22: Chapter 22 Choice

At the same time, his body trembled; it was clearly difficult to endure.

Chen Fan had lived two lifetimes, his Dao Heart was firm. He let out a long breath, endured the excruciating pain, and continued to form seals to refine his energy.

Time passed bit by bit. By the fifth day, as a wisp of white mist emerged behind him, he finally achieved a Breakthrough to Qi Refining Level 5.

He could clearly feel a significant increase in his strength; the mana stored in his Dantian was greater, and both his Physical Body and spiritual sense had improved greatly compared to before.

"Is this Qi Refining Level 5?"

Chen Fan slapped his Storage Pouch and summoned his Medium Grade Flying Sword.

Forming seals with his hands, he poured his thick mana into it, causing a loud sword hum.

Before, controlling it had been extremely strenuous, but today it felt effortless.

Having successfully broken through, he was in no rush to leave seclusion, instead continuing to Cultivate the Xuantian Technique and the Tyrant Body Technique until his Realm was completely stabilized.

"It is time to take a wife." Chen Fan had not forgotten the promise the Grand Elder had made to him.

Thinking of this, he bathed, changed his clothes, and headed toward the central area.

"Qi Refining Level 5? You really broke through?" Great Elder Qin Yuanshan was somewhat surprised; this speed of advancement was not inferior to certain Cultivation Geniuses.

However, thinking that the other party could perform Alchemy, he did not doubt it too much.

"I understand the matter of taking a wife; go back and wait for news!"

Great Elder Qin Yuanshan began to consider which Family's girl would be suitable. One had to know that the other party was now at Qi Refining Level 5 and would soon be able to advance to a First-Rank Medium Grade Alchemist, making him highly sought after in the market.

The Qin Family was a Foundation Establishment Family with a total of six Elders, divided into two factions; Alchemists were naturally the objects of competition to be recruited.

After some thought, he quickly had a candidate in mind.

Chen Fan left the residence of the Grand Elder, feeling pleased after receiving confirmed news.

It happened to be the third month of spring, and on the stone paths, one could occasionally see various female Cultivators, dressed in bright, fresh clothing, with elegant postures and graceful figures, out for a stroll.

Carefree and innocent, they were clearly high-status younger descendants of the Family.

Upon seeing Chen Fan, these young girls acted like lovesick fools, becoming extremely shy and whispering to each other.

"Who is that? He seems a bit unfamiliar."

"I'll tell you quietly, he is Chen Fan, the Matrilocal son-in-law who is very good at fathering children."

"Really? He doesn't look old at all, and he's quite handsome."

Chen Fan naturally heard the discussion of these young girls. He did not realize that since Cultivating the Immortal Beauty Technique, he appeared younger and his temperament was more outstanding; from a distance, he looked like a refined gentleman and a scholarly youth.

Noticing several burning gazes, he quickened his pace. As a Matrilocal son-in-law, his reputation for being lecherous was not good.

Just at this moment, a crisp and pleasant voice rang out.

Two young girls were seen chasing and playing with each other. One of the girls, in her panic, slipped and let out an "Ouch."

Just as she was about to fall, Chen Fan flickered and caught her tightly in his arms.

"Ah!" The beautiful girl was somewhat startled, but upon seeing who was before her, her face filled with shyness.

Chen Fan took a closer look and saw that the beauty's eyebrows were like distant mountains, her black hair like lacquer, and her eyes rippled like water. Although she only looked sixteen or seventeen, she gave off a heart-stopping feeling.

For a moment, he was actually stunned, never having expected that there would be such a beautiful female Cultivator in the Family.

"I'm fine, you can let go now," the beautiful girl said shyly.

Chen Fan only then realized he had been discourteous and hurriedly let go.

After breaking free, the girl unconsciously looked back once before disappearing without a trace.

"So beautiful."

Chen Fan felt a slight regret in his heart. Over these years, the female Cultivators the Family had betrothed to him were actually quite ordinary in their conditions; very few were this fresh and refined.

