Chapter 112 Yin Yang Harmony Technique! Foundation Establishment!
Green Bamboo Mountain.
Inside the training room.
Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, concentrating on his cultivation. Seven sharp sword energies flickered within his body, almost piercing through it.
His handsome, jade-like face was now filled with pain.
"Hoo!"
After a long while, Lu Changsheng's expression calmed down. He opened his eyes and exhaled a long breath.
"Although the pain of removing the poison is insignificant compared to the benefits," "
the torment of being slowly sliced apart by the sword energy is indeed quite agonizing."
Lu Changsheng gently wiped the sweat from his forehead, cast a cleansing spell, and sighed.
"However, once I break through to the Foundation Establishment stage and cultivate the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture to the second level, I can condense a Seven Luminaries Star Lamp within my body."
"Once I master this lamp and light its flame, it can automatically burn away the internal poisons and impurities, eliminating the need to use the Seven Luminaries Sword Qi to remove them and endure the agony of being slowly sliced apart."
Lu Changsheng murmured to himself.
Each level of the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture has its corresponding techniques.
The second level contains a divine power technique—the Seven Luminaries Star Lamp.
It allows one to condense a heart lamp within the body.
This lamp not only helps cultivators remove internal poisons, refine their mana, and improve their foundation,
but it can also burn spiritual energy, accelerate cultivation, guard the mind, and enlighten the mind, among other things.
It is extremely powerful.
Furthermore, cultivators can forge this lamp into a physical magic weapon.
It is a top-tier spiritual artifact with both offensive and defensive capabilities!
Lu Changsheng didn't dwell on this aspect.
Looking at the empty porcelain bottle beside him, he stood up.
"My pills are almost used up again; I need to head to the Nine Dragons Market."
"That'll be a good opportunity to sell off everything Xia Long and the others acquired."
"I can replenish my pills then, and also equip my second-tier puppet with mid-grade spirit stones."
Lu Changsheng thought to himself, leaving the training room to prepare for his trip to the Nine Dragons Market.
However, upon arriving at the backyard, intending to tell his wives and concubines about his upcoming trip,
he saw the Fourth Elder holding his great-grandson, chatting with Lu Miaoyun, who was heavily pregnant.
When the Fourth Elder heard that Lu Changsheng was going to the Nine Dragons Market, he immediately spoke up.
"Changsheng, things aren't very peaceful outside right now. If you don't have anything else to do, don't leave Qingzhu Mountain."
"If you're going to the Nine Dragons Market, the Second Elder will be back in two months."
"You can go with the Second Elder then, and let Miaoge rest as well."
The Fourth Elder said.
"Yes, Grandmother,"
Lu Changsheng replied immediately.
Although the situation in the Chen and Lu families had temporarily calmed down...
However, things only seemed much better on the surface.
Privately, friction continued.
Lu Changsheng guessed that the Chen family was also waiting for an opportunity, a chance to
strike. He figured
he was likely one of the Chen family's targets, and might even
be ambushed.
Although Lu Changsheng was confident that he had nothing to fear as long as he didn't encounter a Foundation Establishment cultivator,
it was just a trip to the market, and there was no rush.
Two months passed.
During these two months, Lu Changsheng had three children born.
It's worth mentioning that two of these children possessed spiritual roots.
One was Lu Miaoyun's third child, possessing a ninth-grade spiritual root.
The other was Shui'er's third child, possessing an eighth-grade spiritual root.
This brought Lu Changsheng's total number of children with spiritual roots to fourteen.
Including his unborn children, Lu Changsheng's total number of children reached seventy-seven.
Five days later, the Second Elder returned.
When the Second Elder set off back to Kowloon City, Lu Changsheng took Xiaoqing with him.
Normally, Lu Changsheng wouldn't have brought anyone with him if he were going alone.
However, this trip involved him and Lu Miaoge filling in for him, and they would be staying in Kowloon City for half a year.
Having Xiaoqing with him made things much more convenient.
A day and a half later, the flying boat arrived safely in Kowloon City.
After bidding farewell to the Second Elder, Lu Changsheng took Xiaoqing back to his residence.
Looking at the twelve maids in the courtyard, Lu Changsheng enjoyed himself.
After all, the maids trained by Baiyulou offered a truly different experience.
Early the next morning, Lu Changsheng went to the spirit talisman shop.
He told Lu Miaoge that he would be staying in the market for a while and that she could rest if she wanted.
Lu Miaoge didn't refuse.
Although the spirit talisman shop wasn't particularly busy,
someone needed to be there most of the time to handle things.
This made it difficult to focus on cultivation and studying the art of talismans.
After Lu Miaoge finished greeting him, Lu Changsheng skillfully handled Xia Long and the others' spoils.
Aside from keeping two magical artifacts for himself,
Lu Changsheng sold everything else, earning 2,400 spirit stones.
Holding the warm spirit stones, Lu Changsheng began to spend them.
He purchased a batch of pills and materials for cultivating the Hundred Refinements Body Technique.
He also exchanged ten mid-grade spirit stones.
Although one mid-grade spirit stone was equal to one hundred low-grade spirit stones,
considering the market rate and transaction fees, exchanging ten mid-grade spirit stones cost Lu Changsheng a total of 1,030 spirit stones.
"I'll postpone my trip to Baiyulou for now."
Walking home, Lu Changsheng looked at his storage bag and saw he still had over 800 spirit stones, deciding against going to Baiyulou.
