Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 193 The Lei Family Arrives (Please Subscribe and Vote)

These past two years.

Xu Chuan devoted himself to the study of alchemy.

They also developed a pill to break through the bottleneck of becoming a Grandmaster, which they named the Breakthrough Pill.

Like the Breakthrough Pill, this pill can only be taken a maximum of five times in a martial artist's lifetime.

It also has an effect on the breakthrough of the Grandmaster's minor realm.

If it's a high-grade Breakthrough Pill, you can basically break through with just one pill; it's hard to say for low-grade ones.

Its refining difficulty is similar to that of a Grandmaster Martial Pill, but the materials are ten times more precious. Fortunately, the Xu family has collected and cultivated a lot of medicinal herbs and spiritual plants.

With two more medicinal herb gardens cultivating and planting, there is currently no shortage.

With Xu Chuan's alchemy skills, he can use these medicinal herbs and spiritual plants almost perfectly.

Since the Nine Flames Technique broke through the eighth flame level, the refining of first-order pills can basically reach nine pills per batch, with seven or eight being of superior quality and the rest being of medium quality.

Even Yun Zhongzi had to admire Xu Chuan's mastery of alchemy.

However, the success rate of producing high-grade second-tier pills is not that high.

At most, it's only six at a time.

After all, refining a second-tier pill is much more difficult than refining a first-tier pill, requiring higher levels of mana and control over flames.

The cultivation of demonic beasts has also gotten on track, and several kinds of pills suitable for cultivating spirit beasts have been refined and gradually formed a system.

These are common pills, suitable for most spirit beasts to consume.

However, if it is a special spirit beast or spirit insect, he can also find all the materials and refine it separately. With his alchemy skills, there is basically no pill he cannot refine.

There are also the Body Strengthening Pill, Bone Nourishing Pill, and Bloodline Pill.

The Strengthening Pill and Bone-Nourishing Pill are only suitable for children aged three to eight. Although their effects are far less than those of the Bone-Strengthening Pill, one pill can be taken each month.

When taken together, the effects over several years far surpass those of Zhuanggu Dan (a traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening bones and muscles).

Bloodline Pill, as the name suggests, is specifically designed for people with special bloodlines.

Xu Chuan developed this elixir with the consideration that the bloodlines of future generations of the Xu family would be diverse, some rich and some diluted.

For those with thin blood, continued use can gradually enhance the strength of their blood vessels.

This is similar to the elixir used to cultivate demonic beasts, but the demonic beast elixir not only enhances bloodline power but also spiritual power.

This Bloodline Pill only targets the bloodline.

Both martial arts practitioners and cultivators can consume it.

Although the materials used to refine this pill are not as precious as those used to refine the Breakthrough Pill, they are still rarer than those used to refine the Grandmaster Martial Pill and the Qi Gathering Pill, making it impossible to refine it in large quantities at present.

Xu Chuan devoted himself to researching and developing these elixir formulas, which represent a tremendous asset for the Xu family.

It cultivates from infancy, provides formulas for advancing cultivation at each level, and helps break through bottlenecks, while also taking into account the possibility that the bloodline of future generations may be diluted.

Based on the research on spirit beast elixirs, research was conducted on bloodline elixirs.

Even more advanced are the Divine Advancement Pills, which allow one to transcend bottlenecks and break through to the Divine Consciousness stage ahead of schedule.

The Xu family's training for those below the Foundation Establishment stage is absolutely no worse than that of first or second-grade aristocratic families, and may even be slightly better.

It is enough to produce talented people generation after generation, in an endless stream.

It was the full moon, the crescent moon.

A thousand acres of frosty rice droop their heads, golden waves reaching the sky.

Morning dew clings to the ears of grain, each grain reflecting the sun like a string of pearls.

Farmers bundle wormwood into torches, and the blue smoke meanders through the fields, burning away the remaining embers of weeds and mingling with the autumn colors of the clouds.

A figure arrived from afar, at Qingjiang Cave Creek.

"Surrounded by mist, this must be the place."

