Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 201 Dividing the Feng Family, Establishing a Foothold in Guangling County, Yun Zhongzi's Wish
"Fellow Daoist from Yuehu County, you suddenly came to my Guangling County without even giving me a heads-up?" the Wei family patriarch said with a smile.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists." Zhou Qingfang stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am Zhou Qingfang from the Zhou family of Yuehu County."

"The Feng family attacked my Yuehu County aristocratic families and was destroyed by my Zhou and Xu families. We've come to collect our spoils of war. Is there any problem with that?"

"So it's Fellow Daoist Zhou." The Wei family patriarch clasped his hands and said, "Is the other fellow Daoist also a member of your Zhou family?"

Instead of answering, Zhou Qingfang said, "This is Fellow Daoist Ren."

Ren Xiaoyao clasped his hands in greeting to the two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Wei family, saying, "Greetings, fellow Daoists."

"Since the Feng family has done this, they have brought about their own destruction, and my Wei family has nothing to say. However, the Feng family's land belongs to my Guangling County. I heard you say before that you wanted to occupy this place?"

The Feng family's ancestral land is the place with the most abundant spiritual energy in Guangling County, even surpassing that of the Zhou and Wei families.

The Zhou family and the Xu family had a prior agreement, so they would not argue further.

Of course, the Zhou family already has the Su family's ancestral land, so they can't possibly take on any more.

The territory of the clan in that prefecture is not so easy to seize.

“A murderer will be killed, and everything on his body will naturally belong to us. What’s wrong with that?” Xu Mingyuan suddenly spoke up.

"Hmph, do you, a junior, have the right to speak here?"

Wei Changkong snorted coldly, and a Foundation Establishment level pressure directly landed on Xu Mingyuan.

"you dare!"

Ren Xiaoyao roared, his divine sense condensing into a sharp spike that pierced into Wei Changkong's sea of ​​consciousness.

Wei Changkong groaned, his body trembled, and his face turned pale. The Foundation Establishment pressure he had been exerting on Xu Mingyuan dissipated completely.

His consciousness was slightly damaged, and he probably won't be able to intimidate others with his power for a while.

"Such powerful spiritual sense! You actually know spiritual attack techniques!" Wei Changkong said angrily. "But for you to attack me for the sake of a mere Qi Refining junior, isn't that going too far?"

The Wei family patriarch also frowned.

Zhou Qingfang said, "Fellow Daoist Wei, it was you who were rude first. This person is the person in charge of the Xu family this time, Xu Mingyuan, who is also the father-in-law of this Fellow Daoist Ren."

Upon hearing this, the patriarch of the Wei family's pupils contracted slightly. He then clasped his hands and smiled, "So that's how it is. Indeed, it was our Wei family that was impolite first. I apologize here, and I hope Fellow Daoist Ren will not take offense."

"Since it's all a misunderstanding, let's talk about what happened before." Xu Mingyuan's expression remained amiable, showing no displeasure whatsoever.

"Does your Moon Lake County truly intend to occupy this place?"

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, if you remain here, what will become of your own clan's territory? If it is truly attacked, I fear you will be unable to return to its aid immediately?"

Zhou Qingfang said, "My Zhou family has already occupied two spiritual energy nodes in Yuehu County, so we have no extra power."

"So this Fellow Daoist Ren wants to take it?"

Xu Mingyuan said, "It is my Xu family that wants to occupy this place, and Xiaoyao will also be stationed here."

"I've heard of the Xu family. They're a newly emerging aristocratic family in Yuehu County. They seem quite remarkable and have developed very quickly. But I never imagined that in just over a decade, they would have already produced a Foundation Establishment expert."

"But your Xu family alone isn't enough, is it? Your Xu family has Foundation Establishment experts, but your clan's foundation is probably only on par with an average Qi Refining family?"

The Wei family would never easily relinquish the Feng family's ancestral land.

"The Zhou family is an ally of the Xu family, and we are naturally united in this matter. If the Wei family is willing to give up, half of the wealth left behind by the Feng family patriarch when he fled can be given to the Wei family."

If you're unwilling, then let's have a fight and see if we can kill Feng Xiuyuan, force the Feng family patriarch to abandon his clan land and most of his clan members and flee, and then reclaim our position against the Wei family.

The only problem is that while the Feng family patriarch could escape, the Wei family might not be able to.

"Are you threatening my Wei family?" Wei Changkong's eyes flashed with a sharp light, his voice full of hostility.

"If you don't want the resources that are given away for free and insist on fighting, then my Xu and Zhou families will naturally accompany you. But I remember that this Senior Wei seems to have not much life left."

The Wei family patriarch said calmly, "Young friend, you seem to know quite a bit about my Wei family?"

"But since your Xu family has occupied the clan's territory, I suppose even if the Zhou family helps us, they wouldn't fight us to the death, right, Brother Zhou?"

