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

Jiangnan, the Wu King's Palace.

Inside the waterside pavilion, Qin Hong, dressed in the everyday clothes of a prince, leaned against a soft couch, playing with a warm and lustrous mutton-fat jade thumb ring in his hand, but his gaze was somewhat unfocused.

He was about twenty-five years old and his face bore a slight resemblance to Qin Xiao.

His eyes and brows had lost some of their sharpness and gained a touch of gloom.

As the fifth son of the late emperor, he was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, excelling in both literary and martial arts, and was one of the best among the late emperor's sons.

However, his birth mother was of low social status and did not receive the emperor's favor.

In the end, he only received the wealthy Jiangnan region, which was far from the center of power.

In recent years, he has lived a secluded life in a corner of the country, outwardly appearing as a carefree prince, enjoying flowers and the moon, and composing poems.

But secretly, he was never truly resigned to it.

"Your Highness."

A deep voice came from outside the waterside pavilion.

Qin Hong looked up and saw a middle-aged Taoist priest wearing a blue robe and a lotus crown walking slowly towards him.

The Taoist priest was about forty years old, with a thin face and a goatee. He walked with light and agile steps, exuding an air of otherworldly grace.

It was none other than Daoist Qingyang!

"The Taoist priest has arrived."

Qin Hong sat up straight, a smile appearing on his face. "Please have a seat."

Without any hesitation, Daoist Qingyang sat down on the stone bench opposite Qin Hong.

"Master, you mentioned a few days ago that you were going into seclusion to meditate. I wonder if you have gained anything?"

Qin Hong personally poured a cup of tea for Daoist Qingyang, speaking with utmost respect.

The reason he treated the Taoist priest with such courtesy was entirely due to a "predestined encounter" a month ago.

At that time, he went out hunting and happened to meet Qingyang Daoist in the mountains.

The Taoist priest displayed his mysterious skills of "retrieving objects from a distance" and "generating fire in his palm," leaving Qin Hong in awe.

Later, it was learned that Daoist Qingyang was a "cultivator of immortality" who possessed the art of longevity!

From then on, Qin Hong treated Qingyang Daoist as an honored guest, keeping him in his residence and granting all his requests.

"A small gain."

Qingyang Daoist stroked his beard, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes. "I have recently been studying the 'Initial Explanation of Alchemy' and have been able to refine a basic 'Qi-Nourishing Pill'. Although this pill cannot prolong life, long-term use can strengthen the body, consolidate the foundation, and cultivate one's vital energy, which will greatly benefit Your Highness's cultivation."

As he spoke, he took out a small white jade bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Qin Hong.

Qin Hong took the bottle, opened the stopper, and a faint medicinal fragrance wafted out.

Inside the bottle lay three pale blue pills, each the size of a longan and with a lustrous sheen.

"Thank you, Taoist priest!"

Qin Hong was overjoyed and quickly put away the pills. "With the Daoist's help, what do I have to worry about in achieving my goal!"

"Your Highness is too kind."

Qingyang Daoist smiled slightly, "Since I have been taken in by the Prince, I will do my best, but..."

He changed the subject, his brows furrowing slightly, "The matter of the orphans of the previous dynasty is still a thorn in my side. Those two girls were exceptionally talented; if I could take them under my wing and train them properly, they would surely be a great help to the prince in the future. It's a pity that Chu Xiu took them with him and they escaped."

Mentioning this matter, Qin Hong's face also darkened. "Rest assured, Daoist, I have already sent people to search everywhere."

"I hope so."

Qingyang Daoist nodded and then asked, "Your Highness, what has Your Highness thought of the matter I proposed earlier?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Hong's eyes flickered.

What Qingyang Daoist was referring to was the "Spirit Gathering Array".

According to Qingyang Daoist, there is a formation called "Gathering Spirit Formation" that can gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to help him cultivate.

Setting up this formation requires a lot of special materials, some of which I've never even heard of before.

"I have ordered my men to expedite the search for the items the Taoist priest requires."

Qin Hong pondered and said, "However, the materials required by the Daoist are extremely rare, and it may be difficult to find them in a short time."

