Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 218 Returning to Dongxi, Cao Family's Methods

"Trading a demon spirit pill for a dragon bloodline cub?"

Zhao Qingyan was surprised again, thinking to himself: "As expected, Elder Guan Hong guessed right. Xu Chuan did indeed refine the Demon Spirit Pill, but the young dragon bloodline beast has great potential."

Even in my Zhao family, they are extremely rare spirit pets; only two or three, or even fewer, might be found every few decades.

"The one in my hand is made from a second-tier early-stage peak demon wolf, and its quality is top-grade, which increases the chances of the spirit beast transforming."

If a late-stage, peak-level first-tier demonic beast were to consume it, even without undergoing a metamorphosis, it could advance to the second tier in a short period, and within ten years, it could even reach the mid-stage of the second tier.

"It really works?!"

"Didn't Fellow Daoist Zhao say before that this pill is a creation pill for demon beasts? It would be strange if there wasn't one, especially since the one I have is of superior grade."

Xu Chuan smiled faintly, "However, Fellow Daoist Zhao can discuss this with his clan, since spirit beasts with the bloodline of the dragon are indeed precious."

It's reasonable not to change it.

Zhao Qingyan frowned slightly. "I understand."

"By the way, I'd like to wander around and admire the aristocratic scenery. Would it be possible to have someone show us around?"

"That's no problem."

Zhao Qingyan smiled slightly and immediately summoned a late-stage Qi Refining disciple to accompany him.

He then went to discuss the matter with the head of the household.

That day, I was running back and forth all day.

Why don't we just let the head of the family talk to Xu Chuan face to face?

Zhao Qingyan silently complained.

"He actually has a high-grade demon spirit pill?"

Both the Zhao family patriarch and Zhao Guanhong were extremely shocked.

"This..." Zhao Guanhong looked horrified. "This pill is complex and difficult to refine. Without at least seven or eight ingredients, I am not confident that I can refine even one finished product."

As for refining high-grade pills, even more practice is required.

"Just how strong is his alchemy? He is probably much stronger than Yun Zhongzi, the number one alchemist in the Great Wei Dynasty."

After a long silence, the Zhao family patriarch said, "Xu Chuan is even more outstanding than the rumors of the Great Wei. He not only hides his cultivation level, but also conceals his alchemy skills."

The Xu family's situation is rather complicated.

"This time, he is trying to curry favor with my Zhao family, and perhaps he also has plans for his future," the Zhao family patriarch speculated.

"What do you mean by that?" Zhao Qingyan asked, puzzled.

"The Xu family was exposed during the 'Wuhua Trial' and will definitely be targeted and suppressed by the Cao family. Moreover, the direct descendants of the Sima family may very well be wiped out by the Xu family."

Although the Sima family patriarch was only speculating, he was still keeping an eye on the Xu family.

If the Xu family can weather this storm, they will naturally soar to great heights and may one day become the next Golden Core family.

If not, then the Great Liang, my Zhao family, will be their way out.

"After all, the Great Liang is different from the Great Wei and Great Jin, and is more orderly. As long as the Xu family is willing to serve the Great Liang Dynasty, the Liu family should provide protection."

My Zhao family can play the role of liaison.

"Starting with the debt of saving a life, and using the demon spirit pill as bait, we gradually deepened our relationship, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship between the two parties."

Once our interests are intertwined, do you think the Zhao family would refuse to help the Xu family if they were to seek refuge in Daliang in the future?

"Xu Chuan has such a profound strategy; his vision is so far-reaching!"

“A simple act of saving a life can end once the cause and effect are settled, but a long-term relationship of mutual benefit can bind both sides to the same boat.”

The Zhao family patriarch sighed slightly, "He is certain that my Zhao family cannot refine the Demon Spirit Pill, at least not in the short term."

“I’m not really confident,” Zhao Guanhong sighed. “But I’ll wait until I have all the materials and then try refining two batches.”

If that doesn't work, then we'll make a deal with Xu Chuan.

