In the world of cultivation, one grinds for proficiency and longevity.

"What brings you here, Miss?" Chen Changqing put away the talisman.

"I don't know. I do hope you'll ask Miss to roast the bird... that way, I can also get some for myself."

Xiaoyue smacked her lips, revealing a slightly intoxicated expression, clearly reminiscing about the taste she used to have.

"Roasted bird? No problem. If I have the chance, I might as well roast one for Xiaoyue alone."

Because Zhou Ruoyun treated him well, Chen Changqing also developed feelings for Xiaoyue.

"Wow, really? Young Master Chen, you're so kind!"

Xiaoyue excitedly tugged at Chen Changqing's sleeve and jumped around:

"Let me tell you, Sister Youran came to Miss's place crying a while ago, I wonder if it's related to this matter..."

Chen Changqing: "..."

……

Zhou Ruoyun's residence is called Shuiyue Tower, not far from the island in the middle of the lake. The place is rich in spiritual energy and shrouded in mist, truly a paradise for cultivation.

As soon as Chen Changqing stepped into this place and took a few breaths, he felt refreshed and his cultivation level seemed to be on the rise.

People really are divided into different classes!

Chen Changqing looked toward the island in the middle of the lake, his eyes sparkling with interest, but he quickly withdrew his thoughts.

"Miss, Young Master Chen has arrived."

After leading the people to the location, Xiaoyue first announced their arrival, then smiled slyly and said, "You two have a good chat, I'll go outside and see if I can catch a few birds."

Having said that, he vanished in a flash.

"This little brat is completely spoiled by me, please forgive her, Young Master Chen..."

Zhou Ruoyun was drawing talismans when she saw Chen Changqing arrive. She walked out of the study somewhat embarrassedly, closing the door behind her. "Changqing, how's your injury?"

Before the door closed, Chen Changqing had already noticed many illegible talismans scattered on the floor.

As a talisman master, he naturally knew that they were all low-grade talismans.

Uh…

The person is very good-looking, but the talisman is indeed not drawn very well.

"It's alright. Thanks to Miss's help, I've already recovered." Then, Chen Changqing asked, "Does Miss also draw talismans?"

"Yes, I've been drawing for a long time, but I probably don't have any talent in this area, so I haven't made much progress. I wanted to ask Miss Feifei for advice, but unfortunately she's already married, which makes it inconvenient." After saying that, Zhou Ruoyun sighed softly.

In the world of cultivation, those with inferior spiritual roots who have not been able to join a sect generally choose to learn one of the various cultivation arts.

"It's just discussing talisman drawing, what's so inconvenient about that?" Chen Changqing asked, puzzled.

"To be honest, Zhou Guang pursued me when he was young, but I rejected him, and he has always held a grudge about it."

Oh?

It's good that you refused!

"In that case, I have offended you."

"It's nothing, just old news."

"That young lady called me over..."

"That's right. Changqing, you're an exceptional person; you must be even more skilled at drawing talismans?"

As she said this, Zhou Ruoyun's beautiful eyes sparkled, clearly indicating that she was very certain of her thoughts.

Chen Changqing's true skill level in drawing talismans has never been made public.

After listening, I couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

However, he quickly came up with a plan: "Words are no proof, Miss, please take a look."

Chen Changqing laid out the twenty-odd mid-grade talismans he had drawn over the past two months one by one, and then said, "So-so, a little over 30%."

"A mid-grade talisman, just over 30%? Isn't that far superior to Liu Feifei, who runs a talisman shop?"

Zhou Ruoyun picked up the talisman with great surprise and examined it closely. "It's of very good quality. You're even more outstanding than I imagined."

"You flatter me, young lady. Drawing talismans is a matter of life and death for someone; it's just a matter of putting in a little extra effort."

"With such strength, Changqing, you don't need to be modest. I'm not a lazy person either, so why waste talismans..."

Zhou Ruoyun's voice grew softer and softer, and even her ears turned slightly red with embarrassment.

