"How is this possible?!"
True Lord Canglang cried out in alarm. His eyes were filled with shock and disbelief, and his voice trembled slightly from the sheer astonishment.
"You are only at the Early-Stage Golden Core! How could you possibly block the full-force strike of my Divine Ability?!"
Then, as if realizing something, he pointed a finger at Xu Chuan and said, "No, your Divine Ability has actually reached Major Success?!!"
Xu Chuan stood suspended in the void with his hands clasped behind his back. The corners of his lips curled up slightly, but he did not utter a single word.
Below them, discussions erupted everywhere.
"True Lord Withered Glory's Divine Ability has reached Major Success?!"
"Doesn't that make him a genuine True Lord-level powerhouse!"
"Our Heavenly Azure Prefecture has gained another True Lord!"
This proves that the power of True Lord Withered Glory's Divine Ability surpasses his opponent's."
"As far as I know, the Withered Glory Divine Ability is a technique created by ancient cultivators, making it extremely difficult to comprehend."
At this moment, True Lord Canglang finally treated Xu Chuan as a true opponent. His dark green pupils contracted, glaring intensely at him like a real lone wolf.
He forcefully suppressed the violent fury burning within his heart.
He knew very well that when facing an ordinary Golden Core cultivator who was inferior to him, he could afford to be arrogant and completely disregard them.
But right now, Xu Chuan gave him the distinct feeling of facing a powerhouse of the exact same level.
If he was careless, he would face far more than just simple danger.
"Family Head Xu, your title of Withered Glory is indeed well-deserved! Take another strike from this True Lord!"
This move was also meant to verify the suspicions in his mind.
His hands quickly formed a series of hand seals. The gray mist churning around him grew increasingly violent, and three massive wolf phantoms, each standing fifty to sixty feet tall, condensed from the fog. Black lightning coiled fiercely around the ghostly wolves.
Their imposing aura looked absolutely terrifying!
"Go!"
The three giant wolves dashed forward wildly.
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. Turning his head, he called out, "Daoist friends, please stop watching the show! My mana has been severely depleted. Hurry and lend me a hand!"
"After all, this is the territory of your three families!"
The four of them exchanged glances and immediately activated their natal magic treasures to attack. Xu Chuan also tossed out the Heaven-Overturning Seal once again.
The seal rapidly expanded in the wind to a size of forty or fifty feet. Its suppressing power was pushed to the absolute limit, carrying the majestic momentum of a towering mountain as it ruthlessly crashed forward.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
With all five of them joining forces, they successfully intercepted True Lord Canglang's devastating strike.
True Lord Canglang laughed. "So that's how it is. Daoist Friend Withered Glory, although your Divine Ability is powerful, it consumes a massive amount of mana. With your current Early-Stage Golden Core cultivation, your mana reserves simply cannot support continuous use."
As if reassured, the tightly wound string of tension in his heart finally loosened slightly.
"So what if you saw through it?" Xu Chuan replied calmly. "With me joining hands with these Daoist friends from Heart Constellation City, you won't gain any advantage either.
Divine Abilities may be strong, but they demand significant mana. Even if you are at the Late-Stage Golden Core, you cannot possibly spam them without consequence."
"What if this True Lord uses a Magic Treasure?"
With a flip of his palm, True Lord Canglang revealed a dark green, cone-shaped Magic Treasure resting in his hand. The spiritual pressure it exuded far surpassed the Magic Treasures held by Xu Chuan and the others.
"A Mid-Grade Magic Treasure?!" The Ancestor of the Tang Family's expression changed drastically once more.
The gap in power between a Mid-Grade Magic Treasure and a Low-Grade Magic Treasure was massive.
If an Early-Stage Golden Core cultivator possessed a Low-Grade Magic Treasure, they could challenge a Mid-Stage Golden Core opponent across realms.
If True Lord Canglang combined his Divine Ability with a Mid-Grade Magic Treasure, they would absolutely be no match for him!
"True Lord Canglang, it is time for this farce to end."
A figure adorned in golden robes abruptly appeared. "A majestic Late-Stage Golden Core True Lord bullying an Early-Stage Golden Core cultivator. If you truly wish to fight, this old man will accompany you for a bout."
The newcomer was True Lord Fierce Sun. A golden wheel hovered over his palm, continuously emitting a clear, ringing hum.
