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Exchange System

Shangguan Yi fully awakened his memories at the age of 20. From then on, with the Exchange System, he embarked on a genuine path of cultivation. Let us follow Shangguan Yi's journey as he hunts the world's prodigies, charms beauties, and attains invincibility, indifferent to conventional methods.

Little_Thief · Ost
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74 Chs

Chapter 61 The Demonic Cultivator Has Arrived!

Chapter 61 The Demonic Cultivator Has Arrived!

Hours had passed since the investigation teams had been dispatched by both the City Lord Manor and the Yuan Family, yet no word had come back from them. The prolonged silence began to stir unease among the leaders.

In the City Lord Manor, Fu Bo paced back and forth in his study, his mind racing with worry. Despite the reassurances he had received earlier, the absence of any updates made him increasingly anxious.

Similarly, at the Yuan Family estate, the Yuan Family Patriarch exhibited visible concern as he strode through the grand halls. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on him. He had summoned the two Core Formation Cultivators from his family, the Great Elder and the First Elder, to discuss the unsettling silence.

The Great Elder, a level 2 Core Formation Cultivator with a stern demeanor, addressed the Patriarch. "Patriarch, the lack of communication from our investigation team is indeed troubling. It is not like them to be this delayed. We must consider the possibility that something has gone awry."

The First Elder, who was a level 1 Core Formation Cultivator and often more cautious, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Great Elder. We should not jump to conclusions, but the situation warrants concern. Perhaps we should send out a search party to ascertain the status of our team and ensure their safety."

The Yuan Family Patriarch, visibly troubled, took a deep breath. "I share your concerns. It is unusual for our teams to be out of contact for so long, especially with the gravity of the situation. We cannot afford to wait any longer. Prepare a team to investigate the whereabouts of our people immediately. We need to know what has happened."

The Great Elder and First Elder quickly made arrangements for the search party, their expressions reflecting the urgency of the situation. As they prepared to leave, the Yuan Family Patriarch remained in his study, his mind preoccupied with the potential implications of the ongoing silence.

"I hope nothing has happened. I have a strong sense that the demonic Cultivator is not as simple as everyone thinks. It's a pity that none of them believe me," the Yuan Family Patriarch murmured, his gaze locked on the direction of the Xia Family.

Meanwhile, at the City Lord Manor, Fu Bo's anxiety grew as the minutes ticked by. He called for his trusted advisor, Old Liu, who had been waiting for any updates from the elite false Core Formation Cultivators sent earlier.

"Old Liu, has there been any word from investigation team?" Fu Bo asked, his tone edged with impatience.

Old Liu shook his head. "My Lord, there is still no communication from either of the investigation team. The lack of response is indeed concerning. I have dispatched additional elite false Core Formation Cultivators to locate and retrieve our people, but the delay in their return only heightens the urgency."

Fu Bo sighed heavily. "We must be prepared for any outcome. I trust your judgment, Old Liu. Ensure that our forces are ready for any developments."

"Should I take action myself?" He murmured after Old Liu left. 

As the leaders of both the Yuan Family and City Lord Manor took action, the growing unease signaled that something significant was unfolding behind the scenes, and the true nature of the threat remained shrouded in uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the investigation teams from the City Lord Manor and the Yuan Family, following the trail of intense Cultivator auras, neared their destination. They were drawn to a large gathering.

One member of the City Lord Manor team, sensing the auras, spoke up, "Hm? There's a group of Cultivators ahead."

Another team member, recognizing a familiar aura, added, "This aura—I knew one of them."

A third member, from the Yuan Family team, chimed in, "I can also sense the presence of my Yuan Family Cultivators. Let's approach them and find out what's happening."

Initially, they were not part of the same group, but upon entering the Xia Family territory, the City Lord Manor and Yuan Family Cultivators encountered each other. Seeing that they shared the same goal, they decided to join forces and form a single group.

