Dongting Immortal Clan

Back in the front hall, Wang Guifang and Zhang Xiulan had already prepared a sumptuous feast.

Old Zhang laughed heartily when he saw them return from their worship:

"If you dawdle any longer, this old man will be taking Nianci to start eating first."

Zhang Nianci tilted her little face up, opened her big, bright eyes to look at the old man, and corrected him in a serious tone:

"Grandpa's talking nonsense! I'm not hungry at all. It's clearly Grandpa who's craving it!"

As she spoke, she jogged over to Chen Xiaohu, grabbed her uncle's hand, and walked towards the courtyard, tilting her head up mysteriously as she said:

"Uncle, I want to show you something."

Amused by her, Chen Xiaohu bent down and brought his ear close, asking in response:

"Oh? What treasure is Nianci going to show her uncle?"

Zhang Nianci took a half step back, steadied herself, took a deep breath, and opened her right palm with a focused expression.

Suddenly, a golden light shone from her small palm, swirling three inches above it, faintly carrying a sharp aura.

Chen Xiaohu looked at the golden light that remained condensed and did not dissipate, and couldn't help but laugh:

"So it was the Golden Light Technique."

"My Nianci has actually mastered magic to such an extent; she truly has the bearing of an immortal!"

Upon hearing these words, especially coming from her uncle who had already become a "celestial master," Zhang Nianci immediately beamed with joy, her giggles echoing like silver bells in the courtyard.

Chen Xiaohu straightened up, took her hand, and walked back, saying gently:

"Since you have this talent, you should cherish it, diligently cultivate yourself, and not let this spirituality go to waste."

Zhang Nianci nodded in agreement:

"I know!"

The two walked back to the hall and met the second brother's helpless gaze.

Chen Changhe shook his head and sighed:

"Just spoil her. She's so young, don't praise her too much, or she'll become arrogant and complacent."

Chen Xiaohu, however, didn't seem to mind and waved his hand with a smile:

"Second brother, you are mistaken. Nianci is only seven years old, yet she can control the Golden Light Technique so skillfully. This comprehension is truly rare. With proper nurturing, she will surely achieve great things in the future."

His gaze swept across the hall, landing on the two little ones who were curiously peering in their direction. He beckoned and said:

"Ji'er, Ze'er, come to your third uncle."

Upon hearing the sound, Chen Xuanji and Chen Xuanze ran to Chen Xiaohu's side.

Chen Xiaohu squatted down to be at eye level with the two children, and stretched out his right hand, first pressing lightly on the fontanelle on Chen Xuanji's head.

A cool, white magical power flowed from his palm, like a trickle, seeping into Chen Xuanji's body. It traveled along his tender meridians, nourishing his limbs and bones, and finally returned to the depths of his dantian, transforming into a point of warm white light, quietly lying dormant.

"This magical power can help you nourish your meridians and strengthen your body in daily life."

Chen Xiaohu withdrew her hand and then did the same to Chen Xuanze, explaining in a gentle voice:

"In times of crisis, the power of mental focus can be activated to protect the body."

"Hurry up and thank your third uncle."

Chen Changhe reminded him from the side.

The two little ones were quite clever; knowing they had benefited, they immediately bowed deeply to Chen Xiaohu and said in their childish voices:

"Ji'er and Ze'er thank Third Uncle!"

"Uncle, I want one too!"

Seeing that both of her younger brothers had received gifts, Zhang Nianci quickly grabbed Chen Xiaohu's sleeve and shook it.

Chen Xiaohu laughed and gently patted the top of her head.

A more refined magical power surged into Zhang Nianci's body. Instead of sinking into her dantian, it transformed into a profound qi circulation pattern and imprinted itself into her sea of ​​consciousness.

"ah!"

Zhang Nianci let out a soft cry, immediately closed her eyes to feel, and when she opened them again, her eyes were filled with a strange light.

"The Secrets of Huayin Cave?"

"good."

Chen Xiaohu nodded with a smile.

"Since you also practice the ancient family method, this 'Huayin Cave Secret Technique' is a good match for your practice."

"This is a clever method I found in the Immortal Sect. It can draw upon stellar power to increase the efficiency of refining magical power. With prolonged practice, it can open up all the spiritual apertures in the body."

