I established the Eternal Immortal Clan by taming beasts.

Finally, Lin Che took out two gifts that he had prepared in advance from his storage bag.

A spiritual sword about three feet long, its blade as if carved from black ice, its entire body shimmering with a faint, cold light.

An ice-blue gemstone was inlaid on the hilt of the sword, and as soon as it appeared, the surrounding temperature quietly dropped a few degrees.

It was that second-tier top-grade ice-attribute flying sword obtained from the secret realm.

There was also a jade slip with a warm texture and a faint spiritual light.

"Qingxue, this is a small token of my appreciation for your successful foundation building," Lin Che said gently, handing over the sword and jade slip.

"This 'Mystic Frost Sword' has attributes that suit you, and you can use it after a little refinement."

"The jade slip contains the foundation-building chapter of the family's cultivation technique."

"This text has been revised and slightly adjusted by me, making it more refined and fluent than the original. It also connects seamlessly with the Qi Refining chapter you practiced before. You can practice according to this text from now on."

"Thank you, my husband!" Liu Qingxue's cool eyes fell on the sword and jade slip, a clear look of surprise and joy flashing across them.

She took it with both hands, her fingertips touching the hilt. She immediately felt the icy rhythm contained within it, which was of the same origin as her spiritual power, as well as the profound and extensive aura of the cultivation technique within the jade slip. Her heart was filled with warmth.

This gift is not only valuable, but also shows thoughtfulness.

Just then, two pairs of eyes fell on Lin Che almost simultaneously.

Seeing this, Lin Che couldn't help but chuckle and quickly assured him:

"Don't worry, you won't be short of gifts either. When you reach the Foundation Establishment stage, I will certainly prepare gifts that suit your tastes, and I will not show favoritism to any of you."

Then, he turned to Liu Qingxue and continued with the arrangements:

"Qingxue, your primary task for the next period of time is to devote yourself to studying this Foundation Establishment cultivation technique, stabilize your realm, and become familiar with the use of spiritual power during the Foundation Establishment stage."

"Once your cultivation technique is fully developed and your foundation is more stable, I will begin preparing a second natal spirit beast for you."

After a moment's thought, Lin Che took out a jade slip that was deep blue in color and seemed to have faint ripples on it. It was the one he had obtained from the ruins of the Thousand Water Beast Taming Sect in the Black Tooth Swamp.

"In addition, there is a body-refining technique here that leans towards ice and water attributes, called the 'Mysterious Undying Body'."

"The path of body refinement, though arduous and demanding, can solidify one's foundation and enhance one's ability to protect oneself, greatly benefiting long-term cultivation. If you are interested, you may consider practicing this technique as well."

Everyone has their own path and opportunities, a principle Lin Che deeply understands.

Even with his Daoist partner and children, he never imposed his will on them, but rather guided and offered choices.

All he could do was pave a wider road for them and prepare more possibilities.

As for where they will ultimately end up, it depends on their own destiny and character.

Liu Qingxue took the jade slip containing the "Mysterious Undying Body" from Lin Che's hand without any hesitation.

She looked up at Lin Che, her eyes filled with determination and trust, her tone solemn:

"My husband has planned so well for me; how could I, Qingxue, dare to slack off? I will diligently study this art and will certainly not fail my husband's high expectations!"

Having arranged Liu Qingxue's future cultivation path, Su Wanwan also got up and went to the school to continue today's lessons.

Lin Che and Wang Lingsu then moved to the main hall and took their seats.

Wang Lingsu poured him a cup of tea.

Lin Che picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and gazed out the window in a certain direction. A faint, ambiguous smile gradually appeared on his lips, and he spoke in a leisurely tone:

"So, according to you, the Zhou family has finally lost their patience and is about to make a move?"

"That's right, they would never have guessed your plan, my husband!"

……

Meanwhile, in Chuyang City, in the Zhou family's council hall.

The atmosphere was more somber and oppressive than usual.

The head of the family, Zhou Wanhong, leaned back in the large chair in the main seat, one hand supporting his forehead, his face showing undisguised fatigue and haggardness.

They had originally hoped to take advantage of the appearance of this secret realm to obtain enough resources for the family, and even obtain high-level inheritances, so as to make the family's strength reach a new level.

Who could have predicted this outcome?

The dangers within the secret realm far exceeded expectations. Not only did they fail to obtain the high-level inheritances and rare resources they had anticipated, they also lost several outstanding young talents who were in their prime and whom the family had painstakingly nurtured!

Those are the pillars of the family's future!

Every time he thinks about it, it makes his heart bleed.

However, misfortunes never come singly.

Someone is secretly causing trouble in the secret realm again!

In broad daylight, a third-tier spiritual item that had attracted everyone's attention disappeared without a trace, and various signs were intentionally or unintentionally drawn towards the Zhou family!

