33: The power of the Chen family

Chen Xu had considered using the Tide of the Returning Sea Art as the foundational Cultivation Technique for the Family!

However, after careful deliberation, he shook his head and gave up on the idea.

After all, the Tide of the Returning Sea Art was too overbearing and not suitable for these children.

One must eat bite by bite, and walk step by step.

Chen Xu extended a finger and pointed into the air.

More than a dozen streaks of Spiritual Light flew from his fingertip, each entering the forehead of a child.

This was precisely the complete Cultivation Technique of the Evergreen Art, from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment.

The children closed their eyes, feeling the profound information that had appeared in their minds.

Their faces all showed expressions of both surprise and joy.

“You must diligently comprehend this Cultivation Technique.”

Chen Xu's voice rang in their ears: “Starting tomorrow, every morning, come to this place, and I will personally guide your cultivation. The Family’s Talismans and Medicinal Pills will all be prioritized for you.”

“You must remember, you are the future of the Chen Family. Your achievements will determine how far our Chen Family can go.”

“Yes, Father!”

The children responded in unison, their voices clear and loud... Ever since Chen Xu set the tone for the Family’s cultivation in the ancestral hall, the entire atmosphere of the Chen Family underwent a change.

In the past, although the children also cultivated under the supervision of their Elders, they still carried a childish Heart-Nature for play.

But now, when they received the Legacy Cultivation Technique, the Evergreen Art, which truly belonged to the Family, and had their Father, a Foundation Establishment Perfection Cultivator, personally guide them.

Everyone's mindset was different.

It was a sense of responsibility and belonging.

Every day before dawn, in the square in front of the ancestral hall, more than a dozen children would spontaneously gather, sit cross-legged, and practice breathing and cultivation, facing the first ray of purple Qi from the east.

Among them, Chen Qiming, who was slightly older, had subtly become the leader among the children.

He cultivated the most diligently, often proactively helping his younger siblings answer questions about the Cultivation Technique.

And the fourth son, Chen Ping, who possessed an Earth-Grade Spiritual Root.

Although still young, the cultivation talent he displayed made everyone look sideways.

With the same Cultivation Technique, the time it took him to complete one cycle was almost half that of the other children.

His speed of absorbing Spiritual Qi was even more astonishing.

Chen Xu looked at this thriving scene, feeling very satisfied in his heart.

The Family’s Foundation was becoming solid at a visible speed.

This afternoon, Chen Xu was analyzing the mysterious black token in his study when there was a knock on the door.

“Father, your son Tongyuan requests an audience.”

“Come in.”

Chen Tongyuan pushed the door open and entered. He was dressed in a tight-fitting suit, looking very capable. Ever since his marriage to Li Yueru.

The despondent aura he carried due to his Foundation Establishment failure had completely disappeared.

In its place was a sense of composure and responsibility.

“What is it?”

Chen Xu put down the token and asked.

“Father, it’s a batch of business in cooperation with the Li Family.”

Chen Tongyuan took out a list from hisIn my arms and handed it over: “The Artifact Refiners in the Li Family have recently been trying to refine a new Magical Artifact, which requires a batch of Azure Sun Wood as the main Materials. This Spiritual Wood is only produced in the Cloud Mist Mountain Range to the east of the Prefecture City, and we have already contacted the seller there.”

“It’s just that…”

Chen Tongyuan showed a troubled expression, “From Ninghai Town to the Cloud Mist Mountain Range, we need to pass through Black Wind Ridge.”

“I've investigated, and that place has been very unsafe recently. A group of bandits called Black Wind Stockade are entrenched there. Their leader is Xiong Ba, a Cultivator at the ninth layer of Qi Refining!”

“He has gathered dozens of desperate outlaws under him, specializing in plundering passing merchant caravans, and their methods are extremely ruthless.”

Chen Xu took the list and glanced at it. The Materials listed on it were valuable.

Coupled with the large amount of Spirit Stones needed to purchase Azure Sun Wood, this journey was indeed extremely risky.

After the marriage alliance between the Chen Family and the Li Family, business dealings became increasingly close, and this was a major cooperation.

If something went wrong, it would not only be a loss of Spirit Stones but also affect the relationship between the two Families.

“What are your thoughts?”

Chen Xu looked at his son and asked calmly.