Then, he looked at Chen Dajiang and Chen Changhe with some regret:

"Unfortunately, this method is only effective for specific ancient methods. My eldest and second brothers have already switched to modern methods, and their cultivation attributes and foundations have long since changed, so they are not compatible with this technique."

Upon hearing this, Chen Changhe showed no disappointment and calmly replied:

"After I switched to the 'Qi Cultivation and Longevity Technique,' I practiced by the Shangyuan Pond, and the speed at which I refined my magical power has surpassed that of the past, which is sufficient for my current needs."

Chen Dajiang also gave a simple, honest smile:

"I opened the Crimson Palace and obtained the 'Golden Stone Tempering Bone Technique' to temper my body. Now, my efficiency in tempering my magical power is not slow either."

"Alright, alright, stop standing, sit down and let's eat and chat!"

Old Zhang couldn't wait any longer. He and Chen Chuansheng sat down at the head of the table and invited everyone to take their seats.

Chen Xuanji and Chen Xuanze were still young, so Wang Guifang and Zhang Xiulan took care of them and they ate at a small table set up in the corner of the hall.

Today, the Chen family, relying on the produce of their spiritual fields and trade in the market, has begun to resemble a cultivation family.

The table was laden with chicken, duck, fish, and meat, along with fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, all steaming hot and fragrant.

It was just some simple country dishes, a few jugs of homemade wine, and chatting with loved ones about everyday life, yet it was better than any delicacy Chen Xiaohu had ever tasted in the Immortal Sect.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

That night was just a small gathering of close relatives, a joyful occasion.

The next day, as dawn broke, members of the Chen clan from Baiyukou and even Qingxi Town, having received the news, began to arrive one after another.

Second Uncle Chen Xingye, Seventh Uncle Chen Xinglin, Clan Chief Chen Baichuan, and several other respected elders in the clan arrived at the Chen family's old residence one after another.

Behind them followed many young men and clansmen.

Everyone gathered in the front yard, their eyes falling on the young man in a bamboo-green Taoist robe, standing with his hands behind his back under the eaves, exuding an extraordinary air.

In terms of seniority, Chen Xiaohu was their nephew or grandson.

In terms of status, he has already stepped into the Innate Realm, is a true disciple of the Immortal Sect, and is the first "Qi Refining Immortal Master" produced by the Chen family of Biyue.

Several elderly people, including Chen Xingye, looked at Chen Xiaohu with mixed feelings. Their lips moved, but they didn't know how to address him.

Finally, Chen Baichuan coughed lightly, took the lead and stepped forward, his posture respectful yet gentle, and cupped his hands, saying:

"Little Lake... The return of the Immortal Master is truly a blessing for our entire Chen clan."

"Having heard the good news yesterday, I shouldn't have disturbed the Immortal Master's reunion with his family, but the elders and children of the clan all long to see your face..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaohu bowed to the elders, his attitude neither particularly intimate nor lacking in proper etiquette, and said in a gentle voice:

"Second Uncle, Seventh Uncle, Uncle Baichuan, and all my uncles and elder brothers, please don't do this."

"Although I cultivate in the Immortal Sect, I am still a member of the Chen family. I am often unable to accept such a grand gesture. Please come inside and have a chat."

The elders exchanged glances and breathed a sigh of relief.

Immediately afterwards, the middleman chatted in the main room, mostly about Chen Xiaohu's affairs in the Immortal Sect. Upon hearing that Chen Xiaohu had won the Dan Kui title, everyone was overjoyed.

Chen Xiaohu looked at the elderly people in the hall, pondered for a moment, took out a small white jade bottle from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and said softly:

"Second Uncle, Seventh Uncle, Uncle Baichuan, the clan has taken care of my family over the years, and Xiaohu will always remember it."

"There are ten 'Nourishing Essence Pills' in this bottle. They are not particularly precious, but they are quite beneficial for mortals to prolong their lives. Each of the uncles is getting on in years, so the rest can be distributed by Uncle Baichuan to the respected elders in the clan."

Upon hearing this, the members of the hall were all taken aback.

Nourishing Essence Pill!

That's a real elixir; taking just one can cure diseases and prolong life.

