Chapter 338: Joining The Other Shore, Connate Supreme Element Qi

"Replying to the Master, they still cannot compare."

"For instance, top Nascent Soul sects basically dominate their respective regions. Although their disciples frequently travel to other places for experience, they mostly operate within their own territory.

"Unless a major opportunity arises, they won't dispatch a large number of personnel to compete for it.

"On the other hand, The Other Shore organization hides in the shadows. Their forces have branches across all five major regions of Heavenly South. Furthermore, they are ruthless in their methods. When they discover a good seedling, they might even annihilate their entire family just to bring them back.

"They use secret medicines to wash and alter their memories, ensuring their absolute loyalty to The Other Shore.

"However, individuals like this will never have the slightest chance of stepping into the Nascent Soul stage for their entire lives."

"There's actually such a secret art? Can you access it?"

Black Wind shook his head. "There are specialized people handling these kinds of matters. They all belong to the Soul Division of The Other Shore organization, whereas I belong to the Killing Division.

"Unless it is the leader or deputy leaders who can intervene across divisions, anyone else who crosses the line will undoubtedly die. This applies even to True Lord-level assassins like your subordinate.

"The vast majority of the Dharma tools, pills, and other resources used by the assassins of The Other Shore come from them. We can exchange for these items using Slaughter Points.

"As long as you have enough Slaughter Points, you can even exchange for high-grade magic treasures."

"What about Nascent Soul Formation Opportunities?"

"They exist, but I heard they are held in the hands of the leader. They were contested and seized from a certain ancient secret realm. Rumor has it that the two deputy leaders only broke through to the Nascent Soul stage after being gifted Nascent Soul Formation Opportunities."

Xu Chuan's own Nascent Soul Formation Opportunity also came from an ancient secret realm.

The amount that could be found in the outside world should be extremely scarce.

"Are there any restrictions placed on you?"

"Within the organization, those at the Golden Core stage and above are basically only bound by an oath not to pass on cultivation methods and secret arts to outsiders. As for anything else, there are none.

"However, if one dares to betray the organization, within a month, their appearance, cultivation realm, practiced methods, and more will end up on the desks of every major faction in the Heavenly South."

"That is quite ruthless."

"Yes. Aside from the organization's secret assassinations, there will also be endless overt pursuits from the major factions. Therefore, among those who join, very few would ever betray The Other Shore.

"Those with cultivation levels like ours yearn to be rewarded with a Nascent Soul Formation Opportunity from the organization, so we also wouldn't defect carelessly."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "Let's go. We're heading to the Heavenly Azure branch of The Other Shore to get me inducted."

The two immediately left the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion. Upon exiting Cloudstream City, they flew toward Heavenly Azure City.

"Considering that the Heavenly Azure Sect is weak in influence but possesses profound heritage, there might be assassination missions. Thus, the Heavenly Azure branch was established near Heavenly Azure City."

Black Wind paused for a moment before probing, "Master, should I arrange to relocate it near Cloudstream City?"

"You may," Xu Chuan said calmly. "However, do not let anyone grow suspicious. You can grasp the scale and details of the process yourself. There is no rush for this matter."

"My current identity is a late Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator named Li Feiyu."

"Your subordinate will remember this."

Fifty kilometers west of Heavenly Azure City.

As far as the eye could see, there were only barren hills, withered grass, and jagged rocks. It was sparsely populated, and even demonic beasts rarely lingered here.

The biting north wind swept past, carrying a sobbing whistling sound that added a bit more of a desolate and deathly stillness.

Two inconspicuous streaks of light descended from the horizon. The radiance faded, revealing two figures standing one after the other.

In front was a sinister-looking middle-aged man in black robes with an aura as deep and stagnant as an abyss. It was none other than Black Wind, who had restored his original appearance but still made some slight disguises.

Following behind him was a black-clad rogue cultivator with an ordinary appearance, a stern face, and sharp eyes. His cultivation base was roughly at the Eighth-Layer Foundation Establishment stage.

This was the disguised Xu Chuan!

"This place is one of the entrances."

Black Wind's voice was flat. His gaze swept over the surroundings, confirming that no one was spying, before he walked toward an inconspicuous, abandoned dry well half-covered by withered vines.

