The Longevity Family: Starting From The Branches And Leaves

Chapter 297: Zhou Hongshang's Decision and Becoming a Guest Official of the Qi Alliance

Chimufeng, the main peak located to the south of Guiyun City, belongs to the Zhou family, a prominent family in the Soul Formation sect. It is named after the perennial red cloud wood that emits smoke all year round.

Under the sunlight, the entire mountain peak is bathed in a red glow.

The mountain is covered in clouds and mist, making it one of the eight wonders of Guiyun City.

At the top of the peak, a faint red cloud surrounds the area.

Inside the magnificent palace on the mountaintop, two female cultivators sit quietly.

"Elder Ancestor! What should I do about this matter?" A graceful and charming woman in a blue dress asked the beautiful woman in a white dress opposite her, her voice soft.

She is Zhou Hongshang, the head of the Zhou family.

"Hongshang, are you sure that the evolution of the Dream Gu is related to this person?" The white-dressed woman looked at Zhou Hongshang and asked calmly.

She is Zhou Wan, the Soul Formation Elder Ancestor of the Zhou family, a prominent figure in Guiyun City.

"Elder Ancestor, the Dream Gu has been stuck at the Rank Four Late Stage for many years. But yesterday, when I fell into a dream with Chen Ling and cultivated together, the Dream Gu entered a dormant state after we returned."

"This is a sign of a breakthrough!"

Zhou Hongshang's bright eyes flickered with anger and excitement.

She was angry that her decades of innocence were ruined by Chen Ling, and she had no means to resist.

But she was excited because the Dream Gu, which had been stagnant for many years, was finally going to evolve.

The Dream Gu was her life Spirit Beast. Once it successfully reached Rank Five, she would also gain tremendous benefits. She might even be able to reach the Three-Yuan Nascent Soul stage.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wan looked at Zhou Hongshang and said with a slightly stern voice, "Hongshang, the Dream Gu is a Heavenly Rank bloodline Spirit Beast with tremendous potential, and it possesses special attributes."

"The fact that it took the initiative to pull Chen Ling into the dream shows that he is a person with great luck."

"And you, with your dual spiritual roots of Earth and Fire, and your extremely rare Dragon and Phoenix Origin Spirit Body, if you can find a suitable male cultivator to cultivate in the dream together, your cultivation progress will greatly improve."

"There is even a chance to reach the Nascent Soul Great Perfection within a hundred years."

"Although this person is only a Gold Core cultivator, since he has gained the recognition of the Dream Gu, our Zhou family will take him as a son-in-law."

Upon hearing these words, a helpless expression appeared on Zhou Hongshang's stunning face. She said, "Elder Ancestor, this person has average talent, but it seems that he has some good opportunities and is quite arrogant."

"Before entering the dream, I also gave him many hints. As long as he becomes a guest official of our Zhou family, he can choose any woman from our clan. But he actually refused!"

Zhou Wan, the Elder Ancestor, slightly stunned at the words, said somewhat unexpectedly, "With your appearance, and with male cultivators unable to resist your temptation, how could this person refuse you?"

"Could it be that he cultivates a technique like the Forgetful Decision?"

Zhou Hongshang, the number one beauty in the ancient Shenzhou, was not just famous for her looks. She possessed a Dragon and Phoenix Origin Spirit Body, which made her naturally alluring.

As long as she was willing, even a Nascent Soul Great Perfection cultivator would not be able to resist her temptation.

Zhou Hongshang shook her head, her expression slightly puzzled, and said, "This person cultivates a fire attribute technique, and he has many wives and concubines in his family. It seems that he is a lustful person!"

"That's strange!" Zhou Wan narrowed her eyes and snorted coldly. "Since you have already cooked the rice, and he is the one who has a connection with the Dream Gu, whether he comes to the Zhou family or not is no longer up to him!"

"You go and talk to him again. If he dares to refuse again, don't blame me for being impolite!"

She knew in her heart that since the Dream Gu had already made its choice, this person was the best partner for Zhou Hongshang.

In the future, Zhou Hongshang was destined to follow him.

And Zhou Hongshang was the most hopeful cultivator of the Zhou family in this generation to reach the Soul Formation Late Stage or even the Void Refining stage.

She absolutely could not marry outside the family.

As for Chen Ling's refusal, a mere Gold Core cultivator had no right to refuse the Zhou family.

He would be captured directly.

······

Wanbao Tower.

Inside an exquisite room.

