Profound Moon Sect, Moon-Gazing Peak.
Sect Master's Grand Hall.
Ji Baiyi flew into the hall from outside, cupping his hands in a respectful greeting to Zhang Daoran seated above.
"Your disciple, Ji Baiyi, greets Honored Master."
"You have returned," Zhang Daoran said calmly. "How was that disciple of the Xu Family?"
"In terms of Sword Dao innate talent, he might be above me, even though he surrendered in the end.
However, regarding heritage and foundation, he should not be inferior to me. He simply had some reservations and thus did not fight me to the bitter end."
"Tell me in detail," Zhang Daoran instructed.
Ji Baiyi began to recount the battle process with Xu Chongjian.
Zhang Daoran mused, "With Xu Deling present, the Xu Family does not lack top-tier Dharma Tools. That Startling Swan sword you described should be a Demon Spirit Dharma Tool unique to the Xu Clan.
Among Dharma Tools, it is second only to a Three-Pattern Magic Tool.
However, its power must have been sealed. I presume this was done to temper Xu Chongjian.
If he were to master it completely, the boost to his strength would be massive."
Pausing for a moment, he looked at Ji Baiyi with a faint smile. "You possess a natural Sword Heart. Your comprehension of the Sword Dao is extraordinary, and this advantage will only become more obvious as you progress.
Furthermore, you have mastered rare Sword Dao Secret Methods that can amplify the power of your Sword Arts.
Even if you both fought with everything you had, he might not necessarily be your match."
"But he is ultimately only at Early Foundation Establishment, while I am already at Late Foundation Establishment.
If I were at Early Foundation Establishment, I absolutely would not be Xu Chongjian's opponent.
I did not even cross the threshold of Sword Dao True Intent until I reached Late Foundation Establishment."
"This only shows that his current comprehension of the Sword Dao surpasses yours. The cultivation path for both of you has only just begun.
There is no need to vie over temporary superiority.
Xu Chongjian knows exactly what he needs right now, which is why he admitted defeat.
Baiyi, cultivate diligently.
Since Xu Chongjian could come to challenge the Profound Moon Sect with his sword, you can also travel to the Azure Dragon Prefecture or even other prefectures once you reach Foundation Establishment Perfection.
Our sect could certainly learn from the Xu Family's method of nurturing their younger generation.
Although our Profound Moon Sect is the number one major sect in the Northwest Region, it does not mean prodigies will not emerge from other Nascent Soul Powers, or even among Rogue Cultivators."
"I understand."
"Good. Go back and cultivate."
"I shall take my leave."
A crimson Flying Skiff soared above the clouds like a red shooting star.
Its destination was none other than the Azure Dragon Prefecture.
"Chongjian, what did you think of that Ji Baiyi?" Ye Fan asked.
"He probably did not use his full strength either. If it were a life-and-death struggle... my intuition tells me we would be neck and neck."
Ye Fan was slightly surprised. Xu Chongjian had two excellent Sword Dao talents.
The first was his innate Sword Bones, and the second was the Sword Heart Illumination bestowed by Xu Chuan.
"But if we were in the same realm, I am confident I could defeat him!"
"Then I could do it too," Xu Chongfei suddenly interjected with a laugh. "No, even right now, I have at least a sixty percent certainty of beating him."
Xu Chongfei did not dare to boast too much.
He had also witnessed the battle between Ji Baiyi and Xu Chongjian, and he highly acknowledged the other party's strength.
"Ji Baiyi has also comprehended Sword Dao True Intent. If he further comprehends the True Intent of a Divine Ability for the Sword Art he practices, the two will complement each other flawlessly. Could you still say the same then?"
"Uh..."
"
Xu Chongfei was left speechless.
A moment later, he muttered, "We can talk about the future when it gets here. Either way, if I fought him right now, the advantage would be mine."
Ye Fan shook his head with a chuckle. "However, according to Elder Jian Tang, the Profound Moon Sect likely has more than just one Ji Baiyi.
He might not even be the strongest prodigy in the sect.
I imagine other Nascent Soul Powers probably have a prodigy or two hidden away as well.
I just wonder if they are preparing for the next Foundation Establishment Prodigy Grand Assembly, or for the Golden Core stage arena."
