Yuehu Commandery, the Zhou family.
The Zhou clan mausoleum.
A heroic-looking youth stood before a tombstone.
However, the name engraved on the tombstone did not belong to a member of the Zhou clan, but rather bore the surname Ye.
"Mother, your child has come to see you again."
"It has been over three months since I left the Cao Clan."
Cao Zhenyi stood before Ye Xuehua's tomb and bowed deeply three times. "Grandmaster has already told me everything about what happened back then. The Cao Clan forced the Zhou family's hand, making you marry into their family solely to use your foundation to birth an offspring with a Heavenly Spiritual Root.
"If I ever have the chance in the future, I will definitely seek vengeance against the Cao Clan for this deep-seated grudge.
"Oh, right. I have changed my name.
"The Cao Clan hoped I would become the proud heaven's chosen of their family, but I absolutely refuse to give them what they want!
"If I had just been perfectly ordinary, would you still be alive today?
"Mother... I really want to hug you.
"I wonder if you ever held me when I was born.
"I suppose not. After all, the Cao Clan did such an unforgivable thing to you..."
Ye Fan's voice choked with emotion.
A brief moment later.
He continued, "Mother, Grandmaster has been taking excellent care of me. Recently, he used Bone-Nurturing Pills, Body-Strengthening Pills, Marrow-Cleansing Pills, Meridian-Expanding Pills, and other resources to cleanse my marrow and open my meridians.
"I have already obtained his permission and plan to study at the Under the Moon Academy.
"As for the Seed of Withered Wood, Grandmaster has been constantly trying to find a solution for me.
"In this entire world, it seems only the Grand Elder can help me break it.
"But even though he brought me back from the Cao Clan, he still hasn't seen me. Perhaps he doesn't want to expend the immense effort required to break it, or maybe he simply looks down on me.
"However, I will not give up.
"I will definitely avenge you against the Cao Clan!"
With that said, Ye Fan knelt and kowtowed to the tombstone, adding, "I won't be able to come visit you often in the future. Please take care, Mother, and watch over me."
Then, Ye Fan stood up and strode out of the mausoleum.
"He is a good child. The Cao Clan didn't manage to corrupt him," Zhou Qingfang, who had been observing from the shadows, stroked his beard and smiled faintly. "But the Grand Elder certainly doesn't look down on you.
"He merely wants to test your character and temper your will.
"Your true blessings are yet to come."
Xu Chuan intended to take Ye Fan as his disciple, but he wanted to observe and temper the boy in secret for a while longer.
The next day.
Zhou Qingfang took Ye Fan to Guangling Commandery, enrolling him in the Primary School of the Immortal Dao Institute at the Under the Moon Academy.
Ye Fan's natural aptitude and comprehension were extremely high.
Aside from his cultivation, which remained stubbornly stuck at the early stage of the 1st Layer of Qi Condensation with hardly any progress, learning spells was a breeze for him.
Zhou Qingfang advised him never to give up on his daily cultivation, urging him to practice for at least eight hours a day.
Heaven Rewards Diligence, and his efforts would surely pay off.
Naturally, being so outstanding while his cultivation remained stagnant inevitably attracted some jealousy.
But Ye Fan resolved all of those issues perfectly.
Although he was stuck at the 1st Layer of Qi Condensation, the sheer number of spells he mastered was unparalleled throughout the entire Primary School of the Immortal Dao Institute.
Therefore, his combat prowess was not weak at all.
At the very least, rarely any students at the early stages of Qi Condensation could match him.
While Ye Fan was heading to the Under the Moon Academy...
Xu Chuan, Moyue, and Xu Mingshu traveled to the Azure Sea Forest.
Xu Chuan went to cultivate near the Tree King.
Xu Mingshu brought her demonic beast companions to gain experience, while the White Tiger went to the Cloud Gold Mountain Range to cultivate.
The White Tiger was currently the most likely candidate in the Xu family to reach Golden Core combat strength within a few years, so the family naturally provided their full support.
Among the Xu clan members, the older generation mostly focused on their cultivation. People like Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingxuan only handled affairs occasionally.
Whenever they had ample free time, they would also go to the Cloud Gold Mountain Range to cultivate using the spirit vein there, which significantly boosted their cultivation speed.
This was incomparable to the spiritual energy gathered at the spiritual energy nodes in the various commanderies.
