Chapter Sixty: Meeting Wu Wanren Again

It had been two years since father and daughter last saw each other. Shen Duoduo chattered excitedly, recounting all the events, big and small, of the past two years. Shen Yihuan listened to his daughter's stories with a gentle smile, the warmth of paternal affection radiating from his expression.

Shen Yihuan had also noticed the relationship between Mo Sitong, Wu Bini, and Liu Junhuai, but he paid it little mind. After all, the tradition of polygamy had existed in Star Heaven Continent since ancient times, and the children were still young. He accepted the cup of wine Liu Junhuai offered and drank it in a single gulp, only to be startled by the delicious flavor of the Sanggan fruit brew, nearly biting his tongue in surprise.

Elders all have a fondness for drinking, and Shen Yihuan was no exception. He eagerly moved toward the wine jar and poured himself another cup. When Shen Duoduo spoke of the medicinal fields Liu Junhuai had cultivated for her, Shen Yihuan grew so excited he could hardly sit still. After exchanging a few polite words with Mo Sitong and Wu Bini, he urged Liu Junhuai to take him to see the fields.

Having grown up surrounded by herbs, Shen Yihuan possessed a passionate obsession with their cultivation, yet the spiritual herb seedlings in Liu Junhuai’s fields still took him by surprise. These seedlings were ordinary varieties in the cultivation world, but to a common man like him, they were things he’d heard of often but rarely seen. Now, confronted with the legendary herbs, Shen Yihuan was utterly exhilarated.

The spiritual seedlings had only been planted for two or three days, but were already taking root and sprouting. It seemed the chaotic energy of this space was indeed well-suited to plant growth.

Seeing Uncle Huan so delighted, Liu Junhuai felt happy for him as well. He summoned the Hongyuan Chaos Furnace and called Mo Sitong to help, forging agricultural tools and protective fences right there in the field.

When Liu Junhuai called out Azhi, Shen Duoduo and Wu Bini were overjoyed, clamoring to play with the little creature, though Azhi’s haughty demeanor left them both exasperated. Fortunately, Liu Junhuai quietly coaxed Azhi, who reluctantly hopped into their hands and bounced a few times, which sent the two girls into cries of delight.

With more and more animals appearing in the space, Liu Junhuai and his companion forged many more profound iron fences to protect the medicinal fields. If outsiders saw this, they would surely be furious enough to spit blood, for the materials used for these fences were valuable enough to craft high-grade magical treasures; their extravagance would certainly enrage others.

Mo Sitong had no objections. Though she was unaware of Liu Junhuai’s exact wealth, as long as he was happy, she was glad to join in his mischief.

Since Shen Yihuan was not a cultivator and had little need for spiritual energy, Mo Sitong suggested building him a residence by the medicinal fields. Liu Junhuai used a variety of forging materials to craft a two-story house for him, complete with a courtyard, artificial hill, and fish pond.

The true size of the chaotic space was unknown even to Liu Junhuai, nor did he know where to collect rocks for landscaping. For the artificial hill, he simply used yellow Shouyang stones, which were piled up in his storage room anyway.

Unexpectedly, the yellow hill became a scenic highlight once installed. From a distance, it looked like a golden mountain, complete with caves and tunnels. Shen Duoduo and Wu Bini led several small animals in climbing and exploring, keeping themselves busy and thoroughly entertained.

With the arrangements settled, the group gathered in the small pavilion in the courtyard, bringing out Sanggan fruit brew and assorted fruits for a wine party.

Looking at Shen Yihuan's rectangular face, with muscles and soft tissue almost gone, leaving only weathered, purple-stained skin and angular bones, Liu Junhuai felt a pang of sadness. As a child, he often rode on Shen Yihuan’s neck, when the man was strong and vigorous—so different from the exhaustion and aging he saw now.

Liu Junhuai produced a jade bottle containing a verdant Longevity Pill. “Uncle Huan, this is a Longevity Pill. It can increase your lifespan by a hundred years. Take it now. Living in this space will add decades, even a century, to your life. In the future, you’ll be even longer-lived than most cultivators,” Liu Junhuai said.

Shen Yihuan did not refuse, swallowing the pill in one gulp. A refreshing, clear sensation coursed through his body, bringing extraordinary comfort.

Soon, he felt his body covered in an oily layer, emitting a foul odor. Liu Junhuai, witnessing someone take the pill for the first time, hurriedly led him away to wash.

When Shen Yihuan returned, his steps were brisk, and it was clear his complexion was much rosier, his wrinkles were smoother, and his white hair seemed reduced. He moved with newfound agility.