Without saying a word, he immediately stood with his hands behind his back and flew into the misty formation.

"Divine sense interference? But it's too weak, it only affects cultivators in the Qi Refining stage."

The middle-aged cultivator murmured, "The Xu family has only been a family of cultivators for a few years, so it is truly remarkable that they were able to set up such a formation."

But for a breath.

They then made their way through the fog.

Suddenly, the view opened up before me, revealing distant mountains that appeared dark blue, with layers of peaks gradually turning ochre, and a thin layer of snow already visible on the highest peak.

In the distance, the mountains are shrouded in a light mist, and the winding blue stone steps can be faintly seen.

The middle-aged monk looked down.

Farmers in the fields bent over like a flock of geese, their sickles snapping rice stalks cleanly with a "snap-snap" sound like silkworms eating leaves.

The old man tied the rice with hemp rope, and with each flick of his wrist, his veins bulging, a bundle of freshly harvested rice would stand behind him like soldiers in formation.

A woman carried a bamboo basket on her back to gather rice ears, with bits of rice leaves stuck to her temples. A young child followed behind her, poking at field mouse holes with a stick and startling two or three birds.

On the eastern side of a clear lake, an old fisherman sits alone on a rock, his straw raincoat half-covering his frosty temples. He uses a withered bamboo pole and a hemp rope hook, and he is unhurried and calm, only gently pulling the fishing line as if teasing the fish.

The middle-aged cultivator's eyes lit up when he saw these peaceful scenes.

"Interesting. It seems the Xu family has put a lot of thought into this place."

Upon reaching the skies above the mountains, they saw array formations and restrictions.

The middle-aged cultivator didn't barge in and immediately asked, "Is Fellow Daoist Xu here?"

Its sound, like thunder, exploded in the sky above Dongxi.

Xu Mingwei, who was watching the disciples of the Battle Hall fight, immediately looked up at the sky.

Disciples from various halls, as well as many people from the foot of the mountain, all looked toward the source of the sound.

"This person is so rude," an old man said with a look of disgust. "Since you've come to visit, why are you making such a racket? You don't know any manners at all."

"It's him?!"

Xu Mingwei's pupils contracted slightly, genuinely surprised. He then said to the disciples of the Battle Hall, "Now that we're here, those who need to cultivate, go and cultivate."

"Yes, Elder Mingwei."

Xu Mingwei leaped lightly, and a flying sword flew out of his storage bag and landed right at his feet.

Flying on his sword, he arrived in front of the middle-aged cultivator in the blink of an eye.

He clasped his hands in greeting and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Senior Lei."

This person was none other than Lei Hekong from the Lei family.

“Xu Mingwei,” Lei Hekong said calmly, then raised an eyebrow after a moment, “It’s been many years. Your cultivation has reached the peak of Qi Refining.”

Xu Mingwei nodded and said, "Why did Senior Lei suddenly come to my Xu family?"

"Of course there is something. You haven't forgotten your promise to refine pills for my Lei family free of charge, have you?"

Xu Mingwei smiled slightly and cupped his hands, saying, "Senior Lei is mistaken."

"He only provided assistance three times without charge."

"Haha, perhaps I've misremembered," Lei Hekong laughed. "Take me to see your father; this matter must be discussed with him in person."

"this way please."

Xu Mingwei flicked his sleeve, and a burst of blue light shot out from his token, instantly creating a gap in the array's protective barrier.

After passing through, the two headed towards the Hall of Immortal Arts.

We arrived at the Alchemy Hall.

Just then, Xu Chuan finished his mini-lesson.

"Elder, we must take our leave now." He clasped his hands together in front of his abdomen and bowed slightly.

Xu Chuan nodded.

When Shen Qingyi and Zhang Wanqing saw Xu Mingwei arrive with an unfamiliar cultivator, they also bowed and said, "Greetings, Elder Mingwei, greetings, senior."

Xu Mingwei nodded slightly.

Currently, each hall still lacks manpower.

Once the recruited cultivators from outside the clan reach the fourth level of Qi Refining, they must choose from various halls to learn immortal arts, join the battle hall, or become a member of the discipline team.

“Father, Senior Lei Hekong from the Lei family has come to visit.”

Xu Chuan stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Senior Lei."

"You must be Xu Chuan. Sure enough, I can smell a strong fragrance of elixir on you."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly, "Senior, please sit down. You've come here to have me fulfill my promise, haven't you?"

Lei Hekong casually sat down and nodded, saying, "This pill is difficult to refine. Even the alchemy masters in my clan say they have no confidence in its success."

But my Lei family doesn't want to invite Yun Zhongzi.

After all, he has a very close relationship with the Cao family, and my Lei family cannot force him to swear an oath never to reveal the news.

"Senior, please speak frankly and let me refine the He Dan."

Lei Hekong flicked his hand across the storage bag, and a pill formula flew out and landed in front of Xu Chuan. "Take a look and see if you can refine it."

Xu Chuan glanced at the pill formula, which contained more than twenty kinds of ingredients, making it even more complex than the Divine Sense Pill.

"It is a bit difficult, but as long as there are enough materials, any alchemy master should be able to refine it."

Of course, high-grade pills are another matter.

"As with last time, the materials are limited, but there are also differences. My Lei family needs at least ten of these pills."

Xu Chuan's pupils contracted slightly, and Lei Hekong continued, "As for the materials, there are ten portions."

"This"

Xu Chuan pondered for a moment, thinking to himself: It's not too difficult, I should be able to swallow a few.

"I know it's very difficult. All the alchemy masters in my Lei family say that ten sets of materials can only guarantee that the pill will be made, but there is no way to control the quantity."

Throughout the entire Great Wei, there are certainly only a few people who can do this, and Yun Zhongzi is one of them.

You, Xu Chuan, are one of them too.

My Lei family doesn't want this matter to become public knowledge, which is why we came to Dongxi to find you.

"This pill is difficult to make, and I'm not very confident about its success unless Senior Lei agrees to one condition."

"What are the conditions?" Lei Hekong frowned.

"The pills that the Lei family makes their juniors refine are becoming increasingly difficult. If I cannot refine them, won't this promise be delayed indefinitely?"

As you can probably see, I'm nearing Foundation Establishment. If I have reservations, it might lower my chances of success.

Upon hearing this, Lei Hekong chuckled inwardly.

He could also see that this was just an excuse.

But these three opportunities were given to me by chance, so it wouldn't hurt to use them as an alternative to make up for them.

"What Fellow Daoist Xu said is correct. Then let's combine the three into one. If this fails, you will still owe the Lei family one. How about that?"

"We will do as Senior Lei says," Xu Chuan said, cupping his hands in greeting.

Lei Hekong immediately handed all the materials to Xu Chuan and said, "You should know the rules of my Lei family."

Xu Chuan nodded and immediately took the oath.

Then Xu Mingwei was made to swear an oath not to disclose the contents of this conversation.

Lei Hekong was relieved and laughed heartily, "Then I will go for a stroll along the nearby Qingjiang River and come back in five days. Fellow Daoist Xu, don't let me down."

"I will do my best. I am about 50 to 60 percent confident that I can get ten pills."

Lei Hekong nodded, then said to Xu Mingwei, "Young friend, please see me off from your Xu family."

"Yes, senior."

Xu Chuan looked at the pill formula and smiled slightly. "Another pill for breaking through realms, specifically for Foundation Establishment cultivators."

The Lei family's foundation is indeed profound!

If it were my Xu family, we would have difficulty even collecting this pill formula.

The lowest quality medicinal herbs are at least fifty years old, with fifteen varieties exceeding one hundred years old, and three main medicinal herbs exceeding five hundred years old.

Xu Chuan sighed deeply, "Sure enough, once you reach the Foundation Establishment stage or above, the number of spiritual herbs that are over a hundred years old in the pill formula will increase, and some of them will be rare spiritual herbs."

It is truly a rare and precious treasure.

This is inevitable. If Foundation Establishment pills were commonplace, there would be countless Foundation Establishment experts in the Great Wei, and most of them wouldn't be stuck in the early stages of Foundation Establishment.

"If we don't leave the Great Wei, the future of our Xu family as a Foundation Establishment family will probably be the limit."

"Let's take it one step at a time." There are many things that can only be accessed by those who have established a Foundation Establishment family.

For example, the "Wuhua Dharma Assembly," which contains rare opportunities for foundation building in the Great Wei Dynasty, is a rare occurrence.

After calming his mind for a quarter of an hour, Xu Chuan announced that he would go into seclusion to refine pills.

If it were when Xu Chuan was refining the Qinghua Pill for the Lei family, he probably wouldn't have been able to easily guarantee that he could refine ten Chongxu Pills.

But now.

First, we will try tasting hundreds of herbs to understand their medicinal properties and explore the changes in their medicinal properties.

He was confident that he could condense the elixir in one furnace.

Then, adjustments were made, such as controlling the heat and blending the medicinal liquid.

On the fourth batch alone, Xu Chuan refined a mid-grade pill.

The ninth batch produced a superior-grade elixir.

The tenth batch yielded three superior-grade pills.

After ten batches, a total of thirty-six pills were produced, including four high-grade pills, twelve mid-grade pills, and twenty low-grade pills.

"Take eight low-grade, two mid-grade, and one high-grade to hand over. That should be enough to deal with the Lei family."

"The rest is my reward for my efforts."

Five days later.

Lei Hekong arrived right on time.

Xu Mingwei divided the pills into smaller portions and handed them to Lei Hekong, saying, "Senior Lei, my father has devoted himself to this cause and has finally lived up to expectations. He is now in seclusion to recuperate."

Lei Hekong scanned the area with his divine sense and was greatly surprised.

"There are also mid-grade and high-grade pills?"

"Father said that if there were a few more sets of materials, the quantity of mid-grade pills would be greater. As for high-grade pills, it was a matter of luck. Even if we refined them a few more times, we might not be able to succeed."

Lei Hekong smiled broadly, "Fellow Daoist Xu, you've worked hard refining pills. I won't bother you any longer. Farewell."

Without saying much, he immediately left Dongxi and returned to the imperial city.

This top-grade pill was a real surprise for the Lei family.

Even if the Lei family patriarch reaches the end of his lifespan again in the future, during this time, with these pills, the Lei family can still produce another Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator.

"I never expected Xu Chuan's alchemy skills to have reached such a level; he should be no less skilled than Yun Zhongzi."

If my Lei family were to offer him a Foundation Establishment Pill in exchange for his complete incorporation into our family, I wonder if that would be possible.

A first-class family like the Lei family would definitely reserve one or two for future use.

However, if the majority of the elders of the Lei family cannot agree, it may not be easy to use them.

Lei Hekong felt it was worth mentioning, but he couldn't guarantee whether it would pass the Lei family council's discussion, especially since the ownership of the Foundation Establishment Pill was always a topic of discussion.

The various branches of the Lei family were in an uproar, and even these Foundation Establishment cultivators were helpless to stop it.

Among them, the Foundation Establishment Pills for several Foundation Establishment cultivators were obtained through the efforts of the elders of their own lineage.

Only after Lei Hekong disappeared without a trace did Xu Mingwei return to the Alchemy Hall with peace of mind.

Xu Mingwei's previous statement was obviously a lie; Xu Chuan was not in seclusion at all.

The alchemy process only took a little over three days.

After that, he continued to practice secret arts and spells, study elixirs, or visit the herb garden as usual.

"Father, how was the harvest? What kind of elixir did the Lei family ask you to refine?"

"The Void-Piercing Pill is a precious pill used to break through bottlenecks in the Foundation Establishment stage. It can be used for bottlenecks in the middle and late stages as well," Xu Chuan said calmly.

"Then how much did my Xu family get for free?"

"What do you mean by 'free'? This is the reward for my help!"

"Yes, yes, Father is absolutely right."

Both father and son burst into laughter.

"Even cultivators stuck at the Foundation Establishment bottleneck would be willing to exchange two or three tenths of their wealth for this one."

The bottleneck Xu Chuan mentioned refers to the bottleneck in the mid-to-late stages.

The Foundation Establishment stage, strictly speaking, is similar to the Qi Refining stage, and can also be divided into nine levels, with each three levels forming a major bottleneck.

Most cultivators with true spiritual roots who have entered the Foundation Establishment stage will be stuck at a major bottleneck, unable to break through even after decades until their lifespan ends.

However, some people are not stuck in a bottleneck for too long.

As for why, the mystery is hard to explain, but it may be related to one's temperament, Daoist mind, fortune, and clear thinking.

Lei Hekong returned to the Lei family and handed the pills to the family head.

"Thank you for your help, He Kong. How was the trip?"

Lei Hekong grinned, "There's an unexpected surprise."

"How so?"

"The patriarch will understand once he sees it."

The Lei family patriarch then scanned the area with his divine sense and exclaimed in surprise, "A high-grade Void Reaching Pill?!"

"That's right. It's really lucky to get one high-grade pill out of ten sets of materials to refine a top-tier second-order pill like the Void Refining Pill. The rest are just average."

Upon hearing this, the head of the Lei family nodded, flicked his sleeve to collect the pills, and said, "We still need to discuss how to distribute these Qi Refining Pills."

“Patriarch, He Kong has an idea. Xu Chuan is preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Perhaps our Lei family can recruit him.”

"Like Yun Zhongzi?" The head of the Lei family raised an eyebrow, seemingly interested.

But then he hesitated and said, "This matter is not easy. My Lei family is no match for the Cao family. Every Foundation Establishment Pill must be used wisely."

There are quite a few disciples in the clan who have reached the Qi Refining Perfection stage, and they are all keeping a close eye on them.

Including the foundation-building period behind them.

"Furthermore, even if Xu Chuan has a true spiritual root, a single Foundation Establishment Pill is not enough to guarantee his success. Of course, if he can break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, his alchemy skills will likely advance even further."

"I'm just making a suggestion. I feel it's a waste to put Xu Chuan's talent in alchemy in a small family." Lei Hekong laughed gruffly.

"It is a bit of a pity," said the head of the Lei family. "But judging from his unwillingness to stay in the Pill Hall, it is clear that he cares more about his family."

Nine out of ten would not want to join my Lei family.

However, my Lei family can be on good terms with some of them.

For the "Wuhua Dharma Assembly," our first and second-rank families have a quota for recommending Qi-cultivating families, and we expect the Xu family will not refuse.

If they could become a Foundation Establishment family, that would be best, as they would be even more valuable to recruit.

Even if not, the Xu family will be grateful, and my Lei family won't need to contribute any actual resources.

"The patriarch's strategy is truly brilliant," Lei Hekong flattered slightly. "I believe the Xu family has considerable potential."

"Oh? You found something on this trip?"

Lei Hekong said, "The Xu family's territory is located on the edge of the county town, but it is shrouded in a mist formation, which also has the effect of interfering with one or two divine senses."

Their territory was well-governed, and the people and families under their rule lived in peace and prosperity, presenting a scene of harmony and tranquility.

This is a sign of great prosperity.

Moreover, the Xu family has Xu Mingwei, whose combat strength is extraordinary. He is now at the peak of Qi Refining, and I'm afraid that ordinary Qi Refining peak cultivators would not be able to deal with him.

I estimate that only the most core members of my Lei family can rival him.

Unfortunately, by the time of the next "Wuhua Dharma Assembly," he will likely be over sixty years old and unable to participate; otherwise, he could have truly broken into the top ten and won the Foundation Establishment Pill.

The head of the Lei family looked surprised. "I didn't expect you to think so highly of Xu Mingwei."

"What about the rest of the Xu family?"

"I'm not entirely sure. All the important buildings in the Xu family's territory are protected by array formations, making them difficult to investigate."

"Hearing you say that, it seems that the Lei family needs to pay even more attention to the Xu family." After thinking for a moment, the Lei family head said, "After this distribution of the Void Refining Pills is completed, you should go to the Xu family again."

This expresses the Lei family's goodwill and reveals their willingness to donate a spot in the "Wuhua Dharma Assembly" to help the Xu family.

In the past, families with recommendation slots would auction them off to families specializing in Qi Refining, with the highest bidder winning.

This is the Dragon Gate Steps.

Although the chances are slim, each of the Qi cultivation families is still willing to give it a shot.

What if our family becomes the next Wang family?

Half a month later.

Lei Hekong then headed towards Qingjiang Cave Creek.

This time, I followed the proper procedures to enter Dongxi and then made a visit.

Xu Mingwei was the host again.

"Senior Lei has come to my Dongxi again so soon. Could it be that he wants to ask my father to refine pills again? He is currently in seclusion."

"No, it's a good thing." Lei Hekong laughed. "Fellow Daoist Xu's alchemy skills are indeed outstanding, but my Lei family also has two alchemy masters and several decent alchemists."

Ordinary elixirs wouldn't bother him.

“That’s for.”

"Young friend Mingwei, have you heard of the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly'?"

Xu Mingwei's eyes suddenly flashed with a golden light, and his eyelashes trembled slightly.

"It seems that young friend Mingwei has heard of this Dharma assembly. Generally, only Foundation Establishment families can send people to participate, and all participants are under the age of 60."

However, the Great Wei will not cut off the path to advancement for families specializing in Qi cultivation.

First and second-rank families are qualified to recommend families specializing in Qi cultivation.

Each first-rank family has three slots, and each second-rank family has one slot.

My Lei family has high hopes for the Xu family's future and is willing to give one of our spots to you free of charge. Would your Xu family accept?

Xu Chuan and Xu Mingwei had discussed this matter.

It would be best if they could go, but this matter is not urgent for the Xu family; they can deal with it later.

But unexpectedly, the Lei family offered this spot to them today.

My father once said that everything has a price tag, and free things are often the most expensive.

"They must be after Father's alchemy skills. This is a serious matter and we need to discuss it carefully. Besides, if Father succeeds in breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, then the Lei family's quota will no longer be needed."

After careful consideration, Xu Mingwei looked into Lei Hekong's eyes, clasped his hands and said, "Senior Lei, please don't be offended. My Xu family naturally wants this spot, but we are also well aware of the cruelty of the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly'."

My Xu family has only recently become a Qi Refining family, and there are very few cultivators in the clan, so it is difficult to make a decision.

Moreover, as far as I know, the "Wuhua Dharma Assembly" is still more than ten years away, so there's no need to rush.

Lei Hekong was slightly surprised. The Xu family was able to resist taking a bite out of the Foundation Establishment opportunity that was offered to them for free. Any other Qi Refining family would probably have agreed on the spot.

To prevent the Lei family from regretting their decision later.

“I understand. My Lei family can temporarily reserve this spot for the Xu family.”

"However, this quota will only be reserved for three years before the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly,' after which my Lei family, like other first and second-rank aristocratic families, will auction off this spot."

Xu Mingwei cupped his hands and bowed, saying solemnly, "Thank you for your understanding, Senior Lei."

"It doesn't matter."

Lei Hekong waved his hand, drank a cup of tea, and then left.

Xu Mingwei informed Xu Chuan about this matter.

Xu Chuan simply said that he would talk about it after he broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage in a few years.

At present, there is no need to pay too much attention to it.

The most urgent task is to solidify the foundation of the Xu family and strengthen the ranks of low- to mid-level cultivators.

He roams the northern lands with might, and the dark underworld governs the seasons.

In the blink of an eye, the north wind rose again from Youyan, as sharp as a Wu hook blade.

The earth is bathed in silver frost, resembling a world of white frost.

The Refining Hall.

Wu Mingsheng burst into hearty laughter.

"De Ling, with your assistance this time, we only needed three sets of materials to refine a fine magic weapon. You are truly my lucky star."

　The next chapter will be at 10 PM.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)