To defeat Hua Qian Zhi, it is essential to quickly enhance one's strength. It is impossible to jump straight to the Late Stage of Golden Core; instead, I must rapidly complete the five attributes of the Golden Core Mid-Stage. Xu Feng took out five hundred Super Sixth Level Yuan Spirit Pills that he had refined in the Lin family and began to cultivate frantically.
Of the one hundred Fire Elemental Spirit Pills, ninety-five had already been consumed, completing the enhancement for the Golden Core Mid-Stage. Based on past experience, Xu Feng first consumed an Earth Elemental Pill to push for the fifth layer of Earth King Shock.
There was only one Expansion Pulse Talisman, which had already been used during the first Fire Element One Star impact. Fortunately, it opened a gap in the Golden Core Mid-Stage, allowing for rapid progress without needing to expand the pulse.
Fire generates earth; the Earth Elemental Energy surged rapidly in the space opened by Fire Elemental Power. Numerous Earth Element Super Spirit Pills burned and refined within his body—one, five, ten.
Time passed bit by bit—one, five, ten.
On the fifteenth, a faint yellow light flashed in Xu Feng's eyes. After consuming seventy Super Sixth Level Earth Elemental Pills, Xu Feng finally succeeded in advancing his Earth Element Cultivation Method to the fifth layer under the residual warmth of Fire Element One Star, and his own strength also progressed to the Golden Core Mid-Stage.
The Earth Elemental Energy circulated within him, continuously strengthening his muscles and cells. As the Earth Elemental Energy advanced, Xu Feng's defensive power was further enhanced. Coupled with his Supreme Quality Armor, attacks from an average Late Golden Core Cultivator could no longer harm Xu Feng.
Hua Du remained unconscious in the cave. Xu Feng occasionally administered some medicine to keep him alive but did not allow him to wake up. However, today Xu Feng did something rather unscrupulous; he stripped Hua Du down to his underwear and removed all his accessories from his head, hands, and neck along with his storage bag for himself.
After doing this, Xu Feng handed a few illusion pills to Pangolin and instructed it briefly before rising and flying towards Beast Reject City.
Hua Du had already been detained for fifteen days. Xu Feng needed to grasp the movements of Wuhua Island to prevent them from tearing up the deal. The New Moon Sect was completely controlled by Wuhua Island. If other sects in Liuxiang Kingdom could not organize an effective counterattack, they would soon be picked off one by one and swallowed up.
Wuhua Island's unification of Liuxiang Xian Dao was well known. It was impossible to change the entire situation with just one Hua Du.
I must buy some time; if necessary, I will exchange Qiu Wuling and Cai Shujun back and hide in Beast Wasteland until my strength increases before seeking revenge on Wuhua Island.
After two hours, Xu Feng quietly entered Beast Reject City and hurried towards Fog City Lin Family. By the second night, Xu Feng successfully met Lin Fangxin in Mist City as he had hoped.
After a conversation, Xu Feng grasped some situations regarding the Liuxiang Kingdom.
Yi Jiuzhou had not emerged from seclusion for three and a half months and had yet to advance to the Golden Core stage, which was twice as slow compared to Lin Fangxin and Gao Jingsong.
Gao Jingsong brought news that he would be in seclusion at Bailu Mountain for a month, though it was unclear what he was busy with.
Wuhua Island did not make things difficult for Chu Wushang but detained Cai Shujun and Qiu Wuling. On the day of the grand wedding, Xu Feng intervened and publicly captured Hua Du, causing Wuhua Island to lose face. However, this did not affect Wuhua Island's ambitions; supported by their strong power, they actively recruited disciples, and many opportunistic loose cultivators joined their ranks.
Wuhua Island continually found various excuses to provoke trouble, attempting to reunite the original six Major Sects. Guo Shan Sword Sect, Star River Sword Sect, Guiyi Sect, Eight Directions Cave, and the nearly-defunct New Moon Sect formed a temporary alliance. Some forces unwilling to submit to Wuhua Island also joined this alliance to resist Wuhua Island's encroachment. Unfortunately, all the Yuan Ying Cultivators in the alliance were severely injured and unable to fight back; Hua Qian Zhi stood out alone, proving unbeatable.
