280: Fifth Incarnation: Heavenly Physician (72)

Except for a few Golden Core Old Ancestors who had little Lifespan left and were in seclusion year-round, only sending their Divine Sense to observe, almost all the powerful Elders and branch leaders of the Family had arrived.

The expressions on everyone's faces varied—some were amazed, some eager, and some complicated—but without exception, they all showed deep respect.

"Yuan'er!"

Clan Chief Clan Leader was the first to step forward, his face filled with irrepressible excitement and pride. He carefully sensed Xu Yuan's aura and nodded repeatedly. "Good! Good! Late Foundation Establishment Stage, with a steady aura and a perfect Dao Foundation, even showing signs of resonance with the laws! My son's path is limitless!"

"Congratulations to the Young Lord for your great progress in cultivation and your eternal Dao Foundation!"

Grand Elder Su Changqing, an Early Stage Golden Core Cultivator, stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

"Congratulations, Young Lord Yuan!"

"The Young Lord is a heavenly genius; it is truly the Su Family's blessing!"

...The other Elders stepped forward one after another, cupping their hands in congratulation. Their tones were enthusiastic, even carrying a hint of sycophancy.

The commotion caused by Xu Yuan's Breakthrough was too terrifying, and his potential was now beyond doubt. This was the best time to build a relationship and show goodwill.

Many even presented pre-prepared congratulatory gifts, all of which were rare items, to express their regards.

Xu Yuan remained calm, returning the gestures one by one with a balanced attitude: "Thank you, Father. Thank you, Elders, for your kindness. Yuan was lucky to have made a Breakthrough; I do not deserve such praise."

His gaze calmly swept through the crowd, finally landing on Law Enforcement Elder Su Zhenshan, who stood slightly behind the others with the most complicated expression.

Seeing Xu Yuan's gaze, Su Zhenshan took a deep breath and stepped out from the crowd.

He held a cold jade gift box overflowing with spiritual energy, walking with steady steps until he stopped three paces in front of Xu Yuan.

At this moment, the entire scene instantly fell silent.

Everyone's eyes focused on Su Zhenshan. Everyone knew that this Law Enforcement Elder, who had overseen the Family's discipline for decades, once had a rift with the Young Lord. His attitude now was crucial.

Su Zhenshan looked solemn. Facing Xu Yuan, he actually bowed slightly, his voice loud yet carrying a deliberately lowered posture:

"This old man, Su Zhenshan, congratulates Young Lord Yuan on successfully breaking through. The Great Dao is within your reach!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire audience was shocked!

What was Su Zhenshan's status?

As the Law Enforcement Elder, although he was only at the Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, he was a powerful giant within the clan and an Elder in terms of seniority!

Now, he was actually performing a half-bow to Xu Yuan, and his tone was so respectful!

This was almost a public declaration of submission!

A flash of realization crossed Xu Yuan's eyes. He shifted slightly to avoid the half-bow and said indifferently, "The Law Enforcement Elder overstates it. There is no need for such ceremony."

Su Zhenshan insisted on finishing the bow, then straightened up and held the cold jade gift box high with both hands, announcing loudly: "The Young Lord's talent is peerless; you will surely be the pillar of our Su Family in the future! If this old man has acted improperly or offended you in the past, I hope the Young Lord can be magnanimous!"

He paused, raising his voice a bit to ensure everyone around could hear clearly: "This is a 'thousand-year jade marrow ganoderma' that I obtained by chance in my early years. Although it is not a peerless treasure, it contains some Wood Essence and Earth Jade Marrow, which is of some benefit for nourishing the Dao Foundation and consolidating cultivation."

"Today, I specially present it to the Young Lord to express my congratulations. It also represents the heart and support of myself... and my lineage for the Young Lord!"

"I hope the Young Lord will not refuse!"

"thousand-year jade marrow ganoderma?!"

*Hiss*... Elder Zhenshan is actually willing to part with this?"

"This item would also be of great use for him to strike for the Golden Core!"

"Is this... a complete surrender? He even wants to bring his entire faction to join him?"

