To speed up their journey.
Xu Chuan had Moyue carry them for a portion of the way.
It was only when they neared the Imperial City that the group switched to flying through the air on their own.
The entire Imperial City was protected by a Tier 3 grand array; if they tried to force their way in, it would be extremely difficult to enter.
Therefore, Xu Chuan and the others swaggered openly through the city gates, then flew directly to the eastern district of the Imperial City, where the Cao Clan's imperial palace was located.
This place was similarly protected by a Tier 3 grand array.
This showed just how deep the Cao Clan's foundations ran, far surpassing the likes of the Xue Clan.
"Who goes there!"
Before the array, eight guards at Peak Qi Condensation raised their magical artifacts in unison, pointing their swords at Xu Chuan's group.
"Roar—"
It unleashed an angry howl at the sky, the soundwave rolling over the plaza like thunder, actually causing fine cracks to spiderweb across the bluestone pavement.
Caught completely off guard, the Cao Clan guards felt a piercing agony in their eardrums. Unable to suppress their surging qi and blood, they were all sent flying backward, blood spurting from their seven orifices from the sheer shockwave.
With consecutive heavy thuds, they crashed into the array light curtain in front of the palace. Their magical artifacts slipped from their grasps, and they crumpled to the ground, their fates unknown.
Immediately after.
The Spirit Beast Pouch at Xu Chuan's waist suddenly burst with brilliant light. Amidst a burst of azure radiance, the flood dragon Moyue flew out!
His form rapidly expanded to a massive body over two hundred feet long, coiling in the air above the grand array.
He raised his dragon head over ten feet high. His cyan-blue scales resembled condensed water, and his extraordinary dragon horns glinted with a cold light. The moment he appeared, he opened his maw and roared.
That dragon roar initially sounded like tearing silk, but in an instant, it transformed into the deafening peal of a massive bell, piercing straight through the streets, alleys, and pavilions of the Imperial City, all the way to the estates of the various aristocratic families.
Inside the palace walls, birds scattered in fright, while pedestrians in the markets stopped in their tracks. Everyone turned their heads toward the sound without exception.
"A flood dragon's roar?!"
"How could a demonic beast like a flood dragon appear within the Imperial City?"
"Could it be someone's spirit beast?!"
"Impossible!" an immortal cultivator declared with a solemn expression. "That dragon might is absolutely not something an ordinary flood dragon could emit. For it to carry such pressure from so far away, it must be a Tier 3 flood dragon!"
"Tier 3!" The first person's eyes immediately bulged wide, their mouth hanging open, unable to find the words to speak.
The elders of the Foundation Establishment aristocratic families in the eastern district of the Imperial City all underwent drastic changes in expression.
Being so close, they could naturally and distinctly feel the pressure of a Tier 3 flood dragon.
"That's coming from the direction of the Cao Imperial Palace. Is a Tier 3 demonic beast attacking the Cao Clan?!"
"Go, let's hurry and take a look!"
Many aristocratic families had Foundation Establishment cultivators fly out from their estates, rushing toward the Cao Imperial Palace.
It did not take long before they saw the massive flood dragon coiling above the imperial palace.
Quite a few members of the Jiang Clan, Lin family, and Lei Family headed over as well.
Lei Hekong of the Lei Family said in confusion, "The only ones we've heard of possessing a flood dragon in our Great Wei is the Xu Family. Could it be that the Xu Family is attacking the Cao Clan?"
The Lei Clan Head, Lei Yunchao, pondered for a moment before replying, "We'll know once we take a look."
Upon arriving and seeing Xu Chuan and his sons directly beneath the flood dragon, Lei Yunchao and Lei Hekong exchanged bewildered glances.
It really was the Xu Family!
Immediately after, they looked back up at the flood dragon in the sky.
That thick Tier 3 pressure pressed down on their hearts like a thousand-pound boulder.
"The one beside the Xu Family is also a Tier 3 demonic beast. It seems somewhat like the rumored guardian spirit beast of the Zhao family."
Lei Yunchao had attended the Zhao family's Golden Core Grand Ceremony and had heard that their guardian spirit beast was a black panther.
In just a brief moment.
Quite a few aristocratic families had already gathered outside the Cao Imperial Palace to watch.
Meanwhile, dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators and hundreds of Qi Condensation disciples from the Cao Clan were flying toward the scene.
Within the underground palace beneath the imperial palace.
Cao Jiyi slowly opened his eyes from his cultivation, two streaks of crimson light shooting out from his pupils. He muttered, "What must come, will eventually come!
Let this old man meet you, Xu Chuan, and see exactly what kind of figure you are!"
With a shift of his body, he vanished from his spot.
In the blink of an eye, he arrived outside and flew out of the grand array, standing before Moyue.
