Chapter 120: No, Lu Lang!

Qingzhu Mountain is not very far from Red Leaf Valley.

It’s only a journey of over a thousand miles.

Due to the proximity, the two families frequently compete for resources around their territories, causing conflicts.

The Spirit Stone mine incident over ten years ago became the flashpoint for all these conflicts.

This led to a massive fight between the two families, creating an irreconcilable blood feud.

After traveling several hundred miles, the main Lu Family force advanced.

Lu Changsheng saw a large army approaching in their direction.

Leading this force was an elder with an aged face, a tall stature, and a robe embroidered with flying birds.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his black bird-embroidered robe flapping, mounted on a black falcon, exuding a commanding presence.

Trailing behind were three Spirit Boats and a group of cultivators riding spirit birds.

“Lu Brother, Yuanzhong Comrade!”

The elder clasped his hands towards the Bai Family Ancestor and Lu Yuanzhong.

“Brother Bai! Comrade Bai!”

The Bai Family Ancestor and Lu Yuanzhong returned the gesture.

After exchanging a few words, the three hastened their armies towards Red Leaf Valley.

It was apparent they planned to meet here.

“Is this the Bai Family of Hundred Bird Lake, their Patriarch?”

Lu Changsheng glanced at the massive Bai Family force traveling with them.

About sixty people.

Aside from the Bai Family Ancestor, there was one Foundation Establishment cultivator.

The Qi Refining cultivators’ strength and numbers seemed on par with the Lu Family.

However, from what Lu Changsheng knew, excluding the newly established Lu Yuanzhong, the Bai family’s overall strength was slightly superior.

It appeared the Bai Family didn’t commit their entire battle force to this fight like the Lu Family did.

“Hundred Bird Lake produces lots of spiritual fish. Many spirit birds come to catch these fish.”

“That’s why most Bai Family cultivators understand the art of beast taming. They capture and tame spirit birds to earn Spirit Stones.”

Lu Changsheng observed the spirit beasts the Bai family rode.

These spirit beasts seemed impressive.

They weren’t ordinary transportation spirit animals like the Iron Feather Eagles.

They probably held some combat power.

The majestic black falcon beneath the Bai Family Ancestor must be a first-rank peak spirit beast.

“Once we reach Red Leaf Valley, don’t disembark from the Spirit Boats. Follow my lead.”

As they neared Red Leaf Valley, the Fourth Elder instructed Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaoyun, and others on the oat.

Explaining what to do upon arrival.

The first step was to form a formation.

Then use the family-issued talismans to attack the formation and break it.

Once broken, follow the Fourth Elder into battle.

It was clear both the Lu Family and the Bai family had a detailed plan for this fight.

“Yes, Grandmother!”

“Yes, Fourth Elder!”

The people on the Spirit Boat nodded in agreement.

Two hours later.

“Everyone, get ready. We’re approaching Red Leaf Valley!”

Lu Yuanzhong’s voice boomed into everyone’s ears.

The Lu Family disciples were gearing up, suddenly energized and putting in their all.

“Is this Red Leaf Valley?”

Lu Changsheng looked ahead.

He saw a valley veiled by formations, hazily revealing the crimson landscape.

It was his first visit to Red Leaf Valley.

He knew Red Leaf Valley and Qingzhu Mountain were about the same size, famed for red-leaf trees.

Meanwhile, inside Red Leaf Valley,

“Not good, an enemy attack!”

A Chen Family patrol spotted the incoming Spirit Boats and cultivators, his countenance changing instantly.

Quickly, he notified his clan, indicating an enemy assault.

At the same time, they activated the formation to full defense mode.

The forces of the Lu and Bai families began spreading around Red Leaf Valley.

Surrounding the valley from various angles.

Two formation masters, skilled in arrays, began setting up a formation outside the valley.

One to prevent Chen Family cultivators from escaping.

The other to break the second-rank formation of the Chen Family.

“Everyone get ready, begin breaking the formation!”

