37: Time flies

He imprinted the methods of the Profound Ice Soul Condensation Art into Chu Yuer's mind using his spiritual power.

Chu Yuer took a deep breath.

She nodded vigorously, then slowly closed her eyes.

Following the profound techniques that appeared in her mind, she began to attempt to breathe and absorb.

At first, there was no reaction.

But after only a dozen breaths, a sudden change occurred!

Centered around Chu Yuer's body, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi within the entire Listening Rain Pavilion seemed to be drawn to her, surging madly into her body!

A visible white vortex of Qi formed around her.

Chu Yuer's sallow little face became rosy at a visible speed.

Her originally weak aura climbed steadily!

The warm glow emitted by the Warm Sun Jade Pendant on her body instantly dimmed in the face of this chilling aura.

An extremely cold aura emanated from within her!

A thin layer of frost quickly condensed on the floor and walls of the room.

Chu Xuan watched from the side, dumbfounded and filled with shock.

Is this... the talent that the Immortal Master spoke of?

A hint of admiration also flashed in Chen Xu's eyes.

A Heaven-Grade Spiritual Root, with an icy physique and jade-like bones, was indeed extraordinary.

He did not dare to be careless and immediately channeled a powerful spiritual force into Chu Yuer's body, helping her to regulate the wildly surging Spiritual Qi,

guiding it to circulate according to the Profound Ice Soul Condensation Art's path, eventually converging into her Dantian.

Time passed, minute by minute.

When the first ray of morning light shone into the room, the vortex of Qi surrounding Chu Yuer slowly dissipated.

She opened her eyes.

The former dimness and weakness were swept away, replaced by a brightness and clarity like cold stars.

Her aura had steadily entered the first layer of Qi Refining.

In a single night, she drew Qi into her body and embarked on the path of immortality!

"Head of the Chen Family... Brother..."

Chu Yuer felt an unprecedented power within her body, and tears of joy streamed from her eyes.

She could feel that the weakness and illness that had plagued her for over a decade had vanished without a trace.

"It worked!"

Chu Xuan trembled with excitement as he looked at his sister's face, which had regained its color.

This seven-foot man could no longer hold back and burst into tears.

"Ding! Family member Chu Yuer is extremely grateful to the Host, and her loyalty has increased to 100 (die-hard)!"

The System's prompt sounded in Chen Xu's mind.

Immediately, a satisfied smile appeared on Chen Xu's face.

This investment, starting now, officially entered its return period... Time flew by, and a year passed in the blink of an eye.

Many changes had taken place in the Chen Family during this year.

Chu Xuan and the "Shadow Guards" he had established completely disappeared from the public eye of the Chen Family.

No one knew where they went or what they were doing.

Only in Chen Xu's study, every few days, a secret report from various parts of Shangya Prefecture would appear.

Several small families infiltrated by Demonic Cultivators were uprooted.

Some Demonic Path strongholds lurking in the shadows were silently destroyed.

All these achievements were reported by Chen Xu to the Qingyun Immortal Sect in the name of the Chen Family!

In return, the Sect bestowed batch after batch of resources.

As for Chu Yuer, she displayed astonishing Cultivation talent.

In just one year, she broke through from the first layer of Qi Refining all the way to the fifth layer of Qi Refining with unstoppable momentum!

This speed could no longer be described as Genius; it was simply prodigious.

The cold Qi within her body, guided by the Profound Ice Soul Condensation Art, transformed into Profound Ice spiritual power, carrying a compelling chill with every movement of her hands and feet.

The once sickly young girl had now blossomed into a graceful, elegant, and cold beauty.

Except in front of Chen Xu and Chu Xuan, she was a woman of few words to anyone else.

The Family's business, with ample resources and more secure trade routes, expanded its territory once again.

Ninghai Town could no longer accommodate the Chen Family's development, and a large number of shops and industries began to radiate towards the Commandery City and even neighboring commanderies.

The Chen Family's prestige and strength were at their Peak.

On this day, a luxurious convoy, pulled by three magnificent Azure Wind Horse Beasts and escorted by a team of Cultivators, majestically entered Ninghai Town!

It finally stopped in front of the Chen Family Mansion.

The leading middle-aged Cultivator, holding a gilded invitation, announced loudly: "The Wang Family of Pingyang Commandery has come to pay respects to the Chen Family Head!"

The news quickly reached Chen Xu's ears.

The Wang Family of Pingyang Commandery, an immortal Cultivation Family with a three-hundred-year Legacy, was renowned for its exquisite Beast Taming Art, and an Old Ancestor in the Late Foundation Establishment Stage presided over the Family!

Its strength was only stronger, not weaker, than the Chen Family three years ago.

Although Chen Xu was somewhat surprised, he personally went to the door to welcome the Wang Family's steward.

In the living room, the guests and hosts took their seats.

The Wang Family steward did not beat around the bush and directly stated their purpose.

A marriage alliance.

The Wang Family hoped to form a marital bond with the Chen Family.

This word, spoken from the mouth of the Wang Family steward, caused the atmosphere in the living room to solidify.

Chen Xu had heard of the Wang Family of Pingyang Commandery.

An immortal Cultivation Family with a Legacy of over three hundred years, renowned for its exquisite Beast Taming Art!

An Old Ancestor in the Late Foundation Establishment Stage presided over the Family, and its strength and heritage were far beyond what ordinary families could compare to.

"To show our sincerity, if the marriage can be arranged, our Wang Family is willing to offer three pairs of Azure Wind Horse Beast cubs and a 30% share of the Spirit Beast Pavilion in Pingyang Commandery as Siyue's dowry."

Wang De threw out a heavy bargaining chip.

The Azure Wind Horse Beast was one of the Spirit Beasts for which the Wang Family was famous; after reaching adulthood, it was comparable to a Middle Stage Qi Refining Cultivator, and its endurance was excellent, making it an ideal choice for forming trade caravans and Family guards.

The Spirit Beast Pavilion, on the other hand, was the Wang Family's largest industry in Pingyang Commandery, monopolizing over 70% of the local Spirit Beast trade.

A 30% share meant a very substantial Spirit Stone income each year.

This dowry could not be said to be anything but generous.

Even Chen Xu's heart couldn't help but stir slightly.

The Chen Family now had no shortage of Spirit Stones, but what it lacked was heritage, industries, and power that could be stably passed down.

The Wang Family's Beast Taming Art happened to make up for a shortcoming of the Chen Family.

Such a generous dowry surprised even him slightly.

"Head of the Chen Family need not be surprised."

The Wang Family steward was good at reading expressions and explained with a smile: "Our Old Ancestor has always admired heroes. Head of the Chen Family started from scratch and developed the Chen Family to such an extent in just a few years. What's more commendable is that he also gained the favor of the Qingyun Immortal Sect."

"Such methods and Luck are rare even across several commanderies."

He paused, then continued: "Our Young Miss, named Siyue, is the Old Ancestor's most beloved granddaughter. She is eighteen years old and already at the seventh layer of Qi Refining. Her appearance and character are both of the highest quality."

"The Old Ancestor's intention is to hope to form a marital bond with the Head of the Chen Family, for our two families to watch out for each other and seek common development."

Clearly, what they valued was not only the Chen Family's current strength and potential, but also the shadow of the "Qingyun Immortal Sect" behind the Chen Family.

A Family that could make the Qingyun Immortal Sect look at it differently was immeasurable in value.

And a marriage alliance was the lowest-cost and most solid investment method.

"Old Ancestor Wang is too kind."

Chen Xu's face showed a slight smile: "This matter is of great importance, please allow me a few days to consider it."

"Of course."

The Wang Family steward left a detailed marriage proposal and a generous gift, then rose to take his leave.

After sending off the steward, Chen Xu sat in his study, lost in thought.

A marriage alliance with the Wang Family would be more beneficial than detrimental to the Chen Family.

The Wang Family's Beast Taming Art and its entrenched network of connections in Pingyang Commandery could save the Chen Family a lot of trouble.

More importantly, with a powerful in-law, the Chen Family's status would be even more stable.

As for himself, having one more Dao Companion meant one more possibility of producing high-Aptitude offspring.

This was what he valued most.

A few days later, Chen Xu sent someone to the Wang Family in Pingyang Commandery with a reply.

Agreeing to the marriage alliance.

When the news spread, the entire Shangya Prefecture was shaken.

One was a Family that rose through the Talisman business, and the other was an old-established Beast Taming Family from Pingyang Commandery!

The combination of these two families would undoubtedly change the power structure of the two commanderies.

The wedding was set for one month later, at the Chen Family Mansion in Ninghai Town.

