Chapter 342: A Scheme Within a Scheme, A Send-off

The Dark Shadow Panther possessed keen spiritual senses. Sensing the threat, it had no choice but to abandon its sure-kill strike, twisting its body to meet Xu Jingwu's attack with its claws.

"Boom!"

Fists and claws collided, detonating a shockwave of air.

Xu Jingwu's body shuddered violently, forcing him back dozens of steps.

The Dark Shadow Panther flipped in mid-air and landed gracefully. Astonishment flashed through its eerie green eyes as it locked its gaze onto Xu Jingwu.

It had never seen a human capable of withstanding its attacks with their physical body alone.

'This human martial artist is the biggest threat among these people!' the Dark Shadow Panther thought to itself.

"Elders, this beast is incredibly fast! We must work together to surround and kill it! I will pin it down from the front; the rest of you wait for an opportunity to strike its vital points!"

Xu Jingwu shouted in a deep voice. Seemingly defenseless, he exposed his back to his "companions" while dedicating all his attention to the Dark Shadow Panther.

Xu Jingwu's punches and kicks were wide and sweeping, his Qi and Blood surging with the roaring sound of crashing tides.

Engaging in close-quarters combat with this Tier 2 Peak Demonic Beast—a creature renowned for its speed and stealth—he surprisingly held his ground without falling at a disadvantage. Seeing this, the strange glint in the eyes of the other elders deepened.

"What terrifying combat prowess and dreadful potential. Just what level of strength has this Jiang Wu reached?"

At this point in time, the path of the Origin Martial Realm had not yet been fully perfected, so no one could say for sure.

They could only judge him based on his raw combat power.

The battle was intense. The Dark Shadow Panther repeatedly attempted to break through Xu Jingwu's defense to attack the others, but it was fiercely repelled every single time.

Seeing that Xu Jingwu seemed to have focused all his attention on the demonic beast, his aura fluctuating slightly from the intense confrontation...

Now was the moment!

A ruthless and decisive glint flashed through the eyes of the Immortal Martial Alliance elders. Their previously scattered formation instantly shifted. Instead of attacking the Dark Shadow Panther, they launched a synchronized assault on Xu Jingwu.

Poison-tipped flying needles, crimson palm prints, and Dharma Tools all ruthlessly crashed into Xu Jingwu's back.

Caught completely off guard, Xu Jingwu managed to block a significant portion of the force with his Yuan Power barrier, but the attacks still landed solidly.

"Urgh!"

He let out a muffled groan and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. The clothes on his back were shredded, revealing deep, bone-exposing wounds that rapidly turned black—a clear sign of lethal poison.

Even the Dark Shadow Panther's eerie green eyes widened in shock at the sight.

What was wrong with these humans? Were they always this treacherous?!

It scared the living daylights out of the panther!

Nevertheless, this human's flesh and blood smelled incredibly fragrant, making the beast salivate.

It could not miss such a golden opportunity!

A ferocious light surged in its eyes. Taking advantage of Xu Jingwu's severe injuries and momentary instability, it transformed into a black blur, lunging straight for his head with its freezing, sharp claws slashing downwards!

Xu Jingwu appeared completely powerless to dodge, the rapidly enlarging panther claws reflecting in his eyes.

Hanging by a Hair—

"Roar—!!!"

A terrifying Tiger Roar that shook the very mountains and forests detonated without any warning!

This roar was not merely a shockwave of sound; it contained the immense Pressure of a high-tier demonic beast!

It was powerful enough to physically assault the souls of everyone present!

As for the ferocious Dark Shadow Panther, the moment the roar echoed, it was as if it had been struck by an invisible sledgehammer. Its mid-air leap abruptly froze.

With a heavy thud, it crashed to the ground, its eyes wide with absolute terror!

It was the king of this forest region!

"The pressure of a Tier 3 Demonic Beast!"

The expressions of the Immortal Martial Alliance elders changed drastically.

It was as if they had been doused in freezing water. Their minds, previously filled with schemes and ruthlessness, were instantly overwhelmed by boundless terror!

Before they could even react, A Colossus slowly stepped out from the dense forest to their side.

Its body was as white as snow, adorned with faint golden stripes. It was over twenty meters long. The golden crest on its forehead resembled the seal of a king, and its amber, vertical pupils looked down coldly at the humans and the demonic beast below, viewing them as mere ants.

