Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2224: 144: Core_2
Previously on Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant...
After a brief moment of internal conflict and hesitation, he eventually gave a silent nod of agreement.
Observing Wang Ba’s response closely, Yin Penglai let out a subtle breath of relief as the tension left his shoulders.
A grin stretched across his features:
“Let us depart then; we shouldn’t make them wait any longer.”
The pair exited the Flying Boat immediately. At the "ferry" where they disembarked, Wang Ba noted a thin veil of mist swirling in the air, through which seven or eight silhouettes were partially visible.
Leading the group was an elder with thinning white hair. His prosperous physique and spirited demeanor gave him the air of a wealthy merchant, though a faint scar marking his upper lip hinted at a more dangerous underlying nature.
Spanning the dark void, the elder’s vision locked onto Wang Ba. His lips curled into what appeared to be a warm, genuine smile as he projected his voice from a distance:
“Little Friend Taiyi.”
“The Great Ancestor! He actually came to receive us in person!”
Yin Penglai cried out in shock, though it was unclear if his astonishment was genuine or merely a performance.
Was this the Great Ancestor of the Yin Family, Yin Tianzhi?
Taking in the scene, Wang Ba felt his heart sink slightly despite the apparent friendliness being shown to him.
Nevertheless, he maintained a perfect mask of surprise and humility. Acting as though he were overwhelmed by the honor, he rushed forward to show his respect:
“Junior Taiyi offers greetings to Yin Old Ancestor…”
Since he held the status of a tribute rather than a blood relative, he was not required to address him as Great Ancestor.
He also performed respectful bows toward the other Tribulation-Transcending cultivators standing behind the elder.
Yin Penglai followed suit, hurriedly paying his respects.
Yin Tianzhi dismissed Yin Penglai with a casual wave of his hand before turning his focused gaze back to Wang Ba. After a careful inspection, he couldn't help but offer praise:
“Excellent! Truly excellent! You are a rare genius the likes of which Zhang’s Ruins hasn't seen in a thousand, perhaps even ten thousand years… I was informed that Little Friend managed to escape the clutches of Fan Yuxian and the Illusion Spirit Saintess. To achieve such a feat with only a Unification stage body is something you should be immensely proud of!”
The Tribulation-Transcending experts behind Yin Tianzhi also regarded Wang Ba with looks of clear admiration.
Wang Ba quickly offered a few humble remarks in response.
However, Yin Tianzhi chuckled and raised a hand to cut off his modest words:
“There is no need for such modesty, Little Friend. Even in my youth, I could not have matched your accomplishments… Tell me, does Little Friend have a Dao partner? I have a young daughter who has lived just over a millennium. She is currently pursuing the Void Refining stage and possesses a forty to fifty percent chance of reaching the Tribulation-Transcending Realm. She would be a fitting match, with the potential to one day prove longevity.”
The abrupt shift in conversation caught Wang Ba completely off guard.
He had never anticipated receiving a marriage proposal at this stage of his life.
Yet, the realization hit him almost instantly.
Rather than a mere tribute arrangement, the Yin family clearly placed more faith in the enduring bonds of blood and marriage.
But why were they so desperate to tether him to the Yin family’s great ship?
As the question surfaced in his mind, the answer followed swiftly.
‘Is it possible they have seen through my secrets?’
Wang Ba’s mind raced with possibilities.
Seeing the expectation shining in the elder’s eyes, Wang Ba forced himself to speak, saying apologetically:
“Old Ancestor, I must ask for your forgiveness. Taiyi already possesses a Dao partner. I have sworn a personal oath to remain faithful to this one person for the rest of my life and would not dare break it.”
The moment he finished speaking, a heavy silence fell over the group.
Wang Ba felt the previously warm and relaxed atmosphere vanish in an instant!
The smiles on Yin Penglai and the others froze, their faces twisting into complicated expressions.
Even Yin Tianzhi’s grin slowly faded away.
It was as if a bright sky had suddenly been swallowed by dark clouds, creating an ominous and terrifying pressure!
He stared coldly at Wang Ba, his gaze carrying a weight of oppression that was difficult to describe.
His voice, which sounded like the low rumble of approaching thunder, uttered only a single syllable:
“Hm?”
In that moment, Wang Ba felt as though he were once again facing the Wisdom Void Bodhisattva in the Buddha Kingdom.
The power was irresistible; he felt incapable of even offering resistance!
A surge of shock traveled through him.
Was the gap between the early and middle stages of the Tribulation-Transcending Realm truly this astronomical?
Although he had defeated Fan Yuxian and the Joyful Spirit Saintess in rapid succession, leaving a trace of arrogance in his heart, sensing Yin Tianzhi’s raw aura made him realize his understanding of the Tribulation-Transcending Realm was woefully inadequate.
With his thoughts moving at lightning speed, he clenched his teeth and insisted:
“Old Ancestor, Taiyi does not speak falsely!”
Swoosh—
Suddenly, the oppressive clouds seemed to scatter and the thunder died away, replaced once more by an endless clear sky.
Yin Tianzhi’s laughter rang out abruptly:
“Haha, I am merely joking. Little Friend, do not take it to heart… However, what is your honest opinion of my Yin family?”
Wang Ba’s heart finally stopped racing, and he couldn't help but cast a wary glance toward the elder.
Seeing the man’s friendly smile and pleasant demeanor, it was as if the chilling display of power from seconds ago had never happened.
He couldn't fathom what the elder was thinking, but given the question, he replied with gravity:
“The Yin family’s trek across the Realm Sea to establish a foothold in Zhang’s Ruins, rising from nothing and persevering through countless trials, is truly admirable. I am honored and proud to serve as their tribute.”
He delivered these platitudes with practiced ease.
Yin Tianzhi’s smile grew wider upon hearing this, yet he shook his head and clarified:
“Little Friend surely knows that is not what I am asking… Do you find my Yin family to be trustworthy?”
Wang Ba paused, startled by the weight behind the question. He did not give a hasty answer, instead furrowing his brow in deep thought.
Yin Tianzhi did not pressure him, waiting with a level of patience that showed great respect.
Observing this attitude, Yin Penglai and the others began to suspect the elder's intentions, exchanging looks of surprised joy.
After finishing his reflections, Wang Ba looked back at Yin Tianzhi and gave a solemn answer: