Chapter 205: Cangwu's End, Azure Sea Forest, Marriage Alliance with the Cao Clan

"Third Brother!"

Taishu Feng shouted in grief.

"Third Uncle!"

Taishu Yuan and the other young juniors were also frightened pale.

Xu Mingshu beckoned, retrieving his storage pouch and the two superior-grade magical artifacts that had fallen into her hands.

"In a life-and-death battle, spoils belong to the victor. I didn't remember wrong, did I?"

"Daoist Taishu, I'll accept these without ceremony."

"You demoness!" A Taishu family elder said through gritted teeth. "You're definitely not just seventh layer of Qi Refining. You're too devious!"

A family disciple sneered coldly, "Speaking of devious, who can compare to your Taishu family? Didn't you propose the life-and-death battle because you saw the fairy was only at seventh layer of Qi Refining?

"Exactly. Dead and still looking for trouble. The Taishu family's magnanimity isn't just this, is it?"

"You all..."

"Silence!" Taishu Feng suddenly rebuked. "Since my Taishu family established a life-and-death battle with grievances settled afterward, we naturally mean what we say."

"It's just that seeing a close relative die before one's eyes, it's inevitable to feel grief. I hope you Fellow Daoists can understand."

"This is human nature. Daoist Taishu, please take your younger brother back for proper burial," Xu Mingyuan said.

"Thank you." Taishu Feng calmly cupped his hands, then looked at Xu Mingshu. "Fairy Xu, you're at Qi Refining perfection, correct?"

Xu Mingshu smiled faintly, then no longer concealed her aura.

The pressure belonging to Qi Refining perfection released.

"I heard that in the Foundation Establishment battle two days ago, your Xu family's Foundation Establishment cultivators repeatedly showed their might with divine consciousness secret techniques. It seems Fairy Xu has also mastered this technique. Truly admirable."

With that, Taishu Feng led his clan members back to their camp's great tent.

Xu Mingshu pursed her lips and transmitted to Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan, "That old fox. Before leaving, he still wanted people to be wary of our Xu family."

"Among those present are many experts. Quite a few saw through it. However, magical artifacts and secret methods that can defend against divine consciousness attacks are extremely rare. They basically can only rely on themselves to resist.

Even if they know, they're helpless!"

"Let's return as well."

The four from Xu Mingwei's group also immediately returned to their camp.

The others, seeing no more excitement, dispersed one by one.

In this battle, the Xu family became famous once again.

Though their clan members were few, there were quite a few elite members.

Several days later at Prince Cao's residence.

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered to discuss the spoils of war.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoists, for leading your clan members to help Tongshan Commandery. Besides the demon beast material distribution later, the families of my Tongshan Commandery have also prepared some gifts.

To be presented to the ten families who contributed most in this beast tide."

"The top three are the Li family of Taiyuan Commandery, the Wang family of Langya Commandery, and the Liu family of Longjiang Commandery."

Cao Jinming swept his sleeve. A fine-quality magical artifact landed before the Li family's Foundation Establishment cultivator. The other two families received superior-grade magical artifacts.

"Fourth place is the Taishu family of Qiyun Commandery. Fifth is the Xu family of Yuehu Commandery. Each receives one bottle of superior-grade Barrier Breaking Pills. Each bottle contains twelve superior-grade Barrier Breaking Pills."

Two pill bottles flew before the Taishu family's Foundation Establishment cultivator and Xu Chuan.

Many showed surprised expressions and looked toward the Xu family.

The top four were all third-rank families with deep foundations. Yet the Xu family could follow closely in fifth place, showing their foundation and strength were truly extraordinary.

Sixth through tenth all received one bottle of superior-grade Qi Nurturing Pills.

The Zhou family didn't make the top ten then came the distribution of Qi Refining demon beast materials, also allocated according to merit.

Finally came the Foundation Establishment demon beast materials. Foundation Establishment demon beast materials could at minimum forge fine-quality magical artifacts. Many could forge top-tier magical artifacts.

"The top ten families, we've prepared Foundation Establishment materials and second-rank pills as compensation. The rest uniformly receive pills. Please see if you're satisfied."

The top ten's compensation was all packed in storage pouches. The rest had porcelain bottles containing pills.

Foundation Establishment cultivators from each family glanced over. Most nodded, but several families weren't very satisfied.

Like the Li family of Taiyuan Commandery and the Wang family of Langya Commandery wanted demon beast inner cores.

After Cao Jinming consulted with the five Foundation Establishment experts from Tongshan Commandery's major families, they agreed to the exchange.

Of course, the other Foundation Establishment demon beast materials were definitely all gone.

Among demon beast corpses, demon cores and essence spirits were naturally most precious, even able to assist Qi Refining perfection demon beasts in breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

Besides this came artifact refinement materials throughout the body. Finally came the flesh and blood.

