134: Questions about Marriage (Part 2)

As night deepened, Bai Tang slowly led Chen Cuo to Bai Luochen's courtyard instead of the Bai family's main hall. This made Chen Cuo wary, as such an action seemed to imply a private meeting.

Candlelight illuminated the room, appearing to carry a hint of celebration, with figures flickering behind the gauze windows.

The two slowly entered, and upon reaching the doorway, an elderly butler was already there to greet them.

"Uncle Fu, is Uncle here?" Bai Tang asked softly.

"The Old Master has been waiting for a long time, just for Young Miss Tang and Young Master Chen to arrive!"

The old man bowed his head, led Bai Tang and Chen Cuo into the room, and then bowed again to excuse himself, going to attend to the servants.

Inside the room, Bai Luochen was intently examining something that looked like an account book, but he quickly put it away as the two approached. Then, he enthusiastically greeted Chen Cuo, an attitude not typically shown towards a family retainer.

To be honest, Chen Cuo felt rather flattered. Although his status as an offering was specially approved by White Jade Orchid, at the end of the day, he and the Bai family were merely in a cooperative relationship. Before he became a True Disciple of Lingbao Mountain, it was impossible for him to receive such courtesy, especially since his cultivation was only at the Qi Refining stage.

However, the subsequent words instantly made Chen Cuo understand the reason for Bai Luochen's actions.

Bai Luochen invited Chen Cuo to sit down. Bai Tang initially wanted to excuse herself but was asked by Bai Luochen to participate and not leave.

At this time, all the maids and servants in front and behind the house had been sent away by Bai Luochen. With Uncle Fu keeping watch outside, no one could approach.

Bai Luochen said with a smile, "Young Friend Chen Cuo is truly a Genius! After your Fire Spirit Ring was successfully refined by us, we had other low-level Artifact Refiners test it. It can basically increase the success rate of Artifact Refining by twenty to thirty percent. This ring will definitely be very popular!"

The Fire Spirit Ring's effect focuses on enhancing the power of forging flames while also allowing for easy control of the flames. Even violent earth fire can be affected by this Fire Spirit Ring, and the effect is quite good. Fierce earth fire, in its presence, is like being shackled by a golden hoop.

It becomes incredibly docile.

What Bai Luochen said was truly not an exaggeration. To put it this way, the most difficult thing for low-level, low-cultivation Artifact Refiners is controlling flames. If they use mortal fire, they generally cannot refine high-quality items. But if they use earth fire, most people cannot control it, making it a dilemma.

The value of the Fire Spirit Ring perfectly solves the core pain point of low-level Artifact Refiners, increasing their Artifact Refining success rate by twenty to thirty percent. There's no doubt that this Fire Spirit Ring will become popular throughout the entire Lingbao Mountain circle.

What does a Magical Artifact that increases an Artifact Refiner's success rate by twenty percent mean? It means that a large number of low-level Magical Artifacts will become cheaper, which will severely impact the market. Bai Luochen could even foresee the great danger behind this immense wealth.

And all of this came from the young man in front of him, who was younger than him but not to be underestimated. No wonder the Old Ancestor made such a request before setting off.

Chen Cuo and Bai Luochen sat, while Bai Tang stood beside them. The maids had all been sent away, and the Bai family's rules were strict. Bai Luochen was an elder, so seniority was not based on cultivation, and Chen Cuo...

The task of serving tea naturally fell to her.

Bai Luochen, leveraging the situation, praised Chen Cuo profusely, calling him a Heaven-Sent Genius, an Artifact Refining Genius, and someone on the verge of becoming a True Disciple...

Chen Cuo was somewhat confused. Did Bai Luochen call him here just to praise him?

"Actually, I wanted to ask, Chen Cuo, if you would like to further our cooperation with my Bai family? With the full support of my Bai family's resources, your Foundation Establishment will definitely be a sure thing!"

Chen Cuo's expression was peculiar, as if he understood something, while Bai Tang's face changed, and she became tense all over.

There is no free lunch in this world. While Foundation Establishment is not easy, it depends on the person. For Chen Cuo, even without a Foundation Establishment Pill specifically for Foundation Establishment, his Undergoing Tribulation for Foundation Establishment and passing the three trials would be a sure thing. Even taking a step back, with his longevity and fearless body, he could grind his way to Immortal Ascension. Why rush for a temporary advantage?

Bai Luochen's words clearly had an ulterior motive.

"The Old Ancestor has already departed for Lingbao Mountain to discuss the sale and profit sharing of the Fire Spirit Ring with Lingbao Mountain, and to submit your True Disciple recommendation. She told me before she left—"

"Family Head, why not speak directly? Why be so hesitant?"

Chen Cuo had a guess, so he asked directly.

Bai Luochen said, "Now that White Egret has absorbed spiritual Qi and entered the gate of longevity, she is cultivating in the third residence. The Old Ancestor instructed her to manage the Bai family's business in the Three Talents Market, which connects Baiyan Country with Huayang Country, another country connected to Lingbao Mountain. Afterwards, her resources and power will greatly increase. Furthermore, she is still young, not yet fifty, and beautiful, and she is also fond of you, Young Friend. I wish to follow the Old Ancestor's instructions and hope that the two of you can become Dao Companions and advance together. What do you think, Young Friend?"

For Chen Cuo, White Egret was a key link in communicating with the Bai family, and thus held a unique position. Indeed, a person with White Egret's Aptitude and resources would have an unparalleled attraction for others.

But for Chen Cuo, it was somewhat difficult to accept. And what did the Bai family mean? They had just finished discussing the price distribution of the Fire Spirit Ring with him, and then immediately wanted him to become a Dao Companion with a Bai family woman. They were certainly playing a good game. This was no different from taking money from the left pocket and putting it back into the right pocket. What a clever scheme.

Did they take him for a fool or an idiot? He was not an animal driven by his lower body, and in his mind, White Egret was merely a cooperative partner. If anything, calling her a 'brother' would be more appropriate; he had no romantic intentions whatsoever.

Even if White Egret truly had feelings, it could only be a case of unrequited love; he would, of course, not agree.

The Bai family's plan for a marriage alliance was not honorable. Over three months, they hadn't revealed a single hint beforehand. Furthermore, Chen Cuo was naturally displeased by this.

He sneered inwardly, but his expression showed no further change. Instead, he hesitated, as if deep in thought, and then said, "What the Family Head said is too sudden. Chen Cuo is truly flattered, but also feels unworthy. For a moment, it is difficult to give a hasty answer. May I ask for some time to carefully consider it?"

Chen Cuo's voice was cold. In truth, his words were very clear: he was refusing, but not directly. As the helmsman of the Bai family, Bai Luochen, having been tempered for many years, naturally understood Chen Cuo's meaning; he was providing an out.

But he still couldn't help but say, "Young Friend, do you think my Bai family is intentionally doing this? No, we sincerely wish to support you, Chen Cuo, and walk further on the Immortal path together!"