"The Xu family's rise is faster than I anticipated!"
"I originally thought it would take at least forty to fifty years."
Zhou Qingfang thought to himself secretly. He had been judging based on how ordinary aristocratic families develop. However, the Xu family didn't follow the conventional path. They opened trading companies throughout all of Yuehu Commandery.
It seemed like great selflessness, opening the path of advancement for all aristocratic families, but the benefits the Xu family gained from these families were certainly even greater.
It was just that even if other aristocratic families noticed this approach, they couldn't imitate it.
After all, the Xu family truly paid out real gold and silver. Those pills and magical artifacts weren't fake.
The Zhou family didn't have such a pill refining grandmaster with top-tier pill refining skills, nor did they have artifact refiners who could stably produce superior-grade magical artifacts.
Throwing down a dozen sets of materials and producing one superior-grade magical artifact would already be considered good.
Whether superior-grade pills or superior-grade magical artifacts, the Zhou family didn't even have enough for their own disciples, so naturally they couldn't take them out for trade.
The reason they hadn't made their move yet was certainly because they lacked the right opportunity.
Looking at it now, this opportunity would be the Xu family producing a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Zhou Qingfang's peripheral vision glanced again at Xu Chuan's face.
Having reached this stage, even if the Zhou family wanted to obstruct them, they could no longer do so.
Perhaps from the moment the Xu family advanced to become an immortal cultivation family, it was already like this.
"The Xu family's ambitions are set on Yuehu Commandery. This old man wants to see how you'll make my Zhou family accept you."
After all, the Zhou family's scale far exceeded what other aristocratic families in Yuehu Commandery could compare to.
"What's wrong, Senior Zhou? Could there be something dirty on this junior's face?"
"Nothing much. The gambling battle is about to begin. What do you think Mingwei's chances of winning are?" Zhou Qingfang changed the subject.
"Mingwei certainly won't disappoint Senior."
"Brother Zhou, Fellow Daoist Xu, are you two talking to yourselves thinking this battle is already won?"
"Senior Feng misunderstands. This junior meant to say that the late-stage Qi Refining match should be extremely exciting and won't disappoint."
The Feng family ancestor chuckled.
The gambling battle proceeded in an orderly fashion.
The first match was between early Qi Refining stages. Both families sent out cultivators at the peak of the third layer of Qi Refining. However, looking at their appearances, they seemed quite old, already past their thirties, even approaching forty.
"They're all death-sworn warriors."
Xu Chuan sighed inwardly. For the sake of this so-called treasure, both families were determined to obtain it.
As he expected, not long after the two families' cultivators engaged, they successively swallowed pills that burned essence blood, and as if not dying fast enough, they also used corresponding life-burning secret techniques.
In an instant, the strength of both families' cultivators soared to the sixth layer of Qi Refining, even comparable to the seventh layer.
However, even with their strength explosively increasing, their essence was still at the third layer of Qi Refining. Without the birth of divine sense, it was basically all close combat.
Therefore, when early-stage Qi Refining cultivators faced corresponding innate martial artists, their win rate wasn't high.
Even with inferior-grade magical artifacts in hand, they could still be killed.
Only starting from the middle stage did cultivators completely crush martial artists.
The duration of the explosive strength increase wouldn't last too long, at most a quarter-hour.
However, Xu Chuan noticed that the Zhou family middle-aged cultivator seemed to have considerable martial skills. Only when both sides' momentum began to decline did he suddenly reveal this trump card.
In one stroke, he broke the stalemate.
Taking advantage of this momentum, within just a dozen moves, he killed his opponent.
"First match, Zhou family wins!"
That Zhou family middle-aged cultivator wiped the blood traces from his face, walked before Zhou Shaoyuan, and cupped his fists, "Family Head, I won. Please take care of my family."
Zhou Shaoyuan's expression was solemn as he nodded slightly, "The contribution you made to the family will be remembered. The family will definitely fully cultivate your biological child."
"Thank you."
With those words, the life force in his body rapidly dissipated.
