Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 421 Zhu Yan Returns (8k views, please vote!)

"Rumor has it that the 'Ten Thousand Mountains' are led by three major demon clans: the Nine Nether Bird, the Suanni, and the Zhu Yan. You must be from the Zhu Yan clan?"

Zhu Yan grinned and said, "That's right, I heard you're very strong!"

He turned out to be a warmonger.

Xu Chuan smiled faintly and said modestly, "It's alright."

Then, without waiting for Zhu Yan's response, he said to Jiu You Que and Suanni, "Gentlemen, weren't you beaten enough last time?"

Mr. Xu intends to let you two off the hook, so don't push your luck.

He glanced at the army of demonic beasts, his eyes indifferent, as if he didn't take them seriously.

"Are you planning to outnumber us this time?"

Nine Nether Sparrow's eyes flickered with ghostly fire as it suppressed its fear of Xu Chuan and pierced through the demon clouds with a sharp voice: "True Lord Ku Rong, this is not a personal grudge."

We are here on the orders of the Demon Lord of the "Ten Thousand Mountains" to cleanse the prison.

Annihilate all human forces above the Foundation Establishment stage!

This is an inevitable trend, one that you cannot stop alone!

"More than 90% of the human race in the entire prison area has been wiped out. What more do you want?"

Xu Chuan sneered, "I can ignore the others, but if you insist on destroying Dongxi and my descendants, then you are making an enemy of this True Lord!"

He paused, a slight smile playing on his lips, "The last wave of demonic beasts has completely become fertilizer, nourishing this land."

"Do you also want to follow in their footsteps?"

The Suanni's dark golden vertical pupils were fixed on Xu Chuan, and it spoke in a deep, muffled voice like rolling thunder.

"True Lord Ku Rong, I admit that your strength is exceptional, and you are among the top Golden Core cultivators in the Prison Land."

But today, it's not a solo effort.

How can you possibly defeat the demon army behind me by yourself?
I advise you not to try and stop a chariot with your bare hands!

He was confident that no Golden Core cultivator could withstand this power.

Zhu Yan did not speak, but the fighting spirit in his eyes grew stronger, as if he could no longer suppress it.

“You’re right.” Xu Chuan nodded. “I can’t stop this force by myself, but you can outnumber them.”

Mr. Xu didn't mind either—"

His voice suddenly turned cold: "Bullying others by abusing one's power!"

The last four words exploded like a thunderclap!
The moment the words fell—

"Roar!!!"

A dragon roar, more violent than all the previous roars of the demonic beasts combined, suddenly exploded from the depths of the Cave Stream Formation, soaring straight into the heavens!

The dragon's roar contained a hint of true dragon power, which spread out like tangible ripples, causing the demonic clouds in the sky to churn and disperse violently!
Immediately afterwards, to the horrified gazes of all the demonic beasts...

A dragon over a hundred feet long suddenly appeared from within the Cave Stream Formation.

Its enormous body hovered above Xu Chuan's head.

The shadow cast not only terrified the demonic beasts present, but also caused the Blackwater and Tiannan cultivators watching from afar to change color.

"A fourth-tier transformed demon!"

Countless demonic beasts and cultivators spoke up!
Mo Yue's dark golden dragon eyes coldly swept over the army of monsters below.

The terrifying demonic power belonging to the fourth rank was released without any concealment, mixed with the pressure originating from the true dragon bloodline, pouring down like a waterfall from the heavens!

"woo"

"Roar"

Instantly, the demon army erupted into chaos!
Those early-stage Tier 3 demonic beasts with relatively weak bloodlines felt as if they were being targeted by a natural enemy under this double pressure, their limbs went weak and their demonic power flowed sluggishly.

Terrified sobs rose and fell.

The flying monsters even began to wobble and could barely maintain their shape!

Even the late-stage third-tier demonic beasts felt as if a mountain was pressing down on them, their blood and qi churning.

That was a fear that came from the bloodline.

However, this is not the end!
next moment.

"Buzz!"

Another equally vast and powerful, yet more balanced and peaceful, pressure erupted.

That was the pressure of a Nascent Soul cultivator's primordial spirit!
Near Dongxi.

A figure of an old man with white hair and a youthful face, dressed in a simple gray robe, seemed to step out of the void.

His steps were not fast, but with each step he took, a faint ripple of spiritual energy naturally arose beneath his feet, as if in harmony with the rhythm of heaven and earth.

In just a few steps, he had silently appeared beside Xu Chuan.

Mo Wentian smiled, stroked his long beard, and gently swept his gaze across the opposing army of demonic beasts. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of every single demonic beast.

"I am Mo Wentian, the Supreme Elder of the Azure Dragon Alliance."

The True Lord of Withering and Flourishing is the Grand Elder of our alliance.

To kill him would be to become my enemy.

His tone was calm, yet it contained an undeniable authority!

"Get out of my sight!"

Mo Yue wasn't so polite.

The dragon opened its mouth, spewing out scorching sulfurous fumes, and its voice boomed like thunder, "Otherwise, die!"

It doesn't care about kinship.

In its eyes, these guys who dared to invade Dongxi were all enemies!
The Nine Nether Sparrow, the Suanni, and the Zhu Yan exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with deep solemnity.

If it were just Xu Chuan alone, they could easily kill him and destroy the Dongxi River if they rushed over.

However, there was an additional transformed great demon and a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

The situation immediately changed.

Moreover, that transformed great demon's true dragon bloodline was so rich that it could already unleash a bit of true dragon pressure.

Their three bloodlines were so strong that they were not greatly affected.

However, the weaker the other third-tier demonic beasts, the greater their influence.

Some couldn't even unleash 60-70% of their full potential.

Even if there were only Xu Chuan and his two companions on the other side, if a fight broke out, all the demonic beasts present, including them, could be slaughtered.

"How to do?"

The Nine Nether Bird, the Suanni, and the Zhu Yan communicated with each other using their divine senses.

Their arrival was so grand that many cultivators from the Blackwater and Southern Regions came to join in the fun.

If you are scared off by just a few words.

They've probably lost all face for the "Ten Thousand Mountains".

Whether to fight or not, it's a difficult choice.

Just now.

Xu Chuan suddenly chuckled and said, "Of course, if you have come here to spar with me, then there is no need for the other two to make a move."

Nine Nether Sparrow's eyes lit up; this seemed like a good way out.

"He's actually a pretty good person." Zhu Yan scratched his head.

Nine Nether Sparrow said, "I guess they don't want the situation to get too tense."

“Since he has given us a way out, then we…” Suanni said.

"We have no choice but to continue, but in doing so, we will find it difficult to take action against the Xu family of Dongxi."

“What’s so difficult about that? He just wants to preserve his bloodline and descendants. So let’s discuss with him and let him come out of the ancient battlefield alive and move the entire Dongxi away.”

Anyway, as long as there are no Golden Core clans in the next era, the strongest force here a thousand years from now will probably be about the same level as it is now.

“You’ve actually been smarter this time,” Jiuyouque said to Zhu Yan. “Let’s do it your way.”

“The Xu family of Dongxi should be just an isolated case. They are a variable, and since we cannot eliminate this variable, we can only move them away.”

"In that case, I'll handle the sparring!"

The Nine Nether Sparrow and the Suanni rolled their eyes at him, not intending to argue with him.

After the three discussed it,

Zhu Yan took a step forward. "I've heard you're very strong. I've come here to spar with you, True Monarch Kurong. They're just here to help."

This is completely shameless.

Those watching from the shadows shook their heads and chuckled.

A monster is a monster.

Even the thickest-skinned magic weapon can't penetrate it!

Xu Chuan glanced at Mo Yue and Mo Wentian.

