Chapter 230: The Moon Tomb Alliance, Elder Council Meeting, and the Three Methods of Core Formation

The Moon Tomb Alliance headquarters.

It was located on the former clan grounds of the Wei Family.

Today, not a single trace of its past remained.

The entire headquarters was shrouded by a Tier 2 High-Grade Great Formation, covering it like a pale golden dome.

This was the Sun and Moon Profound Dome Array, a complex grand array that integrated both spirit-gathering and defensive capabilities.

By day, it absorbed the morning light, transforming it into intertwining rosy clouds; by night, it drew upon the moonlight, condensing it into cascading silver threads. This elevated the concentration of spiritual energy in the area significantly.

At the entrance, a hundred-step bluestone staircase wound its way up from the shores of Yuehu Lake. The steps, nourished by spiritual energy, were as smooth and warm as jade, flanked by a pristine ancient forest.

Spirit birds chirped among the branches, and occasionally, an azure deer would tread lightly over the fallen leaves. Scattered spirit plants could be seen clinging to the gaps between the trees.

At the top of the stone steps lay the alliance square, paved with bluestone slabs and spanning roughly sixteen acres.

On the western side of the headquarters stood the Academy established by the Xu Family.

Not far behind the Academy were the Spirit Field and the Medicine Garden. The Spirit Field consisted of nine ridges, planted with three types of grain: Blood Rice, Yellow Millet, and Crystal Rice.

The grain ears swayed gently in the spiritual energy, shimmering with fragmented golden light.

The Medicine Garden was divided into inner and outer sections by a low jade wall.

The outer garden primarily cultivated herbs for the Martial Dao, while the inner garden grew a wide variety of Immortal Dao spirit plants. Though their ages were not exceptionally high, they had all been carefully transplanted from the Xu Family's own medicine garden.

In front of the Academy lay Lesser Mirror Lake.

The lake water was crystal clear, allowing one to see fish swimming back and forth. Red-painted pavilions were built along the shore, providing a place for students to rest.

Further west lay a bamboo forest, with a bluestone path winding deep into its heart.

All martial and immortal cultivation clans of the sixth rank and above in Yuehu Commandery and Guangling Commandery had received invitations from the Xu Family.

They were to gather on the first day of the tenth month at the former Wei Clan Ancestral Land in Guangling.

Every family naturally had to give the Xu Family face.

For some of the Martial Dao clans in Yuehu Commandery, the long distance meant they had to estimate their travel time and set off early.

Thus, in the days leading up to the first of the tenth month...

The Commandery City of Guangling was exceptionally bustling.

"The Xu Family suddenly summoned so many martial and immortal cultivation clans. Do they have some major announcement to make?" someone speculated.

The man beside him rolled his eyes. "What else could it be? Do you think the Xu Family is just bored and playing a prank on everyone?"

"Sigh, it's a pity my family is only a seventh-rank martial clan. Otherwise, we could have joined the excitement on the first."

Discussions echoed throughout every corner of the Commandery City.

Commoners, martial artists, and immortal cultivators alike were all talking about it.

Meanwhile.

Several clan heads had gathered at the Cheng family estate.

In the main hall of the Cheng family...

"Family Head Cheng, your family recently entered a marriage alliance with the Xu Clan. Do you have any inside information?"

Family Head Cheng smiled faintly. "The Xu Family is flawless in their operations; where would I get any news? However, are you all still unclear about the Xu Family's character?

Over the years, we've benefited greatly because of them.

I imagine every family's foundations have improved quite a bit, haven't they?"

"That may be true, but there's no shortage of precedents where Qi Condensation clans like ours were fattened up only to be slaughtered later," one clan head said with deep concern.

"This sudden invitation to so many families from both commanderies is clearly a massive move. It's hard not to overthink it."

"It shouldn't be like that. If that were the case, why would the Xu Family bother elevating those martial clans, or even the lowly commoners?

Foundation Establishment families in other commanderies never even spare them a glance.

The only ones usually exploited and squeezed dry are the Qi Condensation clans."

Several family heads nodded in agreement.

"There's no need to discuss this further. The day after tomorrow is the first of the tenth month. We will go and see for ourselves," Family Head Cheng declared. "The Xu Family wouldn't dare do something to incur public wrath in front of so many clans."

"Family Head Cheng speaks reasonably." The rest nodded in agreement.

Shortly after, the gathering dispersed.

Family Head Cheng muttered to himself, "A bunch of shallow-sighted fools. How could they possibly understand the Xu Family's vision and broad-mindedness? The Xu Family has the support of the people in both commanderies; for them, when water arrives, a channel is formed—success comes naturally in whatever they do.

Not to mention a great endeavor like this that benefits both commanderies!"

Among the Qi Condensation clans in the two commanderies, only a select few recognized by the Xu Family had received any advance notice.

The Cheng family was one of them.

In the blink of an eye.

It was the first day of the tenth month.

Representatives from every family arrived outside the former Wei clan grounds.

However, the area was shrouded in the dense fog of the grand array, obscuring the interior completely.

All arrivals were notified that the array would open at the hour of the snake.

As soon as the appointed hour arrived.

The fog enveloping the area suddenly began to dissipate, revealing the scenery within to the gathered crowd.

A family head who had visited the Wei clan grounds multiple times in the past gasped in absolute astonishment. "Is this really the former Wei family estate?"

Outside the array, a Late-Stage Qi Condensation guard suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs, "The grand array is open! Everyone, please enter!"

A gap ten meters wide and ten meters high appeared in the pale golden light barrier.

The crowd filed in one after another.

Stepping up the stairs.

Many looked around eagerly, taking in the sights on both sides. It was like a worldly paradise, a blessed immortal land.

Before long, they arrived at the square.

There, they saw Xu Chuan and all the Xu Family's publicly known Foundation Establishment cultivators standing in front of a towering palace.

On the palace's plaque, three large golden characters were written: "Moon Tomb Alliance."

The crowd immediately bowed in respect. "Greetings, Grand Elder of the Xu Family! Greetings, seniors of the Xu Family!"

Xu Chuan waved his hand and smiled faintly. "There is no need for such formalities. I am deeply grateful to all of you for giving my Xu Family face and coming here today.

I assume you have all noticed the changes to this place.

From this day forth, these former Wei clan grounds will serve as the headquarters of the Moon Tomb Alliance."

One family head asked, "Grand Elder Xu, may I ask what kind of faction this Moon Tomb Alliance is?"

"The Moon Tomb Alliance was established by my Xu Family. I invited you all here today to ask you to join us.

My Xu Family intends to integrate all Martial Dao and Immortal Dao factions within the two commanderies of Yuehu and Guangling. We will unite against external threats and forge our future together. Do any of you have objections?

If you have any doubts, feel free to speak up."

"Integrate both commanderies?!"

Everyone present was utterly dumbfounded, their eyes and faces filled with sheer shock.

Throughout history, no commandery had ever achieved such a thing.

Although each commandery was generally ruled by a Foundation Establishment family governing the Qi Condensation clans, it was only nominal; they were never a truly unified entity.

But looking at the Xu Family's stance, they genuinely wanted to form an alliance encompassing every faction in both regions.

Just how massive would such a faction be?

It would immediately surpass a First-rank family.

Within Great Wei, it would be second only to the Imperial Clan, the Cao family.

Hearing this, the crowd fell into a deep silence.

A moment later.

Family Head Cheng suddenly spoke up, "Grand Elder Xu, this junior has a question."

"Please speak, Family Head Cheng."

"What is the purpose behind doing this, Grand Elder, and what benefits does it offer to our families?"

"Naturally, it is to fend off external enemies and reduce internal strife. In the past, every family only cared for itself. Even if a family was suddenly wiped out, the others would treat it as none of their concern.

But if you join the Moon Tomb Alliance, any disputes between families can be mediated and handled by designated alliance personnel.

If anyone faces bullying from other commanderies, the Moon Tomb Alliance will stand up for them.

Should there be an attack by demonic cultivators, the alliance, composed of elites from all families, can swiftly mobilize to eliminate the threat."

Hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.

They felt Xu Chuan's words made perfect sense. If such a powerful faction existed, it would benefit every family immensely.

"As for the benefits..." Xu Chuan chuckled softly, sweeping his gaze across the square before continuing, "The Moon Tomb Alliance is not just an alliance of families from two commanderies; it is also a training ground.

The alliance features an Academy.

It is divided into the Primary School and the University, accepting students of corresponding strength and realms. There, they can learn numerous martial arts, cultivation methods, and magical arts.