Despite his frail-looking body, he erupted with an astonishing pressure that was scarcely inferior to Moyue's, matching the beast equally.
Having spent so much time with Xu Chuan.
Moyue also liked to hold back a trump card.
Therefore, he was currently only displaying the aura of the peak of the early Tier 3 stage.
Seeing Xu Chuan, Cao Defeng looked at the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard beside him, then raised his head to look at the Tier 3 flood dragon confronting his clan's Ancestor.
Those cyan-blue scales gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and the dragon might felt like Mount Tai pressing down on his head, making his breath hitch.
"Xu Chuan, what is the meaning of this?" Cao Defeng shouted furiously, his anger flaring as his sleeve robe fluttered. "Did you bring Tier 3 demonic beasts to attack our Cao Clan?!"
His voice carried both explosive rage and an unconcealable trace of dread toward the flood dragon's imposing might, causing his words to tremble slightly.
Xu Chuan watched him quietly, his expression unchanging. His fingertips lightly brushed his Storage Ring as he stated evenly, "If your Cao Clan wishes it, my Xu Family will accompany you to the bitter end!"
His tone was calm and placid, yet it carried an unquestionable and overbearing dominance.
As his words fell, the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard let out another low growl, and Moyue cooperated by swinging his tail to smack the air. As azure radiance circulated, the pressure grew even stronger.
The surrounding immortal cultivators all held their breath and watched.
Cao Jiyi swept his gaze over Xu Chuan and the others, his voice ringing out plainly, "The last time I saw you, you were only at the Fourth-Layer Foundation Establishment. Now, meeting again, you have unexpectedly reached the ninth layer!"
Whether it was the members of the Cao Clan or the Foundation Establishment immortal cultivators from the surrounding aristocratic families, all of their faces were filled with shock.
"It's only been fifteen years, and he rose from the Fourth-Layer Foundation Establishment to the ninth layer?!"
"A whole layer every three years on average?"
"Shouldn't cultivation speed slow down increasingly as one moves through the Mid Foundation Establishment and Late Foundation Establishment stages?"
Everyone found it completely unbelievable.
Then, they heard Cao Jiyi continue, "Four at the peak of the Fourth-Layer Foundation Establishment, and two at the Fifth-Layer Foundation Establishment."
The last one, Xu Dewen, was directly ignored.
"Xu Mingwei and the rest are actually all like this too?!"
"Doesn't that mean in another ten or twenty years, the Xu Family will produce at least six more immortal cultivators at the ninth layer or even Foundation Establishment Perfection?!"
The crowd was in an uproar, plunging into widespread discussion.
"Senior Cao, why do you all always like to point things out so explicitly? Wouldn't it be better to be leaving room for maneuver for one another?"
"You must know, delving into the secrets of others is an extremely dangerous affair!"
Xu Chuan narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze toward Cao Jiyi utterly devoid of fear.
He then turned and swept his gaze over the surroundings. "Do you all also wish to delve into my Xu Family's secrets?"
Hearing this, everyone's expressions changed, and none dared to meet his eyes.
"Speak, what is your purpose in coming to my Cao Clan?" Cao Jiyi demanded.
"Senior Cao is straightforward!" Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "First, several months ago, the Great Jin Sima Clan and the Xue Clan brazenly led a large group of cultivators to besiege my Xu Family. Why did your Cao Clan do nothing?"
Cao Jiyi stared at Xu Chuan; seeing his expression, he knew that even if the Cao Clan denied it, it would be useless.
Therefore, he stated, "Private grievances are inconvenient for our Cao Clan to meddle in. Furthermore, with the Sima Clan and the Xue Clan joining forces, my Cao Clan lacked the power to stop them."
"What a fine 'private grievance'!" Xu Chuan chuckled. "As the Lord of Great Wei, it is normal for the Cao Clan to not interfere in the disputes between the various aristocratic families within Great Wei.
But the Sima Clan and the Xue Clan are demonic cultivators from Great Jin. Has your Cao Clan forgotten the very decrees you once issued?"
"In the immortal cultivation world, strength speaks above all else. My Cao Clan could not possibly go to war with two great Golden Core Aristocratic Families just for your Xu Family. That would only result in more aristocratic families being harassed by demonic cultivators."
"What a fine 'strength speaks above all else'!" Xu Chuan smiled slightly, then added, "But from what I learned from the mouths of the Sima Clan and Xue Clan, it seems this matter had your Cao Clan's tacit approval, did it not?
Including when the Golden Core Ancestor of the Xue Clan later came to plunder my Xu Family.
If my Xu Family didn't have a few trump cards, I'm afraid our entire clan would have been wiped out by now."
