Chapter 317: Sacrificing to the Ancestors and Heaven, Passing Down Three Methods at the Grand Ceremony, the Birth of the Seventh Generation's Talents
Over an hour later.
The Core Formation Phenomenon began to dissipate.
Xu Mingwei successfully stepped into the Golden Core stage, reaching the late phase of the first layer.
Given the conditions in Dongxi, there was undeniably an element of luck involved.
Half an hour later, the heavy stone doors of the seclusion hall slowly opened with a deep rumble.
A figure dressed in a dark, ink-black robe stepped out steadily, a faint spiritual light flowing around him.
It was Xu Mingwei!
He appeared as a middle-aged man. A profound light was hidden within his gaze. Although he deliberately restrained the pressure of a Golden Core Perfected Being, the invisible aura still made everyone waiting outside the hall feel a heavy weight.
The plaza outside the hall was already densely packed with people, all standing in neat, uniform formations.
Standing at the very front of the crowd were naturally Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, and their other siblings.
"Eldest Brother, congratulations on your successful Core Formation! You have finally achieved the Great Dao of the Golden Core!" Xu Mingyuan and the others declared in unison, their voices filled with heartfelt joy and excitement.
Xu Mingwei smiled faintly. "Thank you for waiting here, Second Brother."
As his voice faded, the dozens of clan members behind them immediately bowed in unison, their voices resonating like a tidal wave:
"Congratulations to the Second Elder on your successful Core Formation!"
Immediately after, the even larger number of Xu family guards joined in. The sound grew even more magnificent, cheering like mountains and roaring like tsunamis:
"Congratulations to the Second Elder on your successful Core Formation!"
This wave of sound did not stop; instead, it spread rapidly like ripples from the mountain peak to the mountainside, the foot of the mountain, and even further to Dongxi Town.
Countless cultivators and mortals attached to the Xu family spontaneously shouted toward the peak:
"Congratulations to the Second Elder on your successful Core Formation—!"
Thousands of voices converged into one, rumbling and echoing throughout the valley!
"You have all shown great heart. Now, go back to your duties," Xu Mingwei said, waving his hand.
"Yes, Second Elder!"
The crowd acknowledged in unison once more before retreating respectfully and in an orderly manner.
The massive plaza was soon left with only Xu Mingyuan's group of four, along with Xu Dezhao and Xu Chonghui.
Xu Mingwei shifted his gaze to Xu Chonghui and instructed,
"Chonghui, recall all the Xu clan descendants currently out gaining experience or conducting business.
"At the same time, notify all the vassal families to gather in Dongxi in half a month.
"We will open the Ancestral Shrine and sacrifice to Heaven and Earth!"
"Understood, Grandfather," Xu Chonghui replied.
"Eldest Brother, now that you have formed your core, customary practice dictates that a Golden Core Grand Ceremony is indispensable. When and where do you plan to hold it?" Xu Mingyuan asked.
"Half a month after the ancestral sacrifice. We will hold it at the Immortal Martial Alliance Headquarters. Dongxi is our Xu clan's ancestral ground; it's best not to have outsiders disturbing it.
"Especially at a critical juncture like this."
Xu Mingwei pondered for a moment, having clearly considered this beforehand.
Xu Mingyuan nodded. "That works. We will do as you say, Eldest Brother!"
Guangling Commandery, Immortal Martial Alliance Headquarters.
Streams of news regarding the Dongxi Xu Clan came pouring in.
"The Second Elder successfully formed a Golden Core?!"
The news caused a massive uproar, like a single stone stirring up a thousand ripples. The entire headquarters exploded with excitement, and departments like the Pill Refining Pavilion and Artifact Refining Pavilion reacted intensely.
After all, while the overall strength of the Immortal Martial Alliance was formidable, they previously had no true Golden Core stage cultivator overseeing them. They had only relied on the Xu family's hidden Golden Core combat power to deter factions like the Cao and Sima families.
As the Second Elder of the Immortal Martial Alliance Headquarters, Xu Mingwei was a member of the Xu family, but he was also a core part of the Alliance.
His advancement to the Golden Core stage meant that the Immortal Martial Alliance finally had its own Golden Core stage immortal cultivator to hold the fort.
"Fantastic! The Second Elder has formed his core!"
"Our Immortal Martial Alliance finally has its own Golden Core stage cultivator!"
Countless cheers erupted everywhere.
Martial Hall.
