Yun Zhongzi's sincere devotion to the pill Dao was worthy of Xu Chuan's respect.
Inheriting the pill Dao was one thing, but it didn't prevent the Xu family from collecting some fees.
After all, even attending a school required paying the teacher a bundle of dried meat as tuition.
Xu Chuan returned the Dan Hall token, and before leaving, he went to see Daoist Yunding.
Upon hearing that Xu Chuan was withdrawing from the Dan Hall, Daoist Yunding was surprised and even proposed to accompany Xu Chuan to the Xu family for a period of time.
"The Chief truly favors you and doesn't want you to be trapped in the Dan Hall."
"However, that makes sense. Rumor has it that the Chief's lifespan is nearing its end. Who knows what will become of the Dan Hall in the future. At least, no one knows how long it will take for another pill refining grandmaster like the Chief to emerge.
With your talent and aptitude, continuing to stay in the Dan Hall would actually hold you back."
Xu Chuan smiled and said, "Daoist Yunding truly thinks highly of me. Compared to the Chief, I still fall far short.
"You stingy fellow, still wanting to exploit me, a dying man." Daoist Yunding laughed and scolded.
"Forget it. Being with you will at least be more interesting than staying in the current Dan Hall with its undercurrents and endless troubles."
Daoist Yunding was a rogue cultivator who had fully joined the Dan Hall. Withdrawing wasn't as simple as it had been for Xu Chuan.
Therefore, he merely left under the pretext of traveling abroad.
He too had little lifespan remaining and had long been disregarded in the Dan Hall.
After leaving the Dan Hall, Xu Chuan brought out his superior-grade dharma boat, and Daoist Yunding took the opportunity to board.
The two left the Dan Hall.
"By the way, Daoist Xu, I recently heard that your Xu family has been quite restless. I heard you captured the clan territory of a Foundation Establishment family from Guangling Commandery, which neighbors Yuehu Commandery.
Are you establishing a branch lineage, or relocating the family?
If it's a branch lineage, your family only became a Qi Refining family less than twenty years ago, which seems rather hasty. If you're relocating, each commandery is essentially self-governing, and it's not easy for outside forces to integrate."
"Daoist Yunding is so concerned about my Xu family that I'm truly moved. How about joining my Xu family and becoming a guest elder of the Immortal Arts Hall?
Currently, I'm the only elder in that Immortal Arts Hall. Although there are two who can be considered graduates, most are still apprentices."
"Guest elder? What's the monthly stipend in spirit stones?"
"My Xu family rarely uses spirit stones as monthly stipends, mostly granting cultivation resources instead."
"I've long since reached Qi Refining perfection and have both a superior-grade pill furnace and superior-grade magical artifacts. I don't lack any cultivation resources."
"Then how about fresh spiritual fish and spiritual wine as resources, offered daily to satisfy your appetite? How does that sound?"
Xu Chuan turned around and met Daoist Yunding's brightening eyes. He saw him smile faintly and said, "Daoist Xu understands me."
"Then let it be so. If the supply ever runs out, this poor Daoist will leave."
"Then Daoist Yunding, you'll be staying at my Xu family for quite a while."
"Ha ha ha ha~"
The two looked at each other and smiled.
Xu Chuan first went to Guangling Commandery. He needed to see the situation of the Xu family branch with his own eyes before he could feel at ease.
Xu Chuan arrived outside the branch clan territory.
It was still the same style of mist array from Xu Mingxian's handiwork.
Daoist Yunding swept it with his divine sense and said, "This mist array has some skill. It can actually interfere with divine sense. My divine sense far exceeds that of ordinary Qi Refining perfection cultivators, yet it's still somewhat affected."
A moment later he added, "No wonder it was previously the territory of Guangling Commandery's number one family. The spiritual energy concentration is quite good, enough to support the cultivation of your Xu family's Foundation Establishment cultivators."
"By the way, which member of your Xu family has entered Foundation Establishment? This cultivation speed is too fast. Their talent must be exceptional!"
"You'll see them shortly."
Xu Chuan guided the dharma boat straight into the mist.
Azure Jade Peak.
Ren Xiaoyao suddenly opened both eyes, revealing a joyful expression. He immediately transmitted via divine sense to Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingwei, and Xu Mingyuan.
"The Grand Elder has returned."
Everyone's expressions brightened with joy.
Xu Mingxuan immediately left seclusion, while Xu Mingwei and the others, who weren't at Azure Jade Peak, rushed there to pay their respects.
Xu Chuan arrived at Azure Jade Peak.
At the great hall entrance, Xu Mingxuan and Ren Xiaoyao were already standing there.
"Father (Grand Elder)." The two cupped their hands in salute.
Neither had concealed their cultivation, so Daoist Yunding could detect their realms.
One of them was clearly a Foundation Establishment cultivator, yet he too performed such a grand salute to Xu Chuan.
Daoist Yunding was quite startled then, two more middle-aged cultivators flew over. Their features bore some resemblance to Xu Chuan, and they too called out "Father."
