Chapter 215: Golden Core Coercion, Fifth Generation Talents

"No problem. In this secret realm, if one isn't cautious, they'd have long since become a pile of bones," Xu Mingxuan said.

Zhao Sheyan asked in surprise, "What business does Fellow Daoist Xu have with us?"

"I want to make a trade."

"Please speak, Fellow Daoist Xu."

Xu Mingxuan flicked his sleeve robe. Over twenty Great Wei identity tokens appeared before him. "I want to trade these tokens for some spirit herbs, spirit wood, and spirit iron ore materials.

Of course, not including Foundation Establishment Pill main ingredients.

These identity tokens are useless to us, but their point value is higher than spirit herbs and spirit iron, second only to Foundation Establishment Pill main ingredients.

Is Brother Zhao interested?"

"Naturally!" Zhao Sheyan's eyes lit up, but after consideration, he said, "However, with so many tokens, I'm afraid my Zhao family will have difficulty taking them all."

"Aren't you afraid I'll just pocket them?"

"After all, my father saved two of your Zhao family's Foundation Establishment middle-stage elders.

Elder Zhao Qingyan once said that if my father needs anything, he can bring the token to the Zhao family and have them do something that doesn't violate their interests.

If Brother Zhao does such a thing, when my father truly comes calling, I'm afraid you'll be in trouble."

The corner of Zhao Sheyan's mouth twitched slightly, then he said, "Since there's gratitude toward my Zhao family, then the Xu family are friends of my Zhao family.

Zhao will help with this favor."

"Thank you." Xu Mingxuan cupped his fists.

Through the Zhao family, Xu Mingxuan converted the useless Great Wei tokens into spirit herbs and artifact refining materials, maximizing their benefits.

Then he began placing the fruits of this journey into a blank storage bag for Xu Bai to swallow.

On his person, he only kept three sets of Foundation Establishment Pill main ingredients, some common spirit herbs, and a few rare spirit herbs.

All the spirit herbs brought out had backups.

Adding the Great Jin and Great Liang identity tokens, Xu Mingxuan believed breaking into the top three wouldn't be a problem.

The storage bags of the others basically held very little, about the same as when they entered.

Other aristocratic families also concentrated items on certain people, striving for higher rankings. If distributed evenly, all previous efforts would be wasted.

Before long, they encountered the Lei family's group.

The Lei family group included several people from other families, like the Liu family and Wang family, but only one person remained from each.

As for the Lei family members, they had lost another two or three since Xu Mingxuan's group last saw them.

Therefore, when Lei Xiaoyun and the others saw that the Xu family hadn't lost a single person, they were all extremely surprised, wondering where they had been hiding.

"Brother Xiaoyun."

"Brother Mingxuan."

The two greeted each other and headed toward the exit together.

"Brother Mingxuan, your luck is truly good. Even at the end, you still haven't lost anyone."

"Just luck. Knowing the last few days were dangerous, we naturally stayed far from the Misty Forest."

At the exit, no one fought.

Everyone rushed toward the exit on flying swords.

"Finally out." Xu Mingqing let out a long breath, then followed Lei Xiaoyun and the others flying toward the Great Wei war vessel's deck.

Foundation Establishment cultivators from all families were here. However, many had ashen expressions.

They all carried life lamps for their clan disciples.

But the life lamps of many aristocratic families' secret realm participants had all been extinguished. Under such circumstances, who could be happy!

Lei family head Lei Yunzhao glanced at Lei Xiaoyun and the others. The losses were within acceptable limits but seeing that the Xu family hadn't lost a single person, he was immediately surprised.

"Father, your children have returned."

Xu Chuan smiled slightly, "Good that you've returned."

Ye Xuehua and Zhou Zongyun also stepped forward to greet Zhou Qingfang, "Ancestor."

Lei Yunzhao cupped his fists toward Xu Chuan, "Brother Xu, your Xu family didn't lose a single person. This is truly unique. Your harvest must be considerable. The top ten will definitely have your names."

