The Golden Crow set in the west, the lingering sun like blood.
Xu Chuan returned to the small courtyard and saw Xu Mingxian sitting cross-legged on a bluestone in the courtyard, meditating. He couldn't help but smile, "Why are you cultivating in the courtyard?"
Xu Mingxian opened his eyes, a trace of joy flashing through his pupils. He leaped up and came before Xu Chuan, saying, "Father, you've returned."
Xu Chuan smiled and nodded slightly.
"Father, can you see any changes in me?"
Hearing this, Xu Chuan swept out with his divine sense, a hint of a smile forming at the corner of his mouth. He praised approvingly, "Not bad, you've broken through to the eighth layer of Qi Refining. You're getting closer and closer to me. Perhaps before I even reach Qi Refining perfection, you, Yunnu, will be able to step into the ninth layer of Qi Refining."
"It's all thanks to your superior-grade Qi Gathering Pills, Father."
"It's a pity you weren't born into a great immortal cultivation clan. Otherwise, the clan would surely have a Foundation Establishment quota for you." Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingxian and sighed, then continued, "With your aptitude, you'll surely reach Qi Refining perfection within three to five years. However, the Foundation Establishment barrier will likely trap you for several decades."
"Not so." Xu Mingxian shook his head and grinned, "Yunnu believes being born into the Xu family is my fortune."
Back then, his refining of Jade Sprout Pills was all for Xu Mingxian's sake.
Xu Chuan shook his head with a laugh, "Father also has selfish motives. I want to wait for you to grow up and become pillars of the Xu family along with your eldest brother and the others. In the future, there will surely be considerable dangers in the struggles between immortal cultivation families, or other matters."
"As a descendant of the Xu family, when weak I receive the family's protection and the love of parents and elder brothers. When I grow strong, I should naturally hold up a piece of the sky for the family. As for danger..."
Xu Mingxian's lips curved slightly upward, "With my three-foot blade and array Dao accomplishments, what is there to fear?"
Thinking of this, his eyes revealed excitement, and he continued, "Father, Yunnu has recently been researching and deducing the Four Symbols Heaven Force Grand Array, and I have many insights and comprehensions."
"Oh, tell me about them." Xu Chuan raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.
"Current array masters, when facing enemies, often set up arrays in advance and lure people into them, or rely on already refined array plates or array flags to instantly form arrays."
"That's correct." Xu Chuan nodded, showing his agreement.
"But why can't array masters pursue the path of close combat?" Xu Mingxian's eyes burst with brilliant light, "Elder Brother walks the path of archery, with unmatched offensive power. Even if he converts to the immortal Dao, with a grandmaster's physique and strength combined with his archery Dao, even without cultivating ordinary spells, his combat power would still be supreme, invincible among peers."
"And I also want to forge such a path, using divine sense as restrictions, forming arrays with a single thought. Perhaps I cannot form overly powerful array restrictions, but lower-level arrays or restrictions should still be possible to form. With this to obstruct and distract enemies, then controlling magical artifacts to fight, my close combat ability would be greatly enhanced."
"However," Xu Mingxian then scratched his head, "this is still just a preliminary concept. Just the control of divine sense alone needs to reach an extremely precise level."
Could such a coincidence truly exist?
Xu Chuan cultivated the Nine Flames Formula, and Yun Zhongzi had not made him swear any oath restrictions.
This meant Xu Chuan could pass it on to others.
Did he forget, or did he intentionally want me to pass down this inheritance?
Regardless, this was Xu Mingxian's fortune.
"Divine sense as restrictions, forming arrays with a single thought!"
"What magnificent ambition indeed!"
Xu Chuan was very gratified that Xu Mingxian could find his own path.
Just as he supported Xu Mingwei's choice to cultivate both immortal and martial paths, though Xu Mingxian's so-called battle array path was even more difficult, he would still fully assist him.
As for making him become a sword immortal, Xu Chuan completely abandoned that small thought in his heart.
"Each person has their own fortune. I'll leave Sword Heart Clarity for future descendants."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly and slapped his storage bag. A tome flew out from it and landed in Xu Mingxian's hands.
"Father, what is this?"
