When Hua Wanduo arrived at Bailu Mountain, the members of the former Five Faction Alliance had already left. This time, only three people from Wuhua Island came: Hua Wanduo, Hua Du, and Hua Liuxi.
Hua Wanduo was the new nuclear warhead of Wuhua Island, representing its strength. Hua Du was the current Island Master of Wuhua Island, symbolizing its status. Hua Liuxi was an ordinary direct disciple of Wuhua Island, mainly accompanying them to assist.
Confidently, Hua Wanduo flew into Bailu Mountain and walked through the Bailing Square. Suddenly, her heart was struck hard. She overheard a conversation between two disciples of Koukou Group.
"I didn't expect the Group Leader to be so powerful, effortlessly promoting a Foundation Disciple to Golden Core Stage. I need to perform well in the future and hope the Group Leader can help me out once too. As long as I can advance to Golden Core, I would be willing to dedicate my life to Koukou Group."
"Hmph, I'm not like you. I want to cultivate on my own and strive for my own breakthrough to Golden Core to surprise the Group Leader."
Xu Feng could actually promote a Foundation Disciple directly to Golden Core? Had he advanced to Yuan Ying? No, even a Yuan Ying Cultivator couldn't do that!
Hua Wanduo's rising confidence was slightly shaken. "I don't believe it."
The three from Wuhua Island were welcomed into the reception hall. After a while, Xu Feng entered the hall with Yi Jiuzhou following behind.
Xu Feng smiled and said, "Elder Hua, congratulations on advancing to Yuan Ying. Flower Island Master, please take a seat."
Hua Wanduo was a senior, while Hua Du was of the same rank; both returned the greeting. Hua Liuxi intended to pay respects to Xu Feng.
Once they were seated according to their ranks, Hua Wanduo said, "I heard that the Group Leader has returned and that Koukou Group is thriving. I took this opportunity to congratulate you without an invitation; I hope you won't mind."
Hua Wanduo had once spared Jin Liaoyuan's life. Xu Feng remembered this favor and no longer held hostility towards Wuhua Island. He replied, "Elder Hua, Xian Dao's remarkable woman, please feel free to come anytime; how could Xu Feng take offense?"
"A defeated general has no right to speak of bravery; you mock me, Group Leader." Hua Wanduo softened her words, but her entire demeanor suddenly changed as she released a powerful pressure that made Yi Jiuzhou involuntarily take a step back.
Xu Feng knew this was a show of force directed at him, but he was not angry. He softly praised, "Elder Hua, your strength is impressive!" Xu Feng's voice pierced like a sharp knife into the side seat where Hua Du sat. Before Hua Du could comprehend what was happening, his face turned pale in an instant.
Seeing this, Hua Wanduo immediately restrained his energy, and Xu Feng also ceased his exertion. Although they did not engage directly, both understood each other's strength.
Hua Wanduo was shocked and retreated, surpassing even the Hua Qian Zhi of years past. Xu Feng's single remark had shattered Hua Du's spirit, showcasing his exceptional skill.
Yi Jiuzhou was fine; as a Vice Leader, losing to the Nascent Soul Stage Hua Wanduo was quite normal and even somewhat commendable. However, Hua Du lost face significantly; he had no ability to retaliate against Xu Feng. Despite their equal status, their strengths were worlds apart.
Hua Wanduo's probing resulted in Hua Du's embarrassment.
Hua Du felt a storm brewing within him. Ten years ago, his reputation overshadowed Cai Shujun’s and he was regarded as a rare talent in the Liuxiang Kingdom. Back then, Xu Feng was merely a loose cultivator trying to earn a ticket to the Otherworldly Secret Realm Outer Sect by mingling at the Liuxiang Immortal Path Conference.
Unexpectedly, ten years later, both were leaders of their respective factions, yet Xu Feng's strength far surpassed his own.
What Hua Du did not know was that Xu Feng had reached the Late Stage of Golden Core with perfect mastery of Five Elements Cultivation, enhanced by double reinforcement. The strength of his spiritual power alone exceeded that of the Late Stage of Nascent Soul. Defeating the newly promoted Yuan Ying Hua Wanduo would be as easy as crushing an ant.
