Chapter 60

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

In the cultivation world, lifespan is linked to cultivation realm, sharing a positive correlation.

Mortals live only a few decades; centenarians are exceedingly rare.

Cultivators: Qi Refining stage — one hundred fifty years; Foundation Establishment stage — three hundred years; Golden Core stage — five hundred years; Nascent Soul stage — eight hundred years; Spirit Transformation stage — one thousand two hundred years; Mahayana — one thousand five hundred years; Unity of the Way — two thousand years.

Lifespan does not necessarily increase according to this pattern, because cultivation method, cultivation realm, and one's exact strength all affect lifespan.

But the mainstream view across the entire Cultivation Continent right now is the lifespans above, give or take a little.

However, none of this has much to do with Shen Yao for the time being, because given Shen Yao's aptitude and prospects, at best she would only hover around early Foundation Establishment or middle Foundation Establishment — and that is assuming she has a fortuitous encounter.

Without a fortuitous encounter, just living an ordinary life, she would most likely be destined for late Qi Refining or Great Perfection of Qi Refining her whole life.

Sigh

Worrying.

Once she understood these things in her heart, Shen Yao's mood remained low.

After all, how long one can live in a world is entirely determined by the physical condition of the body one transmigrated into.

Shen Yao rallied her spirits, directly got down from the bed, and walked to the copper mirror to one side to examine her reflection.

The copper mirror was polished very smooth and clear, but to Shen Yao it still felt somewhat unreal.

To personally confirm her own appearance, Shen Yao had no choice but to form a hand seal and condense a water mirror the size of a washbasin.

In an instant, a classical beauty with a goose-egg face appeared before her eyes.

Beautiful!

The face shape of Shen Yao's current body is that of a standard classical beauty.

Jade nose, cherry lips, eyebrows like distant mountains, black hair falling to her waist — simply perfect.

Even in the cultivation world where handsome men and beautiful women abound, Shen Yao's beauty is rare.

No wonder Shen Yao's daily allotment cannot compare to the very top tier of the Shen Family, but it is not far off.

The Shen Family still holds hope for Shen Yao, even if that hope does not lie in cultivation.

The thin water mirror dissipated rapidly before her eyes like a wisp of blue smoke.

Shen Yao moved her body, then took out the rewards she had previously obtained from the System Space.

Including Beauty Pills, Radiance Pills, and the like — she swallowed them all.

"But the Body Fragrance Pill — forget it, this world is a bit dangerous.

Having a fragrant body makes it easy for people to remember you, which could invite unnecessary trouble; better keep it for now."

Shen Yao muttered to herself, then picked out that pill and set it aside separately.

The pill's effect on the body is a long-term process, after all one must consider the visual effect on others.

So after taking the medicine, Shen Yao did not go out, but instead cast a Qing Dust Technique to tidy herself up, then continued burying herself in closed-door cultivation.

She had not forgotten why this body had met with trouble; Shen Yao must thoroughly resolve the troubles on her body before she can go out and carry out the next step of arrangements and plans.

Time is like sand, lightly scattered, swift as morning flowers.

When Shen Yao returned to her senses from the closed-door cultivation state, half a month had passed since she last woke.

Counting Shen Yao's entire closed-door cultivation process, it was roughly two months since she had shown her face in the Shen Clan Territory.

So the moment she opened the door, Shen Yao was met with the daily report from her maidservant.

The maidservant was called Ping'er; her family had served the Shen Family for generations; her four spirit roots aptitude and earth spirit root with a maximum purity of three points kept her hovering at the second layer of Qi Refining.

Facing her mistress who had come out, Ping'er wore a respectful expression, even though her mistress's appearance had become even more outstanding at this moment.

"Eldest Uncle is looking for me?"

Shen Yao's expression did not change; she thought to herself that she normally had little contact with this cheap Eldest Uncle.

And this cheap Eldest Uncle is also the Shen Family Head, a Foundation Establishment early stage cultivator, very busy.