Chen Ling was sipping spiritual tea slowly, feeling a bit shocked.

He was still thinking about the strange dream he had last night.

In the dream, he actually agreed to become a son-in-law of the Zhou family.

After marrying Zhou Hongshang, he stayed in the Zhou family.

He soon had a daughter and took two other Gold Core female cultivators from the Zhou family as concubines.

He worked day and night, completely becoming a tool for the Zhou family to bear children.

"Ah! What a nightmare!"

Chen Ling sighed. With the cheat, he couldn't make such a foolish choice.

But with his current dream cultivation, it was impossible for him to have such a dream for no reason.

"It seems that there is only one possibility, and that is a crisis in the dream!"

Chen Ling thought to himself.

The laws of the dream also had the ability to predict good and bad fortune.

Thinking of the fact that the Zhou family had a Soul Formation Late Stage cultivator sitting in their family, what should he do if they really forced him to join the Zhou family?

This thought flashed through Chen Ling's mind, causing him to be shocked.

Moreover, it was said that Zhou Wan, the Soul Formation Elder Ancestor of the Zhou family, had a peculiar temperament.

If she were to find out that he had already taken care of Zhou Hongshang, it's possible that she might come after him.

Suddenly, his expression became uncertain.

"A Soul Formation family wouldn't do something so difficult," he thought to himself, unable to come up with a good solution.

There's still half a month left. Once the affairs of the Yourong family are settled, he should leave Guiyun City as soon as possible.

"Master, Master Huang from the Dan Alliance has sent an invitation!"

This was Wang Jinhe's voice from outside the door.

"Uncle Jinhe, come in!"

Chen Ling said with a smile.

Although Wang Jinhe's cultivation level was roughly the same as his, he was Wang Xi's elder, so Chen Ling respectfully called him uncle.

Wang Jinhe walked in and respectfully handed over an invitation.

Chen Ling accepted it and opened it. It was an invitation from the Qimeng Alliance's Master Huang Yi.

After the competition with Tiexiong, Huang Yi verbally invited him to visit the Qimeng Alliance when he had time.

But recently, he couldn't spare the time.

"Uncle Jinhe, where is the Baiyun Tower?"

Chen Ling put down the invitation and asked with a smile.

In the invitation, Huang Yi invited him to the Baiyun Tower for a gathering.

"The Baiyun Tower is located in the Baiyun Fudi, in the southern area of Jinyun, a few miles away from the Wanbao Tower!"

"I can take the family head there!"

Wang Jinhe replied.

Chen Ling nodded and said with a smile, "Since it's not far away, I'll let you know when I'm going."

In the invitation, Huang Yi also mentioned two other things: inviting him to join the Qimeng Alliance and participate in a small auction of several cultivators.

Originally, Chen Ling wasn't interested in these two things.

Now that he had the ability to stand on his own, all he needed to do was stay in Yudie City.

Getting married and having children was the right path.

But now he had the matter of Zhou Hongshang on his hands.

Plus, the nightmare of becoming a son-in-law of the Zhou family last night.

It made him think about it differently.

The Qimeng Alliance and the Dan Alliance were forces no less than the three major Soul Formation sects.

If he became a cultivator of the Qimeng Alliance.

Then the Zhou family would have to consider it if they wanted to take action against him.

As for the auction, he could just take a look, there wouldn't be any loss.

"Family head, it's better not to bring the two wives with you to the Baiyun Tower later!"

Wang Jinhe glanced around the room and said in a low voice.

"Oh, why is that?"

Chen Ling couldn't help but ask.

Wang Jinhe smiled and said, "Family head, the Baiyun Tower is a big business, besides running a restaurant, they also do matchmaking, introduce wives and concubines, and sell maidservants and other affairs."

"And to have a meal in the Baiyun Fudi, the minimum cost is tens of thousands of spirit stones."

"Oh, so expensive?" Chen Ling was somewhat surprised.

Although ten thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones were nothing to him now.

But in the past, he wouldn't spend money so extravagantly to eat in a place like this.

"Of course, it's also worth it. The most distinctive service of the Baiyun Tower is the beautiful women."

"Every day, various beautiful women are sent from all over, including even exotic races, fox spirits, sea clans, and other high-level female cultivators."

Wang Jinhe's eyes flashed with excitement as he explained.

"Oh!"

Chen Ling raised his eyebrows and had a look of understanding.

But this kind of thing was normal in various business associations.

Back then, Qingtang was bought from the Wanbao Tower by him.

