Xu Mingshu's gaze fell upon that Purple Thunder Spear, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes.
As for an early-stage Golden Core cultivator possessing a high-grade magic treasure, setting aside her own Xu Family, she had only ever seen Lu Qingxue with one.
Even those at Golden Core perfection might not necessarily possess a high-grade magic treasure.
However, there was no fear in Xu Mingshu's eyes.
She waved her sleeve robe, unfurling the banner of the Black Dragon Flag.
The Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile roared as it charged toward Lei Yunpeng.
Lei Yunpeng's figure blurred, transforming into a streak of purple lightning to easily evade the attack.
His speed was so astonishing that the Foundation Establishment cultivators present could only see a trailing afterimage.
Flashing to Xu Mingshu's side, he thrust out the Purple Thunder Spear in his hand.
Xu Mingshu's expression remained unchanged as she waved the Black Dragon Flag.
The Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile transformed into a streak of black light, flying back into the Black Dragon Flag before surging out once more, meeting the purple lightning snake head-on.
Boom—
Lightning and black light collided, erupting with violent waves of spirit power.
The formations surrounding the arena lit up frantically, blocking all of the resulting shockwaves.
Under the force of the strike, the phantom of the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile was actually forced back over a dozen meters, faint cracks appearing on its scaled armor.
Xu Mingshu's pupils slightly contracted.
"As expected of a high-grade offensive magic treasure. Its power is indeed formidable, damaging the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile with just a single strike."
Xu Mingshu immediately formed hand seals, channeling the Black Dragon Flag.
A cloud of black mist erupted from the Black Dragon Flag, rushing toward the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile.
The black mist completely engulfed it.
A moment later.
An extra layer of Baleful Aura Armor had surprisingly formed over the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile's body.
After all, the Dragon Crocodile was currently only an essence soul.
If it were its true physical body, it wouldn't have been too wary of a high-grade magic treasure that couldn't even unleash half its true might.
But with the added protection of the Baleful Aura Armor, the Dragon Crocodile could fully utilize the advantages of its own berserk strength.
Seeing this, Lei Yunpeng repeatedly thrust out his Purple Thunder Spear.
Streaks of purple lightning snakes howled as they shot forth, blotting out the sky and surging toward Xu Mingshu.
Every thrust of the spear was accompanied by the rumble of thunder, its power astonishing.
The Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile bit, swiped, and whipped its tail.
Its might was equally not to be underestimated.
The crowd watched with rapt attention; this was no longer a level of strength that an early-stage Golden Core cultivator could display.
Either of the two could rival a mid-stage Golden Core expert.
However, as time passed.
The Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile gradually fell into a disadvantage.
The Baleful Aura Armor grew increasingly thin and weak.
It couldn't be helped; lightning techniques inherently possessed a restraining effect against vile baleful and demonic qi.
"It looks like Xu Mingshu is going to lose."
A Golden Core Perfected Being sighed in pity, "If her opponent were any other cultivator at the Golden Core early peak, she would likely handle them with ease."
Xu Deling remarked, "That's not necessarily true."
Many noticed her calm expression. Seeing that the other Golden Core elders of the Xu Family shared the same unbothered look, they couldn't help but wonder inwardly: 'Could Xu Mingshu still have a hidden trump card?'
Xu Mingshu watched the steadily retreating Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile.
She then glanced at the sky full of lightning and suddenly let out a soft breath.
In the next instant.
She flipped her left hand, and a burst of azure light flared.
An Azure Shield materialized in front of her.
The shield was entirely emerald-green, engraved with intricate cloud patterns, with faint spiritual light flowing across its surface.
As soon as the shield appeared, it rapidly expanded, transforming into a barrier several meters wide that enveloped the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile.
"Charge!"
Under Xu Mingshu's command, the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile's spirits soared as it barreled toward Lei Yunpeng.
Lei Yunpeng brandished his spear, its tip viciously stabbing against the azure light screen.
Arcs of electricity erupted across the sky!
But they only stirred up layers of ripples, completely failing to penetrate even a fraction of an inch.
Lei Yunpeng's gaze hardened, his assault growing even fiercer.
He continuously thrust the Purple Thunder Spear, transforming his attacks into roaring lightning dragons.
