Chapter 156: The Lu Family’s Top Talisman Expert, Forging the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp!

Azure Cloud Sect.

Scripture Library.

“Nephew Xiao, are you sure you want to choose such a technique?”

The Elder guarding the pavilion looked at the three techniques Xiao Xiyue had selected, and upon seeing one, showed a peculiar expression.

“Mastery of one leads to mastery of all. The technique I practice requires understanding various spells, so I chose this technique.”

Xiao Xiyue, her expression cold and pure, spoke calmly with a slight bow.

“Since you’ve made your decision, nephew, I shall say no more.”

“However, our Azure Cloud Sect has rules you must know. You need to swear a Heart Demon Oath; no techniques can be passed outside.”

The Elder, noticing Xiao Xiyue’s expression, nodded slightly and said no more.

“Thank you, Elder.”

Xiao Xiyue nodded, swore a Heart Demon Oath about not sharing the techniques, and then left.

“It seems Foundation Establishment still has a significant impact on having children.”

Lu Changsheng had been back at Qingzhu Mountain for over a month.

In this past month, he hadn’t really trained much.

Except for Talisman Making, his time was spent on family matters and trying to have children.

Despite his efforts to have children for a month, only three concubines became pregnant.

This made him realize it was likely due to his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

In the cultivation world, it’s known that the higher a cultivator’s power, the harder it becomes to have offspring with each breakthrough.

“Yet, the higher the parents’ cultivation, the greater the chance their offspring will have Spirit Roots, and better quality ones at that.”

“Now that I’ve broken through Foundation Establishment, and with the system’s 5% boost in Spirit Root chances, I expect my future child’s Spirit Root chances to improve significantly.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

During the past month, he had been trying for a child, aiming for quality over quantity.

All his children were conceived with concubines who had Spirit Roots.

Therefore, there’s a high chance the children will have Spirit Roots.

“If I were to have a child with Xiyue, I imagine the talent would be impressive.”

At this moment, Lu Changsheng thought of Xiao Xiyue.

Not only did she have a Fourth-Tier Spirit Root and a Moonlight Spirit Body, but she was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

If they were to have offspring, there would be a high likelihood the child would have Spirit Roots and great aptitude.

However, he also understood it was currently quite difficult to have a child with Xiao Xiyue.

Conceiving a child would interrupt several years of cultivation, and her Master likely wouldn’t agree.

“Husband, Grandmother is here; she seems to have something to discuss with you.”

At this time, Lu Miaoyun came to the backyar and said to Lu Changsheng.

“She’s looking for me?”

Lu Changsheng was a bit surprised upon hearing this.

He immediately went to the hall with Lu Miaoyun.

In the hall, the Fourth Elder was having tea.

This elderly lady was already ninety years old.

Her once plump face had aged considerably.

Her previously graying temples had turned completely white.

“Grandmother.”

Lu Changsheng bowed immediately.

“Changsheng.”

The Fourth Elder nodded with a kind smile.

After chatting about family matters, she revealed the purpose of her visit.

She expressed that she was getting old and planned to retire from her elder position in the clan.

She intended to recommend Lu Changsheng for this elder position within the clan.

Additionally, she hoped Lu Changsheng could teach the Lu Family disciples Talisman Making.

“Serving as an Elder and teaching the Lu Family disciples Talisman Making.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng pondered.

If given the choice, he wouldn’t want this responsibility.

Because he was truly busy.

He had to make talismans, refine the Nine-Treasure Jade Ruyi, care for his children, try to conceive, and cultivate.

This past month, his time and effort were all spent on his wives and children, leaving little time for his cultivation.

To this day, he hadn’t even completed mastering the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp technique.

Taking up this elder position would require substantial time and effort.

However, the Fourth Elder’s visit, with a hint of request in her tone, made it hard for him to refuse.

After all, at her age, she indeed deserved to retire and enjoy her golden years.

Currently, in the Lu Family, the highest expertise in Talisman Making was his.

Besides, she proposed this elder position.

In Lu Family, each elder positions usually stays within the family.

“Changsheng, teaching the clan’s disciples Talisman Making mainly involves lecturing to inspire and see if they have talent in Talisman Making.”

“If there’s talent, it’d be like when Grandmother taught you and Miaoge; it wouldn’t take much time.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng’s hesitation, the Fourth Elder continued.

Her tone was gentle and loving, eyes hopeful in her request.