The Bai Family Ancestor and Lu Family Patriarch didn’t bother challenging or calling out.

They raised their hands, ordering everyone to begin the assault.

The next moment.

“Boom boom boom!”

“Boom boom boom!”

“Boom boom boom!”

Lu and Bai family cultivators simultaneously brandished their talismans, casting spells radiating intense spiritual light onto the second-rank formation of Red Leaf Valley.

Ripples formed on the formation barrier, rumbling loudly.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoyun, along with the Fouth Elder, attacked from the southeast with talismans.

“Seems like war always burns through resources.”

Observing this, Lu Changsheng thought silently.

Even with three Foundation Establishment cultivators on their side, breaking the Chen Family’s second-rank formation wasn’t easy.

They had to rely on brute force.

This aggressive assault, in simple terms, was a money-draining tactic.

Every volley cost hundreds of Spirit Stones.

To breach the Chen Family’s formation, they might need tens of thousands in Spirit Stones.

At the forefront of the valley,

The Bai Family Ancestor watched the massive formation over Red Leaf Valley.

Whispering to Lu Yuanzhong, “Yuanzhong, after the formation breaks, just maintain your position. Avoid fighting.”

“Otherwise, if Old Chen gets desperate, he might target you.”

“I’m old and have little time. In killing him, I can avert future trouble.”

He declared solemnly.

Despite having three Foundation Establishment cultivators,

Facing one Chen Family Ancestor would be a sure victory.

But the Chen Family Ancestor might have some hidden means.

In a desperate situation, he might target Lu Yuanzhong, risking his life.

After all, the Lu Family Patriarch’s life was nearing its end.

For Lu Yuanzhong’s Foundation Establishment and this battle, the Lu Family expended greatly.

They couldn’t afford to cultivate another Foundation Establishment player.

So, Lu Yuanzhong couldn’t have any mishaps.

“Patriarch.”

Lu Yuanzhong’s expressions were moved.

He knew the Patriarch was prepared to die,

Planning to exchange his life for a victory over the Chen Family Ancestor.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible to convince the Bai Family Ancestor,

To bring so many for this fight.

In these family wars, the goal was to eliminate the Chen Family Ancestor.

Otherwise, if he escaped, it would be endless trouble for both families.

“Lu, Bai, are you really going to fight my Chen Family to the death?”

As the formation’s light dimmed, a streak of light emerged, exuding a terrifying spiritual pressure.

It was the Chen Family Ancestor.

He quickly controlled the second-rank formation of Qingzhu Mountain.

Making the dimming formation shine again like an unbreakable glass cover.

“Fish might die, but the net won’t break.”

The Lu Family Patriarch responded coldly.

Then he shouted: “Barriers-breaking talismans, break the formation!”

With that command,

The Late-Stage Qi Refining cultivators wielded first-rank barriers-breaking talismans.

They attacked the formation’s weak spots.

The luminous glass-like cover dimmed a bit.

“Lu Yuanzhong from the Lu Family, you achieved Foundation Establishment!”

The Chen Family Ancestor, seeing Lu Yuanzhong next to the Lu Family Patriarch, his eyes narrowed.

As arch-enemies, he knew the potential Foundation Establishments in the Lu Family.

Instantly recognizing Lu Yuanzhong’s breakthrough.

“Lu, I didn’t expect your family to produce a new Foundation Establishment before your demise!”

The Chen Family Ancestor looked at him, his face darkened.

He thought he could wait for the old Lu Patriarch to die in a few years.

Unexpectedly, a new Foundation Establishment emerged now.

Knowing the Lu and Bai families were well-prepared to destroy his family.

If the formation broke, his family would perish.

He couldn’t escape the siege of three Foundation Establishment cultivators.

“Lu, our feud must end.”

The Lu Family Patriarch’s voice was cold.

“You think my Chen Family can be easily bullied?”

The Chen Family Ancestor sneered, his expression calm.

He quickly transmitted: “Comrade Meng, I need your aid!”

