Half a month later.
Corner Constellation City.
The Three Sects were holding a trial here. The objective was to enter the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range for seven days, hunt designated demonic beasts, and bring back tokens to earn points.
All participants were Qi Refining disciples.
This was a grand event for the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure. Foundation Establishment families from the seven cities, Foundation Establishment aristocratic families from surrounding towns, and rogue cultivators would all participate.
Even Golden Core aristocratic families would send some disciples to participate.
If the disciples who joined the Three Sects could grow and become high-ranking members of the sects, it would be highly beneficial for their Golden Core aristocratic families.
In terms of profound foundations, ordinary Golden Core aristocratic families could not compare to these Golden Core sects.
After all, Golden Core sects generally had two or three Golden Core stage immortal cultivators, and some even had the backing of Late-Stage Golden Core experts.
At the recruitment venue of the Three Sects, someone used a special dharma tool called the Profound Light Mirror to project the progress of many participants.
This dharma tool was divided into a child and mother mirror. The scenes reflected by the child mirror could be viewed on the mother mirror, and could even be projected into midair using mana to form a light screen.
This made Xu Chuan feel greatly intrigued.
Upon inquiring, he learned that the forging method for this Profound Light Mirror had also been brought out from the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm and was rarely circulated outside.
Of course, it was possible that it existed in other ancient secret realms as well.
Through the light screen projected by the Profound Light Mirror, everyone admired the performance of the trial participants.
This was not only a trial for the Three Sects to recruit disciples, but some aristocratic families would also invite rogue cultivators who failed the selection but performed well to join their families.
After all, the participants were all Late-Stage Qi Condensation to Qi Refining perfection immortal cultivators. Those who performed outstandingly all had the potential to step into Foundation Establishment.
If a family did not absorb outstanding external immortal cultivators and relied solely on its own clansmen to multiply and develop, it would be very difficult to expand rapidly.
Not every family produced generations of geniuses.
Once a situation arose where the younger generation could not replace the older one, it could even cause the rapid decline of the family.
Of course, absorbing outsiders also required various precautions to prevent the dove from taking over the magpie's nest.
Family development differed from sect development. In a sect, it did not matter who the leader was replaced with, as long as they were a sect disciple.
But if a family's leader changed their surname, could it still be considered the original family?
Seven days passed in a flash.
The trial of the Three Sects concluded, and the participants returned to the venue one after another.
Based on their trial performance and spirit root aptitude, the elders recruiting disciples for the Three Sects began to invite the disciples they favored to join their respective sects.
When encountering those with high aptitude, they would even fight over them.
Xu Chuan did not speak up to recruit anyone. He simply remained a quiet, invisible presence until the end of the trial.
Aside from not wanting to attract attention, the main reason was a minor misfortune indicated by his divination. It seemed there were demonic sect spies mixed in among these trial participants.
Even though they were spies, it was completely impossible to tell from their cultivation methods and techniques.
Xu Chuan naturally would not take the risk.
However, as he was bidding farewell to others and preparing to leave, the Hua Clan Head stepped forward and said, "Family Head Xu, my ancestor invites you."
"Fairy Qingxue?" Xu Chuan raised an eyebrow, quite surprised.
"Exactly. The ancestor is waiting for you in the Heaven-grade private room on the second floor of the Clear Breeze Pavilion in the city."
Xu Chuan lowered his head and pondered for a moment before replying, "Alright, I shall go meet Fairy Qingxue."
With that said, he bid farewell to the Hua Clan Head and departed.
Clear Breeze Pavilion.
Second floor, Heaven-grade private room.
"Fairy Qingxue, I have arrived."
Xu Chuan stood at the door of the Heaven-grade private room and transmitted his voice inside.
A moment later.
The restriction dissipated, the door to the private room opened automatically, and a voice drifted out. "Daoist Friend Xu, please come in."
Xu Chuan walked inside.
Inside, besides Hua Qingxue, there was an elegant middle-aged man in a green robe. He had a slender figure, a short beard, and a faint smile on his lips as he held a jade cup, tilting his head back to drink wine.
