Chapter 78: An Unexpected Encounter with the Patriarch of the Beast-Taming You Clan (Please Add to Your Collection)

That night, Li Guanxuan not only administered a set of whip punishment to Qin Jiyue.

He also demonstrated a complete set of whip techniques for Wen Rongxin and Song Zhiqiao to observe, and the two women expressed their gratitude with heartfelt appreciation.

Furthermore, to ensure nothing went awry when Song Zhiqiao broke through to the fourth level of Qi Refinement, Li Guanxuan secretly transferred a wisp of immortal energy to her during his demonstration and aided her in absorbing and refining it...

Meanwhile, the green tea little sister was utterly swept up in the waves, completely immersed in the experience and unaware of anything else.

“Tsk... I never realized that Zhiqiao could be so wild in bed; even I can hardly tell,”

At that moment, Qin Jiyue’s voice sounded softly in Li Guanxuan’s ear.

Being the first, she was also the quickest to recover.

As for Wen Rongxin...

She was already lost in her dreams.

“Stop wasting your divine sense on such things.”

Li Guanxuan replied irritably, “If you’ve got the nerve, come and see for yourself in person.”

“If you’ve got the nerve, why don’t you tell Zhiqiao directly? I certainly don’t mind.” Qin Jiyue’s tone was full of mischief. “Then I’ll get to see whether Zhiqiao still manages to be graceful and reserved or if she loses herself completely.”

“Don’t worry. Once we return from Shanggu City, we’ll naturally have to go at it; that way we’ll save a lot of time for dual cultivation and I can focus on refining pills and immortal energy.” Li Guanxuan replied calmly.

If not for the fact that Song Zhiqiao was on the brink of breaking through to the fourth level of Qi Refinement, he would have suggested it yesterday.

After all, Song Zhiqiao was a good sister who cared for her brother; she might be nervous, but she would never refuse him.

After covering Song Zhiqiao with a blanket, Li Guanxuan left the chamber, gazed at the blazing sunlight, and sighed at yet another night spent in the arms of dawn.

It had to be done!

Only then could he free up more time.

Wen Rongxin was timid and shy. While she would not refuse to seek the Dao together, neither could she let herself go and join in the revelry.

Li Guanxuan sighed to himself; to bring his wife into the circle of joy was a long and arduous task.

Qin Jiyue had already prepared lunch. Seeing her beloved emerge, she asked, “Have you thought about how you’ll handle the auction at Shanggu City?”

Li Guanxuan nodded and replied as he ate, “I’ll attend the auction as a talisman master and avoid revealing that I’m an alchemist… Once my wife wakes, we’ll tell her and then set off for Shanggu City to make arrangements in advance.”

Qin Jiyue had no objections, for she trusted every decision her husband made.

She even felt that no one in the world was more meticulous than her own husband.

After Wen Rongxin awoke, Li Guanxuan handed her some talismans and two top-grade first-tier puppets, bid farewell, and departed.

...

Just outside the door, Li Guanxuan ran into Cao Mang.

“Brother Li, Lady Qin, are you heading out?” Cao Mang was still accompanied by the two-meter-tall, expressionless Ruhua, massive and imposing.

Li Guanxuan nodded, giving Cao Mang a once-over. “Looks like you’re planning a trip?”

“That’s right!” Cao Mang grinned honestly. “The matchmaker came last night and said I’m too heavy-handed, not good at controlling my strength. She suggested I go to Mei Immortal House in Shanggu City to learn from the fairies there. When I come back, she’ll introduce me to a warm-hearted wife.”

Li Guanxuan was momentarily speechless.

He knew Mei Immortal House well—a renowned tea house and a famed “car repair depot,” with branches across the cultivation world. Its reputation was second to none.

The fairies there were not only charming conversationalists but also skilled in myriad arts.

Moreover, among the “Immortal Roster” were not just humans, but demons and beasts as well...

In short, it was a place where money flowed like water and fortunes changed hands daily; ordinary cultivators could only admire it from afar, never daring to indulge.

Only someone as wealthy as Cao Mang would dare set foot in such a sanctuary.

Li Guanxuan couldn’t help but remark, “Brother Cao, once you arrive at Mei Immortal House, the fairies are in for an unforgettable time.”

“What do you mean?” Cao Mang looked utterly perplexed.

