Chapter 68 Help

"So it's Fellow Daoist Xu! We are so sorry for not welcoming you properly!"

In the He family's reception room, Xu Yuanlang had just sat down when the He family patriarch walked in with his son.

"Clan Chief He, it was my mistake to come here so abruptly."

The head of the He family is named He Yanjia. He looks like a nouveau riche from the mortal world, but he has been cultivating Qi for many years. Fifth Brother's evaluation of him is that he is cunning and shrewd.

"This must be the young patriarch of the He family. I've heard so much about you."

"No, no, this kid gets carried away as soon as he's praised."

As He Yanjia spoke, he patted his son on the back.

"My son's name is He Qingsheng, and his cultivation level is only at the sixth level of Qi Refining. He is far inferior to you, fellow Daoist."

Xu Yuanlang looked at He Qingsheng's youthful face and raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Clan Chief He, you flatter me. The young clan chief is a talented young man, and I am far inferior to him."

"I am unworthy of such praise from you, fellow Daoist."

"Look, we've been so busy chatting. Come on, I've already prepared a spiritual meal. Let's eat and talk."

He Yanjia grabbed Xu Yuanlang and, without waiting for him to refuse, ordered the clansmen to serve the dishes.

"Stewed Hundred-Flower Fish, Crystal Spring Vegetables, Steamed White Sausage, Lotus Flowers After the First Rain..."

Xu Yuanlang's mouth watered at the sight of the table full of spiritual food, but he remained vigilant, knowing that the food was quite valuable.

I need someone's help. No matter how much influence my fifth brother has, it's impossible for him to be so enthusiastic.

"The last dish is our He family's specialty, called White Dragon Emerging from the Water. The ingredients are top-quality white carp raised by our He family."

After consuming it, it replenishes qi and blood, and even has the effect of cleansing the marrow and strengthening the bones. Fellow Daoist, please try it.

Xu Yuanlang put down his chopsticks and slowly spoke to the two of them.

"Clan Chief He, if you have any requests for me, please feel free to speak. I am not entitled to any reward without having done anything in return."

A hint of embarrassment flashed across He Qingsheng's face, and he looked at his father with some confusion.

"Fellow Daoist Xu is overthinking it. These are just some simple dishes from the South Lake, nothing to speak of as a feast."

Xu Yuanlang glanced at him, giving him a "Do you think that's possible?" look, and didn't say anything more. In any case, it seemed that the He Yan family needed his help this time.

After a long while, He Qingsheng couldn't sit still any longer and tugged at He Yanjia.

"Father, Fellow Daoist Xu is a member of the Foundation Establishment Xu family, and was introduced by Senior Xu Yuankun. His credibility is beyond question."

He Yanjia finally breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Xu Yuanlang.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, this matter is none of your concern and I should not disturb you. However, it concerns the water energy of the mansion, so I intend to discuss it after the meal."

"Since you wish to know, then I shall say a few more words."

Xu Yuanlang made it clear that he was listening, and He Yanjia then spoke.

"Our He family raises silver carp spirit fish on the shore of South Lake. As you probably know, spirit fish mainly stay in the middle and upper layers of the lake and have very high requirements for the spiritual energy in the surrounding area."

They routinely feed on small fish and shrimp rich in spiritual energy. Raising them is no different from raising cattle and sheep. A fish farm can only last for ten years at most before the fish and shrimp are completely eaten up, eventually forcing the farm to be relocated.

Xu Yuanlang found it strange and looked up at He Yan's house.

"Judging from your tone, it seems there's a problem with the transition? But that shouldn't have much to do with the Qi of the Fu River."

"Fellow Daoist, you may not know this, but the Qi of the Fu River is born where water flows converge, and such places are excellent fishing grounds."

Every fishing ground is contested. If you wish to obtain a strand of the Fushui Qi, you must seize a fishing ground.

Furthermore, the vital energy of the old fishing grounds has often been extracted and used, and I originally intended to shamelessly ask you for help.

At this point, He Yanjia looked embarrassed and stood up, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect.

"Who would have thought that you would suspect me, fellow Daoist? I was just being petty and judging you by my own standards. If I had known, we would have told you everything."

"Fellow Daoist, these spiritual dishes are best eaten while they're hot. We will certainly do our utmost to harness the Qi of the Mansion's Water this time, and we will not make things difficult for you."

"Taking a step back to advance, this guy has made a good move," Xu Yuanlang hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking.

"Fellow Daoist, the Qi of the Fu River is very important to me. I must obtain it no matter what. How can I acquire a new fishing ground?"

Xu Yuanlang spoke, and He Yanjia and his companion exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of relief in each other's eyes.

"That's right. According to the rules, there need to be three matches: one in the early stage, one in the middle stage, and one in the late stage. It's a best-of-three series."

In the past, I would have readily taken the spot for the late-stage Qi Refining realm, but this time the Bai family, together with several other Qi Refining families, established a rule that family patriarchs cannot participate in the competition.

I know that the Bai family has a deep foundation. If the patriarch is not allowed to participate, they will definitely win this battle in the late stage of Qi Refining.

Of the remaining two matches, only the birthday celebration for my son gives us a slight chance. If we don't seek outside help, we're sure to miss out on the fishing grounds this time.

That's why I wanted to invite you to participate, even if we lose, we'll accept it.

After he finished speaking, he looked at Xu Yuanlang nervously.

"Alright, I'll try your spiritual cuisine."

Xu Yuanlang thought for a moment, then picked up his chopsticks. He Yanjia breathed a sigh of relief; this meant he was willing to help.

After three rounds of dishes, the remaining food was cleared away, and the three of them began to enjoy spiritual tea. Xu Yuanlang thought for a moment and then spoke.

"I'm willing to help. If I lose, I won't take a penny, but if I win, the energy of the Fu River won't be enough."

He Yanjia nodded, his eyes slightly lowered, muttering "that's right, that's right." Seeing that he didn't immediately agree, Xu Yuanlang simply spoke up.

"To be honest, I want to refine a water-type natal magic weapon. Do you have any good spiritual items?"

If it's truly excellent, I'm willing to spend spirit stones to buy it; I absolutely won't let you suffer a loss.

He Qingsheng suddenly moved and looked at He Yanjia next to him.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, please stay at our He family's place for now. I'll go back and see if there's anything that will meet your approval."

Xu Yuanlang knew that the He family must have some treasures, but the old man was reluctant to take them out. It wouldn't be good to press too hard, so Xu Yuanlang simply stood up.

"Very well, I'll stay here for a couple more days, but Chief He, it's only for two days."

After Xu Yuanlang left, He Qingsheng quickly spoke up.

"Father, that broken horn passed down in the family isn't of much use to us. Taking it out should be enough to appease him, right?"

He Yanjia's face showed a look of pain.

"You bastard, that's something passed down from our ancestors in ancient times."

At this moment, He Qingsheng was no longer cautious and leaned back on the stool in a carefree manner.

"Dad, what ancient times? You probably didn't even know where it was found."

"Let me think about it!"