Chapter 232: The Dust Settles! A Ten-Year Promise!
by xennovel“What!?”
“You can forget it!”
“You’re going too far!”
“Ancestor, we might as well fight them to the death!”
On Bihu Mountain, the Yu Family cultivators heard this and were furious, shouting angrily.
They killed their ancestor and now wanted Bihu Mountain as compensation. It was outrageous!
“Friend Lu, you must be joking.”
“Bihu Mountain is our Yu Family’s ancestral legacy. How can we hand it over as compensation?”
Yu Ninghu raised his hand to quiet everyone, suppressing his anger as he bowed and spoke.
“Ancestor!”
“Big brother!”
“Ninghu!”
The Yu Family members watched Yu Ninghu face such aggression yet could only bow and scrape. They felt angry and frustrated but couldn’t say anything.
After all, their three Foundation Establishment ancestors had died at the hands of these four people.
How could they be a match for the Lu Family and others?
“This man is quite talented.”
Lu Changsheng looked at Yu Ninghu, who still remained calm, and thought to himself.
He felt that if he really took over the Yu Family’s Spirit Land, this man couldn’t be left alive.
He looked at Yu Ninghu with an indifferent expression and said, “Joking? I’m not joking with you. Today, either your Yu Family voluntarily gives up Bihu Mountain as compensation, or I’ll take it myself!”
“Friend Lu, don’t push us too far. My Yu Family isn’t easy to bully!”
“Our Bihu Mountain is protected by a Second-Tier formation. Even if you four break through, you might not…”
Yu Ninghu’s face turned cold as he spoke sternly.
He knew he couldn’t keep giving in.
Otherwise, it would make his family look weak and easy to bully.
However, before he could finish speaking.
Ling Zixiao stepped off the Spirit Boat, making hand signs and releasing two tokens and several small flags that circled in the air.
At the same time, she threw out a silvery barrier-breaking talisman towards Bihu Mountain.
“Boom!”
In an instant, the Bihu Mountain formation experienced a violent disturbance, causing the misty haze to churn and roll, vaguely revealing scenes from inside Bihu Mountain.
“Protection of a Second-Tier formation?”
“If you voluntarily give up Bihu Mountain as compensation now, my husband can give Little Jing Mountain to your Yu Family as your Spirit Land, to protect your clan’s safety in the future.”
“If not, once the formation is broken today, it will be the end of your Yu Family!”
Ling Zixiao stood in mid-air, her blue dress fluttering, accentuating her graceful figure. Her eyes were cold as she spoke sternly.
“A barrier-breaking talisman? A formation master!?”
Yu Ninghu saw this scene and his pupils contracted.
He immediately realized that Ling Zixiao before him was a formation master.
Only a formation master could use their formation token to affect the operation of the formation.
Instantly finding the formation’s weak point and using a barrier-breaking talisman for effective attack, causing such a big disturbance.
“Friend Ling is actually a formation master?”
Lu Yuanzhong and Bai Yunyang were also surprised.
They had heard before that Ling Zixiao was a formation expert.
They thought at most she was a Top-Tier first-Tier formation expert.
But now that Ling Zixiao had made her move, it was clear she wasn’t that simple.
Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaohuan, and oher Lu Family members on the other Spirit Boats who saw this scene also turned to look, extremely surprised.
They hadn’t expected that the usually elegant, calm, and serene Ling Zixiao was not only a Foundation Establishment master but also a formation master!
“If you all want to seize my Yu Family’s clan land, then there’s nothing more to discuss!”
“Even if my Yu Family dies, we won’t hand over our ancestral legacy! We might as well fight to the death!”
Yu Ninghu’s heart trembled, but he gritted his teeth and spoke coldly.
Now the entire family’s burden rested on his shoulders.
He naturally couldn’t hand over their ancestral legacy with just a few words from the other side.
If he did, how could he face his ancestors in the future!
He would live the rest of his life in self-blame and shame!
“Everyone, form the array!”
Yu Ninghu shouted, his spiritual power surging, urging the Yu Family cultivators to merge their energy into the formation, intending to activate it to kill the enemy.
“Fight to the death?”
“Since you won’t listen to reason, then you can perish along with Bihu Mountain!”
Ling Zixiao’s face remained calm as she spoke coldly.
As she spoke, she made hand signs and tapped her Storage Bag.
“Whoosh whoosh whoosh—”
A formation disc and over a hundred formation flags appeared.
She manipulated the disc, sending these flags flying in all directions, beginning to set up a formation.
