"Is that Fellow Daoist Kurong ahead?"
A voice rang out, prompting the crowd to turn their heads.
They saw an old man in blue robes flying rapidly toward them, a warm smile on his face.
"Fellow Daoist Sun, what a coincidence."
"It certainly is."
Xu Chuan and Sun Chuanxing exchanged greetings.
Then, Xu Chuan introduced them with a faint smile, "This is the Grand Elder of the Nascent Soul Sun Family from Profound Moon Prefecture, Sun Chuanxing.
And this is the Grand Elder of our Azure Dragon Alliance from Azure Dragon Prefecture, Mo Wentian.
And this is Senior Scarlet Dragon Child, the Grand Elder of Heavenly Foundry Sect."
"Fellow Daoist Sun."
Scarlet Dragon Child and Mo Wentian responded politely in turn.
"Greetings, Senior Sun."
Yang Qi, Xu Mingwei, and the others cupped their hands in respectful greeting.
"You are all too polite, fellow Daoists."
"Fellow Daoist Sun, why are you alone? Where are the younger generation of your Sun Family?" Xu Chuan inquired.
"They will gather on their own. There is no need for this old man to look for them one by one. The journey to the Ancient Battlefield has ended, and historically, no one dares to make a move casually at this point."
"That is true."
They did not fly particularly fast.
An hour later, they arrived at the former borders of Great Wei, Great Liang, and Great Jin.
Various magic skiffs of different colors were anchored here.
Many people had already gathered in the vicinity.
This included the major powers from both Heavenly South and the Blackwater Region, as well as a few surviving rogue cultivators.
Xu Chuan turned to Mo Wentian beside him and said, "Grand Elder, you should bring out our Azure Dragon Prefecture's magic skiff as well. Once our disciples return, we will follow the main group back to Azure Dragon Prefecture."
"What about you, First Elder?"
"I still have some loose ends to tie up here. Once I am finished, I will return to Azure Dragon Prefecture on my own."
Mo Wentian nodded slightly.
He promptly released the magic skiff, and Yang Qi, along with over a dozen Foundation Establishment Disciples, flew onto it.
Afterward, Mo Wentian began to heal his injuries.
An hour later.
True Lord Bingqian flew over and greeted Xu Chuan, "First Elder."
"It is good that Elder Bingqian is alive. Go rest on the magic skiff for now. Take the surviving disciples back first; I will return on my own."
True Lord Bingqian's eyes rippled slightly as he cupped his hands again.
He silently flew onto the magic skiff.
Mo Wentian, Yang Qi, and the others offered their congratulations one after another.
However, the Ancestor of the Lei Family never appeared.
Xu Chuan discreetly performed a divination, then let out a soft sigh. "Ultimately, he lacked that final stroke of luck."
"Who are you talking about, Father?"
"The Ancestor of the Lei Family in Azure Dragon Prefecture, a man from the same era as Mo Wentian."
"He fell?"
"Indeed. However, he came here with the resolve to die, so he got what he sought. The Lei Family still has someone with Great Accomplishment in Divine Abilities overseeing them, so they will not fall into chaos."
Suddenly.
A figure in cyan flashed into view.
"Ah, Senior Zhang, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" Xu Chuan asked with a smile.
"Greetings, Senior Brother," Xu Mingxian greeted, cupping his hands.
"Honored Master wishes to see you. Come with me."
"Since the Ancestor of Profound Moon invites us, how could I refuse? Mingxian, come with me. The rest of you, stay here."
"Yes, Father," Xu Mingwei replied.
Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian followed Zhang Daoran to a room aboard the Profound Moon Sect's magic skiff.
"Mingxian, Fellow Daoist Xu, you have arrived." Zhang Fan looked at the two with a smile.
"Greetings, Ancestor of Profound Moon," Xu Chuan said.
"Your disciple pays respects to Honored Master. I hope Honored Master has been well," Xu Mingxian said.
Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian spoke one after the other.
Zhang Fan glanced at Xu Mingxian. "It seems your harvest from this trip to the Ancient Battlefield was not small."
"Thank you for your concern, Honored Master."
