Chapter 247: The Destruction of the Wu Family! The Hua Family's Birthday Banquet

"Remember to collect their Storage Pouches after killing them."

After leaving that instruction, Xu Chuan took advantage of the chaos to seize the resource treasures hoarded by the Wu family.

He arrived at the location.

"A Restriction?"

Xu Chuan swept the area with his Divine sense, completely unsurprised.

He brushed a finger across the Storage Ring on his hand, and a round bead flew out.

This was a Restriction-Breaking Orb.

Although not as powerful as an Array-Breaking Pearl, it was still extremely difficult to refine.

Xu Mingxian had only managed to forge one. It could effortlessly shatter any Restriction below the Tier 2 High-Grade level and could be used a total of seven times.

"Tier 2 Mid-Grade. Just perfect."

The corners of Xu Chuan's mouth curled up as he immediately activated the Restriction-Breaking Orb.

The orb spun rapidly in the air, instantly erupting with a cluster of azure radiant light that landed directly on the Restriction barrier.

The faint golden Restriction rapidly dissolved, revealing a massive gap.

With a wave of his Sleeve Robe, a burst of spiritual light shot out, instantly blasting the main doors open before he strode inside.

Without even checking what was inside, he manipulated his Divine sense to sweep everything directly into his Storage Ring.

In just over a dozen breaths of time, the entire treasure vault was swept completely clean.

Next was the second vault. Its Restriction was only Tier 2 Low-Grade, offering a lower level of protection than the first, which meant the treasures inside were likely inferior as well.

However, Xu Chuan did not mind at all.

The Cloudstream Xu Family was currently in a period of vigorous development. Whether it was Qi Refining Stage or Foundation Establishment Stage resources, the Xu family needed it all.

Given the Wu family's foundation, they definitely had some resources required for the Golden Core Stage in their collection.

Next was the Wu family's Cultivation Method pavilion.

Xu Chuan did not spare that either.

By the time everything was packed away, Moyue had already slaughtered over eighty percent of the Wu family's Foundation Establishment cultivators.

More than half of their clan grounds had been reduced to ruins, with countless clan members and Guards lying dead.

"It is time to go."

"We are leaving already? I have not finished killing them!" Moyue complained. "Cutting Weeds Without Removing Roots, Spring Breeze Blows and They Grow Again. Is that not what you always say?"

"The competition between the families in Corner Constellation City is fierce. With the Wu family in this state, they will be devoured by the other aristocratic families in less than half a month. The other families will do a much cleaner job than we ever could."

"So that was your calculation all along. Let us go then."

Xu Chuan put away the Formation Flags of the Six Harmonies Absolute Sealing Formation, stood between Moyue's dragon horns, and sped off into the distance, leaving behind a single sentence.

"Wu family, your clan members dared to intercept and attempt to kill my disciples who were out gaining experience. Consider today's events the interest!"

His voice rolled out like booming thunder, echoing in all directions.

Countless families heard the declaration.

They also felt the Pressure of a Tier 3 Demonic Beast, accompanied by the resonant roar of a flood dragon.

Barely a dozen breaths after Xu Chuan and Moyue left, four figures arrived.

They hovered in the sky above the Wu family estate, their indifferent gazes sweeping over the tragic scene below.

An old man in a black robe spoke up. "Everyone, this person brazenly came to our Corner Constellation City to exterminate an entire family. Should we give chase?"

Another old man in an azure robe shook his head. "We all heard what he said just now. Although the Wu family might not have intentionally provoked him, they brought this upon themselves.

"Moreover, that person possesses a flood dragon Spirit Beast, and its Pressure alone reaches the peak of the mid Tier 3 level.

"Even though the other party did not leave behind much of an aura, his strength is likely at least at the Late-Stage Golden Core, or perhaps even Golden Core Perfection.

"Even if the four of us joined forces, we would definitely not gain any advantage.

"It is far more likely that we would be burying hidden dangers for our own aristocratic families."

"Brother Shangguan is entirely correct. If we fail to kill an expert like that, our four families will know little peace in the future. Given his ruthless actions today, our families could very well end up sharing the Wu family's fate."

"To be able to silently annihilate the Wu family, he must possess at least a Tier 2 High-Grade trapping formation. He might even be a Grandmaster of Formations!"

Seeing that the other three did not agree to pursue, the black-robed old man who spoke first had no choice but to give up. "Then let us leave it at that."

