Cultivating Immortality in a Family: I Prove Immortality Through the Chaotic Dao Realm

Chapter 146 Walking the path you once walked, does this count as an embrace?
His words were filled with strong excitement and expectation, but he clearly lowered his voice.

This is not the area under the family's grand formation, so the elders will subconsciously protect and keep the outstanding younger generation of the family a secret, and will not praise them too ostentatiously.

The Chen family members on Qingye Mountain, whether from the direct line or collateral branches, whether running shops or in charge of market affairs, all had genuine joy and respect on their faces at this moment.

Within a year, Chen Qian's various exploits, whether it was the battle at Bijia Mountain or the killing of Wu Songde, a peak Qi Refining expert from the Wu family, naturally did not escape the notice of these elite members of the family.

They had already obtained information through various channels, and now, seeing this legendary genius in person and feeling his solid aura that far surpassed that of his peers, they were not only shocked but also filled with a sense of pride and excitement.

With powerful enemies surrounding their family and the situation far from optimistic, the rise of such a dazzling genius is undoubtedly a bright light in the darkness, giving everyone a strong sense of hope.

"Fifth Elder, you flatter me. I was merely fortunate to have encountered some opportunities and dare not take credit for it." Chen Qian bowed respectfully to the Fifth Elder, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

"Hey, opportunity is also part of strength! Mindset, comprehension, and foundation are all indispensable!" The Fifth Elder smiled and personally patted Chen Qian's shoulder with a steady force.

"Come, come, take your seats! Today's banquet is not only to welcome Yun Qian and wash away the dust of his journey, but also to let you younger generation get to know each other so that you can better serve the family in the future."

The hall was already properly decorated, with more than a dozen long tables arranged in a square shape, filled with delicacies, fruits and nectar. In the center, there seemed to be preparations for a song and dance performance.

The Fifth Elder sat in the main seat, with Chen Yunyi and Chen Qian arranged in the most honored positions on his left and right sides.

After the banquet began, the atmosphere became even more lively.

The family members stepped forward to toast Chen Qian and congratulate him, their words filled with sincere respect and curiosity.

"Brother Qian, I am Chen Lie, and I run a weapon-refining shop in the North District of the market. I have heard of your great name but have never had the chance to meet you. Today, I finally meet you, and you are truly captivating!"

A burly young man with a loud voice came over carrying a bowl of wine, his smile hearty. He was from a side branch of the family and had a straightforward personality.

"Brother Qian, I am Chen Yunling. I learn talisman making from Sister Yunyi at Wanbaoge... Sister Yunyi has mentioned many times that your talent for talisman making is extraordinary. I wonder when I can receive some guidance from you..."

On the other side, a pretty, slightly shy girl also mustered up her courage and stepped forward, her eyes full of admiration and thirst for knowledge.

Chen Yunyi frowned slightly, glanced at Chen Yunling sideways, and muttered in a low voice, "Don't talk nonsense, you little brat. When did I mention it many times?"

Chen Qian quickly winked at Chen Yunyi, and only after seeing two blushes appear on her cool face did he turn around and respond to the people next to him one by one.

His attitude was gentle and humble, yet he retained both the sharpness of his genius and the proper manners for dealing with people.

He could clearly sense that behind the enthusiasm of these clansmen was a natural manifestation of family cohesion under pressure, respect for the strong, and a deep expectation for the future of the family.

The Chen family has always upheld the educational philosophy of upholding righteous conduct and fostering family harmony, which has clearly been successful.

No one would be foolish enough to engage in any underhanded tactics when the family is in crisis; that would be tantamount to cutting themselves off from the family.

The banquet was filled with clinking glasses, laughter, and cheerful conversation.

The Fifth Elder would occasionally exchange a few words with Chen Qian, inquiring about the recent situation of Fenglin Valley and encouraging him to guard against arrogance and impetuosity and to consolidate his foundation.

Every now and then, he would whisper a few words to Chen Yunyi about the arrangements for the market.

Chen Yunyi remained aloof and taciturn, but sitting next to Chen Qian, her icy demeanor seemed to melt considerably. Occasionally, when her eyes met Chen Qian's, a hint of tenderness would appear that was difficult for outsiders to detect.

Halfway through the feast, Chen Qian had already dealt with several rounds of enthusiastic toasts, and even with his profound cultivation, he was slightly tipsy.

He glanced sideways at Chen Yunyi, who was quietly eating beside him. Her exquisite profile was even more beautiful in the lamplight.

Noticing his gaze, Chen Yunyi turned her head slightly and whispered, "Tired? I've prepared a living room for you. It's full of spiritual energy and has a tranquil environment."

Chen Qian felt a warmth in his heart and nodded.

During a break in the singing and dancing, Chen Qian stood up and took his leave from the Fifth Elder.

The Fifth Elder could see that he needed to rest, so he readily agreed, offered a few more words of encouragement, and told him that if he had any needs or questions regarding his cultivation, he could come to him.

Under Chen Yunyi's personal guidance, Chen Qian left the noisy hall, passed through several corridors, and headed towards a quieter area deep inside the cave.