Its spiritual pressure was far superior to that of True Lord Canglang's dark green cone Magic Treasure.
"True Lord Fierce Sun." True Lord Canglang's face instantly grew extremely solemn, his guard fully raised.
"The Daoist friend hiding in the distance, you are also from the Greedy Wolf Sect, aren't you? There is no need to skulk about. Show yourself."
"As expected of the renowned True Lord Fierce Sun of the Heavenly Foundry Sect!"
A cyan-gray streak of light flew over and landed beside True Lord Canglang. It was a burly, vigorous old man with graying temples.
"Senior Brother," True Lord Canglang greeted.
The Luo family elder's expression shifted. "I have heard that the Greedy Wolf Sect has more than one True Lord. Above True Lord Canglang, there is also True Lord Heavenly Wolf."
"Daoist Friend Luo has a sharp eye. It is indeed this True Lord."
True Lord Heavenly Wolf immediately unleashed his aura, revealing the terrifying presence of a Perfected Golden Core powerhouse.
True Lord Fierce Sun's pupils narrowed slightly. He also released his own aura to stand as an equal against the overwhelming pressure.
A moment later.
The two simultaneously retracted their auras.
True Lord Heavenly Wolf turned to look at Xu Chuan and smiled faintly. "Daoist Friend Withered Glory's talent is truly enviable. In such a short time, your Divine Ability has already reached Major Success. I fear you are on track to achieve the stage of Perfection in the future!
What happened today was my junior brother's fault. Consider these three mid-grade spirit stones as an apology for the disturbance. I will take my junior brother back now."
Three spirit stones flew toward Xu Chuan.
Xu Chuan naturally caught them without hesitation. At the same time, a strong sense of wariness arose in his heart toward True Lord Heavenly Wolf.
For someone practicing a demonic cultivation method to remain so remarkably calm and unflappable in the face of conflict was highly impressive. This person likely had hope of stepping into the Nascent Soul Stage in the future.
With those words spoken, True Lord Heavenly Wolf departed with True Lord Canglang.
Watching their retreating backs, True Lord Fierce Sun sent a telepathic message. "This person cannot be underestimated. True Lord Green Wood of the Heavenly Azure Sect is no match for him. It is best you keep that in mind."
"What realm is True Lord Green Wood in?"
"Around the late phase of the Ninth Layer of Golden Core. Although he is not far from Golden Core Perfection, it will likely take him several decades to truly reach it."
"Thank you, Daoist Friend Fierce Sun."
"Since this matter is resolved, I shall return first."
True Lord Fierce Sun also departed shortly after.
Xu Chuan looked toward the Golden Core cultivators of the Yan, Tang, and Luo families. With a light smile, he said, "Thank you for lending a hand earlier. Otherwise, I might not have been able to block True Lord Canglang's second Divine Ability strike."
"You are too polite, True Lord Withered Glory. Your strength is already not far from True Lord Canglang's. Once you step into the Mid-Stage Golden Core, you will definitely be able to truly match him," the Luo family elder stated.
"Indeed. The power of the True Lord's Withered Glory Divine Ability is even greater than True Lord Canglang's. The only thing lacking is mana," the Ancestor of the Tang Family echoed.
"Since everything is fine, we shall take our leave as well. We won't delay True Lord Withered Glory from handling the aftermath."
"Exactly."
"True Lord Withered Glory, farewell!"
After offering their farewells, the men returned to their respective estates.
Xu Chuan looked downward and instructed, "Tianba, deal with those two corpses."
"Yes, Family Head."
Huang Tianba cupped his fists, then retrieved the storage pouches and Dharma Tools from the two bodies. Finally, he flicked his finger, shooting out a wisp of spiritual flame.
The spiritual flame split into two and cleanly incinerated both corpses into ash.
"Today, because of my Immortal-Ascension Pavilion, all of you suffered the calamity of the fish pond. This True Lord hereby announces that anyone who purchases items in my Immortal-Ascension Pavilion today will enjoy a ten percent discount."
"Thank you, True Lord Withered Glory!" Faces filled with delight, the crowd bowed and cupped their hands in gratitude.
Xu Chuan nodded slightly, transforming into a streak of cyan light as he flew toward Cloudstream Town.
"Now that is the true demeanor of a True Lord!"
"Indeed! Unlike that True Lord Canglang, who is extremely domineering and looks down on us entirely. Even if he indiscriminately slaughtered us, he wouldn't even bat an eye."