When Xu Jingwu heard the news, he was both surprised and felt it made perfect sense. "With Great-Grand-Ancestor's deep foundation, it was indeed time for him to break through to the Golden Core stage."
A few days later.
The news that the Dongxi Main Branch was opening the Ancestral Shrine to sacrifice to Heaven and Earth reached all the vassal families.
The Li family, Chen family, Bai family, and Wu family of Clear River City, the Zhou family of Yuehu Commandery, the Yang clan and Chang clan of the commandery city, and the Ge family of Guangling Commandery all mobilized.
The descendants of the Xu clan who received the news while away also prepared to rush back to Dongxi at the appropriate time.
Secretly, there were also the Taiyuan Li clan, the Langya Wang clan, and the Qin family of Tongshan Commandery.
However, since the relationship between these three great families and the Xu family had not been made public, they would not be attending for now.
During a gathering in the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
Upon learning that both Xu Mingxian and Xu Mingwei had broken through to the Golden Core stage, Xu Deling immediately expressed her desire to forge suitable magic treasures for them.
Xu Mingwei thought for a moment and said, "Just follow the previous Ink Flood Dragon Bow set design—one treasured bow and nine arrows, along with a defensive magic treasure similar to the Origin Stabilizing Bell."
"No problem, Father. Once they are forged, I will have Grandfather bring the magic treasures into the grotto-heaven for you to inspect.
"If you are not satisfied, I can refine them again.
"Cloudstream City and the Heavenly Plume Sect basically have no shortage of materials below the high-grade magic treasure level.
"Moreover, we have plenty of time."
"Alright," Xu Mingwei agreed.
"Fifth Uncle, what about you? What kind of magic treasure would you like Ling'er to forge for you?"
Xu Mingxian pondered. "My battle arrays strike after the enemy. I need a magic treasure with extremely strong defense to withstand an opponent's initial furious assault.
"As for an offensive magic treasure, a metal-element flying sword will suffice.
"I generally won't need to use it, but preparedness prevents calamity."
"Understood."
Subsequently, Xu Chuan spoke up. "Now that Mingxian and Mingwei have successfully formed their cores, our Xu family's heritage has strengthened considerably, and our providence is rising steadily.
"The rest of you must also work hard. Those who can achieve Divine Ability Core Formation should rely on their own divine abilities to do so."
Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, and Xu Mingqing nodded in agreement.
All three of them had comprehended the true intent of a divine ability, and their proficiency was not low, having all achieved over seventy percent mastery of introductory true intent.
Within ten or twenty years, they were all hopeful of achieving Divine Ability Core Formation.
As for Xu Mingshu, she was slightly behind. This was simply because her primary cultivation method was unique and lacked any recorded divine abilities for the beast-taming lineage.
However, despite not having comprehended any divine abilities, her actual strength made her the number one expert in Dongxi.
After all, the third-tier spirit beasts in the clan were her spiritual pets, and she controlled swarms of Iron-Devouring Flying Ants and Red-Spotted Bugs capable of forcing even Golden Core cultivators to retreat.
"Father, please remember to help your daughter look for an inheritance of the beast-taming lineage."
"It's more appropriate to leave this matter to Mingxian. Profound Moon City is the largest city in the Northwest Region, and information from all over Heavenly South flows through there."
"Yes, Father. I will find time to ask Honored Master about it," Xu Mingxian said.
A moment later, Xu Chuan looked at Xu Jingwu with a faint smile. "Jingwu, when do you plan to fake your death and return to the Xu family?"
"This grandson wishes to wait until after my parents pass away."
"That's fine too."
"How is the development of the Martial Dao in the Immortal Martial Alliance?" Xu Chuan asked, turning to Xu Mingyuan.
Xu Mingyuan replied, "It's best if Jingwu speaks on this matter. He knows it best."
"Currently, the most promising individuals from across the Immortal Martial Alliance, including the Xu family, who have the potential to advance to the Origin Martial Realm are gathered in the Martial Hall at the Alliance Headquarters.
"Although this grandson frequently guides them, I'm afraid we won't see a new Origin Martial Realm expert emerge within the next year or two."
Xu Chuan sighed softly. "Our Martial Dao heritage is still too shallow, and the Land of Imprisonment is inherently lacking in resources and methods.
"If we were in Heavenly South, there might be great cultivators capable of forcibly locating the divine apertures and breaking open the Niwan Palace."
Half a month later.
Yuehu Commandery, Dongxi.
