Chapter 155: My Son Ping’an Has the Potential of a Martial Saint!

Lu Changsheng noticed that Bai Ling and the Madam Zhao had just gone through a significant ordeal. They were mentally and physically exhausted, so he decided not to head directly to Ruyi County.

It would take about three to four days to reach Ruyi County from here.

Since both of them were ordinary people, they didn’t have the stamina or energy for such a journey.

So he quickly found a town where they could rest.

He let the two of them rest for a night and have a good meal.

With the help from the Madam Zhao, Bai Ling changed into a beautifully elegant white flowing gown.

Her lustrous black hair was tied into twin ponytails, making her look like a cute porcelain doll.

“Brother.”

She shyly approached Lu Changsheng, full of hope, and showed him her new clothes.

But she was still very nervous, holding the hem of her skirt with her small hands, much like a frightened little bunny, which was quite pitiful.

“Little Ling’er is so adorable.”

Looking at her petite and timid figure, Lu Changsheng smiled warmly.

He gently rubbed her small head, causing a joyous smile to spread across her lovely little face.

“Let’s go eat.”

Holding the little girl’s hand, Lu Changsheng led her to the meal.

At that moment, Lu Changsheng noticed some scales on Bai Ling’s wrist and examined them closely.

The little girl’s face turned pale when she saw Lu Changsheng looking at the scales on her wrist.

She quickly pulled down her sleeve to cover her wrist and trembled, nervously and anxiously saying, “Brother, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

Seeing the girl’s fearful and anxious face, hinting at tears, Lu Changsheng sighed softly.

He knew she had faced much ridicule and scorn because of these scales over the years.

This had made her very sensitive about it, almost a reflex reaction.

Gently squatting down,

he looked at her frightened and self-conscious face, carefully lifting her sleeve to examine the white snake scales. He kindly said, “Why would these be scary? These scales are beautiful.”

While speaking, he gently brushed his palm over the scales.

The white scales were perfectly integrated with her fair forearm. If you didn’t look closely, it was hard to notice.

They felt a bit cool to the touch, but they weren’t rough, quite smooth actually.

The girl, previously filled with terror, was momentarily stunned by his words.

Since the scales appeared, even her grandmother had been a bit afraid.

A village boy even called her a monster upon seeing the scales on her arm.

This caused the rest of the village to regard her as a monster.

At one point, she had even tried to cut the scales off with a knife.

But every time she did, they’d regrow shortly after, without a scar.

Eventually, her grandmother assured her it was okay, and she gradually accepted them.

Nonetheless, these scales remained a knot in her heart, causing her to hide them under clothing, opting not to let anyone see.

Lu Changsheng was the first to say the scales she was so self-conscious and afraid of were beautiful.

At that moment, the little girl’s frail and insecure soul felt a nameless sensation.

Her eyes, black and white like peach blossoms, filled with tears, gazed at Lu Changsheng as if intoxicated, asking timidly, “Brother, do you really not find them scary?”

Lu Changsheng looked into Bai Ling’s eyes and saw a bit of a seductive charm, soulful and entrancing.

It stirred his emotions, momentarily dazing him.

“This.”

If not for checking several times with his Divine Sense, confirming she was a normal little girl, Lu Changsheng might have thought she was using Charm Techniques.

But the allure vanished as quickly as it appeared.

Her eyes were now only pitiful.

The earlier charm seemed like an illusion, as if it hadn’t happened.

“Why would they be scary? I think they are very pretty.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the timid, gentle girl and chuckled softly, speaking warmly.

Inside, he grew increasingly curious about her situation.

It was surprising that someone like him, in Foundation Establishment, would get dazed in front of her.

Yet, he didn’t look too much, understanding she couldn’t easily adapt.

Pulling her sleeve back down, he rubbed her small head again, smiling, “Little Ling’er, don’t worry too much about how others view you.”

“If Brother says they’re beautiful, then they are beautiful, okay?”

Hearing Lu Changsheng’s gentle words, Bai Ling felt like she was basking in the spring breeze, soothing her soul.

She nodded energetically.

“Let’s go, let’s eat.”

Saying this, he took the little girl’s hand to go eat.

Outside the room, the Madam Zhao watched this scene and breathed a sigh of relief.

She didn’t know what caught this Immortal’s attention about Bai Ling.

Or whether he’d be put off by her condition.

But now, she felt the scales on Bai Ling might not be something bad.

Otherwise, this Immortal wouldn’t take an interest in her.

The three of them then found a private room to eat.

Facing a table full of delicious dishes, both Bai Ling and the Madam Zhao were dazzled, feeling a bit constrained.

Meanwhile, Lu Changsheng encouraged them to relax, eat while chatting and asking some questions.

Through their conversation, Lu Changsheng got a rough understanding of Bai Ling’s situation.

