Chapter 372: Performance

Two days later.

Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingshu, and Xu Mingqing were all cultivating in seclusion at the Jade Cold Pool.

They had all reached Foundation Establishment Perfection decades ago and possessed profound foundations.

Among them, Xu Mingyuan specialized in talismans.

This path tempered the divine soul. Furthermore, he had birthed his divine sense early during the Qi Refining Stage.

Thus, his divine sense had already reached the absolute limit of Foundation Establishment.

Reaching the Foundation Establishment limit from Foundation Establishment Perfection required a significant opportunity for the divine soul.

Achieving a qualitative breakthrough from that limit was even more arduous.

Fortunately, the Xu Family had long since perfected and streamlined this breakthrough process.

After all, the Spirit-Nourishing Pill was considered top-tier among second-rank divine soul pills, and the high-grade version could even strengthen the divine soul of a Golden Core cultivator to some extent.

The situation was much the same for Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingqing.

One practiced Beast Taming and controlled insects, while the other was proficient in the Dao of Alchemy. Over the years, their divine senses had also reached the Foundation Establishment limit.

Only Xu Mingxuan was just a hair away.

However, his divine sense was still significantly stronger than that of other cultivators at Foundation Establishment Perfection.

To bridge this tiny gap, Xu Chuan naturally had spirit medicine on hand to help him break through.

The others took their three High-Grade Spirit-Nourishing Pills and immediately began their secluded cultivation.

Xu Chuan, meanwhile, called Xu Mingxuan to his Bamboo Hut and took out a single petal of the Profound Soul Ice Lotus.

This was a top-tier Fourth-Tier spirit medicine. Although it was not yet fully mature, it possessed the efficacy to nourish the divine soul.

He also added a stalk of Third-Tier Soul-Nourishing Grass.

Looking at these spirit medicines, Xu Mingxuan did not know their names, but simply from their appearance, he knew they were absolutely extraordinary.

"Father, are all of these for me?"

"Breaking through the bottleneck of the divine soul is incredibly difficult. Fortunately, your foundation is solid. Having developed your divine sense early during the Qi Refining Stage, you are not far from the Foundation Establishment limit. Otherwise, even these might not be enough for you to break through.

"Only when your divine sense reaches the Foundation Establishment limit can you, like your second brother and the others, consume three High-Grade Spirit-Nourishing Pills to hopefully transform your divine soul and birth a Golden Core level divine sense.

"Once your divine soul transforms, your speed in comprehending divine abilities will increase drastically.

"Add to that the High-Grade Innate Spirit Item, the Profound Yellow Stone, and you will have a chance at Divine Ability Core Formation."

This was simply burying him in resources.

Even a Nascent Soul sect might not be willing to lavish so many resources on a mere Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

"Thank you, Father. Your son will not let you down."

Xu Chuan smiled and nodded. "Great luck is upon you right now. You shouldn't fail."

"Take these items and go back into seclusion."

"Once your divine sense breaks through, come back to me to retrieve your Spirit-Nourishing Pills."

"Yes, Father."

Xu Mingxuan carefully stored the items away, bowed deeply, and took his leave.

Throughout the entire Xu Family, everyone who needed to be in seclusion was currently cultivating behind closed doors.

Even Xu Ying received a Demonic Spirit Pill.

Furthermore, it was highly compatible with him, having been refined from the essence soul and demonic core of a late Third-Tier Sword-Feathered Thunder Hawk.

Even just digesting a portion of it would be enough to help him break through to the mid Third-Tier.

Dongxi remained entirely calm and tranquil.

However, the Immortal Martial Alliance headquarters in Guangling Commandery was holding a Council of Elders.

Many Foundation Establishment Elders had come to attend.

The primary topic of discussion was the Xu Family secretly taking the Tongshan Qin family, the Taiyuan Li Clan, and the Langya Wang Clan as vassals.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators of the other families were also deeply shocked upon hearing this news.

After all, these three major clans were top-tier families within the Immortal Martial Alliance, second only to the Xu Family.

But since this was the doing of the Xu Family, and the three major families had willingly agreed to it, there was little anyone could say.

Naturally, the matter was left unresolved and allowed to fade away.

During the meeting, an elder suggested that the Xu Family intended to swallow the entire Immortal Martial Alliance.

However, others immediately refuted this claim.

These included Perfected Person Yunding and Wei Dao of the Pill Refining Hall, as well as Wu Mingsheng of the Artifact Refining Hall.

