Chapter 280: Returning to Cloudstream, A Flawless Body, Spiritual Power Crystallization

"Two Tier 2 spirit veins?"

This was truly an unexpected delight.

Cloudstream Town inherently possessed a Tier 2 wood-attribute spirit vein. Heavenly Azure Sect had bestowed a Tier 3 wood-attribute spirit vein and a Tier 2 earth-attribute spirit vein.

Xu Mingxian had once mentioned to him that if they had five spirit veins representing the five elements to act as formation cores for a Tier 3 mid-grade grand array, its defensive capabilities would approach that of a Tier 3 high-grade grand array.

"Spirit veins are extremely important to the development of my Xu family," Xu Chuan said with a smile, cupping his hands. "Since that is the case, this junior will not stand on ceremony. I would like a water-attribute and a fire-attribute Tier 2 spirit vein."

"It can be done," Yan Longzi replied, stroking his beard.

"Sister Deling, what is the prize for ranking first among the prodigies?" Ye Fan asked.

"A high-grade innate spirit item, a mid-grade magic treasure, and a bottle of Golden Core stage cultivation pills."

"What kind of spirit item is it?"

"This innate spiritual energy is suitable for someone who cultivates a metal-attribute cultivation method. It doesn't suit me."

"Previously, the Azure Cloud Sect promised another opportunity for ascending the prodigy battle arena, but it seems they conveniently forgot about it."

Yan Longzi looked at Ye Fan and said, "You have already obtained an opportunity from the Prodigy Grotto-heaven. Countless people are green with envy. There were too many unexpected variables this time; ending up like this is already quite good.

"This time, the Blackwater Region was merely probing. The truly fierce competition will definitely be in the next assembly.

"If we can gather all the Ancient Prodigy Tokens for a Golden Core level assembly, they might even hold both the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core assemblies at the same time."

Pausing for a moment, Yan Longzi waved his hand. "Let's drop the subject. When are you all returning to Heavenly Azure Prefecture?"

"In three days. We have already made an arrangement with True Lord Green Wood."

"We cannot stop Deling from returning to Heavenly Azure Prefecture, but we likely won't head there too quickly. After all, establishing a branch sect in Heavenly Azure Prefecture is no simple matter.

"If it triggers strong resistance from the local Nascent Soul powers, this endeavor might even fail."

"This junior understands," Xu Chuan nodded, thinking to himself, 'The Heavenly Azure Sect is probably dying for you to intervene in Heavenly Azure Prefecture's affairs.'

"Fierce Sun, return to the sect right now and fetch a water and a fire Tier 2 spirit vein."

"Yes, Martial Uncle."

Not long after True Lord Fierce Sun left, a flash of red light suddenly darted out from Xu Deling's spirit beast pouch.

A small, crimson-gold sparrow with four wings flew out and landed on her shoulder. It chirped softly, seemingly communicating with her.

"What is this?"

"My spirit beast. It obtained an opportunity alongside me and underwent a rebirth through Nirvana. Its potential is immense. It was already at the late stage of Tier 1 the moment it was born, and it reached the early stage of Tier 2 in just a month.

"It is about to break through to the mid-stage of Tier 2 right now."

"Monstrous. Reaching the mid-stage of Tier 2 in just a few months? It shouldn't be inferior to the flood dragon race, right?"

"Xiao Hong bears the bloodline of the ancient Chongming Bird and has assimilated a trace of Flame Phoenix essence blood. After undergoing Nirvana and being reborn, her Chongming Bird bloodline was awakened and perfectly fused with the Flame Phoenix bloodline.

"Within a few years, she will be able to step into the peak of Tier 2. Only then will her growth rate begin to slow down."

"Demonic beasts with powerful bloodlines have foundations that humans simply cannot compare to," Xu Chuan sighed in admiration.

"This little one is both a glutton and a sleepyhead; she leaves me quite helpless. She only woke up this time because she sensed something good."

"Something good?" Ye Fan asked.

"It is the opportunity I obtained within the Prodigy Grotto-heaven. Actually, I didn't tell you the whole story."

"Oh?" Yan Longzi revealed a look of surprise.

"The main prize was indeed a feather, but the container holding it was a Tier 4 Supreme Yang Gem. As for the feather itself, it is a True Spirit Feather containing a trace of a Fire Phoenix's essence blood."

"What? It's actually a supreme treasure of that level?!" Yan Longzi's normally calm heart suddenly surged with turbulent waves. "Even Soul Formation stage experts would desperately crave such an item. The Prodigy Grotto-heaven actually bestowed this kind of opportunity upon you?!"