After all, the prices at Baiyulou were quite high.
With his 800 spirit stones, he could only buy maids with low-grade spiritual roots.
Now that he had ten wives and maids with spiritual roots, and his own spiritual root had advanced to mid-grade,
Lu Changsheng's standards had risen accordingly.
He hoped his wife's spiritual root would also be better.
If he were to go to Baiyulou to buy maids, he would be purchasing maids with mid-grade spiritual roots.
He didn't have much interest in low-grade spiritual roots at the moment.
Back home, Lu Changsheng took the second-tier puppet from his storage bag in his room. He
used a hand seal to remove the puppet's protective mirror.
He took out the ten low-grade spirit stones and replaced them with the ten mid-grade spirit stones he had exchanged.
"That's much safer!"
Lu Changsheng looked at the metal puppet before him and nodded in satisfaction.
With the support of ten mid-grade spirit stones, this second-tier puppet could hold its own against Foundation Establishment cultivators for a while longer.
Otherwise, according to his previous estimate, the stored spiritual power would be almost exhausted after the five javelins behind the puppet unleashed their power.
A little over a month later.
On the second floor of the talisman shop.
Lu Changsheng held a talisman brush and smoothly drew a high-grade talisman.
"Chang Sheng, you've already surpassed me in talisman-making."
"At this rate, I estimate that in four or five years, you'll be able to attempt drawing top-grade talismans and become a first-tier top-level talisman master."
Lu Miaoge, dressed in pristine white with a beautiful face, smiled as she watched Lu Chang Sheng finish drawing the talisman.
Previously, she had felt somewhat frustrated watching Lu Chang Sheng's progress in talisman-making.
But as Lu Chang Sheng's progress was rapid, catching up with her, she gradually felt at ease.
After all, she wasn't particularly competitive.
Seeing Lu Chang Sheng's progress made her happy for him.
"It's also thanks to you, Sister Miaoge, watching over the shop this past year that I was able to focus on talisman-making in Qingzhu Mountain, allowing me to progress so quickly,"
Lu Chang Sheng said with a smile.
After all, the Fourth Elder had entrusted the shop to him.
But previously, he had used the excuse of going home to be with his wife and children to hand it over to Lu Miaoge.
"However, my current cultivation level is still too low. I can only draw some relatively simple high-grade talismans."
"To advance further and draw more difficult high-grade talismans, I must break through to the sixth level of Qi Chain."
"As for top-grade talismans, I estimate I'll have to wait until I reach the seventh level of Qi Chain before I can even try practicing them."
"But I only have a ninth-grade spiritual root, and I don't know when I'll be able to break through to the seventh level of Qi Chain, so even if my talisman-making skills improve, it won't be of any use."
Lu Changsheng then smiled bitterly and continued.
He didn't want to discourage this young lady too much in terms of talisman-making.
"As long as you spend more time cultivating, once you reach the sixth level of Qi Chain, you can apply for a high-grade breakthrough pill from the family." "
Then you'll be able to break through to the seventh level of Qi Chain very quickly."
Lu Miaoge bit her lip and comforted him.
She also felt sorry for Lu Changsheng's spiritual root talent.
Such good talisman-making talent was being held back by his spiritual root.
"Thank you, Sister Miaoge. I will definitely work hard in my cultivation."
Lu Changsheng nodded slightly.
"Master, the young master of the Bai family has arrived."
At this moment, the manager, Zhang Shan, came to report.
"Just say I'm not here."
"From now on, whenever this young master of the Bai family comes, just say I'm not here."
Upon hearing this, Lu Miaoge frowned slightly and said directly.
"Yes, Master."
Zhang Shan nodded.
"Sister Miaoge, why don't you just tell this young master Bai directly, so he won't keep bothering you like this?"
Lu Changsheng said upon hearing this.
Having been here for so long, he also knew what was going on with this young master of the Bai family.
This young master of the Bai family was from the Bai family of White Bird Lake.
The Bai family and the Lu family of Green Bamboo Mountain had always had a good relationship, and the two families had many intermarriages.
Not long ago, the Bai family proposed an intermarriage to the Lu family.
They wanted the young master of the Bai family to marry Lu Miaoge.
Lu Miaoge had a fifth-grade spiritual root and was also a high-grade talisman master, so the Lu family naturally did not want her to marry out.
But given the current situation of the Lu family, they could not refuse the Bai family's visit.
So they tactfully indicated that the matter should be decided by Lu Miaoge.
If Lu Miaoge was willing, they could make a deal.
Soon after, the young master of the Bai family arrived at Kowloon Market and began pursuing Lu Miaoge.
"I've already made it clear to him that I'm single-mindedly focused on the Dao and won't consider personal feelings,"
Lu Miaoge said softly.
"Single-mindedly focused on the Dao and won't consider personal feelings?"
"Sister Miaoge, is that really what you think, or are you rejecting this young master of the Bai family's offer?"
Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, asking casually.
"The cultivation world is ever-changing; only by becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator can one truly establish oneself."
"If I want to break through to Foundation Establishment, I can't waste my energy on matters of the heart,"
Lu Miaoge said, pursing her lips.
Her voice was soft, yet it revealed a firm resolve.
"In other words, it's not that I'm completely unconcerned."
"If you are considering it, I wonder what your requirements are for a Daoist partner, Sister Miaoge?"
Lu Changsheng chuckled, asking casually.
