"Furthermore, this Dharma Tool of yours requires a cultivation method with all Five Elements complete to fully unleash its power," Perfected Person Fire Cloud said with a faint smile, stroking his beard. "When that happens, the Five Elements will circulate endlessly.
Using the principle of mutual restraint among the Five Elements to transform the attributes of your Spirit Power, it wouldn't lose out in the slightest to my Mount Tai Sword."
Hearing this, Xu Chuan thought to himself, 'As expected of a Golden Core Perfected Being, he saw through the crux of it at a single glance.'
The Xu Family's Five Spirits Box was indeed most suitable for Xu Family disciples who practiced the Five Elements Spirit Art.
If Xu Mingxuan were to use it, its power would increase by more than double.
"Never mind, I must have lost my head as well. This time, I've somewhat used my seniority to bully the young." Perfected Person Fire Cloud gave his Sleeve Robe a wave and said calmly, "As for your Xu Family disturbing my quiet cultivation, let's leave it at that."
"Senior is magnanimous, possessing a broad-mindedness capable of holding the Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks."
"Bootlicker."
Perfected Person Fire Cloud actually found this quite pleasing to the ear. He scolded with a laugh, his tone entirely devoid of anger.
"Hmm? You're leaving just like that?!" Perfected Person Fire Cloud paused, slightly stunned.
Xu Chuan said in surprise, "Senior forgiving our Xu Family's rashness this time is already our greatest fortune. Who knows if we would be so lucky next time? We absolutely wouldn't dare to disturb you again."
Hearing this, Perfected Person Fire Cloud immediately blew his beard and glared.
'You piqued my interest and now you're just going to leave?'
'And you absolutely wouldn't dare to disturb me again?!'
'Could it be that you want me to personally visit your door to accept a disciple!'
'This old boy from the Xu Family is quite insidious!'
Seeing Xu Chuan and the girl genuinely turn to leave, Perfected Person Fire Cloud's unusual crimson eyes flickered with uncertainty. Coming across such an excellent piece of uncarved jade in the Dao of Artifacts, he was Delighted at the Sight.
'To have such accomplishments without even coming into contact with Artifact Patterns.'
'Once she masters some Artifact Patterns, she will take another massive step forward in the Dao of Artifacts. If she can even comprehend second-tier Artifact Patterns, she could forge a Magic Treasure while only at the Foundation Establishment Stage.'
'Such a genius in the Dao of Artifacts is rare throughout the entire Southern Heaven Region.'
He had only ever seen someone like this within the great sect of the Dao of Artifacts, the Heavenly Foundry Sect.
The Heavenly Foundry Sect was a massive sect dedicated to the Dao of Artifacts, located in the southern part of the Southern Heaven Region.
When Perfected Person Fire Cloud was traveling the Southern Heaven Region, he once visited to exchange pointers on their accomplishments in the Dao of Artifacts. However, he ended up in a dead heat with a mere Foundation Establishment disciple of the Heavenly Foundry Sect, which dealt him quite a blow.
Later, he heard that the person was one of the three disciples with the highest attainments in the Dao of Artifacts in the Heavenly Foundry Sect.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud had been severely demoralized.
The Heavenly Foundry Sect had once invited him to join them as an Elder, but his pride and arrogance made him refuse.
Those five disciples were taken in afterward.
Unfortunately, none of them satisfied him.
He also felt that his own foundation in the Dao of Artifacts fell too far short compared to a massive sect like the Heavenly Foundry Sect, so he did not expect that one day his own disciples could help him win back his face there.
Instead, he went into secluded cultivation in Fire Cloud Valley, devoting himself to studying the Dao of Artifacts in the hope that one day he could wash away his past humiliation!
However, seeing Xu Deling today gave him a glimmer of hope.
Of course, Xu Chuan was naturally unaware of all this.
He merely deduced that Perfected Person Fire Cloud was someone who cherished talent, which was why he acted this way.
'No, it would be too great a pity to miss out on such a genius. Forget it, this little bit of my pride isn't worth mentioning.
Many old Golden Core monsters often go to great lengths just to find a suitable legacy disciple.'
'Right, I am not doing this for myself; I am making a contribution to the development of the Dao of Artifacts in Heavenly South!'
Perfected Person Fire Cloud began to rationalize things, quickly convincing himself in his heart.