Both the Primary School and the University have a Martial Dao Institute and an Immortal Dao Institute, offering separate training paths.

Once students reach the University level in the Immortal Dao Institute, four specialized courses will be offered: Alchemy, Artificing, Talismans, and Formations. Students can enroll based on their individual strengths.

If they lack talent in those areas, they can opt for combat courses to specifically refine their fighting prowess.

Every course will be taught by outstanding experts.

I dare say that the training provided by the Academy will rival that of a Third-rank family. In fact, comprehensively speaking, it will surpass it."

"Alchemy, artificing, formations, talismans, combat, and magical arts... will all of these truly be taught by experts?" a family head asked urgently.

"Naturally."

Almost every Qi Condensation clan was deeply tempted.

A Martial Dao clan head asked, "Grand Elder Xu, may I ask what the future holds for us Martial Dao families?"

Xu Chuan glanced at him, pondering for a moment before replying, "Unless someone manages to forge a new realm in the Martial Dao one day, your only path forward is to transition into an immortal cultivation family.

However, any family that joins the Moon Tomb Alliance will receive one tuition-free, exam-exempt quota for both the Martial Dao and Immortal Dao paths, along with three exam-exempt admission recommendation quotas.

Foundation Establishment families will be granted two tuition-free, exam-exempt quotas and five exam-exempt recommendation quotas.

If a student passes the entrance exam but cannot afford the tuition, they will be allowed to participate in work-study programs.

Graduates from the Academy can choose to take up a position within the Moon Tomb Alliance, or they can accept recruitment offers from various families to work for them.

The Academy will not only enroll disciples from the families of our two commanderies, but also commoners with the appropriate innate aptitude. In fact, anyone from Great Wei who is willing and capable is welcome to join."

The crowd was overwhelmingly shocked!

"Is the Xu Family trying to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Great Wei Imperial Clan?!"

Family Head Cheng asked again, "Grand Elder Xu, may I ask how the Moon Tomb Alliance will operate?"

"Each Qi Condensation clan that joins the alliance can select one person to enter the Alliance Elder Council. Foundation Establishment families may send three Qi Condensation members to the council.

As for Foundation Establishment cultivators, they will be directly absorbed into the council if they are willing. The Elder Council will solely possess the right to deliberate matters and the authority to appoint or dismiss high-ranking officials.

Unless they hold multiple positions concurrently.

In any deliberation, a Qi Condensation elder holds one vote, a Foundation Establishment elder holds three votes, and the Grand Elder holds five votes—as well as absolute veto power during critical moments.

Apart from the Elder Council, there will be an administrative system, including an Alliance Leader, Vice Alliance Leaders, the Mission Hall Master, and others, who will keep the entire alliance running.

If any elder feels that someone is unfit for their role, they can convene the Elder Council to vote on their dismissal. If passed, the individual will be removed from office.

Furthermore, there will be an independent penal system equipped with a Law Enforcement Team, tasked with detainment and interrogation. However, to detain or interrogate high-ranking administrative officials, the consent of at least five elders is required.

If an investigation yields no concrete evidence, both the elders who agreed and the person who made the accusation will be penalized."

"Forming an alliance is a monumental task. Many finer details will have to be gradually perfected after the alliance is officially established."

Xu Chuan looked at the crowd. "Everyone, are you willing to join my Xu Family in accomplishing this great endeavor?"

"My Cheng family is willing!"

"My Hu family is willing!"

"My Lu family will follow Grand Elder Xu to the death!"

One family after another voiced their agreement.

In the end, the entire square erupted with a unified cry: "We are willing!"

"Since that is the case, let every family sign this Alliance Pact. After that, return home and carefully consider who you wish to recommend for the Elder Council, the administrative system, and the judicial system.

The same applies to deciding who will take your tuition-free, exam-exempt spots and exam-exempt spots.

Yuehu and Guangling will deliberate separately, with my Xu Family overseeing the process. In one month, we will compile the results and formally convene the Elder Council here at the Moon Tomb Alliance headquarters to discuss personnel arrangements.

By the beginning of the twelfth month, the dust must settle on all matters.

At that time, my Xu Family will invite Foundation Establishment and Qi Condensation families alike to attend the ceremony and witness the founding of the Moon Tomb Alliance.