All of them stood in a row, like children who had made mistakes, waiting for Xu Chuan to question them.
"You really are something. I've only been gone for so long, and you've stirred up such a commotion that the news has spread all the way to the imperial city."
"Father, the situation arose suddenly, but your son has no regrets about this decision," Xu Mingyuan said.
"Father, this was entirely your son's decision. If there's to be punishment, punish me alone," Xu Mingwei said.
"Father, your son..."
"What do you want to say? Also eager to take responsibility?"
"Your son wants to say that the cultivation pills are almost gone. Father, your return is just in time."
Daoist Yunding listened in bewilderment.
Xu Chuan laughed heartily and said, "Since it's done, it's done. My Xu family can still afford to offend a Foundation Establishment family on the decline."
"By the way, this is Father's good friend, Daoist Yunding, also one of the Dan Hall's elders. He has now accepted Father's invitation to join our Xu family as a guest elder of the Immortal Arts Hall."
Everyone cupped their hands in salute and said, "We meet Elder Yunding."
"Establishing a branch lineage was somewhat hasty, but I see everything is quite stable. You must have handled things well."
Xu Mingyuan smiled and said, "With Father's previous teachings and guidance, your sons are merely following your example."
"No need for flattery. Some problems must have been exposed, right?"
"Indeed. Pills, arrays, talismans, magical artifacts, and such are somewhat in short supply here. We can only travel back and forth to the main lineage for resource exchanges.
Additionally, manpower is slightly insufficient. The Xu family's core clan members are still too few, so we can only employ more outsiders here. However, with your son overseeing things, at least their character is trustworthy for now."
"For pills, Father will refine a batch before returning to Dongxi. For magical artifacts, send a transmission for Elder Wu to come here and oversee things. Also have Wanqing bring two or three pill refining apprentices over."
Throughout this journey, Xu Chuan had already known which Xu family members were here through his divine sense investigation.
"Yes, Father."
"What's the current situation?"
Xu Mingyuan immediately told him about his plans.
Daoist Yunding watched quietly. It was as if the Xu Chuan before him had become a different person, no longer the pill refiner researching the pill Dao that he had known in the past, but a deeply calculating and strategic family head with everything under control.
After hearing Xu Mingyuan's words, Xu Chuan nodded slightly, basically approving of his arrangements.
Guangling Commandery was now in a stable state and wouldn't have any problems in the short term.
However, Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and Ren Xiaoyao would probably need to be stationed here for a long time, after all, the Wei family was not the Zhou family.
Dongxi was stable and didn't require as many people.
Afterward, everyone left Azure Jade Peak, and Xu Mingyuan summoned all members of the current branch lineage to pay their respects to Xu Chuan together.
Then Xu Chuan and Daoist Yunding stayed at Azure Jade Peak to refine pills.
Daoist Yunding was thoroughly shocked.
"Daoist Xu, so you were acting all along with me?" Daoist Yunding said huffily. "I've always considered you a close friend."
"When traveling outside, one must always keep something in reserve. Being too conspicuous is not good."
Daoist Yunding smiled awkwardly and said, "Your temperament is quite suitable for being a rogue cultivator. You'd probably do quite well among rogue cultivators."
"Daoist Yunding flatters me."
Hearing this, Daoist Yunding rolled his eyes and said, "Does the Chief know?"
"Over this past year, I've had many discussions with the Chief. He naturally guessed my pill refining attainments."
"One furnace producing nine pills, seven superior-grade and two middle-grade. Can a pill refining grandmaster do this?" Daoist Yunding looked at the pills suspended in Xu Chuan's palm and marveled.
"No wonder your Xu family could rise so quickly!"
"By the way, what level have you reached with the Nine Flames Formula? You should have reached seven flames, right? No, perhaps higher."
"Wait a moment."
Daoist Yunding stared at Xu Chuan and asked, "Then your realm..."
"I once consulted with the Chief. He said that to reach above seven flames, one needs at least Foundation Establishment and possess divine consciousness."
"Since Daoist Yunding has seen through it, please keep it confidential." Xu Chuan smiled faintly.
"Your Xu family's foundation is truly remarkable!" Daoist Yunding sighed, then immediately made an oath never to reveal anything about the Xu family.
"Thank you, Daoist."
He stroked his long beard and said, "Unfortunately, this poor Daoist is too old. Otherwise, if I had joined your Xu family earlier, I might have truly had a chance at Foundation Establishment."
"I have the Foundation Establishment Pill formula. It was obtained through Senior Yun Zhongzi's fortuitous encounter and can be passed down, which is why he transmitted it to me. However, its main ingredient is special and cannot be preserved.
Even if obtained by chance, it must be consumed or used for pill refinement within a month. Otherwise, its efficacy will greatly diminish over time, even if stored in a way that isolates spiritual energy.
The main ingredient doesn't need to be very aged, just a few decades will do. Unfortunately, it generally cannot be planted in ordinary locations and requires rich spiritual energy."