Three days later, news quickly came from Great Elder Qin Yuanshan's side.

"This Junior greets the Grand Elder." Chen Fan bowed slightly, acting very respectfully.

"This is the Fourth Elder of the Family, named Qin Jing'an."

"This Junior greets the Fourth Elder."

Chen Fan saluted again. He saw that the Cultivator before him looked middle-aged, with a face full of thick beard, a heavy aura, and bright, sharp eyes.

The Fourth Elder nodded slightly, very satisfied, and said, "Not bad. You have just advanced to Qi Refining Level 5, yet your aura is thick; clearly, you Cultivate extremely diligently."

"Thank you for the compliment, Senior. The Dao is boundless; this is just the beginning." Chen Fan bowed and saluted again, looking like a humble gentleman.

Little did he know that this scene was witnessed by a young girl hiding in the back hall. After observing him carefully, a blush appeared on her face.

"The reason I summoned you this time is regarding the matter of a Dao Companion. Now that you are at Qi Refining Level 5, I wonder if you can currently refine Medicinal Pills with four patterns?" After the introductions, the Grand Elder got straight to the point.

"I can already refine them." Chen Fan thought about how he had sold such Medicinal Pills at the Duobao Pavilion in the Family, so he did not deny it, slowly taking out a pill bottle and handing it over.

The Medicinal Pill was of excellent appearance, with four patterns, emitting waves of clear fragrance.

"Very good. Your Realm has improved, and you can refine Medium Grade Medicinal Pills; you count as a decent Alchemist." The Fourth Elder stroked his thick beard, praising him repeatedly.

"Since Fourth Brother approves, I think this marriage should be settled just like this!" Great Elder Qin Yuanshan chuckled.

"Haha, although there is some progress in the Dao of Alchemy, I still need to seek my daughter's opinion."

The Fourth Elder wore a smile, but in his heart, he was somewhat hesitant. After all, the other party had Pseudo-Spiritual Root Aptitude, and future attempts to Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment would be extremely difficult; he did not want his daughter to jump into a pit of fire.

Furthermore, he was just a Matrilocal son-in-law, having just stepped into the Dao of Alchemy; it seemed he could not bring more benefits.

"Fourth Brother, although Chen Fan's Aptitude is not good, the Spiritual Root of the children he fathers is quite good. The two children born this year are both Dual Spiritual Roots."

"Is that so?" After hearing this, the Fourth Elder's eyes lit up, but his expression suddenly darkened slightly. "Brother, this matter is too important; it still requires careful consideration."

"There is no need, Father, daughter is willing." The young girl walked out from the back hall, looking slightly shy.

Chen Fan looked closely and stood frozen in place. It turned out that this girl was the same young girl he had encountered in the bamboo forest not long ago.

"Qin Xuan, you are simply being unruly. This is for adults to discuss matters; why are you interfering?" The Fourth Elder frowned, shouting sternly, extremely displeased.

Seeing this, the young girl Qin Xuan pouted slightly, not daring to say more.

"Since Fourth Brother needs to consider, as your elder brother, I will not force you." Seeing the awkward atmosphere, the Grand Elder smiled slightly.

"Good." The Fourth Elder stood up immediately, pulled the young girl along, and left quickly.

After the two left, Great Elder Qin Yuanshan said with slight regret, "I originally wanted to choose a good father-in-law for you, what a pity!"

"The world of Cultivation has always been like this; seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages is human nature. The reason I introduced the Fourth Elder's daughter was also to let you understand the importance of improving your Realm."

Chen Fan nodded slightly, fully understanding the mystery within; if one's strength is too weak, one can only be looked down upon.

Just as he was feeling so dejected, Great Elder Qin Yuanshan slowly handed over several scrolls.

"After all, you are my person. Since you have come, you cannot leave empty-handed. These young women have already agreed to marry you; see if there are any you like."

"Thank you, Grand Elder." Chen Fan was overjoyed; since the Grand Elder had the intention to recruit him, he would not stand on ceremony.