Chapter 525: The Shangguan family has the magic sword, and the Lu family is annihilated!

“Be careful.”

The brocade-robed man from the Sima Family immediately warned.

Although they were confident in their strength,

when they truly faced the Lu Family disciples, they showed no carelessness and were extremely cautious.

The three of them held their breath, using their spiritual power to seal their pores to avoid being contaminated by the Thousand-legged Centipede’s poisonous mist, then they all charged towards Lu Qingyan.

During the process, the brocade-robed man also crushed a communication Talisman, signaling the three people behind him to hurry over.

“Mystic Tortoise Rod!”

The Brawny Man’s tall body surged with a thick, earthy yellow glow, and he swung his rod with immense power towards Lu Qingyan, creating layers of sonic booms and an astonishing might.

The brocade-robed man and the cold and beautiful woman, meanwhile, formed hand seals and activated their Magical Artifacts.

“Dragon Serpent Strike!”

A phantom image of a Dragon Serpent seemed to emerge from Lu Qingyan’s silver spear, roaring fiercely as it clashed with the iron rod.

“Hiss, hiss, hiss—”

The Thousand-legged Centipede’s body glowed with a faint light, and poisonous gas permeated the air as it attacked the cold and beautiful woman.

This cold and beautiful woman was very vigilant and did not directly confront it, intending to stall for time and first deal with Lu Qingyan.

However, just as she was entangled with the Thousand-legged Centipede, a cluster of black sand suddenly burst out from the grass, glowing with black fire.

The woman’s expression changed in alarm; her spiritual power surged, wanting to shake off these sand particles.

But the sand particles transformed into a swarm of flying ants, directly breaking through her spiritual power, and then the firelight exploded, shattering her protective spiritual shield and landing on her straight, slender beautiful leg.

“Ah—”

The cold and beautiful woman immediately let out a pained roar, her figure unsteady.

A palm-sized wound appeared on her slender beautiful leg, charred and indistinct, bleeding profusely.

She cast a Daoist Magic, wanting to shake off these flying ants, but she couldn’t dislodge them at all.

“Iron Fire Ants!”

The brocade-robed man beside her, seeing this, his pupils constricted, his expression horrified.

He hadn’t expected the Lu Family to actually possess such rare Spirit Insects, just as the Jin Family had said.

He immediately formed hand seals with his five fingers, and an earthy yellow handprint appeared, intending to swat away these flying ants.

His control over the Daoist Magic was meticulous, avoiding injuring the cold and beautiful woman.

But Iron Fire Ants are impervious to blades and spears, and immune to fire and water, making them very difficult to harm at the same level.

Dozens of Iron Fire Ants that were swatted away glowed with scorching firelight again, flying towards the cold and beautiful woman to gnaw at her flesh and blood.

“Hiss, hiss, hiss—”

At the same time, the Thousand-legged Centipede continuously approached, spewing poisonous mist.

Normally, with a protective spiritual shield, this kind of poisonous mist would be difficult to corrode them.

But the cold and beautiful woman’s spiritual shield was now broken by the Iron Fire Ants, and her spiritual power was in disarray.

“Clang, clang, clang—”

Lu Qingyan, seeing this, her long spear like a Dragon, parried the Brawny Man’s iron rod, and her entire body shot out swiftly, charging towards the cold and beautiful woman.

She wanted to take advantage of the opponent’s weakness to kill her first.

“Black Dragon Stab!”

Lu Qingyan let out a clear cry, her powerful, fair hands, at some point, were covered in faint black scales, making the silver long spear appear like a black Dragon baring its fangs and brandishing its claws.

“Thick Earth Seal!”

The brocade-robed man at the side formed a hand seal, conjuring a fist-sized yellow Talisman seal, as heavy as a mountain, blocking Lu Qingyan’s path.

“Kill!”

The Brawny Man’s expression was furious, feeling that Lu Qingyan dared to underestimate him like this, leaving herself open to his attack, and he charged fiercely.

However, at this instant, Lu Qingyan’s figure was like a flood Dragon, soaring into the air.

Second-Grade Low Grade Talisman—Thunder Fire Talisman!

Lu Chensha appeared at some point, activating a Talisman in his hand.

“Not good!”

The brocade-robed man’s heart pounded wildly, instantly realizing something was wrong, and he fully activated the Talisman seal.

And quickly pulled out a Talisman from his embrace and activated it, protecting himself and the cold and beautiful woman.