"Indeed. That's why there are so few Foundation Establishment cultivators in Great Wei. Apart from those with high talent or good fortune, the rest are all stuck at Qi Refining."
Xu Chuan thought of the Wuhua Dharma Assembly, thought of the demonic tribulation.
Now that the Xu family was divided into two branches, merging them again would be wasteful. Better to develop both vigorously.
If Daoist Yunding, whose pill Dao far surpassed Zhou Sen's, could oversee this place alone, combined with Wu Mingsheng, it would be enough for the Guangling branch to never lack middle and superior-grade pills and magical artifacts.
They could develop prosperously like Dongxi.
This would also save the constant back-and-forth transportation of resources between the two locations.
After careful consideration, Xu Chuan looked seriously at Daoist Yunding and said, "Daoist, how much lifespan do you have left exactly? I remember you once said in earlier years that if you could break through to Foundation Establishment, you also wanted to develop a family. Am I correct?"
"What's this? Calculating how many more years you can exploit this poor Daoist?" Daoist Yunding joked.
Seeing his serious expression, he sighed and said, "There's no harm in telling you. About eleven or twelve years at most."
"That's still acceptable."
"What? Still acceptable?" Daoist Yunding paused slightly.
"Daoist Yunding, do you dare gamble? From now on, refine pills for my Xu family, and my Xu family will help you achieve Foundation Establishment and establish your own family."
Hearing this, Daoist Yunding's pupils constricted. After a moment, he laughed heartily and said, "Daoist Xu, don't joke with me. If there were a Foundation Establishment opportunity, wouldn't it be better to let your own family members establish their foundation?
With your pill Dao assistance, your Xu family shouldn't lack Qi Refining perfection members in the future."
"I naturally value your character, temperament, and pill refining attainments. If you can establish your foundation, your pill Dao can advance even further."
"Then wouldn't this poor Daoist be completely bound to the Xu family in the future?"
"Naturally."
"Daoist Xu, this matter is too sudden. Let this poor Daoist think about it."
After a long while, Daoist Yunding asked, "Does your Xu family truly have confidence?"
With a Foundation Establishment opportunity before him, Daoist Yunding was naturally tempted. "This poor Daoist should make it clear that thousand-year spiritual herbs have almost no effect on breaking through my bottleneck anymore, unless they're the type of thousand-year spiritual herbs specifically used for breaking through bottlenecks."
"This opportunity is naturally a Foundation Establishment Pill." Xu Chuan smiled faintly.
"The Wuhua Dharma Assembly?!"
"Precisely!" Xu Chuan said. "That's why I'm asking if you dare to gamble."
After much deliberation, Daoist Yunding felt that since Xu Chuan dared to propose this, he must have some confidence in obtaining a Foundation Establishment Pill at the Wuhua Dharma Assembly.
To enable the Xu family to rise so quickly, they must have more foundation than what was visible.
Even if he offered his remaining lifespan and aptitude to various major families, none would gift him a precious Foundation Establishment Pill.
Daoist Yunding's eyes flickered constantly. Finally, he looked up and said, "Very well. If the Xu family is truly willing to gift a Foundation Establishment Pill, this poor Daoist will thereafter be a pill refiner for the Xu family and will never betray you. I swear by my Dao heart."
"You're straightforward, Daoist. Then I too shall make an oath. If the Xu family obtains more than one Foundation Establishment Pill at the Wuhua Dharma Assembly, one will definitely be gifted to you, Daoist."
Then, Daoist Yunding sighed softly and said, "This trip was originally to relax, but unexpectedly I've found myself a master family.
However, let it be said that if I fail in attempting Foundation Establishment, Daoist Xu, no, Grand Elder, you mustn't blame this poor Daoist."
"This is a gamble for you, Daoist, and equally so for my Xu family."
"Then henceforth, I trouble you, Daoist, to oversee this place and manage the pill refining affairs of my Xu family's Guangling branch."
"This poor Daoist understands."
A few days later.
Wu Mingsheng, Zhang Wanqing, plus two pill refining apprentices and two artifact refinement apprentices arrived at the Guangling branch.
Xu Chuan introduced Daoist Yunding.
Wu Mingsheng was extremely surprised, secretly marveling that Xu Chuan could actually recruit a top pill refining master from the Dan Hall.
Xu Chuan refined pills at full capacity at the Guangling branch for three months.
He refined nearly all the spiritual herb sources that the branch had previously collected.
Daoist Yunding watched until he was completely numb.
Over seventy percent were superior-grade pills. No wonder the Xu family, besides cultivating their own disciples, still had surplus to trade externally.
Additionally, the newly arrived Elder Wu was also a top artifact refinement master capable of forging fine-quality magical artifacts.
Zhang Wanqing's pill Dao was also decent, already able to refine superior-grade pills.
With such foundation, his heart felt slightly more at ease.
Before long, Xu Chuan returned to Dongxi.
