Chapter 202: Blood for Blood, Cao Clan Visit, Old Dragon Moyue, Demon Flame Bandits

The evil in human hearts surpassed even demons and monsters.

Those present listening all felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Although many also viewed commoners as ants, they wouldn't go so far as to toy with them like this.

"Aren't you afraid of punishment from the Xu family?"

"Just two commoners. Would the Xu family really kill me over them?

My great-grandfather is a Foundation Establishment cultivator!

However, the dignified Xu family of cultivators actually wanting to celebrate together with the people, how nauseating. It simply lowers the status of all the families present.

I heard the Xu family Grand Elder is a commoner's son himself, and..."

"Bastard! Shut your mouth!"

The Wei family youth's eyes instantly regained clarity. He muttered, "What happened?"

"Brother Changkong, why not let your esteemed grandson finish speaking? I'm quite curious what else he wants to say!"

"My grandson is still young and ignorant. Please forgive him, Fellow Daoist!"

"Kneel down and kowtow to apologize to Daoist Xu."

Seeing that Wei Changkong was truly angry, the Wei family youth hurried to comply. He kowtowed to Xu Chuan and said, "Senior, this junior was wrong. I shouldn't have caused trouble at the Xu family.

But this junior truly didn't mean it."

Everyone showed disgusted expressions. If they hadn't just heard his true thoughts, they might have been deceived by this pretentious facade.

"Still talking nonsense!" Wei Changkong rebuked again, then said to Xu Chuan, "Daoist Xu, my grandson has committed a grave error and disturbed everyone's refined enjoyment.

My Wei family is willing to compensate with two superior-grade magical artifacts as recompense. What do you think?"

Trading two commoners' lives for two superior-grade magical artifacts, almost all the families present would consider this transaction worthwhile.

"Two superior-grade magical artifacts." Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Brother Wei is truly generous. But I wonder if these magical artifacts are compensation for the lives of my Dongxi people, or for disturbing my Xu family's grand ceremony?"

Wei Changkong froze. Was he trying to demand an exorbitant price?

He gritted his teeth and looked at his great-grandson.

Although disappointed in him, this was his most talented great-grandson, who even had some hope of becoming the Wei family's next Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Naturally it's for the Dongxi people. However, disturbing the Xu family's grand ceremony is also our Wei family's fault. My Wei family is willing to offer one more superior-grade magical artifact. Is that acceptable?"

"That sounds quite good." Xu Chuan said calmly. "But how do we handle his insult to my Xu family just now?"

"How do we handle his insult to me, a Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

"It's not just me. Xiaoyao also came from commoner origins. His words insulted him too. How will you help him find satisfaction?"

"Daoist Xu, are you toying with this Wei?"

Xu Chuan's eyes fixed on Wei Changkong and said, "My Xu family does things eye for eye, tooth for tooth, blood for blood!"

His voice exploded, resounding through the skies above Dongxi, echoing beside every Dongxi resident's ears.

The other families were all shocked.

He was going to publicly execute the Wei family's outstanding talent!

The Xu family's actions were too decisive!

Wasn't it said their style was low-key and good at forbearance?

Wei Changkong was about to speak when the Wei family Old Ancestor spoke first, "Since Daoist Xu has spoken, then my Wei family's unworthy descendant will be handed over to Daoist Xu for disposal."

"Old Ancestor!" The Wei family youth showed an expression of disbelief, then hurriedly said, "Great-grandfather, save me!"

The Wei family Old Ancestor transmitted, "Have you forgotten what you said before? Right now, we must maintain good relations with the Xu family no matter what. Mingyang has already antagonized the Xu family.

Do you want him to put our entire Wei family in perilous danger?!

If you act, it becomes a three versus two situation.

Moreover, this is the Xu family's clan territory. Don't forget that Feng Xiuyuan died in the Xu family's territory.

To prevent even him from escaping, this Xu family territory isn't as peaceful as it appears on the surface."

"I know what to do now."

Wei Changkong looked at Xu Chuan and said, "My grandson Mingyang killed Dongxi people and insulted the Xu family and Brother Xu. Brother Xu, you decide how to handle it yourself."

He thought they would act impulsively!

Indeed, having an elder in the family was like having a treasure!

Xu Chuan glanced at the Wei family Old Ancestor, then cupped his hands toward Wei Changkong and said, "Brother Changkong understands righteousness deeply. I admire you!"

"Xiaoyao, you come pronounce judgment and execute it."

"Yes, Grand Elder!"

Ren Xiaoyao's eyes looked coldly at Wei Mingyang. His voice also exploded in the skies above Dongxi, rippling far away.

"Today there is Wei Mingyang, a disciple of the Wei family of Guangling Commandery, who killed a pair of grandfather and grandson from my Dongxi, insulted my Xu family, insulted my Xu family Grand Elder. His crime is unforgivable."

