Chapter 1256: Chapter 1253: Two Core Formations in One Family

“Fellow Daoist Wen, I sincerely apologize. My abilities are limited, and I cannot spare more energy on earning Spirit Stones. With things as they are now, I’m already content.”

“Furthermore, I have been acquainted with Senior Instrument Spirit for many years. I have received countless favors from him, and my ties to the Commerce Association run deep. It would not be appropriate to sever them hastily.”

“As such, I currently have no plans to leave the Sea Tower Chamber of Commerce. If a suitable opportunity arises, I will consider cooperating with the Taiyi Alliance.”

Lu Xuan paused for a moment, then spoke earnestly.

“What a pity. Cultivators like Friend Lu, skilled in logistics and at the Mid-stage Nascent Soul level, are incredibly rare.”

The elder shook his head, his expression tinged with regret.

Faced with Lu Xuan’s refusal, he could only accept it reluctantly.

After all, the other party was a Sword Sect Cultivator and possessed the Mid Nascent Soul Stage Realm. He could only steer the conversation toward the Commerce Association, fearing any displeasure from Lu Xuan.

If Lu Xuan were a Loose Cultivator, it would be easier. There would be countless ways to bring him under the Taiyi Alliance’s banner. However, Lu Xuan held a crucial position within the Sword Sect. Such petty tactics were impossible to employ against him.

As for Lin Beihai, he remained silent throughout the conversation, listening respectfully. His attitude toward Lu Xuan was one of utmost deference.

The two took their leave after spending a brief period in the cave abode, drinking a few cups of Spirit Brew.

Lu Xuan watched their figures disappear into the Sword Qi clouds before turning back to his cave abode. As he did, Wen Wuchen’s earlier words echoed in his mind.

“In the mouths of Taiyi Alliance Cultivators, Senior Instrument Spirit is painted in such a poor light.”

“Is this arrogance inherent to large factions, or do they have ulterior motives regarding Senior Instrument Spirit?”

*He mused inwardly, deciding that he would seek an opportunity to discuss the matter with the Pagoda Instrument Spirit.*

A year passed, and Wen Qian had fully prepared himself and came to find Lu Xuan.

After Lu Xuan broke through to the Mid Nascent Soul Stage, his status rose significantly. Securing a Spirit land within the sect for breakthroughs posed no difficulty.

“Such dense Spiritual Energy!”

Wen Qian sensed the unusual density of Spiritual Energy as he followed Lu Xuan into the Spirit Gathering Array. His previously unperturbed mood showed signs of movement.

In such an environment, the likelihood of a successful breakthrough far surpassed that of a Loose Cultivator’s attempts. This was the essence of sect resources.

“Even in the Wen Family, not even the most talented direct disciples have access to such a peerless array–let alone someone like me, with ordinary aptitude as a collateral relative.”

“No, if I were still in the Wen Family, by now I would have already exhausted my lifespan and turned to dust in the earth. Achieving Core Formation would have been an impossible dream.”

*The thought stirred countless feelings within his heart.*

“Calm your mind and focus on the breakthrough.”

“With me here, you needn’t worry about your safety.”

Lu Xuan’s warm voice reached Wen Qian’s ear, accompanied by a faint clear light that swept over him, instantaneously bringing peace and tranquility to his state of mind.

“Thank you, Senior.”

He gave Lu Xuan a deep bow and entered the center of the array.

More than half an hour later, Wen Qian successfully broke through to Core Formation.

In another Spirit land.

Less than half a year later, Chen Qingshuang emerged, her face brimming with excitement.

“Master, I’ve broken through to the Core Formation Realm!”

Gratitude shone brightly in her expression.

“Congratulations, congratulations. You’re now at the same realm as your senior apprentice brother.”

“It seems I now have two disciples in Core Formation!”

Lu Xuan smiled and offered his congratulations.

“Congratulations, Junior Sister.”

“Congratulations, Senior Sister. I’ll work hard to catch up with my Senior Brother and Senior Sister.”

Li Haotian and Mu Yuanping, who had been waiting outside, both stepped forward to offer their congratulations upon seeing Chen Qingshuang.

Chen Qingshuang’s eyes sparkled as she cheerfully shared her breakthrough experience with Li Haotian.

“Qingshuang, with your Core Formation breakthrough, the Chen Family finally has a successor. You can answer to the Chen Family’s Ancestors now.”

