Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 348 Xi Daoyun and Yu Qi (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets! Please Subscribe!)

The disciples guarding the mountain dared not delay and immediately took out their communication jade talismans to report the matter.

The message first reached the Inner Sect Affairs Office, then the Elders, and finally the Sect Master.

The sect leader of the Yuling Sect is not a Nascent Soul stage expert like the Xuan Yue Sect.

Over thousands of years, strict rules have been established.

The sect leader of the Yuling Sect is always in the middle stage of the Golden Core realm, and the position is changed every two hundred years, or the sect leader steps down after breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.

After a cup of tea.

The message finally reached the depths of the Yuling Sect, to a beautiful mountain peak surrounded by dense spiritual mist and faint roars of beasts.

This peak is called Strange Beast Peak, which is the secluded cultivation cave of Elder Yu Qi.

The Yuling Sect has several fourth-order spiritual veins, with each Supreme Elder having their own one, and the Sect Master Peak also possessing one.

The spiritual vein where the Nascent Soul Grandmaster Mountain is located is of the fourth-grade upper level.

Although fourth-order spiritual veins are rare, the Yuling Sect has accumulated thousands of years of foundation and has gone through dozens of battles for innate and ancient secret realms.

Except for one that originally existed here, the rest were all looted.

This includes a large number of third-order spiritual veins.

Inside a cave atop the peak of Strange Beast Peak, a Taoist priest who was meditating on a futon slowly opened his eyes.

He looked to be around fifty or sixty years old, with his hair neatly combed and tied up with a purple-gold Taoist crown, revealing a broad forehead and gray-white hair.

His face was thin and refined, with regular features and a long beard hanging down to his chest.

He wore a magnificent yet dignified purple-gold robe with wide sleeves.

Embroidered with cloud patterns and numerous phantom images of mythical beasts in dark gold thread, it subtly shimmers with each breath.

The Taoist priest had a well-proportioned and upright figure. Even when sitting quietly, he possessed a profound and awe-inspiring demeanor.

This person was none other than Yu Qi, the second-ranked Supreme Elder of the Yu Ling Sect and a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

With a flick of his sleeve, a communication jade talisman flew out of his storage ring, spewing out a burst of golden light that formed several lines of text in mid-air.

"Xi Daoyun...why is he here?"

Yu Qi muttered to himself, "It's been hundreds of years since we last parted... If I calculate the time, his lifespan shouldn't be more than a hundred years, right?"

"Could it be that you've come to catch up before your death?"

Before he reached the Nascent Soul stage, he traveled to the southern part of the country and the northwestern region, where he trained in the Black Wind Mountains.

He was in danger at that time, and it was Xi Daoyun who saved him.

The two became close friends despite their age difference.

More than a hundred years later, he entered the Nascent Soul stage.

When he held the Nascent Soul Ceremony, he even specially sent a disciple to invite him to the Yuling Sect to participate.

A complex look flashed in Yu Qi's eyes.

There were ripples of joy at the reunion with old friends, and also a faint sigh at the ruthlessness of the world and the relentless passage of time.

Those who cultivate the Tao, especially those who have reached such a level.

A long period of seclusion or a long journey could be a final farewell.

"They might also be here to ask for a favor."

Yu Qi pondered to himself.

"That's all."

He gently shook his head, stood up, and his purple-gold robe fluttered without wind.

"How could I not see an old friend coming from afar?"

Whatever the reason, after this, I'm afraid we'll never see each other again.

He didn't give any instructions to the boy or disciple. Instead, he transformed into a pale purple streak of light and flew straight out of the Strange Beast Peak, heading towards the mountain gate.

At the mountain gate.

Xi Daoyun seemed to sense something and looked up.

A streak of purple light swept in from the depths of the sect at great speed, arriving in the blink of an eye. The light faded, revealing Yu Qi's figure dressed in a purple-gold robe.

