Chapter 225: Zhou Qingfang's Decision, the Cao Clan's Scheme

The main hall of the Xu family estate.

"Brother Zhou, what happened to you? Why do you look so pale?" Xu Chuan asked in surprise.

"I recently took a trip to the Imperial City."

"For what reason?"

Zhou Qingfang let out a soft sigh. "The Cao clan sent a messenger saying that Xuehua is pregnant and wanted to see me."

"I see." Xu Chuan's eyes flickered slightly as he lowered his eyelids, then asked, "How is Fairy Xuehua doing?"

"She is at the second layer of Foundation Establishment and will give birth in two or three months."

Pausing for a moment, Zhou Qingfang added, "However, her complexion looked quite poor, and she herself has a bad premonition. Furthermore, Xuehua also mentioned..."

"Brother Zhou, please speak plainly. Our two families have shared decades of friendship. If I can help, I certainly will."

"It shouldn't come to that, right? Your Zhou family currently has two Foundation Establishment cultivators, and you yourself are in mid Foundation Establishment. Among the fourth-rank families across the commanderies, you are by no means weak," Xu Chuan said calmly.

"Indeed, I thought the same. Our Zhou family has a grand array for protection, and our clan disciples are not weak either. We are countless times stronger now than when we annihilated the Su clan.

At the very least, we are a cut above the Feng family of Yunshan Commandery and the former Wei and Feng families of Guangling. But..."

Xu Chuan listened quietly.

Looking at Xu Chuan's expression, Zhou Qingfang silently organized his words.

Once upon a time, it was Xu Chuan who had to gauge Zhou Qingfang's expression and weigh his words carefully before speaking.

Now, their positions were reversed.

"If one day my Zhou family is besieged by several third-rank families, or even a second-rank family, would the Xu family come to our rescue?"

Hearing this, Xu Chuan immediately fell deep into thought.

His knuckles lightly rapped against the tabletop, making a rhythmic tap-tap-tap sound.

He then raised his eyes and stated flatly, "If the Zhou family asks for help, my Xu family will certainly fulfill our duties as an ally."

Zhou Qingfang sighed softly in his heart.

If a disaster truly struck, at most a few Qi Refining disciples might manage to escape. A round trip to request reinforcements would take at least four hours.

In that amount of time, even if the Zhou family wasn't completely wiped out, the vast majority would be dead or injured.

He and the newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Zhou family would likely have perished at the hands of the enemy as well.

If the Xu family genuinely wanted to help, there was a simple way: they could directly set up a high-grade second-tier array for the Zhou family, ensuring their absolute safety.

Seeing his expression, Xu Chuan added, "Please understand, Brother Zhou. Only our own people truly know the situation my Xu family is in.

The grudges between the Cao clan and my Xu family can no longer be easily resolved.

Either one day my Xu family will have the foundation to face the Cao clan head-on, or the Cao clan will stomp us completely into the mud, possibly exterminating us entirely.

Take the trip to Profound Moon Peak over two years ago. If my guess is correct, the Cao clan leaked the information, drawing in people from Great Jin and Great Liang.

If we had genuinely discovered a trove of good items in that grotto-residence at the time...

In the ensuing chaotic battle, my Xu family would have inevitably made enemies, worsening our already precarious situation."

Zhou Qingfang's brow furrowed tightly as he muttered in a low voice, "The Cao clan actually plotted against your Xu family to such an extent?"

"The Cao clan naturally has the power to destroy my Xu family, but they currently lack a good justification. After all, unless they dispatch over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators, including those at Foundation Establishment Perfection and late Foundation Establishment...

Otherwise, destroying my Xu family would be very difficult."

"Indeed. If the Cao clan arbitrarily slaughters a law-abiding family within Great Wei, their reputation will be utterly ruined, and the other families wouldn't just sit back and watch.

After all, who knows if such a disaster might one day fall upon their own heads."

Zhou Qingfang let out another long sigh. Seeming to have made a decision, he asked, "What if my Zhou family is willing to become a follower or even a vassal of your Xu family?"

The Zhou family's foundation of Qi Refining disciples was not weak. If they merged into the Xu family and followed their orders, the Xu family's overall strength would multiply.

