Longevity Starts With Dual Cultivation - Chapter 22
A thousand miles away, Longhuan Island.
This was the headquarters of the Wu cultivation family, with an area nearly twice that of Zen Heart Island.
Three second-grade spiritual veins running through the entire island, along with the numerous cave abodes and blessed lands derived from them, formed the foundation upon which this family had risen to prominence.
On the surface, the Wu family had two more Foundation Establishment cultivators than the Ling family, but these two had only recently advanced. Thus, the Wu family’s advantage wasn’t particularly significant, especially since rumors suggested Ling Qiyue had already reached the late Foundation Establishment stage.
In a tranquil and elegant courtyard, Elder Wu Jinghong, who oversaw intelligence affairs, remained silent after listening to his subordinate’s report.
The ambush could be considered successful, many Ling family disciples and pearl divers had been killed. Unfortunately, none of the key figures had been eliminated.
As for the bandit cultivators who participated in the attack nearly being wiped out, it didn’t matter much. After all, they weren’t family members, just temporary recruits desperate enough to take the risk.
Now that they had almost all perished in the operation, it actually saved the family from having to pay the remaining spirit stones owed.
“Leave it at that for now. I’ll report to the family head shortly,” Wu Jinghong finally said.
A subordinate nearby frowned and softly reminded, “Elder, the Ling family has suffered losses and likely won’t let this slide easily. If they insist on retaliation…”
Wu Jinghong pondered and replied, “That’s a possibility. Alert our people to be vigilant. All important assets and islands must increase their security levels to prevent the Ling family or other forces from exploiting any weaknesses.”
The subordinate solemnly acknowledged the order.
From the Wu family’s perspective, the Ling family was indeed a mortal enemy, but the other families couldn’t be ignored either.
None of their foundations had been built effortlessly. To survive safely in this era of fierce conflict and constant strife, caution and prudence were essential.
Wu Jinghong flicked his sleeve and left the courtyard, intending to consult with the family head once more.
…
In a room aboard the sea vessel.
Ling Changqing was enjoying his meal heartily. On the table, large bowls of Spirit Rice and several plates of demon beast meat emitted an enticing aroma, accompanied by two pots of spiritual wine.
Since Ling Zifeng’s injuries hadn’t healed yet and he needed to rest behind closed doors, and with the significant losses among family disciples and pearl divers requiring swift replenishment, continuing underwater work was currently impossible.
Thus, over the past few days, Ling Changqing had remained in his room, focusing entirely on cultivation without stepping outside. After all, he had no close friends or acquaintances anyway.
The three women, Su Yu and her companions, had attempted to extend goodwill previously but failed. Since then, they hadn’t approached Ling Changqing again. After the attack, they didn’t stay on the sea vessel either, and their whereabouts were unknown.
Tang Qiuyao had already returned to the family headquarters on Zen Heart Island. With such a major incident occurring, the family head, Ling Qiyue, and other senior family members had to respond accordingly.
It was quite possible that the Ling family’s retaliation had already begun in secret.
The Wu family wasn’t one to swallow insults either. Having suffered losses, they would inevitably seek to regain face. With back-and-forth actions, an escalation of the conflict was almost unavoidable.
If the two families indeed erupted into full-scale war prematurely, it would likely be difficult to determine a winner anytime soon.
Ling Changqing silently reflected that there was little he could do at the moment. Continuing to lay low and focus on cultivation was the right path forward.
A familiar voice suddenly came from the Array Formation Restriction at the door. Ling Changqing paused briefly before rising to open it.
Tian Wenhu, dressed in a white robe and exuding an elegant scholarly aura, stepped inside with a smile. Glancing at the dishes on the table, he remarked: “You’re in high spirits today, young master! It’s rare to see you not immersed in cultivation.”
Ling Changqing invited Tian Wenhu to sit and inquired gently, “How is the injury of the steward?”
“Nothing serious. A few more days of rest should suffice.”
Tian Wenhu explained that Ling Zifeng had not returned to Zen Heart Island to recuperate but chose to remain on the sea vessel, indicating the situation wasn’t severe.
After a moment’s thought, Ling Changqing asked, “As for the Wu family, the clan’s higher-ups must have taken some action by now?”
Tian Wenhu nodded. “It’s not too confidential. Rumor has it the clan head personally destroyed two of Wu family mines, eliminated a number of their disciples and miners, and even sparred with two of their Foundation Establishment cultivators…”
The outcome of the duel remained unknown to the public. However, since then, the Wu family had noticeably restrained themselves, ceasing all harassment and provocation against the Ling family.
“It seems a full-scale conflict between the two families is unlikely for now,” Ling Changqing observed. Since neither side held absolute certainty of victory, the wisest course was to step back and compromise.
Tian Wenhu agreed, “That’s the current situation. The Wu family’s leaders aren’t fools either, they know what’s most pragmatic.”
No clan head would willingly accept mutual destruction only to have rival families reap the benefits afterward.
After all, cultivators possessed long lifespans; they could afford to accumulate strength gradually while waiting for the right opportunity.
Ling Changqing looked at him. “So what should we do now?”
“The clan has decided to dispatch another group of disciples, along with newly recruited rogue cultivator pearl divers, to continue gathering resources underwater,” Tian Wenhu explained.
After the recent attack, many of the surviving rogue cultivator pearl divers were too frightened and chose to withdraw.
