Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation

Chapter 244 - 173: A Complete Disguise, a Grand Deception

Xue Qingtan spoke indifferently. Given their relationship, she was in no mood to entertain her guest.

"Hmph, since you refuse to appreciate my kindness, little sister, you can just grow old and die here for all I care!"

Su Li said with a stern face, then turned and left with a flick of her sleeve.

Xue Qingtan couldn’t be bothered to see her off. She had her subordinates watch the woman all the way back to the Tianzhou Skyboat in the outer sea, until it broke through the sky and vanished into the distance.

Afterward, Xue Qingtan returned to her Inner Study and used a special Dharma Seal to open the Jade Box.

Lying on the silk lining inside the Jade Box was a fish-shaped Purple Copper Token, about half the size of a palm. Its surface was covered with countless exquisite and intricate array patterns, and it emanated a faint, imposing pressure.

Xue Qingtan’s elegant brows knitted slightly. ’This seems to be the highest-level secret order from headquarters. I’ve only ever seen it in illustrated catalogs before and had never touched a real one.’

’It seems something major really has happened. Otherwise, the higher-ups wouldn’t be making such a big deal out of it.’

After a moment of thought, Xue Qingtan gently picked up the Purple Copper Token. As a dark light flashed, a cryptic and obscure message appeared in her sea of consciousness.

Just as she had expected, the secret directive from the Xingyun sun Commerce Headquarters was to track down the Child of Destiny.

The order mentioned that the Child of Destiny had previously used the two aliases Ling Changqing and Wang Chang’an, and it included a detailed description of his appearance and aura.

But no matter what form the Child of Destiny took, his extraordinary Destiny and Blessed Fortune should be impossible to hide. Therefore, headquarters was ordering members everywhere to begin their investigation by focusing on this aspect.

Once any member discovered a valuable clue, they were required to report it to headquarters immediately. Headquarters would then dispatch a specialist at the first opportunity to verify it.

As for the rewards for members who made a great contribution, they were so generous as to be almost unbelievable.

These included a Divinity Transformation Powerhouse taking them as a disciple, massive resource rewards, vast and fertile territories, and a future as a Nascent Soul True Monarch was all but guaranteed.

As a result, the association’s members, spread far and wide, were all fired up. They began using every method at their disposal to pry for information, desperately hoping to make a discovery.

’Of course. I knew it...’

Xue Qingtan’s elegant brows furrowed, and she sighed inwardly.

Since Ling Changqing was now her Dao Companion, she had a duty to protect him. She would never let any outsider threaten his safety.

Of course, it wasn’t all bad news.

For the sake of secrecy, the association’s upper echelon had not made the matter public. As a result, the largest group in the Cultivation Realm—the lower-level Loose Cultivators—had yet to catch wind of it.

After stowing the token, Xue Qingtan turned and went back to her private chambers, where Ling Changqing was already awake.

"Did you run into some trouble?"

One look at her expression and Ling Changqing knew it was serious.

Xue Qingtan nodded, explained the situation, and concluded,

"From now on, Husband, you truly must act with caution and keep a low profile. It would be best if you didn’t stay on this Changqing Continent, lest someone notice something is amiss."

In the vast and boundless Cultivation Realm, Cultivators with the same name were not rare. In fact, they were quite common, simply because the scale of the human population was truly staggering.

So, as long as Ling Changqing didn’t act too ostentatiously, he would be safe for now. But there were no guarantees in the long run.

"Don’t worry, my wife. I already have a proper solution for this. I will absolutely not let you worry or be afraid."

Ling Changqing said. With Gong Ling’s help, it truly wasn’t a problem anymore.

Even the most difficult issue—his own Luck and Fortune being far beyond that of an ordinary person—could also be concealed.

"Mm, of course I trust you, Husband."

Xue Qingtan said softly. She didn’t think Ling Changqing would gamble with his own safety.

"Alright, when you have a moment, my wife, you should go and meet Ling Qiyue and the others."

Ling Changqing said, wrapping his arm around her smooth, firm waist.

Now that they were all one family, it was natural for them to meet. They would be spending more than just a year or two together in the future.

"Er, that... alright!"

Xue Qingtan’s beautiful face flushed red as a sunset cloud. For her, this kind of thing was indeed a bit embarrassing.

But since they all shared one husband, this was a hurdle she would have to cross eventually.

In the afternoon, after finishing her daily affairs, Xue Qingtan changed her clothes and returned to the family headquarters with Ling Changqing.

