Chapter 200: Dividing the Feng Family, Establishing a Foothold in Guangling Commandery, Yun Zhongzi's Wish

"Fellow Daoists from Yuehu Commandery, suddenly coming to my Guangling Commandery without even giving us a heads up?" The Wei family ancestor said with a smile.

"Greetings to both Fellow Daoists." Zhou Qingfang stepped forward and cupped his fists. "I am Zhou Qingfang from the Zhou family of Yuehu Commandery."

"The Feng family attacked a family in my Yuehu Commandery and was destroyed by my Zhou family and the Xu family. We came to collect our spoils of war. There shouldn't be any problem with that, right?"

"So it's Fellow Daoist Zhou." The Wei family ancestor cupped his fists. "Could this other Fellow Daoist also be from your Zhou family?"

Zhou Qingfang didn't answer directly, instead saying, "This is Fellow Daoist Ren."

Ren Xiaoyao cupped his fists toward the two Wei family Foundation Establishment cultivators. "Greetings to both Fellow Daoists."

"Since the Feng family did such a thing and brought destruction upon themselves, my Wei family has nothing to say. However, the Feng family's clan territory belongs to Guangling Commandery. I heard you saying earlier that you want to occupy this place?"

The Feng family's clan territory was the most spiritually abundant place in Guangling Commandery, even surpassing the Zhou and Wei family territories by a notch.

The Zhou family had a prior agreement with the Xu family, so naturally they wouldn't compete for it.

Clan territories in other commanderies weren't so easy to occupy.

"Those who kill are killed in turn. Everything on them naturally belongs to us. Is there any problem with that?" Xu Mingyuan suddenly spoke up.

"Hmph, does a junior like you have any right to speak here?"

Wei Changkong snorted coldly. A Foundation Establishment pressure directly descended on Xu Mingyuan.

"You dare!"

Ren Xiaoyao shouted angrily. His divine consciousness condensed into a sharp spike that viciously stabbed into Wei Changkong's sea of consciousness.

Wei Changkong let out a muffled groan. His body trembled and his face paled. The Foundation Establishment pressure on Xu Mingyuan dissipated completely.

His divine consciousness was slightly injured. For a short time, he probably couldn't use pressure to intimidate others anymore.

"Such strong divine consciousness. You actually know divine consciousness attack techniques." Wei Changkong said angrily, "But attacking me for a Qi Refining junior, isn't that going too far?"

The Wei family ancestor also frowned.

Zhou Qingfang said, "Fellow Daoist Wei, you were discourteous first. This person is the Xu family's representative in this matter, Xu Mingyuan, and also this Fellow Daoist Ren's father-in-law."

Hearing this, the Wei family ancestor's pupils contracted slightly. Then he cupped his fists and said with a smile, "So that's how it is. Indeed, my Wei family was discourteous first. This old one apologizes. Please don't take offense, Fellow Daoist Ren."

"Since it was all a misunderstanding, let's discuss the previous matter." Xu Mingyuan's expression showed no displeasure and remained friendly.

"Do you from Yuehu Commandery truly want to occupy this place?"

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, if you station people here, what about your own clan territory? If it's truly attacked, I'm afraid you won't be able to return to reinforce it immediately, right?"

Zhou Qingfang said, "My Zhou family has already occupied two spiritual energy nodes in Yuehu Commandery, so naturally we don't have extra strength."

"Then it's this Fellow Daoist Ren who wants to occupy it?"

Xu Mingyuan said, "It's my Xu family who wants to occupy it. Xiaoyao will also station himself here."

"The Xu family, this old one has heard of it. A newly ascended family in Yuehu Commandery that seems quite extraordinary and developed extremely fast. But I didn't expect that in just over ten years, you've already produced a Foundation Establishment expert.

However, your Xu family alone isn't enough, right? Your Xu family has a Foundation Establishment expert, but your clan foundation is probably just the scale of an ordinary Qi Refining family?"

The Wei family would definitely not easily give up the Feng family's clan territory.

"The Zhou family is my Xu family's ally. In this matter, we naturally act as one. If the Wei family is willing to give it up, we can give the Wei family half a portion of the foundation the Feng family ancestor left behind when he fled.

If you're unwilling, then let's fight. See if we who could kill Feng Xiuyuan and force the Feng family ancestor to abandon his clan territory and most of his clan members can do the same to the Wei family.

It's just that the Feng family ancestor could run, but the Wei family might not be able to."

"Are you threatening my Wei family?" Wei Changkong's eyes burst with sharp light, his voice full of hostility.

"Not wanting resources given for free, insisting on wanting to fight, then my Xu family and Zhou family will naturally oblige. But I recall this Senior Wei doesn't have much lifespan left, right?"

The Wei family ancestor said indifferently, "Young friend knows quite a bit about my Wei family, doesn't he?"

