“Fellow Daoist Zhou, are you serious about this?”

Zhou Kai gave a slight nod, offering no further words.

Wang Qiaoqiao hesitated no longer. With a flip of her jade-like hand, a pitch-black short arrow, roughly a foot long, appeared in her palm.

The arrow emitted no Spirit Qi fluctuations. Its shaft was covered in intricate, ancient patterns, and its arrowhead had a dull metallic sheen, faintly exuding a sharpness that made one’s heart palpitate.

“This item is called the ‘Spirit Breaker.’ It was left to me by my father and is a consumable ancient treasure. This arrow requires only a small amount of spiritual power to activate. Once triggered, it can unleash an attack equivalent to the full-force strike of a ninth-layer Qi Condensation cultivator. It can still be used three more times.”

Wang Qiaoqiao handed the black arrow to Zhou Kai, her gaze resolute. “Consider this the deposit. If Fellow Daoist Zhou can truly help me break free from the Wang Family and join one of those two sects… Qiaoqiao will surely offer substantial thanks!”

She was afraid—afraid Zhou Kai was merely acting on a whim, afraid he might go back on his word later. This “Spirit Breaker” was one of her trump cards and the most significant bargaining chip she could currently produce. She was staking her fate, along with this arrow, on Zhou Kai.

Zhou Kai’s eyes fell upon the black arrow. A full-force strike from a ninth-layer Qi Condensation cultivator? And three uses left? This was an excellent life-saving tool! He kept his expression neutral as he reached out and took the arrow. It felt slightly heavy in his hand, cool to the touch.

“Fellow Daoist Wang certainly has courage,” Zhou Kai praised casually as he smoothly stored the black arrow in his Storage Bag.

Internally, however, he was overjoyed. This deal had already yielded a huge profit before it even began.

Then, Zhou Kai shifted the topic, asking seemingly casually, “Fellow Daoist Wang, with Chen Xingze’s talent and resources, he should have attempted Foundation Establishment long ago. Why is he only at the eighth layer of Qi Condensation at twenty-five?”

“Fellow Daoist Zhou’s information is a bit outdated.”

“Chen Xingze broke through to the ninth layer of Qi Condensation some days ago.”

“Oh?” Zhou Kai raised an eyebrow slightly; this was within expectations.

“Not only that,” Wang Qiaoqiao paused, her tone grave. “He isn’t following the conventional path; he’s practicing both body and magic cultivation! His body refinement cultivation has also reached the ninth layer of Meridian Opening!”

“So, his previous slow progress was actually him solidifying his foundation, advancing both paths simultaneously.”

“Body and magic cultivation?!” A chill ran through Zhou Kai’s heart.

For ordinary cultivators, mastering one path was already difficult. Cultivating both body and magic was exponentially more challenging, requiring not only vast resources but also astonishing perseverance and talent. Could Chen Xingze really have cultivated both his Mana and physical body to the peak of the Qi Condensation and Meridian Opening stages?

This was troublesome.

Ninth-layer Qi Condensation, ninth-layer Meridian Opening, dual cultivation of body and magic…

This Chen Xingze was far more dangerous than he had anticipated.

It seemed snatching something from his grasp would be exceptionally difficult.

“Thank you for clarifying, Fellow Daoist.” Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Zhou Kai stood up. “Regarding today’s matter, I hope you will keep it confidential. When the time is right, I will contact you.”

Wang Qiaoqiao quickly rose as well. “Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. This matter concerns my future path; I wouldn’t dare leak a single word.”

Leaving the Baolu Pavilion in high spirits, Zhou Kai pondered for a moment before deciding to seek out Chen Muhui for more information.

Having made up his mind, Zhou Kai headed toward the small tavern within the Crouching Tiger Mountain market district that Chen Muhui frequented.

Sure enough, even before entering, he saw Chen Muhui boasting about something with several other members of the Chen Family.

“Zhou Kai? What a coincidence! Come on over, have a few drinks with us!” Seeing Zhou Kai, Chen Muhui immediately greeted him warmly. He seemed to be in excellent spirits, radiating an air of confidence rarely seen before.

“Brother Muhui, it’s been a while.” Zhou Kai walked over with a smile. “You look radiant; has something wonderful happened?”

After a few cups of wine, Chen Muhui opened up enthusiastically, boasting with pride, “Heh, to be honest with you, that trip to the Desolate Herb Garden last time was extremely dangerous; many people died. But I managed to turn misfortune into fortune.”

“The family lost quite a few capable hands and is in need of people now. Someone like me who has experienced life and death has actually seen my status rise somewhat. The monthly resources allocated to me have also increased.”

He patted his chest, clearly quite satisfied with his current situation.

“That’s truly worth congratulating you on, Brother Muhui.” Zhou Kai raised his cup. “Speaking of which, that trip to the Desolate Herb Garden yielded enormous gains, especially those main ingredients for Foundation Establishment Pills—truly enviable! I wonder how the family plans to handle these treasures? As you know, I’m an alchemist myself. I’m just curious which master will be entrusted with such rare materials.”

Chen Muhui had little guile to begin with. After drinking several cups and considering Zhou Kai “one of his own” upon hearing the question, he found an excuse to show off further and lowered his voice.

