A moment later.
Zhao Qingran's eyes rippled slightly as he looked at Zhao Qingyan.
"How about this, Elder Qingyan? Make another trip to the Xu family in a few days and probe their foundation.
"If the Xu family wants to take our Zhao family as vassals, they must show us enough substance to convince us.
"Liu Qiankun also wants our entire Zhao family to migrate to the Imperial City. He intends to drain our providence to nourish his Liu family's fortune secret treasure!
"If the Liu family is certain they can survive the Great Tribulation of the Millennium...
"Then losing a portion of our providence is a price we can accept. It is still better than having our Zhao family's near-millennium inheritance completely severed!"
"Are you suggesting we bet on both sides, Family Head, and see who offers the higher stakes?"
"Naturally. I will handle the negotiations with the Liu family. I leave the Xu family to you. After all, out of everyone in our Zhao family, you have the deepest ties with them."
Zhao Qingran gave a slight nod.
Three days later.
Zhao Qingyan arrived at the back mountain, the resting place of the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard.
"Black Cloud," Zhao Qingyan called out.
"Interrupting my rest once again. Your Zhao family respects me less and less. Do you take me for some domestic fowl you can beckon and dismiss at will?"
Hearing the dissatisfaction in the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard's voice, Zhao Qingyan immediately smiled. "How could that be? You are our Zhao family's most esteemed protective spirit beast!
"Since Lord Black Cloud wishes to rest, I will not disturb you any further.
"Dongxi may be far, but it just means I will spend a bit more time on the road."
The Black Cloud Spirit Leopard, previously lying lazily on the grass, abruptly transformed into a streak of black light. It appeared right in front of Zhao Qingyan, startling him into taking three steps back.
The Black Cloud Spirit Leopard turned its head and grumbled, "What are you staring blankly for? Hurry up and get on!"
"Don't waste time!"
Zhao Qingyan was utterly bewildered.
'Are you our Zhao family's protective spirit beast, or the Xu family's mount?'
'Your eyes literally light up the moment you hear about going to Dongxi.'
'We raised this protective spirit beast for nothing.'
Feeling exhausted at heart, Zhao Qingyan obediently climbed onto its back.
Wisps of cloud and mist rose from beneath the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard's paws. In the next instant, it transformed into a stream of black light, shooting into the sky and heading straight for Dongxi.
Dongxi.
Xu Mingshu had broken through to the Golden Core stage. Thanks to the support of a mid-grade Tier 3 spirit vein and a secret Core Formation method...
Her cultivation directly leaped to the peak of the first layer of the Golden Core stage.
If her foundation had been just a little stronger, she might have even broken straight through to the second layer of the Golden Core.
She had not achieved Divine Ability Core Formation, so her mana was only at the standard Golden Core stage level. However, her divine sense was formidable, reaching the mid-stage Golden Core and bordering on the peak of the mid-stage.
When Zhao Qingyan arrived, she was still in secluded cultivation, consolidating her realm.
The Xu family's main hall.
Xu Chuan did not make an appearance this time; instead, Xu Dezhao received him.
"Has Ancestor Xu gone into secluded cultivation?" Zhao Qingyan asked.
"Grandfather frequently goes into secluded cultivation. We are quite used to it."
Xu Dezhao took a sip of spirit tea and spoke evenly.
"Ancestor Xu's wholehearted dedication to the Dao is a model for our generation."
Xu Dezhao chuckled lightly upon hearing this. "Daoist Friend Zhao, please feel free to speak your mind directly. Even if I cannot make the final decision, I will certainly inform Grandfather once he emerges."
Zhao Qingyan hesitated for a moment before asking, "Then, Daoist Friend Dezhao, do you know what your grandfather discussed with our Zhao family last time?"
"I know a thing or two. Grandfather mentioned it to me."
"If our Zhao family agrees, what conditions can the Xu family offer?"
Xu Dezhao set down his teacup and looked over with a faint smile. "Grandfather said that the conditions have already been given. Whether the Zhao family agrees or not is entirely up to you. Our Xu clan will not force the issue."
Zhao Qingyan was taken aback. "You won't even try to fight for it?"
"I heard from my Family Head that the Great Liang imperial family is also doing their utmost to win over our Zhao clan."
