C4 A Onestop Service for the Chen Family!!

Dawn broke, casting a fresh light on everything.

Yet the Chen family bore the weight of change, visibly aged and altered from what they once were. It had been three days since the execution of their butler.

"How is Chen Xing doing?"

"Master, since that day, Chen Xing has remained secluded in his room, not even his maidservant Taotao has seen him," the servant said with an ingratiating smile, stepping closer to whisper to Third Uncle Chen, "He seems to have taken a severe blow. It appears he won't recover anytime soon."

Chen Haoran's eyes narrowed.

"He may take time to recover, but the Chen family cannot afford to wait. With the family leaderless, we urgently need a new head, not someone wallowing in their distress!"

With the Chen family's servants executed, he was the eldest remaining, and thus Third Uncle Chen had been strutting about the estate, entertaining numerous guests. Even though these visitors were opportunists looking to profit from the family's misfortune, it gave him a sense of high-ranking satisfaction.

"Go! Reach out to those with influence and initiate the election for the new family head!"

He was determined to resolve the situation swiftly while Chen Xing was incapacitated.

Despite believing that Chen Xing, in his current state, posed no threat, the leadership qualities he had previously shown gave him a slight sense of trepidation.

...

The news spread quickly.

Chen Lingran, as Chen Haoran's younger uncle, was promptly informed.

His brow furrowed in concern.

He maneuvered his wheelchair towards Chen Xing's residence.

Chen Xing's doors had remained closed since his return three days prior.

Upon Chen Lingran's arrival, Taotao, who was at the entrance, promptly greeted him, "Young Master, he..."

"There's no need for explanations, I'm well aware," Chen Lingran interrupted.

Taotao hesitated, then fell silent.

"Chen Xing, I've come to tell you that excessive grief is unhelpful. The Chen family's future is what matters most! Your Third Uncle is already organizing a gathering to elect a new family head. Give it some thought!"

Chen Lingran called out from the other side of the door.

As Chen Xing's uncle, he found his nephew's demeanor distasteful, even contemptible. Yet, upon receiving the news, he resolved to come and notify Chen Xing.

He understood his brother, Chen Haoran, better than anyone. A man of no learning, if he were to take over the Chen family, it would hasten their downfall.

Chen Xing represented the hope of the Chen family's previous generation! Moreover, his bold confrontation with Charstand had ignited a spark within Chen Lingran.

"What's this? Third Uncle is rallying people for an election. Uncle, are you planning to support me?"

As Chen Lingran was about to wheel away, a voice emerged from behind. Chen Xing stood at the courtyard entrance, munching on an apple.

Taotao seemed flustered, her cheeks tinged with red, "Yes, Young Master, you told me not to speak."

Chen Xing had been indoors for three days, not from any blow to his spirit, but to heal his soul wounds. The Nine Turns of the Soul was a spell that drained one's soul energy, especially when reviving seven individuals at once. Even as a dragon, he needed time to recover. Now, his soul was nearly mended.

Since healing was akin to resting, he hadn't felt any hunger, nor had he needed to eat. But upon awakening... hunger hit him like a wave, prompting him to step out for an apple to stave off the shock. Little did he expect to encounter his uncle at that moment.

The two weren't on good terms, which is why Chen Lingran had chosen to communicate through the door, a move to assert his authority. But now, with the subject of his message right behind him, the situation turned embarrassingly awkward.

The uncle pivoted his wheelchair, avoiding eye contact, and spoke coolly, "If you're serious about this election, you'll have my vote."

"Serious about the election? No, no, I'm not interested."

Chen Xing shook his head. Every dragon had lordship experience, but he was a dragon of leisure. After 100,000 years, he relished his freedom and had no desire to manage such burdensome affairs.

Disappointment flickered in Chen Lingran's eyes.

"But Uncle, haven't you ever considered becoming the head of the Chen family?"

Chen Xing regarded him with genuine interest. To be fair, aside from his Uncle's congenital disability, he was quite an asset to the Chen family. His authority might not be extensive, but he always managed his assignments with impeccable organization and skill. Despite their strained relationship, and the fact that Chen Xing had previously made some insensitive remarks, he still recognized his uncle's capabilities.

Even so, whenever there was news from the third uncle, Chen Xing would rush over immediately. Such reliability made him the kind of person Chen Xing preferred to entrust with important tasks.

"Me?" Anger tinged Chen Lingran's expression as he forced a bitter smile. "I'm nothing but a cripple who can't even stand. How could I wield any power? But if I could stand, I certainly wouldn't pin the Chen family's hopes on someone like you! I'd raise our banner myself and use all my strength to rejuvenate our family!"

In the Purple Wind Empire, where martial prowess was revered, a family patriarch who was disabled and unable to stand would be seen as a disgrace. This stigma was one of the reasons Chen Lingran had been undervalued.

"What if I told you I could help you stand up?"