White Tiger's gaze swept over them, devoid of any emotion.

It raised one of its front paws and casually swiped at the empty air.

"Swish! Swish! Swish!"

Several highly condensed, unparalleled sharp streaks of golden light flashed out of nowhere, slicing through the bodies of three elders as easily as a hot knife through butter.

Those three elders didn't even have the chance to scream. Their protective spiritual barriers, Dharma Robes, and physical bodies were simultaneously shredded into pieces!

The stench of blood permeated the air.

The remaining two or three elders were scared out of their wits.

How could they dare to stay a moment longer? Ignoring the gruesome fate of their companions, they immediately fled for their lives.

White Tiger did not pursue them. It seemed entirely uninterested in these completely terrified bugs.

Its gaze landed on the heavily injured and deeply poisoned Xu Jingwu, who lay on the ground.

A profound wave of divine consciousness transmitted into Xu Jingwu's mind: "Do not move. Do not resist."

A flash of understanding and complex emotion crossed Xu Jingwu's eyes.

Seeing his compliance, White Tiger opened its Gaping Maw. A powerful suction force surged out, swallowing Xu Jingwu whole.

This exact scene was witnessed by the fleeing Immortal Martial Alliance elders as they glanced back.

"Jiang Wu has been eaten!"

Through a strange twist of fate, their plan had actually succeeded.

Yet, they felt absolutely no joy at this moment. Their only thought was a desperate bid to escape.

Having done all this, White Tiger somewhat lazily lay down, seemingly digesting its meal.

It cast a side glance at the Dark Shadow Panther.

Seeing that the Tiger King had no intention of dealing with it, the panther felt as though it had been granted absolute amnesty. Tucking its tail between its legs, it dashed into the depths of the dense forest at maximum speed and vanished.

After a long time, White Tiger's massive body stood back up. It slowly turned around and transformed into a streak of white light, flying toward the Cloud Gold Mountain Range.

Deep within the mountain range, Xu Mingshu and Xu Ying were already waiting.

White Tiger approached and opened its mouth to spit something out.

The sphere of demonic energy wrapping Xu Jingwu flew out and dissipated upon hitting the ground, revealing the pale-faced martial artist inside.

At this moment, his wounds were ghastly, and his aura was feeble. He was clearly in a state of critical injury.

"Why are his injuries this severe?" Xu Mingshu furrowed her elegant brows.

"Master, they launched a sneak attack before I arrived," Xu Bai spoke.

"Rest assured, Fourth Great-Aunt. My physique is strong; I can hold on," Xu Jingwu said.

"Child, you've suffered." Xu Mingshu sighed softly. She tapped her Storage Pouch and took out a High-Grade Hundred Herbs Pill, adding, "Open your mouth."

Xu Jingwu complied.

Xu Mingshu flicked her finger, sending the medicinal pill shooting into his mouth.

His injuries quickly stabilized.

She then fed him a high-grade Detoxification Pill and a high-grade Spirit-Advancing Pill, helping him cleanse the poison and restore his divine sense.

Half an hour later.

Xu Jingwu had mostly recovered.

Xu Mingshu looked at him with a smile. "Jingwu, welcome home."

Xu Jingwu stood up, offering a faint smile as he nodded. "Thank you for your assistance this time, Fourth Great-Aunt."

Subsequently, Xu Mingshu took out a set of black clothing and a mask.

"From now on, you will stay in the clan as a member of the Shadow Division. According to my father's wishes, it is not yet time for you to formally reveal yourself.

"After the Great Tribulation, the Martial Dao will undoubtedly spread throughout the Heavenly South and Black Water cultivation worlds.

"Only when the Martial Dao becomes widely known,

"can you openly and legitimately step forward as Xu Jingwu, a Second Realm martial artist of our Xu Family.

"Are you willing to accept this arrangement?"

"The Old Ancestor's plans are meticulous. Naturally, I am willing."

"Then choose a codename for yourself. Members of the family's Shadow Division all address each other by their codenames."

"Just call me 'Yuan'."

"Very well. Once we return, I'll have Second Brother add your name to the Shadow Division roster. This will be more secure."

"Right, Fourth Great-Aunt, please leave my blood-stained, torn clothes, my Storage Pouch, and even the Heaven Shifting Staff at the site of the battle. I believe they will be useful later."

Hearing this, Xu Mingshu's eyes lit up. "Truly clever. Alright, we'll do as you say."

