Chapter 442: Deliberation, Mei Yun Confesses

Seeing the dense crowd of people bowing their heads.

Xu Chuan smiled again and said, "Some of you should have already noticed the difference in this world.

"That is correct. The spiritual energy concentration in Heavenly South far exceeds that of our previous location.

"Therefore, there will be more cultivators possessing spirit roots, and there will be more geniuses.

"Qi Refining is merely the bottom tier, and Foundation Establishment cultivators can often be seen walking on the streets.

"In the entire Cloudstream City.

"Aside from our Xu family, there is also a Golden Core sect and four major Golden Core aristocratic families."

Hearing this, everyone revealed expressions of shock.

An uproar echoed through the crowd.

"Do not forget why we are here!

"Do not forget the blood debt we carry!

"Our Xu family is also insignificant in the face of that power.

"But I believe that one day, when all our weak strands of power are twisted into a single rope, we will be indestructible!

"We will possess a vast might that can make heaven and earth change color!

"Are you willing to lend our Xu family a hand?!"

"Blood debt must be repaid with blood!"

"Blood debt must be repaid with blood!"

"Blood debt must be repaid with blood!"

"Let us continue with the registration. Settle down early so you can familiarize yourselves sooner."

"Yes, Ancestor!"

The Xu clan continued to follow the residential model of being divided into Xu Chuan and the six branches.

Members of each branch lived in their respective designated areas.

According to the current planning, each area could accommodate at least a thousand people.

Of course, they would not be completely filled right away.

It was estimated that after many generations, future descendants of the Xu clan would eventually have to move out of the main residence.

Those with excellent innate talent and aptitude would be allowed to live in the main residence.

An hour later.

The core figures of the Xu family gathered in the Withered Glory Courtyard—the place where Xu Chuan lived and cultivated in seclusion.

"You are all here."

Xu Mingwei and the others bowed in response.

"I called you all here to arrange the positions." Xu Chuan swept his gaze over the crowd and said, "Previously, there were only Mingxian and a few others here, so the arrangements were rather casual."

"Father is right. I feel that the position of First Elder should be held by eldest brother or second brother."

"Given my condition, let Mingyuan take the role of First Elder," Xu Mingwei said.

"That works." Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingyuan. "You will have to shoulder a bit of hardship and take up the position of First Elder for our Cloudstream Xu clan."

"Understood, father."

"As for the Family Head..."

Hearing this, Xu Chonghui clenched his fists slightly.

"Although our Xu family is known to the outside world as a Nascent Soul noble family, it is ultimately only supported by Moyue. We have not yet produced a true Nascent Soul stage cultivator.

"Therefore, a Foundation Establishment cultivator can also take on the role.

"Moreover, since Golden Core aristocratic families exist for a long time, they do not need to frequently change family heads like mortal or small Qi Refining clans.

"Thus, each Family Head will serve for a relatively long period.

"We will set each term to be a sixty-year cycle.

"Whether they can serve consecutive terms will depend on the Xu family's situation at that time and the results of the elders' election."

Xu Chuan looked at Xu Dezhao and said, "Dezhao, you will take the first term."

Xu Dezhao felt slightly surprised and met Xu Chuan's gaze. "Grandfather, your grandson..."

"There is an order of seniority. This matter is settled. Chonghui will be the Young Family Head."

"Yes, grandfather." "Yes, great-grandfather." Xu Dezhao and Xu Chonghui cupped their fists in response.

"Next are the elders. Only those at the Golden Core stage and above can become elders. If they are recruited, they will be guest elders. Currently, our Xu family has three guest elders.

"All elders enjoy stipends and benefits, but of course, they also need to make contributions.

"However, you are different. You are all founders of our Xu family, and the family will put all its effort into nurturing you so that you can go as far as possible."

Xu Mingyuan asked, "Father, should we follow the model over in Dongxi and also set up a Mission Hall, Combat Hall, and so on?"

"You may. Discuss these matters with Dezhao. Remember that it must suit the current situation here. There is no need to rush; just perfect it little by little.

"When you have time, ask Ye Fan more about the situation in this area.

"The general framework of the family is there, but the specific details still need to be decided by you all."

