Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 364 Divergence (Please Subscribe!)

Tianling Sect.

As Yunxi City grew stronger, Tianling Sect also grew considerably.

Many Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Canglong Prefecture have joined the group.

Many of them were weapon refiners who joined the sect by relying on the weapon-refining techniques of the Heavenly Forging Sect.

The growth of the Xu family far exceeded the imagination of the Tianling Sect.

From needing their protection to now holding the reins of a prefecture, it only took a little over a decade.

The relationship between the two sides is constantly undergoing subtle changes.

During this period, whispers could be heard from many lower-ranking disciples in the mountain paths, corridors, squares, and even inside and outside the dining hall.

The main reason is the establishment of the Azure Dragon Alliance, which has gained increasing influence.

All the Golden Core cultivators in the Azure Dragon Prefecture joined the alliance, except for the Heavenly Feather Sect.

"As the Grand Elder of the Alliance, True Monarch Ku Rong has included all the Golden Core forces of the Azure Dragon Prefecture, but not our Heavenly Feather Sect. Is it because we are a branch of the Heavenly Forging Sect?"

"Is that even a question? It's obvious, after all, we are indeed a branch of the Tianzhu Sect, belonging to the southern forces of Tiannan."

Many of the sect's disciples were cultivators from the southern part of Tiannan who came with the elders.

I feel that I will definitely have to leave the Azure Dragon Mansion in the future.

"If that's the case, then it's no wonder that True Monarch Ku Rong did this. If he joins the alliance, it will be very troublesome for him to leave later."

"Not necessarily. It's also possible that the Xu family has turned our Tianling Sect into their own property, since our sect leader is a core elder of the Xu family."

"Although the Xu family has become a Nascent Soul family by relying on the transformation of a great demon, how can its foundation compare with that of the Heavenly Forging Sect? If I had to choose, I would definitely choose to return to the Heavenly Forging Sect."

"I think it's pretty good to be in the Tianling Sect."

"Hehe, I advise some of my junior brothers and sisters not to forget their roots!"

The various discussions among the disciples of the Tianling Sect—some confused, some complaining, some self-important, and some disdainful—were intertwined, forming a subtle undercurrent.

Behind the main hall, in the side hall where Rong Tianyang meditates.

He has been frowning frequently lately.

He had naturally heard the gossip among his disciples, and it bothered him.

Originally, I was ordered by the sect to come to Tiancang Prefecture in the Northern Region with my master Lieyang and my uncle Yanzhen to establish a branch of the Tianling Sect.

The primary task is to protect Xu Deling so that she can grow up smoothly.

I'll also help the Xu family a little bit.

But the Xu family's growth far exceeded his expectations.

Over the course of more than a decade, they have grown from a family that had just achieved the Golden Core stage to a powerful Nascent Soul-level force that dominates a prefecture.

Even if he went back to the Heavenly Forging Sect and talked to those Golden Core elders about it, probably no one would believe him.

Xu Deling is exceptionally talented and has lived up to the expectations of the Heavenly Forging Sect. His cultivation has progressed rapidly, and he is now at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

Moreover, with his supernatural powers fully developed and the Fire Phoenix bloodline, his combat strength was no less than that of his master, True Lord Lieyang.

In a sense, the responsibility of providing shelter has been fulfilled.

"The Xu family has risen to power completely, and Uncle Fengling no longer needs our protection. No one in Canglong Prefecture dares to oppose the Xu family."

Perhaps... it's time to consider going back.

Rong Tianyang gazed at the sky outside the palace and murmured to himself.

Although Yunxi City is peaceful, they are all native cultivators from the south.

Many of the disciples' families also live in the south.

This place is not a place for them to stay for long.

Now that opinions are rife within the sect, it is time to make a decision.

I've been thinking about this for several days.

Rong Tianyang finally decided to go to his master, True Lord Lieyang's, cave to discuss this matter with him.

Inside the cave.

Lord Lieyang, dressed in a red robe, sat cross-legged on a futon.

He looked at Rong Tianyang and asked, "What brings you here to see your master?"

