32: Family Start

As soon as the word 'contract' was uttered, Jade Purity Daoist's joyful expression instantly froze.

As an old Jianghu who had lived for over a hundred years, he had naturally heard of such an overbearing contract.

"Head of the Chen Family... are you asking this poor Daoist to be your servant?"

Jade Purity Daoist's voice became hoarse.

He had expected Chen Xu to propose harsh conditions, but he never imagined it would be this kind of contract.

The atmosphere in the main hall instantly dropped to freezing point.

Sun Xiaoyue and Zhao Linger were also startled; they hadn't expected their husband to be so direct and so merciless.

Chen Xu's expression remained unchanged.

He calmly met Jade Purity Daoist's gaze.

"You can understand it that way."

He said indifferently, "My Chen Family does not support idlers, much less outsiders whose backgrounds are unknown. The safety of my Family, my children, is above all else."

"I cannot place an uncontrollable variable beside them."

"Of course, I am not an unreasonable person either."

Chen Xu's tone softened slightly: "Regarding this contract, I can assure you that as long as you sincerely serve the Chen Family and have no ulterior motives, I will never use it to control you."

"Someday in the future, if you render great service to the Family, or if you grow old and wish for peace and quiet, I can even personally release you from the contract, returning your freedom."

"The choice is entirely up to you, Fellow Daoist."

After speaking, he said no more, picked up his teacup, and quietly savored his tea.

He completely threw the problem to the other party.

Jade Purity Daoist stood rooted to the spot, his Face constantly changing.

Within his heart, a fierce struggle was taking place.

On one side was the dignity and freedom he had upheld for over a hundred years of Cultivation.

On the other side was the cruel reality of his Lifespan nearing its end and the Dao being out of reach.

He wanted to leave with a flick of his sleeve, but where could he go?

Continue to be a Loose Cultivator with a bleak future, waiting for death to arrive in despair?

Or go and seek refuge with those large Sects?

But they wouldn't even look at an old Cultivator like him, who had no potential.

The Chen Family was almost his only choice.

Although the conditions Chen Xu offered were harsh, that phrase "can be released from the contract" at least gave him a glimmer of hope.

Time passed by second by second, and the main hall was eerily quiet.

After a long while, Jade Purity Daoist let out a long sigh.

That sigh contained too much unwillingness, helplessness, and compromise.

"Alright..."

He closed his eyes: "This poor Daoist... is willing."

Chen Xu put down his teacup.

"Open your Divine Soul."

Jade Purity Daoist took a deep breath, complied, and relinquished all defenses over his Divine Soul.

Chen Xu pointed two fingers like a sword, and a drop of golden blood was forced out from his fingertip.

As soon as the blood appeared, it emitted powerful Spiritual Pressure fluctuations.

He used blood as ink, drawing an abstruse and complex Talisman in the air.

The Talisman took shape, transforming into a streak of light that instantly merged into Jade Purity Daoist's glabella.

Jade Purity Daoist's body trembled violently.

He felt an irresistible brand appear deep within his Divine Soul.

That brand established a mysterious connection with the young Head of the Family before him.

He could clearly feel that with just a thought from the other party, his Divine Soul would instantly collapse.

It was done.

A wave of sadness washed over his heart, but what followed was a sense of solid relief, as if dust had settled.

From now on, he would no longer have to worry about resources, nor would he have to fear being ambushed.

He would no longer have to struggle in despair.

[Divine Soul Contract successfully signed, guest elder System officially activated.]

[guest elder: Jade Purity Daoist]

[Loyalty: 68 (Heartfelt Conviction: Has recognized the host's strength and charisma, a preliminary sense of belonging has formed. As long as his bottom line is not touched, he will generally not have thoughts of betrayal.)]

[Realm: Late Foundation Establishment Stage]

[Cultivation Technique: Evergreen Art (Earth-Grade High Grade)]

[Spiritual Root: Earth-Grade High Grade]

[Lifespan: 162 / 211]

[Note: Loyalty above 60 means there is no worry of betrayal. The higher the loyalty, the greater the boost to the Family's Luck from his Cultivation and insights.]

[First successful recruitment of a guest elder, reward: one guest elder Gift Pack. Do you wish to open it?]

A hint of joy flashed in Chen Xu's heart.

This guest elder System was indeed powerful!

