Chapter 257: Fang Clan in Turmoil, The Beginning of the End

After leaving the Yuan Clan, the Fang Clan Head quietly made his way to the Hua Clan.

This was something the Yuan Clan Head likely never would have anticipated.

Among the three major families of Cloudstream Town, the Yuan Clan was the most domineering, while the Fang Clan was the ultimate Grass on the Top of a Wall, swaying toward whoever offered the greatest benefits.

As for the Hua Clan, their foundation was the weakest, relying on marriage alliances to grow their strength, giving them the deepest network of connections.

Inside the Hua Clan Head's study.

Hua Yunfei felt a wave of surprise when a Guard reported that the Fang Clan Head had come to visit.

Although his Hua Clan leaned toward supporting the Xu Family, they had not truly fallen out with the Yuan Clan and the Fang Clan. Therefore, he still had to meet with him.

He immediately headed to the main hall.

"Brother Hongchang, what brings you here today?" Hua Yunfei offered a faint smile.

Hearing this, Hua Yunfei cast a sidelong glance at him, his heart instantly gaining clarity.

'So it is for this matter!'

He smiled lightly. "The Xu Family obtained an Opportunity; it is only natural for them to develop."

"If it were the Yuan Clan or your Fang Clan who entered the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm and obtained such an Opportunity, would you remain indifferent?"

"Brother Fang, there is no family in this world that prospers forever. Even a Golden Core Aristocratic Family has its day of decline or even destruction, let alone us.

If it is not the Xu Family rising today, then in a dozen years, it could be the Xiao Family, the Yuan Family, the Huang Family, or others."

Hearing this, Fang Hongchang nodded slightly, feeling that Hua Yunfei's words indeed held some truth.

The rise and fall of a family had its own destiny. What they needed to do was ensure the family's survival as much as possible. When a genius emerged in the future, they could seize the momentum to rise again, perhaps even going further.

But if they were too radical, it could bring a catastrophic disaster upon the family.

"Brother Hua, if the Xu Family grows strong enough to exterminate our three families in the future and makes a move against us, will your Hua Clan just surrender without a fight?"

"The Xu Family wouldn't be so heartless. Besides, there is a Golden Core Perfected Being standing behind my Hua Clan."

Fang Hongchang lowered his head in deep thought. The Hua Clan's situation was indeed different from the other two families.

Now that Hua Qingxue had rejuvenated her youth, and the Sect Master of the Green Wood Sect—Feng Juechen's father-in-law—was nearing the end of his Lifespan, the Green Wood Sect was about to hold an election for a new Sect Master.

Feng Juechen had a very high chance of being elected.

Without the Green Wood Sect Master suppressing him, Feng Juechen would definitely bring Hua Qingxue to his side.

In the future, the Hua Clan might relocate near the Green Wood Sect, and it was not impossible for the entire family to monopolize a Tier 2 Spirit Vein.

The Yuan, Hua, and Fang families all had disciples who joined the Green Wood Sect, so they naturally caught wind of some inside information.

"The Hua Clan has a way out, but my Fang Clan does not!"

"They have shown goodwill to the Xu Family before, and the two families can be considered to be on good terms, so they can treat this calmly. But my Fang Clan cannot do the same."

Fang Hongchang sighed inwardly.

'It seems the Hua Clan is convinced that the Xu Family will definitely become the overlords of Cloudstream Town in the future. If my Fang Clan follows the Yuan Clan to fight against the Xu Family, we might end up exterminated.

Once we truly become enemies, even if my Fang Clan relocates completely away from Cloudstream Town, the Xu Family probably will not let us off.

Perhaps only the family disciples within the Three Sects would be able to escape such a calamity.'

"Brother Fang, what are you thinking about so deeply?" Hua Yunfei asked with a smile.

"Just some trivial family matters," Fang Hongchang replied, looking up. "I roughly understand Brother Hua's stance. I shall not disturb you any further."

He then stood up and returned to the Fang Clan estate.

He felt that if he discussed this matter with the family elders, there would not be a small number who would agree to Ally with the Yuan Clan.

