"So it is Fairy Feng Ling in person."
A glint flashed in the eyes of the demonic cultivator who called himself Gu Xuan. Showing a perfectly measured trace of surprise and a polite smile, he cupped his hands and said, "To be personally received by you, Fairy, truly makes me feel incredibly flattered."
Xu Deling's expression remained unchanged. "Has Daoist Friend Gu met me before?"
"By a stroke of luck within the Connate Secret Realm at Grand Harmony Lake, I once caught a glimpse of your grace from afar, though I never had the honor of exchanging blows with you," Gu Xuan answered, his tone candid.
"I see." Xu Deling gave a slight nod. Foregoing any further pleasantries, she cut straight to the point, "I heard that you possess a rare treasure like the Void Spirit Stone and wish to consign it for the grand auction three months from now.
"Such an item is exceedingly rare. An ordinary steward would have limited experience and might find it difficult to accurately appraise its quality and value.
"Could you take it out and allow me to take a look?"
Gu Xuan pondered for a moment before nodding. "If Fairy is personally appraising it, I naturally trust you."
With that said, his expression grew a bit more solemn as his right hand brushed over the storage pouch at his waist.
Following a gentle guiding motion of his incantation, the outer restrictions unraveled layer by layer.
In an instant, a peculiar spatial fluctuation quietly permeated the room, causing the air within the private booth to seemingly ripple with imperceptible waves.
At the center of the light cluster, a strange stone about the size of a cobblestone, a deep and profound silver-gray all over, was revealed.
The surface of the stone was not smooth. Instead, it was covered in naturally formed, fine silver patterns. These patterns were not static but slowly circulating, flickering in and out of sight.
It was as if a miniature spatial vortex was concealed within it.
The stone itself seemed to lack any substantial weight, floating weightlessly in the air, yet its very presence caused the surrounding light to warp and refract slightly.
Pure yet obscure spatial power undulated outward from it in layers, much like ripples on the surface of water.
Xu Deling narrowed her phoenix eyes. Although this was her first time seeing the actual item, she recognized it at a single glance. It was indeed the rare spatial-attribute treasure material, the Void Spirit Stone!
The spatial fluctuations of the Void Spirit Stone were nearly impossible to detect without the strength of the Golden Core Stage.
She then extended her divine sense, cautiously probing toward the Void Spirit Stone.
She confirmed that it possessed a faint pulling force. If she delved too deeply, it might even swallow her divine sense entirely.
This was another characteristic typical of spatial treasures.
Xu Deling withdrew her divine sense and looked at Gu Xuan, speaking frankly, "This Void Spirit Stone of yours is indeed of excellent quality. It can be classified as top-tier.
"If Daoist Friend wishes to consign it, our Xu family naturally welcomes it, but..."
She shifted the topic, her gaze calm, carrying a faint smile as she said, "Although the Void Spirit Stone is rare, its uses are not considered particularly extensive.
"The auction is entirely attended by cultivators below the Golden Core Stage.
"They generally lack the means to swallow such a price, nor would anyone bid on it.
"As for the high-level trade assembly, perhaps someone might want it, but they might not necessarily be able to offer the items you need in return.
"I imagine that by bringing out this Void Spirit Stone, you are not merely looking for spirit stones, are you?"
Gu Xuan's eyes flickered slightly, and he gave a calm smile. "Fairy guessed correctly."
"I brought it here with the specific intention of selling it to the Xu family."
Xu Deling smiled faintly. "To be honest with you, our Xu family is quite interested in this Void Spirit Stone.
"If the price is right, our Xu family is willing to trade for this stone directly."
"Fairy is remarkably straightforward," Gu Xuan said slowly. "Then I shall put forth my terms. This stone was not easy to obtain, and I require some resources to help me raise my strength."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Three bottles of medicinal pills capable of advancing a mid-stage Golden Core cultivation base. Furthermore, I require a mid-grade offensive magic treasure and a mid-grade defensive magic treasure.
"Only in this way can I secure a bit more self-preservation power for my future cultivation path.
"If Fairy can agree to this, I am willing to offer up this Void Spirit Stone right here and now!"
This asking price was incredibly high!
Three bottles of pills for advancing mid-stage Golden Core cultivation and two mid-grade magic treasures covering both offense and defense—calculated in spirit stones, their combined value exceeded two hundred and fifty thousand.