Half a month later.

A heaven-shaking piece of terrible news swept through all the commanderies of the Immortal Martial Alliance like a hurricane.

"Jiang Wu, Elder of the Immortal Martial Alliance, leader of the Martial Dao, pioneer of the Origin Martial Realm, and a man hailed as having the potential of a Martial Ancestor, entered the Azure Sea Forest to rescue his fellow elders.

"After fiercely battling a Tier 2 Peak Dark Shadow Panther and sustaining heavy injuries, he was ambushed by a Tier 3 White Tiger great demon and devoured!

"Several accompanying Immortal Alliance elders also perished on the spot under the tiger's claws!"

Wherever the news reached, whether in major commandery cities or remote border towns, countless martial artists felt as though they had been struck by lightning from a clear blue sky. Their faces turned deathly pale.

Many lost their voices on the spot.

"No... impossible! That's absolutely impossible!"

A burly man sweating profusely in a martial arts dojo dropped his stone training lock with a heavy clang upon hearing the news, his mind going completely blank. "Elder Jiang Wu is dead? How could he die?"

Inside a teahouse, the previously bustling atmosphere completely froze.

The teacup in a middle-aged martial artist's hand slipped and smashed to pieces on the floor.

He remained seemingly oblivious, merely muttering, "It must be a rumor! It's those immortal cultivators from the Immortal Alliance who can't stand to see us martial artists rise! They fabricated this lie!

"Elder Jiang Wu must have been plotted against!"

Through the streets and alleys, similar doubts and grief spread like A Prairie Fire Started by a Spark: "I don't believe it! Elder Jiang Wu's combat prowess was unparalleled! He once fought a Late Foundation Establishment cultivator single-handedly and remained undefeated!

"Those Immortal Alliance elders traveling with him must have harbored evil intentions and launched a treacherous sneak attack at the critical moment!

"We must draft a joint petition! Those elders who came back alive must be thoroughly investigated!"

"But... but the news says that several elders' life tablets genuinely shattered, and not even their corpses were found... Could that Tier 3 great demon be real?"

"Sigh... what a tragedy. Elder Jiang Wu possessed heaven-defying talent, and the Martial Dao had finally seen the light of dawn. But now... could it be the will of heaven that our Martial Dao is not meant to prosper?"

Some rogue martial artists sighed deeply, their tones brimming with the bleak sorrow of The Fox Mourns the Death of the Hare.

In contrast to the martial artists' collective outrage and disbelief, some immortal cultivators revealed complex emotions during their private discussions.

Some gloated over the misfortune, some observed with cold indifference, and others felt genuine regret.

As for the common populace, they were mostly left in a state of shock and sorrow.

The name of Jiang Wu had long been deeply etched into the hearts of the people.

The entrances of the Immortal Martial Alliance branches across various commanderies, which handled disputes and appeals, were completely blockaded by surging crowds of martial artists.

With agitated expressions, they shouted at the top of their lungs, demanding severe punishment for the perpetrators and a thorough investigation into the truth. The sheer volume of their voices threatened to blow the roofs off the buildings.

Petitions and joint declarations flew toward the Immortal Martial Alliance Headquarters like a flurry of snow.

At the Immortal Martial Alliance Headquarters.

In the main assembly hall.

The atmosphere had reached peak tension.

The sounds of fierce arguments threatened to collapse the hall itself!

The elders belonging to the martial artist faction—the Martial Alliance—all sported ashen faces, their hair practically standing on end in fury. On the other hand, the elders belonging to the traditional immortal cultivator faction—the Immortal Alliance—mostly wore solemn expressions.

Some tried to explain, while others remained silent. The atmosphere was incredibly volatile, like drawn swords and strung bows.

"Bullshit! What 'fiercely battling a demonic beast and encountering a great demon'? It's full of holes!"

A hot-tempered Martial Alliance elder, with his Beard and Hair Bristling, slammed his palm onto the long table made of profound ironwood, leaving a deep handprint.

"Elder Jiang Wu always acted with caution! Why would he enter a dangerous area where a Tier 3 great demon might appear without a damn good reason? Someone must have set a trap!

"The Immortal Alliance must give us an explanation!

"Otherwise, we will absolutely not let this go!"

Another Martial Alliance elder pointed directly at several Immortal Alliance elders sitting opposite them, whose expressions were somewhat unnatural. "The ones who invited Elder Jiang Wu to the Azure Sea Forest that day included your close associates, did they not?

