Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 213 The Dharma Assembly Ends, and Cao Shi Takes His Eyes
"Do the other fellow cultivators feel the same way?" The Cao family head scanned the crowd.

Immediately, four prominent families echoed the three first-rank families.

Although the Cao family was powerful, the other powerful families were not truly at their mercy.

There's nothing wrong with obeying in ordinary matters, but when it comes to the foundation of the family, everyone naturally wants to take a gamble.

"If that's the case, then let's leave it at that."

While everyone was discussing their foundation building, the first round of eliminations in the arena was already more than halfway through.

Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingshu, Xu Mingxian, Xu Deyue, and Xu Deheng have all passed the first round.

Only Xu Mingqing remains to compete.

Not long after, it was Xu Mingqing's turn.

His opponent was Liu Wufang.

"Xu family brat, I really did run into you. I told you that if we met at the Dharma Assembly, I would show you my true strength."

They are nothing more than exquisite Buddhist artifacts.

However, Liu Wufang's strength is only average. Even with a high-quality magic weapon, Xu Mingqing is confident of winning.

If a problem really arises, he will use exquisite magical artifacts.

The Jade Sword is a high-quality magic weapon set.

The three ritual implements are almost identical, and there is no problem using any one of them individually.

Game start.

Liu Wufang formed a sword finger, and a black flying sword, trailing a faint spiritual light, crashed into Xu Mingqing like a comet.

Xu Mingqing immediately made a hand seal, condensing a wooden shield technique, and with a flick of his sleeve, a high-grade defensive magic weapon flew out and blocked in front of him.

As he expected, the black flying sword shattered the wooden shield, but was ultimately blocked by the defensive magic weapon.

Feel a little calmer.

Xu Mingqing made another hand seal and instantly cast a mid-grade wood-type spell—Entangle.

This forced him to devote only a portion of his energy to dealing with his own spells, and then he released a high-grade flying sword to control and attack.

Liu Wufang clearly possessed exquisite magical artifacts, but lacked powerful spells or techniques that could be considered his trump cards, and quickly found himself at a disadvantage.

Suddenly.

Xu Mingqing instantly cast a mid-grade wind-type spell to enhance his speed, and at the same time, he tapped his storage bag, took out two mid-grade wind-type talismans, and stuck them on his calves.

With spells and talismans combined, Xu Mingqing moved with speed as if he were teleporting on this small arena.

In the blink of an eye, he rushed into Liu Wufang's room, grabbed the flying sword, and used the power of his speed to knock away the exquisite magic weapon in Liu Wufang's hand.

Then he raised his hand and conjured several wooden spikes, the sharp points of which pressed against his forehead.

Beads of sweat immediately appeared on Liu Wufang's forehead. He looked at Xu Mingqing in disbelief, gritted his teeth, and finally lowered his head, saying, "I admit defeat."

Xu Mingqing didn't even bother to look at him, turned around and left the arena, walking towards Xu Mingshu and the others.

Compared to Wang Chonghua, the power of the exquisite magical artifacts controlled by Liu Wufang was only fifty or sixty percent of his, not to mention compared to the fire dragon that followed.

The more refined the magical artifact, the better it matches one's own talents and techniques, the stronger its power will be.

Many manuals record powerful spells and techniques, but not everyone can successfully master them.

Inside Ningxiang Pavilion.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators chatted and laughed, but almost every one of them spared a wisp of divine sense to keep an eye on the battle on the arena.

The head of the Liu family looked at Xu Chuan and said, "Brother Xu, congratulations on all six members of your Xu family advancing to the second round. As Fellow Daoist Cao said, you are indeed a good teacher."

The sons of my Liu family are no match for the sons of your Xu family.

"Brother Liu is too kind. It was just a fluke. My son was recently defeated by a genius from the Wang family in the South District Market."

If he were to truly face a genius meticulously nurtured by the Liu family, he would likely be defeated in a dozen or so rounds.