“Friend Bai, take the southeast position!”
“Friend Lu, take the northwest position!”
“Husband, use the barrier-breaking talisman to attack the mountain head-on!”
Ling Zixiao looked at the three and spoke directly, indicating the attack on Bihu Mountain.
This aggressive tone surprised the three.
They hadn’t expected Ling Zixiao to start breaking the formation and attacking the mountain without further discussion.
However, they also understood that in the current situation, they absolutely couldn’t show weakness.
They had to keep the initiative in their hands!
“Alright!”
The three didn’t hesitate and agreed in unison.
Following Ling Zixiao’s arrangement, they went to their corresponding positions to attack the formation’s weak points.
“If we didn’t have your Yu Family’s formation token, breaking this formation today wouldn’t be so easy.”
Ling Zixiao looked at Bihu Mountain, smiled lightly, then manipulated the formation disc and shouted coldly: “Formation, activate!”
“Rumble—”
In an instant, streaks of spiritual light spread and surged, causing the spiritual energy in Bihu Mountain to suddenly shake.
It was the formation trembling.
“What’s happening!?”
“Not good, they’re using our family’s formation token to interfere with the formation’s operation, trying to break our formation with another formation!”
“Ancestor!!!”
“Ancestor, what should we do!”
The cultivators on Bihu Mountain faced this situation and immediately panicked.
Now, the family’s protective formation was their only reliance!
But now this only reliance had shown a flaw!
“You all attack too, break the formation!”
Ling Zixiao looked at the people on the other four Spirit Boats and spoke.
She told them to attack the formation head-on.
Her mind was already at its limit.
Controlling the formation while giving instructions to Lu Changsheng and the others to break the formation was already her maximum capacity.
She had no way to command the remaining people, so she could only let them add pressure to the formation.
“Boom boom boom—”
Under Ling Zixiao’s formation and everyone’s attacks, the ‘Azure Sky Water formation’ of Bihu Mountain flickered, spiritual energy churning within the formation, making the entire Bihu Mountain seem to tremble, destabilizing the blood and spiritual power of the cultivators inside.
“My spiritual power is out of control!”
“Not good, she’s trying to seize control of the formation!”
“Big brother, what should we do?”
“Ninghu!”
Panic immediately spread inside Bihu Mountain, everyone looking at Yu Ninghu, waiting for him to make a decision and give orders.
Although some among them weren’t afraid of death and wanted to fight to the death with Lu Changsheng and the others.
But now that even their formation was being interfered with and affected by the other side, even fighting to control it.
If this continued, they would have no way to fight back, let alone fight to the death.
Moreover, many Yu Family branch members and those not of the Yu surname in Bihu Mountain didn’t have such deep feelings for the family and didn’t want to die here like this.
“Damn it!”
Yu Ninghu clenched his fists tightly, his face heavy and ugly.
He never thought their formation would seem so inadequate at this moment.
He had realized earlier that their ancestor’s Identity Token was the family’s formation token and could affect the formation, allowing someone to secretly enter the family.
But he never imagined that the other side actually had a formation master!
Directly using the formation token to break the formation with another formation, interfering with and affecting their family formation’s operation from the outside.
At this moment, he also guessed how his three ancestors had perished.
They must have been lured into a killing formation set up by the Lu Family in advance, using the formation to kill his ancestors!
“The Lu Family is so vicious! They hid it so well!”
“This time, letting Lu Miaoge break through to Foondation Establishment on Qingzhu Mountain was clearly intentional to lure our Yu Family there!”
Yu Ninghu’s hands were clenched into fists inside his sleeves, veins bulging.
He deeply realized that his family had fallen into a trap.
They had fallen so easily into the Lu Family’s hands.
And now, the Lu Family and others demanding Bihu Mountain as compensation was clearly using righteousness as an excuse and reason to force his family to comply and take action against them.
Otherwise, with the Lu Family’s current strength, it would be difficult for them to guard both Qingzhu Mountain and Bihu Mountain at the same time.
They would face covetous glances and surveillance from surrounding hostile families.
“Lu Changsheng”
His gaze turned towards Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao.
He knew these two were the real formidable enemies.
One was a Second-Tier talisman grandmaster with numerous talismans.
The other was a Second-Tier formation master, using formations to break formations!
“Turn!”
Ling Zixiao’s blue dress fluttered, her tall and graceful figure, her slightly pale and elegant face no longer calm and graceful as usual, but with an added hint of cold aloofness.
