Fellow Daoist Entrusts His Child: Immortality Begins with Nurturing a Demoness

Chapter 120 I won't give face to anyone else, but I still have to give face to my husband. (6300 words)

The guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely. After seeing off the last Foundation Establishment elder, Luo Fanchen was also a little tipsy.

He circulated his spiritual energy slightly, and his drowsy mind immediately cleared. At the same time, several beautiful maids walked gracefully to his side, respectfully performed a curtsy, and said softly, "Young master, the young lady and the patriarch summon you to the clan's territory."

"All the direct descendants have arrived. Would you like me to lead you there, son-in-law?"

"Okay, what's your name?"

Luo Fanchen nodded slightly. The girl in front of him had a graceful figure and her cultivation level was probably at the third level of Qi Refining. Her cultivation technique was crude and extremely superficial.

Or rather, not only this young girl, but all the servants he saw in the Ming family had weak and empty true essence, even worse than ordinary rogue cultivators. Moreover, although their blood and qi seemed abundant, they had a feeling of stagnant qi circulation, indicating that they had suffered serious injuries.

Most of the servants along the way were like this, especially the guards and stewards who were at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

"My name is Liu Hua. I am a rogue cultivator, twenty-five years old, and I am at the third level of Qi Refining. You may call me Xiao Liu."

"Xiao Liu, I'll remember you. There's something I need your help with."

The girl named Xiaoliu was flattered. In her eyes, Luo Fanchen was far superior to her, even if he was a gigolo who married into the family. If she could climb up to his high branch, she would truly become a phoenix.

"Please speak freely, my lord. Even if it means going through fire and water, I will not flinch."

"That's not necessary."

Luo Fanchen sighed and handed over a piece of gold paper, feeling a sense of empathy. He had once been just as humble and helpless as Xiao Liu in front of him.

"I need you to pick up a few people in the city for me. Here are the locations. Just call my name when you arrive."

"Yes"

Xiao Liu bowed and accepted the gold paper with a respectful expression. It contained a map of the inner ring road, with one of the core residences highlighted.

Her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. This place was the residential area allocated to the disciples of Luoshen Pavilion. Third Master had repeatedly tried to ask Miss Ruoxue for it indirectly, but to no avail. He never expected that it was in the hands of the son-in-law.

"Go."

Luo Fanchen nodded, then sensed the aura and walked towards Ming Ruoxue's direction on his own. Several maids stopped and watched Xiaoliu leave, feeling envious and sighing at the sisters' good fortune.

The location he gave Xiaoliu was Miaoyun's residence.

After arriving at his residence tonight, he can bring Mo Xue back. Miao Yun told him that the Jubao Pavilion caravan brought two people along the way for him to use and take care of Mo Xue, so he accepted them.

When Luo Fanchen walked to the main hall, the surroundings were already shrouded in a hazy frost mist.

His skin felt cold and slightly stinging. After sensing his presence, the frost mist cleared a path for him and led him into the main hall.

"Young Master."

The maids guarding the door trembled with fear, and several Ming family members with their heads hanging low seemed to see a savior and rushed forward to complain.

"Third Uncle angered Sister Ruoxue, and she caused trouble in the main hall. Even the Ancestor couldn't persuade her to stop."

"Young master, you should go and try to persuade him."

After the Ming family disciples finished speaking, they lowered their heads and pretended to be quails. Luo Fanchen shook his head and smiled, then quickly entered. The rich, sweet taste of lotus seeds wafted towards him. Inside the hall, Ming Ruoxue stood with her hands behind her back in the main seat, her graceful figure shrouded in frost and mist, appearing and disappearing.

"The Ming family owns five spirit fields and three spirit lakes. Where does the extra two hundred spirit stones they receive each year come from? Where do the several merchant guilds they have established come from?"

"Third Uncle, the three merchant guilds under your management generate a net profit of seventy spirit stones every year. I need an explanation."

Ming Ruoxue's voice was cold and clear, her blue eyes looking down at her with no emotion whatsoever.

Beneath the frost and mist, Ming Ruyuan trembled with unease before the oppressive power of the spirit energy. His lips turned pale and his face paled. The other clansmen, including Ming Ruohai, were even more apprehensive, kneeling on the ground and trembling incessantly.

