Chapter 371: Decision

"First Elder, I saw that the Tongshan Qin family, Taiyuan Li Clan, and Langya Wang Clan were all present today. Were they invited here?" Elder Xiao suddenly asked.

Xu Mingyuan looked at him and replied calmly, "Elder Xiao, you can just speak your mind directly. There is no need to beat around the bush."

Elder Xiao's eyes flickered, and he immediately cupped his fists. "Then I won't mince words. Have those three families become vassals of your Xu family, First Elder?"

"Yes."

Although they had been sixty or seventy percent sure of this guess, hearing Xu Mingyuan personally admit it gave them a completely different sense of reality.

"The Xu family already possesses such great authority. Why must you still do this?"

"Are you questioning me, Elder Xiao?"

Xu Mingyuan paused before continuing, "This is a mutual agreement. Why shouldn't we do it?"

"If there is nothing else, the two of you may return to the main headquarters. I still need to speak with my father shortly."

"First Elder, Grand Elder, we will take our leave first."

Xu Mingyuan gave a slight nod.

Lei Xiaoyun was also secretly marveling in his heart.

The strength of those three families was not weak at all.

Even before the Immortal Martial Alliance was established, they possessed the heritage of third-rank and second-rank aristocratic families.

Over the past few decades, their rapid development had put them on par with the former three major first-rank aristocratic families—the Jiang, Lei, and Lin families.

Of course, those three families had also produced many geniuses over the years.

With the Lei family at the helm, the Jiang, Lei, and Lin families had formed an alliance that could rival the Cao Clan in the Imperial City.

"The Xu family truly has excellent methods, taking in these three major families without making a sound," Lei Yunchao smiled. "Could it be that they have their eyes on their artificing, formations, and talisman crafting skills?"

"Daoist Friend Lei, what do you think?"

Xu Mingwei looked at Lei Yunchao with a faint smile.

"I originally wanted to have a detailed discussion with your father today, but it seems your Xu family still has many matters to attend to. However, being able to witness your father's methods means this trip was not made in vain."

He stood up to bid farewell as well.

Before leaving, he set down the generous gift he had prepared.

On the way back.

Lei Xiaoyun looked at his father and asked, "Father, when do you think the Xu family took them in? And what do they plan to do?"

"They did it so secretly, so how could they let you know?" Lei Yunchao said. "The Xu family has always had business dealings with them.

Sometimes, they even appeared to be in a competitive stance.

But looking at it now, everything was just a smokescreen.

As for their goal, it is naturally to strengthen their family's heritage.

After all, the immortal arts mastered by each of these three families are at the peak level in Great Wei and the Immortal Martial Alliance.

It's just a pity.

The Great Tribulation is imminent, and whether they can survive it is still uncertain."

Lei Yunchao let out a soft sigh at the end, increasing his speed as he led Lei Xiaoyun away.

After entertaining the guests, the two brothers went to Xu Chuan's courtyard.

Then, they began arranging for the family's younger generation to meet him.

"Father, this is Xiaoyao's posthumous son, Chongjian."

Xu Mingyuan brought a young man before Xu Chuan.

Many of the younger generation cast envious glances his way.

They were of similar age, but their seniority within the generation was vastly different.

Moreover, Xu Chongjian was undeniably the most outstanding genius the Xu family had seen in decades!

They were all completely convinced in heart and speech.

Xu Chuan's gaze fell upon him.

Xu Chongjian appeared to be in his early twenties, standing tall and straight as a pine tree, quietly waiting by Xu Mingyuan's side.

He possessed incredibly handsome features, with sharp eyebrows extending toward his temples and bright, starry eyes full of spirit. He had a high nose bridge and slightly pursed lips, giving him a clean and dashing facial outline.

Though young, he lacked any trace of childishness; his entire being resembled an unsheathed, sharp sword.

He wore a well-fitted dark purple tight-fitting attire. It was not a loose robe with wide sleeves, but a slim cut better suited for physical movement.

The fabric appeared to be of extraordinary quality, with faint dark patterns flowing across it, exuding an aura of crisp efficiency.

A cloud-patterned belt of the same color was tied around his waist, and he wore no excess ornaments—only a sheathed longsword gripped in his left hand.

