Chapter 384: Dragon Blood Tree, Monkey Mountain!

Yue Kingdom, Golden Sun Sect.

Tianyuan Peak.

Inside a Great Hall.

“Little Bamboo, if Foundation Establishment doesn’t go well, don’t force it. Just give up and try again. Don’t hurt yourself.”

“As for the Foundation Establishment Pill and spirit materials, your brother has plenty. If it’s not enough, I’ll challenge the Fire Luo Sect later.”

Lu Qingshan reminded her, taking out porcelain bottles and brocade boxes from his Storage Bag.

After years of cultivation, Lu Qingzhu’s Qi Refining had finally reached perfection. She was ready to attempt Foundation Establishment.

Immortal Tian Yuan, her master, had prepared Foundation Establishment resources for Lu Qingzhu.

However, Lu Qingshan believed that a single set of resources wouldn’t be enough.

He had been gathering Foundation Establishment resources for his sister for a long time.

He had already saved up six Foundation Establishment Pills and fifteen spirit materials.

“Brother!”

Lu Qingzhu rolled her eyes at her brother in exasperation after hearing this.

She hadn’t even started Foundation Establishment, yet her brother was already saying such things.

But she knew that her brother was worried she’d force a breakthrough, fail, and harm her vitality.

Although the Foundation Establishment Pill reduces the risk of failure,

if one fails while forming the Dao Foundation, it could still cause some damage that would take a long time to recover.

“Alright, alright, my Little Bamboo will definitely succeed.”

Lu Qingshan, seeing his sister’s puffed-up cheeks, pinched her fair face and said with a grin.

Then, he guided Lu Qingzhu to commence the breakthrough while he stood guard.

“Brother, when did you gather so many Foundation Establishment Pills and spirit materials?”

Lu Qingzhu was touched as she looked at the porcelain bottles and brocade boxes before her and asked softly.

“It wasn’t much. I won a Foundation Establishment Pill from Gu Yunyang during a duel. When I went to the Mixed Yuan Sect last time, I won three spirit materials in a challenge. And the last time I went to Ancient Moon Immortal City…”

Lu Qingshan, with his bright eyes and handsome features, casually said, “So there’s no need to feel pressured, Little Bamboo. For me, these resources are nothing.

“Yes.”

Lu Qingzhu replied softly, without saying much more.

She knew that these resources weren’t so easily obtained.

Foundation Establishment Pills and spirit materials are extremely rare, often impossible to buy even at high prices.

Especially the materials her brother prepared; they were highly compatible with her, clearly involving a great deal of time and effort.

It was impossible for them to be obtained so casually, as Lu Qingshan claimed.

But she understood that her brother said this to ease her mind.

“When you succeed in Foundation Establishment, we’ll visit home. Father, Mother, Aunt, and Grandpa will be overjoyed to see us both at Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Qingshan ruffled his sister’s hair and smiled as he spoke.

But when he mentioned their grandfather, his heart grew a little heavy.

Both siblings were no longer young.

Their grandfather, Lu Yuanshan Ding, was just a Qi Refining cultivator.

Even though he had taken a Longevity Pill, his lifespan was limited.

This visit could very well be his last time seeing their grandfather.

“Yes.”

Lu Qingzhu also felt some longing for home.

Recently, their parents had sent a letter saying they had another younger brother and sister named Lu Qingqi and Lu Qingxian.

Immediately after, Lu Qingzhu took a Foundation Establishment Pill and began her breakthrough!

[Congratulations to the Host, seventy offspring have successfully initiated Qi, stepping onto the path of immortality. You have gained a bloodline effect: Offspring’s comprehension increased by 3%. You’ve obtained one chance to draw a prize!]

On that day, a system notification sounded in Lu Changsheng’s mind.

“Finally reached seventy.”

Lu Changsheng paused to reflect.

It had been nearly ten years since fifty of his children initiated Qi.

This was the downside of promoting better offspring.

While the quality of his children had improved significantly,

the rate at which they were being born had slowed drastically.

“I wonder if this comprehension boost will have any noticeable effects.”

Lu Changsheng pondered the bloodline buff in his mind.

The system had previously granted a 3% boost in comprehension,

yet he hadn’t seen any significant improvement in his children’s comprehension.

Without overthinking it, Lu Changsheng silently said, “Draw!”

[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You’ve drawn the ‘Dragon Blood Tree’!]

[Reward has been sent to the system space. The Host can view it at any time.]

“Dragon Blood Tree? A heavenly treasure.”

Lu Changsheng was delighted as he observed the reward he had drawn.

When it came to heavenly treasures, he never had enough.

After all, with the ‘Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique,’ each heavenly treasure allowed one of his wives or children to cultivate this technique, solving any issues related to talent.

With a slight shift in his thoughts, Lu Changsheng reviewed the system space’s introduction to the Dragon Blood Tree.

[Spirit Plant: Dragon Blood Tree]

[Grade: Third Grade]

[Context: Originally a millennium-old Iron Tree, it transformed after being nourished by the blood and flesh of a fallen Flood Dragon. The wood can be used to forge Magical Treasures.]

“No special effects?”

Lu Changsheng frowned as he looked at the Dragon Blood Tree.

The Lingming Treasure Tree and the Five Elements Fruit Tree both offered extraordinary benefits,

but this Dragon Blood Tree appeared to be just a treasure tree.

“Who should receive it?”

Lu Changsheng wouldn’t use the Dragon Blood Tree to forge a Magical Treasure. He pondered who should be given this tree for cultivating the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique.

Many of his wives and children needed the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique.

Even with his system, it was impossible to provide for them all.

After thinking it over, Lu Changsheng decided to give the Dragon Blood Tree to his son, Lu Xian’er.

Lu Xian’er had a Ninth-Tier Spirit Root.

Without a major opportunity, he would never succeed in Foundation Establishment.

Allowing him to cultivate the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique was, naturally, the best option.

However, giving the Dragon Blood Tree to this son wasn’t solely because of Lu Xian’er’s Spirit Root and age.

It was also due to his contribution to the family.

Although this son was quite mediocre,

he was diligent in all that he did.

When Lu Changsheng had him study Puppetry, he focused wholeheartedly on it.

When he was put in charge of the Puppet Workshop, he spent all his time and energy there.

Otherwise, given the current benefits at Bihu Mountain, Lu Xian’er, as the head of the Puppet Workshop and a Lu Family elder, wouldn’t still have just a Sixth Layer of Qi Refining cultivation.

“Sigh…”

When Lu Changsheng thought of this son, he sighed lightly.

Lu Xian’er was his first child with a Spirit Root. He had paid very close attention to him in the early years.

But as more wives and children came into his life, his focus had shifted.

Moreover, Lu Xian’er was introverted and quiet. He always buried himself in work and never sought praise from his father, making his presence in the family seem minimal.

“Now that Ping’an has almost taken over Monkey Mountain, it’s a good time to take a look.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t dwell on sentimentality. After informing Miaoyun, he got up to head to White Tiger Mountain.

He planned to give the Dragon Blood Tree and the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique to his son, Lu Xian’er.

This Dragon Blood Tree was originally an Iron Tree, making it suitable for growth on White Tiger Mountain.

In the hall at White Tiger Mountain.

“Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique, refining the innate spirit plant…”

After hearing his father’s words, Lu Xian’er silently bowed to Lu Changsheng and said, “Thank you, Father.”

“Life, aging, illness, and death are part of the natural cycle. I long ago gave up on Foundation Establishment. This life is already satisfied with what I have.”

“Although cultivating the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique might allow me to break through to Foundation Establishment, even to reach Golden Core Formation,

“The thought of succeeding alone, only to watch Di’er and Xuanyu pass away, is unbearable.”

“So, I would prefer not to cultivate the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique.”

Lu Xian’er, calm and reserved in his blue robe, said as he stood there.

Though the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique was incredible, it ultimately left one trapped in a place, watching one’s loved ones pass away one by one.

He was unwilling to endure that.

Lu Changsheng was taken aback, not expecting his son to refuse.

But he could understand Lu Xian’er’s perspective.

Cultivation may be impressive, but it’s also incredibly harsh.

When one succeeds, they often have to watch as their friends and family gradually pass away.

This is why many cultivators prefer solitude, without any attachments.

In his early years, he had also struggled with this realization.

But with time, he came to understand that life, aging, illness, and death are part of the human experience, and he gradually accepted it.

“Alright. Should you change your mind, you can always talk to me.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t force his hand.

His son was old enough to have his own opinions.

“Thank you, Father.”

A gentle smile appeared on Lu Xian’er’s calm and composed face.

He knew his father had always favored him.

Even his wife often mentioned how his father showed him favoritism, but being a reserved person, he never knew how to earn more of his father’s affection.

He was aware of all this.

Yet he was always content with what he had.

He knew that with his Spirit Root, talent, and ability, had he not been born into the Lu Family and received his father’s affection, his life would have been a hundred times worse elsewhere.

So, he remained deeply grateful, easily content with his lot.

“I’m planning to visit Monkey Mountain. You should come along and get familiar with the place.”

Lu Changsheng looked at his son and suggested.

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Xian’er nodded in agreement.

Then, the two of them headed to Monkey Mountain.

From White Tiger Mountain to Monkey Mountain, it was only about three hundred miles.

In less than an hour, Lu Changsheng and Lu Xian’er arrived at Monkey Mountain.

“So this is Monkey Mountain?”

Lu Changsheng surveyed the scene before him.

The terrain resembled Qingzhu Mountain.

But whereas Qingzhu Mountain was covered in bamboo,

Monkey Mountain was covered in fruit trees.

The Spirit Boat landed at the mountain gate.

“Greetings, Elder Lu!”

“Greetings, Mountain Lord!”

At Monkey Mountain’s gate, there were Tao Family cultivators and a few White Tiger Mountain cultivators.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, entering Monkey Mountain with Lu Xian’er to inspect the area.

Before long, Lu Ping’an heard of Lu Changsheng’s arrival and hurried over.

“Father, Xian’er.”

Lu Ping’an, clad in silver armor, had a tall and imposing presence that exuded authority.

“Ping’an, what’s the situation with Monkey Mountain? How’s the Tao Family’s relocation going?”

Lu Changsheng asked his son.

“Father, the Tao Family has mostly relocated. They’ll be completely moved out in about half a month.”

“But there are a few issues that require your decision.”

Lu Ping’an stated.

“Oh? What are they?” Lu Changsheng asked.

“According to the contract with the Jin Family, when Monkey Mountain was handed over to us, we were not to destroy its formations, spiritual veins, buildings, Spirit Fields, or fruit trees.”

“However, it said nothing about not taking the fruit.”

“The Tao Family is willing to let go of the ordinary fruit, but there are twelve Second-Tier Spirit Peach Trees on Monkey Mountain’s main peak.”

“These Spirit Peach Trees will mature in about six months. The Tao Family has proposed either picking them now or dividing the peaches seven-to-three once they’re ripe.”

“Also, with the Tao Family gone, we don’t have enough fruit farmers or spirit plant masters to take care of the fruit trees.”

Lu Ping’an scratched his head, feeling a bit at a loss.

He wasn’t fond of dealing with such matters.

“Second-Tier Spirit Peach Trees?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, “Let me take a look.”

The three of them arrived at Monkey Mountain’s main peak.

“Elder Lu.”

The Tao Family Elder saw Lu Changsheng and greeted him with a slightly sour expression.