The younger generation began to travel across the commanderies to gain experience and temper themselves, but they temporarily refrained from taking up positions in the Immortal Martial Alliance.
In Xu Chuan's eyes, at least, taking on important roles in the Immortal Martial Alliance without sufficient life experience would only lead to them being gradually corrupted and degraded by power.
By now, the Xu Clan Trading Company had spread throughout every commandery.
The pills, artifacts, formations, and talismans refined by the Xu family were traded through the company for spirit grass, spirit ore, spirit stones, and other resources.
The Xu family's foundation was truly growing day by day.
The Xu family also continued their efforts to find Immortal Seedlings and recruit rogue cultivators with high potential.
Obviously, with the foundation of eleven commanderies behind them...
The number of immortal cultivators in the Xu family was bound to skyrocket over the next decade or two.
In addition, several young members of the Xu clan who had reached marriageable age began forming marriage alliances with Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families across the commanderies.
Some Qi Condensation Clans even formed marriage alliances with the Xu family's vassal families.
They were optimistic about the future of the Xu family's vassals and wanted to make early investments.
Even though the Chen, Bai, and Li families weren't even considered true cultivation families yet, it was hard to say they wouldn't develop into ones in the future.
The Ge family, which had once suffered a great disaster, was also gradually recovering its vitality with the birth of new clan members.
The Zhou family naturally went without saying; they were the undisputed leader among the Xu family's vassal clans.
The Yang Clan and Chang Clan, having followed the Xu family, had now become Qi Condensation Clans themselves, riding a wave of booming momentum.
The current head of the Yang Clan was Yang Ruifeng, a grandson from Yang Zhao's lineage, who was now at the Peak Grandmaster realm.
The head of the Chang Clan was Chang Haowen's son.
Although Yang Zhao had not reached Peak Grandmaster, he was still a Mid Grandmaster. He was now over a hundred years old, and his wife had long since passed away.
While the absolute limit for a grandmaster's lifespan was one hundred and twenty years, very few actually lived that long.
Yang Zhao was now drawing very close to the end of his lifespan.
"Old Ancestor, please tell me more about your past today! Were you really a county deputy in Qingjiang County, and did you really call the Old Ancestor of the Xu family your brother?"
Reclining on a lounge chair, Yang Zhao slowly opened his eyes and looked at the seven or eight-year-old child beside him.
This was Yang Huaming, Yang Ruifeng's great-grandson and the very first genius with a True Spiritual Root in the Yang Clan. He was deeply doted upon by the entire family.
"You little rascal, you won't even let your old ancestor enjoy a proper afternoon nap."
Yang Huaming giggled.
"Wait until September. When the Under the Moon Academy holds its recruitment exams, you should go participate."
"Yes, Old Ancestor."
The training at the Under the Moon Academy was close to the Xu family's secondary tier of cultivation nurturing, making it the best option for ordinary aristocratic families.
As for the Xu family itself, while their internal nurturing standards might continuously improve, their rules would also become increasingly strict—even for the Immortal Seedlings of their vassal families.
Once the number of Xu clan members reached a certain scale, they would only train their own descendants and the Immortal Seedlings selected from the commoners.
By that time, it was expected that most of the Xu family's vassal clans would have come into their own power anyway.
They would no longer need to rely on the Xu family for everything.
Naturally, this also meant that the Xu family's covert surveillance over them would intensify.
"Back in those days, your old ancestor was merely a registrar. I was given a bit of a hard time by my superior and sent to resolve a farmland dispute in Dongxi Village.
"I hadn't even entered the village before I bumped into the Old Ancestor of the Xu family.
"That was the first time us two old brothers ever met.
"After that..."
Yang Zhao's eyes were filled with nostalgia as scene after scene flashed through his mind.
In the blink of an eye, fifty or sixty years had passed.
He was now old and frail, his time nearing its end, while Xu Chuan had become an immortal-like figure, standing high above, looked up to and worshiped by countless people across the eleven commanderies of the Immortal Martial Alliance.
Fate was fickle. Who could have ever predicted all of this?
Several months later.
Yang Ruifeng accompanied Yang Zhao to Qingjiang County to revisit his old haunts.
They also visited the Xu family.
Looking at the still-youthful Yang Ronghua, Yang Zhao held her hand, tears of joy streaming down his face as he said, "Very good, very good."
Xu Mingwei and Yang Ronghua kept him company for half a day.
He then returned to the commandery city, passing away peacefully seven days later.
Xu Mingwei, Yang Ronghua, Bai Jing, Xu Dezhao, Xu Dejing, and many other core figures of the Xu family attended his funeral to offer their condolences. The other vassal families naturally arrived in droves as well.
Every Qi Condensation Clan, martial clan, and cultivation family in Yuehu Commandery came to send Yang Zhao off on his final journey.
All because he was once a man who called Xu Chuan his brother.
All because almost the entire main lineage of the Xu family carried Yang Clan blood.
All because the current head of the Xu family had to respectfully address the head of the Yang Clan as 'Uncle'.
Meanwhile, Xu Chuan was still in secluded cultivation in the Azure Sea Forest, entirely unaware that another old friend had passed away.
Returning from the commandery city...
On the journey...
Yang Ronghua's eyes were still slightly red as she nestled against Xu Mingwei's shoulder.
"Husband... Mother is gone, my brother is gone, and now Father is gone too," Yang Ronghua said, her voice choking with sobs once more.
Xu Mingwei gently stroked her hair with his large hand, speaking softly, "My dear, I will always be with you."
Yang Ronghua shook her head and said, "Husband, you and Zhao'er are both immortal cultivators. I hope you can continue living forever, just like true immortals, without ever facing death.
"As for me, sharing a century with you in this life, and even stealing an extra sixty years of youth—it's already more than enough.
"If, one day, my time finally comes...
"Just let your Hua'er lie quietly in her Brother Stone's arms... Okay?"
Xu Mingwei slowly closed his eyes and nodded heavily. "Alright. I promise you."
——————————
In a flash.
Three years passed by in a hurry.
The Azure Sea Forest, within the Tree King's territory.
Inside a certain grotto-residence on a cliff face, a young man suddenly tilted his head back and let out a long howl. The spiritual energy around him vibrated, forming wave-like ripples that caused the accumulated dust on the cave walls to cascade down in rustling streams.
The withered moss nestled in the stone crevices was actually revitalized by this shockwave, glowing with a faint trace of green.
The young man was none other than Xu Chuan.
His hair at the temples was as unkempt as wild grass, and his cloth robe bore the dust of three years. Yet, as his eyes snapped open during his howl, it was as if cold stars had burst forth from within them.
With the Ancient Locust Tree King's consent, Xu Chuan had carved out a grotto-residence in a nearby cliff. He had then shut out all worldly affairs, cultivating in perfect tranquility.
Now, after three years of time, he had finally broken through to Foundation Establishment Perfection.
His howl pierced through the cave, startling the azure birds beneath the cliff into scattering. In the distance, the colossal branches of the Ancient Locust Tree King—which would require over a dozen people to encircle—trembled slightly.
The leaves rustled loudly, seemingly resonating with this tidal wave of spiritual energy.
A green phantom flashed.
A figure stepped out from the massive trunk, standing on a branch and gazing toward the cliff.
'From the 9th Layer of Foundation Establishment to Foundation Establishment Perfection... three years isn't slow. But knowing Xu Chuan, he must have gained something else as well.'
Xu Chuan had been consuming high-grade Qi-Merging Pills exclusively. Combined with the dense wood-element spiritual energy permeating this area and his highly profound cultivation method...
Logically, he should have only needed a year or two to reach Foundation Establishment Perfection.
Inside the grotto-residence.
The stone floor beneath Xu Chuan's feet cracked inch by inch. The spiritual energy coursing around his body slowly transformed from its initial chaotic, murky yellow into a pure, translucent glaze. Following the trajectory of his hand seals, it condensed into a green spiritual ring before him.
As the spiritual ring rotated, the vibrant green gradually shifted into a withered yellow, exuding an aura of decay.
But a moment later, it reverted back to a lush green, brimming with vibrant life.
With a flick of his sleeve, the spiritual ring scattered into motes of light and dissipated into the air.
Suddenly, a golden radiance spilled from the center of his brow.
Xu Chuan immediately sat cross-legged, turning his vision inward to inspect himself.
He acutely sensed that his divine sense was showing faint signs of breaking through to the Golden Core level, but it was still missing a sliver of opportunity.
Within his dantian rested a spiritual lake, entirely formed by accumulated mana.
For immortal cultivators, mana was gaseous during the Qi Condensation stage, liquid during Foundation Establishment, and solid upon reaching the Golden Core stage.