"Wait, my young friend Xu. I see that your granddaughter possesses a fair amount of Innate Aptitude in the Dao of Artifacts. Without the relevant Inheritance, it is very difficult to come into contact with Artifact Patterns.
Without the guidance of a renowned master, I'm afraid it will be very difficult for her to take another step forward."
"Then does Senior have anyone to recommend?"
'This old boy, he's absolutely forcing me to publicly state that I want to take her as my disciple, isn't he?'
Perfected Person Fire Cloud let out a soft sigh. "What do you think of me?"
"Senior has a distinguished reputation across the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure and is a Grandmaster-Level Figure in the Dao of Artifacts. If you would be willing to spare some time to guide my little Ling'er, then I would be eternally grateful."
"You old boy, did you truly not hear that I intend to take your granddaughter as my disciple? Or are you deliberately playing dumb?" Perfected Person Fire Cloud said sternly.
Xu Chuan hurriedly cupped his fists and said, "Please do not take offense, Senior. It's just that I heard you had long stopped accepting disciples. This matter has spread throughout the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure, so this junior did not dare to extravagantly hope that you would take little Ling'er in.
I only hoped you could spare some time to offer a bit of guidance."
"Who is spreading such rumors?!" Perfected Person Fire Cloud immediately shouted in anger.
"That is what everyone is saying," Xu Chuan replied. "It seems this was merely a rumor. However, if Senior does not publicly hold a grand apprenticeship banquet, I'm afraid no one will believe that you have accepted a disciple from my Xu Family.
If word gets out, they would likely mock us, or even take action to teach our Xu Family a lesson just to win Senior's favor."
Hearing this, Perfected Person Fire Cloud fell into deep thought.
What Xu Chuan said indeed made some sense, but he absolutely detested these worldly formalities.
As he was agonizing over it, Xu Deling cupped her hands toward him and said, "This junior will not make things difficult for Senior. As long as Senior is willing to point out a thing or two, you will be my Honored Master in my heart."
Xu Chuan and Xu Deling attacked the problem from both sides.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud waved his hand and said, "Fine, we will do as you say."
"This Perfected Person will personally invite the people of the Seven Cities and Three Sects to come to my Fire Cloud Valley in one month's time to attend the apprenticeship ceremony. Will that do?"
"Thank you, Senior!" The two of them cupped their hands together.
"Still calling me Senior?" Perfected Person Fire Cloud's face deliberately darkened.
Xu Deling immediately spoke again, "Disciple Xu Deling pays her respects to her Honored Master!"
"Good, good, good!" Perfected Person Fire Cloud laughed heartily. "We will hold the true apprenticeship ceremony in a month."
"And your name is..."
"This junior is Xu Chuan."
"My young friend Xu, little Ling'er will stay in my Fire Cloud Valley for this month. I will first teach her some knowledge about Artifact Patterns."
"Then I will leave little Ling'er in Senior's care."
Xu Chuan cupped his hands and left.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud watched as Xu Chuan took to the air and flew away. Suddenly, he said, "Little Ling'er, your grandfather is quite a capable person.
This series of schemes was flawless. He had me completely wrapped around his finger."
Xu Deling immediately bowed and said, "Please do not blame him, Honored Master. Grandfather was only doing it for my sake. He wanted me to go further in the Dao of Artifacts, which is why he resorted to such a tactic."
Perfected Person Fire Cloud waved his hand with a smile and said, "I have no intention of blaming him. In fact, I am grateful that he delivered a disciple with such exceptional Innate Aptitude to me.
With his strategic mind and temperament, if he can successfully undergo Core Formation, your Xu Family might become a top-tier Golden Core Aristocratic Family in the Southern Heaven Region."
A look of determination flashed across Xu Deling's eyes. "This disciple feels the same way."
Yet in her heart, she silently said, 'The Golden Core Stage is merely the starting point for my Xu Family!'
"By the way, let me test your Innate Aptitude."
Xu Deling gave a slight nod.
A moment later.
"Your Spirit Root Purity is only thirty-five percent, which is a bit low. How old are you exactly? I can only sense that your life aura is extremely youthful, definitely under a hundred years old."
"To reply to Honored Master, your disciple is exactly sixty years old."
Perfected Person Fire Cloud's pupils contracted. He said calmly, "This cultivation speed is actually no slower than the core disciples of the Three Sects. It's even close to Heavenly Spirit Root Aptitude.