Not only could he see the other party's detailed information, but it could even quantify the ethereal loyalty.

68 points, heartfelt conviction.

This result was better than he expected.

It seemed his earlier words, a combination of coercion and persuasion, had achieved good results.

With this, he would have no more worries when recruiting people in the future!

The moment the Divine Soul Contract was established, Jade Purity Daoist stumbled!

But he quickly regained his footing.

He knew that from this moment on, his life and Divine Soul were completely in the hands of the Head of the Family before him.

The indifference on Chen Xu's Face slowly faded, replaced by a gentle authority.

He rose from the main seat and personally walked up to Jade Purity Daoist.

He extended his hand and supported his arm.

"From today onwards, Fellow Daoist will be a guest elder of my Chen Family, with status equal to mine. From now on, I ask Elder Jade Purity to exert more effort for the Family."

These words showed great respect, giving him ample Face.

Jade Purity Daoist's heart warmed!

The remaining trace of unwillingness also dissipated.

He then deeply bowed to Chen Xu; this time, it was genuine respect from the bottom of his heart.

"Jade Purity, greets the Head of the Family."

"Elder, there's no need for such formality."

Chen Xu smiled, then turned to Sun Xiaoyue, who was standing by, and instructed, "Xiaoyue, go and prepare the newly built Guan Yunju to the west. It will serve as Elder Jade Purity's place of secluded Cultivation from now on."

"All expenses within the courtyard should be of the highest standard. Additionally, show the Elder the Family's monthly stipend regulations and let him choose for himself."

Guan Yunju was one of the several High Grade courtyards newly built during the Chen Family's expansion. Its location was secluded, and the Spiritual Qi was quite abundant.

It was originally prepared for future descendants who achieved success in Cultivation.

Now, giving it directly to Jade Purity Daoist showed Chen Xu's sincerity.

Sun Xiaoyue and the others were also astute, immediately understanding Chen Xu's intention.

This was both an act of appeasement and a declaration of his stance.

"Yes, Husband, I will go and take care of it now."

Sun Xiaoyue quickly agreed.

"Thank you for your generous kindness, Head of the Family."

Jade Purity Daoist's last bit of reservation was also resolved.

What he sought was a stable place for Cultivation and respect.

Chen Xu gave him even more than he had expected.

[guest elder: Jade Purity Daoist]

[Loyalty: 72 (Heartfelt Conviction: Has recognized the host's strength and charisma, a sense of belonging has formed. As long as his bottom line is not touched, he will generally not have thoughts of betrayal.)]

Seeing the loyalty on the System panel jump from 68 to 72, Chen Xu understood.

A combination of grace and power was indeed the way to manage subordinates.

And just then, Chen Xu heard the System's prompt!

Congratulations to the host for successfully recruiting the first guest elder!

System rewards are being distributed!

[Reward One: Five Elements Spiritual Liquid: Can be used on a designated Family member to raise their Spiritual Root by one grade.]

[Reward Two: Cultivation Spirit Bead: Can be used on a designated Family member to greatly increase their Cultivation effectiveness for the next year.]

[Reward Three: Reversal Golden Core: After use, instantly heals all injuries and hidden ailments within the body.]

[Reward Four: Divine Ability: Eye of Destiny]

Looking at the four rewards that appeared on the light screen, Chen Xu's breathing quickened slightly.

The first three rewards, each one, were treasures.

They were good items that could genuinely enhance the Family's Foundation.

But what moved him most was the last Cultivation Technique.

Divine Ability!

One must know that a Divine Ability was a 'technique' completely independent of Cultivation Techniques!

The Cultivation of each Divine Ability was extremely difficult.

And they were basically private possessions of the major Immortal Sects!

Only core true Disciples could be taught them.

Once leaked, they would inevitably cause a storm of blood and chaos in the Cultivation world.

["Eye of Destiny": When activated, it can see through the detailed information of any living being whose Cultivation is no more than two major Realms higher than one's own, including but not limited to: name, Realm, Cultivation Technique, Spiritual Root, Lifespan, Loyalty, Luck...]

"Good stuff!"

Chen Xu praised in his heart.

This was simply a Divine Ability tailor-made for him.

With this Divine Ability, whether it was discerning people, employing them, or judging friend from foe, he would be invincible in the future.

