Chapter 96: Retribution

Lu An's expression became grave.

"A Great Demon Emperor?"

"Yes, just as in our human side, once one advances to the late Nascent Soul stage, they become a grand cultivator, revered by all."

"This level is close to breaking through to the Transformation stage."

"In the absence of the Transformation Ancestors, the late Nascent Soul stage represents the pinnacle of the entire Wilderness Continent."

Lu An furrowed his brows and asked:

"Is the beast tide related to this Great Demon Emperor?"

Old Beggar nodded, his voice heavy.

"I am certain that this matter is closely related to him."

"Before, our human side had two grand cultivators, equal in number to the demons. Now, the appearance of this Blue-faced Fang-tooth Beast has disrupted this balance. War is about to break out!"

"The Blue-faced Fang-tooth Beast? Master, have you fought it before?"

Old Beggar sneered coldly, his eyes flashing with a cold light.

"That's an old adversary."

Then, he chuckled wryly and shook his head.

"My current cultivation has dropped to the early Nascent Soul stage, while he has advanced to the Great Demon Emperor. If we were to fight again, I fear I would be no match…"

Seeing this, Lu An could only offer a few words of comfort.

Old Beggar, however, laughed it off and said:

"At my age, it's not for you to console me. But we do need to prepare for the beast tide."

Then, his gaze turned intensely toward Lu An.

"Starting today, I will give you special training to help you grow as quickly as possible. Are you ready?"

Lu An nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.

If he could increase his strength, no matter how tough or exhausting it was, it would be worth it—not just for himself, but for those around him as well.

Days passed, and the Three Talismans Sect's reputation in Yongning County City grew larger every day, with countless people signing up.

The guards who joined earlier were glad they did, otherwise, they might not have had the chance.

Fan Cheng, who was among the first to join, felt particularly fortunate. If judged by his current Foundation Establishment stage, he would never have become a guard leader.

Thus, he cherished this opportunity even more and performed his duties diligently.

One day, while patrolling with his sword at his side, a couple arrived at the mansion's gate.

Both were at the Foundation Establishment stage. The man seemed indifferent, but the woman stared at the gate for a long time, her expression constantly changing—from nostalgic to bitter.

Seeing that they did not leave, Fan Cheng approached them.

"Who are you? This is the Three Talismans Sect branch. No entry for outsiders!"

The couple snapped out of their daze, glanced at Fan Cheng, and handed him a token.

Fan Cheng was puzzled, glanced at the token, and was immediately startled.

"Headquarters Elder?"

He quickly returned the token and stepped forward to bow.

Having been with the Three Talismans Sect for some time, he was quite familiar with the headquarters matters.

The Daoists from Guxian County were among the earliest followers of Lu An, essentially trusted confidants.

And Lu An's status within the Three Talismans Sect was now well-known to everyone.

As the personal disciple of the Grand Elder, who wouldn't respect him?

The couple put away the token without any pretense and instead smiled warmly.

"Daoist, your dedication is commendable. With you guarding this branch, it is indeed well-protected."

Fan Cheng felt a surge of goodwill and embarrassment.

"Are you Elders looking for Senior Brother Lu?"

The couple chuckled at the mention of "Senior Brother Lu." They had already known about Lu An's advancement to Foundation Establishment, but the term "Senior Brother Lu" still sounded odd.

However, as Lu An was a personal disciple, it was appropriate for other Foundation Establishment cultivators to address him as such, so they did not dwell on it.

"Yes, is Lu An here?"

Fan Cheng pondered. The couple's direct use of Lu An's name showed they were indeed trusted by him.

He became even more respectful and led them into the mansion.

The group arrived outside a large courtyard, where the door was tightly closed, and an extremely pure fire attribute power emanated from within, almost scorching one's eyebrows.

"Senior Brother Lu is currently in training. You may have to wait for a while. Based on past experience, it should be done in about an hour."

The couple exchanged glances, knowing Lu An was training, and said nothing more.

"No problem, we can wait here."

At that moment, a voice came from inside.

"You two may come in and wait."

Hearing Old Beggar's voice, the couple was immediately delighted.

After bidding farewell to Fan Cheng, they entered the courtyard.

Fan Cheng remained where he was, feeling puzzled.

"Senior Brother Lu never allows disturbances during training. These two can enter to observe. Even if they are trusted, it seems a bit excessive."

Little did he know, for the couple, who were like Lu An's elder brother and sister-in-law, they did not view them as subordinates at all.

Once the couple entered the courtyard, they were stunned by the sight before them.

In the courtyard was a Profound Fire Grand Array, with Lu An in the center, enduring the intense fire's scorching.

"Focus your mind and deeply comprehend the essence of fire. Only when you can accept it will you become one with it."

"You have water, fire, and wood as your spiritual roots. The other two affinities are fine, but your understanding of fire is the weakest."

"If you can improve this, not only will your fire-type abilities increase in power, but your cultivation speed will also improve significantly. Remember this."

…

Old Beggar continuously spoke, guiding Lu An's training.

He only nodded slightly to the couple and then paid them no further attention.

Ying Chang and the others were dumbfounded. They had never seen such a method of cultivation before. Moreover, even standing at the edge of the formation, they could feel the intense heat of the Profound Fire Grand Array. What must the temperature be like at the center of the formation?

"Lu An's physical body is so strong. I'm afraid even if I fought him now, even if I held nothing back, I would not be his match."

Ying Chang and the others were dumbfounded at this moment. They had never seen such a method of cultivation before. Moreover, just standing at the edge of the formation, they could feel the intense heat of the Mysterious Fire Grand Array. What level of temperature must it be at the center of the formation?

"Lu An's physical body is so strong. If we were to fight now, even if I went all out, I wouldn't be his match."

Fang Ling, too, felt this and nodded in agreement. They did not know that when Lu An first came out of the Extreme Secret Realm, he had easily defeated three Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, or else they might not have said this.

They waited for a full hour before Lu An finished his training and walked out of the formation. At that moment, he was covered in blood, looking like a steamed crab, but with a wave of his hand, he returned to normal.

"Brother Ying, Sister Fang, you finally arrived."

Fang Ling smiled slightly, stepped forward to greet him, and then, recalling the purpose of her visit, asked seriously:

"Lu An, you said you have detained all the Fang family members. Is it true?"

Lu An wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and smiled:

"Of course it's true. They're all in the dungeon, just waiting for Sister Fang to come."

"They harmed you so much before and caused you not to be able to have children. Have you decided how to deal with them?"

A hint of hatred flashed in Fang Ling's eyes as she said to Lu An:

"Is there any way I could deal with them?"

"Of course, even if you want to kill them all, I won't say a word, just to vent Sister Fang's anger."

Fang Ling pondered for a moment and shook her head.

"Killing them would be too easy for them. I want to return the favor in the same way!"