Where would he find the time to see this cheap niece of his whose parents are dead and who has nothing to show for herself?

"Replying to Mistress, the day for Yunwu City's annual Yunwu Stone gathering is approaching.

According to the Family Head's arrangement, this time both the Shen Family's direct line and branch families will send people.

As long as cultivation is at middle Qi Refining or late Qi Refining, they will be led by the Second Elder."

Ping'er knew this much because the news had already spread throughout the Shen Clan Territory.

Basically every year there is such an event; after all, Yunwu City survives by relying on Yunwu Stone.

Hearing Ping'er briefly explain the ins and outs, Shen Yao only then recalled the matter of Yunwu Stone.

She could only blame herself for focusing all her energy on herself and neglecting the time.

Now it is already mid-April; every year early May is the day Yunwu Stone matures.

Yunwu Stone is a common array stone used to increase array stability; its variant, Yunwu Crystal, can even be used for artifact refinement.

Yunwu City is famous precisely because Yunwu Mountain outside Yunwu City contains large quantities of Yunwu Stone.

The people of Yunwu City all make a living gathering Yunwu Stone; the Shen Family's development to its current scale is thanks to the Shen Family's Old Ancestor gathering Yunwu Crystal in Yunwu Mountain in the early years, presenting it to Yunwu City's City Lord in exchange for massive resources, and in one stroke piling himself up into a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

From then on, the Shen Family took root in Yunwu City and grew powerful.

Now the Shen Family has passed to Shen Yao's Eldest Uncle, that is, Shen Zhouhai's generation, and is already counted among the top major forces in Yunwu City.

Standing in a tripartite balance with the Lin Family of North Yunwu City and the Sun Family of South Yunwu City.

As for East Yunwu City, that is the City Lord's Mansion's territory, and moreover one of the garrison bases of the Iron Sword Sect, the largest force controlling Yunwu City.

The Iron Sword Sect, the Qianyu Alliance, and the Ziyun Sect are collectively known as the three major sects of Beizhou.

Among them, the Qianyu Alliance is an alliance of loose cultivators, the Ziyun Sect consists entirely of women, and the Iron Sword Sect has some connection with the Tianjian Sect of Dongzhou, which is how they have managed to keep Yunwu City firmly in their grasp.

However, these are all rumors Shen Yao occasionally heard; whether they are credible or not, Shen Yao does not know.

After all, Shen Yao previously had no presence at all in the Shen Family, and Shen Zhouhai certainly would not tell her these things.

Given the original body's homebody nature, being able to dig up this much gossip already counted as doing her utmost; to get more, she could only rely on herself.

Nodding at Ping'er, "I understand. I'll go see Eldest Uncle now."

Having Ping'er stay behind to tidy the room after closed-door cultivation, Shen Yao bypassed her and headed straight for the small courtyard where Shen Zhouhai resided, in the center of the Shen Clan Territory.

On the way, she ran into quite a few Shen Family servants; some bore spiritual energy fluctuations, others showed no reaction at all.

It seems even in a cultivation city, not everyone can cultivate immortality.

The Heavenly Dao's cruelty toward people is impartial — whether they have it or not, all are forced by life.

Nodding as she hurried along, fortunately Shen Yao still remembered the way to the Main Hall in her mind; otherwise, in the Shen Clan's vast, labyrinthine space, it would be very easy to get lost.

"Sixth Miss"

"Steward Fu, I heard Eldest Uncle was looking for me. I just left seclusion and came over."

Facing Steward Fu, Shen Yao gave the respect that was due — after all, he is a Great Perfection of Qi Refining expert, and moreover Shen Zhouhai's father, which makes him the trusted confidant of Shen Yao's nominal grandfather.

You should know, Shen Yao's nominal grandfather Shen Zhangfu is still alive and well; he is currently the highest combat strength the Shen Clan has revealed, a Foundation Establishment Late Stage expert.

If he hadn't damaged his foundation in a fight years ago, preventing Shen Zhangfu from advancing, who knows — the Shen Family might have turned the tables and suppressed the Lin Family and the Sun Family.