The mouth of the well was barely a meter in diameter. The well walls were mottled and the bottom couldn't be seen. Only a cold, damp, and decaying scent wafted out from it.

Black Wind leaped in first, his figure instantly swallowed by the darkness.

Xu Chuan's expression remained unchanged as he closely followed behind.

After falling for about thirty meters, they didn't hit the bottom. Instead, the surrounding well wall quietly slid open, revealing a narrow stone path slanting downwards that could only allow one person to pass at a time.

Fluorites emitting a faint, eerie green glow were embedded on both sides of the stone path, casting flickering shadows and creating a secretive, eerie atmosphere.

The two entered one by one. The stone wall behind them closed silently, returning to its original state.

After descending a hundred steps along the stone path, the view suddenly opened up, presenting a spacious underground hall before their eyes.

The hall was built from black stone with a high-hanging vaulted ceiling. Dozens of eternally burning, ghostly blue soul lamps flickered, making the lighting dim and cold.

The air was filled with a faint metallic scent of blood, the smell of medicinal herbs, and an indescribably icy, murderous intent.

The hall connected to several passageways leading to unknown locations. Faintly, some figures dressed in black with cold auras could be seen flashing through the corridors in a hurry.

This place was precisely one of the secret strongholds of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture branch of The Other Shore organization.

As soon as Black Wind appeared, several black-clad assassins near the hall—whether on guard duty or just passing by—immediately halted their steps. They bowed in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized and carrying an instinctive reverence:

"Greetings, Leader Black Wind!"

Their voices echoed through the cavernous hall, adding even more authority to the moment.

Most of these assassins were at the middle to late stages of Foundation Establishment, though one or two possessed auras that had reached the early-stage Golden Core.

They kept their heads bowed in salute, but the corners of their eyes couldn't help but uncontrollably sweep toward the unfamiliar cultivator standing behind Black Wind.

'To be personally brought back by Leader Black Wind... who is this person?'

'An unfamiliar face with an aura that isn't weak. Late Foundation Establishment... Could it be a newly recruited member?'

'For the Leader to personally guide him, it seems he thinks highly of this man...'

'He must have some extraordinary qualities. Otherwise, how could he trouble the Leader to act personally?'

Various thoughts quickly flashed through the minds of the assassins, but none dared to voice their questions. They merely maintained an even more respectful posture.

Black Wind only gave a slight nod to their salutations as a response. Without pausing his steps, he directly led Xu Chuan toward a passageway on one side of the hall marked as the Records Pavilion.

As the branch leader, he naturally possessed an imposing aura of authority without needing to show anger.

Wherever he passed, the assassins along the way continuously stepped aside and bowed.

Inside the Records Pavilion, an old man dressed in gray robes with a rigid face and an early-stage Golden Core cultivation was organizing files. Sensing Black Wind enter, he hurriedly stood up. "Leader, why have you come personally? Do you have any orders?"

He was the steward in charge of member registration, archives, and Slaughter Points calculation here, known as Elder Yan.

Black Wind glanced at him and said indifferently, "It's nothing. I've brought a newcomer to handle his registration.

"Elder Yan, I've reconsidered the intelligence I asked you to compile yesterday. It must be transmitted to the superior today. You must finish organizing it and hand it to me today."

"Yes, Leader. Then regarding this person's registration..."

"Never mind that. I can temporarily take over your duties for now."

Elder Yan was stunned upon hearing this, subconsciously looking at Xu Chuan behind Black Wind.

Handling the registration for new members was fundamentally his duty. Why would the leader need to do it personally?

However, when he met Black Wind's calm yet unquestionable gaze, his heart skipped a beat. He immediately suppressed all his doubts, bowed with cupped fists, and said, "Then I will trouble the Leader. This old man will go organize the intelligence first."

"Mm, go on," Black Wind replied coolly.

Elder Yan didn't dare hesitate in the slightest. He quickly cupped his hands, carefully placed several key jade slips and a black token representing his recording authority on the table, and then swiftly exited the Records Pavilion.

He even closed the door behind him and activated the simple sound-isolating restriction outside the pavilion.

