Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 195 On the Eve of Foundation Establishment, Assisting the Zhou Family in Battle, The Theory of Spiritual Roots
"That's true, but as the head of the Xu family, Dezhao represents the face of the Xu family. You must address him as head of the family when you see him, otherwise you will embarrass him and the entire Xu family."

“I understand now,” Xu Mingqing said with sudden realization. “The position of the head of the family is higher than that of an uncle and nephew.”

“Exactly. Next time someone is present, even if they call you Uncle, you should still address them as Head of the Family.”

"Your son will heed your teachings, Father."

"In terms of authority, the patriarch is second only to me, the Grand Elder. Of course, in some families, the patriarch's position is above that of the Grand Elder."

Your elder brothers and sisters, as elders, are not of the same status as the head of the family.

“Father, then I want to be the Grand Elder in the future, just like you, whose word is law.”

"Little imp, becoming the Grand Elder isn't something you can just do on a whim. First, you need to have the cultivation to command respect, foresight, and personal charisma."

"Is it that troublesome?" Xu Mingqing dragged out the last syllable, and suddenly lost interest in the position of Grand Elder.

"Then you should take the role, Father."

As Xu Chuan spoke and laughed, he led Xu Mingqing on a sword and flew towards the main hall of the family.

As the face of the family, it naturally required the construction of a separate palace, which was only completed two years ago.

The main hall of the family is magnificent and spectacular.

Supported by a seven-zhang-high obsidian platform, ninety-nine steps lead directly to the main hall plaza, where bronze dragons over ten zhang high stand on both sides.

The dragon scales are inlaid with gold, and the dragon's eyes are inlaid with a luminous pearl from the South China Sea, displaying majesty by day and emitting a faint glow at night.

The main gate is adorned with a gilded plaque inscribed with the words "Eternal Glory," written by Xu Mingwei himself. The calligraphy is as powerful as a fully drawn iron bow.

The main hall is supported by thirty-six golden nanmu pillars, and the dome is suspended by a seven-jeweled caisson ceiling.

Xu Chuan landed at the entrance of the main hall and put Xu Mingqing down. Xu Mingqing then took Xu Chuan's hand and followed him into the main hall.

"Grandpa." Xu Dezhao looked up, then stood up and cupped his hands to Xu Chuan, then said to Xu Mingqing, "Uncle."

“Patriarch,” Xu Mingqing said.

Xu Chuan said, "Ming Qing said that Zhou Sen came to see me during my seclusion. Did he say what it was about?"

"He didn't say it explicitly, but his expression was quite solemn. He asked you to go to the Zhou family after you leave the pass."

"Go to the Zhou family?" Xu Chuan's eyelids twitched slightly, and he nodded, "It is appropriate to make a trip to the Zhou family and pay a visit to Senior Zhou."

Xu Chuan glanced at him and knew Xu Dezhao's cultivation level; he had now reached the peak of Qi Refining.

Besides him, Xu Deling, Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingshu, and Ren Xiaoyao also reached the Qi Refining Perfection realm, and their divine sense transformed into divine consciousness.

As for Xu Mingyuan, he is still somewhat lacking, currently at the late stage of the ninth level of Qi Refining.

Xu Dejing, Xu Dewen, and Xu Dejun have all entered the Grandmaster realm, while Xu Mingyuan's eldest son, under his consideration, will follow the path of immortality like Xu Deheng.

Xu Derui was just at the early stage of the sixth level of Qi Refining, while Xu Deheng was close to the late stage of the sixth level of Qi Refining.

The latter has spiritual root aptitude, and upon reaching the Innate Perfection stage, they directly possess true spiritual roots, without needing to spend one to two years purifying their spiritual roots like Xu Derui.

Xu Deyun, Xu Derong, and Xu Dejin are all around nineteen or twenty years old, at least at the mid-stage of the innate stage, and have reached the age where they are eligible for marriage.

Apart from Xu Derong, Xu Chuan naturally wouldn't concern himself with the marriages of the others.

These matters are to be decided by their parents.

