Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 225 Zhou Qingfang's Decision, Cao's Plan
The main hall of the Xu family.

"Brother Zhou, what's wrong with you? Why do you look so pale?" Xu Chuan asked in surprise.

"I recently went to the capital."

"What are you going there for?"

Zhou Qingfang sighed slightly, "The Cao family sent someone to say that Xuehua is pregnant and she wants to see me."

"I see." Xu Chuan's eyes flickered slightly, his eyelids lowered slightly, and then he asked, "How is Fairy Xuehua?"

"She's at the second level of Foundation Establishment and will give birth in two or three months."

After a pause, Zhou Qingfang continued, "But I noticed she didn't look well, and she herself seemed to have a bad feeling. Besides, Xuehua also said..."

“Brother Zhou, please speak frankly. Our two families have been friends for decades. I will help you if I can.”

"If Xuehua says that no one comes to the Zhou family to report that she is safe in two or three months, it means that she has met with misfortune, and she wants me to join your Xu family."

"It can't be that bad. Your Zhou family now has two Foundation Establishment cultivators, and Brother Zhou yourself is also in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. You are not considered weak among the fourth-grade families in various prefectures," Xu Chuan said calmly.

"Yes, that's what I think too. My Zhou family has a great protective array, and the disciples in the clan are not weak either. They are several times stronger than when the Su family was destroyed."

They are at least a cut above the Feng family of Yunshan County and the former Wei and Feng families of Guangling, but…

Xu Chuan listened quietly.

Looking at Xu Chuan's expression, Zhou Qingfang secretly prepared his words.

There was a time when Xu Chuan had to carefully consider Zhou Qingfang's expression before speaking.

Now, the two sides have switched positions.

"If one day my Zhou family is besieged by several third-rank or even second-rank families, can the Xu family come to our aid?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Chuan fell into deep thought.

The knuckles tapped lightly on the table, making a "thump-thump" sound.

He then looked up and said calmly, "If the Zhou family comes to ask for help, my Xu family will certainly fulfill our duty as allies."

Zhou Qingfang sighed softly to himself.

If something really happens, at most a few Qi Refining disciples will manage to get out, but it will take at least two hours to get help back and forth.

At that time, even if the Zhou family was not wiped out, most of them would probably have been killed or injured.

He and the newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Zhou family will likely perish at the hands of others.

If the Xu family really wanted to help, they naturally had a way. They could simply help the Zhou family set up a second-tier high-grade magic array, and then they could rest easy.

Seeing his appearance, Xu Chuan said, "Brother Zhou, please understand that only members of my Xu family know the situation of my family."

The feud between the Cao family and my Xu family is not something that can be easily resolved.

Either one day my Xu family will have the confidence to face the Cao family directly, or the Cao family will completely crush my Xu family into the quagmire, or even wipe out our clan.

Just like the trip to Xuan Yue Peak more than two years ago, if I'm not mistaken, it was the Cao family who leaked the information, which attracted people from Da Jin and Da Liang to come.

If it were true that Ruo Ruo had discovered many good things in the cave at that time.

In the midst of the chaos of war, my Xu family inevitably made enemies, further worsening our situation.

Zhou Qingfang frowned and muttered in a low voice, "The Cao family actually schemed against your Xu family to this extent?"

"The Cao family certainly has the strength to destroy my Xu family, but they haven't found a good excuse yet. After all, unless they send a dozen or so Foundation Establishment cultivators, including those at the peak of Foundation Establishment and those at the late stage of Foundation Establishment."

Otherwise, it would be very difficult to destroy my Xu family.

"Indeed, if the Cao family were to arbitrarily exterminate law-abiding aristocratic families within the territory of Wei, their reputation would be ruined, and the other aristocratic families would not stand idly by."

After all, who knows if this disaster might one day befall them?

Zhou Qingfang sighed again, as if he had made a decision, and said, "What if my Zhou family is willing to become a follower or even a vassal of your Xu family?"

