Chapter 240: Friends Reunite, Demonic Cultivators Attack!

“Friend Lu, the registration for establishing your family clan on Bihu Mountain has been completed. Here’s your family token.”

In the Guest Quarters, a disciple from the Recording Palace handed a token to Lu Changsheng.

“Thank you, friend.”

Lu Changsheng took the token and looked at it.

Made of green gold, one side was engraved with ‘Azure Cloud Sect’ and the other with ‘Lu Clan of Bihu Mountain’.

“Friend Lu, since you’re establishing a family clan under our Azure Cloud Sect’s jurisdiction, there are some things you need to know.”

The Recording disciple politely said to Lu Changsheng.

Lu Changsheng nodded, “Please go on.”

“First, your clan must remember the annual resource tribute required by the main sect.”

“Second, the main sect’s orders must be followed unconditionally by subordinate clans.”

“Of course, our Azure Cloud Sect rarely has any tasks or orders. Even if we do, rewards will be given afterward.”

The Recording disciple explained the duties and benefits of subordinate clans.

Basically, they needed to pay tribute annually and follow the main sect’s orders.

But at the same time, if they encountered any troubles or disputes, they could seek help from Azure Cloud Sect.

They could also exchange for rare Natural Treasures, miraculous pills, and technique inheritances through Azure Cloud Sect that were scarce in the Market.

“May I ask how much is the annual resource tribute?”

Lu Changsheng inquired.

He already knew about these subordinate clans having to pay tribute to Azure Cloud Sect.

Like Qingzhu Mountain, their annual tribute was about 40% of the clan’s income.

This was why these clans like Qingzhu Mountain were so poor.

After paying the annual tribute and clan expenses, they could barely save any Spirit Stones.

“The tribute is assessed based on the spiritual land and clan situation. Currently, Bihu Mountain’s tribute remains the same at 12,000 Spirit Stones.”

“However, our Azure Cloud Sect will issue tasks to subordinate clans or seek to purchase some Natural Treasures. Your clan can reduce the tribute through these means.”

“Moreover, if your clan has disciples who join Azure Cloud Sect and perform exceptionally, the sect will also grant tribute reductions to the family.”

The Recording disciple explained.

He then took out a Jade Scroll for Lu Changsheng to see.

It showed the tribute situations of family clans under Azure Cloud Sect’s rule.

He found Bihu Mountain, indicating its annual tribute was 12,000 Spirit Stones.

Then, he showed Lu Changsheng the tasks issued by Azure Cloud Sect and the Natural Treasures they wanted to buy.

He said Lu Changsheng could look into these if interested.

If they had family members in Azure Cloud Sect, those members could send information about the issued tasks back to the clan.

“I understand. Thank you, friend.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

Over 10,000 Spirit Stones a year wasn’t a small amount, but it seemed manageable to him.

He could earn this amount by spending half a month making talismans or refining pills.

“Does Friend Lu have any other questions? If not, I’ll take my leave.”

The Recording Palace disciple politely said.

For ordinary people registering to establish a family, he wouldn’t explain so much in such detail.

But the previous incident at the Recording Palace made them all wonder who this Lu Changsheng really was.

He had even caused their elder to be thrown into Xuanyin Cave.

So naturally, they were very polite to Lu Changsheng.

“I have no other questions. Thank you for your trouble.”

Lu Changsheng cupped his hands and said.

He already knew most of these matters.

Now he was just going over them again.

“Alright, in that case, I’ll take my leave.”

The Recording Palace disciple said no more and left.

“Phew!”

Watching him leave, Lu Changsheng looked at the token in his hand and let out a light breath.

With this token, the establishment of his family clan was now confirmed.

Soon, he could peacefully build and develop Bihu Mountain.

Then, he took out the Communication Talismans of Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing and sent them messages.

He told them he was at the Guest Quarters of Azure Cloud Sect.

About half an hour later.

A woman who looked to be twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with a graceful and beautiful face, a slender and charming figure, wearing a green long dress, came flying on a flower vine and landed gracefully.

“Friend Zhao, it’s been a while.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the newcomer, his face breaking into a smile as he cupped his hands.

“Lu… Friend Lu.”

Zhao Qingqing looked at Lu Changsheng before her, slightly startled.

It had been about ten years since they last met at their ten-year appointment.

Back then, Lu Changsheng was already handsome and otherworldly, like an elegant jade tree, giving people a refreshing feeling.

Now, ten years later, Lu Changsheng’s appearance hadn’t changed much, but his aura was even more transcendent, like an immortal who had descended to the mortal world.

Moreover, he now had an air of calm detachment and confident composure that made people admire him at a glance.

“I’m preparing to establish a family clan and came to Azure Cloud Sect to handle some matters.”

“So I thought I’d meet up with you and Friend Han for a chat.”

Although they rarely communicated, now that they had met, Lu Changsheng naturally wouldn’t let the conversation go cold and actively engaged in chat.

“Establishing a family clan?”

Zhao Qingqing was surprised to hear this.

Although she was in Azure Cloud Sect, she rarely paid attention to outside news.

So she didn’t know about Lu Changsheng taking over Bihu Mountain and preparing to establish a family clan.