Zhou Qingfang smiled and nodded.

Xu Mingyuan remained calm and said, "My Xu family has always been low-key in our dealings and prioritizes win-win outcomes. The fact that the Zhou family was able to form an alliance with my family is a case in point."

The Feng family, for some trivial matter, inexplicably attacked my Xu family's territory.

And now this is the end.

"Admittedly, Senior Zhou won't go all out, but helping our Xu family hold off a Foundation Establishment cultivator shouldn't be a problem. At worst, we can just wait it out. Our two Foundation Establishment cultivators are still young, but how many years does the Wei family have?"

Zhou Qingfang laughed and said, “I can testify to this matter. The Xu family has a good reputation in Yuehu County. They never provoke others, but those who provoke them have all been exterminated.”

The patriarch of the Wei family frowned.

"How would my Wei family know how much of the resources are even half-finished? You might just be throwing them away at me."

Xu Mingyuan smiled slightly when he saw that the other party had agreed.

Having traveled extensively before, he had come to understand the working styles of the Feng and Wei family ancestors.

Therefore, they pressed forward relentlessly, yet left room for maneuver.

"Our patriarch Feng took most of the elite clansmen with him, and we don't know how much resource he took with him. Why don't you two seniors stay here and witness this together?"

"As you say."

Seeing that the patriarch intended to handle the matter peacefully, Wei Changkong could only swallow his anger.

"Speaking of which, young friend Xu, are you just going to let those Feng family members leave like this?"

“My Xu family always leaves room for maneuver in everything we do, unless we are mortal enemies. This Feng family land was given up voluntarily by the Feng family patriarch, so my Xu family naturally took it over.”

The Wei family patriarch did not say much.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, all the Feng family members had fled, and the Xu and Zhou families began to take stock of the Feng family's resources.

In some places, such as medicinal gardens, treasure vaults, and library pavilions, the restrictions still remain in place.

However, nothing could stop Xu Mingxian.

More than an hour later.

Xu Mingyuan said calmly, "Based on what's left in the medicine garden and the treasure vault, the Feng family patriarch should have taken nearly 70% of it. But as expected of the strongest family in Guangling County."

Even 30% is not a small amount.

"As previously agreed, apart from the Feng family's land belonging to my Xu family, my Xu family will take 10% of these 30% of resources, the Zhou family will take 15% and the remaining 0.5% will go to the Wei family."

As he spoke, he looked at the Wei family patriarch, a slight smile playing on his lips, and asked, "Senior, do you have any questions?"

"That's settled then. After all, my Wei family didn't contribute anything." The Wei family patriarch said calmly, flicking his sleeve to collect half of the resources. He then clasped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, Fellow Daoist Ren, then my Wei family will take our leave first."

"Fellow Daoist Wei, farewell."

Zhou Qingfang and Ren Xiaoyao also clasped their hands in greeting.

Xu Mingyuan said, "I would like to ask Senior Zhou to stay here for more than a month, would that be alright?"

"As you wish."

Zhou Qingfang said, and then instructed an elder of the Zhou family to go back and tell the rest of the Zhou family that there was no need for them to come.

The territory of the Wei family.

"Are we just going to give up the Feng family's territory like this?" Wei Changkong was still somewhat unwilling.

"Chang Kong, don't be impulsive. If they can kill Feng Xiuyuan, they can kill you too! If you die, the fate of the Feng family will be the same as that of my Wei family."

No, if Old Ghost Feng had known in advance, he could have saved most of his elite troops and left, but we... the Xu and Zhou families are now right here in our Guangling County.

He paused for a moment, then said, "The Zhou family's Foundation Establishment stage will not stay here for long. Once he leaves, we can find another opportunity to drive him out of Guangling County."

After all, their foundation here is far less deep than ours.

Wei Changkong's eyes lit up, and as if realizing something, he immediately smiled, "Ancestor's foresight is indeed remarkable; Changkong was rash."

The news that a foundation-building family in Yuehu County had occupied the Feng family's land quickly spread throughout the entire county and among all the families.

Those who had previously been part of the Feng family's camp were particularly at a loss, unsure of whom to side with.

The Feng family members scattered, and nearly half of them died at the hands of others that very day.

It's time to settle scores and avenge wrongs.

Xu Mingyuan and the others also discussed who should be in charge of the Feng family's territory.

“The Feng family’s land is rich in spiritual energy, which is very beneficial to cultivation. Since my Xu family has decided to take it over, we must hold on to it firmly.”

"Xiaoyao, you stay here and oversee things."

"I understand, Master."

"The rest of the people will stay here for the time being and gradually return to Dongxi once the situation stabilizes."

After deep thought, Xu Mingwei said, "Once Senior Zhou leaves, the Wei family will probably make all sorts of moves. Mingyuan, do you have any plans?"

"Don't worry, brother, I already have a plan."

Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingxuan, and the others looked over curiously.