The Zhou family's Qi Refining stage disciples have a strong foundation. If they were to merge into the Xu family and obey the Xu family's commands, the Xu family's strength could increase exponentially.

However, the meanings of follower and vassal are different.

The followers are more like underlings, obeying orders and doing things for the leader; the leader eats the meat, and the followers drink the soup.

A vassal, on the other hand, is the property of the Xu family. The Xu family has the right to dispose of the entire Zhou family, and no one else has the right to interfere.

To what extent can the Xu family help the Zhou family?

"Brother Zhou, is this really what you want?"

"This Great Wei may seem calm on the surface, but in reality, it is turbulent and turbulent. I am not confident that I can protect the Zhou family, nor do I want to see the younger generation of the Zhou family slaughtered."

Although our two families formed an alliance in the early years, the Xu family has never done anything to wrong the Zhou family in all these years of development, and has even provided some assistance in terms of elixirs or magical artifacts.

That is already the ultimate expression of benevolence and righteousness.

If it were any other ambitious family with the strength and resources of the Xu family, they would probably have already swallowed up my Zhou family and dominated Yuehu County.

The same was true in Guangling County.

Like the Wei family, if your Xu family hadn't been unwilling to take action against them, why would you have waited until they joined forces with the Feng family to cause trouble?

Brother Xu, I have witnessed your character and the deeds of your Xu family over the years.

Mr. Zhou dared not claim that he had unparalleled insight.

But I dare say, in the entire Great Wei, only the Xu family is worthy of my Zhou family's allegiance.

Xu Chuan smiled and said, "Brother Zhou, you've praised me and the Xu family to the skies. I really don't deserve such praise."

"This is what I think in my heart, and I hope Brother Xu will take me in."

After pondering for a moment, Xu Chuan stared intently and said, "If the Zhou family is willing to become an appendage of my Xu family, then we will share both fortune and misfortune, honor and disgrace. I, Xu, will not do anything to send the entire Zhou family to their deaths."

However, the Zhou family is large and powerful, and the family's honor is probably already deeply rooted in the hearts of your Zhou family members.

Moreover, there was a time when my Xu family was a nobody in the eyes of your Zhou family, but now your Zhou family, at the height of its power, is going to become an appendage of my Xu family.

I doubt many members of the Zhou family will be willing to comply.

After all, the Xu family is taking in vassals, not a bunch of arrogant young masters. If such a group were to come, it would hinder the development of the Xu family.

Zhou Qingfang thought for a moment and nodded slightly. "I understand. I will let my Zhou family disciples make a choice, even if it means the Zhou family will split apart."

Whether it was Ye Xuehua's reminder or the feeling of being secretly watched, Zhou Qingfang felt that the Zhou family was about to suffer a great calamity.

Soon.

Zhou Qing then left.

Xu Chuan returned to Bihan Pool to cultivate.

The Zhou family's affairs are nothing to the Xu family.

However, if they were to truly become its vassals, then the Xu family would have completely unified Yuehu and Guangling.

They can be described as the first family in the entire Wei Dynasty to rule two prefectures.

After returning to the Zhou family, Zhou Qingfang convened a clan meeting, gathering the family head, elders, and core geniuses of the clan.

Everyone was talking a lot.

"Patriarch, is there something important that the Ancestor has called for this clan meeting?"

"I've heard that Aunt Xuehua is pregnant. If she gives birth to a genius for the Cao family, will my Zhou family rise to prominence from then on?"

"Xuehua is a married woman after all. The growth of the Zhou family still depends on our own efforts."

"Our ancestor recently returned from the capital. I wonder if he brought back any exquisite magical artifacts?"

"Ancestor, have you really made a decision?" Zhou Zongyun asked, looking at Zhou Qingfang.

Another Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Zhou family was Zhou Zongyun, who had entered the "Wuhua Secret Realm" and was taken to the top by the Xu family.

"Although I agree with this, there will be no shortage of resistance from my family."