After he finished drinking, Hua Qingxue smiled lightly and poured him another cup.
Xu Chuan had his suspicions and did not rashly release his divine sense to investigate.
"Greetings, Fairy Qingxue. May I ask what instructions you have for me, having the Hua Clan Head seek me out?" Xu Chuan cupped his fists.
Hearing this, Hua Qingxue turned her head and smiled faintly. "I heard that the Xu family did not send anyone to participate in the Three Sects' trial this time?"
"You are perfectly clear about the situation of my Xu family, Fairy Qingxue. We don't have any outstanding Qi Refining juniors."
"If I am willing to gift a slot to become an Inner Sect Disciple of the Green Wood Sect, would Daoist Friend Xu be willing to accept it?"
"One should not accept a reward without merit. Moreover, let us discuss this matter when my Xu family has a suitable junior."
"Daoist Friend Xu is cautious as expected. I actually have a favor to ask, but unfortunately, Daoist Friend Xu won't give me the chance," Hua Qingxue sighed softly.
Xu Chuan chuckled upon hearing this. "The Hua Clan is currently on good terms with my Xu family and has helped us out on multiple occasions. As long as it is not too difficult a matter, I will naturally lend a hand.
Therefore, Fairy Qingxue, you may speak directly if you need something."
"Then I will be direct," Hua Qingxue said. "Is that longevity pill, the Azure Splendor Pill, that your esteemed firm auctioned off a short while ago still available?"
"Even if I don't say it, Fairy Qingxue should also know the whereabouts of that pill."
"The Chen family, Chen Changge."
"This involves client confidentiality, so my commercial firm will not disclose it. Everything is just your own guess, Fairy Qingxue," Xu Chuan smiled.
"It truly is so. I was still a step too late." Hua Qingxue sighed again.
"The Azure Splendor Pill can increase the lifespan of a Foundation Establishment immortal cultivator by thirty years. Is this information true?" the elegant green-robed man suddenly spoke up.
"To answer Senior, that is what the consigner claimed."
"With an additional thirty years of lifespan, Chen Changge presumably won't obsess over Divine Ability Core Formation anymore. With his Heavenly Spiritual Root aptitude, the probability of him stepping into the Golden Core stage in ten or twenty years is not low."
Heavenly Spiritual Root aptitude?
Xu Chuan was slightly startled. He had only heard that Chen Changge's aptitude was extraordinary, but to think it was actually of this caliber. No wonder he dared to declare he would walk the path of Divine Ability Core Formation.
What a pity, he fell short at the final hurdle!
"It seems you have already guessed who I am. Just as Xue'er said, you are a person with meticulous thoughts and an exquisite mind."
Xu Chuan cupped his fists and bowed. "This junior greets Senior Feng."
This person was precisely the First Elder of the Green Wood Sect, Feng Juechen.
Feng Juechen nodded slightly. "No need for formalities. You are only one step away from the Golden Core. Perhaps in the future, you and I can associate as peers."
"A single step is like a heavenly chasm. Who knows how many people are stuck at this boundary before the Golden Core," Xu Chuan sighed emotionally.
"I came here quietly this time to seek an Azure Splendor Pill. I wonder if your Xu family still has one?" Feng Juechen turned to look at Xu Chuan and spoke bluntly.
"This..."
"Rest assured, I won't force it. Given how much Perfected Person Fire Cloud dotes on your granddaughter, if I were to do such a thing, he would probably barge into my grotto-residence to demand an explanation!"
The corners of Feng Juechen's mouth curled up as he continued, "If your Xu family still has an Azure Splendor Pill, you can freely state your conditions. As long as I can accomplish them, I will definitely agree."
Xu Chuan secretly weighed the matter in his heart. A favor from a Golden Core Perfected Person was of immense value.
"Regarding the Azure Splendor Pill, the consigner originally prepared to auction two of them. My Xu family secretly purchased one from him, precisely so it could be put to use someday."
