Chapter 693: The Enigmatic Spirit and the Pill of Heaven

Lu Family Compound, Miaoyun Cottage.

“So this is the legendary Heaven Mending Pill?”

Lu Miaoyun gazed at the pill before her, curiosity written all over her face.

Qu Zhenzhen, having seen the Heaven Mending Pill in her youth, recalled that both her son Lu Quanzhen and daughter Lu Caizhen had taken it.

“Yes, this is indeed the Heaven Mending Pill. Consuming it can upgrade a low-grade Spirit Root to an intermediate one, and an intermediate Spirit Root might even ascend to a high-grade one,”

Lu Changsheng replied with a hint of nostalgia.

Gathering enough ingredients for this batch of Heaven Mending Pills hadn’t been easy.

Even now, with his status as Deputy City Lord of Immortal City, negotiating with high-level cultivators from the Heavenly Sword Sect and Jiang Kingdom for this pill was no simple task.

“Husband, how do you plan to allocate these three Heaven Mending Pills?”

Qu Zhenzhen knew these pills were meant for their family’s younger generation.

“Let’s give one each to Ruyi and Qingsong, and we can see what to do with the last one later,”

Lu Changsheng said softly.

He had pondered over the distribution of the Heaven Mending Pills for quite a while.

There were just too many children in the family who needed the pills.

Take their daughter Lu Wangshu for instance; both she and their son Lu Qingxian could definitely benefit from the Heaven Mending Pill to elevate their low-grade Spirit Roots, increasing their chances of Core Formation in the future.

Their companion Zhao Qingqing had a low-grade Spirit Body (Wood Spirit) and only a sixth-grade Spirit Root; if she took the Heaven Mending Pill, her Spirit Root could rise to the fourth grade, potentially leading to Core Formation.

And then there were his other children: Lu Chensha, Lu Xingyang, Lu Qingyan, Lu Qingli, Lu Qingzhu, and many more who also needed it.

Ultimately, he decided to prioritize the children with low-grade Spirit Roots.

Like their daughter Lu Ruyi, who worked tirelessly for the family yet only had an eighth-grade Spirit Root.

Even with numerous treasures to assist her cultivation, her progress could only rival an intermediate Spirit Root, making it hard for her to break past the late stages of Foundation Establishment.

Relying on a second-tier Breaking Pill wouldn’t ensure she could break through to late-stage Foundation Establishment either.

But if she consumed a Heaven Mending Pill, her low-grade Spirit Root would likely become intermediate. Who knows? She might even achieve Core Formation, or a False Core, down the line.

His son Lu Qingsong was in a similar situation.

Despite making many contributions to the family, he only had a seventh-grade Spirit Root, inheriting his mother Lu Miaohuan’s traits.

As for the last pill, considering how many children needed it, he didn’t want to be too biased. He prepared to set some criteria later for the children to compete for it, prioritizing their contributions to the family.

“Mm~”

Lu Miaoyun and Qu Zhenzhen responded softly, not offering any opinions.

After all, they both knew many in the family could use the Heaven Mending Pill, but with only three available, distribution would be tricky no matter how one looked at it.

After a few days of rest, Lu Changsheng suddenly recalled the lottery he had won and the True Spirit Bloodline he had received.

“System, merge!”

With a mental command, Lu Changsheng decided to prioritize merging the True Spirit Bloodline into his Chaos Body.

“Boom!”

Instantly, he felt a wave of scorching power flowing through his limbs and bones.

Slowly, he became aware of the effects of this True Spirit Bloodline.

It was aligned with space properties, had a fire affinity, and boasted strong self-healing capabilities.

“But why does this True Spirit Bloodline feel so weak?”

Lu Changsheng frowned slightly.

If he compared this True Spirit Bloodline to a Spirit Body, its effects felt at best average.

Yet years ago, when he merged with his daughter Lu Baixi’s True Spirit Bloodline, the effects of all three traits nearly surpassed a top-tier Spirit Body.

“Could it be that Little Xi’s bloodline is just stronger?”

Lu Changsheng didn’t know much about True Spirit Bloodlines.

He only knew that for both True Spirits and Demon Beasts, bloodline density was of paramount importance.

Just like Bai Ling.

Despite having a True Spirit Bloodline, it was incomparable to his daughter Lu Baixi’s.

“But shouldn’t a top-tier True Spirit like the Tianfeng have an extraordinary bloodline?”