For ordinary people like them, whose spiritual roots are shallow and who have no hope of cultivation, this is simply a rare and precious elixir!

Chen Xingye stood up shakily, his expression excited, and said:

"Little Lake, this...this is far too precious. I am unworthy of such an honor..."

"Second Uncle, please have a seat."

Chen Xiaohu stood up and helped him up, saying gently:

"You are an elder, and it is only natural for the younger generation to show filial piety. Please do not refuse."

Chen Xinglin and Chen Baichuan also stood up, bowed and thanked them, their eyes full of gratitude.

The young men outside the hall were abuzz with discussion when they heard the words "Nourishing Essence Pill," their eyes gleaming.

Some envied, some longed for it, and some secretly resolved to develop more talent so that one day they could stand out like Chen Xiaohu.

Chen Xiaohu took in everyone's expressions without showing any emotion.

These pills were nothing to him, but to ordinary people like the Chen family, they were a tremendous blessing, perfect for winning people's hearts.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After seeing off the clan members, Chen Xiaohu stood quietly in the courtyard for a moment, as if deep in thought.

Immediately, he and Chen Changhe exchanged a glance, turned around in tacit understanding, and walked together toward Qingchi Villa.

This former Zhou family residence, after renovation and expansion, has become the practice site for the Chen family of Bishui.

With its white walls and gray tiles, the house has a different atmosphere from ordinary residences, and there is a subtle sense of spiritual energy flowing through it.

Before the two even reached the gate, they saw Zhou Tiema leading Tian Hu, Chen Qinghe, and a group of disciples who were cultivating in the courtyard, waiting respectfully outside the gate.

Upon seeing the two figures, Zhou Tiema and the others bowed in unison, about to prostrate themselves in a deep kowtow.

"Disciple greets the Abbot! Greetings, Immortal Master!"

Seeing this, Chen Xiaohu flicked his sleeve, and a gentle force arose out of thin air, steadily supporting the people's kneeling posture.

"We're all family, there's no need for such a grand ceremony."

His voice was gentle, with a reassuring smile.

"A conversation inside the courtyard is sufficient."

The crowd felt a gentle breeze on their faces and could no longer bow down. Their reverence deepened, and they quickly thanked him, stood up, and stood respectfully with their hands at their sides, though they still showed some restraint and excitement in their expressions.

They had all entered the path of cultivation, and naturally knew the difference between spiritual treasures and refined energy.

They were surprised to find that the rumored "Third Master" was so young and had such a kind attitude, which left them somewhat at a loss.

"Tian Hu, you should take your junior brothers and sisters to the front courtyard to practice diligently. The Immortal Master will bestow gifts upon them later."

Upon seeing this, Chen Changhe gave instructions.

Having accumulated considerable prestige in the courtyard over time, his words immediately gave his disciples a sense of direction.

"Yes, Headmaster!"

Tian Hu straightened his back, responded loudly, and then bowed to Chen Xiaohu and Chen Changhe again before turning around and leading the other disciples to quietly retreat to the front courtyard to cultivate.

Zhou Tiema stayed behind, silently following half a step behind the two, and went to the backyard together to stand guard outside.

This is the location of "Shangyuan Pond".

The pool was not large, only about three zhang in circumference. The water was clear and blue, and the bottom of the pool could be seen at a glance.

More than ten golden-red carp swam leisurely in the water, stirring up ripples.

Several lotus flowers were planted in the pond, and a few clumps of bamboo were planted on the banks, which was quite elegant.

As soon as Chen Xiaohu stepped into this place, his eyebrows rose slightly, and a look of understanding flashed in his eyes.

"Just as my senior brother said."

"There are traces of an ancient spirit-gathering array here, which is different from the methods that are currently circulating."

The "senior brother" he mentioned was naturally Li Kaihe of the Tianyong Li family.

"There is an ancient well beneath the pond, sealed by stone slabs, leaving only a small gap. These evil spirits are escaping from here."

Chen Changhe pointed out.

Chen Xiaohu had already used his spiritual sense to investigate. The stone slab was incredibly thick, neither gold nor jade, and the patterns carved on it were extremely ancient, like an antique.

At the same time, he also sensed a strange, malevolent aura beneath the stone slab.

