Building a long-lasting family lineage starting with genealogy

Chapter 443 The Transaction, the Ceremony, a Replica of Xu Deling? (8k views, please vote!)

Upon hearing this, Mei Yun's eyes once again showed surprise.

Because his ancestor once said it himself.

The treasure is hidden, obscuring the secrets of heaven. Only a cultivator of the Heavenly Mystery Path at the Integration Realm, who has spent his lifespan to deduce it, can see through its illusions and reveal its true nature.

And his master, a mere mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, was actually able to discover the extraordinary nature of this stone.

"Master, are you trying to trick me?"

"Say what you will, do you know the origin of this stone?" Xu Chuan said with a smile.

Mei Yun shook her head. "I don't know. The ancestor only said that I should establish a dynasty and use the dynasty's fortune to sustain it. Perhaps we can discover some clues in the future."

In other words, perhaps until I die, it will just be an ordinary stone.

"Wait, could it be..."

Xu Chuan had a guess in his mind, and his heart started pounding.

If true, this would be the greatest opportunity and fortune ever encountered on the ancient battlefield.

"No, this shouldn't be an ancestral vein. Even a spiritual vein is at least ten miles long, and the higher the grade, the longer it extends."

How could the ancestral veins of a region be hidden inside a single stone!

Xu Chuan then thought about it again.

Even if it isn't, it should be something related. According to Mei Yun, it seems extremely difficult for it to revive.

Thinking of this, Xu Chuan looked at Mei Yun and asked, "What do you plan to do with it?"

"What does Master think should be done?"

Xu Chuan thought for a moment, "If I'm not mistaken, this might be related to some great treasure. Even if it's just an ordinary stone now, its value is extraordinary."

This stone is yours; your teacher will not take it.

But I hope a deal can be made.

"What deal? This disciple still needs Master's help with the cultivation methods of the Imperial Dynasty."

“One thing at a time, you can listen to the terms first.”

"Please speak, Master."

"My Xu family will do everything in its power to help you achieve Nascent Soul. I'm not afraid to tell you that with the current accumulation and resources of my Xu family, we can help two or three people achieve Nascent Soul with a success rate of 40% to 50%."

But as you know, resources are limited, while my Xu family has many outstanding talents.

A trade-off needs to be made.

Mei Yun fell silent upon hearing this.

A 40-50% Nascent Soul formation rate is a claim that even dominant Nascent Soul forces wouldn't dare to make.

My master really has a lot of secrets.

After a while.

Mei Yun finally said, "Since Master has said so, then let's do as Master says. Actually, I never intended to keep this stone for myself."

The main reason is that I feel my so-called ancestors are not very reliable.

Who knows what schemes an old monster like him might be plotting in secret?

As for blood relatives.

This disciple feels closer to Master.

Xu Chuan smiled and said, "With your lazy nature, you're really not suited for these kinds of things."

"Then the deal is done."

"I will listen to Master." Mei Yun presented the stone, then clasped his hands and said, "Master, then this disciple will take his leave."

Xu Chuan nodded.

After leaving the "Kuru-Rong Academy", Mei Yun breathed a long sigh of relief, "Now I don't have to be so anxious anymore."

"It's more appropriate to leave these brain-intensive tasks to Master."

He laughed and flew towards his own courtyard.

Xu Chuan turned around and stepped into the void, disappearing from sight.

When it reappeared, it was already in "Xu's Grotto Heaven".

Xu Chuan placed the stone under Xu Huai's body.

"Master, this stone..."

"Oh, you can see something special about it?"

Is it special?

Xu Chuan's lips twitched as he listened. "So what do you want to say?"

“Master, Xiao Huai is just curious why you brought in an ordinary stone and left it with me.”

Xu Chuan sighed and said, "Don't worry about the rest. Just let me know if there are any changes in the future."

"Yes, Master!"

Afterwards, Xu Chuan hurriedly left "Xu's Grotto Heaven".

Several days later.

Before they knew it, it was time for the new head of the Xu family to ascend to the throne.

The morning light is faint.

