After discussing with the elder of the Yang family that day, he eagerly invited Qin Ruqing and her companions to stay at the Yang residence, but Qin politely declined.

Living at the Yang family residence would seem like tying themselves to the Yang family completely in the eyes of outsiders, and Qin Ruqing wanted to observe the situation further.

So, she and Qirong, along with Luwei, continued to stay at the inn.

When they returned, they found Qidong and the others gathered around a table, seemingly counting money.

Qin Ruqing glanced over and saw around twenty to thirty spirit stones.

Qirong, who had never been short of money since childhood, was unexpectedly happy over twenty or thirty spirit stones.

She asked, “Where did the spirit stones come from?” immediately implying that these were not the spirit stones Qirong had brought with him.

Lu Wei explained, “While you were negotiating with the Yang family, we got bored and asked Brother Tang to take us around. We went to a place called Jueli Street, which was full of arenas. Qirong spent the afternoon fighting there and won this amount of money.”

Qin Ruqing watched Qirong happily putting away the money and couldn’t help but say, “Qirong, you fighting in those arenas is unfair. How can the rogue cultivators outside compare to you?”

After all, Qirong had a devouring physique and had been fed various heavenly materials and earthly treasures by the Qin family over the years.

He had become robust, like a small hill if not a mountain.

Having him fight those rogue cultivators was unfair.

However, the first to object to her statement was Tang Zifeng, who said seriously, “Don’t underestimate the body cultivators of Xiling. Due to the climate and environment, most cultivators in Xiling are body or weapon cultivators. Some spend their entire lives honing their skills in this field due to their limited cultivation, so they are not to be underestimated.”

Qirong, after putting away the spirit stones he won today, nodded in agreement, “Brother Tang is right. I almost lost several matches today. The body cultivators in Xiling seem to be exceptionally strong, and some of them have physiques that are not inferior to mine. I wonder if they have some special cultivation methods.”

Tang Zifeng, knowing Qirong was interested in body cultivation, elaborated, “In Xiling, there is a special test to measure the excellence of a body cultivator’s physique.

They sit under the scorching sun at Huoyan Mountain, without any shade, for ten days.

If they can endure it, their physique is considered superior. If not, they need more training.

So, if you see someone sitting under the blazing sun with a shiny head while passing through Huoyan Mountain, don’t be alarmed; they might be cultivating.”

Qi Rong looked amazed, “Sitting under the sun at Huoyan Mountain for ten days? Won’t they catch on fire?”

They had just arrived in Xiling and felt extremely hot even inside their spirit-energy-isolated sand boat.

Tang Zifeng confirmed that some cultivators’ hair did catch on fire during this practice.

That’s why many body cultivators who used this method shaved their heads.

Qirong: “Wow!”

While they were talking, Qin Ruqing felt slightly uncomfortable.

Her earlier remarks were because she thought Qi Rong, with his devouring physique and the Qin family’s abundant resources, had a physique far superior to normal body cultivators.

Competing in arenas with rogue cultivators felt like bullying.

But Tang Zifeng’s attitude made it seem like she looked down on Xiling body cultivators, which was not her intention.

Upon careful consideration, Qin Ruqing realized that her earlier words indeed might have been inappropriate, implying that other cultivators couldn’t compare to Qirong.

No wonder Tang Zifeng had contradicted her.

Qin Ruqing pressed her lips together, feeling a bit awkward, but then she quietly said, “Alright, I take back what I said earlier. I was narrow-minded and underestimated the Xiling body cultivators. Such harsh cultivation requires great determination. Just from this perspective alone, Xiling body cultivators are admirable.”

Qin Ruqing was not someone who blindly boasted.

If she said something wrong or did something wrong, she was brave enough to admit it!

Tang Zifeng didn’t expect her to say that.

The fifth young lady of the Qin family had always held a high status and was a prominent figure in the Qin family and even in Nanling.

Tang Zifeng often thought she was as proud and dazzling as a peacock, yet he didn’t expect her to say such humble words.

Normally, he should have nodded in agreement, but hearing her say this, he felt a bit uncomfortable.

He even felt a pang of guilt because of her rare awkwardness.

