Chapter 245: The First Guest Advisor!

Lu Changsheng looked at the Lu Clan Genealogy before him, feeling a surge of joy.

The three effects of this genealogy were undeniably powerful.

First, it could show the life and death status of family members.

Most cultivation clans would prepare Soul Lamps or life tokens to display the fortunes and life status of their clan members.

But even the cheapest life-bound jade tablet cost over a thousand Spirit Stones.

Preparing a few was manageable.

But to prepare one for every family member would be a huge expense.

With the Lu Clan Genealogy, Lu Changsheng could directly know the fortunes and life status of family members.

The second effect was to prevent family members from harming or betraying the clan.

If a family member acted to harm or betray the clan, the genealogy would sense it and give a warning.

This effect could immediately prevent spies or traitors from infiltrating the clan’s core.

After all, once a family grew large, it became difficult to avoid infiltration by spies or the emergence of traitors.

Especially now, with the family just established and children starting their own families.

Some forces might arrange sleeper agents or find ways to infiltrate the family.

Now, with this Lu Clan Genealogy, such situations could be avoided, ensuring no internal problems.

As for the third effect, the preservation of true spirits, there was no need for further explanation.

In Lu Changsheng’s view, cultivation was for longevity and freedom.

But it was also to do as one pleased without regrets.

After cultivating for so many years, he clearly understood that even with the system by his side, he couldn’t achieve perfection on the path to immortality.

He couldn’t properly care for his mortal wives, concubines, and children.

Even many wives, concubines, and children with spirit roots, he couldn’t look after.

In the future, he would have many wives, concubines, and children gradually leaving him, becoming regrets on his path to immortality.

Now, with this Lu Clan Genealogy, he at least had some hope.

When he cultivated to a certain level and became an immortal, he could make up for these regrets and revive those he couldn’t bear to part with.

“This is also one of my motivations for cultivation.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the genealogy in his hand, chuckled softly, and put it away.

He planned to hand over the genealogy to the current family head once the family was stable and he could comfortably be the ancestor.

Or perhaps enshrine it in the family ancestral hall.

But thinking that he was the first entry in the genealogy, enshrining it in the ancestral hall seemed odd.

“Maybe I should enshrine the Three Pure Ones in the ancestral hall instead.”

“It might even attract some fortune from the mysterious beyond.”

Lu Changsheng stroked his chin.

With a smile, he put these thoughts aside, left the talisman room, and went to the main hall to visit Lu Miaoge and Ling Zixiao..

After Lu Miaoge finished treating LLng Zixiao, Lu Changsheng discussed family matters and general arrangements with the two women.

Now, the family had quite a few children.

There were also many adult children with spirit roots.

The newly acquired family function allowed him to see the talents of his children.

So, Lu Changsheng planned to set up education at Bihu Mountain first.

He would start with a school to teach Formation Techniques, pill refining, Talisman Making, puppetry, brewing, planting, medicinal cuisine, spirit butchery, business, management, and other knowledge.

Afterwards, based on the children’s interests and talents, he would arrange tailored education.

As for Equipment Refining, Beast Taming, Gu Worm, spirit appraisal, and so on, Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao could also obtain some relevant inheritances.

If the children were interested, they could let them research on their own.

If they could achieve something and become self-taught talents, that would be best.

If not, it would just be a hobby.

When the family had the means, they would add all hundred arts of cultivation.

This would allow each child to combine their interests and talents, avoiding detours.

After discussing these general ideas with the two women, Lu Changsheng took Ling Zixiao, Lu Miaoge, and several childrrn to Bishui Lake for relaxation.

At this time, many fishermen were fishing in Bishui Lake.

Xiao Xiyue was happily fishing with her daughter Lu Wangshu.

Whenever Lu Wangshu caught a fish, Xiao Xiyue would encourage and rejoice like a child.

“It seems this Immortal Xiyue is Lu Wangshu’s mother,” Ling Zixiao thought to herself.

