Chapter 448: Negotiation, Moyue's Plan

Inside the antique quiet room.

Gu Xuanyou scrutinized Xu Mingheng, and Xu Mingheng observed him in return.

'I cannot see through his cultivation. It seems this person is the City Lord of Ancient Nether City, the demonic cultivator my father mentioned who formed his Nascent Soul in Cloudstream City.'

"This junior, Xu Mingxuan, greets Senior Gu."

"You know me?" Gu Xuanyou raised an eyebrow, muttering in a low voice, "Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingxian... Are you perhaps from the Ming generation of the Xu family? What is your relationship with Xu Mingxian?"

"He is my fifth younger brother."

"I see. I wonder what brings Fellow Daoist Mingxuan to see this City Lord?"

"I came here for two reasons. First, to observe the situation in Greedy Wolf Prefecture and see if it is suitable for my Xu family's development. Second, to ask on behalf of my father if your past agreement still holds."

Gu Xuanyou's eyes flashed upon hearing this. "Naturally, it does. However, even though I have now reached the Nascent Soul stage, Ancient Nether City's foundation is still far inferior compared to the Greedy Wolf Sect. We must take our time and plan this carefully."

Sensing Gu Xuanyou trying to change the subject, Xu Mingxuan replied, "Shortly after returning, my father went into seclusion. Coming to find you, Senior, was an arrangement he made before his retreat. If you need anything on your end, you can contact this junior."

Gu Xuanyou looked at Xu Mingxuan. "Is the Xu family in such a hurry?"

"Senior is also aware that my fifth brother, Xu Mingxian, is a personal disciple of the Ancestor of Profound Moon from the Profound Moon Sect. With this connection, if we can open a trade route from Azure Dragon Prefecture to Profound Moon Prefecture, it will greatly accelerate my Xu family's development."

"That makes sense," Gu Xuanyou mused. "The Xu family killed Xi Daoyun and drove away the Xi family. As the current leaders of Azure Dragon Prefecture, your growth will reach a bottleneck in a few decades at most. To further accumulate your foundation, leveraging your relationship with the Profound Moon Sect to trade with Profound Moon City is the best option."

"Exactly. My father believes that since Greedy Wolf Prefecture is a necessary checkpoint on that route, any instability here would pose a significant risk to our family. The sooner Greedy Wolf Prefecture stabilizes, the sooner my Xu family's development plans can be set in motion."

Xu Mingxuan looked at Gu Xuanyou and then chuckled. "Senior Gu is also well aware that my Xu family and the Greedy Wolf Sect are as incompatible as fire and water..."

Gu Xuanyou nodded slightly, sighing softly. "If I were in the Xu family's position, I would either develop quietly until the family completely surpasses the Greedy Wolf Sect one day, or figure out a way to eradicate them. Your Xu family has chosen the latter, hasn't it?"

"Senior is exactly right."

"But the Greedy Wolf Sect is a massive force currently at its peak. They are not something your Azure Dragon Prefecture's former Heavenly Azure Sect could compare to."

After pondering for a moment, he asked, "Does your Xu family have a concrete plan?"

"My father naturally finds this to be a difficult task, which is why he plans to plant an undercover agent within the Greedy Wolf Sect. We will need Senior Gu's help with this matter."

"This matter..."

""

Before Gu Xuanyou could finish speaking, Xu Mingxuan added, "Oh, right, I forgot to mention something to Senior. True Lord Heavenly Wolf has already achieved Divine Ability Perfection and has a chance to step into the Nascent Soul realm. The Greedy Wolf Sect Master will undoubtedly aid him with everything he has. If a second Nascent Soul cultivator appears in the Greedy Wolf Sect, then Ancient Nether City will permanently lose its qualifications to contend with them. When that time comes, my Xu family will have no choice but to abandon our cooperation with Ancient Nether City and choose the first option you mentioned. We will slowly accumulate our strength and plan for the distant future."