Afterward, Black Wind began handling the registration procedures for Xu Chuan.

Aside from recording their name, identity, and practiced cultivation methods, ordinary people would also be required to swear an oath in person.

But with Black Wind there, this oath-swearing process was naturally skipped.

"Li Feiyu, this is your identity token."

The token was black. The front was engraved with the intertwined emblem of a spider lily and a dagger, while the back displayed his assassin rank and codename.

From this moment on, Xu Chuan was a Bronze-level assassin of The Other Shore organization, codenamed Mountain River.

To avoid arousing suspicion.

After recording the information, Black Wind returned to his own room to rest, allowing Xu Chuan to wander around on his own.

Fighting at will was forbidden inside the branch.

Therefore, it was highly unlikely that anyone would attack to test him here.

A middle-aged man in purple robes approached and asked, "Daoist Friend, you must be new here. How should I address you?"

"Mountain River."

"That's a codename, right? What is your real name? I am Fei Gu. I joined The Other Shore several decades ago and am now a Black Iron level assassin," the purple-robed man said, cupping his fists.

"Li Feiyu. I just joined the organization. I hope Brother Fei will look after me in the future."

"Not at all. Brother Li, you were personally brought in by Leader Black Wind. Why would you need my care?" Fei Gu laughed. "I wonder, what is your relationship with the Leader?"

"We have no relationship."

"Brother Li, it's boring if you talk like that."

"It's fine if you don't believe me, Brother Fei. I was simply killing and plundering when Senior Black Wind happened to stumble upon me. He gave me two choices, and I had no option but to agree."

Fei Gu's eyebrows slightly furrowed, and his tone became much colder. "So that's how it is. Since you just joined, you still need to familiarize yourself well. I won't disturb you any longer."

Having said his piece, he turned and left.

Xu Chuan remained expressionless and continued to stroll around.

However, news of Li Feiyu quickly spread throughout the entire branch.

They had thought he got in through connections, but it turned out he was genuinely just a fresh recruit!

Not many people in the branch bothered to interact with Xu Chuan after that.

He stayed there for three days.

Then, Xu Chuan headed over to Black Wind's place.

Black Wind had long since duplicated all the various cultivation methods and secret arts belonging to The Other Shore that he had learned into blank jade slips.

"Master, these are all The Other Shore cultivation methods and secret arts that your subordinate has learned." Black Wind respectfully presented the jade slips.

Xu Chuan took the jade slips. He briefly swept them with his divine sense and gave a slight nod.

With these cultivation methods and secret arts, the Xu Family's future Shadow Division would finally possess its own inheritance.

If there were any deficiencies, he could just have Black Wind continuously poach from The Other Shore's foundation.

"You've done well. This high-grade Golden Origin Pill is your reward. It can aid you with a twenty percent chance of breaking through to Golden Core Perfection."

Xu Chuan took out a porcelain bottle and calmly instructed, "You are to continue gathering all types of intelligence and transmit it once a month.

"If anything relates to my Xu Family or Cloudstream City, report it immediately."

"Your subordinate obeys!" Black Wind responded solemnly, his eyes filled with pleasant surprise. "Thank you for the reward, Master!"

"Just arrange any long-term external mission for me, so I can accept it and take my leave."

"Yes, Master."

Xu Chuan departed silently without making a sound.

The next day, he was assigned an infiltration mission in Cloudstream City.

After accepting the mission, Xu Chuan openly and legitimately left The Other Shore's branch and flew toward Cloudstream City.

Upon returning to the Xu Residence, he began studying the divine abilities and secret arts within the jade slips.

Among them, the only ones that caught his eye were Shadowless Assassination, Nether Shadow Evasion, and the Thousand Faces Art.

When cultivated to great accomplishment, Shadowless Assassination would not leak a single trace of aura even upon explosive execution. It was an assassination divine ability.

In addition to escaping over long distances, Nether Shadow Evasion allowed the user to instantly appear inside any nearby shadow. The deeper one's comprehension, the further the shadow evasion distance and the smaller the resulting fluctuations.

Rumor had it that once perfected, the user could silently flee far away or appear in any shadow within a five-kilometer radius.