Mo Yue transformed into human form and retreated to the side with Mo Wentian.

"How shall I address you?"

"Zhu Jinsheng, this was given to me by my father!" Zhu Yan waved his hand and said, "Alright, enough of this idle talk, let me see your strength!"
"Let's see if that Sword Dragon technique can match the innate supernatural power of my Zhu Yan clan."

"As you wish!" Xu Chuan nodded and said no more.

With a thought, the Azure Dragon Umbrella reappeared in his hand.

With a toss upwards, the umbrella rotates and opens, and a lapis lazuli light curtain descends.

Immediately, twenty-eight dazzling sword lights roared out from the umbrella ribs, rapidly intertwining and condensing in the air!
"Roar--!"

A dragon's roar shook the heavens, and a sword dragon, over twenty feet long and composed entirely of sharp sword energy, reappeared!

The sword light shimmered with dragon scales, and the sharp glint of the dragon's eyes was dazzling. The overwhelming sword intent and pressure instantly filled the heavens and earth.

This action was witnessed by a large crowd, with Nascent Soul cultivators secretly observing as well.

He only plans to use 80% of his strength.

"Good timing!"

Zhu Yan roared, neither dodging nor avoiding, but instead pounded his chest with both fists.

His crimson demonic aura surged into the sky like a volcanic eruption!

Its towering body transformed into a crimson meteor, deliberately crashing into the attacking Azure Dragon of Swords!
They actually intended to use their physical bodies to directly confront the power of this sword formation, which was comparable to an attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator!

"madness!"

Mo Yue, who was watching the battle, snorted coldly.

The next moment, the crimson meteor and the lapis lazuli sword dragon collided with a deafening roar!
"boom!"

A blinding light and violent energy exploded!

The sword dragon roared, and countless fine, sharp sword energies ripped through Zhu Yan's protective demonic aura and powerful body like a storm.

Zhu Yan then wildly swung his fists, each punch containing the power to shatter mountains and split the earth.

The crimson demonic energy solidified into a tangible form, clashing wildly with the sword energy!

However, the gap remains significant.

The stalemate lasted only a moment.

With a single swipe of its claw, the sharp Gengjin sword energy tore through the crimson demonic aura and slashed fiercely across Zhu Yan's thick chest!

"Hey!"

A harsh, screeching sound rang out.

Zhu Yan's tough, iron-like skin was ripped open with a hideous wound several feet long and deep enough to expose the bone, and dark red blood spurted out!

"Ow!"

Zhu Yan roared in pain and was sent flying hundreds of feet away by the immense force.

But the ferocity in its eyes did not diminish; instead, it was completely ignited by the intense pain and bloodshed, becoming even more violent and ferocious!
"Haha! That's great! That's more like it!"

Zhu Yan completely ignored the blood gushing from the wound on his chest.

It let out a deafening roar to the sky!

With that long howl, a sudden change occurred!

Suddenly, a large amount of pale red, eerie red mist, resembling both steam and blood mist, gushed out from its pores!

The red mist quickly spread, enveloping its massive body.

From within the mist came terrifying sounds of bones cracking violently and muscles swelling wildly, as well as Zhu Yan's low growl, a mixture of suppressed pain and excitement!
"Innate supernatural power—three heads and six arms!"

The red mist suddenly contracted inward, disappearing entirely into Zhu Yan's body!

The next moment, what appeared before everyone was a terrifying giant ape that was nine zhang tall and as big as a small mountain!
Under each of its original armpits, an equally thick arm covered with crimson bristles regenerated!

With each swing of its four arms, it generated terrifying wind pressure, as if it could easily tear mountains apart!

Its head seemed to have swelled up, its fangs were exposed, and its scarlet eyes were filled with only the purest desire for killing and fighting.

His skin had a dark red, almost black metallic sheen.

The wound that had been cut by the sword energy stopped bleeding and shrank rapidly under the effect of the red mist.

