Marrying Wives and Attaining Immortality in a Chaotic World

Chapter 343: Ten Strands of Origin Tracing Light

“I’ve really neglected your teaching in the past.”

Chi Sui couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. Over the past two thousand years, most of his attention and effort had been focused on Zhao Ming, leaving Ning Meixue and Qin Feng largely overlooked.

He turned to Qin Feng and said, “This is what we’ll do. Refine another Cloud Pattern Barrier Breaking Pill in front of me so that I can assess how far your alchemy skills have progressed. It will also help me guide you better in the future.”

Xu Lian was less than thrilled.

Refining a transcendent Cloud Pattern Barrier Breaking Pill could be explained as a qualitative leap in skill combined with extraordinary luck. But if he were to refine another such pill, showcasing alchemical prowess surpassing even Chi Sui’s… it would undoubtedly expose him.

With a bitter smile, Xu Lian clasped his hands and bowed his head. “Master, I’m afraid I can’t. When I refined the previous pill, a sudden flash of inspiration allowed me to achieve perfection. If I attempt it again, even if I manage to produce a pill, its quality will surely be inferior. I’d rather not embarrass myself any further.”

Chi Sui nodded in understanding. That made sense. If every refinement produced a pill surpassing all limits, he would have considered Qin Feng a divine prodigy. Even the legendary Medicine Sovereign wouldn’t be capable of such consistent perfection.

“Very well.”

Chi Sui didn’t push any further. Holding Qin Feng’s Ten Cloud Patterned Pill in his hand, he couldn’t help but admire it fondly. “Then allow me to keep this Cloud Pattern Barrier Breaking Pill.”

Xu Lian had no objections. “If Master likes it, please take it.”

The Fifth Prince made a graceful gesture. “Master Chi Sui, please sit down.”

The Chief Eunuch quickly added another seat next to the prince for Chi Sui.

Although Chi Sui wasn’t particularly interested in the banquet, having already arrived, it would be impolite to decline. He took his seat.

The Fifth Prince gave the Chief Eunuch a meaningful look. The eunuch then announced in a loud voice, “The winner of this alchemy contest is Qin Feng, Minister of Revenue! The Ten Strands of Origin Tracing Light belong to Qin Feng!”

Ten Strands of Origin Tracing Light? Chi Sui froze for a moment. Glancing at the box, he realized the significance of such a generous reward. After a brief moment of thought, he understood – this was clearly the Fifth Prince’s way of courting his favor through his disciple.

Internally, Chi Sui shook his head slightly. He had no interest in the power struggles of the imperial court. At his cultivation level in the Sage Realm, the only thing he cared about was the path of alchemy. His position as the overseer of the exclusive cultivation resource zone under the Fifth Prince’s jurisdiction was merely for the convenience of accessing more medicinal herbs to improve his craft. Nothing more.

When the Chief Eunuch handed the ten strands of Origin Tracing Light to Qin Feng, Zhao Ming’s face darkened to an extreme degree. Under normal circumstances, he would never lose his composure to this extent – at the very least, he could maintain a facade of calm. However, the value of the ten strands of Origin Tracing Light was immense. They had originally been promised to him by the Fifth Prince, only to be snatched away by Qin Feng. This had entirely shattered his composure.

On top of that, today’s public display of alchemy skills had resulted in a complete and utter defeat at the hands of Qin Feng. The humiliation was too great. No matter how strong his mental fortitude was, he couldn’t suppress his emotions any longer. Sitting back down, he glared coldly at Qin Feng, his expression stormy.

The nobles and ministers were also staring at Qin Feng – or rather, at Xu Lian. These were Origin Tracing Lights, cultivation resources for the Origin Tracing Realm, and there were ten of them! Despite decades of diligent service in the imperial court, many of them had never obtained such a bounty.

“Second Brother, come sit down!”

Qin Song couldn’t hide his delight as he waved Xu Lian over.

Xu Lian stored the ten strands of Origin Tracing Light in his storage pouch and returned to his seat. Qin Song personally poured a cup of wine for him. “Here, drink up!”

“…” Xu Lian had no choice but to clink glasses with him. Another cup followed, and since he wasn’t one to shy away from drinking, he obliged without complaint.

Marquis Qin was all smiles, obviously in a good mood.