"The next Prodigy Grand Assembly is still nearly a century away. I will definitely be participating in the Golden Core stage competition.
I have no desire to stay at Foundation Establishment for that long."
Xu Chongfei declared.
"I remember the Artifact Spirit of the Prodigy Roll saying that the upper age limit for the Golden Core Stage is three hundred.
Honored Master meets that requirement. Are you planning to compete with your Great-Grandfather for the title of Golden Core Prodigy?"
"Uh, how could I possibly be Great-Grandfather's opponent? Still, our clan could send a few more..."
"
Xu Deyue interjected, "Every Golden Core cultivator in our Xu Clan meets the conditions, but it is impossible for all of them to participate.
Even though they all have a certain degree of confidence in ranking on the Prodigy Roll.
However, a tall tree catches the wind.
Grandfather will undoubtedly consider the candidates very carefully. You youngsters should not hold out too much hope."
"Oh."
Xu Chongfei replied weakly. For the first time, he felt that having elders who were too outstanding might not be a good thing. When would the young talents of his generation ever get a chance to carry the clan's burdens?
Upon returning to Dongxi.
Ye Fan instructed, "Chongjian, Chongfei, Yulian, you all head back first."
"Understood, Elder Ye," Xu Chongjian cupped his hands in reply.
"Got it, Father."
Xu Chongfei was much more casual.
Ye Fan and Xu Deyue proceeded to the Withered Glory Courtyard to pay their respects to Xu Chuan and report on their journey.
Hearing their report, Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "You two have worked hard this time. When you passed through the Greedy Wolf Prefecture, did you encounter anyone from Ancient Nether City?"
"To answer Honored Master, yes. Following your instructions, we traveled toward the Profound Moon Prefecture by passing close to Ancient Nether City's territory.
Their patrols were extremely tight. On the way there, we were intercepted by three different groups.
However, once we revealed our Xu Family identities, none of them stopped us."
"I understand," Xu Chuan replied. "Since you have taken over the Combat Hall, remember to find time to inspect the quality of the disciples there.
Be strict where you must.
And do not let your own cultivation fall behind."
"Yes, Honored Master."
Xu Chuan then looked at Xu Deyue. "Deyue, the same goes for you. Both you and your husband possess Nascent Soul potential. Remember to cultivate diligently."
"Your granddaughter understands."
Shortly after, the couple departed from the Withered Glory Courtyard.
Xu Chuan then sent a message, summoning Xu Mingxuan and Mei Yun.
Upon receiving Xu Chuan's transmission, the two did not overthink it and hurried over.
"Father, for what matter did you seek me?" Xu Mingxuan asked, looking at Xu Chuan.
Mei Yun did the same, though a bad premonition arose in his heart.
Why did it feel like he was about to be sent away on a business trip?!
"As the two of you know, our Xu Family's next step is to scheme against the Greedy Wolf Prefecture.
If we attack forcefully, Ancient Nether City and the Greedy Wolf Sect might bury the hatchet and unite to deal with our Xu Family."
"Honored Master, you aren't going to make me go undercover in the Greedy Wolf Prefecture again, are you?" Mei Yun asked bluntly.
"As expected of my good disciple. It seems you are already prepared to share your master's burdens."
"Can your disciple say no?" Mei Yun asked with a long face.
"No."
Xu Chuan refused firmly with a smile.
"You have advanced to the Golden Core stage and practice the Path of Fortune, which is enough to influence the providence of a Nascent Soul Power.
Although providence is ethereal and intangible, if the Greedy Wolf Sect's providence declines, the probability of their disciples and elders making critical mistakes during cultivation will greatly increase.
Furthermore, disciples who encounter enemies or Demonic Beasts—who might have otherwise had a sliver of hope to survive—will perish directly.
As for Ancient Nether City, Gu Xuanyou has only recently advanced to Nascent Soul, even if Ancient Nether City's heritage is deeper than the Mo Family's.
Gu Xuanyou's strength should be neck and neck with Mo Wentian's.
Their number of Golden Core experts also falls short compared to the Greedy Wolf Sect. If we do not intervene...
...the conflict between the two sides will drag on for decades, a century, or perhaps even longer.
In the end, there is even a chance it evolves into a stalemate, where they divide the territory and rule separately.
