Xu Mingxuan led a team of people and departed with Xu Mingshu.
They first went to Jade Cold Pool to meet up with Wu Tao and Shen Qingyi, then under Ah San's guidance rushed to where the demon beast was located.
Upon seeing it, they realized it was a demon beast resembling a four-legged lizard, over three zhang long with thick, sturdy limbs. When crawling, it stood over a person's height tall, its entire body covered in dark green scales with three black horns atop its head.
The middle one was long, the two on the sides short.
Those yellow-green vertical pupils were like cold flames that seared the soul, their sinister gaze radiating a soul-stealing might.
Its sharp teeth interlocked, gleaming with cold light, seemingly capable of shattering gold and breaking jade, chewing iron like porridge.
"It feels somewhat stronger than Little White, probably a demon beast at the third or fourth layer of Qi Refining."
The white tiger's aptitude was ultimately slightly inferior. Currently, it had only reached the second layer of Qi Refining. As for the three Azure Fire Eagle brothers, though born less than half a year ago, they had already reached the mid to late stage of the first layer of Qi Refining.
Wu Tao was at the peak of the first layer of Qi Refining, wielding a beast-headed black small shield, primarily for defense.
The Xu Mingxuan and Xu Mingshu siblings, one at the peak of late Innate stage and one at Innate perfection, were even more supreme in close combat among those present.
With such a lineup, hunting a demon beast at the third or fourth layer of Qi Refining was naturally not difficult.
Observing their actions, they advanced and retreated with measure, organized and methodical.
Xu Mingxuan and Xu Mingshu were the main attackers, Shen Qingyi's flying sword harassed from the side, and the white tiger pounced from the flanks, each time able to claw out bloody marks along with some flesh.
Whenever the four-legged lizard demon beast attempted to attack one person with full force, Wu Tao would drive his beast-headed black small shield to block in front of them, giving them time to calmly pull back.
However, this demon beast ultimately had thick skin and flesh, and it still took everyone over two hours to grind it to death.
Xu Mingshu raised her hand to wipe the fine sweat from her forehead, looking at the gradually cooling corpse ahead, she said with emotion, "It's finally dead. But if we had divine weapons capable of breaking through this creature's scales, or if one of us had reached the fourth layer of Qi Refining or above, we could probably have slain it more quickly."
"Xueji, why don't you say that if Elder Brother or Yunnu were present, they could have killed it in one strike," Xu Mingxuan said with a light laugh.
Xu Mingshu ignored this and continued, "Same as last time, dismember and collect materials that can be used for magical artifact refinement like the scales, sharp teeth, horns, and claws. The blood and flesh go to Little White and Ah Da's three brothers. The white bones should be kept to be polished into bone weapons."
"Yes, Aunt Xueji," Wu Tao and Shen Qingyi said with cupped fists.
After being advised by Xu Mingxian, they also knew that demon beast flesh and blood could not be casually consumed by mortals.
Even innate martial artists had to carefully refine it to avoid harmful substances in the flesh and blood. However, demon beasts or fierce beasts could consume it. Their digestive abilities far exceeded those of humans.
When variant fierce beasts frequently consumed it, they might even undergo mutation and transformation to become demon beasts.
Roar~
Screech~
The white tiger bared its teeth and roared at Xu Mingshu, its long thick black tail swaying incessantly like a whip, lashing against nearby tree trunks.
The three Azure Fire Eagle brothers flapped their wings in the air, their cries conveying joyful emotions.
Only two or three other innate martial artists could barely participate in the demon beast hunt. Those below innate were merely tool people for transporting the corpse.
…
Jade Cold Pool.
"Xueji, you're in charge here. I'm going back to check on your sister-in-law first."
"Go on, go on," Xu Mingshu saw his smug appearance and waved her hand, shooing him away.
"If you're envious, find one yourself."
"Haha~"
Xu Mingxuan laughed heartily. Stepping with the Wind-Treading Step technique, he vanished in a flash, leaving only his voice lingering in place.
Xu Dezhao, Xu Dewen, and Xu Dejing walked out of the bamboo house together, cupping their fists in greeting, "Aunt."
"Why are you all here? When did you arrive?"
