Chapter 158: The Xu Family's Greeting Gift, Chang and Yang Unite After a Century

A quarter-hour later, the immortal path competition began.

This was far more intense than the martial competition. Although two or three martial families participated.

Those who met the age requirement were only at Qi Refining second or third layer.

The other Qi Refining families, at minimum, had fourth layer cultivators, and even fifth and sixth layer cultivators appeared.

The Zhou family could let the martial pills go, but they were determined to obtain the Divine Sense Pills.

Although the Yuan family, Huang family, and other Qi Refining families were also envious, their foundations ultimately couldn't compare to the Zhou family. The immortal path championship was claimed by a Zhou family cultivator at early sixth layer of Qi Refining.

"The other Qi Refining families' foundations are still too shallow compared to the Zhou family."

Xu Chuan's eyes rippled with waves as he revealed a contemplative expression, "It's hard to say whether the Zhou family has late Qi Refining cultivators under thirty-three. If they do, they must have true spiritual root aptitude."

"However, this Yuan family is somewhat surprising. They actually have a late Qi Refining fifth layer cultivator of such age."

The Xu family's Ascension Celebration formally concluded, and the various families departed, including the Zhou family, who did not linger long. However, the Chang family and Yang family temporarily remained.

Xu Mingyuan came to Xu Chuan's study, saying, "Father, Chang Haowen and the Chang family Grand Elder wish to see you."

"See me? Why?"

"They say they're congratulating the Xu family's advancement to an immortal cultivation family and have another precious treasure to present. This is the precious treasure they mentioned."

As Xu Mingyuan spoke, he opened a wooden box over four chi long in his hands. A streak of azure lightning suddenly leaped out, accompanied by a scorching aura.

"Oh? What is this item?"

Xu Chuan beckoned with his hand, and the wooden box came before him. He examined it carefully, then said, "Go and invite Elder Mingsheng here for me."

"Yes, Father."

Before long, Xu Mingyuan and Wu Mingsheng arrived.

"Elder Mingsheng, take a look at this item. Is it lightning-struck wood?"

Wu Mingsheng's eyes brightened. Lightning-struck wood was excellent material for refining lightning-attribute magical artifacts. If it was old enough, it could definitely refine superior-grade magical artifacts.

He took it in hand and examined it. After a short while, he stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Grand Elder has a good eye. This is indeed lightning-struck wood. If this old one isn't mistaken, it should be thousand-year lightning-struck peach wood.

This material is sufficient to refine a lightning-attribute superior-grade magical artifact. Moreover, peach wood has exorcism effects, which are even stronger after being struck by lightning. Against those who cultivate sinister cultivation methods, it's an absolute counter.

It's just a pity."

"A pity about what?"

"This isn't the heartwood of the peach tree. Otherwise, it could serve as material for a top-grade magical artifact."

Xu Chuan smiled warmly, "Thousand-year peach wood that's also lightning-struck heartwood is something that can only be encountered by chance."

"This item is more precious than many materials I've collected. I'll keep it with me for now. When Elder Mingsheng has confidence in refining superior-grade magical artifacts and is familiar with the process, come find me to request it."

"Thank you, Grand Elder. If you truly gave it to this old one now, I fear I might not resist and refine it immediately."

Afterward, Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingyuan, saying, "The Chang family offering this item surely has some request. Go invite them over."

"Yes, Father."

"Grand Elder, this old one will take his leave first."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly.

A moment later, three people arrived at Xu Chuan's study. Xu Chuan smiled as he looked at Chang Haowen, "Family Head Chang, your Chang family's gift is quite substantial.

However, considering you once had some friendship with my son Mingyuan, I'll make an exception and accept it this time.

Whatever the matter is, speak directly."

Chang Haowen immediately cupped his hands, saying, "Many thanks, Master Xu."

He then introduced, "This is my Chang family's Grand Elder. He was severely wounded in the Su-Zhou battle and hasn't improved despite taking healing pills. My Chang family still needs the Grand Elder's deterrent effect against other martial families at this time. Please save him."

Xu Mingyuan also said, "Father, the Chang family has also helped our Xu family's businesses in the commandery city considerably."

