Chapter 272: Divine Seed! Xiao Xiyue Departs!

Time flew by, and three months passed in the blink of an eye.

Due to the battle at the Hongye Valley Marketplace, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge gained some fame ann became somewhat well-known.

As a result, during this time, many independent cultivators and small family clans came to seek refuge.

Regarding this, Lu Changsheng, Ling Zixiao, Lu Miaoge, and Xiao Xiyue hadda brief discussion.

Those independent cultivators with skills and clean backgrounds could be recruited as family guest elders.

If they had no special skills, they would sign indentured contracts or labor agreements.

As for small family clans seeking to become vassals, they were all rejected.

After all, Bihu Mountain’s current influence was solely maintained by Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaoge, and Ling Zixiao. TTey didn’t have the strength to expand externally yet.

Such expansion would have to wait until the family’s children reached the late stage of Qi Refining before they could be sent out to establish footholds and expand.

Besides these two types, there were also some female independent cultivators and daughters from small family clans who voluntarily came to Bihu Mountain to serve as maids, hoping to catch Lu Changsheng’s eye and marry into the Lu Family.

After all, the Bihu Mountain Lord’s habit of taking wives, concubines, and having children was widely known.

If they could be noticed by this Lu Patriarch, it would be like a sparrow turning into a phoenix for many independent cultivators and daughters of small family clans.

However, most cultivators were self-aware and set their sights on the young masters of the Lu Family.

Because over the years, as Lu Xian’er, Lu Xing, Lu Yun, Lu Feng, and other Lu Family members took wives and concubines, some nearby family clans and independent cultivators had heard about it.

As long as they married into the Bihu Mountain Lu Family and wed a Lu Family young master, they would enjoy the same benefits as Lu Family members!

Moreover, the Bihu Mountain Lord strongly encouraged childbearing!

There were rewards for giving birth to children!

There were additional rewards if the child was found to have a Spirit Root!

These various benefits were very tempting for many independent cultivators and small family clans.

After all, Bihu Mountain currently had a good reputation.

Its patriarch, Lu Changsheng, was known for valuing relationships and loyalty. He was in his prime with astonishing battle prowess. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the family would be secure for a hundred years.

Furthermore, marrying into Bihu Mountain not only provided access to high-level benefits and cultivation resources, but their families could also gain some hidden advantages.

For example, the Xu Family, who had married their daughter to Lu Xian’er years ago.

Now, some small family clans would treat the Xu Family more politely out of respect for Bihu Mountain, and they would think twice before moving against the Xu Family.

Not long ago, the Xu Family even gained some business cooperation from Bihu Mountain through this connection.

Although it was just a small business distributing puppets, it was still enviable to others.

Besides female independent cultivators and families marrying off their daughters, there were also some male independent cultivators and sons from small family clans who wanted to marry Lu Family women and be adopted into the Lu Family.

Lu Changsheng was well aware of all this, knowing that most were seeking benefits.

“How can one gain true loyalty by using benefits as bait?”

“But once they join my Lu Family, they won’t have much say anymore.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled lightly as he listened to Lu Miaoyun’s report.

When he had established the family rules, he knew that offering Lu Family member benefits to female cultivators marrying in and male cultivators being adopted would attract cultivators seeking advantages.

Regarding this, Lu Changsheng’s thoughts and attitude were simple.

As long as they behaved and made sufficient contributions, they wouldn’t be shortchanged.

But if they joined his family with other intentions, thinking they could take advantage, he naturally wouldn’t be polite.

During this time, Lu Changsheng himself wasn’t idle, having impregnated two of his concubines.

Notably, during this period, two female cultivators volunteered to become his concubines.

One of them was at the Ninth Level of Qi Refining with a Fifth-Tier Spirit Root. She stated that if Lu Changsheng was willing to provide resources for Foundation Establishment, she would be his concubine for twenty years and bear him three children.

Lu Changsheng immediately told her to get lost.

Although this female cultivator had a Fifth-Tier Spirit Root.

With her Spirit Root and cultivation level, she would fetch at most ten to twenty thousand at the White Jade Tower. He didn’t know where she got the courage to make such an offer. Did she think she was some precious treasure?