But in their haste, both of them still spat blood under the Thunder Fire Talisman’s attack.

“Damn it!”

He looked at Lu Chensha with a cold expression, not having noticed that there was another person hidden here.

“Whoosh—”

Lu Chensha, having failed in one strike, immediately turned and fled.

Purple Nether Mountain was shrouded in a hazy mist, and Lu Chensha instantly disappeared from the brocade-robed man’s sight.

At this moment, Lu Qingyan executed a return stab, her long spear gleaming with a sharp light, striking towards the cold and beautiful woman.

The cold and beautiful woman at this moment had no power to resist at all.

“Pfft!”

The silver spear was sharp, like a black Dragon baring its fangs and brandishing its claws, directly piercing through her chest and back.

“Hiss, hiss, hiss—”

The Iron Fire Ants clinging to her body also frantically gnawed and burned at this moment.

“Ugh, ugh, ugh—”

The cold and beautiful woman spat blood, her eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness, wanting to say something, but her throat was choked, and she kept spitting blood, then with a ’thud’, she fell to the ground.

“Sister Yu!”

The Brawny Man and the brocade-robed man, seeing this, their eyes were about to split.

However, at this moment, the Brawny Man’s long rod also smashed down on Lu Qingyan’s head, as if to smash her head apart.

Lu Qingyan dodged this strike, but was still hit on the back, her protective spiritual shield dimmed, and she spat blood, falling backward.

“Suppress!”

The brocade-robed man’s expression was sinister, forming hand seals, and the Talisman seal, like a small mountain, continued to suppress Lu Qingyan.

“Hiss, hiss, hiss—”

The Thousand-legged Centipede’s massive body gleamed, and poisonous mist permeated the air, crashing towards the brocade-robed man.

The Iron Fire Ants also flew towards the brocade-robed man.

With the cold and beautiful woman’s previous lesson, the brocade-robed man dared not be careless, fully activating his protective spiritual light, and also activating a protective Talisman.

“Bang!!!”

The Brawny Man’s might was fierce, swinging his rod at the Thousand-legged Centipede, then his figure shot out, charging towards Lu Qingyan.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”

But from within the hazy mist, arrows shot towards him, buying Lu Qingyan time to catch her breath.

“Sister Yan, hurry and go, their people might arrive first.”

In the hazy mist, Lu Chensha, supporting Lu Yunfei, transmitted a message to Lu Qingyan.

Through the Huishen Insect, he vaguely sensed subtle movements in the distance.

Not Yao Beasts, but human footsteps.

The Sima Family had sent a total of six people this time; only three were here now, leaving three more.

Two against two, he was confident in killing the opponent.

But two against five, that would be dangerous.

Lu Qingyan, hearing this, did not hesitate and immediately activated a Divine Wind Talisman, rushing towards Lu Chensha’s direction.

After this Secret Realm trip, she had realized that this younger brother was deeply hidden and his strength was extraordinary.

Not to mention the eight hundred Iron Fire Ants.

Just this foresight and the ability to transmit Divine Sense were incredibly astonishing.

One had to know that Purple Nether Mountain was shrouded in mist, which not only obscured vision but also interfered with spiritual power.

Means like sound transmission Daoist Magic could not be used if there was even a slight distance.

But Lu Chensha was unaffected, indicating that his Divine Sense was extraordinary, or that he possessed some rare treasure.

“Trying to leave!”

The brocade-robed man and the Brawny Man, seeing this, roared angrily.

Their ambush of the Lu Family had failed, and now one of their own had been killed by the opponent; how could they give up.

Moreover, their people were about to arrive; how could they let the two escape.

“Sister Yan, you take Brother Yunfei and go first, I’ll hold them off.”

Lu Chensha held a crossbow Magical Artifact and said.

“You be careful.”

Lu Qingyan knew that she couldn’t be indecisive at this moment, wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, and carrying Lu Yunfei, she directly rushed away.

As long as their own people arrived, they would not fear them.

Lu Chensha did not engage in a direct confrontation, retreating while using the Thousand-legged Centipede and Iron Fire Ants to interfere.

These two from the Sima Family were both not simple.

Especially this Brawny Man.

Like Lu Qingyan, he was a Body Cultivator, directly withstanding Lu Chensha’s harassing attacks.

Amidst his wild rod dance, he even killed dozens of his Iron Fire Ants, which pained Lu Chensha greatly.

However, the brocade-robed man and the Brawny Man were also extremely frustrated under this kind of battle, not daring to show any flaws, fearing being entangled by the Iron Fire Ants.