To reach such a level in both your cultivation and the Dao of Artifacts at this age is truly rare."
"Then what Cultivation Method do you practice? If it is too ordinary, I have a few suitable high-grade fire-attribute arts on hand that can be cultivated all the way to the Nascent Soul stage."
"The Shaohao True Yang Art."
"Ah, so it's that Cultivation Method. It seems your Xu Family has encountered some Opportunity." Perfected Person Fire Cloud smiled slightly. "That is the Foundation Establishment Stage section of the Crimson Emperor Fire Sovereign Art.
It seems you and I are indeed connected by fate. The one I practice is the Golden Core section of this Cultivation Method, known as the Fire Emperor Scripture."
'Fire Emperor Scripture? Wood Sovereign Scripture?'
Xu Deling's pupils contracted slightly. Her intuition told her they must be connected, and she couldn't help but ask curiously, "Honored Master, does that mean there is also a Wood Sovereign Scripture, Water Emperor Scripture, Metal Emperor Scripture, and Earth Emperor Scripture?"
"Truly clever, understanding the whole picture from a single point."
"These are all top-tier Five Elements Cultivation Methods split from a single Five Elements Immortal Art. They all point directly toward the path of Immortal Cultivation. In ancient times, rumor has it that a top-tier great sect once collected all five of these Cultivation Methods.
Unfortunately, they failed to deduce the complete Five Elements Immortal Art.
Later, that sect fell apart and these Cultivation Methods were scattered. Through the myriad changes in the cultivation world, they were broken down into many different chapters."
"Honored Master, you really know so much. Are these all ancient secrets?"
"Haha, they are indeed secrets. I only saw it in the relevant Ancient Classics within the Grotto-Residence in that Secret Realm when I obtained the Inheritance for the Fire Emperor Scripture.
Your senior brothers do not practice this Cultivation Method, but rather the one I practiced in my early years."
"Right, earlier I noticed something unusual about your eyes. Could it be that you also practice some special Spirit Eyes?" Perfected Person Fire Cloud asked, remembering something.
"I have never practiced one, but your disciple was born with innate Spirit Eyes. These are called the Crimson Eagle Spiritual Eye, a fire-attribute Spirit Eye. Unfortunately, I do not have a corresponding method to cultivate it.
Your disciple can only utilize its basic abilities, such as seeing through illusions and far-sight."
"Little Ling'er, you actually have innate Spirit Eyes?!" Perfected Person Fire Cloud was exceptionally shocked.
"Honored Master, are innate Spirit Eyes very rare? My Spirit Eyes shouldn't be considered all that strong."
"I have indeed never heard of your Crimson Eagle Spiritual Eye, but even if it were ordinary, it would still be rarer than my top-tier Earth Spirit Root Aptitude. It is comparable to Heavenly Spirit Root Aptitude!
If it is a powerful Spirit Eye, innately containing a Divine Ability, that would be exceedingly terrifying."
Pausing for a moment, Perfected Person Fire Cloud pointed at his own pupils. "Look at my eyes. This is the result of cultivating a fire-attribute Spirit Eye from the Fire Emperor Scripture.
It's a pity my Innate Aptitude isn't high enough to master it completely. Otherwise, I would be able to conceal this crimson color."
"But you, little Ling'er, with your innate Spirit Eyes, have the hope of mastering it. If you master it, you will have grasped a Divine Ability. With your aptitude, you are completely poised to walk the Divine Ability Golden Core Path."
Xu Deling's eyes narrowed slightly. She had heard of Divine Ability Core Formation from Xu Chuan. It was extremely difficult; many Golden Core cultivators might not even comprehend a single Divine Ability.
Let alone comprehending a Divine Ability during the Foundation Establishment Stage.
"Your disciple has hope of achieving Divine Ability Core Formation?"
"Naturally! Come, come, come! Follow your master into the Grotto-Residence. I will impart the complete Fire Emperor Scripture to you right now. If you can comprehend the essence of a Divine Ability from this Spirit Eye Divine Ability and condense a Divine Ability Seed...
Once you step into the Golden Core Stage, it won't be long before you have a chance at minor mastery.
With devoted cultivation, full mastery is only a matter of time.