Hearing this, Xu Deling knitted her elegant brows slightly.
After a brief moment, she shook her head gently and said, "Daoist Friend Gu, this price is too high."
"What price does Fairy think is appropriate?"
"Since Daoist Friend Gu urgently needs resources, our Xu family is also willing to show sincerity. Regarding the pills, I can make the decision to provide two bottles of mid-grade Azure Cloud Pills.
"The effects of mid-grade Azure Cloud Pills are several tens of percent higher than those of the low-grade ones, providing even better results for the mid-stage Golden Core.
"As for the magic treasures, you can only choose one—either an offensive or defensive one.
"Daoist Friend should be well aware of the value of a mid-grade magic treasure. The vast majority of mid-stage Golden Core cultivators do not possess one.
"They are usually only seen among late-stage Golden Core cultivators.
"I believe that even if you attended the high-level trade assembly, it would be highly unlikely for you to trade this for a mid-grade magic treasure."
Gu Xuan's expression shifted, evidently rapidly calculating the offer in his mind.
The private booth suddenly fell quiet. Only the faint spatial fluctuations emanating from the Void Spirit Stone gently rippled through the air.
A moment later, Gu Xuan took a deep breath. A flash of resolve passed through his eyes as he spoke in a deep voice, "What Fairy says makes sense.
"Then we shall trade the Void Spirit Stone for two bottles of mid-grade Azure Cloud Pills and one mid-grade magic treasure.
"As for the magic treasure, I want a defensive one."
"Agreed." A smile appeared on Xu Deling's face, feeling a sense of relief in her heart. "Then please wait here for a moment. This pavilion does not currently have that many Azure Cloud Pills on hand; I will need to return to the clan to retrieve them."
"Many thanks, Fairy," Gu Xuan said, cupping his hands.
Xu Deling gave a slight nod. Leaving the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion, she rode a streak of crimson light and flew toward the Xu Residence.
She then landed directly in Xu Chuan's courtyard.
"Grandfather," Xu Deling greeted with cupped hands. "It is settled. Two bottles of mid-grade Azure Cloud Pills and a mid-grade defensive magic treasure."
"If it weren't for the fact that our Xu family has too few low-grade pills, I would have preferred to just settle it with three bottles of low-grade Azure Cloud Pills."
Xu Chuan smiled wryly. "Are you blaming your grandfather for being too skilled at alchemy?"
With that, he flicked his sleeve robe. Two bottles of Azure Cloud Pills flew out and hovered before her. "In the future, mid-grade Azure Cloud Pills will also become increasingly rare."
"That just means Grandfather's accomplishments in alchemy are getting higher and higher. It is a good thing!"
"Spend some time these coming days crafting a few more low-grade defensive magic treasures and mid-grade offensive and defensive magic treasures. We should need them for the trade assembly."
"I know, Grandfather. I have been focused on artificing lately," Xu Deling replied. "I will go complete the trade now."
"Go ahead."
Xu Deling once again transformed into a streak of escaping light and departed.
Before long.
She returned to the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion in the eastern district.
She handed the Azure Cloud Pills and a brown shield over to Gu Xuan, allowing him to inspect them.
Gu Xuan carefully checked the quality and medicinal efficacy of the Azure Cloud Pills. He then infused the brown shield with mana to activate it. Once he confirmed everything was in order, he nodded in satisfaction.
The exchange was complete, and both sides were square.
"A pleasant transaction. I hope there will be opportunities to cooperate with the Xu family again in the future."
Gu Xuan stored the items away, stood up, and cupped his hands.
"Take care, Daoist Friend Gu. If you have other rare items, or if you need anything else, you are welcome to visit the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion again."
Xu Deling also stood to see him off.
Without another word, Gu Xuan turned and left, his figure quickly vanishing into the bustling crowds outside the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion.
Xu Deling, holding the jade box containing the Void Spirit Stone, immediately returned to the Xu Residence. After handing the item over to Xu Chuan, she made her way back to the Heavenly Plume Sect.
Xu Chuan's figure flickered, entering the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
He opened the jade box. The cobblestone-sized Void Spirit Stone, its silver-gray luster swirling across its surface, lay quietly within.