“Grandmother, instructing in Talisman Making naturally isn’t a problem.”

“As for the elder position, give it to Sister Miaoge. You know I’m not ambitious, and I don’t like responsibilities.”

Facing the elderly lady’s gaze, Lu Changsheng said.

Since she had spoken, he couldn’t refuse directly.

Taking some time to lecture and instruct the Lu Family disciples in Talisman Making wasn’t too hard.

It would be contributing to the Lu Family.

Besides, it couldn’t be refused.

Lu Changsheng knew clearly if he refused, the task would fall to his wife, Lu Miaoge..

He hoped Lu Miaoge would focus more onnher cultivation with fewer distractions.

Thus, it was better to accept this himself.

Moreover, he often enlightened his children in this aspect; it’s just teaching more people.

“Changsheng, this elder position isn’t just Grandmother’s idea; it’s also the Family Head and other elders’.”

“This elder position is mostly a title, with little administrative work. For Miaoge, there will be other arrangements.”

The Fourth Elder lightly patted Lu Changsheng’s hand and spoke softly.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng understood that this elder position was the Lu Family reaching out to him further.

Otherwise, there wouldn’t be an inheritance talk. The Fourth Elder couldn’t alone decide.

It required votes from all family elders.

“Since Grandmother said so, of course, I’ll accept.”

Seeing her kind face, Lu Changsheng didn’t refuse and nodded.

“Good. This matter will be finalized at this year’s family conference. It’ll be up to you, then.”

The Fourth Elder smiled, seeing Lu Changsheng’s agreement.

This matter is significant and wouldn’t just be decided directly.

She came to give a heads-up, so Lu Changsheng would be prepared.

“No trouble at all, Grandmother.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and shook his head.

“Changsheng, how are you progressing with Top-Tier Tier-One talismans?”

The Fourth Elder routinely inquired about his Talisman Making skills.

Every six months or so, she asked about his expertise.

Half a year ago, Lu Changsheng already showcased skills nearly comparable to the Fourth Elder.

“Please, Grandmother, guide me.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t say much, showing his skills.

Now, with his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, he could be a bit bolder.

Speeding up his progress in Talisman Making.

In a few years, he could display his Second-Stage Talisman Crafting skills.

“Excellent.”

As Lu Changsheng successfully drew a Top-Tier Tier-One talisman, the Fourth Elder was filled with joy and exclaimed.

She could see that Lu Changsheng’s Talisman Making skills were no longer inferior to hers.

Even if she were to create this talisman, her mastery wouldn’t surpass Lu Changsheng’s.

Lu Miaoyun, observing, though he didn’t fully comprehend, rejoiced.

She watched her husband’s Talisman Making skills progress over the years.

“Changsheng, in Talisman Making, Grandmother can’t teach you much more; you must rely on yourself.”

“The purple one is our Lu Family’s Second-Tier high-quality Talisman Master lineage.”

“The white one is my decades of interpretation and understanding of this Talisman Master lineage. Take it and study well.”

“My only wish is to see you become a Second-Tier Talisman Master.”

The Fourth Elder organized her Storage Bag and took out a white jade box.

Inside were two Jade Slips. She solemnly handed them to Lu Changsheng.

Seeing this grave expression, Lu Changsheng understood these were her most precious belongings.

Getting advanced techniques and Second-Tier skill lineage is tough for ordinary cultivators.

Not only are they expensive, but they’re also rarely available on the market.

This Second-Tier high-quality Talisman Master lineage is likely the Lu Family’s gem in Talisman Making.

“Grandmother, I won’t let you down.”

Lu Changsheng nodded earnestly, receiving them with both hands.

“Good, good.”

The Fourth Elder patted Lu Changsheng’s shoulder, not saying more.

Later, she left to see several grandchildren.

The elder became increasingly fond of the children as she aged.

Lu Miaoyun’s eldest son, Lu Yu, was nine years old.

He was found to have a Seventh-Tier Spirit Root, which made the Fourth Elder quite fond.

However, their second child lacked a Spirit Root, and the third only had a Ninth-Tier Spirit Root, which disappointed Lu Miaoyun and the elder.

“Congratulations, Husband.”

After the Fourth Elder left, Lu Miaoyun joyfully congratulaed Lu Changsheng.

Her husband’s swift progress in Talisman Making and becoming a family elder were joyous beacons worth celebrating.

She felt proud and happy for her husband’s achievement.

