Golden Core Cultivator from the Capital Circuit

Upon returning to the sect, Sect Leader Kang Da was somewhat worried, because the reality was quite different from the dramas depicted in vernacular novels. The two women, Yuan and Zhang, who had lost their virginity to Kang Dabao, did not turn from hatred to love after their physical intimacy with him; instead, they harbored some resentment.

It is clear that Master Qi's kind of luck is not something ordinary people can aspire to. Therefore, how to deal with the two women is a matter that Sect Leader Kang Da urgently needs to resolve.

Fei Shuhe, who was preparing to pack her things and head to the Fei Household in Xuanwei City after passing through the border, looked even more radiant thanks to the nourishment she had received over the past month. Her delicate appearance was so captivating that it was hard not to feel sorry for her.

But after seeing the deeply furrowed brows of the Sect Leader Kang Da, her soft voice belied a chilling edge:

"If they are unwilling to enter the Kang Household's inner quarters as concubines, then we might as well kill them. You're so hesitant and indecisive, lacking any decisiveness or ruthlessness. You've been the sect leader for so long, how come you haven't corrected this indecisive habit?"

Kang Dabao's brow twitched, and after hearing this, he merely smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Madam's method is a bit too extreme. Besides, Madam also said beforehand that Yuan Xiyue is involved too much, which is not good."

"What does it have to do with us? They're just a commoner from a remote border state. Even if their head went to their ancestral home in Ying Prefecture, he wouldn't be allowed to enter. As for that abbot who protects the temple, we'll have to wait until he truly becomes a disciple of Original Response Temple before he comes to question me."

Fei Shuhe vehemently denied what she had said beforehand, glared at Sect Leader Kang Da, and then spoke:

"In the past, my lord was busy and devoted to cultivation. Huo Ying was also sensible and very clever, not stupid. Therefore, there were many things I had not told my lord. But now it is different. There are more people in the family, and some rules need to be established."

"Setting rules?" Kang Dabao felt a subconscious aversion, but outwardly he still agreed, "What you say is true, my wife. I am all ears."

"Managing the inner quarters is naturally my responsibility; you need not worry about it, my lord. From now on, all the concubines and children in the household shall be under my jurisdiction."

"From now on, I will decide on the rules regarding which maids and concubines should be rewarded for their respectfulness, punished for their mistakes, and whether to bring in new maids when their beauty has faded. I will then inform my lord of these matters."

"Is it merely that I am aware of it?"

"I only know that." Seeing that Sect Leader Kang Da still had no idea, Fei Shuhe's expression suddenly turned serious. After giving the latter a sidelong glance, she continued, "The upbringing of the children and the promotion of the concubines are all my business."

"Oh, then I'll do as Madam says." Sect Leader Kang Da nodded hastily.

"Then you don't need to worry about this matter," Fei Shuhe, having taken the power to make the final decision from Kang Dabao. After that, she left the sect leader's residence with Nanny Sun and headed for Green Lotus Courtyard.

Sect Leader Kang Da had no idea what methods Fei Shuhe had used, but when he returned from the Nurturing Scales Hall at midday, he heard the latter casually remark:

"It's all resolved, just a minor matter. My lord, you don't need to take it too seriously. From now on, they will serve you dutifully and peacefully, bearing children for the Kang Household. They won't have any other thoughts."

Kang Dabao was slightly surprised, but Fei Shuhe really didn't take it to heart. Not only did she speak with absolute certainty, but she was also very confident in her heart.

As a wealthy noblewoman whose cultivation aptitude wasn't considered top-notch, managing the inner quarters was a skill she had learned since childhood.

Managing two Foundation Establishment female cultivators is nothing. If Fei Shuhe didn't even have this much skill, why would those gentlemen of the Fei Household's She Mountain Hall have wanted to marry her off to a high-ranking family, or even the imperial clan?

Since Fei Shuhe had said so, Sect Leader Kang Da naturally believed it.