Gu Xuanyou failed to detect any flaws in Xu Mingheng's words. After all, Greedy Wolf Prefecture was indeed an unavoidable obstacle. Even if the Xu family decided to let go of their past grievances with the Greedy Wolf Sect, demonic cultivators were known to avenge every wrong. It was highly unlikely they would simply drop their grudge against the Xu clan. Pinning one's hopes on the mercy of an enemy was the most foolish approach imaginable.

'I still feel there is something fishy about this,' Gu Xuanyou thought to himself. 'However, even if the Xu family has the ambition to swallow Greedy Wolf Prefecture, they shouldn't be in such a rush.'

If the Xu family had attempted this a century later, Gu Xuanyou's first reaction would be that they were trying to stir up a conflict so they could play the fisherman who profits. If given the chance, they would definitely choose to fully occupy Greedy Wolf Prefecture.

But at this moment, Gu Xuanyou felt the Xu family had the will but lacked the power.

Although the Xu family currently possessed fourth-tier combat power, several Golden Core geniuses, and Xu Chuan himself was a peerless genius at the Golden Core stage, their overall foundation was still too shallow.

Simply put, they had cultivated too few trustworthy cultivators of their own. Employing other Golden Core factions from Azure Dragon Prefecture carried the risk that those groups would only put on a superficial show of effort. If the Xu family suffered too many losses, they might end up becoming the next Xi family of Azure Dragon Prefecture.

"How do you intend for my Ancient Nether City to help?"

Ancient Nether City's predecessor was the Ancient Nether Sect, which had been annihilated by the Greedy Wolf Sect. Naturally, Gu Xuanyou wanted to avenge this grievance and return Greedy Wolf Prefecture to the orthodox rule of Ancient Nether.

Xu Mingxuan rejoiced inwardly. 'It is exactly as Father predicted. Even if Gu Xuanyou suspects the Xu family is using them to destroy the Greedy Wolf Sect, as long as they want to take back Greedy Wolf Prefecture, they cannot do without a natural ally like my Xu family!'

Immediately after, Xu Mingheng explained his plan to him.

Gu Xuanyou listened, his brow furrowing at first, then relaxing, only to knit tightly once more.

"Doing it this way would mean directly offending them. It will be incredibly difficult for my Ancient Nether City to peacefully accumulate strength after that."

"Although the Greedy Wolf Sect lost quite a few Golden Core cultivators during the War of the Two Prefectures, the chances of your Ancient Nether City surpassing them in Golden Core numbers are far too slim. Developing cautiously right under the Greedy Wolf Sect's nose is something you probably couldn't achieve even with several centuries. After all, it is not just your Ancient Nether City that will continuously produce Golden Core cultivators; the Greedy Wolf Sect will do the same. In fact, their numbers will increase much faster. The Greedy Wolf Sect can openly recruit demonic guest elders, while your Ancient Nether City is forced to operate in the shadows. Once they discover that you, Senior Gu, have reached the Nascent Soul stage, the Greedy Wolf Sect Master will likely charge over here immediately."

Hearing this, Gu Xuanyou felt a profound sense of helplessness.

When Mo Wentian formed his Nascent Soul, Xi Daoyun refrained from acting recklessly to save face. But demonic cultivators cared nothing for such pleasantries. As long the Greedy Wolf Sect's Sect-Protecting Grand Formation remained unbroken, their foundation would stay unshakable.

"Regarding this matter, this City Lord still needs to discuss it with the various elders. I will give Fellow Daoist Mingheng an answer in a few days. However, concerning sending someone into the Greedy Wolf Sect as an undercover agent, is your Xu family truly confident?"

"We can only say it's an attempt. But if we are lucky enough to succeed, it will minimize the losses for both our factions."

Gu Xuanyou stroked his chin, his eyes clouded with deep thought.

A moment later.

He smiled faintly. "In that case, how about Fellow Daoist Mingxuan stays at the City Lord's Mansion for now?"

"Excellent."

Xu Mingxuan cupped his fists and smiled. "However, this junior has an unreasonable request. When Senior introduces me to outsiders, please refer to me simply as Daoist Xuan."

Worthy of being Xu Chuan's offspring, he was indeed cautious. This was not a major issue, so Gu Xuanyou agreed immediately.

Later that day.

Inside the Council Hall of Ancient Nether City.

