135: Magnolia's recommendation

Chen Cuo's innate talent was evident to Bai Luochen in just three months, and since he came from the Jueling Realm with White Egret, his background was clean and his root bones were excellent. Naturally, he was worth the Bai Family's efforts to win him over at any cost.

“Furthermore, in these three months, he has been humble and polite in his dealings with others, never committing evil or causing trouble. Aside from a few minor bad habits, he is almost flawless, which perfectly aligns with my Bai Family's principles. Although my words may seem like an act of leveraging personal gain, if we can bring Chen Cuo onto the Bai Family's ship, it will definitely not be a loss!”

After much consideration and careful deliberation, Bai Luochen intended to arrange a marriage between White Egret and Chen Cuo.

The Bai Family, after all, was a Foundation Establishment Family Head. As long as Chen Cuo agreed, he would receive the full support of the Bai Family. Three months should have been enough for Chen Cuo to understand the Bai Family's strength.

Bai Luochen believed that allowing Chen Cuo to use the Bai Family's influence would be a great help to his Dao path, and there were no major worries. Chen Cuo should have no reason to refuse.

However, Chen Cuo remained firm. He and Ding Xiang were fated to be without a connection, and he wondered if they would truly be fated to meet again in the endless years to come.

Now, his longevity had become a constant talent. In ten years, Chen Cuo would be able to Foundation Establishment. With his help, White Egret might also achieve it later. A hundred years later, he would still show no signs of aging, but what about others? Those who couldn't keep up with him would eventually become a pile of dust. This was the price of eternal life.

Chen Cuo would not and did not want to watch his loved ones grow old and die before him. If that happened, his heart for eternal life would surely be difficult to control, and he would eventually become a monster.

It was better not to step into the mundane world from the beginning. Don't look at him playing with the Phoenix and Dragon in the common courtyards of the market every day; on the contrary, he saw things more clearly.

“Thank you for the Family Head's kindness. Chen Cuo is immensely grateful. However, I am accustomed to being alone, and furthermore, the Great Dao is endless. I still have a breath of desire to climb the great mountain of Foundation Establishment. As for matters of love, I can only cast them aside!”

Chen Cuo's face held a smile, yet there was a peculiar expression. He wanted to know what the Bai Family would decide after hearing his answer.

Bai Luochen's smile froze. He had considered the possibility of a failed marriage. The reason only Bai Tang, Chen Cuo, and he were present today was precisely for this reason. Bai Tang was designated as the next leader of the Bai Family; once she successfully Foundation Establishment, she would become the new Family Head.

Regarding White Egret, she herself was not present, which was, of course, Bai Luochen's deliberate arrangement.

Bai Luochen sighed, his former enthusiasm gone, and said with a hint of coolness, “Since that is the case, it is truly a pity. These words were my private inquiry, so please, little friend Chen, do not spread them. All agreements signed between the Bai Family and you remain valid. My Bai Family wishes little friend Chen Cuo a smooth path to becoming a True Disciple.”

Although Bai Luochen's previous words carried the meaning of seeking repayment for kindness, he genuinely had no intention of using force to threaten now. That was always the last resort. Chen Cuo's talent was undeniable. If, when the selection of True Disciples at Lingbao Mountain was finalized, Chen Cuo's name was not among them, then today's matter could be settled with him. However, there was no need to turn hostile now.

So, although Bai Luochen's tone was cold, he didn't say much more. Instead, he calmly instructed, “Since little friend Chen Cuo serves as an offering of my Bai Family, I hope you will often impart your wisdom to my Bai Family Disciples, increasing their knowledge of Artifact Refining!”

Chen Cuo thought for a moment, then replied expressionlessly, “That is only natural!”

The Bai Family and Chen Cuo were in a cooperative relationship. Since they couldn't become in-laws, they naturally had to maximize Chen Cuo's value. In the past three months, he had been a bit too lazy.

Logically speaking, as an offering of the Bai Family, Chen Cuo should fulfill his duties and serve the Bai Family, at least until he reached Foundation Establishment. He was not truly a free person.

The Bai Family provided him with cultivation methods and spiritual cultivation grounds, and Chen Cuo reciprocated. However, the relationship between Chen Cuo and the Bai Family was even deeper because of the value of the Fire Spirit Ring, coupled with the True Disciple recommendation, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Now that Chen Cuo had refused the marriage alliance, it had created a knot in the Bai Family's heart, which was not good news for either party.

However, this was also good. From now on, the two sides would only have clearly priced business, without any extra entanglements. Chen Cuo felt more relaxed.

“Since that is the case, Junior bids farewell!” Chen Cuo immediately stood up, bowed to Bai Luochen, and after receiving his permission, quickly left.

Bai Tang, whose mind had been very conflicted, seemed to instantly become calm, but she still frowned as she looked at Bai Luochen.

Bai Luochen sighed deeply, then discussed with Bai Tang.

“Alas, it truly is impossible to avoid human relations everywhere. It's better to reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible!” Chen Cuo sighed to himself on the road.