However, hearing this, she thought of Lu Changsheng’s number of children and felt it was quite normal for him to establish a family clan.

“Where is Friend Lu establishing his family clan?”

Zhao Qingqing asked.

She knew that to establish a family clan, one first needed a spiritual land.

And spiritual lands were rare, with limited ways to obtain them.

“Bihu Mountain. I’ll be holding the clan establishment ceremony there in two months.”

“Friend Zhao must come if you’re free then.”

Lu Changsheng invited Zhao Qingqing to sit down and, like a host, took out Spirit Tea and desserts from his Storage Bag.

“Bihu Mountain?”

Zhao Qingqing was stunned.

She had heard of the Yu Family of Bihu Mountain.

She knew this family had several Foundation Establishment cultivators.

But now Lu Changsheng was saying he was establishing a family clan on Bihu Mountain, which filled her with confusion.

However, Zhao Qingqing didn’t ask further and smiled, congratulating him, “Congratulations, Friend Lu. Not only have you broken through to Foundation Establishment and achieved great success in cultivation, but you’re also establishing a family clan now. I’ll definitely come to attend.”

Her voice was quite emotional.

Among the six of them back then, apart from Xiao Xiyue, she had the best conditions.

With a Sixth-Tier Spirit Root and Wood Spirit Body, she was even accepted as a disciple by the herb garden elder.

But now, she was still at the Ninth Level of Qi Refining, with a dim future for Foundation Establishment.

While Lu Changsheng had not only broken through to Foundation Establishment but was also establishing a family clan, surpassing her by who knows how many times.

“It’s just a bit of luck, fortunately breaking through to Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Changsheng said with a light laugh.

And so, the two began to chat casually.

Zhao Qingqing didn’t talk much, with Lu Changsheng doing most of the talking.

But she answered every question and would say more when they talked about interesting topics.

Knowing Zhao Qingqing was a spirit plant cultivator skilled in growing various spiritual herbs.

So Lu Changsheng actively brought up topics in this area.

He mentioned that his family clan was just established and needed to grow many spiritual herbs, asking if Zhao Qingqing had any suggestions.

Faced with this topic, Zhao Qingqing suddenly became more interested.

She asked Lu Changsheng what his needs were, for example, whether the spiritual herbs were for use or sale, and what the environment and conditions for growing spiritual herbs were like.

Although Lu Changsheng wasn’t a spirit plant cultivator, as a Top-Tier Second-Tier pill refiner, he had considerable knowledge about spiritual herbs and immediately expressed his needs.

Listening to Lu Changsheng, Zhao Qingqing was surprised.

She didn’t expect Lu Changsheng to have so much understanding of spiritual herbs, and the two instantly found more common ground in their conversation.

“Since Friend Lu has such needs, I can provide some spiritual herb seeds and cultivation methods.”

After a while, Zhao Qingqing picked up her tea, took a light sip, and said in a soft voice.

She was usually in charge of managing the outer sect’s herb garden.

So she could get many rare spiritual herb seeds that were scarce in the Market.

“In that case, I’ll trouble Friend Zhao.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng didn’t refuse and cupped his hands with a smile.

Based on his years of experience, in male-female interactions, occasionally letting the other person help with some respectable small favors helps to enhance the relationship.

And adhering to the principle of reciprocity, after the first exchange, there can be more mutual exchanges in the future.

His family clan was just established and had many things to do. If he could invite Zhao Qingqing, this Top-Tier spirit plant cultivator, back to his family, it would solve many problems.

The two chatted for about an hour before Han Lin hurriedly arrived.

He said he was refining equipment earlier, so he was delayed.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng naturally didn’t mind and invited Han Lin to sit down.

He spoke about his plans to establish a family clan.

He mentioned that if Han Lin had time, he could come with Zhao Qingqing to attend the ceremony.

“I had guessed that friend Lu Changsheng would establish a family clan in the future, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.”

“I will definitely come to attend when the time comes.”

Han Lin said with some emotion after hearing this.

He used to have a very good relationship with Lu Changsheng, always calling him “Brother Changsheng.”

But with one in an immortal sect and the other in the cultivation world, they hadn’t seen each other for many years, and there was inevitably some distance between them.

Moreover, they were both in their thirties or forties now, having experienced much, no longer as naive as before.

“Haha, good. When the time comes, let’s invite Hong Yi and friend Xiyue, and we can all gather together.”

Lu Changsheng nodded with a smile.

Then he asked about their recent situations and life in the Azure Cloud Sect.

Although he had heard about their general situation from Hong Yi,

Now that they were meeting face-to-face, they could chat about these things in person.

“I’m currently at the Ninth Level of Qi Refining, far behind Lu Changsheng. My hopes for Foundation Establishment are slim.”

Zhao Qingqing said with a sigh.

With only a Sixth-Tier Spirit Root, without a Foundation Establishment Pill, her chances of breaking through to Foundation Establishment were less than twenty percent.

Moreover, she was very clear that she wasn’t someone with an exceptionally firm dao heart, lacking a strong drive for advancement.

If she didn’t go out to train and temper her dao heart, gaining opportunities, Foundation Establishment would be basically hopeless.

But knowing was one thing; without trying, she would always feel regret.