"A transmission I learned from the Dan Hall. It will also greatly help the path you're walking."
"A transmission from the Dan Hall?" Xu Mingxian was immediately shocked and hastily tried to decline, "Father, aren't you afraid of being backlashed by oath restrictions?"
"Senior Yun Zhongzi did not make me swear any oath restrictions. While I can still learn it, hurry and learn. If he remembers, at worst I'll tell him directly and compensate him with a hundred spirit stones." Xu Chuan said with a light laugh.
"Though this Nine Flames Formula is a fire control method, its essence is a rare divine sense manipulation technique. It should belong to ancient methods. Reaching the nine flames level, one can split divine sense into nine strands while maintaining perfect control. One can freely manipulate multiple magical artifacts, which fits very well with your battle array path."
"Doesn't that mean it has great use for pill refining fire control, combat, and many other areas?!"
"Naturally." Xu Chuan nodded, "It's just that this technique is extremely difficult to cultivate. Though Father is confident of mastering it, it will likely take a very long time, not like ordinary spells that can be mastered within half a month at most. As for you, Yunnu, you can first attempt it. The three flames level isn't difficult."
"After mastering it, it should help you repair the array flags. Even if you cannot perfect the family protection grand array before the year-end sacrifice, it won't matter much. We're not in a hurry for this moment."
"Yunnu understands. Thank you, Father."
Xu Mingxian immediately accepted it. After copying a duplicate, he returned it to Xu Chuan.
That night, Xu Chuan meditated and cultivated in his room. He also gave Xu Mingxian a bottle of superior-grade Qi Gathering Pills.
The spiritual qi concentration here, combined with the Spirit Gathering Array, superior-grade Qi Gathering Pills, and Xu Mingxian's own Qi Swallowing Mountains and Rivers talent.
If he stayed here long-term, he would likely step into the ninth layer of Qi Refining in just over a year.
In three or four years, he could reach Qi Refining perfection.
The next day, at the Dan Hall.
An apprentice came to Xu Chuan's pill room and transmitted his voice, "Elder Sansu, someone outside the Dan Hall is looking for you."
Xu Chuan was refining pills and said indifferently, "This Elder is currently refining pills. After this furnace finishes, I'll go. Have them wait for a few quarters of an hour. If they're unwilling, they can come another time."
"Yes, Elder Sansu."
Outside the Dan Hall.
A middle-aged man in brocade robes stood outside the entrance. Seeing the apprentice who had gone to report earlier come out, he stepped forward and asked, "How is it? Is the Elder Sansu willing to see me?"
"The Elder Sansu is refining pills and needs to wait until this furnace finishes. If Senior is willing to wait, you can wait here for two or three quarters of an hour. If you're unwilling, you may leave first and visit again later."
"A mere three quarters of an hour, I'm naturally willing to wait."
The middle-aged man in brocade robes had a smile on his lips, appearing full of sincerity.
The apprentice nodded slightly and went back inside to report to Xu Chuan.
Two quarters of an hour later.
Xu Chuan formed complex hand seals, and hand imprints condensed from magical power struck into the pill liquid.
"Condense!"
Two or three more seals followed.
"Collect!"
Nine pills, still carrying residual warmth, flew out from the pill furnace in a line, suspended above Xu Chuan's palm, rotating slowly in a circle.
"Mm, six superior-grade Qi Gathering Pills?" Xu Chuan's eyes showed delight, "This is the most abundant output of superior-grade pills in nearly half a month."
Although he couldn't guarantee the next time, Xu Chuan believed that if he cultivated both the Nine Flames Formula and the Jade Liquid Restoration Formula to great completion, or even entering the divine and transcendent realm, achieving nine pills, all superior-grade, would no longer be a fantasy.
With a sweep of his sleeve, a stream of magical power flowed through the pill furnace to clean it. Xu Chuan straightened his robes and walked out of the pill room.
"Who's looking for me?"
Xu Chuan was somewhat surprised. When he reached outside the Dan Hall, a middle-aged man in brocade robes approached him, "Are you the newly arrived Dan Hall Elder, Master Sansu?"
He wore the green and white robes of a Dan Hall Elder, so he was naturally easy to recognize.
