Chapter 284: Remote Grotto-Heaven Divine Sense Meeting

The Clan Genealogy had updated and iterated a "room group chat" function.

Once the connection between the two locations was successfully established, Xu Chuan's control over the family would become even stronger.

Of course, it was still imperfect at the moment.

If the Xu Clan members could somehow find a way to let their divine sense enter the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven anytime and anywhere to communicate with others.

Then that would undoubtedly usher in the "Xu Clan Network Information Era"!

In the future, even if the Xu Clan members established new branches in the outside world, they would no longer have any worries, as they could communicate information at any time.

They could even establish an intelligence network spread across various regions to obtain firsthand news.

And in the future, if their physical bodies could also enter the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven at will, iterating an ability to teleport items and living beings.

That would be truly terrifying.

One person would equate to an entire clan!

For the next few days, every evening, Xu Chuan would invite his biological children, Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingshu, and Xu Mingqing, to enter the "Xu Family Loving and Harmonious Family Chat Group."

Unfortunately, they all rejected him.

This infuriated Xu Chuan to the point of cursing them out as a bunch of unfilial sons!

They actually treated their own father like a nuisance caller!

——————————

Dongxi.

Inside Xu Mingwei's bedroom.

He had already cultivated to Foundation Establishment Perfection, unable to advance any further.

The Golden Core bottleneck was like an insurmountable chasm to someone with his True Spiritual Root aptitude.

Therefore, he spent most of his time comprehending his arrow intent.

Indeed, Xu Mingwei had also comprehended the True Intent of the Dao of the Arrow entirely on his own without any divine ability references. Since then, he had not studied any other divine abilities, dedicating his entire heart to the Dao of the Arrow.

Since he no longer needed to cultivate desperately, he frequently kept Yang Ronghua company at night.

Today, they also planned to sleep in each other's embrace.

However, when the evening hour arrived.

He once again felt that bizarre and mysterious force tugging at his divine sense through the void.

"Again?"

Just as Xu Mingwei was about to resist.

The pulling force suddenly changed.

Two light tugs, followed by one heavy pull.

"This is..."

Although Xu Mingwei ultimately still rejected it, this frequency felt inexplicably familiar, yet he dared not believe it.

Xu Chuan sent this signal to all his other children.

But only Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan noticed it.

The next day.

Xu Mingwei sought out Xu Mingyuan and spoke to him about the matter.

"What is it, Big Brother? Did you also suffer from that inexplicable tugging on your divine sense again?" Xu Mingyuan asked thoughtfully. "Let's ask the others. Perhaps it isn't just the two of us brothers."

They had someone inquire about the whereabouts of Xu Mingxuan and the others.

They learned that both Xu Mingxuan and Xu Mingshu were in the Azure Sea Forest.

Afterwards, they sent someone to find Xu Mingqing.

As Dongxi's top Grandmaster Alchemist at present, Xu Mingqing rarely went out, spending most of his time stationed within the clan.

"Big Brother, Second Brother, why were you looking for me?"

Xu Mingwei looked at Xu Mingqing and asked, "Have you been suddenly harassed by any inexplicable force recently?"

"Eh? How did you know, Big Brother?" Xu Mingqing asked in surprise. "However, because this force was easy to break free from, and it only appeared around the evening hour.

So, I didn't pay it much mind.

At worst, I just rejected it every time it came."

"Was the frequency yesterday two light tugs and one heavy pull?"

"Was it? I rejected it the moment it appeared."

Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan exchanged glances, suddenly feeling speechless.

"Big Brother, Second Brother, is there a problem?" Xu Mingqing asked in confusion.

Xu Mingwei said, "I recall that when I was young, Father would supervise my studying and writing. He frequently tapped his fingers on the table, and it was exactly this frequency of two light taps and one heavy tap."

"It's Father? No way, right? This force is far too bizarre!" Xu Mingqing found it somewhat hard to believe.

"It might be." Xu Mingyuan also said, "I reckon it isn't just the three of us. Mingxuan and Mingshu were likely pulled by this force as well.

If it was just one person, then perhaps it wasn't Father's doing. But since several of us have encountered the exact same thing, based on my familiarity with Father, this seems like something he would do.