But these are only assumptions; currently the Shen Family ranks in the middle among the three families — not up to the top, but above the bottom — and they are worried sick about it.

The "Fu" in Steward Fu's name was a character Shen Zhangfu took from his own name and bestowed upon him, to show his regard for Steward Fu.

Steward Fu has a kindly, amiable face, and his short, plump figure looks quite cheerful.

But Shen Yao knows in her heart that this man is also a ruthless character in private; basically all major and minor affairs of the Shen Family are handled by Steward Fu, including some dirty, grueling work that cannot see the light of day.

As such, even the few younger generations of the direct line — Shen Yao's nominal brothers and sisters — dare not offend Steward Fu.

"Sixth Miss, set your mind at ease. The Family Head knows you have always been obedient and sensible.

Now you haven't delayed the day for gathering Yunwu Stone either, so he won't blame you."

Steward Fu led Shen Yao into the courtyard, walking and chatting with her with a beaming smile.

Shen Yao thought to herself these words were just for show; if she had actually missed the hour, what awaited her would be cold, hard family law punishment.

"Steward Fu, I heard the servants say that this trip to gather Yunwu Stone will be led by the Second Elder, and all clan members at mid and late Qi Refining will go.

Has something happened at Yunwu Mountain? Why send so many people?"

It basically amounts to nearly one-third of the entire Shen Clan's strength.

You should know, last year's Yunwu Stone gathering only involved Shen Yao's paternal cousin leading a few people out.

Hearing this, Steward Fu smiled and glanced at Shen Yao, opening his mouth to explain patiently, "This time is different. Rumor has it that Yunwu Mountain has produced even more precious Yunwu Crystal.

The City Lord's Mansion in the East City needs Yunwu Crystal. Not just our Shen Family — the Lin Family in North City and the Sun Family in South City will also send many people to gather at Yunwu Mountain."

After listening, Shen Yao let out an "Oh," and understood — so it's to curry favor with the City Lord's Mansion.

After all, the three families — Shen, Lin, and Sun — can only be considered local tyrants.

The City Lord's Mansion is the true master of Yunwu City; if they want to live well in Yunwu City, they have to hold up the City Lord's Mansion.

Take this Yunwu Stone gathering — even if only a few people were needed, because the City Lord's Mansion wants Yunwu Crystal, they have to increase the manpower dispatched.

Tsk.

It seems whether it's a palace intrigue world or the cultivation world, the rule of 'might makes right' still applies.

But then again, where there are people there is jianghu; Yunwu City isn't large, but there are many forces — you strive, I contend — it's all normal.

After a brief understanding with Steward Fu of the reason for sending people to gather Yunwu Stone this time.

Shen Yao turned and thanked Steward Fu, her attitude pitched perfectly — at least Steward Fu's smile toward her became genuine, unlike the perfunctory manner before.

Before long, the Council Hall was reached.

"Sixth Miss, the Family Head is waiting for you inside. You may go in."

"Thank you for your trouble, Steward Fu."

Shen Yao nodded, turned, pushed open the heavy door, and entered the hall smoothly.

"Eldest Uncle"

Shen Zhouhai stood with his back to Shen Yao; hearing her call, he turned around and beckoned to her with a pleasant expression.

"Sit quickly. This time I called you over because the matter is urgent, and the Shen Family cannot refuse.

Presumably on your way here, Steward Fu already told you about this Yunwu Stone gathering.

Eldest Uncle will make a long story short: many people from the clan are going to Yunwu Mountain this time.

Eldest Uncle hopes you can get along well with the others. You've reached the age, and unlike your Fourth Sister, you have a high probability of reaching Foundation Establishment.

Don't blame Eldest Uncle for speaking directly — you should seize the time to consider your marriage.

We cultivators indeed must hold the mindset of fighting for life against heaven.

But to do what cannot be done — that is a grave mistake.

Shen Yao, do you understand Eldest Uncle's meaning?"