His originally full jade-like face visibly collapsed at a rate visible to the naked eye. His cheekbones jutted out like knife edges on pale white skin.
His full head of black hair turned frost white within several breaths.
His slender fingers curled like withered branches, his nails taking on the dingy yellow of aged rice paper, with cracking patterns rapidly spreading across his neck.
Shortly after, with a peaceful smile at the corners of his mouth, his body slowly fell backward but Zhou Shaoyuan supported him with magical power and handed him to others, "Take him back for a proper burial."
"Yes, Family Head."
The Zhou family members showed no joy of victory but rather extremely solemn expressions.
"With such cohesion, the Zhou family's rise is inevitable."
Xu Chuan sighed slightly in his heart.
The Feng family head similarly had someone take down the fallen Feng family middle-aged cultivator. With a grave expression, he looked at Zhou Shaoyuan, "Brother Zhou, let's begin the second match."
However, Zhou Shaoyuan waved his hand, "No need. For the second match, my Zhou family concedes. Let's proceed directly to the late-stage Qi Refining match."
The Feng family head's pupils contracted slightly as he stared at Zhou Shaoyuan, but his gaze was calm, impossible to discern anything more from then he glanced at Xu Mingwei.
"Brother Zhou trusts this Fellow Daoist who's only at early ninth layer of Qi Refining so much?"
"Whether he can win or not, we'll know after the match. Does the Feng family need time to prepare?"
"No need." The Feng family head said to someone beside him, "Go invite the Grand Elder."
A moment later, they saw a powerfully built purple-robed middle-aged man walking over with the gait of a dragon and tiger.
"Grand Elder, this final battle depends on you."
The purple-robed middle-aged man's eyes were full of confidence. This confidence was accumulated through defeating over a dozen Qi Refining perfection cultivators, gradually condensing into the embryonic form of an invincible momentum.
"Qingyang, this person cannot be underestimated. He appears to be early ninth layer of Qi Refining, but gives me an unusual feeling. Act steadily, probe his depths before killing him."
"Yes, Ancestor." The purple-robed middle-aged man's divine sense echoed in reply.
Xu Mingwei wore a restriction array artifact on his body that could conceal up to nine minor realm levels at most. Even Foundation Establishment divine consciousness couldn't see through it.
After all, the Xu family didn't lack cultivators with divine consciousness.
"Brother Feng, secretly giving your junior guidance right before battle. Are you that lacking in confidence?" Zhou Qingfang said with a faint smile.
The Feng family ancestor chuckled, not minding at all. "A Qi Refining cultivator that Brother Zhou has been waiting for, it's only natural for my Feng family to take him somewhat seriously, right?"
"Moreover, your Zhou family directly conceded the second match and had the Xu family's person go up. Fellow Daoist Xu, this is obviously trying to weaken your Xu family."
Both Zhou Qingfang and Xu Chuan smiled faintly, completely unmoved.
The Feng family ancestor's eyes turned, and he suddenly said, "How about we make a small wager on this battle? The stake will be one superior-grade magical artifact."
"One superior-grade magical artifact becomes a small stake in Brother Feng's mouth. Truly wealthy and imposing, far beyond what my Zhou family can compare to. Rumor has it the Feng family has an artifact refining grandmaster who can craft superior-grade magical artifacts. It should be true."
The Feng family ancestor smiled without speaking and asked back, "Does Brother Zhou lack confidence in him?"
Zhou Qingfang smiled, "Since Brother Feng has such elegant interest, Zhou will naturally accompany you. How shall we wager?"
"Let's wager on when they'll be defeated. Whoever is closest to the correct answer wins."
Zhou Qingfang pondered for a moment, nodded, and said, "Then I'll wager they can finish within half a quarter-hour."
The Feng family ancestor smiled, "Brother Zhou is truly confident. Then I'll wager a quarter-hour. If the time exceeds half a quarter-hour, then this Feng will have won."
"Two Seniors, may this junior participate?" Xu Chuan suddenly said.
Both the Feng family ancestor and Zhou Qingfang turned their gazes toward him, showing surprised expressions.
