Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 264 A Small Gathering at Yunhu Lake: Geniuses Gather (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

Xu Deling has a profound understanding of the art of craftsmanship.

Her weapon-refining techniques come from the ancient Azure Dragon Sect's weapon-crafting tradition. Although they are not the most advanced, they are still among the top.

The cultivation method is the Golden Elixir chapter of the "Red Emperor Fire Sovereign Scripture," a top-tier cultivation method that leads directly to Mahayana Buddhism.

Few fire-based martial arts can surpass the mastery and understanding of flames.

Fire Cloud Valley has a unique terrain, making it an excellent place for refining weapons.

The flames required for refining weapons are also true flames at the Golden Core level, and refining third-tier materials is no problem at all.

Xu Deling's consciousness entered the Golden Core stage, making him no different from a cultivator in the early Golden Core stage.

After comprehending the second-tier weapon runes, due to his own talent, he was more efficient at comprehending other weapon runes. Even Master Huoyun did not know how many second-tier weapon runes Xu Deling had comprehended.

Even ordinary weapon-refining masters might not be as good as her in terms of understanding weapon patterns.

Compared to a master craftsman in the Golden Core stage, Xu Deling's only shortcomings were his own magical power and the pressure associated with the Golden Core stage.

All these qualities are what give Xu Deling the confidence to refine a pill furnace with his first magic weapon!

Once she succeeds in refining it, her skill level in weapon crafting will even approach that of Master Huoyun.

After all, Master Huoyun was only a third-tier low-grade weapon refiner, but his success rate was higher than that of ordinary third-tier low-grade weapon refiners.

However, after obtaining the inheritance of the Azure Dragon Sect's weapon crafting techniques, he is not far from being able to refine a mid-grade magic weapon.

Many late-stage Golden Core cultivators possess natal magic treasures with power reaching the level of mid-grade magic treasures. As for high-grade magic treasures, only a few late-stage Golden Core cultivators possess them.

Some cultivators who have just entered the Nascent Soul stage also use high-grade magic weapons.

If Xu Deyue were to reach the Golden Core stage one day and fully refine the "Taiyin," she would have the strength to fight against a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, and might even have the chance to kill him.

Time passes day by day.

One material after another was melted and refined by the true flames of the Golden Core level.

Whenever his magical power drops below 50%, Xu Deling will take a high-grade Condensing True Pill to restore his magical power.

Because of her powerful spiritual consciousness, she could sustain herself for longer.

However, over time, the consumption is also quite high.

She used a high-grade Divine Sense Pill to restore her depleted spiritual energy.

Whether it's the Divine Mind Pill, the Advancement Pill, or the Nourishing Spirit Pill, although they don't have any growth effect on Xu Deling, they do have the effect of restoring the consumption of divine consciousness.

The Xu family has no shortage of elixirs, so Xu Deling is not stingy in this regard.

The four steps to crafting a magical artifact are: first, the materials are melted and refined individually to purify them as much as possible; second, they are mixed according to the material ratio.

If this step goes wrong, it will greatly affect the quality of the magic item.

The next step is shaping and refining it into a prototype for a magical artifact.

Refining techniques can speed up this process, and some exquisite techniques can even improve the quality of the magic weapon embryo and further remove impurities.

Once this step is completed, there will be no further opportunity to remove impurities.

Of course, the most common process for removing material impurities is still in the first step.

Finally, there is the inscription of second-tier artifact patterns. These patterns, containing various mysterious powers, can grant or enhance the inherent attributes of the magical artifact.

If any of these steps goes wrong, it will at least affect the quality of the magic weapon, or at worst, the crafting process will fail and the item will become scrap.

Tiancang Sect.

Liu family.

"Sister, are you going to host a talent competition?"

A young man spoke in surprise. Standing before him was a woman wearing a white veil, her figure as slender as newly sprouted bamboo in spring, delicate yet strong.

She wore a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) that reached her ankles, with dark silver flowing cloud patterns embroidered on the hem. A jade belt of the same color was tied around her waist, making her waist appear slender and delicate.

