Divine abilities were not actually so mysterious, unknowable concept. Wang Yulou's high-grade spirit artifact, the Red Lantern, ca with two inherent divine abilities of its own.
Among the multiple Foundation Establishnt cultivators of the Wang Clan, both Patriarch Wang Xianmao and the Red Lantern Illumination core disciple Wang Jingyi possessed divine abilities. However, every seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivator who possessed a divine ability was an entire tier above those who did not.
There were just over two hundred Foundation Establishnt cultivators within Dripdrop Cave. Among them, only about thirty-odd possessed divine abilities, and many of those were already on the verge of death from old age or injuries.
The reason the Yuan Clan and the Zhuo Family could beco the two dominant Foundation Establishnt clans confronting each other within Dripdrop Cave—aside from the Purple Mansion True n backing them—was because their lineages had never suffered a generation without a seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivator who had mastered a divine ability.
Once, when Yulou had been privately analyzing the situation, he thought that the two Foundation Establishnt cultivators of the Lin family would probably last no longer than a single sword strike from Ancestor Jingyi.
But now that Ancestor ngyao had mastered a divine ability, Ancestor Jingyi would likely have to expend a bit more effort if they ever drew swords.
Furthermore, the plan Wang Xianzhou had envisioned—where Yulou would marry Lin Ying first to enjoy the convenience of an alliance and then cast her aside after achieving Foundation Establishnt—was no longer feasible. Although Yulou had never actually intended to do that, he guessed that Ancestor Xianzhou might feel a bit disappointed. Just because Ancestor Xianzhou was good to Yulou did not an he was particularly benevolent toward anyone else.
The mont Lin ngyao took that step forward and mastered a divine ability, he thoroughly established himself in the upper echelons of Dripdrop Cave's Foundation Establishnt cultivators. The Lin family's status within Dripdrop Cave would undoubtedly rise another level. A Foundation Establishnt cultivator could enjoy a lifespan of six cycles of sixty years, but they often possessed various thods to extend their longevity. Since Lin ngyao suffered from no major injuries or hidden ailnts, living past four hundred years would naturally be no issue for him based on his own Foundation Establishnt strength. In a hundred years, far too many things could happen.
"Wang Yulou, I have heard your na for a long ti, but today is the first ti I am eting you in person. You truly live up to your reputation as the Qilin child of the Anbei Kingdom Wang Clan. You are indeed extraordinary."
Lin ngyao appeared to be in his thirties with fair, clean skin, though both his appearance and voice leaned toward the delicate and feminine. However, his attitude toward Yulou was remarkably warm and genial, directly calling him the Wang Clan's Qilin child.
"The Elder praises too highly. Yulou still has many areas where he needs to work hard," Yulou hurriedly bowed and replied.
Seeing that Wang Yulou was quite humble and polite, Lin ngyao beca even more satisfied. When the Anbei Kingdom Wang Clan cultivated its descendants, it had to calculate the basic expected return on investnt. Therefore, only the outstanding children of the clan could receive a greater share of family resources—even Wang Rongsheng could have been considered an outstanding child back then. The way a sect-based family cultivated its children was different. Since they could simply skim resources off the sect itself, there were quite a few foolish, hedonistic young masters within Dripdrop Cave. Compared to those stupid creatures, soone like Wang Yulou naturally appeared exceptionally excellent in Lin ngyao's eyes.
"Yulou, you co from a great clan, so you must understand whether hard work is ultimately useful. I have cultivated for three hundred years and only now have I beco a seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivator. This is the result of relying solely on hard work. A cultivator's journey requires basic diligence, but more importantly, it requires making the right choice at critical junctures. For , this is a lesson learned. For you, it can be a shortcut. The Wang Clan wishes to enter Dripdrop Cave, but Elder Daoshen objects. Although his ten iron crocodile dragons failed to ruin your path of developnt within the sect... In the end, you still need friends who can aid you. The Zhuo Family is a decent choice, but entangling yourself in the intense struggles of the sect before you have even firmly established your footing is not a good thing."
Lin Ying had not expected her ancestor to speak to Wang Yulou in this manner—Lin ngyao was treating Wang Yulou as an equal!
"Yulou has learned from your wisdom."
Yulou could sense that the female cultivator beside him was slightly startled, but he rely nodded calmly in response, offering no further stance on Lin ngyao's words. Back then, he had used three reasons to temporarily delay the ti for selecting a marriage partner. One major objective was to wait a few years so that his cultivation base could continue its rapid ascent and the Exchange Conference could be successfully implented, allowing him to gain better bargaining chips. Yes, Lin ngyao's words were correct, but his attitude of 'marrying Lin Ying is a favor to you' was entirely misplaced. Extrely misplaced—on what basis did they think they could get sothing from him for nothing? His position as Wang Yulou's formal dao companion was incredibly valuable. Did Lin ngyao truly think a few words would make him weep with gratitude and eagerly take Lin Ying as his partner? How should one put it? Lin Ying was indeed beautiful, but they could not afford to indulge in such beautiful wishful thinking. The dowry had to be absolutely sufficient!
Seeing that the young man refused to express a definitive stance, Lin ngyao was not in a hurry either. Whether the marriage alliance succeeded or not was not an incredibly urgent matter for him or the Lin family anyway.
"Seeing the two of you reminds of how I looked when I was young. Ti, ah, ti... to think I am already three hundred years old today. Yingying, Yulou is an honored guest. Guide him to the Hall of Fragrant Beauties yourself."
Lin Ying naturally accepted the command and led Yulou out of the Lotus Pond Courtyard.
—
"Senior Martial Uncle ngyao was actually cultivating inside the lotus pond. Is that a requirent of his cultivation thod? However, if it is inconvenient to disclose, please disregard my question."
