Chapter 115: Danger! I Must Prepare for the Worst!

“Extract!”

Lu Changsheng’s mind was stirred, extracting the Xuan Yuan Pearl from the System space.

Instantly, an egg-sized jade pearl radiating a brilliant blue glow appeared.

At the same time, detailed information about the Xuan Yuan Pearl entered Lu Changsheng’s mind.

“In simple terms, this Xuan Yuan Pearl is like a portable power bank.”

“For Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators, it can recharge, boost endurance, and enhance spiritual and arcane power.”

“However, in the hands of a True Person of Golden Core Formation, its effect is quite ordinary, merely serving as a usual amplifying treasure.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the Xuan Yuan Pearl in his hand, speaking to himself.

He gained a clearer understanding of the Xuan Yuan Pearl’s effects.

“But this effect is already very strong, enough to see me through to Golden Core Stage!”

“When I reach Golden Core, this Xuan Yuan Pearl can be passed down to my children.”

“After all, unlike the Curse of the Demon, this Xuan Yuan Pearl isn’t used up in one shot and can be passed down through generations.”

Lu Changsheng smiled.

To him, this Xuan Yuan Pearl was much better than the Curse of the Demon.

Not only for personal use but it also serves as a rare treasure for families and sect forces.

Most family forces will face times of crisis in talent.

At such times, the value of the Xuan Yuan Pearl is revealed.

It can maintain a pseudo Foundation Establishment or False Core in the family.

“I am now at the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining. I wonder how much enhancement this Xuan Yuan Pearl provides for me.”

Without much thought, Lu Changsheng bit the tip of his tongue, spit out a mouthful of blood onto the Xuan Yuan Pearl.

In an instant, the pearl absorbed the blood, glowed brilliantly, and morphed into a stream of light that entered Lu Changsheng’s body, traveling along his meridians to his Qi Sea Dantian.

Then Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged, closing his eyes, and began to refine the Xuan Yuan Pearl to perfectly integrate it with himself.

A month later.

On the third floor of the Talisman Shop.

“As expected of a System product, a third-tier rare treasure!”

“The spiritual energy stored in this Xuan Yuan Pearl is eight to nine times my current capacity!”

Lu Changsheng gazed at the colorful transformed pearl in his Dantian, filled with joy.

After refining the Xuan Yuan Pearl, he could clearly feel the spiritual energy within his ‘second dantian’.

Like his Dan Lake, the spiritual energy flows unimpeded.

“With this Xuan Yuan Pearl, I will never worry about insufficient spiritual energy again!”

Lu Changsheng exclaimed with delight.

He then focused his mind, brought his fingers together, forming a blade of condensed sword light.

“Releasing a spell with spiritual energy through spiritual pressure increases its power roughly threefold.”

“If I push it to the limit, this amplification could increase even further.”

Lu Changsheng observed the sword light in his hand, calmly sensing the changes in spiritual pressure.

“No wonder the Xuan Yuan Pearl allows Late-Stage Qi Refining to match Foundation Establishment, and Late-Stage Foundation Establishment to approach False Core.”

“This second dantian gives me spiritual energy far exceeding Qi Refining, nearly rivaling Foundation Establishment.”

“But in terms of quality, I still can’t compare to a great Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

“However, I practice the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual, a legitimate technique with spiritual energy far surpassing others of the same stage. When I reach the peak of Qi Refining, augmented with the Xuan Yuan Pearl, I may not be weaker than the great Foundation Establishment cultivators.”

Lu Changsheng squinted slightly, contemplating.

But he merely imagined.

Even at the peak of Qi Refining, he wouldn’t rashly challenge a great Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Why risk your life unnecessarily?

He’s not some overpowered protagonist.

Moreover, Lu Changsheng knew he had a significant flaw in combat techniques.

He was lacking in spell methods.