The head of the Liu family smiled faintly and raised his wine cup to Xu Chuan.

Xu Chuan drank with him.

The first round of eliminations is over.

It's natural that everyone gets promoted, including scions of first and second-rank noble families and members of the Cao family.

Among the third-rank noble families were the Li family of Taiyuan and the Wang family of Langya.

As for fourth-rank aristocratic families, only the Xu family exists.

Five members of the Zhou family participated, and two were eliminated.

Half an hour later.

The second round of elimination has begun.

This round, the chances of encountering a powerful genius have increased considerably.

Many people had to fight hard before it was over.

Xu Mingxuan was facing off against Wang Chonghua of the Wang family in the capital.

"Brother Wang, please show mercy." Xu Mingxuan said with a faint smile, clasping his hands in a fist salute.

"Brother Xu, that's how it should be."

Wang Chonghua was wary of the Xu family. After the last battle at the market arena, he guessed that the Xu family members were mostly hiding their true strength.

Xu Mingqing, being a young Qi cultivator, is estimated to be no less powerful than him when unleashing his full strength.

As for Xu Mingxuan, Xu Mingshu, and Xu Mingxian, they are all considered veteran cultivators who have reached the peak of Qi Refining.

The trump card will only get stronger.

Therefore.

Wang Chonghua unleashed his strongest power from the very beginning.

The flying sword transformed into a dragon, its roar shaking the heavens!
Its power appears to be three times stronger than when it fought Ye Xuehua.

"As expected of a genius from the royal family of the capital," Xu Mingxuan thought to himself. "It's no use not revealing some of his strength."

His magical power is far more powerful and refined than that of others at the same level by 30%.

When fully utilizing a superior-grade magic weapon, its power is likely close to that of other Qi Refining Perfection cultivators using exquisite magic weapons.

Furthermore, the Five Elements Spiritual Technique also has unique moves specific to the technique, totaling three moves.

These are the five elements generating each other, circulating among the five elements, and uniting among the five elements.

Xu Mingxuan has only mastered the first two moves. The former can convert magic power into a single attribute, and its power can increase by another 30%.

The latter is a defensive move, drawing inspiration from the concept of the five elements flowing and endlessly regenerating. Attacks within the five elements will have 30% of their power reduced out of thin air.

The final fusion of the five elements, if combined with the Five Elements Sword Formation of the Five Spirit Box, can even severely injure or kill Foundation Establishment cultivators who do not possess top-tier magic weapons.

"The five elements generate each other, transforming into water!"

at the same time.

"Zheng~"

With a sword cry, a deep blue flying sword flew out from Xu Mingxuan's sleeve, radiating the power of a fine magical artifact.

Under the pure and surging water-elemental magic, the flying sword suddenly transformed into a ten-zhang water dragon, which was even more powerful and majestic than Wang Chonghua's seven or eight-zhang fire dragon.

In addition, water overcomes fire.

The two dragons clashed, and within moments Wang Chonghua was at a disadvantage.

He thought he had already valued the Xu family enough, but he didn't expect them to be so well hidden.

His magical power and purity far surpass those of ordinary cultivators at the same level.

Barely managing to hold on for several dozen more breaths, the fire dragon was defeated, transforming into a crimson flying sword that was stuck in the arena.

"I surrender!"

Wang Chonghua left the ring in a daze and dejected state.

Ningxiang Pavilion.

The head of the Lei family smiled and said, "Brother Xu, your son is indeed outstanding, with magical power far surpassing that of ordinary people. After entering the secret realm, may our two families form an alliance?"

"I could not have asked for it, but I was afraid that we would not be able to meet again."

Upon entering the secret realm, you will be randomly teleported.

"It's alright, we can just agree not to attack each other."

After watching Xu Mingxuan's battle, he felt that the Xu family indeed had great potential, and it wasn't just Xu Mingwei who had strong combat power.

Of the Lei family members who participated in the Dharma assembly, only three or four were truly confident of defeating Xu Mingxuan.

