The Longevity Family: Starting From The Branches And Leaves

Chapter 287: Coercion and Cooperation

The birthday banquet continued until dusk before finally coming to an end.

The foreign guests gradually bid farewell to Chen Ling.

Chen Ling and Zhao Chanzhen stood at the entrance of the hall, politely seeing off the guests.

Meanwhile, Wei Wenwu, Shen Ru, and other family cultivators gathered together.

They discussed cultivation experiences and exchanged ideas.

First, Zhao Jing'an spoke for nearly half an hour to everyone.

He hadn't prepared anything, but Wei Wenwu had invited him, so he casually shared some experiences regarding cultivation, combat techniques, and the experience of the law domain.

The content he shared was helpful to all the Chen family cultivators present.

This was also a way to demonstrate the friendship between the Zhao and Chen families.

This sharing of experiences and teachings did not involve cultivation techniques or inheritance; it was simply a sharing of experiences.

However, the experiences of high-level cultivators were undoubtedly a huge treasure for low-level cultivators.

After Zhao Jing'an finished his explanation, he answered some of Wei Wenwu and others' questions before bidding them farewell and following Chen Ling to the side hall.

Inside the side hall, the lights were bright.

"Linger, although the Patriarch was seriously injured in this battle, he has already fully recovered. He plans to cross the Thunder Tribulation three months from now."

"In addition, the overall strength of the Lan Yue Sect has declined. Are you interested in moving the Zhao family to Lan Yue City?"

"The territories left vacant by the Du and Cao families are yours to choose from!"

Zhao Jing'an sipped his spiritual tea and slowly spoke to Chen Ling.

"Patriarch, may I consider this matter for some time before giving an answer?"

Chen Ling pondered for a moment and replied with a cupped fist.

In theory, going to the Lan Yue Sect, where there was a Rank Five spiritual vein, would allow the clan members to cultivate at a faster pace.

However, if they were to go there, the relationship between the Chen and Zhao families would become too close, and they might end up becoming vassals of the Zhao family.

Naturally, this was not what he wanted.

Then, with a thought, he considered whether to inform Zhao Jing'an about the invasion of the Hai Clan five years later.

After thinking about it, he decided not to speak.

After all, this was only information he had obtained from Cao Weiye's memories, and there was no way to confirm its authenticity.

"Hehe, with Linger's current cultivation level, there's no rush for this matter."

"However, after reaching the Nascent Soul stage, being able to cultivate in a Rank Five spiritual vein will be far more effective than a Rank Four spiritual vein."

"A Rank Five spiritual vein not only has abundant spiritual energy, but it can also enhance a cultivator's sensitivity to the spiritual energy of heaven and earth."

"In simple terms, it increases the cultivator's affinity with heaven and earth, which is beneficial for comprehending the Great Dao and helpful for the domain and laws."

Zhao Jing'an's expression was calm as he smiled and spoke.

Chen Ling quickly cupped his fists in response.

His cultivation comprehension mainly came from adding points and had little to do with comprehending the Great Dao.

As long as he had enough incense value, it was enough!

Then, Zhao Jing'an waved his hand again and said with a smile, "These are some experiences I gained when I condensed my Nascent Soul. Linger, take a look and see if there's anything you can learn from them!"

"Thank you, Patriarch!"

Chen Ling quickly put them away and thanked him respectfully.

The experience of a Nascent Soul cultivator transcending tribulation was extremely precious.

Although Chen Ling already had the experiences of Du Qingyun and Cao Weiye, their spiritual roots and cultivation techniques were different.

They could only serve as references.

And Zhao Jing'an's experience with Nascent Soul, even if he didn't use it himself, could be used by his wives and children in the future.

After that, the two chatted for a while.

Chen Ling tried to persuade Zhao Jing'an to stay at the Chen family for a few more days.

But after seeing Zhao Chanzhen and Xiaoxingyi, Zhao Jing'an bid farewell and left.

...

Just as Zhao Jing'an left, Chen Ling was about to return to the Chen family's main courtyard.

Shen Zhen hurriedly approached.

"Family Head, Senior Wei has been waiting for you in the left hall for half an hour!"

Shen Zhen whispered.

Chen Ling couldn't help but be stunned upon hearing this.

He had thought that Wei Jing had already left with the other guests.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Chen Ling frowned.

"I just found out myself!" Shen Zhen said helplessly.

Chen Ling didn't say much, turned around, and quickly walked into the left hall.

In the side hall, there was a young girl in a light green dress, Yan Rumeiyu, with lively eyes, looking pure and lovely.

She was leisurely drinking spirit tea.

She was Wei Jing, a member of the Divine Might Alliance.

