50: The arrival of the celestial seedling has temporarily calmed the turmoil.

Inside a side room of the Qi Residence in Cuiyun Town.

Zhao Qingwan had already changed into a clean and elegant dress. The size was slightly loose, making her slender figure appear even more delicate.

She sat on a cushioned chair, holding a cup of warm calming tea with both hands, yet her fingertips were still trembling slightly.

The warmth of the tea passed through the porcelain cup, but it seemed unable to dispel the chill deep in her heart.

Just for those few copper coins... Her mind was a mess, repeatedly replaying that scene at the market.

The old man had been curled up in a street corner, with graying hair and tattered clothes, looking truly pitiful.

She had simply asked her maid, Xing'er, to give him the few copper coins left over from buying pastries, and softly said, "Old sir, take these to buy a cake to eat."

Who could have expected that as soon as she turned to leave, she would catch a faint, sweet scent? Her vision went black, and she knew nothing more.

When she woke up again, she was in that cold, dilapidated temple, her whole body limp and weak.

The old man was fiddling with some bottles and jars with his back to her, muttering something under his breath.

"...Spiritual Root... Tsk, she's quite pretty, so she can only be sold to the 'Wonderful Sound Pavilion'... Since she's not a male, I'm afraid the price will be discounted..."

She didn't understand those words, but the word "sold" and that cold tone made her feel as if she had fallen into an ice cellar, so terrified she even held her breath.

Later, the sound of shouting and killing burst into the ruined temple along with firelight.

Zhao Qingwan watched helplessly as several Martial Masters were struck by fireballs or ice spikes flicked out by the old man, falling with miserable screams.

Just as she was in despair, a tall figure rushed in—it was the Qi Family's second young master, Qi Xuanfeng.

She had seen him from a distance during a banquet last year and remembered him as a silent youth.

At this moment, his face was covered in blood, yet he was exceptionally fierce. He forced the old man back with a single blade strike, grabbed her wrist, and dragged her outside.

During their flight, fireballs whistled after them, and they only survived thanks to a pale green light shield that suddenly lit up from Qi Xuanfeng's chest.

Later... she saw Family Head Qi descending from the sky, treading upon a longsword radiant with green light.

As it turned out, there really were "Immortals" in this world who could fly through the sky and tunnel through the earth.

"Miss Zhao, have another sip of hot tea to calm your nerves."

A gentle and warm voice interrupted her thoughts.

Zhao Qingwan looked up and saw a beautiful woman with gentle features looking at her with concern; it was the Qi Family's Fourth Madam, Zhou Qianer.

Madam Zhou had come personally to look after her. Her words were kind and her movements gentle, allowing her terrified heart to settle slightly.

"Miss Zhao, please rest assured and stay here. I have already sent someone to Kaoshan Town to bring word to your home.

We only said that we've invited you to stay at the residence for a few days, so as not to worry Master Zhao and his wife."

Zhou Qianer said softly, gently patting the back of her hand.

"Th-thank you, Madam. Thank you, Family Head Qi. Thank you, Second Young Master, for saving my life."

Zhao Qingwan hurriedly stood up, wanting to bow, but was held back by Zhou Qianer.

"There's no need for such formalities. You've had a fright; just have a good rest."

Zhou Qianer smiled and pressed her back into the chair. "The Master said that the Qi Family will not ignore this matter."

...In another quiet room of the Qi Residence.

Qi Yuan had already performed a preliminary treatment on that Jiang-surnamed old man's Restriction, temporarily imprisoning him in the cellar and assigning specific people to guard him.

At this moment, he was listening to his son Qi Xuanfeng's detailed report. His expression was calm, showing no sign of joy or anger.

He heard how Qi Xuanfeng received the Zhao Family's request for help, how he led men in pursuit, and how he dealt with the enemy.

When he heard how the boy held out until his arrival under the protection of the 'Concentric Jade,' a flicker of complexity crossed Qi Yuan's eyes.

This boy was bold and reckless, yet he also possessed quick wit and a sense of responsibility.