"Junior, you truly want to participate? First take out a superior-grade magical artifact for us to see."
Xu Chuan smiled slightly.
The next moment, a superior-grade flying sword flew out and hovered at his side.
This was merely Xu Chuan's transportation magical artifact.
"Interesting." The Feng family ancestor glanced at it and said indifferently, "Then you also state a time."
"I wager nine arrows. If the Feng family's cultivator can withstand nine arrows, then I lose, and the Zhou family also loses," Xu Chuan said.
Zhou Qingfang looked at Xu Chuan thoughtfully but said nothing more.
"What bold words about nine arrows. I want to see how your Xu family's genius will win against my Feng family's Grand Elder with nine arrows!" The Feng family ancestor laughed in exasperation.
Feng Qingyang was a Feng family genius. To cultivate a special technique, he spent over a dozen extra years.
After reaching Qi Refining perfection, the abundance of his magical power exceeded other Qi Refining perfection cultivators by thirty percent.
Moreover, the "Great River Sword Formula" he cultivated was renowned for its overwhelmingly powerful attacks, as vast as great rivers and waterways. Combined with a water-element superior-grade magical artifact the clan specially prepared for him...
Ordinary Qi Refining perfection cultivators couldn't last half a quarter-hour under his hand.
The Feng family ancestor felt that since Xu Mingwei was valued by Zhou Qingfang, he must be extraordinary, which was why he speculated he could persist for over half a quarter-hour.
Xu Chuan smiled faintly and transmitted to Xu Mingwei, "Nine arrows. Your father wagered one superior-grade magical artifact on you."
"Father, rest assured. Although this person feels strong, your son has never disappointed you."
Then Xu Mingwei looked at Feng Qingyang, "Let's battle in the air. This place doesn't allow us to fully deploy our abilities and might accidentally injure others."
"Good." Feng Qingyang nodded. This suited his intentions.
The two rose on their swords into the air, separated by dozens of zhang.
"I cultivate the arrow Dao." As he spoke, the Ink Flood Dragon Bow appeared in Xu Mingwei's hand, with nine dark gold arrow shafts behind his back, all superior-grade magical artifacts.
Their auras connected as one, comparable to a superior-grade magical artifact.
"A bow and arrow superior-grade magical artifact set?" Feng Qingyang's pupils contracted. This was the first time he'd seen this type of magical artifact.
Even the Feng family ancestor was slightly surprised.
"Ten superior-grade magical artifacts. The Xu family has quite the resources. Could they have recruited an artifact refining grandmaster?"
"Could the Feng family ancestor be tempted? Then my Xu family welcomes the Feng family to come trade. My Xu clan's trading company can also custom-order pills and magical artifacts."
The Feng family ancestor smiled faintly, then his gaze fell on the two people in the air.
Zhou Qingfang transmitted, "Fellow Daoist Xu, Xu Mingwei isn't just at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, right? With his talent and the Xu family's foundation, after over a dozen years, he should have reached Qi Refining perfection."
"Just some small tricks, unworthy of entering Senior's eyes."
Feng Qingyang also stood on a superior-grade flying sword and summoned a azure-blue sword resembling glazed glass. Its ringing sound was like the roar of rivers.
"This Feng cultivates the sword path and has defeated all Qi Refining perfection cultivators in Yunshan Commandery. This is also my first time seeing a cultivator specializing in bows and arrows. I hope you won't disappoint this Feng."
"You as well."
With those words, Feng Qingyang held the glazed sword and gently waved it, drawing a perfect arc.
The next moment, countless water vapor condensed, gathering water into a stream. Each droplet of stream water was filled with a wisp of sword qi.
The entire stream was like a giant water sword, carrying incomparably sharp momentum, pointing directly at Xu Mingwei.
Xu Mingwei drew his bow to a full moon. His five fingers gripping the string were like a golden eagle seizing a rabbit. Magical power surged within his body, flooding wildly into the bow and arrow.
A sharp keening arose, as if about to tear the firmament.
