By evening, Yunlan Mountain was shrouded in a light mist.
This stronghold of the Chen Clan, though not as grand as the main peak of the Daoist Sect, exuded warmth everywhere!
In the courtyard, the spirit plants lovingly cultivated by the clan's younger generations were planted. Along the stone paths, materials leftover from alchemy and artifact refining were scattered, with a faint aroma of elixirs and spiritual qi lingering in the air.
Inside the family's main hall, the lights were bright, and the long table crafted from thousand-year nanmu wood was smooth as a mirror, reflecting the figures of everyone present in the hall.
Chen Sheng and Chen Xihua sat together at the head seat.
Chen Sheng wore his usual white daoist robe, his face adorned with a gentle smile.
Chen Xihua, on the other hand, donned his blue sword robe, the sword intent around him compressed to the extreme, yet still unable to conceal the dignity of a Nascent Soul Cultivator.
Beneath the hall, nearly a hundred second-generation members of the Chen Clan stood in neat rows, all wearing matching blue Elder race robes, their eyes filled with reverence towards the head seat, especially when they fell upon Chen Xihua, brimming with excitement and pride!
Old Jiu has actually become a Nascent Soul True Monarch, a stabilizing needle that can elevate the entire family to a Nascent Soul Family!
Of Chen Sheng's one hundred and eight offspring, over nearly three hundred years of cultivation, only thirty-three succumbed to secret realm explorations or family missions, while the remaining seventy-five all achieved Golden Core or Fake Pill Realm.
Among them, Chen Xihai, the current highest cultivated second-generation member, ranked fifty-seventh among his brothers, over ten years younger than Chen Xihua, with an Earth Grade Spiritual Root, is now an Inner Sect Talisman Vein Elder of the Daoist Sect, at the Late-stage Golden Core Cultivation.
He looked at Chen Xihua, eyes full of admiration:
"Ninth Brother, a Nascent Soul True Monarch under three hundred years old, truly brings glory to our family!"
Chen Xixing, Chen Xilong, and several other older members also stepped forward to offer congratulations.
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Chen Xixing had a scholarly demeanor, exuding the steady aura of a Mid-stage Golden Core, while Chen Xilong, with a straightforward personality, also emitted spiritual qi fluctuations reaching Mid-stage Golden Core.
Other members, whether standing or sitting, ranged from Golden Core Early-stage to Fake Pill, each face brimming with joy.
In the past, although the family had Chen Sheng, a Quasi-Tier Four Alchemist, to hold the fort, they were always lacking a Nascent Soul Cultivator to truly oversee things. Now, with Chen Xihua's breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm, at last, there is a genuine "pillar" for the family!
"I used to wonder when Father could become a Tier Four Alchemist to strive for Nascent Soul, and never expected that Ninth Brother would first become a True Monarch!"
The youngest, Chen Xiyang, couldn't help but remark, eliciting a chorus of agreement around him.
"Yes, indeed! With Ninth Brother's breakthrough, our Yunlan Chen Clan is finally a true noble family! Who dares to look down on us now when we step outside?"
The family rare gathered so completely, Chen Xihua also let down his guard from his travels, softly inquiring about the family's situation over the years.
Chen Xixing, who had been managing family affairs for years, smiled as he answered one by one:
"The resources for cultivation among the younger members are adequate, with Father refining batches of Tier Three Elixirs every few years and distributing them. The Daoist Sect has also provided many conveniences, with Outer Disciple slots increased by ten from previous years..."
Overall, the family's development was stable, after all with Chen Sheng as the Daoist Sect's Pill Vein Hall Master, even without reaching Nascent Soul, his prestige was substantial enough that ordinary forces dared not provoke us easily.
But as the conversation went on, the atmosphere in the hall gradually turned heavy.
Chen Xilong hesitated momentarily, then spoke up: "Ninth Brother, although the family has been smooth these years, there is one matter that has been weighing on our minds..."
Chen Xihua furrowed his brows, sensing the anomaly in his Fifteenth Brother's tone: "Speak!"
Chen Xilong's voice held a trace of hoarseness, his gaze sweeping over a member beneath the hall with a sorrowful face:
"It's from a hundred years ago. At the time, the forty-third brother, Xiyu, got into a conflict at the market with people from the Black Water Profound Mansion and was gravely injured by True Monarch Xu's legitimate grandson from Black Water Profound Mansion. He died from his injuries just three days after returning."
