The night was as cool as water.
The bright moonlight cascaded down.
It coated the Yuan Clan estate in a layer of silvery frost.
Above the estate.
A pale yellow light screen shimmered faintly with a gentle halo.
This was the Tier 2 High-Grade Great Formation, the Yellow Earth Array. Its pale yellow light screen exuded a heavy, sturdy aura that had never been breached in over a hundred years.
Suddenly, a soft hum rang out.
The Storage Pouch at Xu Chuan's waist flashed with spiritual light. A dark cyan silhouette burst forth, shooting straight into the heavens!
The silhouette rapidly expanded in the air, instantly transforming into a flood dragon over a hundred meters long.
Fine ice crystals condensed on the dragon horns atop its head, and its draconic eyes were as black as ink.
As it gazed down at the Yuan Clan estate below, it naturally emitted a pressure that disdained the world, seemingly freezing even the surrounding air currents.
"That is a flood dragon!"
Cries of alarm erupted from within the Yuan Clan estate.
Yuan Qishan hastily rushed out, leading nearly twenty Yuan Clan elders. They were all clad in battle armor and brandishing Dharma Tools.
Upon seeing Xu Chuan and his companion arrive, they adopted a stance as if facing a mortal enemy.
However, when they saw the colossal silhouette of the flood dragon in the sky and felt the terrifying pressure of a peak Tier 3 Demonic Beast, everyone's bodies suddenly stiffened, the color instantly draining from their faces.
'So this is the Xu Family's trump card!'
'Our Yuan Clan is doomed!'
The words Fang Hongchang had spoken before his death suddenly surfaced in Yuan Qishan's mind.
"Compared to Xu Chuan, you are far inferior. In the near future, I will be waiting for the entire Yuan Clan to come down and accompany me!"
Those words had come true!
Moyue did not give the Yuan Clan any chance to react. His long tail swept through the midair, whipping up a howling gale, before his right claw slammed downward.
The Dragon Claw, glowing with pale cyan spiritual light and carrying the force to shatter mountains and crack stones, viciously struck the pale yellow light screen of the Yellow Earth Array.
A deafening boom echoed, shaking the entire Yuan Clan estate until it trembled.
The pale yellow light screen first swayed violently, its originally solid halo instantly dimming. The dragon claw pressed down once more.
With a loud crack, the light screen shattered.
It transformed into a sky full of pale yellow motes of light, drifting through the air like fireflies before vanishing without a trace a moment later.
"Run! As long as we escape, there is hope!"
The members of the Yuan Clan immediately scattered like startled birds.
But a pale cyan light screen hung high in the sky, blocking their path.
Both Foundation Establishment Stage and Qi Refining Stage cultivators attacked frantically, yet even the strikes of those at Foundation Establishment Perfection only caused the pale cyan light screen to ripple.
As for the attacks from the Qi Refining Stage, they could not budge it in the slightest.
Despair spread rapidly through the hearts of everyone in the Yuan Clan, like a contagious disease.
Just as this thought arose.
Moyue's dragon breath spewed downward!
The pale cyan dragon breath cascaded like a waterfall. Wherever it passed, the Yuan Clan's buildings were instantly frozen into ice sculptures, then shattered under the shockwaves of the dragon's might.
Many Yuan Clan members could not flee in time and were enveloped by the Cold Qi, freezing to death in an instant.
"Kill! Kill Xu Chuan!"
Seeing his clansmen die so tragically, Yuan Qishan's eyes turned bloodshot, looking as if he had gone mad.
Brandishing a Flying Sword, he wildly poured his Mana into the blade. The edge glowed with a dismal white light as he led the charge toward Xu Chuan's direction.
He knew very well that slaying Xu Chuan was the only way the Yuan Clan could seize a sliver of survival.
Over a dozen Yuan Clan elders followed closely behind, either wielding Dharma Tools or forming hand seals.
They all charged toward Xu Chuan and Moyue. Even though they knew it was like striking a rock with an egg, they refused to sit and await their doom.
However, right at this moment.
Moyue abruptly raised his head, and the pressure of a peak Tier 3 Demonic Beast erupted in full force!
The pressure was no longer an obscure, pervasive aura, but transformed into a tangible wave of force that crushed heavily against Yuan Qishan and the others.
