Becoming an Immortal and Ancestor, Starting from the Clan-protecting Divine Beast

93: Chapter 93 Invitation and Weapon Forging ConferenceTime flew by quickly, and soon a year had passed.

Not long after the Purple Mansion Banquet, Chen Zhuxiao went down the mountain to travel. It has now been almost a year since he left home, and his whereabouts are unknown.

Originally, Chen Fufeng planned to pass the position of Family Head to Chen Zhuxiao after the latter achieved Foundation Establishment, but considering his second son’s future, he ultimately decided against it.

Currently, the only person in the Chen Family who meets the requirements for the next generation’s Family Head is probably Chen Zhuyuan.

However, Chen Zhuyuan follows the Frost Path, making both his Cultivation Technique and cultivation resources harder to find.

Even though the Chen Family is now prosperous, Chen Zhuyuan’s cultivation speed can only be described as average; he is currently only at the Second Layer of Qi Refining.

Chen Zhuhong, who was born on the same day as him, has seen rapid progress. Possessing the Innate Li Fire Dao Body, she broke through three layers immediately upon entering Qi Refining.

In just one year, she advanced from the Fourth Layer of Qi Refining to the Peak of the Qi Refining Fifth Layer. She is currently in secluded cultivation attempting to Breakthrough to the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining and will soon emerge. This is the result of using the Nine Revolutions Spirit Condensation Art.

Such rapid advancement made the other Cultivators of the Chen Family feel ashamed, as it was much more terrifying than Chen Zhuxiao’s progress back then.

”Perhaps the Chen Family will see a heavenly favored daughter who achieves Foundation Establishment before reaching the age of fifteen. In the future, not only Purple Mansion, but even Golden Core is likely within reach.” This was the consensus among most Chen Family Cultivators.

The Chen Family is already a major Purple Mansion clan. Although its mid-tier combat power is clearly insufficient, as long as Yuan Feng, this stabilizing force, is present, the Chen Family will gradually grow stronger, giving birth to more Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators and even Purple Mansion True Persons.

Chen Zhuqing and Jiang Yunlei, these two Chen Family disciples who follow the Taiyin and Taiyang Path, constantly use Spiritual Artifacts to cleanse their Physical Bodies and boost their cultivation speed. Not long ago, they both Broke Through to the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining, entering the Late Stage Qi Refining.

Currently, neither of them is on Luoyun Mountain; they have gone down the mountain to travel, though they haven’t gone as far as Chen Zhuxiao. Their range of travel is still within Liyuan Commandery.

Chen Zhuxiao chose to travel to surrounding commanderies, experiencing the local customs, entering the Mortal World, and using the myriad phenomena of the Mortal World to temper his state of mind and refine his Sword Intent, seeking sublimation.

Chen Zhuqing and the other person were more like a young couple going out for fun, intending to appreciate the scenery throughout Liyuan Commandery, essentially relaxing and enjoying the landscape.

Besides these few, Liu Luojun, who obtained High Grade Spiritual Qi, made remarkable progress, much faster than Chen Zhuyuan. She is currently close to achieving Perfection and will soon enter secluded cultivation to Breakthrough to the Qi Refining Third Layer.

The rest of the Chen Family Cultivators each had their own Opportunities, and with the aid of abundant resources, most achieved Breakthroughs, allowing Yuan Feng to harvest a considerable amount of clan destiny points.

After the Chen Family was promoted to a major Purple Mansion clan, the invisible Luck seemed to have increased significantly. The Spiritual Root Seeds tested this year erupted like a geyser, totaling about twenty, most of whom came from Luoyun City down the mountain.

Some were the descendants of ordinary Mortals, some were the offspring of Loose Cultivators, and others were young members of vassal families affiliated with the Chen Family. To Cultivate higher-grade Cultivation Techniques, they did not hesitate to spend heavily just to remain and practice on Luoyun Mountain.

Chen Fufeng arranged for this batch of Spiritual Root Seeds to be situated halfway up the mountain. Later, several individuals with good conduct and Aptitude would be selected to move onto the mountain and enter the Chen Family’s inner circle.

As the Chen Family grows and expands, rules and regulations must be established, and a system of rewards and punishments is indispensable.

Buildings like the Mission Hall, Law Enforcement Pavilion, and Hundred Arts Pavilion have all been renovated. Currently, various Foundation Establishment Guest Elders temporarily hold the positions of Hall Master and Pavilion Master.

When the number of Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators in the Chen Family reaches a considerable level in the future, these Foundation Establishment Guest Elders can retire.

Based on the Chen Family’s rate of development, it will likely take another twenty or thirty years before the number of Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators forms a certain scale.

”No, when Zhuyun comes out of the Liquan Ruins, I must urge him to marry quickly, preferably having eight or ten children, to strengthen the Main Lineage.” Chen Fufeng rubbed his somewhat swollen eyes, thinking of his eldest son.

