a few Foundation Establishment families curious how many more he had.

Subsequently, Xu Chuan also traded for two thousand-year spiritual herbs and three hundred-year spiritual herbs, plus three peculiar pill formulas.

Two of them actually used demon beast inner cores as main materials. Another was a Harmonizing Qi Pill formula.

Harmonizing Qi Pills were suitable for Foundation Establishment late stage to advance magical power.

As for the other two formulas, Xu Chuan planned to research them. As for attempting, he'd have to wait for the future.

After all, the demon beast inner cores in his hands currently all had uses.

Soon, the first half ended.

After resting for a quarter hour, the second half began.

Some Qi Refining families or rogue cultivators all took the stage, but quite a few people's items attracted no interest.

Now approaching the Wuhua Dharma Assembly, what was most popular were resource items that could increase Qi Refining cultivators' strength.

…

Guangling Commandery, cultivation market.

"Boss, today I heard news that Tongshan Commandery is holding a trade fair. Quite a few Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining families all went to participate."

Leng Mu stared at Blood Ming's face, seemingly expectant. "How about we take this opportunity to rob this Guangling Commandery's market?"

Blood Ming didn't reply but turned to look at Chou Jiu. "Fourth, do you know about that trade fair?"

"Tongshan Commandery's Treasure Trade Fair?!" Chou Jiu was slightly surprised. "Is it that time already?"

After pausing, he continued, "This trade fair is held by Tongshan Commandery once every ten years and is quite famous in Great Wei.

Quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators bring several family disciples there.

Some Qi Refining families are the same."

"However, rather than robbing the market as Third Brother said, I think it's better to exterminate a family."

"Why?"

"Families are all cold-hearted. The market has properties from all families. If we rob it, quite a few will search for our traces but if we exterminate a family, the other families will at most be on edge for a while, then act as if nothing happened.

Unless we plan to leave Great Wei, otherwise I don't recommend attacking the cultivation market."

Qing Ling smiled sweetly. "Guangling Commandery's two major Foundation Establishment families presumably aren't at their clan territories. If not for Foundation Establishment family territories all having second-rank arrays,

I'd really like to try exterminating a Foundation Establishment family."

"Listen to Fourth. Then let's choose a Guangling Commandery family to exterminate. We've explored the surrounding area thoroughly anyway. After finishing, we'll go to Yuehu Commandery to look around."

The four had stayed in Guangling Commandery for a period. They naturally understood some basic Guangling Commandery situations.

Before long, they stood in the air outside the Ge family territory.

Leng Mu held a black banner. Looking below, he licked the corner of his mouth. His eyes flickered with greedy light.

"The Ge family is Guangling Commandery's number one Qi Refining family. Collecting their souls will allow the ghost creatures in my soul banner to improve their strength considerably."

Blood Ming patted his storage pouch. A blood-colored array plate flew out.

He formed hand seals with both hands. As the blue array plate trembled, after magical power poured in, the array plate sprayed out bursts of blood-colored rosy light.

The blood-colored rosy light scattered in all directions. Before long, it enveloped the entire Ge family territory.

At the array's edges, dark red mist permeated.

Leng Mu's black banner's surface roiled with black qi. Countless twisted human faces shrieked on the banner cloth.

The black banner waved lightly. From beneath the banner rushed over a dozen gray shadows—all ghost creatures he'd refined.

"Why has the sky all turned red?"

"What is that red mist?"

A young guard staggered backward. The long blade in his hand clattered to the ground.

He looked up at the blood-red sky. In his pupils were reflected the twisted ghost shadows in the mist.

Before long, figure after figure rushed from the residences, looking around with horrified eyes.

"Grandfather, this..." Ge Yuchen's heart produced an ominous feeling.

Not just him—Ge Yanhua, Ge Yanfeng, and many Ge family elders, including the Ge family's other branches, all felt imminent disaster.

"Ghost creatures—demonic cultivators!"

"Not good! I heard earlier that several commanderies' Qi Refining families were exterminated. Thought it was vendettas. Turns out it's demonic cultivators!"