“Hey, this matter has already been decided by the clan. We obtained four sets of main ingredients—treasures related to the family’s future!”

“One set has already been designated to be sent to that second-grade alchemist from the Wang Family for refinement. After all, our two families are about to form an alliance through marriage; it’s considered an advance gesture of goodwill and also puts our minds at ease.”

“Another set will be used to post a high-reward mission here in the Crouching Tiger Mountain market district. We hope some skilled Loose Cultivator alchemist will take it on—more paths mean more hope.”

“As for the remaining two sets,” Chen Muhui leaned closer and said mysteriously, “Those are absolutely crucial! They are under the personal guard of our future Young Clan Leader—Brother Xingze!”

“Once all auxiliary materials are gathered… they will be escorted personally by the Sixth Elder… all the way to the Heavenly Spring Sect… so that an alchemy master within their sect can handle them! To ensure absolute success!”

One set for the Wang Family alchemist… one set for a market district bounty… two sets personally guarded by Chen Xingze… ultimately sent to the Heavenly Spring Sect…

Zhou Kai’s eyes flickered slightly as he firmly committed these key pieces of information to memory.

Especially the set offered as a bounty in the market district… now that he himself was also a second-grade alchemist… perhaps… there might be room to maneuver? This was like receiving a pillow just as you were feeling sleepy!

Next, Zhou Kai subtly probed further regarding details about the bounty mission specifics, the progress of collecting auxiliary materials, and other related matters. Chen Muhui, thoroughly enjoying himself and the wine, answered almost every question readily, spilling everything he knew.

Leaving the tavern and returning home late in the evening…

Zhou Kai headed directly toward the side room.

Pushing the door open, a faint, delicate fragrance wafted over him.

Under the flickering candlelight, Chen Ziqing sat by the bedside wearing a pale cyan, gauzy nightgown. Her jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, accentuating her skin until it looked even more snow-white.

Seeing Zhou Kai enter, she lifted her head, revealing a delicate, gentle face. Her timid gaze shimmered, yet hinted at anticipation.

“Big Brother Zhou…” Her voice was soft, like a feather brushing against his heartstrings.

The corners of Zhou Kai’s mouth turned up slightly. He mentally praised Chen Ziqing’s acting skills. If calling him “Brother-in-law” felt a bit taboo… well, this was even more exciting!

He had to admit, Chen Ziqing’s appearance was indeed extremely lethal, greatly stimulating a man’s protective instincts.

Unfortunately, Zhou Kai had long since seen through her true nature from that initial phrase, “Sister will get angry…”

But then again, the best green tea is the one you drink. It provided points, showcased good acting, and was pleasing to the eye—why not enjoy it?

“Been waiting impatiently?” Zhou Kai’s tone was flat as he reached out a hand, gently lifting a strand of her hair.

Chen Ziqing slightly lowered her head, her cheeks blushing, her voice even softer. “No… Ziqing knows Big Brother Zhou is busy with important matters…”

She paused, then lifted her eyes, gazing at Zhou Kai waterily. “Just… I missed Big Brother somewhat. Without seeing you, I feel empty inside…”

Zhou Kai inwardly chuckled. Such profound tea art technique. I love it!

An enchanting atmosphere permeated the room.

After a bout of passion, a system prompt sounded within Zhou Kai’s mind.

[System Reminder: Due to host conducting Deep Interaction with a second beauty, the Novice Gift Pack effect has been forcibly terminated.]

[Subsequent interaction point acquisition will follow standard rules.]

[Hint: Beauty Chen Ziyi has not yet formally embarked on the immortal path and cannot provide host with interaction points.]

[Deep Interaction with Beauty Chen Ziqing obtained. Alchemy interaction points +5.]

[Beauty: Chen Ziqing] [Cultivation: Qi Condensation Layer 1 (96/100)] [Spirit Root: Water (Low Grade 21/100)] [Affection: 50 (Devoted)] [Point Type: Alchemy] [Points Provided: 5]

Novice Gift Pack ended? Zhou Kai curled his lip. This system really leaves no loopholes to exploit…

He had thought to delay giving Chen Ziyi Spirit Root enlightenment a bit longer. Fortunately, he had kept 50 interaction points in reserve; otherwise, a breakthrough now would be troublesome.

Regarding Chen Ziyi’s side, he needed to quickly give her Spirit Root enlightenment and let her embark on the immortal path as soon as possible.

Once she started cultivating, not only could she provide interaction points, but her Affection would surely increase significantly further.

Also, why does Chen Ziqing provide Alchemy points? Could the system have judged that Chen Ziqing possesses alchemy talent, hence granting these specific interaction points?

It was somewhat intriguing that her Affection had actually reached 50 points, labeled “Devoted.”

This was interesting. Logically speaking, given her personality, her Affection should be difficult to raise. Could the past few days of interaction, plus the value I displayed, have made her genuinely develop some feelings?

While he pondered, Chen Ziqing lay beside him, breathing lightly. Seeing him motionless while his eyes grew hazy with thought…

She extended a slender arm, hooking it around Zhou Kai’s neck, her red lips approaching his ear as she exhaled fragrant breath.

“What’s wrong? Could it be… once wasn’t enough?”