I rely on learning to achieve immortality.

Chapter 144 Chamber of Commerce Disputes

Li Pochen carefully recounted to Lin Zhiyuan the incident of being bitten by the strange insect.

The situation wasn't complicated; while protecting the caravan, they encountered a bandit. He had already killed the bandit using his skills, but unexpectedly, the bandit placed a strange insect on his body just before he died.

The strange insect, of unknown origin, went unnoticed by him. It only suddenly darted out when he returned to his quiet place and saw Lin Zhiyuan.

Even if Li Pochen killed the alien insect immediately, it would be difficult to undo the consequences of this accident.

"Zhiyuan had a high fever for several days afterward and almost didn't make it through. Although the fever subsided, I still felt that something was wrong."

After saying this, Li Pochen looked somewhat uneasy.

His enemy was, after all, also at the Foundation Establishment stage, and the alien insects he released were no ordinary creatures. How could they only cause a few days of high fever and then he would recover?

The influence of the alien insects has likely penetrated deep into Lin Zhiyuan's body.

Over the years, Li Pochen has consulted countless doctors about this matter, but none of them could find the problem.

Some say it's insect poison in the body, others say it's damage to the body's foundation, and still others suspect it's some kind of rare curse. Despite the many theories, no one has been able to provide a definitive explanation.

Xu Zhou pondered for a moment, then probed Lin Zhiyuan's body with his divine sense once more.

From meridians to internal organs, from qi and blood to spirit and soul, everything was carefully examined.

The result was exactly the same as before.

There was no insect poison, no hidden injuries, and not even the slightest abnormality could be found. If Li Pochen hadn't explained it himself, he would never have suspected that there was anything wrong with the child.

After a long while, Xu Zhou slowly withdrew his divine sense.

Li Pochen immediately looked over: "Master, have you discovered something?"

Xu Zhou shook his head: "On the contrary, I still haven't found anything."

Li Pochen was taken aback.

Xu Zhou looked at Lin Zhiyuan, pondered for a moment, and said, "If there really is residual insect venom, with my current medical skills, I would not be completely unaware of it."

But the child's body was completely clean; there were no toxins, not even the slightest aftereffect.

Upon hearing this, Li Pochen was not relieved at all; instead, he became even more puzzled.

"Then why..."

Xu Zhou pondered for a moment: "Perhaps that strange insect back then wasn't meant to kill people."

Or perhaps the toxins have already integrated into the body, undergoing some kind of change that I cannot currently discern.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "However, it seems that at least there are no problems with his body."

Furthermore, his vital energy and blood were remarkably stable, even stronger than one would expect for someone his age.

Xu Zhou frowned slightly: "This is indeed a bit strange. He hasn't even started cultivating yet, but his blood and energy are much stronger than other children his age."

"Will that have any impact?" Li Pochen asked immediately.

Xu Zhou pondered for a while, then shook his head: "I can't tell for now. Even if there is a problem, it doesn't seem like a sign of an early death."

Upon hearing this, Li Pochen couldn't help but breathe a slight sigh of relief.

Lin Zhiyuan blinked. Although he didn't quite understand, he knew that his physical condition was better than he had imagined, and a smile immediately appeared on his face.

"Uncle Li, I'm fine."

Lin Zhiyuan said from the side, "Look, even Senior Xu said I'm in good health."

He then muttered to himself, "I guess I won't need to take medicine this time?"

Upon hearing this, Li Pochen was both amused and exasperated: "You brat, wasn't it all for your own good that you took medicine before?"

He paused for a moment, then added reassuringly, "However, it shouldn't be necessary this time."

Xu Zhou watched the two of them quietly, remaining silent for a moment.

He was still pondering what had affected Lin Zhiyuan.

Just as a classmate who has studied formations for many years will instinctively want to study strange formations, a student who has studied medicine for a long time will naturally want to figure out the related problems he encounters.

Lin Zhiyuan's experiences piqued his curiosity.

After thinking for a long time, he spoke again: "How about we leave this child in Red Maple Valley for now?"

Li Pochen was slightly taken aback.

Xu Zhou had already thought it over carefully. Now, he looked at Lin Zhiyuan and patted the child's head.

"Although the reason is unclear, the fact that he was bitten by a strange insect is ultimately a potential problem."

This is the first time I've seen something like this. Keeping him around for a few years and observing him might reveal some clues. Even if something does go wrong, I'll be able to react promptly.

He paused, then looked at Li Pochen: "You've been traveling with the Chamber of Commerce all year round, living on the edge, and it's not convenient for you to have a child with you."

If I were to encounter a situation like that again, I might not be so lucky.

