"Family Head Xu is too kind!"
Family Head Cheng received the porcelain bottle and put it away, cupping his fists with a smile, "My Cheng family absolutely stands with the Xu family. If you need anything, just give the word. This Cheng will definitely bring our family disciples to assist."
"After all, since the Xu family became the hegemon of Guangling Commandery, we Qi Refining families have had noticeably better days."
"Moreover, the Xu merchant operations occasionally sell superior-grade pills and artifacts, allowing our foundations to gradually deepen. We can see hope for the future."
"Thank you," Xu Deheng also cupped his fists, "Then I'll trouble Family Head Cheng to help monitor the situation in Guangling Commandery. Any family that provides information, my Xu family will give compensation."
Family Head Cheng grinned broadly, "That's natural. We don't want to return to the past either."
Afterward, Family Head Cheng took his leave.
Xu Deheng turned and went to Azure Jade Peak.
"Father, Uncle, Second Uncle, I think I know who killed our Xu family members."
"The Feng family!"
Xu Deheng said, "Just now Cheng Guangping came and said the Feng family has occupied the medicine garden at the Ge family clan grounds, and all the guarding disciples were killed."
Xu Mingwei's aura immediately erupted, killing intent overflowing.
"Stay calm, Mingwei," Xu Chuan said.
"Since eldest brother knows it's the Feng family, we'll settle accounts sooner or later. It's just that when the Feng family fled to the Imperial City in panic back then, their sudden return now likely has the Cao family's handiwork behind it."
Xu Mingyuan pondered carefully, "On one hand suppressing our Xu family's operations in Tongshan Commandery, forcing us to retreat, on the other hand supporting the Feng family who have a grudge against our Xu family. Competing with our Xu family, even brazenly ambushing and killing our younger generation."
"The Cao family is doing this to suppress and delay our Xu family's development!"
"Deheng, you're now the family head of our Xu family's Guangling branch. Tell us, how should we respond?" Xu Mingyuan looked at Xu Deheng.
Xu Deheng met his gaze, then lowered his head in thought for a moment before saying, "Second Uncle, your nephew feels that since the Feng family plans to compete with our Xu family in Guangling Commandery, there's no need to rush. We can have Elder Xiaoyao and another person make a trip to probe the Feng family's confidence. Show the enemy our weakness first. Then formulate a plan to eliminate them all in one stroke. After all, if the Cao family is behind this, once our Xu family displays too much strength, the Cao family might send reinforcements. So if we strike, it must be with one fatal blow."
"Your considerations are quite thorough," Xu Mingyuan nodded, then turned to look at Xu Chuan, "Father, what do you think?"
"Acceptable. Tomorrow have Mingwei and Xiaoyao make the trip."
The two immediately nodded.
Xu Mingyuan continued, "Deheng, before our Xu family takes action, have our Xu family disciples reduce going out. Leave the intelligence gathering to other families."
"I understand, Second Uncle," Xu Deheng replied.
"The final question is, if the Feng family's Foundation Establishment cultivators truly come from the Cao family, what should our Xu family do?"
"Kill or not kill?!"
Xu Mingyuan had a suppressed fury in his heart over the deaths of several Xu family members but he also knew the Feng family wasn't much.
However, facing the Cao family and giving them a real reason to act, the Xu family currently couldn't withstand it either!
Everyone fell silent.
Xu family disciples were killed. The Xu family's anger was natural but if Cao family Foundation Establishment cultivators died at the Xu family's hands, even more than one, the impact would only be greater.
The importance of Foundation Establishment cultivators far exceeded that of Qi Refining.
Even for a Golden Core family like the Cao family, Foundation Establishment cultivators couldn't be casually cultivated.
"Naturally we should kill!"
Xu Chuan's voice was calm, "And we must kill openly, in full view of everyone!"
"After all, there's more than one family surnamed Cao in the world, not just Great Wei's imperial Cao family!"
