From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 220 Brother-Killing and Lord-Slaughtering
"Tuoba Hongyang".

Tuoba Yaowu addressed him by his full name, his tone tinged with displeasure, saying, "Such a major event has occurred in Yuanli County, and you, as the head of the Demon Subduing Division, know nothing about it. Do I have to be told by someone else?"

"This……"

Tuoba Hongyang was speechless; he truly knew nothing about it.

But this shouldn't be blamed on him, how could he possibly know the secrets of all the families in Yuanli County?

Hearing Tuoba Yaowu's accusations, Tuoba Hongyang felt very uncomfortable.

In terms of seniority, he was Tuoba Yaowu's "grandfather," but Tuoba Yaowu's first words upon appearing were accusatory and very impolite.

"By the way, where's Xiao Yan?"

Tuoba Yaowu looked around but didn't see Yan Yijin.

Yan Yijin, who was dozens of miles away, sensed the aura of a Golden Core cultivator flying through the air and was on his way to Baihe Mountain.

A moment later, Yan Yijin arrived and greeted him loudly from afar.

"Junior Yan Yijin pays respects to Master Yaowu! It has been seventy or eighty years since we last met. Master Yaowu is still so handsome and dashing. I envy you."

Upon seeing Tuoba Yaowu, Yan Yijin felt as if he had found his pillar of support.

Tuoba Yaowu sized up Yan Yijin. After not seeing him for decades, Yan Yijin's aura had changed a lot.

"Xiao Yan, it's been decades since we last met. You look much more mature and composed."

He exchanged a few pleasantries with him in the tone of an elder, then got down to business: "You have made a great contribution to the matter of this family secret technique. By the way, how did you discover it? Tell me in detail."

The talisman did not clearly explain the ins and outs of the matter.

At this moment, in front of Tuoba Yaowu, Yan Yijin recounted the whole story from beginning to end. There were some details that Nie Tingjun was unaware of.

The Xu family members stood by, feeling uneasy.

They dared not interrupt and could only listen as Yan Yijin revealed the Xu family's secrets to the public.

Let alone the Golden Core cultivator Tuoba Yaowu, even Yan Yijin, who was only in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, would be difficult for them to deal with.

Now that a Golden Core cultivator has arrived, the fate of the Xu family is even more unpredictable.

They seemed to have no choice but to place their hopes on Nie Tingjun's promise.

Of all the Xu family members, only Xu Fugui was not so anxious.

Xu Fugui thought: It would be very dangerous if only one strong person or one family knew the Xu family's secret.

However, the more powerful individuals and families who know this secret, the safer the Xu family becomes.

While the Five Elements Stance Technique is important, it is not the most important secret of the Xu family, and it would be fine to give it to another family.

The most precious thing in the Xu family is the family treasure tree in the space inside Xu Fugui's body.

As long as the Xu family continues its lineage, it will grow stronger and stronger.

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 listening to Yan Yijin's words, Tuoba Yaowu seemed to be deep in thought.

Suddenly, he spoke up: "Xiao Yan, so you're saying you haven't learned the details of this secret technique yet?"

"..."

Yan Yijin was stunned for a moment. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he sensed a hint of killing intent.

He nodded hurriedly: "Master Yaowu, yes. Before I could even learn the secret technique, the Prefect came to drive me away."

His remarks earned him a glare from Nie Tingjun.

Nie Tingjun told Yan Yi to keep his mouth shut, but he turned around and summoned a Golden Core cultivator.

Regardless of how this matter unfolds, Yan Yijin will definitely find it difficult to stay in Yuanli County afterward.

"That's good."

Upon learning that Yan Yijin did not know the specific details of the secret technique, Tuoba Yaowu abandoned his plan to silence Yan Yijin.

One thing at a time.

Yan Yijin's contribution is commendable, but if he knew the secret technique, Tuoba Yaowu would definitely silence him.

The fewer people who know this secret method, the better; ideally, only members of the Tuoba family should know it.

Tuoba Yaowu then looked at Nie Tingjun: "Are you from the Nie family?"

"Yes, Master Yaowu. I am Nie Tingjun, Prefect of Yuanli County."

On the surface, Nie Tingjun was respectful to Tuoba Yaowu, but deep down he was still somewhat humble and arrogant.

In terms of strength, he was definitely crushed by Tuoba Yaowu.

But given his status and family background, Tuoba Yaowu didn't dare to do anything to him.

"You know the contents of the Xu family's secret techniques?"

Tuoba Yaowu frowned, unsure of what to do with Nie Tingjun.

He actually had the idea of ​​killing Nie Tingjun on the spot to silence him, but he knew that doing so would cause a great disaster.

Nie Tingjun is the prefect of Yuanli County and a member of the Nie family who has reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

Regardless of his status as a celestial official in the imperial court or his family background, Tuoba Yaowu could hardly bear the consequences of killing him.

If it were a true treasure, it might be worth Tuoba Yaowu paying the price and killing Nie Tingjun.

However, he doesn't need to pay such a high price for a secret technique whose true function he doesn't yet understand.

"Replying to the Master, I only know half of it; I do not know it completely yet."

Indeed, Nie Tingjun had not yet fully memorized the Five Elements Stance Technique, nor had he learned the method for refining the accompanying Five Elements Spiritual Medicine Soup.

"Only know half?"

Upon hearing this news, Tuoba Yaowu felt much more relieved.

"Little Nie, now that I'm here, let's keep this secret technique. You can leave now, and pretend you never knew about it."

He immediately waved his hand, signaling Yan Yijin and Nie Tingjun to leave.

This secret technique of the Xu family now belongs to the Tuoba family.

"Master Yaowu, this... is probably not appropriate."

Nie Tingjun certainly won't leave so easily.

"Ok?"

Tuoba Yaowu's Golden Core cultivator aura suddenly intensified, pressing down on Nie Tingjun. How dare a Foundation Establishment cultivator defy his will to his face?
Fortunately, Nie Tingjun was not an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator; otherwise, he would not have been able to withstand the pressure from this Golden Core cultivator.

"Master Yaowu, Master Haiping of my Nie family is on his way and should arrive in no more than an hour."

Nie Tingjun did not hide anything and invoked the backing of his family.

Now that the Tuoba family has produced a Golden Core cultivator, the Nie family must also send a Golden Core cultivator to contend with them.

How could the Xu family possibly give away their secret techniques to the Tuoba family for nothing?

The person from the Nie family who came was Nie Haiping, who was very familiar with Nie Tingjun, and whose three-pattern Golden Core realm could suppress Tuoba Yaowu.

"Master Haiping?"

Tuoba Yaowu had never met Nie Haiping, but he had heard of Nie Haiping's reputation.

Nie Haiping became famous much earlier than Tuoba Yaowu, and his level of expertise was higher.

Upon learning that the Nie family also had a Golden Core cultivator arriving, Tuoba Yaowu pondered to himself.

Should we invite a few more Golden Core cultivators from the Tuoba family?

Is it worth it?
For the sake of this secret technique, the Golden Core cultivators of the Tuoba family and the Nie family were invited to the scene for a face-to-face confrontation and negotiation.

Tuoba Yaowu felt it was unnecessary.

Comparing the overall strength and reputation of the two Golden Core families, the Tuoba family is clearly stronger.

Therefore, even if Nie Haiping arrived, Tuoba Yaowu felt that he still had more say. And so, Tuoba Yaowu quietly awaited Nie Haiping's arrival.

He did not take the opportunity to ask the Xu family about the secrets of the "Five Elements Stance Technique".

Whether he intends to obtain this secret technique remains to be seen.

If the Nie family is willing to pay a sufficient price, he can abandon this secret technique.

Therefore, he did not force the Xu family to hand over the contents of the secret technique in advance, otherwise he would have no room to maneuver later.

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.

An hour and a half later.

Three-patterned Golden Elixir True Man, Nie Haiping of the Nie family, has arrived.

It was much later than the time Nie Tingjun had mentioned.

Nie Haiping, dressed in white, gracefully descended from the sky. His cultivation level was higher than Tuoba Yaowu's, but his aura was not as captivating.

However, his temperament was ethereal and otherworldly, with flowing white beard, which further highlighted the otherworldly quality of a Golden Elixir True Person.

Everyone present, except for Tuoba Yaowu, bowed and paid their respects.

Nie Tingjun greeted Haiping Zhenren with a respectful smile.

Nie Haiping, a dignified three-patterned Golden Core cultivator, actually returned Nie Tingjun's greeting with a cupped hand: "Young Master Tingjun, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

In terms of seniority, Nie Tingjun is Nie Haiping's grandfather.

"Thank you for your concern, Master Haiping. I'm fine..."

Nie Tingjun and Nie Haiping had frequent interactions and were familiar with each other when they were in the same clan.

Since Nie Tingjun had come to Yuanli County, the two had not been in contact for a long time, only exchanging greetings via communication talismans during festivals. Therefore, it was inevitable that they would catch up after meeting.

Tuoba Yaowu, who had been left standing to the side, became impatient and said, "Heh, which master here is so arrogant, ignoring me for such a short time."

Nie Haiping looked at Tuoba Yaowu: "I am a three-patterned Golden Core cultivator. In terms of cultivation level, I am higher than you, and in terms of age, I am older than you. You didn't even say hello when I arrived here."

"..."

Tuoba Yaowu reluctantly cupped his hands in greeting: "Tuoba family, Tuoba Yaowu greets Master Haiping."

Nie Haiping was quite frank and returned the greeting politely, but the sarcasm in his tone almost made Tuoba Yaowu vomit blood: "Nie family, Nie Haiping. Fellow Daoist is Yaowu Zhenren of the Tuoba family?"
I've long admired your name.

Rumors have been circulating that Master Yaowu murdered his brother, Master Tu. Having met him today, I find Master Yaowu to be dignified and imposing. These rumors are undoubtedly baseless; someone has falsely accused Master Yaowu of wrongdoing.

Upon hearing the words "murdering his brother and slaughtering his father," Tuoba Yaowu's expression changed.

He hated hearing this title of his most.

It was widely circulated not only outside the Tuoba family, but also among many within the family. As a result, many ordinary members of the clan feared Tuoba Yaowu, while those with higher cultivation levels and statuses harbored considerable resentment towards him.

The murder of his brother and the slaughter of his master did indeed happen!
Lies are not scary; the truth is the sharpest weapon.

The Tuoba family is too large, with many members; Jiurong City alone has a population of one million.

As the family has grown to this size and become so large, the internal kinship relationships are intricate and complex, and blood ties and personal connections are still highly valued.

When Tuoba Yaowu was born, he had the aptitude of a mixed four-elemental spiritual root, which was not considered outstanding.

His origins are as an ordinary member of the Tuoba family in Jiurong City. For many years, no powerful figures of high status have emerged in his direct lineage. It is rare even to find a cultivator with spiritual roots, let alone a Foundation Establishment cultivator or a Golden Core cultivator.

Such a background meant that Tuoba Yaowu could not possibly have many resources to support him.

The Tuoba family is so large, but resources are limited, which means that there will be competition for resources within the family.

Fortunately, the Tuoba family has complete regulations and selection procedures, and some of the rules are quite strict.

Fortunately, people like Tuoba Yaowu have opportunities to develop and improve themselves.

He was just too ruthless.

When he reached the seventh level of Qi Refining, he participated in a clan-wide martial arts competition with his cousin.

That competition was very important because it was for the Foundation Establishment Pill!
A large number of late-stage Qi Refining members of the Tuoba family participated in this combat competition. The clan's rule was that only Qi Refining Stage 7 cultivators under the age of 40 could participate in the competition.

On the dueling arena, Tuoba Yaowu accidentally killed his own cousin.

To call it a "mistake" is not really an exaggeration.

He was ruthless enough to protect his future. Despite being slightly weaker, he used a deadly move with severe side effects without holding back in order to win.

He never intended to hold back with that move.

Whether his cousin lives or dies depends entirely on luck.

Unfortunately, his cousin was unlucky and died at his hands.

That's how he got the reputation of "murdering his brother".

Since it was a fair competition in the arena, and he wasn't the one with the absolute advantage who deliberately killed his brother, he wasn't punished by his family. However, the reputation of "fratricide" spread.

The second instance was a similar scenario, with Foundation Establishment cultivators vying for secret techniques.

Tuoba Yaowu's opponent was not his biological grandfather, but someone of his grandfather's generation according to seniority.

Tuoba Yaowu spared no effort in improving his own strength.

Therefore, he used a demonic secret technique he had cultivated elsewhere to defeat his opponent and destroy his dantian spiritual platform.

Unable to bear the blow of having his cultivation abolished, the other party committed suicide a few days later.

And so, Tuoba Yaowu earned the nickname "Master Butcher".

This time, he was punished by his family for secretly learning demonic techniques.

Aside from these two serious incidents, Tuoba Yaowu violated quite a few clan rules along the way, all the way to the Golden Core realm.

Therefore, some people in the clan had "quite a few complaints" about him and disliked him.

Fortunately, he is now at the Golden Core Realm, one of the few people in the clan who stands at the top, and the one who supports the Tuoba family.

In addition, he has become much more restrained now, and there are no resources in the clan that he would have to go to great lengths to obtain, so his reputation has gradually improved.

However, even today, when Tuoba Yaowu hears others mention the words "murdering his brother and slaughtering his father," his face still turns grim.

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.

"Master Haiping, let's get back to the main topic. Does your Nie family also want to compete for this secret technique?"

Tuoba Yaowu changed the subject because the person in front of him was a Golden Core cultivator with a higher cultivation level than him.

If any Foundation Establishment cultivator dared to mention the words "murdering his brother and slaughtering his master" in front of him, he would guarantee to kill them instantly.

"Of course. My Nie family is also very interested in such miraculous secret techniques."

Nie Haiping rushed over after receiving the message talisman, even though he didn't know the specifics of the secret technique.

However, if the Tuoba family wants to fight for it, he certainly will too.

"Then tell me, how should we divide this secret technique between our two families?"

Tuoba Yaowu wanted to hear Nie Haiping's opinion.

He definitely wanted to keep it all for himself, otherwise, what would happen if two Golden Core families would want a secret technique?

"Let me find out more first."

Nie Haiping's gaze swept across the area, noticing the Xu family members.

"The Xu family who possesses secret techniques? Someone, please tell us, what's the story behind your secret techniques?"

"Let me tell you."

Xu Fugui was the calmest at this moment.

“My family has a martial arts stance training method passed down from my ancestors, called the Five Elements Stance Training. My father passed it down to me before he died. He said that if my family had the opportunity, we should develop it properly, and if the time was not right, we should pass it down from generation to generation.”

He first fabricated an origin story for the Five Elements Stance Exercise.

(End of this chapter)