You're not my type

Zhao Ling lifted her eyelids slightly. "The Zhao Family's Seven Star-Chasing Forms have never been taught to outsiders. Teaching you two forms is already the limit."

Then she added, "If you want to learn all Seven Star-Chasing Forms, there is one way."

Chen Shi'an's face lit up. "What way?"

Zhao Ling answered promptly, "Become a son-in-law of the Zhao Family."

Chen Shi'an froze, then quickly looked Zhao Ling up and down. He smiled. "I think that proposal has a great deal of potential."

The corners of Zhao Ling's mouth rose high. "Unfortunately, you're not my type."

With that, she strode away.

"..."

Clearly unwilling to give up, Chen Shi'an asked, "The Seven Star-Chasing Forms must have a companion technique for cultivating Origin Force, right?"

"Of course."

Without looking back, Zhao Ling said, "Don't be too greedy. Our Zhao Family's Seven Star-Chasing Forms may not be a top-tier technique, but they're certainly no ordinary art.

"Learning two saber forms has already brought you an enormous benefit."

Chen Shi'an sighed softly, unable to hide the disappointment in his eyes.

He relied entirely on Sword-Draw to cultivate his Origin Force, and his progress was slow.

He wanted to obtain a technique for cultivating Origin Force to speed things up.

But even counting every last one, Windrise Stronghold had no more than ten Ranked Martial Artists.

Those Ranked Martial Artists kept their Cultivation Techniques under lock and key. He had no way of obtaining one.

He had finally met Zhao Ling, but unfortunately, becoming a son-in-law of the Zhao Family was out of the question. The complete Seven Star-Chasing Forms remained beyond his reach.

"Zhao Ling, wait!"

Refusing to give up until he reached the Yellow River, Chen Shi'an took out the porcelain bottle he had just obtained from Lu Chenyang. "I'll give you three Marrow-Washing Pills if you teach me the Zhao Family's method for cultivating Origin Force. How about it?"

"Marrow-Washing Pills?"

Zhao Ling looked distinctly surprised. "Those are good things, but they're of no use to me."

"Why?" Chen Shi'an looked puzzled.

Zhao Ling lowered her voice. "A person can take no more than thirty Marrow-Washing Pills. Beyond thirty, they lose their effect.

"I already took more than thirty in my younger years."

Thirty!

Chen Shi'an was secretly astonished. That Zhao Ling had been able to take so many Marrow-Washing Pills could only mean one thing: the Zhao Family was damned rich!

The Zhao Family was so powerful, yet Zhao Ling was very likely Qin E'na's maidservant.

Qin E'na's background had to be extraordinary.

At the same time, he could not help sighing inwardly.

Fate was fickle. Qin E'na and Zhao Ling might once have been heaven's favored daughters, noble beyond measure, yet now they had become slaves in the Desolate Ruins, bought and sold at others' whim.

"You're already a Ranked Martial Artist, so Marrow-Washing Pills are no use to you either."

Zhao Ling continued, "I've observed Tiantian. She seems to have considerable talent for the Martial Dao. Give her those three Marrow-Washing Pills, and you might well raise a martial expert.

"If Tiantian truly has an affinity for the Martial Dao, three Marrow-Washing Pills might be enough to help her undergo Marrow-Washing once."

Chen Shi'an asked in confusion, "Doesn't it take thirty Marrow-Washing Pills? I only have three."

Zhao Ling shook her head. "I said a person can take thirty at most.

"Some people take thirty Marrow-Washing Pills and still can't complete a single Marrow-Washing, while others might succeed with just one.

"It depends on each person's cultivation talent, with a measure of luck thrown in."

After thinking briefly, Chen Shi'an asked quietly, "How many times can someone undergo Marrow-Washing in their lifetime?"

"There's no fixed number."

Zhao Ling shook her head. "As far as I know, most people can only undergo it once.

"Take me, for example. I only barely succeeded after taking my thirtieth Marrow-Washing Pill.

"But some heaven-sent geniuses can undergo Marrow-Washing multiple times, even four or five.

"The more times they undergo it, the closer their bodies become to the Heavenly Dao.

"As long as they don't perish along the way, those who undergo Marrow-Washing multiple times are certain to become Martial Dao Titans one day, perhaps even mighty beings of the upper three realms."

Chen Shi'an blinked. "Have you ever heard of someone undergoing Marrow-Washing seven times?"

He himself had undergone it seven times, which was why he asked.

Zhao Ling chuckled. "You really dare to dream. Even five times would be unprecedented and unsurpassed."

Then she asked, "Since you've become a Ranked Martial Artist, you must have undergone Marrow-Washing too. How many times did you undergo it?"

Chen Shi'an answered hastily, "My aptitude is average. I've only undergone it once."

"Since you've already undergone it once, why do you seem to know nothing about Marrow-Washing Pills?" Zhao Ling asked, puzzled.