Xu Mingyuan instantly grasped Xu Chuan's meaning, his eyes brightening, "Father means to find a way to invite many Foundation Establishment families to come. As long as in full view of everyone, the Feng family and those people admit they're not from the Cao family, then they're not the imperial Cao family! Even if the Cao family knows, they'll have to swallow their anger. For the sake of face, they definitely won't send large numbers of Foundation Establishment cultivators to crusade against our Xu family."
Xu Chuan nodded.
In terms of meticulous thinking and clear-mindedness, it was indeed still second son Xu Mingyuan.
"As for what comes after, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it!"
"Also, as Ruher said, there's no need to rush revenge. Let the clowns jump around more, then solve them all together."
"I want all of Guangling Commandery to have no other voices!"
The current Xu family was no longer the existence from the beginning that could be destroyed by any family with a light touch.
In all of Great Wei, they were also among the top powers.
The next day, Ren Xiaoyao and Xu Mingwei went to the Feng family's occupied territory.
The array formation here was no longer the second-rank inferior grand array the Xu family had originally set up.
Several Feng family disciples guarded outside the grand array.
Without a word, Xu Mingwei waved his hand, condensing dozens of golden arrows that fell like arrow rain with sharp edges.
Those people immediately died.
The screams attracted those inside the grand array.
Looking up, they saw Xu Mingwei and Ren Xiaoyao.
"The Xu family has attacked!" Sounds rose one after another.
Ren Xiaoyao opened his mouth, his voice exploding like thunder, "Feng family people, you have half a tea's time to come out and accept death!"
The voice echoed again and again.
The Feng family members and the three Cao family Foundation Establishment cultivators naturally all heard.
The next moment, over ten figures rushed out of the grand array, confronting Ren Xiaoyao and Xu Mingwei.
Leading them were the three Cao family Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Feng Wande along with over ten ninth layer Qi Refining Feng family cultivators stood on flying swords to their left and right.
"Feng Wande, I didn't expect your Feng family would dare return to Guangling Commandery. Killing my Xu family disciples, occupying my Xu family's spiritual fields and medicine gardens, who gave you such audacity!"
Ren Xiaoyao suddenly released Foundation Establishment pressure.
Feng Wande and the other Qi Refining cultivators' bodies sank.
"What kind of ability is bullying Qi Refining cultivators!"
The leading Cao family Foundation Establishment cultivator waved his hand, dispelling Ren Xiaoyao's Foundation Establishment pressure.
"Which Fellow Daoists are you? Why interfere in the grudge between my Xu family and the Feng family? Could you give my Xu family some face!"
"Give your Xu family face? What is your Xu family!" Another Cao family Foundation Establishment cultivator with gray-white hair and an elderly appearance said.
"Exactly!" Feng Wande chimed in, "Your Xu family killed my Feng family's Old Ancestor Feng Xiuyuan, forcing us to flee Guangling Commandery. How could my Feng family not avenge this grudge? I'll tell you the truth, my Feng family has returned precisely to seek revenge against your Xu family!"
"Was my grandson Xu Chongyan killed by your Feng family?!" Xu Mingwei demanded sternly.
"Xu Chongyan? This family head doesn't know any Xu Chongyan, but yesterday my Feng family did encounter your Xu family disciples in the nearby mountains and casually killed them. I don't know if your grandson was among them," Feng Wande's lips were full of mockery.
"Seeking death!"
An angry shout cut through the wilderness. Xu Mingwei drew a black-scaled longbow from his storage bag, the Ink Flood Dragon Bow he had used before.
The new top-grade treasure bow artifact set "Silver Radiance" was too conspicuous and unsuitable for exposure at this time.
His left hand gripped the bowstring. His right hand suddenly pulled it to a full moon. An Ink Flood Dragon arrow carrying a sharp whistle that tore through the air shot straight at Feng Wande's face.
The arrowhead flashed with a cold gleam that inspired fear.
