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

"Dezheng, the Zheng family's attack this time is probably not what it seems."

"The greater possibility that they would take such a great risk to intercept and kill this group of immortal seedlings is to use this opportunity to probe the true strength of the ancestor..."

Zhou Qingrong, who was walking in front, had a gloomy face and a deep worry between his brows.

"Hmph! A bunch of cowards!"

Zhou Dezheng was filled with murderous intent:

"Our ancestor was injured, and their ancestor isn't in much better shape! We can't tolerate being bullied on our own doorstep!"

Zhou Qingrong slowly shook his head: "No. We must plan this carefully... The Ye family has more young and strong cultivators than we do, so this step is risky."

Zhou Dezheng knew that what the Third Elder said was true, and he sighed unwillingly:

"Then let's wait until Fifth Brother has reached Foundation Establishment. At that time... I want the Ye family to disappear from this land!"

On the surface, the Zhou family has a total of three late-stage Qi Refining cultivators: Zhou Dezheng, Zhou Qingrong, and Zhou Hao, who is at the eighth level of Qi Refining.

At less than forty years old, he is currently the most promising candidate for Foundation Establishment in the Zhou family.

Along the vast and misty Cuiya Lake, the Zhou family's territory unfolds, with villages and villas scattered like chess pieces on the edge of an emerald landscape.

Chen Changqing's gaze swept across the lake shore and landed on the neat rows of fields.

That was a spirit field, but it was planted with the lowest grade of spirit grains, making it look rather desolate.

The true heart of this territory is the island in the center of Emerald Lake.

It is said that beneath the island in the middle of the lake lies a second-tier spiritual vein, which can be used by Foundation Establishment cultivators for cultivation, and the spiritual energy there is far superior to that of the outside world.

Naturally, cultivators of different surnames like Chen Changqing are not qualified to set foot on the island in the middle of the lake.

They were eventually settled in the "Emerald Villa" by the lake.

This mountain villa is the closest place to the island in the middle of the lake, only about thirty miles away.

Beneath the manor, two first-tier spiritual veins lie intertwined, branches of the main spiritual vein of the island in the lake, sufficient for the cultivation of the Qi Refining stage immortal seedlings.

In addition, Chen Changqing also vaguely noticed that there was a transparent array in mid-air that was difficult to see with the naked eye.

He understood that it was the family's protective formation.

"Chen Changqing, you performed exceptionally well today, and I will reward you handsomely."

Zhou Dezheng took out a magic sword, its cold light gleaming and its edge exceptionally sharp. In front of all the immortal seedlings, he handed it to them, much to the envy of others.

"Come, let me present this precious sword to the hero."

The cheapest low-grade magic weapon is worth between thirty and forty spirit stones, but this sword is quite remarkable, worth at least fifty or sixty spirit stones.

For ordinary, low-level cultivators, their monthly income may be less than five spirit stones.

The reward is quite generous.

Of course, Chen Changqing couldn't take anything with him during those eight years; he could only serve the Zhou family. This somewhat smacks of winning people's hearts.

But that doesn't stop him from being happy!

Chen Changqing happily accepted it: "Changqing thanks the head of the family."

Zhou Dezheng smiled with satisfaction and turned to the other seven promising young cultivators: "Everyone, just stay here and cultivate in peace. Those who perform well will also receive rewards."

"If you can meet the conditions mentioned earlier, you are free to choose whether to stay or leave. Of course, if you wish to remain in the Zhou family, the Zhou family will consider you as a member of the clan."

"Chengjun, make sure they are settled in properly."

After giving his instructions, Zhou Dezheng, dressed in white, flew to the island in the middle of the lake in the heart of his family's territory.

"Follow me to get your identity badge."

As Zhou Chengjun walked, he introduced the situation of Cuiya Mountain Villa and some precautions.

The Zhou family's immortal seedlings and lower-level cultivators have been cultivating here for many years, and Zhou Chengjun is no exception.

Only cultivators at the seventh level of Qi Refining are qualified to apply to enter the lake island where the second-tier spiritual vein is located.