A moment later.
The silver patterns on the Void Spirit Stone's surface unexpectedly resonated with the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven. They lit up faintly on their own, and the spatial fluctuations it emitted grew increasingly active.
With a calm gaze, Xu Chuan held the Void Spirit Stone in his hand. With a shift of his thoughts, he attempted to connect it with the grotto-heaven to digest it.
A bizarre scene unfolded!
Affected by a strange force, the Void Spirit Stone levitated in midair, and the silver patterns on its surface suddenly burst with intense radiance.
Immediately after, its hard, rocky body began to break down and melt away from the edges, bit by bit, transforming into countless motes of silver light.
Drawn by an invisible pull, these motes of light drifted gracefully toward the invisible spatial barriers surrounding the grotto-heaven.
Upon touching the barriers, the motes silently melded into them.
Hum—!
A deep, resonant rumble suddenly echoed throughout the grotto-heaven!
In that instant, Xu Chuan clearly sensed the grotto-heaven's originally distinct and stable borders beginning to ripple and expand outward like rolling waves!
The entire expansion process lasted for about an incense stick's time.
During this period.
Within the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven, the spatial power vibrated violently. It was clear enough that even a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator could have sensed it.
Once everything calmed down, Xu Chuan swept his divine sense across the entire grotto-heaven.
A radius of about one and a half kilometers!
"It really worked," Xu Chuan muttered to himself. He did not show much surprise; instead, he pondered, "The spatial origin power contained within the Void Spirit Stone can indeed nourish and expand the foundation of the grotto-heaven.
"However, merely expanding from around half a kilometer to one and a half kilometers seems like the gains do not make up for the losses."
If others knew of this, they would certainly hurl curses at Xu Chuan, thinking him insatiable.
But the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven was special. It would automatically expand in tandem with Xu Chuan's cultivation realm, even surpassing this area eventually.
"Oh well, I will just treat it as an experiment."
"Still, it truly is peculiar..." Xu Chuan meticulously sensed the changes in spiritual qi within the grotto-heaven. "The area of the grotto-heaven has expanded by nearly three times.
"Logically, if the total amount of internal spiritual qi remains unchanged, the concentration of the spiritual qi should have dropped significantly.
"Yet now, there hasn't been much of a change!
"I wonder where the source of the grotto-heaven's spiritual qi comes from?
"Could it be that the grotto-heaven's spatial membrane is automatically drawing in spiritual qi from the surrounding void to replenish it?"
It was somewhat difficult for Xu Chuan to comprehend, and he was equally curious about what lay beyond the grotto-heaven.
However, he quickly stopped dwelling on it. Reeling in his thoughts, he began to organize the newly expanded land.
Miraculously, this newly formed land was all "black earth," perfectly suited for cultivating various types of spirit grass.
According to Xu Chuan's deductions.
This should be the initial, origin land of the grotto-heaven. The earliest expansions were all expanding the scope of the origin land. Perhaps only after it reached a certain scale would it become a space like a normal secret realm.
For example, in the grotto-heaven secret realms pioneered by ancient sects, only the founders or those holding specific access rights could enter the origin land's space.
Soon after, Xu Chuan left the grotto-heaven.
He then sent a message to inform Xu Deling that the Void Spirit Stone had already been used.
Xu Deling was quite astonished, but she did not ask any further questions.
Following that, Xu Chuan cultivated silently under the Withered Glory Tree in his courtyard.
For the art of Wither and Flourish, Life and Death, the Wither and Flourish aspect had already reached perfection. What remained was Life and Death. At present, Xu Chuan had only just embarked on comprehending the intent of Life and Death; he had barely just crossed the threshold.
One could see how arduous this comprehension truly was.
Nevertheless, with his fate talent in play, it was still far easier for him to grasp than for anyone else.
Not to mention he also had the added boost of the Heaven Rewards the Diligent talent.
Over time, as days turned into months, he would eventually be able to bring it to great accomplishment.
Xu Chuan had a feeling that if he could fully comprehend Wither and Flourish, Life and Death, it would become an incredible divine ability, one absolutely no weaker than the "Five Elements Creation Palm".
Heavenly Plume Sect, the plaza.
A streak of crimson escaping light descended like a falling star, landing lightly and precisely in the center of the vast white marble plaza.