He then returned to his courtyard to continue his cultivation.

...

Lingbao Mountain's main gate, Hongyu Pavilion.

Lingbao Mountain is divided into three pavilions: Hongyu Pavilion, Baosheng Pavilion, and Fire Phoenix Pavilion. In essence, these are three pulse, and the Disciples of all three pulse are Inner Sect Disciples, totaling around 1,200 people. Most of them are at the high stage of Qi Condensation, meaning only those above the seventh level of Qi Condensation can become Inner Sect Disciples.

The remaining lower-level Disciples are Outer Sect Disciples, and their numbers are vast, possibly tens of thousands.

The three pavilions have different functions, and each has a Foundation Establishment cultivator as its head. Only Foundation Establishment cultivators can serve as Elders within the pavilions.

Hongyu Pavilion is the pavilion of teaching. All personnel appointments and dismissals, external business, Disciple recruitment and teaching, and interactions with others for Lingbao Mountain are handled by Hongyu Pavilion. It is essentially the administrative arm of Lingbao Mountain.

Baosheng Pavilion is the general manager of the internal treasury, collecting the gains from Artifact Refining and managing stored treasures.

And Fire Phoenix Pavilion is the protective and combat force of Lingbao Mountain. All Dao soldier training, combat, and killing matters are handled by Fire Phoenix Pavilion.

Above the three pavilions are the True Disciples. True Disciples are personally taught by Golden Core Immortal Masters and Cultivate on the main mountain, hoping to fulfill Lingbao Mountain's millennium-old wish.

There are many families like the Bai Family that are affiliated with Lingbao Mountain, but time is merciless; one Family rises while another falls. Lingbao Mountain does not excessively care for its affiliated Immortal Cultivation Families. Their development or survival is entirely up to them. It can be said that Lingbao Mountain is ironclad, while families are like flowing water.

But if there was truly no interference, how could it be? These Foundation Establishment Families, for thousands of years, none have been able to achieve Golden Core, which also indicates some problems.

This was something they were well aware of. For the Bai Family, at least they didn't have such worries yet.

The Bai Family was affiliated with Lingbao Mountain, protected by it, and responsible for collecting resources and providing low-grade Magical Artifacts. These were necessary contributions for survival.

White Jade Orchid understood this very well, so she was here now, at Hongyu Pavilion, to meet the head, Qingfengzi. He was a great Cultivator at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment, just one step away from Foundation Establishment Great Perfection and seeking Golden Core.

Although Qingfengzi served as the head of Hongyu Pavilion, he was a diligent Cultivator. Normally, he was either in secluded cultivation or planning his Breakthrough. He didn't manage much because Hongyu Pavilion had several other Foundation Establishment Elders handling affairs, so he didn't need to exert much effort.

But today, White Jade Orchid of the Bai Family said she had an important matter to discuss with him, and she also wanted to use her Bai Family's True Disciple recommendation. Qingfengzi had no choice but to end his cultivation and come out to meet her.

“Fellow Daoist Bai Family, what brings you here?” Qingfengzi's face showed considerable displeasure. If not for his Disciple reporting that White Jade Orchid had an important matter to discuss, he would have been in secluded cultivation comprehending a secret art by now.

White Jade Orchid did not hesitate. She directly presented an item and said, “Pavilion Master, please look at this item. This item is called the Fire Spirit Ring. Its effect is remarkable. It is a new type of Magical Artifact developed by a new Disciple under my command. Its effects include aiding fire ignition and controlling fire pulse. It is a High Grade first-tier Magical Artifact, simple in materials, suitable for Cultivators below Foundation Establishment. As for Artifact Refiners in the Foundation Establishment Stage, it can only provide a slight enhancement.”

As White Jade Orchid spoke, she demonstrated. The true fire she released was no longer the ordinary magical true fire of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but a type of spiritual fire contained within her body, named Golden Toad Spiritual Flame. It was an Origin spiritual fire from a special Yao Beast, possessing the ability to burn metal and corrode bone, with powerful might. Ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators would not dare to directly block it.

As soon as the spiritual fire appeared, a wave of heat emanated throughout the hall. Under White Jade Orchid's control, the spiritual fire continuously changed shapes, sometimes slow, sometimes fast, transforming into snakes, scorpions, crows, and insects, all with complete and lifelike forms, astonishing the surrounding Disciples.

Everyone knew White Jade Orchid's skill in fire control, capable of precise manipulation, which was not an issue. But looking at the current situation, she clearly had a deep understanding of the essence of fire control, having reached the realm of subtlety.

White Jade Orchid put away the flames, bowed to Qingfengzi, and then presented the Fire Spirit Ring, which was delivered to the seat of honor by a nearby Disciple.

Qingfengzi, with his immortal demeanor and long, flowing beard, his voice couldn't help but deepen a few shades. He held the ring and examined it meticulously.

He said, “You mean…”

As the head of a pulse, he naturally understood White Jade Orchid's meaning. This was a gift of benefit to Lingbao Mountain. Seeing one part, one knows the whole. The Fire Spirit Ring's effect was quite good, and its enhancement for low-level Artifact Refiners was evident.

