So what if I have a few billion concubines while I'm cultivating immortality?

In the days following the distribution of the ritual implements, the atmosphere in the harem became increasingly diligent.

The four women obtained suitable magical artifacts, and their enthusiasm for cultivation soared to unprecedented heights.

Wearing the Golden Wood Heart-Concentrating Pendant, Luo Qingluan entered meditation much faster, and her spiritual energy circulated more smoothly. She often sat quietly in Changchun Palace for half a day, and her aura became increasingly deep and serene.

Mu Ziyan kept the Xuan Tu Heart-Protecting Mirror close to her body. The thick warmth emanating from the mirror calmed her mind and made her spiritual energy much gentler when cultivating the dual water and earth element techniques.

Yu Qingyi, on the other hand, spent her days with "Cold Water" and never let go of her sword.

She spent most of her time in the backyard of Changchun Palace.

He practiced the rudimentary sword techniques recorded in the "Water Element Manual" over and over again.

As the sword flashed, a chilling aura spread.

The small pond in the courtyard was covered with a thin layer of ice.

The most lively of them all was Yu Fengling.

She was very fond of the Three Talents Spirit Bracelet on her wrist, and when she tried to activate the metal-type magic, the golden light on her fingertips became even brighter.

I'll try water magic in a bit; the water sphere I conjured has gotten several sizes bigger.

Have a great time.

That afternoon, Qin Xiao summoned the four women to the Zichen Palace.

"His Majesty."

The four women greeted each other.

Qin Xiao's gaze swept over them. In just a few days, all four of them had improved their auras, clearly indicating that they were all diligently cultivating.

He nodded and got straight to the point: "I have summoned you here today because I have something to announce."

"I intend to leave the capital for a while to search for a new spiritual mine."

Upon hearing this, all four women were taken aback.

Luo Qingluan was the first to react, asking, "Your Majesty, did the refining of this magical artifact consume too many spiritual materials?"

"good."

Qin Xiao said frankly, "The last time we refined the artifact, we used up most of our stockpile of spirit ore. To do a good job, you must first have the right tools. If we want to refine higher-level magic artifacts in the future, or even my own natal magic treasure, we will need a huge amount of spirit materials as support. It is imperative to plan ahead."

Upon hearing this, the four women all understood.

"When does Your Majesty plan to depart? How many men will you take with you?"

Luo Qingluan then asked if they had begun considering matters such as the escort and ceremonial guard.

"I plan to depart tomorrow, taking only one person with me."

Qin Xiao said.

Only one person?

A slight ripple stirred in the hearts of all four women.

Who is it?

Qin Xiao's gaze swept across their faces, finally landing on Yu Fengling. "Fengling, you will come with me."

"Huh? Me?"

Yu Fengling was stunned, pointed to her nose, and her peach blossom eyes were full of surprise.

Luo Qingluan, Yu Qingyi, and Mu Ziyan were also somewhat surprised.

But he quickly understood Qin Xiao's intention.

Qin Xiao looked at Yu Fengling and said calmly, "Among the four of you, your cultivation is the weakest and your foundation is the shallowest. The path of cultivation cannot be achieved by staying behind closed doors; one must also go out to gain experience, broaden one's horizons, and witness true dangers. This trip with me is both a trial and a test for you."

Yu Fengling understood.

It turns out he felt he was too incompetent and wanted to be taken out for special training.

At first, her face fell, but then she thought that being able to go out and "train" with Qin Xiao alone was a unique opportunity and guidance.

Moreover, it's definitely much more interesting than staying in the palace to cultivate!

Thinking of this, she immediately put on an excited expression and nodded vigorously: "Yes! Husband! Feng Ling will definitely perform well and will never let you down!"

Qin Xiao nodded slightly, then said to the other three, "During my absence from the capital, Qingluan will continue to oversee palace affairs. Qingyi, you have recently acquired a magic sword and need to work on achieving harmony between you and the sword. You should focus on your cultivation. Ziyan, you are calm and composed. You can exchange cultivation insights with Qingluan and Qingyi to consolidate your cultivation."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Luo Qingluan and the other two responded in unison.

The matter was settled.

