Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation-Chapter 217 - 163: Watching the Storm Gather, Part 2

Chapter 217: Chapter 163: Watching the Storm Gather, Part 2

After a moment of deliberation, Ling Changqing made his decision.

’It’s best to let those bigwigs think the Child of Destiny has already gone missing. Only then will they stop hounding the Deep Sea Dragon Race.’

As for Luo Qingxuan and her daughter, Bai Qingyi, they were already his Dao Companions, and Ling Changqing was willing to acknowledge them.

’Once I become a Nascent Soul True Monarch, or even a Divinity Transformation Powerhouse, I can come back for them without worrying about their safety.’

At this thought, Ling Changqing let out a soft sigh.

’After I leave this time, I’ll just sneak back to the Changqing Continent.’

He hadn’t seen Ling Qiyue, Tang Qiu Yao, or Ling Bingyun and her daughter in a long time, and he truly missed them. ’They must miss me too.’

In just a moment, the soup in the Jade Furnace was boiling. Chunks of snow-white meat tumbled endlessly within, and an enticing aroma filled the air.

Ling Changqing took out an Azure Jade Table and set it up. He then produced bowls, chopsticks, and two pots of Spirit Wine Nectar, sitting down to feast.

The tender, juicy meat melted in his mouth. The explosion of exquisite flavor on his tongue was utterly intoxicating to Ling Changqing.

’Maybe I should gather more Spirit Beast ingredients before I leave. It’d be best to fill up all my Storage Magical Artifacts so I can have a few more meals like this after I get out.’

The specialties of this Dragon Soul Valley were impossible to find outside. The next time he wanted to come in and plunder its resources, he would have to wait another fifty years.

Fifty years was enough time, Ling Changqing felt, for him to reach the Golden Core Master Realm without a problem. When that time came, he could just seal part of his Cultivation and still sneak in to search for opportunities.

"...Fellow Daoist, you seem to be enjoying yourself."

Suddenly, a voice as cold as ice drifted over, quickly drawing near.

Ling Changqing didn’t even raise his head. He remained focused on the delicious food before him, casually remarking:

"I knew you were here. What is it? Care to join me?"

The voice paused for a moment, then took on a pleased tone. "Then it would be rude to refuse!"

Only then did Ling Changqing put down the Bronze Wine Jar in his hand and glance up at the newcomer.

There were two uninvited guests, a man and a woman.

The man had a simple, honest-looking face and wore ornate brocade robes. He was slightly plump, with an unremarkable silver axe hanging from his waist.

It was none other than Yu Qingyang of the Yu Family, a Heaven’s Favorite whom he had met once before. His official Cultivation was at the Foundation Establishment Peak, but his actual combat strength was difficult to gauge.

There were unconfirmed rumors that over a decade ago, while exploring a Secret Realm, he had fortuitously fused with a fragment of essence blood and a remnant soul from an Ancient Celestial Beast Tianhou, causing his power to soar.

’If that’s true,’ Ling Changqing thought, ’his real Cultivation is definitely beyond the Foundation Establishment Level.’

The woman, on the other hand, was far more eye-catching. She wore a fiery-red fairy dress, revealing long, shapely legs, and her snow-white skin looked so delicate it might break at a touch.

This regal beauty in red had exquisitely gorgeous features, yet she also carried a graceful, reserved, scholarly air. The golden hairpin tassels in her cloud-like chignon trembled slightly, casting magnificent, shimmering lights.

"Wang Chang’an, a Dragon Race Cultivator."

Ling Changqing stated his identity calmly. His current appearance was that of a stern young man in black robes, with a longsword on his back.

With Gong Ling’s help, he didn’t have to worry about outsiders seeing through his disguise.

"Wang Chang’an, is it? I am Yu Qingyang, a Cultivator from the Yu Family."

The portly man with the honest face chuckled and sat down across from him.

Ling Changqing took out two more sets of Azure Jade Tableware from his Storage Pouch, placed them on the table, and gently pushed them across, along with two more pots of Spirit Wine Nectar.

"Thanks! I don’t have many hobbies, but I’ve always had a special love for good food!

Tsk tsk, Fellow Daoist Wang, your cooking is truly excellent. I’m in for a treat today!"

Yu Qingyang eagerly ladled a bowl of Spirit Beast Meat Soup and began to savor it with great enjoyment.

The regal beauty in red also took a seat gracefully, her beautiful eyes narrowed as she sized him up.

"Yu Yalan."

The clear, pleasant voice emerged from her full, crimson lips. She said nothing more.

Dozens of subtle detection-type Divine Techniques were continuously used on him, yet they revealed nothing unusual.

Ling Changqing’s expression remained unchanged. "To have the two most outstanding Heaven’s Favorites of the Yu Family’s new generation appear at the same time... the honor is all mine."