“Haha, Foundation Establishment is too distant a goal, I don’t even think about it.”

Han Lin, with his dark complexion and ordinary appearance, said with a cheerful laugh, seeming very optimistic.

He expressed that he was already very satisfied with being able to step onto the path of immortality.

He planned to take on an external assignment from the sect in a few years and station himself in the Market.

With his skills as a High-Tier equipment refiner, he could live quite well.

“I used to think like friend Han, never considering Foundation Establishment, but life is unpredictable. You never know when an opportunity might come.”

Lu Changsheng said.

“Haha, thank you for your kind words, friend Lu Changsheng.”

Han Lin replied with cupped hands.

The three chatted idly.

During the conversation, Lu Changsheng thought of Immortal Lady Meng’s matter and asked about some internal affairs of the Azure Cloud Sect.

For example, about the situation of the Enforcement Palace and the Recording Palace.

“Caiyun Zhenren is actually the head of the Enforcement Palace!?”

At this point, Lu Changsheng heard a piece of news that surprised him.

“That’s right, friend Xiao’s master, Caiyun Zhenren, is indeed the head of the Enforcement Palace.”

Zhao Qingqing said, her words carrying a hint of awe and admiration.

“It’s just as I suspected. The previous observation and probing came from Xiyue’s master, this Caiyun Zhenren.”

Lu Changsheng pondered inwardly.

Earlier, when he left the Enforcement Palace, he had felt a vague sense of being watched, and he had guessed it was related to Xiao Xiyue’s master.

Now hearing this, he was almost certain.

It must be that Immortal Lady Meng, for some unknown reason, suspected him of killing Meng Yibai and reported him.

But Caiyun Zhenren happened to see him and helped him out of danger.

“It seems I should properly express my gratitude to Xiyue later.”

“I wonder if this Caiyun Zhenren can see through my Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivation.”

Lu Changsheng paused in thought.

Although he had a jade pendant given by his Golden Core sister that could conceal his spiritual energy,

Lu Changsheng wasn’t sure if this jade pendant could block the Divine Sense probe of a Golden Core cultivator.

At this moment, Lu Changsheng missed his Mysterious Pearl again.

If he had the Mysterious Pearl, he wouldn’t fear the observation of a Golden Core cultivator.

Thinking of the Mysterious Pearl, Lu Changsheng thought of Nangong Mili, and then of the child in Nangong Mili’s womb.

“It’s been a year and a half already, how come the child in Nangong Mili’s womb hasn’t been born yet?”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

He was quite looking forward to the child in the womb of Nangong Mili, this Golden Core cultivator.

But counting the time, it had been one year and seven months since Nangong Mili became pregnant.

Even if the child was exceptionally gifted, the pregnancy shouldn’t last this long, right?

After chatting for a long time, this small gathering finally dispersed.

Lu Changsheng had originally wanted to see his nominal brother-in-law, Xia Zhaoyang.

But seeing it was getting late, and he didn’t have a Communication Talisman for this brother-in-law, he decided against it.

He could just have Xia Zhiyue write him a letter later.

Leaving the Azure Cloud Sect, Lu Changsheng didn’t delay. He rode his purple flying shuttle, turning into a streak of light, flying towards Bihu Mountain.

The night had deepened.

Outside Bihu Mountain.

“Sir, this is one of the weak points of my family’s ‘Azure Sky Water’ formation.”

“Only a month has passed, Lu Changsheng and the others surely haven’t altered the formation or rearranged it.”

Yu Ninghu, with his dark green complexion and gloomy eyes, said to the black-robed man beside him.

“Hmm, this is the spot.”

The black-robed man looked at the hazy, mist-filled formation before him, made hand seals, and brought out a fist-sized black pearl.

“Hum——”

The black pearl glowed with a shifting dark light, and streams of black energy, like small snakes, surged towards the weak point of the formation before them.

Since he dared to secretly infiltrate the clan, he naturally had his methods.

This pearl, called the ‘Prohibition-Breaking Pearl’, was a strange treasure.

Against ordinary First-Tier formations, it could break through silently.

Against Second-Tier formations, as long as the weak point was found, it could open a crack with some time and effort.

This was why he had been able to silently infiltrate Little Jing Mountain before.

Because the First-Tier formation of Little Jing Mountain was like nothing in front of his ‘Prohibition-Breaking Pearl’.

“Hum hum hum——”

As nine black snakes from the Prohibition-Breaking Pearl surged and gnawed at the formation, the formation trembled slightly, and the swirling mist in this area gradually dispersed, revealing the interior of Bihu Mountain.

“Hmm?”

Inside Bihu Mountain, on Biyun Peak, in Hall of Everlasting Life, Ling Zixiao, with her elegant and pale face, suddenly opened her eyes.

A formation disc appeared in her hand.

Seeing the formation disc trembling slightly and its pointer rotating, Ling Zixiao immediately realized that someone was tampering with the Bihu Mountain formation.

She quickly walked out of Hall of Everlasting Life and looked in the direction indicated by the formation disc’s pointer.

In the dark night, she saw two figures doing something to the Bihu Mountain formation.

“Rise!”