The next morning, Qin Xiao quietly left the palace with Yu Fengling, who was looking excited and dressed in a smart outfit.

A crimson beam of light shot into the sky and disappeared into the horizon in an instant.

High in the sky, this was not Yu Fengling's first time experiencing flight. Gone was the initial fear; only novelty and excitement remained.

She clung tightly to Qin Xiao's waist, watching the mountains rushing past below, and cried out, "Husband, where are we going? Where is that spirit mine?"

"Three hundred li to the west of Jinyang Prefecture."

Qin Xiao replied telepathically.

The light traveled swiftly, and in just over an hour, it arrived near its destination.

Below lies a continuous, desolate mountain range, with mostly dark brown rocks and sparse vegetation, exuding an air of bleakness.

Qin Xiao activated his escape technique and landed at the entrance of a valley with Yu Fengling.

"We've arrived. Go in from here and walk for about ten miles to reach the entrance to the spirit mine."

Qin Xiao said.

Yu Fengling looked around curiously, feeling that the air here carried a rusty, fishy smell that made her feel uncomfortable.

The two walked one after the other into the depths of the valley.

The mountain road is rugged and full of strange rocks.

The further you go in, the quieter it becomes; you can't even hear birds chirping or insects buzzing.

The atmosphere was somewhat oppressive.

Yu Fengling stopped laughing and instinctively followed Qin Xiao closely, asking in a low voice, "Husband, something feels strange here?"

"The spiritual energy is mixed and the earthly evil energy is quite heavy, so ordinary creatures naturally don't like to get close."

Qin Xiao explained, "However, it is precisely because of this that some unique minerals can be formed."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a rustling sound came from the bushes not far ahead.

Immediately afterwards, a dark shadow darted out like lightning, rushing straight at Qin Xiao, who was walking in front!

It was a giant python as thick as a bucket, covered in black iron-like scales!

A pair of blood-red, triangular eyes gleamed with a fierce light!

"what!"

Yu Fengling gasped in fright and instinctively tried to hide behind Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao didn't even turn his head, but simply said, "Your test has begun."

Yu Fengling was stunned for a moment before she realized what was happening.

The giant python opened its blood-red maw, bringing a foul stench as it lunged forward.

She gritted her teeth, disregarding her fear, and hurriedly activated the Three Talents Spirit Bracelet on her wrist!

"Buzz!"

The pale gold gemstone on the bracelet flashed with light.

A semi-transparent golden light shield instantly condensed in front of her!

"Bang!"

The giant python's head slammed into the light shield with a dull thud.

The light shield trembled violently, rippling outwards.

But in the end, they managed to block that fierce attack.

Yu Fengling was knocked back two steps, her face turning pale.

Seeing that the light shield was effective, I felt much more at ease.

"You stinking worm, how dare you scare me!"

She mustered her courage and let out a sharp cry.

With his other hand, he joined his fingers like a sword, channeling his spiritual power.

A pale blue gem lit up, and a crystal-clear ice spike appeared out of thin air, whistling as it shot towards the giant python's eye!

The ice spike came hurtling towards the giant python, striking it squarely in the left eye.

"Pfft!"

Fresh blood and murky liquid spurted out!

"Hiss!"

The giant python was in pain, its massive body twisting wildly, and its thick tail swept across with tremendous force!

Yu Fengling was startled and quickly activated the light shield again to defend herself.

"Bang!"

Another loud bang.

The light on the shield dimmed slightly, and Yu Fengling was also swept away by the force, nearly falling over.

The giant python had thick skin and immense strength. After being injured, it became even more ferocious, leaving her flustered and overwhelmed.

Qin Xiao watched from the sidelines without intervening.

Instead, they observed carefully.

This black iron python was just an ordinary beast.

It became so powerful because it had been entrenched in this place for many years and had consumed some spiritual minerals.

His body contained a trace of demonic energy.

Although not as powerful as demonic beasts, they are not far off.

This is perfect for Yu Fengling to practice on.

Thinking it over, Qin Xiao spread his divine sense and carefully examined his surroundings.

It seems that besides these ferocious beasts, there are also demonic beasts in this place...