With those words, the four departed in their separate directions.

A few simple words from Xu Chuan had caused the four great aristocratic families of Corner Constellation City to fall into mutual suspicion, rendering them too afraid to make any reckless moves.

In just a few moments.

Even if they wanted to track him now, there would be no traces left to follow.

In less than fifteen minutes, Xu Chuan and Moyue returned to the Xu Residence in Cloudstream Town.

After notifying Xu Mingxian and the others, they began organizing the loot obtained from the Wu family.

There was a dazzling array of resources, including over a dozen types of high-tier materials, as well as a significant amount of mid and low-tier materials suitable for Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators.

There were also plenty of Pills, Dharma Tools, Talismans, and Spirit Grass.

Among the Spirit Grass, Xu Chuan discovered two primary ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill, as well as one primary ingredient for the Core Formation Pill.

The harvest was more than double what they had gained from exterminating the Xue Clan.

"It truly is Murder and Arson for a Golden Belt," Xu Chuan said, the corners of his lips curving upward. "I originally intended to develop slowly, but unfortunately, there are always people who want to lend our Xu family a helping hand.

"What good people they are!"

Xu Chuan would never actively go out of his way to plunder others unprovoked.

Relying solely on their own development was more than enough to ensure the rapid rise of the Cloudstream Xu Family. There was no need to deliberately make enemies everywhere just for resources.

When Xu Mingxian saw the resources his father had acquired, his eyes reddened with envy. "To think that a Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Family barely scraping into the top fifty of a marginal city in the Southern Heaven Region could be this wealthy.

"It is hard to imagine just what kind of foundation the top-ranking families and Golden Core Aristocratic Families possess."

"Stop drooling. Our Xu family has settled in Cloudstream, and we just need to focus on our development from now on. If we were to do this kind of thing frequently, the slightest leak of information could spell disaster.

"I fear that the nearby Golden Core Stage Immortal cultivators would all band together to hunt Moyue down."

"I was just making a passing comment. With your Dao of Alchemy, Deling's Dao of Artifacts, and my Array Dao, why should we worry about not rising quickly and securing our place in Cloudstream?"

Xu Mingxian smiled faintly, his eyes brimming with confidence.

Back at the Dongxi Main Branch, even in their previous circumstances, they had rapidly developed into one of the strongest aristocratic families in Great Wei.

Not to mention, the Cloudstream Xu Family was starting off as a Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Family right out of the gate.

"Right, these are Array Dao Ancient Classics. Some of them detail Tier 3 Formations. Take them all and comprehend them."

Xu Chuan chuckled and flicked his Sleeve Robe. Immediately, a pile of ancient texts materialized in front of Xu Mingxian.

"And these are for the Dao of Artifacts. Bring them to Deling. Once she has studied them thoroughly, and our Xu family has firmly established itself and gotten on track in Cloudstream Town...

"I will take her to Fire Cloud Valley to see if she can become a disciple of that old eccentric Fire Cloud."

"With Deling's Innate Aptitude in the Dao of Artifacts, she will definitely succeed!"

"She must not reveal too much of her talent. After all, the human heart in this world is difficult to fathom. The only people we can completely trust are our own Xu family members!"

"Your son understands."

The next day.

Xu Chuan began imparting Martial Dao Ancient Classics. Although the members of the Yan Clan were a bit older, their bone structures were of top-tier quality. With the aid of Martial Dao Pills, their cultivation speed would not be slow.

The same went for the Wu Clan Immortal cultivators.

Of course, Xu Chuan would not give these away for free. Aside from providing one Pill every half month, if they wanted to obtain more cultivation resources, they would have to earn them through contributions.

As long as they felt that their efforts for the Xu family yielded rewards, they would work hard.

Over time, a sense of belonging would naturally blossom in their hearts.

Coupled with the Xu family's clear system of rewards and punishments, their complete loyalty was only a matter of time.

"Thank you, Family Head, for bestowing these Cultivation Methods upon us!"

The crowd bowed respectfully in unison.

Xu Chuan gave a slight nod. "I will now announce the new system. If any of you possess knowledge of Cultivation Methods, Secret Arts, or the like, write them down from memory. If it is something the Xu family does not already have, it will be added to our archives.

"You will be awarded varying amounts of contribution points based on the value and utility of the texts.

