Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation-Chapter 33 - 32: Family Gathering

The Clan Treasury was heavily guarded.

In the courtyard, three old men sat calmly behind a desk, silently watching a handsome youth in purple robes not far away as he browsed through Jade Scroll Books.

Ling Changqing had come this time not only to collect his resource allocation but also to exchange some clan contribution points for additional resources.

Besides the essential Spirit Rice, Spirit Wine, and Demon Beast Meat, Ling Changqing also planned to trade for some of the Mortal Realm’s top-tier Martial Arts Manuals to enhance his combat abilities.

However, Tang Qiu Yao clearly had a different opinion. "No matter how powerful a Martial Arts Grandmaster from the Mortal Realm is, they have basically no advantage against a Middle stage Qi Cultivation Cultivator. It’s an unnecessary effort."

"These Martial Arts Secret Manuals in the Clan Treasury are meant for disciples who have just entered the Qi Cultivation Realm. At your current level, it makes no difference whether you have them or not."

Against a Middle stage Qi Cultivation Cultivator, a so-called Innate Grandmaster would find it difficult to even protect themselves, let alone win a fight.

A single Top Grade Thunder Talisman would be enough to injure an Innate Grandmaster, to say nothing of the threat posed by a Magical Flying Sword.

Generally speaking, within this world’s power and cultivation system, a so-called Innate Grandmaster of the martial path can at most threaten a Qi Cultivation 3rd Layer Cultivator. Anything higher would be very difficult.

If a Cultivator had a powerful Magical Artifact, they wouldn’t need to fear being besieged by a group of Martial Arts Grandmasters. This is a fundamental difference in power.

For example, with Tang Qiu Yao’s current Cultivation, she wouldn’t be harmed in the slightest even if she were besieged by a group of legendary Martial Saints.

But to people of the Mortal Realm, Martial Saints are exceedingly rare. The requirements for Root Bone aptitude and resources are so strict that it’s difficult to find even one among hundreds of thousands of Martial Artists.

Furthermore, a Martial Artist’s Lifespan is limited; a peak Martial Saint in this world can live to be just over a hundred years old at most. In contrast, as long as a Cultivator can break through to the Foundation Establishment Level, they can easily have a Lifespan of over two hundred years.

"Since you put it that way, Qiu Yao, I won’t consider it anymore."

Ling Changqing nodded. ’Thinking about the extremely dangerous environment of the Deep Sea, the methods of a Martial Saint probably wouldn’t be of much use. They’re far less effective than a Cultivator’s Divine Techniques.’

Tang Qiu Yao smiled. "With a Cultivator’s Physique, practicing martial arts is quite easy. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to try it as a hobby when you have some free time."

Generally, only bottom-tier Loose Cultivators with exceptionally poor Root Bone aptitude and no hope of advancement would consider the path of martial arts from the Mortal Realm, just to have some extra means of self-defense.

In Tang Qiu Yao’s opinion, Ling Changqing already had a Fifth Layer Qi Cultivation. Breaking through to the Qi Cultivation 6th to 7th Layers in the future would be a natural progression for him, so there was really no need to consider this.

In the end, Ling Changqing used his clan contribution points to redeem a Divine Technique called the "Breath Concealment Technique" and another called the "Profound Water Thunder-Attracting Technique."

The Breath Concealment Technique could restrain and hide one’s aura, concealing their true Cultivation and identity. It was actually a relatively common Cultivation Technique Divine Technique in the Cultivation Realm.

Over the long course of time, the Breath Concealment Technique had evolved into numerous schools and derivative versions, with varying degrees of effectiveness.

The version of the Breath Concealment Technique in the Ling Family’s Mansion Treasury was quite effective during the Qi Cultivation and Foundation Establishment Stages, but it was useless for anything higher.

However, Ling Changqing didn’t need to think that far ahead right now. As long as it was sufficient for the present stage, that was enough.