She is eleven years old.

Orphaned at the age of two of her mother, five of her father.

After wandering for a while, the Madam Zhao took her in.

For some unknown reason, at the age of seven, Bai Ling discovered the scales beginning to grow on her wrist.

They gradually appeared on her neck, shoulders, and calves too.

These white scales terrified and scared her.

Though the scales didn’t cause any unusual condition for her body.

In fact, if anything, she grew whiter and more graceful, and her strength outmatched that of children her age.

“Seven years old.”

Lu Changsheng paused slightly upon hearing this age.

In the realm of immortal cultivation, children could have their Spirit Root detected around five or six.

As for Spirit Bodies, it varied.

Some show signs at birth, others, like Spirit Root testing.

Others might not awaken their Spirit Bodies until certain events occur, even into their thirties.

With a Spirit Body awakening at seven resulting in scales, it could make sense.

Still, Lu Changsheng had read about Spirit Bodies extensively.

This situation with Bai Ling was unheard of.

“The cultivation world is vast, full of mysteries.”

“She’s capable of charming me and concealing her Spirit Root. She’s certainly not simple.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t dwell much on it, deciding to take care of her for now.

He planned to teach her cultivation later.

Once they were mostly done eating, Lu Changsheng noticed that Bai Ling had quite the appetite, even surpassing that of an adult.

At this point, Bai Ling realized Lu Changsheng hadn’t eaten much.

While she had been eating steadily in small bites, her side of the table was filled with leftovers, making her blush.

“Immortal, this girl’s appetite is slightly bigger than most.”

“But living with this old lady, she was often not full.”

The Madam Zhao expressed.

“It’s okay. Being able to eat well is a blessing. Ling’er, eat more, and if it’s not enough, we’ll order more.”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand, smiling at Bai Ling.

The girl, now at the stage of growing her body, indeed needed to eat more.

Then, he looked at the Madam Zhao and said, “You don’t need to call me Immortal. You can call me Sir.”

During their entry to the town, Lu Changsheng had noticed Bai Ling’s lack of a sense of security. She had some social anxiety.

When people on the street glanced at her, her body would shake slightly, revealing her fear.

Lu Changsheng suspected it was due to past experiences in the village.

So he planned to have the Madam Zhao continue to care for her,

the two of them could live here for now.

Before integrating her into the Lu mansion.

“Yes, Sir.”

The Madam Zhao nodded quickly.

After a night of ample food and rest, Lu Changsheng prepared meals for them for the journey, then flew on his Spirit Boat toward Ruyi County City.

Four days later, the Spirit Boat landed outside Ruyi County City.

Lu Changsheng led Bai Ling and the Madam Zhao off the Spirit Boat.

“Is this Brother’s home?”

Bai Ling said timidly, seeing the grand and imposing city ahead.

“Yes, from now on, little Ling’er, you and the Madam Zhao will temporarily reside here.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, smiling, as he took out a Communication Talisman to contact Hong Yi.

One was for Hong Yi’s assistance in arrangements.

The other was because it had been a while, and they should meet up.

As he thought of this, his body glowed with white light, revealing his true self.

Up to this point, Lu Changsheng had been using a disguised appearance.

Even when resting with the two people during the journey, he hadn’t changed back.

“Brother.”

When Bai Ling saw Lu Changsheng’s real face, her mouth formed an “O,” utterly astonished.

The Madam Zhao was equally surprised, thinking he was surely an Immortal, having never seen anyone so good-looking.

“Brother also often hides his face.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled softly, as he held Bai Ling’s small hand, leading her into Ruyi County City.

“Brother is so handsome.” Bai Ling, holding his hand, looked up slightly, whispering, her face slightly reddened.

Ruyi County was extremely prosperous with people coming and going.

However, Lu Changsheng used his Spiritual Energy to suppress his aura, reducing his presence.

But even so, with his handsome features, tall posture, and distinguished aura, he drew the attention of many women.

Walking through the city, Bai Ling, seeing the people around, began to feel nervous, holding Lu Changsheng’s hand tightly.

Not long after, Hong Yi arrived quickly.

“Brother Lu, who’s this?”

Hong Yi asked, looking at Bai Ling holding Lu Changsheng’s hand, curious.

He was not unfamiliar with Lu Changsheng bringing girls over.

But given her appearance, she didn’t seem like a daughter.

Nor a concubine considering her youth.

“Haha, she’s my adopted sister, named Bai Ling. I plan to settle her here for a bit, hoping Brother Hong could look after them.”

Lu Changsheng explained, briefly outlining Bai Ling and the Madam Zhao’s situation.

“I see.”

Hong Yi didn’t probe further after listening.

He then arranged an intimate courtyard near the Lu mansion for the Madam Zhao and Bai Ling.

