23: Chapter 23 Qinglan Sect, Here I Come
[The third simulation continues.]
Zhao Mingyang's arrogant remarks once again plunged the entire Lin family into depression and humiliation.
A mere outer sect deacon disciple dared to order the Lin family around like this, treating their retainer like a servant.
This was the might of a sect, and it was also the naked disparity in strength.
Chu Sheng curled his lip as he watched.
"This Zhao Mingyang, a mere third-grade Qi Induction, running to the home of a half-step Condensing True Essence expert to act tough, he's quite the talent."
[Lin Tiannan, sitting in the main seat, had a flash of cold light in his eyes.]
[His lingering power slowly rose; although not fierce, it pressed down on those few Qinglan Sect disciples like a giant boulder.]
["High disciples of the Qinglan Sect, what great prestige you have." Lin Tiannan's voice was not loud, but it carried the sound of clashing metal and stone.]
["Chu Sheng is my Lin family's Chief Retainer, and even more so, the son-in-law I have personally promised. He is not a servant, let alone a menial laborer. If your esteemed sect is sincere in recruiting him, you should show the appropriate courtesy."]
[Zhao Mingyang's expression changed slightly: "Family Head Lin, this junior has come under orders to convey the sect's intentions. Your family's retainer being able to touch upon the Second-Order Pill Dao with such meager cultivation truly shows some talent."]
["However, my Qinglan Sect is the orthodox path of cultivation, with strict rules. This is an opportunity, but also a test. Whether he goes or not is naturally his choice to make."]
["As for the Lin family's current situation, I believe Family Head Lin is clearer on that than this junior. Having an extra retainer with a sect background is not necessarily a bad thing for the Lin family."]
[These words were soft but carried an underlying edge; the Qinglan Sect was undoubtedly one of the thickest thighs to cling to in the surrounding area.]
[Chu Sheng stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Lin Tiannan: "Father-in-law."]
["Deacon Zhao, the great name of the Qinglan Sect is like thunder to the ears. This humble one's meager pill skills being able to catch the eye of your esteemed sect is truly a stroke of luck. It's just that..."]
[He revealed a troubled expression, "Father-in-law's injuries have not yet stabilized. As the Lin family's Chief Retainer and future son-in-law, I would feel uneasy leaving at this time."]
[Zhao Mingyang frowned, "The sect's recruitment focuses on potential and the future. Are you looking down on my Qinglan Sect?"]
["I dare not," Chu Sheng quickly said.]
["I have heard that the sect governs its disciples with filial piety, it's just... Father-in-law's injury is extraordinary. This humble one worries day and night, but perhaps I can buy some more time for Father-in-law."]
[His words were half-true and half-false; how difficult it is to improve a Second-Order pill formula, but he had to dangle a greater hope.]
[Sure enough, as soon as these words were spoken, a flash of bright light appeared in Lin Tiannan's eyes.]
["Oh? Chu Sheng, how much confidence do you have?"]
["Father-in-law, matters of the Pill Dao are never certain. But This humble one is willing to exhaust all efforts to enter seclusion and research it!"]
[Chu Sheng's tone was earnest.]
[Lin Tiannan looked at Zhao Mingyang, "Deacon Zhao, could you grant us some more time? Once my son-in-law has refined a new pill for me, it will not be too late to discuss going to your sect."]
[Zhao Mingyang pondered for a moment and finally nodded: "Very well, I will stay in Qingshi Town for a month. After one month, I hope Alchemist Chu can give me an answer."]
[Once the people from the Qinglan Sect left, the atmosphere in the hall did not ease.]
[Lin Tiannan waved away the idlers, leaving only the core members like Great Steward Lin, Lin Zhentian, Second Madam, Lin Hao, and Chu Sheng.]
["Chu Sheng," Lin Tiannan looked at him, his tone solemn, "Do you know what it means that I have betrothed Second Miss Lin Wan Qing to you today and pushed you to the forefront?"]
["This son-in-law understands."]
[Chu Sheng was solemn, "Father-in-law trusts me, and this son-in-law is deeply grateful. From now on, this son-in-law and the Lin family will share honor and disgrace together."]
["Well said, sharing honor and disgrace." Lin Tiannan nodded slightly.]
["Since you have already called me father-in-law, you are half a son of my Lin family. My injury is likely not a natural disaster, but also the result of human malice."]
[He paused: "You need to marry Lin Wan Qing as soon as possible and formally enter my Lin family's household. Firstly, to put your mind at ease, and secondly, to settle the discussions both inside and outside."]
Chu Sheng savored the meaning of these words.
"This is to completely tie me down. But that's fine; a legitimate status, plus the legitimate platform of 'Many Children, Many Blessings', this wave is not a loss."
[The wedding was held very quickly.]
[In his capacity as Chief Retainer, Chu Sheng officially married Lin Wanqing Lin Wan Qing.]
[On the wedding night, red candles shone brightly in Danxia Peak's courtyard.]
[Lin Wan Qing, dressed in a phoenix coronet and rosy-cloud cape, sat by the wedding bed covered in brocade, her mood complex.]
[Chu Sheng lifted the bridal veil; under the candlelight, Lin Wan Qing's delicate and beautiful face was flushed with red, making her even more moving.]
["Wife," Chu Sheng called out gently.]
[Lin Wan Qing raised her eyes to look at him, then quickly lowered them, "Yes, husband."]
[There were not many words; everything was natural, the red curtains were warm, and the waves of passion rose.]