Then we'll see if the superior-grade demon spirit pill truly has such miraculous effects.

Both the Zhao family patriarch and Zhao Qingyan nodded slightly.

Xu Chuan stayed at the Zhao family's house for two days.

The Zhao family's residence is rich in spiritual energy, making it a good place for quiet cultivation.

Aside from visiting the Zhao family on the first day, I spent the rest of the time meditating and cultivating in the Yanzheng Hall.

The elders of the Zhao family worked together to hunt down two early-stage Foundation Establishment demonic beasts.

Zhao Guanhong began refining the Demon Spirit Pill.

The first step is to successfully refine the spirit embryo.

Each piece of monster material can be refined three times. If even this fails, then there's no point in trying to incorporate other materials like thousand-year-old spiritual herbs.

However, even if the spirit embryo is successfully refined.

The materials needed to refine elixirs are also very precious.

Although the Zhao family has a profound foundation, they only possess about twenty thousand-year-old spiritual herbs, four or five of which were brought out from the "Wuhua Secret Realm".

These thousand-year-old rare herbs are not so easy to find in the outside world.

It wasn't nearly enough for Zhao Guanhong to practice with.

Zhao Guanhong went into seclusion for three days.

The first attempt at obtaining monster materials failed three times.

The second batch of demon beast materials was successfully refined into a spirit embryo on the third attempt.

Then the actual alchemy process began.

But only a short while later, the stove exploded.

Fortunately, the spiritual embryo was protected, but the other spiritual herbs were half destroyed.

This made him extremely frustrated.

At the same time, she also understood the gap between herself and Xu Chuan.

"Could he have already reached the level of a master alchemist?"

Zhao Guanhong thought to himself as he walked out of the alchemy room.

"How is it?" an elder asked.

Zhao Guanhong shook his head with a sigh and said dejectedly, "Although this pill can use second-tier monster materials to replace third-tier monster materials, reducing the difficulty of refining, it still belongs to the category of third-tier pills."

Moreover, the refining process is still quite difficult.

It requires extremely high levels of expertise in all aspects of alchemy.

"I am unworthy, and I fear I will fail to live up to the family's expectations."

"Elder Guan Hong, you've worked hard. In that case, Elder Qing Yan, why don't you come with me to discuss the cooperation with Fellow Daoist Xu Chuan, and also see the effects of the superior-grade demon spirit pill?"

“I will go too,” Zhao Guanhong said. “I want to see that Demon Spirit Pill.”

"Well, Elder Guan Hong will come along too. The rest of the elders should go back and rest first. Too many people going over will give Fellow Daoist Xu the bad impression that we want to use our power to oppress others."

After the elders left.

Zhao Qingyan asked, "Then which dragon bloodline spirit pet should we choose?"

"There are only three in the clan right now?"

"Let's go with that little black snake. Although it's stubborn and its dragon bloodline is only average, it's quite intelligent. I think Fellow Daoist Xu would be interested in it."

"Then I will bring it here."

After half a cup of tea.

The three of them went to the Yanzheng Hall.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, this is Zhao Qingran, the head of my Zhao family, and this is Elder Zhao Guanhong, the alchemy master of my clan."

"Greetings to several fellow Daoists," Xu Chuan said, clasping his hands in greeting.

Zhao Qingran said, "My Zhao family has agreed to the deal that Fellow Daoist Xu proposed earlier."

As he spoke, he took out a spirit beast pouch from his bosom, and with a light tap of his finger, a stream of light shot out from the pouch and landed on the ground.

It was a black snake covered in black scales, less than two feet long.

Its entire body was covered in scales that resembled black gemstones, and its pale gold vertical pupils were filled with a chilling aura.

Upon appearing in the outside world, it immediately coiled up, raised its head, looked around, and flicked its tongue, seemingly warning them not to provoke it.

A few inches below its head is a crimson jade ring.

"She's got quite a temper." Xu Chuan smiled faintly.