「Inside the Patriarch’s Embroidery Tower.」

Ling Qiyue sat in the main seat, with Tang Qiu Yao, Qin Yun, Ling Bingyun, and the other women all present.

There was naturally only one matter worth discussing now: Ling Changqing’s safety.

"...Qingtan, besides the Xingyun sun Commerce Association, just how many other powers have their eyes on our husband?"

Ling Qiyue asked gently.

Xue Qingtan shook her head. "That’s hard to say. In Yuzhou alone, there are at least three other commerce associations comparable in size to Xingyun sun..."

In addition, there are two underground organizations specializing in intelligence and assassination, three low-profile and mysterious Hidden Sects, and the Saint Yu Immortal Dynasty, which occupies twenty percent of Yuzhou’s territory.

Adding the Nine Great Families, these top-tier powers have collectively carved up Yuzhou’s main territories and resources of Destiny, making them the de facto ruling class of the Yuzhou Cultivation Realm.

Not to mention the dozens of first-rate powers, and the even more numerous second- and third-rate powers.

"Then, is it truly safe for our husband to remain on Changqing Continent?"

Qin Yun asked with a frown.

If a major power were to come knocking, not only would Ling Changqing be lost, but the entire foundation they’ve built on Changqing Continent could be reduced to ashes.

"My dear wives, please be patient. I will be right back!"

Ling Changqing said, then stood up and entered the inner chamber of the boudoir.

A moment later, a handsome youth in black robes with skin as fair as jade and a clear, handsome aura walked out slowly.

Compared to his previous appearance, his looks and aura were still on the same level, yet distinctly different.

Ling Changqing’s original appearance and aura were gentle and peaceful, his gaze clear and righteous. This black-robed youth’s aura, however, had an added touch of cold sharpness and untamed arrogance, like a Divine Sword hidden in its sheath.

And that wasn’t all. His Luck and Fortune, which far surpassed that of an ordinary person, had also been successfully shielded. He now looked no different from a common Loose Cultivator.

"Husband? You’re..."

The pure and radiant Ling Zhiqing, with her long, shapely legs, stood up and walked over. She circled him once, her bright, beautiful eyes filled with utter disbelief.

"It’s a Talent Divine Technique that I awakened not long ago. It can perfectly resolve the risk of my identity being exposed."

Ling Changqing explained simply.

"If that’s the case, then things are much easier!"

Tang Qiu Yao let out a sigh of relief, a bright smile on her face.

Ling Qiyue nodded slightly. "From now on, Husband, you should use this appearance when you’re out. And change your name, too!"

Xue Qingtan smiled faintly. "We can also spread a rumor that Ling Changqing died while traveling abroad."

This way, all leads concerning Ling Changqing would be completely cut off, thoroughly eliminating the possibility of exposure.

This was a textbook case of altering one’s appearance to pull off a grand deception.

"Alright, it’s settled then!"

Ling Changqing said. With these measures in place, he truly wouldn’t have to live in fear anymore.

"Alright, shall we discuss our plans for outward expansion?"

Ling Qiyue’s smile was full of enthusiasm. The Feiyu Sea Region had been divided for too long; its unification should be put on the agenda.

The Bai Family, the Yuan Family, and Yu Long Island—these three powers, each led by a Pseudo Core master—might have been worthy of serious consideration ten years ago, but now, they were no longer a threat.

Their only option was to surrender and submit to Changqing Continent. That way, they could at least preserve the lives of their clansmen. Otherwise, their only fate was complete annihilation!

As for the remaining small powers at the Foundation Establishment Level, they had even less of a say in the matter. Their only choice was to accept being integrated and absorbed by the Ling Family.

Tang Qiu Yao asked with a smile, "Qingtan, how much longer will you need before you can attempt to break through to the Golden Core Master Realm?"

Xue Qingtan’s beautiful face turned crimson. She glanced at Ling Changqing before saying,

"With my husband’s help, I’ll only need a month of cultivation in seclusion at most!"

"Excellent. In that case, our Changqing Continent will have two Golden Core Masters presiding over it!"

Ling Qiyue said with satisfaction.

Although Xue Qingtan’s status was somewhat sensitive, making it difficult for her to act directly, as long as she was stationed on Changqing Continent, Ling Qiyue could campaign abroad with confidence.

Moreover, after receiving the Crystal Pearl from Ling Changqing, as long as Ling Qiyue could successfully refine it, she would soon be able to break through to the Late Stage Golden Core Realm.

Once she successfully emerged from her seclusion, the Ling Family of Changqing Continent’s strategic advantage would be unshakable. Sweeping through the Feiyu Sea Region would only be a matter of time.