Han Rui sported a gentle smile, lazily drumming his fingers on the wooden armrest. His gaze shifted from one elder to another, lingering on Han Xianlong for a few seconds.
“Rui’er, forgive me for shouting at you earlier,” Xianlong said with a bashful smile. “We had to maintain the charade,” he explained.
Han Rui chuckled softly, waving his hand. “I understand, grandfather. You know I’m not one to bother about such trivialities.” Han Rui regarded the man for a moment, nodding approvingly as he sized him up. “Grandfather, it seems you had another breakthrough not too long ago. Congratulations.”
Xianlong burst into laughter, a tinge of embarrassment dying his cheeks red. “I’m glad you noticed. I couldn’t have done it without your help,” he said, motioning toward the other elders. “The elders have all made multiple breakthroughs since the last meeting.” He suddenly paused, unleashing a dense qi barrier that covered himself, the elders, and Han Rui. Then, the patriarch continued, “Our ancestor has also made a significant breakthrough. Unfortunately, he must spend more time consolidating his cultivation. Please don’t be disappointed he isn’t in attendance.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I totally understand,” Han Rui said with a smile. He then turned his attention to the shortest elder among the group, and the cultivator froze. “Sixth elder, I ran into Yulong while coming here. Why does it feel like his cultivation hasn’t improved at all?” Han Rui asked calmly.
Elder Zhiyong collapsed on his knees while bowing. “I apologize on behalf of that idiot. We have used so many resources on him, and he still hasn’t broken through to the core formation realm yet. I don’t know where he got his ineptitude from, but don’t worry,” he said while raising his head. “I wedded a couple of concubines in the last six months. Soon enough, you’ll have enough nephews that will live up to your expectations.”
Han Rui wore a dry smile, not knowing what to say. He faced the second elder and continued, “Elder Qianyu, how has production been lately? Have you been able to distribute all the items?”
“Young master, the last of the items were successfully sold off a year ago, and as you instructed, the proceeds were invested in purchasing the herbs you listed. Our best hands are watching over them round the clock in the medicinal garden. I’ll bring them over to your workshop as soon as you are ready,” Qianyu said in one breath.
Han Rui’s features lit up as he gently nodded. Then, he focused on Han Wudi. The first elder cupped his fists while wearing a dazzling smile, exposing his brown teeth. “Young master, I invested the proceeds from the sale as you instructed. We have been able to establish several shops within Celestial Ridge, and the yearly turnover surpasses our revenue from the past decades,” Han Wudi said. However, his smile waned for a moment as he continued, “Unfortunately, our rapid expansion has caught the eyes of a few sects and vagabonds. However, nothing overly complicated has ensued so far.”
“That’s good. Please remember to keep me updated should the situation change,” Han Rui said before diverting his attention to the fourth elder. The old man didn’t wait for Han Rui before giving his report, “Young master, the development of the current generation is going better than we expected. In the past three years, we have recorded ten Nascent Soul advancements, Eighty-five Golden Core Formation advancements, and two hundred Core Formation advancements. Apart from that, we have been able to nurture numerous three-star alchemists and three-star weaponsmiths, among other professions.”
The elder paused for a moment, confirming the integrity of the patriarch’s barrier before continuing. “And as you instructed, none of them can he directly linked to the clan. However, their loyalty can’t be questioned,” the elder assured.
Han Rui grinned from ear to ear as his body trembled ever so slightly. He turned his attention to the last three elders. "Elders, how healthy is our finances?"
Han Rui waited with bated breath.
The three elders exchanged glances, and the third elder stepped forward. "Young master, our wealth has surpassed the combined wealth of the other renowned families," the old man said with a grin even bigger than Han Rui’s.
Unable to contain himself, Han Rui stood up and roared excitedly.
At that very moment, a distinct chime echoed in the hall, audible only to Han Rui.
[Congratulations to the host for completing the assigned task!]
An even wider smile parted Han Rui’s lips as he saw the system’s message.
[The host has successfully assimilated the Immortal Alchemy Scriptures!]
[Calculating rewards…]
Han Rui bit his lower lip as he muttered, “Please grant me an extension, please grant me an extension, please grant me an extension...”
[Calculation completed!]
* The host has received three thousand essence washing pills!
* The host has received three celestial ranked treasures!
* The host has received an Immortal level cultivation technique!