"But since your Xu family is occupying the clan territory, I imagine the Zhou family is just helping and won't fight to the death with us, right, Brother Zhou?"

Zhou Qingfang smiled and nodded.

Xu Mingyuan remained unhurried and continued, "My Xu family always acts in a low-key manner, prioritizing mutual benefit. The Zhou family forming an alliance with my family is an example.

As for the Feng family, they inexplicably attacked my Xu family's clan territory over a trivial matter.

This is now their fate.

Admittedly, Senior Zhou won't exert his full strength, but blocking one Foundation Establishment cultivator for my Xu family should be no problem. At worst, we'll drag it out. Both our families' Foundation Establishment cultivators are still young, but how many years does the Wei family have?"

Zhou Qingfang laughed heartily. "In this matter, I can testify that the Xu family's conduct in Yuehu Commandery is well-known. They never provoke others first, but those who provoke them have all been exterminated."

The Wei family ancestor's brows furrowed.

"Half a portion of resources, how does my Wei family know how much there is? Perhaps you're just casually dismissing us."

Seeing him relent, Xu Mingyuan smiled slightly.

During his previous travels, he had more or less figured out the Feng and Wei family ancestors' styles of conduct.

Therefore, he pressed step by step, but also left room for maneuvering.

"The Feng family ancestor took away most of the elite clan members. We also don't know how much in resources he took. Why don't both seniors watch here and witness it together?"

"As you say."

Seeing the ancestor decided to handle things peacefully, Wei Changkong could only swallow his earlier anger.

"By the way, Young Friend Xu, you're just letting those Feng family disciples leave like that?"

"My Xu family always leaves a way out unless they're mortal enemies. Since the Feng family ancestor voluntarily gave up this clan territory, my Xu family will naturally occupy it accordingly."

The Wei family ancestor said nothing more.

Within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, all the Feng family disciples had fled completely. The Xu and Zhou family members began tallying the Feng family's resources.

Places like the medicinal garden, treasury, and library pavilion still had restrictions in place.

However, they couldn't stop Xu Mingxian.

Over an hour later.

Xu Mingyuan said indifferently, "Based on what remains in the medicinal garden and treasury, the Feng family ancestor should have taken away nearly seventy percent. However, they truly were once Guangling Commandery's strongest family.

Even just thirty percent is no small amount."

"According to our previous agreement, aside from the Feng family clan territory going to my Xu family, of these thirty percent of resources, my Xu family takes ten percent, the Zhou family takes fifteen percent, and the remaining five percent goes to the Wei family."

As he spoke, he looked toward the Wei family ancestor, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. "Does Senior have any issues?"

"Let it be so. After all, my Wei family didn't contribute any effort." The Wei family ancestor said indifferently. With a wave of his sleeve, he collected the half portion of resources, then cupped his fists. "Fellow Daoist Zhou, Fellow Daoist Ren, then my Wei family will take our leave first."

"Farewell, Fellow Daoist Wei."

Zhou Qingfang and Ren Xiaoyao also cupped their fists.

Xu Mingyuan said, "I must ask Senior Zhou to stay here for over a month. Is that acceptable?"

"As you wish."

Zhou Qingfang agreed, then instructed one Zhou family elder to return and notify the other Zhou family members that there was no need to come.

At the Wei family clan territory.

"We're just giving up the Feng family clan territory like this?" Wei Changkong was still somewhat unwilling.

"Changkong, don't be impulsive. If they could kill Feng Xiuyuan, they can kill you too! If you die, the Feng family's fate will be my Wei family's.

No, Old Ghost Feng knew in advance and could preserve most of his elites when leaving, but us... Right now the Xu and Zhou families are in our Guangling Commandery."

He paused. "The Zhou family's Foundation Establishment cultivator won't stay long. Once he leaves, we can find another opportunity in the future to drive them out of Guangling Commandery.

After all, their foundation here is far from as deep as ours."

Wei Changkong's eyes brightened. Thinking of something, he immediately showed a smile. "The ancestor is far-sighted. It was Changkong who was rash."

News of the Yuehu Commandery Foundation Establishment family occupying the Feng family clan territory soon spread throughout the entire commandery city and all the families.

Especially those previously in the Feng family's camp felt somewhat at a loss, not knowing whom to pledge allegiance to.

Meanwhile, the scattered Feng clan members suffered greatly. On that very day, nearly half died at others' hands.

Settling old grudges and seeking revenge was happening right now.

At the Feng family clan territory, Xu Mingyuan and the others also discussed who would station themselves there.

"The Feng family clan territory has abundant spiritual energy, greatly beneficial for cultivation. Since my Xu family has decided to occupy it, we must hold it firmly."

"Xiaoyao, you station yourself here."

"Understood, Master."

"Everyone else also temporarily stay here. Once the situation stabilizes, gradually return to Dongxi."

