I Shatter My Bottlenecks Through Dual Cultivation, Stunning Even Immortal Maidens - Chapter 3:

Chapter 3: Extra Dinner Tonight!

Inside and outside the Affairs Hall, many servants and maids were holding brooms and cloths. The ground had just been washed and was still wet.

Zhou Kai avoided the puddles and casually asked a servant who was sweeping, “Why is the Affairs Hall so busy today?”

The servant looked up. When he saw it was Zhou Kai, he hurriedly bowed. “Reporting to Guest Elder Zhou, Young Master Xingze is returning! I heard he received special permission from the Celestial Spring Sect to come home and visit family for a few days. The entire clan has been mobilized and ordered to prepare a grand reception. No one dares to be negligent.”

“Chen Xingze?” A vague memory surfaced in Zhou Kai’s mind.

Chen Xingze was the prodigy of the Chen family, possessing a high-grade spiritual root. He had been accepted early as an inner sect disciple of the Celestial Spring Sect and was regarded as the future pillar of the entire Chen family of Hidden Beast Mountain.

It was said that his aptitude was the best the Chen family had produced in three hundred years. Though still young, he had already reached the late stage Qi Refining Realm. Reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm was almost guaranteed.

The Chen family of Hidden Beast Mountain had once produced a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Unfortunately, after that ancestor passed away more than three hundred years ago, the family steadily declined. Much of their industry had shrunk, and even their territory had been eroded by neighboring forces.

Fortunately, that Foundation Establishment ancestor had once joined the Celestial Spring Sect and had been a humble and courteous man who made few enemies. In addition, the Chen family often formed marriage alliances with other families of Hidden Beast Mountain, and occasionally some descendants joined the Celestial Spring Sect. That was how the Chen family had managed to survive until today.

“The Celestial Spring Sect is known for strict discipline. Disciples cannot leave the sect without reason. How could someone return home simply to visit relatives?”

“A genius disciple entrusted with so many expectations suddenly returning to the family… is this a good thing, or a variable?”

Zhou Kai pondered silently. “This man is the direct heir of the Chen family’s main bloodline. He has nothing to do with an outsider guest elder like me. But if he returns to stay long-term, the internal balance of power in the family will inevitably change. My strength is still weak, so it is best to stay out of it. Making quiet profits is the true path.”

Suppressing his thoughts, Zhou Kai ignored the servant and walked straight into the Affairs Hall.

There were not many people inside. The steward responsible for registration looked up. It was Chen Muhui, who had nearly forced Zhou Kai to drink himself to death at the banquet last night and was one of the few Chen family members Zhou Kai was friendly with.

Seeing Zhou Kai, he greeted him. “Oh, Zhou Kai?”

“Did you enjoy yourself last night? Ziyi is one of the prettiest women among the Chen family’s branch relatives. You got lucky.”

“Thanks to Brother Muhui’s blessing, it was indeed quite good.”

“Haha, I knew it!” Chen Muhui assumed Zhou Kai had admitted it. “So what brings you here today? Taking leave? Want to spend more time with the beauty? Don’t worry, the Spirit Beast Garden is being watched by the subordinates. Nothing will go wrong.”

“No need to request leave.” Zhou Kai walked up to his desk. “I just came to open your eyes a little.”

Zhou Kai did not explain further. The spiritual energy inside his body circulated slightly. He lowered his stance, clenched one fist, and struck the air.

A sharp crack echoed.

The aura of the 4th stage Qi Refining Realm spread outward.

Chen Muhui’s eyes widened. He abruptly stood up and shouted in shock, “The 4th stage Qi Refining Realm?”

“Zhou Kai, your dantian injury healed?”

He looked Zhou Kai up and down, his face filled with disbelief.

A cultivator with a damaged dantian and low-grade spiritual roots, whose immortal path was almost cut off, had somehow broken through?

“No, perhaps luck has simply turned in my favor.”

Zhou Kai stepped forward and patted Chen Muhui on the shoulder. “Last night… well, I was in a very good mood. The frustrations I had carried for years seemed to loosen a bit. With Miss Ziyi bringing some good fortune, I managed to break through by chance. Even I feel like it’s a dream.”