He and Lu Miaoge had a fairly good relationship, so there were no major taboos in this conversation.
"I haven't thought about it yet,"
Lu Miaoge said softly, her beautiful eyes slightly lowered.
"I believe that with your talent, Sister Miaoge, you will definitely succeed in Foundation Establishment in the future,"
Lu Changsheng said, not pressing further on this point.
"Foundation Establishment, how easy is that?"
Lu Miaoge shook her head slightly.
Coming from a cultivation family like the Lu family, she knew how difficult it was to achieve Foundation Establishment.
Otherwise, the Lu family wouldn't have been without a new Foundation Establisher besides the Lu family patriarch. Without a
Foundation Establishment Pill, even if one was of the right age, cultivated to the peak of Qi Chain, and had a Foundation Establishment spiritual item, the probability of Foundation Establishment was at most 30%.
Then Lu Miaoge looked at Lu Changsheng and said, "If you become a second-tier talisman master, you might still have a chance of Foundation Establishment in the future."
Her words were not just comforting.
In Lu Miaoge's view, with Lu Changsheng's talent in talisman cultivation, if he became a second-tier talisman master and befriended other forces,
he still had a chance to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill and a Foundation Establishment spiritual item, and try his luck at Foundation Establishment.
Although the probability was extremely slim.
"I have no extravagant hopes for Foundation Establishment."
"I'll be satisfied if I can break through to the late stage of Qi Chain."
Lu Changsheng shook his head and said.
Regarding cultivation, he always appeared casual and rather lazy.
After all, the persona of being single-mindedly devoted to the Dao was really inconsistent with the persona of being the father of more than seventy children.
She couldn't keep telling everyone she was focused on the Dao and aiming for Foundation Establishment, only to then turn around and have a baby.
"Chang Sheng, I won't be coming over for a while, so please look after the shop."
"If you need anything, feel free to contact me."
Lu Miaoge sighed softly, not wanting to dwell on the topic.
After all, let alone Lu Chang Sheng's ninth-grade spiritual root
, even with her mid-grade spiritual root, the probability of Foundation Establishment was extremely low, quite worrying.
"Okay, no problem,"
Lu Chang Sheng nodded.
In the following days, Lu Chang Sheng returned to her previous work life.
Her daily life remained as bland, monotonous, and tasteless as ever.
Regarding having children, Lu Chang Sheng was casual.
She didn't force it, but she didn't deliberately control it either.
If she got pregnant, she got pregnant.
So, within three months, four maids became pregnant.
That day,
Lu Chang Sheng was meditating on the second floor of the spirit talisman shop.
Suddenly, a throbbing sensation came over her.
It told Lu Chang Sheng that a child had been born at Green Bamboo Mountain.
This child possesses spiritual roots.
As this feeling of excitement arose, a familiar system notification sounded.
[Congratulations to the host for having fifteen offspring with spiritual roots, granting one chance to draw a prize!]
"Fifteen! Looks like there's still some hope for the wedding gifts!"
Lu Changsheng was delighted to hear the system notification.
Although the wedding gift amount had increased from one, two, three children per gift to five,
Lu Changsheng still thought it was good enough.
"System, draw a prize!"
Lu Changsheng immediately murmured.
Instantly,
the familiar lottery wheel appeared.
Looking at the wheel, Lu Changsheng didn't think much and directly said, "Start the lottery!"
Immediately, a familiar golden light effect appeared, spinning rapidly on the wheel before finally settling on the 'Cultivation Technique'.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the cultivation technique 'Yin Yang Harmony Technique'!]
[The reward has been sent to the system space; the host can view it at any time.]
A crystal-clear jade book image appeared, accompanied by the system notification.
"Yin Yang Harmony Technique?"
"Is this a dual cultivation technique, or an unorthodox one?"
Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow upon seeing the technique.
After acquiring the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture, he no longer had much interest in acquiring cultivation techniques.
However, this didn't mean he had no need for them.
For example, he did have a need for techniques that cultivated the mind and spirit, as well as techniques related to dual cultivation.
Immediately, Lu Changsheng looked at the system space
to check the information on the cultivation technique he had just drawn.
[Cultivation Technique: Yin Yang Harmony Technique]
[Rank: Unorthodox]
[Description: Yin Yang Master, due to his extraordinary talent, became obsessed with matters of love and sex, neglecting his cultivation. Before his death, he observed various cultivation techniques, merging them into one, creating the 'Yin Yang Harmony Technique,' allowing people to explore the great elixir of the human body and discover the mysteries of the origin of cultivation through the principles of Yin and Yang.]
"Unorthodox cultivation technique."
"Judging from this description, it's not simply a dual cultivation technique."
"It should be a heretical, demonic cultivation technique, using dual cultivation."
Lu Changsheng frowned slightly at the description of the Yin Yang Harmony Technique.
"However, I'll have to see how good the technique is after reading it."
"After all, it's an unorthodox cultivation technique."
"System, extract!"
Without much thought, Lu Changsheng extracted the Yin Yang Harmony Technique.
In an instant, the cultivation method, related content, and key points of the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique flooded into Lu Changsheng's mind like a sudden enlightenment.
After a long while,
"Just as I guessed."
"This is not a pure dual cultivation technique, but rather a heretical cultivation technique."
Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, completely understanding the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique.
Just as he guessed, it was a heretical technique. It was a
technique that rapidly increased strength through Yin-Yang dual cultivation, allowing one to cultivate all the way to the Nascent Soul stage.
