Chapter 192: The Lei Family Arrives

These past two years.

Xu Chuan had devoted himself to researching the pill Dao.

He had also developed a pill for breaking through the grandmaster bottleneck, naming it the Grandmaster Breaking Pill.

Like the Breakthrough Pill, martial artists could take this pill at most five times in their lifetime.

It was also effective for breaking through minor grandmaster realm bottlenecks.

If it was a superior-grade Grandmaster Breaking Pill, basically one pill could achieve a breakthrough. As for inferior-grade pills, that was harder to say.

Its refinement difficulty was similar to Grandmaster Martial Pills, but the materials were ten times more precious. Fortunately, the Xu family had collected and cultivated quite a few medicinal herbs and spiritual grasses.

With two additional medicinal gardens for cultivation and planting, there was currently no shortage.

Combined with Xu Chuan's pill Dao mastery, he could use these medicinal herbs and spiritual grasses almost perfectly.

Even Daoist Yunding, upon seeing Xu Chuan's pill Dao accomplishments, had to admire them. However, the superior-grade pill rate for second-rank pills couldn't reach such heights.

At most, it was only six pills at a time.

After all, refining second-rank pills was much more difficult than first-rank pills, with higher requirements for both magical power and flame control.

Demon beast cultivation had also gotten on track. Several types of pills suitable for nurturing spirit beasts had all been refined by him, gradually forming a system.

These were ordinary pills suitable for most spirit beasts to consume but for special spirit beasts and spirit insects, materials could be gathered and refined individually. With his pill Dao accomplishments, there were basically no pills he couldn't refine.

Then there were the Body Strengthening Pills, Bone Nourishing Pills, and Bloodline Pills.

Body Strengthening Pills and Bone Nourishing Pills were only suitable for children aged three to eight. Although their effects were far inferior to Bone Strengthening Pills, they could be taken once per month.

When taken together, over several years, their effects far surpassed Bone Strengthening Pills.

As for Bloodline Pills, as the name suggested, they were specially developed for people with special bloodlines.

Xu Chuan developed this pill considering that in the future, the Xu family's descendants would certainly have various bloodlines, some concentrated, some diluted.

For those with diluted bloodlines, continuous consumption could constantly enhance bloodline power.

This was similar to the spirit pills for cultivating demon beasts, but spirit beast pills not only enhanced bloodline power but also increased spiritual power.

This Bloodline Pill only targeted bloodlines.

Both martial artists and cultivators could consume it.

Although the materials for refining this pill weren't as precious as Grandmaster Breaking Pills, they were also rarer than Grandmaster Martial Pills and Qi Nurturing Pills. Large-scale refining was currently impossible.

The pill formulas Xu Chuan painstakingly researched were an astounding foundation for the Xu family.

From infant cultivation onwards, there were pill formulas for advancing cultivation at each realm and breaking through bottlenecks. He even considered the possibility that descendants' bloodlines might become diluted.

Referencing spirit beast pills, he developed Bloodline Pills.

There was even the Spirit Advancement Pill that surpassed bottlenecks, allowing divine sense to advance to divine consciousness ahead of time.

For cultivation below Foundation Establishment, the Xu family's training was absolutely no worse than first or second-rank aristocratic families, and even slightly superior.

This was sufficient for generation after generation to produce talent in endless succession.

Time advanced to the expected date of the dark moon.

A thousand acres of frost-laden rice bowed their heads, golden waves reaching the sky.

Morning dew condensed on the grain heads, each kernel reflecting the sun like strung pearls.

Farmers bundled straw into torches, with green smoke winding between the paths between fields, burning away the remnants of weeds and dyeing the autumn colors together with the clouds and sunset glow.

A figure arrived from afar, coming to Qingjiang Dongxi.

"Mist surrounds this place. It seems this is definitely the right location."

Without another word, the person immediately stood with hands behind their back and flew into the mist array.

"Divine consciousness interference? However, it's too weak. It probably only affects Qi Refining stage cultivators."

