Chapter 231: Use Your Bihu Mountain Spirit Land as Compensation!

In the Yu Family ancestral hall, the lights flickered.

“How is this possible? How could this happen!?”

Yu Ninghu, usually composed, knelt on the ground. His eyes were bloodshot as he stared at three shattered Jade Tokens before him.

Beside him, Yu Ningyuan’s expression was grim. His eyes darted between the broken tokens, his face etched with grief and sorrow.

Now that Yu Jinyang and the other two had perished, Yu Ninghu was the only Foundation Establishment cultivator left in the entire Yu Family.

Though having one Foundation Establishment master in a family was usually enough to maintain stability,

The sudden deaths of Yu Jinyang and the other two filled their hearts with overwhelming fear.

They couldn’t fathom how their three family elders could have suddenly perished.

“How could our ancestors and Jun brother all die while heading to Qingzhu Mountain?”

“Even if Lu Changsheng had some heaven-defying luck, he’s just a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator. How could he possibly kill our three elders?”

“Even if Lu Yuanzhong fought with all his might and fully activated the Qingzhu Mountain family formation, it shouldn’t be possible.”

“Besides, in Lu Yuanzhong’s current state, using the formation at full power would surely kill him. It would also severely impact Lu Miaoge’s Foundation Establlshment, causing her to fail.”

“So, the Lu Family absolutely wouldn’t do this, nor do they have the ability to kill our elders!”

Yu Ninghu’s mind raced as he analyzed the situation.

In his understanding, there was no way his family elders could have died at the hands of the Lu Family.

His family’s eldest, Yu Jinyang, was a mid-stage Foundation Establishment master with formidable strength.

The second elder, Yu Yuanshan, was a veteran Foundation Establishment cultivator at the Third Level!

As for the Lu Family, even counting Lu Changsheng, Lu Yuanzhong, and Bai Yunyang, the Bai Family Ancestor, they only had three Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Among the three, two had just recently broken through to Foundation Establishment.

Lu Yuanzhong, though a Foundation Establishment master for many years,

Was poisoned and on his deathbed, even weaker than an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Under these circumstances, how could they possibly kill his family’s three elders?

“Could it be… our elders encountered demonic cultivators on their way?”

After pondering for a while, Yu Ninghu thought of a possibility.

“If it was demonic cultivators…”

His face grew serious as he found this increasingly plausible.

Though the Xiahou Demon’s whereabouts were mysterious and unpredictable,

Their strength was undeniable.

Moreover, their Yu Family had participated in the battle at Blackwater Pool back then.

If their family elders happened to encounter the Xiahou Demon on their way to Qingzhu Mountain and fell victim to them, it would make sense.

“If it was indeed the Xiahou Demon’s doing, they might target Bihu Mountain next.”

Yu Ninghu muttered to himself, his expression heavy.

The Xiahou Demon acted tyrannically, only seeking to plunder and destroy.

If they really killed his family elders, they might use the elders’ identity Jade Tokens to secretly infiltrate Bihu Mountain.

The news of Feng Family Castle being destroyed by demonic cultivators in one night was still fresh in their minds.

“Brother Yuan, quickly send out orders to activate the grand formation. Seal off Bihu Mountain completely. No one is allowed to enter or leave!”

“Also, send someone to Azure Cloud Sect. Tell them we’ve found traces of the Xiahou Demon, and they might attack our Bihu Mountain.”

Yu Ninghu immediately stood up and instructed Yu Ningyuan, the Yu Family head.

“Yes, brother.”

Yu Ningyuan, his eyes red, gritted his teeth and responded, then left the ancestral hall to make arrangements.

“Oh heavens above, why are you so cruel to our Yu Family!”

Yu Ninghu stared at the broken Jade Tokens, clenching his fists, his face filled with unwillingness.

His Yu Family had struggled for generations, and now they had four Foundation Establishment masters, two in their prime, with a promising future ahead!

While the Zheng Family of Centipede Ridge, the Lu Family of Qingzhu Mountain, and the Bai family of Hundred Bird Lake were all in decline.

In just ten years at most, his Yu Family could have absorbed these three families, allowing their clan to advance further!

But today, all his family’s efforts had turned to ashes.

“Ancestors, rest assured, I will certainly keep our family standing!”

Yu Ninghu looked at the Jade Tokens before him, took a deep breath, determination flashing in his eyes. He stepped back, bowed deeply, and said solemnly.

Then he turned and walked out of the ancestral hall.

Before this, he and Yu Jinyang had gone to Nine Heavens Immortal City to secretly establish their Foundation.

To avoid arousing suspicion from other families due to having too many Foundation Establishment cultivators,

So he had been quietly cultivating at home.

Except for the core family members, he had never revealed his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment to outsiders.

