「Dusk.」
On the surface of the sea, numerous small boats shuttled back and forth, carrying the Pearl Gatherers back after a long day's work.
Ling Changqing was one of the last to return. By the time he stepped onto the foredeck of the Sea Boat, most of the other Pearl Gatherers had already dispersed.
"You didn't... fill all of these, did you?"
Seeing the Storage Pouches hanging from Ling Changqing's waist, Ling Zifeng asked in disbelief, his eyes wide with astonishment.
Ling Changqing smiled. "About half full. I grabbed anything that seemed useful!"
"..."
Ling Zifeng's expression grew serious. He waved over a group of servants to help Ling Changqing tally his haul, and Steward Tian Wenhua followed them.
As Ling Changqing opened the first Storage Pouch, a pile of resources tumbled out: Yunzhu Grass, Moonlight Vine Gourds, Jade Crystal Winter Beauty Pearls, Qingling Sea Flowers, Purple Profound Sand Gold Ore, and more.
The largest piece of Purple Profound Sand Gold Ore weighed a good twenty-plus pounds. It was an important material for forging certain Defensive Magical Artifacts.
Next, Ling Changqing opened the second Storage Pouch, pouring out a heap of Thorny Lobsters, Rainbow Shadow Shrimp, Iron Wire Velvet Claw Crabs, and similar resources.
There were also several sea fish of varying sizes, a Seven-angled Star Turtle, and some spiral-horn cherry blossom conches—all of them Rank One Demon Beasts that were not only delicious but could also replenish one's vitality, blood, and soul.
As all the Storage Pouches were emptied, a small mountain of goods piled up on the deck, leaving the servants gaping in astonishment.
Tian Wenhua was busy for quite some time before he finished recording the types and quantities of all the resources. He then calculated the final price and the corresponding clan contribution points.
"Young man, it comes to a total of ninety-seven and a half Spirit Stones. Let's round it up to an even hundred for you!"
Ling Zifeng said with a chuckle, "On top of that, you've earned one hundred and thirty clan contribution points. Keep up the good work!"
"Understood."
Ling Changqing nodded. Clan contribution points were very useful. Once he accumulated enough, he could exchange them at the Clan Treasury for resources like Spirit Stones, Elixirs, Spirit Wine, Spirit Rice, and Demon Beast Meat.
He could even exchange a sufficient number of points for the Rank Breaking Elixirs and Spirit Liquids needed for the late stages of Qi Cultivation.
However, the required number of points was astronomical. Even with Ling Changqing's efficiency, it would take him a very long time to gather enough.
A moment later, Tian Wenhua handed over the Jade Token that recorded his clan contribution points, along with a sparkling, translucent Spirit Stone that shimmered with light.
This was a Middle-grade Spirit Stone. The exchange rate with Low-grade Spirit Stones was one to one hundred, though the actual market rate could fluctuate slightly and was usually higher, never lower.
Ling Changqing accepted them and put them in his Storage Pouch. After a bit more small talk, he headed back to his cabin.
Given his current status, a Maid would deliver his dinner to his room. He no longer needed to show up at the dining hall, which naturally prevented any Loose Cultivators from trying to strike up a conversation and cozy up to him.
Although Fasting Pills were available, most Cultivators below the Foundation Establishment Realm still valued the pleasure of eating.
Unless they were in long-term Cultivation in Seclusion, Cultivators would rarely refuse indulgences like Spirit Rice, Demon Beast Meat, Spirit Wine, or Spirit Tea.
After a satisfying meal and drink, Ling Changqing had no plans to go out looking for entertainment. He still had some Elixirs and resources in his Storage Pouch, so he continued his Cultivation.
「The night passed quietly.」
When the first light of dawn appeared, Ling Changqing awoke from a state of deep epiphany on his Cloud Bed and slowly opened his eyes.
A faint aura of Profound Yin Water Essence Qi filled the room, carrying a pure and profound sense of tranquility. This was a result of practicing Water Element Cultivation Techniques and Divine Techniques.
Ling Changqing silently circulated his Spiritual Power. Although the Profound Truth Black Water Scripture wasn't a particularly high-end Cultivation Method Scripture, its strength lay in its balanced and steady nature, which laid a solid foundation. As a result, it didn't have overly strict requirements for a Cultivator's talent.
As long as one wasn't rash and advanced step by step, with sufficient resources, reaching the Senior Realm was an inevitable outcome.
'Qi Cultivation 5th Layer? I suppose it's about time!'
Ling Changqing mused to himself. He hadn't slacked off for a single day, had been generous with his resources, and had even consumed many good things on the seabed. Breaking through to the 5th Layer was a matter of course.
In his Sea of Consciousness, a message imbued with a mysterious Dao Rhyme silently appeared:
[Master of the Era Star Palace: Ling Changqing]
[Bone Age: 15]
[Cultivation: Qi Cultivation 5th Layer]
[Destiny: 25+108]
[Blessed Fortune: 24+87]
[Physique: 18]
[Root Bone: 16]
[Comprehension: 17]
[Divine Soul: 32]
[Primary Cultivation Technique: Profound Truth Black Water Scripture (Level 2) 2591/10000]
[Water Escape Technique: (Level 3) ???/???]
