Imperial City Ruins, opportunities refreshed daily

Chapter 171 Late Stage of the Dao Entry Level

"As the leader of the Dark Alliance, would Huang Tianji be willing to take action?" a high-ranking member of the Cui family inquired.

Would a leader of a faction really make a move for a little bit of resources?

"Don't worry, he'll make a move as long as the benefits are enough!" Cui Shanhe pondered for a moment, then spoke directly, "Each of you should contribute one spirit-grade treasure or resource!"

"What?" The Cui family's senior executives looked bitter.

It turned out that they were waiting here.

Giving up a single spirit-grade resource would be a huge financial blow for them.

After all, it's extremely difficult to create a spirit-grade treasure in this world; it's only possible to obtain one from some ancient ruins.

The Cui family has now grown to have eighteen powerful branches!
“This is only 50% of the deposit!” Cui Shanhe said in a deep voice.

To invite a Spirit-level expert, Spirit-level treasures and resources alone are definitely not enough, because it involves taking risks.

Xu Hao's growth is too astonishing. They definitely won't be able to persuade Huang Tianji, the leader of the Dark Alliance, unless they offer something truly enticing.

"Alright, as long as we can kill Xu Hao, we don't care about anything else!"

Other high-ranking members of the Cui family quickly agreed on a course of action.

Xu Hao is already at the Spirit Rank at such a young age, and he also possesses a Shu Mountain relic. This is too much of a variable for them.

If they don't nip it in the bud, Xu Hao in the future could pose a threat and cause them losses.

The Cui family has been able to continue its lineage since ancient times thanks to its steady and reliable approach.

We are willing to spend even more resources.

"Alright, since everyone agrees, I'll go make the contact now!" Cui Shanhe waved her hand, ending the meeting.

The Cui family is a large family with many affairs, but they actually held two major meetings for Xu Hao alone.

This is rare.

This also shows that they value Xu Hao highly and do not want him to have any room to rise.

After Cui Shanhe finished organizing things and waited for everyone to gather the resources, he immediately set off for the Dark Alliance.

As the head of the Cui family, Cui Shanhe encountered no obstacles. Even in the heavily guarded Dark Alliance, he was simply given his name and was respectfully welcomed inside.

Soon, Cui Shanhe entered the main hall of the Dark Alliance.

"What gust of wind blew Elder Cui here?" Huang Tianji, the leader of the Dark Alliance, sat upright in the main hall of the council chamber. When he saw Cui Shanhe walk in, he quickly stood up from his seat and greeted her with a smile.

"I've come to deliver resources to Alliance Leader Huang!" Cui Shanhe clasped his hands in a salute.

"Oh?" Huang Tianji, the leader of the Dark Alliance, showed a strange expression, already knowing the other party's intentions.

If the Cui family wants to launch a major offensive recently, their target can only be Xu Hao in a remote area.

Xu Hao is currently enjoying great popularity.

Cui Shanhe cut to the chase, "Let's not beat around the bush. I've come here to request that the Alliance Leader go to the Great Xuan Dynasty to hunt down Xu Hao!"

“This…” Huang Tianji hesitated, then said, “This Xu Hao is quite special. His strength has not yet been fully revealed, and he is most likely at the Spirit Rank. He should not be underestimated.”

“I know, that’s why I’m asking the Alliance Leader.”

Cui Shanhe continued, "The Alliance Leader is exceptionally capable, being the one who counters the martial arts system, Xu Hao. Moreover, I've heard that Xu Hao of the Great Xuan Dynasty has also killed Shadow, Mist, and Punishment from the Dark Alliance. Doesn't the Alliance Leader have any designs on him?"

Huang Tianji, the leader of the Dark Alliance, shook his head and remained silent, staring directly at Cui Shanhe.

Although he knew that Xu Hao had a grudge against the Dark Alliance, he did not want to avenge Shadow and the others, especially since Xu Hao was so powerful.

Even if he could kill Xu Hao, it would require a great deal of resources and effort, making it a losing proposition.

Moreover, the Cui family would prefer Xu Hao to die sooner.

"Let me be frank, as long as the Alliance Leader is willing to help, my Cui family is willing to offer thirty-six spirit-grade treasures and resources!" Cui Shanhe took a deep breath and continued, "We can pay half of the deposit upfront!"

"Oh?" Huang Tianji, the leader of the Dark Alliance, was delighted to hear this.

Indeed, the Cui family's wealth was comparable to that of a nation.

They were willing to take out thirty-six spirit-grade treasures just for Xu Hao.

This trip was worth it.

His own secret alliance already had a grudge against Xu Hao, and now someone was offering him wealth, so he didn't mind making a trip to the Great Xuan Dynasty.

Although Xu Hao is powerful, he is not one to be jealous.

Most importantly, his system counters the martial arts system.

Moreover, after a series of recent battles, he had a pretty good understanding of Xu Hao's attack methods.

With targeted preparation, killing Xu Hao is not a problem.