The middle-aged cultivator murmured, "The Xu family has only been an immortal cultivation family for a few years. Being able to set up this array is truly commendable."

In less than a breath's time.

He broke through the mist array.

His vision suddenly opened up. He saw distant mountains like dark jade, layer upon layer of peaks gradually dyed ochre, with thin snow already faintly visible on the highest peak.

On the nearby mountain group, faint mist floated, revealing glimpses of winding blue stone steps.

The middle-aged cultivator looked downward.

In the fields, farmers bent like a formation of wild geese. Where their sickles passed, rice stalks were cut cleanly, the sound "cha cha" like spring silkworms eating leaves.

An old man bound the grain with hemp rope. Each time his gnarled, vein-bulging wrists turned, a bundle of newly cut grain stood behind him like arrayed soldiers.

Women carried bamboo baskets gathering grain, with broken rice leaves stuck to their temples. Young children followed behind them, using wooden sticks to poke at field mouse holes, startling two or three sparrows into flight.

At a clear lake, on the eastern side sat an old fisherman alone on a rocky outcrop. His straw rain cape half-covered his frost-white temples. He used a withered bamboo pole with hemp thread tied to a hook, neither hurried nor impatient, only gently tugging the fishing line as if teasing the fish.

Seeing these scenes of harmony, the middle-aged cultivator's eyes immediately brightened.

"Interesting. It seems the Xu family has put considerable thought into this place."

Arriving above the mountain group, he saw array formations and restrictions.

The middle-aged cultivator didn't barge in recklessly and immediately spoke, "Fellow Daoist Xu, are you present?"

His voice exploded like thunder above Dongxi.

Xu Mingwei, who was watching the Battle Hall disciples sparring, immediately looked up toward the sky.

Disciples from various halls as well as common people down the mountain, many people also looked toward the source of the sound.

"This person is so rude," an elder said with a disgusted expression. "Since he's come to visit, why is he making such a loud commotion? He has no manners at all."

"It's him?!"

Xu Mingwei's pupils contracted slightly. He was truly somewhat surprised. He then said to those Battle Hall disciples, "That's all for today. Go cultivate as you should."

"Yes, Elder Mingwei."

Xu Mingwei lightly leaped up. A flying sword flew out from his storage bag beneath his feet, landing right under his feet.

Flying on his sword, he arrived before the middle-aged cultivator in the blink of an eye.

He cupped his fists and bowed, "Greetings, Senior Lei."

This person was none other than Lei Hekong from the Lei family.

"Xu Mingwei," Lei Hekong said indifferently. After a moment, he raised his eyebrows, "I haven't seen you in many years. Your cultivation has reached Qi Refining perfection."

Xu Mingwei nodded, "Why has Senior Lei suddenly come to my Xu family?"

"Naturally, there's a matter. You haven't forgotten the promise to refine pills for my Lei family without compensation, have you?"

Xu Mingwei's lips curved into a three-point smile as he cupped his hands, "Senior Lei has misremembered."

"It was only to take action three times without compensation."

"Haha, then perhaps this old man remembered incorrectly," Lei Hekong laughed heartily. "Take me to see your father. This matter must ultimately be discussed with him face to face."

"This way, please."

Xu Mingwei flicked his sleeve robe. His token emitted a burst of blue light, and immediately a gap appeared in the light screen of the array formation restriction.

The two passed through and headed toward the Immortal Arts Hall.

Arriving at the Pill Refining Palace, Xu Chuan had just finished his small classroom session.

"Grand Elder, we'll take our leave first." They clasped their hands before their abdomen and bowed slightly.

Xu Chuan nodded.

Shen Qingyi and Zhang Wanqing, seeing Xu Mingwei bringing an unfamiliar cultivator, also cupped their fists and bowed, "Greetings, Elder Mingwei. Greetings, Senior."

Xu Mingwei also nodded slightly.

Currently, each hall still didn't have many personnel.

Once the recruited outer-surname cultivators reached the fourth layer of Qi Refining, they would choose their halls, either learning immortal arts, joining the Battle Hall, or becoming members of the Discipline Team.

