《Above the Clouds: The Fateful Lick Spirit!》


 Chapter 1 - I despise Lick Spirits the most!

    Yunluo Mountain Range.


    Silver Moon Market.


    The cold wind howled, knocking something over with a loud bang.


    Ye Chen was startled awake in his room.


    He opened his bloodshot eyes.


    In front of him was a massive pill furnace, still warm, with a faint burnt smell lingering above it.


    The entire room was a mess.


    Clothes, herbs, and various bottles and jars were scattered everywhere.


    Looking at this chaos, Ye Chen couldn''t help but sigh.


    He really had transmigrated.


    This was already the third day since Ye Chen had arrived in this world.


    Yet he still couldn''t adapt to this world or his new identity.


    Ye Chen constantly longed to return home.


    After all, in his previous life, he was an employee at a state-owned enterprise, working a nine-to-five job without overtime, earning a monthly salary in the tens of thousands, and he wasn''t even married, living quite comfortably.


    And what about his current identity?


    An eighteen-year-old from a small family, with some knowledge of alchemy techniques.


    He should have been enjoying resources within the family, continuing to refine his alchemy skills and improve his cultivation.


    But for some reason, he was sent to work as an alchemist at a shop in the Peiyuan Market to earn money for the family.


    The problem was.


    His predecessor''s alchemy skills were really not up to par.


    The success rate was less than half of a normal alchemist''s, making it impossible to meet expectations.


    He couldn''t let anyone find out he was a fraud.


    After all, being an alchemist at the market was considered a good job.


    If he couldn''t do it and was sent to do something else, it would be both exhausting and dangerous.


    So his predecessor, in a state of anxiety, panic, and fear, desperately tried to improve his alchemy skills to complete his tasks.


    And then he worked himself to death...


    And that''s when Ye Chen transmigrated.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    But now, these challenges were also in front of Ye Chen.


    In the few days since he arrived, Ye Chen had been trying to practice alchemy, hoping he might be a genius.


    But his predecessor was not skilled, and it seemed the teacher hadn''t taught well either.


    Ye Chen''s memories were a jumbled mess.


    After two or three days of attempts, he was even worse than his predecessor, failing every time.


    Ye Chen finally gave up.


    He even started considering whether to leave the family and see if he could find a mortal city to live a carefree life as a retainer.


    But the path of cultivation was difficult.


    Many cultivators who saw no hope of breaking through would do nothing and just get by.


    With his Second Layer of Qi Refining cultivation, Ye Chen would find it hard to get any good treatment.


    And outside the market, it wasn''t safe.


    There were many robber cultivators, and if they caught him, he might lose his life.


    You could say Ye Chen didn''t even have the luxury to do nothing.


    "Forget it, I''m done pretending..."


    Ye Chen suddenly got up and pushed open the door.


    Since arriving in this world, he had been hiding and not going out.


    Afraid someone might notice something.


    But now, it didn''t matter anymore.


    But as soon as he opened the door, the cold wind rushed into the courtyard.


    Ye Chen shivered and quickly went back inside to put on more clothes.


    When Ye Chen stepped out again.


    He saw someone walking from the front courtyard.


    The person was dressed in a white long dress.


    But she seemed even whiter than the dress, with delicate, fair skin, as if she was glowing.


    Her figure was also quite impressive.


    Even in the slightly thick dress, her slender figure and graceful curves were evident.


    But what attracted Ye Chen the most was her face.


    Youthful and beautiful, with soft features and bright eyes that seemed to shine.


    Just one look would make you feel a sense of pity.


    Seeing her, Ye Chen immediately remembered her identity.


    The woman was a cultivator working in the shop, with a Third Layer of Qi Refining cultivation.


    Her role was roughly that of a receptionist and guide.


    "Fellow Daoist Ye finally came out?


    I noticed you hadn''t left your room for five days and was worried you were overworking yourself with alchemy, so I came to check... Seeing that you''re alright, I''m relieved."


    In front of him, Lin Ke''er''s beautiful face showed a look of relief.


    Being cared for by such a beauty made Ye Chen feel a sudden urge of "Mom, I''m in love."


    But Ye Chen knew this woman wasn''t a good person.


    Because in his predecessor''s memories, not many pills were refined.


    But quite a few were given to Lin Ke''er.


    His predecessor had been cultivating in the family, somewhat naive.


    After being sent here, he was deceived by this woman''s gentleness and concern, thinking Lin Ke''er liked him.


    So when Lin Ke''er casually mentioned her salary was too low, and she couldn''t afford pills after paying rent.


    His predecessor immediately gave her a few of the pills he had managed to refine.


    Making Lin Ke''er beam with joy.


    After that, Lin Ke''er would casually bring up the topic every week, praising his predecessor''s alchemy skills and the effectiveness of the pills.


    And so his predecessor became a sucker.


    Giving Lin Ke''er pills every week.


    Thinking about it.


    Ye Chen couldn''t help but lament what a pathetic lick spirit he was.


    He couldn''t even take care of himself, yet he was giving away pills.


    In his previous life, Ye Chen never acted like a lick spirit and never lacked girlfriends.


    Because Ye Chen knew, money wasn''t for spending on women, but on himself.


    Ye Chen''s previous life salary wasn''t low, all spent on fitness, travel, buying cars and houses, living a colorful life.


    A post on social media would be filled with comments from girls.


    But if you keep spending money on someone else, not only won''t you win their favor.


    Instead, they''ll just see you as an ATM.


    Once they''ve improved using your money, they''ll kick you to the curb.


    Weak and a lick spirit, what a combination.


    This made Ye Chen despise his predecessor even more.


    ***


    And in front of him, Lin Ke''er was slightly surprised that Ye Chen didn''t react as he usually did, getting particularly moved by her concern.


    But she didn''t think much of it.


    Because last time, Ye Chen only gave her five Qi Gathering Pills.


    Although Ye Chen''s alchemy skills were poor, and the Qi Gathering Pills were all low-grade with average effects.


    But free things, why not take them?


    Lin Ke''er was indeed short on money.


    So Lin Ke''er''s eyes curved into crescents, smiling as she asked, "Fellow Daoist Ye has been in seclusion for so long, you must have refined quite a few pills, right? I''m really envious of Fellow Daoist Ye, having the talent of an alchemist, unlike me..."


    By the end, Lin Ke''er''s voice had a hint of sadness.


    Hearing this, Ye Chen felt a sense of pity.


    However, inside, Ye Chen was full of cold laughter.


    His predecessor always gave proactively.


    Now that he didn''t react.


    This woman was getting anxious, couldn''t hide her true colors anymore?


    This woman was indeed not a good person.


    But Ye Chen wasn''t his predecessor, and definitely not a lick spirit.


    Want pills?


    It''s not impossible.


    After all, Ye Chen had given up, and although he still had over twenty Qi Gathering Pills refined by his predecessor, he wasn''t planning to meet expectations anymore, whatever happens.


    If he could use these pills to experience the life of a cultivator, it wouldn''t be bad.


    After all, Lin Ke''er''s looks and temperament were top-notch, with a face like a first love.


    But want them for free?


    Impossible.


    ***


    Just as Ye Chen was about to say something.


    A ding suddenly sounded in his mind.


    "Detected a condition-matching female cultivator..."


    "Destiny Bonding System, officially activating..."


    "Suitable target: Lin Ke''er!"


    "Gift return multiplier: Ten times!"


    Hearing the voice, Ye Chen felt a mix of excitement and confusion.


    Excitement, naturally, because he had a system now.


    But the problem was, the system''s description felt a bit off!

 Chapter 2 - This is not called flattery, this is called investment!

    Destiny Bonding System?


    The name itself seems a bit off.


    The system''s compatible gift recipients, tenfold returns, and such.


    It all looks a bit strange.


    Could it be that if I give something to Lin Ke''er, the system will give me a tenfold return?


    Isn''t this a Lick Spirit System?


    Ye Chen immediately checked the system details.


    Soon, the detailed description of the system appeared before Ye Chen''s eyes.


    "This system is the Destiny Bonding System."


    "As long as you give gifts to suitable recipients, you can receive returns."


    "The requirements for suitable recipients are as follows: appearance above ninety points, figure above ninety points, possessing spiritual roots, being a cultivator, and a virgin."


    "Depending on the specific qualities and cultivation level of the recipient, the host can receive different multiples of gift returns when giving gifts to different recipients..."


    "The return multiplier could be a quantity multiplier or a quality multiplier, determined by the system based on the host''s needs."


    "When gifting, you cannot give gifts far beyond what the female cultivator''s cultivation requires. If the gift doesn''t meet the standards, the system will not acknowledge the gift as successful and will refuse to provide returns."


    "If the gift is extremely important to the female cultivator, causing significant emotional fluctuation, there might be additional rewards."


    "Gift returns can only be triggered once a week."


    Seeing this, Ye Chen was dumbfounded.


    This system seems to have something going on.


    Giving gifts results in return, and if the gift is urgently needed and highly important to the female cultivator, there are even extra rewards.


    Isn''t this function just cultivating a Lick Spirit?


    And a considerate one at that, constantly observing the other party''s needs.


    This is simply outrageous.


    Even the system is cultivating Lick Spirits, what''s wrong with this world?The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    But with this system, it seems like I don''t have to do nothing anymore!


    ***


    "Fellow Daoist Ye?"


    Lin Ke''er noticed Ye Chen was not responding and was staring blankly at her face.


    She frowned slightly.


    Lin Ke''er actually looked down on Ye Chen.


    Ye Chen''s cultivation was low, even though he had a small family backing him, he was only at the Third Layer of Qi Refining, the same as her.


    But she was a rogue cultivator.


    And Ye Chen had family resources before.


    This indicated that Ye Chen''s aptitude was definitely poor, likely having low-grade spiritual roots.


    Ye Chen''s only redeeming quality was his alchemy talent.


    In Lin Ke''er''s view, it was probably lacking as well.


    Because the Qi Gathering Pills Ye Chen refined were mostly low-grade, not a single one was mid-grade.


    Such a cultivator had no future.


    Unless Ye Chen could secure a spot in the Qingyun Sect, he was destined to be just a passerby in her life.


    Not her ideal Dao companion.


    However, Lin Ke''er did not show these emotions.


    After all, to Lin Ke''er, Ye Chen was still useful.


    No matter how poor Ye Chen''s pills were, they were still pills.


    Twenty low-grade Qi Gathering Pills were equivalent to one low-grade spirit stone.


    Her monthly salary was only three low-grade spirit stones.


    So she just smiled lightly to remind Ye Chen to come back to his senses.


    ***


    Ye Chen snapped back to reality at her call.


    Looking at Lin Ke''er, his gaze changed.


    Ye Chen hated being a Lick Spirit.


    He hated Lin Ke''er, who only knew how to take without giving back, even more.


    But if it could bring returns, especially tenfold returns, then whether she was a green tea or not didn''t matter.


    As for giving gifts being a Lick Spirit behavior?


    What a joke.


    Giving gifts and getting nothing in return, that''s a Lick Spirit.


    But if giving gifts yields tenfold rewards, that''s an investment, that''s exploiting the system.


    With this gift return system, all the problems he faced could be easily solved.


    So, in his eyes, Lin Ke''er was no longer an annoying green tea.


    She was a shining gold mine.


    Unless Ye Chen found a female cultivator with a higher return multiplier.


    Otherwise, whatever Lin Ke''er wanted, Ye Chen would give.


    The more precious, the more he would give.


    After all, the more he gave, the more he earned.


    Cultivation is all about wealth, companions, methods, and land.


    Wealth comes first.


    With the gift return system, he could definitely gain endless opportunities.


    Becoming an immortal and a patriarch in the future wouldn''t be a problem.


    So, Ye Chen looked at Lin Ke''er and spoke with a smile, "Why belittle yourself, Fairy Lin? To reach the Third Layer of Qi Refining as a rogue cultivator at such a young age shows extraordinary talent. You have a promising future.


    I have just come out of seclusion and refined a batch of pills.


    I''ll give them to you to aid your cultivation."


    With that, Ye Chen was about to go back to his room to get the pills.


    Mainly because Ye Chen didn''t even have a storage bag.


    Lin Ke''er, hearing this, immediately waved her hand in embarrassment, "Fellow Daoist Ye, there''s no need. Those are the pills you painstakingly refined, and you still need to hand them over to the shop... If you can''t complete the task because of me, that wouldn''t be good."


    Hearing this, Ye Chen sneered inwardly.


    Her lips were already curling up, yet she was still refusing?


    Why don''t you refuse more firmly?


    Do I have to beg you to accept it?


    Truly a green tea who plays both sides.


    But Ye Chen needed a green tea like her.


    If she truly felt bad about accepting, it would be hard for him to proceed.


    So Ye Chen smiled and said, "Fairy Lin, you''re overthinking. My success rate in refining Qi Gathering Pills is quite high, so there will be plenty left over. Giving some away won''t affect the task."


    Hearing this, Lin Ke''er no longer refused.


    She lowered her head shyly, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Ye! You''re such a good person."


    Good person? Your whole family are good people.


    Ye Chen mocked in his heart, but his steps didn''t slow.


    He quickly returned to his room and found the bottles of pills his predecessor had refined.


    There were two bottles in total, twenty pills altogether.


    Ye Chen calculated, giving twenty pills at once would mean a return of two hundred pills.


    Giving two hundred pills next week would mean a return of two thousand pills.


    Relying on Lin Ke''er alone, he could probably open a pill shop.


    Directly competing with low prices like Pinduoduo, he could drive all the merchants in Silver Moon Market out of business.


    A huge profit.


    But just as he picked them up, the system''s prompt sounded.


    "When gifting pill-type items, a maximum of ten pills can be given at a time."


    "Amounts exceeding this will not be returned!"


    Ye Chen''s dream of becoming a business tycoon ended before it even began.


    Pursing his lips, Ye Chen picked up a bottle of pills and walked out of the room, "Fairy Lin, please accept this!"


    Lin Ke''er''s big eyes sparkled, but she still pretended to be embarrassed as she solemnly accepted, "It''s hard to refuse such kindness, thank you, Fellow Daoist Ye. When I break through in the future, I will definitely repay you."


    Lin Ke''er glanced at the pill bottle and was even more delighted.


    There were actually ten pills, a complete surprise.


    Ye Chen smiled and nodded outwardly.


    But inwardly, he didn''t take it seriously at all.


    Because in Ye Chen''s mind, the system''s prompt was already ringing.


    The sound was so delightful...

 Chapter 3 - This is not green tea, this is a gold mine!

    "Gift successfully given!"


    "The gift consists of ten Low Grade Qi Gathering Pills."


    "Returning the favor..."


    "One hundred Low Grade Qi Gathering Pills have been credited."


    "Detected that this is the host''s first gift. Although it didn''t bring much surprise to the recipient, it still triggered a critical reward!"


    "Reward: Complete Insight into First Rank Alchemy Techniques."