Chen Tongyuan took a deep breath, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes: “Father, I want to go personally this time. Your son failed Foundation Establishment, and his Dao Heart is lacking. I truly need this kind of tempering to stabilize my state of mind.”

“Moreover, this is also the first time our Chen Family and the Li Family have cooperated so deeply. My presence can also show our sincerity.”

Chen Xu nodded, quite satisfied with his son's words.

“But relying on me alone, I'm afraid it will be difficult to ensure foolproof safety.”

Chen Tongyuan changed the subject and respectfully said: “Therefore, your son humbly requests, Father, that Elder Yuqing accompany me to oversee the merchant caravan. With him, he will surely deter petty villains and ensure a safe journey.”

This was Chen Tongyuan's true purpose for this trip.

He knew very well that with his cultivation, facing Xiong Ba, who was at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, he did not have a guaranteed victory!

What's more, the opponent had many people.

To ensure foolproof safety, he had to invite the true pillar of the Family.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xu also nodded slightly.

Immortal Master Yuqing had joined the Chen Family for over a month and usually kept to himself!

Aside from giving some cultivation pointers to a few children, he barely concerned himself with external affairs.

It was time to let him stretch his muscles and also let the various forces in Shangya Prefecture see.

His Chen Family's guest elder was not just a decoration.

“Alright.”

Chen Xu was concise.

He looked at Chen Tongyuan and said in a deep voice: “You will be fully responsible for this matter. Elder Yuqing is only responsible for dealing with dangers you cannot resolve. The dispatch of the merchant caravan and the arrangement of personnel are all up to you to decide. Do not disappoint me.”

“Your son understands!”

Chen Tongyuan's heart trembled, and then a strong excitement surged within him.

This was the first time his Father.

Had completely entrusted such an important matter to him.

This was both a test and a trust.

“Go.”

“Yes!”

Chen Tongyuan bowed heavily, turned and left, his steps steady and powerful.

Soon, a merchant caravan consisting of twenty Chen Family guards was assembled.

Chen Tongyuan personally went to invite Immortal Master Yuqing.

Inside the Cloud Gazing Abode, Chen Tongyuan bowed to the guest elder, showing immense respect, and explained the entire situation in detail.

Immortal Master Yuqing listened, then merely nodded faintly: “Since the Family Head has given instructions, this old man will naturally comply.”

He did not put on airs as a Senior expert. Ever since signing the Divine Soul contract, his mindset had completely changed, and he regarded himself as a part of the Chen Family.

The next morning, the merchant caravan set off on time.

On more than ten carriages, in addition to the Spirit Stones carried and the goods prepared for exchange.

There was also a batch of High Grade Talismans recently refined by the Chen Family, which they intended to sell at the Taiyi Merchant Alliance in the Prefecture City.

Chen Tongyuan rode a magnificent Spiritual Horse at the forefront of the team, his expression solemn.

And Immortal Master Yuqing, on the other hand, sat alone in an inconspicuous carriage, closing his eyes to rest, as if indifferent to everything in the outside world.

The merchant caravan traveled swiftly, and two days later, entered the territory of Black Wind Ridge.

The mountains here were steep, the forests eerie, and the official road became narrow and rugged, with towering cliffs on both sides.

It was an excellent place for an ambush.

The atmosphere of the merchant caravan visibly grew tense.

The guards all gripped the Magical Artifacts in their hands, scanning their surroundings vigilantly.

“Stay alert!”

Chen Tongyuan shouted loudly, his voice echoing through the valley.

However, what they feared came to pass.

Just as the merchant caravan reached the narrowest part of a mountain pass, a sudden change occurred!

“Boom!”

A huge boulder in front of the road suddenly exploded, sending rocks flying and instantly blocking the path.

Immediately after, at the rear of the road, several large rolling logs fell from the hillside, also blocking the retreat.

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

Dozens of poisoned arrows, covering the sky and earth, shot out from the dense forest on both sides, accompanied by sharp whistling sounds.

“Form a formation! Defend!” Chen Tongyuan reacted extremely quickly, shouting sternly.

The guards were well-trained and immediately tightened their formation, protecting the carriages in the middle, and successively activated their defensive Magical Artifacts, raising streaks of Spiritual Light shields.

Clang, clang, clang!

The arrow rain fell on the shields, sparking a series of fire, but failed to break through the defense.

“Hahaha! Your reaction is not slow!”