All the descendants of the Xu clan, dressed in solemn dark robes, stood respectfully in the massive plaza in front of the ancestral shrine, arranged according to their lineage branches and generational seniority.
In the center of the plaza stood a bronze altar roughly ten meters tall. It was engraved with ancient runes and historical murals, radiating a majestic aura of antiquity.
Behind them stood the members of the vassal families, with each family sending only ten to twenty core members.
It was a rare occasion for them to gather, and they were currently greeting one another, inquiring about their respective situations.
The people of the same generation who were familiar with Xu Chuan and Xu Mingwei had all passed away.
Their families were now led by their grandchildren or even great-great-grandchildren.
An hour later.
Xu Mingwei and the others approached, accompanied by Bai Jing, Yang Ronghua, and the rest.
Among them, the second son Xu Mingyuan's wife, Wu Rushan, had already passed away, leaving his side empty.
Both Bai Jing and Yang Ronghua had taken the Azure Splendor Pill. Furthermore, as Grandmasters, their lifespans could reach over a hundred years, and the pill added another sixty years.
Theoretically, they could live to be over a hundred and fifty years old.
However, both women were ordinary mortals before taking the Azure Splendor Pill and only began practicing martial arts afterward.
Therefore, it would be difficult for them to actually live to a hundred and fifty.
Bai Jing had at most a dozen or so years left, while Yang Ronghua had perhaps twenty or thirty.
This ancestral sacrifice was hosted by the Zhou family ancestor, Zhou Qingfang.
"Silence!" the Zhou family ancestor declared solemnly. "The Xu clan's ancestral sacrifice grand ceremony shall now begin!"
"Open the Ancestral Shrine—!"
Following the resounding voice that echoed across the entire plaza, everyone stood in silence with solemn expressions, not daring to show the slightest hint of playfulness.
The doors of the Ancestral Shrine slowly opened.
All the descendants of the Xu clan entered one after another, while the vassal families remained outside.
"August Heaven above, Sovereign Earth bearing virtue, and the Four Directional Deities be our witness!
"Today, the Xu clan descendant Mingwei, inheriting the ancestral spiritual lineage and upholding the pure sincerity of the sun and moon, has cultivated bitterly without pause. He has finally condensed a Golden Core Profound Embryo, bringing glory to our house and elevating the illustrious prestige of our clan!
"Reflecting upon our Dongxi Xu Clan, since our founding ancestor Lord Chuan established our foundation, we have endured the hardship of building a road with thorny branches and worn-out carts to open up the mountains and forests. With calloused hands and feet, we expanded our territory.
"Spanning six generations of passing on the firewood, accumulating a century of trials and tribulations, we have been united from top to bottom, tireless day and night.
"Today, we have finally become a Golden Core Aristocratic Family with an eternally solid immortal foundation. This is truly:
"Ancestral Virtue as Rain, and Heaven Rewards the Diligent!
"With utmost sincerity, we proclaim this before the Spirits of our Ancestors!"
Everyone knelt and kowtowed.
"We humbly pray:
"August Heaven and Sovereign Earth, bear witness to our hearts!
"Protect our Xu clan, that our bloodline may endure and outstanding talents emerge generation after generation!
"Protect our Xu clan, bringing favorable weather and warding off evil spirits!
"Protect our Xu clan, that our legacy's fire may be passed down and never extinguish for eternity!
"May the Spirits Descend and Bestow Eternal Blessings!
"May They Enjoy our offerings!"
Next came a grand banquet, martial arts spars among the younger generation, and the master family bestowing cultivation resources.
By evening, the various vassal families departed.
The following day, members of the branch lineages returned to their respective homes, and everyone else with duties resumed their posts.
Shortly after, the Xu family announced that they would hold a Golden Core Grand Ceremony at the Immortal Martial Alliance Headquarters in half a month.
The Alliance's elders were quite thrilled that the Xu family chose to host Xu Mingwei's Golden Core Grand Ceremony at the headquarters, and they immediately began making lavish preparations.
Another half a month passed.
It was the day of Xu Mingwei's Golden Core Grand Ceremony.
The various branches of the Immortal Martial Alliance presented their congratulatory gifts, alongside numerous Foundation Establishment aristocratic families. Representatives from the Great Wei's Cao and Lei families, Great Liang's Zhao and Liu families, and Great Jin's Sima clan were also present.