"This is a Black Scale Serpent, a rare spirit beast in this lineage that has awakened a trace of dragon bloodline. However, it has quite a temper. We originally planned to tame it slowly, but now we are trading it to Fellow Daoist Xu."

This is the method for controlling the Beast Taming Ring.

Without this ring, the beast would most likely escape, so Fellow Daoist Xu should be careful.

Xu Chuan nodded, then put it into his spirit beast pouch.

With Xu Mingshu's talent, taming this young beast shouldn't be a problem.

Then he took out a porcelain bottle from his storage bag and handed it to Zhao Qingran.

Zhao Qingran poured out the pills and handed them to Zhao Guanhong for evaluation.

Zhao Guanhong's eyes were filled with fascination. After examining it carefully, he said, "It is indeed a top-grade pill."

"Elder Qingyan, go find a disciple who possesses a wolf-type spirit beast."

“Patriarch, why not Elder Guan’an? His spirit pet died before, and his new spirit pet is the Azure Wind Wolf, which has now been cultivated to the late stage of the first tier.”

"also."

Zhao Qingyan left immediately and brought Zhao Guan'an over.

Without hesitation, Zhao Guan'an released the Azure Wind Wolf from his spirit beast pouch. Upon seeing the demon spirit pill in Zhao Guan'an's hand, the wolf instinctively craved it.

He fed the pill to the Green Wind Wolf.

However, the aura of the Azure Wind Wolf increased significantly in a short while before it fell into a deep sleep.

"This is normal. The medicine is too potent and needs to be absorbed slowly," Xu Chuan said.

Zhao Guan'an nodded and agreed, "That's true."

"I have gained a lot on this trip and plan to return to Great Wei." Xu Chuan clasped his hands and said, "Our two families are kindred spirits. If Patriarch Zhao has any problems, you can come to Great Wei and ask me for help."

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Qingran said, "The Demon Spirit Pill is indeed precious to my Zhao family, but the alchemists in our clan are limited in strength. Is Fellow Daoist Xu really willing to help?"

"I admire the Zhao family's character and strength. If I help the Zhao family, they will naturally help my Xu family in the future, won't they?"

Zhao Qingran smiled slightly, "That's natural."

In just a few words, the two sides tacitly agreed to an alliance.

As for forming an alliance, it is not appropriate for either party.

Firstly, the two sides have only just made initial contact; secondly, they are far apart, so if something happens, they will not be able to provide timely assistance.

Simple exchanges of benefits are the most appropriate approach.

"If there are any problems with the breeding of the little black snake and the snow silkworm, Fellow Daoist Xu is welcome to come to my Zhao family for consultation. If that doesn't work, my Zhao family can also give you a pair of adult insects."

The adults are all in the late first stage.

Their intrinsic value is extremely high, and considering the resources required to raise them to adulthood, a pair would likely cost thousands of spirit stones, or even more.

"Thank you."

Soon after, Xu Chuan took his leave and left the Zhao family.

Having obtained the "Five Elements Reverse Elixir Method," the immediate priority is to find a peak second-tier demonic beast.

"Xu Chuan, you cultivators are truly remarkable. You actually came up with such a method to temporarily elevate a peak second-tier demon core to the third tier through a secret technique."

"This demon core is still somewhat lacking, but after two or three uses, I should be able to reliably unleash the strength of the early stage of the third tier."

"Two or three times?" Xu Chuan frowned slightly.

"This is obviously the simplest way, it's easier than hunting third-tier demonic beasts, right?" Mo Yue transmitted his voice, "Or you could try to get a third-tier inner core from somewhere."

"A peak second-tier cultivator isn't someone you see everywhere. I didn't encounter one for a long time last time in the 'Azure Sea Forest.'"

"That's because you were so focused on training and finding spiritual herbs that you went straight into the depths. That would have greatly increased your chances of encountering a peak second-tier demonic beast."

At this moment, Xu Mingwei suddenly asked, "Father, is the Five Elements Reverse Elixir Method really that profound?"

"Although it takes some unconventional methods, the results should be genuine."