Not even sixteen years old, he had faced a Cultivator. Though he was in a wretched state, he hadn't broken down; he even knew to protect someone and call for help in time.

Only... this commotion was truly too large, resulting in many casualties.

The subsequent consolation, compensation, and even potential questioning from the government would all be troublesome.

More importantly, this matter had likely already alerted that "Jiang Family," and there might be further storms ahead.

After Qi Xuanfeng finished his report, he stood to the side with his head bowed, waiting for his father's reprimand.

He knew he had acted impulsively this time, causing significant losses.

Qi Yuan did not scold him, but instead asked an unrelated question:

"How do you know that girl from the Zhao Family? And why did you risk your life to save her?"

Qi Xuanfeng's body stiffened slightly, and a flash of unnaturalness crossed his face as he said in a low voice:

"Your son... previously dealt with the Zhao Family due to some mundane affairs. I've met Miss Zhao a few times and we are somewhat acquainted.

Upon hearing she was abducted this time, I was filled with righteous indignation, so... so I led men in pursuit without thinking too much."

He omitted the fact that he had secretly tested her spirit and had been following her for a long time.

Qi Yuan glanced at him but did not expose him.

No one knows a son better than his father. A few years ago, this boy had vowed to enter the civil service through the imperial examinations while simultaneously practicing martial arts to bring honor to the family.

Yet in recent years, he had become obsessed with miscellaneous books and had been secretly cultivating connections. Now, he had made such a huge fuss over a girl he'd supposedly only met a few times... this shift in focus was a bit abrupt.

It was likely a case of a young man's first awakening of love, having taken a fancy to a pretty girl.

Yes... Qi Yuan sighed inwardly. He didn't know if Fenger's luck was good or bad.

That Zhao Qingwan—he had already carefully inspected her just now—did indeed possess a Spiritual Root, a Low Grade Three Spiritual Roots.

Though her Aptitude wasn't great, she had ultimately stepped across the threshold of the Immortal Dao.

As for Fenger, he had no Spiritual Root.

In this world, marriages between Immortals and Mortals were not unheard of, but they were often accompanied by many practical issues and psychological gaps.

A Cultivator's Lifespan was long and their appearance aged slowly, while a Mortal had but sixty years of time, their beauty fading easily.

Not to mention the resources required for Cultivation, the lack of common ground, and even future offspring.

If something were hastily settled now due to a "life-saving favor" or youthful infatuation, it might lead to resentment in the future, which would be undesirable.

Qi Yuan didn't consider himself an old-fashioned person, but he didn't want his son to regret it later, nor did he want to be suspected of "taking advantage of someone in peril."

After all, the Zhao Family now depended on the Qi Family, and Zhao Qingwan had just suffered a great ordeal; her mind was still unsettled.

"We shall not mention this matter for now."

Qi Yuan waved his hand, suppressing the complicated thoughts in his mind.

"The priority right now is dealing with the aftermath.

Though you had your reasons for your actions this time, you were reckless and impulsive, losing many of the family's men and alarming everyone."

Qi Xuanfeng bowed his head even lower. "Your son knows his mistake and is willing to accept punishment."

"We will discuss the punishment later."

Qi Yuan's tone turned cold. "The compensation for the deceased, the treatment of the wounded, the questioning from the government—you must learn to handle and take responsibility for all of these.

Since you did it, you must bear the consequences.

From today onwards, you will assist your mother in handling all the cleanup for this incident."

"Yes! Father!"

Qi Xuanfeng was delighted, knowing that he had likely passed this hurdle.

"Furthermore,"

Qi Yuan paused.

"The Zhao girl will temporarily be settled in the residence.

I have confirmed that she possesses a Spiritual Root.

You must not mention this to outsiders again.

How she is settled will be decided after I consult with her family and ask for her own wishes.

Do you understand?"

At the last sentence, Qi Yuan's gaze was like lightning, staring directly at his second son.

Qi Xuanfeng felt an invisible pressure and hurriedly bowed.

"Your son understands!"