A mere sliver of solid mana possessed boundless power.
During his time here, aside from his core cultivation, Xu Chuan had also been comprehending the Dao of Withering and Flourishing.
That spiritual ring from earlier was a spell he had researched and developed, which he named the Withering and Thriving Ring.
One withers, one thrives—an endless cycle.
He lifted his finger, condensing a drop of Vitality Spirit Liquid at its tip. With a flick, he shot it onto the seedling inside the ink-colored potted plant nearby.
The seedling absorbed it rapidly and then gave its tender leaves a little shake.
Xu Chuan held the potted plant in his palm, stored his Formation Flags, and leaped into the air, flying straight toward the Ancient Locust Tree King.
Landing steadily on a nearby bluestone, he cupped his fists toward the Ancient Locust Tree King and said, "Senior, this junior has broken through to Foundation Establishment Perfection. I plan to take my leave now."
The treefolk clone glanced at the seedling in the pot and gave a slight nod. "Its spirituality has grown considerably. You have indeed taken good care of it. However, remember our agreement: you must help it awaken its intelligence and transform into a demon."
"This junior understands. I will definitely give it my all."
After that, Xu Chuan bid his farewell and departed.
It wasn't long before he saw Moyue flying toward him. Landing on the flood dragon's back, Xu Chuan casually asked, "Is Xu Bai cultivating at the Cloud Gold Mountain Range?"
"He is. So are Ren Xiaoyao, Xu Mingxian, Xu Mingwei, and Xu Mingshu. All of them primarily practice metal-attribute cultivation methods, so cultivating there is highly beneficial to them.
"Especially that swarm of bugs belonging to Xu Mingshu. They've eaten quite a lot of good stuff, and their numbers have already reached the tens of thousands."
"The Iron-Devouring Flying Ants?"
"Exactly. Over the past few years, we've discovered two Tier 2 Spirit Iron veins in my territory one after another: a Crimson Copper Marrow vein and an Obsidian Gold vein.
"Both are Tier 2 Spirit Iron, and we even managed to mine some Tier 3 Crimson Copper Marrow Mother and Refined Obsidian Gold from them.
"Nearly half of it was fed to those bugs.
"Now, every single one of those insects has undergone a mutation. Their jaws are so strong they can effortlessly gnaw a Top-Grade Magical Artifact into nothingness. Relying solely on that swarm, that girl Xu Mingshu could walk sideways through the Azure Sea Forest without fear.
"Even a cultivator at Foundation Establishment Perfection would have no choice but to flee upon seeing them, unless they possessed an artifact that specifically countered them."
"Isn't that a joyous occasion?" Xu Chuan chuckled. "I recall that when Iron-Devouring Flying Ants consume spirit iron, they excrete spirit iron essence. The excretions from Tier 2 Spirit Iron would likely be classified as high-tier materials."
"That is true."
A few moments later.
They arrived at the Cloud Gold Mountain Range.
Moyue sent a divine sense transmission, prompting Xu Mingwei and the others to end their secluded cultivation and come out to greet Xu Chuan.
Xu Chuan swept his gaze over them. Every one of them had suppressed their cultivation realm. He smiled faintly. "Let me see your current realms."
"Yes, Father (Grand Elder)."
Xu Chuan extended his divine sense once more, nodding with a smile. "Not bad. None of you have made slow progress."
Ren Xiaoyao was at the mid-stage of the 8th Layer of Foundation Establishment, Xu Mingwei was at the peak of the Fifth-Layer Foundation Establishment, Xu Mingxian was at the mid-stage of the Sixth-Layer Foundation Establishment, and Xu Mingshu was at the late stage of the Fifth-Layer Foundation Establishment.
"How are Xu Bai and the others doing?"
Xu Mingshu replied, "Xiao Bai is approaching the peak of the late Tier 2 stage, roughly equivalent to a cultivator's 9th Layer of Foundation Establishment. He has almost completely digested the Demonic Spirit Pill refined from that Tier 2 Peak Demonic Beast.
"Much of the medicinal efficacy was spent on excavating his Four Spirits White Tiger bloodline.
"Uncle Moyue says his bloodline is no longer inferior to that of a Tier 3 Demonic Beast.
"Ah Ying has also reached late Tier 2, and the rest, including the spirit beasts belonging to Big Brother and Second Brother, are all at mid Tier 2."
