Chapter 180: The Calm Apprentice, The Talkative Teacher

"How do you know my Xiao family plans to form a marriage alliance with the Gu family?" The Xiao family Seventh Elder's expression showed slight shock as he looked at Xu Mingyuan in surprise.

"Just happened to hear about it." Xu Mingyuan said flatly, "Three Fellow Daoists, the transaction is complete. Do you still want to stay and look around? The scenery of our Dongxi is quite nice."

Xiao family Second Elder bowed with cupped hands, "No need. We must return to the family and cannot stay long."

"Farewell."

He led the way out the main door first, with the Seventh Elder following closely behind.

Xiao Changyuan cupped his hands with a slightly apologetic expression, "Brother Mingyuan, no need to see us out. I hope there will be opportunities to continue cooperating next time."

"Certainly." Xu Mingyuan also stood and returned the gesture with cupped hands.

After the three left, Wu Zhen spoke up, "The three from the Xiao family seem to have prepared two contingencies."

Xu Mingyuan glanced at Wu Zhen, "Fellow Daoist Wu also noticed. The so-called insurance was just an excuse."

After a moment's hesitation, worry showed between his brows as he continued, "Elder Mingyuan, the Xiao family isn't easy to provoke. From the earlier situation, those Xiao family Second Elder and Seventh Elder seemed displeased.

I fear they'll sow discord when they return."

"Fellow Daoist Wu is quite experienced."

"I dare not claim so. It's just that family clan behavior has always been like this. We rogue cultivators accidentally offend family descendants, and once discovered, we'll definitely attract quite a few pursuers but when they provoke rogue cultivators, rogue cultivators are expected to swallow their anger."

Wu Zhen muttered a complaint, then quickly explained, "But families like the Xu family that wholeheartedly focus on cultivation and development are rare. The clan disciples also have no bad habits.

The Xu family's family culture commands Wu's utmost respect."

Worthy of being a rogue cultivator, this wave of survival instinct gets an excellent rating!

Xu Mingyuan silently grumbled internally. His Xu family had never punished anyone for their words.

On the contrary, the Xu family grew strong precisely because everyone contributed ideas to create today's prosperity.

"The Xiao family is strong, but separated by a commandery. If they really mobilize on a large scale, my Xu family is also not weak."

Seeing the confidence on his face, Wu Zhen couldn't bear to dampen his spirits but still said, "Elder Mingyuan, it's not that Wu speaks too much, but while I'm not certain of the Xiao family's specific strength and foundation, for a top-tier Qi Refining family like them, late Qi Refining cultivators generally number in the dozens.

Early and middle stage at least fifty or sixty.

And after obtaining quite a few Barrier Breaking Pills from the Xu family this time, I'm afraid they can add at least five or six more late Qi Refining cultivators, perhaps even two or three more at the ninth layer of Qi Refining."

"Longjiang Commandery overall is far stronger than Yuehu Commandery. Currently Yuehu Commandery only has one top-tier fifth-rank Qi Refining family, the Yuan family, and the Yuan family in Longjiang Commandery probably just barely reaches top-tier fifth-rank foundation.

The Zhou family before becoming a Foundation Establishment family could rank among the top.

But Longjiang Commandery also has family clans not inferior to the Zhou family, and the Clear Wave Lake Liu clan is also far beyond what Yuehu Commandery's former Su family or current Zhou family can compare to.

Even the two families joining forces would have no power to resist."

"Fellow Daoist Wu, you know quite a lot of details. You must have inquired about various commanderies' family clans quite a bit in the past." Xu Mingyuan's eyes brightened.

Perhaps the greatest value of these rogue cultivators wasn't their strength but their experience and intelligence.

Wu Zhen smiled sheepishly, "Just rogue cultivator habit."

Xu Mingyuan patted his shoulder, "Fellow Daoist Wu, rest assured. If the Xiao and Gu families truly join forces to attack, you can flee for your life. My Xu family won't blame you."

Wu Zhen immediately stepped back two paces, bowing with cupped hands, "Elder Mingyuan misunderstands. Since I've joined the Xu family, I'll naturally share risks with the Xu family."

"I believe you." Xu Mingyuan smiled faintly, "Return to the Battle Hall to cultivate."

"Yes."

On Xiao Changyuan's group's return journey.

Xiao family Seventh Elder's face bore an angry expression, "This Xu family is merely a newly promoted Qi Refining family, just barely reaching fifth-rank, yet dares to be so arrogant.