The air currents instantly stagnated. Yuan Qishan and his group jerked to a sudden halt, all color draining from their faces as even breathing became a struggle.
Even more terrifying, fine vertical lines rippled through the surrounding space, as if torn apart by the pressure. Even the moonlight filtering through these lines became distorted.
"Puh!"
Yuan Qishan spurted out a mouthful of blood. His Flying Sword nearly slipped from his grasp, and his body plummeted downward like a kite with a snapped string.
The other elders fared no better. The flow of their Spirit Power abruptly halted, and they all crashed into the ground.
Under the pressure of a peak Tier 3 entity, Foundation Establishment Cultivators were as insignificant as ants.
Moyue looked down with cold eyes. His Dragon Claw clenched in the air, and the surrounding Cold Qi suddenly converged, instantly condensing into thousands of ice spikes.
The spikes were purely translucent white, their tips gleaming with a frigid light.
With a light wave of his claw, the thousands of ice spikes rained down like a torrential storm.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The ground was cratered with deep pits.
Yuan Qishan and the group of Yuan Clan elders fell silent in the blink of an eye. A frigid mist permeated the ground, and frost rapidly spread outward in all directions.
Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian stood a short distance away. As they watched the tragic state of the Yuan Clan, their expressions remained perfectly calm.
"Moyue, I will leave the rest to you as well. Remember to clean up the battlefield. Not just their Storage Pouches, but their Essence Blood and souls are useful too."
"Rest assured, I am very experienced at this!"
Xu Chuan spread his Divine sense out, and it did not take long for him to find the location with powerful Formation and Restriction fluctuations.
Places like this were often the vital core of a clan.
It could be a Dao Repository Pavilion, or a treasure vault of some sort.
With Xu Mingxian present this time, leaving the work of breaking formations and restrictions to him made things much easier for Xu Chuan.
Half an hour later.
Everything in the Yuan Clan was swept into Xu Chuan's Storage Ring. Aside from the swathes of collapsed buildings left behind, there was nothing of use remaining.
The corpses were all taken away, and the bloody aura was entirely cleansed to prevent any clues from being left behind.
Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian stowed their Formation Flags, and Moyue slipped back into the Spirit Beast Pouch. They left behind a simple illusion array to maintain appearances, then concealed their auras and flew toward the Fang Clan estate.
Fifteen minutes later.
The Fang Clan followed in the footsteps of the Yuan Clan.
Before his death, the First Elder of the Fang Clan was filled with endless regret, only sighing that perhaps this was retribution.
After finishing their work, Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian returned to the Xu Residence, sorting and categorizing the hoarded wealth of the Yuan and Fang Clans.
An hour later.
Ye Fan and Xu Deyue also returned.
As for the demon-hunting teams from the Huang Family and others, they collected their payment from the Xu Family and returned to their respective homes.
News of the disaster striking the properties of the Yuan and Fang Clans spread like wildfire the very next day.
"Who do you think attacked the mines and Spirit Fields of the Yuan and Fang Clans?"
"Isn't it obvious? Last time, the Fang and Yuan Clans caused such a huge commotion attacking the Xu Family Trading Firm and residence. If the Xu Family didn't have hidden trump cards, they would have been swallowed whole without even bone scraps left."
"But does the Xu Family have that much manpower? I think the Hua Clan might have lent a hand."
"That makes sense!"
A crowd of gossiping onlookers began to wonder how the Yuan and Fang Clans would retaliate against the Xu Family.
However, after two days passed without any movement from them, the spectators were quite bewildered.
"Has the tyrannical Yuan Clan suddenly changed its character?"
"Could it be that they're scared?"
"Something's not right. The gates of both clans are shut tight, and there aren't even any guards at the doors!"
It was not until someone went to visit the Yuan Clan that they discovered the tranquil scene was merely an illusion.
The massive Yuan Clan estate had already become ruins!
The ruins were entirely devoid of people, without a single trace of aura, as if the place had been vacant for a long time.
The Fang Clan was exactly the same.
The residents of Cloudstream Town were completely in an uproar.
"How could this be? What exactly happened? When were the Yuan and Fang Clans wiped out?"
"Yeah, there wasn't a single sound! Not even their next-door neighbors noticed anything. It's truly astonishing!"
"Looking at the state of their estates, there must have been an intense battle!"
