Huang Chengfu was only at Qi Perception Fifth Layer.
Under the immense pressure, he was forced to retreat several steps and nearly collapsed to the ground.
His face turned pale, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Within the Huang family of Cloud Crane Mountain, Huang Xuewei not only held a higher cultivation than him but also had an unshakable status.
At this moment, even if she were to kill him outright, the most she would receive would be a meaningless reprimand—something done just to appease the family members.
Right now, he could still rely on Wei Tu's status to resist, but what about afterward? What would happen once Wei Tu left?
Huang Chengfu hesitated.
He didn't know if he should continue blocking Huang Xuewei, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and risk bringing disaster upon himself and his family.
He feared retaliation.
"Fifth Miss, this is Talisman Heart Residence, belonging to Master Wei. Please leave for now, and once Master Wei emerges from seclusion, I will inform him and invite you to visit," Huang Chengfu said after a long internal struggle, deciding to take a gamble for the sake of Wei Tu's past kindness to him.
Having spent years by Wei Tu's side, he knew very well that his cousin-grandfather was not a cold-hearted man. He wouldn't just watch him offend Huang Xuewei and leave him to die in Cloud Crane Mountain.
"How bold!" Huang Xuewei's eyes flashed with a hint of killing intent as she raised her right palm, infused with spiritual energy, preparing to strike him down.
Within the Huang family, there was a clear distinction between noble and common bloodlines. She was from the main lineage and a Foundation Establishment cultivator, while Huang Chengfu was merely a branch family member working as a servant in Talisman Heart Residence.
With just this level of insubordination, she could kill him outright, and no one in the family would dare challenge her decision.
However, just as she struck, she hesitated slightly out of consideration for Wei Tu and decided not to kill him. Instead, she intended only to seriously injure him.
Yet—
At that moment—
A sharp eagle cry pierced the air.
From within Talisman Heart Residence, a Wind-Cleaving Eagle flew out, its powerful wings flapping as it struck Huang Xuewei, sending her flying several meters backward.
In terms of physical strength, a Second-Grade spirit beast far surpassed a Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivator.
"A Second-Grade spirit beast!" Huang Xuewei staggered to her feet, staring at the floating Wind-Cleaving Eagle with a hint of fear in her eyes.
She had never expected Wei Tu to have such a powerful spirit beast by his side.
"Fifth Miss, forgive me for not welcoming you properly." At that moment, Wei Tu emerged from Talisman Heart Residence, wearing a faint smile. He casually handed Huang Chengfu a medicinal pill before clasping his hands in greeting toward Huang Xuewei.
Just moments earlier, after sending Huang Chengfu out, he had gone into his talisman chamber to focus on talisman crafting.
With sound-isolating formations in place, he had been completely unaware of the commotion outside.
It wasn't until the Wind-Cleaving Eagle alerted him that he rushed out.
"May I ask what brings you to Talisman Heart Residence, Fifth Miss?" Wei Tu narrowed his eyes.
At this moment, he was silently relieved that he had rejected Huang Changshun's offer of marriage with Huang Xuewei. Given her temperament, if he had agreed, his future life in Cloud Crane Mountain would have been miserable.
"It is not the Fifth Miss who seeks you, but rather I do, Master Wei."
From behind Huang Xuewei, a gray-robed man stepped forward from the courtyard previously occupied by Si Qing.
He clasped his hands in greeting and spoke with a friendly smile.
"And you are?" Wei Tu studied the man's face closely, pretending not to recognize him.
Although he had previously heard about Pill Master Shu and Yang Xiang arriving at Cloud Crane Mountain, he had never officially met them.
On the surface, he and these two were complete strangers.
"Yang Xiang, Second-Grade Intermediate Talisman Master." Yang Xiang paused for a moment before introducing himself.
"What a coincidence."
"Master Wei and I both cultivated in Danqiu Mountain, and we both broke through to Foundation Establishment there. That makes us fellow cultivators from the same land, doesn't it?"
Yang Xiang chuckled lightly.
"A Talisman Master?" Wei Tu raised an eyebrow and turned to glance at Huang Xuewei.
"Fifth Miss, I haven't even left Cloud Crane Mountain, yet the Huang family has already found a new Guest Elder?"
Huang Xuewei remained silent.
It had only been one month since Wei Tu had submitted his resignation, and yet the Huang family had already found a new Second-Grade Talisman Master. There was no way anyone would believe that this was purely coincidental.
At the end of the day, the Huang family had acted dishonorably.
But there wasn't much choice.
One of the conditions for Pill Master Shu joining the Huang family was that his friend Yang Xiang, another Second-Grade Talisman Master, also be granted a Guest Elder position.
And so, things had played out this way.
Seeing that Huang Xuewei refused to speak, Wei Tu turned his gaze back to Yang Xiang.
"And may I ask why Master Yang had the Fifth Miss knock on my residence's door?"
