Marrying Wives and Attaining Immortality in a Chaotic World

Chapter 334: The Legitimate Second Son

A hoary voice, imbued with a trace of Supreme-level pressure, echoed through the air. “Chi Sui, you have done well. You completed the refinement of the Metamorphosis Elixir five days ahead of schedule. This gives the Fifth Prince half a month to seclude himself in cultivation-enough time to ascend to the Sage Realm. Deliver the elixir to the imperial capital immediately.”

The Sage-level alchemist Chi Sui respectfully replied, “Understood, Your Excellency. I will deliver the Metamorphosis Elixir to the Fifth Prince immediately.”

Xu Lian’s heart tightened. There was no doubt that this old man was the quasi-supreme overseeing this exclusive cultivation resource zone. However, even now, Xu Lian had no idea where the old man was hiding.

Chi Sui turned to Zhao Ming and smiled. “Ming’er, accompany me to the imperial capital to deliver the elixir to the Fifth Prince. It’s time to strengthen our bond with him.”

Zhao Ming nodded. “Yes, Master.”

Ning Meixue exchanged a glance with Xu Lian before turning to Chi Sui. “Master, I also intend to return to the imperial capital. It has been many years since I last visited my hometown.”

Xu Lian quickly followed. “So do I.”

Chi Sui replied indifferently, “Then let us all leave together.”

Zhao Ming frowned at Xu Lian slightly, but said nothing.

Thus, the four of them-master and disciples-traversed space and headed toward the imperial capital of the Qian Dynasty.

It should be noted that Xu Lian hadn’t taken Cai Yi with him. He had sealed her inside the narrow cave, much to her displeasure and complaint.

Arriving in the Imperial Capital:

Zhao Ming smiled and suggested to Ning Meixue, “Why don’t you join us at the Fifth Prince’s residence, junior sister?”

Ning Meixue shook her head. “The succession of the Crown Prince hasn’t been decided yet. It wouldn’t be appropriate for the Ning Marquis House to take sides prematurely, nor would it be proper for me to meet the Fifth Prince beforehand.”

Why didn’t he ask me? Xu Lian thought indignantly. It seemed that Qin Feng truly lacked presence and was easily overlooked by others.

Zhao Ming didn’t push Ning Meixue any further. Thus, Chi Sui and Zhao Ming went to the Fifth Prince’s residence to deliver the elixir, while Ning Meixue and Xu Lian went their separate ways as planned.

Xu Lian arrived at the Qin Marquis House – Qin Feng’s home.

“Second Young Master has returned!”

“Second Young Master!”

The gatekeepers and servants bowed to greet him.

Even though Qin Feng had cultivated for over two thousand years and was considered a member of the middle generation, since Marquis Qin was still alive, Qin Feng remained a “Young Master” within the household. It would be taboo to refer to him as “Lord” unless the elder generation passed away.

Despite Qin Feng’s lack of prominence at home, he was still the legitimate second son of the Qin Marquis, a Unity Realm powerhouse, and an accomplished alchemist. The servants treated him with respect, and there was no question of him being looked down upon.

However, Xu Lian found it strange that the servants’ eyes held not only respect, but also fear and trepidation. Why was that? Did Qin Feng beat and abuse the servants whenever he returned home?

“Father, I’m back,” Xu Lian announced as he arrived at the entrance to the Qin Marquis’ secluded cultivation chamber deep within the estate. He bowed respectfully – it was customary to greet his father upon his return.

A calm, aged voice emanated from the chamber. “You haven’t returned to the family estate in over a hundred years while you were stationed in the exclusive cultivation resource zone. Let’s have a family banquet tonight to reunite.”

Xu Lian replied, “Yes,” and then took his leave.

Afterwards, he made his way to the courtyard where Qin Feng resided. Once inside, he took a quick tour of the premises. By the time he had finished, his expression had grown grim. Now, he understood why the servants had looked at him with such fear and apprehension.

Beneath the courtyard lay a hidden level, where numerous women were bound with chains. Some appeared to be relatively young, some were middle-aged, some were elderly, and some had even turned into skeletons… Over a hundred years ago, when Qin Feng had last returned, these women had probably been youthful and attractive.

Upon seeing him, the women trembled in fear, their faces pale, and they prostrated themselves on the ground.

“Holy crap, I didn’t expect Qin Feng to have such taste,” Xu Lian muttered under his breath, feeling disgusted. Qin Feng, who was neither favored in his sect nor at home, seemed to vent his frustration on these unfortunate women.

In this world, such behavior was not uncommon. Many powerful individuals with dark hearts maintained an immaculate facade while committing unspeakable acts behind closed doors. Although Xu Lian disapproved, he could not rescue these women – it would not align with Qin Feng’s character. For now, they would have to endure. Perhaps once circumstances allowed, he could discreetly release them.

In the evening:

A trembling maid cautiously approached the courtyard. “S-Second Young Master, the banquet is ready. Lord Qin requests your presence.”

Obviously, Qin Feng’s imprisonment of these women wasn’t a secret; the entire Qin Marquis House was aware of it, including the servants.

“I see,” Xu Lian said with a faint smile, glancing at the maid. “Don’t worry, you’re not my type.”

The maid kept her head bowed, too frightened to speak.

Xu Lian made his way to the opulent dining hall of the Marquis Qin House. The room was already filled with people.

At the head of the table was an elegantly dressed elder – undoubtedly the Marquis Qin. To his left, a stern-faced middle-aged man sat, whose features bore a resemblance to both the elder and Qin Feng. This was undoubtedly Qin Feng’s elder brother, Qin Song.

To the right of the Marquis Qin, there was an empty seat that was clearly reserved for Qin Feng.

Beyond them were nearly a hundred men and women – presumably Qin Song’s descendants, as Qin Feng remained unmarried and childless.

“Second Brother, come sit down,” Qin Song waved as Xu Lian entered.

Silently, Xu Lian walked over to the seat to the right of the Marquis Qin. Notably, the Marquis Qin was a top-tier Origin Tracing Realm powerhouse, while Qin Song’s cultivation slightly surpassed Qin Feng’s, reaching the sixth stage of the Unity Realm.

Suddenly, Bang! Qin Song slammed down the table and glared at his descendants. “You ungrateful bastards! Can’t you see that your Second Uncle has returned? Stand up and greet him properly! Have you no sense of decency or respect?”

The men and women hastily stood up and bowed to Xu Lian.

“Second Uncle.”

“Second Granduncle.”

Xu Lian silently took his seat to the right of the Marquis Qin, refraining from commenting. Their lack of decorum spoke volumes about Qin Feng’s insignificance within the family-even Qin Song’s descendants showed him little respect.

The Marquis Qin waved his hand dismissively. “Sit down and eat. We’re all family here; there’s no need for excessive formality.”

Qin Song interjected, “Father is right. Second Brother isn’t an outsider. Let’s keep things casual.”