The great hall, situated within the dark red palace at the city's highest peak, was a world of its own.

Its doors stood wide open, allowing a chilling, ghostly aura to slowly spill out.

The hall towered roughly a hundred meters high, its four walls constructed from profoundly dark stone.

The stone was smooth as a mirror, yet it reflected no light, only casting everything within the hall into hazy, indistinct shadows.

Eighty-one luminous pearls were embedded into the domed ceiling.

They did not emit the usual pearlescent white hue, but instead radiated a ghostly green halo, cloaking the entire massive hall in a sea of eerie, freezing light.

The floor was paved with dark gray marble, its surface faintly coursing with dark golden patterns that resembled slumbering demonic dragons.

Every few meters, a thick black stone pillar, wide enough for a person to hug, supported the ceiling. Intricate totems of ferocious demonic creatures were carved into them, their fangs bared and claws extended with lifelike menace.

At the northern end of the hall rose a towering dais.

Atop the dais rested a wide, imposing throne.

Its high back culminated in a fist-sized, dark green jewel embedded at the peak.

At this moment, a figure was seated upon that throne.

It was none other than Gu Xuanyou.

Below the dais, fifteen chairs flanked each side of the hall.

However, only half of them were currently occupied.

Yet every single person seated was a Golden Core Perfected Being.

Occupying the first seat on the left was an elderly man.

His hair and beard were entirely white, his face gaunt, but his eyes were as sharp as a falcon's.

Dressed in a gray robe, his aura was unfathomably deep, with spiritual light faintly circulating around him.

This person was the First Elder of Ancient Nether City, an expert at Golden Core Perfection.

Thanks to the serendipity found in the Connate Secret Realm at Grand Harmony Lake, he had achieved Great Accomplishment in Divine Abilities a few years prior.

Seated after him were the Second Elder, Third Elder, and so on, arranged in sequence.

Naturally, this seating arrangement was not permanent; it shifted according to changes in their relative strength.

Judging by their auras, aside from the First Elder, there were three others present who had reached the Late-Stage Golden Core or above.

There was one person each at the seventh, eighth, and ninth layers.

Following them were eight Mid-Stage Golden Core elders and four Early-Stage Golden Core elders.

One Early-Stage Nascent Soul and sixteen Golden Core cultivators.

This was the current foundation of Ancient Nether City.

Although the Mo family was also a newly ascended Nascent Soul Noble Family, their foundation fell somewhat short by comparison.

Of course, compared to veteran Nascent Soul Noble Families, they were still quite lacking.

Having been suddenly summoned here, everyone bore varying expressions as they all looked toward Gu Xuanyou.

Suddenly, the First Elder spoke up, "Xuanyou, for you to summon us so urgently, what important matter has occurred?"

Besides being the City Lord of Ancient Nether City, Gu Xuanyou was also the First Elder's disciple.

Among those present, only the First Elder dared to address Gu Xuanyou directly by his name.

Gu Xuanyou's gaze slowly swept across the crowd in the hall, finally landing on the First Elder's face.

He gave a faint smile and announced, "Someone from the Xu family of Azure Dragon Prefecture has arrived."

As soon as those words were spoken.

The expressions of everyone present changed slightly.

The Xu family possessed a fourth-tier Transformed Flood Dragon, so they were also considered a newly established Nascent Soul Power.

In terms of Golden Core numbers, they couldn't match Ancient Nether City, but in terms of combat power, that wasn't necessarily true.

Ancient Nether City was still unaware of the Xu family's current situation, assuming they still only had five core Xu family Golden Core cultivators and two guest elders.

The Second Elder asked, "City Lord, who from the Xu family came? Xu Mingxian, or the Phoenix Plume Fairy? Or perhaps the disciple of True Lord Withered Glory?"

Gu Xuanyou shook his head. "None of them. It seems to be a hidden Golden Core cultivator of the Xu family, from the same generation as Xu Mingxian. His older brother."

"What is his cultivation realm and strength?"

"Early-Stage Golden Core. I suppose he is inferior to Xu Mingxian. If every Golden Core cultivator in the Xu family was like Xu Mingxian, that would be truly terrifying."