"Different contribution point totals will correspond to different amounts of monthly cultivation resources.

"The baseline minimum is one appropriate cultivation Pill every half month.

"In short, you can do whatever is within your capabilities. As long as it benefits the Xu family, you will earn contribution points.

"Furthermore, regarding the matter of bearing offspring. Any woman who becomes pregnant will have her workload halved, and for the entire month leading up to delivery, she will be exempt from all duties.

"Upon the successful birth of a child, both husband and wife will be rewarded with a substantial amount of cultivation resources, Spirit Stones, Dharma Tools, and the like.

"The more offspring you have, the greater the rewards.

"Have you all memorized this?"

"We will etch it into our memories!" the members of the Yan and Wu Clans replied, bowing deeply once more.

"Get to work, then."

"Yes, Family Head."

The Cloudstream Xu Family began to operate in earnest.

In the blink of an eye, several days passed.

The people in the neighboring estates had all become aware that a family surnamed Xu had moved in. Although their numbers were few, their core clan members were all in the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Within the entirety of Cloudstream Town, they could not be considered a weak family.

In the marketplace, many people were discussing them.

"This Xu Family Head seems to be at the 7th Layer Foundation Establishment, while the other four Elders are all at the Early Foundation Establishment stage. They should rank above average in Cloudstream Town."

"Not necessarily," someone retorted. "Although the Xu family has a 7th Layer Foundation Establishment Family Head, their foundation is still shallow, and they severely lack Qi Refining Stage disciples.

"At best, they are below average.

"By the looks of it, they are probably the remnants of a clan fleeing from some disaster."

"Your thoughts seem to coincide with mine, without any prior consultation. However, I wonder how this Xu family intends to make a living from now on?" another person sighed.

He was mostly afraid that they would clash with his own business interests.

"The most common trades are naturally Pills, Artifacts, Formations, Talismans. The rest, like the art of puppets or the Dao of Beast Taming, are quite niche. But no matter which path they choose, they will inevitably cut into the profits of the other families.

"Establishing a clan in a new place is never that simple."

Corner Constellation City.

"This Wu family sure was unlucky. Who knows which Golden Core big shot they offended, to have more than half of their clan wiped out overnight."

A passerby shook his head and sighed as he walked past the Wu family gates.

"Indeed. How could the remaining clan members possibly defend the Wu family's businesses? They are being swallowed up one after another," another person chimed in.

"However, I heard that the families devouring the Wu family's assets haven't found any of their resource treasures. I suppose they were all taken by that Golden Core Perfected Being."

Within five or six days.

Almost all the remaining members of the Wu family were either dead or injured.

The families they had once oppressed all took the opportunity to kick them while they were down.

It truly was a case of When a Wall is Falling, Everyone Gives It a Push.

Meanwhile, the Xu family purchased a storefront in Cloudstream Town, and a few days later, the Xu Clan Trading Company officially opened for business.

The trading company sold Pills, Artifacts, Formations, Talismans, all tailored to the needs of Qi Refining Stage cultivators.

Of course, they did not only stock items for early to mid-stage Immortal cultivators. They also offered High-Grade Barrier-Breaking Pills, Realm-Breaking Pills, Fine-Grade Magical Artifacts, High-Grade Talismans, and Tier 1 Mid-Grade Formation Flags or Array Disks to attract wealthier customers.

Ye Fan presided over the trading company, spending the vast majority of his time cultivating.

There were also two Yan Clan women in charge of sales, along with a general errand boy, also from the Yan Clan.

They opened at the hour of chen and closed at dusk.

With a Tier 2 Low-Grade Formation set up, the store was not an easy place to break into.

"When did Cloudstream Town get a new trading company?" a group of Immortal cultivators wondered aloud in surprise as they walked past the Xu Clan Trading Company's signboard.

"We've only been hunting Demonic Beasts in the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range for about a month. It was probably opened during our absence."

A young man in a purple shirt rubbed his chin as he spoke.

"Perhaps. Let's go in and take a look," a middle-aged man in yellow robes suggested.

Among the four, there was also a female cultivator.

She wore a moon-white Daoist robe with wide sleeves. The fabric fluttered like mist and clouds, gathered at her waist with a simple silk sash. She wore cyan cloth shoes and walked with a light, graceful step.

Her black hair was left unpinned, held back only by a simple wooden hairpin. A few stray strands tumbled down, gently brushing against her pale cheeks in the breeze.