Moreover, if the opponent has more cards up their sleeve, then it's hard to say.

Xu Mingxian was lucky; she didn't encounter any formidable geniuses.

However, Xu Mingshu encountered Feng Qingyang from the Feng family.

At this moment, Feng Qingyang had already mastered the final move of the "Great River Sword Technique"—Rivers Flow into the Sea.

He is comparable to Liu Wuqing of the Liu family and is a person on whom the Feng family places high hopes.

"Damn it!" Xu Mingshu muttered under her breath, pouting.

"It seems that Fairy Xu does not want to meet me, Feng."

"I have heard of the battle between Brother Feng and my brother."

"I, Feng, also long to fight Brother Mingwei again, but unfortunately, the opportunity is not right."

However, the fairy's prowess in killing the direct descendant elder of the Taishu family in Tongshan County made me look at her in a different light.

I humbly request your guidance, Fairy.

“No problem.” Xu Mingshu’s lips twitched slightly.

It seems we have no choice but to resort to the Black Demon Flag.

Fortunately, the Black Flag is no longer his strongest trump card.

Touching the spirit beast pouch at her waist, she felt much more at ease.

The moment the Black Fiend Banner appeared, the top-tier magical artifact immediately shocked the entire audience.

All the Foundation Establishment cultivators in Ningxiang Pavilion were secretly astonished.

The head of the royal family, who had previously eliminated one of his family's geniuses, seemed displeased and said, "Fellow Daoist Xu is very generous, actually bestowing upon me a top-tier magic weapon."

"Could it be that your Xu family has so many top-tier magical artifacts that you don't know where to put them all?"

How did you find out?
Xu Chuan thought to himself, but smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Patriarch Wang is really joking. Could it be that the nobleman Wang Chonghua was defeated not long ago and you are still resentful?"

The head of the Wang family snorted coldly and stopped arguing with Xu Chuan.

The others were happy to watch the spectacle.

No one believed what the head of the Wang family said.

The leading disciples of the Cao family and the three great first-rank families must also have top-tier magical artifacts as their trump cards.

If one successfully breaks through to the Foundation Establishment stage in the secret realm, the difference between a Foundation Establishment cultivator with and without a top-tier magic weapon is enormous.

Xu Mingshu used all her strength to protect herself with the Black Fiend Dragon.

Feng Qingyang launched a series of fierce attacks.

Only by using the final move, "River Flows into the Sea," could his protective defenses be broken.

But Xu Mingshu was not hurt at all.

Although Feng Qingyang still had a lot of magic power left, he knew that with this top-tier magic weapon that combined offense and defense, he had no chance of winning.

He immediately bowed his head, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I, Feng, concede defeat."

Xu Mingshu did not use the Black Fiend Banner's exquisite techniques; she forced her opponent to admit defeat simply by relying on her protective abilities, which made many disciples of aristocratic families wary.

However, some speculate that Xu Mingshu was unable to fully utilize the profound mysteries of a top-tier magical artifact, which is why she only used it for self-protection.

"Concession."

Both of them immediately left the ring.

Neither Xu Deheng nor Xu Deyue encountered any core members of the aristocratic families, so they defeated them using magic, magical artifacts, and talismans.

To everyone else, the two of them seemed rather ordinary compared to the rest of the Xu family.

Xu Mingqing then eliminated the core members of the Dongguo family.

The opponent was quite strong, so Xu Mingqing could only use a jade sword.

His magical artifacts, techniques, and bloodline all originated from the same source.

After the outburst, its power far surpasses that of ordinary people, and it can be divided into four thoughts, which are as one.

It was only with this advantage that they barely managed to defeat the Dongguo family.

To become a leader in one's respective sect, one must possess considerable strength, either with profound or powerful magical power, or exceptional comprehension, having mastered the techniques recorded in the manuals.

If Xu Mingqing hadn't cultivated the Nine Flames Technique, he would probably have needed to use the Azure Jade Sword Formation to defeat him.

After all, his own cultivation time was too short, and he had only mastered one move of the techniques recorded in the "Yi Mu Qing Ling Jue".

The entire Xu family passed the first round without any problems.

However, the second round was much more difficult, and the Xu family still managed to win every single one of their members.

Among the families of the third and fourth ranks, only the Xu family is like this.

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators were filled with astonishment and doubt.

Cao Jinde selected two people from the 102 to be eliminated from the top 100, and said: "Now all those who are eliminated have one chance to be resurrected and challenge, and can choose any one of the top 100."

If you win, you can be replaced.

However, the same person cannot be challenged consecutively.

After an incense stick has burned, the resurrection challenge begins.

Inevitably, strong teams will clash in the two rounds of competition, and one team will be eliminated.

The Wuhua Secret Realm is a place where cultivators from the Great Liang and Great Jin dynasties compete, so naturally, only the strongest will be selected to enter.

Some people, knowing their own limitations, gave up the challenge.

But people like Liu Wufang, Feng Qingyang, Wang Chonghua, and Dongguo Jin would naturally not give up this chance to be resurrected.

There is only one chance, and everyone is confident in taking on the challenge.

However, some people also stumble and fall into trouble.

For example, those who challenge Xu Mingxian, Xu Deheng, and Xu Deyue.

They were targeted because of their mediocre performance in the first two rounds.

Now, even the finest ritual implements have been used.

Only then did everyone realize it was normal.

With the Xu family's resources, producing five or six exquisite magical artifacts should not be a problem.

After all, even top-tier magic artifacts have appeared, so surely a few high-quality magic artifacts wouldn't be lacking.

Inside Ningxiang Pavilion.

A member of a prominent family laughed and said, "Brother Xu, your disciple is truly adept at concealing his abilities. He never reveals his trump card until the crucial moment."

"This is hardly a trump card; only that top-tier magic artifact can be considered a decent one."

Xu Chuan sighed again, "It's just that with her current level of strength, it would be difficult for her to unleash her full power."

The resurrection match is over.

That concludes today's competition.

The battle for the top ten begins tomorrow.

night.

The Xu family courtyard.

The core members of the Xu family gathered in one room.

Xu Chuan glanced at Xu Mingshu and the others, and smiled faintly, "Your performance today was acceptable. Show the appropriate level of strength to the appropriate person."

Now that the top 100 spots have been selected, there's no need to worry about tomorrow's rankings.

If you encounter a tough opponent, just give up.

After tomorrow, we should rest for three days before heading to the Wuhua Secret Realm.

Upon entering the secret realm, prioritize regrouping. If you encounter any enemy, hold back and unleash your full power. If you are outmatched, flee immediately.

The next day.

Three quarters of a hour.

The battle for the top ten at the Wuhua Dharma Assembly.

Xu Deheng and Xu Deyue were eliminated in the first round, Xu Mingqing, Xu Mingxian and Xu Mingxuan were eliminated in the second round, and Xu Mingshu was eliminated in the third round.

He collapsed because his magical power had been depleted and he could no longer continue.

Ye Xuehua also stopped at the tricycle.

In the third round, she encountered Cao Yulong, the leader of the Cao family.

After a brief exchange, he chose to concede defeat.

Cao Yulong vaguely sensed that there was something special about the other person that was attracting him.

"Could it be that she is too?"

Cao Yulong remained silent until the Dharma assembly ended, at which point he went to find his father, the current head of the Cao family.

"Yulong, do you think that girl from the Zhou family might have the aptitude of an earth spirit root?"

"I'm not sure, but even if there's only a sliver of a possibility, I need to find out."

The head of the Cao family nodded. "You're right. Our Cao family currently has two or three people with the aptitude of Earth Spiritual Root, but none of them are female cultivators with the Earth Spiritual Root."

If two people with earth-elemental aptitudes could combine their talents, then through a secret method, their offspring would have a 60% chance of having heaven-elemental aptitudes.

