Hai Dali originally wanted to stroll around the Chen Residence, but he was afraid that since he did not understand the rules there, he might accidentally offend someone. So he simply returned to cultivate.
At night, Hai Dali sat cross-legged on the bed, adjusting his breathing, when he suddenly heard faint footsteps outside the door.
His heart leapt with joy. He knew Qingzhi had come.
Just as he was about to open the door for her, it was pushed open first. A slender figure slipped inside and quickly shut it behind her.
Hai Dali walked over, pulled her into his arms, and carried her toward the bed, saying, “Why did you come so late? I’ve been waiting until my heart itched with impatience.”
Qingzhi was still not used to being held by a man, but she did not resist. She explained softly, “I had to wait until the Second Miss went to rest before coming. I also had to avoid people along the way, so of course I came late.”
“You’ve worked hard,” Hai Dali said. “After some time, I’ll ask the Second Miss to transfer you to me.”
He felt that sneaking around like this was not sustainable. If it continued, they would eventually be discovered. He needed to find a way to bring Qingzhi to his side.
Hearing this while in his arms, Qingzhi felt happy, but still worried. “It’s enough that you have the thought. I’ve served by the Second Miss’s side for many years. She’s used to me handling many things. If you ask for me, it might make her unhappy.”
“It’s fine, leave it to me. Don’t worry. Here, take this.”
Hai Dali did not explain how he would handle it. He simply took out a Spirit Gathering Pill and placed it in Qingzhi’s hand.
“This is a Spirit Gathering Pill?”
Qingzhi had clearly seen one before.
“Yes. The Second Miss rewarded it to me. I’ve already used one. This one is for you,” Hai Dali explained.
“No, it’s too precious. I can’t accept it.”
Although reluctant, she still tried to return the Spirit Gathering Pill.
“It’s just a Spirit Gathering Pill. Since I’m giving it to you, take it. It doesn’t help me much anyway,” Hai Dali said generously.
“Alright.”
Qingzhi did not insist further. She leaned slightly into Hai Dali’s chest.
She had never expected him to give her such a pill. A faint sweetness rose in her heart, and her resistance toward him gradually faded.
Hai Dali wanted to test the effects of improving one realm tonight, so he suggested, “Refine it here. I’ll guard you.”
“Okay.”
Qingzhi sat cross-legged, swallowed the Spirit Gathering Pill, and began refining it. After the medicinal effect was fully absorbed, she successfully broke through one minor realm.
Feeling the changes in her body, Qingzhi said excitedly, “I’ve reached the 3rd stage Qi Refining Realm.”
She had four spiritual roots, which made her of little value for cultivation in the Chen Family. She rarely received resources, so she knew how difficult cultivation was.
Now that her strength had increased, she was overjoyed.
Hai Dali had long been impatient. Seeing that Qingzhi had finished refining the pill, he did not let her remain excited for long before pulling her onto the bed… Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping.com.
…
One hour later, Hai Dali could not hide the joy on his face.
“As expected, after improving Qingzhi’s realm, the effect of dual cultivation became even better. It seems I need to find female cultivators with higher realms. I can’t delay my own cultivation any longer…”
Beside him, Qingzhi’s eyes were unfocused, her body soft as mud. Seeing this, Hai Dali gently pulled her into his arms and closed his eyes to sleep.
…
The next day, Hai Dali came early to greet Chen Muxue. When he arrived at her courtyard, he saw Qingzhi standing at the entrance.
“Why are you standing here?” he asked.
“The Second Miss is practicing sword techniques in the courtyard. She doesn’t like us being nearby, so we stand outside. Why are you here?”
Qingzhi looked at Hai Dali, a trace of softness hidden in her eyes.
“I’ve come to greet the Second Miss.”
Hai Dali said with a grin, and when no one was looking, he lightly pinched Qingzhi’s cheek, making her flustered and worried about being seen.
“You wait here. I’ll go greet the Second Miss first.”
After teasing Qingzhi, Hai Dali prepared to enter.
Qingzhi quickly grabbed him. “If you go in now, the Second Miss will get angry.”
“You said she doesn’t like you being nearby. You didn’t say she doesn’t like me being nearby,” Hai Dali joked.