Xu Mingwei thought deeply then said, "Once Senior Zhou leaves, the Wei family will probably make various moves constantly. Mingyuan, do you have arrangements?"

"Don't worry, Big Brother. I already have ideas for this matter."

Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingxuan, and the others all looked over curiously.

"It's very simple. Nothing more than intimidation and enticement."

When the Ge family heard that the Zhou and Xu families had joined forces to kill Feng Xiuyuan and drive away the Feng family ancestor, they all showed expressions of shock and unease.

After discussions among the four families, they finally had Ge Xuanhong bring generous gifts to make a trip to the Feng family clan territory to probe the situation.

If the Xu family would accept this gift, then the Ge family could relax somewhat.

Otherwise, the Ge family would face catastrophe.

For the family's sake, Ge Xuanhong could only steel himself and make this trip.

The patrolling cultivators initially wanted to drive him away, but upon hearing he was Xu Mingxuan's friend coming to visit, they sent someone to ask Xu Mingyuan.

Xu Mingyuan called over Xu Mingxuan and had him handle it.

"Brother Ge, have some tea."

Ge Xuanhong glanced at it, then immediately stood up, retreated a few steps, and held the storage bag in both hands, bowing solemnly. "Brother Mingxuan, I'm apologizing on behalf of my Ge family. Please forgive my Ge family's rash actions this time."

"Brother Ge, why go to such lengths?"

"If you won't forgive us, then I'll kneel until you agree."

Seeing that Ge Xuanhong was truly about to kneel, Xu Mingxuan waved his hand. His magical power supported him, preventing him from kneeling.

"You also know I'm not the decision-maker in the Xu family."

"I understand, but you're still their younger brother. They'll still listen to what you say, won't they?"

"Very well. I'll try to persuade my big brother and second brother."

"Thank you."

Only then did Ge Xuanhong breathe a sigh of relief. "Mingxuan, take a look at what's inside. Is it enough as an apology? If not, I'll immediately return and have my father and the others arrange more."

Xu Mingxuan swept it with his divine consciousness. They were all relatively high-grade materials and spirit herbs. Many were items the Xu family had previously specified, and there was even a thousand-year spirit herb.

The refining materials inside, in his estimation, were enough to forge one top-tier magical artifact and four or five superior-grade magical artifacts.

Of course, for top refinement masters with average success rates, it probably wouldn't even be enough for one superior-grade artifact.

Xu Deling had the Tempered Through Thousand Refinements talent destiny. Only after her artifact refinement attainment reached the level of forging superior-grade magical artifacts did her success rate improve greatly.

Now it was around seventy to eighty percent.

"Brother Ge, your Ge family has truly bled to appease my Xu family's anger. This is because you learned my Xu family and Zhou family destroyed the Feng family, isn't it?"

Ge Xuanhong smiled awkwardly. "I've made Brother laugh at me."

"My Xu family also roughly understands your Ge family's foundation. Being able to produce these things is truly not easy. Persuading Big Brother and Second Brother shouldn't be too difficult, but I'm afraid the previous friendship no longer exists.

Don't even think about your Ge family conducting large-scale transactions for superior-grade resources with my Xu family anymore."

"As long as the Xu family won't hold grudges against my Ge family, I'm perfectly content. How would I dare hope for more? If it were other families, destroying my Ge family would also be normal.

The Xu family's conduct still maintains righteousness."

Xu Mingxuan smiled faintly.

The two chatted a bit more, and before long, Ge Xuanhong bid farewell and left.

Xu Mingxuan handed the storage bag to Xu Mingyuan. Xu Mingyuan glanced at it. "Since the apology gift has been delivered, we're even with the Ge family."

"Mingxuan, go cultivate on Azure Jade Peak. That's where the spiritual energy is most abundant. Your cultivation concerns major Xu family matters, so don't be negligent."

"Yes, Second Brother. I'll go right away."

Ren Xiaoyao and Xu Deling were also cultivating there.

It had to be said that the spiritual energy here indeed provided considerable help to both of them, sufficient to support their Foundation Establishment cultivation.

However, without the aid of pills, even cultivating here, it would take both of them six or seven years to break through one layer. Xu Deling's aptitude was somewhat worse, so it would take even longer.

Days passed one by one.

Several days later, the Feng family clan territory and the surrounding area of dozens of li became shrouded in mist.

Over the following half month.

Xu Mingxian successfully set up a second-rank lower-grade grand array. This array connected the earth veins in four directions, with Azure Jade Peak as its core, and could remain constantly active.

This array was also both offensive and defensive. Controlled by a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it was sufficient to severely injure a third-layer Foundation Establishment expert.

Nearly a month later, invitation cards suddenly arrived in the hands of all the families in Guangling Commandery's commandery city.

Whether martial families or cultivation families, all received invitations.

Three days later, the Xu family officially opened its mountain gate. Aside from the entrance which had no mist blocking it, everything else was shrouded in fog.

