Suddenly.
A sharp, piercing pain assaulted Elder Silver's spiritual sea. His words of surrender instantly twisted into a miserable shriek.
Xu Chuan multitasked effortlessly. At the exact moment he launched his spiritual sense attack, he had already formed the Winter Silence Seal and struck forward.
However, hand seals were ultimately slower than spiritual sense attacks.
A breath later, the Winter Silence Seal finally landed on Elder Silver's body.
Of course, given Xu Chuan's powerful divine sense, if he learned some of the formidable spiritual sense attack secret arts detailed in the Profound Heaven Divine Refining Art...
...that single strike might have already been enough to obliterate Elder Silver.
In the end, just like Elder Gold, his life force was stripped away, and his divine soul was extinguished, leading to his death.
At this moment, True Lord Canglang charged out in a fit of absolute rage.
The corpses of Golden Core cultivators were incredibly useful. He had purposefully used the Winter Silence Seal to kill the two of them just to preserve their bodies intact.
Otherwise, with Xu Chuan's means, the Gold and Silver Elders would have been slain long ago.
After all, the quality of his mana was comparable to a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, and the sheer volume of his mana was no less impressive.
Furthermore, his divine ability had already reached the minor achievement stage.
Because it was a self-created technique, the explosive power it unleashed far exceeded the minor achievement divine abilities utilized by other immortal cultivators.
His divine sense was approaching the late-stage Golden Core level, allowing him to multitask by controlling multiple dharma tools and executing hand seals simultaneously. Even when facing an ordinary mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, Xu Chuan would not feel the slightest bit of fear.
Seeing two Golden Core elders of his sect killed one after another, True Lord Canglang could no longer hold back and lashed out in fury.
However, True Lord Qingxuan effortlessly blocked the attack. His indifferent voice drifted over, "True Lord Canglang, are you dissatisfied with my Profound Moon Sect?"
It was as if a basin of freezing water had been poured over True Lord Canglang's heart. He shuddered, instantly withdrawing his divine ability, and ceased his assault on Xu Chuan.
Seeing two Golden Core cultivators perish so easily at Xu Chuan's hands, True Lord Green Wood was thoroughly astonished, though he also felt an immense sense of vindication.
He openly mocked, "Daoist Friend Canglang, the Gold and Silver Elders of your sect explicitly stated earlier that if Clan Head Xu had the ability to kill them, he was free to do so.
Neither of them voiced their surrender. If Clan Head Xu had held back, he might have been the one to die instead."
There wasn't a single person present who didn't feel profoundly shocked.
Those were two Golden Core cultivators!
Moreover, they had succeeded in their Core Formation at least a century or two ago and had reached the second layer of the Golden Core stage.
Although their divine abilities appeared somewhat weak, merely at the initiate level, they had already refined their natal magic treasures and nourished them for many years, giving them considerable power.
Yet now, they had been easily slain by a Golden Core stage cultivator who had genuinely just completed his Core Formation.
Anyone would be shaken to their core!
Canglang turned his head to glare fiercely at True Lord Green Wood, whose lips were curled into a slight smirk on the plaza, but he did not offer a retort.
After giving him a venomous glare, he turned back to Xu Chuan and declared, "I acted impulsively just now. Clan Head Xu's methods are truly impressive. I am in awe.
However, since the spar has concluded and my sect's elders have paid the price, I ask Clan Head Xu to return their corpses."
"Not a problem, let me take a look," Xu Chuan replied. He opened his Bagua Alchemy Furnace, peered inside, and shook his head. "What a pity. They have already been reduced to ashes."
As he spoke, he even tilted the opening of the pill furnace toward True Lord Canglang, allowing him to inspect it.
"You!"
True Lord Canglang took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the murderous urge welling up inside him. "Clan Head Xu, very well."
"Since I am clearly not welcome here, I will take my leave!"
Those who practiced demonic arts were mostly prone to impulsive behavior, often dominated by murderous and furious emotions.
Xu Chuan smiled and cupped his fists. "Won't the True Lord stay for a cup of wine before leaving?"
True Lord Canglang simply flicked his sleeve and transformed into a streak of black light, fleeing far into the distance and vanishing without a trace in the blink of an eye.
Witnessing this scene, True Lord Qingxuan shook his head and chuckled helplessly. "Clan Head Xu, you have truly offended True Lord Canglang to the bitter end."