Yet, no matter how much the lightning bombarded the azure light screen, it showed absolutely no signs of shattering.
"A high-grade defensive magic treasure?!"
At this moment, even Mo Wentian's pupils contracted slightly.
The others were even more dumbfounded.
A high-grade defensive magic treasure was considerably more precious than ordinary offensive magic treasures.
Even as a Nascent Soul cultivator, he only possessed a single one in his hands.
Left with no other choice, Lei Yunpeng's figure flickered as he planned to launch an attack directly at Xu Mingshu herself.
But it was obvious that Xu Mingshu was much faster in recalling the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile.
Xu Mingshu used the Azure Shield to block Lei Yunpeng's attacks while manipulating the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile to ambush him from the flank.
Forced to retreat, Lei Yunpeng raised his hand and summoned a black shield.
However, this shield was merely a low-grade defensive magic treasure, only capable of blocking the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile for a brief moment.
"Get lost!"
Lei Yunpeng swung his spear, knocking the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile back.
The Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile's vertical pupils glinted with a dark glow as it hovered by his side, ready to launch a sneak attack at any moment.
With the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile for offense and a high-grade magic treasure for defense.
It was virtually impossible for Lei Yunpeng to break through the defenses of a high-grade defensive magic treasure.
Unless he managed to completely drain Xu Mingshu's mana.
However, it wouldn't be easy for Xu Mingshu to defeat Lei Yunpeng either.
Lei Yunpeng's speed was extraordinary—considerably faster than the average mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, making him an incredibly troublesome opponent.
Time slowly slipped by.
In the blink of an eye, the time it took for half an incense stick to burn had passed.
On the arena.
Lei Yunpeng gradually felt his strength failing to match his will.
The more he fought, the more alarmed he became.
'How is this possible? How could her mana be so boundless? I only managed to last this long because I refined the Purple Thunder Spear into my natal magic treasure.
'And she...
'Just what kind of monsters are these Golden Core cultivators of the Xu Family!
'Any random one of them who steps forward is like this?!'
This wasn't just Lei Yunpeng's thought alone; every Golden Core cultivator present shared the exact same sentiment.
Mo Wentian remained relatively calm.
That was because he had witnessed an even more absurd scene!
Lei Yunpeng's heart sank.
He knew that if they continued to drag this out, he would undoubtedly lose.
Gritting his teeth, he decided to stake everything on a single throw.
Raising the Purple Thunder Spear high, the lightning enveloping his body skyrocketed as all his spirit power madly surged into the spear.
Nine lightning snakes materialized and merged into one, transforming into a purple flood dragon over thirty meters long that coiled around the tip of the spear.
"Dragon's Roar Resounds Through the Nine Heavens!"
He bellowed furiously, violently thrusting the Purple Thunder Spear forward.
The purple flood dragon roared out, carrying apocalyptic might as it pounced toward Xu Mingshu.
The crowd of Golden Core Perfected Beings could clearly see Lei Yunpeng's current condition.
As such, they didn't hold much hope for this strike.
Because compared to him, Xu Mingshu was visibly in much better shape.
Xu Mingshu's gaze sharpened, her Azure Shield standing firm before her.
The Black Dragon Flag waved frantically. Shielded by a layer of azure light, the phantom of the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile charged toward the purple flood dragon.
Boom—
In midair.
On one side, hundreds of lightning arcs flickered.
On the other, radiant azure light shone, dyeing half the arena the color of the sky.
They were deadlocked for a moment.
Gradually, the purple flood dragon weakened.
Seeing this, the Black-Scaled Dragon Crocodile burst forth from the azure shield and tore it to shreds, reducing it to countless sparks of lightning.
It then rushed right up to Lei Yunpeng, sweeping its long scaled tail and sending him flying horizontally until he smashed against the arena's defensive light screen.
However, Lei Yunpeng had placed the Purple Thunder Spear in front of him, avoiding a direct lash.
Although his qi and blood churned and his face turned pale, he didn't suffer any major injuries.
After getting up, he looked toward Xu Mingshu on the arena and cupped his fists. "Fairy Xu's mana is boundless. This Lei acknowledges his inferiority."
"Daoist Friend Lei is too modest. You are not bad yourself."
Hearing this, a bitter smile tugged at the corners of Lei Yunpeng's mouth.
