CHAPTER 263: CHAPTER 250: GREAT VICTORY! (4000-WORD MEGA CHAPTER)

None left alive!

This is Cao Wenjin’s attitude towards traitors.

The Cultivation Realm of the Boundless Desert Sea has been peaceful for too long, so long that those in the cultivation clans have forgotten the brutality of war in the cultivation realm!

War in the cultivation realm has always been more brutal than wars between mortal realms.

Because as long as cultivators live, they have infinite possibilities.

No one knows if a Junior Qi Cultivation Stage Cultivator you let go today might obtain a great chance later and become a Golden Core Stage Cultivator or Master Nascent Soul dominating an area!

Therefore, to prevent a moment of softness leading to the extermination of your whole sect or clan, when two sects or clans in the cultivation realm engage in a life-and-death battle and gain the strength to crush the other’s mountain gate, they absolutely won’t have any idea of mercy, nor will they accept surrendering captives.

To Cao Wenjin, after Luo Yunqing and others defected from the sect, they were already on his must-kill list, including those traitorous cultivation clans.

Don’t talk about how those people were forced to betray by him; different standpoints make such talk laughable.

As for Zhouyang, he might have had some sympathy and understanding for those rebelling clans initially, but ever since the old clan leader Zhou Minghan fell to these peoples’ hands, he wants to kill them even more than Cao Wenjin.

Thus, when Cao Wenjin made his move to kill Iron Staff Elder, he and Chen Ping’an, who had long been prepared, immediately flew out from the Grand Array to attack those Foundation Establishment Cultivators who hadn’t recovered from the shock.

Meanwhile, those Foundation Establishment Cultivators and Qi Cultivation Cultivators on White Camel Peak who still had the strength to act, also shouted as they charged down Spirit Mountain, rushing towards the mountain-attacking cultivators outside the array who were already in chaos.

"Yang Xingyan, come and face your fate!"

After Zhouyang rode the Eagle Lion Beast out of White Camel Peak, he immediately targeted Yang Xingyan.

The body of the old clan leader Zhou Minghan was brought over by this person; in his eyes, Yang Xingyan was undoubtedly the direct culprit for Zhou Minghan’s death.

Yang Xingyan witnessed Zhouyang’s fierce might that day; now, how dare he engage him in combat.

Moreover, the appearance of Cao Wenjin had already frightened those cultivators who sided with Luo Yunqing into submission; everyone was only thinking about how to escape, who would dare remain here entangled in magical combat.

Therefore, upon discovering Zhouyang rushing at him, he immediately took out a rather rare Tier Three High-Grade Wind Spirit Talisman "Sky-Breaking Talisman" and activated it, causing his Sword Flight speed to instantly increase nearly twice, quickly escaping the battlefield.

"Damn it!"

Zhouyang cursed hatefully, and could only turn his sword light to attack others.

At that moment, there were still forty to fifty Foundation Establishment Cultivators who had participated in the mountain attack previously outside White Camel Peak. If these people acted in unison, let alone Zhouyang, even Chen Ping’an wouldn’t dare charge in.

Unfortunately, as the saying goes: husband and wife are birds of the same forest, facing disaster they fly separately.

In the face of life-and-death crisis, if even husband and wife act thus, what more a group of people with no significant bond?

With Luo Yunqing, the leader and Purple Mansion Cultivator, escaping for his life, how could those Foundation Establishment Cultivators from different clans and places act in unison?

Besides, even if they could unite to block Zhouyang and Chen Ping’an’s offensive, could they stop Cao Wenjin, this former Golden Core Stage Cultivator?

Cao Wenjin’s reputation has dominated the Cultivation Realm of the Boundless Desert Sea for hundreds of years; before all the cultivators present were even born, he was already a high Golden Core Stage Cultivator.

Such a reputation accumulated over hundreds of years made cultivators in the cultivation realm feel overwhelmed by his presence when opposing him.

Seeing how he killed Purple Mansion Cultivator Iron Staff Elder as easily as slaughtering a dog, which Foundation Establishment Cultivator dared to draw their swords against him?

So, facing attacks from Zhouyang and Chen Ping’an, aside from the cultivators targeted by them, the others dared not linger here for even a moment, and scattered like birds and beasts, controlling sword light to scatter and flee.

Better a dead ally than a dead Daoist, that’s what everyone thought in their heart.

Foundation Establishment Cultivators are quite fast when escaping.

Despite Zhouyang and Chen Ping’an using all their methods striving to leave more enemies behind, ultimately, less than twenty Foundation Establishment Cultivators perished at their hands.

Adding to those slain by Cao Wenjin’s sword, seven or eight Foundation Establishment Cultivators, more than twenty Foundation Establishment Cultivators still managed to escape in the end.

But while Foundation Establishment Cultivators could escape, those Qi Cultivation Stage Cultivators were miserable.