The invited families entered the inner city of Yunxi City with their invitations, and then used their escape lights to head to the Xu residence.

Not long after.

Streaks of light occasionally streaked across the sky.

Whether blue, white, gold, or purple, they all descended their escape lights and revealed their figures when they reached within a few dozen feet of the Xu residence, as a sign of respect.

In a short time.

The cultivators who landed in front of the mansion gate came in an endless stream, their robes fluttering, creating quite a lively scene.

Most of the guests were led by a Golden Core cultivator, followed by two or three Foundation Establishment stage juniors. Their expressions ranged from respectful and curious to slightly reserved as they walked with their elders to the gate of the mansion.

Occasionally, Foundation Establishment families would arrive together, with two Foundation Establishment cultivators walking side by side.

Few Foundation Establishment families received invitations.

Each of these families possesses a strong foundation and has the potential to become a lineage of those skilled in alchemy.

The main gate of the Xu residence was wide open.

Most of the various formations and restrictions that used to harbor deadly dangers have now been deactivated.

Only a few defensive formations and illusion arrays remained operational to prevent any unsuspecting villains from sneaking in during the chaos.

A middle-aged steward stood in front of the gate, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe, with a handsome face and a calm demeanor.

It was Wu Zhuqi, the head steward of the Xu family's foreign affairs.

He stood by the door, holding a jade scroll in his hand.

Behind him, eight Foundation Establishment stage guards stood on either side.

His breathing was steady, his gaze sharp, and his face was full of pride that welled up from the bottom of his heart.

The most eye-catching figures at the entrance are naturally the direct descendants of the Xu family, who are there to greet guests.

Ye Fan, dressed in a crimson brocade robe; Xu Deyue, in a blue palace dress; and Xu Deling, in a crimson-gold fitted outfit.

Whenever guests approached the door, Wu Zhuqi would smile and announce their names.

"The Chen family of Dongcheng District, Deputy City Lord Chen Changge has arrived in person—"

His voice was clear and unhurried.

Yet it was clearly transmitted to the ears of everyone present.

Chen Changge stepped forward with a smile, cupped his fists and greeted them, "Fairy Phoenix Feather, City Lord Ye, Fairy Cold Moon, congratulations! May I ask who will succeed as the head of the family?"
It must be one of you, right?

Xu Deling smiled and said, "I'll keep you in suspense for now; Fellow Daoist Chen will find out soon enough."

Chen Changge's eyes flickered slightly, and he laughed heartily.

The Foundation Establishment juniors following behind him respectfully presented the gift list and congratulatory gifts with both hands.

At the entrance of the Xu residence, servants were already waiting to greet the guests, register them, and then lead them inside.

"The Yan family of Nancheng District, Yan Wujin, and Master Yan Yue have arrived—offering a pair of thousand-year-old Crimson Fire Lingzhi mushrooms and one hundred catties of Jade Marrow!"

"The Lei family of Baiyun Mountain, True Lord Lei Wuji has arrived—offering a scroll of thunder magic, a three-thousand-year-old lightning-struck tree, and a thousand catties of red thunder ore!"

The names of the singers rose and fell, and the list of congratulatory gifts was announced one by one.

The crowd in front of the door listened, occasionally whispering among themselves.

"As expected of the Xu family, all the items they brought out are extraordinary!"

"The inauguration ceremony of the new family head is a grand event that no family dares to neglect!"

Many of the Golden Core cultivators who arrived exchanged a few words with Ye Fan and Xu Deling.

It's mainly about building relationships.

After all, there aren't many late-stage Golden Core cultivators in Canglong Prefecture, while the strength of Ye Fan and his two companions is at least at the late-stage Golden Core level.

As for Xu Deling, he was even able to contend with a powerful expert who had mastered supernatural abilities.

With such combat power, who wouldn't feel awe and respect?

Suddenly, a streak of green light appeared from afar and quickly landed in front of the Xu family's gate.

A sense of oppressive power spread out, but it quickly subsided.

"The Mo family of Yuzhuhai, Mo Zhenjun has arrived with his clan members!"