Ge Yanhua said, "Everyone escape together. As long as we can escape this array and call for outside aid, our Ge family might have a chance.

Otherwise, we'll end up like those previous Qi Refining families—exterminated."

"Third Brother, why are you using the soul banner now? Though demonic cultivators are rare in Great Wei territory, they've heard of demonic cultivators' names.

Your ghostly qi is so dense, the Ge family people have probably all discovered we're demonic cultivators."

"Forgot for a moment." Leng Mu didn't care.

"Forget it. Since that's the case, attack with full force." Blood Ming said. "After all, the Ge family is considerably stronger than previously exterminated families."

Chou Jiu sighed slightly. He could only give up.

Moreover, among the four, his strength was lowest. His voice naturally carried the least weight too.

"Go, my treasures. Devour their life essence and souls completely clean!"

With Blood Ming's permission, Leng Mu had no more scruples. He shook the soul banner.

Over a hundred ghost creatures howled out.

"What is that? Ghosts!"

"Help!"

In the blink of an eye, dozens of Postnatal martial artists perished.

Innate martial artists had resistance. Some ghost creatures would even be burned by their blood qi. But when numbers increased, Innate martial artists were also drained of all their essence.

Sword lights shone, slaying some low-level ghost creatures.

Blood Ming, Qing Ling, and Chou Jiu also didn't just watch. They all flew toward those cultivators.

"Who are you..."

Before finishing speaking, that person saw hundreds and thousands of blood-colored bats fly over, draining all the blood from his body.

Blood Ming cultivated Blood Demon Dao techniques. The techniques were strange, able to devour cultivators' essence blood to advance cultivation.

With this shortcut, his realm far exceeded the others, reaching sixth layer of Foundation Establishment.

As for Qing Ling, her toes lightly tapped the void. Her dress hem fluttered like butterflies. Pink mist roiled around her, actually condensing into countless enchantingly beautiful skull heads.

Those skulls' eye sockets flickered with peach-colored flames. Their jawbones opened and closed, emitting maiden-like giggles. Sweet fragrance scattered with the wind.

Those who smelled it all became dazed. Even the hands holding blades went limp.

Lust throughout their bodies seemed ignited, immersed in carnal desire. Even having their heads cut off by flying swords, they wouldn't emit a single scream.

Chou Jiu was more normal. His expression was cold, holding a black long blade.

The long blade dragged dark red tail flames, like thunder splitting the night sky, directly slashing toward a Ge family cultivator.

That person's magical artifact shattered on response. The remaining force continued. The entire person was also split in two.

Suddenly, over a dozen flying swords shot over but dark red baleful qi on his body surface suddenly condensed into armor-like form, blocking all these flying swords.

Then, like a black light, he rapidly rushed beside several people.

A silver light shone, several people were beheaded in unison.

"Elder Brother, Grand Elder, you send Yuchen away!"

Ge Yanfeng charged toward the attacking ghost creatures.

This ghost creature had form, unlike other gray mist-state ghost creatures. Its strength was comparable to late-stage Qi Refining.

Moreover, due to ghost creatures' special nature, without restraining magical artifacts or cultivation methods, ordinary spells were very difficult to completely exterminate.

Ge Yanhua's eyes burst, full of pain. But he still gritted his teeth and said, "Go to the array edge! Try to leave!"

"Grandfather, I want to live and die with the Ge family!"

"This calamity came too suddenly. Those four are all Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators. Our Ge family probably can't escape. But as long as one person lives, our Ge family has hope of rising again!"

"Yuchen, you're the most talented person of my third branch. You must survive!"

"The Grand Elder and I will die to send you away. After leaving, go straight to the Xu family. Only there will you have a chance to survive!"

"Do you hear me? Yuchen!"

Ge Yanhua pressed his shoulder. Ge Yuchen's tears fell like rain, nodding continuously.

The other three branches were the same.

Their first choice was all to preserve the clan's most outstanding disciples.

The Ge family territory wasn't small. The clan had nearly ten thousand members. Blood Ming and the four couldn't kill them all in a short time.

