Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 212 Auction Bargain Hunting, Wuhua Dharma Assembly

The market area in the southern part of the imperial city.

After Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the crowds were already shoulder to shoulder.

Along the cobblestone path, the aroma of medicine from the alchemy shops, the rusty smell of copper from the utensil shops, and the sweet fragrance of spirit fruits hawked by vendors mingled together, while the sounds of cultivators haggling over prices rose and fell.

The sons of the Xu and Zhou families strolled around together.

"As expected of the upcoming 'Wuhua Festival,' it's several times more lively than when my father and I came here years ago."

Xu Mingxian glanced around and spoke calmly.

"It's certainly lively. Looking around, almost everyone is a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator," Xu Mingqing said.

"Take a look around, and feel free to buy anything you like, but if you're not discerning enough and get scammed, you're responsible for your own actions," Xu Mingwei said, adding to the other ordinary disciples of the Xu family, "The same goes for you."

"Thank you, Elder Mingwei." They clasped their hands in thanks, their eyes flashing with delight.

soon.

Xu Mingqing and Ye Xuehua both took a liking to a piece of spiritual root on a street vendor's stall.

"Xuehua, we really are on the same wavelength; we've both taken a liking to the same thing. If you want it..."

Xu Mingxuan walked over and said, "Fellow Daoist, what is the price of this item? I'll take it."

"Fifty Spiritual Stones!"

Seeing that many people were interested, the stall owner originally only planned to sell it for twenty or thirty spirit stones.

In his eyes, this thing was just the root of a certain spiritual herb, which was difficult to cultivate and of little value.

But with multiple bidders, he immediately doubled his bid.

Without saying a word, Xu Mingxuan immediately gave up spirit stones to trade for the root.

"Third Brother, how could you steal that deal!" Xu Mingqing said angrily.

"Fairy Xuehua, you won't blame me for taking matters into my own hands, will you? My father is skilled at cultivating spiritual herbs, and I want to take these back to him to see if they can be successfully grown."

When Xu Chuan was mentioned, Xu Mingqing immediately fell silent.

“Fellow Daoist Mingxuan, you are too kind. Xuehua was just curious and wanted to take a look. Unfortunately, my knowledge is limited and I cannot recognize what kind of spiritual herb this is. It would be best to hand it over to Senior Xu.”

Xu Mingxuan nodded slightly, "Thank you, Fairy Xuehua."

Xu Mingwei and Xu Mingxian walked over.
Xu Mingshu shook her head speechlessly and said, "I never thought that our gifted little brother would grow up to be such a romantic."

Then he turned to look at Xu Mingwei, "It seems that my eldest brother is the same. Could it be that he inherited it from our father?"

"You're overthinking it!" Xu Mingxian said calmly.

Xu Mingwei looked at Xu Mingxuan and asked suspiciously, "Did you snatch this root by some kind of opportunity?"

"I think so, but I'll have to take it back to my father for a proper examination," Xu Mingxuan said.

Xu Mingwei nodded slightly.

The group strolled around.

Many people bought one or two items.

soon.

Upon seeing a wooden platform two zhang high, a middle-aged cultivator said, "My master has set up a fighting arena here. You only need to pay five spirit stones to enter the arena."

For every three consecutive wins, you will receive fifty spirit stones!
Five games, one hundred coins!

Ten games for 200!

Anyone below the Foundation Establishment stage can ascend the platform.

Stop when you've made a move; don't kill anyone!

Xu Mingwei looked at them and said, "Deheng, Deyue, Mingqing, why don't you go up on stage later and try it out? It will increase your practical experience in fighting against others."

Remember, you must not use high-quality ritual implements.

"Win three games and then stop."

At this moment, people are competing on the arena.

But shortly afterward, one of the middle-aged men in yellow was blasted off the stage.

"Fellow Daoist Liu has won this battle. Congratulations on winning two consecutive matches. With one more match, you will achieve a three-match winning streak and receive fifty spirit stones."