"No, no, I don't want to die, I don't want to die!"

"Great-grandfather, save me! Old Ancestor, save me!"

"I'm the Wei family's hope!"

"They're just lowly commoners. Why kill me? On what grounds do you kill me!"

"We're the same kind of people!"

Ren Xiaoyao's face was cold, his eyes seemed to hold hidden sword light. He said coldly, "According to Xu family clan rules, the death penalty!"

"No, I don't want to die. I'm going to become Foundation Establishment in the future!"

Wei Mingyang wanted to release his magical artifact to resist, but Ren Xiaoyao's eyes shot out two invisible divine consciousness thorns. After being hit, he immediately screamed while holding his head.

Then, Ren Xiaoyao bent his finger and condensed a white light point.

This was the Condensing Origin Technique!

He flicked his finger.

One strike pierced through his brow.

Wei Changkong's originally angry expression suddenly became calm. He glanced at Wei Mingyang, then cupped his hands toward Xu Chuan and said, "Thank you, Brother Xu, for helping my Wei family eliminate this bane.

If this kind of person had grown up, my Wei family would have faced great disaster.

Since the matter is concluded and the grand ceremony has ended, my Wei family will take our leave first."

"Our hospitality was lacking this time. Please don't take offense. Both Fellow Daoists, take care. We won't see you out." Xu Chuan also cupped his hands.

The Wei family Foundation Establishment cultivators flew away through the air, and the others all followed on their swords.

"Grand Elder, then we'll also take our leave."

"Us as well."

Family after family departed.

Finally, only the Zhou family remained.

Xu Chuan said calmly, "Dezhao, send someone to return this pair of grandfather and grandson's bodies to their family. Tell them to grieve in moderation. Take out two of my Xu clan's focused cultivation slots and gift them to the family."

"Yes, Grandfather."

Zhou Qingfang said, "Daoist Xu, this Wei family disciple should have had good talent. Your Xu family and the Wei family will probably have a permanent rift now."

"My Xu family will naturally be careful in response. If we need to request aid from the Zhou family, Brother Zhou, you mustn't find it troublesome."

"Ha ha, then my Zhou family couldn't ask for more." Zhou Qingfang laughed heartily, stroking his beard. "We should also return now. Farewell."

"Brother Zhou, take care."

Seeing the Zhou family also leave, Xu Mingwei and the others came forward and said, "Father, that Wei family..."

"Mingyuan, Mingwei, after you return, just have people remain vigilant. Xiaoyao, even if you go out seeking opportunities, be careful of your whereabouts.

From the Wei family's conduct today, they won't rashly attack my Xu family but if they find an opportunity, they'll definitely retaliate against our Xu family viciously."

"Yes, Father (Grand Elder)!"

Xu Mingshu said, "Then why not destroy the Wei family first?"

"My Xu family is already quite eye-catching now. If we turn around and destroy the Wei family, those nearby Foundation Establishment families won't be able to sit still. They'll probably all make trouble together."

"Daughter didn't consider thoroughly."

"Rest at home tonight. Return to the branch tomorrow."

The next day, Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and Ren Xiaoyao led people back to the Guangling branch.

Several days later, Xu Mingshu left the Xu family to travel around.

Several months later, Xu Chuan advanced to second layer of Foundation Establishment.

Before long, it was tax collection day again.

As last year, it was Xu Dezhao who went.

Azure Moon Platform.

"Family Head Xu, now your Xu family has surpassed our Zhou family. Why not have future spirit tax envoy receptions held at the Xu family?" Zhou Zongren said.

"Before coming, Grandfather instructed that there's no need. My Xu family is remote and truly unsuitable for receiving the envoy. Azure Moon Platform is still fine."

Hearing this, Zhou Zongren smiled slightly. "Since that's the case, then my Zhou family won't decline."

When family heads or elders from various families arrived, they all greeted Xu Dezhao first before Zhou Zongren.

From this, one could see that in their hearts, the Xu family's status had already surpassed the Zhou family.

When the spirit tax envoy arrived, he also asked if spirit taxes should be centrally collected at the Xu family in the future. Xu Dezhao naturally declined politely.

The spirit tax envoy didn't mind and continued, "I heard your Xu family Grand Elder recently withdrew from the Dan Hall. Do you know why?"

"The Dan Hall?" Many family heads were shocked.

No wonder the Xu family developed so rapidly.

Having a top pill refining master in the clan whose pill refining attainments were sufficient to join the Dan Hall, any family could grow quickly.

Xu Dezhao cupped his hands and said, "Answering the envoy, I don't know. But presumably it's because he needs to oversee the clan long-term and can't juggle both responsibilities."

The spirit tax envoy nodded slightly. "I heard that Master Sanshu's pill refining skills in the Dan Hall are also among the best. Unfortunately, this trip requires collecting taxes elsewhere.