"The young lady is intelligent; perhaps she just used the wrong method."

Originally, Chen Changqing did not want to have too much contact with the women of the Zhou family, especially the beautiful ones.

Now, having stepped into this place brimming with spiritual energy and truly felt the benefits to his cultivation, he even changed his previous thoughts, and his words subtly revealed his willingness to teach her how to draw talismans.

"So, you're willing to teach me then?"

"Of course. I, Chen Changqing, eat at your house and use your house. What's wrong with us exchanging and learning talisman drawing techniques? It's just..."

Chen Changqing stopped there, believing the other party would understand his intentions.

"Changqing, your time is precious when you choose the path of a guest retainer, isn't it!"

Zhou Ruoyun gave her a knowing look:

"Changqing, how about this? There's a vacant courtyard house nearby. You could move in and it would speed up your cultivation. That should make up for the time you wasted teaching me."

"I'm willing, but this is where the middle-class members of the Zhou family live... and what about the head of the family..."

"There's nothing to worry about. My father will definitely agree as long as I ask."

Fearing that Chen Changqing might still harbor resentment, he then added:

"I can't speak for others, but Changqing, you've made significant contributions to the Zhou family. Even if word gets out, no one will say a word against you. Besides, there shouldn't be many people in the Zhou family who haven't eaten your barbecue."

"In that case, I should thank you, young lady."

Chen Changqing was secretly delighted that he had finally gotten back what the Zhou family head owed him.

"We're all family here, just call me 'Ruoyun'."

"it is good."

After chatting for a while, Zhou Ruoyun suddenly changed the subject, adopting a slightly reproachful tone: "Changqing, did you bully my Youran?"

Does rejecting a confession count?

No, I don't think so.

"Why did she come here crying if she wasn't here? And why did she say those nonsensical things like 'bless us'?"

what?

What's going on in this kid's head?

You really know how to overthink things.

Chen Changqing shrugged, indicating that he was innocent.

"Changqing, the path of a guest retainer isn't easy. Why don't you reconsider? I can act as your matchmaker?"

Whether Zhou Ruoyun was genuinely concerned about Chen Changqing or felt sorry for Zhou Youran, she wouldn't let go of the topic.

To draw a first-grade high-level talisman, one needs at least fifteen feet of divine sense, which is generally only possessed by those in the late stage of Qi Refining. What she said was true.

How strange!

Why are all members of the Zhou family good at matchmaking?

Can't I use my kidneys solely for cultivation?

Could it be that they're trying to set me up with someone and they'll get something in return?

"No, I will not consider matters of the heart before I reach the Foundation Establishment stage."

Chen Changqing didn't want to delve deeper into this topic, so he simply cut it off with a single sentence.

Foundation Building? What lofty ambitions!

When Chen Changqing said this, Zhou Ruoyun was only stunned for a moment, and didn't feel that there was anything wrong with it. "Okay... I was being presumptuous."

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment.

Fortunately, Xiaoyue returned at that moment.

She carried them back with a large bunch of birds hanging around her neck, including mandarin ducks, green pheasants, ducks, bald eagles, and more than a dozen other birds of various sizes. She walked back with an air of indifference, as if she didn't recognize any of her own.

They didn't mind the fishy smell.

"Hehe, Young Master Chen, come and fulfill your promise!" Xiaoyue said with a grin.

"Wow, you did all of this by yourself?"

Birds in the cultivation world are all imbued with spiritual energy, making them difficult to capture, which truly surprised Chen Changqing.

Even Zhou Ruoyun, who was familiar with Xiaoyue, widened her eyes in surprise.

"No, most of the calls were made by Sister Youran," Xiaoyue called out as she turned around, "Sister Youran, come out quickly."

Sure enough, a yellow figure darted out from under a large rock not far away. Who else could it be but Zhou Youran?

"I want to eat your roasted bird, lots and lots!"

Zhou Youran pouted and repeated herself repeatedly.