The crowd did not find this surprising; after all, with a Tier 3 flood dragon protecting the clan, this newly advanced Golden Core stage cultivator of the Xue Clan naturally wouldn't dare push too far.
"Since your Cao Clan has no desire to protect my Xu Family, then from this day forth, my Xu Family is no longer a vassal of your Great Wei! Furthermore, of the twenty-two commanderies of Great Wei, my Xu Family claims half!
This includes the commanderies of Taiyuan and Langya!
Senior Cao, do you have any objections?"
Cao Jiyi's gaze was frigid as he replied indifferently, "Fine!"
"Ancestor!" the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Cao Clan cried out in alarm.
"Shut up, all of you! The current Xu Family has the qualifications to make this demand!"
The Cao Clan disciples all lowered their heads and averted their eyes, no one daring to utter a word.
The spectating Foundation Establishment cultivators of the aristocratic families were not the least bit surprised by this. Instead, they whispered among themselves in twos and threes, their expressions calm.
"It seems Ancestor Cao anticipated this scene long ago and had already made his decision. After all, the Xu Family possesses a Tier 3 flood dragon and can even call upon the Zhao family's guardian spirit beast for assistance."
An old man in gray robes nodded in agreement. "The Xu Family wouldn't lightly wage war against the Cao Clan either. They are a veteran Golden Core Aristocratic Family with a Tier 3 clan protection grand array. How could it be breached so easily?
However, it seems the cold case regarding the Xue Clan from a while back can finally be closed. It must have been the Xu Family's doing!"
Many people nodded in agreement.
"Secondly, my Xu Family has come today to settle our past grievances with the Cao Clan. If our grudges are wiped clean, from hereafter, we will each protect our own domains and not interfere with one another."
"What grievances?" Cao Jiyi frowned slightly.
"Cao Shengming schemed to kill members of my Xu Clan. Cao Jinyan plotted to frame and ruin my Xu Family's reputation. Cao Defeng assassinated me and sent men to attack my Xu Family's vassals.
Cao Yulong forcibly tried to marry Ye Xuehua, the genius of our vassal Zhou Clan, ultimately causing her death."
"My Xu Family never provokes others, but if anyone offends us, we will pay them back tenfold." His tone remained flat, yet it rolled across the plaza like a clap of thunder. "I demand the lives of the corresponding members of your Cao Clan, as well as forty of your elite Late-Stage Qi Condensation disciples, to pay with their lives for my grandsons and great-grandsons!"
Before his words even faded, the Cao Clan disciples inside the array uniformly raised their heads, their eyes filled with shock and rage. Yet, constrained by the dragon's might and the fierce aura of the spirit leopard, they dared not make a sound.
Xu Chuan continued, "I also demand that your Cao Clan return the child of Ye Xuehua!"
"If you agree, all past feuds and old grievances between your Cao Clan and my Xu Family will be wiped completely clean!"
"Xu Chuan, do not push too far!"
The veins on Cao Jiyi's forehead bulged like writhing dragons, his face turning an ashen, iron-like hue.
He fiercely whipped his sleeve, causing his Golden Core Pressure and spirit power to surge outwards, only for them to instantly stagnate upon colliding with the pressure emitted by Moyue.
'Xu Chuan is slapping the Cao Clan right in the face!' Lei Hekong sent a voice transmission to Lei Yunchao.
'Previously, when the Xu Family was weak, the Cao Clan pushed them step by step and suppressed them. Now, anyone in his position would choose revenge. Yet, Xu Chuan hasn't been blinded by hatred to directly declare war, which shows his broad-mindedness and grand vision.' Lei Yunchao was full of praise.
Lei Hekong sighed with emotion in his heart. 'The Xu Family indeed never provoked anyone else; they merely developed silently. It is said that the anger of a good-natured person is the most terrifying. The sages truly do not deceive us!'
"Xu Chuan, don't think my Cao Clan is afraid of your Xu Family!" Cao Jiyi said coldly.
"But I think, Senior Cao, you should be afraid!" Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Thanks to your Cao Clan sending the Xue Clan Ancestor to my Xu Family, my clan was able to obtain another Golden Core trump card!"
Xu Chuan slowly raised his arm, his fingertips resting on the black corpse pouch hanging at his waist.
The next moment.
A blood-red figure flew out of the corpse pouch.
The corpse showed no signs of rot. Blood-red veins slithered beneath its skin like snakes, and its hollow eyes burned with two clusters of dark red ghost-fire. The instant it appeared, it let out an ear-piercing shriek.
The shriek carried a Golden Core-level pressure, and its bloody, baleful aura seeped out like a fog of ink.
Everyone around immediately covered their ears to prevent their eardrums from being pierced by the shriek.
