From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 209 Descendants of a Noble Family?

Keep the Xu family's secret?
Jiang Hao's mind raced, and many thoughts came to mind in a short time.

Among the Xu family members he saw who were in the late Qi Refining stage, there were Xu Fugui, Zhong Che, Zhong Xi, Xu Xiaoniu whom he knew, and a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator whose identity was unknown!
If there are so many people in the late stage of Qi Refining, how many Qi Refining and mid-stage members of the Xu family are left?
What is the background of the Xu family?
He first met the Xu family more than 30 years ago, when Xu Xiaoniu returned from serving in the army in Yunbian County and became a military officer and county magistrate in Tonggu County based on his first-class military merit.

Back then, the Xu family was a wealthy family in Baihe Village. Apart from Xu Fugui having many sons, they were not particularly special.

Jiang Hao confirmed that the Xu family did not have any Qi Refining cultivators at that time.

In just over thirty years, the Xu family has developed to this extent? It's simply unbelievable.

How did a wealthy farming family in a small mountain village develop into a family of immortal cultivators over the decades?

This is impossible.

The most difficult to explain is: spiritual roots!

Even in a Foundation Establishment cultivation family that has been developing for countless years, it is difficult for its descendants to have such a high probability of possessing spiritual roots.

Unless... it's a demonic cultivation force.

It's not entirely impossible for ordinary people without spiritual roots to cultivate immortality. Some demonic cultivation methods have the effect of "changing one's innate constitution."

For example, the Xue family's methods can enable ordinary people to cultivate the Yuan Sha Gong and become Qi Refining cultivators.

Jiang Hao had also heard of demonic cultivation methods that involved exchanging blood and marrow, and even stripping others of their spiritual roots for one's own use.

Are all members of the Xu family demonic cultivators?

However, Jiang Hao dismissed the idea. If the Xu family had used demonic cultivation methods to produce so many Qi Refining stage members, the resulting bloodshed would be immense. Tonggu County was peaceful; there simply weren't that many people who had died or gone missing without a trace.

If he's not a demonic cultivator, then there's another possibility: he's a descendant of a family of immortal cultivators!

The Xu family is likely a descendant of a powerful cultivation family, or even a direct descendant with a very close blood relationship.

For example, the Lan family of Qingqiu Mountain.

Although the Lan family of Qingqiu Mountain is gone, many members of the Lan family have escaped. Those scattered Lan family members live in hiding, some blending into the secular world and pretending to be ordinary families.

They may appear to be from an ordinary family, but they could actually be high-ranking direct descendants of the Lan family, possessing hidden spiritual roots and treasured cultivation resources and techniques. Given the right opportunity, they could rise rapidly to prominence.

For example, in the recently destroyed Xue family of Yunze Mountain, a few members in the late Qi Refining stage managed to escape. Those members were wanted by the county government and had to change their appearance and name.

Jiang Hao guessed that the Xu family were descendants of a cultivation family like this, who had to hide and lie low for some reason.

To escape enemies? Or out of fear that others would covet the resources?
Jiang Hao had no idea and dared not ask any further questions.

The fact that the Xu family, with a Foundation Establishment cultivator as their backer, did not silence him indicates that the Xu family harbored no ill will towards him.

This is also a key reason why Jiang Hao suspected that the Xu family were not demonic cultivators.

In that brief moment, he pondered deeply and replied, "I will follow all your arrangements. I will handle the county government's inquiries however I see fit, but..."

He paused here, glanced at Xu Xiaohou, and looked somewhat fearful.

He was genuinely worried that he could be killed on the spot by a Foundation Establishment cultivator in an instant.

"But with my strength, if I were to take credit for killing the Xue family's Foundation Establishment cultivator, I'm afraid the people in the county government wouldn't believe me."

Jiang Hao expressed his doubts, not because he didn't want to agree to Xu Fugui's request, nor because he wasn't interested in the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Xu Fugui also thought of this. If Xu Xiaohou's identity was not exposed, how could he explain the death of Xue Jia, who had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage?

How could a mere Qi Refining cultivator possibly kill Xue Yimiao?

Those who come from the prefectural government must be great cultivators at the Foundation Establishment level; no matter how they try to make up lies, they can't cover them up.

However, revealing the Xu family's strength in the open would bring even greater trouble.

Xue Yimiao's sudden arrival at Baihe Mountain and discovery of Xu Zhongxi, followed by the arrival of the two immortal officials Jiang Hao and Pei Wanchang, all happened so suddenly that the Xu family was caught off guard.

"Magistrate Jiang, may we have a moment to discuss this and make a decision before we discuss it with you?"

Xu Fugui knew that his family was at a very important crossroads, and he dared not make a decision lightly.

"Of course, please feel free to do so."

At Xu Fugui's signal, the Xu family flew back to the core area of ​​Baihe Mountain.

As Xu Xiaohou left, he glanced at Jiang Hao with a cold, warning look, which made Jiang Hao uneasy.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

A sacred place in Baihe Mountain.

Xu Xiaoyun, Xu Xiaoan, and Zhong Huai and Zhong Yao, who were in the middle stage of Qi Refining, looked up at the sky with anxious eyes.

They didn't know what was happening; all they saw were flames flashing high in the sky, illuminating the night.

"Back~"

Zhongyao first saw Xu Fugui and others flying in from the sky.

"Come to the secret room."

Xu Fugui summoned everyone to the secret chamber in the underground cave.

This underground chamber, used to discuss important matters of the Xu family, has gathered so many people for the first time.

Xiao Niu, Xiao Yun, Xiao An, Xiao Hou.

Zhongyao, Zhongche, Zhonghuai, Zhongxi.

Before anyone had even sat down, Zhongche couldn't help but ask, "Grandpa, why is our family's credit given to that county magistrate? What right does he have?"

Speaking of this, Xu Fugui looked at Xu Xiaoniu: "Da Niu, do you still remember the celestial official who bestowed upon you first-class military merit? I think he was some deputy prefectural governor."

"I remember."

Xu Xiaoniu nodded solemnly: "That celestial official Yan Yijin is the deputy general of the prefectural government, and he is at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment. I know why Father wanted to give the credit to Magistrate Jiang, because if I get the credit, it is very likely to attract Yan Yijin's attention."

He knows I don't have spiritual roots!

This has always been a hidden danger. Fortunately, Xu Xiaoniu has been the director of the Demon Subduing Division in Tonggu County for many years and has had no interaction with Yan Yijin. The two have never met.

If Xu Xiaoniu were to gain the credit for killing Xue Yimiao, his name would surely spread far and wide.

Moreover, if he obtains the Foundation Establishment Pill and advances to the Foundation Establishment Realm, the probability of encountering Yan Yijin at the county government office is even higher.

"But... what about the county magistrate? He already knows our family's secret."

"I should have killed him while I was at it, I should have silenced him!"

After Xu Xiaohou finished speaking, he was about to go and kill Jiang Hao.

He wasn't a ruthless person, but when it came to the safety of the Xu family, he could harden his heart and kill anyone who threatened them.

"Wait a minute."

Xu Fugui stopped him: "Killing him is easy, but what about the aftermath? The people from the prefectural government are on their way. Both of the immortal officials are dead, leaving only our Xu family. That will arouse suspicion."

Even if we attribute his death to the Xue family's Foundation Establishment stage, the credit still belongs to Da Niu.

"At that time, we will be facing potential enemies at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment."

No matter what they do, they are in a difficult position.

Is it Yan Yijin, who is at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, or Jiang Hao?
Clearly, Jiang Hao poses no threat to the Xu family; it's better for him to know the Xu family's secrets than for Yan Yijin to know them.

"Then... my father will never be able to reach the Foundation Establishment stage in his lifetime?"

Zhongyao spoke up.

If he keeps the secret, Xu Xiaoniu will be unable to establish his foundation or meet Yan Yijin.

"That's alright, I don't mind."

Xu Xiaoniu waved his hand, saying that it didn't matter if he couldn't reach the Foundation Establishment stage for everyone's sake.

"I have another question, how do I explain it to everyone?"

Xu Xiaoan, who had been silent until now, brought this up.

The Xu family has too many secrets, so many that even the Xu family members themselves don't know them.

"Just say that some unrelated cultivators are passing by, and tell everyone not to worry."

"..." The crowd discussed the matter animatedly, each offering their own opinion.

After a long while, they fell silent.

No matter what decision is made, many problems cannot be solved.

All eyes were on Xu Fugui, awaiting his final decision.

Xu Fugui was still pondering: the Xu family was growing larger and larger, with more and more clansmen, and the number of powerful cultivators appearing was also increasing day by day.

The secret that the Xu family is a family of cultivators will be exposed sooner or later.

Given enough time, it will gradually become apparent, especially after the Xu family has a truly top-tier expert, so they can be unafraid of those covetous eyes.

But right now, they don't have time.

"I do have another way, another option."

He spoke.

Amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, he continued, "The Xue family can train ordinary people into Qi Refining cultivators, and they also have other demonic cultivation methods that can allow ordinary people to embark on the path of cultivation."

However, all these methods come at a cost, a cost that may be large or small.

Hearing Xu Fugui say this, everyone was even more puzzled: What does this have to do with the Xu family solving their current problems?
"The Five Elements Stance Training cultivates five pseudo-spiritual roots. As the lowest-grade spiritual root, it may not be as precious as we imagine. I have a plan..."

As the Xu family grew stronger and more members reached the Foundation Establishment stage, their understanding of the cultivation world increased, and Xu Fugui's views also changed.

For the original Xu family, even martial arts stance training techniques that were not available on the market were invaluable treasures worthy of being passed down through generations.

Later, a qigong method became a treasure that independent practitioners desperately sought after.

Now that the Xu family has reached the Foundation Establishment stage, those once unattainable treasures have become common resources and are no longer worth paying attention to.

After Xu Fugui finished explaining his plan, everyone fell into thought.

Then someone responded, "Dad, that's a good idea."

"In the long run, this is the best approach."

"That's all we can do."

Xu Fugui's method was risky, but it at least gave them more options.

"If it is absolutely necessary to expose the secrets of my Xu family, then let's do it this way."

He gave instructions to everyone.

Everyone agreed.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Yunze Mountain, which is 700 miles away.

Yan Yijin obeyed the orders of General Xing Wuming and led his soldiers to guard Yunze Mountain.

There are too many resources on Yunze Mountain to be counted and collected in just three to five days.

This made Yan Yijin anxious.

He used the "Ten Thousand Mile Tracking Talisman" on Xue Yimiao. This second-grade talisman has a time limit. If he does not sense the talisman chasing Xue Yimiao for a long time, the talisman's effectiveness will expire.

But if he leaves now, it would be dereliction of duty.

Killing members of the Xue family was the job of the Demon Suppression Division, not his place as the deputy commander of the county camp.

"We can't wait any longer, or the tracking symbol will become invalid."

With this in mind, he decided to find an excuse to leave and let his soldiers temporarily take charge.

However, at this moment, he suddenly paused and felt the aura of the Thousand Mile Tracking Talisman disappear.

"what happened?"

The talisman's effect should have lasted at least twelve hours, so why did its power suddenly stop?
Could it be... that she was murdered?!
Yan Yijin realized that Xue Yimiao's death was the reason why the tracking talisman had completely failed.

"This is really...sigh."

He cursed his bad luck; the credit that should have been his had been taken by someone else. Not only the credit, but also a great deal of resources belonging to Xue Yimiao had become someone else's.

He couldn't help but feel heartbroken.

If only he had fought desperately and spared no effort to kill Xue Yimiao on the spot.

He was careless at the time, not expecting Xue Yimiao to have so many tricks up her sleeve, and he also had selfish motives, coveting Xue Yimiao's resources and treasures.

"I wonder who will be able to earn the Foundation Establishment Pill?"

He knew that the reward offered by the Demon Subduing Division of the County Government was a Foundation Establishment Pill.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

It is dozens of miles away from Baihe Mountain.

A figure moved like a phantom, flying away with the speed of wind and lightning.

This person is Jin Kuiyuan, the deputy director of the Demon Subduing Division of the prefectural government.

The reason why the two Foundation Establishment cultivators and the late Qi Refining cultivators of the Xue family were able to escape was because of the mistake made when the Demon Subduing Guards he led relayed the message to the Xue family.

After the Demon Slayer Bureau issued a bounty, he and the Demon Slayer Guards launched a massive search in the outside world.

Jin Kuiyuan has not rested since the accident.

Fortunately, he was a great cultivator at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, and he remained unharmed even after many days of sleepless nights.

When he received the message from the Demon Subduing Division of the Prefectural Government, he was located not far from Tonggu County, about three or four hundred miles away.

At his speed, he could arrive in half an hour at full speed.

He pushed himself to the limit, afraid that if he slowed down even a fraction of a second, Xue Yimiao would escape.

Shortly after the bounty was issued, Xue Wanqiao, another Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Xue family, was quickly found by the Demon-Subduing Guards and killed on the spot.

They also captured several members of the Xue family who were at the late stage of Qi Refining.

Currently, Xue Yimiao is his only target. If he can capture and kill Xue Yimiao, he can atone for the crime he committed this time.

As the deputy director, he wasn't afraid of Tuoba Hongyang's reprimand, but rather of the prefect!

The prefect himself gave the order; he had made such a serious mistake that he must make amends.

Fortunately, they received a message from the Demon Subduing Bureau, saying that the celestial officials of Tonggu County had discovered Xue Yimiao's whereabouts.

"We're here! It's just ahead!"

Tonggu County is just a short distance ahead.

"call--!"

He arrived in Tonggu County like a whirlwind.

With his divine sense, he quickly discovered Jiang Hao, who had reached the peak of Qi Refining.

A powerful aura instantly enveloped Jiang Hao.

"you are?"

He seemed to appear out of thin air above Jiang Hao, looking down at him with the majesty of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

So fast?
Jiang Hao was startled. The people from the prefectural government had arrived too quickly, almost before the Xu family had given him a reply.

He looked up and saw that the aura was as dazzling as the sun in the sky, dozens of times stronger than the pressure Xu Xiaohou had exerted on him.

He dared not look any further and quickly replied, "Greetings, Your Excellency. I am Jiang Hao, the magistrate of Tonggu County."

"You found Xue Yimiao? Where is she?"

Jin Kuiyuan did not see Xue Yimiao.

"Yes...no. She's dead, her body is down there."

Jiang Hao didn't know whether to say "yes" or "no." He did want the credit for the Foundation Establishment Pill, but he didn't dare to hide it from the Foundation Establishment Grandmaster.

The pressure from the late Foundation Establishment stage was too strong, and he worried that his lies would be exposed and bring serious consequences.

(End of this chapter)