"Brother Lei jests. These youngsters must have been cowardly, hiding somewhere unknown."

On the Great Liang war vessel.

Zhao Sheyan and the others walked before the Zhao family head and after greeting him, spoke about the Xu family matter.

"So it was Great Wei's Xu family who saved Elder Qingyan and Elder Guan'an last time in the 'Azure Sea Forest.'" The Zhao family head looked toward the Great Wei war vessel.

"It seems we need to pay some attention to Great Wei. This Xu family has considerable potential!"

Before long, the Golden Core families of Great Wei and Great Liang all emerged from the entrance but the Great Jin Sima family members were nowhere to be seen.

The Sima family's Golden Core ancestor's brow furrowed slightly.

"Brother Sima, only half an hour remains. Not a single person from your Sima family has come out. Could they all have perished inside?" The Cao family's Golden Core ancestor mocked.

"Hmph, there's still half an hour. Don't be too pleased. If your Great Wei still ranks last this time, let's see where you'll put your face!"

However, when the half hour passed.

Still, only the Sima family members hadn't emerged.

The Sima family's Golden Core ancestor's expression immediately became gloomy as water.

The three Golden Core cultivators simultaneously withdrew their spiritual power. The membrane above the secluded valley rapidly healed.

Moments later, it disappeared into the void.

The Sima family ancestor swept his gaze over the people on the war vessel, snorted coldly, and a pressure descended. "Where are my Sima family members?! Has anyone seen them?!"

"Reporting to Ancestor, this junior saw them half a month ago in the Misty Forest."

"This junior saw them hunt and kill five or six Great Wei cultivators five days ago."

"Three days ago, Young Master Sima's group seemed to have encountered Great Wei Cao clan members."

"What else?" The Sima family ancestor spoke again.

After this, no one responded.

He withdrew his pressure. His figure flashed, arriving above the Great Wei war vessel. "Old Ghost Cao, have your Cao clan disciples come out to answer. This old man has questions!"

"Yulong, you answer."

Cao Yulong stepped forward and cupped his fists, "Junior Cao Yulong. Please ask, Senior."

"Three days ago, did you encounter my Sima family members?"

"Yes."

"Did you kill them?"

"No."

"If you dare deceive me, you know the consequences!"

"What, you still dare kill my Great Wei people before me?" The Cao family's Golden Core ancestor said, "Previously we had an agreement. In the secret realm, life and death are one's own responsibility.

If you're afraid, then don't send your Sima family disciples in from now on!"

The Cao family's Golden Core ancestor defended so strongly because he thought it might have been Cao Yulong and the others who killed them.

The Liu family's Golden Core ancestor's voice came, carrying mockery, "Brother Sima, they're just some Qi Refining disciples. If they died, they died. Does your Sima family lack Qi Refining disciples?

But if you take action, Liu will have no choice but to join forces with Brother Cao to suppress you."

The Sima family ancestor's brow furrowed. His divine consciousness immediately swept over the surroundings.

Suddenly, he snorted coldly, his eyes looking toward Xu Mingxuan and the others, calling out sternly, "Who are you people?"

Xu Chuan stepped forward, "These are my Xu clan members!"

"Interesting!" The Sima family ancestor turned to look at the Cao family's Golden Core ancestor, grinning, "Old Ghost Cao, I didn't expect a mere Foundation Establishment family.

In this secret realm journey, the number who broke through to Foundation Establishment actually exceeds your Cao family by one!"

Speaking thus, his Golden Core pressure descended upon Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingxian, and Xu Mingshu.

Foundation Establishment auras immediately emanated from their bodies.

Everyone around was shocked on the spot.

"Three Foundation Establishment?!"

"The Xu family actually had three people successfully achieve Foundation Establishment in the secret realm!"

"How did the Xu family do it!"

The aristocratic families on the Great Jin and Great Liang war vessels all found it hard to believe.

Even the Cao family and Liu family, two great Golden Core families, only had two disciples break through to Foundation Establishment.

Xu Mingxuan's group of three gritted their teeth and persisted. Their entire bodies' bones made cracking sounds.

