Chapter 400: Visitors from Profound Moon

Seeing this figure.

Xu Jingwu's pupils shrank slightly.

His expression beneath the mask revealed a hint of emotion.

After all, facing his biological father in battle naturally felt a bit awkward.

Perhaps it was bloodline suppression.

Xu Jingwu's impression of him consisted only of those fragments from his unsealed memories.

He knew Xu Wenjing loved him dearly. When the Xu Family made the decision to send him away, his father had been filled with reluctance.

However, having not grown up by his side, they ultimately lacked a deep father-son bond.

"I am Xu Wenjing, here to seek guidance," Xu Wenjing declared, cupping his fists.

"The eldest son of the Family Head has already reached Foundation Establishment Perfection before the age of sixty."

Lei Xiaoyun sighed with emotion. "The Xu Family truly produces generations of outstanding talents."

However, he soon stopped paying attention and began to ponder which rank he should choose to defend or attack.

'I wonder if I have a chance at the top ten,' he thought.

On the other side.

Many people were also discussing the situation between Xu Wenjing and Xu Jingwu.

"Xu Wenjing is at Foundation Establishment Perfection. His Mana is profound, and his Dharma Tools are exquisite. But who knows how far Yuan has progressed in the Origin Martial Realm."

"Alas, Lord Jiang Wu passed away too suddenly. We do not even know if he perfected the path of the Origin Martial Realm. If he were still here, how could we Martial artists find our path so difficult today?"

Whenever Jiang Wu was mentioned, even the disciples of the Xu Clan expressed great emotion and admiration.

Just as Xu Jingwu hesitated, Xu Chuan sent a telepathic message: "No need for concern. When your father learns the truth in the future, he will only be overjoyed to have such an outstanding eldest son."

"Yes, Old Ancestor."

Looking at Xu Wenjing, who was brimming with War Intent, Xu Jingwu muttered silently, 'Father, do not blame me for being ruthless. If you must blame someone, blame the Old Ancestor.'

"Please."

Xu Wenjing cupped his fists, concise and comprehensive.

Before his voice even faded, his Mana surged. His robes fluttered without wind, and a crimson spiritual light glowed upon his right fist as the phantom of a true sun faintly condensed.

He threw a punch, and the air erupted with a dull boom!

This strike preliminarily combined his Foundation Establishment Perfection Spirit Power with his newfound physical strength.

He followed a fierce and domineering path.

Its power far exceeded ordinary Foundation Establishment Perfection Spell Arts.

Facing this punch that felt as oppressive as a falling mountain, Xu Jingwu's eyes flickered beneath his mask, flashing with an almost imperceptible hint of approval.

He stepped forward and met it with a punch of his own.

A dark golden luster flowed over his knuckles, yet he clearly held back his power and speed.

"Bang!"

The two fists collided. A muffled sound echoed like the beating of a massive drum, and shockwaves rolled outward.

Xu Wenjing swayed and staggered back three steps. His fist felt numb, and his heart skipped a beat.

The strength behind his opponent's punch was as vast and deep as towering mountains, yet it seemed... incomplete?

He felt that the other party's punch was more like a response and a measurement.

Xu Wenjing let out a low shout. Holding nothing back, he unleashed a barrage of punches like a violent storm.

He occasionally threw in instant low-grade metal and fire Spell Arts to enhance his momentum, fully displaying the traits of the Dual Cultivation of Dharma and Body. His offensive was relentless, combining fierce power with unpredictable variations.

Xu Jingwu, on the other hand, was like a boulder in a raging river. He dodged and weaved within a tight space. His fists parried, blocked, guided, and deflected, neutralizing Xu Wenjing's attacks one by one.

His movements did not seem fast, but he always managed to intercept the exact moments Xu Wenjing's power erupted, forcing his opponent to expend ten parts of strength only to achieve the effect of six or seven.

Occasionally, when their fists and palms collided, the rebounding force caused Xu Wenjing's Qi and Blood to churn, leaving his arms sore and numb.

The battle appeared intense, but the Golden Core Stage experts on the high platform could tell that Xu Jingwu was deliberately feeding moves to his opponent. He was guiding the fight, controlling the rhythm and intensity.

