Chapter 341: Nascent Soul Formation! Sending Off!

Half a month passed swiftly, and Cloudstream City remained as bustling as ever.

Suddenly, the spiritual qi of heaven and earth surged violently without warning!

Centered around the core Cultivation Tower in the Inner City, billowing, pitch-black demonic energy, thick as ink and dreadfully viscous, soared into the sky, instantly dying that patch of the heavens a gloomy dark!

The demonic energy churned, carrying the faint sounds of wailing ghosts and howling deities, mingled with an oppressive, heavy sensation akin to shifting earth and stone.

In stark contrast to this, boundless rays of glowing light cascading from the higher firmament stretched out!

Five-colored lights swirled, thousands of auspicious auras intertwined, faint immortal melodies echoed, and auspicious clouds gathered.

The spiritual qi from hundreds of kilometers around converged, forming a massive spiritual energy vortex!

This brilliant celestial phenomenon was exactly the sign of heaven and earth's gift triggered by Nascent Soul Formation!

For a time, the gloomy demonic energy and the magnificent glowing light appeared together above Cloudstream City, creating a bizarre yet spectacular sight.

"Someone is forming a Nascent Soul in Cloudstream City?!"

"What terrifying demonic energy... It is actually a demonic cultivator forming a Nascent Soul!"

"How could there be such a powerful demonic cultivator in Cloudstream City, and in the Inner City no less? Could this person belong to the Xu Family?"

"Is the Xu Family about to produce a second Nascent Soul stage combatant?!"

The entire city was in an uproar as countless cultivators rushed onto the streets and rooftops, gazing in shock at this rare marvel they might only see once in a lifetime.

Before long, within the churning demonic clouds, a phantom of a demonic path Nascent Soul, standing over three hundred meters tall with a blurred yet deeply majestic face, gradually condensed and manifested!

Although the phantom appeared somewhat illusory, the heavy, mountain-like, and hellishly strict Nascent Soul pressure it exuded was undeniably real, making one's very soul tremble.

"The Nascent Soul Formation was a success!"

"That demonic cultivator succeeded!"

"Could that person be a newly recruited guest elder of the Xu Family?"

"I don't think so! The Xu Family's cultivation methods are upright and grand; how could they harbor such a demon?"

"Nascent Soul... Even reaching the Golden Core stage is difficult for us, let alone Nascent Soul!"

"Gaining a lifespan of a thousand years in a single bound, this person has ascended to the heavens in one step!"

Many Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators sighed with deep emotion.

At the Yan Family residence.

The Ancestor of the Yan Family stood high in the sky with a solemn expression, looking at the massive Nascent Soul phantom in the Inner City. "A demonic path Nascent Soul... Who exactly is he?"

At the Yan Family.

The Ancestor of the Yan Family, Yan Yue, and Yan Hanxiao were also hovering in the air, gazing from afar.

Yan Hanxiao asked, "Ancestor, who do you think this person is? Could it be a demonic path guest elder recruited by the Xu Family?"

"Probably not," the Ancestor of the Yan Family said, stroking his beard. "Nascent Soul Formation opportunities are rare. Without such assistance, out of a hundred Golden Core Perfection cultivators attempting to break through to Nascent Soul, less than one percent would succeed.

If my guess is correct, that person should be the one who won the Nascent Soul Formation opportunity at the Cloudstream Grand Assembly.

But to think it is actually a demonic cultivator! I had thought it was True Lord Fierce Sun of the Heavenly Plume Sect."

"Indeed, who wouldn't guess that?" Yan Hanxiao sighed. "After all, the Heavenly Plume Sect has a close relationship with the Xu Family. If True Lord Fierce Sun formed a Nascent Soul, it would be of great help to the Xu Family."

Yan Yue remained silent.

At the Tang Family.

A group of Tang Family disciples were engaged in widespread discussion.

The Ancestor of the Tang Family, however, remained silent, thinking to himself, 'What exactly is the Xu Family planning? That Nascent Soul Formation opportunity actually wasn't given to True Lord Fierce Sun.

Who in the world is this person?

However, for the Xu Family to let him enter secluded cultivation in Cloudstream City, their relationship must be quite deep.'

At the Heavenly Plume Sect's station.

True Lord Fierce Sun stood in the air with his hands behind his back, looking at the massive demonic Nascent Soul phantom with an extremely complex expression.

Envy, longing, shock, and a trace of bitterness intertwined.