If he didn't have the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture, Lu Changsheng might have considered cultivating this technique.
But since he had the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture, Lu Changsheng had no intention of cultivating this technique at all.
The reason was simple.
No one understood the merits and demerits of these two techniques better than him.
In terms of cultivation speed, the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique was naturally superior.
But in terms of foundation, the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture was far superior.
Lu Changsheng's main approach was to steadily build a solid foundation and achieve great things later in life.
If one were to cultivate this Yin-Yang Harmony Technique, even if one didn't reach
the Nascent Soul stage, it would certainly affect their future progress. "Although I don't cultivate this Yin-Yang Harmony Technique, it's been integrated with many other techniques by the Yin-Yang Master, making it all-encompassing."
"There are many secret techniques within it that I can cultivate, and they would be useful to me,"
Lu Changsheng murmured to himself.
This Yin-Yang Harmony Technique, as a side-path technique, was naturally not simple.
It contained many dual cultivation secrets and techniques, which broadened Lu Changsheng's horizons.
For example, it recorded a secret technique called the "Dragon-Drawing Technique."
It allowed the cultivator to continuously absorb the true Yin essence of female cultivators, thus rapidly increasing their cultivation.
If the woman possessed a special spiritual body, it could even absorb certain spiritual characteristics from her.
However, this secret technique had certain harmful effects on female cultivators.
Excessive absorption could even damage a woman's essence, leading to her death.
Besides this heretical absorption technique, the "Dragon-Drawing Technique," Lu Changsheng also saw several other decent techniques and secret arts.
One secret technique, called the "Five Elements Derivation Method," allows men and women who cultivate it to increase their chances of conceiving.
However, as cultivators' strength increases, there's a side effect:
conceiving becomes more difficult.
At the Qi Refining stage,
there's little impact. Once they break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, there's a noticeable effect.
If they break through to the Core Formation stage, conceiving becomes very difficult.
As for the Nascent Soul stage, it's even more difficult.
This Five Elements Derivation Method allows cultivators to conserve their essence and increase their chances of conceiving.
The second technique is the "Love
's Bond Technique," a superior dual cultivation method.
Unlike the Dragon-Drawing Technique, which relies entirely on absorbing the female cultivator's essence,
in the Love's Bond Technique, while the man absorbs the woman's yin essence,
this yin essence merges with the man's yang essence.
This creates a cycle of yin and yang, nourishing more yin and yang essence, with some eventually returning.
This not only replenishes the woman's deficiencies but also nourishes her, greatly benefiting her.
However, this is, after all, a secret technique within the *Yin Yang Harmony Technique*, and it has side effects.
Frequent dual cultivation can make a woman increasingly infatuated and affectionate towards the male practitioner.
But in Lu Changsheng's view, this isn't a drawback.
After all, he only cultivates with his wives, concubines, and maids.
He wouldn't become a womanizer or do anything immoral.
There's another secret technique called the *Phoenix Cultivation Technique*.
It's for virgin female cultivators.
When a woman cultivates the technique to a certain level, the male cultivator can use a secret technique to instantly steal her primordial yin energy to break through cultivation bottlenecks.
The three major realms of Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and Nascent Soul can all be overcome using this technique.
"Like the maids of Baiyulou, who cultivate the *Charming Maiden Cultivation Technique*, it must be a similar technique, right?"
"Only, the *Charming Maiden Cultivation Technique* allows people without spiritual roots to cultivate it."
Lu Changsheng felt that the *Phoenix Cultivation Technique* was somewhat like an upgraded version of the *Charming Maiden Cultivation Technique*.
"It's a pity that the Phoenix Cultivation Technique takes too long to cultivate, and it also has requirements for the cultivation level of female cultivators."
"Otherwise, I could buy a maid from the Jade Pavilion to try it out."
Lu Changsheng shook his head slightly.
He felt that the secret techniques within the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique were not suitable to be revealed yet.
Otherwise, it would easily cause trouble.
"But I can try the Love's Embrace Technique when I get back."
Lu Changsheng thought to himself.
After all, trying dual cultivation techniques with his wives and concubines was a pleasure of the boudoir.
He had also tried the Dragon Locking Secret Technique, the Jade Chamber Secret Essentials, and the Thirty-Six Scattered Hands of Dongxuanzi that he had bought before.
However, these three were just worldly bedroom arts and could not be considered dual cultivation methods.
As for the Love's Embrace Technique, he could simply tell his wives and concubines that he had found it at the market for scattered cultivators.
Night fell.
"Xiao Qing, come here, your son-in-law will teach you something good."
After returning home and finishing his meal, Lu Changsheng called Xiao Qing to his room.
Afterwards.
"Young Master, Xiaoqing can't go on."
Xiaoqing lay on the bed, her large, watery eyes filled with tenderness and allure.
"Xiaoqing, look at how much your cultivation has improved."
Lu Changsheng asked Xiaoqing.
"Young Master, I've been cultivating for about a day or two!"
Xiaoqing blushed as she checked her cultivation, then immediately showed a look of surprise.
"A day or two, huh? It seems the effect is only so-so."
Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment.
He knew that this depended on the two people's cultivation levels.
Because Xiaoqing only had the third level of Qi Chain cultivation, the effect was better than his.
He had just undergone dual cultivation and only made a small improvement, probably equivalent to two or three hours of meditation.