"Could the shockwaves of the battle have been isolated by some sort of grand array, preventing anyone nearby from noticing?"
"It's definitely not that simple. To annihilate two clans without a trace or a sound... does the Xu Family really possess such means?"
Given what the Yuan and Fang Clans had done previously, the Xu Family was the prime suspect.
However, silently wiping out two top-tier Foundation Establishment clans overnight caused all the residents of Cloudstream Town to harbor deep awe and reverence toward the Xu Family.
Regardless of how they managed it, this proved that the Xu Family held a powerful, unknown trump card.
Huang Tianba and his cohorts knew that the annihilation of the Yuan and Fang Clans definitely took place on the very night they struck.
But they were not foolish enough to spill the secret.
When the Hua Clan heard the news, the entire clan, from top to bottom, was horrified.
With the two great clans that stood equal to their Hua Clan silently annihilated, would the Hua Clan be next?
Anxious and uneasy, Hua Yunfei reported the matter to Hua Qingxue.
Hua Qingxue felt certain that it was the Xu Family's doing, but she likewise could not fathom their methods. The ruthless way they had left no corpses or bones behind filled her heart with dread.
She was even more terrified by the Xu Family's ruthless cruelty.
"If they don't act, fine, but when they do, they leave no loose ends!"
"The Xu Family... they are truly ruthless!"
"Great-Aunt, then what should we..."
"Look at you. We hold no grudge against the Xu Family, so what is there to fear?" Hua Qingxue cast a mild glance at Hua Yunfei.
"We may have no grudge, but our interests are entangled!" Hua Yunfei swallowed hard. "Cutting off a man's source of wealth is akin to murdering his parents!"
"What the Xu Family surely desires is all of Cloudstream Town!"
"And now, with the Yuan and Fang Clans destroyed, our Hua Clan is the only obstacle remaining!"
"If the Xu Family wants it, then we will give it to them. I expect it won't be long before the Xu Family takes the initiative to speak with us."
Right at that moment.
A Guard came to report that the Xu Family had sent an Invitation Card. They were requesting the Hua Clan to send representatives to the Xu Residence in three days to discuss an important matter.
Hua Qingxue and Hua Yunfei exchanged glances, staring at each other in mild shock.
"Yunfei, in three days, you will accompany me there," Hua Qingxue said calmly.
"Yes, Great-Aunt." Hua Yunfei helplessly cupped his fists.
Aside from the Hua Clan, the rest of the families in Cloudstream Town, as well as Rogue Cultivators with local businesses, also received invitations.
Though fearful, they knew they had to bite the bullet and attend.
Three days later.
Inside the Xu Family's grand meeting hall.
The invited guests arrived one after another.
"Greetings, Family Head Xu. Greetings, Elder Mingxian!"
Seeing the two men stride into the hall, the crowd stood up and cupped their hands in salute.
Hua Qingxue sighed softly in her heart.
A few years ago at her birthday banquet, Xu Chuan had also cupped his hands and bowed to her alongside the others just like this.
Now, their positions had been reversed so quickly.
However, Hua Qingxue felt more wariness than actual fear. She believed that as long as Xu Chuan was sensible, he wouldn't make a move against the Hua Clan.
"Greetings, Daoist Friends. Please, take a seat."
Xu Chuan sat at the head of the long table, with Xu Mingxian taking the first seat on his left. Directly opposite them sat Hua Qingxue and Hua Yunfei.
Xu Chuan swept his gaze over the crowd, taking in all of their unease.
"I invited you all here today to discuss a certain matter. However, before we get to that, I have a confession to make.
"The Yuan Clan and the Fang Clan were both destroyed by my Xu Family.
"As for why they were destroyed, I believe everyone seated here understands perfectly well."
Hua Qingxue stated calmly, "They brought it upon themselves. Family Head Xu, you did not target them, yet they struck at you time and again. Not long ago, they brazenly brought the full might of their clans to attack you.
"Therefore, such an outcome was destined from the start."
"Fairy Qingxue speaks reason! The Yuan and Fang Clans got what they deserved!"
"That's right, they had it coming!"
The others echoed her words in a flurry of righteous indignation.
Xu Chuan waved his hand and smiled faintly. "There is no need to be so worked up. This is merely the way of the world. Those two clans refused to yield and insisted on becoming mortal enemies with my Xu Family.