Unlike your master, who has been at the Golden Core stage for over one hundred and fifty years and has still only grasped the basics."
Perfected Person Fire Cloud was exceptionally excited to have gained an outstanding disciple today.
He passed down his most closely guarded Inheritance to Xu Deling that very day.
Several days later.
The news that Perfected Person Fire Cloud was going to take a disciple spread throughout the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure and the Three Sects of Heavenly Azure.
People were utterly astonished to hear this news, but immediately grew curious about who Perfected Person Fire Cloud was taking as his disciple, to the point that he was actually holding a grand apprenticeship ceremony for them.
Even Perfected Person Fire Cloud's own disciples were completely unaware, and they all hurried back to Fire Cloud Valley.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud had invited the top ten Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families of the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure, as well as the Golden Core Aristocratic Families and Golden Core Sects.
If every Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Family had come, Fire Cloud Valley might not even have had the space to hold them all.
——————————
In the blink of an eye, the day of the apprenticeship ceremony at Fire Cloud Valley arrived.
Although not every single Golden Core Perfected Being from the various cities and the Three Sects made the trip, over a dozen of them still attended.
Aside from the Golden Core Perfected Beings, there were also young disciples from their respective clans and sects. The representatives from the Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families were all led by Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators, accompanied by other young Foundation Establishment cultivators bearing congratulatory gifts.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud's five disciples were welcoming guests at the entrance of the valley.
To host the ceremony, a special ceremonial venue had been built in Fire Cloud Valley, with Formations laid down to isolate the valley's scorching heat.
"Brother Ning, it's been a long time. Fire Cloud Valley is truly bustling today."
"Brother Wu, you're here. Please, come in."
"By the way, Brother Ning, whose disciple is Senior Fire Cloud accepting today for it to be this grand?"
Ning Xueshi smiled bitterly. "You will find out in a bit, Brother Wu."
The cultivator surnamed Wu cupped his fists and didn't ask further, turning and flying toward the ceremonial venue.
Some others tried to inquire as well, but none could get any answers.
At the ceremonial venue.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud naturally sat in the seat of honor, while the two sides were lined with Golden Core Stage cultivators.
Seated lower on both sides were the young disciples of the Golden Core Aristocratic Families and Sects, as well as the representatives of the Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families.
The Xu Family was among them.
A low desk was placed in front of everyone, laden with items like Spirit Fruits and spirit wine.
Behind each desk was a futon, and everyone sat cross-legged upon them.
Once all the guests had arrived.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud raised his white jade wine cup and said, "I thank all of you Daoist Friends for giving me face and coming to witness my apprenticeship ceremony. I thank you all in advance."
He drained the cup in one gulp.
An old Golden Core man in a green robe on his left stroked his beard and smiled faintly. "Fire Cloud, I've never seen you put on such a grand display before. You're quite courteous today. It seems you are exceptionally proud and fond of this new disciple."
Fire Cloud let out a boisterous laugh. "Naturally, I like this new disciple of mine."
"Who is it? Stop Hiding and Tucking Away," said an old Golden Core man in a yellow shirt on his right.
"There is still a quarter of an hour until the auspicious time. I'll drink my fill with you Daoist Friends first. Everyone who has come to my Fire Cloud Valley today needs not stand on ceremony."
"You said it yourself. Don't feel heartache later."
A quarter of an hour later.
Ning Xueshi suddenly announced loudly, "The auspicious time has arrived. Please step forward, Xu Deling of the Xu Family from Cloudstream Town!"
He was Perfected Person Fire Cloud's eldest disciple, as well as the most outstanding in the Dao of Artifacts among his peers. The apprenticeship ceremony this time was hosted by him.
"Cloudstream Town? The Xu Family?"
"Which family is that? I don't seem to have ever heard of them."
Everyone present was endlessly bewildered.
They looked toward the very back seats.
Xu Deling stood up and walked to the center, following the red carpet until she reached Perfected Person Fire Cloud.
She wore a crimson and gold Tight-fitting Attire, her hair tied up in a single ponytail. She looked valiant and heroic. At around twenty years old, she was right in the prime of her youth.
"Perform the grand kneeling ceremony!"
"Disciple serves the tea!"
The crowd watched quietly as Xu Deling completed the apprenticeship ceremony.
"Rise, little Ling'er," Perfected Person Fire Cloud smiled faintly.
"Thank you, Honored Master," Xu Deling said.
"Everyone, bear witness. From today onward, Xu Deling is my legacy disciple, the Young Valley Master of my Fire Cloud Valley."
Everyone's eyes trembled.
They had thought it was just taking a regular disciple. Never did they expect that this Xu Deling would actually become Perfected Person Fire Cloud's legacy disciple and the Young Valley Master of Fire Cloud Valley.
Regardless of what role the Xu Family played before, from today onward, there was a Golden Core Perfected Being standing behind them, and an extremely close one at that.
Even a Golden Core Aristocratic Family would have to give them some face.
As for anyone wishing to deal with the Xu Family, they would have to consider whether it would anger Perfected Person Fire Cloud.
The green-robed Golden Core cultivator smiled faintly. "Fire Cloud, isn't it a bit biased of you to take a little girl like this as your legacy disciple? You still have five other disciples, you know."
"Those few are decent, but they still fall short compared to Deling."
"Is that so?" The yellow-shirted Golden Core cultivator said. "I wonder if you could let us witness your beloved disciple's attainments in Artificing."
"There's absolutely no need." Perfected Person Fire Cloud waved his hand. "My disciple's Artificing is not meant for exhibition in front of you."
"Petty as always. Forget it, forget it," the yellow-shirted Golden Core cultivator said. "Since the apprenticeship ceremony is over and I still have matters to attend to in my sect, I will take my leave first."
Saying that, he transformed into an earthy-yellow streak of light and instantly vanished into the distance.
"Brother Fire Cloud, we will also take our leave."
As the Golden Core Perfected Beings departed one by one, the rest of the Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families also cupped their hands and left in succession.
"After today, the fame of my Xu Family will be enough to spread throughout the entirety of the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure. It won't be long before the remaining aristocratic families of Cloudstream Town all know as well.
Only now can my Cloudstream Xu Family be considered to have truly established a foothold here, allowing us to develop in peace."
Before Xu Chuan and the others left, Xu Deling specifically sought him out for a chat, informing him about the Five Elements Immortal Art and the various Cultivation Methods it had been split into.
Just as Xu Deling was able to connect it to their own family's Five Elements Spirit Art, Xu Chuan's first reaction was exactly the same.
"I understand this matter. Ling'er, cultivate well here with Senior Fire Cloud."
"Grandfather, I understand. Honored Master promised me that if I can achieve Divine Ability Core Formation, he will allow me to pass down the Fire Emperor Scripture to the Xu Family."
"Divine Ability Core Formation?!"
"My innate Spirit Eyes are suitable for cultivating a Spirit Eye Divine Ability from within the Fire Emperor Scripture. There is hope for me to walk the path of Divine Ability Core Formation."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "That is excellent. If you can walk that path, that is naturally for the best; it will also be helpful for your future Nascent Soul Formation. The more figures like you my Xu Family has, the better."
Xu Deling looked at Xu Chuan, pausing for a moment. "Grandfather, little Ling'er won't be at home often from now on, so you all must take care. Regarding Dharma Tools, you can send someone to Fire Cloud Valley to fetch them every three months.
Honored Master will only allow me to go out freely once I have mastered a few types of Artifact Patterns."
"That is fine. From now on, the profits obtained from Artificing will be split sixty percent to the Xu Family and forty percent to Fire Cloud Valley."
Xu Deling did not refuse.
The Artificing materials in Fire Cloud Valley were not infinite. Perfected Person Fire Cloud might go out to search for a small portion of rare ones, but some ordinary low- and mid-grade materials still needed to be purchased with Spirit Stones.
Xu Deling watched as Xu Chuan and the others left.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud said, "You can't bear to see them go."
"A little. I have been a genius in the clan since I was a child. Grandfather discovered my talent for Artificing, and ever since then, it's been nothing but cultivation and Artificing. I rarely left the family."
"Your master won't forbid you from keeping in touch with your family. Look at your senior brothers; aren't they getting mixed up with so many families?
Once you are successful in your studies, you will naturally be able to help your Xu Family even more."
"This is also my grandfather's expectation. Whatever he expects, Ling'er will do everything in her power to achieve."
Hearing this, Perfected Person Fire Cloud understood that the importance of her grandfather, Xu Chuan, in Xu Deling's heart far exceeded that of himself, her teaching master.