Those who came were either family heads or important figures like family grand elders, with numbers generally between three and six people.

All families entering had to register.

"The Ge family has arrived!"

"The Cheng family has arrived!"

"The Lin family has arrived!"

Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan greeted and received them at the entrance, then had others lead them to the mountain gate opening ceremony venue.

Xu Mingxuan made arrangements there.

Ren Xiaoyao and Zhou Qingfang also stationed themselves there. No one dared cause trouble.

"Brother Ge, you've arrived. Your Ge family's seats are over there."

The Ge family's strength in Guangling Commandery was second only to the two Foundation Establishment families, so they were seated in the front rows.

This time they brought the main branch, second branch, and third branch family heads, as well as Ge Xuanhong and Ge Yuchen, five people in total.

They cupped their fists in greeting, then took their seats.

Soon, all the martial and cultivation families of Guangling Commandery had arrived.

The Wei family came last.

Those who came were the two Foundation Establishment cultivators, the Wei family head, and two Wei family talented youths.

Most families brought younger generation members, around their teens or early twenties, with the intention of letting them see the world.

"For my Xu family opening our mountain gate and establishing a branch in Guangling Commandery this time, thank you all for coming to show your support." Xu Mingyuan said, "I imagine you're all curious why things happened so suddenly?"

"Some families may know the situation, but I believe most probably don't know the inside story."

"To put it simply, the Feng family's Foundation Establishment cultivator led some people and the Bai family elites to Yuehu Commandery to demand an explanation from my Xu family. However, unfortunately, they weren't very friendly.

They wanted to destroy my Xu family. My Xu family naturally couldn't sit and wait for death, so we could only fight back.

Fortunately, my Xu family has some foundation. Not long ago, a clan member luckily achieved Foundation Establishment, and with the Zhou family's assistance, we were able to annihilate those who came.

We rushed to Guangling Commandery, planning to demand an explanation from the Feng family. But when we arrived, the place was almost deserted. The Feng family ancestor had already taken the Feng family elites to who knows where.

Therefore, my Xu family occupied this place as compensation, and also as my Xu family's branch clan territory."

Many people discussed this among themselves.

Some lamented the Feng family's ill fortune, others marveled at how deeply the Xu family had hidden.

Suddenly, the Cheng family head spoke up. "The Feng family brought this upon themselves. We in Guangling Commandery have nothing to say. Since the Xu family has occupied it, you're also part of Guangling Commandery.

May I ask Fellow Daoist Xu, how do you plan to develop from now on?"

The Cheng family was originally the Feng family camp's foundation-rich number one Qi Refining family, second only to the Ge family.

"My Xu family focuses primarily on commerce. I imagine you've all heard of my Xu Family Commercial Firm. My Xu family also plans to establish branches in the commandery city and marketplace."

"Will there also be medium and superior-grade cultivation resources?" A family head's eyes brightened.

"Naturally, though not in large quantities." Xu Mingyuan smiled faintly and continued, "Additionally, to thank everyone for coming to show support, this time my Xu family has prepared a precious pill."

"It's called the Divine Sense Pill. It can enhance Qi Refining cultivators' divine sense, and this pill is superior-grade with remarkable efficacy. All Qi Refining cultivators present may compete on the arena platform.

Whoever can win five consecutive matches, or if no one dares to take the stage, this pill will belong to them."

Xu Mingyuan took out the pill. Immediately, a rich medicinal fragrance spread all around. Just smelling it made one's divine sense stir restlessly.

"This pill is real. Just the pill fragrance alone is intoxicating. If consumed, it would be enough to greatly increase one's divine sense."

"Truly a rare pill. To think such a pill exists."

The Wei family ancestor's eyes narrowed slightly. "This old one has heard of this pill. It's unique to the Dan Hall. Superior-grade Divine Sense Pills are extremely precious. Even third-rank families can't obtain many. Where did your Xu family get this from?"

"Does the source matter? Of course, if Senior truly wants to know, for the value of one superior-grade magical artifact, this junior will inform you.

After all, for my Xu family, all things can be traded."

The Wei family ancestor looked deeply at Xu Mingyuan. After a moment, he said, "My Wei family isn't wealthy enough to that extent yet. However, this pill should be real. My Wei family is very interested."

With those words, the Wei family head personally ascended the arena platform.

He slapped his storage bag and released a dark green superior-grade magical artifact flying sword that hovered above his head. Then he smiled and cupped his fists. "Which Fellow Daoist will please come up and instruct me?"

The Wei family head was at Qi Refining perfection and had a superior-grade magical artifact in hand. Ordinary people simply weren't his match.

Moreover, judging by the Wei family ancestor's tone, the Wei family seemed determined to obtain this pill.

Even if there were those capable of competing, they wouldn't rashly take action.

Several breaths later, seeing no response, the Wei family head said again, "Is there truly no Fellow Daoist willing to offer instruction?"