When I have time, I, Cao, will definitely visit Dongxi to pay my respects to the master."

"My Xu clan naturally welcomes this."

Xu Dezhao thought to himself that indeed, as the Xu family's reputation spread, Grandfather's various achievements would be dug up by the Cao clan.

Fortunately, he had withdrawn from the Dan Hall early.

After this, even if the Cao clan came looking for Grandfather, it would at most be invitations, transactions, or requests for him to refine pills.

"Previously in Guangling Commandery, I exchanged moves with your Xu family branch Grand Elder Xu Mingwei. His strength is indeed extremely formidable, worthy of being called the number one Qi Refining cultivator of Guangling and Yuehu Commanderies."

Xu Dezhao's pupils contracted slightly. He cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "My father couldn't possibly be a match for Lord Envoy. It must be that Lord Envoy showed mercy. I thank you on his behalf."

"Oh, Xu Mingwei is your father? It seems your Xu family truly produces outstanding talents generation after generation."

"Lord Envoy flatters us."

"No need for flattery. In my battle with your father, neither of us truly went all out. We only exchanged three moves, which could be considered a draw.

I, Cao, could see he had trump cards, but so did I. However, in a true life-and-death struggle, I'm confident I'd have a sixty or seventy percent chance of winning."

"Naturally so."

Afterward, the spirit taxes were submitted.

When it ended, the spirit tax envoy left, and each family also returned.

Zhou Zongren reminded, "Brother Xu, being targeted by the Cao clan, the fortune or misfortune is unknown."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou. I understand."

Several months later.

The previous spirit tax envoy actually came to visit the Xu clan at Dongxi.

This time, there were no Foundation Establishment cultivators accompanying him, only several Qi Refining perfection guards.

Even in the Cao clan, Foundation Establishment cultivators with different surnames were at the guest elder level. They wouldn't stoop to being bodyguards for a Qi Refining perfection disciple.

…

Immortal Arts Hall, great hall.

"I've long heard of Master Sanshu's name. This junior, Cao Yuchen, has come specially to pay respects."

"Daoist Cao need not be so polite. I wonder what brings you to visit me today?"

Cao Yuchen smiled faintly. "This junior originally thought the master would be quite old. I didn't expect you to be so young. Could it be you've taken Age-Preserving Pills?"

"Age-Preserving Pills, I've heard of them but never seen one."

"Is that so? Then this junior happens to have the formula. I'll gift it to you, Senior, as a meeting gift."

"Daoist Cao is too kind."

"Please, Senior, you must accept it."

Xu Chuan no longer refused then Cao Yuchen began explaining his purpose for coming.

Xu Chuan said, "Xu Chuan bears the responsibility of overseeing the clan and cannot leave. I can only thank Daoist Cao for the invitation. However, if Daoist Cao has any pills you want me to help with then I might be able to assist."

Cao Yuchen's brow furrowed slightly.

"Won't Senior reconsider? This junior is willing to offer fifty percent of the profits."

"I only want to cultivate quietly in these mountain wilds, protecting my clan's peace. I truly cannot help with this matter."

"Since Senior is unwilling, this junior won't force you. But this junior would like to make a transaction with Senior."

"Please speak, Daoist Cao."

"If one day this junior can obtain Foundation Establishment Pill ingredients, could Senior refine them for me? Of course, I won't let Senior help for nothing.

This junior has collected seven pill formulas. One is the Age-Preserving Pill formula.

Among the remaining six, two have considerable effects for Foundation Establishment cultivators."

Xu Chuan pondered and said hesitantly, "I consider my pill refining attainments decent, but refining Foundation Establishment Pills is not easy, and I've never refined them before. Therefore, even if I agree, if the ingredients are too limited, I might still fail completely."

Cao Yuchen lowered his head in thought.

He had also heard about this. When Yun Zhongzi first refined Foundation Establishment Pills, he consumed five portions of ingredients before truly producing a Foundation Establishment Pill.

Of course, his success rate now was nearly seventy to eighty percent.

The Foundation Establishment Pill ingredients obtained by Great Wei in the previous two Wuhua Dharma Assemblies were all refined by him.

"How about this, after this Wuhua Dharma Assembly, I'll find a way to recommend Senior to refine Foundation Establishment Pills for Great Wei. This can increase Senior's pill refining experience.

Afterward, Senior can help this junior refine them. You also know that Foundation Establishment Pill ingredients are strictly controlled. At most, I can try to obtain one portion."

This youth's talent probably wasn't high, but his status wasn't low.

"I can only try my best. Whether I can succeed with one portion, how many pills I can produce, I can't say."

"This junior understands."

For Foundation Establishment cultivators, these Cao clan disciples would only choose to recruit them.

