Qin Ruqing had once been taken to the Southern Ridge Celestial Bureau by her Ancestor, and her first impression was that it had a refined, otherworldly air.

It wasn’t ostentatious or self-promoting, standing in a moderately elevated position with an aura of seclusion.

However, upon arriving at the Western Ridge Celestial Bureau, her first impression was one of solidity and grandeur.

The enormous brick building, square and imposing, was the tallest structure for miles around.

The sheer size of the building conveyed an immediate sense of oppression, and Qin Ruqing’s demeanor instinctively became more solemn.

She imagined the director she was about to meet would be a deep and serious elder, perhaps not exuding an immortal aura but certainly embodying the unique characteristics of Western Ridge.

She pictured someone similar to the black-faced elder of the Yang family.

But it wasn’t.

Entering a grand hall, vast to the point of feeling empty, with numerous white jade pillars emitting a cool air, Qin Ruqing noted the presence of what seemed like air conditioning.

She mentally approved, acknowledging that the Celestial Bureau knew how to enjoy themselves.

As her gaze traveled upward, she saw at the foremost position a massive stone chair draped in what appeared to be dark red velvet, exuding a stately elegance.

Reclining against this luxurious backdrop was a man, eyes closed in contemplation.

His hair, as smooth as silk, cascaded down the side of the chair, creating a shimmering halo in the dimly lit hall.

Oh my, isn’t this the type of bewitching handsome man often seen in novels?

She could easily imagine him as such.

Qin Ruqing widened her almond-shaped eyes to appreciate the sight before respectfully lowering her gaze to perform the proper salutation.

Handsome men were nice, and long-haired handsome men even nicer.

Unfortunately, she was just a goofy person who preferred appreciating beautiful women, and wasn’t particularly moved by handsome men.

The sound of her greeting caused the man to slowly open his eyes.

The officer who had accompanied her spoke, “Director, this is Miss Qin Wu.”

So this handsome man was the director of the Western Ridge Xianpin Bureau. Wow, he seemed quite young.

But the age of people in the cultivation world could be deceiving; this man might appear to be in his twenties, but he could easily be a century-old monster.

The director, with a calm and slightly amused look, straightened up and said, “Miss Qin, welcome. Please, take a seat.”

Qin Ruqing politely took her seat, her mind quickly shifting from admiration to business. “Thank you, Director. It’s an honor to be here.”

The director’s gaze was sharp yet friendly. “I’ve heard quite a bit about your recent ventures and the innovative items you’ve introduced. I must say, they have piqued my interest. Let’s discuss how we might work together to bring even greater benefits to both our parties.”

Qin Ruqing nodded, her professional demeanor taking over. “I’m glad to hear that, Director. I believe we can achieve great things together.”

The Fifth Lingyu glanced at Qin Ruqing’s fluffy head and waved to dismiss the steward.

Qin Ruqing noticed the steward leaving and saw a tall figure ahead.

“Look up.”

Qin Ruqing pretended to hesitate before slowly raising her head.

She saw a handsome man, no, the Director of Celestial Bureau , stroking his chin and looking at her with curiosity.

His expression was not arrogant or pretentious, lacking the usual “I know I’m beautiful” vibe.

The Fifth Lingyu stood in front of Qin Ruqing, took a few steps, then returned to his large stone chair.

He rested one hand on his knee, observing Qin Ruqing with a slight smile. “You are more interesting than I expected.”

Interesting? Did my face spell out ‘interesting’?

“Do you know how you appear to cultivators above the Golden Core level like us?”

Qin Ruqing thought for a moment and ventured, “Like a promising youth destined for greatness?”

The hall fell silent for three seconds before the handsome Director burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! Exactly, bringing you here was the right choice. You’re much more entertaining than I imagined!”

He laughed for a while, seeming pleased with himself.

Unable to find anything funny, Qin Ruqing could only call him “wishful thinking.”

After laughing, he said, “While I do find you interesting, your interpretation isn’t quite right.

So I’ll abandon that description and be honest. You look like a vortex of spiritual energy, constantly in motion.

Your innate perfect body is well-cultivated, but you lack restraint, appearing to experts like a spirited little beast.”

Qin Ruqing was amazed and thought, ‘Wow! You even noticed my innate perfect body! You’re quite something, Director!’

With a puzzled look, Qin Ruqing responded, “Director, you’re truly wise and perceptive to see my physique!”

The Fifth Lingyu chuckled, “Because I also have an innate perfect body, though not as powerful as yours yet at your age.”

Qin Ruqing might have joked about being brothers in a past life, but now faced with the Director, she flattered him.

She compared herself to a firefly beside the moonlight, humble in comparison.

After praising, she asked seriously, “Director, how can I control the outward signs of my innate perfect body?”