Our Xu Family cannot afford to waste too much time on the matters of the Greedy Wolf Prefecture."
As Xu Chuan spoke, his gaze swept over the two of them.
Xu Mingxuan did not hesitate. Cupping his hands, he said, "Your son will obey Father's arrangements completely."
Mei Yun, however, furrowed his brows slightly, seemingly torn and hesitant.
"Once we annex the Greedy Wolf Prefecture, our Xu Family plans to establish a branch there, as well as an Imperial Dynasty for you.
When that time comes, you can choose whether to establish your Imperial Dynasty in the Azure Dragon Prefecture, the Greedy Wolf Prefecture, or any other prefecture in the Northwest Region."
Mei Yun's eyes rippled with emotion as he lowered his head in deep thought.
'If I rely on myself alone, just going from its initial founding to taking on a proper scale would likely take decades. Fully developing it would definitely take even longer.'
Mei Yun knew very well in his heart that developing an Imperial Dynasty was many times more troublesome than developing a Family Clan.
With the Xu Family's assistance, migrating the population and establishing various dynasty laws would be much more convenient.
Furthermore, when it came to the coexistence of Mortals and immortal cultivators, the Xu Family clearly had immense experience, surpassing many cultivation families and sects.
When the hearts of the people were united, providence would flourish, which would naturally benefit him as well.
'Establishing an Imperial Dynasty... is far too troublesome. Leaving it to the Xu Family while I simply enjoy the providence will be much easier.'
Compared to the hassle of doing it all himself, enduring a little hardship going undercover in the early stages was nothing.
"Your disciple understands. I will act according to Honored Master's arrangements."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "Once the Imperial Dynasty starts being built, you will have plenty of time to lay back and relax."
Mei Yun's eyes lit up. "Honored Master jests. As your disciple, obeying your commands is only natural!
I am someone who deeply respects his master and the Dao!"
Beside him, the corner of Xu Mingxuan's mouth twitched.
Respects his master and the Dao, my foot!
Following that, Xu Chuan began to lay out his plan.
Simply put, Xu Mingxuan would assist Ancient Nether City, while Mei Yun would orchestrate a series of coincidences to win the favor of the Greedy Wolf Sect.
He would use the opportunity to become a Guest elder of the Greedy Wolf Sect.
"Honored Master, will there be any danger in this?" Mei Yun asked worriedly.
"The plan can change at any time depending on the situation."
"The Azure Dragon and Greedy Wolf Prefectures are so far apart. How will we stay in contact?"
"I have naturally prepared for that. No matter how far away you are, I can still reach you. However, the method is somewhat special."
Xu Chuan immediately gave a demonstration.
A moment later.
Mei Yun felt his divine sense being tugged, and eerie void fluctuations appeared around him.
"Honored Master, this is...
"
"By splitting off a wisp of your divine sense, you can enter our Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven. This is our family's greatest Secret."
Xu Chuan stared at Mei Yun and said, "Mei Yun, it is not that I distrust you, but no member of the Xu Clan is allowed to leak this information without my permission.
Therefore, you must swear a Spirit Soul Oath."
Seeing Xu Chuan's grave expression, Mei Yun knew he was not joking.
He thought for a moment before finally nodding.
Then, he swore the oath.
Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "You may give it a try."
Mei Yun did as instructed.
His divine sense arrived within the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
Upon seeing the Grotto-heaven that spanned merely five kilometers, alongside an ocean of rare Spirit Grass and the nine-story Dao Repository Pavilion...
...his heart was filled with exceptional shock.
Xu Chuan's divine sense phantom materialized. Looking at him, he smiled faintly and said, "This is the heritage of my Xu Family.
Disciple, even to members of the Xu Clan, you are not permitted to reveal this without my permission."
"Your disciple understands."
This was the first time Mei Yun had ever heard of something capable of pulling a person's divine sense into a Grotto-heaven from absolutely anywhere.
It was truly far too miraculous.
He could even imagine the many wondrous uses of this Grotto-heaven.
However, what Mei Yun could not predict was that the abilities of this Grotto-heaven would continue to evolve as Xu Chuan's strength increased and the Xu Family's providence grew.
Of course, Xu Chuan would not go out of his way to explain this.
There were some things he might not fully disclose, even to his own flesh and blood like Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan.
He would just explain it when the time necessitated it.