It was far more suitable for escaping than the Yimu Green Light Evasion, and it could also be utilized in combat.

Therefore, he added all three divine abilities and secret arts to his daily mandatory practice schedule.

In the blink of an eye, over three months passed.

Xu Deling visited the Xu Residence to collect spirit stones and took the opportunity to bid farewell to Xu Chuan.

She was heading to the Profound Moon Prefecture alone.

In the past, she would have needed True Lord Fierce Sun to accompany her. But now, Xu Deling had truly grown up, and her strength was absolutely not inferior to True Lord Fierce Sun's.

If not for the fact that True Lord Fierce Sun possessed a top-tier magic treasure, he probably wouldn't even be able to defeat Xu Deling.

After all, if she utilized her Fire Phoenix Manifestation Art, she could even suppress the combined might of Qing Mu and Bingqian.

"Grandfather, your granddaughter will be leaving now."

"Mm. Be careful on the road."

Right at that moment.

A rumbling sound echoed between heaven and earth.

The two of them looked up, only to see spiritual qi surging in the distance. It was congregating toward a certain location in the Southern District, forming a massive spiritual qi vortex dozens of meters in diameter.

"Someone is undergoing Core Formation. That direction is..." Xu Deling revealed a look of surprise.

"It should be Yan Yue of the Yan Family," Xu Chuan chuckled lightly. "News spread a while ago that Yan Yue had entered seclusion to attempt breaking through to the Golden Core stage."

"Isn't it all thanks to you, Grandfather, for handing out quite a few Golden Core Formation Opportunities at the Cloudstream Grand Assembly?"

Xu Deling smiled, cupped her hands to say goodbye once more, and then flew off toward the west.

After circling around, she released a magic skiff and streaked toward the southeastern sky.

"Moyue, do you want to go out for a stroll?"

Moyue, lounging on a recliner, turned his head to look over. "You want me to follow that girl Deling? Is she in danger? Her strength isn't weak nowadays.

"If you don't use the Azure Dragon Sword Formation, you'd be evenly matched with her."

"That's not necessarily true," Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Just tell me if you're going or not."

"I have no interest in playing babysitter. However, the weather is quite nice today. I think I'll go out to get some fresh air. My return date is unconfirmed!"

With those words, Moyue transformed into a streak of blue light and shot up high into the sky.

The higher one's cultivation level, the higher they could ascend.

At the Nascent Soul realm, one could already fly up to the upper atmosphere to gather astral winds, and even heavenly lightning and fire, to use for artifact refining.

Xu Chuan shook his head and let out a light chuckle. He then turned his gaze toward the Core Formation Phenomenon.

By now, factions large and small throughout Cloudstream City were paying close attention.

"A Core Formation Phenomenon?! Don't tell me it's the Xu Family again?!"

"It shouldn't be. Didn't you see it's in the Outer City? That direction points to the Southern District. Is it the Yan Family or the Heavenly Plume Sect?"

The people near the Yan Family estate naturally knew that it was someone from the Yan Family forming their core.

They immediately relayed the news outward.

In less than half an incense stick of time, the entire city knew about it.

"So it's the Yan Family. I heard the Yan Family won a Golden Core Formation Opportunity in the auction at the Cloudstream Grand Assembly. It seems the rumor was true."

"It must be true. Otherwise, how could Core Formation be such an easy matter?"

"That's right. Take the genius of the Yan clan, Yan Kuangtu, for example. He even participated in the Prodigy Grand Assembly, but he's currently still painstakingly comprehending his divine ability.

"The Yan Family doesn't have anyone who can compare."

"It's all a matter of fate and timing. Who asked the Yan Family to possess such a profound heritage? But now that the Yan Family has produced another Golden Core cultivator, they will likely firmly secure the title of the number one Golden Core family in the Outer City of Cloudstream City for the next century."

In the Western District, at the Tang Family estate.

A slightly hunched figure quietly hovered in the sky above the manor. It was the Ancestor of the Tang Family.

He did not emanate the pressure of a Golden Core cultivator, choosing instead to gaze silently at the distant horizon.

Over there, in the direction of the Yan Family, the Core Formation Phenomenon was rising. Myriad rays of glowing multicolored light and auspicious vapors stirred up quite a commotion.

