Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 271 The Magical Treasure Turns Heaven, Reasons for Refusal, Nascent Soul Concession (Please provide a guaranteed bonus chapter, and subscribe!)

A female cultivator from out of town, who had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage, was sketching second-tier weapon patterns in the void of Lieyang Peak Square, intending to refine a magical artifact.

The news quickly spread throughout the entire Tianzhu Sect.

Many Golden Core cultivators paid close attention and flocked to Lieyang Peak.

Upon inquiry, it was learned that the news that the Foundation Establishment female cultivator had comprehended a second-tier artifact pattern was true.

He is currently refining magical artifacts at Lieyang Peak.

However, at this time, the Lieyang Peak had already activated its grand formation, preventing the other Golden Core cultivators of the Tianzhu Sect from entering.

"Tianyang, go and tell the others that the outcome will be clear within two months. There's no need to stay here."

"Yes, Master."

Rong Tianyang turned and left, transforming into a streak of light as he exited the Lieyang Peak formation.

There were seven or eight Golden Core cultivators around him, and several others of the same generation as him, True Lord Lieyang.

"Greetings to my senior brothers and uncles."

"Tianyang, that weapon-forging prodigy is forging weapons on your Lieyang Peak. May we go in and take a look?" A white-haired old man stroked his beard and smiled.

“Uncle-Master Yan Zhen, Master has instructed that Xu Deling must not be disturbed while he is refining weapons.” Rong Tianyang clasped his hands and said, “The outcome will be clear within two months, so there’s no need for you all to stay here.”

"Once the magic weapon is forged, I will send a message to everyone so they can come and appraise it together."

"Blazing Flame is as stingy as ever. Is he trying to monopolize this genius again? I, Yan Zhen, am determined to have this Foundation Establishment girl!"

“Uncle-Master Yan Zhen, you have indeed come here to take on a disciple as well,” said a Golden Core cultivator.

"if not?!"

"In terms of weapon crafting skills, apart from the Supreme Elder, who in the sect dares to say they are better than me? Even Lieyang is a bit inferior to me."

Yan Zhenzhen looked smug.

He spent a great deal of time studying weapon crafting.

The Fiery Sun True Lord, who is about the same age as him, has already reached the Golden Core stage and is preparing to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, while he is still in the late Golden Core stage.

"Everyone, let's not disturb Xu Deling's weapon forging." Rong Tianyang cupped his hands again.

"Alright, alright." Yan Zhen waved his hand and said, "Notify me as soon as the girl succeeds in refining it!"

Otherwise, you know the consequences!

Having said that, Yan Zhenzhen no longer made things difficult for him and transformed into a beam of light to return to his own mountain peak.

The other Golden Core cultivators also left upon seeing this.

Rong Tianyang breathed a sigh of relief.

Because of Xu Deling, quite a commotion has been caused.

This is still an outsider cultivator. If such a weapon-refining prodigy appeared in the sect, the Golden Core cultivators would probably be in an uproar.

I glanced at the weapon-refining plaza at the foot of the mountain. Ever since the news spread, a large number of disciples have been gathering there every day.

There's constant discussion about it every day.

Some people even made bets on which elder of the sect would accept her as a disciple.

After shaking his head and chuckling for a while, he turned and went back to Lieyang Peak.

The main peak of Tianzhu Sect.

There is one fourth-grade mid-level spiritual vein and several third-grade spiritual veins.

Behind it, on the mountain, lies a place shrouded in a grand formation, filled with birdsong, fragrant flowers, and spiritual energy.

This is the place where the two Supreme Elders of the Heavenly Forging Sect practice in seclusion.

A refined middle-aged man with graying temples strolled leisurely through the formation to this place.

He is the sect leader of the Heavenly Forging Sect.

Few members of the Heavenly Forging Sect have the right to directly pay homage to the Supreme Elder.

"Elder, something interesting has happened in the sect recently. A female Foundation Establishment cultivator has come to challenge our Heavenly Forging Sect."

