Chapter 34
Refusal
“That’s the way of the Talisman Dao. What about spiritual roots? Or is this the limit of my wife’s mortal body?” Shen Ping’s thoughts flew. The last time his wife’s favorability broke the limit, he realized that he still had to dig deeper into his cheat.
He did not expect such a huge change from the dual cultivation after breaking through to the second level. He took a slow breath. He suppressed this thought and continued to look at the virtual interface.
[You have dual cultivated with your Dao Companion once. You have obtained a metal-element spiritual root aptitude +2, wood-element spiritual root aptitude +2.]
[Current Dao Companion Favorability: 92]
[Duo Cultivation Bonus: 3]
[Metal Spiritual Root: High-grade (10,547/50,000)]
[Wood Spiritual Root: High-grade (10,439/50,000)]
The Dao Companion’s spiritual roots’ frame did not change at all. He came to a realization. The appearance of the silver frame should be due to his wife’s favorability reaching a certain level.
Shen Ping could not help but look at Wang Yun. Would he still treat his wife like usual after seeing his experience in the Dao of Talismans decrease greatly, if not for this silver bonus?
What was the answer?
He didn’t know.
There was a moment of silence. Shen Ping said gently, “Yun’er.”
Wang Yun, who was leaning in his arms, raised her delicate face, her watery eyes revealing endless affection. “Husband, what’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing. Don’t work too hard in the future. You’ve done enough for me.”
“That’s not true. Sister Ying’er does more than me.”
He laughed at that. He didn’t say anything else.
Soon, the brocade quilt was filled with spring again.
The next morning. His wife and concubine were going to invite Senior Yu for a walk. However, no matter how many times she knocked on the door, there was no response.
“Don’t tell me she left the market again?” When Shen Ping found out, he frowned. This trip was too frequent. Even those cultivators who were in a hurry to repay their debts would rest for more than a day or two before going to the Cloud Mountain Swamp again. “Maybe she’s just going to the market.”
He didn’t believe this though.
Indeed, in the afternoon and evening, Yu Yan did not return. He could not help but shake his head. Every cultivator had their own choices. He could not make decisions for others. He suppressed this matter.
Shen Ping entered a boring and fulfilling cultivation life again.
…
As winter descended, a vast expanse of white descended outside Cloud Mountain Parlour. After several days of snowstorms, the cold wave that covered the swamp slowly receded. Early in the morning, the ground of the small courtyard was covered in a layer of frost.
It was rare for Shen Ping to bring his wife and concubine out of the house to relax.
Alchemist Feng, who was in the room next door, opened the window on the second floor. When he saw Shen Ping and the other two, he chuckled and said, “Fellow Daoist Shen, you’re more open-minded than me. You have a perfect wife and concubine. You’re just short of having children and grandchildren.”
Shen Ping cupped his hands. “Senior Feng is a role model for us cultivators. I’ve wasted my time and have no other thoughts.”
Alchemist Feng shook his head repeatedly. “Not at all, not at all. There are many Foundation Establishment cultivators in their seventies. With Fellow Daoist Shen’s age, if you work hard, there might still be hope.”
“Hehehe…” At this moment, a charming laughter sounded. The window of Room 3 was suddenly pushed open.
Fellow Daoist Mu was only wearing a thin gauze shirt. Her pink and white shoulders were bare as she smiled and said, “Fellow Daoist Feng, you’re really ambitious. Reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm in your seventies? That means you have a deep family as a shield and precious resources to protect your foundation. Do you have these?
“Fellow Daoist Feng, you’re not a high-level alchemist yet. Even if you become a high-level alchemist, can you have those conditions?”
Fellow Daoist Mu’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Rather than building a foundation, why don’t you learn from Fellow Daoist Shen and marry a few wives and concubines to enjoy the latter half of your life?”
Alchemist Feng wanted to refute, but he realized that he could not find the confidence to do so. It was already difficult for a rogue cultivator to build a foundation. If one was over 60 years old, the chances were extremely slim.
Shen Ping was silent. He knew that what Fellow Daoist Mu said was the truth. Immortal cultivation was a path that competed with the heavens. If one fell behind on this path, they could only retreat sadly.
“The love between a man and a woman is the most important. Therefore, Fellow Daoist Shen, you must come to the Heavenly Sound Pavilion when you’re free. I’ll make sure you enjoy the happiness that your wife and concubine can’t provide. It’s not impossible if you want to come to my house.”
Just as Shen Ping was sighing, Fellow Daoist Mu, who had just ridiculed Alchemist Feng, suddenly changed her tone. Her voice was filled with a hint of charm. Shen Ping laughed dryly and hurriedly left the courtyard with his wife and concubine.
…
At the end of November, Shopkeeper Chen sent a message, inviting Shen Ping to come to the Spring Embroidery Pavilion. Moreover, he repeatedly promised that she would not miss the appointment this time.
The next day, Shen Ping tidied up a little and arrived at the market. He walked to the door of the shop. Shopkeeper Chen hurriedly came out to welcome him. “Fellow Daoist Shen, don’t worry. That fortune teller said that this time, it will definitely be a good thing. There’s no mistake.”
Shen Ping teased, “I hope everything goes smoothly.”
His thoughts were not as strong as last time. However, since he was here, it was a good thing if he could succeed. It didn’t matter if he couldn’t. This time, he didn’t have to wait long. A beautiful figure walked over from the entrance of the private room. “Senior Shen, sorry to keep you waiting.” There was a hint of apology in the trickling spring-like voice.
Shen Ping looked up at the girl. Her face was a little round, and her lips were slightly thin. Her ears were crystal clear, and her face under her beautiful hair had a gentle feeling. He smiled and said, “Have a seat.”
“Thank you, Senior.” The girl sat at the side and said gently, “My surname is Xiao and my name is Qi’er. I’m deeply sorry about what happened last time.” As she spoke, she stood up and bowed.
Shen Ping waved his hand and went straight to the point. “Fellow Daoist Xiao, I won’t say anything else. As for the situation, I believe Shopkeeper Chen has told you that I want to marry a concubine. What do you think, Fellow Daoist Xiao?”
A few months had passed since the last time. No matter how much she thought about it, she should have thought it through.
Xiao Qi’er smiled. “Senior Shen, I’m interested, but before I make a decision, I want to ask a few questions. Is that okay?”
“Sure.” Shen Ping nodded.
Xiao Qi’er continued, “If we get married, I might be able to help manage the Spring Embroidery Pavilion in the future. I wonder if you can be the in-house Talisman Master of the Spring Embroidery Pavilion? Don’t worry, all the treatment will be according to the market’s standards. Moreover, since I’m your Dao companion, we can take care of each other when the time comes.”
An in-house talisman master was indeed well-received. However, it was greatly restricted. Most importantly, his information would be easily exposed.
Shen Ping had a lot of secrets. Without thinking, he directly refused, “Fellow Daoist Xiao, I can deepen our cooperation with the Spring Embroidery Pavilion. The number of high-grade talismans sold every month will increase, but I’ve never considered being an in-house Talisman Master. Furthermore, if we become a couple, I hope that Fellow Daoist Xiao will listen to my arrangements.”
He needed to dual cultivate everyday with his concubine. If his dao companion was busy every day, what was the point?
Being obedient and sensible, Shen Ping placed that at the top.
Xiao Qi’er was stunned. She did not expect Talisman Master Shen to reject her so directly. At this moment, Shen Ping spoke again and looked at Xiao Qi’er meaningfully. “Fellow Daoist Xiao, what are your thoughts?”