Putting on a hesitant facade, he finally seemed to make a decision, sighing, “I understand nothing is certain. Even if I am confident, I cannot let the Jin family bear unnecessary risks.

How about this: if the Jin family is willing to act, the Zhang family will gift the entire newly discovered spiritual spring from the Secret Realm to the Jin family.”

“You know how precious spiritual spring water is, used to make Bone-Cleansing Spirit Fluid, a highly profitable trade.

Finding spiritual spring water is difficult, let alone an entire stable and intact source.

With this spiritual spring, the Jin family can establish a long-term Bone-Cleansing Spirit Fluid business in Beiling, yielding countless spiritual stones!”

To be honest, Zhang Xia found it painful to offer the spiritual spring.

It was a crucial discovery for the Zhang family in the Secret Realm. What bothered him was that the Qin family had also found one on their own.

Unfortunately, the Qin family’s luck had been exceptional.

Their Bone-Cleansing Spirit Fluid sold better quality at a lower price, forcing Zhang family’s product out of the market.

As a result, Zhang family reluctantly scaled back their Bone-Cleansing Spirit Fluid business.

This was why Zhang Xiao, despite his reluctance, decided to offer such a valuable asset as the spiritual spring.

Zhang Xiao felt the pain but was determined to eradicate the Qin family.

It wasn’t just because of Zhang Li’s death; he was merely a catalyst.

The real reason was that the Qin family’s growth posed a significant threat to the Zhang family’s interests.

With overlapping industries, their competition was causing mutual setbacks.

With the offer of the entire spiritual spring, Zhang Xiao couldn’t be more enticing.

This was only the guaranteed reward; if this plan succeeded.

The Secret Realm by this point, most of the senior elders of the Jin family were already intrigued, seeing real potential in this endeavor.

However, Ancestor Jin, as the head steady himself, he said, “I’d like to hear the final condition from Brother Zhang.”

Zhang Xia was somewhat taken aback by this unattractive display.

Now he understood that the Jin family had sensed his need for their assistance, hence the grand demands.

He relaxed his fist on his knee.

Well, he had prepared three conditions anyway.

If this plan succeeded, what difference did a momentary gain or loss make?

In a composed voice, Zhang Xia stated the last condition, “If Brother Jin helps me kill Qin Wenxuan, I am willing to disclose to the Jin family the whereabouts of Xuanxin Fluid.”

At the mention of Xuanxin Fluid, Ancestor Jin’s calm demeanor evaporated.

He gripped his beard fiercely, nearly jumping up in surprise.

It was widely known that crossing from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core Formation 0was a significant hurdle for cultivators.

Normally, a Foundation Establishment cultivator had three chances to cross, with each successive attempt carrying lower success rates.

Therefore, successfully crossing on the first attempt significantly strengthened a cultivator’s power.

Because of this, treasures like Xuanxin Fluid, which could increase the success rate of Golden Core Formation, were highly sought after by major clans.

Many were willing to go to war for them.

Now, when Zhang Xia suddenly mentioned knowing the location of Xuanxin Fluid, how could Ancestor Jin, who had been stuck at Foundation Establishment for years, not be excited?

Finally abandoning his usual dignified manner, Ancestor Jin stood up and paced a few steps in a circle before facing Zhang Xiao directly. “Brother Zhang, tell me where the Xuanxin Fluid is, and I will agree to deal with the Qin family directly!”

Seeing his excitement, Zhang Xiao finally felt a sense of balance.

The negotiating scales had tipped; now it was Jin Family who was eager.

Leaning back in his chair, Zhang Xiao casually replied, “Brother Jin, this is my third condition. If you help me eliminate Qin Wenxuan, I will definitely disclose the whereabouts of Xuanxin Fluid.”

Annoyed, Ancestor Jin crossed his arms. “Why not now?”

Zhang Xiao smirked. “Brother Jin, if I tell you the location of Xuanxin Fluid now, wouldn’t you rush to find it immediately? How would you have time to assist me with the Qin family matter?”

Zhang Xiao wasn’t stupid.

Such information had to be redeemed only after the task was completed.

After a moment’s thought, Ancestor Jin asked, “Since Brother Zhang knows the whereabouts of Xuanxin Fluid, why not retrieve it yourself? Moreover, what if there isn’t enough Xuanxin Fluid for both clans?”

Understanding his concern, Zhang Xiao responded immediately, “I understand your worries, Brother Jin. To be honest, if I had the strength of Golden Core Formation now, I wouldn’t use the whereabouts of such a treasure as a bargaining chip.

But currently, I am only at mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and with age catching up, Core Formation seems distant.

With the looming threat of the Qin family, I must focus on the present.”

Ancestor Jin nodded, appreciating the honesty.

If Zhang Xiao had the strength of Core Formation and still used Xuanxin Fluid as leverage, it would either mean he was foolish or the information was dubious.

Zhang Xiao continued, “Regarding your concern about insufficient Xuanxin Fluid, if that’s the case, Zhang family will voluntarily withdraw from the competition. If Brother Jin doubts my words, I am willing to swear a solemn oath…”

With that, he actually raised three fingers, prepared to swear by the heavens…

A flash of white light passed, and the covenant was formed.

If Zhang Xiao truly violated his oath, he would suffer the punishment of thunderbolts, losing any chance at the Dao.

“Oh dear, Zhang and Jin families have been friends for generations. How could I not trust Brother Zhang?” Ancestor Jin repeatedly tried to dissuade verbally, but he only started hindering Zhang Xiao physically after the oath was taken.