Feng Wande's expression changed drastically. Just as he was about to retreat, the scar-faced middle-aged cultivator at early Foundation Establishment peak beside him pressed his shoulder. His other hand waved lightly, and a purple shield flew from his sleeve.
Its surface had purple cloud pattern designs.
The Purple Cloud Shield erupted with purple light, condensing into a pale purple light screen that blocked Xu Mingwei's arrow.
The purple light screen rippled violently.
Soon after, the arrow reversed and flew back.
"They all say the Xu family's Arrow Demon's arrows are terrifying. Seeing it today, it's an undeserved reputation!"
"Xu Mingwei, stop hiding. Since you've already entered Foundation Establishment, why not display it openly and honestly!"
His figure shot forward like lightning. His right hand brought out a top-grade artifact blade glowing with crimson light, its blade wrapped in blazing spiritual fire as it chopped down at Xu Mingwei's head.
Xu Mingwei didn't dare meet it head-on and quickly retreated.
At the same time, he drew his bow again. Two more black arrows shot toward the scar-faced middle-aged man's eyes.
The scar-faced middle-aged man smiled contemptuously. With a beckoning gesture, the Purple Cloud Shield appeared before him like a teleport, its purple light screen easily blocking the arrows.
Moreover, the blade swept horizontally. The spiritual fire instantly transformed into a fire dragon that entangled Xu Mingwei's Ink Flood Dragon Bow.
"Hiss—"
The black scales on the Ink Flood Dragon Bow sizzled under the spiritual fire's burning.
Then the scar-faced middle-aged man flicked a strand of purple spiritual energy from his fingertip, striking Xu Mingwei's left shoulder squarely.
A spray of blood burst forth.
"Crack~"
The intense pain of his shoulder bone fracturing made him grunt, his face turning deathly pale.
The Ink Flood Dragon Bow also flew from his hands.
The scar-faced middle-aged man closed in again, holding the top-grade war blade, about to chop down.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh~
Five streams of light shot over, accurately striking the war blade's side.
The scar-faced middle-aged man nearly lost his grip on the war blade. He quickly retreated.
"Want to fight two against one? This old master will accommodate you to the end!" A fierce light flashed in his eyes.
Xu Mingwei immediately took a Hundred Herbs Pill. His injuries improved considerably. He recalled the Ink Flood Dragon Bow and flew to Ren Xiaoyao's side.
Five flying swords wandered in midair, finally stopping before Ren Xiaoyao.
His brow furrowed tightly as he stared at the scar-faced middle-aged man, "A third layer Foundation Establishment peak bullying someone who just entered Foundation Establishment, what kind of ability is that!"
"Then you come up," the scar-faced middle-aged man taunted.
"Just who are you people? What relationship do you have with the Feng family?"
"They're Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators my Feng family hired at great cost!" Seeing the famous Xu Mingwei defeated, Feng Wande immediately said smugly.
"A bunch of skulking cowards who don't even dare reveal your names. Could you be from Great Liang or Great Jin?"
Ren Xiaoyao said, "Even if our Xu family can't deal with you three, we'll naturally report to the Imperial City. Let's see where you spies flee to then!"
"Fellow Daoist Ren, don't make wild accusations. We're authentic Great Wei people," the square-faced Cao family Foundation Establishment cultivator said indifferently.
"It's just that we three brothers prefer to keep a low profile."
"Moreover, Great Wei has so many rogue cultivators. You can't possibly know them all!"
"If you dare, leave your names. In the future, my Xu family will definitely avenge this!"
The scar-faced middle-aged man sneered, "Our surname is Cao. This is my eldest brother, Cao Da. This is my second brother, Cao Er. I'm called Cao San. We three brothers are always waiting for your Xu family to seek revenge!"
"Great Wei's imperial family, the Cao family?" Ren Xiaoyao's pupils contracted.
