The peach blossoms in the courtyard bloomed and faded, faded and bloomed again.
Several springs and autumns quietly passed by.
Pill Workshop.
Secluded Meditation Chamber.
The room was enveloped in a mist of spiritual energy.
Chen Sheng sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion in the quiet room.
Suspended before him was a pill the size of a longan, blood-red all over — the Red Essence Pill.
Its effects were similar to the Beneficial Technique Pill.
In recent days.
Chen Sheng diligently consumed elixirs, progressing rapidly.
After the Beneficial Technique Pill from his family lost its efficacy, he successively purchased other Enhancing Technique Elixirs to quickly boost his cultivation.
"Just a little more, the last one!"
Chen Sheng took a deep breath.
The pill flew into his mouth on its own, dissolving instantly.
A surge of pure and immense medicinal power rushed into his body...
Finally converging at the sea of Qi in his dantian.
The eager spell circulated to the extreme, a majestic aura rising from his body surface.
Time slowly passed.
After seven days.
The surging energy in the chamber finally gradually subsided.
A radiant glow intermittently appeared on Chen Sheng's face, his body exuding powerful energy.
A naturally powerful spiritual pressure emanated from him.
"Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer, finally achieved!"
Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes, a spark of brilliance in them, which he soon restrained.
He introspected his body, looking at the newly opened meridians, revealing a radiant smile.
...
Inner hall.
Chen Sheng sat across from his wife Huang Wangyou.
A small purple sand clay tea pot was warming on the stove, wisps of steam carrying a refreshing tea fragrance from its spout.
"Papa, Mama, the tea is ready."
A tall and handsome young man approached with a tea tray.
With steady movements, he refilled the hot tea for his parents.
This was their younger son, Tang Yijing.
He inherited his parents' good looks, with strikingly handsome features and very gentle facial features.
Only a faint melancholy and unnoticeable silence often lingered between his brows.
Huang Wangyou looked at her son, eyes full of affection:
"Jing'Er, you've been thoughtful, sit down and rest."
"Alright."
Tang Yijing sat down as instructed, his demeanor steady and composed.
Chen Sheng sipped his tea.
Then came the sound of decisive and brisk footsteps from the corridor.
A clear, ringing voice called out,
"Papa, Mama! What is it you called me for?"
He looked up.
A woman wearing a black magic robe, tall and straight, walked in.
It was Tang Xichen.
Over the years.
Her complexion had darkened slightly, which not only did not detract from her looks but added even more steadfastness and courage.
Not long ago.
She had successfully broken through the late-stage Qi Refining, stepping into the threshold of the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer.
In the way of the Sword Dao, she truly had impressive talent.
Comprehending on her own the Tier One Top Grade Sword Technique purchased by Chen Sheng, she even condensed a Sword Gang.
This was a formidable technique, capable of protecting the body or injuring enemies.
Matched with the Top Grade Magical Sword, it complemented each other perfectly, striking enemies invisibly.
Using this technique, she had become a top expert among the Demon Hunting Teams in the market.
In the Qi Cultivation stage, she scarcely met a match.
She often traveled and fought alongside the market's Demon Hunting Teams, gaining quite a reputation.
Seeing his sister come in, Tang Yijing immediately stood up.
He looked at her with open admiration and closeness, calling:
"Big Sister!"
Seeing her brother, Tang Xichen also revealed a genuine smile.
She reached out and patted Tang Yijing's shoulder:
"Little brother! You look well."
Tang Xichen played with her brother since childhood, their bond deep.
Chen Sheng watched his harmonious children, his heart filled with relief.
But then he put down his tea cup, speaking seriously:
"Sit and let's talk."
Tang Xichen nodded, sitting beside her mother, upright and neat.
She restrained her smile, looking earnestly at Chen Sheng:
"Please, Papa, speak."
She knew their father was always well-informed, would never bring something up for no reason.
Now that he specially called her to give advice, there must be something important.
A hint of seriousness crossed Chen Sheng's brow, and he advised:
"Recently, outside the market, there are many undercurrents, the situation doesn't look good, do not take any tasks that require traveling far from the market."
Tang Xichen keenly sensed the weight in her father's words.
She did not inquire further but simply nodded decisively:
"I understand, Father."
On the side, Huang Wangyou's face also showed worry, she couldn't help but ask:
"Brother Yun, what happened? Why so tense?"
Chen Sheng gently sighed, his voice lowered a few notches:
"Just days ago, in the Cloud Dragon District, rumors are spreading that the Zhou Clan's Foundation Establishment Patriarch may have passed away, things might really get chaotic."
Huang Wangyou recalled the scenes from the auction a few years back upon hearing this:
"No wonder the Zhou Clan was so keen on obtaining that Foundation Establishment Pill."
Tang Xichen felt a stir upon hearing this as well.
In the past, although the three families had constant disputes over resources.
Because each had their own Foundation Establishment Patriarchs holding the fort, they were wary of each other, conflicts remained controlled to a certain extent.
Now, if a Foundation Establishment Patriarch, who was like a stabilizing needle, truly perished.
The fragile balance among the three families would likely be disrupted instantly.
With wolves lurking around, the Zhou Clan would be in peril like an egg in a nest.
And the other two families, as well as surrounding powers eyeing the Zhou Clan's resources, would surely become restless.
This is not just a crisis for the Zhou Clan.
It's also a sign of the reshuffling and impending conflict in the entire region.