This is the famous innate supernatural power of the Zhu Yan clan—three heads and six arms!
During the duration of the innate supernatural power, both physical strength and defense will increase dramatically, and one may even develop three heads and six arms.

Of course, this is something only a pure-blooded Zhu Yan could do.

The power of this innate divine ability is comparable to that of a great divine ability.

However, the Zhu Yan bloodline concentration is limited, making it unable to manifest three heads and only able to grow four arms.

Even so, it's enough to boost its combat power!
The onlookers all wore solemn expressions.

He seemed to be considering whether he could win if he faced this ferocious beast.
"Roar! Again!"

The four-armed Zhu Yan spoke in human language, its voice like rolling muffled thunder.

It clenched its four giant fists at the same time, pounding its chest, which was as hard as refined gold, making a loud "thump thump" sound.

immediately.

It charged at the swirling sword dragon once more!

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

With four arms waving, his fists flashed like mountains!
Each punch contained terrifying power that could shatter the void. Crimson demonic energy condensed into a tangible fist imprint, clashing wildly with the sword dragon's claw strikes and tail swings!
Sword energy and demonic energy exploded continuously, producing a series of booming sounds!
The sword dragon is agile and swift, its sword energy ever-changing. Sometimes it splits into a rain of swords to harass, sometimes it condenses into a giant sword to strike, and sometimes it wraps around and binds the dragon with its body.

It is evident that Xu Chuan's control over the Azure Dragon Sword Formation has reached a perfect level.

There's no need to be so fixated on form.

The four-armed Zhu Yan, relying on its surge in power and defense, as well as the attack density and angular advantage brought by its four arms, managed to withstand the sword energy head-on.

Occasionally, it could even seize an opportunity to withstand the sword energy with one arm while slamming its other three arms into the sword dragon's body.

The sword light rippled and emitted a mournful sword cry.

The two sides fought from the air to the ground, and then from the ground back up into the sky.

Wherever it passed, mountains collapsed, forests were destroyed, and the violent energy aftershocks completely altered the surrounding landscape.

The deserted Qingjiang County was also completely reduced to ruins during the battle.

Half an hour seemed exceptionally long in such an intense battle.

Finally, the boiling pale red blood mist around Zhu Yan began to noticeably dim and thin.

The body, which had expanded to nine zhang in length, slowly shrank back to its original size as if deflated. The two extra arms under its armpits were the first to become illusory before disappearing.

The ferocious bloodlust in its eyes gradually faded, replaced by deep weariness and exhaustion.

"Roar"

With a low, unwilling roar, all four arms vanished completely.

Zhu Yan's arms returned to their original state, and his aura plummeted.

It was struck hard in the chest by a tail lash from the Stegosaurus.

With a muffled groan, it crashed down from the sky like a meteorite, creating another huge crater in the ground, sending dust billowing into the sky.

The Azure Dragon Sword returned, circling in the air.

Twenty-eight flying swords flew back to the umbrella frame in turn.

The Azure Dragon Umbrella dimmed its brilliance and returned to Xu Chuan's hands.

Xu Chuan's breathing was steady, and his expression was normal, clearly indicating that he had handled the battle with ease.

He stepped into the air and arrived at the edge of the giant pit, looking down at Zhu Yan who was slowly getting up.

"Your strength is much greater than that of the Nine Nether Bird and the Suanni."

Xu Chuan spoke calmly, his tone carrying a hint of objective evaluation.

"That's right!" Zhu Yan's eyes shone with pride. "Among the three races, our race is the most respected!"

"Your innate supernatural power must be the legendary 'three heads and six arms', right?"

Unfortunately, your bloodline concentration is insufficient, so you can only manifest four arms.

If one could reach the level of having six arms, one would be able to truly contend with me.

"Of course, if you could extend the duration of your innate divine power by another quarter of an hour, you might be able to deplete my mana to almost nothing."

You think I believe you?