"Fellow Daoist Xi, how have you been? It's been hundreds of years since we last met. Your brilliance is still evident."

Yu Qi laughed loudly, his voice clear and melodious, revealing the dignified air of someone who had long held a high position.

But when his gaze swept over Xi Daoyun, the smile on his face vanished instantly, and his voice stopped abruptly.

"Fellow Daoist Xi, what happened to you?"

After careful examination, Yu Qi realized that Xi Daoyun's time was not far off, far from the less than 100 years he had thought, but rather less than 20 years.

A faint aura of death had already begun to linger around him.

He might not be able to see through someone at the Foundation Establishment or Core Formation stage, but he couldn't hide it from someone of the same level.

"It's a long story." Xi Daoyun cupped his hands in greeting, forcing a smile on his face. "Fellow Daoist Yu, it's been a long time."

I apologize for this unannounced visit and for disturbing your peace and quiet.

Yu Qi's expression was solemn. "Between you and me, there's no need for such formalities. This is not the place for reminiscing. Let's go to my cave and talk in detail."

"Then I'll take my leave."

The two stood side by side, transforming into two streaks of light, and flew straight into the depths of the Yuling Sect amidst the increasingly awe-inspiring gazes of the disciples guarding the mountain.

Strange Beast Peak, deep within the strange cave.

This place is not a luxurious palace, but a cave that blends seamlessly with the natural mountain landscape and has been opened up in an extremely open manner.

The inner spiritual energy transformed into babbling brooks and hazy mist, adorned with exotic flowers and rare herbs, and several elegant and serene rare spirit beasts lay lying nearby.

Upon seeing its master return, it merely raised its eyelids lazily.

The cave ceiling is inlaid with luminous pearls and spirit-gathering arrays, casting a soft, clear glow.

A jade table stands in the center, with two futons placed opposite each other, exuding a simple and natural charm.

Yu Qi led Xi Daoyun to his seat and personally brewed spiritual tea. The tea was fragrant and had a calming and soothing effect on the mind and soul.

He waved away the disciples who were serving him, leaving only his two old friends in the cave.

The cup of spiritual tea was filled, but Yu Qi did not raise it.

Instead, he looked at Xi Daoyun again with a serious expression, and his heart sank.

"It's not just the lingering death aura, but also the severe damage to your soul, almost tearing it apart. Fellow Daoist Xi, you..."

Yu Qi frowned, his voice low and deep, "What happened to you? How did you get to this point?"

After careful investigation, he felt that Xi Daoyun probably didn't even have ten years left.

Xi Daoyun raised his jade cup, his fingertips trembling almost imperceptibly.

He did not answer immediately, but took a sip of spiritual tea, put down the teacup, and then let out a long sigh, revealing a bitter smile.

"Fellow Daoist Yu has keen insight; this matter is a long story."

Xi Daoyun looked around the spiritually vibrant, tranquil cave dwelling, and then, recalling the situation of his own sect, couldn't help but sigh:

"This place, Fellow Daoist, remains a pure land of immortals, and the Yuling Sect is even more prosperous than before."

In contrast, my Heavenly Azure Sect is now teetering on the brink of collapse.

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Qi looked surprised.

The Heavenly Cang Sect was, after all, a powerful force in the prefecture with a long and distinguished lineage, yet Xi Daoyun uttered the words "teetering on the brink of collapse."

"Fellow Daoist Xi, what makes you say that? Has something major happened in Tiancang Prefecture?"

"It's more than just a major change."

With a look of helplessness in his eyes, Xi Daoyun slowly recounted the dramatic changes that had taken place in Tiancang Prefecture over the past few decades.

From the conflicts at the Tianjiao Grand Gathering to the outbreak of the war between the two prefectures.

Upon hearing the name of the Heavenly Net Demon Lord, Yu Qi exclaimed in surprise, "Is that newly promoted Nascent Soul demon cultivator a true demonic Nascent Soul cultivator?"

"Could it be a body possessed and rebuilt by an ancient demon?"

