Chapter 393 : Contract Naming
Chapter 393: Contract Naming
Yuqing Mountain Range, Purple Lake Residence.
“Greetings, Little Princess.”
The grand entrance opened wide. Bai Li gave a slight bow, then looked toward Chen Beiwu and gestured with her hand.
“Young Master Chen, please.”
Dressed in white robes, Chen Beiwu calmly stepped into the cave residence.
Meanwhile, on his shoulder, the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox lowered her eyes slightly, somewhat afraid to raise her head.
“Hmph, you little girl, you still know to come back?”
A lazy yet dignified female voice carrying displeasure slowly sounded.
“Ying.”
The Seven-Tailed Purple Fox’s body stiffened slightly. She hurriedly rushed forward, transforming into a purple shadow and quickly throwing herself into the embrace of an unparalleled beauty. The seven fox tails behind her swayed like she was acting spoiled.
Chen Beiwu stopped walking and looked at the Purple Jade Demon King, who was leaning sideways on a jade throne. He respectfully performed a junior’s greeting, neither humble nor arrogant.
“Sit down. There is no need to be restrained. Just treat this place as your own home.”
After reminding Chen Beiwu, the Purple Jade Demon King stood up. Her ample chest slightly swayed as she reached out, grabbed the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox by the neck, and lifted her up.
“Ying?”
The Seven-Tailed Purple Fox’s four paws drooped down as she revealed an innocent expression.
“Acting spoiled and pretending to be obedient is useless. We agreed to meet once a year. Why have you not come to see your mother for eleven years?” The Purple Jade Demon King said with dissatisfaction.
This daughter could no longer be raised.
Having a cultivator meant forgetting her mother.
Hearing this, the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox tilted her head, yawned, and slowly closed her eyes.
“You are using this trick again. Pretending to sleep is useless.” The Purple Jade Demon King shook her right hand, causing the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox’s entire body to sway.
“Lady, please understand. The reason Ah Zhi was unable to fulfill the agreement lies with me.” Chen Beiwu spoke up to explain.
“Hmph, I will spare you this once.”
The Purple Jade Demon King lightly snorted and tossed the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox into Chen Beiwu’s arms as if throwing away trash.
“Ah Zhi’s bloodline has already awakened almost completely.”
The Purple Jade Demon King raised her eyes and glanced at Chen Beiwu before bringing up the proper matter. “It is also time to let her consume the Beast King Fruit, stimulate part of her bloodline potential, and step into the Beast General Realm.”
Chen Beiwu’s heart stirred, but before he could speak, the Purple Jade Demon King changed the topic. “However, before that, regarding Ah Zhi’s contract, it would be best to settle it first. Young Master Chen, what do you think?”
Although Chen Beiwu was merely a Golden Core True Person, the difference between their cultivation realms was enormous. It would not be an exaggeration to say that there was a separation between heaven and earth.
However, as someone with the qualifications for Void Refinement who had gained great fame within the sect, Chen Beiwu was qualified to make her lower herself and treat him seriously.
Hearing this, the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox immediately raised her little head, looking at her mother and then Chen Beiwu. A trace of nervousness flashed within her different-colored eyes.
“Lady is correct. This junior came today precisely to discuss forming a Companion Contract with Lady.” Chen Beiwu nodded in agreement.
The Seven-Tailed Purple Fox was not an ordinary Heavenly-Gang Mystic Beast.
Normally, bringing the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox into secluded cultivation with him was fine.
But if he wanted to bring the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox back to his hometown, he needed to have a legitimate status, obtain the approval of the Purple Jade Demon King, and become the little fellow’s contracted cultivator.
As for forming the Companion Contract, after spending so many years together, Chen Beiwu understood the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox extremely well. He knew that the little fellow had a personality that would always keep her promises. The possibility of her exposing secrets was even lower than that of the increasingly reckless Golden Egg.
“Ying.” The Seven-Tailed Purple Fox’s eyes lit up slightly.
“Very good. Then let us discuss the dowry.”
The Purple Jade Demon King’s lips curled upward, revealing a beautiful smile capable of causing all flowers to lose their color.
“Dowry? What dowry?”
Chen Beiwu was slightly stunned.
After cultivating in the Yuqing Immortal Sect for a long time, he also understood some hidden rules regarding contracts.
