Cultivation: Immunity to Negative Effects

After some thought, Zhang Chi decided he would only make his relationship with Qin Susu public after he reached Core Formation.

The reason for this was his formidable enemy, the Song Family.

Qin Susu and the others were Zhang Chi’s subordinates. While this would still earn them the Song Family’s hostility, Zhang Chi’s connections in the Sect and the deterrence provided by Master Jian would surely make the Song Family hesitant to act rashly.

But if they knew that Qin Susu was Zhang Chi’s woman, things would be different.

They would very likely retaliate.

That would be the same as putting Qin Susu in harm’s way.

Qin Susu understood this, so she had no objections.

Fortunately, she would be coming to the Demon Abyss soon after reporting to the Sect, and she would bring the He Family Siblings with her. That way, even if the Song Family had malicious intentions, they wouldn’t have the opportunity to act on them.

And now that all three of them were at Foundation Establishment, their business could be expanded and relocated to the Demon Abyss.

As for their operations back in the Sect, they only needed to leave a portion of the business for Zhao Yi, Zhao Zijian, the Sect Steward, and others to look after.

Zhao Zijian hadn’t originally been one of Zhang Chi’s subordinates, but he had chosen to pledge his loyalty a few years ago. Although Zhang Chi hadn’t formally accepted him, he was considered one of the helpers Zhao Yi and the others had recruited in the Sect.

Not long after, Qin Susu and the other two did indeed arrive at the Demon Abyss and were all assigned to Lin Yuan Peak.

In truth, with Zhang Chi’s current influence in Azure Dragon Ridge, he could have easily arranged for them to guard a place like Divine Needle Peak or the Medicinal Garden.

But Zhang Chi didn’t.

For one, having them on Divine Needle Peak would interfere with his own Cultivation.

Secondly, it was also what Qin Susu and the others wanted. They all wished to improve their Combat Power to deal with any potential changes that might come.

And this didn’t interfere with their Talisman Making, business dealings, or other activities.

After arriving here, most of these tasks could be delegated to Qi Cultivation Disciples. Apart from Talisman Making, they didn’t need to handle anything personally.

It was also easy to see Zhang Chi on Lin Yuan Peak. Qin Susu, for example, often went to find him, helping him improve his aptitude while also receiving his guidance.

They were both Foundation Establishment Cultivators, but Zhang Chi’s Cultivation and Combat Power were far superior to hers. He had also been taught by a Golden Core Peak expert, so guiding her was more than easy for him.

In return, she was especially enthusiastic when she served him.

「In the blink of an eye, nearly ten years had passed, bringing Zhang Chi to his forty-fifth year in the Sect.」

This year, Zhang Chi was sixty-one years old. His Cultivation had clearly advanced, and thanks to the Charm Demon Jade Liquid, his Spirit Root aptitude had successfully crossed the threshold into the Upper Grade. Even his Cultivation speed had quickened significantly as a result.

According to Zhang Chi’s calculations, he would be able to reach true Foundation Establishment Perfection and then form his Golden Core in two or three more years at most.

At the same time, Zhang Chi had finally cultivated the Star Sword Control Technique to the Minor Success Realm, greatly increasing its Mighty Power once again.

However, this Sword Control Technique was extremely difficult. Zhang Chi had spent a total of twenty years cultivating it just to reach this Realm.

And that was only because of his powerful Divine Soul, his existing foundation in Swordsmanship, and the Spirit Sword Memory Fragments.

Had it been any other Cultivator, they wouldn’t have even been able to reach the Entry Level in a mere twenty years.

Furthermore, throughout these years of Cultivation, Zhang Chi had never stopped his Artifact Refining, Talisman Making, and Alchemy. Even so, his Spirit Stones were barely enough to get by.

This was despite having earned a significant amount from selling Core Formation Spiritual Objects previously, his Corpse Puppet and Spirit Snake constantly hunting, and even Qin Susu’s group bringing in substantial income for him through their business.

It was worth mentioning that after these ten years of Cultivation, Qin Susu’s Charm Demon Bloodline had finally begun to take effect, drastically increasing her Cultivation speed. She was now already at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

This speed might not seem fast among Zhang Chi’s group, but she had long since left ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivators like Hong Hu and Hong Jin’Er in the dust by at least a decade.