"In the end, might makes right in the cultivation world. An easygoing Golden Core cultivator like True Lord Withered Glory is part of a very small minority."
"This Daoist friend speaks the truth. We should just buy more resources from the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion and focus diligently on our cultivation."
"Hm? Daoist friend, could you secretly be a shill for the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion?"
"Senior Brother, what do you think of that Xu Chuan? I acted according to your instructions and deliberately provoked him to draw him out."
True Lord Heavenly Wolf glanced at True Lord Canglang. "Are you sure you acted according to my instructions and weren't just exploiting the situation for personal revenge? If you had truly destroyed the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion, today's matter would not have been resolved so peacefully."
"Wasn't Senior Brother here to back me up? Even True Lord Fierce Sun was too intimidated by your strength to make a move," True Lord Canglang chuckled.
"Do you really think True Lord Fierce Sun was afraid to fight?" True Lord Heavenly Wolf said evenly. "He just couldn't be bothered.
Although the Xu Clan has deep ties with the Heavenly Plume Sect, the connection ultimately lies with Fairy Feng Ling. The fact that Xu Chuan could ask him to step out as a deterrent was already quite remarkable.
Asking him to fight an opponent of the same realm? Unless I was absolutely determined to kill Xu Chuan, he would definitely choose to save himself the trouble."
"Senior Brother, could it be that even you are no match for him?"
"Without trading blows, no one can say who is stronger. However, he is one of the cultivators in the Heavenly Foundry Sect with the highest hope of stepping into the Nascent Soul Stage. Aside from his high-grade natal magic treasure, he must definitely possess a top-tier magic treasure bestowed upon him for protection.
Between Magic Treasures, the difference of a single grade results in a massive gap in power.
Of course, a true life-and-death battle isn't as simple and straightforward as a direct clash between Magic Treasures. There are far too many factors that can determine victory or defeat."
"Then what if, in the future, the Heavenly Plume Sect sides with the Heavenly Azure Sect..." True Lord Canglang's expression turned incredibly grim.
"I believe they will not," True Lord Heavenly Wolf replied. "Although I do not know why the Heavenly Foundry Sect established a branch in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture—perhaps for Fairy Feng Ling, perhaps for another reason.
Regardless of their motive, they have their own plans. Unless absolutely necessary, they will never drag themselves into the conflict between our two sects."
"That is good, then."
"However, the Xu Clan..." True Lord Heavenly Wolf paused for a moment.
"The Xu Clan is indeed not simple. After crossing swords with him today, I discovered that his Divine Ability has actually reached Major Success. Such high comprehension is truly terrifying.
But in the end, his cultivation realm is still too low. He is far inferior to me."
"Are you certain?"
"What do you mean by that, Senior Brother?"
"My intuition tells me that Xu Chuan is hiding his depths. It is still hard to say whether what he showed today was his full strength."
"That can't be right." True Lord Canglang gulped, a flash of disbelief passing through his eyes.
"Whether it is the Xu Clan or the Heavenly Plume Sect, it doesn't matter. As long as that person breaks through to the Nascent Soul Stage, taking down the Heavenly Azure Sect will be a simple task.
Even the Heavenly Foundry Sect would be nothing to fear.
Once we become the masters of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture, won't these noble families be ours to mold as we please?"
"That's true."
With that said, the two ceased their idle chatter. They transformed into streaks of light, speeding away until they vanished completely over the horizon.
Xu Chuan returned to the clan territory.
He sat in meditation, regulating his breath.
Tier-three medicinal pills were incredibly precious, and Xu Chuan wasn't extravagant enough to swallow them casually.
Half a day later.
His mana recovered to its absolute peak.
His earlier display of exhaustion had naturally been an act put on for True Lord Canglang and True Lord Heavenly Wolf to see.
True Lord Heavenly Wolf had been observing from afar using his divine sense. Although well hidden, it did not escape Xu Chuan's perception.
With his strength, exchanging blows with True Lord Canglang for an extended period was perfectly fine. He wouldn't have depleted more than half his mana from just a single strike.
'In another half a year, once I completely refine the Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella into my natal magic treasure, I will truly possess the capital to face True Lord-level powerhouses like True Lord Canglang head-on.