    "Complete Insight into First Rank Alchemy Techniques has been granted."


    "Detected that the host does not possess storage equipment. The physical return will be temporarily stored in the System Space and can be retrieved at any time..."


    Damn...


    Listening to the system''s notification, Ye Chen''s eyes widened.


    Not only did he receive a hundred Qi Gathering Pills, but he also triggered a critical reward?


    Did he just master First Rank Alchemy Techniques?


    This is amazing!


    Ye Chen had experienced how difficult alchemy was in the past few days.


    There were no formulas to follow.


    You had to throw the herbs into the furnace and watch them intently, adjusting the heat based on the herbs'' changing states, and use magic to continuously adjust.


    A slight mistake, and the fusion wouldn''t be harmonious.


    The whole batch of pills would be ruined.


    His predecessor studied alchemy for four years and had just barely gotten started.


    He was still far from being a legitimate First Grade Alchemist.


    Now, with just one critical hit, he gained complete insight into being a First Grade Alchemist.


    It was like a pie falling from the sky.


    Ye Chen''s gaze towards Lin Ke''er changed.


    This wasn''t just a Clever bitch.


    This was clearly a treasure trove.


    Lick, lick, lick, I''ll lick for a lifetime!


    ***


    Ye Chen''s intense gaze made Lin Ke''er slightly uncomfortable.


    She couldn''t help but worry.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Could Ye Chen think that just because he gave a gift, she would become his Dao companion?


    How could that be possible?


    Ye Chen was being too naive, wasn''t he?


    But every time he gave something before, Ye Chen would excitedly drag her along, talking about everything under the sun.


    Lin Ke''er could only listen and agree.


    After all, it wouldn''t look good to leave right after receiving a gift, and she still wanted more pills in the future.


    But she had to maintain some distance.


    She couldn''t let Ye Chen think that just because she accepted a gift, she belonged to him.


    Receiving gifts was one thing, being a Dao companion was another.


    But as Lin Ke''er was contemplating how to speak to keep Ye Chen interested without letting him give up completely, Ye Chen spoke up directly: "Then Fairy Ye, you should go back and cultivate well. I need to go back and rest for a bit..."


    After saying this, Ye Chen turned and left.


    The door closed with a resounding thud.


    Lin Ke''er, who had been planning various responses, was slightly stunned.


    Ye Chen just left?


    Why didn''t he act like before, wanting to talk with her forever, unwilling to part?


    But the surprise was fleeting.


    Lin Ke''er didn''t think much of it.


    After all, who cares about a lick spirit''s thoughts?


    She was only interested in the pills in her hand.


    Qi Gathering Pills were the most suitable for cultivators in the early stage of Qi Refining, as they could accelerate cultivation.


    Taking one pill during each session of cultivation could increase the effect by about 1.5 times compared to normal cultivation.


    Lin Ke''er didn''t want to spend her whole life working as a receptionist in this small shop.


    Once she broke through to the Fourth Layer of Qi Refining, she could find a better job.


    So, Lin Ke''er turned and left without any hesitation!


    ***


    With the reward already in hand, Ye Chen had to leave.


    What else could he do?


    Really act like a lick spirit?


    Giving gifts was just a task from the system.


    Ye Chen wouldn''t actually get involved.


    "Retrieve Qi Gathering Pills!"


    Ye Chen silently commanded in his mind.


    Instantly, ten small bottles of Qi Gathering Pills appeared in Ye Chen''s hand.


    Ye Chen opened one and took a light sniff of the pill''s fragrance.


    It wasn''t pure; he could vaguely smell a mix of herbs.


    Clearly, it was a product of imperfect fusion, barely forming a pill.


    Definitely low grade.


    But low grade was enough.


    Ye Chen''s task was to hand over five hundred Qi Gathering Pills to the shop.


    Now he had a hundred.


    Based on the remaining amount, he could gather it in at most four weeks.


    And the task deadline was actually two months away.


    The task that had once exhausted his predecessor was now easily manageable.


    As long as he completed the task, he wouldn''t have to change jobs.


    He could comfortably stay in the shop.


    Relying on the Lick Spirit System, he could obtain countless resources and directly cultivate to immortality.


    Just thinking about it made Ye Chen feel exhilarated.


    After counting, Ye Chen placed the pills into a box on the side.


    Looking at the box, Ye Chen couldn''t help but complain.


    As a cultivator, he didn''t even have a standard Storage Bag, let alone a Storage Ring.


    It was really inconvenient.


    But after searching his memory, Ye Chen realized that Storage Bags weren''t considered low-end items in the cultivation world.


    The smallest Storage Bag, half a cubic meter, cost fifty Low Grade Spirit Stones.


    What did that mean?


    Lin Ke''er, a Third Layer Qi Refining servant, worked eight hours a day at the shop, with one day off per week.


    Her monthly salary was only three Low Grade Spirit Stones.


    Moreover, because the market had formations and strong protection, it was safer, and the spiritual energy concentration was slightly better than outside.


    So even a small courtyard required a rent of one Low Grade Spirit Stone.


    And there was still the need to eat.


    If a cultivator ate mundane food without spiritual energy, it would just fill the stomach and produce waste, slightly affecting cultivation.


    So they needed to eat Spirit Beast Meat or Spirit Valley, or take Inedia Pills.


    These were just the basic needs.


    To speed up cultivation, they needed pills and had to prepare Magic Artifacts for self-defense, right?


    And learn some attack spells, right?


    All of these required money.


    For a cultivator to cultivate properly, the expenses were really high.


    So basically, only cultivators in the mid-stage of Qi Refining, with more ways to earn money, could afford to buy Storage Bags.


    Most cultivators didn''t have enough Spirit Stones for themselves.


    How could they spend on female cultivators?


    No wonder Lin Ke''er clung to a lick spirit like him!


    It was truly poverty!


    Everyone in the cultivation world was poor, and everyone only wanted Spirit Stones.


    Who had the mood for romance?


    But for Ye Chen, this wasn''t a problem.


    Ten Low Grade Qi Gathering Pills were worth half a Spirit Stone.


    Giving a gift once and getting ten times the return meant five Spirit Stones.


    A monthly income of nearly twenty Low Grade Spirit Stones.


    And that''s not counting the fact that he now had the insight of a First Grade Alchemist.


    Alchemy was also a very lucrative profession.


    It''s not an exaggeration to say that alchemists were the high, rich, and handsome of the cultivation world.


    If one''s skills were high, they could earn even more.


    For example, the task of refining Qi Gathering Pills this time.


    He had to hand over five hundred Qi Gathering Pills.


    But the shop provided materials enough to refine fifteen hundred pills.


    Mainly because alchemy had a failure rate.


    Ensuring a one-third success rate was considered a qualified alchemist.


    If one''s skills were higher and the success rate was better, the extra pills would be the alchemist''s profit.


    Ye Chen''s salary at the pill shop was five Low Grade Spirit Stones.


    If his alchemy success rate was higher, refining seven hundred and fifty pills, the extra two hundred and fifty pills would be his.


    Selling them would bring in at least a dozen more Low Grade Spirit Stones.


    Adding it all up, that''s easily forty to fifty Spirit Stones a month.


    Definitely a wealthy lifestyle.


    ***


    Thinking of the future''s abundant income, Ye Chen, who had planned to do nothing, felt rejuvenated.


    In his past life, he was a state-owned enterprise employee with stable benefits.


    In this life, he was an alchemist with a system.


    Refining pills occasionally, plus the system''s tenfold feedback.


    It was like taking off instantly...


    His luck was indeed good.