He couldn't help but wonder, "Why did Huang Yi choose the Baiyun Tower as the place to entertain me?"

Of course, besides the beautiful women, he also noticed what Wang Jinhe had just said.

He asked, "What is the background and cultivation level of the wives and maidservants introduced by the Baiyun Tower?"

Although he already had many wives and concubines at home.

But he deeply understood the essence of using soldiers like Han Xin, the more the better.

Of course, given his current situation.

If he were to marry, he would need to marry a female cultivator with a cultivation level of Foundation Building or above.

If he could buy a Foundation Building cultivator who was obedient and sensible with money.

After marrying her, there would be rewards for marrying a wife, so it wouldn't be a loss.

"This depends on consumption and different levels. The situation for female cultivators also varies, but at the very least, it is Foundation Building cultivation."

"There are even female cultivators at the Gold Core and Nascent Soul levels."

"And cultivators like you, who are both a weapon refiner and a pill refiner, are also very popular among them."

"Like Liu Lingyun, who is known as one of the four beauties of Baiyun Tower, she is at the early stage of Gold Core cultivation and is constantly supported by Tie Xiong."

Wang Jinhe introduced.

"Gold Core and Nascent Soul female cultivators also do this?"

Chen Ling was quite surprised.

But cultivators need a large amount of resources, so this kind of thing is considered normal.

"Master, there is something I need to report to you!"

After discussing the matter of Baiyun Tower, Wang Jinhe's expression became serious again.

"Uncle Jinhe, we are not outsiders, just say it!"

Chen Ling glanced at him and smiled.

Wang Jinhe is a meticulous person and handles things smoothly. He is indeed capable of upholding the reputation of the Wang family in Wanbao Tower.

"Master, Tie Xiong is a proud and stubborn person who doesn't tolerate any opposition. After being defeated by you this time, he won't give up so easily."

"We need to be more careful in the future."

Wang Jinhe reminded in a deep voice.

The Tie family is one of the top three forces in the Eight Great Soul Formation families.

There is a Late Stage Soul Formation cultivator and an initial stage Soul Formation cultivator in the family, as well as more than ten Nascent Soul cultivators.

Just thinking about it gives him a chill down his spine.

If it weren't for the importance of the position of the Wanbao Tower Alliance Leader this time, offending Tie Xiong like this would definitely not be a wise move.

Of course, with his experience, he can naturally see that Lin Dong intentionally set a trap for the Wang family.

With Tie Xiong's vengeful personality, he definitely won't let this go.

Chen Ling frowned slightly. These days have been smooth sailing for him.

And the Tie family also has the intention of winning him over, so for a while, he didn't pay much attention to this matter.

Now that Wang Jinhe reminded him, he suddenly realized.

Similarly, Tie Xiong won't just let it go, and the Lin family won't easily give up the rights of Wanbao Tower.

It seems that Wang Xi is busy every day, and it's definitely not as calm as it seems on the surface.

Chen Ling pondered for a moment and felt a headache.

He has only been in Guiyun City for a little over a month.

But he has already offended the Zhou family and the Tie family, two major Soul Formation families.

What is all this?

And who knows what the situation will be with the Li family next.

It's probably going to be a lot of trouble!

However, now that things have come to this point, there is no other way.

He can only face it carefully and deal with it.

He believes that the Tie family won't send Soul Formation cultivators to deal with him just because of Tie Xiong's matter.

As for the others, he is not afraid.

Then, Chen Ling asked Wang Jinhe for information about the Tie family, Baiyun Fudi, the Qi Alliance, and the Zhou family.

Let's not mention the three major Soul Formation sects for now.

Both the Tie family and the Zhou family have Late Stage Soul Formation cultivators.

Although the Li family doesn't have a Late Stage Soul Formation cultivator, they have two Soul Formation cultivators, Li Chengwen at the mid-stage and Li Chengye at the initial stage.

Li Chengwen is also a sword cultivator.

As for the Qi Alliance, they have two Rank Five weapon refiners, Huang Yi and Feng Zhang, as well as more than ten Rank Four weapon refiners.

As for Baiyun Tower, the force behind it is surprisingly the Joyous Union Sect, a Soul Formation sect in Dongling.

After roughly the same amount of time, the two of them left Wanbao Tower and headed to Baiyun Fudi.

...

"Master, ahead is Baiyun Fudi, and Baiyun Tower is within it."

After a quarter of an hour, Wang Jinhe pointed to a ten-acre artificial blue lake in front of them and spoke up.