Wang Yulou had observed carefully just now. The lotus flowers in the Lin family's Lotus Pond Courtyard were all in full bloom—which defied the laws of natural growth. Moreover, the spiritual energy in the lotus pond was incredibly dense; there was a high probability that it was a collection of spiritual items, or at the very least, it was gradually transforming into one. Furthermore, the stone platform where Lin ngyao sat during his cultivation was clearly ford from a spiritual artifact. His semi-subrged posture in the lotus pond was likely a necessity for his training. This reminded Yulou of how his own ancestor had secured a private courtyard for him as a cultivation residence, which prompted his curiosity.
"Wang Yulou, oh Wang Yulou, since you already know it might be inconvenient to disclose, why did you even ask?"
Lin Ying was a woman of strong character. After shooting Yulou a dry, sharp retort, she began to explain anyway.
"Our Lin family's wood-elental arts are inherited through our lineage. They are quite unique. Cultivation after achieving Foundation Establishnt requires the assistance of a lotus pond."
Lineage inheritance? Yulou instantly picked up on the crucial detail and inquired further.
"So that ans your family's cultivation thod cannot be found within the sect?"
The female cultivator walking ahead of Yulou curved her lips into an imperceptible smile, intentionally maintaining a casual deanor as she replied.
"Naturally. The Lin Clan's thod originates from a reward bestowed by Shen Guang Immortal Venerable, back when he was rely a Purple Mansion cultivator. In the West Sea, our clan's ancestor achieved great rit by slaying demons. Consequently, he was granted this technique, which laid the foundation for our Lin Clan's current prosperity."
Your Wang Clan is backed by the Mangxiang lineage, but if my Lin family pulls so strings, we can claim to be under the tutelage of Shen Guang Immortal Venerable as well. Wang Yulou, do you understand now? How should one put it? Fellow Daoist Lin Ying's thoughts were highly creative and interesting, completely filled with the spirit of self-induced optimism. In any case, even with Yulou's sharp intellect, he failed to extract any of the latent subtext Lin Ying was trying to project.
"Shen Guang?" Yulou felt a brief daze. That legendary grand cultivator actually shared a brief encounter with the Wang Clan's founding ancestor, Xuanjing. He had not expected the man to have ties to the Lin Clan as well.
"What, have you never heard the grand na of Shen Guang Immortal Venerable? He is a legendary figure who climbed his way up all the way from a rogue cultivator."
Shen Guang was a figure whose stories the children of the Wang Clan grew up listening to, so Yulou naturally knew of him. He simply had not anticipated that the legendary Shen Guang Perfected Man—or more respectfully, Shen Guang Immortal Venerable—would share a cause-and-effect relationship with the Lin Clan. Looking at it this way, if he chose the Lin Clan, and if the patriarch's attempt at attaining Golden Core sohow ended in disaster in the future, he might be able to brazenly lead the Wang family to seek refuge under the tutelage of Shen Guang Immortal Venerable. Of course, Yulou naturally preferred for their patriarch to remain energetic and smoothly secure his Golden Core. After all, an adoptive father could never be as reliable as a biological one. Patriarch Mangxiang was the ultimate benefactor backing the Anbei Kingdom Wang Clan.
"Of course I have heard of him. By the way, why is this grand hall nad the Hall of Fragrant Beauties?"
Yulou pointed toward the venue where Senior ngyao's birthday banquet was being held, seamlessly shifting the topic. He did not particularly wish to discuss grand cultivators with outsiders; it was inappropriate.
"Fragrant beauties refer to fragrance. Our Lin family excels at preparing various types of spiritual food, which is why Ancestor ngyao frequently hosts banquets. It serves as a way to widely socialize with fellow disciples." Lin Ying spoke with a slightly odd expression.
She was a fundantally honest girl, but occasionally, she would tell minor, inconsequential lies. For instance, the Lin Clan's ancestor had actually received Shen Guang's reward because his cooking tasted exceptional. Such a truth naturally did not sound as prestigious or dignified as earning rewards through ritorious demon-slaying.
"Oh?"
Yulou was about to ask for more details when he spotted Fan Zhugao gathered together with several fellow daoists who had accompanied him into the Lin estate earlier. Thus, he guided Lin Ying over toward them.
"Senior Martial Sister Lin, this is far enough. I shall chat with these fellow daoists for a mont. Thank you for guiding the way."
His words were perfectly polite, but Yulou's steps away from Lin Ying were entirely resolute, leaving her sowhat bewildered by the situation. Did his behavior imply that he had no interest in the marriage alliance? Wang Yulou's temperant was simply far too mature for his age. His prolonged periods of interacting with Ancestor Xianzhou had only exacerbated this mature disposition. As a result, even though Lin Ying had t, conversed, and tested Yulou multiple tis—and had now even brought him to see Lin ngyao—she remained utterly incapable of discerning his true thoughts. However, Wang Yulou did not harbor that many reservations. Since the Lin family and Lin Ying were interested in a marriage alliance, Yulou was naturally glad to see it succeed—provided the dowry was adequate. Without a dowry, without support, and without leveraging chips, trying to trick Yulou into giving up his bachelorhood with empty words alone was absolutely out of the question! There had to be a guarantee. Yulou possessed only a single position for a formal dao companion. The significance of a first dao companion was monuntal. How could Yulou possibly agree lightly? He was not the sort of casual male cultivator who handed himself over easily!
After chatting with Fan Zhugao and the others for a brief mont, Elder Zhuo Chi arrived. This Foundation Establishnt cultivator of the Zhuo family arrived neither too early nor too late, happening to witness the scene of Yulou being surrounded by a crowd. Wang Yulou was highly famous right now, as the Grotto Heaven Patrol Team had already widely broadcasted his battle achievents. Zhuo Chi narrowed his eyes thoughtfully before stepping toward Yulou. Seeing Elder Zhuo Chi approach, the nearby Clear Water Palace disciples hurriedly parted to make way.
"Senior Martial Uncle Zhuo," Yulou greeted respectfully.