He didn't make a grand announcement, after all, aside from a few people, most didn't know that Xu Chuan, the Grand Elder, had left and still thought he had been in quiet cultivation on the mountain.
Xu Dezhao, Xu Deling, Xu Mingshu, and Xu Mingxian all came to pay their respects.
"Father, you've finally returned. Daughter missed you so much," Xu Mingshu said with a smile.
"I've heard about your affairs. Henceforth, Mingwei and the other two will temporarily stay at the Guangling branch until that side is completely stable."
Xu Dezhao said, "Grandfather sent Elder Wu, Third Aunt, and the others there because you intend to develop it vigorously, correct? Elder Wu now has a certain success rate in forging fine-quality magical artifacts, enough to support Guangling Commandery's artifact refinement needs.
However, on the pill refining side, Third Aunt and two pill refining apprentices might not be quite enough.
After all, compared to magical artifacts, the demand for pills is greater."
Xu Chuan smiled and said, "That's why your grandfather stayed there for three extra months."
"The pills there won't be a concern for several years. Wanqing and the others can refine lower and middle-grade pills to sell externally as low-end products, while accumulating and storing superior-grade pills they produce.
Additionally, Grandfather has formally withdrawn from the Dan Hall.
However, using a future Foundation Establishment Pill from the Wuhua Dharma Assembly as conditions, I've recruited one of the Dan Hall's elders, also my good friend there.
With him overseeing Guangling, there's no need to worry about pills anymore."
"Father has withdrawn from the Dan Hall?" Xu Mingxian was extremely surprised.
"Now that Senior Yun Zhongzi's lifespan is nearly exhausted, if I continue staying in the Dan Hall, I'm afraid the Cao clan will come knocking and make me their exclusive pill refiner."
"I see."
"Trading a future Foundation Establishment Pill for a Dan Hall elder, this transaction can't be considered a loss. But probably only our Xu family would be so generous," Xu Dezhao said after pondering for a moment.
"Don't worry. Even if you fail in attempting Foundation Establishment, I have remedial measures."
In the current situation, unless they truly failed in breaking through, there was no need to re-cultivate the Five Elements Spirit Formula.
"Zhao'er, everything in Dongxi should continue as usual."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Afterward, Xu Chuan refined pills, conducted research, cultivated, and nurtured spiritual herbs.
Xu Mingxian reported to him about some situations with that old dragon in the Jade Cold Pool.
Xu Chuan just smiled at this but occasionally visited the Jade Cold Pool to chat with it.
After all, relationships were built through interaction.
The Xu family establishing their clan here also represented fate with it.
The following year in March.
When the grass grew and birds flew, Xu Dezhao, according to Xu Chuan's instructions, spread the news of his successful Foundation Establishment and reported it to the imperial city.
Yuehu Commandery immediately erupted in commotion.
Previously, they had heard that the Xu family produced one Foundation Establishment cultivator. Now with Xu Chuan added, that made two, surpassing the Zhou family in one move.
Many families, believing the Xu family had produced two consecutively and harboring false hope, immediately arranged for clan members to attempt Foundation Establishment.
Unfortunately, none succeeded.
They even wasted portions of thousand-year spiritual medicine in vain.
Apart from lacking clan members and disciples of lower and middle cultivation levels, the Xu family had officially become the hegemon of Yuehu Commandery.
…
The Zhou family.
Zhou Zongren was shocked upon learning of this and hurried to inform Zhou Qingfang.
Zhou Qingfang seemed unsurprised and said calmly, "As expected, Daoist Xu successfully established his foundation. I just didn't expect the Xu family to also find a youth with exceptional spiritual root aptitude.
In less than twenty years of becoming a cultivation family, they've surpassed our Zhou family's planning over several decades."
He sighed and continued, "The Xu family will definitely hold a Foundation Establishment grand ceremony. Go to the treasury and select ten spiritual medicines over a hundred years old.
One thousand-year spiritual medicine, five portions of top-tier magical artifact refinement materials, plus a complete Foundation Establishment cultivation manual."
"Old Ancestor, this..."
"On the day of the Xu family's Foundation Establishment grand ceremony, I will personally attend to congratulate them."
Zhou Zongren said no more, cupping his hands and bowing, "Yes, Old Ancestor."
Seven or eight days later.
The Immortal Official arrived at the Xu family.
"After many years apart, Daoist Xu has also established his foundation."
Xu Chuan cupped his hands and said, "I meet the Immortal Official, sir."
"My name is Cao Yujie. Brother Xu can just call me Brother Cao. I've also heard about your matters. I didn't expect you were previously a Dan Hall elder. Why did you withdraw?"
Xu Chuan said, "I need to oversee the family, so withdrawing was better. After all, a Foundation Establishment family without a Foundation Establishment cultivator overseeing it would be coveted by others."
"But your Xu family now has more than one Foundation Establishment cultivator."
"But my Xu family has also opened a Guangling branch. That side also needs a Foundation Establishment cultivator to oversee it."
Cao Yujie nodded slightly and said no more, then went through the formalities.