"And you, a fourth layer of Foundation Establishment, yet pretending to be second layer of Foundation Establishment!"

Xu Chuan also suffered suppression.

The surrounding aristocratic family members were shocked again.

"This Xu Chuan has only been Foundation Establishment for over a decade, yet he's already reached fourth layer of Foundation Establishment?"

"How did he do it?"

Zhou Qingfang was first surprised, then relieved.

Lei Yunzhao fell into deep thought.

Xu Chuan gritted his teeth, "Senior Sima, this junior concealing his realm is a personal habit. Could it not be allowed?"

"What kind of reasoning is this!"

The Sima family ancestor snorted coldly and increased the pressure again.

Cao Shengming transmitted, "Ancestor, this Xu Chuan cannot die. Currently, in our Great Wei, his alchemy level is probably the strongest. We still need him to refine Foundation Establishment Pills.

Otherwise, relying solely on the clan's alchemists, we might not even be able to gather the top ten rewards."

The Cao family ancestor's brow furrowed, but he still waved his hand to disperse the Sima family ancestor's pressure. "Brother Sima, your hand reaches too far.

The aristocratic families of my Great Wei are not yours to control!"

"Hmph!" The Sima family ancestor was somewhat displeased. "This old man will ask them a few more questions."

Speaking thus, his gaze fixed on Xu Mingxuan's group of three.

"Have you encountered my Sima family members?"

Xu Mingxuan cupped his fists, "We saw them three days ago. At that time, we happened upon the Sima family and Cao family in confrontation. If not for our arrival, the Cao family would have suffered heavy losses.

But ultimately the Sima family people departed. Not long after, we also separated from the Cao family.

If anything doesn't match, Senior can verify with the Cao family members."

"Indeed so," Cao Yulong said.

Suddenly, the Liu family ancestor said, "Brother Sima, have you made enough fuss? If anyone present killed your Sima family's core disciples.

They would definitely have your Sima family's imprint on them.

You can tell at a glance. Why keep questioning these juniors?

Hurry and tally each side's harvest. Liu's patience isn't much."

According to the three-way agreement, the side with the lowest score must hand over one-fifth of their Foundation Establishment Pill materials to the side with the highest score.

"Hmph, then let's begin tallying."

His expression was dark as pitch.

Without question, this time his Great Jin would definitely rank last. However, he still felt the Xu family members were highly suspicious.

It's just that even though the Xu family produced three Foundation Establishment cultivators, his Sima family had at least three who could successfully achieve Foundation Establishment this time.

Equal Foundation Establishment numbers, numerical advantage, plus Golden Core family foundation.

He couldn't think of a reason to lose to Foundation Establishment family disciples.

Besides this, regarding the imprint, as long as they didn't personally kill them, the secret technique imprint wouldn't fall on the opponent.

The Sima family ancestor focused on examining the items in the Xu family members' storage bags.

Though the spirit herbs, materials, magical artifacts, and so on were considerable, the Xu family had three Foundation Establishment cultivators, so everything made sense.

Moreover, as long as they were cautious, the Xu family not losing a single person wasn't a miracle.

"Are they disguised seamlessly, or was it truly not the Xu family?" The Sima family ancestor felt suspicious.

Half an hour later.

The tally concluded. Great Jin was undoubtedly last.

Great Wei ranked first, narrowly defeating Great Liang by twenty points.

The Cao family ancestor said with a smile on his face, "Brother Sima, hand over two sets of Foundation Establishment Pill main ingredients."

"Here!" The Sima family ancestor flicked his sleeve robe. Two sets of materials flew before the Cao family ancestor.

Collecting the materials, he laughed heartily, "We're leaving, returning to Great Wei!"

The three factions departed separately.

The Wuhua Trial officially ended, but the aftershocks didn't stop.

The Xu family's display of prowess attracted the attention of Great Liang and Great Jin, especially Great Jin.

The Sima family ordered people to infiltrate Great Wei, collect information about the Xu family, and monitor them.

Unfortunately, Xu Chuan had [Daily Divination]. Monitoring ultimately wouldn't succeed.

Even the monitors would be quietly eliminated.

There was also the wariness of other Great Wei aristocratic families.

The Xu family now had six Foundation Establishment cultivators, plus with their second-place contribution ranking this time, they could obtain three Foundation Establishment Pills.

Meaning they could produce three more Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Becoming a first-rank family might still be lacking, but advancing to second-rank should be sufficient.

Additionally, there was the Zhou family. Their fifth-place ranking this time was also quite eye-catching.

First was the Cao family, third was the Lei family, fourth the Jiang family, sixth the Lin family. The seventh, eighth, and ninth places were all second-rank families.

Returning to the Imperial City, aristocratic families from various commanderies all prepared to return.

Xu Chuan was invited by the Cao family to refine Foundation Establishment Pills. He took the opportunity to request permission to peruse the Cao family's collected alchemy texts.

Cao Shengming immediately agreed.

After all, he wasn't the Cao family's alchemist and had no obligation to refine pills for the Cao family. However, Xu Chuan not requesting a Foundation Establishment Pill truly exceeded his expectations.

If it were someone else, they might well have done so.

Because Xu Chuan needed to refine pills, Xu Mingwei and the others temporarily remained in the Imperial City.

The storage bag from inside Xu Bai's body was also retrieved and handed to Xu Mingwei.

Ordinary people probably wouldn't imagine such important items would be entrusted to a Qi Refining cultivator.

All Foundation Establishment Pill materials obtained from the Wuhua Secret Realm had to be completely turned over. For other spirit herbs, materials, and so on, the Cao clan would take thirty percent.

If they took more, the aristocratic families probably wouldn't be willing to enter the secret realm anymore.

Xu Chuan and two other top-tier alchemists refined Foundation Establishment Pills. Throughout the entire process, Foundation Establishment cultivators monitored from the side.

Xu Chuan could only suppress his alchemy level.

This time, Great Wei obtained a total of twenty sets of Foundation Establishment Pill materials.

Xu Chuan used the excuse that he had never refined Foundation Establishment Pills before, first observing the other two refining pills to figure out their approximate level before beginning to refine.

He only displayed standards slightly higher than theirs.

The other two each refined six sets of Foundation Establishment Pills, producing twenty pills, including thirteen lower-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, five middle-grade, and two superior-grade.

Xu Chuan needed to refine eight sets.

He produced sixteen pills: eight lower-grade pills, six middle-grade pills, and two superior-grade pills.

"Brother Xu, your alchemy level is truly extraordinary. With this token, you may peruse alchemy texts in my Cao clan's library for one month."

Xu Chuan received the token and cupped his fists, "Thank you, Family Head Cao."

For the next several days, Xu Chuan immersed himself in the Cao clan's library.

This place had a Cao clan Foundation Establishment perfection expert stationed there. Xu Chuan didn't dare act rashly.

There were many ancient alchemy texts here that greatly broadened Xu Chuan's horizons.

…

One day.

Cao Yuchen came to the library.

"Senior Xu, you're indeed here."

"Young Friend Yuchen, you've come for that matter from before?"

"Yes and no," Cao Yuchen said. "This time the Foundation Establishment Pill materials harvest far exceeded the previous two times. The number of Foundation Establishment Pills refined is sufficient. I also have the opportunity to receive one."

He paused, looking at Xu Chuan, "I want to request Senior to refine a superior-grade Void Breakthrough Pill."

"I have two sets of materials. Regardless of how many you refine, I only need one superior-grade Void Breakthrough Pill. Thus we'll be even."

Xu Chuan pondered for a moment, "Alright. Give me the materials. I'll refine them when I return today. Come to the library again tomorrow."

Cao Yuchen nodded slightly and immediately handed over the materials to Xu Chuan.

In his estimation, with two sets of materials, Xu Chuan could refine at most four or five pills.

Being able to produce one superior-grade pill would be reaching the sky.