The square-faced middle-aged man said indifferently, "Great Wei has so many people surnamed Cao. Not everyone comes from the imperial Cao family!"
"We three brothers once received great kindness from the Feng family's old ancestor. Now that the Feng family has declined, we were invited to become the Feng family's supreme elders. If your Xu family is willing to return the Feng family's clan grounds and provide compensation, we're not unwilling to be mediators."
"Dream on!" Xu Mingwei said, "If you were people from the imperial Cao family, we'd still give you some face. But mere rogue cultivators daring to interfere in family affairs, you're truly seeking death! Our Xu family's Grand Elder has wide connections. He'll definitely find people to deal with you!"
"Noisy!"
A flying sword suddenly appeared in the square-faced middle-aged man's hand. He waved it lightly.
A fierce azure sword qi flew toward the two.
Ren Xiaoyao formed a sword array and defended with full force, but still couldn't block it. He coughed blood and flew backward.
Seeing this, the two fled without looking back.
The scar-faced middle-aged man immediately wanted to pursue, but was stopped by the square-faced middle-aged man's raised hand.
"The Xu family isn't weak. That Ren Xiaoyao still hasn't used his divine consciousness attack secret technique. If you face him, you'll suffer losses. For now, we should focus on stability, helping the Feng family grow strong and gradually eroding and delaying the Xu family's development. That is our mission."
"Understood, eldest brother."
Over ten li away, Ren Xiaoyao and Xu Mingwei no longer had their previous panicked fleeing expressions.
"Sixth layer Foundation Establishment peak, fifth layer Foundation Establishment, third layer Foundation Establishment peak. The Cao family truly made a grand gesture. If they die in Guangling Commandery, it should make the Cao family feel some pain."
Xu Mingwei said indifferently, "Let's return and inform the others about this matter."
Ren Xiaoyao nodded.
Through Daily Divination, Xu Chuan had long known the outcome of Xu Mingwei's trip.
After reaching Foundation Establishment, sometimes a single seclusion session lasted seven or eight days.
So unless something happened, Xu Chuan rarely used this talent anymore.
After all, most of the time the results were neutral hexagrams.
The Xu family couldn't avoid all deaths. Conflicts and struggles were inevitable.
This time with Xu Deqian and several great-grandsons dying, he felt heartache too but if the Xu family couldn't overcome this obstacle, they couldn't grow.
When poor and weak, they'd be bullied by wealthy village households and landlords. When they had some scale and reached family standards, they'd be suppressed by other families.
Becoming an immortal cultivation family, they'd inevitably be targeted by other immortal cultivation families.
Life was full of conflicts everywhere.
Since there were conflicts, deaths were unavoidable!
Only by wading through sorrow and facing death directly could the Xu family gradually become truly strong.
Two days later, Xu Dewen awoke. Seeing Xu Mingwei meditating cross-legged in the room, his eyes immediately moistened, his heart filled with infinite grievance.
"Father."
"Dewen, you're awake."
"I'm not dead?!" Xu Dewen then realized what had happened.
Xu Mingwei said, "It should be that Deqian's superior-grade Hundred Herbs Pill preserved a thread of your life force, allowing you to hold on until your grandfather arrived."
Xu Dewen silently lowered his head. Thinking of how Xu Deqian had sent the pill into his mouth even as he was dying, his heart felt as if someone was squeezing it.
It hurt terribly!
"Father, since I'm not dead, what about Deqian? And Yan'er, Lei'er, Zhi'er, those three children, how are they?"
Seeing his agitated appearance, Xu Mingwei remained silent.
Xu Dewen immediately understood.
He suddenly pounded his legs, choking up, "Father, your child is so useless... couldn't protect Deqian, couldn't protect Yan'er and the others..."
Two streams of turbid tears slid from his sunken eye sockets.
"Father, it's the Feng family!" Xu Dewen thought of something and said hurriedly.
