Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Tier Two Spiritual Land

Of the three men at the table, Xu Fugui currently had the highest cultivation: Sixth Layer Qi Cultivation.

Bai Fengxian was at the Fourth Layer Qi Cultivation.

Lin Changheng’s cultivation was outwardly the lowest, still at the Third Layer Qi Cultivation, but his status as a Pill Master afforded him a certain prestige. Both Xu Fugui and Bai Fengxian still respectfully called him "Brother Lin."

This was even more true now that he had been promoted to a Middle Grade Pill Master.

After downing several jugs of Spirit Wine, the three men finally slowed down and began to chat about the Xu Family’s affairs.

The great expansion into the Wilderness was nearing its end. The results were gratifying, and with the campaign wrapping up, the Upper Sect would soon be bestowing rewards based on merit.

"This time, during the great expansion, our family has reaped enormous rewards. Our foundation has been strengthened considerably, and it’s likely to grow even deeper. There’s a real chance we could become a Foundation Establishment Clan."

Xu Fugui’s face was flushed red. He glanced around warily before suddenly leaning in and whispering.

The hazy look in Lin Changheng and Bai Fengxian’s eyes instantly vanished.

They exchanged a look, their expressions filled with astonishment; clearly, they knew nothing about this. Xu Fugui, on the other hand, had truly broken into the Xu Family’s inner circle. One more step, and he would be part of the upper echelon.

Furthermore, his new father-in-law was said to be an Elder at the Late Stage Qi Cultivation, who had made the decision to marry his daughter to him.

The Xu Family had a clear rule: a cultivation at or above the Eighth Layer Qi Cultivation, or skills at or above the Upper Grade, qualified one to become an Elder.

The Xu Family currently had just over a dozen Elders, making the position one of high status and great authority.

Therefore, they didn’t doubt Xu Fugui’s information.

"Details, details."

The burn scar on Bai Fengxian’s face was still visible, but it was no longer as ghastly, having faded to a more natural skin tone.

"I have to say, the heavens truly favor the Xu Family. While the family’s main force was developing the Tier One Middle Grade Spiritual Land in Juechen Valley, even the secondary exploration team they sent out—the one just going through the motions—made a massive discovery!"

"They stumbled upon a Tier Two Spiritual Land... and have already established a preliminary hold on it," Xu Fugui explained.

"Tier Two?"

The exclamation burst from Bai Fengxian’s mouth, but he quickly clamped a hand over it, not daring to say another word.

Lin Changheng also struggled to hide his astonishment. "A Tier Two Spiritual Land? Possessing just one is enough to serve as the entire foundation of a Foundation Establishment Clan."

’How could the Xu Family be so fortunate?’

After all, the Wilderness was vast and boundless, and the cultivators and clans exploring it were innumerable. For the Xu Family to discover two Spiritual Lands in succession, one of them a Tier Two no less, was truly no easy feat.

This was a treasure that even Foundation Establishment Clans would eye with envy. One misstep in handling it, and the blessing could turn into a curse. In the Cultivation Realm, the law of the jungle was absolute and showed no mercy.

"True."

Xu Fugui clinked cups with them. Noting Old Bai’s shock and Brother Lin’s concern, he smiled and lowered his voice. "Brother Lin, no need to worry. The Xu Family was also shocked and overjoyed, but incredibly anxious. After a meeting that lasted an entire day and night, they finally came to a decision."

"What decision?"

Lin Changheng had a suspicion. ’Could it be...’

Bai Fengxian looked at him expectantly.

"Land offering."

Xu Fugui uttered two words.

’Just as I thought!’

Lin Changheng had been afraid the Xu Family wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to occupy and hold the Tier Two Spiritual Land by force. If an unscrupulous Foundation Establishment Clan decided to intervene, it was entirely possible the Xu Family would become just another Qi Cultivation Clan attacked by Tribulation Cultivators, or even annihilated.

When the potential profits are large enough, what’s a little risk-taking? Some people would sell the very rope used to hang them!

If the Xu Family had really been that short-sighted, falling into a vortex of greed, then their current prosperity and favorable position would have been a mere illusion, ready to shatter at any moment. In that case, he would have had to start planning his own escape.

"Offer the land?"

Bai Fengxian asked, confused.

