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Cultivation families are not uncommon in the cultivation world; most of them are affiliated with powerful sects, since not every member of a family can join a sect.

It's important to know that cultivation sects select only exceptionally talented cultivators. It's rare to find someone like Han Li who relies on the Ascension Token, or someone like Su Ning who fights his way in.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Su Ning wanted to rely on the Taiyi Sect to establish his own cultivation family.

In particular, Bai Laozu valued Su Ning highly because he saw that Su Ning had formed a nascent soul with the five elements pseudo spiritual root and in just over a hundred years.

Furthermore, the Bai family would select Foundation Establishment stage women to form cultivation partnerships with Su Ning's two sons, thus completely binding Su Ning to the Bai family.

However, the head of the Bai family was not too in favor of it. It would be fine if she married Su Ning, who was in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

However, Su Mo, who was only in the mid-stage of Core Formation, and Su Yun, who was in the early stage of Core Formation, felt in their hearts that it was not worth investing in them.

Inside the Bai family's ancestral home, "Cold Jade Cave Heaven," Bai Jingtian knelt on the ground made of millennia-old black ice, fine beads of sweat seeping from his forehead.

On the cold jade platform in the center of the cave, Old Ancestor Bai was meditating with his eyes closed. The seven illusory stars surrounding him indicated that he had reached the peak of the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

"How are the arrangements for the marriage going?" Old Ancestor Bai suddenly asked, his voice as clear as ice beads falling onto a jade plate.

Bai Jingtian trembled: "Reporting to the Ancestor, there are three female Foundation Establishment cultivators of suitable age in the clan, but..."

He stole a glance at the patriarch's expression, "But those Su brothers are only at the early stage of Core Formation, while my Bai family..."

"Confused!"

Bai Laozu suddenly opened his eyes, and a phantom of a star crashed down in front of Bai Jingtian, shattering into countless ice crystals.

The head of the Bai family felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, and even his nascent soul was almost frozen.

"Do you know who Su Ning is?" An old ancestor Bai produced a jade slip from his sleeve. "See for yourself!"

The jade slip contained detailed information about Su Ning: he possessed five spiritual roots, achieved Nascent Soul formation in 170 years, was recognized as a master by the Primordial Magnetic Divine Mountain, and had slain Yin Jiuyou and the Blood River Old Monster...

Each one of them made Bai Jingtian's pupils dilate in shock.

"This...how is this possible?" His hands trembled. "Five spiritual roots forming a Nascent Soul in just over a hundred years?"

Old Ancestor Bai sneered: "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it either."

As he spoke, he threw out another image stone. The image showed the five-colored spiritual energy of Su Ning when he formed his Nascent Soul, as well as the scene of him unleashing the Five Elements Supreme Divine Thunder, which severely injured five Nascent Soul cultivators in one blow. Bai Jingtian was completely stunned.

"The rise of the Su family is unstoppable." The old patriarch's tone softened. "By establishing a marriage alliance now, we may be able to ensure the prosperity of the Bai family for a thousand years."

Bai Jingtian finally bowed his head: "Grandson will take care of it immediately. My three nieces, Qingyue, Yuqing, and Qingwu, are all in the late Foundation Establishment stage, with excellent aptitude and temperament..."

“Remember this.” Ancestor Bai’s fingertip condensed into an ice flower. “Make them do it willingly. It’s not that the Su family needs us, but that our Bai family needs the future of the Su family.”

"Yes, Ancestor."

"Once you enter the Nascent Soul stage, it becomes extremely difficult to make any progress. You always have to leave a future for the Bai family and the Taiyi Sect."

……

Inside the Bai family's "Listening to Snow Pavilion," three female cultivators dressed in white had different expressions.

In the center, Bai Qingyue possessed unparalleled beauty, with a touch of vermilion between her brows adding to her cold and aloof allure; to her left, Bai Yuqing was gentle and charming, her head bowed as she fiddled with the hem of her dress; to her right, Bai Qingwu's eyes sparkled as she toyed with a jade hairpin.

