Cultivation: Immunity to Negative Effects

As night deepened, Zhang Chi returned to his cave residence, thoroughly content.

Before he left, Fu Hongchang had stuffed five thousand Spirit Stones into Zhang Chi’s hands as a congratulatory gift for reaching Foundation Establishment.

Zhang Chi didn’t want to accept, but the other man insisted. In the end, Zhang Chi took out an Upper Grade magical artifact he had personally refined, a Small Shield, and gave it to Fu Hongchang’s disciple, Hong Hu.

This time, Fu Hongchang didn’t object. Hong Hu was ecstatic, as giddy as a child, despite being over thirty.

The next day, Zhang Chi went to the lecture again to listen in and absorb the ambient Spiritual Qi. In the blink of an eye, three days passed like this.

That evening, just as he returned, he ran into Chen Ling’Er. She was waiting outside the valley where his cave residence was located, looking indignant.

"Zhang Chi! You promised you’d become an Honored Guest Elder for our Chen Family. Why haven’t I seen any sign of you for days? I even sent you a message, but you didn’t reply. You’re not backing out, are you?"

Chen Ling’Er demanded, not even giving Zhang Chi a chance to speak.

"No, of course not. I’ve been busy with my Cultivation these past few days and was just about to find the time to go over. Besides, my Alchemy is about to break through to Tier Two. I was planning to visit after I’ve made the breakthrough," Zhang Chi hurriedly explained.

"Really? Your Alchemy is about to break through? That’s wonderful! The Patriarch will be so happy to hear that. And in the future, if I need any Tier Two Elixirs, I can just buy them directly from you!"

Chen Ling’Er was overjoyed to hear this.

"Wait, there’s something else! Qin Susu and the others were originally my people. How could you just poach them without saying a word to me!"

But she quickly felt her attitude had shifted too fast, making her seem a bit fickle. So, she immediately put on a stern face and brought up another matter.

"Them? They’ve been working with me for a long time and have always done a great job, so I had them come over. Besides, apart from them, I don’t have any other reliable people I can use."

"But you’re different, Senior Sister. As the young miss of the Chen Family, you’re well-connected and surely don’t lack for talented people under you. What’s more, I’m about to become an Honored Guest for your Chen Family, which basically makes me one of your people. They’re my people, which means they’re your people too. There’s not much difference, is there?"

Zhang Chi smiled and continued his explanation.

He certainly couldn’t say that it was Qin Susu and the others’ own choice. That would likely cause Chen Ling’er to take her anger out on them, which would in turn affect their ability to work for him.

Fortunately, dealing with Chen Ling’Er wasn’t actually that difficult.

"You have a point. In that case, I won’t blame you. But you have to tell me the moment your Alchemy breaks through. I’ll go with you to the Zhong Family then. It’ll be easier to get their approval that way," Chen Ling’Er couldn’t help but smile again, even volunteering to help.

"Wait, no, you’re Senior Sister Zhong’s junior brother now. You won’t have any trouble going by yourself!" But she quickly remembered Zhang Chi’s current status and shook her head.

"It’s fine. We can go together. A dual connection makes it even more secure," Zhang Chi said nonchalantly.

The truth was, he just didn’t want to spoil her mood.

He really didn’t care now whether he became an Honored Guest of the Zhong Family or not. He had only agreed to it to give Zhong Yu some face.

"Okay, then it’s settled!"

Chen Ling’Er nodded happily. She chatted with Zhang Chi for a while longer and even took a tour of his cave residence before leaving in satisfaction.

During their conversation, Zhang Chi learned that Chen Ling’Er’s plan was basically the same as his own: stay in the Sect for a year to receive their master’s teachings, then head to the Demon Abyss.

The only difference was that her master primarily taught the Sword Control Technique.

--

"Zhang Xiaoyou, I am Chen Zhengtong, the current Patriarch of the Chen Family. Forgive my sudden visit."

Zhang Chi had thought the matter would be put on hold for a while. To his surprise, the very next evening, Chen Ling’Er returned, and with her was an old man in a Golden Robe. He had a full head of white hair and carried an air of considerable authority.