Aside from the Seven Luminaries Sword Light, Sword Shield, and Sword Escape, he had only learned ordinary spells like Fireball Technique and Telekinesis.

He hadn’t learned or practiced any slightly advanced offensive spells, relying solely on talismans.

“The Xuan Yuan Pearl not only aids in combat but also helps in other areas as well.”

“Now, when I make talismans, I don’t have to worry about the depletion of spiritual energy, just need to consider my spiritual focus.”

Lu Changsheng happily commented.

Usually, after drawing talismans, he needed to meditate to recover when his spiritual energy was nearly depleted.

But with the Xuan Yuan Pearl, he no longer worries about running out of spiritual energy.

Moreover, after it consumes spiritual energy, the Xuan Yuan Pearl will absorb ambient spiritual energy to slowly replenish.

“Calculating the time, it should be close to the date for the Spirit Sect Conference, right?”

At this moment, Lu Changsheng remembered that there were only a few months left until the Azure Cloud Sect’s Spirit Sect examination.

He had said he would send Xia Zhaoyang to the Azure Cloud Sect for the examination.

“Forget it, since it’s currently autumn, leaving may bring dangers.”

“I’ll have Hong Yi or Feiyu take Xia Zhaoyang there.”

Lu Changsheng thought for a moment and decided not to make the trip himself.

Although with his current strength and methods, he would be fine as long as he didn’t encounter a great Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But it’s better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Then Lu Changsheng wrote several letters and went to the Market station to have them sent to Ruyi County City.

The days passed by quickly.

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

During this time, Lu Changsheng’s three maids from the White Jade Tower all became pregnant.

Lu Changsheng didn’t overly care for these three maids, just let nature take its course.

After all, there’s no rush for such things; it’s a matter of time.

If he wanted to go crazy, there’s a method in the Yin-Yang Harmonization Technique to raise the probability of pregnancy.

“Second Owner, that Fairy Su has come to order talismans again.”

On this day, Lu Changsheng was reading the history of cultivation on the third floor when he heard Shopkeeper Zhang Shan’s voice from outside.

“Alright, I’m coming down.”

Lu Changsheng nodded upon hearing this.

This Fairy Su was named Su Hongyu, a major customer of the Talisman Shop.

She’s purchased many talismans over the past few months.

Thus, it’s necessary for him to entertain her as the owner.

Arriving at the first-floor parlor, he immediately saw a woman around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with a beautiful appearance, dressed in a simple yet elegant purple palace outfit.

“Greetings, Comrade Su.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, warmly clasping his hands towards her.

“Lu Talisman Master has arrived. I’m here to order a batch of talismans.”

Su Hongyu spoke with a warm, charming voice upon seeing Lu Changsheng.

Then she handed over a list for ordering talismans.

She wore an elegant palace skirt, her demeanor was graceful and poised, yet her gestures carried an innate charm.

“No problem, within about half a month, the shop can prepare these talismans.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at the list and responded.

“Alright.”

Su Hongyu agreed readily, then signed a contract and paid the deposit.

After completing everything, Fairy Su gazed at Lu Changsheng and said with a smile, “Lu Talisman Master, I discovered an ancient Cave Dwelling outside and want to invite a few comrades to explore it. Are you interested?”

“Honored by Fairy Su’s invitation, but I’m not adept at fighting, so I must decline.”

Lu Changsheng politely declined.

“To be honest, there’s a restriction in this Cave Dwelling, difficult to breach immediately, hence I seek companions to explore together.”

“But I worry about greedy higher-level cultivators.”

“Lu Talisman Master, with not high cultivation and as a Lu Family disciple, and this Talisman Shop owner, is trustworthy, hence my sincere invitation.”

Su Hongyu slightly twisted her slim waist, crossed her legs, speaking with alluring gestures.

“My strength is insufficient, so I won’t participate. Thanks for your kindness, Fairy Su.”

Lu Changsheng continued to refuse.

Moreover, at this moment, he became a bit wary.