For fourth-rank Foundation Establishment families, Foundation Establishment was the most crucial aspect. As for Qi Refining clan members, there weren't many requirements.
With one overseeing the family, its growth was only a matter of time.
Even if a Foundation Establishment expert was alone, if they truly let loose, growing the clan to several dozen or even over a hundred members within several decades would be effortless.
"Brother Xu, your Xu family's potential ranks among the top in all of Great Wei. I look forward to the day your Xu family becomes third-rank.
When you relocate to the imperial city, I, Cao, can provide some assistance."
"Thank you, Brother Cao. But third-rank is still far from my Xu family. Better to focus on what's before us first."
"That's true. From Foundation Establishment early stage to middle stage is not easy."
Afterward, Cao Yujie led his people away.
In his evaluation report about the Xu family, he wrote: The Xu family has the potential to impact first-rank status.
The Cao clan strictly controlled family advancement, which was also a form of oversight.
Clearly, the Xu family had begun to enter the Cao clan's vision. However, at present, they were busy with matters related to the Wuhua Dharma Assembly.
The imperial city's various top three-rank families were all like this.
Families aware of the demonic tribulation attached even more importance to this Wuhua Dharma Assembly, sparing no expense to cultivate suitable prodigies.
They hired top artifact refiners to custom-forge fine-quality magical artifacts suited to them.
Those with deep strength and foundation even used special spiritual medicines to purify their magical power and expand their magical power limits.
Five or six days after the Immortal Official left.
The Xu family broadly sent out invitations.
They invited all seventh-rank and above families in Yuehu Commandery to come to Dongxi to attend the Xu family's Foundation Establishment grand ceremony.
The cultivation families of Guangling Commandery also received invitations.
At the Wei family clan territory.
"Old Ancestor, the Xu family has sent an invitation. Do you think our Wei family should go or not?"
The Wei family Old Ancestor glanced at Wei Changkong and said, "You decide. After all, my lifespan is limited. From now on, you'll make the decisions.
If there are any deficiencies, I'll mention them."
Wei Changkong thought for a moment, then pondered carefully.
Previously, when the Xu family only had one Foundation Establishment cultivator, they were already quite formidable. Now with another added, and both under a hundred years old.
Their strength and foundation were improving at an abnormal speed, far beyond what the declining Wei family could compare with.
Unless the Wei family could bring in powerful outside assistance, it would be truly difficult to oppose the Xu family.
At least currently, the Wei family absolutely couldn't show them any coldness and should try to maintain good relations.
Wei Changkong looked up at the Wei family Old Ancestor and said, "We'll go. Both I and you, Old Ancestor, will go, and we must bring a generous gift.
Regardless of what the future holds, it doesn't prevent our Wei family from wanting to maintain good relations with them at this time."
"Then you go make the arrangements."
Wei Changkong nodded and said, "I'll personally go to the treasury to select items."
With that, he left the great hall.
The Wei family Old Ancestor stroked his long beard, his eyes flickering, "The Xu family truly is an anomaly. Their rise has been so rapid. However, being too conspicuous can bring prestige, but it can also bring disaster."
Three months later.
Dongxi was filled with celebration and liveliness everywhere.
The mist array also dissipated.
The Guangling branch's grand array was activated, and everyone traveled to Dongxi.
Currently, in all of Guangling Commandery, almost no one would provoke the Xu family. As for rogue cultivators, even Foundation Establishment ones couldn't possibly break through this second-rank grand array alone.
Unless they were array specialists.
The arrays Xu Mingxian deployed combined offense and defense.
Array masters would probably need several days to break through.
"Grandpa, look! So many immortal masters have come to our Dongxi."
A young child pointed at the sky, and they could see streams of light flying this way one after another.
There were hundreds, even thousands.
On the ground, carriage after carriage came from Qingjiang, proceeding along the main road in an orderly fashion into Dongxi territory.
Martial Dao families couldn't travel as quickly as cultivators and could only arrive at Qingjiang a day early to stay, then travel to Dongxi the next day.
The old man stroked his gray-white beard, his face full of smiles, and said, "Today is the main family's Foundation Establishment grand ceremony. Many immortal masters and martial Dao families will come to congratulate them."
"Grandpa, what is a Foundation Establishment grand ceremony?" the child asked with his head tilted.
"Foundation Establishment should be a realm for immortal masters, just like your elder brother practices martial arts and is divided into Postnatal martial artists, innate martial artists, and grandmaster martial artists."
"Oh, then are Foundation Establishment immortal masters very powerful?"
"Just look at how they're all rushing to congratulate them, and that explains everything."
"Come on, the village is also setting up flowing banquet tables today."
Hearing this, crystal-clear drool immediately flowed from the corner of the child's mouth. He quickly tugged at the old man's sleeve and said, "Grandpa, let's hurry. If we're late, Da Mao and the others will eat everything."
The old man chuckled, and the grandfather and grandson held hands as they walked toward the village center.
