The appearance of the Child of Destiny had already changed the fates of too many people, especially those around him.

"Enough talk. Let’s head back. We still have to cultivate with Master tonight."

Seeing that the Cold Jade Boxes were all full, Li Hanyou said with a radiant smile.

Xiao Meiniang and the other two women agreed and left the orchard together.

「In the Inner Garden Flower Hall.」

Clad in a magnificent purple robe adorned with star and cloud patterns, the majestic Ling Changqing stood at the entrance, his jet-black eyes gazing toward the distant mountains.

The Spirit Vein Cave Mansion Halls in that region were mostly rented out by the Ling Family, so they housed a large number of visiting Loose Cultivators. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

In the past few days, two Cultivators had entered seclusion to assail the Core Formation Realm. One of them had been unlucky; not only did he fail to even form a Pseudo Core, but he also ended up with damaged meridians.

The other Cultivator in seclusion had yet to emerge, but with Ling Changqing’s keen eye, he could tell this person would, at best, become a Pseudo Core Cultivator.

Becoming a Pseudo Core Cultivator was already a fairly ideal outcome. If they were lucky enough in the future to gather sufficient resources, they could still find a way to dissolve the Pseudo Core and once again assail the Core Formation Realm.

As for the Qi Refining Stage Cultivators who rented the Grade Two Spirit Vein Cave Mansion Halls to attempt a breakthrough into the Foundation Establishment Realm, their numbers were even greater.

Some among them succeeded, and some failed. Roughly one or two out of every ten would achieve their goal and become a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

"...Husband!"

A soft, melodious voice came from behind. Qin Yun, dressed in a snow-white gown and looking vibrant and as alluring as a fox, approached gracefully and gently took his arm.

Compared to before her breakthrough, the beauty’s features and aura had changed significantly. She was now even more radiant and breathtakingly captivating.

Each time a Female Cultivator advanced a Great Realm, she had the opportunity to mend any flaws in her face and body, bringing her physical appearance closer to perfection.

Ling Changqing turned to look at her, his gaze softening. "Have you stabilized your Golden Core Realm? Excellent."

After several years of diligent, unceasing Cultivation, the three peerless beauties—Qin Yun, Ling Yulu, and Ling Yuzhu—had all reached the Great Perfection of their accumulated foundation. Not long ago, they had entered seclusion one after another to assail the Golden Core Master Realm.

With the aid of Ling Changqing’s Luck and Fortune, the outcome was, unsurprisingly, a complete success.

However, to avoid attracting unwanted attention, the three of them chose not to enter seclusion on Changqing Continent, going instead to Yu Long Island.

Yu Long Island also possessed a large Grade Three Spirit Vein Cave Mansion Hall. The biggest advantage was that its Marketplace had been closed, so there were normally no outside Cultivators, making it easy to maintain secrecy.

Qin Yun’s jade-like face flushed slightly as she said softly, "If it weren’t for you, Husband, I imagine forming a Pseudo Core would have been the limit of my achievements in this lifetime."

Ling Changqing chuckled. "We are Dao Companions. There’s no need for such formalities."

Qin Yun’s raven-black eyelashes fluttered, her lustrous eyes shimmering as she whispered,

"You’ll have to pay more attention to Bingyun’s Cultivation from now on! She’s almost at the late stage of Foundation Establishment."

"Of course."

Ling Changqing nodded.

However, Ling Bingyun and the others had a limited foundation. They still had a long way to go before they could even touch the threshold of Core Formation; even Dual Cultivation couldn’t completely solve the problem.

Just then, he saw Ling Yulu, with her cool and majestic air, and Ling Yuzhu, gentle, serene, and intellectual, approaching hand in hand.

"Husband, the feast is ready. Sister Yue wants us all to head over!"

Ling Yuzhu said with a sweet smile.

"Let’s all go together, then!"

Ling Changqing said, and then left, surrounded by the three women.

「In the Women’s Embroidery Tower.」

On a massive Azure Jade Table, a dazzling array of delicacies and Spirit Wine Nectar was laid out, its fragrant aroma filling the air.

Ling Qiyue, Tang Qiu Yao, Xue Qingtan, Meng Feiyu, and Fu Yin Xue were all present, each one a radiant beauty, their collective presence like a dazzling tapestry of shimmering jewels.

"Husband is here..."

Upon seeing Ling Changqing arrive, the women all spoke up to greet him.

Only after Ling Changqing had taken his seat did they follow suit.

Before long, Ling Bingyun, Ling Zhiqing, Ling Xueyu, Mu Yu Xin, and Xiao Meiniang also arrived, each one a stunning beauty who had clearly taken great care with her appearance.