Soon, a streak of light flew over, transforming into a small-statured youth.

“A Foundation Establishment cultivator!”

“How is this possible? The Chen Family has a second Foundation Establishment?”

“No, this isn’t a Chen Family member!”

Seeing the youth, even without pressure, the Lu Patriarch, Bai Patriarch, and Lu Yuanzhong realized he was an advanced Foundation Establishment.

Their expressions changed.

They banked on three against one for this fight.

Assurably planning to slay the Chen Patriarch.

Against two, it would be nearly impossible.

Moreover, they needed a swift victory.

With lightning speed, they aimed to capture Red Leaf Valley.

Else, if the Centipede Ridge Zheng Family received a call for help, they stood no chance.

“Patriarch.”

“Lu Brother, fight or retreat?”

Lu Yuanzhong and the Bai Patriarch looked at the Lu Patriarch for his decision.

Neither anticipated the Chen Family having a second Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Their preparation, resourcing the disciples, was expensive.

Failing to take the valley would be disastrous.

Retreating now would terribly affect morale.

The Lu Patriarch remained silent.

His face betrayed dismay.

He didn’t expect this turn.

He had a short remaining lifespan.

Once he passed, only the newly advanced Lu Yuanzhong stood.

Facing the Chen Family would be tough.

The Chen Family might unite with Centipede Ridge Zheng Family to strike Qingzhu Mountain.

“Comrade, you likely don’t belong to the Chen Family?”

“This is between our families. If you leave, we’ll reward you greatly.”

“Or you can make any request.”

The Lu Patriarch gestured toward Meng Xiaochan, politely.

Noting she wasn’t a Chen Family member.

Hoping she’d leave and not engage.

“Comrade Meng, I’ve notified the Centipede Ridge Zheng Family. Once he arrives, the threat dissipates.”

“We won’t let you aid us without reward!”

The Chen Patriarch urged Meng Xiaochan.

Despite her past vendetta with the Lu Family,

Willing to help destroy them and share the spoils.

Facing three advanced cultivators, he couldn’t risk her leaving.

Thus, for her aid, a price was necessary.

Meng Xiaochan stayed silent.

Finally understanding her unease’s source.

Emotion Gu!

After achieving Foundation Establishment, she barely suppressed its effects.

But now, emotions surged strongly.

Her Divine Sense drifted to the valley’s southeast.

Spotting a handsome, upright youth on a distant Spirit Boat.

“Kill him, he must die!”

Seeing Lu Changsheng made her heart race, terror and fear rising.

Her sole thought was to kill Lu Changsheng and reclaim the Emotion Gu.

“Chen Patriarch, I can aid you, but I need someone from the Lu Family dead.”

She clutched her chest, suppressing the Gu’s pain, speaking gravely.

“Who?”

The Chen Patriarch asked directly.

“I swore not to harm him. But if you do, I’ll fully aid you.”

“He’s on the southeast Spirit Boat.”

Through gritted teeth, face in agony, she handed over a Jade Slip.

Inside was Lu Changsheng’s likeness.

The Chen Patriarch noted her pain, curious.

Trusting her words half-heartedly.

Believing she’d taken an oath or curse.

Marveling at such binding vows.

That even Foundation Establishment cultivators could struggle due to a sole ill thought.

Cultivation worlds offer bizarre methods.

Like master-servant contracts binding servants harshly.

Any ill intent invokes backlash, causing extreme suffering.

“Very well, I accept!”

He agreed.

He had no option.

If Meng Xiaochan left, the valley faced dire threats.

Also, with her condition evident, he realized.

If Lu Changsheng survived, the ensuing fight might become unwinnable.

“Lu, you’re finished, Comrade Meng aids my Chen Family and won’t leave.”

“I’ve messaged for Zheng; leave now while you can!”

He coldly addressed the Lu Patriarch.

“Keep breaking the formation!”

The Lu Patriarch responded through clenched teeth.

Given their situation, retreat was impossible.