Ling Zixiao immediately activated the formation disc, fully powering up the Bihu Mountain formation.

In an instant.

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh——”

The thin mist that originally covered Bihu Mountain immediately began to swirl rapidly, becoming dense, with a powerful spiritual energy spreading out.

It made the formation appear azure blue in the night, with many colorful symbols like fish swimming in a blue sea, carrying a dangerous aura.

“It seems we’ve been discovered. In that case, let’s break the formation directly.”

“As long as we open a crack, it’s enough for us to enter.”

Seeing the formation begin to operate at full power, the black-robed man knew his attempt at secret infiltration had failed.

He immediately made hand seals, fully activating his ‘Prohibition-Breaking Pearl’.

Instantly, the black pearl glowed with a shifting light, gathering all the snake-like black energy around it, transforming into a large black snake that slammed against the weak point of the formation before them.

Beside him, Yu Ninghu also brought out a curved blade Artifact, slashing at the formation before them.

“Boom boom boom!”

The entire Bihu Mountain formation rumbled loudly, breaking the silence of the deep night.

“Hmm, what’s that sound?”

“What’s going on?”

“Why is the formation operating at full power?”

Inside Bihu Mountain, those who were cultivating or sleeping, hearing this commotion, instantly woke up.

Walking out of their rooms, they saw the Azure Sky Water formation in the sky above, operating at full power and appearing azure blue, their faces showing some bewilderment.

They knew that the formation would only operate at full power when something major happened.

Now that the formation had suddenly activated at full power and there were loud, violent sounds, it was clear that something had happened.

“Everyone, don’t panic. Stay in your homes, comfort the children, and don’t move around unnecessarily!”

Seeing this scene, Ling Zixiao’s pale and elegant face showed some gravity as she spoke loudly using a sound amplification technique.

Then she took out a Communication Talisman from her Storage Bag to send a message to Lu Miaoge and Lu Changsheng..

They had just taken over Bihu Mountain and made a show of force to the outside world.

Now someone dared to come to Bihu Mountain to cause trouble and break the formation. Without thinking, they knew the intruders had come with ill intentions and were well-prepared.

Moreover, the intruders’ formation-breaking method made Ling Zixiao realize it was not simple.

So she directly used the Communication Talisman, hoping Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge would come to help oon.

After all, their own people knew their situation best.

Her body was weak, with only a tenth of her spiritual power remaining.

Earlier, breaking the formation had also injured her meridians and dantian, leaving her in an extremely weak state.

Although she had received treatment with Lu Miaoge’s Taiji True Water,,

However, this kind of treatment requires long-term care and can’t show results in just one or two sessions.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

The weak points of Bihu Mountain’s grand formation were constantly under attack.

The black-robed man had clearly come prepared, even bringing Second-Tier barrier-breaking talismans.

As the talismans exploded, they sent out ripples that warped the formation’s operation.

“Rotate!”

Seeing this, Ling Zixiao immediately soared into the sky. She sat cross-legged atop Biyun Peak, her hands forming seals as she manipulated the formation disc. She poured all her effort into reinforcing the weak points under attack.

“Miaoyun, go calm down Lake Heart Island. Keep an eye on the outside cultivators there!”

Ling Zixiao’s gaze swept over Lake Heart Island and then to a small courtyard as she sent a mental message to Lu Miaoyun.

Lake Heart Island still housed some outside cultivators left by the Yu Family, as well as Lu Family members who had come from Qingzhu Mountain to help manage affairs.

Normally, Ling Zixiao wouldn’t pay much attention to these outsiders from the Yu Family, not thinking they could do much.

But at this crucial moment, she had to be cautious.

“Alright, Sister Ling.”

Lu Miaoyun immediately respondd upon hearing this.

Faced with this situation, she felt a bit nervous and unsure.

But she knew that with her husband currently away, it was up to her as the mistress to keep things under control.

She immediately mounted a Flying Sword and headed towards Lake Heart Island.

“Miaoyun, what’s going on?”

An elder of the Lu Family spotted Lu Miaoyun and immediately askd.

“I’m not sure either. It seems someone is trying to infiltrate Bihu Mountain.”

Lu Miaoyun replied, observing he state of the formation.

“Is Changsheng not home?”

Upon hearing this, the elder was startled and became somewhat panicked.

After all, anyone daring to sneak attack Bihu Mountain must have come well-prepared.

If Lu Changsheng happened to be away, Bihu Mountain would be in danger.

“Grandfather Tong, Uncle Fei, with Sister Ling in charge, we’ll be fine.”

Lu Miaoyun glanced at Ling Zixao on Biyun Peak, biting her lip slightly as she spoke.

She then sent a mental message: “Grandfather Tong, Uncle Fei, please stay put on Lake Heart Island and keep an eye on these outside cultivators.”

“Alright.”

Hearing this, several Lu Family elders also looked towards Ling Zixiao on Biyun Peak.

Though they could tell Ling Zixiao wasn’t in the best physical condition,

They had witnessed her impressive array-breaking skills before.

Knowing she was a Foundation Establishment grand master and a Second-Tier formation master, they were confident that with her in charge, they would be safe.

“Two Foundation Establishment cultivators.”