 Chapter 4 - Qingyun Sect Quota!

    "Alchemy, make money!"


    With the arrival of the system, Ye Chen, filled with renewed hope and motivation, was no longer slacking off.


    Having lived two lives, Ye Chen understood one truth very well.


    Money is a man''s courage.


    This is true in any world.


    On Earth, with money, you can work out, buy a house, buy a car, travel the world, and not be beholden to anyone.


    In the world of cultivation, it''s not much different.


    Without spirit stones, you can only be like Lin Ke''er, becoming a clever bitch for a bit of resources.


    With spirit stones, you don''t have to waste time working every day.


    You can rent better courtyards, use better pills, and eat better spirit rice.


    With strength, others will seek to please you.


    And Ye Chen had the Lick Spirit System.


    The stronger he became, the higher his level, the stronger the female cultivators he could interact with in the future.


    The feedback multiplier would be higher.


    So Ye Chen''s desire to strive was at its peak.


    It was the perfect time to experience the insights of a first-grade full completion alchemist.


    However, when Ye Chen took out the herbs from the storage box, counted and inspected them one by one, he frowned.


    There was a problem with the herbs.


    To refine Qi Gathering Pills, the main ingredients needed are Withered Yellow Grass and Rose Red.


    But there was an issue with the Rose Red.


    Several stalks were clearly not stored properly, with petals slightly turning white, though not obvious.


    Such slightly whitened Rose Red had lost its medicinal potency and could no longer serve as a main ingredient.


    Forcing its use would only result in waste pills.


    The former self was a novice and didn''t notice this problem.


    But the current Ye Chen was different, with complete insights, he was very knowledgeable about the herbs used at this stage.


    Ye Chen took out all the Rose Red and found that at least one-third of them had this issue.


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    His face immediately turned grim.


    No wonder the former self had such a high failure rate.


    Back in the family, the former self''s success rate was at least one in five.


    At least one out of five furnaces would succeed.


    But here, it was only successful once in seven or eight tries.


    So this was the reason.


    Someone was sabotaging him in secret.


    Thinking of this, Ye Chen narrowed his eyes.


    The herbs were supplied by the shop.


    This was Ye family''s own business, and his failure in alchemy had no benefit for the family.


    So, who was behind this?


    ***


    Knock, knock, knock...


    The door was knocked, and a kindly voice came from outside the window, "Nephew Ye, are you alright?"


    Hearing this voice, a cold smile appeared on Ye Chen''s lips.


    Speak of the devil, and he shall appear!


    Ye Chen threw the Rose Red back into the storage box, covered it, and then put on a smiling face, politely and warmly opening the door to welcome the visitor, "What brings Steward Zhang here, please come in, come in."


    Ye Chen hadn''t worked in a state enterprise for ten years for nothing.


    And the entering Steward Zhang looked plump and had a friendly smile, "I just came to ask how Nephew Ye''s alchemy is going? Didn''t disturb your alchemy, did I?"


    Upon hearing this, Ye Chen immediately shook his head, "No, no, the alchemy is going well, it''s just that I haven''t fully adapted since leaving the family, so the progress is a bit slow. I''m afraid it will be at the end of the task deadline before I can hand over the pills."


    Steward Zhang smelled the faint burnt smell still lingering in the room and saw the pile of uncleaned herb residue, his smile widened, "What are you saying, nephew? You are a member of the Ye family, this shop is yours.


    Don''t worry about handing in within the task period, even if it''s a few days late, it''s fine.


    I have the authority to grant some leniency, helping nephew is no problem.


    This way, nephew will have a better chance to join Qingyun Sect, right!"


    Qingyun Sect?


    Ye Chen listened, his expression unchanged, but his heart was completely certain.


    The one using Rose Red to sabotage him was this guy in front of him.


    ***


    Qingyun Sect was the local major sect, with a Golden Elixir Ancestor overseeing it.


    The first generation ancestor of the Ye family was once an outer disciple of Qingyun Sect.


    Unfortunately, he was unlucky and never reached Foundation Establishment.


    Later, he left to establish his own family, spreading his branches.


    Qingyun Sect supported this.


    Disciples with no prospects going out to establish families could increase Qingyun Sect''s control over various places.


    Occasionally, some tasks would be assigned.


    The first generation Ye family ancestor had a friend who became a Foundation Establishment elder, and former fellow disciples would often visit.


    When encountering issues, they could find connections to ask for help.


    So the family was quite prosperous after being established.


    But after the first generation ancestor died, this goodwill faded.


    Only a little remained, but not much.


    And now, with the third generation family head succeeding, the goodwill with Qingyun Sect was completely gone.


    However, Qingyun Sect had a benefit for these semi-affiliated families.


    If the family produced a Foundation Establishment cultivator, they could get two spots to enter Qingyun Sect.


    And the current third generation family head was at full completion of Qi Refining, now aiming to break through to Foundation Establishment.


    But supporting a Foundation Establishment cultivator required too many resources.


    So Ye Chen''s generation, the fifth generation of the Ye family, was also driven out to work for the family, earning resources to support the family head.


    It was about sacrificing the individual for the family.


    But there was also a benefit, which was the entry spots to Qingyun Sect.


    There were seven people in Ye Chen''s generation.


    They would compete for these two entry spots based on their performance during this period.


    So the former self worked hard on alchemy, until he died from overwork.


    After all, joining a major sect meant a better future and higher prospects.


    Far beyond what could be achieved by staying in the small Ye family.


    But the small Ye family, despite not even having a Foundation Establishment cultivator now, still had serious factionalism.


    Ye Chen was the only child of the third branch.


    As for this shop, it was managed by the second branch.


    Even the former self''s alchemy techniques were learned from the Second Uncle.


    Thinking of this, Ye Chen suddenly understood everything.


    No wonder the former self''s alchemy skills were so poor, unable to even distinguish if the Rose Red had issues.


    And no wonder the shop would secretly provide tampered Rose Red.


    This was digging a pit for him.


    To prevent him from competing for the Qingyun Sect spots.


    ***


    Thinking of this, Ye Chen could only sneer.


    A mere Qi Refining family, not thinking of working together to elevate the family, letting everyone rise, was one thing.


    But to deliberately suppress their own descendants for a spot they might not even get.


    It was utterly ridiculous.


    Such a family, even if the family head truly broke through to Foundation Establishment, had no future.


    Anyway, after understanding everything.


    Ye Chen had no expectations for this family anymore.


    But he was still very interested in the Qingyun Sect spot.


    After all, the system also mentioned.


    The higher the quality of the female cultivators, the higher the multiplier.


    On Earth, beautiful women flock to big cities.


    This principle surely applies in the cultivation world too.


    Outstanding female cultivators must have joined sects.


    If he could enter Qingyun Sect, he might encounter beauties with twenty, thirty, or even a hundred times the multiplier.


    He could save thirty years of effort instantly.


    Just thinking about it made Ye Chen very tempted.


    And the disciples formally recruited by sects had very high requirements.


    They must not have cultivated before and must have a clean background.


    Like Lin Ke''er, a rogue cultivator, without opportunities, she would have no chance to join a sect.


    The same went for Ye Chen.


    So he really had to compete for this spot...

 Chapter 5 - Cultivators are also cattle and horses!

    "Don''t worry, Second Uncle. I can definitely deliver the Qi Gathering Pills on time. I won''t put you in a difficult position."


    After understanding everything, Ye Chen spoke with a smile.


    Ye Chen didn''t mention anything about the Rose Red.


    A simple excuse like "someone was careless" could easily gloss over the issue.