"True Lord, the feeling is mutual!" Xu Chuan replied calmly. "He came here with the sole intention of killing me anyway."
"However, if the Greedy Wolf Sect tries to cause trouble over this, the Profound Moon Sect won't just sit back and watch, right?"
True Lord Qingxuan answered, "I have borne witness to this in the name of the Profound Moon Sect. The Greedy Wolf Sect wouldn't dare, and True Lord Canglang would dare even less."
"Then I can rest easy," Xu Chuan said, letting out a long breath. "Since our hostile guest has departed, let us continue with my Golden Core Grand Ceremony."
The two descended onto the plaza.
"Clan Head Xu's methods are truly extraordinary!"
"Clan Head Xu is truly a master who hides his true depths!"
"Clan Head Xu possesses incredible divine abilities!"
Word after word of lavish praise poured out from these Golden Core stage cultivators.
True Lord Fierce Sun's gaze narrowed slightly, feeling a sense of perplexity.
Such immense strength was definitely not something an ordinary Golden Core cultivator could possess.
"As expected of Junior Sister Feng Ling's grandfather!"
"Clan Head Xu, when you boldly proclaimed yourself a prodigy earlier, I had my doubts. But it seems you truly did walk the Divine Ability Golden Core Path," True Lord Qingxuan stated.
The moment True Lord Qingxuan's voice fell, all other murmurs and chatter died down completely. Everyone eagerly awaited Xu Chuan's response.
There were far too many things that had piqued their curiosity today.
Xu Chuan smiled and nodded. "Qingxuan has a sharp eye. I did indeed undergo a Divine Ability Core Formation."
"True Lord Qingxuan, is the strength of someone who achieves a Divine Ability Core Formation truly this terrifying?"
An elderly Golden Core cultivator lamented, "Watching Clan Head Xu consecutively slay the Gold and Silver Elders of the Greedy Wolf Sect earlier felt like a dream. I still haven't fully recovered my senses.
Even years from now, it will be hard to forget the spectacle we witnessed today."
"Indeed. I feel the exact same way. It is simply beyond common sense."
"Heavenly Azure Prefecture hasn't seen a Divine Ability Core Formation in centuries. We hope True Lord Qingxuan might enlighten us."
True Lord Qingxuan swept his gaze across the crowd and replied, "Very well, I shall elaborate a bit. A Divine Ability Core Formation uses a Divine Ability Seed as its core. Besides boasting a significantly higher success rate for Core Formation, it grants two major advantages after succeeding.
First, both the quality and volume of their mana are far superior to those of an ordinary Golden Core cultivator.
Second, the speed at which they comprehend that specific divine ability is drastically enhanced. No matter how slow their comprehension might be, by the time a cultivator who succeeds in a Divine Ability Core Formation reaches the late-stage Golden Core realm, their divine ability will naturally reach the major achievement level.
Furthermore, they have the potential to reach Divine Ability Perfection."
"As you all know, comprehending a divine ability to perfection is exceedingly difficult. For most, major achievement is the absolute limit. Unless one stumbles upon a special opportunity, only those who undergo a Divine Ability Core Formation have any real hope of achieving Divine Ability Perfection.
It allows them to wield the divine ability with a proficiency rivaling its very creator."
The Yan family's Ancestor chimed in, "I observed Clan Head Xu manipulating two magic treasures earlier with absolute ease while unleashing astonishing destructive power. His mana reserves must be boundless. Could this also be a trait of cultivators who undergo a Divine Ability Core Formation?"
True Lord Qingxuan shook his head. "Even after a successful Divine Ability Core Formation, they must still convert their Foundation Establishment mana into Golden Core mana step by step. This process takes anywhere from a month or two to over half a year."
Saying this, he turned his gaze toward Xu Chuan, just like everyone else, hoping the man himself would provide an answer.
"Are you all truly that curious?"
"Daoist Friend Xu, feel free to give us a brief explanation. If you'd rather not, we certainly won't press the matter."
"Actually, this involves an ancient secret method," Xu Chuan said with a faint smile.
"What kind of secret method?" True Lord Qingxuan asked.
"If True Lord Qingxuan truly wishes to know, I can sell it to you, Daoist Friend. The price is merely thirty thousand spirit stones."
"Clan Head Xu is quite generous. I might just take you up on that," True Lord Qingxuan teased, assuming Xu Chuan was merely joking.
"The Xu family conducts honest business. Of course, there are additional conditions."