“I understand, so I won’t force them; I’ll let them make their own choices.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zongyun seemed to sense that the Zhou family might be split up, but he was powerless to stop it.

At least in his heart, he had already been impressed by the Xu family in the "Wuhua Secret Realm".

If it weren't for his status as a member of the Zhou family, he would have joined the Xu family long ago.

After all, being carried by the Xu family is really addictive!
Meeting hall.

Zhou Qingfang and Zhou Zongyun entered one after the other.

The pressure from the Foundation Establishment cultivator spread instantly, and the hall fell silent in an instant.

Zhou Qingfang withdrew his imposing aura and sat down in the main seat, with Zhou Zongyun sitting in the first seat to his left.

He scanned the crowd, taking in their expressions.

A few moments.

Zhou Qingfang said calmly, "I have gathered you all here today to discuss a matter that concerns the fate of my Zhou family."

Nowadays, many aristocratic families have successively produced new Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The Xu family was even more prominent, but they were suppressed by the Cao family.

Although my Zhou family's foundation has strengthened considerably, we still lack significant resilience in the face of real danger.

Zhou Zongran asked in surprise, "Ancestor, what do you mean by that?"

"What risks might our Zhou family face?"

"With Fairy Xuehua marrying into the royal Cao family, which noble family in the Great Wei dares to provoke her easily?"

"There were indeed people spying on our territory before, but they all disappeared, didn't they?"

Zhou Qingfang glanced at Zhou Zongran and said, "The Cao family is not trustworthy. They are willing to threaten the entire Zhou family to insist on marrying Xuehua. They must have their own motives."

Xuehua herself is in a precarious situation, how can she care about us?

Moreover, the generous dowry attracted the attention of many prominent families.

If one day, several powerful families join forces to plunder, can my Zhou family withstand them?

"If it's several fourth-rank individuals, that's fine, but if it's third-rank individuals or even second-rank individuals involved, then my Zhou family will either be wiped out or severely damaged."

Zhou Zongran analyzed with a serious expression.

A young genius with a true spiritual root said, "Ancestor, aren't you being a bit too pessimistic?"

Zhou Qingfang did not answer, but continued, "So, I'm giving you a choice today: those who are willing can join the Xu family with me, and those who are not can stay here."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes widened in disbelief.

Zhou Zongran was the same; he stared blankly at Zhou Qingfang, "Ancestor, you...you're not joking, are you?"

The Zhou family elder said, "Yes, Ancestor, our Zhou family is definitely not weak among the fourth-grade families, while the Xu family is only a third-grade family."

"Give our Zhou family a few more decades, and becoming a third-rank official wouldn't be difficult, would it?"

"My mind is made up on this matter!"

"Ancestor!"

"Ancestor!"

"Ancestor!"

Seeing Zhou Qingfang's resolute attitude, everyone had no choice but to give up and then fell into deep thought.

Russian qing.

Zhou Zongran asked, "Does the Ancestor intend to split the Zhou family?"

"Yes and no. If all the Zhou family disciples were willing to join the Xu family with me and become its vassals, then there would be no split."

Otherwise, the only option is to split apart.

"It's better than my Zhou family's centuries-old legacy being destroyed in an instant."

"Then why the Xu family? The Cao family, the royal family, is also related to my Zhou family by marriage. Wouldn't it be better to become an ally of the Cao family? If that's the case, which aristocratic family in the Great Wei would dare to provoke us?"

“I have already stated that the Cao family is not trustworthy. If you want to join the Cao family, I will not stop you.”

The Zhou family's eldest elder was speechless.

If he were at the Foundation Establishment stage and joined the Cao family, he might be accepted.

At the Qi Refining stage, the Cao family probably wouldn't even give him a second glance.

Even if one reaches the pinnacle of Qi cultivation, they are merely a guard, a servant-like being.

"I will give you three days to consider this matter. Inform the entire clan of this news, and of course, strictly forbid it from being spread outside. Anyone who disobeys will be treated as a traitor!"
Three days later, all the disciples gathered in the square.

