Eternal Immortal Clan: It All Started When I Married My Junior Sister!

31: Family marriageThe hilt of the sword was also engraved with the Li Family’s mark.

Chen Xu’s gaze lingered on the pair of Flying Swords for a moment.

The craftsmanship of this pair of swords was extremely high; compared to the standardized Magical Artifacts rewarded by the Taiyi Merchant Alliance, they possessed a greater sense of agility, indicating that the Li Family’s Artifact Refining techniques had indeed made a new Breakthrough.

”Young Miss Li has been thoughtful.”

Chen Xu nodded again and accepted them.

He knew very well that these were just preliminaries.

As expected, after presenting the two generous gifts, Li Xueer’s smile receded slightly, and her expression became solemn.

She stood up again and bowed deeply to Chen Xu.

”Head of the Chen Family, Xue’er’s visit today, besides expressing gratitude and congratulations, also has a more important matter to discuss with you, and to seek a future for my Li Family.”

Chen Xu picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and said calmly, ”Young Miss Li, please speak.”

Li Xueer took a deep breath and slowly revealed the true purpose of her visit.

”My Li Family wishes to form an in-law relationship with the Chen Family.”

As soon as these words were uttered, the atmosphere in the hall instantly became subtle.

Chen Xu’s fingers gently rubbed the teacup, his Face revealing no emotion.

He simply watched her quietly, waiting for her to continue.

Seeing this, Li Xueer’s evaluation of Chen Xu rose a few more points in her Heart-Nature.

To remain so composed in the Face of a marriage alliance between two major Families.

This Heart-Nature was far beyond that of an ordinary Head of the Family.

She composed herself and continued, ”Head of the Family must know that your Eldest Young Master, Chen Tongyuan, possesses outstanding Aptitude and was accepted as an Inner Sect Disciple by the Qingyun Immortal Sect in his early years.”

”By my reckoning, it should be time for him to return home after completing his studies.”

Chen Tongyuan was the child born to Chen Xu and his wife, Sun Xiaoyue; his Spiritual Root Aptitude was Low Grade Profound-tier.

Among Chen Xu’s numerous children, he was considered an outstanding existence.

”My Li Family is willing to marry our most outstanding daughter, who is also my biological younger sister, Li Yueru, to Young Master Tongyuan.”

”Yueru is seventeen this year, her cultivation has reached Qi Refining Stage eight, and her Spiritual Root is also Profound-tier. Her appearance and Heart-Nature are considered presentable among the younger generation in Ninghai Town.”

”If our two Families can form an in-law relationship, my Li Family is willing to offer three shopfronts in the west of the city, along with twenty percent of the profits from that Profound Iron ore vein, as Yueru’s dowry.”

”Furthermore, any Magical Artifacts the Chen Family requires in the future, my Li Family will provide at cost price. We only wish for our two Families to watch out for each other and advance together.”

Li Xueer laid out the conditions one by one, and they were undeniably generous.

This was no longer a simple marriage alliance, but rather the Li Family actively drawing closer to the Chen Family, even at the cost of significant sacrifice, to secure an Opportunity to be tied to the Chen Family’s grand ship.

She knew very well that Chen Xu not only had a Golden Core True Person behind him.

Moreover, having emerged victorious at the Heavenly Talisman Assembly, the rise of the Chen Family was unstoppable.

The future of Ninghai Town, and even Shangya Prefecture, would belong to the Chen Family.

If they didn’t get on board now, it would be difficult to do so later.

After speaking, Li Xueer stood there quietly, awaiting Chen Xu’s reply.

She knew that the decision lay entirely in the hands of this seemingly young, yet unfathomably deep man.

The entire main hall became so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

Chen Xu’s fingers gently rubbed the warm wall of the teacup.

The Li Family’s sincerity was abundant; twenty percent of the Profound Iron ore vein’s profits represented a long-term and substantial resource.

Not to mention providing Magical Artifacts at cost price.

For a rapidly expanding Family, its value was immeasurable.

Li Xueer noticed Chen Xu’s contemplation; she knew he was weighing the pros and cons, and couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.

”Head of the Chen Family...”

She mustered her courage and spoke again, ”Although my younger sister Yueru is not a peerless beauty, her Heart-Nature is resilient, and her conduct is upright. Having been immersed in it since childhood, she also has considerable insight into the Dao of Artifact Refining.”

”Both she and Young Master Tongyuan possess Profound-tier Spiritual Roots; if they were to marry, their descendants’ Aptitude would certainly not be poor.”

These words, indeed, touched upon the area Chen Xu cared about most.