As her red lips parted, she tossed out the formation disc. Instantly, the flags around them burst with spiritual light. The energy connected, causing the ground within Bihu Mountain to churn and spiritual energy to fluctuate.
“Poof!”
“This is bad!”
“She’s activating our Bihu Mountain formation! She wants to use its power to subdue us!”
As spiritual energy surged through Bihu Mountain, Yu Family cultivators at the early and middle Qi Refining stages felt their blood and spiritual power churning violently.
Those connected to the formation groaned heavily. Their breathing became erratic, some even coughing up blood.
“Such formidable Formation Techniques!”
“Who is this person? How did Lu Changsheng befriend such a formation master?”
Yu Ninghu suppressed the turmoil in his body, his eyes filled with shock.
Ling Zixiao’s techniques couldn’t greatly affect him, a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
But ordinary people and Qi Refining cultivators in Bihu Mountain would suffer severe injuries.
Her threat to make all of Bihu Mountain perish with them wasn’t empty!
As she controlled the formation, he sensed its power growing steadily, as if preparing for a terrifying strike.
“If you remain stubborn, don’t blame me for destroying Bihu Mountain. The entire mountain will pay for your decision!”
Ling Zixiao’s eyes were cold as water.
Her elegant pale face now carried an indescribable dominance, her beauty otherworldly and soul-stirring.
“This woman isn’t an ordinary Second-Tier formation master. She must be a high-ranked Second-Tier formation master!”
Lu Yuanzhong and Bai Yunyang watched Ling Zixiao, their throats dry.
They had interacted with formation masters before and knew some basics.
They realized Ling Zixiao’s skill was far beyond an average formation master.
Her power level was extremely high!
They were amazed that Lu Changsheng could become partners with such a brilliant woman!
“I didn’t expect Zixiao to have such a domineering side,” Lu Changsheng thought, watching her otherworldly demeanor.
When Ling Zixiao was with him, she showed some pride.
But overall, she was gentle, elegant, and considerate, very pleasant to be around.
She had never shown such a lofty and domineering side before.
But thinking about it, he could understand.
Ling Zixiao was gifted in both cultivation and Formation Techniques.
At a young age, she had not only reached Foundation Establishment but was also a Second-Tier formation master.
How could such a brilliant woman not have pride?
It was just that her Dragon Chant Physique had kept her weak, and coming to Nine Heavens Immortal City had made her suppress her innate pride.
But even in Nine Heavens Immortal City, Ling Zixiao had made quite a name for herself.
Now in the Qingyun Region, facing clans like the Lu and Yu families, she probably looked down on them a bit.
In this situation, showing some arrogance was normal.
“Damn it!”
“Big brother!”
“Ancestor! We might as well fight them to the death!”
The people of Bihu Mountain called out to Yu Ninghu, their faces showing pain, anger, fear, and despair!
Most of them, except for a few elders, were only at early or middle Qi Refining stages.
Under the formation’s power, their blood and spiritual energy were in turmoil.
If this continued, they would surely die.
Now, with their family ancestor dead and his body hanging before them.
Facing the enemy, they couldn’t even fight back, let alone seek revenge. How could they not be angry and desperate!
“Boom! Boom! Boom!”
The Azure Sky Water formation kept rumbling under the attacks of Ling Zixiao, Lu Changsheng, and the others.
The thick mist and glowing runes covering it grew dim.
Under the increasingly fierce attacks, Yu Ninghu’s internal energy and breath began to churn.
Seeing his family’s cultivators and younger generation pale-faced, their energy in chaos, coughing blood under the formation’s power, his face twisted. His nails dug into his palms, drawing blood. He suddenly looked up at Ling Zixiao and shouted, “Stop!”
“Fellow Daoist, please stop! Our Yu Family is willing to offer Bihu Mountain as compensation!”
Yu Ninghu’s voice became extremely hoarse.
Handing over their ancestral heritage was certainly not what he wanted.
But.
Lose the people and you lose both the land and the people!
Keep the people and you keep both!
As long as the mountain is green, there will always be firewood to burn!
If today he could drag the enemy down with him, he would gladly sacrifice his life!
But now, facing Lu Changsheng and the others, they had no way to fight back.
At most, they could inflict some losses and injuries on the enemy!
Such anger, hatred, and desperate struggle were meaningless!
“If that’s the case, open the formation immediately!”
Hearing this, Ling Zixiao spoke coldly, her expression frosty.
“Ninghu!”