Zhuo Chi flicked his fly-whisk, using a gentle surge of spiritual energy to lift Yulou out of his bow.
"You child, you are simply too well-behaved. Even when you suffer bullying, you keep it to yourself. Ten iron crocodile dragons... they actually resorted to such lengths! Yulou, do not fear. With here, no one shall bully you. By the way, did you sustain any injuries? I happen to have so healing spiritual pills here. Do you require any?"
Yulou felt a touch of helplessness in his heart. Elder Zhuo, I have no need for your assistance at this mont, please do not make blind statents.
"Thank you, Elder Zhuo. The matter of the iron crocodile dragons was entirely resolved through the protection of the Immortal Venerable. Yulou did not suffer any injuries."
After the elder and the young man exchanged a few superficial remarks, Zhuo Chi departed with a satisfied expression. He had successfully dropped a bit of subtle poison against the Yuan Clan. How his family would respond was beyond his knowledge, but at least he had established a bit of rapport with Wang Yulou.
Lin ngyao was hosting a three-hundredth birthday banquet. Having lived for three centuries, he possessed quite a substantial network of connections among the Foundation Establishnt elders of Dripdrop Cave. Elders like Zhuo Chi sat upon the elevated platforms deep within the Hall of Fragrant Beauties, representing the leadership present. Zhuo Chi's primary purpose today was to mingle and exchange pleasantries with them. anwhile, the Clear Water Palace disciples like Yulou—who had either been brought along by their Foundation Establishnt masters to gain experience or shared personal ties with the Lin family—were not the primary guests. They were arranged to sit within the lower main hall.
—
A short while later, the host of the banquet, Lin ngyao, arrived at the Hall of Fragrant Beauties. Noticing that Wang Yulou had not seated himself next to Lin Ying, Lin ngyao sighed silently to himself. The boy from the Wang family was far too rational, and Yingying was a young woman whose sense of sha naturally made her timid. What a hassle. He nodded to each of the arriving Foundation Establishnt cultivators in turn, sharing a few extra words with Zhuo Chi before taking his seat at the head of the hall.
Down below, the Qi Refining cultivators were already buzzing with whispers. Everyone had noticed the white glow emanating from Lin ngyao's eyes; wherever his gaze passed, two white lines lingered in the air for a long ti before dissipating. The crowd naturally understood that Dripdrop Cave had just gained another seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivator. The gazes of several male cultivators locking onto Lin Ying instantly turned scorching hot. In truth, their gazes were always hot, but they were significantly more intense right now. These individuals did not possess a face as grand as Wang Yulou's to expect the Lin family to make concessions regarding a dowry. Many of them were actually considering marrying in as a live-in son-in-law. Mu Changze had married into the Zhou family and managed to effortlessly beco a core disciple of Red Lantern Illumination. Dripdrop Cave did not possess a core disciple hierarchy, but if one could claim a seasoned Foundation Establishnt ancestor as a backer, their status would instantly soar far above that of ordinary Clear Water Palace disciples.
"Fellow Daoists, young Fellow Daoists, hahahaha! Your presence filling this Hall of Fragrant Beauties proves that I, Lin ngyao, have not spent my three hundred years in vain. Three hundred years, ah, three hundred years. I still recall when I was a child, standing in this exact hall, when Ancestor Xuefan of our clan hosted his own longevity feast. Now, as ti brings shifting tides, it is finally my turn. Three hundred years of wind and rain bring twists and turns, obstacles and trials. I dare not even look back upon the past. Among the fellow disciples seated here, there are my senior martial brothers and sisters, my junior martial brothers and sisters, and, of course, so many of the younger generation. Dripdrop Cave Heaven has nurtured . This first cup of wine is dedicated to the Immortal Venerable. Everyone, please join in wishing the Immortal Venerable eternal celestial blessings! The sect has cultivated . This second cup of wine is dedicated to the sect. Everyone, please join in wishing our Dao endless prosperity and everlasting legacy! My fellow brothers have aided , and my disciples have supported . This third cup of wine is dedicated to all of you. ngyao offers his respects!"
Nurtured by Dripdrop Cave Heaven, provided resources for Foundation Establishnt by the sect, and supported by his peers and juniors, Lin ngyao had truly not spent three hundred years in vain to reach his current level of mastering a divine ability and becoming a seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivator. He drained his cup, and the crowd followed suit before returning to their seats.
Setting down his cup of bitter leaf wine, Yulou felt a trace of bitterness in his own mouth. The cultivators who grew up within Dripdrop Cave Heaven absolutely adored bitter leaf wine. However, every ti Wang Yulou drank it, he felt a sense of anxiety, constantly needing to verify whether the wine had spoiled before he could drink it with peace of mind.
"Yingying, I have been occupied with secluded cultivation over the past few years and lacked the ti to guide you. Perform a sword dance for , let see if you have been practicing diligently these past few years."
Lin ngyao's longevity feast was naturally not restricted to rely eating food. The true highlight lay in his lecture on wood-elental arts and the path of cultivation from the perspective of a Foundation Establishnt cultivator. However, it was clear that before the lecture comnced, Ancestor ngyao wished to slip in a bit of personal business. Today, over forty Foundation Establishnt elders had arrived to attend his longevity feast. This did not rely represent forty individuals; it signified at least half of the Foundation Establishnt forces within Dripdrop Cave. As for the Clear Water Palace disciples at the Qi Refining stage, even more had arrived, numbering close to a hundred. It could be said that at this very mont, one-third of Dripdrop Cave's core personnel were seated within the Hall of Fragrant Beauties.
