The Immortal Cultivation World Is Too Dangerous: I Return to Earth as a Divine Sage
Chapter 7 - The Price of Extending Life: Thirty Percent of the Zhao Family’s Assets

Chapter 7: The Price of Extending Life: Thirty Percent of the Zhao Family’s Assets

That evening, in the Zhao Family’s ancient mansion located in the heart of Tianhai City, countless Zhao Family members rushed back from all corners of the land. The area outside the mansion was filled with one luxury car after another.

Inside the mansion, in an elegant and luxurious room, an elderly man with white hair, a face full of wrinkles, and a deathly pale complexion lay on a bed.

This old man was none other than Zhao Qingzhi, the legendary figure who single-handedly elevated the Zhao Family to the status of a dynasty. However, no matter how legendary or great a person was, they were powerless before the passage of time.

Once filled with vigor and commanding awe without anger, Master Zhao now lay weakly on the bed with his eyes closed, connected to a ventilator.

Standing by Zhao Qingzhi’s bedside were the current leaders of the Zhao Family and their direct descendants. Among them, Zhao Ling’er, dressed in a white gown exuding an ethereal aura and possessing breathtaking beauty, stood behind a middle-aged man.

Zhao Ling’er, the Zhao Family’s leaders, and other direct descendants gazed at Zhao Qingzhi on the sickbed, their expressions filled with grief.

To them, Zhao Qingzhi was not only a revered elder but also the legendary figure who founded the Zhao Family’s greatness and served as its pillar of strength.

With Zhao Qingzhi present, they had the confidence to stand against any force. If Zhao Qingzhi passed away, the Zhao Family’s current status would plummet by at least fifty percent.

It could be said that the Zhao Family’s ability to rival the top-tier dynasties rested solely on Zhao Qingzhi.

Once he was gone, while their dynasty status would remain, their standing would never be the same. At best, they would be an above-average dynasty, unable to compare with the truly ancient dynasties that had thrived for thousands of years.

Beep, beep, beep.

The world’s top doctors stood by the bedside, using the most advanced equipment to monitor Zhao Qingzhi’s condition.

“Mr. Zhao.”

A few minutes later, a middle-aged doctor quietly approached the middle-aged man standing in front of Zhao Ling’er and spoke in a low voice.

This middle-aged man was Zhao Qingzhi’s eldest son and the current head of the Zhao Family, Zhao Wuji.

“What’s the result?”

Zhao Wuji took a deep breath and asked the doctor gravely.

“When illness strikes, it comes like a landslide. Master Zhao is simply too old. He likely has at most two or three days left, perhaps even less.” The doctor replied solemnly.

Hearing the doctor’s words, all the Zhao Family members behind Zhao Wuji turned their gazes to Zhao Qingzhi on the sickbed, their expressions growing even more sorrowful.

Zhao Wuji’s face was similarly heavy with grief. Finally, he waved his hand, signaling all the examining doctors to leave the room.

After the doctors quietly exited, Zhao Wuji gave a look to the Zhao Family members behind him, indicating they should leave as well.

Though they didn’t understand why Zhao Wuji wanted them to leave during their grandfather’s final moments, Zhao Wuji was the family head, second only to Master Zhao.

Despite their confusion, the Zhao Family members complied, slowly exiting the room.

After everyone left, Zhao Wuji also stepped out.

Without explanation, he led the family members to an adjacent room.

“Big Brother, Father doesn’t have much time left. We should stay by his side. Why are you making us leave now?” Once in the room, a middle-aged man who bore some resemblance to Zhao Wuji immediately questioned him.

This man was Zhao Xuankun, Zhao Wuji’s second son.

“Exactly.”

The moment Zhao Xuankun spoke, everyone in the room looked at Zhao Wuji with puzzled expressions.

“I have a way to extend Father’s life, but the cost is steep. I want to hear your opinions on whether we should pay this price.”

Hearing their questions, Zhao Wuji was silent for a long moment before speaking slowly.

“A way to extend Father’s life? Big Brother, are you serious?”

Upon hearing Zhao Wuji’s words, Zhao Xuankun and the others immediately focused their attention on him.

“If it weren’t true, would I bring it up?” Zhao Wuji shook his head.

“Big Brother, you’re still asking for our opinions? No matter how great the cost, we must extend Father’s life!”

Hearing Zhao Wuji’s confirmation, Zhao Xuankun immediately responded.

“Yes, Uncle, our Zhao Family rose to prominence because of Grandfather. His presence gives us our prestige. Extending Grandfather’s life is the top priority!”

“Exactly, Uncle, there’s no need to consider our opinions. You should have acted to extend Grandfather’s life immediately!”

“Uncle, what’s the method to extend his life, and how long can it extend it?”

The other Zhao Family members in the room echoed Zhao Xuankun, speaking to Zhao Wuji.

“If it were a cost you could imagine, would I hesitate to extend Father’s life? I’m discussing this with you because the cost is so immense that even our Zhao Family would be gravely wounded by it.”

Zhao Wuji looked at the crowd, giving a bitter smile as he shook his head.

“Something that would wound our Zhao Family? Big Brother, what’s the cost?”

Hearing Zhao Wuji’s words, Zhao Xuankun’s eyes narrowed as he asked gravely.

“Thirty percent of the Zhao Family’s total assets.” After a moment of silence, Zhao Wuji spoke slowly.

“Thirty percent of the Zhao Family’s assets?”

“Outrageous! Who dares to make such a brazen demand?”

“Thirty percent of our Zhao Family’s assets? Aren’t they afraid of choking on it?”

“Our Zhao Family’s wealth alone rivals that of the top-tier dynasties. Thirty percent is equivalent to an ordinary dynasty’s fortune. Someone dares to covet it?”

“This person deserves death for their audacity!”

At Zhao Wuji’s words, the Zhao Family members in the room erupted in fury.

“Big Brother, how long can this person extend Father’s life?”

Unlike the others’ anger, Zhao Xuankun looked at Zhao Wuji and asked a key question.

“At least three years, up to ten years.”  Zhao Wuji replied solemnly.  “Three to ten years of extended life for Father? What’s thirty percent of the Zhao Family’s assets compared to that? As long as they can take it, let them have it. I’m just worried that even if we offer it, they won’t be able to take it.”

Hearing Zhao Wuji’s response, Zhao Xuankun gave him a meaningful look.

“Exactly. With our Zhao Family’s current influence, not just anyone can take our assets.”

“Greed knows no bounds. We’re willing to give, but can they take it?”

The other Zhao Family members, hearing Zhao Xuankun’s words, quickly caught on and spoke loudly.

“Do you think I wouldn’t have considered something so simple? I’m discussing this with you because if we agree to their terms, the Zhao Family will genuinely have to relinquish thirty percent of our assets. They absolutely can take it.”

Zhao Wuji said gravely.

“Who are they?”

At Zhao Wuji’s words, Zhao Xuankun’s face darkened as he asked.

“The Xuanling Medicine Family, a medicinal dynasty that has existed almost since the founding of Great Xia. With thousands of years of legacy, their foundation is unfathomably deep. Even in Father’s prime, he treated them with respect.”

Zhao Wuji replied solemnly.