"What does that have to do with our Xu family? How you choose to act depends entirely on your Zhao clan. If you believe the Liu family can protect you, then go and face the trials alongside them.
"If you wish to be sheltered by our Xu clan, then have your Zhao clan's ancestor, Family Head, and the others come to our Dongxi to swear the Oath of Vassalage."
'What an uncompromising attitude.
'Do they really not care about our Zhao family at all?
'Just what is their trump card?
'Is it that mid-stage or late-stage Tier 3 flood dragon?'
Zhao Qingyan lowered his head, lost in thought.
Xu Dezhao paid it no mind. He took occasional small sips of his spirit tea, thinking to himself, 'The high-grade Tier 2 spirit tea Grandfather brought back is truly excellent.
'I really want to go to the Azure Dragon Prefecture right now and see the foundation of our Xu clan that Grandfather, Fifth Uncle, and Deling have established!'
As for the Zhao family...
If it weren't for the Xu family's focus on this specific inheritance, they wouldn't have even considered taking in the Zhao clan.
There were so many families across Great Wei, Great Liang, and Great Jin; the Xu family couldn't possibly save them all.
If there was no benefit, why bother doing such a thankless task?
With the Great Tribulation approaching, everyone would be hard-pressed just to protect themselves!
In the face of true disaster and the survival of a family, alliances meant nothing.
The Xu family had enough manpower to protect themselves, perhaps with a little to spare.
But if they blindly acted out of excessive benevolence and scattered their forces to shelter the world...
Then Dongxi itself could very well suffer devastating losses.
'It seems this trip is destined to be fruitless,'
'The Xu family's attitude isn't one that values our Zhao family at all. They just view us as a dispensable tool for raising spirit beasts.'
Zhao Qingyan pondered inwardly, 'Xu Mingshu of the Xu clan also excels in the Dao of Beast Taming, and there seem to be several young clansmen like her.
'However, compared to our Zhao family, they are still lacking.
'Could it be that the Xu family only wants to take us in as vassals simply to develop their own beast-taming lineage?
'The Zhou family, the Qin family, the Li family, the Wang family...
'They happen to correspond to the four paths of alchemy, artificing, formations, and talismans.
'Of Xu Chuan's six children, the eldest, Xu Mingwei, possesses peerless combat strength and is renowned globally. The second child follows the Talisman Dao. The fourth, Xu Mingshu, studies the Dao of Beast Taming. The fifth, Xu Mingxian, focuses on the Way of Formations.
'And the sixth, Xu Mingqing, inherited his Alchemy Dao from Xu Chuan, becoming a world-renowned grand alchemist.
'Even across Great Liang, Great Jin, and Great Wei, there might not be any alchemists who can match him.
'Oh, right, there's also the completely ordinary third child, Xu Mingxuan.
'As for the Dao of Artifacts, I heard that among the third generation, there is one named Xu Deling whose artificing talent is exceptionally outstanding.
'She learned from Wu Mingsheng, but the student has long surpassed the master.
'Are they gathering all five immortal arts alongside martial combat to develop everything simultaneously?!
'With such a grand layout, the Xu family's future is simply unimaginable!'
While every aristocratic clan wanted to pursue pills, artifacts, formations, and talismans, most only learned the superficial basics. Even if they achieved some success, they usually specialized in only one field.
Pursuing all of them at once...
It absolutely required serendipity, geniuses, and immense resources. Not a single one could be lacking.
Even Golden Core aristocratic families would find it extremely difficult to accomplish.
'Following the Xu family seems to be an excellent path. With five great immortal art families jointly assisting the Xu clan and developing at full force, the higher the Xu family climbs, the further their five vassal families can go.
'As for whether they can keep the five great families loyal forever, that will depend on the Xu clan's own methods.'
After a long time.
Zhao Qingyan cupped his hands and looked at Xu Dezhao with a smile. "Daoist Friend Dezhao, personally, I lean more toward the Xu family. The same goes for our protective spirit beast.
"However, since you have also served as the Xu family head, you should understand that a family head's word is often not absolute.
"Unless, of course, there are truly tempting benefits on the table."
"Your words are correct, Daoist Friend Zhao. However, your family is only in this situation because you lack a core, unifying figure. You rely entirely on collective effort."
Xu Dezhao smiled faintly. "If the one in your Zhao family who reached the Golden Core stage wasn't a Tier 3 spirit beast, but your Zhao family ancestor...