Xu Chuan had already requested a demon beast essence spirit early. Cao Jinming gave him the essence spirit of the fourth layer of Foundation Establishment White Scale Flood Dragon.

Besides this, the Xu family also wanted quite a bit of essence blood from the Purple Lightning Thunder Eagle and Blood Python Tiger, plus minority Foundation Establishment demon beast materials.

It could be said the Xu family's compensation combined was second only to the Li family of Taiyuan Commandery.

Soon, each family prepared to depart.

The Taishu family's Foundation Establishment cultivator walked beside Xu Chuan. "Daoist Xu, I heard a few days ago my Taishu family's juniors had some conflicts with your children. I hope you won't hold a grudge."

"You're too kind, Daoist Taishu. I've also heard of this matter. It was my daughter being ignorant and reckless. Fortunately, this matter was perfectly resolved and grievances settled.

Otherwise, offending the Taishu family, my Xu family would probably live in constant fear."

"Ha ha, Daoist Xu is truly modest. Several of your offspring are quite outstanding, truly enviable. If you have time to visit Qiyun Commandery, my Taishu family will certainly treat you well."

"Farewell!"

With that, the two Taishu family Foundation Establishment cultivators rose into the air and departed.

Zhou Qingfang walked over. The three went to their camp together, then led their respective clan members back to Yuehu Commandery.

"Daoist Xu, I must say your Xu family has great boldness. A Taishu family direct lineage elder, killed just like that. Truly not afraid of creating enmity?"

"Where does Daoist Zhou get such words? How did I hear that the Taishu family person himself proposed a life-and-death battle, then was defeated and died?"

Zhou Qingfang chuckled, glancing at Xu Mingyuan. "Daoist Xu, don't play dumb with me. Speaking of scheming, among those present then, how many could outsmart your second son?"

Xu Chuan laughed lightly. "I'll take that as Daoist Zhou's praise for my son."

Arriving at Yuehu Commandery, the two families bid farewell and returned to their respective clan territories.

Later, Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and Xu Mingxuan also took some people back to Guangling Commandery.

Arriving at Dongxi, Xu Chuan called Xu Deling over.

"Grandfather, Aunt." Xu Deling cupped her hands.

"Mingshu, give the Black Evil Banner to Ling'er."

Xu Mingshu paused slightly but then complied.

"What's this for, Grandfather?"

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. He patted his storage pouch. Immediately, a light sphere flew out. Within the sphere was a miniature White Scale Flood Dragon.

"Foundation Establishment demon beast essence spirit!" Xu Deling said in surprise. "Tongshan Commandery was actually willing to hand this over!"

"This was the additional price for having me refine pills." Xu Chuan said. "Ling'er, use this essence spirit to upgrade the Black Evil Banner. It should be much simpler.

Once you truly forge the Black Evil Banner into a top-tier magical artifact, forging other top-tier magical artifacts will be much easier."

Xu Deling took the essence spirit and examined it carefully, again surprised. "It's even Foundation Establishment middle stage, a demon beast essence spirit containing some flood dragon bloodline.

The Tongshan Commandery people are truly generous!"

"That's also because Father's pill refining attainments are high enough. There's definitely an intention to build good relations," Xu Mingshu added. "After the Black Evil Banner is forged into a top-tier magical artifact, will Father use it himself?"

"For now, I'll still give it to you. Even if you can't unleash its full power, after upgrading to a top-tier magical artifact, the Black Evil Banner's defensive capabilities will also strengthen."

"Thank you, Father."

Then Xu Chuan handed the storage pouches containing Qi Refining demon beast materials and Foundation Establishment demon beast materials to Xu Deling.

"Grandfather, rest assured. Once Ling'er can forge top-tier magical artifacts, I'll definitely make good use of these materials!"

"Mm."

Xu Deling and Xu Mingshu then took their leave.

Time passed swiftly.

The Xu family returned to its former peace.

Whether the Dongxi main lineage or the Guangling branch, both steadily accumulated power.

Besides the Xu family producing immortal seedlings, vassal families and even Dongxi residents also began showing children with cultivation aptitude.

Although most had pseudo spiritual root aptitude, there were also two or three with miscellaneous spiritual roots.

They were all sent to the Xu family for cultivation.

The Xu family also granted quite a few resources as reciprocation.

In the various county cities on the Guangling side, immortal seedlings were also discovered and brought into the Guangling branch.

At this development rate, before the Wuhua Dharma Assembly, the Xu family's number of Qi Refining cultivators should reach the scale of a top fifth-rank Qi Refining family.

Perhaps even more.

At the same time, Yuehu Commandery's overall martial Dao strength was also rapidly improving.

Twenty or thirty years ago, county cities basically rarely saw a ninth-rank foundation martial Dao family.

