Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 153 This is an open conspiracy; we agreed to be alone together until the end.

With these low-grade spiritual herbs, Xu Chuan started refining pills again.

However, he did not refine all the spiritual herbs, but left about 70% for Zhang Wanqing to practice in the future.

Now, as long as a deal is reached with the Zhou family, there won't be a shortage of low-grade spiritual herbs for a short period of time.

Furthermore, the Xu family's herb-gathering team will be able to boldly venture into places like the spiritually rich mountains and valleys of Yuehu County in the future, without having to hide anymore.

Xu Chuan looked at the few spirit rice seeds floating in front of him and decided to spend some time cultivating them.

It seems to be similar to cultivating ordinary rice seeds: first, cultivate the seedlings, and then plant them in a place imbued with spiritual energy.

However, since it is spirit rice, the main factor determining its growth should be the concentration of spiritual energy.

Then he looked toward the medicinal herb field.

"It should have been two days."

Xu Chuan pointed his fingers together like orchids and made a wood-type magic seal.

Suddenly, a three-inch green light burst forth from his fingertips, and in an instant, the wood spirit energy in the world flowed like a hundred rivers into the sea, condensing into thousands of green fireflies.

Countless points of light, like dewdrops containing stars, fell upon every medicinal herb and spiritual herb, causing all the herbs and plants to stretch and tremble as if they possessed a spirit.

A moment later, he made a hand seal and cast a water-based spell.

A light drizzle suddenly gathered above the medicinal herb field, and in an instant, a light rain began to fall, making a tinkling sound.

After a cup of tea.

The clouds dissipated.

While there are spells in the wood element that promote the growth of spiritual herbs, they cannot be activated continuously and must follow the natural laws of digestion, absorption, and growth.

Too frequent an activity is counterproductive.

The same applies to water-based magic.

Therefore, he would cast a large-scale wood-based growth-promoting spell every two or three days, along with a spiritual rain.

The medicinal herbs and elixirs in the herb field are thriving.

Xu Chuan looked at the medicinal herb field and nodded in satisfaction.

After another year, most of the medicinal herbs will have reached the minimum age for refining.

After this harvest, Xu Chuan plans to separate the medicinal herbs needed for martial arts from the spiritual herbs needed for cultivation.

After all, ordinary medicinal herbs are not as easily absorbed and digested as spiritual herbs, so planting them separately is the most suitable approach.

Zhou Sen and the others returned to the Zhou family home.

"Shaocheng, you should go and rest. Your grandfather is going to see the next head of the family."

"Yes, grandfather, I take my leave."

Zhou Shaocheng left with four grandmaster guards.

The Zhou family doesn't have many Grandmaster-level guards; they are all absolutely loyal, and only those with outstanding martial arts talent are given special training to reach the Grandmaster level.

Otherwise, it would be better to spend the resources such as elixirs on one's own disciples.

"Elder Zhou Sen, has this trip been successfully completed? Has the Xu family agreed to trade with my Zhou family?" asked Zhou Shaoyuan, the head of the Zhou family.

Zhou Sen looked helpless. "There was a deal, but it was not the same deal as the other one."

Zhou Shaoyuan was puzzled. "What do you mean by that?"

"Patriarch, do you know who the Xu family's Grand Elder is?"

"The Xu family's Grand Elder? According to the investigations conducted by my Zhou family, there is no such person in the Xu family?"

Zhou Sen said, "Xu Chuan, the former head of the Xu family, is also the current Grand Elder of the Xu family. He was also a guest of my Zhou family, the Three Vertical Daoist."

"The Three Vertical Taoists is actually him?!"

"How is this possible?!"

Zhou Shaoyuan's eyes showed a look of horror.

“It’s absolutely true, I have already met with him,” Zhou Sen said.

"With the alchemy skills of the Three Vertical Taoists, plus the thirty percent of the Su family's resources, wouldn't the Xu family's development be unstoppable, unless they act now?"

A ruthless glint flashed in Zhou Shaoyuan's eyes.

