From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 210 Muddle through
As Jiang Hao spoke, Jin Kuiyuan's divine sense detected Xue Yimiao's corpse below.

He floated down from the sky to check on its condition.

"Killed in close combat by martial arts? And injured by a flying sword..."

After examining Xue Yimiao's condition, he discovered that her storage pouch or magical artifacts were not on her person, suggesting that they had been taken away.

In addition, he discovered numerous traces of magical battles in the surrounding area.

Clearly, Xue Yimiao died after a fierce battle of magic, with both sides being evenly matched, which is why the stalemate lasted for so long.

If there is a significant difference in cultivation level or strength, the battle can often be ended in just two or three moves.

"I am Jin, the deputy director of the Demon Subduing Division of the Prefectural Government. Speak and explain the whole story clearly."

After confirming Xue Yimiao's body, Jin Kuiyuan felt a huge weight lifted from his heart and breathed a sigh of relief. He then introduced himself to Jiang Hao and inquired about the details.

"Greetings, Director Jin."

Jiang Hao bowed again and recounted what had happened: "After learning of the bounty issued by the Demon Subduing Division, I have been patrolling near Tonggu County recently, intending to find the Xue family members and earn merit for the reward."

Tonight, while passing by the vicinity, I sensed fluctuations from a battle between Foundation Establishment cultivators, so I came to investigate.

On the way, they met Pei Wanchang, the county magistrate of our county, and his elders. The three of them traveled together.

They encountered another member of the Xue family at the ninth level of Qi Refining, and surrounded and killed him.

When the three of us arrived near Baihe Mountain, we saw an unfamiliar Foundation Establishment senior fighting with Xue Yimiao of the Xue family. I immediately used a talisman to send a message to the Demon Subduing Division of the County Government.

The unfamiliar Foundation Establishment senior, along with Xu Xiaoniu, a celestial official from our county and the Demon Subduing Division, were evenly matched with Xue Yimiao, resulting in a stalemate between them.

Xue Yimiao tried to escape, and we quickly stepped in to help and stop her.

Pei Wanchang and his elders were unfortunately killed and burned to ashes, leaving no trace of their bodies.

Despite sustaining injuries, the Foundation Establishment senior finally managed to kill Xue Yimiao on the spot.

He was telling the truth, but he wasn't entirely telling the truth either.

When discussing those who dealt with Xue Yimiao, he emphasized the Foundation Establishment senior and Xu Xiaoniu, but did not mention the other Qi Refining cultivators from the Xu family.

He did what he was supposed to do.

As for how the Xu family explained the Foundation Establishment cultivator's identity and how they allocated Xue Yimiao's credit, he listened to the Xu family's explanation.

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.

After hearing Jiang Hao's description, Jin Kuiyuan believed it.

This aligns with Jin Kuiyuan's own assessment: Xue Yimiao's injuries primarily stemmed from one person, and the two were of similar strength.

Where are the two people you mentioned?

Jin Kuiyuan was puzzled. If he killed Xue Yimiao, why didn't he wait to claim the credit? Where did he go?

Then he thought of Xue Yimiao's storage pouch and guessed that it might be for handling the resources and treasures she was carrying.

Ha, are they worried I'll covet their spoils?
Jin Kuiyuan thought to himself.

Just then, he looked into the distance and sensed that the two people were on their way.

A moment later, Xu Xiaoniu and Xu Xiaohou flew over.

Both men were taken aback when they saw Jin Kuiyuan, not expecting the officials from the prefectural government to arrive so quickly. His aura was far more profound than Xu Xiaohou's.

Jiang Hao quickly introduced, "This is the deputy director of the Demon Subduing Division of the Prefectural Government, Director Jin."

Xu Xiaoniu bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Director Jin. I am Xu Xiaoniu, from the Demon Subduing Division of Tonggu County."

Although Xu Xiaohou and Jin Kuiyuan were both at the Foundation Establishment stage, the difference in their cultivation and strength was too great. He cupped his hands slightly and said, "Greetings, Lord Jin."

Jin Kuiyuan sized up Xu Xiaohou and saw that he had only reached the first level of Foundation Establishment and had burn marks on his body, indicating that he had just experienced a major battle.

Xue Yimiao is skilled in the Blazing Sun Fire Technique.

"Dare you ask your friend's name?"

He wanted to give the credit and reward for killing Xue Yimiao to Xu Xiaohou and inquired about his identity.

Xu Xiaohou shook his head: "I am just an unknown nobody, not worth mentioning. It's not that I'm deliberately hiding it from Lord Jin, but I've offended some people, which is why I've chosen to live in seclusion and not concern myself with worldly affairs."

I have previously received favors from the Xu family, and this is merely me repaying that debt.

Has someone been offended and is unwilling to reveal their name?

He was honest enough not to make up a false identity to fool Jin Kuiyuan.

Jin Kuiyuan understood, so he didn't press for his identity and name: "Then what's the credit for killing Xue Yimiao?"

The reward of a Foundation Establishment Pill—who in the entire Yuanli County, except for a few families, could remain indifferent?
"I don't want to be famous. Since I helped the Xu family, the credit should go to Xu Xiaoniu."

Xu Xiaohou's words were an attempt to give credit to his elder brother, Xu Xiaoniu.

Xu Xiaoniu waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "How could I possibly deserve such a great credit? I am willing to share it equally with Magistrate Jiang."

Xu Xiaoniu's thoughts were similar to Xu Fugui's. If he became famous in Yuanli County, it would be dangerous if Yan Yijin found out.

His words, however, puzzled Jin Kuiyuan and Jiang Hao.

Even with the merits of the Foundation Building Pill right in front of you, you should still be humble?

"There's only one Foundation Establishment Pill, so the credit can't be divided equally."

Jin Kuiyuan's gaze lingered between the three, wondering why no one seemed to want the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Jiang Hao definitely wanted the Foundation Establishment Pill, but he didn't understand the Xu family's intentions and always felt that the Xu family was acting strangely.

Xu Xiaohou winked at his elder brother and spoke again: "It would be better to give the main credit to Xu Xiaoniu."

After all, he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator who killed Xue Yimiao, so Jin Kuiyuan decided to give him face: "That's fine. He is a direct subordinate of the Demon Subduing Division of our county government. He received a Foundation Establishment Pill as a reward. If he can break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, with this great merit as a foundation, he will be promoted to Demon Subduing Guard in no time."

As for you…

He looked at Jiang Hao: "You have rendered meritorious service in sending messages and assisting in the battle, and you also killed a member of the Xue family at the ninth level of Qi Refining. How about rewarding him with a Three-in-One Pill?"

Upon hearing "Sanhe Dan," Jiang Hao couldn't hide his joy and repeatedly expressed his gratitude, bowing deeply: "Thank you, Director Jin!"

If we don't have Foundation Establishment Pills, Three-in-One Pills will do.

With his family's wealth and resources, he couldn't even afford the Three-in-One Pill, which is one grade below the Foundation Establishment Pill.

After dealing with the matter, Jin Kuiyuan took his leave and returned to report back with Xue Yimiao's body.

Thus, Xue Yimiao and Xue Wanqiao were both executed, and all the Xue family members who had reached the Foundation Establishment stage died.

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 Xiaohou, Xu Xiaoniu, and Jiang Hao remained at the scene.

"Thank you, Foundation Establishment Senior."

Jiang Hao smiled and thanked Xu Xiaohou again.

If Xu Xiaohou hadn't killed Xue Yimiao, how could he have obtained the Three-in-One Pill?

Xu Xiaohou, however, remained cold: "The secret I asked you to keep..."

"Don't worry, senior, I won't say a word about it. When Lord Jin was here just now, I didn't mention any other members of your Xu family."

Jiang Hao mistook the Xu family for descendants of a certain immortal cultivation family.

He wouldn't reveal this secret; he didn't want to cause trouble for himself.

He then took his leave: "Now that this matter is settled, I will depart first. I will also visit the Pei family to inform them of the death."

Although he had gone through some danger, he felt exhilarated.

Having earned a share of credit and obtained the "Three-in-One Pill," they also faced the decline of their rival, the Pei family.

To his surprise, Tonggu County had the Xu family, a reclusive clan with unfathomable depths of knowledge and influence.

After Jiang Hao left.

"Sixth son, why not give the Foundation Establishment Pill to Jiang Hao? Now my name will be known throughout Yuanli County."

Xu Xiaoniu sighed helplessly.

"What's there to be afraid of? According to our father, at worst, the secret of our stance training will be exposed, and we'll still have another way out."

Xu Xiaohou was really reluctant to give up a Foundation Establishment Pill.

"But that would be too risky..."

Xu Xiaoniu shook his head, his face full of worry. "Brother, there's always a way out. The path of cultivation is inherently difficult; let's forge a path for our Xu family."

Now that things have come to this, all they can do is wait and see how things develop.

The two returned to Baihe Mountain.

At this moment, a concealment talisman was pasted on the wall of the underground chamber, where all the Qi Refining stage members of the Xu family were.

This kind of concealing spirit talisman can shield a Foundation Establishment cultivator from divine sense probing from a certain distance.

Xu Fugui sent Xu Xiaoniu and Xu Xiaohou to deal with the people from the prefectural government, and used a concealment talisman to shield their divine sense, thinking it best not to expose the current strength of the Xu family.

"Come back so soon?"

Xu Fugui saw the two return.

"When we arrived, a deputy director of the prefectural government office was already there..."

Xu Xiaoniu recounted the entire situation in detail.

"Well... we can only take it one step at a time."

Xu Fugui was somewhat worried when he learned that the credit had still been given to Xu Xiaoniu. The good news was that the officials from the prefectural government did not question Xu Xiaohou's identity, nor did they come to check on the situation at Baihe Mountain.

He knew that the Xu family's secret would eventually be exposed.

However, before being exposed, it is best to enhance the strength of the Xu family members as much as possible.

Different levels of strength result in different levels of resilience in the face of risks.

So delay as much as you can, the longer the better.

This time, by getting away with it, at least bought the Xu family some time to improve their strength.

"Once the Foundation Establishment Pill reward from the Great Bull is sent back, I'll break through to the Foundation Establishment stage as soon as possible. A Foundation Establishment Realm Immortal Official still carries some weight."

Foundation Building and Qi Refining, Immortal Official and Rogue Cultivator are all different.

If Xu Xiaoniu becomes a Foundation Establishment Realm Immortal Official, then the Xu family will be safer.

"Oh right, and the resources on Xue Yimiao."

As Xu Fugui spoke, he took out three storage pouches and placed them on the table next to him.

These three storage pouches came from Xue Yimiao. She took the Xue family's resources with her when she escaped, so in addition to the one she used herself, there were two other storage pouches that were completely full.

It is not an ordinary storage bag used by Qi Refining cultivators, but a high-quality storage bag with a large internal space.

The lowest grade storage pouch has an internal space of only three feet square.

Of these three, the largest one has an interior space that is three zhang square!

The other two storage pouches also have a large space measuring ten feet square.

"Liu Zi, you refine this. Da Niu, you refine this. Xiao Xi, this is for you."

He gave the largest storage pouch to Xu Xiaohou, and the other two to Xu Xiaoniu and Zhongxi respectively.

Xu Xiaoniu and Zhong Xi are the two most likely to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm.

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.

Two days later, the three people who had refined the storage bag took out the resources inside, which piled up like a small mountain.

Countless spirit stones were piled up to a height of three feet.

After counting, they were pleasantly surprised to find as many as ten thousand spirit stones, far more than the spirit stone resources of an ordinary Qi Refining family.

A large number of precious spiritual plants were packed in wooden boxes.

Those spiritual plants were all first-tier spiritual plants that had grown into medicinal herbs for a hundred years or second-tier spiritual plants that had grown for two or three hundred years, and they were in perfect condition.

And a large number of elixirs in jade bottles.

The Xue family is a family of alchemists, and they have no shortage of elixirs.

First-tier elixirs, such as commonly used Qi-boosting pills, Qi-replenishing pills, and Soul Qi pills, were filled bottle after bottle as if they were worthless, with eight or ten elixirs in each bottle.

The number of second-tier spirit pills is much smaller.

Each second-tier elixir is packaged separately, with only twenty or thirty in total.

Most of the second-tier spirit pills were unfamiliar to the Xu family, but Xu Xiaohou found a familiar second-tier spirit pill among them: the Three-in-One Pill.

This Sanhe Pill also has three colors and looks the same as the Sanhe Pill that Xu Xiaohou took, but its surface has an eerie luster.

"Could it be..."

Xu Xiaohou asked Zhongche to distinguish the difference between this second-tier spiritual pill and the previous three-in-one pill.

"This pill seems to have been made with unusual medicinal herbs; it has a... strange smell."

Zhongche's sense of smell is exceptionally keen; it became even more acute after he reached the seventh level of Qi Refining. He was the one who identified the Three-in-One Pill last time.

In his view, this elixir was significantly different.

"What's that weird smell?"

"It smells a bit like ashes."

Zhongche found it strange that bone ash would be added to such a precious second-tier elixir. Perhaps it was because some kind of medicinal herb smelled similar to bone ash?

"..."

Xu Xiaohou's expression changed. He remembered what Xue Yimiao had said: Meng Jiaojiao was in the pill bottle in her storage pouch.

"What a heartless and insane demonic alchemist!"

He said angrily, and put the Three-in-One Pill away.

Spirit stones, spiritual plants, and elixirs are the most commonly used resources in the cultivation world.

Xue Yimiao's three storage pouches contained only a small portion of the Xue family's resources, yet they instantly made the Xu family "wealthy."

At least for the time being, the Xu family will not lack spirit stones.

Besides these, Xue Yimiao also had three cultivation techniques in her storage pouch: one technique, "Yin Yang Fire Technique," and two variant techniques, "Blazing Sun Fire Technique" and "Moonlight Fire Technique."

This is the Xue family's ancestral fire-based foundation-building technique.

This cultivation technique of the Xue family will not appear in the hands of Qi Refining clan members; only a few Foundation Establishment cultivators will possess it.

Xue Yimiao died, and this Foundation Establishment technique fell into the hands of the Xu family.

A few days later, the county government's Demon Subduing Division sent someone to deliver Foundation Establishment Pills to Xu Xiaoniu!

Xu Xiaoniu has reached the peak of Qi Refining and now possesses the Foundation Establishment Pill, the best guarantee for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage. His probability of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage is very high.

He not only mastered Qi cultivation, but also practiced the Five Elements Stance Technique, and possessed internal strength.

Although his physical body and qi are not as strong as Xu Xiaohou's martial arts grandmaster level, they are still stronger than those of ordinary qi cultivators.

He also practiced the "Meditation and Soul Refining Technique," and his spiritual power reached the limit of Qi Refining.

The only thing missing is the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation technique.

During his Qi Refining stage, he practiced the Earth-based cultivation technique of the imperial court, "Mysterious Earth Turtle Spirit Technique".

Fortunately, as a celestial official, he could directly purchase Foundation Establishment cultivation techniques from the imperial court, but he could not pass them on to outsiders.

The imperial court's Foundation Establishment cultivation technique can be purchased for only two hundred spirit stones. It is a genuine and fair deal, and there are absolutely no fake techniques.

This is a perk that the imperial court bestows upon the celestial officials.

At the same time, Jiang Hao also received a reward: the Three-in-One Pill.

He also lacked a Foundation Establishment technique, so he spent spirit stones to purchase one from the imperial court.

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.

Yuanli County.

News of Xue Yimiao and Xue Wanqiao's deaths spread quickly.

Xue Wanqiao was killed by the Demon-Subduing Guard and was not rewarded with a Foundation Establishment Pill.

The two escaped because of the Demon Extermination Bureau's negligence, so there was no reward; they were merely given to make amends for their mistake.

(End of this chapter)