Now over half the county cities had ninth-rank or even eighth-rank strength martial Dao families.

Their rapid development even made cultivation families want to eliminate the threat early.

However, the one causing this change was the Xu family, now Yuehu Commandery's undisputed hegemon family.

Without the Xu family speaking up, other Qi Refining families almost didn't dare interfere casually, afraid of ruining the Xu family's plans.

Since the Yuan family was destroyed, no family dared target the Xu family.

Now that the Xu family advanced to a fourth-rank family, in just a few years their Foundation Establishment combat power surpassed the Zhou family. Others were even more obediently keeping their heads down, developing low-key.

In the blink of an eye, two years passed.

Yuehu Commandery was peaceful. However, seven or eight of Great Wei's twenty-two commanderies experienced Qi Refining family extermination incidents.

Initially, when only a few families were affected, not much attention was paid.

It was just considered vendetta settling but after the number exceeded five or six commanderies and news gradually spread, the Foundation Establishment families of each commandery all became suspicious.

For a period, Qi Refining families in each commandery were all on edge.

However, after that, few heard of extermination incidents occurring in any commandery.

Since Xu Chuan opened up this Tongshan Commandery route, Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingshu, and the others frequently went to the Cangwu Mountain Range for tempering.

Because Cao Jinming vouched for them, Xu family disciples didn't encounter difficulties from Tongshan Commandery families.

Although there were occasional conflicts, facing the Xu family with unlimited potential, even Foundation Establishment families would give face.

Two years passed. Xu Mingxuan's cultivation also recovered to ninth layer of Qi Refining. In another year or so, returning to Qi Refining perfection shouldn't be a problem.

To temper actual combat, he also led teams for training together.

Xu Deling also forged a Five Spirits Casket for him. Under Ren Xiaoyao's guidance, his control of the Five Elements flying swords became increasingly skilled. Comprehending the Five Elements Sword Array was only a matter of time.

Once successful, he'd be sufficient to compete with top prodigies from various commanderies' Foundation Establishment families.

Moreover, he also had the Bright Light Mirror.

A fine-quality defensive magical artifact recorded in the Lesser True Yang Formula that could suddenly burst with dazzling light beams. Though it had no killing power, if aimed at someone's eyes, it was enough to cause temporary blindness.

Combined with the Shadowl Awl, it was simply a sneak attack weapon.

Ren Xiaoyao also went out periodically to seek opportunities or hunt demon beasts.

The Wei family was relatively well-behaved, just constantly making small moves.

In the cultivation market's shop business, the Wei family mainly operated pills and magical artifacts.

But in this aspect, even second-rank families couldn't compare to the Xu family, much less that the Xu family had a complete range of cultivation items like pills, artifacts, arrays, and talismans.

Arrays, artifacts, and talismans were almost never seen in superior-grade form in the commercial firms.

The rest exchanged rare materials or spiritual herbs, then used these materials to forge superior-grade magical artifacts and grant them to clan disciples. The Xu family's foundation naturally deepened day by day.

The Wei family continuously went downhill, showing a trend of gradual decline.

Of course, if they could produce another Foundation Establishment cultivator, they might delay it.

Wilderness conflicts and such, when the two families encountered each other, they invariably clashed, with casualties on both sides.

The injured were from the Xu family. The dead were from the Wei family.

The Xu family had pills, artifacts, arrays, and talismans—not lacking any. Xu clan disciples going out basically carried portions of all four cultivation resource types.

In one-on-one spell combat, probably few families could exceed them.

Even martial artists wore the finest armor and weapons.

Over time, when Wei family members saw Xu family people, they all took detours.

Combined with the Xu family basically not oppressing the commandery's Qi Refining families, even those who previously were in the Wei family's camp now gradually leaned toward the Xu family.

…

Guangling Commandery, Wei family.

"Old Ancestor, now over half of Guangling Commandery's families lean toward the Xu family. This is only two years. In another ten-plus years, probably all families will follow the Xu family's lead."

Wei Changkong wanted to deal with the Xu family but truly had the will but lacked the power.

The revenge for his great-grandson back then, he still remembered in his heart.

"Pills, artifacts, arrays, talismans—the Xu family lacks none. Becoming third-rank is only a matter of time. They even have hope of becoming the first second-rank cultivation family outside the imperial city among all commanderies."

"That can't be, can it?"

The Wei family Old Ancestor glanced at Wei Changkong and said calmly, "Have you heard of which third-rank family in various commanderies is proficient in all these cultivation hundred arts?

The Li family of Taiyuan Commandery and Wang family of Langya Commandery have deep foundations, yet they also find it difficult to have master-level figures presiding over pills, artifacts, arrays, and talismans.

