Chapter 112: Second Master, the First Master is in Critical Condition!

Jiulong Market.

Yushan Pavilion.

In a private room, Yu Maocheng was dining with Lu Changsheng.

“Lu Brother, the Lu Family’s situation seems not very optimistic. Do you have any plans?”

After a few drinks, Yu Maocheng spoke up.

“What plans could I have? Such things are for those taller to worry about, not for me.”

“Why, does Brother Yu have some knowledge to offer?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow at these words.

Today, when Yu Maocheng invited him for a drink and came to this private room, he already felt there was something Yu wanted to discuss.

Now hearing it, he thought to himself, it’s just as expected.

“What kind of knowledge would I have?”

“It’s just that the Yu Family is interested in recruiting you, Lu Brother, and sent me as a mediator.”

“The Yu Family even offers to marry one of their family women to you if you’re willing to join.”

“As for terms and conditions, you can state them.”

Yu Maocheng smiled wryly as he took a bite of food and spoke frankly.

“I came from nothing to join the Lu Family. Now I have a wife and concubines there. How can I betray the family like this?”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand.

“Brother Lu, please don’t be offended. The Yu Family knows I’m acquainted with you, so they asked me to mediate, with no other intentions.”

“I’ll punish myself with a drink.”

Instantly, Yu Maocheng raised his cup and spoke, expressing his apology.

“I understand that.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, not taking it to heart.

He knew this matter was Yu Maocheng acting as a messenger.

The Yu Family put him in this role, and he couldn’t refuse.

“In that case, I’ll give a reply to the Yu Family afterwards.”

“But since you’ve reached the High-Tier Talisman Master level so young, with such talent in talisman making, I doubt the Yu Family will easily give up. They may continue their attempts to recruit you.”

Yu Maocheng said.

In his tone, there was a touch of envy.

When the Yu Family asked him to be a mediator, he was initially surprised.

After learning Lu Changsheng was a High-Tier Talisman Master, he was extremely astonished.

He had always assumed Lu Changsheng was a mid-Tier Talisman Master.

He hadn’t expected Lu Changsheng had advanced to a High-Tier Talisman Master.

While marveling at Lu Changsheng’s talent in talisman making, he understood why Lu Changsheng’s actions in taking wives and concubines went uncriticized by the Lu Family.

This status was something unimaginable for a simple son-in-law of a cultivation family like himself.

“Thanks for the reminder, Brother Yu.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

He caught the underlying meaning in Yu Maocheng’s words.

Yu suggested that the Yu Family would approach him again, through Yu Maocheng, to arrange meetings.

This remark served as an early heads-up.

“Actually, as a friend, I think you should consider this.”

“It’s not about betraying the Lu Family—you don’t have to join the Yu Family.”

“If the Lu Family’s situation indeed worsens, you still need to think about a backup plan for yourself.”

Yu Maocheng sipped some wine and spoke.

“We’ll see at that point.”

“Discussing this now might be a bit premature.”

Lu Changsheng sighed slightly.

He had considered a contingency plan in case of his family’s undone planning.

If the Lu Family truly faced dire straits, he planned to escape with his wives and children, laying low in the market for a few years.

Once favorable, he would display his skills as a First-Tier Talisman Master and choose to join a force like the Cloud Peak Trading Company.

The thought of joining a cultivation family like the Yu Family wasn’t on his list.

Not all cultivation families were as relatively upright as the Lu Family.

He preferred a more comfortable and secure low-profile existence.

Moreover, after having dealt with situations like the Lu Family, joining another cultivation family would only lead to exclusion.

Joining a trading company or sect seemed a more straightforward and peaceful path.

“Yes, there’s no rush for these matters.”

“With your talisman making skills, you can stand anywhere.”

Yu Maocheng nodded and didn’t continue the topic.

Half a month later.

Lu Changsheng was drawing talismans in the Talisman Shop.

Zhang Shan informed Lu Changsheng that Yu Maocheng was looking for him.