"Yes, father." "Yes, grandfather," Xu Mingyuan and Xu Dezhao bowed and agreed.

"Right, regarding the Spirit Beast Hall, although Cloudstream City is quite large, there still isn't enough space to raise demonic beasts. Mingshu, take the clan members studying the Dao of Beast Taming to the Azure Dragon Mountain Range.

"Choose a suitable location to develop our Xu family's demonic beast population.

"Ye Fan, accompany Mingshu.

"Once chosen, have Mingxian set up a grand array. In the future, we can also establish a beast taming sect."

"Establish a sect?" Xu Mingshu was slightly surprised.

"There is no rush for this matter. We can talk about it once we produce another Golden Core disciple who excels in this area. Until then, you will be temporarily in charge."

Xu Deling smiled sweetly and said, "Auntie, in the Southern District of Cloudstream City, there is a Heavenly Plume Sect, an artifact forging sect, and I am the sect master."

"Understood, father." Xu Mingshu nodded, cupping her fists. "Your daughter will definitely do this well and lay down the foundation for the beast taming sect."

"Honored Master, would it be better if my position as City Lord was handed over to someone more suitable?" Ye Fan suddenly interjected.

"You are my eldest disciple, so you are naturally fit for the seat," Xu Chuan stated. "Everything can remain as usual."

"Yes, Honored Master."

Another thirty minutes passed.

After setting down the general direction of their development, Xu Chuan dismissed everyone, leaving only Xu Mingwei behind.

He carefully inspected Xu Mingwei's physical condition.

"Your Dantian is damaged, and your Golden Core is dim. Although the injuries to your internal organs and meridians have mostly healed, there are still some hidden dangers.

"However, these are minor issues. I will nurse your health for a few days, and you should recover.

"The only issue is your lifespan..."

Xu Chuan looked at the calm-faced Xu Mingwei and sighed softly. "Although our Xu family can refine the Azure Splendor Pill, this pill can ultimately only increase the lifespan of cultivators below the Golden Core stage.

"Regardless of the grade, longevity pills are the most rare and special.

"Although I have the pill recipe for the 'Profound Sun Longevity Pill' in my hands, gathering all the materials listed on it will not be easy.

"The Heavenly Alchemy Sect in the eastern part of Heavenly South is known as the number one alchemy sect in Heavenly South.

"It is also the place with the richest abundance of spirit grass. Perhaps we can find the main ingredient of the pill recipe there."

"This child is unfilial, making father worry." Xu Mingwei cupped his fists and bowed. "Even if we cannot find it, I will calmly accept my fate.

"However, please help me conceal my white hair first, father.

"Just so mother and Ronghua won't worry."

Xu Chuan nodded.

In the blink of an eye.

Xu Mingwei's white hair turned back to black hair.

"By the way, I am very curious. How did you defeat that Nine Nether Sparrow Demon Lord?"

"Speaking of which, I should hand this over to you, father."

Xu Mingwei took out his spoils of war from his storage pouch.

A massive black wing, over thirty meters long, hovered in mid-air.

In an instant.

A monstrous, fierce aura permeated the entire courtyard.

Inside the spirit beast pouch, Moyue suddenly jolted awake. He rushed out, his thirty-meter body coiling in the air as he stared intently at the black wing.

"That scared the life out of me!"

Moyue spoke in a human tongue, then yawned. A dark light flashed as he transformed into a human figure and landed on the ground.

"I took a nap, and now everyone is back."

Upon seeing his familiar recliner, he flopped down onto it like an old master.

"To be able to sever one of its wings, even I am inferior to you."

Xu Chuan stared at the black wing, his pupils shrinking slightly as he spoke.

"It was just luck. However, I unexpectedly discovered a way to utilize my innate talents. I have three major innate talents, right?

"The Strength Talent, the Speed Talent, and a pair of Hawk Eyes."

Xu Chuan gave a slight nod.

"The talents can be combined with one another to condense an Innate Talent Phantom. While it is not as exaggerated as the Dharma Idol Phantom you mentioned, father, it still enhanced my power several times over.

"Only then, relying on my speed, was I able to stall it.