“Indeed, it’s worth a celebration.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and nodded.

Even if he didn’t feel much about the elder position himself.

But for an ordinary person, it was a significant milestone.

If he seemed too indifferent, it would seem odd.

Soon, Lu Miaoyun announced the news t home.

“Congratulations, Husband.”

“Congratulations, Father.”

“Congratulations, Dad!”

After hearing the news, his wives and children were all happy, offering congratulations to Lu Changsheng.

Their thoughts were much like Lu Miaoyun’s.

Becoming a family elder was exceptional and honorable.

Their Husband, Father becoming the Lu Family elder was impressive.

Lu Changsheng, seeing his wives and children so joyful, also felt joy and smiled.

“It’s not finalized yet, remember to keep it to yourselves.”

He gestured, while thinking if they knew about him being a Foundation Establishment expert, they’d be even more surprised.

Half a month passed swiftly.

In the Training Room.

Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged, eyes closed, visualizing the Seven Luminaries and countless sword energies.

Countless sword energies gathered in his dantian, slowly forming an ancient lamp with seven rotating star-like lights.

“The Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp!”

“The heart’s spiritual light is the lamp wick, spiritual energy the oil. A thought ignites it, dispelling poison, defending the mind, and providing clarity.”

“If forged as a Life-bound Spirit Tool with Heavenly Silver as oil, cultivation speeds increase, spiritual energy refines, and the foundation becomes purer.”

“In battle, manipulating the wick with spiritual energy releases infinite sword energies, making it balanced for offense and defense!”

After a long while, Lu Changsheng slowly opened his eyes, viewing the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp in his dantian, exhaling in delight.

After half a month of intense practice, he successfully condensed the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp.

Next, he could use materials to forge it as a Life-bound Spirit Tool.

However, he didn’t start the forging immediately.

Such a task couldn’t be completed quickly or interrupted.

It would require months of seclusion.

Now Lu Changsheng began to realize why time felt short in cultivation.

The method to condense the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp required no extra time to study.

Simply visualizing, gathering sword energy, and forming the heart lamp took over half a month.

For an ordinary person, this would take three to four months, possibly over half a year.

“No wonder cultivators can’t have many disturbances.”

“Too many distractions make focused cultivation difficult.”

Lu Changsheng sighed, leaving the Training Room.

Then he went to the Fourth Elder’s residence to inquire about Talisman Making classes for the Lu Family disciples.

After this class, he intended to use closed cultivation for reaching the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining as an excuse to forge the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp.

After all, the earlier this tool was forged, the better for cultivation.

“I’ll have the Family Head notify everyone; tomorrow, classes will be held at Qingzhu Mountain Estate.”

Hearing Lu Changsheng’s intent, the Fourth Elder responded.

The next day, the sun shone brightly.

The Fourth Elder arrived at Lu Changsheng’s residence.

Besides the Fourth Elder, a handsome, courteous man in a green robe was present.

This man was the Lu Family’s young Family Head, Lu Miaochang.

During this year’s family conference, he would become the new Family Head.

Not that Lu Yuanshan Ding made any mistakes.

But the Family Head’s tenure was for twenty years.

Lu Yuanshan Ding’s term ended this year, so he would become an elder.

“Grandmother, Young Family Head.”

Lu Changsheng saluted the Fourth Elder and Lu Miaochang.

“Changsheng.”

The two nodded to Lu Changsheng.

The Young Family Head was Lu Yuanshan Ding’s nephew.

His demeanor was much like Lu Yuanshan Ding’s.

Courteous and polite, making people comfortable.

Both came for the Talisman Making class.

After all, a first-time class might lack experience, so the Fourth Elder came to oversee.

The Young Family Head, however, came to maintain order and observe.

Preventing any unruly behavior from the disciples that might offend this future Elder and Talisman Master.

Lu Changsheng called his sons, Lu Xian’er and Lu Quanzhen, to join the class.

He had noticed neither son had talent in Talisman Making.

Yet, without talent, knowing more as a cultivator about talismans isn’t a bad thing.

Everyone went to Qingzhu Mountain Estate.

“Uncle Fu.”

Lu Changsheng greeted Uncle Fu, the steward of Qingzhu Mountain Estate.

This old man had grown quite aged and was semi-retired.

“Fourth Elder, Young Family Head, Changsheng.”

Uncle Fu greeted the three.