After all, while the Xu Family had great potential, their foundation of power was very shallow. Their core family members could be counted on one hand, and the rest were Mid-Stage Qi Condensation disciples, not numbering many.

The only problem was the various monster-hunting squads that the Xu Family had befriended.

Their strength varied.

If they united, they indeed had the possibility to contend with their two families.

But they were still generally inferior.

After all, their two families also had good relations with several monster-hunting squads.

As long as they struck now, taking swift and decisive action, and killed all the core Xu Family members, the Heavenly Azure Sect would not have time to react.

The deterrence of that Heavenly Azure Token against a Golden Core Aristocratic Family and the Three Sects far exceeded its effect on Foundation Establishment families like theirs.

Because Golden Core Aristocratic Families had operated for five or six hundred years, it was naturally impossible for them to offend the Heavenly Azure Sect over a mere Foundation Establishment family, letting the hard work of over a dozen generations go down the drain.

'But is the Xu Family really that simple?'

After careful thought, Fang Hongchang felt something was off. How could the Hua Clan be so certain that the Xu Family would be the future overlords of Cloudstream Town?

'Perfected Person Fire Cloud, Chen Changge... If the Xu Family's backing involves more than just their connections with these two Golden Core Perfected Beings, then perhaps everything makes sense.

As long as the Yuan Clan and the Fang Clan do not touch the Xu Family, those two Golden Core Perfected Beings will not do anything.

But if we really killed members of the Xu Family, they would probably strike in absolute fury!

If the Yuan Clan and my Fang Clan joined forces against the Xu Family, the best outcome would be that Both Sides Suffer Utter Defeat.

Other than that, there is only...'

Fang Hongchang stayed awake the entire night.

The next day.

He quietly made his way to the Xu Residence.

"What brings the Fang Clan Head here? My father is in seclusion and likely cannot receive guests,"

Xu Mingxian said calmly to Fang Hongchang in the main hall of the Xu Family.

"How unfortunate."

"Indeed. If you have any matters, you may tell me. I will inform my father once he comes out of seclusion."

Xu Mingxian naturally would not let trivial matters disturb Xu Chuan's seclusion.

Fang Hongchang hesitated for a moment before saying, "I... I wish to become a Vassal to the Xu Family, so that the Fang Clan may retain a place in Cloudstream Town in the future."

Hearing this, Xu Mingxian's pupils abruptly shrank, but he quickly returned to normal and said calmly, "What do you mean by this, Fang Clan Head?

How is the current size of my Xu Family worthy of the Fang Clan's vassalage?

With the Fang Clan's strength, you could even rank in the top twenty in Corner Constellation City.

You overestimate my Xu Family."

"I am not joking. I am serious," Fang Hongchang stated. "As a show of sincerity, my Fang Clan is willing to hand over our cultivation rooms built upon the Tier 2 Spirit Vein.

In the future, whenever the Xu Family wishes to use them, you only need to send your people over."

The cultivation rooms of the three families could be considered their greatest source of wealth. Any Perfected Qi Condensation Cultivator who borrowed them once had to pay a thousand Spirit Stones.

Over the decades, their three families had acquired over a hundred thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones this way.

It was by occupying this Spirit Vein that the three families managed to build such foundations.

However, all three families also handed over a percentage of those earnings to the Golden Core Perfected Beings backing them.

"Furthermore, I can offer Elder Xu some news. The Yuan Clan Head, Yuan Qishan, has recently been trying to recruit my Fang Clan to join forces against the Xu Family."

An indescribable expression surfaced on Xu Mingxian's lips. "Is the Fang Clan Head selling out his own Ally just like that?"

"We are merely allies on the surface. After all, neither of us can do anything to the other. If our two sides fight, it will inevitably give the remaining party the chance to ensure The Fisherman Profits.

Thus, we have maintained this harmony for decades.

Now that your Xu Family has arrived and disrupted everything, it seems Cloudstream Town has also reached the time for a reshuffle."

"The Yuan Clan plans to Ally with your Fang Clan. What about the Hua Clan?"

"The Hua Clan has their own way out. Even if they don't develop in Cloudstream Town, it won't matter to them."

