Everyone Has Their Own Plans

"The Vast Mountain Range is high and deep, with treacherous terrain. The mountains are filled with poisonous miasma, teeming with insects and snakes, and frequented by Demonic Beasts. Even the outer regions pose a danger to me.

Do you truly intend to personally venture into the mountains to hunt Ice Rabbits and gather Ice-Cold Purple Ganoderma?" Xu Zhiyuan asked, squinting as he gazed at the blood-red sunset rapidly sinking in the west.

"Without experiencing the tempering of life and death, even if I receive medicinal assistance to break through bottlenecks and eventually reach the Ninth Rank and become a Grandmaster, I fear I will be stuck at the Ninth Rank," Xu Shixiong said.

"Good, you are indeed my Xu Zhiyuan's grandson!" Xu Zhiyuan abruptly opened his narrowed eyes.

"Grandfather, rest assured, one day, your grandson will surpass the Ninth Rank and live up to your expectations," Xu Shixiong said with confidence.

Xu Zhiyuan's eyes showed relief, but then he seemed to recall something, and his expression dimmed slightly.

"It's a pity you don't have immortal roots. Otherwise, even if I had to offer up the family's inherited foundation, I would still seek a spot for you in an immortal sect."

"As long as I become a Grandmaster, I can still fight against a Cultivator," Xu Shixiong said proudly.

A newborn calf fears no tiger!

But how could you know that immortals and mortals are ultimately different!

Xu Zhiyuan's lips curled into a bitter smile. His eyes narrowed again as he gazed intently at the sunset, which was about to completely disappear behind the western mountains, lost in thought.

"The Lin and Ding families, along with the Hegemon Blade Sect, have become increasingly rampant in their actions. They've even slandered us, accusing us of killing the Wu Family Fortress's lord. Must you truly continue to let them act with impunity?" Xu Shixiong asked.

"No rush. The Lin and Ding families and the Hegemon Blade Sect have been established and operating in Li City for many years. Although they don't have a Grandmaster overseeing them, they have many clan members and disciples, including quite a few powerful Great Martial Masters. If they were to unite and target our Xu Family together, with my current condition, the best outcome would be mutual destruction.

Let's wait another half year to a year. That fruit should ripen by then. Once I consume one, I can fully recover my vital energy and strength.

And when you return from the Vast Mountain Range, if you can advance to the Eighth Rank, and then temper yourself for another half year to a year, and consume that fruit, with your talent and foundation, you'll have at least a fifty to sixty percent chance of breaking through to the Grandmaster realm in one go.

Once that happens, with our Xu Family having two Grandmasters, it will be much easier to deal with those three families. For now, let them continue to frolic." Xu Zhiyuan said.

"Your grandson understands," Xu Shixiong replied respectfully.

Hegemon Blade Sect.

Secret Chamber.

Seated as guests and hosts were Gong Zhonghou, the Sect Master of the Hegemon Blade Sect; Lin Zhaonan, the Head of the Lin Family; and Ding Bangcheng, the Head of the Ding Family – the three major powers of Li City.

"The Xu Family attacked and killed Wu Yueli a few months ago, and in the past few days, they've issued conscription orders, recruiting Great Martial Masters who are close to us. This is simply too much! I wish I could rise up today and destroy the Xu Family," Lin Zhaonan said, his face filled with anger.

"No matter how old Xu Zhiyuan is, he is still a Grandmaster. Even if the three of us attacked him together, we wouldn't be his match. We have endured for so many years; there's no need to rush this. It won't be too late to destroy the Xu Family after Chu Shan descends the mountain for his trials," Ding Bangcheng said.

"Are there any updates on Chu Shan?" Lin Zhaonan asked, suppressing his anger. As he spoke, his eyes turned towards Gong Zhonghou, the Sect Master of the Hegemon Blade Sect.

"I invited you here today to discuss Ding Chushan's matter," Gong Zhonghou said.

"Brother Gong, please speak," Lin Zhaonan and Ding Bangcheng immediately straightened their backs, their eyes fixed intently on Gong Zhonghou.

