18: Chapter 18: The Azure Cloud Order Arrives

As the cyan token lit up, the four great families, who were just about to disperse, all stopped in their tracks.

The Zhao Family had already been grim-faced, but upon seeing the two characters "Qingyun," their expressions darkened even further.

Li Qingfeng stood beside the Grand Elder, his fingers still resting on the hilt of his sword, as he had already turned the matter over in his mind.

The Qingyun Sect might not be the most powerful Sect around Qingshi Town, but to small families like theirs, it carried significant weight.

Medicinal Pill channels, marketplace certification, and quotas for offerings—any one of these three things would be enough to make the four great families fight tooth and nail.

The grey-robed Cultivator, Steward Xu Wenshan, withdrew the token and let his gaze fall upon Li Qingfeng, saying calmly, "The Li Family performed well today, especially you."

The Zhao Family Elder let out a cold snort, his face clearly etched with displeasure.

Steward Xu Wenshan ignored him and continued, "The Outer Sect needs to observe the young Cultivators from the various families in Qingshi Town. Li Qingfeng, if you are willing, I can put in a word for you with the Outer Sect Deacon. Given your performance today, it is not impossible for you to enter the Outer Sect as a Named Disciple."

As soon as these words were spoken, the breathing of everyone in the Li Family tightened.

An opportunity for the Outer Sect!!! To the young Cultivators of Qingshi Town, this was no small matter.

Li Chengyue widened his eyes and whispered, "Good heavens, has he already caught the eye of the Sect?"

Li Ruolan also looked at Li Qingfeng, her eyes filled with an indescribable expression.

Su Qingyue sat in the viewing area, her fingers subconsciously gripping her sachet tightly. Upon hearing the words "Outer Sect," her eyes initially lit up, but she slowly suppressed her emotions.

She knew that an opportunity in the Sect was very tempting. But the Sect was also chaotic. Being an Outer Sect Disciple sounded respectable, but once there, one would have to compete with a crowd of Cultivators for resources, tasks, and face. Li Qingfeng had just firmly established his footing in the Li Family; leaving now would be too risky.

Li Qingfeng was also considering this matter. Entering the Sect sounded great. But while it might be great, one had to calculate the costs carefully.

He had the More Children, More Blessings System, and his core path was clear: take a wife, procreate, manage the Family, and increase the Family fortune. Running off to the Sect to be a lackey for others, taking on life-threatening tasks every day—how could that compare to the stability of cultivating his own New Courtyard, Spirit Fields, wife, children, and assets in the Li Family?

Besides, the vitality within Su Qingyue was becoming increasingly warm; he could never abandon her at home just to go out and wander.

Li Qingfeng cupped his hands toward Steward Xu Wenshan, his tone steady. "I am grateful for your regard, Senior Xu."

As he spoke, he first glanced at the Grand Elder. This small gesture caused the Grand Elder's tense expression to soften considerably.

Li Qingfeng continued, "However, I am a disciple of the Li Family. Being able to stand here today is thanks to the Li Family's offerings, the protection of the Elders, and the help of my clansmen. If the Qingyun Sect is willing to offer an opportunity, I would prefer that this opportunity be bestowed upon the Li Family."

The surroundings fell silent.

Steward Xu Wenshan raised an eyebrow. "You do not want to enter the Outer Sect?"

Li Qingfeng smiled. "It is not that I lack ambition, but rather that I am better suited to remain in the Li Family. I understand a bit about nourishing Spirit Medicine, and I can also fight in the arena. If I can help the Li Family establish a partnership with the Qingyun Sect, my contribution to the Family will be greater than if I were to go to the Outer Sect alone."

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder could no longer hide the smile on his lips. What he feared most was that Li Qingfeng would think of leaving the Family the moment he had an opportunity. But this kid hadn't let it go to his head. Winning against Zhao Mingyue—he hadn't let it go to his head. Being favored by the Qingyun Sect—he hadn't let it go to his head either. This composure was even more precious than being at the Qi Refining Stage 7.

Steward Xu Wenshan looked at him for a moment and then suddenly laughed. "Interesting. At your age, it is rare to be able to resist the temptation of an Outer Sect quota."