"Old Ancestor, your grandson has never let his sword leave his side since childhood. It has become a habit, so I hope Old Ancestor will not take offense," Xu Chongjian said, cupping his hands in a respectful salute.

Meeting Xu Chuan's gaze, Xu Chongjian did not shrink back in the slightest.

Xu Chuan scrutinized him, his divine sense probing carefully. A moment later, he thought to himself, 'As expected of a physique with natural sword bones. That aura that would rather break than bend cannot be hidden no matter what.

However, our Xu family has no need to hide anymore; we are more than capable of protecting a Sword Dao prodigy!'

"Not bad. Your facial features share a thirty percent resemblance to your father's, but your aptitude as a sword cultivator is even more transcendent!"

Xu Chuan sighed softly.

The first person on the side of the Dongxi Xu Clan to reach the Golden Core stage had fallen at the hands of the demon race.

This was an eternal pain for the Xu family.

With Ren Xiaoyao's innate aptitude, comprehension, and perseverance, he would have had hope of achieving Nascent Soul Formation in the future.

"Thank you for the praise, Old Ancestor!"

Xu Chongjian stood respectfully with his hands at his sides, his posture remaining meticulous.

Xu Chuan gave a slight nod. His gaze lingered on the young man for a moment before he slowly said, "Very well."

"How can a sword cultivator be without a good sword!"

The light in Xu Chuan's palm slightly dimmed, revealing a longsword quietly resting horizontally across his hands.

The scabbard was about a meter long, entirely displaying a deep, cold silver hue. It resembled frost under the moonlight, with its radiance contained within, and felt slightly cold to the touch.

The surface of the scabbard was not smooth and bare; instead, an incredibly exquisite technique had been used to carve a lifelike flood dragon in relief!

The flood dragon was not coiled fiercely but posed as if leaping into the highest heavens.

Its dragon head was raised proudly toward the sky, its serpentine body vigorous and agile. The scales were dense and distinct, and its dragon claws were powerful and forceful, as if it would burst out of the scabbard in the next moment to summon wind and thunder.

A cherry-red sword tassel was tied to the top of the scabbard.

As for the hilt, the grip was polished to be extremely comfortable to hold.

Two ancient seal-script characters were engraved intaglio into the handguard—"Thunderclap"!

"This sword is named the 'Thunderclap Sword'. It is a masterpiece forged by your Aunt Deling. With a leap, the dragon rises; when the sword is drawn, wind and thunder are startled!

I hope that by acquiring this sword, you will be like a flood dragon soaring through the nine heavens, slaying all enemies of our Xu family!"

Xu Chongjian received it with both hands. The moment he touched it, he knew this was an exceptional sword.

He could vaguely sense that there truly was a flood dragon coiling within the blade!

"Old Ancestor, this sword..."

"You can slowly familiarize yourself with this sword, but unless it is a critical moment, I do not want you to use it. Your future should be focused on the sword, pushing the limits of the sword.

You must also comprehend Dao through the sword.

Comprehend your own Sword Dao divine ability.

Walk your own path of the Sword Dao!"

Xu Chongjian's mind swayed, and even his divine soul began to resonate.

'The Old Ancestor understands me!'

'This is the path I, Xu Chongjian, must walk!'

His eyes were filled with admiration as he bowed deeply. "Thank you for the guidance, Old Ancestor. Your grandson will definitely never forget it!"

"Wenjing, step forward."

Xu Wenjing took a step forward.

He was also one of the Xu family's prodigies; his talent in the Martial Dao far exceeded his talent in the Immortal Dao. Unfortunately, he was born at the wrong time, or perhaps he existed solely for the sake of Xu Jingwu.

"Old Ancestor," Xu Wenjing said, bowing respectfully.

"Your talent is quite good. Simply cultivating the Qi Refining path would be somewhat of a waste. I am imparting to you a copy of the 'Body Refining Art'. From now on, you shall walk the path of the dual cultivation of Dharma and Body.

Although this path is arduous and exhausting, it perfectly aligns with you.

If you can achieve this, you can also stand as one of the prodigies of our Xu family."

Xu Chuan took out a jade slip and handed it to Xu Wenjing.

"Thank you, Old Ancestor."