At this moment, the other three from the Sima Family arrived.

Seeing that one of their own had died, they were all extremely angry.

“First kill this kid’s Spirit Beast and Iron Fire Ants!”

The five immediately decided to first kill the Thousand-legged Centipede and the Iron Fire Ants.

“Not good!”

Lu Chensha, through the Huishen Insect’s Soul perception, quickly signaled the Thousand-legged Centipede to retreat and let the Iron Fire Ants hold them off.

If the Thousand-legged Centipede were killed, he would suffer a great loss of Origin Qi.

“Bang, bang, bang—”

Under the five’s attack, the Thousand-legged Centipede immediately became like a target, roaring in pain, and its black shell showed damage.

“Shapeshift!”

Lu Chensha immediately threw out a leg that he had cut off from the Thousand-legged Centipede years ago.

Then he cast a Daoist Magic, using this leg as a sacrifice to teleport the Thousand-legged Centipede back.

“This!?”

The five’s expressions were surprised and doubtful, not expecting Lu Chensha to know Beast Control Technique like the Beast Taming Xu Family.

This kind of Daoist Magic is usually only mastered by Foundation Establishment Cultivators, yet Lu Chensha had mastered it at the Qi Refinement Stage.

“This child has both Iron Fire Ants and has mastered this kind of Daoist Magic; he is definitely not an ordinary Lu Family disciple!”

The Sima Family Cultivator’s killing intent was chilling.

Looking at the fleeing Lu Chensha, they immediately charged towards the retreating Iron Fire Ants.

Although these Iron Fire Ants were powerful, they were still larvae, and under the five’s attack, casualties immediately appeared.

“Go!”

Lu Chensha felt great pain seeing nearly a hundred Iron Fire Ants dead.

But now was not the time for pain.

The Shapeshift technique was very draining for both him and the Thousand-legged Centipede.

Most of his spiritual power was almost drained.

He quickly activated a Talisman and rushed towards Lu Qingyan, Lu Qingze, and the others.

“Chase!”

The five from the Sima Family were aggressive, their killing intent chilling.

And they activated their communication Talisman with the Jin Family, preparing to hunt down the Lu Family together with the Jin Family.

“Chensha, are you alright?”

A moment later, Lu Qingyan, Lu Qingze, Lu Mingfeng, and the others converged and rushed over, looking at the pale-faced Lu Chensha with concern.

“I’m fine, just a bit exhausted.”

Lu Chensha waved his hand, quickly saying, “The Sima Family’s people are about to arrive. Should we fight or avoid them?”

He possessed the Huishen Insect, which allowed him to faintly sense some movements.

“They only have five people; we have eight. What are we afraid of?”

“Moreover, the Sima Family clearly intends to ambush us this time. If we don’t act now and kill two of them, they will still come looking for trouble later, or even find helpers.”

Lu Qingze said coldly.

He had been ambushed by Sima Family Cultivators as soon as he entered the Secret Realm, and he still held a grudge.

“That’s right, if the Jin Family knew the Sima Family was causing us trouble, they would definitely get involved.”

Lu Mingfeng also said in a deep voice.

“In that case, let’s fight!”

Lu Qingyan glanced at the unconscious Lu Yunfei and said coldly.

She had just checked Lu Yunfei’s condition; his injuries were very severe, and most of his bones were broken.

If the Sima Family hadn’t fought desperately and hadn’t been willing to pay too high a price to kill Lu Yunfei, he would probably be dead by now.

His current injuries could only be slowly recuperated at home.

“Good.”

Lu Chensha briefly explained the Sima Family’s general situation to them, then arranged a simple battle plan.

Not long after.

The five from the Sima Family arrived.

Seeing Lu Qingyan, Lu Qingze, Lu Mingfeng, and Lu Ziyun standing ready, they were very cautious, looking for Lu Chensha’s position.

Just now, Lu Chensha had left a deep impression on them.

Especially the swarm of Iron Fire Ants; they were simply impossible to guard against.

“The Sima Family is indeed afraid of Chensha attacking from the shadows.”

Lu Qingyan, seeing this, held her silver spear and directly charged out, her Aura imposing.

Lu Qingze, Lu Mingfeng, and Lu Ziyun also made their moves, not bothering to say much to the Sima Family.

This decisive action made the Sima Family even more wary, fearing that the Lu Family had set up an ambush.

“Retreat!”