"I simply wish to have a little talisman exchange with Master Wei and see who is truly qualified to serve as a Guest Elder of the Huang family."
"After all, my appointment here was only possible thanks to Master Shu's recommendation."
Yang Xiang chuckled.
Hearing these provocative words, Wei Tu frowned. He became suspicious, wondering what Pill Master Shu and Yang Xiang were plotting.
"Since I will be leaving Cloud Crane Mountain soon, there's no need for any talisman exchange. I will take my leave now. Forgive me for not seeing you off."
Wei Tu declined outright, not agreeing to Yang Xiang's challenge.
After speaking, he gestured to Huang Chengfu to follow him back into Talisman Heart Residence, not lingering at the gate.
Yang Xiang watched Wei Tu leave and did not provoke him further.
Just now, he could justify his challenge as simple dissatisfaction, a desire to compare their skills in talisman crafting.
But if he kept pushing, it would turn into a deadly grudge—something unnecessary.
"This means Wei Tu is afraid. It seems that Master Yang's talisman skills are indeed superior."
Beside him, Huang Xuewei took the opportunity to flatter Yang Xiang.
"He is still young, after all."
Yang Xiang shook his head.
"Young?"
Huang Xuewei mused. She realized that Yang Xiang's words were skillfully chosen—not offending anyone.
Back at Talisman Heart Residence, Wei Tu rewarded Huang Chengfu, assuring him that if he wished to leave Cloud Crane Mountain with him, he would make arrangements for his family.
Hearing this, Huang Chengfu immediately agreed.
After all, within Cloud Crane Mountain, he was no different from a wandering cultivator.
The family's benefits never reached someone like him—a distant branch family descendant.
After waving Huang Chengfu off, Wei Tu returned to talisman crafting, determined to finish his final task for the Huang family.
These 300 talismans varied in grade. Most were Second-Grade Low-Tier, with only a few Second-Grade Mid-Tier.
Fortunately, they were talismans he was already familiar with, so he did not need to learn new ones from scratch.
Although it would take away time from his cultivation, with effort, he could finish within two years.
Time passed swiftly.
In the blink of an eye, half a year had gone by.
On this day, a letter from Kou Hongying finally arrived at Talisman Heart Residence.
"She's being sent to the battlefield as well?"
Wei Tu read through Kou Hongying's letter, a little surprised.
After the secret realm expedition, as Qin Zhenren's disciple, Kou Hongying should have been receiving priority training in Mirror Water Pavilion, especially with Qin Zhenren on the verge of forming a Golden Core.
Usually, those sent to the frontlines were Foundation Establishment cultivators with no prospects or backing—sacrificial pawns.
There was no reason for Kou Hongying to be included.
"Could it be sect politics?"
Wei Tu pondered, suspecting internal faction struggles within Mirror Water Pavilion.
Only sect rivalries could force someone like Kou Hongying, with a promising future, into the frontlines.
Although she hadn't mentioned it directly in her letter, Wei Tu could deduce it with a bit of thought.
Wei Tu continued reading.
Although Kou Hongying being sent to war was unfortunate for her, it benefited him in a way.
At the very least, she could provide first-hand intelligence on the war.
Compared to Fu Zhizhou's letter, Kou Hongying's report was far more detailed. She even outlined the strategic deployment of the Three Great Sects.
Additionally, she subtly mentioned Wei Yan, saying:
"Wei Yan is clever. She built her Foundation outside the marketplaces, using the Mei family's spiritual land. Thus, when Mirror Water Pavilion recruited Foundation Establishment cultivators from Baishi Lake, she was not summoned."
At the end of the letter, Kou Hongying wrote:
"Next September, I will be stationed at 'Hongyan Mountain Marketplace.' I will pass by Cloud Crane Mountain on my way. If possible, prepare a batch of talismans for trade."
"Next September?"
Wei Tu stroked his chin.
That was one year and seven months away.
If he focused on talisman crafting, it would be enough time to complete his task for the Huang family.
"When Kou Hongying arrives at Cloud Crane Mountain, I will immediately submit my resignation."
Wei Tu made up his mind.
With Kou Hongying bringing Mirror Water Pavilion's influence, the Huang family would not dare to go back on their word or refuse his departure.
Furthermore, the cost of these 300 talismans wasn't a small amount.
If the Huang family delayed payment, there would be little he could do.
At this point, his relationship with them was already strained.
With Mirror Water Pavilion's protection, even if someone planned to ambush him on the way, they would have to think twice before offending the sect.
"As for the Huang family, it no longer concerns me."
Wei Tu cast a glance at the courtyard next door, his expression unreadable.
His instincts told him that Pill Master Shu and Yang Xiang's arrival at Cloud Crane Mountain was far from innocent.
The mountain had become a swirling vortex, attracting attention from all sides.
Everyone was waiting for this Golden Core family to collapse.
"When a great whale falls, countless lives are born from its remains."
