Chapter 190

After confirming Yang Guanfeng’s stable vital signs, he sent a Thought Transmission to Yang Lingqing.

Receiving this message, Yang Lingqing felt relieved.

If the Immortal Master declared the Elder safe, they needn’t worry anymore.

Yet facing Gao Hui, she forced a pained expression and sighed repeatedly through her nose.

"Yang Master shouldn’t burden yourself too much. The old Master still clings to life."

"Mayor Gao speaks true. With endless miles ahead, our worries change nothing."

Yang Lingqing straightened her posture, forced herself to stay composed. "If the Elder survives until the Eastern Expedition, rescue remains possible. Should he perish in the Eastern Wilderness… we must recover his body for proper burial."

Gao Hui opened his mouth but swallowed his words.

"We thank Mayor Gao for this information."

"No thanks needed… Farewell, Yang Master. Stay vigilant."

After Gao Hui departed, Chen Yang’s Thought Transmission reached Yang Lingqing again.

Chen Yang now revealed Yang Guanfeng’s location lay east of Tiger-Chasing territory, though at great distance.

Yang Lingqing deduced the Elder had fled into Eastern Wilderness during battle chaos to hide.

With Eastern Wilderness split between three factions and lawless zones, Yang Guanfeng likely disguised himself in those wild regions.

This meant Yang Family cultivators would gain new orders during Eastern Expedition – search Eastern Wilderness for surviving Yang Guanfeng.

He Shenglai demanded five members. Among four affiliated families, Chu family’s two stationed cultivators could spare one.

Xie Chuan, Zhao Qi, and Liang Yi could be confirmed from remaining candidates.

Excluding Yang Lingshu and Lv Fangxuan left six cultivators: Old Yu, Liu Zihao, Wu Tong, Wei Xinqing, Yang Yuanliu, and herself.

Though seemingly sufficient, none were deployable.

Old Yu must guard Sanglu Valley.

Resident formation master Liu Zihao couldn’t be moved.

Yang Yuanliu remained too young.

Wei Xinqing and Yang Lingshu awaited marriage.

Wu Tong needed to tend Yuanhong until he entered Path of Cultivation.

She herself held family leadership.

"By this count, only that boy remains."

Yang Lingqing recalled Dai Wei who’d climbed the mountain with Yang Yuanliu during Qualification Assessment.

Xie Chuan’s recent letter reported the boy had opened eight Qi passages.

Sanglu Valley’s small Gathering Qi formation by Liu Zihao doubled normal spiritual energy concentration.

At this rate, Dai Wei’s cultivation speed surpassed Yang Yuanliu’s slightly.

With over a year remaining, Condensing Qi Palace should pose no problem for him.

As she walked and pondered, Yang Lingqing arrived at a courtyard entrance.

The cultivator practicing inside noticed the movement and rose to her feet.

"Wei Xinqing pays respects to the Master."

Wei Xinqing bowed deeply.

Yang Lingqing smiled warmly. "Have you grown accustomed to life on Song Mountain these days? If you require anything for your cultivation, speak freely."

"Everything’s perfect!"

Wei Xinqing nodded eagerly. "The cultivation resources here surpass my family’s by leaps and bounds. Each branch courtyard has a mid-stage Gathering Qi formation, along with support elixirs and secret teachings. I couldn’t ask for more."

Her words held genuine gratitude, not empty courtesy.

Before joining the Yang Family, she’d imagined Song Mountain’s grandeur. Yet reality dwarfed her expectations.

Every branch courtyard here boasted a mid-stage Gathering Qi formation. Meanwhile, the Wei Family’s patriarch Wei Zhongyun only possessed an early-stage formation in his personal quarters.

Even ordinary Yang Family cultivators enjoyed better resources than the Wei Family’s leader.

Monthly allocations of spiritual crystals, elixirs, and talismans for mountain cultivators? Unthinkable in the Wei Family.

Wei Xinqing knew her birth clan struggled to accumulate ten spiritual crystals annually, even without supplying dynasty cultivators. Only their patriarch owned a storage bag – distributing resources to other cultivators remained pure fantasy.

On her first day at Song Mountain, Yang Lingqing had handed her a storage bag containing five hundred spiritual crystals, elixirs, and talismans.

Wei Xinqing nearly collapsed in shock, mistaking it for betrothal gifts. When she tried bowing in gratitude, Yang Lingqing steadied her with a laugh.

The truth proved more astonishing – these were mere welcoming presents.

Wei Xinqing’s worldview shattered. Raised in the Wei Family, she’d never conceived a Gathering Qi family could wield such wealth.

During her cultivation initiation, Old Yu assessed her talents and granted two Perfected Gathering Qi manuals – one cultivation method, one water technique. These far exceeded the Wei Family’s advanced-stage methods she’d practiced.

Overwhelmed by continuous blessings, Wei Xinqing’s head spun until daily conversations with Wu Tong helped her adjust.

Gradually, she grasped the Yang Family’s formidable strength. They could easily dominate all southern Wangyue’s independent families. Even united dynasty cultivators from four towns might fail against them.

In reality, the Yang Family’s strong ties with Baishi and Qinghe towns rendered such conflicts impossible.

This meant that the rumors about the Yang Family were entirely accurate, perhaps even understated.

Apart from their existing strengths, the Yang Family had two extraordinarily gifted young masters. One became a direct disciple of Wanhuamen, while the other gained prominence within the He Family of Wanzhong Forest. With these two around, even ordinary noble clans wouldn’t dare provoke the Yangs.

At that moment, Wei Xinqing had fully realized marrying into the Yang Family represented the greatest opportunity in her cultivation journey. Having made this connection, she began adjusting her attitude, actively engaging with Song Mountain’s social circles. She assisted Yang Lingqing with worldly affairs and helped Zhao Qi and Liang Yi manage the spiritual plant garden.

Yang Lingqing observed all this quietly. Recognizing Wei Xinqing’s intelligence, she felt relieved – only such a woman could match Yang Lingshu.

"Hmm, good." Yang Lingqing nodded. "Lingshu should be returning home for a visit in few months. I’ve brought his portrait for you."

Wei Xinqing’s eyes sparkled as she accepted the scroll. Unrolling it revealed a slightly round-faced youth in black robes, his features radiating good-natured charm.

"My future husband," she murmured to herself, studying the image.

Yang Lingqing remarked, "Lingshu was… carefree in his youth. But I’ve instructed him to improve his appearance before returning."

A softness entered Wei Xinqing’s gaze. "If he prefers otherwise, Master shouldn’t insist. I find this version rather endearing."

*Achoo!*

*Achoo!*

Far away in the central region, three figures exited Chongtian City.

"Young master, are you ill?" Lv Fangxuan asked after Yang Lingshu’s double sneeze.

The cultivator rubbed his nose, puzzled. As a mid-stage cultivator, sneezing twice seemed peculiar.

"Sure about walking back without using techniques?" Yang Lingrui tilted his head. He’d originally planned to take the He Family’s celestial ship, but chose to accompany his cousin.

"Yes." Yang Lingshu patted his belly. "Important guests are coming. Can’t receive them like this. I’ll need your vigilance, Lingrui."

"Since when do we stand on ceremony?" Yang Lingrui chuckled, poking the soft stomach. The resulting *thunk* made all three snicker.

"Definitely needs trimming."

"Childhood indulgence," Yang Lingshu sighed, pinching his waist. "Now comes repayment."

"Walking home should shed three waistlines." Yang Lingrui gazed southward. "Good chance to ponder my new technique too."

"Let’s begin."