Xu Wenjing accepted it respectfully and put it away.

"Regarding the path of body refining, you can seek out my disciple Ye Fan for guidance. He has already achieved minor success in this path and is the foremost person in our Xu family in this regard."

"Yes, Old Ancestor."

Pausing for a moment, Xu Chuan added, "Furthermore, I've heard that you are also a blacksmith. In the future, you may also follow Deling to learn artificing.

In this path, she is also the absolute best in our Xu Clan lineage!

These two paths may seem different, but if your comprehension is sufficient, you can merge body refining into the path of artificing, using artifacts to refine your body.

If you can achieve this, you could carve out an entirely new path for our Xu Clan, becoming an honored founder in your own right!"

Hearing these words.

Everyone was slightly moved.

They hadn't expected Xu Chuan to give Xu Wenjing such high praise.

Xu Wenjing's body trembled slightly, his heart surging with excitement. "Your grandson understands. I will give it my all and will not let the Old Ancestor down."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly and nodded as Xu Wenjing returned to the group.

Sweeping his gaze over everyone, he said, "The talent of the majority of our Xu family members is no worse than the geniuses of other clans or aristocratic families.

But just being comparable is not enough.

The family's heritage is indeed quite abundant, but with massive industries, numerous guards, and countless disciples, the resources are not solely to support you.

If you want more resources, then display your talent and your worth.

Of course, this does not solely refer to talent in the path of immortal cultivation. It also includes the Dao of Alchemy, artificing, formations, talismans, puppets, beast taming, and so on.

Anyone who achieves accomplishments in any field will receive the family's full support and cultivation.

Do you all understand?"

"We understand! Thank you for the teachings, Old Ancestor!"

The younger generation members from the fourth generation onward cupped their hands and responded in unison.

Xu Chuan familiarized himself with all of them, but those who received his guidance and were gifted items were extremely few.

Aside from Xu Wenjing, there were only a scant four or five others.

Although they were not quite on the level of Xu Chongjian and Xu Wenjing, they all held the promise of becoming prodigies.

"That will be all for today. Everyone is dismissed."

The crowd dispersed.

Xu Chuan sent a voice transmission to Xu Mingyuan, instructing him to have someone summon the leaders of the Li, Zhou, Qin, and Wang families.

A moment later.

They arrived at Xu Chuan's courtyard.

"Greetings, Ancestor Xu."

The family heads of the Li, Qin, and Wang families, along with Zhou Qingfang, the ancestor of the Zhou family, said with cupped fists.

"I have called you here this time for only one matter. Regarding the Great Tribulation, what do your four families plan to do?"

The four of them looked at each other in dismay.

For a time, no one spoke.

"Since no one is answering, I will give you two choices. First, you can migrate your families to Dongxi in a while. You can temporarily settle in Dongxi for two or three years.

Although it will be a bit crowded and inconvenient, it will undoubtedly be safe.

After the Great Tribulation passes, my Xu family will naturally take you to a new world.

Second, you can migrate the elites of your clans as much as possible, and my Xu family will preserve them.

However, as for the rest, my Xu family cannot guarantee that they will survive the Great Tribulation.

After all, even I am not clear on the exact date when the Great Tribulation will break out."

Xu Chuan swept his gaze across the four men and slowly asked, "How will you choose?"

A moment later.

Zhou Qingfang spoke, "I choose the latter. I intend to split my Zhou family, sending our elites and a portion of our talented children into the Xu family to be established as a branch lineage.

As for the head of this branch, I have already thought it through.

Zongdan possesses outstanding talent in the Dao of Alchemy and has taken Elder Mingqing as his master; he is the most suitable candidate.

If my Zhou family is not destined to survive the Great Tribulation, then this branch will become the main lineage of our Zhou family, carrying on our bloodline.

As for the first option..."

Zhou Qingfang let out a helpless smile. "No one knows the situation within our clan better than I do. My Zhou family cannot achieve the strict discipline of the master family. We have quite a few profligate youths among our ranks.

If they were to enter Dongxi, not only would they negatively affect the atmosphere, but they would also undoubtedly die under the harsh laws of the Xu family."

"Have you truly decided?"

"Between my Zhou family members, recruited cultivators, trained disciples, guards, and servants, we number nearly ten thousand inside and out.