"True Lord Withered Glory is an undeniable peerless genius at the Golden Core level. Rumor has it the Phoenix Plume Fairy possesses the combat power of Great Accomplishment in Divine Abilities despite only being in the Mid-Stage Golden Core; she is also a prodigy. The reputations of Xu Mingxian and the others are slightly weaker. However, as they gradually reveal their prowess, they will likely become recognized prodigies in the future. Some individuals manage to walk the Divine Ability Golden Core Path, but upon reaching the Golden Core stage, they become average and are slowly surpassed by others. A clan like the Xu family is exceptionally rare."

The crowd fell silent.

Gu Xuanyou stated, "We don't need to worry about the Xu family for now. At least for the present, we are allies."

The First Elder asked, "Xuanyou, you didn't summon us just to share this news, did you?"

"That's correct, Honored Master. The Xu family wishes to join forces with us to deal with the Greedy Wolf Sect as soon as possible."

"The Xu family is actually in such a rush?"

"They want to stabilize the situation in Greedy Wolf Prefecture and then commence trade with Profound Moon City. The existence of the Greedy Wolf Sect is undoubtedly a ticking Heavenly Thunder Bead to them."

"In your eyes, how trustworthy is the Xu family?"

"Seventy or eighty percent. Even if they harbor thoughts of dealing with our Ancient Nether City, they wouldn't rush it right now. After all, despite the Xu family's formidable strength, they haven't reached the point where they can swallow both the Greedy Wolf Sect and our Ancient Nether City simultaneously."

After pondering for a moment, the Seventh Elder spoke up curiously, "Why wouldn't the Xu family wait until their own foundation grew stronger before taking action? As the leaders of Azure Dragon Prefecture, they can develop with all their might without any constraints."

"The Xu family rose to power through commerce. To them, perhaps time is simply spirit stones," one elder guessed.

The First Elder nodded slightly. "There is some truth to that. As the saying goes, seek wealth in danger. The earlier the Greedy Wolf Sect is eliminated, the greater the benefits for the Xu family. Of course, the same applies to our Ancient Nether City."

"This disciple shares the same thought," Gu Xuanyou chuckled. "If the Xu family brought this up a hundred years from now, their ambition would be glaringly obvious."

"Are you implying we should agree to cooperate with the Xu family?"

"When it comes to dealing with the Greedy Wolf Sect, we are natural allies, so why not? As for what happens after the Greedy Wolf Sect is eradicated, as long as we consolidate the Demonic Dao forces of Greedy Wolf Prefecture, the Xu family won't be able to do anything to us. Not unless they want to spark another War of the Two Prefectures. An outside force trying to rule Greedy Wolf Prefecture is no simple matter."

Seeing that the vast majority nodded in agreement, Gu Xuanyou explained Xu Mingheng's plan.

However, creating the opportunity to plant a spy was not that simple.

Gu Xuanyou deliberately waited for three days before informing Xu Mingheng of their decision.

Xu Mingxuan cupped his fists and said, "Then I will trouble you with this matter."

However.

A whole day prior, he had already learned of Ancient Nether City's decision from Xu Chuan.

This was the result of Xu Chuan personally deducing it using Heavenly Secret Dao Derivation.

Predicting the movements of Hegemon-Level Nascent Soul Powers that possessed Spirit Treasure foundations or even ancient inheritances might be slightly strenuous. But Ancient Nether City clearly did not fall into that category.

"This matter cannot be rushed. As for how to execute it, our Ancient Nether City still needs to discuss it slowly. It may take anywhere from half a year to a year or two. After all, our Ancient Nether City cannot just pack up and leave at any given moment like your Xu family."

"This junior understands. I will follow Senior's arrangements. Once your plans are set, I will find a way to notify my Xu family's undercover agent."

Going undercover in the Greedy Wolf Sect was extremely dangerous. Once discovered, it meant certain death without any hope of survival.

Even Ancient Nether City couldn't bear the thought of letting a Golden Core Stage Cultivator throw their life away so pointlessly.

Therefore, they never brought up the idea of planting their own spy.