The Profound Water Thunder-Attracting Technique was an Attack Divine Technique with considerable destructive power. Once he mastered it, it would significantly enhance Ling Changqing’s combat capabilities.

Besides the Cultivation Technique Divine Techniques, Ling Changqing also redeemed some Elixir resources, twenty jars of Spirit Wine, and five hundred catties of Crimson Jade Crystal Rice. He also got one hundred and fifty catties of Demon Beast Meat, including Silver-Whiskered Snowflake Fish and ice-mouthed short-tailed spotted fish.

Of course, the types of Elixirs Ling Changqing redeemed now were all ones that the Pill Master Meng Ye did not have.

As for the ones Meng Ye did have, Ling Changqing was willing to buy them from him even if they were more expensive, since they were more effective.

Before long, the maids and servants had packed up all the resources and brought them out.

Ling Changqing confirmed everything was in order, then placed it all into his Storage Pouch and left with Tang Qiu Yao.

"Let’s head back. The clan gathering is in three days, so you can still get some rest."

The stunningly beautiful woman said to Ling Changqing as the two of them boarded the Flying Ship.

Since Ling Changqing was currently her tenant, they naturally traveled home together.

Inside the cabin, Ling Changqing looked at the elegant, charming, and stunningly beautiful woman across from him. The words reached his lips but he swallowed them back down.

He was a little curious. Tang Qiu Yao was not a woman of the Ling Family by birth, yet she held a high position in the clan and had a good relationship with the Patriarch, Ling Qiyue. ’Could there be a hidden story behind it?’

Of course, given his current status, it wasn’t appropriate for him to dig deeper. Perhaps the truth would one day come to light.

After returning to the Spirit Vein Cave Mansion, Ling Changqing didn’t say much and went directly to his own courtyard to rest. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

「Three days later.」

In a palace garden within the family’s main compound, a grand gathering was held as scheduled.

Tang Qiu Yao seemed to care a great deal for Ling Changqing. She sent her Maid, Longyun, to wake him early in the morning. The two of them had breakfast together before heading out.

"Hm? The main compound’s Protective Array has already been activated?"

Ling Changqing looked up in surprise at the shimmering, rippling curtain of light across the Celestial Vault.

This kind of Protective Array was fundamental to the family’s security and consumed a great deal of resources. It wouldn’t be activated so easily unless they were facing an external invasion.

"Times are different now. Most of the family’s younger generation is gathered here. If we aren’t cautious, what if a powerful enemy takes this opportunity to launch a sneak attack and tries to wipe us all out in one go?"

Tang Qiu Yao explained that in the Cultivation Realm, filled with flashing blades, sword shadows, and mutual deception, such things were not too rare.

In the last few millennia, there had been more than one tragic case of powerful Sects or Noble Family powers being severely crippled or even annihilated by rival forces after letting their guard down during a celebration.

Ling Changqing nodded. The Ling Family’s sworn enemies were like venomous snakes in the shadows, constantly watching and waiting. The moment they saw an opportunity, they would strike viciously.

A few moments later, the two arrived at their destination. The spacious courtyard was bustling with activity, mostly filled with young male and female Cultivators in dazzling attire, though there were some elderly people as well.

The pleasant courtyard covered a vast area. Not only was the Spiritual Qi abundant, but it also boasted every imaginable kind of scenery: pavilions, terraces, flowing springs and waterfalls, rockeries, and stone bridges.

These Cultivators all seemed to have their own little circles. They sat in groups of three or five, discussing scriptures and the Dao, sipping Spirit Tea and playing chess, composing poetry, or sparring with Sword Skills and Divine Techniques...

Ling Changqing scanned the crowd. There were about four to five hundred family disciples present, with Cultivation levels ranging from the initial Qi Cultivation Stage to the Qi Cultivation 7th Layer.

As for those whose Cultivation had reached the 7th Floor or higher, regardless of age, they could become Elders of the family, a status far beyond that of ordinary clan members.

"There must be quite a few people who haven’t returned, right?" Ling Changqing asked.