With a calm gaze, she casually surveyed everything in the Chen family.

Two months ago, she learned of the news of the internal war among the three families of the Lan Yue Sect, which surprised her greatly and seemed unbelievable.

What shocked her even more was that in the end, the weakest Zhao family emerged victorious from the internal war.

Not only her, but also the other high-ranking members of the Divine Might Alliance found it hard to believe.

After a thorough investigation, it was revealed that a key factor in the Zhao family's victory was the previously unknown Chen family.

And now, the news had spread throughout the Western Wilderness.

Chen Ling's feat of killing Cao Weiye, a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, with his Gold Core stage cultivation was well-known.

In her opinion, Chen Ling must have taken advantage of the situation.

After all, Cao Weiye had just fought a fierce battle with a Rank Five Demon King.

Surviving with his life intact was already not easy for Cao Weiye.

It must have consumed a tremendous amount of energy.

However, this also confirmed that Chen Ling possessed the strength to fight against Nascent Soul cultivators.

Of course, after some investigation, it was discovered that Chen Ling was not only a Gold Core cultivator, but also a Rank Four alchemist and artifact refiner.

This made her quite curious.

How could a cultivator in the Southern Region of Yunmeng Marsh, where spiritual energy and inheritance were relatively scarce, cultivate to such a level?

And now, they wanted to win over this person in the alliance, so they arranged for her to personally visit and recruit Chen Ling.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Wei, for waiting so long. I was really too busy to come!" Chen Ling walked into the hall and greeted with a cupped fist.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, there's no need to be polite. I'm the one who intruded!" Wei Jing smiled, her voice like wind chimes, gentle and pleasant, making people feel comfortable.

At this moment, Chen Ling felt as if he was facing a gentle and virtuous young girl, rather than a powerful Gold Core cultivator of the Divine Might Alliance.

Although it was their first meeting, Chen Ling had quite a favorable impression of this woman!

"Fellow Daoist Wei is too kind. You are a distinguished guest of the Divine Might Alliance. How could I dare to neglect you?" Chen Ling smiled and personally changed her tea.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, at such a young age, you have already become a regional hegemon. Ordinary cultivators can't achieve that." Wei Jing's beautiful eyes were lively and smiling, her tone filled with praise, and her expression appeared pure and flawless.

Her perfect curves gently undulated on her chest.

She also had some understanding of Chen Ling's path to success.

In the early stages, he relied on Wang Yun and rapidly developed during the years when demonic cultivators were rampant.

In recent years, the Zhao family had opened up new territories and had also gained the support of Zhao Chanzhen.

His strength had also made rapid progress.

He had a multitude of wives and concubines in his family.

He was definitely living off women.

But being able to use someone else's platform to display his talents was something she didn't mind.

This was one of the reasons why she personally came to persuade and recruit Chen Ling.

Then, Wei Jing casually talked about the grand occasion of this birthday banquet.

She didn't rush to discuss business, but chatted casually, occasionally asking about Chen Ling's past experiences.

Chen Ling answered without confirming or denying.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, as an independent cultivator, it is not easy to reach this level!" Wei Jing praised repeatedly.

On the path of cultivation, wealth, companions, and methods were all indispensable.

Wei Jing continued to praise with a smile, and then changed the topic, "As outsiders of the Lan Yue Sect, it was not appropriate for us to say much about the internal war. Although the Cao and Du families were defeated, they retreated early and now have several Nascent Soul cultivators stationed in the Ancient God Continent."

"With the strength of these two families, there is a high possibility of a comeback in the future."

After speaking, she looked at Chen Ling with a worried expression.

Chen Ling was not aware of these circumstances and was quite surprised.

With Zhao Laozu's temperament, he naturally understood that cutting the grass without removing the roots would lead to endless troubles.

Moreover, the combination of the two families and the Zhao family's desperate battle meant that the final outcome was still uncertain.

However, considering his severe injuries at the time, it was understandable that he didn't pursue the remnants of the Cao and Du families.

Chen Ling took a sip of tea, furrowed his brows, and seemed somewhat helpless. "The Zhao family has no other choice. They can only do this!"

Looking at Wei Jing, a strange look flashed in his eyes. Is Wei Jing too concerned about the Chen family?

"Fellow Daoist Wei, it's already late in the day. Rest at the Chen family tonight, and I will have my wife arrange a place for you."

Chen Ling took a sip of spiritual tea and smiled.

Since Wei Jing didn't directly explain his purpose, he didn't bother to ask.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, to be honest, besides wishing you a happy birthday, I am also entrusted by the alliance leader to invite you to join our Divine Might Alliance as an honorary elder."

Wei Jing said solemnly.