Xu Chuan stroked his chin in thought. "Roughly the 9th Layer of Foundation Establishment... Then it's time to consider Xu Bai's advancement."
"Is Father going to refine an advancement pill? I thank Father on Xiao Bai's behalf!" Xu Mingshu beamed radiantly.
"Once Xu Bai advances to Tier 3, we can join forces to eliminate that Tier 3 Demonic Beast in the Ten Thousand Serpent Valley. It seems to be fire-attribute, which can be used as advancement material for Xu Ying later on.
"Then, we can claim the fire-attribute spirit vein there as our own."
As he spoke, Xu Chuan looked back toward Moyue. "Is the Three-Tailed White Fox willing to lend its spirit vein territory to our Xu family?"
"If we can help her reach the peak of mid Tier 3, she can return to her clan to attempt a breakthrough to late Tier 3. She might even recommend that I guard that territory, and hand the Cloud Gold Mountain Range over to that foolish cat."
"That works well too. The Azure Sea Forest is one of the key passes connecting to the Southern Heaven Region. It's most reassuring if it's held in the hands of our own people.
"It's highly unlikely that Senior Tree King will be replaced, but he is on good terms with our Xu family. As long as we don't disturb the peace in his area, he should allow our disciples to go there and cultivate."
"Father," Xu Mingxian suddenly spoke up. "Regarding the spirit vein, I have something to say as well."
"While studying the Three Absolutes Dragon-Locking Great Formation a while ago, I discovered the aura of a spirit vein. There should be a spirit vein deep beneath that area, but its energy is being siphoned to sustain the great formation."
"What kind of spirit vein?" Xu Chuan felt a surge of pleasant surprise.
"It should be a dual water-earth spirit vein. Moreover, over the thousands of years since the great formation was established, a wood-attribute spirit vein has also been born."
Xu Mingxian said calmly, "The water-earth spirit vein should be Tier 2, sufficient to support Golden Core cultivation, while the wood-attribute one should be Tier 1."
Xu Chuan burst into laughter. "It seems that place is truly a treasure trove."
"Of course it is. Did you think just any random place could support such a massive formation used to seal this seat?" Moyue chimed in.
"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Xu Chuan glanced at Moyue.
Moyue scratched his head. "This seat doesn't understand formations! Besides, I am getting on in years; it's perfectly normal for my memory to slip."
Xu Mingwei and the others all smiled in amusement.
"Never mind, I won't bicker with you," Xu Chuan said after a moment's thought. "Mingxian, you don't need to be in a rush to completely dismantle the Three Absolutes Dragon-Locking Great Formation either.
"Wait until the next era to break the grand array. Then, set up the corresponding Tier 3 Formations and transform it into a holy land for cultivation."
Deep in thought, Xu Mingxian nodded. "I understand."
"Give me a few more years, and I will definitely be able to fully comprehend a Tier 3 formation."
"Father naturally believes in you," Xu Chuan's lips curled into a slight smile. "Alright, you may all return to your respective cultivation. I plan to enter seclusion here to refine pills, and after that, I will head back to check on the clan."
Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingxian, and the others cupped their fists in acknowledgment before taking their leave.
After preparing for a few days...
Xu Chuan began refining the Demonic Spirit Pills.
All the required materials were already safely tucked away in his Storage Ring.
The true Demonic Spirit Pill was incredibly difficult to refine. The main challenge lay in purifying and merging the inner core, spirit essence, and lifeblood of a Tier 3 Demonic Beast—a gruesomely arduous task.
Fortunately, Xu Chuan had fully absorbed the alchemical Ancient Classics he acquired from the Profound Moon Secret Realm, allowing him to master pill-refining arts like the "Nine-Nine True Condensation Art."
His Attainment in Alchemy had reached an entirely new level.
He was far beyond what he used to be.
Furthermore, his skill in refining the low-tier version of the Demonic Spirit Pill had already reached a point where his proficiency was unparalleled. Thus, he still had a fifty to sixty percent chance of success this time.
His first attempt at refining the demonic spirit ended in failure.
His second attempt took nearly three months of painstaking effort before he successfully refined the demonic spirit.
It took another half a month to fuse the remaining materials and condense them into pills.
When the pills were finally formed, a miraculous phenomenon and an overwhelming fragrance permeated the area. Had Xu Chuan not anticipated this and set up isolating formations beforehand, nearly every demonic beast within fifty kilometers would have been lured over.
