Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation

Chapter 389 - 233: Shangguan Qingying: The 2 Girls Can Both Be Yours...

In the Inner Study.

Ling Changqing sat upright and composed, in no hurry to speak.

He already had a firm grasp of the Zhao Family’s situation. Therefore, he knew the Female Patriarch’s intention in summoning him was simply to persuade him to stay with the family.

On the way over, Zhao Wanqing had hesitated several times before secretly telling Ling Changqing that the Female Patriarch’s name was Shangguan Qingying. Originally, she and their father—the former Patriarch of the Zhao Family—had been senior and junior disciples under the same master.

However, Shangguan Qingying was not the biological mother of the Zhao Wanyi sisters. Their mother had been Shangguan Qingying’s junior disciple.

Decades ago, during a war with the Qin Family, the former Zhao Family Patriarch and his wife were both mortally wounded. Before dying, they entrusted the family and their two daughters to Shangguan Qingying.

Thus, Shangguan Qingying had no Dao Companion. She had only married the former Patriarch in name to help him manage the Zhao Family’s foundation.

As soon as one of the Zhao Wanyi sisters broke through to become a Nascent Soul True Monarch, she could return her authority and lay down this heavy burden.

From the perspective of the Female Patriarch, Shangguan Qingying, keeping Ling Changqing was the ideal outcome. Not only would it ensure the Zhao Family’s foundation remained as solid as a rock, but it might even allow them to crush the Qin Family and reclaim everything they had lost.

Unfortunately for them, this point was non-negotiable. It was one thing for Ling Changqing to help out, but selling himself into service for the Zhao Family was another matter entirely.

"...Fellow Daoist Ling,"

After a moment of contemplation, Shangguan Qingying finally spoke slowly. "The family’s current situation is not optimistic. We urgently need you to join us. Fellow Daoist... are you truly unwilling to reconsider?"

Ling Changqing smiled. "I have my own family, and its leaders have treated me well. I have no reason to betray them.

Besides, if I were to covet the benefits you offer and abandon my original family, wouldn’t that make me no different from that shameless traitor? Would you still dare to trust me in the future?"

"..."

The Zhao Wanyi sisters exchanged a silent glance, their estimation of Ling Changqing rising in their hearts.

After all, a fickle and profit-driven scoundrel could never be trusted by a clear-headed leader. There was nothing wrong with Ling Changqing’s point of view.

Shangguan Qingying was silent for a long moment before sighing softly. "Forget it. What Fellow Daoist Ling says is quite reasonable. Let us pretend I never said anything about this matter.

However, the family now needs more Third Grade Elixir resources. We will have to continue troubling you for this, Fellow Daoist."

"That’s no problem. Since I’ve promised to cooperate with the Zhao Family long-term, I will honor my commitment. Moreover, I will have no further dealings with the Qin Family."

Ling Changqing said with a serious expression. He had no love for the despicable and shameless character of the Qin Family. It was highly likely they would one day meet on the battlefield.

"In that case,"

Shangguan Qingying nodded. "Then it’s settled! Sigh... Actually, did you know...?

If you had agreed to stay with the family, these two girls could have been yours."

Upon hearing this, a blush instantly spread across the Zhao Wanyi sisters’ fair, beautiful faces. Overcome with shyness, they wished they could find a crack in the floor to crawl into.

Their mother had discussed it with them beforehand, and for the sake of the family, they weren’t opposed to the idea.

But having it said so openly in front of Ling Changqing still made them feel incredibly bashful.

"It is a pity, but my decision won’t change."

Ling Changqing smiled faintly. ’This pair of twin sisters are truly one-in-a-million talents, heaven’s chosen daughters. It would be a lie to say I’m not tempted.’

’But to leave the Ling Family, to leave Ling Qiyue and the other women... that’s something I’m absolutely not willing to do.’

’Of course, if you were part of the deal too, Female Patriarch... perhaps... I might reconsider?’

But Ling Changqing didn’t dare say this out loud. Otherwise, she would probably teach him a lesson on the spot. He couldn’t withstand the wrath of an enraged Nascent Soul True Monarch right now.

Still, he now genuinely looked forward to the day Shangguan Qingying would remove her faceplate in front of him. He imagined her beauty, temperament, and bearing would be in no way inferior to the Zhao Wanyi sisters.

After some more light banter, Ling Changqing took his leave, and Zhao Wanqing saw him out.

The beautiful woman walked ahead with her head lowered, not saying a word. She led Ling Changqing through a series of palace chambers, courtyards, and corridors, heading outside.

She remained silent, and Ling Changqing had no intention of speaking first.

It wasn’t until they reached Baiyu Plaza outside the Protective Array, and Ling Changqing summoned his Top grade Treasure Level Tianzhou Skyboat to depart, that Zhao Wanqing stopped him.

"Fellow Daoist Ling..."

She hesitated, seeming to want to say more, before finally asking softly, "When will you come next time?"

Ling Changqing replied gently, "One month from now. I won’t go back on my word."

"That’s good."

Zhao Wanqing breathed a sigh of relief. She had been worried that Ling Changqing might not appear again. Although they hadn’t known each other for long, she wasn’t against interacting with him.

’As long as we can see each other often in the future, then... there’s still a chance, right?’

Ling Changqing leaped onto the Tianzhou Skyboat and waved to her. The long, slender, jet-black Tower Boat then rose slowly and flew toward the horizon.

Zhao Wanqing stood where she was, watching as the Tianzhou Skyboat gradually accelerated until it vanished from sight before she finally looked away.

Back in the Inner Study, Zhao Wanyi was still keeping Shangguan Qingying company.

"...This is a rare opportunity. It’s up to you two whether you can seize it,"

the Female Patriarch said in a low voice. She now vaguely suspected that Ling Changqing possessed great Destiny. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have caused such a significant change in the two sisters.

Zhao Wanyi said helplessly, "But he doesn’t seem to think much of us at all. This matter... are we really supposed to throw ourselves at him shamelessly? Wouldn’t that make us seem too cheap?"