Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation-Chapter 76 - 71: Renting Together?

As time quietly passed, Ling Changqing collected a wide variety of resources. Treasures like Sand Scale Gold, Rock Heart Illusion Spirit Vine, Jade Star Eel, and Silver Ganoderma Flower filled his large-capacity Storage Pouches, which grew visibly fuller.

There was no shortage of light on the seabed. Luminous plants and animals were everywhere, and certain sea rocks, corals, and sands also possessed luminescent properties, so the area was far from dark.

They encountered their share of danger, but whenever they did, Ling Qiyue would act. Any fierce beast foolish enough to approach was swiftly slaughtered.

"...Senior Sister, shouldn’t that be enough?"

Ling Changqing said. They had stayed a few hours longer than last time, and their several large-capacity Storage Pouches were nearly full. Their haul was more than sufficient.

Besides, his Luck and Fortune had been depleted to a dangerous level. He would need a long period of Cultivation in Seclusion to recover after they returned.

"Alright, let’s head back. You’ve worked hard, Junior Brother!"

The radiant and high-spirited Ling Qiyue smiled faintly, took Ling Changqing’s arm, and activated her Water Escape Divine Techniques.

In a flash of light and shadow, only a few breaths later, the familiar, ink-blue surface of the sea appeared before them. Above, the vast, distant azure sky stretched out.

A sea breeze carrying a salty tang blew gently. Beneath the clouds on the horizon, large birds of prey could occasionally be seen streaking past at high speed.

Tang Qiu Yao summoned a Flying Ship, and the three of them returned to Longhuan Island together.

"Senior Sister, I’m going into seclusion now."

Ling Changqing said, handing the Storage Pouches he carried over to Ling Qiyue.

He was now on the verge of a breakthrough. He estimated that after this session, he could finally reach the Qi Cultivation 8th Layer.

Ling Qiyue nodded. "No problem. The Elixirs and other resources have already been prepared for you. If you need anything else, just ask your Senior Sister Tang."

After a bit more teasing from Ling Qiyue, Tang Qiu Yao escorted him back to his Cave Mansion Blessed Land, while Ling Qiyue herself went to the Council Hall to handle clan affairs.

It was worth mentioning that ever since the clan headquarters had relocated to Longhuan Island, Ling Changqing finally had his own Spirit Vein Cave Mansion.

It was a palatial garden estate spanning several acres, complete with pavilions, terraces, gazebos, lakes, and rockeries. The architecture was exquisite, with upturned eaves, interlocking brackets, and intricately carved beams and painted rafters. Every detail was simply magnificent.

The Second Grade Spirit Vein on Zenxin Island was only of the Middle Grade, but among the several Second Grade Spirit Veins on Longhuan Island, the largest had already reached High Grade.

Since Ling Changqing’s Cave Mansion was situated in the best location within the High Grade Second Rank Spirit Vein’s range, the Spiritual Qi within was exceptionally rich. A dedicated Spirit Gathering Array had also been set up, making cultivation here twice as effective with half the effort.

Back when the Wu Family was still in power, this Cave Mansion had belonged to a Foundation Establishment Cultivator. An outside Cultivator had once offered one thousand Middle grade Spirit Stones for it, but the original owner refused to sell.

After the Ling Family took over the assets on Longhuan Island, Ling Qiyue had, without a second thought, bestowed this very Cave Mansion upon Ling Changqing. Furthermore, she had wiped clean all the debts he once owed.

At the same time, Ling Changqing’s monthly resource allotment from the Clan Treasury was increased by two tiers, putting it on par with that of the Elders at the Foundation Establishment Level.

The reason was simple: Ling Changqing’s contributions to the clan fully warranted such treatment. In fact, Ling Qiyue felt it wasn’t enough.

To the left of Ling Changqing’s Cave Mansion was Tang Qiu Yao’s new residence, a Cave Mansion Hall also situated on the High grade Spirit Vein. Only a flower-covered wall separated them, making it very convenient to travel between the two.

