From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 221 The dust has settled
"By consuming grains and cereals, cultivating a body based on the five elements, and supplementing with spiritual plants of the five elements, one can alter their innate constitution and cultivate spiritual roots of the five elements..."

"This martial arts stance training has no restrictions. Like ordinary martial arts stance training, it can be practiced by ordinary people. With first-tier five-element attribute spiritual plants, spiritual medicine soup is made to assist in the stance training. When you break through to the Innate Martial Artist Realm, you will have a five-element pseudo-spiritual root cultivation spiritual root."

However, it is a martial arts stance training method, which requires martial arts aptitude to advance to the Innate Realm. If one's martial arts aptitude is too poor to advance to the Innate Realm, one cannot possess a spiritual root.

For example, my fourth and fifth sons lacked martial arts talent and failed to advance to the Innate Realm…

Xu Fugui explained the details of the "Five Elements Stance Exercise".

Tuoba Yaowu inquired, "How difficult is it for an ordinary person to progress from a mortal to a Xiantian martial artist using the Five Elements Stance Technique? What are the chances?"

He was diagnosed with four spiritual roots from a young age and mingled in the cultivation circle, but he knew very little about martial arts.

For families that cultivate immortality, martial arts are considered unorthodox and disreputable paths, and anyone with spiritual roots would not pay attention to them.

"Replying to Master Yaowu, if an ordinary person does not rely on any resources and practices stance training diligently from childhood, the number of martial artists who can step into the Innate Realm is probably one in a hundred."

With martial arts resources, the chances of reaching the Innate Realm increase significantly; three or four out of ten will reach the Innate Realm.

This is a judgment made by Xu Fugui based on his own experience.

Most martial arts practitioners come from ordinary families and lack money and resources. Many cannot even afford the small amount of money required to become a martial arts apprentice.

This is why there are so few innate martial artists.

If it is a wealthy family that can provide a large amount of martial arts resources such as "Qi and Blood Pills", then the probability of breaking through to the Innate Realm is very high.

What are precious Qi and Blood Pills to ordinary people are far too cheap for cultivation families.

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.

"Three or four out of ten?"

Tuoba Yaowu was pleasantly surprised.

Given the number of Tuoba family members in Jiurong City, if 30% to 40% of them cultivate spiritual roots and embark on the path of cultivation, how many cultivators would the Tuoba family have?
It is likely that in a few decades or even a century, the Tuoba family will become one of the most prominent families in the entire Zhennan Prefecture.

Nie Haiping, who was nearby, also heard what Xu Fugui said.

He pondered for a moment, then called out to Nie Tingjun, "Young Master Tingjun, may I speak to you in private?"

He took Nie Tingjun to a distance.

"This martial arts technique is truly profound. It can alter the mortal's innate talent for cultivation and nurture spiritual roots. On the surface, it does seem to be a wondrous method that can seize the creation of heaven and earth and change the entire cultivation world."

But upon closer reflection, it wouldn't be beneficial to our family. Young Master Tingjun, what are your thoughts?

"Master Haiping, when I first learned of the effects of this stance training technique, I was overjoyed, thinking it was a heaven-sent treasure to help our Nie family rise to power. It can give mortals spiritual roots, and allow everyone in the family to cultivate immortality, to become like a dragon!"
Upon further reflection, given the number of people in our clan, if we were to take this technique back without any restrictions and allow any member of the clan to use it, the clan would face a severe shortage of resources within twenty or thirty years at most.

Our family's sacred land, how can it support hundreds of thousands or even millions of cultivators?
This cultivation method only produces five pseudo-spiritual roots, and it lacks resources. What use will it be if our family has hundreds of thousands of members at the early or mid-stage of Qi Refining?
Ten thousand Qi Refining early-stage clansmen are no match for a few Foundation Establishment clansmen.

"One hundred thousand Qi Refining cultivators are no match for a single Golden Core cultivator."

Nie Tingjun sighed.

At a very young age, he was in charge of hunting down demonic cultivators and treacherous cultivators in the Demon Subduing Division of Zhennan Prefecture. He rose through the ranks to become the prefect through his numerous merits.

He had a thorough understanding of the lower echelons of the cultivation world.

Those rogue cultivators born into ordinary families are easily reduced to demonic or tribulation-related cultivators because of their lack of resources. Even a single spirit stone is precious to them.

Without resources, a rogue cultivator with five elemental roots would be lucky to reach the mid-stage of Qi Refining in their entire life.

If tens of thousands of rogue cultivators with five elemental spiritual roots suddenly appeared in Yuanli County, demonic cultivators and tribulation cultivators would probably be everywhere, and the Demon Subduing Division would be too busy to handle them.

Nie Tingjun discovered that the Xu family's situation was an exception, which is why a cultivator with five elemental roots was able to advance to the Foundation Establishment stage.

For ordinary people with five elemental spiritual roots, the hope of advancing to the Foundation Establishment stage is extremely slim.

"Indeed, what you think is also what I'm worried about."