Xu Deling stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Senior Mo, you've arrived. My Xu family has been waiting for you for a long time."

Mo Wentian stroked his beard and smiled faintly, "It's good that I'm not late, but I'm really curious, I wonder who will succeed Fellow Daoist Kurong."
There seem to be quite a few suitable candidates.

"I imagine Senior Mo would be surprised."

"Then I will look forward to it."

With a smile, Mo Wentian led Mo Tingtao and the other two into the Xu family's gate.

After the guests entered, servants dressed in blue robes respectfully stepped forward.

"Lord Mo, this way."

A servant in blue led them through the many courtyards of the Xu residence, heading towards the venue for today's grand ceremony.

The venue was set up in the Xu family's original martial arts training ground.

The training ground covers a very large area.

At this moment, rows of jade tables had already been erected all around, extending upwards in layers, enough to accommodate thousands of guests.

In the center of the field, to the due north direction, a jade platform three zhang high was erected.

The jade platform is carved from a single piece of white jade, with a warm and lustrous sheen and a subtle, shimmering light.

Beneath the jade platform, a red carpet three zhang wide was laid out, stretching from the front of the platform all the way to the entrance of the martial arts arena. On both sides of the red carpet, every three steps, stood a Foundation Establishment stage guard from the Xu family. Each of them was dressed in black armor, with magical artifacts hanging from their waists, their faces solemn, and their eyes fixed straight ahead.

Several small pavilions and towers were specially arranged around the training ground.

Provided specifically for others to rest.

Between the pavilions, a stream flows gently, and fish swim gracefully.

At this moment, many guests have already taken their seats.

Most of the Golden Elixir cultivators were led to the front row.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators stayed at the back.

Some of the young people looked around curiously, or exchanged a few pleasantries with acquaintances.

"Brother Chen, you've arrived."

"Brother Tang."

The two greeted each other.

"Brother Chen, as a guest elder of the Xu family, do you have any inside information?"

Chen Changge shook his head, "I don't know much more than you do. I only know that there are quite a few more Golden Core cultivators and Foundation Establishment cultivators, and that they are acquainted with the City Lord and Fairy De Ling."

soon.

The other two guest elders of the Xu family, Master Huoyun and Elder Qingya, also arrived and took their seats.

When Mo Wentian arrived, everyone stood up and bowed, saying, "Greetings, True Lord Mo."

"Fellow Daoists, you are too kind."

As time goes by.

More and more people arrived, and the seats were almost full.

Xu Mingwei, Xu Mingyuan, and Xu Mingxuan were also present, their seats second only to Mo Wentian's.

As the auspicious time for the grand ceremony approaches.

The dozens of Golden Elixir Realm cultivators in the front row either closed their eyes to rest or chatted quietly with their neighbors.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators in the back row mostly sat upright, their eyes occasionally glancing at the white jade platform to the north.

Suddenly, a clear and melodious bell rang out from deep within the Xu residence.

The melodious chimes echoed throughout the ceremony venue, their lingering resonance lasting long.

The guests in the hall perked up, knowing that the ceremony was about to begin, and they all stopped talking and turned their eyes toward the high platform.

Seven more chimes rang out, each one more distant and resonant than the last.

As the eighth bell rang, a figure slowly walked through the air from the direction of the inner courtyard of the Xu residence.

He wore a dark brocade robe embroidered with dark gold cloud patterns, and an antique jade pendant hung at his waist.

He walked with a calm and unhurried pace, his aura extremely restrained; one would hardly sense his presence unless seen with one's own eyes.

This person was Xu Chuan.

He landed on the white jade platform, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

"Thank you all for giving me, Xu, face to attend the ceremony of the new head of my Xu family's succession."

"Let's not waste any more words. Let's begin the succession ceremony now."

The words fell.

A middle-aged man appeared on the red carpet, with his guards on both sides bowing in unison.

He walked slowly along the red carpet toward the platform.

The middle-aged man was dressed in a dark blue brocade robe, his hair was tied up in a high bun with a white jade hairpin inserted, his expression was solemn, and his steps were steady.

Who is this person?