There was no response from those around him. He said as if talking to himself, "This was originally an agreement made between Junior Brother Lieyang and someone else."

However, the female cultivator surprised everyone by defeating Tianyang's disciple and then declaring her intention to challenge all the younger generation of weapon-crafting geniuses in our Tianzhu Sect.

"Such an interesting story?"

Suddenly.

A deep, gentle voice echoed from the surrounding space.

"You've come here because our Heavenly Forging Sect's Foundation Establishment disciple in the Weaponry Path was truly taken down by one person?"

Another voice rang out, sounding somewhat rough.

"No."

"Hmph, if they were truly defeated by one person, then the current disciples would be nothing but a bunch of useless trash, and they all need to be properly trained!"

"But it will be soon."

"What do you mean?" The rough voice paused.

"Is only my disciple Zhu Rong still holding on?"

"Hasn't your disciple already learned the method of crafting three-patterned magic weapons?" the gentle voice asked.

"Yes, but that girl successfully outlined the second-tier weapon pattern in public!" The Heavenly Forging Sect Master sighed slightly. "For the sake of the Heavenly Forging Sect's reputation, that child Zhu Rong stubbornly refused to admit defeat."

After all, they were competing in weapon crafting.

He couldn't match the other's skill in crafting magical artifacts, but if the other couldn't forge a magic weapon, then at best it would be a draw.

"A prestigious sect of weapon crafting can't even compare to a rogue weapon crafter from out of town, and a girl at that? Are all the disciples of the Heavenly Forging Sect really useless now!"

A rough voice grumbled and cursed.

The sect leader of Tianzhu Sect wore a bitter smile and dared not reply.

"Yanlongzi, you should really tone down your temper," a gentle voice said. "If it were you back then, even after becoming a Golden Core cultivator, you probably still wouldn't be as good as them in the art of weapon crafting, would you?"

“Senior Brother Zhenyangzi, I am not like you. For me, weapon crafting is just a daily pastime. If you want to compare with me, you can only compare the speed of core formation and supernatural abilities.”

Back then, I successfully formed my inner core at the age of just over two hundred years!
"That girl can't compare to me!"

Yanlongzi said proudly.

"That's not necessarily true." Zhenyangzi smiled faintly. "To break through the limits at the Foundation Establishment stage and comprehend second-order weapon patterns, having weapon-refining talent alone is not enough. One also needs exceptional comprehension and even special opportunities."

Whether she can achieve supernatural powers and form a core is hard to say, but I guess she has most likely comprehended supernatural power.

Yanlongzi was silent for a moment, then asked, "How old is that girl?"

"I have never seen him, but according to Zhu Rong, he looks very young, so he must have taken some kind of elixir to preserve his youth."

Since she dares to challenge the younger generation, she's probably not even sixty years old yet.

“Interesting,” Yanlongzi said. “With such high talent in weapon crafting and a chance of achieving the Divine Power Core Formation, I really want to take a look.”

The sect leader of Tianzhu Sect said, "The girl is currently refining a magic weapon at Junior Brother Lieyang's Lieyang Peak. He said there will be results within two months."

Masahiko chuckled and said, "You came here for more than just this one thing, didn't you?"

"The Supreme Elder has keen insight, and now many junior brothers want to take her as their disciple, especially Junior Brother Yan Zhen, which has caused quite a stir."

Therefore, I thought I would ask the two elders to take a look at it.

If she truly manages to forge a magical artifact, such a prodigy in artifact crafting should be recruited into a sect.

Otherwise, if she were to grow up in the future, she might establish a major weapon-refining sect comparable to our Heavenly Forging Sect.

Yanlongzi and Zhenyangzi fell silent upon hearing this.

When the Heavenly Forging Sect was founded by its founder, it was just an ordinary weapon-forging sect. It was only with the appearance of the Revival Ancestor that the Heavenly Forging Sect achieved its current status.

Even the patriarch who revived the dynasty at his peak reached the realm of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

At that time, Tianzhu Sect was ranked among the top five sects.