Xu Chuan spoke slowly, "Since Senior Feng wants this pill, I naturally can trade it with you."
Hearing this, a trace of joy flashed across Hua Qingxue's eyes as she asked, "What are the conditions?"
"A favor from Senior Feng, perhaps taking action once when my Xu family is in danger, or some other matter. In addition to that..."
Xu Chuan remained silent for two breaths before continuing, "I want a slot to enter the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm!"
Feng Juechen pondered and said, "The first condition is easy to agree to. As long as it is within my capabilities, I can naturally help. But if the Xu family asks me to deal with someone I cannot handle, I reserve the right to refuse."
"That is only natural," Xu Chuan nodded.
"As for the second..." Feng Juechen raised his eyes to look at Xu Chuan. "From what I know, Perfected Person Fire Cloud recently exchanged for a secret realm slot from the First Elder of the Qingcang Sect.
It should be for your granddaughter, right?"
"Exactly," Xu Chuan admitted frankly. "However, I have been stuck at Foundation Establishment perfection for some time. I heard that Connate Spirit Objects might be born in the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm, so I want to try my luck.
As for fighting over a secret realm slot, I am not good at combat, so I likely have no hope of seizing one.
As long as Senior Feng agrees, I am willing to part with this Azure Splendor Pill."
Hua Qingxue turned to look at Feng Juechen.
If he hadn't come today, it would have been impossible for Xu Chuan to reveal that the Xu family still had an Azure Splendor Pill.
Feng Juechen gave a slight nod to Hua Qingxue, then looked at Xu Chuan again and said, "I do indeed have one more secret realm slot in my hands. Since that's the case, I will yield it to you, Daoist Friend Xu."
With that, he patted his storage pouch at his waist and took out a token, handing it to Xu Chuan. "This is the credential to enter the secret realm, forged by the Heavenly Azure Sect.
Before entering the secret realm, the Heavenly Azure Sect will conduct an inspection to prevent anyone from fishing in troubled waters."
Xu Chuan immediately cupped his fists and said, "Many thanks, Senior Feng. The pill is currently in my Xu family. Once I return, I will send it over."
"No need. In three days, you can just deliver it to the Hua Clan," Feng Juechen said.
"Alright. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave."
Feng Juechen nodded slightly.
Xu Chuan promptly departed.
Exchanging an Azure Splendor Pill for a favor from a Golden Core Perfected Person and a slot for the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm was absolutely worth it.
After Xu Chuan left, Hua Qingxue nestled into Feng Juechen's embrace, smiling beautifully. She looked up at his face and whispered, "Brother Chen, I made you go to such great expense for my sake."
A faint smile played on Feng Juechen's lips. "Longevity pills are different from other pills; they are extremely rare, so it is normal for their value to be high. Furthermore, since it's for you, Xue'er, how could it be called going to great expense?"
As he spoke, he gently tapped the tip of her nose and added, "Although the fight for secret realm slots among the seven cities is fierce, the inside of the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm is even more dangerous. It does not lack Tier 3 demonic beasts.
If one wants to find Golden Core opportunities, aside from relying on personal luck, it is only possible in certain perilous lands.
During the last two times, less than half of the people who entered the secret realm managed to come out. It must have all been driven by greed!"
"Then what do you think of this person, Xu Chuan, Brother Chen? My Hua Clan is currently collaborating with him to oppose the Yuan Clan and Fang Clan. Is it worth it?"
"Your judgment is naturally excellent, Qingxue. Although the Xu family is young, their potential is not low. Once Xu Deling matures, if she can step into the Golden Core stage, then the Xu family will have two Golden Core Perfected Persons standing behind them.
They would leap to become the youngest Golden Core aristocratic family in the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure.
By then, the families opposing them will inevitably face a reckoning.
A Golden Core aristocratic family occupying a small town naturally has the qualifications, and the other powers would tacitly consent to it.
Unless they are hostile forces, Golden Core aristocratic families rarely target each other."
"But I feel that the Xu family's ambitions seem to be more than just that."