"I will."

Xu Mingwei suddenly stood up. With a leap, he transformed into an electric flash and instantly appeared on the arena platform.

"You are?"

Xu Mingyuan said, "He's my big brother, Xu Mingwei. Big Brother, you must hold back. Don't injure anyone."

Xu Mingwei nodded slightly.

The Wei family head seemed somewhat angry.

His strength could rank at least in the top three among all Qi Refining cultivators in Guangling Commandery. How could someone at merely the ninth layer of Qi Refining be his match?

"Brother Xu, be careful. Magical artifacts don't have eyes."

The Ink Flood Dragon Bow appeared in Xu Mingwei's hands, with arrow shafts hovering behind him. He also said, "Brother Wei, you also be careful. My arrows are very fast!"

"Bow and arrow magical artifacts are truly rare."

"Looking at the aura, it's a superior-grade magical artifact set. It shouldn't be inferior to superior-grade magical artifacts."

Many discussed this.

The Wei family head formed sword fingers with his right hand. The sword moved with his fingers, leaving afterimages wherever it passed.

"Go!"

In an instant, the azure flying sword transformed into azure light and instantly pierced Xu Mingwei's chest. But then Xu Mingwei's entire figure dispersed like a phantom.

An afterimage?

Such fast speed!

Many people felt shocked.

"Brother Wei's swordsmanship is good, aiming straight for my heart. But rest assured, Xu's techniques aren't so crude. I definitely won't injure your vital points."

As his voice fell, an arrow shaft like black lightning suddenly shot through the air.

The Wei family head immediately released a superior-grade magical artifact shield to block.

Clang!

The Wei family head was completely sent flying by the shield, nearly tumbling off the arena platform. He then hurriedly rose into the air but before his form stabilized, another arrow shaft shot toward him.

Another "clang" sound sent him flying.

Again and again, the Wei family head actually had no ability to fight back at all.

After over twenty times, the Wei family head's shield actually cracked directly and shattered into pieces that fell to the ground.

Seeing this scene, everyone was shocked speechless.

"What a pity. If it were traded, it would be worth quite a lot of cultivation resources." Xu Mingyuan said regretfully.

Xu Mingwei aimed his bow and arrow at the Wei family head again, saying indifferently, "Does Brother Wei have a spare superior-grade defensive magical artifact? Xu is about to continue attacking."

The Wei family head felt greatly humiliated. The look in his eyes seemed almost crazed.

"If you have the ability, don't dodge. Take my sword strike!"

He again controlled the flying sword, aiming straight for Xu Mingwei's heart. Xu Mingwei smiled and shot another arrow.

Its power was actually comparable to the Wei family head wielding a superior-grade flying sword.

After a stalemate, both sides were sent flying by a violent impact force but at that moment, another "whoosh" sound rang out.

A black lightning bolt pierced through the violent impact force and finally arrived before the Wei family head.

Just as he closed his eyes, thinking "My life is over," nothing happened.

Opening his eyes, he saw an arrow shaft stopped three cun from his brow.

He breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his fists toward Xu Mingwei. "Thank you for showing mercy, Brother Xu. It's Wei's loss."

"Brother Wei's strength is passable, but you seem to focus too much on the magical artifact itself. If you spent more time cultivating stronger sword technique moves, you should be able to improve further.

Just like Feng Qingyang, the Grand Elder of the Yunshan Commandery Feng family, who fully utilized both magical artifacts and sword technique moves, he nearly defeated me."

"Feng Qingyang, the Grand Elder of Yunshan Commandery's number one Feng family, Brother Xu actually fought him and won?" The Wei family head was extremely surprised. "I've heard his strength ranks among the top Qi Refining cultivators across all twenty-two commanderies of Great Wei."

These words also shocked those present.

After cupping his fists again, the Wei family head dejectedly returned to his seat.

The Wei family ancestor's voice was somewhat heavy. "It seems the Xu and Zhou families destroying the Feng family wasn't by chance."

"Are there any other Fellow Daoists who will take the stage to instruct? I, Xu, long to battle the strong until thoroughly satisfied!"

His arrogant momentum intimidated almost all the Qi Refining cultivators present.

Wei Changkong transmitted to the Wei family ancestor, "The Xu family's schemes run deep. They released a superior-grade Divine Sense Pill to make people greedy, taking the opportunity to establish their authority.

With such top-tier Qi Refining cultivators, probably no family in all of Guangling Commandery would dare oppose the Xu family.

With just one statement about visiting to spar, they could block any door, and all Qi Refining families would be unable to hold their heads up.

Yet we Wei family Foundation Establishment cultivators can't casually take action, after all it's just a Qi Refining cultivator competition."

Several more people took action afterward, but all conceded defeat after taking just one move.

That impact force was exceptionally powerful, like a small mountain peak crashing into them.