’A couple of days ago, I saw Yu Qingyang from a distance leading a large group of Cultivators, aggressively hunting down disciples of the Yu Clan. How is it that now he only has one person with him?’

Ling Changqing didn’t believe this guy was in any mood to drop his important business and go sightseeing. ’He must be cooking up some other scheme.’

"It’s rather embarrassing,"

Yu Qingyang seemed to have noticed his doubts and explained with some awkwardness:

"Yesterday, we ran into a bunch of crazy women from the Liu Ying Clan. Not only were there a lot of them, but they also love launching sneak attacks, so our Yu Family suffered a bit of a loss!"

"Is that so?"

Ling Changqing was noncommittal. ’It’s the kind of story you listen to but don’t believe. You’d lose if you took it at face value.’

Yu Qingyang smiled, raised his wine jar slightly in a toast, and then drained it in one gulp. He said with satisfaction:

"This Spirit Wine Nectar tastes excellent as well. It seems Fellow Daoist Wang’s status in the Dragon Race is not low. How come I’ve never heard of you before?"

"I’m just a nobody, not worth mentioning."

Ling Changqing replied coolly, "On the contrary, those few Heaven’s Favored ladies, and that rumored Child of Destiny—they are the true elites of the Dragon Race."

Beside him, Yu Yalan gently caressed her wine jar with her slender, jade-like fingers, asking with a hint of curiosity:

"Fellow Daoist Wang, since you’re also from the Dragon Race, have you had no dealings with that Ling Changqing?"

Ling Changqing answered with a frank expression, "I’ve only seen him from a distance a few times. We’ve had no interactions to speak of. His Dao Companion is far too fierce and domineering. How would anyone else get a chance to approach him?"

He observed their expressions and continued, "The latest order we received was to protect him at all costs, but personally, I don’t think there’s much point."

Yu Yalan pressed, "Why do you say that? Aren’t many Cultivators currently hunting for him?"

"It’s simple. If he wasn’t the so-called Child of Destiny, he would have been killed without a trace by now!

And if he *is* the Child of Destiny, then as long as he wishes it, no one in this Dragon Soul Valley should be able to find him—and that includes you!"

Ling Changqing analyzed calmly.

"..."

Yu Qingyang fell silent, frowning in contemplation.

Previously, this Heaven’s Favorite hadn’t really believed the various rumors about the Child of Destiny.

However, the family’s upper echelons had spoken with such certainty that he couldn’t openly defy their orders. That was the only reason he had set aside the important business of scavenging for opportunities to come and investigate Ling Changqing’s whereabouts.

As for whether he would find anything, Yu Qingyang had no confidence. Tens of thousands of Cultivators were busy with this matter in the Dragon Soul Valley; heaven only knew who the lucky one would be.

Yu Yalan gave Ling Changqing a deep look, her voice softening slightly.

"In Fellow Daoist Wang’s opinion, are you saying that despite all the forces mobilizing, their efforts will ultimately be in vain, like drawing water with a bamboo basket?"

"That is correct,"

Ling Changqing nodded. "If he truly possesses supreme Luck and Fortune, then naturally, his wishes will come true and he will succeed in all endeavors!

Who’s to say he hasn’t already left the Dragon Soul Valley without a sound? It’s impossible to find him through ordinary means!"

Yu Qingyang said hastily, "But there are numerous Elders waiting at the entrance. How could Ling Changqing possibly escape from right under their noses?"

"That, I do not know. The legendary Child of Destiny must have unfathomable methods. Perhaps he has a way to get past them?

In any case, whatever benefits he may possess, outsiders like us cannot hope to obtain them. Therefore, this whole affair is bound to die down soon."

Ling Changqing explained in an indifferent tone.

This time, Yu Qingyang was silent for even longer.

Beside him, Yu Yalan also frowned deeply, a trace of unwillingness showing in her beautiful eyes.

’Thinking about it carefully, Ling Changqing’s analysis does make sense. A heaven-defying opportunity like the Child of Destiny is indeed not something juniors like us can grasp.’

"Sister Lan, it looks like the ancestors’ plan to marry you off to Ling Changqing is eighty percent likely to fail!"

Yu Qingyang turned his face to her and said with a grin.

"If you don’t speak, no one will think you’re a mute!"

Yu Yalan shot him an annoyed glare.

This most outstanding female disciple of the Yu Family’s new generation was actually already betrothed to a certain Heaven’s Favorite from the Mu Family.

But after news about Ling Changqing reached their family, several ancestors immediately made a decision and sent people to the Mu Family to break off the engagement.

This move naturally infuriated the upper echelons of the Mu Family. The jilted Heaven’s Favorite even declared:

"Do not bully a young man for being poor!"

One day, he would make both the Yu Family and that Child of Destiny pay an unbearable price!

Yu Yalan herself didn’t feel much about it. She had never even met that guy from the Mu Family, so why should she care about his empty threats?