The light faded, revealing Xu Deling's elegant and valiant figure.
She was still dressed in her crimson-gold robes, her expression calm.
"It's the Sect Master!"
"The Sect Master has returned!"
"We disciples greet the Sect Master!"
The disciples paused what they were doing and unanimously turned toward Xu Deling. They cupped their hands and bowed respectfully. Though their voices were not entirely synchronized, they brimmed with heartfelt reverence.
Xu Deling cast a gentle gaze over the disciples and gave a slight nod. Her voice rang clear and melodious, "There is no need for such formalities."
After saying that, she prepared to head toward the Sect Master's grand hall.
Right at that moment, a figure in golden robes approached from the side. It was none other than one of the Heavenly Plume Sect's elders and the disciple of True Lord Fierce Sun, Rong Tianyang.
"Sect Master, please wait!" Rong Tianyang stepped forward briskly, cupping his hands. "I have a matter I wish to discuss with you."
Xu Deling paused her steps and looked at Rong Tianyang. Nodding, she said, "If Elder Rong has a matter to discuss, let us speak in the grand hall."
"Understood," Rong Tianyang hastily agreed, following behind Xu Deling as they stepped into the towering, solemn Sect Master's grand hall.
The hall doors swung shut, and the restrictions were quietly activated.
Taking her seat at the head position, Xu Deling gestured for Rong Tianyang to sit as well. She said indifferently, "Elder Rong, speak your mind frankly."
Rong Tianyang carefully weighed his words before speaking, "Sect Master, True Lord Withered Glory once mentioned that the Xu family possesses a Nascent Soul Formation opportunity, which will be brought out at the high-level trade assembly three months from now."
As he spoke, he observed Xu Deling's expression.
Xu Deling picked up her spirit tea and took a slow sip. She did not reply, merely waiting for him to continue.
Seeing this, Rong Tianyang decided to lay bare his thoughts. "Sect Master possesses heaven-defying talent and true spirit bloodline. It has been barely over ten years since your core formation, yet you have already achieved such a cultivation base.
"Your future on the great path to the Nascent Soul realm is highly promising!
"I am just curious... regarding that Nascent Soul Formation opportunity, why wouldn't True Lord Withered Glory save it for you, Sect Master, to help you ascend to the Nascent Soul stage in the future?"
Xu Deling set down her teacup, her gaze calmly fixed on Rong Tianyang. "Elder Rong, my grandfather has his own considerations and arrangements regarding this matter.
"How he chooses to handle it is not something a junior like me can dictate!"
"Of course!"
Rong Tianyang nodded in agreement, but his tone immediately shifted with a soft sigh. "My honored master has been at the Golden Core Perfection stage for quite a long time. Regrettably, he suffers from a lack of a Nascent Soul Formation opportunity.
"If he could break through to the Nascent Soul realm, our Heavenly Foundry Sect would gain another Nascent Soul Grand Elder!
"Could the Sect Master put in a good word with True Lord Withered Glory on his behalf?
"If he gifts this opportunity to my honored master, our Heavenly Foundry Sect will certainly provide ample compensation!"
He paused, then added, "I believe the Sect Master surely wouldn't wish to see my honored master stuck at this bottleneck forever. After all, he has taken exceptionally good care of you."
Hearing this, Xu Deling frowned slightly. She replied indifferently, "Senior Brother Fierce Sun has indeed taken good care of me. If I could repay him, I naturally would be willing to do so."
"But Elder Rong," her voice remained steady, though it now carried a trace of undeniable coldness. "I have already made myself very clear just now.
"How my grandfather chooses to handle that opportunity is his own business.
"As his junior, I will not interfere, nor will I dare to make presumptions, and I certainly will not beg for it on behalf of another.
"I naturally care about Senior Brother Fierce Sun's cultivation progress.
"But whether or not he can reach the Nascent Soul stage ultimately depends on his own fortune and accumulation.
"How our Xu family allocates its resources is not for outsiders to meddle with.
"This matter ends here!"
Rong Tianyang hadn't expected Xu Deling's attitude to be so unyielding and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.
He had originally thought that by invoking the greater good of the Heavenly Foundry Sect and True Lord Fierce Sun's past kindness, Xu Deling would at least give it some consideration, or at least soften her stance.