"Yes, ancestor!"

The group bowed and then left the hall one after another.

Soon, only Zhou Qingfang and Zhou Zongyun remained in the hall.

"I hope they won't let their prejudices blind them," Zhou Zongyun said calmly.

"No destruction, no construction!" A sharp glint flashed in Zhou Qingfang's eyes. "The path of aristocratic families becomes increasingly difficult as one ascends. It's a pity that my Zhou family is not the Xu family, and therefore cannot navigate the many aristocratic families with ease."

They even stood out.

The generous betrothal gifts from the Cao family in the past, in retrospect, were the root of all trouble.

If my Zhou family were of the second or even first rank, we could accept this betrothal gift without hesitation.

Unfortunately, my Zhou family's foundation is too weak.

Only by relying on the Xu family can my Zhou family regain its vitality and continue to grow peacefully.

I have a premonition that the Xu family may have foreseen this outcome for the Zhou family, waiting for the Zhou family to decline or become their vassal.

With the Xu family controlling two locations, they're bound to make even bigger moves!

“That’s not surprising, after all, it’s the Xu family!” Zhou Zongyun stroked his beard and smiled.

Zhou Qingfang looked at Zhou Zongyun in surprise and asked, "Zongyun, do you know something?"

"You changed after you came out of the 'Wuhua Secret Realm,' could it be that something happened in there?"

“Ancestor, please don’t ask. There’s a restriction preventing me from speaking, but following the Xu family would be more beneficial than harmful to the Zhou family.”

The downside is that the danger the Xu family will face will also be faced by my Zhou family.

But Zong Yun believed that the Xu family would surely have a way to handle and resolve the situation.

Zhou Shaoyuan summoned all his descendants and told them about the matter.

Upon hearing this, Xu Dejin immediately asked in surprise, "Grandpa intends to merge into my Xu family? Why so suddenly?"

“The Ancestor just made this decision today, but I believe he must have already reached an agreement with the Xu family.” Zhou Shaoyuan looked at Xu Dejin, “Dejin, what do you think?”

After pondering for a moment, Xu Dejin said, "My Xu family no longer easily accepts vassals. In recent years, we have only accepted the Ge family of Guangling County."

Before encountering the demonic cultivator, the Ge family was a top-tier fifth-grade aristocratic family.

Despite the heavy losses suffered by the clan, it is said that the clan's resources were not taken away.

They offered up these resources and their clan land, and only then did my second uncle and his family accept the Ge family.

But is our Zhou family about to encounter a great calamity?
Otherwise, there would be no need for them to be subservient to my Xu family.

"Of course, the Zhou family is such a behemoth, I believe my grandfather will definitely take them in, after all, what my Xu family lacks most is manpower."

"What do you mean?"

"If we can merge, that would be best. But let me remind you first that the Xu family has very strict rules and clear rewards and punishments. The Zhou family is also a large clan, and some of its members may not be able to integrate well."

Without the mindset of becoming a vassal, even if one enters the Xu family, one will soon be eliminated, or even executed.

"Is it really that strict?"

"The reason why my Xu family has come to where it is today is because of our caution and unity with the clan. As long as my grandfather is alive, there will never be any disagreement on important matters of the clan!"

Xu Dejin's eyes sparkled, and his brows held an air of arrogance.

"Dejin, could you tell us more about the Xu family? What benefits would we get if we joined?" Zhou Shaoyuan asked with a smile.

"My Xu family has three levels of training. The first level is naturally the core clan members, who are the top resources in both martial arts and immortality."

The second category consists of children selected from the vassal families and residents of Dongxi who are considered to have good potential for immortality or martial arts.

The third tier consists of martial artists with weaker physical constitutions.

Martial artists are usually trained to the peak of the Acquired Realm, while cultivators are trained to the fourth level of Qi Refining, after which they begin to give back to their families, and those with talent learn immortal arts.