Zhang Fan nodded slightly, then added, "You and your senior brother may step out first. I need to speak with your father."
Xu Mingxian nodded and left the room with Zhang Daoran.
A restriction enveloped the room, preventing anyone outside from prying.
"For what matter did Senior seek me?"
"I heard from Daoran that you saved his life."
"It was merely a coincidence."
"Even if it was a coincidence, the item Daoran brought back is of utmost importance. It concerns the future inheritance of our Profound Moon Sect, and we must naturally repay you."
"Sect Master Zhang has already rewarded me with a considerable amount of resources."
"Heh, this old man does not believe you have no complaints. You surely know quite well what he carried. Compared to those items, what do ordinary Fourth-Tier Materials and rare spirit grass amount to?"
"What does Senior mean by this?"
Zhang Fan stroked his beard and smiled. With a flick of his sleeve robe, a porcelain bottle appeared out of thin air and flew in front of Xu Chuan. "This is your remuneration."
Upon opening it, Xu Chuan caught a familiar medicinal fragrance, and his pupils contracted. "A Tribulation-Crossing Pill?!"
"This is far too precious. I wouldn't dare accept it."
"It originally belonged to you. I am merely returning it."
"Senior, you..."
"Back at Demon-Suppressing Mountain, did you think this old man could not see through you?" Zhang Fan smiled faintly. "I just didn't expect you to possess such hidden trump cards.
Publicly, you possess Nascent Soul Combat Power and a Tier-4 Transformed Flood Dragon. Secretly, you have nurtured a Tier-4 Corpse King and a Ghost King.
Not counting anything else.
Based solely on peak combat power, your Xu Family can rank in the top three within the entire Northwest Region."
Xu Chuan's gaze shifted as he cupped his hands. "I ask that the Ancestor of Profound Moon please keep this a secret."
"Do you take this old man for a gossip?" Zhang Fan retorted. "Caution is a good thing. After this ordeal, your Xu Family can truly be described as A Hidden Dragon Emerges from the Abyss.
I know your ambition is not small.
However, this old man can guarantee that the Profound Moon Sect will not act against your Xu Family.
If your Xu Family has the capability, you are welcome to try and surpass our Profound Moon Sect."
"I wouldn't dare."
"There is no daring or not daring, but you must also guarantee that you will never move against the Profound Moon Sect in the future."
"The Ancestor of Profound Moon has looked after me greatly. How could I ever harbor such thoughts? Not to mention, my son Mingxian is the Ancestor's personal disciple."
"And what if one day, this old man is no longer here? Will you remain the same?"
Zhang Fan could already foresee the rapid rise of the Xu Family. Standing on equal footing with the Profound Moon Sect in the future would be no issue, and surpassing them was highly possible.
Hearing this, Xu Chuan remained silent for a moment before looking firmly up at Zhang Fan. "I can only guarantee that as long as the Profound Moon Sect does not provoke the Xu Family, the Xu Family will not strike out against the Profound Moon Sect."
"That promise is enough." Zhang Fan looked at Xu Chuan and continued, "This old man takes care of you because we both hail from the Land of Imprisonment.
But as the founding ancestor, I must also consider the sect.
So please, young friend Xu, Don't Take It to Heart.
This old man can make the decision to agree to one more reasonable request from you.
You may ask for a Cultivation Method, a Spirit Vein, spirit grass, Connate Spirit Objects, or anything else."
Xu Chuan thought for a moment and said, "If my guess is correct, there should be several Tribulation-Crossing Lotus Seeds among the items Sect Master Zhang brought back, right?"
"You want a Tribulation-Crossing Lotus Seed?" Zhang Fan frowned slightly.
"Not quite." Xu Chuan shook his head and smiled faintly. "Senior should be looking for someone To Refine Tribulation-Crossing Pills, yes?"
"Indeed, this old man plans to ask an old friend to help concoct the pills in some time."
"Could you entrust the refining to me?"
"You?"
Zhang Fan was immediately stunned. He had heard that Xu Chuan's alchemy attainments were quite good.
Zhang Daoran had brought back three Tribulation-Crossing Lotus Seeds this time, which was enough to gather three sets of Materials.
