Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 223 Calm and Tranquil? The Ancient Cultivator's Cave
"There are three bottles of True Essence Pills in total. The starting price for each bottle is 500 spirit stones. Each bid must be increased by at least 10 spirit stones. We will now begin bidding for the first bottle."

"Five hundred and twenty spirit stones!"

"Five hundred and fifty spirit stones!"

"Five hundred and eighty spirit stones!"

"Six hundred and thirty spirit stones!"

The price rose quickly, reaching 700 spirit stones in no time, at which point the number of bidders decreased.

The first bottle was eventually sold for 720 spirit stones.

Soon, the second and third bottles were also traded at roughly the same price.

"Next up for auction is the Jade Mushroom Pill, a pill that I'm sure none of you have ever heard of," Xu Chuan said with a faint smile. "Because it's a pill that I developed myself."

The main ingredient is a 5,000-year-old chalcedony fungus, which was obtained by chance. Combined with other spiritual herbs, it can achieve effects comparable to the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Due to the scarcity of its main ingredients, this pill is extremely rare, with only three remaining at present.

"Of course, if anyone can obtain a five-thousand-year-old Earth Core Jade Marrow Mushroom, they can also ask me to help refine it."

"A five-thousand-year-old Earth Core Jade Marrow Mushroom! No wonder it has such effects. It even has a good effect on breaking through the bottleneck of the late Foundation Establishment stage." Jiang, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, exclaimed, "Fellow Daoist Xu is truly lucky."

Xu Chuan continued, "This pill starts at 1,000 spirit stones, and each bid must be at least 20 spirit stones higher. Let's begin the first auction now."

One of the goals of many Foundation Establishment families who come here is to obtain the Jade Mushroom Pill.

The competition is even fiercer.

In just a few dozen breaths, the price had reached 1,800 spirit stones.

And the price continues to rise.

Ultimately, the first one was acquired by the Feng family for 2,600 spirit stones.

The second one was acquired by the Liu family for 2,580 spirit stones.

The third one was acquired by the Li family for 2,700 spirit stones.

Next up was the auction of Chongxu Pills and Heqi Pills, both of which were in very limited quantities.

There were only three of the former, and each one was auctioned off for over a thousand spirit stones.

The latter nine stones, all of superior quality, were auctioned in sets of three, with each set fetching six or seven hundred spirit stones.

Finally, there was the auction of top-tier magical artifacts.

This was what the Xu family obtained from killing enemies, and they ultimately sent out 2,250 spirit stones.

"This concludes the Xu Family Auction. We will hold a similar auction every ten years from now on, and all fellow Daoists are welcome to attend."

Furthermore, if any family wishes to refine any elixirs, they can seek Xu's help. As long as the price is fair, Xu will not be stingy.

Xu Chuan didn't want to refine pills for others so easily.

However, his current relationship with the Cao family forces him to win over other Foundation Establishment families.

Lei Hekong's eyes lit up. "Fellow Daoist Xu, I heard you. If my Lei family ever asks for your help in the future, please don't refuse."

"That's natural."

The Xu family's auction this time consisted almost entirely of elixirs, and all of them were of superior quality, demonstrating Xu Chuan's high level of alchemy skills.

As long as they weren't mortal enemies, each family wanted to gain some benefits from Xu Chuan.

Of course, they all understood that seeking Xu Chuan's alchemy was to protect the Xu family, and that they needed to stand up for the Xu family at crucial moments.

And for them, it was just a simple matter of lending a helping hand.

At the same time, the Wei family and other prominent families that had previously sided with the Feng family were eliminated.

When Lei Hekong and his group left the Xu family's trading company, they heard about this from some independent cultivators.

Everyone praised the Xu family's decisiveness.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, we shall take our leave now!"

"Farewell!"

Lei Hekong, the Jiang family, the Lin family, the Li family, the Liu family, and others all took their leave.

In the blink of an eye, only Xu Chuan and Xu Mingxuan remained.