"If that's the case, Father, do you think the Zhao family might be plotting to obtain a third-tier demonic beast?"

"Whether it exists or not, what does it have to do with my Xu family? Isn't our Xu family the same? Every family with the foundation of a first-class aristocratic family wants to cultivate a Golden Core expert."

Unfortunately, our place is somewhat remote and resources are scarce. To venture into the prosperous lands of the Southern Heavenly Region, one would need at least the strength of a Golden Core cultivator.

Either someone with the aptitude of a Heavenly Spiritual Root will emerge, or, like the Zhao family and my Xu family, they will rely on the power of demonic beasts.

Xu Mingwei nodded slightly.

"Let's go. I've heard that there's a Valley of Ten Thousand Snakes in Daliang, spanning hundreds of miles, inhabited mainly by snake-like monsters. It's incredibly dangerous, so let's go check it out."

They were gone for a few days.

One of the Zhao family's Foundation Establishment stage experts returned, bringing back a message.

A lone, peak-level, second-tier earth-attribute monster was discovered somewhere in the "Ten Thousand Mountains".

Within a few days, the Zhao family dispatched one Foundation Establishment Perfection expert, two Foundation Establishment Late Stage experts, and three Foundation Establishment Mid Stage experts to ambush and kill them.

Xu Chuan and his group mainly searched for peak second-tier monsters in the "Valley of Ten Thousand Snakes".

However, he occasionally hunted down a few second-tier monsters.

Among them was a mid-stage second-tier Xuanmo Jiao, which Xu Chuan planned to use as material to refine a demon spirit pill and cultivate the little black snake.

This place is dangerous, so Xu Chuan and his group are all very careful.

The aura of a third-tier Mo Yue cultivator must not be exposed casually, lest it attract the attention of third-tier demonic beasts from the Valley of Ten Thousand Snakes, which would be disastrous.

Legend has it that the third-tier demonic beasts in the core area of ​​the Valley of Ten Thousand Snakes possess the bloodline of a dragon.

At this moment, the Moyue would be an absolute boon to it.

A month and a half has passed in the blink of an eye.

"The aura of a peak second-tier demonic beast, along with some dragon bloodline, is over there!"

After sensing all the signs, Mo Yue immediately directed Xu Chuan to go there.

Upon passing through, they encountered a red-scaled python, which was twelve or thirteen feet long.

Although it possesses the bloodline of a dragon, the bloodline is thin, so it does not exhibit any dragon-like characteristics.

"So it came out to hunt for food." Xu Chuan patted the spirit beast pouch and said, "This place is not far from the core of 'Ten Thousand Snake Valley'. It may be the offspring of a third-tier demon beast."

We'll help you move it a little further away first.

Then you can make your move, quickly kill them, and then lead us away as fast as you can.

"it is good."

The task of attracting the attention of the monsters was naturally best left to Xu Mingwei.

The two stopped about five or six miles away.

Xu Mingwei immediately shot an arrow at the giant red-scaled python.

The arrow was incredibly powerful, but when it struck the giant red-scaled python, it only shattered a few of its scales.

The impact had not yet subsided when the giant red-scaled python, in pain, curled up its hindquarters and then suddenly raised its head and roared.

His crimson vertical pupils resembled two burning embers.

It instantly locked onto Xu Chuan and Xu Mingwei.

The anger in his eyes was almost tangible.

Xu Chuan secretly gave Xu Mingwei a wink, and the two immediately turned and ran off, one on each side.

The python was completely enraged. It slammed its tail, sending stones flying, and chased after the python relentlessly, flicking its forked tongue.

As he ran, Xu Mingwei reached back and took out his longbow, and arrows flew out of his quiver one after another.

Some of the bullets bounced off the python's scales with a "clang," while others aimed specifically at the areas on the python's neck that weren't fully covered by scales.

Although it doesn't cause any fundamental damage, it's as bothersome as a mosquito bite, slowing down its momentum and fueling its ferocity even more.

