Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan

It must be said that the timing of the cultivator's move was just perfect. Although he was seriously injured, at least his life was not in danger.

"Hmph! Luo is truly formidable! Only you noticed what was amiss there."

"Indeed, the rest of us are useless."

However, Luo Ming's fellow sect brothers were extremely dissatisfied with him, several of them speaking one after another in a sarcastic tone.

After all, killing a centenarian Golden Core was an extremely important mission for them. If it was done well, the sect would definitely not skimp on rewards.

Another reason was that their ambush had resulted in considerable losses, with several of them getting injured. They were all waiting for the sect's rewards and the savings of this group of cultivators to nurse their wounds.

But now, the target had escaped!

Not only did they fail to catch the big fish, but they also had to face the punishment from the sect. How could they be happy about that?

Even the leader had some resentment in his heart, which is why he did not stop everyone from speaking out at first. However, since they were all from the same sect, and as the comments grew more and more offensive, he had no choice but to step forward and say sternly, "Enough! It was just an accident!"

"There have been so many centenarian Golden Cores coming to the Central Region recently. Just bring back one of their heads to the sect to complete the mission!"

He said this, but he also knew in his heart, what was this, really?

It's true that centenarian Golden Cores are rare, but the Immortal Tao controls at least seventy percent of the Profound Origin Realm, with the number of cultivators amounting to billions. With such a vast base, over the centuries, who knows how many Golden Core cultivators fitting the criteria could have accumulated.

But! Golden Core cultivators from major powers must know about these underhanded tactics of the Central Region. They either have elder protection, fellow disciples for company, or they choose not to venture out at all.

Those from smaller powers might not have known before, but now, with so many accidents befalling centenarian Golden Cores from the Outer Regions, would they still be unaware?

It must be said that Li Zhiyue was lucky. She had just arrived in the Central Region when she heard about this and wisely went into hiding.

And anyone capable of cultivating to the Golden Core Realm must be clever because those who are not clever enough would have died on this path of seeking The Great Tao long ago, even with the protection of elders!

However, since the leading brother had spoken, they of course had to give some respect and stopped ostracizing Luo Ming. But no one approached him, and their eyes were full of disgust.

As for the situation outside, Li Zhirui was not very clear about it, as one could not see the outside world from within the space; so he guessed that a few hours had passed before emerging from the space.

"No wonder the major powers of the Central Region can firmly hold onto this treasured land," said Li Zhirui full of sarcasm.

Of course, such a statement is a bit extreme. After all, one cannot sustain power over time with just these shady tactics!

"It looks like the Central Region will be in great chaos for one or two years," Li Zhirui said helplessly because this affected his plans for training and for the family procurement of various Spiritual Objects.

The former was because the major powers were sending out disciples to hunt down solitary centenarian Golden Cores. While Li Zhirui was confident in his own strength, he lacked the confidence to defeat his opponents without injury or with only minor injuries.

And, should he be seriously injured, it would impact the upcoming Secret Realm exploration. A small mistake could lead to great loss and would not be worth it!

The latter does it to facilitate price comparison among different sellers; sometimes saving a few Spirit Stones could mean affording extra Spiritual Objects, enhancing the family's foundation.

This, however, is predicated on the first point; after all, if Li Zhirui does not go out to gain experience, how could he visit various Marketplaces and Immortal Cities to compare prices?

Helplessly shaking his head, he stopped thinking about this matter and began to consider his next destination—the Stone Pagoda Immortal City, located closest to the Secret Realm.

Indeed, the name of this Immortal City was derived from the inheritance stone pagoda within the Secret Realm!

It was only ten miles from the Secret Realm, a distance that a Cultivator at the Golden Core Realm could cover in just a few breaths.

Why was Li Zhirui headed to this Immortal City? Because it was close enough that once the Secret Realm opened, numerous Golden Core Cultivators would surely rush there. By then, making a move against someone would not be easy, and it would also potentially draw the ire of many.

Once he made up his mind, he took out a map purchased in the previous Immortal City, traced his finger over it, and determined his route. Shortly after, Li Zhirui had made his decision.

He did not choose the easy and accessible shortcut, but rather the more troublesome mountain paths. The main purpose was to bypass the hunting squads of the major forces; if he could not avoid them all, he at least could encounter fewer.

What about the Devil Beasts in the mountains? There were indeed some, but the highest were only of the third order. Any stronger, and they would be eradicated by the major forces! Therefore, these Devil Beasts posed almost no danger to the duo.

However, there was a stretch of The Great Tao to traverse upon entering the mountains!

"Clang!"

In the instant that the sound of cleaving air rang out, Li Zhirui quickly summoned the Thousand Spirits, thwarting the assassination and ambush!

"Come out!" Li Zhirui was truly incensed this time.

Twice ambushed, the fury in his heart was burning bright, and he intended to vent thoroughly, lest he literally become ill from frustration.

Thus, when Li Zhirui made his move, it was with a deadly skill. Vines swept across the sky, amidst which hid the Water-Wood Divine Light. Should anyone dare to underestimate the lethality of these vines, they wouldn't die but are sure to shed a layer of skin!

The opponents were numerous. Despite his formidable attack, attacking ten Golden Core Cultivators—each hailing from significant forces—would not be very effective. However, it did leave several Cultivators injured.

"I'm truly flattered that you hold such a nobody in high regard, sending so many Disciples to take me down," Li Zhirui sneered, then the Spirit Light flared dramatically, like a razor-sharp Treasured Sword slashing fiercely at the enemy.

This actually had nothing to do with him; after all, they did not know who would pass by this place. Perhaps it was just a precaution.

As a result, Li Zhirui confronted not the ten-person teams he anticipated, but a group of fifteen, each at least at the Middle Golden Core Stage, far surpassing those from the hunting squads he had previously encountered.

After several exchanges, Li Zhirui couldn't help but feel impressed by his foes; rightly so, they had been cultivated by great powers. Even if they weren't the carefully nurtured True Disciples, they certainly possessed considerable strength!

However, unknown to him, the fifteen Cultivators were growing increasingly alarmed as the battle progressed. They had never imagined Li Zhirui would possess such formidable combat power. Facing fifteen alone, he managed several rounds without initial disadvantage!

Such strength was rare even among the centennial Golden Core members of their own Sects!

Yet, Li Zhirui alone eventually began to struggle; from initially holding his ground, he gradually fell at a disadvantage, and the situation grew increasingly dire for him.