He used this commonality to make us realize it."

"What if it isn't? That force pierces through the void, coming and going without a trace, making it practically impossible to detect. If our divine sense is dragged inside, there might be immense danger.

Planting a Restriction on the main body through divine sense is an incredibly easy thing to do!

Furthermore, when the disparity in realms between both sides is too large, you wouldn't even be able to self-destruct that wisp of divine sense."

Xu Mingyuan rubbed his chin, musing, "Mingqing's words also make sense."

"I believe this is a signal Father is sending us. I will give it a try tonight. The two of you will guard my sides. If anything happens to me, kill me!"

"Big Brother!" Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingqing both paled in shock.

Xu Mingwei raised his hand. "No need to persuade me!"

"If someone really must try, then let me do it," Xu Mingqing offered.

"You are currently Dongxi's most important Alchemist. If something happens to you, a massive flaw will appear in our Xu Family's medicinal pill resources.

Mingyuan is the First Elder of our Xu Family and also the First Elder of the Immortal Martial Alliance. Nothing can happen to him either."

Pausing for a moment, he offered a faint smile. "Besides, I am your eldest brother. In the face of danger, I naturally must take the lead!"

"I understand, Big Brother." Xu Mingyuan eventually had no choice but to agree.

That night.

During the evening hour.

Inside Xu Mingwei's cultivation room.

Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingqing gathered there together.

Suddenly, the three of them simultaneously sensed that bizarre and mysterious force.

This time, Xu Mingqing didn't reject it immediately. Instead, he sensed it for a moment, and it truly was the frequency of two light tugs and one heavy pull.

Both he and Xu Mingyuan refused it, but Xu Mingwei accepted the "invitation." A wisp of his divine sense was instantly dragged into the void, vanishing without a trace.

No matter how they probed, they couldn't find a single clue.

"Second Brother, this is truly far too bizarre. Just what kind of power can achieve such a degree?"

Hearing this, Xu Mingyuan shook his head and sighed softly, uttering a single word: "Unknown."

His eyes were fixed on Xu Mingwei, filled with worry, as he prayed internally, 'Big Brother, please don't let anything happen to you.'

Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.

Xu Mingwei appeared within this realm.

Just as he was preparing to carefully observe his surroundings, he heard a voice ring out. "Are you also the master's descendant?"

"Who are you? Where is this?"

"My name is Xu Huai, a name given by the master. And this is the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven!"

"Surnamed Xu, the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven?!"

Seeing that the one communicating with him was a tall, straight locust tree, Xu Mingwei immediately exclaimed, "You are that small locust tree Father kept by his side back then."

"That's me."

As soon as those words fell.

Xu Mingxian's divine sense, along with Xu Chuan's physical body, also entered the grotto-heaven.

The current Xu Mingwei lacked a physical body; he was merely a wisp of formless divine sense. Even Xu Chuan had to radiate his own divine sense to observe him.

"Mingwei, it's been a long time." Xu Chuan's calm voice echoed.

Seeing Xu Chuan's voice, appearance, and smile, Xu Mingwei's divine sense immediately grew agitated. His voice even choked up slightly. "Father."

Since childhood, Xu Chuan had been Xu Mingwei's sky.

And it remained so now.

"How old are you now, yet you're still acting like this."

Xu Chuan himself was not entirely calm either, his heart churning with turbulent emotions.

"Big Brother, dragging you all into the grotto-heaven was truly difficult. It made Father so angry he wanted to send his divine sense over and beat you all up."

Xu Mingxian's teasing voice rang out.

Xu Mingwei immediately spotted his wisp of divine sense and greeted, "Mingxian."

"Big Brother, this is the exclusive grotto-heaven space belonging to our Xu Clan. I don't know much else, only that Father has a way to pull your divine senses in despite being hundreds of thousands of miles away.

Now that you've entered, the hardest step is finally over. Second Brother, Third Brother, and the others should also be able to accept the invitation and come in."

"Mingyuan and Mingqing are guarding my physical body. Mingxuan and Mingshu probably can't right now; they're in the Azure Sea Forest."

"Still in the Azure Sea Forest?" Xu Chuan said thoughtfully. "Send someone to call them all back. With the great calamity approaching, it's better to avoid the Azure Sea Forest. They should just focus on safely developing and cultivating."

