Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2781 - 1029:

Following that, Zhou Fuqiu rarely ventured outside. Even when Zhou Yuqi sought him out on a few occasions, he was turned away.

Within the clan, no significant events transpired, though it was rumored that Second Grandpa Zhou Junxiao was contemplating the development of Bailu Marsh.

Bailu Marsh is an expansive territory, covering more than three thousand miles. Not only has it given rise to a new Fourth Order Spirit Vein, but it also harbors numerous smaller, scattered Spirit Veins.

However, due to the pervasive Evil Swamp Miasma, a considerable portion of Bailu Marsh remains undeveloped.

Furthermore, the Zhou Family's limited manpower, combined with a contingent of their strongest members dispatched for the sea patrol duty mandated by Tian Nan Dao Palace, has continually postponed the planned development of Bailu Marsh.

The sea patrol duty, however, is not a constant assignment but rotates among many clans on the Tian Nan Continent. The Zhou Family's inclusion this time was a hasty, extra recruitment, and their participation was expected to conclude in approximately half a year.

Half a year passes in the blink of an eye for cultivators.

Yet, for children, it seems to stretch on interminably.

"Brother, when will Father and Mother return?"

"Soon, it should be within these next few days!"

"Alright, I haven't heard Father tell stories of the outside world in so long, nor have I eaten Mother's White Jade Soup."

"Mao Mao, go out and play. Your brother needs to read."

"I won't go out. Brother, you read. I promise not to make any noise."

Zhou Fuqiu offered a helpless smile before resuming his reading of the book in hand.

The text was a Qi Refinement Technique titled "Lu Chan Technique," deriving its name from the meaning of "morning dew is fleeting, cicadas drink softly."

Its cultivation philosophy aligns with this concept.

The majority of cultivators worldwide possess ordinary talent, struggling to reach higher realms even after a lifetime, their lifespans as transient as morning dew and cicadas.

Consequently, some opt for shortcuts, embracing cultivation techniques that promise rapid advancement.

The "Lu Chan Technique" falls into this category and is a rare all-attribute technique, disregarding any specific spiritual root attributes, thus enabling anyone to become a Beginner cultivator.

However, its drawbacks are equally pronounced: while the realm attained through such cultivation might be swift, the Qi Power is considerably less profound than that of cultivators of the same order. Moreover, the Yin Cold Magical Power cultivated can easily inflict damage upon the meridians and Dantian.

It is rumored that this technique originated from the North Sea, likely originating from the defunct overlord, the Yuan Mo Sect.

In essence, it is a Demon Path Technique!

If Zhou Fuqiu had a choice, he would lean towards the "Sea Returning Scripture," "Evergreen Technique," and "Thick Earth Technique"—methods known for their stability and solid progression.

"No need to rush!"

"After turning six, it will be time to focus on body nurturing. I'll cultivate a basic Body Refining Technique and supplement it with medicinal baths to enhance physical strength. Then, at age twelve, my spiritual root attributes will be tested, and by then, Father and Mother will undoubtedly select suitable cultivation techniques for me."

Zhou Fuqiu closed the book, placing the "Lu Chan Technique" in the most out-of-the-way corner of his bookshelf.

Half a month later.

The entire Zhou Family buzzed with activity!

This excitement stemmed from the impending return of the family's strong members who had been engaged in the sea patrol task.

Zhou Fuqiu's family shared in this anticipation. Early that morning, holding his younger sister and accompanied by Granny Lin, he arrived at Coral Town to await their return.

Coral Town is a small settlement situated near the Zhou Family's domain.

The majority of its inhabitants are mortals devoid of spiritual roots.

It can be reasonably inferred that as the Zhou Family expands its influence, its members will disperse, leading to the emergence of many mortal inhabitants.

Those individuals possessing intelligence, loyalty, and diligence might remain within the clan to serve the immortal cultivators. However, a greater number of mortals will likely be relocated to Coral Town.

Coral Town is poised for gradual population growth, potentially evolving from a small town into a city, or even integrating with the mortal populations of other Immortal Cultivation Clans, forming something akin to a minor secular nation.

Zhou Fuqiu, however, paid little heed to these broader implications. He stood on a patch of open ground, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

A cheerful voice reached him from nearby. "Fuqiu, you're here too!"

It was Zhou Yuqi.

Zhou Fuqiu offered a brief greeting, but his expression shifted to one of curiosity upon noticing the middle-aged man accompanying Zhou Yuqi. "Who is this?"

Zhou Yuqi provided a concise introduction: "He is an Innate Master mortal from Coral Town, responsible for assisting with my daily travels."

Zhou Fuqiu scanned his surroundings before inquiring, "Where is Yin Siniang?"

A somber expression crossed Zhou Yuqi's face. "Siniang unfortunately contracted the miasma of Bailu Marsh about half a month ago. The treatment was initiated too late, and she has, sadly, passed away."

Zhou Fuqiu stood in stunned silence.

Half a month ago?

Was this not when the clan’s formidable cultivators were scheduled to conclude their assignments and make their return to Bailu Marsh?

How could Yin Siniang have met her demise precisely at this juncture?

Furthermore, while the miasma within Bailu Marsh is indeed formidable, it is not a simple matter to succumb to infection if one avoids venturing too deep and utilizes the clan’s provided antidote elixirs.

As his thoughts churned, a wave of cheers erupted from the surrounding crowd.

The sounds grew in intensity, escalating from scattered shouts to a unified roar.

This was because in the distant heavens, a minuscule black speck was rapidly advancing.

Before long, the tiny dark speck had expanded to fill their entire field of vision.

It was none other than the Zhou Family’s magnificent Coral Flying Boat!

Boom!

With a thunderous impact, the colossal vessel settled upon the cleared expanse of Coral Town, generating powerful gusts of wind.

Figures disembarked one after another, swiftly being met by an eager assembly of surrounding Zhou Family members.

Yet, Zhou Fuqiu, his sister, and their accompanying trio of servants remained frozen in place, a look of bewilderment upon their faces.

They had not spotted the familiar individuals they had anticipated.

Soon, however, a benevolent and dignified elderly woman approached them.

"Elder Shuzhen!" Granny Lin offered a respectful salutation, poised to continue her address.

But Zhou Shuzhen, a cultivator of the Golden Core Period, let out a sigh and fixed her gentle gaze upon Zhou Fuqiu and the young girl cradled in his arms.

"Your parents met a tragic end during their mission. Please accept my deepest sympathies regarding their passing!"