“These are all profits from business, which I handed over to the family and distributed by the patriarch. I did not embezzle a single penny.”

Ming Ruyuan's teeth chattered, and he dared not put on any airs of an elder. He lowered his eyes and gritted his teeth as he steered the conversation toward his ancestor.

Although his niece cultivates the Dao of Forgetfulness, she should still give some face to the ancestor who taught her cultivation and protected her growth since childhood.

"Profits from business? You're at the ninth level of Qi Refining, and you can still protect three merchant guilds?"

Ming Ruoxue, her face veiled by a thin gauze, danced gracefully, her brows furrowed as she sneered. The surrounding frost and mist grew even colder, and everyone in the Ming family, except for Ming Hankong who sat upright in the highest position, had a thin layer of frost on their skin.

"It was my permission."

Ming Hankong gripped the wooden chair armrests tightly, his expression grim. He covered his face and sighed softly, "You've been detached from the world for so long, you don't know the hardships of maintaining a family."

"If the Ming family wants to develop, the younger generation needs to cultivate. For a mere Foundation Establishment family to gain a foothold in Haihefang, it is essential to be adept at navigating all sides."

"The Ming family has no more than a hundred members, including both legitimate and illegitimate children. They can be supported by a single spiritual field."

Ming Ruo Xue Bi had indifferent eyes, and when she got into trouble, she wouldn't give face to anyone.

"What is the reason for these two hundred servants, this huge mansion, and dozens of properties? Does the Ming family have the authority to seize them?"

"Hmph! My Ming family can't stand on its own. How can we gain a foothold in Haihefang if we don't take on more?"

Ming Hankong snorted in anger, but his eyes darted away, and he felt a little guilty.

The Ming family had suffered enough. With so many spirit stones and excellent properties right in front of them, who wouldn't be tempted to enjoy a life of luxury without even having to lift a finger?
The three major sects—the Zhen family, the Luo family, the Jubao Pavilion, and the Xianzhu Workshop—once unapproachable forces, have taken the initiative to seek cooperation and offer high-quality industries. How could the Ming family bear to refuse, how could they dare to refuse?

If we don't accept it, we'll offend them. How can a small Foundation Establishment family stand if it offends a local powerful family?
“Grandmother, do you really want to stay in Haihefang? You are not worthy of your position. The higher you stand, the harder you will fall.”

"Don't forget, Ruoxue, you are also a member of the Ming family. Now that you are in charge of the Immortal Pavilion, why can't your family stay in the Immortal Pavilion?"

Ming Hankong's face turned ashen; he was momentarily put on a humiliating stand.

She knew that what Ming Ruoxue said was true, but she really couldn't bear to give up such extravagance. Even if she wanted to return the gifts, the families that gave them and the clan leaders would not agree. The Ming family had really been poor for too long.

They finally produced Ruoxue, bringing glory to the family. Just when they thought they could enjoy the good fortune, she unexpectedly cultivated the Dao of Forgetfulness.

“My grandmother knows my situation.”

Ming Ruoxue raised her eyebrows slightly, and a ripple of emotion finally appeared on her indifferent face, with a hint of guilt in her eyes.

"You absolutely must cultivate the Path of Forgetfulness? The younger generation of the Zhen family are such outstanding talents, don't you feel even the slightest bit tempted?"

Ming Han sighed deeply, his old face showing helplessness, and the wrinkles around his eyes deepened even further.

She wasn't stupid; she had already prepared a way out for the Ming family. Now, the family's business was far beyond their control, and they could only maintain it by relying on Ming Ruoxue's prestige.

Even if Ruoxue fails to comprehend the profound chapter in the future, as long as she marries into the Zhen family, no one will dare to covet the assets that the Ming family has acquired.

Unfortunately, they pushed her too far. Ruoxue was single-mindedly pursuing the Dao and found a cheap son-in-law, but he turned out to be a useless person that the Ming family could not control. Now, it would be extremely difficult for her to climb up to the Zhen family.

"Further words are useless. After seven days, the clan can only keep one spirit field and two spirit veins. The clan's territory will be reduced by at least 70%."