"Father, what do you think the Cao family will do next?"

"Although the Cao family is domineering, they still have their pride!"

They won't target my Xu family anytime soon. As for the rest, we'll deal with them as they come.

What my Xu family currently lacks is time for our younger generation to grow up.

Xu Mingxuan nodded.

"Let's go, let's go check out the Wei family!"

The two flew through the air and soon arrived at the Wei family's territory after leaving the market.

At this moment, the Wei family's grand formation had already been broken by Xu Mingxian.

Wei Changkong also died from Xu Mingwei's arrow.

Of the entire Wei family, only Wei Dao is still alive.

The Xu family disciples are all organizing the Wei family's assets and resources.

In this operation by the Xu family, the Qi Refining families that assist will also receive certain resources as a fee for their assistance.

The vassal families also received rewards.

The families of those who died in battle also receive generous compensation and can be sent to the War of the Dead.

A similar site was also built on the Guangling branch.

However, if a member of the Xu clan dies, they are all buried in the main lineage's Hall of Heroes.

As the clan multiplies, things may not be the same in the future, but currently more than 90% of the Xu clan members are born and raised in the main lineage.

They have a deeper sense of belonging to the main lineage.

"Junior Brother Wei."

Wei Dao's eyes were lifeless. Hearing the sound, he looked up and saw a person walking in from outside the main hall.

It was Xu Chuan!

"Is this the strength of the Xu family?" Wei Dao murmured. "They swept away the Wei and Feng families, as well as the other Qi Refining families that resisted."

"If you say so, then so be it." Xu Chuan looked at him and then said, "Considering that you only helped the Wei and Feng families refine pills, and were instigated by the Cao family."

Out of respect for Senior Yun Zhongzi, I'll let you off this time.

From now on, do not oppose the Xu family again.

"Senior brother, I never intended to oppose the Xu family. It's just that the Cao family promised to suppress your Xu family's business as long as I help them refine pills."

"Several years later, you will bestow upon me a Foundation Establishment Pill and make me the chief of the Pill Hall."

"The position of Chief of the Pill Hall belongs to my master, and as his disciple, I should rightfully inherit it!"

Seeing the unwavering determination in his eyes, Xu Chuan said calmly, "You care too much about fame and fortune."

"Do you know that Senior Yun Zhongzi doesn't care about the chief position at all? If he could, he would rather leave the Pill Hall."

His only wish in this life was for the Dao of Alchemy in the Great Wei to flourish and blossom everywhere!

Wei Dao's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Go back and leave the Pill Hall. Even if you stay there, you will no longer be valued by the Cao family, and they will even be wary of you, thinking that you are related to my Xu family."

"Where can I go after leaving the Pill Hall? Become a rogue cultivator?"

"With your current level of alchemy, you could live a good life even as a rogue cultivator."

"If you are willing to give up everything, you may also join my Xu family to devote yourself to the Dao of alchemy."

"That's all I have to say. You may leave now."

Wei Dao had no feelings for the Wei family. Even if the entire clan died, he would only feel sorrow. He came here only to seek his own path.

Unfortunately, the Cao family underestimated the Xu family.

Wei Dao glanced at Xu Chuan and, seeing that he was indeed willing to let him go, did not linger and departed on his sword.

In mid-air, he glanced back at the Wei family's territory again, "Join the Xu family?"

He still harbored some resentment, so he turned and flew towards the imperial city.

Many powerful families were destroyed this time, and they all occupied spiritual energy nodes.

The Xu family bestowed one plot of land upon other prominent families, allowing them to divide it among themselves as spiritual fields or medicinal gardens.

The rest naturally fell into the hands of the Xu family.

They have already occupied the area with the most abundant spiritual energy in Guangling, which is enough for the Xu family to develop at present, so they have no intention of splitting up again.

They continued to transform these clan territories into spirit fields and medicinal gardens.

As for the Wei family's territory, all buildings were demolished and various palaces were rebuilt.

