Chapter 368: Everyone's Choices

"Heavenly South is vast and abundant in resources," Xu Dezhao continued. "I wonder what Grandfather and the others will bring back with them.

And what kind of heritage they will add to our Xu family?"

"When has your grandfather ever disappointed us?" Xu Mingwei said in a deep voice. "There is also your Fifth Uncle and Deling. Their mastery over formations and Artifact Dao Attainment are extremely high now.

This time, they will definitely be able to set up a formation barrier for our Dongxi capable of withstanding the Great Tribulation."

Xu Mingyuan stroked his beard. Although he tried hard to maintain his composure, he could not hide the smile at the corners of his eyes. "Father has always been farsighted in his actions.

We just need to follow his arrangements regarding the Great Tribulation."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"I heard that Xu Chongfei, the child of Deyue and Ye Fan, currently possesses the highest Spirit Root aptitude in our Xu family," Xu Mingxuan suddenly interjected.

"I wonder just how Exceptionally Talented and Brilliant he is!"

"Second Brother, there's no need to belittle yourself. I believe Jian'er is absolutely not inferior to Chongfei," Xu Mingwei stated.

"That's right! The Prodigies raised by our Dongxi Xu Clan are definitely not weaker than anyone else!"

Xu Dezhao also chimed in with agreement.

The group continued to converse.

They were afraid that if they stopped talking, they wouldn't be able to bear the anxiety of waiting.

However, their gazes would still glance toward the direction of the Broken Cliff Mountain Range from time to time.

Over an hour passed.

A faint streak of azure light flashed past, charging directly into the Xu family's clan protection grand array.

It passed through countless restrictions and landed right in front of everyone at the Jade Cold Pool.

The azure light faded, revealing Xu Chuan and the others!

Finding Foundation Establishment flight too slow, Xu Chuan had used a Divine Ability to carry everyone along. However, due to the large number of people, it was ultimately not as fast as traveling alone.

Therefore, it had taken him over an hour.

Otherwise, covering a distance of tens of thousands of miles with a Great Accomplishment Evasion Divine Ability pushed to its limits would only take a mere fifteen minutes.

"Father!" "Grandfather!"

Xu Mingwei and the others called out one after another.

Immediately, led by Xu Mingwei, they bowed and cupped their hands toward Xu Chuan. "We respectfully welcome Father and Grandfather's return!"

"There is no need for such formalities." Xu Chuan waved his hand gently, sending out a surge of Mana to lift them up.

"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother, Fourth Sister, Sixth Brother."

Xu Mingxian greeted Xu Mingwei and the rest with a warm smile.

"Mingxian."

They replied with beaming smiles, unable to conceal the joy in their eyes.

Xu Deyue, Ye Fan, and Xu Deling also bowed to their elders.

"Let's skip the pleasantries and head inside to talk."

With a sweep of his sleeve, Xu Chuan opened the door to the Bamboo Hut by the Jade Cold Pool.

The Medicine Garden here remained the same, the Spirit Grass breathing in and out Spiritual Qi, while the demonic fruit tree had grown even taller.

A demonic fruit tree only truly became precious after transforming beyond the second tier.

If it reached the third tier, it would absolutely be considered a top-tier Third-Tier Spirit Wood. To a sect like the Spirit Taming Sect, its value would even surpass many fourth-tier Spirit Woods and Spirit Medicines.

The second-tier demonic fruits were known as Azure Demonic Fruits, featuring azure demonic patterns on their skin.

The third-tier ones were Crimson Demonic Fruits, possessing crimson demonic patterns.

And if they reached the Fourth-Tier, they would become Violet Demonic Fruits.

They were enough to greatly tempt even Fourth-Tier Shapeshifting Demonic Beasts.

Its greatest use lay in nurturing Demonic Beasts, possessing the miraculous effect of evolving a Demonic Beast's Bloodline and drastically elevating its aptitude.

The Xu Family also practiced the Beast Taming path, so this demonic fruit tree was well worth cultivating carefully.

Cultivating a demonic fruit tree was a troublesome process, requiring a massive amount of Demonic Beast Essence Blood and bones.

The greater the variety and the higher the tier of these materials, the faster the tree would grow.

However, with the Xu Family's current Heritage, nurturing it to the third tier within a few decades would not be a major issue.

As for the source of Demonic Beast Essence Blood and bones, there was absolutely no need to worry. They could simply issue missions and have the Xu Family disciples and the Azure Dragon Alliance disciples and elders gather them.

Within this Medicine Garden, there was also the Spirit Soil originally obtained from the Mysterious Moon Secret Realm, along with many high-tier Spirit Medicines.