Ultimately, it all melted into a soft sigh.

"Nascent Soul..." he murmured with a sigh, the hands hidden in his sleeves clenching slightly.

The Nascent Soul stage was right before his eyes, yet it felt as though it was worlds away.

What lay between them was the boundary of life and death!

Beside him, True Lord Yanzhen and Rong Tianyang also wore shaken expressions.

True Lord Yanzhen pondered, "A demonic path Nascent Soul?! So the Xu Family actually gave that Nascent Soul Formation opportunity to a demonic cultivator.

What on earth is Xu Chuan thinking?!

I really want to go find him and demand an explanation!"

"Junior Brother Yanzhen, there is no need to say more," True Lord Fierce Sun waved his hand to stop him, his gaze still fixed on the gradually solidifying demonic Nascent Soul dharma idol.

"Daoist Friend Kurong has his own reasons for doing things. Moreover, this is the Xu Family's own opportunity. Who they choose to gift it to is their own business; could we possibly force them?"

"That is the logic, but even if they kept it for themselves to use for Nascent Soul Formation in the future, it would be fine! But they just had to give it to a demonic cultivator. If I am not mistaken, this person must be an expert from some top-tier faction in Greedy Wolf Prefecture.

They experienced the War of the Two Prefectures; shouldn't they all have grudges against each other?"

He paused.

"Sigh, whatever. Let it be."

True Lord Yanzhen flicked his sleeve robe and turned to fly back toward his grotto-residence, calling out as he flew, "Next time Junior Sister asks me to refine a high-grade magic treasure for the Xu Family, I will have to think it over carefully."

He was a man of genuine temperament and lacked deep scheming.

He devoted his entire heart to studying artificing, which was how he achieved his current artifact dao attainments.

He possessed considerable fame throughout the entirety of Heavenly South.

After all, there were not many people who could refine top-tier magic treasures, and those who could do so while in the Golden Core stage were even fewer.

Most were already at the Nascent Soul stage.

As for the rest of the Golden Core stage rogue cultivators, Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators, or guest elders of various families in the city, their hearts were mostly filled with nothing but shock and envy at this moment.

The Nascent Soul stage was a heavenly chasm that truly distinguished the top experts of the cultivation world.

Most cultivators, even those at the Golden Core stage, would struggle to witness a celestial phenomenon of Nascent Soul Formation in their entire lifetimes.

Seeing it today, one could say they were profoundly shaken.

The celestial phenomenon lasted for about half an incense stick of time. The massive demonic Nascent Soul phantom eventually slowly retracted into the Cultivation Tower, and the sky-filling demonic energy and five-colored glowing light gradually dissipated as well.

However, the lingering resonance of that majestic Nascent Soul pressure hovered over Cloudstream City for a long time, imprinted in the heart of every cultivator who witnessed this scene.

"He finally formed his Nascent Soul."

Above the Xu Residence, Xu Chuan stood with his hands behind his back, the corners of his lips curling up slightly.

Beside him was the burly and robust, half-human half-dragon shapeshifting great demon, Moyue.

"Xu Chuan, it seems that brat Gu Xuanyou didn't waste your painstaking efforts. The chaos in Heavenly Azure Prefecture is nearing its end; now it's time to let Greedy Wolf Prefecture fall into chaos."

Xu Chuan smiled and did not refute.

"Let's go. The phenomenon has vanished. Let's go take a look."

The two immediately flew toward the Cultivation Tower.

They didn't enter rashly, but stopped in the void about three hundred meters away from the Cultivation Tower.

"Xu Clan Head, Daoist Friend Moyue. I still need to enter secluded cultivation for half a month to stabilize my realm. It is inconvenient to meet at this time, please forgive me."

"City Lord Gu is too polite," Xu Chuan chuckled. "I only came to congratulate you, Daoist Friend, on successfully forming your Nascent Soul."

"Haha, it is all thanks to the Nascent Soul Formation opportunity gifted by the Xu Clan Head."

"Why speak of gifts? It was merely a transaction between you and me."

"Xu Clan Head, you do not understand what forming a Nascent Soul truly represents. Only those who have genuinely crossed this threshold can know—a qualitative leap in strength, and a long lifespan of a thousand years.

How could these things possibly be compared to a mere transaction?"

