Golden Core True Person, The Secrecy Spirit Contract
Soon, the core members of the Qin family were summoned to the study for a council. Qin Zhengyang relayed Qin Feicui's proposal in full.
The elders exchanged uneasy glances, hesitation etched on their faces.
As Qin Feicui had pointed out, talent was crucial, but cultivation demanded wealth, companions, techniques, and lands—resources were indispensable. The Huang family certainly had the means.
Providing spirit stones for Qin Changqing's absorption already consumed a massive chunk of the Qin family's resources. They truly lacked the capacity to divert more for raising these children.
"What say you all?"
Qin Xiahe cupped his hands. "Patriarch, nearly every one of the top ten cultivation sects now harbors at least three of our Qin children, all with exceptional talent—superior spirit roots at minimum. It's bound to have caught attention. Sending more would only invite suspicion."
"The real issue is our remaining stock of superior spirit roots and beyond. Upper-grade roots are manageable, but top-grade and earth spirit roots? Each one dispatched would cause a massive uproar. Feicui's idea is actually a solid choice for our Qin family!"
The elders nodded in agreement, their expressions clouded with worry.
Time was running out for the Qin family. Once these children matured, paths had to be found for them.
The Qin family was overgrown and unwieldy now. The Huang proposal offered a genuine lifeline.
"Very well. With no objections, I'll approve Feicui's plan and negotiate with the Huang family myself," Qin Zhengyang declared, slamming his decision home.
Qin Xiahe spoke again. "Patriarch, what of the Lin family?"
Qin Zhengyang sneered. "If even we are compromising, the Lins will agree whether they like it or not. Qin Changqing belongs to our Qin family. Go inform them at once—let them stew on it."
The next day, Lin Xiuwen received the Qin family's message. His face twisted in fury, inwardly cursing their underhandedness.
Refusal wasn't an option. An alliance between Qin and Huang would stake the entire family's fate. The Huangs wouldn't tolerate Lin interference—especially not with secrecy at stake. They might even strike to eliminate the roots. No way could the Lins withstand a Golden Core True Person's assault.
"We'll agree to their terms," Lin Xiuwen sighed heavily.
...
Meanwhile, with Qin Zhengyang's blessing, Qin Feicui hurried back to the Huang family and laid out the matter to their patriarch.
"A man like that exists?"
The Huang patriarch was stunned. He immediately convened the family's key members for discussion.
Even the Huang family's ancestor, Golden Core True Person Huang Yuanjing, was roused.
Such an unbelievable tale left him impatient. He slipped away in secret to the Qin residence for verification.
A streak of light pierced the Qin mansion. The outer barriers meant nothing to a Golden Core True Person.
Qin Zhengyang jolted in alarm and rushed out, only to find an ethereal, gaunt elder standing in the courtyard.
"I am Huang Yuanjing of the Huang family."
The Qin clansmen were floored—the Huang ancestor himself had come.
"This junior pays respects to the Golden Core True Person!" They bowed in unison.
Huang Yuanjing stroked his beard. "No need for formalities. I've heard from that girl Feicui: your Qin family has a marvel who can nurture spirit roots? Is it true?"
Under the crushing pressure of a Golden Core cultivator, Qin Zhengyang felt mountains on his shoulders. He cupped his hands. "It is indeed so!"
"I can accept your conditions, but I must verify the truth myself." Huang Yuanjing wouldn't take their word alone—this concerned his entire clan's future. Caution was paramount.
"Please, Senior."
Qin Zhengyang led the way personally, presenting Qin Fenglan's child, Qin Mengjing, before Huang Yuanjing.
Huang Yuanjing placed a hand on Qin Mengjing's forehead. At his level, no spirit-testing stone was needed; his own spiritual power sufficed to probe root quality.
Suddenly, his eyes blazed with shock. "An earth spirit root, truly!"
His belief solidified to seven or eight parts, but for certainty, he had Qin Zhengyang fetch more children for testing.
Once the last one was done, Huang Yuanjing burst into unrestrained laughter, Golden Core poise forgotten in wild joy. "All top-grade spirit roots! Excellent, splendid!"
His mind raced with visions of the Huang family's future: Golden Cores as common as dogs, Nascent Souls littering the streets.
Huang Yuanjing himself bore an upper-grade spirit root and knew full well how talent capped a cultivator's potential. Root quality set the ceiling.
"Where is this Qin Changqing? I must see him!" Huang Yuanjing whipped around, voice urgent with eagerness.
"I'll send for him at once." Qin Zhengyang nodded aside, and the sharp-eyed Qin Xiahe dashed off to fetch him.
Moments later, Qin Changqing was escorted in.
Huang Yuanjing sized up the young man, divine sense sweeping over—nothing unusual detected.
But he didn't dwell on it. He'd heard Qin Zhengyang's explanation and trusted in the man's unique physique.
The vast world brimmed with wonders; novel constitutions were no surprise.
Encountering it was the Huang family's fortune.
Huang Yuanjing beamed like he'd found a peerless treasure. "A mere first-layer Qi Refining cultivator with such heaven-defying gifts—remarkable! Cultivate diligently, sire many heirs to spread our Huang branches. I won't let you go wanting!"
This Qin Changqing was a priceless gem—must be guarded fiercely, no mishaps allowed.
It was Qin Changqing's first encounter with a Golden Core mighty figure. The casual pressure emanating from the man left him breathless, envy surging. He cupped his hands with a grin. "Rest assured, Senior. As long as the spirit stones flow freely, I won't disappoint you!"
The man prized his system's "little brother"—Qin Changqing had faith in it.
Over a hundred success stories already; the system wouldn't fail him.
Still, he envied the Golden Core cultivator. Huang and Qin estates were far apart—a mortal's half-month trek, covered in one night.
High-realm masters wielded godlike prowess.
Pity his own aptitudes meant Golden Core might take ages.
Qin Changqing sighed inwardly. Immortality without power made one a sitting duck. When would his system step up?
"Alright, Changqing, you're dismissed for now." Huang Yuanjing waved him off.
Turning to Qin Zhengyang, he added, "I hear the Lin family is involved? Summon your key members immediately—and call over the Lins as well."
"Yes!"
Qin Zhengyang hurried to make arrangements.
As a Golden Core True Person, Huang Yuanjing understood the cultivation world's brutality better than anyone. Qin Changqing had to be shielded; he would personally seal the secret within the three families.
Soon, the three clans' top brass gathered in the Qin family's secret chamber, even their Foundation Establishment ancestors emerging.
Huang Yuanjing, the highest cultivator, claimed the head seat without ceremony; the others arrayed below.
"You all know why I've called this assembly."
Huang Yuanjing's gaze swept the room, Golden Core pressure blanketing all. "No need to belabor the importance. Any future spirit-rooted descendants from your clans may enter my Huang family for training—but on one condition. Everyone aware of Qin Changqing's special ability must sign a Secrecy Spirit Contract. Violators will face united extermination from all three families—mercy not an option!"
Hearts quaked, but none objected. It benefited all three clans.
"No dissent? Then sign the contracts now!"
Huang Yuanjing patted his storage pouch. Dozens of glowing spirit lights floated before the assembly.
No one dared delay; they signed the Secrecy Spirit Contracts on the spot.
Huang Yuanjing smiled, the pressure lifting. "From now on, we're one family, bound by honor and peril. The investment in nurturing these disciples is steep, but the returns will dwarf it. Keep your eyes on the long game."
All chorused their assent.