This was the Azure Sea Forest, after all. Attracting ten or twenty Tier 2 Peak Demonic Beasts would be considered perfectly normal.
"Three pills. Although there are no High Grade ones, Mid Grade is still quite good. One Mid Grade pill will let Xu Bai step into Tier 3, and another will help him rapidly reach the peak of early Tier 3.
"The remaining pill will be kept in the clan for any future metal-attribute demonic beasts with the hope of advancing to Tier 3."
Xu Chuan made this arrangement because Moyue was definitely going to leave this place with him. Once in the outside world, Xu Chuan could easily gather more materials and refine pills specifically for him.
A Demonic Spirit Pill matching Moyue's attribute would be far more effective for him anyway.
Since this place was a cage for the demon race within the Hundred Thousand Mountains, he might as well raise a few more Tier 3 demonic beasts to replace the ones currently monitoring humanity.
He could even have the ones with outstanding potential infiltrate the demon race of the Hundred Thousand Mountains, becoming deeply embedded nails for the Xu family!
Take Xu Bai, for example. If he could take another step forward and elevate his bloodline potential to Tier 4...
Then the demon race of the Hundred Thousand Mountains would undoubtedly welcome him with open arms.
A demonic beast with Tier 4 potential would surely be a prime target for heavy grooming within the demon race.
Much like the core disciples of major Nascent Soul sects.
After resting and meditating for several days, Xu Chuan's mana and divine sense were finally restored to their peak.
He separated the pills into three Porcelain Bottles and sealed them with a restriction. He gave two of them to Xu Mingshu, instructing her on when to use them.
The remaining bottle would be taken back to Dongxi to be kept in storage.
As Xu Chuan flew through the air, passing over Qingjiang County, he noticed astonishing changes.
Its scale seemed to have doubled in size.
Various pavilions and mansions had also sprung up around the outskirts of the county seat.
Out of curiosity, he swept his divine sense over the area, eavesdropping on the conversations of several disciples.
It turned out they were all members of Martial Dao Clans who had relocated from the commandery city, as well as martial arts practitioners from various Qi Condensation Clans.
'So that's how it is.' It didn't take long for him to piece it together.
After all, the Xu family was stationed here.
Even though the spiritual energy here was thin, they still wanted their families to be closer to the Xu clan.
Naturally, this was a situation where crisis and opportunity coexisted.
If the Xu family were to suffer a calamity, the clan estates for hundreds of miles around would likely suffer alongside them.
However, being close to the Xu family naturally offered more opportunities to befriend their descendants.
The benefits were certainly numerous.
Xu Chuan continued to inspect the situation in the Qingjiang County Seat. It was growing increasingly prosperous and bustling. Three or four out of every ten people walking on the streets were martial artists.
There were even quite a few Innate Martial Artists among them.
It was nothing like a few decades ago, when martial artists were a rare sight throughout the entire Qingjiang County, and Innate Martial Artists could be counted on one hand.
He shook his head and laughed. "It's already like this after only three years. In a few decades, it'll probably reach the scale of a commandery city."
But then his thoughts drifted to the Demon Tribulation that was destined to arrive in a few decades. Under the Blood Food Feast, when demonic beasts would blot out the sky and cover the earth, how long could this prosperity truly last?
Facing a dual catastrophe, whether it was Great Wei, Great Liang, or Great Jin, if even ten or twenty percent of the population survived, it would only be because the demonic beasts showed mercy.
Leaving just enough population seeds for the next era.
Xu Chuan sighed faintly.
There was nothing he could do.
In this era, the most he could do was try his best to preserve his Xu clan, and even then, he wasn't sure how many of them he could actually save.
Upon arriving at Dongxi.
Looking around, the changes in Dongxi weren't too drastic; it remained as peaceful and serene as ever.
The only difference was that the Xu Clan main residence had expanded to include a few more courtyards.
Xu Chuan chatted with Bai Jing in the main residence for a short while before returning to his study, sending a sound transmission to summon Xu Chonghui.
The family head was generally aware of all matters within the Xu clan, big or small.
"Grand Elder, the clan has gained quite a few Immortal Seedlings over the past three years. The ones we recruited over a decade ago have mostly reached the late stages of Qi Condensation and are already making their mark in various places.
The clan's Shadow Division also sends back monthly reports from the Immortal Martial Alliance branches in every commandery. Everything is progressing smoothly.