Xu Mingwei nodded, "We already know. The Feng family didn't hide it. They openly and brazenly occupied the Ge family clan grounds. All the guarding disciples there were killed."
"Bastards!" Xu Dewen cursed, "Since you know, have we reclaimed it?"
"There's no rush. The Feng family came prepared. They have three Foundation Establishment cultivators claiming to be the Feng family's supreme elders."
"Is one of them a square-faced, burly middle-aged man? He killed Deqian!"
Xu Mingwei said, "Yes. He's at sixth layer Foundation Establishment peak, just one step from late Foundation Establishment. The other two are fifth layer Foundation Establishment and third layer Foundation Establishment peak respectively."
"Moreover, if there's no mistake, all three come from the Cao family!"
"The Cao family wants to deal with our Xu family?!"
Xu Dewen's body trembled. Facing the Cao family, he could only feel despair.
Xu Mingwei walked to the bed and patted his shoulder, "Rest assured. Our Xu family has always repaid grievances!"
Xu Dewen looked at Xu Mingwei's firm eyes and immediately felt much more at ease, "Your child believes in Father!"
"Dewen, do you want to cultivate immortality?" After brief hesitation, Xu Mingwei suddenly asked.
"What? Father, what do you mean?"
"If I gave you an opportunity to cultivate immortality right now, but from then on you'd have to live mostly in shadows, behind a mask, would you be willing?"
"If I cultivate immortality, can I become a Foundation Establishment cultivator?"
"Yes!" Xu Mingwei said with unwavering certainty.
Though he didn't know how many Foundation Establishment Pills Xu Chuan possessed, with his pill refining mastery, there were definitely many.
"Then I'm willing. Martial artists are too weak facing immortal cultivators. Even if I reach grandmaster perfection, facing those immortal cultivators who can fly on swords, I simply can't hurt them. I can only passively defend. I don't want to see more relatives die before my eyes! I want to become strong! Kill all our Xu family's enemies!"
"Then close your eyes. Your father will transmit the method of cultivating the immortal Dao to you, as well as our Xu family's Qi Refining formula."
Xu Dewen complied.
Xu Mingwei raised a finger and touched his brow.
Suddenly, Xu Dewen discovered an additional secret method in his mind that could convert true qi into magic power, as well as a truncated version of the Five Elements Spirit Formula.
This formula didn't record Foundation Establishment secret methods or related Foundation Establishment content.
As the Xu family's Foundation Establishment numbers increased, Xu Chuan had also informed Xu Mingwei and the other five about the Five Elements Spirit Formula.
They were naturally greatly shocked when they first heard.
After all, Xu family disciples cultivating this formula could directly have a thirty to forty percent chance of Foundation Establishment, even without relying on any external resources.
It could be said that as long as Xu family members took the immortal cultivation path, each was a Foundation Establishment seed.
Of course, Xu Chuan also required them to transmit the formula and Foundation Establishment secret method separately.
Perhaps some Golden Core or Nascent Soul families and powers also had secret methods to improve Foundation Establishment success rates, but at least for the current Xu family, exposure would be too dangerous.
After a moment, Xu Dewen opened his eyes and cupped his fists toward Xu Mingwei, "Thank you, Father!"
"But can I really cultivate this Five Elements Spirit Formula? Immortal cultivation formulas require spiritual root aptitude to practice, don't they?"
"Rest assured, you have it!"
Xu Mingwei also informed Xu Dewen of some of the Xu family's secrets.
After a long silence, Xu Dewen said, "Father chose to have me walk the martial path. I can understand Father's difficult position. If I had to choose among many children, it would be equally difficult. But facing possible risks, this must be done."
Xu Mingwei nodded with relief and handed him a mask, "This is a special artifact jointly refined by your younger sister and your fifth uncle. It can prevent others from prying into your true appearance. Even Foundation Establishment cultivators can't. Since you've made your choice, we'll publicly announce news of your death from untreatable injuries. Except when facing close relatives at home where you can remove the mask, you must wear it at all other times."