"It wasn't Xu Mingxian?!"

"Yes, I thought it would be Fairy Phoenix Feather!"

"Moreover, his strength is only at the Foundation Establishment stage?"

The crowd whispered among themselves.

Mo Wentian looked at Xu Dezhao, his eyes slightly shimmering, "Although he is not a Golden Core cultivator, he is not far from it and should also be on the path of forming a Golden Core through supernatural powers."

Is the Xu family truly a family of exceptional talents?
"Isn't it a bit too much to have supernatural powers and form a golden core?"

Ordinary Golden Core cultivators naturally couldn't discern Xu Dezhao's true strength, simply assuming he was a typical Foundation Establishment cultivator at the peak of his cultivation.

Everyone kept glancing at Xu Dezhao.

Xu Dezhao walked calmly and steadily to the white jade platform, standing shoulder to shoulder with Xu Chuan.

"You must all be curious about who this person is, and why you have never heard of or seen him before."

Xu Chuan glanced at everyone and said, "There's no need for doubt, he is naturally a direct descendant of my Xu family."

At this point, he turned slightly to look at Xu Dezhao.

“Xu Dezhao, my eldest grandson, today I will hand over the responsibility of the head of the Xu family to him.”

"Dezhao, are you ready?"

Xu Dezhao knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Thanks to my grandfather's trust, I am willing to take on the important responsibility of the family head. From now on, I will do my best and dare not slack off."

"It is my duty to strengthen the Xu family!"

Xu Chuan nodded slightly, and the family head's seal appeared out of thin air in his hand, which he handed to Xu Dezhao.

"From this day forward, you are the head of the Xu family. The entire Xu family entrusts their fate to you."

I hope you will maintain integrity, manage your subordinates effectively, and not tarnish the prestigious reputation of the Xu family.

Xu Dezhao held the family head's seal in both hands, kowtowed three times solemnly, and then straightened up. His voice trembled slightly, but every word was clear:

"Grandson will certainly live up to his grandfather's expectations and the expectations of the Xu family ancestors."

Xu Chuan nodded, and with a gentle flick of his right hand, Xu Dezhao was lifted up by a magical force.

At this point, the position of family head has been handed over.

"Congratulations, Patriarch Xu!"

Everyone stood up to offer their congratulations.

"Besides the family head succession ceremony, I would also like to introduce some people to you all."

"Chonghui, come up here."

Xu Chonghui flew to the high platform.

"This young man is named Xu Chonghui, and he is the young master of my Xu family."

"Mingwei, Mingyuan, Mingxuan, you all come up too."

One by one, the Golden Core cultivators flew onto the stage.

"These are all core members of my Xu family, and elders of my Xu family."

Xu Chuan introduced Xu Mingwei and the others to the various forces of the Azure Dragon Prefecture.

As for the Foundation Establishment juniors, there's no need for such hype, since they'll inevitably clash with the younger generation of various factions anyway.

Xu Chuan preferred that their reputation was earned through their own efforts.

"Including True Monarch Ku Rong, there are a total of eleven Golden Core cultivators. Is this the true foundation of the Xu family?!"

"No wonder some people say the Xu family might have originated from a Nascent Soul cultivation family; the rumors aren't unfounded!"

All factions were utterly horrified.

Only Mo Wentian and Yang Qi remained relatively calm.

Since True Monarch Bingqian did not come, he went into seclusion after returning, wanting to comprehend his supernatural powers to perfection before attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

As an elder of this alliance, I will naturally give my full support.

"To thank all fellow Daoists for coming, and to keep you entertained, the Xu family has prepared three battle stages where Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples can go up and spar with each other."

"If the Golden Elixir is activated by intention, that is also acceptable."

"For every match played, a Qi Refining stage cultivator can obtain a superior-grade magic weapon upon winning one match, a fine-grade magic weapon upon winning three matches, and a top-tier magic weapon upon winning five matches. A Foundation Establishment stage cultivator can obtain a top-tier magic weapon upon winning one match, a top-tier defensive magic weapon upon winning three matches, and a top-tier magic weapon set or a one-pattern magic weapon upon winning five matches."