Subsequently, seven more black shadows leaped out in rapid succession. Every one of them was heavily built, their armor stained with blood, and their bodies wreathed in a bloody, baleful aura.
Although not as formidable as the initial blood corpse, each possessed an aura comparable to Foundation Establishment Perfection, inciting terror in all who laid eyes on them.
Their landings caused the ground to tremble slightly. Together, they threw their heads back and shrieked, the soundwaves powerful enough to split metal and shatter rock.
"You actually refined Xue Lingshang into a Profound Yin Blood Corpse?!" Cao Jiyi's voice trembled slightly.
As soon as these words were spoken, the Cao Clan disciples inside the array erupted in an uproar.
"A Golden Core Stage Cultivator actually perished at the hands of the Xu Family?!"
"And was even refined into a blood corpse puppet!"
The spectating cultivators of the aristocratic families looked utterly aghast, their eyes filled with intense fear.
"Not only that, I used a blood sacrifice with the fresh blood of all the disciples of the Xue Clan to temper this Profound Yin Blood Corpse, boosting its ferocity and power by another three parts."
Xu Chuan spoke calmly, but the rest of the listeners felt their blood run cold.
"The Xue Clan Ancestor wanted to exterminate my entire Xu Family and plunder our heritage. So, I annihilated his clan, refined his corpse, and made him subservient to my Xu Family for all eternity!"
"Of course, if the one who came that day was you, Senior Cao, then my purpose here today would not be to merely settle grievances."
A Golden Core Profound Yin Blood Corpse and seven Foundation Establishment Perfection blood corpses—if they could enter the grand array, it would be more than enough to slaughter all the Cao Clan Foundation Establishment cultivators and the rest of the Qi Condensation disciples present.
Cao Jiyi was naturally fully aware of this. And if he chose to go to war...
Facing two Tier 3 demonic beasts, one of which was a Tier 3 flood dragon, plus a Golden Core Profound Yin Blood Corpse, he had zero chance of winning!
'After today, the face of my Cao Clan will likely be completely swept to the floor. Our millennia of prestige will simply become a stepping stone for the Xu Family!'
Cao Jiyi swept his gaze across the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the surrounding aristocratic families, an indescribable fury swelling in his heart.
'A bunch of unfilial descendants, completely incapable of succeeding but exceedingly skilled at ruining things!'
He hesitated for only a moment before making his decision.
His figure suddenly flashed, shooting like an azure rainbow directly above the Cao Clan disciples, his fluttering robes lacking the slightest hesitation.
The Cao Clan disciples hadn't even reacted yet.
They just saw Cao Jiyi fiercely whip his sleeve robe. The Golden Core spirit power around him explosively erupted, surprisingly condensing into dozens of crimson threads as fine as cow hair.
The threads radiated a scorching brilliance, shooting toward their targets as fast as lightning.
First were the four of Cao Shengming, Cao Jinyan, Cao Defeng, and Cao Yulong.
The sound of the threads piercing the air was sharp on the ears. Following several rapid thwips, the crimson threads directly punctured their skulls. Beads of blood dripped from the ends of the threads as their corpses slumped powerlessly to the ground, their eyes remaining wide with shock even in death.
Immediately after, he rotated his wrist, the threads sweeping like a torrential downpour toward the forty-plus Late-Stage Qi Condensation disciples in the rear.
Wherever the crimson threads passed, skulls were mercilessly pierced. Brain matter and fresh blood splattered the bluestone pavement inside the array. Over forty corpses collapsed in overlapping piles, the muffled thuds merging into one continuous sound.
Inside the array, the remaining Cao Clan disciples were completely horrified. Some of the more timid ones covered their mouths to scream, but as Cao Jiyi's icy gaze swept over them, they instantly clamped their jaws shut.
He lowered his robes and stood tall, the threads fading from his fingertips. The blood beads staining the corners of his robes slid off the fabric. Remarkably, his expression bore not the slightest ripple of emotion.
Only in the depths of his eyes lingered a chilling ruthlessness left by the slaughter. "The disaster was sparked by you all, so it shall be paid for by you all!"
Beads of sweat constantly seeped from Cao Dezhang's forehead, a lingering terror gripping his heart. 'Thank goodness I never targeted the Xu Family.'
"Senior Cao is decisive. I truly admire it. However, my original intention was to bring them alive to the graves of my Xu Clan members, force them to kowtow and apologize, and then behead them. With things as they are now, it puts me in a rather difficult position."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "But giving face to you, Senior, please hand their corpses over to my Xu Family.
There is no need for their Storage Pouches and the like; your Cao Clan can keep those."
"Send their corpses out!" Cao Jiyi ordered coldly.