Later, that patriarch passed away due to the approaching end of his lifespan, and the Heavenly Forging Sect did not have any new late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, which led to its decline in status.

However, thanks to their weapon-refining skills, their status is in no way inferior to that of top sects.

Later, the Xuan Yue Sect rose to prominence and became a new top sect in Tiannan.

As for Qingxu Sect, Qingyun Sect, Leiyin Temple, and Yuhua Sect, they have always been among the top sects, and their late-stage Nascent Soul lineage has never been interrupted.

Its foundation is far superior to that of newly established top sects.

"Understood. Yanlongzi and I will consider this matter," Zhenyangzi said.

The sect leader of the Heavenly Forging Sect cupped his hands in greeting and immediately left.

Zhenyangzi and Yanlongzi gazed into the distance, landing on Lieyang Peak, a hundred miles away. Their divine senses pierced through the great formation, and they saw Xu Deling refining a weapon.

Xu Deling was selecting materials at this moment.

The Tier 3 materials that Lieyang Peak can provide are far more abundant and of higher quality than what she and Huoyun Zhenren painstakingly collected.

"Since they're being so impolite, let's refine that magic weapon and give it to our grandfather as a gift when we get back. The Heaven-Turning Seal should be quite effective at hitting people."

Xu Deling began to think about the refining method and the engraved patterns on the artifact.

"The second-tier 'Suppressor', 'Mountain', and 'Solid' patterns alone are not enough for a perfect match. Perhaps we could try using the 'Suppressor' pattern as the main element, with the 'Mountain' and 'Solid' patterns as secondary elements."

However, this was also the first time Hsu Deling had tried this.

But once she's made up her mind, she'll give it a try.

When she was young, Xu Chuan taught her to be brave enough to try new things and to be innovative, so that she could go further and further on the path of craftsmanship!

The Demon Spirit Refining Technique was an attempt she made by combining it with Demon Spirit Pills.

When Xu Deling discovered that demon spirits had great potential and could be used for weapon crafting, he consulted Xu Chuan, who was very generous with his knowledge.

Two or three days later.

The main peak of Tianzhu Sect is located on the back mountain.

"Senior Brother Zhenyangzi, you've noticed, haven't you? That girl has not only broken through the limits of weapon crafting, but also her divine sense. She possesses the divine sense of the Golden Core level while still in the Foundation Establishment stage," Yanlongzi exclaimed in surprise.

“Junior Brother Yanlongzi, you are wrong. I guess she must have broken through her divine sense first, and after her soul transformed, she comprehended the second-order weapon pattern.”

It is naturally much easier for a Golden Core level divine sense to comprehend than a Foundation Establishment level divine sense.

This kind of extreme transformation also enhances one's understanding.

Yan Longzi nodded. "Perhaps you are right, Senior Brother."

More than half a month later.

Masahiko suddenly stroked his beard and laughed, "Interesting, what a brave little girl!"

"She probably hasn't crafted many magic weapons, but she dared to try inscribing first-tier runes on them for assistance. While this could make the crafted magic weapons more perfect, it was also quite difficult."

Yan Longzi was surprised, "Many Golden Core level weapon refiners in the sect can only do this much."

"I really like this drive!"

"Junior brother is tempted?"

"I am tempted, but if you, senior brother, want to compete with me, I cannot compete with you, a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, who is also a master craftsman capable of refining nine-patterned ultimate magic treasures."

Moreover, at most I can teach her to cultivate supernatural powers. In terms of weapon crafting, my level is only slightly higher than hers; I can barely craft mid-grade magic weapons.

With her talent, once she reaches the Golden Core stage, she'll probably surpass me in no time.

"Wouldn't my master lose face?"

Zhenyangzi smiled faintly, without exposing Yanlongzi's true colors.

The fact that he could say so much shows that he is very fond of Xu Deling. He is just afraid that if Xu Deling really chooses his master instead of him, it will make him lose face.

