C19 The People of Tong Family Came

Chu Yangxiang was aware that the pearl was the most prized possession of the Zhenhai Marquis' household—a treasure beyond value. The Small Cauldron had forcefully seized the pearl from him. Outraged, he demanded its return.

The Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise was panting heavily, so infuriated that it nearly coughed up blood once more. It had never encountered someone so miserly.

For 100,000 years, the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise had served its former master, witnessing innumerable treasures across the world. To it, the Earth Spiritual Bead was merely a trinket of the lowest order. It required treasures imbued with the Earth Element to gradually restore its past cultivation levels.

Its current master, however, was exceedingly frugal. What future could it expect with such a master?

Chu Yangxiang's frugality wasn't without reason. An Earth Spiritual Bead could fetch hundreds of thousands of gold coins or even a billion iron coins. For many, such wealth signified a life of ease. Given Chu Yangxiang's impoverished upbringing, his thriftiness was understandable.

"The Earth Origin Bead has been consumed by me," the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise declared irritably. "I've regained only one-millionth of my strength, just enough to project my form into your mind."

Chu Yangxiang gaped in disbelief. The invaluable bead had been devoured, and the tortoise had regained a mere fraction of its former power. If it aimed to fully recover, the effort would be like pouring resources into a bottomless pit. How could he ever fulfill such an insatiable demand? "But you're a Soul Body. How can you consume a tangible pearl?"

Resigning himself with feigned magnanimity, he shook his head and said, "Well, I'll just chalk it up to bad luck. Time to focus on my cultivation."

Chu Yangxiang put the matter out of his mind. He wasn't one to sweat the small stuff, especially since the Earth Spiritual Bead was no longer his concern.

Cultivation took precedence, and he resumed his practice with renewed focus.

From that day forward, Chu Yangxiang and the Profound Warrior of the Chu Family trained together each morning and noon in the Training Hall. In the afternoons, he practiced solo, wielding the weighty Ancient Halberd.

The Lord-halberd technique comprised four moves: Crazy Dragon Out of Water, Slay Star-moon, Huadiwuhsing, and Wind Chasing Attack.

The Swallow Sky Halberd's attack, Crazy Dragon Out of Water, was akin to a mighty dragon emerging from the depths, launching a sudden and unstoppable assault. Its formidable power was unyielding.

Slay Star-moon built upon the foundation of Crazy Dragon Out of Water with a diagonal slash so powerful that it could sever an enemy's head in a single blow.

Huadiwuhsing transformed the Long Halberd into a spinning whirlwind, shrouded in an aura of increasing mystery.

The Wind Chasing Attack was the most enigmatic of all, capable of slaying an opponent unseen.

These four techniques were extraordinarily potent.

Each afternoon, Chu Yangxiang dedicated himself to mastering these moves at the Training Hall.

The Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise heaved a long sigh, "Young man, even if you train this way for a century, you'll see no improvement."

"Crazy Dragon Out of Water should flow naturally, like a dragon charging forth, an unstoppable force like the raging river. Slay Star-moon possesses the might to vanquish all things under the heavens. Huadiwuhsing is akin to moonlight dancing on the earth, imbued with a mystical allure. The essence of Wind Chasing Attack is the exhilarating freedom of striking unseen."

"Without seeking true insight, what gains can you hope to achieve, even after eons of practice? Furthermore, it's exceedingly difficult to advance your Martial God Heavenly Technique, a Heaven Rank Cultivation Method, relying solely on the Chu Family's resources."

"Watch closely; I'll demonstrate."

The Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise commenced the practice of Chu Yangxiang's quartet of moves.

With each thrust of the halberd, the force was like the mighty Yangtze, a torrential flow embodying the world's overwhelming momentum, crushing any opposition. In a singular motion, the Godly Dragon materialized, capturing the tide of the era, seizing the momentum of the times. Against such force, any adversary was as futile as an insect shaking a tree.

Chu Yangxiang was spellbound. They both had executed Crazy Dragon Out of Water, yet the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise's technique had the power to stir up chaos. It was truly formidable.

The subsequent three techniques rolled out like ocean tides, each more powerful than the last.

Chu Yangxiang's Ancient Halberd edged forward deliberately. He sought to internalize the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise's recent practice, to unravel the true application of the technique.

The words of the Godly Tortoise lingered in his mind: "You must venture out to witness the vastness of the world. Engage in combat with Demonic Beasts and harness their blood to enhance your Martial God Heavenly Technique."

Chu Yangxiang agreed that he should follow the Godly Tortoise's advice, yet he sensed that the timing wasn't right.

His pace gradually slowed.

Many of the Chu Family's Profound Warriors were puzzled by Chu Yangxiang's daily activities.

On the bustling streets of Zhenhai City, a group of horses charged like the wind, throwing the townspeople into chaos and panic.

As the crowd scattered, a procession of fifty white horses thundered past.

Astride the horses were men and women clad in light-purple robes, weapons slung across their backs.

Those too slow to evade were lashed by the riders, eliciting a chorus of groans as blood streamed from their wounds.

"Who are these people?"

"Stop talking. They're from the Tong Family, the sea lords."

"The Tong Family wields great power. Their presence here in Zhenhai City likely bodes ill."

Fifty unicorns came to a majestic halt in front of the Chu Family's gates, drawing awe for their riders' skill and the unicorns' might.

A Profound Warrior stationed by the stone lions at the entrance commanded, "Go inside and announce that the People Of Tong Family have arrived to pay a visit."

He then barked at the other gatekeepers, "You blind, useless servants, take my unicorns and see that they're properly fed."

Apart from the messenger Profound Warrior, seven others remained at the Chu Family compound. This was Chu territory, and the Tong Family was a thousand miles away. Their swaggering here was a clear sign of disrespect to the Chu Family.

Some were ready to confront the intruders, but the head guard held them back.

The visitors' origins were mysterious, their presence formidable; they were not to be trifled with by the guards.

Even at the risk of disadvantage, the Chu Family could not afford to give these outsiders any leverage. The matter would have to be resolved by the family itself.