Pausing for a moment, Gu Xuanyou added, "In short, I will remember this favor. One day, I will definitely repay it."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Then Daoist Friend Gu should continue your secluded cultivation. Just inform me on the day you leave, and I will see you off."

"That is a given."

After speaking, the voice faded away.

Xu Chuan and Moyue also returned to the Xu Residence.

At this time, Xu Mingxian, Ye Fan and his wife, and Xu Deling were all gathered in Xu Chuan's courtyard.

Ye Fan said, "Honored Master, the City Lord of Ancient Nether City forming a Nascent Soul has surely caused quite a stir. Should our Xu Family issue a public explanation?"

"Explain what?" Xu Chuan smiled. "There is no need to say much. In a month at most, Gu Xuanyou will leave. His strength will eventually be revealed to the world in the future.

But before that, he will definitely deliver a heavy blow to the Greedy Wolf Sect.

This is beneficial to our Xu Family.

If exposed too early, it would ruin the effect."

"Then what about the Heavenly Plume Sect..."

Ye Fan glanced at Xu Deling, who sighed softly. "Seeing this scene, Senior Brother Fierce Sun will inevitably be affected. I just hope it doesn't spawn any inner demons for him."

"Similarly, there is no need to explain. This is the grand plan of our Xu Family; how can it be easily interfered with? Just act as usual.

Who our Xu Family hands our opportunities to is our own business.

If the Heavenly Foundry Sect had a Nascent Soul Formation opportunity and our Xu Family went to beg for it, would we be able to get it?"

Xu Chuan's voice was plain, yet it carried an undeniable aura of authority that brooked no defiance.

"Yes, Honored Master."

A month later.

Gu Xuanyou emerged from his secluded cultivation, concealed his figure, and headed to the Xu Residence.

Moyue naturally sensed this and alerted Xu Chuan.

"Go invite him in," Xu Chuan instructed.

Shortly after, Moyue brought Gu Xuanyou to the main hall of the Xu Family.

The hall was peaceful. There was only a jade desk, two emerald-green jade cups, and a pot of spirit brew already warmed, its faint fragrance curling into the air.

Xu Chuan stood up, cupping his hands with a smile. "City Lord Gu, congratulations on taking another step further on the Great Dao. Please, try our Xu Family's specially brewed spirit brew, 'First-Grade Intoxication'."

Gu Xuanyou smiled slightly. After taking a seat, he unhesitatingly picked up his cup and downed it in one gulp.

As the liquid slid down his throat, it transformed into a gentle, mellow wave of spiritual qi that dispersed through his limbs and bones. He praised, "Good wine! The Xu Clan Head is very thoughtful."

"I'm glad City Lord Gu likes it." Xu Chuan refilled his cup and raised his own for a light sip.

After several rounds of drinks.

Gu Xuanyou set down his cup. His expression turned serious as he spoke in a low voice, "Xu Clan Head, I have come this time, first to say my farewells, and second, to entrust you with a matter."

"Please speak."

"The matter of my Nascent Soul Formation still needs to be kept hidden for now; it's not suitable to announce it to the public immediately. I hope the Xu Family can keep this a secret on my behalf."

Gu Xuanyou looked at Xu Chuan with burning eyes.

Hearing this, Xu Chuan showed no surprise, as if he had anticipated it long ago, and nodded readily. "This is naturally not a problem. City Lord Gu has just reached the Nascent Soul stage and needs to stabilize your foundation.

Exposing it abruptly would indeed easily draw targeting from the Greedy Wolf Sect."

Seeing Xu Chuan so understanding, Gu Xuanyou felt slightly relieved. He then asked for advice, "How does the Xu Clan Head think I should proceed from here?"

Xu Chuan lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingertips. After a brief thought, he spoke slowly, "Since you wish to conceal it, you must plan before acting. First, thoroughly stabilize your Nascent Soul realm.

If I am not mistaken, City Lord Gu's mana has not yet been entirely converted into Nascent Soul-level mana, has it?"

"Indeed, that is the case," Gu Xuanyou didn't hide anything and nodded in agreement.

"In Greedy Wolf Prefecture, the Greedy Wolf Sect holds sole dominance, and Qi Tianxiong is a domineering figure. With an unstable foundation, taking him head-on is not the best strategy. At the very least, you must have the ability to escape from his hands.

After that, lay out a trap."

"Oh? I would like to hear the details."

"Use the opening of a Secret Realm or the appearance of a Connate Spirit Object as bait. Spread the news and lure several Greedy Wolf Sect elders to gather in one place."