Xu Chuan also planned to transplant them into the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven in the near future.

Entering the Bamboo Hut, Xu Chuan took his seat at the head of the room.

Xu Mingwei and the others settled into the remaining seats.

There were exactly six seats.

All of them were taken by the Second Generation members.

Xu Deling and the other younger generation juniors respectfully stood off to the side.

"Let me introduce you first. This is Fei'er and his wife, Chen Yulian."

Xu Chongfei and Chen Yulian offered their greetings, "We pay our respects to our grand-uncles and uncles."

"And this is my second disciple, Mei Yun."

Xu Mingwei and the others looked over. Anyone capable of being accepted as a disciple by their father was destined to be extraordinary.

One only needed to look at his first disciple, Ye Fan, to know that.

"Mei Yun greets all senior brothers and senior sisters," Mei Yun said, cupping his fists.

Xu Mingwei and the rest gave a slight nod in acknowledgement.

"Tell me, how is the current situation?" Xu Chuan asked.

Xu Mingyuan answered, "Ever since the incident with Wu'er, conflicts between the Immortal Alliance and the Martial Alliance have skyrocketed. They often end up in all-out brawls.

This is especially true between family Cultivators and Rogue Cultivator Martial artists.

Usually, it only takes a few words to escalate the situation.

There must be the hidden involvement of Great Wei, Great Liang, and Great Jin behind all this.

The Immortal Martial Alliance has been growing stronger, which threatens them. It's completely normal for them to make such moves.

In the past, when Wu'er was around, the Martial Alliance was united and could stand on equal footing with the Immortal Alliance, ensuring Calm Wind and Waves. But now, there is absolutely no one who can truly shoulder the heavy burden of the Martial Dao.

Furthermore, the Martial artists have already awakened. How could they possibly be willing to return to their former lives of being servants to immortal cultivators?"

Hearing this, Xu Chuan pondered for a moment. As his gaze rippled slightly, countless thoughts crossed his mind.

He let out a sigh. "Ignore it. The Immortal Martial Alliance no longer needs our Xu family's management at this point. It has its own operating mechanisms.

Besides, in the end, it is nothing more than a fleeting pipe dream.

Let them cause whatever commotion they want."

Xu Mingwei and the others felt a heavy weight in their hearts. They clearly understood that Xu Chuan was giving up on the Immortal Martial Alliance.

No, to be precise, he was giving up on the current Immortal Martial Alliance.

Because the Great Tribulation was descending, affecting every corner of the world. Although the Xu family had made ample preparations, their strength was only enough to protect Dongxi and those close to them.

"Mingwei."

"I am here, Father."

"Later, announce the news that I will end my secluded cultivation in three days."

"Yes," Xu Mingwei complied.

"Mingxian, the Materials you brought back, what grade of grand array are they sufficient to set up for the Xu family?"

"To answer Father, we brought back a Mid-Grade Three-Tier Spirit Vein this time. If we completely dismantle the Three Absolutes Dragon-Locking Formation, we can set up a high-grade third-tier Cloud Heaven Illusionary Array.

This array integrates slaughter formations, defensive arrays, Bewildering Tracks Arrays, Confinement Formations, and Illusory Arrays into one unified system.

As long as they aren't all activated simultaneously, there won't be any major issues."

"There is no need to activate its defensive functions. You can independently set up a Mid-Grade Three-Tier defensive formation. For the Cloud Heaven Illusionary Array, simply activating the Bewildering Tracks Array, Confinement Formation, and Illusory Array will suffice.

Besides, how could a slaughter array ever compare to us killing the enemies ourselves?"

"Father is absolutely right." Xu Mingxian gave a knowing smile.

Xu Chuan then looked at Xu Mingshu. "How is your cultivation of Spirit Insects and Spirit Beasts progressing?"

"I have ten thousand first-tier Iron-Devouring Flying Ants, one hundred second-tier ones, and one Second-Tier Peak leader. My Red-Spotted Spirit Insect queen is at the Second-Tier Peak, leading thirty thousand first-tier and thirty second-tier insects.

Compared to the Iron-Devouring Flying Ants, the Red-Spotted Spirit Insects still lack far too much potential.

If the Iron-Devouring Flying Ants hadn't been restricted by resources, many more of them could have evolved to the second tier."

Xu Chuan thought for a moment. "The cultivation of the Iron-Devouring Flying Ants is steady. After this meeting, go find Deling and ask for some third-tier spirit ores or fourth-tier Spirit Iron. I don't have any on hand.

That should help you nurture a third-tier Iron-Devouring Flying Ant."