Obtaining one is sufficient to hope for third-rank family status. Obtaining two is sufficient to hope for top third-rank.

What the Xu family lacks is only time."

After pausing, the Wei family Old Ancestor continued, "They should be waiting for an opportunity."

"Is Old Ancestor speaking of the Wuhua Dharma Assembly?" Wei Changkong's eyes lit up.

The Wei family Old Ancestor nodded slightly upon hearing this.

Wei Changkong pondered and said, "Among the Xu family members, Xu Mingwei has the greatest reputation. Last time at the Tongshan Commandery beast tide, everyone gave him the Arrow Demon title.

But he's already over sixty years old and can't participate.

The others, though decent, probably have basically no chance of standing out in the Wuhua Dharma Assembly."

"What you say isn't wrong. In previous times, it was the imperial Cao clan and the three great first-rank families dominating. Even second-rank families don't always have people squeeze into the top ten.

But I have a feeling the Xu family will be unexpected this time."

Wei Changkong remained silent.

After a moment, the Wei family Old Ancestor added, "But the more dazzling the Xu family is, the more attention it will attract. If this time someone truly squeezes into the top ten, then second-rank and first-rank families will be eyeing them."

Hearing this, after pondering, Wei Changkong looked up. "Old Ancestor means to wait and see. Our Wei family only needs to fan the flames later?"

"Precisely." The Wei family Old Ancestor nodded with a smile, but then said gravely, "If even this doesn't work, then learn from the Feng family and leave Guangling Commandery for the imperial city."

The imperial city had many Foundation Establishment families and the imperial Cao clan presiding. Competition was naturally fierce.

Not like in commandery cities where Foundation Establishment families were local tyrants, basically controlling a commandery's cultivation resources.

Therefore, most fourth-rank Foundation Establishment families, unless absolutely necessary, definitely prioritized settling in various commandery cities.

After hesitating briefly, Wei Changkong sighed lightly and cupped his hands. "Changkong understands. For the Wei family's continued existence, I'll prioritize the big picture."

…

Tongshan Commandery.

Prince's residence, main hall.

"Daoist Xu, what brings you here today?"

Cao Jinming sat in the main seat, glancing at Xu Chuan. He saw his cultivation had deepened somewhat, not far from second layer of Foundation Establishment but Xu Chuan had concealed his realm.

Currently, he wasn't far from Foundation Establishment middle stage either.

Presently, the Xu family only had three Foundation Establishment cultivators. With the pills in Xu Chuan's hands, he could naturally fully cultivate them. After the Wuhua Dharma Assembly, there should be several more additions.

By then, pills for advancing Foundation Establishment cultivation might not keep up.

At least unable to be as unrestricted as currently.

Therefore, Xu Chuan planned to prepare ahead, stockpiling more such cultivation pills.

According to current cultivation progress, before the Wuhua Dharma Assembly, both Xu Chuan and Ren Xiaoyao were confident of breaking through to Foundation Establishment middle stage.

After all, Xu Chuan was currently third layer of Foundation Establishment and approaching the Foundation Establishment middle stage bottleneck.

Xu Deling had just entered third layer of Foundation Establishment. Ren Xiaoyao was on par with Xu Chuan.

This was earth spiritual root cultivation aptitude!

With resources, reaching Foundation Establishment perfection was basically no problem.

Although Xu Chuan's spiritual root purity wasn't as good as the other two, multiple fate talents existed, making him not too far behind either.

As for the middle stage bottleneck, both Xu Chuan and Xu Deling should take the Void Breakthrough Pill to advance to middle stage in one go.

This pill was precious!

Even Cao Jinming hadn't received it as a reward but advanced through his own bitter cultivation.

Probably also because the Cao clan had quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "The Wuhua Dharma Assembly is only three years away. My Xu family is participating for the first time. Feeling uneasy, I had no choice but to come disturb you."

"I see." Cao Jinming wasn't surprised.

With the Xu family's foundation and strength approaching a third-rank family, not participating would be strange.

Even Cao clan disciples, the vast majority also needed to increase their Foundation Establishment numbers through the Wuhua Dharma Assembly.

"Then how much does Brother Xu know about the Wuhua Dharma Assembly?"

"I only heard it's competing for quotas to the Wuhua Secret Realm, totaling a hundred quotas. Moreover, Great Liang and Great Jin will also send a hundred people each to enter.

Fighting and killing within the secret realm."

Cao Jinming nodded. "That's right. The Wuhua Secret Realm requires Golden Core cultivators to expend great effort to open. It lasts three months.

That place is the slaughter ground for the three nations' top Qi Refining cultivators.

Whether our Great Wei, Great Liang, or Great Jin, none will give up the cultivation resources inside. Only through slaughter can it be resolved.

Nearly seventy percent of Foundation Establishment Pill ingredients come from there. Some others come from surrounding dangerous lands."