Tang Zifeng opened his mouth, about to offer a few comforting words to Qin Ruqing, acknowledging that she was not familiar with Xiling’s situation, and it was normal to say something like that.

But before he could speak, Qin Ruqing snorted heavily and stared directly at him, her dark pupils shining brightly, “Tang Zifeng! Why didn’t you tell me earlier that foreign cultivators need to rely on the local Xiling families to get entry permits to Small Floating Island?”

Tang Zifeng was taken aback, “You…never asked me.”

Qin Ruqing’s breathing became heavier.

She had guessed that he would answer like that as soon as she said it.

It was typical of Tang Zifeng’s logic. But actually hearing it still irritated her.

What kind of answer was that?

Just because I forgot to ask, couldn’t you mention it yourself?

You are the Xiling cultivator here, while I’m from another region; how could I know everything?

Seeing her genuinely angry, puffing up like a ruffled bird, Tang Zifeng stiffened but then offered another explanation, “Actually, I thought you might have already considered it… You always plan so thoroughly; I assumed you had some special strategy for this.”

Hmm?

That sounded quite reasonable.

Alright. Qin Ruqing’s gaze shifted slightly; this guy seemed to understand her a bit.

She hadn’t completely ignored the issue. When she was in the Qin family, the thought had crossed her mind.

But with so many things on her mind daily, and this not being very urgent, she decided to deal with it upon arriving in Xiling, putting it aside for the moment.

It wasn’t until her discussions with the Yang family’s elder that she remembered and asked about it.

Around the table, Qi Rong looked confusedly at his sister and Tang Zifeng, feeling out of place and unsure what to say.

Lu Wei pulled Qin Ruqing’s arm, changing the topic, “So, does that mean we can’t go to Small Floating Island?”

Qin Ruqing coughed lightly, “Not necessarily. The Yang family is eager to cooperate with us. Today, the elder said they could spare two slots.”

“But there are four of us,” Qirong blinked.

“Don’t worry!” Qin Ruqing raised her hand, “This is not a big problem; there are ways to solve it.”

“Even without relying on the Yang family, I can find a way to get you all in.”

She had dared to put the issue aside because it wasn’t too serious.

There were many ways to get people in, and even the Celestial Bureau wasn’t beyond her capabilities.

After chatting a bit more, Lu Wei asked, “Sister, when is the auction?”

Qin Ruqing replied emphatically, “In seven days!”

Later, as evening approached, the four of them finished their meal and were about to return to their rooms to rest.

Surprisingly, Tang Zifeng quietly intercepted Qin Ruqing.

Perhaps because he wore black robes so often, he had a knack for being stealthy.

He stood silently at the corner, and when he heard Qin Ruqing’s footsteps, he turned without a sound.

Seeing such a large figure suddenly appear, Qin Ruqing reacted quickly, darting behind a column and peeking out.

When she recognized him, she rolled her eyes, “Tang Zifeng, you scared me to death coming out like that at night!”

Of course, she wasn’t truly frightened.

With her sharp senses, she had already detected someone at the corner.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have dodged; she would have struck directly.

Tang Zifeng was at a loss for a moment, then pressed his lips together, “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Qin Ruqing raised her hand, “Alright, I know. Just tell me why you’re here.”

“Today… were you angry?”

Qin Ruqing thought for a moment before realizing he was asking if she was angry about him not mentioning the qualifications for entering Small Floating Island.

She had reacted quite strongly before.

Her gaze shifted to the flowers beside the column and then back, “I’m not angry! With my intelligence, it doesn’t really matter whether you told me or not!”

Seeing him hesitate, as if he had more to say, Qin Ruqing stepped out from behind the column and patted Tang Zifeng’s shoulder.

Hmm, he was quite tall; even as a tall girl, she had to reach up to pat him.

“Really, I’m not angry! But since you’re a local from Xiling, next time, remember to tell me these things in advance, so it doesn’t mess up my plans. But… this time, it’s not your fault; I also forgot.”

Tang Zifeng looked at Qin Ruqing’s face, unsure what to say, so he just nodded.

In her past life, if someone replied with just a nod while chatting, she would have insisted they say more.

But somehow, Tang Zifeng’s nod didn’t annoy her.