"A few days ago, I secretly went to the Myriad Spiral Mountain Spirit Blade Sect alone with a token and met with Chu Shan. Chu Shan has now cultivated to the Second Layer of Qi Refining.

However, he has little seniority or background in the sect. With his talent, if he continues to stay in the sect, he'll likely only be able to stay in the outer sect, manage Spirit Fields, and cultivate slowly, building up his seniority.

If that's the case, let alone the Foundation Establishment Stage, even the mid-to-late stages of Qi Refining are unlikely. Therefore, Chu Shan plans to report to the outer sect steward after harvesting this season's Spirit Grain and apply for worldly trials and development." Gong Zhonghou said.

"This is perfect. Once Chu Shan returns to Li City, we will destroy the Xu Family, integrate all forces and resources in and around Li City, and fully support his cultivation.

As long as Chu Shan achieves success in his cultivation, our descendants will have hope of entering the path of cultivation, and all our efforts will be worthwhile," Ding Bangcheng said.

"That's right, that's right. Brother Gong, didn't you say that according to your sect's inherited Art of Geomancy from the Spirit Blade Sect, the earth energy behind the Xu Family's mountain suddenly became active this year, suggesting the possibility of a Spirit Vein flowing through it?

If that's truly the case, once we destroy the Xu Family, we can open up Spirit Fields there, and Chu Shan won't have to worry about cultivation resources," Lin Zhaonan said.

To counter the Xu Family and prevent being defeated one by one, the three families had a tradition of intermarriage.

Ding Chushan was Ding Bangcheng's legitimate grandson and Lin Zhaonan's legitimate grandson-in-law.

Furthermore, Ding Chushan's parents were direct disciples of Gong Zhonghou, making them his grand-disciples.

It could be said that Ding Chushan alone connected the interests of the three families.

"Regarding the matter of destroying the Xu Family, do not think that you can be at ease just because Chu Shan will be involved. In the world of cultivation, the Second Layer of Qi Refining is only considered the most basic level of cultivator, with limited magical power and restricted spells.

If we martial cultivators are prepared, let alone a Ninth Rank minor Grandmaster, even the three of us might not be a match for Chu Shan.

However, cultivators have unpredictable methods and can use external items like Talismans and Magic Items to unleash powerful killing moves. If a Grandmaster is unaware beforehand and unprepared, killing him is not difficult.

Therefore, Chu Shan's matter must be kept strictly confidential, without a single leak. Otherwise, if Xu Zhiyuan becomes wary, the situation will become troublesome," Gong Zhonghou said with a serious expression.

"Brother Gong, rest assured. Regarding Chu Shan's entry into the Spirit Blade Sect to cultivate, up to now, only the three of us and his parents know. Everyone else, even the clan elders, are completely unaware!" Ding Bangcheng said solemnly.

Ji Family.

In a study room, ancient and filled with a faint scent of medicinal herbs.

Ji Yuanzhen, the Ji Family's Ancestor, held a sandalwood box, looking at the six pills resting quietly inside. His hands trembled slightly, and his expression was filled with excitement.

"Good, good! You are truly the unparalleled alchemy genius of my Ji Family! This Phoenix Cry Pill, which has been lost for who knows how many years, has actually been refined by you!

It's a pity that the medicinal ingredients for refining the Phoenix Cry Pill are extremely precious and cannot be refined in large quantities. Moreover, the current situation in Li City is chaotic, preventing my Ji Family from developing peacefully. Otherwise, with the assistance of this pill, how could we fail to restore my Ji Family's former glory!" the Ji Family Ancestor said, a mix of joy and emotion in his voice.

"Since the situation in Li City is chaotic, why don't we relocate elsewhere?" Ji Wenyue said.

"The Ji Family is vast and has been cultivating in Li City for many years. How can it be easy to relocate elsewhere? Moreover, a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake. If we were to move elsewhere and start anew, who knows how much blood my Ji Family disciples would have to shed to establish a foothold."

"Let's just take it as it comes. We businessmen believe in harmony for prosperity. If the situation in Li City truly drags our Ji Family into it, we might have to relocate."

After speaking, Ji Yuanzhen took out a Phoenix Cry Pill from the sandalwood box.