And one superior-grade Void Breakthrough Pill was worth three or four middle and lower-grade Void Breakthrough Pills.

He deduced this based on the results of Xu Chuan's Foundation Establishment Pill refinement he had inquired about.

The other two pill refining grandmasters only refined two superior-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, while Xu Chuan alone matched both of them combined.

"A superior-grade Void Breakthrough Pill, is it for some elder of his stuck at the Foundation Establishment late-stage bottleneck?"

Returning to the small courtyard.

Late at night, Xu Chuan began refining Void Breakthrough Pills.

Two batches produced fourteen pills, including ten superior-grade and four middle-grade.

Made a killing!

The next day at the library, Cao Yuchen arrived as agreed.

Xu Chuan handed him a porcelain bottle, smiling lightly, "Fortunately, I didn't fail the mission."

Cao Yuchen examined it and cupped his fists, "Thank you, Senior Xu."

After this, Xu Chuan spent another half month here, finally perusing all the alchemy texts before preparing to leave.

"Family Head Cao, I'm returning the token. I should also return to Yuehu Commandery."

"Preparing to go back?" Cao Shengming received the token, the corner of his mouth rising. "Actually, Brother Xu could stay in the Imperial City a bit longer. Saves you from running back and forth."

Running back and forth?

What does he mean by this?

Xu Chuan smiled, "I've been away from the clan for quite a while. It's time to return. My fifth-generation grandson was born over two months ago."

"I see. Then Cao won't stop Brother Xu from returning. These are the Foundation Establishment Pills your Xu family earned from this secret realm trial."

Xu Chuan received the porcelain bottle and opened it to smell.

As expected, lower-grade Foundation Establishment Pills.

"Thank you."

Xu Chuan cupped his fists, then departed.

He felt Cao Shengming had implications behind his words, but unfortunately, there was too little information to figure it out.

Two days later, returning to Dongxi.

The entire Xu family came out to greet him.

Xu Chuan nodded slightly, then walked straight toward Cao Shengling, "Let me hold him."

Cao Shengling smiled and handed the child over.

Originally, the child struggled a bit, but once in Xu Chuan's arms, he immediately became quiet.

"Great-grandfather, previously only Rin and I could hold him quietly. When Father and Mother held him, he would cry."

"Says we're close," Xu Chuan said with a smile. "Have you named him?"

Xu Chuan naturally knew his name, but still pretended not to know and asked.

"His name is Xu Wenjing," Xu Chonghui said. "Taking the meaning of 'lofty mountain, sublime conduct,' it also contains this grandson's expectations for his virtue and achievements."

Xu Chuan nodded, smiling, "This child will be accomplished."

When Xu Wenjing was born, everything about him was recorded in the genealogy.

[Xu Wenjing: Xu Family Fifth Generation]

[Age: One]

[Spiritual Root: True Spiritual Root (Spiritual root purity forty percent)]

[Talent: Heaven Born Martial Bones]

[Bloodline: Eighth-rank Flame Gold Bloodline]

[Note 1: Those with the Heaven Born Martial Bones fate possess naturally connected meridians, martial Dao prodigies]

[Note 2: Flame Gold Bloodline, suitable for artifact refining, exceptional comprehension ability in metal and fire elements]

This was simply the most suitable person for the [Copper Skin Iron Bones] fate talent.

With the fifth generation's birth, the genealogy once again condensed new fate talents.

This time only two condensed, respectively [Brush Falls Talisman Forms] and [Myriad Arts Profound Understanding].

[Brush Falls Talisman Forms]: Each time a talisman is drawn, comprehension of that talisman increases. When comprehension reaches one hundred percent, the realm of brush falls talisman forms is achieved.

That is, when the brush falls, the talisman forms!

This fate talent, Xu Chuan planned to give to his second son Xu Mingyuan.

With this talent, comprehending top-tier talismans was just a matter of time.

[Myriad Arts Profound Understanding]: Learning any spell technique has divine assistance. Upon reaching a certain degree, can integrate and master them, creating entirely new spell techniques.

For this fate talent, there was currently no suitable person.