"Understood, Father."

"Right, Big Brother, do you sense anything different about Father?"

"What's different?"

"Father, your ability to suppress your cultivation realm and hide your aura is so good that ordinary Nascent Soul experts can't even see through it. But there's no need for that in front of Big Brother, right?"

"It's a habit." Xu Chuan smiled faintly, and as he released his aura.

A faint wave of Golden Core Pressure permeated the entire Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.

"Golden Core!" Xu Mingwei cried out in excitement. "Father, you've achieved Core Formation!"

Xu Chuan gave a slight nod.

Xu Mingxian said, "Just a few months ago, Father achieved Divine Ability Core Formation, inviting all factions within Heavenly Azure Prefecture ranked at the Golden Core stage or above.

And right in front of everyone, he killed two Early-Stage Golden Core elders from a Nascent Soul-tier faction who had come to cause trouble. It could be said he truly made a spectacular show of himself."

"A Nascent Soul-tier faction? Father wasn't afraid of offending them?"

"We were already a thorn in their side. And they didn't just send two Early-Stage Golden Core elders this time; there was also a Late-Stage Golden Core True Lord who had achieved great mastery of their divine ability.

They came to kill Father."

"Then it was a good kill!" Xu Mingwei immediately stated forcefully. "I only hate that I wasn't by Father's side, otherwise I definitely would have shot an arrow right through both of their skulls!"

"How could Golden Core cultivators be so easy to kill?" Xu Chuan chuckled. "Exit for now and inform Mingyuan and Mingqing. I will pull you all back in shortly.

Then we can have a proper chat about the current situations in Dongxi, Guangling, the Immortal Martial Alliance, Great Wei, Great Liang, and Great Jin."

"Yes, Father."

With a single thought, Xu Mingwei withdrew from the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.

Inside the cultivation room.

He slowly opened his eyes.

Seeing this, Xu Mingyuan immediately asked, "Was it really Father?"

Xu Mingwei smiled faintly. "It's Father. After your divine sense is pulled away, you enter the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven that Father opened up. Father will pull the two of you in shortly, so do not resist."

"Pulling someone's divine sense into a grotto-heaven from hundreds of thousands of miles away? Has Father become an immortal?" Xu Mingqing murmured.

Shortly after, Xu Chuan's invitation was sent out once more.

This time, all three of them entered.

"Father," both Xu Mingqing and Xu Mingyuan called out, feeling quite thrilled.

Although they believed Xu Mingwei, seeing Xu Chuan with their own eyes after more than a decade inevitably made their emotions surge.

After exchanging some warm pleasantries, the first "remote divine sense meeting" within the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven officially began.

"Dongxi's current situation is stable. However, Mingqing's Dao of Alchemy is ultimately inferior to Father's. Starting a few years ago, apart from a select few individuals, the medicinal pill resources for the rest of the Xu Clan members have been strictly controlled."

"That's normal. Our Xu Family is already stable. For the sake of long-term considerations, we only need to pour all our efforts into cultivating a few key individuals. The rest can just progress step by step," Xu Chuan nodded.

Xu Mingyuan added, "In addition, there have been reforms to the Vassal Family system. Now, Vassal Families are divided into minor clans and major clans.

Some of those unable to keep up with our Xu Family's pace are gradually bordering on elimination."

"It's been over eighty years for the earliest batch of families that followed us—the Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li, and Zhou families. It's truly inevitable for ordinary families to experience rise and fall," Xu Mingxian stated.

"The main issue is internal conflicts. As Vassals of our Xu Family, they lack natural predators. The past one or two newly born generations grew up bathed in honey jars, and quite a few of them have terrible temperaments.

Some clan disciples throw their weight around like tyrants in their own territories.

Only the Li family can barely keep up, slowly developing towards an Immortal Cultivation family step by step."

"If they can't even manage their own families properly, then eliminate those who should be eliminated. Let them run their course; there's no need to worry about sentimental ties."

"Yes, Father," Xu Mingyuan replied.

Xu Mingxian asked, "Right, Second Brother, what about the Bai family and the Chen family?"