"In the future, should the Xu family have any orders, my Chang family will go through fire and water without hesitation." Chang Haowen also immediately cupped his hands and bowed, his attitude sincere.

"Family Head Chang, saying this means you want to completely turn toward my Xu family."

"My Chang family could ask for nothing better."

A martial family that had been entrenched in the commandery city for several hundred years indeed carried considerable weight.

Of course, if they truly had potential, they should have become an immortal cultivation family long ago.

Advancing from martial to immortal was the pursuit of all martial families.

The Chang family was like this, as was the Yang family.

Unfortunately, both had been unable to achieve this wish for several hundred years.

Xu Chuan nodded slightly, raised his index finger, and a green thread condensed from thin air, instantly entering the Chang family Grand Elder's chest.

His magical power followed the thread, instantly circulating throughout the Chang family Grand Elder's body.

His brow furrowed slightly, then he employed his divine sense again.

"I see." Xu Chuan withdrew the green thread, saying flatly, "Your Chang family Grand Elder was struck by a spell from a cultivator at Qi Refining seventh or eighth layer who practices sinister cultivation methods.

Although the surface injuries have healed with pills, the sinister qi within their magical power is corroding his body. This isn't something ordinary healing pills can cure.

Moreover, this trace of sinister qi is extremely faint. It's difficult for the divine sense of cultivators below Qi Refining eighth or ninth layer to detect."

"So that's how it is. No wonder our Chang family's late Qi Refining cultivators couldn't detect any symptoms." Chang Haowen said, "Then does Master Xu have a way to cure it?"

"Sinister qi is like maggots on bone. If detected early, any cultivator at Qi Refining eighth or ninth layer could forcibly remove it but now, only Evil-Breaking Pills will work.

I don't have such pills either.

After all, sinister qi is quite rare. Even if you search the market, you'll likely find nothing. I'll write you a list of spiritual herbs later.

If your Chang family can collect enough for three or four batches, I can try refining once for you.

If you cannot collect them, within one to two years, your Chang family Grand Elder will inevitably die from depleted qi and blood."

Chang Haowen sighed inwardly and cupped his hands in a bow, saying, "Many thanks."

"Just remember your Chang family's promise. You've dealt with my Xu family before and should know the consequences of betraying us."

"Chang will keep this in mind."

Xu Chuan wrote out the Evil-Breaking Pill ingredients, a total of seven types. However, only four were truly required by the pill formula. The other three were common spiritual herbs.

Additionally, Xu Chuan had one ingredient he didn't write down. The Xu family also had quite a bit of this one.

If the Chang family took this pill formula to trade with others, they would likely invite great disaster.

After Chang Haowen and the Chang family Grand Elder departed, Xu Mingyuan hesitated, saying, "Father, you just directly gave them the pill formula?"

"What do you think?" Xu Chuan smiled faintly.

Xu Mingyuan immediately understood, revealing a matching smile.

"The Chang family is, after all, a fifth-rank martial family. They'll be good support."

"This child understands."

At the same time, Yang Zhao, Yang Shichang, and others were all guests at Xu Mingwei's residence.

"Mingwei, congratulations on your Xu family becoming an immortal cultivation family of Yuehu Commandery. Achieving success in just decades truly makes us martial families green with envy."

Xu Mingwei smiled faintly, "Father-in-law is too kind. The Yang family, with its several hundred years of inheritance, also has opportunities."

"It's getting late. Would you like to stay at my Xu family for the night?"

Yang Shichang was just about to say yes, yes, but was silenced by Yang Zhao's glance, looking as aggrieved as a forty-year-old child.

"We're staying in Dongxi not only to chat with you, Mingwei, but also because we have something we wish to present to the Xu family, hoping our two families can become true family friends."

Yang Yan patted his storage bag and took out a jade box, placing it on the tea table beside Xu Mingwei.

Xu Mingwei opened it to see an unremarkable silver-colored ore.

"Family Head Xu, this is sinking silver ore, a first-tier spiritual ore that can refine low-grade magical artifacts. However, what's truly precious is the creature within the sinking silver ore."