Unfortunately, the sealing power was too strong, and his spiritual sense could not pass through it.

"This ancient well is quite old... what's underneath is probably not simple."

Chen Xiaohu looked serious and somewhat puzzled, vaguely sensing that something was amiss.

However, he reconsidered.

Over the long years, the world has changed dramatically, and countless secrets and dangerous places remain hidden in this world.

As long as the town remains sealed off and is not actively disturbed, things usually won't change without reason.

The fact that this spiritual energy can be used to nourish the region is actually an opportunity.

Where is that wooden boy?

Chen Xiaohu asked again.

Chen Changhe shook his head:

"It doesn't like to show itself during the day; we'll come back to check on it at night."

Chen Xiaohu nodded.

"Alright."

……

Then the three of them went to the front yard.

Tian Hu and his disciples waited there, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Chen Xiaohu nodded slightly, glanced over, and asked:

"How many disciples does the villa have now?"

Tian Hu stepped forward and respectfully returned the greeting:

"Reporting to the Immortal Master, apart from Brother Zhou, there are currently nine disciples in the academy who have formally received the cultivation methods."

"So you are Tian Hu?"

Chen Xiaohu's gaze fell on him. The young man was sturdy, with a fierce and unyielding spirit between his brows and eyes. His cultivation level was the highest among them, and he had successfully shed his wooden body and entered the second realm.

"I have heard that you are skilled with spears and clubs and have a straightforward nature, so I will bestow upon you a close-combat spear technique called the Nine Layers of Waves Spear Technique."

"This spear technique emphasizes powerful and heavy strikes, each blow stronger than the last, like surging waves. Would you like to learn it?"

Upon hearing this, Tian Hu's eyes shone with astonishing light, and he bowed in gratitude without hesitation:

"This disciple is willing to learn! Thank you, Immortal Master, for bestowing upon me the Dharma!"

Chen Xiaohu nodded with a smile, pointed his fingers like a sword, and pointed in the air.

A beam of light shot out from his fingertip and immediately entered Tian Hu's brow.

Tian Hu's body trembled, and he immediately closed his eyes, his mind sinking into his spiritual realm.

He saw a blurry figure practicing with a gun in his mind. The gun shadows were numerous, and the force was superimposed, like waves crashing on the shore. Each strike contained terrifying power.

He was so engrossed in watching that he completely forgot himself and even sat down cross-legged, immersing himself in the story.

Chen Xiaohu didn't blame her and turned his gaze to Chen Qinghe, who was standing quietly to the side.

Although the girl is young, she has an excellent temperament and will soon shed her wooden form.

"I see that you are about to shed your wooden body, so I will bestow upon you a scroll of the 'Method for Preserving the Embryo'."

"This method is not an offensive technique, but a method to nurture your foundation. Practicing it can help you stabilize your wooden embryo, solidify your foundation, and may even transform it into a 'jade embryo,' laying the groundwork for future exploration of the innate realm. Are you willing to learn it?"

Upon hearing of the miraculous effects of this method, Chen Qinghe's eyes lit up with surprise.

Suppressing her excitement, she bowed to Chen Xiaohu and said:

"Qinghe bows in gratitude to her uncle for bestowing upon her the Dharma!"

Chen Xiaohu nodded and bestowed a ray of spiritual light upon him, imprinting the "Qinyuan Embryo-Preserving Method" into his sea of ​​consciousness.

The remaining disciples, Chen Baole, Liu Xiaoye, Zeng Daniu, and Wang Yaya, were still at a shallow level of cultivation, barely having entered the first realm. Chen Xiaohu then bestowed upon each of them a bottle of "Neiyuan Pill" to help them consolidate their cultivation and strengthen their foundation.

As for Chen Hanguang, Zhang Dingcheng, and Li Xiuxuan, since they had only recently become disciples and had not yet begun to cultivate their inner energy, Chen Xiaohu only left them a wisp of magical power to nourish their meridians.

Chen Xiaohu also bestowed a gift upon Zhou Tiema, a secret technique called "Hundred Refinements Return to the Aperture".