The middle-aged cultivator smiled and clasped his hands in greeting, then turned to look at the others, "Are there any fellow cultivators who wish to go up to the arena to challenge?"

“Not even forty, but close to the peak of Qi Refining, and he has the Liu family jade token on him. It seems he’s from the Liu family of Longjiang.” Xu Mingwei said, “Who of you will go up and give it a try?”

"Brother, I'm going!"

After Xu Mingqing finished speaking, he leaped onto the stage.

"May I ask your background, fellow Daoist?" the middle-aged cultivator asked.

"Moon Lake, the Xu family." With that, he patted his storage bag, and five spirit stones flew out and landed in his palm.

The middle-aged cultivator put it away and said with a smile, "Then, you two, let's begin."

"So it's the Xu family. No wonder I haven't seen you around for the past few days. I thought you were hiding somewhere and didn't dare to go out."

It seems we've arrived long overdue.

"So much nonsense."

Xu Mingqing made a hand seal and instantly released a mid-grade wood-type spell. Three vines, like spears, pierced straight into the chest of the Liu family cultivator.

The Liu family cultivator had a short beard and sharp, eagle-like eyes.

With a flick of his long whip, it shattered three pieces of rock-hard metal like a serpent, and then, following a cunning trajectory, began to move toward Xu Mingqing.

Xu Mingqing retreated rapidly, simultaneously forming hand seals.

In a moment.

A surge of spiritual light appeared before him, and more than a dozen similar vines emerged, intertwining in threes and splitting into four, instantly binding the iron whip of the Liu family cultivator.

And at the same time, make a hand seal with the other hand.

Several vines appeared beneath the feet of the Liu family cultivator, attempting to bind him.

He leaped into the air with great difficulty, but the vines followed closely behind.

But with a tap of his storage bag, another high-grade flying sword flew out and he held it in his hand.

Head down, he swung his flying sword repeatedly, slicing all the vines to pieces.

But at that very moment...

A giant tree slammed into the Liu family cultivator, causing him to be knocked off the arena by mistake.

"How can you cast your spells so quickly?!" The Liu family cultivator was shocked and questioned loudly.

Xu Mingqing scoffed, "If you're bad at it, go back and practice more."

"You!" The Liu family cultivator, his face flushed with shame and anger, withdrew his iron whip and immediately left, leaving behind the words, "You'd better wait here if you dare!"

"Young man, let me test my skills against you!"

An elderly man who had reached the pinnacle of Qi cultivation stepped onto the arena.

He appeared to be a rogue cultivator, possessing only high-grade magic artifacts.

Although his cultivation level was slightly higher than Xu Mingqing's, he was still defeated in no time by Xu Mingqing's fierce attack of several high-grade spells.

After the battle, Xu Mingqing had exhausted a lot of his magical power, so he immediately took a high-grade Rejuvenation Pill.

"Is there anyone else who wants to challenge this Fellow Daoist Xu?"

The middle-aged cultivator spoke, and a moment later another person stepped onto the arena.

This time, Xu Mingqing used a high-grade magic artifact. While using the artifact to summon the spell, he simultaneously cast a mid-grade spell to interfere with the spell by making a hand seal with one hand.

This person lost even faster!

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Xu, on your three consecutive victories. You should continue. If you win two more matches, you will receive one hundred spirit stones."

Xu Mingqing shook his head. "No need."

"Then please accept these fifty spirit stones."

Xu Mingqing accepted the fifty spirit stones and immediately stepped down from the arena.

Next, Xu Deheng, Xu Deyue, and the two Zhou family members who had reached the Qi Refining stage also went up to try.

Except for one elder of the Zhou family who was defeated, the others all won three consecutive victories.

Ye Xuehua did not participate.

Just as they were about to leave, the middle-aged cultivator from the Liu family came again, bringing with him many members of the Liu family.

"Brother Mingwei, you're here too."

Leading the way was Liu Wuqing, the genius of the Liu family.

"It's the Ruthless Young Master. Could he be the Xu family's Arrow Demon, Xu Mingwei?"