"Hm?" Xu Mingwei's brow furrowed.

"Family Head Xu, don't use divine sense to probe. The spiritual insects inside are extremely sensitive to divine sense and might awaken because of it. These spiritual insects can devour spiritual iron and ores, are attracted to divine sense, and bite the flesh and blood of human cultivators. Only jade vessels can contain them."

"Your Yang family actually possesses such a dangerous creature?" Xu Mingwei immediately understood how terrifying these spiritual insects were from the description.

"Please rest assured, Family Head Xu. They should still be larvae, and there are only a few dozen. Any mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator can easily contain them.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have been trapped in this jade box's sinking silver ore by our Yang family ancestors."

Xu Mingwei's expression grew solemn. His knuckles lightly tapped the tea table, producing "thump thump" sounds, as if deep in thought.

Yang Zhao said, "Our Yang family ancestors preserved this item hoping that future generations might one day obtain insect control methods and subdue them for the Yang family's use.

But we unfilial descendants have watched the Yang family gradually decline, from a once top-tier fifth-rank family to the current sixth-rank family.

After the Su-Zhou conflict, my Yang family suffered even greater losses. Our family's strong members were reduced to one in ten, and we can only rely on a few people to maintain appearances."

Xu Mingwei detected something amiss, "Father-in-law, why are you saying all this?"

"I now serve as Yang family head. If the Xu family can accept this gift, please disregard past grievances and protect my Yang family. Henceforth, my Yang family is willing to be the Xu family's vanguard. Should you have any orders, we will not refuse."

Xu Mingwei's eyes revealed astonishment. After pondering briefly, he closed the jade box and pushed it toward Yang Zhao, "This is no small matter. I still need to discuss it with my father."

"Then I'll wait here."

Seeing Yang Zhao's determined attitude, Xu Mingwei sighed slightly, saying, "Someone, go invite the Grand Elder."

"Yes, Family Head."

The guard at the door immediately cupped his hands in response.

Before long, Xu Chuan arrived with Xu Mingyuan.

Xu Mingwei transmitted the matter to them both through divine sense.

Xu Chuan glanced at the jade box, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

"First the Chang family offered thousand-year lightning-struck peach wood, now the Yang family has unknown spiritual insects contained in a jade box. Families with several hundred years of history, even if only martial families, cannot be underestimated."

Xu Chuan smiled as he looked at Yang Zhao, saying, "Elder Brother Yang."

"Younger Brother Xu."

Yang Zhao hesitated briefly but still addressed him thus. He knew Xu Chuan's character. Since he addressed him this way, he wouldn't mind such a form of address.

"I don't know what wind is blowing through my Xu family today. The Chang family earlier wanted to completely turn toward my Xu family, and now Elder Brother Yang's Yang family as well."

"The Chang family, they..."

Xu Chuan smiled without saying more, "Spiritual insects are quite rare in Great Wei. My Xu family can try to domesticate them. I'll accept this gift.

However, I'll state clearly beforehand that once you're under my Xu clan's banner, if my Xu family has orders, the Yang family must execute them unconditionally, even if it means filling gaps with human lives.

If there's betrayal, clan extermination!

Additionally, I need the Yang family united as one. My Xu family has no interest in a fractured family.

One month from now, I'll have Mingyuan visit the Yang family.

I hope by then the Yang family will speak with one voice."

"Many thanks, Younger Brother Xu."

Yang Zhao cupped his hands, then led Yang Zhao and the others away from Dongxi.

Yang Shichang didn't understand and asked, "Father, why did you make such a decision? Hasn't the Xu family always had a good relationship with our family?"

Yang Zhao said, "But that's only our family, not the entire Yang family. Do you want to split off independently?"

"This child wouldn't dare," Yang Shichang lowered his head.

"Now that my Yang family follows the Xu family, I'm betting the Xu family can surpass the Zhou family in the future and become a top family in Great Wei. Then, my Yang family's centuries-old aspiration might be achieved."

"This child also believes in this!" Yang Shichang said, "Today, brother-in-law's grace in shooting those three rogue cultivators was absolutely peerless!"