But from this moment on, he must step forward and shoulder the heavy responsibility of the family!

Five Spirit Boats glided through the clouds.

“Changsheng, how do you plan to deal with the Yu Family?”

“Although we have righteousness on our side, if we wipe out Bihu Mountain at this time, it might provoke Azure Cloud Sect to intervene.”

“Moreover, if you want to establish a family, you must consider the family’s reputation.”

“Taking over Bihu Mountain, if we act too ruthlessly, it might invite criticism and displease surrounding families, which is unfavorable for the family’s future development.”

“Also, the Yu Family still has many clan members elsewhere. If we can’t eliminate them all, we’ll face the Yu Family’s frenzied retaliation.”

On the Spirit Boat, Lu Yuanzhong spoke to Lu Changsheng.

Now that Yu Jinyang, Yu Yuanshan, and Yu Ningjun, the three Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Yu Family, were dead,

In his view, taking over Bihu Mountain wouldn’t be difficult, just a matter of time.

But this was a sensitive period.

If they caused such a commotion and went too far, the Yu Family members outside or other family forces might report to Azure Cloud Sect.

If Azure Cloud Sect sent someone to handle this kind of situation, they wouldn’t care about justice or who was right or wrong.

They would only care about maintaining the authority of the upper sect!

Moreover, many Yu Family cultivators were still managing businesses outside.

Once they took over Bihu Mountain, it would be a fight to the death with the Yu Family, and they would face the Yu Family’s frenzied retaliation.

“Zixiao, what do you think?”

Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment before asking Ling Zixiao.

He had naturally considered these issues.

Forcibly seizing another family’s Spirit Land was simple and convenient, a one-step solution that could save countless troubles.

But it also came with many troublesome problems.

First was the matter of morality, the family’s reputation and standing.

After all, a lone wolf or independent cultivator could disregard rules.

But choosing to establish a family meant having dependents, so one had to be mindful of their reputation and the family’s standing.

Otherwise, acting tyrannically and having a poor reputation would not only invite trouble but also hinder the family’s development.

Currently, they had righteousness on their side.

But if they killed everyone in the Yu Family, their reputation might suffer, appearing too ruthless.

After all, unless it was truly a fight to the death, most would advocate leaving some leeway for future interactions.

Moreover, most of the Yu Family cultivators were currently away.

If they occupied Bihu Mountain and killed the Yu Family cultivators there, it would be a fight to the death with the remaining Yu Family members.

If it were just him alone, he wouldn’t worry about these small fries.

But he had one hundred and fifty-seven weaknesses.

So he had to consider this aspect.

After all, he established the family force to provide a better environment for his children to grow up in.

Not to add troubles for his children’s future.

“Hehe, when did we say we were going to forcibly occupy Bihu Mountain?”

Hearing this, Ling Zixiao chuckled softly.

She looked at Lu Changsheng and the others, a graceful smile on her face, and said in a gentle voice, “The Yu Family has repeatedly offended Qingzhu Mountain, previously causing the Lu Family to fail in Foundation Establishment, and now coming to disturb Miaoge’s Foundation Establishment.”

“For such behavior, the Yu Family naturally must make compensation, using Bihu Mountain as recompense.”

“As for how to deal with the Yu Family members…”

Ling Zixiao paused briefly.

Her bright, intelligent autumn-water eyes looked towards Lu Yuanzhong and said, “Lu dao friend, if I remember correctly, there’s a Spirit Land called Little Jing Mountain about a hundred miles from Bihu Mountain.”

“This Little Jing Mountain’s Ji Family is a vassal force of the Yu Family, a Qi Refining family.”

“We can buy Little Jing Mountain and gift this Spirit Land to the Yu Family, letting them settle there.”

“Under these circumstances, I think neither Azure Cloud Sect, surrounding families, nor the Yu Family members outside would have anything to say.”

Ling Zixiao spoke lightly, with grace and composure.

“Little Jing Mountain.”

“Let the Yu Family settle in Little Jing Mountain.”

Hearing this, Lu Yuanzhong and Bai Yunyang immediately understood Ling Zixiao’s meaning.

This was to draw boundaries, confining the Yu Family to Little Jing Mountain.

“Indeed, there is a small Qi Refining family a hundred miles from Bihu Mountain.”

“Gifting this Little Jing Mountain to the Yu Family as their clan land is not a bad idea.”

Hearing this, Lu Yuanzhong nodded with a smile.

To be honest, he was reluctant to completely wipe out the Yu Family.

After all, if they did this, his Qingzhu Mountain would also be implicated, facing punishment from Azure Cloud Sect and retaliation from the Yu Family.

