Chapter 105: The More Children, the Better: No Need for Others to Provide for Old Age!

Three days later.

Lu Changsheng said goodbye to Lu Miaoge and then took his wwves and concubines back to Qingzhu Mountain on a Spirit Boat from Lingzhou Pavilion.

This Spirit Boat was a small flying craft.

But it could seat fifteen people altogether.

Besides Lu Changsheng and his wives and children, Lingzhou Pavilion not only arranged for a cultivator to control the boat.

They also provided two Late-Stage Qi Refining cultivators for protection.

To prevent unexpected dangers along the way.

This made Lu Changsheng slightly nod. Though the one hundred sixty Spirit Stones were expensive, they were worth it.

Moreover, under the banner of Lingzhou Pavilion, there were generally no reckless rogue cultivators daring to attack their flying crafts.

After a day and a half.

The Spirit Boat landed steadily on Qingzhu Mountain.

“Let’s go.”

Lu Changsheng led the group off the Spirit Boat and entered Qingzhu Mountain.

In the past, bringing so many wives and maids back to Qingzhu Mountain would have been frowned upon.

But now, having become a High-Tier Talisman Master, his benefits and status had risen.

So bringing back a few wives and maids was not a problem.

However, he still needed to register and report.

Subsequently, Lu Changsheng took the women to Qingzhu Mountain Estate to report to Uncle Fu.

Uncle Fu observed as Lu Changsheng brought eight women, with five babies in their arms, and was momentarily speechless.

He recalled the scene from years past when Lu Changsheng returned with Qu Zhenzhen and two foreign women.

But such matters he knew were better left unsaid.

After all, Lu Changsheng had never slacked in his responsibilities.

He had recently been promoted to a High-Tier Talisman Master.

Now, in the Lu Family, his status was even higher than Uncle Fu’s as a steward.

Naturally, he couldn’t reprimand or lecture him.

In the end, he merely complimented, “Young man, good health is valuable, but take care of yourself too.”

“There’s a saying: When young, they don’t value health, and old, they cry in regret.”

Lu Changsheng knew Uncle Fu meant well.

He smiled and nodded, acknowledging he understood and was aware.

Then, he led the women back to his residence in Qingzhu Valley.

When Lu Changsheng returned home with the women.

Many Lu Family disciples saw him bringing eight sisters and five children.

The news spread swiftly throughout the Lu Family, sparking much discussion.

“Lu Changsheng came back with three kids last time, and now, suddenly, it’s five!”

“Are these all children from his concubines?”

“I heard Lu Changsheng had dozens of concubines outside. Now it seems it wasn’t a rumor!”

“Brother Changsheng’s concubines and maids add up to over twenty by now, right?”

“You’re thinking small, just within Qingzhu Mountain, it’s twenty. Who says Lu Changsheng doesn’t have concubines in the Market or in the secular world?”

“Clearly, Brother Changsheng really likes having children!”

“So, why did Brother Changsheng bring so many wives back? I thought he managed the shop at Jiulong Market?”

“I heard Brother Changsheng recently became a High-Tier Talisman Master, so he came back to focus quietly on Talisman Making.”

“What? Lu Changsheng has become a High-Tier Talisman Master?”

“Wow, a High-Tier Talisman Master already? Brother Changsheng advanced so fast!”

“Really, how does he still have the energy to focus on Talisman Making while marrying and having kids!”

“Last time Brother Cheng took me to Spring Blossom House for three days, my hands kept shaking, and focus dropped.”

“Maybe it’s just an extraordinary talent.”

Lu Family disciples discussed endlessly.

Many were envious and even had their perspectives changed by Lu Changsheng’s actions and becoming a High-Tier Talisman Master.

After all, the Lu Family taught them early: All’s inferior except immortal cultivation!

Devote yourself to cultivation, contribute to the family!

Only by focusing solely on the immortal path can you succeed!

Now seeing Lu Changsheng, whose approach was completely different, excelling on the path of Talisman Making.

Made them doubt the meaning and worth of their hard efforts in cultivation, especially when the future of Foundation Establishment seemed bleak.

Those who joined the Lu Family with him as prospective sons-in-law sighed.

It all seemed utterly surreal.

The next day, Family Head Lu Yuanshan Ding came to speak with Lu Changsheng.

He said there was no problem with marrying wives and concubines.

Bringing them back wasn’t an issue.

But he hoped Lu Changsheng wouldn’t bring so many children and concubines back at once.

Or be a bit more low-key when returning.

Otherwise, the impact might not be great.

To such advice, Lu Changsheng naturally nodded.

He explained his return was to spend time at Qingzhu Mountain with his wives and focus on Talisman Making.

So he brought back many of his concubines and children, promising not to do it next time.

“Good, as long as you’re aware.”

After Lu Changsheng said so, Lu Yuanshan Ding stopped talking.

After all, this wasn’t a major issue.

However, it did influence the customs of Qingzhu Mountain.

So he came to remind him.

Otherwise, since Lu Changsheng was now a High-Tier Talisman Master, he couldn’t question his marrying and having children.

Also, he stated before.

