40: To be passed down

He slowly raised his right hand, extending his index finger.

A majestic surge of magical power began to gather at his fingertip, and the air hummed softly.

Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan's pupils sharply contracted.

They could clearly feel that the magical power their father was mobilizing at this moment, in its profoundness and refinement, far surpassed their own!

Especially Chen Daoxuan, who was already at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage and thought he had a general understanding of his father's strength.

But at this moment, he realized how terribly wrong he was.

The magical power within his father's body was like an abyss, deep and unfathomable!

This was definitely not something an ordinary Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator could possess!

Soon, the scan was complete, and Chen Xu's gaze settled on an inconspicuous spot on the stone wall.

That was the weakest node where the entire Grand Formation connected to the earth veins, the location of the Formation's eye.

The next moment, he took out a Magical Artifact from his Storage Pouch, infused it with magical power, and with a fierce swing, slashed forward!

"Break!"

A silver sword light instantly shot out from the Magical Artifact!

The next moment, it struck that very spot.

The sword light vanished into the stone wall like a mud ox entering the sea.

The entire valley fell silent.

Chen Tongyuan's face showed a hint of doubt; had he failed?

But just then, a sudden change occurred!

Buzz—the entire thousand-zhang cliff suddenly trembled violently, emitting a humming sound.

Dense golden Talismans began to appear on the surface of the cliff.

These Talismans flowed rapidly like swimming fish, forming a complex Formation diagram.

An ancient aura emanated from the Formation diagram.

Crack... crack... The sound of glass shattering echoed, and cracks appeared on the enormous Formation diagram.

The cracks spread rapidly!

Finally, accompanied by a loud bang, the entire Formation shattered, turning into countless specks of light that dissipated into the air.

The scene before them changed.

The bare cliff disappeared.

In its place was a ten-zhang tall, tightly closed gate.

The gate was ancient and heavy, carved with cloud patterns and exotic beasts, exuding an aura of antiquity.

Next to the gate stood a half-person tall stone stele.

On the stone stele, several large characters were carved in a flowing, vigorous script.

The place where True Person Yueying ascended.

It really was the Immortal Cave of a Golden Core True Person!

Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan looked at this scene, their shock beyond words.

To break through a Golden Core True Person's mountain-protecting Grand Formation with a single sword!

What terrifying strength and insight was this?

Chen Xu ignored his sons' astonished gazes. He walked to the gate, placed his hands on it, and circulated the magical power within his body.

Rumble—the incredibly heavy gate was slowly pushed open by him.

An ancient aura, sealed for a thousand years, rushed out from behind the door.

Behind the gate was a deep, secluded passage, leading to an unknown destination.

"Everyone, come in."

Chen Xu turned back and said, then led the way inside.

Chen Daoxuan, Chen Tongyuan, Chu Xuan, and the others immediately followed.

After everyone had entered, Chen Xu stopped and turned around.

He took out dozens of Formation Flags from his Storage Pouch, formed hand seals, and chanted incantations.

The Formation Flags transformed into streaks of light, flying towards the cave entrance, and were inserted into different positions according to a certain pattern.

He finally cast a spell.

Buzz!

The scene at the cave entrance twisted, light shifted, and the gate and stone stele disappeared again.

It reverted to the appearance of a bare cliff.

The Formation he set up, though not as good as the original concealment Grand Formation!

But it was enough to confuse Cultivators below the Foundation Establishment Stage, more than sufficient for hiding their tracks.

After completing all this, Chen Xu nodded with satisfaction.

"Let's go."

He led the group further along the deep passage.

The passage was very long; after walking for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, a faint light appeared ahead.

Passing through the passage, their vision suddenly opened up.

This was a huge Immortal Cave, several hundred zhang in circumference!

On the surrounding walls, there were hundreds of ever-burning lamps, illuminating the entire Immortal Cave as brightly as day.

The Immortal Cave's furnishings were extremely simple; a stone table and several stone chairs were placed in the center!

And in the corner of the stone hall, seven or eight large wooden chests, taller than a person, were stacked.

The chests were already somewhat decayed, but their original exquisite craftsmanship was still discernible.

Everyone's gaze was immediately drawn to those large chests.

The treasures left by the Golden Core True Person must be inside!