Xu Mingwei glanced at Liu Wuqing indifferently, "Are you looking for trouble?"

"I, Liu, do indeed wish to have another duel with Brother Xu, but unfortunately you are too old to participate in the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly,' otherwise I would certainly have given you a chance to prove your strength."

"No need for all this high-sounding talk, let's fight if we want to!"

Liu Wuqing immediately felt an urge to fight Xu Mingwei.

However, he knew Xu Mingwei's strength. Even though his own strength had improved considerably, he would have to show all his strength when facing Xu Mingwei.

After a short while, he exhaled a long breath and said with a faint smile, "Brother Xu, there's no need to provoke me. If your Xu family disciples have the opportunity at the 'Wuhua Dharma Assembly,' they will naturally witness my strength."

"let's go."

The Liu family cultivator was dumbfounded. He originally thought that Liu Wuqing had come to support him, but it turned out that he had only come to Xu Mingwei to make threats.
What kind of tactic is this?
Did they develop special feelings after competing once?
"Xu family brat, you better remember this: my name is Liu Wufang. Don't let me run into you at the Wuhua Dharma Assembly, or I'll show you my full power!"

Xu Mingqing smiled dismissively.

"Is there anyone else who wants to try again?" Xu Mingwei said, "If not, we'll go and explore other places."

Xu Mingqing looked at Ye Xuehua and said, "Xuehua, if you don't go up and try, you'll get fifty spirit stones for nothing."

The Zhou family members also tried to persuade him.

After thinking about it, Ye Xuehua finally went on stage.

However, she didn't win three games in a row, but five.

Almost no one could withstand three of her sword strikes.

Xu Mingwei said in a low voice, "Such pure sword energy, what do you think?"

"They can be helpful in the secret realm," Xu Mingxuan said.
Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingxian nodded in agreement.

After five rounds, Ye Xuehua didn't want to continue and left the arena.

Just as he was about to leave, several young cultivators blocked his way.

"My name is Wang Chonghua, a direct descendant of the Wang family of the Imperial City. The two fairies are so beautiful and elegant, I wonder if we could find a place to chat at our leisure?"

Xu Mingqing said calmly, "The Wang family is strong, but my Xu family is not afraid of them either."

Wang Chonghua then noticed the jade pendants on the waists of the group of people, which bore the characters "Xu" and "Zhou".

"The Xu family of Yuehu County?!"

Wang Chonghua had heard the clan elders mention it.

Not long ago, the Xu family had also made a deal with the Wang family.

And the Lei family was still the middleman.

He formed a marriage alliance with the Cao family of Tongshan, maintained good relations with the Lei family, and also possessed the reputation of being a top alchemy master in Xuchuan.

The Wang family had long instructed its members to be polite to the Xu family.

"I see. No wonder you two fairies are so beautiful. This must be the Zhou family's fairy. May I ask how you are addressed?"

"Xu Deyue".

"Ye Xuehua".

"Surname Ye?" Wang Chonghua asked in surprise.

Xu Mingqing said, "Xuehua is a disciple of the Zhou family who has reached the Foundation Establishment stage."

Wang Chonghua clearly didn't attach much importance to the Zhou family's foundation-building efforts, as their strength was far inferior to that of his Wang family.

The Xu family, in just over a decade, has produced three Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The "Wuhua Dharma Assembly" is just around the corner. If we can obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill at this grand event, perhaps one or two more people can achieve Foundation Establishment.

Even a third-rank aristocratic family like the Wang family would have to be wary of them.

Wang Chonghua sized up Ye Xuehua, thinking that perhaps he could use the Wang family's influence to force her to marry into the family.

Xu Mingqing disliked his gaze, and immediately moved to stand in front of Ye Xuehua, saying, "Hey, Wang, have you looked enough?"

"So Brother Xu is also interested in Fairy Xuehua," Wang Chonghua chuckled. "How about we have a contest? Whoever loses will withdraw from pursuing Fairy Xuehua, what do you say?"

"Why should I listen to you? But," Xu Mingqing continued, "I really don't like you, and I don't mind teaching you a lesson."

