105: Second Family

Su Chen's divine sense stirred, and the three VIP gift packs purchased in the game interface were instantly activated and used.

An invisible fluctuation emanated from the depths of the ancestral hall, and the first to take effect was the [Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell Talisman].

A faint, almost imperceptible golden light flashed simultaneously on the wrists of nearly a thousand children. Ancient-looking jade talismans, imbued with the power of spatial displacement, quietly materialized and bound themselves to them.

The children curiously raised their wrists to examine these suddenly appearing "decorations." Though they didn't understand their true value, they could feel the gentle protective power contained within them.

Next, the effect of the [Enlightenment Initiation] gift pack activated.

An indescribably marvelous rhythm, centered on the ancestral hall, rippled outwards like water, gently enveloping the entire plaza.

All children under ten years old instantly became hazy and focused, as if they had entered a deep state of meditation.

Their small faces showed various expressions: some frowned as if pondering difficult problems, others smiled as if glimpsing the ultimate truths of the world. Their auras became exceptionally active and clear, and their bone structure and comprehension were being silently reshaped and solidified during this process.

Half an hour later, the rhythmic fluctuations gradually dissipated, and the children slowly opened their eyes.

Their eyes became even brighter. The slightly unrefined boxing movements they had learned now became incredibly clear in their minds. Several children even instinctively performed a few moves, which were significantly more standardized than before.

"I think I understand the force-exertion technique Teacher Xie talked about yesterday!"

"Me too! I feel lighter, and I can punch with more strength!"

Su Chen watched this scene and nodded slightly, then activated the last and most dominant effect, the [Bloodline Purification], worth a million.

A more vast and mighty power descended with a rumble. This time, it affected all clan members flowing with the Tantai Family bloodline!

"Om—"

The first to react was Tantai Qinghuang.

Her Imperial Blood, originally bound by an invisible 鎖, now melted away like ice and snow under the nourishment of the deep purple energy.

She could clearly feel a part of her dormant Imperial Blood origin slowly awakening, and the speed of her spiritual energy circulation was nearly thirty percent faster than before.

"This is... my bloodline shackles have been removed?" A look of surprise flashed in Tantai Qinghuang's eyes. She looked up in the direction of the ancestral hall, a faint smile gracing her lips.

Ten years unseen, this Ancestor was still as he was back then, always able to surprise and delight her.

Tantai Lie and the other clan elders also showed expressions of shock.

Although the concentration of Imperial Blood in their bodies was not as high as Tantai Qinghuang's, they also felt a significant change. The feeling of stagnation in their cultivation, caused by the bloodline curse, disappeared. Spiritual energy flowed more smoothly through their meridians, and even a few elderly clan elders felt a slight improvement in their cultivation.

"Ancestor's great kindness, we will never forget it!" Tantai Lie led the way, kneeling on the ground, and the other clan elders and clan members also followed suit, respectfully kowtowing towards the ancestral hall...

Inside the family council hall, the atmosphere was solemn and enthusiastic.

Su Chen sat in the main seat, with Tantai Lie, Tantai Qinghuang, Xie Chi, Qin Ze, and other core family members seated on either side.

Tantai Lie was the first to bow and report. He had now broken through to the early Void God Realm, and he looked like he had returned to his prime.

"Ancestor, over the past ten years, our Tantai clan has diligently followed your instructions, expanding our resources and actively growing. We have recruited seventy-eight external rogue cultivators as guest elders, including one Void God Realm cultivator and forty-three Spirit Sea Realm cultivators. All have been implanted with restrictions and are temporarily trustworthy and usable."

Next, Qin Ze, in charge of the pill workshop, stepped forward, a proud look on his face: "Reporting to Ancestor, the family's pill workshop has grown in scale. Currently, it can stably produce over a thousand various pills of grade three and below each month. Not only does it meet the family's needs, but it also monopolizes nearly eighty percent of the pill market in Bei Huang County, yielding substantial spiritual stone profits."

His wife, Chi Shishi, beside him, also nodded lightly and added, "The family's array disc workshop has also entered the right track. Although its output is not as high as the pill workshop, its quality is superior, and demand far exceeds supply."

Su Chen listened quietly, only nodding slightly occasionally, without making many comments. These developments were all within his expectations; Tantai Lie had indeed done well in the past decade.

His gaze finally fell on Tantai Qinghuang. The young woman stood tall and graceful, her aura even deeper and more powerful than ten years ago. She had already reached the late Void God Realm, not far from its peak.

