Chapter 545: Lu Ping’an’s Marriage: Twenty Children Achieve Foundation Establishment!

White Tiger Mountain.

“Hmm, gone out?”

Lu Changsheng arrived at White Tiger Mountain and learned that his son and Qin Yi had gone out.

After asking about the situation, he glanced at the Nine Abyss Mastiff in the back mountain.

Five years ago, he gave the Nine Abyss Mastiff a Monster Core of a Third-Tier Moon Wolf. Its growth has been rapid, now reaching the peak of Second-Tier.

Once it fully digests the Monster Core, it should reach the quasi-Third-Tier level.

But breaking through to Third-Tier is no simple task and will take time to accumulate.

Actually, Hong Lian has a secret technique that consumes lifespan, potential, and spirituality to accelerate the growth of demonic beasts.

But Lu Changsheng didn’t want to stunt its growth, turning his spirit beasts into wasted potential.

According to Hong Lian, many Beast-Taming sects sell Second-Tier great demons and Third-Tier Demon Kings that have been cultivated using this secret technique.

Since his son and his little girlfriend were out playing, Lu Changsheng wasn’t in a hurry. He left some instructions and then went to Flower and Fruit Mountain to check on things.

His son, Lu Chensha, was in charge there.

Lu Chensha was introverted and didn’t like going out. Every day, he stayed home to train and nurture the Ironfire Ants.

Occasionally, he would go to the Black Cloud Mountain Range to hunt some demonic beasts to feed his pets.

After a round of inspections, Lu Changsheng returned to Bihu Mountain and began quietly drawing talismans.

Since the family had gotten on track and after he broke through to Golden Core Formation, he had hardly drawn any talismans.

Partly because his time and energy were limited.

And also because the Third-Tier low-grade talismans were of little help to him and didn’t bring enough benefits.

But now, preparing to hunt the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, he naturally took up this skill again, intending to draw more Third-Tier talismans for his protection.

“Tsk, with my talent in talismans, not focusing on them is a huge loss to the Immortal Cultivation World!”

Lu Changsheng drew a Third-Tier talisman in one stroke and exclaimed.

With his cultivation level and the enhancements brought by the Taiyi Soul, his perception and learning ability had vastly improved.

Even though he hadn’t drawn a talisman in a long time, he was not rusty at all.

During the drawing process, he even had momentary insights, gaining deeper understanding of the spirit patterns in the ‘Nine-Nine Mysterious Talisman Scripture.’

Of course, this was also due to the foundation laid by the Blood Talisman Spirit Body.

Otherwise, even a Nascent Soul cultivator couldn’t have such incredible talent!

After drawing talismans for a long time and feeling a little tired, Lu Changsheng left the Cave Dwelling to relax with his wives and concubines.

Afterward, thinking that Hong Lian was still in seclusion, he visited the Lu Family Mansion to offer guidance to his children.

The Lu Family was already on the right track in this regard.

The family had inheritances in formations, pill refinement, equipment refining, talisman making, puppetry, beast taming, spirit plant cultivation, spiritual cooking, and spirit butchery. They even had Second-Tier instructors to teach, so Lu Changsheng didn’t have to worry.

But for someone like Lu Wangshu or Lu Xingchen, they still needed their father’s guidance and teaching.

“Please, spend more time on your talismans!”

Seeing his daughter Lu Wangshu fiddling with her puppet again, Lu Changsheng felt speechless.

This daughter had undeniable talent in talisman making.

She was already capable of drawing Second-Tier high-grade talismans.

But she was always goofing off, either fishing, playing with puppets, refining pills, or making Artifacts.

Lu Changsheng really couldn’t tolerate it.

“Father, this is called combining work and rest, and understanding things by analogy!”

Lu Wangshu, in a pink and white dress, had a charming and flawless face.

“Elder Sister is right. Eat when it’s time to eat. Drink when it’s time to drink. Play when it’s time to play. Cultivate when it’s time to cultivate.”

Beside her, Lu Linghe, in a red dress and with her hair in a bun, nodded while helping with Artifact refining.

“You two got each other’s back now, huh?”

Lu Changsheng pinched Lu Wangshu’s fair cheek and said, “Since you’re interested in puppetry, I’ll teach you about it today.”

He then brought his children to the Equipment Refining Hall and opened up his forging platform.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”

The Thunder-Reinforced Dragon Flame poured into the forging platform, igniting the black-gold flames.

Lu Changsheng took out various materials and the skeleton of a huge shark from his Heaven and Earth Binding Shadow Belt.