Chen Ling was slightly startled at the words.

The news of killing Cao Weiye this time spread because many disciples of the Lan Yue Sect escaped.

It was normal for the Divine Might Alliance to come and recruit.

But he had married Zhao Chanzhen, and their relationship with the Zhao family was not insignificant.

How could he join the Divine Might Alliance?

"Thank you for your kindness, but I am not worthy."

Chen Ling shook his head.

With his system attributes, he was not suitable to join other forces.

Wei Jing's beautiful eyes flickered as she smiled, "Fellow Daoist Chen, are you worried about the Zhao family?"

"To be honest, our Divine Might Alliance has always had the intention to cooperate with the Lan Yue Sect, but the two Soul Formation cultivators of the Lan Yue Sect are short-sighted and reject our Divine Might Alliance."

"Nowadays, this realm is not peaceful."

"The Monster Race, the foreign races, and the demonic cultivators are all restless. If our human race continues to fight among ourselves, we will likely be defeated one by one in the future and may not have a place to stand."

"The purpose of our Divine Might Alliance is to unite the various forces of the human race, resist the foreign races, and expand into the outer realms."

"Especially talents like Fellow Daoist Chen, a Rank Four Refiner and a Rank Four Alchemist, are the talents we desire."

Wei Jing spoke the truth.

The Divine Might Alliance was established not long ago and has been suppressed by the Lan Yue Sect, so their resources are limited.

It is difficult to cultivate a Rank Four Alchemist and Refiner.

It is impossible to establish a refining workshop as large as the Chen family's workshop.

This is also what the Divine Might Alliance values the most.

In the battle of expansion, without a Rank Four warship, everything is meaningless.

Originally, the Divine Might Alliance purchased two Rank Four warships from the Chen family through the Wan Bao Tower.

The results were extremely satisfying.

Therefore, they have always wanted to deepen their relationship and cooperate with the Chen family.

Originally, because of the relationship with the Lan Yue Sect, the Divine Might Alliance did not overstep their boundaries.

But now, the Lan Yue Sect is practically non-existent.

Taking advantage of Chen Ling's birthday, the Divine Might Alliance sent Wei Jing to persuade him.

Chen Ling pretended to ponder for a moment and then said tactfully, "The Zhao family and I are in-laws. At this critical moment for the Lan Yue Sect, I will only support the Zhao family and will not join other forces."

Wei Jing heard this and remained unchanged, as if she had expected it long ago. She smiled faintly and handed over a delicate porcelain bottle, "Fellow Daoist Chen, this is the Nine Curves Spirit Ginseng Pill I refined! Please take a look and see if there are any flaws."

"Oh?"

Chen Ling took the bottle. Inside was a fragrant Rank Four Low Grade Nine Curves Spirit Ginseng Pill, with a faint golden pill pattern shining on it.

A pill with a Rank Four pill pattern can tell the extraordinary alchemy skills of Wei Jing.

The Nine Curves Spirit Ginseng Pill is an Infant Formation auxiliary pill that can increase the success rate.

Wei Jing's actions seemed to have some intention to test and demonstrate her strength.

Chen Ling calmly scanned the pill with his divine sense.

"The Nine Curves Spirit Ginseng Pill is refined from Nine Curves Spirit Ginseng, Black Jade Lotus, and Purple Leaf Spirit Dew."

"If I guess correctly, the Nine Curves Spirit Ginseng in here is 1,200 years old, the Black Jade Lotus is 1,000 years old, and the Purple Leaf Spirit Dew is slightly younger."

"Perhaps because the Purple Leaf Spirit Dew is younger, Fellow Daoist Wei added a bit more during the refining process. Otherwise, the quality of this pill could have been even better!"

Chen Ling said slowly, as if he had witnessed the refining process himself.

Since Wei Jing brought it up as a test, he didn't intend to hide anything.

Showing his alchemy skills wouldn't cause any problems.

The Divine Might Alliance would also be a significant customer in the future, such as selling warships.

So it's better to get along well!

"This!"

Wei Jing's face was full of surprise. Her cherry lips slightly opened, and she stared at Chen Ling in disbelief.

Her chest rose and fell irregularly.

This Nine Curves Spirit Ginseng Pill could be formed, which was also quite lucky.

But Chen Ling was able to accurately point out every detail without missing a word.

His alchemy skills had obviously reached the Rank Four level and were not something that could be achieved in a short period of time.

Normally, to be able to easily identify the flaws in a pill, one would need to be at least one small level higher than her.

"Fellow Daoist Chen is indeed amazing."

Wei Jing smiled and praised with a smile.

Chen Ling's alchemy level exceeded her expectations.

And his refining skills have long been recognized.