"Father, Senior Lei Hekong from the Lei family has come to visit."

Xu Chuan stood and cupped his fists, "Greetings, Senior Lei."

"You are Xu Chuan. Indeed, I can smell the rich pill fragrance on you."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly, "Senior, please sit. You've come to have this junior fulfill his promise, correct?"

Lei Hekong casually sat down and nodded, "This pill is difficult to refine. The pill refining grandmasters in my clan all say they lack confidence. But my Lei family doesn't want to invite Daoist Yunding. After all, his relationship with the Cao clan is exceptionally close, and my Lei family cannot force him to swear an oath to absolutely not leak information."

"Senior, please speak frankly. What pill do you want this junior to refine?"

Lei Hekong waved his hand over his storage bag, and a pill formula flew out, landing before Xu Chuan. "First, see if you can refine it."

Xu Chuan glanced at the pill formula. It had over twenty types of materials, and its complexity even exceeded Divine Sense Pills.

"It is somewhat difficult, but as long as there are sufficient materials, pill refining grandmasters should all be able to refine it."

Of course, superior-grade pills were another matter.

"Same as last time, materials are also limited, and there's a difference. For this pill, my Lei family needs at least ten pills."

Xu Chuan's pupils contracted slightly. He heard Lei Hekong continue, "As for materials, there are ten sets."

"This..."

Xu Chuan pondered, but inwardly thought, the difficulty isn't great. I should be able to pocket a few pills.

"I know the difficulty is great. The pill refining grandmasters of my Lei family all say that ten sets of materials only guarantee forming pills, but there's no way to control the quantity. In all of Great Wei, there are certainly several people who can do this. Daoist Yunding is one. You, Xu Chuan, also count as one. My Lei family doesn't want to make this matter known to everyone, so we've come to Dongxi to find you."

"This pill is difficult. I also lack much confidence, unless Senior Lei agrees to one condition."

"What condition?" Lei Hekong's brows furrowed.

"The pills the Lei family has me refine are becoming increasingly difficult. If I cannot refine them, wouldn't this promise be indefinitely owed? You can surely see that I'm already approaching Foundation Establishment. If I have concerns weighing on my mind, I'm afraid it will reduce my chances of Foundation Establishment."

Hearing this, Lei Hekong secretly smiled to himself.

He could also see that this was merely an excuse but these three opportunities were unexpectedly obtained for free to begin with. Even if it counted as one time, it didn't matter.

"Fellow Daoist Xu speaks correctly. Then let's combine the three times into one. If this time fails, you still owe my Lei family once. How about that?"

"It shall be as Senior Lei says," Xu Chuan cupped his fists.

Lei Hekong immediately handed all the materials to Xu Chuan and said, "You should know my Lei family's rules."

Xu Chuan nodded and immediately swore an oath then he had Xu Mingwei swear an oath not to leak the contents of this conversation.

Only then did Lei Hekong feel at ease, laughing heartily, "Then I'll go wander around nearby Qingjiang and return in five days. Fellow Daoist Xu, don't disappoint this Lei."

"This junior will do his utmost. For ten pills, I still have a fifty to sixty percent confidence."

Lei Hekong nodded, then said to Xu Mingwei, "Young friend, escort me out of your Xu family."

"Yes, Senior."

Xu Chuan looked at the pill formula, the corners of his mouth slightly raised. "Another breakthrough-type pill, and it's specifically targeted at Foundation Establishment stage cultivators. The Lei family's foundation is truly deep! If it were my Xu family, even collecting this pill formula would be difficult. The spiritual grasses are at minimum fifty years old, fifteen types are over a hundred years old, and three main ingredients are over five hundred years old."

Xu Chuan sighed deeply, "Indeed, once reaching Foundation Establishment and above, pill formulas will contain more spiritual grasses over a hundred years old, and some are rare spiritual grasses. It can truly be said that a single pill is hard to obtain."

This was inevitable. If Foundation Establishment pills were very common, then Foundation Establishment experts in Great Wei would probably be everywhere, and most wouldn't be stuck at early Foundation Establishment.

