"Elder, where can I find the inherited cultivation skills that can be exchanged??"
Chen Jinshu bowed slightly toward the elderly clansman lounging on a rocking chair.
She had scoured the first floor of the library, flipping through nearly every technique manual, and even glanced at the cultivation methods on the second floor. Yet, she found no trace of exchanged skill inheritances. Left with no choice, she approached the guardian elder who lazily presided over the library.
"A little girl at Qi Refining Second Layer already wants to study a inherited skills?" The elder cracked open an eye, a faint smirk playing on his lips, as if amused by her audacity.
"This junior wishes to try."
She didn't detect scorn in his tone—only curiosity.
"Hmph. The family's inheritance skills are not casually shared. If you want one, you must swear a Heavenly Oath—never to disclose what you learn to anyone."
"This junior understands."
"The Chen family may be a Foundation Establishment clan, but we've only been established for 400 years. Our inheritance skills are limited—barely a dozen. Which one do you want?"
"Alchemy."
She answered without hesitation. With her Fire-Wood spiritual roots, alchemy was the most suitable path. Moreover, managing spirit fields at Vulture Peak aligned perfectly with becoming a spiritual planter—the foundation of any pill refiner.
"Oh? Alchemy?" The white-haired elder sat up slightly, intrigued.
"Among the Four Great Arts of Cultivation, alchemy ranks second in difficulty, surpassed only by array formations. For a little girl like you to have such ambition… Fine. I'll allow it."
After a moment's consideration, he retrieved a jade slip from his storage pouch—the inheritance for first-grade low-tier pill refining.
"The Chen family currently has only one high-tier first-grade alchemist, and no second-grade inheritance. By clan rules, since you haven't reached mid-stage Qi Refining, I can only grant you the low-tier version."
"How many contribution points?" She tensed, fearing her remaining 55 points wouldn't be enough.
"Trade skills aren't cheap. But I'll make an exception—50 points."
"Many thanks, Elder!"
She accepted the jade slip eagerly, as if holding a treasure. Immediately, she swore an oath never to disclose the Chen family's alchemy secrets. Though the inheritance was only low-tier, it was priceless to her. Once she mastered even the basics, she could produce her own cultivation resources—fueling both her dantian and the lotus birthmark on her forehead.
"However… since you've taken this inheritance, I have a request." The elder's gaze deepened.
He had already glimpsed her face beneath the veil and recognized her. He was also aware of the recent marriage alliance scandal. Though he despised the clan head's methods, he understood the harsh reality—without alliances, the weak Chen family might be wiped out by rival clans.
Chen Jinshu nodded, realizing the elder knew her identity.
"If the Chen family ever faces calamity… I ask that you lend a hand."
His voice was solemn, his aged frame seeming to sag further.
"Elder, why would you think a Qi Refining Second Layer girl like me could save the Chen family?"
Her tone was icy, devoid of emotion.
Perhaps she had given up on this family the moment they betrothed her to a one-armed heir… or when no one stopped her from taking the Beauty Awakening Pill that nearly killed her.
"I won't ask for free. This is a low-tier first-grade pill furnace—the Cloud Serenity Furnace. Though damaged, it's stable enough for practice, especially in critical moments. Hence the name."
"Don't refuse yet. A furnace isn't cheap—even the lowest-grade costs 100 spirit stones. You can replace it once you've mastered alchemy."
He produced a jade furnace from his storage bag, its surface etched with faint golden veins that glowed softly.
Chen Jinshu's indifferent eyes finally flickered with interest. She understood—this was an investment, a way to tie her to the rotting Chen family for future salvation. But the world wasn't so kind. Accepting this furnace would bind her to inescapable karma.
After a long pause, she shook her head.
"Elder, I understand your intentions. But if I accept this favor today, I'll be entangled in unshakable cause and effect."
"The Chen family is my birthplace. If it truly faces destruction, I'll save those I'm close to—out of blood ties, not obligation. But those who humiliated me… I will never forget."
"I, Chen Jinshu, repay kindness with kindness—and grudges with justice."
With that, she turned and walked to the counter, instructing the attendant to deduct her 50 contribution points. The elder was stunned. He had seen the desire in her eyes—why refuse?
Before leaving, she spent her last 5 points on the Revitalization Technique, a minor healing art.
These points had been earned with her father's life—and half of her own. Compared to the elder's furnace, the karma was already clear. As she exited the library, the white-haired elder slumped further into his chair, retracting the pill furnace with trembling hands.
"The Chen family… may be doomed."
His voice was a whisper as he closed his eyes, his body seeming to wither.
After leaving the library, Chen Jinshu returned to the affairs hall, hoping to buy a pill furnace—only to be shocked by the prices.
The cheapest one cost 150 contribution points.
When she asked why, the attendant explained: "Pill furnaces are incredibly difficult to forge. They must balance multiple properties to stabilize pill refinement, hence the inflated cost."
However, Second Uncle Chen Huaiyuan offered a suggestion: "Try the family market. Someone might be selling a secondhand—or even thirdhand—furnace."
Soon, she arrived at the bustling clan marketplace, a place she rarely visited. Stalls lined the area, each manned by Chen family members hawking wares. Her eyes scanned quickly—until she spotted a blackened, cracked pill furnace displayed beside rows of pill bottles.
Pretending to browse, she eventually picked it up.
"This furnace looks barely functional. Can it even refine pills?"
"Ah, Clan Sister, this furnace was bought from a rogue cultivator. Its grade is unknown, but it can refine pills! I've since upgraded, so I'm selling it cheap—only 60 spirit stones! Perfect for practice!"
The stall owner, eager to offload it, shoved the furnace toward her. "The hall's cheapest costs over 100. This is a steal!"
Chen Jinshu studied the furnace, its surface marred with cracks.
"Even if it works, it won't last long. Look at these flaws. 30 stones, at most." She set it down dismissively.
"Deal! Take it!"
The stall owner practically thrust the furnace into her arms, afraid she'd change her mind.
Chen Jinshu blinked.
"Since when do people force pill furnaces on buyers?"