Who was truly loyal and who harbored malicious intentions would be known at a glance.

He didn't hesitate for a moment and immediately chose to learn it.

Instantly, a vast amount of information surged into his mind!

Even with his current Divine Soul strength at Foundation Establishment Perfection, he felt a slight dizziness.

A moment later, he opened his eyes, and a faint golden light flashed in the depths of his eyes before disappearing.

It was done!

With a thought, his gaze penetrated the stone door of the secret chamber, looking towards a young servant who was sweeping outside the courtyard.

[Name: Chen Qi]

[Realm: Qi Refining Second Layer]

[Cultivation Technique: Basic Breathing Art]

[Spiritual Root: None]

[Lifespan: 16 / 78]

[Loyalty: 85 (Loyal and Devoted)]

[Luck: Grayish-white (Ordinary)]

A series of clear information appeared in his vision.

Chen Xu's heart settled; this "Eye of Destiny" was indeed overbearing.

He withdrew his gaze and refocused his attention on the three rewards.

The Cultivation effect double card, there was no hurry for this. Currently, besides himself, the Chen Family did not have a second Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

Therefore, these items must be used as soon as possible to enhance the Family's Foundation!

Several figures instantly appeared in Chen Xu's mind.

The first person he thought of was Bu Yifan.

She was his first officially married wife, who had managed the household for half her life, enduring much hardship and achieving great merit.

She was currently in seclusion, attempting to Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

But Chen Xu knew her situation was not optimistic.

She was getting older, her vital energy was already declining, and years of running around for the Family had left her with some hidden ailments.

Most critically, her Spiritual Root Aptitude was only yellow grade mid-rank.

Under these conditions, the hope of successfully Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment was less than ten percent.

Once she failed, at best her Cultivation would regress, at worst her Lifespan would be greatly damaged, and she might even die on the spot.

However, this Reversal Golden Core could heal all the hidden ailments in her body.

The Five Elements Spiritual Liquid could also improve her Aptitude!

With both internal and external measures, her success rate for Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment could be increased to over seventy percent!

Once successful, she would gain a hundred years of Lifespan and truly embark on the Immortal Dao.

This choice, whether from the perspective of Family interests or personal affection, was the optimal solution.

"System, use the Reversal Golden Core and Five Elements Spiritual Liquid on Bu Yifan."

Chen Xu no longer hesitated and immediately issued the command.

[Command confirmed, target: Bu Yifan.]

[Reversal Golden Core used successfully.]

[Five Elements Spiritual Liquid used successfully.]

...Deep within the Chen Family Mansion.

In a secluded Cultivation chamber with the richest Spiritual Qi, Bu Yifan sat cross-legged on a prayer mat, her brows tightly furrowed.

She was trying to circulate her Cultivation Technique, to break through the final barrier of the Qi Refining Stage, in preparation for the subsequent Foundation Establishment.

But she could clearly feel that her body was already starting to fail her.

The seemingly insignificant hidden injuries accumulated from years of hardship and exposure while toiling for the Family when she was young, now became stubborn ailments hindering the circulation of her spiritual power.

In her Meridians, whenever her spiritual power reached certain crucial points, waves of sharp pain would strike, making it difficult for her to continue.

What made her even more despairing was the life force she could feel within her, slowly draining away with age.

“Could it be... that I am truly destined to never reach the Immortal Dao in this life?”

A wave of powerlessness and unwillingness surged in her heart.

She wasn't afraid of death; she was just unwilling to grow old like this, unable to stay by her husband's side, watch him progress to higher Realms step by step, watch their children grow up, and witness the true prosperity of the Chen Family.

Just as her mind wavered, an indescribably warm torrent, without any warning, surged from the deepest part of her body.

This power, gentle yet overbearing, like the warm sun of spring, instantly flowed through all her limbs and bones.

She could clearly feel that the Meridian pains that had troubled her for many years were rapidly dissolving under the cleansing of this warm current.

Those old injuries hidden deep within her internal organs also disintegrated and vanished like ice and snow.

In just a few breaths of time, her body returned to an unprecedented state of clarity and lightness.

“This is...” Bu Yifan was greatly startled. Before she could react, another even more profound power descended from the ethereal, directly acting upon her Spiritual Root.

She felt that her Spiritual Root, which had been dormant for many years, seemed to have been infused with some mysterious source, undergoing a transformative change.