However, the meaning of a follower and a vassal was vastly different.

A follower was more like a subordinate—listening to orders, running errands, and drinking the broth while the boss ate the meat.

A vassal, on the other hand, meant becoming the absolute property of the Xu family. The Xu family would have the right to completely dispose of the Zhou family as they saw fit, and no outsider would have the right to interfere.

"To what extent can the Xu family help my Zhou family?"

"Brother Zhou, do you truly want to go this far?"

"Great Wei appears to be calm and tranquil, but in reality, there are turbulent undercurrents. Right now, I have no confidence in protecting the Zhou family, and I do not wish to see our younger generations brutally massacred.

Although our two families formed an alliance early on, throughout your years of development, the Xu family has never done anything to wrong us. In fact, you've even provided some help regarding pills and magical artifacts.

You have already done everything that could possibly be expected.

If any other ambitious aristocratic family possessed the Xu family's strength and foundation, they would have likely swallowed my Zhou family long ago to monopolize Yuehu Commandery.

The same goes for Guangling Commandery.

Take the Wei family, for example. If your Xu family hadn't been reluctant to strike first, why would you have waited until they colluded with the Feng family to cause chaos?

Brother Xu, I have witnessed your character and all the actions of the Xu family over these years.

I dare not claim to have unparalleled foresight.

But I dare say that in the entirety of Great Wei, only the Xu family is worthy of my Zhou family's reliance."

Xu Chuan chuckled. "Brother Zhou, you've praised me and the Xu family to the heavens. I truly cannot accept such flattery."

"These are the true thoughts in my heart. Please take us in, Brother Xu."

Xu Chuan pondered for a moment before meeting his gaze. "If the Zhou family is willing to become a vassal of my Xu family, then we will share in each other's blessings and misfortunes, glory and disgrace. I would never throw the entire Zhou family out to die.

However, the Zhou family is a massive enterprise. Your family's glory has likely taken deep root in the hearts of your descendants.

Moreover, there was a time when my Xu family was nothing but insignificant nobodies in the eyes of your clan. Yet now, at the peak of your prosperity, you want to become our vassal.

I fear there won't be many Zhou family disciples willing to submit.

After all, my Xu family is taking in vassals, not a bunch of arrogant young masters with eyes on the top of their heads. If such a group were to join, they would only hinder our development."

Zhou Qingfang thought about it and gave a slight nod. "I understand. I will let the Zhou family disciples make their own choice, even if it tears the clan apart."

Whether it was Ye Xuehua's warning or the lingering feeling of being watched from the shadows, Zhou Qingfang felt an overwhelming sense that a great calamity was about to fall upon the Zhou family.

It wasn't long before...

Zhou Qingfang took his leave.

Xu Chuan returned to the Jade Cold Pool to cultivate.

The matter concerning the Zhou family was not a huge deal for the Xu family.

However, if they truly became vassals, then the Xu family would have completely unified Yuehu and Guangling.

They could easily be considered the first aristocratic family in all of Great Wei to dominate two commanderies.

Upon returning to the Zhou family estate, Zhou Qingfang immediately convened a clan meeting, summoning the family head, all the elders, and the core geniuses of the clan.

Everyone was engaged in widespread discussion.

"Family Head, has the Ancestor called this meeting because of some major event?"

"I heard that Martial Aunt Xuehua seems to be pregnant. If she gives birth to a genius child for the Cao clan, won't our Zhou family soar to greatness?"

"Xuehua is a married woman now, after all. Our Zhou family's rise still depends on our own efforts."

"The Ancestor just returned from the Imperial City not long ago. I wonder if he brought back any exquisite-grade magical artifacts?"

"Ancestor, have you truly made your decision?" Zhou Zongyun asked, looking at Zhou Qingfang.

The Zhou family's other Foundation Establishment cultivator was none other than Zhou Zongyun, who had previously entered the Wuhua Secret Realm and was heavily carried to success by the Xu family.

"Although I agree with this matter, there will be no small amount of resistance from the family."

"I know, which is why I won't force them. I'll let them make the choice themselves."

Hearing this, Zhou Zongyun had a premonition that the Zhou family might split apart over this, but there was nothing he could do.

At least in his own heart, he had been thoroughly won over by the Xu family back in the Wuhua Secret Realm.