Also arranged for a maid and an elderly woman to attend to them.

“Brother Lu, have you just returned from traveling?”

After settling things, Hong Yi asked Lu Changsheng.

“Yes, Brother Hong, how did you know?”

Lu Changsheng, hearing this, raised an eyebrow.

“Five months ago, Brother Li returned.”

“Since you hadn’t come around, I took the opportunity to visit Red Leaf Market Town with Brother Li. But Miss Lu said you were out traveling.”

Hong Yi explained.

“Did Feiyu return?”

“Where is he now, at Red Leaf Market Town, or has he left?”

Lu Changsheng paused, asking upon hearing that.

Five months ago happened to be when he and Xiao Xiyue left Red Leaf Market Town.

He didn’t expect Li Feiyu to come back around that time.

“Brother Li came back to bid farewell, then headed toward Qingluan Immortal City, leaving after a month.”

Hong Yi spoke with a bit of a sigh.

He admired how Li Feiyu embraced reality post-rejection from the Spirit Sect—letting go of impractical dreams.

His focus shifted to inheriting his father’s title as Marquis of Ruyi and advancing to Late-Stage Qi Refining within his lifetime.

Meanwhile, Li Feiyu, facing the ups and downs in cultivation, was still eager to forge ahead.

Now, journeying to Qingluan Immortal City, a haven for itinerant cultivators, impressed Hong Yi.

“Qingluan Immortal City.”

Lu Changsheng sighed after hearing the name.

Earlier, Li Feiyu mentioned he’d be going there but planned to explore other areas first to grow within the cultivation world.

He didn’t expect Li Feiyu returned from his journey while he embarked on his own Foundation Establishment, leaving them no chance to reunite.

“Brother Li certainly has had quite the journey.”

“It’s possible he could make a name for himself there, establishing an immortal foundation.”

Knowing the close bond between Lu Changsheng and Li Feiyu, Hong Yi consoled.

He then noted Li Feiyu’s notable changes post-journey.

Remarkably, he was nearing a breakthrough, almost reaching the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining.

Despite these words, Lu Changsheng felt increasingly burdened.

Rapid progress in cultivation usually required spiritual herbs, pills, and fortuitous encounters.

Given Li Feiyu’s reliance not on spirit plant cultivation or Spirit Butchery, he likely risked much to gain resources.

After conversing for quite a while, they parted ways.

On the way home, Lu Changsheng crossed the immense, flowing canal behind the Lu mansion and suddenly sighed deeply.

“Worldly tides, people like water. Alas, how few return from the jianghu.”

At home, Lu Changsheng was slightly melancholic, noting how fast time flew seeing his children.

The older ones were now shoulder-height to him.

“Ping’an, have you thought about your plans for the future?”

Lu Changsheng asked his son, Lu Ping’an, pulling him close.

He knew he hadn’t been the best father.

Beyond caring more when Ping’an and his siblings were younger,

as they aged and multiplied, his attention waned.

On rare idle days, he’d show concern and inquire.

“Father, you once said, ‘read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand li.’ I wish to travel in a few years.”

Lu Ping’an, scratching his head and slightly embarrassed, admitted.

After all, with parents present, one shouldn’t venture far.

As the eldest, it felt inappropriate.

But since his father asked, he didn’t hold back.

“Traveling would be good.”

“Wait until you break through Innate before setting out.”

Lu Changsheng advised.

His children mostly lacked freedom.

Youth was spent on Qingzhu Mountain.

As they aged, in Ruyi County City.

Their days were filled with studies and martial arts, rarely venturing out.

It was normal to desire exploration.

He wouldn’t stop this.

Children grow up and should become independent.

It’s part of growing up.

Mentioning Innate was because Innate martial artists could activate low-grade talismans with True Qi.

When Ping’an traveled jianghu, it ensured peace of mind.

“I understand, Father. In three years at most, I’ll break Innate.”

Lu Ping’an said happily.

Recently, he’d become a first-rate expert in jianghu.

The next step was reaching Innate status in jianghu.

To him, his father’s conditions weren’t difficult.

“Indeed, my son Ping’an has the potential of a Martial Saint!”

Lu Changsheng, hearing this, patted his son’s shoulder, jesting.

Li Feiyu was considered a genius at eighteen achieving first-rate status.

Now, his son at thirteen had reached it.

Though aware his son’s martial prowess didn’t hinge on talent.

Three-tenths training, seven-tenths eating!

Thanks to his father’s expenditures.

“Martial Saint, Father? Is it above Innate Grandmaster in martial arts ranks?”

Lu Ping’an asked at once.

He’d heard martial grandmasters compared to some cultivators.

Now, intrigued by Martial Saint,

he wondered if it matched cultivation prowess.

“I suppose it is.”

Lu Changsheng replied.