"As for defeating it, that happened because I inadvertently comprehended a certain profound true intent."

"What? You tore this wing off, Mingwei, kid?!"

"You've really made a name for yourself!"

Moyue suddenly spoke up.

"Don't interrupt. Mingwei, you continue."

Moyue curled his lip and immediately quieted down.

"It's hard to explain, but I'm guessing it has to do with space. That arrow seemed to overlap the space between myself and the Nine Nether Sparrow Demon Lord.

"When the arrow was fired, it was as if it pierced right through space itself.

"Even its protective demonic aura couldn't stop it in the slightest; it cleanly ripped off one of its wings.

"However, I couldn't trigger it again after that."

"A spatial-type true intent? It certainly fits perfectly with your Dao of the Arrow. If you can truly comprehend it, your deterrent force against enemies will far surpass mine."

Xu Mingwei laughed bitterly. "It's too difficult. It was merely accidentally triggered. To truly comprehend it, even dozens or a hundred years might not be enough."

"As for the matter of your lifespan, there will always be a way."

Xu Chuan sealed the black wing and stored it in his storage ring, then continued, "For the next seven days, come to my place once a day. I will help you nurse your hidden injuries.

"Also, this is the 'Life and Death Pill'. It can help repair the damage to your Dantian and strengthen your Dantian's foundation."

"Thank you, father. Then I shall take my leave first."

Xu Mingwei took the pill and left.

"What's wrong with that kid Mingwei? Something seems off about him," Moyue asked.

Xu Chuan's face darkened. "He burned a massive amount of providence and over five hundred years of his lifespan. Now, he has less than thirty years left!"

"What?!"

Hearing this, Moyue was suddenly startled.

"This debt with the Hundred Thousand Mountains... we will slowly settle it in the future."

"Make sure to call me when the time comes!"

Moyue also shared his burning hatred for the enemy!

Seven days later.

Everyone who came from Dongxi had completely settled in.

With their identity tokens, they could step out of the Inner City and go to the Outer City.

Many people began to explore this familiar yet foreign world.

Soon, they heard all sorts of incredible rumors about the Xu family.

The Zhou, Qin, Wang, Li, Zhao, and other families marveled at the Xu family's immense power.

It turned out that Dongxi's heritage was merely the tip of the iceberg.

Within their clan, disciples skilled in immortal arts began joining the Pill Refining Hall, Artifact Refining Hall, Array Hall, and Talisman Hall.

Those skilled in beast taming would soon follow Xu Mingshu to rear spirit beasts.

The children of the Xu clan all began to familiarize themselves with everything here.

The guards were integrated into the local guard forces.

Everything progressed in an orderly manner.

Withered Glory Courtyard.

"Alright, your internal injuries are fully healed, and your foundation is even stronger than before. Since you still wish to be in charge of the Combat Hall, it will remain under your command.

"The Dao Protectors can be temporarily disbanded. I suspect that for the next few hundred years, our Xu family will not show any signs of decline."

Xu Chuan said to Xu Mingwei, who stood before him.

"Thank you, father." Xu Mingwei cupped his fists and bowed. "By the way, regarding the Jiang, Lei, and Lin families, as well as the matter with Jingwu..."

"Let them make their own choices. Leave this matter for Dezhao to handle. In the Azure Dragon Prefecture, our Xu family has no need to fear anyone, nor do we need to tread carefully around them.

"As for Jingwu...

"We will wait for a month.

"At that time, when Dezhao officially succeeds the position of Family Head, I will invite all the major powers to attend the ceremony.

"After all, our Xu family is no longer what it used to be. Every move we make attracts attention. With so many extra people suddenly appearing, trying to hide it is impossible.

"It is better to openly let everyone know.

"However..."

"Given the power and influence our Xu family currently wields in the Azure Dragon Prefecture, we will inevitably invoke awe, drawing many cultivators to try and befriend us, curry favor, or pledge their allegiance.

"We also cannot forbid our people from going out and interacting.

"When you leave later, go and discuss with Mingyuan how we can strengthen the discipline over our clan's descendants.

"We must prevent them from becoming arrogant, extravagant, and depraved."

