Chapter 337: Chen Family Competition, Mingxian Will Return

Half a month passed in a flash.

The excitement of the Cloudstream Grand Assembly spread throughout the entire Heavenly Azure Prefecture, and it was hailed as a legendary auction.

Due to the vast distance and the fact that the vast majority of top-tier factions had not yet returned, the news had not yet reached Greedy Wolf Prefecture.

Thanks to this auction, there would be at least several new Golden Core cultivators in the region.

Thus, the Cloudstream Grand Assembly was also referred to by the masses as the Immortal Ascension Grand Assembly, and countless people eagerly anticipated its next convening.

At the four great gates of Cloudstream City, cultivators came and went in a constant stream.

However, True Lord Heavenly Wolf and his group completely failed to wait for the person they wanted to intercept.

"Sect Master, it has been half a month. Aside from the Mo Family and the Heavenly Azure Sect who have left, not a single other family has stepped outside. They are determined to wait us out. What should we do now?"

"We will wait another half a month. If no one appears by then, we will return to the Greedy Wolf Sect."

The Yan Family had obtained an upper-grade Core Formation Pill at the Cloudstream Grand Assembly.

Yan Yue was already in secluded cultivation within the Yan Family, attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage.

His talent in artifact refining was quite good, and coupled with his special physique, he was chosen as the Yan Family's candidate to attempt the Golden Core breakthrough.

Otherwise, with the dozens to over a hundred Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators in the Yan Family, it really might not have been his turn.

As for the Ancestor of the Yan Family, he had also obtained an opportunity thanks to the Connate Secret Realm this time, even though he did not manage to win a Golden Origin Pill at the high-level trade assembly.

He still planned to use a certain top-tier third-grade spirit medicine to assist in breaking through his bottleneck.

The Tang Family and the Yan Family paled in comparison.

However, Yan Kuangtu of the Yan Family possessed decent talent. If nothing unexpected happened, he was also destined for the Golden Core stage in the future.

As for the Tang Family, they lacked truly outstanding disciples, but they did have a highly exceptional young woman named Tang Qianqian. She possessed the Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body, a natural vessel physique.

Rumor had it that dual cultivation with someone of this physique could help one break through bottlenecks, even those of major cultivation realms.

The Ancestor of the Tang Family intended to marry her into the Xu Family.

After all, his Tang Family did not have an outstanding disciple like Yan Kuangtu, nor did they possess the profound artifact refining heritage and robust foundation of the Yan Family, let alone the close ties the Chen Family shared with the Xu Family.

Since the family's disciples were not living up to expectations, he could only seek other avenues to plan for the Tang Family's future.

He only hoped to secure the Xu Family's assistance, allowing the Tang Family to produce a new Golden Core stage cultivator within the next two hundred years.

As the end of the year approached, the northern winds grew sharper.

Many families in Heavenly Azure Prefecture had a tradition of holding a year-end family competition.

It served both as an evaluation of the younger generation's progress over the year and as an opportunity to motivate juniors and select outstanding talents.

With limited resources, every family naturally had to pour them into those with exceptional aptitude who advanced bravely, hoping to pass the torch to the next generation, or even elevate the family to new heights.

A Golden Core Perfected Being was the backbone of an aristocratic family, determining the rise, fall, and survival of the entire clan.

Inside the Xu Residence.

In the main hall.

Xu Chuan summoned Chen Changge, as well as Xu Chongfei and his wife.

"Elder Chen, I heard that your Chen Family is holding its year-end competition. Although Yulian is a daughter-in-law of my Xu Family, she is also a member of the Chen Family. She should return to participate. At the same time, Chongfei can go and experience your family's atmosphere."

"Yes, Family Head," Chen Changge replied with a cupped-fist salute.

"Fei'er, take the pills in these two porcelain bottles to the Chen Family on my behalf as a reward for the champion of the competition."

"Understood, Great-Grandfather." Xu Chongfei took the pills, opened them for a direct look, and smiled. "So it's a Void Rushing Pill and a Heavenly Spirit Pill, but why are they both only mid grade? Great-Grandfather, you're being a bit stingy."

"Chongfei, these two pills combined are worth over five thousand spirit stones. Our Chen Family competition champion rarely receives such a generous reward, unless it's the centennial grand competition," Chen Changge interjected.