'Just not bad?'
Although he hadn't achieved Divine Ability Core Formation, he had been quite fortunate in his encounters.
With his family's support, he had even acquired a compatible high-grade magic treasure to serve as his natal magic treasure.
Even if he encountered a genius who achieved Divine Ability Core Formation, he felt confident he could suppress them.
But now, facing just a random member of the Xu Family, he was no match.
If he were to go up against the Xu Family's famous figures, such as Ye Fan, Xu Deling, or Xu Deyue, wouldn't he be defeated in mere dozens of exchanges?
A deep sense of self-doubt welled up in his heart.
The arena's light screen dispersed, and Lei Yunpeng flew back to his seat.
At that moment, Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Mingshu, you've played enough. Return to your seat."
"Yes."
Xu Mingshu agreed with a smile and stepped down from the arena.
Lei Wuji glanced at Lei Yunpeng, immediately understanding his current mood.
He sighed softly and sent a telepathic message to console him: "Yunpeng, do not compare yourself with the Xu Family. They are supreme in alchemy, artifact forging, and formations. Their core members absolutely do not lack resources.
"What our Lei Family has, the Xu Family likely has as well.
"What our Lei Family doesn't have, the Xu Family probably has too."
"First Elder, do all these newly revealed Golden Core elders of the Xu Family also possess high-grade magic treasures?"
Lei Wuji pondered before answering, "Not all of them, but it's very possible for two or three to have them."
"So you're saying I just picked the wrong opponent. If I had challenged the other Xu Family elders, I would have still had a chance of winning?"
Lei Wuji blanked out for a moment. 'Is that what I meant?'
'Do you absolutely have to target the Xu Family?!'
'Forget it. I won't bother persuading him.'
'He simply hasn't been beaten up enough yet.'
Lei Wuji wore an expression of melancholy, whereas Lei Yunpeng's fighting spirit was reignited, his gaze wandering over the other members of the Xu Family.
The golden sun set in the west, painting the sky with crimson clouds.
Within the Xu Residence.
Shadows gradually lengthened.
The vermilion pillars, blue-grey tiles, and white jade steps were all draped in a layer of twilight.
The ceremony had reached its end, concluding perfectly.
Xu Chuan stood on the high platform, sweeping his gaze over the various factions.
"This one is deeply grateful to all Daoist Friends for gracing us with your presence today. The succession ceremony for our Xu Family's new family head can be considered a complete success."
Saying that, he swept his sleeve.
Various dharma tools and magic treasures fell into the hands of their respective recipients.
"Our Xu Family always keeps our word and sees our actions through. These are your rightful rewards."
"Thank you, Ancestor Xu!"
Those who received prizes hurriedly cupped their hands in thanks.
Afterward, the various families bid their farewells and departed one after another.
Streaks of light rose from within the Xu Residence, flying toward all corners of Cloudstream City.
Some headed outside the city.
Once all the guests had left, Xu Chuan didn't dismiss the crowd. Instead, he ordered the Xu Clan members to stay behind.
"Today, aside from the inauguration of the new family head and the introduction of our Xu Family's Golden Core elders, there is one more matter to announce. However, this is strictly an internal affair."
Everyone looked over in curiosity.
Xu Chuan's gaze landed on a masked man standing in the crowd.
"Yuan, come up here."
Yuan did as instructed. Walking up the white jade platform, he bowed to Xu Chuan with cupped hands. "Ancestor."
Xu Chuan nodded, turning his eyes to the crowd below.
"Everyone here should recognize him."
His voice was calm as he continued, "But in truth, he holds another identity."
A flurry of whispers instantly broke out among the crowd.
"Another identity?"
"Isn't Yuan a prodigy disciple recruited by our Xu Family?"
"Wait, the name 'Yuan' doesn't sound like a real name. It's more like a code name. Could he have a different background?"
Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and the other second-generation members all maintained tranquil expressions.
Xu Chuan didn't explain. Instead, he spoke again, "Dezhao, Chonghui, Wenjing and your wife, as well as Jingyan, all of you come up."
The called individuals were slightly taken aback but promptly stepped forward as instructed.
After going up, they first bowed to Xu Chuan with cupped hands. "(Grandfather) Ancestor."
