Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 181 The Calm Apprentice, the Spit-Ridden Teacher (Three-in-One, Please Subscribe!)

"How did you know that my Xiao family was going to form a marriage alliance with the Gu family?" The seventh elder of the Xiao family looked slightly surprised and looked at Xu Mingyuan with astonishment.

"I just overheard it." Xu Mingyuan said indifferently, "Fellow Daoists, now that the transaction is complete, would you like to stay and take a look around? The scenery in my Dongxi is quite nice."

The second elder of the Xiao family clasped his hands and said, "No, we still need to rush back to the family and it is inconvenient for us to stay any longer."

"Farewell."

He walked towards the gate first, followed closely by the Seventh Elder.

Xiao Changyuan clasped his hands in a gesture of apology and said, "Brother Mingyuan, please don't see me off. I hope we will have the opportunity to cooperate again next time."

"Definitely." Xu Mingyuan also stood up and returned the greeting with a fist and palm salute.

After the three people left.

Wu Zhen said, "It seems that the three members of the Xiao family have made two preparations."

Xu Mingyuan glanced at Wu Zhen and said, "Fellow Daoist Wu, you've also seen that the so-called insurance is just a pretext."

Wu Zhen nodded. "I have traveled to Longjiang County and have heard of the Xiao family and the Gu family. They are both truly great families in Longjiang County, second only to the Foundation Establishment family of this county, the Liu family of Qingbo Lake."

After hesitating for a moment, a look of worry appeared on his face, and he said again, "Elder Mingyuan, the Xiao family is not to be trifled with. Judging from the previous situation, the second and seventh elders of the Xiao family seemed to be unhappy."

I'm afraid they'll go back and stir up trouble.

"Fellow Daoist Wu is very experienced."

"I wouldn't dare. It's just that aristocratic families have always acted this way. If we rogue cultivators accidentally offend aristocratic scions, we'll definitely be hunted down by many people once it's discovered."

And since they provoke rogue cultivators, the rogue cultivators seem to be expected to swallow their anger.

Wu Zhen spat out a word, then explained, "But families like the Xu family, which are so focused on cultivation and development, are rare, and the disciples in the family are all free of bad habits."

The Xu family's family traditions filled Wu with profound respect.

As expected of a rogue cultivator, his survival instinct is truly admirable!

Xu Mingyuan silently complained that no one in his Xu family had ever been punished for their words.

On the contrary, the Xu family's growth and prosperity are precisely due to the collective wisdom and efforts of everyone involved.

"The Xiao family is strong, but they are separated by a prefecture. If they were to mobilize on a large scale, my Xu family would not be weak either."

Seeing the confidence on his face, Wu Zhen couldn't bear to discourage him, but still said, "Elder Mingyuan, it's not that I'm being presumptuous, but although I'm not sure about the Xiao family's exact strength and foundation, a top-tier Qi Refining family like his usually has more than a dozen people at the late stage of Qi Refining."

There are at least fifty or sixty people in the early and middle stages.

"And now, having obtained a considerable number of Breakthrough Pills from the Xu family, there will likely be at least five or six more cultivators at the late Qi Refining stage, and perhaps even two or three more at the ninth Qi Refining stage."

“Longjiang County is much stronger than Yuehu County as a whole. Yuehu County currently only has the Yuan family as a top-tier fifth-grade Qi Refining family, while the Yuan family in Longjiang County probably only has the foundation to be a top-tier fifth-grade family.”

Before becoming a Foundation Establishment family, the Zhou family was already among the top families.

However, Longjiang County also has powerful clans that are no less powerful than the Zhou family, and the Liu family of Qingbo Lake is far superior to the Su family of Yuehu County and the Zhou family of Yuehu County.

Even with the two forces combined, they were powerless to resist.

"Fellow Daoist Wu, you know quite a lot of details. You must have inquired a lot about the powerful families and clans in various prefectures in the past." Xu Mingyuan's eyes lit up.