"This poor Daoist is he. Who are you?"
Xu Chuan glanced at him. In brocade robes, tall and thin in build, he appeared ordinary, yet possessed sixth layer Qi Refining cultivation. He should be from some Qi Refining family or Foundation Establishment family in the Imperial City.
"I am Wang Gui, steward of the third-rank family Wang family. I've met Master Sansu."
Wang Gui cupped his fists and bowed, his etiquette very proper.
Xu Chuan returned the courtesy, "I've met Fellow Daoist. For what matter has Fellow Daoist come to find this poor Daoist?"
"I've heard that Master Sansu is profoundly accomplished in the pill Dao. My Wang family also has a pill shop in the marketplace. We wish to cooperate with Master, for mutual benefit."
So that's how it is.
Xu Chuan had long heard that many pill shops in the marketplace were opened by aristocratic families, but behind them were the shadows of several Dan Hall Elders.
After pondering for a moment, he said, "Fellow Daoist Wang, this poor Daoist is devoted to researching the pill Dao. The Dan Hall tasks already keep me very busy, and I truly have no spare time recently. This matter should be discussed another day."
Xu Chuan was honing the Nine Flames Formula and the Jade Liquid Restoration Formula. The Dan Hall 'performance' tasks already satisfied him. Why would he need to add extra trouble for himself?
He allocated all his remaining time to the cultivation dao.
Wang Gui's brow furrowed slightly.
He had brought up his identity as a third-rank family steward, originally intending to make Xu Chuan weigh the power of a third-rank family. Yet Xu Chuan declined as soon as he opened his mouth, which slightly displeased him.
"Why not first go observe my Wang family's pill shop, then decide?"
Xu Chuan raised his hand, "Affairs are busy, and I cannot get away. If your esteemed family wishes to ask this poor Daoist to research a certain pill formula, or refine certain pills, this poor Daoist would be very happy. As for other matters, it's best to avoid them if possible."
"Please."
Xu Chuan was at the ninth layer of Qi Refining and was also a Dan Hall Elder. Wang Gui naturally dared not offend him.
Immediately showing no displeasure on his face, he cupped his fists and departed.
Xu Chuan looked deeply at his departing figure, then turned and returned to the Dan Hall to continue refining pills.
Wang Gui returned to the Wang family and reported the matter to a middle-aged man.
"Family Head, that Daoist Sansu truly doesn't give our Wang family any face. It's really infuriating."
The Wang family head appeared middle-aged but was actually over sixty years old. His strength was even at the ninth layer of Qi Refining perfection.
He glanced indifferently at Wang Gui. Wang Gui's body trembled, and he immediately lowered his head and said nothing more.
"A Dan Hall Elder, how can you casually insult him?" The Wang family head said, "Moreover, he already left three parts of face, saying that if our Wang family has pill formula or pill needs in the future, we can consult with him."
"As for the cooperation matter, let it be. After all, among Dan Hall Elders, those who keep to themselves are not just him alone. There's no need to offend a Dan Hall Elder over such a small matter."
"This subordinate spoke carelessly. Family Head, please don't blame me."
"Alright, you may go."
Over the next month, stewards from three or four families came to find Xu Chuan for cooperation, but he declined them all with the same reason.
In his spare time, he encountered Daoist Yunding, who said, "Seeing you frantically complete Dan Hall tasks, I thought Fellow Daoist Sansu lacked spirit stones. Now hearing you've refused cooperation matters with many families, it seems I was mistaken."
Xu Chuan shook his head with a laugh, "I never thought I was this kind of person in Fellow Daoist's eyes. Today you must treat me to a jar of Jade Truth Brew, or I won't easily let Fellow Daoist off."
"Hahaha." Daoist Yunding stroked his beard and smiled, "It's my mistake. It seems I must treat you to this Jade Truth Brew."
"Why not, Fellow Daoist Sansu, accompany me to the Treasure Pavilion. There happens to be a small-scale auction today."
"Treasure Pavilion?" Xu Chuan said in surprise, "Could it be the same as the Treasure Pavilion in Tongshan Commandery..."