These Qi Cultivation Stage Cultivators lacked Sword Flight capability, fleeing mostly on foot, making it easy for the Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the air to kill them.

Zhouyang managed to restrain himself rather well, ceasing his pursuit after over a hundred miles.

However, those Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the Chen Family hated those attacking their clan deeply, continuing their pursuit to the oasis’s edge before stopping in frustration.

A post-battle tally revealed that in this war, the number of deceased Qi Cultivation Stage Cultivators reached over eight hundred, with less than a hundred from the Chen Family, the rest all brought by Luo Yunqing.

Undoubtedly, it was a major victory.

The result of this battle not only resolved the crisis for White Camel Peak but also severely punished the traitorous cultivators led by Luo Yunqing, greatly intimidating those who followed Luo Yunqing into rebellion.

Cao Wenjin didn’t perish as rumored, but actually possessed and rebuilt!

This news alone was enough to terrify many.

Those cultivation clans that had already sided with Luo Yunqing regretted and feared immensely upon hearing this news.

And those cultivation clans that remained neutral upon hearing this news, had their clan leaders immediately rush to Yellow Sand Sect to pledge loyalty to Zhang Yunpeng.

Meanwhile, the demise of the well-known loose cultivators Purple Mansion Iron Staff Elder and Elder Cangyun under Cao Wenjin’s sword also greatly intimidated those loose cultivators in the Cultivation Realm of the Boundless Desert Sea looking to profit from the situation.

For a time, the entire Cultivation Realm of the Boundless Desert Sea quieted completely due to the battle results outside White Camel Peak.

The initially formidable Luo Yunqing fled back to Baisha River Oasis, now dared not even utter a word, only hiding within his protected lair Luofeng Mountain under Tier Four Array.

Meanwhile, on White Camel Peak, Zhouyang and Chen Ping’an quickly returned to the battlefield after concluding their pursuit to welcome Cao Wenjin up White Camel Peak.

"On behalf of one thousand one hundred and thirty-seven members of the Chen Family, this junior thanks Elder Cao for saving our lives!"

On White Camel Peak, after escorting Cao Wenjin into his cave residence, Chen Ping’an immediately bowed respectfully to express his gratitude.

Upon seeing this, Cao Wenjin hurriedly helped him up, saying: "Fellow Chen, no need to be polite. Your Chen Family was targeted by the traitor Luo Yunqing because of our Yellow Sand Sect; this old man rescuing you is only right, how could I shamelessly accept your thanks?"

Watching this, Zhouyang showed no change in expression, feeling deeply moved inside.

He sighed for two reasons. First, because Cao Wenjin was clearly no longer the high-powered Golden Core Stage Cultivator he once was. If he were the former Cao Wenjin, he would have been able to lift Chen Ping’an with just a trace of magical power.

Secondly, he marveled at the wonders of the world.

One must know that before all this, the reason why the previous clan leader of the Chen Family, Chen Yaohui, fell was directly due to Cao Wenjin’s forceful recruitment of him for the expedition to the Rhino Horn Continent.

And previously, the Chen Family had spared no effort in suppressing the Zhou Family, aiming to put Zhouyang to death.

Yet now, the three of them, who could be said to harbor grievances against each other, were sitting together, speaking freely and laughing.

Meanwhile, Luo Yunqing, Guo Shuyun, and other high-ranking sect members who were once deeply trusted by Cao Wenjin had become traitors whom he wanted to quickly eliminate.

How could one describe the changes occurring within this?

"Regarding your Zhou family’s matters, I have heard some rumors. You have fourteen years left. Within these fourteen years, you must establish the Purple Mansion and defeat Luo Yunqing with your sword. This is no small feat, young Zhou, you must strive hard!"

After chatting for a while, Cao Wenjin suddenly turned his attention to Zhouyang, speaking about Zhouyang’s Dao Heart Oath.

Even for a well-versed Golden Core Stage Cultivator like him, he was shocked when he heard Zhouyang’s Dao Heart Oath.

In his opinion, with his understanding of Zhouyang, which should be better than most, it would be commendable for Zhouyang to establish the Purple Mansion and hold his ground in front of Luo Yunqing, let alone defeat him.

However, he also knew that Zhouyang was not someone who would boast idly, much less joke around with a Dao Heart Oath. He was genuinely curious about where Zhouyang’s confidence to achieve this stemmed from.

Yet regarding his curiosity, Zhouyang did not explain, simply saying in a deep voice, "No matter how difficult, it won’t sway my determination to kill Luo Yunqing!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Wenjin shook his head and said, "I don’t know where you got your confidence from, but I remind you not to underestimate that traitor Luo Yunqing. He possesses a Talisman Treasure, and his cultivation is nearing the Seventh Layer of the Purple Mansion, with a high chance of another breakthrough within the next few years."

Nobody could rival his understanding of Luo Yunqing; what tricks Luo Yunqing had up his sleeve, he didn’t know completely, but he was aware of at least eighty percent.