But inwardly he thought, “The system’s point allocation is truly overbearing. It can forcibly break through bottlenecks. But the issue with my dantian still hasn’t been resolved.”

“Muhui, go ahead and register it.”

The registration process was completed quickly.

Chen Muhui circled Zhou Kai twice, clicking his tongue in amazement. “This is really strange. Your dantian… tsk, you’ve truly had incredible luck.”

He lowered his voice, nudging Zhou Kai with his elbow and winking. “Be honest. Was it that beauty’s credit last night? Did you obtain some dual cultivation technique? If you really have something like that… I’ll pay 200 spirit stones for a copied version.”

“It was simply that my long accumulation bore fruit. I found the path and broke through naturally.”

Chen Muhui’s remark actually reminded Zhou Kai that if he could obtain a proper dual cultivation technique, it might work even better with the system.

But there was no hurry. Everything should begin with repairing his dantian.

Well… unless his kidneys could not handle it.

Leaving the Affairs Hall, Zhou Kai headed toward the Spirit Beast Garden.

The Spirit Beast Garden was located in the rear mountain area of the Chen family and covered a considerable area.

Zhou Kai’s authority there was limited, but it was still easy to gain some small benefits.

The Chen family supported its expenses by raising and selling spirit beasts, so the Spirit Beast Garden was considered one of the family’s important locations.

The crucial areas were guarded by Chen family disciples. Zhou Kai only managed some outer areas and the daily care of low-level spirit beasts.

There were servants and several cultivators at the 1st stage Qi Refining Realm responsible for feeding them. When they saw Zhou Kai, they immediately stopped working and bowed.

“Guest Elder Zhou.”

Zhou Kai waved casually and said to the steward in charge of the low-level meat spirit beasts nearby, “Today I fortunately broke through to the middle stage Qi Refining Realm, so I’m in a good mood. Bring me one Cloud-Stepping Antelope and one Long-Tailed Rabbit to improve tonight’s meal. Put it on my account.”

The steward hurriedly agreed and respectfully caught the animals.

These two spirit beasts were specialties of Hidden Beast Mountain and were also one of the Chen family’s main economic resources.

The Cloud-Stepping Antelope had tender meat, while the Long-Tailed Rabbit had firm flesh. Both were excellent ingredients.

By the time Zhou Kai returned home, it was already near evening.

As he pushed open the courtyard gate, Chen Ziyi was tending the flowers and plants in the yard. Hearing the sound, she raised her head.

“My lord, what is this?” She set down the small hoe in her hand and walked forward curiously.

The Cloud-Stepping Antelope showed no fear of strangers, while the Long-Tailed Rabbit looked somewhat frightened.

“Tonight’s dinner. Just brought back from the Spirit Beast Garden.”

“So cute.” Chen Ziyi crouched down to look at the small antelope and rabbit, her face full of delight.

Zhou Kai looked at her side profile and said, “Today I broke through to the middle stage Qi Refining Realm. That’s worth celebrating. Tonight I will cook personally and let you taste my cooking.”

“My lord can cook?” Chen Ziyi asked in surprise.

In her understanding, immortal masters either avoided worldly matters or had servants to take care of everything.

“I lived alone for many years, so I had to learn a few skills to feed myself. It’s nothing extraordinary.”

Zhou Kai smiled gently. “But today I’m in a good mood, and this is spirit beast meat. If I cook it carefully, it should taste quite good. Try it later.”

He handled the spirit beast meat skillfully and cleanly.

Simple seasonings seemed to gain magic in his hands.

“If I personally cook a good meal, her favorability should increase quite a bit.”

Thinking this, Zhou Kai worked even harder.

Soon, a rich fragrance of meat spread throughout the courtyard.

A plate of glossy braised rabbit meat with an enticing aroma and a pot of milky white antelope soup were placed on the table.

Zhou Kai invited Chen Ziyi to sit. “Try it.”

The rabbit meat was soft and tender, while the antelope soup was exceptionally fresh. Warmth instantly spread through her body.

Zhou Kai watched her reaction with satisfaction.