"Yes, Ancestor." Cao Dezhang personally took action, delivering the corpses of the deceased Cao Clan disciples outside the array.
Xu Chuan looked toward Xu Dewen and instructed, "Store them all away."
"Yes, First Elder!"
Xu Dewen's eyes were completely bloodshot, a misty layer welling in his sockets. He roared in his heart, 'Deqian, Yan'er, are you watching?
The First Elder has claimed justice for you!'
"There is still one more person," Xu Chuan noted.
Cao Dezhang replied, "I will have someone fetch Cao Zhenyi right away."
Half a cup of tea's time later.
Cao Zhenyi was brought over. He stared blankly at the scene before him.
Cao Dezhang told him, "Cao Zhenyi, from now on, you are no longer a member of our Cao Clan. Take your mother's surname, and return to the Zhou Clan."
"First Elder, I..."
"Go!"
Cao Zhenyi walked out of the array step by step.
Cao Jiyi spoke up, "Xu Chuan, are you satisfied?"
"Naturally, I am satisfied."
"Hmph. From this moment on, all past feuds and old grievances between our two clans are written off entirely!"
Saying so, Cao Jiyi's figure flickered, transforming into a streak of crimson light and vanishing from sight.
Xu Chuan looked at Cao Dezhang and said, "You are the current First Elder of the Cao Clan, I presume. I hope Daoist Friend Cao will learn from your predecessor's mistakes. Do not ever provoke my Xu Family again.
Otherwise, the consequences next time will not be resolved so lightly."
"That is only natural. From now on, our two families will divide Great Wei and rule our respective territories, never interfering with one another."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly and nodded. Then, with a flourish of his sleeve, he ordered, "Moyue, Black Panther, we're leaving! Mingwei, bring Cao Zhenyi along."
"Yes, Father."
The members of the Xu Family flew up onto the broad back of the flood dragon.
Once everyone was standing securely, Moyue violently hoisted his dragon head. An earth-shattering dragon roar echoed through the firmament, the soundwaves churning and scattering the surrounding clouds.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
His draconic body swung its tail, his cyan scales reflecting the sunlight to trace a lustrous arc in the sky, as he slithered away toward the heavens beyond the Imperial City.
They first traveled to Guangling, picked up Zhou Qingfang, and headed back to Dongxi together.
"Elder Qingfang, take this child to pay respects to his mother. Afterward, send him back to Dongxi. I will make the proper arrangements."
"Yes, First Elder."
Following this.
Xu Chuan took Moyue and the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard and set off again, this time toward Great Jin.
Since he was establishing deterrence, he had to properly intimidate everyone who had ever harbored grievances against the Xu Family.
Half a day later.
Under the moonlight.
The massive dragon head broke through the clouds. The flood dragon Moyue hovered above the Sima Clan's estate, his cyan-blue scales making the world itself seem cold. As he exhaled his dragon breath, the surrounding moisture condensed into fine shards of ice.
"Roar—"
A dragon roar shook the surrounding lands, causing violent ripples to surge across the light curtain of the Sima Clan's clan protection grand array.
Off to the side, the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard remained hidden within the dark clouds, leaving only a pair of dark green, gem-like eyes radiating piercing light.
Both of them were completely unreserved in unleashing their auras.
Xu Chuan stood tall atop the dragon's head.
The elders of the Sima Clan led a group of Sima Clan disciples out of the grand array, facing off against the two-hundred-foot flood dragon and the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard.
Xu Chuan swept a glance over them. His voice exploded like thunder, spreading in all directions and catching the attention of several Great Jin aristocratic families.
"Senior Sima, the Xu Family of Great Wei has come to visit! Will you not come out to meet me?"
The Sima Clan Ancestor did not show himself, but his voice resonated in the area all the same.
"Daoist Friend Xu, commanding two Tier 3 demonic beasts to come here—isn't this posture for a mere 'visit' a bit too grandiose?"
"Let me rephrase, then. I have come today to collect a debt. If the Sima Clan is willing to repay it, our two families are clear. If you are unwilling, then do not blame me for showing the same ruthless hand I showed the Xue Clan!"
"By the way, doesn't Senior Sima want to come out and see an old friend?"
Xu Chuan instantly summoned the Profound Yin Blood Corpse. It stood suspended in the air, tossing its head back in a bellow. With its sharp fangs and claws, its bloody, baleful aura permeated the surroundings. Its fearsome might was astounding, causing the faces of all the Sima Clan disciples to fill with horror.
"A Tier 3 blood corpse?!"
"I didn't expect your Xu Family to actually possess the capability to kill Xue Lingshang, let alone refine him into a blood corpse!"