"Yes, Father."
"Rest for the next couple of days, then begin converting your magic power. Once complete, you'll be at seventh layer Qi Refining peak. The storage bag your father prepared for you contains pills needed for your cultivation. Among them is a Breakthrough Pill that can directly help you break through to eighth layer Qi Refining without wasting time at the bottleneck."
"I've heard that immortal cultivation bottlenecks often trap people for very long periods."
"It's all your grandfather's merit. He painstakingly connected all the pills needed for both martial path and immortal cultivation path, which is why you all have it so easy now. If it were other families, even fellow third-rank ones, only a portion of disciples with higher talent in the family could receive such cultivation."
After chatting for a while longer, Xu Mingwei left the room and came to Xu Chuan's quiet cultivation room.
He informed him of his decision to have Xu Dewen convert to the immortal path.
"Since Dewen is willing to not show his true face, then naturally it's fine. Otherwise, if people suddenly discovered a grandmaster perfection person becoming an eighth or ninth layer Qi Refining immortal cultivator, it would inevitably arouse suspicion."
"Your child thought the same, which is why I plan to publicly announce Dewen's death."
After a pause, he asked again, "Father, you won't blame me, will you?"
Xu Chuan smiled at Xu Mingwei, "You silly child. If possible, your father would wish for all Xu descendants to walk the immortal path, for everyone to achieve Foundation Establishment. Your father believes you all act after careful deliberation."
"Thank you, Father."
Xu Mingwei took his leave and left the room, then told Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingxuan about this matter.
"With the mask Ling'er refined, though there's still some risk, it's indeed feasible. For children currently on the martial path, when they reach a certain age, let's use sixty as the limit. At that time, ask their opinion. If they're willing to hide in the shadows, they can convert to the immortal cultivation path. This can also strengthen our Xu family's power."
Xu Mingxuan nodded in agreement.
Five or six days later, Xu Dewen successfully converted to the immortal cultivation path, practicing the Five Elements Spirit Formula.
After stabilizing his realm several days later, he took a Breakthrough Pill and became an eighth layer Qi Refining immortal cultivator.
Xu Mingwei prepared a superior-grade flying boat for him, defensive and offensive superior-grade artifacts, and all necessary cultivation pills.
As for the array disk to assist the Five Elements Spirit Formula, Xu Mingxuan provided it.
He no longer needed it and could conveniently leave it to Xu Dewen.
During this period, the Feng family made many moves, suppressing other Qi Refining families.
Many Qi Refining families dared to be angry but not speak.
After all, even the Xu family was currently lying low.
The Xu merchant operations in the marketplace were also affected, but fortunately with second-rank inferior array formation defenses, there were no real losses.
The Feng family didn't dare go too far either.
After all, the families had agreements that no matter what conflicts arose, they couldn't be resolved within the marketplace.
Otherwise, all families would jointly attack.
If all the Qi Refining families in Guangling Commandery united, even several middle Foundation Establishment cultivators couldn't stop them.
The Feng family suppressed families with good relations with the Xu family, while courting those with ordinary relationships.
Someone from the Wei family suddenly came and facilitated an alliance between the Wei family and Feng family.
This person was Wei Dao.
The current Wei Dao was at Qi Refining perfection with profound pill Dao mastery and had long been the second consecrated elder of the Dan Hall.
As for the chief, it was one of those who had refined Foundation Establishment Pills together with Xu Chuan before.
He was sent by the Cao family to suppress the Xu family's pill Dao operations.
The Cao family promised that as long as he completed this mission, they'd promote him to Dan Hall chief and bestow a Foundation Establishment Pill.
Wei Dao knew his master Daoist Yunzhong had an extremely close relationship with the Xu family's Grand Elder Xu Chuan, and that Xu Chuan had even guided Wei Dao.