"If the Xu Family truly had such ambitions, they would have made their move long ago. Why would they remain absent from the headquarters year-round?"

Many elders murmured their agreement.

After all, even if the Xu Clan elders were not present at the headquarters, there were still plenty of people closely affiliated with them.

If they all banded together, purging any dissenting voices would be as easy as flipping their hands.

It was simply that the Xu Family found it too troublesome and didn't want to shatter the Immortal Martial Alliance's hard-won stability. That was the only reason they allowed families like the Liu clan and Xiao Family to grow stronger.

Headquarters, Pill Refining Hall.

Inside a certain Quiet Room.

"Brother Yunding, do you know about the situation with the Qin, Li, and Wang families?"

Wei Dao looked at Perfected Person Yunding sitting opposite him.

Yunding stroked his beard and shook his head. "The Xu Family operates in secret. Since this matter doesn't concern us, they naturally wouldn't inform us. However, seeing as it's been exposed now, it seems there's no longer any need for them to hide it."

Pausing for a moment, he added, "Before long, this old man plans to leave the headquarters and return to Dongxi for secluded cultivation. What are your plans?"

Perfected Person Yunding was a guest elder of the Xu Family, and there were several others like him within the headquarters.

They had all received a summons from the Xu Family.

"The Xu Family is recalling all of you? What are they planning?"

"I don't know, but we will all follow orders." Perfected Person Yunding sighed. "Actually, staying at the headquarters is pointless for you. In terms of your attainment in alchemy, you have already surpassed me.

"But there is always someone better; there is always a sky beyond the sky.

"Within the Dongxi Xu Clan alone, Elder Wanqing and Elder Zongdan can stand shoulder to shoulder with you, and Elder Mingqing is even above you.

"Not to mention Ancestor Xu.

"If you could receive his guidance, your Dao of Alchemy would have a chance to progress even further.

"And this cannot happen without the support of a massive amount of Third-Tier resources. In this world, apart from the Xu Family, no one can help you."

"Perhaps."

Wei Dao let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "But I think I'll pass."

"Because the Xu Family wiped out your Wei Family in the past?"

"Not at all." Wei Dao shook his head. "In that era, the struggle between noble families was naturally a life-or-death affair. Furthermore, it was my Wei Family that provoked the Xu Family to begin with.

"If they had been willing to take a step back back then...

"...they wouldn't have ended up completely annihilated."

"Then why?" Perfected Person Yunding was puzzled.

Wei Dao simply smiled, remaining silent.

"Forget it, this old man won't force you. Take care of yourself in the future, Daoist Friend Wei. If you ever change your mind, you can come find me in Dongxi."

"Thank you, Brother Yunding."

Elsewhere, there were the siblings Li Yuanhua and Li Hongyi of the Talisman Hall.

They were disciples recruited by the Xu Family. Due to their decent talent in the Dao of Talismans, they had been dispatched to serve as hall masters in the headquarters' Talisman Hall.

Li Yuanhua's talent was inferior to Li Hongyi's. To this day, he was still stuck at Peak Qi Condensation, with only a little over twenty years left before his lifespan reached its limit.

Li Hongyi, on the other hand, had been taken in as a disciple by Xu Mingyuan.

With the Xu Family's help, she had broken through to Foundation Establishment. Now, possessing Mid Foundation Establishment cultivation, she served as the vice hall master of the headquarters' Talisman Hall.

"Big brother, Honored Master has summoned us back to Dongxi this time, saying there is an opportunity. You might have a chance to break through to Foundation Establishment as well."

"If I can break through, that would naturally be for the best. But if I can't, it doesn't matter."

Li Yuanhua looked at Li Hongyi and said softly, "If your big brother passes away in the future, I will entrust my descendants to your care."

"Don't worry, big brother. You will definitely be able to break through this time. I will use all of my Clan Contribution Points to beg for another high-grade Jade Marrow Pill for you."

"No..."

Li Yuanhua's instinct was to refuse, but seeing the resolute look in Li Hongyi's eyes, he finally nodded. "I understand. I will definitely put everything I have into breaking through this time. I won't let your painstaking efforts go to waste."

The siblings had depended on each other since childhood, tasting all the bitterness and coldness the world had to offer. It wasn't until they were valued by the Xu Family and brought into Dongxi that their lives finally improved.

Li Yuanhua had married and had children, and even his grandchildren were already seven or eight years old.

Li Hongyi, however, remained completely single to this day.

After the Family Heads of the Qin, Wang, and Li families, as well as Zhou Qingfang, returned to their respective clans...

...they immediately summoned their Foundation Establishment elders to discuss splitting their families, establishing branch lineages, and relocating to the Xu Family's territory.

Yuehu Commandery, Zhou family.

Inside the Council Hall.

Over a dozen ever-burning shark-oil lamps illuminated the hall, making it as bright as day.

The heavy doors were shut tight, completely isolating the interior from the outside world.

Furthermore, the spiritual light of restrictions flowed like ripples of water across the walls and pillars.

This ensured that the discussions held within would not leak out in the slightest.

Such strict security measures caused a heavy, solemn atmosphere to permeate the air within the hall.

Over a dozen Foundation Establishment Stage elders of the Zhou family had gathered here, sitting in two rows of large sandalwood chairs.

Every one of them wore a solemn expression, their eyes fixed on the white-haired, brown-robed old man resting with his eyes closed in the seat of honor.

Before the establishment of the Immortal Martial Alliance, the Zhou family only had three or four Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Now, that number had more than doubled.

Aside from one Zhou family member with Earth Spirit Root Aptitude who had broken through relying on their own talent, the rest had all depended on the Xu Family's Jade Marrow Pills or Foundation Establishment Pills.

However, these pills were all exchanged using the massive contributions they had made to the Xu Family.

The Xu Family would never bestow such treasures without reason.

Even the disciples of the Xu Clan had to rely on their own hard work to obtain certain precious resources.

The era of unconditionally supplying everyone in the Xu Family was long gone.

It wasn't just the Zhou family. Throughout the Immortal Martial Alliance, and even across Great Wei, Great Liang, and Great Jin, many Foundation Establishment Clans and small Qi Refining minor families had birthed geniuses with Earth Spirit Root Aptitude.

Some even had more than one.

It was rumored that families like the Cao Clan, Sima Family, Liu Family, Zhao Family, and Lei Family had all seen the birth of individuals with Heavenly Spirit Root Aptitude or special physiques.

However, even with such heaven-defying geniuses, they were at most under thirty years old.

Even if every family poured all their resources into nurturing them, there was no possibility of them reaching the Golden Core stage yet.

At the very most, they would only be at Mid Foundation Establishment.

However, not every faction was as peaceful and stable as the Immortal Martial Alliance.

Although some geniuses were born, they never received the chance to mature.

At this moment.

Inside the Zhou family's Council Hall, it was so quiet a dropped pin could be heard.

The only sound was the occasional, faint crackle of a lamp wick popping.

After a short while.

Zhou Zongyun, whose cultivation had reached Mid Foundation Establishment, couldn't help but speak up, shattering the silence.

"Ancestor, for you to gather us in such a hurry, what urgent matter do we need to discuss?"

He kept his voice as steady as possible, but the gravity in his eyes was impossible to conceal.

After all, for the ancestor to make such a grand display, something monumental must have happened.

Zhou Qingfang slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping across the faces of every elder below.

He spoke slowly, his voice deep and solemn. "I have summoned you all here today to execute a major undertaking for the future of our Zhou family. This matter is intimately connected to every single one of you."

He paused briefly before continuing, "This old man has decided. Our Zhou family will officially split into a separate branch lineage.

"This branch will be composed of the clan's elites, disciples with high potential, as well as a selection of young men, women, and young children.

"They will migrate as a whole and relocate to Dongxi."

"What?!"

"Split the family? Relocate to Dongxi?"

"Ancestor, why?!"

"Our Zhou family's foundation is right here! Even if we are a vassal of the Xu Family, there's absolutely no need to establish a separate branch and move to Dongxi!

"Isn't this just living under someone else's roof?"

As soon as the words fell, the previously silent hall exploded into an uproar!

All the elders paled in shock, exchanging incredulous glances. Voices of discussion and questioning instantly flared up, completely shattering the previous solemnity.

Splitting a family and migrating was no small matter!

It meant dividing a century's worth of accumulated resources and talented individuals.

Especially moving to Dongxi—from then on, they would be living directly under the Xu Family's watchful eyes.

This was completely different from the Zhou family's current situation as a vassal.

At the very least, right now, the Xu Family didn't interfere with how the Zhou family operated or managed its internal affairs.

But once they entered Dongxi, everything would have to be done according to the Xu Family's rules.

Many elders felt a strong sense of resistance in their hearts.

Zhou Zongdan fell into deep thought, also looking toward Zhou Qingfang with curiosity.