Her eyebrows were like distant mountains painted in dark ink, and her eyes resembled rippling autumn waters. Without a trace of makeup, she possessed an entirely natural charm.

"Immortal masters, please come in. What do you need?"

Yan Muqi stepped forward with a welcoming smile.

"A Mortal?" The middle-aged man in yellow robes frowned slightly. "Did your trading company just open?"

"That is correct."

"Is there a large family surnamed Xu in Cloudstream Town?"

"Our Xu family has only recently moved here. Please don't underestimate us because we are new, Immortal masters; our strength and foundation are quite profound."

"Go fetch your shopkeeper. If the terms are right, I might do a bit of business with you."

Yan Muqi smiled politely. "Please wait a moment, Immortal master. I will go invite our shopkeeper down."

He headed upstairs.

"Fourth Elder, we have guests. They say they want to discuss a business deal with you."

Inside the quiet cultivation room.

Ye Fan opened his eyes and calmly replied, "Have someone entertain them for now. I will head down shortly."

"Understood."

A short while later.

Ye Fan came downstairs. Seeing the yellow-robed middle-aged man and his three companions, he cupped his fists and smiled. "Daoist friends, I hear you have business to conduct with my Xu Clan Trading Company?"

"First-Layer Foundation Establishment. It seems your clerk was telling the truth. Though your Xu family just moved here, you do indeed have some foundation."

The middle-aged man in yellow robes gave a small smile.

"The four of us live in Cloudstream Town as well, but we are merely Rogue Cultivators. We just came out of the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range after hunting down two early Tier 2 Demonic Beasts and five late Tier 1 Demonic Beasts.

"We also gathered some Spirit Grass.

"I wonder if your trading company purchases these? If so, we will sell everything to you to save us the trouble of running all over town."

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and chuckled. "Naturally, we buy them all."

"In addition to that, we purchase Artificing materials, Spirit Beast cubs, and Spirit Insect eggs. You can also trade Cultivation Methods, Secret Arts, and Immortal Arts Ancient Classics to us, provided they are ones the Xu family has not already collected.

"The Xu Clan Trading Company will definitely offer a fair price."

The middle-aged man in yellow robes and the others all revealed looks of astonishment.

This scope of business was practically on par with the large trading companies.

Refusing nothing? Did this tiny Xu Clan Trading Company really have such a massive appetite?

"Then give us an appraisal first."

"Hold on. Let us head to the back courtyard. It is too cramped in here."

"Alright."

Once they reached the open space of the back courtyard.

The middle-aged man in yellow robes patted his Storage Pouch. Streaks of light flew out and landed on the ground, instantly piling up into a small mountain.

Of course, the corpses of the Demonic Beasts took up ninety percent of the space.

Ye Fan inspected the pile carefully for a moment before saying, "The two early Tier 2 Demonic Beasts are worth one hundred and fifty Spirit Stones each. The five late Tier 1 Demonic Beasts are fifty Spirit Stones a piece.

"As for this Spirit Grass, it is worth roughly two hundred and fifty Spirit Stones."

"That is a fair price. We will do as you say."

In this group, the yellow-robed middle-aged man was at the Fourth-Layer Foundation Establishment, while the purple-shirted youth was at the second layer. The remaining young man and woman were at the 8th Layer of Qi Condensation and 9th Layer of Qi Condensation respectively.

Given their strength, spending over a month in the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range to earn eight hundred Spirit Stones was not considered a massive haul.

After all, the four of them had to split the profits.

Ye Fan completed the transaction on the spot. His straightforward and decisive manner earned him quite a bit of favor with the yellow-robed middle-aged man.

Most other families would mercilessly lower the price as much as possible.

"Shopkeeper, you are a straightforward man. From now on, our group of siblings will bring all our goods here to sell."

"Haha, thank you for your patronage, Daoist friend. My surname is Ye, and my given name is Fan. How should I address you all?"

The purple-shirted youth asked in surprise, "Your surname isn't Xu?"

"My Honored Master is the Family Head of the Xu Family."

"I see." The purple-shirted youth nodded. "We are three brothers surnamed Huang. This is my eldest brother, Huang Tianba. I am the second eldest, Huang Tianxiong. And this is the youngest, Huang Tianhu.

"And this is my eldest brother's Dao companion, Jiang Youniang.

