96: Chapter 96 The Fifth Life, The Blazing Sun Illuminates the Martial Path (Forty-Four)

"A Ten-Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman?" someone at the table could not help but exclaim, their tone filled with shock.

"That is an Earth-grade spiritual talisman! A single one costs one hundred thousand taels of silver! And it is often unavailable even if you have the money; it is hard to buy! In the entire Chu family lineage within the Sacred Grounds, only Deacon Chu Feng has one, used specifically for emergency contact with the family!"

"It is only right, what of it?" another elder spoke up quickly.

"My worthy nephew is the Qilin child of our Chu family, our hope for the future. Not to mention a Ten-Thousand-Mile Transmission Talisman, even if it were something far more precious, he would be worthy of it!"

Everyone echoed the sentiment, then turned to look at Chu Shi in unison, their expressions serious. "Worthy nephew, although we are limited by our own natural talent and have struggled in the Sacred Grounds for half our lives without achieving a high position, we have still managed to accumulate some connections and savings. You are now at a critical time in your cultivation. Whatever resources or treasures you lack, just say the word. Even if we have to sell everything we own, we will do our utmost to support you!"

"I am deeply grateful for the kindness of you elders." Chu Shi cupped his hands in a salute to the group, his tone sincere, yet he politely declined their offer.

"However, thanks to the high regard of my master and the care of Elder Zhang, my current path of cultivation is going quite smoothly, so I lack nothing. Furthermore, it is very safe within the Sacred Grounds, and there are no risks, so there is no need to trouble you elders."

Having said this, he paused, as if reluctant to hurt the sincere feelings of the elders. A faint smile curled at the corners of his lips as he spoke gently: "Instead, it is I—although I have just broken through to the Iron Skin Realm and am only just entering the martial path, I am, after all, within the Sacred Grounds and hold the status of a direct disciple of the Peak Master, which grants me some standing. If you elders have any matters where you need me to bridge connections, do not be polite; just speak up."

When these words were spoken, the table fell silent for a moment. Deacon Chu Feng's eyes suddenly lit up, and he leaned forward slightly. He opened his mouth to say something, but the words reached his lips and were swallowed back down. His fingers clenched slightly under the table, and he merely picked up his wine cup and took a sip, masking the emotions on his face.

Yet this subtle movement fell clearly into Chu Shi's eyes. He understood in his heart.

Deacon Chu Feng was now at the peak of the Copper Bone stage and in the prime of his life; the most important matter for him was undoubtedly breaking through to the Silver Marrow Realm.

However, the Silver Marrow Realm was a major barrier in the martial path. Without top-tier cultivation techniques, resources, and guidance from a master, relying solely on self-exploration made a breakthrough almost impossible. Even though Deacon Chu Feng had a father-in-law who was an outer sect elder, Elder Canghai was merely at the early stage of the Silver Marrow Realm and could provide limited support. Deacon Chu Feng's path had almost reached its end. And he, the direct disciple of Peak Master Lieyang, was the only opportunity he could grasp to continue his path forward.

Chu Shi did not resent this. Through many cycles of reincarnation, he had seen much of the cold and warmth of human relationships; seeking advantages and avoiding harm was simply human nature. Moreover, Deacon Chu Feng's protection of him was genuine, and the intentions of the Chu family members were also genuine. Mutual benefit was the foundation of family survival. If Deacon Chu Feng could leverage his influence to break through to the Silver Marrow Realm, in the future, he would only be his most solid support within the Sacred Grounds.

The atmosphere at the table became lively again, with everyone offering toasts, and Chu Shi accepted them one by one. After three rounds of drinks, the elders began to talk about their own children. Some praised their children's diligence in cultivation, while others sighed over their children's mediocre talent. Chu Shi chimed in at appropriate moments, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

As they were talking, Chu Nuonuo, who was sitting nearby, finished the rice in her bowl, slid down from her chair, tugged on Chu Qingyuan's sleeve, and whispered: "Sister, I am full, I want to go outside and play."

"Sit down, you have no manners." Cang Yuehua frowned and scolded her in a low voice. "All the elders are eating, why are you running around?"