However, I still need to forge a Magic Treasure that synergizes with my Withered Glory Divine Ability. I should have Ling'er put some thought into it.'
With this thought in mind, Xu Chuan went to find Xu Deling.
He spoke to her about the core essence of his Divine Ability.
Xu Deling was deeply shocked upon hearing that Xu Chuan's Divine Ability had actually reached Major Success.
They were both Golden Core cultivators who broke through using Divine Ability Core Formation, yet in just over three years, Xu Chuan had achieved Major Success. She hadn't even truly reached the Minor Success stage yet.
This left Xu Deling feeling rather defeated.
"Why do you look so wilted?" Xu Chuan chuckled. "Do you feel like your title as a prodigy is unearned?"
"The paths we walk are completely different, so there is no need for comparison. You may feel your progress in Divine Abilities falls short of your grandfather's, but my overall cultivation speed can't keep up with yours.
Xu Deyue, Ye Fan, and the others all have their own unique strengths and weaknesses as well.
In our entire Xu Clan, your grandfather estimates that you have the highest chance of being the very first to cultivate to Golden Core Perfection."
Xu Deling looked thoughtful. "Grandfather, I understand what you're saying. You want me to play to my strengths and mitigate my weaknesses. As long as I push my strongest traits to their absolute limit, I can still become peerless in this world!"
Xu Chuan smiled and nodded.
"Leave the matter of your Divine Ability Magic Treasure to Ling'er, Grandfather. I will definitely design the most suitable Magic Treasure for you. However, according to what you mentioned earlier, your Divine Ability contains the four Great True Intents of Withering, Flourishing, Life, and Death.
It would take at least a Mid-Grade Magic Treasure to handle that. It will likely take decades before Ling'er reaches the level of craftsmanship required to forge it."
"Rest assured, your grandfather isn't in a rush. The Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella is currently more than enough for me to defend against enemies."
Afterward, Xu Chuan took his leave.
In the Medicine Garden.
The Withered Glory Tree had already been transplanted outside.
The dense spiritual qi within the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven wasn't overly effective for the Withered Glory Tree. While the innate spiritual qi had been useful at first, its effects rapidly diminished over time.
It was far better placed outside, growing steadily alongside Xu Chuan.
In a span of over two years.
It had grown to fifty to sixty feet tall, with lush, flourishing branches and leaves, reaching the maturity of a nearly two-hundred-year-old tree.
In another ten or twenty years, it might truly mature, bloom, and bear fruit.
Of course, it could happen even faster.
The deeper Xu Chuan's comprehension of the Withered Glory True Intent became, the greater its benefit to the Withered Glory Tree's rapid growth.
Within a few short days, news that Xu Chuan had forcefully clashed with True Lord Canglang while only at the Early-Stage Golden Core, as well as the revelation that his Divine Ability had achieved Major Success, spread throughout the entire Heavenly Azure Prefecture.
Factions of every size were completely aware of the event.
When Feng Juechen of the Green Wood Sect heard the news, he was horrified but also deeply regretful. He wondered why he hadn't seized the opportunity to establish a good relationship with Xu Chuan when he had the chance.
"Is my foresight truly inferior to Chen Changge's?"
"Forget it. Regret changes nothing. Ultimately, the cultivation world relies on personal strength. In this closed-door cultivation session, I must absolutely break through to the Third Layer of Golden Core!"
It had been over sixty years since Feng Juechen broke through to the Golden Core Stage.
Yet now, he was only at the peak of the Second Layer of Golden Core. This cultivation speed could not be considered fast, but it wasn't horribly slow either.
Among the Golden Core aristocratic families of the Seven Heavenly Azure Cities, there were individuals who had formed their core two hundred years ago and were still stuck at the Second Layer of Golden Core.
Most, however, were firmly bottlenecked right before the Mid-Stage Golden Core.
Out of the twenty-plus Golden Core cultivators in the entire Seven Cities, only five had reached the Mid-Stage Golden Core, and only a single person had stepped into the Late-Stage Golden Core.
That person was the Ancestor of the Ximen Family in Horn Constellation City, Ximen Xue.
The Ximen Family was widely hailed as the number one aristocratic family of the Seven Heavenly Azure Cities. Including Ximen Xue, the clan possessed three Golden Core stage experts; the other two were both at the Early-Stage Golden Core.
The Ximen Family governed the entirety of Horn Constellation City, and their leader held the position of City Lord.
