I Practice Farming While the Rest Cultivates

"Junior Brother Xiao Zhi, there's no need for such formalities, please have a seat."

Wan Chong smiled and motioned towards a white jade stone chair.

Receiving a courteous treatment from one of Chong Xu Sword Peak's most powerful seniors, Zhang Xiao Zhi showed none of the joy that might be expected of him; instead, he appeared restless, a tinge of panic lurking deep within his eyes.

"I've called you here because Huan Zhen Sword Peak's Lu Xuan, Junior Brother Lu, has something to discuss with you."

Wan Chong turned to look at Lu Xuan.

"Junior Brother Zhang, you're from the Zhang Family of Xingyue City, right? Do you know Friend Chen Yuqiu from the nearby Chen Family?"

Lu Xuan asked with a smile on his face.

"The Zhang and Chen families are less than a thousand miles apart and often interact. I've met the Chen Family Head more than once during my childhood, but after coming to the Sword Sect to practice, our meetings have become rare."

Zhang Xiao Zhi spoke with deliberation.

"Friend Zhang, at such a young age you have already advanced to Core Formation, making you a rising star of the Sword Sect, whereas I am just an old man who won't live much longer. I wouldn't dare compare myself to you."

Chen Yuqiu spoke emotionlessly, his voice carrying a trace of resentment.

"Uncle Master Zhang."

Chen Qingshuang rose and made a gesture of respect.

"Sister Qing Shuang, there's no need for such formality. Our times of entering the Sect are not much different; just call me Brother Zhang."

Zhang Xiao Zhi forced a slight smile onto his face.

Chen Qingshuang remained silent.

"Uncle Chen, regardless of how my cultivation level might be, I will always be that nephew who once came to you to learn about the formula methods."

Seeing Chen Yuqiu's displeased expression, Zhang Xiao Zhi earnestly said.

Chen Yuqiu's demeanor softened slightly upon hearing these words.

"So, Junior Brother Zhang has quite a deep relationship with the Chen Family."

Lu Xuan chuckled, then changed the subject.

"However, it seems there is now a small conflict between the two families?"

"Eh? The Zhang and Chen families have always had good relations, how could there be a conflict?"

Zhang Xiao Zhi's eyes widened in disbelief as he asked.

"For the past few years, I've been solidifying my Core Formation realm within the Sword Peak, and I'm not very familiar with the family affairs. Please, Uncle Chen, could you enlighten your nephew in detail? I will definitely provide a secure solution."

"It's really nothing serious, just that mine belonging to the Sword Sect — your Zhang Family now wants to claim ownership of it."

Chen Yuqiu explained the conflict between the two families quite simply.

"The Family Head has truly gone too far!"

Zhang Xiao Zhi bristled with indignation.

"The mine has belonged to the Chen Family for many years; how could they entertain such an idea? Wouldn't that harm the good relationship between the Zhang and Chen families over the years?"

"Please rest assured, Uncle Chen! I will not allow such a thing to happen!"

"I guarantee with my identity as an Inner Sect Disciple of the Sword Sect, the Zhang Family will definitely not infringe upon the Chen Family's interests."

"As for the misunderstanding that occurred before, since the Zhang Family is at fault, once I relay the message back, the Family Head will certainly come in person to formally apologize."

Zhang Xiao Zhi first endeavoured to close the gap with Chen Yuqiu, then swiftly distanced himself from the Zhang Family's actions, offering a proper solution.

Those present all knew the gravity of the situation and that it was impossible for Zhang Xiao Zhi to be unaware of such significant family matters. Yet seeing his attitude, they chose not to expose him, silently observing his performance.

"Not a bad performance; reminds me of my younger days."

Lu Xuan seemed to see his younger self, who often boasted about his acting skills and establishing character, a cryptic smile emerging on his face.

"As long as it's a misunderstanding, it should be cleared up."

Chen Yuqiu took a deep breath, as if feeling the heavy burden on his shoulders disappear without a trace, and declared his position.

"Good, good, good, let's continue eating meat and drinking!" Wan Chong said with a laugh.

Lu Xuan clinked his cup with him and drank down a full cup of True Sword Liquid.