Since breaking through to Golden Core Formation, awakening the Taiyi Soul, and acquiring Third-Tier equipment refining skills and Second-Tier formation skills, Lu Changsheng had gained new insights into puppetry.

If he was willing, he could meditate for a year or two and then be promoted to a Third-Tier puppeteer!

Lu Changsheng multitasked, forging the puppet’s embryo, crafting its parts, and drawing spirit engravings simultaneously.

Under the astonished exclamations of his children, a giant shark puppet embryo, like a spirit boat, gradually took shape.

“Wow! Father, you’re amazing!”

Lu Linghe exclaimed in surprise.

Lu Wangshu also looked at the giant shark puppet, unable to hide her envy.

But making a puppet is a lot of work. Even Lu Changsheng couldn’t finish it quickly.

Judging that it was time, he took his children out for a meal.

“Father, you worked hard today.”

After the meal, Lu Wangshu poured tea for Lu Changsheng and massaged his shoulders, her face sweet and obedient.

Lu Changsheng glanced at his daughter, amused.

He thought to himself, ‘When it comes to playing tricks, can I, Lu, be outdone?’

“What’s going on?”

He pretended not to know and asked.

“Father~,”

Lu Wangshu understood her father’s character very well.

Today, Father made this giant shark puppet and deliberately shaped it like a spirit boat, obviously trying to bait her.

But she genuinely liked this puppet!

“Alright then, if you can create a top-grade Second-Tier talisman someday, I’ll give you this giant shark puppet as a reward.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t beat around the bush and spoke directly.

This daughter had extraordinary talent but lacked pressure and ambition.

So Lu Changsheng kept dangling incentives in front of her to motivate her forward.

“Father, you’re just baiting me again. You promised me a puppet before, but you still haven’t given it to me!”

Lu Wangshu pouted and huffed.

“Did I? Maybe I was too busy? This time, for sure!”

Lu Changsheng said seriously.

“No, finish this one first, or you’ll trick me again!”

Lu Wangshu said with a face full of grievances.

“How could I? When have I ever lied to you? I was just really busy before.”

“How about this? I just happen to have some materials on hand. If you can reach the pinnacle of Second-Tier Talisman Mastery within three years, I’ll upgrade this giant shark puppet to quasi-Third-Tier for you.”

“I’ll also equip it with all the matching Artifacts on your Bright Moon vessel. What do you say?”

Lu Changsheng said with a serious tone.

Lu Wangshu didn’t reply but instead gave her father a suspicious look.

Even with her talent, reaching the pinnacle of Second-Tier Talisman Mastery within three years would be challenging.

“You might miss the village if you don’t take this offer.”

Lu Changsheng said leisurely, preparing to leave.

“Promise you’ll keep your word!”

Seeing this, Lu Wangshu pouted.

“Sigh, daughters grow up and start to doubt their fathers.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head and sighed dramatically.

“No way! Father’s the best!”

Lu Wangshu smiled sweetly, clinging to her father’s arm. She obediently said, “Father, I recently had a few questions about ‘Nine-Nine Mysterious Talisman Scripture’ that I wanted to ask you about.”

“Oh?”

Father and daughter soon engaged in loving discussions.

In Ruyi County, at Lu Mansion.

Lu Lanshu was wearing a dark silk robe, her silver hair neatly bundled up. She was basking in the courtyard under the sun, attended by maids and young servants.

“Elder Young Master!”

Her personal maid suddenly exclaimed, causing Lu Lanshu’s heart to skip a beat. She opened her slightly clouded eyes and saw a man and woman walking side by side.

The man’s face was upright, and he was tall and sturdy, exuding an extraordinary aura.

The woman had slender eyes, red lips, a straight and elegant nose, and her jet-black hair was tied in a high ponytail, giving her a heroic appearance.

“Ping’an, Xiao Qin,”

Lu Lanshu called out with a delighted smile when she saw them and quickly got up.

“Mother.”

Lu Ping’an stepped forward to support his mother.

“Come, Xiao Qin, sit down.”

Lu Lanshu smiled and waved Qin Yi over, then quickly said to the maid, “Xier, bring some spiritual fruits from my room.”

“Ping’an, how come you had the time to visit today?”

Lu Lanshu knew her son was busy with cultivation and could only come home once or twice a year.

“Mom, there’s something I need to tell you this time.”

Lu Ping’an glanced at Qin Yi beside him and scratched his head awkwardly.

“What is it?”

Seeing her son’s awkward expression, Lu Lanshu couldn’t help but feel a little hopeful.

“Qin Yi and I have become Dao Companions. From now on, Qin Yi is your daughter-in-law.”

Lu Ping’an grinned.

“Daughter-in-law?”