"If I don't leave Great Wei, in the future, a Foundation Establishment aristocratic family will probably be my Xu family's limit."

"One step at a time."

Many things could only be accessed after becoming a Foundation Establishment aristocratic family.

For example, the "Wuhua Dharma Assembly" in Great Wei that rarely contained Foundation Establishment opportunities.

After calming his mind for a quarter-hour, Xu Chuan announced he was entering closed-door cultivation to refine pills.

If it were back when he was refining Qinghua Pills for the Lei family, Xu Chuan would probably not be able to easily guarantee refining ten Void Breakthrough Pills but now, first using Divine Farmer's Hundred Herbs to sort out medicinal properties and explore medicinal property changes.

He was confident he could form pills in one furnace then he continued adjusting, such as controlling heat, fusing medicinal liquids, and so on.

By just the fourth furnace, Xu Chuan had refined medium-grade pills.

The ninth furnace produced superior-grade pills.

The tenth furnace produced three superior-grade pills.

From ten furnaces total, he obtained thirty-six pills, including four superior-grade pills, twelve medium-grade pills, and twenty inferior-grade pills.

"I'll deliver eight inferior-grade, two medium-grade, plus one superior-grade to satisfy them. That should be sufficient to deal with the Lei family."

"The rest will serve as my compensation for taking action."

Five days later.

Lei Hekong arrived punctually.

Xu Mingwei separated the pills for delivery, handed them to Lei Hekong, and said, "Senior Lei, my father worked tirelessly and did not disappoint expectations. He is now in closed-door meditation to recuperate."

Lei Hekong swept his divine consciousness over them, greatly surprised in his heart.

"There are even medium-grade and superior-grade pills?"

"Father said if there were a few more sets of materials, the quantity of medium-grade pills would be even greater. As for the superior-grade pill, it was by chance. Even if he refined it several more times, it might not succeed."

Lei Hekong's face was full of smiles, "Fellow Daoist Xu worked hard refining pills. Then this Lei won't disturb you further. Farewell."

He didn't say much more and immediately left Dongxi, returning to the imperial capital.

This superior-grade pill was truly a pleasant surprise for the Lei family.

Even if the Lei family ancestor reached his lifespan limit again in the future, during this time, with these pills, the Lei family could produce another Qi Refining perfection cultivator.

"I didn't expect Xu Chuan's pill Dao accomplishments to reach this level. They should be completely on par with Daoist Yunding. If my Lei family presented a Foundation Establishment Pill as a gift to make him thoroughly join my Lei family, I wonder if it would be possible."

An aristocratic family like the Lei family would certainly store one or two pills for future use.

It was just that without the agreement of the vast majority of Lei family elders, it probably couldn't be easily used.

Lei Hekong felt he could bring it up, but whether it could pass the Lei family clan council, he also couldn't guarantee. After all, every time they discussed the allocation of Foundation Establishment Pills...

The various Lei family branches would argue until the sky turned over, and even Foundation Establishment stage cultivators like them were helpless.

Among them, the Foundation Establishment Pills of several Foundation Establishment cultivators had also been fought for by their own branch's elders.

After Xu Mingwei saw Lei Hekong disappear without a trace, only then did he return to the Pill Refining Palace with peace of mind.

Previously, what Xu Mingwei said was naturally a lie. Xu Chuan hadn't entered closed-door cultivation at all.

Refining pills had only taken a little over three days.

Afterward, he followed his usual routine of practicing secret arts and spells, researching pill formulas, or going to check the medicinal gardens.

"Father, what did you gain? What exactly was the pill the Lei family had you refine?"

"Void Breakthrough Pills. Pills used for breaking through Foundation Establishment stage bottlenecks. They can be used for both middle and late-stage bottlenecks. Extremely precious," Xu Chuan said indifferently.

"Then how much did our Xu family gain for free?"

"What do you mean 'for free'? This is your father's compensation for taking action!"

"Yes, yes, yes. Everything Father says is reasonable."

Both father and son laughed heartily.