"We live in the northern part of Cloudstream Town."

Both sides exchanged warm pleasantries.

Ye Fan suddenly remarked, "I observe that Fairy Youniang possesses an ethereal temperament, like a lotus rising from the water. Blessed with natural beauty, it would be a shame for it to gradually fade with the passage of time.

"Our Xu family recently acquired a Youth-Retaining Pill. If Daoist Friend Huang is interested, I can sell it to you at a thirty percent discount."

"A Youth-Retaining Pill?!" Jiang Youniang's eyes instantly lit up.

The purple-shirted youth added, "That's a Tier 2 Pill, and notoriously difficult to refine. I wouldn't have guessed that the Xu Clan Trading Company could get their hands on such a pill so soon after opening."

Huang Tianba glanced at his Dao companion, pondered for a moment, and asked, "How many Spirit Stones?"

"Since I feel a sense of affinity with you, Daoist Friend Huang, the discounted price is only three hundred and fifty Spirit Stones. If this type of Pill were placed in an Auction, it would be perfectly normal for it to fetch over a thousand Spirit Stones."

Ye Fan was not exaggerating in the slightest.

Not just anyone could refine a Youth-Retaining Pill.

The main reason was that its Pill Recipe rarely circulated in the market.

"Alright. I'll take it."

The Pills displayed out front in the store were all Tier 1. Some of the truly precious items were kept securely in Ye Fan's Storage Pouch.

Smiling, Ye Fan withdrew two Porcelain Bottles from his Storage Pouch and handed one to Huang Tianba. Huang Tianba immediately paid the Spirit Stones.

The purple-shirted youth asked curiously, "Daoist Friend Ye, could it be that the other Porcelain Bottle also contains a Youth-Retaining Pill?"

"Not at all," Ye Fan replied with a faint smile. "I noticed that Daoist Friend Huang Tianhu appears to be stuck at the bottleneck of the 9th Layer of Qi Condensation. This Pill should suit him perfectly.

"This is a High-Grade Pill priced at fifty Spirit Stones. If you purchase it today and use it to assault the bottleneck, he will undoubtedly break through to the 9th Layer of Qi Condensation tonight."

"A Realm-Breaking Pill, and a High-Grade Pill at that!" The purple-shirted youth shook his head and laughed. "Daoist Friend Ye, your Xu family truly knows how to do business."

"You and Daoist Friend Tianba are both in the Foundation Establishment Stage. You have little use for the items displayed in the storefront. However, as long as you have enough Spirit Stones...

"Top-Grade Magical Artifacts for attack and defense, Foundation Establishment Realm-Breaking Pills, cultivation Pills, holy healing items—our Xu family has the capability to source them for you.

"Even Tier 2 Low-Grade Array Disks, trapping formations, and defensive Formations are within our means."

The purple-shirted youth looked at Ye Fan with suspicion. "Daoist Friend Ye, you talk a big game. It makes one genuinely curious about who is standing behind the Xu Clan Trading Company.

"Could it be some Golden Core Aristocratic Family from the Southern Heaven Region?"

"Daoist Friend Huang, there is no need to make blind guesses. Our Xu family are merchants. We deal in fair trades and would never do anything deceitful or act against good faith."

"Well said!" Huang Tianba declared. "I'll make friends with your Xu family! If you ever need specific materials, you can commission us to gather them. We occasionally take on quests from the various families in Cloudstream Town."

"No problem. Then, regarding this Pill..."

Huang Tianba gritted his teeth. "I'm buying it!"

"As for anything else, we will discuss it next time. I am afraid if we stay any longer, Daoist Friend Ye will empty our pockets completely."

"Haha," Ye Fan chuckled softly.

After purchasing the Realm-Breaking Pill, Huang Tianba and the others returned home.

That very night, Huang Tianhu swallowed the Pill and, exactly as promised, broke through to the 9th Layer of Qi Condensation with ease.

Of the three Huang brothers, both Huang Tianba and Huang Tianxiong possessed top-tier True Spiritual Roots. By utilizing a cultivation room specifically designed for attempting Foundation Establishment, combined with thousand-year-old Spirit Grass, they had both successfully broken through to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

However, Huang Tianhu only possessed a Miscellaneous Spiritual Root. Relying on himself alone to assault the Foundation Establishment bottleneck was absolutely impossible.