Lu Changsheng felt the effects were unworthy of the famed Tianfeng bloodline.

However, after some thought, he pondered it might simply be because this daughter had average talent.

After all, when it came to childbirth, the higher the parents’ cultivation, the better the likely talent of the offspring.

There was no guarantee that the children born would be exceptionally gifted.

If this daughter had a third-grade Spirit Root alongside a True Spirit Bloodline comparable to an average Spirit Body, she wouldn’t be considered bad at all—she could even be regarded as a prodigy.

Yet Lu Changsheng held overly high expectations for this child of his with Qingluan Zhenren.

“It’s still alright. Talent determines the starting point, but not the limit. With me as her father and her mother beside her, she’ll certainly achieve remarkable things in the future.”

Over the years, Lu Changsheng had become much more indifferent regarding his children’s talents.

He was no longer as anxious as he had been in his youth.

His only hope now was to see when Qingluan Zhenren would bring their daughter back.

“Or maybe I should contact her once I break through to the Nascent Soul stage.”

When they parted ways earlier, Qingluan Zhenren had given him a feather to contact her.

However, with the uproar from the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands, she had mentioned needing to leave in case of disaster. Without absolute strength, Lu Changsheng couldn’t dare to contact her rashly.

“System, lottery.”

Without overthinking, Lu Changsheng focused his thoughts.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Dao Seed: Seven-Portal Heart!]”

[The reward has been issued to the system space, and the host can check it at any time.]

A white jade insignia, shimmering with a translucent glow, appeared alongside the system notification.

“Dao Seed!?”

Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat, surprise flashing across his face.

He knew that among the numerous rewards he had wished for, Dao Seeds were one of the most anticipated.

Whether it was his son Lu Qingshan’s ‘Sword Clash’ or Lu Lingxiao’s ‘Emperor’s Prophecy’, both had yielded impressive results.

To think he’d drawn another Dao Seed today.

And it was obtained from a regular lottery.

“Finally, luck is back on my side!”

Lu Changsheng’s face lit up as he focused on the effects of this Dao Seed.

[Dao Seed: Seven-Portal Heart]

[Grade: Four]

[Description: With a heart possessing seven portals, one can perceive the world’s sincerity. Having a seven-portal heart enables communication with all things, dispelling illusions, and significantly enhancing comprehension!]”

“Communication with all things?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow as he extracted the Dao Seed from the system space.

In an instant, a pale red, heart-shaped light cluster appeared before his eyes.

Simultaneously, detailed information about the Dao Seed flooded into his mind.

Like the previous two Dao Seeds, it had basic effects: enhancing talent, expanding senses, and stabilizing the mind, along with the potential to greatly boost understanding.

However, the condition for enhancing understanding was that one must have a pure heart and not be burdened by distractions or evil thoughts, otherwise one could easily fall into madness.

As for communication with all things, it relied on the existence of spirituality in everything.

By merging with the ‘Seven-Portal Heart’ Dao Seed, one could intuitively sense this psychic nature and glean some information.

When facing spirit beasts, woodland spirits, or celestial fires, one might even communicate with them.

Aside from these benefits, the Seven-Portal Heart also bore a drawback.

Unlike ‘Sword Clash’ or ‘Emperor’s Prophecy’, which subtly impacted one’s disposition, upon merging with the ‘Seven-Portal Heart’, the heart would gradually transform into a seven-portal heart.

Once the seven-portal heart formed, while it would enhance the possessor’s talents, it would also fill them with an aura akin to a heavenly miraculous pill, greatly nourishing all beings, thus attracting the attention of spirit beasts and demons.

“The Dao Seed is great, but the negative effects are a concern,”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but shake his head.

Once he merged with the ‘Seven-Portal Heart’, he would be as sought after as Tang Seng’s flesh.

One could imagine that not just spirit beasts and demons, but even some top-tier cultivators might be tempted to refine this ‘human pill’.

“Moreover, to successfully merge with this ‘Seven-Portal Heart’, one must have a clear mind, free of excessive thoughts, distractions, or evil intentions; they must maintain a pure heart.”

Besides the side effect of resembling Tang Seng’s flesh, the Seven-Portal Heart had its own conditions and limits.

If a person with evil thoughts were to merge with this Dao Seed, they might even harm themselves, as their heart could fail during the transformation into a seven-portal heart, resulting in madness.

“This might be perfect for Little He.”

Lu Changsheng thought of his daughter with the purest heart.