Zhang Xiaozhi, who was beside them, relaxed upon seeing this, knowing that the turmoil had already dissipated into nothingness.

"If the Family Head knew the truth, he would surely understand my actions," he thought to himself.

The Chen Family had once enjoyed glorious years, but now it had long been in decline. Given the difference in strength between the two families, he hadn't taken Chen Yuqiu to heart.

However, everyone in the Sword Sect knew of the demonic accomplishments Lu Xuan achieved during the Sword Peak competition.

Although both were at the Core Formation Realm, in the eyes of the Nine Sword Masters, the importance of such a talented logistical genius far exceeded that of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, and all the other eight Sword Masters wanted to poach him to their respective Sword Peaks.

Wan Chong, ranking among the top in strength among the many Inner Sect Disciples of Chong Xu Sword Peak—the first of the nine great Sword Summits—could be said to be half a step into the Nascent Soul Realm.

And he, just a newly promoted Inner Sect Disciple at the Core Formation Stage, may be powerful in Xingyue City, but was utterly insignificant in Chong Xu Sword Peak and the entire Sword Sect; Lu Xuan and Wan Chong were both existences he could only look up to.

Now, Chen Yuqiu of the Chen Family had somehow connected with an influential figure like Lu Xuan. Brother Wan Chong from the Sword Peak clearly had a deep friendship with Lu Xuan, and since the Zhang Family was at fault first, he quickly found a solution to prevent offending Lu Xuan and Wan Chong.

"That would be good indeed," Lu Xuan said with a smile and a nod.

"Junior brother Zhang, stay and join us to taste the Demon Beast Meat and Spirit Brew."

"There's no time to delay, I will immediately go out to inform the Zhang Family members waiting outside the Sword Sect, so as not to disturb the two Senior Brothers gathering," Zhang Xiaozhi said, knowing his own influence was weak and that staying would only be a hindrance. He found an excuse to leave quickly.

After eating and drinking to his heart's content, Lu Xuan took the two from the Chen Family back to the Cave Abode.

"We are profoundly grateful to Friend Lu for stepping in to help with the matter today; the Chen Family cannot thank you enough," they both said respectfully as soon as they entered the Cave Abode, with Chen Yuqiu even having some moistness in his eyes.

The mine meant little to the Sword Sect, having been all but abandoned, but it was of great significance to the Chen Family, relating to over half of the family's income.

If lost, he really didn't know how to lead hundreds of family members through the trials and tribulations ahead.

"There's no need for such formality; I was merely repaying the kindness bestowed upon me by Uncle Ancestor Chen Xiaobai," Lu Xuan said with a calm expression.

"Friend Lu, here are a hundred thousand 'Low-grade Spirit Stones,' and a Jade Badge passed down from the venerable Chen Xiaobai. Its rank is Fifth Rank, capable of calming the mind and nurturing the Divine Soul,"

"The kindness you've shown to the Zhang Family is as heavy as a mountain, and far beyond what these can measure. However, the strength of the Chen Family is limited. Please do not disdain these gifts, and accept them," Chen Yuqiu said, a Storage Bag and a Jade Badge glowing with a pearly light appearing in front of him.

Beside him, Chen Qingshuang looked slightly astonished; she knew the Chen Family's financial situation all too well. Being able to produce a hundred thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones was already a massive expenditure for them.

As for that Fifth Rank Jade Badge, regular Fifth Rank Treasure Items meant little to Lu Xuan, now in the late stages of Core Formation, so this was the only item the family felt was worthy to offer.

Seeing how earnest Chen Yuqiu was, Lu Xuan knew that refusing would make it difficult to close the matter. He pondered briefly, then drew the Jade Badge towards himself.

Holding it in his hand, he could feel the pearly light of the jade seep into his skin, bringing a cool sensation both inside and out.

"Let's forget about the Spirit Stones; Family Head Chen should keep them to properly cultivate the disciples of the family,"

"As for this Jade Badge, since it is related to Ancestor Chen Xiaobai, I, Lu Mou, will accept it as a keepsake," Lu Xuan said with a smile.