"You people cannot wash your hands of this!"

The accused Immortal Alliance elder immediately retorted, "You're spitting venom! Inviting someone for an experiential journey is a common occurrence. Who could have predicted a surprise attack by a Tier 3 demonic beast?!

"The three elders who survived and returned were also severely injured and deeply traumatized! There is no contradiction in their recounting of the events!

"You have no proof! Trying to frame your colleagues based purely on speculation—are you trying to ignite a civil war within the Immortal Martial Alliance?!"

"A civil war? I say someone is trying to eliminate dissidents and sever the future of our Martial Dao!" The Martial Alliance elder was Unable to Restrain One's Anger. "Where is the First Elder?! Where is the Grand Elder?!

"We demand to see the First Elder and the Grand Elder!

"We request that they step forward to uphold justice and personally investigate the Azure Sea Forest!

"If he is alive, we must see the man! If he is dead... we must see concrete evidence!"

"Yes! Ask the First Elder and Grand Elder to step forward!"

"We must get to the bottom of this! Otherwise, how can we face the martial artists of the world?!"

The Martial Alliance elders stood up one after another, their demeanors aggressive and intimidating. They looked ready to fight at the slightest disagreement.

The Immortal Alliance elders refused to be outdone. They all assumed defensive stances, and the opposing auras subtly clashed within the assembly hall. The very air seemed to solidify.

Just as the conflict was about to erupt at any second...

A calm, steady voice drifted in from outside the hall, clearly overpowering the chaotic noise. "Elders, please remain calm."

A deacon responsible for communications and coordination at the headquarters hurried inside. Raising his voice, he announced, "The Alliance Leader has already sent an emergency message to the Dongxi Xu Clan.

"The Xu Clan has replied! The First Elder and Grand Elder are already aware of this matter and are currently on their way to the headquarters!"

These words temporarily suppressed the most intense fury within the hall.

However, the two sides continued to glare fiercely at each other.

About half an hour later, two powerful auras descended upon the headquarters' plaza.

The First Elder, Xu Mingyuan, entered the assembly hall slowly, his expression grave and somber.

Beside him was the current stabilizing pillar of the Immortal Martial Alliance, the Golden Core Stage Grand Elder—Xu Mingwei.

Xu Mingwei possessed the appearance of a middle-aged man. The aura around his body was restrained and unreleased, yet it brought a heart-palpitating sense of pressure to every elder present.

"Greetings, First Elder! Greetings, Grand Elder!" Regardless of faction, everyone stood up and bowed respectfully.

Xu Mingyuan raised a hand, signaling for everyone to sit back down. His gaze swept across the room.

Pausing particularly on the indignant faces of the Martial Alliance elders and the varied expressions of the Immortal Alliance elders, he spoke slowly, "I am already aware of the matter concerning Elder Jiang Wu.

"This matter absolutely must be investigated!"

He turned to look at Xu Mingwei beside him. "Big Brother, I must trouble you to personally make a trip to the Azure Sea Forest. You must find their bodies or their belongings."

Xu Mingwei nodded slightly. "It is only right."

Having said that, his figure flickered, and he completely vanished from the main hall. His movement speed was so incredibly fast that it left people clicking their tongues in amazement.

Xu Mingwei's personal deployment temporarily pacified the most intense and direct conflict.

However, the process of waiting remained agonizing.

The Martial Alliance elders were restless with anxiety, and the Immortal Alliance elders felt a secret sense of apprehension.

A day later, Xu Mingwei's figure reappeared in the assembly hall. The items he brought back made everyone's hearts sink.

With a sweep of his sleeve, several items floated into the center of the large hall.

Jiang Wu's bloodstained clothes, which still carried faint traces of his aura.

Jiang Wu's Storage Pouch, along with his weapon—the Heaven Shifting Staff.

But both items had completely lost their divine sense attachment.

There were also three mangled corpses that, though barely pieced back together, could still be identified.

"During my trip, I did not find Elder Jiang Wu's body. There are only these items," Xu Mingwei said calmly. "The demonic energy of a Tier 3 demonic beast still lingers on their wounds, exuding a terrifying and sharp edge.

"You may all examine them yourselves."

The group of elders from both the Immortal Alliance and the Martial Alliance stepped forward to verify his claims.

That dreadful metal-attribute demonic energy filled them with sheer terror.