"But it's better than nothing. At least it's better than nothing, and it adds a bit of intimacy to the bedroom."
Lu Changsheng didn't think too much about it.
After all, this thing was practically free.
He immediately positioned Xiaoqing again and smiled, "It's alright, little by little, it adds up. Let your young master help you cultivate!"
Great Dream Immortal City.
Inner City Cave Area.
Outside a cave dwelling, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was suddenly stirred, forming a vortex.
"This is... someone is attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage!"
"It seems they've already broken through the three stages of Foundation Establishment and reached the most crucial step!"
"I wonder if they'll succeed."
The unusual spiritual energy attracted the attention of some cultivators from other cave dwelling areas.
However, there weren't many onlookers.
After all, high-level cave dwellings like the Great Dream Immortal City, which are rented out, attract cultivators every year who come to attempt Foundation Establishment and break through bottlenecks.
At this very moment,
inside the cave dwelling,
"Foundation Establishment... Successful!"
Meng Xiaochun opened her eyes, purple light emanating from them.
Her face had returned to its original appearance,
retaining three or four parts of her former features.
But it seemed her eyebrows and eyes had matured, transforming her from delicate to stunningly beautiful.
Her entire being exuded an ethereal and unpredictable aura.
"I successfully established my Foundation."
Meng Xiaochun looked at her palm, a joyful smile involuntarily spreading across her face.
Then, she closed her eyes, and an image of a handsome, tall young man appeared in her mind.
She quietly experienced her own state of mind and emotions.
After a moment, Meng Xiaochun felt a surge of emotion rising within her. She immediately opened her eyes, dispelling the image in her mind and suppressing the emotions in her heart.
"What a domineering Love-Locking Gu! Even though I've reached Foundation Establishment, it still affects me!"
"I must find a way to solve this, kill it, and take back the Love-Locking Gu!" A
resolute look appeared in Meng Xiaochun's eyes.
But as soon as the thought arose, a sharp pain shot through her heart.
She felt she shouldn't have such thoughts.
Meng Xiaochun immediately formed a hand seal to calm her mind.
She began to think about how she could take back the Love-Locking Gu.
Chapter 113 The Second Boss, the First Boss is Doomed!
Kowloon Market.
Jade Pavilion.
In a private room, Yu Maocheng was having dinner and drinking with Lu Changsheng.
"Brother Lu, the Lu family's situation doesn't seem very optimistic right now. I wonder if you have any plans?"
After a few drinks, Yu Maocheng asked.
"What plans could I possibly have? If the sky falls, someone taller will hold it up. It's not my place to worry about it."
[I hope readers remember our domain name, Taiwan Novel Network, which has a large library: ƚɯƙαɳ.ƈσɱ]
"What, Brother Yu, you bring this up? Do you have some connections?"
Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
Today, Yu Maocheng invited him for drinks and even came to this private room, so he had a feeling that the other party had something to say. Now,
hearing this, he thought, "Sure enough."
"What connections do I have?"
"It's just that the Yu family has shown interest in recruiting you, Brother Lu, and sent me as their intermediary."
"They said that if Brother Lu is willing to join the Yu family, the Yu family is also willing to marry one of their daughters to you."
"As for the terms and conditions, Brother Lu can also make his own suggestions."
Yu Maocheng picked up a piece of food, smiled bitterly, and spoke the truth.
"I, Lu Changsheng, came to the Lu family from humble beginnings, and now my wives, concubines, and children are all with the Lu family. How could I do something that betrays my family?"
Lu Changsheng waved his hand.
"Brother Lu, please don't take offense. It's just that the Yu family knows that I know you, so they sent me as their intermediary. They have no other intentions."
"I'll punish myself with a drink."
Yu Maocheng immediately raised his wine cup and said apologetically.
"I naturally know that."
Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, not minding.
He knew that Yu Maocheng was just an intermediary.
The Yu family had asked him to be their intermediary, so he couldn't refuse.
"In that case, I'll give the Yu family a reply afterward."
"However, Brother Lu, at such a young age, you've already become a high-grade talisman master. Your talent in talismanic arts is extraordinary. I estimate the Yu family won't give up easily; they'll likely send someone to recruit you."
Yu Maocheng said ,
his tone tinged with envy.
He had been somewhat surprised when the Yu family asked him to act as an intermediary.
But upon learning that Lu Changsheng was a high-grade talisman master, he was utterly astonished.
He had always thought Lu Changsheng was a mid-grade talisman master.
He hadn't expected Lu Changsheng to advance to high-grade.
While marveling at Lu Changsheng's talent in talismanic arts, he also understood why the Lu family didn't object to Lu Changsheng taking wives and concubines.
Because such a status was far beyond what a son-in-law from a cultivation family like his own could compare to.
"Alright, thank you for the reminder, Brother Yu."
Lu Changsheng nodded.
He understood the implication in Yu Maocheng's words.
It meant the Yu family would still try to introduce him to them through Yu Maocheng.
So this was a way of giving them a heads-up in advance.
"Actually, as a friend, I think Brother Lu should consider this."
"It's not about betraying the Lu family or necessarily joining the Yu family."
"If the Lu family's situation really deteriorates, Brother Lu should also consider a way out for himself."
Yu Maocheng took a sip of wine and said.
"We'll see about this later."
"It's a bit early to talk about this now."
Lu Changsheng sighed slightly.
In his escape plan, he had naturally considered a way out.
