Chapter 350: The Xi Family's Moves, Xu Chuan's Countermeasures

"Regarding the Xi Family's migration, I have already made the arrangements. This is Yu Qi, the Grand Elder of the Spirit Taming Sect, one of the top sects in the central region of Heavenly South.

"He is also a longtime friend of mine.

"Our new location will be within the Spirit Taming Sect's sphere of influence."

Xi Daoyun introduced Yu Qi's identity to the crowd.

"Greetings, Senior Yu," the crowd chimed in unison, feeling a slight wave of astonishment.

"The location for our clan territory has already been selected. Once the Xi Family moves there, we can rebuild our foundation."

The group was slightly taken aback, looking at Xi Daoyun in disbelief. It turned out the Ancestor had already arranged everything.

True Lord Green Wood felt a faint sense of unease in his heart.

Such arrangements felt more like he was giving his final instructions before death.

"Xi Fengyue will be the Family Head.

"Do any of you have objections?"

"We have no objections."

With Xi Daoyun issuing the decree himself, Xi Muhua and the original Family Head could only obediently step down. Besides, in terms of strength and prestige, True Lord Green Wood was indeed the more suitable choice.

"Starting tomorrow, we will begin to scale back our properties and personnel. The Xi Family has many members, and it will be difficult to take everyone with us. Therefore, prioritize selecting the elites and talented descendants.

"Everything must be securely prepared within two months.

"Furthermore, we cannot make too much noise. Discard any minor or peripheral properties as necessary.

"As for the spirit vein in our clan territory, we will extract it on the day we leave!"

"Ancestor, what about the resources in the Heavenly Azure Sect?" Xi Fengyue asked.

"Gather all the resources you can mobilize and take them with us, but do not make your actions too obvious. Some things can be left behind if needed.

"Otherwise, if people notice the signs and it triggers a mutiny within the Heavenly Azure Sect, leaving won't be so easy for you!"

"Yes, Ancestor."

In the blink of an eye, over half a month passed.

The Xi Family's shops, trading companies, mines, and medicine gardens scattered across the various major and minor cities and marketplaces of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture remained open for business on the surface, with managers and clerks greeting customers as usual.

Secretly, however, all goods of medium grade and above, stockpiled rare materials, and recent rent collections were being transported back to the Xi Family in batches under various reasonable pretexts, such as auditing accounts or transferring stock.

Gradually, the store shelves were left with only common, low-value goods to keep up appearances.

The once dazzling displays that drew cultivators to stop and browse were no more.

Some remote or low-profit industrial strongholds that were difficult to relocate were secretly evaluated, then either quietly sold at low prices to trusted middlemen or abandoned entirely.

Across the various branch families spread throughout the region, any branch members with outstanding potential or formidable strength were recalled to the main branch.

Once they left, no further news of them was heard.

Moreover, their immediate family members were also repeatedly invited to the main branch.

All of this was done under the guise of cultivation and nurturing.

Although there was some commotion, the members of those branch families were kept in the dark and harbored no suspicions, making it even less likely for outsiders to notice anything amiss.

Additionally, some precious spirit grass, materials, and other resources within the Heavenly Azure Sect...

...were also quietly transported to the Xi Family.

On the surface, the Heavenly Azure Sect looked no different, but its actual heritage had shrunk by sixty percent, leaving only two or three months' worth of resources for the monthly stipends of the sect disciples and elders.

However, the spirit veins of the Heavenly Azure Sect definitely could not be touched recklessly.

The resulting disturbance would be too great and invite suspicion.

"Strange, it seems we haven't seen much of the Xi Family members lately?" a disciple of the Heavenly Azure Sect remarked.

"I heard the main branch of the Xi Family is selecting elites from within the clan to concentrate resources on training them. They've all gone to participate," another noble family descendant replied.

"I'm so jealous. The elites chosen by the Xi Family will probably all have a chance to step into the Golden Core stage in the future."

"Who wouldn't be!"

"Brother Liu, do you think the Xi Family making such a massive fuss this time might be because of the Xu Family?"

"Perhaps."

"Then which side is your Liu clan preparing to support?"

"How could a mere Early Foundation Establishment cultivator like me have a say in such major family affairs? I'll just follow the family's orders."