Any casual arrow had such power. If they continued, they feared they'd end up like the Wei family head with their superior-grade defensive magical artifacts shattered.

Ultimately, the Divine Sense Pill went from left hand to right hand, still belonging to the Xu family.

Xu Mingwei's strength immediately caught the attention of cultivators who had previously pledged allegiance to the Feng family.

With a Foundation Establishment cultivator stationed there and such a powerful Qi Refining expert, the Xu family's potential far exceeded the Feng family's.

After all, the Feng family ancestor's lifespan was nearly exhausted. The Feng family had already begun declining.

The Cheng family head cupped his fists toward Xu Mingyuan. "Fellow Daoist Xu, previously Guangling Commandery was divided into two camps, Wei and Feng. Now that the Feng family has left, is your Xu family interested in continuing to lead us?"

"Lead you to continue competing with the Wei family camp?" Xu Mingyuan said indifferently, "Why is that necessary?"

"Whether it's you or the Wei family camp, all fall within my Xu family's trading scope. As long as you have resources my Xu family needs, you can exchange them for resources you want.

Everyone cooperating in mutual benefit, wouldn't that be better?

Why must we fight back and forth?

Of course, if there are grievances and enmities that can't be resolved, then those who should fight naturally must fight."

"This..."

All the families fell into silence.

They hadn't expected the Xu family to have such a style of conduct.

In the past, when two families were powerful, they were forced to choose camps, and so they'd competed like this for nearly a hundred years.

Now, even without the Wei and Feng families, the various families still had unresolvable enmities between them.

Wei Changkong smiled coldly, wanting to see the Xu family embarrassed.

However, Xu Mingyuan looked toward the Wei family ancestor. "Now that the Feng family is gone, I wonder what Senior thinks of this junior's proposal?"

The Wei family ancestor couldn't see through the Xu family.

He didn't know how many trump cards the Xu family still had hidden.

Under heavy considerations, he finally spoke. "What Young Friend Xu says also makes sense. Since your Xu family doesn't want to compete, why should my Wei family proactively make enemies?

However, how other families decide, this old one doesn't know.

You and I have no enmity, but between them, important people have died at each other's hands."

"That's easy to handle. Three days from now, set up a life-and-death arena outside the commandery city. Our two families will witness it. Those with life-and-death grudges between them can decide life and death.

They must bring resources worth one superior-grade magical artifact as stakes.

Our two families will witness.

The winner takes the opponent's family resources, and from then on, the grudge is settled. If they cause trouble again over old grudges, I'll have my big brother pay their family a visit."

"I forgot to tell everyone, in the previous battle with the Feng and Bai families, my big brother alone shot and killed over twenty late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, including seven or eight at the eighth and ninth layers of Qi Refining."

"From now on, whenever families have new grudges, they can also resolve them on the life-and-death platform."

"I wonder what Senior thinks of this method?"

"Oh right, Senior already agreed earlier, so you should also agree to this, right?"

Zhou Qingfang watched quietly, observing how Xu Mingyuan step by step changed Guangling Commandery's situation that had lasted over a hundred years. This ability also impressed him greatly.

The Wei family ancestor hadn't expected Xu Mingyuan to have prepared so thoroughly, immediately proposing such a suggestion.

This move might not keep Guangling Commandery permanently peaceful, but after each family resolved their life-and-death grudges, with the Xu family's intimidation, there probably wouldn't be major waves for ten or twenty years.

The Wei family's prestige in Guangling Commandery would gradually weaken, while the Xu family's reputation would rise step by step.

This achieved multiple goals at once!

Looking into Xu Mingyuan's eyes, dark as ink, the Wei family ancestor actually felt a trace of fear in his heart.

Should they take advantage of the Xu family's unstable foothold and destroy them now?

No!

Only part of the Xu family's strength is here, and the Zhou family's Foundation Establishment cultivator is also present. If we act, we'd truly be facing two Foundation Establishment families.

An unfathomable Xu family and a Zhou family whose foundation isn't much weaker than the Wei family's.

If we turn hostile now, even if we could gain a slight advantage, we couldn't destroy their foundation in Yuehu Commandery. In the future, my Wei family's fate would probably be even more miserable than the Feng family's.

After careful consideration, the Wei family ancestor smiled slightly. "Naturally."

"If Guangling Commandery can welcome a hundred years of peace, what reason would my Wei family have to refuse?"

Xu Mingyuan then swept his gaze over the other families. "What do you all think?"

"My Cheng family agrees!"

"My Ge family agrees!"

One family after another spoke up.

The general trend was set.

The Xu family's foundation in Guangling Commandery had initially stabilized.

Afterward, Xu Mingyuan also proposed that the time limit for settling old grudges was one year.

After one year, families could no longer use old grudges as a reason.

Through this life-and-death battle in Guangling Commandery, some families' foundations strengthened while others weakened considerably. It was treated as an important opportunity to plunder other families' resources.