After exiting the Grotto-heaven, Mei Yun was still deeply shaken.
Setting aside the miraculous nature of the Grotto-heaven, the Spirit Medicine alone rivaled the heritage of a Nascent Soul Power with a thousand years of history.
It was perhaps even more comprehensive.
This was mainly because the Dao that Xu Chuan comprehended was also incredibly adept at cultivating Spirit Medicine.
He could revive medicinal plants that ordinary people could not save.
Xu Chuan had prepared for this early on, and the Xu Family had prioritized collecting various types of Spirit Grass.
It took nearly a hundred years of accumulation to reach such a scale.
"With this Grotto-heaven, the Xu Family can remain imperishable for ten thousand years," Mei Yun sighed emotionally.
Xu Mingxuan asked in surprise, "Father, can non-Xu Clan members also enter the Grotto-heaven now?"
"This change occurred a month or two after your eldest brother took Senior Changfeng as his master.
If my guess is correct, your eldest brother and his group must have officially become part of the World Guardians' lineage.
The World Guardians are undoubtedly a Divine Transformation level force.
Because of this, our Xu Family's providence invisibly surged by a significant margin."
"So that's how it is." Xu Mingxuan did not harbor any doubts.
"As for this matter, we can proceed once Mingxian achieves a breakthrough in his Restriction Dao. The path of spiritual restrictions he is currently comprehending has already crossed the threshold.
Once the spiritual restrictions are integrated, it should be enough to deceive the divine sense of a regular Nascent Soul cultivator, though it might not work against the divine sense of a Grand Cultivator."
"That's good."
Mei Yun breathed a sigh of relief.
Xu Chuan shook his head and laughed. "Alright, you two may return."
"Your son (disciple) takes his leave."
Xu Chuan continued to comprehend the Dao of the Five Elements.
In just these past six months, he had thoroughly crossed the threshold of the Wood Dao.
Following the principle of Five Elements Mutual Generation, Xu Chuan began to comprehend the Fire Dao and had already gained some insights.
It had to be said that with Heaven Rewards the Diligent, Xu Chuan's speed in comprehending Cultivation Methods and Divine Abilities was completely on par with those possessing top-tier elemental innate talents.
Coupled with the assistance of corresponding Connate Spirit Objects, his speed of comprehension was truly jaw-dropping.
Beyond that, his Nascent Soul Level divine soul was also a massive help.
Time flew by.
In a flash, another half a year passed.
Xu Mingxian's Dao of Restrictions progressed to the next level.
Using spiritual restrictions as the core and combining them with his previous concealment restrictions, he finally created a half-spirit restriction comparable to the Fourth-Tier.
Xu Mingxian named it—the "Spirit-Hiding Restriction"!
He personally wore a disguise mask, hung the jade pendant inscribed with the Spirit-Hiding Restriction around his neck, and let Xu Chuan test it.
When Xu Chuan purely used his Spiritual Sense Probing, he found no flaws at a glance, but upon closer inspection, he discovered something amiss.
"The disguise mask is too shoddy, but if complemented by my Withered Glory Divine Ability to alter your aura and appearance, I imagine anyone below the level of a Grand Cultivator would find it difficult to spot any flaws."
Xu Chuan immediately went to work modifying Xu Mingxian, then called out Moyue.
"Come and take a look. Who do you think this person is?"
Moyue appeared with his Dragon Head and human body. His dark gold vertical pupils stared at Xu Mingxian, looking him up and down.
"Anyone standing here is definitely a Golden Core cultivator from your Xu Family. Early-Stage Golden Core...
"
After pondering for a moment, Moyue said, "Ye Fan? Mei Yun? Xu Mingyuan? Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingxian?
It can't possibly be Xu Mingshu, right?"
Xu Chuan's face darkened with speechless lines.
"Uh, I guessed right? It really is Xu Mingshu?!" Moyue looked delighted.
"Even though she disguised herself as a man, she still couldn't escape my discerning eyes!"
"Are you just playing a guessing game here?!"
"Didn't you tell me to guess?!"
Moyue widened his dragon eyes.
"It seems you really can't tell."
"Who says I can't tell? One look and I know it's that brat, Xu Mingqing!"
Moyue declared with absolute confidence.