She had suspected a resemblance between Xiao Xiyue and Lu Wangshu at first glance.

Now, seeing this scene, she could basically confirm it.

She only glanced at Lu Changsheng about this.

She wondered how many women like Xiao Xiyue he had outside.

“Xiyue.”

After half an hour of fun, Lu Changsheng communicated with Xiao Xiyue about meeting with Hong Yi, Han Lin, Zhao Qingqing, and others.

“Little Wangshu, mother has something to do. I’ll come back to accompany you later.”

Hearing this, Xiao Xiyue reluctantly said to Lu Wangshu.

“Mm, don’t worry, mother. I’ll be good.”

Lu Wangshu, sitting cross-legged on the Cold Jade Mysterious Turtle, held her fishing rod, engrossed in fishing. She showed no reluctance, just acted cute towards Xiao Xiyue before continuing her fishing.

Then, Xiao Xiyue and Lu Changsheng went to the guest hall of Bihu Mountain Manor.

Soon after, six talented cultivators originally from Ruyi County, except for Li Feiyu, gathered again.

Compared to their meeting at the Gathering Immortals Tower in Ruyi County ten years ago, the five had changed significantly.

Ten years ago, Xiao Xiyue was at the Ninth Level of Qi Refining. Now she had broken through to Foundation Establishment and become a core disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect.

Ten years ago, Lu Changsheng was just the son-in-law of the Lu Family on Qingzhu Mountain. Now he had broken through to Foundation Establishment and become the master of a mountain!

In ten years, Hong Yi had gone from being the heir of the Marquis of Ruyi to becoming the Marquis himself, governing Ruyi County.

Han Lin had risen from a low-Tier equipment refiner to a High-Tier equipment refiner.

Zhao Qingqing, due to her Wood Spirit Body, had changed from a pharmacist to a spirit plant cultivator, now a second-rank spirit plant master.

“Everyone, if I remember correctly, it’s been exactly twenty-three years since we first met,” Lu Changsheng said, looking at the five people before him.

Among the five, he, Xiao Xiyue, and Zhao Qingqing had methods to maintain their youth, with changes mainly in their aura.

Hong Yi and Han Lin, however, had significant changes in both appearance and aura.

Especially Hong Yi, wearing a purple-gold crown and brocade robe, with a long beard and a dignified, mature face.

“Yes, exactly twenty-three years,” Hong Yi nodded, stroking his beard.

His voice was quite emotional.

Think back to when the six first met, he was arrogant due to his background, looking down on others.

But now, among the five, he was doing the worst.

Even his position as the Marquis of Ruyi was thanks to his friendship with Lu Changsheng.

Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for him to become the heir and inherit the position of Marquis of Ruyi.

“Twenty-three years have passed without us noticing.”

“It’s a pity Friend Li isn’t here.”

“These twenty-odd years have been most exciting for Friend Lu and Friend Hong.”

The five looked at each other and smiled, sighing deeply, lamenting the passage of time, chatting and reminiscing about the past.

“Brother Hong, I plan to let Quanzhen stay at home for these few years.”

“If you’re willing, Xuanji can stay at Bihu Mountain for a while.”

Lu Changsheng spoke up when he heard Hong Yi mention his son Hong Xuanji.

Hong Xuanji was Hong Yi’s favorite son, on whom he placed great hopes.

He planned to send him to participate in the immortal sect examination when the Azure Cloud Sect recruited disciples in two years.

Now, hearing Hong Yi talk about his plans for this son, Lu Changsheng was willing to help look after him.

After all, over these twenty years, Hong Yi had helped him quite a bit, so he wanted to return the favor.

“In that case, I’ll trouble Brother Lu with Xuanji.”

Hearing this, Hong Yi immediately looked delighted and cupped his hands in thanks.

If his son could cultivate at Bihu Mountain, it would be better than cultivating in the small Market of Ruyi County.