The Foundation Establishment grand ceremony was being held at the same location as the previous Ascending Immortal grand ceremony. However, the scale had already more than doubled.
For those presenting gifts, someone would announce their names and read aloud the gifts presented.
"The Yang family arrives!"
"The Yang family presents two hundred-year spiritual medicines and one second-rank Profound Iron Mother Stone to congratulate the Grand Elder on achieving Foundation Establishment and congratulate the Xu family on becoming a Foundation Establishment family!"
"The Chang family presents one portion of second-rank spiritual wood and one three-hundred-year spiritual medicine to congratulate the Grand Elder on achieving Foundation Establishment and congratulate the Xu family on becoming a Foundation Establishment family!"
Ever since the Yang and Chang families followed the Xu family and founded the Yuehu Martial Alliance, they had become the leaders of all martial Dao families in Yuehu Commandery.
Their foundations were all growing rapidly.
After the Chang family Grand Elder passed away, a new grandmaster perfection martial artist was also born.
Moreover, they now had three or four more grandmaster realm martial artists than before the Su-Zhou Great Battle.
Yang Shidao recently reached grandmaster perfection.
After many years, the Yang family once again became a fifth-rank family.
Innate martial artists and grandmaster martial artists continued to emerge.
Additionally, three or four family disciples with cultivation aptitude were born.
Once they matured, with Yang Yan, this eighth-layer Qi Refining cultivator overseeing things, they would be sufficient to become a sixth-rank cultivation family.
However, they also wanted to learn from the Xu family and accumulate more.
Many cultivation families, seeing their potential, all formed marriage alliances with them.
"The Zhou family of Yuehu Commandery arrives!"
"The Zhou family presents ten hundred-year spiritual medicines, one thousand-year spiritual medicine, five portions of top-tier magical artifact materials, plus the Foundation Establishment manual 'Earth Virtue Returning to Origin Art'.
They congratulate the Grand Elder on achieving Foundation Establishment and congratulate the Xu family on becoming a Foundation Establishment family!"
Upon hearing this announcement, many families gasped and exclaimed, "Worthy of being the Zhou family. Truly a grand gesture."
"Brother Zhou, I've been waiting for you for quite a while. Come over and chat."
Zhou Qingfang sat beside Xu Chuan at the highest position of the grand ceremony.
Those seated here were all Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Even Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, Xu Dezhao, and the others all sat below.
"Brother Xu, congratulations."
"Thanks to Brother Zhou's auspicious words previously, and the Foundation Establishment experience you gifted me. Otherwise, this breakthrough attempt would have had an eighty or ninety percent chance of failure."
Although Zhou Qingfang didn't quite believe it, these words were very pleasant to hear.
"Just a small contribution. Your Xu family previously already had Daoist Ren successfully establish his foundation, so my contribution wasn't lacking, was it?"
Afterward, Guangling Commandery cultivation families successively arrived to congratulate them.
"The Xu family has opened a branch lineage in Guangling Commandery, occupying a Foundation Establishment clan territory. Within ten or twenty years, they'll inevitably become the number one Foundation Establishment family of both commanderies."
"Aren't they already that now?"
"Not necessarily. After all, the Xu family's two are newly advanced to Foundation Establishment. Their strength may not compare to Old Ancestor Zhou and Old Ancestor Wei.
Moreover, the Xu family's development years are still short. They don't have many core clan members, and they also don't have many early and middle-stage cultivators."
"That makes sense."
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
"The Wei family of Guangling Commandery arrives!"
"The Wei family presents seven hundred-year spiritual medicines, three three-hundred-year spiritual medicines, one thousand-year spiritual medicine, three portions of top-tier magical artifact materials, three first-rank pill formulas, and one second-rank pill formula.
They congratulate the Grand Elder on achieving Foundation Establishment and congratulate the Xu family on becoming a Foundation Establishment family!"
"Two Daoists, presenting such generous gifts truly makes me feel honored beyond measure. Please come up and join us."
Apart from the Wei family Old Ancestor and Wei Changkong, the others all sat in the second row with the five Xu sons, Xu Dezhao, Xu Deling, the Zhou family head, and others.
Further down were representatives from various families and other Xu family members.
"Daoist Xu, this is our first meeting. I didn't expect you to be so young. This old man is truly surprised. Unfortunately, last time in Guangling, we didn't get to meet."
"Having you, elder, come personally is an honor for me. This must be Brother Changkong from your esteemed clan."
"I meet Daoist Xu," Wei Changkong said, cupping his hands.
"Please, both of you, take your seats."
Half an hour later.
The grand ceremony officially began.
However, this time was different from the last. It only featured song and dance performances for entertainment .
After three rounds of wine.
Xu Chuan then said, "I thank all Fellow Daoists for honoring us with your presence. My Xu family has also prepared some small gifts as thanks.
However, one must place in the top three of the following competitions."
"The competitions are divided into the Martial Dao Grandmaster Battle, the Qi Refining Seventh Layer Battle, and the Open Battle."
"Among them, the Martial Dao Grandmaster Battle requires participants to be under thirty-five years old. The Qi Refining Seventh Layer Battle only requires meeting the cultivation realm. As for the Open Battle, whether martial artist or cultivator, regardless of age or cultivation level, anyone can take the stage."
"For the Grandmaster Battle, first place receives five bottles of superior-grade Grandmaster Pills, second place receives three bottles, and third place receives one bottle. The Qi Refining Seventh Layer Battle is the same, but the reward changes to superior-grade Qi Nurturing Pills. For the final Open Battle, first place receives one superior-grade Divine Sense Pill, second place receives middle-grade, and third place receives lower-grade."
"In a quarter hour, we'll start with the Grandmaster Battle, then the Qi Refining Seventh Layer Battle, and finally the Open Battle."
Wei Changkong said, "Daoist Xu, your Xu family's gesture is also quite substantial. However, for the Open Battle, Daoist Mingwei's strength has been clearly witnessed by many families in Guangling Commandery.
I'm afraid no one will compete with him for supremacy!"
Xu Chuan smiled and said, "Brother Changkong, rest assured. My Xu family wouldn't be so petty."
He looked at Xu Mingwei and said, "Mingwei, you'll be the referee, responsible for the safety of all participants in the competitions. If anyone's life is in danger, you must intervene."
"Yes, Father." Xu Mingwei cupped his hands.
"Additionally, if any Xu family members win a place, they will not take the reward. The slot will be passed to the next person."
"Ha ha, Daoist Xu is indeed fair. It was this Wei who judged a gentleman's heart with a petty mind."
A quarter hour later.
The Grandmaster Battle began.
Participating from the Xu family were Xu Dewen and Xu Dejun, both sons of Xu Mingwei.
One was at grandmaster perfection, the other at grandmaster middle stage.
After a round of battles, it ultimately became a fight between the two brothers.
Of course, Xu Dejun couldn't possibly be a match for Xu Dewen.
Grandmasters under thirty-five revealed a family's martial Dao cultivation foundation.
The highest-level martial artists from other families who took the stage only reached grandmaster middle stage.
Unfortunately, Xu Dejun missed out on the Body Strengthening Pills and Bone Nourishing Pills that would have solidified his physical foundation in his youth.
Otherwise, approaching grandmaster perfection at this time would also be possible.
As for Xu Dewen, because he cultivated the Innate Five Elements Creation Art, developing spiritual roots and purifying spiritual roots took four or five years.
Otherwise, with his martial Dao talent and the Xu family's cultivation, reaching grandmaster perfection before thirty wouldn't be difficult.
As for future Xu family disciples, at thirty-five or thirty-six, they should at least reach grandmaster middle stage.
After another quarter hour, the Qi Refining Seventh Layer Battle began.
Participating from the Xu family were Xu Derui at seventh-layer middle stage, and Wu Tao at seventh-layer peak.
This was more intense than the Grandmaster Battle.
Some family elders coveting the superior-grade Qi Nurturing Pills all took the stage.
There were also cultivators in their thirties at seventh layer of Qi Refining wielding superior-grade magical artifacts.
The older generation family elders excelled in spell combat experience, while those young family prodigies mostly had superior-grade magical artifacts.
However, in the end, it was a thirty-five or thirty-six-year-old cultivator from the Cheng family of Guangling who obtained first place.
Wu Tao ranked second.
Third place went to a fifty or sixty-year-old seventh-layer peak cultivator from the Ge family.
The supplementary position went to a Zhou family elder.
Although superior-grade magical artifacts were strong, they also consumed much magical power. If one had middle-grade defensive magical artifacts, blocking several times was no problem.
This battle also let each family see their own cultivators' deficiencies.
Especially the Zhou and Wei families.
Because they were Foundation Establishment families, ordinarily no one dared challenge them, so most of their clan members only had average spell combat experience.
The young cultivator brought by the Wei family was only thirty, his cultivation already at seventh-layer peak. He was Wei Changkong's great-grandson, one of the Wei family's true spiritual root aptitude members.
He wielded a superior-grade magical artifact but lost to Wu Tao.
This left him feeling vexed.
The final Open Battle.
The first to take the stage was the Wei family's Qi Refining perfection cultivator. Many cultivators all sighed slightly.
Although it was called "open," it was actually just another way of saying the top Qi Refining battle.
After several competition rounds.
Xu Dezhao stepped onto the arena with his sword.
When the Azure Sky Sword emerged, the long sword rang out and sword qi shot toward the heavens.
After three moves, he made his opponent directly concede.
Afterward came the competition between Qi Refining perfection cultivators wielding fine-quality magical artifacts.
Most Qi Refining families had no fine-quality magical artifacts in their clans. Even if they did, they wouldn't dare openly expose them in this kind of setting.
What if it attracted the covetousness of these three Foundation Establishment families? They truly would have nowhere to cry.
Some fine-quality magical artifacts in Foundation Establishment families also came about this way.