Chen Shi'an smiled faintly. "I didn't use a Marrow-Washing Pill.

"In Windrise Stronghold, Marrow-Washing Pills are treasures money can scarcely buy. A single pill costs over five thousand taels of silver. How could I afford one?

"I only managed to undergo Marrow-Washing because I was lucky enough to obtain an herb among the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures."

"No wonder."

Zhao Ling considered briefly. "If you're willing to give the Marrow-Washing Pills to Tiantian, I have a supporting formula for refining them. I could teach it to her."

Chen Shi'an quickly weighed his options.

If he sold the three Marrow-Washing Pills, he could probably get nearly twenty thousand taels of silver.

The Chen Family would become one of Windrise Stronghold's wealthy households in a single stroke. At their current level of spending, they would scarcely need to worry about money again.

If he gave the pills to Chen Tiantian, she might fail to undergo Marrow-Washing, wasting them for nothing.

But if she succeeded, it could be a chance for Chen Tiantian to change her destiny.

It was a difficult choice.

After considering for roughly ten breaths, Chen Shi'an made his decision. "Zhao Ling, if Tiantian succeeds in undergoing Marrow-Washing with three pills, that would mean her talent for the Martial Dao is extraordinary.

"Could you consider teaching her the Zhao Family's Seven Star-Chasing Forms?"

At his words, Zhao Ling's gaze flickered. She was clearly hesitating.

"I can promise you that I absolutely won't let Tiantian teach me the Seven Star-Chasing Forms," Chen Shi'an added.

Zhao Ling frowned. "I just told you that our Zhao Family has rules. The Seven Star-Chasing Forms cannot be taught to outsiders."

Chen Shi'an smiled. "If you take Tiantian as your goddaughter, would she still be an outsider?"

Zhao Ling rolled her eyes. "I'm still an unmarried maiden!"

Chen Shi'an scratched his head awkwardly. "If a goddaughter won't work, then a sworn younger sister."

"Trying to get an advantage over me? Dream on!"

Zhao Ling thought for a moment. "Fine. The Chen Family saved E'na's life and mine.

"You treasure your niece so much that you're willing to give up three Marrow-Washing Pills. I can't be stingy either.

"If Tiantian truly succeeds in undergoing Marrow-Washing with those three pills, I'll teach her the complete Seven Star-Chasing Forms."

Chen Shi'an's face brightened. "Thank you."

Zhao Ling added, "You must guarantee that once Tiantian learns the Seven Star-Chasing Forms, she won't teach them to anyone, including you."

Chen Shi'an thumped his chest loudly. "Don't worry. Without your permission, I wouldn't learn them even with a blade against my throat.

"Zhao Ling, you should congratulate yourself. You've made a decision that will fill you with pride in the future."

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Zhao Ling's lips curved slightly. "Don't make such grand claims just yet. Whether Tiantian can learn the Seven Star-Chasing Forms still depends on her fortune."

Chen Shi'an returned to his room.

He took a small cloth bundle from inside his robe. It contained the square Jade Pendant, an inch long and an inch wide, that Fu Nantian had pulled from his belly.

He washed away the blood on the Jade Pendant and wiped it dry.

The Jade Pendant was emerald green throughout, with a small Pixiu carved on each side.

The brutal method Fu Nantian had used to conceal it showed just how important it was.

Chen Shi'an examined the Jade Pendant carefully. Aside from the excellent quality of the jade, he found nothing unusual.

He put it away safely, then made the most of the time before dinner to draw his saber a few more times.

Night had just fallen.

The family sat around a table laden with sumptuous dishes.

There was chicken, duck, and fish, along with three jars of fine wine.

The Chen Family now had some savings, and their living conditions had clearly improved.

Su Qingrou raised her wine cup. "Shi'an is leaving for the Demon Hunting Team tomorrow. Let's first congratulate him on becoming a Squad Leader, then wish him safety and smooth sailing."

Everyone promptly raised their cups. Chen Tiantian also lifted her cup, which was filled with orange juice.

They clinked cups, drank wine, and drank orange juice.

After the well-wishes, Su Qingrou changed the subject. "Shi'an, you won't be home much from now on.

"There's something I'd like to discuss with you first and hear your opinion.

"E'na told me that if we want to expand our chili sauce business, we should open our own shop on the street.

"That way, we can quickly build our reputation and make it easier for customers to buy from us."

In a rare show of praise, Chen Shi'an said, "Qin E'na's idea is very good. I agree.

"But we must be careful to keep our recipe tightly under wraps. We can't let anyone else learn it."

Qin E'na, in an equally rare moment, did not argue with Chen Shi'an. "I've already considered that. The shop we open on the street will only handle sales. We'll still make the chili sauce here."

Chen Shi'an smiled faintly. "Who would have thought you had some business sense?"

Qin E'na curled her lip. "What's so special about that? My family..."

She suddenly stopped there, her eyes visibly dimming.

