I Cultivate in a Government Office

Lan Ying’s presence undoubtedly made her a small focal point, attracting much attention and good-natured teasing. Wu Qing, though envious, maintained her composure. Still, the occasional glances she shot Lan Ying’s way revealed her lingering dissatisfaction.

After finishing the introductions, Qin Huaiming turned to his three Foundation Establishment Stage martial nephews. "Tomorrow’s Apprenticeship Ceremony will involve numerous tasks," he instructed. "I’ll need you to handle them."

The three immediately stood and accepted the order respectfully. "Yes, Martial Uncle!"

With that, they excused themselves from the group. Led by Qin Feng, they departed the front hall, clearly off to get busy.

Qin Huaiming then turned to the three youths—Yang Wenqing, Wu Qing, and Lin Xiyun—with a gentle smile. "You young people don’t need to be so formal. Exchanging pointers and learning from one another is a joyful and beneficial part of the cultivation journey."

"Yes, Master."

Yang Wenqing replied.

Qin Huaiming nodded to Wu Qing and Lin Xiyun as well before turning to leave the front hall, giving them some space.

With only the three young people and a curious Night Owl left in the hall, the atmosphere relaxed considerably.

The three young cultivators glanced at one another. Wu Qing, with her extroverted personality, was the first to break the silence. She looked toward Lin Xiyun, her eyes flashing as if she’d found a worthy opponent. "Senior Brother Lin, we parted in a hurry last time and couldn’t fight to our heart’s content. It’s rare to have such peace and quiet today. Why don’t we spar a little and see how much we’ve progressed these past few years?"

Upon hearing her words, a faint smile touched Lin Xiyun’s calm face. He gave a slight nod. "An invitation from Junior Sister Wu? How could I possibly refuse?"

Yang Wenqing listened from the side, not entirely agreeing with Wu Qing’s enthusiasm for sparring so often before the Grand Competition. Sparring was a good way to test one’s skills, but it also risked revealing one’s unique traits, combat habits, and even trump cards. For the fiercely competitive official Grand Competition three years down the line, that was not necessarily a good thing.

’She may have excellent innate talent and a frighteningly high affinity for the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, but it’s a shame the pill toxins left in her body are so numerous and impure. She’s clearly bitten off more than she can chew by taking too many pills. It’s obvious she can’t quiet her heart enough to meditate and cultivate properly. With a disposition like that, even the greatest talent is a waste.’

Lan Ying’s voice, tinged with the pompous air of a seasoned critic, suddenly echoed in Yang Wenqing’s Spirit Sea. She had clearly been observing the whole time, and he suspected she was just parroting her father.

Yang Wenqing couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. ’Aren’t you the one who can’t seem to quiet down?’ he thought.

"That’s too much!"

Sensing his unspoken jab, Lan Ying gave his ear a light, disgruntled peck from her perch on his shoulder. "I’m a Spirit Beast!" she protested in his Spirit Sea. "A Spirit Beast, understand? We don’t need to endure boring, bitter cultivation! It’s our nature! Besides, my daddy always says the most important thing is to live happily!"

At her words, Yang Wenqing couldn’t help but reach up and stroke Lan Ying’s little head.

By now, Wu Qing and Lin Xiyun were already facing each other in the open courtyard outside the front hall.

Wu Qing’s cultivation focused on a Sword Control Technique with Metal Attribute characteristics, making her attacks predominantly fierce. In contrast, Lin Xiyun’s Body Technique was graceful and nimble, like a cloud drifting on the wind. He always managed to evade or neutralize her assaults with minimal movement. His occasional counterattacks were like a hand emerging from the clouds—soft, yet elusive.

The two exchanged blows, and while they weren’t going all out, the match was still an impressive sight, causing the surrounding plants to tremble. Yang Wenqing watched intently from the side, silently memorizing the characteristics of their moves and cross-referencing them with his own knowledge.

About the time it takes an incense stick to burn, they both simultaneously withdrew. Their breathing was slightly ragged, but their faces shone with exhilaration.

"That felt great!" Wu Qing exclaimed, exhaling sharply, her eyes bright.

After the spar, Wu Qing’s spirits were even higher. "All that fighting has made me thirsty," she suggested. "I’ve heard Elder Qin keeps some of the finest Wufeng Brew. Why don’t we have a few cups to refresh ourselves?"

As the host, Yang Wenqing had no reason to refuse. He promptly summoned a servant and ordered them to prepare wine and fruit to be brought to the pavilion at the side of the courtyard.

The three relocated to the pavilion, where they sat leaning against the railing. As they drank, they chatted about everything under the sun. The conversation ranged from their personal cultivation insights and views on certain Cultivation Techniques to strange and wondrous tales from the East Sea and even the New Continent.

Lan Ying had no interest in the wine, but she was quite satisfied with the Spirit Fruits the servant served.

Time passed quickly in their pleasant conversation, and before they knew it, the sky was heralding the dawn. Wu Qing and Lin Xiyun got up to leave; they had been given rooms in the guest courtyard. Yang Wenqing personally escorted them to the courtyard entrance before finally returning to his own Quiet Chamber.