"Thank you, Old Ancestor. Your grandson has benefited immensely."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly, then let Xu Jingwu go comprehend it on his own.
All he could provide were ideas. As for whether they could be researched and successfully implemented, that depended entirely on Xu Jingwu himself.
On a side note.
Within the past half year.
Deep underground in Dongxi.
A mid-grade third-tier teleportation array had also been established.
It was mainly to facilitate travel to and from the Azure Sea Forest, as well as to relocate the Dongxi clansmen in case the unexpected happened during the Great Tribulation.
This was an insurance policy set up by Xu Chuan.
Xu Mingshu made a trip through the teleportation array. She took three drops from each of them—Xu Bai, Xu Ying, and Xu Hei—so as not to damage their bodies.
Aside from this.
Xu Deling and Xu Deyue also provided three drops each.
Xu Jingwu also collected some essence blood from ordinary clansmen and mortals.
His importance to the Xu Family was self-evident, so everyone in the family opened their doors to him, unconditionally offering their assistance.
After obtaining these.
Xu Jingwu began his research in a bamboo building by the Jade Cold Pool.
A few days after he entered secluded cultivation.
Mei Yun finally emerged from his own seclusion.
He had finally achieved some success in cultivating the secret art from the Nine Heavens Qi-Guiding Calamity Dao Chapter, allowing him to control his body's involuntary absorption of the surrounding providence.
"Honored Master," Mei Yun said, standing happily before Xu Chuan.
"It seems you have succeeded?"
"Yes, Honored Master."
"What are your plans next?"
"This disciple would like to go out and travel a bit. I wonder if that is permissible?"
Mei Yun looked carefully at Xu Chuan.
Xu Chuan had made some calculations; it seemed the Great Tribulation would not erupt within the next month.
"You may, but only for a month. Furthermore, since your physique no longer has any hidden dangers, I plan to choose a Dao companion for you.
You will travel together with her. After you return, if you find each other suitable, you will formally become Dao companions."
Mei Yun felt suddenly surprised, but this was something he had previously agreed to with Xu Chuan, so he could not go back on his word.
Fortunately, Xu Chuan was not forcing a specific person on him outright.
Therefore, he could accept it. He cupped his hands and declared, "I will follow all of Honored Master's arrangements."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "First, let's change your appearance."
With that said, he raised his hand. A green light shot from his fingertips and sank into Mei Yun's body.
Mei Yun's body shuddered as he suddenly felt filled with vitality.
The next moment, he reverted from a middle-aged appearance back to his early twenties.
"This is a Youth-Retaining Pill. Swallow it, and you can maintain this appearance." With a flick of his sleeve robe, Xu Chuan sent a pill flying toward him.
Mei Yun condensed a mirror of water and looked at his reflection, finding it incredibly miraculous. "No wonder Honored Master always maintains this appearance," he muttered.
"The divine abilities you cultivate are truly amazing!"
"Stop flattering me and swallow it quickly. I have already sent someone to bring her here."
"Yes, Honored Master."
Mei Yun immediately did as he was told.
A few minutes later.
The restrictions outside the Jade Cold Pool rippled slightly. Two figures, one in front and one behind, walked slowly through the dense spiritual qi.
The person in the lead was naturally Xu Deheng, his expression carrying a hint of solemnity.
Trailing half a step behind him was a graceful and slender young woman.
The woman appeared to be around twenty years old. She had an elegant figure and wore a jade-green wide-sleeved dress with flowing cloud patterns. A silk ribbon of the same color was tied around her waist, from which hung a warm, translucent, ring-shaped spiritual jade.
A plain white gauze half-jacket draped over her, adding a touch of ethereal beauty.
Her hair was dark as ink, styled in a refreshing, elegant bun held in place only by an intricately carved green jade hairpin. A few stray strands fell gracefully by her ears, accentuating skin whiter than frost and snow.
Looking closely at her features, her brow and eyes bore a thirty percent resemblance to Xu Deyue. This was especially true of her bright, clear almond eyes, which carried an innate, spirited elegance as she gazed around.
However, her temperament was completely different.
Xu Deyue was as aloof and cold as a celestial maiden of the moon, while this young woman was gentle as water, bearing a closer resemblance to her great-grandmother, Zhang Wanqing.