"You brat!" Xu Chuan shook his head speechlessly. "You think your monthly allowance is too much, don't you? Starting next month, it will be reduced by thirty percent!"

"Great-Grandfather, your grandson was wrong!" Xu Chongfei immediately dropped to his knees.

"Go with Elder Chen. If you handle this errand well, I will consider whether to revoke the punishment."

"Your grandson will definitely get it done perfectly!"

"Family Head, then I shall take my leave."

Having said that, Chen Changge, along with Xu Chongfei and his wife, departed from the Xu Residence and flew toward the Chen Family estate in the eastern district.

Xu Chuan, naturally, returned to his own courtyard to cultivate in silence.

On the way there, Chen Changge explained, "Chongfei, the Heavenly Spirit Pill is extremely rare and precious. The Xu Family has never sold them to outsiders.

"For the Family Head to bestow one is already an immense favor. It can elevate one of our Chen Family's Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators to the False Core Realm.

"If your casual remark had cost us this reward, I wouldn't even have a place to cry about it."

Xu Chongfei rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Please don't blame me, Elder Chen."

"If my guess is correct, this Heavenly Spirit Pill is meant for our Chen Family as a whole, while the Void Rushing Pill is the actual reward for the competition champion."

Chen Changge looked at him and asked with a smile, "Who do you think the Heavenly Spirit Pill should be given to?"

"There are quite a few Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators in the Chen Family, right?"

"There are currently over fifty. Since my Core Formation, we've gained more than thirty."

"That many? Then let's give it to my father-in-law. As my grandfather says, don't let fertile water flow into others' fields."

"Alright, we'll do as you say, Chongfei."

Before long.

The three arrived at the Chen Family's Martial Arts Arena.

Banners fluttered in the wind, and the atmosphere was fervent. A large number of Chen Family disciples were gathered around the arena.

On the fighting stage, two young Chen Family disciples were currently engaged in a magical duel.

"Ancestor."

A group of elders on the eastern side stood up and bowed in greeting.

"Greetings, Ancestor!" The surrounding Chen Family disciples also cupped their fists in respect.

"Don't mind us, let the competition continue." Chen Changge turned to Chen Tianfang and said, "For the next round, arrange for Lian'er to participate as well."

Chen Tianfang looked thoughtful and nodded. "Yes, Grandfather."

"Ancestor, why has Young Master Chongfei come?"

"He has come on behalf of the True Lord to observe our Chen Family's competition, and he will present a reward to the champion. Make sure our disciples perform at their best. Do not embarrass the Chen Family!"

"Ancestor, that goes without saying!"

About an incense stick's time later.

When Xu Chongfei saw that Chen Yulian's opponent was a middle-aged man, he couldn't help but look at Chen Tianlei in surprise. "Father-in-law, shouldn't a family competition like this be a contest between the younger generation?"

"Are you talking about Lian'er's opponent? That's her cousin, someone from the same generation."

Chen Tianlei laughed. "Anyone under the age of a jiazi cycle—sixty years—is considered part of the younger generation in our family and is eligible to participate."

"That feels a bit unfair."

"Chongfei, the cultivation world is not a place that speaks of fairness. The strong bullying the weak is a common occurrence. If you stumble upon an opportunity and run into a Golden Core Perfected Being...

"Do you think he would let you off just because you're only at the Foundation Establishment stage?"

"That's true."

Although Chen Yulian's opponent was over twenty years older than her, he was only at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment.

Wielding 'Startling Swan', Chen Yulian fought a bitter battle and barely managed to defeat him.

This weapon was a Demon Spirit dharma tool that had been sealed by Xu Deling. Only upon reaching Late Foundation Establishment would she be able to unleash its full might.

"Next match: Chen Yuzhu versus Chen Yusong. Please step onto the stage!"

Xu Chongfei watched for a moment and said with mild surprise, "Eighth-layer Foundation Establishment."

Chen Tianlei smiled faintly. "Yuzhu is the most outstanding disciple of the Chen Family's current generation. He hails from the Family Head's lineage. At fifty-six this year, he has already reached the late stage of the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment.

"He should be able to reach Foundation Establishment Perfection by his early sixties.

"Chongfei, what do you think of him?"

"Hmm," Xu Chongfei paused before replying, "He's alright. Considered pretty good."