"..."

The surroundings were suddenly filled with uncontrollable gasps and whispers!

Everyone was shocked by Su Zhenshan's grand gesture and low posture!

This wasn't just an apology; this was practically a total surrender!

He even brought out his most prized treasure!

Xu Yuan looked at the surging vitality faintly emanating from the cold jade box, then at Su Zhenshan's seemingly respectful but actually nervous and expectant eyes. He understood everything perfectly.

He naturally understood the significance of this Jade Marrow Ganoderma to Su Zhenshan, and he also saw through the calculations of "sending charcoal in the snow" and "investing in the future" behind this move.

Xu Yuan remained silent for a moment.

This moment of silence caused Su Zhenshan's heart to leap into his throat, and the surroundings fell into a dead silence.

Finally, Xu Yuan slowly reached out and took the heavy gift box.

Xu Yuan slowly reached out and took the heavy gift box. He didn't open it immediately, but merely tapped his fingertip on the cold jade box, sensing the pure and surging energy within that contained dense vitality and the Earth Origin. His heart stirred slightly.

Even with his perspective as a Late Golden Core Stage Great Immortal Master in his past life, he had to admit that this "thousand-year jade marrow ganoderma" was indeed a rare treasure. It was especially beneficial for Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators to nourish their Dao Foundation, solidify their foundation, and even strike for the Golden Core realm.

Although he possessed an Innate Dao Body in this life and his cultivation speed far exceeded ordinary people, his time spent cultivating was still short after all. Moreover, he was walking the path of "Humanity," which was vastly different from the overbearing path of his previous life. If he followed the steps normally, even with his Past Wisdom and experience, it would likely take a considerable amount of time to return to the Golden Core realm.

However, with this Jade Marrow Ganoderma, it would be entirely different!

The Wood Essence and Earth Jade Marrow contained in this item were extremely gentle and mellow. They could greatly nourish the Dao Foundation, make up for the "shortcomings" in cultivation time, and stimulate the potential of his Innate Dao Body faster and more steadily, greatly shortening the time required for accumulation!

"This item... comes at just the right time."

A flash of genuine surprise crossed Xu Yuan's eyes. Although it vanished in an instant, it was keenly captured by him.

This wasn't being moved by the value of the treasure, but because this item indeed provided real help for his current stage of cultivation, allowing him to gain more precious time to practice his "Humanity"!

He looked up at Su Zhenshan, his gaze calm yet carrying an invisible pressure, but his tone softened slightly:

"The Law Enforcement Elder is thoughtful. This item is precious and indeed beneficial to my current cultivation. I shall accept it then."

He did not hypocritically refuse, directly stating the item's use to him and accepting it frankly.

This openness instead showed more sincerity and confidence.

Upon hearing this, the large stone that had been hanging in Su Zhenshan's heart for a long time finally landed with a thud!

An indescribable sense of relief instantly swept through his body, even causing his tense frame to relax imperceptibly.

Xu Yuan had accepted it!

Not only did he accept the gift, but he also explicitly mentioned it was "beneficial." This undoubtedly meant he had accepted the goodwill offered and recognized this "investment"!

"The Young Lord overstates it! For this item to be of benefit to the Young Lord's cultivation is its greatest value! This old man is extremely gratified!"

Su Zhenshan hurriedly bowed. He had bet correctly!

This first step was taken correctly!

"Elder Su is sensible and prioritizes the Family; I am deeply moved. Let the past grievances be forgotten from now on. I hope the Elder can work together with me in the future to strengthen the Su Family. For those who abide by the rules and contribute to the clan, I will certainly not fail them."

"I shall follow the Young Lord's teachings! My subordinates and I will certainly follow the Young Lord's lead, perform our duties faithfully, and have no second thoughts!"

Su Zhenshan's voice was loud, and his stance was firm.

Everyone around took in this scene, each with their own thoughts, but they all understood that the internal structure of the Su Family had completely changed from this moment on.

Young Lord Su Yuan's authority, following this Breakthrough and the submission of the Law Enforcement Elder, was now unshakable!