“Brother Yu, what is it?”

Lu Changsheng descended the stairs and asked Yu Maocheng.

“It’s about what I mentioned last time—the Yu Family is sending someone to recruit you again.”

“The third young master of the Yu Family is here today to invite you over.”

Yu Maocheng stated.

“The third young master of the Yu Family?”

Lu Changsheng didn’t know this third young master.

But being called the third young master suggested a significant status in the Yu Family.

“Lu Brother, why not meet with him?”

“Even if you have no intention to join, it might be worthwhile to see him.”

Yu Maocheng advised.

He lowered his voice and added, “As far as I know, this third young master’s reputation isn’t great. Better not anger him if possible.”

“Alright, I’ll meet him with Brother Yu.”

Lu Changsheng responded with a light laugh and nodded.

He knew if he didn’t attend, Yu Maocheng would be in a bind.

Moreover, having sent a young master, the Yu Family would surely not return without meeting him.

If he avoided the meeting now, they’d come back again. Better to meet and get it over with.

“Why do I feel these cultivation families are undermining the Lu Family?”

Lu Changsheng suddenly recalled the Bai Family’s young master’s pursuit of Lu Miaoge..

That Bai Family young master’s trip to Jiulong Market, pestering Lu Miaoge, wasn’t necessarilyydue to fondness.

But rather to show sincerity and persuade Lu Miaoge to join the Bai Fammly.

“Ah, indeed, everyone does push a falling wall.”

“Now that the Lu Family ancestor isn’t even dead yet—but should he be…”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but muse silently.

He felt the cultivation world was even more overt than he thought.

Soon after, Lu Changsheng and Yu Maocheng arrived at a private room on the second floor of Yushan Pavilion.

The table within was already set with fine wine and dishes.

“Comrade Lu, pleased to meet you.”

A handsome, somewhat delicate young man in azure brocade attire, after seeing Lu Changsheng, scrutinized him closely and cupped his hands.

“Greetings to Young Master Yu.”

Lu Changsheng knew this was the third young master of the Yu Family and returned the gesture.

“Brother Lu, Third Young Master, I have matters to attend. You two converse.”

Yu Maocheng had served as the introducer.

Now, having brought Lu Changsheng over, he naturally excused himself.

“Hmm.”

Yu Ningyuan nodded faintly, gestured for Yu Maocheng to leave.

He then gestured for Lu Changsheng to sit.

“Comrade Lu, please sit.”

“I assume, Comrade Lu knows why I invited you over.”

“I’ve heard from Yu Maocheng that you currently lack such intentions, but there’s no rush. You can listen.”

“Even if nothing comes of it, consider it a friendly gathering.”

Yu Ningyuan smiled, poured wine personally for Lu Changsheng.

“Meeting a talented individual like Young Master Yu is certainly an honor.”

“I’ll finish this drink first.”

Seeing such politeness, Lu Changsheng naturally didn’t wish to offend, reciprocated with a smile, and downed the wine.

He exclaimed, “Good wine!”

This wasn’t just flattery.

Lu Changsheng didn’t usually have much to drink.

Aside from Emerald Bamboo Wine and White Jade Hundred Flowers Wine.

But this wine surpassed any he’d tasted before.

Nurturing both spiritual power and spirit, it seemed like a top-grade spirit wine.

“Hehe, this is a specialty spirit wine from my Bihu Mountain—Clearwater Spirit Wine.”

“It’s quite nourishing for the spirit. Comrade Lu, as a Talisman Master, you must have more.”

“If you like it, I have another jug you can take with you.”

Yu Ningyuan spoke.

“Young Master Yu, you’re too kind. I can’t accept without merit.”

Lu Changsheng waved off politely, not wishing to covet even a little spirit wine.

Observing this, Yu Ningyuan didn’t insist and switched to other topics.

He asked about Lu Changsheng’s life in the Lu Family.

