Chapter 66, Open

Translator: Raznick

 

“Fellow Daoist Zhou, are you sure you don’t want to register?

 

“Given your cultivation and your background, there would be an extremely high chance of joining Green Lotus Monastery.”

 

“If you could join Green Lotus Monastery, your odds of reaching Foundation Establishment would greatly increase. Not to mention all the other benefits!”

 

Within the backyard of Spirit Beast Pavilion, Liu Qingshan, who had “taken a break” to visit his daughter, was discussing the matter of Green Lotus Monastery recruit disciples with Zhou Chun.

 

He knew he had no chance of registering himself, as Green Lotus Monastery had strict requirements for recruiting disciples.

 

Firstly, there was an age limit—any cultivator over thirty years old was automatically excluded unless they possessed high spirit roots.

 

Secondly, their background and roots mattered—if one was a self-taught rogue cultivator with excessive Savage Qi in their body, they were also excluded.

 

Lastly, cultivators below mid Qi Refining Stage, even if over fifteen years old, were equally ineligible.

 

As for those under fifteen years old, they would be selected based on their background, and spirit roots through a comprehensive evaluation.

 

Liu Qingshan was already over the age limit.

 

However, at this moment, faced with Liu Qingshan’s advice, Zhou Chun responded calmly: “I am well aware of the advantages of being a disciple from a major sect, but I am even more aware of the lack of freedom that comes with it. Compared to that, cultivating within the Zhou Clan suits me better.”

 

This was exactly what Zhou Chun had told Elder Zhou Daoyi earlier.

 

In reality, whether Zhou Chun joined the Green Lotus Monastery or stayed within the Zhou Clan, it would greatly benefit the Zhou Clan. It was just a matter of which option would be better.

 

If he were to join the Green Lotus Monastery, given his current age and cultivation level, along with having tamed an average first-grade demon beast like the Silver Thunder Python, his chances of reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage would be very high. This could give the Zhou Clan a influential voice within the Green Lotus Monastery.

 

On the other hand, if he remained in the Zhou Clan, it might result in the clan gaining a powerful Foundation Establishment Stage Elder, significantly boosting the clan’s overall strength.

 

Upon hearing that Zhou Chun had no interest in joining the Green Lotus Monastery, Zhou Daoyi did not press him further but respected his decision.

 

Liu Qingshan fell silent for a moment before nodding lightly: “Perhaps you’re right. For a clan cultivator like Fellow Daoist Zhou, staying within the clan could indeed be a good choice.”

 

He then switched topics: “However, for cultivators like us who are not affiliated with any sect, joining a major sect is the best option. Therefore, I plan to have my daughter register for this grand event as well.”

 

“Is Fellow Daoist Liu considering having her join?”

 

Zhou Chun’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as he expressed his concern: “But your daughter is only at the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining; does Fellow Daoist Liu not worry about her safety?”

 

It was all thanks to Zhou Chun that Liu Shiyun had been able to cultivate daily within the market these past half a year. Her cultivation had now breakthrough into the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining Stage.

 

However, she was twenty years old. If she were to register at this point, she would have to compete with many Seventh and Eighth Layer cultivators, some of whom were even clan disciples.

 

Zhou Chun remained doubtful about her chances of making it through.

 

Liu Qingshan, who had been cultivating for decades, easily picked up the underlying implication in Zhou Chun’s words. He promptly explained, “As for Shiyun, her spirit root isn’t bad. Though it’s not top-tier, among average spirit roots, hers is considered outstanding. Moreover, I have always focused on nurturing her in all aspects since she was young. She is not as delicate as Fellow Daoist Zhou might imagine.

 

“And this opportunity is rare. If we miss out on this chance, there will be no way for her to join Green Lotus Monastery in the future. I would have to travel far and wide to other sect regions in Jing Kingdom to seek opportunities for her. The risks involved would likely be even greater!”

 

Zhou Chun nodded slightly, acknowledging his explanation.

 

But soon after, he frowned, as if struck by an idea. He looked at Liu Qingshan and asked, “But why is Fellow Daoist Liu bringing all this up with me?”

 

Upon hearing his question, Liu Qingshan smiled bitterly and spread his hands： “Fellow Daoist Zhou must be aware that I am currently under house arrest and unable to leave the market. Naturally, I cannot take my daughter far to the Green Lotus Monastery estate in Jing Kingdom to participate in this grand event.

 

“Thus, I would like to ask Fellow Daoist Zhou for assistance in interceding with your esteemed clan, allowing my daughter to accompany the cultivators from your clan seeking initiation into Green Lotus Monastery on their journey to Lotus Province.”

 

[Is that all?]

 

Zhou Chun sighed in relief. He feared that Liu Qingshan might make exorbitant demands, asking him to help Liu Shiyun join Green Lotus Monastery—a favor he would struggle to fulfill.

 

He nodded and replied, “I understand. If this was all, then you can count on me.”

 

Since Zhou Clan was already dispatching people to Green Lotus Monastery’s estate, adding Liu Shiyun to the group would be no great trouble. As a core member of Zhou Clan, Zhou Chun felt confident in securing this favor.