"At the time, a voice echoed in my ears, saying it was fated with me. I presume it was the senior artifact spirit."

"Rumor has it that the Fire Phoenix is a True Spirit avian far stronger than the Flame Phoenix!

"Little Ling, you must not speak of this to anyone else. Xu Chuan, the rest of you must also swear an oath not to leak this secret.

"After you return to the sect, go into seclusion immediately to refine it. In a year's time, you might just be able to fully comprehend ten percent of a foundational divine ability, paving the way for Divine Ability Core Formation."

Xu Chuan and the others immediately swore their oaths.

Naturally, they would never leak the secret, but doing so set Yan Longzi's mind at ease.

Not long after, Xu Chuan and his group took their leave.

"To think that even the artifact spirit of the Prodigy Roll favors Little Ling. Her future might not just stop at becoming a Grand Cultivator, she might even reach..."

Xu Deling's intrinsic value had skyrocketed once again.

Upon returning to the Heavenly Azure Prefecture's residence.

Ye Fan also shared the details of his own fortuitous encounter. The Golden Body Liquid he received wasn't the ordinary kind, but high-grade Golden Body Liquid.

A single drop of high-grade Golden Body Liquid was equivalent to ten thousand drops of the low-grade variety.

Even Thunder Sound Temple currently lacked items of such pristine quality.

Refining even the low-grade Golden Body Liquid was already incredibly difficult.

In this current era, refining the high-grade version was practically impossible; most of it was left behind from the ancient times.

This treasure could help break through physical limits, deeply nourishing the flesh and bones.

With this, Ye Fan finally had hope of his physical body breaking through to the third tier.

As for "Battling the Eight Directions," it was a precious ancient divine ability manual used to cultivate battle intent.

Battle intent was ethereal and intangible, unlike the widespread five-element divine abilities, making manuals focused on cultivating it extremely rare.

Ye Fan had broken past his limits on the prodigy battle arena, comprehending a trace of battle intent, which was exactly why he had earned this reward.

Although he possessed a fire-attribute spirit body and was equally suited to comprehending fire-element divine abilities, Ye Fan decided to cultivate both.

Once they returned this time, he would devote all his efforts to elevating his cultivation and comprehending divine abilities.

The same went for Xu Deyue. She was also walking the path of Divine Ability Core Formation, and Murong Yun had long prepared a suitable divine ability manual for her.

The next day.

True Lord Fierce Sun returned with the water and fire spirit veins, handing them over to Xu Chuan.

Right after he left, True Lord Green Wood arrived, requesting Xu Chuan to introduce him to Senior Yan Longzi.

Xu Chuan had guessed that True Lord Green Wood would seek him out on his own initiative. After a moment of feigned hesitation, and upon receiving the promise of another Tier 2 spirit vein, Xu Chuan agreed.

Moreover, what he requested was exactly the remaining metal-attribute spirit vein.

True Lord Green Wood also intended to rope in the Xu family, which was why he offered the Tier 2 spirit vein, allowing them to develop in Heavenly Azure Prefecture with peace of mind.

Otherwise, if a great war broke out, the worst the Xu family could do was simply abandon Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

If they left, it would naturally be impossible for the Heavenly Foundry Sect to intervene in the prefecture's affairs.

You couldn't catch a wolf without sacrificing a child. As long as the Heavenly Azure Sect survived, parting with a few Tier 2 spirit veins was an acceptable price to pay.

Not to mention, they had won an extra Tier 3 spirit vein from their previous wager with the Greedy Wolf Sect.

Even if it was only Tier 3 low-grade, it was still far more precious than five or six Tier 2 high-grade spirit veins, let alone the fact that the ones given away were naturally only Tier 2 low-grade.

When Yan Longzi saw Xu Chuan and True Lord Green Wood together, his expression turned rather odd.

'Is this kid Xu Chuan so afraid that my Heavenly Foundry Sect is full of empty talk and won't actually do anything? To think he brought True Lord Green Wood of the Heavenly Azure Sect here so quickly.'

Xu Chuan didn't stay, leaving the two of them to converse.

It wasn't long before Yan Longzi learned of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture's current predicament from him.

Hearing the news, he furrowed his brows deeply. His first reaction was to keep his beloved disciple far away from that chaotic powder keg.

With her innate aptitude, growing step by step to reach Golden Core Perfection wouldn't be much of a problem.

But the key issue was Xu Chuan.

If Xu Chuan was going to develop in Heavenly Azure Prefecture, Xu Deling would definitely return; this was her condition when she formally acknowledged him as her master.