Even though the Yu Family had lost their three Foundation Establishment masters Yu Jinyang, Yu Yuanshan, and Yu Ningjun, their overall strength still surpassed that of Qingzhu Mountain.

If these Yu Family cultivators targeted their Qingzhu Mountain, it would worsen the Lu Family’s already unfavorable situation.

“Well, let’s do as Zixiao suggested when the time comes.”

Lu Changsheng responded upon hearing this.

He thought Ling Zixiao’s proposal was indeed good.

Using Little Jing Mountain’s Spirit Land to trap these Yu Family members.

This way, the Yu Family cultivators outside would be cautious and hesitant to act.

As for the feud between the two families? Revenge?

Honestly, the one who should worry about these things later isn’t him, but the Yu Family.

Half a day later.

“Changsheng, Bihu Mountain is just ahead.”

On the Spirit Boat, Lu Yuanzhong pointed to the distance and said to Lu Changsheng.

“Bihu Mountain.”

Lu Changsheng focused his spiritual power into his eyes and gazed down at the sea of clouds below.

He had always known about the Yu Family of Bihu Mountain.

But he had never been to Bihu Mountain before.

As the Spirit Boat drew closer, he finally saw the general outline of Bihu Mountain from high above.

It was much larger than Qingzhu Mountain, covering an area of over ten thousand acres.

Mountains stretched in all directions, with a vast, jade-blue lake at the center.

Under the hazy cover of a formation, a towering peak could be seen reaching towards the clouds.

Bihu Mountain had both a lake and mountains, with the lake teeming with spirit fish.

Lu Changsheng remembered when he went to the Jiulong Market and visited his friend Yu Maocheng’s Jade Cuisine Hall with Lu Miaoge..

Their shop’s signature dish, ‘Red Blood Carp’, came from Bihu Mountain.

“Not bad.”

Lu Changsheng nodded with satisfaction.

This Bihu Mountain would soon become his family’s Spirit Land!

In the future, he could live here, making babies, planting trees, farming, raising fish, and raising children.

Meanwhile.

“Not good, everyone be alert!”

“Activate the grand formation at full power!”

Inside Bihu Mountain, the Yu Family members had already received orders to be on high alert and patrol vigilantly.

Seeing five Spirit Boats flying towards their home, their faces changed instantly. They began sending signals to fully activate the family’s ‘Azure Sky Water Formation’.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”

The originally thin mist around Bihu Mountain visibly thickened at an astonishing speed, turning azure blue. Streams of fish-like runes flowed through it, exuding powerful spiritual pressure.

“This formation should be High-Tier second tier.”

Ling Zixiao immediately discerned the Yu Family formation’s grade and said.

“High-Tier second tier.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the formation before him.

He knew that when trying to conquer a family’s stronghold, the most troublesome part was always the family formation.

“I saw formation tokens in the Storage Bags of those three Yu Family members earlier. They should be for this Bihu Mountain formation.”

“We can use the formation tokens to influence its operation.”

“If the Yu Family doesn’t have a formation master or Foundation Establishment cultivator to maintain the formation, my lord can use several barrier-breaking talismans to assist me in breaking through the formation’s weak points. It shouldn’t be difficult.”

Ling Zixiao spoke, explaining her plan.

“Good.”

Lu Changsheng felt relieved hearing Ling Zixiao’s words.

“Hmm?”

Lu Yuanzhong and Bai Yunyang beside them looked at Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao with surprise after hearing this.

They hadn’t expected the Yu Family’s formation to sound so simple in their discussion.

“Zixiao is a formation master.”

Lu Changsheng briefly introduced.

Due to Ling Zixiao’s current weakness, he hadn’t shared much information about her before.

“I see.”

Hearing this, the two slightly bowed, their gazes towards Ling Zixiao becoming much more respectful.

Among the hundred arts of cultivation, Formation Techniques ranked in the top three.

This skill was difficult to learn and master.

Without exceptional talent or being from a major family, it was hard to even begin, let alone achieve anything significant.

So hearing that Ling Zixiao was a formation master naturally earned her more respect.

“I only know a thing or two.”

Ling Zixiao smiled faintly and said modestly.

As they spoke, the five Spirit Boats landed in front of Bihu Mountain.

“Where is the Yu Family head?”

Lu Changsheng and Lu Yuanzhong exchanged glances, stepped forward, and called out.

Instantly, the four of them spread their Foundation Establishment aura.

“So so so many Foundation Establishment great cultivators!?”

“It’s the Lu Family patriarch and the Bai Family Ancestor!”

“What are they doing at our Bihu Mountain?”

The Yu Family members were shocked and panicked seeing four Foundation Establishment cultivators arriving with hostile intent.

The next moment, a streak of light flew out from Bihu Mountain.

Seeing the situation outside, his eyes widened.

“How is this possible!?”