"Then he would absolutely be able to decide major family matters with a single word."
Zhao Qingyan fell silent.
How could he not understand this logic?
Even in a great aristocratic clan bound by bloodlines, strength was still supreme!
"How about this: I can offer Daoist Friend Zhao the exact same benefits as the Zhou, Qin, Li, and Wang families. They have been our Xu family's vassals for years and have contributed significantly to our development.
"That is the only reason they received this opportunity."
"What opportunity?" Zhao Qingyan asked curiously.
"Five hundred years of Golden Core providence!"
"Golden Core?!" Zhao Qingyan exclaimed in utter disbelief.
"This promise..."
Stormy seas of shock were violently churning in his heart.
Five hundred years of Golden Core providence meant that the Xu family intended to help all four families produce a Golden Core cultivator.
That was four Golden Core cultivators!
How did the Xu family dare to make such a boast?!
Even if the Xu family dared to say it, did the Zhou, Qin, Li, and Wang families actually dare to believe it?
Seeing his reaction, Xu Dezhao knew exactly what he was thinking. "Daoist Friend Zhao, you don't need to worry about why our Xu family dares to make this promise.
"Whether you believe it or not is entirely up to you.
"Moreover, I must discuss this matter with Grandfather before making a final decision.
"If your Zhao family is resolute enough and offers your loyalty, I believe Grandfather will agree.
"After all, he does indeed have the intention of taking in your Zhao family.
"But whether or not we have the Zhao clan is not truly important to our Xu family. The same applies to the other four major families.
"Having them simply makes certain matters more convenient for us.
"Without them, it will not hinder our Xu family's development."
Zhao Qingyan fell into deep thought once more.
Xu Dezhao's words seemed completely logical.
The Xu family's own foundation in alchemy, artifacts, formations, and talismans was already far above that of the Zhou, Qin, Li, and Wang families.
Having them was merely icing on the cake.
And it seemed the same was true for his Zhao family.
Wait!
'Our Zhao family has raised a Tier 3 spirit beast!'
'Could it be that the Xu family has other Tier 3 spirit beasts besides that flood dragon?'
"I understand," Zhao Qingyan said. "I will do my utmost to facilitate this."
Xu Dezhao gave a slight nod. "By the way, if the Zhao clan decides to become our vassal, and your branch lineage migrates to Dongxi, you must send more people who possess outstanding abilities in beast taming."
"Understood. Then I shall take my leave."
After Zhao Qingyan departed.
Xu Dezhao went to the Jade Cold Pool.
Seeing Xu Chuan cultivating under the Withered Glory Tree, he respectfully cupped his hands and bowed. "Grandfather."
"How did it go?"
"If my guess is correct, there is an eighty percent chance the Zhao family will agree. The remaining twenty percent is the possibility that they hold back due to their so-called pride."
"Pride? In the face of the Great Tribulation of the Millennium, strength is the only thing that matters!"
"You are right, Grandfather. I hope the Zhao clan can think clearly. I will take my leave to cultivate now."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly.
That same day, Zhao Qingyan returned to the Zhao clan estate.
He immediately went to Zhao Qingran's study.
At this moment, Zhao Qingran was meditating in silence.
"How was it? What terms did the Xu family offer?" Zhao Qingran looked up.
Zhao Qingyan was quiet for a moment before replying, "The same treatment as the Zhou, Qin, Li, and Wang families."
"Just like that?"
"The one who received me this time was Xu Dezhao, the former family head. Xu Chuan is already in secluded cultivation. These conditions were only verbally agreed upon by Xu Dezhao; he still needs to discuss them with Xu Chuan.
"They will only agree based on our Zhao family's performance and loyalty."
"How can those four families compare to our Zhao clan? The Xu family is far too arrogant!" Zhao Qingran frowned. "It seems we no longer need to consider the Xu family."
"No, on the contrary, I believe we should choose the Xu family, and we must establish the Oath of Vassalage with them as soon as possible."
"Why?" Confusion appeared between Zhao Qingran's brows.
"First, the cultivation environment in Dongxi is exceptionally superior. Over the years, the Xu family must have acquired a spirit vein. It felt to me that their spiritual qi was significantly denser than even that of the Great Liang Imperial Palace.