    It might even expose himself and alert the enemy.


    With the System, everything could be returned tenfold.


    There was no worry about not completing the task.


    Upon hearing this, Steward Zhang''s chubby face bloomed like a chrysanthemum, warmly patting Ye Chen on the shoulder: "I knew my wise nephew would achieve great things. Then you continue to rest. I won''t disturb you!"


    Ye Chen smiled as he escorted Steward Zhang out of the room.


    Once the door was closed, Ye Chen''s face was full of cold smiles.


    Outside, Steward Zhang''s expression was also full of mockery.


    As he walked out of the courtyard, he looked back at Ye Chen''s room with disdain and sneered, "The room is filled with the smell of wasted pills. Who knows how many times he''s failed, yet he still thinks he can complete the task?


    The most important thing is, he can''t even refine a few pills, yet he still tries to show off in front of a female cultivator?


    Truly a fool raised by a small family.


    When your cultivation is high, what woman can''t you have? At the Red Sleeve Tower, one low-grade spirit stone can have a female cultivator serve you to the heavens. Yet he willingly gives away precious resources? Even if I don''t trip him up, he probably has no hope of entering the Qingyun Sect..."


    Steward Zhang looked down on Ye Chen.


    A fool not worth wasting time on.


    He only hoped that the head of the Ye family could truly break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.


    If the Ye family head succeeded, the Ye family''s influence would greatly expand.


    The second branch of the Ye family could then transfer him to a better place as a steward.


    Instead of being stuck in this godforsaken Silver Moon Market, wasting his life.


    A Foundation Establishment expert could influence too many interests.


    ***


    After Steward Zhang left, Ye Chen silently noted his name in his mental notebook.


    Then he sat in front of the alchemy furnace, beginning to sort and organize the herbs.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    He picked out the good herbs.


    As for the inferior ones, he tossed them aside.


    After preparing a batch of herbs, Ye Chen placed them into the alchemy furnace one by one.


    The furnace was divided into eight sections, allowing different operations simultaneously, such as roasting, steaming, and blending the herbs.


    He then lit the fire and began practicing.


    Alchemy required the use of fire and water control techniques.


    Ye Chen used to be confused, making a mess and fumbling around.


    There were martial fires and gentle fires.


    The flow of the medicinal liquid and the fusion speed varied with the properties of the herbs, requiring different techniques.


    There were also various skills for extracting the essence of the herbs.


    These couldn''t be learned from books; they needed hands-on teaching to understand.


    But his predecessor''s Second Uncle never taught him properly.


    So Ye Chen was always in the dark when refining pills, failing inexplicably.


    But now, everything was different.


    With abundant insights, Ye Chen handled everything with ease.


    However, at the last moment, his hand accidentally shook, the flame flared up slightly, and the furnace shook violently, releasing a burnt smell.


    It failed...


    But Ye Chen wasn''t disappointed.


    Even though he had the insights, his body was still a bit unfamiliar. A few more tries would do.


    Soon, Ye Chen tidied up the alchemy furnace and started a second attempt.


    After half a day passed, Ye Chen''s eyes lit up, and he immediately extinguished the flame.


    Opening the lid, the room was instantly filled with the fragrance of pills.


    Ye Chen used his magic to retrieve the pills.


    "Two low-grade, four mid-grade, and even one top-grade Qi Gathering Pill?"


    Looking at the pills in his hand, Ye Chen was in a good mood.


    But he immediately began to review and reflect.


    It was Ye Chen''s habit to review everything he did, identify problems, and do better next time.


    "After the Green Fruit melted into a medicinal liquid, the fusion seemed to have an issue, not blending evenly. But time ran out, resulting in one low-grade pill and only seven pills instead of ten. Next time, if I handle this step better, it should improve."


    Ye Chen summarized his previous mistakes.


    But looking at the results, Ye Chen was indeed in a good mood.


    Twenty low-grade Qi Gathering Pill could be sold for one spirit stones.


    For mid-grade, one spirit stone could only buy fifteen.


    As for top-grade Qi Gathering Pills, one spirit stone could only buy ten.


    The grade of the pills was related to their efficacy, potency, and impurities.


    The higher the grade, the better the efficacy, the purer the potency, and the fewer the impurities.


    But this was only relative.


    The efficacy difference was only about ten to twenty percent.


    So only wealthy cultivators would choose better top-grade or mid-grade pills.


    Ordinary cultivators had no choice.


    If a pill bought with one spirit stone could last twenty days, they wouldn''t buy one that only lasted fifteen or ten days.


    As for pill toxins and impurities, those weren''t concerns for them.


    Just like in Ye Chen''s previous life, who would refuse takeout because the plastic container might release toxins when holding hot food?


    Being poor was scarier than pill toxins.


    ***


    Looking at the results, Ye Chen put the mid-grade pills in a new bottle and kept them close.


    As for the top-grade pill, he directly swallowed it.


    Ye Chen certainly wouldn''t hand these pills over to the shop.


    The steward clearly wanted to trick him.


    He''d be a fool to do so.


    So the top-grade pills were naturally kept for his own cultivation.


    In the cultivation world, while spirit stones were important, cultivation was fundamental.


    The cultivation world wasn''t like Earth.


    Most places were without order.


    On Earth, you could hire bodyguards with money, live in a high-security community, and protect yourself.


    But in the cultivation world, if you had no strength, hiring bodyguards with money?


    The only possibility was being betrayed by the bodyguards.


    Outside, there were robbers everywhere, or rather, everyone was a robber.


    You couldn''t guarantee that a seemingly kind cultivator wouldn''t draw their magic sword on you in the wild.


    Only places like markets, bazaars, and immortal cities were relatively safe due to the suppression and management of major forces.


    But even then, it was only relatively safe.


    Therefore, cultivation was the top priority.


    Ye Chen immediately sat cross-legged and began cultivating.


    After crossing over, Ye Chen had also consumed pills made by his predecessor for cultivation.


    To be honest, they were really trash.


    Compared to the top-grade pills he refined now, they were even more trash.


    Top-grade pills were smooth and pure, causing no discomfort to the meridians.


    This was true enjoyment.


    Ye Chen quickly immersed himself in cultivation.


    ***


    When he opened his eyes again, three hours had passed.


    Ye Chen slowly finished his cultivation, feeling great.


    He felt that if he continued using top-grade pills for cultivation, he could break through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining in less than three months.


    This was definitely good news.


    Cultivation wasn''t about the longer, the better.


    The meridians had a limit to what they could endure.


    Two hours of normal cultivation a day was enough; otherwise, the meridians couldn''t handle it, and forced cultivation could cause irreparable damage.


    That''s why cultivators used pills for cultivation.


    Pills not only accelerated cultivation speed but also protected the meridians, allowing cultivators to endure longer and cultivate a bit more.


    Even though the daily cultivation time wasn''t long, most cultivators still found time insufficient.


    Besides cultivation, they needed to learn some attack spells.


    Otherwise, having cultivation without knowing how to fight was useless.


    If they knew any of the six cultivation skills, like alchemy or artifact forging, they also needed to keep learning and improving.


    Then they had to work and earn money.


    Otherwise, where would they get the money to eat, buy pills, or magic artifacts?


    In short, most low-level cultivators were like beasts of burden!

 Chapter 6 - You already have the way to death!

    After finishing his cultivation, Ye Chen fell into a deep sleep.


    When he woke up the next morning, he felt refreshed.


    This was the first restful sleep Ye Chen had since he crossed over to this world.


    After instructing a mortal maid to assist him with washing up, Ye Chen tossed the problematic Rose Red and some ineffective herbs into the alchemy furnace, burning them into dregs.


    This was to make others believe he had failed in alchemy again.


    Since he knew the shopkeeper was watching him, he had to produce some failed pills.


    For now, he decided to keep his true alchemy skills hidden.


    ***


    Today, Ye Chen planned to go out and buy some herbs for Qi Gathering Pills.


    His predecessor had wasted quite a bit of herbs due to poor alchemy skills, and some herbs had been tampered with.


    He had to buy new ones.


    This was also to show the steward, as the steward knew he couldn''t refine pills.


    Although he could easily complete tasks with the tenfold return, taking out pills without reason would arouse suspicion.


    So he needed to buy some herbs as a cover.


    Of course, the main reason was that he wanted to see if there were any beauties at Silver Moon Market with a higher multiplier.


    Although Lin Ke''er, that little green tea, could give a tenfold return, Ye Chen wasn''t a true Lick Spirit.


    If he encountered a match with a higher multiplier, he would abandon Lin Ke''er without hesitation.


    It''s all about maximizing benefits.


    As Ye Chen left the backyard, Steward Zhang immediately received the news.


    With just a little thought, Steward Zhang guessed what Ye Chen was up to.


    To be honest, Steward Zhang was already too lazy to waste any effort on Ye Chen.


    Poor aptitude, low alchemy skills, couldn''t even distinguish herbs.


    In this situation, he only had eyes for women, always thinking about giving them gifts.


    Such a waste, he wouldn''t have a chance to get a spot even without interference.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    But Ye Chen''s identity was a bit different. His father was a late-stage Eighth Layer of Qi Refining cultivator, the strongest in the Ye family aside from the head, responsible for transporting various resources.


    Ye Chen might not see through his tricks, but Ye Chen''s father was a sly old fox. If he found out, it would be troublesome.


    Moreover, disqualifying Ye Chen early might lead to blame.


    After some thought, Steward Zhang smiled: "This kid must have a lot of spirit stones. Since he''s planning to buy pills from outside, why not keep the profit in-house... Wouldn''t it be better if I earned those spirit stones?"


    With this in mind, Steward Zhang immediately called his confidant and gave instructions.


    ***


    Walking out from the backyard, Ye Chen surveyed Silver Moon Market with some disappointment.


    His family''s shop was on the main street, so the ground was paved with bluestone slabs.


    The whole street looked relatively clean.


    But looking further, beyond the main street, many places were gravel and dirt roads.


    Most of the houses looked small and gray.


    There was none of the celestial aura that Ye Chen imagined cultivators should have.


    Instead, it resembled the villages in his memory, and not even modern ones.


    It seemed that most cultivators lived quite hard lives.


    "Fellow Daoist, fellow Daoist..."


    A sudden voice interrupted Ye Chen''s thoughts.


    A furtive cultivator approached Ye Chen.


    Ye Chen immediately took a step back, cautiously circulating his cultivation technique.


    "Fellow Daoist, do you need pills?


    My father is an alchemist, and I''m short on cash, so I stole some pills to sell.


    Low Grade Qi Gathering Pills. A full five hundred.


    If you want them, I''ll give you a good price, but don''t spread it around..."


    Hearing this, Ye Chen felt a hint of caution.


    Low Grade Qi Gathering Pills?


    These were exactly what he needed for his task.


    But how did he just happen to run into this right after leaving?


    Ye Chen was not like his predecessor, a young man who stayed within the family, ignorant of the world.


    He immediately sensed something fishy.


    It felt like one of those scams from his previous life, like selling phones at train stations.


    Even the cultivation world played these tricks?


    This cultivation world was really down-to-earth.


    Waving his hand, Ye Chen didn''t want to engage further.


    The other party seemed anxious, looking around and whispering: "Fellow Daoist, these pills are really cheap, thirty pills for one spirit stone. Even though they were stolen, they''re genuine pills, the efficacy is guaranteed.


    One Low Grade Spirit Stone can let you cultivate for almost two months, buying them is a profit... And if you buy them all, I''ll make another concession, just give me fifteen Low Grade Spirit Stones."


    After speaking, afraid Ye Chen wouldn''t believe him, he quickly poured out a pill for Ye Chen to see.


    Ye Chen glanced at it and raised his eyebrows.


    With his current level, Ye Chen could tell that these Low Grade Qi Gathering Pills were decent, at least better than what his predecessor had made.


    Seeing Ye Chen''s interest, the other party quickly poured out a few more.


    They were all of similar quality.


    Indeed, they were genuine Qi Gathering Pills, not fake.


    But this made it even more interesting.


    Selling pills of this quality at this price was practically charity.


    Such a cheap opportunity, and it just happened to fall into his lap?


    Most importantly, it was exactly five hundred pills.


    Wasn''t this too coincidental?


    In Ye Chen''s mind, Steward Zhang''s chubby face involuntarily appeared.


    With just a little thought, he guessed the general idea.


    Although it was just a guess, Ye Chen felt it was likely correct.


    It seemed Steward Zhang not only wanted to trick him but also squeeze him dry.


    Knowing he couldn''t refine pills, he had someone sell him cheap pills so he could complete his tasks.


    All the profits went to Steward Zhang.


    While he continuously spent spirit stones to complete tasks until he was completely drained.


    In the end, with a little manipulation from Steward Zhang, he would be exposed when he tried to refine pills publicly.


    The Qingyun Sect spot would be completely lost.


    Steward Zhang was truly heartless!


    Thinking of this, a shadow crossed Ye Chen''s eyes.


    In his previous life, Ye Chen wasn''t someone who took grievances lying down; he was all about settling scores.


    Steward Zhang was really asking for it.


    ***


    However, despite his anger, these pills delivered to his door were actually a good thing for Ye Chen.


    Previously, he had to pretend about the source of his pills.


    Now, buying these cheap pills meant he didn''t have to pretend anymore.


    After all, it was the other party who sold them to him behind the scenes.


    It saved time and effort.


    As for spending money?


    That was not an issue.


    With the Lick Spirit System and his perfect first-grade alchemy skills, Ye Chen''s spirit stones would only increase.


    So, Ye Chen directly said, "Let me check all the pills. If there''s no problem, I''ll take them."


    The furtive cultivator was delighted to hear this.


    He immediately nodded, allowing Ye Chen to inspect each one.


    It took nearly half an hour to complete the transaction for the five hundred Low Grade Qi Gathering Pills.


    During this process, Ye Chen became even more certain of his previous suspicions.


    After all, if they were stolen goods, the other party would be eager to sell them quickly for cash, not have time to dawdle.


    But Ye Chen deliberately dragged out the inspection, and the other party wasn''t anxious at all.


    It could only be said that their acting skills were indeed lacking.

 Chapter 7 - What level are you?

    Ye Chen''s memories.


    His predecessor''s father was an Eighth Layer of Qi Refining cultivator, holding some status in the family and relatively wealthy.


    He doted on his only son quite a lot.


    So before Ye Chen came here, his father stuffed him with a full twenty low-grade spirit stones.


    Now, he took out fifteen low-grade spirit stones to buy pills.


    It was easy.


    After the transaction was completed, Ye Chen felt joyful.


    After all, now that he had enough pills, he wouldn''t have to waste the precious system feedback opportunity on low-grade Qi Gathering Pills.


    He could give Lin Ke''er something more valuable.


    And receive a higher return.


    After the transaction was completed, Ye Chen didn''t rush back.


    Instead, he strolled around the street, checking out the beauties.