"However, if he intends to undergo Divine Ability Core Formation, mere cultivation speed isn't enough. He also needs formidable comprehension. Divine abilities aren't that easy to comprehend."

"Indeed."

The speaker had no specific intent, but the listener took it to heart.

These words drifted right into Chen Yuzhu's ears without a single syllable missing.

Chen Yuzhu swept through the competition. Among the Chen Family disciples, absolutely no one could last thirty exchanges against him.

Chen Yulian performed well, but her cultivation was ultimately too shallow, and she was eliminated in the top four.

"The winner of this year's family competition is once again Yuzhu. I hope the rest of you will keep up the good work and strive to catch up!"

An elder of the Chen Family with long, grizzled hair announced with a smile. "Next, the Family Head will present the awards.

"This time, Young Master Chongfei of the Xu Family has come to observe our Chen Family's competition, and he has also brought a reward from Lord True Lord Withered Glory."

"Elder, please wait a moment. Young Master Chongfei's critique was insightful, and Yuzhu has learned from it. The Xu Family is renowned for producing prodigies one after another. I imagine Young Master Chongfei has also inherited the formidable bloodline of the Xu Clan.

"Therefore, Yuzhu would like to challenge Young Master Chongfei right here and now."

Saying this, he turned his gaze to Xu Chongfei and cupped his fists. "Young Master Chongfei, you shouldn't mind, right?"

"This..." The elder suddenly felt put on the spot and glanced toward the elders' seating area.

"Challenge me? The late stage of the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment... Indeed, you're qualified to fight me."

The corners of Xu Chongfei's lips curled up slightly. He turned to Chen Changge. "Elder Chen, may I go up and give it a try?"

Chen Changge stroked his beard with a faint smile and nodded. "Do as you wish, Chongfei. This is a good opportunity to broaden the horizons of these Chen Family boys who are looking at the sky from the bottom of a well.

"Let them see for themselves what a true prodigy is!

"It will save them from having an excessively high opinion of themselves and narrowing their vision in their daily lives!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of the Chen Family disciples below the stage varied greatly—a mix of curiosity, indignation, and anticipation.

Xu Chongfei said no more. Without any visible preparation, his figure drifted like a light feather, landing gracefully in the center of the stage to stand opposite the battle-ready Chen Yuzhu.

Today, he was dressed in a well-tailored tight-fitting attire featuring alternating shades of crimson and azure, with a jade belt cinched at his waist, further accentuating his tall and straight posture.

He wore a simple cyan jade crown on his head, held in place by a cyan jade hairpin of the same color, and his dark hair was combed immaculately.

With sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, a high-bridged nose, and sharply defined lips, his appearance clearly inherited the excellent genes of Ye Fan and Xu Deyue.

Standing on the stage at this moment, he put away his cynical and playful demeanor.

His bearing was solemn and steady, and his brows exuded an air of outstanding heroism that set him apart from the crowd.

Chen Yuzhu took a deep breath, his gaze suddenly turning sharp.

He knew very well that his opponent hailed from the Xu Family and was the great-grandson of True Lord Withered Glory—absolutely not someone easy to deal with. Thus, his first strike was an all-out effort, without the slightest intention of probing!

"Pardon the offense! Please enlighten me, Young Master!"

Chen Yuzhu gave a low shout as the mana within his body erupted explosively. Forming a hand seal with his right hand, he pointed a finger, and a flying sword shot forth! The blade was entirely earthen yellow, thick and broad, and wreathed in the heavy phantom of a mountain!

As the sword light flared, it carried an incomparably profound and heavy sword intent.

Like a collapsing mountain peak, it thrust straight toward Xu Chongfei!

At the same time, his left hand slapped his waist. An earthen-yellow shield, engraved with tortoiseshell patterns and radiating a brilliant spirit light, spun out and instantly enlarged to protect him.

Seeing Chen Yuzhu immediately employ his trump card dharma tool and sword art with such terrifying momentum, many of the Chen Family disciples below held their breath, secretly breaking a sweat for Xu Chongfei.

After all, the aura Xu Chongfei displayed was only at the fourth layer of Foundation Establishment.

However, Xu Chongfei merely grasped the empty air with his left hand. A crimson light suddenly flared in his palm, condensing into a crimson palm print!

Simultaneously, he pressed down in the air with his right hand. A faint blue brilliance pulsed in his palm, forming a similar deep blue palm print!