A faint light glinted in Xu Chuan's eyes. "When the time comes, City Lord Gu will reveal yourself and strike with the thunderous power of a Nascent Soul, striving to annihilate several of their core elders in one fell swoop.

You do not necessarily have to wipe them all out, but you must ensure it cuts deep to their bones."

Gu Xuanyou frowned slightly. "Although this plan is brilliant, such a severe blow will inevitably enrage Qi Tianxiong, causing him to personally strike in retaliation. I fear I would struggle to resist."

"Retaliation is a certainty, and battle will be unavoidable."

Xu Chuan's tone was calm yet absolute. "But City Lord Gu does not need to seek victory. You only need to make him realize that he cannot do anything to you.

If you fight, you can leave. If you leave, you can hide.

If he dares to use the millions of lives in Ancient Nether City to coerce you, then you simply threaten him right back!

Unless the disciples of the Greedy Wolf Sect never set foot outside their mountain gates again, you will kill every single one you see.

As a Sect Master with vast responsibilities, Qi Tianxiong will definitely hold back out of fear of suffering heavy collateral damage."

He paused before continuing his analysis, "In the games between Nascent Soul powers, unless one has absolute confidence in uprooting the opposing side completely, who would willingly back someone into a corner?

A cornered beast will still fight, let alone a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Take the Heavenly Azure Sect as an example. Over hundreds of years, the Heavenly Azure Sect had continuously suppressed all factions, which is why no new Nascent Soul power ever arose.

But when the Mo Clan Ancestor truly achieved the Nascent Soul stage, didn't the Heavenly Azure Sect have no choice but to tacitly accept it?

In the previous War of the Two Prefectures, Qi Tianxiong firmly believed he had Demon Lord Tianluo as his trump card, which was the only reason he dared to launch a massive war with the intent of swallowing Heavenly Azure Prefecture in one gulp.

Unfortunately, man's schemes are inferior to the heavens' plans."

After hearing this, Gu Xuanyou fell into deep thought for a long while before raising his cup in a toast. "The Xu Clan Head sees things as clearly as watching a fire. Your single remark has awakened me from a dream.

I will definitely engrave these words in my heart."

Xu Chuan raised his cup in return, laughing. "City Lord Gu's foundation has been set; your future is limitless."

"I cannot compare to the Xu Family. The day the Xu Family takes control of Heavenly Azure Prefecture is just around the corner. I am here to wish the Xu Family success right from the start, taking the reins of an entire prefecture!" Gu Xuanyou said sincerely.

"Many thanks for Brother Gu's auspicious words."

The two exchanged a smile and drank all the spirit brew in their cups in one gulp.

Everything else went without saying.

The wine was finished, and the words were spoken.

Gu Xuanyou stood up, cupped his hands in a salute to Xu Chuan and Moyue, who stood nearby, and his figure immediately faded away like light smoke. His aura completely vanished without a trace, as if he had never been there.

Xu Chuan sat alone in the hall, slowly finishing the remaining wine in his cup. He looked in the direction Gu Xuanyou had disappeared, his gaze profound.

At this moment, the two seemed to share a deep bond, calling each other brothers.

But if there came a day when both sides threatened each other's interests, they would inevitably meet with weapons drawn.

Xu Chuan seemed to be helping Ancient Nether City, but wasn't he also killing with a borrowed knife?

Only when both sides suffered utter defeat could the Demonic Heaven Chamber of Commerce truly rise to prominence.

"Two people, eight hundred hidden motives between you. You folks who play with schemes and trickery all have dirty hearts," Moyue curled his lips and remarked.

"Even if you wanted to learn, you might not be able to," Xu Chuan chuckled, paying no mind to his comment.

"Heh, this Seat wouldn't bother with such hollow tricks!" Moyue snorted. "If this Seat had the strength, I would just crush everything directly. Whoever doesn't submit gets beaten until they do.

If they still refuse to submit, then annihilate them!"

"Yes, with strength, you can indeed do whatever you please. But do we have it right now?" Xu Chuan smiled. "You want to completely overpower Qi Tianxiong.

Or rather, to behead him, you would need at least mid-fourth-tier strength.

And for you to reach that realm, it would likely take centuries.

By the time your strength catches up, our Xu Family will already have several Nascent Soul cultivators, and we wouldn't need you to charge the enemy lines anymore."

