Chapter 416: Rotating Foundation, the Tenth Layer of the Hundred Refined Body Technique!

Lu Family Mansion.

“Husband, in recent days, three people have come to refine Foundation Establishment Pills. One of them is a rogue cultivator named Luo Cheng. We are still verifying his background.”

“The other two are from the Yan Family Fort and the Poshanshan Gang of Wufeng Market.”

Lu Miaoyun was reporting the rcent household affairs to Lu Changsheng.

“Three of them, huh? Seems like they’ve hidden themselves pretty well.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled lightly after hearing this.

He thought it would take around half a year before someone would come seeking his alchemy services.

He didn’t expect three people to show up so soon.

If his reputation continued to grow, the family could make a fortune just by refining Foundation Establishment Pills.

“We can prioritize Yan Family Fort. Once they’ve successfully established their foundation, they can help promote us.”

Lu Changsheng continued, “What kind of organization is this Poshanshan Gang?”

He knew about the Yan Family Fort; it’s a clan with two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

But the Poshanshan Gang was unfamiliar to him.

“The Poshanshan Gang is a group of rogue cultivators based in Wufeng Market. Their leader, Chu Kuang, is a Foundation Establishment cultivator. The members survive mostly by hunting demonic beasts.”

Lu Miaoyun’s voice was gentle,fitting her elegant appearance.

“I see.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, “Organizations like the Poshanshan Gang can be accepted for refining Foundation Establishment Pills, but we won’t provide them with a special breakthrough venue.”

He had a general understanding of groups like the Poshanshan Gang.

They band together for survival and hunt in groups.

But with such people gathered together, it’s likely they’ve committed their share of murders and robberies.

So, providing them with a venue could bring unnecessary trouble.

“Mm-hmm~”

Lu Miaoyun softly agreed.

At this moment, Lu Changsheng remembered the two inferior Foundation Establishment Pills refined by Li Xingruo. He called his son, Lu Xingyang.

A moment later, Lu Xingyang entered the main hall.

He was in his early thirties, wearing an elegant green robe, with a refined and gentle face. He bowed and greeted, “Son greets Father and all the Aunts.”

“Xingyang, how much longer until the auction at Hongye Valley Marketplace?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

“Father, seven more months,”

Lu Xingyang quickly responded.

“Seven months…”

Lu Changsheng tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, “If that’s the case, start building up some hype for the auction. Let it be known that a Foundation Establishment Pill will be among the items up for bid.”

Although the news about him refining Foundation Establishment Pills had spread, many forces were still watching and waiting.

So, Lu Changsheng thought to seize the moment and fan the flames a bit more.

This way, not only could he draw in those who were hesitating.

He could also increase the traffic at Hongye Valley Marketplace, making it easier to sell both the inferior and regular Foundation Establishment Pills at a good price.

“A Foundation Establishment Pill!?”

Lu Xingyang was momentarily stunned, somewhat surprised.

As the head of the Lu Family, he was aware of many secrets.

However, hearing that they were auctioning a Foundation Establishment Pill still surprised him.

After all, except for the three major Immortal Cities, only the Top-Tier Markets like Qingyun Market had even the possibility of handling such a pill.

It was impossible to find a Foundation Establishment Pill in a regular Market.

“Mm, it’s just an inferior one. You can handle the details yourself.”

Lu Changsheng spoke up.

Foundation Establishment Pills were considered strategic resources.

Even an inferior Foundation Establishment Pill, he would only sell one.

He planned to hold onto the next one for a few years or see if he could trade it for some rare Natural Treasures.

“Father, if this news gets out, it might attract some unsavory characters, which could impact the Market’s security.”

Lu Xingyang commented.

If they used the Foundation Establishment Pill as the highlight of the auction, the event would require careful planning and arrangements.

But once things were scaled up, keeping security in check at Hongye Valley Marketplace might be difficult under current conditions.

“For security purposes, ask your sister Wangshu to stay in Hongye Valley Marketplace for the next few days and not roam around.”

“In a few more months, we will arrange for others from the family to guard the Market as well.”

Lu Changsheng thought for a moment and then spoke.

Even though his daughter Lu Wangshu had only been in the Foundation Establishment stage for just over a year.