"You want us to marry into that lowly family?" Bai Qingyue's lips parted slightly, her voice like shattered ice striking each other. "Third Uncle, are you out of your mind?"

Bai Jingtian slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "Outrageous! This is the decree of the Ancestor!"

"Don't be in such a hurry, Sister Qingyue~" Bai Qingwu said with a smile, trying to smooth things over. "I heard that the Su brothers have already formed their cores at such a young age, which is much better than some people who rely on pills to get there."

As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully out the window...

There were several direct descendants of the Bai family playing around there; they were all mediocre talents who barely managed to establish themselves by relying on family resources.

Bai Yuqing asked softly, "May I ask... which young master is it?"

“The eldest son of the Su family, Su Mo, is calm and capable, while the second son, Su Yun, is exceptionally quick-witted.” Bai Jingtian’s tone softened. “The patriarch’s idea is that you two meet first…”

"No need." Bai Qingyue stood up and flicked her sleeve. "Patriarch, I, Bai Qingyue, would rather remain unmarried for life than be a pawn in a political marriage!"

Just as the atmosphere reached a stalemate, a maid rushed in: "Master! Someone from Tianqi Peak has sent an invitation, inviting the three young ladies to appreciate the plum blossoms tomorrow..."

Bai Jingtian's expression changed instantly.

Tianqi Peak is a force affiliated with Xuan Tianzi, and its intervention at this time is no coincidence.

Inside the "Red Plum Pavilion" on Tianqi Peak, Xiao Wanshan was tying a crimson jade pendant to his daughter's waist.

Xiao Yueli, dressed in red, had a more alluring look thanks to the flame pattern between her brows.

“Remember, Su Yun is fond of playing the zither.” Master Xiao Wanshan said in a deep voice, “You only need to win his heart, and I will take care of the rest.”

Xiao Yueli toyed with the jade pendant: "Father, do you really want your daughter to marry into that family? What about the Bai family..."

"Hmph! A marriage alliance?" Xiao Wanshan sneered. "Sect Leader Xuantian has already agreed that as long as you gain the trust of the Su family, the southeastern branch will belong to my Tianqi Peak in the future!"

Will the sect leader go back on his word?

"You're overthinking it! Sect Leader Xuan Tianzi has always been a man of his word."

At the same moment, inside the secret chamber of Tian Shu Peak.

Xuan Tianzi was playing chess with a black-robed cultivator. The black pieces on the chessboard formed the shape of the character "Su".

"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Zhang." Xuan Tianzi placed a white piece. "As long as Xiao Yueli succeeds, the Su family will be yours for the taking."

The black-robed cultivator removed his hood, revealing Zhang Tie's face adorned with eerie blood-red markings: "I hope Sect Leader Xuantian keeps his word. Our Yinluo Sect is determined to obtain that ring from the ancient star palace ruins!"

"Hmph! Your Yinluo Sect will also pay the price."

"Of course! Our Yinluo Sect has always been a man of his word."

……

Three days later, at the Su family's residence on the southeastern branch of the Zhenhuan Mountains.

Su Mo was brewing tea in the pavilion when he suddenly heard the tinkling of jade pendants.

Looking up, three female cultivators in white robes walked through the snow, like fairies in a painting.

The woman at the head of the group was as cold as ice; she was none other than Bai Qingyue.

"Greetings, Young Master Su." Bai Yuqing bowed softly, but her eyes were sizing up her future husband out of the corner of her eye.

He had clear and bright features, and his tea-making movements were fluid and graceful, completely different from the image of a nouveau riche that one might have imagined.

"Hmph! Hypocrite." Bai Qingyue snorted and sat down on the railing in the distance.

Su Mo was not offended; on the contrary, he found this pride amusing.

However, as a disciple of the Taiyi Sect, one should indeed be proud of this, as having a Nascent Soul stage ancestor is a stroke of good fortune.

Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard his younger brother Su Yun exclaim, "Brother! Come quick!"

Deep in the plum grove, Su Yun was helping up a woman in red who had "accidentally slipped and fallen."

Xiao Yueli "shyly" withdrew her hand, but "accidentally" dropped the handkerchief embroidered with flame patterns on the ground.