Moreover, he knew Lu Changsheng was recruiting spirit farmers, fishermen, and apprentices with spirit roots, teaching Spirit Plant Cultivation, Talisman Making, puppetry, and other skills.

So, he was very willing to let his son build good relationships with Lu Changsheng’s children here.

Two years later, if his son couldn’t pass the Azure Cloud Sect examination, he could still follow the Lu Family.

This way, this son’s future achievements would likely surpass his own as a father.

“Haha, Brother Hong, you’re too kind,” Lu Changsheng nodded with a smile.

“Friend Lu, didn’t you say you wanted me to take a look at your spiritual herb garden? Since we have time now, why don’t we go take a look?”

“We can also tour Bihu Mountain while we’re at it.”

At this point, Zhao Qingqing spoke up.

Earlier, when they were chatting at the Azure Cloud Sect, Lu Changsheng had expressed hope that she could help look at his family’s spiritual herb valley and give some planting advice.

She had brought many spiritual herb seeds as gifts for this ceremony.

“Certainly, let’s go take a look,” Lu Changsheng nodded with a smile.

The group then headed towards the spiritual herb valley, ready to tour Bihu Mountain and offer their expertise.

But specific planting recommendations would depend on the situation.

“In that case, Fairy Xiyue, Brother Hong, Friend Han, shall we take a stroll together?”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile upon hearing this.

“Hehe, sure.”

“I’d like to see the beautiful scenery of Bihu Mountain as well.”

The group nodded in agreement.

Lu Changsheng then led them on a brief tour of Bihu Mountain, explaining various details before arriving at Lingcui Cliff.

“Mountain Lord!”

“Greetings, Mountain Lord!”

“Father, Uncle Hong, Uncle Han, Aunt Xiao, Aunt Zhao.”

Some non-Yu Family spirit farmers left by the Yu Family lived on Lingcui Cliff.

Lu Ping’an was also arranged by Lu Changsheng to stay at Lingcui Cliff to watch over the herb gardens.

“Mm, we’re here to take a look.”

Lu Changsheng nodded and said.

The herb gardens remained as they were originally.

There were only some common spiritual herbs and unripe ones.

“Friend Zhao, this is Lingcui Cliff of my Bihu Mountain. This area is mainly used for Spirit Fields, while this area is for herb gardens.”

Lu Changsheng said as he led the group on a leisurely tour of Lingcui Cliff.

“As Friend Lu is a Second-Tier Talisman Master, I assume your family will focus on developing in this direction.”

“Based on Bihu Mountain’s spiritual veins and soil conditions, I suggest planting some ‘Water Cloud Bamboo’.”

“As for the Second-Tier medicinal fields, you could consider ‘Dragon Transforming Ginseng’, ‘Azure Face Flower’, and ‘Stone Dragon Root’.”

“These spiritual herbs are relatively suitable for cultivation. Once they reach a certain age, they can be sold for considerable value.”

Zhao Qingqing said as she observed the Spirit Fields, soil, and spiritual energy conditions.

As she spoke, she moved to the side and cast spells on the Spirit Fields and herb gardens to check the soil composition and spiritual energy concentration.

Ordinary spirit farmers only need to learn one spell such as ‘Minor Cloud Rain Technique’, ‘Gengjin Technique’, ‘Decay Technique’, ‘Accelerate Growth Technique’, or ‘Spring Wind and Rain Technique’.

But to become a spirit plant cultivator, one must know multiple spells.

To advance from a spirit plant cultivator to a spirit plant master, one must not only master multiple spells to a proficient level but also understand and grasp the conditions of various spirit plants and herbs.

“Water Cloud Bamboo”

Lu Changsheng nodded upon hearing this.

He knew it was a type of spirit bamboo suitable for making talisman paper.

