Moreover, compared to before, Ling Changqing discovered that the Destiny of each of the young women had increased to some degree. This was likely due to the official master-disciple bond he now shared with them.

In the future, as long as he was willing to support them—and most importantly, as long as they were diligent and hardworking enough and didn’t meet a calamitous end—becoming Foundation Establishment Cultivators wouldn’t be difficult.

Outside, Song Xuelan directed the maids, who brought in the prepared Spirit Tea and Snacks one by one.

As Ling Changqing’s Direct Disciples, their treatment in every respect was naturally of the highest quality.

Li Hanyou blinked, her lovely eyes curiously examining the sky-blue teacup and four exquisite Jade Plates on the table before her. They were filled to the brim with delightfully fragrant spirit gourds and fruits.

These all came from the clan’s Spirit Field orchards. Less than an hour had passed from the moment they were picked to when they were washed and served.

Of course, Li Hanyou had previously lived a life of luxury, but that was limited to the finest mortal delicacies. She had never had the opportunity to taste resources meant exclusively for Cultivators.

She glanced to her left and right, then reached out and picked up a fist-sized Silver Thread Fire Cloud Date. Taking a gentle bite, she began to savor it carefully.

Instantly, her large, dark, sparkling eyes flew wide. Forgetting her ladylike demeanor, she made short work of the Spirit Fruit, devouring it in a few quick bites until only the pit remained.

Moments after she swallowed the sweet and refreshing pulp, Li Hanyou felt her mind clear and her spirits soar. An indescribable sense of comfort and contentment spread through her entire body.

Only then did she belatedly look over at Ling Changqing, realizing that her young Master showed no signs of displeasure. Instead, he was watching her with a smile in his eyes.

In truth, it wasn’t just Li Hanyou. The reactions of the other young women from the mortal realm were much the same. The Female Cultivators who had already started on the path of Cultivation, however, were considerably more composed.

’In that case...’

Li Hanyou’s gaze immediately fell back to the Jade Plate in front of her. She grabbed a Flame Heart Snow Pear and, opening her little mouth, began to munch on it happily.

In no time at all, Li Hanyou had polished off every Spirit Fruit on her Jade Plate. Rubbing her stomach, she still looked as if she hadn’t had her fill.

"Is everyone... full now?"

Ling Changqing asked with a smile.

"Mhm, we’re full!"

"These Spirit Fruits are delicious!"

"Will we get more? We can eat them every day, right...?"

The young women all chattered at once.

Li Hanyou thought for a moment, then mustered her courage and said sweetly, "Master, I have a rather large appetite. I’m still not full!"

As soon as she said this, Chen Zihan and Yang Yunfei, who were nearby, both gave her odd looks.

Li Hanyou blinked her large, glistening, almond-shaped eyes, her expression full of innocence, yet her innate, bewitching charm was off the charts.

"Very well. You can have my share, too."

Ling Changqing nodded, and the two plates of Spirit Fruits from his own table floated gracefully over, landing steadily in front of Li Hanyou.

"Then... thank you very much, Master!"

Li Hanyou’s face lit up with joy. ’Just as I thought,’ she mused, ’only the bold get to enjoy extra perks.’

Boldly winking at Ling Changqing, she reached out, grabbed a Long Xiang Honey Cloud Peach, and began to eat it with delight.

Ling Changqing’s warm, placid gaze swept across the hall as he said,

"Today, only Li Hanyou dared to speak her true thoughts. Therefore, this is a reward she has earned.

"Remember that the Cultivation Realm is a world of great struggle. Every advantage, every opportunity, must be fought for with all your might. The old ways of being gentle, kind, and deferential are useless here.

"From now on, do not make the same mistake again!"

’That hussy...’

Many of the surrounding Female Cultivators cursed Li Hanyou in their hearts. If they had known their young Master was so easy to talk to, they would have spoken up as well.

Xiao Meiniang’s delicate brows knitted together. ’You were clever this time, Li Hanyou,’ she thought, ’but don’t think you’ll get another opportunity like this.’

Yang Yunfei shot Li Hanyou a sideways glance with a half-smile on her face. A glint flickered in her eyes; it was impossible to know what she was plotting.

Chen Zihan, the youngest and most naive of the group, whispered, "Sister Han You, could you spare a couple for me?"

"No way! They’re all mine!"

Li Hanyou huffed, moving her hands to shield the Jade Plates in front of her.

’These Spirit Fruits were exceptionally delicious; she didn’t even have enough for herself. How could she possibly bear to share them with anyone else?’

"Hmph, so stingy!"

Chen Zihan pouted, muttering in discontent.

Next came the formal teaching session, the details of which need not be described.

Before they knew it, the day had quietly slipped by. In the blink of an eye, dusk fell, and it was time to light the lanterns.

Under the eaves, Ling Menghuan directed the maids to hang up fist-sized Luminous Pearls in every room and along all the corridors, leaving none unlit.

Under the soft glow of the pearls, the entire Cave Mansion Hall—every courtyard, every pavilion, every single corner—was as bright as day.

"...Alright, that will be all for today."

After finishing his explanation of a key section of the Qi Cultivation Techniques, Ling Changqing said, "In a moment, you will all go to the adjacent hall for your meal. Return here tomorrow morning for the next lecture."

The young women happily agreed and rose to their feet, chattering amongst themselves as they headed out the door in small groups.

In the brightly lit hall, a lavish feast had already been set out, its aroma filling the air.

Two neat rows of maids stood to the side, dressed in black silk stockings and sheer cheongsams, their vibrant, youthful figures faintly visible through the fabric.

Needless to say, these outfits had been personally designed by Ling Changqing.

The maids’ unusual attire immediately caught the young women’s attention.

"Huh? This style of clothing feels a little strange. Did Master pick it out?"

Xiao Meiniang whispered in confusion, blinking her pretty eyes.