"How about it?" Cui Shanhe saw the greed in Huang Tianji's eyes and immediately smiled.

"I'll accept the deposit!"

As soon as Huang Tianji spoke, Cui Shanhe smiled.

The latter seemed to have anticipated Huang Tianji's actions.

"However, let me make this clear from the start: even if Xu Hao isn't killed, I won't refund this deposit!" Huang Tianji said solemnly.

“Of course, there’s no sure way to win a battle!” Cui Shanhe readily accepted.

He has achieved his goal.

Although the outcome of a battle may be uncertain, hatred can be formed as soon as they meet.

As soon as Huang Tianji goes to the Great Xuan Dynasty, they will spread the news extensively.

It's inevitable that Xu Hao and Huang Tianji will become enemies and go to war.

Only in this way will the Cui family know the specifics.

Of course, everyone knows what they're thinking; it's an unspoken understanding!

"Alright, let's sign the contract!" said Huang Tianji, the leader of the Dark Alliance.

Even he didn't dare to trust the Cui family too much.

Because the Cui family is truly powerful in the Eastern Extreme Region.

What is revealed to the outside world now is only the tip of the iceberg.

"I brought the contract. Alliance Leader Huang, please take a look and see if there are any changes that can be made!" Cui Shanhe took out the contract that had been prepared in advance from her bosom and placed it in front of Huang Tianji.

After checking it, Huang Tianji quickly stamped the Dark Alliance's seal.

Array patterns appeared.

“In that case, I will await Alliance Leader Huang’s good news!” Cui Shanhe clasped his hands in a salute.

"Wait three days, and I will go and make preparations!"

After their conversation, Cui Shanhe took her leave.

"Old fox!" Huang Tianji, the leader of the Dark Alliance, sneered inwardly as he watched Cui Shanhe leave.

But soon, he began preparations.

Although Xu Hao came from a remote place, he would not look down on him in any way, because those who looked down on Xu Hao have now lost their lives.

Time slips away slowly.

The Great Xuan Dynasty returned to its long-lost peace.

The Xu family, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. *Boom!*

Tang Wan'er's body trembled first, and then a powerful aura emanated from her.

The other two women, sensing Tang Wan'er's condition, immediately opened their eyes and congratulated her, "Congratulations on Wan'er's advancement to the Heavenly Rank!"

"Thank you, sisters!" Tang Wan'er said with a hint of joy.

Given her aptitude, it would have taken her some time to reach the Heavenly Rank.

But after arriving at the Xu residence, her cultivation speed increased rapidly, like taking a plane.

Now, they have fully entered the Heavenly Realm.

"I'll be able to help you, young master, from now on!" Tang Wan'er exclaimed with delight.

Becoming a Heavenly Rank expert means being considered an absolute powerhouse, at least in the Great Xuan Dynasty.

Moreover, the surrounding area was filled with abundant energy. In addition, there were the Shu Mountain Daoist-level cultivation techniques and things that could lead to enlightenment. After discussing the future cultivation steps with Xuan Qingxiao and Qin Feixue, the three women immersed themselves in cultivation again.

Inside the room, Xu Hao's body trembled once again.

After refining the spirit crystal, Xu Hao's cultivation level had reached the mid-stage of the Dao Entry level, and he was not far from the late stage.

At this moment, both his true energy and physical strength have been greatly enhanced once again.

It can be said that at this moment, he could easily take on at least three or four opponents without having cultivated a Nascent Soul level treasure.

"As expected of a Nascent Soul level resource, it's incredibly powerful!" After sensing it for a moment, Xu Hao paused and began to circulate his cultivation technique to adapt.

Work and rest.

After he had adjusted to the environment, Xu Hao left the room, ate some food, gave some guidance to Xuan Qingxiao, Qin Feixue, and Tang Wan'er, and then went back into the room.

Xu Hao activated the Overlord Technique to adjust his energy and spirit.

When his energy and spirit reached their peak, he took out the Stone Spirit, cut off a small piece that looked like jelly, and put it in his mouth.

boom.

A powerful surge of energy erupted.

Xu Hao quickly activated the Overlord Technique and began to guide the stone spirit's energy.

At this moment, Xu Hao mainly focused on strengthening his own divine soul.

Because the Stone Spirit itself has the effect of strengthening the soul, absorbing it at this moment is like a fish in water.

The Niwan Palace, the Dantian, the place where the soul and spirit resonate, a mighty energy swept through the entire body.

"That feels great!" Xu Hao exclaimed with delight.

The strengthening of the soul is truly palpable.

Xu Hao was completely immersed in the cultivation process, and with the assistance of the Enlightened Bone, his cultivation progressed as smoothly as sailing with the current.

A thousand miles a day.

As Xu Hao intensified his efforts to break through to the Perfection of the Dao Entry Level, a message began to spread throughout the capital of the Great Xuan Dynasty.

Zuixianlou is the largest restaurant in the Great Xuan Dynasty, and it has a very high volume of customers.

There is still a hint of royalty behind it.