"Third and fourth-tier spirit ores?!" Xu Mingshu's eyes lit up brightly, but she quickly fell into deep thought. "Father, Spirit Insects aren't like Demonic Beasts; they don't possess that high of an intellect.

Although they feel a certain closeness to me, if one reaches the third tier, I am afraid I wouldn't be able to control it."

"It doesn't matter. In a few days, I will help you with Core Formation. As a Beast Taming master, Divine sense is incredibly important. How is your cultivation of the Spirit Refining Incantation going?"

"I have reached the peak of Minor Success in the first layer."

"This technique is indeed difficult to cultivate and isn't suitable for everyone. However, I have quite a few Pills and Spirit Medicines on hand that can strengthen the divine soul. They can help you all achieve Limit-Breaking ahead of time."

"Thank you, Father," Xu Mingshu and the others said, cupping their hands in gratitude.

"It's a bit of a pity for Mingwei. Otherwise, achieving an early limit-break in your divine soul would greatly enhance your Heritage after breaking through to the Golden Core Stage!"

"It's fine. I really don't mind." Xu Mingwei smiled faintly. "There is no such thing as absolute perfection in this world. Furthermore, divine soul Pills and Spirit Medicines are precious; we cannot afford to waste them needlessly.

I suggest that we prioritize those possessing Immortal Arts to help them achieve early limit-breaks.

As for the rest of us, there's no rush for the time being, or perhaps it isn't even necessary."

Xu Mingxuan thought about it and agreed, "That's right, Father. My aptitude is the worst among us, so there is no need to waste resources on me."

"All of you will be the face of our Xu family in the future. Naturally, the stronger your combat prowess, the better."

Xu Chuan smiled warmly. "Even if I have to pile up mountains of resources, I will elevate all of you."

"An early transformation of your divine soul will greatly benefit your comprehension of Divine Abilities. Those of you stuck at a bottleneck might even have hope of breaking through and achieving Divine Ability Core Formation within a year or two."

Pausing for a moment, he continued, "Mingshu, there's no need for you to do that. You can just proceed directly with Golden Core Formation through Medicinal Pills."

Xu Mingshu smiled with a hint of awkwardness.

Almost everyone else had comprehended the True Intent of a Divine Ability. She was the only one who had poured all her energy into nurturing Spirit Beasts and had yet to grasp even a sliver of True Intent.

However, each person had their own methods.

Xu Mingshu's achievements in the Beast Taming path were far more outstanding than most of the Golden Core Perfected Beings from the Spirit Taming Sect. While they might each possess a Tier 3 Demonic Beast, they absolutely wouldn't possess three of them like Xu Mingshu did, let alone have Spirit Insect tactics capable of threatening a Golden Core Cultivator.

Therefore, Xu Chuan never minded whether she comprehended the True Intent of a Divine Ability to pursue Divine Ability Core Formation.

As long as she achieved greatness in the Beast Taming path, she could still carve out her own path as a powerhouse.

"Additionally, I want to ask all of you today about your stance on the Ancient Battlefield. Do you all wish to enter?"

Xu Mingwei and the others had naturally heard about the Ancient Battlefield from Xu Chuan.

Countless Opportunities existed within, ranging from small ones for the Golden Core stage to massive ones for the Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation stages.

However, as the final battlefield of Heavenly South, the dangers lurking inside were bound to be utterly terrifying.

Hearing this question now, they all looked at each other in silence.

After a short while.

Xu Mingxian spoke up, "Father, I will enter! To seek Opportunities for myself and for our Xu family!"

He couldn't just watch his father sacrifice for the Xu family all by himself.

"Honored Master, me too."

"Grandfather, Ling'er is willing to enter."

"I am willing as well."

Ye Fan, Xu Deyue, and Xu Deling agreed one after another.

Xu Mingwei stated, "I will judge based on the situation. It remains unknown how the Ancient Battlefield will open or how one enters it. If there is still a threat to Dongxi when the time comes, I will stay behind to protect our Clan Territory!"

His lifelong creed was to protect the family!

Opportunities and the like were purely optional to him!

Besides, they wouldn't miss a single person when it came to seeking out Opportunities.

Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "It's up to you."

After deep thought, Xu Mingyuan said, "If I manage to achieve Divine Ability Core Formation before then, I would like to enter and search for a Talisman Dao Inheritance.

Among our Xu family's Pills, Artifacts, Formations, Talismans paths, the Talisman Dao is undeniably our weakest link.

Since I have taken up this path, I also wish to see it flourish!"

"I will help your divine soul undergo a transformation. During its early stages, when your divine soul suddenly expands, it will be the perfect opportunity to comprehend your Divine Ability. If your luck holds up, you should be able to break through."

"Thank you, Father."