If a Golden Core cultivator is interested, winning a duel will earn them a one-pattern magic weapon. Winning two duels will earn them a two-pattern magic weapon, and winning three duels will earn them a three-pattern magic weapon.

Winning five matches will reward you with a four-patterned magic item.

Each sparring match only allows duels between opponents of the same level.

Rewards can be stacked.

The Xu family obtained far too many demon beast materials; even if every Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment cultivator present received one, it would still be just a drop in the ocean.

Many disciples at the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages were tempted and looked at their elders.

It's harmless for the younger generation to compete.

Therefore, no company would refuse.

But once a Golden Core cultivator makes a move, each Golden Core cultivator will have to think it over carefully.

For example, whether it would be embarrassing.

Soon, three people stepped onto the stage.

One was a Qi Refining cultivator, and the other two were Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Soon, cultivators of the same cultivation level as them came up on stage.

Watching them clash, Xu Chongfei sighed and transmitted his voice to Xu Chongjian, saying, "Ancestor, these rules are too boring. If it's a contest between people of the same realm, wouldn't that be a piece of cake for us?"

What fun would that be?

"This is the best opportunity to see the true potential of each family's disciples. Only a few can fight beyond their cultivation level. If one can win five consecutive matches, they have a chance to become a prodigy."

"If I were to take the stage, I doubt anyone of the same cultivation level would dare to challenge me. Chong Jian, why don't you go and make an appearance, giving them a little shock?"

"Not interested."

"Little Swordsman, this isn't right, it's too cold. Be careful you don't find a partner in the future."

“My brother can inherit our father’s bloodline, and I only need to have a sword by my side. Also,” Xu Chongjian looked at Xu Chongfei, “don’t call me Little Swordsman!”

Xu Chongfei gave an awkward smile.

The Xu family members and their recruited disciples, as well as the children of their vassal families, all participated.

They also wanted to compete with the genius from Tiannan.

People came to fight in droves.

Six or seven people have achieved three consecutive wins.

As for those who have won five consecutive games, none have emerged yet.

After all, each battle was almost seamlessly connected, and they were all contests between people of the same realm. Almost all of them lost because of insufficient magical power and were blasted off the stage.

The group of Golden Core cultivators were watching the spectacle, but none of them actually took to the stage yet.

Before we knew it, it was three-quarters past noon.

Mo Wentian suddenly said, "Watching the younger generation fight is not very interesting. Tingtao, why don't you go up and spar with them?"

"Yes, old man."

Mo Tingtao flew to the center of an empty battle platform, clasped his hands and said, "Mo family, Mo Tingtao, Golden Core Stage 1, would like to ask which fellow Daoist would be so kind as to give me some guidance."

A moment later.

"I'll do it!"

A clear voice rang out.

The words fell.

A crimson light shot up from the crowd, piercing the sky like a streak of fire, and fell straight onto the battle platform.

boom--

As the crimson light dissipated, the figure of a young man was revealed.

He was in his early thirties, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and a handsome face.

He was dressed in a fiery red robe, with flame patterns embroidered on the hem.

As he landed, flames seemed to rise from beneath his feet, only to vanish in an instant.

"So it's Yan Yue, Fellow Daoist Yan."

Mo Tingtao's eyes flashed, and he clasped his hands in a fist and smiled.

Yan Yue returned the greeting with clasped hands, his expression humble: "Please, Fellow Daoist Mo, show mercy."

"Fellow Daoist Yan only formed his core a few years ago, so he's probably still a bit behind Fellow Daoist Mo."

Yan Wujin stroked his beard and smiled faintly, "Let him know that there are people more capable than him, and there is always something beyond his understanding. It will also add some excitement to the ceremony."

"Fellow Daoist Yan, you are very kind." Xu Chuan smiled and looked over upon hearing this.

Many people immediately realized that the Yan family was trying to curry favor with the Xu family.

However, the Yan family had already established itself in Yunxi City, and Yan Wujin had joined the Tianling Sect as a sect elder. Given the current relationship between the two families, this was a normal course of action.