In this way, my Cao family may produce another Golden Core cultivator.

"Father, should I send someone to investigate this woman?"

The head of the Cao family raised his hand and said, "Even if each family produces someone with the aptitude of earth spiritual roots, it is mostly kept secret. Only a Golden Core cultivator can know whether someone has earth spiritual roots by simply using divine sense."

"Father wants to ask the Ancestor for help?" Cao Yulong raised an eyebrow.

"You don't need to worry about this matter. Focus on preparing for the trip to the secret realm. If Ye Xuehua truly has the aptitude of an earth spirit root, I will try my best to let you marry her." "Thank you, Father. I will take my leave now."

The competition within the Cao family is fierce. Currently, apart from Cao Yulong, there are two other people with the aptitude for Earth Spirit Roots, but both of them have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

One has reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment, and the other is in the middle stage.

However, both of them were already married.

Therefore, Cao Yulong has a very high chance of success.

The head of the Cao family sent people to investigate Ye Xuehua's whereabouts.

Later, they went to the Cao family's underground palace.

This is the place with the richest spiritual energy in the entire imperial city.

After all, the entire spiritual vein was located near the palace.

However, the spiritual vein is surrounded by extremely strong restrictions, which even a Foundation Establishment cultivator cannot easily shake, to prevent it from being damaged.

Besides the Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor, the only other cultivators meditating here were a few Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators.

"Ancestor, Shenglinming has important matters to discuss with me," Cao Shengming said, bowing as he stood at the palace gate.

A few moments.

An old but powerful voice emanated from the palace, buzzing in his ears.

"What's the matter?"

"During this Wuhua Dharma Assembly, we discovered a female cultivator who appears to have an earth-elemental root. She comes from a fourth-grade family in Yuehu County. We would like to ask our ancestor to investigate her personally."

After a while.

The palace gates slowly opened.

An elderly man with white hair and beard stepped out. He had a youthful face despite his white hair, sharp eyes, and an indifferent expression.

Cao Shengming immediately bowed, not daring to look directly at him.

"Lead the way."

"Yes."

Cao Shengming led the Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor to the sky above the Zhou family's courtyard, pointed down, and said, "This is where the Zhou family will temporarily reside."

The Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor extended his divine sense.

They silently investigated everyone in the area.

Even Zhou Qingfang didn't notice.

Of course, if a Foundation Establishment cultivator were to probe deeply with the divine sense of a Golden Core cultivator, they would still be detected.

It might not be noticeable during the Qi Refining stage.

After all, divine sense is much weaker than divine consciousness.

A few moments.

The old ancestor of the Cao family, who was at the Golden Core stage, smiled slightly, stroked his beard, and said, "Excellent aptitude!"

"With an earth spirit root and the Azure Wood Sword Body, he must be cultivating the Azure Wood Sword Technique. He's a promising sword cultivator!"

If one is born into a family with a long tradition of cultivating Golden Core abilities, with the full support of their family, there should be a 30-40% chance of them forming a Golden Core.

"The ancestor actually speaks of her so highly?"

"When the demonic calamity descends, some people with great talent will always be born. This woman should have some luck, but for the continuation of my Cao family, she is destined to become a sacrifice."

"Shengming understands. He will spare no expense to marry this woman into the Cao family and have her give birth to a son with a heavenly spiritual root!"

The Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor nodded slightly.

Oh!

A soft "hmm" was heard.

"Which prominent family lives in the courtyard next door?"

"It is the Xu family. Like the Zhou family, they came from Yuehu County. Their rise was extremely rapid. In just thirty years, they went from a Qi Refining family to a family close to the third rank."

"Oh." The Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor was slightly surprised.

"In addition, it was recently reported that Xu Chuan's youngest son is engaged to Ye Xuehua."

"You can handle this as you see fit."

"Yes, Ancestor." Cao Shengming asked again, "Does Ancestor feel that there is something wrong with the Xu family? I heard that the Xu family has a woman who is also very outstanding, and she and Ye Xuehua are known as the Twin Beauties of Moon Lake."