Perhaps the greatest value of these independent cultivators lies not in their strength, but in their experience and intelligence.

Wu Zhen chuckled awkwardly, "It's just a habit of rogue cultivators."

Xu Mingyuan patted him on the shoulder, "Fellow Daoist Wu, rest assured, if the Xiao and Gu families really join forces to attack, you can go and escape for your life. My Xu family will not blame you."

Wu Zhen immediately took two steps back, cupped his hands and bowed, saying, "Elder Mingyuan misunderstands. Since I have joined the Xu family, I will naturally share the risks with the Xu family."

"I believe you." Xu Mingyuan smiled faintly. "Go back to the Battle Hall to cultivate."

"Yes."

On their way back.

The seventh elder of the Xiao family said with displeasure, "This Xu family is just a newly established Qi Refining family, barely reaching the fifth rank, yet they dare to be so arrogant."

They actually threatened our lives right in front of us.

"The person in charge is just a minor cultivator at the fourth level of Qi Refining, and they even need to recruit a rogue cultivator at the eighth level of Qi Refining to make a show of things. I suspect that the reason he was rated as a fifth-rank cultivator is because he bribed the Immortal Supervisor."

The second elder of the Xiao family remained silent.

Xiao Changyuan said, "I think the Xu family is not simple. Twenty years ago, the Xu family was just a small family in a county town. Their rapid development must have its own unique features."

"Xiao Changyuan, I haven't even blamed you yet, and you're already speaking up for the Xu family. Could it be that you've secretly accepted some benefits from them?"

"Seventh Elder, you are slandering me. Changyuan is just stating the facts."

"Let's stick to the facts. Why did you so quickly provide the other half of the transaction resources? Wasn't it all agreed that we should delay as long as possible?"

As long as we stall them, why should we be afraid of the Xu family coming to Longjiang to collect debts from my Xiao family?

Xiao Changyuan quickly explained, "Elders, you may not know this, but Xu Mingyuan is an extremely shrewd man. He will never be fooled by our words."

His earlier words were a warning; did the Seventh Elder intend to use these resources to kill the three of us in the Xu family?

"Heh." The seventh elder of the Xiao family sneered, "I doubt the Xu family would have the guts!"

"Besides, it's you who will die. The Second Elder is a cultivator at the late stage of the ninth level of Qi Refining. I also have ways to protect myself. But you, you barely made it into the family elders' council. Your foundation is shallow."

"Seventh Elder, you..." Xiao Changyuan glared angrily.

"Stop arguing." As soon as the second elder of the Xiao family spoke, the two fell silent.

"It's not worth gambling for these resources. After all, that's the Xu family's ancestral land. How could a family with such a strong foundation easily let outsiders know about it?"

Moreover, Xu Mingyuan is exactly as Changyuan described; he is indeed not to be underestimated.

The Second Elder of the Xiao family looked solemn. "Just by seeing that there were only half the resources in the storage bag, they instantly guessed what we were thinking."

They even made direct threats, leaving us no choice but to compromise.

He then went on to explain the situation of my Xiao family and the Gu family.

"It must have been one of the rogue cultivators next to him who said it. These rogue cultivators wander around everywhere; they don't have much ability, but they know a lot of things," said the Seventh Elder of the Xiao family.

"Perhaps." The second elder of the Xiao family sighed, then added, "However, this trip can be considered a successful mission. These pills will help many of the Xiao family's disciples improve their strength."

High-quality magical artifacts can also be given to those in need.

He glanced at Xiao Changyuan and said indifferently, "I remember you don't have a high-grade magic weapon yet, do you? When we get back, I will suggest to the family head that we bestow this high-grade magic weapon upon you."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. It's not certain whether it will work out. After all, there are several late-stage Qi Refining elders in the clan who don't have high-grade magic weapons."

Xiao Changyuan clasped his hands and said, "No matter what, Changyuan will always remember the Second Elder's kindness."