If not for his status as a Zhou family disciple, he would have pledged loyalty to the Xu family long ago.

After all, being hard-carried by the Xu family was truly an intoxicating feeling!

Inside the main assembly hall.

Zhou Qingfang and Zhou Zongyun walked in one after another.

The pressure of Foundation Establishment instantly blanketed the room, plunging the hall into immediate silence.

Zhou Qingfang withdrew his pressure and took the master's seat, with Zhou Zongyun sitting in the first seat on his left.

He swept his gaze across the crowd, taking in everyone's expressions.

After a moment.

Zhou Qingfang spoke in an even tone, "I have gathered you all here today to discuss a matter concerning the very destiny of our Zhou family.

Nowadays, many aristocratic families are successively giving rise to new Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The Xu family is especially dazzling, drawing the suppression of the Cao clan as a result.

Although our Zhou family's foundation has strengthened considerably, if we truly faced any real danger, we wouldn't have much ability to resist."

Zhou Zongran asked in astonishment, "Ancestor, what do you mean by this?"

"What risks could our Zhou family possibly face?"

"Fairy Xuehua married into the imperial Cao clan! Which family in Great Wei would dare provoke us so easily?"

"It's true that there were people spying outside the clan estate recently, but haven't they all disappeared?"

Zhou Qingfang glanced at Zhou Zongran and replied, "The Cao clan cannot be trusted. The fact that they insisted on marrying Xuehua, even using the entire Zhou family as a threat, proves they have their own underlying motives.

Xuehua's own situation is already precarious; how could she possibly look after us?

Furthermore, that generous betrothal gift we received has caught the greedy eyes of many families.

If one day multiple families joined forces to raid us, could our Zhou family hold them off?"

"If it were a few fourth-rank families, naturally we could. But if third-rank or even second-rank families got involved, then our Zhou family would be heavily crippled, if not utterly destroyed,"

Zhou Zongran analyzed with a grim expression.

A young genius with a True Spiritual Root spoke up. "Ancestor, aren't you worrying unnecessarily?"

Zhou Qingfang didn't answer him directly, but continued, "Therefore, I am giving you a choice today. Those who are willing will follow me to join the Xu family. Those who are not may remain here."

Hearing this, everyone's eyes widened in sheer disbelief.

Zhou Zongran was no exception. He stared blankly at Zhou Qingfang. "Ancestor, you... you're not joking, are you?"

The First Elder of the Zhou family chimed in, "That's right, Ancestor. Our Zhou family is absolutely not weak among the fourth-rank families, and the Xu family is merely a third-rank family.

Give us a few more decades, and becoming a third-rank family ourselves shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

"My mind is already made up on this matter!"

"Ancestor!"

"Ancestor!"

"Ancestor!"

Seeing Zhou Qingfang's resolute attitude, the crowd could only drop the issue and sink into deep thought.

A short while later.

Zhou Zongran asked, "Does the Ancestor want to split the Zhou family apart?"

"Yes, and no. If all the Zhou family disciples are willing to follow me into the Xu family and become their vassals, there will be no split.

If not, then a split is the only outcome.

It is better than watching hundreds of years of our Zhou family's foundation be destroyed in a single day."

"But why the Xu family? The imperial Cao clan is also an in-law of our Zhou family. Wouldn't becoming a vassal of the Cao clan be better? If we did that, what family in Great Wei would ever dare provoke us?"

"I have already stated that the Cao clan cannot be trusted. If you wish to pledge your loyalty to them, I will not stop you."

The First Elder of the Zhou family was instantly left speechless.

Given his status, if he were in the Foundation Establishment stage, the Cao clan might actually take him in.

But at the Qi Refining stage, the members of the Cao clan probably wouldn't even spare him a second glance.

Even cultivators at peak Qi Condensation were nothing more than guards or servants in their eyes.

"I will give you three days to consider this matter. Inform the entire clan of this news, but strictly forbid it from spreading outside. Anyone who violates this will be treated as a traitor to the clan!

In three days, all disciples shall gather in the plaza."

"Yes, Ancestor!"

Everyone cupped their hands in obedience before leaving the hall one after another.