His eyes were like ink soaked in a cold spring, with dark and bright pupils. The corners of his eyes were slightly upturned, but there was no coquettishness in them. Instead, they added a touch of aloofness and sharpness.

When she looked at the young man, her eyes were as still as a deep pool, as if she could see into his heart.

Her eyelashes were long like butterfly wings, casting a light shadow under her eyes when they fell. Occasionally, she would raise her hand to brush the edge of her veil. Her wrist bones were slender with distinct joints, and her skin was fair and almost translucent.

She was surrounded by a faint fragrance, neither orchid nor musk, but like the crisp scent of plum blossoms after a snowfall.

This woman is Liu Yue, who ranks fifth on the genius list, and the man in front of her is her younger brother, Liu Feng.

With a peak Foundation Establishment level 7 cultivation, he is also a genius of the Liu family. It's just a pity that he is too young and his cultivation is not high enough. Otherwise, he would definitely be on the genius list and compete for a spot in the Heavenly Pride Gathering.

"In the past, under the auspices of the Tiancang Sect, Tiancang Prefecture would first select thirty-six of the most outstanding Foundation Establishment geniuses, and then they would go to Xuan Yue Prefecture to compete for the title of prodigy."

More than 300 Foundation Establishment cultivators from eight prefectures are vying for 72 spots. Besides their own strength, choosing good allies is also extremely important.

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng pondered for a moment and then said, "Sister, do you mean you want to take this opportunity to find a few collaborators?"

"Exactly."

"It would be a piece of cake to convene a small gathering of geniuses in your name, after all, you have many admirers."

Liu Feng chuckled twice. "I'll take care of it right away."

"Don't be hasty. Do you know the location I want to hold the event and who I want to invite?"

“That’s true. Location is very important. It needs to be convenient for travel. Tiancang Sect is definitely not suitable, and neither is our Liu family’s territory. It should be a place that is convenient for everyone and has a pleasant scenery.”

Liu Feng muttered to himself, then his eyes lit up and he said, "I know a place that would be perfect."

"Yunxi Town is relatively close to the Tiancang Mountains. It is at varying distances from the seven cities and three sects of Tiancang, but overall it is considered to be in the middle."

There is a cloud lake thirty miles to the north.

A small gathering of geniuses can be held by the Yunhu Lake, and it can be called the "Yunhu Small Gathering".

The "Fairy of Cold Moon," who is on par with you, is from the family of the Lord of Yunxi, and Yunhu is also within their sphere of influence.

It shouldn't be a problem to ask them to temporarily lend Yunhu Lake to our Liu family for the "Yunhu Small Gathering".

After all, no matter what, the Xu family is only a Foundation Establishment family; they shouldn't dare offend our Liu family.

Liu Yue raised her eyes to look at Liu Feng, her eyes beneath the veil seeming to hold a faint light. Her expression was neither hurried nor slow; she simply said, "Yunxi Town? By Yun Lake?"

After thinking for a moment, he said, "If we use force to pressure them about borrowing the land, it might give them something to criticize, which would defeat the purpose of holding this small meeting."

It would be better if you sent someone with gifts to discuss this matter, which would not only show the sincerity of the Liu family, but also give the Xu family face.

After all, the title "Fairy of the Cold Moon" carries considerable weight among the younger generation of Tiancang Prefecture.

"I know what to do, and I'll definitely handle it perfectly," Liu Feng said with a carefree smile, patting his chest.

Seeing his appearance, a faint warmth flashed in Liu Yue's eyes beneath her veil, and she slowly nodded: "In that case, you should go and prepare."

The gifts you bring need not be too expensive.

When you meet the Xu family, speak humbly and do not put on airs like a member of the Liu family.

The Xu family has good relations with five Golden Core cultivators and has considerable connections. Don't underestimate them just because they are a Foundation Establishment family.

Liu Feng agreed to everything and turned to leave, but Liu Yue called him back: "Remember, this trip is only to borrow the land. Don't say anything else, lest it cause trouble."

"I understand!" Liu Feng replied, and strode away with light steps.

------------

Two days later.

Yunxi Town, the main hall of the Xu family mansion.

Xu Chuan, Xu Mingxian, and Xu Deyue were all in seclusion, while Ye Fan was receiving guests in the main hall.

"The Heavenly Azure Sect, the Liu family?"

"Indeed, my elder sister is 'Fairy of the Azure Moon,' I think you must have heard of her, Brother Ye."

"Naturally, it's a name that's been heard of, but I've never actually seen it."

"My elder sister is preparing to hold a 'Yunhu Small Gathering' in Yunxi Town, by the Yunhu Lake. Please lend the south bank of Yunhu Lake to my Liu family for the time being."

"The Liu family will make all the necessary preparations for the small meeting."

Ye Fan thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "Okay, but there are many fishermen or spirit farmers in Yunhu. I hope Brother Liu won't hurt them. Also, the surrounding spirit fields are all considered the property of my Xu family."

Mr. Ye certainly didn't want any conflict to arise from this matter.

"Haha, Brother Ye has explained it so clearly. I will naturally remember it and will instruct my Liu family to be careful. If there is any injury or damage, I will definitely make compensation."

Ye Fan smiled lightly.

Soon, the "Cloud Lake Gathering" held in the name of "Fairy Cangyue" spread throughout all the forces in Tiancang Prefecture.

This small gathering will be held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which is half a month later, on the south bank of Yunhu Lake, thirty miles north of Yunxi Town.

Xu Deyue is a member of the Xu family of Yunxi, and now everyone knows that.

Many people who received the invitations were also very interested in the fact that "Fairy Cangyue" was holding a small gathering but using the Xu family's land.

There might be some special reason behind this.

For example, are the two companies on good terms?

The top fifty on the genius list, as well as some potentially hidden geniuses, all received invitations.

Xu Deyue was naturally among those invited.

Ye Fan, as the host who provided the venue, was also invited.

Before we knew it, it was the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

South bank of Yunhu Lake.

The lake surface was like a piece of emerald silk, and a gentle breeze rippled out fine golden waves.

Willow branches droop along the shore, their new leaves glistening with dew. When the wind blows, the willow branches gently brush the water's surface, startling a few silvery fish that then dive back to the lake's bottom, leaving only ripples that gradually spread outwards.

Not far away, calamus grows in clusters, its green, sword-like leaves standing upright on the bank.

On the open space by the riverbank, seven or eight wooden pavilions built by the Liu family stand scattered about, their roofs covered with light gray thatch and small copper bells hanging from the eaves, their sounds crisp and clear when the wind blows.

Scattered in the open space between the pavilions were blue stone tables and benches. The stone tables were polished smooth, and porcelain cups and tea canisters were already placed on them. Servants from the Liu family were serving tea to the invitees.

At this time, quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators had already arrived.

Their clothes were different, and their temperaments were distinct.

In the pavilion to the east, a young man dressed in dark, close-fitting clothes, with a long sword at his waist, was discussing magic with a woman in green beside him. His well-defined fingers occasionally gestured on the stone table, and his brows were full of sharpness.

On the stone bench on the west side, a girl in a pink dress was playing with a jade pendant at her waist. The pendant glowed with spiritual light, clearly a low-level magic artifact. However, her gaze kept glancing towards the center of the lake, as if she was waiting for someone.

Several others, dressed in sect attire, stood by the pavilion gazing at Yunhu Lake, or sat around a stone table sipping tea, their bodies subtly radiating magical energy.

Most people who come here have already reached the completion of the Foundation Establishment stage.

Just then, two figures broke through the air and arrived.

The man wore a crimson-gold robe, while the woman wore a simple, light blue robe, the fabric as light as a thin mist.

The two were Ye Fan and Xu Deyue.

They approached Liu Yue and Liu Feng, clasped their hands in greeting, and said, "Brother Liu, Fairy Cangyue, are my husband and I late?"

We rushed over as soon as Yue'er came out of seclusion.