"Uncle Moyue, please stop guessing blindly."
Before his voice could fade, he suddenly closed his eyes.
The next instant.
A ball of emerald light within his Dantian suddenly shattered.
That light orb was a life force seal set up by Xu Chuan.
It concentrated all the vitality within his body to this point, giving him a grizzled appearance and altering his aura.
Now that the seal was broken.
Amidst the emerald glow, Xu Mingxian returned to his original, transcendent and elegant appearance.
"It was actually you, brat!"
Moyue widened his vertical pupils, saying in disbelief, "This is Xu Chuan's Divine Ability.
But how is that possible?"
He scratched his head, his eyes full of question marks. "If Xu Chuan used it on himself, his divine sense is strong enough that fooling ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn't be an issue.
But casting it on someone else? Upon close inspection by a Nascent Soul's divine sense, the flaws should have been obvious."
Xu Mingxian smiled faintly, raised his hand, and took off a jade pendant from his neck.
The jade pendant was only the size of a baby's palm and entirely smooth and warm, inscribed with dense, intricate patterns.
The patterns were exceedingly complex, faintly forming some sort of profound Restriction. Yet, it was deliberately suppressed, radiating only an extremely faint fluctuation of Spirit Power.
"This is the half-spirit restriction I researched—the Spirit-Hiding Restriction."
Resting the jade pendant in his palm, Xu Mingxian explained, "By wearing this item, one can conceal and confuse the Spiritual Sense Probing of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Of course, this also requires Father's Divine Ability to reach Perfection."
Moyue looked at the jade pendant, clicking his tongue in wonder. "What an exquisite Restriction. It feels quite extraordinary.
This must be a restriction method, right?
Your father told you to research this, didn't he?
He always likes these flashy, complicated things."
Saying that, Moyue looked up at Xu Chuan. "Able to prevent the prying eyes of a Nascent Soul... Who are you planning to scheme against this time?"
Hearing this, Xu Chuan shot him a calm glance. "Just focus on your cultivation.
I have already prepared a Low-Grade Four-Tier water-attribute Spirit Vein for you. Don't say I never think about you.
If I need you to make an appearance in the future, I will notify you."
Moyue nodded.
"Fine. I won't hold it against you for teasing me this time."
Before his voice even faded.
His figure flickered, instantly transforming into a streak of light that shot right into the Deep Pool behind him.
The water churned a few times before quickly returning to normal.
Xu Chuan looked at the disappearing streak of light, the corner of his mouth twitching as he was rendered speechless for a long while.
He had actually wanted to say a few more things.
'Does Moyue really think that by refusing to hear the rest, he has bested me in a verbal spar?
What childish tricks!'
"Father, perhaps this is the only way Uncle Moyue could think of to win against you in a war of words,"
Xu Mingxian said, holding back a laugh beside him.
"It must be hard on him, a dignified Tier 4 Shapeshifting Great Demon!"
"For now, craft two of these and give them to Mingxuan and Mei Yun. I intend for them to handle some matters in the Greedy Wolf Prefecture."
Xu Mingxian looked thoughtful, pondering, "Third Brother has the talent of Pursuing Fortune and Avoiding Disaster, and he is currently blessed with good luck. Mei Yun, on the other hand, can formlessly ruin a faction's providence.
It is nearly impossible to detect for anyone who does not practice the Path of Fortune.
They are indeed a fitting pair."
Pausing for a moment, he added, "Your son will Refine two of these pendants over the next few days."
"Good. Go and prepare."
"
Xu Mingxian cupped his hands and took his leave.
Seven or eight days later.
Xu Chuan, accompanied by Xu Mingxuan and Mei Yun, used the Teleportation Array beneath the Xu Residence to travel to the City Lord's Mansion in Mountain and Sea City, Greedy Wolf Prefecture.
At the underground Teleportation Array.
Xu Chuan sensed Xiao Zhan's presence and immediately sent a message for him to come.
Xiao Zhan was startled and instantly jolted awake from his cultivation.
"Revered Lord has arrived?!"
Without hesitation, he hurried through the secret passage in his cultivation room toward the underground Teleportation Array.
Then, he saw three people standing there.
Xu Chuan wore his original appearance, but Xu Mingxuan and Mei Yun were both disguised using Divine Abilities and concealed by jade pendants inscribed with the half-spirit restriction.