Soon, only Zhou Qingfang and Zhou Zongyun were left in the hall.

"I hope they won't let their internal prejudices blind them," Zhou Zongyun said mildly.

"There is no creation without destruction!" A sharp glint burst from Zhou Qingfang's eyes. "The path of an aristocratic family becomes exponentially harder the higher you climb. It's a pity my Zhou family is not the Xu family. We cannot navigate through the myriad of aristocratic families with such ease.

Let alone stand out from the crowd.

Looking back, the generous betrothal gift from the Cao clan is exactly the root of our current disaster.

If my Zhou family were a second-rank or even a first-rank family, we could easily digest that betrothal gift.

Unfortunately, our foundation is simply too thin.

Only by relying on the Xu family can our Zhou family find a new lease on life and continue to grow in peace.

I have a premonition. Perhaps the Xu family calculated my Zhou family's situation long ago. Once our Zhou family declines or becomes their vassal...

With the Xu family sitting securely over two territories, they will definitely make a massive move!"

"That wouldn't be surprising at all. It is the Xu family, after all!" Zhou Zongyun stroked his beard and laughed.

Zhou Qingfang looked at Zhou Zongyun in astonishment. "Zongyun, do you know something?"

"Come to think of it, you changed the moment you came out of the Wuhua Secret Realm. Could something have happened inside?"

"Ancestor, please don't ask. There is a restriction in place; I cannot speak of it. But following the Xu family brings far more benefits than harm to our Zhou family.

As for the harm, it simply means our Zhou family will have to face whatever dangers the Xu family faces.

But I firmly believe the Xu family will have ways to handle and resolve them."

Meanwhile, Zhou Shaoyuan summoned all his descendants and informed them of the matter.

Hearing this, Xu Dejin immediately exclaimed in surprise, "The Ancestor plans to merge into my Xu family? Why so suddenly?"

"The Ancestor just decided today, but I imagine he has already reached an agreement with the Xu family." Zhou Shaoyuan looked at Xu Dejin. "Dejin, what do you think?"

Xu Dejin pondered for a moment before saying, "My Xu family no longer takes in vassals lightly. In recent years, we've only accepted the Ge family of Guangling Commandery.

Before they encountered the demonic cultivators, the Ge family was a top-tier fifth-rank family.

They had a rich foundation. Although they suffered heavy casualties, I heard their family resources weren't plundered.

They offered up those resources along with their clan estate, which was why my Second Uncle and the others finally accepted them.

But our Zhou family... could it be that we are about to face a great catastrophe?

Otherwise, there would be no need to become a vassal of my Xu family.

Of course, with the Zhou family being such a colossus, I believe my grandfather will certainly accept. After all, what my Xu family lacks the most right now is manpower."

"So what is your stance?"

"If we can merge, that would naturally be for the best. But I must warn you first: my Xu family has incredibly strict rules with clear rewards and punishments. The Zhou family is a massive clan, and a portion of our people likely won't adapt well.

If they don't adopt the appropriate mindset of a vassal, they will be weeded out shortly after joining the Xu family, or even executed."

"Is it truly that strict?"

"My Xu family managed to reach our current heights by relying on absolute caution and the unified solidarity of our clansmen. As long as my grandfather is around, there will absolutely be no dissension in major clan matters!"

Starlight danced in Xu Dejin's eyes, and a hint of immense pride settled upon her brow.

"Dejin, tell us a bit more about the Xu family. If we join, what benefits will there be?" Zhou Shaoyuan asked with a smile.

"My Xu family has a three-tier cultivation system. The first tier is naturally reserved for core clansmen. Whether it's the Martial Dao or the Immortal Dao, they receive the absolute best resources.

The second tier is for the various vassal families, as well as the Immortal Seedlings or children with good martial bones selected from the residents of Dongxi.

The third tier is for martial artists with weaker bone structures.

Martial artists are generally trained up to the postnatal peak, while immortal cultivators are trained to the fourth layer of Qi Condensation. After that, they must begin to give back to the family. Those with talent will be taught Immortal Arts.

The rest will join the Discipline Hall or the Combat Hall, taking on duties like patrolling, searching for herbs outside, serving as guards for the merchant guilds, and so on."

"Can someone at peak Qi Condensation become an elder of the Xu family?"