Ge Yanhua's trio didn't ostentatiously fly on swords.

At this time, the more conspicuous, the faster the death.

In just moments, they reached the array edge.

At the red mist's end was a layer of semi-transparent red light screen. Ge Yanhua's three all shouted severely, attacking the array light screen with full force.

"Boom——!"

The three's flying swords simultaneously bombarded the blood-colored light screen.

The light screen rippled like water patterns but didn't shatter.

"First-rank superior-grade entrapment array!"

The Grand Elder couldn't believe it, but the next moment, he made a decision.

"Family Head, this old man's self-detonation should be enough to crack the array wall here. If you join forces to attack again, you should be able to break through!"

"Grand Elder!" Ge Yanhua painfully closed his eyes and said, "Go... well!"

When Ge Yanhua and the others attacked the array, Blood Ming sensed it and immediately said, "Fourth, southwest direction, there are rats trying to sneak away. Go handle it!"

"Yes, Boss Blood Ming!"

Chou Jiu immediately flew toward the direction Blood Ming mentioned.

At the array wall, "Family Head, Yuchen, step back."

The Grand Elder's roar was hoarse as torn cloth.

His hunched body suddenly straightened. Beneath his withered skin appeared spiderweb-like crimson cracks. Each crack surged with boiling spiritual power.

Ge Yanhua's pupils contracted sharply. He grabbed Yuchen and violently retreated backward.

Ge Yuchen stumbled and turned back. He only saw the Grand Elder like a falling meteor crashing toward the blood-colored array wall. The spiritual power throughout his body compressed to the extreme, actually scorching twisted burn marks in the air.

"Boom!!!"

The instant of explosion, blinding white light swallowed everyone's vision.

The array wall shattered like glass. The violent spiritual pressure transformed into a ring-shaped shockwave sweeping in all directions. The ground was forcibly scraped away three chi of earth.

When the smoke and dust settled, the array wall had a three-zhang-wide breach.

Where the Grand Elder originally stood, only a charred finger bone remained, and the bloody burnt smell that lingered long in the air.

He had Qi Refining perfection strength. Burning his life, plus self-detonation, the power was sufficient to equal a Foundation Establishment early stage peak cultivator's full-force strike.

The two had no time to grieve and were about to charge outward but at this time, Chou Jiu approached at extreme speed. Ge Yanhua made a snap decision, directly pushing Ge Yuchen out through the shattered array wall.

"Go quickly!"

Then he charged toward Chou Jiu, who was surrounded by baleful qi like an evil ghost.

Ge Yuchen only looked back at Ge Yanhua's resolute back, then mounted his sword and charged toward the Xu family territory.

"Seeking death!"

Seeing someone actually escaped, Chou Jiu's face became increasingly ferocious. He was about to slash Ge Yanhua to death with one blade.

"Clang!"

Ge Yanhua didn't die but blocked Chou Jiu's strike.

"Burning essence blood to obtain brief strength approaching Foundation Establishment. Truly decisive. Seems we underestimated your Ge family!"

Some families' clan members were mostly selfish and greedy but some were united. When encountering danger, they could even risk their lives!

Throughout Ge Yanhua's body, meridians lit up with crimson patterns. His aura climbed steadily, actually briefly breaking through the Qi Refining shackles, stepping one foot into the Foundation Establishment threshold!

"All my Ge family clan members listen well! Today our Ge family suffers great calamity. Hundreds of years of accumulation will be destroyed in one moment, but my grandson Yuchen has successfully escaped under the Grand Elder's self-detonation.

Just the time to drink tea, and he'll definitely bring reinforcements."

"They want our Ge family exterminated? Then our Ge family will bite off a piece of their flesh!"

His voice resounded like thunder above the Ge family territory then, the family heads of the other three branches also spoke.

"My Ge family members, fight to the death without retreating!"

"Even in death, we'll bite off a piece of their flesh!"

The successive voices, like a sliver of dawn in darkness, stimulated their final bloodlust.

Although the vast majority were still like ants before Blood Ming and the others, their fearless fighting spirit truly gave them considerable trouble.