"Senior, this junior has indeed met your distinguished disciple, Fairy Phoenix Plume. Back when our Heavenly Azure Sect opened the Heavenly Azure Secret Realm, she and Clan Head Xu entered together.

"Although she has now joined your esteemed sect, at the end of the day, she is still a person of my Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

"As long as Senior is willing to lend a hand..."

"How do you want my Heavenly Foundry Sect to intervene?"

"Either Senior could awe and intimidate the Greedy Wolf Sect, or you could establish a Heavenly Foundry Sect branch."

A strange glint flashed through Yan Longzi's eyes.

Wasn't this just like someone offering a pillow right when he was feeling drowsy?

A ready-made sucker!

"If this old man takes action, it would mean our two major forces formally becoming enemies, instantly triggering a massive war. There is absolutely no benefit in that for me."

"Then my Heavenly Azure Sect will assist the Heavenly Foundry Sect in establishing a branch in our prefecture. This move alone would make the Greedy Wolf Sect wary, delaying them for at least a period of time and allowing my sect to prepare more thoroughly.

"In this way, the advantages also outweigh the disadvantages for the Heavenly Foundry Sect.

"If there truly is danger, the worst that happens is you leave Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

"What does Senior think?

"After all, the Xu family is in Heavenly Azure Prefecture. I imagine that if Fairy Phoenix Plume knew her family was in distress, she would definitely rush back..."

Yan Longzi fell silent for a moment before replying coolly, "Building a Golden Core sect is no simple matter. Both the spirit veins and the location are incredibly important."

"For the location, you could choose Fire Cloud Valley, roughly forty kilometers south of Cloudstream Town. That is also the residence of Fairy Phoenix Plume's previous master, Daoist Friend Fire Cloud.

"The area intrinsically possesses a Tier 2 high-grade fire-attribute spirit vein, and the underground is a molten lava zone, perfectly suiting your esteemed sect's artificing needs.

"An ordinary Golden Core aristocratic family naturally wouldn't have the capability to renovate it.

"But my Heavenly Azure Sect can offer a Tier 3 fire-attribute spirit vein, plus three other spirit veins, to jointly remodel it with your noble sect, building it into a place suitable for your branch sect's development.

"Are these conditions to Senior's satisfaction?"

"By doing this, wouldn't your Heavenly Azure Sect be taking a massive loss?"

"To my Heavenly Azure Sect, mere spirit veins are far less important than time."

"I need to return and discuss this matter with my senior brother. If there is any news, we will dispatch a Golden Core cultivator to your Heavenly Azure Sect to negotiate."

"Thank you, Senior. This junior will await the arrival of your esteemed sect's Daoist friends at the Heavenly Azure Sect."

True Lord Green Wood cupped his hands and bowed. "Then this junior will take his leave."

Watching him depart, Yan Longzi shook his head with a self-deprecating laugh, murmuring, "I originally thought the Heavenly Azure Sect would be the hardest hurdle, but who would have expected them to be practically begging for a Nascent Soul power to intervene.

"However, a war between two prefectures is no trifling matter. I still need to properly discuss this with my senior brother, and perhaps try to persuade Little Ling again while I'm at it."

On the third day.

The people from Heavenly Azure Prefecture also set off, using the teleportation array to return to Profound Moon City in the Northwest Region.

As for the members of the Profound Moon Sect, they had already returned two days prior.

Upon arriving in Profound Moon City.

They did not linger, immediately boarding a magic skiff to head back to Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

News of the Prodigy Grand Assembly was already gradually spreading across the various prefectures. Since the people from Heavenly Azure Prefecture hadn't returned yet, there was still no news on their end.

But within a few months at most.

The affairs of the Xu family would undoubtedly cause a massive uproar.

People in other parts of Heavenly South might not know of the Xu family.

But the Xu family had already stirred up quite a storm during the prodigy preliminary selection held in Profound Moon City, catching the eyes of many factions.

And now, they had practically pierced the heavens.

Three members of the Xu family had ranked among the Heavenly Dipper prodigies, a result even more dazzling than that of the Profound Moon Sect.

After all, the Profound Moon Sect only had Zhang Xuanzhi ranked ninth, while the rest barely had one or two Earthly Fiend prodigies.

Factions like the Cangshan Sect fared even worse; some didn't have a single person make the cut.

Cloudstream Town.

True Lord Green Wood said, "Clan Head Xu, this true lord will drop you off here. The items we spoke of previously will be delivered in a few days."

"Many thanks, Senior True Lord Green Wood," Xu Chuan replied, cupping his hands.

