Starting with warding off evil and disaster, one can ascend to immortality after countless tribulati

They chatted until late into the night, completely unaware of what was happening. Only when Jiang Ming coughed lightly and showed a hint of weariness in his eyes did she come to her senses and leave, blushing.

During this period, she was busy with various family affairs and hardly had any free time.

Having finally met Jiang Ming, she couldn't help but start chatting enthusiastically.

So much so that they forgot the time and overlooked the fact that it was really inappropriate for a man and a woman to be alone in a room late at night.

Watching Cheng Ya walk away, Jiang Ming suppressed his weariness, opened his storage bag, and silently began to cultivate.

The next day, Han Cheng delivered the share of yesterday's earnings.

A full five hundred spirit stones—a very considerable harvest.

Most importantly, he also brought a stewed demon fish and some light wine.

Cheng Wuyang also came with him.

After being rescued in the last arena fight, this hot-tempered teenager now holds Jiang Ming in high esteem.

Sitting beside Jiang Ming, she kept toasting him, her eyes full of admiration.

"If it weren't for Brother Jiang's timely intervention last time, I would be a cripple by now. I'd like to offer you a toast."

"After the last ring match, Liu Zhi, who had broken his arm, seemed to have gone mad. He returned to the Liu family and started making a huge fuss."

Jiang Ming, you'd better be careful; the Liu family is no pushover.

When I went to sea, I encountered the Liu family's fleet several times, and each time we almost got into a fight.

When the topic turned to the past, Han Cheng chimed in, recounting his experiences.

Nodding in deep agreement, Cheng Wuyang pondered the Liu family genealogy carefully before giving it earnest advice.

"Of the five men—benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness—Liu Xin died at your hands."

Liu Zhi has gone mad because of you. You need to be careful of those three brothers next.

Although they are half-siblings of vastly different ages, they do have some degree of affection for each other, and there's no guarantee they won't find an opportunity to harm you.

The remaining three, although all at the seventh level of cultivation, have been at this stage for some time and possess formidable foundations; they must be treated with caution.

Jiang Ming listened attentively to Cheng Wuyang's advice and nodded.

Even without Han Cheng and the others reminding them, a murderous intent couldn't help but rise in their hearts.

He was so eager to find an opportunity to kill them all and eliminate any future troubles.

Unfortunately, there wasn't a suitable opportunity.

After eating and drinking his fill, Han Cheng left first. His shrewish wife was keeping a close eye on him, and he had to report everything he did.

He made this impromptu decision, but he was taking a huge risk.

Watching him leave, Cheng Wuyang took out some resources from his storage bag and spoke frankly, "Brother Jiang left in a hurry last time, and I didn't have time to thank him."

"These spirit stones are just a small token of my appreciation. I hope Brother Jiang will accept them with pleasure, and that we can keep in touch more often in the future."

Looking at the bag of spirit stones on the table, Jiang Ming was slightly stunned. Ten mid-grade spirit stones, a total of one thousand.

This is indeed a very generous offer, and I was initially inclined to refuse.

But when he thought about how it was Cheng Wuyang who had exposed the sword technique, leading to the Liu family's discovery, Jiang Ming readily accepted it.

With a sly smile and narrowed eyes, Cheng Wuyang intentionally or unintentionally mentioned Cheng Ya, his words carrying a hint of trying to win her over: "Brother Jiang, farewell. If you need any help in the future, you can come to me."

Sister Cheng Ya was, after all, just a woman. Although she was highly regarded by the patriarch, most of the elders in the clan still had some concerns.

In the future, the important matters of the Cheng family will most likely fall on us men.

At that time, I hope Brother Jiang will lend a helping hand.

Watching him leave, Jiang Ming suddenly felt the spirit stone was a bit too hot to handle.

It seems there are also disagreements within the Cheng family.

Some members of the Cheng family, including the patriarch, supported Cheng Ya, but a considerable number of traditionalists supported Cheng Wuyang, the male heir.

However, Jiang Ming didn't dwell on it.

Ultimately, who is in power in the Cheng family is a family matter, and as a guest advisor, he can only let it be.

But subjectively speaking, if Cheng Wuyang and Cheng Ya had to be chosen one...

Jiang Ming still favored Cheng Ya more. Her cultivation level was ahead, which was related to her age, but the hard work she had put in behind the scenes was absolutely not to be underestimated.

If Cheng Wuyang were not a male child, and had lost both father and daughter at a young age, his achievements today would likely be far less than Cheng Ya's.

After refining all the spirit stones, Jiang Ming's physical strength and spiritual energy were already very close to perfection.

Before Cheng Ya could deliver the resources, he awakened the little black snake and patiently urged it, "Come and help me cultivate. I feel I'm only one step away from mastering the imagery."

The third spell of the "Small Furnace Fire Reaching the Heavens" technique, Burning Heaven Palm, requires the aid of imagery to be cast.

Once Jiang Ming masters the new spells, his strength will definitely increase significantly.

After all, this spell is the real killing move. Once activated, it can manipulate the fire elemental energy in the world and use it for its own purposes, and then unleash it with a palm strike.