"I want to enter too," Xu Mingshu declared.

"I won't be going in," Xu Mingqing said. "I study the Dao of Alchemy. My Inheritance comes from you, Father. Your heights will directly determine my own."

"You brat." Xu Chuan smiled helplessly.

Xu Dezhao spoke, "Grandfather, I wish to pursue Divine Ability Core Formation. Since I probably won't be able to break through during the period of the Great Tribulation, I won't be entering either."

Xu Chuan nodded gently.

The rest of the group turned their gazes toward Xu Mingxuan.

"Why are you all staring at me?" Xu Mingxuan rubbed his face self-consciously. "Is there dirt on my face or something?"

Xu Mingwei said, "Mingxuan should go in. With his talent for Pursuing Fortune and Avoiding Disaster, his chances of finding Opportunities should be the highest."

"Eldest Brother, no matter how fast I am, there's no way I can achieve Divine Ability Core Formation in a mere year or two. Entering at the Foundation Establishment stage is no different from courting death!" Xu Mingxuan grumbled resentfully.

Xu Mingxian chuckled. "Third Brother, you are underestimating the cultivation resources of Heavenly South."

"As long as there are enough precious resources, they can truly allow you to achieve Divine Ability Core Formation. I remember that you're comprehending the earth-element True Intent, right? Father happens to have an earth-element High-Grade Innate Spirit Item, the Profound Yellow Stone.

With it, your comprehension of your earth-element Divine Ability will advance by leaps and bounds.

Coupled with the transformation of your divine soul, it should be entirely achievable."

He turned to look at Xu Chuan. "Father, I agree with Eldest Brother. Third Brother's talent is the most suited for seeking Opportunities. He absolutely must enter."

"I agree as well!"

Xu Mingshu and the others quickly chimed in with their agreement.

"You guys really are my wonderful brothers and sisters!" Xu Mingxuan wailed, looking like he wanted to cry but had no tears.

Xu Chuan also let out a teasing laugh. "Since everyone agrees, I shall bestow the Profound Yellow Stone upon Mingxuan."

"Thank you, Father," Xu Mingxuan replied, his face drooping in defeat.

"Still putting on an act, aren't you?" Xu Chuan suddenly scolded with a laugh. "Although you find things troublesome, you are certainly never afraid of trouble. You deliberately guided Mingxian to say all that, didn't you?

A High-Grade Innate Spirit Item is incredibly precious. Even in a top-tier Nascent Soul sect, it would be considered a first-class supreme resource.

With such a tremendous Opportunity right in front of you.

How could you possibly not have realized it?"

"Hehe, you saw right through me, Father."

Xu Mingxuan suddenly broke into a wide grin. His previous conflicted demeanor vanished without a trace, thoroughly replaced by the smug look of someone whose wicked scheme had just succeeded.

Xu Mingxian instantly realized what had happened and cursed, "Third Brother, you are far too treacherous! To think you actually used me as your mouthpiece!"

"I didn't even know there was a Profound Yellow Stone around! Weren't you the one who brought it up?"

High-Grade Innate Spirit Items were exceedingly rare within the Xu family as well.

Let alone high-grade, even for low-grade ones, Xu Chuan wouldn't bestow them lightly without special circumstances.

However, Xu Chuan also wanted Xu Mingxuan to enter the battlefield, which was why he hadn't exposed the scheme right away.

The others all started scolding Xu Mingxuan for his lack of morals!

"Alright, that's enough messing around. The Profound Yellow Stone is incredibly precious. Once your divine soul transforms, I will lend it to you for a period of time, and I'll take it back only after you achieve Divine Ability Core Formation."

"You're taking it back?"

"What did you expect? The family only has a scant few of them in total, and this is our only earth-element High-Grade Innate Spirit Item. If you encounter a bottleneck in your comprehension in the future, I can lend it to you again to help you break through.

Otherwise, you should honestly stick to comprehending on your own.

Such a precious resource is a once-in-a-century rarity even in Heavenly South."

"Yes, Father," Xu Mingxuan agreed, dropping his playful attitude as he respectfully cupped his hands.

Scanning the room, Xu Chuan's gaze finally settled on Mei Yun. "Mei Yun, you will enter as well."

"Me?"

Mei Yun pointed at himself, his face filled with utter bewilderment and shock.

Although he didn't know what kind of place the Ancient Battlefield was, it sounded exceedingly dangerous just from the name alone.

"Honored Master, this disciple is only at Foundation Establishment!"

"I haven't even reached Perfection yet!"

"Please stop joking with your disciple."

At this moment, Mei Yun's face looked as though the words 'I don't want to go!' were literally carved into it.