However, he wouldn't be looking for Yuan and Zhang for a while. After finishing what he needed to do, he should focus on his cultivation. But things didn't go as he expected. Before setting off for Xuanwei City the next day, Fei Shuhe called the two women out to pay Fei Shuhe respects to their lord.

At this point, Yuan Xiyue and Zhang Qingran were no longer as heartbroken as they had been at the beginning, but it was difficult to say that they were truly willing.

Under Fei Shuhe's gaze, the two of them bowed their heads gracefully and bowed, showing no sign of wavering.

When the two women looked up, they saw that Fei Shuhe, who was dignified and elegant, looked like the head of the household. Although she was still Qi Refinement, she showed no fear whatsoever towards the two Foundation Establishment True Cultivator. Instead, she scrutinized them.

Zhang Qingran and Yuan Xiyue felt a surge of resentment, but the words spoken by the matriarch kept echoing in their minds.

"You are all alone and possess the Fragrant Mist Physique. Don't think you'll be safe just because you're away from Yuan Feng. How can this news be kept from outsiders? Li Feng and Zhang Feng outside already know. If you try to leave now, it's like a child carrying gold in a bustling marketplace. Can you really protect yourself?"

Or rather, do you think you'll end up in the hands of someone even more kind-hearted than this foolish young man? Ask yourself honestly, can you find another person in this world who can skillfully use the Mystic Union Method of Primordial Oneness without damaging your foundation?

--

"You have been practicing the Buddha Mother Wisdom Consort Dao for so long, do you really not know what drawbacks this Secret Method practice has? Let alone whether the temple protector abbot wants you or not, even if you really become a Wisdom Consort and can serve the Wisdom King and achieve the Golden Core."

But are you truly willing to be locked away in that desolate, deserted snow-covered monastery for the next few centuries, a mere object to be used by others?

"In those high mountain demon caves, there are so many Buddhist monks. For them, violating human ethics and exchanging concubines is considered a refined affair. Can you possibly serve them all? And what will it be like for you to cultivate your Golden Core at that time?"

Although the noblewoman of the Fei Household spoke lightly, every word was piercing to the heart, causing the two women's expressions to change several times.

However, Fei Shuhe ignored them and added, "Besides, what right do you have to look down on the man I, Fei Shuhe, married?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the dazzling magical Law Artifact in Fei Shuhe's hand instantly lit up, illuminating the two already flawless women and making them look like jade beauties. Whether they would perish or live a life of luxury, the decision was difficult to make.

"Bang bang," the two women were only brought back to their senses when the eldest woman, who sat in the center, gently tapped the table.

At this moment, Ping'er and Yu'er brought over tea. The two women hesitated for a moment, then shyly accepted it. With light steps, they walked to Fei Shuhe, straightened their clothes, composed themselves, and bowed their heads to serve the tea.

Watching Fei Shuhe drink the tea offered to the two women upon their arrival, Kang Dabao couldn't help but sigh at the shrewdness of his wife.

"That's a good thing. The inner quarters will be quieter, and there will be fewer entanglements."

However, after the event, some other thoughts inevitably arose in the mind of the Sect Leader Kang Da. Although he maintained his gaze straight ahead, he had already begun to fantasize about whether Huo Ying could be included in the next round of fun.

---- Xuanwei City

"Sigh, it's been a long time since I've been to Xuanwei City." Fei Shuhe sighed, but there was no joy on her face.

After all, compared to a wealthy place like Ying Prefecture, Xuanwei City, a first-class prosperous city in Cloud Horn Prefecture, was not of much interest to the eldest daughter of the Fei Household.

But being able to go back to her parents' home and see her uncles and aunts, who were like parents to her, always made her happy.

Kang Dabao and his wife returned this time with a light entourage. Besides the couple, only Nanny Sun and Fei Shuhe maids, Yu'er and Ping'er, accompanied them.

According to their plan, they first visited the Qi Household.

Unlike before, when Qi Duoluo's weasel-faced old man always greeted them, when Kang Dabao and his wife arrived, it was Master Qi, who had just reached the Foundation Establishment, who personally came out to welcome them.

