Tang Qianqian's breathing hitched upon hearing those words.
Her eyes immediately revealed a look of absolute disbelief as she stared blankly at Xu Chuan.
'Taking the Cold Moon Fairy as my master, being imparted an ancient cultivation method, receiving all the resources needed to reach Golden Core Perfection, and even having a chance to break through to the Nascent Soul stage?'
'All just to have me transfer this so-called Connate Supreme Element Qi at a crucial moment?'
"Of course, if it is never needed, you can simply continue your cultivation," Xu Chuan added.
"Senior Withered Glory, surely you aren't deceiving me?"
"Do you think I have any reason to do so? As long as I say the word, the Ancestor of the Tang Family will obediently deliver you to my Xu Family. What do you think?"
"What Senior says is true."
Tang Qianqian's gaze rippled with emotion.
An opportunity to completely escape the fate of being given away like an object.
If she were a Golden Core Perfected Being, how could her family's Ancestor possibly give her away?
If she were at Golden Core Perfection, the Tang Family would have to revere her above all else!
Their glory and disgrace would hang on her every whim!
"Is Senior truly willing to help me cultivate to Golden Core Perfection?"
"Naturally. Moreover, you will become a peerless female cultivator revered by all, just like your master. However..."
Xu Chuan continued, "When you formally acknowledge your master, you must swear an oath. Without the Xu Family's permission, you are never to leak our secrets.
"This includes your cultivation method, the entire process of how the Xu Family nurtures you, and any other matters involving our clan."
"So, are you willing?"
"I no longer wish to be manipulated by others, not even by my own family. I want to control my own fate!"
Tang Qianqian's voice grew increasingly resolute, emphasizing every word at the end, "Senior, I am willing to take the Cold Moon Fairy as my master."
"Very good."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly, then declared publicly, "Daoist Friend Tang, I appreciate your good intentions, but let us forget about having Qianqian marry Chongfei as a concubine."
The Ancestor of the Tang Family was taken aback. 'True Lord Withered Glory disagrees with the arrangement?'
'Then why call us over?'
"However... I can have Deyue take her in as a disciple."
Xu Chuan looked toward Tang Qianqian. "Miss Qianqian, are you willing?"
"Take the Cold Moon Fairy as her master?!"
The Ancestor of the Tang Family was astounded; this was a complete turn of events. "Willing, she is naturally willing! Given the Cold Moon Fairy's esteemed status, taking Qianqian as a disciple is her utmost fortune!"
"Daoist Friend Tang, I need Qianqian to answer for herself. Your agreement does not count."
"Girl, what are you spacing out for? Hurry and agree!"
Tang Qianqian glanced at the Ancestor of the Tang Family, then looked at Xu Deyue. Finally, her gaze landed on Xu Chuan. She took a deep breath and said, "I am willing. Thank you for your profound favor, Senior Withered Glory.
"I will definitely honor my master, serve the Xu Family wholeheartedly, and never betray the clan!"
"Good child. Then in seven days, we shall hold an apprenticeship ceremony at the City Lord's Mansion."
"Thank you, True Lord Withered Glory!"
"Since the matter is settled, Daoist Friend Tang, please take Qianqian back first to properly prepare. After acknowledging her master, she will move into the Xu Residence and stay by Deyue's side.
"She will not be able to return to the Tang Family often."
"Since she is acknowledging a master, it is only natural that she stays by the Cold Moon Fairy's side to serve her." The Ancestor of the Tang Family stood up and cupped his hands. "True Lord Withered Glory, we will take our leave."
Xu Chuan gave a slight nod.
After they left, Xu Chuan also returned to his own courtyard.
"Wasn't she supposed to be Chongfei's concubine? How did she end up becoming his junior martial sister?"
Ye Fan looked at Xu Deyue, scratching his head in confusion.
Xu Deyue formed a faint smile and briefly recounted the previous conversation she and Xu Chuan had.
"So that's how it is." Ye Fan's eyes flashed. "Since young Qianqian agreed, it seems she accepted Master's deal.
"However, I'm quite curious about what kind of deal Master made with her."
"If you have the guts, you can go ask Grandfather directly."
"Forget it. I shouldn't disturb Master's cultivation."
The Ancestor of the Tang Family and Tang Qianqian returned to the Tang estate.
When the Tang Family members first heard the news, they broke into an uproar of sheer astonishment.
"Little Sister Qianqian was taken in as a disciple by the Cold Moon Fairy?"
"That's impossible, right?"
