Building a Martial Dao Celestial Family by Laying Low

Ten days later.

Chen Shouheng and Zhou Shuwei both ascended to the Spirit Realm Fourth Level, the Divine Hall Pass, and became Grandmasters.

Almost as soon as Chen Shouheng broke through the Inner Mansion Pass and the Divine Hall Pass, the system’s voice sounded in Chen Li’s mind one after another.

[Congratulations to the Host. Your eldest son, Chen Shouheng, has broken through the Spirit Realm Third Level, the Inner Mansion Pass. Reward issued: Dragon Phoenix Harmony Celestial True Skill. 5 years of lifespan.]

[Congratulations to the Host. Your eldest son, Chen Shouheng, has broken through the Spirit Realm Fourth Level, the Divine Hall Pass. Reward issued: Dragon’s Roar and Tiger’s Howl. 5 years of lifespan.]

Ten years of lifespan were quietly added to him. Chen Li felt the life force in his body thicken by a fraction, and his Divine Soul grew even clearer.

He focused his Heart Spirit and checked the system’s descriptions.

The Dragon Phoenix Harmony Celestial True Skill was a Cultivation Technique for dual cultivation between a husband and wife.

Its core mystery lay in using a special Qi Circulation Technique and Divine Soul resonance to make the Inner Qi of the cultivating couple share a single source, while their Divine Senses intertwined and complemented each other.

When facing enemies, their auras would link, making them seem like a single entity. Their attacks would be like the harmony of a dragon and phoenix—unstoppable. Their defense would be like the rotation of yin and yang—impenetrable.

The power of one could draw upon the strength of both, and they could even develop numerous exquisite Combined Attack Techniques. Their joint combat strength wouldn’t be a simple sum but would instead multiply, allowing them to challenge much stronger enemies.

Dragon’s Roar and Tiger’s Howl, on the other hand, was a tyrannical Divine Soul Attack Secret Skill.

This Skill involved vibrating one’s pure, condensed Power of Divine Sense at a special frequency and launching it directly at an opponent’s Divine Soul sea of consciousness.

The user’s Divine Sense would transform into the sound of a dragon’s roar and a tiger’s howl, shocking the Heart Spirit. Those with insufficient Cultivation or weak Divine Sense would, upon hearing this roar, suffer a shaken Divine Soul, a muddled consciousness, and a drastic loss of combat ability.

In severe cases, their Divine Sense would be shattered by the roar, their soul would scatter, and they would die on the spot.

Even an expert of the same level would suffer a great loss if caught off guard by it.

This was an extremely practical ace in the hole, especially effective in group battles or surprise attacks, where it could produce unexpected results.

’The system’s rewards are practically tailor-made.’

Chen Li nodded to himself.

The Dragon Phoenix Harmony Celestial True Skill would be enough to elevate Shouheng and his wife’s strength to a new level.

As for Dragon’s Roar and Tiger’s Howl, it was a trump card in the form of a Divine Soul Combat Technique, and even more rarely, an area-of-effect Combat Technique. Even he coveted it.

He took out the two Cultivation Techniques. Dragon’s Roar and Tiger’s Howl was carved on a Turtle Shell, while the Dragon Phoenix Harmony Celestial True Skill was recorded on a sheepskin scroll.

After memorizing both techniques, Chen Li summoned his eldest son, Chen Shouheng, to the study alone.

"Father, Shuwei and I have both reached the Divine Hall Pass!"

Chen Shouheng entered and bowed, the joy on his face yet to fade. His aura had undergone a qualitative change compared to before his seclusion, and he already carried the air of a Grandmaster.

Chen Li nodded. Without much preamble, he said directly, "I have two Cultivation Techniques here that are perfect for you and Shuwei to cultivate right now."

Chen Shouheng took the techniques and examined them for a moment, his face filled with pleasant surprise. "This... Father, these two Divine Skills..."

Chen Li briefly explained the wonderful uses of the two techniques, then instructed, "You and Shuwei should practice them diligently. This is especially true for the Dragon Phoenix Harmony Celestial True Skill. You two are recently married, so it’s the perfect time to use this technique to deepen your bond and increase your strength."

"Thank you, Father."

Chen Li waved his hand and changed the subject. "There is an urgent matter at home that I need the two of you to handle."

"Please give us your orders, Father."

Chen Shouheng’s expression turned serious.

Chen Li said, "The family’s expenses are increasing by the day, and our silver reserves are tight. I want you to take ten thousand taels of gold, and along with Shuwei and Elder Zhan, travel to the Black Market in Wuzhou. Exchange the gold for silver and bring it back."