With her lifebound divine talisman, Xuan Yuan Pearl, and the Nine-Nine Mysterious True Talisman along with second and Third-Tier Talismans, she could even go head-to-head with later-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, or even bombard them to death with talisman tactics.

So, with her stationed at Hongye Valley Marketplace, the fighting strength would be more than enough.

Besides, with Lu Munian also guarding the Market, if any problems arose, Bihu Mountain and Qingzhu Mountain could quickly send reinforcements.

“Sister Wangshu…”

Lu Xingyang hesitated slightly upon hearing this; he felt that this sister might not be entirely reliable.

But since his father spoke, he naturally had no objections. Bowing respectfully, he said, “Yes, son will make arrangements.”

Time passed quickly, and a month went by.

During these days, Lu Changsheng spent most of his time focused on having children.

But after reaching the Golden Core stage, reproducing offspring became extremely difficult.

Even with the assistance of the Five Aggregates Cultivation Technique, only one concubine was currently expecting.

“It truly isn’t easy to have children after forming the Golden Core.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head and sighed.

Back when he first formed his core, he had relations with his wives and concubines.

But at the time, he didn’t pay much attention to it.

Now, after spending a month entirely focused on it, he was surprised that only one was pregnant. It made him shake his head.

“Without a bloodline talent, it might take Golden Core cultivators several years of effort just to conceive a child.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself, considering that getting one child in such a short time was already lucky.

Remembering the time he and Nangong Mili had a child in one try, his luck back then was extraordinary!

“Master.”

At that moment, Sumeru’s voice appeared in Lu Changsheng’s mind, informing him that Lu Qingsong had passed the three stages of Foundation Establishment and was ready to solidify his Dao Foundation.

“Good.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng immediately entered the Sumeru Cave Heaven.

Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaohuan werr also in the cave heaven, watching over Lu Qingsong.

“Husband, Father.”

When they saw Lu Changsheng, they immediately greeted him.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded with a smile and then looked towards Lu Qingsong, who was attempting to establish his foundation.

From the spiritual energy vortex and pressure around Lu Qingsong, Lu Changsheng could tell that even if his son succeeded in establishing his foundation, it would likely be a shattered foundation.

He sighed inwardly.

Years ago, he had given Lu Qingsong plenty of pills and Natural Treasures to help him consolidate his foundation.

Lu Qingshan and Lu Qingzhu had also brought back many good things for him, but even so, the effects on his Foundation Establishment were unsatisfactory.

In the end, it came down to talent. His son’s bones and perception were average, and he spent considerable time on other matters.

“Sumeru.”

Lu Changsheng called out to Sumeru, instructing him to stabilize the surrounding spiritual energy.

He then began circulating the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, channeling the Yin-Yang forces from the Yin-Yang Dao Golden Core in his dantian into his hand.

“Qingsong, focus and pour everything into establishing your foundation!”

Lu Changsheng spoke seriously, directing the Yin-Yang essence into his son’s body.

“Boom!”

The moment the Yin-Yang Dual Qi entered Lu Qingsong’s body, his dantian spiritual sea roared. His spiritual pressure surged, and his face twisted in pain.

Fortunately, with Sumeru stabilizing the surrounding spiritual energy, the influx of energy didn’t overwhelm his body’s limits.

“His talent is too poor. The effects of this Yin-Yang essence can’t even manifest properly, and it might even backfire.”

Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.

When he used this same Yin-Yang essence on Lu Wangshu, her foundation improved significantly.

But in Lu Qingsong’s case, it was pushing him to the brink.

It was clear that as Lu Changsheng’s cultivation advanced, this Yin-Yang essence had become too potent for most people to handle.

“Only those with a flawless foundation could truly benefit from this Yin-Yang essence.”

Lu Changsheng murmured to himself, keeping his Divine Sense focused on his son’s Foundation Establishment.

He placed his hand on Lu Qingsong’s shoulder, using the Yin-Yang essence as a conduit to help him solidify his foundation.

Bit by bit, time passed.

Half a month later, a Dao Foundation riddled with cracks slowly took shape within Lu Qingsong’s dantian.

The foundation emitted a glowing haze that purified his body, turning his muscles lustrous with the spiritual pressure of Foundation Establishment.

“He succeeded!”

“He established his foundation successfully!”

Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaohuan, and LL Yun, who were watching, were all filled with joy and inspiration.

But Lu Changsheng only sighed inwardly.