Behind him, the warmth and anticipation of the family feast gradually faded away; ahead lay his tranquil space and the unspoken understanding with those around him.

The next day.

As soon as Chen Qian stepped out of the living room, he saw Chen Yunyi sitting calmly in the small hall outside, holding an ancient book and reading it with an elegant posture.

"Sister Yunyi, were you waiting for me?" Chen Qian walked over happily to greet her.

Why didn't you message me?

"There's nothing urgent, why send a message?" Chen Yunyi put down the ancient book and replied with a smile.

This sister-in-law is getting better and better; she's like ice and snow thawing, bringing a lot more life to the place than before.

"Today I'll take you along the route Yunxi visited," Chen Yunyi stood up and led Chen Qian towards the door, "so you'll have more topics to talk about."

“Good!” Chen Qian and the others said, “Traveling together with our Daoist companions, we reminisce about the past, those carefree and youthful days.”

"Who is your Daoist partner?"

Chen Yunyi's eyes lit up: "However, these lines of poetry are quite evocative."

"It's just parroting what great men have said."

Chen Qian waved his hand and began his trip with Chen Yunyi.

As dawn broke, the inner courtyard was shrouded in a misty, ethereal atmosphere, and the jade streets gleamed with a warm, lustrous sheen.

Chen Yunyi led Chen Qian out of the cave's protective barrier. A refreshing spiritual energy mixed with the scent of grass and morning dew rushed towards them, adding a touch of vitality compared to the previous evening.

Instead of heading straight for the most bustling commercial area, she led Chen Qian along a quiet stone path to a low cliff with a wide view at the edge of the inner courtyard.

"This is Yunxi's favorite place to watch the sunrise when she came here." Chen Yunyi stood at the edge of the cliff, her voice softening in the morning breeze.

In the distance, the mountains rise one after another, and the market town at the foot of the mountains is faintly visible in the thin mist.

Further out, the plains meet the horizon, and a red sun slowly rises from the rolling sea of ​​clouds on the horizon, casting golden light on the peak of Mount Aoba. The protective light curtain of the market reflects a magnificent rainbow of colors.

"The rosy clouds rise from the green leaves atop the mountain, and the jade pavilion and golden scales are bathed in the morning mist."

Looking at the magnificent scene before him, Chen Qian blurted out, "No wonder Yunxi likes this place; it broadens her mind."

Chen Yunyi turned her head to look at him, her clear eyes reflecting the morning light, and nodded slightly: "That's right."

"She once said that watching the sunrise here was like washing away the dust in her heart, and all her worries could be temporarily put aside."

Her tone carried a subtle hint of reminiscence and tenderness, “She never complained that I was too busy and rarely spent time with her, but I did occasionally sense it.”

Leaving the cliff edge, Chen Yunyi led Chen Qian toward the bustling square in the center of the inner workshop, where people could freely set up stalls.

Early morning is the busiest time here, with many cultivators bringing spiritual materials they've obtained overnight or that they've just picked to sell.

The air was filled with the unique scents of various spiritual herbs and minerals, mixed with the clamor of bargaining. "Yun Xi may be dignified and generous, but she also loves 'treasure hunting'."

Chen Yunyi smiled slightly and pointed to a stall selling all kinds of exotic plant seeds and small spirit pets.

"See that stall selling 'Cloud Mist Flower' seeds? She once spent two spirit stones here to buy a bottle of pills."

"It was said to be beneficial to innate masters, but it turned out to be just an ordinary nourishing pill. She was so angry that she kept talking about finding the stall owner to argue with him for several days, but unfortunately, the man had long since disappeared."

His tone carried a helpless smile, and a hint of tolerance for his younger sister.

Chen Qian couldn't quite manage a smile. Nearly two years had passed since then, which should have been shortly after he broke through to the Innate Realm and before he awakened his memories.

Chen Yunxi is an extremely intelligent person, yet she fell for such a simple trick; the reason is self-evident.

No wonder some people say that a woman in love has zero IQ.

But Chen Qian was deeply moved, and the image of his beloved wife's gentle face appeared in his mind. He said softly, "The fun lies in the search, and gains and losses are all just a joke."

“You have a mouth,” Chen Yunyi shook her head slightly, but there was approval in her eyes, “You’re much better at talking than Yunxi. All she does is stomp her feet and call you a liar! A big liar!”

Then they turned into a narrow but elegantly decorated alley.

The alleyway was filled with an enticing sweet aroma and the fresh scent of Linggu.

Chen Yunyi stopped in front of a small shop with a simple rattan sign hanging at the entrance – “Baiweizhai”.

"We're here." She gestured for Chen Qian to go inside. "Yunxi really likes this place. Especially the 'Honey-Roasted Jade Bee Cake' and the spirit porridge made with second-tier spirit grain 'Pearl Glutinous Rice'."

The shop is exquisitely decorated, with a few small rattan tables, and business is booming.

Chen Yunyi was clearly a regular customer. The innkeeper, a kind-looking old cultivator, greeted her warmly upon seeing her: "Good morning, Fairy Yunyi! Still at your usual spot? And this is...?"