The smile also vanished from Zhao Ling's face, and she slowly lowered her head.

Su Qingrou hurriedly said, "Let the past go. Now that you've come to Windrise Stronghold, we're family. We'll support one another and live well together."

Although she did not know their identities, she was certain that Qin E'na and Zhao Ling had recently endured something painful.

Chen Shi'an raised his wine cup. "Come on, let's keep drinking. Here's to our Chen Su Ji chili sauce selling like wildfire throughout the Desolate Ruins!"

Everyone raised their cups again, and the atmosphere grew lively once more.

Qin E'na clearly could not hold her liquor. Before she had finished two cups, her cheeks were flushed and her head was spinning, so she went back to her room to sleep.

Zhao Ling had an impressive capacity for wine. Of the three jars, she drank nearly two by herself and still clearly wanted more.

Dinner ended.

After helping Su Qingrou clean up the kitchen, Zhao Ling quietly took Chen Tiantian to Chen Shi'an's room.

"Uncle, what are you doing, being so secretive?" Chen Tiantian asked as she entered, her face full of confusion.

Chen Shi'an took a porcelain bottle from inside his robe and shook it. "I've got something good for you."

"What is it?" Chen Tiantian's round, dark eyes shone.

Chen Shi'an chuckled. "Don't ask so many questions yet. In a moment, Auntie Zhao will teach you a formula for circulating your energy.

"After you take the pill, sit in meditation and circulate your energy according to that formula."

"A pill?"

Though Chen Tiantian had many questions, she immediately sat obediently on the bed. "Auntie Zhao, hurry and teach me the formula."

Zhao Ling nodded, quickly reciting the formula and explaining the key points of its execution.

Despite her young age, Chen Tiantian had remarkable comprehension. She mastered the formula after hearing it just twice.

Zhao Ling was quite surprised, but Chen Shi'an was used to it. He tipped a round, glossy black Marrow-Washing Pill out of the porcelain bottle and placed it in Chen Tiantian's mouth. "Little girl, don't think about anything else. Start using the formula right away."

Chen Tiantian nodded, immediately closed her eyes, and sat upright with her legs crossed.

Chen Shi'an stepped aside, looking a little tense.

Five or six thousand taels of silver had vanished in a single gulp.

After about an incense stick's worth of time, a rosy flush rose on Chen Tiantian's little face, and fine beads of sweat gradually seeped from her forehead.

Zhao Ling's eyes widened, her face full of shock.

Chen Shi'an was about to ask a question when she hastily waved a hand, signaling him to remain silent.

Soon, a strong stench emanated from Chen Tiantian's body.

Then a layer of black grime gradually appeared on her face and body.

Chen Shi'an finally understood why Zhao Ling was shocked.

Chen Tiantian had successfully undergone Marrow-Washing after taking just one pill!

About a quarter of an hour later.

The Marrow-Washing Pill's medicinal power was exhausted, and Chen Tiantian emerged from her meditation.

Smelling the stench and seeing the grime on her body, she turned deathly pale and nearly leaped up in fright. "Uncle, Auntie Zhao, what exactly is all this stuff on me?"

"Tiantian, don't panic. Don't be afraid. This is a good thing," Zhao Ling answered quickly.

"I need to take a bath right away!" Chen Tiantian stood up.

Chen Shi'an suddenly said, "Little girl, don't move yet. Sit down."

Chen Tiantian blinked. Though plainly reluctant, she sat back down. "Uncle, I'm really filthy and smelly."

"No matter how filthy or smelly you are, I won't mind."

Chen Shi'an tipped a second Marrow-Washing Pill out of the porcelain bottle.

Zhao Ling spoke. "You think Tiantian has a chance of undergoing Marrow-Washing a second time?

"Not one person in ten thousand can undergo it multiple times."

Chen Shi'an answered solemnly, "We'll know once we try.

"Successfully undergoing Marrow-Washing with just one pill already proves how extraordinary Tiantian is.

"Even if we waste one or two Marrow-Washing Pills, it'll be worth it."

With that, he placed the second Marrow-Washing Pill in Chen Tiantian's mouth. "Keep using the formula, just as before."

Chen Tiantian now trusted Chen Shi'an completely. She immediately sat up straight and closed her eyes.

To Chen Shi'an and Zhao Ling's surprise, after roughly another half an incense stick's worth of time, Chen Tiantian's little face began to redden again, and beads of sweat once more seeped from her forehead.

The second Marrow-Washing Pill had successfully cleansed her marrow once again.

Zhao Ling was dumbstruck, looking at Chen Tiantian as though she were a monster.

Soon, the medicinal potency of the second Marrow-Washing Pill was exhausted.

The stench emanating from Chen Tiantian grew even stronger, and the black grime on her body had visibly thickened.

Without the slightest hesitation, Chen Shi'an immediately had Chen Tiantian take a third Marrow-Washing Pill.

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