As for Dragon Transforming Ginseng, Azure Face Flower, and Stone Dragon Root, they were materials for Foundation Establishment Pills and age-defying spirit pills, all of considerable value.

As the group toured Lingcui Cliff, Zhao Qingqing offered many suggestions.

She also informed Lu Changsheng about the cultivation methods and key points for several spirit plants.

“I never realized Spirit Plant Cultivation had so many intricacies. It’s truly eye-opening.”

Hong Yi remarked with amazement.

His Ruyi Marquis Manor also had several dozen acres of Spirit Fields.

But they were all common Spirit Fields, only able to grow some low-Tier first-tier or even subpar Spirit Rice.

Now, hearing about the knowledge and details involved, he couldn’t help but feel astonished.

“Indeed, each of the hundred arts of immortal cultivation is profound and extensive.”

Lu Changsheng nodded and said.

Through the system, he clearly understood the depth of each of the hundred arts of immortal cultivation.

After the tour, Lu Changsheng turned to Zhao Qingqing and asked, “Friend Zhao, would you be interested in serving as a guest elder at my Bihu Mountain?”

“A guest elder?”

Zhao Qingqing paused briefly upon hearing this, her face showing contemplation.

The Azure Cloud Sect didn’t forbid disciples from taking outside jobs.

After all, cultivation required wealth, companions, methods, and a suitable place – and cultivation burned through money.

The Azure Cloud Sect couldn’t support all disciples.

Disciples like them had to find ways to earn cultivation resources on their own.

However, they couldn’t casually accept such positions as guest elders. They had to consider whether it might bring them trouble.

“Friend Zhao, as you know, my family’s establishment was quite rushed.”

“We’re not very skilled in Spirit Plant Cultivation.”

“So if you’re willing, you could serve as a guest elder at my Bihu Mountain.”

“You’d just need to check on the spirit plants and herbs when you have time, or provide some guidance and teaching on spirit plant knowledge.”

Lu Changsheng explained.

Bihu Mountain currently had several spirit plant cultivators, but they were all first-Tier.

If he could invite Zhao Qingqing, a Second-Tier spirit plant master, it would greatly benefit Bihu Mountain’s Spirit Plant Cultivation.

Moreover, when he planted the Lingming Treasure Tree in the future, having a spirit plant master like Zhao Qingqing would be very helpful.

“That’s possible, but I don’t have much time. I can only serve as a guest elder and come a few times a year.”

Zhao Qingqing replied.

As a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect’s herb gardens, she had many duties and couldn’t often leave.

“That’s more than enough.”

Lu Changsheng nodded and smiled.

He then invited Zhao Qingqing to be a nominal guest elder of Bihu Mountain for an annual fee of 1,200 Spirit Stones.

She would come four times a year to provide guidance and suggestions on Bihu Mountain’s spirit plants and herbs, solve problems, or teach the Lu Family’s younger generation about Spirit Plant Cultivation.

Afterwards, Lu Changsheng turned to Han Lin, asking if he was interested in serving as a guest elder at Bihu Mountain.

While they had some spirit plant cultivators, they didn’t have a single equipment refiner.

“Hehe, I’ll have to decline.”

“I’m already busy at the Azure Cloud Sect, and Equipment Refining is very time-consuming. Teaching it also takes a lot of time.”

Han Lin shook his head and said.

As an equipment refiner, unlike Zhao Qingqing, he couldn’t just come down the mountain for a few days.

Equipment Refining guidance and on-site teaching were very troublesome and time-consuming.

Moreover, as an equipment refiner, his income at the Azure Cloud Sect was quite good.

“Alright, if we have any issues in this area or need Artifacts in the future, we might have to trouble Friend Han.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind and said with a smile.

“Of course, that’s no problem.”

Han Lin replied.

Afterwards, Lu Changsheng invited them to stay at Bihu Mountain for a few more days.

When they left, he gave them small gifts.

Xiao Xiyue also returned to the Azure Cloud Sect with Zhao Qingqing and Han Lin.