Zhu Yan's chest heaved violently, his body covered with dozens or even hundreds of sword wounds, some deep and some shallow.

The blood made the crimson hair appear even darker.

Upon hearing this, it grinned, revealing its bloody fangs, and said, "Losing is losing, I admit it!"
You, True Lord of Withering and Glory, truly live up to your name!

He's considerably stronger than the several so-called masters of supernatural powers I fought a few days ago.

Xu Chuan smiled and said, "In that case, please take the demonic beasts that are 'helping' you and leave my Dongxi territory."

Zhu Yan did not refuse.

This was something he and Jiuyouque had agreed upon. They would leave after the battle to avoid further humiliating "Ten Thousand Mountains".

After transmitting its message to Xu Chuan, the Nine Nether Sparrow, along with the Suanni, Zhu Yan, and the other third-tier demonic beasts, departed.

In the blink of an eye, the area outside the cave was once again deserted.

Xu Chuan did not immediately return to the formation. Instead, he stood with his hands behind his back in mid-air, his gaze slowly sweeping across the surrounding void. He spoke loudly, his voice carrying for miles around.

"Other fellow Daoists, if you are interested, you are welcome to come to my Dongxi Cave and spar with me."

"I am always ready to accompany you, Mr. Benzhen."

Mo Yue also let out a dragon's roar, "Those old codgers hiding, if you want to make a move, you can come find me. It's too boring to bully the juniors."

"I just happened to come here to loosen up my muscles."

The Nascent Soul cultivators in the shadows naturally didn't bother with Mo Yue.

Moreover, this battle also showed them that Xu Chuan could barely fight against a Nascent Soul cultivator with his sword formation, in addition to a powerful fourth-order dragon and a Nascent Soul cultivator in the early stage.

With such a lineup, even a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator would have to think carefully before daring to make a move.

Just now.

A crimson figure rushed over and arrived in front of them in an instant.

The red light faded, revealing a familiar figure to Xu Chuan—Yan Longzi.

"Senior Yanlongzi," Xu Chuan said with a cupped hand and a smile, "I didn't expect you to also be imprisoned here."

"We have quite a few juniors coming into our Heavenly Forging Sect, so we should take care of them and also check on Ling'er."

"Fellow Daoist Chilongzi," Mo Wentian greeted him with clasped hands.

"Fellow Daoist Mo," Chi Longzi returned the greeting.

"Senior Red Dragon Prince, please come in."

Mo Wentian returned to his residence but did not go inside.

It was obvious that Chi Longzi had come to catch up with Xu Chuan, and since Xu Chuan was only a nodding acquaintance with him, the situation was somewhat awkward.

As Xu Chuan forced the monsters back, many people in the cave cheered.

They sang praises of Xu Chuan's illustrious reputation.

The weight that had been hanging over them was finally lifted.

Council Hall.

"The senior's sudden appearance can't be just a simple reunion, can it?"

“You’re still as clever as ever.” Chi Longzi stroked his beard and smiled. “When Lieyang brought the other disciples back earlier, he also mentioned you.”

I was somewhat skeptical at first, but seeing it today, it's indeed true.

After a pause, he said with emotion, "Your growth rate is truly astonishing, far exceeding the expectations of me and my senior brother."

With the Azure Dragon Mansion as its base, I imagine your Xu family's ambitions won't stop here.

"The same goes for the Heavenly Forging Sect. Senior will also have the opportunity to reach the realm of a Great Cultivator in the future, allowing the Heavenly Forging Sect to reach an even higher level."

"I grant you your kind words, fellow Daoist."

Chi Longzi said, "I have come here today to ask Fellow Daoist Xu for help."

"You need my help?"

"You should have heard that the various forces have agreed that those in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm cannot enter the Ancient Battlefield. Although they can enter the Ancient Battlefield, they are mostly randomly teleported."

However, they will generally stay in a certain area, so they won't be teleported to a place that is too dangerous.

So there's still a chance we'll meet.

