Chapter 287: Double Breakthrough, Zhao Qingqing Attempts Foundation Establishment!

Six months later.

In the Hall of Everlasting Life, inside a secluded meditation chamber.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge sat facing each othhr, palms touching. Their bodies glowed with a crystalline sheen, energy swirling around them. They looked solemn as countless spiritual energies from heaven and earth gathered within them.

The Taiyi Water Generation Technique, being a Dual Cultivation method for Dao partners, naturally had a complementary effect when they practiced together.

In the past six months since Lu Miaoge’s return, not only ad Ling Zixiao’s physical condition improved,

but Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge’s cultivation speeddhad also increased significantly.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”

As spiritual energy gathered, their energies flowed and merged into one.

“Boom!”

Suddenly, two surges of spiritual pressure erupted from their bodies, both achieving a breakthrough.

“Forty-seven years old, Foundation Establishment sixth layer.”

Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, which sparkled like stars, and let out a soft breath.

Although he spent most of his time on Talisman Making, pill refining, and accompanying his wives and children, his cultivation hadn’t been neglected much.

With the improvement of his Spirit Root, ample supply of pills, and the Dual Cultivation effect on his Dao Foundation, his cultivation speed even surpassed many who devoted themselves entirely to cultivation.

He briefly sensed the changes from his breakthrough.

The total amount of his Seven Luminaries spiritual power had increased by 20% compared to the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment.

In terms of quality, there wasn’t much difference.

This improvement was less than the boost given by the Xuan Yuan Pearl.

However, once he advanced one more step and broke through to the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment, entering the late stage, his spiritual power and strength would undergo a qualitative change.

“Congratulations, husband~”

At this moment, Lu Miaoge also slowly finishee her cultivation. She opened her gentle, watery eyes, which were full of joy and admiration as they gazed at him.

“Hehe, congratulations to Sister Miaoge for breaking through to the third layer of Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Changsheng looked at his wife and said with a smile.

Lu Miaoge had been at the seccnd layer of Foundation Establishment because her cultivation had been delayed for years.

Otherwise, with his Taiyi Dao Seed and the pills he had given her, she should have broken through to the third layer of Foundation Establishment long ago.

“Such great joy deserves a proper celebration!”

Lu Changsheng embraced his soft, fragrant wife, whose skin was as smooth as mutton-fat jade.

After some playful intimacy, they put on their robes and left Hall of Everlasting Life, heading to the Lu Family Mansion.

“Yun’r, has anything happened at home these days?”

Lu Changsheng asked his wife Lu Miaoyun.

Although he didn’t manage household affairs, he still cared about some major matters.

“Nothing much has happened.”

Lu Miaoyun said softly, “But uder Senior Hong Lian’s guidance, there’s been a breakthrough in breeding and cultivating the carp king at home.”

She cultivated the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique, refining the Lingming Treasure Tree as her innate spirit root. Her whole being constantly exuded a vibrant and fresh aura, making people feel very comfortable.

“Oh, there’s been another breakthrough in carp cultivation at home. That’s good news.”

Lu Changsheng’s face showed a smile upon hearing this.

As a Top-Tier Third-Tier beast tamer, Hong Lian was very skilled in spirit beast cultivation.

So in recent years, she had been giving advice and guidance on cultivating Red Blood Carp and Azure Blood Carp in Bishui Lake and the fish farm.

For instance, last year, the fishery income of Bihu Mountain increased by more than 10%.

Therefore, Lu Changsheng planned to open another spirit beast farm on Bihu Mountain to cultivate spirit beasts as well.

After some casual chat, Lu Changsheng brought Lu Miaoyun and Lu Miaoge to inpect the fish farm.

“Greetings, Mountain Lord! Greetings, Lady!”

“Father, Aunt!”

Zhong Yu, Lu Xiaoru, and several fishermen came to pay their respects.

“Hehe, I heard there’s been a breakthrough in carp breeding and cultivation, so I came to take a look.”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand and looked towards the fish farm.

He saw several large carp swimming inside.

“Reporting to Mountain Lord, currently, the time for carp to advance to carp king has been reduced by a full 30%, and during the breeding process…”

Zhong Yu quickly reported.

“Mm, you’ve done well in this matter. The clan will have rewards for you later.”

Lu Changsheng said encouragingly.

Although the optimization of carp cultivation was mainly due to Hong Lian’s advice and guidance, it also required the people below to implement it.

After a brief inspection of the fish farm and Spirit Fields, Lu Changsheng returned to the Lu Family Mansion and held a family banquet, creating a lively atmosphere.

With so many wives now, he naturally couldn’t accompany everyone all the time.

So after each short period of seclusion, he would hold a family banquet to create some warmth in the family.

During this time, he would take the opportunity to chat with his wives and children about family matters.

However, now most of his wives’ conversation topics, apart from caring about his situation, were about the children in the family.

For example, Qu Zhenzhen complained with a grieved face that in almost two years, her son Lu Quanzhen had only written two letters and hadn’t come back once.

Also, her daughters Lu Yuzhen and Lu Caizhen were not young anymore and needed to consider finding husbands and starting families.

“Don’t worry, Quanzhen is fine. He’ll probably come home when the time is right.”

Lu Changsheng said helplessly.

He had the Lu Clan Genealogy and knew about the safety of the children in the family.

His son Lu Quanzhen was doing very well now.

However, he was also curious about his children’s situations outside.

He wanted to know what his children experienced during their travels.

“I’ve heard that some treasures can see scenes thousands of miles away, or some Divine Abilities can sense the situations of close relatives through bloodline connections.”

“If I could draw such a Magical Treasure, I could have more fun and entertainment at home.”

Lu Changsheng pondered inwardly.

Suddenly, he thought that if he could draw such a Magical Treasure or unusual item through the lottery, it would be quite nice.

This way, he wouldn’t have to worry about his children when they were out, and it would also save his wives from worrying.

At the Black Stone Market.

At the entrance of a quiet courtyard in the Market.

“Friend Qu, please come in and we can discuss in detail~”

A woman in her twenties, with a face like a peach blossom and wearing a palace-style gauze dress, looked at the young man in black robes before her and said coquettishly.

She wore a bright red gauze dress with a low neckline. Her voluptuous figure and snow-white skin seemed ready to burst out of the neckline. The dress was slit on both sides, revealing her long, snow-white legs.

“Immortal Ruan, this doesn’t seem appropriate. We can discuss matters at a restaurant outside.”

The young man in black robes showed hesitation and said with some embarrassment.

“What are you afraid of? Do you think I’ll eat you up?”

The woman in the red dress fluttered her eyes and laughed lightly, looking enchanting.

Then she extended a delicate arm, taking the initiative to hold the young man’s hand.

Her body exuded an intoxicating fragrance that made one’s heart race.

The young man in black robes was stunned, unconsciously squeezing the soft, boneless, warm hand.

Then he unconsciously followed the woman into the small courtyard.

“You’re so young, yet you like to keep a straight face all the time.”

The woman led the young man in black robes as if flirting and teasing, speaking in a coy voice.

“Immortal Ruan”

The young man in black robes seemed a bit embarrassed, looking at the woman before him with fascination. Then he raised his hand, seemingly wanting to gently caress her cheek.

But in the next moment.

“Swish!”

A cold light flashed.

A dagger appeared in the hand of the young man in black robes out of nowhere.

This dagger had no spiritual energy aura; it was purely physical force.

It directly slashed across the neck of the woman in the red dress, blood splattering.

“Ugh ugh ugh”

The woman in the red dress showed shock and fear in her eyes, full of disbelief.

She never expected that the young man who had shown fascination under her charm technique just a moment ago would suddenly attack her.

Moreover, the pure physical force meant her protective magical Artifact didn’t have time to automatically protect her.

The beauty fell to the ground with a ‘thud’, blood gushing from her neck, forming a pool.

“The other two friends, you can come out now.”

Lu Quanzhen, wearing a black brocade robe, with an upright posture and narrow eyes, said in a deep voice.

“Looks like you’ve been hiding quite deep, kid. When did you realize something was wrong?”

From inside the house, a deep voice sounded.

Two men walked out from the house, staring coldly at Lu Quanzhen.

“I also want to ask, why are you so persistent in targeting me?”

Lu Quanzhen looked at the two men, narrowing his eyes slightly, and said in a deep voice.

“Half a year ago, you killed two of our brothers in the Black Cloud Mountain Range!”

“You were only at the sixth layer of Qi Refining, yet you could kill our two brothers. This shows you must have some secret or opportunity.”

“So, whether it’s to avenge our brothers or for your secret opportunity, we can’t let you go.”

One of them, a short and thin middle-aged man with dark skin, looked at Lu Quanzhen with eyes full of killing intent.

“Black Cloud Mountain Range? Two brothers?”

Lu Quanzhen frowned slightly, immediately recalling the incident.

He remembered that when he was hunting spirit beasts in the Black Cloud Mountain Range, he encountered two robber cultivators.

He continued to ask, “I disposed of those two cleanly, and there was no one else around at the time. How did you know about it?”

This was a point he was very confused about.

Because he had disposed of the bodies very cleanly at the time and hadn’t left any traces himself.

“Because after you killed them, you had the scent of my specially concocted dark fragrance on you!”

The other tall and thin man spoke up.

“Dark fragrance?”

Lu Quanzhen pondered.

He clearly remembered that after killing the men, he had cleaned up all traces.

“You don’t need to think about it. This dark fragrance is my exclusive concoction, only spirit beasts can smell it.”

“Now can you tell me when you realized that we, including Yuer, were problematic?”

The tall and thin man asked Lu Quanzhen.

“It’s simple. Your motives for approaching me were too obvious, too deliberate.”

Lu Quanzhen said calmly, “Just like now, you’re waiting for me to be poisoned.”

“What? You knew we were using poison?”

The two men’s faces changed drastically upon hearing this.

They didn’t expect Lu Quanzhen to be aware that they were using poison.

In this situation, he was still chatting leisurely with them.

“Not good, this kid is also using poison!”

The short and thin man immediately realized something was wrong and hurriedly closed his pores, bringing out his magical Artifact, intending to attack.

However, at that very moment.

“Slash!”

A dark golden puppet appeared, turning into a blur, tearing through the air and raising a gust of wind as it appeared in front of the two men.

The dazzling dark golden battle blade in the puppet’s hand was like lightning, fierce and domineering, slashing forward.

“No”

Facing this scene, the two men’s pupils contracted, reflecting the cold, golden battle blade. Their eyes were filled with fear, helplessness, regret, and despair.

“Swish!”

“Swish!”

The protective auras around their bodies and their magical Artifacts automatically tried to protect them.

But facing the puppet’s slash, the auras popped like bubbles.

Accompanied by the sound of blade cutting flesh and screams, blood sprayed and two heads rolled.

“Phew!”

Lu Quanzhen let out a light breath.

Looking at the two headless corpses, he muttered to himself, “With the treasures father gave me, this kind of experience still lacks some effect for me.”

“If I didn’t have this Second-Tier puppet and the Substitute Life Charm father gave me, even if I had a 50% chance and guessed these people had ill intentions towards me, I wouldn’t dare to take such risks.”

Lu Quanzhen muttered to himself.

Although he had acted decisively just now, he wasn’t entirely certain about the other party’s situation, whether there were only three people.

But as the saying goes, you can’t be a thief for a thousand days, but you can guard against thieves for a thousand days.

Once he realized someone harbored ill intentions and he had a 30-50% chance, he naturally chose to take the initiative, turn the tables, and eliminate the hidden danger.

Without thinking further, Lu Quanzhen collected the Storage Bags of the three, burned the bodies to ashes, then searched the room thoroughly before changing his appearance and leaving the Market.

Although the courtyard had a formation concealing what was happening inside from the outside,

he couldn’t be sure if these people had other accomplices, so it was best to leave early.

At Bihu Mountain.

Bihu Mountain Manor.

“Friend Lu, I’m preparing to return to the sect for closed-door cultivation to attempt Foundation Establishment, so I might not be able to come over this year.”

That day, Zhao Qingqing came to Bihu Mountain. After inspecting the spirit herbs, she said to Lu Changsheng.

She wore a light green long dress, her face delicate and beautiful, her figure graceful and slender. Her aura was somewhat similar to Lu Miaoyun, who had cultivatedthe Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique, with a fresh vitality of thriving plants and trees all over her body.

“Attempting Foundation Establishment?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this and asked, “Has Friend Zhao prepared a Foundation Establishment Pill?”

He knew that she had been preparing for Foundation Establishment for a long time.

“Foundation Establishment Pills are hard to come by. With my current sect contributions, I can’t exchange for one, nor can I afford it.”

Zhao Qingqing’s face showed a hint of bitterness.

Nine years ago, she had broken through to the ninth layer of Qi Refining and started planning for Foundation Establishment.

But after being busy for so many years, she had only gathered one Meridian Protection Pill and two Foundation Establishment spirit materials.

As for the Foundation Establishment Pill, it was too difficult for her to obtain.

Even if she could earn enough Spirit Stones and contributions before she turned sixty, she still wouldn’t have the qualifications to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill.

Because in the Azure Cloud Sect, exchanging for a Foundation Establishment Pill required qualifications.

And she had offended her master in her early years. Not only was her master unwilling to help, but he also never allocated important spirit herbs from the herb gardens to her.

This led to her inability to improve her spirit plant techniques and earn enough contributions in the sect.

“I happen to have a Foundation Establishment Pill on hand. If Friend Zhao needs it, I can sell it to you.”

Lu Changsheng said after a moment of thought.

He had refined three Foundation Establishment Pills before.

He gave one to Qingzhu Mountain and had two left.

Besides one for Bai Ling, he had no immediate use for the other one.

After all, in his family, only Lu Miaoyun was at the ninth laer of Qi Refining now.

But she cultivated the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique, and pills didn’t help her cultivation, so she didn’t need a Foundation Establishment Pill.

Since that was the case, he might as well sell this Foundation Establishment Pill to Zhao Qingqing.

With her Sixth-Tier Spirit Root and Wood Spirit Body, if she had a Foundation Establishment Pill, she would have a good chance of breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

This way, they would also form a good karma between them.

“Foundation Establishment Pill”

Zhao Qingqing’s body trembled upon hearing this, thinking her ears had deceived her.

As a cultivator, she naturally wanted very much to break through to Foundation Establishment.

Countless times she had wished she could obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill to break through to Foundation Establishment and no longer have to look at her master’s face.

But she knew very well.

Relying on her own abilities, obtaining a Foundation Establishment Pill was too difficult, too difficult.

So after saving up one Meridian Protection Pill and two Foundation Establishment spirit materials, she prepared to attempt Foundation Establishment.

Even if she failed, her age could still barely support her to try once more.

But she never imagined that at this moment, Lu Changsheng would actually say he could sell a Foundation Establishment Pill to her!

“Thank you for your kindness, Friend Lu. But Qingqing has already spent all her savings on this preparation, so the matter of the Foundation Establishment Pill can only be forgotten.”

Zhao Qingqing sighed, her face bitter, shaking her head.

Although she was tempted, buying the Meridian Protection Pill, two Foundation Establishment spirit materials, and a Three Yang Pill before had already exhausted all her savings.

Now, to buy a Foundation Establishment Pill, she would have to work hard for more than ten years to have a chance.

“That’s not a problem. If Friend Zhao doesn’t have Spirit Stones now, you can owe it and pay it back in installments slowly.”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile, taking out the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Although his cultivation journey had been smooth sailing so far, he still knew the difficulties ordinary cultivators faced in breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

For ordinary cultivators, if their talent was good and they devoted themselves fully to cultivation, breaking through to the ninth layer of Qi Refining wasn’t too difficult.

But once they reached the ninth layer of Qi Refining, trying to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill and Foundation Establishment spirit materials was the real challenge.

Someone like Zhao Qingqing, who had a special skill and the backing of a sect, could get many conveniences, which was already quite good.

Most independent cultivators, if they didn’t have some opportunity, could only choose to become robber cultivators, hunt spirit beasts, or explore Cave Dwellings and ruins to earn Spirit Stones. Otherwise, they basically had no chance of obtaining the opportunity for Foundation Establishment.

In the end, they could only choose one or two Foundation Establishment spirit materials to gamble with their lives, betting on a future with slim hope.

“Owe it and pay back in installments slowly”

Hearing this, Zhao Qingqing’s beautiful eyes trembled, her expression slightly dazed.

“Why is Friend Lu helping me like this?”

She looked at the handsome Lu Changsheng before her, a thought surfacing in her mind.

Three years ago, the spirit plant and spirit herb cultivation on Bihu Mountain had stabilized and no longer needed her, a Second-Tier spirit plant master, to do much.

At that time, she had requested to resign from Lu Changsheng, no longer serving as a guest elder of Bihu Mountain.

But Lu Changsheng said that with her as a spirit plant master, if they encountered any unexpected situations, they could solve them.

And when she had time, she could help teach his wives and children about spirit plant matters.

So he continued to ask her to serve as a guest elder of the family.

Now, as she prepared to attempt Foundation Establishment, Lu Changsheng not only expressed willingness to sell a Foundation Establishment Pill to her but also was willing to let her owe it and pay it back slowly.

Before, it was understandable.

But now, how could this be explained?

This was a Foundation Establishment Pill that was hard to come by, a Foundation Establishment Pill that countless Qi Refining cultivators dreamed of!

One pill was worth twenty thousand Spirit Stones!

If she broke through to Foundation Establishment, that would be fine, she would have the ability to repay this Foundation Establishment Pill.

But what if she failed to break through…

Zhao Qingqing wasn’t stupid.

Although she had entered a cultivation sect.

But over so many years, she had experienced many things and knew the cold realities of the world.

What was Lu Changsheng’s intention in being willing to help her like this?

Was he interested in her abilities or her looks?

Although she knew her appearance was good, it couldn’t be called stunning.

She wasn’t even as beautiful as some of Lu Changsheng’s wives.

With Lu Changsheng’s current status and position, if he was willing to provide a Foundation Establishment Pill, countless beautiful women would be willing to take the initiative.

But apart from this possibility, she really couldn’t think of any other reason.

After all, Lu Changsheng had so many beautiful wives and seemed to never stop taking concubines and maids.

“Thank you for your kindness, Friend Lu, but let’s forget about it. Qingqing really doesn’t know how to repay such a favor.”

Although Zhao Qingqing was very tempted by the Foundation Establishment Pill, she still shook her head and refused.

She had her own principles.

If she gave up her principles for this Foundation Establishment Pill, she wouldn’t have needed to wait until now.

If she had agreed to her master’s matchmaking back then, she might have already broken through to Foundation Establishment.

“Friend Zhao, as long as you break through to Foundation Establishment, as a disciple of a cultivation sect, it won’t be difficult to repay this in the future.”

“Could it be that Friend Zhao feels this Foundation Establishment Pill comes too easily, without a sense of achievement? Or are you worried that you might fail to break through and be unable to repay it then?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

He wasn’t surprised by Zhao Qingqing’s response.

After all, although their relationship was good, it indeed hadn’t reached the point where she could owe twenty thousand Spirit Stones.

“Friend Lu”

Zhao Qingqing glared at Lu Changsheng. What did he mean by no sense of achievement, worried about failing to break through and being unable to repay?

But these words weren’t wrong.

She did feel the Foundation Establishment Pill came too easily, and the favor owed was too great.

If she failed to break through with one pill, it would be too difficult to repay.

“Friend Zhao, we’ve known each other for many years. If I’m willing to take out this Foundation Establishment Pill, it’s because I trust your character.”

“If you need it, just take this Foundation Establishment Pill. Don’t burden yourself too much mentally.”

“If you’re really worried about not being able to repay, we can deduct it from your guest elder fees later, and you can work for my Bihu Mountain for twenty years.”

Lu Changsheng saw the struggle in Zhao Qingqing’s heart and said with a candid smile.

Although he had some other thoughts in giving this Foundation Establishment Pill, he did have some intention of helping a friend.

Zhao Qingqing’s expression changed as she struggled internally.

She knew that if she missed this chance, she might not have such an opportunity again.

Finally, unable to resist the temptation of Foundation Establishment, she said softly, “If that’s the case, then thank you, Friend Lu.”

“Please rest assured, Friend Lu, Qingqing will definitely repay this Spirit Stone debt and this favor as soon as possible!”

Zhao Qingqing took the porcelain bottle, her face solemn as she spoke.

“Hehe, I naturally trust Friend Zhao’s character.”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile.

“This… this is a high-quality Foundation Establishment Pill!”

Zhao Qingqing opened the porcelain bottle and took a look, her face immediately showing doubt, surprise, and joy.

It’s worth noting that her mental expectation was just for a standard Foundation Establishment Pill.

But now, Lu Changsheng had actually taken out a high-quality Foundation Establishment Pill, which indeed gave her an extra pleasant surprise.

After all, this almost concerned half a percent of the Foundation Establishment probability!

“Hehe, that’s right.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

“Friend Lu, Qingqing really doesn’t know how to repay this favor.”

Zhao Qingqing looked at Lu Changsheng with complex emotions, feeling that she had incurred a really big favor.