"Could it be that Cousin Qianqian possesses some hidden talent we don't know about?"
"If this is true, then our Tang Family is about to become famous."
Envy, jealousy, pleasant surprise, and various other emotions brewed among the younger generation of the Tang Family.
The feelings of the sisters who were either close to or distant from Tang Qianqian on a daily basis were particularly complex and hard to describe.
They wanted their sister to live well, but not too well!
Tang Qianqian's parents, grandfather, and even her siblings were overjoyed at the unexpected gain.
This news quickly spread.
It then swept through the entire city, including the announcement that an apprenticeship ceremony would be held at the City Lord's Mansion in seven days.
Within the four major districts of Cloudstream City.
Through streets and alleys, teahouses and taverns, numerous rogue cultivators engaged in widespread discussion.
"Tang Qianqian? That little girl from the third branch of the Tang Family? Isn't she only at the 6th Layer of Qi Condensation? I heard she only has a True Spirit Root aptitude and her cultivation speed isn't even that fast. How did she catch the Cold Moon Fairy's eye?"
"Right? What kind of exalted figure is the Cold Moon Fairy? A Golden Core Perfected Being with the potential of a Sword Immortal, and the direct granddaughter of True Lord Withered Glory!
"To think she actually chose an ordinary girl from the Tang Family as her disciple?
"It is truly beyond common sense!"
"Could it be out of respect for the Ancestor of the Tang Family? But the Tang Family's influence is weak; their face shouldn't be that great, right?"
"This matter is strange! There must be a hidden reason!"
Some suspected that Tang Qianqian harbored an undiscovered special talent, while others guessed the Tang Family had paid an enormous price to secure this opportunity.
When Chen Changge heard the news, he was extremely curious. After inquiring with Ye Fan, he learned that Xu Chuan had finalized the decision with a single word.
He immediately stopped asking questions.
A moment later.
He sent a communication talisman to the Chen Family Head, Chen Tianfang, instructing him to bring a generous gift to the Tang Family to offer congratulations.
In the North District, at the Yan Family estate.
"For the Cold Moon Fairy to actually accept a True Spirit Root girl from the Tang Family as her disciple... this matter is truly bizarre."
When the Ancestor of the Yan Family heard the news, his brows furrowed slightly. "Could the Tang Family have just stumbled into dumb luck?"
After thinking it over carefully, he sighed softly. "Forget it. None of this has anything to do with my Yan Family. As long as Kuangtu can achieve Divine Ability Core Formation, our Yan Family will naturally have a place in Cloudstream City.
"We might even become another top-tier Golden Core Aristocratic Family in Heavenly Azure Prefecture in the future!"
"However, since this is a joyous occasion, we still need to send someone to the Tang Family to offer our congratulations."
In the South District, at the Yan Family estate.
"Ancestor, what do you think about the Cold Moon Fairy taking that Tang Family girl as a disciple?"
The young Golden Core cultivator of the Yan Family, Yan Hanxiao, looked at the Ancestor of the Yan Family and asked.
"It is indeed strange, but there is no need to dwell on it. It is the Tang Family's own capability to pull this off. However, even if they aren't that impressive themselves, we must still give face to the disciple of the Cold Moon Fairy."
The Ancestor of the Yan Family turned his head and told Yan Hanxiao, "Have someone prepare a generous gift and deliver it to the Tang Family. Just say it is a congratulatory gift for taking the Cold Moon Fairy as her master."
"Understood, Ancestor."
Seven days later, at the City Lord's Mansion.
The apprenticeship ceremony was not held with great fanfare, but it was solemn and dignified.
It was held in an elegant and spacious side hall used for discussions within the mansion. Guards of the City Lord's Mansion stood watch outside, forbidding idlers from approaching.
Inside the hall, the layout was simple and clean.
Xu Deyue sat in the main seat of honor at the front, with secondary seats arranged on the left and right below her.
The left side was led by Ye Fan, followed by Chen Changge, Perfected Person Fire Cloud, and several other Golden Core cultivators seated in order.
On the right side sat the Ancestor of the Tang Family, along with Tang Qianqian's parents and grandfather.
There were not many guests invited to observe the ceremony.
More than a dozen of Tang Qianqian's direct siblings and cousins stood respectfully on one side of the hall, holding their breath in rapt attention, their expressions a mix of nervousness and excitement.
Also present were Xu Chongfei, Chen Yulian, Ye Feng, and a portion of the disciples from the Yan Clan and Wu Clan.