"At that time, many Qi Refining family heads couldn't help but tremble."

…

"Father, are we really accepting the Chang and Yang families?"

Xu Mingwei was somewhat puzzled. Given the Xu family's current status and strength, there was no need for this at all.

"They're not vassals but merely followers. In other words, fighters."

Xu Chuan said flatly, "My Xu family will likely remain based here long-term. The commandery city is ultimately somewhat distant, while the Chang and Yang families both have considerable strength and foundations. Thousand-year lightning-struck peach wood, spiritual insects, both items our Xu family currently cannot produce.

The Su-Zhou battle left both families depleted, but so did the other families.

Without breaking, there can be no building.

This time, when the Yang family recovers their vitality, they should be able to advance further.

Previously, the two families had grievances with each other. Now that both follow my Xu family, if they cooperate, at least among the commandery city's martial families, few can oppose them.

Gathering various information will be much more convenient.

If we encounter urgent matters, we can also have the two families block ahead first, delaying time while our Xu family's strong members rush over."

Seeing Xu Mingwei pondering, Xu Mingyuan also smiled and said, "Big Brother, our Xu family now has the ability to destroy the Yang and Chang families. Moreover, for at least ten years, our Xu family can develop with full force without too many concerns."

"When we five siblings all reach Qi Refining perfect stage in the future, with Big Brother's arrow Dao, Yunnu's array Dao, and Xueji's beast taming Dao, we should be sufficient to resist Foundation Establishment and even have a chance to kill one.

At that time, even if the Zhou family wants to deal with our Xu family, they'll have to consider whether they still have the same luck as in the Su-Zhou conflict."

In that battle, if the Xu family hadn't stood with the Zhou family, Yuehu Commandery would likely present an entirely different scene now.

"I was overthinking."

Xu Mingwei smiled warmly upon hearing this, "My Xu family's foundation is established. Indeed, we're no longer what we once were."

Late at night at Flying Immortal Courtyard.

Xu Mingxian and Zhou Zongni's eyes met.

After a brief moment, Xu Mingxian said, "Although ours is a marriage alliance, my Xu family has pure family traditions. Starting from my father, we've never mistreated women. You can rest assured. Regarding bearing children, if you're unwilling, I won't force it either."

Zhou Zongni's eyes were like autumn waters, rippling with waves. When the corners of her eyes lifted, they carried a hint of surprise.

"Continuing the Xu family line is my duty. I won't resist. However, my heart pursues the immortal path. I heard from my father that you are the same?"

Xu Mingxian smiled faintly, "My father gave me the character 'xian' in my name hoping I could approach immortality, not to become an immortal master in the common people's mouths, but to truly become a great immortal cultivator who can fly through heaven and earth."

"This is excellent." Zhou Zongni smiled properly, saying, "You and I can be considered like-minded people. However, your aptitude should be far better than mine. You should be able to go much farther than I."

Xu Mingxian's lips curved slightly upward. He didn't say much about aptitude but instead said, "I don't manage Xu family mundane affairs, only cultivation. You can also peacefully cultivate in my Xu family's inner residence."

Zhou Zongni nodded slightly, looking at Xu Mingxian's face, "It's getting late, husband. Let us rest for today."

"Alright."

The next day, the newlywed couple served tea.

"Father, please drink tea." Zhou Zongni knelt on a cushion, received the teacup a maid handed over, and passed it before Xu Chuan.

Xu Chuan accepted it, lifted the lid, took a shallow sip, and a maid took it away.

"Mother, please drink tea."

"Good, good, good."

Bai Jing smiled so broadly her mouth couldn't close. She also accepted it and took a sip.

Afterward, Xu Chuan turned his hand, and a porcelain bottle materialized in his palm.

"Ordinary families give new daughters-in-law silver, considered the elders subsidizing the younger generation. We immortal cultivation families have greatly reduced use for silver, but customary etiquette cannot be abandoned.

Zongni, you're currently at fourth layer of Qi Refining. This bottle of middle-grade Qi Nurturing Pills is the greeting gift from your mother and me."