After chasing each other for dozens of miles, the surrounding trees gradually thinned out, and they were far away from the miasma range of the Valley of Ten Thousand Snakes.

Xu Chuan suddenly stopped in his tracks and immediately patted his spirit beast pouch: "Mo Yue, let's finish this quickly!"

Before he finished speaking, a beam of blue light shot into the sky from the beast pouch at his waist, transforming into a dragon over fifteen zhang long upon landing.

His golden eyes swept over the crimson-scaled python with disdain.

Upon seeing the appearance of the dragon, the giant red-scaled python instinctively shrank back.

This is an innate bloodline suppression.

The tail of the Moyue dragon, like a steel whip, made a whistling sound as it lashed out at him.

The giant red-scaled python immediately let out a painful hiss, its countless red scales bursting open, and even its snake bones cracked.

Then Mo Yue opened his mouth and spewed out a stream of icy air, which went straight into the giant python's seven-inch spot.

The cold air seeped into the tendons and veins through the wound, freezing into a hard, red-scaled pillar in the blink of an eye.

Immediately afterwards, he slammed down with one of his dragon claws, smashing its head to pieces.

It died on the spot.

Without hesitation, Xu Chuan put the corpse into his storage bag and then sat on the back of the motorcycle.

The motorcycle soared through the clouds and disappeared at breakneck speed.

They moved so fast that they rushed out of the Valley of Ten Thousand Snakes in the blink of an eye.

Soon.

A deafening roar suddenly came from the direction of the Valley of Ten Thousand Snakes, as if some enormous creature had been completely alarmed.

From the spot where the crimson-scaled python had died, a jet-black serpent demon, three times thicker than the python, swam through the air. It flicked its forked tongue, as thick as a bowl, and scanned the forest below.

Divine consciousness spread out.

Seeing that the search was fruitless, it looked up to the sky and let out a deafening roar that shattered the clouds.

But it was unwilling to give up and carefully explored the surrounding area.

After a stick of incense.

Unable to detect even a trace of human presence, it could only let out a muffled roar in frustration and return to the core of the Valley of Ten Thousand Snakes.

Although it has many snake offspring, only three of them can reach the peak of the second tier.

"You guessed it right."

Mo Yue said in surprise, "If we had been a moment later, it might have been able to detect where we were."

"It's always good to plan ahead; better safe than sorry," Xu Chuan smiled faintly, stamping his foot. "Let's go, let's go check out 'Qinghai Forest' again, then head back to Dongxi."

"You're both too far away. Get off my back right now. You two aren't qualified to ride me."

"She's quite stingy."

"Hmph!" Mo Yue snorted coldly, his body suddenly shrinking to about a foot in size before disappearing into the spirit beast pouch.

The two rode together on a finely crafted magical flying boat, and their speed was quite impressive.

Once Xu Deling has crafted a top-tier flying boat, it will likely be significantly faster than a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator flying at full speed.

"Qinghai Forest" is larger and more difficult to find than "Ten Thousand Snake Valley".

After a month of fruitless efforts, he returned to the Great Wei.

However, the harvest of spiritual herbs was quite substantial, with several being rare items, and three second-tier demonic beasts as well.

One of them was still in the late stage of the second tier. Mo Yue couldn't find a peak second-tier monster for a long time, so he accidentally found it and used it as a punching bag.

More than ten days later.

The two quietly returned to Dongxi.

I just arrived.

Xu Dezhao flew over.

"Grandfather, you're back."

"What happened?"

“Half a month ago, some cultivators attacked my Xu family. Fortunately, after the second-tier low-grade formation shattered, my fifth uncle managed to set up the Four Symbols Heavenly Gang Formation in time,” Xu Dezhao said.

"Do you know who it is?" Xu Chuan stroked his chin, lost in thought.

"I don't know, but they are extremely powerful. There are two of them, one is in the late stage of Foundation Establishment and the other is in the middle stage of Foundation Establishment."

Xu Dezhao paused, then asked again, "Is it the Cao family?"

“The Cao family is not the only ones who can easily mobilize such a force; any family of second rank or above could be involved, and it could even be cultivators from the Great Jin.”

"The Great Jin Dynasty? But they're not demonic cultivators, are they?"

"Who said that only demonic cultivators exist in the Great Jin? The aristocratic families there are a mixed bag, but most of them are demonic cultivators."

"How's the Guangling branch?" Xu Chuan then asked.

"We've already increased security!" Xu Dezhao said. "It's also protected by a double array."

Xu Chuan nodded.

We arrived at Bihan Pool.

Xu Chuan had someone bring Xu Mingshu over and handed her the Snow Silkworm, Blood Silkworm, Dragon Silkworm, and Little Black Snake.

"What are these?" Xu Mingshu looked at the little creatures with considerable surprise.

The little black snake curled up, flicking its tongue at Xu Mingshu, then its pale golden vertical pupils looked at Mo Yue in the cold pool.

He immediately shuddered and stood frozen in place.

That faint pressure, stemming from the power of its bloodline, made its very soul tremble slightly.

"These silkworms were traded from the Zhao family, a family of spirit masters. They are extremely valuable, and the silk they produce after they mature is of the highest quality."

This is the cultivation method.

The little black snake has a trace of dragon bloodline; you can nurture it well, and I will refine a demon spirit pill to help it enhance its bloodline power.”

"I understand, Father."

Seeing the little black snake staring blankly at Mo Yue, Xu Mingshu smiled and said, "Little black snake, are you envious? Be a good boy and you'll have a chance in the future too."

The little black snake turned its head and flicked its tongue at Xu Mingshu.

"Two-legged sheep, I don't believe you. None of you are good people."

“Hey, this little guy does have quite a temper.” Xu Mingshu became interested and said to Mo Yue, “Uncle Mo Yue, give it a hard time.”

"Little girl, you're actually ordering me around."

Talk is cheap, but action is what matters.

The dragon's imposing aura descended upon the little black snake, instantly causing it to kneel on the ground, unable to move.

This is still the result of convergence.

If it were to exert its full power, a mere first-stage early-stage juvenile snake would be crushed to death by its oppressive aura.

After counting the interest.

The oppressive aura dissipated.

Xu Mingshu took out another spirit beast pill and placed it in front of the little black snake.

The alluring aroma of the pill made it involuntarily swallow it.

"How does it taste? Is it helpful for your growth? Now you know I wasn't lying to you, right?"

"Hmph, so be it. I'll believe you for now," the little black snake said. "Two-legged sheep, don't touch my head!"

After explaining these matters, Xu Chuan began refining elixirs.

The main ones are the Purifying Spirit Pill, the Harmonizing Qi Pill, and the Demon Spirit Pill.

Previously, Xu Mingxuan and his group had obtained many rare spiritual herbs from the "Wuhua Secret Realm" and gathered the last main ingredient for the Purifying Spirit Pill, the Heavenly Fragrance Flower.

We have several portions of several of the rarer ingredients in the Qi-Melting Pill, enough to refine four or five batches.

Xu Chuan planned to refine the Demon Spirit Pill using materials from the Xuanmo Jiao.

There are plenty of second-tier monster materials now, but spiritual herbs are scarce.

Especially the thousand-year-old spiritual herbs, which are sometimes used in other places, cannot all be used to refine the demon spirit pills.

a few days later.

The elixir was finished.

Xu Chuan handed a Xuanmo Jiao Demon Spirit Pill to Xu Mingshu, and then began his cultivation.

Several months have passed in the blink of an eye.

someday.

After Xu Chuan finished his seclusion, he casually consulted a divination master and learned that the Sima family had sent someone to monitor the Xu family, and that the person was a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stage.

Although the hexagram shows neither good nor bad fortune.

However, this matter is indeed unpleasant and may cause harm in the future.

Therefore, Xu Chuan did not hold back.

He was surrounded and killed by several Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Report directly to the imperial city that demonic cultivators have infiltrated.