“Mere Foundation Establishment dares to come break our formation? They must be well-prepared. Which family or force are they from?”

Ling Zixiao sat cross-legged on Biyun Peak, controlling the grand formation as she watched the black-robed man and Yu Ninghu attempting to break through.

Though she had met Yu Ninghu before, his appearance and aura were now concealed and greatly changed, making him unrecognizable.

“My husband and Miaoge likely won’t make it back in time.”

“In my current state, I might not be able to hold out until they arrive.”

Ling Zixiao watched the two intruders breaking the formation, calculating in her mind.

She knew her condition. She could maintain and operate the formation for a short while,

But over time, her meridians and dantian would be overloaded, making it difficult to continue.

“If that’s the case, I’ll have to switch from defense to offense.”

“With a Second-Tier formation to suppress the enemy, combined with Third-Tier Talismans, killing these two shouldn’t be a problem.”

“The question is, what tricks do they have up their sleeves?”

Ling Zixiao pondered, her beautiful eyes showing a grave expression.

Although she had three Third-Tier Talismans and several Second-Tier ones given by Lu Changsheng,

In her current condition, trying to control the formation while activating a Third-Tier Talisman would require a killing blow.

If she failed to slay the two, the situation would become troublesome.

“I should test the waters first. They dare to come break the formation, so they must be well-prepared.”

“Not only did they immediately find the formation’s weak points, but they also have barrier-breaking treasures.”

After some thought, Ling Zixiao decided against such a risky plan.

If her plan failed, everyone on Bihu Mountain would be in danger.

She would rely on the formation to hold out as long as possible, hoping Lu Changsheng might return in time.

But seeing no response from her Yin-Yang Communication Talisman with Lu Changsheng, she knew he was still far from Bihu Mountain and wouldn’t make it back soon.

“Break! Break! Break!”

Outside the formation, the black-robed man continuously bombarded the weak point with his “Prohibition-Breaking Pearl.”

Beside him, Yu Ninghu also wielded magical Artifacts, striking at the formation.

“She’s putting all her effort into reinforcing this weak point. Yu, take these three barrier-breaking talismans and attack another weak point!”

“If she’s seriously injured, she won’t be able to maintain the formation forever. We’ll wear her down!”

The black-robed man, noticing Ling Zixiao reinforcing the current weak point, instructed Yu Ninghu.

“Yes, sir.”

Yu Ninghu, his face dark and gloomy, nodded in response.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Yu Family, he naturally knew about the multiple weak points in their family’s formation.

Usually, they would arrange more people to patrol these weak spots.

But Lu Changsheng clearly didn’t have the manpower for that now.

Besides stationing someone at the mountain gate, there were no patrols elsewhere.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

Yu Ninghu, armed with barrier-breaking talismans, turned into a streak of light and arrived at another weak point, starting to bombard the formation in an attempt to create a breach.

“How is this possible? They seem to know the weak points of Bihu Mountain’s formation like the back of their hand.”

Watching this, Ling Zixiao’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly.

Her gaze fell on the black-robed and hooded Yu Ninghu, trying to discern his identity.

“The weak points of a formation are closely guarded secrets of each family, never to be revealed to outsiders.”

“Besides the Yu Family, no one else could be so familiar with Bihu Mountain’s formation weak points.”

“And even within the Yu Family, only a few core members would know such secrets.”

“Could it be Yu Ninghu?”

“But Yu Ninghu took a Heart Demon Oath and signed a Second-Tier Spirit Contract. If he dared to do this, he’d face a heart Demon invasion and contract backlash, crippling his cultivation and dropping him to Qi Refining stage.”

Ling Zixiao pondered, wondering if this person could be Yu Ninghu.

But she remembered Yu Ninghu’s Heart Demon Oath and the Second-Tier superior Spirit Contract he had signed with her.

If he dared to violate the agreement, the contract’s backlash would surely bring calamity.

Though the cultivation world had many methods, Heart Demon Oaths and Spirit Contracts weren’t easily bypassed.

The Yu Family was merely a Foundation Establishment level clan.

They definitely wouldn’t have a way to circumvent a Heart Demon Oath and a Second-Tier Spirit Contract without paying a hefty price.

“This can’t go on.”

As time passed and the strain on her internal energy grew, Ling Zixiao knew she couldn’t keep trading blows like this.

Otherwise, she’d be the one to suffer in the end.

“Rotate!”

She circulated her spiritual energy, giving the formation disc a spin, instantly reinforcing the weak point where Yu Ninghu was attacking.

Then, her pale lips lightly uttered: “Rise!”

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

In an instant, the sapphire-blue formation churned like the sea. Runes gathered like small fish, forming into golden-blue spheres that shot towards Yu Ninghu.

These golden-blue spheres looked unremarkable, but each one packed the power of a full-force strike from an early Foundation Establishment cultivator!

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

However, the moment Yu Ninghu saw the formation’s spiritual pressure surge, he immediately transformed into a streak of light and fled.

As the former master of Bihu Mountain, he not only knew where the formation’s weak points were,

But also understood the formation’s offensive power all too well.

He knew that at his early Foundation Establishment level,

He absolutely couldn’t withstand the formation’s assault head-on.