"Middle-grade Qi Nurturing Pills?!"

Zhou Zongni's cherry lips parted slightly, her autumn water-like eyes suddenly rippled, then she politely declined, saying, "Father, this greeting gift is too precious. Zongni cannot accept it."

As the Zhou family head's legitimate daughter, Zhou Zongni's status was noble. Although she only had pseudo spiritual root aptitude, she still had opportunities to obtain middle-grade Qi Nurturing Pills.

But to be gifted an entire bottle, even the Zhou family couldn't be so generous.

"My Xu family is different from your Zhou family. Your Zhou family has reproduced for several hundred years with a population a hundred times greater than my Xu family. The number of cultivators is also numerous, so naturally you must save the best for family descendants with high aptitude.

This is most beneficial for family development.

I also agree with your Zhou family's approach. However, my Xu family has just become an immortal cultivation family. We have many resources but few who cultivate immortality. Even those not from my Xu family's direct line can receive entire bottles of Qi Nurturing Pills.

Much less you, who are my daughter-in-law.

So there's no need to be polite. Just accept it."

"Many thanks, Father."

Hearing this, Zhou Zongni received the porcelain bottle with both hands, then rose.

"Your temperament is tranquil, and you're devoted to the immortal path. You match well with Yunnu. As your father, I hope you two will advance hand in hand, respecting and loving each other."

"Yes, Father."

Both cupped their hands and bowed in salute.

"Take it easy today. First become familiar with everyone else. It's not too late to resume cultivation tomorrow." Xu Chuan smiled, then continued, "What are you all doing waiting outside the door? Come in and meet your younger brother's wife, your fifth aunt."

The door opened.

Xu Mingwei's family, Xu Mingyuan's family, Xu Mingxuan's family, and Xu Mingshu alone, a whole group poured in.

"Greetings to Father (Grandfather)."

"Greetings to Mother (Grandmother)."

Xu Chuan said flatly, "Mingxian, everyone's waiting for your introductions."

Xu Mingxian led Zhou Zongni before Xu Mingwei, saying, "This is my eldest brother, Xu Mingwei. This is eldest sister-in-law, Yang Ronghua."

"Greetings to eldest brother, eldest sister-in-law."

"This is eldest brother's firstborn son Xu Dezhao, second son Xu Dewen, third son Xu Dejun, eldest daughter Xu Dewen, second daughter Xu Dejin."

Xu Dezhao and the others all cupped their hands in salute, "Greetings to Fifth Aunt."

Next was Xu Mingyuan's family, then Xu Mingxuan's family.

Finally, Xu Mingshu.

"This is my fourth sister. Still unmarried!"

After Xu Mingxian spoke, Xu Mingshu immediately frowned, saying, "Was that last half-sentence necessary to introduce?"

"It's a fact. Zongni and I are husband and wife, so naturally we should be honest." Xu Mingxian smiled faintly.

"Mingxian, don't fool around." Bai Jing smiled warmly, then continued, "Mingshu and Mingxian are dragon and phoenix twins, but Mingshu was born half an hour earlier. Although the two siblings have bickered since childhood, their relationship is the closest."

"This daughter-in-law can see that." Zhou Zongni covered her mouth and laughed softly.

Xu Mingshu snorted, "For Zongni's sake, I won't fuss with you today."

"Alright, everyone go out for a walk. Don't cooped up in the room."

"Yes, Father."

Half a month later.

Chang Haowen personally brought people to Dongxi.

At this time, Dongxi was once again concealed by the mist array and couldn't be entered casually.

"Master Xu, I, Chang, have gathered all the materials on your list. Please inspect them."

Xu Chuan glanced at several boxes and nodded slightly, "Indeed correct. To collect four batches in such a short time, the Chang family certainly has considerable foundation.

Will you wait half a day, or shall I have someone deliver them to your Chang residence later?"

"Only half a day?" Chang Haowen was quite surprised, "Then I, Chang, will wait this half day so my grandfather can recover sooner."

"The Chang family Grand Elder is your grandfather?"

"Precisely."

Xu Chuan nodded, then changed the subject, "However, even if your grandfather recovers, he has at most ten-some years of remaining lifespan."