"A way out? Is the Hua Clan willing to give up the profits of this Tier 2 Spirit Vein?"

Fang Hongchang explained, "There was once a rumor that Fairy Qingxue gave birth to a son in her youth. Although the rumors say the child died prematurely, it's also possible that her brother adopted him.

The current lineage of the Hua Clan Head is very likely the lineage of Fairy Qingxue's descendants.

Of course, if Fairy Qingxue doesn't admit it herself, no one can be certain.

Another thing is that the Sect Master of the Green Wood Sect is approaching the limit of his Lifespan, and the sect will elect a new Sect Master within the next two years."

"What does that have to do with the Hua Clan?"

"The Sect Master of the Green Wood Sect is surnamed Yin. He is the father of the Dao companion of Feng Juechen, the First Elder of the Green Wood Sect. He is also the sect's only Late-Stage Golden Core expert."

Hearing this, realization dawned upon Xu Mingxian. "If the Green Wood Sect Master passes away and Feng Juechen takes power, he might bring Hua Qingxue back to the Green Wood Sect.

The Hua Clan could also relocate near the Green Wood Sect to receive his protection."

"It is highly probable."

Xu Mingxian listened with great interest and looked at Fang Hongchang. "I didn't expect the Fang Clan Head to know so many interesting stories.

I understand your intentions. I will inform my father, and everything will be decided by him."

"I understand. Then I will take my leave for now. If there is any news, please send me a message with this Communication Talisman, and I will come again."

Xu Mingxian nodded slightly.

After Fang Hongchang left, Xu Mingxian pondered for a moment before heading to Xu Chuan's seclusion chamber to inform him of the matter.

"To be able to become one of the three great overlords of Cloudstream Town, the Fang Clan truly isn't entirely comprised of mediocre fools," Xu Chuan said calmly. "I had originally wanted to rely on the prestige of Senior Fire Cloud and Chen Changge to bluff them.

After all, for our Cloudstream Xu Family to truly grow powerful, it will probably take nearly twenty years.

Until the Wu Family, the Yan Clan, and their next generation fully mature.

Otherwise, even if we destroyed them now, we wouldn't have enough loyal manpower to manage the properties in Cloudstream Town.

Since the Fang Clan wants to be our pawn, I will give them a chance.

As for the Yuan Clan, there is no need to keep them around."

Xu Mingxian's heart skipped a beat. His father had finally decided to make a move!

"Mingxian, during this period, craft a Tier 2 illusion Array Disk to conceal our actions when the time comes."

"Shall I craft a Tier 2 Mid Grade Array Disk?" Xu Mingxian asked with a smile. "For an Array Tool of that level, five or six days will be enough.

If given more time, I can craft a Tier 2 High Grade Array Disk."

"If there are enough Materials, make it Peak Tier 2. That way, even if an Early-Stage Golden Core sweeps over it with their Divine sense, as long as they don't probe with all their might, it will be very difficult for them to spot any clues.

Paired with the Peak Tier 2 Six Harmonies Absolute Sealing Formation to lock down the heavens and earth and isolate energy fluctuations, it will be much more convenient to act in the future."

"I understand. The family's Materials should be sufficient. I remember we happen to have the right components to craft a Peak Tier 2 illusion Array Disk.

It's just that regarding the timeframe, one month might not be enough."

"It doesn't matter, just do your best. Moyue also happens to need over a month to fully recover to his peak. It will be the perfect time to let him stretch his muscles."

"I will accompany you to annihilate the Yuan Clan, Father. Leave the relevant Formations and Restrictions to me."

"That way, we can also save a usage of that Array-Breaking Pearl."

The father and son smiled at each other. In just a few words, they sealed the doom of the currently largest family in Cloudstream Town.

A few days later.

Fang Hongchang received the message and immediately headed to the Xu Residence.

This time, he met with Xu Chuan.

"Fang Clan Head, please have a seat."

Fang Hongchang cupped his fists before sitting down opposite Xu Mingxian.

"Family Head Xu, how have you decided?" he asked.

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Fang Clan Head, it is not you who should be asking me, but me asking you. You decided to submit to my Xu Family, but have you considered what form this vassalage will take?