Since his mother was taking a disciple, Xu Chongfei naturally had to come and watch!
Aside from them, there were no other random guests.
After all, the Inner City was protected by a grand array. Idlers could not enter as they pleased unless they had official business to handle at the City Lord's Mansion.
Today, Xu Deyue wore a moon-white wide-sleeved dress adorned with pale blue cloud patterns. Her black hair was half-tied up, pinned diagonally with an ice-crystal Jade Hairpin, and her features remained as pristine and beautiful as ever.
The usual cold, sharp sword aura surrounding her was lessened, replaced by a dignified and gentle demeanor.
A moment later, Tang Qianqian, dressed in an elegant yet plain skirt with light makeup, slowly walked into the hall under the guidance of a female cultivator from the City Lord's Mansion.
After not being seen for seven days, the hesitation and timidity between her brows had faded, replaced by a quiet confidence.
She first bowed gracefully to Ye Fan and the various seniors of the City Lord's Mansion, then turned and bowed to her family's Ancestor and her parents.
Finally, her gaze landed on Xu Deyue in the seat of honor. Taking a deep breath, she walked to the center of the hall and stood solemnly facing Xu Deyue.
Ye Fan stood up and announced loudly, "The auspicious hour has arrived! Let the apprenticeship ceremony begin!"
As his voice faded, a solemn silence fell over the hall.
Xu Deyue slowly rose and walked over, coming to a halt about a meter in front of Tang Qianqian.
Her gaze was clear as she looked at the young girl before her. Her voice rang out clear and melodious, yet carried a reassuring weight. "Tang Qianqian, upon entering my tutelage, you must remember to respect your master and honor the Dao, and strictly abide by our Xu clan rules.
"You must cultivate diligently, understand your own mind and see your true nature, and conduct yourself with righteousness.
"You are not to rely on the Xu Family's reputation to commit atrocities, nor are you to harm your fellow disciples, betray your master's teachings, or forsake the Xu Family. Can you do this?"
Tang Qianqian raised her head and met Xu Deyue's gaze, her eyes gradually turning resolute. She knelt on both knees and touched her forehead to the ground, her voice clear and solemn. "Your disciple Tang Qianqian respectfully obeys Master's command!
"I shall definitely respect my master and honor the Dao, cultivate tirelessly, and uphold righteousness. I would never dare to disobey!
"Should I violate these oaths, may Heaven and Earth cast me aside and my path of cultivation be completely destroyed!"
"Good."
Xu Deyue gave a slight nod and brought out a previously prepared ice-blue jade pendant. The pendant was shaped like a crescent moon and felt cool to the touch. It was a High-Grade Magical Artifact that possessed the dual functions of calming the mind and assisting in cultivation.
"This is the Cold Moon Pendant. It is my gift to you upon our meeting. I hope you keep it with you always to calm your mind and comprehend the Dao."
Following that, she handed over a Xu Clan Token, making it convenient for her to enter the Inner City, Outer City, and the Xu Residence.
"Thank you, Honored Master!" Tang Qianqian raised both hands and respectfully received the jade pendant and token.
Then, Tang Qianqian offered the apprenticeship tea.
Xu Deyue took it, took a light sip, and set it aside.
Ye Fan smiled and announced, "The ceremony is complete! From this day forward, Tang Qianqian is the personal disciple of Xu Deyue!"
Gentle voices of congratulation immediately echoed throughout the hall.
The Ancestor of the Tang Family and the others were flushed with excitement, continuously thanking Xu Deyue and Ye Fan.
Tang Qianqian stood up and took her place by Xu Deyue's side, officially becoming Xu Deyue's first founding disciple.
Xu Deyue addressed the members of the Tang Family. "Since Qianqian has entered my tutelage, she shall cultivate with me in the Xu Residence from now on, serving by my side and delving into Daoist magic.
"I fear she will not be able to return home often. I hope the Daoist Friends of the Tang Family will be understanding."
The Ancestor of the Tang Family hastily replied, "Fairy, your words are too heavy!
"To receive the Fairy's guidance is Qianqian's heaven-sent fortune!
"She naturally should focus on serving her master and advancing her cultivation. Our Tang Family has absolutely no objections!"
Tang Qianqian's parents also nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Afterward, Ye Fan spoke up again. "Daoist Friend Tang, according to my Master's decision...
"Starting tomorrow, you may serve as the Deputy City Lord of my City Lord's Mansion.
"If you agree, you can come to the City Lord's Mansion tomorrow to assume your post."
"Thank you, City Lord Ye! Thank you, True Lord Withered Glory! It is my utmost honor!"
The Ancestor of the Tang Family beamed with delight, and the rest of the Tang Family members were equally thrilled.
"Then please stay a while longer later. Elder Chen can explain the responsibilities of the Deputy City Lord to you, along with some rules of the City Lord's Mansion.
"You must not disappoint my Master's trust!"
"I understand. I will definitely serve Cloudstream City with all my strength and ensure True Lord Withered Glory has no cause for worry."
"Since that's settled, the rest of you need not linger here any longer," Ye Fan said.
The remaining members of the Tang Family cupped their hands in farewell and departed the City Lord's Mansion.
"Qianqian, follow me back to the Xu Residence."
"Yes, Honored Master."
"Chongfei, Ye Feng, we're heading back too."
"Yes, Father (Master)!"
Upon returning to the Xu Residence, Xu Deyue imparted the "Pure Maiden Supreme Yin Scripture" to Tang Qianqian. She instructed her to return to her own room to properly comprehend it, allowing her to come and ask questions once every seven days.
Xu Chongfei intercepted her halfway and said with a smile, "Junior Sister Qianqian, let me show you around the Xu Residence so you can familiarize yourself with the environment and learn the rules while we're at it.
"After all, there are some places you absolutely cannot wander into."
Tang Qianqian sized Xu Chongfei up, then gave a slight nod. "Then I will have to thank Senior Brother."
"Don't mention it. I was just worrying about having too few peers in the family," Xu Chongfei smiled faintly. "Let me take you to see Junior Brother Ye Feng first. He is my father's disciple."
"Sorry to trouble you, Senior Brother."
In the blink of an eye, more than ten days passed.
Due to Tang Qianqian becoming Xu Deyue's disciple, combined with the Ancestor of the Tang Family becoming the Deputy City Lord, the Tang Family became incredibly lively.
Their courtyard was as crowded as a marketplace, and their threshold was nearly trampled to splinters!
Soon after, Yan Yue emerged from seclusion after stabilizing his realm.
The Yan Family hosted a Golden Core Grand Ceremony, inviting the various families of Cloudstream City, as well as some Golden Core Aristocratic Families from Jade Bamboo City, White Cloud City, and Heavenly Azure City.
Because they were an artifact forging family, and the Ancestor of the Yan Family had a certain chance of crafting Mid-Grade Magic Treasures.
As a result, quite a few Golden Core cultivators attended the invitation.
This directly overshadowed the Tang Family.
The Xu Family also sent Xu Chongfei to deliver gifts and attend the ceremony, accompanied by Ye Feng and Tang Qianqian.
And on that very same day.
Xu Deling finally arrived at Profound Moon City.
As she walked through the city streets, she retrieved a Communication Talisman and sank her divine sense into it. "Fifth Uncle, I have arrived in Profound Moon City."
Within the Profound Moon Sect.
In a Grotto-Residence halfway up Profound Moon Peak, Xu Mingxian received the message. He smiled faintly and immediately sent a reply, "Wait for me at the Azure Breeze Teahouse. I will be there shortly."
The next moment.
He left the Grotto-Residence and transformed into a golden rainbow, flying toward Profound Moon City.
Half an incense stick of time later.
Inside a premium private room at the Azure Breeze Teahouse.
The uncle and niece met.
Xu Mingxian was still a young man in white clothes with a transcendent temperament, but his surrounding mana was perfectly smooth and harmonious—a world of difference from the last time Xu Deling had seen him.
After all, this was her first time seeing Xu Mingxian at the Golden Core stage.
"Not bad, Mid-stage Golden Core. You are even more outstanding than before. You are now undoubtedly the number one person in our Xu Family beneath Father."
Xu Deling chuckled softly, "Fifth Uncle must be joking. Both you and my father are prodigies of your generation; I just had slightly better luck.
"If my father had followed Grandfather to the Heavenly South, he would have definitely formed his core early on and become a generational prodigy whose mighty name echoed throughout the Heavenly South."
"Let's sit down and chat." Xu Mingxian gestured for her to sit and personally poured her tea.
Xu Deling nodded and got straight to the point. "Fifth Uncle, have you gathered all the materials you need to set up the formations?
"I heard from Grandfather that when you go back this time, you plan to replace all the formations in Cloudstream City, the Inner City, and the clan?
"That is a massive undertaking!"
"Over the past half year, I've bought everything that needed buying. We're going to return to Dongxi and be away for at least a year or two, perhaps even longer.