"Naturally the same. Both are backed by the Cao imperial family." Daoist Yunding smiled faintly, "However, if various families have gains, they will also hold auctions at the Treasure Pavilion. Not long ago, I heard a secret treasury of an ancient family was discovered. People from the Imperial City and Foundation Establishment families from various places rushed there upon hearing the news. However, it was still the imperial family and the three great first-rank families who took the lion's share."
"May I ask which are the three great first-rank families?"
Hearing this, Daoist Yunding looked at Xu Chuan with suspicion, "Fellow Daoist truly doesn't concern himself with worldly affairs. No wonder you've achieved such pill Dao accomplishments and cultivation at such an age."
Pausing, he continued, "Jiang, Lin, Lei. These are our Great Wei's three great first-rank families, with profound foundations. I've heard that before the Cao clan became a Golden Core family, the four families were all equal existences, all having endured for a thousand years. Among all other families, none have survived for more than a thousand years to this day."
"Thousand-year families, their foundations must be truly terrifying."
"That's natural. Setting aside the Golden Core ancestor, even if the Cao clan gathered all their family's strength, they currently can only compare to the three families."
Xu Chuan's brow furrowed slightly. After pondering briefly, he said, "Something's not right. If this is truly the case, after the Cao clan became a Golden Core family and unified the surrounding regions, why would they tolerate the Jiang, Lin, and Lei three families?"
Daoist Yunding smiled mysteriously, "Naturally because they have people above them."
Having said this, he spoke no more.
Xu Chuan's interest was piqued, so he also went with Daoist Yunding to see the so-called Treasure Pavilion auction.
When they arrived, the auction had already begun.
"This is a superior-grade magical artifact called Ice Edge. Among superior-grade magical artifacts, it's also considered top-tier. If any Fellow Daoist cultivates ice-attribute cultivation methods, or possesses ice-attribute bloodline constitution, using this sword in combat can add thirty percent more power. The starting price is five hundred spirit stones, with each bid increase no less than twenty spirit stones. Fellow Daoists, please begin bidding."
The two entered the Treasure Pavilion, and a middle-aged steward approached them.
Upon seeing the two, he said with a smile, "So it's the Dan Hall's Third Elder, Daoist Yunding. Please come to the elegant rooms on the second floor."
While walking, he asked, "Daoist Yunding, who is this?"
"Steward Cao Zhen, this is Fellow Daoist Sansu, personally recruited by Chief Yun Zhongzi as the Thirteenth Elder."
"So you are the recently famous Thirteenth Elder. I failed to recognize you. Please don't take offense."
Xu Chuan cupped his fists in return, "Fellow Daoist is too polite. This poor Daoist just entered the Dan Hall and keeps a low profile. It's natural that Fellow Daoist didn't recognize me. Now you do."
"Haha, the Thirteenth Elder speaks truly. Please."
The elegant rooms on the second floor faced the windows, providing an excellent view of the auction below.
"Steward Cao Zhen, bring a pot of Jade Truth Brew." Daoist Yunding took his seat, his wide robes sweeping lightly to his side.
"Third Elder, please wait a moment. I'll have someone bring it right away."
Shortly after Cao Zhen personally carried a white jade wine bottle and presented it on the table before Daoist Yunding, saying, "Both Elders, please enjoy at your leisure. If there are any items of interest in the auction, you may also participate in the bidding."
Daoist Yunding nodded slightly, and Cao Zhen left the elegant room.
"Come, Fellow Daoist Sansu, the Jade Truth Brew you've been longing for. This bottle costs five spirit stones. For Qi Refining late-stage immortal cultivators like you and me, it also has some slight benefits. Don't waste it."
Daoist Yunding poured him a cup with a smile.
Xu Chuan cupped his fists and grinned, "Many thanks. If I have spare time, I'll definitely return the favor."
"Given your state of refining pills during the day, researching pill Dao, cultivating at night until dawn, this old man fears I'll have quite a wait."
"Haha~"
The two looked at each other and smiled, raising their wine cups. After clinking them together, they both took a light sip.
The wine pot wasn't large. If drinking heartily, it would likely be emptied within the time for a cup of tea.
"Oh, this was won by the Wang family in the bid."
Daoist Yunding's eyes glanced over and he smiled faintly.