Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

"W-what did you just say?"

Xu Zheng stared at Wangxuan in disbelief, wondering if he had misheard.

Wangxuan repeated herself, this time more directly: "I suspect that within the Xu and Qin households, a naturally gifted holy constitution suitable for cultivation may have appeared. I request to see the children under the age of ten in both families. If permitted, I wish to bring them into Tianxuan Sect."

"Of course! Absolutely!" Qin Ruhai, the first to recover, responded with great joy.

"For a child from our families to receive the National Preceptor's favor—this is... this is the greatest blessing for the Xu and Qin households!" Xu Zheng, now trembling with excitement, stuttered as he spoke.

Had it been any lesser sect, Xu Zheng and Qin Ruhai might not have reacted so dramatically. But this was Tianxuan Sect, one of the Four Sacred Lands and Five Great Sects, known throughout the world.

The Tianxuan Sect held an exalted position, unaffiliated with any dynasty. Its influence could sway the rise and fall of entire kingdoms. The sect admitted very few disciples, and its selection process was exceedingly rigorous.

To even enter Tianxuan Sect as a mere disciple was to command the respect of mid-tier sects, where such individuals would be treated as core heirs. And now, to be chosen personally by Tianxuan Sect's chief elder to cultivate by her side?

Just the thought of it left Xu Zheng and Qin Ruhai gasping in astonishment.

Currently, the Xu and Qin households relied on their ancestral connections to secure minor positions for their descendants. Yet whispers about their nepotism often echoed in court. If one of their children became a disciple of the National Preceptor, who would dare speak ill of them then?

On the side, Zhao Wenshan observed the joy on his brother-in-law's and Xu Zheng's faces, fully aware of their thoughts.

His brow furrowed slightly.

Indeed, if one of their children were chosen by the National Preceptor, the Xu and Qin families would benefit greatly. But being a disciple of the National Preceptor was no license to act recklessly.

The younger generation of the Xu and Qin households was already spoiled and arrogant. Should their behavior escalate further, the emperor might turn a blind eye once or twice out of deference to Tianxuan Sect.

But if they went too far, did they truly believe being a "disciple of the National Preceptor" was an unassailable shield?

In such a case, even Tianxuan Sect might sever ties, cutting off their karma with the families to protect the sect's reputation. The Xu and Qin households would then suffer devastating consequences.

This matter would need to be thoroughly discussed with the matriarch. The family ethos of the Xu and Qin households must be corrected.

"Please, National Preceptor, come inside."

Xu Zheng and Qin Ruhai quickly invited Wangxuan into the Xu residence.

In the guest hall, the matriarch was already waiting for Zhao Wenshan's return.

However, to her surprise, Zhao Wenshan, her grandson, and the Qin family's young master all followed behind a woman, deliberately maintaining a respectful half-step distance.

With her discerning eyes, the matriarch immediately recognized that this woman was no ordinary figure.

What mortal woman could possess such an ethereal presence? This must be a cultivator—an immortal.

"This humble Daoist, Wangxuan, greets the matriarch," Wangxuan said respectfully, bowing to the elderly woman.

"Oh my, what an otherworldly immortal you must be!" The matriarch quickly descended from her seat, supported by Chunyan, her maid. "Immortal, please take a seat. What brings you here? Has one of our boys offended you?"

The matriarch surmised that this woman's status must be extraordinary to command such deference from her grandson and the Qin family's young master. She feared that one of their children might have inadvertently provoked her while in the capital.

Wangxuan shook her head gently. "This humble Daoist is from Tianxuan Sect. At the invitation of Wuguo, I am here to assume the position of National Preceptor. Upon entering the capital, I observed a convergence of auspicious fortune above the Xu and Qin households—an omen of a holy constitution. I humbly request to see the children under ten in both families."

"The Tianxuan Sect?"

The matriarch's heart trembled, for she was well aware of the sect's legendary reputation.

Suppressing her excitement, she gave her instructions with calm authority: "Chunyan, go and inform the children of both households. Have all those under the age of ten gather in the courtyard."

"Yes, Matriarch," Chunyan replied, bowing deeply before hurrying off.

---

Xiaochun Courtyard

In the kitchen, Chen Suya, Madam Qin, and Wang Feng were busily preparing plum blossom cakes.

Out in the courtyard, Qin Qingwan was riding on the back of the Tianxuan Goose.

The goose dashed around, flapping its wings and honking noisily while Qin Qingwan laughed gleefully, her laughter ringing out like tinkling bells.

Xu Ming ran after them, trying to keep up, while Xu Xuenuo stood off to the side in the snow, silently gazing at the sky. It was hard to tell what thoughts were swirling in her young mind.

Xu Ming glanced at his elder sister and couldn't help but feel she carried a peculiar sadness.

Perhaps growing tired from her ride, Qin Qingwan slid off the goose with a soft thud, toddled over to Xu Ming, and tugged on his hand. She then led him over to Xu Xuenuo. "Ming-gege, Xuenuo-jiejie, let's build a snowman together!"

"I don't want to—"

Before Xu Xuenuo could finish her refusal, Qin Qingwan's lips began to quiver, her expression shifting into a clear threat: If Xuenuo-jiejie doesn't join me, I'll cry right here.

"Fine, fine! Just this once," Xu Xuenuo said with a huff, hopping off her bench with a mix of annoyance and indulgence.

The three children, all around three years old, seemed impervious to the cold as they began rolling snow into balls. The Tianxuan Goose waddled along behind them, flapping its wings and occasionally honking, as if supervising their work.

Before long, they had stacked two large snowballs. Xu Ming ran to the kitchen, returning with a carrot for the snowman's nose and two sticks for its arms. The snowman was finished in no time.

Not to be left out, the goose kicked the snowman from behind, leaving a clear imprint of its webbed foot as if marking its contribution.

Seeing the goose's action, Qin Qingwan's round eyes sparkled with mischief. She quickly grabbed Xu Ming and Xu Xuenuo's hands, pressing them against the snowman's surface. Finally, she placed her own tiny handprint between theirs.

"This snowman is a symbol of our friendship! No matter what happens, whether we're kids or grown-ups, we'll always stick together!"

"Who said I'll stick with you forever?" Xu Xuenuo's cheeks flushed red, and she quickly pulled her hand away.

Xu Ming simply smiled faintly, thinking to himself that the young Miss Qin was truly a little angel.

"Xuenuo-jiejie is so cute when she's shy!" Qin Qingwan clapped her hands, giggling in delight.

But soon after, she bit her finger thoughtfully and turned to Xu Ming. "By the way, Ming-gege, why don't you look like Xuenuo-jiejie? Xuenuo-jiejie looks like Uncle Xu, but you don't."

Xu Xuenuo turned to her younger half-brother, her brow furrowing slightly. Now that Qin Qingwan mentioned it, he really didn't resemble her or their father.

Just as the two girls were puzzling over this, Chunyan entered the courtyard.

"Young Master, Young Misses, it's time to stop playing. The Matriarch has summoned you to the main hall for something urgent."