Remember this: the Moon Tomb Alliance does not belong solely to my Xu Family; it belongs to all our allied families!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Grand Elder Xu. We will engrave this in our hearts."

The crowd dispersed.

The Xu Family also needed to hold their own internal discussions.

At the Guangling Branch.

Inside the discussion hall.

"You are all the core backbone of our Xu Family. Let's discuss this matter. Who from the Qi Condensation stage should enter the Elder Council? Who from the Foundation Establishment stage? We must also assign roles for the judicial and administrative systems," Xu Chuan said calmly.

Xu Mingwei spoke first, "Father is undoubtedly the most deserving candidate for the Alliance Grand Elder."

"Exactly," Xu Mingyuan and the others quickly agreed.

"As for our Xu Family's Elder Council candidates, Mingyuan, De Heng, and Xu Dezhao, you three will join as Qi Condensation representatives. For Foundation Establishment, it will be Xiaoyao, Xu Mingxuan, myself, Xu Mingshu, Deyue, Xu Mingxian, Deling, Elder Qingfang, and Elder Zongyun."

"A Qi Condensation elder holds one vote, a Foundation Establishment elder holds three, and the Grand Elder holds five. Coupled with the families secretly aligned with us, even if the other families ever grow alienated from our Xu Family in the future...

...we will still firmly grip the greatest power—the authority of appointment and dismissal. We won't ever let the Moon Tomb Alliance slip from our control."

"I agree with Big Brother," Xu Mingyuan said. "Those who join the Elder Council don't necessarily have to attend regular meetings unless our Xu Family's interests are involved.

As for the Alliance Leader in the administrative system and the Judicial Head in the judicial system, both must be members of our Xu Family.

By the twelfth month, Chong Hui should be ready to take over as the family head of the Dongxi main lineage. In that case, Xu Dezhao can assume the position of Alliance Leader. As for the Judicial Head, I can take on the role temporarily.

For the rest of the positions, take a look and see if there are any you'd like. If not, you may recommend others.

There's no need for us to occupy every single post, but for crucial roles—like the alliance guards or the Mission Hall—we must secure at least one or two spots for our own people."

"Then I'll temporarily go back to my old profession and take up the post of Mission Hall Master," Xu Mingxuan said.

"I want to teach the spirit beast courses." Xu Mingshu grinned. "The ones inside our family were shut down before, so starting an independent one now shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Xu Mingyuan shook his head and laughed. "Mingshu, you're still hung up on that!"

"It works. News that our Xu Family possesses a peak Tier 2 flood dragon has already spread. Having a spirit beast course will likely attract many youths from other commanderies," Xu Mingwei added.

"Thanks, Big Brother."

"As for those responsible for teaching the Immortal Arts courses, we can invite some of the more reputed figures from both commanderies to take up residence and handle daily instructions, perhaps teaching once a week.

Elder Wu and Elder Cloud Top can also give lectures once a month.

People with a talent for formations are rare; we can transfer Luo Qianshan to Guangling."

"That works," Xu Mingxian said calmly. "Although he hasn't reached the level of a Grandmaster Formation Master yet, he can still lay out Tier 1 High-Grade formations. He'll have absolutely no problem teaching."

"For the Talisman Dao, let's go with Lu Feng," Xu Mingyuan analyzed logically. "Compared to the talent of Li Yuanhua and his sister, he's a bit lacking, but he's good at teaching and is capable of drawing High-Grade Talismans."

Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingxuan, and the others nodded slightly.

"Then Wanqing can occasionally teach at the Academy as well," Xu Mingxuan suggested.

"As for martial-related positions in the alliance, we can also slot in people from our main family and our vassal families for a portion of them."

About half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.

Xu Mingyuan looked at Xu Chuan. "Father, your son has one more proposal. Although Guangling and Yuehu are adjacent, the distance between them is still considerable. We should establish a branch alliance in Yuehu Commandery to consolidate the disciples of the Yuehu families.

This way, if anything happens in Yuehu, forces can be mobilized immediately. It would be much more convenient than dispatching manpower all the way from Guangling."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "Father was also considering this. However, we should take it one step at a time. Once the meeting approves it, we will first requisition the Yuehu Martial Alliance's headquarters."

"Yes, Father."