"What about Senior Mo?"

"Mo Wentian knows how to read the situation. He won't say anything unnecessary."

"Understood, father."

Xu Mingwei then took his leave and sought out Xu Mingyuan, simultaneously informing Xu Dezhao to join them.

"Father's worries are deeply justified. Whether it is an Imperial Dynasty or a noble aristocratic clan, managing the clan members is an extremely vital aspect.

"Father is the stabilizing pillar of our Xu family. He focuses solely on cultivation, and we shouldn't trouble him with these trivial internal matters."

As Xu Mingyuan spoke, he turned to Xu Dezhao. "Dezhao, you are the Family Head. Tell us your thoughts first."

Xu Dezhao pondered for a moment before replying, "I believe that as our Xu family's population grows, we can have the First Elder manage the council of elders without interfering in ordinary family affairs.

"The Family Head will be responsible for managing the distribution of daily cultivation resources to the clan's descendants."

Hearing this, Xu Mingwei frowned slightly.

But he didn't interrupt, choosing instead to continue listening.

"Of course, departments like the Four Halls of Pills, Artifacts, Formations, and Talismans will be managed by elders who excel in those paths. However, the mobilization and distribution of resources—whether for elders or clan descendants—must go through the Family Head.

"This way, we can prevent the elders managing these halls from abusing their power for personal gain.

"Furthermore, the Family Head will also be kept in check by the council of elders. If more than seventy percent of the elders express dissatisfaction, a clan meeting can be convened to remove the Family Head."

Xu Mingyuan sounded mildly surprised. "The Family Head cannot manage the elders, but can manage the elders' offspring and disciples.

"Meanwhile, the elders are responsible for alchemy, artifact forging, formations, and talismans, but cannot control the distribution of cultivation resources.

"This effectively means that the Family Head has a grip on the elders' lifelines, yet the council of elders can still depose the Family Head.

"This balancing concept is actually quite good."

"Then what about the clan's Discipline Hall? If the council of elders doesn't intervene in clan affairs, wouldn't the Discipline Hall also be controlled by the Family Head?" Xu Mingwei asked.

"No, father," Xu Dezhao replied. "The Discipline Hall must definitely remain independent."

"Its Hall Master will naturally be held by a Golden Core elder. Members of the Discipline Hall will only answer to the Hall Master. Aside from the First Elder, the other elders cannot intervene.

"The Family Head and those in other positions cannot interfere either."

"The council of elders can depose and appoint the Family Head and the elders of the Discipline Hall. The Discipline Hall can apprehend disciples and elders who violate the code of laws.

"And the Family Head controls the cultivation resources of all the elders and disciples.

"Legislative, judicial, and executive branches—a separation of three powers...

"Yet mutually checking one another.

"This is quite similar to the path father took with the Immortal Martial Alliance in the past."

Xu Mingyuan possessed an exquisite and quick mind; with just a thought, he saw through the underlying mechanics.

"Second uncle is right. Grandfather is wise and martial. The separation of the three powers he proposed is undoubtedly the most suitable framework for managing a family, and it can even be applied to an Imperial Dynasty.

"We only need to use this organizational structure and modify our strategies according to the current circumstances."

"It seems you haven't become rusty with the duties of a Family Head over the years."

"You jest, father. Most of this was proposed by Chonghui. In terms of the time spent serving as Family Head, he has served the longest, so he considers things more thoroughly.

"Actually, I feel that Chonghui is far more suited for this position than I am."

"Your grandfather naturally noticed this as well, which is why he directly appointed Chonghui to the position of Young Family Head, so he can assist you.

"After a sixty-year cycle has passed, you can let him succeed you as the Family Head,"

Xu Mingwei said.

"I understand, father,"

Xu Dezhao cupped his fists.

"The general framework of our Cloudstream Xu family will be established this way. As for the details, such as missions and contributions, we can slowly deliberate on them.

"Right now, we have many capable people in the clan, and we must select the most suitable individuals."

"What second uncle says is very true."

"We can discuss this gradually. Regarding how to prevent the clan's descendants from becoming arrogant and depraved, Mingyuan, Dezhao, what are your thoughts?"