Actually threatening our lives in front of us."

"The person in charge is also just a small cultivator at the fourth layer of Qi Refining, and still needs to recruit an eighth layer Qi Refining rogue cultivator for show. I even suspect their fifth-rank rating came from bribing the immortal supervisor."

Xiao family Second Elder remained silent but Xiao Changyuan said, "I think the Xu family isn't simple. Twenty years ago, their Xu family was just a small county family. To develop this quickly, they must have their unique qualities."

"Xiao Changyuan, I haven't blamed you yet, but you're speaking for the Xu family instead. Did you secretly accept benefits from them?"

"Seventh Elder, you're slandering me. Changyuan is just discussing the matter as it stands."

"Discussing as it stands? Let me ask you, why did you so quickly produce the other half of trading resources earlier? Weren't we all agreed to delay as long as possible?

As long as we delay, would we fear the Xu family coming to Longjiang to demand payment from our Xiao family?"

Xiao Changyuan hastily explained, "Both elders don't know, Xu Mingyuan is an extremely shrewd person. He absolutely wouldn't be fooled by our rhetoric.

When he spoke those words earlier, it was a warning. Could Seventh Elder want us three to lose our lives at the Xu family over these resources?"

"Hehe." Xiao family Seventh Elder sneered coldly, "I doubt the Xu family has that courage!"

"Moreover, the one to die would be you, right? Second Elder is a late ninth layer Qi Refining cultivator. I also have methods of self-preservation. But you, barely entered the family elder council with shallow foundation."

"Seventh Elder, you..." Xiao Changyuan glared angrily.

"Stop arguing." Once Xiao family Second Elder spoke, the two immediately fell silent.

"Gambling over these resources isn't worth it. After all, that's the Xu family's clan territory. How could a family's true foundation be easily known by outsiders?

Moreover, this person Xu Mingyuan is indeed as Changyuan said, not to be underestimated."

Xiao family Second Elder's brows showed gravity, "Just from seeing only half the resources in the storage bag, he instantly guessed our thoughts.

He even directly threatened us verbally, forcing us to compromise. Later he even revealed the situation between our Xiao family and the Gu family."

"It must have been that rogue cultivator beside him who told him. These rogue cultivators scurry about everywhere. They don't have much ability but know plenty of things." Xiao family Seventh Elder said.

"Perhaps." Xiao family Second Elder sighed deeply, then continued, "However, this trip accomplished the mission. These pills can allow quite a few Xiao family descendants to increase their strength.

The top-grade magical artifact can also be bestowed on those who need it."

He glanced at Xiao Changyuan and said flatly, "I remember you still don't have a top-grade magical artifact. After returning, I'll suggest to the family head that this top-grade artifact be bestowed on you."

"Thank you..."

"Don't rush to thank me. Whether it succeeds is still uncertain. After all, the clan also has several late Qi Refining elders without top-grade magical artifacts."

Xiao Changyuan bowed with cupped hands, "Regardless, Changyuan will remember Second Elder's kindness in his heart."

A great clan spanning hundreds of years inevitably divides into various factions internally.

Xiao family Second Elder held considerable status in the Xiao family, but to gain greater voice, he naturally needed to rally more elders.

At this time, Xiao family Seventh Elder said, "Then Second Elder, what about the Xu family matter?"

"Return and report to the family head. Put this matter to discussion at the elder council. After all, a fifth-rank family can't just be destroyed at will, let alone from another commandery.

Even if we and the Gu family join forces to annihilate them, we must be wary of Yuehu Commandery's Zhou family.

I've heard that after the Xu family became an immortal cultivation family, the Zhou family formed a marriage alliance with them, involving core members of both families.

If the Xu family has privately reached an alliance agreement with the Zhou family, and our two families rashly attack across commanderies, I fear it will be quite miserable, and our status in Longjiang Commandery will plummet."

Both Xiao Changyuan and Xiao family Seventh Elder showed contemplation, sensing the trickiness within.

"In any case, the elder council will decide after deliberation."

"Yes, Second Elder."

Cross-commandery attacks were blatantly slapping the face of the local Foundation Establishment family.

Regardless of which Foundation Establishment family, they all considered their commandery as their own territory.

Even if Foundation Establishment families dared reach out, they had to test their mettle. But if it were Qi Refining families?