"If we retreat, how will the Ming family maintain its foothold in Haihefang?"

Frost surged around Ming Ruoxue, and she said coldly, "Then don't stay in Haihefang, Third Uncle. In three days, I don't want to see any cultivators enslaved in the Ming family anymore. If you can't do that, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Ruoxue, why did you have to go to this?"

Ming Ruyuan's face turned ashen, his heart aching terribly. How could he possibly spit out the meat that was already in his mouth?

Ming Hankong also covered his face and sighed, but he couldn't fight against Ruoxue. Even if they joined forces, they were no match for her.

“It must be so, Third Uncle, your niece represents the Luoshen Pavilion.”

"We are not disciples of the Luoshen Pavilion, and we have not overstepped our bounds."

"What's the difference?"

Ming Ruoxue's fair chin swayed gently. If it weren't for her name, how could such a large family business be maintained? One must repay the favors received. Now that she is cultivating the Dharma, she must avoid getting involved in favors, let alone overstepping the sect rules.

Ming Hankong pursed his lips and remained silent. The disciples of the Ming family were as if they had lost their parents, knowing that their good days were coming to an end and they could hardly bear it.

"If we lose these assets, my Ming family will be severely damaged and our foundation will be greatly weakened. I'm afraid we won't be able to open a separate spiritual vein for your husband. Ruoxue, could you give us some more time to mediate?"

Ming Ruyuan's lips turned pale. His and his son's hopes for building their foundations depended on the businesses they owned.

If they were to return it rashly, it would anger the sect's shareholders, and the resulting losses would be enough to bankrupt the Ming family.

"Seven days at most."

Ming Ruoxue looked down from her high vantage point, her blue eyes as still as a lake, clearly leaving no room for negotiation.

The room fell silent. Not only the Ming family disciples, but also the maids and guards present were filled with anxiety and fear. The atmosphere in the large main hall was heavy and oppressive, so much so that only the increasingly rapid heartbeats and breathing of each other could be heard.

"Seven days is indeed a bit too tight."

A cheerful voice swept away the somber atmosphere of the hall. Luo Fanchen took the fruit plate that the maid tremblingly handed him, picked up a piece of melon and chewed it, then slowly stepped forward and approached Ming Ruoxue.

"It is easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality. Moreover, this matter involves many issues and cannot be resolved by simply cutting through the mess."

"Now that the battle for the chief position is approaching, these trivial matters can be left to me to handle. My wife, please be patient and focus on your cultivation."

Luo Fanchen took the initiative to hold Ming Ruoxue's soft hand. The fairy's pretty face was cold. She stared at him for a long time without responding.

Only after Luo Fanchen gently squeezed her palm and winked at her did Ming Ruoxue purse her lips and weigh her options for a moment before taking two Cleansing Heart Pills. After calming her mind, she said calmly, "Then let my husband decide. I trust my husband."

After Ming Ruoxue finished speaking, the frost and mist that enveloped the main hall gradually dissipated, and the flickering candlelight in the hall brought everyone back to warmth.

“Of course, I’ll trouble you, Uncle, to let me take a look at the clan’s properties before dawn.”

Luo Fanchen gently patted Ming Ruoxue's hand to comfort her; this cheap wife of his was truly intolerant of any dissent.

If the Ming family were to return all their assets, this small family would likely be in deep trouble. Within a month, they would collapse and slink back to their impoverished hometown. At that point, their fortunes would plummet, and he wouldn't need to manage them anymore.

"Alright, thank you for your trouble, my dear nephew."

When Ming Ruyuan came to his senses, his back was already soaked in cold sweat. He hurriedly agreed as if grasping at a lifeline, and there was no trace of the arrogance he had shown when they first met.

Everyone was surprised that this Qi Refining son-in-law had such a great deal of influence in Ming Ruoxue's eyes, and they all breathed a slight sigh of relief.

“It’s a small matter. Now that I’ve taken over the Ming family, I should naturally consider the interests of the clan.”

"Exactly, exactly."

Ming Ruyuan chuckled obsequiously, no longer daring to underestimate Luo Fanchen, and took the initiative to curry favor.