A boisterous laugh came from the mountaintop, and then dozens of figures darted out from the forest, surrounding the entire merchant caravan.

At the head was a burly man, built like an iron tower. He carried a huge mountain-splitting axe, his face full of flesh, and his eyes fierce. He was precisely Xiong Ba, the great leader of Black Wind Stockade.

He glanced at the Chen Family flag on the carriage shaft, and sneered disdainfully: “Who do I take you for? So it's the upstart Chen Family from Ninghai Town. What, you earned some Spirit Stones selling Talismans, and now you dare to walk my Black Wind Ridge?”

Chen Tongyuan spurred his horse forward, his face cold: “Xiong Ba, I am Chen Tongyuan of the Chen Family. We have no past grievances or recent enmity with your Black Wind Stockade. If you clear the way now, I can pretend that today's events never happened.”

“Hahaha! Are you telling me a joke?”

Xiong Ba laughed wildly and said: “Once you're in my Black Wind Ridge, even a Dragon has to coil! Kid, looking at your tender skin, if you don't want to die, obediently leave all the goods and Spirit Stones, and then let the women behind you entertain us, perhaps I can be merciful and spare your dog lives!”

The bandits behind him also burst into a chorus of vulgar laughter.

A murderous glint flashed in Chen Tongyuan's eyes.

“You're courting death!”

He stopped talking nonsense, formed a hand seal, and a green Flying Sword instantly unsheathed.

It transformed into a streak of light, heading straight for Xiong Ba's throat.

“Good timing!”

Xiong Ba did not dodge, stomped his foot fiercely, and a yellowish Spiritual Light lit up on his body.

A thick earthen wall instantly rose before him.

“Clang!”

The Flying Sword struck the earthen wall, emitting a metallic clang, but it failed to pierce through.

“Is that all you've got?”

Xiong Ba sneered, hoisted his giant axe, pushed off with his feet, and his massive body charged towards Chen Tongyuan like a rampaging giant bear.

Above the giant axe, Spiritual Light flared, carrying immense power, and chopped down directly.

Chen Tongyuan's face changed. He hastily recalled his Flying Sword and held it horizontally in front of him to block.

“Thud!”

With a loud bang, Chen Tongyuan felt an irresistible force coming from the sword body. His tiger's mouth was instantly split, blood flowing freely, and he, along with his horse, was sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground.

The ninth layer of Qi Refining, and a Body Cultivator specializing in Physical Body cultivation, his strength was far beyond his imagination.

“Kill! Leave no one alive!”

Xiong Ba, having succeeded in one strike, his arrogance grew even stronger. He roared and charged forward first.

Dozens of bandits also pounced on the caravan like hungry wolves, instantly engaging in battle with the Chen Family guards.

Although the Chen Family's guards were well-trained and well-equipped, the bandits were all desperate men, fearless of death.

For a time, blades flashed and flesh flew.

Chen Tongyuan, enduring his injuries, once again urged his Flying Sword to entangle with Xiong Ba.

But he was already at a disadvantage, and now he was retreating step by step, in precarious situations.

In just a moment, seven or eight Chen Family guards had fallen, their screams rising and falling.

"Hahaha, die!"

Xiong Ba seized an opening, swept his giant axe, and directly cleaved the Spirit Horse Chen Tongyuan was riding in half.

Chen Tongyuan rolled awkwardly on the ground, narrowly dodging the fatal blow.

His face was already pale.

He looked at his clansmen lying in pools of blood, and at Xiong Ba pressing closer, a deep sense of powerlessness and anger surged in his heart.

He had, after all, overestimated himself.

"Elder Yuqing, please help!"

In his desperation, Chen Tongyuan no longer cared about any tests, and with all his might, he shouted for help towards the quiet carriage.

As soon as his voice fell, the carriage's curtain moved without wind, and a figure slowly walked out from within.

It was Daoist Yuqing.

He glanced at the chaotic battle in the field, his gaze finally landing on Xiong Ba.

He frowned slightly, seemingly displeased.

"Noisy."

He uttered two words faintly, then slowly raised his right hand.

His palm was dry, like the bark of an old tree, but as he activated his spiritual power, circles of lush green vines miraculously grew on his palm, exuding a rich vitality.

"Withered-Prosperity Hand!"

Daoist Yuqing lightly shouted, and struck out with his palm.

The palm formed by vines expanded against the wind, instantly becoming the size of a house.

