Chapter 462: Concubine and Uninvited Guest

“Report, Elder, the newly seized ‘Qinglan Bay’ is much like our Lingxi Bay—only one fractured spiritual vein, and these first-tier resources are already their accumulated stockpiles; even if they occasionally acquire second-tier resources, they’ve likely already traded them for other cultivation materials.” Shi Qiuping set down the ledger and replied respectfully.

“We’ve now taken control of nine spiritual veins, correct?” Wang Yu asked again.

“Yes, since Elder raised the banner of Mishan Sect, four independent cultivator factions have voluntarily submitted. Other minor factions nearby, though not yet loyal, have pledged to follow Elder’s lead—it shouldn’t be difficult to bring them fully under our control.” Shi Qiuping gazed at Wang Yu, her eyes shimmering with admiration.

“There’s no need for voluntary submission. Mishan Sect’s expansion stops here.” Wang Yu said without hesitation.

“This… Elder, halting expansion now seems a pity.” The young woman paused, hesitating slightly as she spoke.

“I raised the Mishan Sect banner only to gather manpower to help collect cultivation resources. What use is seizing too many of these fractured spiritual veins?”

“Moreover, if we truly seized every spiritual vein downstream and absorbed all independent factions, do you think the Bi Shui Palace cultivators would sit idly by?”

“If they did, the Yuan family and Heisha Sect would have long since ruled the entire Hanlan River region.” Wang Yu remarked calmly, offering a gentle reminder.

“Elder’s insight is profound—I was greedy.” Shi Qiuping finally understood.

“Most spiritual veins in the Hanlan River region are fractured and scattered; even small first-tier veins are rare. We now hold nine veins, but only three are actual small first-tier veins—the rest are all like Lingxi Bay: fractured.”

“Small first-tier veins are already useless to me. Even if I temporarily used them for cultivation, I could only utilize one at a time—there’s simply no need to expand.”

“Your next task is to consolidate our personnel, solidify our current holdings, and use a contribution point system to encourage sect members to voluntarily surrender their cultivation techniques and resources, exchanging them for those they desire.”

“I will also soon refine some entry-tier cultivation pills using spiritual herbs; sect members can likewise exchange contribution points for them—this will effectively win their loyalty.” Wang Yu instructed slowly.

“Yes, I understand. I’ll arrange everything immediately.”

“But Elder, among the new independent cultivators who joined Mishan Sect, there’s one at Qi Refinement peak and several at late Qi Refinement—they may not obey my orders. How should I treat them?” The beautiful woman lowered her head and asked softly.

“I’ve observed your conduct over the past month. I do need a helper. Tell me this: would you be willing to become my concubine?”

“I must clarify—I already have a formal Dao partner elsewhere—but I promise you resources to advance your cultivation. If you prove worthy, I may even grant you a chance at Foundation Establishment.” Wang Yu gazed at the young woman, paused thoughtfully, and then spoke slowly, a fleeting image of Yin Linglong passing through his mind.

Over the past month, he had learned nearly everything about Shi Qiuping and her sister through various channels.

The sisters hailed from a family of independent cultivators in another great region of the Eastern Wastes. Shi Qiuping, barely eighteen, had married a minor clan scion, but after his clan was destroyed by a powerful enemy, her husband perished.

To escape pursuit, she fled with her younger sister into the Chaotic Spirit Domain.

Overall, the sisters’ backgrounds were clean. Though their cultivation was low, the elder, Shi Qiuping, was sharp, capable, and efficient; her younger sister, Shi Hongyao, was an alchemist and thus highly useful.

After careful consideration, he finally decided to take this woman as his concubine and make her part of his inner circle.

Remember, once a cultivator reaches Foundation Establishment, they gain over two hundred years of life; with longevity-enhancing items, even three-hundred-year-old Foundation Establishment elders are not uncommon.

Thus, it is utterly ordinary for Foundation Establishment cultivators to take young, beautiful women as concubines—some lustful ones collect dozens, even hundreds, over their lifetimes.

It’s no surprise that many cultivation clans grow to nearly a thousand members within decades.

Though Wang Yu came from the modern Blue Star, having achieved Foundation Establishment and gained extended life, he felt no resistance to taking concubines. Besides, Shi Qiuping was indeed strikingly beautiful—he was a normal man, and he was undeniably drawn to her.

“I am willing. I only hope Elder will show me a little kindness in the future.”

“Also, Elder, could you take Hongyao as well?”

“She admires you as much as I do. My sister and I wish to serve you together.” Upon hearing this, Shi Qiuping’s lovely face lit up with delight. She bowed gracefully, then asked cautiously.

“Rise. Hongyao is still too young—I have other plans for her.”

“In a few days, I will publicly announce my taking of a concubine. With your status as my concubine, you may handle Mishan Sect affairs without challenge. My main focus remains restoring my injuries and cultivation.” Wang Yu flicked his sleeve; an invisible force surged forth, lifting the young woman’s slender frame from the ground.

“Yes, I shall obey every command of my lord,” Shi Qiuping rose smoothly, her cheeks flushed as she changed her address.

“Mishan Sect is newly founded; for now, only two positions are needed: Internal Affairs and External Affairs. There is no need for Elder titles yet. You will be Internal Affairs Officer, responsible for all internal matters—your primary task is gathering the resources I require.”

“For external affairs, the Qi Refinement peak independent cultivator who voluntarily submitted—I recall his name is Duan Tianming. He is strong. Make him External Affairs Officer, responsible for external matters.”

“As for the several Qi Refinement late-stage cultivators, appoint them as Deputy Officers, and let each of you select a few assistants…” Wang Yu gave her detailed instructions.

Shi Qiuping listened intently, nodding continuously.

At that moment, Wang Yu’s voice fell silent. He suddenly lifted his head and gazed out the window toward the high sky.

Almost simultaneously, a stranger’s voice echoed from above:

“I am Miao Feng of the Heisha Sect. I’ve heard of the great prowess of the Mishan cultivator and have come to pay my respects—pray, grant me the honor of your instruction.”

The man’s voice was icy and piercing, like needles pricking the ears. The cultivators in the valley all gasped in alarm, rushing out of their huts to look skyward.

There, hundreds of meters above, a massive emerald-green dragonfly hovered, its wings fluttering gently. Upon its back stood a black-robed youth, his hair a golden cascade to his shoulders, expressionless.