He moved on to discuss the current situation of the Lu Family and introduced the Yu Family.

Were it not for Lu Changsheng’s system and clear plans for himself.

The hospitable words from this third young master would be tempting.

From his words, the Lu Family appeared bleak.

The Bihu Mountain Yu Family, however, had two great Foundation Establishment cultivators.

And within ten years, they hoped a third would emerge.

Their overall family strength and prospects surpassed the Lu Family.

If Lu Changsheng joined, the future was limitless.

After discussing, Yu Ningyuan placed another jug of spirit wine and three Jade Boxes on the table.

Opening the boxes revealed a magical Artifact talisman pen, ten crystalline mid-Tier Spirit Stones, and a High-Tier Breaking Stage Pill.

“Lu Brother, this is our Yu Family’s small gesture of goodwill.”

“This can assist you in training to the late Qi Refining stage!”

“Additionally, if you join us, the Yu Family is willing to marry a direct daughter to you.”

“When you reach Late-Stage Qi Refining and make significant contributions, our Yu Family can grant high-level techniques and Foundation Establishment insights.”

“I doubt the Lu Family can offer such benefits.”

Yu Ningyuan expressed with a faint confident smile.

Looking at the spirit wine, talisman pen, ten mid-Tier Spirit Stones, and the Breaking Stage Pill before him, Lu Changsheng was inwardly impressed by the Yu Family’s generosity.

That pen was, at a glance, a top-tier magical Artifact talisman pen.

Plus, ten mid-Tier Spirit Stones and a High-Tier Breaking Stage Pill, which together were worth over three thousand Spirit Stones.

It was certainly a grand gesture.

He understood the Yu Family was investing, seeing his potential in talisman making.

Knowing he’d not only become a High-Tier Talisman Master, a First-Tier Talisman Master,

but could also possibly advance to a Second-Tier Talisman Master.

Otherwise, a High-Tier Talisman Master’s allure wouldn’t justify such Yu Family investment in poaching him.

And marrying a direct daughter and offering high-level techniques.

Powerful cultivation families rarely allowed direct descendants to marry out.

For instance, Yu Ningrong who married Yu Maocheng was only a side-descendant.

“Young Master Yu, my apologies, I started with the Lu Family and couldn’t betray them after all they’ve done for me.”

Lu Changsheng expressed regretfully.

As an ordinary cultivator, such an offer would be hard to resist.

Wealth, women, techniques, and the Yu Family encompass everything one could wish for;

especially high-tier techniques and Foundation insights—an allure to any cultivator.

Even though everyone knows their chances of Foundation Establishment are slim.

Hearing about Foundation topics moves them to act.

After all, Foundation Establishment is a dream for countless cultivators.

Even an extra chance would be pursued desperately.

“I understand. Comrade Lu, you must be staying due to your wives and children in Lu Family.”

Yu Ningyuan voiced, now with a bit less courtesy.

But as he spoke, a realization dawned upon him.

Understanding why Lu Changsheng rejected.

“I see, it’s about your wives and children—”

“Fear not, join the Yu Family, and if the Lu Family falls, we’ll try to protect them.”

“Additionally, this Young Master heard you’re quite fond of women. Likewise, I am too.”

“Join us, and my thirty-six concubines and seventy-two maids are at your disposal.”

Yu Ningyuan smiled confidently.

Lu Changsheng was at a loss for words.

Yu Ningyuan left him speechless.

Whether to admire the third young master or say something else.

He truly couldn’t fathom the young master’s logic.

“Comrade Lu, how about this?”

“Eventually, we can have our children call you godfather!”

“Or if you truly favor some, I’ll give you a few.”

Yu Ningyuan felt he had hit the crux of the issue.

Thinking about the great sacrifices he’d offer, expecting family rewards upon Lu Changsheng’s recruitment.

However, he expressed, “I have no intent of betraying the Lu Family, but thank you.”

Lu Changsheng indicated it was hard to converse with this young master.