Feeling everything was going smoothly, Qin Ruqing lightly patted his shoulder again, “Alright, don’t overthink it. Don’t dwell on things too much. If you need to focus on something, focus on getting revenge on those who kicked you out of your family. Sometimes, being a little petty can be useful.”

He remained silent as Qin Ruqing withdrew her hand, “It’s late. Whether you rest or meditate, go back to your room soon. That’s it, I’m off!”

She waved at Tang Zifeng and walked away cheerfully.

His room was right there; he had been blocking her at his door, while her room was a bit further down.

Her slender, graceful figure disappeared into the night, still wearing that hot Western outfit.

On the seventh day, Qin Ruqing dressed in a golden, sequined outfit for the occasion.

Qin Ruqing and Lu Wei both dressed in striking, glittering outfits.

Qin Ruqing even insisted that Lu Wei also change into a similarly dazzling outfit.

Qirong, leaning against the wall with his straightforward mindset, asked confusedly, “Sister, we’re going to the auction soon. Won’t we have to cover ourselves with black robes? What’s the point of dressing up so nicely if no one will see it?”

As Qin Ruqing twirled, asking her third sister if the skirt looked good when spun, she replied loudly, “That’s why you don’t get it. It’s called inner beauty!”

Qi Rong, seeking support, looked at Tang Zifeng, who was also waiting nearby. “Brother Tang, don’t you think my sister’s actions are unnecessary?”

Tang Zifeng simply said, “Hmm.”

Inner beauty, indeed, nothing wrong with that.

The two boys waited for the two girls to finish dressing up, which took a little while.

After confirming they both looked great, the girls then covered their outfits with black robes.

Qirong was utterly bewildered.

This must be one of those confusing behaviors of female cultivators.

As they walked to the auction house, they could hear people around them talking.

Over the past seven days, the Yang family had gone all out with their promotions.

Qin Ruqing even came up with a few slogans for them.

Things like:

“Xiling’s first-ever live Qi Pills auction!”

“Finally, it’s here! The much-anticipated pills that speed up cultivation! Limited quantity, first come, first served!”

“Premium Qi Pills, a must-have for Xiling cultivators. You deserve it!”

These and other bewildering slogans were plastered all over the streets.

Some were printed on flyers, handed out enthusiastically by young children hired by the Yang family, who stood at the auction house entrance with thick stacks of yellow paper, giving them to every passerby.

When people received the yellow flyers, the first thing they saw was a bold headline: “Yang’s Auction House Sincerely Invites You—” followed by a sudden stop.

Below that, in smaller text, were those embarrassing slogans.

The slogans were so exaggerated that Xiling cultivators couldn’t help but think it was a scam.

Pills that could speed up cultivation? If such pills existed, they’d be snatched up in no time.

However, human nature is peculiar.

Despite their disdain and mockery, the Yang family’s aggressive promotion sparked a tiny bit of curiosity in their hearts.

The cultivators thought, “Yang family, you really dare to advertise like this. Are you going bankrupt and planning to run away after this? Fine, we’ll check out this ‘legendary elixir.’ If it’s a scam, we’ll throw rotten eggs at your door and never step into your auction house again!”

As they walked from Jueli Street to the auction house, a yellow flyer flew towards them.

Tang Zifeng caught it, glanced at it, and his mouth twitched.

Qirong, standing beside him, peeked over and asked curiously, “Sister, isn’t our Qi Pill supposed to only speed up the circulation of spiritual energy? Why did you write that it can speed up cultivation?”

Qin Ruqing blinked, “If the circulation of spiritual energy speeds up, doesn’t that also increase the cultivation speed? What’s the problem?” She was being perfectly honest.

Lu Wei chuckled softly.

Logically, there wasn’t an issue.

However, not everyone could achieve this effect.

A cultivator had to be proficient in all aspects to see the benefits of increased spiritual energy circulation, which theoretically would indeed speed up cultivation.

So, Qingqing’s advertisement wasn’t exactly lying.

As they walked past the arenas on Jueli Street, Qin Ruqing explained, “Look, speeding up the circulation of spiritual energy leads to faster cultivation. It’s all connected.”

While Qirong was still processing this, the lively atmosphere of Jueli Street surrounded them.

The street was bustling with activity, fighters showcasing their skills in the arenas, and spectators cheering them on.