170: fate

"Bewitching Cultivation?"

Chen Xuan tapped his fingers lightly on the tabletop; it was the first time he had heard this term.

In the Lesser Exquisite Grotto-Heaven, everything was considered inferior except for cultivation. Even though they knew the Cultivation World was incredibly cruel and one slip-up could lead to death and the end of one's Dao, they still refused to give up even a sliver of Opportunity.

Exploited by their Sects for nearly eleven shichen every day, they took Medicinal Pills to complete Sect missions, all just to gamble on a tiny chance of luck.

Sun Qian explained, "As everyone knows, the path of cultivation is a gift from the heavens. Aptitude, Spiritual Roots, Comprehension Ability, and immortal fate—not one can be missing. Even so, many people can only stop at the Foundation Establishment Realm, taking years just to Breakthrough one layer."

"But this Qinglan Sect somehow obtained a Cultivation Technique that allows practitioners to squeeze their own blood and Qi to refine a type of Innate Spiritual Qi, thereby achieving a Breakthrough in Realm in a short period."

"Even those with the poorest Aptitude, or even Mortals without inferior Spiritual Roots, can experience the illusion of breaking through several Realms in a single year, leading these commoners to mistakenly believe they are rare cultivation geniuses seen only once in a century."

Mr. Zhao sighed and said, "Over the years, the City Lord discovered that many people from various villages near Biyun City had vanished mysteriously. He sent people to investigate, and only then did they discover the Qinglan Sect's inside story."

"The Sect Master of the Qinglan Sect reached the Golden Core Fifth Layer by absorbing this Innate Spiritual Qi."

Chen Xuan nodded slightly. "So that's how it is!"

No wonder Lin Yan, who clearly only had five-element miscellaneous Spiritual Roots, could Breakthrough to the Qi Refining Ninth Layer within three years.

This makes sense now. His return to Qingfeng Village to gather villagers for cultivation was likely orchestrated by the Qinglan Sect as well.

Sun Qian grew more agitated as he spoke, slamming his palm onto the table so hard the teacups rattled. "Those Mortals are simply too ignorant! The City Lord sensed something was wrong with the Qinglan Sect long ago and sent over a dozen groups of people to the nearby villages to warn them. They explained the dangers of squeezing one's blood and Qi for cultivation in great detail."

"At best, it reduces one's Lifespan; at worst, one dies from the depletion of blood and Qi. But they only have eyes for the temptation of 'breaking through several Realms in a year' and won't listen to a word!"

He took a breath and continued, "In my opinion, we shouldn't care about this at all! If they want to jump into the fire themselves and can't distinguish between right and wrong, then we should just let them fend for themselves. It saves us the trouble and effort, especially when we get no thanks for it in the end!"

Just as he finished speaking, a slightly weak but steady voice came from outside the hall: "Commoners have shallow knowledge and are easily deceived by appearances."

A middle-aged man walked in slowly, his face still somewhat pale from blood loss. It was City Lord Shu Qingfeng, who had just taken a pill to stabilize his injuries.

He scanned the people in the hall, his gaze finally landing on Chen Xuan. He bowed slightly with his hands clasped, his attitude respectful and solemn.

"I owe my life to Senior Chen for bestowing the Medicinal Pill earlier. Words cannot express my gratitude. This Junior, Shu Qingfeng, thanks Senior for saving my life."

After saying that, he turned to Sun Qian, his tone heavy. "If we truly allow the Qinglan Sect to expand like this, they will rely on absorbing the blood and Qi of their followers to increase their strength. Within a few years, their influence will surely penetrate the surroundings of Biyun City. By then, it won't just be the Mortals in those villages who suffer; the entire Biyun City will fall into crisis."

"I only regret discovering it too late. To think the Qinglan Sect Revered Master reached the Golden Core Fifth Layer using such an evil method. Now, it will be much harder to deal with him."

"The City Lord is absolutely right. My vision was too narrow," Sun Qian could only lower his head and admit his mistake.

Chen Xuan sized up the middle-aged man. He was quite responsible, but unfortunately, his cultivation base and strength didn't quite match his heart.

