Chapter 59: Quiet Progress

As he consumed the bone essence, his status panel constantly flashed with increments of experience: +1, +1, +1, which he poured into improving his physical level.

This cultivation took him ten years.

In those ten years, the remains and demon core of the Enchanting Bone Demoness had long been devoured and completely assimilated by Zhang Shen. However, there were still many resources left inside the Enchanting Bone Demoness’s storage pouch.

Inside, there were only a few spirit herbs and fruits of True core grade, while the rest were bones of various types and grades.

Zhang Shen gladly claimed them without hesitation. Given the sheer quantity, even after consuming the Enchanting Bone Demoness, he had only exhausted half of the resources in the storage pouch.

At this point, his physical level had leaped from the original True Core stage Third Layer at 31% to the True Core stage Fifth Layer at 99%. He was on the cusp of breaking through to the True Core Stage Sixth Layer.

Such progress would astonish anyone, making their jaws drop.

If someone like Elder Luo Tian of the Luo family, who hadn’t advanced in his True Core cultivation for centuries, were to hear of this, he’d probably hide in his bed and cry.

Zhang Shen’s martial cultivation also made a small advance with the significant improvement in his physical level, moving from True Core First Layer: 52% to True Core First Layer: 61%. This subtle growth fit perfectly with his desire to remain low-key.

He originally intended to continue his secluded cultivation, at least until he used up all the resources in the storage pouch before coming out.

However, Zhang Feng was about to get married. As the elder brother, Zhang Shen didn’t want to be absent.

Being a direct descendant of the Zhang family, Zhang Feng’s match wasn’t someone from the Ye or Lin families this time.

Instead, she was the main daughter from another family that had been incorporated into the Ancient Covenant.

A proper alliance through marriage.

Zhang Feng had no objections to this arrangement.

Although the three major families in Hongyuan City bear different surnames, they had long been close as one family. With Zhang Shen’s rise, they recognized the need to solidify Hongyuan City’s relationship with other powers within the Ancient Covenant.

This was both to reassure other forces and to expand the influence of the Hongyuan City faction.

The bride-to-be from this alliance was Du Yin, the main daughter of the Du family.

She was a well-read and sagacious lady of high standing. A true gem of a household.

For someone as prideful as Zhang Feng, it was rare to see him lower his head in front of someone. Evidently, Du Yin was a woman capable of taming him.

On their joyous wedding day, Zhang Xun and Lin Yanqing, parents of both sides, sat at the head table. Figures like Zhang Tianlong, Lin Wanfeng, Ye Shuang, and the Du family patriarch were seated at the primary table below, along with Zhang Shen and Zhang Yu.

Li Zhi, Zhang Miaohao, Li Wu, and others were seated at another table. They were accompanied by the prodigies of various families from the Ancient Covenant. Yet, without a doubt, Li Zhi was the focal point at their table.

The wedding was lively and bustling, and Zhang Shen felt a genuine joy in his heart.

The once tiny bundle of joy, Zhang Feng, had now established his own family. 

As for Zhang Shen himself? He wasn’t in a rush. He’d consider settling down once he achieved immortality.

After the joyful celebration, Zhang Shen escorted his parents home to rest.

He felt a bit helpless. Both Zhang Xun and Lin Yanqing had yet to reach the Innate stage. Despite personally bestowing upon them many precious resources, their cultivation only reached the Seventh or Eighth Layer of the Acquired stage.

Living past a hundred years old wouldn’t be a problem for them, and they still had three to four decades left before their lifespans would end.

Yet, the signs of aging were already evident.

Zhang Shen had spoken to his parents about their cultivation before, but they lacked interest in the martial path. Unlike his grandfather, Zhang Tianlong, and his uncle, Zhang Yu, who were fervently ambitious in their martial pursuits.

When they themselves were reluctant, Zhang Shen, as their son, could only sigh in resignation.

His only option was to find some rare treasures that could extend their lifespan.

However, such treasures were exceedingly rare. Even with his current power and resources, acquiring one was far from guaranteed.

It wasn’t just a speculation. Over the past decade, while Zhang Shen immersed himself in cultivation, he also participated in almost all of the gatherings held for the members of Lin Yuan City. Through these, he gained a lot of insider knowledge and broadened his horizons.

On one such occasion, a member with strong backing brought forth a longevity peach capable of extending life by twenty years. The item caused a frenzied uproar. Even a Law Manifestation expert, who was hosting the event, entered the fray to acquire it.