As the teams approached the source of the dense essence, their senses were overwhelmed by the sight of a large, fortified array. The realization hit them as they observed Tie Tu's group meticulously preparing for their defensive setup. The gathering of Cultivators was not merely a preparation; it was a well-orchestrated operation.

To their shock, the investigation teams discovered that they had been ensnared in an array set by Tie Tu's forces. The realization was swift and disheartening—their surroundings had shifted from an open field to a confined space within a sophisticated array designed to keep intruders out.

The air was filled with the sounds of organized activity:

"Control this place well."

"Hold on this position."

"Prepare the weapons."

"Activate your techniques here."

Meanwhile, the investigation teams could only exchange bewildered glances.

"This…"

"What happened here?"

The investigation teams could sense the aura of Cultivators nearby, and the Cultivators, in turn, sensed their presence. As the teams approached, one of the false Core Formation Cultivators from the Tang Family quickly came to meet them. 

"Brother Xing, how can you be here?" the Tang Family false Core Formation Cultivator asked, his face showing surprise.

"Brother Tang, it's good to see you," Brother Xing replied, then asked, "What happened here? Why don't I feel the aura of any City Lord Manor Cultivators?"

A Tang Family false Core Formation Cultivator's expression grew troubled. "Sigh, many unexpected things happened here."

The Yuan Family false Core Formation Cultivators, still looking confused, pressed for more details. "So what actually happened?"

The Tang Family false Core Formation Cultivator didn't reply as he sighed and said, "I see you've discovered our situation. Please follow me— Lord Tie Tu will explain everything."

Before the investigation teams could ask any questions further, that Cultivator led them to Tie Tu, who was prepared to address their concerns.

In less than a minute, they were led to Tie Tu's camp. There, they three four Core Formation Cultivators stationed around Xie Xie, who was focused on building the array. The sight of the array's construction made their situation even more pressing.

"Lord Tie Tu." A group of ten from City Lord Manor and Yuan Family greeted.

Tie Tu glanced at the newcomers, quickly recognizing them as subordinates of Old Liu. His eyes narrowed with suspicion. 

"It's you guys," he said, acknowledging their presence. "What is the situation there?"

The head of the investigation team members stepped forward and explained, "We did notice that there's no news from here, so a few hours ago, City Lord sensed something abnormal and sent us to investigate."

Tie Tu's expression shifted slightly, his concern evident. "I see."

Yuan Family Ancestor looked at the five Yuan Family Cultivators and inquired, "I sense you carry my bloodline. What's the situation?"

The Yuan Family's investigation team, recognizing the Ancestor, responded, "Ancestor, the same unusual feeling was noted by Patriarch. Thus, the Great Elder and First Elder dispatched us to investigate."

Yuan Family Ancestor nodded, absorbing the information. "I see."

Tie Tu looked at the investigation teams with a serious expression. "As you see,  you're currently ensnared within an enemy array. This array is designed to prevent any form of communication or escape. You're unable to leave or contact the outside world. The same for us."

The investigation teams were visibly shocked. One of the Yuan Family Cultivators's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? How long will we be stuck here?"

Tie Tu shook his head. "I cannot give a precise answer. We are working on fortifying our defenses and handling the array issue, but until we resolve this situation, you will remain confined here."

Another City Lord Manor Cultivator's face turned pale with worry. "What about our other teams? Will they be able to reach us?"

Tie Tu replied, "Unfortunately, the array affects all who enter. Your teams are also trapped. For now, your best course of action is to stay alert and follow our instructions. We'll provide updates as soon as possible."

The investigation teams exchanged anxious glances, their concern evident. The reality of their predicament set in as they took in the gravity of the situation.

Just as Tie Tu was about to arrange tasks for the newcomers, the ground suddenly shook violently.

At the same time, the aura of a level 3 Core Formation Cultivator approached their direction. The intense heat emanating from the approaching figure was unlike anything they had ever felt—it was overwhelming, a force that could dominate any of them.

In this situation, their minds immediately turned to the possibility of a demonic Cultivator.

"The demonic Cultivator has arrived!" they exclaimed in unison.