12: Chapter 12 Breaking Free from the Shackles of Being a Son-in-Law and Breaking Through to a First-Rank Mid-Grade Talisman Master!

The night was deep and quiet.

Ye Linchuan looked at Shen Qingyan, who was sleeping soundly beside him.

Her breathing was even, and a faint sense of peace rested between her brows, making her a completely different person from the panicked, haggard woman he had first met.

As his fingertips grazed her delicate cheeks, a strange sense of satisfaction welled up in Ye Linchuan's heart.

This feeling was completely different from the time he spent with those women from the Ye Family back at Biyang Valley.

Back then, he was a matrilocal son-in-law.

He was a tool.

He was a breeding machine for the Ye Family to continue their Bloodline.

When those women looked at him, there was awe, there was distance, and perhaps a bit of sycophancy.

But the only thing missing was the complete reliance, trust, and... adoration in Shen Qingyan's eyes.

"Matrilocal son-in-law..."

Ye Linchuan chewed on these two words silently, a self-deprecating arc curling at the corners of his mouth.

In the Ye Family, he was just a plaything.

A plaything that was somewhat useful, and therefore temporarily treated well.

When needed, he was the Ye Family's fine son-in-law.

When not needed, or when he infringed upon their interests, he could be sacrificed at any time.

He had had enough of those days where his fate was in the hands of others and he had to be cautious in every step.

Yes, he had eaten the Ye Family's soft rice.

He had used his identity as a matrilocal son-in-law to exchange for initial protection and resources.

But what he paid for it was his freedom and dignity.

That soft rice had been stuck in his throat like a fishbone, making him feel as if he were walking on thin ice.

Now, he had finally broken free.

Although it was only temporary, and he still needed to provide benefits to the Ye Family.

But at least, in this small Ye Family Pill Workshop in Yunxi City, he was the master.

He could live according to his own will.

He could... act like a real man and plan everything he wanted.

Instead of hiding under the wings of the Ye Family, playing the role of a docile matrilocal son-in-law.

"Soft rice is fine for an occasional snack, but if you treat it as a staple food, it can choke you to death."

Ye Linchuan thought silently in his heart, his arm tightening unconsciously as he pulled Shen Qingyan closer to his chest.

"This is quite good as it is now."

Over the next few days, Ye Linchuan's life was regular and fulfilling.

During the day, he spent half his time on Alchemy.

The other half of the time, he immersed himself in the world of Talisman Dao.

In just seven days, he had accumulated over twenty First-Grade Low Grade Talismans, primarily Fireball Talismans and Golden Light Talismans, supplemented with a small number of Growth Talismans and Vine Entanglement Talismans.

Shen Qingyan's injuries had almost healed, and she took on all the chores even more diligently, allowing Ye Linchuan to fully dedicate himself to his work.

After experiencing life and death and intimacy, there was much more unspoken tacit understanding and tenderness between the two.

Ye Linchuan could feel that Shen Qingyan's affection for him was growing day by day.

On this day, Ye Linchuan changed his attire again, put on a bamboo hat, and came to Baibao Pavilion.

The one who received him was still that ordinary-looking Shopkeeper Chen.

Seeing that the variety of Talismans Ye Linchuan brought this time was greater and the quality remained stable, especially with several attack and defense Talismans, the smile on Shopkeeper Chen's Face became more sincere.

"Fellow Daoist, this batch of goods is still of excellent quality."

After counting, Shopkeeper Chen fiddled with his abacus, "Fireball Talismans and Golden Light Talismans have a market price of three to four Spirit Stones; our pavilion's purchase price is set at two and a half Spirit Stones."

"Growth Talismans are two, and Vine Entanglement Talismans are four."

"Totaling... fifty-seven Low-Grade Spirit Stones. Fellow Daoist, please check if that is correct?"

"Shopkeeper Chen is fair."

Ye Linchuan nodded.

The price was indeed lower than the retail market price, but as a bulk purchase that didn't ask about the source, it was already quite good.

After the transaction of Spirit Stones was completed, Ye Linchuan did not rush to leave, but asked casually, "Shopkeeper Chen, do you have any Materials for drawing fire-attribute and gold-attribute Talismans recently?"