"Who is this...?" Sure enough, Su Yun's eyes widened.

"I am Xiao Yueli, and I have mistakenly entered the plum garden. Please forgive me." She bowed gracefully, her red dress reflecting the snow, making her breathtakingly beautiful.

In the shadows, Bai Qingwu squinted her eyes.

She had noticed that this "chance encounter" was too coincidental, but she saw through it but didn't say anything...

After all, of the three daughters of the Bai family, she was the least willing to marry into the Su family.

The three-month observation period passed in the blink of an eye.

Within the Cold Jade Cave, four water mirrors floated before Elder Bai, each displaying a different scene: Su Mo and Bai Yuqing discussing Taoism over tea, Su Yun teaching Xiao Yueli to identify spiritual herbs, Bai Qingwu "accidentally" encountering the passing young master of the Heavenly Craft Pavilion, and Bai Qingyue practicing swordsmanship alone on the snowy mountain.

"It's decided that Yuqing will be paired with Su Mo." Old Ancestor Bai made the final decision. "Qingwu is too clever for her own good, and pairing her with Su Yun might cause trouble."

Bai Jingtian asked in confusion, "That Heavenly Artifact Peak..."

"Hmph! Just a bunch of clowns. Did they really think I didn't know about their shady dealings?" Old Ancestor Bai sneered. "As for Qingyue..."

A meaningful glint flashed in his eyes, "I have another use for you."

Su Ning had no reason to refuse Bai Laozu's marriage proposal, and after asking her two sons for their opinions, she agreed.

"Father, your son still loves Xiao Yueli."

"Then you probably don't know Xiao Yueli's purpose in contacting you. This was all deliberately arranged by the Su family's rivals."

"This……"

"The cultivation world is exceptionally cold and cruel. Don't have any illusions about marriage. Women are nothing more than tools for the Su family to continue their lineage."

"Yes! Father."

The following day, the Bai family decorated their home with lanterns and streamers and formally discussed with the Su family the holding of a Daoist couple ceremony.

Upon learning the news, Xiao Wanshan of Tianqi Peak crushed his most beloved teacup on the spot. Even more surprisingly, Patriarch Bai made an exception and accepted Bai Qingyue as his last disciple…

It's obvious to everyone that this is a setup for what's to come for Su Ning in the future, but Su Ning suddenly lost interest in women!
From the summit of the southeastern branch of the Zhenhuan Mountains, Su Ning gazes towards the direction of Baijia.

The support we receive from the Bai family today will surely bring rewards in the future.

……

After settling matters concerning the Su family within the Taiyi Sect, Su Ning once again went into seclusion to cultivate.

Within the Taixu Realm, the multicolored glow emanating from the Yuanci Divine Mountain was even more intense than usual.

Su Ning sat cross-legged on the mountaintop platform, with five jade slips of different shapes floating in front of him: the Great Wilderness Manual, which was ancient and vigorous; the Star Origin Scripture, which was filled with starlight; the Primordial Magnetic Divine Light, which was colorful; the Star Body Forging Manual, which was covered with golden patterns; and the Taiyi True Explanation, which was surrounded by pure energy.

"let's start."

Su Ning made a hand seal, and all five jade slips lit up simultaneously.

This was a plan he had been working on for months before going into seclusion...

Simultaneously operating the five top-tier cultivation techniques, using the Yuan Magnetic Divine Mountain as a medium, they form a perfect cycle of mutual generation and restraint.

The first to respond was the "Star Origin Scripture".

The nascent soul in his dantian opened its eyes, and the star mark between his eyebrows resonated with the star ring, drawing in the power of the stars from all over the sky. Then, the Great Wilderness Technique was activated, and the ancient aura rose from the Yongquan acupoint on the sole of his foot, forming an earth-elemental circulation in his meridians. The Primordial Magnetic Divine Light acted as a lubricant, harmonizing the spiritual power of different attributes so that they would not conflict. Most importantly, it removed any bottlenecks for Su Ning.

When all five techniques simultaneously achieve a full circulation, a sudden change occurs!
The Yuanci Divine Mountain trembled violently, and the colorful rays of light on its surface cascaded down like a waterfall, enveloping Suning in a cocoon of light.

Inside the cocoon of light, the spiritual energy generated by the five major cultivation techniques began to spontaneously merge, forming an unprecedented chaotic energy.

"This is... the origin of the Five Elements?" Su Ning looked inward and found that his nascent soul was growing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The tiny figure, originally five inches tall, broke through the six-inch mark in the blink of an eye and steadily advanced towards the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm!

……

In the third month of his seclusion, Su Ning awoke from his meditation.

Feng Xi immediately flew over carrying a jade box, which contained the "Nine-Turn Taiyi Pill" that the Taiyi Sect had just delivered...

This is a top-grade elixir that only the direct descendants of the sect leader can enjoy. Elder Bai has specially approved the supply of three elixirs to Su Ning every month.

“Master, this month there’s an extra one.” Feng Xi took out a jade bottle with shimmering starlight. “It’s ‘Star Spirit Essence’ sent by Ling Yuling, the Lord of the Star Palace.”

"Hmm, has Ling Yuling completed the Nascent Soul formation?"

"Yes! I just completed the Nascent Soul stage last year."

"Speaking of Nascent Soul formation, I'll take you to witness the grand Nascent Soul formation of an old friend later."

"An old friend? Han Li?" At this moment, Feng Xi immediately thought of that hateful Han Li.

"That's right! You didn't expect that, did you?"

"..."

"Feng Xi, we've become friends after this fight! Let's forget about what happened before."

"Yes! Master."

Suning took the jade bottle; the liquid inside swirled like a silver river, breathtakingly beautiful.

This is the essence of the Star Spirit Body, and if placed in the outside world, it would be enough to trigger a battle between Nascent Soul cultivators.

Without hesitation, he drank it all in one gulp. The moment the star marrow entered his throat, the nascent soul inside his body let out a comfortable groan, and its size increased by another inch.

The subsequent training was nothing short of extravagant: using "Star River Jade Marrow" to cleanse the meridians, using "Netherworld Spiritual Liquid" to temper the divine sense, and even crushing and absorbing the "Nine Nether Soul Crystal" obtained from Yin Jiuyou to forge the body...

Every resource is a rare treasure that is hard to come by in the outside world, but now it is being consumed in large quantities like ordinary spirit stones.

Feng Xi stared at the mountain of empty medicine bottles, his beak twitching: "Master, this is enough to buy a medium-sized sect..."

"Resources are meant to enhance strength," Su Ning said dismissively, crushing another Nine-Turn Taiyi Pill.

If anyone were present, they would be shocked by his current cultivation method—not swallowing it, but directly dispersing the pill into the purest spiritual energy for absorption!
Such a wasteful approach can only be afforded by Suning, which possesses the Taixu Realm.

……

In the seventh month of seclusion, a crisis quietly arrived.

When Suning attempted to break through the bottleneck of the late Nascent Soul stage, the five major cultivation techniques suddenly became unbalanced.

The ancient and desolate energy of "The Great Wilderness Manual" clashed fiercely with the pure and ethereal power of "The True Explanation of Taiyi," causing severe pain in the meridians.

Even more terrifying is that the long-dormant inner demons seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack!

In the illusion, the Star Palace Twin Saints, covered in blood, rushed forward, shouting, "Give me back the Primordial Magnetic Divine Mountain!"; Xuan Tianzi, holding the Sect Leader's Token, sneered, "Traitor, die!"; even a young Han Li appeared, his face full of resentment: "Why did you abandon me to seek immortality alone?"

The most deadly thing was Zhang Tie's illusion.

His blood-red pupils widened between his brows, and with a sinister grin, he pulled out a Netherworld Mirror: "Senior brother, look who this is!"

The mirror revealed the horrific sight of Su Mo and Su Yun being devoured by countless souls!
"roll!"

Su Ning roared, his God-Slaying Spear sweeping across, and Purple Heaven Divine Lightning flashed everywhere.

The illusion shatters and then reforms, becoming even more realistic.

At the critical moment, the star talisman given to him by Ling Yuling in his arms suddenly became hot, and a wisp of the unique aura of the star spirit body seeped into his sea of ​​consciousness.

"Star Spirits Illuminate, Dispelling Illusion and Preserving Truth!"

As the incantation was recited, the illusion shattered like glass.

Su Ning suddenly opened his eyes and found that his whole body was soaked in cold sweat.

But crisis can also be an opportunity...

At the moment of breaking through the inner demons, the five major techniques finally completed their final fusion, forming a unique chaotic star power!
The phenomenon of advancing to the late Nascent Soul stage lasted for three whole days. Fortunately, this was the Taixu Realm, so it did not attract the attention of outsiders.

The safest approach is to play dumb and never let others know your true abilities.

Within the Taixu Realm, Su Ning's Nascent Soul had grown to seven inches, its entire body as transparent as crystal, with specks of starlight flowing inside.

Most astonishingly, a ball of hazy gray lightning appeared in the Nascent Soul's hand...

This is the "Chaotic Tribulation Lightning" after the Five Elements Divine Lightning has advanced, and it actually contains a trace of true heavenly tribulation power!

"Try the power."

With a thought, Su Ning unleashed a burst of chaotic lightning towards a desolate mountain a hundred miles away.

Without a deafening explosion, the hilltop vanished silently into the air, like a painting erased by an eraser.

The cross-section is as smooth as a mirror, and the residual chaotic aura can even corrode the space itself!

"Good heavens..." Feng Xi's feathers stood on end, "If this lightning strikes solidly, even a Nascent Soul cultivator will be skinned alive!"

Even more surprising were the changes to the Star Ring.

When Suning attempted to inject chaotic star power, the ring suddenly projected twelve illusory figures of armored warriors condensed from starlight—"Star God Guards," each possessing the combat power of an early Nascent Soul cultivator!
Although it can only be maintained for ten breaths at present, it is already a considerable help.

Just as he was getting used to his new abilities, the Taixu Realm suddenly fluctuated.

Three sound transmission talismans flew in simultaneously, hovering and flickering in front of me.

……

The first communication talisman came from Zhang Tie.

The Yinluo Sect Master's confidant succinctly stated: "Senior Brother, the marriage alliance is a trap. Xiao Yueli is Xuan Tianzi's secret pawn, and Qingwu has a past relationship with the Tiangong Pavilion."

The second item was Zhou Zhiruo's warning: "Xuan Tianzi has reached an agreement with the Yinluo Sect to plot against you. Be careful of the Taiyi Decree!"

The most urgent plea for help came from Ling Yuling: "Senior, the actions of the Yinluo Sect and the Tianmo Sect are becoming more and more frequent, and the Star Palace and Tianxing City are under great pressure."

Su Ning crushed the three jade talismans, his eyes flashing with cold light.

He had long anticipated that Xuan Tianzi would not let the matter rest, but he never expected that the other party would dare to collude with the Yinluo Sect.

What's even more troublesome is the Star Palace—this bridgehead of his absolutely cannot be compromised, otherwise the entire Chaotic Star Sea will suffer.

"Feng Xi, get ready to go." Su Ning stood up and stretched his limbs, his bones cracking like thunder. "We need to go out for a walk."

"Yes! Master."

Sensing its master's fighting spirit, the God-Slaying Spear automatically flew into his hand.

The sparkle at the tip of the spear has now transformed into chaotic lightning, sometimes as dark as mist, sometimes as brilliant as stars.

With his cultivation at the late Nascent Soul stage, coupled with the gradual mastery of the five major cultivation techniques, Su Ning now has the power to fight even against those at the early Nascent Soul stage!
Just then, an alarm bell suddenly rang out over the southeastern branch of the Zhenhuan Mountains.

Su Ning's expression changed drastically when his divine sense, comparable to that of someone in the early stages of the Nascent Soul realm, swept over the area...

Above the Su family's residence, the Yinluo Sect's most treasured artifact, the "Ghost Banner," was hanging!
...(End of chapter)