Hmph, at that time the Foundation Establishment cultivators would probably directly lead clan cultivators to attack their doors.

Therefore, the Xu family's trades with other commanderies were currently all private and covert, never making a big fuss to invite trouble.

Afterward, Xu Mingyuan also explained this matter to Xu Mingwei and Xu Chuan.

Both treated it with disdain.

"By the way, Mingyuan, if you have time you can try learning talisman arts from Lu Feng." Xu Chuan suddenly said.

"So sudden? I shouldn't have that type of talent, right?" Xu Mingyuan felt deeply puzzled.

Xu Mingwei was the same.

"I planned to have you try earlier. After all, the clan also collected some, but considering no one to teach and self-exploration takes too much time.

Plus your realm wasn't high, so I didn't mention it."

"I have talisman talent?"

"Although Father hasn't practiced the talisman path, but... why are you two looking at me like that?"

Xu Mingwei smiled, "Father, you always say this. Haven't practiced the artifact path, but can guide Elder Mingsheng and Ling'er in artifacts. Can also guide Mingxian in arrays."

"Did I say that?"

"Yes." The two brothers said in unison, then laughed heartily.

Xu Chuan shook his head with a smile, "Fine. In any case, drawing talismans requires absolute focus and calmness. In this regard, Mingwei and the others aren't as good as you, Mingyuan.

Talisman drawing differs by the slightest bit and will affect the talisman's success and your insight into minute details, no one in all our Xu clan can match you.

Pill Dao requires understanding and control of medicinal properties. Array Dao requires comprehension of heaven and earth's dao plus enlightenment. Artifact Dao requires focus, skill, and talent, none of which can be lacking.

But talismans are more like ultra-precise machinery, where every component's shape, position, insertion depth, thickness and so on have already been determined.

At least below top-tier talismans, this should be correct.

As for later stages, arrays, talismans, pills, and artifacts all lead to the same destination, all comprehending heaven and earth, creating and researching on their own."

Both Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingwei showed deep thought, feeling Xu Chuan's words made great sense.

After a moment, Xu Mingwei asked in a daze, "Father, do you have some teaching talent? Otherwise how can you explain matters you're not good at so thoroughly, giving people an enlightening feeling?"

That's because you missed over ten years of web novels!

Xu Chuan silently grumbled internally but outwardly laughed and scolded, "Stop your nonsense."

Then looking at Xu Mingyuan, "What do you think?"

After pondering and thinking for a moment, Xu Mingyuan said, "Since Father says so, you must have your plans. Our Xu family now has the four mainstream immortal arts of pills, artifacts, arrays, and talismans, with only the talisman path lacking leadership.

If this child truly has talisman talent, it can greatly strengthen our Xu clan's foundation.

So for the family, this child will make time to learn talisman arts from Daoist Lu."

Xu Chuan nodded in satisfaction.

Having a group of filial children is good, so worry-free.

Several days later, Xiao family clan council.

Besides discussing distribution of the pills Xiao Changyuan's group brought back, they also discussed the Xu family matter. However, ultimately eighty percent of elders disagreed with crossing commanderies to deal with the Xu family.

Although the Xu family was just a newly promoted Qi Refining family, after all they were also ranked fifth-rank and separated by a commandery.

Quite a few people even suggested trading with the Xu family again in a few years.

After all, having such a stable source of top-grade pills was good for the Xiao family.

At minimum after this trade, within a few years, the Xiao family's overall strength could increase by ten percent.

Demon beast materials, spirit herbs and such, without suitable people to refine them into pills and artifacts, piling them up was just waste. But if only refined into low-grade items, that was another kind of waste.

Therefore, the matter regarding the Xu family was left unresolved.

On the Xu family's side, Immortal Arts Hall, Talisman Hall.

Currently the entire hall only had Lu Feng.

"Although refining talismans can also accumulate family contribution points, if material consumption is severe then corresponding contribution points will be deducted. Teaching disciples is better.

Just teaching earns contribution points. If I cultivate a true talisman master, there will be additional resource rewards. The more talents cultivated, the more generous the contribution points and resources."

Lu Feng muttered to himself, "Really envious of the Grand Elder's Pill Refinement Hall next door. No wait, the entire Xu family centers on the Grand Elder. If he wants resources, isn't it just a matter of one sentence?

Better to envy Elder Wu's Artifact Refinement Hall but who told them to be artifact refining grandmasters who can refine top-grade magical artifacts!"