The news of the Xu family's affair soon spread throughout the entire Great Wei.

Imperial City.

Upon hearing what Cao Jinyan had reported, Cao Shengming's face turned ashen, and his anger was palpable.

"The Xu family actually dared to kill a Foundation Establishment cultivator from my Cao family?! And even Cao Dezhong, a peak sixth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, died at their hands!"

"How dare they!"

"The Xu family is not only bold, but also meticulous in their work. They deliberately did not send an invitation to our Cao family, probably because they want our Cao family to make a trip."

If we hadn't gone back then, the Xu family probably wouldn't have dared to kill Cao Dezhong and the other two.

but."

Cao Jinyan said bitterly, "But he tricked me into publicly stating that my Cao family would never interfere in the disputes between the counties, and also stated that the Feng family's invitation to establish a foundation was not from our Cao family."

With these words as a shield, if my Cao family were to take action against the Xu family now, we would be breaking our promise to all the Foundation Establishment families.

He then launched a full-scale attack on the Feng family, and with astonishing strength, annihilated them.

"Most of the Xu family members have only reached the Foundation Establishment stage a few months ago. How could they possibly kill Cao Dezhong and his group? How did they manage to do it?"

Cao Jinyan shook his head slightly, "I don't know the specifics. The Xu family used a large array to seal it off, blocking sight, sound, and divine sense detection."

"It can only be said that the Xu family is stronger than we imagined!"

"With eight Foundation Establishment cultivators, at least two late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and five or six mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators will need to be deployed to ensure the complete eradication of the Xu family's Foundation Establishment cultivators."

Cao Shengming frowned upon hearing this. "You mean the Xu family is even more troublesome than a second-rank aristocratic family!"

"If this is the case now, then in a few decades, won't it require the force to annihilate a first-class family to kill them?"

Cao Jinyan remained silent.

"Now that you've admitted it, the Cao family has no excuse to deal with the Xu family. Let me think about this some more. You should go back and rest."

"Yes, master."

After pondering for a long time, Cao Shengming set off to find Cao Defeng, the current Grand Elder of the Cao Clan.

Upon hearing this, Cao Defeng was shocked and his brows furrowed.

"There is a second-tier high-grade formation, eight Foundation Establishment cultivators, and it is suspected that there is more than one mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator. It will cost a lot to eliminate the Xu family. If we take action now, I estimate that many Foundation Establishment families will be unable to sit still."

They all understand the principle that if the lips are cold, the teeth will perish!

Unless we can find fault with the Xu family.

"The Xu family is too cautious. They never provoke trouble, and they don't even bully other Qi Refining families. They are quite popular."

"We don't need to worry about the Qi Refining families. What we need is for the other Foundation Establishment families to create conflict with the Xu family, so we can use them as a tool to kill each other."

Cao Defeng said, "There is a suspected ancient cultivator's cave in the area bordering the Great Jin territory. Our Cao family members have already explored there."

Once discovered, if it's not a Golden Core Cave, then we'll release the news after some time.

It was even passed on to the Jin and Liang dynasties.

Given enough profit, those Foundation Establishment families will fight among themselves, creating enmity. As these enmity grows, it will evolve into mortal enmity.

"Elder, your strategy is brilliant!" Cao Shengming said. "Although the Xu family has a deep foundation, it is still relatively new and lacks some inheritance."

If they wish to go further, the Xu family should highly value the inheritance of ancient cultivators.

"Okay, let's go."

"Yes, Great Elder!"

Cao Shengming bowed and left the quiet room.

The top three elders of the Cao clan are almost all at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and at its height, the top five are all at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

As for those who are older, or even nearing the end of their lifespan, they all go into seclusion in the underground palace at the spiritual vein in order to break through.

Unfortunately, over the years...

Only one person, exceptionally gifted, managed to break through by sheer luck.

He is now the Golden Core Ancestor of the Cao Family.