No matter how Xiao Zhan probed, he could not detect any flaws.
He cupped his hands and bowed to Xu Chuan. "Your subordinate, Xiao Zhan, greets Revered Lord."
"I have come to see you this time for two reasons. The first is to have the Demonic Heaven Chamber of Commerce muddy the waters of the Greedy Wolf Prefecture."
Xiao Zhan's pupils contracted slightly. "This subordinate awaits the Revered Lord's commands. I am Willing to Go Through Fire and Water without hesitation."
"As for these two, you will silently sneak them out of Mountain and Sea City. Do not let anyone know that their first appearance was here.
If they are accidentally seen by someone, you know what to do."
"This subordinate understands."
"As for how exactly to muddy the waters, I will explain it to you in detail shortly. For now, it is time for the second matter.
Take out the White Bones Skull I gifted you back then."
"Understood."
Xiao Zhan did not hesitate. He slapped his Storage Pouch, and a white, jade-like Skull flew out, its hollow eye sockets glowing with eerie green flames.
The Skull seemed to sense Xu Chuan's aura, flying straight toward him and circling his body once.
The bizarre and terrifying aura of the White Bones Skull caused both Xu Mingxuan and Mei Yun to jump slightly in their hearts.
"It seems you followed my instructions and didn't feed it carelessly."
"How could this subordinate dare to disobey Revered Lord's words?"
Xu Chuan nodded.
With a flick of his Sleeve Robe.
Three streaks of dark light flew out of his sleeve and hovered in mid-air.
As the dark light dispersed, three Dharma Treasures were revealed.
Every single one of them exuded dense Demonic Qi. A chilling aura permeated the air, causing the surrounding temperature to drop several degrees.
The first item on the left was a long mace made of dark gold.
The mace was over three feet long, entirely as pitch-black as ink. Its body was inscribed with dense demonic patterns that faintly formed twisted ghost faces.
At the head of the mace, a dark red gemstone was inlaid, looking like a demonic eye coldly staring down at the world.
"This mace is called Spirit-Devouring. It specializes in shattering protective Spiritual Light," Xu Chuan said calmly.
The item in the middle was a pitch-black longsword.
The blade was narrow and long, with a dark red blood groove along its spine, looking as if it had drunk countless drops of fresh blood.
The hilt was carved from the spinal bone of an unknown Demonic Beast and was freezing cold to the touch.
"This sword is called Blood Slaughter. Its sharpness is unparalleled, and its Baleful Qi is astonishing!" Xu Chuan continued to introduce.
The item on the right was a broad-backed long Blade.
The body of the Blade was broad, and its edge gleamed with a cold, eerie light.
Along its back, nine bronze rings were lined up in sequence. The slightest movement would cause them to let out a jingling sound that, upon entering the ears, could induce a state of mental trance, making one feel as if they were being dragged into an endless abyss.
At the hilt, a ferocious demonic head opened its Gaping Maw.
"As for this final long Blade, it is called Soul-Slaying. When the nine rings ring together, it can affect a person's divine soul, making it impossible to guard against."
The three Dharma Treasures hovered in mid-air, their Demonic Qi surging.
Xiao Zhan only took one look and felt his soul tremble.
Every single one of these was among High-Grade Dharma Treasures.
Especially the final one, which could influence the divine soul. It could be considered incredibly rare.
"I previously promised to gift you a High-Grade Dharma Treasure. Choose one from these three."
Hearing this, although Xiao Zhan had long anticipated it, he still could not suppress the excitement in his heart.
A moment later.
He took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing his excitement as his gaze slowly swept over the three Dharma Treasures.
A short while later.
He hesitated between Blood Slaughter and Soul-Slaying.
"Revered Lord, this subordinate chooses the Blood Slaughter sword. It is highly compatible with my arts, making it easier to unleash a portion of its power."
Xiao Zhan pointed at the pitch-black longsword.
Xu Chuan nodded. With a wave of his Sleeve Robe, the Blood Slaughter sword descended from the air and hovered in front of Xiao Zhan.
He stored away the other two items.
Xiao Zhan grabbed hold of Blood Slaughter. With this sword, his Combat Power would more than double!