We won't add such trouble to the master family.

Moreover, I have never told them anything about the Great Tribulation.

If this is an inescapable cycle that strikes every five hundred years, then I shall accept this cycle.

I am already two hundred years old; reaching the Golden Core stage in this lifetime is hopeless.

But throughout this life, I have experienced living like flies and dogs, I have been complacent and self-satisfied, I have made concessions to achieve a goal, and I have felt fear and anxiety.

Through all the storms and trials.

In this life, I have no regrets, nor do I regret becoming a vassal of the Xu family.

I only beg Ancestor Xu to protect the lineage of my Zhou family."

Zhou Qingfang deeply cupped his fists and bowed, his words completely sincere.

Even Xu Chuan was slightly moved upon hearing these words.

For someone to be so resolute and clear-headed at the juncture of life and death was a rare sight in this world.

Xu Chuan gently waved his hand, using a stream of mana to lift the man back up.

"Daoist Friend Zhou, you have truly made me see you in a new light." Pausing briefly, Xu Chuan continued, "I can promise your Zhou family five hundred years of Golden Core providence.

As for whether it can be extended further, that will depend on your Zhou family's own development.

Our Xu family will take care of you to some extent, ensuring your inheritance is not extinguished, but we are not your caretakers.

Do you understand?"

Five hundred years of Golden Core providence?

The bodies of all four men shuddered. What grandiose words.

For Xu Chuan to dare make such a claim, he must have absolute confidence in assisting others to form their core!

"Thank you, Ancestor Xu!"

Zhou Qingfang felt that this had already exceeded his expectations. Even if the main lineage of the Zhou family was truly annihilated, he would have no regrets.

Everyone had to die eventually, but to be able to watch the family continue, and perhaps even reach a higher level...

Even facing death no longer felt terrifying.

The family heads of the Qin, Wang, and Li families exchanged glances and immediately made the same decision.

Naturally, Xu Chuan also promised them five hundred years of Golden Core providence.

In truth, he had only wanted them to choose the second path from the beginning.

Bringing such bloated families to Cloudstream would bring no benefit to the development of any clan.

However, Xu Chuan could not bring himself to openly order the majority of their families to their deaths.

Still, Zhou Qingfang's decisive choice was beyond Xu Chuan's expectations and saved him from having to gradually guide them into making this decision.

As for the five hundred years of Golden Core providence.

With the magnitude of the Cloudstream Xu family, if these four families could not become Golden Core aristocratic families, they would be completely useless to the Xu family.

Blacksmiths, array masters, and talisman makers at their current level could be grabbed by the handful in the Heavenly South.

Without reaching the Golden Core stage, they would always remain at the bottom tier.

Lacking third-tier skills in artificing, formations, and talisman crafting, their usefulness to the Xu family was severely limited.

Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan observed the entire exchange, knowing that their father was paving the way for future matters.

With Xu Chuan and the others returning.

At the very least, the Great Tribulation would only be an opportunity for the Xu family.

After all, Xu Chuan also controlled three major Demonic Dao refined-entity trump cards. Although it was unlikely that he could create a fourth-tier Ghost King or blood corpse, he could still enhance the underlying strength of these trump cards.

They could even draw infinitely close to the Nascent Soul level.

The world was already incredibly maddening!

Xu Chuan didn't mind letting it become even crazier!

Afterward, Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingwei and said, "Have Chonghui arrange and handle this matter.

As for Mingyuan, abandon all administrative duties and cultivate with me at the Jade Cold Pool. Strive to achieve Divine Ability Core Formation as early as possible.

Call Mingxuan, Mingshu, and Mingqing to join us as well."

"Yes, Father," Xu Mingyuan said, cupping his fists. "Then your child will take his leave first."

Xu Chuan gave a slight nod, stopping Xu Mingwei and telling him to stay behind for a moment.

"Does Father have any other instructions?"

Xu Chuan pointed his fingers and made a pulling motion, summoning a porcelain bottle out of his storage ring. "There is a medicinal pill inside this bottle. Find a time to go into seclusion and refine it.

Consider it a precaution from your father just in case."

"Yes, Father."

Soon after, Xu Mingwei bowed and also took his leave.