Xu Chuan was shocked upon hearing this. "There are other places to obtain Foundation Establishment Pill ingredients?"

"Naturally. But those places are even more dangerous. Unless six or seven Foundation Establishment early stage cultivators go together, or two or three Foundation Establishment middle stage cultivators.

If going alone, one needs at least Foundation Establishment perfection strength."

"Brother Cao, could you tell me about these places?"

"This isn't really a secret among third-rank families. Outside Great Wei, Great Liang, and Great Jin are quite a few dangerous lands teeming with demon beasts.

Rumor has it Golden Core demon beasts even exist.

The nearest is eastward from the Cangwu Mountain Range, at the end—a vast forest called the Azure Sea Forest. The reason the Cangwu Mountain Range has abundant demon beast resources is also because it connects to the Azure Sea Forest.

If the demon beasts there rushed out in large numbers forming a beast tide, it wouldn't be small-scale like last time.

I heard that thousands of years ago, the Golden Core force dominating Great Wei's territory was destroyed because of this.

Though the Azure Sea Forest has abundant resources, we Foundation Establishment cultivators only dare search for heavenly materials and earthly treasures or hunt demon beasts on the outskirts.

As for the depths, even my Cao clan's Old Ancestor doesn't dare easily go deep.

If Brother Xu is interested, once you reach Foundation Establishment middle stage, you and I can travel together."

"Then Brother Cao will have quite a wait."

Xu Chuan naturally had a better candidate. Once Moyue escaped from the Three Absolute Dragon Locking Grand Array, he could go together with him.

"However, the Wuhua Secret Realm has experienced so many incursions by cultivators from the three nations. Spiritual herb resources are far less than before. Only some dangerous lands can still be searched."

"There are dangerous lands within the secret realm too?"

Cao Jinming laughed heartily. "Naturally. Those places have quite a few Foundation Establishment demon beasts. They're dangerous even for Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Of course, the more dangerous, the greater the harvest."

"Does Brother Cao have a map? I'm willing to purchase one."

Cao Jinming shook his head. "I'm afraid I must disappoint Brother Xu. I've never entered the Wuhua Secret Realm. Maps of the secret realm are also considered confidential by each family."

"I see. I was too greedy."

"If Brother Xu is truly interested, you could form alliances with some established families and perhaps obtain relevant intelligence. Otherwise, even among our Great Wei people, all who enter are enemies."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly.

For Foundation Establishment opportunities, even among the same clan, friction would occur.

"By the way, Brother Xu, if there's nothing else, I, Cao, would like to request Brother Xu refine several furnaces of pills."

"What pills?"

"Superior-grade Divine Sense Pills."

Hearing this, Xu Chuan's pupils contracted. "Superior-grade Divine Sense Pills have little effect for Foundation Establishment stage. Could it be for your son?"

"Precisely for my son!"

"I established foundation before having offspring. After years of effort, I finally have a son and daughter. Yang'er's talent is decent. I plan to arrange a marriage alliance with the Qin family."

"As betrothal gifts?"

"Precisely. The Qin family is Tongshan Commandery's strongest family, ranked third-rank. Their Old Ancestor's strength reaches fifth layer of Foundation Establishment peak. Their Qin family wants three superior-grade Divine Sense Pills as one of the betrothal gifts.

I must respect this."

After thinking briefly, Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "It seems that Qin family woman's talent is quite good. Otherwise, why would they make such demands?"

"True spiritual root aptitude." Cao Jinming didn't hide it. "If the Wuhua Dharma Assembly weren't approaching, the Qin family probably wouldn't marry off their daughter.

Originally planned to return to the main lineage and call in a favor. But since Brother Xu happens to be here, I'll brazenly request your help."

No wonder he answered every question earlier.

Given that Cao Jinming's connections were very useful to the Xu family, Xu Chuan naturally wouldn't refuse.

Xu Chuan nodded. "This isn't a big problem. However, I'm quite curious. With Brother Cao's Foundation Establishment middle stage cultivation, you should have some say in the Cao clan. Getting a few superior-grade Divine Sense Pills shouldn't be difficult, right?

Why must you request this from me, an outsider?"

After hesitating briefly, Cao Jinming sighed. "There's no harm telling Brother Xu about this. My lineage has presided over Tongshan Commandery for five generations and has long been considered a Cao clan branch lineage.

Some favors have long faded with time. The Foundation Establishment Pill I used was something my grandfather requested from the main lineage. With his passing, my Tongshan branch can probably only rely on self-development.

Of course, if outstanding disciples achieve eye-catching results in clan competitions, they can also receive considerable resource grants."

"I understand. Later I'll give a materials list. Brother Cao can collect them. Once successful, you can send them to Yuehu Commandery."