"If they did not die by our hands, then our Xu Family would have perished at theirs.
"The same applies to all of you!"
"Yes, yes, Family Head Xu speaks the truth," a Foundation Establishment Cultivator agreed with an apologetic smile.
"Since that has been cleared up, it's time to get down to business," Xu Chuan declared. "My Xu Family intends to take the entirety of Cloudstream Town under our banner. That includes the surrounding mines, Spirit Fields, spirit lakes, Medicine Gardens, and the Tier 2 Spirit Veins."
Everyone present felt their pupils shrink upon hearing this.
'The Xu Family is finally baring its fangs?!'
Hua Qingxue mused to herself, though her expression remained detached, as if she hardly cared.
Hua Yunfei, however, felt somewhat resentful. He clenched his fists, a sliver of fear lingering in his heart as his palms broke out in a light sweat.
Among those present, excluding the annihilated Yuan and Fang Clans, the Hua Clan possessed the most property in Cloudstream Town.
Even if the rest of them pooled their holdings together, it would probably only amount to seventy or eighty percent more than what the Hua Clan owned.
The Yuan, Hua, and Fang Clans had monopolized nearly seventy percent of Cloudstream Town's businesses. Now, the Xu Family held at least half of the total town's assets in their grasp.
Seeing that the Hua Clan had no intention of sticking their necks out, someone immediately spoke up. "Family Head Xu, are you trying to drive all of us out of Cloudstream Town?"
"How could that be? How could I be so tyrannical as to leave you no path to survival?" Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "However, I must ask everyone seated here: does my Xu Family have the qualifications to rule over Cloudstream Town?"
"This..."
This time, the others remained silent, while Hua Qingxue spoke in a calm tone. "Daoist Friend Xu naturally has the qualifications."
"Although you are not a Golden Core Aristocratic Family, your hidden cards are likely no weaker than one. To be able to wipe out both the Yuan and Fang Clans overnight, despite the protection of their Tier 2 High-Grade Great Formations...
"That means you could just as easily annihilate the clans of everyone present here in an instant."
The others had no choice but to begrudgingly agree with this point.
Seeing Hua Qingxue put it this way, they gave up their resistance and nodded one after another, acknowledging Cloudstream Town as the Xu Family's territory.
"In that case, I will outline my next arrangements," Xu Chuan said.
"The Tier 2 Spirit Veins must belong exclusively to my Xu Family; they will not be shared. However, my Xu Family supports the previous practice of opening cultivation chambers, and we will establish a similar cultivation facility in the future.
"The Xu Family will rebuild our estate, using the majority of the Spirit Vein territory as our foundation and expanding outward. In the event of land disputes, I hope you will all step aside and find alternative places to reside.
"Do not put my Xu Family in a difficult position.
"All properties previously belonging to the Yuan and Fang Clans are now the exclusive domain of the Xu Family.
"In addition, the ownership of all other families' properties now technically falls under my Xu Family. However, we will not reclaim them unless you leave Cloudstream Town or your clan perishes.
"As for Spirit Fields, spirit lakes, Spirit Iron mines, and Spirit Medicine Gardens, thirty percent of the harvest must be handed over to my Xu Family every six months.
"For other businesses like pill and artifact shops, a one percent tax on monthly profits will be collected.
"The same applies to Rogue Cultivators setting up street stalls.
"My Xu Family will designate a specific area and establish a marketplace exclusively for Rogue Cultivators to set up stalls and trade. We will charge rental fees based on time, along with standard taxes.
"Those earning less than one hundred Spirit Stones a month will be exempt from taxes."
"These are the rough guidelines I have laid down. If anyone has objections or suggestions, feel free to voice them."
The crowd remained silent.
Hua Qingxue pondered for a moment before saying, "A one percent tax is indeed not high. But if you open a dedicated trading market for Rogue Cultivators, how will our pill and artifact shops procure Materials?"
"You can establish long-term partnerships with demon-hunting teams, form your own teams, or negotiate trade agreements with families from the Seven Cities.
"There are always ways. As long as you operate within the rules set by my Xu Family, anything is permissible."
Hearing this, someone else looked at Xu Chuan and asked, "Family Head Xu, for assets like Spirit Fields, spirit lakes, and Spirit Iron mines, isn't handing over thirty percent a bit too much?"