At that time, when fighting against opponents of the same realm, Jiang Ming will be more confident and will have a powerful close-range killing move.

Awakened hastily by Jiang Ming, the little black snake hissed a few times to express its displeasure.

However, after recovering slightly, it still unleashed its golden nature, quietly helping him cultivate the imagery of the fruition level.

With previous experience, this time the realization went very smoothly.

In just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Jiang Ming entered a meditative state.

After a long silence, when he opened his eyes again, several strands of spiritual energy were already flashing in his eyes!

The unique imagery of the furnace fire, 'Illuminating One Side,' belonging to Jiang Ming, has now taken full shape.

After mastering the imagery, the "Little Furnace Fire Reaching the Heavens Technique" also made rapid progress, instantly reaching a state of perfection.

At the same time, the third spell, the Heaven-Burning Palm, had already taken shape in Jiang Ming's mind.

This spell is magnificent and has the potential to overcome all other spells with sheer force.

He used his physical strength and spiritual energy to draw upon the surrounding fire elemental energy, then gathered all his power to strike out with a palm.

The improvement of physical strength and cultivation level will appropriately increase the power of this spell.

For Jiang Ming at this moment, this is definitely an excellent killing move, no less powerful than the Myriad Soul Banner.

I am completely satisfied with the imagery.

For half a month, Jiang Ming devoted himself to practicing his skills, and his understanding of the fire in the furnace became increasingly profound.

Once he enters the inner sect, he can begin practicing the next technique.

When he gathers all five images, he may have a chance to establish a foundation in the unorthodox path. At that time, he will be a person of some standing in the world.

Just as he was dreaming about his future achievements, Cheng Ya approached gracefully.

He handed over a glittering box, his face contorted with pain, and said, "I've got the Minglu Earth Core Fire. This thing is really expensive."

It cost a full three thousand spirit stones, which was two months' worth of my cultivation resources.

Also, I've contacted Chengjia Island for you. Once your cultivation reaches perfection, we'll secretly head there.

Using the residual heat of the extinct volcano, and taking advantage of favorable timing, location, and circumstances, we can help you break through to the seventh rank.

Having confidently outlined the plan, Cheng Ya was in a good mood. She tossed down a bag of mid-grade spirit stones and hurriedly left.

Twenty mid-grade spirit stones are more valuable than two thousand spirit stones.

This resource is twice that of Qin Wuyang.

With such a large investment, if Cheng Ya were to ask him to kill Cheng Wuyang in the future, Jiang Ming wouldn't even have the nerve to say no.

Although this money came from debt, Cheng Ya's willingness to lend it showed considerable sincerity.

Place thirty mid-grade spirit stones in front of you.

Jiang Ming crushed the pills one by one and inhaled them into his body.

After ten days of cultivation, with a tremor in his tiger body, his Qi Sea instantly expanded once again. The spiritual power that was originally like a river now had a magnificent momentum of rushing into the sea.

Once he breaks through to the seventh rank, Jiang Ming can fully imagine how terrifying it will be.

Just as I was delighted, the familiar panel appeared before my eyes.

My name is Jiang Ming. When you see this, I am already in dire straits and my life is nearing its end.

Due to betrayal by a spy from the Cheng family, my plan to attempt to break through to the seventh rank on Cheng Family Island was exposed.

This aroused the murderous intent of the Liu family's eldest elder, because I had harmed his two children.

He hated me to the core and actually came to kill me with his ninth-level cultivation. Isolated and helpless, I died tragically, which also implicated Cheng Ya, who had kindly offered to help.

If I had acted more cautiously back then and invited more experts to protect me, the outcome might have been different.

Taking advantage of the sixth-level breakthrough, the ninth-level being launched a sneak attack.

While he was at it, he also took down one of the most outstanding members of the Cheng family's younger generation.

If the Liu family's eldest elder succeeds, it would be killing two birds with one stone, giving that old pig and dog a free ride.

You like to bully others and take advantage of your strength, right?

wait.

Jiang Ming hurriedly left the pass without notifying anyone and secretly returned to the outer gate of the Wanfa Sect.

As soon as he got back, he went straight to the attic and complained to Zhou Yi.

He didn't directly say that it was the Liu family's eldest elder who wanted to harm him.

Jiang Ming revealed his thoughts very subtly, "Grandpa, I have already entered the realm of perfection."

With the support of the Cheng family, I successfully obtained the precious artifacts, the Bright Furnace Earth Core Fire and the ritual implements, but I had previously offended the Liu family.

I'm worried they'll make a move this time.

Stroking his beard, Zhou Yi was initially very happy to hear that Jiang Ming had become a kept man.

But upon hearing about the feud between Jiang Ming and the Liu family, he frowned, remained silent for a long time, and then nodded emphatically, saying ruthlessly, "Leave this matter to me."

Having spent so many years in the outer sect, I still have some connections.

I'll hire a top expert to back you up. Even if the Liu family patriarch himself comes, he won't return alive!

Zhou Yixin solemnly agreed.

With no more worries, Jiang Ming stayed for several days, collected his monthly inner sect reserve resources, and then headed straight for the mountain to return to the Cheng family.