But for the Foundation Establishment Pill, to become a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he chose to stand on the side opposing the Xu family.
If Daoist Yunzhong were alive, he might not have done this but at this moment, it was simply a case of every man for himself, or heaven and earth would punish him!
…
Xu family's Guangling branch, clan grounds.
"Family Head, superior-grade pills have appeared at the Feng family merchant operations, in greater quantities than ours, and the prices are ten percent cheaper. Our merchant operations' business has decreased considerably."
"Reduce the quantity of superior-grade pills in the merchant operations. Let them be. However, remember to maintain good defenses. Don't give the Feng family a chance to plunder."
Guangling Commandery differed from Tongshan Commandery.
The Xu family had operated here for years and it had long become the Xu family's home ground.
So retreat was impossible.
"Yes, Family Head."
"Also, have someone investigate where the Feng family's superior-grade pills come from."
Xu Deheng speculated the Feng family couldn't possibly have a pill refining master with profound pill Dao mastery.
Those three Cao family members also didn't seem like they could refine pills.
As for transporting from the Imperial City, that was also impossible. The distance was too far.
So the pill refiner must be in Guangling Commandery.
Several more days passed.
The Guangling branch activated the second-rank superior array formation.
Xu family members including Family Head Xu Deheng, Xu Chuan, and Xu Mingwei all returned to Dongxi, only Daoist Yunding remained.
With a second-rank superior array formation and a Foundation Establishment cultivator controlling it, there basically wouldn't be problems.
Dongxi in late winter was wrapped in lead-gray cold fog. The usually gurgling stream had frozen over with a thin layer of ice.
Even the old pines on the shore drooped with dead branches, as if covered in unwashable cold frost.
The Xu family's mourning hall was set up in the open space before the clan ancestral hall.
Over ten coffins were arranged in a row.
Besides Xu Deqian and the others, there were also martial artists and rogue cultivators who died in this battle.
After paying respects, they would all be buried in the Heroes' Garden.
White funeral banners hung from the ancestral hall's eaves to the ground, rustling loudly in the wind.
When the funeral music began, all Xu family disciples bowed together.
"Rest in peace. Before long, the entire Feng family and those three Cao family Foundation Establishment cultivators will all attend your funeral!" Xu Chuan's voice was ice-cold.
The entire Xu family, including vassal families and recruited rogue cultivators, all held suppressed fury in their hearts, just waiting for the day to unleash it.
Half a month passed in a flash.
On the Guangling branch side, the Foundation Establishment cultivators stationed were still Daoist Yunding, Wu Mingsheng, Xu Deheng, Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, Ren Xiaoyao, and Xu Chuan.
The others like Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingxian still remained in Dongxi.
The Feng and Wei families' secret alliance would eventually be exposed as long as there were traces.
Before long, it was discovered by members of a certain family and reported to the Xu family.
"The Wei family has an additional young pill refining master? Could it be Wei Dao?"
The Dan Hall was backed by the Cao family. It was normal for Wei Dao to follow their orders.
Moreover, Wei Dao was a Wei family member. His involvement in Wei family affairs was perfectly logical.
Xu Chuan immediately set out for the Wei family.
Wei Changkong personally received him, with the Wei family head accompanying.
"Why has Fellow Daoist Xu suddenly come to my Wei family?"
"I heard the Wei family has an additional young pill refining master. I came specially to visit."
Wei Changkong smiled, "Who told Fellow Daoist Xu that? What young pill refining master?"
"Fellow Daoist Wei is being rather dishonest. It seems you're determined to oppose my Xu family?"
"What do you mean by that? Wei is truly puzzled," Wei Changkong feigned an aggrieved expression and said loudly.
"With Old Ancestor Wei gone, Fellow Daoist Wei has indeed progressed considerably. But in today's Guangling Commandery, how much do you think can be hidden from my Xu family? Bitter enemies who confronted each other for over a hundred years now shaking hands and making peace. Indeed, there are no absolutes in this world. It just depends on whether interests align."