"For a single one of these, cultivators stuck at Foundation Establishment bottlenecks would even be willing to exchange twenty or thirty percent of their entire fortune."

The bottlenecks Xu Chuan spoke of were the middle and late-stage bottlenecks.

Foundation Establishment, strictly divided like the Qi Refining stage, could also be divided into nine layers, with each three layers being a major bottleneck.

The vast majority of true spiritual root cultivators who entered Foundation Establishment would be stuck at major bottlenecks, unable to break through for decades until their lifespan limit arrived but there were also some people who wouldn't be trapped at bottlenecks for too long.

As for why, the mysteries within were hard to explain clearly. Perhaps it related to temperament, Dao heart, fortune, clarity of thought, and so on.

Lei Hekong returned to the Lei family and handed the pills to the Lei family head.

"Thank you for your efforts, Hekong. How was the harvest this trip?"

Lei Hekong grinned, "There was an unexpected joy."

"How so?"

"Family Head will know once you look."

Only then did the Lei family head sweep his divine consciousness over them, immediately opening his mouth in surprise, "Superior-grade Void Breakthrough Pills?!"

"That's right. Refining Void Breakthrough Pills, a second-rank top-tier pill, from ten sets of materials and producing one superior-grade pill is truly fortunate. The rest are also fairly standard."

The Lei family head nodded upon hearing this, flicked his sleeve robe to store them away, and said, "How to distribute these Void Breakthrough Pills still requires thorough discussion."

"Family Head, Hekong has an idea. That Xu Chuan is preparing to attempt Foundation Establishment. Our Lei family could recruit him with this."

"Like Daoist Yunding?" The Lei family head raised his eyebrows, seeming moved.

But then he pondered and said, "This matter isn't easy to handle. My Lei family ultimately cannot compare to the Cao clan. Every Foundation Establishment Pill must be used where it matters most. There are quite a few clan disciples who have reached Qi Refining perfection. Every one of them is watching closely. Including the Foundation Establishment stage cultivators behind them."

"Furthermore, even if that Xu Chuan has true spiritual root, one Foundation Establishment Pill isn't guaranteed. Of course, if he can break through to Foundation Establishment, his pill Dao accomplishments will likely advance even further."

"I'm just making a suggestion. I feel that Xu Chuan's pill Dao talent is wasted being left in a small family," Lei Hekong laughed roughly.

"It is somewhat wasted," the Lei family head said. "But observing that he's unwilling to stay in the Dan Hall, one can imagine that in his heart, he cares more about his own family. Nine out of ten times, he won't be willing to enter my Lei family. However, my Lei family can establish good relations. For the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly,' we first and second-rank aristocratic families have quotas to recommend Qi Refining aristocratic families. I expect the Xu family won't refuse. If they can become a Foundation Establishment aristocratic family, that would be best, making them more valuable to recruit. If not, the Xu family will still be grateful, and my Lei family won't need to pay out any actual resources."

"The Family Head truly has excellent strategy," Lei Hekong flattered slightly. "I observed that the Xu family's potential is still considerable."

"Oh? Did you discover something on this trip?"

Lei Hekong said, "The Xu family's clan territory is in the border area of the county capital, but it's shrouded by a mist array formation, and this array formation also has the effect of interfering somewhat with divine consciousness. Its clan territory is managed in perfect order, and the people under their governance live in peace and contentment, presenting a harmonious and peaceful scene. This is a sign of great prosperity. Moreover, the Xu family has Xu Mingwei. His combat power is extraordinary, and now he's also at Qi Refining perfection. I'm afraid ordinary Qi Refining perfection cultivators simply cannot handle him. Probably only a few of the most core disciples in my Lei family could match him. Unfortunately, by the time of the next 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly,' he'll have exceeded sixty years of age and won't be able to participate. Otherwise, he could truly break into the top ten positions and seize a Foundation Establishment Pill."

The Lei family head showed a surprised expression, "I didn't expect you to think so highly of that Xu Mingwei."

"What about the situation with the other Xu family members?"