"I knew it. Let's hear them."
"Anyone who buys this secret method from me may pass it down to their own clan members or sect disciples. However, if it is sold to other factions, my Xu family demands a ten percent cut of the sale.
This condition must be bound by a sworn oath.
Anyone who learns the method must swear this same oath."
Hearing this, the crowd was utterly flabbergasted. None of them expected such a stipulation.
"If this secret method ends up spreading everywhere, wouldn't your Xu family rake in unfathomable wealth?!" one Golden Core Perfected Person exclaimed in disbelief.
Seeing Xu Chuan's serious expression, True Lord Qingxuan glanced at Zhang Xuanzhi and pondered the matter carefully. "The conditions aren't actually that harsh. Whenever disciples of aristocratic families or sects learn cultivation methods and divine abilities, they are always required to swear an oath against sharing them with outsiders.
If one were to trade it with another party, it naturally wouldn't be free either.
The Xu family taking an extra ten percent cut is hardly excessive.
I just wonder about the exact effects of this secret method, and whether it's truly worth the price."
Xu Chuan gave a nonchalant smile. "This was used by ancient prodigies during their breakthroughs. It prevents the problem of vacant and insufficient mana following a successful advancement to the Golden Core stage. By utilizing this secret method, one can rapidly convert their energy into Golden Core mana and elevate their cultivation realm.
Rumor has it that peak prodigies of the ancient era, who possessed astonishingly profound foundations, could use this secret method during Core Formation to vault straight to the third layer of the Golden Core stage.
Our current environment and resources may pale in comparison to ancient times, but a true prodigy could potentially reach the mid-stage or even late-stage of the first layer of the Golden Core realm straight away.
The exact results depend largely on the depth of one's foundation prior to Core Formation, the surrounding environment during the breakthrough, and so on.
This alone can save a cultivator over a decade, or perhaps even several decades, of arduous cultivation.
Thirty thousand spirit stones is absolutely a steal.
Moreover, once purchased, any clan member or sect disciple can utilize it when undergoing Core Formation. Compared to the strict, self-use-only restrictions attached to most techniques, this is countless times better."
Every Foundation Establishment genius present felt their hearts race with burning temptation.
Cultivation at the Golden Core stage was notoriously slow. Many Ancestors of Golden Core aristocratic families cultivated for one or two centuries, only to remain at the second layer.
Therefore, Xu Chuan's claim of saving decades of bitter cultivation was no empty boast.
Of course, not everyone would be capable of achieving such a feat.
The secret method could only be applied during Core Formation, rendering it useless to those who were already Golden Core stage cultivators. However, for a sect or aristocratic family, it was a priceless treasure that could be passed down through generations.
"Very well, I will buy it. However, I don't currently have that many spirit stones on hand..."
"You may barter with spirit medicine, artifact refining materials, formation materials, talisman-making materials, divine abilities, cultivation methods, secret methods, or talisman inheritances. As long as the Xu family appraises them as necessary resources of equivalent value, it will suffice.
Naturally, there's no need for finished pills, magic treasures, or array tools."
Many Golden Core Perfected Persons fell into deep thought.
Xu Chuan continued, "There is no rush to finalize this immediately. If any of you are interested, you can simply conduct the trade at the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion in my Cloudstream Town.
For now, let us proceed with the grand ceremony.
I am quite curious to see what sort of congratulatory gifts everyone has prepared."
His remark drew chuckles and exasperated smiles from the crowd. Someone teased, "Clan Head Xu, aren't you being a bit too greedy?"
However, all the factions had naturally prepared their gifts in advance. Even if Xu Chuan had failed his Core Formation and the Golden Core Grand Ceremony couldn't be held, they could have just taken the items back with them.
"By the way, Clan Head Xu, since you accomplished a Divine Ability Core Formation, you are entirely qualified to be addressed as a True Lord. Have you decided on a title for yourself?" True Lord Fierce Sun asked.
"I am quite curious as well. What title will Clan Head Xu adopt?"
"Since Clan Head Xu loves wealth so much, why not take the name 'Myriad Treasures'?"
"Inappropriate. The title 'Pixiu' would be much more fitting for someone so avaricious."
Seeing them debating animatedly, Xu Chuan offered a faint smile. "There's no need for everyone to poke fun at me. I have long since decided on my title as a True Lord."
"What will your title be?"
"'Withered Glory'."
"True Lord Withered Glory... That has quite a nice ring to it."