Lu Lanshu was stunned, then looked at them in disbelief. “Ping’an, are you just teasing me to make me happy?”

She knew her son was very filial and thought he was saying it just to make her happy.

“Aunt, I am indeed Dao Companions with Lu Ping’an.”

Even with her forthright personality, Qin Yi was a bit shy and stuttered.

“Ping’an, you and Xiao Qin got married? This is wonderful news. Of course, your mother is happy!”

“But for something like this, shouldn’t we celebrate it properly?”

Lu Lanshu said.

In her mind, how could her son’s wedding be taken so lightly?

“Mom, both Qin Yi and I are cultivators. We don’t care about those formalities.”

Lu Ping’an glanced at Qin Yi and said.

Honestly, given his personality, he was inclined to propose and have a proper wedding.

But since Qin Yi’s parents died when she was young, and her Master was far away in the Heavenly Sword Sect and despised those pompous traditions,

Moreover, the idea of becoming Dao Companions was Qin Yi’s suggestion after seeing how hesitant he was, to which he dumbfoundedly agreed.

“No need for a wedding then. Let’s just celebrate within the family?”

Lu Lanshu said, looking at them hopefully.

“Okay.”

Qin Yi nodded at the elderly woman’s hopeful gaze.

“Xiao Qin, I don’t have much to give you, but traditions must be upheld. Here, take this bracelet as a gift.”

Lu Lanshu handed a jade bracelet to Qin Yi, her manner gentle and kind.

She had prepared this bracelet for decades, waiting for her eldest son to finally marry.

And to top it off, he married a Sword Immortal!

Following Lu Lanshu’s instructions, the mansion held a small banquet and prepared a marital chambers for Lu Ping’an and Qin Yi.

The process was very simple.

It was just Qin Yi serving Lu Lanshu tea.

However, since both of them were not only cultivators but also Foundation Establishment cultivators, everyone understood the simplicity.

“Ping’an, Xiao Qin, now that you’re married, you should aim to have a plump baby soon.”

Lu Lanshu sipped her tea, her face shining with joy.

“Uh, we’ll do our best.”

Lu Ping’an replied stiffly.

Qin Yi’s face flushed red.

She was already mentally prepared for what might come with Lu Ping’an.

After all, aside from Lu Ping’an, she couldn’t imagine marrying anyone else.

But she hadn’t thought about children.

Thinking about the Lu Family from Bihu Mountain, they certainly had a tradition of having many children. She had heard that after marriage, most Lu Family members would start with three to five children.

Even with her firm heart as a sword cultivator, she was a little frightened.

Night fell.

The candlelight illuminated the bridal chamber.

“Lu Ping’an, let me make this clear—I will only have at most one child!”

Qin Yi blushed and held up a finger.

“I’ll leave that to you.”

Lu Ping’an replied.

Honestly, he didn’t really care much about having children.

But in such a family environment and after such exposure, he thought it would be expected to have at least one after getting married.

Of course, if Qin Yi didn’t want any, he wouldn’t force her.

After all, they were both cultivators with grand ambitions and desires for exploring vast worlds.

Of course, having a child would add some emotional burdens.

After a while.

“Lu Ping’an, what are you standing there dazed for?”

“I’m not dazed.”

“On the wedding night, it’s time to rest.”

“Yi Yi, you’re so beautiful, like in a painting.”

“When did Lu Ping’an become so smooth-tongued?”

“Um, I’m just telling the truth.”

As they talked, the two became more and more intimate.

Of course, that night was full of warmth and passion.

Half a month later.

Lu Ping’an returned to Bihu Mountain.

Lu Changsheng intended to inquire about his son and Qin Yi’s progress.

But when he saw his son coming with Qin Yi and heard they had already become Dao Companions, he was left in disbelief.

He didn’t expect his son to move so fast!

“Father, you weren’t home before, and this happened so suddenly, so I didn’t tell you.”

Lu Ping’an scratched his head and said.

He felt that something as important as marriage should be notified to parents.

But it all happened quite quickly.

Even he hadn’t fully processed it.

“As long as you’ve settled it, we cultivators don’t focus much on these formalities.”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand and smiled.

Then he looked at Qin Yi beside him and took out a stack of talismans from his Storage Ring, saying, “This all came up suddenly, but as a wedding gift, here are some talismans.”

A future daughter-in-law got one kind of treatment; an official daughter-in-law received another.

“Ah, Uncle, this is too precious,”

Qin Yi couldn’t yet bring herself to call them Mother and Father and quickly refused.

“No worries, take them.”

Lu Changsheng generously offered.

“Since Father insists, Yi Yi, just accept it,”

Lu Ping’an said when he saw her hesitation.