Xu Wenjing turned around, looked at Yuan beside him, and nodded in greeting. "Brother Yuan."
His tone was gentle and carried a degree of familiarity.
It sounded as if he were used to calling him brother.
Hearing this, the corners of Xu Jingwu's mouth twitched slightly.
'I treat you like my father, yet you treat me like a bro.'
Xu Chuan coughed lightly.
"I called you up because this matter concerns you."
He paused, his gaze settling on Yuan. "Yuan's other identity is as a direct line descendant of our Xu Family."
As soon as he said this, the entire venue was shocked.
"A direct line descendant of the Xu Family?"
"Why haven't we ever heard of him? Wait, given this situation, could he be from the Grand Ancestor's lineage?"
Exclamations of surprise erupted.
Xu Dezhao and the others all wore bewildered expressions.
"Wenjing, Yuan's true name is Jingwu. He is your eldest son."
"What?!"
Xu Wenjing blurted out, his voice completely cracking.
The beautiful woman beside him gave him a suspicious look, wondering if this was his illegitimate child.
"Ancestor," Xu Wenjing's voice trembled as he swallowed hard. "I only have an eldest daughter. I don't have an eldest son."
"He is your eldest son. There is no doubt about this."
Xu Chuan smiled faintly.
He didn't explain further, simply raising his right hand as a beam of azure light flared from his fingertip.
The azure light split into four wispy threads.
They darted respectively into the glabellas of Xu Wenjing and his wife, Xu Chonghui, and Xu Dezhao.
The bodies of the four shuddered simultaneously.
Countless memory fragments flooded their minds like a tidal wave.
Their memories had been sealed by Moyue, but Moyue had long since informed Xu Chuan of how to unseal them.
A moment later.
The few of them opened their eyes, their gazes completely different from before.
Xu Dezhao and Xu Chonghui showed mostly excitement.
Xu Wenjing's wife, Madam Wang, had tears glistening in her eyes, full of tender affection.
As for Xu Wenjing, he was left utterly bewildered.
'I was calling my own son 'brother'?!'
But more than that, he felt a profound sense of pride.
The future Ancestor of Martial Dao!
Anyone who learned they had such an outstanding descendant would feel exactly the same.
Xu Jingwu didn't take off his mask.
That was because his true face was that of Jiang Wu.
At least for now, quite a few people still remembered what Jiang Wu looked like.
He fell to his knees and respectfully kowtowed three times.
"Jingwu greets Father and Mother."
"Greetings, Grandfather. Greetings, Great-Grandfather."
Madam Wang stepped forward to pull him up, clasping his hands as she choked out, "Jingwu, my son."
"Mother," Xu Jingwu called out.
Madam Wang nodded repeatedly, crying and laughing at the same time.
Xu Wenjing's eyes were also red. He stepped up, patted Xu Jingwu on the shoulder, and sighed. "Wu'er, you've suffered all these years."
A single sentence conveyed a thousand unsaid words.
"Jingyan, this is your twin brother. Jingping, Jingxin, come greet your eldest brother."
"Greetings, Eldest Brother."
The siblings chorused in unison.
Afterward, Xu Jingyan stepped up, grabbed his arm, and said with a beaming smile, "Brother, you're so amazing! During the clan competition back then, you suppressed all the top prodigies.
"In the future, if Dad tries to beat me, you have to protect me.
"Consider it compensation for the sibling affection we missed out on all these years."
"Wretched girl, what nonsense are you spouting!" Xu Wenjing shot her a fierce glare.
Beneath the mask.
The corners of Xu Jingwu's mouth lifted, his mood more relaxed than it had ever been.
"Everyone, disperse," Xu Chuan said with a wave of his hand.
The crowd bowed and took their leave one after another.
"Jingwu, go back and spend more time catching up with your parents and siblings. It won't hurt to slow down your cultivation slightly for now."
"Understood, Ancestor."
Xu Jingwu's family departed as well.
Xu Dezhao and Xu Chonghui were both called away by Xu Mingwei to prevent them from intruding.
Inside Xu Mingwei's courtyard.
Three generations sat in a circle, sipping tea.
"Father, did you know about this all along?"
Xu Dezhao suddenly spoke up as he set down his teacup.