For centuries, Zheng Kingdom's cultivation clans had risen and fallen.
Unless a miracle happened, the Huang family was likely to meet its downfall within the next century.
Time flew by.
In the blink of an eye, it was now September of the following year.
As promised, Kou Hongying arrived at Cloud Crane Mountain to trade talismans with Wei Tu.
By then, Wei Tu had also finalized his plan and shared it with Kou Hongying.
"The situation is no longer the same as before. The current Heshan Huang Clan… the clan leader lacks integrity, and his descendants are foolish. Even with a Golden Core ancestor, they won't be able to hold on much longer. This place has become dangerous."
"Even if Uncle Wei wasn't planning to leave, I would have advised you to do so," Kou Hongying said in a low voice.
Back when they had emerged from the secret realm, she had still believed Huang Xinglie to be a decent person and that the Huang Clan shouldn't suffer such a calamity.
But now, even if their Golden Core ancestor had accumulated good fortune, incompetent descendants would still squander it all.
There was no need to look far for proof.
Just a few years ago, Huang Ju, the second ancestor of the Huang family, had defected to the demonic sects. That was bad enough.
But how had he managed to escape with two Foundation Establishment clansmen?
This alone revealed the deep-seated issues within the Heshan Huang Clan.
"I've already packed my things. The sooner we act, the better. I'll have to trouble you, Hongying."
Wei Tu cupped his hands in thanks.
"Why so formal between us, Uncle?" Kou Hongying smiled as she stroked the Wind-Cleaving Eagle perched on Wei Tu's shoulder.
With that, the two of them walked out of Talisman Heart Residence and headed for the Clan Affairs Hall.
By the time Kou Hongying visited Cloud Crane Mountain, the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Huang Clan had already begun secretly heightening their guard.
Thus, when Wei Tu and Kou Hongying arrived at the Clan Affairs Hall, Clan Leader Huang Changshun was already waiting for them.
"Huang Clan Leader, here are the talismans you commissioned from me," Wei Tu said, wasting no words.
From his storage pouch, he pulled out a talisman box and handed it to Huang Changshun.
"As per our agreement, now that I have completed these talismans, I am free to leave the Heshan Huang Clan."
Wei Tu added firmly.
"Master Wei, why the rush? You have been in Cloud Crane Mountain for decades…"
Huang Changshun opened the talisman box and found that the quality of the talismans was excellent. A glimmer of satisfaction flashed across his brows, and he softened his tone toward Wei Tu.
Finishing so many talismans in two years showed just how skilled Wei Tu was in the Dao of Talismans.
Even a fool could tell that, in terms of talisman craftsmanship, Wei Tu far surpassed Yang Xiang.
"A drawn bow cannot be turned back."
Wei Tu shook his head, offering only this single sentence.
Hearing this, Huang Changshun knew Wei Tu's mind was made up.
He sighed.
"In that case, the Huang Clan wishes Master Wei a prosperous journey, and that your path in the Dao of Talismans continues to flourish."
With that, Huang Changshun took out a storage pouch from his chest and handed it to Wei Tu.
Inside were the spirit stones—Wei Tu's payment for the three hundred talismans.
"Farewell, Clan Leader Huang."
After confirming the contents of the storage pouch, Wei Tu exchanged a glance with Kou Hongying, then cupped his hands in a departing salute and strode away.
He left cleanly, without hesitation.
"Gone?"
Huang Changshun watched as Wei Tu's silhouette faded into the sky, his face filled with mixed emotions.
A strange feeling lingered in his heart, telling him that he had mishandled the situation with Wei Tu.
"Just a mid-stage Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator. Nothing worth mentioning. He? He'll never form a Golden Core in his lifetime."
Huang Changshun shook his head, suppressing his discomfort.
He refused to believe that a mere wandering cultivator could attain Golden Core realm.
After all, in the Zheng Kingdom's cultivation world, Golden Core rogue cultivators were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns—one in ten thousand, if even that.
Leaving the Clan Affairs Hall, Wei Tu and Kou Hongying made their way to Huang Chengfu's home.
"Once you leave, you may never return to Cloud Crane Mountain again."
Wei Tu looked at Huang Chengfu, speaking solemnly.
Unlike his father Huang Peng, who had left Cloud Crane Mountain years ago, Huang Chengfu and his sister Huang Fang had been born, raised, and built their lives here.
For them, Cloud Crane Mountain was their homeland.
Huang Chengfu remained silent.
He pulled his younger sister Huang Fang beside him and bowed three times to Wei Tu.
"Good. Since you have made your decision, I will help you one last time."
Wei Tu nodded, taking out his Huangyan Boat, allowing Huang Chengfu and Huang Fang to board.
"Uncle, I won't go. I don't want to be a burden to them."
Huang Peng sat on a stone at the doorway, taking a few slow puffs of his pipe as he watched.
He had long since let go of his attachments to Cloud Crane Mountain.