Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation-Chapter 171 - 57: Open and Honest

The purpose of the Biyun Sect auctioning off rare resources from the relic is quite clear.

First, years of overcoming the relic's restrictions have been tremendously costly. Not to mention, with thousands of the Sect's disciples stationed long-term in the spiritually chaotic Great Marsh Mountains to prevent cultivation decline, the consumption of Spirit Supplement Pills alone is astronomical.

Additionally, now with the conscription of family cultivators within the state, at least basic provisions must be provided.

Releasing some resources for auction at this time is a way to convert assets into liquidity.

Second, as the pressure from the two northern states intensifies, maintaining stability on the home front becomes increasingly crucial. Loose cultivators within the state, who are usually beneath notice, cannot be disregarded at the moment.

Spilling a bit of soup and water can somewhat soothe the imbalance in the hearts of the loose cultivators on the home front.

This matches Li Ji'an's initial speculation. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

The Sect eats the meat, but they can at least drink some soup.

Conveniently, these four Tribulation Cultivators reminded him that over the past year he has become quite wealthy, and unlike others in the talent area, his expenses are not large. Anyone with keen eyes can see that his spirit stone reserves are ample.

It's time to spend a sum of spirit stones openly and legitimately.

"I wonder what grade of resources the Biyun Sect can bring out this time?"

Currently possessing nearly sixty thousand spirit stones and supported by his status, and with it being an auction organized by the Biyun Sect, Li Ji'an can buy with confidence and boldness.

Moreover, he anticipates that the Biyun Sect will not be stingy with the resources this time, perhaps even offering rare resources previously unobtainable no matter how many spirit stones were offered.

He is very much looking forward to it.

"Fellow Daoist Li." At this moment, the voice of Duanmu Qin came from outside the door.

Li Ji'an walked out of the main room and frowned slightly at the figure before him.

Only to see Duanmu Qin in front and Xiaoqiao hiding behind her.

"Xiaoqiao?"

With age, and since having the companionship of Gugu and the Fire Spirit from the age of six, Xiaoqiao's personality had long ceased to be as timid as it initially was. In the past two years, she had much interaction with the families in the talent area and was at most an introverted girl; she hadn't hidden behind people for a long time.

Upon hearing, Xiaoqiao hid even more securely.

"Hehe~ Little Sister Qiao, be bold." Duanmu Qin smiled charmingly and drifted to the side, fully exposing Xiaoqiao.

"Sister Qin." Xiaoqiao was taken aback.

"..." Li Ji'an then understood why Xiaoqiao acted so.

Xiaoqiao, who usually dressed conservatively, at this moment was wearing a blue silk gauze dress. Under the sheer fabric, her straight and slender legs were faintly visible.

Especially above, her swan-like fair and snowy neck was fully exposed, and where the exquisitely gemmed necklace hung, the dazzling whiteness and a certain cleavage...

"Indeed, she's already a grown woman." Li Ji'an sighed inwardly.

Having known each other from the age of six and spending nineteen years together, she was unknowingly already twenty-five.

Honestly, though he had lived six lives and was rich in social experience, he had never raised a child and lacked experience in this area.

Over the nineteen years, apart from providing her with residence, supporting her life and cultivation needs, he didn't invest much thought in her.

"Xiaoqiao, you look very beautiful." Li Ji'an complimented with a smile.

"Hehe~ Little Sister Qiao, didn't your sister tell you? Be brave!" Duanmu Qin covered her face and laughed softly, cheering her on.

Encouraged, Xiaoqiao took a deep breath: "Li… Li… Brother Li..."

"Hmm?" Li Ji'an interrupted.

Although he doesn't mind the form of address, he couldn't play dumb.

Such behavior from Xiaoqiao was seen through by him.

Young love.

And he is the closest male in Xiaoqiao's life, providing her with a sense of security and companionship.

Moreover, they have no blood relation.

The emergence of such emotions is understandable.

Of course, it is most likely influenced by Duanmu Qin and the environment.

However, he absolutely cannot accept it.

Not to mention that over the years, he has always regarded Xiaoqiao as a junior, and his deepest impression is of her childhood appearance, he cannot cross that boundary.

Furthermore, while he does not reject desires, if on the long road to immortality he encounters a woman of mutual love whose presence doesn't hinder the ultimate goal of becoming an Immortal of Ten Thousand Worlds, they could discuss Dao and dispel the monotonous repetition of cultivation life, ease the heart, embellish his path to longevity, and even benefit cultivation if discovering a profound dual cultivation technique. But he is not the type whose willpower is swayed by lustful heart demons.

What he wants is mutual love, mutual admiration, and affection.

Just like with Ning Sujin.

"Uncle Li, I..." Xiaoqiao was interrupted by Li Ji'an, suddenly panicking, as if her little thoughts were seen through, her face turning a shade of shameful red.

"Yes, that's right. Uncle Li has long regarded you as a daughter, don't let your mind wander, and as long as you don't want to leave, you can always stay here." Li Ji'an nodded, affirming his stance solemnly.

"Yes, Xiaoqiao understands." Xiaoqiao cast a resentful glance at Duanmu Qin and quickly ran towards the backyard with her head lowered.

Only then did Li Ji'an look at Duanmu Qin: "Peach Blossom Fairy, please do not teach Xiaoqiao such things in the future."

Since speculating about Duanmu Qin's intentions, Li Ji'an has maintained a distance from her, neither intimate nor antagonistic.

"Fellow Daoist Li has wronged me." Duanmu Qin laughed charmingly.

Li Ji'an glanced at her. Xiaoqiao's style of dress was entirely a replica of hers.

The only difference was, Duanmu Qin's figure was more alluring, and obviously larger, the same clothes worn on her carried a much more seductive sense.

"I merely helped Little Sister Qiao unlock her heart, and as for what exactly her heart desires, I can make a Great Heart Demon Oath, absolutely no interference."