On the battle platform.

Mo Tingtao and Yan Yue stood facing each other, ten feet apart.

"Fellow Daoist Yan, you're too kind." Mo Tingtao still smiled. "Since this is a friendly exchange, let's stop here when we've reached our limit. Please."

As soon as he finished speaking, his aura suddenly changed.

With a flick of his sleeve, a beam of green light flew out from his sleeve and landed in his palm. It was a three-foot-long green sword, with faint ripples of water flowing across its blade.

Yan Yue's gaze sharpened, and he did not hesitate.

With a flick of his right hand, crimson light surged from his palm, and a fiery red longsword appeared.

The blade was blood-red, with flames flickering faintly at the edge.

The two men each wielded their weapons, their imposing presence rising.

The audience below watched intently.

Mo Tingtao's figure blurred, transforming into a streak of green, and he rushed straight towards Yan Yue.

He thrust out his longsword, and spiritual energy surged at the tip, transforming into waves of sword energy that enveloped Yan Yue.

Yan Yue's gaze sharpened, and he stomped his foot hard.

As he retreated rapidly, he slashed out with his Crimson Flame Blade.

The blade flashed, its crimson flames and sword energy blazing like a scorching sun, meeting the layers upon layers of water-like sword energy.

boom--

The collision of water and fire unleashed a violent surge of spiritual energy.

The array around the battle platform lit up instantly, blocking all the aftershocks.

Yan Wujin's gaze narrowed slightly as he looked at Mo Wentian and said, "Senior Mo really values ​​Fellow Daoist Tingtao. That magic weapon is considered a fine piece among low-grade magic weapons."

It's not far from becoming a mid-grade magic weapon.

“Isn’t Fellow Daoist Yan the same?” Mo Wentian’s lips curled up slightly.

at this time.

On the arena.

Mo Tingtao moved again, thrusting out the Qingbo Sword repeatedly.

The sword's momentum was like water, sometimes like a trickle, sometimes like a raging river, unpredictable yet continuous.

Yan Yue drew his sword to meet the attack. As he wielded the Crimson Flame Blade, flames rose and sword energy surged.

He followed a fierce and aggressive style, each strike was wide and powerful.

The two, one water and one fire, one gentle and one strong, fought evenly on the battle stage.

Everyone watched intently.

In the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged more than thirty moves.

Mo Tingtao's swordplay became increasingly dense, with layers of sword energy resembling ripples, gradually enveloping Yan Yue.

Yan Yue gradually felt the pressure.

Although his fiery sword energy was fierce, each time it collided with the water-wave sword energy, it was as if he had cut into a ball of cotton, and his force was dissolved layer by layer, making it difficult to achieve any effect.

In addition, there is attribute advantage/disadvantage.

The situation was very unfavorable for him.

"Water and fire are inherently incompatible, and with Mo Tingtao's magic power being even more profound, Yan Yue will ultimately be at a disadvantage."

A Golden Elixir Immortal offered a low-voiced comment.

Half an hour later.

The Qingbo Sword in Mo Tingtao's hand drew mysterious trajectories in the air.

The sword energy, like ripples on water, gradually coalesced into a torrent that swept towards Yan Yue.

Yan Yue's pupils contracted, he gripped the sword with both hands, and his spiritual power surged wildly within his body.

The flames on the Crimson Flame Blade surged, transforming into a blade of light over ten feet long, which slashed down head-on.

boom--

Amidst a deafening crash, Yan Yue's figure was sent flying backward, landing heavily on the edge of the battle platform, nearly falling off.

Mo Tingtao sheathed his sword and stood still, not pursuing the attack. He clasped his hands and said, "You flatter me. Fellow Daoist Yan's strength is remarkable. I only managed to win by half a move by sheer luck."

"You're too kind, Fellow Daoist." Yan Yue sighed softly and quickly flew back to his seat.

Mo Tingtao clearly intended to continue.

However, there are very few newly promoted Golden Core cultivators in Canglong Mansion, and even fewer who remain at the first level of the Golden Core stage.

"I come."