Although the Five Faction Alliance had numerical superiority, it lacked a key figure to lead them. Faced with Hua Qian Zhi's attacks, they were powerless and suffered continuous defeats. Hua Guinian did not want to push the factions too hard for fear of mutual destruction. He strictly controlled Hua Qian Zhi's actions to prevent him from going too far and inciting public outrage while also actively recruiting disciples in an effort to win without fighting.
The unification of Wuhua Island over Liuxiang Kingdom was imminent.
Xu Feng had a deep discussion with Lin Fangxin throughout the night and left hurriedly the next morning without revealing his destination.
In the conference hall of Wuhua Island, a debate was underway. The pro-war faction led by Hua Qian Zhi faced off against the peace faction led by Hua Guichen. Island Master Hua Guinian sat in the middle, weighing both sides' arguments while often appearing indecisive. A dozen elders stood on either side but dared not express their opinions; this was an internal matter of the Hua Family, and it was better not to take sides recklessly.
Hua Qian Zhi said, "Father, right now Liuxiang Kingdom is like a scattered sand; as long as you give the order, I can wipe them out completely. The Five Faction Alliance is just a group of rabble."
Hua Guichen replied, "Though Liuxiang Kingdom is fragmented, there are hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Many High-Level Cultivators do not participate in disputes, but if one family becomes dominant, it will inevitably attract unforeseen calamities. The Nine Dragon Pool is the best example."
"Third Uncle," Hua Qian Zhi said, "It’s all about human effort. Wuhua Island is different from Nine Dragon Pool; we have been rooted here for thousands of years with our own fortune. This is our golden opportunity to unify Liuxiang Kingdom. Once those Yuan Ying old monsters recover, Wuhua Island will miss its chance."
Hua Guinian nodded slightly, seeming to be moved. Hua Guichen quickly said, "Island Master, when a tree stands out in the forest, the wind will surely bring it down. Our Wuhua Island has always been the number one sect in Liuxiang Kingdom. Although we have never unified, we are the Uncrowned King. Our survival for a thousand years is due to our patience and restraint. We must not seek quick success or aim for empty fame. Please think carefully, Island Master."
Hua Guinian's gaze was calm, noncommittal. After pondering for a moment, he said, "This matter is not to be decided for now. We will wait until the Grand Elder comes out of seclusion before making a decision. Qian Zhi should not push too hard to avoid provoking a desperate struggle that could lead to increased casualties."
Hua Qian Zhi's face brightened as he replied, "Understood."
Hua Guichen observed this and knew that although Hua Guinian did not verbally agree, he had tacitly approved of Hua Qian Zhi's actions, which made him sigh inwardly.
A disciple rushed in from outside and urgently reported, "Reporting to Island Master, news has come from various cities in Liuxiang Kingdom that the whereabouts of our sect's Hua Du have been discovered."
"What!" Hua Guichen exclaimed anxiously, "What about Jealous? Hurry!" Hua Guinian understood his feelings and did not blame him, signaling the disciple to continue.
The disciple said, "The news first came from Beast Reject City and then spread everywhere. Someone found a discarded Daoist robe in Beast Reject City. After inspection by our disciples, it is highly likely that it belonged to Hua Du."
"What? Jealous's clothes were stripped off?" Hua Guichen shouted; that was his prized possession.
The disciple quickly added, "Shishu, do not worry. Jealous Senior Brother should not be in serious danger; he may have changed clothes and escaped Xu Feng's control. It is said that Xu Feng was also seen in Beast Reject City, looking hurried as if he was searching for something."
"Oh?" Hua Guinian was delighted. "Jealous actually escaped? Is the news reliable?" Hua Guichen was even more overjoyed.
The disciple replied, "I do not know if Jealous Senior Brother has escaped, but the news from Beast Reject City came from the Three Elders. I believe Jealous Senior Brother must have appeared there recently." Since it was news from Hua Wanduo, it must be true.
Hua Guinian asked, "Did the Three Elders send any letters?"
The disciple said, "The Three Elders left in a hurry, only allowing me to return with the news. Please have the Island Master send someone to assist me. Jealous Senior Brother has likely escaped but is too afraid to show himself and is currently being hunted by Xu Feng."
