When the first Third Grade Array protecting the sect's mountain stronghold was successfully completed, Ma Deqing and the other Elders finally breathed a true sigh of relief.

This meant that the entire Sect had now completely put down roots in this overseas territory. From now on, they could manage and develop things step by step.

Even without a Nascent Soul Ancestor presiding over them, the Sect still had multiple Core Formation Cultivators and could continue to survive and pass on its legacy as an established Golden Core power.

Perhaps in a number of years, a new Nascent Soul True Monarch would emerge from within the Sect, allowing them to take the next step and rejoin the ranks of the Nascent Soul powers.

"Sect Leader, we're still short on mortal subjects. Should we go to the territories of the smaller surrounding powers and raid them for a group to bring back?"

Master Pangli suggested.

In the Cultivation Realm, no power could survive without a large population of mortals to support it.

Whether it was reclaiming wasteland for farming, mining, hunting, herding, or fishing... these tasks were primarily handled by able-bodied mortals.

Selecting Immortal Seeds—those with Spirit Roots suitable for Cultivation—from among the mortal population and bringing them back to the Sect to be nurtured was also a crucial path for a power's growth and development.

Ma Deqing said thoughtfully, "Let's not be hasty for now. We'll talk about it again after the injured Disciples have recovered.

We still need to set up a few more Grand Arrays to strengthen the stronghold's Defense. That is our most urgent priority right now."

Master Pangli nodded and didn't press the issue.

"As for that Ling Family on Changqing Continent..."

Ma Deqing's expression darkened. "We won't bother with them for now. Once we've recovered our strength in the future, we'll settle the score with them once and for all!"

...

「In the Inner Study.」

After placating Li Hanyou and the other three women, Ling Changqing leisurely departed and made his way to the Patriarch's Women's Embroidery Tower.

Ling Qiyue, her dark hair coiled high and dressed in a vermilion gown, had already finished the matters at hand. She held a sky-blue teacup, leisurely sipping her tea.

Fu Yin Xue, Qin Yun, Ling Zhiqing, and Ling Bingyun were all present, their collective beauty as dazzling as shimmering pearls and liquid jade.

They chatted idly, their glistening, alluring eyes glancing toward the door from time to time. They had clearly been waiting for quite a while.

When Ling Changqing's tall, athletic figure appeared, all eyes in the room focused on him.

"...Husband, you finally decided to grace us with your presence?"

Tang Qiu Yao, magnificently graceful with her cloud-like coiffure, chided him playfully. Her voluptuous yet slender body rose gracefully as she elegantly walked over to embrace him.

Ling Changqing acknowledged her with a sound and said with a slightly apologetic expression, "This session of closed-door cultivation was indeed a bit long. I'll be sure to spend some proper time with you all now."

Fu Yin Xue, whose features were bright and lovely and whose beautiful eyes sparkled, huffed coquettishly. "Weren't you just keeping those four little wenches company? How do you still have time for us?"

"That was just a small accident. After all, their Cultivation is still shallow, and they're in urgent need of improvement."

Ling Changqing explained gently.

He had been intercepted by Xiao Meiniang and the other three women the moment he came out of seclusion. It was inevitable that the women here would feel a little resentful, so he had to properly coax them.

Ling Qiyue suppressed a smile and asked, "Husband, your foundation is quite profound now. You should be able to attempt a breakthrough to the Golden Core Master Realm, right?"

Ling Changqing nodded. "Indeed, I'm about there. I'll definitely be able to break through during my next session of closed-door cultivation."

"That's good to hear."

Ling Qiyue's expression was joyful. As long as Ling Changqing succeeded, Changqing Continent—and by extension, the Feiyu Sea Region—would publicly have three Golden Core Masters presiding over it.

"But, I'm about to break through too, you know! Husband, you can't be idle now!"

Tang Qiu Yao shot him a look of playful resentment.

Back when Ling Changqing was still a Qi Refining Stage Cultivator, she had already reached the Foundation Establishment Level. After so many years of arduous cultivation, she too was now at the Peak of Foundation Establishment.

"Don't worry, I won't keep you waiting. And there's enough for everyone!"

Ling Changqing could only say this. 'With something like this, I can't show favoritism. I have to spread the love evenly.'

"Now that's more like it!"

The women's pouting turned to delight. The tall and voluptuous Ling Bingyun came over and linked her arm with his, her lustrous, beautiful eyes shimmering with charm.

"There's no time to waste. Husband, shall we go and... cultivate right now?"