"Thank you for the reminder, Elder. I will keep it in mind," Zhouyang respectfully thanked him, while also secretly noting the matter.

Cao Wenjin was right; no Purple Mansion Cultivator should be underestimated. Although he had many trump cards and was confident that his battle prowess would dramatically increase upon establishing the Purple Mansion, that didn’t justify underestimating others.

After discussing a few more matters, Cao Wenjin was preparing to return to the Yellow Sand Sect.

However, before leaving, he secretly transmitted to Zhouyang, "Zhou family lad, to be honest, after this move, I estimate I can hold on for at most another year and a half before succumbing, so you better lay low until you establish the Purple Mansion!"

Zhouyang was shocked by his words.

If Cao Wenjin hadn’t said it himself, no one would believe that the mighty figure they just saw had less than two years of lifespan remaining!

His expression changed, then he suddenly bent deeply and saluted Cao Wenjin, saying, "I understand, Elder. Farewell!"

Even though his relationship with Cao Wenjin was primarily transactional, the elder’s kindness to him was undeniable.

Knowing that this farewell could be their last, he had every reason to show his respect to the elder.

"Stay, I am going now!"

Cao Wenjin smiled, waved his big hand, summoned his Flying Sword, and quickly became a golden Sword Light disappearing from Zhouyang and Chen Ping’an’s view.

After watching Cao Wenjin leave, Zhouyang then looked at Chen Ping’an and asked, "Elder Chen, now that the siege of White Camel Peak has been lifted, how do you plan to deal with the Yang Family and other families that betrayed the Yellow Sand Sect?"

"Naturally, eradicate them, make them pay for their choices!"

Chen Ping’an’s brow twitched, saying coldly, full of killing intent.

Upon hearing this, Zhouyang immediately suggested, "Then there is no time to lose, should we head to Golden Spring Valley right away?"

He was this eager because he feared Yang Xingyan would escape back to his family and abandon the Spirit Mountain just like the Zhou family had and flee far away.

Chen Ping’an was well aware of this.

After briefly pondering, he nodded heavily and said, "Let’s follow Fellow Daoist Zhou’s suggestion."

Immediately after, Chen Ping’an arranged for the Foundation Establishment Cultivators of the Chen Family to handle the aftermath and then, together with Zhouyang, rode the Eagle Lion Beast straight to the Golden Spring Valley Oasis where the Yang Family was located.

However, the two clearly underestimated Yang Xingyan’s resolve.

Upon escaping to his family’s lair, he immediately had the clan’s Spirit Mountain Cultivators take what they could and escape into the vast desert sea, activating the Mountain Protection Array and Illusion Array, displaying a posture to defend to the death.

By the time Zhouyang and Chen Ping’an spent nearly half an hour breaking the Yang family’s Mountain Protection Array, apart from a dozen elderly Qi Cultivation Stage Cultivators who died from the Array’s backlash with little lifespan and few years left, there was no sign of the Yang Family’s Cultivators.

"What a Yang Family, what a Yang Xingyan!"

Zhouyang was seething with anger, veins bulging on his forehead upon witnessing the scene.

Chen Ping’an’s expression was also unpleasant. Zhouyang hated Yang Xingyan for causing Zhou Minghan’s death, and he resented the Yang Family’s betrayal of his own family.

With a gloomy face, he scanned the Yang Family’s Spirit Mountain and coldly snorted, "Hmph, we’ll let this debt hang for now. Once we are ready to confront Luo Yunqing, there will be a day for reckoning!"

Fortunately, despite not capturing any Yang family members, their gains in other respects were considerable.

In their haste to flee, the Yang family could only take items that were easy to carry, leaving many behind, which became Zhouyang and Chen Ping’an’s spoils of war.

The Yang family was renowned for their alchemy in Golden Spring Valley, and their clan’s Medicinal Garden was large. Although some mature Tier Three Spirit Elixirs were taken, many aged Tier Two and Tier Three Spirit Elixirs were still in the garden, left behind.

Additionally, on the mountain, there were hundreds of "Red Fire Chickens" and over a hundred Tier One High-Grade Demon Beasts, "Fire Rabbits," left in the Beast Garden as they couldn’t be taken. Furthermore, the Spirit Fruit Trees, Spirit Woods, and other Spiritual Objects were even more plentiful.

Once Zhouyang and Chen Ping’an divided these items, the losses suffered by Zhou Family on Jade Spring Peak not only compensated for but also gained significantly.

However, to transport these items back, they would have to return and have the family’s Spirit Plant Cultivators make several trips to relocate the Spirit Elixirs and Spirit Woods.

As for the Yang Family’s Spirit Mountain, Zhouyang had no intention of leaving Red Fox Ridge’s Purple Cloud Cave until he was ready to open the Purple Mansion!

ps: That’s all for today.