“It seems they not only know my husband isn’t at Bihu Mountain, but also that I’m injured.”

Seeing Yu Ninghu’s reaction, Ling Zixiao took a deep breath.

She realized the attackers had truly come fully prepared!

Not only did they have means to break the formation, but they also seemed to know their current situation inside out!

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have come with just two people to break the formation, clearly intending to wear her down.

“I can only rely on talismans to catch them off guard.”

Ling Zixiao thought to herself, quickly making a decision.

She planned to use a Third-Tier Talisman to launch a surprise attack.

She didn’t believe the enemy would even know she had Third-Tier Talismans.

After all, when Lu Changsheng gave her the Third-Tier Talismans, she herself was shocked.

She had no idea where her husband had obtained such powerful talismans.

“Formation, rise!”

Ling Zixiao manipulated the formation disc, switching from defense to offense. The formation’s mist continued to churn.

Countless restriction runes gathered, forming golden-blue spheres that precisely targeted Yu Ninghu and the black-robed man.

“Whoosh!”

Yu Ninghu, who was attacking the formation from afar with spells, saw this and quickly retreated further.

The black-robed man faced this attack fearlessly and summoned a bronze bell.

“Hum!”

The bronze bell rang out, emitting a bronze-colored light barrier that enveloped the black-robed man, directly withstanding the Azure Sky Water formation’s attack.

“Boom boom boom——”

The gold and blue spheres fell on the bronze bell, immediately exploding with violent rumbles.

“Late Foundation Establishment!”

Seeing the black-robed man’s actions and this bronze bell Spirit Tool, Ling Zixiao immediately knew the opponent had late Foundation Establishment cultivation.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to easily withstand so many formation attacks.

“Since you want to break the formation, I’ll let you break it!”

Ling Zixiao’s pale, elegant face was filled with a cold expression.

She sat cross-legged, her hands forming seals, and the formation disc before her buzzed and trembled.

On Bihu Mountain, the Azure Sky Water formation suddenly rippled, its runes flowing and converging into a five-colored spear emanating a terrifying aura.

At this moment, Ling Zixiao completely opened the formation’s defense, allowing the two to attack and break through the cracks.

“Hmm, finally getting desperate?”

“Want to drag me down with you? What a foolish dream!”

The black-robed man saw this, his dark eyes flashing with a crimson light as his hands formed seals.

“Rumble——”

Suddenly, the ‘Prohibition-Breaking Pearl’ before him burst with light, like a roaring flood dragon crashing against the formation.

“Break for me!”

At this moment, a Second-Tier barrier-breaking talisman appeared in the black-robed man’s hand.

“Boom!”

In an instant, a huge crack appeared in the formation.

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh——”

Seeing this crack, the black-robed man immediately transformed into black mist, tearing through the air like a fierce wind and charging into the formation.

“Kill!”

Ling Zixiao, in her blue dress, sat cross-legged, her face cold and her beautiful autumn-water eyes shining brightly in the night.

“Whoosh!!!”

The five-colored spear formed by countless formation runes suddenly shot towards the black-robed man.

“Hum——”

The bronze bell above the black-robed man’s head rang out, rising into the air and emitting a light barrier to block the five-colored spear.

“Boom!”

But faced with the full power of the formation, comparable to a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator’s all-out attack, the bronze bell instantly let out a mournful cry, its light barrier shattering and the Spirit Tool itself developing a crack.

“You want to kill me? Did you think I came unprepared?”

The black-robed man sneered at the incoming five-colored spear, his internal spiritual power surging to keep the bronze bell’s light flowing to block the spear, while he patted his Storage Bag.

“Bang!”

A black coffin appeared.

Inside was a corpse, pitch-black, with bulging muscles, crimson eyes, and rolling yin energy.

“Roar!”

This corpse let out a beast-like roar and charged straight at Ling Zixiao.

“A Second-Tier yin corpse, not good!”

Ling Zixiao’s face changed.

She had intended to use the formation to subdue the black-robed man, then use Third-Tier Talismans to kill him.

But now, the opponent was withstanding the formation’s attack while sending a Second-Tier corpse to kill her.

“This is… a yin corpse!”

“Not good, this person is the Xiahou Demon!”

“How can this be? Why has the Xiahou Demon targeted Bihu Mountain?”

On Biyun Peak’s Lake Heart Island, everyone who saw this immediately guessed the black-robed man’s identity, their faces filled with panic.

The fact that the Xiahou clan from Blackwater Pool was a secret agent for Jin Kingdom’s Heaven Corpse Sect, raising and refining corpses, was already common knowledge.

For the past two years, the Xiahou Demon had been causing trouble throughout the Qingyun Region, slaughtering small clans.

Now, with the black-robed man breaking the formation for no reason and summoning a Second-Tier yin corpse, it practically confirmed his identity as the Xiahou Demon.

“Husband said to use the Golden Potato as a puppet if we encounter danger.”

Lu Miaoyun remembered what Lu hangsheng had told her earlier.

But she had planted the Golden Armored Bean Mother on Lingcui Cliff.

Seeing the current situation, she gritted her teeth and immediately flew on her Flying Sword towards Lingcui Cliff.

“So it really is the Xiahou Demon.”