If you happen to encounter a disciple of my Heavenly Forging Sect, please lend a helping hand.

"Once we emerge from the ancient battlefield, my sect can commission a top-tier magic weapon as payment, according to your specifications. However, your Xu family will have to provide the materials."

Xu Chuan's eyes lit up.

In the future, Xu Chuan plans to refine a clan-protecting treasure to maximize the use of the clan's fortune.

Xu Chuan looked down on those at the mid-grade level.

It will take at least another twenty or thirty years before Xu Deling is able to refine high-grade magic weapons.

Don't be fooled by how slow it is.

Even the Fiery Sun True Lord, who was over five hundred years old, was only able to refine a high-grade magic weapon.

It's clear that the higher you go, the harder it gets.

Moreover, Xu Deling's own cultivation cannot be neglected.

After all, strength is the only guarantee of everything!

"Senior Red Dragon Prince, you're too kind. It's only natural, but what if we hadn't met?"

"The promise remains unchanged."

Chi Longzi smiled and took out a token. "This is a special token. It will sense any disciple of my Tianzhu Sect within a thousand miles."

You can check their location.

That's how I want it to be.

Chi Longzi demonstrated, and many points of light appeared in the void. The only green point was right here in Dongxi, while the rest were red points of light.

"If the red light is weak, it indicates that it is in danger."

"Wait, this area is more than a thousand miles, isn't it?"

"That's because the ancient battlefield is special, and the range of divine sense is compressed tenfold. This is also true for these detection artifacts."

From the outside world, it can reach tens of thousands of miles.

"It's still quite different from the bloodline detection method. It's a pity that sects don't develop like families, and most of them don't share the same bloodline."

It's just a compromise, a second-best option.

Xu Chuan accepted the token, saying, "I have accepted this task and will certainly live up to your expectations."

"In that case, I shall take my leave now."

"By the way, senior, if the ancient battlefield opens and you have nowhere to go, you can come to my Dongxi to rest."

"You little rascal."

Red Dragon Prince smiled and then left.

In ancient battlefields, the stronger you are, the more "demons" you attract.

People like Xu Chuan, who possess Nascent Soul combat power even at the Golden Core stage, have a greater chance of surviving.

News of Xu Chuan's battle spread quickly.

Xu Mingwei and Xu Deling breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Xu Dewen also began to venture out, encountering Tiannan cultivators and Blackwater demon cultivators multiple times, engaging in battles five or six times in the past few days.

But they always run away halfway through the fight.

Although he possesses late-stage Golden Core level magical power, as well as mid-grade magic treasures for attack and defense, he also has the trump card "Purple Heavenly Fiend Lamp".

But in this place of imprisonment, the most dead are those who are arrogant and overconfident in their late-stage Golden Core realm.

The weak hid themselves away, avoiding others, or went into groups.

Those who have reached the Golden Core stage and mastered supernatural powers often possess high-grade magic treasures and travel alone to hunt demonic beasts or cultivators from opposing factions.

Once a Golden Core cultivator reaches the late stage, engaging in combat with another person will result in excessive consumption of magical power.

Even if they manage to escape this battle, it won't be long before they are targeted and killed by someone in the shadows.

After all, the fluctuations of battle can be sensed even from a thousand miles away for those at the Golden Core stage.

Many people rushed over to take advantage of the battle's fluctuations.

"Fellow Daoist, seeing that you are also at the early stage of the Golden Core realm, why not join us in our actions?"

Xu Dewen looked at the three Golden Core stage demonic cultivators, his expression thoughtful.

"What, fellow Daoist, are you unwilling?"

The three seemed to be planning a pincer attack.

"Are you all really planning to make a move? If the battle attracts top-tier Golden Core experts, that would be disastrous," Xu Dewen said calmly.

The three of them paused.

Xu Dewen added, "Of course, I am also afraid of death. A group effort is not out of the question, but if you attack me..."