Chen Shouheng was stunned. "To the Wuzhou Black Market?"

Chen Li nodded and briefly informed his eldest son about the situation at Hidden Emperor Castle. "When I left, the people from the Celestial Sword Sect hadn’t arrived yet. But given their style, I’m afraid Hidden Emperor Castle has already become a place of trouble."

Hearing this, Chen Shouheng was inwardly shaken. He had never imagined his father’s strength was so formidable.

"However, Hidden Emperor Castle isn’t the only Black Market in the world."

Chen Li had already gotten news from Gossip. "Wuzhou has one too, and its scale is no smaller than Jiangzhou’s. Elder Zhan’s hometown is in Wuzhou, so he’s quite familiar with the area. It’s perfect for him to lead the way. When you go to the Wuzhou Black Market for the exchange, have Elder Zhan handle all arrangements. You and Shuwei will assist from the side. You must be extremely cautious."

Ten thousand taels of gold could be exchanged for about two million taels of silver on the Black Market.

This was by no means a small sum and was enough to make any Jianghu faction green with envy.

Having three Grandmasters travel together was the only way to ensure safety.

Chen Shouheng replied, understanding the stakes. "Yes, Father. I understand the risks involved."

At the first light of dawn the next morning.

Chen Shouheng, Zhou Shuwei, and Elder Zhan, disguised as ordinary merchants, drove a horse-drawn carriage toward Wuzhou.

...

Two days later.

Chen Shouye returned home from the county seat.

He wore a somewhat relaxed expression as he informed Chen Li that his master, Li Weikun, had agreed to help and had contacted seven of his martial brothers from other counties.

All seven families were willing to sell grain to the Chen Family. The amounts varied, from as little as three hundred dan to as much as eight hundred, for a total of two thousand nine hundred dan of grain. Arrangements were being made to transport it.

Chen Li nodded, showing little surprise.

Two thousand nine hundred dan of grain was enough to temporarily alleviate the urgent need to feed the thousand-plus people and cover the mansion’s expenses. It should last them until the end of the year without major issues.

However, he still needed to make plans for the coming year.

After speaking, Chen Li took out a Five Viscera Five Elements Fruit and handed it to Shouye, telling him to consume it.

Chen Shouye did as he was told and ate the fruit. He then sat cross-legged in an empty space in the study, calmed his mind and spirit, and circulated his energy to absorb the medicinal power.

Unlike the rapid progress Chen Shouheng and Zhou Shuwei had made after consuming it, although Chen Shouye’s aura became fuller and more active during this cultivation session, and his five viscera and six organs were nourished, there was no sign of him breaking through the Inner Mansion Pass.

The entire process was smooth and gentle.

About two hours later, Chen Shouye ceased his cultivation, a trace of confusion on his face.

Chen Li asked about his condition.

Chen Shouye said, "Father, this Spirit Fruit’s Primordial Qi is immense and pure, and it has nourished me greatly. However, most of the Five Elements Qi is stored in my five viscera. I only managed to refine a small amount. I’m still a long way from tempering my viscera and sensing the Inner Mansion."

Chen Li’s brow furrowed slightly. He stepped forward, placed his hand on Chen Shouye’s wrist, and sent his Inner Qi probing into his body.

A moment later, he withdrew his hand, understanding dawning in his heart.

Shouye’s situation was different from Shouheng’s and Shuwei’s.

Before taking the fruit, Shouheng and Shuwei were close to completing, or had already completed, the tempering of their five viscera. They were only a single step away, which was why they could use the fruit’s immense medicinal power to succeed in one fell swoop.

Shouye, on the other hand, had just reached the Profound Acupoint Pass. His five viscera had not yet been tempered, and his foundation was not solid, so the effects were naturally not as apparent.

For Shouye, this fruit was more like a supreme treasure for fortifying his foundation. Its efficacy lay hidden deep within his five viscera, ready to provide a continuous stream of assistance when his Cultivation naturally reached the right stage, helping him advance by leaps and bounds.

If he tried to force his growth now, it would be inappropriate and could even damage his foundation.

Understanding this, Chen Li gave up the idea of having his second son also break through to the Grandmaster Realm immediately.

However, with the foundation laid by this fruit, when Shouye reached the Inner Mansion Pass and later challenged the Divine Hall Pass, he would achieve twice the result with half the effort. It wouldn’t delay him for too long.