That damned Zhao family took the opportunity to jump around, spreading rumors and stirring up trouble!

If it was truly a member of the Zhou family who succeeded by sheer luck, then Zhou Wanhong would accept the risk and the reward.

The problem is, he didn't even see a shadow of that thing!

This blame that fell from the sky is truly unbearable!

The conflict between the two sides, which had temporarily subsided due to the exploration of the secret realm, was reignited by this incident and has escalated further.

Under the guise of "denouncing," the Zhao family intensified its attacks on the Zhou family's various businesses, employing both overt and covert tactics that were difficult to defend against.

The days of dealing with the situation and the resulting losses have left him, the head of the family, exhausted.

Seeing that the core management team of the family had arrived one after another, Zhou Wanhong forced himself to sit up straight, and the fatigue in his eyes was gradually replaced by a fierce look.

We can't keep taking this beating passively!

"Gentlemen," his voice was somewhat hoarse, but resolute:

"Now that things have come to this, we can't hesitate any longer. Since the Lin family is being so shameless and refusing to listen to reason, then we don't need to be polite anymore!"

"The patriarch is absolutely right!"

Zhou Wanhai, the person in charge of the spirit beast shops in Chuyang City, especially the main person in charge of this operation against the Lin family, immediately chimed in, his face full of resentment.

"That brat Lin Che is clearly toying with us! What 'considering cooperation'? It's all just empty talk!"

He only realized what had happened after leaving the secret realm.

That little thief Lin Che wasn't genuinely concerned about the Zhou family; he was just stirring up trouble!

They want the Zhou and Zhao families to fight each other right at the exit of the secret realm.

"Afterwards, they never mentioned the cooperation again, just giving me the runaround! Do they really think my Zhou family is made of clay?"

"We must teach the Lin family a lesson! Let them know what happens when they offend the Zhou family in Chuyang City!" Another steward echoed sharply.

Zhou Wanhong nodded, a cold glint in his eyes:

"If that's the case, let's see what the Lin family is relying on to dare to treat the Zhou family so disrespectfully!"

Wan Hai, from this moment forward, completely cut off the supply of all spirit beast cubs to the Lin family. Not a single one is allowed to leave! I want to cut off the Lin family's "Hundred Flavors Restaurant" from its source!

"Yes, patriarch!" Zhou Wanhai replied, a cold smile appearing on his face.

"I've already done the math. Based on past supply levels and the Lin family's own consumption rate, they estimate that by mid-next month at the latest, their current stock of spirit beasts will be exhausted, and they won't be able to continue!"

"Very good!" Zhou Wanhong turned his gaze to Zhou Wanfu, who was sitting beside him and in charge of the family's core spirit beast breeding and high-end channels.

"Wanfu, you go here and notify all restaurants, eateries, and even private channels that have a business relationship with our Zhou family regarding the supply of spirit beast meat."

Effective immediately, any spirit beast meat produced by the Zhou family is strictly prohibited from entering the Lin family and its related industries! I will ensure that the Lin family, even with money, cannot buy meat!

Zhou Wanfu nodded calmly: "Understood. I will personally give instructions to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Finally, Zhou Wanhong looked at his fifth brother, Zhou Wantong, who was in charge of the family's spiritual food research and development and promotion, his eyes filled with inquiry and expectation:

"Wantong, how's your research going... on the recipes for the appetizers at the Lin family's 'Hundred Flavors Restaurant'?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wantong's face showed a hint of smugness, and he cleared his throat before replying:

"Master, after years of secretly collecting, tasting, and repeatedly experimenting, we have basically cracked the core recipes and techniques of the Lin family's braised dishes."

The counterfeit products nowadays are almost identical in taste to those sold by Baiweizhai, except for extremely minor discrepancies in the proportions of certain spices and the cooking time.

But that doesn't stop us from launching our own products!

Our Zhou family has a long-standing tradition of using secret seasoning recipes, which we can certainly improve and innovate upon to create new braised dishes that are even more distinctive and perhaps even superior in flavor!

"Good! Very good!" A satisfied smile finally appeared on Zhou Wanhong's tired face.

"Since that's the case, the time has come! Notify all the chefs and partner restaurants to immediately begin preparations to fully launch our Zhou family's 'Secret Braised Dishes' series in all restaurants and eateries throughout Chuyang City!"

He paused, his voice turning cold: "The Lin family thinks they can survive on some novel foods? How laughable!"

"The art of spiritual cuisine has always been a field that my Zhou family has cultivated for many years. Now that the recipe has been broken and the supply has been cut off, I wonder what the Lin family's Hundred Flavors Restaurant can rely on to continue offering a hundred flavors!"

"This time, we'll make sure the Lin family knows what it means to undermine their foundation and what a true industry barrier is!"

He could already foresee the scene when the Lin family would be unable to continue and would have no choice but to kneel down and beg for cooperation!