After their brief exchange, Hua Wanduo recognized his defeat and said, "Group Leader's magical power is indeed profound; your reputation is well-deserved."
Xu Feng made Hua Wanduo retreat with difficulty and reflected on the gap between their factions in the Liuxiang Kingdom. He asked, "Elder Hua, do you know if Hua Qian Zhi has mentioned anything about Zheguo?"
Hua Wanduo did not expect Xu Feng to ask this. Hua Qian Zhi was his Second Brother who had been taken away by Huo Jinxing since childhood. He returned a few times but always avoided discussing the outside world. After being defeated by Xu Feng in their last encounter, he disappeared without a trace. Hua Wanduo replied, "My Second Brother never discusses our matters regarding Zheguo. I do not know whether he is alive or dead."
Upon returning to the Liuxiang Kingdom, Hua Qian Zhi instigated a war between Wuhua Island and Liuxiang Xian Dao in an attempt to unify the Liuxiang Kingdom. Hua Guinian was momentarily tempted and did not intervene, leading Wuhua Island down a path of destruction. Ultimately, they were besieged by the Five Faction Alliance. Hua Qian Zhi was severely injured by Xu Feng; had it not been for Huo Jinxing's sudden intervention, he might have succumbed to despair and taken his own life.
"I know where he is," Xu Feng said. "He is still alive and may have advanced in strength."
Hua Wanduo couldn't help but ask, "Where is Second Brother?" As family, their bond was deep. Hua Qian Zhi was originally the trump card of Wuhua Island, but now his life or death was unknown, so how could she not inquire?
Xu Feng had killed many people from Sinking Sand Valley; he was an enemy, not a friend, and he didn't plan to hide it any longer. He said, "He is in Sinking Sand Valley in Zheguo. I haven't seen him, but I know he is still alive. To be honest, Sinking Sand Valley has done many evil deeds, and I have long since severed ties with them. My trip to Zheguo is to find Cai Shujun, who was taken by Hua Qian Zhi. If Hua Qian Zhi returns, you should treat him well."
Hua Wanduo had heard about Xu Feng's journey to Zheguo and knew it was a consequence of Second Brother Hua Qian Zhi's actions. "Group Leader Xu, Xian Dao is ruthless. Second Brother has made a grave mistake; he must bear the consequences himself." At that time, Hua Wanduo had also opposed the unification of Liuxiang Kingdom, but no one paid her any mind.
Xu Feng replied, "Elder Hua, you may think I am arrogant. In my eyes, Hua Qian Zhi is not a concern. What I fear is that he might be used by others to do something that endangers Liuxiang Kingdom. Liuxiang Kingdom has been isolated for many years and has fallen far behind Zheguo." He then outlined the gap between Liuxiang Kingdom and Zheguo.
Hua Wanduo and the others listened in shock; they had known that Liuxiang Kingdom was inferior to Zheguo but hadn't realized the gap was so vast. One sect from Zheguo possessed the strength to sweep through Liuxiang Kingdom.
Hua Qian Zhi's arrogance might lead him to invite disaster.
Hua Wanduo understood the underlying reasons and said, "Group Leader Xu, your foresight is admirable. If he returns, I will do everything in my power to prevent him from going down the wrong path." She was now the leader of Wuhua Island, holding all the power; Hua Du's strength and reputation were far from sufficient—he was merely a nominal Island Master and still a disciple of Hua Wanduo.
Seeing that Hua Wanduo understood the reasoning behind it all, Xu Feng said, "If Zheguo takes action, Liuxiang Kingdom will find it hard to resist its might. This matter is beyond our control. We must prepare ourselves and not be overly arrogant."
"What you say is absolutely right." The so-called benevolent are invincible; not only does their strength surpass yours, but they also hold moral superiority over you—how can you not submit?
Then Xu Feng did something that made Hua Wanduo completely yield before him.
Xu Feng took out the Azure Dragon Whip and handed it to Hua Wanduo, saying, "Elder Hua, this Azure Dragon Whip was obtained from Hua Qian Zhi; it originally belonged to Wuhua Island. Now it returns to its rightful owner; please accept it."