Dozens of breaths later, "I'll go first!"

Ge Yanhua's laughter exploded, mixed with blood foam spurting from between his teeth.

Throughout his body, meridians had long cracked. The backlash from burning essence blood had appeared. Facing a Foundation Establishment cultivator, one careless moment and he'd be slashed to death.

Therefore, Ge Yanhua had no hesitation.

"Madman!"

Chou Jiu's form violently retreated. A shield horizontally blocked his chest.

"Boom!!!"

Golden light fell like a blazing sun. Within a hundred zhang radius, the red mist was instantly evaporated. The space at the explosion's center even slightly twisted.

When the smoke cleared, only a ten-zhang-wide scorched pit remained.

At the pit's bottom quietly lay a broken family head jade token. Its edge still bore half a blood-stained clothing corner.

This explosion seemed like the opening ceremony of a grand banquet.

One after another, explosion sounds rang out.

Even Qi Refining early stage cultivators, when facing irresistible ghost creatures, chose self-detonation to severely injure them.

Leng Mu's face was iron blue.

Ghost creatures weren't easy to cultivate. Though not easily exterminated, recovering after severe injury also wasn't easy, requiring many yin-attribute materials and considerable time.

Even Blood Ming, with sixth layer of Foundation Establishment strength, was injured under two or three Ge family elders' encircling self-detonations.

"Big Brother, I'll chase that boy. Definitely won't let him escape!"

Though Chou Jiu was quite injured, he still made a snap decision and charged out of the array.

"You all—seeking death!"

Blood Ming's voice seemed to come from the nine nether hells. Every word carried thick bloody stench.

Around his body, red light violently surged. Wisps of blood-colored flames appeared out of thin air. Wherever they passed, even the air was scorched with pitch-black cracks.

Those flames weren't ordinary fire but demonic Dao blood flames that burned souls and corroded bones.

One blood-colored flame after another flew toward over a dozen Qi Refining cultivators. They only accidentally touched a trace, and their entire bodies were burned by flames.

That bone-corroding pain made wails resound through the sky.

The blood flames fell to the ground, twisting and darting like living creatures. In the blink of an eye, they climbed the nearest beam and pillar.

Those flames actually seemed sentient. Meeting wood, they burned; meeting stone, they melted. Even the drill ground paved with blue stone slabs was scorched with spiderweb-like cracks.

"Hiss——!"

A hundred-year-old cypress was licked by fire tongues. The trunk instantly blackened and shriveled. The crown transformed into a soaring fire pillar within three breaths.

As heat waves rolled, the Ge family ancestral hall's plaque thunderously crashed down, smashing into the sea of fire and splashing a string of crimson sparks.

"You all deserve to die!"

A Ge family elder's eyes burst with fury. He wanted to self-detonate to injure Blood Ming again but having suffered several times, how could Blood Ming and the others let Ge family people get close easily?

If the distance was slightly far, even if self-detonation power was strong, it fundamentally couldn't harm them much.

Outside the great array, Ge Yuchen charged toward the Xu family at extreme speed while rousing his dantian. His voice resounded in all directions.

"Demonic cultivators attack, exterminating my Ge family! Fellow Daoists, please send aid!"

"Demonic cultivators attack, exterminating my Ge family! Fellow Daoists, please send aid!"

Quite a few families hearing this all showed horrified expressions.

Revealing disbelieving looks but the next moment, all issued orders to activate their clan-protecting grand arrays!

Chou Jiu's expression was ugly.

The distance was far. He couldn't kill Ge Yuchen with one strike either.

Xu family territory, "Demonic cultivators attack, exterminating my Ge family! Fellow Daoists, please send aid!"

Before the person arrived, his voice had already reached here.

Xu Mingyuan's voice immediately resounded through the territory sky. "All Xu family members, full alert!"

"Activate the clan-protecting grand array! Innate and above martial artists and cultivators, assemble outside the array!"

"Non-combat personnel, hide at home! Don't go out!"

"We respectfully follow the Family Head's order!"