The other female cultivator, named ‘Luan Qing’, was quite good.

She was at the sixth level of Qi Refining with a Sixth-Tier Spirit Root and was skilled in the art of ‘incense making’.

This woman was much simpler. She had wandered the cultivation world for a long time, realized her future was limited, and wanted to settle down and live out her life.

Having heard that the Bihu Mountain Patriarch was incredibly handsome and treated his wives and concubines well, she came seeking him out.

So after a simple investigation and understanding, Lu Changsheng took this female cultivator as a concubine.

Moreover, Lu Changsheng realized this was a good way to take concubines and directly gifted her a High-Tier Breaking Stage Pill, allowing her to break through to the late stage of Qi Refining.

After she bears two children in the future, he plans to help her open an incense shop.

On this day, a system notification sounded.

[Congratulations, host’s descendants have reached 50. You have gained one chance to draw a prize]

“Fifty, finally some gift money. I’ve been waiting for this!”

Lu Changsheng’s face lit up with joy when he heard this system notification.

Ever since he saw the system give gift money for the first grandchild and the tenth grandchild, but nothing afterward, his heart had grown cold.

But fortunately, the system’s gift money finally arrived.

He knew that relying on his children to have offspring would yield more achievements in quantity than doing it himself.

“But this speed is quite fast. When I diligently had fifty children myself, it took over seven years.”

“But now, the children have only taken four years,” Lu Changsheng remarked with emotion.

And it took over four years because there weren’t many children of marriageable age in the early years.

Now, as time passed and more children came of age, more and more were starting families, and this snowball effect would accelerate.

However, although there were many children, their Spirit Roots were somewhat disappointing.

Among all the grandchildren, only two had Spirit Roots so far.

One of them was just recently born to his son Lu Yun’s concubine.

So in this regard, Lu Changsheng knew he could only rely on the children with Spirit Roots.

But among these children, not many had married yet.

Sons like Lu Ping’an and Lu Quanzhen, and daughters like Lu Ruyi and Lu Xiaoru, all had no intentions of marriage for now.

Although if he, as their old father, wanted to urge them, the children would certainly agree, he wasn’t about to force his children into marriage and childbearing just to rack up rewards.

“System, draw prize!” Lu Changsheng silently commanded in his study.

Instantly, the system’s prize wheel appeared.

Accompanied by a golden light that began to rotate.

Soon, the golden light stopped on the ‘Other’ column.

[Ding! Congratulations, host has obtained the Law Seed: Sword Piercing the Big Dipper!]

[The reward has been deposited in the system space. Host can check it at any time]

A faint golden sword pattern appeared along with the system notification.

“Law Seed, Sword Piercing the Big Dipper? What is this thing?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow when he saw this reward.

In all his years in the cultivation world, he had never heard of such a thing as a Law Seed.

Immediately, he focused his mind to examine this Law Seed in the system.

[Law Seed: Sword Piercing the Big Dipper]

[Grade: Fourth Grade]

[Description: Radiate the light of sun and moon, and the precious sword will pierce through the Big Dipper. The receiver’s Sword Dao talent will increase, sword qi will become sharper, capable of swallowing stars and constellations, fearless and unyielding, with an innate proud spirit]

“Fourth Grade!? Increases Sword Dao talent, sharpens sword qi, capable of swallowing stars and constellations? Can this Law Seed improve a person’s talent?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised as he looked at the Law Seed before him.

He knew that in the cultivation world, things that could improve and enhance one’s talent and aptitude were extremely rare.

This Law Seed before him could increase Sword Dao talent and was Fourth Grade, clearly extraordinary.

Lu Changsheng focused his mind and extracted this Law Seed from the system space to examine its detailed effects.

Immediately, a faint golden, thumb-sized ball of light appeared before his eyes.

Lu Changsheng instantly understood the specific effects of this Law Seed.

This Law Seed had the effects of enhancing talent, sharpening the six senses, altering temperament, improving appearance, and compensating for deficiencies.

After use, not only would Sword Dao talent increase, but future cultivation and comprehension of Sword Dao techniques would be twice as effective with half the effort.

The person would also be subtly influenced by the Law Seed, gradually developing an unyielding character, becoming fearless and bravely progressing.