"No way!" Zhou Sen raised his hand and said, "Fellow Daoist San Shu is a retainer of the Pill Hall and is highly regarded by Yun Zhongzi. Although he has not been in the Pill Hall for long, who knows if he has not made many connections through his alchemy skills."

If we were to bring in reinforcements, the Zhou family might not necessarily win.

Moreover, my Zhou family and the Xu family have never had any real interaction or enmity. To attack the Xu family now would be to follow the same path as the Su family.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Shaoyuan sighed and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Elder Zhou Sen's words are reasonable; I was being too attached to appearances."

"To deal with the Xu family, we need to plan carefully."

"It can also be mutually beneficial," Zhou Sen said calmly.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Zhou Shaoyuan asked in surprise. "With the alchemy skills of the Three Vertical Daoists, the Xu family can develop within one or two decades. The only weakness should be the number of cultivators."

“That’s right. The Xu family needs time to develop steadily, while my Zhou family needs the alchemy skills of the Three Vertical Taoist.”

Zhou Sen looked at Zhou Shaoyuan and said, "This is the deal proposed by Xu Chuan."

"As you know, Patriarch, my alchemy skills are fine for refining first-tier pills, but while I can also refine second-tier pills, the success rate is too low. In addition, second-tier spiritual herbs are not cheap, so having me refine them would only be a waste of the family's resources."

However, Xu Chuan claimed that he had a 30% success rate in condensing pills, and that he could condense at least four or five pills each time, with a chance of producing mid-grade and high-grade pills, which was exactly what the ancestor needed most right now.

"He asked my Zhou family to exchange one-third of the value of the pills for first-tier pill materials, magic weapons, spirit stones, etc., which I think is feasible."

However, I didn't rush to agree; I first came back to ask for the patriarch's opinion.

After pondering for a moment, Zhou Shaoyuan nodded and said, "This matter is of great importance. Elder Zhou Sen, please come with me to see the Ancestor immediately."

Zhou Sen nodded.

The two immediately went to the quiet room where Zhou Qingfang, the patriarch of the Zhou family, was in seclusion.

"Ancestor, Shaoyuan and Elder Zhou Sen have important matters to discuss with you. May I have the honor of meeting them?"

The sound entered.

A moment later, the stone door to the quiet room opened.

A rich spiritual energy wafted towards me.

This place is the most spiritually rich area in the Zhou family's territory, and it is also where Zhou Qingfang usually meditates and secludes himself for cultivation.

Only a handful of people in the entire Zhou family knew about it.

"Shaoyuan, Zhou Sen, what business do you have with me?"

Zhou Qingfang remained seated cross-legged on the futon, in a meditative state, without even opening his eyes.

“Let Elder Zhou Sen speak,” Zhou Shaoyuan said.

Zhou Sen immediately told him about Xu Chuan's intention to trade second-tier pills with the Zhou family.

"A second-tier pill?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfang opened his eyes, and two beams of light shot out, bringing great pressure to Zhou Shaoyuan and Zhou Sen.

"The Grand Elder of the Xu family possesses such alchemy skills? Isn't it said that the Xu family is merely a newly established cultivation family, and although geniuses like Xu Mingwei have emerged, there are very few cultivators within the clan?"

Zhou Sen cupped his hands and pointed out Xu Chuan's title, "Three Vertical Taoist".

Zhou Qingfang then showed a knowing expression.

After pondering for a while, he suddenly said, "The Xu family has quite a grand scheme; they've been biding their time until now before finally revealing their true colors."

"Xu Mingwei of the Xu family saved me once during the battle between Su and Zhou. My Zhou family cannot attack him without a reason. Now, he is exchanging the benefits of pills for cooperation to ensure the stable development of the Xu family."

"Shaoyuan, the Xu family's strategies and vision far surpass yours."

"Ancestor, Shaoyuan is ashamed," Zhou Shaoyuan said, cupping his hands in greeting.

"You are already stronger than many heads of aristocratic families. As long as my Zhou family progresses step by step, our foundation will grow stronger sooner or later."

"But there are always exceptionally talented people in this world; this is not your fault."

