Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation-Chapter 104 - 99: Fenghuo Panyun Bell

Inside the Council Hall.

"...Regarding this matter, I will agree on behalf of the organization,"

Shentu Hong, with a kind and gentle expression, said unhurriedly, "Fellow Daoist Ling, you must know the value of a defensive Early Grade Magical Treasure.

I have an illustrated catalog here with information on the many Magical Treasures sealed in our organization’s strategic treasury. Fellow Daoist, please choose one for yourself!"

As he spoke, he took out a Jade Scroll shrouded in Spiritual Light and handed it to the Maid beside him, who then presented it to Ling Qiyue on the main seat.

Ling Qiyue took the Jade Scroll, slowly unrolled it, and scanned it with her Divine Sense.

Most of the content in the Jade Scroll was shielded by a Magic Restriction, leaving only the defensive Early Grade Magical Treasures available for viewing. There were over a hundred of them.

Ling Qiyue’s fine brows furrowed slightly. After a brief comparison and consideration, she made her choice.

It was an Early Grade Magical Treasure called the Fenghuo Panyun Bell. Its defensive power was quite considerable; once activated, protecting the entire family headquarters would not be an issue.

Upon learning of her decision, Shentu Hong nodded and said warmly:

"Fellow Daoist Ling’s luck is truly good. This particular Magical Treasure happens to be stored on the Tianzhou Skyboat, so it can be retrieved quickly."

If it had been a Magical Treasure stored in the commerce association’s main treasury, Ling Qiyue would have had to wait several months to get it, as the round trip was simply too far.

Shentu Hong turned and gave a few instructions to Xue Qingtan, who then rose gracefully, excused herself, and left.

The commerce association’s fleet of Tianzhou Skyboats was waiting just outside Longhuan Island, so a round trip would only take a moment.

"Alright, besides this most important transaction, can the commerce association provide all the other resources we need to purchase?"

Ling Qiyue continued to ask.

At this stage, the Ling Family’s most important task was to nurture the new generation, and all the necessary resources had to be properly prepared.

Furthermore, many of the resources needed for Foundation Establishment Cultivators to advance their Cultivation also had to be purchased from outside sources.

After all, although the Ling Family now had many Foundation Establishment Cultivators, they were almost all at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, which was definitely not enough.

Shentu Hong smiled. "This is quite a large demand for resources. Of course, given the scale of our organization’s treasury, providing the full amount won’t be difficult.

However, payment for this shipment cannot be made on credit. Your esteemed side must settle the bill immediately!"

Although the batch of resources the Ling Family was selling was valuable, the things Ling Qiyue ordered were worth even more, so the price difference was quite substantial.

Ling Qiyue said, "That is not a problem. We will cover the difference with the full amount in Spirit Stones."

"That would be for the best!"

Shentu Hong said with satisfaction. Closing such a large deal with the Ling Family would also be a significant boost to his performance review.

No commerce association would ever turn away a client who had huge demands and paid promptly.

A moment later, Xue Qingtan returned, followed by two masked guards, both with the Cultivation of a Pseudo Core master.

With a solemn expression, she held an exquisite Jade Box in her hands, carefully presenting it to Shentu Hong.

Shentu Hong opened the Jade Box and inspected its contents. After confirming everything was in order, he said with a smile:

"Fellow Daoist Ling, this is the Fenghuo Panyun Bell you requested. Please, inspect it."

This time, it was Tang Qiu Yao who stood up, stepped forward to receive the Jade Box, and only handed it to Ling Qiyue after inspecting it.

Inside the Jade Box, nestled on a lining of golden silk, lay a delicate, palm-sized bell. It radiated a formidable pressure, and within it, magnificent crimson lights swirled like clouds.

Next to the small bell was a Jade Scroll, which recorded the methods for refining and controlling it.

Ling Qiyue picked up the small bell and infused a bit of Magical Power into it. The bell’s body instantly lit up, and a vast pressure filled the hall, its deep chime echoing on the level of the Divine Soul.

"This item is quite good!"

Ling Qiyue nodded lightly. After carefully probing it several times with her Divine Sense and confirming there were no flaws or hidden dangers, she began the initial process of refining it and binding it to herself.

Shentu Hong said warmly, "If you find this Magical Treasure to your liking, Fellow Daoist Ling, you can also choose to purchase it outright in the future."

"Mm, let’s talk about that in a few years!"

Ling Qiyue replied impassively. With her current wealth, it wasn’t that she couldn’t afford a Magical Treasure.

But doing so would undoubtedly affect the family’s future development plans and could easily reveal her true strength to outsiders. So, it was better to remain reserved.

After the Magical Treasure was handed over, the bulk resource transaction followed. Xue Qingtan made another trip, bringing back everything Ling Qiyue had requested, filling several large-capacity Spatial Magical Artifacts.

Once the goods were inspected, Ling Qiyue took out enough Spirit Stones to cover the final bill and gave them to Shentu Hong, concluding the deal successfully.

Xue Qingtan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. ’Even for a newly-promoted Golden Core power, the Ling Family’s strength is growing far faster than the Mu Family and the other powers in the Feiyu Sea Region.’

’If the Feiyu Sea Region is truly unified by the Ling Family in the future, it will be due to their own fortune; others can only be envious.’

Finally, Ling Qiyue, in her capacity as Patriarch, hosted a banquet for Shentu Hong and Xue Qingtan.

"Fellow Daoist Ling, this old man has an impertinent request, I wonder..."

Shentu Hong said suddenly, amidst the clinking of cups.

Ling Qiyue’s eyes shifted, and she replied calmly, "What request does Fellow Daoist Shentu have? Why not tell me about it?"