In the dead of night.

Xu Mingheng activated Xu Chuan's Natal Jade Talisman.

Azure Dragon Prefecture, Cloudstream City.

Withered Glory Courtyard.

Feeling the connection, Xu Chuan immediately entered the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven, pulling Xu Mingheng and Mei Yun in with him.

"Father."

"Honored Master."

The two greeted Xu Chuan one after another upon seeing him, then condensed phantoms with their divine sense.

"Has the matter progressed?" Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingheng.

"Gu Xuanyou's stance is that planning this will require a gradual approach, taking anywhere from half a year to a year or two."

"That stands to reason. Our Xu family doesn't lack time, so the two of you stay in Greedy Wolf Prefecture for now."

"Yes, Father (Honored Master)."

Following that, both Xu Mingxuan and Mei Yun exited the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.

Time flashed by, and three months passed.

Xu Chuan thoroughly achieved initial mastery in another type of the Dao of the Five Elements.

One day.

He suddenly stood up, seemingly muttering to himself, "I am heading out for a trip. It will take two or three months at the least, half a year at most."

"That long? Where are you going?"

"Profound Moon City, and then a trip to the eastern part of Heavenly South. I'll leave Cloudstream City in your care to look after."

"The eastern part?" The voice ringing out in midair sounded somewhat astonished.

"What's wrong? Is there an issue with the east?"

"Nothing, it just brought to mind some old matters."

Xu Chuan asked in surprise, "You have also traveled to the eastern part of Heavenly South?"

A moment later.

A figure burst out from the deep pool, splashing snow-white water. Upon landing, it transformed into a being with a human body and a dragon head.

"You didn't think this Seat was a demonic beast native to the Northwest Region, did you?"

Hearing this, Xu Chuan blanked for a second. "Are you from the eastern part of Heavenly South? Demonic beasts below the Shapeshifting Stage can hardly borrow the teleportation arrays of human cultivators. The two regions are separated by tens of millions of kilometers. How did you end up all the way out here?"

Pausing, Xu Chuan asked again, "Speaking of which, your bloodline is extraordinary. How exactly did you end up sealed in the Land of Imprisonment back then?"

"Do you really want to know this Seat's origins that badly?" Moyue stared at Xu Chuan.

Xu Chuan smiled. "Regardless of your past, from the day you signed the spiritual contract with me, you became a part of my Xu family. If talking about the past displeases you, you don't have to speak of it. No matter what, you are still a Grand Elder of my Xu family!"

"Forget it, it's not some tragic tale anyway."

Moyue sighed softly. "It has just been far too long, and many things have already faded from memory. Some details... I can't recall clearly anymore."

Seeing Xu Chuan listening intently, he continued, "This Seat hails from Nine Dragons Mountain. It is one of the most powerful Demon Race forces in the eastern part of Heavenly South."

"Similar to the Profound Moon Sect and the Clear Void Sect?"

"Exactly!" Brilliant light flashed in Moyue's eyes. "Nine Dragons Mountain is led by the Flood Dragon Clan, where the True Dragon Bloodline reigns supreme. It even boasts the Dragon Pool, a treasure land capable of elevating a dragon's bloodline, ensuring Nine Dragons Mountain remains eternally prosperous. When this Seat was born, Nine Dragons Mountain possessed five Dragon Monarchs, and my father was one of them. As for how it is now, that remains unknown."

"Five Shapeshifting Great Demons... That makes it even stronger than the Hundred Thousand Mountains."

"Naturally. And that is only what's on the surface. Whether there are still ancient freaks hiding in the shadows is impossible to predict. But an existence comparable to the Ancestor Zhuyan of the Hundred Thousand Mountains... my Nine Dragons Mountain has at least one."

"You are that certain?"

"The Demon Race has its own methods of inheritance, capable of increasing the odds of a shapeshifting demonic beast appearing. How else could we contend with humanity? However, this involves the secrets of Nine Dragons Mountain, so it's best if this Seat doesn't say too much to you."

"I'm afraid you don't know much about it yourself," Xu Chuan chuckled softly.

"Nonsense!"