“This is my cousin, Chen Yunqian,” Chen Yunyi introduced, then said to Chen Qian, “Every time Yunxi comes, she always sits at that small table by the window.”

The two sat down, and soon, two bowls of steaming hot, spiritually rich pearl glutinous rice porridge and several plates of crystal-clear jade bee cakes adorned with spiritual honey and flower petals were served.

The cake is soft, chewy, and springy, with a sweet but not cloying honey flavor and a unique floral aroma.
The spiritual porridge melts in your mouth, warming you with its gentle spiritual energy that nourishes your internal organs.

"It's truly delicious!" Chen Qian exclaimed, "No wonder Yunxi keeps talking about it."

He took a bite of the pastry, savoring the sweetness on his tongue. "This is something that should only exist in heaven. How often can one taste it on earth? Yunxi has a discerning eye."

Chen Yunyi sipped her porridge, watching Chen Qian's unpretentious enjoyment and listening to his perfectly chosen verses, her eyes growing increasingly gentle and serene.

The morning light shone through the window and fell on her, and the cold and aloof feeling seemed to be mostly melted away by the warmth of the everyday life and memories.

"You certainly know how to enjoy yourself," she said, a rare hint of teasing in her voice.

Just then, the shop door opened, and a familiar figure walked in with his entourage; it was Qian Yulin.

He spotted Chen Yunyi and Chen Qian by the window, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, especially when he saw the unusually gentle expression on Chen Yunyi's face.

But she quickly put on a warm smile and strode over: "Fairy Yunyi, Brother Yunqian, what a coincidence! You two also enjoy the breakfast here? This honey cake is truly exceptional!"

His gaze swept between Chen Yunyi and Chen Qian, finally landing on the pastries on the table, as he tried to join the conversation.

Chen Yunyi's gentle expression vanished instantly, replaced by her usual calm and aloof demeanor. She simply nodded and said, "Good morning, Brother Qian."

He didn't say much, and his attitude was clearly different from when he was with Chen Qian.

Chen Qian politely replied, "It is indeed delicious. Brother Qian has good taste."

The attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, neither impolite nor overly friendly.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qian Yulin noticed that Chen Yunyi had no intention of continuing the conversation. He tactfully found a seat that wasn't too far away, but his gaze kept drifting towards them from time to time.

The two ignored Qian Yulin and savored the pastries. Occasionally, they would look up, their eyes would meet, and their lips would curl into a slight smile, conveying their unspoken understanding.

Qian Yulin, who was paying special attention to the two of them, twitched his face and gritted his teeth in secret.

Chen Yunyi put down her teacup, seemingly unaware of Qian Yulin's gaze, and whispered to Chen Qian, "We've almost finished eating, let's go."

"Okay, Sister Yunyi."

The two got up and left Baiweizhai, leaving Qian Yulin's probing gaze and the morning hustle and bustle of the market behind, and headed towards the magnificent "Chen's Wanbao Pavilion".

Chen Yunyi walked with ease, while in Chen Qian's heart, the image of his beloved wife Chen Yunxi became more and more three-dimensional and clear through these fragments of the past.

He secretly looked forward to sharing these little stories with her in the future, telling her that he had walked the paths she once loved, tasted the flavors she cherished, and seen the scenery she longed for...

Find an opportunity to take her to visit the same place again.

"Ten days from now, the Qian family will be holding a small auction," Chen Yunyi said suddenly, her eyelashes fluttering slightly.

"Oh, that's quite a coincidence. Since we've come here, let's attend the event before returning to our family."

Chen Qian immediately became quite interested and said...

"Ah."

Since Chen Yunyi told Chen Qian this news, she naturally had the same idea in mind.

These small auctions mainly feature items that cultivators at the late to peak Qi Refining stages can use.

However, there might be some second-tier items, which, given the current situation, would be quite suitable for Chen Qian.

After all, anything he has never owned before has value to him.

Last night, after months of reflection, Xiaoyin went into seclusion to officially begin her foundation-building practice.

Over the past few months, Xiao Yin has not only honed her soul power to perfection, but has also learned many kinds of spells, greatly improving her combat strength.

In the Wandering Soul Realm, one has reached a point where there is no further progress.

With the support of the second-tier Taiyin Nether Raven with compatible attributes, the essence of sunflower water protecting his meridians, the essence of moon lotus nourishing his soul, and the essence of earth veins combining with his energy, plus the blessing of the Destiny Wheel Realm, Chen Qian felt no risk of failure.

The thought of having a powerful ghost general, equivalent to a Foundation Establishment cultivator, as his maid filled Chen Qian with immense excitement.

Because Xiaoyin has accumulated a great deal of knowledge, this advancement process will be extremely fast, and it won't even take 100 days.

Ten days in the outside world can last a month in the realm of destiny.

It's estimated that Xiaoyin should be able to successfully advance to the next level by the eve of the auction.

At that time, the many magical artifacts he had collected for so long would finally have a use.

(End of this chapter)