"Not very clear. Each important building in the Xu family clan territory has array formations and restrictions that cannot be easily probed."

"Hearing you say this, it seems my Lei family needs to increase our attention to the Xu family by several notches," the Lei family head said after pondering for a moment. "After this distribution of Void Breakthrough Pills ends, you make another trip to the Xu family. Express my Lei family's goodwill and reveal that we're willing to gift them a 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly' quota to help the Xu family."

In the past, aristocratic families with recommendation quotas would all auction them to Qi Refining aristocratic families, with the highest bidder winning.

This was the Dragon Gate Ladder.

Although the hope was slim, each Qi Refining aristocratic family still wanted to take a gamble.

What if their family was the next Wang family!

Half a month later.

Lei Hekong headed to Qingjiang Dongxi again.

This time, he properly followed the procedures to enter Dongxi, then paid his visit.

Xu Mingwei still received him.

"Senior Lei has come to our Dongxi so quickly again. You don't want to ask my father to refine pills again, do you? He's currently in closed-door cultivation."

"Not at all. This is good news," Lei Hekong laughed heartily. "Fellow Daoist Xu's pill refining accomplishments are indeed outstanding, but my Lei family also has two pill refining grandmasters and several fairly capable pill refiners. For ordinary pills, we naturally won't trouble him."

"Then it's for..."

"Has young friend Mingwei heard of the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly'?"

Xu Mingwei's eyes suddenly burst forth with light like shattered gold, his eyelashes trembling slightly.

"It seems young friend Mingwei has heard of it. This Dharma Assembly generally only Foundation Establishment aristocratic families can send people to participate, and participants must all be under sixty years of age. However, Great Wei won't cut off the path of advancement for Qi Refining aristocratic families. First and second-rank aristocratic families all have the qualification to recommend Qi Refining aristocratic families. First-rank aristocratic families each have three quotas, second-rank families have one. My Lei family is very optimistic about the Xu family's future and is willing to gift one quota free of charge. Is your Xu family willing to accept?"

Xu Chuan had already discussed this matter with Xu Mingwei and the others.

Going would be best, but this matter wasn't urgent for the Xu family. They could gradually pursue it later but unexpectedly, today the Lei family was actively gifting this quota.

Father had once said that everything has a price tag, and free things are often the most expensive.

"They've taken a liking to Father's pill refining skills. This matter is significant and requires thorough discussion. Moreover, if Father successfully breaks through to Foundation Establishment, we won't need the Lei family's quota."

After deliberating, Xu Mingwei looked into Lei Hekong's eyes and cupped his fists, "Please don't blame us, Senior Lei. My Xu family naturally wants this quota, but we also deeply understand the cruelty of the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly.' My Xu family has just become a Qi Refining aristocratic family, and there are very few cultivators in the clan, making it truly difficult to decide. Moreover, according to what this junior knows, there are still over ten years until the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly.' There's no rush."

Lei Hekong was somewhat surprised. A Foundation Establishment opportunity delivered free of charge, yet the Xu family could resist taking a bite. If it were any other Qi Refining aristocratic family, they would probably agree on the spot.

To prevent the Lei family from backing out afterward.

"This Lei understands. My Lei family can temporarily reserve this quota for the Xu family."

"However, it will only be reserved until three years before the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly.' After that, my Lei family will, like other first and second-rank aristocratic families, auction this quota."

Xu Mingwei cupped his fists and bowed solemnly, "Thank you for Senior Lei's understanding."

"No matter."

Lei Hekong waved his hand. After drinking a cup of tea, he also departed.

Xu Mingwei informed Xu Chuan of this matter.

Xu Chuan only said to discuss it after he attempted Foundation Establishment in a few years.

Currently, there was no need to place too much importance on it.

The immediate priority was to solidify the Xu family's foundation and strengthen low to mid-stage cultivators.

…

At the Artifact Refining Palace.

Wu Mingsheng's hearty laughter rang out.

"Deling, with your assistance this time, we only consumed three sets of materials to refine a superior-grade magical artifact. You can truly be called your master's lucky star."