"That is the Xu family's own business. If you feel that getting dragged into this whirlpool is disadvantageous to the Hua Clan, then there is no need to be too intimate with them, but don't offend them either.
In short, the birth of a new Golden Core aristocratic family comes with both pros and cons. It all depends on your Hua Clan's choices.
According to the information I received, Perfected Person Fire Cloud values this legacy disciple of his extremely highly. He will likely use all his strength to help her with core formation!"
"To have a Golden Core Perfected Person providing full support, the Xu family's fortune is truly good." Hua Qingxue sighed slightly before asking, "By the way, Brother Chen, when will the children of our lineage be allowed to acknowledge their ancestors and return to the clan?"
"There is no rush," Feng Juechen gently stroked her beautiful hair. "Sect Master Yin is already approaching his limit and has at most ten to twenty years of lifespan left. Once he dies, there will be no one in the Yin Clan to suppress me.
With my aptitude, there is even a high probability that I will be elected as the next Sect Master of the Green Wood Sect.
At that time, wouldn't it be better to let our children acknowledge their ancestors and return to the clan?"
"I will listen to everything you say, Brother Chen."
Great Wei.
Dongxi Xu Clan.
Moyue's return was naturally a major event for the Xu family.
All the second generation disciples of the Xu family who were out and about hurried back to the main lineage.
Jade Cold Pool.
Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and Xu Mingxuan were all gathered here.
Besides the second generation, there were also some important figures from the third and fourth generations, such as Xu Dezhao, Xu Deheng, and Xu Chonghui.
"Uncle Moyue, how are Father, Mingxian, and Ling'er doing in the Southern Heaven Region? Have they settled down?"
As the eldest brother, Xu Mingwei was the first to speak.
At this moment, Moyue's body was only about three meters long. Floating in midair, his dark golden dragon eyes swept over everyone present as he grinned, "Why don't you look at who is accompanying Xu Chuan?"
After boasting a bit, Moyue began to speak slowly, "Three years ago, we settled down in a place called Cloudstream Town.
Just as we arrived, a family surnamed Wu from Corner Constellation City harbored ill intentions towards them. The result was this granddaddy taking action and thoroughly annihilating them. All their wealth became the foundation for the Xu family's development.
That saved a lot of time all at once."
"Corner Constellation City?" Xu Mingyuan asked, "Uncle Moyue, could you introduce the basic situation over there to us?"
"No problem!"
Following that, Moyue began to recount the situation of the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure, the Heavenly Azure Sect, and the Three Sects including the Green Wood Sect.
Then came the matters concerning Cloudstream Town.
"Oh, right. That little lass Xu Deling has already taken a fourth-layer Golden Core Grandmaster Smith as her master. She is highly valued, and the other party should do their utmost to help her form a core."
Hearing this, Xu Mingwei and the others all broke into smiles.
In the Southern Heaven Region, as long as a family produced a Golden Core Perfected Person, their situation would become much better.
As long as they didn't provoke those top-tier Golden Core factions or Nascent Soul powers, they would definitely have decades or even centuries of stable development time.
"With Father's way of handling things, he will definitely plan it well."
Xu Mingwei said with a smile. He was naturally delighted that the Cloudstream Xu family could develop steadily.
"By the way, Uncle Moyue, do you have any important matters to attend to by coming back this time?"
Xu Mingyuan suddenly asked.
He felt that Moyue traveling all the way from the Southern Heaven Region wasn't just to talk about Xu Chuan's situation.
Or rather, that was merely a secondary matter.
Moyue looked at Xu Mingyuan and grinned, "Among Xu Chuan's descendants, you are indeed the most meticulous. I came back this time because of a person."
After saying that, he looked at Xu Mingwei and said, "Did your descendants give birth to a little toddler named Xu Jingwu?"
"How did you know?" Xu Mingwei paused for a moment before laughing. "Father must have divined it, right? This child possesses extraordinary natural talent.
The strength of his innate bone structure and physique is vastly superior even to Wenjing's!"
"Go bring him here. My return is related to him."