"Understood. Grandfather is already aged, but my Chang family currently cannot do without this perfect grandmaster's deterrent effect." Chang Haowen nodded with lowered brow, "Ten-some years of buffer is sufficient!"

"As long as you're aware. But your Chang family isn't my Xu family's vassal. Only by working for my Xu family can you receive resource rewards.

Unless it's a life-or-death moment for your Chang family, my Xu family won't rashly intervene. However, I can tell you some news. The Yang family also plans to follow my Xu family. From now on, your two families need to turn swords into plowshares and advance together.

If you don't listen and cause too much trouble, it's equivalent to betrayal. My Xu family won't be lenient with either family."

"Chang understands." Chang Haowen lowered his neck.

"Just wait in this hall."

"Yes."

Xu Chuan beckoned, collecting the wooden boxes from the guards' hands into his storage bag, then rose into the air and went to Jade Cold Pool.

Evil-Breaking Pills had refinement difficulty similar to Qi Gathering Pills. However, this was Xu Chuan's first time refining this pill.

He selected the materials required by the pill formula from the wooden boxes, supplemented with the final ingredient, and began refining according to the pill formula in his memory.

The first furnace had slight flaws: two low-grade pills and five middle-grade pills.

"Based on the Chang family Grand Elder's degree of sinister qi contamination, he needs at least middle-grade pills, and must take them for at least seven days."

Xu Chuan made his decision and began refining the second furnace.

This time there were no low-grade pills. There were two superior-grade pills, with the remaining seven all middle-grade pills.

If Xu Chuan had first tasted herbs and sorted out the changes in medicinal properties, the first furnace could have achieved the second furnace's results.

Seeing there was still time, Xu Chuan directly threw the remaining two batches of Evil-Breaking Pill materials into the pill furnace to refine together.

After finishing, he returned to the Xu family main residence.

He handed two porcelain bottles to Chang Haowen. Chang Haowen accepted them and looked at the two bottles, slightly dazed, "Master Xu, this..."

"Your grandfather was severely contaminated by sinister qi and needs to take seven Evil-Breaking Pills. Take one at noon each day under the sun to refine it. Continue for seven consecutive days, and the sinister qi can be completely expelled.

As for the other bottle, consider it my reward for the Chang family's allegiance. Inside is a superior-grade Spring Return Pill. Have your grandfather take it after the sinister qi is expelled.

It can repair some of the internal organs damaged by the sinister qi. As long as he doesn't fight desperately, he might live one or two more years."

"Superior-grade pills?!"

Chang Haowen knew the preciousness of superior-grade pills. In all these years, the highest the Chang family had obtained were middle-grade pills.

As for Spring Return Pills, he also knew they were more precious healing pills than Jade Dew Pills, used for late Qi Refining healing.

Immortal cultivation families rarely let them circulate outside.

"Truly worthy of being a pill refining master even superior to Zhou Sen. My decision was indeed correct."

"Many thanks, Master Xu!"

"From now on, don't address me as Master Xu. Call me Elder Xu or Grand Elder."

"Many thanks, Grand Elder. I, Chang, will take my leave first."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly.

Chang Haowen immediately led the Chang family guards, rushing back to the commandery city through the night.

Over ten days later, the Chang family Grand Elder recovered to full strength.

The next day, Chang Haowen and the Chang family Grand Elder visited the Yang residence.

Yang Zhao and Yang Wenfeng received them.

After chatting for about half a quarter-hour, Yang Zhao and Yang Wenfeng saw off Chang Haowen and his group.

A few days later, word spread that the Yang and Chang families, after over a century, were forming marriage alliances again.

Yang Ruifeng would marry Chang Haowen's legitimate daughter, and Yang Ruiyao would also be betrothed to Chang Haowen's legitimate son.

This left many families puzzled.

The Yang and Chang families had fought for over a hundred years. Their sudden reconciliation was truly strange.

However, these two families carried considerable weight among the commandery city's martial families. With the two united, numerous changes immediately occurred.

Various families, following the trend, competed to hold happy events.