The Sima Family’s leader’s eyes narrowed slightly, choosing to retreat.

Both sides had five people.

Although Lu Qingyan and Lu Chensha were quite exhausted, their side was not at full strength either.

Under these circumstances, even if they could kill a few Lu Family members, their own side would suffer heavy losses.

“Kill!”

However, just as they were about to retreat, Lu Chensha and the three from Qingzhu Mountain charged in.

Although the three from Qingzhu Mountain were relatively weaker in combat, they were controlling Puppets to intercept and did not engage directly.

“Not good!”

The Sima Family Cultivators’ expressions were horrified, not expecting the Lu Family to have helpers besides Lu Chensha.

“Ah—”

The previous brocade-robed man was caught by Lu Chensha, and the Iron Fire Ants flew out, his chest charred and exploded, his flesh and blood a blur.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”

Lu Chensha also released his other two pairs of Iron-backed Mantises.

Although these two pairs of Mantises were only Late Stage First-Grade,

two as a pair, with the help of the current mist in Purple Nether Mountain, killed people invisibly.

“Be careful!”

One Sima Family Cultivator, with keen spiritual senses, noticed these two Iron-backed Mantises, and his Magical Fan surged, stirring up a scorching fire cloud.

“Boom, boom, boom—”

Facing the Lu Family’s sudden assault, the Sima Family instantly showed signs of defeat.

However, these people who came to the Purple Nether Secret Realm were all extraordinary, possessing Talismans and Magical Artifacts.

One of them directly threw out a handful of round beads, which contained three Yin Thunder 子.

Although these Yin Thunder 子 were not as powerful as Heavenly Thunder 子, and not as convenient as Talismans, they were still extraordinary.

In their haste, Lu Mingfeng and a Qingzhu Mountain disciple were injured.

“Go!”

The leading Sima Family Cultivator’s combat strength was extremely fierce; he and the Brawny Man combined their attacks, unleashing a barrage of Daoist Magic, forcing Lu Qingyan and Lu Qingze to retreat step by step.

“Trying to leave? It’s not that simple.”

Lu Chensha saw an Opportunity, causing the Iron Fire Ants to condense into a black long spear, which swiftly struck a wounded Sima Family Cultivator.

“Pfft!”

This Sima Family Cultivator’s chest splattered blood, his heart exploded, and he fell with a thud.

“Lu Chensha, I will definitely kill you!”

The heavily injured brocade-robed man looked in Lu Chensha’s direction and roared angrily.

In today’s two battles, it was always this Lu Chensha’s sneak attacks and interference that led to casualties on their side.

However, no sooner had he spoken than Lu Ziyun cast a Second-Grade Talisman at him, sending him flying, his body charred, and then his life force was completely extinguished by the Iron Fire Ants.

“Go!”

The leading Sima Family Cultivator’s eyes were about to split upon seeing this situation.

But he still cast a Second-Grade Talisman, forcing Lu Qingyan and the others back, choosing to flee.

“Sister Yan, don’t pursue a cornered enemy.”

Lu Chensha saw that the remaining three were all formidable.

If they continued to fight, and the opponent truly fought to the death, their own side would also pay a heavy price.

“Mm.”

Lu Qingyan nodded.

She had already sustained some injuries earlier and was not suitable for a prolonged battle.

“Mingfeng, Chenglang, are you alright?”

Lu Qingze looked at the other two with concern.

“Fire poison has entered my body; I need some time to recover.”

Lu Mingfeng took out a Medicinal Pill from his Storage Pouch and swallowed it, his back charred and bleeding profusely, his face pale as he spoke.

Although Yin Thunder 子 exploded slowly, they were very easy to be affected by.

The other Qingzhu Mountain disciple also had half his chest a bloody mess, applying medicine to stop the bleeding.

“Let’s find a place to recover first.”

Lu Qingze nodded and immediately said.

The group collected the Storage Pouches of the two deceased Sima Family Cultivators and then found a small mountain cave to meditate and recuperate.

“Fellow Daoist Sima encountered Lu Family Cultivators?”

The three fleeing Sima Family Cultivators meditated and recuperated for a long time, waiting for the five from the Jin Family.

However, one of the five Jin Family members was also seriously injured while searching for Spirit Medicine, so only four of them had combat strength at this time.

“That’s right, Bihu Mountain and Qingzhu Mountain have already converged and set up an ambush earlier.”

“However, the Lu Family is also in a dire situation now; one is unconscious, two are seriously injured, and the others all have minor injuries.”