Xu Chuan planned to seal it temporarily.

"Alright, everyone disperse."

Xu Chuan returned the child to Cao Shengling, then waved his hand.

Arriving at the Jade Cold Pool, Moyue flew out from the spirit beast bag, plunging headfirst into the cold pool, splashing countless droplets of water.

"This place is still comfortable," Moyue said with squinted eyes.

Shortly after, Xu Dezhao arrived.

"What is it?"

"Grandfather, the Zhou family has broken off the engagement," Xu Dezhao said.

Xu Chuan was stunned for a moment. After thinking briefly, he furrowed his brow looking at Xu Dezhao, "Is it Mingqing's marriage?"

"Correct," Xu Dezhao said. "Moreover, there are rumors that Ye Xuehua will marry into the Cao family!"

So that's how it is!

Xu Chuan immediately understood why Cao Shengming had spoken that way before.

Mockery? Showing off?

"Send someone to invite the Zhou family ancestor. Though I can roughly guess, he still owes me an explanation." Xu Chuan sighed slightly.

After Xu Dezhao left, he murmured, "In the cultivation world, ultimately it's all about who has the bigger fist."

Several hours later, Zhou Qingfang arrived at the Xu family's main hall.

"Brother Xu, you've returned. It seems you've already heard about my Zhou family breaking off the engagement."

"Brother Zhou, please sit." Xu Chuan occupied the main seat, raising his hand to invite the guest, "I asked you here to hear your explanation."

"I should give an explanation." Zhou Qingfang looked dejected, anger and helplessness in his eyes. "But I don't know how to explain.

In the end, my Zhou family has wronged your Xu family."

"The Cao family used power to oppress?"

"Precisely!" Zhou Qingfang's hands clenched into tight fists. "The implications were that if my Zhou family didn't comply, they would destroy my Zhou family."

"Even if my Zhou family endured, even if our two families bound together, we still couldn't twist the Cao clan's thick leg."

Xu Chuan sighed slightly, then said, "However, this matter is quite strange."

"It was too sudden," Zhou Qingfang said. "However, after this matter, those who were sneaking around near my Zhou family's clan grounds suddenly disappeared without a trace."

"With Foundation Establishment Pills in hand, you should quickly select clan members with confidence to break through. Otherwise, people will always be coveting them."

Zhou Qingfang nodded slightly, "The candidates have already been selected."

Before long, Zhou Qingfang returned to the Zhou family.

For the Xu family, this matter was only a small issue.

After all, they currently had a pile of troubles of their own.

What they most needed to guard against was the Cao family and Sima family.

Additionally, Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, Xu Dezhao, Daoist Yunding, and Wu Mingsheng all needed Foundation Establishment Pills to help them break through to Foundation Establishment.

Especially Daoist Yunding and Wu Mingsheng, both were facing their lifespan limit.

That very day, Xu Chuan had Xu Mingwei summon Xu Mingyuan and the others to Dongxi.

As for matters in Guangling, they were temporarily handed to Xu Deheng.

As long as Ren Xiaoyao was stationed there, basically no problems would arise.

Moreover, the Xu family's prestige now spread throughout the commanderies. Even first-rank families were wary. The Wei family had even less courage to provoke them.

As for other commanderies, what they should be eyeing was the main Dongxi lineage with Foundation Establishment Pills in hand.

Xu Chuan began closed-door cultivation to refine Foundation Establishment Pills.

A full sixteen sets, comparable to the total of an entire faction.

Without question, the Xu family was the greatest beneficiary of this 'Wuhua Secret Realm' journey.

Two days later, Xu Chuan emerged from seclusion.

He summoned everyone.

"Mingwei, Mingyuan, Dezhao, Elder Yunding, Elder Mingsheng, the five of you shall begin closed-door cultivation to break through starting today."

"Dongxi affairs will temporarily be managed by Chonghui."

"Grandson understands," Xu Dezhao cupped his fists then Xu Chuan flicked his sleeve robe. Five porcelain bottles appeared out of thin air, falling into each person's hands.

