Watching Zhou Kai leave while being supported by Chen Ziyi, the side room fell into silence.
Chen Rulong lifted his teacup, his fingers lightly rubbing the warm surface, his gaze deep and unreadable.
“Patriarch,” Chen Heming said first, his voice filled with regret, “we were too lenient when we signed that spiritual contract. If it had been a death contract, we would not need to go through such trouble today.”
Chen Rulong set the cup down with a soft tap that echoed clearly in the quiet room.
“His dantian is damaged. His cultivation not only failed to advance but even regressed, yet he still broke through to the 4th stage Qi Refining Realm. It is truly baffling. I have been observing him in secret, but I found no obvious opportunity behind it.”
He paused before continuing, “Now his heart meridian has suffered severe damage again, and sword qi is entangled within him. Without spirit pills and rare medicine, full recovery would be as difficult as ascending to the heavens. This injury is real.”
Chen Heming stroked his short beard and pondered. “In any case, he is now at the Middle stage Qi Refining Realm and can refine the popular Lock Yang Pill. For the Chen Family, he is still of some use.”
Chen Rulong said calmly, “Chen Xingze’s breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm is the family’s century-long plan. It must not fail. Until then, there must be no unnecessary trouble.”
“I will speak to Chen Xingze. He is not to interfere in Shen Hanyi’s matters anymore.”
He glanced at Chen Heming, a flash of cold light passing through his eyes. “When the ten-year spiritual contract expires, we will see how he behaves. If he remains obedient and has nothing to do with the deaths of Chen Ping and Chen An, we will let him leave and form a good relationship. But if we discover he harbors other intentions…”
Chen Rulong’s voice suddenly turned icy. “Then deal with him and that Chen Ziyi together. Uproot them completely. Leave no future trouble.”
…
On the other side, Zhou Kai, supported by Chen Ziyi, staggered back to his small courtyard.
The moment he stepped inside, he seemed to exhaust all his strength. His body went limp, and he nearly collapsed.
“Husband!” Chen Ziyi quickly supported him, her eyes filled with worry.
Zhou Kai waved weakly. “Help me… help me to the bed.”
After settling him down, Chen Ziyi was about to fetch water to tend to him.
“Wait,” Zhou Kai called out.
She turned back at once.
“Ziyi, tomorrow you must personally go to Treasure Prosper Pavilion.”
“Treasure Prosper Pavilion?”
“Yes,” Zhou Kai said with his eyes closed, his breathing faint. “Find Wang Qiaoqiao. Remember, only her. Do not contact anyone else.”
He took out a Storage Pouch. “Tell her I need to treat my injuries and wish to purchase some 2nd-grade healing pills. The higher the quality, the better. If there is a pill formula, buy it at any cost.”
“Yes, Husband,” Chen Ziyi answered immediately.
“And one more thing,” Zhou Kai’s voice grew even weaker. “Starting tomorrow, shut the gates. Tell everyone I am in closed-door recovery. I will see no one.”
After giving these instructions, Zhou Kai seemed to lose all remaining strength. His head tilted to the side, and he fell unconscious.
Zhou Kai slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of turbid air. His once paper-white complexion had regained some color. Although his aura was still somewhat unstable, compared to three days ago when he had looked on the verge of death, he was already more than half recovered.
Looking inward, he found that the domineering Sword Embryo qi still lingered near his heart meridian. However, after three days of constant spiritual energy washing and suppression, it no longer rampaged as before and was temporarily confined to one corner.
To fully recover would likely require another ten days or so of steady effort.
He summoned Chen Ziyi again.
“Ziyi, my injuries are no longer a major issue. From today onward, you may release false news to the outside. Say that although my injuries have stabilized, I likely have only a few years left to live.”
Hearing that her husband’s injuries were no longer serious, Chen Ziyi finally felt her suspended heart settle.
Joy quietly appeared in her eyes as she nodded obediently. “Yes, Husband. I have remembered everything. I will handle it according to your instructions.”
“Also…” Zhou Kai’s tone shifted. His gaze softened, carrying a hint of intimacy, and his voice lowered unconsciously. “It has been several days since I was close to you.”
He gently pulled Chen Ziyi into his arms, his fingers brushing her smooth cheek.
“Husband, your injury…” Chen Ziyi’s pretty face flushed red. Her slender fingers pressed lightly against his chest, as if resisting yet reluctant. “Is it really… alright? Will it worsen your injuries?”
Zhou Kai looked at her shy expression and leaned forward, capturing her trembling lips in a kiss.
At some point, Chen Ziyi’s arms had already wrapped around his neck.