Moyue was dumbfounded, but he found himself unable to refute the point.

"This Seat won't argue with someone with a dirty heart!"

Moyue immediately turned and left.

The day for Xu Chuan and the others to return was drawing nearer.

At the same time.

In the Land of Imprisonment.

An incident also occurred within the Immortal Martial Alliance.

Xu Jingwu's foster parents had both passed away peacefully of old age, and countless family elders from the Immortal Martial Alliance came to pay their respects.

White mourning banners stretched like snow for three miles, joss paper fluttered through the sky, and hundreds of thousands of martial artists came to see them off.

Father Jiang and Mother Jiang were just ordinary people, not even martial artists.

But because their 'eldest son,' Jiang Wu, was the pioneer of the second realm of the Martial Dao, the man who restructured the martial path and laid the foundations of martial arts.

He was a monument, a leader in the hearts of all the martial artists in the Immortal Martial Alliance!

The peaceful passing of the two elders caused no small stir.

This was the classic tale of one person transforming a whole family!

It was exactly why families, large and small, poured all their resources into nurturing the geniuses within their clans, hoping they would one day lead their families to prominence.

When the news spread, all the martial families in the Commandery City of Guangling Commandery dropped whatever crucial matters they had on hand and rushed to the Jiang Residence at the first opportunity.

The procession of mourners was endless.

On the day of the funeral, the sky was just barely brightening.

Jiang Feng walked at the very front, his hands trembling slightly as he cradled his parents' spirit tablets.

His expression was sorrowful, his eye sockets deeply sunken, and every step he took was heavy.

Originally, this should have been Xu Jingwu's role, but Xu Jingwu had long known that he was merely adopted by the Jiang family, and that Jiang Feng was their biological son.

Thus, he decided to let Jiang Feng handle this duty.

Jiang Feng argued several times to no avail, so he could only comply.

As for Xu Jingwu, he carried the coffin with both hands, his posture straight as a pine tree, his steps steady. He hid all his grief deep within his eyes as he personally sent his parents off on their final journey.

The procession slowly exited through the Commandery City's west gate. According to the Jiang couple's dying wishes, they were to be buried in their ancestral home of Floating Mountain Village.

At first, it was the martial artists and commoners within the city who silently joined.

Subsequently, at villages and towns along the way, martial artists who heard the news continually dropped their tasks, voluntarily donned mourning clothes, and silently followed behind the funeral procession.

Like rolling a snowball, the procession grew larger and larger—from a few thousand, to tens of thousands, and then to over a hundred thousand... It was vast and mighty, yet perfectly orderly.

This scene caused countless passersby and members of neighboring factions to stop and watch, secretly astonished.

"Is this... is this the prestige of Elder Jiang Wu? It's truly terrifying to behold," a martial artist from a distant merchant caravan muttered in amazement by the official road.

"The Jiang couple truly accumulated great karma to raise such an extraordinary child. To receive such posthumous glory, their lives can be considered fulfilled," an old man sighed with emotion as he twirled his beard.

Others' eyes flickered as they lowered their voices to converse with their companions. "Look at this display... If there comes a day when Elder Jiang Wu reaches the peak of the Origin Martial Realm.

With his immense prestige among martial artists and the common folk, could he... challenge for the position of First Elder of the Immortal Martial Alliance?"

One person asked probingly, his eyes filled with speculation.

The person beside him immediately shook his head. "Hardly! How could the position of First Elder be so easily obtained? That represents the absolute highest authority in the Immortal Martial Alliance. And in the Immortal Martial Alliance, the word 'Immortal' still comes first!"

"Right, although there are many martial arts practitioners, our Immortal Martial Alliance currently only has six or seven second-realm martial artists. Furthermore, the path of the Origin Martial Realm has not been completely perfected yet.

It still remains to be seen whether someone can fully pioneer it!"

Many felt it was highly unlikely.

The original questioner, however, pondered, "But... the ways of the world are unpredictable. What if, in the future, the Martial Dao truly surpasses the Immortal Dao?

Who can say for sure what will happen in the future?"

At that moment, another, slightly calmer voice chimed in. "Whether the Martial Dao can rise is still up in the air. Don't forget, above the Immortal Martial Alliance, there is still the Xu Family of Dongxi.

The Xu Family firmly controls the First Elder position along with many other important roles. Xu Mingwei has even stepped into the Golden Core stage and become a Grand Elder.