"Yes, your uncles and aunts all knew. After all, when Jingwu faked his death back then, it required coordination."
"What about Deling and the others?"
"They were by your grandfather's side, far away in Heavenly South. Naturally, there was no need to seal their memories."
Xu Dezhao sighed softly. "Since this was Grandfather's decision, this child naturally has no room to complain."
"Are you upset?" Xu Mingwei smiled. "That's normal. However, the stakes involving Jingwu are incredibly high. We couldn't be too careful.
"For at least the next two hundred years, he likely won't show his true face to anyone other than us."
Xu Dezhao and Xu Chonghui naturally understood the reasoning behind this.
"I heard from Father that he has pretty much fully cleared the path for the Origin Martial Realm and is currently advancing toward the Origin Martial Extreme Realm."
"Origin Martial Extreme Realm?" Xu Chonghui asked curiously.
"It's just like how we comprehend divine abilities during the Foundation Establishment stage, or how we deepen the foundations of our mana and divine sense.
"Cultivators also have a limit during the Foundation Establishment stage.
"It's just that ninety-nine percent of cultivators can never touch upon this limit."
"Cultivators enhance their divine sense and mana while comprehending divine abilities, but how does one approach the limit of the Origin Martial Realm? Is it also by improving Yuan Power and divine sense?
"By the way, are the divine abilities of martial artists the same as ours?"
"Previously, even if someone in the Land of Imprisonment managed to step into the Origin Martial Realm, they had absolutely no idea how to continue cultivating. They were basically stuck at the early stage of the Origin Martial Realm.
"But according to Jingwu and Father's theories, cultivation in the Origin Martial Realm primarily focuses on the fusion of qi and blood with true qi, rather than simply increasing Yuan Power.
"The mid-stage of the Origin Martial Realm seems to involve fusing three strands of true qi with one strand of qi and blood.
"The late stage is three strands of true qi with three strands of qi and blood.
"Perfection involves fusing five strands of true qi with five strands of qi and blood.
"The Extreme Realm follows the same principle.
"The highest level should be the union of nine and nine; that is the absolute limit of the Origin Martial Realm."
Listening to this, Xu Dezhao sighed with emotion. "Once Jingwu thoroughly clears the path for the Origin Martial Realm and even steps into the Martial Dao Golden Core Stage, our Xu Family martial artists will be truly blessed."
"During this Great Tribulation, many factions have likely obtained the methods of the Origin Martial Realm. As long as enough people tread this path, someone else will inevitably achieve something similar sooner or later.
"As for whether their path will be the same as Jingwu's, that's hard to say.
"The more widely the Martial Dao spreads, the safer Jingwu will be in the future."
The two men nodded.
Xu Mingwei continued, "In the future, you father and son should take care of more clan affairs. If anything comes up, try to discuss it with your Second Uncle.
"Unless it is a major event, there's no need to constantly disturb your grandfather."
"This child (grandson) understands."
On the other side.
Xu Wenjing's family was happily reunited.
They chatted and laughed together, with Jingyan constantly recounting amusing anecdotes from their childhood.
It wasn't until a few hours later that they dispersed.
Xu Jingwu, however, stayed behind for the time being.
Madam Wang looked at Xu Jingwu and asked, "Wu'er, can you take off your mask and let your mother look at you?"
Xu Jingwu froze for a second before promptly taking off the mask.
"My son is indeed exceedingly handsome."
Madam Wang spoke with tears welling up in her eyes. Her impression of Xu Jingwu had remained frozen at his toddler years.
Xu Wenjing nodded slightly. "Wu'er, so you really were Jiang Wu."
He had met Jiang Wu once before.
But at the time, father and son hadn't recognized each other.
"Please forgive me, Father."
"What crime is there to forgive?" Xu Wenjing chuckled, patting his shoulder. "An immortal cultivation clan is, after all, completely different from mortal families.
"If we were a mortal household, I would already be approaching the end of my natural lifespan."
Xu Jingwu listened quietly, involuntarily recalling his adoptive parents.
Still, his matters with them had already reached a perfect conclusion.
"By the way, Wu'er, you aren't young anymore. Do you have a sweetheart? If so, your mother can go propose marriage on your behalf."
Hearing this, Xu Jingwu immediately felt awkward.
'Wasn't this change in topic a bit too fast?'