Chu Nuonuo's mouth pouted, her eyes instantly turned red, and she stood there feeling wronged.

"Aunt, it is fine." Chu Shi quickly smiled to smooth things over. "She is just a child, it is normal for her not to be able to sit still. Let them go play; with Cousin Qingyuan accompanying her, there will not be any trouble."

"That is right, children are naturally playful." The elders at the table also chimed in to mediate.

Cang Yuehua finally relented and instructed: "Play only in the courtyard, you are not allowed to run outside, do you hear me?"

Chu Nuonuo instantly beamed with joy, nodded vigorously, took Chu Qingyuan's hand, and ran out, skipping and jumping.

Seeing that the main matters had been discussed, Deacon Chu Feng raised his hand to remove the sound-isolation array, and the room was finally filled with laughter that was no longer blocked.

After chatting for another hour or so, the night had grown deep, and the people at the table rose one after another to take their leave. Chu Shi also stood up, bowed to Deacon Chu Feng and his wife, and said: "Uncle, Aunt, it is getting late, and I should take my leave and return to Tingyang Courtyard."

"It is so late, why go back?" Deacon Chu Feng quickly held him back. "There are plenty of guest rooms in the courtyard; just stay here tonight, it will not be too late to return early tomorrow morning."

"Many thanks for your kindness, Uncle." Chu Shi smiled and politely declined. "Tingyang Courtyard is right here within Lieyang Peak; it is not far, and I will arrive in a moment, so it is no trouble."

He paused, looked at Deacon Chu Feng, and said seriously: "There is one more matter that I must trouble you with, Uncle. There is one month left until the Grand Ceremony. In two days, I will go to the Scripture Pavilion to select a few inheritances, and after that, I will go into seclusion to polish my cultivation. I may need to perform a demonstration at the ceremony, and I must avoid embarrassing my master. During this time, I am afraid I will be unable to attend to various trivial matters. When my father and the family members arrive, I will have to entrust the matter of receiving them to you, Uncle."

Upon hearing this, Deacon Chu Feng was stunned for a moment, and then an undisguised surprise erupted in his eyes. He immediately patted his chest hard and said solemnly: "Rest assured, worthy nephew! Leave this to me; I will definitely handle it perfectly for you, without a single error! You just focus on your seclusion and cultivation, and leave all other matters to your uncle!"

The excitement in his heart was almost overflowing. That Chu Shi had entrusted him with such an important matter meant that he regarded him as one of his own. Not only would he be able to establish a connection with Lieyang Peak legitimately, but it would also be easier to speak up when planning his breakthrough in the future; this trust was extremely precious.

"I will have to trouble you, Uncle." Chu Shi smiled and cupped his hands in a salute. After a few more pleasantries, Chu Shi, accompanied by Deacon Chu Feng's family, left Canglan Courtyard and walked in the direction of Lieyang Peak.

The night breeze brushed against his sleeves. As Chu Shi walked along the mountain path of Lieyang Peak, he looked down at the flickering lights of the Sacred Grounds' outer sect below, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

Returning to Tingyang Courtyard, he washed up and walked into the quiet room. He sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion and closed his eyes, reviewing everything from the evening. He saw Deacon Chu Feng's calculations clearly. He was also well aware of the enthusiasm and expectations of the Chu family members.

Through many cycles of reincarnation, he had long been accustomed to being alone. Yet, the atmosphere of human life in the small courtyard tonight, the care of the elders, the innocence of the little girl... they caused a hint of warmth to rise in his heart, which had long been hardened by slaughter. After all, they were family, and blood is thicker than water.

Chu Shi slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. It was good; with Deacon Chu Feng helping him handle trivial matters in the outer sect, he could focus on his seclusion, polish his cultivation, and select inheritances.

Afterward, after pondering for a moment, he made up his mind. Tomorrow, he would first visit the Seventh Prince and the Princess to invite them to observe the ceremony. Afterward, he would go to the Scripture Pavilion to obtain an inheritance suitable for himself.

After thinking this through, he stood up and stretched. For the first time in ages, he did not use meditation to replace rest, but instead lay down on the bed, accompanied by the night breeze outside the window, and had a long-overdue, peaceful night's sleep.