The Ling Family controlled two great sea regions, with a mortal population under their rule that alone exceeded a trillion. They were far more prestigious than any ordinary Mortal Dynasty or imperial Noble Family.

It was therefore no surprise that Ling Changqing, as the family’s Patriarch, commanded such extravagant pomp. Even someone like Song Xuelan was usually surrounded by a crowd of people fawning over her and attending to her every need.

"...Husband, the higher-ups have approved your request!"

The bright and dignified Xue Qingtan, clad in a dress as white as snow, produced a Jade Token that shimmered with a clear glow and spoke in a soft voice,

"The Ling Family has been elevated to a Nascent Soul power, so its VIP client status within the association will also be upgraded. The purchasing restrictions on many Rank Four resources have been relaxed..."

The Ling Family’s conquest of the Chixue Sea Region had naturally drawn the close attention of the Xingyun sun Commerce Association’s leadership. As a new Nascent Soul power, the family was now qualified to receive greater investment and support.

As the family headquarters relocated, the Xingyun sun Commerce Association’s local branch moved with them, its affairs still presided over by Xue Qingtan.

The association’s leadership had originally intended to send a Late Stage Golden Core Master to take charge, but Ling Qiyue had rejected the idea, explicitly requesting that Xue Qingtan remain in her post. The association, therefore, did not take the unnecessary step.

"From now on, the Ling Family may purchase one set of Nascent Soul Resources from the association every fifty years. Half of the payment must be made with various Grade Four Spirit Gold or Medicinal Herbs.

Of course, if the Ling Family is willing to sell more Fourth Grade Materials to the association, the purchasing limits can be relaxed even further...

Other Rank Four resources—such as Talismans, Arrays, Elixirs, and Daoist Soldier Puppets—can all be handled according to the same terms."

Xue Qingtan explained at a relaxed pace. After becoming a Nascent Soul power, the family’s rights and privileges were worlds apart from those of a Golden Core power; they were on a completely different level.

"That’s settled, then," Ling Changqing said warmly. "As for the specific details of our cooperation, my dear, you can handle them as you see fit."

Xue Qingtan was his Dao Companion now. The terms of cooperation she presented were therefore undoubtedly the most advantageous for the family, without compromising the legitimate interests of the Xingyun sun Commerce Association.

The other two major commerce associations, Illusory Treasure Pavilion and Gathering Sea Pavilion, had expressed a similar stance. Their leadership recognized the Ling Family’s potential for growth and were also willing to cultivate a good relationship with them.

"If I were to request the purchase of a set of Nascent Soul Resources right now, offering Fourth Grade Materials in trade, they wouldn’t refuse, would they?" Ling Changqing asked.

Xue Qingtan nodded. "Of course not. In fact, the other two major commerce associations are unlikely to refuse your request either, Husband."

In the future, the annual volume of resource trade between her organization and the Ling Family was bound to increase by an order of magnitude. The leadership had no choice but to give it their full attention.

"Excellent," Ling Changqing said with satisfaction. This way, the family treasury would gain another three sets of Nascent Soul Resources.

These were, of course, being prepared for Tang Qiu Yao and the other women, especially Mu Yunxiu, who had only recently joined the family.

As time passed, the Ling Family would have more and more Nascent Soul True Monarchs, so it was essential to plan ahead for this.

"Husband, the Sect leadership has sent word," said the stunningly beautiful Meng Feiyu, who wore a grand red palace dress and a Cloud Hairpin Phoenix. "The Vice Sect Leader intends to come for an inspection and would also like to meet with the Patriarch. What are your thoughts...?"

It seemed the leadership of Xianyin Pavilion was quite interested in the Ling Family’s recent developments, hence their decision to send a Vice Sect Leader to investigate.

Under normal circumstances, a Nascent Soul power wasn’t worthy of such attention from the leadership of Xianyin Pavilion. ’Have they sensed something?’

Ling Changqing said dismissively, "If she wants to come, then let her. Have Sister Yue receive her. I won’t be making an appearance."

"O-Okay."

Meng Feiyu pursed her cherry-red lips. ’She’s most likely coming for you, Husband,’ she thought. ’If you don’t show yourself, it won’t be so easy to put her off.’

Still, for the sake of Ling Changqing’s safety, it was the right decision. Meng Feiyu had no desire to see her good fortune snatched away by a fellow sect member.

"Husband, the cultivators from the Chixue Sea Region who surrendered have all been separated and processed," said the cold and elegant Ling Yulu. Dressed in a jet-black palace gown, her skin seemed whiter than snow.

"The Male Cultivators have been sent where they belong. As for the Female Cultivators... Sister Yue has already ordered a selection of the most outstanding ones to be sent over for your review! When would you like to receive them?"

Aside from the majority who had died in battle or fled, a considerable number of cultivators from the Chixue Sea Region’s various powers had chosen to surrender to the Ling Family.

A census revealed their total number to be over twenty thousand. Their Cultivation levels varied widely, with no shortage of anyone from the Early stage Qi Cultivation to Late stage Golden Core.

Ling Qiyue’s methods were simple and direct: all Male Cultivators at the Core Formation Level had their Divine Souls restrained with a Secret Technique and were sent to labor in the mines.

For cultivators at the Foundation Establishment and Qi Cultivation Stage, the restrictions were looser, but they still had to serve the family for at least ten years. Only those who performed well would be considered for proper appointments.

Ling Changqing did not refuse. "There’s no time like the present. Let’s go see them in a moment!"

Ling Yulu’s fair face flushed slightly as she chided him playfully, "I knew you wouldn’t stand on ceremony, Husband. Come with me!"

And so, the women escorted Ling Changqing to a nearby palace.

According to Ling Qiyue’s plan, any Female Cultivator who caught Ling Changqing’s eye would be exempt from hard labor. She would be absorbed directly into the family and granted the same treatment as a member of the Ling Family’s Direct Lineage.

A Female Cultivator who received Ling Changqing’s favor would be like a carp leaping over the dragon gate—her future prospects on the Great Dao would be boundless.

...

「Saint Yu Immortal Dynasty.」

After a period of quiet, the fires of war had been rekindled. The Cultivator Armies of the Mu Family and the Cui Family had once again launched a major offensive.