"I have thought about this matter," Xu Mingyuan said. "Among the family missions, we can establish trial missions exclusive to the children of our Xu clan.

"These trial missions will dictate their allocated resources for the coming year.

"The contents of the trials will be arranged based on each individual's strength and disposition. They could include patrols, guarding spirit stone mines, hunting demonic beasts, managing businesses, challenging the prodigies of Azure Dragon Prefecture, and so on.

"The difficulty can also be divided into three levels: Heaven, Earth, and Mortal.

"Each tier will correspond to different resource benefits."

Xu Mingwei's eyes lit up. "Mingyuan, this idea of yours is actually quite brilliant. Putting the benefits out in the open will spur them on to complete these trial missions.

"The missions will vary from person to person, teaching each according to their aptitude.

"Through this process, we can broaden their horizons and temper their character and perseverance.

"Even if not everyone is a prodigy, it ensures we won't produce useless fools."

"Big brother, it is more than just that. These trial missions will have time limits—strictly for those below the Golden Core stage, within sixty years of age." Xu Mingyuan smiled faintly. "The first sixty years are the best period for shaping the descendants of the clan."

"Then what about Chongjian, Chongfei, Wenjing, and the others?" Xu Dezhao asked.

"Father has said before: special cases require special handling. The cultivation world is, after all, a place that respects strength. We must provide preferential treatment to prodigies and extraordinary talents.

"Therefore, the cultivation efforts directed at descendants who reach the prodigy evaluation will naturally be of the highest standard, surpassing even the Heaven-tier.

"Of course, they will still have trial missions, and they will be far more rigorous.

"This will serve to polish and temper them.

"If they fail for three consecutive years, the council of elders will discuss whether to maintain their designation as a Xu family prodigy.

"If more than fifty percent of the elders feel they no longer deserve the title of prodigy, they will be demoted to an ordinary descendant.

"As for the prodigy-level benefits, if an ordinary descendant can get an elder to act as their guarantor, they can apply to undergo a prodigy trial. If they pass, they can also be elevated to our clan's prodigy tier.

"After all, not everyone is incredibly dazzling the moment they are born.

"There are late bloomers in this world as well.

"Even among cultivators who step into the Golden Core stage, there is no shortage of those with True Spiritual Roots or even Mixed Spirit Root aptitudes."

Hearing this, both Xu Mingwei and Xu Dezhao nodded slightly.

"Second uncle's foresight is beyond anything your nephew can compare to. No wonder father often says that second uncle is more suited for the Family Head position."

"Following your logic, Dezhao, wouldn't father—who established our Xu family—be the most suitable?" Xu Mingyuan smiled faintly. "A person's energy is limited, hence the need to divide the focus.

"Our father is the pillar and the protective umbrella of the Xu family. Naturally, his primary focus should be on his own cultivation.

"The stronger he is, the less other factions will dare to provoke our Xu family.

"Unless someone among us surpasses father in strength in the future, he will have to continuously lead at the very forefront of our Xu family.

"As the First Elder, I am also responsible for the Talisman Hall. Aside from cultivating, I also have to study talismans. Where would I find the time to manage all the family affairs?"

"Your nephew has been educated," Xu Dezhao bowed with cupped hands.

In his heart, he clearly knew that his uncles and aunts each possessed special skills. Even if there were people suited to be Family Head, his grandfather would never let mundane affairs delay them.

After all, the foundation of the Xu family was precisely these immortal arts.

A single legacy of an immortal art was enough to forge a millennium family.

And the Xu family advancing simultaneously across five major arts was the true root of their rapid rise.

Over two hours later.

The three dispersed.

Xu Mingyuan continued to study the "Nine Chapters of Heavenly Talismans".

This was countless times more profound than the third-tier talisman Dao inheritance Xu Chuan had acquired last time.

It seemed to contain the absolute truths of the Dao of Talismans.

He believed that, given enough time, his standard in the Dao of Talismans would advance by leaps and bounds.

He was hopeful it would reach the same heights as their Array Dao, Dao of Alchemy, and Dao of Artifacts.

The next day.

Xu Dezhao had people summon Lei Xiaoyun, Lin Qianfeng, and Jiang Wusheng.