If the Lu family really couldn't hold on, Lu Changsheng planned to take his wives, concubines, and children and flee to the market for a few years.
Once he had enough time, he would display his top-tier first-level talisman master skills and choose to join a force like the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce.
As for a cultivation family like the Yu family, it was completely out of his consideration.
After all, not all cultivation families are as relatively upright as the Lu family,
allowing him to live a peaceful and comfortable life.
Moreover, after the Lu family incident, if he joined a cultivation family in the future, he would inevitably not be able to integrate and would be ostracized.
It would be easier and more comfortable to join a force like a chamber of commerce or a sect.
"Indeed, there's no rush."
"With Brother Lu's talisman-making skills, you can establish yourself anywhere."
Yu Maocheng nodded and didn't continue on this topic.
Half a month later.
Lu Changsheng was drawing talismans at his talisman shop.
Zhang Shan told Lu Changsheng that Yu Maocheng was looking for him.
"Brother Yu, what's the matter?"
Lu Changsheng came downstairs and asked Yu Maocheng.
"It's what I mentioned last time, the Yu family will send someone to recruit Brother Lu again." "
The third young master of the Yu family came today and asked me to invite Brother Lu to a meeting."
Yu Maocheng said.
"The third young master of the Yu family?"
Lu Changsheng naturally didn't recognize this third young master of the Yu family.
But to be called the third young master, his status in the Yu family must be extraordinary.
"Brother Lu, why don't you go and meet him?"
"Even if Brother Lu doesn't intend to join the Yu family, you can still go and meet him,"
Yu Maocheng said.
He then lowered his voice, adding, "Besides, as far as I know, this Third Young Master doesn't have a good reputation. Brother Lu, it's best to avoid offending him if possible."
"Alright, Brother Yu and I will go and meet him,"
Lu Changsheng chuckled and nodded.
He knew that if he didn't go, Yu Maocheng wouldn't be able to explain himself.
Moreover, the Yu family had already sent a young master; they couldn't just come and leave without even seeing him. If
he didn't go, they would come looking for him later, so it was better to meet him.
"Why does it feel like these cultivation families are trying to undermine the Lu family's foundation?"
Lu Changsheng suddenly thought of the Bai family's young master pursuing Lu Miaoge.
He felt that the Bai family's young master's visit to Jiulong Market and his persistent pursuit of Lu Miaoge wasn't necessarily because he liked her that much.
Rather, it was a way of showing sincerity and trying to get Lu Miaoge to join the Bai family.
"Sigh, it's true what they say, when someone's down, everyone kicks them while they're down."
"The Lu family patriarch isn't even dead yet, and it's already like this. What will happen if the Lu family patriarch dies..." Lu Changsheng
couldn't help
but think to himself. He felt that the cultivation world was even more naked than he had imagined.
Immediately, Lu Changsheng and Yu Maocheng arrived at a private room on the second floor of the Jade Cuisine Pavilion.
Inside the room, fine wine and delicacies were already prepared on the table.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, it's a pleasure to meet you."
A handsome young man, dressed in azure brocade robes and with a somewhat effeminate appearance, looked Lu Changsheng over and bowed.
"Greetings, Young Master Yu."
Lu Changsheng knew that this was the third young master of the Yu family, and bowed slightly.
"Brother Lu, Third Young Master, I have some matters to attend to. Please talk."
Yu Maocheng then introduced the servant.
Now that Lu Changsheng had been brought here, he naturally wouldn't stay, so he bowed and took his leave.
"Hmm."
Yu Ningyuan nodded slightly and waved his hand, indicating that Yu Maocheng should leave.
Then he made a gesture for Lu Changsheng to sit down.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, please sit."
"I'm sure you already know why I invited you here."
"I heard from Yu Maocheng that you don't have any plans in that regard yet, but there's no rush. You can listen to what I have to say."
"Even if it doesn't work out, consider it a chance to make friends and get acquainted."
Yu Ningyuan said with a smile, picking up the wine pot and personally pouring wine for Lu Changsheng.
"It's naturally a privilege to meet a talent like Young Master Yu."
"I'll drink this first."
Seeing how polite the other person was, Lu Changsheng naturally wouldn't want to offend him, so he smiled and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
He exclaimed, "Excellent wine!"
This wasn't just a polite remark.
Lu Changsheng hadn't drunk much wine before,
only Jade Bamboo Wine and White Jade Hundred Flowers Wine, etc.
But at this moment, he could clearly feel that this wine was far superior to the Jade Bamboo Wine and White Jade Hundred Flowers Wine he had drunk before.
It nourished his spiritual power and mind, probably a top-grade first-level spiritual wine.
"Hehe, this is a specialty spirit wine from my Bihu Mountain, Bishui Spirit Wine."
"It has a good nourishing effect on the mind and spirit. Fellow Daoist Lu is a talisman master, so you can drink more."
"If you like it, I have another flask on me. Fellow Daoist Lu can take it back and taste it."
Yu Ningyuan said.
"Young Master Yu is too kind. I can't accept
such a small amount of spirit wine without having done anything for it." Lu Changsheng waved his hand, naturally not wanting to be greedy for such a small amount of spirit wine.
Seeing this, Yu Ningyuan didn't say much more about it and started talking about other topics.
He inquired about Lu Changsheng's situation and life in the Lu family.
He also talked about the current situation of the Lu family and introduced the situation of his own Yu family.
If Lu Changsheng didn't have a system with him and a clear plan for himself,
he would have been somewhat moved by the Yu family's third young master's courteous manner and words.
After all, from the third young master's words, the Lu family's
situation was not very optimistic. On the other hand, the Yu family of Bihu Mountain not only had two Foundation Establishment Grand Cultivators, but
also had the potential to produce a third Foundation Establishment Grand Cultivator within ten years.
The overall strength and future prospects of his family far surpass those of the Lu family.
If Lu Changsheng were willing to join, his future would be limitless.
After finishing his explanation, Yu Ningyuan took out a pot of spirit wine and placed three jade boxes on the table.
The three jade boxes were opened, revealing a magic artifact pen, ten crystal-clear mid-grade spirit stones, and a high-grade breakthrough pill.
"Brother Lu, this is a token of my Yu family's sincerity."
"These resources are enough for Brother Lu to cultivate to the late stage of Qi Refining!"
"Moreover, as long as Brother Lu is willing to join my Yu family, my Yu family is willing to marry one of our eldest daughters to Brother Lu."
"Once Brother Lu cultivates to the late stage of Qi Refining and makes sufficient contributions, my Yu family can even bestow upon you advanced cultivation techniques and impart foundation-building insights."
"I think the Lu family probably can't offer Fellow Daoist Lu such benefits, right?"
Yu Ningyuan said with a faint, confident smile.
Looking at the spirit wine, magic artifact pen, ten mid-grade spirit stones, and high-grade breakthrough pill before him, Lu Changsheng couldn't help but secretly admire the Yu family's generosity.
He recognized the talisman brush at a glance as a top-grade magic artifact.
Adding ten mid-grade spirit stones and a high-level breakthrough pill, the total value was equivalent to over three thousand spirit stones. This
was undeniably a generous offer.
He understood that the Yu family was spending such a sum because they recognized his talent and potential in the art of talismanic arts.
They knew he would not only become a high-grade talisman master, a top-tier first-order talisman master, but also
a potential second-order talisman master.
Otherwise, a high-grade talisman master wouldn't be worth the Yu family spending so much to poach him,
let alone marry their eldest daughter to him and bestow upon him advanced cultivation techniques.
In cultivation families like this, the stronger the family, the fewer their direct descendants marry outside the family.
For example, Yu Ningrong, who married Yu Maocheng, was only a member of a collateral branch of the Yu family.
"Young Master Yu, I am very sorry. I entered the Lu family from humble beginnings, and my current position is entirely due to the Lu family's nurturing. I simply cannot betray my family,"
Lu Changsheng said apologetically, bowing with his hands clasped.
If he were an ordinary cultivator, he would indeed find it difficult to refuse such a gesture.
After all, money, women, cultivation techniques, plus the Yu family of Bihu Mountain—
it was a complete package of resources, companions, techniques, and land.
Especially the high-level cultivation techniques and Foundation Establishment insights, which were devastating weapons for ordinary cultivators.
Even though all cultivators knew their chances of Foundation Establishment were slim,
they couldn't help but be tempted and take the bait upon hearing about it.
After all, Foundation Establishment was the dream of countless cultivators!
Even the slightest chance would make them madly pursue it.
Upon hearing this,
Yu Ningyuan, whose face held a faint, confident smile, froze.
He looked at Lu Changsheng in astonishment.
He hadn't expected that Lu Changsheng wouldn't be moved by his offer.
He had actually rejected him!
He had initially questioned the family's terms when he received the mission,
thinking they were too good to pass up.
It was only after the family explained Lu Changsheng's talent in talismanic arts that he reluctantly accepted.
But he never expected Lu Changsheng to refuse now.
He couldn't understand what was going on.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, you may not be fully aware of the current situation of the Lu family."
"I can tell you directly, the Lu family patriarch's lifespan is roughly within the next three to five years."
"And the Lu family has absolutely no way to obtain Foundation Establishment Pills, so there's absolutely no way for a new Foundation Establishment Grandmaster to emerge. Previously, the Lu family sent people to the Purple Nether Secret Realm, but they gained nothing." "
Therefore, under these circumstances, the Lu family's demise is already inevitable."
"Why bother?"
Yu Ningyuan spoke up, his tone no longer so polite.
However, before he could finish speaking, a look of realization appeared on Yu Ningyuan's face.
He understood why Lu Changsheng had refused him.
"I understand, Fellow Daoist Lu, it must be because of your wives and concubines, right?"
"Because your wives, concubines, and children are all in the Lu family!"
"Don't worry, Fellow Daoist Lu, as long as you join my Yu family, when the Lu family is destroyed, my Yu family can step in and try our best to protect your wives, concubines, and children."
"Moreover, I've heard that you, Fellow Daoist Lu, are fond of women and can't live without them. Coincidentally, I'm the same way."
"As long as you're willing to join the Yu family, all thirty-six of my concubines and seventy-two maids will be at your disposal."
Yu Ningyuan said with a confident smile.
"..."
Lu Changsheng was speechless for a moment upon hearing this.
He was completely dumbfounded by this third young master of the Yu family.
He didn't know whether to say that this third young master of the Yu family was generous, or something else.
He simply couldn't keep up with the other's train of thought.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, how is it?"
"At worst, I'll have the children you have recognize as your godfather!"
"Or if you really like them, I can give you a few of the branches."
Yu Ningyuan thought of the news about Lu Changsheng and believed he had seen through Lu Changsheng's thoughts, so he said with confidence.