“Most likely.” Xi Daoyun’s face was somber, as if he had returned to that moment of despair. “This person has only recently formed his Nascent Soul, yet his strength is already comparable to that of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator!”

I fought him for only a few rounds before I was severely injured and nearly died, my soul and foundation severely damaged.

"If it weren't for Ancestor Xuan Yue passing by and intervening in time to capture and suppress him, my Tiancang Sect... and even the entire Tiancang Prefecture, would probably have already changed hands."

"What a coincidence?" Yu Qi murmured to himself, his heart pounding with emotion.

A Nascent Soul level True Demon has appeared in the world, and a great cultivator has taken action.

Such a level of confrontation and change would be enough to cause a huge uproar even in central southern China.

"However, it is truly remarkable that you, Fellow Daoist Xi, were able to survive against a Nascent Soul level True Demon. Even I, Yu, would have had to retreat and dare not confront you directly."

Xi Daoyun smiled bitterly: "If I had known, would I have stubbornly defended the sect?"

But things aren't much better now.

I am severely injured, and my sect's resources were greatly depleted in that great battle. I am no longer able to suppress the other forces of Tiancang Prefecture.

They have all built cities and established bases, expanding their power. The prestige and control of my Heavenly Azure Sect have long since declined.

As Yu Qi processed this information, he pondered, "If no one from the Mo family had formed a Nascent Soul, with your abilities and the foundation of the Tiancang Sect, you should still be able to suppress it."

“Fellow Daoist Yu, you’ve guessed wrong.” Xi Daoyun shook his head and sighed softly, his tone complicated. “In the past few decades of my Tiancang Mansion, the first one was the Mo family patriarch who successfully formed his Nascent Soul.”

Not long ago, another force gave birth to a fourth-tier transformed demon, and a mysterious demonic cultivator reached the Nascent Soul stage; their whereabouts are unknown.

Upon hearing this, Yu Qi frowned: "In such a short time, how could a single prefecture produce so many Nascent Soul level beings?"

Among them were powerful demons and demonic cultivators who had taken human form.

This is indeed somewhat unusual.

Even in my central region, it takes decades or even centuries for a single person to reach the Nascent Soul stage, or even longer.

Could it be that your Heavenly Cang Palace hasn't had a Nascent Soul cultivator born for a long time, causing a backlash?

He paused for a moment, then continued, "However, in this way, the power struggles among the various factions in your Tiancang Prefecture will make it difficult to have a peaceful day."

"No."

Xi Daoyun shook his head, a complex emotion in his eyes.

It seemed to be a mixture of helplessness, apprehension, and even a touch of admiration.

"The farce is already coming to an end before it has even truly begun."

"Which family is it? The Mo family, a Nascent Soul cultivator family?"

"The Xu family produced a dragon that can transform into a human."

Xi Daoyun took a deep breath and slowly uttered the name that evoked such complex emotions in him.

"Xu family?"

"It's normal that you haven't heard of Fellow Daoist Yu."

Xi Daoyun's voice carried an almost absurd sense of感慨, "Because of this Xu family, they have gone from a mere Foundation Establishment clan to the point where they are about to control an entire prefecture."

It only took a little over thirty years.

"More than thirty years?!"

Yu Qi looked flustered for the first time, almost thinking he had misheard.

"Are you sure it's over thirty years, and not over three hundred years?"

"Fellow Daoist Xi, you're not joking, are you?"

“I wish it were a joke,” Xi Daoyun said with a wry smile, “but it’s the truth.”

"You may not have heard of the Xu family, but you should have heard of its members. The Xu family really stole the show at the last Grand Gathering of Prodigies."

Four people were listed on the list of prodigies.

This also includes the number one prodigy, the "Phoenix Feather" Fairy!

Yu Qi immediately remembered that his junior brother had mentioned it, but he hadn't paid much attention to it.

"And these four people have now all achieved the Golden Core stage and entered the realm of the Golden Core."