The Yuan, Hua, and Fang families had all built specialized cultivation rooms for attempting Foundation Establishment, borrowing the high Spiritual Qi concentration of the only Tier 2 Spirit Vein in Cloudstream Town.

It could increase the chances of reaching Foundation Establishment by more than ten percent.

A cultivator with a top-tier True Spiritual Root, relying on their own aptitude and using such a cultivation room, had a significant chance of success even without a Foundation Establishment Pill.

The lucky ones succeeded on their first try, while the unlucky ones might need three or four attempts.

However, using these cultivation rooms was not cheap. Renting one for a single Foundation Establishment attempt cost one thousand and five hundred Spirit Stones.

There had been top-tier Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families that coveted Cloudstream Town, but they had all returned empty-handed, and some had even suffered bloody defeats.

It was around that time when rumors began to spread that the Yuan, Hua, and Fang families were backed by a sect from the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range.

After that, no one dared to plot against Cloudstream Town again.

"Eldest brother, this Xu family seems to possess significant means. Do you think they are aiming for Cloudstream Town's Tier 2 Spirit Vein?"

Huang Tianxiong looked at Huang Tianba as he spoke.

"The Yuan, Hua, and Fang families are not weak. Any one of them could rank in the top twenty in Corner Constellation City. Combined with the rumors of the sect backing them, the only power that could scheme against Cloudstream Town is a Golden Core Aristocratic Family."

Huang Tianba analyzed.

"But hearing Daoist Friend Ye's tone this afternoon, it sounds like the Xu family has an incredible background. They might really be the vanguard sent by some Golden Core Aristocratic Family."

Hearing this, Huang Tianba pondered for a moment before replying, "The conflicts between families have nothing to do with us."

"Since Third Brother has broken through, I am going to rest."

Suddenly, Huang Tianxiong winked at him. "Eldest brother, Sister-in-law received a Youth-Retaining Pill today and is definitely overjoyed. You must seize this opportunity.

"My little nephew's existence depends entirely on you!"

"Get lost!" Huang Tianba suddenly scolded with a laugh.

Scolding aside, the deed still had to be done.

They spent the entire night engaged in passionate intimacy.

Early the next morning, as Huang Tianba walked out of the room clutching his lower back, he was spotted by Huang Tianxiong, who immediately teased him to exercise some restraint.

This caused his face to turn as black as coal.

'You're the one who wanted a little nephew, and now you're the one telling me to show restraint!'

'So you're just right no matter what!'

There were quite a few people like the Huang family in Cloudstream Town.

Most of them would busy themselves for half a month to a month, rest for a few days, and then get back to work.

As for those who had truly developed into actual clans, there were only about twenty or thirty.

On the surface, the Xu Clan Trading Company sold Pills and Dharma Tools for the Qi Refining stage. However, if Foundation Establishment cultivators visited, they would privately recommend Foundation Establishment resources to them.

Because their prices and quality were both exceedingly fair, in just half a month, they had built good relationships with over a dozen demon-hunting squads similar to the Huang family in Cloudstream Town.

These were all valuable connections.

Though shallow for now, as long as they were maintained.

Given a few years, or perhaps over a decade.

It would blossom into a massive network of interpersonal relationships.

Xu Chuan primarily spent his time quietly cultivating at home, comprehending his Withered Glory Divine Ability, while Xu Mingxian studied the Array Dao Ancient Classics obtained from the Wu family.

Xu Deling was busy researching whether there were any differences between the Artificing methods in the Southern Heaven Region compared to those in Great Wei.

Then, she attempted to forge artifacts according to the records in the ancient texts from the Southern Heaven Region.

Xu Deyue also visited the Xu Clan Trading Company every now and then.

Many people who saw her with Ye Fan mistakenly assumed the two were Dao companions.

As for the married couples among the Yan Clan and Wu Clan members, they were all provided with separate rooms.

Considering the inevitable population increase in the future, expanding the estate outward was impossible. This was not some desolate wilderness where they could expand as they pleased.

Unless, of course, they bought out the neighboring residences.

Therefore, Xu Chuan hired people to build Towers. Each building would have thirteen floors, and every floor would be spacious enough to house a family of over a dozen people.

Since they lacked horizontal space, they could only build upward.

Naturally, this was only a temporary measure. In the future, the Cloudstream Xu Family would inevitably have to find a more suitable location for a clan estate. But for now, with their sparse numbers, there was no need to rush.