At this moment, several martial arts figures entered the Drunken Immortal Pavilion and took their seats in the most bustling hall.

As soon as they sat down and glanced around, a middle-aged man immediately spoke up, "Have you heard? The Cui family of the Eastern Extreme Region has issued a warrant for Xu Hao's arrest, with an extremely high reward!"

"Isn't that obvious? A few days ago, the Seven Heroes of the Eastern Region came to the capital, trying to trap and kill Young Master Xu. In the end, they lost both their wives and their troops, and ended up ruining themselves! The Cui family doesn't dare to do it themselves, so they send others to their deaths. I think it's all for naught!"

The fact that the two were not deliberately keeping their voices down immediately drew agreement from the people around them.

"Indeed, the Duke of Zhenguo is a peerless and invincible figure. I think the Cui family is in trouble. Even if the bounty is high enough, I'm afraid no one will dare to accept it!"

"Yes, the formation set up by the seven heroes of the Eastern Pole Region at that time was like a divine punishment. As a result, the lightning fell but could not harm Duke Xu in the slightest. With this record, anyone who comes would be defeated!"

"It was all bark and no bite; Xu Hao really showed his prowess!"

The surrounding drinkers all spoke up for Xu Hao.

After all, they are strong individuals who grew up on their own soil, and they feel proud to talk about it now.

"Otherwise!" The two words from the middle-aged man silenced the bustling restaurant instantly.

Many people turned their gazes toward the scene, and one of Xu Hao's devoted fans immediately retorted, "Otherwise, after witnessing Xu Hao's power, would anyone still dare to risk coming to the capital? Aren't they afraid of death?!"

"That's right. I've heard that the Seven Heroes of the Eastern Extreme Region are top-ranked experts on the Heavenly Ranking, at the peak of the Heavenly Rank. Xu Hao was able to easily kill them, so he must have reached above the Heavenly Rank."

This level can be considered the limit of heaven and earth; even heaven and earth cannot produce treasures of this rank, which can only be obtained from ancient ruins.

So, who dares to provoke Duke Xu?

As soon as he said this, more drinkers around him chimed in with their agreement.

After many days of fighting and reconnaissance, they were no longer frogs in a well and had learned a great deal of information.

Now that they know so much information, they realize just how powerful Xu Hao is.

"You guys don't know this, do you? Xu Hao was able to reach the Spirit Rank, so naturally others can too!" The middle-aged man smiled mysteriously and raised his wine glass.

But he just wouldn't speak.

"Do you have any inside information?" Someone immediately understood what the middle-aged man meant and asked.

"A little bit!" The middle-aged man smiled mysteriously, his gaze falling on the meager amount of food on the table.

In the hall, Chen Changhe frowned upon hearing the middle-aged man's words.

Chen Changhe was one of Xu Hao's cronies, and today he happened to have invited a group of imperial guards to the restaurant for dinner, which was a coincidence.

Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately called out, "Waiter, bring this gentleman the best wine and dishes from Zuixianlou!"

Before long, the table was filled with a sumptuous feast.

“Alright, since everyone thinks so highly of me, then I’ll speak!” The middle-aged man glanced around and lowered his voice, “I come from the Great Qin Dynasty. I received information from a mysterious force that the Dark Alliance of the Eastern Extreme Region has accepted the bounty from the Cui family and is coming to the Great Xuan Dynasty to hunt down Xu Hao.”

"The Dark Alliance?" Chen Changhe asked. "I know it. It seems that last time, the Dark Alliance sent three experts ranked tenth on the Heavenly Ranking, but they were killed by Xu Hao in an instant. Do they still dare to send people to their deaths?"

"Things are different now. Previously, the Dark Alliance underestimated Xu Hao's cultivation and strength!" The middle-aged man smiled slightly and said without keeping anyone in suspense, "This time, the leader of the Dark Alliance will personally come to the capital of the Great Xuan Dynasty!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone around him became serious.

"Could the leader of this Dark Alliance be a Spirit Rank expert above the Heaven Rank?" someone asked.

The middle-aged man said with certainty, "That's right, Huang Tianji, the leader of the Dark Alliance, is not only a Spirit Rank expert, but also one of the best among Spirit Rank experts. Even in the Eastern Extreme Region, he can be considered one of the top experts."

"What should I do?"

In an instant, everyone in the restaurant panicked.

In the past, when powerful figures from the Eastern Extremity Region attacked, a large number of people in the capital city died as a result.

Now that a Spirit Rank expert from the pinnacle of heaven and earth has emerged from the mountain, what a grand spectacle that must be!

"Oh dear, I have something to do at home, I have to go back."

"My wife is about to give birth, I have to go back!" In an instant, half the people in the restaurant disappeared.

They were preparing to leave the capital completely.

Otherwise, repeated battles would be unbearable, even just the aftershocks of the fighting.

Chen Changhe frowned and immediately questioned, "That can't be right. How did you know that the Dark Alliance leader accepted the bounty from the Cui family?"

(End of this chapter)