Starting as a cowherd, he sought a way to cultivate immortality.

Facing the excited Han Xuanyu, Chen Chi calmly recounted his encounter with Wang Qingfeng.

Upon hearing that Wang Qingfeng had remained in a remote mountain village until his death, tears welled up in Han Xuanyu's eyes.

"Healing the sick and saving lives, senior brother, your life's wish has been fulfilled." Han Xuanyu murmured, his aged fingers tracing the silver token.

After a moment of grief, Han Xuanyu put away the token, looked at Chen Chi, and his face had changed to a gentle and friendly expression.

"Young friend, you have done my Lingyun Sect a great favor. Please feel free to make any requests you may have."

Upon finally hearing Han Xuanyu say those words, Chen Chi felt relieved and asked Han Xuanyu to take Li Jing back to Lingyun Sect for treatment.

"This..." Han Xuanyu stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and then agreed.

"I will take him back and try it out with the Nourishing Yuan Jade Lotus Platform."

However, I cannot guarantee whether he will be able to wake up.

Upon hearing this, Chen Chi's face lit up with joy, and he quickly thanked Han Xuanyu.

Han Xuanyu waved his hand.

"My senior brother's sudden departure from Lingyun Sect and disappearance has always been a thorn in my side."

The knot in my heart has been untied...

As he said this, a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.

"It's time for this old man to try to break through to the Golden Core realm."

Chen Chi immediately cupped his hands and said, "This junior congratulates you in advance, senior, and wishes you success in breaking through to the Golden Core stage, with the path to the Great Dao clearly in sight!"

……

News spread that the Zhao and Zhou families had fought a bloody battle in Cloud Mist Valley, with the Zhao family suffering heavy losses and the Zhou family's three Foundation Establishment cultivators retreating.

The cultivation forces in the East were all shaken.

However, then came more astonishing news.

On the night that the Zhou family's three Foundation Establishment cultivators attacked Cloud Mist Valley, Green Wood Peak, which the Zhou family had occupied for a hundred years, was tragically massacred by demonic cultivators.

The Zhou family's cultivation resources were completely looted, and all the disciples guarding Qingmu Peak were killed in battle.

Suddenly, everyone in the Eastern Land of Cultivation felt threatened.

Apart from the Qingxuan Sect, the undisputed number one cultivation sect in the East, which called on the Zhao and Zhou families to prioritize peace, all other forces remained silent, creating a strange atmosphere throughout the East cultivation land.

In the Zhao family's council hall, Zhao Jingming summoned the main members of the clan and the various deacons to discuss how the Zhao family should proceed next.

"Han Xuanyu left the Zhao family yesterday. If the Zhou family attacks Cloud Mist Valley again, we will have no one to help us." Zhao Jingming's gaze swept over everyone, observing each person's expression and reaction.

"Qingmu Peak has been completely looted, and Zhou Hanchuan is currently too busy to even think about attacking us again?" Wei An glanced at Zhao Jingming and asked deliberately.

Zhao Jingming shook his head slightly.

"It is precisely because the Zhou family's cultivation resources were robbed that Zhou Hanchuan is even more eager to annex us to make up for the losses. We must be wary of this."

After he finished speaking, everyone fell silent.

The Zhou family's four Foundation Establishment cultivators are like a sharp dagger held to the throat of the Zhao family, ready to take their lives at any moment.

"How about we ask the Qingxuan Sect for help?" Zhao Lanxin asked softly.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chenfeng snorted coldly:

"If the Qingxuan Sect wanted to help the Zhao family, they should have sent someone long ago!"

Zhao Lanxin wanted to retort, but after glancing at Zhao Chenfeng's empty right arm, she chose to remain silent.

Although Zhao Lanxin's suggestion was rejected by Zhao Chenfeng, it prompted the previously silent crowd to start offering their own ideas.

Some clansmen believed that the Zhao family had suffered a great loss of strength and should shrink its territory and stay in Cloud Mist Valley to recover.

Some suggested dispersing a portion of the clan to preserve the Zhao family bloodline in preparation for future calamities.

Even more extreme, Zhao Qingyun suggested taking the opportunity to attack the Zhou family, but this was resolutely rejected by everyone.

Zhao Jingming remained calm and waited until no one else offered any suggestions before speaking:

"The biggest reason why the Cloud Mist Valley formation was broken this time is that there was a traitor named Zhao Xia among our Zhao family members."

The most important thing now is to purge those with ulterior motives from the Cloud Valley.