For this month, the entire Chen Family was busy, decorating with lanterns and streamers, filled with joy.

On the day of the wedding, Ninghai Town was deserted, with everyone gathered for the event.

In front of the Chen Family Mansion, carriages flowed like water and guests were like clouds.

Almost all the prominent families from Shangya Prefecture and Pingyang Commandery sent people to offer congratulations.

At the auspicious hour, Chen Xu, dressed in a grand red wedding robe and riding a magnificent second-tier Spirit Beast, the Cloud-Treading Steed, led the Wang Family's welcoming procession into the mansion.

The bride, Wang Siyue, wore a phoenix crown and embroidered robes, though her face was veiled with red gauze.

But her graceful figure and ethereal temperament still drew countless praises.

The Head of the Wang Family of Pingyang Commandery, the Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator Wang Tianguang, also attended in person.

He was tall and had a steady aura, sitting in the main guest seat, exuding natural authority without anger, and chatted and laughed freely with Chen Xu.

Clearly, he was extremely satisfied with this marriage.

At the banquet, cups clinked and the atmosphere was lively.

Just as everyone was toasting and offering congratulations to the newlyweds, an untimely announcement suddenly rang out from the main entrance.

"The Yun Family of Longevity Mountain has come to offer congratulations!"

The voice was not loud, but it instantly quieted the noisy main hall by thirty percent.

Many guests' faces showed playful expressions, and their gazes simultaneously turned towards the entrance.

Then, subtly, they glanced at Wang Tianguang in the main guest seat.

Everyone knew that the Yun Family of Longevity Mountain and the Wang Family of Pingyang Commandery had always been at odds.

Especially Yun Qing, the Young Lord of the Yun Family, who had grown up with Wang Siyue since childhood, childhood sweethearts. The Yun Family had proposed marriage many times, but all were rejected by the Wang Family.

Now that Wang Siyue was marrying someone else, and the Yun Family came uninvited, the meaning behind it was self-evident.

Under everyone's gaze, a group of several people walked in.

Leading them was a young man with a face like jade and a refined demeanor, none other than Yun Qing, the Young Lord of the Yun Family.

His Cultivation had reached the Late Foundation Establishment Realm, comparable to Wang Tianguang, and his eyes held a complex emotion!

Beside him was a tall young man with a defiant look, Yun Qing's younger brother, Yun Zhan.

His gaze was even more direct, openly scrutinizing Chen Xu, full of provocation.

"Nephew Yun, your presence today is an unexpected honor."

Wang Tianguang stood up and said with a forced smile.

"Uncle Wang is too modest."

Yun Qing cupped his hands at Wang Tianguang, then looked at Chen Xu, a smile forced onto his face: "I have long heard of the Head of the Chen Family's great name; meeting him today, he is indeed a Dragon among men."

"Young Miss Siyue's marriage to the Head of the Chen Family is her good fortune. My Yun Family has prepared some humble gifts, and I hope the Head of the Chen Family will not despise them."

As he spoke, a servant behind him presented a gift box.

"Young Lord Yun is thoughtful."

Chen Xu's expression was calm. He gestured for his servant to accept it, his tone neither warm nor cold: "A guest is a guest, please take a seat."

The calmer he was, the more intense the disdain in Yun Zhan's eyes became.

He had been waiting for this opportunity. Taking a step forward, he declared loudly: "Head of the Chen Family, my elder brother has traveled thousands of miles to offer his congratulations. Isn't your attitude a bit too cold?"

"Or perhaps, now that your Chen Family has climbed onto the high branch of the Qingyun Immortal Sect, you no longer care about local families like ours?"

As soon as these words were uttered, the entire hall was shocked.

This was a clear provocation.

Chen Xu's gaze shifted from Yun Qing's body to Yun Zhan's face, his eyes still calm and unmoving: "Your Excellency, what kind of attitude do you desire?"

"I don't mean anything."

Yun Zhan sneered, sizing up Chen Xu: "I'm just curious what kind of person the Head of the Chen Family is, to make the Wang Family break off an engagement and still marry into your Family."

"I heard that the Head of the Chen Family has been Cultivating for several decades now. I presume his cultivation has already reached an astonishing level, right? I wonder if he's in the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, or has he already reached Perfection and is preparing for Core Formation?"

He deliberately praised Chen Xu's cultivation very highly.

The sarcasm in his words was obvious to everyone.