In the Greedy Wolf Prefecture, he could absolutely be called a peak expert below the Nascent Soul Level.
He would be even slightly stronger than True Lord Canglang of the Greedy Wolf Sect back then.
Xiao Zhan returned to his senses, dropped to one knee, and bowed deeply to Xu Chuan. "Thank you, Revered Lord! For the rest of my life, Xiao Zhan is Willing to Go Through Fire and Water for you, without hesitation!"
His voice trembled, evidently excited to the extreme.
Given his past circumstances as a Rogue Cultivator, unless he chanced upon a massive Opportunity, the probability of obtaining a High-Grade Dharma Treasure was extremely slim.
Even High-Grade Dharma Treasures found within Ancient Secret Realms were mostly out of reach for Rogue Cultivators.
If one wanted to fight for them, they had to be prepared to die.
After all, opportunities moved people's hearts and inevitably sparked life-and-death struggles.
Yet now, Xu Chuan had simply taken one out and gifted it directly to him, all because of a single promise.
As Xu Chuan's divine soul servant, his life and death were entirely in Xu Chuan's hands. Even if Xu Chuan gave him no rewards whatsoever, Xiao Zhan would not dare to harbor any disloyal thoughts.
Beyond his master's magnanimity, the Xu Family's heritage also astonished Xiao Zhan.
How long had it been? To casually take out three High-Grade Demonic Dao Dharma Treasures showcased the sheer speed at which the Xu Family's foundation was improving.
"Rise."
Xu Chuan waved his hand. "Refine it early so that you have a trump card at the ready for the future."
"Yes, Revered Lord," Xiao Zhan respectfully cupped his hands and bowed once more.
Afterward, Xu Chuan detailed his arrangements.
Over half an hour later, he returned to Cloudstream City via the Teleportation Array.
"May I ask what the backgrounds of you two Daoist Friends are?"
Once Xu Chuan left, Xiao Zhan looked at the two and asked with a smile.
"There is no need to ask about other matters. Just follow the Revered Lord's instructions and escort the two of us out of Mountain and Sea City unnoticed."
Xu Mingxuan said in a deep voice.
"Understood."
Through years of management, the Demonic Heaven Chamber of Commerce had completely seized control of Mountain and Sea City, with its members infiltrating every corner of the city.
Smuggling Xu Mingxuan and Mei Yun out was not difficult.
For the sake of secrecy, Xiao Zhan spent two days making preparations in advance before silently sending them away.
Hundreds of kilometers outside Mountain and Sea City.
A dense forest stretched across the verdant Mountain Range.
The mountains here were continuous with undulating peaks, the woods lush and verdant, and ancient trees towering into the sky.
Clouds and mist frequently shrouded the mountainsides like rolling sheer silk, making the lush green scenery appear even more secluded and profound.
The faint bubbling of a stream could be heard within the forest, accompanied by the occasional chirping of birds, further accentuating the tranquility and depth of the wilderness.
Two streaks of light arrived from the distance, slowly coming to a halt above the forest.
As the light dispersed, the figures of Xu Mingxuan and Mei Yun were revealed.
Xu Mingxuan was dressed in brocade robes, looking like a scholar, while Mei Yun wore a gray Daoist robe, looking like a middle-aged man with a short beard.
The two stood facing each other, with the vast sea of trees beneath their feet.
In the distance, mountain peaks overlapped, and a few wisps of white clouds drifted leisurely across the horizon.
Xu Mingxuan looked at Mei Yun and said warmly, "Let us part ways here.
Wander around freely for now. If a suitable opportunity arises, I will notify you."
Mei Yun nodded slightly and cupped his fists. "Thank you, Senior Brother Mingxuan."
"Be careful on your journey."
"With the Dharma Treasure bestowed by Honored Master, protecting myself will not be an issue."
Xu Mingxuan smiled.
He then turned around, transformed into a streak of light, and tore through the air in a specific direction.
The direction he flew in was exactly where Ancient Nether City was located.
Mei Yun watched him leave, retracting his gaze a moment later.
Taking a deep breath, his figure flickered as he also turned into a green streak of light, flying far away in a different direction.
The mountain breeze brushed past the forest, kicking up waves of green.
The two streaks of light traveled further and further apart, one heading south and the other north.
Several days later.