"This Phoenix Cry Pill is for you. Cultivate diligently and replenish your strength these days. After about half a year to a year, take this pill. With your age and martial talent, you might have a chance to break through the Sixth-Rank bottleneck and become a Sixth-Rank Great Martial Master."

"Granddaughter needs one more," Ji Wenyue said after receiving the Phoenix Cry Pill, hesitating slightly.

"You girl, although your contributions are immense, you can't be so greedy. Besides, one Phoenix Cry Pill is enough; taking more won't have much effect," Ji Yuanzhen said.

"Granddaughter understands," Ji Wenyue replied.

"Are you planning to give it to your savior?" Ji Yuanzhen's expression changed slightly.

There weren't many outstanding disciples among the Ji Family's descendants. Although Ji Yuanzhen had relinquished the position of Patriarch, he was still the one truly managing the family affairs.

In less than a year, Ji Wenyue had withdrawn a large amount of money and medicine for Xia Daoming, which naturally did not escape Ji Yuanzhen's notice.

He had privately summoned Ji Wenyue and, after inquiring, learned that the man was her savior.

Since he was her savior, Ji Yuanzhen didn't pry further.

However, the Phoenix Cry Pill was no small matter. Now that Ji Wenyue wanted to give one to Xia Daoming, Ji Yuanzhen was finally a little unsettled.

"Yes, Grandfather," Ji Wenyue replied.

"Although that person saved your life, you've already given him more than enough over the past six months. It's enough to make a Sixth-Rank Great Martial Master serve our Ji Family.

This Phoenix Cry Pill is extraordinary. It consumed almost all the precious medicinal materials our Ji Family had collected for many years to refine these six pills. We cannot give another one to him," Ji Yuanzhen said, shaking his head.

"If that's the case, then Granddaughter will take her leave." Seeing that her grandfather disagreed, Ji Wenyue didn't insist. She bowed slightly and turned to leave.

"Come back!" Seeing Ji Wenyue so decisive, Ji Yuanzhen's heart stirred, and he called out to her.

"Does Grandfather have anything else?" Ji Wenyue turned and asked.

"Are you planning to give your own Phoenix Cry Pill to that person?" Ji Yuanzhen asked.

Ji Wenyue lowered her head and remained silent.

"You..." Ji Yuanzhen pointed at Ji Wenyue, showing his disappointment.

"Without Big Brother Xia, I wouldn't be here, and he's a true gentleman! He's twenty-five now, and he can't afford to delay his martial arts any longer. Granddaughter is only eighteen this year, so delaying for a year or two before breaking through won't have much impact," Ji Wenyue said, looking up.

Her gaze was firm.

"Fine, take another Phoenix Cry Pill," Ji Yuanzhen said, looking at Ji Wenyue's determined expression, his voice filled with helplessness.

"Thank you, Grandfather! I knew Grandfather loved Yue'er the most!" Hearing this, Ji Wenyue happily stepped forward, grabbed her grandfather's arm, and gently shook it.

"Alright, alright. But I must solemnly tell you, as the unparalleled alchemy genius of the Ji Family, your fate is tied to the rise and fall of our family. In the future, you can only marry a son-in-law into the family; you can never marry out.

As for your Big Brother Xia, since he saved your life, it's right for you to repay him generously, but you are absolutely forbidden from having any other entanglements, unless he is willing to marry into our Ji Family!" Ji Yuanzhen said with a serious expression.

"I know, Grandfather. I'm still young!" Ji Wenyue said, her face slightly flushed, a complex look flashing in her deep eyes.

"Eighteen years old is not young anymore!" Ji Yuanzhen said, a hint of worry hidden in his old eyes.

Recently, many forces had come to propose marriage, including even the Xu, Lin, and Ding families, as well as the Hegemon Blade Sect.

Fortunately, the people who came to propose from the four major forces were not the ones in charge, so Ji Yuanzhen was able to turn them down.

When the heads of those four forces or their sect leaders came to propose, the situation would become tricky.

Ji Yuanzhen was temporarily suppressing these matters, not wanting to distract Ji Wenyue.

Today's update is complete.