The eyes of the Tang Family Ancestor flickered with complex emotions—a mixture of envy, anxiety, and indignation.

His cultivation base had been stagnant at the early-stage Golden Core for a long time. Meanwhile, among the younger generation of the Tang Family, although a few were considered diligent, not a single one displayed exceptionally talented and brilliant potential capable of supporting the clan's future.

The family's assets could only be considered mid-tier within Cloudstream City. Compared to the Chen Family and the Yan clan, the gap was only widening, let alone comparing themselves to the currently flourishing Yan Family.

Throughout the Tang Family manor, many disciples were engaged in widespread discussion.

The news of the Yan Family's Core Formation had swiftly spread high and low across the estate. Even the servants and guards were talking about it.

"Go, summon Qianqian to my meditation room."

The Ancestor of the Tang Family's voice, carrying a trace of exhaustion, entered the ears of a Tang Family disciple below.

"Yes, Ancestor." The disciple didn't dare to neglect the order and quickly hurried off.

Inside the meditation room, sandalwood incense smoke curled gracefully into the air.

The Ancestor of the Tang Family sat on a meditation cushion. He looked at the girl standing respectfully before him—Tang Qianqian. She possessed a pretty and elegant face, though she carried a somewhat frail and silent demeanor.

This young woman was just sixteen years old, and her cultivation had merely entered the 6th Layer of Qi Condensation. Her aptitude was mediocre. There was only one thing special about her...

"Qianqian, take a seat." The Ancestor's voice softened slightly as he gestured for her to sit.

Tang Qianqian knelt and sat down obediently. Her head hung low, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes, seemingly having a premonition of what was to come.

"You've heard about the Yan Family's situation today, haven't you?" The Ancestor sighed. "Yan Yue has successfully broken through to the Golden Core. Within days, they will become a clan with three Golden Core cultivators.

"For the next hundred years, the Yan Family will firmly hold the title of the number one aristocratic family in Cloudstream City's Outer City.

"In contrast, look at our Tang Family..."

He shook his head. "The Chen Family has a marriage alliance with the Xu Family. Chen Changge is now the Deputy City Lord of Cloudstream City. With his prominent status and the influx of resources, his future is promising.

"The Yan clan produced Yan Kuangtu, who bears the potential of forming a divine ability Golden Core. Once he succeeds, their clan's rise will be just around the corner.

"Only our Tang Family has mediocre descendants and lacks any deep friendship with the Xu Family.

"Currently, it doesn't look like we're declining, but several decades from now, we will inevitably fall behind.

"If we wait until my lifespan reaches its absolute limit and our Tang Family still has no capable successor, what do you think will happen to our family?"

Tang Qianqian's body trembled slightly. She lowered her head even further, biting her lip, and remained silent.

The Ancestor looked at her, a flash of reluctance crossing his eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by the determination to burn his bridges and take a desperate measure.

He lowered his voice, enunciating nearly every single word. "Qianqian, you possess the Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body. This is one of the top ten Cauldron Physiques of the ancient era.

"This matter is known only to a sparse few, including myself and your parents.

"This physique does not provide much assistance to your own cultivation. However, if you practice dual cultivation with a man, you can become an excellent cauldron for the other party.

"It can help him purify his mana, break through bottlenecks, and even comprehend the Dao of Yin-Yang Harmony. The benefits are tremendous."

"Ancestor, I..."

Tang Qianqian's face instantly turned pale, and her fingertips dug deeply into her palms.

She immediately understood what the Ancestor had summoned her here to do.

Normally, someone like her, separated from the Ancestor by over a dozen generations, would find it incredibly difficult to even see him once, let alone receive preferential treatment.

Yet, she had been quite favored. The family had never skimped on her cultivation resources.

So it turned out it was all for the sake of using her as a bargaining chip one day, to be gifted to another?

An inescapable sense of sorrow and desolation welled up in her heart.

"The Xu Family's direct descendant, Xu Chongfei, is young, accomplished, and possesses outstanding talent. If he can receive the aid of your Cauldron Physique, he will definitely ascend to an even higher level."