“I’ve heard that Chen Yuqiu, the Chen Family Master, came to the Sword Sect during your preparations for the breakthrough. He wanted to hear the good news firsthand. You should go inform him quickly.”

Lu Xuan reminded her from the side.

“Yes, Master, I understand!”

Chen Qingshuang nodded immediately, summoned her Flying Sword, and sped swiftly toward the Outer Sect.

Her status within the Sword Sect had drastically improved, and she had even arranged a residence for Chen Family Master within the sect.

In the Outer Sect, surrounded by mountains, where cranes gracefully soared through the skies and the atmosphere was breathtaking, the scenery was unparalleled.

Compared to his last visit to the Sword Sect, Chen Yuqiu appeared far more aged, and the diminished vitality in his body was evident.

“I wonder how Qingshuang is doing now. With Senior Lu personally acting as protector, a Core Formation breakthrough shouldn’t be an issue.”

“But no one can guarantee success in breaking through to Core Formation. After all, besides me, the Chen Family hasn’t had a successful Core Formation cultivator for two or three hundred years.”

*Although he had been confident initially, the thought left him restless. He paced back and forth uneasily.*

“Ever since the Primordial Infant Old Ancestor of the Sword Sect, the Chen Family has been in decline for far too long.”

He looked at the unfamiliar surroundings of the Outer Sect and seemed to see the scene of the Chen Family’s exceptionally gifted Old Ancestor cultivating here.

*Through the shifting images, the figure now seemed to converge upon the Chen Family’s current hope–Chen Qingshuang.*

“Old eyes grow dim.”

He instinctively wiped his eyes, and the figure grew clearer and sharper, leaving his hands trembling slightly.

“It’s… it’s Qingshuang.”

Chen Yuqiu murmured to himself, the approaching figure becoming sharper while his vision blurred further.

“Uncle Grandfather, I’ve successfully advanced to Core Formation!”

A crisp, melodious voice entered Chen Yuqiu’s ears, echoing in his mind.

“Good! Good! Good!!”

Chen Yuqiu’s raspy voice erupted, an infinite surge of vitality and heroism welling up within him.

The Chen Family now had a successor!

At this moment, his heart was filled with immense joy.

Until now, Chen Yuqiu had been the Chen Family’s sole Core Formation cultivator, bitterly holding the family together. Although Chen Qingshuang’s apprenticeship under Lu Xuan had significantly improved the family’s reputation in the surrounding regions, such influence was intangible. Ultimately, true strength came from their own capabilities.

With Chen Qingshuang’s successful Core Formation breakthrough–given her youth and status as a direct disciple of a Mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator from the Sword Sect–her future was undoubtedly bright.

“She may even rival the Chen Family’s once-legendary prodigy…”

In his mind’s eye, the figures overlapped, finally settling on Chen Qingshuang’s vivid countenance.

“Since the Old Ancestor’s ascension, the Chen Family has declined year after year, eventually fading out of the Sword Sect. If the Old Ancestor knew, how disappointed would they be?”

“Thankfully, the Old Ancestor still watches over us. At last, we have you, Qingshuang–a brilliant talent fortunate enough to meet a master like Senior Lu. You’ve finally achieved your Core Formation breakthrough.”

Chen Yuqiu’s emotions surged. His expression was complex as he spoke.

“For you to come this far, for the Chen Family to reach this point–it has all been thanks to Senior Lu’s care and assistance.”

“Qingshuang, you must stay by Senior Lu’s side in the future. Serve him well, and handle the trivial matters for him.”

He advised her solemnly.

“Uncle Grandfather, Qingshuang understands.”

Chen Qingshuang nodded firmly as her determination shone in her eyes.

“Uncle Grandfather, now that you’ve come to the Sword Sect, you should stay a little longer. Once I’ve visited Master and consolidated my realm, I’ll take you to see the places where our Old Ancestor once lived.”

Her face softened with a smile, and her voice was gentle.

“Go on then. Don’t worry about this old man.”

Chen Yuqiu gave a slight nod.

Chen Qingshuang immediately summoned her Flying Sword. Sword Qi howled as it carved a graceful arc in the air and disappeared into the horizon.

“She carries traces of the Old Ancestor’s demeanor.”

Chen Yuqiu’s vision blurred once more as the scene faded around him.