He had spent years mocking others for their shoddy attempts at Foundation Establishment.

Yet now, his own children were turning out just as poorly.

Lu Qingsong would never have succeeded if not for his intervention; his foundation would have crumbled halfway through the process.

If he had just been a little stronger, he could’ve had at least a flawed foundation instead of a shattered one.

“Father.”

Lu Qingsong opened his eyes, happiness visible on his face, though he also appeared somewhat ashamed as he looked at Lu Changsheng.

During the Foundation Establishment, he was well aware that he had almost failed several times.

If not for his father’s aid, forcing his foundation into place with the Yin-Yang essence, he would have failed.

“Heh, not bad. The Lu Family has gained another Foundation Establishment cultivator, which is worth celebrating.”

Lu Changsheng wouldn’t blame his son, instead smiling warmly.

After all, no one aspires to botch their Foundation Establishment; everyone wants to form a perfect foundation.

But talent and ability can’t be forced.

“Congratulations, Qingsong, on breaking through to Foundation Establishment!”

“Congratulations to my son on his breakthrough!”

“Congratulations, Brother Qingsong.”

The nearby group all offered their congratulations.

Regardless of the type of foundation, breaking through to Foundation Establishment was an event worth celebrating.

“Thank you, Mother, Aunts.”

Lu Qingsong expressed his gratitude. He then turned to Lu Yun and the others, “I’ve only taken the lead. I’ll congratulate you all in advance for your own successful breakthroughs, Yun, Caizhen, Xingchen, and Lingxiao.”

“Qingsong, you’ve just broken through. Focus on stabilizing your realm.”

Lu Changsheng advised gently.

With a flawless or perfect foundation, stabilizing the realm wouldn’t take much effort.

But with a shattered foundation, sudden surges of emotion or using one’s power too soon could destabilize it. It would require more time and effort.

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Qingsong nodded, quickly closing his eyes and circulating his cultivation technique, quietly experiencing the transformation and rebirth brought by the Foundation Establishment.

Lu Changsheng then looked at the group, asking who wanted to go next.

They had already discussed it and decided Lu Lingxiao would go second.

So, Lu Lingxiao began his Foundation Establishment.

He had long been ready.

After a brief moment of adjustment, he began the process.

The three stages of Foundation Establishment were simple for Lu Lingxiao.

It had taken Lu Qingsong nearly a month to adjust and complete the three stages.

But Lu Lingxiao did it in just one day.

This efficiency left Lu Yun, Lu Caizhen, and Lu Xingchen momentarily stunned.

They couldn’t help but feel that the gap between people could be as vast as that between humans and monkeys.

“Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—”

Once Lu Lingxiao completed the three stages, the surrounding spiritual energy surged towards him, forming a massive vortex.

This vortex was over ten times the size of Lu Qingsong’s.

“No wonder there’s such a gap between Foundation Establishment cultivators…”

Lu Caizhen muttered.

She knew that Foundation Establishment had its distinctions.

But she had never experienced its stark reality.

Now, watching the processes of both Lu Qingsong and Lu Lingxiao made it crystal clear.

“Lingxiao has a Spirit Body, so his foundation is naturally different.”

Lu Changsheng explained to his other children to prevent them from feeling disheartened.

“A Spirit Body!?”

“No wonder…”

They all murmured in realization.

Indeed, none of the siblings had participated in the Spirit Root testing ceremony.

So discussions about their Spirit Root talents were rare even among themselves.

“Sumeru!”

Lu Changsheng called out, asking Sumeru to pour more spiritual energy into Lu Lingxiao.

He then sent a newly formed Yin-Yang essence into Lu Lingxiao.

Unlike Lu Qingsong, Lu Lingxiao’s robust foundation and second-stage body tempering ensured he could handle the benefits of this essence.

Despite that, the defined contours of Lu Lingxiao’s face still showed signs of pain, with black flames slowly igniting on his skin, as Dragon’s Chant Yang energy surged.

“Now this is what a Foundation Establishment should look like.”

Lu Changsheng nodded with satisfaction at his son’s progress.

With a foundation like this, Lu Lingxiao didn’t need his help. He was well on his way to forming a perfect foundation.

Three days later.

“Boom!”

Suddenly, a powerful flow of qi and blood surged within Lu Changsheng, filling his body as the Hundred Refined Body Technique seemed to activate on its own, pushing him towards the tenth layer.

