135: Chapter 136 Father-in-law Visits

A smile unconsciously appeared on Chen Qingyuan's face, and he immediately stood up.

As the stone door of the quiet room was slowly opened from the inside, the scene outside came into view.

Xie Jinshu was standing there holding the hand of a sturdy-looking boy of about two and a half years old; the little fellow was none other than Benevolent Scholar.

As soon as he saw Chen Qingyuan, he immediately let go of his mother's hand and ran toward him on his short legs, wobbling as he went, shouting in a milky voice,

"Daddy... Daddy..."

At this moment, Chen Qingyuan felt as if his entire being was about to melt from that single call.

He took a large stride forward, bent down, and firmly scooped up his son, lifting him high above his head.

"Aie! Daddy's little treasure is here!"

He gently rubbed his cheek against his son's soft little face. "Did you miss Daddy?"

"Giggle... miss..."

The little guy giggled at the tickling and proceeded to wrap his small arms tightly around Chen Qingyuan's neck, leaning affectionately against his shoulder.

Xie Jinshu stood to the side, watching with a gentle gaze, and only spoke softly after a long while.

"Husband, your... Divine Sense seems to have become much sharper."

"Yes,"

"I have gained some insights from my Cultivation of the Essence Nurturing Art. Among the three barriers of Foundation Establishment, the Divine Soul barrier can be considered to have reached Perfection."

He spoke calmly, but it did not sound that way in Xie Jinshu's ears.

Of the three barriers of Foundation Establishment, the Divine Soul was the most mysterious and difficult, yet it was the first one he had broken through. The significance of this was self-evident.

A joyful light shone in her beautiful eyes.

"That's wonderful! The Divine Soul barrier is the most dangerous and unpredictable. With this progress, you'll have at least fifty percent more certainty for your future Foundation Establishment!

However... one must be extremely cautious when Cultivating the Divine Soul. Do not be greedy for progress and act rashly."

"Yes, I understand. Your husband is not someone who doesn't know the weight of things."

"That's good. Oh, right, husband,"

"Father arrived at the mountain an hour ago and is currently in the front hall. Looking at his expression, it seems... he came specifically for you to discuss some matters."

Hearing this, Chen Qingyuan's eyes immediately lit up.

"Father-in-law is here? Excellent!"

Since returning from Yunmeng Immortal City, he had indeed entrusted many matters to his father-in-law.

Now that he had come in person, there must be definite progress.

He immediately took Xie Jinshu's hand eagerly, while still firmly holding Benevolent Scholar with his other arm.

"Let's go, wife. We shall go together to pay our respects to Father-in-law."

...

Luzhou Mountain, Chen Family front hall.

Xie Mingyuan was standing with his hands behind his back, sizing up the hall's furnishings with great interest.

Currently, he was dressed in a brocade robe and looked healthy and ruddy. His figure had filled out considerably compared to when Chen Qingyuan and Xie Jinshu were married.

His every gesture exuded composure.

All these changes were largely due to Old Master Xie's foresight back then, as well as the Chen Family's rapid development in recent years.

Since Chen Qingyuan's rise, especially after the battle with the Liu Family, the Xie Family had also benefited immensely.

Chen Qingyuan had almost single-handedly taken over the daily Cultivation needs of Old Master Xie, even specifically purchasing 'kun yuan pills' from Yunmeng Immortal City for the old master's use.

The Cultivation environment had also shifted from their own first-grade Spiritual Vein to the better conditions of the second-grade spiritual spring on Luzhou Mountain, equipped with a private secret room.

Nowadays, Old Master Xie spent more than half the year in secluded Cultivation on Luzhou Mountain, only occasionally returning to Lingxi Dock to take a look.

Furthermore, the stable trade of 'gray spotted thistle' continued to bring in revenue, greatly easing the pressure on the Xie Family.

Therefore, even with two Foundation Establishment cultivators in the house, the Xie Family's life was much more affluent than before.

Even his mother-in-law, who had initially had some complaints about the marriage, was now all smiles when she saw Chen Qingyuan, calling him 'my son' with great affection.