Will you act as Vassal retainers, as followers, or just like the other families in Cloudstream Town?"

Fang Hongchang shuddered, looking at Xu Chuan in disbelief. It seemed the Xu Chuan before him today was different from the one he had seen in the past.

"Or have you changed your mind again and wish to Ally with the Yuan Clan against my Xu Family?"

Looking at the smile playing on Xu Chuan's lips, he felt an inexplicable chill in his heart.

"Naturally not. The rise of the Xu Family is unstoppable, and my Fang Clan has always ridden the momentum," Fang Hongchang declared.

"Then what is your choice?"

Fang Hongchang fell silent, sinking into deep thought.

After half a cup of tea's time, he spoke again. "How is a common family in Cloudstream treated? And what about followers?"

"Common families develop on their own. As long as they do not harbor ill intentions toward my Xu Family, we will not interfere with them. Followers, however, must Look to the Head of the Horse and blindly follow my Xu Family's lead, working for us.

In return, they can also receive compensation and rewards from my Xu Family."

"Your Xu Family truly won't interfere with the development of other families?" Fang Hongchang was slightly taken aback.

If it were any other family, they would definitely try their utmost to suppress them.

"Of course. However, times change. It is hard to say what will happen in the future. For instance, if my Xu Family's population grows so large that it occupies more than half of Cloudstream Town, those who need to relocate will have to relocate, and those who need to expand outward must expand."

"Then my Fang Clan chooses to become a common family in Cloudstream Town."

"Are you decided?"

"Yes, this should be the best path for my Fang Clan."

Fang Hongchang had originally thought of submitting as a Vassal, but now Xu Chuan offered an unexpected option. As long as the Xu Family promised not to interfere, it would be best for the Fang Clan to develop normally.

Xu Chuan did not say much else. "Then for now, continue to pretend to play along with the Yuan Clan. Delay their plot against my Xu Family for a month and a half.

After that, your Fang Clan will no longer need to worry about the Yuan Clan.

As for the subsequent division of benefits, we can discuss that once this matter is resolved."

'Hm, why does it feel like Xu Chuan's attitude has grown much colder?'

Fang Hongchang felt completely baffled. Deciding not to dwell on it, he cupped his fists. "I understand. If the Xu Family needs manpower to deal with the Yuan Clan, you may seek me out.

My Fang Clan will definitely lend our full support!"

Xu Chuan gave a slight nod, and Fang Hongchang took his leave.

"What a pity!"

Xu Chuan sighed softly and returned to the backyard.

To the Xu Family, the Fang Clan's only use was as temporary pawns to work for them.

But Fang Hongchang was clearly unwilling. He preferred to maintain the Fang Clan's independence. His previous talk of vassalage was merely out of fear that the Xu Family would burn their bridges and slaughter them once their usefulness ended.

This was also within reason.

Looking at it now, the Xu Family could only assign trustworthy monster-hunting squads like the Huang Family's to manage the Spirit Fields, spirit mines, and spirit lakes of Cloudstream Town after the Yuan Clan was annihilated.

Several days passed in the blink of an eye.

Yuan Clan Head Yuan Qishan sent someone to the Fang Clan to invite Fang Hongchang.

"Brother Fang, it's been six or seven days. Why haven't you given me a definitive answer yet?" A hint of dissatisfaction flashed in Yuan Qishan's eyes.

"Brother Yuan, why are you in such a rush? Don't tell me you wish to strike and destroy the Xu Family in just a few days?" Fang Hongchang chuckled. "Don't forget that the Xu Clan Trading Company possesses a Tier 2 Mid Grade Array Disk.

This proves the Xu Family has connections to an Array Master capable of setting up a Tier 2 High-Grade Great Formation.

Brother Yuan must be well aware of the power of a Tier 2 High-Grade Great Formation. Even if all twenty-odd Foundation Establishment cultivators of your Yuan Clan attacked together, I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to break it in a short time."

Most of these Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Yuan Clan were in the early to middle stages. Very few were Late Foundation Establishment or above.

If there were genuinely over twenty Late Foundation Establishment cultivators, their full-force combined attacks could shatter a Tier 2 High-Grade Great Formation in just a few strikes.

