After My Master Lost All Her Cultivation, I Awakened the Wife-Pampering System! - Chapter 33:

Chapter 33: The Elders: Chu Ning Is a Good Child!

Spiritual Awakening, Refined Insight, and Destiny Comprehension—these three cultivation stages were known collectively as the Three Human Realms. Though cultivators possessed various means and techniques, they were still bound by the limits of mortality. Those who reached the 3rd stage, Destiny Comprehension Realm, might extend their lifespans by only a few decades. It was not uncommon for such cultivators to perish before reaching a hundred years old.

However, once one forged the Tower of Longevity, one truly embarked upon the path of immortality. Cultivators of the 4th realm enjoyed lifespans of at least 300 years. Those of the 5th realm began at 600 years, and once they reached the 6th realm, living for 2,000 years was hardly an issue. Most of the sect’s Elders had reached the peak of the 6th realm, with the oldest already nearing 1,900 years of age.

Cultivation sought only one thing—immortality. Eternal life, transcending mortality, and transforming into an immortal.

And now, Chu Ning had finally taken that step!

Inside his dantian, a small spiritual world had taken form, within which a sapling had already grown tall. This was brought about by the Eternal Spring Undying Technique and caused no interference. As Chu Ning’s spiritual Qi surged through his body, shaking his inner realm, pain shot through him in waves.

The Tower of Longevity was being forged within his spiritual world—an ethereal pagoda constructed entirely of Qi, becoming the very foundation of his new realm. Chu Ning gritted his teeth, enduring the pain, using the intent of Eternal Spring to mend his injuries as best he could. Cold sweat streamed down his forehead, but gradually, the agony began to ease.

A spiritual pagoda’s foundation was finally established within him. Endless spiritual Qi poured in, forcing Chu Ning to activate the Heaven-Devouring Demon Art to absorb it. The consumption was immense—several times more than what was needed to ascend from the 1st to the 3rd realm. Fortunately, Su Wanqing’s resources were abundant, and for now, he didn’t have to worry about running out of Spirit Stones. The future could be dealt with later.

He continued drawing in spiritual Qi with the Heaven-Devouring Demon Art while the Eternal Spring intent repaired his damaged organs. It was a process of breaking and rebuilding, destruction and rebirth.

After what felt like an eternity, the pagoda was finally complete. It fused with his mind and spirit. His spiritual Qi and dragon Qi now had a home, and upon the base of the pagoda, the small sapling continued to grow.

When he suddenly opened his eyes, he had already ascended once more.

[Chu Ning]
[Aptitude: High-Grade Spirit Root!]

Was this improvement thanks to the Heaven-Devouring Demon Art? As expected—it made sense now. No wonder his vision had sharpened earlier. This technique truly was extraordinary.

[Realm: 4th Stage Heaven Ascent Realm (Progress: 1%)]
[Techniques: Eternal Spring Undying Technique (4th level)]
[Dragon Elephant Subjugation Force (4th level)]
[Boundless Sword Chapter (4th level)]
[Heaven-Devouring Demon Art]

Chu Ning stood up slowly, feeling the changes in his body. His five senses had become keener, his physique stronger, and the spiritual Qi he could command far greater. The newly forged Tower of Longevity made him feel brimming with vitality.

Even without relying on the Eternal Spring intent, as long as he wasn’t fatally wounded, his recovery speed would far surpass that of any 3rd stage cultivator. Even if he stopped cultivating now, his lifespan would still stretch to 300 years.

For him, this was already a blessing of immense fortune. Every step forward was a gift from destiny. A short while ago, the idea of longevity had been a dream. Now, he was practically a three-hundred-year-old old monster!

When he looked up, the night had already deepened. Chu Ning knew it was time for the Elders to come “comfort” him.

Heh…

They were definitely watching. Cultivators possessed powerful perception, and he and Su Wanqing had been whispering for days. Soon, he could use sound transmission to communicate—but alas, his master couldn’t.

Pushing open the door, the once radiant and confident eighteen-year-old 4th stage cultivator immediately put on a face full of sorrow.

Sighs, resentment, grief, confusion—he looked deeply toward Su Wanqing’s Cave Residence, eyes filled with bitterness and sadness.

He murmured softly, “Master, I only did this for us…”

Then, he pulled out a wine gourd. The lonely need wine to soothe their hearts. With no one to comfort him, he could only drink alone under the moon.

Standing atop a cliff, surrounded by silence, bathed in silver moonlight, the night birds called, and crickets chirped softly.

He took a long swig of fiery wine. The burning sensation made his eyes water, but this pain was nothing compared to the torment in his heart.

“Master, I only wanted to make our lives better. You can’t give me resources—so why not accept the Elders’ help?”

“In the cultivation world, strength rules all. Without power, you’re destined to be bullied. If I grow stronger, wouldn’t you be safer?”

“But why…”

He drank again, gulping down the burning liquid, and even faked a few sobs. Still, no one appeared.

Was his acting not convincing enough?

He lifted his head and let out a wail, “I’m not my master’s puppet! I want to live my own life! Why can’t she understand me? No one in this world understands me!”

He howled into the night, full of rage and anguish. His “grievances” and “heartache” were the perfect bait for sympathetic Elders.

Surely someone would show up soon…

But after waiting a while—nothing. The wine was gone, and his head felt dizzy.

Damn it! All that acting for nothing!

Forget it.

He smashed the gourd to the ground and muttered, “No matter what, Master gave me life and the chance to cultivate. I must work harder…”

But just as he turned around, he froze—several figures stood silently nearby.

He almost jumped out of his skin.