"Then let me guess. Even though Nine Dragons Mountain has this inheritance method, it's impossible to spread widely; the cost must be immense. Only the most outstanding individuals of each generation in Nine Dragons Mountain would receive such cultivation. You likely failed in competing to be a candidate, and left Nine Dragons Mountain in a fit of pique to roam and explore. You probably swore you wouldn't rely on your clan, but instead depend on your own strength to overcome the Lightning Tribulation and advance to a Shapeshifting Great Demon. However, the outside world isn't easy to navigate. A flood dragon containing a True Dragon Bloodline is a peerless natural treasure in the eyes of cultivators. You must have faced countless sieges and hunts. Perhaps you also slaughtered quite a few Golden Core cultivators along the way. Fleeing from your pursuers, you eventually reached the Northwest Region. As for being suppressed, it was likely due to fighting over a heavenly treasure or clashing with the descendant of a Nascent Soul cultivator, right?"

Moyue's eyes widened, filled with disbelief as he murmured, "How did you know?!"

"Just basic deductive logic," Xu Chuan said, the corners of his lips curving upward.

Staring at Xu Chuan as if he were looking at a ghost for a moment, Moyue finally recovered his wits and sighed. "It's close to what you said. This Seat was suppressed by a stubborn old Daoist named Changqingzi. At first, he would visit every so often, trying to persuade this Seat to become his spirit beast. But after a century, he suddenly stopped coming. In all likelihood, he perished."

"Perhaps the formation of the Land of Imprisonment occurred during that period. And if my guess is right, before the Ancient Era, that region might have been known as the ancestral land of Heavenly South."

Moyue fell silent. "Enough about that. If you are going to the eastern part of Heavenly South, this Seat is going too! In Azure Dragon Prefecture, your Xu family reigns supreme. Cloudstream City and the Xu Clan Residence are layered with grand arrays. Even an Early-Stage Nascent Soul cultivator wouldn't be able to breach them in a short time."

"You want to return to Nine Dragons Mountain?"

Moyue thought for a moment before replying, "I do. I don't know what the situation is like in Nine Dragons Mountain right now. If I return, I can definitely secure a Dragon Monarch seat. By then, I will hold significant right to speak within Nine Dragons Mountain. Furthermore, there are numerous natural treasures inside Nine Dragons Mountain; there might even be something you need."

Xu Chuan's eyes lit up. "You make a good point. Since Nine Dragons Mountain is a Hegemon-Level Nascent Soul Power, they must possess many exotic flora. There are still a few Dragon Blood Fruits within the Azure Dragon Alliance. They are incredibly beneficial to your Flood Dragon Clan, and we could trade them for even more valuable natural treasures."

"Does that mean you agree?" Moyue asked, joy sparking in his eyes.

"What else could I do? You are a Grand Elder of my Xu family; it's not like I can force you against your will."

Xu Chuan had just silently divined a hexagram, realizing that Moyue making this trip would be advantageous for the Xu family. Therefore, he had agreed.

"When do we leave?"

"Today, once I finish delegating some matters."

Following that, Xu Chuan sent voice transmissions to Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxian, Xu Deling, Xu Dezhao, and the others.

An hour later.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Xu Chuan and Moyue concealed their auras and transformed into two streaks of light—one azure, one black—shooting off into the distant sky.

Xu Mingyuan looked at Xu Dezhao and advised, "While your grandfather is away, if anyone comes to visit, just say he is in secluded meditation. Have everyone else answer the same way."

"Second Uncle, Dezhao understands."

"Let's all disperse."

Xu Mingyuan and the others departed from the Withered Glory Courtyard, leaving the area abruptly silent. Only the tall Withered Glory Tree remained, emitting a soft 'rustle' in the gentle breeze.

More than half a month passed.

Xu Chuan traversed both Azure Dragon and Greedy Wolf Prefectures, arriving within the borders of Profound Moon Prefecture.

Relying on techniques to disguise his appearance and conceal his aura, he attracted no attention.

Profound Moon Prefecture. Heavenly Ape City.

This city spanned six hundred kilometers and was constructed by the Sun Family.