He even felt a slight twinge of jealousy in his heart.
Ning Xueshi said, "Honored Master, how can our actions be called getting mixed up? They come to us with requests for Artificing, and we conveniently earn some Spirit Stones and Artificing materials to subsidize the valley."
"Yes, Honored Master." The others also spoke up with bitter smiles.
Now that they had a little junior sister, they instantly became unwanted disciples.
Wait, it didn't seem like Honored Master was ever particularly fond of them in the past either.
"I don't care about anything else, but you are absolutely forbidden from making things difficult for your little junior sister's Xu Family. If I find out, I will not spare you."
"Yes, Honored Master."
Since Perfected Person Fire Cloud favored Xu Deling, his affections naturally extended to her family. As Xu Deling cared deeply about the Xu Family, he would naturally assist them a bit as well.
"Let's go, Deling. I will continue teaching you the Dao of Artifact Patterns."
Ning Xueshi and the others did not stay in the valley.
Over the years, they had gradually acquired their own properties outside. However, if Perfected Person Fire Cloud ever sent word, they would all eagerly come running to serve him.
Aside from the grace of his teachings, the reason they were able to establish a firm foothold was all because Perfected Person Fire Cloud stood behind them.
In just a few days.
Almost all of the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure learned the name of the Xu Family from Cloudstream Town.
Being accepted as Perfected Person Fire Cloud's legacy disciple meant that Xu Deling was highly likely to become a Grandmaster Smith in the future.
And given Perfected Person Fire Cloud's fondness for her, he would definitely help her when it came to Core Formation in the future.
With the help of a veteran Golden Core cultivator, her chances of Core Formation were naturally much higher than those of ordinary people.
However, because the Xu Family was in Cloudstream Town, they essentially had no conflicts of interest with the top-ranking Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families of the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure, so no one would actively target them.
But Cloudstream Town was different.
With the sudden emergence of another family backed by a Golden Core Perfected Being, many families found it difficult to eat or sleep in peace.
Almost starting from the second day after the news broke, many families came to visit and surrendered portions of their interests, such as gifting Spirit Fields, giving away shops, and redistributing the interests of the spiritual lakes.
It seemed as though they were intentionally helping the Xu Family develop.
None of them were fools. They absolutely did not believe that the Xu Family would remain content with their lot and scrape by on just a single trading firm.
Thus, taking the initiative to build good relations before the Xu Family launched an attack might significantly reduce their losses.
As long as Perfected Person Fire Cloud was alive for a single day, it was only a matter of time before the Xu Family became another overlord of Cloudstream Town.
The figures from the Three Sects backing the Yuan, Hua, and Fang families couldn't possibly fall out with a Golden Core Perfected Being over them, let alone a Grandmaster-Level Figure in Artificing.
One could never tell when they might need his help.
The family heads of the three families gathered at the Yuan Clan to discuss the matter of the Xu Family.
"Brother Hua, how does your Hua Clan view the Xu Family?"
The Hua Clan Head said helplessly, "My Hua Clan already owes the Xu Family a favor. Unless it involves my clan's vital interests, we will not target the Xu Family."
The Fang Clan Head said, "Perfected Person Fire Cloud has an enormous reputation. Although he has only just entered the fourth layer of the Golden Core stage, even Late-Stage Golden Core Perfected Beings wouldn't easily offend him."
Although he didn't state it outright, he indirectly indicated that his Fang Clan would not risk offending Perfected Person Fire Cloud by deliberately making enemies with the Xu Family.
"I understand Brother Fang's meaning, but I fear the Xu Family's ambitions are not small. Tell me, if that Xu Deling becomes a Golden Core Perfected Being in the future, will this Cloudstream Town still be the same Cloudstream Town it is now?"
The Hua Clan Head fell silent for a moment, then shook his head and laughed. "Brother Yuan, your words are actually completely meaningless. Regardless of whether it's our three families or any other family, as long as a Golden Core Perfected Being emerges...
And that family is still willing to stay in Cloudstream Town, then Cloudstream Town will naturally default to being their Territory.
Don't tell me we'd dare clash head-on with them?
A Golden Core Aristocratic Family's foundation might not compare to the Three Sects of Heavenly Azure, but their status is equal.
In any case, my Hua Clan's stance is that we have no objections to the Xu Family becoming Cloudstream Town's fourth overlord, provided the Xu Family has the capability.