"If our home base is unstable and others exploit a loophole...
"Wouldn't the clan members coming over have nowhere to settle?"
"Exactly." Xu Deling smiled warmly.
Xu Mingxian continued, "However, the material costs are quite high. I owe my Honored Master roughly 3.5 million Low Grade Spirit Stones."
"Three point five million?" Upon hearing this, Xu Deling smiled relaxedly. "Fifth Uncle, put your mind at ease. I brought ten million Spirit Stones with me this time, which is more than enough to repay the debt.
"The remaining amount is just perfect for purchasing other materials the family needs here in Profound Moon City.
"After all, we have to bring some gifts back for the clan members in Dongxi. We can't return empty-handed."
Xu Mingxian nodded slightly and chuckled. "That's how it should be. It will just be hard work for you.
"Profound Moon City has abundant materials of exceptional quality. I'll accompany you to a few shops I frequent; we should be able to get some discounts.
"Although our Xu Family isn't lacking Spirit Stones right now, we should save wherever we can."
Xu Deling naturally understood.
Her father's generation was the one that built the Xu Family from scratch.
By the time her generation was born, they basically had no need to worry about worldly possessions.
After chatting briefly, the uncle and niece got up and headed toward the Myriad Treasures Square, the most prosperous district in Profound Moon City.
With a famous figure like Xu Mingxian leading the way, their shopping went extremely smoothly.
They arrived at the Hundred Refinements Pavilion, a fairly large establishment. The shopkeeper, an astute old man at the Early-Stage Golden Core realm, immediately beamed a wide smile upon seeing Xu Mingxian and came forward to greet them. "Elder Xu! What wind blew you here?
"Please come in quickly! We'll serve our finest Spirit Tea!"
"Shopkeeper Li, there's no need to be overly polite. Today, I'm accompanying my niece to purchase some artifact refining materials." Xu Mingxian smiled and introduced Xu Deling.
"So it is the Number One Prodigy, Fairy Feng Ling, in person! Please forgive my poor eyesight for not recognizing you immediately; I beg your indulgence."
Shopkeeper Li's attitude was exceptionally enthusiastic.
"You are too polite, Shopkeeper Li," Xu Deling replied calmly. "The Prodigy Grand Assembly has long since passed. The title of Number One Prodigy is likely in name only now. I hope you won't mention it again."
"I understand." Shopkeeper Li's eyes gleamed, his smile undiminished. "I wonder what materials Fairy Feng Ling requires?
"I wouldn't dare boast about anything else, but my humble shop can source at least seventy percent of the artifact refining materials available in Profound Moon City!"
Xu Deling handed over a jade slip containing a list.
Shopkeeper Li took it and glanced at it, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. The materials listed were vast in variety and substantial in quantity. While not everything was top-tier, the total value was absolutely staggering.
He immediately patted his chest and said, "Rest assured, Fairy! My shop can gather seventy percent of the items on this list! As for the price..."
He glanced at the smiling Xu Mingxian and gritted his teeth. "Since Elder Xu personally brought you here, you are an esteemed guest!
"Everything will be given a fifteen percent discount! I, Old Li, won't make a single penny off this; consider it a gesture to make a friend!"
"Then I must thank you, Shopkeeper Li," Xu Deling gracefully accepted.
"Please wait in the private room for half an incense stick of time. I will go prepare the materials right away."
Having said that, Shopkeeper Li left immediately and instructed the pavilion attendants to host them well.
Half an incense stick of time later.
Shopkeeper Li brought a massive haul of materials and conducted the transaction with Xu Deling.
Following that.
Xu Mingxian took her to the Golden Stone Pavilion, the Array Talisman Studio, and a few other famous shops in Profound Moon City.
Xu Mingxian had already purchased all the Array Dao materials, and for alchemy, they had the Medicine Garden inside the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven. The only things left to buy were artifact refining and Talisman Crafting materials.
The Talisman Crafting materials were meant to be brought back for her Second Uncle, Xu Mingyuan.
Whenever the various shopkeepers saw Xu Mingxian, they welcomed him warmly. Hearing that it was a bulk purchase, and giving face to Xu Mingxian, they all offered discounts of fifteen percent or even more.
In the past, Xu Mingxian had proved his Dao during a seven-day arena challenge, shaking the entirety of Profound Moon Prefecture.
He was also a personal disciple of the Ancestor of Profound Moon.
His face carried immense weight in Profound Moon City.