Halfway there, many members of the Zhou family cast different glances at them, some curious, some scrutinizing, and some with an undisguised aloofness and arrogance.

Chen Changqing had anticipated this.

Why should they be considered outsiders, coming here for marriage alliances or to seek refuge?

He knew very well that cultivation families were far less open and inclusive than major sects.

His understanding was that large sects were like multinational corporations, appointing people based solely on their talent; while cultivation families were essentially family businesses with a bloodline tradition.

The identity verification was completed in about an hour.

Each person selects a separate small courtyard as their residence.

Chen Changqing prefers to be alone, so he chose a place that is far away but close to Cuiya Lake, though it is quite humid.

He thought that drawing talismans was tedious and inevitably frustrating, so choosing a place with a beautiful view was a good idea.

During this time, Chen Changqing had thought things through.

Among the myriad arts of cultivation, alchemy, artifact crafting, formations, and talismans, he, living under someone else's roof, despite having a cheat code, only chose the path of talismans, which was easy to access and master.

While the first two options may seem impressive and promising, if others restrict his resources, he may find himself unable to make a meal without ingredients.

Don't end up studying for eight years and still not meeting the requirements.

That would be a joke.

As for array formations, he didn't believe that anyone from a Foundation Establishment family would be well-versed in them.

"Brother Chen, I want to stay next to you."

Li Erniu lived right next to Chen Changqing on the left, only a few dozen meters away.

On the right is Liu Feifei, the fairy seedling girl who was rescued by Chen Changqing.

She chose the place after Chen Changqing had already decided on his accommodation, even faster than Li Erniu.

Chen Changqing smiled but didn't say anything.

The other party should know the basics of talisman drawing. Living nearby would allow them to discuss and learn from each other, which wouldn't be a bad thing.

Having a first-level spiritual energy covering it is far better than being a rogue cultivator.

But... why haven't they mentioned the various arts of cultivating immortality yet?

Chen Changqing asked Zhou Chengjun, but the answer was vague, and he was told to ask again tomorrow.

"Fine, I don't mind waiting one more day."

Chen Changqing brought up the control panel:

Name: Chen Changqing

Age: 21/93

[Realm Level: Qi Refining Level 1 46/100]

[Skill: Everlasting Spring Skill 35/100]

【Skill

Spell: Spirit Flick (Expert 230/800)

[Supernatural Powers: None]

"Soon, I will be able to add 'Symbol Drawing' to the 'Skills' section."

After turning off the panel, Chen Changqing slowly fell asleep.

Early the next morning, everyone was gathered together, and the Zhou family was going to hold a welcome banquet for these "new family members".

Everyone except the girl had to participate.

"All men?"

Chen Changqing sensed a conspiracy.

Cuiya Villa, a spacious courtyard.

Seven boys from different families, each sitting alone at a separate table.

Seafood and delicacies from the mountains, fine dishes and wines, plentiful and abundant.

After several rounds of drinks, as everyone was slightly tipsy, the sound of light footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

Thirty or forty young women walked gracefully in, each with bright eyes, white teeth, and a slender figure.

They each have their own distinct style, some gentle and graceful, others vibrant and beautiful, like a grand feast of a hundred flowers in full bloom.

Among them was a woman dressed in white, surrounded by a group of young girls, whose beauty and temperament surpassed everyone else present.

However, she was still slightly inferior to Zhou Ruoyun yesterday.

Her name is Zhou Qiao'er, and she is Zhou Ruoyun's cousin.

This sudden surge of youthful energy instantly transformed the once somewhat dull courtyard into a vibrant and lively place.

"These are all ordinary women raised by my Zhou family."

The banquet manager smiled and began:

"They were all carefully taught by learned scholars, and were well-versed in literature, etiquette, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting..."

"Please rest assured, they are all completely innocent and chaste!" he emphasized.

Then, he continued:

"Today, they will host a welcome dinner for everyone. If any of you take a liking to one of them, and you find someone you like, I offer my congratulations in advance!"