A Sect from a Spirit Vein-Chapter 67 - 64: Zhou Family Night Conversation

Lu Qian raised his wine cup and chuckled, "That boy Zhou Chao really has a big mouth, spilling everything out. In truth, there’s no backing, ultimately it all relies on oneself..."

"Younger Brother Lu, you’re absolutely right, everything depends on oneself." Zhao Xianzong slapped his thigh, "Considering your friend, Master Xuan Ji, is injured and unable to move, why not summon a Foundation Establishment Feather Scholar from the sect to assist?"

Lu Qian drank another cup, "Brother Zhao is right. I’m about to write a letter to my elder. Master Xuan Ji is severely injured and needs quiet rest, so I must stay at the Zhou Family for some time before visiting."

The two were seemingly drunk, yet inside they were clear as mirrors. A few probes yielded no definite information, forcing Zhao Xianzong to quietly curse a sly fox, while outwardly becoming even friendlier.

This superficially lively banquet, truly filled with hidden agendas, continued until midnight, ending when Jiang Baitao yawned incessantly and collapsed into her sister’s arms.

Meanwhile, a hundred miles away in the Zhou Family hall at Yuqing Mountain, the atmosphere was immensely tense.

Zhou Chao sat in the main seat, his face flushed red, clutching the letter sent by Lu Qian tightly.

To his left, two Foundation Establishment Feathered Scholars from Honored Guest Elders sat with their eyes closed in meditation.

On his right, the four family elders from the main line varied in appearance, displaying emotional agitation.

"No, absolutely not!" The Grand Elder, Zhou Chao’s uncle, spit vehemently, "Chao’er, how could you be so foolish! The Spirit Vein is the foundation of our family, how could you trade it with the Yunshan Sect?"

Suppressing his anger, Zhou Chao replied slowly, "Uncle, the causes and effects were already explained clearly. At the time our family faced life and death, there was no alternative, a Spirit Vein was lent to restore our family—does this still need more consideration? If Chaosheng Sect had breached the mountain gate, don’t speak of a Spirit Vein, how many lives could our tribe possibly save?"

The Zhou Family’s Second Elder, a paternal uncle of Zhou Chao, spoke, "Chao’er, don’t be anxious. The Spirit Vein is indeed the root of our standing, how can it be lent to others? But you did it for the family’s survival—no one holds it against you. When Sect Leader Lu arrives tomorrow, let’s discuss it properly. Once you two agree, change the contract and re-issue a Dao Heart Oath."

The other two uncles, Third Elder and Fourth Elder also echoed in agreement.

Zhou Chao gritted his teeth and said, "A sect’s existence rests heavily on reputation. How could our family, known for integrity, survive the crisis? Who would trust us in the future? Even if we take ten thousand steps back, my oath stands—the Sect Leader might not agree, then what? Are you suggesting a breach, causing my cultivation progress to halt forever?"

The elders remained silent. After a suffocating silence, the Grand Elder said solemnly, "Let’s discuss alternative terms with the Sect Leader. If it doesn’t work, postpone lending it by a few years. My son Zhou Yong is relying on that Spirit Vein for his cultivation, about to enter Late-Stage Qi Cultivation phase. His Dual Spiritual Roots talent is the hope for the next generation of the Zhou Family. It’s not ideal to interrupt now."

Zhou Chao snorted coldly, realizing the underlying motive, "Let Zhou Yong return to the main peak for cultivation. The Spirit Vein on the main peak is Second-Level Mid-Tier—it’s no weaker than the First-Level High-Tier one."

The Grand Elder stiffly replied, "Returning to the main peak means over a hundred cultivators share one Spirit Vein, slowing the cultivation progress. Let Zhou Yong use it a few more years, and we’ll compensate the Yunshan Sect."

Zhou Chao looked up, noticing the other elders dodging his gaze.

He was naïve, not stupid. His heart turned cold as he felt a wave of powerlessness wash over him.

He feared these elders represented the interests of other Zhou family branches, already reaping benefits from this Spirit Vein, placing their tangible cultivation seeds there.

Beyond this, are the branches colluding on other matters? Might they unite after advancement, re-enacting the previous generation’s family split fiasco?

The more he thought, the more alarmed he became—why hadn’t he sensed anything before? Now, what should he do?

Lu Qian’s image suddenly appeared in his mind—yes, yes, Sect Leader Lu, cunning and decisive, would surely assist him. Despite harming Lu due to these elders before, now he would stand firm.

With conviction, he glared and said, "Uncle! Your words are driven by your private agenda—always revolving around Zhou Yong. Have you considered the family’s bigger picture? Tell me, when Chaosheng Sect probed secretly, where was Zhou Yong? In the times when three sects feigned compliance and dissension brewed, where was Zhou Yong? When Chaosheng Sect launched a large-scale attack, and the family faced extinction, when you were powerless, where was Zhou Yong?"

"Even if he possesses immense talent, he contributes nothing to the family—who authorized him to monopolize the Spirit Vein for cultivation?!"

His words shocked the elders who were left in stupor; who knew that typically honest Zhou Chao could speak so boldly today?

The Grand Elder attempted to argue, but Zhou Chao dismissed him, "Enough! My decision is made! Yunshan Sect granted a life-saving grace to our family, making them esteemed guests. Tonight, clear the area spanning ten miles around the Spirit Vein. Evacuate all personnel, awaiting Sect Leader Lu’s acceptance tomorrow—those who disobey will face my wrath, causing the Guest Elders to eject them!"

The elders’ faces turned pale. The Grand Elder trembled in anger, "Fine, fine then..."

Rising shakily, he pointed at Zhou Chao, "Do not forget, your father remains Patriarch of the Zhou family; you merely act as interim caretaker—you are not truly the patriarch! You—"

The Second Elder tugged his sleeve forcefully towards the direction of the Guest Elders. Realizing, the Grand Elder noticed the Feather Scholars, their cold gaze chilling his heart.

He promptly grew silent, then abruptly left. The other elders exchanged wry smiles, and the Third Elder lamented, "Alas, Chao’er! Though we remain your seniors, aligning actions for the family’s sake, how can you act so...?"

Zhou Chao raised his teacup, hiding his steely anger, and spoke no more. The elders signaled one another, then chased after him.

The Feather Scholars, having watched this drama unfold, displayed a mockery of smiles and retired for the night.

Soon, Zhou Chao stood alone in the hall.

With a weary face, he sighed deeply. Within the family, a tempest brewed unawares to him—caught up tending his father and preserving the family’s existence, oblivious to the storm rising.

He descended the steps, exiting the hall, strolling through courtyards, arriving at a secluded garden.

Servants seeing Zhou Chao hurriedly greeted him, but he waved them off and entered the bedroom, lifting the layers of curtains.

Upon entering, an odd medicinal fragrance reached him.

Lying in bed was an emaciated, skeletal cultivator—his father, Patriarch Zhou Bing of the Zhou Family.

Layer upon layer of arrays and spiritual lights gathered thick Spiritual Qi around the bed. A corner incense burner stuffed with a white rhinoceros horn emitted calming blood flows. A Red Jade Pearl hung overhead, nourishing Zhou Bing with waves of warmth.

Yet, such nourishing items now proved useless. Zhou Bing’s vitality waned daily; a year ago he spoke halting words, now unable to open his eyes, masking any semblance of a Foundation Establishment Feather Scholar.

Zhou Chao wondered whether his words reached his father now.

But amidst difficulties, he visited here—amidst vast Yuqing Mountain, where else could his burdens be voiced?

"Father, your son visits you... There was an incident today..."