What followed was the standard ceremonial procedure.
Most of the gifts presented by the Golden Core guests were relatively ordinary.
"True Lord Withered Glory, this is the congratulatory gift from my Heavenly Azure Sect. Please see if it meets your satisfaction."
"True Lord Green Wood, now you are mocking me as well."
The Heavenly Azure Sect had gifted ten portions of tier-three spirit materials, a bottle of Azure Cloud Pills, one flying sword magic treasure, and ten thousand-year-old spirit medicines.
Next was the gift from the Profound Moon Sect.
Six tier-three Essence Cultivating Pills, a bottle of Purple Halo Pills for advancing mana, top-tier tier-three spirit woods including Azure Dragon Wood, Heavenly Sound Bamboo, and Purple Lightning Wood, ten portions of tier-three spirit iron, and six rare three-thousand-year-old spirit medicines.
This was an undeniably lavish display of generosity.
True Lord Green Wood was quite surprised. He had offered such a bountiful gift because he wanted to rope in and stabilize ties with the Xu family.
But the Profound Moon Sect's gift was actually even richer than his Heavenly Azure Sect's.
The top-tier tier-three spirit woods in particular held extraordinary value, serving as the prime choices for crafting the natal magic treasures of wood-attribute Golden Core stage cultivators.
Just one of those pieces was comparable to five or six ordinary tier-three spirit materials.
Upon hearing this, the complexions of the other Golden Core cultivators shifted slightly.
"True Lord Fierce Sun, your Heavenly Foundry Sect traveled all the way from the distant southern part of Heavenly South. Surely it wasn't just to congratulate Clan Head Xu on his Core Formation?" a Golden Core Perfected Person asked out of curiosity.
"Why couldn't it be?" True Lord Fierce Sun's lips curled up slightly. "The gift our Heavenly Foundry Sect prepared is currently in the hands of a very special person."
"She has arrived!"
Following a crisp, resonant phoenix cry from afar, Xu Deling appeared, clad in soft crimson-gold armor. Pale golden flames unfurled from her back, forming a pair of wings.
With a gentle flap of her pale golden wings, she soared forward, crossing hundreds of meters in an instant.
In the blink of an eye, she flew from the roof of the Yellow Crane Tower to the sky above the plaza.
"Everyone, this is my Heavenly Foundry Sect's prodigy, the undisputed number one genius of this Heavenly Prodigy Convention, Fairy Feng Ling, and she is also—"
Before True Lord Fierce Sun could finish, Xu Deling landed on the ground and dropped to one knee before Xu Chuan. "Granddaughter Xu Deling congratulates Grandfather on a successful Core Formation! The path to longevity is now within sight!"
"Xu Deling?!"
"That female master smith from the Xu family?!"
"That illustrious 'Master Ling' of Heavenly Azure Prefecture actually became a disciple of the Heavenly Foundry Sect, and even claimed the title of the number one prodigy in Heavenly South?!!"
Whether they were Golden Core experts or Foundation Establishment geniuses, every single one of them was left utterly dumbfounded.
This revelation was many times more earth-shattering than the news of the Xu family producing three prodigies!
No, wait, now it was one clan with four prodigies!
Xu Deling's voice echoed far and wide, allowing the multitudes of residents and rogue cultivators in Cloudstream Town to hear it clearly.
Countless people were left wide-eyed and tongue-tied!
Then, waves of astonishment and animated chatter erupted, turning the entirety of Cloudstream Town into a boisterous ocean of noise.
Yan Yue gazed at the peerlessly magnificent young woman and murmured, "Junior Sister Deling is actually... Fairy Feng Ling!"
"Brother, you should give up. The gap between you two is far too wide," Yan Fengwu advised.
"Why should I give up? My affection for Fairy Feng Ling is my own business. It has nothing to do with anyone else.
As for carrying on the family line, I'm not the only one capable of doing that. Father has other sons besides me."
Yan Fengwu was left speechless. "But you are our Yan family's Yang Fire Spirit Physique for this generation! Your offspring will inevitably possess outstanding aptitude. Even if just for the sake of the Yan family...
Father and Grandfather will definitely select a suitable Dao companion for you."
Yan Yue furrowed his brow. "We'll discuss this matter some other time."
"On behalf of the Heavenly Foundry Sect, Deling presents the Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella magic treasure. Grandfather, please accept it."