Yuan Qishan heard this and fell into deep thought. "What you say makes sense, Brother Fang. What do you think we should do?"

"My Fang Clan hasn't unanimously agreed to attack the Xu Family yet. I suspect it will take some more time and a few more Clan Meetings to discuss it. In the meantime, Brother Yuan, you can try to win over the Hua Clan.

It doesn't matter if it fails. But if you succeed, then with our three families uniting, we will definitely have full confidence in eradicating those Xu thieves!"

Yuan Qishan rubbed his chin and pondered, "That works too. But we must set a timeframe. If this drags on for two or three years, the only outcome will be us surrendering the Spirit Vein and obediently leaving Cloudstream Town."

"Then let's set it for two months from now. We also need to accumulate a batch of Pills to supplement our consumption during the attack on the Xu Family."

"Two months? That's acceptable. Then it is decided," Yuan Qishan said. "Brother Fang, you must not disappoint me again."

"Naturally," Fang Hongchang laughed heartily before leaving the Yuan Clan.

Yuan Qishan stared at his retreating back, a subtle light rippling in his eyes. 'Why does Fang Hongchang give me such a bizarre feeling? He agreed far too readily this time.'

After pondering for a moment, he flipped his hand, and a Talisman appeared in his palm. Performing a hand seal with one hand, he muttered a few incantations over the Talisman.

The Talisman transformed into an obscure stream of light and shot off into the distant sky.

The destination of the Talisman was exactly the Fang Clan, and it landed in the hands of a squad leader Guard at the 8th Layer of Qi Condensation.

At this moment, he was sitting cross-legged in a room, cultivating.

"A message from the Family Head?"

"Good thing it's my Rest Day today, otherwise this would be hard to explain."

The Guard had a well-proportioned figure and the ordinary appearance of a young man around thirty years old. He was a spy planted in the Fang Clan by the Yuan Clan, having been there for several years now.

Because his strength had reached the 8th Layer of Qi Condensation, he managed to secure the position of a squad leader, commanding a five-man team on patrols.

The Fang Clan had a total of thirty-six such squads. Twelve men formed a grand brigade, whose captain had to be a Perfected Qi Condensation Cultivator. Meanwhile, the one commanding all the Guards was an Early Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Fang Clan.

Some squads patrolled the family estate, while others guarded the Fang Clan's mines or patrolled the Spirit Fields and spirit lakes.

[Investigate the Fang Clan's movements over these two months. Report back every three days, especially regarding discussions in their Clan Meetings, and whether they are preparing for war or gathering supplies.]

"This is..." The young Guard's eyes focused. "Is a clan war about to break out?"

"With whom? The Yuan Clan?"

He lowered his head in contemplation. "If we're talking true family strength and foundation, the Fang Clan is still slightly weaker than the Yuan Clan. But if they fought, Both Sides Suffer Utter Defeat.

So it shouldn't be the Yuan Clan. If it were the Yuan Clan, the atmosphere in the Fang Clan right now wouldn't be like this.

But it seems the Fang Clan hasn't made any major moves recently?

Could the Family Head have made a mistake?

Whatever. The Family Head will judge for himself. I am not even a true disciple of the Yuan Clan, so why should I worry so much? I'll just do my daily patrols, send occasional messages, and peacefully collect my double portion of Spirit Stone rewards.

Even if both families fall, the worst-case scenario is I just pack up and run again."

"Wait, it's the Xu Family!"

The young Guard's eyes suddenly lit up.

Although he rarely went out, he occasionally heard things about the Xu Family from his colleagues. Recently, the Xu Clan Trading Company had been expanding at an explosive rate.

The trading company offered many premium items that were rarely seen even in the shops of the Yuan Clan and Fang Clan.

"That's it. The Xu Family is an outsider. They were fine before, but their rapid expansion now will inevitably severely impact the businesses of the other two families."

Several years ago, the various factions in Cloudstream Town all thought the Xu Family was a minor clan that needed the Hua Clan's protection.