Xi Daoyun continued, "However, the most terrifying one is the head of the Xu family."

"This person entered the Golden Core Realm not long after the Gathering of Prodigies, but now he can fight me, this frail old man, to a standstill."

"With you..."

Yu Qi suddenly stood up, causing the tassels on his purple-gold crown to tremble.

His eyes widened, and for the first time, his composure vanished, replaced by utter shock and disbelief.

"It's only been about twenty years since the end of the Gathering of Prodigies. No matter how fast he cultivates, he can only have just entered the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm at most."

Someone of such skill level actually fought you to a draw?!
Even if Fellow Daoist Xi is seriously injured, this shouldn't be the case!

Xi Daoyun said in a deep voice, his eyes filled with deep apprehension, "He somehow managed to make the quality of his magic power, the strength of his magic power, and even his divine sense comparable to the perfect Golden Core stage."

There are also two superior-grade magic treasures, both offensive and defensive, one of which is a superior-grade magic treasure that can be used to perform sword formations.

Its full power is in no way inferior to that of a top-tier magic weapon.

It's comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator's attack.

Yu Qi pondered for a moment, "This alone seems insufficient. Activating a high-grade magic weapon consumes a great deal of magic power, let alone two. He probably cannot sustain this for long."

"Yes."

Xi Daoyun said, "But he cultivates the withering and flourishing divine power, and seems to have comprehended it to perfection, which can actually cause my soul to be injured."

If I hadn't left in time, my injuries would probably have flared up on the spot and become uncontrollable.

Because of this battle, my lifespan has been shortened considerably.

Silence fell over the cave.

Only the clear spring flows gently, and the mist floats by.

"Now, the other two top powers in my Tiancang Prefecture, the Lei family and the Mo family, I suspect they have already sided with the Xu family, either openly or secretly."

Xi Daoyun's voice was filled with deep weariness, "My Tiancang Sect... is now like a fish on a chopping board, just waiting for the Xu family to make complete preparations."

Then the final change will come.

After saying that, he took another small sip of the spiritual tea.

"I seem to have talked a lot today, please forgive me, Fellow Daoist Yu."

Yu Qi waved his hand, "To receive such sincere treatment from Fellow Daoist Xi, I feel only gratified. It shows that Brother Xi truly considers me a friend."

Otherwise, people like us wouldn't easily confide in others.

Looking at his old friend, now so dejected and forlorn, Yu Qi couldn't help but feel a deep sigh.

No wonder he was emaciated and surrounded by an aura of death. This was not only due to his injuries and lifespan, but also probably due to the exhaustion he felt from watching helplessly as his sect's foundation collapsed and being powerless to reverse the situation.

The struggle for the Great Dao and the rise and fall of sects are indeed cruel.

Although the Yuling Sect is powerful, it is not eternal.

Today's Tiancang Sect may well be tomorrow's... Yu Qi suppressed this ominous thought, raised his teacup, and, instead of wine, solemnly said:
“Fellow Daoist Xi, the world is ever-changing and the path to enlightenment is arduous. Your presence today is a great comfort to me.”

At this moment, let us set aside all burdens and simply enjoy tea and discuss philosophy, shall we?

"Stealing half a day of leisure from a busy life, we enjoy a cup of tea and a simple cup of wine."

Xi Daoyun laughed heartily, raised his teacup, and said, "As you say, fellow Daoist, what harm is there in indulging in half a day of pleasure today!"

Yu Qi also laughed heartily.

The two clinked their teacups together and then drank the tea in one gulp.

It's as if we're drinking wine, not tea!
It can help you forget your worries!

However, this moment of pleasure was ultimately only a moment.

Xi Daoyun eventually had to face reality.

After a while.

He suddenly became serious and said, "Fellow Daoist Yu, the reason I came here today is to ask you for a favor and to repay the debt of gratitude you owe me in the past."

(End of this chapter)