Chapter 298: Zekong's Transformation, Zhang Family's Probing (Two in One)
Early in the autumn, Fangmu Mountain, with its towering peaks, felt especially chilled like water at night.
In Lin Shitao's cave dwelling, Lin Shiming and Lin Shitao snuggled close to each other.
The Moonlight Stones on the walls illuminated the modest cave, casting a bright yet gentle light.
On the walls, one could vaguely discern various peach blossom paintings.
There was also a small latticed window and a dressing table.
Lin Shiming's face was slightly flushed, having drunk the Turtle Spirit Coconut indeed had an unusual effect, and subconsciously, he wrapped his arms around Lin Shitao upon arriving in the cave.
Lin Shitao did not resist. After a symbolic struggle, she ceased to move, only burying her head very low, her breathing growing somewhat hurried.
Even without seeing her charming face, one could imagine it was a swath of red.
Lin Shitao's body trembled, with her snow-white neck, those pair of jade-like ears trembled most violently!
Even as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, she was still a young girl, especially when nestled in the arms of her beloved.
Most importantly, she kept feeling a Spiritual Artifact pressed against her!
Lin Shiming had not expected the alcohol to pack such a punch and could imagine what sort of Spiritual Objects had been added to this drink.
The presence of a graceful, stunningly beautiful girl sitting in his embrace, looking sideways, he could see her dewy eyelashes quivering slightly, which stirred his mind even more, making it hard for him to maintain control.
Even his hand couldn't help but move over Lin Shitao's body.
A touch of exquisite sensation flooded his mind.
"Mm..."
Lin Shitao hummed unconsciously, and Lin Shiming also suddenly felt a surge of exhilaration.
Around his neck, a Jade Ring Magic Artifact lit up with bursts of white light, making him more lucid.
Seeing the skirt that was about to slip off, he immediately stopped himself.
His path of Immortal Cultivation was still long and arduous.
Moreover, he could not involve Shitao in this.
If their relationship affected Lin Shitao's chances to breakthrough to Golden Core, he would regret it for life.
Foundation Establishment cultivators have a lifepan of 250 years, while Purple Mansion cultivators have 500, and Golden Core Cultivators 1,000. If he did not want to see Lin Shitao pass before him, then Lin Shitao also needed to break through to Golden Core.
"Shitao, let's wait until we reach Golden Core, then we can start!" Lin Shiming said.
Lin Shitao responded with a mosquito-like faint voice, gently uttering a sound of acknowledgment.
She still did not lift her head.
Lin Shiming used the Purple Wood Heart Sutra to refine away the effects of the alcohol, and it must be said that the Turtle Spirit Coconut was truly extraordinary; judging from Lin Houyong's reaction, it likely indeed increased the chances of producing offspring.
Although the exact odds were unknown.
And this was clearly Spiritual Wine created by a Third Rank spiritual turtle, ingredients that were not easy to find. The Lin Family had already bred some Second Rank sea turtles, but breeding a Third Rank spiritual turtle was fraught with too many uncertainties, and it would be extremely difficult for the Lin Family to achieve this.
Even so, the Turtle Spirit Coconut was out of the ordinary.
Of course, the Lin Family wasn't ready to sell it just yet.
The origin of the sea turtle and the Turtle Spirit Coconut was something they couldn't divulge.
By the time Lin Shiming had metabolized the last trace of Spiritual Wine, Lin Shitao was already brewing tea next to him.
That night, the two made use of the cover of darkness to talk for a long time.
Having not seen each other for five years, naturally, they had plenty of topics to cover, but for cultivators, often they would fall into silence amidst the conversation, at a loss for words.
One was proficient in Alchemy, the other in Swordsmanship.
Eventually, they ended up sharing a look and laughing.
It was surprisingly comforting.
Animate only where they belong, at home with their hearts!
The pair didn't know how long they had talked, only that day turned to night, and Fangmu Mountain bustled with activity once more.
Lin Shitao was set to return to the Alchemy Pavilion, while Lin Shiming was going to see the other surprise that Lin Zekong and Lin Houyong had mentioned.
Lin Shiming had gathered the Tribulation Forging Divine Flowers and handed them to Lin Shitao. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire
He tasked her with trying to refine the Tribulation Forging Divine Pill and also gave her the Split Spirit Decision.
He then made his way to the family's Martial Practice Hall, as today was the day he was supposed to lead the family cultivators to Qingyun market.
Aside from Lin Zekong and Lin Zelu, who were participating in the competition at Qingyun, there was also the Lin Family's merchant caravan making the trip.
By the time he arrived, everyone else was almost ready.
Although Lin Shiming was no longer the Family Head, his current status was still higher than that of the Family Head.
"Fifth Grandfather, Fifth Uncle, Cousin Thirty!" Lin Shiming greeted Lin Yuzheng as well as Lin Houyong as he hurried over to say hello.
Lin Yuzheng still looked the same as before, but his eyes could not hide the fatigue and aging.
Lin Yuzheng was also over a hundred years old.
Behind him stood Lin Houyuan, the round and plump Cousin Thirty, who now appeared even more mature, his shrewd eyes flickering decisively; he was now responsible for the majority of the family's commercial dealings.
Following behind the group, Lin Zekong could be seen among the crowd, his gaze somewhat evasive yet resolute, while Lin Zelu seemed curious and somewhat admiring when looking at Lin Shiming!
"Seventh Uncle!" Despite their distinct actions, the two spoke in unison.
Under Lin Shiming's watchful eye, Lin Zekong stepped forward and spoke:
"Seventh Uncle, Zekong has thought things through. I will redouble my efforts from now on, and I voluntarily give up three times the salary, hoping for your approval, Seventh Uncle!"
Lin Zekong's words were resolute, surprising Lin Shiming.
"For this competition, Zekong also volunteers to fight, to contribute to the family, even if it means death in battle, with no regrets!"
Lin Zekong's words finally led Lin Shiming to nod his head.
The Lin Family did not lack geniuses, and there was no need for people who were arrogant to the point of potentially harming the entire family.
This had been the reason for his previous dislike of Lin Zekong.
Moreover, the Cultivation World had never been a place to seek excuses or fairness; indeed, it was not fair for a Qi Cultivation Fifth Rank to battle against a Sixth Rank, but bear in mind the likes of Lin Zekong and Lin Zecheng started off with three times the family allowance, choosing Cultivation Techniques more freely, and receiving personal guidance from high-level family cultivators.