It carried a profound aura intertwined with life and death.

It pressed down directly towards Xiong Ba.

Xiong Ba was about to swing his axe when he suddenly felt an indescribable terrifying pressure lock onto him.

Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

Only this thought had time to flash through his mind, and the color instantly drained from his face.

His eyes were filled with endless fear.

He wanted to escape, but his body seemed to be frozen.

Unable to move an inch.

He could only watch as the green giant palm grew larger and larger in his pupils.

"No..."

Boom!

The giant palm fell, and the ground shook violently.

When the smoke and dust dispersed, only a huge palm-print pit remained on the spot.

And Xiong Ba, the great leader of Black Wind Stronghold, along with his proud mountain-cleaving giant axe, had completely turned into dust.

Not even a trace of blood was left.

One palm, instant kill!

The entire battlefield instantly fell into a dead silence.

Everyone stopped what they were doing, whether bandits or Chen Family guards.

All looked in horror at the grey-robed old Daoist standing on the carriage, his robes fluttering.

After the remaining bandits reacted, they were scared Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, throwing down their weapons one after another and kneeling on the ground.

They kowtowed desperately for mercy.

"Senior, spare my life! Senior, spare my life!"

"We were blind and didn't recognize Mount Tai, we'll never dare again!"

Daoist Yuqing's gaze swept across the entire scene!

"Those who offend my Chen Family shall die."

As his voice fell, he waved his sleeve.

Dozens of green wooden thorns flew out from his sleeve, like they had eyes, and shot into the foreheads of every kneeling bandit begging for mercy.

Puff! Puff! Puff!

After a series of soft sounds, all the bandits died, none spared.

Ruthless! Decisive!

This thunderous method not only deterred the Chen Family's guards but also terrified some Loose Cultivators secretly peeking, scaring them out of their wits.

They finally understood why Daoist Yuqing, a well-known Loose Cultivator in Shangya Prefecture, would be willing to become a Guest Elder of a Family.

Because this Chen Family was far more powerful and less to be trifled with than they had imagined.

Chen Tongyuan stood dumbfounded, looking at this miraculous scene, and then at the bandits who died with their eyes open, a surging wave rising in his heart.

This, this was the power of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator?

Xiong Ba, a ninth-layer Qi Refining Cultivator, was an unmatchable formidable enemy in front of him.

But in front of Elder Yuqing, he couldn't even withstand a single move, crushed like an ant.

This was the gap.

"Young Lord, the battlefield has been cleared."

A guard captain stepped forward, his face still pale and filled with lingering fear: "Our side... eight guards died in battle, three were seriously injured."

Chen Tongyuan's heart sank.

He turned around and saw that Daoist Yuqing had already returned to the carriage, still in his meditative pose, as if the world-destroying blow just now had nothing to do with him.

"Collect the bodies of our brothers, and continue on our way..."

Chen Tongyuan's voice was a little hoarse.

The rest of the journey was filled with a somber atmosphere.

The caravan successfully reached the Cloud Mist Mountain Range and completed the transaction with the seller, but everyone had lost the lightness they had when they set out.

Chen Tongyuan was even more taciturn, reflecting on the gains and losses of this trip all the way.

Upon returning to Ninghai Town, he did not go back to his own courtyard first, but directly brought Daoist Yuqing to Chen Xu's study.

Chen Xu was looking at an account book of Family affairs.

Seeing the two enter, he put down the bamboo slips in his hand.

"Father."

Chen Tongyuan knelt on one knee as soon as he entered the door, his head deeply bowed: "Your son is incompetent. Although this trip completed the transaction, it caused my Chen Family guards to lose eight men. Please punish me, Father."

Chen Xu's gaze was as calm as water. He did not look at Chen Tongyuan, but first turned to Daoist Yuqing: "Elder, you have worked hard."

"It's my duty."

Daoist Yuqing bowed slightly: "Although Young Lord Tongyuan's journey had its twists and turns, he remained calm in danger and handled things appropriately, which is rare. It's just that the bandit leader of Black Wind Stronghold was not weak in cultivation, not someone a Qi Refining Cultivator could contend with."

In a few words, he explained the course of events and his judgment, both pointing out Chen Tongyuan's shortcomings and speaking a fair word for him.

Chen Xu nodded, then shifted his gaze back to his son.

"Get up."

"Father..."

