Chapter 118: I Beg You to Ascend, Sect Master Yan!

The overwhelming pressure of the aura, thick as thunderclouds blotting out the sky, left the cultivators in Silver Maple City struggling to catch their breath.

City Lord’s Mansion.

Cao Feng appeared abruptly, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Number One Marketplace, where the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion was located.

"She has truly begun her Core Formation."

Cao Feng muttered to himself, his eyes filled with envy.

A Great Foundation Establishment cultivator, also known as a peak Foundation Establishment expert, possesses one hundred drops of liquid mana and can begin Core Formation at any time. However, whether one can manifest a True Core or a Golden Core is an entirely different matter. With even the slightest lack of preparation, there is a high probability of forming a False Core.

Once a False Core is formed, it signifies that one’s path has reached its end, with no hope of ever reaching the Nascent Soul stage. Therefore, for a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator like Cao Feng, even having been stuck at this level for many years, he would not dare to attempt Core Formation lightly. Unless, of course, he had absolute certainty.

Of course, there are also desperate cultivators who, in order to survive, exhaust every resource to forge a False Core.

Regarding Liu Xiaoxian’s attempt, Cao Feng sincerely hoped she would succeed in forming a True Core. If she did, the dual pressure from the Thunderfire Sect and the Inkwater Pavilion would be greatly diminished. At the very least, Li Guanxuan would not have to hide in the shadows and could remain in Silver Maple City to cultivate and refine pills in peace.

Moreover... should Liu Xiaoxian succeed, it would mean she owed him a favor. With two branches of the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion established in Silver Maple City, she would surely remain here for the long term; when his own time for Core Formation came, she could provide him with some protection.

"The fear is that the Thunderfire Sect and the Inkwater Pavilion will stir up trouble..." Cao Feng’s expression was grim.

By now, he had exhausted almost all of his favors. With someone undergoing Core Formation in Silver Maple City, those Golden Core True Immortals who were on good terms with him might not necessarily come to his aid.

"I have no choice but to invite a False Core True Immortal to come."

For the sake of caution, Cao Feng wrote a letter to a False Core True Immortal, requesting them to provide protection within Silver Maple City for two years. Although he did not explicitly state it was to repay a favor, the implication was clear between every line. There was no other way; both the Thunderfire Sect and the Inkwater Pavilion had True Immortals backing them, exerting immense pressure. Cao Feng had to exhaust these favors, hoping that Liu Xiaoxian would truly succeed.

At the very least, it had to be a True Core. Only then would Liu Xiaoxian possess the strength to contend with Lei Gongwang.

...

The news of Liu Xiaoxian’s Core Formation in Silver Maple City had already spread for three or four thousand miles. Even Lei Gongwang and Yan Shikui, far away in Huajing Immortal City, had received word.

They immediately convened a sect meeting to discuss countermeasures. After all, Li Guanxuan had not only slain the Sect Master’s son but had also decimated the middle-stage Foundation Establishment strength of the Thunderfire Sect. If this grudge were not avenged, it would be impossible to maintain the loyalty of their disciples. Thus, they targeted Li Guanxuan relentlessly, determined to kill him. If a sect with a True Core True Immortal at its helm could not even kill a middle-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, would they not become a laughingstock?

"My suggestion is to head to Silver Maple City, surround it without attacking, and exert pressure on Liu Xiaoxian. Unless absolutely necessary, we must not directly tear apart our relationship with the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion," the Great Elder of the Thunderfire Sect said in a deep voice.

When it came down to it, Liu Xiaoxian was a branch manager of the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion. If the Thunderfire Sect were to interfere or intercept her during her Core Formation, the headquarters of the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion would undoubtedly hold them accountable. Of course, the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion was a merchant organization that prioritized profit above all else; if the right people were greased, the impact could be minimized.

However, having already approached True Immortal Mei Shuang of Glazed Immortal City to gather intelligence on Li Guanxuan, they would now have to grease palms yet again for the sake of Liu Xiaoxian... the losses were becoming somewhat excessive.

"What is the Ancestor’s opinion?" Thunderfire Sect Master Yan Shikui looked toward a certain spot, where only a third-tier puppet sat—the Ancestor’s true self had not descended. He knew full well that no matter what decision he made, it would be largely ineffective. Only if the Ancestor, Lei Gongwang, gave the final word could this matter proceed.

"As for True Immortal Mei Shuang, I will go talk to her myself," the voice of the Thunderfire Sect’s Ancestor slowly emerged. "For the time being, you shall blockade the vicinity of Silver Maple City. Take the opportunity to put pressure on Shanggu City as well, forcing that greenhorn to relinquish the city soon to avoid a bloodbath."

Li Guanxuan was doomed to die. Liu Xiaoxian could not be killed, but she could be severely wounded, leaving her with no hope for Core Formation. Only then would she abandon any thoughts of revenge.

"Understood!"

The many elders of the Thunderfire Sect received their orders and went to make arrangements.

After the elders had left, Yan Shikui looked at the third-tier puppet and asked, "Must we truly kill Cao Feng? If Cao Feng dies, it will be difficult to answer to the Cao family."

"If Cao Feng does not die, he will ultimately be a stumbling block in our capture of Shanggu City," Lei Gongwang said coldly. "As for the Cao family, they are merely a clan of True Immortals. Once we control the resources within a radius of several thousand miles, I will have hope for the Nascent Soul stage. No matter how angry the Cao family is, they will have to swallow their grievances—what can they possibly do to me?"

"That man has forged many good relations and does not live like a demonic cultivator. I worry that in a fit of rage, he might decide to fight us to the bitter end and call all those Golden Core True Immortals over," Yan Shikui said, his tone revealing his anxiety.

Lei Gongwang chuckled softly. "What is there to fear? The friendships those True Immortals have with him were merely forged during the Foundation Establishment stage; even the best friendships eventually wear thin. Furthermore, we have an inside agent within Silver Maple City. Once we act, it will be to kill Cao Feng directly; we will never give him the chance to call for help. There is no need to worry."

Hearing this from the Ancestor, Yan Shikui could only nod and remain silent. Both Silver Maple City and Shanggu City were within their plans. Only by bringing all these spirit cities under the Thunderfire Sect could Lei Gongwang prepare the resources needed for his future breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage. Without vast resources, a True Core cultivator is only sixty percent stronger than a False Core cultivator, and the hope for a Nascent Soul would be slim.

"I hope the one surnamed Sang does not disappoint us; otherwise, he can forget about ever resolving the matter of the Falling Moon Valley," Lei Gongwang sneered. If the man did not behave, he would simply slaughter him.

...

Over the past three years, through endless dual cultivation, Li Guanxuan had reached the perfection of the sixth level of Foundation Establishment and could step into the late stage at any time without the aid of breakthrough pills. Qin Jiyue had broken through to the seventh level.

Li Guanxuan’s current divine sense, however, was comparable to that of a second-level Golden Core cultivator.

What was worth celebrating was that Wen Rongxin had broken through to the first level of Bone Forging. Song Zhiqiao had also successfully reached Foundation Establishment and become a second-tier mid-grade formation master. Her talent for arrays had fully blossomed; besides reinforcing the formations at Peace Garden, she also helped consolidate the city’s defensive array.

Liu Xiaoxian was in the midst of Core Formation, and Li Guanxuan knew very well that there would be those who would try to sabotage her. By now, his identity was exposed, and he was locked in an irreconcilable blood feud with the Thunderfire Sect and the Inkwater Pavilion. Once they sent someone over, as long as it wasn't a True Immortal in person, he was confident he could take them down.

"The mountain rain is coming, and the wind is filling the tower..."

Li Guanxuan stood in the city, gazing at the dark mass of cultivators surrounding Silver Maple City. A sharp, chilling murderous intent flashed in his deep, peach-blossom eyes. The cultivators of the Thunderfire Sect and the Inkwater Pavilion had already encircled the city. It was clearly to put pressure on Liu Xiaoxian! If she could not withstand the pressure and failed her Core Formation, the cultivators from the two sects would undoubtedly enter the city without hesitation and kill him right before Cao Feng’s eyes.

"Husband, Sister and Younger Sister are ready. Once the Thunderfire Sect’s Foundation Establishment cultivators arrive, with their strength, they can nearly insta-kill those at the early stage," Qin Jiyue said. "We can handle those at the late stage and the peak."

Because Li Guanxuan had previously decimated the middle-stage Foundation Establishment strength of the Thunderfire Sect and the Inkwater Pavilion, although the two major powers had seen some reach the middle stage in recent years, they were only at the fourth level. With the strength of Wen Rongxin and Song Zhiqiao, they could handle it completely. After all, their spiritual root aptitude had long been enhanced by the Velvet Flowers. Over the last twenty or thirty years, Wen Rongxin’s five-element pseudo-spiritual root had just reached the five-element superior grade, her cultivation speed increasing exponentially—at the very least, a Golden Core was within reach. Song Zhiqiao’s four-element inferior spiritual root had also reached the superior grade, and with the addition of her array talent, she could combine it with formations to the point where ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators could hardly harm her. Moreover, they had no shortage of means to kill enemies.

Li Guanxuan nodded slightly and said softly, "Peace Garden has been turned into a formation by me and Zhiqiao. Once the chaotic battle breaks out, we will kill the dishonest ones first, then regroup and leave." Their valuables were already with them; Peace Garden was merely a dwelling, and there was no need to be overly attached.

"Husband, rest assured. With Zhiqiao here, no one will be able to harm Sister," Qin Jiyue said.

Li Guanxuan said, "The Thunderfire Sect and the Inkwater Pavilion dare not enter the city for the moment; they are only surrounding it to exert pressure. There is a False Core True Immortal sitting in the city, and a True Core True Immortal over at Starfall Valley who can provide support at any time." This was the information Cao Feng had given him. The two sects were aggressive but did not dare to start a war lightly.