She planned to apply to her master, Yun Wanshang, for permission to stay at Bihu Mountain.

At the same time, she would use the Cloud Peak token to request a Second-Tier formation master from the Azure Cloud Sect for Lu Changsheng.

“Husband, this is the current expenditure and approximate income of the family. Please take a look.”

One day, Lu Miaoyun brought an account ook for Lu Changsheng to review.

It recorded all the current expenses of Bihu Mountain and the estimated current income.

“The difference between income and expenditure is this large?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised as he looked at the account book.

However, after reading it, he immediately understood why the difference was so large.

Previously at Qingzhu Mountain, Lu Miaoyun had given relativel little for the monthly allowances of wives and concubines.

Only concubines with Spirit Roots received ten Spirit Stones.

Maids only received two Spirit Stones.

Now, not only had all maids been promoted to concubines, but their allowances had also been increased across the board.

Moreover, with more children in the family starting cultivation, each received a monthly allowance of ten Spirit Stones and a bottle of Yellow Dragon Pills.

As their cultivation levels increased, these benefits and allowances would also increase.

There were also expenses for Spirit Rice and other provisions for the children in the mortal world.

These individual expenses might seem small, but they added up to a significant amount.

Currently, the entire family’s income relied solely on Bihu Mountain’s basic assets.

Bihu Mountain originally had considerable income, otherwise the Yu Family couldn’t have nurtured so many Foundation Establishment cultivators and clan members.

But currently, external businesses had ceased operations due to manpower issues.

Lu Changsheng had also sold off many assets during the clan establishment ceremony.

So Bihu Mountain’s current income came only from rent and Spirit Rice and spirit fish industries.

“Yuneer, don’t worry about the income and expenditure for now. Continue to recruit spirit farmers, fishermen, and apprentices from outside.”

“Pay close attention to the Spirit Fields, Jade Essence Rice, and Biwater Rice.”

“The core cultivation methods for these were originally in the hands of the Yu Family. Now these spirit farmers might be unfamiliar with them, affecting the harvest.”

“The same goes for spirit fish farming.”

Lu Changsheng said.

He currently had enough Spirit Stones to support the Lu Family at a loss for decades.

But they couldn’t keep operating at a loss indefinitely, relying solely on him to support the family.

After all, he needed to spend money too.

Therefore, they must get the family operations running, balance the budget, and gradually become profitable.

In Lu Changsheng’s view, it was still a manpower issue.

With enough manpower, he could start large-scale production from the most basic puppet and wine factories.

Then find partners for distribution, open up channels, and revitalize the shops and industries under Bihu Mountain’s name.

“Yes, husband.”

Lu Miaoyun nodded in response.

“Oh, Yuneer”

Lu Changsheng continued, bringing up the matter of school teaching.

He asked her to organize and arrange these matters.

He indicated that not only the children of the family, but also concubines with Spirit Roots could come to learn about this aspect.

After arranging these things, Lu Changsheng went to Hall of Everlasting Life to begin quietly refining the ‘Nine-Treasure Jade Ruyi’ in his chest bone.

Earlier at the Azure Cloud Sect, Caiyun Zhenren’s prying had given him a wake-up call.

He felt that relying on the jade pendant given by his Golden Core sister might not be enough to conceal him from others’ prying.

So he thought about quickly refining this heavenly treasure into his natal treasure bone.

Once the natal treasure bone was formed and he gained the nine Divine Abilities, he could use the seventh divine ability to seal divine light, sealing his cultivation state and aura, thus preventing others from detecting or seeing through him.

Moreover, the fifth divine ability of the Nine-Treasure Jade Ruyi, healing divine light, would definitely help with Ling Zixiao’s injuries.

Also, he had to be prepared for the matter of the Xiahou Demon.

Once the natal treasure bone was formed and he gained the nine Divine Abilities, his strength would improve across the board!