Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation

Chapter 243 - 173: A Change of Face and a Grand Deception

The sudden arrival of a special envoy from the Chamber of Commerce headquarters clearly took Xue Qingtan by surprise.

After all, such a visit was rare. The higher-ups would only do something like this if a major, unexpected event had occurred.

"Alright, you are all dismissed. Go make the preparations, and I’ll be there shortly."

Xue Qingtan calmly dismissed her subordinates, then took out a Bronze Mirror to check her reflection.

The woman in the mirror was breathtakingly beautiful, her eyes shimmering like water, like a flower that had been thoroughly nourished by sun and rain.

It would be inappropriate to meet the headquarters’ special envoy looking like this. With a Cultivator’s keen Spiritual Sense, they would easily notice certain signs, leading to unnecessary trouble.

So, Xue Qingtan got up and returned to her boudoir. She gave a few instructions to Ling Changqing, who was still in bed, then changed into a snow-white Magical Robe and meticulously groomed herself before heading out again.

The special envoy from headquarters was a Female Cultivator, also at the Pseudo Core Cultivation level. Her looks and figure were quite good, but her words and actions were tinged with arrogance, carrying a natural air of superiority.

This Female Cultivator, named Su Li, narrowed her bright, slightly almond-shaped eyes, looking the pure and cold beauty in the white Magical Robe up and down.

The two clearly knew each other, but Xue Qingtan’s reaction was rather cold; she didn’t exactly give her a warm welcome.

"...Sister Qingtan, this is a secret order from headquarters. I can’t see the specific contents, so take it and use your own Dharma Seal to open it."

Su Li said tepidly, taking out a Jade Box shimmering with Spiritual Light and handing it to her.

The surface of the Jade Box was covered in multiple layers of Talisman Seals and Restrictions. Only the designated person could open it using a special method; otherwise, the Jade Box’s Restrictions would be triggered, destroying the secret order within.

"Alright, I understand."

Xue Qingtan took the Jade Box and carefully put it away.

With official business concluded, Su Li’s gaze toward her became much more casual. She said with a smirk:

"Sister Qingtan, you’ve been stationed in this backwater for several years now, haven’t you? Isn’t your sponsor at headquarters quite capable? Why haven’t they found you a better post?"

Although Changqing Continent was nice, it was, after all, a New Continent that had only recently appeared. It couldn’t compare to the prosperous, fertile lands of Yuzhou proper, which had been managed and developed for thousands upon thousands of years.

Xue Qingtan’s expression was calm. "My post is determined by my superiors. I have no opinion on the matter."

"Heh, is that so?"

Su Li sneered, her critical gaze sweeping over the various furnishings in the hall. She said nonchalantly:

"My husband said that in a little while, he’ll arrange for me to be transferred to Yuzhou, to oversee a large Marketplace in the Feng Family’s territory."

In a Marketplace belonging to one of those ancient Noble Families, Cultivators from all walks of life would gather. The business would be bustling, and the potential for profit, of course, would be exceptionally rich.

For mid-level personnel of the Chamber of Commerce like them, being stationed in a more popular territory meant the overt and covert benefits were self-evident.

"Then I must congratulate you, Sister."

Xue Qingtan’s expression remained unchanged.

Perhaps in the past, she might have felt a twinge of envy, but now, she felt nothing at all.

’Even if you scraped that place clean for a lifetime, right up until you died, would the profits you earned be enough to help you become a Nascent Soul True Monarch?’

Su Li frowned and continued, "Isn’t your Spirit Root Talent supposed to be better than mine? It’s been a few years, so how are you still at the Pseudo Core Cultivation level?

"Is it a lack of resources? Do you want me to lend you some?"

"I appreciate your kind offer, Sister, but I really don’t need any right now."

Xue Qingtan said with a serene smile.

The two had similar backgrounds and Spirit Root Talent, though Xue Qingtan’s was slightly better. As a result, Su Li had been comparing herself to and targeting her since they were young.

Often, there was no logic to a woman’s jealousy.

This was especially true given that Su Li’s Dual Cultivation Companion had once been obsessed with Xue Qingtan. It was only after she had firmly rejected him that he settled for Su Li as his second choice.

For this reason, Su Li had never treated Xue Qingtan with much kindness.

Su Li snorted and said, as if by chance, "My husband has already prepared the Core Formation Resources for me. After I go back this time, I’ll be able to reach the True Pill Realm."

"Is that so? It seems your husband treats you very well."

Xue Qingtan remained as serene as a cloud, showing no trace of envy, jealousy, or resentment.

Core Formation Resources weren’t as common as cabbage. Even between masters and disciples, fathers and sons, or husbands and wives, it was common for relationships to turn sour over them.

Therefore, from Su Li’s perspective, she had every reason to flaunt her good fortune in front of her old rival.

The problem was, it meant nothing to Xue Qingtan.

Su Li ground her teeth in frustration and sneered resentfully. "Don’t you have any regrets, Sister? The genius you looked down on back then has not only become a Golden Core Master himself, but he can also help me advance.

"If you hadn’t rejected him back then, you’d probably have been a True Pill Cultivator long ago, wouldn’t you?"

Xue Qingtan finally sighed, her expression turning a bit more serious:

"Sister, is there any point in dwelling on these old matters? Everyone has their own destiny and opportunities. Since you have what you have now, you should cherish it. Why must you insist on showing off in front of me?"

’She was getting truly tired of this self-satisfied woman. With such a fickle and materialistic mindset, I’m afraid the True Pill Realm will remain beyond her reach.’

Su Li’s expression changed several times. She also knew her competitive words were meaningless, but she just couldn’t let it go.

If she didn’t take the opportunity to jab at her rival, she would feel uncomfortable all over.

"If you have no other business, Sister, please leave."