"It's very simple, nothing more than a demonstration and enticement."

When the Ge family heard that the Zhou and Xu families had joined forces to kill Feng Xiuyuan and drive away the Feng family patriarch, they were all horrified and filled with fear.

After discussion, the four families decided to send Ge Xuanhong to the Feng family's territory with generous gifts to investigate the situation.

If the Xu family is willing to accept this gift, then the Ge family can feel a little more at ease.

Otherwise, the Ge family will face a great calamity.

For the sake of his family, Ge Xuanhong had no choice but to grit his teeth and go through with this ordeal.

The patrolling cultivators initially intended to drive him away, but upon learning that he was a friend of Xu Mingxuan and had come to visit, they sent someone to inquire with Xu Mingyuan.

Xu Mingyuan summoned Xu Mingxuan and asked him to handle the matter.

"Brother Ge, have some tea."

Ge Xuanhong glanced at it, then immediately stood up, took a few steps back, held the storage bag in both hands, and bowed solemnly, "Brother Mingxuan, on behalf of my Ge family, I apologize, and ask the Xu family to forgive the Ge family's rash actions this time."

"Brother Ge, why are you doing this?"

"If you refuse to forgive me, then I will kneel down until you agree."

Seeing that Ge Xuanhong was really about to kneel down, Xu Mingxuan waved his hand and used his magic to support him, preventing him from kneeling.

"You also know that I am not the person in charge of the Xu family."

“I understand, but you are, after all, their own brother. They still listen to what you say, don’t they?”

"Alright, I'll try to persuade my older brother and second brother."

"Thank you."

Ge Xuanhong breathed a sigh of relief. "Mingxuan, take a look at what's inside. Is it enough as an apology? If not, I'll go back immediately and have my father and the others arrange it."

Xu Mingxuan scanned the area with his divine sense and found that they were all high-grade materials and spiritual herbs, many of which were items that the Xu family had specified, and there was even a thousand-year-old spiritual herb.

He estimated that the materials he used to forge the artifacts were enough to forge one top-tier magic weapon and four or five fine magic weapons.

Of course, for top-tier weapon refiners with average success rates, even one fine piece might not be enough.

Xu Deling's success rate increased significantly after he was born with the "Refined Through a Thousand Hammers" destiny talent and his weapon-refining skills reached the level of refining high-quality magical artifacts.

Currently, it accounts for about 70-80%.

"Brother Ge, your Ge family has gone to great lengths to quell the anger of my Xu family. Is it because you know that my Xu family and the Zhou family destroyed the Feng family that you did this?"

Ge Xuanhong chuckled awkwardly, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, brother."

"My Xu family is fairly well aware of your Ge family's resources. It's truly not easy for you to come up with these. I think persuading my eldest and second brothers shouldn't be a problem, but the previous friendship is probably gone."

"Your Ge family can forget about any further large-scale transactions of high-grade resources with my Xu family."

"I would be content if the Xu family didn't blame the Ge family. I wouldn't dare to hope for anything more. If it were any other powerful family, it would be normal for them to retaliate against the Ge family as well."

The Xu family still acted with a sense of benevolence and righteousness.

Xu Mingxuan smiled faintly.

The two chatted for a while longer before Ge Xuanhong took his leave.

Xu Mingxuan handed the storage bag to Xu Mingyuan, who glanced at it and said, "Now that the apology has been delivered, let's settle things with the Ge family."

“Mingxuan, go cultivate on Qingyu Peak. It is the place with the most abundant spiritual energy. Your cultivation is related to the important affairs of the Xu family, so you can’t be perfunctory.”

"Yes, Second Brother, I'll be right there."

Ren Xiaoyao and Xu Deling were also cultivating there.

It must be said that the spiritual energy here is indeed of great help to the two of them, enough to support their Foundation Establishment stage cultivation.

However, without the aid of elixirs, even if the two of them were here, it would take them six or seven years to break through to the next level. Xu Deling's aptitude was slightly worse, so it would take even longer.

Time passes day by day.

Several days later, the area within a radius of dozens of miles around the Feng family's territory was shrouded in mist.

For more than half a month after that.

Xu Mingxian successfully set up a second-tier low-grade array. This array connects the earth veins of the four directions, with Qingyu Peak as its core, and can be kept open indefinitely.

This formation is both offensive and defensive, controlled by a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and is powerful enough to severely injure a Foundation Establishment Level 3 expert.

It's been almost a month.

Suddenly, invitations were sent to the gentry families of Guangling County.

Both martial arts families and immortal cultivation families received invitations.

Three days later.

The Xu family officially opened their mountain gates. Except for the entrance, which was not obscured by mist, the rest of the area was shrouded in mist.

Those who come are either heads of aristocratic families or important figures such as the eldest elders of aristocratic families, and their numbers are generally between three and six.

All members of prominent families must register before entering.