Over hundreds of years, a large clan will inevitably be divided into various factions.

The Second Elder of the Xiao family holds a high position within the family, but if he wants greater influence, he naturally needs to win over more elders.

At this moment, the Seventh Elder of the Xiao family asked, "Second Elder, what do you have to say about the Xu family?"

"Go back and report to the patriarch, and discuss this matter at the elders' meeting. After all, a fifth-rank family cannot be wiped out so easily, especially one from another prefecture."

Even if we join forces with the Gu family to destroy them, we must still be wary of the Zhou family of Yuehu County.

I have heard that after the Xu family became a family of cultivators, the Zhou family formed a marriage alliance with them, and the Zhou family members were core members of both families.

If the Xu family has already secretly reached an alliance agreement with the Zhou family, then if our two families rashly launch an attack across prefectures, the consequences will likely be dire, and our standing in Longjiang Prefecture will plummet.

Both Xiao Changyuan and the seventh elder of the Xiao family looked thoughtful, sensing the tricky part of the matter.

"In short, the council of elders will make its own decision afterward."

"Yes, Second Elder."

This cross-county attack is a blatant slap in the face to the local foundation-building families.

Regardless of which Foundation Establishment family it is, they all consider the county city where they live as their own territory.

Even if it's a Foundation Establishment family, if they dare to make a move, we'll have to test their strength and see how deep they are. But if it's a Qi Refining family...

Hmph, at that time, I'm afraid the Foundation Establishment cultivators will directly lead their clansmen to attack our door.

Therefore, the Xu family's transactions with other counties are currently all private and clandestine, and they would never make a big fuss about it to avoid causing trouble.

Afterwards, Xu Mingyuan also explained the matter to Xu Mingwei and Xu Chuan.

Both of them dismissed it with disdain.

"By the way, Mingyuan, if you have time, you could try learning talisman techniques from Lu Feng," Xu Chuan suddenly said.

"So sudden? I shouldn't have this kind of talent, should I?" Xu Mingyuan was deeply puzzled.

Xu Mingwei is the same.

"I had planned to let you try it before, since the clan had collected some, but I was worried that it would take too much time for you to figure it out on your own without anyone to teach you."

Furthermore, given your relatively low level of cultivation, I did not explain this to you.

"I have a talent for talisman making?"

"Although Father did not practice the art of talismans, why do you two brothers look at me like that?"

Xu Mingwei laughed and said, "Father, you always say this. You have never cultivated the Way of Weapons, but you can still guide Elder Mingsheng and Ling'er in the Way of Weapons, and you can also guide Mingxian in the Way of Arrays."

Did I say that?

"Yes," the two brothers said in unison, then burst into laughter.

Xu Chuan shook his head and chuckled, "Alright, in short, drawing talismans requires absolute focus and calmness, and in this respect, Ming Wei and the others are not as good as you, Ming Yuan."

Even the slightest error in drawing a talisman can affect its success.

And your insight into the smallest details is unmatched by anyone in my entire Xu clan.

The Dao of Alchemy requires an understanding and control of the properties of medicines; the Dao of Array Formation requires an understanding and comprehension of the Dao of Heaven and Earth; and the Dao of Artifacts requires focus, skill, and talent—all are indispensable.

A talisman is more like an ultra-precise instrument, in which every component has been predetermined in shape and position, including the depth of insertion, thickness, and so on.

This should be correct at least for top-tier talismans and below.

As for later stages, arrays, runes, pills, and artifacts all lead to the same goal: to comprehend the universe and create and research them independently.

Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingwei both looked thoughtful, feeling that Xu Chuan's words made a lot of sense.

After a moment, Xu Mingwei asked blankly, "Father, do you have a talent for teaching? Otherwise, why can you speak so eloquently about things you are not good at, giving people a feeling of enlightenment?"

That's because you've missed out on reading online novels for over a decade!

Xu Chuan silently complained in his heart, but smiled and scolded on the surface: "Stop talking nonsense."

Then he looked at Xu Mingyuan and asked, "What do you think?"

Xu Mingyuan pondered for a moment and then said, "Since Father says so, I suppose you have your own plans. Of the four main immortal arts of our Xu family, alchemy, weapon crafting, array formation, and talisman, only the talisman path is left without a leader."

If my child truly possesses talent in talismans, it will greatly enhance the foundation of my Xu family.

Therefore, for the sake of the family, I will make time to learn the art of talismans from Fellow Daoist Lu.

Xu Chuan nodded in satisfaction.

Having a group of filial children is great; it saves me a lot of trouble.

A few days later, the Xiao family held a meeting.

Besides discussing the distribution of the pills brought back by Xiao Changyuan and his group, they also discussed matters concerning the Xu family.

However, in the end, all eight elders disagreed with going across the county to deal with the Xu family.

Although the Xu family is only a newly established Qi Refining family, they are still ranked at the fifth rank and are located in a different prefecture. Many people have even suggested that they trade with the Xu family again in a few years.

After all, having such a stable source of high-grade pills is a good thing for the Xiao family.

At least after this transaction, the Xiao family's overall strength will increase by 10% within a few years.

Materials from demonic beasts and spiritual herbs are simply a waste if they are not refined into pills and magical artifacts by a suitable person. If they are only refined into low-grade ones, that is another kind of waste.

Therefore, the matter concerning the Xu family was left unresolved.

On the Xu family's side.

The Hall of Immortal Arts, the Hall of Talismans.

Currently, Lu Feng is the only person in the entire hall.

"Although crafting talismans can accumulate family contribution points, the consumption of materials will result in the deduction of corresponding contribution points. It is better to take on apprentices."

You can earn contribution points simply by teaching; if you train a true talisman master, you'll receive additional resource rewards. The more talents you train, the more contribution points and resources you'll accumulate.

Lu Feng muttered to himself, "I really envy the alchemy hall of the Great Elder next door. No, the entire Xu family is led by the Great Elder. If he wants resources, it's just a matter of a word."

I still envy Elder Wu's weapon-refining hall.

But who can argue with that when someone is a master craftsman capable of forging high-grade magical artifacts!

Lu Feng kept babbling on and on.

"Fellow Daoist Lu."

Suddenly, a middle-aged man entered the Talisman Hall. Lu Feng was slightly startled. He looked up and saw that it was Xu Mingyuan. He stood up abruptly, cupped his hands and said, "Greetings, Elder Mingyuan."

When Lu Feng, Wu Zhen, and Luo Qianshan were recruited into the Xu family, the first core figure they came into contact with was Xu Mingyuan.

Only those who pass his test can enter the Xu family.

Then came Xu Mingwei, the head of the Xu family, followed by the eldest elder Xu Chuan and a series of others.

Sometimes, Lu Feng felt that Xu Mingyuan was the true head of the Xu family.

"Elder Mingyuan, is your visit for inspection? As you know, although I know some talisman techniques, I am far less proficient in weapon crafting than Elder Wu. Although there may be some waste, I will try to keep it within acceptable limits."

"Why bring up Elder Wu out of the blue?" Xu Mingyuan shook his head and chuckled.

His assessment of him was that he was of decent character, but a chatterbox, and that he was the same whether someone was around or not.

"Oh, it's nothing, just kidding," Lu Feng laughed, then asked, "What brings Elder Mingyuan here?"

"I intend to try learning the art of talismans, and I've come here to learn from you how to make them."

Upon hearing this, Lu Feng's eyes widened, and he muttered, "Could it be that Heaven heard my babbling? And specially sent an apprentice, who is also a powerful elder of the Xu family!"

"What are you muttering about, Fellow Daoist Lu?"

"It's nothing, Elder Mingyuan. It's never too late for you to learn if you're willing to."

Do you think I'm too old?

That Lu Feng, he really has no self-control when it comes to his mouth. It's no wonder he's still alive.

"Elder Mingyuan, how about this? I'll personally make a talisman for you to experience first, and then I'll explain some basics of talisman drawing, materials, and so on to you."

Xu Mingyuan nodded slightly.

however--

"My mistake, my mistake. Perhaps Elder Mingyuan's arrival has made me a little excited."

After a while.

"Your hand is shaking, let's try again."

"I might be having a bit of bad luck today, Elder Mingyuan, please wait a little longer."

the sixth time.

The talismanic patterns outlined in cinnabar meandered and flowed on the yellow paper, each stroke containing a trace of spiritual power.

Sweat kept seeping from Lu Feng's forehead.

As the last stroke was made, the entire talisman suddenly glowed faintly, and a pale blue spiritual energy could be vaguely seen flowing like a thin mist on the paper.

These spiritual energies are not static, but rather slowly flow along the direction of the runes.

"It's done!"

Lu Feng paused in his talisman brush, then gently lifted it, visibly relieved.

The talisman paper has a special texture, slightly soft yet firm, and at the moment of its formation, the interwoven golden veins inside can be faintly seen.

"Elder Mingyuan, this is an earth-type defensive talisman. It only requires a trace of magic power to activate a spherical earth-yellow shield. Its defensive power is not weak, and it would take at least a mid-to-late stage cultivator to break through it."

If it is a high-grade defensive talisman, it is enough to withstand several attacks from a Qi Refining Perfection cultivator using a high-grade magic weapon.

Of course, if a high-quality magical artifact is used, it can be broken open in one go.

The advantage of talismans lies in their ease of activation. Even a cultivator in the early stage of Qi Refining can be killed if there are enough talismans, even if the cultivator is at the peak of Qi Refining.

Under the relentless bombardment, no one could withstand its power.

"The art of explosion?"

"Elder Mingyuan understands! It seems we are kindred spirits. My specialty is fire talismans. Those fire talismans fly out and explode in an instant..."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Xu Mingyuan looked up to stop him from continuing his rambling. "So, why doesn't Fellow Daoist Lu draw the fire-type talismans he's best at, instead of wasting materials to draw earth-type defensive talismans?"

"Huh?" Lu Feng was taken aback for a moment, then asked himself, "Yeah, why don't I draw fire-type talismans?"

Xu Mingyuan wanted to roll his eyes, but waved his hand and said, "Let's not dwell on this. I already know how to draw talismans. Can you teach me some basics?"

For example, what are the methods for making talisman paper, the methods for using talisman brushes, and the methods for using pigments? And what are the types of talismans, etc.?

“No problem, as long as Elder Mingyuan has time, I can explain in detail.”

"I don't have time, so I'll keep it short and to the point."

Lu Feng's enthusiasm was dampened, but he still began to explain the basics of talismans to Xu Mingyuan step by step.

More than two hours later.

"That's about it. Elder Mingyuan can look up some of the talisman classics among them."

Xu Mingyuan nodded slightly, then clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Lu. From now on, I will set aside two hours each day to come to the Talisman Hall to learn how to draw talismans from you."

"So this counts as teaching, right? I can get family contribution points for it, right?"

Xu Mingyuan smiled and said, "Of course."

Lu Feng immediately grinned.

After that, Xu Mingyuan came to the Talisman Hall every day as promised to learn the art of talisman making.

The talisman brush is also a ritual implement.

Xu Mingyuan asked Xu Deling to make one for him when he had some free time.

The refining process itself is not difficult; the difficulty lies in obtaining the materials.

Some talisman brushes may develop special properties during the crafting process, such as enhancing the user's mental focus.

The pigment is cinnabar imbued with spiritual energy, or even the blood of demonic beasts.

Of course, this is only the pigment for the lowest grade talisman. Some mid-grade and even high-grade talismans may require specific pigments.

The same goes for talismans.

Most low- to mid-grade talismans can be made from yellow paper crafted from Seven-Star Grass, but some talismans use the hide of demonic beasts or jade as their carrier.
These kinds of talismans are mostly extremely powerful or have special effects.

However, the core of a talisman is still the runes.

The moment each rune is completed, it seems as if some unseen force connects with heaven and earth, endowing it with mysterious and profound abilities.

Lu Feng also told Xu Mingyuan that a true master of talismans could even use heaven and earth as a scroll and magic power as a brush, creating talismans with a thought and causing the heavens to change when the talisman was completed.

It possesses the power to shake the heavens and split the earth.

This is similar in principle to the formation that draws upon the power of heaven and earth.

"It is said that formations are about comprehending the great principles of heaven and earth and nature. In fact, the way of talismans in the later stages is also like this. Talismans are more like simplifying all things and exploring their power and laws."

For example, the Fireball spell is created when cultivators use hand seals to manipulate the power of the five elements, ultimately forming the spell. The Fireball talisman, on the other hand, is the result of previous generations' in-depth research into the formation and essence of the Fireball spell's power.

The transformation of its invisible principles into visible patterns is what we call runes.

By activating it with magic power, a fireball spell can be formed directly.

It's much faster than if I were to perform hand seals myself.

"Based on my speculation, the emergence of talismans may be because ancient cultivators developed the Dao of Talismans to facilitate magical battles."

After all, some top-tier spells, while incredibly powerful, are also extremely troublesome to cast, taking at least a dozen or even several tens of breaths to execute.

This is extremely disadvantageous in a battle of wits.

However, if simplified into talismans and prepared in advance, they can be activated instantly; some, even if slower, only require a breath or two.

Xu Mingyuan found it amusing. "According to Fellow Daoist Lu, all spells can be transformed into talismans?"

"Pretty much, that's what I think anyway. Of course, whether we can actually do it is another matter. After all, drawing talismans is already difficult enough, let alone studying the principles and essence of magic and supernatural powers."

This requires an even higher level of comprehension than the art of formations!

Xu Mingyuan nodded, thinking to himself, "Indeed, the path to enlightenment is endless."

More than ten days later.

The Xu family mansion.

Xu Mingyuan and his wife, along with Wu Tao, were all waiting outside the room.

More than half an hour later.

Xu Dejing gave birth to a son.

Immediately, Xu Chuan and his wife, Xu Mingwei and his wife, Xu Mingxuan and his wife, Xu Mingshu, Xu Mingxian and his wife, and many younger relatives all came to Xu Dejing's bedroom.

Fortunately, the space is quite large; otherwise, with so many people, it would be packed to the brim.

Xu Dezhao hugged Xu Chonghui and said, "Brother Hui, look, that's your younger brother."

Xu Chonghui stared with his bright, dark eyes at the little one in Wu Tao's arms.

Everyone took turns coming up to take a look.

A moment later, Wu Tao handed the child to Xu Mingyuan and said, "Father-in-law, please name the child."

Should I come and pick it up?

"Yes, Jing'er and I had already discussed it beforehand."

“Let me think about it.” Xu Mingyuan pondered seriously, as if he were thinking about something important. “He’s from the Chong generation, so let’s call him Chongming.”

The character "明" appears in the Book of Documents, Yao Dian: "钦明文思安安" (qīn míng wén sī ān ān), meaning "to be wise and insightful." It also appears in the Songs of Chu, Jiu Bian: "愿皓日之显行兮，云蒙蒙而蔽之" (yuàn hào rì zhī xiǎn xíng xī, yún méng méng ér bì zhī), meaning "

It represents wisdom and integrity.

"Xu Chongming, Chongming, Ming'er," Wu Tao muttered a couple of times, then clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you, Father-in-law, for bestowing this name upon me."

　There will be an extra chapter tomorrow! Please support me!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)