Another half month has passed.

Xu Deling took pills to restore his magical power multiple times during this period, which is how he managed to survive.

Even his spiritual energy was greatly depleted, and his forehead was covered in fine sweat.

"This girl is a bit stubborn. It's already extremely difficult for someone at the Foundation Establishment stage to refine even ordinary magic weapons; nine out of ten attempts fail."

But she insisted on making things even more difficult for herself.

If it weren't for those top-grade pills, we probably would have failed long ago.

However, how could she, a rogue cultivator, obtain so many high-grade second-tier pills?

Even if ordinary pill shops had high-grade second-tier pills, they wouldn't sell them in large quantities; they mainly used them as a gimmick to attract other cultivators.

Yanlongzi and the others only needed to spare a wisp of their divine sense to observe; most of their energy was still focused on cultivation.

However, the more he observed Xu Deling, the more he liked her.

This drive, this ruthlessness towards himself, is just like he was back then, pushing himself to the limit in order to achieve supernatural powers and form a golden core.

"It will take another half a month to fully refine this magic weapon, but her spiritual sense can't hold on any longer."

If she possessed the power of a Golden Core cultivator, the refining speed could more than double, and her spiritual energy wouldn't be consumed so greatly.

Masahiko's voice carried a hint of regret.

Then, under his divine sense, he saw Xu Deling reach out and brush across the storage bag, from which a porcelain bottle flew out.

The bottle stopper opened automatically, and a pill flew out and entered Xu Deling's mouth.

"We still need to use the Nourishing Spirit Pill that Grandfather prepared."

When she left Yunxi, Xu Chuan gave her a storage bag containing many pills that could restore magical power, heal injuries, and restore spiritual consciousness.

These pills are all of the highest quality.

The three most precious natural, top-grade nourishing pills.

Xu Chuan has done a lot for Xu Deling, which is why Xu Deling went to great lengths to prepare a gift for him.

"That's a Spirit Nourishing Pill, and a top-grade one at that!" Yan Longzi exclaimed in surprise.

The Spirit Nourishing Pill is nothing to him now, but because it is a pill that enhances spiritual awareness, it is extremely precious.

Very few forces in the entire Tiannan region can produce high-grade Nourishing Spirit Pills.

"Senior brother, is this woman truly a disciple of a rogue weapon-cultivating master? Her master shouldn't be able to produce such precious pills, right?"

Including the pills she had previously consumed, the total value was over two thousand spirit stones.

Which other weapon refiner would be as extravagant as her?

"Perhaps it was an unexpected gain, perhaps it was prepared by his master, or perhaps she has a powerful background, coming from a top-tier alchemy family."

With this superior-grade Spirit Nourishing Pill, Xu Deling's spiritual energy was mostly restored.

Begin inscribing first-tier auxiliary patterns.

Seven or eight days later.

Xu Deling finally succeeded in refining the magic weapon, the Heaven-Turning Seal. She was completely exhausted, so she immediately sat cross-legged and swallowed pills to recover.

A large square seal floats in front of him, about three inches high and nearly five inches wide, with a dark ink color and an ancient, matte finish.

His body naturally exuded a faint sense of pressure, as imposing as a mountain.

The front of the seal is engraved with the ancient seal script "Fantian", with vigorous strokes that seem to reveal dragons and snakes. The back is engraved with the true forms of the Five Sacred Mountains, which are lifelike.

The top of the seal has a mythical beast knob, resembling a black tortoise. The patterns on the tortoise shell subtly echo the Five Sacred Mountains image on the seal body. The tortoise's head is slightly raised, and its eyes are bright, as if it can see through illusions.

"Senior brother, what do you think of this magic weapon? In my humble opinion, it's quite good." Yan Longzi said with a smile.

"This is a rare and exquisite artifact among magical treasures. It is mainly composed of the 'Suppress' pattern, supplemented by the 'Mountain' and 'Solid' patterns. Its main purpose should be to suppress and crush people."