"Won't Brother Xu stay longer this visit?" Cao Jinming said. "In ten more days will be my Tongshan Commandery's once-a-decade precious treasures trade fair.

There will be thousand-year spiritual herbs, rare medicines, spiritual wood, cultivation methods, materials, even demon beast inner cores, etc.

Brother Xu can stay at my residence and await the trade fair."

Hearing this, Xu Chuan's heart stirred.

Originally planning to return after a while, but now it seemed staying a few more days wouldn't hurt.

"Since Brother Cao invites, then I won't decline."

Shortly after, Xu Chuan provided the materials list. Cao Jinming glanced over it. "Worthy of being Divine Sense Pills. Though only suitable for Qi Refining cultivators, the materials are precious. Even I will need six or seven days to collect them all."

This wasn't the quantity for one batch but five batches.

"Thank you, Brother Xu. No matter how many Divine Sense Pills these materials produce, I only need six superior-grade Divine Sense Pills."

Then he explained, "My son has now reached Qi Refining perfection. To advance further, he can only take these superior-grade Divine Sense Pills to strengthen his divine sense."

"Understood. It's still early today. I'll go out for a stroll."

"Feel free, Brother Xu. Tonight I'll bring my family to welcome you."

Xu Chuan nodded.

Going out, he naturally wanted to purchase Moonlight Grass for refining Consciousness Advancement Pills.

As for six superior-grade Divine Sense Pills, one or two furnaces could produce them. With good luck, one furnace would suffice.

…

Evening.

At the dining table.

"Madam, let me introduce you. This is Xu Chuan, Grand Elder of the Xu family of Yuehu Commandery, one of Great Wei's top-ranked pill refining masters.

Years ago, the Jade Sprout Pills that helped with your spirit soul poison were also refined by him."

"Brother Xu, this is my wife, Yun Fei'er."

Xu Chuan looked over and saw her sitting upright in a red sandalwood chair.

In her raven-black cloud-like hair was a golden phoenix hairpin. Eastern pearls hung from the phoenix's mouth, swaying gently with her breathing.

On her jade-like face, two distant mountain eyebrows were dyed with snail shell black pigment. At her brow's center, a cinnabar mark shaped like spreading flame wings.

Her crimson cloud brocade robe with wide sleeveslayered and cascadingas it spread out. The collar was edged with an inch-wide carved-silk trim patterned with dragons.

The cuffs, with theirdark-embroideredEight Treasures motifs, appeared and disappeared with her movements.

"I meet Daoist Xu." Yun Fei'er nodded slightly.

She was at Qi Refining perfection. Though ten or twenty years younger than Cao Jinming, she was also past sixty years of age. Her face bore traces of time's passage.

"Worthy of being Brother Cao's wife, elegant and graceful with extraordinary bearing. I have an Age-Preserving Pill. Consider it a meeting gift."

"Age-Preserving Pill!" Cao Jinming was slightly surprised. "I didn't expect Brother Xu to have such a pill."

Yun Fei'er glanced at Cao Jinming. Seeing him nod slightly, she accepted it. "Thank you, Daoist Xu."

"You're too kind, Daoist Yun."

Then Cao Jinming introduced, "This is my son Cao Shengyang and daughter Cao Shengling. You two, greet Uncle Xu."

"Uncle Xu." The two said in unison, cupping their hands.

“Brother Cao’s children are alsoas refined and noble as dragons and phoenixes, enviable.”

"Brother Xu jests. How can they compare to your children?"

"I wonder their ages now?"

"Yang'er is twenty-nine. Ling'er is younger, twenty-one years of age."

"Indeed, not young." Xu Chuan nodded slightly.

Cao Jinming's eyes rippled with a smile. "What does Brother Xu think of my daughter?"

“Endowed with natural grace and talent, likable at first sight.”

"Then how about our two families become in-laws?"

When Cao Jinming said this, everyone present was quite surprised. However, Yun Fei'er and the Cao Shengyang siblings didn't speak.

Xu Chuan glanced at Cao Shengling, then shifted his gaze back to Cao Jinming. ‘Brother Cao is willing to marry his only daughter to my Yuehu Commandery, such a remote and desolate place?

"The Xu family has unlimited potential. How could I be unwilling? The question is whether your Xu family has suitable males."

A marriage alliance with the Cao clan's Tongshan branch was indeed a good choice.

After thinking briefly, Xu Chuan said, "My son Mingwei's legitimate eldest grandson is named Xu Chonghui, twenty-three years old, currently eighth layer of Qi Refining. In the future, he should have a considerable chance of serving as my Xu family's head.

There's also my youngest son Xu Mingqing, now eighteen, with outstanding talent. He can also be considered. However, in the future, he'll probably only serve as a clan elder, not family head.

I won't introduce the others."