Li Qingfeng thought to himself, "Senior, you have no idea how wonderful my home is..."

With a wife as gentle and beautiful as Su Qingyue, who also knew about Spirit Medicine and might even be pregnant, and with the Li Family now willing to pour resources into him, anyone who left home at this time would have to be brain-dead.

Steward Xu Wenshan put away his smile and said solemnly, "I did not come here today to forcefully recruit anyone. What the Qingyun Sect is looking for are candidates for families to partner with for offerings."

He raised three fingers. "First, whether the Spirit Field output is stable. Second, whether the younger generation has combat power. Third, whether the Family is stable internally."

"If the Li Family can prove these three points, the Qingyun Sect can grant long-term purchasing rights for Low Grade Medicinal Pills at prices twenty percent lower than the open market."

Twenty percent!!! The eyes of the several Li Family Elders lit up on the spot. Medicinal Pills being twenty percent cheaper in the long run meant the young disciples could improve their cultivation speed, Family expenses could be reduced, and they would have an extra card to play in the marketplace competition.

The Grand Elder immediately cupped his hands and said, "Three days from now, the Li Family will definitely arrive at the Qingyun Branch."

Steward Xu Wenshan nodded and looked at Li Qingfeng one last time before leaving. "Bring him with you. I want to hear how he plans to have the Li Family prove their Spirit Field output."

Li Qingfeng cupped his hands. "This Junior will certainly be there."

After the Small Tournament ended, the Li Family team returned to the ancestral home, and a small meeting was quickly held in the council hall. The Grand Elder sat at the head of the table and laid out the gains from today one by one.

"The monthly stall tax share from West Street has already been confirmed by the notarized Jade Slip." "The Zhao Family suffered a loss today, so they will certainly not be quiet in the future." "The Qingyun Sect has given us a chance to be a candidate. In three days, when we discuss matters at the branch, Qingfeng will accompany me."

After finishing, he looked at Li Qingfeng, his tone much gentler. "You fought for the Family's interests today, so the Family cannot just offer empty words."

A deacon brought up a wooden tray. On the tray were two bottles of Qi Condensation Pills, thirty Low-Grade Spirit Stones, and a jade token for a New Courtyard.

The Grand Elder said, "From today on, you will move into the New Courtyard on the west side. The Spiritual Qi there is better than your original small courtyard, and it is closer to the Spirit Herb Garden. In addition, a small plot of experimental Spirit Field has been allocated for you and Su Qingyue to manage together."

Li Qingfeng felt a surge of warmth. These rewards were exactly what he needed. A New Courtyard, Spirit Fields, Medicinal Pills, Spirit Stones. Every single item could be put to practical use. Especially the experimental Spirit Field—with the Spirit Field Nourishment Talisman Array fragment map rewarded by the System, he could find a reason to slowly roll it out.

He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Elder. Qingfeng will certainly make the experimental Spirit Field a success."

The Grand Elder nodded. "As for Su Qingyue, her quota for nourishing Spirit Medicine will also be increased by one tier. You two as a husband and wife, one skilled in combat and the other knowledgeable in Spirit Medicine, should work together in the future."

Li Qingfeng felt even more secure hearing this. The Li Family was treating him and Su Qingyue as a single unit to be cultivated. This was exactly the effect he wanted.

That night, the two moved into the New Courtyard. The New Courtyard was not luxurious, but it was spacious and clean, and the Spiritual Qi was much smoother than in the old courtyard. When Su Qingyue walked into the room, her skirt hem gently brushed against her calves, and her slender waist was particularly eye-catching under the lamplight. She looked back at Li Qingfeng with soft eyes.

"Were you really not tempted during the day?"

Li Qingfeng placed the jade token on the table and said casually, "I was tempted. Who wouldn't be tempted when they hear about an opportunity in the Sect?"

Su Qingyue's eyes tightened slightly.

Li Qingfeng smiled and held her hand. "But I know better what suits me. The glory of the Outer Sect belongs to others; this small courtyard in the Li Family is my root."

Su Qingyue's cheeks flushed slightly at his words, and she said softly, "Then what about me?"