Although he had done business with her a few times, they hadn’t interacted much.

Such a sudden invitation to explore a Cave Dwelling made him wonder.

And as a well-experienced man, Lu Changsheng could sense that Su Hongyu had learned Charm Techniques, her actions intending to tempt him.

Also considering the recent situation of the Lu Family, Lu Changsheng had to think more.

However, he didn’t care about such matters.

Even if she was fishing, as long as he didn’t take the bait, it didn’t matter.

Besides, Lu Changsheng really wasn’t interested in exploring ruins or Cave Dwellings.

With this time, he might as well go home and make more children.

Not only would the system provide rewards, but the children could enhance his Spirit Root and strength.

“Since Lu Talisman Master isn’t interested, I will find others.”

Though a bit disappointed, Su Hongyu didn’t insist and still spoke smilingly.

More than half a month later.

Zhang Shan informed Lu Changsheng that Fairy Su visited again.

“Lu Talisman Master.”

Su Hongyu greeted Lu Changsheng with a smile.

This time, she wore a luxurious golden palace robe.

Light flowed on the robe, embroidered with lifelike phoenixes.

Lu Changsheng immediately recognized it as at least a High-Grade Robe, possibly even Top-Tier.

Yet, he thought this behavior foolish.

Dressing so gaudily wasn’t she afraid of being targeted as a rich lamb?

“Comrade Su, your previously ordered talismans are ready, take a look.”

Not looking much, Lu Changsheng took a stack of talismans from the Storage Bag.

“I naturally trust Lu Talisman Master.”

Su Hongyu glanced and replied with a smile.

After paying the remaining balance in Spirit Stones, Su Hongyu continued, “I wonder if Lu Talisman Master has any first-tier barrier-breaking talismans?”

“Barrier-breaking talismans?”

“They are first-tier Top-Tier talismans, quite challenging.”

“How many does Comrade Su need? If just one or two, I can have a family elder craft them.”

Lu Changsheng responded.

Barrier-breaking talismans, being first-tier Top-Tier, have a difficulty akin to second-tier talismans.

Even for the Fourth Elder, their success rate isn’t high.

But for Lu Changsheng, it wasn’t an issue.

However, in shop dealings, he couldn’t offer them.

“The more the better.”

Su Hongyu said.

Then she smiled, “Lu Talisman Master, I’m buying barrier-breaking talismans because the Cave Dwelling exploration reached the final stage.”

“It’s a pity you didn’t come along. Not only was there no danger, but I also gained immensely, hence the new robe.”

Su Hongyu continued smilingly.

“Congratulations to Comrade Su then!”

Lu Changsheng responded, his heart unmoved, smiling politely.

“As for barrier-breaking talismans, the shop can only provide one or two, more is impossible.”

Barrier-breaking talismans, with their low success rate, earn little profit.

They are mostly crafted to sustain the shop’s reputation.

Seeing Lu Changsheng remained unmoved, Su Hongyu left after placing a deposit and chatting briefly.

“There’s definitely a problem, definitely fishing!”

After Su Hongyu left, Lu Changsheng returned to the third floor, feeling more and more that something was off about her.

She seemed to be luring him out of the Market.

“This Su Hongyu might even be linked to those who ambushed Sister Miaoge.”

Lu Changsheng thought silently.

Unfortunately, his strength was limited.

Otherwise, he might have investigated her actions further.

Ultimately, he was just a little Qi Refining cultivator, no need to risk himself.

Time flew by, more than two months passed.

During this period, Lu Changsheng added three Spirit Root maids from the White Jade Tower.

Two of them became pregnant.

As for the ordinary maids, after six became pregnant, Lu Changsheng controlled it so no more became pregnant.

After all, the maids were needed to perform tasks and take care of the children.

During this time, Su Hongyu visited twice more.

But she didn’t invite Lu Changsheng to explore Cave Dwellings again.