Xu Mingwei seemed to sense the gravity in Moyue's tone and immediately said, "Chonghui, have Wenjing bring the child here."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Not long after.
Xu Wenjing arrived carrying Xu Jingwu.
Xu Jingwu was currently two years old. He had soft pink skin and bright, dark eyes that looked around, filled with curiosity.
Especially when he saw Moyue floating in midair, his eyes instantly lit up. He pointed a finger at him, babbling the word "Dragon."
Moyue was also observing him.
He couldn't see through a person's providence or karma, but the moment he laid eyes on Xu Jingwu, a desire to swallow him whole sprouted in his heart.
It felt as though eating him would grant immense benefits.
Recovering his peak Tier 3 strength would just be the baseline; there was even hope of taking a step further.
Moyue hurriedly restrained his thoughts.
"Truly extraordinary!"
"Is there something special about Wu'er?" Xu Mingwei asked.
Moyue replied, "I don't know the exact details, but according to Xu Chuan's speculations, whenever a great tribulation approaches this region, people bearing great providence will be born.
The more intense the tribulation, the more extraordinary the person blessed with providence will be.
That little guy Ye Fan is one, and so is he. Other families might also give birth to such geniuses.
And among them, this little guy should be the most unique."
"Why?" Xu Mingwei asked in a deep voice.
"Xu Chuan said that he gathers all the martial dao talent of your lineage into one body. His entire frame is composed of martial bones, he possesses the Heart of the Martial Ancestor, and the mark between his brows is the embryonic form of a Martial Dao Heavenly Eye.
This is the Martial Ancestor Fate Frame! He has the hope of pioneering a new realm in martial arts and becoming the Ancestor of the Martial Dao!"
Ancestor of the Martial Dao?!
The words exploded like thunder in everyone's minds, leaving them unable to react for a long time.
In the next moment.
Everyone turned to stare at the infant blinking his big eyes in Xu Wenjing's arms.
"Isn't this a joyous occasion?!" Xu Chonghui's expression lifted.
However, there was no joy on the faces of Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and the others.
Moyue said, "Those who harbor great providence are often at the center of the whirlpool of tribulation. If not handled properly, they will be besieged by endless disasters, which might bring utter annihilation to the Xu family."
"Since Father sent you back, he must have already made arrangements, right?" Xu Mingyuan looked at Moyue and asked.
Moyue gave a slight nod. "According to his intentions, those favored by destiny largely have nowhere to escape to. Therefore, let him fulfill his mission, spread the martial dao across the world, and then fake his death to extricate himself until this great tribulation passes.
However, before faking his death, he must be separated from the Xu family."
"Father's intention is to have Wu'er leave the Xu family and grow up outside?"
"Any memories concerning him must also be sealed. Only one or two people should know, so as to handle matters and make arrangements."
Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan exchanged a glance, then bowed to Moyue. "We'll have to trouble you with the memory sealing, Uncle Moyue."
"Don't worry, I will stay for a while."
This was the primary reason Moyue had come.
Xu Wenjing felt a bit reluctant. Looking at Xu Jingwu, he said, "Wu'er is still so young. Wouldn't it be fine to send him away in a few years?"
Moyue watched quietly. He would not interfere with the remaining matters.
However, he believed that Xu Mingwei and the others would make the correct choice.
Seven or eight days later.
Xu Jingwu was sent to a remote mountain village in Guangling Commandery called Floating Mountain Village, where he was adopted by a peasant family.
The Xu family had conducted a thorough investigation into his adoptive parents.
This couple could not have children of their own. Although they had reached middle age, they remained harmonious and loving, diligently tending to their farm work.
The peasant family's surname was Jiang. Because Xu Jingwu carried a sachet engraved with the character for 'Wu' (martial), the couple named him Jiang Wu.
The memories of him, as well as those of the rest of the Xu family, were sealed away one by one by Moyue.
Only Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan retained their memories.
Not long after, Moyue departed from the Azure Sea Forest once more.