"I wonder which family they offered it to?" Lin Changheng asked with a curious smile, breathing a sigh of relief.

"They offered it to the Upper Sect," Xu Fugui replied.

"That was definitely the best choice."

Lin Changheng nodded.

As the old saying goes: Master the arts of scholarship and war, then pledge your service to the imperial family.

The Upper Sect organized the expansion; they are the rulers and commanders of this entire endeavor. In this region, the Purple Extreme Sect is the ’emperor,’ so it makes perfect sense for the Xu Family to offer them the Spiritual Land.

Tossing away a hot potato that was far beyond their ability to handle was an extremely wise move for self-preservation.

And they tossed it to the perfect recipient: the Purple Extreme Sect!

Who would dare to interfere? What influence would dare to try any funny business?

"I imagine contacting the Purple Extreme Sect isn’t easy, though. You must have needed an intermediary?"

Lin Changheng had thought of a key point.

It was just like in the mortal world: a commoner couldn’t just approach the emperor to present a treasure. They would need an introduction and a vouching from an official to act as an intermediary.

Xu Fugui nodded repeatedly, looking at Lin Changheng as if he were a prophet. "That’s exactly right. The Ink Alchemist played a crucial role."

With that, everything fell into place...

Mo Zhaoli!

’It must have been her who mediated.’

Over the past two years, Lin Changheng had kept in contact with her, and they had exchanged letters.

She had learned of Lin Changheng’s level in the Alchemy Dao, and she also knew from the Ink Master’s letter that he had obtained the Xu Family’s secret alchemical teachings. Knowing he was on the verge of advancing to Middle Grade, she had sent her congratulations,

She had even mentioned jokingly in her letter that if she needed any alchemy done in the future, she might have to ask for his help.

And now that Lin Changheng had been confirmed as a Middle Grade Pill Master by the Xu Family, the Ink Master would find out sooner or later, even though they weren’t present.

Which was as good as Mo Zhaoli knowing herself.

Then, he would be able to interact with her on equal footing and could try to transition their relationship from simple correspondence to one of mutual exchange.

It might not even be out of the question to ask for her help in collecting some Demon Beast Essence Blood.

After all, she operated on a much higher level, which came with its own inherent advantages.

’I can’t let this connection go to waste.’

’But I’ll need to grasp the timing carefully.’

...

"The Purple Extreme Sect wouldn’t just take it for free, would they?" Bai Fengxian piped up, suddenly sharp. "A sect that large has its reputation to consider. Didn’t they give the Xu Family anything in return? Like a Foundation Establishment Pill?"

Xu Fugui wasn’t sure either. "It’s a possibility... The Xu Family’s contributions during the expansion were significant, but it’s unclear exactly how offering up land is calculated as merit. That’s for the Purple Extreme Sect to decide internally. However, what we can confirm for now is that the Purple Extreme Sect has guaranteed us the use of a Spiritual Land when the time comes for someone to attempt Foundation Establishment."

Generally speaking, for a cultivator at Qi Cultivation Perfection to attempt Foundation Establishment, they must first overcome the three great mountains barring their path: Essence, Qi, and Spirit. This process is known as "breaking the three mountains."

In addition, cultivators usually prepare aids such as Foundation Establishment Pills and Foundation Establishment Spiritual Objects, and they also have requirements for the quality of the Spiritual Land and Spirit Vein.

A Tier Two Spiritual Land and Spirit Vein are considered ideal.

According to Xu Fugui, if someone from the Xu Family needed to attempt Foundation Establishment, the Purple Extreme Sect would provide a suitable Spiritual Land.

Not only would the Spiritual Qi be sufficient, but security would also be guaranteed, removing any fear of disturbances.

This was crucial.

For one, the Xu Family didn’t have its own Tier Two Spirit Vein or Spiritual Land. For another, not every clan was eager to see the Xu Family produce a Foundation Establishment cultivator and rise in status.

After all, there are only so many resources to go around. A new Foundation Establishment Clan would inevitably plunder, encroach upon, and siphon resources from the neighboring Qi Cultivation Clans. Naturally, those clans didn’t want to see that happen;

The established Foundation Establishment Clans felt the same way; they didn’t want another rival clan emerging to carve up the existing pie.

Therefore, while guarding against enemy clans was important, one also had to be wary of one’s own neighbors.