“Nothing.” Li Guanxuan smiled, steering the conversation away. “As it happens, we’re also headed to Shanggu City. Brother Cao, shall we travel together?”

“That’s great! I’ll have company on the road, and I can ask Brother Li for advice on how to marry and take concubines.”

“There’s not much to it. Practice makes perfect. It’s like making puppets—at first, the assembly is awkward and parts don’t fit, but with repeated attempts, you get it right every time.”

“I... I still don’t quite understand... But the matchmaker told me marrying and taking concubines takes time. After all, a melon forced from the vine won’t taste sweet.”

Li Guanxuan couldn’t help but grumble inwardly: A forced melon might not be sweet, but it quenches thirst... Weren’t you doing just that before?

“By the way, Brother Li, the matchmaker asked me whether I prefer maidens or matrons. Is there a difference?” Cao Mang asked as he boarded the flying boat, his big head full of confusion.

“Of course there’s a difference,” Li Guanxuan replied patiently. “When you’re alone with a maiden, she gets shy; when you’re alone with a matron, you get shy... That’s the difference.”

This time, Cao Mang understood and grinned. “I’m not shy. I like maidens.”

I’m not like you. I like them all... Li Guanxuan thought to himself.

It seemed everyone knew the Lord of Shanggu City would be holding a grand auction, for on the way Li Guanxuan saw many cultivators piloting flying boats in the same direction.

Whenever other cultivators drew near, Li Guanxuan would activate the two spiritual cannons on deck... scaring everyone away.

After all, with a second-tier puppet standing guard, only a blind fool would dare approach and test their luck.

“Quite a few Foundation Establishment experts are on their way to Shanggu City,” Qin Jiyue observed.

Li Guanxuan, with his divine sense, sensed the same and smiled. “It seems many factions are watching the auction hosted by the city lord.”

Just then, Li Guanxuan felt a surge of energy from a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator sweep overhead, his expression turning grave.

Qin Jiyue pressed her lips together, silent.

Both knew the person who had just flown past was none other than the Master of Mount Joy.

“Keep a low profile, avoid getting involved, and don’t argue with others. Losing a few things doesn’t matter,” Li Guanxuan warned through a voice transmission.

“I understand,” Qin Jiyue nodded slightly.

...

Once they safely arrived at Shanggu City, Qin Jiyue looked ahead and whispered, “Husband...”

Li Guanxuan took her hand, signaling her to remain quiet, then turned to Cao Mang and smiled, “Brother Cao, we have some matters to attend to, so we won’t be joining you at Mei Immortal House... The bottle contains Deer Whip Spirit Wine, known to fortify the kidneys and boost virility. May your journey be fruitful, and may you return to a flourishing branch of descendants.”

With that, he handed over a bottle of spirit wine.

“Thank you for your care along the way, Brother Li.” Cao Mang bowed earnestly, taking the wine. He then retrieved a second-tier magical artifact from his storage pouch, his rugged face full of sincerity. “As you said, it’s only proper to reciprocate. You have taught me many things and helped me a great deal. This shield, crafted when I advanced to a second-tier artificer, should withstand two attacks from a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Please accept it without reservation.”

Li Guanxuan hesitated, declining, “It’s nothing, just a small favor.”

But Cao Mang pressed the shield into his hands, grinning, “No one’s ever been willing to teach me these things or show such patience. If you don’t take it, I’ll feel uneasy.”

Hearing this, Li Guanxuan relented. “Very well, I’ll accept it for now. When I’ve gathered the materials, I’ll help you upgrade Ruhua.”

“Great!” Cao Mang laughed. “I’ll head to Mei Immortal House first, then.”

“Go on, and remember to stay safe—don’t try to force your way or pick fights... The winding path you yearn for is already a busy thoroughfare; just be patient.” Li Guanxuan smiled, nodded, and waved goodbye.

Once Cao Mang had gone, Li Guanxuan’s smile faded, and he led Qin Jiyue in another direction.

He could never have expected...

The elder of the Yu family, the Beast Tamer clan from Huajing Immortal City, had brought his family elders and disciples to Shanggu City as well.

Just then, a beam of light appeared ahead. The aged patriarch of the Yu family, leaning on his cane, was accompanied by a snake head flicking its tongue from behind, staring at Li Guanxuan and Qin Jiyue with narrowed eyes.

“Fellow Daoists...”