True Lord Green Wood gave a slight nod. With a sweep of his sleeve robe, he commanded, "Let's go, back to the Heavenly Azure Sect."

The magic skiff, carrying the people of the Heavenly Azure Sect and the Three Sects, flew toward the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range.

Yan Kuangtu also bid Xu Chuan farewell and flew toward Heart Constellation City.

At the Xu Family estate.

Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxian flew directly into the estate from the sky.

Once they were spotted, the news instantly spread throughout the entire clan, and everyone rushed over to pay their respects.

"Respectfully welcoming the Clan Head and the elders on your safe return!"

"Respectfully welcoming the Clan Head and the elders on your safe return!"

Xu Chuan swept his gaze over them and offered a faint smile. "I appreciate the sentiment."

He then looked at Wu Zhuqi. "How is everything at home, including all our businesses?"

"Everything is well, but there have been quite a few unfamiliar cultivators appearing in Cloudstream Town recently, all inquiring about the Xu family's background."

Xu Chuan nodded. "Everyone, go back to your duties."

"Yes, Clan Head."

The news of Xu Chuan and the others returning was kept tightly under wraps, leaving Cloudstream Town as calm and tranquil as usual.

Five or six days later.

True Lord Green Wood's disciple delivered the metal-attribute spirit vein.

Xu Mingxian began laying out the formation using the Tier 2 five-element spirit veins. As for the Tier 3 spirit vein, they kept it guarded for the time being, saving it for future use.

For this specific setup, Xu Mingxian spent a full month painstakingly arranging the clan protection grand array.

A month later.

A disciple from one of the Three Sects came to Cloudstream Town to purchase supplies and accidentally let slip the news that the Prodigy Grand Assembly had ended and the participants had returned.

Following that came the explosive revelation: three prodigies from the Xu family had made it onto the Prodigy Roll!

Cloudstream Town instantly boiled over!

"To think the Xu family is this incredible!"

"Three prodigies from a single clan, just how outstanding is that?! I heard that even the Heavenly Azure Sect only had their chief Foundation Establishment disciple, Xi Tianqing, place on the roll."

"Whether it's a blessing or a curse is hard to say. Being this dazzling, I'm afraid they'll attract countless greedy eyes."

At the Hua Clan.

"Great-aunt, the Prodigy Grand Assembly has concluded. The Xu family actually had three people rank on the Prodigy Roll! Their results are even better than the Heavenly Azure Sect's!"

Hearing this news, Hua Qingxue was so deeply shocked that her beautiful eyes momentarily lost their luster.

"How is that possible? That's the Prodigy Grand Assembly. The absolute most elite Foundation Establishment disciples from all the Nascent Soul powers across the entire Heavenly South participate in it. How could a mere Foundation Establishment clan like the Xu family achieve such a thing?"

"The news has already spread. Word has it that the participants returned a month ago," Hua Yunfei said. "Great-aunt, why don't you send a message to ask the Sect Master of the Green Wood Sect? He definitely knows the detailed situation."

"Alright."

At the Xu Family estate.

Every day, Xu Chuan used the Power of Withering and Thriving to cleanse and temper the Withered Glory Tree.

He had planted it near the Ancient Locust Tree, the Heavenly God Tree, and the Azure Spirit Tree.

Now, the Withered Glory Tree had already grown to be taller than a person.

Daily comprehension of its profound mysteries of withering and flourishing, especially witnessing the exact moment the tree cycled through life and death, provided him with immense inspiration.

His understanding of the Withered Glory True Intent grew deeper and deeper.

He was creeping closer and closer to the minor completion stage of his true intent.

Only when his true intent reached minor completion could his cultivated divine ability also reach minor completion.

The cultivation of divine abilities primarily revolved around comprehending various true intents.

Two months later.

Xu Chuan finally stepped into the minor completion of the Withered Glory True Intent and successfully created the "Withered Glory Seal."

However, at present, it only consisted of a single move, named the "Four Seasons Seal," drawing upon the meaning of 'one year, one cycle of withering and flourishing, as the four seasons turn.'

The vitality of spring, the ferocity of summer, the desolation of autumn, and the solitude of winter.

"Xu Chuan, you finally created your own divine ability,"

Moyue suddenly appeared from out of nowhere, having shrunk himself down to a few feet in length, and stared intently at Xu Chuan.

Xu Chuan cast a glance at him. "Were you out roaming the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range again?"

"I asked you to guard the estate properly, yet the last time we returned, you were nowhere to be found. Don't tell me you took a fancy to some female flood dragon and are looking for a late blooming spring romance?"