Allowing Lin Ying to perform a sword dance at this specific ti and place made Lin ngyao's motives hard to judge. At the very least, Yulou found it hard to judge. He felt that Ancestor ngyao simply wanted to display to him that Lin Ying was highly worthwhile. But Wang Yulou was seeking a dao companion, not a lover. Did it matter whether Lin Ying was beautiful or not? Wang Yulou's ambitions lay within the Grand Dao, not within acting as breeding stock for the female cultivators of the Wunan Cultivation World! If marrying Zhou Yingxi ant the Zhou family could guarantee that Wang Yulou could open a Purple Mansion that belonged uniquely to him, then even if Zhou Yingxi were a sow, Wang Yulou would gladly marry in and call her his darling—he could even negotiate calling her that every single day, provided they added more compensation. That was the true aning of a marriage alliance. Therefore, in Yulou's heart, traits like being beautiful, knowing how to dance with a sword, possessing excellent talent, or advancing rapidly in cultivation were not considered true advantages when it ca to Lin Ying. They either had to offer an imnse amount of benefits, or she had to be uniquely exceptional—such as reaching the fourth layer of Qi Refining in under four years just like him. Otherwise, any other so-called advantages were utterly aningless!
Of course, he still had to watch. Senior Martial Sister Lin was fundantally a striking beauty of celestial grace and vibrant spirit. Her sword dance would serve as excellent eye candy, even if Yulou ultimately refused to add more to his offer.
As spiritual incense curled gracefully through the Hall of Fragrant Beauties, Lin Ying received the ancestor's command and smoothly rose to her feet, stepping into the center of the hall. She first offered an elegant bow toward the ancestor and the gathered elders before a flick of her wrist unleashed three feet of frosty cold brilliance. Her erald-green sleeves spun alongside the sword qi, her long dark hair moving in perfect synchronicity with the blade, her opening stance imdiately displaying a figure akin to drifting clouds and swirling snow. Her beautiful floral crown appeared and disappeared amidst the shifting patterns of the sword shadows. The shadows of the blade, the light, the flowers, and the beauty intertwined, making the petals appear adorned with the residual light of unplucked morning stars.
Lin ngyao smiled and nodded, while Fan Zhugao shook his head to break free from the srizing spell cast by the beauty, smiling as he looked toward his good friend Yulou. As for Wang Yulou, he abandoned his thoughts of checking whether the bitter leaf wine in his cup had spoiled, silently raising it to his lips.
Suddenly, the dancing beauty spun on her heel. The mont her toes lightly tapped the floor, her blade unleashed successive rings of crisp lody, causing the jade bracelets on her wrists and the floral crown on her hair to tremble in unison. The beauty, the magical sword, and the floral crown had thoroughly rged into one at this mont. Yulou was certain that Lin Ying's sudden backward glance was directed at him; she wanted to observe his expression. Because upon noticing that Yulou was using his drinking to mask his thoughts, Lin Ying smiled. The beauty's backward glance and smile felt as though a bright beam of warm spring sunshine had entered the Hall of Fragrant Beauties, filtering directly into the hearts of countless male cultivators. However, had it entered your heart? Senior Martial Sister Lin could not figure it out, so she stopped thinking about it. She gripped her sword tightly, executing another movent like a startled swan catching its reflection—her entire form resembled a green luan soaring in the sky upside down, her dancing sword strikes sending the blue and white petals adorning her floral crown fluttering downward. The white hydrangeas and blue hyacinths were drawn in by the silver sword light, the scattering rain of flowers forming the image of a Taiji Yin-Yang diagram in midair. As the sword qi pierced through the petals, the blue transford into water light and the white beca drifting snow, while the descending form of the green-robed female cultivator caught all the crushed light and color. By the ti she reversed her grip and sheathed her sword, the petals floating within several yards actually froze into a stationary ring in midair. It was only when Lin ngyao's words shattered the silence that the residual flowers carved by the sword qi rustled down around her feet.
"Our clan possesses a daughter of magnificent beauty, excellent! Excellent!"
Elder ngyao's words acted like a playback button, prompting the cultivators who had been stunned by the srizing sword dance to clap and praise her in unison. Yulou set down his wine cup, smiling as he offered Lin Ying a nod.
However, Senior Martial Sister Lin currently maintained an expression that suggested Wang Yulou was entirely unworthy of her, coolly returning to her seat to accept the praises of her close female companions.
Spurred by so inexplicable impulse, Wang Yulou raised his head to look toward the main seat on the platform, only to find Lin ngyao watching him as well.
Our clan possesses a daughter of magnificent beauty, Wang Yulou, do you want her or not? You, Wang Yulou, may be waiting for the highest bidder, but our Yingying is actually qualified to do the sa! Brat, your heart must be racing, right?
However, Ancestor ngyao rely spared Yulou a single glance before comncing the true highlight of the day, using the experience and perspective of a seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivator to lecture on wood-elental arts and the path of cultivation.
—
"Yulou, what do you think? Our Zhuo family offers you twin lotuses, while the Lin family offers you a female sword immortal. Which one will you choose?"
Fan Zhugao did not practice wood-elental arts. Since his seat was right next to Wang Yulou's, he leaned in to whisper with him. This behavior was naturally not considered rude. Everyone belonged to the sa grand faction within Dripdrop Cave, so Elder ngyao would certainly not harbor grievances against the disciples present over such matters.
"Do you want to hear the truth?" Wang Yulou asked, fiddling with his wine cup.
Old Fan smoothly poured more wine for Yulou, asking expectantly,
"What truth?"
Looking at the bitter leaf wine in his cup, Yulou's thoughts drifted to the current landscape within Dripdrop Cave. He spoke softly,
"I want them all!"
With that, he swallowed the bitter wine, letting the pure spiritual energy nourish his body, his cultivation base increasing by an imperceptible sliver.
"Hmph, you certainly have beautiful dreams, wanting them all. Even if you want them, the Zhuo family and Lin family might not necessarily..." Fan Zhugao cut himself off halfway through his sentence because he realized that Wang Yulou was not a simple individual. The Zhuo family and Lin family might truly agree! "Brother Yulou, are you serious?" Old Fan asked, sowhat incredulous. His eyes turned slightly red with envy as he glared at Yulou, his expression filled with a touch of mock resentnt. Dammit, Wang Yulou, how do you actually stand a chance at marrying both the twin lotuses and Lin Ying! Dammit!