The rest joined the Discipline Hall or the War Hall, patrolling, going out to find medicine, guarding merchant guilds, and so on.

"Can someone at the peak of Qi Refining become an elder of the Xu family?"

"It used to be possible, but it required an audit. Now, I don't know, maybe you have to be a Foundation Establishment cultivator to qualify."

Of course, this might be relaxed for those skilled in magical arts.

Because my grandfather particularly valued these kinds of people.

Zhou Shaoyuan pondered for a moment and said, "Dejin has said so much, what are your thoughts?"

"Our ancestor said that this matter will not be forced. In three days, all members of the clan will have to make a decision!"

Xu Dejin said to the people beside her, "Husband, Cheng'er, Ting'er, come back to the Xu family with me. You will definitely receive better training there."

Xu Dejin's husband, Zhou Yanfeng, seemed hesitant.

“My lord, both Cheng’er and Ting’er have the aptitude for cultivation, but their natural talent is relatively poor, so the clan’s resources will not be allocated to them.”

But my elder sister and my father are both at the Foundation Establishment stage, and they can benefit greatly from just a little something.

Moreover, they also carry the blood of the Xu family, so they can at least receive second-class training.

“Okay,” Zhou Yanfeng finally nodded.

Xu Dejin only cared about her husband and children.

Zhou Shaoyuan's lineage, from his brothers to his descendants, numbers more than the entire Xu family. Maintaining close relationships among them would be incredibly difficult.

"The rest of you should also think about whether you want to give up the Zhou family's past honors or stick to them."

All branches and lineages of the Zhou family are discussing this matter.

Three days have passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhoujia Square.

At this moment, the crowd was thronging, like a sea of ​​people.

All members of the Zhou family were present, including disciples recruited from outside the family and independent cultivators who had joined.

Zhou Qingfang and Zhou Zongyun flew through the air and landed on the high platform.

"Quiet!" Zhou Qingfang said calmly.

As soon as the voices faded, the once bustling square fell silent.

"I've gathered you all here today, and I'm sure you all know this. Let's begin the decision-making process. We'll use this middle line as the dividing line. Those on the left are willing to follow me and join the Xu family, to be at my beck and call."

Those on the right wish to remain in their clan's territory.

For a moment, everyone looked at each other.

Then one by one, they squeezed into the area on the left.

This immediately made the left side of the area appear very crowded.

"Ancestor, this..."

Zhou Zongyuan looked at the empty space on his right and was immediately taken aback, turning to Zhou Qingfang.

He didn't believe that everyone present was sincere. "How am I supposed to explain this to Elder Xu?"

"It was my fault. It is human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm. My words a few days ago may have made them realize that there was a crisis."

"Fine, I'll go to Dongxi again today."

Zhou Qingfang said to everyone, "Since you have made your choice, then don't regret it. If you break the rules of the Xu family, you can only obediently wait for the Xu family to punish you."

"Life and death are entirely in the hands of the Xu family."

"Yes, Ancestor, we will remember."

"Disperse, everyone."

Everyone left.

Zhou Qingfang then went to Dongxi as well.

The main hall of the Xu family.

"Brother Zhou, you've taken care of it so quickly?" Xu Chuan asked in surprise.

The Zhou family members and independent cultivators from other clans number in the thousands, and their hearts are mixed, making them not so easy to deal with.

“I am ashamed. All members of my Zhou family are willing to merge into the Xu family and become its vassals.”

Xu Chuan was taken aback for a moment, but then he seemed to realize something, shook his head and chuckled, "You told them that the Zhou family might be in great danger?"

Zhou Qingfang lowered his head, tacitly agreeing.

Xu Chuan looked at him and said after a moment, "Never mind, it's too troublesome to carefully select and distinguish them."

"How about this, your Zhou family will remain in the original clan territory, and you can select some outstanding clan members or children to be sent to the Xu family for training."

Of course, my Xu family will also conduct assessments, and only those who pass will be trained by my Xu family.

In addition, we will select another group of people in the late stage of Qi Refining to serve in the Xu family and obey orders.

The ancestral land of the Su family now belongs to my Xu family.

Every quarter, someone would be sent to the Xu family to report, just like other vassal families, and hand over 30% of their profits.

Those who are vassals of the Xu clan and who perform exceptionally well in clan competitions may receive special training and have the opportunity to establish their foundation.

As for you and Zhou Zongyun, you will join the Xu family elders' association and become Xu family elders.

Any questions?

It's perfectly normal for the Xu family to train some members of the Zhou family, and for the Zhou family to provide them with tributes.

In Zhou Qingfang's view, Xu Chuan also intended to distinguish between the essence and dross of the Zhou family.

"If a large number of late-stage Qi Refining cultivators and elite disciples join Dongxi, what will happen to my Zhou family's territory?"

Xu Chuan smiled faintly, took out a jade tablet from his storage bag, and handed it to Zhou Qingfang, "This is a Divine Consciousness Jade Tablet. You can integrate a wisp of your own divine consciousness into it."

If the Zhou family encounters danger, the head of the Zhou family can crush the jade tablet, and you will then know the truth.

We can then rush to the rescue.

As for the protective formation of your Zhou family's territory, I will have Mingxian upgrade it, and it shouldn't be a problem to reach the middle grade of the second tier.

Unless a large number of people attack your Zhou family, nothing will happen to the Zhou family.

Now, the entire Yuehu County and Guangling County are under the control of my Xu family. Even if a large number of unfamiliar cultivators come, they cannot escape the notice of my Xu family's intelligence network.

"Thank you, Great Elder!"

Zhou Qingfang clasped his hands in a fist salute and then immediately dissolved the alliance he had made years ago.

Now that the Zhou family has chosen to become a vassal of the Xu family, the alliance can no longer exist.

"By the way, how much of the betrothal gifts that the Cao family gave you back then do you still have in the Zhou family?"

Zhou Qingfang said, "The magical artifacts all have owners. As for the pills, we have two Foundation Establishment Pills plus the ones obtained from the 'Wuhua Secret Realm,' one Void Refining Pill, and two bottles of True Essence Pills."

Many Breakthrough Pills and Qi Gathering Pills have been distributed as rewards, and there are not many left.

"If the Grand Elder needs them, he may take both the Foundation Establishment Pill and the Void Refining Pill."

Xu Chuan smiled and said, "How could I possibly covet such resources? Foundation Establishment Pills and Void Refining Pills are not top-grade and are not worthy of my attention."

You can keep it yourself.

"Alright, that's settled then. One month from now, my Xu family will invite Foundation Establishment families to witness the vassal ceremony."

"Thank you!" Zhou Qingfang said, clasping his hands in thanks.

Such openness is necessary to deter many powerful families.

However, the Zhou family's choice to become a vassal of the Xu family will inevitably offend the Cao family.

With the Xu family blocking their way, the Zhou family's territory only needs to be dealt with carefully.

As for the other families, even second- or third-rank families, they had to consider whether it was worth offending the Xu family to plunder the Zhou family.

Xu Chuan's instructions were relayed to Zhou Zongran, the head of the family, upon his return.

He only sighed lightly about the Xu family taking away the Su family's land and handing over 30% of the family's profits.

Those who choose to become vassals naturally have no say and can only obey orders.

However, all things considered, the Xu family did not go too far.

In theory, everything belonging to a vassal family belongs to the master family, just like a servant.

The Xu family's decision to allow the Zhou family to retain their clan land and keep 70% for their own development is truly a testament to their generosity and kindness.

"Ancestor, I understand. I will make arrangements for this as soon as possible."

"Zong Ran, remember this: the Xu family values ​​character. Otherwise, even if someone has true spiritual root aptitude, they probably wouldn't accept them. Besides, there's no need to send all those with true spiritual root aptitude to the Xu family."

They can also concentrate their resources on training themselves.