This event made Zhang Shen acutely aware of the value of such life-extending treasures.

Fortunately, he still had time to search for them.

After spending a few days with his family and giving his younger brother face by having a private chat with him and his wife, Zhang Shen returned to his Shanshui Residence.

However, as soon as his quiet days resumed, a series of troubles came knocking.

After another month of cultivation, consuming bone essence and spiritual fruits from his storage bag, he finally bridged the remaining 1% gap. His physical cultivation broke through to the sixth layer of the True Core stage. 

That was when Luo Tian came looking for him.

This took Zhang Shen by surprise. He had no prior engagements with Luo Tian. The only interaction Luo Tian had was as Lin Fanyun, Zhang Shen’s alter ego.

Since that encounter, Zhang Shen had only seen Luo Tian two or three times during Lin Yuan City’s gatherings.

Zhang Shen was puzzled. Why would Luo Tian travel all the way to the Endless Wilderness to attend the gathering? On the surface, Zhang Shen and Luo Tian were mere acquaintances.

‘Could it be that he has recognized Lin Fanyun as me?’ 

Although it seemed improbable, Zhang Shen was ready to strike. If Luo Tian showed any hint of suspicion or certainty regarding this matter, Zhang Shen would immediately act, ending his life.

Then he would scour Luo Tian’s memories to see who else might be privy to this secret. A mere True Core stage third layer cultivator, whose potential was exhausted, posed no threat to Zhang Shen.

But to his surprise, Luo Tian’s visit had nothing to do with Lin Fanyun.

He came seeking protection for the Luo family.

This once proud and flourishing True Core expert, now hindered by the barrier of the mid layers of the True Core stage, wanted to secure a powerful ally for the Luo family before his life reached its twilight.

“If you’re willing, my friend, the Luo family is prepared to honor you as our High Patron, offering you a generous tribute every year.” 

Luo Tian named a sum, and it was tantalizing.

However, Zhang Shen couldn’t help it and let out a snicker. Luo Tian’s brow furrowed, his displeasure evident.

He thought, ‘I’m discussing serious matters with you, and you laugh? What do you mean by that?’

“My apologies. I usually don’t laugh at people unless I can’t help it,” Zhang Shen said sarcastically.

Zhang Shen’s disdain infuriated Luo Tian.

He thought, ‘A mere first-level True Core cultivator dares to act so brazenly? Seeking death!’

The overwhelming aura of a third layer of True Core surged forth, pressing down on Zhang Shen. Luo Tian intended to demonstrate his dominance. However, the immense force of the Mountain of a Thousand Layers of a first layer True Core erupted, resisting Luo Tian’s oppressive aura.

In the contest of auras, Zhang Shen was naturally no match for the third layer of True Core. However, Zhang Shen had a solid foundation, having broken through at a perfect state. The Mountain of a Thousand Layers technique he used was renowned for its condensed and stable nature.

Under Luo Tian’s overwhelming aura onslaught, it steadfastly shielded Zhang Shen’s entire body.

No matter how hard Luo Tian tried, with all his might, he couldn’t further encroach upon the ground held by Zhang Shen’s aura.

This was beyond Luo Tian’s expectations, and his face darkened.

Zhang Shen, however, managed to discern some of Luo Tian’s true capabilities.

‘This man must have been too eager for quick success during the Innate breakthrough, resulting in numerous flaws in his foundation. Even if he acquired more profound techniques, with such a foundation, it would be hard for him to break through the barrier of the middle stage of the True Core,’ thought Zhang Shen.

Seeing Luo Tian’s brows twitching, seemingly struggling under the pressure of their aura contest yet unwilling to lose face and still pushing on despite the apparent strain, Zhang Shen felt like laughing. But he thought better of it and decided not to shatter Luo Tian’s last vestiges of pride.

Sweat was already dripping from his forehead, yet he maintained a calm demeanor. This made it clear how much Luo Tian valued his pride.

If Zhang Shen were to truly expose him, Luo Tian might just explode in anger.

Zhang Shen did not wish to slap Luo Tian to death right then and there. It would be troublesome to explain.

“Why so angry, Daoist Luo? Is your so-called tribute not laughable? Or do you assume that, since I recently entered the True Core stage, I am unaware of the market rates here and your Luo family’s true situation?”