Feeling nostalgic for when Lu Changsheng was a live-in son-in-law, now a Lu Family core figure.

In Talisman Making, he surpassed Young Miss Lu Miaoge, succeeding the Fouuth Elder as the number one in the Lu Family.

He led them to a great hall in Qingzhu Mountain Estate.

Inside were over twenty Lu Family disciples.

The youngest was eleven or twelve, the oldest fifteen or sixteen.

“Greetings, Fourth Elder, Uncle Miaochang, Uncle Miaochang, and Master Lu.”

The Lu Family disciples had learned beforehand about the class taught by Lu Changsheng.

Their elders had advised them to be polite and respectful to Lu Changsheng.

After all, during the Lu Family’s war with the Chen Family, elders knew of Lu Changsheng’s value.

His talent was recognized by the Lu Family Patriarch, personally granting him marriage.

He also had a deep connection with a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“Xian’er, Quanzhen, find a seat.”

Lu Changsheng instructed his sons, then began the lecture.

With Second-Stage Talisman Crafting skills, he’s well-versed in foundational knowledge.

His theoretical teachings were robust.

Unlike the Fourth Elder, who learned slowly herself.

Perfect for inspiring new learners about Talisman Making.

He didn’t hold back, making lessons simple, easy to understand, and fluent.

In class, he demonstrated basic steps for talisman crafting, captivating them.

“This…”

Even the Fourth Elder was amazed by Lu Changsheng’s teaching and breakdown of talisman crafting steps.

She found his teaching flawless, even refreshing her own knowledge.

Initially, she thought his self-learned skills might have foundational gaps.

She wanted to point out areas for improvement during class.

Unexpectedly, she herself revisited the basics thoroughly.

“Alright, today’s lesson ends here.”

“If interested, practice on your own; next class, I’ll check.”

After an hourlong session, Lu Changsheng concluded.

Hearing isn’t enough for talisman crafting.

Understanding without practice isn’t beneficial.

Achieving in Talisman Making demands unity of mind and technique, precise control.

Only through diligent practice can one excel in Talisman Making.

“Changsheng, your performance today amazed Grandmother.”

The Fourth Elder, full of smiles, praised Lu Changsheng.

“You flatter me, Grandmother; it’s your teaching.”

Lu Changsheng humbly said.

He mentioned his plan to attempt the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining.

The next class might be in a few months.

“Changsheng, notify Uncle Fu a few days before your next class.”

Lu Miaochang added.

Lu Changsheng’s lectures couldn’t have a fixed schedule; his convenience was prioritized.

“By the way, Changsheng, do you need a High-Tier Breaking Stage Pill for your Qi Refining breakthrough?”

“There are still two High-Tier Breaking Stage Pills in the family.”

Lu Miaochang continued.

“I had that in mind, planning to use one as aid.”

Lu Changsheng smiled.

It’s not seeking a bargain with contribution points.

With a Ninth-Tier Spirit Root, using a Breaking Stage Pill without aid seemed abnormal.

“I need to go there, too; let’s go together.”

Lu Miaochang nodded.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, letting his sons return home.

He went to exchange for a High-Tier Breaking Stage Pill with Lu Miaochang.

At the Market, a High-Tier Breaking Stage Pill costs 1,200 Spirit Stones.

In the Lu Family, exchanging with contribution points costs only 850.

Equivalent to 850 Spirit Stones.

One of the benefits of family membership.

Encouraging family members to contribute more.

Lu Changsheng, providing talismans monthly, had accumulated enough contributions for the pill.

After the exchange, Lu Changsheng bid farewell to Lu Miaochang.

Recognizing the Young Family Head’s friendly gestures.

Considering their familial bond, Lu Changsheng reciprocated, treating him kindly.

“I wonder when Xiyue will visit.”

“My forging of the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp should take three to four months.”

Thinking of Xiao Xiyue, Lu Changsheng pondered.

Three months had passed since their last meeting.

She had returned to the Azure Cloud Sect to report and train.

She might visit in the next few months.

“Yun’r, hold onto this Communication Talisman.”

“If someone contacts you, say I’m in seclusion.”

“Have them look for Sister Miaoge at Hongye Valley Marketplace if needed.”

Upon returning, Lu Changsheng spoke of his seclusion intentions.

He handed both his and Xiao Xiyue’s Communication Talismans to his wife, Lu Miaoyun.

In case Xiao Xiyue visited while he was away.