“Master, rumors are rampant within the sect, and the people are not united. Disciples who came with us have had heated exchanges and conflicts with the local cultivators.

Tianyang felt that perhaps he should consider going back.

"Returning Heaven and Forging an Ancestor?"

Upon hearing this, Lord Lieyang's pupils contracted slightly.

"Yes."

Lord Lieyang pondered for a long time.

Then, he slowly said, "Since this matter is to be discussed, let's call your Uncle Yan Zhen and send a message to have him come over."

"Yes." Rong Tianyang immediately sent a message.

Soon after, Yan Zhenzhen also arrived.

"What do you want with me?" Yan Zhenzhen asked after he arrived.

Rong Tianyang then briefly explained his thoughts.

He also fell silent.

The atmosphere in the cave was somewhat somber.

A few moments.

Yan Zhenzhen stroked his beard and said, "What Tianyang said makes no sense."

"We came here because Junior Sister Fengling wanted to help the Xu family develop, and Uncle Zhenyangzi and his brothers were worried about her safety, so they sent the three of us here."

Now that the Xu family has established its power, and Junior Nephew Fengling's path is clear, in terms of strength, we no longer need to protect her as carefully as before.

Looking at the current situation, the Tianling Sect is in an awkward position because it is a force in the southern part of Tiannan.

I have also heard from time to time that many disciples of the Yuantianzhu Sect are confused.

If we stay here for too long, it might actually be detrimental.

It would be better to return to the southern mountain gate and hand over the Tianling Sect entirely to Junior Sister Fengling, or rather, to the Xu family.

Senior Brother Lieyang, what do you think?

"It seems that you and Tianyang agree, junior brother."

The silent Lord Lieyang suddenly spoke, his gaze sweeping over the two of them, and he said in a calm voice, "If you two are determined to leave, I will not stop you."

You may bring along those within the sect who are willing to leave to return to the Heavenly Forging Sect.

But I must stay.

"Why?" Rong Tianyang and Yan Zhenzhenjun were both taken aback.

“I promised Uncle-Master Zhenyangzi,” True Lord Lieyang said solemnly, “that I would serve as Junior Sister Fengling’s protector. Even if I have to leave, I will at least wait until she achieves the Nascent Soul stage.”

Only when the foundation of the great principles is solid can one truly fulfill one's responsibilities.

I will not leave until then.

Upon hearing this, Rong Tianyang felt a surge of indignation for his master and blurted out, "Master! The Supreme Elder's arrangement is rather... rather biased!"
You too have the hope of achieving enlightenment, and the path to the Great Dao is bright. How can you waste time here just to protect her and help her attain enlightenment?
This is unfair to you!
Moreover, it remains to be seen whether Senior Uncle Fengling is truly loyal to the sect.

"Tianyang, stop talking nonsense!" True Lord Lieyang scolded. "You also know the Xu family's style. They spare no effort in cultivating their own children."

"If you were in that situation, would you abandon such a family?"

Rong Tianyang was speechless.

The choice between gratitude to one's teacher and kinship is indeed a difficult one!

Lieyang Zhenjun looked at his straightforward disciple, his eyes showing no anger, but rather a self-deprecating smile: "Tianyang, do you think your master has the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage?"

I, as your teacher, also believe this.

But over the years, I've watched the Xu family and Junior Sister Fengling grow rapidly.

As I've come to realize more and more, I think that perhaps Junior Sister Fengling would break through to the Nascent Soul stage faster if she stayed with the Xu family than with our Tianzhu Sect.

Don't forget, last time, the Xu family auctioned off a chance to reach the Nascent Soul stage.

"Can the Xu family's resources compare to our Tianzhu Sect?" Rong Tianyang asked in surprise.

"It might not be possible now, but the Xu family members are all at the initial stage of Golden Core, far from the Nascent Soul stage. In a hundred years, how far will the Xu family go? Can you predict?"

Rong Tianyang fell silent again.

Yan Zhenzhen pondered and said, "It's really hard to say. The Xu family has developed too fast. However, if they are limited to the Canglong Prefecture, it's possible that..."

In a few years at most, it will run into a bottleneck due to resources and other factors.