At this age, being able to reach Rank Four in both alchemy and refining is impressive.

Obviously, he has had many opportunities.

Of course, with his current strength, he is capable of protecting these opportunities.

"Daoist Chen, recently I have been trying to refine the Rank Four Good Fortune Pill. There are still many doubts, and I would like to seek your advice. I wonder if it is convenient for you to stay at the Chen family for these days?"

Wei Jing's eyes were gentle, and a faint blush appeared on her exquisite and beautiful face.

"Good Fortune Pill!"

Chen Ling murmured.

The Good Fortune Pill is another kind of Spirit Medicine that assists in breaking through realms. After taking it, it can create illusions and simulate the situation of crossing the Thunder Tribulation.

Each cultivator can only take it once.

Wei Jing even has this kind of pill formula, indicating her profound knowledge.

Chen Ling nodded and smiled, "The Chen family is always welcoming to Fellow Daoist!"

Wei Jing's intention to teach him was undoubtedly to provide him with the pill formula for the Good Fortune Pill.

Naturally, he eagerly sought it.

"Fellow Daoist Wei, although I cannot join the Divine Might Alliance, my Chen family can still cooperate with your alliance in other aspects."

Chen Ling thought for a moment and decided to directly express his thoughts.

He had limited time and didn't want to waste too much of it now.

Hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed across Wei Jing's pretty face, but she was secretly delighted. The goal of this visit was to establish cooperation with the Chen family.

"Our Divine Might Alliance has a considerable demand for Rank Four, and even Rank Five, warships. If Fellow Daoist Chen can refine them, we can provide various materials and cooperate together."

"What type of warships?" Chen Ling asked. Currently, he had a better grasp of refining Rank Four warships with thunder and fire attributes.

"Any type, as long as it has a Rank Four or higher combat power!" Wei Jing's beautiful eyes revealed a smile as she shifted her body, accentuating her curves.

"If the Divine Might Alliance can provide me with Rank Four or even Rank Five materials of fire and thunder attributes, then there shouldn't be a big problem!" Chen Ling took another sip of tea and said calmly.

"Rank Five materials?" Wei Jing looked surprised. Chen Ling seemed quite honest, but when it came to refining, he had quite the confidence.

Rank Five materials are extremely rare in the Western Wilderness.

"Wei Fellow Daoist, you are also an alchemist, and I won't hide it from you. I have a Rank Five Spirit Flame in my possession," Chen Ling said after thinking for a moment.

Since they had already decided to cooperate with the Divine Power Alliance, they needed to demonstrate their strength to some extent.

"A Rank Five Spirit Flame?" Wei Jing's eyes flashed with envy. She had already guessed that Chen Ling possessed a high-grade Spirit Flame, but she didn't expect it to be Rank Five.

As an alchemist, no one understood better than her the effects of a Rank Five Spirit Flame! Not only would it greatly enhance the efficiency of alchemy, reducing the consumption of spiritual energy and mana, but it would also improve the quality of the pills.

Chen Ling's incredible opportunity made even her, a member of a prestigious family, envious.

Rank Five Spirit Flames were extremely rare and hard to come by.

No wonder he was able to kill Cao Weiye. The reason was here.

A Rank Five Spirit Flame was enough to serve as a trump card for self-defense.

Even with the help of the Divine Power Alliance, she had only managed to find a Rank Four Spirit Flame in recent years.

"If Fellow Daoist Chen can refine a Rank Five Warship, the Divine Power Alliance is willing to provide Rank Five materials!" Wei Jing said with a serious expression.

Chen Ling was delighted to hear this. It seemed that the Soul Formation Sect did indeed have a good supply of Rank Five materials.

Even the Ten Thousand Treasures Tower couldn't easily obtain Rank Five refining materials.

"Rank Five materials are extremely precious. I will provide you with the quantity of materials first, and I kindly ask Fellow Daoist Chen to provide me with the refining plan!" Wei Jing said after pondering for a moment.

Chen Ling nodded.

Next, the two of them briefly discussed the details of their cooperation and negotiated the terms.

Based on the materials provided by the Divine Power Alliance, for each Rank Four Warship refined, the Chen family would receive an additional 1.6 million Low Grade Spirit Stones.

As for the Rank Five Warship, they would discuss the specifics later.

The Divine Power Alliance had already purchased two warships from the Chen family and had confidence in their refining skills.

However, Rank Five materials were valuable, so they had to be cautious.

Chen Ling's goal was not to earn a large number of spirit stones, but rather to obtain Rank Five materials.

Afterward, she personally led Wei Jing to the small courtyard where the Chen family entertained guests, and they settled in.

(End of this chapter)