One crimson and one azure—the two palm prints took shape in his hands but were not immediately unleashed.

Instead, they slowly rotated like the dual fishes of Yin and Yang, their auras tugging at each other yet remaining distinctly separate. An indescribably profound and mysterious undulation quietly spread outward.

It all happened in the blink of an eye!

Chen Yuzhu's several-meter-long sword beam had already cleaved down right in front of Xu Chongfei!

Xu Chongfei's gaze narrowed slightly, and he lightly pressed the crimson palm print in his left hand forward.

The moment that condensed, heavy earthen-yellow sword light came into contact with the crimson palm print, it melted and collapsed at a visible rate, much like ice meeting boiling water!

"What?!"

Chen Yuzhu's expression twisted in horror. His all-out sword strike had actually been shattered by the opponent's casual palm strike?

Before he could think further, the deep blue palm print in Xu Chongfei's right hand followed closely behind, slamming into the shield hovering in front of him.

An aura of extreme cold erupted!

The pale yellow light screen automatically triggered by the shield was instantly smashed to pieces, and the shield itself was sent flying.

'Bam!'

As if struck by a heavy blow, Chen Yuzhu let out a muffled groan. His entire body was sent flying backward like a kite with a broken string, tumbling straight out of the bounds of the stage.

'Thud!' He landed heavily on the ground.

Though he had not sustained any severe injuries, his aura was in disarray and his face was deathly pale. His eyes were filled with unbelievable bewilderment and shock.

One move!

Just one move!

Relying solely on the palm prints condensed in each hand, Xu Chongfei had first broken his strongest attack, then shattered his dharma tool defense, and effortlessly blasted him off the stage!

Whoa—!!!

The entire Martial Arts Arena was first plunged into dead silence before erupting into earth-shaking clamor and exclamations!

"One move?! Brother Yuzhu lost just like that?!"

"What... what kind of palm technique is that? It's terrifying!"

"A crimson palm print to break a flying sword, and a blue palm print to shatter a shield... This... this is simply..."

"Xu Chongfei... is actually this terrifying?!"

"The Xu Family truly produces nothing but prodigies!"

All the Chen Family disciples, regardless of age, were dumbfounded. As they gazed at the young man on the stage, monstrous waves crashed within their hearts.

They had originally thought this would be a fight between a dragon and a tiger, and many even believed that Chen Yuzhu might gain the upper hand by relying on his advantage in cultivation.

Who could have imagined it would be such a display of overwhelming force, a near-crushing scene!

This had completely exceeded their understanding of the strength of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators!

Only one person managed to see through the profound mystery.

Up in the viewing gallery, the faint smile on Chen Changge's face had long frozen over, replaced by deep shock!

His pupils constricted as he stared intently at Xu Chongfei's retreating hands, as if trying to clearly perceive the lingering crimson and azure shimmer.

'Those palm prints... are definitely no ordinary magical arts!'

Stormy seas churned in Chen Changge's heart. 'He has actually entered the threshold of True Intent!'

'And it's the True Intent of two divine abilities—Extreme Cold and Extreme Yang!'

As a Golden Core cultivator, his knowledge naturally far surpassed everyone else present.

Even if typical Foundation Establishment cultivators wanted to comprehend divine abilities, they would only do so after reaching Foundation Establishment Perfection.

After all, while comprehending divine abilities was important, elevating one's cultivation realm was the utmost priority.

Yet, what realm was Xu Chongfei currently at?

Mid Foundation Establishment!

To think he had actually comprehended a trace of the True Intent of a divine ability, and two types at that!

'Such aptitude... is simply unheard of!'

Chen Changge muttered inwardly, unable to stop himself from comparing Xu Chongfei to his parents. 'He is even more outstanding than Ye Fan and Xu Deyue were back then!'

The reason Xu Chongfei was able to comprehend the divine abilities within the Flame-Cold Nine Heavens and so quickly grasp a trace of True Intent was largely thanks to the good fortune he had obtained in the Connate Secret Realm.

The Connate Extreme Yang and Extreme Cold Dao Rhyme had cleansed his Immortal Foundation, making his comprehension of these two divine abilities as simple as eating and drinking.

He had gained enlightenment in just a month or two, and now he was proficient enough to utilize it, applying that trace of the True Intent of a divine ability into his palm techniques and magical arts.

On the stage, Xu Chongfei restrained his aura.