There were no other Golden Core aristocratic families permitted within the city.
"As expected of Brother Xu. Such comprehension is truly transcendent!" Chen Changge pondered for a moment. "I'll pay him a visit in a few days to deepen the relationship between our two families."
"Sigh, it's just a pity that the Xu Clan's population is too thin. They have no one of a suitable age."
"Fairy Feng Ling is entirely unreachable. Xu Mingxian gives me the impression of having a cold and detached personality, fully devoted to the path of cultivation. As for Brother Xu...
Forget it, I'll bring it up first and see. Even if it's just arranging a marriage between children, that would work."
Three days later.
Chen Changge brought Chen Tianlei along to the Xu Clan to offer their congratulations.
"Brother Chen, sometimes I genuinely wish I didn't have this reputation. Being repeatedly troubled by True Lord Canglang... I'm afraid our Xu Clan will face massive issues in the future."
"Brother Xu, why worry about the future right now? I firmly believe that with your wisdom and strategy, combined with the other prodigies in the Xu Clan, even if trouble comes knocking, you will undoubtedly be able to resolve it smoothly."
"I will borrow your auspicious words."
"Oh, right." Chen Changge suddenly asked, "Brother Xu, it's been so long since your wife passed away. Have you ever considered finding another Dao companion to produce more descendants?
It would also give my virtuous nephew Mingxian another brother or sister."
'Huh?'
'My wife died? How come I didn't know about this?!'
'Mingxian already has five brothers and sisters. There's absolutely no need for any more.'
'Our Xu Clan has already developed down to the sixth generation. No matter how you look at it, it shouldn't be the turn of a grand Ancestor like me to become the primary force for reproduction!'
Hearing this, Xu Chuan's lips twitched violently, screaming complaints internally.
After all, the public backstory he fabricated for the Xu Clan was that the family encountered a disaster, forcing him to flee here with the clan's geniuses.
A grand Golden Core aristocratic family with such deep foundations only possessed a mere six core clan members. To outsiders, their numbers truly looked pathetically thin.
"Brother Chen, are you trying to introduce a Dao companion to me?"
"Haha! If Brother Xu is willing, you may freely choose any woman from my Chen Family!"
'The Chen Family having an Ancestor like you is really something else!'
Xu Chuan sighed softly. "There's no need. I am already advanced in years, long past the age of hot-blooded youthfulness."
Hearing these words, Chen Changge was stunned for a moment.
'Is it really appropriate for you to say that while wearing such a youthful face?'
Chen Tianlei also opened his mouth slightly, wanting to interject.
Neither of them expected to hear such an answer coming from Xu Chuan.
Cultivators possessed abundant vital energy, spirit, and soul. As long as they weren't in the final few years of their lifespan when their vitality began to wane, they retained the ability to produce offspring at practically any time.
Given Xu Chuan's lifespan, even if he were still only at the Foundation Establishment stage, he would be considered a young man.
Not to mention, completing Core Formation at his age cemented him firmly as a supreme prodigy.
Furthermore, Xu Chuan always appeared in public with the appearance of someone in their early twenties.
"Brother Xu, you never cease to catch people off guard!"
Chen Changge didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Even among the Golden Core Ancestors of other noble families, there are those who take young fairies as Dao companions at four or five hundred years old."
"I do not compare myself to others; I only wish to follow my own heart. Therefore, I will not trouble Brother Chen to act as a matchmaker. If I truly meet a suitable fairy in the future, I will naturally become Dao companions with her.
As for producing offspring, that can be done slowly.
After all, I am a Golden Core cultivator. My lifespan is incredibly long!"
"That's true." Chen Changge had already anticipated this outcome, but his main objective was what came next. "Since Brother Xu is unwilling, why not arrange a betrothal for the little boy, Chongfei?
Surely you won't refuse this offer."
"Let us ask Ye Fan and his wife. He is their child, after all."
"That works."
Xu Chuan immediately sent a telepathic message.
It wasn't long before the couple arrived, and Xu Chuan brought up the matter.
Ye Fan and Xu Deyue exchanged a silent glance. Neither spoke up right away.
Chen Changge spoke up, "Please rest assured, the bride our Chen Family is offering to Chongfei is unquestionably our most outstanding prodigy. She is Tianlei's youngest daughter, Chen Yulian.