Lu Changsheng realized this was because his son, Lu Ping’an, had just reached the eighth layer of the Hundred Refined Body Technique.

As a result, it triggered the breakthrough that was already brewing within him.

Realizing what was happening, Lu Changsheng entrusted Lu Miaoge and Ling Zixiao to ook after Lu Lingxiao, saying he needed to go into seclusion for a while.

“Sure, we’ll keep an eye on Lingxiao.”

“Don’t worry, go ahead.”

Lu Miaoge and Ling Zixiao quiikly nodded.

Cultivators’ breakthroughs were unpredictable.

They could come at any unexpected time.

But grasping those moments could bring many benefits.

Lu Changsheng arrived at Hall of Everlasting Life, heading into his Cave Dwelling, allowing the Hundred Refined Body Technique to operate freely within him.

“Boom—boom—boom—”

In an instant, the cave was filled with endless, dazzling energy, erupting from his body like a volcano.

Sumeru’s power isolated this intense flow of energy from the rest of the cave heaven.

Without it, the sheer force alone could have overturned Hall of Everlasting Life, disrupting Lu Qingsong, who was stabilizing his realm, or Lu Lingxiao, who was still in the midst of Foundation Establishment.

“Boom—boom—boom—”

The boiling qi and blood roared like heavenly thunder, spreading in waves that engulfed the entire cave.

Lu Changsheng could clearly see his blood glowing gold, flowing like rivers converging into the lower dantian.

Then, like a rainbow, it surged up through the middle dantian and upper dantian, causing massive energy to spiral above his head.

His whole being emanated the aura of a primordial dragon, full of overwhelming vitality.

“Clang—clang—clang—”

A sound like clashing metal reverberated from within, as his organs resonated like divine instruments, bones and tendons being reforged with each strike.

[Congratulations to the host for having ten offspring break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. You’ve unlocked the following bloodline effects: 1% increased chance for offspring to inherit Spirit Body. One high-level draw opportunity awarded!]

During this process, Lu Changsheng faintly heard a notification from the system.

But he paid it no mind, focusing entirely on his breakthrough in the Hundred Refined Body Technique.

Even though his body was already at its limit.

He still needed to dedicate some time to finishing this process.

Time passed bit by bit.

Half a month later.

Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, which seemed to contain the sun and moon, shining with divine brilliance.

His body was flawless, muscles pulsing with energy, radiating immense power.

As he stood, a layer of golden powder fell from his skin.

This was the impurity expelled during his breakthrough.

Even this dust could be used to forge Artifacts!

Feeling the surging power within him, Lu Changsheng raised a hand and pressed it against the air.

“Boom—”

A muffled sound echoed as the very space seemed to buckle slightly.

“Every breakthrough in body refinement brings an indescribable sense of satisfaction and security.”

A faint smile appeared on Lu Changsheng’s face.

Although the tenth layer of the Hundred Refined Body Technique wouldn’t dramatically change his overall strength.

The sensation of immense, indomitable power filling his body was wonderful.

After tidying his robe and using Cleanse, Lu Changsheng left his Cave Dwelling.

It was at this moment.

“Knock, knock, knock—”

Suddenly, he heard a series of crisp, rhythmic knocking sounds.

“Where’s that noise coming from?”

Lu Changsheng was slightly puzzled.

The next moment, he remembered that he had completely forgotten about the daughter he had picked up earlier.

He quickly went to the side hall and opened the Crystal Coffin.

“Daddy!”

Bing’er immediately sat up halfway from the coffin when she heard him approach, her bright, innocent eyes gazing at him, as if to say she had slept long enough.

“Bing’er, Daddy has been busy with some things.”

Lu Changsheng apologized, picking her up from the coffin.

“It’s okay, Bing’er always waits for Daddy.”

Like a little kitten, Bing’er snuggled into his arms, her clear eyes narrowing comfortably as she inhaled his scent.

Watching his daughter get this close, Lu Changsheng felt a bit helpless.

He realized that he couldn’t keep letting her sleep in the coffin forever, nor did he have the heart to do so.

“Bing’er’s temperament might suit getting along with Ling’er and Xiaohe.”

Lu Changsheng pondered, thinking it was time to help Bing’er integrate into the family.