However, if the Xu Family relies entirely on Perfected Person Fire Cloud's reputation for everything, then they are nothing to fear. Sooner or later, Perfected Person Fire Cloud will grow tired of them."
"My Fang Clan also has no objections."
"Fine. Since the two of you say so, my Yuan Clan will not interfere with the Xu Family's development either."
After the Hua Clan Head left, the Yuan Clan Head kept the Fang Clan Head back for a moment, intending to form an alliance with him.
"The Hua Clan intends to draw closer to the Xu Family. If we don't take precautions in the future, I fear we will suffer a loss," the Yuan Clan Head said.
"I understand Brother Yuan's meaning. I will carefully consider this matter after I return."
Backed by a Golden Core Perfected Being and with no one interfering with their development.
The scale of the Xu Clan Trading Company became several times larger than before.
The owners of several surrounding shops gave them to the Xu Family under the pretext of congratulating Xu Deling on becoming Fire Cloud's disciple.
Furthermore, they underwent a restructuring.
The trading firm was expanded to five floors. The first underground floor was an underground trading venue, specifically for handling stolen goods or items that couldn't see the light of day.
The first floor was for low-grade cultivation resources used by Qi Condensation Cultivators, including Pills, Artifacts, Formations, Talismans, and the like.
The second floor offered mid-grade resources needed by those in the Mid Foundation Establishment stage.
The third floor was a trading ground for high-grade materials.
The fourth floor was the Xu Clan's Auction venue, which was usually not open to the public.
As for the Spirit Fields and Cloud Lake in the north of Cloudstream Town, apart from those gifted by the various families, Xu Chuan bought up neighboring Spirit Fields until they amassed over a hundred and sixty acres.
One-tenth of the northern area of Cloud Lake was also successively purchased from several families.
A grand array was set up over each.
The Spirit Fields were planted with Blood Rice, Yellow Millet Rice, Crystal Rice, Dragon Tooth Rice, and another High Grade Spirit Rice, the Clear Spirit Rice.
Cloud Lake was used to breed Spirit Fish and other aquatic products, fed with Spirit Fish Pellets or Spirit Beast Pills.
Lacking manpower, Xu Chuan specially hired some Spirit Farmers and Fishery Farmers to tend to them.
The Xu Family was extremely strict when recruiting outsiders. They had to swear an oath not to leak any information regarding the Xu Family. In return, the compensation the Xu Family provided was basically double that of their peers.
The Xu Family's labor Spiritual Contracts were divided into one-year, three-year, and five-year terms.
Upon expiration of the contract, they could choose to leave or renew it.
Three years passed in a flash.
The Xu Family's businesses expanded massively.
Whether it was their Spirit Rice or the quality of their Spirit Fish, both were top-tier in Cloudstream Town and deeply beloved by the townspeople.
However, while expanding massively, the Xu Family naturally couldn't avoid encroaching on the interests of others.
After all, there were only so many Spirit Fields, and Cloud Lake was only so large.
The Yuan, Hua, Fang, and Xu families completely divided Cloud Lake among themselves, with the Xu Family occupying the southern stretch.
At this time, several Fishery Farmers were here feeding the Spirit Fish.
They could be heard chatting casually, "Old Li, your labor contract with the Xu Family is almost up, isn't it? Do you plan to renew it afterward?"
"Naturally." Old Li turned his head and smiled. "The Xu Family's treatment is the most generous among all the families in Cloudstream Town, and they are also exceedingly easy to get along with.
As long as we do our jobs diligently, they don't treat us harshly, nor do they deduct our Spirit Stones for no reason.
Moreover, thanks to this employment relationship, we can get a five percent discount at the Xu Clan Trading Company.
In just three short years, even with my Miscellaneous Spiritual Root aptitude, my cultivation has risen by an entire realm, reaching the 6th Layer of Qi Condensation.
I even plan to buy a Low Grade Realm-Breaking Pill at the Xu Clan Trading Company in a while to break through to the 7th Layer of Qi Condensation!
Only a fool wouldn't renew!
Wait, Brother Cheng, could it be you're having other thoughts?
Recently, it seems some of the families taking sides with the Yuan and Fang families have been poaching the Xu Family's personnel."
Old Cheng chuckled. "Of course not, I was just asking casually."