“If my dear nephew wishes to stay in the Ming family for a long time, he should naturally establish his own branch. However, the clan’s mines are somewhat strained. I will have someone tidy up the place and make room for you later.”

"Make room for me? Wouldn't that mean Uncle Three would be..."

"Ruohai and I haven't been close to our grandmother for a long time, so we moved here to take care of her."

Ming Ruyuan's heart pounded like thunder. He tried his best to please Luo Fanchen, for the fate of the clan's vital industry could be decided with a single word.

He wasn't stupid; anyone with eyes could see that Ruoxue intended for this young master Luo to take charge of the Ming family. The patriarch tried to persuade him without giving him any leeway, but he would tolerate and back down whenever Luo Fanchen spoke up.

"No need. Third Uncle is at the ninth level of Qi Refining, which is precisely the time when he needs spiritual energy to stimulate his foundation building."

Luo Fanchen shook his head in refusal, while Ming Ruyuan's lips trembled, fearing that this son-in-law would have the same personality as Ruoxue.

He looked distressed and was about to decline again when Luo Fanchen calmly said, "I will open a separate spiritual vein myself."

After speaking, Luo Fanchen took out the map given to him by Ming Ruoxue from his storage bag and unfolded it in front of everyone: "I heard that this spiritual vein originally belonged to my Ming family, but unfortunately we have not been able to obtain it for a long time. I wonder if it could be transferred to me first?" "Of course, the ownership still belongs to the Ming family. I am just using it temporarily."

After Luo Fanchen finished speaking, the disciples of the Ming family looked at each other in bewilderment, and finally Ming Ruohai said awkwardly.

"Hehe, brother-in-law, you don't know this, although this spiritual vein nominally belongs to my Ming family, the actual right to use it belongs to the Immortal River Sect."

"This spiritual vein originally belonged to the Tuo family, who handed it over to the Jubao Pavilion for auction. Only after we bought it at a high price did we learn that the vein had long been leased to the Xianhe Sect for a term of fifty years."

Ming Ruohai was quite embarrassed. He had personally negotiated this deal and had been on friendly terms with several sect prodigies, but he ended up suffering a great loss of face and being ridiculed to this day.

"Should we take it back?"

“We asked the elders of the Immortal River Sect to mediate, but unfortunately, the one who rented the spiritual vein is the Gong family, and they are willing but unable to help.”

Ming Ruohai sighed softly. The ownership of the spiritual vein was disputed, so naturally it belonged to whoever had the bigger fist.

The Ming family owns many properties, but their spiritual veins seem to be restricted to only three. Even when there are opportunities to expand and acquire more, some problems will inexplicably occur. Over time, everyone knows that the sect is intentionally restricting them.

Unfortunately, the Ming family only had Patriarch Han Kong in charge, so they couldn't break ties with any other family and could only suffer in silence.

"This spiritual vein belongs to the Ming family, so I'll choose it."

Luo Fanchen nodded slightly. Ming Ruyuan hesitated for a long time before gritting his teeth and saying, "Since my nephew is so willing, my Ming family will do our best to help. My ancestor and I will personally support you."

"What are you standing there for? Go back and prepare. This time, we must help our son-in-law secure the spiritual vein!"

After Ming Ruyuan finished speaking, the Ming family disciples and guards in the court gave him a light shout.

Even if forcibly seizing the spiritual vein would severely damage the Ming family, he was willing to risk it all.

"No need. Please, Third Uncle, select some servants who are skilled in cultivating spiritual plants and developing spiritual fields for me."

"Nephew, no rush. I can gather all the necessary materials for you in three days at most. Let's work together to conquer the spiritual vein first before we start preparing."

"Three days is enough."

Luo Fanchen shook his head slightly, casually put away the map, and said seriously, "I will definitely retrieve the spiritual vein and return within three days."

After speaking, Luo Fanchen calmly bowed to Ming Ruyuan and Ming Hankong, and said with a smile, "I would appreciate it if you could count the assets as soon as possible tonight and send them to me. Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be in the manor anymore."

"sure."

Ming Ruyuan was still in a daze and stammered in response.