He himself ate heartily as well. With the cultivation of the 4th stage Qi Refining Realm, digesting this low-level spirit beast meat posed no problem and even provided some vitality and spiritual energy.

Zhou Kai’s current 1st stage Meridians Awakening Realm vitality was closely related to these foods.

However, Chen Ziyi was still a mortal. The spiritual energy and vitality contained in spirit beast meat were somewhat burdensome for her.

She ate only a small amount of rabbit meat and drank half a bowl of soup before feeling full and warm. A healthy blush appeared on her cheeks.

“My lord… I cannot eat anymore.”

“It’s fine. Mortals cannot digest too much spiritual energy.” Zhou Kai explained. “Once you step onto the immortal path, you will be able to enjoy it freely.”

Hearing the words “immortal path,” Chen Ziyi felt another tremor in her heart.

The atmosphere at the table was warm and harmonious.

Night gradually deepened.

Zhou Kai looked at Chen Ziyi beside him. After eating spirit beast meat, she appeared even more charming and radiant. He reached out and gently held the soft hand she had placed on the table.

Chen Ziyi’s body trembled slightly. She did not pull away. Instead, she lowered her head slightly, her ears turning a delicate shade of pink.

Zhou Kai took out some gold and silver, along with 50 spirit stones, and said, “You don’t need to wear maid clothing anymore. Take this and buy some better clothes.”

Many rogue cultivators might not save 50 spirit stones in an entire year. Chen Ziyi’s father did not possess that much either. The family only ensured his wealth and encouraged him to have many children.

Zhou Kai earned 10 spirit stones each month and gained some additional income from the Spirit Beast Garden. Since his cultivation path had seemed hopeless before, he rarely needed to spend spirit stones. Over ten years, he had saved more than 500.

Chen Ziyi saw his serious expression and heard him speak firmly about leading her onto the immortal path. Looking at the small pile of spirit stones on the table, she knew her treatment was far better than that of other concubines in the clan.

She also thought of her father, who had many concubines and might not even remember her mother’s name.

At that moment, she made up her mind. Raising her small face, she spoke softly.

“My lord, the family gave this…”

With her other hand, she took out a jade bottle and poured out two pills.

“They said it can both… increase enjoyment and strengthen the foundation.”

She swallowed one pill. Her teeth gently bit her lower lip, and her eyes grew even more moist and hazy.

Her meaning was obvious.

Why should Zhou Kai hold back? He swallowed the pill in one gulp and lifted her into his arms.

“Mmm…” Chen Ziyi let out a soft cry, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.

(This section contains indescribable content and is omitted. Please imagine it yourself or consult relevant literature.)

After a long while, the sounds of breathing in the room gradually calmed.

[Chen Ziyi Favorability +20]

[Favorability: 70 (Admiration)]

[Exchange Points Provided: 7]

…

[Zhou Kai (Damaged Dantian)]

[Available Exchange Points: 35]

Holding the deeply sleeping Chen Ziyi in his arms, Zhou Kai looked at the panel before him and muttered to himself.

“Deep interaction truly has remarkable effects.”

“The Chen family really went to great lengths to win people’s loyalty.”

“But…” the corner of his mouth lifted into a smile, “I quite like this method.”

Rubbing his aching waist, he said, “First break through to the 2nd stage Meridians Awakening Realm. Use the remaining 25 points to improve alchemy.”

A warm current rose within his body. The soreness quickly faded, and his skin tightened noticeably. He now appeared to be around thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old.

[Zhou Kai (Damaged Dantian)]

[Cultivation Level: 4th stage Qi Refining Realm (0/400)]

[Vitality: 2nd stage Meridians Awakening Realm (0/200)]

[Spiritual Roots: Metal (Low-grade 12/100), Wood (Low-grade 25/100), Water (Low-grade 17/100), Fire (Low-grade 23/100)]

[Hundred Arts of Cultivation: Alchemy (1st Grade 25/100)]

[Confidante: Chen Ziyi]

[Available Exchange Interaction Points: 0]

“The 2nd stage Meridians Awakening Realm is enough to handle Ziyi.”

“But I don’t feel anything from the alchemy improvement. Tomorrow I’ll try refining a batch of Qi Gathering Pills.”