Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2782 - 1030

A tumultuous event has transpired in the East Sea, with the emergence of Sea Demons.

For years, the once tranquil Zhongzhou has been unable to contain the restless ambitions stirring within its fractured territories.

Over a decade ago, fleeting glimpses of Demon Beasts were occasionally observed near the Tian Nan Continent, but recently, their numbers have swelled, proving impossible to manage.

During a routine sea patrol mission undertaken by the Zhou Family, they were blindsided by a sudden, overwhelming assault from a horde of Sea Demons.

At the time, the contingent of high-level powerhouses on duty was insufficient, and in the ensuing melee, every Noble Family and Great Clan suffered grievous losses in personnel.

The Zhou Family, unfortunately, was not spared from this tragedy.

A total of seven True Cultivators in the Foundation Establishment stage perished in the conflict, alongside more than thirty Qi Refinement Cultivators.

This unexpected calamity dealt a significant blow to the Zhou Family, particularly as they were in a period of resurgence.

An atmosphere of deep mourning has permeated the Zhou Family in recent days, with sorrowful cries and lamentations echoing through the hushed nights.

Within the sanctity of the council hall, an enraged voice suddenly boomed.

"Damn it all, who gave you the authority to directly inform him of his parents' demise just three days ago?"

The current Family Head, Zhou Junxiao, fixed an incensed gaze upon the woman standing before him.

Zhou Shuzhen responded with a hint of bewilderment, "Second Brother, is there an issue? Zhou Fuqiu is renowned for his maturity, and he is the sole pillar of the Bai Han family. Informing him of such news is quite standard, isn't it?"

"The protocol wasn't incorrect, but..." Zhou Junxiao shook his head, his dissatisfaction evident. "He is merely a child!"

Zhou Shuzhen's crimson lips parted slightly, a flicker of daze crossing her features.

To those outside their circle, the prematurely developed Zhou Fuqiu was hardly recognizable as a child; he appeared almost indistinguishable from a regular teenager. Coupled with his remarkably composed demeanor and speech, people often overlooked his tender age.

She had neglected these specific details when relaying the somber news to those closest to the fallen clan members.

Zhou Junxiao imparted his counsel with gravity, "Be more considerate in your actions from now on. Currently, the Patriarch is not overseeing daily affairs, and the Eldest Brother is in Closed-Door Cultivation, striving to breach the Nascent Soul Stage. As for the other two, they have only recently achieved Core Formation. The family's stability rests upon your and my shoulders to manage the situation. Consult me more frequently when significant matters arise."

"Very well, Second Brother, I shall keep that in mind," Zhou Shuzhen affirmed, then noticed Zhou Junxiao preparing to depart. "Second Brother, where are you headed?"

Zhou Junxiao paused briefly, recalling a directive he had received from the Patriarch, and emitted a soft sigh.

"I am going to see that child."

He then exited the council hall, making his way towards the location of the vigil.

Before long, he found himself standing outside the spirit hall.

Inside and out, a multitude of individuals were either standing or kneeling – all relatives of the departed clan members. Many among them were quite young, yet there were also elders with hair as white as snow, mourning sons and daughters who, in their prime, were younger than them.

And there, a slender, grief-stricken young boy knelt silently before a coffin, meticulously burning joss paper.

His expression was one of profound stillness, though his face conveyed a deep sorrow. Yet, tears were notably absent from his eyes.

Zhou Junxiao observed him for a considerable duration, nodding his head in silent acknowledgment.

"A remarkable soul."

...

The interment was scheduled for four days later, concluding a seven-day period of mourning rites.

On the day of the burial, all members of the Zhou Family set aside their duties to attend the final ceremony, clad in somber mourning attire.

Zhou Fuqiu stood before the tombstone, his lips pressed into a thin line, his hand clasped by his weeping sister.

Sympathetic and pitying glances were cast his way from time to time, yet he appeared completely unfazed by them.

"Brother, have Father and Mother truly departed?"

His sister struggled to grasp the harsh reality of their loss.

Zhou Fuqiu gently lifted her into his arms, offering quiet words of solace.

Observing the young girl's bewildered state, her sorrow manifesting solely through tears, Zhou Fuqiu spoke with solemn resolve, "Father and Mother are no longer with us, but you have me. Brother will protect you from this day forward."

"Then will brother leave too?"

Zhou Fuqiu gazed steadfastly at the tombstone, his hand tenderly stroking his sister’s head.

"Brother will never leave!"

The young boy’s declaration, though spoken softly, carried a weight as immovable as a mountain.

As the Family Head, Zhou Junxiao, initiated the activation of the Guardian Array safeguarding the cemetery, this somber funeral was officially declared at its end.

Though the murmurs of grief and fond remembrance lingered, ultimately, everyone dispersed, returning to their respective abodes to resume their lives.

That very night.

After ensuring his sister was asleep, Zhou Fuqiu returned once more to his father’s study.

The scene was as familiar as ever, yet he could no longer perceive the presence of his towering father, nor could he hear that gentle voice by his side.

As he recalled the cherished, warm memories of the past, the previously resolute young boy found tears tracing paths down his cheeks, though he didn't know when they began to fall.

Suddenly!

Recalling the medicinal soup he had consumed, the perplexing demise of Yin Siniang, and Elder Zhou Shuzhen’s nonchalant demeanor when delivering the news of his parents’ passing, a shiver coursed through his being.

Noble Families and Great Clans, despite their outward appearance of cordiality, were often rife with tales of power plays and treachery.

Individuals deemed without worth seldom garnered notice.

His parents, who had once championed him and his sister, were now gone. If he intended to survive, if he wished for his sister to thrive, he could only depend on himself!

Zhou Fuqiu, wiping away his tears, approached the bookshelf and adroitly selected several volumes.

As the young boy, laden with a considerable stack of books, was about to return to his desk, he paused momentarily and retrieved another book from a secluded corner.

With all the books laid open, familiar titles emerged; these were the Qi Refining Classics he had diligently studied over the preceding half-year.

"I yearn to cultivate!"

"I require strength!"

"I cannot place my trust in anyone; I must safeguard my sister!"

His eyes scanned the array of books, his mind continuously assessing and contemplating. Ultimately, his gaze, as dark and profound as ink, settled upon the "Lu Chan Technique."

The other cultivation techniques presented were tediously slow, each burdened with various prerequisites and constraints.

Only this Demon Path Technique offered the swiftest cultivation speed, entirely devoid of any entrance barriers. Provided one possessed a Spirit Root, cultivation was achievable.