Zhang Xiao sneered inwardly at the hypocrisy but feigned gratitude on his face. “So, Brother Jin, do you believe me now?”

Ancestor Jin sighed. “Very well, our families are as close as kin. With the Zhang family enduring such humiliation, how can we stand idly by?” His expression turned serious as he clasped his hands. “Jin Mou is willing to accompany Brother Zhang on this journey!”

Seeing the two Ancestor at the head of the hall acting like brothers moved the elders to tears.

They shed tears several times during the conversation.

Afterwards, the Jin family hosted a banquet for Zhang Xiao, who left only after eating and drinking his fill.

After Zhang Xiao left, the singing and dancing ceased.

The elders of the Jin family gathered around the Ancestor and spoke in hushed tones.

“Ancestor, how much of what Zhang Lao Gou said is true and how much is false?”

Another elder remarked, “He dares to swear by the heavenly oath, but isn’t he afraid of being struck by lightning?”

Ancestor Jin chuckled. “What does a heavenly oath matter? His words were ambiguous. Even if it’s a heavenly oath, there are ways to evade it.”

“Why did you agree then?” someone asked, puzzled.

“Why not agree? It’s just a trip to the Qin family. Once there, I will have the final say on how things proceed. Moreover, the Zhang family’s asking price is quite high. If this deal goes through, the profits will be enormous. It’s a guaranteed win.”

Seeing several elders seemingly disdainful of Zhang Xiao, the Ancestor Jin shook his head.

“Don’t underestimate him. Though he seems impulsive and rash, he has some calculations in his heart.

Do you really think he was blinded by his son’s death? The conflict with the Qin family in the secret realm was just child’s play.

But if he really wants to declare war on the Qin family, he lacks a reason.

Not to mention, even the Celestial Bureau could give him a hard time.

Now that his son has died and he is involved with the Qin family, wouldn’t he seize the opportunity to act?

If he raises his banner and pulls in our Jin family, if he can really kill Qin Wenxuan, not to mention anything else, just the Secret Realm would be enough for his family to live well for a long time… “

After listening, everyone showed admiration for their Ancestor.

At this moment, someone mentioned, “What about Xuanxin Fluid…”

The first two things Zhang Xiao mentioned today were still stable, after all, in terms of strength and accumulation, the Jin family was slightly superior to the Zhang family.

But when it came to Xuanxin Fluid, they couldn’t remain calm.

After all, it could increase the pill formation rate by twenty percent!

The Ancestor Jin’s eyes flashed with light, and he snorted, “The news about Xuanxin Fluid should be true.

However, whether the thing is available, whether it can be obtained, and how much there is, Zhang Xiao should have started to play tricks.”

“I just hope he can be a bit sensible and not play too many tricks.

Otherwise, when my Jin family gets angry, it won’t be something the Qin family can handle with these minor conflicts…”

Another day passed.

During these days, Qin Ruqing basically lived in the Shadow residence.

Most of the time, the Ancestor rested with closed eyes, while Qin Ruqing practiced cultivation nearby.

Occasionally, Ancestor Wenxuan would offer a few pointers.

Just like at this moment.

Ancestor sat cross-legged with a reserved sword resting on her knee.

At first glance, the sword appeared plain and unadorned, but upon closer inspection, it shimmered with a subtle brilliance, harboring extraordinary power.

This sword was the Ancestor’s lifebound spirit sword, named “Edgeless”.

Qin Ruqing once asked the Elder why it was called “Edgeless”. Wasn’t a sharp sword better?

Ancestor Wenxuan replied, “An edgeless sword, with the heart as its edge. Only when the person and the sword are one can they be invincible.”

Qin Ruqing didn’t quite understand because she didn’t practice swordsmanship and had no intention of doing so in the future.

Compared to sword techniques and realms, which emphasized skill, she believed more in straightforward and brute strength.

To her, more was more and less was less. A fireball that could create a small crater was weak, but if it could blow up a whole mountain, that was strong.

Qin Ruqing felt that, in comparison, cultivating magic truly suited her personality.

After finishing her practice that day, Qin Ruqing opened her eyes and looked at the Ancestor, who sat with closed eyes in front of her.

Suddenly, she felt that the Ancestor was like an edgeless sword.

As if sensing her gaze, the Ancestor opened his eyes.

Qin Ruqing smiled and looked up at the sky where a golden protective aura shimmered over the Qin family’s territory.

“Ancestor, do you think the Zhang family would really dare to come knocking on our door like this?” she asked.

The Ancestor calmly smiled, “Why wouldn’t they dare? With such a clear and readily available reason, it would be strange if they didn’t.”

Qin Ruqing asked again, “Back in the secret realm, the three families quarreled without any reason, didn’t they?”

The Ancestor replied, “As you said, it was in a secret realm.

How could the outside world intervene in secret realm matters?

Many mysterious disappearances and inexplicable deaths occurred in the secret realms.

If I had truly died there, attributing everything to accidents, even the Celestial Bureau couldn’t say much.”

Qin Ruqing nodded, realizing the truth in his words.

However, she secretly thought that the Celestial Bureau had a lot to manage.

They maintained order in regions and peace among the noble families.

If the Qin family were to become…

Well, that was looking too far ahead. It was better to focus on achieving smaller goals first.

Just as she was about to say something, a loud boom echoed through the sky.

“Qin Wenxuan, come out and face your death!”

Qin Ruqing was startled by the shout and almost jumped up.

She immediately looked in the direction of the Ancestor.

The Ancestor’s eyes narrowed slightly.

She silently gripped the sword on her knee and stood up calmly.

In the next moment, she disappeared from the spot without a trace.