"Of course... not. I have no desire to truly lock horns with the Yuan Clan. Old Fan, in my heart, you, Old Ji, and Old Wang are all my good friends. Let us cultivate diligently and get along well, preferably never becoming enemies. That is my true thought. Beauties are wonderful, but one must not be greedy. Lacking sufficient strength while constantly desiring more will only invite massive disaster."
In truth, what Wang Yulou was thinking was that as long as the fellow disciples gathering around him could achieve Foundation Establishnt in the future... By then, Dripdrop Cave would no longer feature any Yuan Clan or Zhuo family; instead, it would be the Wang faction, or rather, the Exchange Conference faction. Why should he join the factions of Yuan or Zhuo? The Zhuo family and Yuan Clan were rely running dogs for Dripdrop Cave's Purple Mansion True n. Acting as a dog for a running dog could never compare to directly serving a Purple Mansion master or the Immortal Alliance. The Anbei Kingdom Wang Clan operated on this exact principle. In a scenario devoid of middlen taking a cut, the Wang Clan lived quite comfortably. The Purple Mansion and Golden Core factions within the great sects and the Immortal Alliance constituted the first tier. The second tier consisted of the Immortal Alliance Foundation Establishnt cultivators and the retainers of the Purple Mansion households. The third tier comprised the retainers of Purple Mansion masters, such as the Anbei Kingdom Wang Clan and Dripdrop Cave's Yuan and Zhuo families. First serve as a subordinate, then take a seat at the table, and after achieving Purple Mansion, one could finally partake in the feast together. That was the superior path. Fan Zhugao and Wang Yaohai lacked options because their foundations were pitifully shallow. Wang Yulou possessed options, which was precisely why he was unwilling to choose the Yuan or Zhuo families as marriage partners. If he were to choose, he had to find a partner whose strength was balanced just right—this applied to his choice of Wang Yaohai, and it applied equally to his targeting of the Lin family. The significance of a perfectly balanced partner lay in high bargaining margins, deep cooperation potential, and minimal backlash.
"Yulou, co et at the Lotus Pond Courtyard after the banquet concludes. We shall talk."
Just as Yulou was lost in thought, Lin ngyao's delicate voice reached his ears via transmission. He raised his head to find Elder ngyao still placidly delivering his lecture.
"What is it? Are you still worried about the matter of the iron crocodile dragons?" Noticing the change in Yulou's expression, Old Fan inquired. "Should I help you contact a few senior brothers within the Grotto Heaven Patrol Team?"
This was the precise aning of aligned interests. When Wang Yulou arrived to attend Lin ngyao's longevity feast today, he had fellow disciples accompanying him, and upon encountering a problem, Fan Zhugao imdiately offered his assistance. Although Old Fan's perspective was not elevated enough to perceive the crux of the problem, his enthusiastic intent was genuine.
"No, I have my own arrangents regarding the iron crocodile dragons. I appreciate Senior Martial Brother Fan's kindness. Instead, I wish to construct a pond inside my private residence. I wonder if Senior Martial Brother could lend a hand?" Yulou politely declined Old Fan's goodwill, pivoting instead to a request he had just co up with on the spot.
"Construct a pond?" Old Fan asked. "Does it involve so special design? Otherwise, you wouldn't have invited ."
Yulou nodded and explained,
"Yes. I want to design a formation array that gathers spiritual energy, connecting the spiritual herb garden, the spiritual wood garden, and the pond together. Through various coincidences over the past few years, I have collected a variety of unique spiritual grasses and woods. As you know, Senior Martial Brother Fan, most of these items within the grotto-heaven are water-attributed. I wish to build a flowing stream and pond composed of spiritual water to cultivate them properly."
Hearing Yulou's words, Old Fan sucked in a sharp breath of cold air, nearly crying out in surprise.
"Hiss—a flowing stream and pond composed entirely of spiritual water!? This... I estimate I will need to find a few more fellow disciples to help you pull this off. Yulou, I will certainly help you with your business, but those fellow disciples will still require so compensation."
While Old Fan was willing to help for free, Yulou was unwilling to accept it that way. He feigned anger and said,
"What are you saying, Senior Martial Brother? Since you are coming to help, Yulou will naturally provide whatever is fair. Sentint is sentint, and the bond between us is priceless; we cannot squander it over such matters!"
Old Fan's face instantly blood into a wide grin like a blossoming chrysanthemum.
"Hahaha, Yulou, oh Yulou, you excel in every aspect except you are simply too polite. Sigh, then I shall accept your kindness, as I cannot bear to make you unhappy. Hmm... let's see. I have matters to attend to tomorrow, and the schedules of the other fellow disciples need to be coordinated. Let us set it for the day after tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, I shall bring everyone to your residence to take a look and provide a rough draft. Will that suffice?"
"I knew finding Senior Martial Brother Fan was the most reliable choice!"
—
Constructing a stream and pond was naturally not restricted to rely raising plants and flowers. The mont Yulou received Lin ngyao's transmission, he understood that his marriage alliance with Lin Ying was essentially secured. For a seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivator who had mastered a divine ability to display such intent was itself a demonstration of sincerity. Interests could manifest as a dowry, or they could manifest as respect. Lin ngyao had first granted him an audience and was now arranging a private eting via transmission; the level of respect displayed was considerable. This also beca one of the critical factors pushing Yulou to make up his mind. Why did he consider it rely one of the factors? Because he harbored another layer of consideration. The Wang Clan practiced wood-elental arts, and the Lin Clan practiced wood-elental arts as well. In the future, once the faction Wang Yulou was cultivating firmly established its footing within Dripdrop Cave alongside his own rise, he would be capable of calling the shots for the Lin Clan as well. Of course, Yulou's thoughts differed from a live-in son-in-law returning his children to his original clan after three generations; he was fundantally not a live-in son-in-law to begin with. Leave alone the fact that Lin ngyao was a seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivator; even if Lin Hengtai beca a seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivator as well, they still lacked the qualifications to make Yulou marry into their family! The union of the Wang Clan and the Lin Clan contained a latent potential to enhance and complent each other's primary strength—naly, wood-elental arts. That was what Yulou truly valued. Of course, even though he already possessed an answer in his heart, negotiations still had to be conducted properly. It was impossible to let the Lin family benefit for nothing! Absolutely impossible!