Sweeping his gaze over the group once more, Xu Chuan said, "Since we've discussed just about everything, let's leave it at this for now. If anything needs to be added, the branch and main lineages can deliberate on it internally.

You can then bring it up when the Elder Council convenes."

"Understood."

Those originally from the branch lineage remained there temporarily, while the rest returned to the Dongxi main lineage.

Whether it was the movements of the Guangling Branch or the establishment of the Moon Tomb Alliance, the ultimate goal was to rapidly expand the Xu Family.

Once the Moon Tomb Alliance and its branches were completely stabilized, Xu Chuan planned to consider merging the two lineages back together. Then, they would retreat behind the scenes and slowly fade from the public eye.

This was all preparation to ascend to a Golden Core Aristocratic Family, as well as to confront the impending Demon Tribulation.

He felt that only by becoming a Golden Core family could the Xu Family have the greatest assurance of surviving the Demon Tribulation.

This meant not just helping Moyue restore his Golden Core stage strength; Xu Chuan himself had to push for the Golden Core realm.

Today, the Xu Family possessed the foundation to assist someone in breaking through to the Golden Core stage. The only thing they lacked was a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator.

However, even Xu Chuan, who had the highest cultivation base, would need more than twenty years to reach Foundation Establishment Perfection.

The Wood Emperor Scripture recorded: There were upper, middle, and lower methods for the Three Methods of Core Formation.

The upper method was Divine Ability Core Formation.

It involved comprehending a sliver of a divine ability during the Foundation Establishment stage and condensing it into a Divine Ability Seed. Using this seed to form the Golden Core would increase the success rate by fifty percent.

Furthermore, reaching the Golden Core stage was almost guaranteed.

Because even if one failed the first time, the base success rate remained at least fifty percent. If paired with other supportive core-formation spirit items or methods, the probability would soar even higher.

A Golden Core formed this way was known as a Divine Ability Golden Core.

By the time one reached Golden Core Perfection, their divine ability would achieve at least the lesser mastery stage.

Generally speaking, only Golden Core stage cultivators could comprehend divine abilities, and even then, not everyone could achieve it.

But there were always those in the world with extraordinary innate aptitude who could easily kill above their realm, managing to grasp a trace of divine ability power while still in Foundation Establishment.

Geniuses of this caliber were practically invincible within the Foundation Establishment realm.

Coupled with various other trump cards, they could even severely injure or outright kill a Golden Core cultivator.

A cultivator with a Divine Ability Golden Core usually boasted combat strength far exceeding their peers in the same realm, unless their opponent had also comprehended a divine ability.

The middle method was Golden Core Formation through Spirit Item.

This method required Connate Spirit Objects. The higher the quality of the spirit item assisting the formation, the greater the chance of success.

Once advancing to the Golden Core stage via this method, the probability of comprehending a divine ability power matching the object's attribute was significantly higher than that of ordinary Golden Core cultivators.

Legend had it that if one could gather Connate Spirit Objects corresponding to all five elements, and all of them were of High Grade quality, then as long as the cultivator did not fall prematurely, they were almost guaranteed to reach the Nascent Soul Stage.

Moreover, their personal potential would eclipse even that of a Divine Ability Core Formation cultivator.

However, if they only used one or two High Grade spirit items to aid their core formation, it would still fall far short of the divine ability method.

The lower method was Golden Core Formation through Medicinal Pills.

Every medicine contains a fraction of poison. Even if the impurities in a High-Grade Pill were miniscule, it still could not compare to a Connate Spirit Object.

Therefore, this method was the lowest tier.

Yet, it was also the easiest.

Divine Ability Core Formation required heaven-defying comprehension and aptitude to grasp divine ability power during Foundation Establishment.

For Spirit Item Core Formation, Connate Spirit Objects were incredibly difficult to find, even rarer than ten-thousand-year-old spirit medicines.

Even in the Southern Heaven Region, major factions frequently waged wars over high-quality Connate Spirit Objects.

Some families and factions had even been exterminated because of them.

Of course, even the simplest method—using pills—was extremely difficult. After all, pills that could aid in core formation were scarce, and the required spirit grass was immensely precious.

Not just any faction could scrape together the ingredients, let alone successfully refine them.

The Xu Family could currently put together one or two sets of ingredients for a Core Formation Pill.