Except for the commanderies within the Immortal Martial Alliance, only Golden Core Aristocratic Families attended from other regions.
While the ceremony was underway.
The Cao Clan Ancestor, Cao Jiyi, unsurprisingly caused trouble, questioning Xu Mingwei. "Daoist Friend Xu, where is your father, Xu Chuan? It's highly unusual for him not to make an appearance at such an important event.
"Could it be that he has already perished?"
The moment these words were spoken, strange expressions appeared on the faces of the Zhao Family Ancestor, the Sima Clan Ancestor, the Emperor of Great Liang, and the Lei family's newly advanced Golden Core cultivator, Lei Yunchao.
"Daoist Friend Cao, my father is perfectly fine cultivating in seclusion back at Dongxi. Why would you curse the old man without cause? Isn't that going a bit too far?
"Are you intentionally trying to cause a scene at my Golden Core Grand Ceremony?"
"Daoist Friend Xu, I was merely inquiring about your father's well-being. Why are you so angry? Could it be that I hit the nail on the head?" Cao Jiyi mocked.
"Daoist Friend Cao, you have provoked me time and again. Do you think you can bully me just because I recently advanced to the Golden Core stage?"
Xu Mingwei's expression darkened, his voice turning icy cold. "Why don't we spar for a bit? Let me experience the methods of an elder senior who has been stuck in the early stage of Golden Core for centuries."
"Insolent!"
Having his shortcomings exposed in public, Cao Jiyi was instantly infuriated. The spiritual pressure of a Golden Core Early Peak expert erupted with a boom. "Xu Mingwei, don't think that just because you've formed a Golden Core, you're qualified to stand on equal footing with me!
"You don't even have a magic treasure. You don't count as a true Golden Core stage cultivator!"
"Let's take this to the sky!"
Xu Mingwei said no more. His figure blurred, shooting straight into the clouds like a sharp streak of golden radiance.
Cao Jiyi snorted coldly. Fire flared around him as he transformed into a streak of crimson light, following closely behind.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared in the void roughly three hundred meters away from Xu Mingwei.
The two faced off from a distance.
Down in the plaza, all the guests—whether they were Foundation Establishment cultivators or Golden Core experts from various factions—held their breath with rapt attention, their gazes locked on the sky.
As the person with the highest cultivation present, the Emperor of Great Liang's eyes flickered slightly, but he did not immediately intervene.
Evidently, he also wanted to use this opportunity to gauge the capabilities of the Xu family's newly advanced Golden Core expert.
"Junior, today I will show you the true methods of a Golden Core cultivator!"
Cao Jiyi struck first. With a flick of his sleeve robe, a completely crimson flying sword burning with roaring flames shot forth. It was the low-grade offensive magic treasure he had nurtured for years—the Liyang Sword!
The blade vibrated, transforming into a thirty-meter-long torrent of flames. The searing heat distorted the air, carrying the momentum to incinerate all things as it slashed toward Xu Mingwei!
At the same time, the Scarlet Sun Shield, engraved with a three-legged golden crow motif, spun out and hovered above his head. It cast down streams of solid fiery-red light screens, forming a scorching barrier.
Faced with this flame strike capable of burning the heavens and boiling the seas, Xu Mingwei's expression remained unchanged.
He simply grabbed at the empty air with his right hand. The top-tier precious bow magic tool set, "Silver Gleam," materialized in his grasp, and an Ink Flood Dragon Arrow was nocked onto the string.
Although the Xu family possessed some Dao of Artifacts inheritances, none of the artifact refiners from the Xu family or its vassal families had managed to comprehend artifact patterns.
As for this "Silver Gleam," it had been forged by Xu Deling in the past.
Surging dark-gold mana rippled around Xu Mingwei. With a low shout, he drew the bow back like a full moon!
His dark-gold mana frantically poured into the arrow. The shaft hummed, bursting with blinding golden radiance!
The bowstring snapped loudly as the arrow left it. Instead of igniting, it transformed into an extremely concentrated streak of golden light that tore through the heatwave, utilizing a pinpoint strike to fiercely pierce the center of the flaming torrent!
"Boom—!"
The streak of golden light and the torrent of flames collided violently mid-air!
The expected explosion did not occur. Like a red-hot iron rod piercing through snow, the golden arrow forcefully ripped a path through the raging flames.
It struck the very tip of the Liyang Sword's actual blade with unparalleled precision!
"Clang—!"