The network of her Spiritual Root was widening, and its luster became even brighter.

Boom!

It was as if some shackles had been broken.

Bu Yifan could clearly perceive that the speed at which she absorbed and refined Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi was nearly double what it was before!

Yellow Grade High Grade!

Her Spiritual Root had actually broken through!

The sudden immense surprise left her completely stunned.

She didn't know what had happened, but she understood that this must be her husband's doing.

Besides him, no one else could possess such boundless power.

“Husband...” A clear tear slipped from Bu Yifan's eye.

Her heart was filled with endless gratitude and warmth.

She didn't waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, immediately composed herself, and resumed circulating her Cultivation Technique.

This time, there were no more obstacles.

The originally impregnable Qi Refining Ninth Layer Bottleneck, under the impact of the surging spiritual power, only lasted for less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before it shattered with a roar.

Qi Refining Ninth Layer, achieved!

Moreover, she could feel... that the spiritual power within her body was purer and more abundant than ever before, and her Foundation was incredibly stable.

Foundation Establishment, within reach!

Inside the secret chamber, the Spiritual Qi was so dense it almost materialized.

One day, two days... Seven days later, the stone door of the secluded cultivation chamber opened with a rumble.

A Spiritual Pressure belonging to a Foundation Establishment Cultivator flashed and disappeared.

Bu Yifan walked out from within.

She had changed into a light green long dress, her entire person radiant, her skin became even more delicate and fair than before, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes also vanished, making her look as if she had shed more than ten years.

The traces of fatigue left by the years on her were completely washed away, replaced by an extraordinary temperament belonging to a Cultivator.

Chen Xu had already been waiting in the courtyard. Seeing his wife's transformative change, a genuine smile appeared on his Face.

With a thought, his Eye of Destiny quietly opened.

【Name: Bu Yifan】

【Realm: Early Foundation Establishment Stage】

【Cultivation Technique: Evergreen Art (Earth-Grade High Grade)】

【Spiritual Root: Yellow Grade High Grade】

【Lifespan: 81 / 205】

【Loyalty: 100 (Utterly Devoted)】

【Luck: Azure White (Pillar of the Family, Prosperous Luck)】

It was done.

Bu Yifan quickly walked to Chen Xu, her eyes red-rimmed, her voice trembling slightly: “Husband, I...”

“How do you feel?”

Chen Xu held her hand, feeling the genuine Foundation Establishment Stage magical power flowing within her.

“I feel... better than ever before.”

Bu Yifan clasped Chen Xu's hand back tightly. She had too many questions she wanted to ask, about the changes in her body, about that miraculous power, but in the end, her myriad words condensed into a single sentence, “Thank you, Husband.”

“We are husband and wife; saying such things is being too polite.”

Chen Xu said softly, “You have toiled for this Family for half your life; this is what you deserve. Successfully establishing your Foundation and gaining a hundred years of Lifespan, we will walk the immortal path together in the future.”

Bu Yifan nodded heavily, resting her head on her husband's shoulder.

Her heart was filled with peace and security.

The news of Bu Yifan's successful Foundation Establishment soon spread throughout the entire Chen Family.

The whole mansion was filled with joy.

This meant that the Chen Family now had two Foundation Establishment Cultivators presiding over it.

Coupled with the guest elder, Dao Xuan, and the stable alliance with the Li Family, the Chen Family's position in Ninghai Town was now as solid as a mountain.

After the celebratory clamor, late at night, Chen Xu returned to his study alone.

He did not Cultivate, but simply sat quietly, contemplating the future of the Family.

Bu Yifan's success made him realize even more clearly the power of the System.

As long as he continued to have more descendants with higher Aptitude, he would receive more rewards, thereby benefiting the entire Family.

This was a virtuous cycle.

However, the Family's development could not rely solely on him.

He thought of his child, Chen Tongyuan.

Tongyuan entering the Qingyun Immortal Sect was originally the best choice at the time.

But what was the result?

He failed Foundation Establishment, suffered a setback to his Dao Heart, and returned home dejectedly.

If he hadn't intervened and arranged his marriage with the Li Family to rebuild his confidence, this child might have been completely disheartened.

A Sect, after all, was someone else's territory.