When Liu Feng first saw Xu Deyue, his heart fluttered slightly, feeling that her appearance was no less than that of his older sister.

"No wonder she can be ranked alongside my elder sister. Xu Deyue is indeed outstanding. It's just a pity that she became a Daoist partner so early."

In the southern region, those with exceptional talent, regardless of gender, will not consider the matter of finding a Daoist partner for the time being. Instead, they will wait until their strength reaches a certain level and their progress becomes minimal before considering such a thing.

Of course, it is also possible that the marriage was for some kind of benefit, and that it was an alliance with another family.

As for the main force in procreation, it is naturally those clansmen whose aptitude is below the level of True Spiritual Root.

Liu Yue parted her lips slightly, a gentle smile playing on her lips, and said calmly, "The presence of 'Fairy Hanyue' has greatly enhanced the 'Yunhu Gathering'."

In our Tiancang Prefecture, only the "Fairy of Flame Moon" from the Yan family of Fangsu City remains in March.

Many people came to talk to Xu Deyue.

Xu Deyue returned the gifts one by one.

Suddenly, an inappropriate voice rang out, "Brother Liu, this 'Cloud Lake Gathering' is supposed to be a top-tier gathering for Foundation Establishment cultivators, so why did they invite someone who hasn't even reached the late Foundation Establishment stage?"

Doesn't this just make us look cheap?

The speaker was a monk dressed in a royal blue brocade robe, who glanced at him sideways.

"So you are Brother Yunyi, a disciple of Master Heifeng of the Jiaocang Sect. Since the Xu family lent Yunhu to my Liu family this time, we should at least invite Brother Ye."

Moreover, although Brother Ye's cultivation level is weak, his actual combat strength is quite formidable.

"Even if someone at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment is strong, can they really stand on equal footing with us cultivators at the peak of Foundation Establishment?"

Ye Fan frowned.

Liu Yue said, "Fellow Daoist Yun, all those who have come today are guests of the Liu family. How about you give me some face?"

Yun Yi glanced at Liu Yue. Even disregarding her reputation, the Liu family behind her was someone he could only look up to with awe.

“Since Fairy Cangyue has said so, I, Yun, will naturally give her face. However, I have some grudges with the Xu family. Since he withstood three of my moves today, I will not interfere further.”

Yun Yi was responsible for liaising between Black Wind Immortal and the Fang family of Yunxi, and each time he could obtain a large amount of spirit stones from the Fang family.

Now that the Fang family has been destroyed by the Xu family, and Black Wind Master has given up on causing trouble for the Xu family, he has lost this extra source of spirit stones. How could he not feel resentment?

However, since his master, True Man Black Wind, had given up on causing trouble for the Xu family, he naturally dared not provoke them on his own.

The "Yunhu Gathering" is a gathering among Foundation Establishment peers, and since members of the Xu family were also invited, he naturally didn't want to miss this opportunity.

They can't be killed, but they must at least be humiliated to vent their anger.

As for strength, he is just one place ahead of Xu Deyue, and his strength is definitely not weak. He ranks second among the younger generation of Jiao Cang Sect.

However, if you want to vent your anger, you should naturally choose the weakest target.

That's why he set his sights on Ye Fan.

Many people looked at Yun Yi with disdain in their eyes.

However, they were also curious about what grudge could make Yun Yi, a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator, keep staring at the Xu family's sixth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Master, is that the Black Wind Immortal of the Horned Cang Sect?"

"Exactly."

"I see. I understand now. Brother Yun is targeting me because of this old matter. I can only say that your mind is as small as a needle."

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Ye, are you sure you're referring to Brother Yun's mind and not some other part of his body?"

Upon hearing this, the people around immediately understood and burst into laughter.

"court death!"

Yun Yi immediately prepared to condense a palm and strike Ye Fan hard.

But a cold, sharp sword light suddenly appeared, flashing across his eyes.

Everyone only saw a flash of silver light before their eyes, and Xu Deyue moved slightly, and before they knew it, a long sword had appeared in his hand.