Xu Dezhao said, "Father said that now that younger sister Ling has achieved success in Qi cultivation and become a Qi Refining first layer immortal cultivator, she's suitable for cultivating on the mountain, so he brought her here."
Xu Mingshu's eyes brightened. She walked over, patted Xu Dejing's head, and praised with a smile, "Worthy of being our family's little genius. Cultivate well and strive to leave your big brother and second brother far behind."
"I understand, Aunt."
"Since you're all here, observe how Wu Tao and the others process demon beast materials."
Xu Dezhao looked at that massive creature, fierce and baleful qi swirling around it. While it made him tremble, he was also curious, "Aunt, next time you go hunting demon beasts, bring me along too. I'm now a peak Postnatal martial artist."
"Wait until you step into the innate realm," Xu Mingshu patted his shoulder. "Anyway, with your talent, practicing diligently here, it's just a matter of two or three months."
"Alright then, but you have to promise me that when I step into the innate realm, you'll bring me along."
"No problem!"
Xu Mingshu wanted to rub Xu Dezhao's head, but without realizing it, Xu Dezhao had already grown slightly taller than Xu Mingshu.
Patting his head again wouldn't be quite appropriate.
"Zhao'er is cultivating martial arts so rapidly, he must have talent as well. Perhaps he's suitable for walking the path of dual immortal and martial cultivation like Elder Brother."
After processing the demon beast corpse.
The flesh and blood were left at this place for the white tiger and Azure Fire Eagles to feast upon. The remaining materials were all transported back to the Xu residence.
Afterward, Wu Tao, Shen Qingyi, and Xu Dejing cultivated together, with the two occasionally giving guidance to Xu Dejing, explaining their cultivation experiences.
Xu Dezhao and Xu Dewen, the two brothers, practiced fist techniques and moves, either sparring with each other or with the white tiger and Azure Fire Eagles. However, whenever this happened, Xu Mingshu would watch from the side to prevent the white tiger and the others from injuring the two brothers.
…
Qingjiang County, Immortal Affairs Bureau.
"I've finally broken through to the sixth layer of Qi Refining."
Inside the quiet room.
Xiao Changyuan expelled a long breath of turbid air, his eyes shooting out gleaming light, but then immediately revealed a trace of worry.
"Qingjiang County's spiritual qi is sparse, ultimately not comparable to Longjiang Commandery. Now that I've broken through to the sixth layer of Qi Refining, I can apply to return to Longjiang Commandery, but before this, it would be best to find someone to replace me as guardian."
However, over more than ten years, among hundreds tested, not one person had immortal cultivation aptitude.
This was the reason worry showed in his eyes.
"Ultimately not as good as the commandery city."
"But perhaps if I expand the range somewhat, there may be hope of discovering someone with immortal cultivation aptitude."
Thinking of this, Xiao Changyuan rose and walked out of the quiet room to the main hall of the Immortal Affairs Bureau, saying softly, "Someone come."
His voice was not loud, yet it clearly transmitted to the ears of the guards outside the door.
Immediately, one person entered. Standing one zhang away, he cupped his fists and respectfully saluted, saying, "Lord Immortal Official, what are your orders?"
Before Xiao Changyuan spoke, the other party did not dare raise his head.
"Go find County Magistrate Wu and have him issue a decree throughout the entire county. For the next five days, the Immortal Affairs Bureau will test spiritual roots without any fees, regardless of status or wealth. Anyone twenty-five years of age or younger may come for testing."
"For all who are selected, their families may receive one hundred mu of fertile farmland and be exempted from ten years of taxes and labor service."
Hearing this news, the bailiff's body trembled slightly, his eyes revealing an expression of disbelief.
"Yes, Lord Immortal Official," the bailiff raised his head.
"Also, you must have County Magistrate Wu spread this throughout all villages in Qingjiang County by today."
"Yes."
The bailiff immediately went to the county office and relayed Xiao Changyuan's order.
County Magistrate Wu, hearing this news, was very puzzled. Based on his past dealings with Xiao Changyuan, he knew the man was not one who was just and impartial.
"Did Immortal Official Xiao say why he's doing this?"
County Magistrate Wu looked at the bailiff before him, inquiring curiously.
His beard and hair were frosted white. Already nearing seventy, yet because he was an innate martial artist, he remained vigorous in spirit.