It was all made up playfully, uncertain of Martial Saint.

Yet, his son, oblivious, asked if such a martial rank existed.

Seeing his son’s expression, he realized his thoughts.

Though the children accepted the reality of lacking Spirit Roots and being unable to cultivate,

fantasies lingered within them.

Sighing slightly, he changed the subject. “Ping’an, do you lack anything? For example, when breaking Innate, isn’t there some Innate pill you’d need?”

“If I’m not around, ask your Uncle Hong directly, don’t hesitate.”

“When you’re ready to go out, make sure not to slip away unnoticed, write to inform me.”

Lu Changsheng expressed to his son.

“Rest assured, Father, I know.”

Lu Ping’an nodded.

Lu Changsheng patted his son’s shoulder.

He trusted this honest son, who always obeyed.

“Wuyou, Wuyu, how about you? Any plans?”

He glanced at another pair of children.

“Father, I also wish to explore jianghu yet have no idea when breaking Innate might happen. Maybe I’ll go with Brother Ping’an.”

Lu Wuyou chuckled.

“That depends if Brother Ping’an agrees to take you.”

“Plus, Ping’an’s never gone far; carrying along a burden like you.”

Lu Changsheng responded to his daughter, smiling.

“No worries, if Sister Wuyou wants to venture jianghu, I’ll scout ahead, then return to accompany her.”

Lu Ping’an said immediately.

As the eldest, he felt responsibility due to Lanshu’s teachings.

“Hee, thanks Brother Ping’an.”

Lu Wuyou clung to Ping’an’s arm and pouted at Lu Changsheng, who chuckled and looked at Lu Wuyu, asking, “Surely, you wish to explore jianghu too?”

“Second Brother plans to become a county magistrate, governing regions and benefitting people.”

Lu Wuyou cut in excitedly.

“Nice ambition. After some years, tell Uncle Hong to let you train with him.”

Lu Changsheng directed to his second son.

He appreciated Hong Yi’s approach.

Believing Hong Yi could impart valuable lessons.

Thus, Lu Changsheng discussed present and future with his children, focusing on dreams.

Not forgetting Bai Ling,

he frequently visited her over the days, fostering feelings.

He introduced her to his daughters.

Allowing her to bond, playing and chatting, easing her into the family.

Ten days in Ruyi County City passed until Lu Changsheng left with reluctant farewells to return to Qingzhu Mountain.

His five-month absence without word concerned wives and concubines.

Without Lu Miaoge’s reassurances thatthe was safe and traveling with a friend, they worried he’d faced danger.

Seeing him return prompted genuine inquiry and concern.

He spun tales of his journey until evening, pacifying his wives and concubines.

After days of appeasing them, he shifted his focus to his children.

His son, Lu Xian’er, had just mastered Qi initiation, starting cultivation. Naturally, Lu Changsheng encouraged him, gifting a Magical clothes and a low-grade Flying Sword.

With hopes he’d progress soon to the Third Layer of Qi Refining.

This sight stirred envy among the siblings and a desire to excel among wives and maids.

The second son with Spirit Root, Lu Quanzhen, was only ten.

He had a year left until reaching the cultivation age.

Seeing his children, Lu Changsheng felt immense anticipation.

Uncertain how to gauge achievements in Qi initiation.

Wondering if reaching mid or Late-Stage Qi Refining warranted rewards.

Later, he engaged his children in conversation, monitoring their status.

Thanks to the Lu Family’s ethos and Lu Miaoyun’s emphasis on the husehold, at least the children didn’t take a wrong path.

Basically, the problem arose from lesser warmth between concubines’ and maids’ children toward him.

They seemed more reverent.

Lu Changsheng understood, recognizing limited fairness.

Whether concerning wives or children, he couldn’t treat all equally.

He often judged by Spirit Root or the mother’s status.

Even if he treated them friendly, less interaction meant less closeness.

Under family’s atmosphere and their mothers’ guidance, he became esteemed in their minds.

Still, knowing this issue, he found no solution.

There were one hundred seventeen children now.

Twenty-eight possessed Spirit Roots.

Even attending only to those wasn’t feasible time-wise.

He could only invest effort, ensuring no wayward growth.

After familial discussions, Lu Changsheng remembered the Golden Armored Bean Mother.

In his yard, he dug a hole, filled with second-tier spiritual soil, planting it.

He tasked Lu Miaoyun to care for it.

The sooner it’s planted, the sooner it sprouts. Stored in the Spirit Pet Bag, it couldn’t be planted.

Lu Miaoyun, clueless about theseed, was noted to mind it carefully.

Following this, Lu Changsheng focused on creating children at Qingzhu Mountain.

Awaiting news from Xiao Xiyue, preparing to move between Qingzhu Mountain and Hongye Valley Marketplace Town.