As he walked into the rear residence, the head Maid, Song Xuelan, greeted him. Dressed in pink, with gracefully curved eyebrows and a charming, bright demeanor, she approached like a fragrant breeze and curtsied with a gentle smile.

"Young Master, you have returned?"

She asked in a soft, gentle voice, "Will you be dining or bathing? I will have it arranged at once."

Cultivators generally possessed Minor Divine Techniques to cleanse themselves, so they rarely needed to bathe unless it was for pleasure.

Ling Changqing replied, "A bath first, then."

’After soaking in the sea for so long, I feel a bit grimy. A dip in the Spiritual Spring would be nice.’

Song Xuelan acknowledged his request and turned away, her steps light.

Ling Changqing couldn’t help but smile as he watched her graceful, enchanting figure retreat.

This Female Cultivator had previously worked at the Ling Family Bank. She’d had a bit of a crush on Ling Changqing and had helped him out once, which was why he remembered her name.

After the Ling Family’s relocation, it was a simple matter for Ling Changqing to have her transferred over to manage his household.

With his current status, it was a matter of a single word. The Elder in charge of the Money Shop, Ling Yunfeng, had approved the transfer without hesitation.

When Song Xuelan learned of his request, she had agreed without the slightest hesitation, happily packing her belongings and moving in.

A moment later, Song Xuelan returned. She had changed into a sheer, gauzy robe, through which her fair, smooth, and exquisitely curved body was faintly visible. Her long, dark hair was coiled into a bun.

"Young Master, the Spiritual Spring bath is ready."

she said, her lovely face slightly flushed and her voice soft and sultry.

Ling Changqing gave a sound of assent and followed her into the bathing chamber.

The hall, over a hundred feet across, was exquisitely and lavishly decorated. The domed ceiling was inlaid with large, glowing Gemstones and Luminous Pearls. In a corner stood a golden, three-legged cauldron half a man’s height, from which the scent of burning Top Grade Incense drifted.

With a delicate hand, Song Xuelan lifted a curtain of strung Mermaid Pearls. They descended seven warm, White Jade Steps to the edge of a large, circular Spiritual Spring bath about fifty feet across.

Ling Changqing undressed, stepped slowly into the bath, and sat down on a jade bench submerged in the water, immersing most of his body in the warm Spiritual Spring Water.

"Young Master, may I massage your shoulders and legs for you?"

Song Xuelan asked in a sweet, coquettish voice.

Ling Changqing grunted in assent. Beaming with delight, she drew near, her body circling behind him to knead his shoulders. As she massaged him, she began to report the month’s various expenses in a clear, cheerful voice.

Besides Song Xuelan, Tang Qiu Yao had also assigned a dozen or so personal Maids to Ling Changqing. In the outer courtyards, there were hundreds more servants, scullery maids, and matronly stewards.

Ling Changqing couldn’t be bothered with such mundane affairs, so he had handed over all management to Song Xuelan. He gave her the authority to allocate a certain amount of resources, requiring only that she report to him once a month.

"...Young Master, before you returned, several young ladies from the Ling Clan sent messages. They’re requesting to see you!"

As she spoke, Song Xuelan moved to kneel in front of Ling Changqing. With her head slightly bowed, she tucked a stray lock of dark hair behind her ear and began to carefully massage his legs.

"What for?"

Ling Changqing asked, his voice betraying a hint of confusion.

"I heard they want... to be your roommates!"

Song Xuelan said haltingly, her face flushing crimson.

"..."

Ling Changqing frowned. It only took a moment’s thought for him to understand. A Cave Mansion on a High grade Second Rank Spirit Vein was a truly scarce resource—an auspicious location that not even every Foundation Establishment Cultivator could hope to possess.

For such a massive Cave Mansion to serve only him was, admittedly, a bit of a waste. It was only natural that some of the young women from the clan’s Direct Lineage would get ideas.

They would gladly pay a high rent in Spirit Stones, so long as it meant they could live and cultivate here.

Besides, if they lived with Ling Changqing, their chances of seeing him would naturally increase. Who knows, they might even be able to grow closer to him.