[Water Spirit Shield: (Level 3) 2796/3000]
[Water Manipulation Technique: (Level 3) 1990/2000]
[Water Mirror Communication: (Level 2) 1870/2000]
[Water Tornado: (Level 2) 1542/2000]
[Profound Ice Water Arrow Technique: (Level 2) 1497/2000]
[Spirit Root: Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Mid-grade 4030/10000]
[Nobles: Ling Zifeng/Tang Qiu Yao]
[Noble: ?]
His Destiny, Blessed Fortune, and various key physical attributes had all been significantly enhanced. In addition, his Primary Cultivation Technique and Divine Techniques had also progressed to varying degrees.
Although his Spirit Root Talent had not advanced to the next rank, it was still slowly improving, so Ling Changqing wasn't in a hurry.
At the Qi Cultivation 5th Layer, he had gained another slot for a Noble. This time, Ling Changqing didn't hesitate and directly filled in the name Ling Qiyue.
Of course, because her Cultivation Level was higher than his, the mysterious power of the Era Star Palace would take longer to affect her, and the results might be less potent.
However, as long as Ling Changqing's own Cultivation continued to grow, these issues would resolve themselves naturally.
His Water Manipulation Technique was the newly exchanged complete, advanced version. Because Ling Changqing went into the sea to work every day, it was now approaching the Great Perfection of the third level.
His Water Escape Technique had already reached the Great Perfection of the third level, and his other Divine Techniques weren't far from that stage either. He just didn't know if the Ling Family's Mansion Treasury had any High-Grade versions. He would have to ask the next time he went back.
According to Tang Qiu Yao, the first ancestor of the Ling Family was originally just a fisherman who lived by the sea, going out to fish every day to make a living.
Later, by a stroke of luck, he somehow discovered the cave residence of a Golden Core Great Cultivator who had passed away on an uninhabited island, and fortuitously obtained his entire legacy.
That Golden Core Great Cultivator had some kind of connection with the Sea Race during his life and primarily cultivated Water Attribute Techniques and Divine Techniques.
Having received his inheritance, the Ling Family ancestor set foot on the path of Cultivation. After nearly a hundred years of painstaking effort, he laid the foundation for the Ling Family's rise.
Over several hundred years, the generations of Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators in the Ling Family not only attempted to break through to the Golden Core Realm but also made sure to collect Water Element Cultivation Technique and Divine Power Manuals from all over to enrich the clan's heritage.
From Ling Changqing's perspective, he didn't really need to worry about more profound Cultivation Techniques before he reached the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Reining in his wandering thoughts, Ling Changqing got out of bed, tidied himself up, and left the room.
On the foredeck, the teams of Pearl Gatherers were mostly already in the water. Ling Changqing was clearly the last to arrive.
However, as long as Steward Ling Zifeng said nothing, no one would interfere with him.
"Huh? Young man, you're already at the Qi Cultivation 5th Layer? Congratulations!"
Tian Wenhua was the first to notice the change in Ling Changqing. From his external aura to the subtle changes in his facial features, these were the inevitable benefits of a Cultivation breakthrough.
Ling Zifeng was just as astonished. "Your Bone Age is only fourteen, right? Oh, no, you're fifteen now. It looks like you might even be able to advance again before you're twenty? Truly incredible!"
To reach the Qi Cultivation 5th Layer at his age, while not comparable to the genius prodigies from Major Sects, was enough to be considered an Immortal Seedling worthy of focused nurturing within the Ling Family.
"It was just a stroke of luck. I must thank you, Lord Steward, for your guidance."
Ling Changqing said humbly.
This wasn't mere pleasantry. Regardless of any ulterior motives, Ling Zifeng's help had been genuine.
"You don't have to thank me. I didn't actually help you that much. It was all your own effort."
Ling Zifeng said with emotion. Cultivators like Ling Changqing, who were willing to work hard and didn't lack resources, weren't exactly rare.
But his growth rate was so fast, which showed that his personal Qi Fortune was extraordinary—something most Cultivators lacked.
'This kid... he should have a chance of reaching Foundation Establishment before he's sixty, right? Won't the family have another Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator presiding over it then?'
Tian Wenhua mused to himself, filled with admiration for Ling Zifeng's unique foresight. Of all the Pearl Gatherers, only Ling Changqing had been singled out by him.
After a bit more idle chat, Ling Changqing left the Sea Boat, climbed down the rope ladder to his small boat, and continued his work in the sea.
After he entered the water, Tian Wenhua glanced at the Lord Steward's expression and couldn't help but lean in and whisper:
"The kid's still single, isn't he? Should we..."
The Steward remembered that Ling Zifeng had a niece who was quite talented and good-looking. It would be perfect if they could set them up.
Perhaps Ling Zifeng himself could even benefit greatly from the connection in the future if Ling Changqing one day succeeded in reaching Foundation Establishment.
Ling Zifeng was tempted for a moment, but after silently weighing the pros and cons, he shook his head.
"I'm afraid that won't work. He's already a prospect who has caught Steward Tang's eye. Even the Patriarch has taken notice of him. We no longer have a say in matters like this."
"Is that so? What a pity."
Tian Wenhua thought for a moment and finally sighed helplessly.
Ling Zifeng, however, was more philosophical. "There's nothing to regret. In any case, we've already formed a good relationship with him. Others wouldn't even have had such an opportunity."
'I have no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment myself. In my lifetime, I can at most reach the Qi Cultivation 8th to 9th Layers. But with Ling Changqing's protection in the future, my position within the family won't be too bad.'