The Aptitude of descendants was the fundamental basis of a Family’s Legacy.

He raised his eyelids, his gaze falling upon Li Xueer: ”Tongyuan has not returned home for several years since entering the Qingyun Immortal Sect. A matter as important as marriage must always seek his personal opinion.”

He neither directly agreed nor refused.

Upon hearing this, Li Xueer felt a sense of relief in her Heart-Nature; she understood the implication in Chen Xu’s words.

As long as there were no issues from Chen Tongyuan’s side, this matter had an eighty percent chance of success.

”That is natural.”

Li Xueer quickly nodded, ”Actually... Young Master Tongyuan returned to Ninghai Town a while ago.”

”Oh?”

Chen Xu raised an eyebrow.

”Young Master Tongyuan encountered some obstacles when attempting to Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm and was unsuccessful, so he ended his Sect cultivation early and returned home. Currently, he is helping with the Family’s spirit field affairs.”

Li Xueer recounted the information she had gathered.

She was very clever, not concealing anything.

The Head of the Chen Family couldn’t possibly be unaware of such matters; being honest would only further demonstrate the Li Family’s sincerity.

Chen Xu nodded, understanding.

Failing Foundation Establishment was no small blow to any arrogant Sect Disciple.

It was also good; experiencing some setbacks could allow his Heart-Nature to settle, which would, in turn, be beneficial for his future Dao.

”I understand.”

Chen Xu picked up his teacup: ”I will discuss this matter with Tongyuan. Within three days, I will give the Li Family a reply.”

”Thank you, Head of the Chen Family!” Li Xueer’s Heart-Nature settled, knowing the matter was as good as done. After respectfully bowing, she rose and took her leave.

After she left, Chen Xu did not immediately go to find his son.

He first went to Sun Xiaoyue’s courtyard.

Sun Xiaoyue was teaching several young children to read. Seeing Chen Xu enter, she quickly greeted him.

”Husband, why have you come?”

”Tongyuan is back?”

Chen Xu asked directly.

Sun Xiaoyue’s expression dimmed slightly, and she nodded: ”He’s been back for over half a month, but... he failed Foundation Establishment this time, and his mood hasn’t been good. He shuts himself in his room all day, or goes to the spirit fields, unwilling to see anyone. I was afraid it would distract you from your cultivation, so I didn’t tell you.”

”Call him to my study.”

Chen Xu’s tone was unequivocal.

”Husband, Tongyuan he...”

Sun Xiaoyue was a little worried.

”It’s fine, I am his father.”

Chen Xu patted her hand and turned to leave.

Before long, a tall young man, whose Face bore a five-tenths resemblance to Chen Xu but whose brows carried a hint of melancholy, entered the study.

It was Chen Tongyuan.

”Father.”

He lowered his head, his voice somewhat muffled.

”Failed Foundation Establishment?”

Chen Xu went straight to the point.

Chen Tongyuan’s body stiffened, and he buried his head even lower, his fists unconsciously clenching: ”Yes, your son is incompetent and has shamed Father.”

”Look up.”

Chen Xu’s voice was very calm.

Chen Tongyuan hesitated for a moment, then still raised his head.

His eyes held shame and unwillingness.

”The Dao of cultivation is long and full of hardships. What is one failure?”

Chen Xu looked at him: ”Do you know that Yue Guanshan, who was once a False Core Immortal Master, still ended up dead and his Dao extinguished?”

Chen Tongyuan trembled suddenly; he had heard from his mother that his father had slain a False Core Immortal Master on his way back.

”A small Foundation Establishment failure, and you’re completely demoralized?”

Chen Xu’s tone grew a bit heavier: ”If so, you are not worthy of being my Chen Xu’s son. The Chen Family’s spirit fields do not need a good-for-nothing to manage them.”

”Father, I am not a good-for-nothing!”

Chen Tongyuan was stung by these words.

He raised his head, his eyes slightly red.

”Then prove it to me.”

Chen Xu said indifferently, ”The Li Family came today to propose marriage, wishing to betroth their daughter, Li Yueru, to you. What do you think?”

Chen Tongyuan was stunned; he hadn’t expected his father to suddenly bring this up.

The Li Family, he naturally knew.

Currently the most prominent Artifact Refining Family in Shangya Prefecture.

Especially the Li Family’s Eldest Young Miss, Li Xueer, who was renowned for her strong-willed demeanor.

”The Li Family’s female Cultivator, Li Yueru, seventeen years old, Qi Refining Stage eight, Profound-tier Spiritual Root.”