Xu Chuan paused, then said loudly, "Daoist Yunzhong and I share a half-master, half-disciple relationship. I somewhat count as your senior martial brother. Will Junior Martial Brother Wei Dao truly not come see me once?"
His voice carried far.
Wei Dao, meditating and cultivating in a certain great hall, sighed softly upon hearing this and rose to go.
Daoist Yunzhong had been wholeheartedly devoted to him. Wei Dao greatly respected him.
With Xu Chuan invoking Daoist Yunzhong, Wei Dao naturally couldn't refuse to meet him.
"Fellow Daoist Xu, what is the meaning of this?" Wei Changkong's expression darkened.
"What, does Fellow Daoist Wei want to attack me? Your Wei family doesn't have several middle Foundation Establishment elders."
Xu Chuan suddenly released middle Foundation Establishment pressure, forming a strong wind that exploded outward.
Wei Changkong had only recently reached third layer Foundation Establishment and was no match for Xu Chuan at all.
Just then, Wei Dao's voice came.
"Senior Martial Brother Xu has arrived, yet no one informed me."
Xu Chuan withdrew his pressure and looked toward outside the great hall.
He saw a handsome, refined young man walk in.
Compared to when Xu Chuan last saw him, he had less arrogance and more deeply hidden ambition.
"Greetings, Senior Martial Brother. Since we parted at the Dan Hall over ten years ago, how have you been?" Wei Dao said calmly.
"Well enough," Xu Chuan said, "How did Senior Yunzhong pass? Where is he buried?"
"His lifespan reached its end. He passed peacefully. His body returned to dust. According to his instructions, I scattered his ashes atop high mountains, beneath the bright moon. From then on, the clear wind keeps him company, the bright moon stays constant."
"That's Senior's character," Xu Chuan paused, his eyes fixed on Wei Dao, "Senior Yunzhong had high hopes for you, saying you had the potential to surpass him in pill Dao. I hope you won't disappoint the old man's expectations."
"I won't," Wei Dao said with certainty.
"You insist on staying in Guangling Commandery?"
"This is where my opportunity lies."
"Opportunities and disasters are hard to distinguish."
"Without taking the plunge once, how can I know fortune from misfortune?"
Xu Chuan looked at him. Seeing his determined will, he sighed slightly, "I understand. Then you'd better work hard. Your pill refining mastery still falls considerably short of this senior martial brother of yours."
"Senior Martial Brother, I've also made considerable progress these ten-plus years."
"When you're confident, come find me. If you defeat me, I'll give you what Senior Yunzhong bestowed upon me."
"What is it?"
"We'll talk when you've defeated me."
With that, Xu Chuan laughed lightly and immediately walked out of the great hall, leaving one more statement.
"Since the Wei family wants to deal with my Xu family, why hide and conceal it? Go all out once. It won't be in vain for this lifetime of cultivation. I'd like to see if Guangling Commandery's two former hegemons can shake my Xu family!"
Loud laughter rang out.
Xu Chuan rose into the air, transforming into an azure light that disappeared into the horizon in an instant.
"Old Ancestor, this Xu Chuan is too arrogant!" The Wei family head's face turned iron-blue, "He's only fourth layer Foundation Establishment. Behind us is the Cao family!"
Wei Changkong was also angry, but had to admire Xu Chuan, "Yes. He reached fourth layer Foundation Establishment in just over ten years since achieving Foundation Establishment, while I've only just entered third layer after decades. That middle Foundation Establishment bottleneck, I don't even know if I'll have a chance to cross it in this lifetime."
Hearing this, the Wei family head was immediately speechless.
"Old Ancestor, for cultivation matters, as long as you can collect True Essence Pill materials, Wei Dao can fully assist. As long as there are superior-grade True Essence Pills, cultivation speed won't be slow."
"Then I thank Wei Dao."