The bailiff shook his head, "I don't know. Lord Immortal Official only said it must be spread throughout all of Qingjiang County today, to every village."
"Understood. This official will immediately comply."
"Then this humble one will take his leave first."
"Mm."
After the bailiff left, County Magistrate Wu also summoned the county administrator and county captain.
Li Zhi pondered briefly and said, "Since it's the Immortal Official's order, it cannot be delayed. I will personally dispatch people to convey it to the area around Dongxi Village. The other two gentlemen can handle the rest as you see fit."
Li Zhi was backed by the Xu family.
The current Xu family gave people the feeling of being an unfathomably deep colossus. Both County Magistrate Wu and County Captain Fang kept their distance with great caution.
Being able to not interfere with each other would be their great fortune.
"It should naturally be so," County Magistrate Wu and County Captain Fang said with slight smiles.
…
Dongxi Village.
"Who goes there? Ahead is Xu family territory. Without an invitation, you may not enter!"
Patrol guards stopped the person riding toward them on horseback.
Now the entire Dongxi Village had been sealed off by the Xu family, becoming private land that even officials could not trespass upon without permission.
"I was dispatched by Lord Li Zhi from the county seat. I have matters to convey. Please allow me to enter and report."
As he spoke, he pulled out a token from his chest, precisely a Xu family guard's token.
Now, among the bailiffs in the county office, several were people who had come from the Xu family guards, facilitating contact with the Xu family.
"So you're one of our own."
The patrol captain said with a smile, "Everyone stand aside, let our brother through."
The bailiff cupped his fists, "Many thanks. When there's time, I'll treat everyone to drinks."
With that, he rode straight toward the main gate of the Xu residence.
Entering the main hall and waiting briefly, he saw Xu Mingwei walk in from outside the hall with a dragon's stride and tiger's gait.
"This one pays respects to the Family Head," he immediately knelt on one knee.
"No need for such formality. You are now a government official," Xu Mingwei said indifferently after taking his seat.
"Once a Xu family servant, always a Xu family servant. Moreover, without the Xu family, how would this humble one have today's achievements?"
"Rise."
"Yes, Family Head."
"Speak. What matter does Li Zhi have you convey?"
"This is Lord Li Zhi's letter."
Xu Mingwei took it, opened it, and read through it. His brow furrowed slightly, then relaxed, and then he fell into thought.
After a moment, he said to the bailiff, "I am aware of this matter. You may return and report."
"Yes, Family Head."
The bailiff did not linger long. After all, he had official duties and could not neglect them.
"Someone come."
"What are the Family Head's orders?" A household servant came forward, respectfully saluting.
"Go request Second Master and Third Master to my study."
"Yes."
…
South Mountain Courtyard.
Xu Mingwei's study.
Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingxuan entered the study one after another.
"Elder Brother, why did you summon us?" Xu Mingyuan asked with a smile.
"This is a letter Li Zhi just had delivered. You two should also take a look."
Xu Mingyuan took the letter and read it. Xu Mingxuan also leaned his head over.
"What are your thoughts?"
Xu Mingyuan pondered for a moment and said, "Xiao Changyuan would never perform such a benevolent act without reason. Perhaps his strength has broken through and he plans to leave Qingjiang County and return to Longjiang Commandery city."
"After all, Qingjiang County's spiritual qi is considerably worse than the commandery city. If not for our Xu family now having the Spirit Gathering Array that Yunnu arranged, Wu Tao and Shen Qingyi's cultivation speed would likely be even slower."
"Your words are reasonable," Xu Mingwei nodded.
In terms of nimble thinking, no one in the Xu family could surpass Xu Mingyuan.
"If Ahyuan's guess is correct, should our Xu family get involved?" Xu Mingwei asked again.
"If Xiao Changyuan remains, it's inconvenient for our Xu family to join because his backing is complex and interconnected. But if he leaves, the Immortal Affairs Bureau in Qingjiang County can fall under our Xu family's control. After a few more years, even the county magistrate, county captain, and their ilk can all be swallowed up."
"From then on, Qingjiang County will truly belong to our Xu family. We can make similar plans for the surrounding counties, having Chen Bai and Li seek military official positions for them."