However, Xu Chuan was highly ambitious. After learning about the three methods, and considering his own circumstances, he resolved to pursue the path of Divine Ability Core Formation.

The Fate Talents birthed from the Clan Genealogy could all be comprehended into corresponding divine abilities, provided one's comprehension was high enough.

And Xu Chuan possessed the Fate Talent, Heaven Rewards Diligence.

As long as he persistently meditated on it, the day would come when he finally grasped a divine ability.

His most likely candidate at present was the Power of Withering and Thriving.

After all, Wither and Flourish, Life and Death was intrinsically a divine ability-type Fate Talent.

Currently, his comprehension of this talent had reached a bottleneck. If he could grasp the true essence of withering and thriving, it wouldn't just allow him to alter his own appearance.

He could even strip away the vitality of others.

The weaker a person's vitality, the less strength they could exert.

If their vitality was completely drained, it meant instant death.

This divine ability was somewhat similar to directly stealing one's Lifespan, but its fundamental nature was entirely different.

Stealing lifespan fell under the laws of time.

Plundering vitality, however, belonged to the laws of life.

'I will first help Moyue recover his strength so we have the confidence to face the Cao Clan head-on,' Xu Chuan thought to himself. 'Then I will dedicate all my efforts to cultivation, push for Foundation Establishment Perfection, and finally comprehend the Dao of withering and thriving.

I will achieve Divine Ability Core Formation!'

A month flew by in the blink of an eye.

The chosen elder candidates from each family for the Moon Tomb Alliance had been officially finalized.

They all congregated at the alliance headquarters.

Within the main discussion hall of the Elder Council.

One elder after another stepped into the grand hall.

The hall's roof was covered in profound black tiles, with the eaves adorned by simple beast-head ornaments, entirely devoid of any extravagant gold plating or gaudy colors.

The heavy doors were carved from solid blocks of gloomy wood, producing a deep, bell-like resonance when struck. Flanking the entrance stood unadorned pillars of white marble, their smooth surfaces faintly thrumming with flowing spiritual energy, yet lacking any ostentatious carvings.

The interior floor was paved with ink-jade bluestone tiles, as warm and smooth as congealed fat. Despite enduring countless footsteps over the years, they remained pristine and spotless.

The four walls were adorned with vigorous ink landscape paintings, their masterful brushstrokes exuding an elegant simplicity without a hint of vulgarity.

The hall possessed no crossbeams; instead, the massive domed ceiling was supported by eight thick, towering pillars. The pillars were wrapped in dark-patterned brocade, their profound gray hues blending perfectly into the hall's dim, solemn atmosphere.

Embedded into the walls were over a dozen luminous pearls. Their soft, pale glow was gentle on the eyes, yet it illuminated the interior with perfect clarity.

At the heart of the hall sat a long table made of gloomy wood. Subtle cloud patterns were deeply carved into its surface, masterfully etched yet never drawing unwarranted attention.

Seventy-three seats encircled the table. The seat of honor at the head of the table sat an inch higher than the rest, featuring a chair crafted from purple sandalwood. Its armrests were carved with spirit cranes holding pearls, and a waist-high white jade folding screen stood solidly behind it.

This was the seat of the Grand Elder.

The remaining seventy-two seats were all carved from pear blossom wood, each fitted with deep-cyan velvet cushions. They were arranged around the table in strict accordance with cultivation levels, silent and orderly in their grand alignment.

Against the left and right walls, fifty additional seats were set up on each side. These were sturdy nanmu chairs, each accompanied by a small side table for resting teacups and scrolls.

These seats were reserved for future elected elders or for inactive elders attending simply to listen in on the proceedings.

Xu Chuan sat in the Grand Elder's seat and waved his hand calmly. "Everyone, please take your seats."

After the crowd sat down.

Xu Chuan spoke, "I will preside over this first meeting. The first item on the agenda: the election of the Grand Elder."

"I nominate myself. If anyone feels I am unsuited for the role, you may speak up freely and propose your preferred candidate."

Family Head Cheng laughed and said, "Who among us could possibly be more suitable than you? I believe no one here will have any objections."

"Exactly, we all wish for Grand Elder Xu to become the Alliance Grand Elder."

"Please assume the position of Alliance Grand Elder."