After it ended, Guangling Commandery became much more peaceful.

The Xu Family Commercial Firm also established branches in the commandery city and marketplace, selling pills, magical artifacts, talismans, and array disks.

Most array disks were first-rank early to mid-stage personal protection array disks.

Occasionally there would be first-rank superior-grade personal protection array disks, priced considerably higher than superior-grade magical artifacts but people still traded for them.

Xu Derui, Xu Deheng, Xu Dejun, Xu Derong, and many other family disciples came to Guangling Commandery to assume important positions.

Xu Mingyuan temporarily served as branch family head, Xu Mingwei temporarily as branch Grand Elder, while Xu Mingxuan focused on closed-door cultivation at Azure Jade Peak.

A simple framework was set up.

Xu Deling and Xu Mingxian successively returned to Dongxi.

With the array formation and Ren Xiaoyao there, the Xu family's risks were basically minimal. However, both sides kept divine consciousness jade tokens that could warn and call for reinforcement.

A year passed in a flash.

Whether Dongxi Xu clan or the Guangling branch, both sides were developing steadily and rapidly.

Because they were separated, many Xu family clan members began assuming important positions, gaining full experience, and maturing considerably in their conduct.

Even Xu Dewen began taking a wife in Guangling.

Before long, Xu Derui, Xu Deheng, and Xu Dejun also followed suit, forming marriage alliances with cultivation families.

There was also recruiting rogue cultivators and finding trainable martial artists and cultivators.

Naturally, Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan's actions didn't escape Xu Chuan's notice.

However, he didn't learn of it immediately, being focused on procurement.

One day when he had nothing to do and cast a divination, he learned the Xu family actually had a branch now, and was rapidly developing.

He was somewhat dazed. He'd just come out to procure supplies, that's all.

So many things had happened. These people truly didn't let him rest easy.

However, since Xu Mingwei hadn't crushed his divine consciousness jade token, he knew there wasn't much danger.

"Then again, two Foundation Establishment cultivators plus a second-rank superior-grade array formation, unless a third-rank family devoted their full clan strength to attack, otherwise Dongxi would be safe and sound."

Xu Chuan stroked his chin. "Is my Xu family being too low-key?"

"However, after their commotion, my Xu family has probably become famous."

Advancing to a cultivation family in less than twenty years, then becoming a Foundation Establishment family, this speed was truly not slow.

The news soon spread to surrounding commanderies then through rogue cultivators' transmission, several months later it even reached the Imperial City.

At the Lei family, Lei Hekong, upon hearing this news, murmured, "No wonder the Xu family hesitated back then. Turns out someone was already preparing to break through to Foundation Establishment."

"I wonder who it actually is?"

"To successfully break through without a Foundation Establishment Pill, their talent is quite good. I imagine their luck is also decent."

He paused.

"The Xu family has considerable potential. We can form some connections."

He immediately went to find the Lei family head to discuss matters concerning the Xu family.

At the Dan Hall, third floor, quiet room.

On the small table, wisps of azure smoke rose from a small bronze furnace.

This incense wasn't ordinary incense, but had the effect of calming the mind and concentrating the spirit.

Xu Chuan and Yun Zhongzi sat cross-legged across the table from each other.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, I didn't expect that before your Xu family even advanced to a Foundation Establishment family, you killed a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Guangling Commandery's Feng family and forced the other Feng family ancestor with little remaining lifespan to flee with his clan members.

I heard they came to the Imperial City."

"The Imperial City? That's a good choice. Relying on a Foundation Establishment cultivator, establishing a firm foothold in the Western District should be no problem. However, once the Feng family ancestor dies, the top-tier magical artifacts he leaves behind will probably attract considerable covetousness."

Xu Chuan said indifferently.

"That depends on his own choices. There are still quite a few methods to preserve the family."

Xu Chuan understood in his heart.

After a moment, Yun Zhongzi looked up at Xu Chuan again. "Speaking of which, Fellow Daoist Xu has been at my Dan Hall for a year. Are you planning to stay permanently?"

"Doesn't the Chief want me to?"

"I'm afraid once your matter comes to light, you'll implicate me."

During this time, the two frequently discussed the pill Dao. Yun Zhongzi actually discovered his pill Dao attainment had surpassed his own.

One could imagine how much Xu Chuan had secretly withheld after completing Dan Hall tasks.

"As your reputation grows, if you continue staying at the Dan Hall, I'm afraid the Cao clan will find you. They definitely won't let you continue leaving traces, and might even coerce you into staying and serving them."

"Thank you for the Chief's reminder. Xu should indeed withdraw from the Dan Hall."

Xu Chuan cupped his fists toward him. "Thank you, Chief, for your unreserved teaching. Just the Foundation Establishment Pill formula alone is extremely precious.

This kindness, Xu finds difficult to repay."