"No, it is because there should be a highly skilled array master in this courtyard."

"No way?!" Cao Shengming was suddenly shocked. "I heard that Xu Chuan is good at alchemy. Everyone here is either his descendant or a disciple trained by the Xu family."

The oldest among them is only in their early sixties.

There shouldn't be anyone like that, a master of formations.

The Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor glanced at Cao Shengming indifferently and said, "How can matters in the cultivation world be judged entirely by age?"

"Those with Heavenly Spiritual Root aptitude can establish their foundation in their teens, and it is quite normal for them to reach the peak of foundation establishment in their sixties or seventies. They can become Golden Core cultivators in their early thirties."

"As long as one has outstanding talent, it is not impossible for someone to have the skill of a formation master during the Qi Refining stage."

Cao Shengming was drenched in sweat and nodded repeatedly, "Ancestor is right, Shengming was too presumptuous."

The Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor then added, "There is a newly arranged divine sense isolation barrier here, which can block the probing of Foundation Establishment divine sense. Even I, the ancestor, cannot break through without making a sound."

"A person with such mastery of formations is definitely a formation master."

"In a few days, when we set off for the 'Wuhua Secret Realm,' I will investigate the Xu family again."

"Thank you, Ancestor."

Cao Shengming cupped his hands in greeting again, but when he looked up, the figure of the Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor was nowhere to be seen.

He looked at the Zhou family's courtyard, then at the Xu family's, and frowned slightly.

"Xu Chuan is a top alchemy master. It is rumored that the Xu family has a master weapon refiner. This can be seen from the fact that all the Xu family participants have exquisite magic weapons. That person should be able to refine exquisite magic weapons."

I just don't know the extent of his mastery of the art of crafting.

Now, another person has emerged who, even at the Qi Refining stage, possesses the skill level of a formation master.

No wonder the Xu family has developed so quickly into a near-third-rank aristocratic family. They'll probably become a third-rank aristocratic family after this Wuhua Trial.

"If left to develop, they will surely become a first-class family in the future!"

Cao Shengming immediately conceived the idea of ​​suppressing the Xu family in the secret realm.

"These six people should be the most elite members of the Xu family. If most of them perish, it can delay the development of the Xu family by at least several decades."

When a family reaches a certain level of development, it becomes important to consider the number of geniuses within the family.

Only these geniuses have a chance to enter the Foundation Establishment stage.

Xu Chuan was already being careful enough, but after just one glance from the Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor, he was added to the Cao family's list of people to be on high alert.

Their level of vigilance is no less than that of first- or second-rank noble families.

The next day.

Xu Chuan led Xu Mingwei and the others to the Lei family's residence.

The purpose was to discuss the formation of an alliance.

The secret realm is fraught with danger, so it's always good to have one less opponent.

Six members of the Xu family entered the secret realm, while eight members of the Lei family entered, with the weakest being only slightly inferior to Wang Chonghua.

“Brother Xu, let the children make a vow that our two families will be allies and help each other during this trip to the secret realm.”

"nature."

Both sides swore an oath in front of Xu Chuan and the head of the Lei family.

Xu Chuan then asked for a map of the secret realm and took out eight mid-grade Su Zhen Pills.

After a moment's thought, the head of the Lei family agreed.

Three members of the Zhou family, including Ye Xuehua, entered.

Compared to the Lei family, their two families had a closer relationship.

Considering that Ye Xuehua and Xu Mingqing are now engaged, Xu Chuan also made a copy for the Zhou family.

Two days passed in a flash.

early morning.

A massive warship appeared above the arena.

This boat is over a hundred feet long and more than thirty feet wide. Its hull is made of spirit wood and spirit iron, and many parts of it gleam with a cold metallic luster. The bow is carved with a blue phoenix spreading its wings as if about to take flight.

The ship has dozens of portholes on both sides.