This woman was none other than one of Xu Deheng's direct-line granddaughters, named Xu Wenxi. She was exactly twenty-one years old and possessed Earth Spirit Root aptitude.
In the fifth generation of the Xu Family, there were a good four or five individuals with Earth Spirit Root aptitude.
Although she did not have Xu Mingxuan's talent for avoiding danger and pursuing fortune, she had displayed a rarely seen, keen spiritual perception since she began her cultivation journey in childhood.
Not long ago, she had smoothly broken through to the Second-Layer Foundation Establishment stage.
At this moment, as she followed her grandfather into the Jade Cold Pool, the absolute core of the family, she could not help but feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
After all, this was her first time here.
Her gaze quietly swept past the miraculous Withered Glory Tree, ultimately landing on the calm figure in green robes sitting beneath it. She hurriedly lowered her eyes and stood respectfully.
Xu Deheng took a step forward and bowed. "Grandfather, I have brought Wenxi."
Xu Wenxi followed suit with a deep curtsy. Her voice was clear and melodic, like a babbling brook striking stones. "Wenxi greets the Old Ancestor."
Xu Chuan's gaze fell on Xu Wenxi. He observed her briefly, a trace of imperceptible satisfaction flashing through his eyes.
She was one of the most suitable candidates for Mei Yun, chosen after careful consideration.
His own appearance was considered ordinary, and Bai Jing could only be described as pretty and delicate.
However, with each successive generation selectively marrying the best.
The Xu Family today was filled with handsome men and stunningly beautiful women; there were almost no ordinary-looking people among them.
Furthermore, immortal cultivation inherently enhanced one's aura and temperament.
He nodded, his tone gentle. "No need for formalities. Rise."
Xu Wenxi stood up as instructed, still keeping her head lowered in a respectful posture.
"This is my disciple, Mei Yun. He has just come out of seclusion and plans to travel in a couple of days. Wenxi, you will accompany him."
Xu Wenxi sharply raised her head, then looked at the young man standing beside Xu Chuan.
Xu Deheng looked thoughtful. 'Is Grandfather trying to arrange a marriage between Xi'er and Mei Yun?' he wondered inwardly.
Thinking of this, he began to size up his potential future grandson-in-law.
Whenever Xu Chuan suggested something, it was practically guaranteed to happen.
'I can't discern his cultivation level. Could he be a Golden Core cultivator? But he looks quite young. I'll have to find time to ask my father about this Mei Yun.'
Since Xu Chuan was the Old Ancestor of the Xu Family, no one would refuse his word—not just a junior like her, but even her great-grandfather Xu Mingxuan would obey.
"Your granddaughter understands," she said.
Xu Chuan nodded slightly and turned to Mei Yun. "For this month, my granddaughter's safety is in your hands. If she loses even a single strand of hair, don't blame me for punishing you when you return."
"Will this disciple be blamed for natural hair shedding too?"
Hearing this, Xu Deheng's eyes widened in shock. Xu Wenxi, however, couldn't help but laugh, marveling inwardly at how bold this man was.
"Get lost!" Xu Chuan scolded with a smile.
"Right away, Honored Master."
"Deheng, you may leave as well. Let Wenxi show Mei Yun around Dongxi properly. Due to his previous condition, he hasn't had the chance to fully see our home."
Xu Deheng nodded and smiled at Xu Wenxi. "Xi'er, you heard clearly. For the time being, accompany Mei Yun and show him around Dongxi.
"After three days, you can leave Dongxi to travel outside."
"Yes, Grandfather."
The group took their leave.
After leaving the Jade Cold Pool, Xu Deheng went straight to his father, Xu Mingxuan, to ask about Mei Yun.
"Why are you asking about Mei Yun?" Xu Mingxuan looked at his son in surprise.
"Grandfather seems to want Wenxi and Mei Yun to become Dao companions. He looks to be in his early twenties. Does Father know anything about his background?"
"So that's how it is," Xu Mingxuan mused. "That girl Wenxi has Earth Spirit Root aptitude... Wait, early twenties? Are you sure his name is Mei Yun?"
"Grandfather introduced him personally."
"It seems Father helped him regain his youth," Xu Mingxuan muttered under his breath. He then looked up at Xu Deheng. "He previously looked to be in his sixties or seventies, though I don't know his exact age.