Chen Xu's Divine Sense had already swept over the entire main hall, and after confirming there were no Restrictions or dangers, he walked to the chests.

With a casual wave of his hand, a gust of wind swept past.

The lid of one of the wooden chests was directly blown open.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to the passage of time!

Under Chen Xu's actions, these chests instantly turned into dust!

Chen Xu did not stop, and several more gusts of wind swept past.

Opening all the remaining chests.

Without exception, they all turned into dust.

"Father... this..."

Chen Tongyuan looked at the scattered debris on the ground, his face filled with heartache: "It seems this True Person Yueying must have ascended too long ago, so much so that even his Legacy has vanished with time!"

Chen Daoxuan also sighed!

A slight disappointment was in his eyes!

Chen Xu looked at his sons' expressions, smiled slightly, and said, "Who said there's only this much here?"

He turned around, his gaze directed towards another seemingly unremarkable wall deep within the Immortal Cave.

Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan followed his gaze.

That wall was no different from the other stone walls in the Immortal Cave; it was also grayish-blue rock, covered with the marks of time.

They had already scanned it with their Divine Sense earlier and had not found any abnormalities.

"Father, this wall..."

Chen Daoxuan spoke with confusion.

Chen Xu did not explain, but walked straight over.

He extended his hand and gently tapped the stone wall three times, paused for a moment, then moved to another spot and tapped twice, neither lightly nor heavily.

These taps seemed to follow no pattern, sounding as if done casually.

But at the moment his fifth tap fell, the ground of the entire Immortal Cave trembled slightly.

Then, on that unremarkable stone wall, delicate silver patterns suddenly lit up.

These patterns spread at a visible speed, interconnecting with each other.

They quickly formed a Formation even more complex than the concealment Grand Formation at the cave entrance.

"This... there's actually a Formation within a Formation here!"

Chen Daoxuan exclaimed in shock, his eyes filled with awe.

To perfectly hide a teleportation Formation beneath another Formation, and then use the entire Immortal Cave as a cover, this True Person Yueying's Formation mastery was simply unparalleled.

If not for his father's guidance, even if they had turned this place upside down, they would never have discovered this secret.

Chen Xu formed hand seals, and a pure magical power was injected into the Formation eye.

Amidst a humming sound, the Formation in the center of the wall glowed brightly, slowly rotating!

It eventually formed a silver vortex, taller than a person, emitting soft spatial fluctuations.

"This is the true Legacy of True Person Yueying."

Chen Xu looked back at his astonished sons and the breathless Shadow Guards: "Let's go, stick close to me."

With that, he took the first step into the silver vortex, his figure instantly disappearing.

Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan exchanged glances, both seeing excitement and reverence in each other's eyes, and immediately led the group to follow.

The moment they passed through the teleportation Formation, a Spiritual Qi so dense it was almost liquefied rushed towards them, invigorating everyone.

The scene before them made everyone gasp in unison.

This was no longer a dark Immortal Cave, but a paradise.

A huge valley, several li in circumference, was enveloped by a layer of hazy light, isolating it from the outside world.

Spring reigned year-round in the valley, and a clear stream meandered through, nourishing the entire land.

But what captivated everyone the most was the Medicine Field spread throughout the valley.

Rare Spirit Medicine, difficult to find in the outside world, were planted here like ordinary radishes and cabbages, neatly categorized.

"That's... three-hundred-year-old Golden Sun Grass! The main ingredient for Foundation Establishment Stage Medicinal Pills that enhance Cultivation!"

Chen Tongyuan pointed to a patch of purple flowers, his voice full of surprise.

"And over there, that's Water Cloud Ganoderma! It can refine a Cultivator's Foundation and improve Cultivation Aptitude!"

Chen Daoxuan's gaze was drawn to a white fungus growing on a rock, and his breathing quickened.

Cold Mist Grass, Fire Heart Lotus, Tiger Tooth Vine... As far as the eye could see, almost all were Spirit Medicine over a hundred years old, many of them rare treasures several centuries old, and some even emitted an aura that made Chen Xu feel a stir in his heart.

Those were thousand-year-old Spirit Medicine capable of making even a Golden Core True Person envious!

This was not just a Medicine Garden!

This was clearly a priceless treasure trove!

