There was a simple reason for this: the cost of training one was simply too high unless they had powerful outside support, or the Pill Master themselves had a fortuitous encounter of so kind.
Therefore, Ling Qiyue’s appearance had severely disrupted the balance in this sea region, to the point where the leaders of many smaller powers were growing restless.
The Yang Family Patriarch, Yang Yuan, spoke in a low voice, "Do we go to war? Now, or later?"
The Mu Family Patriarch, Mu Canglong, said calmly, "The Ling Family currently has four Foundation Establishnt Cultivators presiding over it. This war will inevitably result in significant casualties. We need to negotiate a compensation plan right now."
"Of course, the distribution of post-war benefits must also be made clear, to avoid any bad blood later on."
The Zhu and Yang Families only had one Foundation Establishnt Cultivator each, and the Mu Family only had two. They truly couldn’t afford to suffer heavy losses.
If they lost a Foundation Establishnt Cultivator in the war, their entire family would imdiately be like at on a chopping block, left to be carved up by others.
Xiao Yunshan nodded. "I have no objections. War is a dangerous and deadly affair, so every aspect must be properly prepared. Fellow Daoist Wu, what are your thoughts?"
Wu Canglang’s expression was solemn. "That goes without saying! Since everyone is here today, it’s the perfect ti to discuss the details."
He understood that these n were all suspicious, worried the Wu Family would use them as cannon fodder. Their foundations weren’t deep to begin with, and a war would likely deplete most of their resources.
At that point, if the Wu Family’s upper echelon turned on them and decided to swallow up their establishnts as well, it would be a classic case of being sold out and still helping the buyer count the money.
’Unfortunately for them, this was exactly what Wu Canglang was thinking. If these smaller powers suffered excessive losses in the future siege against the Ling Family, the Wu Family would absolutely not miss the opportunity to kick them while they were down.’
However, the Yang, Zhu, and Mu Families, as well as the Chiyang Sect, were no fools either. They were also secretly pondering how to preserve their strength and the feasibility of turning around to backstab the Wu Family at a critical mont.
Forget all that nonsense about alliances, good faith, and reputation. Compared to such empty concepts, the survival and security of one’s own clan was always paramount!
The Cultivation Realm had always been this cruel and dark. In the face of sufficiently great benefits, there was no room for sentint or loyalty.
...
「Zenxin Island.」
By a lake enveloped in a Spiritual Energy Array.
"...Thank you for your trouble, little brother. This is your reward!"
A middle-aged man with deep eyes and a wide smile took the Spirit Talisman from Ling Changqing, then stuffed a stack of faintly glowing Talismans into his hands.
Ling Changqing nodded and said gently, "The Patriarch is waiting. Please go as soon as you can, Elder."
This Ling Family Elder, already at the Peak of the Ninth Level of Qi Cultivation, agreed, his excitent palpable.
After all, for him, there was nothing more joyous than the opportunity to be granted a Foundation Establishnt Pill.
Ling Changqing bid farewell to the Elder, got his bearings, and headed toward the residence of the final candidate.
A mont later, he arrived before a residence nestled by a quiet forest spring, where birds sang and flowers blood.
The two Maids on duty at the entrance saw a handso young man with a noble bearing and clear, bright eyes approaching at a leisurely pace. He was dressed in magnificent, deep purple robes embroidered with star and cloud patterns that shimred with a faint Spiritual Light, giving him a graceful and ethereal air, like a jade tree in the wind.
"Eh? You... you’re Young Master Ling Changqing, aren’t you?"
asked one of the Maids in a white dress, her delicate features showing a hint of surprise.
These days, Ling Changqing was no longer an unknown figure within the family, especially after becoming the Patriarch Ling Qiyue’s Pill Master Apprentice.
Many Ling Family disciples couldn’t help but feel a mix of envy, jealousy, and resentnt toward his extraordinary fortune. Certain clan elders even grumbled, believing the Patriarch was showing favoritism.
However, intimidated by Ling Qiyue’s authority, no one dared to do anything out of line. Besides, Ling Changqing’s Cultivation had already reached the Qi Cultivation 6th Layer, making him a much harder target to manipulate or plot against.
Ling Changqing spoke gently, "Is your master in? I have co on the Patriarch’s orders to et with Elder Qin and discuss a matter of importance."
"Ah, yes. This servant will inform her at once."
The Maid nodded hastily and hurried inside with light steps.
Before long, the sound of slightly hurried footsteps approached, and a tall, curvaceous Female Cultivator in a red dress with a radiant complexion appeared before him.
When she saw Ling Changqing, unconcealed delight filled her beautiful, clear eyes. "Has the young master finally decided to pay a visit?"
This Female Cultivator had fair skin and picturesque features, as radiant as a peach blossom. Her large, dark eyes gazed at him with a smile. She was at the Qi Cultivation Seventh Level, but her aura was slightly unstable, suggesting a recent breakthrough.