Clouds parted, revealing the moon. Waves of heat and tingling sensation spread through them.
[Ding! Exchanged with confidante Chen Ziyi. Gained Exchange Interaction Points: 27.]
“Hiss…” Zhou Kai held his waist and muttered, “It seems my injuries are not fully healed. Forcing dual cultivation truly consumes too much. After only a short while, I could hardly continue…”
“It seems I must obtain a proper dual cultivation technique as soon as possible. Relying on instinct alone is far too inefficient and consumes too much.”
After resting briefly, he allocated the 27 exchange points to his Wood Spiritual Root.
[Zhou Kai]
[Cultivation: 4th stage Qi Refining Realm (1/400)]
[Vitality: 2nd stage Meridian Awakening Realm (0/200)]
[Spiritual Roots: Metal (Low-grade 12/100), Wood (Low-grade 92/100), Water (Low-grade 17/100), Fire (Low-grade 23/100)]
[Hundred Arts of Cultivation: Alchemy (2nd-grade 155/300)]
[Confidante: Chen Ziyi (Mortal, Favorability 90)]
[Available Exchange Interaction Points: 0]
“Oh?” Zhou Kai murmured. “After refining pills to treat my injuries these past few days, my cultivation actually increased by one point. It seems my actual condition is reflected on the panel as well.”
“My Wood Spiritual Root is close to advancing. I wonder what a middle-grade aptitude will be like.”
…
He wanted to probe the attitude of that investor, Wang Qiaoqiao. His recent near-death injury would reveal what this shrewd partner truly thought, and that would directly affect his future plans.
After all, no one continues to bet on a man without a future.
Treasure Prosper Pavilion remained bustling as always.
He did not linger on the first floor but went straight to the second floor and reported his name.
Unlike last time, the maid did not bring him to Wang Jilai’s private room. Instead, she led him to a quiet chamber.
“Honored guest, please wait a moment. Steward Wang will arrive shortly,” the maid said, serving tea before bowing out.
Not long after, the faint sound of ornaments chiming and a subtle fragrance approached. Wang Qiaoqiao pushed the door open.
When she saw Zhou Kai sitting there safely, her pupils shrank slightly. A trace of unmistakable relief spread across her face.
Zhou Kai cupped his hands. “Miss Qiaoqiao, it has been many days. Your elegance remains as before.”
Wang Qiaoqiao quickly stepped forward and gestured for him not to rise. At the same time, she waved at the maid who had followed her in. “All of you, leave. Without my permission, no one is to approach.”
After the maids quietly withdrew and closed the door, Wang Qiaoqiao carefully examined Zhou Kai.
Her gaze lingered on his slightly pale face and the subtle rise and fall of his chest. She let out a light breath, her tone carrying lingering fear mixed with relief. “Guest Elder Zhou, when I heard the news a few days ago, my heart nearly stopped. Seeing you return safely, even though your injuries are serious, finally puts me at ease.”
Zhou Kai gave a bitter smile. “It is a long story. I have made a fool of myself before Miss Qiaoqiao. I came today for two reasons. First, to deliver some recently refined pills to Treasure Prosper Pavilion in exchange for spirit stones for urgent use. Second, to purchase more healing items from you.”
He pushed several jade bottles forward.
Wang Qiaoqiao picked up a bottle, opened it, inhaled the scent, then poured out a pill and examined it carefully. Satisfaction flickered in her eyes. “As expected, Fellow Daoist Zhou’s Lock Yang Pill remains of the finest quality. I will take them all.”
She quoted a fair price and then took out a Storage Pouch. “These are the 2nd-grade healing pills you requested, along with some supplementary materials.”
The transaction was swiftly completed.
However, Wang Qiaoqiao did not end the conversation there. After handing over the Storage Pouch, her expression turned serious.
“Fellow Daoist Zhou, we have some friendship between us, so I will speak plainly.”
She leaned slightly forward, her tone urgent and impossible to ignore. “How confident are you in refining the Foundation Establishment Pill?”
It had come.
Zhou Kai’s heart stirred. He knew the real discussion had begun.
He did not answer immediately. Instead, sincere gratitude appeared on his face, and his voice became solemn.
“Miss Qiaoqiao trusted me when I was insignificant and even gifted me a precious pill formula. Such help in my time of need is something I will never forget.”
“Pill refinement is a long and difficult path, full of variables. I dare not claim certain success. But I can solemnly promise Miss Qiaoqiao this: as long as I, Zhou Kai, live, I will repay your kindness by every means possible. If I am fortunate enough to succeed, I will spare no effort to help you step onto the path of the Foundation Establishment Realm as well.”