Even though half a month had passed, the sharp metal energy could still painfully sting their skin.

"It's actually true..." a Martial Alliance elder murmured to himself.

"Heaven is jealous of heroic geniuses! Heaven is jealous of heroic geniuses—!!"

Another man tightly gripped the Heaven Shifting Staff that belonged to "Jiang Wu," letting out a sorrowful wail and weeping bitterly in public.

"Where is the future of our Martial Dao?!"

Every single Martial Alliance elder present lowered their heads in sorrowful lament.

"The fall of Elder Jiang Wu is a confirmed certainty. Esteemed Martial Alliance elders, do you still have any objections?"

Xu Mingyuan looked at the miserable-looking Martial Alliance elders. "If there are none, we will use his bloodstained clothes, the Heaven Shifting Staff, and the Martial Canon he personally created to build a cenotaph for him here at the headquarters.

"We will erect a stele recording his monumental contributions, so that future generations may pay their respects!

"The Martial Alliance shall handle these arrangements."

"Understood, First Elder," the Martial Alliance elders replied with lowered heads.

"The martial storms in the various commanderies must be quelled as quickly as possible. If it leads to riots, you all know the consequences."

"Yes!" the crowd answered in unison.

Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingwei then departed, returning to Dongxi.

With that, the headquarters laid the matter of "Jiang Wu" to rest.

As this news spread, the turmoil across the commanderies slowly began to subside.

Because of the memorial service for "Jiang Wu" scheduled half a month later—to build his cenotaph and engrave his monument...

Martial artists from every commandery set out, rushing toward the Alliance Headquarters.

At the Jiang Residence.

Upon hearing the terrible news of Jiang Wu's death, Jiang Feng locked himself in his room for three days and three nights. He didn't eat, didn't sleep, and refused to see even his wife and children.

Three days later.

He emerged looking like a completely different person.

He handled affairs with mature composure, managing the Jiang Residence's matters systematically. In his free time, he cultivated the Martial Dao with diligent obsession.

Having consecutively lost his closest relatives within a single month...

Jiang Feng seemed to have grown up overnight.

It was just that the innocent smile on his face was never seen again.

The half-month period passed in the blink of an eye.

In the Mausoleum of the Immortal Martial Alliance Headquarters.

The Martial Alliance had specially cleared out a spacious area to construct the cenotaph and engraved stele for "Jiang Wu".

At this place, and at this time.

It was completely covered by an endless sea of humanity.

Martial artists from every commandery, city, town, and even remote villages had trekked over mountains and waded through rivers to gather here, carrying hearts filled with sorrow, reverence, and profound reluctance to let go.

Their numbers reached the millions. The dark, dense crowd stretched all the way to the horizon, yet it lacked the usual chaotic clamor of such large gatherings.

Only a leaden, heavy silence shrouded the surroundings, intermittently mixed with uncontrollable, muffled sobs and the rustling sounds of coarse cloth and hemp garments rubbing against one another.

At the very front.

A newly constructed cenotaph stood solemnly.

The tomb was built from bluestone, simple yet deeply majestic. A massive black stele stood in front of it, bearing the inscription: "Cenotaph of Jiang Wu, Pioneer of the Martial Dao, Creator of the Origin Martial Realm, and Elder of the Immortal Martial Alliance."

The engraved characters were bold and sharp, each stroke seemingly imbued with unyielding power and lingering regrets.

In the open space before the tomb stood Li Quan, the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance. A burly middle-aged martial artist with a resolute face, he stood with solemn dignity, dressed in a profound black robe.

He was the grandson of Li Zhi and also one of the Origin Martial Realm experts within the Immortal Martial Alliance.

Li Zhi was the previous Alliance Leader, but he ultimately failed to break through to the Origin Martial Realm and passed away from this world.

Li Quan broke through to the Origin Martial Realm shortly after his grandfather's death, and thus, he was elected as the new Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance.

At this moment, facing the cenotaph and standing with his back to his million comrades, he took a deep breath.

Suppressing the lump forming in his throat, he circulated the majestic Qi and Blood power of the Origin Martial Realm.

Although his voice was not overly loud, it spread clearly and deeply to every single corner of the vast wilderness:

"The Heavenly Dao is boundless and uncaring, and the Martial Dao is fraught with hardship.

"There lived a great hero, Jiang Wu, born of the earth and sky's fortitude. He inherited the fire of our ancestors, pioneered the Origin Martial Realm, and carved out a path for us from pure chaos.