But the Ling family’s undersea resource collection plans would not halt. Consequently, Zen Heart Island had recently raised recruitment benefits to attract enough rogue cultivators for the underwater work.
However, this wouldn’t be accomplished overnight, it would likely take one or two months to gather sufficient personnel.
Ling Changqing stated, “Once recruitment is complete, I’ll resume underwater work. With so much debt to the clan and the need to advance my cultivation, I must earn more spirit stones.”
Tian Wenhu expressed understanding, “Young master, your fortune and destiny are extraordinary. Underwater work suits you well, let’s settle it that way.”
“For now, you may cultivate quietly aboard the ship or stay briefly at Zen Heart Island, returning when the next expedition sets sail.”
“Understood.”
After conversing a while longer, Tian Wenhu took his leave. Ling Changqing saw him out before returning to finish his meal.
Once satiated, Ling Changqing began contemplating his next steps.
Daily cultivation couldn’t be neglected, but perhaps there was something else he could do?
Ultimately, his rapid growth owed much to the Epoch Star Palace. It was through its influence that his soul continued to strengthen. The strength of his Soul Essence brought about an enhancement in comprehension and innate talent, which in turn meant a rising tide in cultivation efficiency. Combined with the profound and elusive great power of fortune and destiny, it collectively contributed to Ling Changqing’s swift and vigorous growth rate.
Ling Changqing was well aware in his heart that the friendly attitudes of Ling Zifeng, Tang Qiuyao, and even Ling Qiyue toward him were likely closely related to the increase in his own fortune and destiny.
However, given the nature of the exotic treasure, the Epoch Star Palace, only those who harbored ill will toward Ling Changqing could passively yield a certain amount of Soul Essence.
Thus, the room for maneuvering was quite limited if he wanted to cultivate discreetly while ensuring a sufficient influx of Soul Essence. After all, Ling Changqing’s cultivation level was still low, and his personal safety was the top priority.
“Forget it, I’ll try matchmaking at the market and see if I can take advantage of those young female cultivators.”
Ling Changqing finally made up his mind.
Early the next morning, Ling Changqing bid farewell to the steward Ling Zifeng and took a flying boat back to Zen Heart Island.
At the market, Ling Changqing first found an inn to settle in.
The rooms here were fairly decent, with lavish and exquisite furnishings, though they lacked Spiritual Energy arrays, making them relatively cheap.
After changing into a brand-new, elegant light-purple robe, Ling Changqing leisurely stepped out and headed toward the Heavenly Match Pavilion in the market.
A short while later.
Ling Changqing was already seated in the VIP room of the Heavenly Match Pavilion, chatting amiably with the receptionist, the Golden Matchmaker Granny Wang.
“…Young man, your qualifications are quite impressive!”
Granny Wang, with her fair complexion and plump, smiling face, examined the Jade Slip in her hand and then looked over the handsome youth in purple sitting opposite her, clicking her tongue in admiration.
As a direct descendant of the Ling family, he received a fixed monthly resource allocation. At just fourteen years old, he had already reached the fourth level of Qi refining, possessed a human-grade spiritual root, earned no less than two hundred spirit stones per month, and had savings of several thousand spirit stones…
While this might not be noteworthy in major sects, within Zen Heart Island and surrounding cultivation families of similar scale, Ling Changqing’s conditions were considered first-rate and outstanding.
Whether in terms of appearance or resource foundation, Ling Changqing’s appeal to female cultivators was unparalleled, especially to those without backing, background, or talent, the young female cultivators who dreamed of changing their fate and achieving a class leap through marriage or a cultivation partner.
“Young Master Ling, what kind of Dual Cultivation Partner are you looking for?”
Granny Wang asked with a cheerful smile. “With your qualifications, you can already meet the most outstanding female cultivators in the Heavenly Match Pavilion. There’s no harm in meeting a few more.”
The cultivation world had no tradition of monogamy. As long as the man’s conditions were sufficiently outstanding, having multiple cultivation partners was not an issue, and the same applied to women.
“I don’t have any special requirements. Just someone kind, gentle, virtuous, and obedient will do!”
Ling Changqing spoke vaguely. Since he had resolved to take advantage of the situation, he couldn’t be too specific, he had no intention of actually choosing a female cultivator to bring back.
“Is that so? Very well, then I’ll make the arrangements for you!”
Granny Wang nodded. As a Golden Matchmaker in this industry, what kind of situation hadn’t she encountered?
This young man from the Ling family must have high standards but was too embarrassed to describe them in detail, hence his evasive response.”Don’t worry, young sir. Every fellow cultivator who comes to me for matchmaking has succeeded without exception. Just wait to embrace a beauty as your own!”
Granny Wang said with a beaming smile, swaying her full hips as she went out the door.
At the corner of the corridor outside, two maids hurried up to her and asked in low voices, “Mama Wang, how should we arrange for this young gentleman?”
Granny Wang snorted: “How to arrange? This one is a distinguished guest of the Heavenly Match Pavilion. Those unworthy ones shouldn’t harbor foolish hopes. Quickly send messages to those few and invite them to come take a look!”
The maids acknowledged and turned to hurry away.
Ling Changqing didn’t have to wait long before the beaded curtain at the entrance rustled, and a female cultivator in goose-yellow robes, with stunning beauty and graceful bearing, walked slowly into the room.