Xu Mingwei nodded again, then looked at Xu Mingxuan, "Tantou, your intuition has always been most accurate. Is joining the Immortal Affairs Bureau advantageous or not?"
"Xueji uses me as a lucky charm for divining fortune and misfortune, and you do too, Elder Brother," Xu Mingxuan muttered quietly to himself.
Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan exchanged glances, both amused and exasperated.
"Stop complaining. Among us five, only you have this talent. If you don't want it, wait for Father to return and see if there's a way to erase your talent," Xu Mingyuan said with a shake of his head and a laugh.
"Second Brother, I was just joking."
Xu Mingxuan pondered briefly and said, "This matter is feasible. After all, every two months one can receive one spirit stone. As for the Immortal Official's responsibilities, matters that non-immortal cultivators cannot handle, our Xu clan can also dispatch people to resolve, which also frees up time for them to cultivate."
"In that case, both Wu Tao and Shen Qingyi can enter the Immortal Affairs Bureau," Xu Mingwei said.
"Have Wu Tao join first. After Xiao Changyuan leaves, we'll find an opportunity to have Shen Qingyi join," Xu Mingyuan suggested.
"If so, this matter is decided."
Xu Mingxuan immediately went to Jade Cold Pool and discussed this matter with Wu Tao.
He naturally did not refuse.
"Don't worry. Though you are young, with our Xu family here, there's no one in all of Qingjiang who dares touch a hair on your head. Once Xiao Changyuan leaves, you can return to Jade Cold Pool to cultivate."
"The Xu family will help handle some of the Immortal Official's responsibilities."
"Many thanks, Third Master."
The next day, Xu Mingxuan brought Wu Tao to the Immortal Affairs Bureau.
Inside the quiet room.
"You say the Xu family has come to visit? Who has come?" Xiao Changyuan opened his eyes, his expression showing surprise.
"It's the Xu family's Third Master, Xu Mingxuan, along with an ordinary-looking youth of fourteen or fifteen," the bailiff said.
"Xu Mingxuan, an ordinary youth?"
"Have them wait in the main hall first. I will arrive immediately."
"Yes, my lord."
Xu Mingxuan and Wu Tao waited in the main hall.
In a short while, Xiao Changyuan walked in with a smile, "What wind has blown Brother Xu here today?"
Xu Mingxuan rose and cupped his fists, "Immortal Official Xiao, greetings."
"Please sit and speak."
The Xu family was undoubtedly a colossus in Qingjiang County. Even though Xiao Changyuan focused wholeheartedly on cultivation, he inevitably learned bits and pieces from the idle chatter of the bailiffs.
Xiao Changyuan swept over them with his divine sense, his pupils suddenly contracting as if someone had pinched his pupils.
He smiled slightly, "Brother Xu's strength is not weak. According to martial artist realms, you should not be far from innate perfection, correct?"
"Brother Xiao is worthy of being an immortal cultivator with vast divine powers. Nothing can escape your discerning eye."
"Haha, Brother Xu is too kind. Speak plainly about your business."
Xu Mingxuan said, "Wu Tao, come greet Immortal Official Xiao."
"Wu Tao pays respects to Immortal Official Xiao."
"Mm, an immortal cultivator? A rogue cultivator?" Xiao Changyuan blurted out, delight in his eyes.
"Wu Tao is someone recruited by our Xu family. He has been cultivating at our Xu residence for nearly two years and has now barely reached the first layer of Qi Refining, so I wish to ask Brother Xiao to let him join the Immortal Affairs Bureau."
"What is his aptitude?"
"Just the poorest pseudo spiritual root."
"No matter. If the aptitude is poor, he can cultivate with dedication."
Xiao Changyuan stroked his beard with a slight smile, "Brother Xu's face must certainly be given, but the first layer of Qi Refining is ultimately a bit low. Whether it succeeds depends on luck."
Xu Mingxuan smiled, pulled out thirty thousand taels in banknotes, and lightly tapped the tea table with his fingers, saying, "Certainly we cannot let Immortal Official Xiao work for nothing."
The smile on Xiao Changyuan's face grew ever more radiant.
Truly when one is drowsy, someone comes to deliver a pillow! This time he could leave with peace of mind, and along the way, he could even make this profit before departure.
Wonderful indeed!