"Are you saying that Xu Chuan might have already formed his Golden Core?!"
"What do you think? His son, Xu Mingwei, has already reached the Golden Core stage. How could he not find a way to do the same!"
"Then, Ancestor, how should our Cao Clan respond?"
"There is no need to respond. The Imperial City is protected by a third-tier grand array. How could two early-stage Golden Core cultivators possibly break through it!"
"Focus all our efforts on preparing for the upcoming tribulation. If we survive, we can slowly settle our debts with the Xu Family."
Cao Jiyi's voice gradually faded until it was completely silent.
Cao Dezhang cupped his hands and replied, "Ancestor is absolutely correct. The Xu Family does not have a third-tier grand array. Even with two Golden Core cultivators, the probability of them surviving this tribulation is exceedingly low."
With that, Cao Dezhang turned and left.
Upon hearing the news, the Lei Family Head, Lei Yunchao, was thoroughly surprised. "Daoist Friend Xu has come out of seclusion?"
"To answer the Family Head, there is no definitive news. However, many are spreading rumors that since Ancestor Xu has ended his seclusion at this time, he may have already achieved the Golden Core stage!"
"Perhaps," Lei Yunchao sighed softly, recalling Xu Chuan's past deeds. "He reached Foundation Establishment Perfection over thirty years ago.
Given the Xu Family's heritage, they would naturally pay any price to help him form his Golden Core.
However, after so many years, he might also be pursuing the path of Divine Ability Core Formation, allowing him to go further in the future."
He paused for a moment.
Looking at the middle-aged man before him, he instructed, "Xiaoyun, prepare a generous gift for me. In three days, you will accompany me to the Dongxi Xu Clan."
"Father, you are a Golden Core cultivator. Ancestor Xu has merely come out of seclusion. Is it truly necessary for you to make the trip personally?"
Lei Xiaoyun was Lei Yunchao's son. He had previously entered the Wuhua Secret Realm for a trial alongside Xu Deyue and the others, and he was now at the Eighth-Layer Foundation Establishment stage himself.
Meanwhile, the older generation of elders in the Lei Family, such as Lei Hekong, had long since passed away.
Shortly after, he asked, "Does Father wish to confirm Ancestor Xu's cultivation realm?"
"That is one reason. Secondly, the Xu Family is powerful. Although our Lei Family is based in the Imperial City, we are on good terms with them, and it is only natural to maintain this relationship.
Given our Lei Family's current heritage, maintaining a neutral stance is the best path."
"Father's words make sense. I will handle it right away."
At the same time, the Qin family of Tongshan Commandery, the Wang Family of Langya Commandery, and the Li family of Taiyuan Commandery were also making moves.
The message they received, aside from the news of Xu Chuan ending his seclusion, was an invitation to send their Family Heads over in three days to discuss important matters.
All of them treated the matter with utmost caution.
They guessed that the Great Tribulation the Xu Family had previously mentioned to them was fast approaching.
These three families were vassals secretly taken in by the Xu Family, a fact that had never been revealed to the public.
As for the Zhou family of Yuehu Commandery, their allegiance was already common knowledge.
Over the past few days.
Xu Mingxian had completely deciphered the Three Absolutes Dragon-Locking Formation.
Within it lay two mid-grade second-tier water and earth Spirit Veins, along with a high-grade first-tier wood Spirit Vein.
Without the grand array sealing them away.
The Spiritual Qi from the Spirit Veins was thoroughly released.
The Spiritual Qi throughout Dongxi surged day by day until it reached absolute saturation.
While this level of Spiritual Qi was sufficient for Golden Core cultivators to practice, the Xu Family had more than just one. They had a full six of them, plus a peak early-stage third-tier Purple-Azure Thunder Eagle.
As for installing the mid-grade third-tier Spirit Vein and setting up a high-grade third-tier grand array, there was no rush to do so immediately.
In the blink of an eye.
The day Xu Chuan had set to end his seclusion arrived.
The morning sun began its ascent, casting brilliant rays of light in all directions.
In the ancestral grounds of the Dongxi Xu Clan.
On the expansive plaza once used for sacrificial ceremonies to Heaven and Earth.
The area was currently packed with people, steeped in a solemn and majestic atmosphere.
The members of the Xu Clan lineage, from the Second Generation downwards, including all disciples regardless of age or gender, along with their wives, concubines, and Dao companions, were arranged in orderly rows according to their seniority and generations.