Lu Feng kept muttering complaints.

"Daoist Lu."

Suddenly a middle-aged man walked into the Talisman Hall. Lu Feng was slightly startled, looked up, and seeing it was Xu Mingyuan, hurriedly stood and bowed with cupped hands, "Greetings to Elder Mingyuan."

When Lu Feng, Wu Zhen, and Luo Qianshan were initially recruited into the Xu family, the first Xu family core figure they contacted was Xu Mingyuan.

Only after passing his examination could they enter the Xu family.

After that was Xu Mingwei, the Xu family head, then Grand Elder Xu Chuan and a series of others.

Sometimes Lu Feng felt that Xu Mingyuan was the Xu family's true head.

"Elder Mingyuan, could this visit be an inspection? You also know, although Lu knows some talisman arts, I'm far from as proficient as Elder Wu in artifact refinement. Though there will be some waste, I try to keep it within permitted losses."

"Why suddenly mention Elder Wu?" Xu Mingyuan shook his head with a smile.

His assessment was that his character was quite good, just had a loose tongue, same whether people were around or not.

"Ah, nothing. Just joking around." Lu Feng laughed, then inquired, "Then what brings Elder Mingyuan to me?"

"I plan to try learning talisman arts. I came to learn talisman crafting from you."

Hearing this, Lu Feng's eyes widened as he murmured, "Could heaven have heard my complaints? Specially sent an apprentice, and a powerful Xu family elder at that!"

"What are you muttering about, Daoist Lu?"

"Nothing. Elder Mingyuan, since you wish to learn, it's never too late."

Think I'm too old?

This Lu Feng... really has no filter, truly not easy to survive until now.

"Elder Mingyuan, how about this? I'll first personally craft a talisman to let you experience it, then explain to you some basics of drawing talismans, materials, and so on."

Xu Mingyuan nodded slightly.

However—

"Mistake, mistake. Perhaps Elder Mingyuan's arrival made Lu somewhat excited."

Moments later.

"Hand shook. Again."

"Today's luck might be a bit bad. Elder Mingyuan, wait a bit more."

The sixth time, the talisman lines drawn in cinnabar flowed on the yellow paper, each stroke containing spiritual power trajectories.

Sweat continuously seeped from Lu Feng's forehead.

When the last stroke fell, the entire talisman suddenly emitted faint light. On the paper's surface, pale green spiritual energy could faintly be seen flowing like mist.

This spiritual energy wasn't static but slowly traveled along the talisman lines' direction.

"Success!"

The talisman brush in Lu Feng's hand paused and gently lifted. His entire person visibly relaxed.

The talisman paper had a special texture, somewhat soft yet firm. At the moment of completion, the golden silk veins interwoven inside could faintly be seen.

"Elder Mingyuan, this is an earth-type defensive talisman. Just a trace of spiritual power can activate a spherical earth-yellow protective shield. Its defensive power is not weak, requiring at least middle or late stage cultivators to break through.

If it's a top-grade defensive talisman, it can withstand several attacks from Qi Refining perfection using top-grade magical artifacts.

Of course, if premium artifacts are used, it can still be broken in one strike.

Talismans excel in simple activation. Even an early Qi Refining cultivator, with enough talismans, might even kill Qi Refining perfection.

Under wild bombardment, no one can withstand such power."

"The art of explosion?"

"Elder Mingyuan actually understands! Looks like we're kindred spirits. What Lu is best at is fire-type talismans. When those fire-type talismans fly out, the moment of explosion..."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Xu Mingyuan raised his hand to stop him from continuing to prattle on. "So why didn't Daoist Lu draw your most skilled fire-type talisman, but instead waste materials drawing an earth-type defensive talisman?"

"Ah this..." Lu Feng was stunned, asking himself, "Right, why didn't I draw fire-type talismans?"

Xu Mingyuan felt like rolling his eyes and waved his hand, "Let's not dwell on this. I now understand talisman drawing. Teach me some basics.

Like talisman paper creation, what about talisman brushes, how about the pigments? And talisman types and so on."

"No problem. As long as Elder Mingyuan has time, Lu can explain slowly and in detail."

"No time, so keep it short and focus on the essentials."

Lu Feng's enthusiasm was instantly dampened, but he still introduced talisman basics to Xu Mingyuan bit by bit.

Over two hours later.

"That's about it. Elder Mingyuan can also read talisman path texts for some things."

