No Way Home

Upon hearing this, both Elder Li and Elder Wang were taken aback, then quickly realized what was happening and both became worried. Indeed, if someone suddenly looked decades younger, wouldn't they scare their family if they walked in like that?

Of the three old men, only Elder Yang was not in a hurry. His wife had passed away early, and now he was all alone, so no one was surprised.

But since both Elder Li and Elder Wang's spouses are still alive, their sudden youthful appearance is hard to explain.

Despite their inner struggle, neither of them dared to voice the request that was on the tip of their tongue—"Could we ask for another one, one for my wife at home too?"

The gift Shen Jingchuan has given us today is already an immense blessing. To ask for more would be truly pushing our luck and showing a lack of restraint.

The words lingered in their throats, but they each swallowed them back.

Elder Yang saw all of this, laughed heartily, and waved his hand.

"I'm all alone, what do I have to fear?"

He winked at Elder Li and Elder Wang with a cheerful smile:

"As for you two old hags, I wonder how you're going to get home later. Why don't you both just stay here and not go back?"

Shen Jingchuan didn't quite understand at first, but after hearing what Elder Yang said, he finally got it and couldn't help but laugh.

Elder Li glared at him, annoyed.

"You think you've made things easier for yourself? Let me ask you, how are you going to face your son and daughter? You still have grandchildren to take care of!"

Elder Li mimicked his tone, drawing out the sound:

"I'd like to see if you're treating your son like a brother, or what—"

Another burst of laughter erupted from inside the pavilion.

Amidst the laughter, Shen Jingchuan, holding his teacup, understood what was meant but didn't respond to the implication of "asking for more pills."

Can I have some more? There are plenty of these in the other world, and they're not expensive. Once you get them and upgrade your space, it'll be done in no time.

But he didn't want to do that; making them feel that it was too easy to obtain would be undesirable.

If we get along well in the future, I might as well give you a few more coins; let's take it slow.

At this moment, not only Shen Jingchuan, but also the four elderly people present suddenly realized that there was big trouble ahead, and this matter could not be contained at all.

Who are these four people? If they really shut themselves away and never see anyone again, it will only make things more obvious.

But as soon as he shows his face, it inevitably causes a huge uproar at home and in his social circle.

How many people in this world would be willing to risk their lives for something that could add fifty years to their life?

Shen Jingchuan wasn't afraid. He held his tea, remaining silent, and quietly watched the elderly people, waiting for them to figure out the implications for themselves.

The smile on Elder Yang's face gradually faded, his brows furrowed, and he turned to look at his two old friends.

"I suddenly realize that we need to really think this through; it's not something we can just brush off with a few jokes."

"Can we still avoid seeing people after this? If we do, how will we explain this phenomenon of rejuvenation? Countless people will risk everything for this. To be discouraging, even if the three of us were to shoulder this burden, we might not be able to handle it."

Shen Jingchuan shared this assessment; if word got out, it would inevitably cause trouble sooner or later.

If one day these three are driven to the brink of despair and lose their lives, then all the groundwork he laid today, including flying on a sword and giving away pills, will be for nothing.

Elder Li remained silent for a long time before suddenly speaking, his tone carrying a barely perceptible tension.

"If we were only a dozen or so years younger, that would be fine; given our status, it shouldn't be a problem," he said slowly. "What I fear most is the rumors circulating outside that we can live forever."

Upon hearing this, Elder Yang and Elder Wang were both taken aback, and even Elder Wen was dumbfounded.

Yes, being more than ten years younger is something others might envy, and now there are new technologies that can make you look several years younger.

But if the rumor of "immortality" were to spread, that would truly stir up a hornet's nest—at that point, not only domestic forces, but also foreign forces, both overt and covert, would be eager to pounce.

The older men felt a chill run down their spines as they thought about it, and their faces lost all trace of humor.

"This matter..." Elder Yang slowly exhaled, "... was something we didn't consider carefully."

Seeing their worried expressions, Shen Jingchuan had an idea.

Forget it, let him untangle this knot in their hearts. Otherwise, if anything were to happen to these three, everything he's done today would be for nothing.

"Well then," he said calmly, setting down his teacup, "I do have a solution."

The three elderly people all looked over at the same time.

"Tell me about it?"

"I will set aside five Life-Extending Pills each year and auction them off to the public."

"We have to leave outsiders with some hope. Only if they have no hope at all will they resort to desperate measures; but if it's clearly priced and can be bought with money, plus the presence of the three of you, I think no one will bother you anymore."

There was a moment of silence in the pavilion, and then the three elderly people breathed a sigh of relief in unison, as if a huge weight had been lifted from their hearts.

The brilliance of this method lies in turning a shady secret into a lucrative business that is out in the open, accessible to everyone yet difficult to profit from. Since the source is not with them, who would keep an eye on them?

"Young Friend Shen..." Elder Yang stood up, bowed solemnly to him, his voice trembling slightly, "You not only gave us a second life, allowing us to live another lifetime; you also turned a huge disaster into nothingness for us."

He paused, his face showing an unprecedented sincerity.

"I can't express my gratitude enough, and I really can't think of any way to repay you—you wouldn't even look at ordinary things. I can only say this: From now on, if you, Young Friend Shen, ever need anything, no matter what it is, as long as it doesn't affect the interests of the country, the three of us dare to say that we will do our utmost without hesitation!"

Elder Li and Elder Wang nodded emphatically in agreement.

"What Old Yang said is exactly what we both think," Elder Li said solemnly.

Professor Wen sat up straight, his face earnest.

"Yes, Mr. Shen, what Elder Yang said is exactly what I was thinking." He rubbed his hands together. "If you ever need anything in the future, you must ask. Otherwise, we would truly feel unworthy of such a great favor, and we wouldn't be able to live with ourselves."

Elder Yang, however, thought of something else, and his brows furrowed slightly.

"It's a good idea." He looked at Shen Jingchuan, his tone tinged with concern, "But making it public like this will cause quite a stir. Won't that bring you some trouble?"

Shen Jingchuan held his teacup, his expression calm, his tone revealing an undeniable certainty.

"Don't worry, Elder Yang, it's not a big problem. There aren't many people in this world who can truly threaten me."

These words sound arrogant, but the old men had just witnessed him flying through the air on his sword and taking things out of thin air, so none of them thought he was just bragging.

Shen Jingchuan paused for a moment, then continued.

"However, I still hope that you few will handle this matter."

He put down his teacup:

"I will provide the pills, five per year, delivered to you on time; as for how to auction them, to whom to sell them, and what procedures to follow, I'll leave those matters to you."

"I'll avoid showing my face if I can—not out of fear, but to avoid unnecessary trouble; it's always better to have some peace and quiet."