For example, deep within the Yuqing Mountain Range, there existed some ancient, hereditary clans of titled Heavenly-Gang Mystic Beasts with noble bloodlines.
The rules of these clans were special. They placed extreme importance on clan dignity and ceremonies.
Even if the clan’s young descendants had already acknowledged a cultivator, Immortal Alliance cultivators still needed to offer a valuable ‘Companion Gift Payment’ to give the clan sufficient prestige and express their sincerity.
If the Purple Jade Demon King had requested a Companion Gift Payment, Chen Beiwu could somewhat understand. But what was this dowry supposed to mean?
Wasn’t this the dowry prepared by the woman’s family for the bride when a woman married in the mortal world?
“That’s right, it is the dowry.”
Seeing the fleeting astonishment in Chen Beiwu’s eyes, the Purple Jade Demon King said as if it were only natural: “The rules of my Seven-Tailed Purple Fox clan have always been like this.”
“When a core descendant of the clan chooses a contracted cultivator and forms a Companion Contract, it is just like a human marriage. As an elder, I naturally need to prepare a dowry for Ah Zhi to complete the proper etiquette, while also adding some confidence to her future cultivation path.”
Saying this, her gaze landed on Chen Beiwu, and her red lips parted slightly. “I hope Young Master Chen can understand this tradition.”
“This junior can understand.” Chen Beiwu nodded.
Although he had never heard that the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox clan had such a tradition, since the Purple Jade Demon King had spoken to this extent, it was certainly true.
“The dowry this King prepared for Ah Zhi follows the number of ‘Five Mystics’. Roughly speaking, it consists of nine Fourth-Tier Mystic Treasures, nine bottles of Fourth-Tier Mystic Pills, nine Fourth-Tier Mystic Talismans, nine Fourth-Tier Mystic Arrays, and nine Fourth-Tier Mystic Medicines.”
With every item the Purple Jade Demon King mentioned, Chen Beiwu’s heart sank a little further.
What an exaggerated dowry!
The richness of this Five Mystic Dowry was probably enough to empty an entire Nascent Soul sect in Southern Wasteland (excluding the Five Great Sects of the Earth Evolution Realm).
Golden Egg, Iron Egg, and the Five Qi Vine, however, became increasingly brighter-eyed the more they listened.
Especially the Five Qi Vine. Upon hearing about nine Fourth-Tier Mystic Medicines, it almost drooled.
“Young Master Chen, what do you think? Do we need to add some more and make it Nine Mystics?”
Seeing Chen Beiwu’s slightly solemn expression, the Purple Jade Demon King withdrew her smile, thinking that he had objections and considered it insufficient.
One should know that the dowry she offered was not ordinary. Every item was among the finest of Mystic Treasures, Mystic Pills, Mystic Talismans, Mystic Arrays, and Mystic Medicines.
With such a dowry, even a peak Nascent Soul True Monarch who emptied their entire wealth might not necessarily be able to produce it.
Of course, Nascent Soul True Monarchs with extraordinary backgrounds, such as those from Dao Venerable Immortal Clans or True Venerable aristocratic families, were exceptions.
“Lady’s great kindness is deeply appreciated by this junior.” Chen Beiwu carefully chose his words. “The dowry Lady prepared for Ah Zhi is truly too precious. Even if this junior exhausted everything I possess, I fear I would still find it difficult to prepare a Companion Gift Payment of equal value.”
Sincerity went both ways.
The more dowry the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox gave, the harder it would be for Chen Beiwu to match it with proper etiquette, and the more favors he would owe in return.
“Ying?”
The Seven-Tailed Purple Fox blinked, somewhat confused.
Was it a lot?
The treasures and Mystic Medicines collected by her mother and father could almost pile up into a small mountain.
Compared with that mountain, these Mystic Treasures and Mystic Pills were practically insignificant.
“Gulp.”
Hearing this, Golden Egg swallowed and looked at the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox differently.
Good heavens, this was a true princess!
Any small portion of her dowry was a treasure it dreamed of obtaining.
“Woof.”
Iron Egg was also somewhat surprised.
This was the wealth of a second-generation cultivator?
Even though its master was famous throughout the Yuqing Immortal Sect and even the entire Immortal Alliance as someone with the qualifications for Void Refinement, his wealth was still less than one-tenth of the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox’s.
“Na.”
The Five Qi Vine ran in front of the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox, extending its little hands to gently punch and massage her.