* The host has received a Celestial level cultivation technique!
* The host has received a Mystic level cultivation technique!
* The host has received twenty Celestial bones!
* The host has regained access to the item shop!
* The host has received three hundred fame points!
Darn it! Han Rui cursed inwardly as he fell to his knees. Unlike before, tears streaked from the corners of his eyes as he read through the system’s rewards.
Xianlong and the elders remained in their positions, staring at the murmuring young man.
“Patriarch, he is doing that thing again,” the first elder said via a hidden whisper, unable to hide his excitement. He glanced at his companions, and they too were just as excited.
“I wonder what type of gifts he’s going to give us this time,” Xianlong muttered in anticipation.
Meanwhile, Han Rui remained in his kneeling position. “System, this is unfair!” he roared within himself. “I have been studying diligently for the past seven years; I deserve more than that, especially in my current condition!”
[The host can choose to fight a person of the system’s choosing if the host isn’t satisfied!]
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
[An opponent at the host’s level will be chosen should the host wish to proceed!]
Han Rui shuddered in his position, and his frown quickly morphed into a smile. “C’mon, let’s not go that far. We have been buddies for the past eighteen years, at least cut me some slack. You can do that, right, buddy?”
[The host can choose to fight a person of the system’s choosing if the host isn’t satisfied!]
[An opponent at the host’s level will be chosen should the host wish to proceed!]
“You shameless bastard! Do you think I’ll choose that after what happened the last time?” Han Rui roared as he recalled an unfortunate incident.
Seven years ago, the system had presented him with the same option, and he had naively accepted. Contrary to his expectations, the system had chosen a seemingly random cow to be his opponent. However, what the system hadn’t told him was that the seemingly random cow possessed abilities surpassing the ancestors of some small sects.
[Is the host perhaps lacking confidence?]
[The host cannot attain anything with cowardice! Be a man and fight for opportunities!]
Han Rui gritted his teeth as he stared at the flashing notification. “I’m satisfied with my rewards,” he said.
[Apologies, the host’s statement wasn’t clear!]
If looks could kill, Han Rui would have murdered the neon blue panel several times over already.
“I said, I. Am. Satisfied. With. My. Rewards!”
[Congratulations! The host has received a physique for acknowledging their cowardice!]
[The host has received the Undying Immortal Body!]
[You’re impervious to all Qi-based attacks; including external, internal, spiritual, and mental attacks!]
[Congratulations! By unlocking the Undying Immortal Body, you have unlocked the true heritage of a coward! Your lifespan has been significantly extended!]
[Host's current lifespan: 18/10,000,000,000,000!]
Han Rui’s jaw dropped. “S-S-Sys…” Han Rui choked on his words as genuine hot tears streaked down his face.
[I’m happy the host is excited by their longevity!]
Han Rui’s mouth opened further, “You promised me I was going to be able to cultivate once I reached a quarter of my lifespan. How can you shamelessly cheat me like this? This is a scam!”
[The system laughs at… I mean, haven’t you heard that longevity, um, no. You have the Undying Immortal Body! You’re the envy of all cultivators. Be proud!]
Han Rui grabbed the floating panel, slamming his fist repeatedly on its surface while hurling all manner of profanities. Xianlong and the elders watched the incredulous sight with grins, unable to hide the greed in their eyes.
A spark of inspiration suddenly filled the eyes of the young man as he paused his unrelenting attack. “System, that immortal body, it’s impervious to all physical and mental attacks, right?”
[Yes!] The system affirmed.
A wicked smile suddenly flashed across Han Rui’s face. “System, I want to challenge the rewards! Summon that fat bastard again; I want to have my revenge.”
[Is the host certain they want to challenge their rewards?]
[The host will still have access to their current rewards set should they lose; however, a random penalty will be assigned to the host!]
“I’m ready,” Han Rui affirmed with a nod.
[The host’s decision has been acknowledged!]
[The host has five hours until the challenge begins!]
[Good luck!]
Han Rui’s smile brightened as he gently stroked his chin. He stood up, and an embarrassed smile replaced his wicked grin as he regarded the old men.
“Forgive me for the ungraceful sight earlier. I was trying to figure out something,” Han Rui said with a bashful smile.
Xianlong spoke first, “Rui’er, what are you talking about? I didn’t see anything.” With a puzzled face, he turned to the first elder, “Did you see anything?”