"After all, with the Xu Family's massive expansion, Cloudstream Town is gradually becoming restless. Although we are just hired Fishery Farmers, if a war really breaks out, we will also suffer collateral damage."
"Are you planning to leave, Old Cheng?" Old Li frowned, then fell silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. "But with our aptitude and strength, it's too difficult to survive in the cultivation world.
Encountering a master family like the Xu Family is truly rare. If we leave now, I reckon there won't be a sliver of hope to join the Xu Family again in the future.
I've heard the Xu Family is becoming increasingly strict with recruitment. Anyone who enters must face Heart-questioning Formations.
Qi Condensation Cultivators simply cannot resist the heart-questioning. If they harbor ulterior motives, they might even be executed on the spot."
Pausing, he seemed to make up his mind. "I believe in the Xu Family. Their potential far exceeds the other three families."
"Forget it, suit yourself," Old Cheng said. "Anyway, in a few days, I plan to leave when my contract expires and make a living in another town."
The situation was similar for many of the Spirit Farmers.
There were those who stayed, and those who smelled danger and left.
However, the majority chose to stay.
Meanwhile.
The Xu Clan Trading Company was hosting an Auction today.
The Auction was on the fourth floor. Those participating did not go up from inside, but rather took an external staircase straight to the Auction venue.
This was the first time the Xu Family had hosted an Auction in Cloudstream Town, so they brought out quite a few good items.
Among them, a few Youth-Retaining Pills attracted many Foundation Establishment female cultivators from the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure and the Three Sects of Heavenly Azure.
Other Pills included many rare types like Divine Sense Pills and Void Rushing Pills.
The grand finale Pill was an Azure Splendor Pill.
As soon as news of this Pill spread, it attracted many Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators whose Lifespan was approaching its limit.
Increasing one's Lifespan by thirty years was enough to drive them mad.
The artifact lots mainly consisted of Dharma Tools and Dharma Tool sets.
All of them were the handiwork of Xu Deling.
Now, after three years had passed, she also had her own exclusive title—Grandmaster Ling!
The path of Artifact Patterns had further broadened her road in Artificing.
Because of her Fate Talent, "Thousand Hammers and Hundred Refinements", Xu Deling's success rate in forging Dharma Tools with Artifact Patterns was extremely high.
However, she always kept Xu Chuan's teachings firmly in mind and did not fully reveal this even to her own master, Perfected Person Fire Cloud.
In front of him, she only displayed a forty to fifty percent success rate for Artifact Pattern Dharma Tools.
An ordinary Top-Grade Magical Artifact set possessed power no less than a regular Talisman Treasure. And a Top-Grade Magical Artifact set fully inscribed with Artifact Patterns possessed even more astonishing might.
However, the requirements for their materials were also much higher.
They had to be crafted from at least top-tier mid-grade materials to withstand the strain.
If it was a non-set Dharma Tool, there wouldn't be such a restriction.
Because of Xu Deling's fame and the quality of her Dharma Tools, they were now highly sought after by all families. Counterfeit Dharma Tools had even appeared in the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure.
Unfortunately for them, those counterfeiters could only replicate Xu Deling's exclusive mark to about seventy or eighty percent accuracy.
The genuine mark only had the ancient character "Ling" carved into it, but as long as Mana was injected, it would transform into a feather. When not in use, it reverted to the ancient character.
This was just a small trick, but it had yet to be cracked to this day.
Fire Cloud Valley.
"Honored Master, this is the first time my Xu Family is hosting an Auction. Grandfather invites you to go and hold the fort. I wonder if you would be willing," Xu Deling said, cupping her fists to Perfected Person Fire Cloud.
"If it were anyone else, unless the Auction had materials I wanted, I wouldn't bother going. But since this is your request, little Ling'er, I will naturally oblige."
He had seen all of Xu Deling's hard work over the past three years.
Although she spent most of her energy studying and practicing Artifact Patterns with him, she still made sure to cultivate for several hours every day.
Now, she was already an existence at the late stage of the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment, not far from Foundation Establishment Perfection.
"Thank you, Honored Master." Joy appeared on Xu Deling's face.
"Don't be so quick to thank me. Over the next six months, you need to devote all your energy to cultivation and reach Foundation Establishment Perfection as quickly as possible. I've fought for a quota for you to enter the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm."