57: Chapter 57: Concubine, Chen Qiaoqian?

After receiving Zhao Changsheng's promise, Xin Ruyin was both surprised and delighted, her face flushed with excitement. She wanted to express her gratitude but didn't know how to put it into words.

"Alright, go and Cultivate well. There's no need for words of gratitude. If you truly want to thank me, refine a few more sets of Formations for me in the future. Your talent in Formations even surpasses my Spiritual Root Aptitude."

Zhao Changsheng waved his hand, telling Xin Ruyin to go and Cultivate.

He also offered a word of praise to Xin Ruyin, which made her even more grateful.

"Thank you, Senior. Please rest assured, Senior. In the future, this Junior will definitely do my best to refine Formations for you and will never fail your kindness."

After saying this, Xin Ruyin didn't say anything more and took her leave. Of course, before leaving, she also bowed solemnly to Zhao Changsheng.

After Xin Ruyin left, Zhao Changsheng put the foundation establishment pill into his Storage Pouch.

After all, the current use for this foundation establishment pill was gone.

Having put away the foundation establishment pill, Zhao Changsheng was just about to leave the hall when he frowned. In the next moment, he got up and walked out of the Immortal Cave.

Once outside the Immortal Cave, he saw a Middle-aged Confucian Scholar bringing Chen Qiaoqian. As soon as the Middle-aged Confucian Scholar saw Zhao Changsheng come out, he immediately led Chen Qiaoqian in cupping his hands and bowing to Zhao Changsheng.

Before they could say anything, Zhao Changsheng immediately dodged to the side, having no intention of accepting the bow from the Middle-aged Confucian Scholar.

This was because this Middle-aged Confucian Scholar was a Core Formation Stage Cultivator of Yellow Maple Valley, the Old Ancestor of the Chen Family.

"Junior Martial Uncle Chen, please do not be so formal. This Disciple does not deserve it!"

Facing a bow from a fellow sect Core Formation Stage Cultivator, Zhao Changsheng could not accept it no matter what.

Even though he had saved Chen Qiaoqian and possessed a Wood Attribute Heavenly Spiritual Root, there was still a gap in their status.

"Martial Nephew Zhao must be joking. By saving Qiao Qian, you are naturally a benefactor of my Chen Family. It is only right for this old man to bow and offer thanks."

The Middle-aged Confucian Scholar explained with a tone of gratitude.

"Junior Martial Uncle, this is not the place to talk. Whatever you have to say, let's enter the Immortal Cave first."

Zhao Changsheng bowed slightly in return, then stepped aside and invited the two to enter the Immortal Cave as guests.

Zhao Changsheng completely ignored Chen Qiaoqian's affectionate gaze, not even looking at her.

The Old Ancestor of the Chen Family nodded slightly, said his thanks, and then led Chen Qiaoqian into Zhao Changsheng's Immortal Cave.

Once they were seated in the hall, Zhao Changsheng personally poured a cup of tea for the Old Ancestor of the Chen Family.

"May I ask what brings Junior Martial Uncle here today?"

Zhao Changsheng did not believe that the Old Ancestor of the Chen Family had come specifically to thank him.

Chen Qiaoqian was not worth the Old Ancestor of the Chen Family coming out of seclusion to thank him in person.

"Haha, as expected, nothing can be hidden from you, Martial Nephew. This old man's visit today is indeed not just to thank you for saving Qiao Qian."

As soon as these words were spoken, before Zhao Changsheng could say anything, Chen Qiaoqian's cheeks behind the Old Ancestor of the Chen Family immediately flushed like blood-red clouds. She was red-faced and breathless, looking quite captivating.

Seeing this, Zhao Changsheng immediately understood the Old Ancestor of the Chen Family's purpose.

"This old man came today because there is one thing I wish to discuss with you, Martial Nephew."

"Please speak, Junior Martial Uncle!"

Although he had already vaguely guessed what it was, Zhao Changsheng still asked as if he didn't know.

"It's actually very simple. I hope you can take Qiao Qian in, whether as a Dao Companion or a concubine."

Zhao Changsheng's expression changed at these words. He had originally thought the Old Ancestor of the Chen Family came to play matchmaker, but he hadn't expected him to be prepared to let Chen Qiaoqian be his concubine.

This was no small matter. If Chen Qiaoqian became his Dao Companion, there would naturally be no problem, and no one would be able to find any fault with it.

But if she were a concubine, not only would the Chen Family lose face, but Zhao Changsheng would also be in a rather awkward situation.

Especially with Senior Brother Lu dead, this was even more the case, as it would damage Zhao Changsheng's reputation.

Although Zhao Changsheng didn't care about this since he would be leaving soon.

But it was still somewhat inappropriate!

Chen Qiaoqian was no ordinary Disciple; she was the daughter of the Head of the Chen Family. Her status, position, and Spiritual Root Aptitude were among the best of the younger generation in Yellow Maple Valley.

For this very reason, it was almost impossible for Chen Qiaoqian to be someone's concubine unless the other party was a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator.

Originally, the Chen Family had wanted to use Chen Qiaoqian to win over Senior Brother Lu, a Disciple with a Wind Attribute Variant Spiritual Root, but they hadn't expected him to be such scum.

However, they also hadn't expected Chen Qiaoqian's luck to be so good as to be saved by Zhao Changsheng. This way, they had a chance to establish a relationship with Zhao Changsheng.

At the same time, because of this matter, they also intended for Chen Qiaoqian to be with Zhao Changsheng.

Even as a concubine!

If the incident with Senior Brother Lu hadn't happened before, becoming a concubine would have been absolutely impossible.

But now that such a thing had happened with Senior Brother Lu, wanting to become Zhao Changsheng's Dao Companion again was quite difficult.

That's why they settled for the next best thing and said a concubine would also be fine.

Chen Qiaoqian had no objections to this either, as she also knew her current situation.

Being a concubine was good enough; as for being a Dao Companion, it was something she could hardly hope for.

"Junior Martial Uncle must be joking. With Martial Niece Qiao Qian's Spiritual Root Aptitude and status, how could she be this Disciple's concubine?"

Zhao Changsheng directly shook his head and refused.

"In that case, once Qiao Qian reaches Foundation Establishment, the two of you can become Dao Companions. How about it?"

Hearing Zhao Changsheng's answer, the Old Ancestor of the Chen Family was extremely happy and continued smoothly.

Clearly, he didn't want Chen Qiaoqian to just be Zhao Changsheng's concubine either; he wanted the two to become Dao Companions. This way, the Chen Family would have another backer in the future.

As soon as he said this, Chen Qiaoqian's eyes immediately lit up, staring at Zhao Changsheng as she hoped for an affirmative answer. But Zhao Changsheng shook his head without hesitation and refused directly.

"Junior Martial Uncle, this Disciple currently has no heart for Dao Companion matters. So it is better not to speak of this again. Besides, there are countless Disciples with excellent Aptitude in the sect; Junior Martial Uncle does not need to focus solely on me."

Zhao Changsheng's words caused Chen Qiaoqian's expression to change from full of expectation and bright eyes to dim and dejected. She lowered her clear eyes, not daring to look at Zhao Changsheng for even a moment.

She felt as if she were being despised by Zhao Changsheng, a feeling that instantly drained most of her spirit.

The Old Ancestor of the Chen Family's face was also somewhat awkward and unsightly.

Although he had been prepared, when Zhao Changsheng refused so decisively and directly—even bluntly—it still made him feel embarrassed.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall fell into an awkward silence, and Zhao Changsheng had no intention of speaking to ease it.