An ear-piercing metallic clash rang out. The flames on the Liyang Sword instantly dimmed. The blade trembled violently and let out an unwilling wail before being sent flying off course by the force of the arrow!
Its momentum spent, the arrow was drawn back by an invisible pull, returning behind Xu Mingwei.
"What?!"
Cao Jiyi's pupils shrank, and his face displayed horror for the first time.
The flames of his Liyang Sword could melt gold and liquefy rock, yet they had been completely pierced by a single arrow?!
This brat's metal-element spiritual power was actually this pure and condensed, displaying its sharp brilliance!
The might of a magic treasure was incredibly immense. A Golden Core cultivator armed with one was practically invincible against a peer without one.
Yet, relying on his top-tier magic tool bow and arrow, his mid-Golden Core spiritual power quality, and his introductory-level arrow intent, Xu Mingwei's attacks astonishingly matched the level of a magic treasure.
This was not something just anyone could accomplish.
It was primarily due to how perfectly his arrow intent harmonized with his magic tools and cultivation method.
"Let's see how many of my sword strikes you can break!"
Cao Jiyi roared in anger. The Liyang Sword flared brightly, splitting into dozens of scorching sword phantoms that rained down like a shower of fire.
Simultaneously, he formed hand seals. Several highly condensed "Crimson Flame Shuttle" divine abilities screeched as they flew toward Xu Mingwei from different directions.
Xu Mingwei blurred into a golden afterimage, rapidly darting and maneuvering through the sky.
"What astonishing speed!"
His swiftness was so incredible that even the Emperor of Great Liang couldn't help but look on with surprise.
Moving constantly, Xu Mingwei continued firing arrows. His hands remained as steady as Mount Tai, without the slightest tremor.
Each arrow was shot with immense force, crashing like a golden meteor to shatter multiple flaming sword phantoms.
Another arrow spiraled outward, creating countless sharp wind blades that shredded the approaching flaming shuttles.
Under his pale golden, eagle-like gaze, Xu Mingwei's arrows unerringly found the weak points in Cao Jiyi's attacks. By piercing a single point to break the whole, their effectiveness was multiplied.
The spectators below engaged in widespread discussion.
"The Second Elder is actually fighting the veteran Golden Core Cao Clan Ancestor to a standstill. He truly lives up to his title as the 'Arrow Demon'!" an Immortal Martial Alliance Foundation Establishment elder exclaimed, his face flushed with excitement.
"The Second Elder is mighty!"
The disciples of the Immortal Martial Alliance cheered passionately.
"He is definitely not an ordinary Golden Core!" Lei Yunchao muttered, his pupils shrinking slightly.
The Emperor of Great Liang and the Sima Clan Ancestor exchanged an inadvertent glance, both wearing thoughtful expressions.
High above, golden radiance and crimson flames frantically intertwined, clashed, and annihilated each other.
Relying on his bow and arrow magic tool set, Xu Mingwei fought an inextricably close battle against Cao Jiyi, who possessed both offensive and defensive fire-element magic treasures.
Those supremely condensed metal-element arrows vaguely seemed to counter his opponent.
'Damn it! Did he really just step into the Golden Core stage a little over a month ago?'
Cao Jiyi grew increasingly frustrated as the fight dragged on. 'I just wanted to teach a rival newcomer a lesson. Why is it so difficult?!'
"Daoist Friend Cao, take another one of my strikes!"
Xu Mingwei fired nine arrows simultaneously. His arrow intent erupted, displaying a sharp brilliance that seemed capable of piercing the firmament itself.
"Nine Stars in a Row, Arrow Pierces the Firmament!"
Nine golden meteors lined up end-to-end. The force of each arrow stacked upon the previous one. With each addition, the golden glow became significantly more condensed, until they ultimately merged into a single arrow.
It appeared to be a normal arrow, but its light was so concentrated that even the Emperor of Great Liang, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, sensed a wave of danger from it.
Xu Mingwei's arrow pierced right through Cao Jiyi's divine ability and fractured the defensive light screen of his magic treasure.
Crack-crack-crack!
Fissures spread instantly, nearly covering the entire barrier.
In the very next moment.
Bang!
The arrow's residual power struck the Scarlet Sun Shield. The terrifying force sent the shield crashing into Cao Jiyi, blasting them both backward.
Cao Jiyi's body shook violently as if hit by a heavy blow. His face went deadly pale, and he spat out a mouthful of scorching blood. His aura instantly became chaotic and sluggish!