The sword's blade was as white as autumn water; it was the Tianshui Sword, which he had acquired just over a month ago.

"Dare you say it again?"

At this moment, the tip of her sword was pointed diagonally, the blade steadily aimed at Yun Yi's throat, and the chill around her instantly surged and spread.

The lake water along the shore was beginning to freeze over.

Yun Yi felt a chill spread from his neck to his entire body as the sword tip pressed against his throat.

A sense of unease rose within him, and he began to doubt whether he, ranked one place higher than her, could truly defeat her!
Yun Yi looked at Ye Fan and said, "What, are you going to hide behind a woman?"

"I have to say, no wonder he's a man who became a live-in son-in-law; he's perfectly comfortable living off women!"

Ye Fan chuckled softly and pressed Xu Deyue's hand down, saying, "Yue'er, give your husband a chance to prove himself. Otherwise, any Tom, Dick, or Harry will jump out and question him. It's really annoying."

Xu Deyue stared at Ye Fan's face for a moment, then flicked her wrist, shrinking the Heavenly Water Sword and sending it flying back into her storage bag. She then stepped back, clearing the battlefield.

Yan Kuangtu transmitted his voice to Yan Han, saying, "See that? That sword isn't the flying sword I fought last time. Its aura is fluctuating, and it's in no way weaker than my Crimson Thunder Flying Sword."

"As expected of the Xu family, having a top-tier weapon-refining master is so convenient. They've already crafted a perfectly matched two-patterned magic weapon in such a short time."

Yan Han remained silent for a short distance, but sighed inwardly, "My elder brother, is this something to be happy about?"

Ye Fan clasped his hands in a fist salute to Liu Yue and said, "Fairy Liu, I am truly sorry that the 'Cloud Lake Gathering' you were hosting was disrupted because of the Xu family's affairs."

The difference in their demeanor is immediately apparent.

Unless someone is stupid or has a grudge against the Xu family, everyone else will definitely choose Ye Fan as their friend.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, what are you saying? Not all the invited people have arrived yet, so it's not officially started. Since you and Fellow Daoist Yun have a grudge, then so be it."

Of course, I'll stop here.

If someone intends to commit murder, I will not stand idly by.

Liu Yue glanced at Yun Yi out of the corner of her eye, seemingly unintentionally.

"It's natural."

Everyone stepped aside.

Standing beside Xu Deyue, Liu Yue asked softly, "Fairy Xu, what grudge does Fellow Daoist Yun have against your Xu family?"

Xu Deyue looked at the two people facing each other in front of him and said coldly, "Before my Xu family took over Yunxi Town, did Fairy Liu know that Yunxi was controlled by the three top Foundation Establishment families of Yuan, Fang and Hua?"

"I've heard that the Yuan and Fang families were wiped out by your Xu family, but the Hua family survived, though their influence has diminished considerably."

"Yunxi Town is considered one of the top towns in the entire Tiancang Prefecture, simply because it has a second-tier spiritual vein that can serve as the foundation for Golden Core families."

The reason why the three major families have dominated Yunxi Town for over a hundred years is that they have the protection of Golden Core cultivators behind them.

The Hua family has some connections with the current sect leader of the Qingmu Sect, the Yuan family is backed by Yan Shan Zhenren of the Qingcang Sect, and the Fang family is backed by Hei Feng Zhenren.

These two families would each year present a large sum of spirit stones to the person behind the scenes.

Liu Yue was also a clever person, and she immediately figured everything out: "It's because the Fang family was destroyed, which also caused him to lose a stable source of income."

However, that happened six or seven years ago.

No wonder Fellow Daoist Ye called him as narrow-minded as a needlepoint.

Even his master no longer held a grudge, yet he still harbored resentment; that's just how narrow-minded he was.

"It is I who should apologize to you both for this matter."

"The incident happened suddenly, and Fairy Liu was unaware of the details. As the saying goes, ignorance is no excuse."

suddenly.

Two beams of red light shot out from afar, their scorching heat detectable from a distance.

Then, the sound of a phoenix's cry rang out.