He looked at Chen Yuzhu, who was struggling to his feet with a complicated expression, and then glanced at the countless shocked, reverent, and even slightly fanatical gazes surrounding the stage, maintaining a calm demeanor.

Then, he smiled and cupped his fists. "Brother Yuzhu, I yield to your generosity.

"Truth be told, your foundation is quite solid. If you had a compatible Two-Pattern Magic Tool, you likely could have blocked my previous move."

Chen Yuzhu was convinced in heart and speech, and he hurriedly bowed in return. "Young Master's strength... has completely won me over! Thank you for the guidance, Young Master!"

"There's no need to call me 'Young Master' this and 'Young Master' that; it feels awkwardly formal. Since you are of the same generation as Lian'er, just calling me Brother Chongfei will do."

Xu Chongfei patted his storage pouch, and a porcelain bottle flew out. "This is what my great-grandfather told me to bring. Since you are the champion of the family competition, Brother Yuzhu, this medicinal pill goes to you."

After tossing the pill to Chen Yuzhu, he returned to the elders' seating area and handed over the Heavenly Spirit Pill as well.

The moment Chen Tianlei heard it was a Heavenly Spirit Pill, his face trembled slightly with excitement.

After lingering for another half an incense stick's time.

Xu Chongfei and Chen Yulian departed, heading back to the Inner City.

Chen Changge stayed behind for another hour or two.

After the family competition, Chen Yuzhu asked Chen Changge with a bitter expression, "Great-Grandfather, is the gap between Xu Chongfei and me truly this immense? I couldn't even withstand a single move!"

"Don't compare yourself to the Xu Family members; they are all a bunch of freaks!" Chen Changge sighed. "The gap between you and Chongfei is just like the gap between myself and True Lord Withered Glory! There is simply no comparison! His future lies shoulder-to-shoulder with the absolute top tier of monstrous geniuses in the Heavenly South, and he might even become the number one prodigy, just like his aunt."

Chen Yuzhu gasped, his eyes widening into almost perfect circles.

"You don't believe it? Do you know what method he used to defeat you?" Chen Changge paused, his gaze burning intensely. "The True Intent of a divine ability!"

"And each of those palm prints contained a different kind of True Intent of a divine ability!"

The very last trace of Chen Yuzhu's gloom vanished completely. He nodded heavily and said, "Great-Grandfather, you're right!"

"The Xu Family is full of freaks!"

"Your great-grandson will not compare myself to them. I only pray that in the future, I can enter the top ten geniuses of Heavenly Azure Prefecture!"

'And that would be on a Genius Ranking that doesn't include the Xu Family!' Chen Changge thought secretly to himself.

Back at the Xu Residence.

Xu Chongfei was called before Xu Chuan for questioning.

He didn't dare to hide anything and recounted the events honestly.

After all, even if he didn't speak, Xu Chuan could easily learn everything from Chen Changge.

"So you just decided to show off in front of all the Chen Family disciples and elders, is that right?"

"Great-Grandfather, you really can't blame me."

Xu Chongfei lowered his head, twiddling his thumbs as he mumbled, "I didn't expect the Chen Family's number one youth to be so weak. He's already fifty-six, older than my own father."

"You think you're invincible among your peers, do you?" Xu Chuan said mildly.

"I wouldn't dare."

"If you want to compete, compete with the younger generation of our own Xu Family, or compete with the strongest prodigies of the top-tier Nascent Soul sects! Instead, you bullied a genius of the Chen Family, and you're even proud of it!"

"Although I know our Xu Family has the Dongxi Main Branch, I have no idea how many people are actually in the family." Xu Chongfei lifted his head. "Besides, I heard from my father that the spiritual qi there is thin. Is there truly anyone there who can match me?"

Xu Chongfei genuinely felt that he was not inferior to anyone.

"Naturally, there are," Xu Chuan replied. "In another two or three years, we will make a trip back. When the time comes, you'll see the geniuses of our Dongxi ancestral home for yourself!"

"We're going back?!" Xu Chongfei's eyes lit up. "Then wouldn't this be considered returning home in glory!"

"You could say that." Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Fei'er, in the future, when sparring with outsiders, revealing twenty or thirty percent of your strength is enough. Your true rivals are the strongest geniuses from the top-tier Nascent Soul sects and aristocratic families of the Heavenly South.