Not to mention someone like Xu Chuan, a top pill refining master whose pill refining skills were rumored to approach Yun Zhongzi's.

Recruiting him would be best on this trip. If not, then requesting him to refine Foundation Establishment Pills for himself.

He only had ordinary true spiritual root aptitude. There were quite a few in the Cao clan with talent higher than his. Apart from those with earth spiritual roots or above who didn't need Foundation Establishment Pills,

True spiritual root aptitude members basically all needed its assistance.

The Cao clan had regulations that Foundation Establishment Pills must be distributed according to aptitude, and they also needed to reserve some for clan disciples with outstanding immortal arts talent.

His turn was extremely unlikely, but his grandfather was the clan's Second Elder, one of the few Qi Refining perfection cultivators.

He was a true powerbroker in the Cao clan.

Getting a Foundation Establishment Pill wasn't very feasible, but requesting one portion of Foundation Establishment ingredients still had hope.

Previously, others had done this too, but at that time they privately asked Yun Zhongzi to refine them.

However, Yun Zhongzi's lifespan was nearly exhausted. He couldn't last until the Wuhua Dharma Assembly.

The Cao clan naturally also had many pill refining masters, but none whose pill refining skills reached Yun Zhongzi's level.

Cao Yuchen had accidentally learned that Xu Chuan's pill refining attainments approached Yun Zhongzi's, so he specifically requested to serve as spirit tax envoy, then formally visited at this time.

Xu Chuan accepted the pill formulas, and Cao Yuchen took his leave.

"These pill formulas are indeed rare. It seems Cao Yuchen also carefully selected them. However, these ingredients..."

The seven pill formulas were respectively: Age-Preserving Pill formula, Meridian Expansion Pill formula, Marrow Cleansing Pill formula, Origin Explosion Pill formula, Blood Ignition Pill formula, Azure Spirit Pill formula, and True Essence Pill formula.

"Forget it. I'll just collect them slowly. Moreover, with the Azure Spirit Pill and True Essence Pill formulas, in the future Wanqing and the others can also learn these two pill formulas."

Half a year later.

Xu Deling felt her artifact refinement attainments were sufficient to upgrade her father's bow and arrow set, so she specifically sent word for him to return to Dongxi once.

After asking about his preferences, Xu Deling began forging magical artifacts for him.

Superior-grade dharma robe, dharma boots, fine-quality defensive magical artifact Fixed Origin Bell.

The Fixed Origin Bell suspended above the head could release bell-shaped defensive light barriers. When the bell sound rang, it would ripple with special sound waves that disrupted cultivators' magical power circulation.

At critical moments, it could have great effect.

The louder the bell sound, the stronger the effect.

This was related to the force of striking it, perfectly suitable for someone with formidable strength like Xu Mingwei.

Finally was the upgraded Ink Flood Dragon Bow set.

After the magical artifact upgrade, Xu Mingwei's strength increased by more than seventy to eighty percent.

Of course, Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, and the others also all had superior-grade dharma robes and dharma boots.

It wasn't that Xu Deling couldn't forge fine-quality ones, but that silk materials were insufficient.

This time, Xu Deling forged fine-quality magical artifacts on a large scale. The core Xu family members all had two fine-quality magical artifacts on them.

Afterward, she entered seclusion to research forging top-tier magical artifacts.

Apart from cultivation, Xu Mingqing also followed Xu Chuan in learning pill refining.

Over the years, he had memorized all medicinal materials and spiritual herbs in the Xu family and familiarized himself with their medicinal properties.

Only afterward did he formally begin learning pill refining.

Now just over a year had passed, yet he could already stably refine lower-grade pills and occasionally produce middle-grade pills.

His pill condensation count basically maintained around two or three.

This was due both to Xu Mingqing's own talent and comprehension, and Xu Chuan's dedicated teaching.

Additionally, his cultivation realm had also reached seventh layer of Qi Refining early stage.

Another half year passed.

Xu Chuan visited the Jade Cold Pool every half month or month.

That old dragon's conversations with Xu Chuan increasingly disregarded speaking etiquette.

Simply put, he stopped pretending to be aloof.

He followed his nature, cursing when he wanted to curse, praising when he wanted to praise.

"Senior, have you considered it?"

Xu Chuan arrived at the Jade Cold Pool. Just as he spoke, he saw a phantom shoot out from the Jade Cold Pool and condense into a zhang-long flood dragon.

Its entire body was covered with crystalline diamond-shaped scales. Each scale's edge was tinged with a deep sea-like indigo blue halo. On its forehead protruded two coral-shaped silver horns, with wisps of cloud and mist coiling around their tips.

Embedded in its eye sockets were two amber vertical pupils. When the pupils contracted, they were like blades cutting across water's surface, reflecting Xu Chuan's face.