“Big brother!”
“Ancestor!”
The other Yu Family cultivators all looked at Yu Ninghu upon hearing this.
Some were sad and resentful!
Some were relieved and let out a sigh!
“I request that all fellow Daoists make a Heart Demon Oath.”
“As long as our Yu Family is willing to offer Bihu Mountain as compensation, this matter will end here.”
Yu Ninghu’s face was filled with bitterness, tears of unwillingness in his eyes.
Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao exchanged a glance.
Lu Yuanzhong and Bai Yunyang also stopped their attacks upon hearing this.
Then, the four of them made a Heart Demon Oath.
They stated that if the Yu Family offered all of Bihu Mountain’s assets as compensation, the grudge between the two families would end here.
“Open the formation!”
Seeing Lu Changsheng, Ling Zixiao, and the others make the Heart Demon Oath, Yu Ninghu gritted his teeth and shouted to everyone.
At this moment, even those who were still unwilling could only obey.
“Boom!”
The main formation of Bihu Mountain was opened.
Then, Ling Zixiao stopped and took out a Second-Tier Spirit Contract.
She drew up the terms on it and began to sign the contract with Yu Ninghu.
It stated that to settle all grudges between the two families, the Yu Family would offer Bihu Mountain as compensation to the Lu Family and Lu Changsheng.
In return, the Lu Family would provide the Yu Family with a temporary home, Little Jing Mountain.
The Yu Family must settle in Little Jing Mountain for ten years!
During these ten years, the two families must not attack each other!
Moreover, the Yu Family must cooperate in transferring all the assets under Bihu Mountain’s name!
“This is impossible!”
Yu Family head Yu Ningyuan saw this Spirit Contract and immediately shouted.
Now that they were giving up Bihu Mountain, if they still had their family assets, there was hope for a comeback.
But if they transferred all the assets under Bihu Mountain’s name, it would be extremely difficult for the Yu Family to rise again!
“Fellow Daoist, isn’t this too demanding?”
Yu Ninghu’s face darkened as he spoke to Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao, unwilling to sign such a contract.
Not only did they have to confine themselves for ten years.
During these ten years, they also had to cooperate in transferring their family assets.
It was equivalent to putting aside their grudge and being vassals to the Lu Family for ten years!
How could he possibly agree to such a thing!
“Fellow Daoist Yu, you have no choice now.”
Ling Zixiao said coldly.
Then she smiled slightly and said, “Of course, we won’t be too demanding. As long as your Yu Family cooperates, we can let you keep some assets.”
“Huff!”
Yu Ninghu closed his eyes tightly and took a deep breath.
He knew at this moment, his family had no bargaining power left.
Finally, both parties settled on the contract.
If the Yu Family cooperated over the next ten years, they could keep some of their assets.
Regarding the division of assets, those too far from Bihu Mountain or in small Markets would be left to the Yu Family.
But assets like those in Hongye Valley Marketplace and Jiulong Market, which were near Yu Family territory, would all belong to the Lu Family.
“I just request that fellow Daoists give us some time… to relocate.”
After signing the contract, Yu Ninghu handed over control of the family formation. He seemed drained, extremely weak.
Although he knew his actions today were to protect the family.
Handing over the family’s Spirit Land and assets still left him unable to face the ancestors.
“During the relocation, I hope you won’t cause any damage.”
“After all, from today on, this Bihu Mountain is my husband’s Spirit Land!”
Ling Zixiao’s pale, elegant face lost its coldness, showing a graceful and refined expression as she spoke softly.
However, seeing her delicate appearance, no one dared to underestimate her.
“Your husband’s Spirit Land?”
Hearing this, Yu Ninghu suddenly looked at Lu Changsheng.
He instantly realized he had guessed wrong before.
The Lu Family wasn’t using the demand for Bihu Mountain as a Spirit Land to claim moral high ground and force them to submit, taking their assets.
Everything today was mainly about Lu Changsheng and this woman called Ling Zixiao.
It was Lu Changsheng who wanted to take their Spirit Land and establish his own power!
At this moment, he felt a surge of regret!
He realized that if Lu Changsheng wanted to establish his own sect, he could have negotiated with Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao earlier, before the grand formation was opened.
Although he couldn’t defeat Lu Changsheng and his group in combat,
he could have used the grand formation to damage the fish farms, herb gardens, Spirit Fields, and spiritual veins.
Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao would never want to inherit a ruined Bihu Mountain!
But now, everything was settled. He had nothing left to say.