Shen Duoduo, most concerned for her father's change, rushed forward, pinching here and thumping there, exclaiming, “Daddy, you’ve changed so much! You look years younger!”

Shen Yihuan patted her hair and glanced at Liu Junhuai with a smile. “It’s all thanks to your brother Junhuai, isn’t it? Did he do it just for your sake?”

Shen Duoduo knew her father was teasing but retorted, “Of course not! Brother Junhuai has known you far longer than me. Ask him if he’d give me a Longevity Pill—bet he wouldn’t!”

“Uncle Huan, when Sister Qianqian arrives, should she stay here too?” Liu Junhuai quickly switched the topic, unsure what else Shen Duoduo might say.

“We’ll see when she arrives. Young people might not like living with elders. By the way, Junhuai, you should go to Destiny Gate and find Wu Wanren. He’s been looking for you several times; it seems there’s something important,” Shen Yihuan remembered.

“All right. It’s been a while since I saw him. I’ve missed him too,” Liu Junhuai replied.

Then Shen Duoduo and Wu Bini started a drinking contest. Watching a whole jar of Sanggan fruit brew wasted by the two girls, Liu Junhuai couldn’t help but feel heartbroken.

After drinking, Shen Yihuan retired to his room to rest. Liu Junhuai instructed Mo Sitong to look after Shen Duoduo and Wu Bini, then mounted his flying sword and headed straight for Destiny Gate.

Destiny Gate was located on the outskirts of Crane Crest Ridge, west of Pingdu City—not far from Liu Junhuai’s position. It took him only half an hour to reach the gate.

He informed the guards of Wu Wanren’s name and waited outside for him.

Wu Wanren arrived in haste, surprised by Liu Junhuai’s transformation, thinking to himself how the boy had grown.

Two months before, Wu Wanren had reached Foundation Establishment stage, and was quite proud of his youth. Yet seeing Liu Junhuai, much younger than himself, already at the same cultivation level, he realized his own limited perspective.

He led Liu Junhuai to his residence. After some brief exchanges, Wu Wanren solemnly explained his purpose: “Since you left the Shen family and left your message, at first few paid attention. But as the three-year deadline approaches, many in the Shen family feel pressured. Shen Bingwen, through Swallow Palace, introduced a mid-Foundation cultivator, whom the Shen family hired as a guest at great expense. The family head Shen Ao’s brother, Shen Jin, sent a beginner Foundation cultivator from Dream Marsh Country’s Snow City Sect. Swallow Palace will also send several Foundation cultivators to Shen family, and Shen Bingwen’s master Cheng Kelei may well appear—he’s at late Foundation stage.”

“So, there will be at least five or six Foundation cultivators in Shen family?” Liu Junhuai said. “Good, whoever they bring in, I will avenge my grievance. Uncle Da Tou—no, I should call you Uncle Wu now, since you’re at Foundation stage and deserve your dignity. Uncle Wu, thank you for all you’ve done for me these two years, running about on my behalf. Don’t worry, I have means to take revenge.”

Wu Wanren said, “Junhuai, you haven’t joined any sect, so few will have the strength to help you. I count myself in, and maybe I can gather one or two more Foundation cultivators, all rogue cultivators. But Destiny Gate cannot be relied upon. Recently, I asked my master to accept you into the sect, but he refused, and even strictly forbade any disciple from interfering in your affair. If you lack a foolproof plan, perhaps you should delay it. A true man can endure and adapt; there’s no need to rush for momentary pride.”

Liu Junhuai laughed. “Uncle Wu, you underestimate your nephew. If I wanted help, I could invite Golden Core cultivators, not just one. But this is my family business, I don’t want others involved in this muddy affair. I will have my revenge, and thoroughly. Enough about this. Uncle Wu, how are things at Destiny Gate lately? If you tire of it, come to me. Last night I brought Uncle Huan over. If you come, I can guarantee your cultivation resources—enough for you to reach Grand Ascension.”

Wu Wanren smiled. “Very well, I’ll report my leave to the sect and go with you. I’m genuinely curious to see what you’re up to these days.”

“How is Grandpa Wu? Is his health good? Why not bring him over too, with Uncle Huan for company?” Liu Junhuai asked.

Wu Wanren replied, “He’s fine, just at home watching the children. I haven’t visited in a while; he’s asked about you many times. If you have a chance, visit him at home.”

The two talked for a long time, until dusk began to fall. Wu Wanren rose to submit his leave to the sect.