However, Tribulation-Crossing Pills were exceedingly precious; he could not agree so easily.
"Give this old man a reason."
"I am quite confident in my alchemy skills."
Xu Chuan replied, then added, "By the way, how many Tribulation-Crossing Pills can your friend guarantee, and what is their rate of producing High Grade pills?
What kind of remuneration will they demand?"
"And what about you? What happens if this old man lets you, young friend Xu, handle the refining?"
"If entrusted to me, I can guarantee the delivery of fifteen Tribulation-Crossing Pills, with at least five of High Grade. If there are any extra, they will belong to me."
Upon hearing this, a sharp light instantly burst forth in Zhang Fan's eyes.
He scrutinized Xu Chuan intensely to see if he was merely boasting.
A moment later.
Zhang Fan stroked his beard and smiled faintly. "It seems your alchemy attainments are much higher than this old man imagined. The difficulty of refining a Tribulation-Crossing Pill isn't considered the pinnacle among Fourth-Tier pills.
But it is still in the upper-middle tier.
What you just claimed, even my friend cannot guarantee."
"There is no need for the Ancestor to rush an answer; we can take this matter slowly. There is no hurry," Xu Chuan smiled slightly.
Zhang Fan nodded. "I will carefully consider this matter. But if I ultimately decline, do not blame this old man."
"Naturally."
"The pill refining can be treated as a transaction. You may make another request in its place."
"Then I shall follow the saying: To Obey is Better than to be Merely Respectful. I would like to request..."
Fifteen minutes later.
The restriction around the room vanished, and the door opened automatically.
Xu Chuan was then seen walking out.
"Father," Xu Mingxian called out.
Xu Chuan nodded at him, signaling him not to speak further.
"Ancestor of Profound Moon, I will take my leave now."
"Go on."
"Honored Master, your disciple will also leave with his father."
"Remember to return to the sect in the future."
"Thank you, Honored Master."
With that said.
Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian departed from the Profound Moon Sect's magic skiff.
Two or three hours later.
Some straggling Foundation Establishment Disciples arrived.
Of course, some might have been severely injured and unable to make it.
Just like the ancestors of the Cao Clan and Lei Family a thousand years ago, they would eventually be left behind in this place.
However, those who suffered this fate were likely Foundation Establishment youths from Golden Core Aristocratic Families or rogue cultivators. Nascent Soul Powers would not be so incapable as to fail to bring their own back.
"Grandfather, it's Second Brother,"
Xu Deling suddenly transmitted a message to Xu Chuan.
Following the direction Xu Deling indicated, Xu Chuan quickly spotted Xu Dewen.
But the two acted as if they didn't know each other, merely exchanging a brief glance.
"Second Brother's path is so difficult to walk," Xu Deling sighed.
"He is a descendant of our Xu Family, so he certainly isn't lacking. All we need to do is believe in him."
"Yes, Grandfather."
A short while later.
On the side of the Blackwater Region.
A burly figure stepped through the void, walking out of a magic skiff.
His gaze was like lightning, sweeping across a fifty-kilometer radius.
He quickly locked onto a single person.
This person was none other than Xu Dewen.
He hovered in midair before Xu Dewen and demanded condescendingly, "Who are you?"
"This junior is Wen De."
Xu Dewen's heart trembled slightly. The other party's aura was far stronger than anyone he had ever met, yet it simultaneously carried an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
"You have studied our sect's {Heavenly Fiend Scripture}? Where did you learn it?"
"I have never studied the {Heavenly Fiend Scripture}, but I obtained an incomplete Cultivation Method called the {Heavenly Fiend Bright King True Scripture} in a certain Grotto-Residence."
"Are you from the Land of Imprisonment?"
Xu Dewen desperately wanted to say no, but feeling that he likely couldn't hide it, he had no choice but to nod in agreement.
"The {Heavenly Fiend Bright King True Scripture} is the Golden Core chapter of the {Heavenly Fiend Scripture}. Since you have learned our sect's Cultivation Method, you shall join my Heavenly Fiend Sect."
"Yes."
"Come with me."
Left with no other choice, Xu Dewen followed the man onto the Heavenly Fiend Sect's magic skiff.
Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan exchanged a glance, but neither said a word.
Xu Dewen's path had now officially taken its first step.
'Perhaps this isn't a bad thing,' Xu Chuan thought to himself.
The Golden Core Stage cultivators were the Pillars of all major Nascent Soul Powers, considered to be the group that had finally made a name for themselves.
Although there was still competition among them, it was nowhere near as brutal as in the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment Stages.
"At sunset, we leave the Land of Imprisonment!"
A voice rang out.
Sun Chuanxing bid farewell to Xu Chuan and returned to his own magic skiff.
Seeing this, Xu Chuan also led Xu Mingwei and the others over to Mo Wentian's side.
This was to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
Not counting Xu Chuan and his group, there were barely over twenty people on the entire magic skiff.
Xu Chuan swept his gaze over them and said calmly, "Grand Elder, it wasn't easy for these disciples to survive. After we return, have the Alliance Leader reward them properly."
"I understand."
"Thank you, First Elder! Thank you, Grand Elder!"
Xu Chuan looked toward the Greedy Wolf Sect's magic skiff not far away, spotting Qi Tianxiong and True Lord Heavenly Wolf on the deck.
"They actually survived," Xu Chuan muttered under his breath.
At that moment, as if sensing something, Qi Tianxiong turned his head to look in Xu Chuan's direction.
Xu Chuan showed no fear and met his gaze evenly.
'Only one Golden Core from the Lei Family died? Not a single other person perished?!'
Qi Tianxiong frowned deeply. The members of the Xu Family, in particular, caught his attention.
Meanwhile, out of the dozen or so Golden Core cultivators from his Greedy Wolf Prefecture, only six or seven had survived.
Under the Xu Family's leadership, Azure Dragon Prefecture showed signs of gradual prosperity, whereas his Greedy Wolf Prefecture seemed to be weakening by the day.
"Sect Master, this Xu Family..." True Lord Heavenly Wolf transmitted a message.
"It doesn't matter. Within a few decades, it's unlikely the Xu Family will stir up any trouble.
As for you, although you didn't obtain a Nascent Soul Formation Opportunity, you still acquired many material resources, as well as a High-Grade Defensive Magic Treasure.
Hand over seventy percent of the resources to the sect. The remaining thirty percent, along with the magic treasure, you may keep for yourself."
"Thank you, Sect Master."
The setting sun looked like molten gold as the twilight clouds converged.
The final gleam of the fading sun, red as blood, dyed the clouds near the horizon in shades of fiery orange and deep violet.
Then, it slowly began to sink behind the towering, continuous mountain ridges.
The numerous magic skiffs were preparing to set sail and return.
"Boom!"
Three tyrannical and unrivaled bursts of Demonic Might rapidly approached from afar, shattering the twilight silence!
Two of them were in a half-human, half-demon state, while the other had a completely human form—a burly and muscular man clad in crimson robes.
"Father, it's the Zhuyan Demon Lord and the Suanni Demon Lord!" Xu Mingwei's heart surged with anger at the sight of them.
Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, and the others all glared with fierce intensity.
Xu Chuan's pupils contracted slightly, his gaze landing on the burly, red-robed elderly man.
A complete human body!
A great demon at Peak Shapeshifting!
"Several Demon Lords have come together. I wonder, are you here to block our way, or to see us off?"
From the Feather Transformation Sect's magic skiff, a clear and peaceful voice rang out, yet it contained supreme authority.
However, the figure of the speaker did not appear.
"This old man naturally came to see you off. At the same time, I would like to ask all fellow Daoists for a favor: allow this old man to deal with some surviving remnants from the Land of Imprisonment."
The burly, red-robed elder's voice was like muffled thunder, causing the very air to buzz and vibrate.
"Remnants?" The Grand Cultivator of the Feather Transformation Sect kept his tone even. "Who exactly is the Demon Lord referring to?"
The Zhuyan Demon Lord scanned the numerous magic skiffs before finally locking his gaze onto a white-haired middle-aged man aboard an inconspicuous blue-grey magic skiff.
It was none other than Xu Mingwei!
He didn't speak aloud but instead transmitted a message to the red-robed elder.