The Xu family developed steadily in Cloudstream Town for three months.

Although there were occasionally people who came to the Xu Clan Trading Company to stir up trouble, with Ye Fan and Xu Deyue present, it was never a major issue.

As for scenarios like those in theatrical plays where people came to pick fights using defective Dharma Tools or fake Pills as an excuse, there were none.

To spark a major conflict, other families would have to send out Foundation Establishment cultivators to provoke them.

However, clashes between Foundation Establishment cultivators caused massive disturbances and could easily escalate matters. The other families were not willing to make such a drastic decision so lightly.

While the Xu family had indeed taken a slice of some families' profits, it had not reached the point of severely squeezing them out.

As for striking at the Xu family by assassinating their disciples in the wilderness, that was even more unrealistic.

The Xu family only had five core members in total, and so far, none of them had stepped foot outside Cloudstream Town.

The rest were merely servants.

One day.

A Guard arrived at the gates of the Xu Residence. The character 'Hua' was embroidered on the chest of his uniform.

"I am a Guard of the Hua Family. In three days, our Hua Clan Ancestor will be celebrating her birthday. Having heard that your Xu family just moved here, she intends to look after you and specifically invites your Family Head to attend.

"Here is the Invitation Card. Please keep it safe."

After handing the Invitation Card to the Xu family Guard Wu Zhusan, the Hua Family Guard immediately stepped onto his sword and flew away.

Wu Zhusan promptly headed inside, arriving at the back courtyard. Standing before Xu Chuan's room, he cupped his hands. "Family Head, the Hua Family has sent an Invitation Card. They invite you to attend their Hua Clan Ancestor's birthday banquet in three days."

"The Hua Family?"

The door suddenly swung open, and the Invitation Card in Wu Zhusan's hand was pulled inside by an unseen force. Then, a voice drifted out, "I understand. Zhusan, return to your post."

"Yes, Family Head."

Inside the room.

Xu Chuan opened the Invitation Card, glanced at it, and after a brief moment of thought, decided to make the trip to the Hua Family.

Given the Hua Family's status, all the Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families in Cloudstream Town would undoubtedly be invited. It would be a good opportunity to observe them.

It would also allow him to size up the members of the Yuan, Hua, and Fang families.

Xu Chuan sent a sound transmission to one of the Wu Clan members, instructing him to go out and gather information about the Hua Family's birthday banquet.

Over an hour later.

Wu Zhuliu returned and reported his findings.

It turned out that the Hua Clan Ancestor was celebrating her two-hundredth birthday.

A Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator only lived to about two hundred and forty years of age.

A two-hundredth birthday was indeed a major milestone.

The Hua Clan Ancestor, named Hua Qingxue, was one of the few Foundation Establishment Perfection experts in the Hua Family. She held the highest status and seniority, making her the true wielder of power in the family.

'A female at Foundation Establishment Perfection, huh.'

'Choosing a gift will be simple. If she appears aged, I'll bring out a Youth-Returning Pill.'

This Pill was something Xu Chuan created himself. It only restored a youthful appearance; the body's Qi and Blood and internal vitality remained unchanged.

It was far inferior to Xu Chuan personally casting a spell, which could reverse vitality and restore physical energy to its peak, even if the lifespan itself remained unchanged.

If the Hua Clan Ancestor had maintained her youthful looks, then he would gift her a Youth-Retaining Pill.

Its practical value was average, but it was a female cultivator's absolute favorite.

A thousand pieces of gold could not buy what the heart desired. A single pill of this caliber was enough to ensure Xu Chuan would not face any criticism.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

Xu Chuan headed to the Hua Family alone to offer his birthday congratulations.

There were guards at the entrance checking Invitation Cards. Xu Chuan handed his over and entered without issue.

However, many people whispered among themselves, wondering which family this junior belonged to and why he had come completely alone.

The Hua Family estate was incredibly massive.

The birthday banquet was held in the gardens, which featured numerous terraces divided into three tiers by height. They overlooked a small lake, with green lotus leaves and clear blossoms floating near the shores.

The central terrace hosted song and dance performances, flanked by musicians playing instruments.

The Hua Clan Ancestor, along with the Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators from the Yuan and Fang families, sat at the highest central terrace. The remaining terraces were completely packed with distinguished guests; there was not a single empty seat.