Disciples within it had to compete, fight, and curry favor; a slight mistake could lead to the severance of their Dao path.

But the Chen Family of today was no longer what it once was.

He possessed Foundation Establishment Perfection Cultivation!

He had combat strength comparable to a Golden Core Cultivator, a continuous output of Talismans, stable allies, and even a top-tier Cultivation Technique, the Tide of the Returning Sea Art, which directly pointed to the Golden Core Dao.

The Chen Family now had the capability and the confidence to nurture its own Disciples.

“It's time to establish a Legacy that truly belongs to the Chen Family.”

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Xu's eyes.

Entrusting the Family's future to outsiders was, in the end, a poor strategy.

Only by holding power in one's own hands was true strength achieved.

He no longer hesitated, immediately got up, and instructed the butler to call all the children in the household to the ancestral hall.

A moment later, inside the Chen Family Ancestral Hall.

Candlelight shone brightly, and the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

Chen Xu sat high on the main seat, while Bu Yifan, Sun Xiaoyue, and several other wives and concubines sat on either side.

Below, stood a dozen half-grown children, the eldest no more than twelve or thirteen, the youngest just one year old!

They were all Chen Xu's children, and at this moment, they looked at their father with a mix of nervousness and curiosity, not understanding why they had been called here late at night.

Chen Tongyuan and Li Yueru also stood to the side; they vaguely guessed something, and their expressions were somewhat excited.

Chen Xu's gaze swept across each child's Face, using his Eye of Destiny to clearly discern their Aptitude.

Most had Yellow Grade Spiritual Roots, three had Earth-Grade Low Grade, and one, Zheng Ruoyu's fourth son Chen Ping'an, surprisingly had an Earth-Grade Low Grade Spiritual Root.

“Today I have called you here for a matter of great importance concerning your future, and also the future of our Family, which I wish to announce to you.”

The children immediately stood straight, their expressions focused.

“As you all know, to embark on the immortal path, one needs to Cultivate a Cultivation Technique. In the past, our Chen Family did not have good Cultivation Techniques, which is why your Elder brother or sister had to join the Qingyun Immortal Sect to seek the Dao.”

Chen Xu paused, then continued, “But now, it's different. Our Chen Family now has its own Legacy Cultivation Technique.”

At these words, the children's eyes burst forth with surprised light.

“From today onwards, I will give you two choices.”

“First, stay at home. I will personally instruct you in cultivating the Family's Cultivation Technique, and the Family will provide you with the best Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, and Talismans.”

“Second, when you reach an appropriate age, I can also send you to participate in the Sect selections, such as the Qingyun Immortal Sect. After being selected, you will become Sect Disciples, and your future will depend entirely on your own fortune.”

Chen Xu looked at them and said calmly, “These two paths have no superiority or inferiority. Staying in the Family is stable and smooth, but with less tempering; entering a Sect involves fierce competition, but also allows you to see a broader world. How you choose is up to you.”

The ancestral hall was silent.

The children looked at each other, all pondering their father's words.

After a moment, Chen Qiming stepped forward. He was twelve years old this year and had an Earth-Grade Low Grade Spiritual Root.

He respectfully bowed to Chen Xu and loudly said, “Father, your son is willing to stay at home and Cultivate with Father!”

No sooner had his voice fallen than the other children also spoke up.

“Father, I want to stay at home too!”

“I don't want to go to any Sect; I want to be with Daddy and Mommy!”

“Yes, we will Cultivate together and help Father manage the Family in the future!”

The children's voices rose and fell, not a single one choosing to go to a Sect.

In their hearts, their father was the most powerful and omnipotent being.

With their father personally instructing them, why would they seek far and wide, going to a strange place to curry favor with others?

Looking at the sincere and determined expressions on the children's Faces, Chen Xu revealed a relieved smile.

What he wanted was this sense of unity.

“Good!” Chen Xu stood up, “Since you all choose to stay, from today onwards, you are the first generation of cultivating Disciples of my Chen Family!”

“Today, I shall impart to you the first Foundation Establishment Cultivation Technique — the Evergreen Art.”

The one he chose was precisely the Cultivation Technique he obtained from the Qingyun Immortal Sect.

Although this method was only Earth-Grade High Grade, its advantage lay in its peaceful and upright nature, with a solid Foundation, making it most suitable for beginners to start with.