"
Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "Is Mingyuan not here?"
"Second Great-Uncle went to Guangling. He apparently has to give a lecture at the academy, and then handle some matters at the Talisman Pavilion. He should be back in two or three days."
"I understand. Once he returns, the two of you are to come find me at the Jade Cold Pool."
"Yes, Grand Elder."
A few days later.
Xu Mingyuan returned. Upon learning that Xu Chuan had come back from the Azure Sea Forest, he was instantly overjoyed and immediately headed to the Jade Cold Pool with Xu Chonghui.
"Father, congratulations on reaching Foundation Establishment Perfection! You are only a single step away from the Golden Core stage!"
Xu Mingyuan cupped his fists respectfully.
Xu Chonghui was stunned for a moment before quickly echoing the sentiment.
"You've always been sharp," Xu Chuan chuckled. "But it's also thanks to the Breath-Concealing Array Tool; no one beneath the Golden Core stage can see through it.
"Given how far our Xu family has come, there's no longer any need to hide and skulk around.
"Do the two of you think it's still necessary to wear the Breath-Concealing Array Tools within the clan grounds?"
Xu Mingyuan and Xu Chonghui exchanged glances. Xu Chonghui replied, "It is indeed unnecessary within the clan grounds now, but disciples heading out on special missions still need them.
"For example, members of the Shadow Division, or core members that the clan places great importance on."
"I agree with Chonghui's assessment, with one addition: our Xu family's foundational figures must continue to wear the Breath-Concealing Array Tools. This includes you, Father, some members of the Ming generation and De generation, as well as the Family Head.
"As for the other elders, there is basically no need for them to suppress their cultivation realms anymore.
"If we do this, the outside world will generally guess that those concealing their auras have higher cultivation than what they display, but they won't know exactly how much higher. This uncertainty will keep them wary."
"Second Great-Uncle makes a valid point," Xu Chonghui added.
Xu Chuan nodded. "Alright. Chonghui, you can make the arrangements."
"Yes, Grand Elder."
"I called you here for another important matter. I plan to step down from my positions as the Grand Elder of the clan and the Grand Elder of the Immortal Martial Alliance."
Hearing this, both of their pupils abruptly shrank.
"Father, why?"
Xu Chuan looked at him with a smile. "Firstly, it is to send a signal to the outside world that I am preparing for secluded cultivation to attempt a breakthrough to the Golden Core stage. Secondly, it is time to let you carve out the Xu family's path.
"From now on, I only need to serve as your safety net.
"The future of the Xu family ultimately belongs to the younger generation.
"If the younger generation rots away, the Xu family's future will be bleak.
"Therefore, we must give the younger generation more opportunities to temper themselves. We need to observe their strengths, either entrusting them with heavy responsibilities or marginalizing them accordingly.
"Once the clan's numbers grow massive, it will be impossible for everyone to be the elite among elites like you, Mingwei, and Mingyuan."
Both Xu Mingyuan and Xu Chonghui fell deep into thought.
"This is why our Xu family rotates the Family Head so frequently. In any other aristocratic family, it would be perfectly normal for Mingwei to still hold the position even now.
"In fact, given our Xu family's current scale—which rivals that of a Golden Core Aristocratic Family—the Family Head should ideally be a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
"There is no need to overprotect the clan members. Those in high positions must view the clan's development from a big-picture perspective."
"Chonghui understands. Thank you for your guidance, Grand Elder!" Xu Chonghui bowed.
Xu Chuan stated, "As for the position of Grand Elder... Mingyuan, I plan to have you inherit it entirely!"
"Me?!" Xu Mingyuan was astonished and immediately waved his hands in refusal. "Big Brother is still around. It is only right that he assumes the role of Grand Elder."
"I considered that as well, but after careful deliberation and assessing the Xu family's current situation, I ultimately chose you. As for your eldest brother, I have other arrangements for him.
"The position of Grand Elder carries tremendous decision-making authority for the clan; it is incredibly important.
"Looking at all of you siblings, you are the only one suited for it.
"Mingwei prefers battle. Mingxuan has the ability, but he favors a carefree and relaxed life. Mingshu is entirely focused on her spirit beasts. Mingxian has a detached temperament, only caring about what he values personally; for now, delving into formations suits him best.
"I also have separate plans for him in the future.
"As for Mingqing, he is the successor of the Xu family's Dao of Alchemy after me. He only needs to focus entirely on alchemy and cultivation."