On the other hand, Marquis Zhao couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward. However, being an old fox of the imperial court, he managed to maintain his composure, eating and drinking as if nothing was amiss.

The banquet went on late into the night before it finally ended.

It was worth noting that after the alchemy competition, the Fifth Prince’s attention had shifted more to Qin Feng. The nobles and ministers also began to offer more toasts to Marquis Qin’s side. It was clear to anyone with eyes that Qin Feng’s alchemical skills were no less than Zhao Ming’s, and in some aspects, even surpassed his. In the future, Qin Feng might be heavily relied upon by the Fifth Prince. When the Fifth Prince ascended the throne, Marquis Qin’s household would undoubtedly rise with him.

Just like the cultivation world, the imperial court was also pragmatic. Those who could bring benefits were naturally valued.

After the banquet ended, they left the Fifth Prince’s residence.

As Marquis Qin, Qin Song, and Xu Lian stepped out, the old steward of Marquis Qin’s estate hurriedly brought over a carriage drawn by exotic heavenly steeds.

Just as the three of them were about to board the carriage, Marquis Zhao and Zhao Ming appeared. Marquis Zhao remarked blandly, “Brother Qin’s household truly enjoys a flourishing fortune. Both of your sons are accomplished.”

Marquis Qin replied with a faint smile, “Brother Zhao’s household is equally blessed. Although you only have one son, he is highly favored by Master Chi Sui. His future accomplishments are immeasurable.”

Out of respect for Zhao Ming… Xu Lian clasped his hands and bowed slightly. “Senior Brother, take care.”

Zhao Ming could no longer contain himself. Unwilling to feign brotherly humility, he simply snorted coldly and muttered, “We’ll see,” before turning away and getting into Marquis Zhao’s carriage, leaving without another word.

The nobles and ministers who witnessed this scene silently dispersed, pretending not to notice. They had no intention of getting involved in the rivalry between the two noble households.

Marquis Qin, Qin Song, and Xu Lian boarded the carriage pulled by the exotic heavenly steeds. The old steward drove the carriage as it leisurely moved toward Marquis Qin’s estate.

Qin Song looked at Xu Lian with envy. “Second brother, your cultivation has reached the fifth stage of the Unity Realm. It will take hundreds, if not thousands of years before you can reach the Origin Tracing Realm. You won’t be able to use these ten strands of Origin Tracing Light any time soon. Why don’t you give them to Father to use first?”

Of course, Xu Lian had no intention of handing over the precious resources. He frowned and tactfully replied, “Father is already advanced in age, and his life span is limited. Even if he uses the Origin Tracing Light, it’s unlikely that he’ll be able to break through. It would be such a waste. I’d rather keep them for my own use in the future.”

“?” Marquis Qin was stunned by Xu Lian’s words.

Qin Song was also stunned. He looked at their father sitting in the middle of the carriage, who still seemed to have a lot of vitality left. Surely, he wasn’t on the verge of death just yet.

Coming to his senses, Qin Song grew indignant. “Second Brother, how can you say such a thing?”

Marquis Qin wearily waved his hand, his expression heavy. “A few years ago, His Majesty bestowed a strand of Origin Tracing Light upon me. I’ve yet to fully absorb it, so I’m not in dire need of more. Let Feng’er keep them for his own use in the future.”

Qin Song was far from satisfied. “Second Brother, how can you be so selfish? Our Marquis Qin household has never been stingy in providing you with cultivation materials. Now that you’ve obtained ten strands of Origin Tracing Light, it’s only right that you share some with the family!”

Xu Lian calmly replied, “I am actually thinking of the best interests of our Marquis Qin household. Instead of dividing the cultivation resources among several people, it’s better to concentrate them on one individual. Once I achieve greater success in the future, I’ll be able to bring even greater benefits to the Marquis Qin household.”

Seeing that Qin Song was about to retort, Marquis Qin sighed and raised his hand to stop the argument. He didn’t want to witness any further discord between his two sons.

“Feng’er’s argument makes sense. His alchemy skills have improved significantly, and he has earned the recognition of both Master Chi Sui and the Fifth Prince. In the near future, he will surely be entrusted with important responsibilities. Having sufficient cultivation resources at his disposal will allow him to rise more effectively,” 

Upon hearing this, Qin Song had no choice but to suppress his objections.