The Moon Tomb Alliance was established by the Xu Family, and Xu Chuan was their Grand Elder—the most powerful figure present. Even if there was someone capable of competing for the position, they wouldn't dare try.

"You praise me too highly, but we must still follow protocol. We will now cast our votes by a show of hands. Those who support my appointment as Alliance Grand Elder, please raise your hand."

The next instant, every single person in the hall raised their hand in unison.

"It seems there's no need to drag this out. In that case, I will officially assume the post as the first Grand Elder of the Moon Tomb Alliance."

"Moving on to the second item on today's agenda: the position of Alliance Leader."

"Currently, we have received only one nomination, and that is the reigning Family Head of my Xu Family, Xu Dezhao. Let the voting commence."

Once again, it was a unanimous vote.

The other families all understood that the Xu Family was bound to occupy several key positions within the Moon Tomb Alliance.

The rest of the clans couldn't possibly win even if they fought for them.

Thus, everyone was very tactful.

Next were the two Vice Alliance Leaders, followed by the Pavilion Masters and Deputy Masters for the Daoist Canon Pavilion, Artifact Refining Pavilion, Pill Refining Pavilion, Formation Pavilion, Talisman Pavilion, Battle Pavilion, and Mission Pavilion.

Of course, due to a severe shortage of manpower in specialized departments like the Artifact Refining Pavilion and Pill Refining Pavilion, they might not necessarily have Deputy Masters at the moment.

In addition, the deacons within each pavilion were decided. Depending on the workload, each pavilion would have a minimum of two deacons, scaling up to four or five for the busier ones.

As for lower-ranked personnel, their appointments did not require the Elder Council's oversight.

The Pavilion Masters could select their own staff, and the deacons also held the right to recommend candidates.

In truth, even deacons didn't typically require the Elder Council's approval. It was simply necessary this first time around to rapidly fill the ranks.

Once everything was up and running smoothly, such administrative matters would be handed over to the appropriate department heads.

Finally came the selection for the Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall, its two Vice Hall Masters, and various other crucial posts.

By the time all these appointments were finalized...

It was already evening.

The golden sun was sinking in the west, painting the entire sky in brilliant crimson hues.

"Are there any new topics to propose? If not, we will conclude today's session here. Tomorrow, we will convene to discuss matters concerning the Academy."

"Grand Elder, I have a question to ask."

"Please speak, Elder Huang."

"Regarding the elders inducted into the council, shouldn't there be restrictions on their cultivation realm or strength? For instance, although martial artists can join the Elder Council, shouldn't they be required to reach Peak Grandmaster?

Immortal cultivators, on the other hand, should be at least at the 9th Layer of Qi Condensation, and perhaps later we can raise the bar to Peak Qi Condensation.

Otherwise, if the disciples of the alliance realize that the elders' cultivation or combat strength is inferior even to their own, they will inevitably look down on us."

Xu Chuan swept his gaze across the room. "What do you all think?"

"It is necessary to set restrictions."

"Indeed, the prestige and dignity of an elder must be maintained."

"In that case, we will set the standard at Peak Grandmaster for martial artists and the 9th Layer of Qi Condensation for immortal cultivators. If your current representatives do not meet these requirements, it is of no consequence. As long as they reach the standard within five years, they may retain their position as an elder.

If they fail to do so, their family will have to replace them with a qualified candidate.

If a family has no one who meets the criteria, their voting rights will be delegated to an allied family of their choosing until a qualified individual emerges from their ranks."

Xu Chuan added, "Allow me to mention one more thing. Unless a family commits a grave crime or betrays the alliance, our elder seats will be hereditary and permanently retained.

Of course, if a family voluntarily wishes to withdraw from the Elder Council, they are free to do so."

"That concludes my thoughts. Now, esteemed elders, let us vote by a show of hands. A simple majority is required to pass."

Xu Chuan's proposal was already exceptionally lenient and accommodating to the weaker Sixth-rank families present.

Consequently, no one voiced any opposition.

Soon after, the crowd dispersed, retiring to their respective lodgings for the night.

The representatives from the Guangling Commandery clans all returned to their families to report the results of the day's council meeting.

For the most part, nothing had exceeded their expectations.

Several vital positions within the Moon Tomb Alliance had indeed been secured by the Xu Family.