“Lu Brother, worry not. I’ll unleash secret techniques. Even if I miss Chen, he’ll be gravely hurt!”

The Lu Patriarch assured the Bai Patriarch.

Compared to the Lu Family, the Bai family could still retreat.

Continuing needed Bai clan’s support.

“Alright, I’ll fight on!”

He nodded in agreement.

Unwilling to see the Chen Family grow strong.

Hoping the Lu Patriarch could bring down the Chen Patriarch.

The three advanced cultivators exchanged glances, attacking the formation to accelerate breaking it.

“Everyone, gather!”

The Chen Patriarch shouted.

Instructing his kin to channel energy into the formation, resisting.

However, the Lu and Bai families came prepared with abundant resources.

Distributing talismans to attack.

Provisioning many barrier-breaking talismans, weakening the formation steadily.

The formation masters from both families deployed formations externally.

Influencing the second-rank formation over the valley.

“We can’t maintain this until Comrade Zheng’s arrival.”

The Chen Patriarch realized it was unlikely to last until reinforcements.

Prolonged resistance would drain his and his clan’s abilities.

Once breached, he’d be trapped.

“Comrade Meng, I’ll fulfill our agreement now!”

Decisively, he chose to forgo defense.

Banking on Meng Xiaochan and his resistance till aid arrived.

As he commanded,

A massive hammer appeared over the formation like a phantom.

Targeting a Spirit Boat in the southeast.

“What’s this old Chen doing?”

“Is he breaching defense to escape?”

“Oh no, that’s the Fourth Elder’s direction!”

Lu, Bai Patriarchs, and Lu Yuanzhong were alarmed.

They didn’t anticipate such a counterattack.

Thinking he aimed to breach their defense to flee, they rushed south.

“Bad!”

On the southeast boat, the Fourth Elder was leading the formation break.

Seeing the Chen Patriarch’s attack, her face paled.

She quickly activated life-saving talismans.

Top-tier, forming golden layers to protect everyone.

She also deployed a blue orb, glowing brilliantly to block the giant hammer!

Lu Changsheng was shocked.

He hadn’t expected a sudden counterattack.

Targeting his direction.

He felt its terrifying power starkly.

Not ordinary for a Foundation Establishment.

The Fourth Elder’s talismans likely insufficient!

Casting aside hesitation, Lu Changsheng invoked his only second-tier mid-grade defense talisman.

Instantly, a thick golden light erupted, forming a shield over the boat.

A taste of indestructibility.

“A second-tier talisman!?”

The Fourth Elder was astonished.

Recognizing Lu Changsheng’s talisman as second-tier.

Unfathomable how he had one.

In the briefest moment.

“Boom!”

The towering hammer struck.

Shattering the blue orb, causing the elder to grimace, blood oozing.

“Crack! Crack! Crack!”

It continued hammering, breaking layers of life-saving defense in moments.

Lu Changsheng’s light shield held briefly.

In this instant, he activated a second-tier low-grade talisman, forming another golden shield.

The elder, shocked, activated more talismans for protection.

“Hmm?”

Watching, the Chen Patriarch was startled.

He expected to decimate the entire boat.

Surprised at their many talismans.

Even possessing second-tier protection.

“Kill!”

His intent sharpened.

Harnessing more formation power to destroy them.

At the same moment, Lu Yuanzhong and the Lu Patriarch arrived.

Seeing the struggle, both deployed spirit tools, casting spells to stop the hammer.

Meanwhile…

Within the formation, Meng Xiaochan watched.

Seeing the Chen Patriarch target Lu Changsheng didn’t comfort her.

Clutching her chest, breathless, heart in turmoil, tears flowing.

“Hurry, hurry!”

Feeling locked emotions and affection, she began losing rationality.

Her final shred of reason pushed the Chen Patriarch to kill Lu Changsheng.

But at the next moment, the emotions overwhelmed her.

“No, Lu Lang!”

She suddenly looked up, tears in her eyes, aimed at the Chen Patriarch.

A surge of killing intent propelled her forward.