63: Chapter 63 East Fort

Several pieces of information boomed in Xu Changsheng's mind like bombs.

Leaving his head ringing.

He vaguely remembered the last time he went to the Prefects Mansion to discuss the next batch of Talisman refining with Xie Yuzhu, she had even shared good news with him.

Even then, he had sensed something was wrong after learning from Wang Ye that several small settlements near Liuyun Market had been wiped out by the Lai Family.

After all.

War reports could lie, but the front lines would not.

But he hadn't expected things to turn out as bleak as they were today.

Just then, a private message from Xie Wantang arrived, providing more information.

It turned out that Xie Chengye, eager for glory, had been deceived by the Lai Family's ploy of letting the enemy off to catch them later.

After a brief victory, he had led the Xie Family's elites deep into the Lai Family's heartland in one go.

As a result, they were all slaughtered by a pre-arranged Formation.

The Lai Family's counter-push into the Xie Family's camp was the true pursuit; after destroying the Xie Family's Great Clan-Protecting Formation, they began a massive slaughter.

Virtually no survivors escaped.

The remaining twenty percent of the Xie Family's Cultivators were those who had been stationed elsewhere.

He sighed softly, "A struggle between just two Foundation Establishment families is already this bloody."

Now, the Xie Family no longer had the capital to oppose the Lai Family, which possessed Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

Ceding Liuyun Market to the Lai Family was less a choice and more a forced necessity.

Donglin Fortress was on the other side of the Ancient Wood Mountain Range, over a thousand miles away from Liuyun Market.

It was a city belonging to the Beast Taming Zhou Family.

The Beast Taming Zhou Family was renowned in the Chu Country's cultivation world; their Family Head was a False Core level Cultivator, and the clan had more than five Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

Such strength.

Allowed them to stand above many other cultivation families.

The Zhou Family's main territory was actually near Yellow Ox Immortal City; the one located in the Ancient Wood Mountain Range was merely a branch Bloodline.

Leveraging the incredible power of their main house, the Zhou Family branch in the Ancient Wood Mountain Range also held a detached status, with almost no cultivation Family daring to deny the Zhou Family Face.

If the Xie Family wanted to avoid being completely exterminated by the Lai Family, this was indeed their only path.

Although it was unknown what price they paid, they succeeded.

Xu Changsheng hesitated inwardly.

He quickly made a decision.

"I should still go."

On one hand, his purpose for staying in the Ancient Wood Mountain Range was to wait for the opening of the Ancient Wood Secret Realm, and Donglin Fortress happened to be located in the valley at the foot of the Secret Realm's mountain.

On the other hand, Donglin Fortress welcomed Loose Cultivators, had good public security, and with the Zhou Family's backing, he wouldn't have to worry about the Lai Family coming after him.

Besides, in the current Liuyun Market, there were few people he still knew.

"Cultivating is the same anywhere, so I might as well choose a nearby place."

With this thought in mind.

He put his necessities into his Storage Pouch and headed out.

Just at that moment.

The sound of horse hooves passed by.

Stopping right in front of him.

The carriage curtain was pulled back, and a familiar middle-aged Face poked out—it was Wang Ye.

He invited warmly, "Fellow Daoist Xu, quick, get in."

Xu Changsheng did not refuse; the journey was long and arduous, and traveling with Wang Ye was a good way to save effort.

Inside the ornately decorated carriage.

Wang Ye sighed deeply, "I never thought I would have to leave Liuyun Market in my lifetime."

...

Three days passed without incident.

The two arrived at Donglin Fortress.

Presenting their Xie Family Guest Elder tokens, the Donglin Fortress guards led them to the area specifically arranged for the Xie Family.

Xie Wantang, dressed in a blue gown, was directing the Xie Family Disciples in constructing various buildings.

Seeing Xu Changsheng and Wang Ye arrive.

She gladly arranged accommodations for them.

With an apologetic look, she said, "The Xie Family is currently facing a great disaster, yet you two Guest Elders have not abandoned us. I thank you both."