"Of course. Many of the family’s important industries and strongholds on our territory require people to manage them. There are also many disciples in Cultivation in Seclusion or traveling abroad. It’s impossible for everyone to be here," Tang Qiu Yao explained softly.

Although all the younger generation disciples were required to attend, the family’s upper echelons certainly wouldn’t make things difficult for those who were on assignment and truly couldn’t get away.

"Since you’re here, don’t you want to go talk to them and get to know some people?" Tang Qiu Yao asked with a smile.

Ling Changqing shook his head. "Besides you, Qiu Yao, I don’t know anyone else. I’d better not."

Ling Zifeng was still at sea supervising the Pearl Gatherers, so Ling Changqing didn’t know a single one of the Ling Family disciples present.

"Alright then, just stick with me!"

Tang Qiu Yao said with satisfaction, leading him through a corridor to a deserted lakeside pavilion, where they sat down at an exquisite stone table.

A maid immediately brought over refreshments and Spirit Tea. After all, with Tang Qiu Yao’s Cultivation and status, no one in the Ling Family would dare to slight her.

Ling Changqing discreetly observed his surroundings and discovered that the status of the family disciples was differentiated by the style of the Jade Pendant and Fragrance Pouch hanging from their waists.

The Jade Pendant and Fragrance Pouches of the Direct Lineage disciples were all light purple, with the most exquisite and complex cloud patterns. Those of the closer branch disciples were inferior, a bright yellow.

As for the side branches and distant branches, their Jade Pendant and Fragrance Pouches were white and of the simplest design.

Moreover, any branch disciples who were able to appear here would not have a poor Cultivation level; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been qualified to attend this kind of gathering.

’...It seems my current status really isn’t low.’

Ling Changqing looked at the purple Jade Pendant tied to his waist and gained a deeper understanding of the support and care Ling Zifeng and Tang Qiu Yao had shown him.

An ordinary disciple from a side or distant branch of the Ling Family, without special talent or the favor of a powerful figure in the clan, would never have a chance to turn their life around.

Tang Qiu Yao said with a smile, "It’s mainly because you’ve lived up to expectations. If it were anyone else, even if we were willing to give them a chance, they might not have been able to seize it."

"Of course, the Patriarch also thinks highly of you. You couldn’t have obtained the status of a Direct Lineage disciple so easily without her approval."

"I understand."

Ling Changqing nodded slightly. It seemed the Patriarch, Ling Qiyue, and Tang Qiu Yao had been secretly paying attention to his performance all along.

This wasn’t a bad thing for him. In the future, if he wanted to reach the Peak of the Qi Cultivation Stage and successfully achieve Foundation Establishment, he would definitely still need their help.

"Eh, it seems a few little lasses are paying attention to you!" Tang Qiu Yao said suddenly.

Slightly puzzled, Ling Changqing turned his head and saw that, indeed, behind a rockery, four female Ling Clan disciples with exquisite makeup and vibrant, colorful attire were gathered together, their shimmering gazes fixed on him.

Judging by the Sachets at their waists, two were bright yellow and two were white. Their Cultivation was only at the Qi Cultivation 2nd to 3rd Layers, lower than Ling Changqing’s.

"They’re probably all trying to climb the social ladder!" Tang Qiu Yao said with a half-smile. The handsome youth in purple before her had an exceptional appearance and temperament, not to mention outstanding Cultivation and the status of a Direct Lineage disciple. It was only to be expected that these female clan members would notice him.

Ling Changqing was speechless. "Qiu Yao, did you have to be so blunt?"

"I’m just telling it like it is," Tang Qiu Yao huffed. "It’s natural for women to be attracted to the strong. Their aptitudes are limited, their resources are scarce, and their lifetime achievements are predictable."

"Without some special opportunity, that’s all they’ll ever amount to. Therefore, giving themselves to a promising Direct Lineage disciple is their most pragmatic choice."

"So? All you have to do is lift a finger, and those girls will flock to you. Want to consider it?"

Ling Changqing: "..."