Xu Dezhao consecutively defeated two top experts from the Zhou and Wei families, making his name known across Yuehu and Guangling Commanderies.
Zhou Qingfang sighed and said, "Elder Mingwei truly has worthy successors."
"He's Fellow Mingwei's son?!" Wei Changkong was shocked beyond measure.
Zhou Qingfang smiled and said, "Since the Wei family is in Guangling Commandery, it's normal not to know. Dezhao, besides being the Xu family head, is also Mingwei's eldest son, Daoist Xu's legitimate eldest grandson, and is not yet forty."
The Wei family Old Ancestor narrowed his eyes, gazing at Xu Dezhao on the arena and said, "Like father, like son indeed."
He swept his gaze over the assembled Xu family members, his eyes flickering uncertainly.
If Xu Dezhao could be brought out, he might not necessarily be the strongest of the Xu family's third generation.
Two quarters of an hour later.
The Xu family's Foundation Establishment grand ceremony also basically came to an end but just at this moment.
A Discipline Team member flew over on his sword, cupped his hands, and said, "Grand Elder, someone is causing trouble down the mountain. From what he says, he appears to be from the Wei family.
He's even the Wei family's Foundation Establishment great-grandson."
Wei Changkong's expression changed. His divine sense swept out, and indeed he didn't see that person.
He immediately cupped his hands toward Xu Chuan and said, "Daoist Xu, my great-grandson probably felt vexed after losing the competition. He should be unintentional."
"What did he do?" Xu Chuan said calmly.
"He killed a pair of grandfather and grandson at the foot of the mountain. When the Discipline Team went to apprehend him, he severely injured several people."
"Daoist Xu..."
Xu Chuan raised his hand and said, "Brother Changkong need not say more. Let's go see first. Perhaps it was our Dongxi people who offended your esteemed grandson."
"Daoist Xu speaks reasonably. I will definitely get to the bottom of this."
Everyone proceeded there.
They saw that Wei family youth using his superior-grade magical artifact to shatter several Discipline Team members' lower-grade defensive magical artifacts. Several people were all injured.
Wei Changkong immediately shouted, "You bastard! Who permitted you to run wild at the Xu family? Stop at once!"
Seeing his great-grandfather arrive, the Wei family youth immediately stopped.
When the Discipline Team members saw the Grand Elder and the others arrive, they also immediately stopped and cupped their hands toward Xu Chuan, saying, "Grand Elder."
Before Wei Changkong could inquire, the Wei family youth stepped forward and said, "Great-grandfather, you must uphold justice for your grandson. I merely accidentally killed two commoners.
The Xu family's people were relentless and insisted on apprehending me for punishment.
Where in the world is there such a way of treating guests!"
Wei Changkong glanced over and saw the Discipline Team members' injuries weren't too severe, and his heart relaxed.
"Daoist Xu, my grandson was reckless. This Wei apologizes to you. Fortunately, the guards are all unharmed. These healing pills can be used to treat their injuries.
Additionally, there are some pills for advancing cultivation, which I also gift to them as compensation.
What do you think?"
Xu Chuan glanced at those pills, then said calmly, "No rush. Let me ask you, why did you kill that pair of grandfather and grandson?"
The Wei family youth looked at Wei Changkong. Wei Changkong rebuked, "Answer Daoist Xu's question honestly."
"Yes, Great-grandfather." The Wei family youth cupped his hands toward Xu Chuan and said, "Answering Senior, this junior was just feeling somewhat vexed and came out to get some air.
As a result, that pair of grandfather and grandson offended this junior. This junior originally only wanted to teach them a small lesson, but didn't expect they weren't cultivators. I accidentally..."
Xu Chuan's face showed no expression and said calmly, "Look up, look into my eyes, and say it again."
Hearing this, the Wei family youth couldn't help but look up and meet Xu Chuan's gaze but in the next moment, his eyes gradually became somewhat dazed.
Seeing this, Wei Changkong immediately said urgently, "Daoist Xu, why are you using a confusion technique on my grandson? Don't you believe what he said?"
"Rest assured, Brother Changkong. I won't go so far as to harm your great-grandson's spirit soul. Even if I did, I would personally heal him.
I could even gift a lower-grade Divine Sense Pill as compensation."
With that said, Xu Chuan looked at the somewhat dazed Wei family youth and continued asking, "I'll ask once more. Why did you kill that pair of grandfather and grandson?"
"Because they were disgusting!"
"A commoner child actually ran over openly, wearing a disgusting smiling face to greet me, even asking if I was an immortal master?
Although that old man came forward to apologize, he was still revolting.
The Xu family man who defeated me also seems to be a commoner's son, which made him even more detestable.
I told that child I was an immortal master and asked if he wanted to see a technique.
He clapped his hands and said he wanted to see, and even thanked me.
So I performed a technique and sent that pair of grandfather and grandson to the afterlife.
Being able to see cultivation techniques before dying was a blessing they cultivated over three lifetimes."