If he hadn't placed the Scarlet Sun Shield in front of him in time, his body would have likely been punctured by the arrow.
The Scarlet Sun Shield let out a mournful wail, its spiritual light dimming significantly, and a deep white scorch mark scarred its surface!
The Cao Clan Ancestor had been defeated?!
The plaza below was dead silent.
Expressions of shock painted the faces of all the Golden Core cultivators.
Xu Mingwei was about to close the distance when—
"Enough."
The Emperor of Great Liang's voice rang out at the perfect moment. His figure had already appeared between the two combatants. With a flick of his sleeve robe, a gentle force halted Xu Mingwei's advance.
Xu Mingwei frowned slightly and looked over.
"Daoist Friend Xu, today is your Golden Core Grand Ceremony. For my sake, let us put an end to this," said the emperor.
Cao Jiyi's face was ashen, his chest heaving as he stared fixedly at Xu Mingwei. His eyes were filled with wariness, resentment, and a trace of sheer disbelief.
'Is he really newly advanced to the Golden Core stage?'
'What kind of newly advanced Golden Core cultivator is this absurd?!'
Cao Jiyi fighting Xu Mingwei was like a frog in a well seeing the moon. But if he were to fight Xu Chuan, an early-stage Golden Core expert, it would be like a mayfly seeing the blue sky.
Being named the number one person beneath the Nascent Soul stage while only in the early Golden Core stage... If someone had told Cao Jiyi that, he would have assumed they were speaking absolute nonsense!
'You've shown off enough,' Xu Mingyuan's voice transmitted into his sea of consciousness.
Xu Mingwei shot Cao Jiyi a glance and nodded. "For Daoist Friend Liu's sake, I won't pursue this further today. But if you dare act up in front of my Xu family again...
"I wouldn't mind imitating my father for once and seeing just how much territory your Great Wei has left to cede!"
"You!"
Cao Jiyi was furious, but knowing he was not his opponent's match, he could only grit his teeth and swallow his bitter defeat. Flicking his sleeve, he ordered, "We're leaving!"
Having lost all face, the members of the Cao clan had no reason to stay and hurriedly followed Cao Jiyi away.
Xu Mingwei and the Emperor of Great Liang returned to their seats.
The grand ceremony continued!
The music played on, and the dancing resumed!
Lei Yunchao smiled and raised his cup. "Daoist Friend Xu possesses such divine abilities right after forming a core. Your combat prowess is astonishing, well worth a large drink. Why don't we all toast to Daoist Friend Xu?"
The Emperor of Great Liang and the Sima Clan Ancestor raised their cups as well. "It's only right."
The rest of the guests followed suit.
"Thank you all," Xu Mingwei said, clasping his hands in salute. "It isn't that my divine abilities are exceptional; I just looked good by comparison thanks to Daoist Friend Cao."
If Cao Jiyi were present to hear this, he likely would have been angered into spitting out another mouthful of blood.
A while later, the Emperor of Great Liang asked, "Daoist Friend Xu, if I'm not mistaken, did you perhaps take an unconventional path to Core Formation?"
Lei Yunchao looked bewildered. "Are there multiple ways to form a Golden Core in this world?"
The Lei family had lost some of their inheritances over the past millennium and only knew of Golden Core Formation through Medicinal Pills.
"Since that's the case, I shall take this opportunity to explain the methods of forming a Golden Core," Xu Mingwei said.
"There are many methods of Core Formation, especially in the Demonic Dao, where countless bizarre techniques exist. However, for orthodox Core Formation, there are three common paths.
"The first is Divine Ability Core Formation.
"The second is Golden Core Formation through Spirit Items.
"The third is Golden Core Formation through Medicinal Pills."
Xu Mingwei explained each method in detail, leaving the audience utterly enthralled.
Only then did they realize there was a method to form a Golden Core relying entirely on one's own power.
But aside from a few extremely ancient families, ordinary Foundation Establishment aristocratic families hadn't even heard of divine abilities, much less seen an inheritance for one.
The Sima Clan Ancestor asked, "Then may I ask which path you took, Daoist Friend Xu?"
As soon as those words left his mouth, everyone simultaneously turned their gazes toward Xu Mingwei.
They were all brimming with curiosity.
Xu Mingwei didn't try to hide it and replied calmly, "I formed my core using a divine ability."
"Although this path is difficult, once you succeed, your combat strength is quite extraordinary even as a newly advanced Golden Core cultivator."