"Miss Bingyun?"
Ling Changqing was also a bit surprised. He had t this woman once at a family gathering more than two years ago, at which ti he had even bought so Talismans and Spirit Wine from her.
Later, at an auction, she had even given Ling Changqing a Rank Breaking Elixir for the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation: a Qingyuan Cloud Dew Pill.
"So you rember? I’m surprised you still rember your big sister..."
A hint of mock grievance appeared in Ling Bingyun’s beautiful eyes. "I just wanted to invite you over as a guest. We’ve known each other for so long, and you wouldn’t even agree to et?"
Ling Bingyun hadn’t seen Ling Changqing since that family gathering ended. He had also missed the next two gatherings due to being in Cultivation in Seclusion.
Ling Changqing was silent for a mont before saying softly, "My aptitude is limited. I can only focus my heart on the Dao and will not be distracted by anything else before I reach Foundation Establishnt."
"Oh, so that’s how it is... The young master’s ambitions are lofty. It is I who was being shallow!"
Ling Bingyun’s expression turned lancholic. The handso, purple-robed young man before her possessed outstanding talent and potential, and he was deeply valued and nurtured by the Patriarch. Reaching Foundation Establishnt in the future would likely not be a problem for him.
Her own future, however, was not so certain. Although she had the support of a Foundation Establishnt Elder, Ling Tianhe, whether she could obtain a Foundation Establishnt Pill in the future was still up in the air.
Ling Changqing’s expression grew serious. He asked softly, "May I ask what your relationship is to Elder Qin? I have co on the Patriarch’s orders to discuss sothing with her..."
Ling Bingyun looked slightly taken aback. "So you’re here to see my mother? Then co in and talk!"
With that, she welcod Ling Changqing into the residence.
"...Yun’er, do we have a guest?"
A soft, lodious voice drifted from afar.
"Mother, it’s like this..."
Ling Bingyun called back and briefly explained the reason for his visit.
"I see. Forgive my tardiness. Please wait a mont, young master."
As she spoke, a beautiful, tall, and voluptuous figure in a dress as black as ink gracefully erged.
The exquisite and intricate black dress further accentuated her snow-white skin, which was as flawless as beautiful jade. Her magnificent, statuesque curves were fully displayed. Her features were dignified and grand, yet she possessed a fox-like charm. She bore a fifty to sixty percent resemblance to Ling Bingyun.
She stood there quietly, like a perfectly shaded ink wash painting—tiless, profound, and unforgettable.
This was Ling Bingyun’s nominal mother, Qin Yun. She was also a Cultivator at the Peak of the Ninth Level of Qi Cultivation, a close confidante of Ling Qiyue, and had served as a Ling Family Elder for many years, but she had never taken a Dao Companion.
After getting a clear look at the handso, purple-robed young man before her, Qin Yun’s serene and dignified expression faltered slightly. She said softly,
"So you’re Ling Changqing? You certainly are handso. But... what’s wrong with my Bingyun? How could you possibly turn her down?"
Ling Changqing: "..."
’He hadn’t expected that this stunningly beautiful woman, whose graceful bearing and magnificent aura were in no way inferior to Tang Qiu Yao’s, would be so direct right from the start.’
"Mother..."
Beside them, Ling Bingyun’s pretty face flushed red as she said with a hint of indignation, "Young Master Ling is here on official business!"
Qin Yun nodded slightly. "That’s true. We mustn’t let personal matters interfere with official ones. Young Master Ling, please state your business."
Ling Changqing said, "Elder Qin, please dismiss your attendants. The Patriarch has instructed that this matter must be disclosed to you alone."
Qin Yun’s elegant, dark brows arched slightly. She nodded in agreent and had Ling Bingyun lead all the Maids and servants out, then closed the doors.
Once they were alone in the room, Ling Changqing took out the Spirit Talisman and relayed the details.
Even with her considerable ntal fortitude, upon hearing the joyous news, Qin Yun’s breathing couldn’t help but quicken.
"Is it... is it really about distributing Foundation Establishnt Pills? I didn’t mishear, did I?"
She grabbed Ling Changqing’s arm and asked again in disbelief.
Every Cultivator whose Cultivation reached the Qi Cultivation 9th Layer dread of reaching Foundation Establishnt. However, due to the scarcity and difficulty of obtaining Foundation Establishnt Pills, not even one in a hundred could achieve their wish.
Originally, Qin Yun hadn’t held out much hope, but now, to be suddenly told a Foundation Establishnt Pill was within her grasp—this imnse surprise was truly no less than a pie falling from the sky.
"Ti is short. Please don’t delay, Elder Qin,"
Ling Changqing said, glancing discreetly at the smooth, jade-like hand gripping him.
Qin Yun’s stunningly beautiful face flushed slightly. She released her grip and said in a soft, smooth voice, "I lost my composure for a mont. I’ve made a fool of myself in front of the young master."
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