"Mother, this child is solely devoted to the Martial Dao..."
"Your father, your grandfather... they are all entirely devoted to the Immortal Dao too, but that doesn't conflict with passing on the family line."
Seeing that he couldn't deflect the issue, Xu Jingwu relented. "This child understands. If there is a suitable candidate, I will inform Mother."
Madam Wang nodded in satisfaction.
The next day.
The Ancestral Shrine was opened.
After performing the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows, Xu Jingwu's name was officially entered into the Xu Family's Clan Genealogy.
He had formally acknowledged his ancestors and returned to the clan.
A few days later.
A gray-robed old man suddenly arrived at the Xu Residence to pay a visit.
"Senior, may I ask your identity? Our Xu Family does not entertain outside guests on ordinary days."
The guard at the gate stopped the gray-robed old man.
"Little Friend Xu Chuan, a guest has come to visit. Won't you come out and entertain this old man?"
The gray-robed old man's lips barely moved, yet the guards at the gate heard absolutely no sound, continuing to watch him with faces full of vigilance.
This voice bypassed countless grand arrays and restrictions, landing squarely inside the Withered Glory Courtyard where Xu Chuan resided.
Under the Withered Glory Tree.
Xu Chuan abruptly opened his eyes, sharp glints shooting from his pupils.
His divine sense rapidly spread in all directions, quickly locking onto the source of the voice: the gray-robed old man at the entrance to the Xu Residence.
The gray-robed old man looked up at the empty air with a faint smile.
'He discovered me. Is he at the Nascent Soul stage? No, I actually can't see through this person at all. Could it be an extremely profound Aura Concealment Technique, or is his cultivation realm simply too high?'
Xu Chuan considered every possibility.
After a moment of thought.
Xu Chuan sent a telepathic message to the gate guards, instructing them to respectfully invite the other party into the main hall.
Hearing Xu Chuan's voice echo in his sea of consciousness, the guard was startled but quickly hurried to obey.
"Senior, our Xu Family Ancestor invites you. Please follow me."
The gray-robed old man nodded slightly and followed the guard into the main hall.
He casually took a seat.
Soon, a maidservant brought out high-quality Spirit Tea.
"Moyue."
A figure dashed out from the deep pool.
"What's the matter?"
"Come with me to see someone."
"Who is it? That they warrant you acting so solemn."
Xu Chuan shook his head. "I don't know either. Even with my divine sense, I cannot see through him."
Moyue blanked out for a moment before agreeing to tag along.
The two arrived at the hall.
Xu Chuan probed him from a close distance, and Moyue did the same.
Yet, neither could see through him.
It was as if a profound and mystical power wreathed his body, completely isolating him from their probing.
Xu Chuan sat down at the host's seat and asked with a smile, "Senior, may I know your identity? Why have you suddenly visited our Xu Family? Is there some important matter?"
"It's nothing major. I merely wish to accept a disciple, and I wonder if Little Friend Xu would be willing to part with them."
"Accept a disciple?"
Xu Chuan's eyes flickered. Unable to tell if the man was telling the truth or not, he could only play along for now.
"Senior possesses profound cultivation base. For you to take a liking to a disciple of our Xu Family is our honor. However, this one doesn't even know who Senior is or what faction you hail from.
"That makes this quite difficult to decide."
The gray-robed old man took a sip of Spirit Tea. Setting down the teacup, he chuckled softly. "You make a fair point.
"This old man's name is Changfeng Xiaoyang.
"As for my background, Little Friend Xu has likely never heard of it. I am from the World Guardians."
"The World Guardians?"
"It's normal not to have heard of us. If an opportunity arises in the future, Little Friend Xu might get to know more.
"We World Guardians are a neutral faction. We do not participate in power struggles or disputes."
Xu Chuan pondered for a moment before looking up. "May I ask, Senior, who among our Xu Family do you wish to take as a disciple?"
The gray-robed old man smiled faintly and uttered three words. "Xu Mingwei!"
"Mingwei?!" Xu Chuan's heart jolted.
Although it was just a name, it revealed a vast amount of information.
"The Land of Imprisonment... The Thousand-Year Great Tribulation... Senior was there too?"
The gray-robed old man's eyes lit up, and he nodded nonchalantly. "Little Friend Xu's mind is rather sharp."