"Daoist Friend Xu truly possesses great perseverance. In my youth, I also tried comprehending divine abilities, but regrettably, my innate aptitude and comprehension were lacking. Knowing it was a dead end, I resorted to relying on a Core Formation Pill," sighed the Sima Clan Ancestor.
"The same goes for me," added the Emperor of Great Liang. "I'm afraid it won't be long before my mid-stage Golden Core strength is no match for yours, Daoist Friend."
"You flatter me too much, Daoist Friend Liu."
Everyone gained a great deal from this grand ceremony, and it wasn't until it ended that they began bidding their farewells one after another.
Two months later.
At a certain marketplace in Great Jin.
"Father formed his core? The Xu family held an ancestral sacrifice and a Golden Core Grand Ceremony?!"
A black-haired middle-aged man wanted to cry tears of despair upon hearing the news. He let out a self-deprecating smile. "Oh, Father, have you forgotten that you still have a son wandering the outside world?"
"Leaving home after a Foundation Building failure, cultivating the Demonic Dao for over thirty years, surviving countless slaughters to finally reach Foundation Establishment Perfection... It's time to go back and take a look.
"It has been many years since we parted. I wonder if Mother is still alive."
Once homesickness took root, it became as unstoppable as a raging river.
"Opportunities to achieve the Golden Core stage are almost nonexistent in Great Jin. Staying here is pointless. I might as well return."
The middle-aged man kept the baleful qi surrounding him contained, but a sharp gaze was deeply hidden within his eyes.
He looked as harmless to humans and animals as anyone could be, but he was actually the infamous Daoist Wen of Great Jin.
He had once drawn the united pursuit of several families. In retaliation, he slaughtered one of those families entirely, leaving neither fowl nor dog alive, an act that caused a massive sensation throughout Great Jin.
In the Demonic Dao, the strong rule.
From then on, no one dared to easily provoke Daoist Wen.
And this so-called Daoist Wen was precisely the only member of the Xu family to walk the Demonic Dao—Xu Dewen!
A month flew by in the blink of an eye.
In the midst of his silent cultivation, Xu Chuan sensed a family register anomaly. With a mere thought, he instantly understood everything.
A look of joy appeared on his face as he murmured to himself, "The seventh generation of my Xu family is finally born."
A short while later.
The clan genealogy condensed three Fate Talents.
Looking at them, Xu Chuan's brows furrowed slightly. "To think that two of them are related to the Demonic Dao this time. Does this mean my Xu family is destined to produce a Demonic Dao behemoth?"
The three Fate Talents were [Heavenly Secret Deduction], [True Demon Fiend Body], and [Heavenly Fiend Soul Devouring].
[Heavenly Secret Deduction] allowed one to deduce and confound heavenly secrets. It was considered a Divine Ability type talent that required the host to deduce matters on their own to elevate their Dao cultivation.
Xu Chuan kept this Fate Talent for himself.
[True Demon Fiend Body] was similar to [Bronze Skin and Iron Bones]. Once bestowed, the recipient would gradually acquire this unique constitution.
Clearly, someone possessing the [True Demon Fiend Body] would be a top prospect for the Demonic Dao!
[Heavenly Fiend Soul Devouring] was also a Divine Ability type talent that fused with one's divine soul. Not only could it devour any remnant soul or divine sense entering the body, preventing possession.
It would also gradually alter the characteristics of their soul, giving them the ability to actively devour others' divine souls to strengthen their own divine soul, and even allowing them to know the other party's memories.
"If these two Demonic Dao talents were concentrated in a single person, I'm afraid it would mold an incredibly terrifying Demon Venerable.
"Furthermore, baleful qi erodes the divine soul, easily causing one to lose their mind."
Pausing for a moment, Xu Chuan suddenly remembered he still had an eldest grandson. "Dewen practices baleful demonic cultivation methods. I wonder how he is doing?
"If he is suitable, I will bestow [True Demon Fiend Body] and [Heavenly Fiend Soul Devouring] upon him.
"With the Ancient Battlefield opening, he might be able to seize Demonic Dao fortune and be sent to the Blackwater Region as an undercover agent!"
With this thought in mind, Xu Chuan first applied [Heavenly Secret Deduction] to himself.
Just then, a vague premonition formed within his mind, telling him he could merge [One Divination Per Day] and [Heavenly Secret Deduction].
"I can do that? Then merge!"