“Thank you, Father.”

Holding the stack of Third-Tier talismans, Qin Yi suddenly understood why Lu Ping’an used to seem like an obedient, foolish son of a landlord.

The old ancestor of the Lu Family, Master of Bihu Mountain—if it weren’t for his striking appearance, he would fit the image of a wealthy landlord perfectly.

After all these years, she had never heard of anyone gifting a stack of ten Third-Tier talismans!

“Ping’an, Xiao Qin, I don’t have much prepared either, but here’s a little something. May you walk hand in hand and live long in the Dao.”

Lu Miaoyun, seeing this, also ook out a Brocade Box from her Storage Bag and spoke softly.

She had stayed home for most of her life and didn’t possess any rare items.

So this was just a simple, thoughtful gift.

“Thank you, Aunt.”

The two cupped their hands in thanks.

Soon after, news of Lu Ping’an’s marriage spread throughout Bihu Mountain. The wives and concubines in the family had all prepared gifts.

Lu Quanzhen, Lu Yun, Lu Wangshu, Lu Qingxian, and others also heard the news and sent wedding gifts.

The gifts might not have been many or valuable.

But after all, when it comes to their elder brother getting married, they still wanted to express their goodwill.

Looking at the continuous stream of gifts from the Lu Family members, Qin Yi sighed inwardly.

Even without holding a formal wedding, just a small gathering in the Lu Family house brought in so many gifts.

If they had a proper wedding, considering Lu Ping’an’s reputation and her status as a direct disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, who knows how many people might come bearing gifts?

She didn’t regret it though.

She never liked owing favors.

Even if the gifts were from friends and family, she would remember and try to repay them when possible.

Originally, Lu Changsheng planned to shower Lu Ping’an with resources in his regimen.

Using abundant Natural Treasures, medicinal baths, and the Treasure Bone Technique, he hoped to help him blast through the ninth level of the Hundred Refined Body Technique.

But seeing his son newly married, he temporarily shelved the idea and let them enjoy some time alone together.

In the days that followed, Lu Changsheng divided his time between accompanying his wives and concubines, teaching his children, and drawing talismans.

In this way, half a year passed quickly.

Meng Xiaochan returned from Qingluan Immortal City after purchasing some materials.

The Jiang Kingdom, unlike the Jin Kingdom, lacked the demonic cultivation grounds and materials for refining poisons.

She could only make a few poisons effective against Golden Core cultivators and Third-Tier demonic beasts.

Apart from refining poisons, these days, Lu Changsheng and Meng Xiaochan had often enjoyed intimacy.

They were unsure if it was poor cultivation or if being Golden Core cultivators hindered fertility, as she still hadn’t conceived.

Lu Ping’an and Qin Yi returned after three months of travel.

Even though the time wasn’t enough to break through, Lu Changsheng still prepared a medicinal bath for his eldest son, hoping he would soon reach the ninth level of the Hundred Refined Body Technique.

But based on Lu Ping’an’s progression rate, Lu Changsheng estimated that even with medicinal baths and plenty of Natural Treasures, it would take him another two to three years to settle down.

Rushing the breakthrough to the ninth level could be dangerous.

Then one day, a vortex of spiritual energy swirled over Bihu Mountain.

Someone was breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

But thanks to Bihu Mountain’s offer to help refine Foundation Establishment Pills and provide a place for breakthrough practice, this was a common sight.

After some time, the breakthrough was successful. The vortex dissipated, forming a faint cloud of spiritual energy.

[Congratulations, Host! Twenty of your children have reached Foundation Establishment. Bloodline effect activated: Child’s Spirit Body Inheritance Rate increased by 3%. You’ve also received one high-tier lottery chance!]

“Phew, finally reached twenty!”

Lu Changsheng smiled with satisfaction upon hearing the system notification.

Twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators could be considered an elite force anywhere.

“But to control an entire Immortal City, twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators aren’t nearly enough.”

In the Bihu Mountain region, with over twenty Foundation Establishment members in the family, it’s already quite crowded, and a branch family setup would be necessary.

But in an Immortal City, twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators would barely suffice.

In fact, they would be outclassed by the city’s enforcement team.

“I wonder if today’s draw will bring any surprises.”

After so many high-tier lottery draws, Lu Changsheng felt rather calm.

But thinking about hunting the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, he couldn’t help but hope for something useful in this draw.

If he could get a Third-Tier spirit pet or a Rare Treasure to directly boost his combat power, his chances of success would increase!

“System, initiate the draw!”

Lu Changsheng silently commanded.

