115: My father-in-law is a powerful figure in the late stage of Qi Refining!
Chen Chuanwen was dazed by the sudden arrival of his father-in-law, but Chuanjie was a shrewd person; without pausing to probe the father-in-law's intentions, he immediately ensured that the etiquette was performed to the fullest.
Thud!
Chen Chuanwen directly and decisively knelt down, saying with a sincere face:
"Son-in-law Chuanwen greets Father-in-law. It was truly improper for Chuanwen to marry Xiao Wen without Father-in-law's consent. Chuanwen begs Father-in-law for forgiveness!"
Seeing the boy's excellent attitude, Ma Zhiwen's expression softened slightly. However, as it is always the case when a father-in-law looks at a son-in-law, there was still some dissatisfaction. He let out a cold snort and said:
"Hmph, for the famous Smiling Yama of the Jianghu to bow to an old man like me, I surely cannot afford such an honor. You should get up!"
Chuanwen peeked and saw that Ma Zhiwen's expression had improved slightly, so he immediately stepped up his performance:
"When your son-in-law and Ma Yuwen married, we were afraid of being discovered by Zhao Zhiyi, so we didn't hold a wedding ceremony. Now that Father-in-law has returned, it's the perfect time to hold one properly, so that Father-in-law can drink our wedding tea. What do you think?"
Looking at such an obedient and sensible Chen Chuanwen, Ma Zhiwen's expression gradually improved. Moreover, Chuanwen had saved his daughter and even avenged him by wiping out Zhao Zhiyi's family.
"Sigh, you kid, get up! As for the wedding matter, go and discuss it with Xiao Wen. I have no objections!"
Chen Chuanwen's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. Judging by the other's tone, the hurdle of his father-in-law had been cleared, so Chuanwen stood up with a chuckle.
"Father-in-law, please wait a moment. Your son-in-law will go and serve you tea!"
Chuanwen said with a smile. Ma Zhiwen waved his hand, stopping Chen Chuanwen's movement. His eyes, flashing with sharp light, looked at Chen Chuanwen and asked:
"I heard you obtained my Ma Family's Qi Refining Cultivation Technique. I see you also have spiritual power within you. What is your Spiritual Root?"
Chen Chuanwen's heart trembled upon hearing this. He was most afraid that Ma Zhiwen would be dissatisfied with his family's technique being leaked to the Chen family, which would create another great enemy for them.
However, looking at Ma Zhiwen's appearance, he didn't seem to mind. Nonetheless, Chen Chuanwen still replied cautiously:
"Father-in-law, your son-in-law only has a five-element spiritual root!"
Ma Zhiwen's expression changed upon hearing this. After a short while, he let out a long sigh and said:
"A five-element spiritual root... what a pity. It's likely you are destined to never reach Foundation Establishment in this life. Just live a steady life with Xiao Wen!"
In fact, Ma Zhiwen had inquired about Chuanwen's Spiritual Root with the intention of helping him, wanting him to follow him and serve the Imperial Court. However, Chuanwen's Spiritual Root was too poor, and the Imperial Court would not agree.
"Chen Chuanwen, you saved my daughter's life and helped my Ma Family settle a great grudge. Although our two families are related by marriage, I, Ma Zhiwen, am not one to leave a kindness unrewarded."
Ma Zhiwen paused slightly here, then looked up at Chen Chuanwen and asked:
"I heard you've offended the Gu God Cult to the point of having to move and flee?"
Chen Chuanwen's expression froze. It seemed the conflict between the Chen Family and the Gu God Cult had already spread. Now, the Chen Family and the Gu God Cult were truly locked in a fight to the death.
"That's right, Father-in-law. That Gu God Cult is too overbearing. When they failed to kill and rob us, they even pursued us to my home. For the safety of the family, my father decided to move!"
Ma Zhiwen nodded, picked up the cold tea on the wooden table, took a sip, and then said:
"Whether your family moves or not is for you to decide. You need not worry about the Gu God Cult in Longwei and Toukou counties anymore. As long as they dare to show their heads, I will dare to wipe them out!"
