I Too Wish to Contribute to the Sect
"Fellow senior brothers, Qin Changqing does indeed have some accomplishments in enlightening children. He has real talent for it. Besides, the kids aren't suitable for cultivation before age six anyway—handing them over to him poses no issue."
"Six years is but a snap of the fingers for us immortals. Qin Changqing is their father, after all. It's only natural he'd want more time with them to build bonds. This will also bind him more tightly to the sect..."
"Very well, then it's settled. But for settling Qin Changqing and these children, we must find a secret location. No one else can know!"
"Exactly—especially not those genius disciples with heavenly spiritual roots or better. They can't be exposed until they've reached the Golden Core stage!"
The discussion soon wrapped up.
Liu Qinghui smiled faintly. "Changqing, we can agree to all your requests."
Joy flashed across Qin Changqing's face—genuine delight. He cupped his hands in thanks. "Many thanks to the sect leader for your grace!"
"Go on. Elder Guan will arrange your lodgings!"
Guan Zilan waved her hand at once, drawing Qin Changqing and the others back into the storage pouch before soaring into the sky.
——
Taiqing Peak was the foremost wondrous peak of the Taiqing Sect, suppressing a fifth-order spirit vein beneath it—the secluded retreat of the sect's supreme elders.
Guan Zilan released Qin Changqing and his group, pointing to the massive estate before them. "This place is secluded, undisturbed by outsiders, and protected by grand formations. You can settle here in peace."
Qin Changqing surveyed the vast estate with satisfaction. Elegant surroundings, nestled against mountains and beside waters, brimming with spiritual energy—it was a true paradise, a world apart. Even bringing all his children here wouldn't feel cramped.
"Wow, Mom, this place is so pretty!"
"Daddy, is this the immortal realm? It's too beautiful!"
His older children darted about excitedly, eyes wide with wonder.
Huang Miaoying, Lin Yuxia, and the others were thrilled too. This was a supreme elder's seclusion ground, the sect's core, dense with the richest spiritual qi. Cultivating here offered boundless benefits.
They'd truly hitched a ride on Qin Changqing's good fortune.
After a brief explanation, Guan Zilan took to the skies once more.
The next day, everyone gathered again in the main hall of Chiyang Peak to discuss future arrangements.
Guan Zilan arrived a bit late. The moment she appeared, all heads swiveled toward her, expressions oddly peculiar.
Guan Zilan shifted uncomfortably under their stares. She frowned. "Why are you all looking at me like that, senior brothers?"
Liu Qinghui cleared his throat. "Junior Sister, our sect has gained such a tremendous treasure. Naturally, we must make full use of it. You're an earth spiritual root—if you paired with Qin Changqing..."
Guan Zilan could only laugh wryly. So they'd set their sights on her.
"Indeed, Junior Sister. Don't feel burdened—this is for the sect. And for you too. Imagine birthing a child surpassing heavenly spiritual root. You'd have face anywhere you went..."
"Quite right, quite right! The sect leader speaks true!"
All eyes turned to Guan Zilan expectantly.
Knowing she couldn't hide it, Guan Zilan touched her belly, feigning calm. "No need for you senior brothers to worry about my affairs..."
The crowd's reactions were stunned. "Junior Sister, don't tell me you..."
Guan Zilan nodded slightly, a blush tinting her cheeks.
The elders' faces twitched. In their hearts, they cursed up a storm.
That Qin Changqing—inhuman speed! He'd struck so swiftly!
Guan Zilan was renowned in the sect for her icy aloofness and peerless beauty. Even several elders harbored feelings for her. Yet she'd ended up with this Qi Condensation kid.
Who'd have thought the ever-frigid Immortal Guan, who hadn't sought a dao companion in centuries, couldn't resist such temptation!
Though they'd just been plotting the same, hearing it now still filled them with regret and gritted teeth.
With Guan Zilan already sown, the discussion shifted to other candidates.
"Since Junior Sister Guan is willing to offer herself for the sect, I can't lag behind!"
Suddenly, a poised, alluring middle-aged woman stepped forward.
"Elder Mei, you..."
"Master's wife, even you..."
The crowd turned in astonishment, even Liu Qinghui's face registering shock.
This was Mei Qiuxue, a true veteran of the Taiqing Sect.
Don't be fooled by her cascading black hair, snow-white skin like a maiden's, or figure so voluptuous even Guan Zilan paled in comparison. She'd cultivated for a full millennium, her high realm granting eternal youth.
And Elder Mei already had a dao companion—a supreme elder of the Taiqing Sect, a terrifying Soul Transformation Lord!
What was she thinking?
Mei Qiuxue had anticipated their reactions. She said calmly, "Don't stare like that. I discussed it with my husband last night. He's agreed—and fully supports it."
The crowd inwardly marveled. He agreed to that?
What magnanimity from the supreme elder!
"My husband and I have long wanted a child but never succeeded. This is our chance. We're both enlightened beings—why cling to mortal views? Especially when a transcendent heavenly spiritual root immortal seedling matters more to us and the Taiqing Sect!"
With Mei Qiuxue's resolve firm and her husband on board, what could they say?
If even she could set aside face to bear heirs, their own hesitations crumbled. Desires stirred wildly, inhibitions vanished. They began nominating kin, acquaintances—even lovers, wives... In their eyes now, only spiritual root talent mattered, not status.
"Sect Leader Senior Brother, I have a female descendant with top-grade spiritual root. Not quite Junior Sister Guan's level, but she could yield another heavenly root for the sect!"
"Sect Leader Uncle, I have a friend's... dao companion, also top-grade spiritual root..."
"Sect Leader Senior Brother, I..."
Liu Qinghui's white brows twitched at their frantic eagerness, his expression spasming.
I know it's for the sect, but Elder—this one's your great-grandson's dao companion? Isn't that a bit much?
And you, Elder—recommending your sister-in-law with superior spiritual root? Will your big brother agree... Oh, he's long dead? Fine, then.
……
Perhaps due to the abundant spiritual qi and lofty, cloud-shrouded heights, the Taiqing Sect's night sky seemed even more beautiful than the Qin family's.
Qin Changqing stood by the window, hands behind his back, his expression distant, mind drifting to fragments of his past life.
Whoosh!
A familiar fragrant breeze wafted in. Qin Changqing turned in surprise to see Guan Zilan had entered the room at some point.
"Elder Guan! A late night visit—what brings you?" Qin Changqing quickly cupped his hands in salute.
Guan Zilan turned her head aside, a flush crossing her face. She said softly, "I'm afraid one time might not ensure an immortal seedling..."
Qin Changqing got it instantly but didn't call her out. He grinned. "Elder Guan's concern is valid. It's possible. Then we shall..."
Guan Zilan walked to the bed, waved to extinguish the candlelight. Darkness enveloped the room.
"Elder Guan, you..."
"You can call me Zilan now..."
……
"Alright, Zilan... Call me Daddy!"