Xu Mingshu got up from her seat and flew onto the arena.

Many people's pupils constricted slightly.

Their expressions became more serious.

This is simply because Xu Mingshu is an elder of the Xu family.

"Xu Mingshu, the newly promoted Golden Core cultivator of the Xu family, please give me your guidance, Fellow Daoist Mo."

"You're too kind, Fairy Xu!"

Xu Mingxuan smiled and whispered to Xu Mingyuan beside him, "Second brother, fourth sister loves to show off too much."

With her magical power, the magical treasures she possesses, and the spirit beasts she has raised...

Even using only a third of his full power, he could easily overwhelm an early-stage Golden Core cultivator.

“In Canglong Prefecture, my Xu family has no need to fear anyone. If Ming Shu wants to play around, then let her do it. Father didn’t stop her, did he?”

"That's true."

Xu Mingshu wore a crimson fairy dress with dark gold cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, which fluttered like flowing fire with her movements.

Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned only with a simple red jade hairpin, which only accentuated her fair skin and exquisite features.

Ordinary beauties are often delicate and gentle.

Yet, there was a dignified and heroic air about her, like a sword drawn from its sheath, sharp yet not aggressive.

She was truly a woman of unparalleled beauty and talent.

"I have a feeling that this fairy Xu Mingshu is somewhat familiar."

Someone turned their head and their gaze fell on Xu Deling.

Suddenly it dawned on me.

"So she was imitating the Phoenix Feather Fairy!"

Everyone else thought the same, unaware that the opposite was true.

"Fairy Xu, please."

As soon as Mo Tingtao finished speaking, the Qingbo Sword was drawn again.

The sword's blade rippled with water, and it struck with full force from the very first strike.

The Azure Wave Sword transformed into a streak of azure light, with spiritual energy surging at its tip. Layers upon layers of water-like sword energy swept towards Xu Mingshu like a raging torrent.

This sword strike was three times more ferocious than the one he used against Yan Yue.

Xu Mingshu's expression remained unchanged; she simply raised her right hand slightly, palm facing outward, fingers spread wide.

The crimson sleeve slipped down a bit, revealing a section of fair wrist, dazzlingly white in the sunlight.

A dark light surged from her palm, instantly transforming into a small black flag that hovered in front of her.

The small flag was no more than a foot long, its surface as black as ink, with faint dark gold patterns flowing across it, exuding a chilling aura.

"A mid-grade magic weapon?!" someone exclaimed.

“More than that.” Yan Wujin’s eyes narrowed slightly. “This is a four-patterned magic weapon, its power is extraordinary.”

In terms of familiarity with magical artifacts, only Xu Deling was superior to him among those present.

As for Mo Wentian, he simply observed more meticulously using his Nascent Soul divine sense.

Xu Mingshu gently clenched her five fingers.

The small black flag suddenly swelled up, its surface unfurling to become a square foot in diameter.

The dark gold patterns on the flag suddenly lit up, and a huge phantom rushed out from the flag.

It was a black-scaled dragon crocodile, several dozen feet long, its entire body covered in jet-black scales, its huge mouth open, revealing its menacing fangs.

The black-scaled dragon crocodile phantom roared to the sky, and an invisible pressure spread out, causing even his water-wave sword energy to pause.

The next instant, the phantom of the dragon crocodile swooped down.

Its massive maw opened wide, swallowing the layers upon layers of sword energy into its belly in one gulp.

boom--

The sword energy exploded inside the dragon crocodile's belly, but only caused the phantom to sway slightly before falling silent.

Mo Tingtao's expression changed drastically. Without thinking, he retreated rapidly, wielding the Qingbo Sword repeatedly.

A torrent of sword energy poured out like a rainstorm.

However, the black-scaled dragon crocodile phantom seemed to enter an empty space, allowing the sword energy to strike its body. Only specks of dark light splashed on its scales, but it remained completely unharmed.

"The essence of a late-stage, third-tier Black Scaled Crocodile!" Mo Wentian looked at Xu Deling and said, "That flag was crafted by you, Fairy Phoenix Feather, wasn't it?"