At this very moment, a loud shout echoed from outside the city:

"Li Guanxuan, do you dare to come out of the city and face us?!"

Li Guanxuan, staying in the Number One Marketplace of the inner city, heard the voice and looked out. Through the layers of pavilions and towers, he saw the figure of Thunderfire Sect Master Yan Shikui. The man was twenty miles outside Silver Maple City, his voice carried by divine sense and mana to reach this distance.

"I will go over," Li Guanxuan said with a smile.

"Good." Qin Jiyue nodded slightly, without much worry. After so many years of dual cultivation, she naturally understood the extent of Li Guanxuan’s strength. Besides, she had another matter to attend to while remaining in Silver Maple City.

Qin Jiyue glanced toward a mansion in the inner city, her eyes narrowing. Once the chaotic battle broke out, Li Guanxuan would hold off the late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Thunderfire Sect and the Inkwater Pavilion, and she would take the opportunity to slaughter Sang Shaoxian. If that man did not die, their family would never be at peace.

...

Outside the city.

Li Guanxuan traveled ten miles out and looked at the Thunderfire Sect Master. He no longer felt the extreme dread he had felt when they met in the Red Refining Mountains. Now, he possessed the combat power to fight him to the death.

"Sect Master Yan, a pleasure." Li Guanxuan bowed politely, his face full of smiles.

"Li Guanxuan, your actions in the Red Refining Mountains were too ruthless. We have no choice but to join forces to take you down," Yan Shikui said, his tone indifferent. "If you surrender obediently, we will leave Silver Maple City immediately."

Li Guanxuan laughed. Since the other side was willing to waste words, he was happy to drag things out. "Sect Master Yan, my ability to kill those middle-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators was my own skill. If I lacked that skill, I would not be standing before you today."

Yan Shikui said coldly, "Do you think Liu Xiaoxian and Cao Feng can protect you?"

"Does Sect Master Yan think this matter will not reach the Li family?" Li Guanxuan retorted with a smile. "No matter the final outcome, the Thunderfire Sect and the Inkwater Pavilion are bullying others with their status, using the many to oppress the few. There are surely people in the Li family who will not be pleased. Sect Master Yan had best reach the Golden Core and manifest the Nascent Soul as soon as possible; only then will you have the strength to protect yourself."

Yan Shikui laughed instead of getting angry. "The world of immortal cultivation is vast; the Li family of Sword Immortals is not the only power."

Li Guanxuan nodded noncommittally. "So, Sect Master Yan, did you call me out just to waste words, rather than to capture me alive?"

"I was afraid you might run, so I had a puppet block your path," Yan Shikui laughed loudly.

Behind Li Guanxuan, a terrifying fluctuation had already appeared; a third-tier puppet had cut off his retreat. However, Li Guanxuan had no intention of running. He merely glanced at the third-tier puppet and unleashed one of his own.

"Then let them play with each other, and you and I shall have a spar."

As he spoke, Li Guanxuan flicked his finger. A long black sword transformed into a divine rainbow, streaking across the sky like darkness, and an extreme, murderous sword intent permeated the air.

Yan Shikui’s heart sank. He could feel an incredibly terrifying power coming from the long sword; if he were struck by this blow, he would undoubtedly be severely injured! Yan Shikui took out a great hammer and swung it high, smashing it against the long sword.

"Boom!"

The terrifying residual power rippled outward. Yan Shikui’s right hand went numb, the webbing between his thumb and index finger split, and blood oozed out. His eyes were filled with horror.

"Death Qi?"

Li Guanxuan’s flying sword actually contained death energy! Yan Shikui had at most sixty years of life left, and that was after using many life-extending pills. If he were struck by this death energy, which specifically severed lifespan, he wouldn't just die—he would lose years of his life. In a severe case, he could lose a decade of longevity. Who would dare to fight like this? A single mistake and a sword strike would directly reduce his lifespan by years or months.

"This man must not be left alive!"

Murderous intent hardened in Yan Shikui’s eyes as he unleashed two more puppets with peak Foundation Establishment combat power. Lightning and fire radiated from their bodies. Lightning techniques and fire supernatural powers bombarded Li Guanxuan in an instant.

Li Guanxuan did not say a word, his eyes fixed on Yan Shikui. He wanted to take this opportunity to kill him. In the next second, fifty-nine flying swords, infused with the sword intent of life and death, emerged. Li Guanxuan strode forward. Facing the incoming lightning and fire, he grabbed one of the long swords and slashed.

Sword light flashed!

The spells and supernatural powers were instantly extinguished. The two puppets with peak Foundation Establishment combat power also suffered deep sword marks, their mana completely drained. Two flying swords shot out at that moment, pinning the two puppets to the city wall.

At the same time, an array composed of fifty second-tier superior-grade flying swords descended around Yan Shikui, locking off all his paths of retreat.

Li Guanxuan said with an indifferent expression:

"Sect Master Yan, please ascend to the heavens!"