A yellow streak of light dashed over from the horizon, gradually slowing its pace. A figure materialized amidst the clouds.
It was none other than the pale-faced scholar disguised by Xu Mingxuan.
He stood on the clouds, gazing far into the distance.
Ten to fifteen kilometers ahead, a massive city sprawled across the boundless earth.
That was Ancient Nether City!
This city was built against the mountains, with its back to a continuous, shadowy Mountain Range, while its front faced an endless wasteland.
Its walls were hundreds of meters high, built entirely of heavy black stone.
It was unknown where this stone was mined from, but it did not reflect sunlight; instead, it completely swallowed all light.
This made the entire city wall look like a giant black gorge, sharply dividing the inner and outer worlds.
Mottled dark red traces could be faintly seen on the walls.
A massive array enveloped the entire city.
A faint green Light Screen flickered indistinctly. If one did not inspect it closely, they would very likely miss it.
Xu Mingxuan's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Father's words were accurate. Ancient Nether City indeed has a profound heritage, worthy of being a Nascent Soul Power on par with the Greedy Wolf Sect in the past.
This grand array should be at the peak of the Third-Tier.
If it is the Core Region of Ancient Nether City, it wouldn't be surprising even if they had a Half-Step Fourth-Tier Formation."
Pausing for a moment, Xu Mingxuan muttered to himself, "I just wonder how Ancient Nether City managed to survive back then.
Qi Tianxiong doesn't seem like the type to be merciful and soft-hearted either."
Reigning in his thoughts, Xu Mingxuan continued to appraise the ancient city.
Ancient Nether City occupied an extremely vast area. At a rough glance, it spanned no less than three to four hundred kilometers.
He was only viewing a single corner of it.
Ancient Nether City housed people from all walks of life, with Fish and Dragons Mixed Together.
Not only were there remnants of the old Ancient Nether Sect, but a massive number of Rogue Cultivators had also gathered here.
Even slaughtering each other in the streets was an ordinary occurrence in this city.
Xu Mingxuan transformed into a yellow streak of light and descended toward the gates of Ancient Nether City.
In no time, he was standing before the city gates.
The gates were wide open, spanning over a dozen meters across and reaching over two hundred meters in height.
On either side of the gates stood a stone statue tens of meters tall.
They were two ferocious Demonic beasts with green faces and fangs, wielding Giant Axes and glaring angrily.
Armored Guards were stationed at the entrance.
Xu Mingxuan directly revealed his Golden Core aura and swaggered straight into the city under the reverent gazes of the two guards.
After asking around briefly, he headed straight for the City Lord's Mansion.
In front of the City Lord's Mansion.
Xu Mingxuan was immediately stopped. Even though he exhibited a Golden Core aura, the two Foundation Establishment guards had no choice but to block his path.
"Senior, for what matter have you come to the City Lord's Mansion?"
"Naturally, I am looking for your City Lord. Do you think this old man is here looking for you?"
A sharp light flashed in Xu Mingxuan's eyes, startling the guard who spoke and forcing him to stumble back two steps.
"Who is causing trouble in front of the City Lord's Mansion?!"
A streak of black light flew out from within the mansion.
It was a burly Big Man with a thick beard and a fierce, malicious expression. His aura was tyrannical, clearly displaying Mid-stage Golden Core strength.
He halted in mid-air, glaring with hostility at the uninvited guest, Xu Mingxuan.
"An old friend has arrived. I request an audience with City Lord Gu."
As Xu Mingxuan spoke, he retrieved a Token engraved with the character 'Xu' from his Storage Ring.
The moment the man saw the Token, his pupils instantly contracted.
His attitude softened significantly.
"Since you are here to visit the Lord City Master, please follow me, Chu."
"Thank you," Xu Mingxuan smiled faintly and cupped his fists.
He then followed the Big Man with the surname Chu into the City Lord's Mansion.
He was led to a secluded Quiet Room. The room was decorated in an antique style, with curls of white smoke slowly rising from an incense burner on the desk.
"Daoist Friend, please wait here. I will go and inform the Lord City Master."
A moment later.
A middle-aged man walked in.
His Cultivation Base was completely unfathomable, and a faint smile hung on the corners of his mouth.
The moment he entered, he spoke, "May I ask who from the Xu Family this Daoist Friend is?"