Instead, she expressed joy from her Cave Dwelling gains and invited him to dine in a tavern nearby.

Being a major client and within the Market, Lu Changsheng accepted the invitation.

After several drinks, her face beautifully flushed, Su Hongyu confided her difficulties as a wandering cultivator, seeking to build rapport.

The second visit was recent, inviting Lu Changsheng to a gathering for wandering cultivators.

She told Lu Changsheng that besides trading items and expanding connections, the gathering had another purpose.

Some hopeless wanderers hoping to start a cultivation family were looking for Dao Companions at such gatherings.

She invited Lu Changsheng to join and participate.

Even though he was slightly interested in the gathering, thinking she was fishing made him decline.

Eventually, Su Hongyu left with a disappointed look.

But experienced Lu Changsheng was unmoved.

He wasn’t new to the matters of men and women.

But undeniably, her looks, figure, and behavior in drawing closer relations were hard to refuse.

Unfortunately, she met a well-prepared Lu Changsheng.

That day.

Lu Changsheng, meditating on the third floor of the Talisman Shop, surrounded by seven sharp sword auras, suddenly opened his eyes.

“I’ve finally reached the eighth layer of Qi Refining!”

Lu Changsheng looked at the seven-colored Dan Lake in his Qi Sea Dantian, face beaming with joy.

This breakthrough was quicker than he anticipated due to ample pills, Spirit Root enhancement, and dual cultivation factors.

“Reaching the eighth layer of Qi Refining instantly increased the limit of the Xuan Yuan Pearl, quite profound.”

Lu Changsheng observed the seven-color shifting jewel in his Dantian, noting.

Upon his breakthrough, the Xuan Yuan Pearl also reacted, gaining enhancement.

This enhancement could persist until the peak of the Foundation Establishment.

By then, it would reach the amplification limit of the Xuan Yuan Pearl.

“But at this rate, it might take five or six years to reach the ninth layer of Qi Refining!”

Lu Changsheng shook his head, estimating his cultivation speed.

Although fast for a Sixth-Tier Spirit Root, he felt it slow.

He had cultivated for less than ten years.

Six days later.

Lu Changsheng unexpectedly received a message from the Second Elder.

He was told to prepare for departure to Qingzhu Mountain in three days.

Meanwhile, someone would be sent to temporarily manage the Talisman Shop.

“Second Elder, what is going on?”

Lu Changsheng, hearing this, realized something had happened.

According to the schedule, the Second Elder should return in half a month.

And such urgency was unprecedented.

“I received a message from the family, many Lu Family disciples training outside were ambushed.”

“Recently, the Chen Family directly attacked the Great Elder at the mining area, severely injuring him. Thus, the family is recalling everyone outside back!”

The Second Elder spoke sternly.

“The Chen Family acted!?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised to hear this.

He immediately realized that the conflict between the Chen and Lu families was escalating.

This was beyond minor skirmishes.

Multiple Lu Family disciples were attacked, including the severely injured Great Elder.

This signaled a direct confrontation with the Chen Family.

“Exactly, the Chen Family repeatedly provoked us. Although we retaliated, we failed to deter them. They know the Ancestor’s condition isn’t good, hence their boldness!”

The Second Elder’s face turned grim.

The Lu Family suffered greatly over a decade ago.

It still hadn’t fully recovered.

Now, another blow, causing further damage.

For a cultivation family, bloodline continuation is crucial.

“Changsheng, rest assured. Our Lu Family, having stood for centuries in Qingzhu Mountain, has inherent strength and fears no one.”

The Second Elder, sensing Lu Changsheng’s potential concerns, reassured.

“Second Elder, no matter what, I, Lu Changsheng, stand with the Lu Family!”

Lu Changsheng didn’t care if they were merely comforting words.

With the Lu Family facing crisis, he could indeed hide in Jiulong Market.