“That one named Lu Chensha, his Spirit Beast cannot be used, and he is very exhausted.”

The Sima Family Cultivator said with a cold voice.

Although the Lu Family had also suffered losses,

not a single Lu Family member had died yet.

“Fellow Daoist Sima, we cannot confirm the truth of your words.”

“If you want us to act, you must give us sufficient compensation for this trip.”

The Jin Family Cultivator said.

Previously, they had sought cooperation with the Sima Family, but the other party was unwilling.

Now that the other party sought their cooperation, it was naturally impossible to agree easily; they needed the other party to pay a price.

“You!”

The Brawny Man from the Sima Family immediately showed anger upon hearing this.

“Alright, as long as you can kill three members of the Lu Family, name your price.”

The leading Cultivator from the Sima Family raised his hand and spoke directly.

Currently, with the Lu Family having killed three of their Sima Family members, they needed to kill at least three of the Lu Family members to report back.

Three days later.

In a valley on Purple Nether Mountain.

The Sima Family, the Jin Family, and the Lu Family met, and another battle erupted between the two sides.

Based on combat strength, the Sima Family and Jin Family had a slight advantage over the Lu Family this time.

However, both the Jin Family and the Sima Family were unwilling to use their trump cards or risk their own side, which led to an uneven cooperation.

Ultimately, this battle was stopped before it went too far; both sides sustained some injuries, but there were no deaths.

“Sister Qingyan, how are you?”

Lu Qingze helped Lu Qingyan up, asking with concern.

Lu Qingyan, a Body Cultivator, always charged at the forefront of every battle, and she had sustained significant injuries in this recent fight.

“Let’s go, let’s find another place to rest.”

Lu Qingyan said immediately, her face pale.

The commotion just now was quite significant and might attract the attention of others.

Just as they walked out of the valley and were about to open a cave to rest.

“Oh, looks like our luck isn’t bad.”

“Hand over all your Storage Pouches!”

A tall and imposing figure, carrying a long saber on his back, with a sharp and formidable Aura, walked over.

Behind him were three other Cultivators dressed similarly, also carrying long sabers.

“Divine Blade Shangguan!”

Seeing these people, Lu Qingyan and the others’ pupils constricted, recognizing which force these people belonged to.

One of the three great Core Formation families of Jiang Country, the Divine Blade Shangguan Family!

It was rumored that the first Old Ancestor of the Shangguan Family was originally the son of a Sect Leader from the Heaven Sword Sect.

This person was exceptionally talented but disliked the Dao of the Sword, abandoning the sword for the saber.

However, this person truly made a name for himself as a Saber Cultivator, shaking Jiang Country, and established the Divine Blade Shangguan Family, whose Legacy has lasted for over a thousand years.

All disciples of the Shangguan Family refine a Natal Treasure Saber, somewhat similar to the Sword Cultivators of the Heaven Sword Sect, possessing formidable combat power.

“I am Lu Qingyan of Bihu Mountain, greetings to all Fellow Daoists of the Divine Blade Family. These are some gifts from us.”

Lu Qingyan signaled Lu Chensha and the others to be careful, then cupped her hands in a respectful bow, speaking very politely, and tossed a Storage Pouch containing Spirit Medicine towards the other party.

Although there were only four of them.

Their condition was poor, and they were injured, making conflict highly inadvisable.

Moreover, as a Saber Cultivator family, the Shangguan Family’s Heart-Nature was somewhat similar to that of the Heaven Sword Sect’s Sword Cultivators: domineering and warlike.

“Hmm? Don’t you understand human speech? I said hand over all your Storage Pouches.”

The leading Shangguan Cultivator said coldly, with a hint of condescension.

“Fellow Daoist, aren’t you being too domineering?”

Lu Qingze and the others’ expressions immediately turned cold upon hearing this, and they spoke up.

Even though the Shangguan Family was extraordinary, their willingness to hand over some Spirit Medicine was already considered a way to avoid disaster by losing money.

“Clang!!!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, this Shangguan disciple drew his long saber.

Lightning patterns intertwined on the saber’s blade, erupting in a surge of Purple Lightning Saber Qi that slashed towards Lu Qingze.

“Clang!”

Lu Qingyan parried with her long spear, stumbling back a few steps, her Qi and blood churning.

This person’s strength was very high.

Even at her Peak state, she wouldn’t dare say she could win against him.

“I’ll count to three, giving you one last chance.”