Chen Xing's nonchalant remark instantly widened Chen Lingran's eyes in shock.

"What are you saying? Make sure you understand the weight of your words!"

In an empire that valued martial strength so highly, being born with a disability not only squandered his chances of being valued but nearly obliterated all his prospects. No matter his achievements, he would always face scorn, a lifelong torment for Chen Lingran. He had grown accustomed to burying this pain deep within himself, and now Chen Xing was suggesting he could heal him!

This was an immense glimmer of hope, yet it was also the ultimate test of his self-esteem!

If Chen Xing was toying with such a hope as a cruel joke, it would irreparably sever the bond between uncle and nephew.

"I'm well aware of what I'm saying. However, it's not possible at the moment. We have most of the necessary medicines, but we're missing one ingredient. I'll be upfront with you—the last ingredient we need is the Three-star Grass."

"Three-star Grass? Indeed, it's a treasured healing herb, but my condition is a congenital disability, not an injury. Can it still...?"

"Absolutely, because even the Three-star Grass primarily serves a supportive role. The crucial factor is the person using it."

Three-star Grass, with its three small green leaves, each sparkling with starlight, was renowned for its healing properties. Although it was a rare and valuable herb, the Chen family could afford it. It was often available at the auctions in Traessey. With Three-star Grass as the primary ingredient, Chen Xing could harness the potent regenerative powers of the Dragon Soul to forcibly restore his uncle's normal meridians and bones, making standing up a trivial matter.

However, given its rarity and value, the Chen family's current finances couldn't cover the steep cost of such an item.

"Once we secure the Three-star Grass, I can treat your disability. But before that, I need you to step in and hold up the Chen family for me!"

Chen Xing's words were emphatic and resolute.

He wasn't merely asking for temporary support; he was entrusting full authority and expecting his utmost effort.

Chen Lingran bit his lip and, after a deep breath, conceded, "Fine, I'll trust you this one time."

Deep down, he harbored doubts, but he recognized that Chen Xing's actions were also aimed at managing the family affairs. Even if it turned out to be a deception, it was just a tactic.

He had come to terms with it.

The worst-case scenario would be a return to their previous indifference towards each other, which wouldn't be much of a change given their strained relationship.

"So, we're agreed? You'll give it your all?"

"With all my might!"

They greeted each other with a fist bump.

...

With Chen Lingran taking on the task of campaigning for the family head, Chen Xing felt reassured. Drawing from his own experience as a former lord, he knew that someone like Chen Lingran, when fully committed, could unleash formidable strength.

With time on his hands, he gathered a large assortment of medicinal herbs and brought them into his room.

The Chen family's primary business was in medicinal herbs. Situated near the Amethyst Range, Traessey had access to abundant medicinal resources. Recently, the Alchemist Association was established in the city, offering a place where successful alchemists could register, earn a monthly stipend, and engage with other alchemists to work, exchange knowledge, and enhance their prestige. This had attracted many alchemists, significantly increasing the demand for medicinal herbs and contributing to the Chen family's upward trajectory.

Understanding the role of an alchemist is crucial, as it is a highly esteemed profession. Mastery in alchemy demands not only precise control but also the skill to manipulate flames and the alchemical furnace. The burgeoning demand for medicinal herbs and the surge in orders are just one facet of its significance. Establishing a rapport with an alchemist could prove to be invaluable.

Aside from that, the presence of an alchemist within the Chen family could instantly revitalize the entire household's operations. In the absence of sufficient talent, wealth must compensate.

"Refining pills..." Chen Xing mused, his face betraying a hint of bemusement.

He proceeded to envelop several herbs with the Dragon Soul, kneading them continuously as the blue aura of the Dragon Soul whirled rapidly. Soon, a blue bead materialized in his palm, its radiance swirling like that of a deep-sea sapphire, exuding a captivating fragrance.

This was, in fact, the very genesis of alchemy.

A hundred thousand years ago, the ancient Nagas, in their ennui, experimented with herbs to craft something intriguing. This pastime flourished for a while, and he was among its most adept practitioners.

To his astonishment, this diversion had not only endured for a hundred thousand years but had also been expanded upon by humans!

"No, this is too refined; it doesn't resemble a common pill. I need to replicate the simplified method I once taught to humans, making it more rudimentary," Chen Xing contemplated as he examined the blue pill before him. The Dragon Soul was the optimal method for pill refinement, capable of harnessing over 95% of a pill's medicinal potency. Even the least meticulous approach yielded over 80%. Without the Dragon Soul, humans had to resort to fire for refinement, leading to significant disparities.

The elite could achieve over 95% potency with superior fire, control, and refinement skills. Yet, the least proficient could barely manage 20% to 30%.

"I wonder what the average proficiency of the alchemists here is," Chen Xing pondered, feeling a headache brewing. Achieving such low levels of medicinal potency was beyond him—it was simply too demanding for a dragon!

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