But his wives and children were in the Lu Family, so he had to return.

“Good, good, good.”

Hearing this, the Second Elder was gratified.

The true nature of a person is seen over time.

Lu Changsheng had been with the Lu Family for merely ten years.

Showing such resolve during a family crisis confirmed the Second Elder’s trust in him.

Then he instructed Lu Changsheng to prepare, promising someone would manage the Talisman Shop the next day.

After the Second Elder left, Lu Changsheng checked his Storage Bag on the third floor.

Assessing what else needed preparation.

“Middle-tier talismans, 200; Upper-tier talismans, 156; Top-tier talismans, 119.”

“Second-tier lower talismans, 57; Second-tier middle talismans, 8.”

“A Second-Tier Puppet, two middle-tier, and four lower-tier Puppets.”

“Three Void Thunder, one set of Black Blood Needles.”

“Two bottles of top-tier healing elixirs.”

“One bottle of Explosive Qi Pill, instantly restoring half spiritual energy and boosting cultivation.”

“One bottle of Spirit Alert Pill, clearing the mind and enhancing spiritual strength!”

“As for Artifacts: two top, five upper. Nothing more needed.”

Lu Changsheng sorted his inventory, contemplating further preparations.

But realized he needed nothing more.

“Talismans cover attack, defense, trap, escape, and healing.”

“With Spirit Alert Pill for temporary spiritual boost, hundreds of talismans can handle most situations.”

“At the eighth Qi Refining layer with the Xuan Yuan Pearl, not claiming to rival Foundation Establishment is merely humility.”

“Moreover, the Xuan Yuan Pearl enables nearly full power activation of the Golden Light Brick. Ordinary Foundation Establishment might not withstand it.”

Calculating this, even confronting a great Foundation Establishment wasn’t worrisome.

His concerns were ensuring his family’s safety.

“If the Lu Family falls, with a Second-Tier Puppet by my side, holding the Talisman Treasure and a stack of Second-Tier talismans, could deter any Foundation Establishment.”

“Without deep grudges, who wants life-risking fights?”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

“If I’d met the Chen Family Ancestor, the Curse of the Demon could solve it.”

“But Lu Family issues aren’t solved by one Chen patriarch’s death; the problem is internal.”

Even without the Chen Family, others would challenge: the Yu, Bai, Zheng families.

“In the cultivation world, weakness is the root sin. Without strength, one can’t hold onto a spiritual land.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head.

Knowing that the death of the Chen patriarch wouldn’t resolve Lu Family’s troubles.

Ultimately, their crisis stemmed from the Lu Family Ancestor’s impending demise.

And the absence of a new Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“Lu Yuanshan returned from the Purple Secrets Realm about two years ago.”

“Yet, in that time, no new Foundation Establishment emerged.”

“Did he gain nothing or ultimately fail to break through?”

Lu Changsheng mused.

Ordinarily, with a Foundation Establishment Pill and spirit materials, a breakthrough success was only 50-60%.

Few could gather them all.

Most wandering cultivators relied on a piece or two of spirit material.

Many had nothing, risking everything for a slim chance at a breakthrough.

Even for families like the Lu’s, assuring two or three spirit materials’ availability.

“Worrying about new breakthroughs in the family isn’t helpful; I must prepare for the worst.”

Lu Changsheng ceased these thoughts.

Mentally simulating if the Ancestor died and great Foundation Establishments attacked, how would he protect his family?

Would he use the Talisman Treasure first or engage with Puppets and support with talismans?

Or, would he unleash the Talisman Treasure and his nurtured Treasure Bone simultaneously, hoping to slay his opponents?

Lu Changsheng kept simulating strategies.

No one knew his thoughts.

If they did, they would be utterly amazed.

Thinking, do you plan to destroy other sects?

Otherwise, why such intense preparation?

Most cultivators conflict over minor gains; seldom risk everything.

After all, cultivation is for living well and peacefully.