She is twelve years old this year, possessing an Earth Spiritual Root with a forty-five percent purity level. Although she is still young and developing, she is already blooming into a true beauty. She is absolutely worthy of your family's Chongfei.
She primarily practices metal-attribute sword arts and intensely idolizes your Xu Clan's Fairy Feng Ling and Fairy Cold Moon, having sworn to take the two of them as her absolute role models."
Hearing this glowing introduction, Ye Fan and his wife didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"What do the two of you think?"
"Since that is the case, let us establish the marriage contract," Xu Deyue finally spoke.
Having a young girl with an Earth Spiritual Root marry into the Xu Clan was naturally a highly beneficial arrangement.
As a daughter of the Xu Clan, she naturally had to prioritize what was best for the family.
"Since Yue'er has spoken, we shall agree to it. However, as for the actual marriage ceremony, we will discuss that further only after both of them reach the Foundation Establishment Stage," Ye Fan added.
"Excellent." The corners of Chen Changge's lips curved upward.
"Since the agreement is made, let us exchange tokens of betrothal. The little girl practices metal-attribute sword arts, so this flying sword is perfect for her."
A faint smile played at Xu Chuan's lips. As his voice faded, his right hand lightly patted the storage pouch at his waist.
Spiritual light flashed from the pouch, followed instantly by a clear, piercing "Clang—" that tore through the air. The crisp ringing sounded like clashing jade, yet carried the resonant force of striking iron.
Entering their ears, the sound roused everyone's spirits, feeling as though an invisible, sharp aura had pierced straight into their chests.
Soon after, a dazzling golden rainbow shot out from the pouch. It orbited elegantly in the air for half a circle before slowly hovering before Xu Chuan.
Chen Changge focused his gaze. The entire flying sword was a stunning crimson-gold. It was just over three feet long, with a sword ridge standing as straight and proud as a solitary peak. The blade was paper-thin and terrifyingly sharp. Strangely, when the sunlight bathed the sword's surface, it cast absolutely no reflection.
Exquisite feather patterns were engraved gracefully along its surface.
The hilt was roughly six inches long, crafted from incredibly rare Crimson Gold Sandalwood. Cloud-patterned grooves were carved into the grip for texture, making it feel warm and smooth to the touch without losing its solid heft.
Embedded at the pommel was a crystalline gemstone the size of a pigeon's egg. The amber jewel seemed to flow with liquid light. Upon closer inspection, one could spot the faint phantom of a palm-sized crimson-gold eagle circling ceaselessly within the core.
"This sword is called Startling Swan. It is a dual-patterned metal-attribute special Dharma Tool flying sword."
Xu Chuan gently brushed his fingertips over the blade, causing the sword to let out a joyous hum. "It contains a demon spirit. This demon spirit was refined through special techniques and belongs to a late Tier-Two Crimson Gold Eagle.
When activated, it can unleash the innate magical arts of this demonic beast, and the spirit itself can be summoned to assist in battle."
Catching sight of the feather engraving, Chen Tianlei asked, "Was this personally forged by Fairy Feng Ling?"
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. He injected a sliver of mana into the blade, and the feather pattern smoothly shifted into the ancient character for 'Ling'. Once he withdrew his power, it reverted flawlessly back to a feather.
"This Dharma Tool will be more than enough for the little girl until she begins Core Formation. At maximum strength, its power rivals that of a Three-Pattern Magic Tool. Bring her over in a few days. I will set up restrictions using her blood.
She will only be able to unlock the sword's latent power in stages as her cultivation improves.
I will apply roughly five layers of restrictions. They will unlock at the late stage of Qi Condensation, the Ninth Layer of Qi Condensation, and the early, mid, and late stages of Foundation Establishment.
Once she reaches Late Foundation Establishment, she should barely be able to wield the complete Dharma Tool."
"Rivaling a Three-Pattern Magic Tool... this is simply too precious. I cannot accept it," Chen Changge declined.
Listening to the description, Chen Tianlei felt that this sword was easily several times more valuable than his own Taotie Shield.
"Brother Chen, your Chen Family is willing to marry off a proud daughter with an Earth Spiritual Root. Although this Dharma Tool is incredibly precious, it pales in comparison to her worth. Besides, she will eventually marry into my Xu Clan regardless, will she not?"
Chen Changge paused, then burst into boisterous laughter. "True! Let the fertile water stay within our own fields!"