"The Martial Ancestor Fate Frame... Big Brother, to think someone with such a fate frame would be born into our Xu family. In the next ten to twenty years, perhaps people with extraordinary talents will continuously emerge.
Our Xu family must respond cautiously."
Xu Mingyuan looked at Xu Mingwei and sighed emotionally.
"In terms of disciplining descendants, our Xu family has always excelled compared to other families. I will also have Chonghui repeatedly remind them. Furthermore, with the people of the Shadow Division keeping watch, it won't be a major issue."
Pausing for a moment, Xu Mingwei looked into the distance and murmured, "However, I'm more worried about Father's side.
Here, our Xu family has, after all, already reached the apex of aristocratic families. But in the Southern Heaven Region, the Golden Core stage is merely the starting point for an aristocratic family."
"Don't you know what kind of person Father is, Big Brother?" Xu Mingyuan chuckled softly upon hearing this. "You are merely worrying unnecessarily.
With his personality, unless he reaches the Golden Core stage, he absolutely will not bare his fangs in Cloudstream Town.
At most, there will just be minor squabbles.
Not to mention, Deling has taken a mid-stage Golden Core expert, Perfected Person Fire Cloud, as her master. Relying on this background, as long as there are no major conflicts, those Foundation Establishment aristocratic families wouldn't easily dare to do anything."
Xu Mingwei turned to look at him and smiled wryly. "Perhaps I was overthinking."
"The two of us brothers just need to guard the foundation here for Father. Before the great tribulation arrives, I believe Father will definitely rush back."
Xu Mingyuan nodded slightly, his gaze unwavering.
Three to four years passed, and the Xu family's clan providence continued to rise steadily. In terms of the number of Foundation Establishment immortal cultivators, they were well on their way to catching up to the three veteran Golden Core aristocratic families—the Cao Clan, Sima Family, and Liu Family.
Grandmasters of the martial dao and Qi Refining cultivators also continuously emerged.
The members of the Shadow Division constantly grew stronger.
Knowing that Xu Jingwu would be the one to pioneer a new realm in martial arts, the Xu family attached even greater importance to the martial dao.
After all, compared to immortal cultivators, there were far more people practicing the martial dao in the Xu family.
——————————
Having gained experience from the journey, Moyue rushed back to Cloudstream Town in less than a month.
Xu Chuan naturally noticed this.
"How did it go?" Xu Chuan asked, looking at the foot-long flood dragon before him.
"With this seat taking action, how could there be any failure? Xu Mingwei and the others naturally obediently did as told."
Xu Chuan didn't expose him and smiled. "With this, I can also rest a bit easier. In a few months, you will enter the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm with me."
"The secret realm?!" Moyue was startled upon hearing this and swished his dragon tail. "How long has this seat been away? A lot of things have happened to you!
Tell me quickly!"
Moyue was very interested.
Xu Chuan didn't hide anything. He gave a brief rundown of how Xu Deling would also walk the path of Divine Ability Core Formation, obtaining a Heavenly Azure Secret Realm slot, the Xu Clan's auction, their good relations with the Chen family, and the trade with Feng Juechen.
"That lass Deling actually had such a fortuitous encounter?!" Moyue clicked his tongue. "Ordinary Golden Core cultivation methods don't record the cultivation arts for divine abilities. That old man Fire Cloud is truly generous!"
"Helping the Heavenly Spiritual Root Chen family ancestor extend his lifespan, exchanging for a favor and a secret realm slot with the Green Wood Sect's First Elder.
Xu Chuan, you've quietly accomplished quite a lot."
"Exchanging for a favor from a Golden Core Perfected Person is one thing; its value is already extraordinary. But why did you want a secret realm slot? Doesn't the Deling lass already have one?" Moyue asked in confusion.
"The main material for the Spirit-Nourishing Pill, the Heavenly Spirit Fruit, is currently only known to exist within the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm. Although my divine sense has already broken through the Foundation Establishment limit, Deling, Mingwei, Xiaoyao, and the others could also use it."
"Having an ancestor like you plotting for them, they are truly blessed!" Moyue suddenly sighed with deep emotion.
