Though his foundation was damaged, instead of fighting outside, he works as a steward in the Law Enforcement Hall at Lisong Valley, leading a much more stable and respectable life than before.
The vigor he once had as a Loose Cultivator has been mostly washed away by this comfortable life, and at first glance, he appears benevolent and kind.
"You’ve practiced that ’White Clouds Emerging from the Valley’ move well, Shuyao is really impressive," Hee Qi praised with a smile.
Little Shuyao finished her pose and proudly tilted her chin up:
"Of course! Daddy, once I master the sword, I’m going to become a great Sword Immortal like Uncle Chen!"
"Hmph! It’s Uncle Chen again! Why don’t you grow up and marry Uncle Chen, Shuyao?"
Hee Qi felt a bit jealous.
Ever since he brought his daughter home, she kept calling out to Uncle Chen every day, making the old father feel quite envious.
"Daddy! Don’t talk nonsense..." Little Shuyao pouted, whispering, "If I do that, Sister Qing Jun will devour me..."
"Hmph!"
Hee Qi felt even more envious.
He privately pondered that combining the families might not be bad at all. After all, Brother Chen is a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, with a lifespan of several centuries, and he’s still young now.
In the future, if Shuyao’s cultivation doesn’t progress smoothly, Brother Chen might still look young while Shuyao approaches the end of her lifespan...
Moreover,
Brother Chen holds an exceptional status, with profound cultivation, and as an old friend, his character is trustworthy.
If Shuyao marries Brother Chen, it would be quite a climb for Hee Qi.
"Enough, enough. Shuyao is still so young. Her matters will be decided by herself."
Hee Qi thought to himself, chuckling bitterly and shaking his head.
"Ahem."
A gentle voice suddenly sounded at the courtyard gate:
"Brother Hee, if you teach your daughter like this, I won’t dare to visit in the future. She’s so young, and you’re already planning to marry her off?"
The father and daughter inside the courtyard were simultaneously startled. The tea cup in Hee Qi’s hand clattered onto the stone table, and though hot tea splashed over him, he couldn’t be bothered.
He widened his eyes, staring at the figure at the entrance: "Chen... Brother Chen?!"
Meanwhile, Little Shuyao reacted even quicker.
She blinked her bright eyes, and upon recognizing the familiar smiling face, she let out a cheer, dropped the peach wood sword in her hand, and rushed towards Chen Ye: "Uncle Chen!!"
Chen Ye laughed heartily, bending over to scoop up the little girl rushing at him, rubbing her white cheek: "Oh, you’ve gained some weight! Looks like the Law Enforcement Hall’s food is pretty good; Little Shuyao has grown into a big girl."
"Giggle... Uncle Chen’s beard is prickly!"
Little Shuyao squirmed in his arms, her laughter was crisp and delightful, clinging tightly to Chen Ye’s neck and wouldn’t let go,
"Shuyao hasn’t gained weight, she’s just grown taller! And Shuyao has already introduced Qi into her body!"
"Yes, yes, Shuyao is the best."
Chen Ye affectionately ruffled her hair,
this little girl used to be very shy, but now she’s already quite familiar with Chen Ye.
He casually took out a string of crystal-clear candied fruit from his Storage Bag.
This was something he specially saved from Yunji, made from Spirit Fruit, not only delicious but also beneficial for nourishing the meridians, perfect for children.
"Here, a gift from Uncle Chen."
"Wow! Thank you, Uncle Chen! Uncle Chen is the best!"
Little Shuyao’s eyes crinkled into crescents, happily licking the candied fruit.
At this moment, Hee Qi quickly walked over. After a year apart, this former friend now had a few more strands of white hair at his temples, but his energy and spirit were far better than when he used to roam the market.
He looked at Chen Ye, a bit excited, yet slightly nervous.
After all, Chen Ye’s status now was not what it used to be.
Hee Qi instinctively wanted to pay his respects as a subordinate: "Subordinate greets..."
Before he could finish, Chen Ye gripped his arm.
"Brother Hee, among us brothers, no such formalities."
Chen Ye looked at this old friend, speaking softly, "
What? It’s only been a year, and you’re distant? Weren’t you just thinking about becoming my father-in-law?"
Upon hearing this teasing, Hee Qi blushed deeply, the small gap caused by status differences evaporated.
Moreover, Hee Qi was naturally thick-skinned and open-minded, quickly letting go.
He scratched his head, grinning sheepishly:
"Brother Chen, no offense, it was just... well, a casual remark. Besides, if I could really bring you, this great figure, into the family, I would laugh even in my dreams."