Lei Xiaoyun hailed from the White Cloud Mountain Lei family. As for the Lin family and the Jiang family, Xu Chuan was also unaware of their origins.

Perhaps their families had already been destroyed, or perhaps they were not located in the Azure Dragon Prefecture.

After all, the Sima family had originated from the Greedy Wolf Prefecture!

"Daoist Friend Dezhao."

Lei Xiaoyun cupped his fists.

The other two also bowed and offered their greetings.

"There is no need to be so polite, you three. I invited you here today to ask about your three families' future plans," Xu Dezhao said. "If you intend to develop independently, then you may need to relocate to the Outer City after a period of time.

"The Inner City is restricted; only members of the Xu clan and our vassal families are permitted to reside here."

Hearing this, the three fell silent.

Over the past few days, they had come to fully comprehend the immense power the Xu family held within the Azure Dragon Prefecture.

Although there were other Nascent Soul noble families, they were more than a notch inferior compared to the Xu family. They simply couldn't compete at all.

"Oh right, Daoist Friend Lei. Your Lei family's ancestors should be descendants of the White Cloud Mountain Lei family. That Lei family is also a top-tier Golden Core aristocratic family. Previously, my grandfather chatted with your Lei family's ancestor.

"If he was fortunate enough to survive, he intended to bring you all back to White Cloud Mountain.

"If he didn't, then the choice would be left entirely to you.

"If you wish to return, our Xu family can dispatch someone to invite the current person in charge of the Lei family over."

Lei Xiaoyun sank into silence.

Without a doubt, the Ancestor of the Lei family had died on the battlefield.

The other two's eyes flickered, each harboring their own thoughts.

Previously, the three families advanced and retreated together.

But now, that would likely be difficult.

Lin Qianfeng asked, "If we choose to stay with the Xu family, how will the Xu family arrange things for us?"

The corners of Xu Dezhao's lips curled up slightly. "One option is to become a vassal family, and the other is to be absorbed into our Xu family after passing an assessment. The former is far more stringent than the latter.

"For the latter, considering we all came from the same place, the assessment could be waived."

"Then, if a disciple recruited by your Xu family one day reaches the Golden Core stage, how will they be treated?"

"A Golden Core stage cultivator is a pillar of strength for any Nascent Soul faction. If someone among our disciples advances, they will naturally be promoted to a guest elder.

"They will enjoy the corresponding benefits.

"Whether they wish to develop their own family or cultivate alone is fine.

"Our Xu family will not interfere."

"You won't try to suppress them?"

"Suppress them for what? Anyone who has been surpassed by our Xu family will never be able to overtake us again!" Xu Dezhao pledged with utter confidence. "Our Xu family wishes for nothing more than for them to develop with all their might and improve their cultivation base.

"This, in turn, enhances the heritage of our Xu family.

"Of course..."

Xu Dezhao paused briefly, sweeping his gaze across the group. "If anyone dares to betray us, our Xu family will absolutely not show any mercy."

Hearing this, Lin Qianfeng and Jiang Wusheng exchanged glances.

Lei Xiaoyun glanced at the two of them, then looked back at Xu Dezhao. "Brother Dezhao, could you tell me about the current situation of the Lei family?"

"If you had asked me a few days ago, I genuinely might not have been able to give you an answer."

Xu Dezhao smiled and continued, "Today, all the Golden Core factions in the Azure Dragon Prefecture have joined the Azure Dragon Alliance, and the Lei family is among them.

"Setting aside our Xu family, your Lei family should rank third in the Azure Dragon Prefecture.

"The first is the newly ascended Nascent Soul noble family, the Mo family of the Jade Bamboo Sea. The second is the Cang family, the descendants left behind by Daoist Cangxuan, the founder of the Heavenly Azure Sect, which was the predecessor of the Azure Dragon Alliance.

"They have existed for over two thousand years, but unfortunately, they had been continuously suppressed by the Xi family prior to this and never dared to show their faces."

"The Xi family?"

"The Xi family was forced by our Xu family to relocate out of the Azure Dragon Prefecture."