Yu Ninghu was startled by the scene before him.

He immediately realized that his family’s three elders hadn’t died at the hands of the Xiahou Demon as he had guessed.

But rather, they had fallen to Lu Changsheng and the others from Qingzhu Mountain.

“I am Yu Ninghu. May I ask what brings the four of you to our Bihu Mountain?”

Yu Ninghu took a deep breath and greeted the four with a bow.

Regardless of whether his family elders had died at the hands of these four, the current situation favored them, and he had no choice but to lower his head.

“Hmm? The Yu Family actually has another Foundation Establishment cultivator?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised to see Yu Ninghu.

According to their information, the Yu Family only had three Foundation Establishment cultivators.

But now, with those three killed, another one had appeared.

“Yu Ninghu, we heard you had died prematurely outside. Unexpectedly, you secretly broke through to Foundation Establishment and have been hiding at home.”

“The Yu Family has hidden things well!”

Lu Yuanzhong immediately recognized Yu Ninghu and transmitted to Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao.

He also hadn’t expected the Yu Family to have another Foundation Establishment cultivator in reserve.

This made Lu Yuanzhong feel that their original plan to force the Yu Family to hand over Bihu Mountain and confine themselves to Little Jing Mountain might be more difficult now.

He exchanged a glance with Lu Changsheng and stepped forward, saying, “Your Bihu Mountain Yu Family has repeatedly offended our Qingzhu Mountain!”

“A year and a half ago, your Yu Family Patriarch Yu Jinyang, Yu Yuanshan, and Yu Ningjun took advantage of our Lu Miaofeng’s Foundation Establishment attempt to harass and attack Qingzhu Mountain, causing Lu Miaofeng to fail!”

“This time, when our Lu Miaoge was attempting Founnation Establishment, your Yu Family came to disrupt and interfere again!”

“So we’ve come here today to demand an explanation from your Yu Family!”

Although Lu Yuanzhong was poisoned, his voice, enhanced by spiritual power, was full and resonant.

“Elder Lu, where do these accusations come from? When has our Yu Family ever done such things? Isn’t there some misunderstanding here?”

Yu Ninghu suppressed his emotions and spoke calmly.

Even at this moment, he was unwilling to believe that his family’s three elders had been killed by Lu Yuanzhong and the others.

He thought Lu Yuanzhong and company had learned of his family elders’ demise and came to take advantage of the situation, trying to deceive him.

But the next moment.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”

Three corpses flew out of Lu Changsheng’s Storage Bag.

They were the bodies of Yu Jinyang, Yu Yuanshan, and Yu Ningjun!

All three bodies were covered in blood, their faces twisted in agony.

There were even charred marks all over, showing they had died miserably and in a wretched state.

“Patriarch!”

“Patriarch!”

“Patriarch!”

In an instant, everyone on Bihu Mountain stared at these three corpses with wide eyes, shocked expressions, and cried out in anguish.

Among them, only a small portion knew about Yu Jinyang and the others’ demise.

Many Yu Family members were unaware of Yu Jinyang and the others’ deaths.

Now, seeing the three bodies and the situation outside, they felt angry and sad, while also a wave of fear rose in their hearts.

“Patriarch”

Yu Ninghu looked at these three corpses, his eyes red, fists clenched, his whole body trembling.

These three corpses still retained traces of spiritual power.

Moreover, he saw his family patriarch’s Crimson Sun Golden Wheel, second elder Yu Yuanshan’s Sun and Moon Wheel, and Yu Ningjun’s Thousand Jun Staff appear from Lu Changsheng’s Storage Bag.

These things couldn’t be faked, telling him that his patriarchs had indeed died at the hands of Lu Changsheng and the others.

“With both witnesses and evidence present, does your Yu Family have anything else to explain?”

Lu Changsheng, dressed in a long cyan robe, spoke calmly and indifferently.

“Fellow Daoists, there might be some misunderstanding here.”

“Our Bihu Mountain and your Qingzhu Mountain, Hundred Bird Lake are allies, jointly managing the Hongye Valley Marketplace. How could we possibly do such things? There must be some misunderstanding!”

“But I’ve been in secluded cultivation and don’t know the specifics of what happened.”

“However, as long as Fellow Daoist Lu is willing to return the bodies of our patriarch and brother, our Yu Family is willing to offer compensation.”

Yu Ninghu, his fists clenched inside his sleeves, tried to keep his voice calm as he spoke.

He knew that the Lu Family coming with such a show of force meant they were well-prepared.

Today, if their Yu Family didn’t suffer a major loss, this matter couldn’t be resolved easily.

“In that case, we’ll use your Bihu Mountain Spirit Land as compensation,” Lu Changsheng said calmly.

His voice was flat as he spoke.