"Also, I heard before that your pavilion has cinnabar and lightning-struck wood powder?"

What he asked for were all fine auxiliary Materials for drawing attack and defense Talismans, and the prices were also more expensive.

A flash of light passed through Shopkeeper Chen's eyes, and he smiled, "Fellow Daoist, you are well-informed. Recently, we have indeed received a batch of Red Flame Sand and refined gold powder, and the quality is quite good."

"We also have some cinnabar in stock, and as for the lightning-struck wood powder... that is a hot commodity, and the price is not cheap."

"Fellow Daoist, are you... going to try more complex Talismans?"

"Just a small attempt, I need some better Materials to practice with," Ye Linchuan said vaguely.

"Understand, understand."

Shopkeeper Chen smiled, ordered his assistant to fetch the samples, and lowered his voice, "Since you are a regular customer, I might as well say a little more."

"It hasn't been peaceful outside recently, the Xuanming Sect seems to have big movements, and the prices of many items for exploration and demon hunting are rising."

"If you have the spare capacity, Fellow Daoist, it is always right to prepare more things for self-protection."

"As for these Materials for Talisman Making... I'm afraid they will also rise in price."

This was already quite an obvious hint.

Ye Linchuan understood in his heart and cupped his hands, "Many thanks for the tip, Shopkeeper Chen."

When he left Baibao Pavilion, he vaguely felt that someone had scanned him.

But when he looked back vigilantly, he only saw the bustling crowd on the street.

"Is it an illusion, or..."

Ye Linchuan suppressed the doubts in his heart and did not go directly back to the West District, but took a detour through several streets.

After confirming that no one was following him, he quietly returned to the Ye Family Pill Workshop.

Just as he entered the backyard, he heard the exaggerated, enthusiastic laughter of Matchmaker Wang from the front shop.

"Miss Shen, oh my, it's only been a few days, and your complexion has become even better! It seems Alchemist Ye really knows how to cherish people!"

Ye Linchuan raised his eyebrows slightly, walked to the curtain separating the front shop from the backyard, and did not go out immediately.

He saw Matchmaker Wang holding Shen Qingyan's hand, smiling so hard that her teeth were visible.

Shen Qingyan's Face was slightly flushed, and she was responding somewhat embarrassedly.

"Matchmaker Wang, you are joking..."

"How could I be joking! My old eyes are the most accurate at judging people!"

Matchmaker Wang patted her chest, "Alchemist Ye is young and promising, and you, Miss Shen, are gentle and virtuous; you are truly a match made in heaven!"

"This life, it will surely become more and more prosperous in the future!"

She changed the subject, her voice lowering a bit, with a touch of mystery, "However, Miss Shen, we women must also think more for our own husbands."

"A figure like Alchemist Ye has a boundless future."

"But by his side, it can't always be so desolate, without even a close sister to confide in; wouldn't people laugh if it were said out loud?"

"Besides, having many children and grandchildren is the way for a Family to last long..."

The blush on Shen Qingyan's Face faded a little, she pursed her lips and whispered, "Matchmaker Wang, this matter... must be decided by my husband."

"That is natural, that is natural!"

Matchmaker Wang quickly said, "I was just saying, giving a reminder."

"I actually encountered a good girl recently, with a clean background, and her appearance and temperament are first-class."

"The key is... she also has a Spiritual Root!"

"Although it is only Low Grade, she is still a cultivator, right? Much better than those mortal women!"

"It's just that her life is a bit bitter, her Family..."

"Sigh, never mind."

"If you think it's appropriate, Miss Shen, why not put in a good word before Alchemist Ye?"

"With more sisters, you can look after each other, and you can better serve Alchemist Ye and help him manage this huge Family business, right?"

Behind the curtain, Ye Linchuan's eyes flickered.

Matchmaker Wang's words were well-spoken.

It seemed like she was thinking for Shen Qingyan, but in reality, she was here to sell a newcomer.

How would Shen Qingyan respond?

He held his breath and listened.