"Do not worry, Brother Chen. When the two youths wed, the betrothal gifts from my Xu Clan will not disappoint. After all, his grandfather is Xu Mingxian, his aunt is Fairy Feng Ling, and his great-grandfather is myself, True Lord Withered Glory."
With that, Xu Chongfei's marriage arrangement was instantly finalized.
Several days later, Chen Tianlei arrived leading Chen Yulian.
Aside from Ye Fan and his wife, both Xu Deling and Xu Mingxian also exited their secluded cultivation to meet their future niece-in-law and grand-daughter-in-law.
Chen Yulian was visibly flustered; she was finally standing face-to-face with the fairies she had admired since childhood.
Xu Chuan and the others nodded approvingly. She was indeed an absolute beauty in the making.
Xu Chongfei looked at Chen Yulian, his eyes shining brightly. "Dad, Mom, is this pretty young miss the future Dao companion you told me about?"
"That's right," Ye Fan confirmed.
Xu Chongfei walked up to her, circled her to inspect her closely, and muttered under his breath, "She doesn't have my mother's ethereal, otherworldly aura, nor my aunt's elegant and graceful demeanor."
After finishing his inspection, he turned toward Ye Fan and asked, "Dad, can I exchange her for a different Dao companion?"
"You brat, what nonsense are you spouting?!" Ye Fan scolded with a laugh. "Do you expect your dad to find a true immortal to be your Dao companion?"
Naturally, everyone in the room heard his loud muttering, making it impossible for them to hold back their amusement.
"Is that not allowed?" Xu Chongfei furrowed his brows. "This is so troublesome. I don't want a Dao companion anymore."
"Looks like you're asking for a beating." Ye Fan raised his hand, ready to smack the back of the boy's head.
Xu Chongfei expertly dove behind Xu Deyue for cover.
Catching the icy look on Xu Deyue's face, Ye Fan instantly chuckled nervously and lowered his hand.
This was truly a case of one thing conquering another!
"You might look down on me, but I look down on you too!" Chen Yulian possessed her own fierce pride. "What kind of abilities do you have to be my Dao companion?!"
"Fairy Cold Moon and your father are both renowned prodigies, but what does that make you?"
"In this life, I, Chen Yulian, will only marry a prodigy!"
"Lian'er, stop spewing nonsense."
Because of her monstrous talent, Chen Tianlei doted on her intensely, treating her like the little princess of the Chen Family. But upon hearing her outburst, he immediately hardened his face and reprimanded her.
If she somehow ruined this betrothal, Chen Changge would absolutely skin him alive and boil his fat for oil!
Xu Chongfei simply stuck his tongue out and made a face at Chen Yulian.
A seven or eight-year-old boy was exactly at his most mischievous age.
Furthermore, since Xu Deyue, Ye Fan, and Xu Mingxian spent most of their time cultivating, Xu Chongfei had essentially become a little tyrant within the Xu Clan.
After all, outwardly, he was the sole heir of his generation.
The boy scoffed arrogantly. "My parents are prodigies, my aunt is the number one prodigy, my grandfather is a prodigy, and my great-grandfather is also a prodigy. So, naturally, I am a prodigy too!"
"Being a prodigy isn't something you inherit! You have to fight for it with your own strength and earn the unanimous recognition of the masses!"
"Then I'll fight for it! In the future, I will definitely be a prodigy!" Xu Chongfei declared boldly.
"No, I am," Chen Yulian shot back stubbornly.
The two children immediately erupted into a heated, word-for-word argument right then and there.
Xu Chuan shook his head in amusement. He pulled out the Startling Swan and, with a tap of his finger, drew a single drop of blood from Chen Yulian. He then sealed it into the blade, successfully establishing the layered restrictions.
A continuous hum of sharp ringing echoed throughout the grand hall.
The two bickering children were instantly captivated by the sight.
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xu Chuan slid the sword over to Chen Yulian.
Chen Tianlei prompted, "Lian'er, hurry and thank True Lord Withered Glory."
"Thank you, Lord True Lord." Chen Yulian cupped her hands respectfully.
"Great-grandfather, I want one too!"
"Stop messing around and go focus on your cultivation method."
"Oh."
The betrothal token presented by the Chen Family was a clan heirloom—a Tier-Three Clear Spirit Jade. Wearing it cleared the mind and calmed the spirit, allowing the wearer to focus completely.