Now, being rebuffed so bluntly, he felt completely humiliated. His face cycled through shades of green and pale white.
He stood up abruptly, his chest heaving. He was clearly furious and wanted to speak, but faced with Xu Deling's calm yet implicitly majestic gaze, he ultimately did not dare to utter any harsh words.
In the end, he heavily cupped his hands, his tone stiff. "Since that is the case, this elder has spoken out of turn! Farewell!"
With that said, without waiting for Xu Deling to respond, he spun on his heel and stormed out with a flick of his sleeve. His rapid footsteps clearly betrayed the lingering resentment in his heart.
Xu Deling watched his retreating back and shook her head slightly. She murmured to herself, "Grandfather, the moment word of your 'Nascent Soul Formation opportunity' got out, every faction began scheming."
She understood Rong Tianyang's intentions. He merely wanted to use her to secure the greatest benefits for the Heavenly Foundry Sect and his own faction.
But she knew her priorities.
In her heart, she was always a child of the Xu family first, and a disciple of the Heavenly Foundry Sect and Sect Master of the Heavenly Plume Sect second.
If she had to choose between the two, she would choose the Xu family without a second's hesitation.
After leaving, Rong Tianyang did not return to his own quarters. Instead, he made his way to True Lord Fierce Sun's grotto-residence.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the evident anger on his face. After straightening his robes, he finally triggered the restriction outside the door to request an audience.
It wasn't long before the grotto-residence's restriction opened.
Rong Tianyang walked in briskly.
In the grand hall deep within the grotto-residence, he saw his honored master, True Lord Fierce Sun, sitting cross-legged on a crimson jade meditation cushion. Faint golden flames swirled around his body.
Sensing his disciple's turbulent aura, True Lord Fierce Sun slowly opened his eyes.
"Tianyang? What has angered you to the point that your aura is fluctuating so wildly?" True Lord Fierce Sun's voice was steady, carrying its usual warmth.
Seeing his master, the grievance and indignation in Rong Tianyang's heart flared even stronger. He immediately bowed and spoke in an agitated tone, "Honored Master! This disciple just went to speak with the Sect Master regarding the matter of the Nascent Soul Formation opportunity!"
"Oh?" True Lord Fierce Sun's expression remained unchanged. "What did the Sect Master say?"
"She... she completely rejected it!" Rong Tianyang's pace quickened. "This disciple made it clear that if this opportunity could be secured for Honored Master, helping you ascend to the Nascent Soul realm, it would be a heaven-sent blessing for our Heavenly Foundry Sect!
"In doing so, the relationship between the Xu family and the Heavenly Foundry Sect would also become even closer.
"As a disciple of a Grand Elder, she has received the sect's full grooming and support. She ought to help with this matter.
"But she only responded with 'my grandfather has his own plans' and 'it is not for outsiders to meddle.'
"Her attitude was unyielding; she didn't show a shred of respect!"
The more he spoke, the angrier he got, his voice rising unconsciously. "Honored Master! That Xu Deling doesn't see herself as a part of the Heavenly Foundry Sect at all! She only has that Xu family of hers in her heart!
"If she had truly been willing to speak up for you, given how highly True Lord Withered Glory values her, that opportunity might have fallen right into our hands!
"Yet she absolutely refused..."
"She is truly too disappointing!"
"Are you done speaking?" True Lord Fierce Sun asked slowly.
Rong Tianyang froze. Seeing his master's flat reaction, his anxiety worsened. "Honored Master! This matter..."
"In this matter, the Sect Master is not at fault," True Lord Fierce Sun interrupted him, his voice calm yet carrying an unquestionable steadiness. "If you were in her position, what would you do?
"For a disciple of an aristocratic family to have to choose between their clan and their sect is already a terrible dilemma.
"Although she leans more heavily toward the Xu family, your master believes that she does not completely lack consideration for our Heavenly Foundry Sect in her heart."
"Then why did the Sect Master refuse to even speak up?"
"Do you understand just how precious a Nascent Soul Formation opportunity is?" True Lord Fierce Sun sighed softly. "If our Heavenly Foundry Sect possessed one, do you think we would hand it over just because someone said a few words?