Six transparent long whiskers like shark silk hung down from both sides of its nostrils, drifting with its breath like living things.

The zhang-long body displayed a streamlined sharpness. The protruding bone spurs along its spine were like saw teeth made of icicles.

"Coming every day, so noisy I can't sleep!"

"Senior moves fast. I haven't even finished speaking and you've appeared."

"Who are you saying comes at every beck and call?!" The old flood dragon opened its amber vertical pupils. Its dragon face was almost pressed against Xu Chuan's face.

"Is this 'whoever has bigger eyes is right'?"

The old flood dragon was angered again. It circled in the air for a while, staring at Xu Chuan for several breaths, then snorted coldly, "This seat won't stoop to the level of an ant."

"This form of address changes too quickly. Just now it was 'I,' now it's 'this seat.' Feels like an old tsundere!"

"Who's old? Who are you calling old?!"

"If this seat had a physical body now, I'd slap you to death with one claw."

"Yes, yes, yes. Your claws are big enough." Xu Chuan smiled and said again, "It's been years, Senior. Have you decided?

You help my Xu family, my Xu family helps you.

Surely you can see my Xu family's potential is not weak. Within two hundred years, there's hope of becoming a Golden Core family.

By then, my Xu family can also help you recover to full strength, even help you advance to fourth-rank.

Presumably if you can advance to fourth-rank, you'll definitely be able to escape the lifespan predicament.

Otherwise, even if you can escape on your own in one or two hundred years, can you escape the pursuit of my Xu family's many Foundation Establishment cultivators? Can you, with your weakened strength, recover yourself, even advance further?"

"You should learn from us humans. Sometimes face and dignity aren't important. What's important is staying alive.

Stay alive, and whether face or dignity, you can take them back.

Perhaps in the future, you'll even feel proud of becoming part of my Xu family."

"Hehe, wishful thinking. For this seat to feel proud, unless your Xu family one day becomes a Divine Transformation family, comparable to the immortal sects and demonic gates of this region."

Xu Chuan's eyes flickered. Could the upper sects mentioned by Senior Yun Zhongzi be the immortal sects and demonic gates he spoke of, all with Divine Transformation overseers?

Xu Chuan grinned and said, "Why is that impossible?"

"Senior wasn't born with Golden Core strength either. You also started from first-rank, then advanced step by step to third-rank peak, right?"

"Having me become the spirit beast of you, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, is impossible!"

"Senior truly loves face. Then how about this, you become my spirit beast, but only you and I know this. Outwardly, you're my Xu family's Grand Elder. As long as you swear not to harm any member of my clan, you can move freely.

Then, when my Xu family members see you, everyone will bow and salute, calling you Grand Elder."

"This sounds quite good." The old flood dragon said in a low voice.

"This seat will consider it."

"Opportunities are rare. If you agree now, this junior can swear that if I fail at Golden Core, I can set you free. The sky is high and the sea is wide.

Of course, you can also stay. My Xu family will honor our promise for generations, helping you recover and even break through."

"Presumably in that sunless place within the sealing array, you should be tired of staying. Divine sense phantoms, after all, aren't as real as personally experiencing the outside world's fresh air."

"You must swear absolutely not to use spirit beast prohibitions to forcibly command this seat."

"Naturally. As stated before, as long as your actions don't endanger my Xu family, everything is free."

"Give this seat three days. I'll give you an answer in three days."

"Good. Then after three days, consider it my Xu family's final consideration for you, Senior. If it doesn't work this time, this junior will have my son Mingxian seal up this array's gap."

"That's not necessary, is it?"

"Does Senior think this junior is bluffing?" Xu Chuan said. "These three days, you should carefully and seriously consider the gains and losses.

If it were this junior, since both are death, I'd naturally choose to die under the sun."

"This seat won't die!"

"Golden Cores die, Nascent Souls die, even Divine Transformations may pass away. Without achieving longevity, who doesn't die?"

The old flood dragon fell silent.

From Xu Chuan's eyes, it saw a thirst for longevity, that kind of firm pursuit of the Dao that even made it feel ashamed.

This human junior was indeed extraordinary.

His Dao heart was pure, pointing directly toward longevity.

The cultivators it had encountered before either wanted to become Foundation Establishment or Golden Core. Some human prodigies with heavenly spiritual roots wanted to become Nascent Soul or even Divine Transformation great powers.

Perhaps this seat truly should seriously consider this.

The old flood dragon watched Xu Chuan leave the Jade Cold Pool array. In a flash, it too submerged into the Jade Cold Pool.

Three days later.

"Today is auspicious!" Xu Chuan's lips curved slightly. "Finally succeeded!"

"My Xu family will gain another trump card!"

At the hour of chen, Xu Chuan went to the Jade Cold Pool.

"Senior, this junior has come."

The old flood dragon's phantom appeared.