Hua Wanduo gently caressed the Azure Dragon Whip, her nose tinged with bitterness as tears fell. The Azure Dragon Whip had been acquired by Wuhua Island's ancestors from the Otherworldly Secret Realm. With this treasure in hand, Wuhua Island had firmly held its position as number one in Liuxiang Kingdom. After Hua Qian Zhi's defeat, the Azure Dragon Whip had gone missing.
Now that the Azure Dragon Whip had returned to the Hua Family, everything felt different; the heroes were no longer present.
After the repair of the Azure Dragon Whip, Xu Feng rarely used it. As his strength increased, the whip's usefulness diminished. It would be better to do a favor and return it to Wuhua Island.
Hua Wanduo unexpectedly received the Azure Dragon Whip and was overwhelmed with joy, saying, "Group Leader, I will remember this favor from Wuhua Island." It was not easy to have Wuhua Island owe someone a favor.
Hua Wanduo thanked Xu Feng and left Bailu Mountain with Hua Du and Hua Liuxi. Just before leaving, Hua Wanduo suddenly turned back and smiled at Xu Feng. This smile was like a blooming flower, erasing all past grievances in an instant.
Hua Du remained silent throughout, his expression somber. He knew that he and Xu Feng were no longer on the same level.
After sending off Hua Wanduo, Xu Feng called the three Vice Leaders into a secret room and handed four Puppets to Gao Jingsong. These had been prepared in advance by Xu Feng as a trump card for the Koukou Group.
Xu Feng said, "These are four Seventh-Level Puppets, each with the strength of Mid Stage of Nascent Soul. Take your time to refine them and choose a suitable formation. They will stay at Bailu Mountain and should only be used in dire situations." Gao Jingsong was responsible for all matters concerning the Koukou Group, so these Puppets should be under his management.
Xu Feng had used an Ultraman once during the battle at Wuhua Island, but unfortunately, none of them had seen it. Now they finally got to see the real thing.
Xu Feng handed Gao Jingsong a book on refining techniques along with a bag of High-Quality Spirit Stones, saying, "Each spirit stone can only support one Puppet for three attacks. With a formation combining all four Puppets, defeating someone at Late Stage of Nascent Soul will be easy."
Gao Jingsong accepted them and replied, "Group Leader, rest assured. I understand."
Xu Feng then took out another storage bag and handed it to Lin Fangxin, saying, "This contains one thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, enough for Koukou Group's use in Liuxiang Kingdom. I've also prepared plenty of elixirs. If you're worried about using them, don't fear running out of money; talent is what matters most."
Lin Fangxin held the one million Mid-Grade Spirit Stones and smiled wryly, saying, "Group Leader, I come from a business background. The spirit stones you left last time not only went unused but also generated several times profit. We are not short on money."
Xu Feng replied seriously, "I have a feeling that something will happen in Liuxiang Kingdom soon. Zheguo is much stronger than us. Don't focus solely on Liuxiang Kingdom; Zheguo will eventually attack us. We may not be able to save Liuxiang Kingdom, but we must save ourselves."
The three nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Xu Feng looked at Yi Jiuzhou and took out the Spirit Crystal he had obtained years ago from the Azure Dragon Mountain Range. The bucket-sized Spirit Crystal radiated brilliance, illuminating the dim chamber as bright as day.
Xu Feng said, "Jiuzhou, your strength is the greatest. The Koukou Group needs you to protect it. You possess exceptional talent, a rare find. You must quickly elevate your realm to safeguard the Koukou Group in the Xian Dao. Take this Spirit Crystal to refine; it is enough to elevate you to the peak of the Late Stage of Golden Core, and advancing to Yuan Ying is also possible."
The Spirit Crystal is the essence of spirit; a single Spiritual Vein produces only one Spirit Crystal, making it invaluable.
"Mm!" Yi Jiuzhou responded heavily and accepted the Spirit Crystal.
Xu Feng found the three's storage bags unsatisfactory, so he took out three Spatial Rings and gave them to them. He had plenty of Spatial Rings on hand, each with space no less than that of the Flame of Ambition.
Gao Jingsong said, "Group Leader, are you going to leave again?" Lin Fangxin and Yi Jiuzhou also sensed that Xu Feng's actions might mean he was about to depart once more.
Xu Feng replied, "Yes, I need to enter seclusion."
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