"Why must it be a female flood dragon?"

"Uh..." Xu Chuan froze for a second before bursting into laughter. "It seems I underestimated you, Moyue."

"I forgot that your flood dragon race can mate with the vast majority of living beings and sire offspring that carry the flood dragon bloodline."

"Damn it, you tricked it out of me." Moyue immediately realized what had happened, but then continued, "Whatever, it's no big deal. If this seat has descendants, Xu Chuan, you must nurture them well."

"Has Lord Moyue also started considering passing down his legacy to his heirs? Breaking through to the fourth tier isn't completely hopeless for you."

"Just tell me if you'll nurture them or not."

"Naturally. Demonic beasts with the flood dragon bloodline boast enormous potential! Not to mention they would be your descendants."

"Of course! After consuming that Dragon Origin Pill, this seat's bloodline has become even purer!"

"Enough about me. When are you planning to attempt Core Formation?" Moyue asked curiously.

"This Core Formation attempt absolutely must serve as a deterrent. Only in doing so can it buy us a period of stable development."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "According to my calculations, Deling should be arriving soon. When that happens, there will likely be one or two Golden Core cultivators from the Heavenly Foundry Sect, along with some of their disciples, coming over.

"We'll also see if we can invite anyone from the Profound Moon Sect while we're at it."

Moyue's dark golden pupils shrank slightly. "You want to borrow the prestige of two major powers to intimidate the other families, especially the Profound Moon Sect. Even if the visitors have no deep ties with the Xu family, as long as they show up, they'll be considered your connections.

"Their deterrent power is far greater than that of the Heavenly Azure Sect.

"It will also serve as a warning to the Greedy Wolf Sect, letting them know that even if they go to war with the Heavenly Azure Sect, the Xu family is not an entity they can lightly offend."

"Could it be that after venting out all your excess energy, you've actually gotten smarter?"

"Scram!"

Moyue's face darkened, and he turned around, plunging into a nearby water pool.

Three or four days later.

Xu Chuan first consumed a high-grade Spirit-Purifying Pill to eliminate any hidden problems within his body, expelling trace amounts of pill toxins and rendering both his physical body and mana nearly flawless and pristine.

He then went into seclusion to refine and achieve spiritual power crystallization.

This step was incredibly arduous for the vast majority of cultivators at Foundation Establishment Perfection; many were unable to completely crystallize their mana.

This was heavily tied to the purity of one's mana.

The reason the mana refined by ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivation methods faced so many hurdles during crystallization was due to the mana's innate quality.

The purer the mana and the higher its quality, the easier this step became.

This was also the fundamental reason why disciples from major factions always had a higher success rate at Core Formation compared to rogue cultivators.

Cultivating the "Wood Sovereign Scripture," Xu Chuan's mana quality was naturally top-tier. Furthermore, with the aid of a Heavenly Spirit Pill, a process that might take even some geniuses several months or longer to accomplish was dramatically shortened.

He only needed a little over half a month to complete his spiritual power crystallization.

During this period.

The members of the Heavenly Foundry Sect arrived in Profound Moon City via the teleportation array in Heavenly Foundry City.

The new arrivals were True Lord Fierce Sun, True Lord Yanzhen, and Rong Tianyang—three Golden Core cultivators.

True Lord Fierce Sun was meant to act as the overseeing anchor for the branch sect, while True Lord Yanzhen would take charge of artificing affairs. The Heavenly Foundry Sect's trip wasn't solely for Xu Deling; if the branch sect flourished, it would also bolster the foundation and influence of the main sect.

As for Rong Tianyang, he would be responsible for handling general sect affairs.

Aside from the three Golden Core cultivators, they had brought thirty-six Foundation Establishment disciples and one hundred and forty-four Qi Refining disciples.

Among them were those skilled in spell combat, those adept at artificing, and others suited for handling miscellaneous chores.

Zhu Rong originally wanted to come as well, but alas, with Xu Deling absent, the Heavenly Foundry Sect still needed him to hold up their reputation. After all, he was a prodigy ranked eighteenth on the Prodigy Roll.

"Daoist Friend Fire Cloud, we are unfamiliar with the exact location of Heavenly Azure Prefecture. We will have to rely on you to lead the way," True Lord Fierce Sun said.

Perfected Person Fire Cloud smiled faintly. "That is only natural."

"Senior Brother Fierce Sun, could you accompany me to pay a visit to the Profound Moon Sect?"

"For what matter?"