"His deeds stood as towering as majestic mountains, blessing the masses. He passed on the Dao and imparted wisdom, enriching millions.

"His ambitions were as vast as the river of stars, shining brilliantly through the ages. His heart was firmly tied to the Martial Dao, resolute and unwavering."

Li Quan's voice carried an ancient and sorrowful rhythm, echoing between the silent heaven and earth.

"Alas, Lord Jiang! The Heavens did not grant you a long life, suddenly sending down cruelty. How tragic that a sudden tiger catastrophe befell you! Exhausted and devoured, your heroic soul has departed forever.

"The mountains and rivers lose their color for you; the sun and moon hold their grief.

"The Martial Dao has lost its guiding light, and our generation has lost its main pillar.

"How sorrowful! How agonizing!"

Millions of martial artists stood perfectly still, like a silent forest.

Their countless faces were etched with grief, solemnity, respect, and profound regret.

Some clenched their teeth, the muscles in their jaws trembling.

Some kept their eyes tightly shut, the tear tracks on their cheeks still wet.

Even more stared blankly ahead at that lonely cenotaph, their eyes hollow, as if they had lost a vital pillar of support.

No one spoke; no one moved.

There was only Li Quan's mournful and powerful eulogy, each word striking heavily against everyone's heart.

"However! Though you have passed, your spirit is immortal, and your Dao will last eternally!

"The path to the Origin Martial Realm has already become a broad thoroughfare.

"The spirit of the Martial Dao shall continue Passing on the Firewood!

"Your unfulfilled ambitions, like imperishable sparks, have already been ignited within our chests!

"Your path, like an unfinished scroll, waits for us successors to wield the brush!"

Li Quan's voice suddenly soared in volume.

He turned around, facing the millions of martial artists.

His gaze flashed like lightning, sweeping over those sorrowful faces. He roared at the top of his lungs, "Elder Jiang Wu, have a safe journey!

"The path of the Martial Dao that you carved out will absolutely not end here!

"We martial artists shall inherit your will! We will advance wave upon wave to perfect the Martial Dao and forge new realms!"

This vow was like a massive boulder thrown into a placid lake, instantly kicking up heaven-scorning waves!

"We martial artists shall inherit your will! We will advance wave upon wave to perfect the Martial Dao and forge new realms!"

At first, only the martial artists near the front joined in the bellowing roar.

Soon after, the shockwave of sound spread frantically backward and in all directions like a tsunami, compounding in intensity!

"We martial artists shall inherit your will! We will advance wave upon wave to perfect the Martial Dao and forge new realms!"

"We martial artists shall inherit your will! We will advance wave upon wave to perfect the Martial Dao and forge new realms!"

The unified shouts of millions merged into an unparalleled, majestic wave of sound that shot straight into the clouds!

The sound rolled thunderously, shaking the four directions.

Even the drifting clouds in the sky seemed to be scattered by the force, revealing a clear, deep blue, and solemn sky above.

The vow echoed over and over again, as if striving to engrave itself between the earth and the heavens, becoming an imperishable brand of the Martial Dao.

Standing quietly near the front of the crowd, Jiang Feng wore thick mourning clothes.

He didn't join the shouting. He merely gazed at his older brother's cenotaph, the engraved text blurring slightly in his vision.

His tightly clenched fists slowly relaxed, only to grip tightly once more.

He took a step forward and bowed deeply to the tomb. In a low, hoarse, yet resolute voice that only he could hear, he whispered, "Brother, rest in peace.

"From now on, the Jiang Family has me."

Meanwhile, on a hidden hill far away from the massive crowds, a figure practically blended into the surrounding environment, standing in total silence.

From afar, Xu Jingwu gazed at the martial artists blanketing the mountains and plains who had gathered to send him off and make a solemn vow in his name.

He looked at that solemn cenotaph and at his little brother Jiang Feng, who was forcibly holding back his grief while vowing to shoulder the burden of the family.

His heart felt a complex mess of mixed emotions.

"Second Brother has grown up." A hint of comfort flashed across Xu Jingwu's eyes. "Then let him continue to grow. There is no harm in letting him temper himself for another two years before moving the Jiang Family to Dongxi."

He muttered under his breath.

"This... is good too."

A mountain breeze blew past, carrying away a barely audible sigh.