Wang Chonghua sneered inwardly.

Although he is not the strongest genius of the Wang family in this generation, he can still be ranked in the top three.

His strength had long since reached the pinnacle of Qi Refining.

"You ignorant fool! So what if you're from the Xu family? Today we'll teach you a lesson!"

Wang Chonghua smiled slightly and said, "Alright, let's have a fight on the arena!"

Just as Xu Mingshu was about to stop him, Xu Mingxuan said, "It's time for my little brother to experience some setbacks."

"Third Brother, you also think he's not weak, right?"

"He should be one of the core members of the Wang family in this generation."

Of course, if Ming Qing were to use the Jade Sword, he would definitely have the upper hand.

Xu Mingwei and the others watched quietly from the stage.

"watch out!"

Before he finished speaking, Wang Chonghua darted forward, his long sword radiating a chilling aura, aiming straight for Xu Mingqing's heart.

Xu Mingqing remained calm and composed, forming a hand seal with his left hand to create a Xuanmu Shield for defense.

At the same time, his right hand formed a sword finger, and a high-grade magic weapon flying sword flew out of the storage bag and shot towards Wang Chonghua's chest.

"Such strong control."

Wang Chonghua concealed a bronze mirror engraved with tortoise shell patterns in his sleeve, shielding his face.

"Ding~"

The flying sword collided with the Xuan Turtle Mirror, sparking countless sparks, and the flying sword was bounced away moments later.

But in the next instant, the flying sword, under Xu Mingqing's control, flew back again, and the two continued to fight.

Wang Chonghua also exerted all his strength to control the Cold Edge Sword, but Xu Mingqing's magical power was too strong. He used spells such as wooden shields and vines to block the flying sword, making it impossible for it to get close.

Soon after, they unleashed a barrage of wooden spikes, shooting them down like a torrential rain.

This forces them to focus entirely on defense, preventing them from maintaining the same level of ease as Xu Mingqing.

Fortunately, the Xuan Turtle Mirror has extremely strong defensive capabilities, so it should hold out for a while.

However, their continued retreat has damaged the Wang family's reputation.

Gritting his teeth, Wang Chonghua patted his storage bag and took out a crimson flying sword, the aura of which far surpassed that of the previous Cold Edge Sword.

He made a sword incantation with his hands, and flames rose around the crimson flying sword, transforming it into a three-zhang-long fire serpent that burned away the surrounding vines and swept Xu Mingqing's flying sword away.

The fire snake opened its mouth and lunged at Xu Mingqing.

With a flick of his sleeve, Xu Mingqing dodged, and a spirit wood shield flew out from his sleeve.

He used a shield to defend himself and controlled his flying sword.

By pushing both powers to their limits, they managed to barely withstand the fire serpent.

The crimson flying sword was clearly a high-quality magic weapon, and it seemed to be compatible with Wang Chonghua's cultivation technique, thus increasing its power.

Within two moves, Xu Mingqing was suppressed.

Xu Mingqing seemed unwilling and wanted to use a high-quality magic weapon, but Xu Mingwei's voice entered his ears, "Don't forget your father's words."

Xu Mingqing's body trembled, and he had no choice but to give up.

really.

After six or seven moves, Xu Mingqing was forced to leave the arena by the Fire Serpent.

Wang Chonghua also breathed a sigh of relief, secretly surprised by Xu Mingqing's strength.

"This child is not old and has not yet reached the Qi Refining Perfection stage, yet he has such strength, especially in his mastery of spells and control of magical artifacts, which is simply rare."

They are certainly among the Xu family's chosen representatives to attend the "Wuhua Dharma Assembly."

"However, given the Xu family's resources, how could the people they sent not possess any exquisite magical artifacts?"

"Could it be that he's hiding his true abilities?"

Wang Chonghua thought it was very likely. He then glanced at the rest of the Xu family and wondered to himself: I wonder where this kid ranks in the Xu family.

A few moments.