Xu Chuan sat down below like an invisible man, enjoying the performances while silently observing the others.

Half an hour later.

The gift-presenting segment began.

The first to present naturally were the Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators from the Yuan and Fang families, who sat closest to the Hua Clan Ancestor.

"Fairy Qingxue, this Yuan presents you with a Top-Grade Magical Artifact, the Bright Jade Hairpin, forged by the third disciple of Perfected Person Fire Cloud. May the fairy's youth be everlasting."

"Fairy Qingxue, this Fang has also prepared a Top-Grade Magical Artifact. This is the Five-Colored Cloud Silk. Should you drape it over yourself, it will add a few touches of immortal grace."

Hearing this, Xu Chuan was almost amused to tears.

Although the words from the Yuan and Fang families sounded pleasant, the underlying tone was dripping with mockery.

After all, the Hua Clan Ancestor had a head full of snowy silver hair. Although she did not have the heavily wrinkled, chicken-like skin of an eighty-year-old crone, she still bore the wrinkles of a woman in her fifties or sixties.

After the important figures from the Yuan and Fang families presented their gifts, it was the turn of the Hua Family's descendants.

Following them were the other guest families.

"Has anyone from the Xu family arrived?"

Halfway through the gift presentations, the Hua Clan Ancestor suddenly spoke up, causing the entire banquet to fall silent.

People looked around at each other, but not a single person recognized Xu Chuan.

Xu Chuan gave a faint smile and stood up, offering a slight bow toward the Hua Clan Ancestor. "Daoist Friend Hua, this Xu is here."

Everyone turned their heads toward the voice, their expressions instantly filling with shock.

'How is he so young?'

However, his cultivation base appeared to match the rumors—he was indeed at the 7th Layer Foundation Establishment.

"Are you Xu Chuan, Daoist Friend Xu?" The Hua Clan Ancestor's eyes glinted slightly before she smiled warmly. "Daoist Friend is exceptionally young.

"I know your Xu family recently moved to Cloudstream Town and must be unfamiliar with the local families. Therefore, I invited you here so you could meet the other Daoist friends."

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Daoist Friend Hua. I appreciate it," Xu Chuan replied. "Today, this Xu has also prepared a birthday gift for you."

With that, he tapped his Storage Pouch. A delicate, palm-sized, hexagonal red sandalwood box flew out.

He then levitated it directly in front of the Hua Clan Ancestor.

"What is this?"

"Daoist Friend Hua will know once you open it."

The Hua Clan Ancestor reached out and gently tapped the hexagonal sandalwood box. The lid popped open, revealing two Pills inside.

"Pills?"

Xu Chuan smiled and cupped his hands. "The one on the left is a Youth-Returning Pill, and the one on the right is a Youth-Retaining Pill. Today, I present these two Pills to wish Fairy Hua eternal youth for the rest of your days."

"A Youth-Returning Pill? A Youth-Retaining Pill?"

The crowd instantly erupted into fervent discussion.

"I know of the Youth-Retaining Pill, but I have never even heard of a Youth-Returning Pill."

"Me neither. I wonder if the supposed effects are genuine."

A sharp glint flashed through the Hua Clan Ancestor's eyes, tinged with a hint of pleasant surprise. "Daoist Friend Xu, a Youth-Returning Pill—does it truly have such an effect?"

"This is something I obtained by sheer coincidence. As for the effects, Daoist Friend Hua only needs to look at my current appearance to understand. Back when I acquired these Pills, I only found a handful."

Xu Chuan lied through his teeth without missing a beat, "One of them was consumed by myself."

"As for the Youth-Retaining Pill, I happened to purchase it in another Immortal cultivation city."

In short, everything was just a coincidence!

The Hua Clan Ancestor studied Xu Chuan for a long moment before she finally succumbed to temptation. She picked up the Youth-Returning Pill and swallowed it.

In an instant.

A surge of emerald radiance swirled around her body.

A short while later.

The Hua Clan Ancestor's head of frosty silver hair transformed back into lustrous black silk. The wrinkles on her face were rapidly smoothed away, and her appearance underwent a reversal in time, fully restoring her to the peak of youth.

The crowd was absolutely stunned by this scene.

There were indeed Cultivation Methods and Pills in the cultivation world that could maintain one's appearance and preserve youth, but they were by no means commonly seen.

And today, they had truly witnessed a miracle.