If they do not permit it, the Martial Dao will never override the Immortal Dao!"

These words were like a basin of cold water, significantly cooling down the previously heated discussion.

Indeed, the Xu Family of Dongxi was a towering mountain pressing down over the heads of all factions within the Immortal Martial Alliance!

The group exchanged a tacit understanding glance and spoke no more, simply turning their gazes back to the endlessly stretching white procession, each harboring their own deep thoughts.

The funeral procession trekked over mountains and across rivers, finally arriving at Floating Mountain Village.

This peaceful little mountain village had already followed the instructions of Xu Jingwu and Jiang Feng.

On a hillside behind the village with excellent feng shui that overlooked their old home, a simple yet solemn mausoleum had been constructed.

Paved with bluestone, surrounded by pines and cypresses, with a gently babbling stream nearby.

There were no overly luxurious decorations; there was only solemnity and tranquility.

The burial ceremony took place at sunset.

The dying sun was like blood, casting its reflection over the plains of plain white mourning garbs.

Jiang Feng placed the spirit tablets upon the sacrificial altar.

Xu Jingwu personally, along with the others, slowly lowered the twin coffins into the tomb.

Handfuls of yellow earth fell, covering the coffins, as if burying a period of difficult yet warm years.

Without too many words, Xu Jingwu simply kowtowed three heavy times before the grave, each knock ringing loud and clear. Jiang Feng was already weeping bitterly, prostrated on the ground.

Countless martial artists bowed deeply in unison, bidding their final farewell to the ordinary couple who had raised a martial arts legend.

The evening wind drifted through the pine forest, whimpering as if weeping.

After the funeral ended, the crowd dispersed silently into the night. Floating Mountain Village returned to tranquility, leaving only the newly built mausoleum standing quietly under the moonlight.

Xu Jingwu dismissed his attendants and stood alone before his parents' grave for a long time.

"Father, Mother. This child never told you, but I have already found my real family. They are incredibly remarkable and worthy of admiration.

Before long, I plan to return to them.

I have always kept your dying wishes close to my heart.

I will take care of my second brother, as well as my nephew and niece. Rest in peace."

Xu Jingwu knelt once more and kowtowed three resounding times.

Then, he stepped away under the moonlight.

Over the following days.

The scene of Xu Jingwu seeing the two elders off to their burial provoked heated discussions in the Commandery City of Guangling Commandery, as well as the Immortal Alliance marketplace.

With the rise of the Martial Dao.

Martial artists were standing up!

Naturally, there would be many conflicts, big and small.

It was just that they were all kept under wraps, waiting to erupt.

Now, Xu Jingwu's prestige within the Immortal Martial Alliance was likely second only to Grand Elder Xu Mingwei and First Elder Xu Mingyuan.

Numerous Immortal Alliance elders revealed their anxieties, worrying whether a struggle between immortals and martial artists would erupt in the Immortal Martial Alliance's future.

"First Elder, Elder Jiang Wu's prestige is increasing by the day. Right now, the Martial Dao is inferior to the Immortal Dao, but the future is hard to say. Do you think it is necessary to suppress him somewhat?"

Four or five Immortal Martial Alliance elders had gone together to pay their respects to Xu Mingyuan.

"Indeed. Although there are only six or seven right now, a hundred years from now, who can say?" One elder said, cupping his fists and bowing his head.

"The Martial Dao is a good thing for every family. If someone in your clan becomes a second-realm martial artist, it also enhances your family's heritage.

You just feel that Elder Jiang Wu is an eyesore, don't you?"

Xu Mingyuan cast a flat glance over them with his eyes, making their hearts tremble.

Though they hadn't reached Foundation Establishment Perfection, they were still at the Late Foundation Establishment stage. Yet, just facing a single look from Xu Mingyuan was enough to strike fear into their hearts.

'What realm is the First Elder at? Could it be that he is also not far from Core Formation?'

Someone guessed inwardly.

"What you intend to do, I will not manage. My Xu Family also has no leisure to worry about such matters. Starting tomorrow, I will return to Dongxi for secluded cultivation; as for how long, that is undecided.

As for alliance affairs, you elders can discuss them amongst yourselves.

Now, leave."

"Yes, First Elder. We will take our leave!"

The group departed one after another.

"What do you think the First Elder meant by this?" someone suddenly asked. "Jiang Wu is the pioneer of the Martial Dao. The Xu Family is indeed formidable right now, but if one day Jiang Wu opens the third realm of the Martial Dao.