At the very front stood Xu Chuan's first wife, Bai Jing.
Behind her were Xu Mingwei and the rest of the Second Generation.
Following them were Xu Dezhao, Xu Deling, Xu Deyue, and the other Third Generation members.
The fourth generation was led by Xu Chonghui.
Then came the fifth and sixth generations.
The youngest descendants of the seventh generation were either held in their parents' arms or led by the hand.
Their tender little faces peered around with innocent curiosity.
The procession stretched out endlessly, united by the unbroken bonds of bloodline.
Behind the formation of Xu Clan descendants stood the solemn, brightly armored elite guards of the Xu Family, as well as the Elite Disciples of different surnames recruited and nurtured over the years.
Among them were over a dozen Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.
And more than a hundred cultivators at Peak Qi Condensation.
In the past, such a formidable force would have vastly surpassed the heritage of a first-rank family.
Nowadays, however, the so-called ranking system had long been abolished.
It was replaced by classifications based purely on Immortal Cultivation realms.
Minor Qi Refining clans, Foundation Establishment Clans, and Golden Core Aristocratic Families.
With the rapid influx of Spiritual Qi following the dismantling of the Three Absolutes Dragon-Locking Formation, the bottlenecks holding back many Xu Family disciples began to loosen.
Once the mid-grade third-tier Spirit Vein was properly installed.
It was estimated that within a few months, quite a few individuals would successfully break through to Foundation Establishment on their own.
Alongside these family disciples stood the representatives of the Xu Clan's various Vassal Families.
Everyone wore expressions of deep reverence, their eyes burning with anticipation.
At the forefront were the four major families: the Qin family of Tongshan, the Li family of Taiyuan, the Wang Family of Langya, and the Zhou family of Yuehu.
Many of the younger disciples were exceedingly surprised by the appearance of the Qin, Li, and Wang families.
However, an occasion like this was no time for idle gossip.
Therefore, they all kept their questions bottled up inside.
Further toward the periphery were the numerous stewards and servants of the Xu Family. Despite their lower status, they too stood respectfully, brimming with excitement to witness the ceremony.
Beyond the plaza.
Flanking the stone steps leading down the mountain, and stretching out to the plains far below.
Tens of thousands of Dongxi commoners had long since gathered.
Men and women, young and old, stood shoulder to shoulder. They all craned their necks toward the summit plaza, their faces radiant with heartfelt reverence and eager anticipation.
To them, the Xu Family was more than just a protector.
It was their very heaven!
The entire scene was structured in distinct tiers, utterly silent and solemn.
Everyone waited patiently for Xu Chuan to make his appearance.
Before long, two powerful streaks of light descended outside Dongxi.
They submitted their visiting cards and entered Dongxi.
Then, they flew directly over to the plaza.
"First Elder, Elder Xiao and I have come to congratulate the Grand Elder on ending his seclusion. We have prepared a modest gift; please accept it as a token of our respect."
Xu Mingyuan gave a slight nod.
"My father has not yet emerged. The two elders may rest off to the side for a moment."
"Yes, First Elder."
"Understood."
They retreated to the side and swept their gazes over the assembled crowd.
It could be said that every member of the Xu Family from both the Dongxi and Guangling branches was present, along with all the Vassal Families.
Li Quan, the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance, was also present, accompanied by disciples of the Li family.
He originally hailed from the Qingjiang Li Clan.
'Hmm? Why are the Family Heads of the Tongshan Qin family, the Taiyuan Li family, and the Langya Wang Family here as well? Furthermore, they are standing on equal footing with Zhou Qingfang. Could it be...'
Elder Liu and Elder Xiao exchanged a glance, communicating through their Divine Sense.
Indescribable gravity covered their faces.
These three major families held incredibly high status within the entire Immortal Martial Alliance.
Excluding the Xu Family, the combined heritage of these three families rivaled a full third of the Immortal Martial Alliance's foundation.
If they were truly vassals of the Xu Family.
Then it would be a monumental event destined to shake the Immortal Martial Alliance to its core.
About fifteen minutes later.
From the direction of the Jade Cold Pool.
A brilliant azure glow suddenly shot up into the sky!
The radiant light began as a pillar, then violently burst apart in midair, transforming into a sky-filling emerald brilliance that looked as if the finest jade had melted into the azure firmament.
In an instant, half the sky was painted a vibrant, life-filled emerald green!
Even more astonishingly, countless pale-green specks of light drifted down from the emerald glow, scattering gently like the softest drizzle of spring rain.
As the specks of light landed upon the Xu Family disciples, guards, and guests gathered in the plaza, everyone felt an immediate, refreshing jolt. The exhaustion from days of waiting vanished without a trace.
Even the Mana and Qi and Blood within their bodies seemed to stir with newfound vitality.
Meanwhile, even more specks of light drifted on the wind down the mountain, showering upon the ordinary commoners who were waiting so eagerly.
"Eh? M-my old arthritic leg... why doesn't it hurt anymore?"
A septuagenarian elder, who was being supported by others, suddenly widened his eyes.
He stretched his legs in utter disbelief.
"Mother! Your coughing..."
A middle-aged man looked in joyous surprise at his elderly mother beside him, who had been coughing weakly without end.
He watched as the old woman took several deep breaths, a healthy blush returning to her cheeks. Miraculously, her coughing had completely stopped!
"It feels so comfortable... like soaking in warm water..."
"It's immortal dew! Immortal dew bestowed by Ancestor Xu!"
Exclamations of shock and profound gratitude erupted one after another among the commoners at the foot of the mountain.
Many suffered from chronic illnesses big and small, or persistent aches and exhaustion.
Yet under the nourishment of that vibrant green light, their afflictions swiftly eased and vanished completely!
For a time, thunderous cheers erupted from the base of the mountain.
Countless people excitedly dropped to their knees, bowing toward the summit and loudly praising, "Ancestor is merciful!"
The entire crowd on the mountain also boiled over in shock!
This was already beyond what any ordinary cultivator could achieve.
"What kind of method is this? It's truly miraculous!"
"I've heard that the Ancestor specializes in the wood element. Is this attribute really so incredible?"
A shower of vitality.
To Xu Chuan, it was merely a minor trick.
But it served perfectly to build momentum and presence!
Amidst the sky full of emerald light scattering like falling petals.
Deep within the glowing mist.
A figure in an azure robe slowly materialized.
Xu Chuan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his robes gently fluttering in the spiritual breeze.
His features were plain, yet his gaze was warm and profound, appearing to contain endless vitality and the wisdom of ages.
There was nothing solid beneath his feet, yet it seemed as though invisible steps supported him.
Step by step, he descended with unhurried calm and steady grace from the glowing blue sky.
Every footfall sent ripples shuddering through Heaven and Earth.
Finally, he landed firmly at the very front of the plaza, standing before the towering bronze cauldron used for ancestral sacrifices. With his back to the cauldron, he faced all of his clansmen.
In the next moment.
Shouts like mountains and roars like tsunamis rang out in greeting, perfectly synchronized and clearly layered as if they had been rehearsed countless times.
"We respectfully welcome Father out of seclusion!"
First, led by Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan, the Second Generation disciples and their wives all bowed deeply, their voices shaking the plaza.
Immediately following, led by Xu Dezhao, all the disciples of the Third Generation bowed solemnly, "We respectfully welcome Grandfather out of seclusion!"
Then, the fourth through seventh generations, regardless of age or understanding, bowed either under the guidance of their elders or of their own accord. The voices of children and adults blended together: "We respectfully welcome Old Ancestor out of seclusion!"
Before the echo had even faded, the recruited disciples and the representatives of the Vassal Families at the rear also bowed deeply, hearts swelling with excitement: "We respectfully welcome Ancestor Xu out of seclusion!"
Finally, it was the turn of the servants and stewards on the fringes of the plaza, as well as the tens of thousands of Dongxi commoners at the foot of the mountain who had benefited from the green light and were unable to suppress their surging emotions.
Their heartfelt cries merged into an overwhelmingly majestic wave of sound that shot straight into the clouds.
It reverberated repeatedly among the mountains: "We respectfully welcome Ancestor Xu out of seclusion!!!"
The chorus grew layer by layer, sweeping from near to far, rippling from the inside out.
Ultimately, it transformed into a heaven-and-earth-sweeping resonance that shook the clouds into a churning frenzy.
It clearly demonstrated an unparalleled family cohesion and a truly grandiose prestige!
Hidden within the distant clouds, Lei Yunchao and Lei Xiaoyun, who had quietly arrived to observe the ceremony, took in the entire spectacle.
Unable to hide the shock in his eyes, Lei Xiaoyun muttered softly, "Father, the cohesion of the Xu Family's hearts, the unity from top to bottom... our Lei Family falls far short in comparison."
Lei Yunchao remained silent for a long time, gazing at the azure-robed figure being worshipped by the masses, and the massive, orderly family tightly bound by blood and conviction.
He finally let out a slow sigh, his gaze complex. "This is what the true demeanor of a great aristocratic clan looks like!"
Standing before the cauldron and accepting the worship of the masses, Xu Chuan's expression remained placid.
He merely raised his hand slightly. A gentle yet irresistible force swept over the entire scene, gently lifting up all the bowed figures.
It even rippled all the way down the mountain.
"Rise, everyone."
"Thank you, Father!"
"Thank you, Grandfather!"
The crowd responded in unison.
Xu Chuan looked toward the eastern sky and flung his sleeve robe. A burst of energy struck the clan protection grand array encompassing Dongxi, causing a massive gap to instantly appear in the light screen.
"Daoist Friend Lei, since you are already here, why not come in for a chat?"
Lei Yunchao brought Lei Xiaoyun along, transforming into a streak of crimson light that shot forward, coming to a halt before the elders of the Immortal Martial Alliance.
He laughed heartily and cupped his hands. "Congratulations to Daoist Friend Xu on ending your seclusion. It seems I arrived at the perfect time."
Xu Chuan did not expose him.
He had long since noticed that Lei Yunchao had been hovering there for about thirty minutes.
"Daoist Friend Lei is too kind."
Lei Yunchao briefly swept his Divine Sense over Xu Chuan, only to find that Xu Chuan was merely emitting the aura fluctuations of the Foundation Establishment stage.
'Such methods just now could absolutely never be performed by someone at the Foundation Establishment stage. Yet, I am unable to probe his true depths. As expected, the aura-concealing capabilities of the wood element far exceed those of cultivators with the other Five Elements attributes.'
Lei Yunchao smiled. "Daoist Friend Xu's display just now was nothing short of miraculous. I am utterly filled with admiration."
"You overpraise me. It was but a trifling trick, not worth mentioning."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly. He then glanced over his bloodline descendants before walking up to Bai Jing and taking her hand. "You have worked hard all these years."
Bai Jing offered a gentle smile.
Xu Chuan spoke again, "Mingyuan, Mingwei, please escort the elders of the Immortal Martial Alliance and Daoist Friend Lei and his son to the main hall to host them.
The rest of you may disperse for now.
Come to my courtyard in two hours.
Over the past thirty-some years, our Xu Family has gained quite a few unfamiliar faces. It is time I acquainted myself with all of you."
In the blink of an eye.
The crowd in the plaza began to disperse.
The guards, stewards, and servants all returned to their respective duties.
The younger members of the Xu Family conversed in hushed tones, buzzing about the unbelievable things they had just witnessed and felt.
Bai Jing smiled softly. "Making such a grand spectacle just for coming out of seclusion. Only you, my husband, could pull off something like this."
"Every major procedure requires a proper ceremony. Besides, as the Old Ancestor of the Xu Family, how could my entrance lack prestige?"
"Look, with just a minor display of ability from your husband, the image of a mysterious, profoundly powerful Old Ancestor with heaven-defying means has been instantly established in their hearts."
"You're right about everything, Husband."
Xu Chuan chuckled, keeping a firm hold of Bai Jing's hand.
Looking like any ordinary married couple, the two of them slowly descended the steps.
Making their way toward the courtyard he had once lived in.
As for hosting the guests, there was naturally no need for him to step forward and handle it personally.
As the First Elder of the Immortal Martial Alliance, everyone in the alliance had to bow their heads when they saw Xu Mingyuan.
Meanwhile, Xu Mingwei quietly bore the formidable reputation of being the number one Golden Core cultivator.
Even Lei Yunchao wouldn't dare misbehave in his presence.
In the main hall of the Xu Family estate.
Elder Liu and Elder Xiao from the Immortal Martial Alliance were the first to cup their fists in greeting. "First Elder, Grand Elder."
Xu Mingyuan gave a slight nod. "The two of you have shown great consideration in representing the Immortal Martial Alliance to congratulate my father on ending his seclusion. The Xu Family extends our gratitude."
Elder Liu smiled and replied, "You jest, First Elder. Ancestor Xu is also a Grand Elder of our alliance and the very founder of the Immortal Martial Alliance. This is merely the obligatory duty of us juniors."