As for items on the market with better effects, there might be some, such as certain Cauldrons for fire control, special spiritual materials, or spiritual fires, all of which could achieve the effect of assisting Artifact Refining. However, such spiritual items and Magical Artifacts were not many, and they were all quite valuable. How could some low-level Artifact Refiners afford them?

This ring was inexpensive to manufacture, had low costs, and didn't need to be priced too high to earn sufficient profit. It was bound to become popular among low-level Artifact Refiners.

As for Foundation Establishment cultivators, it was more or less dispensable, as its effect was already negligible. White Jade Orchid's fire control ability was already extraordinary, and she was not far from the subtle realm. The Fire Spirit Ring merely provided a slight supplement, unless this ring could become a second-tier Magical Artifact.

“Pavilion Master, my Bai Family will produce this ring at full capacity, refining about fifteen per month. The pre-sale price is eight hundred Spirit Stones. The Bai Family is willing to pay an additional 20% annual tax, hoping to finalize this business!”

As White Jade Orchid's words fell, discussions erupted in the main hall. At this time, there were still some Disciples on missions and another Foundation Establishment Elder in the hall. Most of the other Elders were occupied.

That person was named Qiu He. He was in charge of promotions and demotions for Inner Sect Disciples and Outer Sect Disciples at Hongyu Pavilion, as well as appointing Outer Sect stewards. Oh, and he also reviewed the lists of True Disciple recommendations from various families.

His power was astonishing.

“Brother Qiu, what do you think?” Qingfengzi raised his hand and asked Qiu He. The Sect nurtured families, and families relied on the Sect.

One could not completely oppress them or force them to obey. If one acted tyrannically, even the most prosperous Sect would not withstand the changing hearts of people. In essence, it was the same as families raising offerings; it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The Bai Family's move had already given a large portion of the profits to Lingbao Mountain. White Jade Orchid's mention of an additional 20% annual tax meant that 20% of the entire Family's income would be cut, which showed great sincerity.

Of course, the Fire Spirit Ring was indeed profitable, and its price of eight hundred Spirit Stones was not too outrageous.

The price of a typical High Grade first-tier Magical Artifact ranges from three hundred to five hundred Spirit Stones. Eight hundred Spirit Stones, for a Loose Cultivator without background and who was honest and diligent, might not even see eight hundred Spirit Stones after decades of labor.

But for Sect Disciples, there were ways to earn money. After working hard for a year or two, they could always raise enough. Moreover, Lingbao Mountain's Disciples were highly sought after when outside, with many begging for private work.

Eight hundred Spirit Stones, in terms of value, was truly not much.

If all the low-level Disciples of Lingbao Mountain could have a Fire Spirit Ring each, the Bai Family's wealth would likely make even Golden Core Cultivators envious. White Jade Orchid's statement was a preemptive measure.

Qiu He first shook his head, then nodded: “If the Bai Family sells this ring, they must first supply enough to the Inner Sect Disciples, and at an 80% discount. At least half of the monthly production must be sold to the Inner Sect.”

The difference between Outer Sect and Inner Sect was like heaven and earth. To put it bluntly, Inner Sect Disciples were the true pillars of Lingbao Mountain, while Outer Sect Disciples were merely laborers. Not only did they have many tasks each month, but they also didn't receive much cultivation resources.

True Disciples were on another level. The selection of True Disciples at Lingbao Mountain did not consider cultivation level, only Artifact Refining skill as the standard.

However, if you could reach Foundation Establishment, then your fire control ability during Artifact Refining, as well as your Divine Sense manipulation, would be significantly superior, making a difference. Therefore, most True Disciple selections were achieved by Foundation Establishment cultivators, unless one had extraordinary Artifact Refining talent.

Hearing what Qiu He said, White Jade Orchid gritted her teeth and agreed. The Bai Family couldn't withstand any more trouble. Without the protection of Lingbao Mountain, she, a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator, simply couldn't protect the Fire Spirit Ring, which was a coveted item.

Not to mention anything else, just the covetousness of two families of the same level, the Hua Family and the Zhao Family. If they united, they could make the Bai Family hesitant and fearful. How could they develop then? It was better to concede profits from the start.

Qingfengzi saw that White Jade Orchid was sensible. This business was also very beneficial to Hongyu Pavilion. As for the protection, it was just a matter of the subordinates putting in a little more effort; it wouldn't be too much trouble for him. He immediately said with delight, “Good, since that's the case, this matter is settled. However, today's matter is not to be spread for now. If I hear any rumors! Hmph hmph~”

With a clear warning, everyone present immediately decided to keep silent. The might of a Foundation Establishment cultivator was not something these Disciples dared to defy.

He said this because the matter still needed to be reported to the Grand Elder. If the Bai Family were to be targeted by other families later, they would need the Grand Elder's backing.

“Good, you told your Disciple to report that the True Disciple selection ten years from now, your Bai Family's recommendation, has already been decided. Who is it?”