Not long after.
Chen Tianlei took his leave.
Xu Chongfei trailed after Ye Fan and his wife back to their private courtyard.
Only Xu Chuan, Xu Mingxian, and Xu Deling remained in the vast hall.
"Grandfather, our boy and that little girl named Yulian are quite interesting. Both are endlessly proud and arrogant. They will definitely need a lot of time to adjust to each other in the future." Xu Deling smiled faintly.
"If the east wind doesn't overpower the west wind, then the west wind will overpower the east wind."
"Father, you certainly are concise and comprehensive," Xu Mingxian noted.
"The children and grandchildren will have their own fortunes. Even if they truly cannot walk together in the end, that is simply their fate."
Xu Chuan smiled lightly. "However, while it's true that you cannot inherit the title of prodigy, our boy will unquestionably forge himself into one."
Hearing his unshakable confidence, Xu Deling and Xu Mingxian both broke into gentle smiles.
The ripples caused by Xu Chuan's Major Success Divine Ability didn't end there.
Upon hearing the news, the Mo Family of the Jade Bamboo Sea sent Xu Chuan an invitation, requesting his presence on the third of March next year to participate in an expedition into the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm.
Xu Chuan had to make several inquiries before finally learning the details.
Incredibly, the Mo Family of the Jade Bamboo Sea independently controlled an ancient secret realm.
This secret realm contained a vast amount of spirit wood resources, including numerous Tier-Three, Tier-Four, and even Tier-Five spirit woods.
However, none of it was free for the taking.
One had to pass specific trials in order to walk away with spirit wood of the corresponding grade.
Furthermore, the secret realm allegedly housed the ancient inheritance of a long-lost sect. But according to the confidentiality agreement signed with the Mo Family, anyone who entered was strictly forbidden from disclosing any details regarding this inheritance.
As a result, Xu Chuan was unable to find out any concrete information about it.
Since it involved an ancient sect, even if he wanted to divine its secrets, it would likely be overwhelmingly difficult.
This secret realm opened once every hundred years.
The Mo Family would invite numerous factions from across the Heavenly Azure Prefecture to enter. Foundation Establishment factions received one slot, Golden Core factions were given three slots, and Nascent Soul factions were granted seven.
Almost all factions at the Golden Core level and above would receive invitations, but only the Foundation Establishment families highly valued by the Mo Family were considered.
The vast majority of Foundation Establishment families simply had no chance of entering.
In earlier years, the Jade Bamboo Secret Realm had been highly enticing, and even the Heavenly Azure Sect had plotted to seize it.
However, after discovering its internal workings and experiencing it firsthand, the Heavenly Azure Sect completely abandoned the idea.
This secret realm only permitted entry to cultivators at the Early-Stage Golden Core and below.
While there was a colossal supply of spirit wood inside, all of it required passing trials to obtain. More importantly, the being overseeing these trials was a Tier-Four entity, meaning absolutely no one dared to break the rules.
Foundation Establishment cultivators who entered mostly only managed to acquire Tier-Two spirit wood.
Only the supreme Foundation Establishment prodigies from the Heavenly Azure Sect had ever successfully claimed Tier-Three spirit wood.
It was estimated that one needed to comprehend at least forty or fifty percent of a Divine Ability to even stand a chance of obtaining spirit wood at Tier-Three or above.
For Golden Core cultivators, the difficulty was similarly tremendous. Almost all of them only walked away with Tier-Three spirit wood, and no one had ever managed to claim Tier-Four.
In addition to this.
The trial grounds for the ancient inheritance were exceedingly obvious, with clear, prominent directions pointing exactly where to go.
As long as one possessed the strength, passing the trials would reward them with portions of the inheritance.
But regrettably, ever since the Mo Family discovered the realm, not a single person had successfully acquired the inheritance.
'Inviting me? Is it merely standard procedure? Or is it because they feel my combat prowess is astonishing?'
Although Xu Chuan harbored doubts in his heart, he was genuinely intrigued by this secret realm and wanted to experience it for himself.
Ancient secret realms did not merely contain inheritances and opportunities; they likely hid ancient, long-lost secrets as well.
Time flew by in a flash.
In the blink of an eye, the third of March of the following year arrived.
All the invited guests from various factions gathered at the Mo Family estate.