Xu Mingyuan nodded slightly, then bowed with cupped hands, "Thank you for your trouble, Daoist Lu. From now on, I'll spend two hours daily at the Talisman Hall learning talisman drawing from you."

"That counts as teaching, right? Can earn family contribution points, right?"

Xu Mingyuan smiled gently, "Naturally."

Lu Feng immediately grinned.

Afterward, Xu Mingyuan kept his word and came to the Talisman Hall daily to learn the talisman path.

Talisman brushes were also magical artifacts.

Xu Mingyuan had Xu Deling help him make one when she had time.

The refinement wasn't difficult; the difficulty was in materials.

Some talisman brushes might develop special properties during refinement, such as enhancing the user's mental concentration and such.

Pigments were cinnabar containing spiritual energy. Demon beast blood could also work.

Of course, this was only for the lowest grade talismans. Some middle-grade or even top-grade talismans might require specific pigments.

The same for talisman paper.

For most middle and low-grade talismans, yellow paper made from Seven Star Grass sufficed. But some talismans used demon beast hide or jade as the medium.

Such talismans mostly had tremendous power or special effects. However, the core of talismans was still those talisman patterns.

When each talisman pattern completed in an instant, it seemed to have power from the unknown automatically communicating with heaven and earth, bestowing it with profound abilities.

Lu Feng also once told Xu Mingyuan that true talisman path experts could even use heaven and earth as canvas, spiritual power as brush. At a thought the talisman forms, and when complete heaven changes, possessing world-shaking power.

This had similar wondrous effects to array formations borrowing heaven and earth's might.

"They say array formations comprehend heaven and earth's natural great dao. Actually the talisman path in later stages is the same. Talismans are more like simplifying all things, exploring their power and patterns to form.

For example, Fireball Technique. We cultivators form hand seals, spiritual power activates Five Elements power, finally forming a technique. But the Fireball Talisman is predecessors deeply researching the formation and power essence of Fireball Technique.

Converting invisible principles into visible patterns, which are talisman patterns.

Activated by spiritual power, it can directly form Fireball Technique. Much faster than forming seals oneself."

"I speculate that talismans appeared because ancient cultivators wanted to facilitate combat, which is why they researched the talisman path.

After all, some top-tier techniques, though frighteningly powerful, are also very troublesome to cast, taking at least a dozen or even dozens of breaths.

This is quite disadvantageous in combat but if simplified into talismans and prepared in advance, they can be activated instantly. Some, even if slower, only take one or two breaths."

Xu Mingyuan found this interesting, "According to Daoist Lu, all techniques can be converted to talismans?"

"About right. At least Lu thinks so. Of course whether it can be done is another matter. After all, we find talisman drawing already difficult, let alone researching techniques' and divine abilities' principles and essence.

The requirements for comprehension are probably even higher than the array path!"

Xu Mingyuan nodded, thinking inwardly, "Indeed the Dao is boundless."

Over ten days later at Xu family residence.

Outside the room, Xu Mingyuan and his wife, Wu Tao all waited.

Over half an hour later, Xu Dejing gave birth to a son.

Immediately, Xu Chuan and his wife, Xu Mingwei and his wife, Xu Mingxuan and his wife, Xu Mingshu, Xu Mingxian and his wife, along with numerous juniors all came to Xu Dejing's bedchamber.

Fortunately the space was large, otherwise so many people would have packed it completely full.

Xu Dezhao held Xu Conghui, "Brother Hui, look, that's your little brother."

Xu Conghui's bright black eyes curiously looked at the tiny one in Wu Tao's arms.

Everyone took turns coming up for a look.

Shortly after, Wu Tao placed him in Xu Mingyuan's arms, "Father-in-law, please name the child."

"I'll name him?"

"Mm, Jing'er and I discussed it beforehand."

"Then let me think." Xu Mingyuan solemnly contemplated as if considering some great matter. "He's of the Chong generation, let's call him Chongming."

"The character Ming, in the Book of Documents: Yao Canon it says: 'Respectfully understanding, thoughtful and composed,' implying wise understanding. The Songs of Chu: Nine Laments also says: 'May the bright sun clearly shine, yet clouds obscure it,' representing brightness and openness.

It represents wisdom and integrity."

"Xu Chongming... Chongming... Ming'er." Wu Tao repeated it twice, then immediately bowed with cupped hands, "Thank you, father-in-law, for bestowing the name."