"It truly is laughable. Xue Lingshang relied on the bloodline of his direct descendants to extend his lifespan, painstakingly achieving the Golden Core stage, only to unexpectedly end up working for the benefit of your Xu Family.
Fate truly loves to toy with people!"
Pausing for a moment, the Sima Clan Ancestor continued, "Xu Chuan, is it? Regarding the matter where my Sima Clan and the Xue Clan besieged your Xu Family, it was indeed my Sima Clan in the wrong.
How do you wish to settle this grievance? Speak your terms!"
"Tier 2 and Tier 3 spiritual materials, rare spirit grass, and Demonic Dao cultivation methods—among which must include top-tier Ghost Dao techniques. Furthermore, I want ancient classics on alchemy, formations, artifacts, and talismans.
My Xu Family also wishes to become a Golden Core Aristocratic Family, but unfortunately, our foundation is thin.
Senior Sima, merely providing some assistance will do. Once I am satisfied, I will naturally take my leave."
"Good, very good!" The Sima Ancestor's voice rang out once more. "Then consider this my Sima Clan's early congratulations to your Xu Family on becoming a Golden Core Aristocratic Family!"
"Go fetch the items, and ensure the Xu Family is satisfied!"
"Yes, Ancestor!" the Sima Clan First Elder cupped his hands.
"Daoist Friend Xu, please wait just a moment. My Sima Clan's compensation will surely satisfy your Xu Family."
A short while later, he asked again, "However, doesn't your Great Wei forbid cultivating Demonic Path techniques? What do you want so many demonic cultivation methods for? Could it be that your Xu Family intends to practice both paths concurrently?
Are you not afraid the Cao Clan will find trouble with you?"
The Sima Clan Ancestor brought up the Cao Clan, but Xu Chuan merely sneered. "Before coming here, I paid a visit to the Cao Clan.
I suspect even if I don't say anything today, the news will naturally reach Great Jin and Great Liang in a few days.
I have already reached an agreement with the Cao Clan to divide the territory and rule separately. We will each govern eleven commanderies and not interfere with one another.
My Xu Family is no longer a vassal of the Cao Clan, so what need do we have to abide by the Cao Clan's rules?"
"In that case, demonic cultivators will not be forbidden in the territory governed by the Xu Family?"
"Whether orthodox or demonic, all are cultivators. In my heart, it is the human heart that possesses righteousness and evil; the Dao itself does not distinguish between orthodox and demonic!"
"Daoist Friend Xu truly has a broad mind. I, Sima Chengdao, admire you!"
"Senior Sima praises me too highly. However, I have yet to finish speaking. If demonic cultivators come to my Xu Family's territory, assuming they abide by the law and conduct standard commerce, my Xu Family will welcome them.
But if they cannot control their own greed and murder without cause...
Then my Xu Family will definitely hunt them down to the ends of the earth. If they have a clan, we will exterminate their clan!"
"That is only natural!"
A short while later.
The Sima Clan First Elder brought over a massive quantity of spiritual materials and spirit grass—mostly ones needed by demonic cultivators—along with Demonic Dao ancient classics and texts on alchemy, formations, artifacts, and talismans.
However, the ancient classics were all rubbings.
Xu Chuan felt that enough deterrence had been established, and one still needed to leave some leeway. He stored the items away, then departed with Moyue and the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard.
"Ancestor, this Xu Family..." the Sima First Elder asked with cupped hands.
"From now on, do not provoke the Xu Family, and do not even think about allying with the Cao Clan. The Cao Clan won't be a match for the Xu Family. Once this era passes, Great Wei will inevitably belong to the Xu Family."
"Yes, Ancestor. This disciple will engrave it into memory!"
Xu Chuan delivered the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard back to the Zhao family.
Along the way, he presented them with a flood-dragon-type High-Grade Demonic Spirit Pill and a high-grade Void Rushing Pill as a token of gratitude.
After all, having borrowed the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard for so long, Xu Chuan felt it was only proper to show some appreciation.
The Zhao family was naturally overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.
After all, the Xu Family's current status and strength were already far above the Zhao family's, completely comparable to the Three Great Families of veteran Golden Core stature.
Xu Chuan did not stay long. After expressing his thanks, he returned to Dongxi.
Nearly half a month later.
The news of the Xu Family intimidating both the Cao Clan and the Sima Clan had spread throughout Great Wei, Great Jin, and Great Liang.
All aristocratic families and factions had instantly elevated their reverence for the Xu Family to a level equal to the Three Great Families.
During this period.
The Xu Family was extremely busy.
After all, they had to corral all the forces across the eleven commanderies.
Xu Chuan simply mandated that all Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families, along with any willing Qi Condensation Clans and Martial Dao Clans, join the "Moon Tomb Alliance".