"I sent you, not for you to win every battle, but for you to experience and to learn."

"Death is the most common thing on the path of cultivation. If you can't see through even this, then your Dao Heart is truly lacking."

Chen Xu's tone was without the slightest ripple, "Your mistake is not that people died. It is that you are not strong enough."

Chen Tongyuan's body trembled, and he slowly stood up, burying his head even lower.

"Father's lesson is right."

"Go, compile the list of guards who died in battle, and distribute the compensation at three times the highest standard."

Chen Xu instructed, "Tomorrow, you personally take Li Yueru and visit each Family. Tell their families that their sons are heroes who shed blood for my Chen Family, and the Chen Family will not forget them."

"Yes, Father!"

Chen Tongyuan responded heavily. He understood the profound meaning of his father's actions.

After Chen Tongyuan left, only Chen Xu and Daoist Yuqing remained in the study.

"Elder, please sit."

Chen Xu pointed to a chair beside him.

He took out a jade box from his Storage Pouch and pushed it over.

"Elder's action on this trip, deterring the villains and establishing prestige for my Chen Family, is an invaluable contribution. This is a Soul Nurturing Grass. Although it cannot directly increase Lifespan, it has miraculous effects on stabilizing the Divine Soul and purifying magical power."

"When Elder attempts to break through the Golden Core Bottleneck in the future, it might give you a better chance."

Daoist Yuqing looked at the Spiritual Plant emitting a faint green light in the jade box, his breathing stopping for a moment.

Soul Nurturing Grass!

This was a truly High Grade Spirit Medicine, priceless and unavailable on the market!

He had been a Loose Cultivator for a hundred years and had never even seen one.

He had thought that Chen Xu would reward him with some Spirit Stones or Magical Artifacts, but he never expected such a precious treasure.

This item, for a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator whose Lifespan was nearing its end and who yearned for a Breakthrough.

It was more precious than a hundred thousand Spirit Stones.

He understood. Chen Xu was telling him that as long as he sincerely worked for the Chen Family, the elusive opportunity for Core Formation he sought might truly be realized in the Chen Family.

"Family Head's generous gift, this old man... is unworthy."

Daoist Yuqing's voice was dry, and he stood up, bowing deeply to Chen Xu.

"Elder is a revered figure of my Chen Family, this is what you deserve."

Chen Xu calmly accepted the bow: "In the future, within the Family, we will still rely heavily on Elder."

Daoist Yuqing put away the jade box, and he nodded solemnly: "Family Head, whatever your command, this old man will not hesitate to die."

... The news of Daoist Yuqing annihilating Black Wind Stronghold with a single palm spread like wildfire throughout the entire Shangya Prefecture.

In the teahouses and taverns of Ninghai Town, storytellers recounted the battle as if it were a divine miracle.

"It is said that the Chen Family caravan was surrounded by hundreds of Black Wind Stronghold bandits, in mortal danger!"

"Just then, a noisy sound was heard, the carriage curtain was lifted, and an immortal-like grey-robed old Daoist walked out!"

"His old self merely raised a hand, and a giant green palm descended from the sky with a rumble! Xiong Ba, the great leader of Black Wind Stronghold, human and axe alike, became nothing but a pit in the ground!"

"Foundation Establishment Immortal Master Daoist Yuqing, has actually become a guest elder of the Chen Family!"

"Hiss... What is the background of this Chen Family? First, Family Head Chen Xu won the Heavenly Talisman Assembly, backed by a Golden Core True Person, and now they've recruited a famous Loose Cultivator like Daoist Yuqing. This is a sign that they're about to soar to greatness!"

"More than that, I heard that after the Chen Family and the Li Family intermarried, their business grew immensely, and wealth flowed in. Now, even some old established Families in the county city might not be as prosperous as the Chen Family."

Amidst various discussions, the Chen Family's reputation was pushed to a new height.

And just at this moment, another piece of news spread from Ninghai Town, once again causing a huge uproar.

The Chen Family was going to publicly recruit Family guards.

Unlike in the past, the requirements for this recruitment were very strange.

Regardless of origin, regardless of past, even penniless vagrants, as long as they had a clean background and a skill, could try.

The most crucial point was that if one possessed a Spiritual Root, even if it was just the lowest Earth-Grade Spiritual Root!

Once selected, the treatment would be excellent, and they could even receive Cultivation Techniques personally taught by the Chen Family.