"Even if a Great Nascent Soul Cultivator came to demand it, our Grand Elders absolutely would not hand it over.
"The Xu family is exactly the same!
"This is a monumental opportunity that dictates a family or sect's future for thousands of years.
"Although I do not know why Daoist Friend Withered Glory wishes to trade it publicly, he certainly has his own schemes in mind.
"How could he easily change his plans merely because of someone else's persuasion?
"This holds true even if it involves Xu Deling, the junior he favors most.
"By asking the Sect Master to request it, aren't you just sending her to get scolded?
"You might even end up ruining the close bond between grandfather and granddaughter as a result!"
Upon hearing this, Rong Tianyang broke out into a cold sweat. "Honored Master, this disciple was wrong. This disciple was not thoughtful enough!"
"You were just thinking of your master's well-being."
"Honored Master, my words just now offended the Sect Master. What should I do?"
True Lord Fierce Sun sighed softly. "You need not involve yourself any further. Return to your own grotto-residence, immerse yourself in closed-door cultivation for a time, and temper your character.
"Do not let your eyes be clouded by external temptations again!
"As for the Sect Master, your master will go and clear things up with her personally. Given her broad-mindedness, she surely won't hold it against you too much."
"Many thanks, Honored Master."
With that said, Rong Tianyang bowed and retreated from the grotto-residence, returning to his own quarters.
A moment later.
True Lord Fierce Sun exited his grotto-residence and flew toward the Sect Master's grand hall.
In the grand hall, a streak of crimson light landed.
Xu Deling opened her eyes and asked, "Senior Brother Fierce Sun, what brings you here?"
"It's none other than that foolish disciple of mine. His disposition was temporarily disrupted by the 'Nascent Soul Formation opportunity', causing him to act offensively toward you, Junior Sister. Your senior brother has come specifically to apologize."
True Lord Fierce Sun cupped his hands and bowed his head.
"Senior Brother Fierce Sun, you are making too much of this," Xu Deling sighed softly. "I can understand Elder Rong's mindset. He reveres you far too much and deeply hopes you can break through to the Nascent Soul realm. That is why he was so overbearing."
"Junior Sister, you don't need to make excuses for him. Reverence played a part, yes, but selfishness did as well. It's much like how having a Shapeshifting Great Demon as a patron makes handling many matters far more convenient for the Xu family.
"No one would dare to utter a word against it!"
Xu Deling smiled faintly and cupped her hands. "I truly admire you, Senior Brother Fierce Sun, for being able to withstand the temptation of the 'Nascent Soul Formation opportunity' without letting your mind fall into disarray.
"I firmly believe that you will definitely be able to form your Nascent Soul in the future, Senior Brother!"
"Junior Sister, do not tease your senior brother," True Lord Fierce Sun chuckled bitterly. "A few days ago, I was similarly tempted to seek out Daoist Friend Withered Glory to negotiate on several occasions.
"I was so unsettled that I couldn't calm my mind at all.
"It took a long time for me to figure it out. Daoist Friend Withered Glory's actions in this matter must surely hold a deeper significance.
"Normally, he would undoubtedly keep this Nascent Soul Formation opportunity for himself, or at the very least, leave it for the members of your Xu family.
"To bring it out now means he certainly intends to trade it for even greater benefits.
"The weight behind such benefits is far too heavy for me to endure.
"Only after understanding this point did my heart gradually find peace.
"Since it is not meant for me and cannot be forced, the best course of action is simply to let it go."
Reverence welled up in Xu Deling's heart. With such a disposition, True Lord Fierce Sun might truly be able to overcome his Inner Demon Tribulation in the future.
"Senior Brother Fierce Sun, to be honest with you, I do not know of my grandfather's plans this time either," Xu Deling admitted. "There are some matters Grandfather will tell us, and some that he won't.
"We of the Xu family never force these matters; we only need to obey Grandfather's arrangements.
"When he wishes to speak of it, he naturally will.
"My grandfather's vision has never been limited to the present.
"Many people only see the splendor of the auction and trade assembly happening three months from now, as well as the Xu family's current strength. But what my grandfather sees are the events tens or even hundreds of years in the future."
Xu Deling emphasized every word, "As far as his gaze reaches, that is the future of our Xu family!"
