Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2787 - 1032

The morning light broke.

After completing his morning regimen of physical training, Zhou Fuqiu performed a quick wash before making his way to the Zhou Family's main conference hall.

This hall stood as the most central location within the compound, second only to the ancestral Coral Hall reserved for ancestors engaged in Closed-Door Cultivation, thus requiring a considerable journey to reach.

Zhou Fuqiu maintained a leisurely, unhurried pace, his steps guided by ingrained familiarity.

As he traversed the pathways, numerous members of the Zhou Family crossed his path, many of whom cast inquisitive glances his way.

It was evident that the events of the previous day, both on the training grounds and later that night, had become widely known.

Zhou Fuqiu maintained a composed facade, feigning ignorance of the stares directed at him, while offering respectful greetings to familiar elders.

Approximately half an hour later, the imposing and dignified conference hall came into view.

As Zhou Fuqiu approached the entrance, he was halted by an individual.

He glanced up at the man, whose features bore the marks of age, and stated tentatively, "Uncle, Second Grandpa summoned me."

The man barring his entry was the eldest son of Zhou Junxiao, belonging to the same generation as Zhou Fuqiu's father. Due to their age difference, Zhou Fuqiu addressed him as 'Uncle'.

However, the juxtaposition of 'Uncle' and 'Second Grandpa' could easily lead to confusion regarding their familial relationship.

Such is the nature of Immortal Cultivators; those in lower realms often exhibit signs of aging, while individuals with higher Cultivation Levels possess techniques to preserve their youthful appearance.

Zhou Fuqiu recalled hearing that this phenomenon was linked to the age at which an Immortal Cultivator achieves Foundation Establishment; the earlier this stage is reached, the more readily they can maintain a youthful visage.

Although they still experience aging and the depletion of Qi-Blood over time, their condition remains vastly superior to others.

'Uncle' raised a hand in a gesture for silence and softly conveyed, "They are currently in discussion inside. Please wait a moment."

Zhou Fuqiu acknowledged this with a nod and waited patiently outside the hall.

Nevertheless, the muffled conversations from within the hall were clearly audible.

"Family Head, Zhou Yu Hao was assaulted by Zhou Fuqiu. Are we to simply overlook this without any repercussions?"

"It was merely a squabble between youngsters. What kind of punishment do you seek? Were you never bested in a fight as a child? Have you never struck a contemporary?"

"But his methods were excessively brutal! My son Yu Hao's face was left half-battered, three teeth were knocked loose, and others significantly loosened. Can this truly be dismissed as mere childish brawling? Ultimately, they are of the same clan, destined to support one another in the future. We cannot permit such conduct!"

"They were born in the same year and commenced their training on the same day. Furthermore, to my knowledge, Yu Hao had a cohort of friends assisting him. If this was the outcome, it indicates he was simply outmatched. Should you harbor lingering resentment, your Yu Hao should train diligently and seek retribution in the future. Our Zhou Family does not encourage internal conflict, but competition is certainly not forbidden."

"Family Head..."

"Enough. Your father has remained silent throughout this. Why must you persistently cause a commotion? Xiao Cheng, what is your assessment?"

"I concur with Second Brother's decision."

"Hmm, let us proceed on that basis. However, it is indeed prudent to have Qi Refinement Cultivators oversee the training grounds. Those who impart Cultivation Techniques are merely Mortal Innate Martial Artists; they would hesitate to intervene in familial disputes. To forestall any excessive incidents henceforth, I shall arrange for Qi Refinement Cultivators to maintain a watchful presence nearby."

Upon hearing the exchange, Zhou Fuqiu instantly grasped that the discussion pertained to the events of the preceding day.

He surmised that the individuals deliberating, aside from Second Grandpa, likely included Thirteenth Grandpa, who held the esteemed position of a Golden Core Ascendant Master, and his son.

A hush fell over the hall.

Zhou Fuqiu looked towards 'Uncle', only to observe him offering a gentle, smiling shake of his head.

Were there further matters to address?

The next moment, voices resumed within the hall.

"Family Head, concerning yesterday's incident, I received a detailed account from Yu Qi upon his return home. While Zhou Yu Hao initiated the confrontation, Fuqiu's excessive force and brutal execution of the assault are undeniable. In the past, Fuqiu exhibited a gentle and refined disposition; such actions were entirely out of character for him. In my estimation, the drastic alteration in his demeanor is likely a consequence of the tragic passing of Bai Han's parents six months ago, which profoundly affected him, leading him down this path without proper guidance."

Outside the hall, Zhou Fuqiu instinctively tightened his lips.

He recognized the speaker's voice.

It belonged to Seventh Uncle — Zhou Haiye!

Second Grandpa's voice resonated once more.

"Xiao Qi, what is your counsel?"

"Having Qi Refinement Cultivators act as guardians, while necessary, ultimately addresses the symptoms rather than the underlying cause. I have devised a potential solution, Family Head. Let us see if it proves viable."

"Proceed."

"Our family has always maintained a harmonious relationship with Bai Han's family, and our children often associate with each other. How about I take in Fuqiu and his brothers and sisters? I will guide him in the ways of right and wrong regularly. This will also prevent him from causing more significant issues in the future."

A brief silence descended upon the conference hall.

After a short pause, Second Grandpa's deep voice replied, "There is no need for that."

Zhou Haiye appeared somewhat taken aback that his seemingly foolproof suggestion was rejected.

He could not refrain from inquiring, "Fuqiu and his siblings are still so young; they cannot possibly manage without proper care."

"Who says they are unattended? Bai Han and his wife perished while executing a mission for our clan. Thus, it is incumbent upon the Zhou Family to look after the orphans! I have already resolved to adopt Fuqiu... and his sister. These are not matters for you to concern yourself with."

The Head of the Family himself, from his direct lineage, adopting Zhou Fuqiu and his siblings?

Upon hearing this revelation, Zhou Haiye was rendered speechless.

Even the father of Zhou Yu Hao, who had previously been indignant, immediately grasped the reason for the Family Head's strong desire to protect the boy.

"Finally, there is one last matter I wish to address. Keep a close watch on your own children, particularly their tongues! Should they possess the capability for cultivation as they grow, they will inevitably traverse the world of Immortal Cultivation. It is not solely strength that matters; more often than not, peril stems from the words they speak. Do I truly need to impart such wisdom to you?"

"That is all. This meeting is adjourned!"

A few more voices could be heard from within the hall, followed by the scraping sound of chairs being moved.

The assembled group exited the conference hall, only to halt at the entrance.

A young man with a delicate, almost feminine countenance stood there, his expression serene as he observed their departure.