If the young master remained courteous, they’d have friendly ties.

Instead, it turned into an awkward affair.

He thus took his leave.

“Lu Changsheng, you…”

Yu Ningyuan was about to say more, his expression angrier.

Realizing they were in a market setting, he refrained.

He merely snorted, collecting the items back into the Storage Bag.

“Brother Lu, I apologize for this.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng head down alone, Yu Maocheng guessed the outcome.

And recognized the conversation wasn’t pleasant, offering an apologetic gesture.

“It’s fine.”

Lu Changsheng cupped his hands without further discussing and left Yushan Pavilion.

“I wonder if this young master’s comments were true.”

Upon exiting Yushan Pavilion, Lu Changsheng pondered.

About the comments regarding the Lu Family’s current state.

He knew their situation was grim.

But the implications that they were facing demise weren’t certain.

And if the Lu ancestor died, not only would the Chen Family rise,

the Bihu Mountain Yu Family might also join in for a piece.

“Regardless of the truth, arrangements for my wives must be made.”

Lu Changsheng thought.

He cared little for himself, capable of self-protection.

His main concern was his wives and children.

If the Lu Family faced crisis, how could he escape with all of them securely?

At this point, Lu Changsheng realized why most cultivators are alone.

A solitary journey truly surpassed the burdens of having a family.

And his wasn’t merely a family but nearly resembled a small clan relocation.

Nevertheless, having chosen this path of many children,

he wouldn’t complain about troubles.

He wouldn’t wish fewer wives and children.

“Strength is the key—it all comes down to lack of power.”

“If I had Foundation Establishment strength, these wouldn’t be issues.”

Lu Changsheng exhaled, recognizing the importance of power.

Currently, his strength was for self-defense alone.

Unable to fully protect his family.

“I’ll think about family arrangements after returning to Qingzhu Mountain in a few months.”

“I just met this Yu young master—I should inform the Lu Family.”

“Otherwise, misunderstandings could arise later.”

He thought.

Considering the pursuit of Lu Miaoge by the Bai heir,,

and the tempting Yu offer—they faced many such situations.

Having encountered this, he decided to inform the Lu Family to avoid future distrust.

Simply resolving it with words was easier.

Night fell.

Lu Changsheng left the Talisman Shop to visit the Lu Family courtyard in the Eastern District.

He reported the day’s events to the Second Elder.

“Changsheng, you have heart.”

The Second Elder, hearing him, smiled, patting his shoulder.

“The Yu Family must’ve offered great terms. Your resolve shows we weren’t wrong.”

“Rest assured, our Lu Family has stood for centuries and won’t easily fall.”

The Second Elder declared.

“Second Elder, without the Lu Family, I wouldn’t be here.”

“I’ll stand with the Lu Family!”

Lu Changsheng said firmly.

Regardless of the Second Elder’s words, he presented his commitment.

“Good, having your resolve is enough.”

The Second Elder nodded in satisfaction, patting his shoulder again.

Simultaneously.

Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Learning that the Lu Family ancestor has only a few years left.

Meng Xiaochan’s eyes flickered, deep in thought.

She left her Cave Dwelling, departing from the Immortal City.

In the blink of an eye, more than a month passed.

The Yu third young master’s offer was just a small episode in Lu Changsheng’s life.

It left no impact on his daily routine.

Every day, he practiced, made talismans, worked, aided Xiaoqing in dual cultivation.

Helping Xiaoqing brought him returns.

As these moments, he savored, enriched by cultivation methods.

Under his watch, Xiaoqing didn’t conceive.

Yet another pair of maidservants bore children.

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind.

In light of the Lu Family uncertainty, he wouldn’t halt family growth.

In Jiulong Market, the family’s affairs wouldn’t affect here.

Today.

Lu Changsheng was meditating on the second floor when an urgent voice reached him.

“Second Master, there’s trouble! The First Master is critically injured and unconscious!”