"Sigh!"
Hearing this, Xu Mingyuan let out a soft sigh. Looking straight into Xu Chuan's eyes, he said, "Since you've put it like that, Father, what else can I say?"
He immediately cupped his fists. "I am willing to accept the position of Grand Elder and steer the ship for our Xu clan."
Xu Chuan patted his shoulder. "I have always believed in you the most."
"Father, that trick is outdated. You've probably said the exact same thing to every single one of us."
"Did I? I don't think so." Xu Chuan laughed awkwardly before shaking his head with a sigh. "You're not as easy to fool as when you were kids."
Xu Chonghui's lips twitched slightly. Was this really the great-grandfather he knew?
To think he actually had a side like this.
He wondered how he had taught his grandfather and the others back when he was young.
He was genuinely curious!
"There is one more thing."
Before his words could even settle, the Storage Ring on Xu Chuan's hand lit up. Instantly, a sinister black banner brimming with ghostly energy flew out, accompanied by eight Profound Yin Blood Corpses.
"From now on, these two items will become the secret inheritance tools passed down to every generation's Family Head and Grand Elder."
"The two of you, pick one each."
Xu Mingyuan sighed inwardly once again. It seemed his father truly intended to leave this place, just like how he had left Dongxi in the past to pursue the Immortal Dao.
And there was a high probability he would take Mingxian with him.
He was honestly a bit envious of him!
"Chonghui, you pick first," Xu Mingyuan offered.
"Then I'll choose the Soul Banner."
Xu Chuan nodded. "Close your eyes and focus your minds. I will transmit the methods for controlling and refining them to you. For the near future, you must carve out time to come here every day until you have completely mastered them."
The two men did as instructed.
Xu Chuan pressed two fingers against the center of their brows respectively, transmitting a massive surge of information into their minds.
A moment later.
They opened their eyes.
Xu Chuan cautioned, "Both of these are vicious artifacts. You are absolutely not to use them unless it is a last resort; otherwise, they can easily erode your sanity.
"Of course, relying on them is merely a temporary measure out of necessity for our Xu family.
"In the future, I will seek out hidden trump cards that are more suitable for us."
In the days that followed.
Every night, Xu Chonghui and Xu Mingyuan would come here and spend four hours refining the artifacts.
Until half a month later.
They finally gained complete mastery over them.
"By the way, how are the Clan Genealogy and Clan Annals coming along?" Xu Chuan asked.
Xu Chonghui replied, "They have already been compiled. My father, grandfather, Second Great-Uncle, and I have all reviewed them, and there are no issues. I will go ask Aunt Dejing to bring them over right away."
Half a cup of tea later.
Xu Dejing arrived, bringing the Clan Genealogy along with the internal and external sets of the Clan Annals.
"Greetings, Grand Elder!" Xu Dejing cupped her fists.
"Jing'er, you've embarked on the path of immortal cultivation."
"Yes, Grand Elder."
Currently, Xu Dejing was at the late stage of the 8th Layer of Qi Condensation.
She rarely showed herself in front of outsiders anymore, and even when she did, she wore a mask to conceal her identity.
This was a decision made by Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and the others.
All members of the Xu clan who had abruptly transitioned from the Martial Dao to the Immortal Dao were required to do the same.
"Are you getting used to it?"
"It's acceptable. Immortal cultivation was also Wu Tao's lifelong wish. I want to take his place and see the scenery above Qi Condensation, at the Foundation Establishment stage."
"Very well. Follow your own heart. Our Xu family does not enforce many worldly, outdated rules. If you wish to remarry, that is perfectly fine as well."
"That won't be necessary, Grand Elder. My life is very peaceful as it is."
Xu Chuan nodded, taking the Clan Genealogy and Clan Annals to flip through them.
Xu Dejing said, "Most of the deeds concerning you recorded in the Clan Annals, Grand Elder, were passed down through the words of Grandmother and my father. If there are any inaccuracies or inappropriate details, please point them out."
"There's no need. This is sufficient."
The Clan Annals primarily documented the lives of Xu Chuan and Bai Jing, the six siblings of the second generation like Xu Mingwei, and the third generation like Xu Dezhao and Xu Deling. It also included records of the various battles and major events the Xu family had experienced.
Should any significant figures emerge in the third or fourth generations in the future, their stories could simply be added later.