"From now on... there is no more Jiang Wu in this world."

At the same time.

In Cloudstream City.

Xu Deyue and Ye Fan had finally gone out for their experiential journey.

Xu Chuan had given them a maximum of a year and a half. After a year and a half, he planned to bring Xu Deyue, Ye Fan, and the others back.

They would settle whatever scores needed to be settled and make whatever preparations needed to be made.

Those willing to undergo Core Formation would do so!

He had already finished refining all the sets of materials for the Core Formation Pill, accumulating quite a few mid-to-high-grade Core Formation Pills.

There wasn't a single low-grade pill among them.

Heavenly Spirit Pills and Spirit-Purifying Pills were also fully prepared.

There were also quite a few Connate Spirit Objects.

Naturally, if they wanted to pursue Divine Ability Core Formation, Xu Chuan would support them as well.

However, this was a privilege reserved for core clan members.

After all, the Xu Family currently had over a hundred and twenty members. It was impossible for all of them to reach Core Formation.

For the seventh generation and beyond, those without Spirit Root aptitude would all walk the Martial Dao, while those possessing a Spirit Root would walk the Immortal Dao.

Since the Xu Family had the 'Martial Ancestor', the Martial Dao would also become a smooth thoroughfare.

They no longer needed to attempt the arduous transition from a mortal to an immortal as they did in the past.

That being said, given a few hundred more years, the Xu Clan would likely see the emergence of marginalized members who couldn't even reach Foundation Establishment or the Origin Martial Realm.

Because resources had to be concentrated to be effective; they couldn't be evenly distributed across everyone.

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

The Xu Residence's grand array, the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion's formations, and even the array systems for the Xu Family's other properties had completely finished their upgrades and iterations.

This included the Teleportation Arrays as well.

Following this sweeping array renovation, unless a major issue arose, they wouldn't need to be replaced for at least a century or two.

However, once Xu Mingxian reached the level of a Tier 4 array master, the Xu Residence's clan protection grand array would likely undergo another wave of reinforcement.

As for the rest—the city defense arrays and the business arrays—their current levels were more than enough.

Deep underground beneath the Xu Residence.

A magnificent underground palace had been constructed here.

The vaulted ceiling was over three hundred meters high. It wasn't rough rock face, but rather a special stone material solidified by array power, as smooth and flat as a mirror.

Inlaid within it were countless crystal stones emitting a soft, white glow. They looked like an inverted river of stars, illuminating the entire underground space as brightly as daylight without being the least bit blinding.

The center of this space was the teleportation plaza.

However, this plaza was solely for the private use of the Xu Family.

Naturally, if Xu Chuan felt his strength was sufficient in the future, he would also select a location within Cloudstream City to build a public teleportation plaza.

The plaza was a perfect circle, boasting a diameter of over a hundred and fifty meters. The floor was paved with dark gray array foundation stone slabs that were neither metal nor jade, and each piece had been polished to a mirror-like finish.

Complex Spirit Power runic lines faintly circulated within them.

Seven thirty-meter-tall black stone steles were evenly distributed around the perimeter, engraved with countless profound array patterns.

The combination of the ground runes and the stele runes formed the complete spatial array. Missing even a single corner would render the Teleportation Array completely inoperable.

At the edge of the array lay five massive grooves; these were the ignition points for activating the formation.

Every single teleportation required thousands of Spirit Stones, perfectly balanced across the Five Elements.

If it were a Golden Core Stage Cultivator, they could directly power it with their Mana.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Xu Chuan stood at the edge of the grand array, profoundly examining this formation that had consumed numerous precious materials.

"Mingxian, this Teleportation Array should be able to transport people to other prefectures, right?" he suddenly asked.

Xu Mingxian bowed slightly and replied, "It can. However, without a corresponding Teleportation Array to receive us, it can only send people a fixed distance.

"Transporting to the Profound Moon Prefecture might not be feasible, but the Greedy Wolf Prefecture should not be a problem."

Xu Chuan nodded faintly. "Very well. Take a period of rest first. In half a month, follow your father on a trip to the Greedy Wolf Prefecture. We'll find a suitable location to set up another Teleportation Array."

"Understood, Father," Xu Mingxian respectfully acknowledged.

The Immortal-Ascension Pavilions across the four major city sectors were as lively and prosperous as ever.

The pavilions were teeming with people all day long, bustling with all sorts of characters, including Rogue Cultivators and disciples from aristocratic families.