"They have both excellent and inferior disciples, but no outstanding figures capable of holding the fort. I estimate that in at most sixty years, they will likely end up following the same path as the Zhao, Qian, Sun, and Zhou families.

Oh, right, Master Gu also passed away a few years ago. The Gu family's development is largely the same."

Xu Chuan sighed softly. "The trajectory of history is always similar. Only those who are outstanding can break out of this cycle. However, in my view, they merely jump into another cycle.

Only by constantly breaking out can there be hope for existing for a millennium, remaining eternal for ten thousand years."

"At present, only the Ge family and the Zhou family have a decent developmental momentum," Xu Mingyuan said. "The Zhou family goes without saying; they are the number one major clan under our Xu Family.

A few years ago, the Ge Family Head, Ge Yuchen, broke through to Foundation Establishment, and the Ge family also advanced to a major clan.

Their momentum is even better than the Wu family's.

Although the Wu family is supported by Elder Wu Mingsheng, they still haven't produced any Immortal Seedlings with outstanding innate aptitude. Once he passes away, I fear they will also be demoted from a major clan down to a minor clan.

The Ge family, on the other hand, has given birth to two or three genius disciples in recent years.

It's the same for the Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Families in other commanderies.

Perhaps it is just as you said, Father. With the great calamity approaching, providences are converging, causing geniuses to continuously spring up like geysers. All the families are overjoyed beyond measure."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly, then asked, "What about the development of the Immortal Martial Alliance, as well as the Cao, Liu, Zhao, and Sima families?"

"The Immortal Martial Alliance has truly grown powerful now. Putting aside the fact that we lack a true Golden Core stage expert holding down the fort, we are already the number one faction.

The Cao Clan has already recovered from your previous suppression, Father. Rumor has it that another prodigy with Heavenly Spiritual Root aptitude appeared seven or eight years ago. However, they've kept it a tight secret, and this person has never wandered outside.

Our Xu Family has not been able to gather any specific information.

Right now, our Xu Family's hidden pieces have also infiltrated Great Liang and Great Jin.

It seems that the Sima Family and Liu Family have also birthed some special geniuses, though it's unknown whether they possess Heavenly Spiritual Roots.

The Zhao Family, on the other hand, is quite close with our Xu Family. Every year, they come to Dongxi to watch our Xu Family's Clan Meeting competition. Our two families have also joined together in marriage.

Within the territories of the Immortal Martial Alliance, quite a few aristocratic families have also married their daughters into our Xu Family.

According to Elder Zhao Qingyan, the Emperor of Great Liang seems to have stepped into the Mid-stage Golden Core, pulling one step ahead of the Sima Clan Ancestor and the Cao Clan Ancestor.

It appears he has rekindled his thoughts of annexing Great Wei and Great Jin. Over the past six months, he launched a war against each of them respectively, and emerged victorious both times."

"As the imperial dynasty grows stronger, his personal strength also rapidly increases. This cultivation method of a providence-based imperial dynasty is truly peculiar. I never even heard of such a thing in Heavenly South," Xu Chuan noted.

"Father, should our Immortal Martial Alliance intervene and stop him?"

"There's no need. The Emperor of Great Liang knows our Xu Family's strength. The power Moyue displayed back then, combined with the Profound Yin Blood Corpse, as well as the nurtured Ghost King of the Soul Banner, are more than enough to make him wary."

"Father, truth be told, these two trump cards have encountered some problems recently. They have become increasingly difficult to control. Big Brother and I don't dare to activate them anymore, afraid that we won't be able to suppress them and will suffer a backlash."

Xu Mingwei chimed in as well. "That's right, Father. Our Xu Family still needs a Golden Core stage expert to hold down the fort as soon as possible."

"Someone wants to attempt Core Formation?" Xu Chuan caught the hidden meaning. "Who is it?"

Xu Mingyuan sighed. "It's Xiaoyao. He finds it difficult to comprehend divine abilities and feels that he cannot walk the Divine Ability Golden Core Path. He has submitted requests to me several times, wishing to apply for a Core Formation Pill."

As a core figure of the Xu Family, Ren Xiaoyao was also aware that Xu Chuan had left behind a few Core Formation Pills in Dongxi, and among them were High-Grade Pills.

