After several rounds of passion, dreams of intoxication and soul-stirring moments, Qin Changqing gazed at Guan Zilan, who was curled up like a kitten in his arms, fast asleep. He gently brushed her face with tenderness.

Perhaps only in such a state of complete relaxation would this esteemed elder of the Taiqing Sect reveal such a vulnerable side.

This filled Qin Changqing with a sense of accomplishment.

"Hmm? I've actually reached the third level of the Foundation Establishment Realm!"

Only now did Qin Changqing notice the change in his spiritual power, having unexpectedly advanced from the first to the third level of the Foundation Establishment Realm. This was beyond his expectations.

Glancing at the sleeping Guan Zilan, Qin Changqing speculated that it must be related to her. Perhaps her cultivation technique provided benefits to her Dao companion during dual cultivation.

With the accumulation of hundreds of years, Qin Changqing had leaped two minor realms overnight!

It was indeed a pleasant surprise.

With such benefits, Qin Changqing was even more captivated by Guan Zilan.

Not only was she beautiful and powerful, but being with her also enhanced his cultivation, bringing double the joy!

Such a woman was truly precious!

...

Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, and the sound of children playing gradually came from outside.

Guan Zilan's eyelashes fluttered slightly as she opened her eyes, immediately meeting Qin Changqing's gentle gaze, causing her cheeks to flush.

"You didn't sleep?"

Seeing Qin Changqing looking so spirited, Guan Zilan was a bit taken aback.

After such a long night, how could he still be so energetic?

Though it was her first time experiencing such a thing, Guan Zilan knew that dual cultivation was extremely taxing on the male partner.

Qin Changqing said softly, "I couldn't bear to sleep, I wanted to look at you more!"

Guan Zilan paused, a touch of tenderness flashing in her eyes. She bit her lip without speaking, then nestled her face back against Qin Changqing's chest.

The two remained quietly together for a while, until Guan Zilan gently pushed Qin Changqing away and sat up, quickly dressing to cover her alluring figure.

Once dressed, Guan Zilan regained her cool and noble demeanor.

"Forget about last night."

Guan Zilan reverted to her high and mighty elder persona of the Taiqing Sect.

Qin Changqing sighed inwardly and nodded.

After all, she was an Elemental Infant True Lord. Although she experienced the joy of being a woman last night, her self-control was naturally strong enough not to easily fall in love, otherwise, she wouldn't have gone hundreds of years without a Dao companion.

Now that her goal was achieved, she naturally wanted to draw a clear line with Qin Changqing.

To her, Qin Changqing was just a special passerby in her life, destined to become a memory after a century.

As Guan Zilan was about to turn and leave, Qin Changqing suddenly stepped forward and grabbed her arm, "Zilan, wait."

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Guan Zilan's spiritual power flickered, gently shaking off Qin Changqing's hand, and said indifferently, "From now on, call me Elder Guan!"

Truly, once dressed, she didn't recognize him...

Qin Changqing was a bit speechless but nodded, "Alright, Elder Guan."

"Is there anything else?"

"Could you... take me with you?" Qin Changqing looked at Guan Zilan, his eyes full of deep affection.

"You... want me to take you with me?"

Guan Zilan's heart seemed to be struck, leaving her stunned and with mixed emotions.

In fact, over the past three months, she had been observing Qin Changqing and didn't find him repulsive; instead, her impression of him grew deeper.

This man was unique. Facing her, an Elemental Infant True Lord, he remained neither servile nor overbearing, and occasionally said things that even she couldn't help but admire.

Though his cultivation wasn't high, he possessed a keen and insightful mind, creating ingenious toys and weaving captivating stories. It seemed there was nothing he wasn't proficient in, aside from cultivation!

His gentle kindness towards children and his considerate care for his wives and concubines slowly attracted her heart.

The encounter last night had invisibly brought them closer.

Qin Changqing's request at this moment was also an affirmation of her charm.

Having discovered Qin Changqing's abilities, Guan Zilan had already considered taking him with her. However, now that Qin Changqing himself proposed it, things were different.

This sense of being needed, this response of love, allowed her, usually aloof and strong, to experience the long-lost warmth and happiness between people.

Of course, Guan Zilan wouldn't show any of this.

"Why do you want me to take you with me? Life here is peaceful and serene. I see you living freely every day. Isn't that good?" Guan Zilan asked, suppressing the surge in her heart.

Even if she took Qin Changqing with her, she would still use his abilities to cultivate Spirit Root Immortal Seedlings, not much different from the current situation.

Qin Changqing understood this well. Even if he went with Guan Zilan, he would still be a tool.

But by proposing it himself, the situation was entirely different. Not only did he gain the initiative, but he also won Guan Zilan's favor.

After all these years, Qin Changqing decided to follow his heart for once. In the past, he had no choice, being used too much had numbed him, it was always about physical needs, not emotional ones.

But with Guan Zilan, he truly felt a bit moved. Moreover, from a benefit perspective, if he could truly develop feelings with her, it would also be a safeguard for himself.

Clinging to a powerful figure wasn't shameful!

Moreover, Qin Changqing had to consider his children.

Although he seemed free in the Qin Family, he was actually controlled by the three major families, with limited choices, and it was difficult to even see many of his children.

Besides, the three families were just small clans with limited resources, and with so many children, they couldn't possibly provide for all.

For instance, the children around him mostly had high-grade spirit roots, but due to the abundance of supreme-grade spirit root seedlings, the children born to mortal wives received little resource attention.

The children were still young, but eventually, they would embark on the path of cultivation. Staying with the Qin Family would certainly lead to a dead end, hindering their growth.

Additionally, Qin Changqing's cultivation was linked to his children's. A good cultivation environment for them would also benefit his strength enhancement.

In summary, choosing Guan Zilan offered him many advantages, outweighing the disadvantages!

If he was to be a tool, why not choose a bigger stage?

This was something Qin Changqing had long considered.

Guan Zilan, unaware of his little schemes, said solemnly, "You do realize that even if you come with me, you'll still have to repeat your current life, continuing to cultivate Spirit Root Immortal Seedlings for the sect?"

"I know! Even if it's the same, being with you, I think I might be happier." Qin Changqing's eyes were filled with tender affection.

Guan Zilan's gaze was complex. She looked at him for a long while before nodding slightly, "Alright!"

With that, she vanished from the room in a flash.