"Qinghuang's progress is acceptable," Su Chen slowly began. "For the family to aspire to be a sixth-grade prestigious family, it needs a Nascent Soul Realm expert to oversee it. With your talent, breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm is not difficult; what you lack is merely natural accumulation and an opportunity."

He paused, and a streak of light flew out from the painting, hovering before Tantai Qinghuang.

It was an ancient-style bronze treasure box, with complex cloud patterns engraved on its surface, exuding a distant aura.

It was the 'True Yang Secret Key,' given as an apology by Cold East Star from the Immortal Academy back then.

This secret realm is located in Chenxiang State and opens once every fifty years.

Within the secret realm, a sixth-grade 'Origin Spirit Pill' is nurtured. This pill contains pure soul essence and can greatly assist Void God Realm cultivators in solidifying their divine souls, making it an excellent aid for breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm.

"The next opening of the secret realm is in a few days. Qinghuang, prepare yourself; we will depart immediately."

"Yes, Ancestor!" Tantai Qinghuang's eyes lit up, and she solemnly accepted the treasure box...

The Grand Void Dragon Emperor Boat transformed into a streak of light, soaring through the clouds.

The space inside the boat was vast, beautifully decorated yet ancient, and the rich spiritual energy was almost tangible.

The artifact spirit Little Girl had grown from a little girl into a graceful young woman in her early teens, dressed in a light purple dress, lively and adorable. But her clingy nature remained unchanged; she was currently hugging Su Chen's arm (a phantom) and chattering incessantly.

"Master, master, you don't know how much the family has changed in these ten years! Uncle Lie's fifty-plus wives argue every day, Sister Qinghuang's cultivation is terrifying, and those little brats are all so naughty..." She rambled on, sharing her observations of the past ten years.

Su Chen let her hug him, raising his hand to gently pat her head, as a response. He could feel that as his strength increased to the peak of the Void God Realm and as he continuously nurtured the Emperor Boat, this Imperial Armament was gradually recovering its former glory, and Little Girl's power had also grown considerably.

Just then, Su Chen's expression shifted. It was midnight in the real world.

He split a wisp of his consciousness and immersed it in the game system.

"Ding, the Merit Store has refreshed."

The interface instantly switched, and a dazzling array of new items appeared before his eyes.

Su Chen's gaze did not wander at all, directly locking onto the item icon ranked first.

He didn't even bother to read the item's name or detailed description, choosing to purchase it without hesitation.

"Congratulations, player, purchase successful. 4.88 million merit points deducted."

"You have obtained: Summoning Crystal * 1. Effect: Can activate a second family."

Even though Su Chen had been mentally prepared, his heart couldn't help but tremble at this moment.

He had single-handedly fended off the beast tide in Jiangcheng, accumulating a massive amount of merit, and he had been eagerly awaiting this moment!

This item was unique across the entire server, and its refresh time was random. It was highly likely that it wouldn't appear again for a long time after he purchased it.

If he hadn't had the advantage of foresight and a merit point reserve that crushed all others, it would have been absolutely impossible for him to acquire it so easily.

Activating a second family meant that he would simultaneously manage two major forces in the "Clan Luck Expedition." Not only would he receive double the resource feedback in reality, but he would also have a dual identity, an additional crucial safeguard, and significantly increased confidence in responding to future changes.

Without the slightest hesitation, Su Chen immediately chose to use the [Summoning Crystal].

The crystal shattered in his mind, transforming into countless brilliant light specks, finally coalescing into a swirling vortex.

"Family drawing in progress..."

"Congratulations! You have drawn a Half-Saint Bloodline Family!"

Su Chen was slightly surprised. Logically, he had no system bonuses for this draw, and being able to draw a family with Earth-grade or even Heaven-grade bloodline would have been considered good luck. He hadn't expected to directly draw a Half-Saint bloodline, second only to Imperial families!

This start seemed to be quite a bit better than expected.

The light and shadow stabilized, and a new family interface slowly unfolded in his consciousness.

"Family Name: Dugu clan (Commoner)"

"Family Level: Level 0 (Experience: 0%)"

"Family Members: 1 person"

"Family Wealth: 0 spiritual stones"

"Family Territory: None"

"Family Bloodline: S-rank (Half-Saint grade)"

Su Chen's anticipation and joy instantly froze when he saw the entry "Family Members: 1 person."

A family with only one person?

What the hell was this?

He manipulated his thoughts, trying to "see clearly" who this sole family member was, and Su Chen's eyes instantly turned cold.