If not for this, given the explosive move he previously used to shatter a rudimentary Divine Ability, Xu Wenjing would likely have been defeated even faster and more miserably than Xu Chongjian, who excelled in evasive Sword Dao techniques.

But this was his biological father, after all.

He had to save some face for him; otherwise, he would probably be scolded in the future.

Even so, the absolute gap in their strength remained crystal clear.

Although Xu Wenjing's onslaught was ferocious, he could never truly break through Xu Jingwu's defense, which looked casual but was entirely airtight.

His Mana was rapidly depleting, and his Qi and Blood grew increasingly chaotic from the repeated rebounding forces.

About fifteen minutes later.

Xu Jingwu's boxing style shifted abruptly, speeding up by a fraction as he transitioned from defense to offense.

A single punch pierced through Xu Wenjing's guard, lightly pressing against his crossed arms.

The force behind this strike was calculated with extreme precision.

"Thump-thump-thump..."

Xu Wenjing felt a burst of energy—condensed like a needle yet overwhelmingly vast—penetrate his body.

A sharp pain wracked his arms, and his skeleton felt as if it were falling apart.

His entire body staggered backward uncontrollably, every step leaving shallow footprints on the stone tiles of the arena.

He retreated all the way to the edge of the stage before barely steadying himself.

His internal Qi and Blood and Spirit Power were in complete disarray.

Though he still had the strength to fight.

Xu Wenjing knew his opponent had held back, and he sighed softly in his heart.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his churning energy, and looked at Xu Jingwu, who was standing with his fists lowered. A trace of complexity flashed through his eyes.

This quickly transformed into candid admiration. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for the guidance. I am convinced in heart and speech."

Seeing this, Xu Jingwu hastily returned the salute. "You are too polite."

Xu Wenjing turned and stepped down from the arena, his back straight. He thought to himself, 'Our Xu Family truly has clouds of geniuses. An unknown clansman or disciple actually possesses such strength.

If Jiang Wu were still alive, the two of them could perhaps be called the peerless twin prodigies of the Martial Dao!'

After this battle.

Below the arena, no other challengers leaped up.

The overwhelming, all-encompassing advantage in power that Yuan displayed left no one with the desire to confront him.

A rudimentary Divine Ability, a Sword Dao prodigy, a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator.

Unless someone could achieve a qualitative change in their techniques or power in any aspect, it was absolutely impossible to surpass him.

Seeing this, Xu Chuan nodded slightly.

Xu Jingwu was the monument Xu Chuan wanted to erect for the younger generation.

He might be surpassed in the future, but it would be enough to make them strive to catch up for a while.

Ye Fan hovered in midair, waiting quietly for a moment.

After four hundred and twenty breaths of time, seeing that no one else took the stage, he announced loudly:

"Yuan has successfully defended the arena nine times! He is the champion of this year's Xu Clan Competition's Youthful Excellence Competition!"

With the champion decided, the subsequent matches remained a fight between a dragon and a tiger.

The top three, top ten, top twenty... the rewards for the Clan Competition varied greatly, so everyone fought desperately.

On several occasions, Ye Fan had to step in and intervene.

The runner-up position was claimed by Xu Wenjing. He had clashed with Xu Chongjian as well, but they stopped at the right moment.

Although Xu Chongjian was strong and had comprehended a sliver of Sword Dao True Intent, it had not transformed into a rudimentary Divine Ability, and the gap in their Cultivation Realms was simply too large.

He was not yet a match for Xu Wenjing.

If Xu Chongfei were still around, he might have been able to fight him to a draw.

As for the Sexagenary Cycle Competition.

Lei Xiaoyun missed out on the top ten, securing only fifteenth place. He never got to witness the so-called Artifact Pattern Dharma Tools.

The results of the other Vassal Families were even worse.

Even those who luckily scraped into the top thirty were firmly at the bottom of the rankings.

The golden crow set in the west.

"The top thirty-two of both the Youthful Excellence Competition and the Sexagenary Cycle Competition have been decided. This Clan Competition concludes here. These are your rewards."

With a sweep of Ye Fan's sleeves, sixty-two Storage Pouches fell into the hands of everyone except the two champions.

"Those eligible to exchange Dharma Tools may visit the Mission Hall if you are unsatisfied with the ones prepared by the clan. However, you only have one chance to do so."