Marrying and having concubines was Lu Changsheng’s freedom.

The Lu Family wouldn’t interfere.

“Could Lu Changsheng really mean what he once said, marrying a hundred wives and having hundreds of children?”

After leaving Lu Changsheng’s place, Lu Yuanshan Ding suddenly thought.

It seemed like an exaggerated statement at first.

But now, it appeared Lu Changsheng might genuinely be proving it.

Showing those weren’t empty words.

Considering Lu Changsheng’s speed in marrying and having children, Lu Yuanshan Ding’s mouth twitched.

Luckily his daughter Lu Miaohuan didn’t marry Lu Changsheng.

Otherwise, she would probably have had a third child by now.

Back at Qingzhu Mountain.

Lu Changsheng usually kept to himself.

He spent his days cultivating, making talismans, and spending time with his wives and children.

Occasionally, he chatted with Li Feiyu to see him teach the children martial arts.

But the children were still young, just laying the foundation at this stage.

They hadn’t started real martial arts training.

True martial arts training would begin around eleven or twelve when the body was developed enough.

A month passed quickly.

During this time, Jiang Louyue and Yuyao gave birth.

Jiang Louyue’s child had a Spirit Root.

But it was only a Ninth-Tier Spirit Root.

Even though the rate of new births had slowed compared to last year, it was still steadily increasing.

Just a few days ago, the sixty-third child was conceived.

That day, the Lu Family’s Spirit Root Test was held.

Lu Changsheng had five children participating in the test.

According to the results, the situation with the five children was as expected.

Only Xian’er Lu Xian’er was found to have a Spirit Root.

The quality of the Spirit Root was, as he had guessed.

A Ninth-Tier Spirit Root leaning towards wood.

Though it was the inferior Ninth-Tier, it thrilled his mother, Lu Yuzhu.

And his other wives and maids were envious.

After all, having a Spirit Root, no matter how poor, allowed for immortal cultivation.

Thus, one’s life would differ from ordinary mortals, taking a different path!

Considering his other wives’ and children’s feelings, Lu Changsheng didn’t hold a big celebration.

Just like any regular check-up.

For Lu Xian’er’s cultivation, there was no rush now.

The age was too young, only six.

The body hadn’t fully developed yet.

Early cultivation wasn’t good.

In the cultivation world, children generally began at twelve.

Yet, this stage was for laying foundations.

Using Natural Treasures to nourish the body and meridians sets a solid foundation for a bright future.

Lu Changsheng wasn’t stingy.

He spent ten Spirit Stones monthly to buy body-nourishing pills for Lu Xian’er.

Nurturing the first child with a Spirit Root.

Even though it was a Ninth-Tier, investing in his development was worthwhile.

Since once Lu Xian’er cultivated, his cultivation would enhance Lu Changsheng’s.

In a way, the money spent would eventually benefit himself.

“Alas, no wonder regular cultivators avoid family responsibilities.”

“If a child has a Spirit Root, they must be trained.”

“Training costs Spirit Stones monthly from childhood, not a small expense.”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but think.

For children like Lu Ping’an, they train without much expense.

Daily Spirit Rice and spirit cuisine suffices for martial arts excellence.

But Lu Xian’er is different.

With seven children having Spirit Roots now.

When the next six test positive, cultivation will increase costs.

This means an extra seventy Spirit Stones monthly.

As more gain Spirit Roots and start real cultivation, expenses rise.

“It’s truly challenging to raise kids anywhere.”

“Many can’t afford it.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head and sighed.

Had he been an Ordinary Talisman Master,

even a High-Tier one, he couldn’t afford this many kids.

Because the craft needs initial investment.

And continuing expenditure for practice, improving success rates.

He wouldn’t manage without cutting unnecessary costs.

“But the more children, the better: no need for others to provide for old age!”

“Once they’re grown, it’ll be easier.”

Lu Changsheng consoled himself.

Late at night.

Afterwards!

“Husband, do you think Quanzhen, Yuzhen, or Miaozhen have Spirit Roots?”

Qu Zhenzhen, lying lazily in Lu Changsheng’s embrace, asked softly.

After Lu Xian’er’s test today, she thought about their three children.

“Regardless of Spirit Roots, they’re our kids.”

Lu Changsheng replied, gently stroking her soft skin.

Qu Zhenzhen’s three children, two have Spirit Roots.

He didn’t want his wives focusing too much on Spirit Roots.

He himself had been quite troubled by it before.

But with many kids having no Spirit Roots, he gradually came to terms.

For someone like Qu Zhenzhen, dwelling on it was worrisome.

“Mmhm.”

Listening to Lu Changsheng, Qu Zhenzhen wrapped her arms around him, nodding gently.

She had little interest in immortal cultivation.

Caring less about Spirit Roots.

Only wanting a simple life with her beloved.

She thought Lu Changsheng preferred children with Spirit Roots.

After all, he publicly advocated having more children beyond just a large family.

Hoping for a few with excellent Spirit Root aptitude for nurturing.

Hearing his words reassured her greatly.

A month passed quickly.

One day, in the training room.

“Whew!”

Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, releasing a breath of turbid air.