"Hearing so much explanation from you, Junior Sister, leaves your senior brother completely satisfied. I shall not disturb your cultivation any longer. As for my disciple's matter..."
"Rest assured, Senior Brother. I will not hold it against him, nor will I forget the grooming I have received from the Heavenly Foundry Sect."
True Lord Fierce Sun gave a slight nod and departed with a smile.
Xu Deling sent a message to Xu Chuan, informing him of this incident.
Xu Chuan also offered his praise. "Daoist Friend Fierce Sun possesses a fine disposition."
"If the opportunity arises in the future, your grandfather will lend him a helping hand. However, that time is not now. Not unless our Xu family one day has a Great Nascent Soul Cultivator guarding it and becomes one of the premier forces in Heavenly South.
"Only then might we be able to casually bestow a Nascent Soul Formation opportunity upon others.
"Acting too audaciously before then will only bring disaster upon our Xu family."
"I understand."
Time flew by in a flash. In the blink of an eye, there was only one month left until the Cloudstream Grand Assembly.
The auction house and the trade assembly were set to take place in the Inner City.
By now, construction was entirely completed.
Countless individuals from both Heavenly Azure Prefecture and Greedy Wolf Prefecture had consigned items for auction.
There were also those unwilling to wait, opting to trade with the Xu family directly to exchange for the cultivation resources they desired.
Before long.
Mo Wentian paid a quiet visit.
Inside the Xu family's main hall.
"Senior Mo, what brings you here?" Xu Chuan asked, smiling faintly at Mo Wentian.
"Come to think of it, this is my first time visiting since the establishment of Cloudstream City," Mo Wentian lamented. "Given the relationship between our two families, I should have come much sooner.
"Unfortunately, I was tied down by mundane matters."
"Senior Mo, please feel free to speak your mind."
"Daoist Friend Xu, there is little difference in our combat strength. We can just address each other as 'Daoist Friend'. Calling me 'Senior' feels a bit too distant."
"Since you put it that way, I will respectfully accept. Daoist Friend Mo, speak your mind," Xu Chuan said with a faint smile.
Though he could guess a few reasons, for a matter like this, it was naturally better for Mo Wentian to state it himself.
"Firstly, I came to apologize," Mo Wentian began. "After the Heavenly Azure Sect was heavily damaged... you are aware of the past conflicts between my Mo family and the Xi family.
"Therefore, in our efforts to expand our own strength to resist the Xi family, we inevitably did a few things that offended the Xu family.
"I hope Daoist Friend Xu won't take offense.
"The main reason was that Heavenly Azure Prefecture was left without a leader at the time, leading me to entertain numerous ambitions.
"Looking at it now, the Xu family is far better suited to replace the Heavenly Azure Sect and take control of Heavenly Azure Prefecture."
Pausing for a moment, he met Xu Chuan's eyes and continued, "This is a gift of apology. Please look it over, Daoist Friend Xu."
Mo Wentian produced a storage pouch and placed it on the table beside Xu Chuan.
Xu Chuan swept his divine sense over it and smiled faintly. "What apology? I do not recall any such grievance."
Mo Wentian truly knew how to conduct himself. The gift was substantial, consisting entirely of rare spirit grass and spiritual materials.
There was even one of the missing supplementary medicinal herbs for the Profound Nether Pill!
However, there wasn't a single Connate Spirit Object.
The Mo family's Golden Core stage foundation was not particularly strong; it was even inferior to the Lei family, which ranked last among the four great factions.
Aside from aiding in Core Formation, Connate Spirit Objects could also be used to comprehend divine abilities, forge magic treasures, and more. Naturally, the Mo family was reluctant to part with one.
Even so, Mo Wentian knew that Xu Chuan placed a higher value on these spirit grasses and spiritual materials.
Because of this, he had prepared a massive quantity.
"It's good that Daoist Friend Xu is willing to accept it," Mo Wentian smiled, stroking his beard. "Secondly, although the current situation in Heavenly Azure Prefecture is clear, if the Xu family wishes to completely dominate it, it won't be achieved overnight.
"My Mo family is willing to ally with the Xu family and assist Cloudstream City in rapidly replacing the Heavenly Azure Sect.
"What do you think of this, Daoist Friend Xu?"