As First Elders, Xi Muran and Xi Fengyue naturally had to remain at the sect. If they stayed at the Xi Family estate the whole time, it would likely invite criticism.

After all, the Xi Family had its own people to manage its affairs, so it wasn't their place to worry about it.

Cloudstream City, Xu Residence.

Chen Changge relayed the numerous reports gathered by the Xu Family's hidden agents to Xu Chuan.

Generally, he wouldn't report trivial matters.

However, he had a sneaking suspicion that something fishy was going on with this issue.

The Xi Family's actions were highly unusual, almost as if they were preparing for war.

Seeing Chen Changge's message, Xu Chuan raised an eyebrow and muttered, "Shop businesses are dismal, with no rare resources. Elites from branch families everywhere are heading to the main branch.

"Even within the Heavenly Azure Sect, members of the Xi Family are rarely seen.

"Preparing for war..."

Xu Chuan chuckled lightly. "I don't think it looks like that."

Although he had his suspicions, he still used Heavenly Secret Dao Derivation to make some deductions.

'As expected, they are planning to flee, severing their tail to survive like a gecko. Is this Xi Daoyun's decision or Xi Muran's suggestion?'

Soon after, he murmured to himself, "It should be Xi Daoyun. It seems he truly is prepared to fight a battle to the death with my Xu Family.

"Preparing to move to the central region of Heavenly South?

"And there is a Nascent Soul expert from the central region involved. They are quite thoroughly prepared.

"According to the heavenly secrets, it should happen within the next month.

"That won't do. The people can leave, but the resources must stay."

He had just been fretting over not having a suitable excuse to make a move against the Xi Family.

Pressuring the Xi Family would allow him to settle this matter sooner, unify the Heavenly Azure Prefecture, and prepare for his own clan's return.

Xu Chuan immediately sent a message to Lei Wuji.

Before long.

Lei Wuji arrived at the Xu Residence.

"Family Head, you were looking for me?" Lei Wuji asked.

"Elder Lei, I must trouble you to take a trip to the Mo Family and invite the Mo Clan Ancestor over. I have an important matter to discuss."

"I understand."

With that, Lei Wuji left the Xu Residence, transforming into a streak of light as he flew toward the Jade Bamboo Sea to find the Mo Family.

Three hours later.

The two of them arrived together and stepped into the main hall of the Xu Residence.

Xu Chuan was already waiting there. Seeing them arrive, he said, "Please, have a seat, you two."

After sitting down, Mo Wentian stroked his beard and asked with a smile, "Daoist Friend Xu, you had Daoist Friend Lei bring me here. What important matter is it?"

"I won't beat around the bush," Xu Chuan said bluntly. "The Xi Family wishes to abandon the Heavenly Azure Prefecture and migrate with their entire clan. Currently, they should be gathering their resources and manpower.

"I reckon a massive amount of resources from within the Heavenly Azure Sect will also be taken away."

"What?!" Both Mo Wuya and Lei Wuji were stunned.

The Xi Family was running away?

And they were planning to abscond with the Heavenly Azure Sect's foundation?

"Is the information reliable?" Lei Wuji asked in a deep voice.

"Neither of you needs to doubt it."

"Then Daoist Friend Xu, what do you plan to do?" Mo Wentian's eyes flickered as he looked at Xu Chuan.

Xu Chuan met his gaze, then looked at Lei Wuji. "I want the two of you to utilize your networks and heritage to gather as many Golden Core Stage cultivators as possible in three days.

"You will accompany me to the Xi Family land to intercept them.

"The people can leave, but the resources must stay."

Hearing this, Mo Wentian felt slightly surprised. "Daoist Friend Xu plans to let the Xi Family off?"

Xu Chuan smiled faintly and asked in return, "Don't tell me Senior Mo is willing to have your Mo Family's Golden Core cultivators lead the charge to forcibly detain the Xi Family?"

"Daoist Friend Xu, please don't joke. How could my Mo Family's heritage compare to the Xi Family? But with our three families joining forces, we should be able to keep most of the Xi Family's Golden Core cultivators behind."

"We'll see how the situation unfolds," Xu Chuan replied vaguely, avoiding a direct answer. "However, when it's time for Senior Mo to exert some effort, I hope you won't just stand by idly."