Now, they all realized that what had arrived was a young tiger, fully capable of shaking and overturning the overlord families of Cloudstream Town, perhaps even replacing them entirely.

"If they go to war with the Xu Family, who knows what their chances of winning are."

To this day, no one had been able to see through the true depths of the Xu Family's foundation.

Otherwise, the Yuan Clan wouldn't be trying to Ally with the Fang Clan.

"Sigh, they say they're going to fight, and they just fight. How many years has it even been!"

The young Guard seemed quite resentful. "Why can't they just let me lie flat and live peacefully?"

"Is it really that hard to find a family in the Cultivation World where I can just collect a fixed salary and coast through life until I die?"

"Or perhaps I just carry my own bad luck... bad luck, Mei Yun... My parents really gave me a great name," Mei Yun grumbled internally.

"Last time, I joined a small family, and it was wiped out after a few years. Now I've come to Cloudstream Town and joined a large family like the Yuan Clan, and they can't even last a few years either.

I should hand in my resignation in a few days.

I can't put myself in harm's way over this little bit of Spirit Stones.

Hmm, maybe next time I should try my luck with a Golden Core Aristocratic Family?"

Six days passed in a flash.

Mei Yun sent messages twice, both times reporting that although the Fang Clan held Clan Meetings to discuss matters, there were no signs of preparation for war.

When Yuan Qishan read Mei Yun's reports, flames of fury immediately erupted in his eyes.

"What a fine Fang Clan. What a fine Fang Hongchang! You're putting on a show for me, aren't you!"

"Are they Sitting on the Mountain to Watch Tigers Fight, or have they already colluded with the Xu Family?"

"Since you are ruthless, don't blame my Yuan Clan for being unjust."

With Mei Yun serving as an inside man, if the Yuan Clan concentrated their forces and suddenly launched an attack, they could definitely Catch them Off Guard.

However, just two days later, Mei Yun submitted his resignation to both families.

Although Yuan Qishan was furious, now was not the time to target a lowly 8th Layer of Qi Condensation cultivator.

Three days later, many of the Fang Clan's properties suffered inexplicable attacks in the dead of night. A batch of Spirit Iron ore was robbed, Spirit Fields were destroyed, and their losses were substantial.

Their shops were also attacked, but fortunately, they were protected by Formations. The cultivators guarding the shops immediately notified the Fang Clan, and reinforcements quickly arrived, preventing any further losses.

The Fang Clan was furious.

They immediately convened a Clan Meeting to discuss the matter.

"Family Head, who do you think did this?" the Fang Clan First Elder looked at Fang Hongchang and asked.

"No matter who it is, anyone who provokes our Fang Clan must be made to pay the price," the Fifth Elder of the Fang Clan bellowed, slamming his hand on the table, his eyes brimming with anger.

"Could it be the Xu Family?" another person asked. "We previously allied with the Yuan Clan and suppressed the Xu Family. Now that they have the protection of the Heavenly Azure Sect, are they baring their fangs and seeking revenge?"

Fang Hongchang sighed heavily. "Multiple properties were attacked on the exact same day. Do you think the Xu Family has that much manpower?

Every location that was attacked had at least three Foundation Establishment cultivators and over a dozen Late-Stage Qi Condensation cultivators."

The remaining elders of the Fang Clan fell into silence.

"It was the Yuan Clan," Fang Hongchang said, rubbing his forehead.

'Did the Yuan Clan find out so quickly?'

He sighed inwardly, not knowing how to explain this to the Xu Family next.

"How do you know, Family Head?" the Fang Clan First Elder asked.

"Forget it. Since things have reached this point, there is no need to hide it from you all any longer. Earlier, Yuan Qishan came to discuss teaming up against the Xu Family. After mulling it over repeatedly and consulting with Hua Yunfei...

...I finally decided to lean towards the Xu Family.

Xu Chuan asked me to confuse and delay the Yuan Clan for a month and a half. I played along, but I never expected the other side to discover the deception so quickly.

It seems there are rats sent by the Yuan Clan within our Fang Clan."

"Such a thing happened?!" The Fang Clan First Elder was shocked. "Family Head, how could you decide to Ally with the Xu Family privately without discussing such a major matter with us!"