Compared to other areas in southern China, the resources in the northwest are significantly inferior.

Even if they accumulate for two hundred years, they might not be able to catch up with our Heavenly Forging Sect.

As for extending their reach into the territories of other Nascent Soul factions, that's not so easy either.

Otherwise, how could the Xi family, formerly the Tiancang Sect, have been confined to Tiancang Prefecture for over a thousand years, gradually declining?

“Junior Brother is right.” True Monarch Lieyang nodded slightly. “However, how the Xu family develops is a matter for Fellow Daoist Kurong and the Xu family to consider.”

As for the previously mentioned probability of conception.

Lately, I've become increasingly aware of the gap between myself and Junior Sister Fengling.

True Lord Lieyang paused, his tone filled with emotion: "She had only been in the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm for a short time when she achieved great mastery of supernatural powers."

Their combat power is even more extraordinary.

Even if they return to the south, they will not be inferior to the Golden Core geniuses of other Nascent Soul forces.

Even among those at the same level, there are very few who can be compared to her.

Given time, once she reaches the completion of her Golden Core stage, with her talent, perhaps... she too could possess the power to fight against Nascent Soul cultivators, just like her grandfather, True Monarch Ku Rong.

As your teacher, I do have a sliver of a chance to reach the Nascent Soul stage.

However, Junior Sister Fengling has a considerable chance of reaching the late Nascent Soul stage and becoming one of the top cultivators in the entire Tiannan region.

Protecting her path is also protecting the future path of my Heavenly Forging Sect.

The cave was silent for a moment.

Rong Tianyang and Yan Zhenzhen looked at each other. Although they still felt a little sorry for Lieyang Zhenjun, they had to admit that what he said was true.

Xu Deling's talent and potential are indeed rare in the world.

"Master, if Uncle-Master Fengling truly becomes a Great Cultivator one day, will he really help our Heavenly Forging Sect?"

"meeting!"

Lord Lieyang remained steadfast in his path.

"Her character is beyond question; otherwise, why would Uncle Zhenyangzi and Uncle Yanlongzi have asked me to be their protector?"
They even extended their affection to the Xu family, asking us to look after them.

"If Master is willing to believe, then this disciple is also willing to believe."

Lord Lieyang smiled faintly, "Let's get back to what happened before. Since you two both want to leave, then go back."

However, this needs to be explained to her beforehand.

I believe that as long as I tell her frankly, Junior Sister Fengling won't refuse.

"Understood, Master. I will go find Uncle Fengling now."

Rong Tianyang then left.

However, Yan Zhenzhen stayed behind for the time being.

"Senior Brother Lieyang, it may be a long time before we meet again after this parting. I'll leave the matter of guiding Junior Sister Fengling in the crafting of high-grade magic weapons to you."

“Of course.” True Lord Lieyang nodded and smiled. “However, with her comprehension of weaponry, I don’t need to worry too much. I just need to give her a little guidance.”

Yan Zhenzhen was taken aback.

Thinking that he sometimes consulted her on weapon crafting, he couldn't help but smile.

"She certainly doesn't need us to worry about her too much."

After chatting for another quarter of an hour, Yan Zhenzhen also got up to say goodbye.

The main hall of the clan.

Rong Tianyang came to inform him of his plan to leave with Yan Zhenzhen and the disciples of Tianzhu Sect.

Xu Deling pondered for a moment upon hearing this, and then said, "Elder Tianyang, if I, the sect master, were to persuade you and Senior Brother Yanzhen to stay, would you be willing to stay?"

"Sect Master, you should also be aware of the situation at the Ling Sect today."

A bitter smile appeared on Rong Tianyang's lips. "There are many verbal conflicts among the disciples in the sect. At first glance, they seem like minor matters, but when you get to the bottom of it, it's because the core members of the Tianling Sect all come from the Tianzhu Sect."

With the Xu family's current power in Canglong Prefecture, they could easily create a completely new Tianling Sect.

A Heavenly Feather Sect that belongs entirely to the Azure Dragon Prefecture.

If we don't leave, we might sow the seeds of future trouble.