Chen Xu picked up his wine cup, took a small sip, and said indifferently: "Your Excellency is joking. Chen is dull in Aptitude. After Cultivating until now, I have only barely reached the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage."

As soon as these words came out, the mockery on Yun Zhan's face could no longer be concealed.

He burst out laughing: "Foundation Establishment Mid Stage? Did I hear that right? A mere Foundation Establishment Mid Stage Cultivator dares to marry Siyue? This is the biggest joke under heaven!"

He pointed to his elder brother, Yun Qing, beside him, raising his voice even higher, full of boastfulness: "See? My elder brother, Yun Qing, is only thirty-five this year, and he's already at the Peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm!"

"He could form a Golden Core at any time! You, a Foundation Establishment Mid Stage Cultivator, aren't even worthy of carrying my elder brother's shoes!"

Inside the main hall, the atmosphere instantly dropped to freezing point.

Wang Tianguang's face was so dark it looked like it was about to drip water, and he was about to burst out.

But a look from Chen Xu stopped him.

Chen Xu remained calmly seated, as if Yun Zhan wasn't insulting him.

But while he could endure it, his sons could not.

"Presumptuous!"

A cold shout came.

Among the guests, a steady young man, whose face bore a seven-tenths resemblance to Chen Xu's, suddenly stood up.

It was Chen Tongyuan, who had already begun to take over the Family's general affairs.

He glared at Yun Zhan and said coldly: "How dare you speak such nonsense at my father's wedding! Is this how the Yun Family of Longevity Mountain teaches you manners?"

"Oh? Who is this? A mere young brat dares to lecture me?"

Yun Zhan glanced at him disdainfully.

"I am Chen Tongyuan of the Chen Family."

Chen Tongyuan took a step forward, and a powerful aura erupted from his body.

Foundation Establishment Realm!

Although it was only the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, this aura was genuine!

The smile on Yun Zhan's face instantly froze.

Yun Qing, behind him, also had his pupils shrink sharply.

How could this be?

The direct descendant of the Chen Family, who looked barely twenty, was already a Foundation Establishment Cultivator?

However, this was not all.

"My younger brother is right. Today is my father's joyous day. Anyone who dares to cause trouble here is an enemy of my entire Chen Family!"

Another voice rang out.

At another table, a young man with a more composed demeanor and sharp eyes slowly rose.

It was Chen Daoxuan, who had been Cultivating for many years in the Qingyun Immortal Sect.

He rarely showed his face in public.

Boom!

Another, even more profound aura soared into the sky.

Foundation Establishment Mid Stage!

If Chen Tongyuan's Foundation Establishment Realm surprised everyone, then Chen Daoxuan's Foundation Establishment Mid Stage...

Shocked everyone.

Yun Zhan's face had changed from astonishment to horror.

He subconsciously took half a step back, his mouth opening and closing, but he couldn't utter a single word.

"Bullying my father is bullying us!"

"Count me in!"

"And me!"

Among the guests, several more figures stood up.

Chen Qiming, and several other second-generation Chen Family disciples who usually kept a low profile, all stepped forward at this moment.

Although they were not as strong as their two elder brothers, they all, without exception, displayed cultivation at the Late Qi Refining Stage.

And even Qi Refining Perfection.

Powerful auras intertwined, forming a terrifying pressure that bore down on the Yun Family members.

The entire hall was dead silent.

All the guests seemed to be under a immobilization spell, staring blankly at the standing Chen Family disciples, their minds blank.

One Chen Xu is in the Foundation Establishment Realm.

One Guest Elder, Daoist Yuqing, is in the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Now, Chen Daoxuan is in the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage, and Chen Tongyuan is in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage!

And that's not all; there were also several other exceptionally talented Late Qi Refining Stage disciples.

Who could Breakthrough at any time!

What did this mean?

This meant that the Chen Family, on the surface, already possessed four Foundation Establishment Realm combat strengths!

This level of strength had already steadily surpassed any Family in Shangya Prefecture!

Wang Tianguang watched this scene, his shock beyond words.

He had originally thought that the Chen Family's biggest trump card was Chen Xu himself and his background with the Qingyun Immortal Sect.

But he never expected that the Chen Family's Foundation had already become so formidable!

His investment was more than just profitable; it was a massive gain!

In the Yun Family's group, an old man in black with a sinister aura changed his expression slightly, just about to make a move.