"As for his cultivation, he broke through to the Golden Core stage on the exact same day I did."
"A Golden Core cultivator in his sixties or seventies. What incredible talent."
"How could any disciple accepted by your grandfather be ordinary? He wasn't chosen for his cultivation talent, but likely because... he has a special physique.
"As to what kind of physique it is, even I don't know."
Pausing for a moment, Xu Mingxuan added, "However, if he was taken in by your grandfather, his character must be sound.
"It's not a bad match for Wenxi to marry him.
"Moreover, if he truly possesses a special physique, it could introduce a unique bloodline into our third branch.
"Look at the child born to Deyue and Ye Fan. He is an outstanding genius even within the entire Xu Family, making even Chongjian pale slightly in comparison.
"Eldest Brother's lineage has always produced a continuous stream of geniuses. Second Brother now has Chongjian to hold down the fort, and Fifth Brother has that junior, Chongfei.
"Sixth Brother's children are still too young to be considered for now.
"So, overall, our branch has been the most mediocre."
Hearing this, Xu Deheng could only offer a bitter smile.
It was true that his descendants hadn't produced any exceptionally outstanding figures.
An ordinary Earth Spirit Root aptitude would be considered a prime genius worthy of heavy investment in any other family.
But in the Xu Family, compared to monsters like Xu Chongjian, Xu Chongfei, and Xu Wenjing, it simply wasn't enough.
"Now, it should be the turn of our third branch to rise." The corners of Xu Mingxuan's lips curled up. "I knew Father was the best at maintaining balance."
Xu Deheng's mouth twitched slightly as he thought, 'You are my father; whatever you say goes!'
"Regarding his physique, go ask Deyue and see if she knows anything."
"Yes, Father."
The next day.
Xu Deheng indeed went to ask.
But Xu Deyue didn't know either. She only told him that Mei Yun's physique was special, and even Xu Chuan wasn't entirely clear on the details, only guessing that it was related to providence.
After returning, Xu Deheng relayed this information to Xu Mingxuan.
Xu Mingxuan laughed and clapped his hands together. "Providence?! No wonder Father chose our branch. It is only fitting that he joins our third branch! Hahaha..."
"Father, what do you mean by this?"
"You don't need to know too much. Alright, go back to your cultivation."
"Then this child will take his leave."
Only a select few individuals knew that Xu Chuan had the ability to bestow talents.
Xu Deheng was considered a core member of the Xu Family, but that was mostly because he was born early and possessed relatively decent talent among the third generation. If he had been born into the fourth or fifth generation...
He would have simply faded into the background as an ordinary member.
Over the next few days.
Mei Yun and Xu Wenxi walked across every corner of Dongxi.
Xu Wenxi leaned toward gentleness, but she possessed a resilient heart. Mei Yun appeared frivolous and full of humor, but he firmly upheld his own bottom line.
One loved to listen, and the other loved to talk; to some extent, they were a match made in heaven.
Three days later.
The two left Dongxi to travel to various regions.
Meanwhile.
Zhao Qiyang's successful formation of a Golden Core and his return to the main branch of the Zhao Clan in Great Liang caused a massive sensation. News soon reached the Cao Clan, Sima Clan, and Liu Clan in the Great Liang Imperial City.
However.
The Great Liang Imperial Family had already torn all face with the Zhao Clan, so it was naturally impossible for them to extend another invitation.
The Zhao Clan wouldn't have agreed anyway.
After all, during their relocation, if Xu Mingwei had not intervened, the Zhao Clan would likely have suffered over ninety percent casualties, nearly leading to their total annihilation.
With the addition of a Golden Core Ancestor to their main lineage, the entire Zhao Clan's morale skyrocketed.
But facing the impending Great Tribulation.
The Zhao Clan adopted the same strategy as the Xu Family—sealing their mountain gates and preparing for battle.
Unfortunately, the Zhao Clan's grand array was only at the peak of the second tier.
During this period.
Xu Mingxian made a trip to the Great Wei Imperial City, assisting the Jiang, Lei, and Lin Families in seizing the Great Wei Imperial Palace and taking control of the formation's core.
He even improved the formation so that no one could enter or exit without a new identity token.
This meant that unless the Cao Clan and their allies could violently breach the palace's grand array, they had no way inside.
The three families simply moved into the palace altogether, forcefully occupying the place like doves taking over a magpie's nest.