"The Ge family has arrived—"

"Getting married—"

"The Lin family has arrived—"

Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan greeted the guests at the entrance and then had the others lead them to the opening ceremony site.

Xu Mingxuan made the arrangements over there.

Ren Xiaoyao and Zhou Qingfang were also there to keep order, and no one dared to cause trouble.

"Brother Ge, you've arrived. Where does your Ge family stand?"

The Ge family's strength in Guangling County was second only to the two Foundation Establishment families, thus placing them among the top families.

This time, the main branch, the second branch, the third branch patriarch, as well as Ge Xuanhong and Ge Yuchen, a total of five people, came.

After exchanging greetings with clasped hands, the group took their seats.

Soon, all the martial arts families and immortal cultivation families in Guangling County arrived.

The Wei family was the last to arrive.

The visitors were two Foundation Establishment cultivators, the head of the Wei family, and two promising young talents from the Wei family.

Most aristocratic families bring along their younger generation, usually in their teens or early twenties, to broaden their horizons.

"I am grateful to everyone for coming to support my Xu family in opening a new branch in Guangling County. I'm sure you are all curious as to why things happened so suddenly." Xu Mingyuan said, "I'm sure you are all curious as to why things happened so suddenly."

“Some prominent families may be aware of the situation, but Xu believes that most are unaware of the inside story.”

"To put it simply, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Feng family led a group of people and elites from the Bai family to Yuehu County to demand an explanation from my Xu family, but unfortunately they were not very friendly."

If they want to destroy my Xu family, my Xu family will naturally not sit idly by and wait to be destroyed; we can only fight back.

Fortunately, my Xu family has some resources. Not long ago, a member of our family was fortunate enough to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, and with the help of the Zhou family, we were able to annihilate the invaders.

We rushed to Guangling County, intending to demand an explanation from the Feng family, but when we arrived, the place was almost deserted. The Feng family patriarch and his elite troops had disappeared without a trace.

Therefore, my Xu family has taken this land as compensation, and also as the ancestral land of my Xu family branch.

Many people were talking about it.

Some lamented the Feng family's bad luck, while others marveled at the Xu family's deep-seated secrets.

Suddenly, the head of the Cheng family spoke up: "The Feng family brought this upon themselves, and we, the aristocratic families of Guangling County, have nothing to say. Since the Xu family has taken over, they are now also part of Guangling County."

"May I ask, Fellow Daoist Xu, how will things develop from here on out?"

The Cheng family was originally the most powerful Qi-cultivating family in the Feng family camp, second only to the Ge family.

"My Xu family is mainly engaged in business. I'm sure you've all heard of my Xu Family Trading Company. My Xu family also plans to open branches in the county town and the market."

"Could mid-to-high-grade cultivation resources also appear?" A family head's eyes lit up.

"Of course, but it's impossible to produce a large quantity." Xu Mingyuan smiled faintly and continued, "In addition, to thank everyone for coming, my Xu family has prepared a precious pill this time."

"It is called the Divine Mind Pill, which can enhance the divine mind of Qi Refining cultivators. Moreover, this pill is of superior quality and has remarkable effects. All Qi Refining cultivators present are welcome to compete on the arena."

Whoever wins five consecutive matches, or until no one dares to step onto the stage, will have this elixir.

Xu Mingyuan took out the pill, and immediately a rich fragrance of the pill filled the surroundings, making his divine senses restless.

"This pill is genuine. Its fragrance alone is intoxicating. If ingested, it can greatly enhance one's spiritual power."

"This is truly a miraculous pill; there is actually such a pill."

The Wei family patriarch narrowed his eyes slightly, "I have heard of this pill. It is unique to the Pill Hall. The superior-grade Divine Sense Pill is extremely precious. Even third-grade families cannot obtain more than a few. Where did your Xu family get it?"

"Does the source matter? Of course. If you really want to know, senior, I will tell you the value of a top-grade magic artifact."

After all, for the Xu family, everything is open to trade.

The Wei family patriarch looked deeply at Xu Mingyuan, and after a while said, "My Wei family is not so wealthy and powerful as to be this rich, but this pill should be genuine, and my Wei family is very interested in it."

Say it.

The head of the Wei family personally stepped onto the arena.

He patted his storage bag, releasing a fine dark green magic weapon flying sword that hovered above his head. Then, he smiled and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Which fellow Daoist would like to come up on stage and offer some guidance?"

The head of the Wei family is at the peak of Qi Refining and possesses exquisite magical artifacts; ordinary people are no match for him.

Moreover, judging from the tone of the Wei family patriarch, it seems that the Wei family is determined to obtain this pill.

Even if there were someone capable of competing with them, they would not act rashly.

After counting the interest.

Seeing no response, the Wei family patriarch asked again, "Is there truly no fellow Daoist willing to offer guidance?"

"I come."

Xu Mingwei suddenly stood up, leaped into the air, and transformed into a bolt of lightning, instantly appearing on the arena.