Chen Xu stated the conditions: ”The dowry includes three shopfronts in the west of the city and twenty percent of the profits from the Cloud Roaming Mountain Profound Iron ore vein.”

Chen Tongyuan was not foolish; he instantly understood the significance behind this marriage.

This was a Family alliance, for the future development of the Chen Family.

And he, as a child of the Chen Family, even if he failed Foundation Establishment.

Still remained the most crucial link in this alliance.

The slight melancholy and despondency in his Heart-Nature seemed insignificant in the Face of the Family’s heavy responsibility.

”Your son... will leave it entirely to Father to decide.”

He took a deep breath and said in a low voice.

”It’s not for me to decide for you.”

Chen Xu shook his head, ”Tomorrow, I will arrange for you and Li Yueru to meet. This marriage, whether it happens or not, you will decide yourself. My Chen Xu’s son does not need to rely on a marriage to secure his future.”

Chen Tongyuan looked into his father’s profound eyes, and a warm current surged through his Heart-Nature.

All the grievances and unwillingness vanished at this moment.

He nodded heavily: ”Yes, Father, your son understands.”

The next day, in a reception courtyard of the Chen Family.

Chen Tongyuan had changed into a clean, azure long gown. Although it still couldn’t completely hide the slight disappointment in his brows, he looked much more spirited.

Soon, Li Xueer entered, leading a young girl dressed in a goose-yellow skirt.

The girl had delicate features, a tall figure, and bright, expressive eyes.

She lacked the usual shyness of a young lady.

Instead, she carried a hint of heroism; it was Li Yueru.

Chen Tongyuan had seen many Fairy Senior Sisters in the Sect, but one with Li Yueru’s temperament.

This was his first time.

Li Yueru was also observing Chen Tongyuan.

She had long heard from her older sister about this Young Master Chen, an Inner Sect Disciple of the Qingyun Immortal Sect, with outstanding Aptitude, and one of the most remarkable individuals among the younger generation in Ninghai Town.

Although she heard he failed Foundation Establishment!

But at this moment, it seemed that the steady temperament unique to a Sect Disciple.

Was still incomparable to those profligate Young Masters in town.

The two sat down at a stone table. Li Xueer found an excuse and left, leaving the space to the two young people.

Initially, the atmosphere was a bit awkward.

Finally, Li Yueru spoke first: ”I heard my sister say that Young Master Tongyuan’s main study in the Sect was the Dao of the Sword?”

”I merely have a superficial understanding.”

Chen Tongyuan said modestly.

”My Li Family specializes in Artifact Refining, and since childhood, I’ve enjoyed watching the elders in my Family forge Flying Swords.”

Li Yueru’s eyes lit up. ”I’ve always felt that the sword is the king of all weapons, the most elegant and unrestrained. It’s just that most of us Artifact Refiners aren’t skilled in combat, so we have precious swords but can’t unleash their true power.”

Her topic immediately opened Chen Tongyuan’s floodgates.

The two chatted from the forging of Flying Swords to the intricacies of sword arts.

They then moved from interesting anecdotes of the Sect to the future of the Family.

Chen Tongyuan found that although Li Yueru was a woman, she had extraordinary insight and unique perspectives on many matters, making conversation with her very pleasant.

And Li Yueru also discovered that although Chen Tongyuan had experienced setbacks, his Foundation was solid, and his conversation was extraordinary!

He was far more charming than she had imagined.

An hour later, when Li Xueer returned, she saw the two chatting happily.

She understood in her Heart-Nature and a smile appeared on her Face.

That afternoon, Chen Tongyuan proactively sought out Chen Xu.

”Father, I agree to this marriage.”

Chen Xu nodded, as if he had long expected it.

Three days later, the Chen Family formally sent betrothal gifts to the Li Family, and the marriage between the two families was thus settled.

The wedding date was set for three months later.

During these three months, the entire Ninghai Town became lively.

The marriage alliance between the Chen and Li families was a major event unseen in Shangya Prefecture for decades.

One was a rising power in the Talisman Dao, and the other was an Artifact Refining Family that controlled ore veins. With the two families united, the future landscape of Ninghai Town, and even the entire Shangya Prefecture, would change.

A few months later, the wedding was held as scheduled.

The Chen Family Mansion was adorned with lanterns and streamers, and guests were as numerous as clouds.

Almost all the prominent families in Shangya Prefecture and Ninghai Town were present.

Major merchant alliances outside the town also sent their stewards with generous gifts.

Even Xu Zhengyue, the president of the Taiyi Merchant Alliance in Shangya Prefecture City, sent his confidant with a congratulatory gift.