No, continuing to call it the Moon Tomb Alliance was no longer appropriate.
Xu Chuan bestowed upon it a new name: the Immortal Martial Alliance.
The main alliance was headquartered in Guangling, while branch alliances were established in every other commandery, managing the regions through an allied framework.
The Immortal Martial Alliance not only restricted and managed the immortal cultivation and Martial Dao Clans of the various commanderies, but it also handled mortal affairs.
Naturally, there were many fine details involved.
Xu Chuan handed all of these over to Xu Mingyuan and the rest to handle; he merely needed to review and approve the final decisions.
Three months later.
The branches of the Immortal Martial Alliance in all the commanderies had been fully established and put on the right track.
Whether mortal, Martial Dao Clan, or immortal cultivation clan, everyone was able to reap benefits.
The Xu Family did not collect Spirit Tax, but these taxes had to be submitted to the Immortal Martial Alliance to be used for the alliance's development. This Spirit Tax consisted not only of Spirit Rice, but also spirit grass and spiritual materials, as well as regular grain from mortals.
Of course, this was undeniably divided based on different tiers.
It was completely impossible to make mortals hand over spirit grass and the like.
Mortals, martial artists, and immortal cultivators were governed separately, yet harmonized perfectly within the system.
The Xu Family's approach naturally won over the hearts of the people in the various commanderies.
Xu Chuan felt that the Xu Family's Providence was steadily climbing every day; it seemed to only lack a single opportunity to undergo a complete metamorphosis.
"Chonghui, pass down the notice. In a month and a half, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, our Xu Family will hold the Xu Clan Grand Ceremony. We sincerely invite all Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families and Golden Core Aristocratic Families to attend.
As for those below the Foundation Establishment stage, we will only allow the members of the Immortal Martial Alliance to attend.
As for the venue, there will surely be quite a few people coming this time.
We will hold it at the Guangling Branch. In the end, Dongxi is simply not as spacious as the estate of the Guangling Branch."
"Yes, First Elder!"
With Xu Chuan's reputation growing more and more illustrious, from then on, even the members of the Xu Clan uniformly addressed him as First Elder. If Xu Chuan were to step down one day, they would address him as Ancestor.
The Xu Family was finally going to hold the Xu Clan Grand Ceremony.
Upon hearing the news, the Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families of Great Wei, Great Jin, and Great Liang immediately mobilized, seeking to prepare hefty gifts to win the Xu Family's favor.
After all, the immense potential of the Xu Family was clear for all the aristocratic families to see.
Going from the mortal realm to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Golden Core Aristocratic Families in a mere fifty years was absolutely unprecedented!
Barring any accidents, they would undoubtedly surpass the Three Great Families—the Cao, Sima, and Liu clans—in the future.
In the blink of an eye, a month and a half passed.
The numerous aristocratic families gathered in Guangling.
The Cao Clan, Sima Clan, and Liu Family had all dispatched Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators to attend.
The crowd of cultivators presented their gifts, making for a truly bustling scene.
Afterward, Xu Chuan led the members of the Xu Clan, their group of vassal families, and the numerous aristocratic families of the Immortal Martial Alliance to offer sacrifices and report to Heaven and Earth.
In an instant, it was as if all the Providence had found its backbone, surging ceaselessly into the Clan Genealogy.
The Clan Genealogy once again fell into a state of metamorphosis.
Following this, the Xu Family held a competition.
It was divided into a tournament for juniors in the Late-Stage Qi Condensation and a tournament for immortal cultivators in the Early Foundation Establishment stage.
The Qi Condensation grand competition established top three prizes: the champion would receive a Fine-Grade defensive magical artifact, the runner-up would be awarded three High-Grade Spirit Sense Pills, and the third place would be granted three bottles of high-grade Qi-Gathering Pills.
The Foundation Establishment grand competition was much the same; anyone meeting the requirement of an Early Foundation Establishment cultivation base could participate.
The champion would obtain a Top-Grade Magical Artifact, the runner-up would receive a lower-grade Void Rushing Pill, and the third place would be granted a Jade Sprout Pill.
This naturally stirred the hearts of quite a few Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families.
However, for the likes of the First-rank families, the Cao Clan, and the Sima Clan, they had not brought any Early Foundation Establishment immortal cultivators and thus had no chance to participate.
The Xu Family did not participate; the participants were all vassals of the Xu Family.
Both the Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment grand competitions were extremely fierce.
The main reason, of course, was that the prizes were genuinely quite lucrative.
Take a Fine-Grade defensive magical artifact, for example. Even among the core Late-Stage Qi Condensation disciples of Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families, not everyone possessed one.
As for Top-Grade Magical Artifacts, the vast majority of those who had just entered the Early Foundation Establishment stage wouldn't necessarily own even one.