The Tang Family Ancestor continued, "The entire Xu clan is filled with prodigies, and he is certainly not inferior to City Lord Ye and the Cold Moon Fairy. If you can marry him as a concubine, you will surely be highly valued by him, and by extension, the entire Xu Family.

"When that time comes, our Tang Family will share a marriage alliance with the Xu Family. Under their protection, we will secure a solid foothold in Cloudstream City."

Seeing that Tang Qianqian remained silent, he sighed inwardly. But thinking of the family's survival, he hardened his heart.

He even spoke with a hint of lowering his voice and stifling his breath in plea. "Qianqian, this grandfather knows that suddenly forcing you to become someone's concubine is unfair to you.

"But you also know what kind of prodigy Xu Chongfei is.

"He is destined to be the number one prodigy of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture, perhaps even the number one prodigy of the Northwest Region.

"Being a concubine to him will not wrong you in the slightest.

"Moreover, given our family's current predicament, we desperately need the Xu Family's assistance... Are you willing to lend our family a helping hand?

"Just treat it as this old man begging you."

Those last words, 'begging you,' struck Tang Qianqian's heart like a heavy hammer.

She lifted her head and looked into the Tang Family Ancestor's expectant eyes. She thought of her parents and older brothers, of her innocent and ignorant younger siblings in the clan, and of the uncles and elders who strove endlessly for the family.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath. When she opened them again, she said softly, "Qianqian... will follow the Ancestor's arrangements."

"Good. Then in three days, this old man will take you to the City Lord's Mansion to pay a visit to City Lord Ye."

Three days later.

Shortly after nine in the morning.

The Tang Family Ancestor personally brought the meticulously dressed Tang Qianqian to the City Lord's Mansion to request an audience with Ye Fan.

Chen Changge glanced at Tang Qianqian by his side and had some guesses, but he did not try to stop them. He immediately sent a message to Ye Fan and had servants lead the two from the Tang Family to the reception hall.

Inside the reception hall.

Not long after, Ye Fan arrived.

"City Lord Ye." The Tang Family Ancestor stood up to greet him, while Tang Qianqian followed suit, cupping her hands in a salute.

"There's no need for formalities. Please, take a seat."

"Thank you, City Lord Ye."

"For what purpose did Daoist Friend Tang come looking for me? If you have something to say, just speak plainly."

The Tang Family Ancestor chuckled. "City Lord Ye, this is my Tang Family's junior, Tang Qianqian. What do you think of her?"

"She has an elegant demeanor and is beautifully free from vulgarity. She is a rare, exquisite beauty."

"Qianqian possesses the Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body, one of the top ten Cauldron Physiques of ancient times. If she were to marry your esteemed son as a concubine, would City Lord Ye be willing?"

Ye Fan's dignified brow slightly furrowed.

So that was what they were plotting.

However, one of the top ten ancient cauldrons—what a grand title!

"Daoist Friend Tang, I understand your intentions," Ye Fan said in a flat tone. "However, this matter still depends on Chongfei's own wishes.

"I also need to discuss it with my wife.

"You two should head back first. If our Xu Family is interested, we will definitely pay a personal visit to your estate."

The Tang Family Ancestor's face turned pale. He was just about to speak again, but Ye Fan raised his hand to stop him, clearly indicating that he did not wish to discuss it further.

Right at this moment.

At the Xu Residence, under the Withered Glory Tree.

Xu Chuan abruptly opened his eyes as if sensing something, and pinched his fingers together to divine the matter.

"So I almost missed out on an opportunity," Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "The Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body. It seems to be one of the absolute best physiques for practicing the Pure Maiden Supreme Yin Scripture."

He had once heard Murong Yun mention that the person who created this cultivation method was precisely a female cultivator possessing a Cauldron Physique.

"Ye Fan," Xu Chuan immediately sent a voice transmission. "Bring the two people from the Tang Family to the main hall of the Xu Residence."

"Honored Master?" Ye Fan paused slightly, then quickly responded. "Yes, Honored Master."

"City Lord Ye, then this old man will head back first..."

"Wait."

"Does City Lord Ye have any other orders?"

"My Honored Master invites the two of you to the Xu Residence for a chat," Ye Fan stated.

"True Lord Withered Glory?!"