Even He Shi and He Yan were no match for her.

Of course, Zhang Chi’s guidance had also played a huge part.

However, Zhang Chi’s own Cultivation barely left him with enough Spirit Stones, so he hadn’t specifically subsidized Qin Susu.

And from what Zhang Chi understood, the Upper Grade Cultivation Method she had chosen on her last trip back to the Sect, the Celestial Maiden’s Pure Heart Technique, had also contributed significantly.

This Cultivation Technique was suitable for her Innate Charming Body and could also be practiced with her Charm Demon Bloodline. Moreover, it had a certain dual cultivation effect. Therefore, strictly speaking, Zhang Chi’s contribution was far more than simple guidance.

’My Celestial Net Evil Body is about to break through to Tier Three, and the Spirit Snake has accumulated enough power to prepare for congealing its Demon Pill. Also, my Cultivation Materials are almost depleted.’

’So, it’s time for a trip to Shifang Immortal City. After I sell off the goods I’ve accumulated during this time, and also sell that Inferior Dust Condensing Pill, it should be enough to break through in my Body Cultivation and support me until I form my Golden Core!’

On this day, after finishing his sword practice, Zhang Chi stood on a cliff edge behind Divine Needle Peak, gazing into the distance as he pondered.

"Senior Brother, Senior Sister Shangguan and the others are here to see you."

Just then, Qin Susu’s voice drifted over, and Zhang Chi saw her flying toward him, all alone.

Compared to ten years ago, she actually looked even younger and more beautiful. Her aura was stronger, and she had gained a certain womanly charm.

"Second Senior Sister? Why are they here? Are they heading back to the Sect?" Zhang Chi asked, puzzled.

"Maybe. They didn’t say, only that they wanted to see you," Qin Susu replied cheerfully.

Looking at Zhang Chi, her eyes were filled with deep admiration and worship.

Even though her Cultivation was higher now, and her Combat Power was a world of difference from before due to her frequent slaying of Demon Beasts and Demons, she was still very well-behaved and sensible in front of Zhang Chi.

Because outsiders had almost never seen Zhang Chi make a move. She, however, knew that his physical body was extremely powerful.

Furthermore, his Swordsmanship, Magic, and combat experience were likely not weak either.

After all, Zhang Chi often guided her, and she benefited immensely each time.

Back then, she had once thought Chen Bufan’s Swordsmanship was impressive, but now her heart was completely filled with Zhang Chi.

"Mm, let’s go have a look."

Zhang Chi nodded slightly and immediately flew with Qin Susu to the cave residence at the peak, where he indeed saw Shangguan Hui.

Zhong Yu and the others were also there.

"Junior Brother, we’re heading back. We came to say goodbye. Do you want to come with us?"

Just as Zhang Chi had expected, Shangguan Hui stated her purpose as soon as she saw him.

"Yes, we’ve been here long enough!" Zhong Yu added.

"That’s right. Our mission deadline passed a long time ago. It’s been tiring after all these years, so it’s time to go back and rest," Chen Ling’Er nodded in agreement.

As Zhong Yu and Chen Ling’Er spoke, they both glanced inadvertently at Qin Susu, their hearts filled with complicated feelings.

In the past, they hadn’t given Zhang Chi much thought. But over the years, as his Cultivation grew higher and his Alchemy skills became more and more formidable, he had inevitably become a potential candidate for their future cultivation partners.

But in the end, Qin Susu had beaten them to it.

Although Qin Susu and Zhang Chi’s relationship wasn’t public, everyone had known for years that they were together.

Normally, this unexpected development should have made them stop considering Zhang Chi. Yet, for some reason, they found themselves thinking he was quite a catch, and sometimes even felt a hint of regret.

Qin Susu’s choice, and her usual admiration and reliance on Zhang Chi, also made them curious. They wanted to know what was so great about him.

"I said back then that I would wait until you left. So, although I’m heading back early this time, I’m leaving a trump card for you."

"Take it, and remember to use it if you encounter danger. Aside from its heavy consumption of Spiritual Power and Power of the Divine Soul, its Combat Power isn’t much lower than my own!" Shangguan Hui continued.