Qi Buxiu finally established his Dao Foundation, and his appearance remained as youthful as after consuming the Evergreen Vine.

Even though he accepted the generous gift that Fei Shuhe had specially prepared, he only had a stiff smile on his face, completely losing his usual greedy and avaricious demeanor.

Kang Dabao could see a lingering gloom and age in his eyes, and even his back seemed to be more hunched than before.

The fact that the only Spirit Root colluded with outsiders to murder his wife must have been a heavy blow to the old cultivator's heart. Killing his own son and losing him in his old age was like cutting into the same wound again.

Such a fate compels one to sigh in sympathy.

"My wife is currently in seclusion. I have already sent a message. Please wait a moment, fellow Daoists." Qi Buxiu had barely finished speaking and hadn't even had a chance to exchange a few pleasantries with Kang Dabao when Chu Yanran, her face as pale as snow, entered the hall.

"Greetings, Senior Chu," Sect Leader Kang Da said, pulling the noblewoman of the Fei Household to bow before explaining his purpose.

"Your cultivation has progressed quite quickly, lad," the beautiful woman said. Before answering Kang Dabao, she looked the couple over and asked, "That Toad Dew and Osmanthus Fragrance you got from Yuan Feng must be quite useful, right?"

These words weren't exactly blunt, but Sect Leader Kang Da's expression remained unchanged, as did Fei Shuhe beside him.

"Yuan Xiyue carries such a heavy burden, and you still dared to take advantage of her. That's incredible. You have quite the confidence; you're a lucky guy."

As Chu Yanran spoke, her gaze shifted to Fei Shuhe. The latter smiled faintly and remained silent, while Kang Dabao opportunely chimed in, "Madam Qi, you flatter me. Everyone in Cloud Horn Prefecture knows that Master Qi is the most fortunate one."

Chu Yanran shook her head slightly, clearly unmoved by the flattery from Sect Leader Kang Da: "My injuries are far more severe than Fellow Daoist Black Shoes imagined. I'm afraid I won't be able to leave Xuanwei City for some time, so I'm afraid I can't help you with this."

"So you just refused like that? This Madam Qi is far too heartless."

Kang Dabao hadn't expected Chu Yanran to reject him, because if it weren't for Jiang Qing and himself protecting Master Qi in Mountain-Viewing Cave, he would have been swallowed by the water beast and turned into dried excrement long ago.

The Jiaolong Blood Crabapple and the Sword-Sharpening Stone were merely rewards, but Chu Yanran had truly incurred a debt of gratitude. Therefore, both morally and logically, she, Chu Yanran, should help with this favor.

The reasoning was quite simple, yet Fei Shuhe's brows furrowed with displeasure. Kang Dabao quickly interjected, "This junior has been presumptuous, disturbing your healing and recuperation, senior. It is indeed a sin."

The beautiful woman took in Fei Shuhe's actions, found them amusing, and paid no further attention. She then pulled out a Jade Slip from her sleeve and continued:

"Your junior brother has come up with a clever and ingenious method for cultivating the Glazed Treasure Tree; he is a promising talent. First, take this book of Spirit Plant back with you, and then give me the so-called cultivation method for the Moon Fern. I will simplify and improve it before you leave Xuanwei City."

Even if your junior brother can't learn it right away after returning, as long as he studies, thinks, makes mistakes, and practices more according to my notes, with his abilities, it shouldn't be difficult for him to grow ordinary Second-Tier Lower-Grade Spirit Plant."

"Your kindness is too much for me, senior." How could Sect Leader Kang Da refuse? He carefully accepted the gift, inwardly sighing:

"I never expected Madam Qi to be so generous. This is Second-Tier Supreme-Grade cultivation master's Spirit Plant manual, a inherited technique that can enrich the sect's foundation!"

"Well, Buxiu entertain these two fellow Daoists properly. My injuries haven't healed yet, so I'll have to take my leave." The beautiful woman said politely, giving Fei Shuhe a deep look before leaving, and then gracefully departed.

After Chu Yanran left, Qi Buxiu to host a banquet, but Kang Dabao used the Lord Shan to make excuses for a while. He insisted on leaving, but Chu Yanran had something on her mind and did not insist on keeping him. She then saw Kang Dabao and his party out of Qi's residence.

Qi Buxiu his head and did not return to the main hall. Instead, he entered the quiet room where Chu Yanran was in seclusion and asked, "Is Madam ready?"

The voluptuous and beautiful woman no longer appeared to be seriously injured. She simply nodded after hearing Master Qi's words, glanced at him, and then withdrew her affectionate gaze, softly saying:

"I have identified the medicinal properties of the Golden Core Formation Pill, and with the preparations I made beforehand, I am about 40% confident that I will succeed in Core Formation this time."

"Forty percent." Master Qi murmured for a moment, then heard Chu Yanran's clear voice. "I've already paved the way for you. If something happens to you, go and join Kang boy. He has a bright future, the support of his wife's family, and most importantly, he's loyal and righteous. You can't go wrong with him."

"Yanran, it's me," Qi Buxiu said urgently.

"No need to say more, how could I not know your feelings?" The beautiful woman smiled charmingly and interrupted, "Relax, although I can't even dream of Middle-Grade Golden Core, becoming Lower-Grade Golden Core shouldn't be difficult for me."

Chu Yanran's words betrayed her disappointment, and she murmured to herself, "I wonder what it will be like to obtain Upper-Grade Golden Core."

After leaving the Qi residence, Kang Dabao and his wife headed towards the Archive Custodian Office. Since his last battle with Yuan Buwen, Lord Shan's health had deteriorated significantly, and he had been living a secluded life here to recuperate.

The gatekeeper accepted the Spirit Shards as a reward from Sect Leader Kang Da and respectfully led the couple to the Lord Shan, who was playing chess alone.

When Lord Shan saw Kang Dabao enter, he calmly put away the chessboard and said with a faint smile, "Please sit down. You've come at an inopportune time. Young Qin has taken leave and gone to Han City. He won't be back for at least ten days. This time, you'll only have this old man to talk to."

After accepting the couple's greetings with composure, Lord Yin Shan Gong looked at Fei Shuhe and praised her, "Truly a virtuous lady of the Fei Household; young Kang is blessed."

The noblewoman of the Fei Household smiled sincerely and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Lord Shan."

Kang Dabao was slightly surprised, but then he laughed, stepped forward, and presented the jade bottle containing the Life-Giving Longevity Pill to the Lord Shan.

However, the latter's reaction was beyond the expectations of Sect Leader Kang Da.

Lord Shan sighed softly, "Why did that brat Black Shoes do this? Even if I took it, I would only waste a few years of my life. You should take this pill back."

Kang Dabao naturally refused, bowing twice and saying, "Please forgive me for not being able to comply."

Lord Shan shook his head and laughed, "Never mind, I'll just tell Black Shoes to take it back next time he comes to see me."

"You two should go too. It's rare for Shuhe to come back to her parents' home, so I won't keep you any longer. You'll always have a better meal at the Fei Household's." Lord Shan was clearly in a great mood, speaking in a humorous tone. Even the trace of sorrow that usually lingered on his face was nowhere to be seen, which was quite rare.

Fei Shuhe originally wanted to stay, but Lord Shan stopped her from speaking, so she could only take Kang Dabao to the Fei Household.

But as soon as they left the Archive Custodian Office, the group noticed the city had suddenly become much noisier, and people in the market exclaimed, "It's incredible! A Golden Core cultivator from the Capital Circuit has just arrived and entered Xuanwei City!"

(Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and all the best! Those who haven't joined the group yet, please do! I'll send out a small red envelope at 11 Lao Bai to thank everyone for their support. Today is the first gathering organized by me Lao Bai I was transferred to the position of team leader, so I can't update twice. Sorry!)