"The Clan Competition is an examination, an exchange, and above all, an opportunity to understand your strengths and weaknesses. I hope you will return and properly reflect on what you have gained from these battles.

Strive for perfection in the coming year.

Additionally, per clan regulations, the Clan Competition will be held every three years. Furthermore, whoever secures the championship will be forbidden from participating in future Clan Competitions."

At this moment, Xu Chuan stepped through the air, arriving beside Ye Fan.

Ye Fan cupped his hands in a salute.

The crowd below also cupped their hands, saying, "Greetings, Old Ancestor."

"Yuan, from now on, you will cultivate with me at the Jade Cold Pool."

"Thank you, Old Ancestor," Xu Jingwu said, bowing deeply.

Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "Alright, everyone is dismissed."

"Yes, Old Ancestor!"

Jade Cold Pool.

Xu Jingwu followed Xu Chuan to cultivate, observing Divine Abilities in order to comprehend his own Martial Dao Divine Ability.

The Annual Sacrifice passed in the blink of an eye.

Dongxi returned to its former tranquility.

Because they were sealing the mountain, no one went out for missions, so interactions and meetings among the members became more frequent.

One could often see disciples of the Vassal Families, disciples of the Xu Family, and Xu Clan members sparring and exchanging pointers.

Occasional conflicts were mostly resolved through arena battles.

Moreover, in such duels, both parties had to provide collateral.

Such as contribution points, Spirit Stones, Pills, or Dharma Tools.

Fortunately, there were no major disputes.

Even among the Vassals, it was normal for those with close relationships to form alliances.

Just like within the family, there were always a few close friends who spent more time together, forming small cliques.

Two months flashed by.

Heavenly South.

Azure Dragon Prefecture, Cloudstream City.

Despite Xu Chuan and the others' departure, Cloudstream City had not seen any major changes.

After all, even when they were present, they rarely showed themselves. Matters were consistently handled by Chen Changge, Tang Yuanli, and the members of the Yan Clan and Wu Clan.

In fact, the vast majority of people in Cloudstream City did not even realize that Xu Chuan and his group were absent.

Only the major Golden Core families had a slight inkling.

But they would never flap their gums and spread the news of their absence.

The four great families were closely tied to the Xu Family. Knowing that they had left quietly for important matters, they dared not leak the information.

If it caused unrest in Cloudstream City, they would undoubtedly face severe punishment upon Xu Chuan's return.

They might even face expulsion from Cloudstream City entirely.

It was approaching noon, and the sky was clear and bright.

Suddenly, the faint sound of wind and thunder echoed from deep within the clouds. A long, robust black silhouette tore through the drifting mist, revealing its extraordinary form.

It was Moyue, manifesting his true three-hundred-meter-long Flood Dragon form!

His inky-blue scales gleamed with a cold luster under the sunlight. The single horn on his head had already taken shape, and the four claws beneath his belly were razor-sharp. Shrouded in dense mist, his presence churned the surrounding clouds endlessly.

He was not flying quickly; instead, he hovered in a leisurely manner, slowly circling high above Cloudstream City, weaving through the clouds.

Occasionally, his massive dragon head dipped slightly, his dark golden vertical pupils casually sweeping over the city streets, pedestrians, and carriages below.

This was already the third time this month.

East Market.

A child playing with friends suddenly looked up, pointing a small finger at the sky, his crisp voice brimming with excitement. "Look! Lord Moyue is out again!"

"He really is."

A newly arrived Rogue Cultivator also gazed up, muttering to himself.

He had heard that one could occasionally witness the true form of a Fourth-Tier Shapeshifting Great Demon in Cloudstream City, which was why he had rushed here.

An old cultivator manning a nearby stall stroked his beard and smiled, saying calmly, "Lord Moyue truly has a leisurely and elegant mood."

He then returned to shouting his wares at passing cultivators.

In a teahouse above.

Several familiar Rogue Cultivators leaned against the window, gazing into the distance. One of them joked, "Lord Moyue has been patrolling quite diligently these past few days. I wonder if he just has too much free time.

Or perhaps Senior True Lord Withered Glory made other arrangements."

Another laughed. "How could we possibly comprehend the thoughts of Senior True Lord Withered Glory?"