Its walls were high and thick. Initially covering only one hundred and fifty to two hundred kilometers, it had undergone two or three major expansions before reaching its current massive scale.

Heavenly Ape City was similar to Cloudstream City, divided into an inner and outer city. The Inner City was mostly inhabited by members of the Sun family.

However, powerful Golden Core Aristocratic Families with close ties to the Sun family also resided there.

Having developed for over three thousand years, the Sun family's population outnumbered the Xu family's by hundreds, if not thousands, of times.

"Why come here?"

On the streets of Heavenly Ape City, Moyue extended his divine sense from within the Spirit Beast Pouch, observing his surroundings.

"The Sun family is a veteran Nascent Soul Noble Family. The friendship we forged within the Ancient Battlefield naturally needs to be maintained. Developing an aristocratic family is no easy task; we need to make as many friends as possible and have as few enemies as possible. Only then can we thrive smoothly. If someone comes to make trouble every few days, it becomes a major nuisance."

Xu Chuan strolled around for half the day.

"Heavenly Ape City is quite bustling. It seems the Sun family has put quite a bit of effort into governing it."

Yet, it didn't take long before he encountered a scene of bullying.

"Young Master Sun taking a fancy to your sister is a blessing! Take these three hundred spirit stones and scram! If she serves Young Master Sun well, he might just be pleased enough to take her as a concubine. If that happens, your Fan family will strike it rich!"

The one speaking was a red-haired young man clad in luxurious silk brocade. Beside him stood three black-clad guards.

Two of them tightly gripped the arms of a beautiful young female cultivator, one on each side, firmly restraining her. The female cultivator struggled desperately, her eyes red as tears rolled down her cheeks, yet she couldn't break free.

There were many onlookers, but none dared to approach.

All because the red-haired youth had a jade tablet dangling from his waist, engraved with the character "Sun." All because this entire city belonged to the Sun family!

The red-haired youth tossed a pouch of spirit stones in front of a black-haired young man, his eyes full of unrestrained arrogance.

But the black-haired young man didn't even spare it a glance.

"Isn't that Fan Wenceng from the Fan family in the western district? That must be his younger sister, Fan Wenwan. I heard both siblings possess True Spirit Root Aptitudes and have hopes of reaching Foundation Establishment."

"The Fan family is just a minor Foundation Establishment Clan. How could they possibly defy the Sun family? Even if he is just a member of a branch family, one wrong move, and the entire Fan family could face total annihilation."

Hearing the whispered gossip from the crowd, Xu Chuan stood among them, watching quietly.

"Let my sister go!" Fan Wenceng clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white. His chest heaved violently as he practically ground his teeth to dust.

"Hmph, don't reach for a yard after taking an inch. Don't forget that this entire Heavenly Ape City belongs to the Sun family! I'll give you another two hundred spirit stones at most," the red-haired youth sneered.

"Who cares about your spirit stones? You're forcefully abducting my sister and you still think you're in the right? Are you not afraid someone will report you to the Sun family's Law Enforcement Team?"

"Let's see who dares!" The red-haired youth sneered, sweeping his gaze across the crowd. Anyone who met his eyes quickly lowered their heads, afraid to look at him.

Only Xu Chuan remained expressionless, showing no reaction.

"Even if I die today, I will—"

"You will what?" the red-haired youth interrupted casually, a flash of mockery passing through his eyes.

The two black-clad guards beside him simultaneously looked up. Their gazes were like sharp knives fixing onto Fan Wenceng. The oppressive pressure of the Foundation Establishment Stage crashed down instantly.

Fan Wenceng felt as if a colossal mountain had been dropped onto his shoulders. His legs gave way, and he nearly collapsed to his knees. He clenched his jaw, forcefully propping himself up to avoid kneeling. Veins bulged on his forehead as sweat poured down like rain.

"Overestimating your own capabilities," the red-haired youth shook his head, looking as if he were watching a clown. He waved his hand lazily and ordered, "Teach him a lesson. Just don't kill him."

The moment the words left his mouth, one of the black-clad guards moved. With a blur of motion, he appeared right in front of Fan Wenceng and struck out with a palm.