Three towering masts stood atop the ship, with black sails embroidered with the Cao family's golden dragon pattern billowing and fluttering even without wind.

Cao Shengming announced loudly: "The first hundred people in the Dharma Assembly shall board the warship. Each force may bring one Foundation Establishment cultivator along. The rest shall not board."

Anyone who trespasses will die!

Xu Chuan said to Xu Mingwei, "You two wait for us to return in the capital. I'm afraid someone might try to harm you on your way back."

"Yes, father."

Upon seeing this, Zhou Qingfang instructed the Zhou family members to remain in the imperial city.

The group boarded the warship.

The sky suddenly darkened.

An indescribable, heavy pressure suddenly descended like Mount Tai pressing down.

Everyone, including Foundation Establishment cultivators, felt their bodies sink and their breathing become labored. Most Qi Refining cultivators even felt their legs go weak and nearly collapsed to their knees.

However, a short while later...

The oppressive force vanished without a trace.

Everyone looked up and saw a gray-blue figure descending from the clouds, its feet not touching the ground, its robes fluttering.

The newcomer was dressed in a simple blue Taoist robe, with a thin face and eyes as deep as a still pool.

There was no intentional spiritual light emanating from his body, yet simply by standing in the air, he caused the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to stagnate.

"I've met my ancestor!"

Cao Shengming led the Cao family members to bow first, showing the utmost respect.

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed in unison and exclaimed, "Greetings, Ancestor!"

The old ancestor of the Cao family, a Golden Core cultivator, swept his gaze across the crowd, showing neither joy nor anger.

Xu Chuan vaguely sensed a divine sense probing him.

"It's the Cao family patriarch?!"

His divine sense was close to the peak of Foundation Establishment, which allowed him to vaguely perceive it. He was startled, but remained outwardly calm, as if he had not noticed anything.

Oh!

"lets go."

The old, powerful voice of the Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor rang out.

He waved his right hand lightly.

In an instant, the dark clouds in the sky dispersed, and the sun shone again.

The dark sails on the mast shone brightly, and a glint of light flashed in the eyes of the Azure Phoenix at the bow. The massive warship transformed into a streak of light and flew towards the southeast of the imperial city.

Its speed is comparable to full-speed flight in the mid-to-late stages of Foundation Establishment.

After settling everyone into their rooms, Cao Shengming went to the quiet room of the Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor.

"The Xu family has no geniuses with the aptitude of earth spirit roots, but Xu Chuan has concealed his cultivation level."

"Could he be at the third level of Foundation Establishment?"

"Approximately mid-stage of the fourth level of Foundation Establishment."

"Mid-Foundation Establishment!" Cao Shengming exclaimed in shock. "He has only been a Foundation Establishment cultivator for a little over ten years. The cultivation of my Cao clan's Earth Spirit Root members is barely at that level, or even slightly inferior."

“If there are a large number of high-grade True Essence Pills, this is normal,” the Cao family’s Golden Core Ancestor continued. “Besides, his divine sense is also not weak.”

Cao Shengming didn't know how to evaluate this.

"You know what you're doing, so you may leave."

Cao Shengming nodded slightly and cupped his hands, saying, "Yes, Ancestor."

"No wonder the Xu family members all like to hide their talents; that's the root of it."

Cao Shengming was quite shocked that Xu Chuan had reached the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, but he quickly recovered.

After all, no matter how powerful the Xu family was, they were insignificant compared to the Cao family.

at the same time.

Xu Chuan's room.

Xu Mingxian, Xu Mingshu, and five others were all present.

"Father, what do you want with us?" Xu Mingxuan asked.

Xu Chuan glanced at them and sighed slightly, "The Cao family has probably already set its sights on our Xu family."

They looked at each other, puzzled.

"Today, the Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor specially probed with his divine sense. I sensed it slightly, and I estimate that the rest of you have as well."

My cultivation level at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage should be exposed.