After a pause, Zhou Qingfang continued, "Cultivation during the Foundation Establishment stage is too slow. The spiritual energy nodes in my Moon Lake County are enough for Qi Refining stage cultivators to cultivate, but not enough for Foundation Establishment stage cultivators."

They could either go to other prefectures or the imperial city where spiritual energy was more abundant, or rely on elixirs to enhance their magical power.

However, my Zhou family does not possess a single recipe for a pill that can enhance foundation-building magic power.

This is an open conspiracy!

If the Zhou family wants to advance rapidly, it needs the Xu family's alchemy skills; if the Xu family wants to develop quickly and steadily, it also needs the Zhou family's assistance.

"What an irresistible deal!"

Zhou Qingfang looked at Zhou Shaoyuan and said, “Pass on my order that from now on, the Zhou family must treat the Xu family members with courtesy. Except for life-and-death feuds, all grudges can be set aside.”

"Ancestor, this..."

“The Xu family has greater potential than my Zhou family. Once the Xu family produces a Foundation Establishment expert, their momentum will be unstoppable, and they are expected to reach the second or even first rank.”

This is also for the sake of the Zhou family's future; you should take a longer-term view.

"But if the Xu family becomes complacent and overconfident..."

"Hehe, then this old ancestor overestimated the Xu family. They won't go very far. But do you think someone with such foresight and patience would be so foolish?"

Zhou Shaoyuan quickly cupped his hands and said, "Shaoyuan understands, and will inform others tomorrow."

“Ancestor,” Zhou Sen suddenly said, “I previously proposed a marriage alliance to the Xu family, and Xu Chuan did not seem to refuse. Since you think so highly of it, why not have a marriage alliance between Xu and Zhou, and take our cooperation a step further?”

"This is also a good idea. I suppose the Xu family also wants a marriage alliance to completely eliminate the covetousness of other families. Of course, given the strength that Xu Mingwei displayed at that time, I'm afraid there is no Qi Refining stage cultivator in the entire Yuehu County who can contend with him alone."

This move should also be intended to stabilize my Zhou family.

It's absolutely flawless!

Even if my Zhou family were to suddenly launch an attack against him, he would likely be prepared.

According to Zhou Qingfang's analysis, fine beads of sweat appeared between Zhou Shaoyuan's brows. It was probably impossible to sleep soundly at night with such a person as an enemy, fearing that he might fall into his schemes again at any time.

"Zhou Sen, you have some connection with Xu Chuan, so I'll entrust you with handling the marriage and the transaction."

"Zhou Sen understands," Zhou Sen said, bowing slightly.

"Well, everyone, please leave."

"I'll take my leave."

Zhou Shaoyuan and Zhou Sen immediately left the quiet room.

On the way, Zhou Shaoyuan said, "Elder Zhou Sen, I will have someone compile a list of eligible men and women in the clan later. Please write it down and then I will trouble you to make a trip to the Xu family in a few days."

"I understand, but should we choose someone without cultivation aptitude or someone with cultivation aptitude?"

"It was my oversight. I will have both types of disciples listed. If the Xu family's man to be married is of high status and is a cultivator, then we will arrange for a member of the clan with pseudo-spiritual root aptitude to marry him. Conversely, if their woman to be married also has cultivation aptitude, then my Zhou family must also show sincerity."

"Then we will do as you say, Master."

A few days passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhou Sen visited the Xu family in Dongxi again.

This time, he came with the Seventh Elder, who was at the eighth level of Qi Refining.

Flying on a sword is also very fast.

"Why did you stop?" The Seventh Elder asked, puzzled, when he saw Zhou Sen stop in front of the mist. "A mere mist formation can only confuse mortals. How could it possibly stop our divine senses?"

"Seventh Elder, this formation may seem simple, but it contains profound secrets. If you don't believe me, try it with your divine sense."

The Seventh Elder immediately probed the mist formation with his divine sense, and his brows furrowed instantly.

"Divine thought interference?" Zhou Sen stroked his white beard and smiled, "Exactly. Although it's not divine thought isolation, under the interference of divine thought, it will still take some effort for us cultivators to get there."

The Seventh Elder pondered, "The Xu family is indeed extraordinary. No wonder my Zhou family also wants to befriend them."

The two landed on the ground and, following the previous procedure, were led by members of the Xu family patrol team through the fog array before heading to the Xu family mansion.

The Xu family mansion has many places with restrictions that isolate divine thoughts.

Even if the Seventh Elder wanted to investigate the Xu family's background, he couldn't do it.

A few moments.

Xu Mingwei and Xu Chuan both entered the lobby.

Xu Chuan clasped his hands in greeting and asked, "Elder Zhou Sen, who is this gentleman?"

“I am Zhou Xilin, the seventh elder of the Zhou family, and he is of the same generation as me,” Zhou Sen said.

"A nobody like Xi? Then what about Elder Zhou Sen?"

"You're curious, aren't you? I'll tell you. I'm not a direct descendant of the Zhou family, but a declining branch. I was born in a county town, but my talent for cultivation was discovered, which is why I was brought into the main line."

I'm too lazy to change my name, but my descendants will still follow the Zhou family's generational naming conventions.

"So that's how it is." Xu Chuan clasped his hands in greeting to Zhou Xilin, saying, "Elder Xilin."

"Master San Shu," Zhou Xilin returned the greeting.

"Just call me Xu Chuan." Xu Chuan smiled faintly, then added, "Please have a seat, both of you."

Zhou Sen said, "I have obtained the consent of the patriarch to cooperate with the Xu family. I also hope that the two families can become related by marriage and help each other and develop together in the future."

"Mutual help is an exaggeration. It is my Xu family that is relying on the Zhou family for protection."

"Marriage alliance?" Xu Mingwei said in surprise, "My Xu family is small, and most of them are still young. There are not many family members who can be married into our family."

Zhou Sen stroked his beard and smiled, "That's alright, my Zhou family has someone who is a match for her."

Upon hearing this, Xu Mingwei looked at Xu Chuan, who said, "My youngest son is doing well. Elder Zhou Sen and Elder Xilin might as well meet him and then decide which member of the Zhou family should be married off."

“That’s only right.” The two exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with smiles.

Not long after.

A man dressed in pure white walked out of the hall.

His figure was tall and slender like a green bamboo standing in the wind. His white clothes seemed to be made from crushed moonlight. His white sleeves fluttered without being stained by any dust. When he walked, his clothes fluttered lightly, like flowing clouds brushing against green stones, and he was naturally radiant.

A jade lotus crown bound her nine-foot-long black hair, with a few strands falling beside her ears, adding a touch of gentleness without appearing careless.

Those eyes, when they looked up, seemed to hold the bright moon and stars, pure and without a speck of dust.

A jade pendant hangs from a plain belt, its jade patterns flowing and swaying gently with each step. Occasionally, it touches a square jade plaque beside it, producing a clear, melodious tinkling sound like the ringing of jade pendants.

On the other side, there is a plain-colored storage bag.

She possessed an ethereal beauty, like a banished immortal descending to earth. Even standing among the crowd, she was like a lone pine tree proudly braving the snow, with the bright moon hanging in the sky. Once you looked at her, it was hard to look away.

Xu Mingxian was the most outstanding of the five Xu Chuan brothers. Her appearance was unlike that of a typical member of the Xu family. After dressing up, she appeared even more elegant and refined.

Of the group, only Xu Mingwei and Xu Chuan bore a slight resemblance.

Zhou Xilin was slightly taken aback, secretly surprised that the Xu family had such an outstanding person.

However, Zhou Sen exclaimed in surprise, "Fellow Daoist Yunming?!"

"Greetings, Elder Zhou Sen." Xu Mingxian smiled faintly, cupped his hands in greeting, and then clasped his fists towards Xu Chuan and Xu Mingwei: "Father, elder brother."

"What's wrong? Do you know Elder Zhou Sen?"

"Haha, I should have thought of that sooner."

After saying that, Zhou Sen looked at Xu Chuan again, as if complaining, and said, "You really kept it a secret."

"It's not too late to know now." Xu Chuan's lips curled slightly as he said, "Young man, Xu Mingxian."

"Late stage of Qi Refining Level 8?!" Zhou Xilin suddenly realized and exclaimed in surprise.

"So fast? It seems your son's talent is even more outstanding than that of Patriarch Xu!" Zhou Sen said.

Xu Mingwei smiled faintly, "Fifth brother is exceptionally talented and is Father's favorite."

"Elder Zhou Sen, is there anyone among the nobles who would be a suitable match?"

Zhou Sen and Zhou Xilin exchanged a glance, both looking troubled.

A moment later.

Zhou Sen said, "My Zhou family patriarch has a daughter named Zhou Zongni, who is twenty-six years old. She has a pseudo-spiritual root aptitude, is beautiful and dignified, and has a very strong desire to pursue the Dao. She has just reached the fourth level of Qi Refining and is not yet married."

Brother Xu, what do you think?

Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingxian and said, "You decide for yourself. If you are unwilling, your father will choose someone else from the three generations."

Xu Mingxian pondered for a moment.

As male members of the Xu family, they have the responsibility to carry on the family line. Now that the Xu family has become more stable, it doesn't matter whether the Xu and Zhou families will get along amicably or go their separate ways in the future.

At least for now, the Xu family needs such a marriage alliance to ensure that they will have no worries for the next one or two decades and can focus on development.

Furthermore, he is now an elder and should set a good example.

Thinking of this, Xu Mingxian said calmly, "Mingxian is willing."

Zhou Sen and Zhou Xilin both smiled.

At such a young age, someone at the eighth level of Qi Refining will surely reach the peak of Qi Refining in just a few years.

If he were placed in the Zhou family, he would definitely be a potential Foundation Establishment cultivator, and the Zhou family would do everything in their power to nurture him into a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Excellent!" Zhou Sen clapped his hands and said, "My Zhou family also has more than twenty fine direct descendants. Does the Xu family have any daughters suitable for marriage?"

"My daughter, Xu Mingshu, you met Elder Zhou Sen some time ago. Her mother has arranged marriages for her many times, but she has always refused, so let's just forget about it."

Xu Chuan smiled and said, "As for the three generations, the eldest granddaughter is already betrothed, while the others are still young and need to grow up for another ten years or so before they can be considered for marriage."

Zhou Xilin stroked his beard and pondered.

Zhou Sen smiled and said, "The fact that such a marriage can be arranged shows Brother Xu's sincerity towards my Zhou family. It's okay to put the other marriage on hold for now."

"Thank you for your understanding, Elder Zhou Sen." Xu Chuan clasped his hands and smiled. "My Xu family will finalize the betrothal gifts as soon as possible, but the wedding can be postponed for a year or two. My Xu family is very busy right now."

"Once things have settled down, we can then hold a grand wedding ceremony for both families. What do Elder Zhou Sen and Elder Xilin think?"

"Okay." Both of them nodded in agreement.

The Zhou family patriarch has already stated that the Xu family should be treated with courtesy, and that all requests except for excessive ones should be granted.

The fact that the Xu family is acting this way now shows that their ancestor's judgment was correct.

Therefore, Zhou Sen and Zhou Xilin were naturally willing to cooperate.

Even if the Xu family is unwilling to form a marriage alliance, the Zhou family will cooperate, at most feeling somewhat unhappy.

Not long after.

Zhou Sen and Zhou Xilin then left the Xu family.

Bihan Pool.

When Xu Mingshu saw Xu Mingxian return, she immediately went up to her and asked in surprise, "You've really decided to get married?"

"It's just marriage, nothing serious. I was busy with cultivation before, but now I'm close to achieving it. Our Xu family is also on the right track. What's wrong with getting married?"

"We promised to be lonely together until the end of our lives," Xu Mingshu said wistfully.

"Fourth Sister, you're overthinking it." Xu Mingxian grinned. "Just wait for your sweetheart. Who knows, even after my grandson gets married, you'll still be all alone."

"Hmph!" Xu Mingshu felt that the words were not very hurtful but extremely insulting, and said angrily, "I have Xiaobai, Ada, A'er, and A'san with me, how could I be lonely?"

After saying this, he stormed back to his bamboo hut and secluded himself to cultivate.

Xu Mingxian chuckled and shook his head, then returned to his room to cultivate.

For him, marriage was just a diversion; cultivating immortality was the real business.

It has to be said that the fact that Xu Mingxian's twin brother is getting married soon is still a bit of a shock to Xu Mingshu.

The difference between having two people left and having only her left is huge.

For two consecutive days, Xu Mingshu was preoccupied and sullen.

However, Xu Mingxuan and Xu Mingyuan congratulated Xu Mingxian and jokingly said that if she didn't hurry up, her offspring would be the same age as her elder brother's grandson.

This was a common occurrence among prominent families.

For example, Zhou Shaoyuan, the head of the Zhou family, belongs to the Shao generation, and Zhou Sen's grandson, Zhou Shaocheng, also belongs to the Shao generation. However, the two are more than thirty years apart in age, and their sons may be more than ten years older than Zhou Shaocheng.

Time passed day by day.

Xu Mingyuan, Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingshu, Xu Deling, and others all acquired suitable mid-grade magic weapons.

Wu Tao and Shen Qingyi also used two low-grade magic artifacts for both attack and defense.

Zhang Wanqing is focused on alchemy and doesn't need such magical artifacts at the moment; the alchemy furnaces were all given to her by Xu Chuan.

Currently, I am still using a low-grade alchemy furnace, and I am working to improve the condensation rate and quality of the Great Martial Pill, while also honing my alchemy skills.

Professor Xu Chuan was extremely strict, as he devoted himself to his teaching.

If the pill condensation rate is less than 50%, and a high-grade pill cannot be produced, the process will not proceed to the next pill formula.

The pill formulas that Xu Chuan possesses are likely enough for him to immerse himself in for most of his life.

Once Zhang Wanqing becomes proficient in refining Grandmaster Martial Pills, it means she is also capable of refining Immortal Cultivation Pills, including Qi Gathering Pills, which enhance magical power, and she can quickly master the condensation of these pills.

At that time, Xu Chuan will replace it with a mid-grade alchemy furnace, or even a high-grade alchemy furnace.

During this period, the Yuan family and other Qi-cultivating families have sent people to investigate.

Once the martial artists arrived, they never returned.

Later, they sent cultivators, but after scanning the Xu family with their divine senses, they realized the Xu family's true strength and dared not send anyone again.

Even cultivators cannot pass through this formation silently. If they trespass on another race's territory, they will be killed and have no recourse.

However, if cultivators are injured or killed, the losses will be enormous.

After all, cultivating immortal cultivators is much more difficult than cultivating martial artists, and their numbers are already scarce. Some of them also died in the Su-Zhou conflict.

In addition to this special fog array that can interfere with divine senses, Xu Mingxian also set up a first-tier high-grade defensive array.

With the current spiritual energy of the cave, it can sustain its opening for half a day.

This formation was placed behind the mist formation.

Furthermore, Xu Mingxian is also considering improving the mist array and incorporating warning restrictions, so that if he senses fluctuations in magical power, he can instantly know and respond accordingly.

Of course, it will take several years to achieve this.

The array formation inheritance he obtained from the ancient cultivation cave was of great benefit to him. If he didn't have to cultivate every day to improve his realm, he would have loved to devote all his time to the research and practice of various array formations.

some day.

When Yang Zhao and Yang Shidao arrived, they saw the mist enveloping the entire Dongxi River. They looked at each other and both showed bitter smiles.

Fortunately, the Xu family heeded the patrol guards' advice and took action by setting up a bell outside specifically for visitors.

The patrol guards would know by ringing a bell.

If it were an ordinary fog array, one could not see inside from the outside, but could see outside from the inside. However, Xu Mingxian made a slight modification, making the fog have the effect of interfering with divine senses.

The effects of some of the fog formations have also become ineffective.

It can be said that they gained one thing but lost another.

(End of this chapter)