"Regarding the pills, you all must swear an oath not to leak even the slightest detail."

The five immediately complied.

Daoist Yunding arrived at his quiet chamber, opened the porcelain bottle, poured out the pill, and his eyes immediately widened.

"Superior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill?!"

As a top-tier alchemist, he naturally recognized the pill's quality at a glance.

With this pill, even with his limited lifespan, he had several parts confidence in successfully breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

"Foundation Establishment realm, this Yunding is coming!"

Daoist Yunding began closed-door cultivation that very day.

Wu Mingsheng was the same on the other side.

He held the superior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill in his hand, the corner of his lips rising. "That gamble from back then, I ultimately bet correctly!"

After they successfully achieved Foundation Establishment, it would be the turn of Xu Deheng, Xu Deyue, and Xu Mingqing.

Before Xu Mingyuan's closed-door cultivation, Xu Chuan bestowed the [Brush Falls Talisman Forms] fate talent.

In the blink of an eye, several days passed.

At Jade Cold Pool, both Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian cultivated here.

After breaking through to Foundation Establishment, Xu Mingxian's ability to deduce formations strengthened. He analyzed the Three Absolute Dragon Locking Grand Array while deducing third-tier formations.

Without inheritance, he could only rely on his own comprehension.

Xu Mingqing, knowing about Ye Xuehua's matter, came to the Jade Cold Pool, his eyes full of rage.

"Father, the Cao clan is too detestable. How can they do this!"

"Then what do you want to do?" Xu Chuan's counter-question left Xu Mingqing speechless.

In the cold pool, Moyue raised his dragon head, watching Xu Chuan and his son like eating melons.

"You also saw the Cao clan's attitude toward my Xu family, and that Great Jin Sima family. Do you really think those who can cultivate to Golden Core are fools?

My Xu family is still in a time of internal and external troubles. Do you still have the mood to worry about other things?"

"To tell you the truth, though I made a marriage contract between you and Ye Xuehua with Zhou Qingfang, we also had an agreement. As long as Ye Xuehua doesn't agree to marry you for even one day.

You won't be married for even one day."

"Why?" Xu Mingqing didn't understand.

"Ye Xuehua has earth spiritual root aptitude. Though Zhou Qingfang is her master, he cannot force her.

Moreover, she's single-mindedly devoted to the Dao, with no heart for worldly matters.

If not for the Cao family threatening the entire Zhou family's lives, Ye Xuehua couldn't possibly have agreed."

Xu Chuan patted his shoulder, "Mingqing, let it go."

Xu Mingqing left in a daze.

Moyue suddenly spoke, "You as a father are truly stifled. If it were my son who liked someone, I'd definitely help him stand up for himself."

"Yes, yes, yes. Your son wants someone from a Nascent Soul aristocratic family's direct line. You'd also take your son to their door, then either be enslaved or become a dharma treasure in that Nascent Soul family disciple's hands!"

"How dare you speak to this seat like that!" Moyue's dragon pupils glared.

"Such is the truth of the world!" Xu Chuan looked at Moyue, "If my Xu family were a Golden Core family, then even if the Cao family wanted to marry Ye Xuehua, they wouldn't dare to force it.

Otherwise, the price of tearing face with another Golden Core family would far exceed the benefits of their schemes."

"What schemes?"

"Why do you think the Cao family would force Ye Xuehua at any cost, not caring about their reputation? Her aptitude definitely couldn't escape the Cao family's Golden Core ancestor's notice.

To be so shameless, it can only mean Ye Xuehua is extremely important to the Cao family.

Or rather, an earth spiritual root aptitude female cultivator is very important."

After pondering, Moyue's eyes suddenly brightened. "This seat remembers! When two people with earth spiritual root aptitude combine, during the gestation period, if they take large amounts of precious spirit herbs and supplement with secret techniques for nurturing.

There's a chance to elevate the offspring's aptitude.

Golden Core demon beasts wanting to bear offspring also mostly cultivate them this way."