"Daddy, stop saying nonsense..." Little Shuyao turned beet red.
"You..."
Chen Ye shook his head helplessly, carrying Shuyao to the stone table and sitting down.
"How have you been this year in the valley?"
Chen Ye asked.
Hee Qi nodded heavily, poured a cup of tea for Chen Ye, and said emotionally: "Content! So content! Thanks to Brother Chen, we father and daughter have food and drink here, and no one dares to bully us. As for this body..."
He gave a bitter smile, patting his chest,
"Although the foundation is damaged and it’s hard to make any progress in this life, being able to keep my life and watch Shuyao grow up is enough for me."
Even though he spoke of contentment, as a cultivator, who can truly be content with a path cut short?
Chen Ye pondered for a moment, assuming that the soul stone only healed his divine soul, but still damaged his foundation.
This won’t do.
Firstly, Hee Qi is one of his few friends.
Secondly, in the coming one or two hundred years, Hee Qi can help him hold down the fort in Lisong Valley. A loyal Foundation Establishment Cultivator is truly rare!
Moreover, Shuyao has better potential than Hee Qi, and in the future, with a Foundation Establishment father and Chen Ye’s assistance, she will surely establish her foundation!
Both emotionally and beneficially, he ought to help him more.
Chen Ye set Shuyao down, took out several prepared jade bottles from his sleeve, and gently pushed them in front of Hee Qi.
"What’s this?"
Hee Qi was taken aback.
"These are Bone Generating Pills obtained after I killed a demon cultivator from their Storage Bag. The others are Purple Sun Pills, which are most suitable for Foundation Establishment cultivators in their practice."
Chen Ye laughed,
"Although the Bone Generating Pill won’t immediately restore you to your peak state, it can still repair your foundation. Possibly... with the Purple Sun Pill, you might take half a step further in your lifetime."
Upon hearing this, Hee Qi’s eyes flickered, and the tea cup in his hand rippled, spilling a few drops.
His hands trembled as he held the jade bottles, lips moving slightly, many words ultimately turning into a sob, eyes reddening:
"Brother Chen... such great kindness... how can I repay it!"
It was more than just great kindness.
Even if he sold his own life, he couldn’t repay this debt; in the past, he already owed Chen Ye many times.
Perhaps,
Only by father dying and daughter succeeding, fulfilling duties for two generations, could he repay a part.
"Alright, stop with the formalities."
Chen Ye waved dismissively, interrupting him with a smile,
"Just look after the Law Enforcement Hall for me, and raise Shuyao to adulthood, that’s the best thanks you can give me. Besides, Shuyao still has to call me Uncle Chen."
Hee Qi nodded heavily, carefully storing the jade bottles like treasures. The two chatted for a while longer.
From the harvest in the valley, to the latest gossip in the market, then to Shuyao’s cultivation lessons, and the winds of news in the sect...
Until the sunset, dyeing Lisong Valley a golden red.
Chen Ye stood up, patting the dust from his robe: "Alright, I should be going back. Tonight, I’m hosting a banquet at Luoli Courtyard. Bring Shuyao along, and we’ll have a good drink, and let Qing Jun and the others meet Shuyao."
Don’t mention it.
Chen Ye’s mood also improved; many things aren’t suited for discussion with his disciples, but Hee Qi was indeed a good person to talk to.
He had traveled far and wide, experienced the customs of various places in the Yan Kingdom, broadening Chen Ye’s horizons.
"Alright! We’ll certainly be there!"
Hee Qi quickly got up to see him off.
"Goodbye Uncle Chen..." Little Shuyao hugged Chen Ye’s neck reluctantly, saying goodbye with her mouth while her hands were unwilling to let go.
It took Chen Ye quite an effort to say goodbye to the father and daughter duo.
By then, the sky had darkened.
The once-bustling Lisong Valley began to fall into a peaceful calm, with smoke rising from every household, harmonious and serene.
"Fighting and killing is so meaningless..."
Chen Ye nodded in satisfaction.
Indeed, if one wants to pursue immortal cultivation, one must hold onto a powerful backer!
If he hadn’t clung to Bai Susu’s coattails, how could he have such a peaceful cultivation environment?
Chen Ye didn’t dare to imagine how delightful life would be after his disciple’s Core Formation when he would have three new backers!
"I must have Qing Jun bring the saintesses of all the immortal sects under heaven to serve as attendants for Master..."
A certain man’s mind started wandering...