However, he is already over six hundred years old and needs to cultivate the next Golden Core cultivator in the Cao family as soon as possible, otherwise the Cao family, which has been prosperous for thousands of years, will eventually perish.

They were either besieged by the other Foundation Establishment families of the Great Wei, or destroyed by the Great Jin or the Great Liang.

If the Golden Elixir families in those two regions decline, the same applies.

Three months have passed in the blink of an eye.

Guangling County and Yuehu County are calm and peaceful.

The capital city was also calm and peaceful.

Those clan territories that were incorporated into the Xu family were converted into spirit fields and medicinal gardens.

As for the former Wei family territory, it remains closed and under renovation.

No one knows what's going on inside.

The main vein of Dongxi.

The spirit silkworms obtained from the Spirit Control Family have all reached the mid-stage of the first rank.

As for the little black snake, it had reached the peak of the mid-stage of the first rank.

With a strong bloodline and abundant resources, growth is naturally rapid.

Xu Mingshu often used the Xuanmo Jiao Demon Spirit Pill to lure the little black snake, and once it broke through to the late stage of the first rank, she would give it to it to eat.

It was intelligent enough to sense the elixir's innate attraction to it.

Therefore, he was particularly diligent and hardworking.

Unlike other silkworms, they don't just eat and sleep.

Old Jiao's mouth watered at the sight.

But the old dragon thought that it was the one who had raised them, so it held back and only licked them while they were asleep.

In the Guangling branch, besides Ren Xiaoyao, Yunding, and Wu Mingsheng, the brothers Xu Mingyuan and Xu Mingxuan have also been staying there recently.

The main task was to work on the Xu family's next plan—the Immortal Alliance!
The palace currently being built in the Wei family's territory is the palace of the Immortal Alliance.

Once this plan is completed, all Qi cultivation forces in Yuehu County and Guangling County will be completely integrated, and disciples from various aristocratic families or independent cultivators will be recruited and trained.

"Second brother, Father's plan is truly ingenious. It will surely make all the Qi Refining families in the two prefectures willingly serve the Xu family."

Xu Mingyuan smiled faintly, "But our Xu family also has to make a lot of sacrifices to help them train disciples and teach them immortal arts. Which family would be unwilling to do that?"

If a true genius emerges in a particular field, their family can quickly rise to prominence and become the next Foundation Establishment family in the two prefectures.

"What good is teaching them? No matter how fast they develop, they can't outpace our Xu family." Xu Mingxuan said, "The Immortal Alliance absorbs various families, giving them a voice, but they can't ever be bigger than us."

On the contrary, because of their aligned interests and mutual ties, they will become complete supporters of the Xu family.

"Once the old dragon recovers its Golden Core strength, my Xu family will no longer need to hold back."

"Perhaps," Xu Mingyuan said calmly. "Even a second-tier peak demon core with the five elements attributes isn't so easy to obtain."

Last month, my father, eldest brother, and fourth sister went out, hoping to make some money.

At this time, Xu Chuan and his group were searching for peak second-tier demonic beasts in the "Qinghai Forest" and collecting spiritual herbs and materials along the way.

Xu Chuan consulted the oracle about good and bad fortune, and most of the time the results were auspicious, indicating that there would be some opportunities and gains.

There is nothing clearer.

If Xu Chuan could pinpoint the location of peak second-tier demonic beasts, he would have already led Mo Yue there to attack.

When divining about the fortune of one's family, one can almost always obtain fairly detailed information.

Xu Chuan was also helpless, after all, the abridged version of "Daily Divination" is not a panacea.

“Father, at this rate, who knows when we’ll be able to gather all the supplies? Although the Cao family hasn’t made any moves yet, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to take action against my Xu family,” Xu Mingwei said.

Xu Chuan nodded. "Indeed."

"Here's what we'll do, Ming Shu. Have Xiao Bai go around asking around. Maybe there are any monsters willing to reveal the location of a peak second-tier monster."