Those in the Xu family worthy of Cao Shengling were just these two.

"Ling'er, what are your thoughts?" Cao Jinming asked.

"Everything is up to Father." Cao Shengling showed no resistance, as if she'd long known her future.

Though Cao Jinming and his wife doted on her, they also had to seek benefits for the Tongshan branch.

"Brother Xu, how about tomorrow I send someone to have them also come to my Tongshan Commandery for a visit?"

"Acceptable." Xu Chuan smiled.

"Ha ha, Brother Xu, today you and I must drink heartily!"

After the banquet ended at Cao Jinming's study.

"Father, didn't you originally favor the Li family of Taiyuan Commandery? Why did you suddenly advance Sister's marriage alliance with the Xu family today?

His Xu family only recently became a Foundation Establishment family, right?

Can their foundation compare to the Li family?"

"The current Xu family indeed can't match the Taiyuan Li family. But the future is hard to say. You've also been to the Xu clan's commercial firm. Inside, pills, artifacts, arrays, and talismans are all present. Superior-grade resources appear from time to time."

"Father, you mean the Xu family cultivated or recruited master-level figures in all four immortal arts?"

"Otherwise?!" Cao Jinming said. "In other commanderies, superior-grade magical artifacts and pills are rare sights. As for superior-grade array artifacts, they're even rarer.

Xu Chuan's pill refining attainments need no questioning. As for the Xu family's artifact refinement master, they probably can forge fine-quality or even top-tier magical artifacts.

Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many superior-grade magical artifacts.

I heard that in Yuehu Commandery and Guangling Commandery's Xu clan commercial firms, superior-grade magical artifacts frequently appear.

As for that array Dao master's level, it's hard to say. Compared to pills and magical artifacts, superior-grade array artifacts are almost never seen."

"Father, your analysis is very reasonable. If it's truly so, the Xu family is indeed a suitable choice." Cao Shengyang nodded. "Then between the two people Uncle Xu proposed, which should we choose?"

"Let's leave this to your sister to decide. After all, she's the one who'll marry."

On the other side at Cao Shengling's bedchamber.

Yun Fei'er was also communicating with Cao Shengling.

At the banquet, though she didn't refuse, Yun Fei'er naturally saw she had emotions.

"Ling'er, don't blame your father. Our lineage isn't like the second or third branches with flourishing descendants. Your father is also considering your brother.

I’ve heard of the Xu family. Their rise has been extremely rapid. In the future, they can definitely become an aid to your brother, helping stabilize our first-branch lineage so that power doesn’t fall into others’ hands.”

"Mother, Ling'er understands and will prioritize the big picture. But which should I choose?"

Cao Shengling looked at Yun Fei'er and asked, "One might be the future family head but of lower generation. The other is Uncle Xu's own son, a future elder."

"Your father and I discussed this. The choice is yours to make."

"I understand. Let daughter consider it."

Then Yun Fei'er left her room.

The next day, Cao Jinming sent people to Yuehu Commandery.

Of course, they brought Xu Chuan's handwritten letter. Otherwise, summoning the two would be hopeless.

…

Qingjiang County, Dongxi.

Xu family's main hall.

"Family Head Xu, this is your Grand Elder's handwritten letter. Please review it."

Xu Dezhao took it and looked. It also bore Xu Chuan's private seal.

"Indeed my grandfather's handwriting. Please wait, friend. I'll call my son and young uncle immediately."

A moment later, the two arrived, cupping their hands toward Xu Dezhao. "Family Head."

Xu Dezhao said, "This is the Grand Elder's handwritten letter requesting you two to make a trip to Tongshan Commandery."

"What for?" Xu Mingqing asked in surprise.

As Xu Dezhao's elder, he naturally wasn't that reverent toward him.

"The letter doesn't say. But since the Grand Elder has spoken, you two should follow this friend there."

"Got it. Chonghui and I will go."

One day later at Tongshan Commandery, Prince's residence.

Xu Chuan was invited to the main hall and saw Xu Chonghui and Xu Mingqing.

"Father (Great-grandfather)." Xu Mingqing and Xu Chonghui respectively called out.

"You've arrived." Xu Chuan said calmly. "Greet Prince Cao."

"Your Highness." The two also saluted Cao Jinming.

The next moment, they saw Cao Shengyang and Cao Shengling enter the hall, saluting Cao Jinming and Xu Chuan successively, then examining Xu Chonghui and Xu Mingqing.

Cao Jinming smiled faintly. "Yang'er, Ling'er, they've rushed here from Yuehu Commandery. Do your duty as hosts and take them to tour the city."

Xu Chonghui and Xu Mingqing looked at Xu Chuan, somewhat unclear what the Cao family was planning.

Xu Chuan nodded slightly.

Only then did they agree to go along.