It combines offense and defense; because the three runes complement each other, resisting attacks from two-rune magic weapons shouldn't be a problem.

Zhenyangzi stroked his beard and smiled faintly, clearly extremely satisfied. "I'm afraid even the weapon refiners of the same level in my sect can't forge many magical treasures that can rival this."

"Haha, to receive such praise from you, senior brother, this girl is truly remarkable!"

Half a day later.

Xu Deling had recovered to about 70-80% and walked out of the weapon-refining room. The restrictions in the weapon-refining room could block the Golden Core cultivators' divine sense from prying into it, so the Blazing Sun True Monarch, Fire Cloud True Man, and Rong Tianyang outside were unaware of the outcome of Xu Deling's refining.

"Disciple, how is it?" Master Huoyun asked with concern.

Xu Deling smiled slightly, "Please have Master appraise it."

With a flick of her wrist, a large, square, jet-black seal appeared in her palm, which she then presented to the group.

"It truly is a magic weapon!"

"Haha, I knew you, Ling'er, would never disappoint your teacher."

Master Huoyun stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

At this moment, Rong Tianyang suddenly said, "No, this magic weapon seems to have more than one artifact pattern!"

"I never expected your weapon-refining skills to have reached such a level." After carefully examining him, True Monarch Lieyang's pupils shrank, and he exclaimed in admiration.

"One main pattern, two auxiliary patterns, the three patterns complement each other, making it a masterpiece among magic weapons with one pattern!"

Rong Tianyang looked at Xu Deling in disbelief.

Even he couldn't easily forge such a magical artifact.

Doesn't this mean that Xu Deling, a Foundation Establishment junior, has already reached the level of a Golden Core weapon-refining master?
The quality of a magic weapon is determined by the number of second-tier artifact patterns engraved on it.

Seven patterns or more are considered top-tier magic treasures.

There are only a handful of people in the entire Tianzhu Sect who can refine high-grade magic weapons.

As for top-tier magic treasures, among those at the Golden Core stage, only that Yan Zhen Zhenjun possesses them.

As for the Nine-Patterned Ultimate Magic Treasure, currently only Zhenyangzi of the Tianzhu Sect in the entire Tiannan region can refine it.

Rumors circulate that Zhenyangzi is already capable of refining spiritual treasures, but no concrete information has ever surfaced.

As for the spiritual treasures currently held by some Nascent Soul cultivators, most of them were obtained from ancient secret realms or caves.

Upon closer inspection, Master Huoyun also discovered the secret and exclaimed in surprise, "Disciple, when did you learn this method of refining main and auxiliary runes? I don't think I've taught you this yet!"

Xu Deling said, "Master, I had a sudden inspiration. I felt that a single second-order 'Suppress' rune was not perfect enough, and I was not capable of adding another second-order weapon rune. Therefore, I tried to add two auxiliary runes."

Unexpectedly, it succeeded.

The three of them looked at each other.

Adding a first-order auxiliary rune is not as difficult as adding another second-order weapon rune, but it is still extremely difficult and consumes a lot of spiritual energy. If you are not careful, all your previous efforts will be wasted.

Xu Deling had never studied systematically; he succeeded on his first try by figuring things out on his own and persisted until the weapon forging was finished.

Such talent and comprehension in the art of crafting can only be described as monstrous.

"Not bad, you truly are my good disciple."

Huo Yun looked at Rong Tianyang and said, "Fellow Daoist Rong, the result is already quite obvious, isn't it? The bet between us..."

Rong Tianyang let out a long breath and said, "The Flame Phoenix Blood Pool of Zhushan belongs to your disciple. I will explain this matter to the sect."

"Thank you," Huo Yun said, clasping his hands in thanks.

"Thank you, Senior Rong," Xu Deling echoed.

True Lord Lieyang said, "Fellow Daoist Huoyun, there is still more than a month before the opening of the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool. During this time, the two of you can stay at my Lieyang Peak for the time being."

"At that time, have Tianyang take your disciple to meet up with the others."

