Chapter 37: Protective Mountain Formation

How could a hastily arranged formation possibly withstand the attacks of more than a dozen Core Formation cultivators?

If the mountain-protecting formation broke and more than a dozen Core Formation cultivators stormed into the Tianlan Sect, what would they do? She was the only Core Formation cultivator in the entire Tianlan Sect; other Foundation Establishment cultivators wouldn't last a single round against those of Core Formation.

"No, I absolutely cannot let them in. I must stop them," she thought. Ling Qingshu gritted her teeth, gripped her Fangtian Sword, and with a whoosh, stepped out of the mountain-protecting formation.

"Stop!" Ling Qingshu cried out, deflecting a spiritual sword that was about to strike the mountain-protecting formation.

The more than a dozen Core Formation cultivators ceased their attacks upon seeing Ling Qingshu.

A burly man stepped forward and said, "We meant no offense. However, we've been waiting at the foot of the mountain for an hour, and your Old Ancestor hasn't appeared to greet us. Please go and summon them; we have something important to discuss."

Ling Qingshu eyed the dozen Core Formation cultivators cautiously and replied, "I apologize, but our Old Ancestor is currently at a critical stage in cultivation and is in seclusion. It will require some time, so please bear with us and wait a little longer." She paused, then added, "It shouldn't take much longer."

With that, Ling Qingshu bowed respectfully. For now, she had to keep these cultivators calm. Everything would be alright once Old Ancestor Xu returned.

"Hmph, if you want us to wait, then open this mountain-protecting formation and let us in!" the burly man sneered. "Then, serve us good tea and treat us properly. What kind of hospitality is it to make us wait out here?"

Although Ling Qingshu knew that making a group of people wait at the foot of the mountain was not proper hospitality, she had no idea if these Core Formation cultivators were friends or foes. If they were enemies, allowing them into the Tianlan Sect would be akin to inviting wolves into the fold, risking the sect's complete annihilation.

Thus, she could only make them wait at the foot of the mountain. Ling Qingshu silently prayed, hoping Xu Yang would appear soon.

"I apologize, but due to the immense strength of you esteemed seniors, we cannot permit you to enter," Ling Qingshu explained honestly.

"Hmph, do you really think we can't get in just because you forbid us?" the man sneered. He clenched his hand, and a ball of spiritual energy condensed within it, swiftly hurling it towards the mountain-protecting formation.

With a resounding boom, the mountain-protecting formation was struck by the spiritual energy. A layer of pure white spiritual energy covered it, and the formation roared repeatedly, trembling as if it could collapse at any moment.

"Stop!" Ling Qingshu's expression shifted as she bellowed.

However, the burly man showed no intention of stopping. He completely ignored Ling Qingshu, continuing to bombard the mountain-protecting formation with one ball of spiritual energy after another.

"I told you to stop!" Ling Qingshu's face was grim. She glanced at the tottering mountain-protecting formation before suddenly charging towards the burly man.

"Sword of Extreme Fate!" A surge of spiritual energy gathered at the tip of her Fangtian Sword. With a thunderous roar that seemed to change the very heavens and earth, Ling Qingshu's aura transformed instantly, becoming unstoppable.

"Holy crap, this woman is something else!" the burly man exclaimed in surprise. "Everyone, attack! Let's get rid of this woman first!" he commanded.

Immediately, the more than a dozen Core Formation cultivators all turned their attacks towards Ling Qingshu. One cultivator swung a spiritual sword, unleashing a blood-red beam that shot directly towards Ling Qingshu. Another produced a square seal. Upon being thrown, it instantly grew to the size of a house, descending vertically above Ling Qingshu's head. If struck, she would undoubtedly be crushed into a pulp.

The remaining dozen Core Formation cultivators also unleashed their various abilities, each launching an attack towards Ling Qingshu. In an instant, Ling Qingshu's situation became extremely perilous.

Yu Sanniang's expression changed. The moment she saw the Core Formation cultivators attacking Ling Qingshu, she knew something was wrong. If these Core Formation cultivators killed Ling Qingshu, Xu Yang would never forgive them.

"Stop, don't attack!" Yu Sanniang urged anxiously.

However, no matter how Yu Sanniang pleaded, the others showed no sign of stopping. Ling Qingshu struggled to evade the attacks coming from all directions, managing to dodge only two. By the time she tried to avoid the third, she was utterly exhausted and could not escape further.

The house-sized square seal above her head was now less than a centimeter from her scalp. Ling Qingshu helplessly closed her eyes, bracing for death.

Old Ancestor, where are you...?

After what felt like an eternity, death did not come. Ling Qingshu opened her eyes in confusion and saw a golden light swirling around her. The square seal above her head, which had been less than a centimeter away, remained suspended about one centimeter from her head, unable to move a single inch further!

"Old Ancestor, you're back!" Ling Qingshu cried out in delight.

At that moment, a streaking light, like a meteor flying low to the ground, swiftly swept in from the distance. It kicked up rolling dust and flying stones in its wake, and the thunderous vibrations sounded like ten thousand galloping horses, growing louder as it approached. With a swift whoosh, before Ling Qingshu could even react, Xu Yang appeared right in front of her.

"I'm here. Don't be afraid," Xu Yang said.

Ling Qingshu breathed a sigh of relief. The Old Ancestor truly lived up to his title, always appearing at the most critical moment.

Xu Yang glanced at the tottering mountain-protecting formation, which seemed on the verge of collapse, then looked at Ling Qingshu and shook his head. Why do so many people always seek death?

"You are Xu Yang?" a burly man asked with a suspicious look. Xu Yang didn't at all resemble someone who could be referred to as an Old Ancestor. In his understanding, an Old Ancestor should be a white-haired old man. Yet, this Xu Yang seemed even younger than him.

"If you have any last words, speak them quickly. Your time is running out," Xu Yang said calmly.

"My name is Yu Tianxiong," the burly man said, tossing a piece of paper to Xu Yang. "This is an invitation from the Lord of Tianwu Commandery. Take a look."

Xu Yang took the paper and saw that it was indeed an invitation from the Lord of Tianwu Commandery, who had taken an interest in Xu Yang's capabilities and wished for him to become a subordinate. The wording was arrogant, implying that it would be Xu Yang's distinct honor to serve the Lord of Tianwu Commandery.

Xu Yang silently folded the invitation, then raised an eyebrow and asked, "And?"

Yu Tianxiong proudly lifted his chin. "You have offended the Spiritual Treasure Auction House, and your life is forfeit," he declared. "However, if you choose to serve our Lord of Tianwu Commandery, he can spare your life."

"This is your great honor! Now, kneel and show your gratitude." As he spoke, Yu Tianxiong pulled a small bottle from his robe and tossed it to Xu Yang.

Xu Yang caught it. A foul odor wafted from the bottle, confirming it was a vial of poison.