His body was surrounded by seven strands of sword qi, flowing sharply around him, appearing and disappearing inside and outside his body.

“Finally done.”

Lu Changsheng viewed his Qi Sea Dantian internally.

His Dan Lake’s qi had now fully transformed into a seven-color hue.

Signifying his Return Yuan Technique had been completely converted to the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual.

“The Sword Manual is much deeper and harder than Return Yuan Technique, needing several times the spiritual energy.”

“Yet cultivation divides into two parts.”

“One part involves spiritual energy’s absorption and tempering.”

“The other is the mind’s principal understanding, involving realm, mood, and various insights.”

“The Sword Manual, I got via the System, bypassed the second part.”

“No time wasted comprehending its profundities, speeding my cultivation.”

“This allowed me to cultivate the authentic Sword Manual faster than Return Yuan Technique!”

Lu Changsheng gathered his sword qi back, calming his breath, eyes bright.

Even though challenging for others, the Sword Manual was simpler for him with his hacks.

Being engraved in his mind allowed thorough understanding, minimizing mistakes.

“Now, my whole spiritual power transforms into Seven-star spiritual power, ready for detoxifying pill toxins, enabling me to use pills unrestrictedly.”

“With such pill consumption, in just two, three years, I can reach the peak of the seventh layer of Qi Refining!”

“Such practice won’t harm my foundation.”

“Instead, the power of the Seven-star spiritual power will simplify my breakthrough to the eighth layer.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled.

Admiring the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual.

Understanding why ‘technique’ held importance among wealth, partners, art, and territory.

The benefits of advanced technique are indescribable in just words.

After converting to the Sword Manual, Lu Changsheng didn’t continue cultivating. He relaxed and socialized with wives and children.

He was never one for hard cultivation anyways.

As night fell.

During dinner, Lu Changsheng learned something.

The Purple Secrets Realm was about to open.

An elder from the Lu Family would lead several elite disciples there.

Lu Changsheng had heard of this realm but didn’t know much.

Xiao Yueru explained that Purple Secrets was run jointly by several Spirit Sects of Jiang Kingdom.

It functioned as a spiritual vein blessed ground.

Containing various opportunities and Natural Treasures.

Every ten years, the sects opened it for disciples to explore.

Besides their own disciples, they let other families’ and rogue cultivators join.

Because inside the realm, valuable finds generally went through the sects first.

This made them willing to let outsiders in.

Families and rogue cultivators still flocked to Purple Secrets.

Inside lay opportunities, Natural Treasures, and main ingredients for Foundation Establishment Pills.

Rare treasures or fortunes traded with the sects for Foundation Establishment Pills.

Realizing this, Lu Changsheng understood.

The Lu Family aimed for Foundation Establishment Pills this trip.

The Lu Family was not in a good situation.

Needing a new Foundation Establishment cultivator desperately.

With a Pill and some spirit materials, they might produce one!

“Did Young Miss go to Purple Secrets?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

Lu Miaoge, with her Seventh LLyer of Qi Refining, was among the younger Lu Family elites.

“The realm’s dangerous, Sister Miaoge’s a Talisman Master, the family wouldn’t send her.”

“This time, Uncle Yuanshan is leading Brother Miao Kun and Sister Miao Fa.”

Lu Miaoyun replied.

Such info wasn’t secret.

As a direct descendant, she knew a bit.

Lu Changsheng nodded.

He knew Lu Yuanshan.

A Lu Family elder at the ninth layer of Qi Refining.

Though unsure of Lu Miaokun and Miao Fa, they probably matched that strength.

“Will the family gain much from Purple Secrets?”

Lu Changsheng mused.

He wished for the Lu Family to succeed in Purple Secrets.

And secure a Foundation Establishment Pill.

A new Foundation Establishment would ease his worries about the Lu Family’s Ancestor.

Earlier, he had thought of escaping.

Though the Ancestor seemed healthy on their meeting.

He heard rumors these past times.

Confirming Yu Ningrong’s saying that the Ancestor wouldn’t live past ten years wasn’t baseless.

“Foundation Establishment Pills and Foundation Establishment itself are inevitable for me.”

“Even training Sword Manual and Body Technique, armed with two spirit materials, success wasn’t assured.”

“But the Pills are monopolized by major sects, rarely leaking.”

“Any leaks are snatched by other powers, hard for rogue cultivators to acquire.”

Lu Changsheng pondered his future.

Being his proficient techniques and spirit materials, his Foundation Establishment chance should be 60-70%, even more.

Yet, he found it too low.

Assuring success required a Pill.

Risks without one were too high.

“Failure could mean injury or regression in skill.”

“Worst case, crippled, or even death.”

No chance of risking it without over 90% certainty.

“Places like Purple Secrets aren’t for me.”

“I wonder if the system could give me a low-tier Pill, just one Foundation Establishment Pill.”

“A system-grade Top-Tier Foundation Establishment Pill, combined with physical-enhancing spirit materials, would assure success.”

Lu Changsheng thought.

Hoping the system would provide before he attempted Foundation Establishment.

Freeing him from Foundation Establishment worries.