Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age-Chapter 229 - 157: Favors and Foundations

The woman showed no sign of looking down on them; instead, her smile grew even warmer.

"I’ve heard of the Little Cold Valley market. It’s a fair distance from here, isn’t it? May I ask who else is in your family?"

The woman’s words, spoken so smoothly, gave Lu Chang’sheng the clear sense that she was probing into his family background.

Lu Chang’sheng glanced at the female cultivator standing beside him, looking a little bashful.

Her features couldn’t be called beautiful—at best, one could say she was pleasant-looking.

If that were all, so be it. Old Lu had never been the sort to care about appearances; if she truly was virtuous, he could consider letting her marry Lu Chang’an.

Still, complications were bound to arise.

Chang’an already had a wife. With her background, this woman wouldn’t easily accept the position of a concubine in the Lu Family.

As expected, while he was thinking, the woman spoke up: "How does Miss Qu Yan seem to you?"

Lu Chang’sheng couldn’t answer honestly, so he smiled and said, "Miss Qu Yan is certainly wonderful."

A faint smile flickered on the woman’s face as well.

She spoke to Lu Chang’sheng about some of Qu Yan’s virtues, and in the end, laid her intent plainly on the table: "Qu Yan already spoke to me about Chang’an. She holds him in high regard. Since you happen to be here today, why not settle the matter between them?"

The woman lifted her teacup, sipped quietly without looking at him, yet the subtle pressure on Lu Chang’sheng was unmistakable.

"This is something I’ll need to discuss with Chang’an’s mother first."

Lu Chang’sheng took a deep breath. At that moment, the woman across from him made him feel distinctly uncomfortable.

From the moment she arrived, her manners had been flawless. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t act like this, so it had to be some deeply ingrained habit.

With such a family upbringing, could her daughter truly be as good as she claimed?

Lu Chang’sheng’s gaze lingered briefly on Qu Yan, hardly noticeable.

The woman’s expression darkened slightly; she assumed Lu Chang’sheng was just giving her excuses.

Traditionally, men called the shots at home. Even cultivators weren’t much different, unless—

Just as she was pondering this, Lu Chang’sheng spoke: "My wife is currently cultivating on Fuyun Mountain."

The woman paused for a moment, squeezed out another smile, and said, "I see. You’re truly fortunate. In that case, you’re right to consult with Chang’an’s mother."

Her tone carried a hint of envy.

Women rarely managed a household, unless their background or strength outweighed the men’s.

This was not what she expected from the Lu Family’s situation.

She thought of herself, forced to rely on the Qu Family’s influence, relegated to the role of a mere dependent.

The thought made her feel a flash of contempt for Lu Chang’sheng, and she lost much desire to continue the conversation.

Still, Qu Yan kept signaling her, and the woman finally recollected herself, saying, "I have a residence. If you don’t mind, perhaps you could stay there for now. Once you’ve talked things over with your wife, you’re welcome to stay as long as you need. That way, it’ll be convenient for everyone."

He couldn’t help admiring the Qu Family’s wealth, but politely declined.

"I wouldn’t dare take such favors for nothing; let’s just leave it be."

The woman let it go, instead producing an Immortal Insect from the Treasure Vault, placing it in front of Lu Chang’sheng.

"The Qu Family may not be the most powerful family in Platinum Immortal City, but we have several late-stage Qi Cultivation cultivators. Even up on Fuyun Mountain, we’d count for something. Chang’an and Qu Yan are very well matched."

"This Treasure Vault Immortal Insect holds some Spirit Stones. I know things are tight for you lately. Take them and use them as needed."

Lu Chang’sheng glanced at Lu Chang’an, saw no objections, and smiled—accepting the Immortal Insect.

More friends, more options.

Though the woman’s manner occasionally rubbed him the wrong way, he truly needed these Spirit Stones right now.

Whether you call it an advance or a loan, it’s still a favor. He would repay her if he could in the future.

"Much obliged, truly."

Lu Chang’sheng said.

"It’s nothing. As for the matter of housing—"

Before she could finish, Lu Chang’sheng went ahead: "I’ve already arranged to meet some friends and discuss cultivation experiences, so I’ll have to decline your kindness."

When Lu Chang’sheng addressed her as "Madam," the woman was delighted, and promptly invited him to stay for dinner before finally departing.

During the meal, he once more sought Lu Chang’an’s thoughts.

Lu Chang’an pondered and replied, "Miss Qu Yan is quite decent. If she’s willing, I have no objections."

Lu Chang’sheng sighed inwardly.

Chang’an used to be keen on official circles. For him, arranged marriages weren’t troubling—in fact, he rather enjoyed the prospect.

"The Qu Family has two late-stage Qi Cultivators. Compared to the Zhu Family, it’s only a tier below. Miss Qu Yan is able to rent a storefront here, which proves her standing in the Qu Family isn’t low. Marrying into her family would greatly benefit us."

Chang’an remained rational as always, which explained his willingness to go along with it.

"Chang’an’s temperament really is suited to running a family," thought Lu Chang’sheng.

But—

"Since you’re not opposed, I’ll settle the matter for now. Still, I sense that Qu Yan and her mother aren’t exactly kindhearted. If they learn about your mother, things might change."

Lu Chang’sheng sighed.

"Now, everything depends on you, Father." Lu Chang’an looked quite serious.

"Don’t worry. I already know what needs to be done."

Lu Chang’sheng assured him.

Seeing Lu Chang’an still somewhat worried, Lu Chang’sheng produced a jade bottle and handed it over.

"What’s this—?"

Lu Chang’an looked at him, puzzled.

"Freshly refined Pill from a couple days back. Help me sell them, will you?"