Someone exclaimed, "The 'Fairy of Flame Moon' has arrived!"

A few moments.

A man and a woman arrived here.

The woman was Yan Fengwu, and the man was Yan Yue, who had once sparred with Xu Deling in weapon crafting and possessed the Yang Fire Spirit Body of the Yan family.

"Senior Brother Yan Yue, you've come too."

Liu Yue bowed slightly to Yan Yue.

Yan Yue said, "Junior Sister Liu, you're too kind. I heard from my younger sister that you were holding a small gathering at Yunhu, so I insisted on coming to join in the fun. I hope Junior Sister Liu doesn't mind."

"Of course not. Senior Brother Yan Yue is a top-notch weapon-refining master. Who here wouldn't welcome you?"

Many people stepped forward to greet Yan Yue and Yan Fengwu.

Yan Yue glanced at them, seemingly somewhat disappointed.

"Big brother, I'm a little disappointed that I didn't see the person I wanted to see!" Yan Fengwu said with a smile.

Yan Yue ignored him and asked what had happened.

Someone immediately offered an explanation.

Then, Yan Yue looked at Ye Fan and Yun Yi.

Everyone else also turned their attention to the two of them.

"Fellow Daoist Yun, do you also want to curry favor with Master Yan Yue?"

"Humph."

Yun Yi snorted coldly and withdrew his gaze. "Ye Fan, since you're so eager to be taught a lesson by me, then I, Yun, will grant your wish."

As soon as he finished speaking, he flipped his right palm, and earth-elemental magic power condensed in his palm, transforming into a half-foot square earth-yellow palm print. There were hidden pebbles flowing between the palm lines. He then slapped down towards Ye Fan's head.

When the Foundation Establishment stage is perfected, the combined power of the magic and the techniques are extraordinary, carrying a heavy pressure.

He seemed to prefer seeing Ye Fan kneel before him.

Ye Fan clenched his fists, and his right arm suddenly swelled up, clearly larger than his left arm.

Its entire body shimmered with crimson light, especially its arms and fists, which were covered in orange spiritual flames, resembling a miniature fire dragon.

He threw a punch at the earthen-yellow palm print.

"Supreme Yang Flame? This magical aura seems to originate from the same source as Junior Sister Deling."

Yan Yue himself is a Yang Fire Spirit Body, so he is naturally sensitive to Yang attribute spiritual fire.

"bang"

The earthen-yellow palm print collided with Ye Fan's fist and began to shatter inch by inch, but his fist was also bleeding profusely.

Everyone was shocked.

He actually managed to withstand a blow from a Foundation Establishment cultivator without using any magical artifacts?!

They asked themselves if, in their own situation, they would have to use their strongest magical artifacts to barely hold out.

The gap between Foundation Establishment Perfection and Foundation Establishment Level 6 is so large, like a chasm.

Now, this chasm has actually been crossed?

"If Ye Fan were also at the peak of Foundation Establishment by now, do you think he would have a place in the top three of the genius list?" someone murmured.

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this.

Yun Yi snorted coldly, dissatisfied at not seeing the scene he wanted to see. He brushed his hand across the storage bag, and a jet-black iron rod suddenly flew out.

With immense magical power, it swept out, aiming straight for Ye Fan's waist.

This strike was incredibly fast, and the wind from the staff carried an earth-elemental pressure that caused the air around Ye Fan to freeze.

A set of crimson-gold battle armor suddenly appeared on his body.

A semi-transparent crimson light curtain automatically condensed a few inches outside the battle armor.

The iron rod struck the translucent red light screen. Ye Fan was not seriously hit, but was shaken back repeatedly. However, some cracks appeared on the light screen.

Yun Yi's pupils shrank, not expecting that Ye Fan could actually withstand his attack using a magical artifact.

But there will never be a next time!
"Ye Fan, take my third move!"

He gripped the staff with both hands, holding the black iron staff upright in front of him, and earth-elemental magic surged into it wildly.