Suddenly, the high-tier prize wheel appeared, and golden lights began to spin.

After a few moments, the golden light paused at the ‘Spirit Treasure’ reward section.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You’ve obtained the Spirit Treasure: Michen Banner!]

[The reward has been transferred to the system space. You may access it anytime.]

A small banner about the size of a hand, radiating five-colored light with a human heart emblem in the center, emerged from the prize wheel, accompanied by the system notification.

“A Spirit Treasure!?”

Lu Changsheng squinted.

This was his first time drawing a Spirit Treasure!

Before, he had only drawn Artifacts, with the sole exception of the embryonic Tongtian Spirit Treasure—Nine-Treasure Jade Ruyi.

[Michen Banner]

[Grade: High-Grade Spirit Treasure]

[Description: This treasure, refined over many years by Lady Tianhu, can conceal mountains within a mustard seed, transforming into clouds that protect the user. It can move one thousands of miles in an instant, unaffected by fierce storm winds or chaotic spatial currents.]

“Is this… a life-saving treasure?”

Reading the effects, Lu Changsheng frowned.

He was hoping this high-tier lottery draw would give him something more exciting.

But instead, he got something that seemed somewhat useless.

“Extract.”

Lu Changsheng prepared to inspect the treasure’s detailed effects.

“Buzz!”

In an instant, a one-foot-long banner, shining with a five-colored light and adorned with a human heart emblem in the center, appeared.

Beside it were two smaller banners about the size of a palm.

“Michen Banner, truly a fine Michen Banner!”

“Not only can it be used as a protective Artifact that shields the entire body during battle, but it also allows instant teleportation of thousands or even tens of thousands of miles at a thought. Plus, it comes with two sub-banners!”

“By fusing these sub-banners into the ley lines, I could use the Michen Banner to teleport directly to their location!”

Lu Changsheng understood the full capabilities of this Michen Banner and immediately became excited.

Although it wasn’t the combat treasure he desired,

Its practicality far exceeded any combat Spirit Treasure in his eyes!

Traveling back and forth had been quite cumbersome over the years.

With the Michen Banner, he would save an enormous amount of time in the future.

If he wanted to return to his family’s ley lines even from tens of thousands of miles away, he could do so with just a thought!

“If I acquire the Immortal City of Da Mengze, the frequent trips back and forth would be incredibly bothersome.”

“But with the Michen Banner, I could simply place one sub-banner in Da Mengze and the other in Bihu Mountain’s ley lines, effectively creating a teleportation array!”

Lu Changsheng was genuinely delighted, feeling that this Spirit Treasure was perfectly suited to him.

Finally, the system had given him something truly useful!

However, this Spirit Treasure also had its limitations and flaws.

If someone used a Magical Domain or a technique to seal the sky or space, the Michen Banner could be interfered with and wouldn’t teleport effectively.

For example, Lu Changsheng’s innate Magical Treasure—Yin-Yang Dao Diagram—had the ability to seal the heavens and suppress space.

At the Nascent Soul True Lord level, most cultivators had access to such techniques.

This meant teleporting with the Michen Banner could still face many challenges.

Additionally, teleporting with the Michen Banner for anything other than the sub-banners resulted in random destinations, which could be dangerous.

Using the Michen Banner in this way also consumed a vast amount of Spiritual Energy and spirituality.

The farther the distance, the greater the consumption!

“With the Substitute Life Charm and the Michen Banner, my defensive measures have reached a new level.”

Lu Changsheng was thrilled, gazing at the Michen Banner before him.

He still had one major concern.

How terrifying would the Michen Banner’s energy consumption be?

After all, this was a Spirit Treasure!

A High-Grade Spirit Treasure that only Nascent Soul True Lords could fully wield!

“Buzz!”

The Michen Banner, as a Spirit Treasure, had high spirituality and could already establish simple communication with Lu Changsheng.

The Michen Banner’s Artifact spirit informed Lu Changsheng that if there was not enough Spiritual Energy, he could burn Spirit Stones, spiritual veins, or Essence Wine to replenish it.

In case of extreme danger, the Spirit Treasure’s core could be burned to force teleportation.

“Tsk, so this is what a Spirit Treasure is like. It’s really considerate.”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but praise.

With this Spirit Treasure in hand, hunting the Deep Sea Demon Whale King would be much safer, even if something unexpected happened.

Next, Lu Changsheng went to the Hall of Everlasting Life to begin refining the Spirit Treasure.

Ordinarily, refining a Spirit Treasure would consume a lot of time and energy.

But with the Michen Banner’s Artifact spirit actively cooperating, the refining process was even easier than refining an Artifact.