Jin Cheng's father was named Jin Kui, a renowned figure in the Western Regions.
The Jin family was also a powerful force in Fengmo City, with considerable influence.
Jin Kui's strength was comparable to Du Mu's, both at the fourth level of the Mortal Immortal realm. However, the Jin family's overall strength lagged behind Xi Xia Villa, which had a history of over ten thousand years and deep foundations.
Under normal circumstances, Jin Kui would not dare to challenge Du Mu.
But after suffering heavy losses in Ning Village the previous night, he was filled with anger. Furthermore, he had recently interacted with several major human forces, giving him the confidence to confront Du Mu.
Moreover, several human powerhouses who had escaped from Ning Village the previous night were currently hidden in his home.
They owed him a great favor, and if he asked, they would undoubtedly lend their assistance.
Therefore, Jin Kui's arrogance grew, and he dared to seek retribution from Du Mu.
As Jin Kui and Jin Cheng stepped out, they noticed the celestial phenomenon in the sky.
"Could it be that old Du has awakened his ancestral bloodline? No, this aura seems to belong to that young girl from the Du family."
Jin Kui was somewhat surprised. He had met Du Rui'er before; although her talent was not bad, it wasn't exceptionally astonishing. Why could she awaken a special bloodline?
Perhaps old Du had obtained a heaven-defying item and given it to her.
If that were the case, should he try to seize it?
He began to ponder. If the Du family truly possessed an extraordinary treasure, he would call in his favors and have those human powerhouses in his home help him snatch it.
"Father, is it Du Rui'er awakening a special bloodline? That's wonderful! I must marry her. Let's go to the Du family now, kill that fellow named Ji, and have old Du betroth his daughter to me. After old Du dies, the entire Xi Xia Villa will be mine."
Jin Cheng said excitedly.
Marrying Du Rui'er would mean a lifetime of less struggle.
"Look at you."
Jin Kui glanced at his son helplessly, shaking his head inwardly.
Jin Cheng's talent was quite good, and the Golden Toad bloodline within him was very potent. Unfortunately, his mindset was lacking. He didn't focus on diligent cultivation but rather preferred to rely on others.
However, with Du Rui'er now awakening a special bloodline, she was indeed a good candidate for a daughter-in-law.
The two soon arrived outside Xi Xia Villa.
A large number of experts had already gathered there.
Many people's eyes gleamed with a green light, flashing with greed.
Clearly, some beings shared Jin Kui's thoughts, coveting the so-called heaven-defying item.
However, Du Mu was a dominant figure in the region, and Xi Xia Villa was also powerful, so no one dared to make a move easily.
"What a potent life force! What's going on with Du Rui'er? What kind of bloodline has she awakened? Why is the phenomenon so astonishing!"
Jin Kui exclaimed, his face filled with shock.
Within Xi Xia Villa, the essence of flowers and plants emanated, the trees were lush, and a hundred flowers bloomed, creating a scene of vibrant life.
And all of this was caused by the golden azalea flower in mid-air!
"There's something wrong, there must be something wrong. Du Rui'er doesn't have the foundation for this. She couldn't have awakened such a powerful bloodline. Old Du must have obtained a heaven-defying item for his beloved daughter. I must seize it and make it my own!"
Jin Kui's eyes gleamed, and he immediately resolved to seize that heaven-defying item.
There was no time to delay; action had to be swift, lest the heaven-defying item be depleted or refined by Du Rui'er.
Impatient, he was about to charge into Xi Xia Villa.
"Jin Kui, what do you think you're doing? Trespassing into my Xi Xia Villa means death without mercy!"
Du Mu intercepted him immediately, radiating killing intent.
At this critical time, he would fight anyone who dared to enter Xi Xia Villa with all his might.
The process of awakening a special bloodline was extremely perilous, and major problems could arise at any moment. He did not want his daughter to be harmed.
"Old Du, don't be so tense. I have no ill intentions. I merely wish to help niece Rui'er. I have a Spirit Nurturing Grass that would be beneficial for her bloodline awakening."
Jin Kui said with a smile.
At the same time, he truly took out a silver-white medicinal herb from his spatial ring to prove his words were not false.
"I appreciate your kind intentions."
Du Mu refused. Although this Spirit Nurturing Grass would indeed be very helpful for Rui'er, who knew if it had been tampered with.
Jin Kui, that old toad, was a master of poison and had a poor reputation. He had to be cautious.
Moreover, he clearly sensed the shiftiness in Jin Kui's expression, knowing he must have ulterior motives.
"You're being too suspicious. My son Jin Cheng is very fond of Rui'er. I consider Rui'er my future daughter-in-law. Hurry and let me in. I am willing to lend Rui'er a hand and help her successfully awaken her special bloodline!"
Jin Kui put on a sincere expression, appearing to have Rui'er's best interests at heart.
But how could Du Mu be fooled? Offering help without reason was a sign of ulterior motives.
Jin Kui frowned, surprised by Du Mu's extreme caution and unyielding stance. His first thought was to go back and call for reinforcements, those human powerhouses.
But then he considered that those individuals were not to be trifled with and might betray him for personal gain, pocketing any good things they found.
After some deliberation, he decided he had to act himself.
At this moment, several other Mortal Immortal realm experts were lurking in the shadows, watching with covetous eyes. Xi Xia Villa's attention was entirely focused on those experts, creating a flaw in their defenses that could be exploited.
"Old Du, you are simply too suspicious. If you don't want my help, I'll leave."
Jin Kui, having made up his mind, pretended to retreat.
"Father, are we just going to let it go?"
Jin Cheng was somewhat indignant. So many people were watching, and being forced to leave by old Du like this was humiliating.
"Hmph, how could it end like this? I plan to infiltrate Xi Xia Villa from underground and rush to Du Rui'er's cultivation place to seize the treasure. You will be responsible for providing support from the outside. If I cannot escape after succeeding, you will invite those people from our home to rescue me."
Jin Kui gave Jin Cheng his instructions. Believing his plan to be flawless, he began to act.
He revealed his true form, transforming into a golden toad about a meter long, and used earth遁术 to enter underground Xi Xia Villa.
Xi Xia Villa had activated its strongest defenses, with all guardian formations activated. Even underground, there was a powerful barrier preventing outsiders from infiltrating.
Jin Kui took out a precious formation-breaking talisman, his heart aching with pain.
To catch a wolf, one must risk the sheep. For that heaven-defying item, he was willing to pay a heavy price.
"Break for me!"
He fully activated the formation-breaking talisman and struck the barrier.
Boom...
The earth shook and the mountains trembled. The powerful barrier was breached, and the guardian formation of Xi Xia Villa was also impacted, temporarily ceasing its operation.
Everyone immediately sensed it.
Many people began to stir, intending to take action.
Du Mu's expression changed drastically, but he acted decisively, roaring to the sky, "Anyone who dares to step into my Xi Xia Villa will face certain death!"
He appeared like a frenzied lion, unleashing his aura without reservation. A terrifying pressure swept in all directions, displaying his determination to fight to the death.
This tactic actually worked, stunning most people.
However, some still harbored malicious intentions, communicating secretly and planning to join forces.
Just then, a golden figure erupted from the earth and directly entered Ji Mo's room.