As for Xu Derong, she and Ren Xiaoyao have a good relationship. Now that Ren Xiaoyao has reached the peak of Qi Refining, Xu Mingyuan intends to let the two get married.

When Ren Xiaoyao first heard about marrying into the family, he hesitated slightly, but eventually nodded in agreement.

In recent years, Xu Derui and his wife got married one after another, and now they have all had children, and the Xu family is gradually growing.

"I will go to the Zhou family afterward."

Xu Chuan left the main hall of the family and escorted Xu Mingqing back to the mansion, handing him over to Bai Jing.

As the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were chatting, they heard Yang Ronghua sigh helplessly, "I wonder if Wen'er's personality is like his uncle's. It's only been three years and he's found true love again."

She wasn't very old, around seventeen or eighteen, and had a very innocent and charming appearance.

Wu Rushan smiled and said, "It would be good if Dewen married more wives and had more children. His eldest brother only has two children now, while he already has three. In a few months, he will probably have a fourth one."

As for the rest of Deling, he has no intention of getting married yet, which means he is determined to pursue the path of immortality and does not want to be involved in worldly affairs.

Dejin will soon marry into the Zhou family.

Dejun has only had one child after three years of marriage.

After a pause, Wu Rushan continued, "Speaking of Deling, does she really want to be like Ming Shu?"

“I also asked her and even offered to find her a husband, but Ling’er declined.” Yang Ronghua sighed softly. “She became a family elder two months ago and has a very important position in the family. If she is unwilling, her father can’t do anything about it.”

"Mother!" Xu Mingqing ran towards Bai Jing and rushed into her arms.

When Yang Ronghua and Wu Rushan saw Xu Chuan approaching with a faint smile, they immediately stood up, bowed respectfully, and called out, "Father."

"No need for formalities," Xu Chuan said, waving his hand gently.

"My husband, you've been in seclusion for a full half month this time."

Xu Chuan nodded, "I'm going to the Zhou family for a while. Mingqing, keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't cause any trouble."

"I understand, my husband, please go ahead."

Xu Chuan turned and left.

Wu Rushan has now also entered the Grandmaster realm. Looking at Xu Chuan's back, he said softly, "Father is increasingly showing a sense of returning to simplicity."

"Second sister-in-law, what does 'returning to simplicity' mean?" Xu Mingqing's voice was clear and bright, full of childlike innocence.

Bai Jing and the others exchanged smiles.

Zhou family.

"Elder Zhou Sen, what brings you here? Judging from De Zhao's words, you seem quite serious?"

Xu Chuan said calmly, "Actually, I no longer interfere in many family matters; you can discuss them with Dezhao."

“This is no small matter, and I fear that it would be useless for me to tell him.”

Xu Chuan's eyes twitched, and he asked in surprise, "I'm a little curious now, what is it?"

"My Zhou family would like to ask the Xu family for their assistance in the battle."

"Assistance?" Xu Chuan said, "The Zhou family is a Foundation Establishment family, and their cultivators at all levels far surpass those of my Xu family. Do they still need my Xu family's assistance?"

“That may be true, but there is one thing in which my Zhou family is inferior to your Xu family.” Zhou Sen stared intently into Xu Chuan’s eyes and said, “That is, top-tier Qi Refining cultivators with formidable combat power, like my nephew Ming Wei.”

“I cannot make a decision on this matter immediately. Elder Zhou Sen, please tell me in detail what happened.”

"I cannot disclose the specifics, but I can say that our Zhou family and the Feng family of Yunshan County both coveted the same treasure and neither was willing to give in."

Not wanting to start a full-blown war, they agreed to three matches between Qi Refining stage disciples.

"Did you make a vow?"

Zhou Sen nodded.

What if we lose?

"The loser will receive one exquisite magic artifact and three superior magic artifacts as compensation from the other party, and their family must not reveal the matter in the slightest."

One exquisite piece, three superior pieces?

Xu Chuan frowned in deep thought. What kind of treasure could be worth this much?

"The three matches should be at the early, middle, and late stages of Qi Refining."

"Indeed."

"So, in the early and middle stages, is your Zhou family confident of winning a single match?"

"It's a 50/50 chance. After all, the other side is an old Foundation Establishment family, and their foundation is no weaker than my Zhou family."

With the Zhou family's annexation of the Su family, the emergence of a master alchemist like Zhou Sen, and the availability of Breakthrough Pills, their foundation has grown rapidly, making them no weaker than the established Foundation Establishment families of other counties.

"The only competition that comes at the late stage of Qi Refining is one that our Zhou family has thought about carefully. We feel that we have the best chance of success if we ask our nephew Mingwei to take action."

Therefore, in the initial and mid-stage competitions, my Zhou family only needs to win one more match.

"Elder Zhou Sen has a lot of confidence in Ming Wei," Xu Chuan said.

"That's for sure. Back then, the head of my Zhou family personally witnessed my nephew Mingwei kill a Qi Refining Perfection cultivator with a fine magic weapon with three arrows."

"At that time, the head of the Su family had less than half of his magical power, and he had also experienced a series of battles."

"But my nephew Mingwei is only at the eighth level of Qi Refining."

Seeing that the other party insisted on having Xu Mingwei fight, Xu Chuan sighed inwardly.

The Zhou family had been very helpful to the Xu family, and this was the first time they had asked for his help, so he really couldn't refuse.

After a moment's thought, Xu Chuan said, "I understand. When? Where?"

"Five days from now, have my nephew Mingwei come to my Zhou family. I will take him with me."

"Alright," Xu Chuan said, "However, I also have something I'd like to ask Senior Zhou for advice. Is he available?"

"Looking for the ancestor? He's not in the clan right now."

"Could it be a confrontation with the Feng family's patriarch?"

Zhou Sen nodded slightly. "How about this, five days from now, you and your nephew Ming Wei will come together. After meeting the Ancestor, you can ask him for guidance in person."

"it is good."

Xu Chuan returned to Dongxi and told Xu Mingwei about the matter.

Xu Mingwei had no objections; in fact, he was somewhat excited, revealing his warlike nature at heart.

However, the Xu family strives for prudence in all their endeavors.

They accumulate resources entirely through commercial transactions, avoiding physical intervention whenever possible.

"The Zhou and Feng families are taking this bet so seriously that the one who makes the move at the late Qi Refining stage must be the most outstanding cultivator in the clan."

"This will be a good opportunity for the child to see for himself."

"You."

Xu Mingwei smiled and said, "At the Wuhua Dharma Assembly, I certainly won't be able to compete with the top young generation of the Great Wei, Great Liang, and Great Jin. At other times, I can't easily make a move either."

This has fulfilled my child's wish; I hope the Feng family will not disappoint us.

"If you want to fight, then let's fight to our hearts' content!"

"For cultivators, clear and unobstructed thoughts are of utmost importance."

Xu Mingwei was slightly surprised. "Father, you seem... off. This isn't like you!"

"Shouldn't it be 'steady, steady, steady'?"

"Even if you do take action, it's best to win by a narrow margin and end with a Pyrrhic victory."

"I'm preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage." Xu Chuan smiled upon hearing this.

"Really?!" Xu Mingwei's eyes flashed with a golden light, his face full of joy.

Xu Chuan nodded, "This time, I'm going along too, because I want to ask the Zhou family patriarch about his experience in foundation building."

Upon his return, he should go into seclusion to attempt to reach the Foundation Establishment stage by March at the latest.

"At that time, the child will protect the father."

"Ah."

Five days later.

Zhou family.

The Zhou family's territory has already activated the second-tier clan protection formation.

Zhou Sen and the other two elders waited for Xu Chuan outside. As soon as they arrived, they headed to Yunshan County together.

"Early stage of Qi Refining Level 9? Elder Zhou Sen, is Xu Mingwei really confident? Perhaps we should suggest that the Ancestor let an elder in the clan who has reached the Qi Refining Perfection stage take action."

One of the elders checked Xu Mingwei's cultivation level and transmitted his voice to Zhou Sen, "Don't underestimate Xu Mingwei." Zhou Sen replied, "If any elder in the clan who has reached the Qi Refining stage possesses a high-quality magic weapon, they might be able to put up a fight."

However, even if it were refined now, it would still be inferior to the Great Elder of the Feng family.

During the last confrontation, the patriarch witnessed his attack. His magical power was two or three times stronger than that of an ordinary Qi Refining Perfection cultivator, indicating that he must have cultivated a special technique or had a special opportunity.

Although he didn't use any high-quality magic artifacts last time, the ancestor guessed that he must have used one.

The Feng family's foundation is far stronger than the Su family's. The Su family has five or six items, so the Feng family must have quite a few as well.

"It's just a pity that my Zhou family doesn't have any outstanding cultivators, otherwise we would have bestowed one upon them long ago."

"What about Xu Mingwei?" the elder asked again. "Does he possess a high-quality magical artifact?"

"The Ancestor personally selected you, Fifth Elder, you don't think your judgment surpasses the Ancestor's, do you?"

The elder of the Zhou family immediately fell silent.

A few hours later.

They then arrived at a remote area of ​​Yunshan County, which should be near a certain county town.

Nearby is a cliff with ancient pine roots that twist and turn like a dragon's claws digging into the rock.

The bluish-gray rock wall, as if cleaved by a celestial sword, rises over tens of feet high.

Seven streams of silver water cascaded down from the cliff top, crashing into the basalt platform with immense force. The sound was initially like jade shattering in Kunlun Mountain, but then it reverberated in mid-air like the thunder of chimes.

Where sunlight penetrates, water vapor transforms into rainbows and mirages.

Several miles downstream from the waterfall, twenty or thirty people were facing off on opposite banks of the river.

It is also easy to tell from their clothing that they are two different groups of people.

The people on the left are from the Zhou family, while those on the right undoubtedly belong to the Feng family of Yunshan County.

Zhou Shaoyuan was also there. Upon seeing Zhou Sen arrive, he immediately stepped forward and said, "Elder Zhou Sen, Fifth Elder, you've arrived."

Then he said to Xu Chuan, "Brother Xu, nephew Mingwei, we've been waiting for you."

Xu Chuan clasped his hands and said, "Patriarch Zhou, I entrust my son to your care. I have come to see Senior Zhou and have something I would like to ask you in person."

Zhou Sen nodded to Zhou Shaoyuan, who said, "Then Brother Xu, come with me."

Zhou Shaoyuan immediately took Xu Chuan to pay his respects to Zhou Qingfang.

He was sitting on a blue stone not far upstream, fishing with a bamboo pole in his hand, with a fair-skinned girl standing beside him, about twelve or thirteen years old.

Opposite Zhou Qingfang, there was also an elderly man with gray hair, fishing by the stream.

"Ancestor, Xu Chuan has arrived."

"Understood, you go down."

"Yes, old man."

The old man opposite him raised his eyes, glanced at Xu Chuan, and suddenly said, "Brother Zhou, it seems the person you've been waiting for has arrived. Shall we begin?"

"As Brother Feng wishes, the competition will begin in a quarter of an hour."

Xu Chuan glanced at the maid beside Zhou Qingfang. She was clutching the hem of her clothes tightly with both hands, looking down at the ground, seemingly somewhat uneasy and anxious.

This scene is truly incongruous.

"Brother Zhou, I didn't expect you to be waiting for a scion of another aristocratic family. I thought it must be some genius from your Zhou family who is currently in seclusion," the Feng family patriarch said calmly.

"The Xu family is a Qi Refining family in Yuehu County, and they are also related to the Zhou family by marriage, so it doesn't count as a breach of contract."

"Since Brother Zhou believes that cultivators from Qi-refining families are comparable to the geniuses he has nurtured, then we will follow Brother Zhou's wishes and let him participate in the battle."

But what if we lose?

"Young friend Xu, you'd better be careful of the Zhou family's retaliation. After all, the stakes in this bet between our two families are quite high."

Xu Chuan bowed to him and said with a faint smile, "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Feng. However, before I came, the Zhou family elders had already told me about the importance of this battle."

Even the winners must provide astonishing resource compensation.

The patriarch of the Feng family looked surprised. "Your Xu family has a close relationship with the Zhou family. It can't be just a simple marriage alliance, can it?"

"Ordinary Qi-cultivation families, like the Zhou family, wouldn't need to explain so much, but the Xu family..."

"Could it be the Xu family, who are currently enjoying great influence in Yuehu County? I've heard that your Xu family's trading company occasionally sells mid-to-high-grade pills, and even high-grade magic artifacts."

That's quite a large sum of money.

"Brother Zhou, how can your Zhou family resist the urge to devour this piece of fat meat?"

Trying to sow discord again?

Xu Chuan inwardly grumbled.

"The Xu family is indeed a piece of fat meat. A few years ago, several Qi Refining families joined forces to try and swallow it up. Brother Feng, what was the outcome?"

"Since the Xu family is here, isn't it obvious?"

Zhou Qingfang said calmly, "With one family wiped out, the other two families have been silent ever since they heard of the Xu family."

"interesting."

"Brother Feng, if you are interested, you are welcome to come and try your luck in my Moon Lake County."

Xu Chuan smiled wryly and said, "Senior Zhou, please don't joke. How can the Xu family's constitution withstand the torment of such a powerful family as the Feng family?"

Upon hearing this, the Feng family patriarch gave Xu Chuan a deep look, then glanced at Zhou Qingfang, before falling silent.

A few moments.

Zhou Qingfang asked, "What brings you here?"

Xu Chuan glanced at the Feng family patriarch and transmitted his voice, "I have come to seek your advice on breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

"Um?!"

Zhou Qingfang immediately waved his hand, and a light green light screen rose up, covering an area of ​​several meters in radius, blocking divine sense from probing.

After finishing, he stared at Xu Chuan and said with a faint smile, "Planning to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage?"

"Aren't you going to wait any longer?"

"You must be only in your early seventies, right?"

"I plan to try it once first. If it fails, I will make up for the shortcomings and accumulate experience before trying again. In addition, the experience of failure can also become the foundation for others to succeed."

“You’re quite open-minded.” Zhou Qingfang said after a moment of silence, “Since your Xu family is willing to help this time, ask whatever you want.”

"Thank you, senior." Xu Chuan immediately bowed.

After a moment's thought, he said, "Ancestor, you must have a true spiritual root, right? May I ask how you successfully broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage? Was it really just by relying on a thousand-year-old spiritual herb?"

Zhou Qingfang's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he stared at Xu Chuan for several breaths before sighing, "Fine, I might as well tell you."

"Firstly, my aptitude is among the top in the True Spiritual Root category. Secondly, the spiritual medicine I used to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage was the rare Snow Dragon Ginseng, which is known for its ability to break through barriers, and this spiritual medicine is over three thousand years old."

That's enough to increase the chances of Foundation Establishment by nearly 10%.

"It's such a miraculous medicine!" Xu Chuan exclaimed. "Senior Zhou's fortune is truly enviable. That kind of Snow Dragon Ginseng must be effective for those who are trying to break through from the mid-Foundation Establishment stage to the late-Foundation Establishment stage."

"It was a chance encounter." Zhou Qingfang didn't elaborate.

"What about aptitude? Is there a distinction between strong and weak aptitudes for true spiritual roots? Why have I never heard of this before?"

"Most aristocratic families are unaware of this. I estimate that only the three first-rank aristocratic families and the Cao family, a thousand-year-old family, in the Great Wei would know a thing or two."

Xu Chuan did not interrupt and listened quietly.

"I also saw in an ancient book recorded in a certain cave that this Snow Dragon Ginseng was obtained from that cave."

"Ancient books record that in ancient times, there was a saying that one's spiritual root aptitude was tenfold."

"A spiritual root purity of less than 10% is a pseudo spiritual root, 10% to 20% is a mixed spiritual root, 20% to 40% is a true spiritual root, and 40% to 70% is an earth spiritual root."

"71% to 95% constitutes a Heavenly Spiritual Root, while above 95% constitutes an Immortal Spiritual Root."

Although Xu Chuan knew that spiritual root aptitude was classified according to the purity of the spiritual root, he did not expect it to be so specific.

Immortal spiritual roots were something he had never even heard of.

"Did people with immortal spiritual roots really exist in ancient times?"

"Perhaps, who knows? This may just be a hypothesis."

“Currently, the crystals used to test spiritual root aptitude are basically unable to measure such fine details. I also obtained the ancient cultivator's aptitude testing crystals from that cave.”

Based on the above, my spiritual root purity should be 38%, which is considered top-tier true spiritual root aptitude.

Therefore, my chances of successfully establishing my foundation are higher than those of someone with a true spiritual root. With the addition of the Snow Dragon Ginseng, I was fortunate enough to succeed.

"Most people with true spiritual roots have a purity of only slightly over 20%. Even with the assistance of my Snow Dragon Ginseng, they will most likely fail to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

"I see, thank you for clearing up my doubts, Senior Zhou," Xu Chuan said, bowing in gratitude.

Zhou Qingfang continued, "Those who successfully established their foundations in the top three rank families should mostly have spiritual roots with a purity of over 30%. Those with a purity of less than 30% would probably need two to three Foundation Establishment Pills to successfully establish their foundations."

With over 30% success rate, and the aid of a Foundation Establishment Pill and a thousand-year-old spiritual herb, the success rate can reach nearly 40%.

"Senior Zhou, could you share some of your experience in breaking through the Foundation Establishment stage?"

Zhou Qingfang brushed his hand across the storage bag, and a jade pendant flew out. "Place it between your eyebrows and observe it with your divine sense."

Xu Chuan did as instructed.

After a few dozen breaths, Xu Chuan returned the jade tablet and bowed again, saying, "Thank you, senior. I will never forget your great kindness."

"Remember, our two families are allies. Just don't betray the Zhou family in the future."

"Senior is too kind. There is a covenant and oath in place."

Zhou Qingfang glanced at him but didn't say anything more.

After a while, he added, "The Zhou family cannot help with the matter of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage. If we could, we wouldn't be pinning our hopes on the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly.'"

"I will always remember your great kindness."

"Well then, I will help Fellow Daoist Xu lay the foundation for immortality ahead of time, thus paving the way for longevity."

In the path of cultivation, only by successfully establishing a foundation can one truly embark on the path to immortality.

The Qi Refining stage is merely lingering outside the gates of immortality.

"Thank you for your kind words, senior." Xu Chuan clasped his hands in greeting. With Zhou Qingfang's experience in breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, he would have a better chance of success.

At least you won't be caught off guard and panic when you encounter trouble.

"Any other questions? Ask them today as well."

Xu Chuan thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No, thank you, senior."

Zhou Qingfang nodded slightly and casually removed the light screen. Then he heard the Feng family patriarch on the other side say, "What were you two talking about just now? Why did you have to set up a restriction to prevent anyone from overhearing?"

"Naturally, we'll discuss how to make the Feng family suffer losses after they arrive in Yuehu County," Xu Chuan said with a fist and palm salute.

"The young man is quite eloquent, but I don't believe a single word of his."

"Senior, believe it or not, but are you really not tempted by my Xu family? My Xu family has quite a few high-grade pills, high-grade magic weapons, as well as fine magic weapons and top-grade magic weapons."

"This is getting more and more outrageous. If your Xu family really has a top-tier magic weapon, the Zhou family would probably be the first to try and steal it."

Zhou Qingfang's lips twitched slightly.

That top-tier magic weapon was personally given to me by myself back then.

Talking too much brings tears to my eyes.

He had a feeling that Xu Chuan's chances of successfully establishing his foundation this time might be quite high.

If it succeeds, Yuehu County may undergo even greater changes.

But judging from the Xu family's previous actions, even if they become a Foundation Establishment family, they will not compete with the Zhou family for temporary gains or losses.

(End of this chapter)