"It's just my humble work; I hope Senior Mo will forgive my poor writing."

Yan Wujin smiled bitterly: "Sect Master, if this is your humble work, it would truly make this old man lose all face. With a late-stage third-tier Black Scaled Crocodile as the flag soul."

It's extremely rare to find a mid-grade magic weapon that surpasses its power.

Lei Wuji examined the dragon-crocodile's spirit for a moment, then sighed, "This dragon-crocodile was probably a near-peak third-tier demon beast in its previous life."

Even if Lei goes all out, it will probably take him a great deal of effort to take him down.

The expressions of the group of Golden Core cultivators changed slightly.

At this point, the situation on the battle platform had become one-sided.

The black-scaled dragon crocodile phantom charged wildly, forcing Mo Tingtao to retreat repeatedly.

The sword energy of the Qingbo Sword could not cause much damage to it.

He gritted his teeth, wanting to change his tactics, but the phantom of the dragon crocodile had already pounced in front of him, its giant claws slamming down.

Mo Tingtao parried with his sword, and with a deafening roar, he was sent flying backward, nearly falling off the battle platform.

Before he could even regain his footing, the phantom of the dragon crocodile had already caught up, its massive jaws wide open, aimed at his head.

Mo Tingtao's face turned deathly pale.

Xu Mingshu stopped the Black Scaled Crocodile in time.

It slowly flew back to Xu Mingshu's side.

"With such a magical treasure, even against a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, one can remain invincible," someone remarked.

"admit!"

Mo Tingtao sighed softly, clasped his hands and looked over, "Xu Xianzi's magic weapon is wondrous, I am no match for it."

After saying this, he stepped down from the arena.

Xu Mingshu nodded slightly, not minding, and then said, "Fellow Daoists below the mid-stage of Golden Core, if you are interested, you are welcome to come up and have a match."

With a calm expression, he said, "Fellow Daoist Mo's swordsmanship is exquisite; you flatter me."

His tone was indifferent, as if the crushing defeat he had just delivered was nothing more than a casual gesture.

Mo Tingtao gave a wry smile, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Fairy Xu's magic power is profound and her magic treasures are extraordinary. I, Mo, am completely convinced of my defeat."

A young man beside Lei Wuji seemed to be interested.

"If you are interested, you are welcome to go up and have a friendly spar. It will also help you break through the mid-stage bottleneck."

"Yes, Elder."

Lei Yunpeng has been stuck at the peak of the early Golden Core stage for over twenty years.

He possessed a superior-grade magic weapon that his grandfather had commissioned Yan Zhenzhen to refine at great expense.

Now, this superior magic weapon has become his natal magic weapon.

Although he was only at the early stage of the Golden Core realm, he could still unleash four or five tenths of his power by utilizing the characteristics of his own spiritual body.

Lei Yunpeng flew to the battle platform.

He cupped his hands in greeting to Xu Mingshu and said, "Lei Yunpeng of the Lei family, please enlighten me, Fairy Xu!"

"Fellow Daoist Lei, please."

Her voice was clear and melodious, showing no sign of fear.

Without wasting words, Lei Yunpeng flipped his right hand, and lightning surged in his palm.

A purple light surged from his palm, instantly transforming into a long spear.

The spear was entirely purple-gold, with lightning crackling at its tip and a faint rumbling sound. Intricate lightning patterns were engraved on the shaft, which were now lighting up one by one as his spiritual energy flowed.

A top-grade magic weapon – the "Purple Thunder Spear"!
The moment this spear was unleashed, the expressions of many Golden Core cultivators in the arena changed.

"A top-grade magic weapon?!"

Many people looked at Lei Wuji.

The fact that the Lei family bestowed a top-grade magic weapon upon this son shows how much they valued Lei Yunpeng.

Please don't misunderstand.

Lei Wuji explained with a smile, "This was made by Yunpeng's grandfather, Elder Yunshan of our clan, who asked Yan Zhenzhenjun to help refine it after he had obtained it from several of his fortuitous encounters."

"It is so."

Everyone suddenly realized.

(End of this chapter)