 

A few days later, Zhou Chun took leave from Zhou Jiasheng and set off with Liu Shiyun for Nine Peaks. Along the way, he also procured some new varieties spirit fruits give the Wood Spirit Ape that had greatly aided him.

 

Upon arriving at Zhou Clan, Zhou Chun’s request to include Liu Shiyun in the group received an immediate affirmative response from Clan Leader Zhou Daoyi. However, Zhou Clan’s contingent seeking initiation into Green Lotus Monastery was smaller than Zhou Chun had anticipated—only three individuals, two of whom were “Zheng” generation youths under fifteen years old.

 

Because there were so few people, the Zhou Clan didn’t even send a Foundation Establishment cultivator to escort them. Instead, they sent Zhou Jiapeng, who was already at the Eleventh Layer of Qi Refining Stage, to escort several individuals to Gold Maple Peak Sun Clan and proceed to Lotus Province alongside Sun Clan’s cultivators.

 

After seeing Liu Shiyun and the others off from Zhou Clan, Zhou Chun was also preparing to leave the clan for the market.

 

Upon learning that he intended to depart, Zhou Zhengyong insisted on inviting him back home for a meal.

 

“My wife has really polished her skills now. It’d be perfect if you could come over and taste her cooking today.”

 

As Zhou Zhengyong said this, his face was filled with obvious pride.

 

Zhou Chun knew why he was feeling so smug.

 

It was because during his previous visit to Zhou Zhengyong’s home, Zhou Chun had personally cooked several dishes himself.

 

Seeing his current look of pride, it was clear that Zhou Zhengyong wanted to boast about having such avirtuous Dao companion.

 

After all, it wasn’t easy for a cultivator like her to lower herself and specifically learn a mortal’s culinary skills.

 

If this was Earth, when encountering a friend trying to flex like this, Zhou Chun probably would have left, refusing to give him the chance to show off and blow his top.

 

But he couldn’t do that in this world, that would be too rude.

 

At the moment, he could only follow Zhou Zhengyong to his home.

 

Not to mention, after eating seven or eight dishes made by Zhou Zhengyong’s Dao companion Sun Yujiao, Zhou Chun really envied this guy.

 

Having a wife who can cook and warm the bed had always been his biggest dream in his previous life.

 

“Actually, Thirteenth Brother, you should find a Dao companion. I think Liu Shiyun, is pretty good. If she fails to join Green Lotus Monastery, you might as well give it a try.”

 

Zhou Zhengyong picked on Zhou Chun’s envy and winked.

 

For some reason, when Zhou Chun heard Zhou Zhengyong’s words, the first thing that came to his mind was a certain illustration on the Flower Hunting Book.

 

He shook his head, banishing the evil thought, and rolled his eyes at Zhou Zhengyong and said, “Don’t talk nonsense, Fellow Daoist Liu and I are open and detached, don’t ruin the girl’s reputation!”

 

Open?

 

Zhou Zhengyong’s face was full of disbelief.

 

“Really, I haven’t even seen her face yet!”

 

Seeing that Zhou Zhengyong still didn’t believe him, he casually spread his hands and added: “If you don’t believe me, fine. The main reason I brought Fellow Daoist Liu here was because her father asked me to.”

 

The father-daughter duo had brought him quite a substantial harvest—as much as two thousand spirit coins.

 

Zhou Chun always kept his promises and settled his debts. For those who had helped him make a fortune—even if it was through fair transactions—he would do whatever he could to assist them in return.

 

Zhou Zhengyong felt it unwise to press the matter further, as it might seem distrustful. So he quickly changed the subject and said: “You know what? Apparently, Seven Brother was originally planning to join Green Lotus Monastery, but Grand Elder wouldn’t let him leave, practically keeping him under house arrest!”

 

“Is that so?” Zhou Chun’s face showed his surprise; it was news to him.

 

He pondered for a moment before shaking his head and saying: “I indeed didn’t know about this. But since it’s Grand Elder’s decision, we should refrain from discussing it casually.”

 

“This is between us, after all,” Zhou Zhengyong replied.

 

Zhou Zhengyong nodded, showed an “I understand” expression, and smiled at him.

 

Then he couldn’t help but sigh with emotion：“Before, I was particularly envious of his special treatment. But now it seems that someone who has received so many resources and support from clan and Seniors isn’t without any cost.”

 

Was this really the case?

 

Zhou Chun shook his head slightly but didn’t say anything.

 

The so-called “cost” Zhou Zhengkang had suffered, compared to the special treatment he enjoyed within the clan, amounted to very little.

 

If he were sent to Green Lotus Monastery, that would truly be him reaping all the benefits. In the future, it might become a lifelong criticism for Grand Elder Zhou Mingde among the clansmen!

 

Of course, there was no need to mention these things to Zhou Zhengyong.

 

After eating their fill at Zhou Zhengkong’s house, Zhou Chun left Nine Peaks as the couple watched him go.