For children, pseudo-spiritual roots or mixed spiritual roots are acceptable.

If there are children with true spiritual roots, it is best to send one to the Xu family in each generation.

The Xu family doesn't lack geniuses; what it lacks are people to work for the Xu family.

“I understand,” Zhou Zongran nodded in response.

a few days later.

After the handover of the Su family's territory was completed, Xu Mingxian rearranged all the formations, and the patrol and guard personnel were all replaced by Xu family disciples.

Afterwards, Xu Mingxian replaced the array formation in the Zhou family's territory with a mid-grade second-tier formation.

The Qi Refining stage disciples, talented young people, and children selected by Zhou Zongran were also sent to Dongxi.

Both immortal seedlings and martial artists are available.

He is fairly cautious in his actions.

At least the people sent here had all passed the Xu family's evaluation of their character and were thus able to be employed.

Zhou Zongdan was among these people.

He has finally achieved his wish and can stay in the Alchemy Hall to devote himself to the Dao of Alchemy.

Dongxi, the Alchemy Hall.

The current master of the hall is Xu Mingqing.

His mastery of alchemy at this time was even higher than that of the current Master Yunding.

Zhou Zongdan arrived at the quiet room where Xu Mingqing was.

"Palace Master Qing, are you looking for your disciple?"

"Please sit down," Xu Mingqing said. "I've invited you here today to teach you some alchemical techniques."

Zhou Zongdan looked surprised.

Xu Mingqing smiled faintly, patted his storage bag, and two ancient books flew out.

These are the first parts of "Jade Liquid True Refinement Technique" and "Nine Flames Technique".

The Nine Flames Technique is divided into three parts: upper, middle, and lower.

"These two are the core inheritances of my Xu family's alchemy. The former is the alchemy hand technique, and the latter is the method of controlling with divine sense."

You have a good talent for alchemy and are devout and persistent in your pursuit of it; you deserve special training.

My father once said that if your great-grandfather Zhou Sen hadn't been burdened by the family, his alchemy skills would have easily reached the level of the Entering the Alchemy Hall.

Zhou Zongdan shook his head and said, "Palace Master Qing, I do not agree with this statement. My great-grandfather also received family training, which is why he possessed such alchemy skills."

Therefore, his willingness to contribute to the family is entirely his own, and there is no question of him being a burden.

What you gain, you must give up.

This is the cycle of cause and effect.

Xu Mingqing's eyes lit up, and he nodded with a faint smile, "Not bad."

“My father was right about you.” Xu Mingqing continued, “You were not a member of the Xu family before, so the Xu family’s alchemy lineage could not be passed on to you.”

Now, your Zhou family has become a vassal of my Xu family.

We're practically family.

One glory and one glory.

You have made a solemn oath, a vow of divine will; if you break it, you will instantly perish, your soul and spirit shattered.

Without hesitation, Zhou Zongdan immediately made a vow of divine soul.

"After you have memorized these two copies, burn them."

"Yes, Lord Qing."

"If you have any questions about alchemy, you can come to me when I have time."

"Thank you, Palace Master Qing!"

Zhou Zongdan rose, bowed deeply, then put away the two alchemical texts and left the room.

"The Nine Flames Technique is too difficult to cultivate. My divine sense is comparable to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and my cultivation level is also Foundation Establishment, but I have only just reached the peak of the Six Flames stage."

Father seems to have already achieved the Nine Flames Great Perfection.

Unfortunately, I don't have my father's aptitude for practicing magic, so I'm only good at wood-based magic.

However, it seems that the eldest brother and the others are only at the fifth or sixth flame level.

I will definitely break through to the Seven Flames Realm faster than my older brothers!

Xu Mingqing's eyes shone with determination as he continued to cultivate the Nine Flames Technique, and of course, he would set aside several hours each night for meditation and cultivation.

All the sons of the Xu family took Xu Chuan as their role model.

I practice my spiritual discipline almost every day without fail.

In his spare time, he also practices magic to increase his means of fighting enemies.

