Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation

Chapter 384 - 231: Zhao Wanyi: I Don’t Mind...

The magnificent carriage moved unhurriedly along the wide street.

"...Fellow Daoist Ling, since you’re here on business, why not be a bit more discreet and cautious? Those Tribulation Cultivator gangs are the type to devour you whole. Once they have you in their sights, escaping them is next to impossible!"

Inside the carriage, Zhao Wanyi shifted into a more elegant posture. Her beautiful, clear eyes sized up Ling Changqing as she asked in a soft voice.

She had been informed of this foreign Golden Core Master’s activities by her subordinates two days ago.

Today’s invitation was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Originally, she had no intention of getting involved in this matter; her family’s current predicament was already giving her enough of a headache.

However, after seeing Ling Changqing’s appearance, the young mistress of the Zhao Family found herself inexplicably conflicted for a moment before finally deciding to intervene.

As the young mistress of the Zhao Family, those Tribulation Cultivator gangs had to give her some face. After all, this was the Zhao Family’s territory.

Ling Changqing remained impassive. "Of course, I know some people in the Marketplace harbor ill intentions. It’s just that for them to target me... seems a bit reckless."

Zhao Wanyi looked slightly taken aback. After a moment of thought, she said, "It seems you have something to rely on, Fellow Daoist. But those Tribulation Cultivator gangs are cunning and ruthless. In a direct confrontation, even I can’t guarantee my own safety. You, Fellow Daoist..."

In her eyes, Ling Changqing’s Cultivation was only at the Middle stage Golden Core. How could he possibly fend off the ambushes and sieges of so many Tribulation Cultivator gangs?

"Well... it’s not something I can explain in a moment. You’ll find out in the future!"

Ling Changqing said vaguely.

It was their first meeting, so of course he wouldn’t reveal his trump cards. Although this Zhao Wanyi showed no malice, it was too early to say whether they could become friends.

Zhao Wanyi nodded thoughtfully and said no more.

She truly couldn’t see any particular strengths in this handsome, feather-robed young man, but that didn’t stop her from acting on her intuition.

「A short while later, they arrived at the Tianweifang Inn.」

A five-tiered staircase of white jade, colorfully dressed greeting Maids with bright smiles, and rows of guards standing as straight as spears. They were all basically Cultivators at the Qi Cultivation Stage.

This was the largest inn in the Marketplace, and it had always served only Cultivators Above Foundation Establishment. The various Spirit Wine Nectars and mountain-and-sea delicacies it offered were naturally no Mortal Grade items.

Loose Cultivators who lacked the financial means simply didn’t have the confidence to step inside and spend.

Zhao Wanyi and Ling Changqing exited the carriage together and ascended the steps. The inn’s Shopkeeper and Stewards were lined up at the entrance to welcome them, their expressions respectful.

According to Zhao Wanyi, this inn was one of the Zhao Family’s businesses, so when a young mistress like her graced them with her presence, her subordinates naturally wouldn’t dare to be neglectful.

The two went directly to a private room on the top floor, where a lavish banquet had already been prepared. From the wine to the various mountain-and-sea delicacies, everything was a rare and exquisite item.

Ling Changqing could tell with a single glance that this young mistress was indeed sincere. The Ling Family, at its current state, could not put together such a feast.

The main issue was that some Rank Four and Quasi Rank Four ingredients were extremely difficult to purchase; it wasn’t a problem that could be solved just by having Spirit Stones.

With a reserved expression, Zhao Wanyi invited Ling Changqing to take a seat. She raised her pale wrist and began to pour wine for him.

Ling Changqing remained expressionless. He silently activated his Celestial Secret Technique to observe her and discovered that the young mistress’s fortune seemed somewhat low, with a faint, ominous aura. She must have been having a streak of bad luck recently.

"Fellow Daoist Ling, this is a superior vintage from our family’s treasury, the Five Elements Red Dust Brew. Please, have a taste!"

Zhao Wanyi smiled faintly, raising her cup with a delicate hand in invitation.

Ling Changqing nodded slightly, lifted his Ice Jade Wine Glass, and gently clinked it against hers before downing it in one gulp.

As the liquid entered his mouth, a refreshing, cool sensation spread from his throat to his internal organs. A potent alcoholic force with a cold, fragrant aroma filled his entire body, causing his Cultivation Realm to rise by a sliver.

"This wine is excellent!"

Ling Changqing said with satisfaction. He was a man who knew quality when he saw it; the value of a single glass of this Spirit Wine Nectar was equivalent to two Foundation Establishment Pills.

Zhao Wanyi smiled. "Since you like it, Fellow Daoist Ling, I’ll gift you a jar. Don’t think it’s too little—my annual allotment of this is only two jars!"

Ling Changqing didn’t refuse. "Then I thank you, Fellow Daoist. If there is something you require of me, please speak plainly. We’ll see if I can be of any help."

No family’s resources were simply plucked from thin air. For this young mistress to be willing to treat him with special regard, she clearly had a purpose in mind.

Since she hadn’t shown any ill will, Ling Changqing didn’t mind chatting with her. It was possible he might even gain a long-term partner.

Zhao Wanyi thought for a moment, then set down her wine glass and said softly, "You’re quite the straightforward one. In that case, this sister won’t beat around the bush either."

"Among the resources you’ve been purchasing these past few days, there were many types of Medicinal Herbs, and you also acquired some Pill Scriptures and other Scriptures. So you... must be a Third Grade Alchemist, right?"

"Yes. I bought these because I do intend to return and begin Opening the Furnace and Refining Pills."

Ling Changqing said. There was nothing to hide about this; in fact, it could even raise his standing in her eyes.

Zhao Wanyi’s beautiful eyes lit up. "In that case, Fellow Daoist, could you do my family a favor and refine some Elixirs for us? We can be very generous with the compensation."

Ling Changqing looked surprised. "What about your family’s own Pill Masters? And even if you don’t have any, it shouldn’t be difficult to buy some ready-made resources in the Marketplace, right?"

As a Nascent Soul power with a long history, the family should have at least one Third Grade Alchemist stationed within it—with good luck, maybe even more than one. And the number of Second Rank Alchemists should be even greater.