Outside the formation, Yu Ninghu, who was attacking the formation, saw the black-robed man summon the coffin and release the yin corpse, his sickly pale face darkening slightly.

He had previously guessed that this black-robed man was the Xiahou Demon.

Now, seeing this yin corpse, he was almost certain.

“Since you’ve already fallen into the demonic path, how are you any different from other demonic cultivators!”

Yu Ninghu’s eyes darkened, and without much thought, he focused all his efforts on attacking the formation’s weak point.

Currently, the formation had given up its defense, he only needed to break through it and join forces with the black-robed man to surely capture Ling Zixiao.

“Sister Ling!”

On Biyun Peak, Lu Miaohuan saw the yin corpse charging towards Ling Zixiao and quickly took out a two-meter-tall, jet-black metal puppet from her Storage Bag. It held a knife in one hand and a shield in the other, with five black javelins on its back.

“Go!”

Lu Miaohuan used the puppet control technique taught by Lu Changsheng to mentally control this Second-Tier puppet, sending it to intercept the yin corpse.

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh——”

As the Second-Tier puppet charged towards the yin corpse, the five javelins on its back shot out like lightning, all aiming at the yin corpse, powerful and domineering.

Lu Miaohuan didn’t have much combat experience, and her understanding of this puppet was limited to Lu Changsheng’s previous introduction and her subsequent curious tinkering.

So faced with this yin corpse, she went all out immediately.

“Clang clang clang!”

Each of these five javelins was like a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s attack, hitting the yin corpse and causing a series of sounds like metal clashing.

“How can this be!?”

Lu Miaohuan saw that the Second-Tier puppet’s all-out attack only left some wounds on the yin corpse, unable to pierce through it.

“Roar!”

Faced with this attack, the yin corpse seemed enraged, letting out an angry roar, its yin energy surging as it charged towards the Second-Tier puppet.

Immediately, the Second-Tier yin corpse and the Second-Tier puppet began to fight.

But it was clear that this Second-Tier puppet was no match for the yin corpse.

Each fierce attack from the yin corpse left a dent in the Second-Tier puppet.

“Second-Tier puppet, now’s the time!”

Seeing this, Ling Zixiao immediately put all her effort into operating the formation, trying to subdue the black-robed man.

Then, a purple talisman appeared in her hand, flying towards the black-robed man, intending to kill him with the talisman.

“Not good!”

Seeing this, the black-robed man immediately guessed that Ling Zixiao must have some kind of trump card.

He quickly formed hand seals, his spiritual power surging as he summoned a black bowl.

At the same time.

“Boom!”

Yu Ninghu broke through the formation, turning into a streak of light and charging in, wielding his Flowing Moon Crescent Blade as he attacked Ling Zixiao.

“Damn it!”

Seeing Yu Ninghu suddenly attacking, Ling Zixiao’s face darkened slightly.

She immediately manipulated the formation disc, the formation exerting a suppressing force on Yu Ninghu, while a talisman appeared in her hand.

Second-Tier top-quality talisman — Thunderfire Wuwang Talisman!

In her current state, she could at most use one Third-Tier Talisman!

Moreover, she could see that Yu Ninghu’s strength was at the early Foundation Establishment stage.

For this level of strength, there was no need to use a Third-Tier Talisman!

“Boom boom boom——”

The talisman in Ling Zixiao’s hand soared into the sky, turning into endless heavenly thunder and earthly fire, surging towards Yu Ninghu with tremendous force.

“Not good!”

Yu Ninghu’s body suddenly sank, seeing the incoming talisman attack, his sickly pale face changed drastically.

He hurriedly summoned several talismans, forming layer upon layer of barriers, wanting to escape.

But at this moment, the invisible force of the formation, like a great mountain, pressed down on him, his legs sinking into a quagmire, unable to move.

“Boom boom boom——”

Yu Ninghu was instantly engulfed by endless thunder and fire.

“Puh!”

Ling Zixiao spat out a mouthful of blood, her already pale face now as white as paper.

Operating the formation for so long had already put a severe strain on her.

Now, fully activating the formation to suppress Yu Ninghu and activating the Second-Tier Spirit Talisman immediately damaged her fragile meridians and dantian.

“Good opportunity!”

Seeing Ling Zixiao spitting blood, the black-robed man’s face lit up with joy.

As for Yu Ninghu’s situation, he didn’t care at all.

After all, Yu Ninghu was just a puppet for him to create a corpse slave.

Although it wasted a corpse seed, compared to Ling Zixiao before him and Lu Changsheng’s opportunity, it was nothing.

“Kill them all!”

The black-robed man, while resisting the five-colored spear, patted his Storage Bag, and three more coffins appeared, from which three corpses emerged.

However, these three corpses were not as powerful as the previous one, only First-Tier corpses.

“Bang bang bang—”

Meanwhile, the Second-Tier puppet controlled by Lu Miaohuan was nearly deformed as the Yin corpse battered it, sending it flying backwards.

“Roar!”

The Yin corpse let out an angry roar and continued its assault on Ling Zixiao.

“This won’t do. If I use another Second-Tier talisman, I won’t be able to use the Third-Tier one.”