Luo Fanchen, at the seventh level of Qi Refining, wants to take the spiritual vein from the Immortal River Sect in three days? Are you kidding me?
Ming Hankong and his disciples were also skeptical, fearing something might happen to their son-in-law, and wanted to offer them advice.

"Fanchen, I am already satisfied with your heart. Zhen Wuyuan is a prodigy, and you are also an outstanding person. Do not put yourself in danger."

Ming Hankong couldn't hold back any longer; the Ming family's fate was now in this man's hands.

Although Luo Fanchen has a registered identity with the Luo Shen Pavilion, the Immortal River Sect dares not act recklessly. However, if he forces his way in, he will inevitably lose face and suffer some hardship.

"They're nothing but chickens and dogs."

Luo Fanchen gently shook his head, then led Ming Ruoxue to bow respectfully before withdrawing.

"My wife, shall I stay with you tonight?"

"what ever."

With a flick of her sleeve, Ming Ruoxue shook off Luo Fanchen's hand and quickly stepped away.

She was understandably unhappy that her attack was stopped today.

"Your wife's ability to remain unmoved by emotions has reached a state of perfection."

Don't tease me.

Ming Ruoxue paused, her pretty face cold, but a smile inadvertently appeared on her lips beneath the thin veil. Only after Luo Fanchen caught up did she continue forward, saying helplessly, "You know my temperament. The Ming family must have been bribed in my name. Today, we should wipe them all out."

"You shouldn't have stopped me."

"I know my wife values ​​her reputation."

"You're still joking with me."

Ming Ruoxue frowned slightly. When the two were alone, Luo Fanchen usually called her Ruoxue, but when teasing her, he would call her "wife".

"Hey, if you force the Ming family to give up their businesses, your little family will be ruined too."

“I can use the privileges of inner disciples to set aside a piece of land for them to cultivate, and their cultivation treatment will be no less than that of ordinary sect disciples.”

"It's hard to go from extravagance to frugality. Besides, you're just the head of Haihefang. Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. The Ming family has offended all the forces. Even if you protect them, it will be difficult for them to gain a foothold in Haihefang."

Luo Fanchen slowly explained that Ming Ruoxue prioritized the sect rules and would naturally consider the issue from the perspective of Luo Shen Pavilion and herself.

A swift and decisive approach would please Ming Ruoxue, as she would uphold the clan rules, but would bring terrible misfortune to the Ming family.

"If Haihefang doesn't work, there are other fairy workshops."

"Forgetting feelings is not the same as being heartless. If the Ming family declines right under your nose, won't you feel guilty?"

Luo Fanchen tentatively tried to hold Ming Ruoxue's hand, but she pursed her lips slightly, not paying any attention, and did not refuse.

Her hands were cool and smooth, as tender as jade, and felt very comfortable to touch.

"Feeling guilty is probably more detrimental to the resonance of the profound chapters than slightly violating sect rules, isn't it?"

"."

Ming Ruoxue lowered her eyes and remained silent, which could be considered as acquiescence.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Since you've entrusted the Ming family to me, I will handle things properly."

"I believe you."

Ming Ruoxue nodded slightly. Having been in a high position for so long and placing too much importance on clan rules, she had indeed fallen into some blind spots.

"By the way, your Ming family has the opportunity to inherit the Foundation Establishment technique, so why is it that only Ancestor Ming Hankong has achieved Foundation Establishment?"

"I am also at the Foundation Establishment stage."

Ming Ruoxue glanced sideways, carefully corrected him, and then calmly said, "This opportunity is related to the bloodline of my Ming family. It is a closely guarded secret, known only to the patriarchs and candidates of each generation."

"This method requires extremely high levels of comprehension, dantian (lower abdomen) and bone structure, and is not something that ordinary people can use. For hundreds of years, I am the only one who has established my foundation through this method."

After Ming Ruoxue finished speaking, she pursed her lips slightly and made no attempt to hide anything.

"This method is a spiritual spring, based on the power of moonlight. It is a top-grade foundation-building method, incomparable to foundation-building pills. However, it still needs some time to recharge. When it is ready, I will personally protect you and assist you in establishing your Dao foundation."

"it is good."

Luo Fanchen remained noncommittal; he didn't believe Ming Ruoxue would break the contract.