The elder pointed from afar.
"There are members of the Dongxi Xu Clan lineage aboard that skiff. I ask everyone to do me a favor and hand them over!"
As soon as these words were spoken, countless gazes—filled with shock, curiosity, or schadenfreude—shot toward the skiff where Xu Chuan and the others stood.
Xu Chuan stood calmly at the bow of the ship, calmly meeting the diverse stares.
Beside him, Xu Deling, Xu Mingxian, and the rest wore stern expressions, secretly raising their guard.
"What do you mean by remnants?"
"Anyone who can leave the Land of Imprisonment relies on their own ability. Besides, various factions always have the chance to take people from this place as disciples.
Are you saying they cannot leave either?"
An amiable and gentle voice echoed.
Subsequently, above the Profound Moon Sect's magic skiff, a white-haired elder with an aura of Immortal Bearing and Daoist Bones appeared.
The Ancestor of Profound Moon looked calmly at the red-robed elder. "The expedition into the Ancient Battlefield has concluded. Life and death are left to fate; surviving is their good fortune.
For you to pursue this matter now is against the rules."
The red-robed elder's pupils shrank, and he said in a low voice, "Fellow Daoist Profound Moon, are you trying to stop me?"
"What if I insist on doing so?"
The Ancestor of Profound Moon's tone remained peaceful, yet he showed not the slightest intention of backing down.
The atmosphere instantly grew extremely tense.
"Brother Profound Moon speaks reason. Fellow Daoist Zhuyan, you have crossed the line."
Another clear voice, ringing out like the chime of a sword, resounded.
Aboard the Azure Cloud Sect's skiff, which radiated a sword qi that pierced the heavens, a middle-aged cultivator revealed himself.
It was the Grand Cultivator of the Azure Cloud Sect—Sword Venerable Qingfeng!
Standing beside him was Lu Qingxue.
Sword Venerable Qingfeng's lightning-like gaze swept over the three, including the red-robed elder. "All grudges end when the Ancient Battlefield closes.
This is the established rule.
Are the few of you trying to break it?
Their survival is their own merit. For your 'Hundred Thousand Mountains' to pursue this further shows a lack of grace.
Or perhaps... Fellow Daoist Zhuyan wishes for us to settle all unresolved karma from this trip right here and now, before we depart?"
The red-robed elder didn't dare respond.
The casualties from this expedition were numerous, and the major Hegemonic Powers had all lost several Golden Core cultivators.
If they were truly to settle accounts one by one...
It would inevitably trigger an earth-shattering Great Tribulation of a battle.
The red-robed elder swept his gaze over Xu Chuan and the others, then looked at the Ancestor of Profound Moon and Sword Venerable Qingfeng.
He fell silent for a moment.
"It was this old man who failed to consider things thoroughly. Since that is the case, please do as you please, fellow Daoists. We will take our leave!"
The red-robed elder led the Zhuyan Demon Lord and the Suanni Demon Lord away.
The three rode their escape lights and disappeared into the horizon in the blink of an eye.
They arrived abruptly and left just as decisively.
On the way.
"Father, are we truly letting that Dongxi Xu Clan lineage go? If they rise to power, I fear they will plant the seeds of disaster for our 'Hundred Thousand Mountains' in the future."
"If not this, then what?" the red-robed elder replied. "With the Grand Cultivators of the Profound Moon Sect and Azure Cloud Sect speaking up for them, we can only say that luck is on their side."
"We underestimated the influence of the Dongxi Xu Clan."
It was to Cut the Weeds and Dig Up the Roots that the Zhuyan Demon Lord and Suanni Demon Lord had requested the red-robed elder to step forward.
Yet, they still failed to achieve their goal.
"Those who wish to stay and take disciples may remain. The rest may leave!"
The Grand Cultivator of the Feather Transformation Sect spoke once more.
Sword Venerable Qingfeng and the Ancestor of Profound Moon also returned to the cabins of their respective skiffs.
The fleet of magic skiffs officially set off.
One faction headed toward the Blackwater Region, while the other moved toward Heavenly South.
However, Xu Chuan and his group inevitably drew the attention of quite a few factions.
Midway through the journey.
