The Immortal Clan begins with deductive intelligence.

Xu Changqing lightly flicked the last bit of paper ash onto the table.

The study returned to silence.

Xu Changqing did not get up, but stared at the small patch of black ash in a daze, the smile on his lips gradually disappearing and turning into deep thought.

"Hundred Beasts Peak... that's a lucrative position, but this kid is incredibly audacious, daring to steal food from spirit beasts. If he does it discreetly, that's fine, but if someone gets hold of it, he might cause trouble right after just starting out."

He thought to himself that the grains eaten by spirit beasts were mostly mixed with some herbs that could improve intelligence and strengthen the body, which would indeed be beneficial to cultivators in the early stages of Qi Refining.

I just hope this kid won't be so greedy and starve the spirit beast.

Thinking of this, Xu Changqing shook his head. His grandchildren would have their own blessings; it would be better to overstep one's bounds.

......

The next morning.

Xu Changqing straightened his clothes and pushed open the door to go out.

Xu Dayou was already waiting in the courtyard. When he saw Xu Changqing come out, he quickly went forward and said in a low voice:

"Clan leader, that Qian Zhenshi has arrived. He's wandering around the fishpond behind the mountain, and he looks rather uneasy. He's saying that our terrain... isn't very suitable."

Xu Changqing's expression remained unchanged. He took the hot towel Xu Dayou handed him, wiped his hands, and said calmly:

"A formation master always needs to have some flaws to show off his skills. If everything goes smoothly, he won't feel at ease taking these 150 spirit stones. Let's go and take a look."

The two walked one after the other through the corridor and headed straight for the back mountain.

Before they even got close, they saw Qian Tong standing on the newly opened fishpond embankment, his compass gleaming with golden light, and his feet treading the steps of Yu.

He walked with a methodical air on the muddy embankment, muttering to himself, his expression extremely solemn.

Xu Changqing paused and observed for a moment, thinking to himself:

"It seems that although Qian Tong is a bit arrogant, his skills are indeed genuine."

Qian Tong seemed to sense the newcomer. He paused, stopped, and turned around. His small eyes swept over Xu Changqing, but he didn't bow. Instead, he pointed to the direction he was standing in and said in a deep voice:

"Clan Chief Xu, the location of these ponds you dug is somewhat off-center. They are located on a broken earth vein, causing the earth's energy to become stagnant. If you set up a spirit-gathering array without clearing the way, the spiritual energy will likely be diminished."

Xu Dayou frowned slightly.

Back then, when the Xu family was stranded on Cangwu Island, they were busy settling down and didn't plan things out carefully. They thought it was because the spiritual energy in Cangwu was sparse, but they didn't expect there to be other hidden dangers.

Qian Tong stroked the few sparse strands of goatee on his chin, and said with a hint of self-satisfaction:

"Since I've taken on this job, I naturally have ways to remedy it, but..."

He paused, then looked at Xu Changqing.

Xu Changqing understood immediately; it turned out to be the lay Buddhist Jiaqian. A warm smile appeared on his face, and he cupped his hands in greeting:

"Master Qian, please speak frankly. Since we are asking you to take action, the Xu family will not be stingy with any requests."

"good!"

Qian Tong didn't stand on ceremony and held up two fingers.

"Two more 'Spirit-Suppressing Stones' need to be buried in the Zhen and Dui positions to suppress the evil energy of the earth veins. Ten catties of 'Water Essence Sand' are also needed to lay at the bottom to draw the spiritual energy of the water veins to the surface. As for the cost of these materials... it will cost an additional forty spirit stones."

Xu Changqing didn't even frown. He simply took out a small bag of spirit stones from his sleeve and tossed it over.

"Forty dollars, as you wish."

Qian Tong caught the money bag and briefly probed it with his divine sense. A genuine smile finally appeared on his solemn face, and his gaze toward Xu Changqing showed a hint of surprise and approval.

This young clan leader may seem to have mediocre cultivation, but his demeanor is that of a straightforward person, saving me the trouble of wasting my breath on an outsider.

"Chief Xu, you're too kind! Since that's the case, I won't hold back any longer. Today, I'll turn this stagnant water into a flowing spring!"

Qian Tong carefully put away the spirit stones, and his aura suddenly changed.

With a wave of his sleeve, two spirit-suppressing stones flew out, followed by a shower of water-essence sand. Then, several apricot-yellow array flags appeared out of thin air. As his hand gestures changed, they transformed into streaks of light, making a series of sharp, thudding sounds as they precisely inserted themselves into the positions around the fishpond.

"rise!"

With a low shout, Qian Tong's compass shone brightly, and a pale white stream of energy spread out from his feet, slowly flowing into the fishpond following the guidance of the array flags.

The once calm water surface suddenly began to ripple.

Xu Changqing stared intently and saw that the fish fry that had just been released seemed to be summoned by something, and they all gathered in the direction of the array flag, happily wagging their tails and breathing in the suddenly rich scent of the water.

"So this is the Spirit Gathering Array..."

Xu Changqing's heart stirred slightly.

He could clearly feel that the faint spiritual energy floating in the surrounding world was being forcibly drawn in by this formation, slowly but continuously.

Although Qian Tong was greedy, his craftsmanship was indeed worth the price.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, fine beads of sweat appeared on Qian Tong's forehead. He stomped his foot and cast the final spell into the ground.

"Certainly!"

As the ripples on the water subsided, the array flags disappeared into the ground.

The air around me seemed fresher, the muddy smell was suppressed and replaced by a faint, refreshing scent.

Qian Tong let out a long sigh, put away the compass, his pale face showing a hint of fatigue, but his expression was quite smug.

"I have successfully completed my mission; the formation is now complete."

He glanced at Xu Changqing, his tone carrying a hint of advice:

"This array is a variant of the 'Minor Spirit Gathering Array,' specifically designed to gather the energy of water and earth. From now on, you only need to replace the spirit stone at the array's core every three years. As long as you prevent anyone from damaging the array's pillars, there will be no major problems."

"Thank you for your guidance, Master. I will remember it."

Xu Changqing bowed and expressed his gratitude.

Xu Dayou couldn't care less about the spirit stones at this moment. He squatted by the pond, scooped up a handful of water, and felt the spiritual energy coming from his fingertips. He was so happy that his eyes disappeared from his grin.

"Amazing! Absolutely amazing! This water feels softer than before!"

Qian Tong ignored the ignorant old man and simply cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Xu Changqing:

"Chief Xu, you're too kind. Now that the matter is settled, I won't bother you any longer. If you need to set up formations again in the future, just come to the market to find me."

This man was decisive; once the money and goods were exchanged, he didn't linger for even a moment longer.

Xu Changqing did not linger and personally escorted him to the ferry.

After the awning boat had sailed away, Xu Dayou smacked his lips and said with some regret:

"Clan leader, this trip cost another 190 spirit stones. Add to that the money spent on fish fry seeds, and our warehouse may not be able to withstand such expenses."

"Spirit stones stored in the warehouse are lifeless objects. Only when they are scattered and transformed into formations, fish fry, and crops in the fields can they become the foundation of our Xu family."

Upon hearing this, Xu Dayou, though still showing some reluctance on his deeply lined old face, knew that the clan chief's words were true.

He could only sigh helplessly, swallow the rest of his words, and tuck his hands into his sleeves.

"Then I'll go and arrange for people to keep an eye on those ponds."

As Xu Changqing watched his departing figure, he felt a great weight lifted from his heart.

Now, with the Spirit Gathering Array nourishing the fish fry inside, clansmen cultivating medicinal fields outside, and the four children joining the sect, the Xu family has finally managed to revive its fortunes.