The staff suddenly grew several meters tall, transforming into a giant earthen pillar covered with rock-like patterns, while the speaker shouted in a low voice: "Earth-Splitting Staff Technique - Mountain Collapse!"

The top of the earthen pillar glowed with a yellowish-brown spiritual light, carrying the power to shatter mountains and split rocks, and crashed down towards Ye Fan. The power of the magical artifact and the technique were combined to the fullest extent, and the force of the attack made many people present tremble with fear.

Ye Fan's expression was solemn. A flash of crimson light appeared on his hand, revealing a pair of gauntlets, also crimson gold, which matched his battle armor perfectly.

He channeled his fire magic to its fullest extent, frantically pouring it into his gauntlets and battle armor.

The weapon patterns on the surface of the gauntlets resonated with those on the battle armor, and the flames surged three feet, making him look like a fire demon.

His aura even rose to a level comparable to the peak of the eighth level of Foundation Establishment.

"Emperor Flame Fist!"

"boom!"

The fiery fist collided with the earthen pillar, scattering flames and rubble.

Ye Fan was thrown backward by the shock, his Flame Armor defensive light barrier shattered instantly, and blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

Yun Yi was also affected by the backlash, his internal organs trembled, and a metallic taste rose in his throat, which he forcibly suppressed.

He took four or five steps back, the earth patterns on the black iron rod dimmed, and disbelief appeared in his eyes.

"How is that possible?!" Yun Yi exclaimed, staggering.

“Why not?” At this moment, Yan Yue stepped forward and said, “If I’m not mistaken, Brother Ye’s armor and gauntlets are both second-level magic artifacts.”

How many people present could afford such luxury?

Furthermore, his combat strength is already comparable to the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, so blocking your attack is naturally no problem for him.

Then, he looked at Ye Fan and said, "This was made for you by Junior Sister Deling, right?"

Junior sister?

Ye Fan paused for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"Didn't Junior Sister De Ling attend the 'Yunhu Gathering'?"

"Sister Ling should be in seclusion in Fire Cloud Valley. Even if she comes out of seclusion, she doesn't plan to participate in the Heavenly Pride Gathering, so she probably won't come."

"That makes sense."

Upon hearing this, everyone understood that Yan Yue had come here for Xu Deling.

However, they were also very curious about it.

After all, very few of the people present had ever seen Xu Deling.

However, another crimson glow appeared in the distance and headed towards them.

Sensing this aura, Ye Fan and Xu Deyue exchanged a glance, their expressions showing surprise. "Sister Ling?!"

The visitor was Xu Deling.

In fact, no sooner had Ye Fan and the others left the Xu residence than Huoyun Zhenren and Xu Deling arrived.

Xu Deling had come to deliver the magic treasure, the alchemy furnace.

Xu Chuan looked at the three-foot-tall alchemy furnace that Xu Deling held in his palm, his eyes filled with joy.

This furnace is dark gold in color, and its material is neither jade nor gold. Its surface has a warm luster, and there is a faint flow of spiritual energy within it.

In the very center of the furnace, a Tai Chi symbol floats silently, with black and white halos intertwined.

The yin fish's eyes are inlaid with crimson fire patterns, while the yang fish's eyes are adorned with pale blue water patterns, subtly implying the mutual generation of yin and yang, and the harmony of water and fire.

The Tai Chi diagram is surrounded by Bagua patterns. The eight trigrams, Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui, are clearly distinguished, and each trigram is engraved with fine runes on its edge.

The handles of the censer are shaped like dragon heads, with a ring held in the dragon's mouth. The ring also has patterns that connect with the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) on the body of the censer.

"Grandfather, this is Ling'er's first magic treasure, named 'Eight Trigrams Alchemy Furnace,' which I present to you in the hope that you will make further progress in your alchemy practice."

After this furnace is infused with magical power, it can generate true flames at the Golden Core level, which will definitely be helpful for you in refining third-tier pills.

In addition, it can also serve as an offensive and defensive magic weapon, although it is not particularly outstanding in these two aspects compared to other magic weapons.

"That's enough, thank you Ling'er."