Chu Sheng's old face flushed, and he silently averted his gaze.
"Skip this part, skip it; Simulator, you've had enough."
[Properly married, they became husband and wife.]
[Their relationship gradually grew harmonious; Lin Wan Qing admired Chu Sheng's pill refining ability, no longer cared about his background, and the couple got along well.]
[More importantly, there was the powerful feedback from 'Many Children, Many Blessings'!]
[Less than two months after the wedding, Lin Wan Qing felt something unusual in her body. After being diagnosed by the estate physician—she was pregnant!]
[The news spread, and Lin Tiannan was overjoyed; rewards flowed into Danxia Peak like water, and Lin Zhentian, Great Steward Lin, and others offered their congratulations.]
[Second Madam Wang's expression was complex, but since the matter was already set in stone, she had to pinch her nose and accept it.]
[Lin Hao became even more enthusiastic, acting as if he were his brother-in-law, running to Danxia Peak every few days.]
Chu Sheng looked at Lin Hao's eager face and couldn't help but complain.
"Before he called me a servant, now he calls me brother-in-law; this thickness of skin is enough to refine a furnace of City Wall Pills."
[Chu Sheng carefully took care of the pregnant Lin Wan Qing, and under the mysterious blessing of 'Strong Luck', he actually succeeded in refining another furnace of longevity elixir!]
[Although it was still only a Second-Order low-grade, the medicinal power was milder, and the effect of consolidating the foundation was more obvious.]
[After Lin Tiannan took it, his complexion indeed improved a bit more. For the precarious Lin family, this was undoubtedly another shot in the arm.]
[The one-month deadline had arrived, and Zhao Mingyang visited again.]
[Lin Tiannan summoned Chu Sheng to his sickbed: "The new pill is done, and this old man can hold on for another period of time. What do you think about the Qinglan Sect side? You don't need to worry about the family, just speak your mind."]
[Chu Sheng had already thought it through thoroughly.]
He must go to the Qinglan Sect.
It was not just to obtain a more systematic Pill Dao inheritance and richer resources.
As the largest sect within a thousand miles, he would have to clash with the Qinglan Sect sooner or later.
It was even more so to figure out the bottom line of this sect that killed his grandson in the last simulation, and even to prepare for possible future returns.
But going directly as a "menial pill apprentice" was too passive.
["Father-in-law, this son-in-law wants to go to the Qinglan Sect."]
[Chu Sheng said frankly, "Firstly, to seek higher Pill Dao; secondly, the sect's resources are vast, which will be beneficial to this son-in-law's cultivation and pill techniques; thirdly..."]
[He lowered his voice, "The Qinglan Sect is powerful. If this son-in-law can establish a foothold, perhaps I can become a source of support for the Lin family abroad, deterring small-minded people."]
[Lin Tiannan showed appreciation: "It is good that you can think of these things. However, the Qinglan Sect is not a pure land either. Your identity will be awkward when you go there, so you need to be extremely careful."]
[Chu Sheng said, "It's just that Wan Qing is pregnant, and this son-in-law is worried..."]
["Wan Qing will stay in the Lin family, and I will naturally take care of her. You can go with peace of mind." Lin Tiannan waved his hand.]
[On the eve of his departure, Lin Bufan came to visit.]
[Lin Bufan got straight to the point and handed Chu Sheng an ordinary iron token, "Although I am in the inner sect, there are many disciples, and I may not be able to look after you all the time."]
[He paused: "If you encounter deliberate trouble, you can mention my name; perhaps it will have a little bit of face."]
["Elder Zhou, the master of Danxia Peak in the Qinglan Sect, is extremely obsessed with the Pill Dao. If you can demonstrate enough value in the Pill Dao, you might be able to try to make contact."]
Chu Sheng looked at the iron token in the simulation.
Did he really treat me as a brother-in-law, or did he simply think that I am more useful to him alive?
Forget it, no matter which one it is, this token is a solid, good thing.
["Thank you, Big Brother!" Chu Sheng solemnly took the iron token.]
[Lin Bufan nodded slightly, and then his figure disappeared.]
[Chu Sheng bid farewell to his pregnant wife, left the Lin family, and holding the Qinglan Sect's token, set foot on the road to the sect.]
[Please set the strategy for initially entering the Qinglan Sect:]
[1. Low-key and forbearing, playing the pig to eat the tiger, focusing on learning pill refining at Danxia Peak.]
[2. Moderately display the pill refining talent brought by 'Pill Dao Physique' and 'Strong Luck', attract attention, and strive for better treatment and resource allocation.]
[3. Actively contact Elder Zhou of Danxia Peak, trying to directly obtain protection or a shortcut to entry.]
[4. Not limited to the Pill Dao, while also inquiring about the distribution of various forces within the sect.]
Chu Sheng looked at the four options and fell into deep thought.
Being low-key is safe, but too slow. Being too high-profile easily attracts jealousy and hatred.
Directly looking for Elder Zhou is interesting.
Inquiring about news... with his current level of cultivation, inquiring about news is probably seeking death.
"Select 2."
He finally made a decision.
"Moderately display talent, don't be the bird that sticks its head out, but also don't be a transparent person. Let those who should see it see it, and those who shouldn't see it don't see it; this is the real skill."
"As for the others..."
He glanced at the direction of the Qinglan Sect in the distance, and the corners of his mouth slowly curled up.
"Qinglan Sect, here I come."
[Simulation continues...]