Hearing the old man Ma Zhiwen talk so big, Chen Chuanwen couldn't help but advise:
"Father-in-law, the Gu God Cult has powerhouses as numerous as clouds, and their Qi Refining experts are too many to count on one hand. Can you handle them alone?"
Ma Zhiwen laughed loudly, then narrowed his eyes at Chen Chuanwen. Suddenly, a wave of pressure hit, pressing down so hard that Chuanwen couldn't straighten his back.
"Haha, I have already reached the Ninth Level of Qi Refining, only one step away from Foundation Establishment. As long as the Gu God Cult Leader himself doesn't come, what is there to fear from the rest of those ants?"
"Do you really think the Gu God Cult Leader would personally come to deal with you for the sake of a few people at the Early Qi Refining Stage in your family?"
Chen Chuanwen hadn't expected his father-in-law to be a big shot at the Late Qi Refining Stage, and one of the top experts at that level!
"Thank you, Father-in-law! Father-in-law, please accept my bow. On behalf of the Chen Family, your son-in-law thanks Father-in-law for his assistance!"
Chen Chuanwen hurriedly bowed with hands clasped. Ma Zhiwen waved his hand and said with a chuckle:
"No need for that. It's just one favor repaid for another!"
"I haven't seen Xiao Wen for a long time. I'll take her away to spend a few days together and catch up on our father-daughter bond. You don't mind, do you?"
Chen Chuanwen immediately nodded in agreement. A father and daughter who hadn't seen each other for years must have much to say. How could he have any objection!
"Father-in-law, feel free to take Xiao Wen with you. Once my Chen Family has settled down, Xiao Wen can bring Father-in-law to our home as a guest!"
Ma Zhiwen nodded, then pulled a Secret Manual and several small flags from his robes and placed them on the table.
"I won't stay here for long. I've investigated and know my son is not dead, though I don't know where he fled. I'm going to Annan Prefecture to find his traces. If the Gu God Cult comes to provoke you after I leave, these can keep your Chen Family safe!"
After Ma Zhiwen finished speaking, he turned and left the living room to find Xiao Wen in the backyard!
Chen Chuanwen curiously picked up the four small flags and the Secret Manual, only to see the title: "Elementary Formation — Four-Direction Cloud and Mist Mountain Protection Formation."
"It's actually a Formation. My big shot father-in-law is truly generous. I've heard that among Alchemy, Artifact-crafting, Talismans, and Formations, Formations are the most expensive. He gave our Chen Family such a grand gift right away!"
Chen Chuanwen's eyes flashed with joy, and he began to flip through the Secret Manual. However, after reading for a while, he became dizzy from the knowledge of Formations within!
"As expected, these Formations aren't something an ordinary person can learn. I'd better take this back for Father to study later!"
Chen Chuanwen tucked the Secret Manual and the four small green flags into his robes and then headed to the backyard.
"Chuanwen, I am going with my father to the grave to pay respects to my mother and share our long-held feelings. I will be back soon, so don't worry!"
In the backyard, Ma Yuwen's eyes were red, clearly having cried earlier. She hadn't left immediately because she was afraid Chuanwen would worry and had waited to say goodbye.
"Haha, Xiao Wen, your father has returned, you should be happy. Why are you still crying?"
Chen Chuanwen helped Ma Yuwen wipe away the tear stains on her face and then pulled her into his arms to comfort her:
"When you go to your mother's grave, don't be too sad. Remember that you are carrying our child in your womb!"
"Don't worry, I'll remember!"
Ma Yuwen nodded gently, gave Chuanwen a hug, and then walked toward Ma Zhiwen.
"Father-in-law, when you return from this trip, please come to the Chen Family as a guest. Our home is on Jade Dragon Peak!"
Ma Zhiwen nodded and looked at Chen Chuanwen with a smile, saying happily:
"Kid, I will take good care of Xiao Wen and my future grandson. Just wait at home."
Chen Chuanwen hurriedly bowed. Then, Ma Zhiwen and his daughter left the Chen family, and Chen Chuanwen also had to get busy with the move. Chen Changsheng was still waiting for his news on the mountain.