"Father, we... we're rich!"

Chen Tongyuan's face was flushed with excitement.

Although the Chen Family had a Talisman business and wasn't short on Spirit Stones, many High Grade Spirit Medicine were priceless and hard to find.

With this Medicine Garden, the Chen Family wouldn't have to worry about their Medicinal Pill needs for the next hundred years!

Even Chen Daoxuan, standing by, was utterly astonished.

This was almost identical to the Medicine Garden he had visited with his father before!

"Don't just stand there."

Chen Xu's face also held a satisfied smile: "Dao Xuan, Tongyuan, you two lead the people to start harvesting. Be careful with your technique, don't damage the roots. Chu Xuan, you lead the Shadow Guards to guard the surroundings."

"Yes, Family Head!"

Everyone immediately sprang into action.

Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan carefully harvested the precious Spirit Medicine.

Meanwhile, the Shadow Guards spread out, guarding every corner of the valley, their expressions stern and meticulous.

Chen Xu slowly walked to the center of the valley, to the source of the stream.

There was a small stone platform, and on it, sat a withered skeleton.

The skeleton was dressed in a Daoist robe, maintaining a meditative posture.

It was clearly the owner of this Immortal Cave, True Person Yueying.

Next to his skeleton, a Storage Ring and a Jade Slip lay quietly.

Chen Xu bowed to the skeleton, a gesture of respect for this Senior who had left behind such a rich Legacy.

He picked up the Jade Slip and his Divine Sense probed into it.

A moment later, he put down the Jade Slip, a look of understanding in his eyes.

This True Person Yueying was a Loose Cultivator from a thousand years ago, with a Late Golden Core Stage Cultivation.

He belonged to no sect or faction, and was obsessed with Alchemy and Formations throughout his life.

In his later years, knowing his Lifespan was short, he found this Spiritual Vein, set up numerous Formations, and established this Medicine Garden, hoping to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm here.

Unfortunately, he ultimately failed and ascended here.

In the Jade Slip, besides his life story, there were also detailed records of his lifelong Alchemy insights and Formation experiences.

Both of these things were of extremely high value to the current Chen Family.

Chen Xu picked up the Storage Ring again, and his Divine Sense swept through it; there wasn't much inside.

There were only a few Magical Artifacts and some scattered Materials.

Presumably, most of it had been consumed when he attempted to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm.

However, when he saw a Pill Formula in the corner of the ring, his breathing hitched slightly.

"infant dust pill... so that's how it is."

This was a Medicinal Pill that assisted Core Formation, although it wasn't as Heaven-Defying as the legendary "Purple Restoration Pill."

But it could greatly increase the chances of a Foundation Establishment Perfection Cultivator forming a Golden Core.

Several core main ingredients required in the Pill Formula could all be found in this Spirit Medicine garden!

"It's truly like a pillow arriving just when one is sleepy."

Chen Xu was overjoyed.

He had the System, so Core Formation was just a matter of time.

However, this infant dust pill would be an invaluable treasure for True Person Yuqing, and for the future Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan.

Just then, the familiar System prompt sounded in his mind.

"Ding! Family Mission: Expand Territory has been completed!"

"Mission Reward: Family Luck +500, Family Building [Spirit Gathering Tower] Blueprint x1, Host Cultivation +20 years."

A pure torrent of Cultivation surged into his Dantian, making his already Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment Stage magical power even more solid and profound.

He was pushed a great step closer to the Golden Core barrier.

"Name: Chen Xu"

"Realm: Late Foundation Establishment Stage Great Perfection (100 years of Cultivation)"

"Cultivation Technique: Evergreen Art, Returning Sea Tide Origin Art"

"Skills: Talisman Master, Alchemist"

"Physique: None"

One hundred years of Cultivation! He had already completed two-thirds of the one hundred and fifty years of Cultivation required for Core Formation.

Chen Xu was in a good mood, put away True Person Yueying's relics, and then ordered his men to properly bury the skeleton.

It took several days to harvest the Spirit Medicine.

When the last Spirit Medicine was carefully placed into a Jade Slip, the entire valley was almost emptied.

"Father, all the Spirit Medicine has been harvested, totaling over 1,300 plants, of which 216 are over 300 years old, 43 are over 500 years old, and three are thousand-year Spirit Medicine."