The only one among the three, a burly man in the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, said, "Fellow Daoist, rest assured. Since we are seeking a way out and want to return to the Blackwater Domain alive, we must naturally swear an oath."

"Unite against external forces."

Xu Dewen pondered to himself, "The time when the ancient battlefield, which my grandfather had guessed, would manifest is approaching."

Since he was unsure how to infiltrate the Blackwater Demon Cultivator team, this was a good starting point to make an impression.

Perhaps in a crucial moment, these three people can testify on my behalf.

“Very well, if there is an oath binding me, I will join.”

The four immediately took oaths one by one.

"By the way, fellow Daoist, how should I address you? I am Wang Dahai, this is Brother Zhang Gui, and this is Fellow Daoist Song Xing. The three of us are all independent cultivators."

"What a coincidence, I am also a rogue cultivator, practicing a demonic art of baleful energy."

After a pause, Xu Dewen added, "As for how you address me, my name is Wende, but you may call me whatever you like."

"Fellow Daoist Wen." The three men greeted each other with smiles and clasped their hands in greeting.

And so, Xu Dewen infiltrated the demonic cultivators' ranks.

During this time, he encountered a late-stage Golden Core cultivator. Instead of using a mid-grade magic weapon, he used a low-grade magic weapon to fight him.

After all, one should always be wary of others.

For rogue cultivators in the early and middle stages of the Golden Core realm, mid-grade magic weapons are considered invaluable treasures.

If he dares to reveal two of them, they will surely develop greedy and covetous thoughts.

As for the oath, it is not so strict that there are no loopholes.

The sixth day since the arrival of the Tiannan cultivators.

Xu Mingwei and Xu Deling returned to Dongxi at almost the same time and met outside Dongxi.

"Senior Brother Shen?"

"Junior Sister Lu."

The two Qingyun Sect disciples were surprised when they met.

The key point is that we met in Dongxi.

Seeing the other party's doubt, Shen Fei smiled and said, "I met Fellow Daoist Mingwei during my travels. The two of us sparred for a while, and then we have been traveling together ever since."

“My sister Qingxue is traveling with me, and so is he.” Xu Deling pointed to Zhang Xuanzhi.

"How did it come down to me becoming 'him'?"

Zhang Xuanzhi was speechless.

"Who told you to always hold us back?" Xu Deling said with a smile.

"De Ling, don't be silly. All guests are welcome."

“Yes, Father,” Xu Deling replied.

Lu Qingxue and Zhang Xuanzhi were immediately startled, and then looked at Xu Mingwei.

"Greetings, Uncle." Both men bowed.

"Fellow Daoists, there's no need to be so polite. Just discuss yourselves."

"It's so lively!"

Dongxikou.

Two streaks of light, one red and one blue, flew over and landed in front of the group.

It was Xu Deyue and Ye Fan, a married couple.

"Uncle." Xu Deyue and Ye Fan greeted each other with the respect due to juniors, then looked at Xu Deling and said, "Sister Ling."

"You're back too, what a coincidence," Xu Deling said with a smile.

Ye Fan and Xu Deyue naturally recognized Lu Qingxue and Zhang Xuanzhi, and immediately clasped their hands in greeting, "Fairy Lu, Fellow Daoist Zhang."

The two nodded slightly and then returned the greeting.

Then he was secretly surprised by the power of the Xu family.

"And who is this?" Ye Fan asked, looking at Shen Fei.

Xu Mingwei said, "This is Elder Shen Fei of the Qingyun Sect whom I met outside."

It was another round of nodding acquaintances.

Shen Fei laughed and said, "I didn't expect that such a small place would have all five of the most outstanding talents on the Prodigy Ranking gathered together."

He carefully examined Xu Deyue and Ye Fan, and then said, "Each of them has only been around for a few decades, yet they have grown to this level. I'm afraid that before long, each of them will surpass us older disciples."