This elder had a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivation. He was indeed Patriarch Chen, and his attitude toward Zhang Chi was exceptionally friendly.

Zhang Chi even felt that there was something a little strange about Patriarch Chen’s gaze.

’Even though I’ve shown some skill in Alchemy, he shouldn’t be acting this deferential.’

"Patriarch Chen, you’re too kind. Your visit is no disturbance at all. In fact, I’m the one who should apologize for being unprepared and not showing you proper hospitality. Please, forgive my poor arrangements..."

Zhang Chi didn’t overthink it, assuming this was just the man’s personality. He quickly exchanged some pleasantries, led the two of them into his cave residence, and served them Spirit Tea and Spirit Fruits.

"This is our Chen Family’s Honored Guest Elder Token. All you need to do is drip your blood on it for Refinement, young friend. Also, here are one hundred thousand Spirit Stones, which is the stipend for the next ten years. Of course, if the Alchemy you perform for us exceeds the minimum quota, you’ll receive additional Spirit Stones each time. Are you satisfied with these terms, young friend?"

After some small talk, Patriarch Chen finally got to the point. He took out a palm-sized Black Iron Token and some Middle Grade spirit stones and handed them to Zhang Chi.

"I haven’t even become a Tier Two Alchemist yet, and you’re already giving me the Token and Spirit Stones, Patriarch Chen?"

Zhang Chi was a little surprised.

"Haha, you may not be one yet, but I’m confident you will be, sooner or later. So, giving them to you a little early is no problem. Otherwise, once you do succeed, many families will be fighting to recruit you, and our Chen Family might not even get a chance!" Patriarch Chen laughed heartily.

"The Patriarch is truly far-sighted. Thank you for your trust. In that case, it would be impolite of me to refuse!"

Understanding dawned on Zhang Chi. He stopped being polite, immediately accepted the Spirit Stones, and performed the Refinement on the Guest Minister Token.

After that, the two parties chatted for a while longer. Seeing that the night had grown deep, Chen Zhengtong finally left with Chen Ling’Er.

"Ling’Er, what do you think of this Zhang Chi?" Chen Zhengtong asked suddenly as they walked.

"He’s great. A bit too cautious, but his character is excellent, his luck is amazing, and he’s brave enough when it counts. Plus, his talent for Alchemy is outstanding," Chen Ling’Er said after a moment of thought.

"Then what do you think about him becoming your dao companion? Don’t you want to avoid marrying outside the family? I think he would be a perfect match. If you two were together, the strength of our Chen Family would surely grow even greater in the future."

"Besides, it seems you two get along very well and have a strong affinity for each other, so it’s a fitting match," Chen Zhengtong added with a slight nod.

The reason Zhang Chi had found the Patriarch’s gaze strange earlier was precisely because this idea was already on his mind.

He had come personally this time to see Zhang Chi for himself, and he had been very satisfied with Zhang Chi’s manners, conversation, and overall demeanor.

With his vast experience in judging people, he could tell at a glance that Zhang Chi was very reliable and had great potential.

"Huh? We’re just ordinary friends, neither of us thinks of the other that way. Don’t be ridiculous, Great-Grandpa. Besides, I still want to reach the Golden Core realm! I don’t want to find a dao companion so soon."

"Even if I were to find a dao companion, he would have to be a Sword Dao expert who reaches the Golden Core realm before the age of two hundred. Before reaching Golden Core, he’d have to be at least as good as Brother Qi."

"As for Zhang Chi... although he’s very good, and there’s a chance he’ll reach Golden Core, it’s still just a chance. And he doesn’t know the first thing about Swordsmanship!"

Chen Ling’Er was stunned by his words. She immediately shook her head, and in her agitation, couldn’t stop some of her true feelings from spilling out.

"Oh, you silly girl! Alright, have it your way. But I still think this Zhang Chi is a good catch, so don’t be so quick to refuse. Just spend some time with him and see how it goes. After all, you said it yourself—you’re just friends for now."

Chen Zhengtong sighed softly. Although he didn’t quite agree, he didn’t press the matter further, knowing it would only be counterproductive.