Wang Chonghua clasped his hands in greeting to Ye Xuehua and said, "Fairy Xuehua, would you do me the honor of having a simple meal at the restaurant next door?"

"If you can withstand three of my sword strikes, I'll agree without hesitation!"

"Haha, then please enlighten me, fairy!"

Ye Xuehua was so annoyed that she finally decided to take action.

They planned to return directly to the courtyard to meditate until the grand event began.

"First Sword Technique: Giant Tree Reaching the Sky!"

Holding a cyan flying sword, Ye Xuehua's spiritual energy surged in the sky, instantly forming a ten-zhang-tall giant tree. It was not only filled with a large amount of wood-type spiritual energy, but also with extremely condensed sword energy.

The two are a perfect combination!
Wang Chonghua's expression changed drastically. He once again conjured a fire serpent and used the Xuan Turtle Mirror for protection. However, the fire serpent was torn apart by the sword energy, the crimson flying sword was knocked away, and the remaining power was blocked by the Xuan Turtle Mirror.

"The second sword."

The giant tree suddenly transformed into a ten-zhang-long azure wooden sword, its sword energy increasing by thirty percent.

Wang Chonghua made a series of hand seals, and the crimson flying sword transformed into a fire dragon, its power increasing dramatically. However, he was no longer able to control the Xuan Turtle Mirror.

boom!
The fire dragon met the giant green wooden sword.

The two are equally matched.

"The third sword!"

Ye Xuehua's hand gestures changed constantly, and in the blink of an eye, the giant green sword split into three, with the blades pointing directly at Wang Chonghua.

Wang Chonghua stared wide-eyed at the giant sword in the air, his Adam's apple bobbing, and beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He immediately said, "Fairy, please hold back! I concede!"

Ye Xuehua glanced at him and waved her hand dismissively.

The giant green sword suddenly vanished, and flew into her storage bag.

"Concession."

After stepping off the stage, Ye Xuehua said to Xu Mingwei, "Fellow Daoist Mingwei, I'm a little tired and plan to head back first. You can continue your stroll."

Xu Mingwei returned the greeting with clasped hands, "You're too kind, fairy. Please make yourselves at home."

The Zhou family members raised their heads slightly, quite pleased with themselves, and followed Ye Xuehua away.

"She really is a genius." Xu Mingshu praised lightly, then patted Xu Mingqing on the shoulder, "Little brother, it won't be easy for you to pursue her."

Xu Mingqing felt confident that he could use the Qingyu Sword to block Ye Xuehua's third move.

However, he believed that Ye Xuehua was definitely more than that, and he felt somewhat frustrated, but he quickly rallied, "From now on, I will definitely work harder in my cultivation!"

Xu Mingwei chuckled and shook his head. "Let's go, let's look around some more."

Ye Xuehua became famous overnight.

Within just two days, she became known to all the prominent families, and everyone called her "Fairy Qingmu".

Xu Deyue is known as the "Cold Moon Fairy".

The two were known as the "Twin Beauties of Moon Lake".

In addition, there are many talented individuals from prominent families who are renowned in the capital, and their talents are no less than those of some of the city's geniuses.

Ye Xuehua did not leave the courtyard again after going out on the first day.

Xu Mingqing also practiced cultivation day and night without ceasing.

He is not far from reaching the peak of Qi Refining.

The Xu family courtyard.

Zhou Qingfang came to visit.

Why do you look so worried, Brother Zhou?

"Alas, Xuehua is still young and inexperienced. She easily defeated the Wang family's genius that day, which made her the object of many aristocratic families' attention."

In the past two days, many third-rank families have come to propose marriage, and there have even been second-rank and first-rank families.

How can I not worry about this?

"Unless you want to keep her hidden, Xuehua's talent will eventually shine through."

Brother Zhou, you should probably think this over carefully.

"If I had to choose, I would rather let Xuehua and Mingqing become Daoist partners."

"That's great." Xu Chuan smiled slightly. "However, I also respect Xuehua's own opinion. After all, if I'm not mistaken, she will be a Foundation Establishment cultivator when she comes out of the secret realm."