The Tang Family Ancestor was startled at first, but was then overjoyed beyond expectations.

"You two, follow me."

The Tang Family Ancestor immediately brought Tang Qianqian and followed Ye Fan toward the Xu Residence.

After Xu Chuan sent the voice transmission instructing Ye Fan to bring the guests, he pondered for a moment. With a slight thought, he sent out another transmission.

Before long, a streak of white light landed in the courtyard, revealing Xu Deyue's figure.

Dressed in a flowing moon-white dress with an icy demeanor, she stepped forward and cupped her hands. "Grandfather, what orders do you have for summoning Yue'er here?"

"To be exact, I am looking for your Honored Master, Senior Sister Murong Yun."

Xu Chuan's gaze fell upon Xu Deyue, or rather, on the Supreme Yin flying sword residing deep within her dantian's sea of qi.

"Looking for me?" an aloof female voice carrying an ethereal quality suddenly echoed within the courtyard.

Before her words faded, a layer of cold, moonlit radiance suddenly welled up around Xu Deyue's body.

Immediately after, a crystalline sword glint shot out from her dantian. It was exactly her lifebound flying sword, Supreme Yin.

The sword light swirled in mid-air and hovered before Xu Chuan. The blade trembled slightly, exuding intense spirituality and an icy chill.

Xu Chuan wasn't surprised by this scene. He cupped his hands toward the Supreme Yin flying sword and said, "Senior Sister Murong, forgive my intrusion. I have a matter to inquire about today, as well as an opportunity that may be related to you."

"An opportunity?" Murong Yun's voice emanated directly from the blade. "Junior Brother Xu, do tell."

"Does Senior Sister wish to take on another legacy disciple?" Xu Chuan cut straight to the chase. "There is a girl who possesses the Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body.

"If this junior brother remembers correctly, this physique perfectly aligns with the Pure Maiden Supreme Yin Scripture that Senior Sister practices. She should be able to inherit your legacy."

"Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body?"

Murong Yun's voice carried obvious astonishment. The luster flowing over the Supreme Yin blade accelerated, revealing the fluctuation in her emotions.

"This physique is indeed a perfect seedling for cultivating the Pure Maiden Supreme Yin Scripture. It's even a bit more compatible than my own aptitude was back then."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "However, let's forget about taking disciples.

"In my current state, surviving as a remnant soul relying on a sword spirit and having my life inextricably tied to Yue'er, I no longer have the heart to instruct a disciple. Besides, this inhuman form of mine isn't suited to be a proper teacher."

Xu Chuan was not discouraged and gave a slight smile. "Since it's inconvenient for Senior Sister to personally take a disciple, could you bestow the Pure Maiden Supreme Yin Scripture and allow Deyue to accept an apprentice on your behalf to pass down this method?"

The Supreme Yin flying sword hovered motionless. Murong Yun remained silent for a while before her voice emerged with a trace of suspicion. "Junior Brother Xu, your sudden persistence in this matter, could it be for..."

"Rumor has it that the Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body is one of the top ten ancient Cauldron Physiques. If one undergoes dual cultivation with her, it will provide massive assistance when breaking through major realm bottlenecks, and even grant quite a bit of good fortune.

"I wonder if this rumor is true?" Xu Chuan asked.

"You really are plotting something like that." Murong Yun's voice paused before she continued. "Yes, the rumor is true.

"The reason the Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body is renowned as one of the top ten ancient cauldrons is because individuals with this physique possess a strand of Connate Supreme Element Qi within their bodies.

"I don't know if you've heard of the Five Supreme Connate States."

"I have heard a bit about them."

"This qi is exceedingly mystical. It offers limited benefit to the owner's own cultivation, but if she undergoes dual cultivation with a man, during the convergence of Yin and Yang, she can transfer this strand of Connate Supreme Element Qi to the other party.

"Connate Supreme Element Qi has the miraculous effects of washing away inner demons, stabilizing the divine soul, harmonizing Yin and Yang, and repairing the Dao foundation.

"Therefore, it is incredibly effective for breaking through major realm bottlenecks.

"If the person possessing this physique is a Golden Core Completion stage cultivator, the aid of the Connate Supreme Element Qi can boost the chance of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage to an astonishing fifty percent!