He gave the Chen Family ample Face.

At the wedding, Chen Tongyuan, dressed in wedding attire, was high-spirited and vigorous, all traces of his previous despondency swept away.

Beside him, Li Yueru wore a Phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, radiant and beautiful.

The two stood together like a perfect couple, attracting countless envious glances.

Chen Xu sat on the high platform, looking at the newlywed couple below, and then at the hall full of guests.

He was also filled with emotion.

Through this marriage alliance, the Chen Family and the Li Family formally formed an offensive and defensive alliance.

The Chen Family would provide High Grade Talisman support to the Li Family, while the Li Family would provide quality Magical Artifacts to the Chen Family.

With complementary resources, the strength of both families greatly increased, and their position in Ninghai Town was now unshakeable.

The wedding festivities lasted for three full days before gradually subsiding.

On this day, Chen Xu was in his study, researching the mysterious black token he had obtained from Yue Guanshan’s Storage Pouch.

Suddenly, the butler reported from outside the door.

”Head of the Chen Family, a Cultivator calling himself Daoist Yuqing has come to visit, saying he has an important matter to discuss.”

”Daoist Yuqing?”

Chen Xu frowned; the name was somewhat unfamiliar to him.

”Have him wait in the main hall.”

Chen Xu put down the token. When he arrived at the main hall, Sun Xiaoyue, Zhao Linger, and others were all there, their expressions somewhat solemn.

Sitting in the hall was a middle-aged Cultivator dressed in a grey Daoist robe, holding a jade-clear wooden staff.

His Face was thin, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes as they opened and closed. The aura around him was deep and profound.

He was clearly a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator.

Seeing Chen Xu enter, the middle-aged Cultivator immediately stood up and bowed deeply to Chen Xu.

”Loose Cultivator Yuqing greets Head of the Chen Family.”

”Fellow Daoist, there’s no need for such formality, please sit.”

Chen Xu waved his hand and sat in the main seat.

Sun Xiaoyue quickly walked to Chen Xu’s side and whispered, ”Husband, this Daoist Yuqing is a famous Loose Cultivator in Shangya Prefecture. His wood-elemental Spells are exquisite, and he is known to be reclusive and solitary. I didn’t expect him to suddenly come to our Chen Family.”

Chen Xu understood in his Heart-Nature. It seemed that the Family’s reputation had spread far and wide, and someone wanted to come for a mutual exchange of benefits.

”Daoist Yuqing, may I ask why you have come today?” Chen Xu asked directly.

Daoist Yuqing looked at Chen Xu, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. So young, yet possessing such cultivation and demeanor, no wonder he could develop the Chen Family to such an extent.

He no longer hesitated, stood up again, and solemnly said, ”Yuqing has come for no other reason than to join the Chen Family and become a guest elder of the Chen Family, to serve the Family.”

”I only seek a stable place for cultivation, and I hope Head of the Chen Family can take me in!”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was astonished.

A renowned Loose Cultivator at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage actually came to a Family on his own initiative, requesting to become a guest elder.

This was unheard of in the entire Shangya Prefecture.

Chen Xu’s expression remained calm, his fingers lightly tapping on the armrest.

His gaze fell on Daoist Yuqing, carefully observing this uninvited guest.

This person appeared to be around fifty years old, but a Cultivator’s age could not be judged by appearance.

Although his aura was deep, Chen Xu could sense a faint, almost imperceptible hint of decline within it.

This was not a problem with his cultivation, but a sign of his Lifespan nearing its end.

”Fellow Daoist must be joking.”

Chen Xu picked up his teacup, gently blew on the hot steam, and spoke in a calm tone, ”My Chen Family is small, I fear it cannot accommodate a great Immortal Master like you. Fellow Daoist is a Senior expert at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, accustomed to freedom and ease. Why would you think of joining my small Family?”

His words were polite, but the meaning of rejection and vigilance was very clear.

A Cultivator at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage was a force that could not be ignored, no matter where he was placed.

For such a figure to suddenly humble himself and join a recently risen Family...

If he claimed there was no ulterior motive, Chen Xu would not believe it in the slightest.

A bitter smile appeared on Daoist Yuqing’s Face.

He knew his request was too abrupt, and suspicion was inevitable.

He did not argue, but instead bowed deeply to Chen Xu again, adopting an extremely humble posture.

”To be frank, Head of the Chen Family, this humble Daoist is already one hundred and sixty-two years old this year.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Sun Xiaoyue and the others felt a chill in their hearts.

The Lifespan of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator is generally around two hundred years.