"you are?"

Xu Mingyuan said, "He is my elder brother, Xu Mingwei. Elder brother, you must go easy on him and not hurt him."

Xu Mingwei nodded slightly.

The head of the Wei family seemed annoyed.

His strength ranks at least among the top three Qi Refining cultivators in the entire Guangling County. How could someone who is only at the ninth level of Qi Refining be a match for him?

"Brother Xu, be careful, magical artifacts don't discriminate."

Xu Mingwei produced the Ink Dragon Bow in his hand, with arrows hovering behind him, and said, "Brother Wei, be careful too, my arrows are very fast!"

"Arrow-type magical artifacts are truly rare."

"Judging from its aura, it's a high-grade magic weapon set, probably no less than a fine magic weapon."

Much of it is discussion.

The head of the Wei family made a sword-finger gesture with his right hand, and the sword moved with his finger, leaving afterimages wherever it went.

"go with!"

Suddenly, the cyan flying sword transformed into cyan light and pierced Xu Mingwei's chest in an instant, but then Xu Mingwei vanished like a phantom.

Afterimage? That's incredibly fast!

Many people were shocked.

"Brother Wei's swordsmanship is quite good, it's aimed straight at my heart, but don't worry, I'm not so clumsy, I definitely won't hurt your vital organs."

The words fell.

Then an arrow shot through the air like a black lightning bolt.

The head of the Wei family immediately released a high-grade magic weapon shield to defend against it.

Dang~
The head of the Wei family was knocked away by the shield and almost fell off the stage before quickly taking off.

But before he could regain his footing, another arrow came flying.

There was another "clang".

Shoot it away.

Time and again, the head of the Wei family was utterly powerless to retaliate.
More than twenty times.

The shield of the Wei family patriarch cracked directly, turning into fragments that fell to the ground.

Everyone who witnessed this scene was stunned into silence.

"What a pity. If it were used for trading, it could have been exchanged for a lot of cultivation resources," Xu Mingyuan said regretfully.

Xu Mingwei aimed his bow and arrow at the Wei family patriarch again and said calmly, "Brother Wei, do you have any spare high-grade defensive magic weapons? I'm about to make another move."

The head of the Wei family felt greatly humiliated, and the look in his eyes seemed to turn into madness.

"Don't try to dodge, take this sword!"

He once again manipulated the flying sword, aiming straight for Xu Mingwei's heart. Xu Mingwei smiled and fired another arrow.

Its power is almost the same as that of the Wei family patriarch wielding a fine flying sword.

After a brief stalemate, both sides were thrown back by a violent shockwave.

But at this moment.

There was another "whoosh".

A bolt of black lightning pierced through the violent impact and finally arrived in front of the Wei family patriarch.

Just as he closed his eyes, he thought to himself, "My life is over."

But there has been no follow-up for a long time.

He opened his eyes and saw an arrow resting three inches between his eyebrows.

He breathed a sigh of relief, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Xu Mingwei, and said, "Thank you for your mercy, Brother Xu. I, Wei, have lost."

"Brother Wei's strength is decent, but he seems to place too much emphasis on the magic weapon itself. If he could spend more time practicing stronger sword techniques, he should be able to reach an even higher level."

Just like Feng Qingyang, the eldest elder of the Feng family in Yunshan County, who fully utilized his magical artifacts and sword techniques, and almost defeated Xu.

"Feng Qingyang, the eldest elder of the Feng family, the number one family in Yunshan County, Brother Xu actually fought against him and even won?"

The head of the Wei family was astonished. "I've heard that his strength is among the top of all Qi Refining cultivators in the twenty-two prefectures of the Great Wei."

These words shocked everyone present.

After bowing once more, the head of the Wei family returned to his seat dejectedly.

The Wei family patriarch said in a slightly deep voice, "It seems that it was no accident that the Xu and Zhou families were able to destroy the Feng family."

"Is there any other fellow Daoist who would like to step forward and offer their guidance? I, Xu, yearn for a battle with a powerful opponent, a battle to the bitter end!"

His arrogant aura intimidated almost all the Qi Refining stage cultivators present.

Wei Changkong transmitted his voice to the Wei family patriarch, saying, "The Xu family has a deep scheming mind. They released a top-grade divine thought pill to arouse people's greed and take the opportunity to establish their authority."

With such top-tier Qi Refining stage cultivators, probably no family in the entire Guangling Prefecture would dare to oppose the Xu family.

With a single word like "come over for a duel" or "block the door," all the Qi-cultivating families would be crushed and unable to lift their heads.

"Our Wei family's Foundation Establishment cultivators cannot act rashly, after all, this is merely a competition among Qi Refining stage cultivators."

Several other people then made a move, but they all immediately admitted defeat after receiving just one strike.

The impact was incredibly powerful, like a small mountain crashing into it.