Li Qingfeng looked at her fair, delicate face and soft eyes, feeling a warmth in his heart. "You are the Spirit Spring within those roots."

Su Qingyue's ears turned red instantly, and she chided him playfully, "You are becoming more and more glib."

Although she said this, she took a step closer on her own initiative and gently rested her forehead against his chest.

Li Qingfeng raised his hand to embrace her slender, soft waist, feeling a sense of stability he had never known before. He didn't say anything more, just held her, able to smell the clean, fresh fragrance in her hair.

The New Courtyard was much quieter than the old one; outside the window, there was only the rustling sound of the wind blowing through the Spirit Medicine. Su Qingyue leaned into his embrace, feeling his powerful heartbeat, and the tension and worry from the day slowly dissipated. She asked softly, "Are you tired?"

Li Qingfeng shook his head and held her tighter, looking down to see her slightly red earlobes and snow-white neck. He whispered, "I'm not tired. I just feel that today is quite good."

Su Qingyue didn't speak, just pressed her cheek against his chest. The lamp in the room flickered, and the atmosphere became somewhat different.

Li Qingfeng sensed her compliance, his heart stirred, and he scooped her up into his arms.

Su Qingyue gave a small cry of surprise, subconsciously wrapping her arms around his neck, her cheeks instantly turning beet red. She was already graceful in figure, and being held like this, her light cyan skirt slid down her long legs, making her waist appear even more slender and her curves even more captivating.

"You..." She was too shy to look at him, her voice as thin as a mosquito's buzz.

Li Qingfeng carried her toward the bed, his movements steady and without a hint of impatience. He gently placed her on the bed and sat beside her, holding her hand.

"Qingyue," he looked at her with serious eyes, "From now on, this courtyard will be our home."

Su Qingyue looked into his deep eyes, her heart beating fast, but she no longer dodged his gaze. She gave a soft "Mm," and curled her fingertips in his palm.

Li Qingfeng leaned down and kissed her. This kiss was gentler than any before, yet also more lingering. Su Qingyue was initially a bit inexperienced, but soon, under his guidance, she slowly responded. Under the lamplight, her wedding dress was removed piece by piece, revealing large swaths of snow-white, delicate skin. Li Qingfeng's palm covered her slender waist, and the astonishingly soft and smooth sensation made his breathing grow heavier.

Su Qingyue felt her whole body burning under his gaze; her eyes seemed to be veiled in a layer of mist, filled with a mix of shyness and allure. She did not dodge, but instead lifted her chin slightly, exposing herself completely to his view.

When the two finally united, Su Qingyue let out a suppressed moan, her nails digging into the muscles of his back. Li Qingfeng felt her tension and slowed his movements, using the gentle Spiritual Qi of the Azure Wood Rejuvenation Art to soothe and nourish her bit by bit.

Cyan spiritual light and water-colored Spiritual Qi intertwined and fused between them. Su Qingyue gradually relaxed, her body becoming soft, and she began to actively respond. The corners of her eyes flushed red, her breathing became slightly disordered, and the sounds overflowing from her mouth changed from suppressed moans to charming cries of uncontrollable passion.

That night, inside the bridal chamber, the spring scenery was boundless.

It wasn't until the second half of the night that Su Qingyue fell into a deep sleep in his arms, her cheeks still carrying a lingering flush, her brows and eyes relaxed, looking completely at peace. Li Qingfeng held the warm, soft body in his arms, feeling satisfied as never before.

Just then, a System notification quietly appeared. [Host has clearly chosen the path of managing the Family.][Family trust has increased.][Dao Companion Su Qingyue's affection has broken through a stage threshold.][Procreation bonus effect has increased.][Pregnancy signs detected; probability increased. It is recommended to maintain a stable Spiritual Qi environment and the Dao Companion's mood.]

Li Qingfeng's eyes lit up. Before he could take a closer look, Su Qingyue suddenly looked up and asked softly, "What is it?"

Li Qingfeng held her tighter and whispered, "It's nothing."

He looked out the window at the experimental Spirit Field that had just been allocated to them, and he already had a decision in his heart. Three days from now at the Qingyun Branch, he would let everyone know that the Li Family's path was only just beginning to ascend.