Chen Li took out a Soul-Stabilizing Pill and gave it to Chen Shouye. "Keep this pill safe. When you have achieved Perfection in tempering your five viscera and begin to perceive the Inner Mansion and attempt to break through to the Divine Hall Pass, you can take it at an opportune moment. It will help you sense the location of the Divine Hall."

"Thank you, Father!"

Chen Shouye accepted the pill.

Chen Li told him about sending Chen Shouheng and Zhou Shuwei out to exchange silver, then instructed, "I also need to go out for a trip. During this time, help your mother manage the family’s various affairs. Also..."

His expression darkened slightly. "Keep an eye on Bai San. Don’t let him run around, and especially don’t let him leave the Lingxi area. If he makes any strange moves, capture him and cripple his Martial Arts directly."

"Yes, Father. I will remember."

Chen Shouye agreed.

...

After settling the family affairs, Chen Li went to the courtyard where Liu Zongying was staying.

On the east side of the courtyard, what was once an empty lot had now been leveled, covered with sand, and turned into a training ground.

On the field, forty-one youths, aged between ten and sixteen, were meticulously practicing basic Saber Techniques and Pile Skill under Liu Zongying’s guidance.

Among these children, in addition to the original thirty-three, eight more descendants of the Chen Mansion’s stewards had been sent to train with them.

Liu Zongying was teaching the group of children, calling out corrections from time to time.

Seeing Chen Li approach, Liu Zongying walked over. "Patriarch."

"Master Liu San."

Chen Li nodded, his gaze sweeping over the youths on the field. He asked, "How are these children doing?"

Liu Zongying reported truthfully, "Among this group, three have the best talent. Their bones and muscles are strong, and their comprehension is good. They are already at the Middle Stage of Force Cultivation. Another thirteen are also hardworking and have reached the Early Stage of Force Cultivation.

The rest, either because they are still too young or because their foundations were weak due to poor health in their early years, are still in the stage of tempering their muscles, bones, and qi-blood. They haven’t truly begun Force Cultivation yet."

Chen Li nodded.

This progress was even better than he had expected.

Back then, it took Shouheng almost a year to cross the threshold of Force Cultivation.

Most of these children came from poor backgrounds and had deficient essence and blood. Their starting point was far from Shouheng’s solid foundation. Considering they also received a monthly supplement of Blood-Strengthening Powder, their progress was already enough to satisfy him. It was clear Liu Zongying’s strict teaching played a significant role.

"Thank you for your trouble, Master Liu San."

Chen Li thanked him, then changed the subject. "Third Master, how is your recovery coming along?"

Liu Zongying spoke frankly, "With that Relic Jade Bone and the Medicinal Cuisine the Patriarch sent, my Divine Soul has mostly recovered. I have no problem fighting and can already exert the strength of the Divine Hall level.

However, a Divine Sense injury is no small matter. To recover completely and eliminate the hidden dangers, it will take at least a year or two of patient work. It’s impossible to rush."

He paused, then took the initiative to ask, "Patriarch, did you come here today because you have a task for me?"

Chen Li nodded. "Indeed, there are some matters I’d like to ask for your help with, Third Master."

"Patriarch, please speak freely."

Chen Li dropped the pleasantries and informed him about the family’s dwindling grain stores.

He expressed his intention to have Liu Ruoyi return to Qingshui County to purchase grain from her martial brothers at the Zhuifeng Martial Arts Hall, to supplement the family’s supplies.

He also made it clear that if they hesitated or required extra conditions, Elixirs could be used as a trade.

The Mysterious Black Tortoise Tribulation Secret Medicine could not be given to outsiders.

After all, it concerned the foundation of his own family.

However, he had another idea.

The Elixirs he had brought back from the Liu Family, whose labels and purposes were unclear.

Afterward, he had Shouye’s wife, Li Jinru, identify them. Then, after repeatedly testing them on live animals like rabbits and dogs to confirm they were harmless, he had Sun Shouyi and others consume them to determine their medicinal properties.

Using them for trade now would show sincerity without creating any hidden risks.

After listening, Liu Zongying nodded. "This is a small matter. I will not shirk my duty. I’ll take Ruoyi back tomorrow. We should be able to acquire some."

Chen Li said, "There’s no need for you to trouble yourself with this trip, Third Master. It will be fine to have Shouye and Miss Liu go in a few days. I have another matter I’d like your help with."

Liu Zongying looked at Chen Li, puzzled.

Chen Li smiled. "In a few days, I’d like to ask you to accompany me on a trip, Third Master."