The dark gold arrow shaft transformed into a ferocious black flood dragon. In an instant, it penetrated Feng Qingyang's stream sword. If Feng Qingyang hadn't dodged in time, his chest would already have been pierced through.
Everyone present showed expressions of shock.
The Feng family ancestor's expression also changed slightly. He could be certain Feng Qingyang hadn't underestimated his opponent. This move wasn't weak. Even facing other Qi Refining perfection cultivators, it could shatter their spell attacks.
For Qi Refining perfection cultivators without superior-grade magical artifacts in hand, this move was enough to injure them.
"What terrifying arrow Dao!"
Feng Qingyang's heart was also filled with terror. He had nearly died just then.
"Early ninth layer of Qi Refining? No, absolutely not!"
Feng Qingyang said, "Fellow Daoist's strength is so formidable, yet why conceal your realm to lower your opponent's guard? Why not show your true face?"
"Just a habit. When going out, one must always be careful."
Xu Mingwei smiled faintly and withdrew the concealment effect. His aura surged as the momentum of Qi Refining perfection immediately rippled outward.
"As expected, Qi Refining perfection."
"Fellow Daoist Feng, your sword path seems to emphasize overwhelming power and weight, but unfortunately, facing my arrow Dao, it has little effect. That first arrow was a greeting gift. If you don't use your full power, I'm afraid you won't have another chance."
"Indeed as sharp as the arrow Dao you cultivate!"
Feng Qingyang said, "Then take my second sword, Gathering Streams into River!"
Facing an even more overwhelming sword momentum condensing forth, Xu Mingwei released another arrow.
Of course, he hadn't held back on the first arrow either. It was just that the speed and momentum were affected when penetrating the water stream, which allowed Feng Qingyang to react and dodge the first arrow.
"Break!"
The same attack, but the black flood dragon's momentum was even more ferocious.
Feng Qingyang's "Gathering Streams into River" move was broken again.
"Great Rivers!"
As Feng Qingyang's expression grew grave, magical power surged wildly. As his technique changed, three sword rivers appeared in the air.
The three rivers converged at one place, condensing into a long river.
It spanned the sky horizontally. The shocking sword momentum covered the firmament. The overwhelming might made those below shudder. Even Xu Mingwei's expression changed slightly.
His dark cloak moved without wind. Under the hunting sound of his fluttering hem, his body trembled slightly.
"Indeed, cannot be underestimated!"
"Twin Dragons Playing with Pearl!"
Xu Mingwei nocked two arrows on the bow. The instant his fingers released...
Two black flood dragons shot forth rapidly, leaping into the river, riding the waves, constantly heading toward Feng Qingyang.
The overwhelming sword momentum contained in the river couldn't obstruct them at all.
The entire great river instantly collapsed, transforming into countless spiritual lights that dissipated but Feng Qingyang also dodged this strike. Even when Xu Mingwei controlled them to circle back for a sneak attack from behind, he cleaved them apart with a single sword strike.
"Worthy of being the Feng family's Grand Elder. This battle is exhilarating!" Xu Mingwei laughed heartily. "I still have one final move. Please enlighten me, Brother Feng. If you can withstand it, I, Xu, will concede!"
Xu Mingwei's form rapidly retreated. Three arrow shafts were nocked on the Ink Flood Dragon Bow, and he poured in four-fifths of his remaining magical power.
"I've never seen anyone able to break the Grand Elder's 'Great Rivers'?" A Feng family disciple stared wide-eyed and muttered.
"Two arrows broke the Grand Elder's 'Great Rivers.' What kind of power will three arrows have!"
"Who is this person? Does he truly come from a Qi Refining aristocratic family in Yuehu Commandery?!"
"Three Stars Reflecting Moon!"
"Great Rivers!"
The instant the two made their moves, the Feng family ancestor transformed into a stream of light and disappeared from his original location, then appeared beside Feng Qingyang.
He raised his hand, and an ink-green shield flew out from his sleeve robe, expanding against the wind.
It blocked in front of the two of them.