Chapter 55: Set the Right Mindset

"Congratulations, my lord, on advancing to the Late Stage of Lian Qi!"

Lin Ziyu received Xiao Zhangqing's telepathic message and came to the training hall to pay her respects.

In three months, the two sisters have passed the initial awkwardness and embarrassment, and their mindset has gradually adjusted.

Especially not long ago, Xiao Zhangqing displayed the attainment of a first-tier middle-grade Symbol Master outwardly, and now his cultivation has broken through to the Late Stage of Lian Qi.

With such enormous potential, Nanshan Fang will likely find few who can compare.

Not only the more composed elder sister Lin Ziyu, but also the usually high-spirited younger sister Lin Zixi, were both impressed by Xiao Zhangqing.

After all, the mysterious Symbol Master Bai Wujì she worships is only a first-tier middle-grade.

Xiao Zhangqing has since surpassed them, his potential boundless, and is worthy of her following.

"There are two tasks for you. The first is to go to the Cave Dwelling Administration, inquire about suitable Yi-level Cave Dwellings, and once you find one, prepare to move. The second is to scout around for where these items are sold; I have written the details on the paper..."

Xiao Zhangqing instructed.

For a typical cultivator at the Late Stage of Lian Qi, the spiritual energy density of a Bing-level Cave Dwelling is barely sufficient for practice and does not greatly affect cultivation speed. However, it clearly does not meet Xiao Zhangqing's standards; his Great Achievement level Longevity Technique, a foundation-stage proficiency, demands higher spiritual energy.

He just tried a bit of cultivation and concluded that a move is necessary.

He is now publicly a first-tier middle-grade Symbol Master; each month at Lingfu Pavilion, as long as he completes his workload, his salary reaches four to five hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones.

He is fully qualified to reside in a Yi-level Cave Dwelling.

Of course, Yi-level Cave Dwellings No. 1 to 3 are areas that can almost rival Jia-level Cave Dwellings, and he is still far from qualified to live there.

As for the materials to craft Second-rank Talisman Scripts, none of the major shops in Nanshan Fang sell them regularly, not even Lingfu Pavilion.

After all, Nanshan Fang currently has no Second-rank Symbol Master, so there is no market for trade.

It will require a gradual search, perhaps asking merchants to monitor and procure through their channels before any supply appears.

Such matters are rather troublesome, but with the Lin sisters present, Xiao Zhangqing directing them to handle it is reasonable.

A maid must be given tasks; she cannot just be kept idle for worship.

"Very well, my lord."

Lin Ziyu respectfully took the note, glanced at its contents, and found it listed various materials for drawing talismans, but at a much higher tier than before! For example, many of the basics are fur, spirit blood, and so on from Second-rank Beasts.

Lin Ziyu was surprised, wondering if they were about to attempt crafting Second-rank Talisman Scripts. Yet she thought that was unlikely, since she is still a first-tier middle-grade Symbol Master, not yet a first-tier top-grade, and cannot jump a level to try Second-rank.

It must serve some other purpose...

Lin Ziyu understood her position, knew what to ask and what not to, took the note and, having received the order, prepared to turn and leave the room.

At that moment Xiao Zhangqing suddenly asked, "When was this outfit purchased?"

Today Lin Ziyu wore a slightly sheer silk gown that not only showcased her curvaceous figure, but also left the inner garments faintly visible; combined with her elegant, scholarly beauty, it gave off a simultaneously pure and sensual impression.

It seemed untouchable yet inviting of violation.

Lin Ziyu's face flushed red in an instant, and she lowered her head, saying, "The day before yesterday... my sister bought it, saying she'll wear this style at home from now on. My lord, do you think it's acceptable?"

That Lin Zixi is not only sprightly and clever, but also quite understanding of men.

"Whatever you two want, I have no objection," Xiao Zhangqing waved his hand. He had been busy cultivating, breaking through the Late Stage of Lian Qi threshold, and had little mind for other matters.

Of course, the main point is that the two sisters still harbor some inappropriate little thoughts, which Xiao Zhangqing believes need to be simmered and tempered.

After all, these sisters are not to be taken lightly.

Although Xiao Zhangqing could now ignore their little thoughts and act arbitrarily, he does not like to use forceful people, nor to impose a coercive element on such matters.

He must make the two sisters recognize their status, set their positions correctly, and obediently fulfill their duties as concubines.

…

"Sister, why did the lord send you?"

Leaving the training hall, Lin Zixi immediately approached out of curiosity to ask.

"He gave me two tasks..."

Lin Ziyu, having settled her somewhat fluttering mood, briefly relayed it without concealment.

"Why did the lord assign both tasks to you and not to me?" Lin Zixi muttered.

Lin Ziyu chuckled at the remark, teasingly said, "What, aren't you pleased that I didn't give you any tasks? Weren't you previously feeling resentful about the concubine status?"

Lin Zixi did not feel embarrassed and sighed, "Times change. The lord's symbol technique has already reached a first-tier middle-grade, nearly matching senior Bai Wujì, sufficient for the major foundation families of Nanshan Fang to treat him with respect. In the future, attaining Second-rank Symbol Master will further raise his prospects. His cultivation now easily broke through the Late Stage of Lian Qi; even if his Low-grade Spirit Root makes foundation impossible, he will at least achieve a Lian Qi Great Completion later."

"Second-rank Symbol Master, Lian Qi Great Completion. Not even in a small place like Nanshan Fang, but even in the great capital cities, he would have a foothold."

"Before such a lord, what reason do I have to feel aggrieved?"

"Following a lord like this, perhaps our future circumstances and prospects will far exceed what we could achieve on our own."

Lin Ziyu nodded and said, "Indeed. The two of us becoming the lord's concubines may not be a bad thing at all, but rather a blessing in disguise! So we should abandon any unrealistic notions and earnestly fulfill our duties."

"Then I will continue researching wine brewing; if I can craft a first-tier Spirit Wine, the business and profits of Guangju Tavern will soar, and the lord will be pleased."

Lin Zixi said.

Guangju Tavern was a business the sisters had started using the Cao family's tiger skin; originally, after severing ties with the Cao family, the tavern should have closed.

But since the two sisters became Xiao Zhangqing's concubines, the tavern effectively became his property, and the monthly profits are handed over in full by the sisters.

Thus Guangju Tavern now relies on Xiao Zhangqing's name to continue smoothly, and no one dares to challenge them.

Now the tavern is mainly entrusted to Lin Zixi to manage.

Lin Ziyu usually handles Xiao Zhangqing's meals and daily life, as well as miscellaneous tasks when drawing talismans.

"By the way, sister, what did the lord think of your outfit today?" Lin Zixi suddenly asked curiously.

Lin Ziyu recalled Xiao Zhangqing's gaze lingering on her sensitive area, feeling a slight shiver, her cheeks flushing again, and she instinctively covered her chest with both hands, saying, "You bought these indecent clothes and want to know the lord's opinion? Try it yourself next time!"

Lin Zixi's eyes brightened, and she whispered hurriedly, "Could it be... the lord finally made a move on you?"

"No!" Lin Ziyu glared, saying softly, "The lord is not a lecher."

(End of Chapter)