"Haha, worthy son-in-law, you've finally come out of seclusion!"

Hearing footsteps, Xie Mingyuan turned around, his face immediately lighting up with a smile.

His gaze swept over his daughter, son-in-law, and the grandson being held in his arms, his eyes full of gratification.

"I heard from Jinshu that you were in secluded Cultivation. Seeing your harmonious aura, I assume you've successfully broken through? Congratulations!"

"It is all thanks to Father-in-law's concern."

Chen Qingyuan stepped forward to pay his respects. "Your son-in-law was fortunate enough to have just broken through to the Ninth Level of Qi Refining."

"Good, good, good! The peak of Qi Refining—Foundation Establishment is in sight!"

Xie Mingyuan sensed carefully and suddenly showed a look of surprise.

"Eh? These Divine Sense fluctuations... could it be..."

Chen Qingyuan did not hide it either and nodded.

"Father-in-law has a Wisdom Eye. Your son-in-law has gained some insights into Divine Soul Cultivation and was lucky enough to take a step ahead."

A sharp light flashed in Xie Mingyuan's eyes. Having already reached Foundation Establishment, he naturally understood what 'taking a step ahead in the Divine Soul' meant.

The three barriers of Foundation Establishment—Divine Soul, Mana, and Physical Body—were like the three legs of a tripod; none could be missing. Moreover, the more balanced and perfect they were, the higher the grade of the established dao foundation.

Observing his son-in-law's actions, every step was calculated and his Foundation was solid. Now, at such a young age, he had reached Perfection in the Divine Soul and was also practicing Body Refining...

This was clearly the grand path of 'Perfection in all three barriers' to forge a High Grade dao foundation!

dao foundations were divided into grades, and the grade determined one's future.

Low Grade was ordinary; Medium Grade was promising; but a High Grade dao foundation... was enough to be called a 'Prodigy'!

Those who forged such a dao foundation possessed profound Mana, powerful Divine Sense, and a transparent Physical Body. Their combat power would be exceptional among their peers, and opening the Purple Mansion in the future would be much smoother than for ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators!

Even looking at the entire Red Willow Lake region, only the three Golden Core Sects and the deeply rooted Purple Mansion families had the qualifications and resources to Cultivate a High Grade dao foundation.

Now, his son-in-law, who hailed from a small frontier Family, had quietly stepped onto this path.

If he truly succeeded... Xie Mingyuan felt his heart skip a beat. The Chen Family's future wouldn't just be limitless; it would be ready to soar to the heavens!

Thinking of this, a surge of admiration for his own Old Master welled up in his heart like a tide.

Back then, the Old Master had disregarded all objections and insisted on marrying Jinshu to Chen Qingyuan, who was still weak at the time. This vision and boldness were far beyond what they, the younger generation, could match.

If not for the Old Master's foresight, how could the Xie Family have boarded this giant ship that was about to brave the wind and waves?

They had almost missed out on this excellent marriage that could change the Family's destiny, and almost missed this once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity to rise!

"Good! Good! Good!"

He said 'good' three times in a row, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart and putting on a kind smile.

"Little fellow, do you recognize Grandpa? Come, let Grandpa hold you and see if our little treasure has gotten heavier again."

The little guy was a bit shy and buried his small head in the crook of Chen Qingyuan's neck, only peeking out with his eyes.

"Ru'er, this is Grandpa. Quickly, call him Grandpa."

Xie Jinshu immediately took his small hand and gently guided him from the side.

The little guy then timidly turned his head and called out in a thin voice,

"Grand... pa..."

"Aie! My good grandson!"

Xie Mingyuan grinned so widely his teeth showed. He carefully took his grandson from Chen Qingyuan's arms and teased him for a long while before looking at Chen Qingyuan.

"Worthy son-in-law, I have come for two reasons. First, to see you all, and second... the matter you entrusted to me has some leads!"

As he spoke, he took out a Storage Pouch and placed it on the table!