Xu Chuan and his companions left the magic skiff and headed toward Dongxi.
Upon seeing the destroyed Dongxi, everyone couldn't help but feel a heavy weight settle on their hearts once more.
The condition of Xu Mingwei, in particular, left Xu Mingyuan, Xu Deling, and the others deeply worried.
"Mingyuan, you, Mingxuan, and Deling will sort through the remaining resources. Mingxian, you, Ye Fan, Deyue, and Mei Yun will clear out the collapsed tunnels.
Check if the Teleportation Array is still functional.
If the Materials can be salvaged, dismantle it for future use.
If not, completely destroy it without leaving a trace.
As for Mingshu, go handle the demonic beasts. Take away as many as you can."
Everyone acknowledged in unison.
And they began to busy themselves.
Xu Chuan, meanwhile, headed to the Jade Cold Pool and sent all the spirit grass into the "Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven".
In the blink of an eye, four or five days passed.
There were no longer any useful items left in Dongxi.
Looking at the completely bare Jade Cold Pool, Xu Chuan's gaze carried a hint of emotion.
He had once wondered if Dongxi could be preserved through the Great Tribulation. Initially, he had held some confidence, but in the end, it couldn't be saved.
Suddenly, he looked up at the sky.
His divine sense instantly swept across a one-hundred-kilometer radius.
'Why does it feel like someone is watching? Is it just an illusion?'
Xu Chuan immediately divined his safety but found no signs of danger.
'I need to refine the "Constellation Disk" as soon as possible and cultivate a more profound deduction technique.'
A moment later.
Everyone gathered at the Jade Cold Pool.
"I had hoped to preserve Dongxi as a Holy Land in the eyes of future cultivators, but it is now ruined. Furthermore, our Xu Family seems to have caught the attention of the 'Hundred Thousand Mountains'.
We must tread even more carefully from now on."
Recalling how three great Demon Lords had come demanding their surrender a few days ago—among them a demon race member at Peak Shapeshifting—
Everyone felt a lingering fear.
If the Xu Family lacked connections, they might have genuinely been handed over as "remnants."
Xu Mingyuan pondered for a moment before asking, "Father, how do you intend to handle the Land of Imprisonment?"
"I have my own plans for this matter. Several days have passed, so Mo Wentian and the others should have returned to Azure Dragon Prefecture by now. We should head there as well.
Work together to help me collect the Spirit Vein here. We will take it back and relocate it."
"Yes."
Ten Golden Core cultivators struck out in unison.
In just a few minutes, they collected every last trace of the Spirit Vein.
After a burst of earth-shaking tremors.
The Jade Cold Pool completely vanished without a trace.
"Let's go!"
Xu Chuan led them toward the "Azure Sea Forest."
Mirror Lake.
"Mingshu, Mingxian, take your eldest brother and the others to regroup with the rest. I will join you shortly."
"Yes, Father."
Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingxian nodded in agreement.
Xu Mingwei and the others followed the two down into Mirror Lake.
Xu Chuan turned around and smiled. "Senior Tree King."
"Your perception is growing sharper by the day. To think you could even spot this old man," the Tree King's Clone appeared. "It seems your Xu Family has safely passed this tribulation.
Allow this old man to offer his congratulations.
From now on, your Xu Clan is A Hidden Dragon Emerges from the Abyss, soaring directly into the heavens."
"Senior praises us too highly. Our Xu Family is still very weak. Not long ago, that great demon at Peak Shapeshifting from the 'Hundred Thousand Mountains' personally arrived to annihilate our family.
Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine."
"Didn't you resolve it easily?" the Tree King's Clone stroked his beard with a faint smile. "This old man never expected you to persuade two Grand Cultivators to speak on your behalf."
"Senior was there that day?"
"I was bored, so I went out for a stroll."
"I see. However, as Senior said, I only truly asked the Ancestor of Profound Moon, who also hails from the Land of Imprisonment.
As for Sword Venerable Qingfeng, it was likely due to his disciple, Lu Qingxue.
I heard from the younger generation of my family in the Ancient Battlefield that they once saved Lu Qingxue."