Hearing a hint of jealousy in Moyue's voice, Xu Chuan smiled wryly. "Naturally, there is a share for you too. I heard there are Tier 3 demonic beasts in the secret realm..."
"Haha, you're a true friend after all!"
Moyue immediately wagged his dragon tail again in excitement, two sharp gleams shooting from his eyes. "As long as there is a complete Tier 3 water-attribute Demonic Spirit Pill, this seat will definitely be able to return to its peak within a few months."
"The Heavenly Azure Secret Realm belongs to the ancient Azure Dragon Sect. There are countless inheritances inside, as well as Connate Spirit Objects. Although very few people obtain them, they are not completely non-existent.
Entering it for a trip might yield some gains. Even if we don't find those, the other spirit grass, demonic beasts, and so on should make it worthwhile."
Moyue became even more expectant. He then declared that he needed to rest and recuperate, diving back into the Spirit Beast Pouch to take a nap.
Xu Chuan shook his head and chuckled.
With Chen Changge coming out of seclusion once more, the declining Chen family was revitalized again.
Many old families visited the Chen family to pay their respects to this ancestor.
Chen Changge concealed his sharpness and was no longer like before, but this only made people feel that he was even more extraordinary.
Many people speculated that he would step into the Golden Core stage in the near future.
Furthermore, Chen Changge was about to enter the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm for the third time.
He had entered twice before but hadn't obtained any opportunities.
Hearing of his reputation, some young immortal cultivators at peak Foundation Establishment perfection all wanted to spar with him in the secret realm, using his fame as a stepping stone to establish their own illustrious reputations.
Xu Chuan was merely speechless at this.
Immortal cultivation wasn't all about fighting and killing. Fame, power, and prestige were nothing but fleeting clouds.
Immortality and eternal youth were the ultimate pursuits.
Then, only half a month passed.
Huang Tianba, along with a heavily injured Huang Tianxiong and a dying Huang Tianhu, fled wretchedly from the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range back to Cloudstream Town.
He arrived at the Xu Clan Trading Company to beg for medicine.
"Shopkeeper Ye, I beg you to save my second brother and third brother!"
His mournful cries naturally alarmed Ye Fan and Xu Deyue.
Without another word, Ye Fan patted his storage pouch and took out a High-Grade Hundred Herbs Pill, feeding it to Huang Tianxiong. Xu Deyue also took one out and fed it to Huang Tianhu.
They both carried one or two high-grade healing and detoxification pills on them for emergencies.
After swallowing the pill, Huang Tianxiong's complexion seemed to improve.
But Huang Tianhu's breath remained as weak as a thread. Xu Deyue examined him for a moment and sighed softly, "His meridians are snapped and his internal organs are shattered. Even a High-Grade Hundred Herbs Pill cannot save him at all."
Huang Tianba's face instantly turned pale.
Ye Fan also examined Huang Tianxiong's condition. "His internal injuries are not too serious, but he is unconscious. It seems his divine sense has been damaged?"
Huang Tianba replied, "My second brother was hit by a hidden weapon from a guest elder of the Yuan Clan. He took the blow for me."
"A Yuan Clan guest elder?" Ye Fan's expression changed. "They made a move against you?"
He exchanged a glance with Xu Deyue, and both of them instantly understood that this matter was aimed at the Xu family.
It was a provocation against the Xu family.
The Yuan Clan didn't dare to strike out directly against members of the Xu family, so they chose to suppress the rogue cultivator teams that were on good terms with the Xu family.
In Cloudstream Town, the three Huang brothers had the closest relationship with the Xu family.
"I still have a Jade Sprout Pill here. Judging by Brother Tianxiong's condition, he shouldn't have been injured by a dharma tool that heavily damages the divine sense, otherwise he would have died on the spot."
"Many thanks, Brother Ye," Huang Tianba cupped his fists.
He had naturally heard of the Jade Sprout Pill. This pill was precious and was considered a holy item for healing among Tier 2 resources.
He then took the pill and fed it to Huang Tianxiong.