Also, Little He never had any jealous thoughts or evil intentions, always maintaining a positive outlook and a pure heart.

Yet aside from Little He, he considered his daughter Lu Qingzhu as well.

Previously, when he crafted the Heaven Mending Pill, he had contemplated giving the last one to this daughter.

But given how many children in the family needed the Heaven Mending Pill, he felt it would be too biased, not to mention he didn’t have time to travel to Yue Kingdom.

Giving this ‘Seven-Portal Heart’ to Little Qingzhu might also improve her current situation.

However, merging with the ‘Seven-Portal Heart’ would be akin to carrying a divine pill, making it very dangerous to be out in the world, especially since Lu Qingzhu often found herself outside.

“Ping’an is also quite suitable.”

Apart from his two daughters, Lu Changsheng thought his son Lu Ping’an would also benefit from this Dao Seed.

Unlike his daughters, Lu Ping’an often traveled and had the means to protect himself.

Even his wife Lu Miaoge would be a good match for this Dao Seed.

“I’ll think about it later.”

After much contemplation, Lu Changsheng felt many in the family were suitable for the ‘Seven-Portal Heart’ and decided to ponder it further, leaving to visit the Azure Cloud Sect to spend some quality time with Xiao Xiyue and Zhao Qingqing.

Days later.

“I’ve met Changsheng Zhenren, the Sect Leader requests your presence.”

As Lu Changsheng stepped out of Rainbow Cloud Peak, a young boy stepped forward to bow respectfully.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng recognized this boy as the Sect Leader’s attendant and nodded slightly.

However, the Sect Leader’s invitation wasn’t for any significant matter; it was merely to offer his concern and inquire about the progress of the Talisman Art.

If Lu Changsheng needed any heavenly materials, rare treasures, or miraculous pills, the Azure Cloud Sect would prioritize trading with him.

“Rest assured, Sect Leader.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng realized that his status as Deputy City Lord of the Immortal City had elevated his standing significantly.

The Azure Cloud Sect was aware they couldn’t limit him, so they’d rather sell him more goods and foster goodwill.

“There’s no need to be so polite, Longsheng Dao Friend. We are all family here. If anything arises, feel free to come to me directly.”

Though the Azure Cloud Sect Leader had a good attitude towards Lu Changsheng in the past, it was evident that their regard had risen another tier.

In response, Lu Changsheng wasted no time, directly inquiring about heavenly materials and rare treasures that could enhance Spirit Root qualifications, expressing that many of his children had average talents or even lower, and now that he had the means, he wished to do his part.

He estimated he could save up two or three third-grade talismans each month, promising to trade them first with the Azure Cloud Sect.

“Your kindness is commendable, Longsheng Dao Friend.”

The Sect Leader, seeing Lu Changsheng invest so much resource and effort into his wife’s Core Formation and now gathering materials for his children’s talents, expressed his admiration.

While the cultivation world had such individuals, those like Lu Changsheng were truly rare.

After all, acquiring the heavenly materials needed to enhance Spirit Root talents was often costly and usually yielded average value.

Especially with so many children of the Lu Family possessing mediocre talents, it was almost a waste of his cultivation potential.

“It’s nothing more than being a parent.”

Lu Changsheng softly replied before taking his leave.

“A person so deeply emotional is indeed good fortune for the Azure Cloud Sect.”

As he watched Lu Changsheng depart, the Azure Cloud Sect Leader stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm and dignified.

The Azure Cloud Sect’s treatment of Lu Changsheng stemmed not only from the connection to Immortal City and Xiao Xiyue but also from Lu Changsheng’s long-standing character.

He had married into the Lu Family of Qingzhu Mountain long ago.

Despite establishing his own family and founding the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain, he had always kept an eye on Qingzhu Mountain.

For those around him, anyone who had once helped him was always willing to lend a hand.

His wives, concubines, and children needed no mention.

To fulfill his agreement with Xiao Xiyue and expedite his Core Formation, he had refined his pills to fifth-grade quality.

Then during the war of expansion, he contributed all his resources to exchange for Condensing Crystal Pills for his wife Lu Miaoge.

Now he was investing heavily in elevating his children’s talents as well.

“Such a waste. Becoming a great path is going to be tough.”

The Azure Cloud Sect Leader shook his head softly.

But then he thought that for nine out of ten cultivators, breaking through to Core Formation was nearly the end of the line.