After a moment, the old flood dragon asked, "Aren't you curious what decision this seat has made?"

"Whether I ask or not, today will have a result. Just like whether you walk or not, the road is there."

The old flood dragon froze. "That seems to make some sense."

"But it also feels like nonsense."

Xu Chuan looked at him and smiled without speaking.

"Forget it. This seat is too lazy to argue with you, this human junior!"

"Now, this seat solemnly tells you, have your Xu family welcome this seat's arrival."

Xu Chuan turned to leave.

"Don't go!" The old flood dragon hurriedly said.

Xu Chuan turned back and said, "Speak properly. Speak human language."

"I'm a flood dragon. I don't speak human language."

"Haha, just joking. You've teased this seat so many times before."

"Wasn't that joke funny?" The old flood dragon asked earnestly.

Xu Chuan's mouth twitched.

"I, Moyue, today make a True Dragon Oath. If the Xu family is willing to help me escape, I'll become Xu Chuan's spirit beast until the day his lifespan reaches its end.

If I violate this oath, may my bloodline degrade, my spiritual intelligence be destroyed, and may I be reduced to an ordinary wild beast in this life."

"Xu Chuan, it's your turn." Moyue said.

"True Dragon Oath?"

"This is an oath with extremely strong binding force among the dragon lineage. The binding effect is even stronger than your heart demon oaths. Once this oath is made, it will be sensed by the True Dragon Ancestor in the mysterious beyond.

If violated, the oath will be fulfilled immediately."

"Your heart demon oaths, or Dao heart oaths, the former swears to the Heart Demon Ancestor, the latter swears by one's own Dao heart. These are common oaths, but they're not impossible to break.

As for more effective oaths, like spirit soul oaths and blood oaths, they involve extracting a strand of spirit soul and essence blood to perform secret techniques.

Once violated, the spirit soul will shatter on the spot or the essence blood will instantly ignite."

"Can Senior teach both these oath techniques?"

"Of course I can. Why, do you want to make one of these two oaths? Actually, there's no need. You..."

Xu Chuan cupped his hands and said, "Please teach me, Senior."

"Alright, this seat will transmit them to you."

Previously, the Xu family's soul prohibition could only prevent soul searching, but if someone voluntarily leaked secrets, the Xu family had no recourse but with spirit soul oaths, the Xu family's information would most likely not be leaked.

The two secret technique casting methods were transmitted into Xu Chuan's mind. These secret techniques weren't difficult. After a moment, he learned them.

"What oath does Senior want me to make?"

"A Dao heart oath will suffice," Moyue said.

"But didn't Senior say Dao heart oaths aren't very effective and can even be broken?"

"That's right. The Dao heart is illusory and intangible. If broken, it can be reforged. But any oath has loopholes, it's just that one's own means and realm aren't sufficient.

For someone like you whose only Dao heart in this life is singular, a Dao heart oath should be even stronger."

"Then I'll make a Dao heart oath." Xu Chuan smiled and immediately swore, "I, Xu Chuan, today swear by my Dao heart that once Senior Moyue becomes my spirit beast, I will definitely help him escape.

As long as his behavior doesn't endanger the Xu family, I will never use spirit beast prohibitions to forcibly constrain him.

Moreover, I will lead the Xu family and, when capable, help him recover and even break through to the Shape-Shifting Great Demon realm.

When my lifespan reaches its end, I will automatically dissolve the spirit beast prohibition and set him free.

If I violate this oath, may my Dao heart shatter and my Dao path be severed!"

"Is Senior satisfied?"

Moyue nodded, somewhat excited. His dragon whiskers danced. "I, Moyue, am finally going to escape!"

"Senior, don't be happy too early. The grand array sealing you is extraordinary. Last time my son told me that even going all out, it would probably take several months to expand the opening to a certain degree.

As for breaking it open completely, we don't yet have that capability."

"After the array opening expands, Senior will send out a strand of essence spirit. Give it to this junior, and this junior will establish the spirit beast prohibition. Henceforth, I'll have my son stationed here, doing his utmost to help Senior escape."

"Let's do as you say."

Three months later.

Xu Chuan had all the Xu family's martial artists and cultivators make spirit soul oaths, including several vassal families, the Chang and Yang families.

The Guangling branch did the same.

Not long after, Moyue sent out a strand of essence spirit. After Xu Chuan performed the Spirit Controlling Prohibition, he collected it into his sea of consciousness.

From this point on, he could control its life and death with a single thought.

Xu Mingxian followed Xu Chuan's instructions and fully assisted Moyue in escaping here.

The Jade Cold Pool was set up with a second-rank superior-grade dharma array, the Origin Returning Spirit Locking Array, completely isolating spiritual energy leakage.

This small heaven and earth's spiritual energy grew increasingly rich day by day.

It was completely sufficient for Foundation Establishment cultivator cultivation and could also serve as a place for attempting Foundation Establishment.

This way, there was no need to have those attempting Foundation Establishment go to the commandery city or Guangling's Azure Jade Peak.

"Father, your son has discussed with Senior Moyue. To reach the crack size he requires will probably take three years."

"Three years is perfect. By then, Ling'er should be able to forge top-tier magical artifacts. It shouldn't be a problem to have Moyue contribute a few dragon scales."

"Senior Moyue probably won't be willing."

"Don't worry. Your father has plenty of tricks."

…

Tongshan Commandery.

"Chou Jiu, so this is Great Wei."

"Yes, Blood Ming boss. This is Great Wei's Tongshan Commandery. Back then, they chased me and my brothers everywhere. In the end, only I escaped."

A red-haired black-robed man's gaze swept over that majestic giant city. His eyes narrowed.

Beside him were three others.

One was a female cultivator.

Her face resembled third-month peach blossoms, her lips like blood-dipped rouge.

At her brow's center, a cinnabar mark shaped like an inverted dagger seeped crimson spiritual power as her gaze flowed.

At her eye corners were mandala flower patterns outlined in gold powder. When she blinked, they trembled like butterfly wings.

Her shoulders were like carved jade, her waist like bound silk. A shark silk crimson dharma robe hung loosely below her collarbone, exposing half a snow-white chest. At her heart was tattooed a blooming black lotus.

"Xiao Jiu, don't worry. Since you've joined our Flame Demon Bandits, Second Sister will stand up for you."

This woman named Qing Ling was Blood Ming's Dao companion. Her voice seemed to steal souls, clearly not cultivating proper techniques.

"Thank you, Second Sister."

Chou Jiu cupped his hands. His peripheral vision glanced at that snow-white expanse and couldn't help swallowing.

The remaining person was called Leng Mu, ranked third in the Flame Demon Bandit group.

The four stood in the air through void manipulation.

All were Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The Flame Demon Bandits mainly operated in Great Jin territory.

There, no court-like management entity was established. Instead, families stood in forests, big fish eating small fish, small fish eating shrimp.

Every year, families rose and fell.

Compared to Great Wei and Great Liang, it was even more chaotic.

It was precisely this chaos that produced demonic cultivators like the Flame Demon Bandits.

The Demon Flame Bandits had a fierce reputation in Great Jin. Many ordinary Qi Refining families were destroyed by them.

Because they acted recklessly, they accidentally killed a newly Foundation Establishment disciple of a certain Foundation Establishment family. This family could rank in the top three in all of Great Jin, second only to Golden Core families.

The equivalent of Great Wei's first-rank families.

This Foundation Establishment family united many families to jointly pursue the Demon Flame Bandits.

The Demon Flame Dao originally had five members. They were hunted down until only three remained.

The two who died were both Qi Refining perfection cultivators.

Chou Jiu joined later and switched to cultivating demonic techniques, advancing to Foundation Establishment.

As for Great Wei and Great Liang, because management was strict, basically no native cultivators could be seen cultivating demonic techniques, because once discovered they would be hunted down.

"I wonder what Second Sister plans to do?" Chou Jiu asked curiously.

"I remember Xiao Jiu saying that not far from Tongshan Commandery, the Cangwu Mountain Range's demon beast resources are abundant. Fierce wild beasts are numerous enough to form beast tides."

"Second Sister, you can trigger a beast tide?!"

"We obtained Monster Luring Incense years ago. In Second Sister's hands, it even affects demon beasts. Wild beasts and the like will go mad upon smelling it.

Right now, a quarter remains. It should be enough to trigger a fairly large-scale beast tide."

"Boss, when Tongshan Commandery is in chaos, should we enter the city to plunder?" Leng Mu turned to look at Blood Ming.

"First scout the situation clearly. I heard Great Wei differs from Great Jin. Here, there's basically no trace of demonic cultivators. Once discovered, they'll be hunted down.

Isn't that right, Chou Jiu?"

Chou Jiu nodded. "Boss Blood Ming is correct. We indeed can't be exposed casually. This pursuit isn't from Foundation Establishment families, but a hunt-kill order issued by the Great Wei imperial Cao clan.

All immortal officials will pursue."

"Immortal officials?" Qing Ling asked doubtfully.

"Great Wei divides into immortal officials and martial officials. They also established a court. Martial officials are governed by the court, but immortal officials aren't. Each family basically has registered immortal officials.

Foundation Establishment cultivators mostly are.

Normally, immortal officials just collect salaries, but once the Cao clan issues an immortal official mission, immortal officials must execute it. Moreover, such missions typically have good rewards."

"That's truly troublesome. However, as long as we complete one job and then hide in some remote place for a few years, those Great Wei immortal officials can't possibly stop cultivating and keep pursuing forever, right?" Leng Mu said.