"It seems it's indeed so. A heavenly spiritual root aptitude offspring is extremely important to the Cao family.

Even if it were a first-rank family, the Cao clan would likely force them, then offer significant benefits to make them compromise."

"What about if it were your Xu family?" Moyue asked curiously.

"Guess."

"This seat won't guess!" Moyue turned his head away, then turned back. "It's a pity this seat can only burst forth with Golden Core initial stage power a few times.

If I could stabilize my strength at Golden Core stage, this seat could directly take action and snatch the young lady back for your son."

"Then should I still thank you, old one?"

"Such a small matter, not worth mentioning," Moyue displayed his neat, white dragon teeth.

Hearing this, Xu Chuan shook his head with a smile. This old flood dragon was truly getting old. He couldn't even distinguish good from bad words.

Ye Xuehua had no heart for romance.

The two of them ultimately couldn't end up together.

"However, helping you restore your strength is indeed urgent. Even if you don't show yourself, just serving as a trump card would give my Xu family more confidence."

Xu Chuan stroked his chin, looking over. "What could help you recover?"

"Among you humans, there's something called the Creation Profound Pill, a third-tier top-grade pill with the miraculous efficacy of creation and mystery.

Even a shattered dantian can be repaired, and it can also enhance spiritual root aptitude.

Probably one pill could help me restore my full strength. However, this pill is rare even in those great cities of the Tiannan Domain."

"What else?"

"A third-tier flood dragon inner core could restore me to Golden Core initial stage strength. With a complete dragon pearl, there's a forty to fifty percent chance of restoring to full strength.

Other third-tier demon cores also work. Even if the attribute doesn't match, if you have a way to refine it into a Demon Spirit Pill, it could at least restore Golden Core initial stage strength.

As for other methods, perhaps your human race has other means, but this seat doesn't know much."

Xu Chuan pondered briefly, then suddenly raised his head. "Right, the Zhao family!"

"The Zhao family has been passed down for a thousand years and is a beast-taming aristocratic family. They might have records in this area."

"I'll go take a look after I finish this period."

"Take me, take me."

"Naturally!" Xu Chuan smiled slightly. "Between Great Liang and Great Wei, dangers abound. I still need you to escort and protect me."

Hearing this, Moyue's dragon tail unknowingly extended from the cold pool, swaying in the air.

…

Xu Mingqing was unwilling to accept this and made a trip to the Zhou family.

Ye Xuehua said to his face: even if she didn't marry into the Cao family, she still wouldn't become Dao companions with him, Xu Mingqing.

Xu Mingqing left heartbroken.

Zhou Qingfang shook his head and sighed, "Xuehua, why must you speak so absolutely?"

Ye Xuehua said coolly, "I'm afraid he'll cause the Xu family to fall into danger because of me. Moreover, I have no heart for romantic matters. Regardless, I won't become Dao companions with him."

"In the past, I could be casual, but now whether it's my Zhou family or the Xu family, both are being watched by the Cao family. If there's any mistake, we'll be eternally doomed.

Can't let him continue acting recklessly."

Pausing, Ye Xuehua stared at Zhou Qingfang. "Master, if I marry into the Cao family, the Zhou family ordinarily won't have problems. But if someday something happens to me.

Master, you must not hesitate. Immediately make a great show of submitting to the Xu family."

"Receiving their protection, only then can the Zhou family continue to exist."

"Submit to the Xu family?"

"Becoming a vassal would be best."

"This..." Zhou Qingfang's expression showed difficulty. After a moment, he asked suspiciously, "Why suddenly say this? Did something happen in the secret realm?

Moreover, you have earth spiritual root aptitude. How would the Cao family easily let something happen to you?"

"Master, you needn't ask more. You only need to know that in the future, the Xu family might not be unable to contend with the Cao family."

"Alright, your disciple is somewhat tired and wants to rest."

Zhou Qingfang left Ye Xuehua's room deep in thought.

"Become a vassal?"

Zhou Qingfang sighed slightly toward the sky, finding it difficult to decide in his heart.