"They are the absolute top prodigies of the Demonic Dao from the Blackwater Region.

"Do not squander the good fortune of the Connate Qi!"

"Yes, Great-Grandfather!" Xu Chongfei suddenly thought of something and added, "By the way, will Grandfather be returning with us then?"

"Naturally. He'll be back soon."

The Second Generation of the Xu Family were all top-tier prodigies capable of becoming leading figures in any region.

The Third Generation was led by Xu Deling. Xu Dezhao had originally been second, but he was now surpassed by Xu Deyue. Provided he didn't perish prematurely, Xu Dewen was destined to become an exceptionally powerful leader in the Demonic Dao.

However, he was fated to establish an external branch lineage.

It would take a long time in the future before he could return.

In the fourth generation, Xu Chongfei was bound to be the leading figure, with Xu Chongjian currently a close second.

The fifth generation was led by Xu Wenjing. If he successfully walked the path of the Dual Cultivation of Dharma and Body, he could also stand unrivaled.

The sixth generation was marked by Xu Jingwu, who was highly unique. Because he was forging the new path of the Martial Dao, his journey was destined to be arduous and slow.

The seventh generation boasted several individuals with Earth Spiritual Root aptitudes. Under the Xu Family's grooming, they were certain to become top-tier geniuses.

However, none would be able to achieve the insurmountable, gap-widening lead that Xu Deling, Xu Chongfei, and Xu Jingwu possessed.

Profound Moon Sect.

Midway up Profound Moon Peak, inside a grotto-residence.

"Comprehending a fourth-tier array is indeed difficult!"

Xu Mingxian felt a tinge of frustration.

Yet, when he had previously sought guidance from the Ancestor of Profound Moon, the latter mentioned that he only managed to comprehend a half-step fourth-tier array upon reaching Golden Core Perfection. Recalling this, Xu Mingxian felt somewhat proud.

Xu Mingxian had perfected the Cloud Heaven Illusionary Array, deducing it to the level of a peak third-tier array. It integrated a killing array, an illusionary array, a confinement array, a defensive array, and a Bewildering Tracks Array. And now, he had even incorporated a Spirit-Gathering Formation into it.

Normally, it functioned as a spirit-gathering and illusionary array, but once fully activated, it became an illusionary killing array!

With specific hand seals, the remaining confinement, bewildering, and defensive functions could be triggered. Naturally, activating its full might would drastically accelerate the consumption of spiritual qi.

Only a fourth-tier spirit vein could endure such strain.

Otherwise, the spirit vein would be over-drafted, risking a drop in its tier.

"The family does not lack fourth-tier spirit veins right now. This array is perfectly suited to serve as the clan protection grand array, and its power wouldn't pale in comparison to a singular fourth-tier array.

"As for the City Protection Great Formation...

"If we use third-tier, high-grade five-element spirit veins as the foundation, we can elevate the might of the Five Elements Heavenly Dipper Array to a level rivaling a half-step fourth-tier array."

This array integrated both offense and defense.

Unless one was at the Nascent Soul stage or possessed a high-grade defensive magic treasure, they would be utterly incapable of withstanding a half-step fourth-tier killing array.

As for its defensive properties, a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator attacking solo wouldn't be able to breach it even after half a month of non-stop bombardment.

It would only fall if several people joined forces or if a Grand Cultivator arrived in person.

"Hmm, Father is looking for me?"

Xu Mingxian immediately separated a wisp of his divine sense and sent it into the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.

Inside the grotto-heaven.

"Father."

"You've arrived."

Xu Mingxian nodded. "Father, you sought me out to discuss my return, right?"

"What are your plans? The fourth-tier array and the coordinate teleportation array—have you managed to comprehend them?"

"It's harder than I thought. My attainments in formations are currently at the peak of the third tier. With a powerful foundation, I can lay down a half-step fourth-tier array.

"I haven't fully comprehended the coordinate teleportation array yet, but long-distance teleportation arrays are no longer an issue."

"How far can this type of teleportation formation transmit?"

"Within a radius of five hundred thousand kilometers, we can establish two-way arrays. That's sufficient for our current needs. If we want to cross multiple prefectures, or even connect with other regions in the Heavenly South, we will have to take it slow."

Xu Chuan pondered for a few breaths before giving a slight nod. "That is acceptable for the current stage."