"How could I go back on something I've promised Daoist Friend Xu?"

Lei Wuji cupped his fists. "If the Xu Family gives an order, my Lei Family is duty-bound to oblige. Aside from the Golden Core cultivators left behind to guard the family, the rest of my Lei Family's elders will all be present."

"Then you have my thanks, Daoist Friend Lei."

"As for what reasons you use to gather those Golden Core cultivators, the two of you don't need to elaborate. Do you understand?"

Mo Wentian offered a light smile. "Understood. The Xi Family has deep roots, with no shortage of eyes and ears."

"Then we shall assemble outside Cloudstream City's east gate at the hour of chen in three days. I'll be troubling you two." Xu Chuan stood up and cupped his fists.

"It is our duty." The two also stood up and returned the gesture.

Afterward, they departed from the Xu Residence one after another.

Xu Chuan also informed Xu Mingxian and Xu Deling of the matter.

Xu Mingxian had heard Xu Chuan's speculations before, but he didn't expect Xi Daoyun to be preparing to preserve the Xi Family's strength by leaving the Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

This was the foundation where the Xi Family had been rooted for over a thousand years.

To think they were actually willing to give it up just like that.

However, it was clearly a very wise move.

Three days later, outside the east gate of Cloudstream City.

The normally expansive and open clearing by the city gate was now steeped in a solemn, deadly atmosphere.

Streaks of light of various colors descended from all directions, revealing the figures of cultivators with robust auras, the weakest among them at the Early-Stage Golden Core.

At a rough glance, there were no less than thirty of them!

Some of these cultivators hailed from the Mo Family, the Lei Family, and their allied aristocratic families, while others were Golden Core rogue cultivators.

Even though the assembled crowd tried their best to conceal their auras, the immense, invisible pressure that gathered from their presence still caused the low-level cultivators and mortals of the nearby Cloudstream City to palpitate with fear, prompting them to steer clear of the area.

Inside and outside the city, countless people were observing and discussing the spectacle.

"With so many Golden Core cultivators gathered, plus the Mo Clan Ancestor who's at the Nascent Soul stage and the Lei Family's True Monarch Leiji, it feels like the whole nest has come out for both families."

"There are also some Golden Core aristocratic families and rogue cultivators."

"Are they here to cause trouble for Cloudstream City?"

"It doesn't look like it. It seems more like they're waiting for someone."

...

Amidst everyone's speculation, Xu Chuan appeared, accompanied by Xu Mingxian, Xu Deling, and Moyue.

The Golden Core cultivators of the four families—the two Yan families, the Tang Family, and the Chen Family—also followed closely behind.

"Greetings, True Lord Withered Glory."

The crowd of Golden Core cultivators all cupped their hands in greeting.

Mo Wentian greeted him with a smile, "Daoist Friend Xu, everyone has arrived. When do you plan to set off?"

An oblivious Golden Core rogue cultivator asked, "Senior Mo, where are we heading? Could it be that we're going to attack the Heavenly Azure Sect?"

"Don't ask me. Daoist Friend Xu is in charge of today's matters."

Xu Chuan's gaze swept over the dozens of Golden Core cultivators present. Without offering much explanation, he proclaimed loudly, "Daoist Friends, since you have come, it means you trust me.

"There is no time to delay. Set off with me.

"Our destination—the Xi Family land!"

"The Xi Family?!" The hearts of many Golden Core cultivators trembled slightly.

That was a Nascent Soul noble family that had ruled the Heavenly Azure Prefecture for thousands of years. Even though the Mo Family and the Xu Family had now produced Nascent Soul-level cultivators, in their minds...

...in terms of heritage, the Xi Family still ranked first.

Having spoken, Xu Chuan was the first to transform into a cyan streak of light and shoot up into the sky, diving straight toward the Heavenly Azure Mountain Range.

Xu Mingxian and the others followed closely behind without hesitation.

Mo Wuya and Lei Wuji exchanged a glance and shouted, "Everyone, follow the Xu Clan Head's orders!"

They then immediately followed suit.

Seeing this, the rest of the Golden Core cultivators, though still harboring doubts, lost their fear upon realizing they were backed by the Mo Clan Ancestor, a shapeshifting great demon, and numerous other Golden Core cultivators.