Xu Chuan's pupils shrank slightly before he broke into a smile. "Then pass on my deepest gratitude to Senior Zhen Yangzi for this generous gift. I am indeed extremely fond of it."
The Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella was an exceptionally terrifying magic treasure documented in the Wood Sovereign Scripture.
When opened, it resembled a grand canopy that acted as a defensive dharma tool. Its twenty-eight umbrella ribs were each an individual flying sword magic treasure, capable of forming the Azure Dragon Sword Formation, which possessed boundless might.
It was the absolute perfect choice for Xu Chuan's natal magic treasure.
However, for Xu Chuan to fully refine it into his natal magic treasure and unleash its ultimate power, it would likely take a considerable amount of time.
From publicly announcing his Core Formation and inviting every Golden Core faction in Heavenly Azure Prefecture, to the Greedy Wolf Sect's aggressive intrusion following his success; then, the timely appearance of the Profound Moon Sect and Heavenly Foundry Sect as deterrents, and finally, Xu Chuan establishing his dominance by ruthlessly executing two Golden Core experts...
... culminating with Heavenly South's number one prodigy, Fairy Feng Ling, publicly revealing her identity as a direct line descendant of the Xu clan while presenting a grand gift.
To any observant individual, this entire sequence of events seemed far too coincidental.
It felt more like a meticulously orchestrated theatrical play, designed solely to strike fear and awe into the various factions of Heavenly Azure Prefecture.
And evidently, Xu Chuan had succeeded brilliantly.
At the very least, there wasn't a single faction present that didn't deeply fear the Xu family, to the point of actively wanting to curry favor with them.
After all, between the formidable True Lord Withered Glory that was Xu Chuan, Xu Deling's status as the number one prodigy and disciple of a Nascent Soul expert, and the sheer potential of the other core prodigy descendants...
...not to mention their deep connections with the undisputed number one sect in the Northwest Region, the Profound Moon Sect.
Having just one of these elements would command immense respect.
Now that all these factors were gathered in a single family, it highlighted that the Xu family's future potential was truly immeasurable.
Unless they were already sworn mortal enemies, no one in their right mind would want to offend the Xu family.
Of course, if they were indeed mortal enemies, the Xu family would undoubtedly suffer the most ferocious and rapid strikes imaginable.
Because now, everyone recognized that if the Xu family continued to grow, the only ones facing utter destruction would be their adversaries.
Ever since Xu Deyue and the others decided to participate in the Heavenly Prodigy Convention, Xu Chuan had anticipated these eventual consequences.
However, things had evolved far more unpredictably than he had envisioned.
Xu Deling had undergone Nirvana and transformed into an apex prodigy. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of Xu Mingxian, Xu Deyue, and Ye Fan had ultimately secured their places among the Heavenly Dipper prodigies.
Although very few were aware of Xu Deling's true identity, it wasn't an entirely watertight secret.
Since it was bound to be exposed sooner or later, it was better to reveal it openly at an opportune moment to properly intimidate the other Golden Core factions.
All grand gatherings must eventually come to a close.
Yet the Xu family remained like a brilliant, rising star in Heavenly Azure Prefecture.
The various factions departed, and True Lord Qingxuan also led Zhang Xuanzhi back to the Profound Moon Sect. Only the members of the Heavenly Foundry Sect remained temporarily residing in the Yellow Crane Tower.
But Xu Chuan knew it wouldn't be long before True Lord Qingxuan returned to conduct the trade for that ancient secret method.
The more powerful a faction was, the greater the value this secret method held for them.
For an ordinary Golden Core aristocratic family, it was somewhat dispensable. After all, nobody could guarantee if they would ever nurture another Golden Core cultivator before their current Golden Core Ancestor perished.
If they could, it would naturally allow them to perpetuate their family's glory and prosperity.
In the blink of an eye.
Several days had passed since Xu Chuan's successful Core Formation.
Yet the multitude of events that transpired that day had spread throughout the entirety of Heavenly Azure Prefecture. Factions both large and small, along with countless rogue cultivators, had heard the news.
The most fiercely discussed topic was the Xu family boasting five prodigies under one roof!
Clan Head Xu Chuan had achieved a Divine Ability Core Formation, adopting the title True Lord Withered Glory, and had single-handedly executed two veteran Golden Core experts of the Greedy Wolf Sect on the very day of his breakthrough.
Xu Deling, known as Fairy Feng Ling, was a top-tier master smith and now reigned as the number one prodigy of Heavenly South.