It was not greedy. It wanted neither Mystic Treasures nor Mystic Pills, neither Mystic Talismans nor Mystic Arrays. As long as it could help the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox and cultivate those nine Fourth-Tier Mystic Medicines, it would be completely satisfied.
For this, it could even give the third position to the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox and rank itself last.
“Ying.” The Seven-Tailed Purple Fox tilted her little head.
Born into wealth and nobility, she originally did not care about these dowry items.
However, seeing the two companions’ suddenly changed attitudes, she instantly understood the value of the dowry her mother had given her.
On the other side, after hearing Chen Beiwu’s reply, the Purple Jade Demon King was first stunned, then covered her lips and laughed softly.
“Companion Gift Payment?” She leaned slightly forward, her tone certain. “Young Master Chen may have misunderstood.”
“My Seven-Tailed Purple Fox clan has never had the rule of demanding a Companion Gift Payment from contracted cultivators since ancient times.”
“The dowry I prepared for Ah Zhi is merely the feelings and blessings I, as her elder, give to Ah Zhi. It is not something for trade.”
Saying this, the Purple Jade Demon King looked at the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox and spoke gently: “This King only needs you to take good care of Ah Zhi, protect her completely, and help her grow.”
“This is this junior’s duty.” Chen Beiwu’s expression became solemn.
After finishing the discussion regarding the dowry, the Purple Jade Demon King held a family banquet and invited Chen Beiwu to have a meal.
Chen Beiwu did not refuse. While eating, he chatted about ordinary family matters and ended up eating for more than two hours.
However, until the banquet ended, Chen Beiwu still failed to learn any information about Ah Zhi’s father. He only knew that the latter had always been in secluded cultivation, and even Ah Zhi herself had rarely met him.
“By the way, there is one more matter you need to complete.” The Purple Jade Demon King said with interest. “My Seven-Tailed Purple Fox clan has had a rule since ancient times: whenever a clan member forms a Companion Contract, their true name must be decided by the contracted cultivator.”
Chen Beiwu was somewhat surprised upon hearing this.
The Purple Jade Demon King’s lips curved slightly as she explained with a light laugh: “Ah Zhi is only the childhood name I gave her. It is not her true name.”
In an instant, Golden Egg, Iron Egg, and the Five Qi Vine all shifted their gazes and looked toward Chen Beiwu.
The Seven-Tailed Purple Fox also raised her head curiously, staring at Chen Beiwu without blinking, faint anticipation showing in her expression.
Chen Beiwu’s thoughts rapidly turned.
He was already not good at naming things. Having to come up with a temporary name now gave him even less inspiration.
After a long while, a flash of inspiration appeared in Chen Beiwu’s mind. He slowly recited:
“瑶台植芷根连玉，月魄通灵尾曳星。”
After reciting the poem, Chen Beiwu gently stroked the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox’s head. “How about calling you Zhi Ling?”
‘Zhi Ling?’
The Seven-Tailed Purple Fox’s heart stirred slightly. She repeated the name again and again. The more she said it, the more she liked it, and she could not help but let out a soft cry.
“A good name.” The Purple Jade Demon King slightly nodded, appearing quite satisfied.
‘Is it really that nice?’
Seeing everyone’s reactions, Golden Egg looked confused. It glanced at Iron Egg and transmitted with divine sense.
In its opinion, Zhi Ling was far less pleasant than its own name. It sounded soft and lacked any imposing aura.
One must know that gold represented undying golden essence, while egg represented the origin of chaos.
The two characters Golden Egg combined together were overflowing with domineering presence, shaking the heavens and myriad realms. Anyone hearing it would immediately know it was powerful.
However, that was also true. A good name like Golden Egg was something that could only be encountered by chance. The master being able to think of two names was already impressive. Asking for more would be making things difficult.
‘？？？’
Iron Egg raised its head in surprise and seriously looked at Golden Egg.
No, this could also be connected together?
If not for the fact that its master had previously told it that simple names were better because they were less likely to suffer misfortune, it would almost have believed Golden Egg’s explanation.
Thus, Iron Egg opened its mouth, wanting to question it, but seeing Golden Egg’s smug appearance, it decided against it.
“Na!”
Suddenly, the Five Qi Vine looked eagerly at Chen Beiwu. It also wanted a name.
One should not worry about scarcity, but inequality.
Everyone had a name, while it was still called Five Qi Vine. This was somewhat unfair.