"In the past, yes, though they still had to pass an evaluation. I don't know about now. You might need to reach Foundation Establishment to qualify.

Of course, for those highly skilled in Immortal Arts, the requirements might be relaxed.

Because my grandfather values those individuals immensely."

Zhou Shaoyuan pondered for a moment before asking, "Dejin has explained so much. What are all of your thoughts?"

"The Ancestor stated that this matter won't be forced. In three days, all clan members must make their choice!"

Xu Dejin turned to the people beside her and said, "Husband, Cheng'er, Ting'er, come back to the Xu family with me. You will definitely receive far better grooming."

Xu Dejin's husband, Zhou Yanfeng, seemed to hesitate.

"Husband, both Cheng'er and Ting'er have Cultivation Aptitude. It's just that their innate aptitude is poor, so the clan's resources aren't focused on them.

But my eldest sister and my father are both Foundation Establishment cultivators. Even a casual handout from them would benefit our children immensely.

Moreover, the bloodline of the Xu family flows through their veins. They will receive at least second-tier grooming."

"Alright," Zhou Yanfeng finally nodded.

Ultimately, Xu Dejin only cared about her own husband and children.

Zhou Shaoyuan's lineage alone—from his blood brothers down to their descendants—added up to more people than the entire Xu family combined.

It was simply far too difficult to treat everyone intimately.

"The rest of you need to think for yourselves. Decide whether you want to relinquish the past honors of the Zhou family, or cling to them stubbornly."

Every branch and lineage of the Zhou family fell into intense discussion over the matter.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

At the Zhou family plaza.

It was densely packed with a sea of people.

All the Zhou family members were present, including the disciples recruited from outside families and the rogue cultivators who had joined their ranks.

Zhou Qingfang and Zhou Zongyun flew over and landed on the high platform.

"Quiet!" Zhou Qingfang ordered evenly.

As his voice echoed out, the initially boisterous plaza instantly fell silent.

"I'm sure you all know why I have gathered you here today, so let us begin the decision. Use this line down the middle as the boundary. Those who are willing to follow me, merge into the Xu family, and obey their orders, stand on the left.

Those who wish to remain in the clan estate, stand on the right."

For a moment, everyone exchanged looks.

Then, one after another, they squeezed into the area on the left.

Very quickly, the left side became extremely crowded.

"Ancestor, this..."

Seeing that the right side was completely empty, Zhou Zongyun looked at Zhou Qingfang in shock.

He didn't believe that everyone present was acting out of complete sincerity. "How are we supposed to explain this to the Xu family's First Elder?"

"This is my fault. Seeking advantage and avoiding danger is human nature. My words a few days ago likely made them realize a crisis is coming.

Never mind. I will make another trip to Dongxi today."

Zhou Qingfang turned to the crowd and said, "Since you have made your choice, do not regret it. If you violate the rules of the Xu family, you can only obediently await their punishment.

Your life and death will be entirely at their mercy."

"Yes, Ancestor. We will engrave this in our hearts."

"You may all disperse."

The crowd scattered.

Zhou Qingfang immediately set off for Dongxi.

The main hall of the Xu family estate.

"Brother Zhou, you've handled the matter this quickly?" Xu Chuan asked in surprise.

Between the Zhou clan members and the rogue cultivators of other surnames, there were thousands of people. With such a jumbled mix of intentions, it shouldn't have been that easy to resolve.

"I am ashamed to say this, but all of the Zhou family members are willing to merge into the Xu family and become your vassals."

Xu Chuan was stunned for a moment, but quickly realized what had happened. Shaking his head with a laugh, he asked, "Did you tell them the Zhou family might be facing a massive danger?"

Zhou Qingfang lowered his head in silent admission.

Xu Chuan looked at him and eventually said, "Forget it. Carefully filtering and sorting them all would be too troublesome.

"How about this: your Zhou family will remain at your original clan estate. You can select a batch of outstanding clansmen or children and send them to the Xu family for grooming.

Of course, my Xu family will conduct an evaluation. Only those who pass will receive our grooming.

In addition, select a group of late-stage Qi Condensation cultivators to enter my Xu family to handle tasks and follow our orders.

That piece of territory that once belonged to the Su clan will become the property of my Xu family.

Send someone to the Xu family every quarter to report and hand over thirty percent of your revenue, just like the other vassal families.

Any vassal of my Xu clan who performs exceptionally well in the clan competition may also receive intensive grooming and the opportunity to reach Foundation Establishment.

As for you and Zhou Zongyun, you will both join my Xu family's council of elders and become Xu family elders.

Are there any issues with this?"

The Xu family grooming a portion of the Zhou family members in exchange for the Zhou family offering tribute was completely standard.

In Zhou Qingfang's eyes, Xu Chuan was clearly intending to separate the wheat from the chaff among the Zhou family.

"If a large number of late-stage Qi Condensation and elite disciples join Dongxi, what about my Zhou family estate?"

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. Retrieving a jade tablet from his storage pouch, he handed it to Zhou Qingfang. "This is a Divine Sense Jade Tablet. You can infuse a wisp of your divine sense into it.

If the Zhou family ever encounters danger, the family head can crush the jade tablet, and you will instantly be notified.

You can then rush back to their rescue.

As for your Zhou family estate's clan protection grand array, I will have Mingxian upgrade it. Reaching mid-grade second-tier shouldn't be a problem.

Unless a massive army besieges your Zhou family, nothing will happen to them.

Currently, the entirety of Yuehu Commandery and Guangling Commandery is under the control of my Xu family. If a large group of unfamiliar cultivators truly arrived, they could never hide from our intelligence network."

"Thank you, First Elder!"

Zhou Qingfang cupped his fists, then immediately dissolved the alliance treaty they had established all those years ago.

Now that the Zhou family had chosen to become a vassal of the Xu family, there was naturally no longer any need for an alliance treaty.

"By the way, how much of that betrothal gift from the Cao clan do you still have in the Zhou family?"

Zhou Qingfang replied, "The magical artifacts all have owners now. In terms of pills, between the Foundation Establishment Pills and what we obtained from the Wuhua Secret Realm, there are two left, as well as one Void Rushing Pill and two bottles of True Essence Pills.

We've distributed quite a few Obstacle-Breaking Pills and Qi-Gathering Pills as rewards, so not many remain.

If you need them, First Elder, you can take both the Foundation Establishment Pills and the Void Rushing Pill."

Xu Chuan chuckled. "Why would I covet this meager amount of resources? If Foundation Establishment Pills and Void Rushing Pills aren't high-grade, they don't even catch my eye.

Just keep them yourself."

"Alright, the matter is settled then. In one month, my Xu family will widely invite the Foundation Establishment families to witness the vassal induction ceremony."

"Many thanks!" Zhou Qingfang cupped his fists.

Making it public in this manner would force the various families to think twice before acting against them.

However, the Zhou family choosing to become a vassal of the Xu family would inevitably slap the Cao clan in the face.

But with the Xu family standing in front of them, the Zhou family estate only needed to handle things carefully.

As for the rest of the families, even second-rank or third-rank families would have to carefully weigh whether raiding the Zhou family was worth offending the Xu family.

Zhou Qingfang returned and relayed all of Xu Chuan's instructions to Family Head Zhou Zongran.

Zhou Zongran could only sigh softly at the fact that the Xu family was taking over the Su clan estate and claiming thirty percent of their family revenue.

Having chosen to become vassals, they naturally had no say in the matter; they could only submit to the arrangements and obey orders.

Overall, however, the Xu family wasn't being excessive.

In theory, a vassal family's entire existence belonged to the master family, just like servants.

The fact that the Xu family allowed the Zhou family to keep their estate and retain seventy percent of their revenue to develop themselves was nothing short of deeply benevolent.

"Ancestor, I understand. I will arrange this as soon as possible."

"Zongran, remember this well: the Xu family highly values a person's character. Otherwise, even if someone has a True Spiritual Root, the Xu family likely wouldn't take them in. Moreover, there's no need to send all those with True Spiritual Roots to the Xu family.

We can concentrate our own resources on grooming them as well.

As for children, even those with Pseudo Spiritual Roots or Miscellaneous Spiritual Roots are acceptable.

If we do have children with True Spiritual Roots, it's best to send one per generation to the Xu family.

The Xu family does not lack geniuses; what they lack is manpower to handle their affairs."

"I understand," Zhou Zongran nodded in agreement.

A few days later.

The handover of the Su clan estate was completed. All the arrays were completely rearranged by Xu Mingxian, and the patrols and guards were all replaced by Xu family disciples.

Afterward, Xu Mingxian upgraded the array at the Zhou family estate to the mid-grade second-tier.

The Qi Refining disciples selected by Zhou Zongran, along with youths and children possessing decent talent, were all sent to Dongxi.

This included both Immortal Seedlings and martial artists.

He had been rather careful with his task.

At the very least, everyone who was sent over managed to pass the Xu family's character evaluation and earn a position.

Zhou Zongdan was among this group as well.

He finally achieved his heart's desire: to permanently stay in the Pill Refining Hall and focus purely on the Dao of Alchemy.

Dongxi, Pill Refining Hall.

The current Hall Master was Xu Mingqing.

At this point, his attainment in alchemy was a notch higher than even Perfected Person Yunding's.

Zhou Zongdan arrived at the quiet room where Xu Mingqing resided.

"Hall Master Qing, you were looking for me?"

"Have a seat," Xu Mingqing said. "I called you over to impart some alchemy techniques to you."

Zhou Zongdan revealed a look of utter surprise.

Xu Mingqing smiled faintly and patted his storage pouch, causing two ancient classics to fly out.

They were the Jade Liquid True-Returning Art and the first volume of the Nine Flames Art.

The Nine Flames Art had been split into three volumes: first, middle, and last.

"These two form the core of my Xu family's alchemy inheritance. The former is an alchemy hand-seal technique, and the latter is a method for controlling divine consciousness.

Your talent for alchemy is quite good, and your devout dedication to the Dao of Alchemy makes you worthy of intensive grooming.

My father once said that if your great-grandfather, Zhou Sen, hadn't been held back by his family, his alchemy skills could have easily reached the level required to join the Dan Hall."

Zhou Zongdan shook his head. "Hall Master Qing, I cannot agree with that statement. My great-grandfather only attained his alchemy skills because he received the clan's grooming.

Therefore, dedicating himself to the family was something he did willingly; there was no 'holding back.'

To receive, one must give in return.

This is simply the cycle of karma."

Xu Mingqing's eyes lit up, and he nodded with a faint smile. "Not bad at all."

"My father really didn't misjudge you." Xu Mingqing continued, "Previously, you were not a member of my Xu family, so our alchemy inheritance could not be imparted to you.

But now, your Zhou family has become a vassal of my Xu family.

We are basically one family.

If one prospers, all prosper; if one suffers, all suffer.

You must swear a soul oath. This is the swearing method. Should you violate it, your soul will instantly shatter, and you will die on the spot."

Zhou Zongdan didn't hesitate in the slightest, immediately swearing the soul oath.

"Once you have thoroughly memorized the copies of these two texts, burn them."

"Yes, Hall Master Qing."

"If you encounter any problems with your alchemy that you don't understand, you may come find me when I am free."

"Thank you, Hall Master Qing!"

Zhou Zongdan stood up and bowed respectfully before putting away the two alchemy classics and leaving the room.

"The difficulty of practicing this Nine Flames Art is simply too high. Currently, my divine sense rivals mid Foundation Establishment, and my cultivation is also at Foundation Establishment, yet I have only just reached peak six flames.

Father seems to have already reached the great accomplishment level of nine flames.

It's a pity I lack father's aptitude for practicing spells; I am only skilled in wood-element spells.

Still, Eldest Brother and the others also seem to only be at the five-flame or six-flame level.

I will definitely break through to seven flames faster than them!"

A firm light gleamed in Xu Mingqing's eyes as he continued to practice the Nine Flames Art. Of course, he would also dedicate a few hours every night to meditational cultivation.

All the children of the Xu family looked up to Xu Chuan as their role model.

They basically never skipped their daily cultivation.

When they had free time, they would also practice spells to expand their arsenal against enemies.

With the addition of the Zhou family, the manpower situation in Dongxi immediately became abundant.

Half a month later.

The Xu family widely dispatched invitations, hoping that the various aristocratic families would come witness the Zhou family formally becoming their vassal.

The Liu clan, Feng family, Li family, Wang family, and other aristocratic families all inwardly sighed at how many events the Xu family always hosted.

However, most of the families did not want to offend the Xu family and were perfectly willing to attend.

Besides, to simply bear witness, dispatching a core disciple was sufficient; there was no need for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to go in person.

Of course, there were still some families that did send a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

For instance, the Lei family, the Liu clan, the Jiang clan, and the Lin family.

First-rank families like the Lei family had quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators in their ranks, so they naturally had people to spare.

As for the Liu clan, because the Xu family had assisted their ancestor during the trip to Profound Moon Peak, they were happy to show face.

As for the Cao clan of Tong Mountain, they planned to dispatch Cao Shengyang.

The Imperial City.

When Cao Shengming caught wind of the matter, he flew into another violent rage.

"The Zhou family is clearly slapping my Cao clan right in the face! As our in-laws, they dare to publicly become a vassal of the Xu family? Where are they placing my Cao clan's prestige?!"

Cao Jinyan spoke up, "Family Head, could it be that the Zhou family noticed something?"

"Last time, Ye Xuehua insisted on having Zhou Qingfang visit. They spent time alone together. Could Ye Xuehua have told him something?"

"That shouldn't be the case, right?" Cao Shengming's expression turned grim.

Ye Xuehua was carrying a Heavenly Spiritual Root heir for the Cao clan. This was a matter of utmost priority, and absolutely nothing could be allowed to go wrong.

"Yulong shows her nothing but love and care, and our Cao clan's resources have been fully funneled toward her."

"Forget it. Until my Cao clan's prodigy is born, it wouldn't be appropriate to move against the Zhou family. But causing some trouble for the Xu family is perfectly fine."

"Elder Jinyan, you can do this..."

A sinister smile gradually curled up the corners of Cao Jinyan's mouth, but he quickly asked, "Family Head, what if the Xu family suspects our Cao clan?"

"If the Xu family dares to wildly bite at us without evidence to ruin our Cao clan's reputation, then our Cao clan will have the perfect excuse to punish them."

"Understood. I will act carefully and make absolutely sure I leave no evidence behind."

The day of the Zhou family's vassal induction ceremony arrived.

"I wonder if the Cao clan will come stir up some trouble."

Xu Chuan muttered to himself, immediately pulling out a divination to ascertain the clan's fortune for the day.

"Mid-to-low? Leaning toward ominous?"

Looking at the hexagram's hints, it was exactly as Xu Chuan had expected. The Cao clan wanted to strike today, taking advantage of the Zhou family's vassal ceremony and the presence of the various Foundation Establishment families.

They planned to murder a few Qi Refining disciples from other families and frame the Xu family.

"They really never learn their lesson!"

In mere moments, a calculated plan formed in Xu Chuan's mind.

The vassal induction ceremony was set to begin at noon.

Around mid-morning.

The various aristocratic families arrived one after another, creating an incredibly bustling atmosphere.

Many disciples from the visiting families were locked in widespread discussion.

"I really don't know what the Zhou family is thinking. Their ancestor broke through to mid Foundation Establishment, and they just gained a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator. This is precisely the time when their family's strength is surging.

To think they would actually choose to become a vassal of another Foundation Establishment family?"

"Yeah! If they chose the Golden Core aristocratic family, the Cao clan, it would make sense. Even though the Xu family is highly renowned and developing rapidly right now, they are at best merely approaching the level of a second-rank family.

How dare they take in a top-tier fourth-rank family? Aren't they afraid that the guest will usurp the host in the future?!"

The Feng family ancestor and several other newly arrived Foundation Establishment cultivators also felt great pity for Zhou Qingfang.

After all, the Zhou family's potential was quite substantial.

"Brother Zhou, what were you thinking? I honestly cannot wrap my head around it," the Liu clan ancestor said. "Could it be exactly as the juniors said? Do you plan to replace them one day?"

Zhou Qingfang waved his hands repeatedly. "Brother Liu, don't try to get me killed!"

"That's completely baseless nonsense!"

The surrounding people all burst into laughter.

Right at that moment.

"Senior Cao Jinyan from the Imperial City's Cao Clan has arrived!"