    But he only walked along the main street, avoiding the secluded areas.


    The safety of the Silver Moon Market was only relative.


    Every month, some cultivator corpses would still be found.


    And the market managers were too lazy to investigate the murderers.


    They would occasionally kill a few robber cultivators from the wild and hang them at the entrance as scapegoats.


    A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall.


    With the system in hand and a promising future, why risk it?


    He wandered around the main street.


    Many cultivators came and went, entering the surrounding shops for transactions and shopping.


    There were quite a few female cultivators as well.


    But most of them didn''t trigger any response from the system.


    Either their looks and figures didn''t meet the standard, or they weren''t virgins.


    A few who did meet the standard only had multipliers of two or three times, with the highest being five times.


    Though they were indeed quite pretty, Ye Chen couldn''t even be bothered to take a look.


    After all, the system only triggered once a week, so naturally, he had to choose the highest.


    So for now, Lin Ke''er was still the most suitable target.


    He couldn''t give up yet.


    ***


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    One Leaf Pill Shop.


    This was the Ye family''s pill shop.


    Steward Zhang sat on the second floor, looking at the spirit stones in front of him, listening to his subordinates'' reports, and smiling.


    Ye Chen had indeed taken the bait.


    And this kid had a father at the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining, making him ripe for exploitation.


    Steward Zhang no longer planned to target Ye Chen deliberately.


    Instead, he intended to continuously exploit Ye Chen with tasks.


    Anyway, Ye Chen''s alchemy skills were lacking, so to complete the tasks, he would have to buy from him.


    With this in and out, he would make a huge profit.


    If things continued like this, he just needed to wait for Ye Chen''s spirit stones to run out and explode.


    Even if Ye Chen''s father went all out to support him.


    In the end, it would be easy to find an opportunity to have Ye Chen refine pills in person and expose him.


    In Steward Zhang''s view, Ye Chen was already completely in his grasp.


    He could destroy him at any time.


    There was no need to pay too much attention anymore.


    ***


    After returning to his room, Ye Chen immediately rummaged through his luggage.


    He quickly found a jade tablet.


    "Longxiang Hands"!


    This was an external martial arts cultivation technique.


    The essence of the Qi Refining stage is to guide spiritual energy to cleanse the body, shedding the mortal form, and ultimately achieving true spirit Foundation Establishment.


    The physical body is crucial.


    But most cultivation techniques have mediocre effects on enhancing the body, so one must cultivate an external martial art to achieve internal and external cultivation.


    This not only enhances combat power but also increases the chances of achieving Foundation Establishment in the future.


    The earlier one starts cultivating, the better.


    However, such techniques are not cheap.


    And this "Longxiang Hands" was bought by his predecessor''s father for three mid-grade spirit stones.


    It was a simplified version of a technique from a sect stronger than the Qingyun Sect.


    It''s said that such techniques are usually deliberately sold by major sects.


    On one hand, it''s a way to screen for potential talents; if a genius cultivates it well, they might be absorbed into the sect.


    There''s also a rumor that these techniques have hidden flaws, countered by the original version of the technique.


    Ye Chen didn''t know if these rumors were true.


    But the "Longxiang Hands" could temper muscles and bones, making it an excellent external martial art.


    His predecessor had been busy with alchemy after arriving here and hadn''t had time to learn it.


    As for Ye Chen... he didn''t plan to learn it either.


    These jade tablets are one-time use; they shatter after learning, and they come with a Dao heart oath, preventing them from being passed on.


    Since that''s the case.


    Ye Chen planned to give this external martial art to Lin Ke''er.


    "Longxiang Hands" wasn''t bad, bought for three mid-grade spirit stones.


    If it returned tenfold?


    What kind of technique would it return?


    Could it explode into the original version?


    Ye Chen was very much looking forward to it.


    Unfortunately, he had just given a gift yesterday.


    He had to wait six more days for the cooldown period to end.


    But Ye Chen wasn''t in a hurry.


    He continued his daily routine of cultivation and alchemy.


    Quietly improving his cultivation.


    ***


    The second week.


    Ye Chen arrived at the pill shop early in the morning.


    His family''s pill shop wasn''t large, with two floors.


    It mainly sold pills sent by the family and purchased various herbs, especially Silver Moon Grass.


    The name of the Silver Moon Market comes from the Silver Moon Grass.


    The local mountains are rich in Silver Moon Grass.


    And Silver Moon Grass is the main ingredient for refining Clear Meridian Pills.


    As the name suggests, Clear Meridian Pills can clear pill toxins and impurities accumulated in the meridians.


    They are very popular among late-stage Qi Refining cultivators.


    As for ordinary cultivators, they don''t even think about it.


    They barely have enough pills to consume, let alone spare money to buy Clear Meridian Pills.


    Pill toxins are not as terrifying as poverty.


    After waiting for a while.


    A female cultivator entered the shop, dressed somewhat flamboyantly, but she looked a bit older.


    Seeing Ye Chen, her eyes lit up, and she hurried over, "Fellow Daoist Ye..."


    She knew Ye Chen very well.


    Young and already an alchemist.


    Most importantly, he was generous.


    After being hooked by that vixen Lin Ke''er, he kept sending her pills every day.


    Even the kids next door were envious to tears.


    So upon seeing Ye Chen, she discreetly tugged at her collar, showing off her assets.


    If she could capture Ye Chen, wouldn''t she also have an endless supply of pills?


    However, Ye Chen looked at her, glanced at the unresponsive system, and took a step back, responding coldly.


    He could see through her intentions at a glance.


    But with your level, you think you''re worthy of me giving you anything?


    Ye Chen''s cold attitude made the female cultivator''s mouth twitch.


    She was embarrassed but didn''t dare to get angry, so she went to the back to tidy up, feeling resentful.


    At this moment, Lin Ke''er also arrived for work.


    Still in a white dress, with a somewhat ethereal and fairy-like aura.


    Her long hair flowing, stunningly beautiful.


    Seeing Ye Chen, Lin Ke''er was slightly surprised.


    But she quickly smiled sweetly, her eyes curving like crescent moons, looking very happy to see Ye Chen, "Fellow Daoist Ye, you''ve finished your seclusion? You must have gained a lot!"


    Ye Chen wasn''t in the mood for Lin Ke''er''s pretense.


    This kind of woman never spoke a word of truth.


    Ye Chen only wanted to trigger rewards.


    So he immediately said, "I have a gift for Fairy Lin."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Ke''er was slightly surprised.


    Ye Chen came to give her a gift on his own initiative?


    It was probably pills again.


    Of course, Lin Ke''er didn''t want to refuse.


    But Ye Chen had given her ten low-grade Qi Gathering Pills last time.


    One pill a day, and she hadn''t finished them yet.


    If she accepted now, would it make her seem greedy?


    Meanwhile, another female cultivator tidying up the counter gritted her teeth in jealousy upon hearing this.


    ***


    Lin Ke''er was decisive and immediately shook her head, "Fellow Daoist Ye, I appreciate your kindness. But I still have three pills left from the last gift you gave me.


    So I can''t let you spend more..."


    Lin Ke''er decided not to accept this time.


    To build a good image.


    It wouldn''t be good if Ye Chen thought she was only after his pills.


    So occasionally refusing wasn''t a bad thing.


    The female cultivator beside her was even more envious.


    She was shouting in her heart, how am I not as good as Lin Ke''er?


    Give it to me, give it to me...


    I really want it!!!

 Chapter 8 - I have never seen such a Lick Spirit!