“Three!”

The Shangguan Cultivator held his Purple Thunder Long Saber, his posture tall and arrogant, his eyes disdainful and indifferent, as he spoke coldly.

Lu Qingyan and Lu Chensha and the others’ faces turned grim upon hearing this, and they exchanged glances, seeing unwillingness in each other’s eyes.

Especially Lu Yunfei.

His gains this trip were the most bountiful.

If he handed everything over, it would be as if he had worked for someone else.

But if they didn’t hand over the Spirit Medicine now, given the other party’s stance, they would definitely kill them.

“Two!”

“Do you Fellow Daoists think you have us cornered?! Even though we are injured now, but—”

Lu Qingyan saw their unwillingness to hand over all the Spirit Medicine and spoke up, not wanting to be too passive.

“Clang, clang, clang—”

Several Shangguan disciples drew their long sabers upon hearing this, their Aura sharp and domineering.

Lu Qingyan and the others could feel a sharp Saber Qi in the air.

“Sister Qingyan.”

Lu Chensha stepped forward, shaking his head slightly at Lu Qingyan, indicating that it was better to avoid disaster by losing money.

He already knew that Lu Yunfei had used a Substitute Talisman not long after entering the Secret Realm.

If they were to fight, Lu Yunfei would likely not escape death.

Moreover, the three from Qingzhu Mountain were not like them, having Substitute Talismans for protection.

Although the gains from the Secret Realm were important, there was no need to lose their lives here for them.

If his father knew that they had died for the sake of gains, he would probably be very disappointed.

“Alright.”

Through their performance over these past few days, Lu Chensha had already gained a certain level of prestige in their hearts.

Hearing this, they finally gritted their teeth and agreed, handing the Spirit Medicine Storage Pouch to Lu Chensha.

However, the Shangguan Cultivator, seeing this, merely said coldly, “Don’t you understand human speech? I said all Storage Pouches, and your own Storage Pouches too!”

Upon hearing this, Lu Chensha and the others’ already grim faces turned completely cold.

Handing over most of their gains was already their biggest concession.

If they handed over their own Storage Pouches as well, they would be completely at the mercy of others in the Purple Nether Secret Realm.

Especially Lu Chensha.

If he handed them over like this, would his Spirit Beast Pouch and Insect Nest Pouch also have to be handed over later?

“Sister Qingyan, you take Yunfei and the others and go first. Brother Ze, Sister Ziyun, we will cover your retreat here.”

Lu Chensha’s face was icy cold as he transmitted his voice to them, preparing for themselves to escape later using Substitute Talismans.

“Hmph, truly refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit, not shedding tears until they see the coffin!”

The Shangguan Cultivator said coldly upon seeing this, and they all attacked simultaneously.

The four of them dared to be so domineering, naturally having confidence in their own strength.

All of them were at Qi Refining Peak cultivation, capable of attempting to Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

Their purpose in entering the Secret Realm this time was to temper their Saber Intent.

“Sister Qingyan, go!”

Lu Chensha activated his Beast Control Technique; within his body, the roar of ten thousand beasts seemed to echo, and the Iron Fire Ants beneath his feet burned like a fiery cloud, gradually covering his hands.

He hadn’t directly attacked before, which didn’t mean he lacked combat power in a frontal confrontation.

It was just that attacking from the shadows was more advantageous for him.

But now that Lu Qingyan was severely injured, he had to step forward to buy time.

“Mingfeng, you take Yunfei and go.”

Lu Qingyan signaled Lu Mingfeng to take Lu Yunfei and the three from Qingzhu Mountain and leave.

The four Shangguan individuals before them, if it were just Lu Chensha and the other two, they probably wouldn’t be able to hold them off for long.

“Alright!”

Lu Mingfeng gritted his teeth upon hearing this, and quickly led Lu Yunfei and the three from Qingzhu Mountain away.

“Boom boom boom—”

Lu Chensha and the other three were all heavily depleted and injured, no match for the four Shangguan individuals.

However, they were currently only buying time for Lu Mingfeng, Lu Yunfei, and the others, relying on Puppets and Talismans on their bodies to entangle and fight.

The four Shangguan individuals realized that Lu Chensha and the others were deliberately stalling for time, growing suspicious and believing that Lu Mingfeng and the others had some valuable treasures on them. One of them split off to pursue Lu Mingfeng and the others.

“Kill!”

Lu Qingyan’s face was pale, forcibly suppressing her injuries, her silver spear gleaming with a cold luster as she intercepted this person.