"However, I rejected all his requests. There are only five of these pills, and I didn't dare make the decision on my own."

"In your heart, you actually want to agree, right?"

"I can't hide anything from you, Father. Xiaoyao has sacrificed a lot for the Xu Family, and he is both my disciple and my son-in-law. In my eyes, there is no difference between him and the rest of our clan members."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "You are the family's First Elder, possessing authority even above the Family Head. As long as you and the Family Head agree, you can do anything. Even if you exhaust all these resources, it doesn't matter.

If they are gone, just gather more materials and refine them again.

Core Formation Pills are indeed precious. Even in Heavenly South, they are considered top-tier rare resources. However, our Xu Family is fundamentally centered around our people. You don't need to harbor any misgivings.

I have also obtained quite a few opportunities in Heavenly South, including an item known as the Heavenly Spirit Pill that assists in attempting Core Formation. It can assist with Spiritual Power Crystallization, though it's a pity I cannot send it over.

But with Xiaoyao's innate aptitude, coupled with a Spirit-Purifying Pill to cleanse his body and mana, as well as a Core Formation Pill, he should have a twenty to forty percent chance.

Later, I will pass on a Secret Method to you, which can increase the chances of Core Formation by another ten percent.

As for the rest, handle it as you see fit."

"Thank you, Father."

"Additionally, I will also organize the Dao of Alchemy, Dao of Artifacts, Talisman Dao, and Array Dao Inheritances, along with various dharma techniques and divine abilities that I've gathered here in Cloudstream.

This includes my insights into Core Formation, divine ability cultivation, and the methods of Divine Ability Core Formation. I will give them all to you to lend a helping hand, ensuring your divine ability cultivation is far more secure.

Work hard for the next period of time to record everything down. Compile them into volumes and store them in the Dongxi Dao Repository Pavilion."

"Yes, Father," the three replied simultaneously.

"Right, Father, the Yang Clan and Chang Clan have already transitioned into Immortal Cultivation families. I plan to abolish the follower family system. If the two families are willing, they can become Vassal Families. If not, they will no longer have any ties with our Xu Family."

"Why?"

"Currently, our core Xu Family members have all gradually developed. We no longer need external assistance. In fact, these so-called followers and Vassals might become a burden a hundred-odd years from now.

Unless they have immense potential like the Zhou family, which makes them worth accepting to handle matters for our Xu Family in the future.

I have high hopes for the Taiyuan Li Clan, the Langya Wang Clan, and the Qin family of Tongshan Commandery.

The Zhou family for the Dao of Alchemy, the Qin family for the Dao of Artifacts, the Li family for the Array Dao, and the Wang family for the Talisman Dao. This is my vision. What do you think, Father?"

"You are already scheming?"

"There's basically no hope for those few families to survive the great calamity, so I still have some confidence in this."

"It is feasible. When our Xu Family's merchant alliance spreads all over Heavenly South in the future, we will also need these four Daos to form our main forces."

"Father, I also have a matter here. The Lei Family wishes to invite me to refine pills. According to our Xu Family's reliable intelligence, the Lei, Lin, and Jiang families seem to have gathered a set of Materials for a Core Formation Pill," Xu Mingqing suddenly said.

"Oh? Are you confident in your success?"

"It will be a bit difficult, but I can give it a try."

"The materials for the Core Formation Pill are incredibly precious. Being able to gather a complete set is extremely rare. Accept the materials, and give one Core Formation Pill to the Lei Family.

Whether or not they can successfully form their cores will depend on their own luck."

Xu Mingqing curiously asked, "If you were to refine them, Father, how many pills could you produce from one set of materials?"

"Nine pills, with a guarantee of five or six High-Grade Pills."

"Then we should save them for you to refine, Father. Using this kind of medicinal pill for my practice would truly be a waste." Xu Mingqing decisively gave up the idea.

"Mingwei, Mingyuan, the number of Xu Family disciples is increasing. Those who need to go out and gain experience should do so. In the past, the Xu Family's members were few, and most were blessed with high talent, making the loss of even one an unbearable price.

Now, we do not lack those with True Spiritual Root aptitude. What we lack are true Prodigies forged through life-and-death hardships."

Xu Chuan cautioned them.