“It’s tricky,” he said. “Normally, it should settle down after reaching the innate perfect stage, but your case seems special, like something is uncontrollable. If you want, I can help investigate.”

The Fifth Lingyu teased her, but Qin Ruqing was not amused and asked about detoxification pill cooperation.

“No,” he said casually, “I called you here just to meet you.”

Confused, Qin Ruqing caught a small jade bottle he tossed to her.

It dawned on her why he summoned her.

“This is crafted by the Southern Ridge Celestial Bureau. Have you met Fifth Ziyang?( Name of Fifth Elder )”

Realizing it referred to the Southern Ridge Celestial Bureau Director, Qin Ruqing nodded, recalling past meetings assisting her family with office tasks.

“What’s up? Would the Celestial Bureau usually give something special like this?” Qin Ruqing remained silent.

It’s widely known that the Celestial Bureau secretly supports such things, understood without being acknowledged.

However, knowing and admitting are different matters.

So when asked about it, one might say, “Oh, is there something going on?”

The Fifth Lingyu realized Qin Ruqing was a slippery one and didn’t mind, “It’s nothing. If you don’t want to say, that’s fine. I called you here out of curiosity about what secret the family that got Fifth Ziyang’s investment has. Now that I see you, I understand.”

He lifted his gaze and looked at Qin Ruqing, “You’re quite daring. What was the purpose of handing this bottle to the steward at the Western Ridge Celestial Bureau?”

Qin Ruqing tried, “I accidentally grabbed the wrong…”

“Hmm? Not honest.”

Quickly changing tack, she admitted, “I wanted to catch the attention of the Western Ridge Celestial Bureau and lay the groundwork for the Qin family to align with them. Though it’s unlikely, what if? It’s low-risk, and if anyone asks, it’s normal for the Qin family, as a respected Southern Ridge family, to receive official gifts.”

Qin Ruqing always spoke accordingly.

Standing before a serious and traditional superior, she couldn’t be so honest.

But after a few words with this Western Ridge Director, she realized he wasn’t conventional.

Being straightforward might be more effective than being evasive.

Sure enough, after laughing loudly again, the Fifth Lingyu looked even more appreciative this time, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes.

Those who laugh easily seem to be happier.

After his laughter subsided, he acted as if nothing had happened. “You want to discuss cooperation. Your family’s detoxification pills are indeed good. You have the capital to negotiate with the Celestial Bureau. So, what does the Qin family need?”

Qin Ruqing thought the Director might dismiss her after amusing himself.

His interest was clearly in her, not just business.

Whether she returned or not didn’t matter, as she hadn’t come in vain.

Knowing her hidden risks was crucial; she’d consult the system to smooth them over.

She’d gained a lot, but of course, she wanted more.

So, boldly, Qin Ruqing spoke up, “Previously, I mentioned the Qin family’s requests to the steward. I’m sure the Director can guess. As an esteemed family from the Southern Ridge, if we dare to cooperate with the Celestial Bureau, we merely seek assurance.”

“This assurance involves several aspects: first, no local families in the Western Ridge should criticize the Qin family under any pretext; second, the Qin family should be officially recognized as a cooperative family by the Western Ridge Immortal Office for at least ten years; third, both my siblings and I are currently in the Western Ridge. If the matter of detoxification pills is made public, we hope the Celestial Bureau can provide personal safety.”

After stating her needs, Qin Ruqing stood calmly, indicating that was all she required.

The Fifth Feather listened carefully, a smile forming at his lips. He picked out a few interesting words, “Officially recognized cooperative family? A ten-year term? Ambitious.”

“What about this ten-year plan?”

Qin Ruqing replied firmly, “By the time the Celestial Bureau opens up the Mountain of Severance or creates a flying ship to cross it, breaking down barriers and restoring normal trade with the outside world, it will take about ten years. I propose this period for the Qin family to seize the opportunity and reap the rewards.”

The Fifth Lingyu crossed his arms, tapping the table thoughtfully.

After observing Qin Ruqing for a while, he pondered, “I suddenly think Fifth Ziyang’s judgment isn’t bad. Sometimes lacking boldness, but with a broad vision.”

Hmm? Was the Director’s thinking a bit unconventional?

“Here’s an idea: don’t return to Southern Ridge. Stay in Western Ridge. Fifth Ziyang might invest in you, but he won’t be overt. He’s quite timid. I, on the other hand, am different. I dare.”

The Fifth Lingyu lightly clapped his hands, seeming pleased with his idea, getting more excited as he spoke:

“I can offer you a qualification for a small floating Island Secret realm, provide protection, and countless other benefits. Come to Western Ridge as a cultivator of our ranks and attend the Hundred Clans Assembly. How does that sound?”