Chapter 68: Foundation Establishment Demonic Beast!-From Servant to Saint: The Path to Enlightenment(The mountains rise high beneath a small, distant moon.)

The elderly man with white hair glanced at him, his expression cold and indifferent, saying nothing. This was none other than Zhao Ruoqin, the patriarch of the Zhao family, another clan cultivating the Foundation Establishment realm. The Zhao family and the Xu family had been allies for generations, watching over each other. As the patriarch, Zhao Ruoqin had been in the late stage of Foundation Establishment for decades. Among the various Foundation Establishment powers under the Vast Sea Sect, he was not the most formidable, but certainly among the elite.

Thus, he had become Xu Mao’s hope for vengeance. On the path of cultivation, there is always a higher mountain. The further one advances, the more pronounced the difference in realms becomes. Throughout history, there have been instances of cultivators in the middle stage of Qi Refining overcoming those in the late stage, or even those at the peak of Qi Refining risking their lives to fight Foundation Establishment cultivators. However, never has it been heard of Foundation Establishment contending against Golden Core, nor Golden Core against Nascent Soul. Even within Foundation Establishment, the gap between minor realms can be insurmountable.

With Zhao Ruoqin’s decades of experience in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, facing a cultivator in the middle stage—no matter how formidable, even a peerless swordsman—he held a substantial advantage and high probability of victory. This was Xu Mao’s calculation. Yet Zhao Ruoqin was well aware of his intentions—age brings wisdom. Having lived nearly two centuries, with a hundred years of lifespan yet to enjoy, he was not eager to involve himself in such a contest where the risks outweighed the rewards.

But some matters, even for a clan patriarch, are beyond one’s control. This time, not only the Xu family but also the Zhao family had suffered casualties. If he, as the patriarch, did not make his stance clear, how would those below perceive him? If unity is lost, the clan would be difficult to lead. Thus, he had to step forward. Even if blood could not be repaid with blood, he must strike at the opponent’s pride and restore the clan’s honor.

With this in mind, Zhao Ruoqin made his decision. “This man has slaughtered members of my clan. Such deep enmity cannot go unavenged. Yet he is a formidable swordsman and must not be underestimated. His origins are unknown and his methods unpredictable. To rush into battle would be unwise. Only by knowing oneself and one’s enemy can one achieve victory in every battle.” After his analysis, he concluded, “Of the three duels, I will take the last one and secure victory over him.”

With that, he lowered his gaze, looking at Xu Mao. Xu Mao’s expression changed, understanding immediately, but unable to refuse; he could only reply in a deep voice, “Rest assured, uncle. I will take the second duel and probe his abilities, see what he is capable of.” “Good,” Zhao Ruoqin nodded, then turned his attention to another Foundation Establishment cultivator. But this man was only at the early stage and was quite anxious, quickly bowing and saying,

“I am but shallow in cultivation. Taking the stage would only invite ridicule and fail to test this man’s abilities. I beg your pardon, uncle.” Zhao Ruoqin glanced at him and did not press the matter further. “No matter. I have already sent word to Fellow Daoist Xun. He will take the first duel, Xu Mao the second, and I the third. Yan Sheng will surely be defeated.” “Fellow Daoist Xun?” Upon hearing this, both Xu Mao and the other man were surprised yet relieved. “If it is him, then we are secure.”

Zhao Ruoqin’s expression remained indifferent. “As a price, after victory this spiritual land will be his. He will compensate us with spirit stones for our losses.” “That is acceptable. The land is only first-grade and of inferior quality; no harm in letting him have it.” Both agreed without objection. “Then it is settled.” Zhao Ruoqin nodded, then frowned, glancing around with inexplicable unease.

Meanwhile...

Within the secret chamber on Azure Lotus Island, Shen Yan sat before the altar, spiritual light gathering between his brows. A talisman script appeared, like an eye opening, gazing at the black-glossed circular mirror he held in his right hand. Within the mirror, scenes unfolded—the three of Zhao Ruoqin. Their meeting had been entirely displayed in the mirror.

All three were Foundation Establishment cultivators, their realms equal to his own. “One in early Foundation Establishment. One in mid-stage. And that old ghost in late stage. The Xu and Zhao families... just as I wanted. Ha!” Shen Yan chuckled softly, withdrew his spiritual vision, dispersed the mystical light, and rose to leave.

Moments later, amidst the sea of clouds, cultivators appeared on the decks of their flying boats. Each leader was without exception a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Then a streak of azure light flew in and descended, revealing a figure. It was a top-tier artifact-class Azure Jade Boat, and upon it stood a man—the steward of the Vast Sea Sect, Mister Xuanji.

“There’s no need to elaborate on why you all are here. I will dispense with unnecessary words.” Mister Xuanji smiled slightly and directly announced, “The contest for the spiritual land begins now. Fellow Daoists, please!”

With that, he cast his gaze downward. Instantly, a sword light rose from Azure Lotus Lake like a dragon’s roar, landing among the assembly and revealing a figure.

It was a middle-aged man, sharp-featured and upright in bearing. His gaze swept across those present, then he clasped his hands and said, “I, Yan, have wandered all my life, seeking a place to settle. I hope my fellow Daoists will grant me this small favor...”

Before he could finish, a shout rang out: “You shameless scoundrel, how dare you show your face?” “Such a dishonorable man thinks to claim this spiritual land?” “Dog, today you will pay your blood debt!” Angry cries erupted as members of the Xu, Zhao, and Chen families launched their accusations.

Though he had selectively killed some of the spies in the area, not all, those he did slay were many. Thus, as the three families stood forth, they immediately drew responses from all sides. “Indeed!” “You’re a Foundation Establishment swordsman, yet have no shame?” “To lure and kill Qi Refining juniors as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, how are you any different from marauders?” “Spiritual treasures belong to the virtuous—how could such an unworthy man stand upon this stage?” “His origins are unknown, his methods ruthless; he must be a marauder. Steward, we beg your judgment!” “Why bother with duels? Let us all attack and slay him first!”

The crowd surged with indignation and grief, clearly incensed by Shen Yan’s actions. “This...” Seeing the crowd’s fury, Mister Xuanji was troubled, casting his gaze toward Shen Yan.

“The killer shall be killed!” Yet Shen Yan’s expression remained unchanged. Facing the crowd’s murderous intent, he coldly replied, “You all can seize others’ opportunities, but others cannot take your lives? What a joke!”

With that, he stepped into the arena. “I am here. If you wish to kill me, come forth!” As he spoke, his fierce presence locked onto those around him. The sword remained sheathed, yet its edge was evident, leaving the crowd shaken and fearful.

With these words, silence fell on all sides. Clearly, no one wished to be the first to step forward. After all, he was a swordsman—a mid-stage Foundation Establishment swordsman. Swordsmen are unrivaled in combat. Even late-stage Foundation Establishment masters may not dare face his edge, let alone since he was alone.

Unless he could be slain here and now, such an enemy seeking revenge would be unbearable for those with clans and businesses to protect.