"When do you plan to return?"

"For the City Protection Great Formation, I intend to use third-tier, high-grade five-element spirit veins as the array's foundation, which will elevate it to a half-step fourth-tier. That way, even when we leave, Cloudstream City will remain secure. However..."

Xu Chuan grinned. "Coupled with the earth-attribute third-tier high-grade spirit vein obtained through the transaction involving the core of the ten-thousand-year Spirit-Awakening Tree, our Xu Family happens to have all five elemental spirit veins."

Xu Mingxian was quite surprised. "It's extremely difficult for ordinary Nascent Soul sects to gather high-grade third-tier spirit veins of all five elements. Our Xu Family's fortune truly is prosperous."

"In that case, I will return in half a year. After all, laying down the City Protection Great Formation, optimizing the various major arrays and restrictions in the Xu Residence, and setting up the long-distance teleportation array...

"All of that will likely take over a year to complete.

"For the next six months, I'll focus on gathering more materials for array formation in Profound Moon City. They might not be available in Heavenly Azure Prefecture. However, this will likely require a massive amount of spirit stones."

"Ask your Honored Master to front it for you for now. In a while, I'll have Deling make a trip there with the spirit stones."

Xu Chuan smiled confidently. "Our Xu Family doesn't lack spirit stones at present. Given Cloudstream City's current prosperity, just the city entry tolls, temporary residence permit fees, grotto-residence leasing, various businesses, and the taxes from the prominent families within the city...

"It amounts to at least over a million spirit stones per year.

"Even spending several million to ten million spirit stones wouldn't hurt our foundation in the slightest."

"That's true. Our Xu Family is self-sufficient in pills, artifacts, formations, and talismans. Our biggest expense is simply gathering various spirit medicines and materials," Xu Mingxian smiled faintly.

After reaching an agreement.

Xu Mingxian withdrew his divine sense from the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.

Xu Chuan then sent a message to Xu Deling, instructing her to take tens of millions of spirit stones to Profound Moon Prefecture in four months to bring Xu Mingxian back.

He also specified the purpose of these spirit stones. If there was any surplus, she was free to go on a massive shopping spree in Profound Moon City.

Since they were returning to their ancestral home, they naturally had to bring gifts.

The dharma tools for both the elders and the younger generation would all need to be replaced and upgraded.

Xu Deling would have her hands full for quite some time going forward.

Pills, however, weren't strictly necessary. Most types of pills were already available back in Dongxi, and the pill recipes were synchronized as well.

But for those that were hard to gather ingredients for over there—such as precious pills meant for purifying mana, expanding the qi sea and dantian, as well as Spirit-Nourishing Pills—some would indeed need to be refined.

However, since they were all tier-one and tier-two pills, it would only take Xu Chuan a matter of days to finish the job.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Qi Tianxiong left with the rest of his group, returning to Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

Another dozen days or so passed.

Convinced that the Greedy Wolf Sect had truly departed, the other people in the city also began to leave one after another.

However, among the large number of rogue cultivators, a small half chose to lease grotto-residences in Cloudstream City, planning to settle and develop themselves there long-term.

The Lord of Ancient Nether City was in secluded cultivation within Cloudstream City, comprehending a divine ability.

With the high-grade Connate Spirit Object, 'Profound Origin Heavy Water', he was confident that he could achieve Divine Ability Perfection within a month or two. This would also add another layer of certainty to his eventual attempt at breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm.

Remembering the matter regarding 'The Other Shore', Xu Chuan immediately contacted Black Wind.

Fifty kilometers west of Heavenly Azure City.

In an uninhabited, desolate wasteland.

There was a hidden world lying deep underground.

'The Master is looking for me?' Sensing the anomaly in his divine sense, Black Wind immediately departed.

A few hours later, he arrived in Cloudstream City.

Xu Chuan sent a message, instructing him to wait at the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion in the western district.

Using an appearance-altering secret art, Black Wind transformed into a white-haired old man before heading over. He also concealed his aura, suppressing it down to the early stage of the Golden Core realm.

At the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion in the western district.

Inside a private room on the third floor.

The faint clamor of the city drifted through the window, while sandalwood incense curled upwards within the room. The restrictions shimmered with a faint light, completely isolating the interior from the outside world.