Chen Ling was also surprised. In this expensive and crowded city, such a large area.

How much is the monthly rent?

Indeed, they are wealthy and powerful!

Compared to the Chen family's assets, it's like comparing a small witch to a great witch, not worth mentioning.

On the surface of the lake, the ripples were dazzling.

A gray rock wall surrounded the outside.

In the center of the high wall, a large circular archway stood open.

Looking out, the mist was swirling on the lake, and a silver silk waterfall appeared out of thin air, as if it was pouring down from the heavens, quite spectacular.

"Please wait, do you have an appointment?"

At the entrance, a guard from the Foundation Building politely stopped the two of them.

"We were invited by Senior Huang from the Qi Alliance to attend the banquet," Wang Jinhe said casually.

"Please follow me, seniors!" The Foundation Building cultivator said, quickly bowing respectfully.

He then led the two of them into the Baiyun Fudi.

Anyone who could be personally invited by the leader of the Qi Alliance would not dare to be negligent.

As they entered, they were greeted with a different scene.

Various spirit flowers and herbs were planted on both sides of the road, emitting a fragrant aroma.

Inside, there was a six-story building that occupied a spacious area.

With a sweep of Chen Ling's gaze, he estimated that the Baiyun Building had at least several hundred rooms.

Soon, under the guidance of the Foundation Building cultivator, the two of them arrived at a private room on the third floor.

Inside, two cultivators were conversing.

The man in a black robe was Huang Yi.

The other person was a female cultivator, appearing to be around thirty years old, with delicate features and an elegant temperament.

The two of them were chatting happily, occasionally bursting into laughter.

Especially the woman, her face was filled with smiles.

"Oh! Fellow Daoist Chen has arrived! I apologize for not welcoming you!" Huang Yi stood up, and then the door to the private room opened. He smiled and said, "This is Madam Jin, the owner of the Baiyun Building."

"I am Chen Ling! I have met Madam Jin!" Chen Ling bowed respectfully.

"Chen Ling! I didn't expect that the most famous Fellow Daoist Chen in Guiyun City recently is actually so young and promising!" Looking at Chen Ling, a glimmer of light flashed in the woman's eyes as she smiled charmingly.

Her already beautiful and stunning appearance became even more enchanting.

"It's all rumors!" Chen Ling smiled, but he was quite cautious in his heart.

The Baiyun Fudi was the property of the Joyous Union Sect.

This Madam Jin must be a disciple of the Joyous Union Sect.

And the cultivation techniques of the Joyous Union Sect were all seductive arts. He couldn't afford to be careless.

Afterwards, he took a seat below Huang Yi.

"Chen Junior, what do you think about joining the Qi Alliance?" After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Huang Yi went straight to the point.

"I am honored to be valued by the Alliance Leader. I am surprised. However, after finishing the matters in Guiyun City, I will have to return to Yudie City. I wonder if this will have any impact?" Chen Ling replied.

"This won't have any impact. The members of the Qi Alliance are very free and have no restrictions."

"As for the treatment, it mainly depends on your usual performance in refining tools!"

"The Alliance will release information about some customers' refining needs. If you take on a job and successfully refine it, the Alliance will take a certain commission."

"At the same time, the Alliance will also provide you with some refining assistance, such as materials, flames, and forbidden treasures!"

Then, Huang Yi explained in detail the specific treatment for being a guest of the Qi Alliance.

For example, an annual salary of sixty Middle Grade Spirit Stones, and for completing the tasks issued by the Alliance each month, a certain amount of elixirs could be obtained.

In addition, they could bring their family and servants to live in the headquarters of the Alliance, but there were certain quota restrictions.

It should be noted that the headquarters of the Alliance was also built on a Rank Five Spirit Vein.

Moreover, many refining masters lived there, so it would definitely be beneficial for improving refining skills.

Chen Ling was already somewhat interested, and after listening to Huang Yi's introduction, he realized that there were no restrictions. If he didn't take on any tasks, it would be equivalent to having a leisurely reputation.

But this would be beneficial for both the Qi Alliance and himself. The Qi Alliance would have an additional Rank Four refining master, and he could also leverage the reputation of the Qi Alliance.

After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and agreed.

"Great! Chen Junior is indeed a straightforward person!" Huang Yi praised with delight.

Then, he asked Madam Jin to arrange the dishes as a celebration of Chen Ling becoming a guest of the Qi Alliance.

(End of this chapter)