Ling Zixiao watched the approaching Second-Tier Yin corpse, gripping the Third-Tier Divine Thunder talisman tightly, her expression grave.

However, at that moment.

“Whoosh!”

A golden light shot towards them from Lingcui Peak.

“Boom—”

The golden light directly slammed into the Second-Tier Yin corpse, sending it flying.

It revealed a tall figure clad in golden armor, emanating an imposing aura that seemed to challenge the heavens.

“What’s this?”

Ling Zixiao was stunned by the sight before her.

How many more hidden tricks did the family have? If she had known about the Second-Tier puppet and this unknown golden-armored figure earlier, she wouldn’t have had to strategize so much.

“What is this now!?”

The black-robed man was also shocked by this turn of events.

He had nurtured this Yin corpse to the mid-stage of the second grade, yet it was easily knocked away by this golden-armored figure!

“This Lu Changsheng family has so many hidden cards. The opportunity he stumbled upon must have been extraordinary, a truly great fortune!”

“Moreover, Ling Zixiao must still have talismans in her possession. There’s no need to clash head-on. I should return and report this to the Patriarch!”

The black-robed man, seeing this scene, recalled how Ling Zixiao had rushed towards him earlier, likely intending to use a Top-Tier Second-Tier talisman against him.

The current situation made him uncertain about how many more tricks they had up their sleeves.

Without hesitation, the black-robed man decided to retreat. He used the ‘Prohibition-Breaking Pearl’ to attack the formation, preparing to leave.

“Trying to escape!?”

Ling Zixiao couldn’t possibly let him get away.

In her current state, if he escaped and returned for a surprise attack, what would she do?

“Seal!”

Ling Zixiao manipulated the formation disc, locking down the formation to prevent his escape. She poured her liquid spiritual energy continuously into the Third-Tier Talisman in her hand.

Hum!

The purple talisman flew into the air, emitting a powerful hum and spiritual pressure.

It then transformed into a heavenly bolt of lightning that stretched from sky to earth!

Third-Tier lower-quality talisman—Divine Thunder Talisman!

The power of this talisman was comparable to a strike from a Golden Core cultivator!

Boom!

The purple lightning expanded, endless bolts of lightning spread out, illuminating the entire night sky as bright as day.

At this moment, Bihu Mountain became a world of lightning.

The violent lightning flashed brilliantly, forming a sea of electricity that engulfed the black-robed man.

Then, countless lightning storms spread out, turning every inch of space into a terrifying display of light.

“Boom boom boom—”

The lightning’s power didn’t diminish, even blasting open a corner of the Bihu Mountain formation where the black-robed man was.

Under the purple lightning, the entire ground turned pitch black and pockmarked, permeated with the destructive aura of lightning.

“This… this…”

“What terrifying power!”

“Could this be the legendary Third-Tier Talisman?”

Everyone on Biyun Peak and Lake Heart Island was struck speechless by the sight of the day-bright, world-destroying lightning.

“Puff!”

Ling Zixiao coughed up another mouthful of blood upon seeing this scene, her body going limp.

At this moment, her spiritual energy was nearly depleted, her meridians and dantian throbbing with pain.

The spiritual energy required for a Third-Tier Talisman far exceeded her expectations, almost completely draining her.

“Sister Ling.”

Seeing this, Lu Miaohuan immediately rode her Flying Sword out from Biyun Peak and caught Ling Zixiao.

She took out a bottle of pills from her Storage Bag, fed them to Ling Zixiao, and then used a healing talisman on her.

“Roar!”

The Second-Tier Yin corpse howled at this sight.

“Bam—”

The golden-armored warrior threw out another powerful punch, sending the Second-Tier Yin corpse flying again.

“The rest… is up to you.”

Ling Zixiao said in an extremely weak voice.

“Don’t worry, Sister Zixiao.”

Lu Miaohuan gritted her teeth and replied.

She immediately took out several talismans and went to attack the three First-Tier Yin corpses.

They all had quite a few talismans given to them by Lu Changsheng.

At this time, Lu Miaoyun also arrived from Lngcui Cliff, taking out several talismans and launching them at the three First-Tier Yin corpses.

Soon, the battle was over.

The two women destroyed the three First-Tier Yin corpses, while the golden-armored warrior subdued the Second-Tier one.

“Zhenzhen, Zhiyue, Ling’er, Xian’er, Yun’er, Xiaoru, keep an eye on the surroundings.”

Lu Miaohuan took a deep breath and instructed the other daughters and children of the family.

With Ling Zixiao nearly unconscious, they had to stabilize the situation.

Lu Miaoyun immediately had thegolden-armored warrior guard the breach in the formation.

The other girls and children took talismans from Lu Miaoyun and Lu Miaohuan, mantaining a vigilant stance.

Time ticked by slowly.

For Bihu Mountain, this night was one of sleepless vigilance.

After an unknown amount of time, as the sky began to lighten, a figure in snow-white clothes with delicate features descended outside Bihu Mountain.

“Sister Miaoge!”

“Sister!”

“Eldest Aunt!”

Seeing this figure, everyone on Bihu Mountain immediately showed expressions of joy.

At this moment, Ling Zixiao, in Lu Miaohuan’s arms, finally lost consciousness completely.