With a cultivation at the Golden Core Third Layer, it would likely be difficult to wipe out the Qinglan Sect, which now had a Sect Master at the Golden Core Fifth Layer.

Once Shu Qingfeng was settled in the main seat, he spoke first: "Steward Ding has already informed me of Senior Chen's purpose for coming. Senior mentioned wanting to inquire about some news; what specifically would you like to know?"

Chen Xuan smiled. "The news I wanted to ask about has already been told to me by Mr. Zhao and the other gentleman. However, I have one more matter I'd like the City Lord to fulfill."

"Oh?" Shu Qingfeng couldn't help but frown slightly upon hearing this.

The Man in White Robes before him was clearly a powerful figure with a profound Realm, yet he used such a polite term as "fulfill."

He paused and replied politely, "Senior might as well tell me first. If it's something Biyun City can do, we will certainly not refuse."

Chen Xuan met his gaze calmly and said slowly, "To be honest, after entering the manor today, I met your daughter a few times. After a brief calculation just now, I found that she and I share a significant fate."

As soon as these words were spoken, Mr. Zhao was stunned for a moment before suddenly reacting. His eyes sparkled as he looked at Chen Xuan, his face instantly filling with joy.

He never expected that the Shu girl, who spent all day messing with poisons, would actually be favored by this Senior. This was truly a blessing from the Shu family's ancestors!

Sun Qian's eyes also widened in surprise as he quickly turned to Shu Qingfeng. "Congratulations, City Lord! This is a massive Opportunity!"

Shu Qingfeng wasn't as excited as the other two; instead, his brow furrowed even tighter. This Senior Chen, whether in terms of temperament, appearance, or the strength to give away a sixth-grade elixir so casually, was more than a match for his daughter.

But the problem was that they knew nothing about the other's background. Where did this person come from? What was his character? He couldn't just hand over his most beloved daughter simply because the man had gifted two bottles of pills.

After thinking for a moment, Shu Qingfeng carefully chose his words and said sincerely:

"I understand Senior Chen's intentions. However, Chanchan is a girl I've watched grow up since she was a child. She holds great weight in my heart; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she is my most valued child."

He paused and added, "Of course, with Senior's status and Realm, being able to take an interest in my daughter is a blessing she's earned over several lifetimes. However, marriage is a major life event that requires knowing each other's backgrounds. I hope Senior can understand."

Just as he finished speaking, he saw the Man in White Robes reveal a peculiar expression.

At that moment, a clear and soft female voice suddenly came from outside the hall, carrying a hint of urgency and bashfulness: "Father! What nonsense are you talking about! Young Master Chen wants to take me as his Disciple; it's not what you think!"

"Take as a Disciple?"

Mr. Zhao and Sun Qian were both stunned. They looked at each other, the joy on their faces instantly freezing into bewilderment.

That made sense; although the girl was good-looking, she did have a bit of a sharp tongue.

As the City Lord of Biyun City, Shu Qingfeng picked up a cup of tea and took a sip to hide his embarrassment.

Upon hearing that her father was seriously injured, Shu Shichan had hurriedly put down her herbs to check on him. She was then told that her father had taken the sixth-grade elixir, the Nourishing Origin Pill, gifted by Senior Chen, and that his injuries were no longer a concern and he was receiving a guest in the hall.

Just as she reached the door, she heard her father discussing marriage with her future Revered Master.

She quietly looked up, her peripheral vision quickly scanning Chen Xuan as he set down his teacup. Her cheeks instantly flushed a faint crimson, and her heart pounded. She muttered to herself:

"How could I be worthy of someone like Revered Master..."

"Hmm... it's not like it's impossible. Sigh, if only I hadn't spoken up. What if Revered Master hadn't refused? If I became the Master's wife in the future, I'd have Disciples under me to use for testing my medicines."

At this thought, Shu Shichan felt a bit annoyed by her impulsiveness and was about to say something to fix it.

Chen Xuan set down his teacup and coughed twice. "It was my fault for not being clear earlier, causing the City Lord to misunderstand. The fate between your daughter and me is not a marital one, but the fate of Revered Master and Disciple."