She had become the supreme idol for the younger generation of Heavenly Azure Prefecture, revered as a goddess from their wildest dreams.
Everyone firmly believed she was destined to be the next cultivator in Heavenly Azure Prefecture to achieve a Divine Ability Core Formation.
The fervor surrounding Xu Mingxian and the other two wasn't quite as intense compared to those two titans, but they were still esteemed Heavenly Dipper prodigies. They were universally acknowledged as having a tremendous probability of reaching Core Formation and possessed extraordinary potential.
Xu Chuan replanted a fresh batch of ordinary spirit medicines in his medicine garden.
Then, he continued comprehending the Withered Glory True Intent, studying the recent changes in the Clan Genealogy, occasionally divining to enhance his cultivation base, and slowly refining the Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella.
This umbrella was a high-grade magic treasure.
Xu Chuan persistently dedicated time each day to refine it, hoping to fully integrate it as his natal magic treasure within a few years.
Xu Deyue practiced the Vast Cold Sword Art imparted by Murong Yun. It was a formidable divine ability sword art that tapped into extreme cold and ultimate yin. She also spent her spare time comprehending the Cold Heaven Seal, aiming to master it to the pinnacle state of Nine Seals into One.
Ye Fan mediated silently to accumulate mana and elevate his realm, while also dedicating himself to comprehending and practicing the 'War in All Directions' technique.
Xu Mingxian naturally focused on comprehending the True Intent of the Formation Dao and perfecting his battle arrays. He also delved into the sections of the Formation Dao Compendium regarding teleportation arrays.
Compared to other formations, teleportation arrays were currently the most useful asset for the Xu family and the best tool for accelerating their expansion.
Xu Deling, too, spent her days in secluded cultivation within the clan grounds, intently comprehending her divine abilities in hopes of quickly achieving a Divine Ability Core Formation. She had even temporarily set aside her artificing.
As for the Heavenly Foundry Sect disciples, they spent their time cultivating, strolling through Cloudstream Town, and teaming up to temper themselves in the Azure Dragon Mountain Range.
It wouldn't be until they officially commenced the reconstruction of Fire Cloud Valley to establish the Heavenly Plume Sect that they would pour their full energy into the project.
Although the Heavenly Azure Sect would lend a hand, their assistance would mostly be confined to environmental modifications. The actual construction and architectural layout would undoubtedly be handled by the Heavenly Foundry Sect themselves.
If they even allowed the Heavenly Azure Sect to set up the restrictions, it would be difficult to tell whether it was a branch of the Heavenly Azure Sect or the Heavenly Foundry Sect.
If a sect's core defenses were known to an outside faction, any future invasion would be like walking through an empty yard.
Half a month later.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud officially became a Guest Elder of the Xu family, taking charge of the Artifact Refining Hall in the Cloudstream Plaza.
The Xu family made no effort to conceal this matter, and the news quickly spread far and wide.
When the numerous Golden Core factions caught wind of it, none of them were surprised.
After all, Xu Deling and Perfected Person Fire Cloud shared a master-disciple bond. Furthermore, the profound foundations and immense potential the Xu family had recently demonstrated were more than enough to attract a rogue Golden Core cultivator to their ranks.
Having officially become a Golden Core aristocratic family, the Xu family naturally initiated another round of recruitment.
However, their vetting process became much more stringent.
Mei Yun ultimately joined the Xu family and became a member of their patrol squad. He was currently at the late stage of the 9th Layer of Qi Condensation, not far from reaching Peak Qi Condensation.
Patrolling along a fixed route every day was relatively leisurely work.
Since the Xu family utilized multiple squads working on rotation, even the guards had plenty of free time each day to devote to their own cultivation.
As for everything else, not much had changed.
At the very least, they hadn't raised shop taxes or increased the tribute rates from mines and spirit fields just because they had become a Golden Core aristocratic family.
In fact, due to the Xu family's rising prestige, the influx of rogue cultivators visiting Cloudstream Town had noticeably increased.
There were strong indications that Cloudstream Town would have to expand outward as time went on.
Before long.
True Lord Green Wood personally visited the Xu family to trade for the 'Ancient Golden Core Heaven-Swallowing Method'. He bartered with a large quantity of Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment spirit grasses, dharma tool materials, and a portion of spirit stones.
He didn't stick around. After swearing the oath and concluding the transaction, he immediately returned to the Heavenly Azure Sect.