"As for your Lei family's current situation, they have seven or eight Golden Core stage cultivators. The strongest is True Monarch Leiji, a powerful Golden Core expert who has achieved Great Accomplishment in Divine Abilities."

After he finished speaking, silence reigned for a long while.

Only then did Xu Dezhao speak again. "I have said enough. How will the few of you decide?"

"My Jiang family is willing to join the Xu family."

"My Lin family feels the same."

Xu Dezhao smiled faintly and nodded, then turned his gaze to Lei Xiaoyun.

"I am also willing to lead the remaining descendants of the Lei family to join the Xu family."

"Daoist Friend Lei does not wish to return to the White Cloud Mountain Lei family?"

"After a thousand years, all emotional ties have ultimately faded. Compared to the White Cloud Lei family, I am more willing to trust the Xu family. If my father were still alive, I believe he would have made this exact choice."

"Very well. The three of you should head back today to discuss this with your clansmen. Tomorrow, come to the Xu Residence to handle the formal procedures."

"Yes."

Recently, Dongxi residents, Xu family disciples, and members of the Xu clan had been continuously moving in and out of the Inner City.

It wasn't just those Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples. Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingshu, and others also frequently strolled around the Outer City, familiarizing themselves with everything in Heavenly South.

They even formed groups to visit the Heavenly Plume Sect.

All of this naturally caught the attention of quite a few people.

"It seems there are quite a few more unfamiliar faces in the Inner City."

"There are Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators, as well as mortals."

"That's not all. I heard from a Daoist friend of the Heavenly Plume Sect that Phoenix Plume Fairy has returned. She was even accompanying several Golden Core cultivators, chatting and laughing cheerfully.

"Do you think the fairy is going to fall for mortal love?"

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

A die-hard fan of Xu Deling immediately retorted, "What kind of person is Phoenix Plume Fairy? How could anyone in this world be worthy of her?"

During this period of time.

Cloudstream City was rife with widespread discussion regarding these matters.

But before long, news spread that in half a month, the Xu family would hold a succession ceremony for their new Family Head, and all the major factions were invited.

In an instant, everyone began preparing congratulatory gifts.

Jade Bamboo Sea, Mo Family.

Ink Jade Bamboo Forest.

After listening to Mo Wenshang's report, Mo Wentian spoke in a tranquil tone, "Has the Xu family finally returned? To think they did so with such utter silence."

"It should have been a while now," Mo Wenshang stated. "A few days ago, there were already rumors about many unfamiliar cultivators moving in and out of the Cloudstream City Inner City.

"There are mortals, Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, and even Golden Core cultivators among them."

Mo Wentian pondered for a moment. "Go and prepare a generous gift. Half a month from now, I will bring Tingtao, Fengxiao, and Fengyao over."

"Yes, big brother."

It wasn't just the Mo family. The Cang family, the Lei family, the Azure Dragon Alliance, and others all attached immense importance to this event.

A few more days passed.

The entire Xu family was bustling around preparing for the grand ceremony.

However, Mei Yun felt a lingering unease in his heart. 'Why hasn't Honored Master come to look for me yet? Isn't he curious about my experiences in the Ancient Battlefield?'

Seeing this, Xu Wenxi couldn't help but ask, "Husband, why have you been wearing such a sad expression lately? Hasn't our Xu family successfully survived the Great Tribulation?"

Mei Yun looked at her, his eyes rippling with emotion. "Madam, if your husband has a secret, do you think I should take the initiative to tell Honored Master?

"Or should I wait for him to ask me first?"

Xu Wenxi covered her mouth and chuckled. "Everyone has secrets. Our Xu family rose from the bottom of the mortal realm and has developed for a century to reach where we are today. Husband, what kind of secrets do you think our Xu family holds?

"How do they compare to the secret you speak of?"

Mei Yun thought about it. "It's hard to say."

Xu Wenxi blanked out for a moment, thinking to herself that it seemed her husband's secret was no trivial matter.

However, she didn't mind it much. She beamed with a smile and said, "Whether you choose to reveal this secret or not is entirely up to you, husband. I won't pry.

"But if you can't weigh the risks and opportunities involved, you can always seek advice from the Ancestor.