On the surface, the Cao family shouldn't act recklessly, since our Xu family has little to no connection with them. However, during this trip to the Wuhua Secret Realm, the Cao family might try to eliminate some of you.

Xu Mingxian pondered for a moment and said, "Then we'll meet force with force and water with earth."

Xu Chuan nodded upon hearing this, "If the Cao family really causes you trouble, you can fight back, but unless absolutely necessary, do not personally kill any members of the Cao family."

The killer might leave behind a barely perceptible aura mark.

As he spoke, he looked at Xu Mingxuan and then said, "Your intuition is sharp, so I'll leave the judgment to you."

"Yes, Father," Xu Mingxuan said, clasping his hands in a fist salute.

"We don't need to worry about those from other countries. If we encounter the Zhao family of the Great Liang Imperial Spirit Clan, we can befriend them."

Xu Chuan also handed over the token given to him by Zhao Qingyan to Xu Mingxuan.

If one day in the future I can no longer stay in the Great Wei, I might as well go to the Great Liang to find a place to settle down.

As for the Great Jin Dynasty.

The area is overrun with demonic cultivators, making it too chaotic and unsuitable for the Xu family.

One day later.

As the clouds dispersed ahead, a secluded valley embraced by three unique peaks suddenly came into view.

This secluded valley is shaped like an inverted jade bowl, with a babbling stream at its bottom, and a misty, spiritual atmosphere enveloping it like a light veil.

The three peaks surrounding the valley are all over a thousand feet high. The left peak is covered with ancient pines, with the sound of pine trees rustling in the wind. The middle peak has craggy rocks, while the right peak is covered with snow and shrouded in clouds and mist.

"The area above this secluded valley should be the location of the Wuhua Secret Realm."

Everyone stood on the deck of the warship, looking around.

The Great Wei warships stopped several dozen feet above the central peak.

At this moment, a giant ship was already anchored above the two mountain peaks on the left and right.

Above the left peak is a black warship with the powerful character "晋" embroidered on its sails, while above the right peak is a red warship, clearly belonging to the Great Liang.

The decks of both warships were also filled with monks.

"Fellow Daoist Cao, your Great Wei is the last to arrive again. No wonder you're always at the bottom." A strange laugh came from the Great Jin warship.

"Fellow Daoist Sima, don't speak too confidently. The demonic cultivators in your Great Jin have their own dislikes, not just those in my Great Wei."

"You agree, right, Fellow Daoist Liu?"

"If any demonic cultivators dare to extend their reach into my Great Liang, I will slaughter them all!"

"well said!"

The Cao family's Golden Core Ancestor burst into laughter.

The Sima family's Golden Core Ancestor snorted coldly, "Then let's see how this goes!"

A few moments.

"You two, what are you waiting for? Let's join forces and open the entrance to the secret realm!"

The words fell.

Then everyone saw three figures rush to the front of the warship like shooting stars.

The three streams of golden pill pressure spread out simultaneously.

The clouds above the valley were instantly torn apart, and sunlight poured down like golden arrows.

Three streams of golden core spiritual energy of different attributes soared into the sky and converged directly above the secluded valley. Wherever the pillars of light passed, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged violently.

A thin, pale purple film appeared.

"Om-"

The moment the three-colored beam of light collided with the purple light membrane, the golden runes on the membrane suddenly lit up, twinkling like stars.

The runes flowed upstream along the pillar of light, resonating with the spiritual power of the three Golden Core cultivators and emitting a deafening hum.

After a while.

"Click——"

A crisp cracking sound rang out, and a tiny crack appeared on the purple light membrane.

The gap then rapidly expanded, eventually transforming into a circular entrance with a diameter of tens of feet, from which a rich ancient spiritual energy surged forth.

"The entrance to the secret realm has been open for three months, so hurry up and enter."

"Yes!"

The three hundred people bowed in unison, then all mounted their swords and rushed towards the entrance.

In the time it takes to breathe several dozen breaths.

Only a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators remained on the deck.

(End of this chapter)