Shortly after, True Lord Qingxuan of the Profound Moon Sect also arrived to make a trade, offering a mix of formation materials, talisman-making materials, and spirit stones.
He, too, did not linger and departed as soon as the exchange was complete.
As for the other Golden Core aristocratic families, none had yet visited the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion to make a purchase.
After True Lord Canglang returned to the Greedy Wolf Sect, he was severely punished for the loss of two Golden Core elders. He had remained quietly confined within the sect ever since.
Meanwhile, the Xu family had naturally transitioned from a trivial Foundation Establishment clan that could be crushed at will into a formidable entity that even the Greedy Wolf Sect was forced to treat with utmost caution.
Lately, the Greedy Wolf Sect hadn't made any aggressive moves against the Heavenly Azure Sect, acting as if they were waiting for something.
Several days later.
Xu Chuan suddenly discovered another peculiar change in the Clan Genealogy.
He could use it to draw out the divine sense of any member of the Xu clan.
After a moment of thought, Xu Chuan chose Xu Mingxian as his test subject.
At that exact moment, Xu Mingxian was deeply engrossed in comprehending the teleportation array when he abruptly felt a mysterious power piercing through the void, tugging at his divine sense and attempting to yank it into empty space.
"Which senior expert is this?!"
Xu Mingxian instantly erupted with his own divine sense, and the pulling sensation completely vanished.
It was just like someone trying to initiate a communication, only for the other party to ruthlessly cut the signal.
Xu Mingxian scoured his secluded meditation room with his divine sense, scanning every inch, yet he failed to uncover the slightest clue.
That force had come and gone without a trace. It was incredibly enigmatic and left him dripping with cold sweat.
The very next moment.
The invisible force reappeared.
Xu Mingxian decisively rejected it again!
Xu Chuan tried once more.
Xu Mingxian rebuffed him yet again.
This exasperated Xu Chuan to the point of gritting his teeth, though upon further reflection, it made total sense. Anyone who encountered such a bizarre phenomenon would naturally be on high alert.
Xu Chuan let out a soft sigh and immediately sent a telepathic message to Xu Mingxian.
Everyone in the Xu family utilized various restrictions when cultivating in seclusion. If they were entering absolute isolation, they would activate every defensive grand array to completely seal off sound and block divine sense.
Under normal circumstances, they only activated the restrictions to isolate divine sense.
"Mingxian, that was your father just now."
"Father, what do you mean?" In the next instant, realization dawned on him, and he exclaimed, "Was that really Father pulling at my divine sense through the void just now?"
"Indeed."
"How did you manage that? It's unbelievable! Even a Nascent Soul expert shouldn't possess such a divine ability, right?"
"Let's just say it only works on our Xu clan members. I am currently experimenting. Don't reject the force this time. Let's see where I can drag your divine sense."
"Will there be any danger?"
"There shouldn't be. It's merely a wisp of your divine sense. Even if it gets destroyed, it'll only be a light injury. Consuming a Jade Sprout Pill will be enough to recover."
Xu Mingxian's mouth twitched, but he didn't refuse. "Yes, Father."
He sat cross-legged on his futon.
A moment later.
That mysterious power seeped out of the void once more, linking with his divine sense.
This time, Xu Mingxian did not resist.
Subsequently, a wisp of his divine sense was enveloped by the force and swept into the void.
In Xu Chuan's quiet room.
"Strange, where did it go?"
Just as he was puzzling over this, Xu Mingxian's divine sense had already arrived within the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
"Where is this?" Xu Mingxian spread out his divine sense and abruptly looked astounded, as if he had just uncovered a massive secret.
"Isn't that the medicine garden Father established previously? Not long ago, he mentioned moving it to a more suitable location. So this is where it ended up.
But where exactly is this place?"
Then, he spotted a stone stele engraved with four large characters: 'Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven'.
"Our Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven?"
Just as Xu Mingxian was lost in shock, a sharp whistling sound ripped through the air, and a streak of green lashed out at him from above.
Bang!
Xu Mingxian's wisp of divine sense was brutally shattered on the spot.
Right before it dissipated, he heard two voices.
"Who dares trespass in my Master's grotto-heaven!"
"Little Huai, stop!"
'Was that second voice Father's?' he thought.
With that final fleeting thought, Xu Mingxian's strand of divine sense dispersed entirely.