Zhou Qingfang did not refute, but said, "I think it won't be long before Mingqing is ready. With his talent and the cultivation of your Xu family, he won't be much slower than Xuehua."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The two families reached an agreement and became engaged.

Xu Mingqing was overjoyed to hear the news, but Ye Xuehua remained indifferent, her attitude towards Xu Mingqing still lukewarm.

Upon hearing that Ye Xuehua was already engaged to the Xu family, the other families had no choice but to give up.

The Xu family is not to be trifled with these days.

It has enormous energy!

First- and second-rank aristocratic families also do not want to offend them easily.

Of course, if they knew that Ye Xuehua had the aptitude of an earth spirit root, they certainly wouldn't have given up.

a few days later.

East District Market.

The Treasure Pavilion held an auction, which was presided over by the Cao family.

Xu Chuan took Xu Mingxuan with him.

The unknown medicinal roots that Xu Mingxuan brought back last time turned out to be a rare spiritual herb called Tianxu Grass, which is over four hundred years old.

It happens to be one of the three main ingredients recorded in the formula for the Pure Spirit Pill.

The other two are the Water Lily and the Heavenly Fragrance Flower.

Although there are some precious auxiliary materials, Xu Chuan has already collected a complete set.

This auction was far more lively and had a much wider variety of items than the previous trade fair in Tongshan County.

However, unless it's something he's determined to obtain, like the Heavenly Fragrance Flower, he doesn't plan to make a move on the rest.

"The previous Void-Piercing Pill, and now a top-tier magic weapon, the Cao family is indeed rich and powerful."

Xu Chuan watched quietly as many Foundation Establishment cultivators argued heatedly, their faces flushed.

Soon it was the next item's turn to be auctioned.

"This is a second-tier earth-element material, about the size of a human head, enough to forge four or five top-tier flying swords. The starting bid is six hundred spirit stones."

If any fellow cultivator could refine it into a top-tier magic weapon, they would undoubtedly make a fortune.

Xu Chuan was initially unmoved.

Sudden.

A voice echoed in his mind.

"Kid, take a picture of that thing."

Mo Yue's voice was a mixture of surprise and urgency.

"Isn't it just ordinary earth-based material? What's so special about it?"

"Of course you can't tell. Even a regular Golden Core cultivator probably couldn't tell that the earth-elemental material is just the outer shell, and the real treasure is inside."

"What could possibly surprise you, Mo Yue, be that the items in the earth-based materials are related to the dragon?"

"Damn, how did you know?!" Mo Yue was extremely surprised.

"So, what is it?"

"If I'm not mistaken, it should be the dragon pearl of a Golden Core stage dragon with earth attributes. You should know that not all Golden Core stage dragons can produce dragon pearls."

Only when the bloodline is sufficiently concentrated can this happen.

However, the Dragon Ball must have very little energy left, otherwise the earth-based material encasing it wouldn't be in such a state.

What good will it do you?

"Refining it will not restore me to the Golden Core stage, but it will allow me to unleash the power of the early Golden Core stage three or four times."

"That is indeed very useful!"

Xu Mingxuan also reminded him, "Father, I think this material seems quite good."

Xu Chuan nodded and immediately participated in the auction.

"Eight hundred and fifty spirit stones!"

He increased his investment by fifty spirit stones in one go, whereas previously it was usually only ten or twenty.

“Eight hundred and sixty spirit stones!” a top weapon-refining master said.

"Eight hundred and eighty spirit stones!"

"Eight hundred and ninety spirit stones!"

Once the number of bidders reached over 800, the number of bidders suddenly decreased.

"Nine hundred and forty spirit stones!" Xu Chuan spoke again.

Many people looked at Xu Chuan.

Compared to others adding ten yuan at a time, Xu Chuan raised the price by fifty yuan right off the bat, which was truly eye-catching.

"Nine hundred and sixty spirit stones!" The weapon-refining master hesitated for a moment, then raised the price by twenty.

“One thousand spirit stones!” Xu Chuan said again.