As the eldest, he should have the awareness of an eldest son. Continuing the Family line is essential. For a major cultivation clan, the more descendants, the better.

”In two years, it will be time to act upon the statue within the Liquan Town Ruins. Will the Ruins undergo some kind of change then?” Chen Fufeng’s Divine Sense thoughts churned, his fingers tapping the wooden table, his expression shifting between light and shadow. Finally, he could only sigh softly: ”I hope Zhuyun can come out by then.”

A child traveling far causes a mother worry; how could a father not worry when his son has been trapped in the ruins for several years?

Just as Chen Fufeng closed his eyes in contemplation, a rainbow light flew in from outside Luoyun Mountain, revealing a young Cultivator wearing a fiery red Daoist robe embroidered with a crimson great hammer pattern on his chest, emitting the aura of a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator.

”Han Qianjun of the Qi Xuan Sect, entrusted by the Sect Master, has come to visit the Chen Family Head. I hope the Chen Family Head can come out to meet me.”

Chen Fufeng opened his eyes, a look of surprise flashing across them. He hadn’t expected someone from the Qi Xuan Sect to actually seek him out.

This was a major Sect located in Changli Commandery, a large commandery west of Liyuan Commandery. It was a Sect specializing in Artifact Refining, famous even throughout Great Xuan.

It is rumored that the ancestors of the Qi Xuan Sect even produced Artifact Refining Grandmasters of the Golden Core level, who refined immeasurably powerful Golden Core Magic Treasures. Even Golden Core True Monarchs sought out the Qi Xuan Sect to help refine Magic Treasures.

Although the current Qi Xuan Sect has weakened considerably, the Sect’s foundation is not weak. It is several tiers more profound and powerful than the Jieyang Sect, possessing a mighty individual in the False Core realm to stabilize the Sect’s Luck, with the remaining Great True Persons of the Five Dharma Manifestations serving as its facade.

In terms of prestige, the Qi Xuan Sect is not much inferior to the greatly weakened Xuan Yuan Sect. It merely lacks a true Golden Core True Monarch presiding over it, and it even has more Purple Mansion-level Cultivators than the Xuan Yuan Sect.

Coupled with the connections of its Artifact Refiners, the prestige of the Qi Xuan Sect within Xuan Prefecture is second only to the Xuan Yuan Sect.

If the Qi Xuan Sect’s principle wasn’t to focus solely on Artifact Refining and ignore worldly affairs, the Xuan Yuan Sect would have long been unable to sit still and would have moved against the Qi Xuan Sect. The tiger’s couch does not tolerate others sleeping soundly.

Chen Fufeng stood up, opened the Mountain-Protecting Formation, and invited Han Qianjun inside.

”Virtuous Nephew Qianjun is truly talented, already a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator at such a young age. In the future, Purple Mansion is definitely within sight, and Golden Core is a possibility.”

”Haha, Family Head Chen is too polite.” Han Qianjun cupped his hands, smiling, and returned the flattery: ”The Chen Family’s Qilin Son, Chen Zhuxiao, Broke Through to Foundation Establishment before the age of twenty. Moreover, as a Sword Cultivator of the Divine Thunder Path, he will likely be able to challenge the Golden Core True Monarch realm in the future. Qianjun will have to look up to Family Head Chen then.”

The two exchanged words, smiles radiating, appearing quite familiar. Anyone unaware would think they were an uncle and nephew reunited after a long separation.

In the Chen Family’s Deliberation Hall, Chen Fufeng sat in the main seat, took a sip of tea, and asked, ”Virtuous Nephew Qianjun, what brings you here from such a great distance?”

”Entrusted by the Sect Master, I have specially come to invite the Chen Family to attend my Qi Xuan Sect’s triennial Artifact Refining Assembly in Changli Commandery.” As Han Qianjun spoke, he reached out and produced an invitation card. It was entirely black and gold, stamped with a crimson great hammer—the symbol of the Qi Xuan Sect.

”Artifact Refining Assembly?” Chen Fufeng reached out and took the invitation. It had a very strong metallic texture upon handling, yet felt incredibly delicate, like human skin—truly mysterious and divine.

Chen Fufeng had also heard about the Qi Xuan Sect’s Artifact Refining Assembly. Initiated and led by the Qi Xuan Sect, it gathered Artifact Refiners from all over Great Xuan to compete in Artifact Refining techniques and see who could prevail.

The champion of the previous Qi Xuan Sect Artifact Refining Assembly was an Artifact Refining Quasi-Grandmaster of the Five Dharma Manifestations, who used the Golden Nature of a Purple Mansion Grand True Master who failed to Breakthrough to Golden Core as the main material, forging a False Magic Treasure, thus seizing the championship in one fell swoop.