Xu Chuan's expression was composed as he replied calmly, "These industries rely on the land. Whoever occupies the land naturally owns it. If another clan were to overthrow my Xu Family and seize Cloudstream Town in the future, would they generously distribute these resources to other families?
"My Xu Family has taken into consideration that you have managed these properties for a long time. Therefore, we yielded a massive amount of profit by only collecting thirty percent, and we are not pursuing past revenues from these assets.
"I believe this is already quite generous of me."
"Of course, if anyone is dissatisfied, you are perfectly free to relocate your entire clan. My Xu Family will not hold it against you," Xu Chuan quickly added.
"Family Head Xu, since the Xu Family is going to act as the lord of Cloudstream Town, establishing rules and levying taxes, are there any benefits for us if we live here and abide by these laws?"
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Naturally, there are benefits.
"First, as mentioned before, we will construct a Cultivation Tower in a sector of the Tier 2 Spirit Veins for the people of Cloudstream Town to cultivate. The fee in Spirit Stones will not be excessively high.
"Second, a harmonious and stable environment for growth. As long as you follow the rules, my Xu Family will not suppress any of you. Both clans and Rogue Cultivators will be treated equally.
"How far you can develop will depend entirely on your own capabilities.
"Third, we will establish a Life and Death Stage and a Battle Stage.
"Private brawls are strictly forbidden within Cloudstream Town.
"If there is a conflict, settle it on the Battle Stage.
"If a blood feud forms, settle it on the Life and Death Stage.
"However, both parties must be willing, and my Xu Family will serve as the witness.
"Of course, if you feel you are strong enough to ignore my Xu Family's rules, do as you please. As long as you can bear the consequences."
Compared to the previous points, the promise of a stable environment was the most highly valued.
Many were quite swayed by the proposal.
Hua Qingxue, on the other hand, fell into deep thought. Cultivation facilities would improve the strength of Cloudstream Town's residents, and a stable environment would attract many clans and even Rogue Cultivators to migrate here, allowing for rapid expansion.
'Is he doing this to establish a city in the future?'
However, founding a city was not that simple. Otherwise, the Heavenly Azure Sect's territory wouldn't still only possess those seven ancient cities.
Without a grand array above Tier 3 acting as a city-protecting formation, it could never last.
If conflicts on the Golden Core Stage level broke out frequently, the only ones who would suffer would be the clans and Rogue Cultivators within the city.
As for the third point, it would resolve conflicts among the town's residents to some extent, which was also greatly beneficial to the overall stability of Cloudstream Town.
'The rules Xu Chuan has set out do not seem like they were just casually spoken. They seem as though they have been tested and verified long ago. It appears the Xu Family's background is indeed far from simple.'
After thinking it over, Hua Qingxue raised her eyes to look at Xu Chuan and asked, "Family Head Xu, there is one more thing I wish to ask. Are all clans and Rogue Cultivators in Cloudstream Town free to come and go as they please?"
"Naturally. If their assets have been transferred, the new owners will assume responsibility for them. If there is no one to take over, they will default to the Xu Family, and we will redistribute or lease them out."
Hua Qingxue nodded. "Then I have no further objections."
"What about the rest of you?" Xu Chuan scanned the remaining attendees.
They exchanged glances and nodded as well. "We have no objections either. Cloudstream Town will follow the lead of the Xu Family."
Xu Chuan smiled and nodded in approval.
With the major matters mostly settled, all that remained was to broadcast the news.
For the vast majority of Rogue Cultivators who lacked property, these changes did not affect them much. Combined with the benefits offered by the Xu Family, they accepted the new status quo quite rapidly.
The Xu Family began dispatching personnel to take over the assets of the Yuan and Fang Clans, with Huang Tianba and his cohorts handling the management. Due to a shortage of manpower, recruitment was carried out concurrently.
As for the people needed to actually oversee the Spirit Farmers, Fishery Farmers, and miners, the Xu Family recruited extensively.
Their relationship with the Xu Family was strictly employment-based. Managed by Huang Tianba's group, they wouldn't have much direct contact with the core family, allowing the recruitment standards to be relaxed.
Of course, anyone harboring malicious intentions would not be hired.