Holy crap! Thank the heavens he hadn’t broken character!

Sixth-realm cultivators could hide their presence so well that his 4th-realm senses hadn’t noticed them at all.

Among them were the Pill Peak Master Wang Sheng, the Forging Peak Master Xu Hu, and the Void Path Peak Master Zhao…

Leading them was Wang Sheng, who had gained Chu Ning’s trust earlier that day.

The old man smiled kindly and handed him a wine jug. “Chu Ning, come, have a drink.”

Chu Ning blinked in surprise, his expression turning complicated. “Elders, why are you here…”

[Detected Heavenly Immortal Brew—No toxins.]

Only then did Chu Ning relax and take a deep drink. “Good wine!”

Wang Sheng smiled and patted his shoulder. “We’ve been watching you for a long time.”

Chu Ning frowned slightly. “Why? Why would the Elders watch me?”

“Because, Chu Ning, you are remarkable. You have great potential and will go far. Little Bamboo Peak is no longer what it once was.”

Another Elder smiled faintly, explaining, “Do you know why Su Wanqing’s other disciples left her? Because she lacks virtue. We all saw what happened today—you took Elder Wang’s resources to protect her, and yet she repaid you with scolding and destroyed the pills.”

“Everyone knows resources are what truly matter. Without pills or Spirit Stones, how could anyone possibly advance just by absorbing the world’s spiritual Qi?”

“She’s holding you back…”

Chu Ning immediately shook his head. “No! My master has treated me better than anyone! Without her, I couldn’t have come this far!”

“Silly child,” one Elder sighed. “She’s only using you. She doesn’t have long to live. She wants to see you take revenge on her behalf.”

“That’s right,” another said darkly. “Why has Su Wanqing fallen so low? It’s her own fault. She’s arrogant, oppressive, and cruel. This is divine punishment!”

Divine punishment, my ass! Weren’t you the ones who once praised her as the greatest genius since ancient times?

If Chu Ning could, he’d have put every one of their heads on the altar right now. But he kept his expression in check, feigning shock.

“Is… is that true?”

All of them nodded solemnly.

“Your achievements are your own, not hers. You’re lacking in resources—we can give them to you. But remember, never let anyone use you again.”

Wang Sheng generously produced a trove of pills—from the 3rd realm up to the 6th realm—over a hundred in total.

“These pills should be enough for your protection.”

The Forging Peak Master Xu Hu drew out a gleaming sword—a top-grade spiritual weapon, far superior to the one Chu Ning had broken before. “A Sword Cultivator must have a worthy sword!”

Other Peak Masters followed suit.

“Here, talismans from my peak. Take them, young Chu, they’ll keep you safe.”

“Don’t slack off—this artifact will aid your cultivation growth.”

“And this is a technique. Don’t worry—Su Wanqing may not value you, but we do. Whenever you need resources, come to your Uncle Zhang for them!”

So many treasures—Chu Ning, who’d lived half his life in poverty, was overwhelmed. His eyes glistened as if he might cry—but he couldn’t summon real tears.

“Thank you, Elders. Truly, thank you. I need these greatly!”

Their faces softened, filled with satisfaction.

Chu Ning said with emotion, “I never thought the Peak Masters would be so kind. You’re far better than my master!”

“However… I dare not accept all these resources.”

“Haha, take them,” Wang Sheng replied. “But there’s something we must ask of you.”

Chu Ning nodded quickly. “Please, Elders, speak!”

“Su Wanqing lacks virtue, and our Supreme Profound Sect has only just risen into the ranks of the Seven Great Sects. We are in a precarious position.”

“Now, we need cultivators like you. Your talent may not be the highest, but your achievements speak for themselves. If you could think of the sect, if you could act for the sect’s sake, Nephew Chu, we would be grateful!”

“Please, Nephew Chu, help our Supreme Profound Sect maintain its place among the great powers!”

Chu Ning feigned surprise. “Elders… could it be that you want my master’s inheritance?”

Their eyes gleamed with excitement, though they quickly hid it.

“Our sect has resources, but too few disciples. We hope to nurture more prodigies to strengthen our influence across the world.”

“Surely, Nephew Chu, you wouldn’t refuse to aid the sect in such a cause?”

Chu Ning quickly shook his head. “I am a disciple of the sect—I’ll naturally think of the sect first! Though Master forbade me from revealing her inheritance, I’m willing to share it for the sect’s sake, for you, Elders!”

He packed away the gifts and produced a technique scroll. “But Master only taught me this much…”

Wang Sheng smiled and accepted it, glancing over before nodding with satisfaction. “Excellent. The Supreme Profound Sect will not forget your loyalty. In the future, let’s support each other. We act for the sect, and you grow stronger. Even Su Wanqing would be proud of you!”

Chu Ning nodded fervently, his expression sincere. “For the sect!”

“For the sect!” they echoed.

Then one Elder asked suspiciously, “Just a fragment of the technique, and you reached this level?”

Chu Ning nodded firmly. “Yes, just this fragment. I’ll ask Master for more when the chance arises—please rest assured, Elders!”

“Good! You’re a good child!”

“Yes, I am,” Chu Ning said earnestly. “I won’t disappoint the Elders’ expectations. In that case, I’ll go see my master now!”

“Wait! Don’t reveal anything about tonight. Su Wanqing would surely be displeased.”

“Understood! I’ll keep it a secret. Then, I’ll be off!”

“Go, go!”

As Chu Ning walked away, the Elders watched his back with excitement.

Foolish little Chu Ning—just a few words and he handed over part of the inheritance.

Whether the technique was real or not… they’d find out soon enough.