Over a month later.
Mei Yun and Xu Wenxi returned.
Xu Chuan asked for their individual thoughts, and neither of them resisted the idea of becoming Dao companions.
A few days later.
Dongxi hosted a grand wedding banquet for the two of them.
Given that this was a wedding for a Dongxi genius and a disciple of Xu Chuan, the event was naturally extremely lively and grand.
In the blink of an eye, another month passed.
Suddenly, Xu Chuan felt another fluctuation from the Clan Genealogy.
The next moment.
His eyes snapped open, shooting out two sharp gleams of light. With a slight curl of his lips, he murmured to himself, "To think that Dewen actually formed his Golden Core at this critical juncture."
After deducing further, he discovered that Xu Dewen had miraculously completed his breakthrough right in the Demon-Controlling City—the very lair of the Sima Clan.
"That makes sense. Even if the Cao Clan and the Sima Clan have gathered in the Great Liang Imperial City, they couldn't possibly take their spirit veins with them. It ended up greatly benefiting Dewen."
At this time, in the Demon-Controlling City of Great Jin.
Countless rogue cultivators were engaged in widespread discussion.
"Which family's ancestor succeeded in breaking through to the Golden Core stage?"
"Looking at the power of this breakthrough phenomenon, it is certainly not weak!"
"No, the center of this core formation phenomenon is a certain grotto-residence. It must be some rogue cultivator who formed their core."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, what immense fortune!"
With Xu Dewen's successful breakthrough, given the spiritual qi of the grotto-residence and his secret method for core formation, he should have only reached the late phase of the First-Layer Golden Core at best.
But relying on the innate talent of his special physique, he forcibly pushed his way into the Second-Layer Golden Core, saving himself seven or eight years of bitter cultivation.
Inside the grotto-residence.
Xu Dewen was busy familiarizing himself with his Golden Core stage transformation when a sudden fluctuation rippled through the void.
He immediately separated a wisp of his divine sense and immersed it into the void.
"Grandfather." Forming an illusionary projection with his divine sense, Xu Dewen bowed respectfully to Xu Chuan.
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Congratulations, Dewen. However, you were still too hasty. You didn't even use some of the resources I prepared for you."
"It matters not, Grandfather. With the two talents you bestowed upon me, any shortcomings can be easily compensated for."
"True."
Xu Chuan chuckled softly. Following that, his expression turned serious. "The Great Tribulation should arrive within a month or two. Be careful out there."
"Rest assured, Grandfather, your grandson knows what to do. With blood corpses and the soul banner in hand, plus my own divine abilities, even if I encounter demonic cultivators from the Blackwater Region, as long as I am not besieged by several Golden Core cultivators...
"Your grandson is confident in my ability to escape.
"Furthermore, since I operate alone, the likelihood of encountering such a situation is very slim."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly.
Soon after, Xu Dewen exited the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
A few days later.
A disciple from the Sima Clan arrived.
Xu Dewen was invited to the Sima Clan's estate. However, the moment he stepped inside the estate's grand array, he abruptly initiated a massacre.
Although the vast majority of their elite forces and heritage had been relocated to the Great Liang Imperial City, Xu Dewen still managed to loot the Sima Clan completely bare, securing a small haul for himself.
Afterward, Xu Dewen fled far into the distance.
The crowd burst into a frenzy of widespread discussion.
"Has Daoist Wen lost his mind? Is he not afraid that the Sima Clan Ancestor will hunt him down to the ends of the earth?"
"He is now a Golden Core Perfected Being. Clearing blood mark tracking methods is child's play for him. Moreover, the world is vast; where exactly do you expect the Sima Clan Ancestor to hunt him?"
"What if the ancestors of all three families join forces to hunt him down?"
"Then that might actually be possible."
Xu Dewen had long since hidden himself in a towering mountain range somewhere in Great Jin. He immediately purged the blood mark from his body, and then relocated to yet another place before finally settling down temporarily.
The Xu Family recalled all their hidden agents stationed outside and entered their final phase of battle preparation.
On the first day of the tenth month.
The various factions of the Northwest Region gathered at Grand Harmony Lake.
Meanwhile, the demonic cultivators from the Blackwater Region participating in this event had already arrived outside the Heaven-Sealing Grand Array.