"The Profound Moon Sect is, after all, the number one sect in the Northwest. If our Heavenly Foundry Sect is to establish a branch here, it is only proper to notify them. Moreover, I have a personal matter I need their help with," Xu Deling explained.

True Lord Fierce Sun pondered for a moment before nodding. "Alright, then I will accompany you, Junior Sister Phoenix Plume. The rest can wait here."

There were members of the Profound Moon Sect stationed in Profound Moon City.

Upon submitting a formal calling card, those disciples would naturally relay the message back to the main sect.

"Fairy Phoenix Plume, the number one prodigy on the Prodigy Roll, is actually coming to visit our sect's prodigy?"

The Profound Moon Sect disciples found it absolutely beyond common sense. Catching just a glimpse of Xu Deling left them feeling somewhat dizzy.

'How terrifying. Truly worthy of being the number one prodigy!'

One of them immediately cupped his hands. "Fairy Phoenix Plume, Senior True Lord Fierce Sun, please wait a moment. I will send word at once."

Xu Deling gave a slight nod.

Many disciples started murmuring in speculation, wondering if Fairy Phoenix Plume had taken a fancy to their Profound Moon Sect's prodigy.

At the Profound Moon Sect.

Within a certain mountain peak grotto-residence.

'A disciple is sending me a message?'

Zhang Xuanzhi was currently in the midst of comprehending divine abilities. Feeling his communication token vibrate, he opened his eyes to check it.

He brushed his hand over the token. The crystalline jade bead in the center shot out a faint white light, forming several lines of text in the air.

[Senior Brother Zhang, Fairy Phoenix Plume and True Lord Fierce Sun have come to visit. Do you wish to see them?]

"Fairy Phoenix Plume, visiting me?" Zhang Xuanzhi was somewhat surprised. "We haven't even spoken a single word to each other."

"Where are they?" he replied.

"At the sect's residence in Profound Moon City."

"Ask them to wait a moment. True Lord Qingxuan and I will head over immediately."

"Yes, Senior Brother Zhang."

Zhang Xuanzhi notified True Lord Qingxuan, and the two set off for the sect residence in Profound Moon City.

"Daoist Friend Fierce Sun, what brings you all to Profound Moon City so suddenly?" True Lord Qingxuan asked with a smile, cupping his hands.

Xu Deling and Zhang Xuanzhi exchanged greetings with True Lord Qingxuan and True Lord Fierce Sun, respectively.

True Lord Fierce Sun smiled faintly. "I am merely accompanying my junior sister."

"Fairy Phoenix Plume, we haven't seen each other in over three months. Your bearing is even more striking than it was during the Prodigy Grand Assembly," True Lord Qingxuan praised.

"Senior overpraises me," Xu Deling replied. "I have come here for two matters: one official, and one personal."

"Please speak, Fairy."

"The official matter is that my two masters plan to establish a branch sect in Heavenly Azure Prefecture. I came to notify your esteemed sect and hope for your permission."

True Lord Qingxuan's expression changed slightly, and Zhang Xuanzhi also revealed a look of astonishment.

"Why so suddenly? And why Heavenly Azure Prefecture?"

"Is the Profound Moon Sect unwilling?" she asked.

"Not at all. Our Profound Moon Sect has rarely interfered in general Northwestern affairs; we only take action when the region's overall safety is threatened. It is a good thing that the Heavenly Foundry Sect wishes to establish a branch in the Northwest.

"At the very least, it will be joyous news for many Golden Core cultivators.

"However, this true lord is genuinely curious about the reasoning behind this."

Xu Deling let out a soft sigh. "It seems Senior is unaware of my true identity. But that's to be expected; the Northwest Region is vast, and news doesn't always travel that quickly."

Pausing for a moment, she continued, "This junior actually hails from Heavenly Azure Prefecture. Under the guidance of my master, Perfected Person Fire Cloud, I traveled to the Heavenly Foundry Sect and joined them through a stroke of serendipity."

"Is that so?!"

True Lord Qingxuan and Zhang Xuanzhi were stunned once again.

Zhang Xuanzhi asked, "May I ask which aristocratic family or sect in Heavenly Azure Prefecture the Fairy comes from?"

"Cloudstream Town, the Xu family!"

"The Xu family?!" Zhang Xuanzhi stood dumbfounded. "What is your relationship with Xu Deyue, Ye Fan, and Xu Mingxian?"

Xu Deling beamed a radiant smile. "Xu Mingxian is my fifth uncle, and Deyue is my younger sister. My birth name is Xu Deling!"

"A few aristocratic families in Heavenly Azure Prefecture are already aware of this."

"And here I thought a single clan producing three prodigies was already shocking enough!" True Lord Qingxuan glanced at Xu Deling with a soft sigh. "To think there was also the number one prodigy among them."

"If the other top-tier powers find out, their jaws will hit the floor."

A brief moment later.

True Lord Qingxuan said, "Since we understand the reasoning, our Profound Moon Sect will naturally not interfere. If you require any assistance, feel free to inform us."

Building good relations with the number one artificing sect—even just a branch—would only bring benefits to the Profound Moon Sect.

"What about the personal matter?" Zhang Xuanzhi asked curiously.

"I would like to invite Daoist Friend Zhang and Senior Qingxuan to visit the Cloudstream Xu family as guests for a period of time, and incidentally, to watch my grandfather undergo Core Formation.

"My grandfather once told me that he should be able to form his core within half a year. When the Prodigy Grand Assembly concluded a few months ago, he asked me to invite the Profound Moon Sect when I returned to Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

"The two locations are incredibly far apart, and Heavenly Azure Prefecture lacks a teleportation array.

"So, this junior simply thought I might see if I could invite the two of you to travel with us and stay for a while."

The two men looked at each other in dismay.

For a moment, the room was completely silent, save for the tranquil sounds of True Lord Fierce Sun casually sipping his tea.

Shortly after.

Zhang Xuanzhi spoke up. "Core Formation is no trifling matter. Since the Fairy has invited me as a guest, it would naturally be impolite to refuse. But as for my Martial Uncle Qingxuan..."

"This old man would also like to pay a visit to Clan Head Xu," True Lord Qingxuan said with a faint smile. "Perhaps I could gain some insights and see just how exactly Clan Head Xu managed to raise four prodigies."

Xu Deling smiled softly and cupped her hands. "Then many thanks to you both. When shall we depart together?"

"Let's leave in half a day. This old man must return to the sect to arrange a few matters," True Lord Qingxuan replied. "Xuanzhi, you keep Fairy Phoenix Plume company and show her around Profound Moon City."

"Yes, Martial Uncle Qingxuan."

With that, True Lord Qingxuan left the residence and headed back to the Profound Moon Sect.

He relayed the situation to his master, the Sect Master of the Profound Moon Sect.

"To think that the number one prodigy, Fairy Phoenix Plume, actually hailed from a small family in our Northwest Region."

Upon hearing the news, a flash of surprise crossed the Sect Master's eyes, and he spoke coolly, "Then go and probe the Xu family's foundation, and observe exactly how this Clan Head Xu plans to conduct a public Core Formation."

"Yes, Master."

Right at that moment, a voice echoed throughout the grand hall.

"There is no need to probe the Xu family's foundation. Simply bring along a generous gift as a congratulatory present for his Core Formation, stay until the process is complete, and then return."

"Master, you're..." The Sect Master started to say, but receiving no reply, he sighed lightly and looked at True Lord Qingxuan. "Just do as your grandmaster says."

"Yes."

Considering what would constitute a 'generous gift,' True Lord Qingxuan prepared six Tier 3 pills meant for consolidating foundations and cultivating vitality, as well as a bottle of Purple Radiance Pills used to refine Golden Core mana.

Of course, they were all of low grade.

Pills of Tier 3 and above were incredibly precious, especially the high-grade ones.

'Let's skip magic treasures. Given Xu Deling's relationship with the Heavenly Foundry Sect, she might have already prepared a mid-grade or even a high-grade magic treasure for him.

'Then I shall select top-tier Tier 3 spirit woods and spirit medicines.

'I heard he specializes in a wood-attribute cultivation method. So, one piece of Azure Dragon Wood, one stalk of Heavenly Sound Bamboo, one piece of Purple Lightning Wood, along with six three-thousand-year-old spirit medicines.

'Plus ten portions of Tier 3 spirit iron.

'Grandmaster asked for a generous gift; this should be about right.'

"Little Qingxuan is indeed quite sincere, much better than that stingy disciple of mine."

Using his divine sense to pry, Zhang Fan watched as True Lord Qingxuan selected the Core Formation gifts and left the sect's treasury.

"Attempting Core Formation at nearly one hundred and twenty years old is vastly inferior compared to his number one prodigy granddaughter, but being so utterly confident in his success is quite rare."

Even for Divine Ability Core Formation, the success rate was generally only fifty percent.

And it rarely succeeded on the first attempt.

"If you go to the trouble of inviting guests and end up failing your Core Formation, let's see where you can hide your face, you rascal. You scammed so many treasures off me last time; if you fail this attempt, I will definitely mock you mercilessly."