He also took the time to study the two Foundation Establishment Pills. These pills contained a vast amount of true essence flowing into the sea, and also contained a wisp of unfathomable power of rules. Compared to the Water Dragon Wood, they were indeed a treasure to help break through realms.

However, his Qi Sea could not be filled by two Foundation Establishment Pills, and the boundaries of his Qi Sea, which were as solid as metal and stone, could not be broken by a wisp of rule power.

The opportunity that Ming Ruoxue had was truly his only means of breaking through to the next realm in the short term.

Ming Ruoxue's courtyard was secluded and spacious, with more than ten rooms. Luo Fanchen randomly chose one and soon received the Ming family property delivered by a servant. He then spent the night by candlelight, writing and painting incessantly.

Nothing happened that night. As dawn broke, Luo Fanchen stretched and yawned.

He roughly figured out the Ming family's businesses and partners, and screened them according to their priorities. Just as he finished, there was a knock on the door, and Ming Ruoxue's clear voice came from inside.

"May I come inside?"

"You may enter Lady Pu's room, of course."

"Don't tease me."

Ming Ruoxue pushed open the door and entered, her delicate hand helplessly rubbing her forehead. She took out a jade pendant and handed it to Luo Fanchen.

"With your abilities, taking over the spiritual vein shouldn't be difficult, but be careful in everything you do. This item contains one of my supernatural powers, which is perfect for self-defense."

"My wife has gone to great lengths."

Ming Ruoxue's long, narrow eyes narrowed slightly, and a thin, green snake seemed to throb on her fair forehead.

"I spent the whole night sorting things out and have roughly figured things out. How about arranging the Ming family's businesses like this?"

Luo Fanchen casually handed a few pages of gold paper to Ming Ruoxue, who glanced at them with a slight frown.

"Isn't it too lenient?"

Inside the gold paper, Luo Fanchen noted that three spirit fields and two spirit lakes could be preserved, and the entire merchant guild was also preserved. The total assets had only shrunk by about 50%, which was far from the 90% she had in mind.

"My wife really does side with outsiders."

Luo Fanchen chuckled, his arm stinging slightly. He then looked at Ming Ruoxue, whose emerald eyes were quietly watching him. Her slender, white fingers pinched a small patch of tender flesh between his arms and gently caressed it.

To resort to violence when you can't win an argument—is this the magnanimity of a fairy who cultivates the Dao of Forgetfulness?

"I have divided these industries into three levels based on whether or not they have been won over. The top level is controlled by the faction that is clearly at odds with the four major families, so we can leave them alone for now."

"The second layer is where there is no obvious friction, but they do not belong to the same lineage. I will introduce other forces to dilute their shareholding and restrain them. If the situation changes, the Ming family can also withdraw safely."

Luo Fanchen explained in detail that, given their own weakness, they naturally had to try their best to win over their enemies.

"Furthermore, at the welcoming banquet a few days from now, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will replace the cooperation held by the Ming family in my own name. I am originally just a nominal outer disciple, so according to the sect rules, the Luoshen Pavilion can only punish me at most."

"My wife's feathers are now clean."

Luo Fanchen lightly patted the delicate hand on his arm and teased, "My husband, who is from an outer sect, is forming cliques. I wonder if my wife could turn a blind eye?"

"Thank you."

Ming Ruoxue pursed her lips, silently released her jade fingers, and the frost mist around her quickly erased the two finger marks on his arm.

She was not stupid; she naturally understood the principle of choosing the lesser of two evils.

If Luo Fanchen can accomplish this, she will not directly violate the sect rules, and the Ming family can also be protected. The only one who has overstepped the bounds is him, a nominal outer disciple. As for punishment, unless she personally catches the evidence, it will not be considered an overstep and can be tolerated.

Luo Fanchen smiled. This cheap wife of his had gone from instinctively following the clan rules to merely adhering to them in form.

The so-called bottom line is indeed meant to be broken.

"We're husband and wife, there's no need for thanks."

"You"

Ming Ruoxue's delicate nose twitched slightly, and she said helplessly, "If you want to joke, then joke. I'm just a stubborn person."

(End of this chapter)