"Others are all too eager to engage in Beating a Drowning Dog and Plunder resources from others, but your Xu Family isn't like that. Such vision and breadth of mind exceed eighty percent of those who enter."
"Connections are also a type of resource, and sometimes they are even more precious."
"Young friend Xu is correct."
"What are your plans now? To peacefully expand the Xu Family in Heavenly South?"
Xu Chuan's eyes lit up. "Expansion is a given, but my Xu Family will not abandon the Land of Imprisonment either."
The Tree King's Clone sighed softly. "You must gauge your boundaries carefully. If you truly stand against all factions, your Xu Family won't be able to hold out."
"I understand."
Pausing for a moment, Xu Chuan cupped his hands. "With this parting, I fear we may not meet again for a century, or even several centuries. Take care, Senior."
The Tree King's Clone nodded.
Xu Chuan dove into Mirror Lake.
The Tree King's Clone transformed into countless fallen leaves and vanished.
Hundreds of kilometers away.
Tree King's Territory.
Upon a massive branch of that gargantuan tree.
The Tree King's Clone abruptly condensed and reappeared, looking across the way. "Fellow Daoist, come out."
A ripple warped the air, and in an empty space, a Gray-Robed Old Man with graying temples materialized.
"Fellow Daoist Tree, I hope you have been well."
"So it is a Fellow Daoist of the Evergreen Clan. Why aren't you staying by the realm boundary? How do you have the free time to wander about?"
"I simply had some free time."
"Fellow Daoist Evergreen, why are you following the members of the Xu Family?"
"It seems you value them quite highly. Could it be you believe this clan holds the hope of bringing the Ancestral Vein out of the Ancient Battlefield?
Do you think they have a chance to change the current state of affairs?"
"What this old man thinks has nothing to do with you, Fellow Daoist Evergreen. But you on the other hand..."
"Do not be angry, Fellow Daoist Tree," the Gray-Robed Old Man stroked his beard with a light smile. "I simply stumbled upon a good seedling by chance and wish to take him in as a disciple."
"Who is it?"
"Rest assured, it is not the person you have your eye on. However, I would like to ask you about the Xu Family's situation, such as their Foundation in Heavenly South."
"Tell me who the person is first."
"Very well, it doesn't hurt to tell you. It is the son of the one you favor."
The Tree King's Clone pondered for a moment before saying, "The Xu Family is settling in the nearest prefecture, Azure Dragon Prefecture. They are now the leading authority there. You should be able to find out with a little inquiry.
As for anything else, this old man does not know."
"Thank you."
A gust of wind blew past, and the Gray-Robed Old Man's figure vanished into thin air.
'To be favored by an Old Monster of the Realm Protection Clan... I wonder who this child is?'
Near the underground Teleportation Array.
When Xu Chuan appeared, Xu Mingwei and the others were conversing with Bai Jing and her group.
"What are you all chatting about?" Xu Chuan walked over with a faint smile.
"Father."
Xu Mingwei, his five siblings, and their spouses all bowed in greeting.
Followed by the rest of the group.
Xu Chuan nodded, walked up to Bai Jing, and asked, "Are you alright?"
"I am fine, but why has Wei'er ended up in this state?"
Xu Mingwei replied, "Mother, I've told you already, these are just some Aftereffects from fighting desperately. Don't you trust Father's methods?
He can help me resolve this."
Hearing this, Bai Jing remained somewhat unconvinced and looked at Xu Chuan with a worried expression. Xu Chuan said, "Mingwei is right. It's just a minor issue."
Hearing Xu Chuan's assurance, Bai Jing finally relaxed a little.
"Alright, let's end the idle chatter here. You should all be aware of what happened to Dongxi. It's impossible for us to return there, so our entire clan must migrate to Azure Dragon Prefecture.
I have already arranged ample residences there. It will be more than enough to accommodate this number of people."
"You are the Ancestor of the Xu Family. We will follow your arrangements. Who in the clan would dare object?"
Xu Chuan let out an awkward smile. "Then let's begin. Mingxian, Mingwei, Mingyuan, Mingshu, Mingxuan, Mingqing, all of you and the Xu Family disciples will be in the first wave of teleportation.
Once you cross over, remember to organize everything properly and avoid causing a commotion."
"Yes, Father," Xu Mingxian responded.
"I will go with you," Bai Jing suddenly spoke up.
Xu Chuan paused for a second, then gave a warm smile. "Alright."
What followed was a busy period of teleportation.
The Heaven-Sealing Grand Array had long been deactivated.
The consumption of a fourth-tier grand array was enormous. If it were kept constantly active, the Spiritual Qi in the surrounding area would only grow increasingly thin, to the point where the array might one day be rendered completely unusable.
Azure Dragon Prefecture.
Cloudstream City.
The Xu Clan's estate.
Suddenly, a massive crowd of strangers appeared.
"Who dares invade the Yunxi Xu Clan!" A Guard, upon discovering them, instantly shouted.
"It is me." Xu Mingxian stepped forward.
The group of guards hurriedly cupped their hands. "This subordinate greets the First Elder."
"Fifth Brother, you've even become a First Elder. I wonder when your Third Brother will get the chance to be one too," Xu Mingxian said with a chuckle.
"Third Brother, stop teasing. It's only because we have so few Xu Family members on this side that Father even had to take up the position of Family Head himself."
The guards looked entirely bewildered.
Calling the First Elder 'Fifth Brother'?
Ye Fan spoke up, "Continue your patrols. By the way, notify the others that there will be quite a few new faces in the estate. Just pretend you didn't see anything.
And word of today's events must not be spread. Otherwise, it won't just be as simple as being expelled from the Xu Family."
"Yes, Lord City Master!"
After cupping their fists, the guards resumed their patrol.
Xu Mingxian sent a sound transmission for Madam Wu and the Yan Clan members to come over and help manage the flow of people.
The Xu Clan naturally stayed within the estate. As for the Vassal Families and Dongxi residents, they were registered and cataloged upon arrival.
Those with fewer family members were assigned smaller houses.
For the Zhao Family, which had the largest population, it was estimated that it would take three Grand Manors to settle them down.
In the future, some clan members might even have to relocate to the Outer City.
After all, the capacity of the Inner City was limited.
More than an hour later.
Xu Chuan appeared in the center of the Teleportation Array, holding Bai Jing's hand.
Looking outward, they saw Xu Mingwei and his wife waiting outside the array.
Xu Chuan smiled. "Why are you two here? Shouldn't you go pick out a residence you like?"
"We've already chosen one. Although this estate is a hundred times larger than the one in Dongxi, I can still see a similar layout.
Mingxian also mentioned that Father had designated the residences for the Various Branches early on.
That makes things much simpler."
"If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have completely forgotten," Xu Chuan chuckled helplessly. "Let's go. Let's head up."
"Yes."
Xu Chuan and his wife, along with Xu Mingwei and his wife, made their way up to the surface.
"Where are the others?"
"They are all over at the Martial Arts Arena registering. It seems to be for the subsequent housing assignments."
Xu Chuan nodded. "Tell the others to head to the Martial Arts Arena as well. I still need to clarify a few things."
"Understood, Father."
Xu Mingwei spread out his divine sense and immediately sent voice transmissions to the rest.
Half a cup of tea later.
A dense crowd of people had gathered at the Martial Arts Arena.
Xu Chuan flew up to the high platform.
"Many of you might be wondering where we are. I can tell you that this is Heavenly South, Azure Dragon Prefecture, in a place called Cloudstream City.
This Heaven and Earth is vast. It does not solely consist of Great Wei, Great Liang, and Great Jin.
Compared to the outside world, those are merely specs of dust.
Cloudstream City alone spans nearly five hundred kilometers across, roughly the size of a small country.
This city belongs to the Xu name. It was built by our Xu Family.
From this day forth, you shall live and survive here.
My Xu Family will arrange housing for you and issue your Identity Tokens.
Once you have your tokens, you can take your time to understand and explore this place.
My Xu Family will not interfere excessively.
As for your past experiences, I expect you to remain tight-lipped. After all, it involves some of our Xu Family's secrets.
Those who leak the Xu Family's secrets... you all should know the consequences."
"We would never dare!"
The crowd cupped their hands and bowed in unison.