“Alright.” Xu Mingshu summoned the white tiger and spoke to it.

The white tiger let out a low roar, moved with lightning speed, and darted into the forest, disappearing from sight.

I had tried twice before, but most of the monsters, even those at the second tier, were extremely ferocious and would attack as soon as they saw me.

If they treated Xu Bai, a demonic beast, this way, how much more so would they treat Xu Chuan and the others?

However, this time, after Xu Bai ventured deeper, he encountered a tiger-type demon beast at the early stage of the second tier—the Cloud-Patterned Tiger.

Upon seeing Xu Bai, the cloud-patterned tiger was immediately drawn to its bloodline aura.

It did tell Xu Bai some information, but the price was that he had to be with its mate once.

In Xu Bai's eyes, the Cloud-Patterned Tiger was handsome and could carry out its master's orders, so why not?

More than an hour later.

Xu Bai flicked his tail, glanced at the Cloud-Patterned Tiger, and without much hesitation, quickly left the cave where the Cloud-Patterned Tiger was.

There is a spiritual connection.

Xu Bai easily found where Xu Mingshu was.

Then inform them of this matter.

Xu Mingshu's eyes lit up, and she turned to Xu Chuan, saying, "Father, there's news."

"There are indeed peak second-tier demonic beasts nearby. One is a six-winged flying centipede, about thirty or forty miles to the southwest, and the other is an iron-armed spirit ape, about forty miles to the east, on a mountain peak."

They all formed small, tribal groups.

Upon hearing this, Xu Chuan pondered for a moment and said, "Let's go take a look first. If the attributes match, then kill it."

The three set off immediately.

Xu Bai's aura was difficult to conceal, so he put it into the spirit beast pouch.

They first went to the vicinity of the six-winged flying centipede, and after arriving there, they sent Mo Yue out to investigate.

"It's an earth-type monster."

"Then kill them. The three of us will hold off the disciples and grandchildren of that six-winged flying centipede, while you quickly kill them."

"Listen to you."

Mo Yue knew that he was no match for Xu Chuan in terms of wisdom and strategy, so he followed his instructions.

Xu Chuan and his group made the first move, killing some early to mid-stage Tier 1 flying centipedes. Then, two early-stage Tier 2 four-winged flying centipedes appeared, along with their target, the six-winged flying centipede.

Xu Mingshu and Xu Mingwei each defended against one, and then released Xu Ying and Xu Bai to attack the first-tier flying centipedes.

Xu Chuan then used the True Yang Pearl to cast a shield on those who needed it.

After all, there are hundreds of first-tier flying centipedes here.

There are quite a few late-stage first-order ones.

Meanwhile, Mo Yue dealt with the six-winged flying centipede at the peak of the second tier.

The battle lasted for the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea.

The six-winged flying centipede was killed by Mo Yue.

"go!"

Xu Chuan collected the body and immediately told the others to leave.

After resting for half a day.

They then headed to the mountain where the Iron-Armed Spirit Ape was located.

It is a place with beautiful mountains and clear waters, inhabited by many spirit apes, including as many as six second-tier spirit apes.

"Besides the Iron-Armed Spirit Ape at the peak of the second tier, there is one late-stage second tier, two mid-stage second tier, and three early-stage second tier."

Mo Yue's divine sense enveloped most of the mountain peak, and he said calmly.

"Forget it, there's no need to go on a shopping spree. Let's go check out other places."

Unfortunately, Mo Yue cannot recklessly use his divine sense to investigate. If he accidentally alerts a third-tier demon beast, he will be in serious trouble.

All three possessed concealment arrays, so as long as they didn't make a move, they wouldn't be easily detected.

Half a month later.

Xu Ying also learned about the location of a peak second-tier demon beast, the Blood Jade Python, from a certain eagle-type demon beast.

After killing it.

They then returned to Dongxi.

Now that there are external threats, they cannot be away from their tribe for too long.

The Five Elements Inner Elixir is still missing the Wood and Metal elements. The Metal element should not be difficult, but Xu Chuan and his group have never encountered the Wood element before.

They returned to their clan.

Xu Mingshu then went to train her little darlings.

She once asked Xu Chuan to refine the Demon Spirit Pill for the Spider Demon Beast.

And this time, materials were obtained.

Xu Chuan refined four pills and gave one to Xu Mingshu.

Xu Mingshu fed the blood-eyed spider a pill, helping it advance to the second tier.

The Tiger Clan, with Xu Bai awakening the White Tiger bloodline of the Four Spirits, is undoubtedly the clan leader. The Eagle Clan, naturally, is led by Xu Ying.

The remaining race is the Blood-Eyed Spider clan.

However, before long, another leader-level spirit beast will emerge among the Blood-Eyed Spiders.

Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and Xu Mingxuan's spirit beasts also consumed a corresponding demon spirit pill and are now in a deep sleep.

Reaching the second stage is probably only a matter of time.

Another half month has passed in the blink of an eye.

The Xu family suddenly received a rumor that an ancient cultivator's cave had appeared somewhere in the border region between the Great Wei and the Great Jin.

I initially thought it was just a rumor.

But soon Zhou Qingfang arrived at Dongxi and confirmed that the news was true.

"Brother Zhou, you said it was a message from the Celestial Official's token, instructing the various Celestial Officials to go and compete for the cave dwellings, and not let them fall into the hands of cultivators from the Great Jin and Great Liang?"

"Indeed, this news is likely true, and it has already been discovered by the people of Da Jin and Da Liang."

"Brother Xu, shall we go together?"

"Alright, but I need to make some preparations first, and we'll set off together in half an hour."

“That’s no problem at all,” Zhou Qingfang thought to himself with delight.

In this competition for the ancient cultivators' cave dwellings, the Zhou family is too weak. If they don't go with the Xu family, they won't be able to gain anything.

Xu Chuan summoned all those still in Dongxi who were building their foundations.

After some discussion, Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingxian, and Ren Xiaoyao were finally allowed to go together.

Xu Mingxian's main task was to break the formation.

Xu Mingwei and Ren Xiaoyao are both extremely powerful, and together with Xu Chuan, they can even contend with late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

In addition, Xu Mingshu also asked Xu Chuan to bring the Purple Thunder Azure Fire Eagle along. Although he is only at the early stage of the second tier, comparable to a second-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, his burst of power is comparable to a fourth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Most importantly, his speed is enough for Xu Chuan and the others to escape if they encounter danger.

Xu Ying was raised by the Xu family since childhood and is familiar with everyone in the Xu family, so he will accept Xu Chuan's command.

“Fellow Daoist Zhou, let’s make another trip to Guangling County on the way. I’m planning to invite Elder Xiaoyao from my clan.”

Zhou Qingfang glanced at Xu Chuan and the other two, and said with a faint smile, "That's even better, Elder Xiaoyao's strength is also extraordinary."

They set off immediately.

After arriving in Guangling, they called Ren Xiaoyao and headed to the ancient cultivator's cave.

The cave is located in the ancient Youshan Mountains.

Although this place is not as dangerous as "Qinghai Forest" and "Ten Thousand Snake Valley" and has no third-tier monsters, there are still a large number of monsters here, including many at the peak of the second tier.

Furthermore, one may occasionally encounter malevolent energy within the mountains.

This malevolent energy will erode the body and mind, even those in the Foundation Establishment stage can only wait for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

If it were someone in the Qi Refining stage, they would probably go mad in just a few breaths.

The group proceeded cautiously towards Xuan Yue Peak, where the ancient cultivator's cave was located.

On the way, they encountered the Liu family's Foundation Establishment cultivators, who were fighting a mid-stage second-tier demonic beast.

Although the Xu family had some conflicts with the Liu family, it wasn't a major problem. Therefore, Xu Chuan and the others took action and drove the monster away.