Even a casual arrow possesses such power; if this continues, he might end up like the Wei family patriarch, whose top-grade defensive magic weapon shattered.

Ultimately, the Divine Sense Pill was transferred from one hand to the other, still ending up in the Xu family's possession.

Xu Mingwei's strength immediately caught the attention of the cultivators who had previously relied on the Feng family.

With a Foundation Establishment cultivator in charge, and such a powerful Qi Refining cultivator at the same stage.

The Xu family has far greater potential than the Feng family.

After all, the patriarch of the Feng family was nearing the end of his life, and the Feng family had already begun to decline.

The head of the Cheng family clasped his hands in greeting to Xu Mingyuan and said, "Fellow Daoist Xu, Guangling County was previously divided into two factions, the Feng and the Wei. Now that the Feng family has left, does your Xu family intend to continue leading us?"

"Lead you to continue fighting against the Wei family's camp?" Xu Mingyuan said calmly, "What's the point?"

"Whether it's you or the Wei family, you are all within the scope of my Xu family's transactions. As long as you have the resources that my Xu family needs, you can exchange them for the resources you want."

Wouldn't it be better if everyone cooperated and achieved a win-win situation?

Why do we have to fight each other?

Of course, if there are grudges and hatreds that cannot be resolved, then fighting is the only option.

"This"

All the prominent families fell silent.

They hadn't expected the Xu family to operate in this way.

In the past, the two powerful forces forced them to choose sides, and they fought each other like this for nearly a hundred years.

Even without the Wei and Feng families, there are still irreconcilable feuds between them.

Wei Changkong smiled coldly, wanting to see the Xu family make a fool of themselves.

However, Xu Mingyuan looked at the Wei family patriarch and said, "Now that the Feng family is gone, what do you think of my suggestion, senior?"

The Wei family patriarch could not see through the Xu family.

It's unknown how many more trump cards the Xu family has up their sleeve.

After much deliberation, he finally spoke, "What you say makes sense, young friend Xu. Since your Xu family doesn't want to compete, why should my Wei family make enemies?"

However, I do not know how the other aristocratic families will decide.

We have no enmity, but they each have someone important who died at the hands of the other.

“That’s easy. Three days from now, we will set up a life-or-death arena outside the city. Our two families will witness it, and those who have life-or-death grudges between them can settle their differences.”

Furthermore, one must bring resources comparable in value to a high-grade magic artifact as a stake.

You and I, from both families, bear witness.

The winner takes the opponent's resources, and the feud is over. If they cause trouble again because of old grudges, I'll have my older brother go to their house then.

"I forgot to tell you all, in the previous battle with the Feng family and the Bai family, my eldest brother single-handedly killed more than twenty late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, including seven or eight at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Refining."

"From now on, if any family has a new grudge, they can settle it on the life-or-death platform."

"I am unfamiliar with this method. What are your thoughts, senior?"

"Oh, by the way, since you already agreed, I assume you'll agree as well?"

Zhou Qingfang watched quietly as Xu Mingyuan gradually changed the situation in Guangling County that had lasted for over a hundred years, and he was filled with admiration for his abilities.

The Wei family patriarch was also surprised that Xu Mingyuan seemed to have been prepared in advance and immediately made such a suggestion.

This move may not be able to keep Guangling County peaceful forever, but after the families resolve their life-and-death feuds, and with the Xu family's deterrent power, there will probably not be any major disturbances for the next one or two decades.

The Wei family's influence in Guangling County will gradually diminish, while the Xu family's prestige will steadily increase.

This is a win-win situation!
Looking into Xu Mingyuan's eyes, which were as black as ink, the Wei family patriarch felt a sense of fear.

Should we take advantage of the Xu family's current unstable position and wipe them out?
Do not!
This place only has a portion of the Xu family's strength, and the Zhou family's Foundation Establishment cultivators are also present. If they were to make a move, they would truly be facing two Foundation Establishment families.

The Xu family is unfathomable, and the Zhou family has a foundation that is not much weaker than the Wei family.

If we turn against them now, even if we gain a slight advantage, we cannot destroy their foundation in Yuehu County. In the future, the fate of my Wei family will probably be even more tragic than that of the Feng family.

After careful consideration, the Wei family patriarch smiled slightly and said, "Of course."

"If Guangling County can usher in a century of peace, what reason does my Wei family have not to agree?"

Xu Mingyuan then glanced at the other prominent families, "What do you all think?"

"I agree to get married!"

"The Ge family agrees!"

One after another, prominent families spoke up.

The trend is established.

The Xu family's foothold in Guangling County has been initially secured.

After that, Xu Mingyuan proposed that the old grudges be settled within one year.

A year later, no family could use old grudges as an excuse.

After this life-or-death battle, some aristocratic families in Guangling County have become stronger, while others have been weakened considerably. This was seen as an important opportunity to plunder resources from other aristocratic families.

after the end.