Even if a False Magic Treasure is ’false,’ it is still related to Magic Treasures. Its power far surpasses that of a Spirit Treasure. Under full activation, even a Great True Person of the Five Dharma Manifestations would fall with regret, because this Magical Artifact involves some of the mysteries of the Golden Core.

Purple Mansion Grand True Masters who fail to seek Golden Core turn into a handful of golden ash, generally having no chance of Rebirth.

However, every Perfected Purple Mansion Cultivator who fails to seek Golden Core can condense some Golden Nature, which, although inferior to true Golden Core Essence, already contains some Golden Core profoundness, surpassing Purple Mansion by half a level and capable of producing various incredible effects.

If Yuan Feng could wield a False Magic Treasure-level Golden Cudgel, he could contend with or even suppress a Great True Person of the Five Dharma Manifestations, and he could even exchange blows with a False Core Cultivator.

The later the stage, the greater the boost Magical Artifacts provide to Cultivators. Especially the Life-Bound Magical Artifact, which is the prototype of the future Dao-Attainment Artifact, its importance is self-evident.

However, Yuan Feng follows the Dou Zhan Path, and his strongest weapon is his own demonic body. Whether he has a weapon or not does not affect him too much.

Given the current toughness of his demonic body, he can smash Medium Grade Spiritual Artifacts. Only Spiritual Artifacts of High Grade or above are useful to him.

”Your esteemed clan’s Battle Demon King is a newly ascended Purple Mansion expert with formidable combat power; even a Purple Mansion True Person of the Three Divine Abilities fell with regret. Yet, he lacks a suitable Life-Bound Spiritual Artifact.” Seeing Chen Fufeng remain silent, Han Qianjun spoke, explaining his purpose.

”During this Artifact Refining Assembly, my Sect’s False Core Old Ancestor will personally take action to refine a Magic Treasure for a Golden Core True Monarch. Therefore, the number of Artifact Refiners attending this assembly is the highest in a thousand years.”

”Although my Old Ancestor is only at the False Core stage, his attainment in Artifact Refining has reached the Grandmaster realm. Once the news of him refining a Magic Treasure spreads, countless old monsters of the Artifact Refining Path will come out to observe.”

”Family Head Chen, I presume Qianjun doesn’t need to elaborate further. If the Battle Demon King wishes to refine a Life-Bound Spiritual Artifact, this Artifact Refining Assembly is definitely an extremely rare Opportunity.”

Hearing this, Chen Fufeng put down his teacup and asked again, ”Will people from the Xuan Yuan Sect attend this Artifact Refining Assembly?”

”Family Head Chen, rest assured. True Monarch Slaying Halberd was struck several times by True Monarch Pivot Profound, damaging his Golden Core Origin. The Xuan Yuan Sect is currently in a state of sealed isolation and dare not send anyone outside, as the Xuan Yuan Sect has offended quite a few powers.” Han Qianjun’s tone was ambiguous, seemingly hinting at something.

”In that case, thank you, Virtuous Nephew Qianjun, for delivering the invitation.” Chen Fufeng stood up and subtly handed a Storage Pouch to Han Qianjun. ”This contains a small token of my appreciation. Please don’t be polite, nephew.”

Han Qianjun’s eyes darted around, and he swiftly pocketed the Storage Pouch with lightning speed. He then cupped his hands and said, ”Family Head Chen is too kind. When the Family Head comes to the Qi Xuan Sect, please be sure to find Qianjun. I know several famous Artifact Refining Masters and can introduce them to the Battle Demon King.”

”No problem, no problem. Come, Virtuous Nephew Qianjun, have a drink.” Chen Fufeng raised his teacup and drank it in one gulp.

Soon after, Han Qianjun departed. His goal in coming to Luoyun Mountain had been achieved. As for Yuan Feng’s choice, that was no longer his concern.

Luoyun Mountain’s Back Mountain Cliff.

Chen Fufeng handed the invitation to Yuan Feng and informed him about the Artifact Refining Assembly.

”Go? Why wouldn’t I go? I happen to be missing a suitable Life-Bound Spiritual Artifact.” Yuan Feng paid little attention to the machinations behind the invitation; hard fists were the fundamental truth.

The Storage Rings given by the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, the Great Qi Imperial Family, and the Taiyuan Sect contained many rare Materials, enough for him to forge several Spiritual Artifacts of High Grade quality.

If he found an Artifact Refining Master with formidable Artifact Refining skills, they could even forge a Spirit Treasure, allowing his strength to increase another notch.

Just like that, Yuan Feng and Chen Fufeng agreed on a date. At that time, Yuan Feng would take Chen Fufeng with him to Changli Commandery, which would also count as gaining some experience.

Half a month later, the man and the ape left Luoyun Mountain, traveling through the Great Void toward Changli Commandery, which was millions of miles away.