"True. But Lord Moyue's diligence has certainly kept Cloudstream City much more stable. Even in the shadows, no one dares to act recklessly."

Moyue slowly roamed for about fifteen minutes.

He stretched his massive body, thoroughly enjoying the awe of the cultivators and Mortals below.

Only then did he let out a low, deeply satisfying dragon roar before diving back into a secluded spot in the rear courtyard of the Xu Residence.

City Lord's Mansion.

Hearing this dragon roar, Tang Yuanli smiled wryly. "Senior Moyue has returned. With him patrolling so diligently, the awe that a Fourth-Tier Shapeshifting Great Demon inspires in cultivators is going to fade quite a bit."

Pausing for a moment, he turned to look at Chen Changge inside the room. "Brother Chen, why do you think Senior is doing this?"

"I do not know, and we do not need to worry about it. As long as we handle the city's affairs properly, that is enough."

Tang Yuanli smiled and said no more.

A few days later.

Cloudstream City remained as bustling and prosperous as always.

Suddenly, two streaks of clear, lustrous rainbow light tore through the sky from the extreme distance.

At first, they were as thin as gossamer threads, but in the blink of an eye, they arrived high above the city.

The rainbow light faded, revealing two figures hovering in the air.

The leading figure was an old man with white hair and a youthful face. He wore a moon-white Daoist robe with wide sleeves, the hems embroidered with faint silver cloud patterns. His aura was serene and profound, his eyes filled with the wisdom and indifference of one who had weathered many storms.

Half a step behind him stood a young man in dark clothes, his expression cold and his posture straight. His attire was simple and unadorned.

The old man looked down at the sprawling, majestic outline of the city. A trace of surprise flashed through his eyes. Stroking his beard, he sighed with emotion, "The last time I came here, it was still a desolate border town with sparse Spiritual Qi and few inhabitants.

In just a few decades, it has developed into such a magnificent grand city.

Daoist Friend Withered Glory's methods are truly extraordinary."

Over the past two years.

The news that Heavenly Azure Prefecture had been renamed Azure Dragon Prefecture naturally spread to the other prefectures.

Hearing this, the young man's gaze swept over the faintly visible grand array enveloping the city.

His eyes then drifted over the orderly streets and alleys. A faint light flickered in his eyes, but he remained silent.

"Let us head down, Junior Brother Xuanzhi."

"Yes, Senior Brother Qingxuan."

The two were none other than the Golden Core Perfection elder, True Lord Qingxuan, and the Prodigy, Zhang Xuanzhi, from the Profound Moon Sect.

They lowered their altitude, choosing not to force their way in.

Instead, they followed the rules and entered through the city gates.

Upon entering the city, the two walked slowly. True Lord Qingxuan observed the numerous shops lining the streets and the demeanor of the passing cultivators with great interest, nodding slightly from time to time.

Zhang Xuanzhi did the same.

"With such a prosperous scene, perhaps in a few hundred years, it can compare to our Profound Moon City," True Lord Qingxuan remarked.

"Senior Brother speaks too soon. A few hundred years is a very long time. Even with a Fourth-Tier Great Demon standing guard, without absolute strength, this is already their limit.

Furthermore, they would have to elevate the overall Heritage of Azure Dragon Prefecture to a level comparable to our Profound Moon Prefecture.

Otherwise, it is absolutely impossible."

"Perhaps." True Lord Qingxuan stroked his beard and smiled, saying nothing more.

He found someone to ask for the location of the Xu Residence.

Afterward, the two headed straight for the Inner City.

At the entrance to the Inner City.

The security here was much stricter, and the two were stopped by Black Armor Guards.

"Please halt, Seniors. May I ask the purpose of your visit? The Inner City is not easily open to outsiders. Do you have an invitation or someone to announce you?"

Although the captain of the guards sensed their terrifying, mountain-like auras, he was scrupulously fulfilling his duty and asked in a manner that was neither arrogant nor humble.

True Lord Qingxuan smiled slightly and said, "I am True Lord Qingxuan of the Profound Moon Sect. I have brought my Junior Brother, Zhang Xuanzhi, to specifically visit Daoist Friend Withered Glory. I must trouble you to inform him."