Then he will certainly be able to compete with the Xu Family. I refuse to believe the First Elder isn't wary!"

"The First Elder said he wouldn't interfere. Could that be a tacit approval for us to act?"

"It is possible."

"Then shall we find a place to carefully plot this out?"

"Then let's go to Brother Liu's residence. This old man is craving the fine wine from Brother Liu's manor, hahaha!"

With the second realm of the Martial Dao paved, Xu Jingwu's status was still shakeable.

If the third realm of the Martial Dao were carved out one day, Xu Jingwu's standing in the Immortal Martial Alliance would be identical to that of the Xu Family—unshakable.

Moreover, the methods of the Martial Dao had now spread everywhere.

Every family had already mastered them, so there was no longer a need to curry favor with Xu Jingwu. Thus, his usefulness was greatly diminished.

The Xu Family had never prohibited the various families within the Immortal Martial Alliance from scheming against one another.

Otherwise, with the Xu Family's means, they would naturally have ways to keep them in check.

The original intention of founding the Immortal Martial Alliance was to serve as a shield for the Xu Family, and now they no longer needed such a measure.

When the Great Tribulation arrived, the Xu Family couldn't even guarantee their own complete safety, so how could they care about other aristocratic families?

Half a month later.

Several high-ranking elders within the Immortal Martial Alliance visited Xu Jingwu together, inviting him to join them on an expedition to the Azure Sea Forest.

They disguised it under the beautiful pretext of hunting demonic beasts, tempering their martial skills, and searching for spirit grass.

These elders all possessed cultivation at the middle to Late Foundation Establishment stages. Although they didn't have deep ties with Xu Jingwu normally, they were polite enough on the surface.

Xu Jingwu's mind turned over slightly, and he already had his suspicions.

But his expression remained impassive, and after a moment's thought, he accepted the invitation.

For some traps, one had to step inside to break them.

Almost on the exact same day that Xu Jingwu agreed, the Xu Family in Dongxi received precise intelligence.

The doors to the secret chamber where Xu Mingyuan cultivated quietly swung open, and Xu Mingshu stepped inside.

"Second Brother, you were looking for me?"

Sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion, Xu Mingyuan slowly opened his eyes, a restrained gleam within them. "The time has come. Those 'enthusiastic' elders of the Immortal Martial Alliance have already invited Jingwu to the Azure Sea Forest.

Take a trip there and assist from the shadows. Make sure this play ends perfectly."

Xu Mingshu pondered for a moment, the corners of her lips curling up though her eyes held no mirth. "Then I will instruct Xiao Bai to kill a few of them and leave a couple alive as witnesses.

Finally, right in front of them, he will 'swallow' Jingwu.

What do you think, Second Brother?"

Hearing this, a faint, cold smile surfaced on Xu Mingyuan's face. "Excellent. Make sure it is clean and swift. Leave no flaws."

"Understood. Rest easy, Second Brother. I will go handle it immediately."

Xu Mingshu curtsied gracefully, turned around, and exited the quiet chamber.

She flew above Dongxi, her heart stirring slightly.

At the summit of Broken Cliff Peak, the astral winds howled violently.

A gigantic hawk with an extraordinarily magnificent physique had been resting with its eyes shut, its aura drawn in and unreleased.

Half of its wings danced with azure-green flames, while the other half was wreathed in fine purple electric arcs that crackled softly.

At that moment, it abruptly opened its eyes—one pupil reflecting azure fire, the other flashing with purple lightning.

This giant hawk was one of the Tier 3 demonic beasts raised by the Xu Family, granted the surname Xu—Xu Ying.

"Master summons me?"

Xu Ying flapped its wings.

Despite its massive body, it was as light as a feather, transforming into a streak of purple-azure light indistinguishable to the naked eye as it shot straight toward Dongxi.

Its speed was so fast that it even surpassed the evasion light of an ordinary Golden Core Perfection cultivator.

Only those who had mastered Evasion Divine Abilities could overtake it.

In just a few breaths, Xu Ying appeared in the skies above Dongxi.

Seeing it, Xu Mingshu smiled gracefully and leaped onto its broad, steady back.

"Ying, let's head to the Azure Sea Forest to find Xiao Bai," Xu Mingshu softly stroked the feathers behind Xu Ying's neck and said flatly.

"Yes, Master."