Seeing this scene, the Purple Jade Demon King smiled and wanted to see how Chen Beiwu would respond.
“Alright, alright, wait a moment. I will think of one for you too.”
Chen Beiwu pondered for a moment before saying: “Xue Le, what do you think?”
The Five Qi Vine frowned slightly and repeated it once. It felt that it was not as nice as Zhi Ling.
“Na?” (The poem?)
The Five Qi Vine decided to hear the meaning behind it.
“Snow binds the cold branches, fragrance grows sharper; Dao Pivot never stagnates, fortune returns with eternal spring.” Chen Beiwu pondered.
He had not chosen this name randomly.
The Five Qi Vine could transform in countless ways. Its patterns resembled bindings and snow, while its nature was like a thief that never stopped. It delighted in encountering all Five Elements being complete, which happened to correspond with the name Xue Le.
“Na.”
The Five Qi Vine blinked and suddenly felt that this name was actually acceptable.
Sensing the Five Qi Vine’s thoughts, Chen Beiwu also let out a sigh of relief.
Poems were not that easy to create.
Fortunately, when he studied at Shouhe No. 2 Middle School, he had read some extracurricular articles. Slightly modifying them allowed him to create one or two barely usable lines of poetry.
“Na.” (From now on, I am Xue Le.)
The Five Qi Vine ran to its companions to show off.
“Xue Le, your name is not as good as mine.”
Golden Egg proudly raised its head.
Iron Egg speechlessly closed its eyes. It had no idea where Golden Egg got such confidence.
Instead, the Five Qi Vine was fooled into confusion and began doubting its own sense of aesthetics.
“Xue Le is average. How about you call yourself Vine Egg from now on?” Golden Egg suggested.
Hearing this, the Five Qi Vine shuddered and immediately came back to its senses.
What a terrible name. It actually believed Golden Egg’s sense of aesthetics for a moment.
No matter how bad Xue Le was, it could not possibly be worse than Vine Egg.
Seeing the playful quarrels between Golden Egg and the others, the smile on the Purple Jade Demon King’s face grew even brighter.
Being simple-minded was good.
With a straightforward and carefree personality like Golden Egg’s, her daughter would definitely be able to handle the relationship well.
“Young Master Chen, the name has been decided. The contract can now be formed.” The Purple Jade Demon King reminded him.
Chen Beiwu did not hesitate. He circulated 《Primordial Origin Insight Azure Radiance Controlling Ten Thousand Tribulations and Ten Thousand Spirits Immortal Art》, and a point of spiritual light emerged within the Sea of Consciousness between his brows.
‘Tracing back to the origin, divine illumination shines upon the Purple Mansion.’
‘Yuanshi as the foundation, essence blood as the bridge.’
Chen Beiwu formed hand seals, pointing out and forcing out a drop of essence blood, forming the Companion Seal.
Zhi Ling lowered her little head, relaxed her mind, and allowed the Companion Seal to enter her own Sea of Consciousness.
“Hum!”
Chen Beiwu’s mind thundered, and within his Purple Mansion Sea of Consciousness, a Seven-Tailed Purple Fox that covered the heavens and earth slowly emerged.
The Companion Contract was formed!
Chen Beiwu opened his eyes and discovered that there was an additional warm connection in his mind, carrying a hint of dependence.
Without needing to use divine sense transmission, Chen Beiwu could now clearly sense all of Zhi Ling’s emotions. He could even faintly feel the bloodline hidden within her body beginning to stir and boil.
In the next instant, affected by the Immortal Art, Zhi Ling’s bloodline began awakening. An invisible fluctuation spread outward with her at the center.
There was no time to investigate Zhi Ling’s three bloodline branches. Chen Beiwu’s storage ring flashed, and a Beast King Fruit quickly fell into the Seven-Tailed Purple Fox’s mouth.
“Boom!”
“Boom!”
“Boom!”
After the fruit entered her stomach, Zhi Ling’s entire aura surged once more, beginning to charge toward the Third Realm Beast General Realm.
‘Success!’
Looking at his daughter whose aura had perfectly fused together, the Purple Jade Demon King’s heart filled with a trace of relief.
With someone possessing qualifications for Void Refinement like Chen Beiwu assisting her, Ah Zhi might surpass her in the future and become an Eight-Tailed Void Fox.
As for the legendary Void Heavenly Fox, it was simply too ethereal and illusory.