The remuneration in Spirit Stones provided by the Xu Family was much more generous than what the Yuan and Fang Clans had offered previously, a full thirty percent higher. Thus, no small number of people came to sign up.
All resources from the shops belonging to the Yuan and Fang Clans were confiscated by the Xu Family, who temporarily kept them idle.
Next came the construction of the Xu Residence atop the Tier 2 Spirit Veins.
As well as the building of the Cultivation Tower and other facilities.
These projects would take at least several months to complete.
Several days later.
It was time for the Annual Sacrifice.
"With Cloudstream as our foundational base, the future development of the Xu Family will be much smoother."
"This calls for a grand toast!"
"Come, let us all drink a cup together!"
"To the Family Head!" The members of the Yan Clan and the Wu Clan raised their wine cups in a toast.
"To the Family Head!" Next were the recruited Guest elders, such as Huang Tianba and his team.
"To the Family Head!" Finally, Xu Mingxian, Xu Deyue, and Ye Fan toasted.
Xu Chuan smiled faintly and downed his drink in one gulp.
The others all followed suit.
His gaze swept over the Yan and Wu clans. Beside each couple stood one or two children, all with clear, bright features.
Quite a few of them possessed Spirit Root aptitudes.
Not long after the Annual Sacrifice.
The events in Cloudstream Town gradually began to spread. It wasn't long before the news reached the Seven Cities of Heavenly Azure, the Green Wood Sect, the Jiaocang Sect, and the Qingcang Sect.
Even within the Heavenly Azure Sect, disciples were discussing the matter.
The Xu Family had made a name for itself once again.
The last time was when they had received the protection of the Heavenly Azure Sect.
At the Qingcang Sect.
"The Yuan Clan was truly foolish!"
A Golden Core Elder of the Qingcang Sect accidentally caught wind of the news. Upon returning to his Grotto-Residence, he flew into a furious rage.
"To blindly make a move without figuring out the Xu Family's true strength! Now, the hearts of the people in Cloudstream Town all lean toward the Xu Family. Even in death, their demise was in vain!"
This person was none other than the Yuan Clan's backer, Perfected Yanshan.
If the Xu Family had struck first, he would have had a valid reason to seek justice for the Yuan Clan. But now, moving against the Xu Family would only stir up needless trouble for himself.
"With the Heavenly Azure Sect protecting them, I cannot deal with them openly. Furthermore, Perfected Person Fire Cloud is not someone to be trifled with."
He was at the peak of the third layer of the Golden Core Stage, while Perfected Person Fire Cloud was at the fourth layer.
"However, dragging Black Wind along for a trip to the Xu Family to offer a little intimidation isn't out of the question. Black Wind is far greedier than I am.
"If the Xu Family knows what's good for them, then everything can be discussed easily. If not... I refuse to believe Fire Cloud can protect the Xu Family forever!"
Meanwhile.
When the disciples of the Yuan and Fang Clans within the Three Sects heard this dreadful news, they were utterly struck with disbelief.
They had the impulse to seek revenge, but when their entire clans couldn't stand up against the Xu Family, what could they possibly do with their meager strength?
Moreover, without the backing of their families, how were they supposed to grow rapidly within their sects?!
Wouldn't they just be the same as Rogue Cultivators with no background!
Perfected Yanshan had only accepted a disciple from the Yuan Clan because of the massive amounts of Spirit Stones the clan delivered each year. Now that the Yuan Clan was gone, he naturally wouldn't bother looking after him.
He would simply leave him to fend for himself.
A few days later.
The Xu Family received an Invitation Card to attend Chen Changge's Golden Core Grand Ceremony at the Green Wood Sect in half a month.
Perfected Yanshan and Perfected Black Wind, who had originally planned to visit the Xu Family, changed their minds at the last minute. They decided to meet Xu Chuan at Chen Changge's Golden Core Grand Ceremony instead.
Hearing that the two were on good terms, and with the Xu Family currently riding a wave of fame, they were sure to be on the invitation list.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud was also preparing to attend, bringing Xu Deling along.
In the blink of an eye, half a month passed.
Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian were just getting ready to depart for the Green Wood Sect. Before they even stepped out the door, they bumped into Perfected Person Fire Cloud and Xu Deling.
"Grandfather. Fifth Uncle." Xu Deling cupped her fists in greeting.