With the Clan Genealogy in hand, he naturally knew that over the years, apart from Deqian and a few juniors of the Chong generation dying last time, not a single other person in the Xu Family had perished.

As for Xu Mingwei and his siblings, although they hadn't undergone any life-and-death trials, possessing their Fate Talents was enough for them to be considered Prodigies in certain aspects.

"We will remember this."

"Let's end it here for today. For the next seven days, come in once every evening hour. From then on, we will gather once a month. For now, it is tentatively decided that only the few of you from the Second Generation are allowed to know.

You are now the managers over in Dongxi. There's no need to harbor too many misgivings about me; just do whatever you wish.

If you face any difficulties or doubts, you can come ask me again."

"Yes, Father."

Just as the meeting was about to conclude, Xu Chuan suddenly asked, "Wait, how is your mother doing nowadays?"

"Mother." Xu Mingyuan froze for a moment. "I am ashamed. It has been a long time since I paid my respects to Mother."

"Same here," Xu Mingqing added.

"Mother is well, please rest assured, Father," Xu Mingwei said. "Ronghua mentioned that Mother has been feeling carefree and content lately. Her mindset is as if she had returned to her youth.

She brought up a phrase you once said, Father: 'The world is so big, I want to go out and take a look.'

Recently, it seems she's been germinating this very idea."

Upon hearing this, Xu Chuan's body stiffened slightly, recalling the scene when he had first said those words.

At that time, Bai Jing had teased him, "I do not know what the world is like, but I do know there are numerous counties beyond Qingjiang County, as well as the Commandery City.

Yet, having grown up this much, I have never once left Qingjiang County."

"Then in the future, when our children have grown up and started their own families, your husband will take you out to tour this beautiful land's mountains and rivers."

Bai Jing had covered her mouth and chuckled softly. "Husband, by then, I'm afraid we'll both be too old to even walk."

"You know your husband's physical condition best, Madam. I'll just carry you on my back when the time comes."

"Husband, have you no shame, saying such things in broad daylight? Even the rocks have heard you."

"Hahahaha~"

Bai Jing never had any grand dreams. She only wished to bear children for Xu Chuan, support her husband, raise their kids, and live a fulfilling, ordinary life.

However, the destinies of the vast majority of people can never be controlled by themselves.

They can only drift with the current, finding peace in merely living a smooth life.

Xu Chuan sighed softly in his heart and said to Xu Mingwei, "Mingwei, Father has a favor to ask of you."

"Please speak, Father."

"I promised your mother that once you all grew up and started your own families, I would take her to tour the mountains and rivers of this beautiful land.

That was back when you were barely born.

In the blink of an eye, nearly a hundred years have passed.

Since your mother wants to go, take her in my stead to traverse the rivers and mountains.

With the identity of an ordinary person, let her see the various county towns, the Commandery Cities outside of Yuehu Commandery, and the great rivers. If there's a chance, you can also drop by and visit Wu'er on the way."

"I understand, Father."

"No matter how busy you are in the future, you must visit your mother more often. After all, she is different from us."

"Father, why don't you let Mother also walk the Immortal Dao?" Xu Mingqing asked.

"Everyone has their own choices on how to walk the path of their life. The people of the world all believe the Immortal Dao is good, but your mother has never once considered it.

She feels that in this life, having her family by her side and her children and grandchildren gathered around her knees is enough.

She supports me in walking the Immortal Dao.

And I respect her choice!"

"A forcefully picked melon might still be sweet, but a forcefully twisted person will only have bitterness for the rest of their life."

"Immortal cultivators prioritize having Clear and Unobstructed Thoughts. Your mother made her decision a long time ago. She possesses great wisdom and great perseverance.

If it were anyone else, how many would truly be able to abandon the chance of Immortal Cultivation?"

"I think I understand now," Xu Mingqing said.

"The same goes for you. You need to let go of what needs to be let go. Ye Fan has already married Deyue and they've even had a son."

"I understand. If I meet the right person, I will consider it."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly, then with a wave of his Sleeve Robe, he kicked them all out of the grotto-heaven.

Over the next few days, Xu Chuan, Xu Mingxian, Xu Deling, and Xu Mingwei were all equally busy.