Zhou Qingfang's expression remained unchanged. He allowed the clamor to continue for a brief moment before raising his hand and pressing down on the empty air.

An oppressive aura of Late Foundation Establishment burst forth, forcing them to gradually quiet down.

"My mind is already made up regarding this matter. It will not be changed."

Zhou Qingfang's tone was resolute, chopping nails and cutting iron. His gaze shifted to Zhou Zongdan, who sat in the first seat on the left.

"For the position of the branch family head, this old man favors you, Zongdan. Are you willing to take up this heavy burden?"

Zhou Zongdan knew that his ancestor was wise and far-sighted. He wouldn't make such a decision lightly.

The stakes must be incredibly high for him to be so absolute.

After thinking it over carefully, Zhou Zongdan took a deep breath, cupped his fists toward Zhou Qingfang, and said in a deep voice, "Since it is the ancestor's command, Zongdan is duty-bound not to refuse. I am willing to accept the position of branch family head.

"I will definitely protect our clansmen well in Dongxi."

A hint of relief flashed through Zhou Qingfang's eyes, and he gave a slight nod. "Good."

He then turned to the other elders, who still wore expressions of unwillingness and confusion, and said, "As for the rest of you, if you are willing, you may also go.

"In addition, try to select the seedlings among your descendants who have high potential, excellent dispositions, and are worthy of being molded.

"Also, include a portion of young, strong, and morally upright men and women, as well as intelligent and healthy children!

"As for the useless fops and heavy burdens, there is no need for them."

"If, a month from now, the list you present fails to satisfy me, or if the numbers are insufficient, then... this old man will personally make the selections!

"Anyone who is chosen, regardless of whether they are willing or not, must comply! If anyone dares to disobey..."

Zhou Qingfang paused, enunciating every word with a chilling frost: "...they will be expelled from the Zhou family and permanently erased from the clan genealogy!"

Looking at their ancestor's indisputable and resolute expression, the numerous Foundation Establishment elders understood that there was no room for negotiation.

Despite the endless confusion and reluctance in their hearts, they could only dejectedly lower their heads and offer scattered replies:

"We respectfully obey the ancestor's command..."

"We... understand."

The group of elders, crestfallen and burdened with heavy thoughts, filed out of the hall one after another.

Only Zhou Qingfang was left alone inside the vast, empty hall.

The sternness and coldness on his face gradually faded, melting into a faint, almost imperceptible sigh. Deep exhaustion and profound worry filled his eyes.

"A Great Tribulation once every five hundred years, a cycle that begins anew. I don't know when it will finally end."

Zhou Qingfang murmured softly, his voice so quiet that only he could hear it.

"If anyone has a shred of hope to put an end to this, I reckon only the Xu Family could possibly achieve it."

A moment later, his figure blurred as if melting into the shadows, silently vanishing from the council chamber.

All that remained was a hall full of lonely lamps, burning in absolute silence.

Compared to the Qin, Wang, and Li families, the Zhou family was actually doing quite well.

After all, Zhou Qingfang's word carried enormous weight within the clan, and his overwhelming strength was enough to suppress anyone else.

But for those three families, the internal divisions were far more severe.

They had at least one or two cultivators at Foundation Establishment Perfection, and six or seven at Late Foundation Establishment.

Their meetings could only be described as endless, bitter arguments.

And the respective family heads couldn't simply reveal the truth of the matter, because they had all sworn strict oaths.

However, compared to the Zhou family...

...those three families actually knew a bit more about the Great Tribulation. Several of the older generation Foundation Establishment cultivators were aware of it, though a few of them had already passed away.

Combined with the immense strength of their families, younger Foundation Establishment cultivators were constantly emerging one after another.

In just half a month.

They held numerous Clan Meetings, yet they were completely unable to reach a unified consensus.

"Since we cannot agree, let's announce this matter to all our clansmen and let them decide for themselves!" Li Xingyan, the ancestor of the Li family, declared with finality.

"Half a month from now, at the Martial Arts Arena, we will make our final choices! Whether you stay or go will depend entirely on your own heart. The family will absolutely not force anyone!"

In the past, an ancestor at Foundation Establishment Perfection would have been able to dictate major family affairs with a single word.

But nowadays, the younger generation could stand toe-to-toe with the older generation. Unless a Golden Core cultivator was born among them, they lacked the sheer power to suppress dissent.

Relying solely on blood ties required incredibly strong cohesion.

Clearly, these three families couldn't achieve the same level of unity as the Xu Family.