Guangling County has become much calmer.

The Xu family's trading company was also established in the county seat and market towns, selling elixirs, magical artifacts, talismans, and array plates.

Most of the array plates are first-tier, early to mid-tier personal protective array plates.

Occasionally, there will also be a first-class superior personal protective array plate, whose price exceeds that of a superior magic weapon by a considerable margin.

But people still trade and exchange them.

Many members of the Xu family, including Xu Derui, Xu Deheng, Xu Dejun, and Xu Derong, came to Guangling County and took up important positions.

Xu Mingyuan is temporarily serving as the head of the branch family, Xu Mingwei is temporarily serving as the elder of the branch family, and Xu Mingxuan is in full seclusion on Qingyu Peak.

A simple frame was erected.

Xu Deling and Xu Mingxian returned to Dongxi one after the other.

With the formation and Ren Xiaoyao present, the Xu family is basically not in great danger. However, both sides have left behind divine sense jade tablets so they can warn each other and ask for help.

A year has passed in a flash.

Both the Dongxi Xu clan and the Guangling branch are developing steadily and rapidly.

Because of the separation, many members of the Xu family began to take on important positions, gaining ample experience and maturing considerably in their behavior and conduct.

Xu Dewen even started marrying a woman in Guangling.

Soon after, Xu Derui, Xu Deheng, and Xu Dejun followed suit, marrying into families of cultivators.

Another aspect is recruiting independent cultivators and seeking out martial artists and immortal cultivators who can be trained.

Xu Chuan was not kept in the dark about Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingyuan's actions.

However, he didn't find out immediately, as he was focused on sourcing the goods.

One day, having nothing to do, I consulted a divination master and learned that the Xu family had gained a new branch, which was rapidly expanding.

He was a little confused; he had only come out to buy some goods.

So many things have happened, and they're all such a worry.

However, since Xu Mingwei did not crush his spiritual jade tablet, it can be inferred that there was not much danger.

"That's true. Two Foundation Establishment cultivators, plus a second-grade high-level magic array, unless a third-grade family attacks with all its might, Dongxi will be safe and sound."

Xu Chuan stroked his chin. "Is my Xu family being too low-key?"

"However, after their commotion, my Xu family has probably become famous as well."

To become a Foundation Establishment family in less than twenty years after being promoted to a family of cultivators is indeed quite fast.

The news soon spread to the surrounding counties.

Then, through the efforts of independent cultivators, it spread to the imperial city several months later.

Lei family.

Upon hearing this news, Lei Hekong murmured, "No wonder the Xu family hesitated back then; it turns out that someone was already preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

"Who exactly is he?"

"To succeed in the Foundation Establishment Pill without any foundation-building pills, one must have considerable talent and good luck as well."

There was a pause.

"The Xu family has considerable potential; it's worthwhile to make some connections with them."

He immediately went to the head of the Lei family to discuss matters with the Xu family.

Dan Dian, third floor.

Quiet room.

On the table, wisps of smoke rose from above the small bronze stove.

This fragrance is no ordinary fragrance; it has the effect of calming the mind and focusing the spirit.

Xu Chuan and Yun Zhongzi sat cross-legged across the table.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, I never expected that before your Xu family had even advanced to the Foundation Establishment level, you had already killed a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Feng family of Guangling County, forcing another Feng family patriarch, whose lifespan was nearing its end, to flee with his clansmen."

I heard they have come to the capital.

"The Imperial City? It's a good choice. With Foundation Establishment cultivators, it shouldn't be a problem to gain a foothold in the Western District. However, if the Feng family patriarch dies, the top-tier magic artifacts he left behind will likely attract a lot of covetousness."

Xu Chuan said calmly.

"That depends on their own choices. There are still quite a few ways to preserve the family."

Xu Chuan understood.

A few moments.

Yun Zhongzi looked up at Xu Chuan again, "Speaking of which, Fellow Daoist Xu, you've been in my Pill Hall for a year now. Are you planning to stay for a long time?"

"Is the chief unwilling?"

"I'm afraid that if your misdeeds are exposed, it will implicate me."

During this period, the two often discussed alchemy, and Yun Zhongzi was surprised to find that Yun Zhongzi's alchemy skills had surpassed his own.

It's easy to imagine how much Xu Chuan secretly hoarded after each Pill Hall mission.

“As your fame grows, if you stay in the Pill Hall any longer, the Cao family will likely come after you and will make sure you have no trace left. They might even force you to stay and serve them.”

"Thank you for the reminder, Chief. It is time for me to leave the Pill Hall."

Xu Chuan cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you for your tireless guidance, Chief. The Foundation Establishment Pill formula alone is extremely valuable."

This kindness is something I can never repay.

Yun Zhongzi smiled and said, "Discussing with you has also been very enlightening for me. Moreover, your talent is so high that you have been able to improve upon the original pill formula."