Ard with this psychological preparation, Yulou waited inside the Lotus Pond Courtyard for a long while. With a flash of light, Lin ngyao materialized on the stone platform after concluding his remaining hosting duties.
"Nephew, let us hear your family's conditions. We must speak with open sincerity; I know you are capable of making your own decisions."
Clearly, Lin ngyao possessed a deep understanding of Wang Yulou, instantly shutting down any room for Yulou to use the excuse of 'leaving everything to the arrangents of my elders' with his opening remark. While he addressed him as nephew, his words carried a sharp edge, a tactic designed to force Yulou to declare his stance as quickly as possible. After all, Wang Yulou dragging his feet without a definitive result was rely wasting Lin Ying's ti. Senior Martial Sister Lin Ying's inherent qualities were quite exceptional, and since Lin ngyao now possessed a divine ability, the Lin family's overall strength had ascended to a slightly higher tier. On the other hand, Lin Ying had just perford a sword dance before so many people, all of whom were the core descendants of Dripdrop Cave's main branches, starting out at least as Clear Water Palace disciples. Every village had its village belle, and every class had its class belle; Lin Ying was on the verge of being crowned the belle of Dripdrop Cave. Could the marriage of the cave's belle not be negotiated whenever they pleased? Thus, Lin ngyao possessed the confidence to pressure Wang Yulou into declaring his stance quickly.
However, after performing his salutations, Yulou raised his head with full confidence and spoke clearly,
"A dowry of thirty thousand spirit stones—ten thousand goes to Senior Martial Sister Lin, and twenty thousand cos to ."
Across the several yards of the lotus pond, Lin ngyao stared at Yulou as though he were looking at an idiot.
"Wang Yulou, did you forget to take your dicine for madness before stepping out of the house today?"
It turned out Elder ngyao had categorized Yulou as a fool. Not only did his form of address shift from 'nephew' to 'Wang Yulou,' but he also resorted to direct insults, with the next logical step likely being throwing Wang Yulou out of his estate. Yet... Wang Yulou did not panic in the slightest.
"A dowry of thirty thousand spirit stones is rely the foundation. The Lin family must also provide a young spiritual bird whose cultivation base is at the Small Demon Realm to serve as the sister's bridal accompanint. Furthermore, Senior Martial Sister Lin cannot marry alone. The Lin family must add two Qi Refining cultivators who possess at least four spiritual roots to serve as extra retainers to be utilized by the sister and . Naturally, they can be male or female, as I am not seeking bridal maids. The Elder should understand my aning. Finally, there is still that request for one and a half portions of Foundation Establishnt resources. However, this will be provided when Senior Martial Sister attempts her future Foundation Establishnt, so there is no imdiate rush—but a Dao contract must be signed to ensure the Lin family cannot default."
Lin ngyao had lived for three hundred years, yet this was his very first ti encountering an individual of such shaless audacity! He was thoroughly driven to laughter by Wang Yulou's sheer gall.
"If you are sick, stay ho and treat it properly. Do not step out of your house to make such exorbitant demands. Wang Yulou, I am speaking to you with the dignity of a Foundation Establishnt cultivator, yet you insult so! What a fine Anbei Kingdom Wang Clan. Let make one thing clear to you: it is Patriarch Mangxiang who is attempting to attain Golden Core, not Wang Xianmao or Wang Jingyi! Moreover, do not forget that Huang Qiusheng has already been in office for many years, yet Mangxiang's Golden Core remains unford!"
Clearly, Elder ngyao was pushed to his absolute limit of frustration, to the point where he dared to utter disrespectful words regarding the patriarch. Nonetheless, Wang Yulou remained unhurried, maintaining an excellent psychological state. He spoke slowly, each word ringing out with perfect clarity.
"As of today, I have not yet reached my twenty-seventh year, yet I am already at the fourth layer of Qi Refining! Furthermore, from the start of my cultivation journey until now, I have never consud a single spiritual pill to break through any bottlenecks."
Not yet twenty-seven, at the fourth layer of Qi Refining, and completely untainted by breakthrough pills. Lin ngyao froze for a brief instant, followed by a look of sheer disbelief, before he directly flew across the pond to land right in front of Yulou.
"What did you say?"
His tone turned urgent, his eyes fixed on Yulou as though he were staring at a supre treasure, a rare flush of crimson appearing across his delicate, feminine face. With a re couple of sentences, Wang Yulou had utterly shattered the composure of this three-hundred-year-old veteran Foundation Establishnt cultivator. Previously, Lin ngyao was rely angry. Now, Lin ngyao felt an intense, scratching curiosity in his heart! Even as the residual pressure of the elder's divine ability left his entire skin itching, Yulou managed to reply through sheer effort.
"Ancestor ngyao, Yulou does not speak a single word of falsehood. As for the twenty thousand spirit stones I requested, they are necessary to maintain my current speed of cultivation. Right now, my monthly expenditure for cultivation alone amounts to one thousand three hundred spirit stones. Without sufficient resources, I will be unable to achieve Foundation Establishnt as early as possible. And if I cannot achieve Foundation Establishnt early, how can I traverse the remaining path with ease?"