They also activated their movement techniques, taking to the skies in streaks of light.

Dozens of streams of light tore through the horizon, surging forward mightily like a brilliant river of stars.

Halfway there.

Xu Chuan transmitted his voice to Chen Changge. "Elder Chen, make a trip to the Heavenly Azure Sect and inform them of this matter."

As he spoke, he briefly explained the Xi Family's intentions.

Chen Changge's eyes rippled slightly as he transmitted back, "Yes, Family Head."

Immediately, he broke off from the group and headed to the Heavenly Azure Sect alone.

Just as Xu Chuan and the others were nearly at the Xi Family land, Chen Changge arrived outside the mountain gate of the Heavenly Azure Sect.

He looked up at the still-majestic Heavenly Azure Sect, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions.

This colossus that he once had to look up to might very well crumble and shatter today.

"Who is this senior, and what important business brings you to our Heavenly Azure Sect?" a disciple guarding the mountain gate cupped his hands and asked.

Another middle-aged cultivator who appeared slightly older, however, recognized Chen Changge. "Elder Chen... Senior Chen, why have you come?"

"I'm here to notify your Heavenly Azure Sect of a major event."

"What event?" a disciple interjected curiously.

The corners of Chen Changge's lips curled up slightly. He cleared his throat, and his voice immediately resounded in all directions like a clap of thunder.

"The ancestor of the Xi Family intends to take the Xi Family elites and leave the Heavenly Azure Prefecture. My Xu Clan Head was kind enough to send me to remind you that the First Elder and the Sect Master of the Heavenly Azure Sect are both members of the Xi Family.

"Do not allow your treasury and resources to be hollowed out without even realizing it!"

His voice echoed out time and time again.

Everyone, from the lowliest Qi Refining stage disciple up to the Golden Core elders, heard his words.

And then, one by one, they froze in shock on the spot.

"The Xi Family is fleeing, and they plan to abscond with the treasury's resources?!"

"That's not right. This month's disciple stipends were distributed on time. Could this be a lie?"

"Is this news from the Xu Family true or false?"

At once, various Golden Core elders began stepping out of their grotto-residences.

Across the entire Heavenly Azure Sect, chaos erupted like a pot boiling over.

"If you don't believe me, you are welcome to have your Sect Master and First Elder open the treasury and take a look. See exactly how many rare resources and precious materials are missing!"

Chen Changge shouted once more from outside the mountain gate.

"He sounds incredibly convincing. It can't be true, right?"

"The Xu Family wouldn't be so bored as to make a special trip just to deceive us, would they?"

"It wouldn't hurt to take a look, right?"

One after another, the Golden Core elders began sending messages to True Lord Green Wood and Xi Fengyue.

"First Elder, how did the Xu Family find out?" Xi Fengyue transmitted a message to True Lord Green Wood.

"Now is not the time to fixate on this. We can no longer stay at the Heavenly Azure Sect. Let's return to the Xi Family and find the Ancestor first."

"Understood."

The two left their grotto-residences and immediately deployed their movement arts, flying out of the Heavenly Azure Sect as streaks of light.

"Those auras... that's the First Elder, and the Sect Master?" A Golden Core elder noticed them and immediately sent a message to inform the other Golden Core elders.

The First Elder had fled with the Sect Master!

With that, the Heavenly Azure Sect fell into complete and utter pandemonium!

Every single elder of the Heavenly Azure Sect wore an expression of severe anxiety.

Although the Xi Family held the most authority in the Heavenly Azure Sect, the Xi Family could not represent the entire sect.

It was akin to the relationship between major and minor shareholders in a company.

And now that the major shareholder was absconding with the funds, wouldn't the company collapse in an instant?

"Elders, let us go to the Xi Family and demand an explanation from the First Elder and the Grand Elders!"

"Let's go together!"

"I will go as well!"

More than a dozen Golden Core Stage cultivators took to the skies in streaks of light, leaving only one person missing.

True Lord Bingqian. He was still in secluded cultivation deep within the Profound Ice Cave.

When he next emerged, and found the Heavenly Azure Sect had either changed regimes or entirely fallen apart, who knew how he would feel?

"Haha, Daoist Friends, I trust you have been well. If you are heading to the Xi Family, count me in."

Chen Changge forcefully joined their group midway.