Imperial City.

The study of the Cao family head.

Upon receiving the report from his subordinates, Cao Shengming frowned and muttered to himself, "The Sima family has made a move? And they were even discovered. They deserve to die."

"But what does the Xu family mean by this? Are they trying to warn my Cao family that if we do the same, we'll suffer the same fate?"

The Cao family did indeed make a move.

The previous probing attempts at the late and middle stages of Foundation Establishment were intended to see how many Foundation Establishment cultivators the Xu family would send out to respond.

It would be even better if it could cause some losses to the Xu family.

But the result was beyond his expectations.

The Xu family is actually protected by two powerful formations.

The first level is a second-tier low-grade, which can be broken through in a few moves by the combined efforts of late-stage and mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

However, the great formation that appeared later was, according to the elder's report, a second-tier high-grade formation.

With a second-tier high-grade formation as their protective array, the Cao family really has no way to deal with the Xu family unless they are truly determined to destroy them.

To easily break through this great formation, the Cao family would need to send out two or three Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators, and seven or eight Foundation Establishment Mid-stage or above cultivators.

This commotion is significant and cannot be kept secret.

The Xu family has not done anything out of line so far, so the Cao family cannot easily find fault with them.

It is also somewhat difficult to target them covertly.

After all, the Xu family is no longer a small force.

If it were a fourth-rank aristocratic family like the Zhou family, the Cao family could easily wipe them out without a trace if they wanted to.

"Since the Xu family's strength is hard to gauge, then let's suppress them!"

Cao Shengming immediately made a decision: "The powerful families of Tongshan County must be warned and made to suppress the Xu family's business and curb its development."

"Also, the Wei family and the Feng family of Guangling County seem to have a grudge against the Xu family. We can use them to get rid of some of the Xu family's outstanding members."

This is Cao's consistent practice.

Many rapidly developing aristocratic families were suppressed in this way.

Some succumbed and perished, while others survived and went even further.

Two of the current second-rank aristocratic families have come a long way through such difficulties.

Tongshan County.

Wangfu.

"Brother Jinming, do you understand what the patriarch means?"

“Brother Jin Yan, I understand. I will no longer have any entanglements with the Xu family.”

"Not only that, we must also unite with the other Foundation Establishment families in Tongshan County to suppress the Xu family's businesses in Tongshan County, making it impossible for them to continue operating."

Cao Jinming sighed softly, "I understand."

"However, I'll trouble you, cousin, to personally inform those families. I'm afraid I don't have enough influence to persuade them."

Cao Jinyan nodded.

After he left, Cao Jinming sighed again, "Brother Xu, I can't help you this time either."

Cao Jinming's wife, Yun Feier, came over.

"If we do this, what will happen to Lin'er? Will the Xu family do something to Lin'er?"

Cao Jinming shook his head and said, "Based on my understanding of Xu Chuan, he is not that ruthless."

"In the struggle between powerful families, the power of an individual is insignificant."

"We can only wait and see how the Xu family responds."

at the same time.

The Feng family in the capital and the Wei family in Guangling County both had members of the Cao family who established their foundations and came to their doorsteps.

Half a month later.

Xu Dezhao then received a report from the manager of the Xu Family Trading Company in Tongshan County.

"The Cao family of Tongshan and the five great foundation-building families have joined forces to resist my Xu family's trading company?"

Xu Dezhao looked solemn, never expecting that the situation would change so drastically in just half a month.

“There are often rogue customers causing trouble, and the patrolling monks in the market are deliberately targeting them. Just two nights ago, someone even tried to rob the merchant house at night?”

"The Cao family really doesn't care about using any means necessary!"

At this point, even he, as the head of the family, would find it difficult to make a decision.

A clan meeting was immediately convened.

Then he told them about the situation in Tongshan County.

Xu Mingshu slammed her hand on the table and said angrily, "The Cao family is going too far!"

"In the end, you can't fight city hall," Xu Mingxuan sighed.