Lu Qingxue said, "Senior Brother Shen, why are you so sentimental? You were once a prodigy who had reached the Core Formation stage, but you were just unlucky and missed the Prodigy Gathering."

“No, your generation is different,” Shen Fei said. “Even the generation before that, or even earlier, did not see such rapid improvement in strength.”

The Heavenly Pride Cave has opened, bringing with it a boost of fortune.

It really lives up to its reputation!

Even if it's only a small fraction, far less than during the peak of the ancient era, it's still no small matter.

"Since Senior Brother Shen has returned to the sect safely this time, he will surely be rewarded with a high-grade magic treasure from the sect."

"Then I'll take your kind words, Junior Sister."

"A high-grade magic weapon? Is your Qingyun Sect so short of them?" Xu Deling asked curiously.

"It's not that they lack it, but without special merit, a powerful background, or extraordinary talent, even a Golden Core cultivator at the peak of their cultivation will not be granted it."

Senior Brother Shen

"Among the late-stage Golden Core cultivators in the sect, there are only two who did not receive a high-grade magic weapon as a reward, like me, who have achieved great supernatural powers."

I was one of the unlucky ones.

Shen Fei made a self-deprecating remark.

"Let's go inside and talk."

"Go in?"

Lu Qingxue and the others scanned their surroundings with their divine senses, but found nothing but barren fields.

Just now.

A loud eagle cry rang out.

A streak of purple-blue light rushed towards them from afar.

"What a coincidence, Auntie has arrived too," Xu Deling said with a smile.

A short while later.

The Purple-Blue Thunder Eagle arrived at Dongxi's doorstep.

Upon seeing the crowd, he immediately floated down from Xu Ying's body.

Xu Deling smiled and stepped forward, taking her arm and showing her great affection.

"You guys are faster than me."

Then, Xu Mingshu looked at Lu Qingxue and the others.

Then came another introduction.

Only then did they enter Dongxi.

"This formation is of a high grade. Such a complex formation must have been created by a master of formations," Shen Fei remarked.

Upon entering Dongxi, the first area encountered is a misty zone.

With a flick of his sleeve, Xu Mingwei created a path that parted automatically in front of them.

After walking for about a mile, we finally reached the real Dongxi.

Compared to the chaos outside, this place is undoubtedly a paradise.

"It's rare to find such a peaceful and tranquil place under these circumstances." Shen Fei surveyed the surroundings.

He discovered that many places were protected by restrictions, making it difficult to detect with divine sense.

Even if you stop immediately.

"Unfortunately, it won't last long. The ancient war is over, and we'll have to leave whether we want to or not," Xu Mingwei said calmly.

They were taken to the council hall for a reception.

Lu Qingxue, Shen Fei, and Zhang Xuanzhi all remained silent upon hearing this.

This place is special and cannot be controlled by any single force, much less be discussed by juniors like them.

"Would you gentlemen like to stay at my Xu family's house for a few days?" Xu Mingwei asked.

"I also wish to, but it's probably impossible. The ancient battlefield should open tomorrow, and I will definitely have to go there."

Shen Fei looked at Xu Mingwei, "Fellow Daoist Mingwei, would you also like to enter?"

"I need to assess the situation. You know the predicament of the Xu family. If all the Golden Core cultivators were to enter, it would be extremely dangerous."

Shen Fei nodded. "That's true."

Then, he smiled and said, "However, your Xu family is extraordinary, with many talented people. As long as you break free from this cage, you will surely soar to great heights."

"Thank you for your kind words, Fellow Daoist Shen."

"You are all guests from afar. Why don't you rest today? Tomorrow, you can join my Xu family in entering the ancient battlefield," Xu Mingshu said with a smile.

Shen Fei and Lu Qingxue exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement.

　Thank you to fellow Daoists 【Lonely Carnival】, 【Book Friend 20251228215532556】, 【Meng Mengyu】, and 【White Cat Black Bear】 for their generous donations.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)