Qingzhi ignored his teasing and held onto him, afraid he might anger her mistress and be punished.
Seeing this, Hai Dali felt warmth in his heart. He patted Qingzhi’s hand and said gently, “Don’t worry. The Second Miss won’t be angry.”
Qingzhi released him and cautioned, “Be careful. Don’t anger the Second Miss.”
Hai Dali nodded and walked into the courtyard. Chen Muxue was practicing swordsmanship, so he did not disturb her and simply stood to the side, quietly admiring her figure.
Once Chen Muxue finished practicing, Hai Dali immediately stepped forward and flattered her, “Second Miss’s swordsmanship is truly superb. Every move flows effortlessly, fully displaying extraordinary strength. Your subordinate admires you greatly.”
Hearing his flattery, Chen Muxue was very pleased. She did not even mind that he had entered while she was practicing.
“You came at the right time. My uncle’s 60th birthday is approaching, and I need to prepare a gift. Help me take a look.”
Hai Dali knew about this uncle. His name was Qin Shan, the Patriarch of the Qin Family and the elder brother of the First Madam.
As for why it was a 60th birthday, it was simply because cultivators generally married late.
“Your subordinate believes that Second Miss need not focus on something overly expensive. Your uncle, as the Patriarch of the Qin Family, has broad experience.”
“Second Miss can instead give something with good meaning. As long as your intention is conveyed, Patriarch Qin will surely be very pleased.”
Chen Muxue found this reasonable and asked, “Then what should I give?”
“He enjoys calligraphy and painting,” Chen Muxue replied after thinking for a moment.
“Then it’s simple. We can give him a famous calligraphy or painting, along with a couplet like ‘May your immortal blessings last forever, and may your lifespan equal the heavens.’ That will surely make Patriarch Qin very happy.”
“Immortal blessings forever, lifespan equal to the heavens.”
Chen Muxue’s eyes lit up. “Then we’ll give calligraphy or painting.”
She looked at Hai Dali with increasing satisfaction, feeling that he had become much smarter than before.
Then she remembered that her family did not have any famous works, so she said, “We don’t have such paintings at home, and I’m not familiar with them. Come with me to buy one and help me judge.”
Hai Dali wanted to say that he was not familiar either, but he could not refuse. Then he suddenly thought of something and put on a serious expression. “Second Miss has been cultivating diligently and should continue foot massages. Otherwise, the injury may relapse.”
Chen Muxue recalled his method of massaging her feet and a faint blush appeared on her face. “My uncle’s birthday is near. Buying the gift comes first.”
Hearing her refusal, Hai Dali knew he would not get another chance to massage her feet for now and sighed inwardly.
After carefully dressing up, Chen Muxue left the residence with Hai Dali and Qingzhi.
Walking behind them and looking at their graceful figures, Hai Dali felt his mind wander. He even wiped imaginary drool from his mouth, fantasizing about the two of them together…
Chen Muxue wanted to ask Hai Dali something, but noticed he was lagging behind. She frowned and asked, “Why are you walking so far back?”
Hai Dali snapped back to his senses and quickly caught up, making an excuse, “I was thinking about what kind of painting we should buy.”
At the same time, he cursed himself. He had unconsciously fallen behind just to better compare their figures.
Chen Muxue felt he was being thoughtful again.
The three arrived at a shop called “Treasure Pavilion.” The manager, upon seeing Chen Muxue, immediately came forward and greeted her, “Second Miss, your arrival honors us. How may I assist you?”
Only then did Hai Dali realize that this was one of the Chen Family’s businesses. The manager led them into the reception room.
Chen Muxue asked, “Do you have any valuable calligraphy or paintings?”
The manager nodded eagerly. “What a coincidence. We just acquired a piece recently. It was created by Master Tang.”
“Master Tang’s works are highly sought after, even for great sums. This one was purchased from a family that has fallen into decline.”
Chen Muxue became interested and immediately asked for the painting to be brought out.
The manager carefully unfolded the painting on the table. Hai Dali’s eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands in praise.
He recognized it instantly. Wasn’t this a painting of pine and cranes? The symbolism was perfectly fitting.
He immediately explained it to Chen Muxue.
Chen Muxue was very satisfied after hearing his explanation and directly had the painting packed and taken away.