Chen Daoxuan stepped forward to report, his tone still filled with excitement.

"Very good."

Chen Xu nodded in satisfaction: "We have reaped a rich harvest on this trip; let's return."

Everyone returned to the Immortal Cave through the teleportation Formation, Chen Xu removed the Formation, resealed the cave entrance, and erased all traces of their presence.

The green feather boat ascended again, flying out of the Flowing Cloud Mountain Range.

Just as the flying boat had left the basin and traveled for about half an hour, Chen Xu's brow suddenly twitched slightly, and he signaled the flying boat to stop.

"Father?"

Not far away, in the clouds, three streaks of light were flying towards them.

The streaks of light were moving very fast, clearly indicating Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

A moment later, three female Cultivators dressed in sky-blue long dresses appeared before everyone.

The leading woman looked about thirty, with a beautiful face and a calm demeanor, possessing a Foundation Establishment Mid Stage Cultivation.

The two young girls behind her were much younger, looking barely in their early twenties, both at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage Cultivation.

They were also startled when they saw the green feather boat hovering in mid-air, and their faces showed vigilance.

This flying boat was exquisitely crafted and exuded Spiritual Qi, clearly a High Grade flying Magical Artifact!

Those who could afford such a Magical Artifact were certainly not ordinary forces.

The leading female Cultivator's gaze swept over Chen Xu, and after sensing his unfathomable aura, her heart tightened, and she proactively cupped her fists in salute: "Wu Wan of the Wu Family of Houtu Prefecture, greetings, Fellow Daoist."

"We did not intend to offend, merely passing through this place; please grant us passage, Fellow Daoist."

Her attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, clearly indicating her noble origins.

Chen Xu's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and he calmly nodded: "Ninghai Chen Family, Chen Xu. Please proceed."

The Wu Family of Houtu Prefecture, he had some impression of them!

It seemed to be a second-rate Family in Houtu Prefecture, famous for Artifact Refining, with strength similar to the former Wang Family.

Wu Wan's eyes flashed with surprise when she heard the words "Ninghai Chen Family."

She had clearly heard of the Chen Family's recent reputation.

She dared not say more, bowed again, and then led her two younger sisters around the green feather boat, quickly departing.

A brief encounter did not leave much of a ripple in anyone's hearts.

The green feather boat restarted and continued its journey.

In the distance, however, the three female Cultivators of the Wu Family slowed down.

"Sister, is that the Head of the Chen Family of Ninghai, who has been causing such a stir recently? He looks so young, and... and so handsome."

One of the young girls with a slightly round face whispered, her cheeks flushing.

"Don't talk nonsense."

Wu Wan softly reprimanded her, but her eyes also held a hint of contemplation: "This person's aura is as deep and steady as an abyss; I can't discern his true depth at all. The two young people behind him are also Foundation Establishment Cultivators, with solid Foundations and extraordinary bearing. This Chen Family truly lives up to its reputation."

"Yes, yes, the Head of the Chen Family has such a good demeanor, much better than those self-important older brothers."

The other young girl also chimed in.

Wu Wan shook her head, no longer paying attention to her two younger sisters.

She looked back in the direction where the green feather boat had disappeared, wondering what she was thinking... On the green feather boat, Chen Xu did not take the recent encounter to heart.

He opened the System map, his gaze falling on another area of the Flowing Cloud Mountain Range.

There, a golden bird icon was marked.

"Side Mission: Subdue the Golden-Eyed Vulture"

"Mission Description: Deep within the Flowing Cloud Mountain Range, a pair of peak second-Rank Golden-Eyed Vultures reside. These vultures are incredibly fast, and their wings are indestructible, making them excellent mountain-guarding Spirit Beasts. Please capture them alive, Host."

"Mission Reward: Family Luck +200, Beast Taming Experience +30 years, Beast Pen Blueprint x1."

This mission had appeared when they entered the Spirit Medicine garden.

Since it was on the way, Chen Xu naturally had no reason to let it go.

He controlled the flying boat, heading towards the location marked on the map.

Half an hour later, the flying boat landed at the foot of an incredibly steep mountain peak.

This mountain peak was like a sharp sword piercing the clouds!

Above the halfway point, it was all bare cliffs and precipices.