If one’s personality was already like this, in harmony with the Law Seed, it would maximize the Law Seed’s effects!

From then on, they would make rapid progress in the path of the sword, and the sword qi they cultivated would be several times sharper than ordinary people’s!

“How does this Law Seed seem somewhat similar to the ‘Sword Bone’ among sword cultivator physiques?”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but think of the ‘Sword Bone’ among sword cultivator physiques as he looked at the Law Seed’s effects.

Lu Changsheng looked at the Law Seed’s effects and couldn’t help but think of the ‘Sword Bone’ among sword cultivator physiques.

He had read about it in books. Those born with the Sword Bone showed unusual talent in the Sword Dao from the moment they first held a sword.

When practicing sword-related techniques, they not only progressed rapidly but their power far surpassed others.

As for temperament, having practiced the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual, Lu Changsheng could only say most sword cultivators were like this.

Because only with such a temperament could one advance faster and further on the path of the sword.

“Who should I give this Law Seed to?”

Lu Changsheng looked at the Law Seed in his hand, stroking his chin.

Although he practiced the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual, he wasn’t very interested in this type of Law Seed.

Firstly, he had the system’s instant mastery, so he didn’t need this sword talent to understand the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual.

Secondly, this Law Seed would subtly influence one’s temperament.

He knew his own personality well and had no intention of changing it.

So in his view, this Law Seed was definitely for his children to use.

After all, if their temperament was compatible, this Law Seed’s effect would be quite good, almost like a small Spirit Body.

“Ping’an, Xian’er, Ruyi, Quanzhen, Yun’er, Lu Xing”

Lu Changsheng thought of his current children and felt none of them were suitable.

The next moment, he immediately thought of his son Lu Qingshan, who was far away in another country!

This son had a Metal-attribute spiritual body and was originally his choice to teach the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual.

But due to an accident, he was taken as a disciple by a Golden Core cultivator and brought to the Golden Sun Sect in the Yue Kingdom.

Although this son was usually mischievous and unreliable, Lu Changsheng knew he had a proud and stubborn nature, with an inherent refusal to admit defeat.

Overall, he was quite suitable for this Law Seed.

“I wonder what technique Qingshan is practicing at the Golden Sun Sect.”

Lu Changsheng played with the Law Seed, muttering to himself.

Although his son’s Spirit Root leaned towards Metal among the five elements, possessing a Metal-attribute spiritual body suitable for practicing sword techniques.

But now that he had gone to the Golden Sun Sect, he didn’t know what technique that Golden Core master was teaching him.

He only knew that his son’s cultivation progress was indeed very fast.

He had already broken through to the fourth layer of Qi Refining!

At this rate, Lu Qingshan would definitely break through to Foundation Establishment before he was thirty!

“When Zixiao’s injuries are fully healed and the Divine Tree Formation is set up, I’ll make a trip to the Golden Sun Sect.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath, muttering to himself.

He had long promised Lu Miaohuan and Lu Miaoge to visit their chillren in the Golden Sun Sect in the Yue Kingdom.

If his son Lu Qingshan was practicing sword techniques and his personality remained the same, in his view, this Law Seed would be most suitable for Lu Qingshan.

At the Golden Sun Sect, Tianyuan Peak.

“Qingshan, why did you get into a fight with someone?”

In the main hall, a voluptuous woman in her thirties wearing a long red dress spoke lazily.

“That dog dared to bully little Zhu’er. I’m already being nice by not killing him!”

Lu Qingshan, wearing a gold and white robe, clenched his fist inside his sleeve and said coldly.

“You’re only at the fourth layer of Qi Refining. How could you kill someone at the Sixth Layer?”

Immortal Tian Yuan looked at her disciple, taking a sip from her wine Gourd, and said carelessly.

“Because he doesn’t dare to kill me!”

Lu Qingshan looked at Immortal Tian Yuan, standing tall and speaking frankly.

“Oh? Aren’t you afraid of causing trouble if you kill him?”

“Harming fellow disciples within the sect is a serious crime.”

Yan Yuan rested her elbow on the armrest, supporting her delicate chin. Her black hair cascaded down, and her plump, bare legs were crossed. She spoke with interest.

“I’m afraid, but if someone dares to bully my sister, as her brother, I naturally have to avenge her!”

Lu Qingshan unclenched his fist and then smiled, saying: “The Golden Cloud Peak and our Tianyuan Peak have always been at odds. They’re intentionally provoking us. How could you, Master, sit idly by?”

“Moreover, the fact that I, at the fourth layer of Qi Refining, can kill someone at the Sixth Layer also brings honor to our Tianyuan Peak and to you, Master. Surely you wouldn’t punish me for that?”

Lu Qingshan said.

“Your temperament, really…”

Hearing this, Yan Yuan smiled gently and waved her hand, saying: “Alright, I’ll handle this matter.”

“There are still many beasts on Tianyuan Peak. If you’re hungry, you can hunt on the mountain for practice.”

“If you’re really hungry and can’t find any prey, you can also ask Little White for help.”

Yan Yuan said.

“Yes, Master.”

Lu Qingshan bowed and responded.

“Alright, you can go now. Otherwise, little Zhu’er will worry about you and think I’m blaming you.”

Yan Yuan shook her head lightly and took another sip from her wine Gourd.

Seeing Lu Qingshan walk out of the hall, her lazy and casually beautiful face showed a hint of coldness as she said: “I, Yan Yuan, have been away from the sect for a long time and don’t deal with affairs. Do they really think my Tianyuan Peak is weak and easy to bully?”

“Brother!”

As soon as Lu Qingshan walked out of the hall, Lu Qingzhu called out with concern.

“Little Zhu’er, Master just asked what happened. Don’t worry.”

Lu Qingshan looked at his sister, immediately showing a carefree smile and rubbing her head.

“Brother, please don’t fight with others next time. Does it hurt?”

Lu Qingzhu looked at Lu Qingshan’s slightly swollen cheeks, her eyes red, and said softly.

“What’s there to hurt? This time I was a bit lacking and couldn’t finish him off. Next time I encounter such a situation, I’ll definitely kill that dog!”

Lu Qingshan said nonchalantly, grinning.

“It’s because I’m useless. I can’t help brother with anything and only drag you down.”

Lu Qingzhu said, her eyes red.

“How could that be? It’s natural for a brother to protect his sister. In the future, if you encounter such things, tell brother early. Don’t keep it to yourself, okay?”

Lu Qingshan smiled slightly and gently pinched Lu Qingzhu’s delicate little nose.

After accompanying Lu Qingzhu for a while and letting the little girl rest, Lu Qingshan ran to the back mountain and shouted towards the sky: “Crane Immortal, Crane Immortal!”

“Kid, what do you want?”

Soon, a majestic and handsome crane, about ten feet tall with a bright red crest on its head, flew down from the sky and said.

“Look, I got really hurt in a fight today. Can you give me some immortal saliva?”

Lu Qingshan pointed at his cheeks and the injuries on his arms as he spoke.

“Go away, you’re trying to trick this immortal’s saliva again. No, no.”

The crane, hearing this, immediately spread its wings to leave.

But just as it was about to take off, looking at Lu Qingshan’s appearance, it still dropped a small porcelain bottle, saying: “Fine, fine, I’ll give you one bottle, kid.”

“Hehe, thanks!”

Lu Qingshan caught the small porcelain bottle and shouted his thanks to the white crane.

Half a month later.

At Bihu Mountain.

In the Lu Family Mansion’s meeting hall.

Today was the Lu Family’s annual family gathering.

Lu Changsheng sat in the main seat, listening to reports from his wives and children below.

This year, Bihu Mountain was still in a loss-making state overall.

But as the family members became more skilled in their businesses, with the increase in spirit farmers, spirit plant cultivators, fishermen, and beast tamers, the income from Spirit Fields and fisheries steadily improved.

The puppet workshop and brewing workshop also gradually began to turn a profit. The overall loss was not large, totaling only 6,892 Spirit Stones.

The reason for the loss of over 6,000 Spirit Stones was entirely due to the relatively high expenses for family members.

One reason was that the benefits for Lu Family members were already relatively high.

Another was that the children in the family were gradually starting their own families.

For example, his son Lu Yun had already married one primary wife and three concubines.