This massive shopping spree cost them seven to eight hundred thousand Spirit Stones.
With Xu Deling and Xu Mingyuan in the Xu Family, they had people to refine Dharma Tools and craft Talismans. If they had to buy finished products, they would likely have had to spend several times more Spirit Stones.
It was precisely because the Xu Family was self-sufficient in Pills, Artifacts, Formations, Talismans that they were able to develop so rapidly.
If they were like other Golden Core Aristocratic Families—struggling to acquire Third-Tier Pills and completely unable to obtain Mid-Grade Magic Treasures, constantly constrained by others—how could they possibly grow strong so quickly?
Once the shopping was complete, the uncle and niece left Profound Moon City and headed straight for the mountain gate of the Profound Moon Sect.
With Xu Mingxian leading the way, the two didn't even need to use the main gate. They directly bypassed the Sect-Protecting Grand Formation and entered the Profound Moon Sect.
Profound Moon Peak.
The quiet cultivation grounds of the Ancestor of Profound Moon.
The great hall at the peak was cold and solemn.
Two streaks of light—one crimson and one golden—landed at the entrance of the grand hall.
Xu Mingxian led her inside.
At the head of the hall sat an old man with an Immortal Bearing and Daoist Bones, sitting cross-legged on a cloud bed.
His hair was white as snow, and his long beard hung down to his chest, groomed impeccably. His face was lean yet ruddy, showing few wrinkles. His deep eyes resembled an ancient pool, seeming to circulate moonlight whenever they opened and closed.
He wore a simple azure Daoist robe. There was no overwhelming aura radiating from him, yet he naturally exuded an ethereal Dao Rhyme that was completely in harmony with Heaven and Earth.
"Your disciple, Xu Mingxian, along with my niece Xu Deling, greets the Ancestor!" Xu Mingxian bowed respectfully.
Xu Deling followed suit, bowing deeply. "This junior, Xu Deling, offers greetings to Senior Profound Moon on behalf of my Grandfather."
The Ancestor of Profound Moon cast a gentle gaze over the two, lingering slightly on Xu Deling. An imperceptible glint of approval flashed in his eyes as his tranquil, distant voice echoed. "No need for formalities.
"Worthy of being the Number One Prodigy of the last generation. Compared to you, our sect's Xuanzhi is indeed lacking.
"He has only just stepped into the 3rd Layer of the Golden Core realm, whereas you are already at the 4th Layer.
"Your progress is not the slightest bit slower than the prodigies from the Azure Cloud Sect, Clear Void Sect, Thunder Sound Temple, and Feather Transformation Sect.
"This is not something that can be achieved through cultivation talent alone; it requires a massive amount of resources to nurture.
"It is evident that your Xu Family is truly extraordinary, possessing the potential of a top-tier Nascent Soul Noble Family."
"Senior overpraises me," Xu Deling responded, a surge of pride swelling in her heart.
This was completely different from the flattery spun by people like Shopkeeper Li.
Earning a word of approval from a Nascent Soul Grand Cultivator was incredibly rare.
"Is your grandfather well? I heard that a Connate Secret Realm emerged at the border between Heavenly Azure Prefecture and Greedy Wolf Prefecture, and that your Xu Family made quite a fortune."
"Just a minor harvest; it's a far cry from the heritage of your noble sect," Xu Deling replied respectfully. "As for my Grandfather, he is perfectly well. He often brings up Senior, always with feelings of deep admiration."
"I believe the first part, but as for the latter..." The Ancestor of Profound Moon stroked his beard and chuckled. "I have some understanding of what kind of temperament he possesses.
"The affairs of your Xu Family are enough of a headache for him. How would he possibly have the time to think of an old man like me?
"I reckon the only time he thinks of me is when he needs to use me."
Xu Deling's mouth twitched slightly. 'Ancestor of Profound Moon, you are a Grand Cultivator, right? Must you be so blunt? You're not giving any lip service at all.'
"Enough about him. You are here to settle the debt, yes?"
"Yes." Xu Deling cupped her hands. "Thank you for fronting my Fifth Uncle those Spirit Stones previously. There are 3.5 million Low Grade Spirit Stones in this Storage Pouch. Please inspect it, Senior."
Saying that, she pulled out the prepared Storage Pouch and offered it with both hands.
"There is no need for an inspection." With a simple thought from the Ancestor of Profound Moon, the Storage Pouch floated over and landed beside him.
"Thank you, Senior. Then my Fifth Uncle and I will return to Heavenly Azure Prefecture today." Xu Deling bowed once more.