But just as she was distracted, she was struck by a Shangguan Cultivator, her armor shattering, and a bloody gash appearing on her snowy back.

“Roar!!!”

Lu Chensha roared, like a beast, deafening, causing the Shangguan Cultivator to momentarily falter.

Then he struck with a palm, like a fierce tiger unleashed from its cage, and the Iron Fire Ants on his palm instantly swarmed out.

“Ah!!! You’re courting death!”

The Shangguan Cultivator immediately let out a pained roar, his chest a bloody mess, Saber Qi overflowing from his body as he tried to obliterate the Iron Fire Ants.

“Explode!”

Lu Chensha’s eyes flashed with a fierce glint upon seeing this, and he directly chose to self-detonate a hundred Iron Fire Ants.

After Iron Fire Ants are cultivated to maturity, a rare Material called ‘Refined Crystal’ can be extracted from them.

Although his Iron Fire Ants had not been cultivated to that extent, they could still directly detonate the fire crystals within their bodies.

“Bang bang bang—”

Subtle explosions rang out, causing the Shangguan Cultivator’s chest to instantly burn with fire poison, black blood splattering, and a pained roar escaping his lips.

However, a bracelet on his hand immediately burst forth with vibrant green light, healing his injuries.

“Pfft!”

Seeing this, a person nearby quickly slashed at Lu Chensha.

Fortunately, Lu Chensha possessed Huishen Insects, making his senses keen. Relying on the Iron Fire Ants, he managed to deflect most of the power of that saber strike, but he still felt unwell, his Qi and blood churning.

“Even if I die here today, I will take one of you with me!”

Lu Chensha’s eyes were fierce as he spoke ruthlessly.

He knew that they couldn’t outlast them in this kind of prolonged battle.

It was better to use a desperate fighting style to make them afraid to confront him directly.

“Kill!”

In an instant, the four siblings charged towards the person severely injured by Lu Chensha.

“Hmph, you have some strength, but that’s all. It’s not enough!”

The leading Shangguan Cultivator stood in front, his Aura domineering, and the long saber in his hand erupted with Purple Lightning Saber Qi, crisscrossing and intertwining, burning metal and melting iron, as it slashed towards Lu Ziyun.

“Buzz—”

Under this saber strike, Lu Ziyun’s Substitute Talisman was immediately activated, enveloping her and shooting her out, leaving a Puppet in her place.

“Substitute Puppet!?”

The Shangguan Cultivator’s expression was startled and suspicious; he didn’t understand what was happening.

Was this woman a Puppet disguise?

That was absolutely impossible!

But if she used a Substitute Puppet through some means, the person should still be nearby.

They looked at Lu Chensha, Lu Qingyan, and Lu Qingze with surprised and suspicious expressions.

Without any hesitation, they continued to attack the three.

“Pfft!”

After several rounds, Lu Qingze also retreated step by step, revealing an opening.

Although it wasn’t fatal and didn’t activate a Substitute Talisman, his chest was largely torn open, and blood gushed out.

“A-Ze, hurry and go!”

Lu Qingyan immediately signaled him to leave upon seeing this.

Lu Qingze didn’t hesitate and immediately activated the Substitute Talisman in his Sea of Consciousness.

He was then enveloped by a mysterious force, leaving a Puppet in his place, and vanished with a boom.

“Hmm?”

The Shangguan individuals were surprised, not expecting Lu Qingze to also possess such astonishing means.

At this moment, they probably understood why the four dared to stay behind and cover the retreat.

“Bang bang bang!”

After several rounds, seeing that Lu Mingfeng and the others should have safely escaped, Lu Chensha looked fiercely at these Shangguan Cultivators and said coldly, “Today’s matter isn’t over!”

After speaking, he looked at Lu Qingyan and said, “Sister Qingyan!”

“Mmm!”

Lu Qingyan’s injuries were very severe at this point and could not be delayed any longer.

Both of them activated their Substitute Talismans, shooting out like a rainbow, leaving behind a blank-faced Puppet in their place.

“Bihu Mountain has a problem, a big problem!”

The leading Shangguan Cultivator, with a sharp and formidable Aura, said coldly.

Such Puppet techniques, let alone for Qi Refining Cultivators.

Even for Foundation Establishment Cultivators, they were extremely rare!

Yet, several members of the Bihu Mountain Lu Family all possessed this technique.

“Axu, how are you?”