Shen Qingyan was silent for a moment, then looked up at Matchmaker Wang, "Matchmaker Wang, I understand what you mean."

"However, the matter of taking a concubine concerns my husband's wishes and Family harmony, so I dare not speak too much without authorization."

"Everything depends on my husband's decision."

"If my husband is interested, I... will naturally accept it wholeheartedly, and will not let my husband worry about the affairs of the backyard."

These words were neither humble nor overbearing.

She did not reject Matchmaker Wang's Face, nor did she overstep her bounds.

She handed the decision-making power entirely to Ye Linchuan and further demonstrated her tolerance as a legitimate wife.

Matchmaker Wang was stunned for a moment.

Apparently, she did not expect Shen Qingyan to respond so calmly and appropriately.

Immediately, her smile grew even wider, "Oh my, Miss Shen is truly sensible and understands the big picture!"

"It is truly a blessing for Alchemist Ye to have you as his wife!"

"Alright, I will take my leave now, and I will visit Alchemist Ye another day!"

After seeing Matchmaker Wang off, Shen Qingyan stood behind the counter, lost in thought for a while, before sighing softly and turning to return to the backyard.

As she lifted the curtain, she met Ye Linchuan's calm gaze.

"Hus... Husband?"

Shen Qingyan was startled, her cheeks instantly flushing red, "When did you come back? I... I just..."

"I heard it all."

Ye Linchuan walked into the shop, took her hand, and felt her fingertips were cool, "What do you think?"

Shen Qingyan lowered her head, her voice faint but firm, "I will listen to everything my husband says."

"If my husband thinks it is necessary, I... have no opinion."

"I only ask that my husband do not neglect me because of this."

Watching her pretend to be calm while unable to hide a trace of nervousness, Ye Linchuan felt a softening in his heart.

He gently took her into his arms and whispered, "Silly girl, you are my lawfully wedded Dao Companion."

"Whether to take a concubine, when to take one, and whom to take, I have my own considerations."

"But no matter what, your position in my heart is irreplaceable."

"Your task is to Cultivate well and accompany me for a long time, understand?"

Shen Qingyan's eyes grew hot, she nodded vigorously, buried her Face in his chest, and said muffledly, "Mm, I understand."

Feeling the warmth and reliance in his arms, Ye Linchuan looked out the window.

Matchmaker Wang's words were like a seed that had been sown.

Taking a concubine, especially one with a Spiritual Root, was an inevitable requirement for the accumulation of Spiritual Roots, and also a shortcut for him to quickly improve his strength.

However, one cannot be hasty, and one cannot be indiscriminate.

It requires good character and virtue, and even more so... that Shen Qingyan can truly accept it.

But before that, improving his own strength and financial resources is the root.

He tightened his arms.

The suffocating feeling of eating soft rice had become a thing of the past.

Now, he would use his own hands to build a real Foundation and protect the people he wanted to protect.

A man should be like this!

After Matchmaker Wang's visit, Ye Linchuan's life seemed to return to its previous track.

During the day, he practiced Alchemy and sold medicine, managing the overt business of the Ye Family Pill Workshop to ensure that the monthly share supplied to the Ye Family was sufficient.

More time was invested in Talisman Dao.

In the quiet room, the ashes of discarded Talisman paper gradually accumulated.

Sweat appeared on Ye Linchuan's forehead, but his eyes remained focused and calm.

Every time he failed, he would close his eyes for a long time, repeatedly deducing the problem in his mind.

Shen Qingyan would silently bring warm water and then withdraw quietly without disturbing him.

Finally, after consuming fifteen sets of special Materials.

Hum!

The Spiritual Qi in the quiet room was triggered, emitting a low humming sound.

On the table, a Talisman lay quietly.

Strengthened Golden Light Talisman, complete!

Ye Linchuan picked up this Talisman, feeling the Spiritual power within it that was far more condensed than that of a Low Grade Talisman, and finally, a smile curled at the corners of his mouth.

First-Grade Medium Grade Talisman Master, achieved!

Although he had just stepped across this threshold, and the success rate was pitifully low.

But he had truly, relying on his own efforts, crossed this barrier.