A Loose Cultivator's Path to Longevity

The conversation brought the two of them much closer.

Soon, they got down to business.

”The Golden Seal Script? Oh, that. No problem at all!” Kuang Youwen agreed to teach him. He then glanced at Lü Zhong, hesitating for a moment. ”However, regarding the payment... would it be possible to pay with Spirit Ascending Honey?”

Lü Zhong withdrew his gaze from the little boy playing outside the hall.

Since it wasn’t deliberately hidden, he had already seen that Kuang Youwen’s son possessed excellent aptitude, most likely that of Dual Spirit Roots. With such a genius for a son, if it were Lü Zhong himself, he would certainly spare no effort in nurturing him.

”Father and son going into battle together”—this was a bond even stronger than that of a master and disciple.

As for cases of patricide or filicide, they were all rare exceptions, often with deep-seated reasons behind them. In those situations, no matter the relationship between the two, tragedy was unavoidable.

Hearing Kuang Youwen’s words, he nodded and said, ”No problem.”

At the same time, he thought to himself.

’Kuang Youwen specifically requested Spirit Ascending Honey as payment for his son’s sake. It seems the effects of this Spiritual Honey have been recognized. In the foreseeable future, Spirit Ascending Honey will definitely become even more popular.’

’However, this isn’t entirely a good thing.’

’The profits are enormous. It’s hard for people not to be tempted.’

’A while ago, the Bihai Sect reported that some factions were trying to obtain Great Honey Insect Eggs. Although they haven’t made any progress thanks to our effective security measures, it’s time to take this seriously.’

’It seems I need to come up with a plan...’ Lü Zhong mused.

’An Insect Nest fire? Fungal contamination...? No, wait, those are just ways to hike up the price. I should spread some rumors, something like the Spiritual Honey is just a watered-down Pill, to tarnish the Spirit Ascending Honey’s reputation.’

’Maybe I really should water it down.’

’The reason Spirit Ascending Honey sells so well is its slightly better value compared to Pills. It can enhance cultivation without the side effect of Pill Poison, making it more cost-effective than Pills in the long run.’

’And what I need to do now is to ruin that value proposition.’

’Increase the price. I have to increase the price!’

’Low quality and high price should suppress some of the hype.’

’When I think about it, I really am a scoundrel!’ Lü Zhong silently berated himself. But he was only bilking the major powers. The average cultivator couldn’t afford Spirit Ascending Honey anyway, so he didn’t feel any guilt.

The two chatted idly for a while longer, and before they knew it, they started exchanging Cultivation Insights. Trading pointers back and forth, both of them gained something from the discussion.

Both host and guest were pleased with the outcome.

Seeing that his goal was achieved, Lü Zhong stood up to take his leave.

...

After leaving, Lü Zhong rushed straight to the auction houses on Changchun Street.

His luck wasn’t very good this time. Only one auction had suitable Pills up for sale. He successfully won the bid, spending a fair number of Spirit Stones.

Afterward, he browsed around and bought a few things.

After leaving the city, he transformed into a streak of rainbow light and flew toward the Bihai Sect.

SPLASH! The waves churned and sprayed.

Lü Zhong skimmed across the sea, leaving a white wake behind him.

He flew straight, then in arcs, then in spirals.

His mood was light, and before he knew it, he had reached the Bihai Sect. He flew past the disciples training in the martial arts field and headed directly for Tide Cave.

A moment later, the rainbow light landed, and his figure appeared.

After sensing his surroundings for a moment, Lü Zhong walked toward the Waterside Pavilion.

Tide Cave Waterside Pavilion.

Yu Feng’Er was flipping through a book while sipping the flower tea that had been served. She looked somewhat distracted, not even noticing Lü Zhong approach and stand beside her.

She didn’t notice until an arm wrapped around her waist, causing her to let out a small cry.

”Husband!”

”Mm, I’m back.” Lü Zhong smiled, stroking Yu Feng’Er’s head. He said a few words to soothe her before adding, ”I won’t be gone for so long in the future.”

”Really?” Yu Feng’Er asked, pleasantly surprised.

Then her spirits fell. She lowered her head and said, ”My love, you don’t need to stay by my side all the time. I know your heart is set on Longevity. As long as... as long as you spend some time with me now and then, that’s enough...”

”Haha, what are you thinking!” Lü Zhong laughed, amused. ’Her words really are heart-warming. With someone like her waiting, it’s no wonder I was so eager to come back.’ He hugged her without explaining, instead saying mysteriously, ”You’ll find out in a while. I guarantee it will be a surprise!”

After they spoke intimately for a while, Yu Feng’Er touched the Dharma Robe Lü Zhong was wearing and belatedly noticed the corrosion marks on it. A pained expression immediately appeared on her face. ”My love, how did your Star Patterned Robe get so badly damaged?”

’What kind of environment could corrode even Spiritual Threads?’

”Yes, it’s a shame.” Lü Zhong was fully aware of his own condition; it was impossible for him not to have noticed the damage to the Star Patterned Robe. This Dharma Robe, after all, could no longer keep up with him.

It was, after all, only a Lower-grade Spiritual Artifact.

In the face of the extremely corrosive and penetrating Crimson Spiritual Energy, the supposedly impenetrable Spiritual Threads were no different from tofu. Even with Magical Power constantly shielding it, the damage was unavoidable.

Stroking the thick, dense fabric, a nostalgic look appeared in his eyes.

Then, Lü Zhong proactively changed the subject.

Mentioning the Spirit Ascending Honey, he explained Kuang Youwen’s situation and also shared his own ideas, preparing to discuss a strategy with Yu Feng’Er.

”My love, your methods are a bit crude. How about you leave the implementation to me?” Yu Feng’Er volunteered. She was actually more adept at business matters, able to act with more subtlety.

”Alright, I’ll leave it to you then,” Lü Zhong said with a smile.

Every trade has its master.

In essence, he was still better at killing.

As for things like political maneuvering, his ability came more from accumulated experience. He wasn’t naturally cut out for it and couldn’t compare to those born schemers.