Li Pochen finally realized what was happening and was overjoyed.

He immediately stood up and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Master!"

The master and disciple had not seen each other for a long time, so they stayed overnight in Red Maple Valley.

However, Foundation Establishment cultivators don't need much sleep. This night was simply Li Pochen accompanying Lin Zhiyuan to help him familiarize himself with life in the valley.

Lin Zhiyuan, being a childlike person, felt a deep sense of reluctance when he learned that he had to leave Uncle Li.

However, attracted by the many spiritual plants in the valley, he was quickly distracted and played until very late before resting.

That night, Xu Zhou and Li Pochen returned to the front of the wooden house and chatted quietly.

Li Pochen had heard those rumors from the outside world, and Xu Zhou had also recounted the wars of previous years. Although the local wars between the Mu and Yan states were not particularly large-scale for him, he listened with great interest.

Especially after hearing that two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Hu family had perished, the spoiled brats of the clan had lost their support, and the truly capable collateral branch had been taken over by Xu Zhou.

When he took them in, he even exclaimed "Good!"

"I've heard my father say before that the Hu family isn't good people. Now that the Hu family members who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage are dying a terrible death, it can be said that Heaven has eyes."

o

Xu Zhou smiled, but didn't say anything more at this moment.

Back when the Hu family was at its peak, Li Zelei would not have discussed the family feuds with his youngest son; only Li Pojing knew the details.

If Li Pochen knew the truth, he would probably return to kill him as soon as he reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

However, the Hu family of the past is gone. Let Li Pojing explain the details when there is an opportunity.

"How long do you plan to stay this time?" Xu Zhou asked immediately. "Your older brother asked me to ask you when you're going back to visit."

Li Pochen couldn't help but smile bitterly.

"This time, I should be able to go back for a few days."

His tone carried a hint of helplessness: "However, the Chamber of Commerce is quite busy. I'm afraid I won't be able to stay for more than a few days before I have to leave."

Xu Zhou's mind raced, and he asked, "What's wrong? I've noticed the Thousand Veins Chamber of Commerce has been acting strangely lately; even the auction has been postponed. Has something happened?"

Li Pochen sighed.

"This matter is actually not a secret."

He slowly said, "Recently in Zhu Kingdom, a new chamber of commerce has suddenly appeared and has begun to expand its influence in the surrounding area."

This chamber of commerce, named Tongbao Pavilion, came on strong and quickly absorbed many other chambers of commerce within just a few years. Its business expanded rapidly and no one could stop it.

I was previously a member of a chamber of commerce that specialized in overseas business, but it was acquired by them two years ago. I had no choice but to join the Qianmai Chamber of Commerce.

The auction was postponed because the Chamber of Commerce was preoccupied with this matter and couldn't focus on it.

Xu Zhou felt a sense of doubt: "What's the background of this chamber of commerce? Is the Thousand Pulse Chamber of Commerce already overwhelmed with work?"

As far as he knew, the Thousand Veins Chamber of Commerce was a large chamber of commerce that had been operating for nearly a thousand years, with businesses spanning several countries, from the Zhu Kingdom to the Mu Kingdom. It was astonishing that a newly emerging force could cause them so much trouble.

Li Pochen smiled wryly and said, "Tongbao Pavilion does indeed have quite a background."

It is said that the sect behind it is the Zhu Kingdom sect called "Changhe Sect".

However, judging from the recent rumors coming from Zhu Kingdom, the Changhe Sect should now be considered a celestial sect.

"Immortal Sect..."

Xu Zhou fell silent for a moment.

In the cultivation world, titles change with strength. A force that can call itself an Immortal Sect must have at least a Nascent Soul cultivator in charge.

That's still too far away for him now.

He immediately understood why the Thousand Veins Chamber of Commerce was having such a difficult time.

The next day, Li Pochen got up and took his leave.

He didn't have much time, so he had to return to his sect as soon as possible, stay at the Li family for a few days, and then set off again.

As a wandering cultivator, he had gained many opportunities, but to maintain this preferential treatment, he had to go through life and death and pay a heavy price.

As he left, he was still somewhat worried that Lin Zhiyuan might get upset.

When he turned around and scanned the area with his divine sense, he saw that the child had been brought by Xu Zhou to the valley garden. At that moment, the child was pointing at the various brightly colored spiritual flowers and asking for their names. His face was full of curiosity and joy, and he could not see much worry about parting.

Seeing this, Li Pochen didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Master is quite good at taking care of children."

He paused for a moment, then suddenly felt that the idea was a bit strange.

It seems that even he himself was raised by his master.

In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed.