Immortality: Starting with the Fruit of Taiyin

"Junior Wang Xuan greets Senior Han."

Stepping forward, Wang Xuan, looking flattered, quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Hehe... Young friend, there's no need for such formalities."

Han Changming waved casually, his smile friendly.

"I have been looking forward to your arrival for a long time."

"I know you must have some doubts because of the sudden misfortune that befell the sect... But now that things have come to this, you should be able to put your mind at ease."

"This... I'm sorry to have made you laugh, senior."

"The sect has suffered a great upheaval, and I am indeed somewhat at a loss for what to do."

With an awkward smile, a hint of unease flashed across Wang Xuan's face, but he remained completely unmoved.

A simple psychological trick, if it were an inexperienced teenager, would probably feel embarrassed about his previous doubts by now, but he felt nothing about it.

It's only natural to hesitate when faced with the destruction of one's sect and the Han family's invitation; there's nothing to feel guilty about.

Seeing the changes in Wang Xuan's expression, Han Changming couldn't help but nod in approval.

"Hehe... Come on, let's not talk about that. Let me introduce you to my young friend."

"This is my cousin, Han Changde, who is also in charge of the Han family's businesses in Baihefang City."

"I came to the market to discuss the matter of the Pill Pavilion with him, but I didn't expect to run into you, young friend..."

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged cultivator beside him nodded in greeting, and Wang Xuan quickly returned the greeting.

Judging from his appearance, Han Changming's cousin looked much older than him, but that was normal.

The lifespan of a Foundation Establishment cultivator is generally twice that of a Qi Refining cultivator. Although breaking through to Foundation Establishment will not make one younger, one will at least look younger than before the breakthrough.

After exchanging greetings, they took their seats. In this Linhe Tower, Wang Xuan tasted the flavors of the spirit dishes for the first time.

It must be said that, unlike elixirs, this method of processing demonic beast flesh and spiritual plants, while unable to maximize the medicinal power, can still help increase cultivation while maintaining deliciousness.

"Come, brother."

"Try this braised green rice fish."

Not long after, as the banquet reached its climax, Han Changming, who was in the host's seat, excused himself and left.

With the Foundation Establishment cultivator no longer present, the atmosphere in the room became much more relaxed.

Pointing to a fish stew on the table, Han Cheng offered his introduction:

"Baihe Market is located near the Bailan River, where spirit fish are sometimes caught. This Qinghe Fish Stew is a famous dish that originated from this, and it can satisfy the needs of a first-level body cultivator for half a month..."

"Oh, right, and this too, the Thousand-Thread Sea Silk."

"The vibrant seaweed is sliced ​​into fine strips, making it as luxurious as silk and satin. Paired with golden broth or rare mushrooms, the flavor is exceptionally delicious..."

Han Cheng introduced each dish in detail, pointing out its special qualities.

Just like how the Han family members enjoy such excellent benefits when they frequently dine here.

Wang Xuan didn't point it out, but occasionally showed a little surprise and envy, while pondering what the other party was really up to.

From Han Changming's friendly attitude as a Foundation Establishment cultivator to Han Cheng's deliberate behavior, although they were also expressing goodwill, it didn't seem like they wanted him to become a guest alchemist and teach the clan's disciples.

Wang Xuan didn't know much about these Foundation Establishment families in the cultivation world, and he couldn't say for sure what they meant.

Until after several rounds of drinks and several dishes were served.

Han Changde put down his chopsticks first, and he also stopped eating at the same time.

Looking at Elder Han, who was at the late stage of Qi Refining, Wang Xuan knew that they should get down to business.

"Fellow Daoist Wang."

Han Changde raised his glass slightly, his expression calm.

"Upon closer examination, the transactions between my Han family and you, fellow Daoist, have lasted for several years. I have witnessed your progress in alchemy bit by bit."

"It's just that our sect suffered a sudden and tragic accident, and we were not allowed to live long enough, which is why a talent like you, Fellow Daoist, is left to wander outside... I truly feel sorry for you, Fellow Daoist."

"Even the patriarch is thinking of you, fellow Daoist, which is why he sent a message early on, inviting you to come and meet me."

"Now that you've arrived, fellow Daoist, you must have already made your decision. So I'll speak frankly."

Without beating around the bush, Han Changde went straight to the point:

"Han Moumou is the second elder of the Han family, responsible for cultivating the family's members in various arts and crafts."

"I wish to recruit fellow Daoists as guest advisors to teach disciples in my clan who are interested in the Dao of Alchemy."

"As for the related treatment... my Han family will allocate a residence in the center of the clan's land and give it to her as a daughter."

"From now on, the expenses for your alchemy practice will be covered by the Han family, with a limit similar to that of the core members of the family; and your descendants will also be direct descendants of the Han family, without any discrimination."

"If there is anything else you desire, please feel free to ask. I will do my best to fulfill your request."

"So, what do you think, my friend?"

With a calm voice, Han Changde stated his conditions one by one.

The cave dwelling near the second-tier spiritual vein, the beautiful wives and concubines provided by the Han family, and even their willingness to support his alchemy training... all these things made Wang Xuan secretly shudder.

Strictly speaking, this treatment is no less than that of a sect's lower academy. In fact, considering that after formally entering the sect, disciples of the main gate need to take on the sect's general affairs, this is far superior to that of disciples of the main gate.

But the more this was the case, the more Wang Xuan felt something was amiss.

Is this a recruitment drive for retainers?

It seems there's more to it than that.

"...May I ask, senior, the Han family's treatment is certainly excellent, but I wonder what obligations I am required to fulfill?"

Taking a deep breath, Wang Xuan asked, though he had a rough idea in his mind.

"It's very simple. All you need to do is sincerely join my Han family."

Without hesitation, Han Changde said:

"After you join the clan, you must have a child with my Han clan's eldest daughter within three years. Within ten years, you must have at least three children, and you cannot take concubines from outside the Han clan."

"In addition, we must do our best to teach the apprentices in the clan, and prioritize the study of alchemy based on the elixirs needed by the clan."

"Finally, if you, fellow Daoist, are about to reach the end of your lifespan, you should leave your entire legacy to your children—all of this should be written into the legal contract."

"But rest assured, fellow Daoist, just as I promised, your children will also be direct descendants of the Han family in the future, and no one will ever try to steal these inheritances."

"I can guarantee that, among all the Foundation Establishment families in the Chen Kingdom, you will find it virtually impossible to find better conditions."

After speaking, Han Changde waited quietly for Wang Xuan's reply.

As he laid out his conditions one by one, Wang Xuan had no choice but to admit them.

As the other party said, from the perspective of an ordinary alchemist who has lost the protection of a sect and whose own inheritance cannot be realized due to the legal contract, the treatment given by the Han family is already quite good.

They provide houses, money, and women, arranging everything from life to death.

Moreover, given the purpose of buying a horse's bones with a thousand pieces of gold, it's highly unlikely they'll go back on their word later.

So even if the other party clearly intended to devour him along with his inheritance, unless he was a cultivator with great ambitions who wanted to establish his own power, it was unlikely.

Ultimately, it's not much different from before.