One hundred and sixty-two years old meant that his Lifespan was already running out. If he could not Breakthrough to Golden Core within the remaining thirty to forty years, he would only end up as a pile of yellow earth.

Daoist Yuqing gave a self-deprecating smile and continued, ”This humble Daoist knows his Aptitude is dull, only a High Grade Profound-tier Spiritual Root. Core Formation is hopeless in this life. Head of the Chen Family must be clearer than I am about the difficulties of the Loose Cultivator path.”

”Without a Foundation, without resources, every step forward requires risking one’s life. Now, this humble Daoist is old and frail, his Qi and Blood already beginning to decline. To seek Opportunities in dangerous places again is to have the will but lack the strength.”

His voice carried a sense of desolation and helplessness.

It was the weariness of someone whose edges had been worn away by time and reality.

”In these years, this humble Daoist has accumulated some wealth, but it’s still far from enough to exchange for a Golden Origin Pill.”

”Moreover, even with a Golden Origin Pill, with my current state, the hope of Core Formation is extremely slim.”

He raised his head, his gaze sincere as he looked at Chen Xu: ”This humble Daoist has heard various deeds of Head of the Chen Family in the Prefecture City. You won first place in the Heavenly Talisman Assembly, and your Talisman Dao is divine.”

”The Chen Family is also prospering, and with the marriage alliance with the Li Family, its future is limitless. This humble Daoist... wishes to seek a good end for himself.”

”I am willing to offer all my lifelong savings, as well as my decent cultivation, only to find a place to settle down in the Chen Family.”

”In the future, should the Chen Family have any need, this humble Daoist will not hesitate to sacrifice his life. If the Chen Family could, for my sake, find a geomantically auspicious burial ground for me when my time is near, this humble Daoist would be eternally grateful.”

After speaking, he stood there quietly, awaiting Chen Xu’s decision.

These words were spoken with extreme sincerity, fully revealing the sorrow and helplessness of an aging Loose Cultivator.

Sun Xiaoyue and the others were all moved upon hearing this.

A combat power at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage was simply too great a temptation for the current Chen Family.

Although the Chen Family had developed rapidly, its high-end combat power had always been Chen Xu alone.

If this person could be persuaded to join, the Family’s strength would instantly rise by a level, and in the future, whether in Ninghai Town or Shangya Prefecture, they would act with more confidence.

But Chen Xu’s expression remained unchanged.

He believed that most of what Daoist Yuqing said was true, but people’s hearts were hidden. Who knew if he had other plans in mind?

If this person was a pawn sent by an enemy to infiltrate, it would be no different from inviting a wolf into the house.

The Chen Family was now a large enterprise, and he could not take this risk.

Just as he was weighing his options, preparing to politely refuse, a familiar prompt sounded in his mind.

”[Detected that the Host’s Family influence has increased, attracting the first Advanced Cultivator to pledge allegiance. Family System expansion function activated — Guest Elder System.]”

”[Guest Elder System: The Host can sign contracts with Cultivators not related by Bloodline, taking them in as Family Guest Elders. The loyalty and contribution of Guest Elders will affect the Family’s Luck.]”

”[Detected target: Daoist Yuqing.]”

”[Do you wish to use: Guest Elder Contract on him?]”

”[Guest Elder Contract: An Advanced Guest Elder Contract. Once signed, the other party will be unable to harbor any thoughts of betrayal towards the Host and the Host’s direct Bloodline, otherwise they will suffer the pain of Divine Soul backlash. The contract can be unilaterally terminated by the Host.]”

Chen Xu’s hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly.

It’s here.

This System always delivered what he needed most at the most critical moment.

Guest Elder Contract?

This was simply tailor-made for the current situation.

His worries instantly dissipated by more than half.

He put down the teacup, his gaze once again falling on Daoist Yuqing.

”It’s not impossible for Fellow Daoist to join my Chen Family,” Chen Xu slowly began.

Daoist Yuqing’s body trembled, and joy flashed in his eyes.

”However, my Chen Family has its rules.”

Chen Xu’s tone shifted, ”I see Fellow Daoist’s sincerity. But words alone are not enough. To ensure peace of mind for both of us, I need Fellow Daoist to provide a stronger guarantee.”

”Head of the Chen Family, please speak. As long as this humble Daoist can do it, I will not refuse!”

Daoist Yuqing said eagerly.

He knew this was his last Opportunity.

Chen Xu looked at him, enunciating each word: ”I want you to open your Divine Sense and sign a contract with me.”

As soon as the word ’contract’ was uttered, the joy on Daoist Yuqing’s Face instantly froze.