Shentu Hong smiled. "This old man feels that since your esteemed side’s strength and foundation have exceeded our expectations, you now meet the conditions for the commerce association to establish a permanent branch here. What do you think, Fellow Daoist?"

As long as the commerce association had a branch on Longhuan Island, it would be much more convenient for everyone, whether they were family disciples or visiting Loose Cultivators, to buy and sell various resources.

Moreover, among all the powers in the entire Feiyu Sea Region, the Ling Family was the only one worthy of the Xingyun sun Commerce Association establishing a branch—not even the Mu Family had one.

Once the news spread, Longhuan Island’s appeal to outside Loose Cultivators would undoubtedly grow, making it easier for the family to attract and recruit certain talented individuals.

After a moment of thought, Ling Qiyue clearly understood the pros and cons. For the current Longhuan Island, this was naturally a welcome opportunity.

And the Ling Family wouldn’t have to contribute much, just provide a suitable plot of land in the Marketplace.

"Since Fellow Daoist is interested, I will grant this request."

Ling Qiyue agreed readily.

Xue Qingtan’s beautiful eyes brightened slightly. She hadn’t received any prior notice about this. ’It seems this was Shentu Hong’s own decision, though of course, he has the authority to make it.’

’In that case, the person in charge of this branch probably hasn’t been decided yet, right? Should I try to fight for the position?’

Shentu Hong chuckled, drained the Spirit Wine Nectar from his cup, and his gaze fell upon Ling Changqing, who was sitting next to Tang Qiu Yao.

After a moment’s thought, Shentu Hong continued:

"Young Master Ling’s future potential is quite considerable. Our commerce association could consider providing you with a resource loan on favorable terms. Would you like to consider it?"

Xue Qingtan smiled and added, "Young man, you are already a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, so the loan amount will be higher, and the repayment period will be more generous. Fifty or seventy years would be no problem at all!"

Ling Changqing was slightly taken aback. He shook his head and said, "Thank you for your kind offer, seniors, but I’m not lacking anything at the moment. Let’s talk about it again when I need it in the future!"

Xue Qingtan had already tested his attitude last time. Now that he had successfully reached Foundation Establishment, the loan amount would surely be much higher, and the terms more favorable.

However, Ling Changqing disliked the feeling of being in debt, especially to an unfathomable organization like the Xingyun sun Commerce Association. ’If I really get caught up in it, I’m afraid I’ll never be able to break free for the rest of my life.’

"Very well, we can speak of it again in the future."

Shentu Hong did not insist. Ever since Ling Changqing added a name to the Era Star Palace, his favorable impression of the purple-robed youth had quietly increased.

As long as it didn’t harm the interests of the commerce association or himself, he was quite willing to give Ling Changqing some special care and convenience.

Tang Qiu Yao’s gaze sharpened slightly, and she seemed to casually change the subject:

"Fellow Daoist Shentu, has there been any recent news from Hanyue Continent?"

Hanyue Continent was the closest major power to the Feiyu Sea Region, so it was normal for her to be concerned about it.

Shentu Hong pondered for a moment. "There is indeed some news. They have produced their third Golden Core Master.

However, their Sect Leader, Fang Chengkun, was seriously injured during a battle with Fuyue Continent. He is currently in closed-door seclusion to recuperate, and it’s uncertain if he will be able to recover."

Ling Qiyue’s fine brows arched in surprise. "So the war between them has already reached such a stage?"

’Even the Sect Leader is seriously injured. I’m afraid this war won’t end anytime soon, unless one side completely collapses.’

Of course, Fuyue Continent had more than one Golden Core power, so its overall strength definitely surpassed Hanyue Continent’s.

If not for their internal strife and constant covert struggles, where would Hanyue Continent have even gotten a chance?

Shentu Hong smiled. "In the current situation, both sides can only continue this war of attrition. To determine a clear winner, it will probably drag on for several more decades, I’d guess?"

Ling Changqing was lost in thought. Fuyue Continent surpassed Hanyue Continent in size, Spirit Vein quality, and resource reserves. If it hadn’t been in a fragmented state for so long, it would have unified the surrounding sea regions ages ago.

’But this is also good. As long as Hanyue Continent is tied up with them, it won’t turn its attention to the Feiyu Sea Region.’

’Unfortunately, the Ling Family won’t be able to produce a second Golden Core Master in the short term. Otherwise, after unifying the Feiyu Sea Region, we could really consider making a move on Hanyue Continent’s foundations.’

When the banquet ended, Shentu Hong did not intend to stay long and promptly bid farewell to Ling Qiyue.

As for the matter of establishing the permanent branch, since Xue Qingtan had volunteered for the post, he readily agreed and allocated the corresponding resources and personnel to her.

Once all arrangements were complete, Shentu Hong returned to the fleet of Tianzhou Skyboats and gave the order to head to the territory of the next power. Ling Qiyue, Tang Qiu Yao, and Ling Changqing saw them off.

Only when the Xingyun sun Commerce Association’s fleet of Tianzhou Skyboats had traveled far into the distance and gradually disappeared over the horizon did Ling Qiyue let out a sigh of relief.

"Senior Sister, can we resume our work in the sea tomorrow?"

Ling Changqing looked around and asked Ling Qiyue quietly using his Divine Thought.

’With a genuine Magical Treasure for protection, plus the increase in my own Luck and Fortune, our safety might not be absolutely guaranteed, but it should be pretty much a sure thing.’

’In the future, let alone the many precious resources on the seabed, even that underwater Spirit Stone Deposit will be ours for the taking.’

"No rush. Let’s arrange things at home first, then we’ll talk."

Ling Qiyue replied, leading him and Tang Qiu Yao back to her Women’s Embroidery Tower.