Zhang Fan immediately decided to head over in secret to observe the spectacle.

Half a day later.

True Lord Qingxuan—and Zhang Fan in secret—boarded the Heavenly Foundry Sect's magic skiff, setting course for Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

Six or seven days later.

Xu Chuan emerged from seclusion.

His entire body of mana was completely crystallized, leaving only the final assault on the bottleneck.

He already knew the method for Divine Ability Core Formation like the back of his hand.

However, that was for standard foundational Divine Ability Core Formation. By using his minor completion Withered Glory True Intent as his foundation to blast through the profound gate, Xu Chuan's chances of successfully forming a Golden Core were a staggering seventy percent.

Coupled with the efficacy of the Spirit-Purifying Pill, which rendered his physique and mana nearly flawless, his odds increased by another ten percent.

Furthermore, having lingered at Foundation Establishment Perfection for so many years, the Golden Core bottleneck had naturally weakened significantly under the effect of [Heaven Rewards Diligence], adding yet another ten percent.

The final five percent came from the five-element Tier 2 spirit veins.

Ordinary Tier 2 spirit veins offered little to no help for a Foundation Establishment cultivator pushing for the Golden Core realm.

But the five-element Tier 2 spirit veins, combined with Xu Mingxian's Tier 3 low-grade Five-Element Yuan-Condensing Grand Array, could bump the Core Formation success rate up by half a tenth.

It might even be more than five percent; it could approach ten percent.

This was the miraculous effect of Providence enhancement.

When the luck of heaven and earth arrived, everything worked in perfect harmony!

Not only had he comprehended the minor completion Withered Glory True Intent, but he had also obtained the five-element Tier 2 spirit veins.

When Xu Deling secured the title of Heavenly South's number one prodigy, the massive power of Providence she earned naturally merged into the Xu family's clan luck.

Along with Xu Mingxian and the others participating in the Prodigy Grand Assembly, all three had triggered substantial Providence feedback.

Their future cultivation and comprehension efforts would be smooth sailing for quite some time.

'The clan genealogy's effects are inextricably linked to both the Xu family's clan luck and the cultivation ceilings of the clan members. With the clan luck skyrocketing consecutively like this, there will undoubtedly be immense changes,'

Xu Chuan calculated silently, the corners of his mouth curving slightly upward. "They should arrive in seven or eight days, shouldn't they?"

"Wu Zhusan," Xu Chuan sent a sound transmission.

"Clan Head, what are your orders?"

"Send invitation cards to the Three Sects, Heavenly Azure Sect, Chen family, Cang family, and the Golden Core aristocratic families of the seven cities. Half a month from now, on the eighth day of the sixth month, this Xu will undergo Core Formation. Invite all the families to come observe the ceremony, and afterward, attend our Xu family's Golden Core Grand Ceremony!"

"Clan Head, this..." Wu Zhusan's pupils constricted in shock.

"Just do as instructed. The Golden Core Grand Ceremony will take place in the square in front of the Cultivation Tower. Make absolutely sure everything is prepared perfectly. Many important figures will be arriving."

"Yes, Clan Head."

Even though he found it completely unbelievable, Wu Zhusan chose to follow orders without question!

Regardless of the outcome, both the Wu clan and the Yan clan were servants under the Xu family's command. Even if their Green Flower Slave Marks were removed in the future, that fact would never change.

At the Chen Family.

Upon receiving the Xu family's invitation card, Chen Tianfang's breath hitched instantly. Feeling a massive storm approaching, he immediately dispatched someone to deliver the invitation to Chen Changge at the Green Wood Sect.

Inside the Law Enforcement Hall.

"Elder Chen, a disciple from your Chen family has arrived, saying he is delivering an invitation card from the Xu family."

"Let him in."

The Chen family disciple handed the invitation card directly to Chen Changge. When Chen Changge opened it and saw the contents, he shot up from his seat in absolute shock.

"He's actually about to attempt Core Formation? And doing it publicly at that?! Brother Xu's absolute boldness... I truly pale in comparison!"

Gripping the invitation card tightly, Chen Changge knew full well that Xu Chuan was not a man to act blindly without a target. For him to do this, he definitely possessed a strong degree of certainty.

No matter how he managed to achieve it, Chen Changge knew he absolutely had to bring a worthy gift when the time came.

"But... Brother Xu, I never expected you to attempt Core Formation this quickly. My Chen family has only been a Golden Core aristocratic family for a few short years; we don't have any genuinely precious congratulatory gifts to present!"