"Then Senior should understand my son's current predicament."
"It's only a matter of lifespan. It's no big deal."
The gray-robed old man waved his sleeve robe, and a black porcelain bottle appeared on the table.
"Little Friend Xu might want to take a look and see if you recognize this pill."
Xu Chuan raised his hand, pulling the porcelain bottle into his grasp. Just by uncorking it, a medicinal fragrance instantly filled the entire hall.
Catching a whiff, Moyue couldn't help but swallow hard. "This medicinal pill smells amazing. Xu Chuan, let this seat have a look."
Xu Chuan rolled his eyes at him.
"A Longevity Pill."
Xu Chuan instantly identified the type of pill, then tipped it into his palm to examine it.
The pill was the size of a longan fruit, with perfectly even rings of black patterns circling its surface.
Counting carefully, there were exactly nine rings.
Those black rings exuded an utterly profound intent, as if forged by nature itself.
"Nine is the absolute pinnacle of Yang, the extreme of longevity. The alternating black and white is just like the harmonious union of Yin and Yang," Xu Chuan said, his gaze burning with intensity. "This is... the Heavenly Longevity Pill!"
"Great insight!"
A trace of surprise flashed across the gray-robed old man's face as he praised, "It seems Little Friend Xu has acquired an Alchemy Dao Inheritance from the Ancient Era."
"Senior is too kind. I wouldn't dare compare myself to you."
"It looks like you've already guessed."
He stared at Xu Chuan's face and smiled.
"So there truly are Divine Transformation experts still living in this world."
"Naturally, there are. Some Daoist friends seclude themselves from the world, some enjoy roaming the mortal realm, while others maintain countless intricate ties to the mundane world."
"Could Senior shed some light on this for this junior?"
"Such matters are still far too distant for you. Knowing too much will only bring you harm instead of benefit."
Pausing for a moment, the gray-robed old man continued, "The sheer depth of your foundations is genuinely rare in this current era.
"As long as you progress step by step, there will eventually come a day when you come into contact with all of this."
Seeing that he was unwilling to say more, Xu Chuan was left with no choice. "This junior has received your teachings."
"Mm." The gray-robed old man nodded slightly. "Well then, are you willing to let Xu Mingwei take this old man as his master now?"
Xu Chuan fell silent.
He glanced at the Heavenly Longevity Pill, then at the gray-robed old man.
The Heavenly Longevity Pill was a fourth-tier longevity-enhancing pill. Furthermore, it was of the absolute highest caliber, capable of extending a Nascent Soul cultivator's lifespan by two full jiazi (120 years).
If consumed by someone at the Golden Core stage, it would extend their life by at least two hundred and forty years.
And given Xu Mingwei's innate talent, two hundred years was more than enough time for him to attempt a breakthrough to Nascent Soul.
Even without the Xu Family's assistance, by taking the person before him as his master, the other party should possess the ability to help him break through to the Nascent Soul stage.
"Regarding this matter, I still need to ask for Mingwei's own opinion."
"Naturally."
Xu Chuan sent a telepathic message to Xu Mingwei.
A short while later.
Xu Mingwei arrived at the main hall.
"Greetings, Father."
"Mm. This is Senior Changfeng."
Seeing the respect on Xu Chuan's face, Xu Mingwei couldn't help but scrutinize the man a bit more before cupping his hands. "Junior Xu Mingwei greets Senior Changfeng."
Changfeng Xiaoyang stroked his beard and nodded.
"Father, what did you call me here for?"
Xu Chuan said, "Senior Changfeng wishes to take you as his disciple. As your father, I called you here to ask for your own opinion."
"Take me as a disciple?!"
Xu Mingwei was thoroughly shocked, turning a surprised look toward Xu Chuan.
Then, he fell silent.
"Regarding the matter of your lifespan, Senior Changfeng has brought out a Heavenly Longevity Pill. It can increase your lifespan by at least over two hundred years."
"That much?!"
Xu Mingwei was startled once more. "Then, what are your thoughts, Father?"
"To tell you the truth, Senior Changfeng hails from the World Guardians. He is a Deity Transformation Honored One."
"Deity Transformation experts truly exist in this world?!"