Now, there was absolutely no more bidding.

Are there any more bids?

"One thousand spirit stones once, one thousand spirit stones twice, one thousand spirit stones three times!"

"Congratulations to Fellow Daoist Xu Chuan on winning the bid for this material."

Xu Chuan immediately handed over the spirit stones, and the transaction was completed.

Many of the subsequent transactions involved spirit herbs, but none of them were what Xu Chuan wanted, so he didn't speak up.

The highlight of the auction.

The first item is a nearly 3,000-year-old Blood Jade Fungus, which is effective for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

The second item is a talisman, which has four uses remaining.

The last item is a top-tier magic weapon set, the Red Thread Flying Needle, hidden in a box, containing thirty-six needles, suitable for surprise attacks.

Xu Chuan was also tempted, but he didn't want the Xu family to attract too much attention.

Therefore, he bid casually a few times and then gave up.

After returning, Xu Chuan handed over the earth-based materials to Mo Yue.

He breathed out real fire, melting the earth-based materials and revealing a stone sphere inside, which he then swallowed whole.

"Xu Chuan, I need to focus all my energy on refining it. Do not disturb me for the next two months."

"Just focus on refining it."

After saying this, Mo Yue returned to his spirit beast pouch.

Five days after the auction ended.

The "Wuhua Dharma Assembly" has officially begun.

The Dharma assembly was held at the intersection of the four districts of the Imperial City: east, west, south, and north.

There is a huge plaza covering thousands of acres here.

Forty-eight bluish-white stone pillars stand around the square, each over five zhang tall.

The pillar is carved with patterns of the sun, moon, stars, dragons, and phoenixes, and a fist-sized, lustrous white crystal is inlaid at the top.

In the center of the square.

The three square arenas are arranged in a triangular pattern.

Each arena is constructed of black-patterned stone, standing two zhang high and twenty zhang long and wide, and is equipped with a first-grade high-level magic array.

At the center of the triangular arena was an even more magnificent circular arena, eighty feet in diameter, paved with blue steel stone.

At this moment, the square was already bustling with noise.

Four hundred and eight contestants gathered on the bluestone-paved open space on the north side of the square.

The east side of the square was the spectator stands, filled with Qi Refining stage cultivators who occasionally whispered among themselves, discussing the strength of the contestants.

Or perhaps it refers to the members of which prominent families were among the top ten at this Wuhua Dharma Assembly.

Three quarters of a hour.

A figure in bright yellow slowly walked out from the high platform on the south side of the square.

The newcomer wore a brocade robe embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon, had a dignified face, and three long strands of beard under his chin; he was a member of the Cao family, a member of the royal clan.

"I am Cao Jinde, and I am the host of this Dharma assembly."

He stood in the center of the high platform, infusing his voice with spiritual power, and proclaimed: "In the year of Jiazi, Wuhua opens. The top one hundred participants in this Dharma Assembly will go to the Wuhua Secret Realm to participate in trials and compete with cultivators from other countries."

Cao Jinde possessed a profound aura, clearly indicating that he had reached the peak of the sixth level of the Foundation Establishment stage.

"A total of 408 people participated in the Wuhua Dharma Assembly this time. Each arena was guarded by a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Cao family. The competition was to be stopped when the opponent was at the point of injury."

After the top 100 are selected, they will compete for rankings on a circular arena. The top ten will each receive a bottle of high-quality pills prepared by the Cao family, including one bottle each of antidotes, healers, and rejuvenators.

The top three will also receive five additional high-grade talismans.

I urge you all to strive for excellence and demonstrate the glory of our Great Wei!

As soon as he finished speaking, a cultivator stepped out from each of the three square arenas.

One was wearing a red robe, another a blue shirt, and a third a black robe; all were cultivators at the second level of Foundation Establishment.

"Now, all participants, please pick up a numbered bamboo stick."

With a flick of his sleeve, Cao Jinde sent out a large number of bamboo sticks flying out, which then drifted freely in the air above the contestants.