There really was no need to duplicate talents of the same type, and it was impossible for Xu Chuan to bestow this sort of talent to anyone else.
Several hours later.
A new Fate Talent was born, named [Heavenly Secret Dao Derivation].
It was similar to [Heavenly Secret Deduction], but it gained Heaven's Secrets Warning and the ability to nullify Heavenly Secrets Backlash once per day.
Any deduction that would result in a backlash would generate a warning. If he felt he could not withstand it, he could directly interrupt the process, or choose to nullify the heavenly secrets backlash for that attempt.
Beyond that, his deduction ability had grown significantly stronger.
"Let's test it first."
Xu Chuan immediately began deducing Xu Dewen's situation. "Hm, he's actually in Clear River City?
"After being away for over thirty years, has returning home stirred up a feeling of 'the closer to home, the more timid the heart'?
"His realm is... Foundation Establishment Perfection, with a solid foundation." Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "It seems he hasn't plundered few resources.
"Otherwise, reaching Foundation Establishment Perfection in just over thirty years wouldn't be so easy."
"I'll still have to give him a push."
That night, Xu Chuan pulled Xu Mingwei alone into the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven and informed him about Xu Dewen.
"Dewen is back? In Clear River City?"
"That brat, he returned but hasn't even come home to visit. Ronghua talks about him all the time."
"He is probably afraid the family won't accept him," Xu Chuan sighed softly. "The Demonic Dao most easily influences a person's disposition. Having cultivated the Demonic Dao for over thirty years, even I do not know what kind of temperament he possesses now."
After a pause, Xu Chuan added, "Mingwei, help me test his disposition. If he proves suitable, I have an important matter to assign him!"
"What matter? Is it dangerous?"
Xu Chuan hesitated for a moment but still relayed some information about the Land of Imprisonment to Xu Mingwei.
"So this is the true nature of the Land of Imprisonment? To sacrifice the lives of billions of beings, just to open the Ancient Battlefield?!
"How could they be so utterly callous!"
A blazing inferno of fury surged within Xu Mingwei's heart.
"The two region fortune war is a struggle that has continued from ancient times to this day. If my guess is correct, should Heavenly South fall, the entirety of Heavenly South, along with the Blackwater Region, will be reduced to a demonic domain.
"The passageway between the True Demon Realm and this world will reopen, and when that time comes, it will not be something human strength can hold back."
Xu Mingwei remained silent.
But then, thinking of something, he asked, "Father, does the task you want Dewen to do have something to do with this?"
"Things have reached this point, so I won't hide it from you. With each new generation our Xu family produces, some special talents are born.
"I imagine you and your brothers must have noticed something."
The phantom formed by Xu Mingwei's divine sense nodded. "We guessed this was our Xu family's deepest hidden secret, so we came to a tacit understanding not to probe into it."
"That shows you all took my teachings to heart. Our Xu family has now reached its seventh generation, and among the seventh generation's talents, two are top-tier Demonic Dao talents.
"The struggle between the two regions, the righteous-demonic struggle, the Ancient War... none of these can bypass the Demonic Dao.
"If I bestow these two talents upon a single member of our Xu family, once he matures, he could very well become a paramount figure in the Demonic Dao."
Xu Mingwei finally understood completely. "You want to lay out a plan for the distant future, Father?"
"Human strength has its limits. Even if my methods could reach the heavens, I alone could not significantly impact the Demonic Dao and the Blackwater Region.
"But if someone were to grow up in the Blackwater Region and become a Demonic Dao behemoth, he would naturally command a portion of the Demonic Dao's fortune.
"While our Xu family develops in Heavenly South, he will develop in the Blackwater Region. When the critical moment arrives, it might just become the deciding factor between victory and defeat."
"But this..."
Xu Mingwei frowned. Just listening to it, he knew it was exceptionally dangerous. And Xu Dewen was his biological son, the one among his children who had endured the most hardship.
He genuinely couldn't bear to put him through it.
"Dewen is only one of my candidates. Wait until you have observed and tested his disposition, then I will make my decision."
"I understand, Father. However, I have a request for you as well."
"What is it?"
"This matter must be agreed upon by Dewen himself. If he is unwilling, please, Father... do not force him."
"I understand."
Xu Mingwei then exited the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
'He finally knows how to argue with his father now.'
Xu Chuan seemed rather pleased by this. Shaking his head with a light chuckle, he too left the space.
End of Chapter