Xu Ying spoke in clear human language.

It then beat its wings once more, and a blinding purple-azure light erupted. In an instant, it tore through the sky and vanished into the horizon.

Deep within the Cloud Gold Mountain Range in the Azure Sea Forest.

In a hidden valley shrouded in swirling spiritual qi, a colossal beast lay quietly.

Its fur was entirely snow-white but faintly shimmered with a metallic, pale gold luster. A dark gold "King" pattern on its forehead formed naturally, exuding the awe-inspiring, inviolable majesty of the king of beasts.

Its body was fully over twenty meters long, and even while lying down, it resembled a small hill.

It was none other than Xu Bai, the mid-Tier 3 white tiger demonic beast stationed in this mountain range by the Xu Family.

Xu Bai's breathing was long and continuous.

With every inhalation and exhalation, the surrounding spiritual qi of heaven and earth was slowly drawn in, refined, and merged into his demonic core.

Suddenly, he raised his massive head.

His amber, vertically slit pupils gazed in a certain direction across the horizon.

His nose twitched slightly, and a deep, affectionate purr rolled from his throat.

"Master has come."

A look of joy appeared in his eyes.

Xu Bai stood up and stretched his agile, gargantuan body. Bending his legs slightly, he transformed into a bolt of white lightning, leaping into the air and flying straight toward the edge of the mountain range.

Before long, a flash of purple-azure light appeared in the sky, and Xu Ying arrived carrying Xu Mingshu.

"Xiao Bai." Xu Mingshu floated over from the hawk's back, smiling at the majestic white tiger.

Xu Bai had grown up alongside Xu Mingshu since she was a child, and their bond was extremely deep.

Xu Bai lowered his head and nuzzled Xu Mingshu's hand affectionately, transmitting his thoughts with a resonant voice, "Master, you haven't visited in a long time."

Xu Mingshu smiled softly and stroked him. "I came this time because there is a matter I need your cooperation with."

She immediately detailed the plan to Xu Bai.

After hearing it, Xu Bai nodded and hummed in a deep voice, "Master, leave this matter to me. You just wait for my news in the Cloud Gold Mountain Range."

What followed was a period of waiting.

This wait lasted for more than ten days.

One day, in the outer regions of the Azure Sea Forest.

Xu Jingwu and the party of five or six Immortal Martial Alliance elders were navigating through the forest.

They had already hunted down a few Tier 1 and early-to-mid Tier 2 demonic beasts, harvesting some materials. The journey seemed quite smooth.

The elders maintained surface-level harmony with Xu Jingwu, occasionally exchanging a few words of hunting experience.

Xu Jingwu acted normally, his strikes sharp and decisive.

When dealing with a mid-Tier 2 Iron-Backed Mountain Boar, he even took the initiative to act as the vanguard, demonstrating the formidable close-quarters combat skills of the Martial Dao, which drew endless praise from the elders.

However, behind that praise, their eyes occasionally flickered.

Two days later, under intentional yet seemingly casual guidance, the group gradually ventured deep into the central region of the forest.

The trees here were taller and denser, the light was dim, and the air was filled with a heavier primordial aura and a faint sense of danger.

Tier 2 Peak Demonic Beasts were known to roam around this area.

Sure enough, right as they were passing through a gloomy patch of woods scattered with jagged, strange rocks.

A shadow as black as ink lunged out silently from the shade of a massive boulder behind them to the side. Its speed was so fast that it only left an afterimage.

This afterimage aimed straight for one of the Immortal Martial Alliance elders in the group!

"A Tier 2 Peak Demonic Beast! Everyone, be careful!"

Cries of alarm rang out from all sides.

The elder who was attacked turned pale with horror, hastily summoning a defensive dharma tool.

Yet, it was effortlessly torn to shreds by the dark energy clinging to the Shadow Panther's claws. It looked as if he was about to perish right there under its strike.

"Vile beast!"

Xu Jingwu seemed to have been on high alert all along.

With a furious bellow, his body shot out like a cannonball.

Surprisingly, moving later but arriving first, he hurled a fist wrapped in condensed Yuan Power at the Shadow Panther's waist and abdomen, forcing it to retreat to save itself.

Upon reaching the Origin Martial Realm, one needed to cultivate Yuan Power.

This was an energy born from the fusion of Qi and Blood and True Qi. Its explosive power was extreme, vaguely surpassing even Foundation Establishment mana.