He explained, "The wonder of this technique lies in the fact that during daily practice of breathing exercises, one can use two things at once, refining and storing a trace of magical power in other spiritual apertures throughout the body. Over time, the accumulated magical power becomes quite considerable."

"When encountering an enemy, it can be activated to unleash extraordinary power, which may lead to an unexpected turn of events."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Tiema immediately bowed:

"Iron Horse, I thank the Immortal Master for his great kindness!"

……

After doing all this, Chen Xiaohu and Chen Changhe returned to the backyard.

This time, Chen Xiaohu's expression became more solemn.

He took out nine palm-sized triangular star-patterned flags from his storage bag, along with several concealment jade talismans.

His figure rose and fell in the courtyard, skillfully placing the array flags in specific positions.

Once the incantation was cast, the nine array flags moved without wind, their star patterns lighting up and complementing the jade talisman.

A transparent light shield, like an inverted jade bowl, enveloped the backyard.

With a flash of light, the barrier completely concealed its presence, sealing off the aura, sounds, and even spiritual energy fluctuations within the courtyard, isolating it from the outside world.

After the formation took effect and isolated the outside world, Chen Xiaohu breathed a sigh of relief and took out many jade slips, spiritual materials, and pills from his storage bag, handing them to Chen Changhe one by one.

"I have accumulated a lot of wealth on the mountain, but it is of little use to me now, so I have left it all at home."

He pointed to the pile of jade slips and said:

"These jade slips are mostly cultivation techniques, covering the changes of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, and also involving different elements such as wind, thunder, and ice."

"There are more than 320 kinds of techniques, from the most basic manipulation of objects, water congealing, and fire generation, to attack, defense, escape, assistance, and reconnaissance, etc., everything is included."

"There are seventy-five superior secret techniques in the Spirit Treasury, thirty-one Qi-refining techniques, and one or two supernatural secret techniques for the Foundation Establishment stage... Their power is considerable, and I have also cultivated some of them."

"Although these techniques and secret arts are not top-tier inheritances, they can still add some prestige to the family and provide disciples with options for cultivation."

"also."

Chen Xiaohu then picked up a few more jade slips with an aged appearance.

"These are miscellaneous books that record the various arts of cultivation, the geography and landscapes of Nanzhan Continent and other continents, the general situation of sects and families, illustrations of common monsters and spiritual materials, and some common knowledge of the cultivation world."

"It will greatly benefit the children of the family by broadening their horizons and helping them understand the world of cultivation, so that they will not suffer from ignorance in the future."

Upon seeing this, Chen Changhe couldn't help but tremble.

Despite managing her own small family for many years, she couldn't match the amount of money Chen Xiaohu casually gave her.

This is the advantage of having a celestial sect as your backer.

Looking at the dazzling array of supplies before him, enough to support the Lianqi family, Chen Xiaohu shook his head and sighed softly:

"I have been away from home for ten years, practicing my spiritual cultivation. I have not done anything for my family, but instead caused my father and brothers to worry. These few material possessions are really not a contribution. I feel truly ashamed."

Upon hearing this, Chen Changhe frowned and said in a deep voice:

"What nonsense are you spouting!"

"When you left home, I told you that my elder brother and I would take care of things at home. You just need to focus on your spiritual practice and don't need to worry about the trivial matters at home."

"On the contrary, you are all alone in the immortal sect, without any relatives or friends. You have suffered countless hardships over the years, but your family has not been able to help you at all. As your older brother, I feel terrible about it."

Chen Xiaohu shook her head, a warm smile appearing on her face:

"Spiritual practice has its hardships, but I also find joy in it. The years in the mountains are quiet and peaceful, but also exceptionally simple."

"Now that I've reached this point, there are some insurmountable obstacles ahead, but once I overcome them, I'll see a different kind of scenery."

"What do these hardships matter?"

He abruptly changed the subject, saying:

"I was just about to go to the surrounding markets to look for some things. Would you like to come with me, Second Brother?"

"It's getting late today, why don't we wait until nightfall to investigate the changes in this small cauldron, and then go to the Immortal Market on Deer Horn Mountain tomorrow?" Chen Changhe suggested.

Chen Xiaohu thought about it for a moment, but wasn't in a hurry to go to Xian City.

The main reason for my return is to investigate the small cauldron in my home.