Anyone who has had dealings with the Zhou family in the past, regardless of who they are, will be expelled from Cloud Mist Valley.

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

Zhao Jingming's one-size-fits-all approach could drive away non-family cultivators loyal to the Zhao family, which is hardly a wise move.

Judging from Zhao Jingming's serious expression, it was clear that the patriarch was serious this time.

Zhao Hongyue frowned slightly, harboring different opinions, but she did not reveal them in public, fearing it would undermine Zhao Jingming's dignity as the head of the family.

Seeing that no one objected, Zhao Jingming immediately finalized the matter and began to purge those in Cloud Mist Valley who harbored disloyal intentions.

After everyone left, Zhao Hongyue remained sitting alone at the table, her eyes fixed on Zhao Jingming.

"Patriarch, by doing this, you will only push away those non-family cultivators who are loyal to the Zhao family."

"Hongyue, you're right." Zhao Jingming's eyes revealed a hint of appreciation.

"Then why...?"

Before Zhao Hongyue could finish her question, Zhao Jingming interrupted her, saying:

"This decision was made after careful consideration."

Now that the Zhao family has suffered a blow, other forces in the east are eager to take advantage of our wounds.

Shrinking the Zhao family's sphere of influence is something we have to do.

Therefore, any excess cultivators must leave.

Zhao Jingming sighed softly and continued:

"The key to determining the fate of the Zhao family lies in the Foundation Establishment stage cultivators."

The Zhou family has only added one more member, Zhou Qiudao, yet they have driven us into a desperate situation.

"Hongyue, you are exceptionally talented. If you could cultivate to the level of Han Xuanyu, what would prevent the Zhao family from prospering?"

Zhao Hongyue nodded slightly and said solemnly:

"Red Moon will certainly live up to the patriarch's expectations."

Zhao Jingming smiled with satisfaction.

"Of course, if you have a favorite cultivator from another family, you can train them diligently, as long as they are loyal to the Zhao family."

Isn't Wei Gongfeng the best example?

Zhao Hongyue seemed to be deep in thought, and a figure appeared in her mind.

"Red Moon has noted it down."

……

On the day Li Jing was taken away by Han Xuanyu, Chen Chi originally wanted to go to Lingyun Sect as well, but Zhao Hongyue stopped him and told him to stay obediently in the Law Enforcement Hall.

Chen Chi had already noticed that Zhao Hongyue seemed to be paying special attention to him.

He immediately dismissed the unrealistic notion that Zhao Hongyue secretly harbored feelings for him, and instead considered her true purpose in keeping him around.

"Could it be that she guessed it was me who saved her life?" Chen Chi wondered to himself.

That night, Zhao Hongyue was driven to the brink of despair by Zhou Qiude's Withering and Flourishing Finger. At the critical moment, it was his Burning Heaven Finger that made it difficult for Zhou Qiude to attend to both sides, finally giving Zhao Hongyue a glimmer of hope.

Before returning to the Zhao family camp, he also took the opportunity to end Wu Changkong's life and take away Wu Changkong's storage ring, reaping a considerable reward.

However, judging from Zhao Hongyue's attitude, she has no ill intentions towards Chen Chi.

Chen Chi sank into the recliner, lost in thought.

"As the leader of the Enforcement Hall, all you do is slack off," Zhao Hongyue's cold voice rang out.

Chen Chi suddenly stood up. He had been so focused on his thoughts that he hadn't been able to project his spiritual sense outwards, which was why he hadn't noticed that Zhao Hongyue was already standing not far away.

He quickly bowed to Zhao Hongyue.

Zhao Hongyue remained calm and said:

"Come with me."

Then, she soared into the sky.

Chen Chi hesitated for a moment, then steered his spirit boat and followed.

Zhao Hongyue stopped only when she found a quiet place.

This place is rich in spiritual energy, making it a rare and blessed land for cultivation.

"Qi Sheng, I can help you advance to the position of steward and provide you with the best cultivation resources from the Zhao family," Zhao Hongyue said.

Chen Chi had just landed on the ground and put away the spirit boat.

A thought struck him, and he asked:

"What are your conditions, senior?"

"Five years," Zhao Hongyue said sincerely.

"I want you to stay in the Zhao family for five years."

Upon hearing this, Chen Chi pondered for a moment and then said:

"Five years from now, when I leave the Zhao family, I would like a Foundation Establishment Pill. I wonder if you could grant me that request?"

"Foundation Pill..."

Zhao Hongyue's eyes were fixed on Chen Chi.

"Then answer me first: did Wu Changkong die at your hands?"