"As a junior, you can't just expect your elders to put aside their pride and demand answers from you."

She paused before adding, "Within our Xu family, at least up to the third generation, if they had any secrets, they wouldn't hoard them.

"Because the Ancestor has also devoted every possible effort to cultivating them.

"As for generations further down the line, familial ties gradually become distant. Unless they possess an exceptional innate talent that draws the Ancestor's attention, it will only become harder and harder for later descendants of the Xu clan to even see him once.

"Our Xu family does not demand that everyone hand over their secrets. The only thing that is absolutely unacceptable is betrayal."

"I understand now. I will think it over a little more."

"Mhm, then husband, let us go to bed."

Mei Yun froze slightly. 'Was it already time to perform his husbandly duties again?'

Looking at the beautiful woman beside him, Mei Yun tossed all other chaotic thoughts to the back of his mind.

At this very moment, one should never let down a beauty and a lovely spring night.

Two days later.

Mei Yun ultimately went to seek out Xu Chuan.

He arrived at the Withered Glory Courtyard.

"You're here." Xu Chuan sat cross-legged beneath the Withered Glory Tree, his eyes remaining shut.

Mei Yun looked at Xu Chuan and cupped his fists in a bow. "Honored Master."

"If you have something to say, just say it directly."

"Then this disciple will speak bluntly," Mei Yun said. "Honored Master, aren't you curious about where I spent those three years in the Ancient Battlefield?"

Xu Chuan suddenly opened his eyes. A faint azure light flickered within as he looked at Mei Yun with a faint, smiling expression on his face.

"I was just guessing when you would finally tell me. Couldn't even hold it in for a month?"

Mei Yun was somewhat dumbfounded. "Honored Master, were you just testing my patience? Seeing who would break first?"

"You could see it that way," Xu Chuan replied. "I am indeed curious about your experiences."

"I also traversed many places within the Ancient Battlefield during those three years, yet there was never any news of you. I ran divinations multiple times, but I could only deduce that you were safe and sound.

"I assumed that you must have been in an extremely unique space, or perhaps... a Grand Powerful Cultivator was concealing you."

Hearing this, Mei Yun's eyes widened.

His face was filled with sheer horror!

"That's impossible. My old ancestor said that unless it was..."

"Oh? Old ancestor?" Xu Chuan looked at Mei Yun with a faint, knowing smile.

Mei Yun revealed a trace of bitterness. His eyes flickered for a moment before he sighed and said, "Forget it. There is no harm in telling you."

"Actually, the moment I entered the Ancient Battlefield, my old ancestor transported me to a peculiar space. It was formed by nine guardian dragons. The spiritual energy there was incomparably dense and was even mixed with dragon energy.

"For those three years, I did nothing but cultivate."

Xu Chuan gave him a look, taking in his entire cultivation base with a single glance. "It seems that was indeed a land of incredible fortune.

"To allow you to step into the Mid-stage Golden Core in just three years."

"It was also thanks to the high-grade Golden Origin Pill that Honored Master prepared for me," Mei Yun chuckled.

"And what exactly is the deal with your old ancestor?" Xu Chuan cut to the main point.

"Actually, I'm just as baffled. I only know that the other party came from a place called the Purple Myrtle Domain and is a member of the Imperial Clan of the Immortal Dynasty there."

"An Immortal Dynasty?"

"That's right. The Purple Myrtle Immortal Dynasty. It seems to be a colossus that has unified the entire Purple Myrtle Domain, and I am apparently a prince."

Xu Chuan sized Mei Yun up. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Your old ancestor didn't just summon you over purely for cultivation, did he?"

"Honored Master is far-sighted." As Mei Yun spoke, he brushed his hand over his ring.

An azure stone the size of a human head appeared out of thin air, hovering in mid-air.

Xu Chuan stared at the stone and scanned it with his divine sense. There was nothing profound about it at all; it was just an ordinary stone.

However, when he used "Heavenly Secret Dao Derivation" to inspect it, it was like looking at a flower through the fog—he couldn't see it clearly.

But when using standard deduction arts, the result was the same as his divine sense probe.

"This is no ordinary stone," Xu Chuan concluded.