Transmission, Ji Yunfan's Shock

Zhang Zhilong had evidently come to his senses as well.

He looked at this clan uncle of his, his expression complicated.

Though he said nothing, Zhang Mingyuan could already clearly sense that inexplicable distance.

For no reason, panic rose in Zhang Mingyuan's heart, and he hurriedly tried to explain.

But before he could speak, Zhou Haifeng beside him had already tugged Zhang Zhilong and said:

"Junior Brother Zhilong, this matter is now settled. Let us return to the sect."

With that, Zhou Haifeng led Zhang Zhilong straight past Zhang Mingyuan.

Zhang Mingyuan wanted to stop them, but Zhou Haifeng forced him back with a sharp glare.

Only after the two figures had completely vanished into the distance did Zhang Mingyuan finally understand what had just happened.

Zhilong... had developed grievances against them.

At that thought, Zhang Mingyuan's heart filled with boundless indignation.

He could not help casting an utterly venomous look toward the distant direction of the Ji Family before reluctantly returning toward Dongming Mountain, where the Zhang Family was located.

Meanwhile.

Ganyang Mountain, Ji Family.

Within the former Guest Reception Hall.

Ji Haoyuan looked at Ji Bochang and, after some thought, said:

"Old Ancestor, although we sent Zhou Haifeng and Zhang Zhilong away this time, we undoubtedly caused them to lose face.

"They will not trouble our Ji Family again in the short term.

"But after enough time has passed, there is no guarantee they will not remember what happened today.

"Especially Zhang Zhilong.

"Although his origins as a Zhang Family descendant may cause a rift between him and the Zhang Family after this incident,

"so long as the Zhang Family is willing to lower its head and appeal to him with sentiment and reason, their relationship may not be impossible to mend.

"By then, once Zhang Zhilong's cultivation rises, today's events may become his reason to act against our Ji Family."

After hearing Ji Haoyuan's analysis, Clan Leader Ji Yunfan immediately showed a trace of worry.

Ji Bochang nodded.

"What you said is correct, Haoyuan. Though our Ji Family has weathered this trouble, we have in truth planted a hidden danger."

"So, I think..."

Ji Haoyuan spoke again.

"Only by raising the overall strength of our Ji Family can we best avoid all future troubles."

At this point, Ji Haoyuan glanced at Ji Yunfan beside him before saying to Ji Bochang:

"Old Ancestor, I believe that cultivation art can be passed on to Yunfan."

"Uh..."

Ji Haoyuan's words immediately stunned Ji Yunfan.

He did not quite understand which cultivation art Ji Haoyuan was referring to.

Ji Bochang had not expected Ji Haoyuan to make such a proposal either.

But after carefully considering it, he immediately nodded.

"Very well.

"However, Yunfan, when the time comes, you must make a Heart Demon Oath, promising not to pass that cultivation art on to anyone else besides yourself.

"Furthermore, from now on, this art may only be passed down for the Clan Leader to cultivate.

"Haoyuan, what do you think?"

"I think that will do."

Ji Haoyuan nodded in agreement.

He understood very well why Ji Bochang was being so cautious.

The Azure Wood Eternal Spring Art truly involved things at the Golden Core level.

In theory, cultivating the Azure Wood Eternal Spring Art gave one a half-percent chance of forming a core through this art.

And no matter what it was, once it involved core formation, even the smallest matter became an enormously significant one.

At that time, those coveting the Ji Family would likely no longer be minor figures like the Zhang Family or Zhang Zhilong.

Even Golden Core True Persons from the Crimson Cloud Sect might be alarmed.

As for why it would only be passed to the Clan Leader, and not to other higher-ups such as the Elders.

The reason was simple.

Too many people meant too many eyes and ears.

Once too many people knew of something, the risk of a leak would greatly increase.

Moreover, among the Elders, no one could guarantee that none of them harbored selfish motives.

If someone secretly passed the cultivation art to one of their own descendants, then the problem would truly become enormous.

The Clan Leader, meanwhile, was the core of a family.

For anyone to hold that position, the first requirement was that in all matters, they put the family's interests first and remain absolutely loyal to the family.

That loyalty had to surpass even that owed to their own direct relatives.

Passing the cultivation art to such a person meant there was basically no need to consider risks such as them deliberately leaking it.

If a day ever came when even the Clan Leader betrayed the family, then that family would essentially have no hope left.

At this moment.

Following Ji Bochang's instructions, Ji Yunfan made an oath that he would not divulge the Azure Wood Eternal Spring Art.

Only then did Ji Bochang look at Ji Haoyuan and say:

"Haoyuan, since this art was created and improved by you, you should be the one to pass it on to Yunfan."

Ji Haoyuan did not refuse upon hearing this.

He understood Ji Bochang's painstaking intentions.

He immediately pointed a finger at Ji Yunfan.

In an instant, all information concerning the Azure Wood Eternal Spring Art flooded into Ji Yunfan's mind.

Once Ji Yunfan had finished reading all the contents in his mind, shock and disbelief immediately appeared on his face.

This cultivation art...

No wonder, no wonder...

No wonder Old Ancestor and Fifth Uncle had been so cautious. It truly was... truly was...

Ji Yunfan could not find words to describe his feelings at this moment.

If he switched to cultivating this art, then even in terms of Foundation Establishment, he might have a twenty-percent chance of success in the future.

Most importantly, switching to the Azure Wood Eternal Spring Art required no overly complicated or lengthy process.

He only needed to convert it step by step, slowly transforming the spiritual power of his original Azure Wood Longevity Art into the spiritual power of the Azure Wood Eternal Spring Art.

Thinking of this, Ji Yunfan looked at Ji Haoyuan with both admiration and gratitude, then deeply bowed to him.

"Yunfan thanks Fifth Uncle for the grace of bestowing this art!"

"No need to be so formal."

Ji Haoyuan raised a hand to help Ji Yunfan up, then smiled.

"Your contributions to our Ji Family over the years have been plain for all to see.

"Both Old Ancestor and I know very well the merit you have earned.

"Focus on cultivating well from here on. Should there be an opportunity in the future, I will secure a Foundation Establishment Pill for you."

This had long been his intention.

If a family relied only on him and Ji Bochang, it certainly would not suffice.

Fresh blood had to rise through the clan in succession.

This was for his own sake, as well as for the continued survival of the entire family.

Therefore.

His promise this time was not empty talk. He truly meant it.

After that.

Ji Haoyuan and Ji Bochang offered Ji Yunfan further encouragement.

Once Ji Yunfan had left, Ji Bochang turned to Ji Haoyuan and asked solemnly:

"Haoyuan, you just said you wanted to secure a Foundation Establishment Pill for Yunfan. Was that true?"

"Indeed."

Ji Haoyuan nodded.

"Old Ancestor, you should also be very clear on the current situation throughout the Crimson Cloud Sect's territory.

"At a time like this, the first thing we must do is raise our family's overall strength by every possible means.

"And no method of strengthening a family is better than having one more Foundation Establishment cultivator."