Yun Zhongzi smiled. "Discussing with you has also greatly inspired me. Moreover, your talent is so high that you can actually improve upon existing pill formulas.

This old one taught you also hoping that one day if you succeed, you could create a simplified Foundation Establishment Pill formula and then spread it.

Increase the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators in Great Wei."

Xu Chuan was somewhat puzzled.

"This old one is trapped by the Cao clan, but has also learned some secrets. Do you know why Great Wei rarely has families lasting over five hundred years?"

Yun Zhongzi looked at him. After a moment, he said, "That's because of the Demon Tribulation."

"You should know that surrounding Great Wei, there's Great Liang and Great Jin, and in even more distant places, there are many upper sects, each occupying blessed lands where spiritual energy condenses into mist.

In such cultivation blessed lands, even ordinary True Spiritual Roots have the possibility of independently breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

Upper sects include both righteous and demonic paths.

Demonic cultivation emphasizes quick achievement. Most techniques emphasize killing severely, and can even be called bizarre, completely different from righteous path techniques.

I've seen commentary on a demonic path technique called the Blood Evil Five Elements Art. It wrote that this technique can fuse inner cores of five elements attribute Foundation Establishment demon beasts into the human body.

Allowing even mortals to cultivate, but only reaching Foundation Establishment perfection at most.

If five people each possess one of the five elements and all reach Foundation Establishment perfection, then by extracting the five inner cores and refining them with secret techniques from the technique, there's a forty to fifty percent chance of advancing to Golden Core."

This sounded familiar.

Xu Chuan frowned. "Treating others as nourishment, making them resources for one's own advancement, this is indeed demonic conduct. However, a forty to fifty percent chance is truly tempting."

"Indeed, but such techniques mostly have aftereffects. For example, the Blood Evil Five Elements Art will make one bloodthirsty. If one cannot control the killing intent, one will ultimately become a slave to the killing Dao.

Without thought or consciousness, existing only for slaughter."

"So Chief, what exactly is the Demon Tribulation?"

Yun Zhongzi paused, shaking his head with a laugh. "I said too much. The so-called Demon Tribulation means that forces belonging to those demonic upper sects will raid forces belonging to the righteous path once every five hundred years."

"Demon Tribulations vary in scale. The two previous ones Great Wei experienced didn't have many Golden Core demonic cultivators appear, so Great Wei could withstand them. It was just that large numbers of Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators rushed in.

Those inside the Imperial City, thanks to the third-rank grand array's protection, were mostly safe and sound. Each family sent elite disciples to fight demonic cultivators outside the array.

As for the various commandery cities, Foundation Establishment families were almost completely annihilated, and among Qi Refining families, barely one in ten survived."

"Won't righteous path sects just watch like this?"

"Not to that extent. They'll also send disciples, but demonic cultivators emphasize quick achievement, so disciple numbers exceed the righteous path considerably. Plus the battle lines are extremely long, so basically they won't arrive in time.

After all, we're located at the edge of righteous path territory, where spiritual energy is relatively thin."

It seemed his reincarnation placement wasn't good.

Hearing this, Xu Chuan felt somewhat gloomy.

However, he felt the so-called five-hundred-year Demon Tribulation was more like an agreement between righteous and demonic sides to consume their subordinate disciples.

After thinking for a moment, Xu Chuan asked, "Then how long until the next one?"

"I don't know exactly, but it should be over sixty years. The closer to the Demon Tribulation, the fiercer the fighting at the Wuhua Dharma Assembly. The top three rank families all want to produce more Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"Since the Imperial City is safe, then my Xu family must also find a way to squeeze into the Imperial City."

"I advise you against it. The Imperial City will face the greatest pressure. Instead, in remote commandery areas, as long as one's foundation is sufficient and one can hold out until righteous path disciples arrive, one can survive.

Moreover, the Cao clan and those three first-rank families..."

Yun Zhongzi wanted to say more but stopped, finally sighing. "In any case, just have your Xu family prepare well."

"Thank you, Chief. Xu has a clear understanding now."

"Before you leave, let me give you a gift." Yun Zhongzi turned his palm, and a white jade token appeared.

"It contains my lifetime of pill Dao experience and all the pill formulas I know. However, I'm bound by many oath restrictions and cannot speak of them to others.

It has my restrictions. After I die, the restrictions will naturally dissipate, and you can view it freely.

If you forcibly view it beforehand, this jade pendant will self-destruct."

This could be called Great Wei's most complete pill Dao inheritance. This gift was truly quite heavy.

"I originally wanted to leave it for Disciple Wei Dao, but after thinking it over, I still left it for you. Fellow Daoist Xu, I hope in the future you can pass down my pill Dao inheritance.

Let the pill Dao bloom everywhere throughout Great Wei.

This is my greatest wish!"

"I will, Chief."

Xu Chuan nodded solemnly, also making a secret vow in his heart.