The two naturally returned the gesture.

Wang Ye cupped his hands, "The Clan Chief worries too much. As a son-in-law of the Xie Family, it is my bounden duty."

With the Xie Family currently leaderless, the responsibility of the Clan Chief naturally fell onto Xie Wantang's shoulders.

Xu Changsheng looked surprised; he hadn't expected Wang Ye to have such a connection, which explained how he could hold the position of manager at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion so securely.

He also cupped his fists, "The Xie Family has treated This Xu well; of course I wouldn't leave at such a critical juncture."

After their eyes met briefly, Xie Wantang curtsied again.

After some casual pleasantries with Wang Ye, Xu Changsheng walked up to the third floor of the loft on the left.

It was similar to the Nangui Inn in Liuyun Market, with all the necessary furniture.

Donglin Fortress was also situated on a first-rank Spiritual Vein, and its quality was even better than that of Liuyun Market.

"It's also suitable for peaceful cultivation."

By now, it was late.

[Today's Intelligence (Green): Third-rank Remnant Formation]

[Buried beneath Donglin Fortress is a third-rank Remnant Formation—the Blazing Sun Fire Binding Array. It was a casual creation of Great Master Chu Nanguī when he was studying Formations. The Formation eye is a fire crow feather, and crimson flame stones are distributed throughout Donglin Fortress in a Nine Palaces pattern. The host's True Solar Fire can continuously charge the crimson flame stones; once fully charged, the last fire crow feather can be consumed to release a single third-rank attack.]

"Intelligence as soon as I arrive!"

Xu Changsheng realized.

It was information that could allow him to unleash a third-rank attack within Donglin Fortress.

A third-rank attack was comparable to a full-strength strike from the Golden Core Stage.

"If I fully charge the crimson flame stones, wouldn't that mean I'll have nothing to fear from any Cultivator below the Golden Core Stage while in Donglin Fortress?"

Regardless, he would check the status of the Formation tomorrow and charge it first.

Ever since his Black Wave Subduing Flood Dragon Formation was destroyed by Jiang Junjie at Yinyue Bay, he had been looking for a replacement.

However, things hadn't gone as planned; such Formations were hard to come by. Relying solely on his top-grade Magical Artifact, quasi-second tier talismans, and the Profound Heavy Bell talisman treasure, he still felt it wasn't enough.

At the same time.

A voice came from downstairs.

He saw Xie Wantang arguing with a gloomy-looking young man.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou Qian, for what matter have you come to find me?"

Zhou Qian narrowed his eyes, looking Xie Wantang up and down several times before chuckling.

"I have long heard of Miss Xie's great name, and finally meeting you today, I have fallen in love at first sight. I wonder if you would be willing to marry me and seek longevity together?"

A look of repulsion flashed in Xie Wantang's eyes. "I thank Fellow Daoist Zhou for your appreciation, but I currently have no intention of seeking a Dao Companion."

Zhou Qian persisted, "I am very sincere. If Clan Chief Xie agrees, I will petition my Family to provide strong support to the Xie Family until both of us reach Foundation Establishment."

The surrounding Xie Family members, for the sake of their own interests, chimed in, "This is a good thing! Clan Chief, marry him quickly."

"Clan Chief, I support this marriage!"

Xie Wantang recalled unpleasant memories and shouted angrily, "Shut up! Whoever speaks again will be kicked out of the Xie Family today!"

She was resolute in her heart: No one can dictate my marriage ever again!

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, how about this: I will give you an answer after I have discussed it with your mother."

Hearing his mother mentioned, Zhou Qian immediately lost his momentum.

His mother was the spokesperson for the Zhou Family branch here, the Foundation Establishment Stage Du Hong.

His mother had warned him not to target Xie Wantang, or he would be noticed by the Chixiao Sect.

He could only leave resentfully, "Clan Chief Xie, my feelings for you are as clear as day. I will come again."

Watching his retreating figure, Xie Wantang's Face showed a look of disgust.