Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation

Chapter 442 - 254: Luo Qingxuan: Since You’re Already Here, Let’s Just Do It Together?

However, this was an act of righteous justice, the retribution those Tribulation Cultivators deserved. Without those bastards, the order of the Yuzhou Cultivation Realm would only get better.

Over the past decade, the Zhao Family had gradually taken on an atmosphere of peace, serenity, and burgeoning prosperity.

After all, the family’s foundation and heritage far surpassed that of the Ling Family. Especially with Ling Changqing’s help, the rate at which their power grew had accelerated even further, leaving the upper echelons of the Qin Family both furious and helpless.

Deep within the Zhao Family’s forested gardens lay a vast lake. Because it was connected to a subterranean Grade Four Spirit Vein, it had been nourished over countless years, making it brim with Spiritual Qi and breathtakingly beautiful.

The lake was abundant with various aquatic treasures like water caltrops, fox nuts, lotus roots, and all sorts of Spirit Fish, shrimp, and crabs. Their delicious flavors made them very popular among the family’s Cultivators.

In the center of the lake, a gorgeously decorated pleasure barge, over thirty zhang long, glided slowly by, leaving a shimmering wake on the water’s surface.

On the wide foredeck, Ling Changqing sat at a Golden Silk Mingtan Wood table, leisurely savoring various kinds of Spirit Wine and delicacies.

Across from him sat the noble and stunningly beautiful Shangguan Qingying. Dressed in a bright red Embroidered Phoenix Palace Robe, her hair adorned with a Cloud Hairpin Phoenix, she poured wine for him. A rosy blush graced her beautiful, jade-like face.

The sisters Zhao Wanyi and Zhao Wanqing, both dressed in light robes, sat on either side of Ling Changqing. They chatted merrily about interesting anecdotes from within the family, while his hands rested on their soft, firm waists, gently caressing them.

It was rare for the three women to accompany Ling Changqing on an outing together, so they cherished the moment. Fortunately, the family’s internal and external threats were now gone, meaning everyone would have much more free time in the future.

"...Husband, there’s some news you might want to hear."

After a moment’s hesitation, Shangguan Qingying put down the Wine Jar in her hand and spoke softly.

"What is it?"

Ling Changqing looked slightly startled, his demeanor growing more serious.

"Just a few days ago, the Mu Family allied with the Cui Family and suddenly launched a major war against the Saint Yu Immortal Dynasty," Shangguan Qingying said.

Both the Mu Family and the Cui Family were counted among the Nine Great Families of the Yuzhou Cultivation Realm. Meanwhile, the Saint Yu Immortal Dynasty controlled roughly twenty percent of Yuzhou’s territory, and its power was on par with any of the Nine Great Families.

For these three behemoths to personally enter the fray would cause an earth-shattering commotion. The entire situation in the Yuzhou Cultivation Realm would likely undergo a drastic change because of it.

Ling Changqing said thoughtfully, "This war seems to have broken out rather suddenly, but... it doesn’t seem to have much to do with us, does it?"

Zhao Wanyi said in a low voice, "Husband, you may not be aware, but Mother was once part of the Saint Yu Immortal Dynasty’s Royal Family. She even held the title of Commandery Princess..."

Shangguan Qingying’s ancestors had also been of the Immortal Dynasty’s Direct Lineage of the Royal Family. After failing in a struggle for the throne, her branch of the clan was forced to leave the Immortal Dynasty’s Capital City and live in exile.

Moreover, the territories of the Zhao Family and the Qin Family, as well as the surrounding factions of various sizes, were not too far from the borders of the Saint Yu Immortal Dynasty. In fact, they were right on the doorstep of some of the Mu Family’s vassal forces.

If the scale of this war continued to expand, it would be difficult for the Zhao Family to remain uninvolved. Sooner or later, they would be dragged into the conflict.

"This feels tricky," Ling Changqing said with a frown.

’When Immortals fight, mortals suffer.’ These families were all top-tier powers in the Yuzhou Cultivation Realm. How could the Zhao Family possibly contend with them?

Any day now, an Envoy from one of them could show up at their door, threatening them and demanding that the Zhao Family pick a side, or even surrender unconditionally, on pain of annihilation.

Neutrality required strength. Given the Zhao Family’s scale, it was impossible for them to withstand the pressure from these behemoths.

For a moment, Ling Changqing’s thoughts turned to Qin Mengxuan, but he quickly dismissed the unrealistic idea.

’The attitude of Lu Hua Palace is determined solely by their own interests. Without a sufficient stake in the matter, they would never stick their necks out for outsiders.’

’Therefore, the Zhao Family’s future was indeed perilous.’

"Do you have any thoughts, my dear?"

Ling Changqing asked.

Shangguan Qingying shook her head. "What thoughts could I have? I only wish for the family to be safe. If we truly face a disaster we cannot handle, then our only choice will be to abandon this foundation."