Xu Chuan nodded and smiled faintly. "Senior Fire Cloud, I presume you are also heading to the Green Wood Sect."
"My disciple said your Xu Family is definitely on the guest list and suggested this old man travel together with you."
"Many thanks, Senior."
"Let's go. We can chat on the way."
On the road.
"Your Xu Family has been making quite a few big moves. To think you took over all of Cloudstream Town without a sound... I heard it was done in a single night. This old man is truly curious."
Xu Chuan smiled and politely declined. "Forgive me, Senior. This is my Xu Family's secret."
Fire Cloud stared at Xu Chuan for a moment, then flicked his sleeve. "Never mind, this old man spoke out of turn."
"However, by eliminating the Yuan and Fang Clans, you've cut off the source of wealth for the people backing them. They will inevitably come knocking to cause trouble for your Xu Family. Have you figured out how to handle it?"
"Confront Soldiers with Generals, and Water with an Earthen Dam. My Xu Family has the protection of the Heavenly Azure Sect; they wouldn't dare launch a frontal assault on our doorstep."
"Mhm. If you need anything, send word to this old man."
"Many thanks, Senior."
"Hmph, this old man is only doing this for the sake of my precious disciple. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Dare I ask if Senior knows which two Perfected Persons are backing the Yuan and Fang Clans? This junior has only heard they are from the Qingcang Sect and Jiaocang Sect."
"The one backing the Yuan Clan is Perfected Yanshan of the Qingcang Sect. He is at the peak of the third layer of the Golden Core Stage and has no family," Perfected Person Fire Cloud said. "The one backing the Fang Clan is Perfected Black Wind of the Jiaocang Sect.
"Like this old man, he is at the fourth layer of the Golden Core Stage.
"However, he doesn't have as many Magic Treasures in his hands as I do. If it really comes to blows, he is no match for this old man."
"The resources required at the Golden Core Stage are extremely precious, demanding massive amounts of Spirit Stones. Some Golden Core Perfected Persons have not developed a clan to leverage their collective power for earning Spirit Stones.
"Some of them rely on traveling abroad to seek Opportunities.
"Others will prop up certain families outside the sect, protecting them in exchange for tribute."
"Do the Three Sects lack cultivation resources for Golden Core Stage cultivators?" Xu Chuan asked in surprise.
"Naturally, there is not much. If the sect could satisfy all the needs of their Golden Core cultivators, why would they need to rely on external power?
"Most Golden Core cultivators require different resources. Even a Nascent Soul sect would find it difficult to satisfy everyone entirely."
Xu Chuan nodded upon hearing this before adding, "Then they truly cannot compare to Senior. Senior possesses Immortal Arts and has an astonishing ability to earn Spirit Stones on your own. You are unbound and freely roam the world."
"There are pros and cons," Perfected Person Fire Cloud suddenly sighed softly. "In the Heavenly South, even if one reaches the Golden Core stage, there are times when banding together is necessary."
As they spoke, the Sect-Protecting Grand Formation of the Green Wood Sect appeared before the four of them.
After presenting their Invitation Cards, the mountain gate disciples naturally opened the grand array with deep respect, allowing the group to enter.
"Seniors, please follow this junior. I will lead you to Perfected Chen Changge's Golden Core Grand Ceremony venue."
A Late-Stage Qi Refining disciple of the Green Wood Sect released his Flying Sword, stepped onto it, and rose into the air, flying toward the southeast.
Xu Chuan, Perfected Person Fire Cloud, and the others followed closely behind.
In less than five minutes, they arrived halfway up the main peak of the Green Wood Sect.
The grand ceremony was being held here.
The Spiritual Qi on the main peak of the Green Wood Sect was incredibly dense, far richer than the core of the Spirit Veins in Cloudstream Town.
'It seems there is a Tier 3 Spirit Vein here.'
It was not surprising for a Golden Core sect to possess a Tier 3 Spirit Vein. Even some powerful Golden Core Aristocratic Families would choose a location with a Tier 3 Spirit Vein as their foundation.
Some would even transplant Spirit Veins from other locations to their own territory.
In Nascent Soul sects, some of the main peaks possessed Tier 3 Spirit Veins, a portion of which were transplanted to artificially create cultivation paradises overflowing with Spiritual Qi.
"Daoist Friend Xu, Daoist Friend Fire Cloud. You've arrived."
Chen Changge suddenly flew over from afar, landing before the group. He smiled and cupped his fists. "Thank you all for attending my Golden Core Grand Ceremony."
"Congratulations." Xu Chuan tapped his Storage Pouch, retrieving two Porcelain Bottles, and handed them over. "My Xu Family has a weak foundation and cannot offer anything extraordinary.
"I know a bit of Alchemy and have refined some Pills. Brother Chen, please don't mind the modest gift."
"Just having Brother Xu here makes me more than happy enough."
"Daoist Friend Chen, this is my congratulatory gift. It is a One-Pattern Magic Tool I forged in my spare time. It is perfectly suited for you to reward the younger generation or disciples of your clan."
"Many thanks, Daoist Friend Fire Cloud."
"What kind of Pill could possibly be presentable at a Golden Core Grand Ceremony? Perfected Changge, would you mind letting us have a look?"
At this moment, two Daoists walked over. One wore deep cyan Daoist robes, and the other wore black robes.
"Daoist Friend Yanshan, Daoist Friend Black Wind, what is the meaning of this?"
Chen Changge's expression showed a trace of displeasure, but since the two were Golden Core Perfected Persons representing the Qingcang and Jiaocang Sects at the ceremony, it was inappropriate for him to lose his temper as the host.
"I do not judge gifts by their value. The thought is what matters."
Many attendees of the ceremony looked over, including disciples of the Heavenly Azure Sect and Golden Core Elders of the Cang Family.
Perfected Yanshan chuckled. "There's no harm in looking. Perhaps Family Head Xu might just give you a pleasant surprise, Daoist Friend Changge."
"There is nothing shameful about the gift I have presented. If they wish to see it, Daoist Friend Chen, feel free to show it to everyone," Xu Chuan said.
Since Xu Chuan had said as much, Chen Changge immediately poured out the Pills from one of the Porcelain Bottles.
"This is..."
Chen Changge took a light sniff. He only felt that the Pill was brimming with Spiritual Qi and possessed a rich medicinal fragrance, but he could not identify it.
"Daoist Friend Xu, this must be a Pill for advancing one's cultivation, right?"
Just as Xu Chuan was about to speak, an elderly man's voice rang out, "I recognize this Pill."
"Elder Cang." Chen Changge cupped his fists.
Perfected Yanshan and Perfected Black Wind also bowed respectfully.
The Cang Family was the most ancient Aristocratic Family within the Heavenly Azure Sect.
Although this man was only at the fourth layer of the Golden Core Stage, his status demanded respect.
"So you are Xu Chuan. During the last Heavenly Azure Secret Realm expedition, you and Daoist Friend Chen reaped the greatest harvests." Elder Cang stroked his beard with a smile before continuing, "This Pill is the Origin-Gathering Pill.
"It is a Pill refined from one of the three Pill Recipes little friend Xu brought out from the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm.
"Judging by its quality, it should be Mid Grade."
The crowd broke into an uproar, everyone staring intently at the Pill in Chen Changge's hand.
"Elder Cang has a discerning eye. This bottle indeed contains Origin-Gathering Pills, twelve of them in total."
"Did you refine all of them yourself, little friend Xu?"
"Indeed."
"Little friend Xu's Dao of Alchemy is quite impressive. As for its value, its efficacy is somewhat stronger than a High Grade True Essence Pill. If it were a High Grade version, it could even advance the cultivation of someone at Late Foundation Establishment.
"Moreover, because this Pill is rare, it should easily be worth over a thousand Spirit Stones."
"Family Head Xu is truly formidable to have concocted the Origin-Gathering Pill so quickly. I wonder what kind of Pill is in the other Porcelain Bottle?
"Could it be the Heavenly Spirit Pill?"
Xu Chuan chuckled. "I would also like to attempt refining the Heavenly Spirit Pill, but unfortunately, the main Materials are hard to come by. However, as Perfected Yanshan is a Golden Core senior, I imagine it wouldn't be difficult for you.
"I wonder if you could find a few sets for me? This junior is willing to purchase them at thirty percent above the market price."
"What main materials?"
"Heavenly Spirit Flower, Moon Crystal Grass, and Crimson Sun Vine."