"As for Brother Tianhu, ordinary pills probably won't do anything. Bring him back to the Xu family with me. I will ask my honored master to take a look at him.
If his venerable self cannot save him, my Xu family won't have any solutions either."
"Many thanks!"
Huang Tianba cupped his fists and nodded, bringing his two brothers back to the Xu Residence.
Seeing this, many people engaged in widespread discussion.
"It seems the Yuan Clan is no longer willing to tolerate the Xu family."
"If I were the Yuan Clan, I definitely wouldn't want to let the Xu family continue to develop either. After all, the Xu family's progress is too fast, especially after the auction, their fame has soared even further.
I heard that quite a few aristocratic families in the seven cities want to establish long-term cooperative relations with the Xu family.
If the Xu family is allowed to build this network of relationships, the Yuan Clan and Fang Clan will probably be driven out of Cloudstream Town by them."
"A hundred-year Foundation Establishment family... only by becoming a Golden Core aristocratic family can one break out of this curse," an old man said leisurely.
Xu Residence.
Main hall.
Ye Fan accompanied Huang Tianba and the others here, while Xu Deyue went to fetch Xu Chuan.
Hearing the news, Xu Chuan accompanied her to the main hall to examine Huang Tianxiong and Huang Tianhu's condition.
He merely flicked his finger, and two verdant threads of energy sank into their bodies.
A moment later.
Xu Chuan opened his eyes and said, "Huang Tianxiong has consumed a High-Grade Hundred Herbs Pill and a Jade Sprout Pill. He is already fine and should wake up in another half an hour.
As for Huang Tianhu..."
Huang Tianba asked with a sorrowful expression, "Family Head Xu, how is my third brother? Can he still be saved?"
"If it's possible, I am willing to trade all my savings for it."
Xu Chuan turned to look at Huang Tianba, his gaze rippling slightly.
Xu Chuan was well aware of the Huang family's situation. Having cooperated with them over these past few years, he also knew that their character was not bad.
After thinking about it, he said, "I can save your third brother, but the consumption will be significant. As for your Huang family's savings, I do not want them. I would like to invite you three brothers to join my Xu family."
Hearing that he could be saved, Huang Tianba nearly wept tears of joy, but then he asked in astonishment, "Have us brothers join the Xu family?"
"Join secretly. On the surface, you will still be rogue cultivators of Cloudstream Town, making a living by accepting missions from various families, or entering the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range to hunt or search for spirit grass materials."
"Alright, I will agree on behalf of us three brothers!" Huang Tianba agreed without hesitation.
"Won't Daoist Friend Huang consider it a bit more? You can very well wait for your other two brothers to wake up and discuss it before deciding. I will not force you.
After all, your brothers were injured because of my Xu family's matters. My Xu family naturally will not sit idly by and do nothing."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly.
"We three brothers have always advanced and retreated together. Since this is a life-saving grace, it is only right that we repay it," Huang Tianba said. "As for being targeted by the Yuan Clan, every time we rogue cultivators enter the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range, we walk the line between life and death.
Sometimes we are targeted by the mountain-entering teams of other Foundation Establishment aristocratic families, and sometimes we are eyed by other rogue cultivators.
Even if we encounter demonic beasts, we face danger.
This cannot be blamed on the Xu family.
After all, the Xu family also pays spirit stones and resources to hire us."
Glancing at Huang Tianxiong and Huang Tianhu, he cupped his fists toward Xu Chuan and said, "Family Head Xu, I leave my third brother in your care."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly and said, "Ye Fan, bring Huang Tianhu up to my quiet room. The rest of you wait here."
"Yes, Honored Master."
Ye Fan brought Huang Tianhu to Xu Chuan's quiet room. After placing him on the bed, he bowed and exited the quiet room, standing guard at the door.
'They all think of using their fists to crush the other party. There's truly nothing fresh about it.'
Xu Chuan muttered to himself, then condensed Vitality Liquid, letting it drip from his fingertip into Huang Tianhu's mouth.