I am passing this on to you, and I hope that one day you will succeed and create a simplified formula for the Foundation Establishment Elixir. At that time, I would like to ask you to pass it on.

Increase the number of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators in the Great Wei Dynasty.

Xu Chuan was somewhat puzzled.

"I was trapped by the Cao family, but I also learned some secrets. Do you know why there are so few aristocratic families in the Great Wei that have lasted for more than five hundred years?"

Yun Zhongzi looked at him, and after a moment said, "That's because of the demonic tribulation."

"You should know that around the Great Wei, there are the Great Liang and the Great Jin, and even further away, there are many superior sects, each possessing blessed lands where spiritual energy is abundant and misty."

In such a blessed land for cultivating immortality, even an ordinary true spiritual root has the possibility of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage on their own.

The upper sect includes both righteous and demonic elements.

Demonic cultivators emphasize rapid progress, and most of their techniques are extremely violent and even bizarre, quite different from righteous cultivation methods.

I once saw a commentary on a demonic cultivation technique called "Blood Fiend Five Elements Technique," which stated that this technique could integrate the inner cores of Foundation Establishment demonic beasts with the five elements into the human body.

It allows ordinary people to cultivate, but the highest level they can reach is the Foundation Establishment Perfection.

If the five individuals possess one of the five elements and reach the peak of Foundation Establishment, then by refining the five inner cores using the secret techniques within their cultivation method, there is a 40-50% chance of them advancing to the Golden Core stage.

The name sounds familiar.

Xu Chuan frowned and said, "Using others as nourishment to advance one's own career is indeed a demonic act, but a 40-50% chance is indeed tempting."

"Yes, but most of these kinds of techniques have side effects. For example, the Blood Fiend Five Elements Technique can make people bloodthirsty. If they cannot control their killing intent, they will eventually become slaves to the path of killing."

"Without thought or intention, born only to kill."

"So, Chief, what exactly is the Demonic Tribulation?"

Yun Zhongzi paused for a moment, then shook his head and chuckled, “You’ve said too much. The so-called Demonic Calamity is when the forces belonging to the Demonic Sects plunder the forces belonging to the Righteous Path every five hundred years.”

“There are large and small demonic tribulations. In the two tribulations that our Great Wei has experienced before, there were not many Golden Core demonic cultivators, so Great Wei was able to withstand them. It was just that a large number of Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators rushed in.”

Those inside the imperial city were mostly safe and sound, protected by a third-tier grand formation. They were all elite disciples sent by their respective families, fighting against the demonic cultivators outside the formation.

In the major prefectures and cities, almost all Foundation Establishment families were wiped out, and only one in ten Qi Refining families remained.

"Won't the righteous sects just stand by and watch?"

"That's not the case. They will also send disciples, but demonic cultivators emphasize quick results, and their number of disciples far exceeds that of the righteous path. Moreover, their battle lines are very wide, so they basically won't arrive in time."

After all, we're located on the edge of the righteous path's territory, where spiritual energy is relatively scarce.

Looks like I wasn't born into a good family.

Xu Chuan felt somewhat depressed upon hearing this.

However, he felt that the so-called five-hundred-year demonic tribulation was more like an agreement between the righteous and demonic factions to deplete their disciples.

After a moment of contemplation, Xu Chuan asked, "How long until next time?"

"I don't know for sure, but it should be around 60 years. The closer it gets to the demonic tribulation, the fiercer the battles at the Wuhua Dharma Assembly become. All the top three families want to produce more Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"Now that the capital city is safe, my Xu family must find a way to squeeze into it."

"I advise you not to. The pressure in the capital is probably the greatest. On the contrary, in remote areas of the county town, as long as you have enough resources, you can survive until the righteous disciples arrive."

Moreover, the Cao family and those three first-rank aristocratic families.”

Yun Zhongzi hesitated for a moment, then finally sighed and said, "In short, your Xu family should prepare yourselves."

"Thank you, Chief. I understand now."

"Before you leave, let me give you a gift." Yun Zhongzi flipped his hand, and a white jade pendant appeared in his palm.

"It contains my life's experience in alchemy and all the alchemical formulas I know, but many of them are restricted by my oath and cannot be told to anyone."

There is a restriction placed on it by me. After I die, the restriction will dissipate on its own, and you can then watch it without worry.

Previously, if someone attempted to view it forcibly, the jade pendant would have destroyed itself.

This can be considered the most complete alchemical lineage in the entire Great Wei Dynasty; this gift is indeed quite substantial.

"I originally intended to leave it to my disciple Weidao, but after much thought, I decided to leave it to you, Fellow Daoist Xu. I hope that you will pass on my Daoist alchemy in the future."

May the Dao of alchemy flourish throughout the Great Wei.

This is my greatest wish!

“I will, Chief.”

Xu Chuan nodded emphatically, and secretly made a vow in his heart.

(End of this chapter)