No wonder Father said, upheaval is coming.
Thinking of this, Tang Xichen immediately said:
"Father, Mother, I understand."
"In such turbulent times, staying low-key and protecting oneself is paramount."
"From tomorrow, I'll close my doors, deeply cultivate the Sword Technique, refine my Realm, and absolutely not go out."
Chen Sheng, upon hearing this, was very pleased.
This daughter not only has talent but also the wisdom to assess the situation, putting him at ease.
He nodded:
"Good, very good, go on, and cultivate well in seclusion."
"Yes."
Tang Xichen nodded slightly to her parents and brother, stood up neatly, her Magic Robe tracing a graceful arc.
She carried her long sword on her back and turned to leave.
The free-spirited elegance made Tang Yijing, standing nearby, cast a glance of deep envy and longing.
This scene naturally did not escape Chen Sheng's notice.
He sighed softly.
In his past life, he had seen many such longing eyes.
Including his own.
If it weren't for the Hundred Generations Book in hand.
He might have ended up like his son, regretting for a lifetime because of having No Spiritual Root.
Chen Sheng's fingers unconsciously tapped on the smooth surface of the purple sandalwood table, making a soft thumping sound.
"Jing'er."
He looked at his son sitting below and spoke steadily:
"Since you don't want to live peacefully in the mundane world, insisting on staying in the Market..."
Tang Yijing raised his head, a complex look in his eyes, quietly listening to his father's continuation.
"Then, in another two years, your father will arrange a marriage for you."
"While your mother and I are still here, we'll strive to find a Female Cultivator with Lower Grade Spiritual Root for you to continue the family line and bear a spiritual child."
Chen Sheng slowly laid out his plan.
Tang Yijing nodded lightly upon hearing it.
He understood his father was doing everything he could to plan the best outcome for him.
But compared to everyone around him, who are all diligently cultivating.
He alone, at such a young age, was being arranged a marriage.
Tang Yijing couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
"I understand, thank you, Father, for your efforts."
They conversed a bit more.
Tang Yijing withdrew.
He lowered his head, his steps slightly heavy as he exited the inner hall.
Watching their son's silent departure, Huang Wangyou's eyes were filled with much compassion, almost overflowing.
She sighed softly and said to Chen Sheng:
"Brother Yun, Jing'er has become more understanding and calm these past two years."
"But he suffers within."
Chen Sheng also shook his head helplessly:
"How could I not know?"
"Born into our family, the only one without a Spiritual Root, how could he not suffer?"
"You should earnestly seek a marriage for him. Once he has children, he might find some peace and solace."
Huang Wangyou nodded:
"Let's hope so."
Suddenly, a flash of insight came to her mind, and she looked up at Chen Sheng, eyes gleaming with intelligence:
"Brother Yun, perhaps finding a Female Cultivator with a Spiritual Root for Jing'er isn't the best idea?"
"Hmm?" Chen Sheng looked at his wife, slightly surprised.
"What are you thinking?"
Huang Wangyou slowly laid out her thoughts:
"I think, if we truly find a Female Cultivator with a Spiritual Root to join the family."
"Even if she's a Loose Cultivator with low qualifications, her mind may not be on managing the household and raising children."
"Jing'er is just a mortal; there may be no common language between them."
"How would Jing'er manage her? In the long run, wouldn't it be even harder for him?"
She paused before continuing:
"In my view, rather than seeking Spiritual Roots, we might as well look for some direct daughters from Qi Cultivation Minor Races."
"Though they lack Spiritual Roots, their fathers, brothers, and ancestors are cultivators, well-educated with good vision and demeanor."
"Growing up exposed to both worlds, understanding the divide between immortals and mortals, with similar experiences to Jing'er, they might understand him better and have common ground."
"As for the continuation of descendants, we could consider more options, as they are descendants of cultivators, they're not much different."
"As long as the numbers are sufficient, it might even increase the chances of having children with Spiritual Roots."
Listening to his wife's analysis, Chen Sheng couldn't help but recall his past self.
He never expected his son to walk a similar path.
He nodded gently:
"You've thought it through well, fine, I'll leave it to your arrangements."
Huang Wangyou, seeing her husband's approval, also smiled brightly.
She immediately showed her competence as the Lady of the House:
"Then it's settled, I'll put the word out tomorrow to arrange it."
"Our family carries weight in the Market, and as long as the conditions are right, there will certainly be no shortage of willing families."
...
Huang Wangyou's efficiency far exceeded Chen Sheng's expectations.
After the news was released, it quickly received a response.
As Huang Wangyou said.
With two High Grade Alchemists and several Late-stage Qi Refining experts, their family's connections were extensive, and their status in the Market was substantial.
For those Qi Cultivation Minor Races with shallow roots and dwindling influence.
Establishing a connection with the Pill Workshop is a huge temptation.
Soon.
Several minor families made moves upon hearing the news.
They sent careful portraits and brief biographies of their virtuous direct daughters.
Huang Wangyou personally oversaw it, and after consulting with Chen Sheng.
They quickly selected a few.
Months later.
Several pleasing maidservants appeared beside Tang Yijing.
Each day they read, wrote, and tended to flowers...
With their companionship.
The melancholy in Tang Yijing's heart gradually dissipated, and genuine smiles began to appear more frequently.
Chen Sheng, seeing this, smiled lightly:
"After all, he is still young."