Han Wudi vigorously shook his head, “My eyesight has been failing me lately. Alas, this is one of the many pitfalls of being old,” he said while sighing.
Xianlong then queried the other elders, and they too responded with the same answer. However, the greed in the eyes of the cultivators couldn’t be masked despite their best intentions. Han Rui coughed dryly before reaching into his inner robes, “Grandfather, I have some items that might be useful to the clan,” Han Rui said as he retrieved a small porcelain ring from his inner robes.
Neither Xianlong nor the elders could control their watering mouths and googly eyes as they stared at the seemingly ordinary ring. “Please have it,” Han Rui said as he threw the ring, pretending not to notice the reactions of the old men.
Xianlong sent a burst of qi toward the ring, gently maneuvering the ring until it fell on his palm. At that same moment, the cultivators instantly channeled their senses into the ring, eager to confirm its contents.
Heavens! I knew it was going to be great, but how is this possible? Xianlong mused with his mouth open as he confirmed the items in the space ring. This ring is enough to start a bloody war across the realms, and Rui’er just casually gave it away? Xianlong couldn’t help but stare at his grandson deeply.
Although he had been praised as a visionary leader, he knew the prosperity the clan enjoyed was all thanks to Han Rui’s generosity.
“As always, you all can determine who needs them. However, anything that will bring unwanted attention toward us should be avoided until—”
“Until we have the means to protect ourselves,” Han Xianlong said, completing Han Rui’s statement.
“I’m glad you understand,” Han Rui said with a smile. “I need to finish matters with the girl from the Su Clan, so I won’t be able to chat for much longer. If there’s anything that needs my attention, you know how to reach me,” Han Rui said as he turned to leave.
“Rui’er,” Xianlong called out suddenly, hesitating before he continued. “Do you want us to finish the matter with the Su Clan?”
Han Rui shook his head gently, “There really isn’t much left to handle. I’ll send a few more lists to you later; you can pass it over to whoever they send a fortnight from now.”
“But young master, is this okay?” the seventh elder asked. “Neither Su Tianyi nor his daughter even bothered to come here personally; it shows how much they don’t even respect us. I know I’m not supposed to get angry, but it’s infuriating.”
“I understand how you feel. Trust me, it wouldn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. That they didn’t bother to show up only means they believe we’re not worthy of their time,” Han Rui said as he chuckled. “Let them feel proud of themselves. We’re not fishing in the same sea, after all,” he added.
With a gentle wave, he bid the group goodbye as he approached the exit. However, he quickly paused in his tracks before rushing toward the elders.
“I almost forgot. I can’t leave like this,” Han Rui said. “There are people outside expecting me to be punished for sneaking away to the illusionary field. Do you still have that treasure I gave you the other time?” Han Rui said, staring at his grandfather.
A small shell appeared from Xianlong’s space ring, and the old man instinctively tapped the top of the spiral shell. At that same moment, a voice mimicking the patriarch’s emanated from the shell. “You stupid brat! How dare you disappear on your own accord! Get me my whip!”
“Grandfather, please have mercy—Ah!” The same treasure mimicked Han Rui’s voice and scream, and the faux altercation echoed beyond the massive hall.
Meanwhile, Han Yulong and a group of youths, who had been spying on the main hall, couldn’t stop themselves from laughing.
“I told you grandfather wouldn’t let him off easy,” Han Yulong said, grinning from ear to ear.
“We should return now,” a young lady said. “We will be next if the patriarch finds out we are slacking off,” she advised.
The group silently acknowledged her point, and they departed with alacrity.
Meanwhile, Han Rui’s screams continued to fill the area, growing more miserable by the second. However, within the spacious hall, he lazily reclined in his seat while the third and fifth elders massaged his shoulders. The second and first elders immaculately controlled their qi to form a cooling breeze around the youth, while the seventh and sixth elders massaged Han Rui’s feet. The fourth elder held a bowl filled with an assortment of fruits, passing them over to Han Rui at odd intervals via his qi control. Lastly, Han Xianlong sat next to Han Rui, his trembling hands holding onto the space ring he received earlier.
Son. Daughter-in-law. It’s a shame you’re not here to see this. I hope you have finally found peace in the afterlife. Rui’er is fulfilling the dream you strived so hard to accomplish, Han Xianlong thought to himself, sneaking glances at the smiling youth seated next to him.