Chou Jiu nodded slightly. "This method is feasible, but also not safe."

"How so?" Leng Mu was quite surprised.

"If they can't find anyone, it'll probably turn into commandery-wide self-inspections. Commandery cities don't have many Foundation Establishment cultivators, basically one or two. But the number of Qi Refining cultivators is still quite substantial.

If martial artists are mobilized too, the number would be even greater."

The other three all fell silent.

Blood Ming looked over and said, "Chou Jiu, you're familiar with Great Wei. You suggest a method."

"To be safe, when killing people, avoid using demonic techniques if possible. Refine non-demonic magical artifacts to kill enemies. Avoid leaving demonic Dao auras.

Additionally, try not to provoke Foundation Establishment families as much as possible. Getting into enmity with Foundation Establishment cultivators will inevitably expose demonic techniques.

We can plunder more Qi Refining families.

Great Wei's many Qi Refining families have foundations that aren't too poor. It's just that they lack Foundation Establishment cultivators to oversee them.

Like many fifth-rank families, their clans have at least many hundred-year spiritual herbs, even one or two thousand-year spiritual herbs. They also have materials for forging fine-quality magical artifacts, even possibly top-tier magical artifact materials.

It's very difficult to tell from external appearances.

Each family hides them extremely securely.

For plundering, I suggest at most two families per commandery, then we must transfer to the next commandery.

If too many families have incidents, it will also arouse suspicion.

Additionally, information flow between commanderies isn't very smooth. It probably takes several months to spread to surrounding commanderies."

"Several months?" Blood Ming said in surprise.

"Because each commandery is basically self-governing, ruled by Foundation Establishment families. They're extremely exclusionary toward outside forces. Generally, Qi Refining families won't run to other commanderies. This easily causes disputes.

Of course, there are also some family disciples who disguise themselves as rogue cultivators to travel to other commanderies."

The scar on Blood Ming's rugged face curved like a waning moon. His cracked lips revealed forest-like canine teeth. "This truly is interesting.

Each commandery's Foundation Establishment families govern jointly. Within that, there's also a court-established institution managing commoners and martial artists. The Great Wei Cao clan only needs to oversee these Foundation Establishment families.

That's much easier than the Wen family over in Great Jin."

"Precisely because of the court-style management, Great Wei and Great Liang frequently war over border resources. Wars with Great Jin are basically unheard of," Chou Jiu said.

"Although somewhat cowardly, let's follow Chou Jiu's suggestion. Those Qi Refining families' wealth is just small change. Even if we don't want it, it's fine.

The true opportunity is the third-rank peak flood dragon corpse."

Speaking of this, greed flashed through Blood Ming's eyes.

That was an opportunity even Golden Core Old Ancestors would stop at nothing to obtain!

Chou Jiu said, "Unfortunately, Boss Blood Ming, that map is too ancient, at least several thousand years old. The terrain now seems different. We can only gradually investigate whether there are Broken Fang-like mountain peaks.

Finally, carefully search the surroundings for sealing arrays."

The four entered Tongshan Commandery. After scouting, they discovered entering Tongshan Market was extremely strict.

Right now, it was no longer as easy as when Chou Jiu's group of brothers plundered the market back then.

As for those families, they were all in the city.

They also weren't far from each other, so it was fundamentally unsuitable for them to plunder.

After all, Tongshan Commandery would experience beast tides. If families were established outside the city, once a beast tide erupted, that would definitely result in broken arrays and clan destruction.

Each commandery mostly had its own unique circumstances.

The four Demon Flame Bandits weren't hung up on this. However, they still deployed the Monster Luring Incense, triggering a large-scale beast tide.

Even just watching the spectacle was fine.

Cao Jinming immediately sent a request for aid to the imperial city.

Afterward, the Cao clan required immortal officials from each commandery to go support.

This was an emergency mission. All sixth-rank and above immortal officials all set out, heading toward Tongshan Commandery.

One or two days later at Tongshan Commandery.

When dusk gathered in all directions,

Suddenly it was torn apart by streams of light.

Initially, there were only three to five silver glows piercing through cloud layers. In a flash, it developed into dozens, hundreds of rainbow bridges spanning across the vast sky.

Each sword light trailed comet-like spiritual energy trajectories, drawing instantaneously changing star orbit diagrams on the indigo blue heavenly curtain.

The four Demon Flame Bandits observed in secret, all feeling shocked.

Blood Ming's face was grave. "What Chou Jiu said is indeed correct. Even if each of them may not be wholehearted but arriving at Tongshan Commandery so quickly is sufficient to show the Great Wei Cao clan's influence."

Among those who came, there were also members of the Dongxi Xu clan.

Moreover, quite a few people came.

There were martial artists and cultivators alike.