If he beca dao companions with Lin Ying, these matters would eventually beco known to her anyway. Since Lin ngyao placed imnse value on him and displayed sufficient sincerity, he might as well utilize this information directly as a bargaining chip to squeeze out more benefits.
"Do you possess a single spirit root?"
Lin ngyao remained ignorant of the specific details regarding Yulou's spirit root; he rely knew that Yulou practiced the Source Vein Gui Water Qi, implying a water spirit root. When Yulou entered Dripdrop Cave back then, he had bypassed the ordinary procedures to directly beco a Clear Water Palace disciple, leaving behind no official records concerning his spiritual roots. However, for Wang Yulou to reach the fourth layer of Qi Refining at such a young age prompted Lin ngyao to suspect that Yulou might be a rare single spirit root genius.
"No. I possess a dual water and fire spirit root. Furthermore, I achieved the Qi Refining stage at the age of twenty-three, taking a re three-plus years to reach the fourth layer."
Yulou explained calmly.
"Achieving Qi Refining at twenty-three? That doesn't seem right, does it?"
Lin ngyao instantly picked up on the anomaly. If Wang Yulou had utilized a grotto-heaven to bypass the natural restrictions governing Qi Induction cultivators, he should have achieved Qi Refining by the age of fifteen or sixteen at the latest. Achieving Qi Refining at twenty-three was far too late for a cultivator leveraging a grotto-heaven.
"My circumstances are unique. However, Senior Lin, the core descendants of Purple Mansion and Golden Core clans generally avoid forming marriage alliances with weaker lineages. anwhile, the non-core descendants are incapable of securing substantial opportunities or resources. No matter the angle of analysis, I already represent the absolute best choice for Senior Martial Sister Lin and the Lin family."
The Purple Mansion and Golden Core realms were incredibly formidable, but their scope of protection remained strictly limited. Zhou縛蛟's desire to push another mber of the Zhou family into the Purple Mansion realm was already a task of monuntal difficulty. The non-core descendants married out to serve as stepping stones, and their lives were not necessarily comfortable. Furthermore, among the three Purple Mansion True n of Dripdrop Cave, the lineage of True Man Jiusheng was flourishing, while Perfected Man Hongli possessed disciples but no blood relatives due to her demon beast heritage. As for the final individual, they had not shown themselves for many years due to longevity issues—so many years that the exact number had faded from everyone's mory. The representatives of True Man Jiusheng's lineage were the Yuan Clan, but did the Yuan Clan stand a chance at absorbing the Lin family? It was utterly impossible! Resources were finite, and a Purple Mansion master's shade could cover only so much ground! Why was Patriarch Mangxiang's attempt at attaining Golden Core considered a massive boon for his entire lineage? Because once the patriarch achieved Golden Core, the status of those standing behind him would truly rise like a surging tide! This did not resemble the artificial inflation of resources that caused a sudden spike in Foundation Establishnt numbers across Red Lantern Illumination; that form of rising tide raised everyone equally. The Wang Clan's future ascent would be a unique rise for the Wang Clan alone, while the Lin, Zhuo, and Yuan families would remain stagnant. However, despite Yulou's explanation, Lin ngyao still harbored reservations.
"Since the Wang Clan places such imnse value on you, why did they send you to Dripdrop Cave? With a dual water and fire spirit root, shouldn't you be at Red Lantern Illumination instead?"
Yet, this very reservation allowed Yulou to completely settle his heart. It was basically a done deal!
"I was born in the month of the Rabbit and ought to enter the Dao via Gui water; this was a piece of advice delivered to in person by True Person Danri."
Delivered in person by True Person Danri! Danri was Mangxiang's disciple. Why was Patriarch Mangxiang capable of attaining Golden Core? Many matters did not occur overnight; he had already claid two Purple Mansion disciples under his banner many years ago. Lin ngyao's thoughts drifted from Yulou to Mangxiang, then to Red Lantern Illumination, and finally to Lin Ying. He weighed countless factors, ultimately pushing Yulou's high pricing to the very back of his considerations. Having achieved his divine ability at three hundred years old, Lin ngyao understood clearly that he stood zero chance of ever opening a Purple Mansion. Not just him; the sa applied to Lin Hengtai. Among the younger generation of the Lin Clan, Lin Ying possessed the finest natural talent, though she was unfortunately a woman. Yet now, a Wang Yulou had suddenly materialized before him, essentially telling Ancestor ngyao to throw his weight behind him, claiming backing from the Wang Clan and the potential to reach the Purple Mansion realm. Under such circumstances, Wang Yulou's high pricing no longer appeared so glaring or excessive.
"Good nephew, I was simply a bit too hasty just now and uttered a few jokes. Please do not take them to heart."
Lin ngyao finally saw the light, calling him a good nephew once more. When Yulou entered, he was a nephew. After Yulou delivered his pricing, he beca Wang Yulou, an individual who needed to stay ho and treat his madness. And after Yulou concluded his display and explanation, he reverted to a good nephew, with the elder claiming he was too hasty, crack-brained jokes, and telling him not to take it to heart. It could only be said that not a single Foundation Establishnt cultivator—not even Wu Jinyan—was a genuine fool. Those accumulated years of life were entirely composed of experience and calculation!
"Yulou naturally understands that those requirents were a bit high. However, cultivation resembles constructing a tower. One's cultivation base serves as the main pillars of the tower; only when the pillars are firmly anchored can a cultivator stand firm. Right now is precisely the critical mont to put in effort and lay down the foundations; Yulou dares not slacken. Regarding the position of a dao companion, I do not possess the luxury to seek mutual affection; it can only serve as an exchange. Only in this manner can I reach for that seemingly unattainable possibility. I hope the Elder can understand."