"It's alright, this matter can't be rushed."

Qingyang Daoist was not in a hurry. "However, with the help of this formation, Your Highness can cultivate immortality! At that time, not to mention prolonging life, it is not impossible to even glimpse the secret of immortality."

"Immortality..."

A burning desire flashed in Qin Hong's eyes.

Which emperor didn't want to live forever?

Although he was just a prince.

But if one day I can ascend to the throne and attain immortality, that would truly last for a thousand generations!

"Daoist Master, besides the Spirit Gathering Array, are there any other methods to help me embark on the path of cultivation?"

Qin Hong asked in a low voice.

Qingyang Daoist glanced at him, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Is Your Highness impatient?"

"This king..."

Qin Hong hesitated, then finally sighed, "As you know, Daoist, my sixth brother, Qin Xiao, is now sitting on the dragon throne. In terms of talent and ability, in what way can he compare to me? Father was truly senile back then!"

A hint of resentment flashed in Qin Hong's eyes when Qin Xiao was mentioned.

Why was Qin Xiao chosen to become emperor when they were both princes?

And he can only stay in Jiangnan as a leisurely prince?

He doesn't agree!

"Your Highness, please calm down."

The Taoist Qingyang stroked his beard and said, "Those who cultivate immortality must avoid being impetuous and restless. Although Qin Xiao is the emperor, he is ultimately a mortal. With my assistance, Your Highness will embark on the path of immortality and will naturally be able to trample him underfoot in the future."

"only……"

He paused, then said meaningfully, "If Your Highness truly wishes to advance further, cultivation alone is not enough. Mortal power can sometimes be an aid."

Qin Hong's heart skipped a beat: "What does the Taoist priest mean...?"

"Jiangnan is prosperous, with ample funds and grain, and its people are docile."

Qingyang Daoist slowly said, "Your Highness has been operating here for many years, and your foundation is already solid. If you can obtain the right 'timing', you may very well be able to..."

He didn't finish speaking.

But the meaning is already quite clear.

Qin Hong's breathing quickened.

He had considered it, but he always felt the time wasn't right.

But now, with the help of a "celestial being" like Daoist Qingyang, perhaps...

"Master, this matter requires careful consideration."

Qin Hong suppressed his excitement and said in a deep voice, "However, Qin Xiao has recently become obsessed with the harem and neglects state affairs, which has caused dissatisfaction among many ministers. Prince Jin, Qin Yuan, also seems to be making moves."

Qingyang Daoist reminded him, "Although Qin Yuan lacks great talent, if he were to truly rebel, he could still stir up a storm. At that time, Your Highness might be able to..."

Qin Hong's eyes lit up. "Master, your insight is profound!"

The two talked privately for another half an hour before Qingyang Daoist took his leave.

After Qingyang Daoist walked away, the smile on Qin Hong's face gradually faded.

He walked to the waterside pavilion, gazing at the lotus flowers filling the pond, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

Qingyang Daoist's words did indeed tempt him.

but……

"Your Highness."

A trusted guard strode over and whispered, "Prefect Chen Mingyuan of Yangzhou requests an audience."

"Chen Mingyuan?"

Qin Hong frowned. "What's he doing here?"

"They said... they had something important to report."

"Let him in."

Before long, a middle-aged official with a thin face hurriedly entered the waterside pavilion.

"Your humble servant Chen Mingyuan greets Your Highness!"

Chen Mingyuan bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Please rise, Lord Chen."

Qin Hong waved his hand. "What's the matter that you're in such a hurry?"

Chen Mingyuan stood up, his expression grave, and took out a secret report from his robes. He presented it with both hands, saying, "Your Highness, this is a secret letter I intercepted yesterday. The writer is Zhao Wenli, the Assistant Magistrate of Suzhou. The contents of the letter concern Your Highness, and I dare not act on my own authority, so I have come to report it."

Qin Hong took the secret report and unfolded it for a closer look.

The more he looked, the sullen his face became.

The letter was written by Zhao Wenli to a certain censor in the capital, and its contents were blatant accusations against him for "privately possessing armor and weapons," "colluding with sorcerers," and "plotting rebellion"!