A lower-grade Void Rushing Pill could be used to assail the bottleneck to the mid-stage.
The Jade Sprout Pill, meanwhile, was a rare Tier 2 life-saving pill used for treating severe wounds.
The Xu Clan Grand Ceremony lasted from the hour of chen all the way until the hour of you before finally concluding.
The various aristocratic families took their leave.
The majority of the Xu Clan also returned to Dongxi.
The Clan Genealogy's metamorphosis concluded. The birth rate of disciples with an Eighth-Grade Bloodline within the family was elevated to twenty percent, and as an added benefit, one could now view the life experiences of deceased Xu Clan members.
Thinking of this, Xu Chuan called for Xu Chonghui.
"Chonghui, over the next few days, select someone from the clan to compile our Xu Family's Clan Genealogy and Clan Annals. Over the years, your great-grandfather has been so busy with cultivation and planning the Xu Family's future that I ended up neglecting this matter.
Now that our Xu Family can enjoy at least thirty to fifty years of peace, it's time to put this on the agenda."
Xu Chonghui nodded slightly, pondering for a moment before saying, "First Elder, I recommend Aunt Dejing."
"As long as you think she is suitable, that's fine."
"Thank you, First Elder."
"By the way, First Elder, how should we record the inconvenient-to-mention matters in the Clan Annals? For example, our Xu Clan's inherited immortal techniques."
"Then divide it into two copies: one for public viewing and one for internal use. The internal copy must be a detailed, truthful record, but the compiler must establish a Soul Restriction swearing never to leak it.
This internal Clan Annals—whether now or in the future—will only be available for viewing by the Family Head and a small handful of elders."
"I understand."
Half a month later.
Xu Dewen switched to cultivating a Demonic Dao Cultivation Method, the Three Baleful Spirits Art. Afterward, he made the firm decision to leave Great Wei and enter Great Jin.
The conflicts there were far more frequent than in Great Wei, making it a much more suitable breeding ground for demonic cultivators to survive and thrive.
Xu Mingwei did not try to stop him.
Although Yang Ronghua's heart ached for him, she also knew she could not change Dewen's mind.
After all, he was already a grandfather himself.
Xu Chuan personally accompanied Moyue to escort him to Great Jin. Before parting ways, he gave him quite a few life-saving trump cards and cultivation pills.
After Xu Chuan returned, Xu Dewen inspected the gifts with his divine sense and couldn't help but be dumbfounded.
Twenty Top-Grade Talismans, a set of Tier 2 lower-grade defensive Formation Flags, Demonic Dao Fine-Grade Magical Artifacts and a shield, and even Top-Grade offensive and defensive magical artifacts intended for use once he became a Foundation Establishment stage demonic cultivator.
There were cultivation pills for the Foundation Establishment stage, Wound-Healing Pills, Mana recovery pills, and explosive-power pills.
Looking at all this, Xu Dewen's eyes instantly clouded with mist.
He looked up at the bright moon in the night sky, recalling the intelligence regarding Great Jin in his mind.
Great Jin had very few cities, but an immense number of Marketplaces.
However, behind these Marketplaces were several aristocratic families working together to operate them.
They ranged from small to large in scale.
The small ones were established by Qi Condensation Clans, while the large ones were founded by Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families.
Great Jin possessed an overwhelming number of Rogue Cultivators, most of whom made a living by renting dwellings in the Marketplaces.
Some chose to become vassals of the aristocratic families.
'The closest one nearby should be the Black River Market, established by three Fourth-Rank Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families. I'll head there first.'
Xu Dewen immediately stepped onto his sword and flew toward the Black River Market.
High up amidst the clouds and mist.
Moyue and Xu Chuan followed silently, watching until Xu Dewen safely entered the Black River Market.
"Since you're so worried, why even let him come out to brave the world?" Moyue asked in surprise.
"When loved ones travel far, one will inevitably worry. This does not contradict letting him go out to experience the world."
"I really can't understand it," Moyue sighed. "When are we heading back?"
"Let's go."
Xu Dewen's fate had long since been imperceptibly altered. The Clan Genealogy could reveal the future development trajectories of the Xu Clan members.
However, this was not set in stone.
After experiencing the tragedy that struck the Xu Family, Xu Dewen's temperament had shifted, transforming him into someone highly suited to walking the Demonic Dao.
Thus, Xu Chuan had recommended he switch to cultivating a demonic art and head to Great Jin to temper himself.
Perhaps, relying on his own efforts, he could forge his very own Demonic Dao path to the Golden Core.
As for the vast majority of the Xu Clan members, they merely needed to follow the prescribed steps and cultivate the immortal techniques inherited from the Clan Genealogy.