Huo Yun thought for a moment, then bowed and said, "Thank you very much, Senior Lieyang."

True Lord Lieyang nodded slightly, then looked at Xu Deling and said, "Young friend Xu, I plan to hold an appraisal meeting for all the Golden Core masters of my sect to appraise treasures. Is that alright?"

Xu Deling bowed and said, "I will obey the True Lord's orders."

"Tianyang, send a message to the other Golden Core cultivators and ask them to come to the plaza at the foot of my Lieyang Peak to appreciate the magic weapon crafted by Xu Deling."

"Yes, Master."

"Senior, please inform that Zhu Rong that he still owes me the Heavenly King Spear, five sets of Tier 3 materials, and thirteen sets of Tier 2 top-tier materials."

Rong Tianyang nodded, without refusing.

Just a moment.

Upon hearing the news, a group of Golden Core cultivators rushed over.

The sect leader of Tianzhu Sect also brought Zhu Rong with him.

A large number of Foundation Establishment disciples also came after hearing the news.

An ordinary low-grade magic weapon wouldn't warrant such a grand fuss, requiring a special appraisal event.

But a magic weapon crafted by a Foundation Establishment cultivator is worth it.

on the square.

Almost all the Golden Core stage cultivators from the Heavenly Forging Sect who hadn't gone into seclusion came here.

The Foundation Establishment disciples could only watch from afar on the outside.

"Senior Brother Lieyang, did that female weapon refiner really forge a magic weapon?" a short, stout, middle-aged man with a short beard asked with a smile.

"Otherwise, Junior Brother Wen, do you think I'm just messing around with everyone out of boredom?"

"Senior Brother Lieyang, please bring out that magic weapon so we can appraise it and see how it differs from the magic weapon of a Foundation Establishment female cultivator who is a genius in the art of weapon crafting."

This person's writing is full of nitpicking.

Lord Lieyang didn't care and let the magic weapon speak for itself.

"Everyone, please see!"

With a flick of his sleeve, True Lord Lieyang unleashed a streak of dark light that hovered in mid-air.

The Fantian Seal swelled to half a zhang in size in the face of the storm.

buzz~
Its power was activated by True Lord Lieyang, and instantly a mountain-like pressure, carrying a special sealing power, permeated the entire square.

The Golden Core cultivator was alright, as he could offset the effects with his own aura, but he was still affected by the sealing and the overall force of the mountains.

As for the remaining Foundation Establishment disciples, most of them were forced to kneel on one knee.

Even those who had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment could only grit their teeth and persevere, their bodies trembling slightly.

Zhu Rong stared at the magical artifact in mid-air and murmured, "This is the magical artifact she crafted?!"

He had naturally seen many magical treasures and knew the power of ordinary magical treasures.

This has clearly gone beyond what is allowed.

"This was made by that female cultivator? How is that possible?"

"This is no longer the oppressive aura emanating from an ordinary one-pattern magic weapon, is it?"

"Senior Brother Lieyang, you wouldn't be so concerned about saving face as to have your disciple craft one for you to appreciate, would you?"

"Hmph, do you think I'm as boring as you?"

A group of Golden Core cultivators were discussing it endlessly.

Upon closer examination, they naturally discovered that in addition to the main "镇" (zhen, meaning "to suppress") pattern, there were two auxiliary patterns.

Auxiliary patterns cannot be added arbitrarily; if they cannot complement each other, they may even damage the power of the magical artifact.

The shock in the eyes of the many Golden Core cultivators was hard to conceal, and they all looked at the dashing female cultivator in red bathed in sunlight not far away.

At this moment, Xu Deling, with his skill in weapon forging, was already qualified to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

"Absolutely stunning!"

"A prodigy in the art of weapon crafting!"

"Women don't give way to men!"

Countless words of praise came from the mouths of these Golden Core cultivators.

Yan Zhenzhenjun smiled and said, "Girl, your name is Xu Deling, right? You have a high talent for weapon crafting. Would you like to become my disciple?"