And near the summit, there was a huge vulture's nest, built from unknown vines and giant trees.

"Father, is our target that Golden-Eyed Vulture?"

Chen Daoxuan looked at the eagle's nest and frowned.

"A peak second-Rank Yao Beast is comparable to a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator. Moreover, flying Yao Beasts have an aerial advantage, making them extremely difficult to deal with. The difficulty of capturing them alive is more than ten times higher than killing them."

He analyzed in a deep voice, clearly feeling it was a tricky situation.

"Yes, Father, if we provoke them, we might be in danger."

Chen Tongyuan was also a little worried.

Chen Xu, however, just smiled, his Divine Sense had already silently spread out, enveloping the entire vulture's nest.

A moment later, a hint of unexpected surprise appeared on his face.

"Don't be nervous, there's no great danger."

He retracted his Divine Sense and said in a relaxed tone.

Inside the nest, the pair of Golden-Eyed Vultures were not there!

Only five eagle eggs, each the size of a human head and emitting a faint golden light, lay quietly there.

"Father, do you mean..."

"You two set up the Yin and Yang Lock Spirit Formation here, I'll be back soon."

Chen Xu didn't give them a chance to ask more questions!

Leaving a sentence behind, his Flying Sword flashed with light under his feet, and his whole person had already transformed into a streak of light, clinging to the cliff, flying towards the vulture's nest on the mountaintop.

His movements were as fast as lightning, without causing the slightest magical power fluctuation!

As if he were a shadow merged with the mountain wind.

Seeing this, Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan could only suppress their worries and immediately directed the Shadow Guards.

They took out Formation Flags from their Storage Pouches and began to set up a Formation in the valley.

Chen Xu's figure arrived next to the eagle's nest in a few breaths.

Without the slightest hesitation, his body flickered, and he entered the nest. With a wave of his hand, he collected all five warm eggs into his Storage Ring.

After succeeding, he didn't stay for a moment, immediately returning with his sword.

But just as he had left!

Screech—!

A sharp shriek, full of anger and ferocity, suddenly came from the distant sky, shaking the four fields!

Immediately after, there was another one!

In the clouds at the horizon, two small black dots were rapidly flying towards them at an incredible speed.

They were two golden vultures, each over three zhang in size.

Their feathers shimmered with dazzling luster in the sunlight!

Their eyes were sharp, and the terrifying Demonic Qi emanating from them solidified the air in the entire valley.

They had discovered that their nest had been invaded and their offspring stolen!

"Not good! The Golden-Eyed Vultures are back!"

Chen Tongyuan below paled with shock at the sight.

"Quick! Everyone hide! Prepare the Formation!"

Chen Daoxuan's face was solemn, and he shouted sternly.

But the speed of the two Golden-Eyed Vultures was beyond imagination!

Almost at the instant the shriek sounded, their figures transformed from small black dots on the horizon into two golden storms that blotted out the sky.

Violent Demonic Qi poured down like a mountain flood!

It made everyone's robes flap loudly, and even breathing became difficult.

"Father!"

Chen Tongyuan's face turned pale; he had never felt such violent Demonic Qi.

"The Formation is not yet complete, there's no time!"

Chen Daoxuan's heart sank; he knew the terror of peak second-Rank flying beasts better than his younger brother, especially in this open valley, where the opponent held absolute air superiority.

Once entangled, the consequences would be unimaginable.

These Foundation Establishment Early Stage and Middle Stage Cultivators had no right to intervene in front of Yao Beasts of this Rank.

However, Chen Xu, as the Family Head, showed no panic on his face.

Just as Chen Daoxuan and Chen Tongyuan's hearts were in their throats.

The two Golden-Eyed Vultures attacked simultaneously!

Screech—!

They opened their huge mouths, and countless green wind blades, condensed from demonic power, appeared out of thin air.

They instantly converged into a huge tornado that swept across the heavens and earth, carrying a terrifying might that could cut through all things.

It enveloped Chen Xu from above.

This was precisely the Golden-Eyed Vulture's innate Divine Ability — Golden-Eyed Wind Blades!

Facing an attack powerful enough to level a small mountain.

Chen Xu unhurriedly took out a thick stack of Talismans from his Storage Pouch.