"Even if she is only at the early-stage Golden Core, it can still increase the breakthrough probability by roughly thirty percent.

"Of course, this strand of Connate Supreme Element Qi cannot be forcefully seized. She must transfer it to another willingly."

"To think it would be like this." Even with Xu Chuan's steady disposition, he couldn't help but reveal a look of surprise upon hearing this.

Such an assistance could be called heaven-defying!

No wonder it was ranked as one of the top ten Cauldron Physiques of the ancient era.

"Then, Senior Sister, are you willing to bestow the Pure Maiden Supreme Yin Scripture?"

Light flowed continuously across the Supreme Yin sword as Murong Yun seemed to weigh her options.

After a long time, she sighed gently, her voice carrying hints of helplessness and relief. "Forget it. Who asked me to be intrinsically bound to Yue'er's life now, sharing both her honor and disgrace?

"I will agree to this matter."

"Thank you, Senior Sister, for granting this request!" Xu Chuan cupped his hands.

Murong Yun said nothing more. The light on the Supreme Yin blade retracted before the sword swiftly flew back into Xu Deyue's dantian.

Xu Deyue looked at Xu Chuan. "Grandfather, by acting like this, aren't you..."

"Rest assured, Grandfather will not force her. I will make a fair trade with her. If she is willing to take you as her Honored Master, just teach her well. Is that alright?"

Xu Deyue pondered for a moment. "Your granddaughter understands."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Let's go. Follow me to the main hall."

After saying that, his figure shifted and he swept toward the direction of the Xu Residence's main hall, with Xu Deyue following closely behind.

In the Xu Residence's main hall.

After Xu Chuan and Xu Deyue walked in.

First, Ye Fan cupped his hands in greeting. "Honored Master."

Following that, the Tang Family Ancestor and Tang Qianqian also bowed deeply. "Greetings, True Lord Withered Glory."

"Everyone, please take a seat."

Xu Chuan looked toward the Tang Family Ancestor and smiled faintly. "I already understand why Daoist Friend Tang has come. The Tang Family desires a marriage alliance with my Xu Family, and my Xu Family is naturally happy to oblige.

"However, Miss Qianqian is special. The Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body was an extremely precious physique even in ancient times. Is Daoist Friend Tang truly willing to let her marry into my Xu Family as a concubine?"

"This old man has read the relevant ancient records and understands the rarity of this physique. Moreover, the higher the cultivation level of the person possessing this physique, the better.

"However, the present is not like ancient times.

"Not to mention that this kind of physique provides no significant benefit to one's own cultivation.

"With my Tang Family's heritage, we can at most raise her to the Foundation Establishment stage. There isn't even a sliver of hope for her to reach the Golden Core stage.

"Yet, the true value of this physique only begins after reaching the Golden Core stage."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly.

"My Tang Family is in a precarious situation without a proper successor. If it weren't for this, we would not have resorted to such a move." The Tang Family Ancestor sighed softly. "Nonetheless, Young Master Chongfei possesses peerless talent. Qianqian marrying him as a concubine cannot be considered a disgrace.

"Furthermore, I believe the Xu Family will not mistreat her."

Xu Chuan didn't reply directly, but instead sent a divine sense voice transmission to Tang Qianqian.

'Miss Qianqian, I wish to make a trade with you. Your Cauldron Physique is extremely useful to my Xu Family. I can have my granddaughter Deyue accept you as her disciple and pass down an ancient cultivation method that perfectly suits you.

'Practicing it will allow your cultivation to advance by leaps and bounds, completely transforming your current predicament.

'My Xu Family will even take responsibility for providing all the resources you need to cultivate up to Golden Core Perfection. You may even have hope of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.

'But you must agree that if one day someone in my Xu Family needs to utilize your physique, you will willingly transfer the strand of Connate Supreme Element Qi within your body.

'However, after transferring this strand of Connate Supreme Element Qi, you will no longer possess the Pure Maiden Profound Yin Body. Your cultivation method will yield no further progress, and your cultivation level will permanently stagnate.

'Even the strength of your divine abilities will experience a decline.

'Are you willing?'