The Ancestor of Profound Moon looked at Xu Mingxian and said, "Since your family requires you, go back. Consider it a period of traveling and experiencing the world. Whenever you wish to return, you may simply come back to the Profound Moon Sect."
"Thank you for your understanding, Honored Master!" Xu Mingxian also cupped his hands in a deep bow.
The two withdrew from Profound Moon Peak and returned to the Grotto-Residence halfway down the mountain. After packing up briefly, they prepared to set off for Heavenly Azure Prefecture.
Just as they were about to depart—
Both of them felt an Eerie Power suddenly strike from the void.
They exchanged a glance, and immediately, a strand of divine sense shot out from between their brows and vanished into the void.
Inside the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
Their figures materialized within the grotto-heaven to see Xu Chuan standing with his hands behind his back, looking directly at them.
"Father, why did you contact us so suddenly?" Xu Mingxian asked in surprise.
"I deduced that the return journey for the two of you will not be very smooth. If things go wrong, there is a risk you might perish."
"How could that be?" A look of utter shock appeared on Xu Deling's face. "With my and Fifth Uncle's strength, no one at the Golden Core stage should be capable of killing us. Don't tell me..."
"The karma tied to this matter is heavily tangled, so my deduction isn't entirely clear. But I suspect it has something to do with the capture of Demon Lord Tianluo. It's possible his accomplices wish to use your lives as a bargaining chip to exchange for the imprisoned Demon Lord inside the Profound Moon Sect."
"The one coming is a Nascent Soul Ancient True Demon?"
"I don't know the exact details." Xu Chuan shook his head, then his expression grew serious. "Go and invite Senior Zhang. Spend a hundred thousand Spirit Stones to ask him to secretly escort you for a portion of the journey.
"If Senior Zhang refuses, contact Moyue and have him bring you back at maximum speed."
"Uncle Moyue?" Xu Deling was slightly startled. "He's also in Profound Moon Prefecture?"
"I had him secretly follow you. He should be within five thousand kilometers of your location, so you ought to be able to reach him."
"So Grandfather, you already anticipated this?"
"I merely saw that you seemed to carry an aura of impending calamity that day, so I played it safe. But not long ago, I suddenly felt deeply uneasy. I carefully calculated the fates of the important members of our Xu Clan, and discovered something amiss with you and Mingxian.
"Alone, you wouldn't face much danger, but by being together with Mingxian, you face the peril of perishing.
"Thus, I guessed it was related to Senior Zhang.
"Perhaps it's an old nemesis of his, or perhaps it's related to the War of the Two Prefectures, where he captured and suppressed Demon Lord Tianluo.
"In any case, anything is possible."
Pausing for a moment, Xu Chuan added, "Deling, when you go to ask Senior Zhang, do not mention my Way of Deduction. Just say you feel an unsettled stirring in your heart, similar to what you felt during the last War of the Two Prefectures.
"He should be able to pick up on it.
"The later my trump card is exposed, the safer our Xu Family will be.
"After all, divining the heavenly secrets is not omnipotent; there are naturally methods in this world to obscure heavenly secrets.
"If we are targeted by the Xu Family's enemies in the future because of it, it will be far from a blessing."
"Yes, Grandfather."
The two exited the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven. They looked at each other, their eyes reflecting an unspeakable gravity.
"We can't delay. Let's go see my Master immediately!" Xu Mingxian made a prompt decision.
"Agreed!" Xu Deling nodded. Without a second of delay, their figures blurred as they rushed back toward the great hall at the top of Profound Moon Peak.
Profound Moon Peak, within the Great Hall.
The Ancestor of Profound Moon was just about to close his eyes and let his spirit wander when he sensed the returning auras of the two. He couldn't help but frown slightly, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
Once they entered the hall and bowed, he spoke directly. "The two of you have returned so soon. Is there still some unfinished business?"
Xu Deling took a step forward. Her face had shifted to display a perfectly measured expression of worry and a slightly helpless smile. She said respectfully,
"Reporting to Senior, we apologize for disturbing you again. However, just as Fifth Uncle and I were preparing to leave, I suddenly felt a severe restlessness, and my spiritual altar sent out a warning.
"In the dark, it felt as though this journey home with Fifth Uncle hides an immense lurking danger. That feeling... it actually closely resembles what I felt when the War of the Two Prefectures broke out last time!"