That way, when he was busy, she could find Bai Ling or his daughter, Lu Linghe, to play with.

“Bing’er, I’ll introduce you to a few sisters later. You can play with them when you’re bored.”

Lu Changsheng patted her little head and said.

“Mm-hmm, Bing’er will listen to Daddy.”

Bing’er obediently nodded and agreed.

Lu Changsheng took Bing’er out of Hall of Everlasting Life.

Lu Lingxiao and Lu Qingsong were stabilizing their realms.

Lu Yun, Lu Caizhen, and Lu Xingchen were sitting quietly, calming themselves.

“Yun and Caizhen, you two can break through together.”

Lu Changsheng spoke to the three.

From Lu Qingsong’s situation, he could tell that the Yin-Yang essence was too much for just one person to handle.

So, he decided to split the essence in half to benefit both of them simultaneously.

“Yes, Father.”

The two nodded and began preparing for their Foundation Establishment.

Afterward, Lu Changsheng left Hall of Everlasting Life and went to the back mountain of Biyun Peak to find his son, Lu Ping’an.

At that moment, Lu Ping’an was training a Silver-Winged Golden Lightning Falcon.

“Father.”

When Lu Ping’an saw Lu Changsheng with Bing’er, he immediately greeted them.

But he was a little surprised to see Bing’er, as he had never seen her before, and she didn’t look like she shared a spousal relationship with his father.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, then glanced at the Silver-Winged Golden Lightning Falcon and said, “Use this falcon for transportation, but avoid using it for combat unless necessary.”

The Silver-Winged Golden Lightning Falcon, being a lower-Tier celestial beast, wasn’t particularly rare.

However, it was stolen property, so Lu Changsheng felt the need to remind his son to be cautious.

“?”

Lu Ping’an was momentarily confused.

Looking at his beast tamer token and then the falcon, he immediately understood that this spirit beast was likely taken from someone else and was considered stolen.

“Got it, Father.”

Lu Ping’an nodded in understanding.

Although he knew his father wasn’t as gentle and refined as he appeared.

It still felt strange to think of his father, with his scholarly demeanor, engaging in fierce combat.

“Father, I plan to depart with the caravan in half a month.”

Lu Ping’an informed him.

He had already decided on a date, but the time spent on the Hundred Refined Body Technique had caused delays, so he wanted to set off as soon as possible.

“Alright. Be careful on the road, and don’t be afraid to reveal your strength if you encounter danger.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, then handed Lu Ping’an a stone bead, “This bead can see through illusions. Use it when you come across items you can’t identify while trading.”

“And take this Spirit-Seeking Rat as well. It can detect treasures along the way.”

Lu Changsheng handed over the Spirit-Seeking Rat.

He had no use for it at the moment, but it could be quite useful for the caravan.

“A Spirit-Seeking Rat? A treasure mouse?”

Lu Ping’an stared at the large golden rat in front of him, surprised, “Father, can I use this Spirit-Seeking Rat in public?”

“???”

Lu Changsheng stared at his son for a moment, “Yes, this Spirit-Seeking Rat is fine, but be a bit more discreet with the stone bead.”

“…”

Lu Ping’an silently stored away the bead.

After advising Lu Ping’an, Lu Changsheng returned to the Lu Family Mansion.

At this time, Ling Zixiao brought their daughter, Lu Linghe, and informed Lu Changsheng that she wanted to join Lu Ping’an’s trading expedition.

Their son, Lu Lingxiao, had similar intentions.

So Ling Zixiao planned to accompany them on this journey, to watch over both children.

After all, she couldn’t feel at ease with her daughter traveling far on her own.

And their son, Lu Lingxiao, had spent his entire life within the region.

This expedition would provide him with invaluable experience and knowledge.

“Alright.”

After a moment of thought, Lu Changsheng smiled at his wife, “With you by their side, I’ll feel much more at ease as well.”

Although their son Lu Lingxiao had just broken through to Foundation Establishment, ideally, he should stay home and focus on mastering his new techniques.

But since his son had his mind set on it, and his wife had already spoken, Lu Changsheng saw no reason to refuse.

Besides, his children needed to get out more and broaden their horizons.

This journey would be an excellent learning experience for Lu Lingxiao.

With Ling Zixiao accompanying them, Lu Changsheng felt reassured. He even had confidence that the trading expedition would go smoothly.