If Wang Yulou used this attitude to handle Lin Ying, she would likely perceive him as a heartless scoundrel who refused to take emotional responsibility. However, utilizing it to deal with veteran cultivators like Wang Xianzhou, Wang Xianmao, Wang Jingyi, and Lin ngyao was absolutely perfect. Wang Jingyi was a ruthless woman who used her flying sword to force Hongi to trim his weight, Wang Xianzhou and Wang Xianmao were the ones who constantly reminded Yulou to be more ruthless, and Lin ngyao had certainly displayed a similar facet to achieve his current status. When all was said and done, in this cultivation world, if one isn't ruthless, one can't stand firm! Yulou's declaration appeared cold and detached, but the absolute calm and rationality it reflected left Lin ngyao deeply satisfied. Yes, it had to be this way. Only this resembled a true Purple Mansion seed!
"I can agree to all the conditions you have put forward. It is rely the matter of the Small Demon Realm spiritual bird that presents a bit of a challenge, so it might require so ti. I wonder what your thoughts are on this, Yulou."
Wang Yulou's heart finally settled down completely; it was a success.
"The Ancestor may rest easy. I can afford to wait for the spiritual bird. I rely hope the Ancestor can verify Senior Martial Sister Lin's true feelings on the matter. When all is said and done, it is best if both parties enter the agreent willingly."
Thinking of Lin Ying, Lin ngyao felt another trace of worry surface. The exact traits he found highly satisfactory in Yulou just now would, if applied directly to the relationship between Yulou and Lin Ying, make it appear as though he were pushing Lin Ying into a pit of fire. Sighing gently, Elder ngyao closed his eyes and spoke.
"I observed her glancing toward you repeatedly during her sword dance. Yulou, matters of affection between n and won are overly complicated; possessing a basic level of rapport is actually quite sufficient."
With the primary business concluded, Lin ngyao finally rembered Wang Yulou's miserable state under the pressure of his divine ability, drawing back its power to allow Yulou a mont to catch his breath. By now, Yulou was thoroughly drenched in sweat. Yet this was rely the passive effect of Lin ngyao's leaked divine ability; he had not applied any conscious effort whatsoever. He had no idea what specific divine ability the elder possessed, but its passive effect left one's entire body itching intensely. Yulou did not dare to ask, replying submissively instead.
"I shall defer entirely to the Ancestor's arrangents!"
Lin ngyao nodded, flying back up toward his stone platform.
"Good. Return and wait for a few days. The matter between you and Yingying must be celebrated with grand pomp. I shall provide you with a specific date as quickly as possible. When that ti cos, the Wang family must send at least two Foundation Establishnt cultivators to attend; the turnout cannot be inferior to your previous concubine ceremonies!"
Wang Yulou departed with a mixture of amusent and helplessness. Since entering Dripdrop Cave, he had already taken two won, and now he was on the verge of marrying a third... It truly aligned perfectly with the Patriarch's advice—to find a dao companion as quickly as possible. However, if the Lin family truly delivered on all the promised dowries and retainers, Wang Yulou estimated he could probably afford to marry many more tis in the future. Once the position of the primary companion was taken, he could offer the position of secondary companion at a discount, and the positions of concubines at a massive markdown. Ultimately, as long as it could be exchanged for cultivation resources to aid his pursuit of the Grand Dao, his face was entirely expendable. Once one possessed a high cultivation base, their face would naturally return! Tianshe was treated as an insignificant figure by the other Immortal Venerables upon the Gathering Immortals Platform, yet did he not still claim leadership over a sect and dominate an entire region?
—
Because Yulou never allowed his divine sense to scan blindly inside the Lin estate, he remained perfectly well-behaved. Consequently, as he exited the Lin mansion, he failed to notice Lin Ying watching him from the exact second-floor balcony where she had received him earlier. The expression in the young woman's eyes as she watched his departing back was incredibly complex. Toward Wang Yulou, she harbored a unique emotional projection akin to a form of post-traumatic healing. Lin Ying remained unconscious of her own internal shift, but her behavioral patterns consistently leaked traces of this sentint. It differed from standard affection, representing instead a coupling of latent emotion and subconscious impulse. Yet, in her heart, Wang Yulou had firmly separated himself from ordinary male cultivators.
However, none of this mattered to Yulou. In terms of emotion, he directed the vast majority of his feelings toward his blood relatives within the clan, leaving relatively little to spare for his partners. Seeking a dao companion and entering a marriage ceremony served solely to aid his advancent along the path of cultivation; he had understood this truth clearly from the very beginning. The celestial manors amidst the clouds of Dripdrop Cave Heaven were breathtakingly beautiful, but Yulou harbored no desire to appreciate the scenery, wishing only to return ho swiftly to resu his daily cultivation routine. Yet, before he could cover a few yards, an unfamiliar voice reached him from behind.
"Junior Martial Brother Yulou, please wait! Junior Martial Brother Yulou, please wait!"
Junior Martial Brother Yulou. Wang Yulou's brow furrowed tightly. Who within Dripdrop Cave currently possessed the sheer audacity to address him as Junior Martial Brother Yulou? Even Lin Ying would, at most, address him dryly as Wang Yulou, never daring to blindly throw around the title of junior martial brother. Old Fan and the others were even less daring, choosing to call him Yulou directly. He would turn to see exactly who dared to display such a lack of manners! Yulou would naturally not throw a tantrum like a hedonistic young master over a re form of address. He turned around calmly to inspect the arriving individual. An instant later, his face broke into a brilliant, warm smile as he greeted respectfully,
"Oh, Senior Martial Brother Yuan Wu! I have not seen you for half a year, yet you appear to have grown even more dashing!"
Yuan Wu, the cousin of the deceased Yuan Si, was a thoroughly renowned, prominent fool within Dripdrop Cave Heaven. The reason Yulou displayed such an exceptional attitude toward him was not born of respect, but rather a strategic maneuver designed to evade a fool!
"Hahaha, is that so? Let us skip the pleasantries. My clan's ancestor is aware that you have arrived at Dripdrop Heaven and wishes for you to co over."
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