"Second is the Xu family's offer. They promised five hundred years of Golden Core providence to the Zhao family branch that migrates to Dongxi."
"What? The Xu family is willing to promise our Zhao clan a Golden Core cultivator?"
"Wait..."
Zhao Qingran realized something was off. "You said earlier that it was the same as the other four families. Does that mean they also..."
"Is the Xu family not just making empty promises to gain our allegiance for nothing?"
Zhao Qingyan smiled bitterly. "I don't know about that. But the Xu family is completely unconcerned about us, as if they have long since transcended this level.
"If that's the case, then promising a Golden Core quota is nothing to them.
"Of course, the other possibility is exactly as you said, Family Head.
"The Xu family might just be making grand boasts, intentionally using the Great Tribulation to absorb our Zhao clan.
"But even if it were a boast, would taking in our Zhao family and gathering the other clans really be enough to help them survive the tribulation?
"Even the entire strength of the Great Liang Imperial City lacks that certainty. The same should be true for Great Wei and Great Jin.
"Therefore..."
"Therefore, you believe the Xu clan falls into the first category? That they have already surpassed the Cao family of Great Wei, the Sima family of Great Jin, and the Liu family of Great Liang?
"But it's only been a little over thirty years...
"How could that be possible?!"
"It sounds like a pure fantasy, but I am willing to gamble on it!" Zhao Qingyan declared. "Black Cloud... also wants to be absorbed by the Xu clan."
Zhao Qingyan brought up the Black Cloud Spirit Leopard.
After all, as their protective spirit beast, its status within the Zhao family was quite high.
"Uh..."
Hearing that the protective spirit beast their family had spent centuries raising actually wanted to be absorbed by another clan, Zhao Qingran felt an intense urge to curse aloud!
"It's likely related to the concentration of spiritual qi. Our Zhao clan's spirit vein is only mid-grade Tier 1. It is fundamentally impossible to support Black Cloud's cultivation."
Zhao Qingyan explained.
"Sigh..."
Zhao Qingran felt incredibly helpless.
What family didn't wish to possess a top-tier spirit vein?
Yet, whether in Great Wei, Great Jin, or Great Liang, the number of families that actually owned a spirit vein could be counted on two hands.
Many Foundation Establishment clans only had spirit acupoints in their estates.
The spiritual qi produced by those acupoints couldn't even begin to compare with a true spirit vein.
After a long silence, Zhao Qingran spoke. "I understand your thoughts and Black Cloud's intentions. I will consider this matter very carefully and discuss it thoroughly with the ancestor."
The Zhao family's ancestor was nearing the end of his lifespan, and the other perfected Foundation Establishment ancestor had already passed away.
Now, the new perfected Foundation Establishment cultivator was the Zhao family head, Zhao Qingran.
Therefore, his authority and right to speak within the clan were quite high.
However, the Zhao family had not developed slowly; they had six or seven late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.
For instance, over these past few years, Zhao Qingyan's realm had also reached the ninth level of Foundation Establishment.
Under such balanced circumstances...
The Zhao clan had no choice but to rely on collective discussions among their Foundation Establishment elders.
They couldn't operate like the Cao, Liu, and Sima families, where a single ancestor's word was absolute law.
Although the Zhao family had nurtured a Tier 3 demonic beast, they had never produced a single Golden Core cultivator. Thus, outsiders referred to them as a half-step Golden Core family.
"Five hundred years of Golden Core providence... The Dongxi Xu Clan..."
"How should our Zhao family decide!"
The next day.
Zhao Qingran arrived at the heart of the family's territory, standing before a mountain cave tightly guarded by formations.
The master of this grotto-residence was the last surviving ancestor of the Zhao family's previous generation.
It was Zhao Qiyang, who had remained in secluded cultivation ever since his failed attempt to break through to the Golden Core stage two years ago.
"Sixth Paternal Granduncle."
Zhao Qingran straightened his robes and bowed respectfully, simultaneously sending a voice transmission inside.
The restrictions on the grotto-residence did not block the sound.
A moment later.
An old, hoarse voice laced with deep exhaustion drifted out. "What is it?"
"I am faced with a difficult dilemma concerning the very survival and prosperity of our family. I wish to seek your decision, Granduncle."
"Come in."
The stone doors emitted a dull rumble as they slowly swung open inward.