"The Lei family has already sided with your Xu family. With my Mo family joining as well, the Heavenly Azure Sect is completely isolated. As long as your Xu family is willing, you can suppress the Heavenly Azure Sect at any moment.
"You can become the undisputed ruler of Heavenly Azure Prefecture!"
"The Cloudstream Grand Assembly taking place a month from now is also aimed at showcasing the Xu family's strength to the masses, is it not?
"When the public's sentiment aligns, everyone will follow.
"At that time, even if your Xu family hasn't formally replaced the Heavenly Azure Sect, in the eyes of all the factions in Heavenly Azure Prefecture, Cloudstream City will already be the uncrowned king.
"No one would dare disobey the Xu family's edicts!
"As for the Heavenly Azure Sect, they will be nothing more than struggling prisoners."
Xu Chuan waved his hand, a radiant smile on his face. "Daoist Friend Mo truly flatters me too much. Our Xu family only has seven members. Talking about becoming the undisputed ruler of Heavenly Azure Prefecture is going a bit too far!"
"Does Daoist Friend Xu think I am joking?"
Mo Wentian said, "You can trust in my Mo family's sincerity. Moreover, this old man cannot make a move against members of the Xu family, and I still owe you a favor.
"Our two families are natural allies!"
"Allies, you say? Would an ally send someone to assassinate my granddaughter, Deyue? Would an ally trigger a beast tide to destroy my Cloudstream City? Would an ally specifically warn the Cang family not to help my Xu family set up formations?"
"You really did know everything," Mo Wentian sighed softly. His eyes were complex, holding both admiration and a hint of fear.
"It seems that when you made that agreement with this old man back then, you deliberately left an open path for yourself, didn't you?"
"Who's to say?" The corners of Xu Chuan's lips curled up slightly.
"Whatever conditions you have, Daoist Friend Xu, feel free to lay them out. As long as my Mo family can bear it, just name your price."
Despite Xu Chuan being a mere Golden Core Stage cultivator, he evoked a trace of genuine fear in Mo Wentian's heart.
He considered himself a man of sharp vision and excellent strategy, and quite capable of biding his time. But when compared to Xu Chuan, he had been played like a fiddle while still feeling complacent.
He had thought he was dictating the outcome, but in reality, he was nothing more than a pawn on another's chessboard.
"Back then, the War of the Two Prefectures was only just beginning to show signs of sparking, yet you had long anticipated that a war was inevitable, and that it would ultimately end with both sides suffering utter defeat, didn't you?
"Of course, following the original trajectory, Greedy Wolf Prefecture should have been guaranteed a victory.
"If my guess is right, Daoist Friend Xu felt that a Greedy Wolf Prefecture victory did not align with the Xu family's interests. Therefore, using some unknown method, you brought in Ancestor of Profound Moon and Yan Longzi from the Heavenly Foundry Sect.
"It's just that your timing was too perfect. Right when the Heavenly Azure Sect was severely wounded and Xi Daoyun was on the verge of death, Ancestor of Profound Moon and the others appeared.
"The timing was so precise it almost made people believe it was a pure coincidence."
Some of Xu Chuan's methods were not entirely flawless. While they couldn't be deciphered at the time, analyzing the subtle clues in hindsight naturally revealed some hints.
Xu Chuan knew he couldn't keep it hidden, and he had never intended to hide it anyway.
After all, the dust had already settled. Even if a few individuals stubbornly clung to the past, it would change nothing.
Ultimately, the Xu family had rapidly risen to stand at the absolute pinnacle of Heavenly Azure Prefecture!
"In my entire life, I have never truly admired anyone. Daoist Friend Xu, you are the first person to earn my admiration—and the first to make me feel afraid."
"Daoist Friend Mo, I am but a minor Golden Core cultivator. You're exaggerating quite a bit. Besides, if you're afraid, why would you ally with my Xu family?"
"It is precisely because of this that an alliance is even more necessary. If I do not stand in the same camp as your Xu family, I would live in constant fear, wondering what day my Mo family might inexplicably vanish.
"Just look at the Heavenly Azure Sect. Even now, they probably still believe they fell to this state entirely because of the Greedy Wolf Sect.
"In reality, they should be thanking you, Daoist Friend Xu.
"It was you who allowed them to prolong their desperate, last-ditch struggle for all these years!"