Hua Guichen, feeling anxious, asked, "What about the Three Elders? Did she not find Jealous?" This question seemed somewhat unnecessary, but he couldn't care less.
The disciple replied, "The Three Elders are heading to Mist City because yesterday in Mist City, we discovered a Bracelet belonging to Jealous Senior Brother." He took out a green Bracelet, which was indeed worn by Hua Du. The Bracelet was broken into two pieces, with clear sword marks.
Hua Guichen felt a wave of darkness before his eyes and nearly fainted; this was the Superior Spirit Tool Bracelet he had personally given to Hua Du.
Hua Guinian's expression grew serious. The item that Hua Du always wore had been knocked off. Xu Feng, who was concerned about Qiu Wuling, would not easily kill Hua Du. Although Hua Du's strength was slightly lower than Xu Feng's, with a magical artifact in hand, she was not defenseless. Could it be that Jealous truly found an opportunity and escaped?
If that were the case, Xu Feng would definitely intercept at the entrance to Wuhua Island, meaning Hua Du would have to evade him. Xu Feng's strength was now far greater; who would go to assist Hua Du?
Hua Qian Zhi said, "Uncle San, don't worry. I will definitely rescue Jealous."
Seeing him take on the task personally, Hua Guinian said, "Then Qian Zhi should make a trip. Once you find her, bring Jealous back first and then deal with Xu Feng." Hua Qian Zhi agreed and gathered five Purple Flower Disciples before flying out of Wuhua Island towards Mist City.
Hua Guichen stood up and said, "I will go too," turning to leave. Hua Qian Zhi reassured him, but he could not be at ease; after all, it was Hua Qian Zhi who had disregarded Hua Du's life and nearly killed her with a single strike. How could Hua Guichen relax under such circumstances?
With both of them gone one after the other, Hua Guinian looked at the elders present and asked, "What do you all think?" The elders felt it was safe to voice their opinions only after Hua Qian Zhi had left; various discussions erupted at once.
Hua Guinian sighed lightly and thought to himself: "It's a pity Qian Zhi has no intention of taking over as Island Master. With his prestige, he could manage these old foxes well. Although Hua Du has excellent potential, she is still a bit inexperienced."
Hua Guinian intended to pass the position of Island Master to Hua Qian Zhi, but while he had feelings for this idea, Hua Qian Zhi had no thoughts of becoming the Island Master of Wuhua Island at all.
In a place far from Wuhua Island, there is a mountain called Heitu Mountain. The mountain rises high, yet there are no trees taller than a person; the slopes are covered in withered grass and mud, utterly desolate. However, hidden within this barren black soil mountain lies an enormous Spiritual Ore Vein, winding like a dragon, which is not claimed by any of the Six Major Sects.
This is the southernmost region of Liuxiang Kingdom. With the discovery of the Spiritual Ore Vein, this black soil mountain has suddenly become a coveted treasure land for Modern Clerks, and it is no longer called Heitu Mountain. Every cultivator in Liuxiang Kingdom knows it by its new name: Qinglong Mountain.
Four crude houses are lined up on the mountainside, housing forty disciples from Wuhua Island, among whom there are as many as ten Golden Core Cultivators; the rest are Foundation Period Disciples.
On the other side of the mountainside, there are also a few houses, but they are now empty. This was once the residence of New Moon Sect. Half a month ago, Hua Qian Zhi single-handedly wielded his sword and slaughtered New Moon Sect's Three Elders, including Chen Juhu, along with more than twenty Foundation Disciples right here. Other mid-level forces fled in fear and dared not step foot here again.
Now, Qinglong Mountain is entirely occupied by Wuhua Island. A group of robust middle-aged men is tirelessly mining the spiritual stones from within the mountain and sending them in baskets to the disciples of Wuhua Island.
At midnight, a middle-aged man in black appeared unnoticed at a concealed entrance of the Spiritual Ore Vein.
There was only one disciple from Wuhua Island on guard, who at that moment felt an urgent need and found a place to relieve himself. The miners were all mortals and could not escape his spiritual sense detection.
Just as that disciple turned around, the middle-aged man in black swiftly flashed and disappeared into the mine.
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