Among all the Golden Core cultivators in the Heavenly Forging Sect, I possess the highest level of weapon crafting skills and can forge top-tier seven-pattern magic treasures.

The True Lord of Blazing Sun beside you has also refined six patterns.

A difference of just one grade can result in a world of difference in the power of a magical artifact.

Yan Zhenzhen kept praising himself and belittling Lieyang Zhenjun, which made Lieyang shake his head and laugh.

Although he had considered it, he gave up the idea after Xu Deling crafted the Fantian Seal, a magical treasure.

Only Elder Zhenyangzi in the entire Tianzhu Sect is capable of teaching such a genius.

He was certain that the two Supreme Elders were observing the situation here with their divine senses.

"His weapon-refining skills have indeed improved a lot, but his brain doesn't seem to have grown much," True Monarch Lieyang thought to himself.

"Xu Deling, what do you think? Would you be willing to become my disciple?" Yan Zhenzhen stroked his beard and smiled faintly.

Xu Deling stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Senior, junior."

Just then, two figures appeared out of thin air, standing above everyone with their hands behind their backs. Their faint Nascent Soul aura startled everyone.

"I've met the Supreme Elder!"

Everyone present bowed.

Huoyun Zhenren and Xu Deling naturally dared not be presumptuous and bowed their heads in respect.

"No need for formalities!" Yan Longzi said calmly. "Yan Zhen, I just heard that you want to take this junior as your disciple?"

"Yes, Uncle-Master Yanlongzi."

Yan Zhen's master was of the same generation as Yan Longzi, but his master had not entered the Nascent Soul stage and had already passed away.

“Xu Deling, you can reconsider. Perhaps there are better candidates here.”

Yan Zhen immediately became anxious, "Uncle-Master Yan Longzi, are you trying to steal my disciple from your nephew?"

"Xu Deling is a rare genius in the art of weapon crafting. You possess boundless supernatural abilities, but your skill in weapon forging is lacking."

We still have to give the Supreme Elder some face, so we won't say anything more than "not worth mentioning".

Yan Zhen thought to himself.

Yan Longzi chuckled, "You think you have the highest skill in weapon crafting here, right?"

"Besides Uncle-Master Zhenyangzi, of course it's me, his junior disciple." He immediately realized and looked at Zhenyangzi, saying, "Uncle-Master Zhenyangzi, are you going to take on a disciple?"

Many people present looked surprised.

Yanlongzi has taken in several disciples over the past two or three hundred years, but unfortunately only one of them formed a Golden Core. The rest died during their training, and he has not taken in any more disciples since.

But Zhenyangzi stopped accepting disciples 800 years ago.

He is the most senior member of the Tianzhu Sect, and his lineage can even be traced back to the late years of the patriarch who revived the sect. It is said that he received guidance from that patriarch.

The lifespan limit for a Nascent Soul cultivator can reach 1,740 years, while Zhenyangzi is now over 1,300 years old and has reached the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

As for Yanlongzi, he is over eight hundred years old and is currently stuck at the peak of the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, having made no progress for over a hundred years.

"If Elder Zhenyangzi wishes to take on a disciple, how dare Yanzhen compete with you?"

Seeing his timid and hesitant appearance, Zhenyangzi shook his head and chuckled, then looked at Xu Deling and said, "I do indeed intend to take you as my personal disciple. Are you willing?"

Master Huoyun was shocked. This was the number one weapon refiner in Tiannan!
However, he felt that Xu Deling was a good match for him.

Xu Deling looked conflicted.

"Just speak your mind if you have any ideas."

"If I tell the truth, will you kill me, senior?"

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this, but Zhenyangzi laughed heartily, stroking his beard and saying, "I have lived for over a thousand years, why would I bother with a junior like you?"

Xu Deling took a deep breath and said, "Actually, I wanted to tell Senior Yan Zhen earlier that I was unwilling."

