I attained immortality through meditation in the Great Qian Dynasty.

The Lesser Four Symbols Spirit Gathering Array actually began to operate on its own!

"A great opportunity!"

Zhao Zian originally intended to refine the magical artifact first, and then activate the formation for cultivation.

Unexpectedly, the formation was activated ahead of schedule!

This is like rain after a long drought!

He abandoned his attempt to forcefully control the refining process and instead devoted half of his attention to fully circulating the Longevity Technique.

Zhao Zian is on the verge of a breakthrough.

The spiritual energy in his dantian was overflowing, forming a small vortex.

break!

Second level of Qi Refining!

Late stage of Qi Refining Level 2!

The momentum only stopped when he reached the peak of the third level of Qi Refining.

"call……"

Zhao Zian let out a long breath.

This is... the power of the third level of Qi Refining!

He inspected the area with satisfaction, confirming that the formation was operating stably and that the four magical artifacts were all safe and sound, their spiritual energy contained.

These things will be left here for now.

"It seems there's not much food left at home."

Zhao Zian touched his stomach.

Thinking of this, Zhao Zian turned and walked towards the back mountain.

Stepping into the forest, the perception of the third level of Qi Refining unfolded.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he stopped.

There's movement in the bushes about thirty paces to the left!

It was the sound of claws digging in the soil and pecking at grass seeds.

pheasant!

A male pheasant emerged from the bushes.

Zhao Zian bent down and picked up a pebble.

He infused a tiny amount of spiritual energy into the pebble.

As the pheasant lowered its head to peck at its food once more, Zhao Zian flicked his wrist.

A muffled thud.

The pheasant, which was pecking at its food, suddenly froze and collapsed.

There was a small bloody hole in its head, and fresh blood was seeping out.

One fatal blow!

Zhao Zian walked over, picked up the pheasant, and weighed it in his hand.

Yes, it must weigh at least four or five pounds.

He tied the pheasant with a straw rope, hung it around his waist, and walked into the mountains.

On a grassy field, two pheasants were chasing each other.

One isn't enough, want a pair?

Zhao Zian smiled.

He picked up two flat stone fragments, one in each hand.

"go!"

The two pheasants seemed to sense the danger and were about to spread their wings.

Unfortunately, it's too late!

The two pheasants fell to the ground with a thud, twitched twice, and then remained motionless.

Zhao Zian tied the two pheasants with straw rope as well.

They carried three pheasants in their hands and returned home with a full catch.

"That's enough for today."

……

Li Suqin was mending Zhao Zian's old clothes.

Meanwhile, her younger sister, Li Hongyun, was pulling up the weeds that were growing wildly in the corner of the yard.

"Sis, where did Uncle go? It's almost evening and he still hasn't come back."

Li Hongyun asked.

Li Suqin looked up at the courtyard gate.

"Perhaps... he went to gather herbs. Zi'an knows what he's doing; he'll be fine."

Even so, how could she not worry about the many wild animals in the back mountains?

The courtyard gate was pushed open.

"Zian!"

"Uncle!"

The two sisters stood up.

"Wow! A pheasant! What a huge pheasant!"

Li Hongyun ran over.

"One, two, three! Good heavens! Brother-in-law, you actually shot three pheasants!"

"You...you went hunting?"

Li Suqin also came over.

"How could you be so careless? What if you encountered a wild beast..."

"Don't worry, sister-in-law, I know what I'm doing."

Zhao Zian smiled and handed over the pheasant in his hand.

"We're having a better meal today."

"Wow! Great! We'll have chicken soup tonight!"

Li Hongyun took the three pheasants, her face beaming with joy.

"Brother-in-law, wait for me, I'll get right there! Don't worry about my cooking skills, I guarantee I'll make a delicious stew for you!"

After saying that, she grabbed the pheasant and rushed into the kitchen.

Li Suqin glanced at Zhao Zian.

"You... don't take such risks next time."

She scolded her, but still turned and went to the kitchen to help her sister with the task.

On the small dining table sat a large earthenware pot, inside which simmered a fragrant pheasant soup.

Li Hongyun's skills are indeed quite good.

She served Zhao Zian and her sister a large bowl full.

"Uncle, you've worked the hardest! Try this! I simmered it over low heat for an hour!"

"Sis, you should drink more too, to nourish your body."

Zhao Zian picked up the spoon and took a sip of soup.

"It tastes good."

He exclaimed in genuine admiration.

Li Hongyun, who was praised, smiled so much that her eyes narrowed into slits.

"That's right! Uncle, eat your meat, here's a chicken leg for you!"

Li Suqin said softly, "Eat more, you've gotten so thin lately."

This intimate and natural gesture made her feel a little embarrassed.

She quickly lowered her head and pretended to drink the soup.

The chicken soup in the earthenware pot was almost gone, and Li Hongyun had even sucked the chicken bones clean.

Li Hongyun quickly cleared away the dishes.

Only Zhao Zian and Li Suqin remained in the courtyard.

Zhao Zian took out an oil paper package.

"Sister-in-law, this is for you."

"This is..." Li Suqin raised her head.

"Medicine to prevent miscarriage."

"I asked Dr. Wang from Jishetang to help me prescribe these herbs; they're all mild and nourishing, good for you and the baby."

"I know medicine, and I know what you need most right now. Come back inside, and I'll tell you how to prepare this medicine."

Li Suqin gripped the medicine packet in her hand and nodded.

"Um."

The two entered Li Suqin's room.

Only an oil lamp was lit inside the room.

The air was filled with the faint, sweet fragrance unique to women.

Zhao Zian felt his throat was a little dry.

"Um... how should I prepare the medicine?"

Li Suqin's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Zhao Zian came to his senses.

"Take one dose daily, boil three bowls of water down to one bowl, and take it after dinner."

He walked over and opened the oil paper package.

"These herbs are for strengthening the body's foundation and nourishing the vital energy, while these herbs are for replenishing qi and blood..."

Li Suqin's gaze fell on his profile.

This man is the father of her child.

Once the thought popped into my head, I couldn't suppress it anymore.

She stared at him, almost mesmerized.

After Zhao Zian finished explaining, he turned his head and met her big, watery eyes.

Eyes facing each other.

Li Suqin hurriedly looked away.

"I...I've got it."

Zhao Zian hummed in agreement.

He should go.

Reason told him that it was improper for a man and a woman to be alone together in a room.

But his feet seemed to be nailed to the ground, and he couldn't move them no matter what.

Li Suqin bit her lower lip.

"Zian..."

"Would you like to... touch it?"

Zhao Zian raised his head and met her shy eyes.

He couldn't bring himself to refuse.

His Adam's apple bobbed up and down, and he nodded.

Zhao Zian extended his hand.

Li Suqin took the initiative and grabbed his wrist.

She guided his hand to her protruding belly.

"He...he was very well-behaved today, he didn't bother me much."

Li Suqin's voice trembled with pride as a mother.

Zhao Zian quietly absorbed the sensations.

A wonderful feeling of being connected by blood arose spontaneously.

It was even more shocking than when he received the inheritance from his ancestors.

His hand unconsciously rubbed against it gently.

"Well……"

Li Suqin let out a soft groan, her body went limp, and she leaned closer to him.