After pondering for a moment, Xu Mingyuan said, "While we haven't suffered any losses yet, we can only avoid their sharp edge."

He looked at Xu Chuan and said, "Father, I propose that we withdraw the manpower and resources from Tongshan County."

“I agree with Mingyuan’s idea,” Xu Mingwei said.

Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "Then so be it. I, Ming Wei, Ming Xuan, and Ming Shu will make a trip to escort my Xu family members back."

On the day.

They then set off for Tongshan County.

Although the various families in Tongshan County were coerced by the Cao family, they did not want to go too far.

The potential of the Xu family is obvious to all, and they are not mortal enemies of the Xu family, so there is no need for them to really make enemies of the Xu family.

They believed that the Xu family could also see who was behind this move.

Tongshan County Market.

When Xu Chuan and his group arrived, Cao Jinming, the Qin family, and other Foundation Establishment cultivators all went to greet them politely.

"What brings you here, Fellow Daoist Xu?" asked the Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Qin family.

Xu Chuan smiled faintly, "I've heard that things are not very peaceful in Tongshan County recently. Just in case, my Xu family is preparing to evacuate from this place, since it is quite far from my Yuehu County."

"I see. If Fellow Daoist Xu has made up his mind, then we will not force him to stay."

While everyone was tidying up.

Cao Jinming suddenly transmitted his voice and said, "I am sorry for this matter, please forgive me, Brother Xu."

"I understand."

"I hope Brother Xu will take good care of Lin'er."

"Of course, Shenglin is my Xu family's daughter-in-law, so she is naturally a member of the Xu family. And now she has already reached the eighth level of Qi Refining."

"Thank you."

After a stick of incense.

The building was empty.

Xu Chuan, Xu Mingwei, and the others led the merchants away.

Qin, who had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage, murmured, "Xu Mingwei looks like he's at the peak of Qi Refining. Do you think he's reached the Foundation Establishment stage?"

"Nine times out of ten."

"After all, the Xu family obtained a full three Foundation Establishment Pills from this 'Wuhua Secret Realm,' making them practically the biggest winner."

"So what if they are the winners? They have still aroused the Cao family's suspicion and suppression. It is estimated that apart from Yuehu County and Guangling County, the other powerful families will not do business with the Xu family."

Guangling County.

A certain mountain range.

Xu Dewen, Xu Deqian, two or three other members of the Chong generation, and several rogue cultivators at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Refining were training here.

"Roar." With a beastly roar.

A wolf demon at the early stage of the first tier collapsed to the ground with a thud.

"Chongyan, Chonglei, Chongzhi, you worked well together. Indeed, real-world practice is the best teacher."

Xu Deqian smiled slightly and said, "Let's go, it's getting late, we should head back."

The group was preparing to leave.

A whooshing sound suddenly came from afar.

More than ten cultivators arrived on their swords and landed above them.

One of them even flew through the air.

Xu Deqian frowned, clasped his hands in greeting to the Foundation Establishment cultivator in mid-air, and asked, "Senior, what business do you have with us?"

"We are the Xu family of Guangling, and we will obey your orders, senior."

This Foundation Establishment cultivator was dressed in a dark blue robe with gold trim. He appeared to be middle-aged, with a square face, a robust build, and a hint of arrogance in his eyes.

He glanced at them and smiled slightly, "What do you want?"

"I will send you on your way!"

Xu Deqian's expression changed. He swept his hand across the storage bag, and a high-quality defensive magic weapon and a high-quality flying sword flew out.

"We have no grudge against you, senior, are we? Aren't you afraid of provoking the Xu family?"

"No enmity?"

"Your Xu family is really arrogant, have you already forgotten about my Feng family so quickly!"

One of the cultivators, at the ninth level of Qi Refining, smiled sinisterly, "Kill them all!"

"Today, let the blood of the Xu family proclaim the return of the Feng family!"

The words fell.

Those cultivators who flew on swords rushed towards Xu Deqian and Xu Dewen.

(End of this chapter)