One contestant after another raised their hands, gathered their magical power, and grabbed a bamboo stick. In just over ten breaths, all the bamboo sticks were gone.

"Third Brother, what's your number?" Xu Mingshu asked.

"Thirty-six, and what about you?"

Xu Mingshu, Xu Mingxian, Xu Deheng, Xu Deyue and Xu Mingqing also showed their bamboo slip numbers.

"Fortunately, none of them are too close to each other, so we won't run into each other." Xu Mingshu breathed a sigh of relief. "If we can't even get into the top 100, then we'll embarrass our father."

Xu Mingqing smiled faintly, "It's not that bad, at worst..."

"My father said that there was no need to show off too much at the Wuhua Dharma Assembly; the real life-or-death battle would begin once we entered the secret realm."

The more cards you have up your sleeve, the higher your chances of survival.

And let's not forget our main purpose in entering this secret realm.

The group exchanged glances and nodded slightly.

After a while.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator standing beside the three arenas spoke up, "Please, those with bamboo slip number one and number two, come to my arena, number A."

"Numbers three and four, move to the B-class arena."

"Numbers five and six, move to the C-class arena."

As soon as he finished speaking, six people from the crowd leaped toward the arena and then went up to the arena in pairs.

Subsequently.

The cultivators in red robes, blue shirts, and black robes announced, "The competition begins!"

The two fighters on each arena took out their magical artifacts, either brandishing them to rush towards each other or casting spells by making hand seals.

There is a Ningxiang Pavilion on the west side of the square.

Inside, a banquet was set up, with each table displaying delicacies such as spirit wine and snow lotus soup, and silk paintings depicting scenic spots for cultivating immortality were hung around the room.

All participants were Foundation Establishment cultivators from their respective families.

The head of the Cao family, seated in the main seat, has a foundation of seven levels.

The family listed below is a first-rank noble family, and the rest are arranged according to their rank.

The Xu family ranks first among the fourth-rank families.

"Another sixty years have passed in the blink of an eye. There are some familiar faces here, as well as some unfamiliar ones." The head of the Cao family smiled faintly, his gaze falling on Xu Chuan.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, your Xu family has become a fourth-rank family in just over a decade, and is already not far from becoming a third-rank family. I wonder if you could share some of your experiences with everyone here?"

Xu Chuan smiled and said, "Brother Cao is joking. Where would you get experience from? It's just that a few promising juniors have emerged from the clan."

We will dedicate ourselves to nurturing geniuses, and once they grow up, they will drive the overall development of the family.

I think this is true for all of them.

In Xu's view, the true growth of a family lies in the improvement of its overall strength.

Xu Chuan's answer was standard and conventional.

"The Xu family is indeed steady and reliable," said the head of the Cao family. "It seems that it's all thanks to your excellent guidance, Brother Xu."

The Xu family wasn't the only one targeted by the Cao family; several other families with impressive development were also targeted.

"In the last 'Wuhua Trial,' our Great Wei ranked last, and the one before that was also the case. If we are last again this time, then the cultivators of our Great Wei will likely be ridiculed by the Great Liang and Great Jin forever."

"So this time, let's reduce internal strife and focus our energy on dealing with the cultivators or demonic cultivators of Liang and Jin. What do you all think?"

“We, the descendants of the Cao family, are willing to take the lead.”

"Patriarch Lei, what are your thoughts?"

The head of the Lei family said, "Forming an alliance is a good thing, but gathering too many people is not conducive to searching for Foundation Establishment materials. The increase in Foundation Establishment cultivators in our Great Wei is also an improvement in our foundation."

Of course, it would be too dangerous to act alone.

A team of about ten people should be just right.

“That’s right. As for how each family chooses, it’s entirely up to their own wishes,” said the head of the Jiang family.

“I agree as well,” the Lin family patriarch echoed.

It's obvious that all three companies have coordinated their information.

Cao's actions were simply intended to allow the Cao family to take the lion's share, while making the other families mere laborers. But how could the other families easily comply with his wishes?

(End of this chapter)