She paused her words slightly, observing the Ancestor of Profound Moon's expression before continuing. "As Senior knows, for us cultivators, as our cultivation deepens, we occasionally experience premonitions connecting us to Heaven and Earth. These warnings are often not just Wind from an Empty Cave.
"It's just that the source of this danger is unclear. I do not know if it is aimed at our Xu Family, or... at the Profound Moon Sect, or perhaps even you, Senior?
"If it is the latter, then the culprit's target must surely be my Fifth Uncle, to use him to coerce you.
"My and Fifth Uncle's cultivations are shallow. If there are truly powerful enemies lying in wait, we fear we won't be able to protect ourselves.
"For peace of mind... we boldly wish to ask Senior to secretly escort us for a portion of our journey. For this, I am willing to offer a hundred thousand Spirit Stones to compensate Senior for his trouble."
Xu Deling's words were earnest, and her reasoning was extremely sound.
Cultivators experiencing sudden impulses or premonitions of danger was not an unusual tale in the Cultivation World.
After listening, the Ancestor of Profound Moon's white eyebrows twitched imperceptibly.
His profound gaze landed on Xu Deling.
Although she was young, her cultivation had already reached the Mid-stage Golden Core realm.
Her combat strength was absolutely formidable, likely comparable to a Golden Core Completion Stage Cultivator.
For her to treat this so seriously, the forewarned danger was likely no small matter.
At the very least, it had to be a Nascent Soul level threat!
'Although the Xu Family is currently in the limelight across Heavenly Azure and Greedy Wolf Prefectures, they are not considered top-tier when placed in the entire Northwest Region of Heavenly South.
'They shouldn't have drawn an overly powerful enemy to target a junior...'
The Ancestor of Profound Moon's thoughts raced like lightning. 'What if it's aimed at Mingxian? Even though he is my disciple, he keeps a low profile and isn't part of the sect's core decision-making circle.
'If he is being used as bait, the actual target is most likely... myself?'
He suddenly recalled Xu Deling explicitly mentioning "similar to the War of the Two Prefectures," and his heart jolted fiercely!
During the War of the Two Prefectures, he had personally captured and suppressed the Demon Lord Tianluo, who was possessed by an Ancient True Demon and had cultivated to the Early-Stage Nascent Soul realm!
Afterward, he had recovered a token from Demon Lord Tianluo's body representing the high echelons of the "Netherworld" organization!
He had kept this matter tightly under wraps; only two or three people in the entire Profound Moon Sect knew about it.
'Could it be that the people from Netherworld wish to rescue Demon Lord Tianluo?'
A sharp light flickered in the Ancestor of Profound Moon's eyes. 'If Netherworld really sent a Nascent Soul cultivator to intercept them midway to force me into a hostage exchange...
'Then this Xu Family girl accompanying him truly is in danger of perishing!'
'Rumor has it that Netherworld is backed by Ancient True Demons. If this is true, then the Xu Family girl's premonition should be flawless.
'However, it is a bit too much of a coincidence. Was it really a premonition?
'She hasn't even left the Profound Moon Sect yet, but a premonition already sprouted?'
Thinking up to this point, the Ancestor of Profound Moon already believed her words seventy or eighty percent.
He was already wary of the Netherworld organization and had been constantly on guard.
But they had yet to make a move. It seemed they wanted to capture an important person related to him!
'Hmph! Daring to strike at my disciple... regardless of who you are, I will ensure you never return!'
A glint of cold light flashed in the depths of the Ancestor of Profound Moon's eyes.
He immediately decided to accept this "escort" mission. At the same time, he held onto a bit of a testing mentality, wanting to see if Xu Deling's supposed "premonition" was truly as precise as she claimed.
After pondering for a moment, the Ancestor of Profound Moon slowly spoke, "I will accept this escort task.
"The two of you simply need to set off according to your original plan. I will be there for everything!"
"Thank you, Senior (Master)!"
Hearing this, the heavy stone in Xu Deling and Xu Mingxian's hearts fell. They hastily bowed in gratitude.
"Go. Be careful on the road."
The Ancestor of Profound Moon waved his hand.
An obscure and hard-to-detect strand of Nascent Soul divine sense had already silently attached itself to Xu Mingxian's body.
Xu Mingxian was entirely oblivious to it.
The two of them bid farewell once more and withdrew from the grand hall.
A moment later, they boarded a Third-Tier Magic Skiff and flew out of the Profound Moon Sect.
Rolling green mountains stretched endlessly below as a sea of clouds churned.
The Magic Skiff traveled further and further away until it vanished into the boundless horizon.