However, this couldn't be helped. For specialized departments like the Pill Refining, Artifact Refining, and Formation Pavilions, even if other families were given the chance to lead them, they simply had no capable experts to nominate.

They couldn't exactly elect someone who knew nothing about alchemy or artificing to serve as Pavilion Master, after all.

The next day.

Everyone reconvened in the Elder Council discussion hall.

"Today, we shall discuss matters concerning the Academy: the positions of the Academy's Headmaster, the Deans for both the Martial Dao and Immortal Dao Institutes in the Primary School and University, and the provisional selection of instructors.

Everyone is free to speak their mind. Once we have settled these matters, we will move on to the rest."

After a lively round of debate and discussion.

Xu Chuan was confirmed as the Academy Headmaster, while the deans of the various institutes across the Primary School and University were all filled by members of the Xu Family.

Specifically, Li Zhi became the Dean of the University's Martial Dao Institute, and Xu Mingshu took the mantle of Dean of the University's Immortal Dao Institute.

As for the instructors, they were sourced from across the various allied families.

Following this, they negotiated the tuition fees.

For the Primary School, the Martial Dao Institute would charge five spirit stones per half-year, while the Immortal Dao Institute would charge ten spirit stones per half-year. Admissions were strictly limited to individuals under the age of twenty.

For the University, the Martial Dao Institute would charge thirty spirit stones, and the Immortal Dao Institute sixty spirit stones. There were no age limits, but candidates had to surpass the Innate Realm in the Martial Dao or reach at least the 4th Layer of Qi Condensation to enroll.

If a martial artist or cultivator in the Primary School met the strength requirements, they could directly ascend to the corresponding institute in the University without having to take another examination.

If a student exceeded twenty years of age without meeting the requirements, they would no longer be permitted to remain in the Primary School.

As for the University, the maximum duration of stay was firmly capped at six years.

One elder asked, "Grand Elder, isn't a six-year limit for the University a bit too short?"

Xu Chuan replied calmly, "The Academy's training will feature monthly assessments. Those who rank at the top will be rewarded with cultivation pills.

The major semi-annual exams will offer even more precious cultivation resources.

Furthermore, these assessments will strictly be competitions among peers of the same academic year.

Let's not forget that the University will also offer courses in the Four Immortal Arts, all of which are incredibly resource-intensive.

If we allowed University students to stay for twenty or thirty years, do you really think the alliance could bear the cost?

Ultimately, all students must eventually graduate and integrate into the alliance or advance within their own families. When that time comes, it won't be too late for you to pour your full resources into the most outstanding talents.

Those destined for greatness will rise to become experts sooner or later.

As for the mediocre ones, even if they spent an entire lifetime in the Academy, their achievements would remain tragically limited."

"The Grand Elder's foresight is profound indeed. We are deeply impressed." Several elders quickly chimed in, eager to flatter Xu Chuan.

"Let's continue," Xu Chuan said dismissively.

Two hours later.

Xu Mingyuan proposed the establishment of a branch alliance in Yuehu Commandery, though without setting up a secondary Academy.

The Xu Family and the vast majority of the Yuehu families expressed their full support.

Naturally, the motion passed without a hitch.

"Since there are no further objections, we will conclude today's meeting here. In a few days, we will begin mobilizing the various affairs of the Moon Tomb Alliance.

The Academy's students will also enroll and begin trial classes."

"By the first of the twelfth month, when every family arrives to witness the grand opening, there absolutely cannot be a single mistake. Otherwise, we will become a laughingstock, and the news will spread across all of Great Wei in no time."

"Understood, Grand Elder!"

"Additionally, as long as your families dedicate themselves to the alliance with all their might, I will consider granting Foundation Establishment opportunities to those who make outstanding contributions.

My Xu Family will never suppress or obstruct anyone's path of advancement.

The firmer the Moon Tomb Alliance's foothold in Great Wei, and the stronger its overall power, the greater the hope for every family seated here to rise and become a Foundation Establishment family.

The same holds true for my Xu Family's vassals.

Please engrave this in your minds: the Moon Tomb Alliance is not an alliance belonging solely to the Xu Family!

We share in each other's glory, and we share in each other's loss!"

The crowd's blood boiled with excitement, thoroughly invigorated by Xu Chuan's massive promise of "Foundation Establishment opportunities." In unison, they roared, "Share in each other's glory, share in each other's loss!"