Then they traveled together.

This time, the cave is located in the Ancient You Mountains, so it's unlikely that fourth-rank aristocratic families will come.

Zhou Qingfang was also hitching a ride with the Xu family.

After all, without the strength of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, even reaching Xuan Yue Peak would be a challenge.

However, this also indicates that the owner of this cave dwelling is at least at the late Foundation Establishment stage, and most likely at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

As for the chances of finding a cave dwelling for someone at the Golden Core stage, they are extremely slim.

However, the three major Golden Core families still sent cultivators in the late Foundation Establishment stage.

Deep within the folds of the Guyou Mountains, most of the peaks are shrouded in varying shades of emerald green, but Xuan Yue Peak stands out against the heavens and earth, its deep gray-brown color a testament to its resilience.

Its shape resembles a dragon raising its head, its entire body is grayish-brown, and its rock walls are rugged as if carved by a knife and axe, piercing straight into the sky.

Looking into the distance, the peak is hidden among the flowing clouds, like a pillar of heaven, seemingly trying to reach the bright moon.

As midnight approached, the mountaintop suddenly glowed with a silvery light, as if moonlight were pouring down and sprinkling into the secluded valley, shrouding the entire place in a cold and desolate atmosphere.

When Xu Chuan and his group arrived, they saw three forces subtly confronting each other.

They turned their gaze over.

"Brother Xu, you've arrived too. Come over here."

Lei Hekong suddenly laughed amidst the crowd of the Great Wei.

Xu Chuan and the others flew over.

"Brother Hekong." Xu Chuan and Xu Mingwei clasped their hands in greeting.

Lei Hekong nodded and introduced to Xu Chuan: "This is my Lei family's second elder, Lei Yunhua, and this is my cousin, Lei Hesheng."

Xu Chuan clasped his hands in greeting again, "Greetings, Elder Yunhua and Elder Hesheng."

Lei Yunhua is at the peak of the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, Lei Hesheng is at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment, and Lei Hekong is at the early stage of the fifth level of Foundation Establishment.

The two exchanged a slight gesture.

Xu Chuan glanced around and saw that Zhao Qingyan, an acquaintance of the Zhao family, was also present on the Daliang side.

He has now broken through to the fifth level of Foundation Establishment.

Beside him stood an old man with an air of otherworldly wisdom and an eighth-level Foundation Establishment cultivation.

As for the Great Jin...

His gaze suddenly sharpened.

One of the three standing at the very front was the demonic cultivator that Xu Chuan and Zhao Qingyan had encountered before.

The other two were also at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment.

Each of the three factions has more than thirty members.

The elder from the Foundation Establishment level eight faction led by the Cao family glanced at Xu Chuan and thought to himself, "This kid really came."

"They caused our Cao family to lose three Foundation Establishment cultivators in one fell swoop. If we have the chance, we must find a way to eliminate them."

Immediately, the old man from the Cao family said, "Brother Liu, Brother Sima, what's the plan this time? Should we work together to break through the formation here, find the cave, and then each rely on our own methods?"

"I don't care," said an elderly man with gray hair at the front of the Liang side.

The elder from the Sima family said, "Wait another half hour. If no fellow Daoist comes over, then we will break the formation."

"Yes!" the elders from the Liu and Cao families said in unison.

It didn't take long.

Xu Chuan suddenly heard Zhao Qingyan's voice.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, have you seen that demonic cultivator at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment in the Great Jin Dynasty? I learned from my elders that he is the third elder of the Xue family in the Great Jin Dynasty, Xue Wuxiu."

The Xue family was second only to the Sima family in the Great Jin Dynasty, just like the Zhao family in the Great Liang Dynasty.

When the chaos begins, if you have no one to protect you, you can come to my Zhao family's side. My clan's fifth elder will help you out."

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhao," Xu Chuan said telepathically.