Fan Wenceng frantically circulated his spirit power to defend himself, but how could he withstand a palm strike from a Foundation Establishment cultivator? The blow landed, sending him flying backward to smash heavily into a roadside wall. Bricks shattered, and dust billowed into the air.

"Brother—!" Fan Wenwan screamed, her cry tearing through the air.

Fan Wenceng struggled to his feet. Blood spilled from the corners of his mouth, yet his eyes remained fixed on the red-haired youth. He stumbled forward, trying to charge again—only to be struck by another palm. Once more, he was sent flying.

This time, he crashed through a wooden stand by the street, collapsing into a heap of rotting vegetable leaves and muddy water. His clothes were torn to shreds, his appearance utterly wretched.

"Still haven't given up?" The red-haired youth scoffed. "You've got guts."

Fan Wenceng trembled violently, whether from pain or sheer fury was unknown. Using his hands to push off the ground, he slowly forced himself up, bit by bit. Yet, his knees buckled, and he fell to the ground once again. He gasped for air, fresh blood dripping from his lips. Still, his gaze was locked dead onto those men, his eyes brimming with a deep-seated, venomous hatred.

"Brother... Brother, stop moving. Please, just stop..." Fan Wenwan sobbed, her vision completely blurred by tears.

She watched her older brother get up time and time again, only to be knocked back down just as many times. His wounds worsened with every strike, his aura growing weaker by the second. She knew that if this continued, he truly would be killed.

The onlookers stood at a distance. Some showed expressions of pity, others shook their heads with sighs, and some remained completely apathetic. Yet, not a single person stepped forward.

Who would dare? The Sun family's servants represented a part of the Sun family's face. Offending the Sun family for the sake of a total stranger was an act of utter foolishness.

Fan Wenwan closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. A moment later, she opened them. Her voice was hoarse, yet exceptionally clear. "Let my brother go. I... I'll go with you."

The red-haired youth raised an eyebrow and waved his hand. The two guards released their grip. Wenwan stumbled for a few steps but stood firmly in place, refusing to run.

"Wenwan... No... Don't do it! I can keep going!" Fan Wenceng lay flat on the ground, reaching out an arm as if trying to grab onto something, but his hand closed on empty air.

Fan Wenwan gave him a final glance. In that gaze, there were tears, unwillingness, burning fury, and ultimate resignation.

"Brother, I made this decision myself. Go back and tell Mother and Father that I should be home in a few days at the latest."

Saying this, she turned her head away and refused to look back.

The red-haired youth burst into roaring laughter, then turned and strutted away. Fan Wenwan and the three guards followed closely behind him. The group swaggered off, quickly vanishing at the end of the street.

The crowd of onlookers slowly dispersed. Some sighed, some shook their heads, and a few mumbled "how pitiful" before scurrying off to their own affairs.

All that remained was Fan Wenceng, lying on the ground drenched in his own blood, unable to move a muscle. He stared fixedly in the direction those men had disappeared, the hatred in his eyes so thick it practically spilled over.

If looks could kill, that red-haired youth would have died ten thousand times over.

After a long time, he gritted his teeth and pushed off the ground to stand back up, millimeter by millimeter. Stumbling, he dragged himself home, one agonizing step after another.

Xu Chuan watched him, feeling as if he were staring at a blazing, raging inferno.

The pouch of spirit stones left on the ground was fought over by a few Qi Condensation cultivators, but it ultimately landed in the hands of a Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivator. The rest were injured, losing both the prize and their well-being in the process.

'This Seat actually thought you would lend a hand to those pitiful siblings.' Moyue's voice suddenly echoed in Xu Chuan's mind.

'Big fish eat the small, and the small fish eat shrimp. Things like this happen all the time; how could I possibly manage it all? Besides, this is ultimately the Sun family's internal affair. If there is a mess to be cleaned up, the Sun family should be the ones to handle it.'

Moyue pondered this for a moment before asking again, 'And what if descendants of your Xu family found themselves embroiled in a similar situation?'

Xu Chuan soared into the sky, flying toward the Inner City as he replied, 'If I find one case, I will kill them. No exceptions!'