After all, who would be happy to give up their spiritual land?

“Elder Tao.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly. He had met him before at Jinlong Ridge.

Yet, in just a few months, the Tao Family Elder seemed to have aged significantly.

“I heard my son say that you want to split the Spirit Peaches seven-to-three after they mature?”

Lu Changsheng, dressed in a green robe, stood tall and straight.

“Indeed. According to the agreement between you and Elder Jin, the fruit trees on the mountain must remain untouched, but nothing was said about the fruit.”

“We Tao Family will give up the ordinary fruit trees to Elder Lu.”

“But we spent a lot of time and effort nurturing these twelve Spirit Peach Trees. We’d rather not see them harvested prematurely, leading to waste.”

The Tao Family Elder addressed him politely.

After all, if Lu Changsheng decided to be unreasonable and said, ‘Try to take them,’ they wouldn’t dare. At most, they would complain to the Jin Family.

But the Jin Family wouldn’t likely go to war with Lu Changsheng over this.

Even if they intervened, the Jin Family would take the lion’s share of the Spirit Peaches.

“A seventy-thirty split is too much, but I have a few conditions. If Elder Tao agrees, I’ll even let you take all the Spirit Peaches.”

Lu Changsheng said directly.

“What conditions?”

The Tao Family Elder asked.

“I need the Tao Family to station some fruit farmers on Monkey Mountain to care for the fruit trees for a year.”

“And I need the Tao Family’s methods for cultivating and planting the fruit trees, as well as your brewing inheritance.”

Lu Changsheng laid out his terms.

When he originally won the bet for Monkey Mountain, he hadn’t considered these details.

Now, he realized his family needed a transition period with Monkey Mountain,

Just like when they took over Bihu Mountain.

“Elder Lu, isn’t this asking a bit too much?”

The Tao Family Elder’s face darkened.

Having been forced to hand over their spiritual land, their frustration was understandable.

Now continuing to help care for the land and giving up their family secrets for cultivating fruit trees and brewing was like throwing away their family’s core inheritance.

“Rest assured, I’m not a tyrant. If you’re willing to share these inheritances with me, I’ll provide a comparable Second-Tier brewing inheritance in return.”

“Or if you prefer, I can offer a Second-Tier Talisman Making or pill refining inheritance. I have both.”

Lu Changsheng calmly explained.

Although he was a Top-Tier Second-Tier brewer,

it was more efficient to refine ready-made recipes from the Tao Family, saving time and effort.

The same applied to their fruit cultivation methods.

While he could enlist Zhao Qingqing to study the fruit trees, it would be too time-consuming.

It was much simpler to acquire the Tao Family’s expertise and then optimize it.

It would save significant time.

“This is a significant matter. I need time to consider it.”

The Tao Family Elder’s expression shifted as he responded.

Without Monkey Mountain, the Tao Family’s methods for cultivating fruit trees and brewing held little value.

Yet these methods were their family legacy, earned through generations of effort. It wasn’t easy to part with them.

But Lu Changsheng’s offer was tempting.

“Alright. Take your time to think it over. If you agree, just let me know.”

“Also, although I didn’t specifically agree with Jin Zan not to pick the fruit, since it was stated that the trees shouldn’t be harmed, picking the fruit would also constitute harm. So, don’t make any hasty decisions, Elder Tao.”

Lu Changsheng gave the Tao Family Elder a long, piercing look, his voice calm and indifferent.

The Tao Family Elder felt a chill in his heart under that gaze.

He recalled the scene at Jinlong Ridge where Lu Changsheng had subdued Jin Zan with a talisman formation and said bitterly, “I understand.”

“Hmm.”

Without saying more, Lu Changsheng, along with his two sons, inspected Monkey Mountain and found it quite suitable as a spiritual land.

The only problem was the name ‘Monkey Mountain,’ which he found rather unappealing. He considered whether or not he should rename it.