Back in the meditation room, Xu Mingxian let out a muffled groan. His complexion paled slightly, and a trickle of fresh blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.
Inside the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
Xu Chuan had sensed a change within the grotto-heaven and sent a wisp of his own divine sense inside, only to arrive just in time to witness Xu Mingxian's divine sense being obliterated.
Ah, this...
"Master,"
Xu Huai retracted its branch. Its lush foliage rustled gently as it greeted Xu Chuan, clearly seeking praise. "Little Huai just exterminated an intruder's divine sense."
"Little Huai, that was my son Xu Mingxian's divine sense."
"Ah? Master's son?!" Xu Huai instantly became deeply ashamed. "Master, Little Huai knows it was wrong."
"Forget it, ignorance is not a crime. Thankfully, it was only a single wisp of divine sense."
'But seriously, is my mouth jinxed?' he thought.
Xu Chuan inwardly muttered to himself.
"Little Huai, this place is our 'Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven'. Anyone who enters will be a member of my Xu clan. You must not resort to violence in the future. It's impossible for outsiders to enter anyway."
This was a grotto-heaven forged by the Clan Genealogy. In order to even perceive this space, let alone enter it, one would first need to be capable of sensing the Clan Genealogy itself to lock onto the coordinates of the 'Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven'.
"Yes, Master. Little Huai understands."
Shortly after, Xu Chuan's divine sense exited the grotto-heaven, and he went to check on Xu Mingxian.
Having already consumed a Jade Sprout Pill, Xu Mingxian had recovered. He immediately asked, "Father, is that place... our Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven?"
Xu Chuan nodded. "Correct. But there is no need to ask anything further."
"This grotto-heaven has only just been opened and will continue to grow. In the future, it will undoubtedly become the ultimate foundation of our Xu clan."
Hearing this, Xu Mingxian's eyes couldn't help but gleam with uncontrollable excitement.
What miraculous fortune this was!
Suddenly, a thought struck him, and his face lit up eagerly. "Father, since you control this mysterious power and can link with my divine sense to drag me into the grotto-heaven, does that mean you can also pull in Big Brother and the others...?"
Xu Chuan gave a faint smile. "Great minds think alike."
"We've been away for so many years; I wonder how Dongxi is faring. However, it won't be easy to succeed," Xu Chuan continued. "Don't forget how you reacted earlier."
Xu Mingxian scratched his head in embarrassment. "Father, anyone else having their divine sense tugged by a bizarre force would have reacted exactly the same way."
"Indeed. That is why establishing contact with Dongxi won't be a walk in the park. Still, if we try enough times, they should eventually notice the anomaly."
"I truly look forward to reuniting with Big Brother and the others through such a method," Xu Mingxian said, the corners of his lips curving upward.
"I'll try pulling your divine sense into the grotto-heaven again. Once inside, try to see if you can withdraw voluntarily, or if I have to forcefully kick you out."
"Alright. But Father, what was that living creature inside the grotto-heaven?"
"That was Xu Huai, the little locust tree. It has finally gained sentience and become a demon. Because its consciousness awakened exactly when I transplanted it into the grotto-heaven, and due to a few other unique circumstances, it has become my spirit pet."
"I see. But isn't it the descendant of the Ancient Locust Tree King from the Azure Sea Forest? Father, by doing this..."
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
Afterward, Xu Chuan pulled Xu Mingxian into the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven once more.
From Xu Chuan's perspective, the Clan Genealogy utilized the Xu clan bloodline as a nexus of power to connect with their divine senses.
The Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven, in turn, served as a gathering point.
After all, it was a grotto-heaven carved out by the Clan Genealogy itself, imbued with its miraculous power.
Therefore, any divine sense pulled by the power of the Clan Genealogy would naturally be drawn straight into the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
This time, upon entering the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven, Xu Mingxian was not attacked.
He even exchanged a few words with Xu Huai.
Afterward, Xu Mingxian attempted to leave.
With a single thought, his wisp of divine sense was seamlessly sent back into his physical body.
It was essentially the equivalent of exiting a group chat.
As the master of the grotto-heaven, Xu Chuan naturally also possessed the authority to forcefully kick someone out.
This function felt suspiciously like opening a private lobby and inviting friends to join.
It gave Xu Chuan an inexplicable urge to voice a complaint.
Wasn't this all a bit too advanced?!
He began to wonder if the Clan Genealogy had been peeking into his thoughts.
Still, it was absolutely brilliant!