Chapter 2883

Zhu Zhibin took out a contract, dripped his blood onto it, and Zhang Weixi followed suit, adding her own blood. Zhu Zhibin then pulled Zhang Weixi to kneel facing the sky. "Heavenly Dao, witness this day. I, Zhu Zhibin, and my fellow cultivator Zhang Weixi, form a contractual partnership. We seek to understand each other better and face life’s storms together. We ask the Heavenly Dao to witness and seal this contract."

After Zhu Zhibin finished, Zhang Weixi spoke, "Heavenly Dao, witness this day. I, Zhang Weixi, and my fellow cultivator Zhu Zhibin, form a contractual partnership. We hope to walk hand in hand through all hardships. We ask the Heavenly Dao to witness and seal this contract."

Once they finished, Zhu Zhibin lit the contract and tossed it into the air. The paper transformed into two beams of light that entered their bodies, signifying the Heavenly Dao’s approval of their contractual bond.

After the ritual, Zhu Zhibin helped Zhang Weixi stand up. "Now, wife, please guide me in the future. I hope one day we can become true partners."

The best outcome for a contractual partnership is evolving into a genuine one. Separation was possible, but failing to try would lead to regret. Zhu Zhibin did not want regret to become a heart demon. Since he had chosen this path, he intended to nurture it. It was akin to marrying first and cultivating love later.

Zhu Zhibin did not believe in love at first sight. He chose Zhang Weixi because her situation required help, and he found her pleasing. He did not distrust love, but he was no longer a naive youth. To him, cultivated affection was more reliable than fleeting passion.

"Alright, wife, the spiritual energy here is good. Start cultivating." He rummaged through his storage ring and produced a cultivation manual. "Follow this basic technique. You should reach the Foundation Establishment stage within half a year."

Zhang Weixi looked at the item, paused, then accepted it without comment. Since she agreed to the contractual partnership, she was willing to put in the effort. She hadn’t expected to trust someone she had just met, but her steady aura gave her a sense of security. Because she felt safe, she accepted her arrangements without question and began cultivating.

During this period, Zhu Zhibin handled all her meals and needs. He was a man of action rather than words, a trait inherited from his father, Zhu Shun Yao. The Zhu family men valued doing over speaking. Zhang Weixi came to appreciate this; though Zhu Zhibin spoke little, she felt the weight of his actions.

Thanks to the Marrow-Cleansing Pill, Zhang Weixi reached the Foundation Establishment stage in just five months. When she realized her success, she cried with excitement.

Zhu Zhibin understood her feelings. Her poor aptitude and beauty had led to her family’s destruction by the main branch. If she had been strong from the start, few in this cultivation world would dare bully a promising female cultivator.

Seeing her tears, Zhu Zhibin approached and pulled her into his arms, patting her back. Zhang Weixi hugged his broad waist and wept bitterly.

After calming down, she said, "Sorry. I was just sad and excited."

"No need to explain," Zhu Zhibin sighed. "Remember, you are my wife. Crying in my arms, sharing your burdens, and asking for help are all natural."

She paused. "My father told me that Zhu family men must not let women cry. A man who makes her wife cry has failed as a husband."

She handed her a handkerchief. "That is why my brothers-in-law never let my sister cry. If they see her tears, they find the cause. If she is bullied, they make the bully suffer. My skills may not match theirs, but you are my wife. Though our bond is currently contractual, I hope to build a happy future. First, I must ensure you do not shed tears."

Zhang Weixi stared at him. "Because it is your responsibility?"

"No, because you are my wife," Zhu Zhibin smiled gently. "I chose you. Therefore, I cannot allow you to cry easily. That would mean I am an unqualified husband."

"Then can you help me take revenge?" Zhang Weixi asked.

"Of course," Zhu Zhibin smiled. "Now that you have established your foundation, I will take you to meet your parents and brother. After that, we will seek revenge. The Zhang family is nothing to worry about."

As the leader of the Strategist Alliance, dealing with a small family was effortless.

Zhang Weixi knew meeting her family was the priority. "Can we really see them?"

"Of course." Zhu Zhibin smiled and produced a red spider lily. He tossed it into the air, and a gate of light appeared.

She took Zhang Weixi’s hand. "Let’s go meet your parents and brother."

Though she did not understand how she did it, Zhang Weixi felt a deep trust. She followed her into the light gate.

They arrived at an entrance where many people were queuing.

"Let’s not go here," Zhu Zhibin said. "We’ll use the special passage."

She led her to a side channel.

"Zhibin, where is this?" Zhang Weixi felt uneasy. The people processing paperwork did not look like normal humans.

"The Underworld," Zhu Zhibin said. "Didn’t I say I was bringing you to meet your parents and brother? Naturally, we are in the Underworld."

Zhang Weixi froze for two minutes. "You can enter and exit the Underworld freely?"

"That is because I have backing," Zhu Zhibin said, feeling no shame in admitting it.