With the Zhou family joining, the manpower available in Dongxi suddenly became much more abundant.

Half a month later.

The Xu family sent out invitations, hoping that many prominent families would come to witness the Zhou family becoming a vassal of the Xu family.

The Liu family, Feng family, Li family, Wang family and other prominent families all lamented the many troubles the Xu family had.

However, most prominent families did not want to offend the Xu family and were willing to go.

Moreover, to witness this, only a core disciple needs to be sent; there is no need for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to go in person.

Of course, some aristocratic families also went there after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage.

For example, the Lei family, the Liu family, the Jiang family, and the Lin family.

The Lei family and other first-class aristocratic families have a considerable number of Foundation Establishment cultivators, so they can naturally spare some people.

The Liu family was willing to give face because the Xu family had helped their patriarch during their previous trip to Xuan Yue Peak.

The Cao family of Tongshan planned to send Cao Shengyang there.

Imperial City.

Cao Shengming was furious when he learned of this.

"The Zhou family is trying to embarrass the Cao family! As a relative by marriage to the Cao family, how dare they openly submit to the Xu family? Where do they put the face of the Cao family!"

Cao Jinyan said, "Patriarch, could it be that the Zhou family has noticed something?"

"Last time, Ye Xuehua insisted that Zhou Qingfang come over so they could be alone together. Did Ye Xuehua say anything to him?"

"This shouldn't be happening, should it?" Cao Shengming's expression turned serious.

Ye Xuehua is carrying the Cao family's offspring, which is of utmost importance and cannot afford to cause any problems.

"Yulong showed him great care, and our Cao family also devoted all its resources to him."

"Fine, it's not advisable to take action against the Zhou family before the birth of a prodigy in my Cao family, but it's fine to cause some trouble for the Xu family."

"Elder Jin Yan, you can do it this way."

Cao Jinyan's lips gradually curled into a sinister smile, but he immediately added, "Patriarch, what if the Xu family suspects the Cao family?"

"If the Xu family dares to make baseless accusations and ruin the reputation of my Cao family, then my Cao family will have an excuse to punish them."

"Understood. I will be careful and will not leave any evidence against myself."

On the day of the Zhou family's vassal ceremony.

"I wonder if the Cao family will cause any trouble."

Xu Chuan muttered to himself in a low voice, and immediately began to divine the fortune of his family for the day.

"Middle to low? Slightly unfavorable?"

As Xu Chuan predicted, the divination revealed that the Cao family intended to take advantage of the Zhou family's vassal ceremony today, when many foundation-building families were present.

They killed several Qi Refining disciples and framed the Xu family.

"What a long memory!"

In almost a moment, Xu Chuan had a plan in mind.

The vassal ceremony will take place at noon.

Si hour.

Various prominent families arrived one after another, making it a very lively occasion.

Many disciples from prominent families were discussing it.

"I don't know what the Zhou family was thinking. Their ancestor broke through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and another Foundation Establishment stage cultivator was promoted. This is precisely the time when the family's strength is rising."

Why would they choose to become vassals of other Foundation Establishment families?

"Yes, if we were to choose the Cao family, a family of Golden Core cultivators, that would be acceptable. Although the Xu family is now renowned and thriving, it is at most close to a second-grade family."

How dare we accept a top-tier fourth-rank family as a hostage? Aren't we afraid they'll turn on us and become our own in the future!

The Feng family patriarch and several other Foundation Establishment cultivators who had arrived also felt sorry for Zhou Qingfang.

After all, the Zhou family has considerable potential.

“Brother Zhou, I really can’t understand what you’re thinking,” said the Liu family patriarch. “You wouldn’t really be thinking of taking my place one day, as the younger generation says, would you?”

Zhou Qingfang waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Brother Liu, please don't harm me!"

"That's just a rumor!"

Everyone around him burst into laughter.

Just now.

"The Cao family of the Imperial City, Senior Cao Jinyan has arrived!"

(End of this chapter)