Other sons who wanted to start families could basically all marry female cultivators with Spirit Roots.

In this situation, it led to a significant increase in the family’s expenses.

Lu Changsheng had no objections to these expenses.

After all, as long as the children were willing to marry and have children, he would be happy even if it cost more.

After briefly summarizing the situation for the year, Lu Changsheng saw that the family was making steady progress and felt that in a couple more years, he could select a few from among these children to arrange as family head and elders.

This way, he wouldn’t have to worry about these trivial matters anymore.

After the family meeting ended, Xiao Xiyue was also preparing to return to the Azure Cloud Sect to report.

She had been assigned to oversee Bihu Mountain for three years, and now that the three-year term was up, she had to return to the Azure Cloud Sect.

Seven days later, Xiao Xiyue said goodbye to her daughter Lu Wangshu.

She explained that she had to leave for some business but would come to see her when she had time.

“Mother…”

When Lu Wangshu heard that her mother was leaving, her eyes immediately turned red and she cried out.

Initially, she wasn’t very close to Xiao Xiyue.

But over these three years, apart from her daily meditation time, Xiao Xiyue spent most of her time accompanying this daughter, doting on her and indulging her every whim.

So now, hearing that her mother was leaving, Lu Wangshu was very sad and reluctant to part.

“Don’t cry, little Wangshu. Mommy will come back to visit you when she has time.”

Seeing her daughter like this, Xiao Xiyue’s heart became unsettled. Her beautiful face filled with uncertainty as she comforted her child.

“If little Wangshu misses Mommy, you can always come to see Mommy too.”

Watching this scene, Lu Changsheng also crouched down and gently comforted his daughter.

He had long realized why many cultivators were unwilling to start families and have children.

It was still manageable during the Qi Refining stage.

But once cultivators reached the Foundation Establishment stage, even a casual retreat could last several months or a year or two.

If they reached the Golden Core Formation stage, this time could extend to several years or even decades.

This meant they had no time to spend with their children.

A single retreat could mean their children had grown up, leading to estranged relationships.

Sometimes, due to lack of guidance, children might develop bad personalities and attract trouble.

Like Xiao Xiyue, spending long periods with her daughter already delayed her cultivation.

As for himself, his cultivation was extremely casual, relying entirely on consuming pills and cheats.

“Mommy, I’ll miss you.”

Lu Wangshu, wise beyond her years, wiped her eyes and spoke softly.

“Mommy will miss little Wangshu too.”

Xiao Xiyue said, pressing her lips together. She even considered staying at Bihu Mountain to be with her daughter.

“Sigh.”

Watching this, Lu Changsheng almost suggested not letting Xiao Xiyue take Lu Wangshu to the Azure Cloud Sect.

But knowing Xiao Xiyue’s personality, if she took the child there, she’d likely spoil her daily, seriously hindering her cultivation.

Moreover, once Xiao Xiyue returned to the sect, she’d have other duties and not much time to care for the child.

Finally, after a tearful goodbye between mother and daughter, Xiao Xiyue left.

“It’s okay, Daddy’s here. Come, let’s go fishing together.”

Lu Changsheng spoke gently to his daughter, whose eyes were still a bit red.

With Xiao Xiyue gone, he as a father would naturally spend more time with his daughter, helping her move past her sadness quickly.

“Daddy, I want to hear a story.”

Lu Wangshu looked up, saying this.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and said, “Once upon a time, there was a mountain. On the mountain, there was a temple. In the temple, there was a…”

In a Market town.

“Senior Hong Lian, the materials for performing the divine ability secret technique have been gathered. Can I now enter Bihu Mountain undetected?”

Xu Ruoyin spoke to her mind.

“Bihu Mountain only has a Second-Tier array. With this palace’s Seamless Heavenly Clothing divine ability, infiltrating shouldn’t be difficult.”

“However, trying to take away a Heaven-Tier beast still carries some risk. Are you sure about this?”

A clear, elegant, and gentle voice, like heavenly music, sounded in Xu Ruoyin’s mind.

“Senior Hong Lian, I’ve made up my mind.”

“When I started cultivating the Beast Scripture, I was already prepared!”

Xu Ruoyin, with her exquisitely beautiful face, spoke with determination in her eyes.