The Fifth Elder alone possessed the cultivation of the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, demonstrating the unfathomable strength of the Zhao family.

There must be more than one cultivator who has reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

However, compared to the Zhao family's great cause, the struggle for the cave dwelling is obviously nothing. Sending a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator is already the limit.

It is only possible for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to appear in the cave dwelling of a Golden Core cultivator.

Lei Hekong also transmitted his voice, "Brother Xu, why did you bring Xu Mingwei and the other newly established Foundation Establishment kids along?"

“Ming Wei is quite strong, and Xiao Yao is not bad either. As for Ming Xian, I brought him here because I thought we might encounter a formation.”

Lei Hekong nodded slightly.

As expected, Xu Mingxian was the formation master from the Xu family.

At such a young age, he already possesses such talent in array formations; he may well become a top array master in the future.

Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.

"Since there is no one here, fellow Daoists, let's join forces to break the formation!" the old man from the Cao family said calmly.

Afterwards, the group either used magical artifacts or top-tier spells.

A barrage of attacks rained down on Xuan Yue Peak.

The attack did not land on the peak, but touched something tens of meters away, causing ripples to spread outwards, as if a corner of a canvas had been lifted.

Xu Mingxian's pupils suddenly contracted at the mention of "this formation."

next moment.

He immediately patted his storage bag, took out the Four Symbols Array Plate, activated the array, and enveloped Xu Chuan and the others, including Zhou Qingfang.

It was at this time.

A cloud of yellow mist billowed out, instantly enveloping the area within several miles of Xuan Yue Peak.

When everyone opened their eyes again, there was no one else around.

Only Xu Chuan and the others were not completely trapped in the great formation because of Xu Mingxian's protective array.

However, they also couldn't see the other people.

"What's going on?" Zhou Qingfang was shocked.

Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingxian curiously and asked, "What kind of formation is this?"

"Illusion array, an extremely sophisticated illusion array. I don't know the specific name, but it should be a type of ancient illusion array. Once you inhale this yellow mist, you will be dragged into the illusion."

He encountered numerous inner demons.

"Is it possible to do something during this process, such as killing someone?"

"It's hard to say, but I suspect that if you appear near that person, you will be twisted by the power of the formation into a demon in their eyes."

If the sneak attack fails, the enraged opponent might kill you.

"This is really troublesome," Xu Chuan said, pursing his lips. "Then let's figure out a way to break it."

"It's a bit difficult, but if we can clear their minds for a moment and break out of the illusion array, it shouldn't be a big problem. We can study this array again later."

"Mm." Xu Chuan nodded.

It would be best to secretly kill that demonic cultivator from the Great Jin Dynasty, but unfortunately the opponent is too strong. If he is mistaken for a demon, he will be severely injured or killed by him.

That would be a joke.

Xu Mingxian formed hand seals, and the spirits of the four elements resonated in unison, transforming into a unique wave that spread outwards.

"This is an illusion array! Wake up immediately and break out of the yellow fog!"

After saying that, Xu Chuan and the others rushed out of the yellow mist.

Everyone was affected by that fluctuation, and their minds instantly became clear.

"phantom?"

Their expressions changed, and without saying a word, they also left the area of ​​the yellow fog.

"Thank you fellow Taoist for reminding me!"

Many people bowed to Xu Chuan and his group to express their gratitude.

The elder of the Sima family looked at Xu Mingxian, who was holding the array plate, and said, "Young man of the Xu family, you were able to see through this array in an instant. Do you have a way to break the array?"

"Replying to senior, I have only discerned the nature of this formation, which is entirely different from breaking it."

"Moreover, with so many seniors here, it's impossible that I'm the only formation master."

A middle-aged man from the Liang Dynasty flew out. He was at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment. He said, "I am a formation master. I think it is impossible to force our way through this formation. Holding our breath in that mist is useless."

It's likely that even a single contact could affect consciousness.

Thus, one falls into a state of inner demonic illusion.

(End of this chapter)