Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation

Chapter 386 231: Zhao Wanyi: I Don't Mind...

If the Zhao Family hadn't suffered that great upheaval back then and had instead developed smoothly to this day, they would likely have at least ten Nascent Soul True Monarchs in their ranks.

"Let's go!"

At his side, Zhao Wanyi said gently, "We'll see my mother first, and then we can go together and start Opening the Furnace and Refining Pills."

Her mother was the current Patriarch of the Zhao Family, as well as one of the two Nascent Soul True Monarchs stationed in the clan.

Ling Changqing assented and followed her toward the Clan Assembly Hall.

Before long, they were ascending the wide White Jade Steps. Passing rows of stern-faced guards and Daoist Soldier Puppets wielding long halberds, the pair finally walked through the grand and imposing main entrance.

The vast hall was shrouded in silence. Only a slender, graceful figure seated upon a high dais remained perfectly still, like an exquisite statue.

There were no other Elders, maids, or guards present. The Patriarch had likely dismissed them beforehand.

"Mother, I'm back! And I've brought a Third Rank Alchemist with me!"

Zhao Wanyi pulled Ling Changqing forward to pay their respects, her voice bright and cheerful.

Ling Changqing looked up and saw the woman's face was covered by an exquisite piece of Bronze Head Armor, revealing only a pair of bright, shimmering eyes.

The aura she emanated was that of the late stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, but it was somewhat unstable, suggesting she had only recently achieved her breakthrough.

"Young man... there seems to be more to you than meets the eye."

A few breaths later, a rich, melodic voice echoed through the hall.

Ling Changqing replied, his expression unreadable, "I am merely a Loose Cultivator who was passing through. I accepted the young miss's hospitality and decided to offer my help. I will leave as soon as the matter is concluded."

"Mother, I..."

Zhao Wanyi looked apprehensive, but the Patriarch stopped her with a wave of her hand as soon as she spoke.

"Enough. Wanyi, just take him to the Pill Hall. No more words are necessary. Young man, so long as you can resolve our clan's urgent crisis, I shall reward you handsomely!"

"Yes, Mother."

Without another word, Zhao Wanyi turned and left with Ling Changqing.

The great hall fell silent once more.

After a long moment, the Patriarch let out a faint sigh and murmured softly,

"That girl went on one trip, and her fortune increased considerably upon her return. Could it be because of him?"

A cool, gentle voice drifted over. "If even you can't discern his origins, Mother, then he is truly no simple man!"

A moment later, a tall, elegant figure emerged from behind the Moyu Screen.

She wore a snow-white gown. With bright eyes and pearly teeth, her jade-like face was as flawless and radiant as a painting. The curves of her stunning figure were on full display. Shockingly, it was another Zhao Wanyi.

Or rather, this was the true Zhao Wanyi. The one from before was, in fact, her younger twin sister.

The Patriarch on the dais looked at her daughter and spoke warmly,

"Although I cannot see through him, I can confirm one thing: that young man has no designs on the Zhao Family's foundation."

'The fact that there was nothing to see was, in itself, the biggest problem of all.'

The Patriarch couldn't see through Ling Changqing, but she knew her own daughter inside and out. The shift in her daughter's fortune, therefore, had not escaped her notice.

Zhao Wanyi smiled. "In that case, my sister truly stumbled upon a treasure this time. If he can really solve the clan's Elixir supply problem, why not... let her be with him?"

The Patriarch was taken aback for a moment, then said hesitantly, "But you are the designated successor of the clan. If your sister obtains this great opportunity, won't you be overshadowed by her in the future?"

Zhao Wanyi smiled. "That's hardly a concern. I don't mind."

The Patriarch snorted. "You can't be sure of that. What if your sister is the first to step into the Nascent Soul Realm? There's no guarantee you won't regret this later, and I fear it would be detrimental to the clan's internal stability!

Besides, from what I can tell of that young man... he might very well advance to the Nascent Soul True Monarch Realm himself one day. What will you do then?"

Zhao Wanyi considered this for a moment before replying, looking troubled, "But at the end of the day, this is the opportunity Wanqing brought back. If I were to shamelessly fight her for it, how could we even call ourselves sisters anymore?"