At these words, the hall fell into silence instantly. Chen Xiyu's younger brother clenched his fists, his eyes full of hatred:
"That grandson of True Monarch Xu, relying on having Nascent Soul elders to back him up, not only beat someone to death but also arrogantly declared 'Without a Nascent Soul, beating a Chen is beating for free'!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xihua's brows tightened, his gaze involuntarily turned to his father.
Chen Sheng gently nodded, sighed lightly, and supplemented:
"Back then, I sought True Monarch Chong Xu for mediation, but True Monarch Xu from Black Water Profound Mansion was adamant, ultimately offering only some spiritual materials as a token apology, while the perpetrator remained unharmed."
In the past, whenever clan members fell, he could always find a way to avenge them, but faced with a Nascent Soul Cultivator, even as a Quasi-Tier Four Alchemist, he found himself powerless, a regret he has carried for many years.
After listening, a sliver of icy killing intent flashed in Chen Xihua's eyes, a cold snort escaping his lips. Though his voice was soft, it seemed to lower the temperature of the entire chamber by a few degrees:
"Old Ghost Xu of Black Water Profound Mansion... I have noted it down, in a few days, I will go to the Black Water Profound Mansion and seek justice for Xiyu!"
Chen Xixing, upon hearing this, hurriedly stepped forward:
"Ninth Brother, you've just broken through to Nascent Soul. True Monarch Xu of Black Water Profound Mansion has been at early-stage Nascent Soul for many years. If you go rashly..."
Chen Xihua raised a hand to interrupt him, his demeanor brimming with resolve:
"Elder Brother need not say more. I have my own discretion. Xiyu was my brother too, and his vengeance cannot be left unsettled."
His sword intent subtly surged, the edges of his sword robe gleaming with a faint blue light:
"Now that I am a Nascent Soul, I must see whether this Old Ghost Xu can still protect his grandson!"
Looking at his son's determined expression, Chen Sheng couldn't bring himself to counter his son's wishes outright, so he gently nodded, directing his words to Chen Xixing:
"Xixing, follow Xihua's lead."
Witnessing the expressions of the father and son on the main seat, Chen Xixing's worries gradually dissipated, nodding lightly:
"Yes, Father!"
The atmospher in the hall turned heavy again, yet carried an air of anticipation.
The members of the Chen Clan looked at Chen Xihua with eyes full of trust, knowing that with this Nascent Soul True Monarch supporting them, the family's backbone could finally be truly stiffened, and that the blood feud from a century ago finally had a chance to be avenged, to wash away with blood.
...
The evening glow gradually faded, and Yunlan Mountain was shrouded in a layer of soft twilight.
The footsteps outside the inner hall gradually grew sparse, as the second-generation disciples of the Chen Clan departed with excitement and anticipation, leaving only Chen Sheng and Chen Xihua in the main seat.
Chen Xihua looked towards the direction where the crowd had left, retracted his gaze, turned to look at Chen Sheng beside him, and spoke with a touch of concern:
"Father, I heard outside that you have already broken through to Quasi-Tier Four Alchemist. Does the sect now provide resources for Nascent Soul cultivation?"
He deeply understood the difficulty of breaking through to the Nascent Soul. With the support of sect resources, the success rate could be increased significantly.
Chen Sheng picked up the spirit tea on the table, gently took a sip, and as the tea entered his throat, it left a faint aftertaste. He put down the teacup and slowly nodded:
"True Monarch Qian Yuan has already given orders; the Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects in the Daoist Sect Treasure Vault are now fully available to me."
"I plan to first exchange for Primordial Crystal and Heart-Breaking Grass—the Primordial Crystal can be refined into a Primordial Heart Demon Pill, and the Heart-Breaking Grass can be refined into a Heart-Breaking Pill. The two complement each other, providing more assurance against the Heart Demon Tribulation."
He paused, a trace of composure flashing in his eyes:
"As for the Celestial Thunder Tribulation, I can set up a grand array to diffuse the power of the celestial thunder with the help of the array formation, which should not be a big problem."
Hearing this, Chen Xihua nodded slightly, as both father and son tacitly avoided mentioning the "Pill Shattering Tribulation"!
With Chen Sheng's Five Elements Celestial Grade Spiritual Root talent and the deep foundation of Golden Core Perfection, the Pill Shattering Tribulation was merely a natural progression for him, easily overcome even with closed eyes.
However, Chen Xihua recalled the dangers when he broke through his own Heart Demon Tribulation in the Western Wilderness Market, facing the heart demon formed by his obsessions. If not for the External Sword Infant's protection, the danger would have been unpredictable!