At this moment, he looked at the pale-faced Shangguan Cultivator, who was half-kneeling on the ground, and asked with concern.

“Cough, cough, cough—”

The Shangguan individual coughed out black blood, feeling a burning, stinging pain in his chest and internal organs, and said bitterly, “My internal organs are damaged now; I can no longer fight.”

If it weren’t for a Spiritual Artifact protecting him, he felt his life force would have been extinguished.

But even now, his situation was extremely dire.

Without Spirit Pills and precious Medicine, and timely treatment, he would likely be half-crippled.

The leading Shangguan Cultivator was silent for a moment, then said coldly, “Let’s go. Contact A-Fei and Seventh Brother. We must find these people from Bihu Mountain; they definitely have a problem, a great Opportunity!”

Purple Nether Secret Realm, at the bottom of a cliff.

Lu Chensha looked towards Purple Nether Mountain, his eyes filled with ferocity.

The main purpose of their six-person trip to the Purple Nether Secret Realm was to gain experience and achieve a good ranking.

As a result, they almost got wiped out.

If it weren’t for the Substitute Talismans his father gave him, they would have already become Souls under someone else’s saber.

Of course.

If it weren’t for the Substitute Talismans, he wouldn’t have chosen to fight to the death to cover their retreat.

“If Father finds out, he’ll probably be disappointed in me.”

What Lu Chensha worried about most was not anything else, but his father’s disappointment in him when he returned.

After all, when they went to the Secret Realm, his father had bestowed upon him the Huishen Insect, a rare insect, hoping he would perform well in the Purple Nether Secret Realm.

Now, things had turned out like this.

“Shangguan Family!!”

Lu Chensha’s expression was icy cold, his hands clenched into fists.

With his current strength, it would be difficult to settle scores with the Shangguan Family, Jin Family, and Sima Family.

“The only way is to Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.”

“But the Purple Nether Secret Realm is affected by the heavens and earth; unless it’s a native Yao Beast, outsiders find it difficult to Breakthrough!”

“And there’s only half a month left in the Secret Realm; it’s not enough time to Breakthrough, unless…”

Lu Chensha’s expression was uncertain.

There were many Daoist Magics within the Beast Control Technique.

Among them was a Daoist Magic, similar to the Body Integration technique.

But unlike the Body Integration technique, this Daoist Magic forcefully broke through realms and improved oneself by sacrificing a Natal Spirit Beast.

If he sacrificed the Thousand-legged Centipede, he might be able to quickly Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

Even if he didn’t Breakthrough, his combat power would increase by one level, comparable to Foundation Establishment.

However, doing so would be equivalent to severing his Dao.

“Breakthrough, or…”

Lu Chensha’s expression was conflicted.

This was a gamble.

If he returned like this, he would face his father’s disappointment.

But if he forcefully Breakthrough and wiped out the Shangguan Family, Sima Family, and Jin Family, returning home with a satisfactory answer for his father, he might even receive commendation and be able to rebuild his Dao Foundation!

“Hmm!?”

Just then, the Huishen Insect in Lu Chensha’s Sea of Consciousness sent a ripple, informing him that a dangerous Aura was approaching.

“Danger!?”

Lu Chensha immediately circulated his Cultivation Technique, concealed his Aura, and then had the Huishen Insect empower him as he cautiously ascended the cliff.

A moment later, he heard a rustling, grating sound.

He saw a strange spider, roughly a zhang tall, covered in dark velvety fur that seemed to blend into the night, appear.

This spider seemed to have been attracted by Lu Chensha’s Aura. Its eight shiny, spear-like spider legs moved rapidly, each step piercing the ground.

“Second Rank Ghoul-Faced Soul-Devouring Spider!”

Lu Chensha saw the black and white interwoven patterns on the spider’s abdomen, resembling a bizarre and terrifying ghoul face, and its eight glowing ghoul eyes flickering, like Soul-capturing black holes. He immediately recognized what kind of Yao Beast this was.

An Earth Rank Top-tier Yao Beast—the Ghoul-Faced Soul-Devouring Spider!

It not only possessed a hard carapace and highly penetrating spider spears but also a terrifying ghoul face!

The ghoul face’s eight eyes could launch Divine Soul attacks, and it survived by devouring the Divine Souls of other living beings, making it incredibly ferocious!

“Divine Soul attack…”

As Lu Chensha looked at this Ghoul-Faced Soul-Devouring Spider, a terrifying thought suddenly emerged in his mind.