Shen Yao:... To be honest, I really do understand. So the Shen Family is openly using the pretext of gathering Yunwu Stone, but secretly going to look at marriage alliance candidates.

One must admit, Shen Zhouhai's arrangement is simply beautifully done!

Shen Yao gave Shen Zhouhai a mental thumbs-up — the first time she'd seen a Family Head with such a sure plan.

Not to mention, Yunwu City's once-a-year Yunwu Stone gathering is indeed the liveliest event in the entire Yunwu City.

At that time, whether high-ranking nobles or common citizens, everyone will go join the bustle.

Shen Yao wanting to find a nominal father for her future child — this is a good opportunity.

At least most of the core personnel are present; by then it will depend on Shen Yao's own judgment.

Having figured these things out in her heart, Shen Yao wore the bashfulness common to a young girl on her face, gave an "Mm" of assent, and nodded: "Eldest Uncle, rest assured, I understand everything."

Seeing that Shen Yao did not object, Shen Zhouhai was also very satisfied; his eyebrows and eyes relaxed considerably. "Go back and rest well. If you lack anything, go find Steward Fu as soon as possible to collect it.

This trip to Yunwu Mountain is of great importance; Eldest Uncle hopes you can present your best condition.

Shen Yao, Eldest Uncle pins hopes on you; among the other girls of the Shen Family, only you are most likely to succeed."

Because Shen Yao is the most outstanding-looking woman among the girls of this generation of the Shen Family.

Shen Zhouhai had to admit that the older Shen Yao grew, the more magnificent her appearance became.

If she cannot take this opportunity to properly scheme some benefits for the Shen Family, that would truly be a loss.

Sigh, what a pity the Shen Family is merely a small gate small household, and Shen Yao's aptitude also does not meet the Ziyun Sect's disciple-recruitment standard.

Otherwise, relying on the Ziyun Sect's marriage-alliance methods, once Shen Yao entered the Ziyun Sect's gate, would she still fear the Shen Family having no backing?

You must know the Ziyun Sect can establish a foothold in Beizhou by relying on the Ziyun Sect's vast and shocking network of connections.

The female cultivators of the Ziyun Sect — Shen Zhouhai shook his head — rumors in Beizhou say: there is no one you can afford to offend except the Ziyun Sect.

Because the power of pillow-wind is too strong; it is not something ordinary people can deal with.

Shen Yao could not know that in the time Shen Zhouhai spoke with her, he had already associated so far.

She followed along with Shen Zhouhai's words and continued, again expressing her loyal and devoted attitude toward the Shen Family.

Leaving the Dian Dian, Shen Yao decisively found Steward Fu and collected the two months of monthly allowance she had not collected before, all together.

Steward Fu clearly had psychological preparation; facing Shen Yao's purpose, his attitude was as usual.

Even when giving the official salary/reward, Steward Fu gave an extra two months of monthly allowance.

"This"

Shen Yao hesitated, thinking to herself that fifteen spirit stones a month was already not a small amount.

You must know some people rarely even have spirit stones; what they use most are spirit pearls, which are one grade lower than spirit stones.

The Shen Family has a small spirit stone mine; after handing over two-tenths to the City Lord's Mansion every year, the rest is entirely kept for their own cultivation.

Treatment like Shen Yao's, as a direct-line member, is only possible because the direct line has few people; otherwise it would have been halted long ago.

Steward Fu's expression did not change: "Sixth Miss, you had better accept it quickly. Once you go to Yunwu Mountain, you will still need to rely on a large amount of spirit stones to replenish spiritual power.

This trip to Yunwu Mountain, everyone in the Shen Family will be issued an extra portion of monthly allowance.

As long as we can find Yunwu Crystal, the Shen Family will not lose out."

On the contrary, by accepting the City Lord's Mansion's favor, our Shen Family even profits.

It is merely expending some spirit stones; although the reduction in reserves is somewhat uncomfortable, it has not reached the level of skin and bone injury — we can stake a gamble.