He also thought that he had made such a great sacrifice to get Lu Changsheng to join the Yu family, and when he returned to his family, his family would definitely reward him handsomely.
"I have no intention of betraying the Lu family for the time being, and I thank you for your hospitality, Young Master Yu."
Lu Changsheng didn't know what to say.
He felt that he couldn't get along with this young master of the Yu family.
If the other party had been as polite as before, even if the deal didn't go through, they could still be friends.
But this time, he really didn't know what to say, so he got up to take his leave.
"Lu Changsheng, you..."
Yu Ningyuan saw that he had given such a great benefit, and Lu Changsheng was still ungrateful. His expression showed a bit of anger, and he wanted to say something.
But considering that they were in the market, he didn't say anything in the end.
He just snorted and put the things on the table back into his storage bag.
"Brother Lu, I'm truly sorry this time."
Seeing Lu Changsheng walk downstairs alone,
Yu Maocheng, who was waiting downstairs, guessed the outcome.
Knowing the conversation hadn't gone well, he cupped his hands in apology.
"It's alright."
Lu Changsheng cupped his hands in greeting, said nothing, and left the Jade Cuisine Pavilion.
"I wonder if what this young master Yu said earlier was true or false."
After leaving the pavilion, Lu Changsheng thought about what the young master Yu had said earlier,
regarding the Lu family's current situation.
He knew the Lu family's situation wasn't optimistic.
But the young master Yu's words made it sound like the Lu family was on the verge of destruction.
There was even a hint that once the Lu family patriarch died, not only the Chen family of Red Leaf Valley, but also
the Yu family of Bihu Mountain would come to take a piece of the spoils.
"Whether what this young master Yu said is true or false, I must make proper arrangements for my wives and concubines,"
Lu Changsheng thought to himself.
He wasn't too concerned about himself;
he had the strength to protect himself.
His main concern was for his wives, concubines, and children.
If a crisis were to strike the Lu family, how would he safely escape with all his wives, concubines, and children?
At this moment, Lu Changsheng clearly understood why most cultivators were alone.
Because most of the time, being alone and walking the path of cultivation was indeed far better than having a family to rely on.
As for himself, he couldn't even be described as having a family to support.
It was more like a small family relocation.
But since he had chosen this path, the path of many children and many blessings, Lu Changsheng naturally wouldn't complain about the trouble or
feel that he had too many wives and children at this time.
"Strength, in the end, it's still a matter of insufficient strength."
"If I had the strength of Foundation Establishment, none of these things would be a problem."
Lu Changsheng let out a light breath, deeply feeling the importance of strength.
His current strength was only enough to protect himself.
He couldn't yet protect his wives, concubines, and children.
"As for his wives and concubines, I'll think about it again after returning to Qingzhu Mountain in two months and see how to arrange things."
"I just met this young master of the Yu family, I should tell the Lu family about this." "
Otherwise, when the Lu family finds out, they might become suspicious."
Lu Changsheng thought to himself.
The previous pursuit of Lu Miaoge by the young master of the Bai family,
and the young master of the Yu family offering a high price to poach her, he felt that the Lu family probably faced many similar situations.
Since he had encountered it himself, he should inform the Lu family to avoid any misunderstandings later.
After all, it was just a matter of a few words.
As night fell,
Lu Changsheng left the talisman shop and went to the Lu family compound in the eastern district.
He paid his respects to the Second Elder and recounted the day's events.
"Changsheng, you've shown your sincerity,"
the Second Elder said, smiling as he patted Lu Changsheng's shoulder. "The
Yu family sent people to poach you, surely offering a high price.
Your unwavering stance proves our Lu family didn't misjudge you." "Rest assured, our Lu family has stood strong in Qingzhu Mountain for centuries; we're not so easily defeated,"
the Second Elder said.
"Second Elder, without the Lu family, there would be no Lu Changsheng today."
"I will stand with the Lu family through thick and thin!"
Lu Changsheng said firmly.
He didn't care whether the Second Elder's words were true or false, or whether the Lu family's situation was good or bad.
Since he was still part of the Lu family, he had to maintain the proper attitude.
"Good, good, good, that's enough,"
the Second Elder nodded with satisfaction, patting Lu Changsheng's shoulder again.
Meanwhile...
Great Dream Immortal City.
"The Lu family patriarch of Green Bamboo Mountain only has a few years left to live."
Meng Xiaochun heard this news, her eyes flashing with thought.
Then she left her cave and departed Great Dream Immortal City.
In the blink of an eye, more than a month passed.
The matter of the third young master of the Yu family was just a minor episode for Lu Changsheng.
It didn't affect his life much.
He still cultivated every day, made talismans, went to work, and helped Xiaoqing with her dual cultivation.
Although it was supposed to be helping Xiaoqing with her dual cultivation, he himself gained quite a bit.
After all, he was just idling around anyway, and enjoying the cultivation process could also improve his cultivation level.
Under his slight control, Xiaoqing didn't get pregnant.
But two other maids became pregnant.
Lu Changsheng didn't care.
After all, he couldn't just not have children because the Lu family's situation wasn't optimistic, could he?
These maids were in the Nine Dragons Market, so the Lu family's affairs wouldn't affect them here.
That day,
Lu Changsheng was meditating on the second floor of the talisman shop when he suddenly heard a hurried sound.
"Second Master, something terrible has happened! The First Master is seriously injured and unconscious; he's dying!"