But he felt an even more powerful Divine Sense lock onto him.

He suddenly looked up and met the gaze of the Loose Cultivator Daoist Yuqing, who had been silent at the main guest table.

Daoist Yuqing's eyes were very calm, but beneath that calmness, there was a murderous intent that made his heart pound.

He had no doubt that if he dared to move, the opponent's thunderous strike would immediately descend.

This old fellow was definitely in the Late Foundation Establishment Stage!

Cold sweat instantly broke out on the black-robed old man's forehead.

"Enough! Yun Zhan, apologize to the Head of the Chen Family at once!"

Yun Qing finally reacted. His face was pale. He pulled his younger brother, who was already scared silly, and bowed deeply to Chen Xu, his voice trembling: "Head of the Chen Family, my younger brother is young and ignorant, and spoke carelessly, offending you and everyone present. Please be magnanimous and do not hold it against him. We will leave now, right now!"

After speaking, he dared not stay for another second, practically dragging Yun Zhan and leading the Yun Family members, fleeing the Chen Family Mansion in a sorry state.

Their appearance was a hundred times more disheveled than when they arrived.

It wasn't until the Yun Family members completely disappeared from the doorway that the guests in the hall seemed to come alive, letting out gasps of cold air.

Their gazes towards Chen Xu had completely changed.

No longer did they see a lucky upstart.

But a truly unfathomable giant.

The most terrifying thing about a Family is not how strong the Family Head is, but that there are successors, and each one is stronger than the last!

The terrifying Legacy displayed by the Chen Family.

Had already made it impossible for anyone to feel any contempt.

The commotion at this wedding soon spread throughout Shangya Prefecture and even the surrounding commanderies as the guests departed.

The Chen Family's prestige also rose another notch because of this... The wedding ended, and half a year passed in a flash.

The marriage alliance with the Wang Family brought tangible benefits to the Chen Family.

The trade routes controlled by the Wang Family were fully opened to the Chen Family, and Beast Taming Art techniques were exchanged without reservation.

The Chen Family's Talisman business once again expanded its territory!

The Family's Spirit Stone income reached a new height.

And Chen Xu's sons, after making their mark at this wedding, also began to participate more deeply in various Family affairs, relieving Chen Xu of a great deal of pressure.

The entire Family was operating efficiently and vigorously.

On this day, Chen Xu was handling general affairs in his study when a maid rushed in, her face full of joy.

"Family Head! Great news!"

"What's the matter that you're so flustered?"

"It's... it's Lady Siyue!"

The maid said excitedly: "Just now, the physician came to check Lady's pulse and said... said that Lady is already one month pregnant!"

The brush in Chen Xu's hand paused slightly. He looked up, a smile appearing on his face... Time flowed like water, quietly passing by.

During this period, the dynamics of Shangya Prefecture and even the surrounding commanderies underwent subtle changes in the shadows.

The Yun Family of Longevity Mountain, who had often had friction with the Wang Family, became exceptionally low-key after losing face at the wedding.

They retracted all industries bordering the Chen and Wang families, like a startled hedgehog.

And the Chen Family, in everyone's eyes, became even more unfathomable.

On this day, within an independent courtyard in the Chen Family Mansion.

A full-throated cry of a baby was heard.

This was Chen Daoxuan's first child, and also Chen Xu's grandchild.

Chen Xu, who was handling Shadow Guards' secret reports in his study, paused his pen the moment he heard the news.

The familiar System prompt sounded in his mind.

"Ding! Detected that the host's descendant has given birth to offspring, Bloodline has been continued, and Family Luck has increased."

"Detected grandchild's Spiritual Root: Heaven-Grade High Grade!"

"Reward host with fifty years of Lifespan! Reward host with thirty years of cultivation! Reward host with fifty years of Alchemy experience!"

A warm current instantly surged through his entire body. Chen Xu felt his Lifespan surge again.

Reaching a number that even he found reassuring.

And those thirty years of pure cultivation transformed into a majestic torrent of magical power, flowing into his Qi Sea Dantian.

The Bottleneck of Foundation Establishment Perfection remained solid, but this power made his already profound magical power even more concentrated.

He was one step closer to that threshold.

He had estimated that he would need about one hundred and fifty years of cultivation accumulation to form a Golden Core.

He had previously accumulated nearly fifty years intermittently.

Now, with an additional thirty years, he had already completed most of it.