"They're just some Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples. Even if they cause trouble, how big of a mess could it be?"

Xu Deling paused, then sighed softly, "However, since you elders are determined to leave..."

This sect leader will not force you to stay.

Although Senior Brother Lieyang is willing to stay, I am not at ease with you embarking on your journey. I will have him escort you back to Tianzhu Sect.

After returning to the sect, please convey my regards to my two masters and tell them that they need not worry.

When the time is right, I will return to Tianyuan to establish my sect.

"Yes, Sect Master, then I shall take my leave."

Rong Tianyang left.

Xu Deling sighed softly.

She had asked Xu Chuan before why he didn't bring the Tianling Sect into the Azure Dragon Alliance as well.

He said he would find out later.

"It turns out that my grandfather had long foreseen that the disciples of the Heavenly Casting Sect wouldn't last long, especially now that the Xu family has grown to the point where even the Heavenly Feather Sect has to look up to them."

The change in identity will be difficult for some former disciples of the Heavenly Forging Sect to adapt to.

Conflict is inevitable.

Well then, now is the time when the Azure Dragon Manor needs unity, so it's good that they've gone back.

However, with so many people leaving at once, replenishing their ranks is a significant challenge.

Even with just me, a third-tier weapon refiner, overseeing the Heavenly Feather Sect, it's not enough.

We need to invite one more person.

Perhaps Yan Wujin, the patriarch of the Yan family, would be a good choice, but it's unknown whether he would be willing.

"Master Huoyun is a mid-grade third-tier weapon refiner, that works too."

As Xu Deling pondered, her eyes flickered slightly, and she decided to first ask Xu Chuan for his opinion.

Perhaps he has a special plan.

After all, he had already anticipated that the disciples of the Heavenly Forging Sect would have conflicts and even want to leave.

A few moments.

Xu Deling erected a crimson rainbow, soaring into the sky and heading straight for the Xu residence in the inner city.

Less than half a cup of tea.

She then went to Xu Chuan's courtyard.

Xu Chuan, who was sitting cross-legged under the withered tree, opened his eyes and looked up, a slight smile on his lips. "De Ling, what brings you here? Is something the matter?"

"Elder Tianyang and Senior Brother Yanzhen plan to lead the remaining disciples of Tianzhu Sect out of Tianling Sect. I wanted to ask you, Grandfather, what your plans are?"

"They're going to hand over the Tianling Sect entirely to my Xu family, aren't they?" Xu Chuan smiled faintly.

“Grandfather had already foreseen this.”

"So you came here because of manpower issues?"

"Grandfather was wise."

"Now that the person is gone, we can simply reduce the size of the Tianling Sect. The framework is already in place, so we just need to develop step by step."

If someone is needed to keep order, Elder Huoyun can serve as a guest elder of the Tianling Sect.

If you want to manage the Tianling Sect, you can recruit a disciple in the mid-to-late Foundation Establishment stage and appoint him as the deputy sect leader to take care of sect affairs for you.

Alternatively, you could try inviting the Yan family patriarch; he would most likely agree to become an elder of the Tianling Sect.

"Why is Grandfather so sure?" Xu Deling asked curiously.

Xu Chuan smiled and said, "With the departure of Yan Zhenzhen and the others, Tianling Sect will become an affiliated sect of my Xu family, with you, Phoenix Feather Fairy, serving as its sect leader."

The Heavenly Feather Sect will likely become a Nascent Soul level power in the future.

Although it sounds a bit unpleasant to say it's an affiliated sect.

But the Yan family, after all, makes a living in Yunxi City. Becoming elders of the Tianling Sect would indirectly establish a connection with my Xu family, wouldn't it?

Xu Deling pondered for a few moments, "That seems to make sense."

"If Yan Wujin agrees, then among the four great Golden Core families of Yunxi City, only the Yan family will be unrelated?"

She paused, then looked at Xu Chuan, "Grandfather, you must have made arrangements for them too, right?"

“The deputy city lord of Yunxi City, my grandfather reserved a position for the Yan family.”

"Yan Nantian?"

"No, Yan the Madman!"

(End of this chapter)