Jiang Ming's sudden departure and return went largely unnoticed.

The guest room that Cheng Ya arranged for him was extremely quiet, and since Jiang Ming didn't like to go out, his family rarely saw him on weekdays.

So even though she disappeared for several days, no one knew about it except Cheng Ya.

Wearing a light blue embroidered dress, Cheng Ya's watery eyes were full of surprise as she listened to Jiang Ming explain his concerns about the trip.

He immediately patted his chest and assured her, "Don't worry, this time I'll have my third uncle come along and use a secret technique to hide his identity."

He's a ninth-level cultivator; if the Liu family dares to make a move, they'll suffer a devastating defeat!

He nodded, though he was a little curious as to why the expert Zhou Yi had invited hadn't come looking for him.

However, considering the importance of the matter, Jiang Ming was certain that Zhou Yi would not let him down, so he felt reassured.

Anyone Zhou Yi considers reliable must be at least at the ninth level of cultivation. When the time comes, two cultivators of the same level will definitely make the Liu family's Grand Elder suffer.

To maintain secrecy, only a few members of the Cheng family knew that Jiang Ming had gone to Chengjia Island to break through his cultivation. After patiently inquiring about it, they finally learned the truth.

Jiang Ming immediately understood.

That spy is either Cheng Ya's personal maid or one of the elders. If it's the former, then it's actually not so bad.

If it's the latter, the situation might be more complicated.

Chengjia Island.

There used to be a volcano here, rich in minerals, which was a very important industry for the Cheng family.

Later, due to the depletion of the spirit mine, the place was almost abandoned.

Aside from a few fire-element cultivators from the clan who come here often, this place is usually a no-man's land.

Set up the prepared ritual implements.

Under Cheng Ya's guidance, Jiang Ming held the Minglu Earth Core Fire in his palm, feeling the nourishing power of this shared origin.

Jiang Ming felt instantly refreshed and let out a soft breath.

Immediately following the instructions of the ritual, I changed my meditation position.

With everything ready, Jiang Ming turned to look at Cheng Ya, his voice filled with concern, "Be careful."

Blinking to indicate that there was no problem, Cheng Ya smiled gently, sat cross-legged next to Jiang Ming, and silently protected him.

As the treasure in his palm was continuously refined.

The fiery energy within his body instantly surged to its peak.

Located near a volcano, Jiang Ming is constantly receiving abundant fire-elemental spiritual energy. Nourished by this spiritual energy, he is making steady progress, step by step advancing towards the seventh rank.

at that time.

Looking towards Chengjia Island in the distance.

The refined-looking Third Elder looked around but found no danger.

For a moment, I couldn't help but feel that Cheng Ya was making a mountain out of a molehill, making him run around for nothing.

Watching Jiang Ming's increasingly steady breathing, the Third Elder's lips curled up slightly. If nothing unexpected happened, the breakthrough should be successful!

"Hahaha, Cheng Qinglin, what are you waiting for here! Are you waiting to die?"

Upon hearing the sudden words, the Third Elder was taken aback.

Coming to his senses, he looked at the mist behind him, his eyes filled with shock. "Liu Changchun, you really went all out."

"You've even brought out the second patriarch of the Liu family; are you really going to break ties with the Cheng family?"

Hearing the threat in the Third Elder's words.

The bald elder of the Liu family showed no fear whatsoever, pulling out a long knife with an exceptionally open and honest look in his eyes.

"Our two families are only one spark away from going to war."

Since you are so willing to protect the murderer who killed my son, I will naturally not stand idly by.

"If we bring the Second Ancestor here today to kill you, the Cheng family will be crippled. When the time is right, the Liu family will gradually absorb the Cheng family."

"Such arrogance! The two Perfected Ancestors of the Cheng family are in their prime; how could your Liu family possibly challenge them?"

A roar was heard in mid-air.

Cheng Ya's expression was grave; through the conversation, she already knew what had happened.

The Liu family actually sent an elder to come!

Although she was worried about the Third Elder's safety, she had heard from Jiang Ming that there were other helpers, so she could only suppress her panic for the time being.

They silently helped Jiang Ming reduce the corrosive effects of the fire poison.

At a critical juncture in his breakthrough, Jiang Ming's heart skipped a beat upon sensing the situation nearby.

However, he did not panic, since the warning had not been triggered, which meant that his plan should be effective.

The most urgent task is to make a breakthrough first, and then consider other things.

"Let's do it, Second Ancestor. Kill Cheng Qinglin, and then kill those two juniors."

"Let's go back and wait for the Cheng family to come and demand an explanation. When that happens, whichever guest retainer launches a surprise attack will be in for a world of hurt!"

With a sinister smile, Liu Changchun made his move without hesitation.

At the same time, the old man known as the Second Ancestor slowly moved his body, waved his hand, and the wind and clouds in the world changed color.

A jet-black palm print filled the sky, like a net covering the heavens and earth, blocking all of Cheng Qinglin's escape routes.

In a moment of crisis, a wisp of fire slowly ignites.

After repelling the dark handprints, a calm, mocking voice followed, "Now that everyone's gone, let's get started..."