Looking at the third-tier and fifth-tier cultivation techniques in his hands, Chu Tianyang immediately made a decision. The third-tier technique would be cultivated by all the elders, while he and the family head Chu Jingyue would practice the fifth-tier technique, the Azure Cloud Art. After all, a fifth-tier technique was far too precious—if word got out, it would surely bring calamity upon the Chu family!
"Once the elders reach the third-tier Martial Master realm, they can switch to the fifth-tier technique!" Chu Tianyang began making arrangements. As the family ancestor, he rarely involved himself in daily affairs, but with the family in ruins and the head Chu Jingyue severely injured, he had no choice but to take charge personally.
After taking stock, Chu Tianyang felt a heavy weight in his heart. The Chu family, which once numbered over seven thousand, had been reduced to just over three thousand members.
"Jingyue, immediately distribute all the medicinal herbs and pills obtained from the Ma family to treat the wounded. Hold nothing back—we must ensure the safety of our remaining members!" Chu Tianyang instructed the family head.
Chu Jingyue, the current head of the Chu family, had previously suffered severe injuries and fallen unconscious. Though he had recovered with the help of pills, his face remained pale. A middle-aged man with a slightly plump and prosperous build, he nodded and replied, "Yes, Ancestor!"
Then hesitantly asked, "Ancestor, is that fourth-tier Demon Sect python truly our family's Guardian Beast?" Though the giant serpent had saved them, as family head, he couldn't help but worry. Having such a massive creature stationed at their home was like a sharp sword constantly hanging over their heads—more terrifying than death itself.
"Indeed, the Beast God is our Guardian Beast!" Chu Tianyang said solemnly. "We've established a Great Dao Contract, so you can trust completely that he won't harm our family. Once we've recovered somewhat, I'll announce this to everyone."
"But remember—even with the Beast God's protection, our family must strive for self-improvement. We shouldn't trouble him with matters we can handle ourselves." Leaning closer, he whispered, "I'll tell you something in confidence: the Beast God has gifted our family a fifth-tier technique!"
Chu Jingyue's body shook violently as he stared at the ancestor in disbelief. "This... is this true?"
"But... why?" Chu Jingyue couldn't comprehend why a fourth-tier Demon Sect being with a fifth-tier technique would willingly become their Guardian Beast.
"I asked the same. The Beast God said it was fate. Enough questions—from now on, focus on managing the family and your cultivation. The Beast God will handle what we cannot."
"Yes, Ancestor. Jingyue understands." Taking a deep breath, Chu Jingyue felt his worries dissipate and his body grow lighter. The thought of the fifth-tier technique filled him with excitement. Perhaps their misfortunes had truly ended, and the Chu family was about to flourish!
As Chu Jingyue departed, Chu Tianyang prepared to enter seclusion to cultivate the Azure Cloud Art—he was on the verge of breaking through to third-tier Martial Master. Having been stuck at the second tier for years due to lack of inheritance, now with all conditions favorable, it was time.
Just then, Elder Chu Hongtu rushed in, his face pale with worry. The elderly man, wrapped in bandages and limping, cried out, "Ancestor, something terrible has happened!"
"What is it, Hongtu?"
"My grandson... for some reason, he still hasn't woken up!"
"What? Xiuran remains unconscious? Has he been given healing pills?"
"Yes, first-tier pills, but there's been no sign of awakening!" Chu Hongtu was frantic. His grandson possessed exceptional talent—already reaching first-tier Warrior realm in his teens, far surpassing their generation's achievements. With proper resources, his future would be boundless.
"Let me see him!" Chu Tianyang felt a pang of concern. Chu Xiuran was the brightest among the younger generation—they couldn't afford to lose him like they had Chu Yan years before.
Chu Yan, the family head's son, had been extraordinarily gifted with rapid cultivation progress. Everyone believed he would become a Warrior without hindrance. Yet three years ago, his talent vanished overnight, his cultivation stagnating completely, leaving him unable to break through to Warrior realm and fading into mediocrity—a tragedy that still pained them all. They couldn't let history repeat with Chu Xiuran.
Arriving at Chu Xiuran's quarters, they found his wounds healed but still lying unconscious. Beside the bed, an exquisitely beautiful girl wept bitterly. "Big brother, what's wrong? Please wake up!" This was Chu Xiuran's younger sister, Chu Yiran.
Seeing the arrivals, she threw herself into Chu Hongtu's arms. "Grandfather, Ancestor, please help my brother!"
"Don't worry, the Ancestor is here. He'll find a way. Be strong, Yiran." Chu Hongtu sighed—the family crisis had left deep psychological scars on the child, who often woke screaming at night.
Checking Chu Xiuran's pulse, Chu Tianyang frowned. "Strange! His pulse shows no abnormalities." He sensed no internal injuries. "Have the family physicians examined him?"
"They found nothing wrong either."
"This..." Even the ancestor was at a loss. Without identifying the cause, how could they treat him? Were they about to lose another young genius?
Seeing the ancestor's helplessness, Chu Hongtu could only sigh in despair.
Just as all hope seemed lost, a voice spoke up: "Xiuran has fallen unconscious because his constitution remains unawakened."
Everyone turned to see a plainly dressed youth in white—handsome, dignified, with piercingly sharp eyes.
The once-fallen genius of the Chu family.
"Chu Yan, what did you say? An unawakened constitution? Are you saying Xiuran possesses a special physique?" Chu Hongtu stared in amazement. If even they couldn't diagnose the problem, how had Chu Yan discerned it?
"Wait!" Chu Tianyang suddenly exclaimed, examining Chu Yan closely. "You've broken through to first-tier Warrior? And reached the peak of the realm already?"
Chu Yan smiled slightly. "Thanks to the Ancestor and elders' concern, I broke through yesterday." He knew well how much effort and resources the family had expended trying to solve his mysterious loss of talent over the years.