Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation

Chapter 418 - 244: Qin Mengxuan: You’ll Find Out Later...

Beneath a fragrant, flower-filled pavilion, two peerlessly beautiful women sat across from each other at a jade table, leisurely sipping tea and discussing the Dao.

In Liu Ying Ziyi’s eyes, there was now a certain indescribable difference about Qin Mengxuan compared to before.

Her keen intuition, befitting a High-Level Female Cultivator, told her that her close friend was definitely hiding something.

Or perhaps, it was simply that once a woman found a man, her expression, temperament, bearing, and even her speech would undergo subtle changes.

Qin Mengxuan had anticipated this before returning to the Sect and had carefully concealed it, fooling all the high-ranking Elders within her Sect.

However, against Liu Ying Ziyi, who knew her exceptionally well, these measures weren’t nearly as effective.

"...Sister, we haven’t seen each other in over half a year, and your Destiny seems to have changed quite a bit. Did you happen upon some great fortune while you were away?"

Liu Ying Ziyi gracefully set down her teacup and asked with a radiant smile.

Compared to the last time they met, Qin Mengxuan’s Destiny had more than doubled, and it even seemed poised to continue increasing.

For a Divinity Transformation Peak Great Power, this was an absolutely staggering change, almost like a complete rebirth.

"Mm, I did have some... unique gains. It’s not convenient to go into detail right now. You’ll find out eventually!"

Qin Mengxuan replied evasively.

This massive boon to her Destiny was, of course, something she gained only after her Dual Cultivation with Ling Changqing. And as long as they could maintain this relationship, her Luck and Fortune would only continue to grow stronger.

For a Cultivator, the benefits of immense Destiny were self-evident. It was an asset more important than any Magical Treasure, Elixir, Cultivation Technique, or Divine Technique.

Qin Mengxuan had already experienced the many tangible and intangible benefits that came with increased Destiny, which made her longing for Ling Changqing all the more intense.

If she weren’t forced to weigh so many conflicting interests, she would have already resigned her position as Grand Palace Master to go and be with Ling Changqing.

As long as she could always stay by his side, a massive boost in her Cultivation would be a natural consequence. It would no longer be a fantasy to break through the shackles of her innate talent and attain immortality.

"Sister, you’re being a little unfair. Are you really going to keep secrets from me, too?!"

Liu Ying Ziyi sighed, her eyes filled with a look of playful complaint.

She had a vague suspicion, but she wasn’t sure. Or rather, the possibility was so outrageous that she didn’t dare to dwell on it.

’Maybe that’s why Qin Mengxuan didn’t dare to tell her the truth?’

"Alright, Sister, let’s put that aside. Why don’t we discuss the bulk resource trade between our two families for the next decade?"

Qin Mengxuan tapped the table, smoothly changing the subject.

It wasn’t that she was determined to hide the matter of Ling Changqing from her close friend; it was simply that his Cultivation was still limited. Every additional person who knew his whereabouts increased the risk of his exposure.

Neither she nor the Lu Hua Palace could afford the consequences of losing Ling Changqing. If they were to be besieged by the world’s top powers, the combined strength of the Lu Hua Palace and the Liu Ying Clan would not be enough to hold them off.

’At the very least... I have to wait until Ling Changqing advances to the Nascent Soul True Monarch Realm and has some ability to protect himself. Only then can I consider revealing a little to Liu Ying Ziyi.’

"Fine. Sister, why don’t you propose the terms, or should we just continue based on our last agreement?"

Liu Ying Ziyi asked.

The two beauties then began their detailed discussion.

...

「In the northwestern part of the Yuzhou Continent, within the Feiyun Sect’s Marketplace.」

This was a veteran Nascent Soul power with a legacy stretching back several thousand years. The Sect was presided over by a full ten Nascent Soul True Monarchs and had countless Core Formation Cultivators, but it had never managed to produce a Great Power of the Divinity Transformation Realm.

Although the Feiyun Sect’s upper echelon had always strived for this goal, they had never succeeded for a variety of unspoken reasons.

Having changed his appearance once again, Ling Changqing now resembled a handsome and distinguished middle-aged nobleman, dressed in exquisite, expensive robes and carrying an air of leisure.

He was dressed in a bluish-purple robe, holding an Ink Jade Folding Fan that shimmered faintly with Spiritual Light. As he strolled casually along the street, the aura he deliberately yet nonchalantly emanated was that of a newly advanced Nascent Soul True Monarch.

This was naturally a technique from the Era Star Palace. For the price of three years of his Lifespan, he was guaranteed a perfect disguise for three months.

As long as Ling Changqing didn’t actually come to blows with a true Nascent Soul True Monarch, no one would be able to see through the facade.

Although a Late Stage Golden Core Cultivation was by no means a pushover, on the turf of a major power like this, where eyes and ears were everywhere, projecting the aura of a Nascent Soul True Monarch offered a much greater sense of security.

The bustling Marketplace was several times larger than those of the Zhao Family and Danyang Valley, and it was incredibly popular. Cultivators in the Core Formation Stage were a common sight, and even Late Middle Stage Golden Core Masters were not considered rare.

One could even occasionally spot a Golden Core Master among the many Loose Cultivators who had set up stalls along the street.

Making money wasn’t shameful, after all. Everyone had to make a living.

Even Nascent Soul True Monarchs and Divinity Transformation Great Powers couldn’t guarantee that they had achieved true financial and resource independence.

As he walked, Ling Changqing could occasionally sense the auras of Nascent Soul True Monarchs, faint and intermittent, in certain areas of the Marketplace.

Because of its high-level nature, the Marketplace was a melting pot where all sorts of characters mingled. Loose Cultivators of dubious origins, both righteous and demonic, were a constant presence, and its many underground trading venues were exceptionally active.

Just like other major powers, the Feiyun Sect’s leadership adopted a hands-off policy. As long as no one openly caused trouble within the Marketplace’s territory, whatever they did once they left was their own business.