A cold sneer curled on Fang Hongchang's lips as he stared at the Fang Clan First Elder. "Because I know that many people in our Fang Clan stand with the Yuan Clan.

Even if we discussed it, the final result would only lean toward the Yuan Clan!

But I don't want that!"

He swept his gaze across the rest of the Fang Clan elders and added, "Do you know what decision the Hua Clan made regarding the Xu Family?"

"They should be helping the Xu Family, right?" an elder asked.

"They chose to remain neutral. As you all know, the Green Wood Sect is about to change Sect Masters. Feng Juechen is very likely to be elected, so the Hua Clan has its own way out.

But our Fang Clan doesn't!

In the Hua Clan's eyes, there is a high probability that the Xu Family will become the future overlords of Cloudstream Town. As for why they are so certain, I do not know.

But the feeling Xu Chuan gives me is far more terrifying than Yuan Qishan.

That is why I chose the Xu Family. But it is not an alliance. I am merely doing them a favor by delaying the Yuan Clan's move against them.

After this, we will have nothing to do with each other. As long as the Fang Clan becomes a common family in Cloudstream Town, the Xu Family has promised not to target us."

"Family Head, you are foolish! You believed the Xu Family just like that?" the Fang Clan First Elder said. "How do you know they won't target us afterward?"

Fang Hongchang replied, "Since everything is out in the open, let all the elders vote today."

"Will you follow me, or will you help the Yuan Clan?"

"Depending on the outcome, our Fang Clan will split into two branches today. That is still better than total annihilation."

"Good!" the Fang Clan First Elder shouted angrily. "Since the Family Head is so resolute, then let us split!"

"I agree with allying with the Yuan Clan. The Xu Family's foundation is shallow after all. Even if they are on good terms with two Golden Core Perfected Beings, our two families have similar backing. As long as we plan properly, destroying the Xu Family will not be difficult."

"The First Elder is right! I agree with the First Elder!"

"I am also willing to follow the First Elder!"

"Everything the Fang Clan has achieved so far has not been easy to come by. Maintaining the current tripartite balance of power is the best course of action."

The Fifth Elder, who was previously furious and insisted on making the culprits pay the price, changed his attitude in the blink of an eye.

"Fifth Elder, that wasn't what you said before?"

"The Yuan Clan's retaliation is only because of the Family Head's wrongdoings."

Fang Hongchang felt utterly helpless inside. Out of the nearly twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Fang Clan, only a mere five or six were willing to follow him.

Aside from one Late Foundation Establishment elder, the rest were in the early and middle stages of Foundation Establishment.

"Never mind. Forget it."

Fang Hongchang flicked his sleeves and left the Clan Meeting hall.

Soon after, news spread throughout Cloudstream Town that multiple Fang Clan properties had been attacked and that the Fang Clan had split into two branches, instantly causing A Great Disturbance.

The Fang Clan Head led a portion of the family members to reside in the Fang Clan's ancestral estate, while the Fang Clan First Elder, along with the majority of the family members and elders, continued to occupy the main Fang Clan mansion.

The Yuan Clan.

"Yuan Clan Head, everything before was solely the doing of Fang Hongchang. It did not represent the Fang Clan's decision. Now that this old man is in charge of the Fang Clan, I am willing to share honor and disgrace with the Yuan Clan."

Yuan Qishan laughed heartily. "You are still the wise one, Fang First Elder."

"Rest assured. With our two families joining forces, we will definitely be able to eradicate the Xu Family. At that time, our two families will split the Xu Family's wealth evenly."

"Then I must thank you, Yuan Clan Head," the Fang Clan First Elder cupped his fists and smiled.

"Then let us properly scheme on how to deal with the Xu Family."

After settling the Fang Clan members who chose to follow him, Fang Hongchang made his way to the Xu Residence.

Xu Chuan was in seclusion.

Fang Hongchang did not get to see him. The one receiving him was once again Xu Mingxian.

"Elder Mingxian, I am truly sorry. I messed up the task."

Xu Mingxian sighed softly. "It seems the rumors from a few days ago were true."

Fang Hongchang nodded slightly. "A spy was planted in my Fang Clan at some point. They leaked the news of our estate to the Yuan Clan, inviting their retaliation.

Previously, I had kept the agreement with your Xu Family hidden from the family elders.

Now that my Fang Clan has split, the majority have chosen to follow the First Elder and Ally with the Yuan Clan. Your Xu Family must be careful from now on.

Even if your Xu Family is on good terms with Perfected Person Fire Cloud and Chen Changge, they can still invite the Golden Core elders from the Corner Constellation City and Qingcang Sect to intervene."

"Is that so? Then if my Xu Family doesn't ask Perfected Person Fire Cloud and the others to intervene, will the Yuan and Fang families invite a Golden Core expert to make a move?"

Fang Hongchang was momentarily stunned, then shook his head. "They probably won't. Golden Core experts are not our two families' thugs. Unless wiping out our two families would cause their interests to suffer massive damage, They absolutely wouldn't intervene in a battle between minor families like us."

"I truly have no ability to salvage the subsequent matters. I have failed Family Head Xu's trust. Please pass on my apologies, Elder Mingxian."

"Rest assured. My father will not blame you."

'After you refused to become our Xu Family's tool last time, my father completely lost any expectations for your Fang Clan.'

'And now, I reckon even your promise regarding the Spirit Vein cultivation rooms won't be fulfilled either.'

"By the way, what are your plans next, Fang Clan Head?"

"For now, we are temporarily staying at the Fang Clan's ancestral estate. However, this is not a long-term solution. Out of sight, out of mind. I plan to lead the remaining family members to leave Cloudstream Town and settle down in another small town.

With the strength of my branch, establishing ourselves in another town won't be a problem. As for development, we will take it slowly."

He did not tell Xu Mingxian exactly where he was going next. It was an instinctive act of precaution.

"Then I wish the Fang Clan Head a bright future and may you recreate your former glory."

"Thank you."

After that, Fang Hongchang left the Xu Residence.

However, there were people spying outside the Xu Residence, and they quickly relayed this news to the Yuan Clan Head.

"Fang Hongchang, it seems I cannot allow you to live. Keep a close eye on the movements of the Fang Clan's splinter branch. If they show any signs of planning to leave Cloudstream Town, report to me immediately!"

"Yes, Family Head."

A trace of ruthlessness flashed in Yuan Qishan's eyes.

If Fang Hongchang and his group stayed in the Fang Clan's ancestral estate, it would be inconvenient for him to make a move, given his current alliance with the Fang Clan First Elder.

But if they left Cloudstream Town, there were plenty of ways to silently eliminate them.

"You brought this entirely upon yourself!" Yuan Qishan murmured under his breath.

Meanwhile, Xu Mingxian informed Xu Chuan about all the recent events.

"Fang Hongchang is finished," Xu Chuan suddenly said.

"Why did you come to that conclusion, Father? With the strength of the Fang Clan branch he leads, avoiding the conflict between the Yuan and Fang families and our Xu Family should be the best strategy."

"If your eldest or second brother were here, they certainly wouldn't think like that." Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "You truly aren't suited to manage the family."

Xu Mingxian didn't feel ashamed either. If it weren't for the fact that there were too few Xu Family members in Cloudstream, and Xu Chuan being busy with cultivation recently, it wouldn't be his turn to handle these matters anyway.

In the past, back in Dongxi, he only needed to peacefully comprehend the Array Dao.

"Then when will Father arrange for others to come?"

"Deling doesn't come back often, Ye Fan is busy with the Xu Clan Trading Company, and Deyue's temperament is similar to yours. Who else is there besides you?"

Xu Mingxian sighed softly upon hearing this. "Father, you should have brought another person skilled in managing the household here to Heavenly South back then."

Xu Chuan shook his head and chuckled.

"By the way, Father, why did you say Fang Hongchang was finished just now?" Xu Mingxian asked again.

"Two-faced, and he broke away from his family. It seems like he wants to preserve the Fang Clan, but all of his actions were completely foolish. Now he still expects to leave Cloudstream Town safely? Do you think Yuan Qishan would let Fang Hongchang off?"