"Why?" Zhenyangzi asked curiously, "Yan Zhen is a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, and his weapon-refining skills are indeed outstanding. Do you think he is not worthy to be your master?"

Or do you only acknowledge this young friend Huoyun as your master?

Xu Deling shook his head, "This junior would not think that way. The main thing is that if I become a disciple, I will have to join the Tianzhu Sect. Wouldn't that mean I have to stay in the Tianzhu Sect forever?"

The younger generation's family lives too far away, making it inconvenient for them to travel back and forth.

The main reason I became my master's disciple was because his residence wasn't far from my family—only a few dozen miles away, a short distance.

Upon hearing this answer, all the Golden Core cultivators were dumbfounded.

Master Huoyun's lips twitched slightly. So it turns out I only benefited from the distance!

That's a bit too casual.

"If that's the reason, you can have your family move to the vicinity of my Heavenly Forging Sect."

"My grandfather would most likely not agree. Unless there is a major change, my grandfather would not move the family home so easily."

Either the family has become powerful enough to need to move to a more suitable spiritual site as its ancestral home, or it is facing a major disaster and has no choice but to relocate to preserve the family.

"Your grandfather is in charge of the family, so it seems your family is still quite young."

"Replying to senior, you should be considered young for me, after all, my grandfather is still a few years away from turning sixty."

Everyone was startled again upon hearing this.

This is far too young; it belongs to a family that could be wiped out at any moment.

There are countless families in Tiannan that have experienced ups and downs over the past one or two hundred years.

In Zhenyangzi's eyes, only a Golden Core family with hundreds of years of history would be worthy of his attention.

Zhenyangzi pondered for a moment and then said, "If I am willing to make an exception for you, you can decide for yourself whether or not to stay in my Tianzhu Sect."

I can even decide to establish a branch of the Heavenly Forging Sect in the area where your family is located.

"So, would you be willing to become my personal disciple and join my Heavenly Forging Sect?"

Lieyang Zhenjun and the others were all shocked, never expecting that Elder Zhenyangzi would be willing to make such a concession for Xu Deling.

Xu Deling herself found it somewhat unbelievable.

Because she alone established an entire sect?!

Xu Deling pondered deeply, “My grandfather said that there is no such thing as a favor without a reason. A Nascent Soul Grand Elder has gone to such lengths to try and bind me to the Heavenly Forging Sect.”

Are you afraid that I'll grow up and establish a powerful force in the art of weapon crafting, rivaling the Heavenly Forging Sect?

"Too much is as bad as too little."

Thinking of this, Xu Deling cupped his hands in a bow and said, "Junior Xu Deling is willing to take Senior Zhenyangzi as his master."

"Senior brother, congratulations on gaining such a wonderful disciple!"

The others also cupped their hands and said, "Congratulations to Elder Zhenyangzi on the birth of your wonderful disciple!"

"We have met Junior Sister Deling."

Seeing this, Master Huoyun thought to himself, "Fellow Daoist Xu, your Xu family is about to rise to prominence!"

Zhenyangzi stroked his beard and nodded slightly, saying, "The disciple-acceptance ceremony will be held one month from now."

The sect leader of Tianzhu Sect said, "This disciple understands and will pass the message on to the major powers in the south."

"Young friend Huoyun, please stay at my Tianzhu Sect for the time being."

"Thank you, senior."

After saying this, Zhenyangzi flicked his sleeve, grabbed Xu Deling, and together with Yanlongzi, they transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the distance.

In a short while, we arrived at the meditation spot behind the main peak.

"Such rich spiritual energy!" Xu Deling exclaimed in surprise.

“Junior Nephew Xu, this peak has a mid-grade fourth-order spiritual vein and several third-order spiritual veins. The spiritual energy is naturally rich, which is of great benefit to your core formation. It can increase your chances by at least 10% or 20%.

Yanlongzi smiled and said.

Xu Deling cupped his hands and said, "Uncle-Master, in fact, I have already decided to take the path of forming a core through supernatural powers."

(End of this chapter)