On the road, Xu Mingqing transmitted, "Chonghui, what do you think Father summoned us here for? Just sightseeing?"

"Don't know. But Great-grandfather always has his purposes. Perhaps it's inconvenient to inform us. We'll adapt as needed."

"Right. Meet moves as they come."

The four walked through the streets. Cao Shengyang suddenly asked, "Brother Chonghui, Brother Mingqing, what do you think of my Tongshan Commandery's capital city?"

"Grand and magnificent. Probably the finest commandery city I've seen," Xu Chonghui said.

"How does it compare to Yuehu Commandery?"

"Currently perhaps not comparable. But the future is uncertain," Xu Mingqing said with a smile.

"Oh, from Brother Mingqing's tone, in the future under your Xu family's leadership, Yuehu Commandery will surpass my Tongshan Commandery?"

"Brother Shengyang said that himself." Xu Mingqing grinned.

"Let's visit the market. Last time the market was chaotic and didn't open. This time we can go. There's also an Xu family shop there," Cao Shengling said.

The two didn't refuse.

"I heard Uncle Xu say Brother Chonghui will inherit the family head position in the future?"

Xu Chonghui's pupils contracted. He smiled back, "Brother Shengyang heard wrong. My Xu family, as long as one is outstanding, has a chance to inherit the family head position.

There's no predetermination."

"Oh, so besides your legitimate eldest lineage, other branches also have chances to inherit the family head seat?"

"Naturally."

"What about Brother Mingqing?"

Xu Mingqing smiled. "I'm the youngest of the second generation. The family head has passed to the third generation. Can't pass back to the second, so I definitely have no chance.

Probably will be an elder."

The group chatted as they walked. Cao Shengyang also had intentions of testing the two's words and conduct.

However, in Cao Shengling's eyes, Xu Mingqing's nature was rather lively, not as steady as Xu Chonghui. If choosing a family head, she'd definitely prioritize someone of Xu Chonghui's temperament.

Family marriage alliances mostly considered the benefits they could bring.

A family head's wife's status was naturally higher than an elder's wife.

Before long, they arrived at the Xu clan's commercial firm then they saw the shop entrance surrounded by people.

Walking closer, they saw a third-layer Qi Refining female cultivator pleading for pills. Beside her lay a pale-faced young male cultivator on the ground, his breath as thin as gossamer.

"Shopkeeper, please, just sell me one superior-grade Spring Return Pill. I can draw talismans for your firm to repay the debt."

"It's not that I'm unwilling. I truly can't make this decision. Moreover, looking at your elder brother's condition, probably one superior-grade Spring Return Pill won't cure him, right?

Why not have a pill master examine him first?" the shop manager said.

Xu Chonghui stepped forward. "You say you can make talismans? Then why not use completed talismans to exchange? My Xu clan's firm accepts barter."

The shop manager turned and looked, surprised. "Young Master Hui, Young Master Qing, why are you in Tongshan Commandery?"

“Of course there’s something. Handle this matter first.”

"Yes, Young Master Hui." The shop manager cupped his hands.

"It's the Xu family's direct lineage, and beside them are the Crown Prince and Princess, right?"

People around discussed. They didn't recognize Xu Chonghui and Xu Mingqing but recognized the Cao Shengyang siblings.

"I heard the Xu family Grand Elder is an honored guest at the Prince's residence. Seems the rumors are true."

The third layer Qi Refining female cultivator’s face was tear-streaked. “They’ve already been used to purchase some detoxification and healing pills. Now there are no remaining spirit stones to buy materials.”

"Then how do you prove that making talismans for my firm will definitely be profitable?"

"This..." The third layer of Qi Refining female cultivator didn't know how to answer. Anxiously, she was about to cry again.

Xu Mingqing chuckled. "Chonghui, if you keep pressing, she'll probably cry to death at our firm's entrance. Who knows, people might think we did something to her.

Since she says so, let her try. If her talisman-making talent is acceptable, my Xu family isn't unwilling to take her in."

Xu Chonghui nodded and dispersed the onlookers, then brought people into the shop.

"This fairy, follow them to test your talisman-making ability. Your elder brother will be settled here for now. I'll examine what's wrong with him. How about it?"

"Thank you, Senior."

Cao Shengyang looked at Xu Mingqing in surprise. "You also understand medicine?"

"A little. Father taught me some."

After Xu Mingqing's divine sense probed earlier, he felt something wasn't right. Pale as snow, not like normal injury with excessive blood loss.

After careful examination, his brow furrowed tightly.

"Indeed severely injured. A superior-grade Spring Return Pill can treat it. But the biggest problem is he's unconscious, probably due to injured divine sense. Fourth layer of Qi Refining, yet suffering divine sense injury. Being able to hold on until now isn't easy.

Probably only Father can save him."