Even though his father had cultivated within the Daoist Sect for many years, gaining experience in alchemy and array formation, he lacked the life-and-death struggles, making the Heart Demon Tribulation potentially more perilous than for ordinary cultivators.
Chen Xihua's heart moved slightly, his body leaning forward a bit as his tone became more solemn:
"Father, I won't hide from you. This time, my rapid breakthrough to Nascent Soul was not only due to my own cultivation but also because I obtained an ancient sword dao inheritance in the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven."
As he spoke, he deliberately observed Chen Sheng's expression, seeing only comfort in his father's eyes without the slightest hint of covetousness, feeling more at ease.
"Now that I have become a Nascent Soul Cultivator, I intend to continue this inheritance within the family. On one hand, it can enhance the strength of the family disciples; on the other, it can leave a lasting foundation for the family. What do you think of this idea, Father?"
Chen Xihua's voice was not high, yet it carried consideration for the family's future.
Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng's hand holding the teacup paused slightly, and his brows furrowed gently, not in opposition but with added caution:
"Your intention is commendable, and it brings me comfort as your father."
He put down the teacup, gazing at the heavy night outside the hall, his tone carrying the counsel of someone experienced:
"Regarding the family matters, your elder brother knows the nature of our family disciples better than I do. You can discuss the selection of inheritors with him later."
"However, I must remind you, that the human heart is unpredictable. Even among blood relatives within the family, some may covet opportunities and have hidden agendas. You must be exceedingly careful when choosing."
Possessing the Hundred Generations Book, he naturally would not covet his son's inheritance, but he worried that as the family expanded, some disciples might ruin great matters out of greed.
Chen Xihua heard the concern in his father's words and nodded gently:
"Rest assured, Father. I understand. When selecting inheritors later, I will surely consider their character, talent, and loyalty, ensuring that the inheritance does not fall into the hands of those with improper intentions."
He expressed this transparently, knowing that for a Divinity Transformation Grand Sect, the confidentiality restrictions on inheritance surpassed those of the Three Elements Dao Sect!
After speaking, he raised his hand, taking out a jade scroll from the storage ring. The jade scroll was light blue, with intricate sword patterns engraved on its surface, exuding a faint spiritual aura, evidently not an ordinary object.
He gently placed the jade scroll on the table and pushed it towards Chen Sheng.
Chen Sheng had a moment of curiosity flash in his eyes and reached to pick up the jade scroll, sensing a pure sword qi:
"What is this?"
Chen Xihua explained, his tone carrying a touch of seriousness:
"This is a Tier Five Cultivation Technique from the ancient inheritance—the 'Seven Emotions Sword Scripture.'"
"This scripture can be cultivated up to the mid-stage Divinity Transformation; its core lies in 'entering the sword with emotions, the Wisdom Sword cuts sentimental threads.' During cultivation, one must face their own seven emotions and six desires, perfectly tempering the heart spirit, thus enhancing resistance to heart demons."
"Father, please take it for insight. If you manage to gain understanding, it will certainly benefit you in dealing with the Heart Demon Tribulation."
Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng felt a warmth in his heart, appreciating his son's filial gesture, holding the jade scroll with eyes full of comfort:
"Good, good... I will accept this opportunity and make sure to thank you properly after I break through to Nascent Soul."
Chen Xihua chuckled softly, his tone becoming a bit more relaxed: "What are you saying, Father? Being able to assist you is my duty as your son."
Chen Sheng shifted the conversation back to the matter of the Black Water Profound Mansion, speaking with a touch of advice:
"Right, regarding the Black Water Profound Mansion, you do not need to rush. Now that you have just broken through to Nascent Soul, and your cultivation is not yet fully stabilized, it is not too late to seek justice after becoming familiar with the power of the Nascent Soul Realm."
Understanding his father's concerns, Chen Xihua nodded gently:
"Rest assured, Father. I have my own discretion. Although Old Ghost Xu is a seasoned early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, I may not be defeated. Even in the worst-case scenario, I have means to protect myself and will not fall into danger."
To ease his father's concern, he spoke in a very conservative manner, though he never looked down upon Old Ghost Xu in his heart.
Chen Sheng, hearing this, felt his worries gradually dissipate, knowing that the fall of a Nascent Soul Cultivator was extremely difficult, especially since his son possessed an ancient inheritance with undoubtedly extraordinary means.
He spoke no more, instead raising the teacup and gesturing towards Chen Xihua:
"Come, share another cup with me. It's been long since we had a good talk like this."
Chen Xihua smiled, raised his teacup, and lightly clinked it against his father's cup.