At a teahouse table on the first floor, a few acquainted Rogue Cultivators were conversing in hushed tones.

"Brother Li, why do I feel like the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion has somewhat changed since my last visit a while ago?" A thin cultivator took a sip of his Spirit Tea and looked at his companion in confusion.

The middle-aged cultivator addressed as Brother Li narrowed his eyes slightly and chuckled, "Naturally. The formations of the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion have been replaced. It's only normal that the atmosphere feels different."

"What kind of formations were they replaced with? What's the tier?"

"I'm not an Array Master, how would I know? But they must be at least Tier 3 Mid-Grade or higher. After all, the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion is a vital property for the Xu Family."

The thin cultivator's eyes flickered, his true thoughts unknown.

At the entrance of the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion in the Eastern Sector.

Two visiting disciples from noble families walked past. One of them sighed emotionally, "The wealth of the Xu Family is truly astounding. Not only did they replace the City Protection Great Formations for the Inner and Outer Cities, but they've now completely updated the protective arrays and Restrictions for their businesses as well.

"I wonder where they hired such a Grandmaster Formation Master from.

"Could it be the Family Head of the Cang Family?"

"I've heard people mention this before. Someone claimed they saw a figure in black robes laying down the formations, but they couldn't see the person's true identity."

"So mysterious! Could it be an Array Master from another prefecture, or perhaps an Array Master of the Demonic Dao?"

"Perhaps. But some also speculate that the person is one of the core elders of the Xu Family, Xu Mingxian."

"Didn't he travel to the Profound Moon Prefecture to seek a master? He came back?"

"Who knows?" The man waved his hand dismissively. "Let's stop talking about this. Let's hurry inside and take a look. I hope we can successfully purchase a Mid-Grade Void Rushing Pill this time.

"That way, I can step into Late Foundation Establishment faster and obtain more resources from my clan."

Somewhere in the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range.

In the Cang Clan Ancestral Land.

Within a quiet cultivation room.

"Big Brother, Cloudstream City has been making constant moves over these past few months. Both the Inner and Outer City Protection Great Formations, as well as the industrial formations for the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion, have undergone massive renovations. I believe my disciple, Xu Mingxian, must have returned."

Cang Fengheng spoke to the middle-aged cultivator sitting cross-legged on a frigid jade bed opposite him.

This man was the Patriarch of the Cang Family, Cang Fengyan, the man hailed as the number one Array Master in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

However, now that Xu Mingxian had returned, this title would likely have to change hands.

"Have you gone to take a look? What tier are those formations?" Cang Fengyan asked indifferently, his eyes still closed.

Cang Fengheng paused, hesitating for a brief moment.

"What? Is there something difficult to say?"

"It's just... somewhat unbelievable," Cang Fengheng sighed softly. "I went to the Eastern Sector of Cloudstream City to observe. Looking from a distance, although the grand array remains hidden, it gives me a genuinely terrifying feeling.

"Our Cang Clan's protective grand array... cannot compare to it."

"Tier 3 Peak Grade?!" Cang Fengyan abruptly opened his eyes, two rays of green light shooting out from his gaze. "How is that possible? How old is he?!

"The amount of time I've been stuck at Tier 3 High-Grade is longer than he's even been alive!

"Furthermore, Tier 3 formations become exponentially more profound and difficult with each minor tier. Even if he stepped into Tier 3 and his Comprehension improved, in just a few short years, grasping Tier 3 High-Grade should be his absolute limit!

"How could he have possibly comprehended a complete Tier 3 Peak grand array?!"

"Big Brother, you must admit that this world possesses countless geniuses, and Xu Mingxian is an absolute monster in the Dao of Formations. Grasping Tier 3 Mid-Grade arrays during the Foundation Establishment Stage...

"That is something not even the Founding Ancestor of our Cang Clan was able to accomplish.

"Now, the Xu Family has completely risen. Replacing the Heavenly Azure Sect is only a matter of time.

"With the full support of the Xu Family, it's merely a matter of time before Xu Mingxian comprehends Tier 4 formations. He might even achieve it in the Golden Core Stage!

"His path in formations will take him infinitely further than our Founding Ancestor ever reached!"

"I allowed my attachments to cloud my judgment."

Cang Fengyan sighed softly. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Go and send him the item left behind by the Ancestor. Perhaps he can break the Restrictions placed upon it."