An old man with pure white hair and beard, a gaunt face, and dressed in an ordinary gray robe sat quietly in the guest seat. His aura revealed the cultivation fluctuations of the early Golden Core stage.

After the time it took to drink a cup of tea.

The restriction on the private room's door opened silently, and a figure in a green robe stepped inside, casually closing the restriction behind him. It was none other than Xu Chuan.

His expression was placid and his steps were unhurried, looking as though he had merely come for a leisurely sit.

Black Wind immediately stood up and bowed deeply to Xu Chuan. His voice was old and raspy, yet filled with genuine, heartfelt reverence: "This subordinate, Black Wind, greets the Master."

"Sit." Xu Chuan took the master seat, his gaze sweeping casually over Black Wind's current disguise before giving a slight nod. "Not a bad secret art. Even I cannot see through it."

"Master overpraises me." Black Wind sat down as instructed, though his posture remained respectful and submissive. "May I ask what instructions the Master has for summoning me?"

Xu Chuan didn't answer immediately. He picked up the spirit tea from the tea table, took a shallow sip, and then spoke slowly: "It is, naturally, regarding the matter of infiltrating The Other Shore."

"Is the Master truly going through with it?!" Black Wind's heart chilled slightly.

"Is there a problem?"

"No, in fact, one could say the timing is perfect right now." Black Wind replied with a smile. "Due to the upheavals in Heavenly Azure Prefecture over the past two years, with the successive emergence of new Nascent Soul experts and Shapeshifting Great Demons...

"The Other Shore has begun paying much more attention to Heavenly Azure Prefecture. The Deputy Leader has decided to open a new branch here. Firstly, to gather intelligence, and secondly, to expand operations.

"This subordinate volunteered to come to Heavenly Azure Prefecture and act as the Branch Leader."

"I see." Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "The timing is indeed fortuitous. In that case, arranging for a single person to join The Other Shore shouldn't be difficult for you, right?"

"Leave this matter to me. I absolutely won't allow the Master to be bound by The Other Shore's rules!" Black Wind looked at Xu Chuan. "When does the Master wish to join?"

"There is no better time than the present. Let's do it today."

As his voice fell, Xu Chuan transformed into an utterly ordinary-looking black-haired middle-aged man, and his aura was completely restrained, settling at the late stage of Foundation Establishment.

Black Wind scrutinized him carefully. "The Master's methods are already no less impressive than those belonging to The Other Shore."

"Due to my cultivation method, I can achieve this level, but this is the limit. However, The Other Shore should possess even more profound techniques, shouldn't it?"

Black Wind nodded and replied respectfully, "This subordinate cultivates a secret art known as the Thousand Faces Art. Once initiated, one can alter their appearance and age. Unless probed by a divine sense a major realm higher, it is impossible to see through.

"At Minor Success, the secret art allows one to alter their physical form entirely, changing between male and female, youth and elder.

"Upon reaching Great Accomplishment, one can disguise their aura, making themselves appear as a Foundation Establishment or even a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Within The Other Shore, only a few Nascent Soul leaders have cultivated this secret art to Great Accomplishment. No Golden Core cultivator has ever managed it.

"This subordinate once heard the Leader mention it.

"Once at Great Accomplishment, only the divine sense of a Grand Cultivator can pierce the disguise.

"As for the Perfection stage, one can disguise their dantian and divine sense, completely turning into another person. Even a Grand Cultivator would find it extremely difficult to see through, unless their divine sense had reached Nascent Soul Perfection."

Xu Chuan looked at Black Wind with a puzzled expression. "Then what about your aura concealment..."

"This subordinate learned an entirely separate concealment secret art. However, this art is vastly inferior. Even cultivating it to Perfection, it cannot deceive the divine sense of an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator."

Xu Chuan gave a slight nod, thinking inwardly: 'As expected of an assassin organization with thousands of years of history. Their foundation is truly deep.'

"How many assassins in your organization have cultivated a divine ability to Great Accomplishment?"

"To answer the Master, this subordinate does not know the exact number, but it is certainly more than fifteen. Across the five great regions of the Heavenly South, there are at least three in each region.

"Several of them achieved Divine Ability Core Formation and pushed their divine ability to Great Accomplishment while only at the mid Golden Core stage.

"However, the majority only accomplished this upon reaching the late Golden Core stage."

"Your foundation is no weaker than that of a top-tier Nascent Soul sect," Xu Chuan lamented.