"Now that everyone is here, let the feast begin!"

Ling Qiyue, who radiated an aura of dignified elegance and brilliant poise, said with a smile.

This gathering was mainly to celebrate the breakthrough of Qin Yun, Ling Yulu, and Ling Yuzhu to the Golden Core Realm.

The number of Golden Core Cultivators in the Ling Family was growing, which was undoubtedly a good thing. However, for the sake of secrecy, it was not yet appropriate to celebrate publicly, lest they arouse suspicion from watchful eyes.

Only when the time was right could such news be gradually revealed to the public.

"...I have some good news,"

After three rounds of wine, Xue Qingtan set down her Azure Jade Wine Goblet and said gently,

"Given the growing popularity of Changqing Continent, the higher-ups have decided to expand business operations in the Feiyu Sea Region. A large-scale auction will be held at the end of next month.

Not only will a large number of practical Third Grade and Quasi-Rank Four Cultivation Resources appear, but there will even be some Rank Four materials and Elixirs.

Husband, sisters, if there’s anything you need, you should all start preparing now!"

"Such a wonderful event? It seems we’ll all have to attend."

Ling Changqing said with a smile.

According to the Xingyun sun Commerce Association’s usual practice, only a Golden Core power whose influence had reached a sufficiently high level would receive such treatment.

Over the past few years, the Ling Family of Changqing Continent had sold an increasing volume of specialty resources to the Xingyun sun Commerce Association, enough to be on par with some long-established Golden Core powers.

The Commerce Association would naturally give such a high-quality client its due attention. Expanding business and holding an auction was the logical consequence.

Another benefit was that the restrictions on the Ling Family’s purchase of certain important Third Grade resources were further relaxed, with improvements in both the permitted quantity and quality.

As for the various resources appearing at the auction, there would be even fewer restrictions. It would basically be a matter of the highest bidder wins.

Ling Qiyue mused, "The family treasury still has plenty of surplus Spirit Stones. If any of you sisters are short on funds, you can borrow some for now."

"That would be wonderful."

Qin Yun looked delighted. She had just broken through to the Golden Core Realm and had spent nearly all of her savings in the process.

It would be a terrible shame if she saw something she coveted at the auction but couldn’t afford it.

Ling Changqing smiled. "Since this is a rare opportunity, everyone should feel free to shop to their heart’s content. I will cover all the expenses."

A woman’s love for shopping is a natural instinct that doesn’t change with time or place; Female Cultivators were no exception.

Come to think of it, his ladies were always so busy with their Cultivation that they rarely had a chance to go out shopping. That was why Ling Changqing had decided to indulge them this one time.

In any case, his private treasury was flush with Spirit Stones. Even with so many Dao Companions, it was not much of a financial burden.

"When did you become so generous, Husband? I’m feeling a little overwhelmed!"

The lovely and radiant Ling Zhiqing, who had long, slender legs, giggled behind her hand.

Ling Qiyue’s fine brows furrowed slightly as she said gently, "Husband, that’s not entirely appropriate. There ought to be a limit, shouldn’t there?

How about... two thousand Middle-grade Spirit Stones for each sister at the Golden Core Stage, and five hundred Middle-grade Spirit Stones for each sister at the Foundation Establishment Stage. They’ll have to cover any amount beyond that themselves. How does that sound?"

Without rules, there can be no order. There were already many women in Ling Changqing’s household, and if certain rules weren’t established soon, things would become difficult to manage later.

"Sister is right. I have no objections."

Tang Qiu Yao immediately chimed in. It was true they were all sisters, but certain matters really needed to be kept clear.

"Yes, let’s do that. We have no objections either."

Xue Qingtan, Meng Feiyu, Qin Yun, and the others also expressed their agreement.

"Alright, it’s settled then."

Ling Changqing nodded and turned to ask Xue Qingtan,

"What kind of treasures will actually be at the auction? Also, how often will such a grand event be held?"

Xue Qingtan smiled. "I’m not too sure about your first question. Someone else is in charge of that. I probably won’t be able to get the list until a day or two before the event begins.

As for how often it will be held? That depends on how this auction goes. If it’s successful, it will surely become an annual event."

"I see."

Ling Changqing understood. In the end, it was all a question of having enough Spirit Stones.

’If all the valuable items at this auction find buyers, and the association’s higher-ups see enough profit,’ he thought, ’they’ll naturally be motivated to continue holding it.’

’In that case, I might as well arrange to buy up any resources that the family can use.’