Changfeng Xiaoyang chuckled softly. "Your Xu Family rose to prominence too quickly and lacks accumulated heritage, so your knowledge is naturally limited. However, at your current momentum, you will inevitably come into contact with such things sooner or later."
Xu Mingwei looked back at Xu Chuan.
Judging by his tone, his father was likely in favor of this arrangement.
Whether it was to forge ties with a Deity Transformation Honored One or for his own sake, he had absolutely no reason to refuse.
Longevity Pills above the third tier were incredibly precious and exceedingly difficult to find.
The same held true for the corresponding spirit medicines.
And a pill capable of extending a Golden Core cultivator's lifespan by over two hundred years was undoubtedly a fourth-tier pill.
Seeing him remain silent, Changfeng Xiaoyang asked, "Xu Mingwei, are you willing to become this old man's disciple?"
"It would be this junior's absolute honor to become your disciple. However, this junior has a few questions I hope Senior could answer first."
"Speak your mind."
"If I become Senior's disciple, will this junior still be able to stay in the clan?"
Changfeng Xiaoyang shook his head. "By becoming my disciple, you are joining the lineage of the World Guardians. Returning occasionally is fine, but for the most part, you will have your own duties to fulfill."
Hearing this, Xu Chuan also frowned slightly.
"Can one withdraw in the future?"
"Nothing is absolute. It is not entirely impossible."
"Could this junior bring along my family or Dao companion?"
"You may. If they possess peerless innate aptitude, they can also join the World Guardian lineage. If their talent is ordinary, they can serve as your attendants or guards.
"The training for our World Guardians is exceptionally arduous; ordinary prodigies find it incredibly difficult to endure.
"If one does not possess a special talent or constitution, strictly speaking of aptitude alone, a Heavenly Spiritual Root is the absolute bare minimum requirement."
"Wouldn't that mean your numbers are exceedingly small?" Xu Mingwei asked in surprise.
"Indeed, we do not have many."
Changfeng Xiaoyang answered every question thoroughly, holding nothing back.
After a moment of thought, Xu Mingwei asked again, "Senior, can this Heavenly Longevity Pill be consumed by a mortal?"
Xu Chuan's eyes flashed, guessing his intentions, but he didn't intervene.
Hearing this, Changfeng Xiaoyang froze slightly, asking curiously, "A mortal?"
'Why bring up mortals out of nowhere?'
He pondered for a moment before answering, "The Heavenly Longevity Pill is a top-tier fourth-grade pill. The energy it contains is terrifyingly vast.
"Even if a single sliver of energy were to leak out, it could cause that person's body to explode.
"Unless an expert were to step in and expend considerable time and effort to slowly refine it for them."
Xu Mingwei's eyes lit up. "I won't hide it from Senior. This junior's wife is precisely a mortal martial artist, and she does not have much lifespan left.
"If Senior is willing to refine the Heavenly Longevity Pill for her, this junior is willing to acknowledge you as my master."
"A mortal wife?" Changfeng Xiaoyang revealed a look of surprise. "I didn't expect you to be such an infatuated man. In the Cultivation World, there are very few like you.
"You are bound to suffer quite a bit in the future.
"Are you truly willing to give up this Heavenly Longevity Pill for her?
"To tell you the truth, this old man only possesses this single pill."
"I implore Senior to grant my request."
Xu Mingwei cupped his hands and bowed without the slightest hesitation.
Seeing the clear, unyielding resolve in Xu Mingwei's eyes, Changfeng Xiaoyang finally sighed. "Fine, you shall have your wish. But the Heavenly Longevity Pill is truly too precious.
"It would ultimately be a waste on your wife.
"I still have a Profound Sun Longevity Pill in my possession. If a mortal consumes it, it can extend their life by nearly two or three hundred years.
"Your Xu Family holds the methods for the second realm of the Martial Dao.
"If you figure out a way to find resources to help her break through, she should be able to gain another hundred-plus years of life."
At this point, Changfeng Xiaoyang paused before continuing, "But you must understand that even we immortal cultivators have a day when our lifespans reach their end.
"Blindly trying to extend her life will only result in you sinking deeper and deeper into the mire in the end."
Xu Mingwei remained silent, then cupped his fists and said, "This junior understands. This junior will shoulder all the resulting karma alone."