After all, they needed to sync everything accumulated on Cloudstream's side with Dongxi.

Xu Mingxian had to organize his insights on the Array Dao, while Xu Deling organized her insights on the Dao of Artifacts. As for the Talisman Dao, there were currently no Tier-3 Treasure Talisman Inheritances, but what could be gathered here in Heavenly South was still far richer than what they had in Dongxi.

The father and daughter chatted quite a bit.

This conversation actually helped Xu Deling release the tautly strung string deep within her heart.

Her thoughts became even purer.

She surprisingly felt as though she was about to break through the final bottleneck.

A few days later, she went into secluded cultivation to practice her "Fire Emperor's True Pupil".

Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingxuan only learned of the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven matter half a month later.

Heeding Xu Chuan's advice, they withdrew all the clan disciples who were in the Azure Sea Forest and Ten Thousand Serpent Valley, allowing them only to travel and train within the territories of Great Wei, Great Liang, and Great Jin.

Half a month later.

Xu Deling's divine ability officially achieved introductory mastery.

True Lord Fierce Sun was overjoyed. He sought out Xu Chuan and informed him of the news.

"Xu Clan Head, Junior Sister Feng Ling has lived up to everyone's expectations. In less than half a year, she has already achieved introductory mastery of her divine ability. I'm afraid she is the number one person among this generation's Prodigies."

The absolute top Prodigies of the Prodigy Grand Assembly usually broke through within three years after the assembly's conclusion. Therefore, there was the so-called rule forbidding any attacks against Prodigies for three years.

This was solely to give them ample time to achieve their breakthroughs.

Of course, not the Prodigies of every single Prodigy Assembly could accomplish this. After all, not every assembly produced Prodigies with a ninety-percent introductory mastery of divine abilities.

"The next step is to initiate her breakthrough to the Golden Core."

True Lord Fierce Sun said, "I plan to bring Junior Sister Feng Ling back to the Heavenly Foundry Sect. Our sect has a Tier-4 Mid Grade Spirit Vein, which can increase her chances of breaking through."

"Naturally, it should be so."

"Thank you."

It wasn't long before Xu Deling also came to pay her respects to Xu Chuan, after which she quietly departed with True Lord Fierce Sun.

On her person, she carried the High-Grade Spirit-Purifying Pill and Heavenly Spirit Pill that Xu Chuan had long prepared for her, the "Ancient Golden Core Heaven Swallowing Method", and coupled with her Spirit Body Bloodline and the Tier-4 Mid Grade Spirit Vein.

It basically gave her a near-hundred-percent Core Formation rate!

Moreover, due to her own aptitude, combined with the assistance of the Tier-4 Mid Grade Spirit Vein and the use of the "Ancient Golden Core Heaven Swallowing Method", she might even be able to leap straight into the second layer of the Golden Core in one fell swoop.

Meanwhile.

In Dongxi.

Xu Mingyuan summoned Ren Xiaoyao over from Guangling.

"Honored Master, why were you looking for me?"

A faint smile hung on Xu Mingyuan's face. "It's a good thing."

"Regarding your application for a Core Formation Pill, the clan has fully approved it. Additionally, two Secret Methods will be gifted to you.

One can help you increase your Core Formation rate by ten percent, while the other can be utilized during the condensation of the Golden Core to rapidly convert your mana, avoiding any weakness after the breakthrough.

In addition, I have procured information on all the necessary precautions for Core Formation, as well as the refinement of your Natal Magic Treasure.

For the upcoming period, go into secluded cultivation right here in Dongxi and focus on comprehending these materials.

The matter of Core Formation is of utmost importance, and you must make ample preparations.

After mastering the Secret Methods, ingest the Spirit-Purifying Pill to complete the Spiritual Power Crystallization, and finally, enter secluded cultivation to assault the Golden Core bottleneck."

"Honored Master..." While Ren Xiaoyao's heart was flooded with shock, he was also incredibly moved.

"By the way, what grade of Core Formation Pill do you want? Currently, we have two Low Grade pills, two Mid Grade pills, and one High-Grade Pill.

Let's just go with the High-Grade one. After all, you are the first person from our Dongxi and Guangling branches attempting Core Formation. The higher your success rate, the better."