    Ye Chen noticed that although Lin Ke''er refused, she mentioned there were still three pills left, clearly hinting for him to deliver more in three days. Her contradictory attitude made Ye Chen want to laugh.


    "Forget it, let''s focus on the important matters," Ye Chen said directly. "It''s not about the pills. It''s an external martial art called ''Longxiang Hands'' that my father prepared for me. It can temper the flesh and bones. This is an external martial art passed down from the Longxiang Sect!


    I see that Fairy Lin is about to break through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining. With the help of external martial arts to temper the body and refine the blood and energy, it will be twice as effective..."


    Hearing this, Lin Ke''er, who had been firm in her stance, was stunned, her pupils constricting instantly...


    Not pills, but an external martial art technique?


    This... the immense surprise left Lin Ke''er dizzy.


    An external martial art technique? And one that can temper the muscles and bones?


    This is too precious.


    You must know that most basic external martial arts can only temper the flesh, with average effects. The next level can temper the muscles and bones, but those are very expensive and rare. Even cultivators at the late stage of Qi Refining would feel the pinch buying them. The highest level can temper the muscles, bones, and internal organs, but those are usually only available to disciples of top sects. Rogue cultivators can''t even dream of them.


    Lin Ke''er had never practiced external martial arts, hoping to save up enough Spirit Stones after breaking through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining to possibly acquire a better technique. She never expected Ye Chen to deliver one directly...


    Even knowing Ye Chen liked her, this was beyond Lin Ke''er''s expectations. Ye Chen was being too generous.


    The shop was quiet at this moment. Another maid looked on with jealousy, while several clerks looked at Ye Chen as if he were a wastrel. Steward Zhang, standing in the hallway, was turning green with envy. He knew Ye Chen was a "lick spirit," but he didn''t expect him to go this far. This external martial art was worth at least two or three mid-grade Spirit Stones. And you just give it to a woman? Are you doing right by your father? What kind of family do you come from? People might think you''re from a Foundation Establishment family. Do you know how many women you could find with two or three mid-grade Spirit Stones?


    Steward Zhang gritted his teeth, wishing he could snatch the jade tablet from Ye Chen''s hands. Even though it wasn''t his, he felt heartache just looking at it.


    Ye Chen didn''t care what others thought. He just smiled lightly at Lin Ke''er. Lin Ke''er bit her lip, her beautiful eyes full of longing. However, her willpower was strong enough to resist reaching out. "Fellow Daoist Ye, you also need external martial arts. I can''t accept this..."


    Lin Ke''er wanted it, but her modesty made her refuse, hoping to decline a few times before accepting it, making it seem like she had no choice. It had been like this several times before.Stolen novel; please report.


    Ye Chen, seeing Lin Ke''er''s demeanor, knew what she was thinking and couldn''t help but sneer inwardly. "Lick spirits" really disrupt the market. This woman was spoiled by the previous "lick spirit." She clearly wanted it desperately but wanted him to offer it several times, begging her to accept it. He couldn''t keep giving things and begging her to take them, could he?


    Ye Chen felt a bit disgusted and immediately made a move to retract the jade tablet. "Fairy Lin is right. In that case, let''s leave it at that..."


    Seeing Ye Chen actually retract the jade tablet, Lin Ke''er''s eyes widened even more. Ye Chen actually took it back? How could Ye Chen take it back? Aren''t you going to persuade me a few more times to accept it?


    At this moment, Lin Ke''er deeply regretted it. She even wanted to pounce and snatch the jade tablet from Ye Chen''s hand. That was an external martial art worth several mid-grade Spirit Stones, which could temper the muscles and bones. Even if she didn''t eat, drink, or cultivate, it would take at least ten years to afford it. And now, it slipped away because of one sentence?


    Lin Ke''er felt that in the coming years, she would wake up in the middle of the night, slapping herself in regret. She truly regretted it.


    But just then, Ye Chen''s retracting hand paused. "I remembered, my father said he might find a better external martial art technique and would bring it to me next time... So this ''Longxiang Hands'' is still for you to cultivate!"


    Saying this, he handed the jade tablet back to Lin Ke''er. Seeing the jade tablet returned, Lin Ke''er''s emotions were like a roller coaster. She dared not refuse again, fearing the opportunity would slip away. She quickly took the jade tablet with both hands. "In that case, thank you, Fellow Daoist Ye!"


    Ye Chen, hearing the system prompt in his mind, was in a great mood. This is how it should be¡ªwhen given something, just accept it immediately. Who has the patience to watch you put on a show? Do you really think I''m a "lick spirit" trying to win your favor?


    Ye Chen couldn''t be bothered with Lin Ke''er''s thanks, waved his hand, and turned to leave, eager to check the system rewards.


    ***


    Ye Chen left, and the shop remained silent. No one believed Ye Chen''s last words. Even if Ye Chen''s father was at the late stage of Qi Refining, three to five mid-grade Spirit Stones a year would be the limit. Could he give you another one? No one believed it; they thought it was just a lie to persuade Lin Ke''er to accept it.


    Steward Zhang thought so too. He was deeply shocked, his understanding refreshed by Ye Chen''s "lick spirit" behavior. He truly hadn''t expected there to be such a "lick spirit" in the world. Giving pills was understandable, but giving a cultivation technique, one that he also needed, was utterly foolish. For cultivators, the most important things are their strength and cultivation. If you give everything to someone else, will they even glance at you when their cultivation surpasses yours? Ridiculous and foolish.


    Steward Zhang looked at the jade tablet in Lin Ke''er''s hand, full of greed. Even if he couldn''t use it, it would be great for his nephew. What right did a rogue cultivator like Lin Ke''er have to possess it? However, Lin Ke''er reacted quickly, immediately placing the jade tablet on her forehead. In the next moment, the jade tablet glowed and shattered.


    Steward Zhang couldn''t help but give Lin Ke''er a deep look. This woman was indeed clever. But now that the jade tablet was used and broken, there was no point in being greedy. Steward Zhang gritted his teeth, deciding to increase his exploitation of Ye Chen in the future. He couldn''t understand how the Ye family could raise such a "lick spirit." It was utterly absurd...


    ***


    After using the jade tablet, Lin Ke''er quickly scanned the cultivation technique information in her mind, her smile growing wider. This "Longxiang Hands" was truly powerful. With it, she could go much further in the future. Thinking of this, Ye Chen''s face appeared in Lin Ke''er''s mind. Ye Chen was truly good to her! It was clear that Ye Chen genuinely liked her. Even someone like Lin Ke''er, with a firm Dao heart, couldn''t help but feel moved by such affection.


    But unfortunately...


    Moved as she was, she could never be with Ye Chen or become his Dao companion. She wanted to reach Foundation Establishment and go further on the immortal path. Ye Chen might struggle to reach the late stage of Qi Refining.


    However, Lin Ke''er promised herself that when her cultivation was higher in the future, she would repay Ye Chen a hundredfold.


    ***


    At this moment, Ye Chen returned to his room and began to check the system...


    "Gift successfully given!"


    "The gift is the body-refining technique ''Longxiang Hands.''"


    "Returning feedback..."


    "Tenfold feedback, rewarding ''Longxiang Prajna Art.''"


    "Detected that the gift given by the host this time is extremely important to the recipient and exceeds their expectations, causing a significant emotional fluctuation, triggering a critical reward!"


    "Reward: One-day virtual shadow of Xu Longxiang, founder of the Longxiang Sect, available for consultation on ''Longxiang Prajna Art'' cultivation methods."


    "Detected that the host does not have storage equipment. Physical rewards will be temporarily stored in the System Space and can be retrieved at any time..."