Nie Haiping nodded.

He was not blinded by the secret method of "Five Elements Stance Technique". After careful consideration, he felt that the appearance of such a technique in the large Nie family would not bring any benefit, but might even be a disaster.

"Based on my understanding of the Tuoba family, if this martial arts stance training falls into their hands, they will suffer the consequences."

Nie Haiping was familiar with the clan rules of the Tuoba family.

A family's rules and regulations reflect its "family traditions," that is, the overall atmosphere and spirit of the family.

The Tuoba family has strict selection rules that encourage competition, especially among talented members from ordinary families who are encouraged to climb the social ladder.

"We can give them this martial arts stance training, but... we can't give it to them easily. We have to make them pay a price."

Thinking of this, Nie Haiping's lips curled up into a slight smile.

Nie Tingjun then said, "Master Haiping, no matter the outcome, please ensure the safety of the Xu family."

"..."

Nie Haiping paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Okay."

Given the cruelty of the cultivation world, Tuoba Yaowu most likely doesn't want to leave any survivors for the Xu family.

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.

The two discussed for a long time.

When they returned, Tuoba Yaowu had been waiting for them for a while.

"Master Haiping, what are your plans?"

Tuoba Yaowu was already prepared to haggle with Nie Haiping and compete for the "Five Elements Stance Technique".

"This profound cultivation technique is something my Nie family greatly desires. However, True Master Yaowu is determined to obtain it. I am willing to reluctantly part with it, but there are conditions..."

Nie Haiping, not wanting to compete for the Five Elements Stance Skill, naturally wanted to gain some benefits from Tuoba Yaowu.

"Oh?"

Hearing that Nie Haiping was not going to compete for the Five Elements Stance Technique, Tuoba Yaowu was overjoyed.

"What conditions?"

"It's not an unreasonable condition, it's just..."

Nie Haiping used his divine sense to transmit a message to Tuoba Yaowu.

Only two people present were Golden Core cultivators, and they were having a secret conversation that no one else could overhear.

A moment later, the two agreed on the terms.

During the conversation, Tuoba Yaowu's expression changed several times, but he finally agreed to Nie Haiping's request.

The treasure Nie Haiping wanted was a precious Grade 3 elixir, as a condition for the Nie family not to compete for this secret technique.

Tuoba Yaowu thought that although the Grade 3 Spirit Pill was precious, it was still insignificant compared to the effects of the Five Elements Stance Technique. Besides, the fact that he had given up a Grade 3 Spirit Pill to bring the Five Elements Stance Technique back to his family was a merit far exceeding that of the pill.

"Next, let's talk about the benefits for the Xu family."

Nie Haiping suddenly spoke up, and his words were heard by everyone present, especially the Xu family.

"To the Xu family?"

Tuoba Yaowu frowned.

His original plan was to destroy the Xu family after obtaining the secret technique. It was enough for the Tuoba family to know about the "Five Elements Stance Technique"; the Xu family had no reason to exist.

Slaughtering an entire family without cause is undoubtedly the work of a demonic cultivator.

But at the Golden Core level, as long as it's not too outrageous or too blatant, it's nothing.

"Master Haiping, what is the meaning of this?"

“Master Yaowu, the Xu family originally offered this cultivation technique to my Nie family in exchange for protection and some resources. Now that you’ve given it to your Tuoba family, you should at least show some sincerity.”

"..."

Tuoba Yaowu remained silent for a moment before speaking helplessly: "Master Haiping, I greatly admire the Nie family for keeping their promises. In that case, I am willing to pay ten thousand spirit stones as the price for the cultivation technique."

"But I have one condition that must be observed..." At this point, Tuoba Yaowu's gaze swept over the Xu family members: "This martial arts stance training technique will henceforth be known only to the Xu family and our clan. The Xu family must not pass it on to anyone else. What do you all think?"

“Master Yaowu, that’s even better. We will never reveal this to anyone.”

Xu Fugui responded.

"There's no time to lose, so let your Xu family hand over the stance training to me."

After the two Golden Elixir Masters, Tuoba Yaowu and Nie Haiping, reached an agreement, the Five Elements Stance Technique finally found its owner.

Tuoba Yaowu gave Nie Haiping a third-grade elixir.

Afterwards, Tuoba Yaowu obtained the complete "Five Elements Stance Technique" and the method for refining the Five Elements Spiritual Medicine Soup from the Xu family.

Before leaving Baihe Mountain, Tuoba Yaowu promised Yan Yijin a Foundation Establishment Pill as a reward for his message, and also promised to transfer him to Zhennan Prefecture as a celestial official so that he would not have to suffer from Nie Tingjun's exclusion under Yuanli County.

This promise was not just empty words from Tuoba Yaowu to Yan Yijin; he would fulfill it.

Yan Yijin has brought such great benefits to the Tuoba family and has made great contributions; we cannot let people feel disheartened.

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 Nie Haiping and Tuoba Yaowu left one after the other.

Yan Yijin was satisfied with the promise from Tuoba Yaowu and took his leave: "Your Excellency, Prefect, Chief Tuoba, I shall take my leave now."

He was very pleased with himself.

Although he had offended Prefect Nie Tingjun this time, he would be transferred to Zhennan Prefecture, and he had also made good relations with the Tuoba family, so his future was bright and promising. He was glad that he had seized the opportunity and completely changed the trajectory of his destiny.

As for the feud with the Xu family, he didn't care much.

Does the Xu family have the ability to go to Zhennan Prefecture to seek revenge?

With the Xu family's current strength, they are not worthy of being his enemy.

Nie Tingjun, with a gloomy expression, rolled his eyes at Yan Yijin without responding.

Tuoba Hongyang smiled broadly and said, "Alright, Deputy General Yan, you can go now. When you are transferred to Zhennan Prefecture, don't forget to invite me to your wedding banquet."

The Tuoba family benefited greatly this time, and he deserves a lot of credit for it.

"Of course."

After Yan Yijin left, Tuoba Hongyang did not linger. He greeted Nie Tingjun and flew away from Baihe Mountain.

He didn't care about the Xu family.

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.

Only the Xu family and Prefect Nie Tingjun remained at Baihe Mountain.

"This matter will soon spread throughout Zhennan Prefecture, so your family members no longer need to hide their cultivation levels."

"There's no need to worry about anyone trying to rob you. With the name of the Tuoba family, your family is safe for now. However, the name of the Tuoba family can only protect you for a while, not forever."

Only when your Xu family is powerful enough can you truly control your own destiny.

Nie Tingjun offered this friendly reminder.

"Thank you, Prefect!"

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

"..."

The Xu family members thanked them repeatedly.

Thanks to Nie Tingjun, otherwise the Xu family wouldn't know how to deal with this situation.

"See you again if we are destined."

As soon as Nie Tingjun finished speaking, his figure soared into the sky and flew into the distance.

For him, it was just a kind gesture, but it saved countless lives in the Xu family.

As for whether the Xu family will have a chance to repay him in the future, Nie Tingjun had no idea, and he didn't hold out much hope.

After all, only if someone in the Xu family becomes a Golden Core cultivator can they possibly help Nie Tingjun.

However, the chances of such a weak family producing a Golden Core cultivator are extremely slim.

It's important to know that there are no Golden Core families in the entire Yuanli County, so you can imagine how difficult it is to produce a Golden Core cultivator.

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 all the outsiders left, only the Xu family remained on Baihe Mountain.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

The immediate crisis has been weathered safely.

Just now, two Golden Core cultivators were present, along with Prefect Nie Tingjun, who had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and Tuoba Hongyang, the Director of the Demon Subduing Division, who was at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment.

Not to mention the unimaginable Golden Core family behind them!
The Xu family was so weak that everyone in the Xu family was struggling to breathe just now.

The feeling of having one's fate controlled by others is unpleasant. Even without Nie Tingjun's reminder, they knew the importance of improving their strength.

"Dad~~"

"Grandpa, what do we do?"

"..."

All eyes were on Xu Fugui.

"Let's go back to Baihe Mountain first."

Xu Fugui led everyone back to the core area of ​​Baihe Mountain. This time, they did not enter the underground cave chamber, but stood in the spiritual land.

"From now on, our family will be officially a Foundation Establishment cultivation family. After a while, when news about the Tuoba family spreads in Zhennan Prefecture, we won't need to hide it anymore."

This is good news for the Xu family.

They were able to grow and expand as a Foundation Establishment family.

With three Foundation Establishment cultivators—Xu Xiaoniu, Xu Xiaohou, and Xu Zhongxi—ordinary Qi Refining families certainly wouldn't dare to cause trouble.

As for Foundation Establishment cultivators, they dare not come because of the "Tuoba family" name.

"Don't be discouraged, everyone. Our Xu family has only been developing for a few years now, which is nothing compared to other families that have been around for thousands of years. We will improve little by little, and one day we will become a great family that doesn't have to be subservient to others!"

Seeing that everyone looked restless and downcast, Xu Fugui tried to cheer them up.

In the eyes of many, the Xu family's rapid development had an element of luck.

However, he knew that the family's treasure tree within his body was the Xu family's greatest secret, far more important than the Five Elements Stance Technique.

As long as he lives, the Xu family will develop rapidly and will eventually become a Golden Core family.

The Xu family will no longer need to hide and will develop even faster.

"Yeah! Come on!"

"Our Xu family used to be a poor farming family, worse off than even a landlord family. My eldest uncle used to be unable to avoid conscription, but now he's become a Foundation Establishment Immortal Official..."

Hope was rekindled in everyone's hearts.

Yes, they've only been developing for a short time, so of course they can't compare to those ancient cultivation families with thousands of years of history.

Given time, they will definitely be able to develop.

"Brother, please accept my condolences."

Xu Xiaohou still remembered Xu Zhongyao's grudge.

He will avenge this one day.

(End of this chapter)