"By the way, Grandfather, when we came here, we sensed Ye Fan and De Yue. They went to Yunhu?"

"Indeed, the Liu family of the Tiancang Sect is using our Xu family's location on the south bank of Yunhu Lake to host the 'Yunhu Small Gathering,' inviting all the top geniuses from the Tiancang Prefecture to attend."

I suspect that the "Azure Moon Fairy" intends to use this opportunity to select allies.

"They're all just underhanded tricks," Huoyun Zhenren said disdainfully. "If De Ling were to participate in the Heavenly Pride Gathering, she would definitely be able to secure a place on the Heavenly Pride Ranking."

Upon hearing this, Xu Chuan smiled faintly and said, "Are you almost at the beginner level of the 'Fire Emperor's True Eye'?"

"I'm stuck at a bottleneck; I'm probably still two or three steps away from truly getting started."

"It seems that eye-type supernatural abilities are indeed difficult to cultivate," Xu Chuan remarked.

"That's natural," said Master Huoyun. "Most people can't even reach the basic requirements for cultivation, but Deling has a fire-type innate spiritual eye, so her starting point for cultivation is naturally much higher."

He paused for a moment and then said, "Next, I plan to take Deling on a trip to take care of some business and see if I can help her gain a chance for transformation."

If successful, her ability to form a core will be much easier, and she might succeed within ten years!

"What kind of opportunity?" Xu Chuan was slightly surprised.

"You don't need to worry about that. Anyway, I would never harm my own disciple."

"I naturally trust my senior."

"Okay, then it's settled. We plan to set off in a few days."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly, looked at Xu Deling, and suddenly had a feeling. He did some calculations with his fingers and said with a faint smile, "Deling, why don't you also go to Yunhu?"

Someone came specifically for you.

"Grandfather, who is he?"

"You'll find out when you get there. And since we're going on a long journey, we probably won't be back for a while. So let's take this opportunity to spar with the younger generation of Tiancang Prefecture."

That way, when you go out into the world, you'll have a better understanding of how your strength is assessed.

Xu Deling nodded thoughtfully, "I understand, Grandfather. I'll go to Yunhu now."

After she left.

Master Huoyun picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and said, "You won't let Deling go over so easily, is something wrong?"

"It's not a big deal. I think Deling seems to be bound by a predestined marriage."

"What?!" Master Huoyun, who had been calm, almost spat out the tea in his mouth upon hearing this.

"This isn't a big deal?!" he said urgently and angrily. "Tell me, which bastard is after my disciple?!"

Xu Chuan's lips twitched slightly.

Even I, your own grandfather, wasn't as excited as you!
However, her protective expression warmed his heart; it was clear that he regarded Xu Deling as his own daughter.

Although it is said that a teacher for a day is a father for life.

However, the cultivation world is cruel, and it is not uncommon for masters and disciples to turn against each other.

How many people would truly treat their disciples like their own children?

People with a personality like Master Huoyun are truly rare. Because of his unpredictable temper, he has the nickname "Old Monster Huoyun".

"Tell me, or I'll go to Yunhu myself!"

Xu Chuan laughed heartily, "Speaking of this person, was it you who recruited him, senior?"

"I?"

"Yan Yue, a disciple of True Person Chi Huo!" Xu Chuan said, "Perhaps it was after he was defeated by De Ling in a sparring match many years ago that a trace of affection developed in his heart."

"That kid?!" Master Huoyun was stunned. "Although he has extraordinary talent in weapon crafting and is also quite gifted, with the backing of the Yan family and Chi Huo, his chances of becoming a Golden Core cultivator in the future are not small."

But to become my disciple's Daoist partner? That's just a pipe dream!
"Xu Chuan, you wouldn't like to see this either, would you?"

“As long as De Ling is willing, I have no objection. Of course, De Ling is also aware of the rules of my Xu family. She has no chance of marrying out.”

"Only marrying into the family? Then I can rest assured," Master Huoyun said with a smile, stroking his beard as if his expression had changed.

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(End of this chapter)