"Honored Master, there is only one High-Grade Core Formation Pill. It's far too precious. A Mid Grade pill will be enough, or even a Low Grade pill is fine."

"Listen to your master. It will be the High-Grade Pill."

Previously, Xu Mingyuan had held many misgivings and had to consider the other members of the clan, which was why he had hesitated to agree for so long.

But now that he had connected with Xu Chuan and received his approval, he no longer had any inner conflict.

"Will the clan have any objections?"

"I am the First Elder of the Xu Family; who would dare to voice an objection? As for the Family Head, Big Brother has no objections, so the Family Head wouldn't dare say a word even if he did.

I have already discussed this with your martial uncles, and they have all agreed."

"Thank you, Honored Master," Ren Xiaoyao said, cupping his fists heavily.

Ren Xiaoyao entered secluded cultivation in Dongxi.

Whether it was the Secret Method that aided Core Formation or the "Ancient Golden Core Heaven Swallowing Method", both were incomparably profound.

'When did our Xu Family obtain such profound Secret Methods? They are absolutely ancient Inheritances, but I've never heard of any ancient Grotto-Residence appearing in the world?

Whatever, there's no point delving too deeply into it.'

Apart from practicing the Secret Methods daily, Ren Xiaoyao also read the insights on Core Formation as well as the steps and precautions for refining a Natal Magic Treasure.

'Such detailed insights on Core Formation should be the personal experiences of a Core Formation immortal cultivator, right? But this is way too detailed, as if it were left behind specifically for future generations.'

'Its existence must have a reason. Ultimately, it can still increase the success rate of Core Formation by a few points.'

Ren Xiaoyao made his preparations for Core Formation.

Meanwhile, the arrangements for handling the Yang Clan and Chang Clan were also underway.

In the end, both families still chose to become Vassals to the Xu Family. Even though becoming a Vassal now meant their treatment was nowhere near what it would have been at the very beginning.

But given the Xu Family's current status, there were plenty of Immortal Cultivation Aristocratic Families who were practically begging to become their Vassals.

Unfortunately, the Xu Family basically no longer accepted any.

"Yang Yueheng, Chang Mingsheng, have you two clearly heard the matters I have just spoken of?"

"We have heard and understood everything. We absolutely dare not forget."

"Mhm."

Xu Chonghui looked at the two and nodded slightly. "If an Immortal Cultivation Aristocratic Family wishes to develop, it still has to rely on itself. Our Xu Family will take care of our Vassal Families to an extent, but it is extremely limited.

If you fail to manage your clan disciples well and subsequently suffer decline and destruction, our Xu Family will not intervene.

That is all I have to say. You may go now."

"Yes, Family Head."

Yang Yueheng suddenly spoke up, "Family Head, it's rare for me to visit Dongxi. I would like to pay my respects to Old Ancestor Ronghua."

Xu Chonghui glanced at him and calmly replied, "You've come at a bad time. My grandmother and grandfather both went out a few days ago, and I have no idea where they went."

"Then we will take our leave."

Yang Yueheng immediately departed from Dongxi along with Chang Mingsheng.

"Even though the Old Ancestor is still around, the few people from our Yang Clan who had close relationships with the Xu Family have already passed away. In the future, our Yang Clan will still have to rely on itself," Yang Yueheng lamented.

"Brother Yang, my Chang Clan is faring even worse than your Yang Clan. After all, your Yang Clan's Old Ancestor is the wife of the Arrow Demon, Xu Mingwei. The position of Dongxi Family Head currently resides completely in the hands of this branch."

"What does that matter? The Old Ancestor rarely involves herself in our affairs, unless our Yang Clan is caught in A Matter of Life and Death. Furthermore, since the Old Ancestor never practiced Immortal Cultivation, I'm afraid she won't live for much longer."

"You still have your son Yang Huaming. He is a genius with a chance at Foundation Establishment. If you can manage to beg for a Jade Marrow Pill to aid his breakthrough, your Yang Clan won't fall into decline for at least another century or two."

"Is it any different for your Chang Clan? Unfortunately, Foundation Establishment is a tremendously difficult hurdle."

"Let's drop it. Let's go, back to the Commandery City."