Reaching Nascent Soul was a monumental task fraught with peril! Even with untold resources and energy spent, one might end up empty-handed.

Yet Lu Changsheng had just achieved Core Formation and possessed top-tier Talisman Arts talent; by dedicating all his time and effort to his family, given the current circumstances of the Lu Family, he might become the first power in Jiang Kingdom under the four great sects, enduring without decline.

“Family-oriented path, sacrificing oneself for the greater good.”

As the Azure Cloud Sect Leader, he deeply understood this approach.

“How fortunate it is to have a solid backing.”

After leaving Rainbow Cloud Peak, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but feel lucky that his support came from himself, making it unshakeable.

After staying at Baicao Peak for a few days, Lu Changsheng prepared to head to Yanyu Market to check in on his daughter Lu Ruyi and deliver the Heaven Mending Pill to her.

On one hand, the pill was quite precious.

On the other, it had been a while since he last saw her.

Three days later, Lu Ruyi sensed the storage pouch’s token and immediately rushed out to greet him.

In the distance stood a young man in a blue robe, handsome and distinguished, with a gentle, warm smile on his lips, watching her.

“Dad, what brings you here?”

She exclaimed excitedly, hurrying over and performing a respectful bow.

“I came to see you since we haven’t met in a while.”

Time leaves no trace, yet marks remain.

Even though Lu Ruyi still looked as radiant as ever in her blue armor, her long hair still tied high, exuding grace, there were traces of age on her face; it seemed she appeared older than her father.

On one hand, she was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator now in her nineties, and she hadn’t pursued any cultivation methods linked to longevity.

On the other hand, she managed the Lu Family’s commerce, requiring a sense of authority, and thus she hadn’t continually consumed beauty-enhancing pills.

“Father, you, as a Core Formation cultivator, and now the Deputy City Lord of Immortal City, must have a lot on your plate.”

Initially, Lu Ruyi felt somewhat reserved due to her father being a Core Formation cultivator, and not having seen him for so long.

But her father’s warm, jade-like gaze and gentle demeanor made her instinctively relax, eliciting a sense of closeness, as they chatted about the mundane matters of her recent years.

Lu Changsheng listened quietly, nodding, smiling, and occasionally asking about details.

“Well, this is a gift for you from me, a token of appreciation.”

Lu Changsheng handed the Heaven Mending Pill to his daughter, his voice gentle.

“Thank you, Dad.”

Lu Ruyi accepted with gratitude, knowing her father never retracted his rewards.

“Aren’t you going to take a look?”

Naturally, Lu Changsheng watched as his daughter opened the porcelain vial, her eyes widening as she beheld the glimmering Heaven Mending Pill, akin to a living jewel.

“Dad, what kind of pill is this?” she asked, astonished.

Responsible for managing the Lu Family’s commerce, she had seen a great deal; while she could tell this pill was extraordinary, she didn’t recognize it.

“This is called the ‘Heaven Mending Pill,’ designed to rectify deficiencies in Spirit Roots and refine innate roots, thereby enhancing their quality.”

Lu Changsheng replied with a smile.

“The Heaven Mending Pill? Is this really the fabled Heaven Mending Pill!?”

With an eighth-grade Spirit Root, Lu Ruyi had kept a close eye on resources to enhance her cultivation talent.

Over the years, she had gathered heavenly materials on this topic through the commerce.

Yet the rarity of pills and materials that could elevate Spirit Roots kept her on edge.

The most famed among them was the Heaven Mending Pill!

But since the Heaven Mending Pill was priceless and available with a market, even Core Formation cultivators could barely procure it.

“Dad, this is far too precious. I can’t possibly accept it!”

Lu Ruyi was aware of the Heaven Mending Pill’s value, battling her urge to keep it as she returned it to her father.

Regardless, no amount of effort and sacrifice could measure up to its worth.

“You’re to accept it as a gift from an elder. Since I’m giving it to you, you must take it.”

“I know how much you’ve strived over the years. Taking this pill can help you swiftly reach the peak of the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, allowing you to break through to the later stage and have hopes of achieving Core Formation in the future.”

Lu Ruyi was his first daughter to possess Spirit Root, and he still remembered her appearance at birth.

With that, Lu Changsheng had a soft spot for her.

“Core Formation.”

As Lu Ruyi battled the temptation of the Heaven Mending Pill, her father’s words sent ripples of anticipation through her heart, her eyes brimming with desire.

How many people in this world could resist the allure of Core Formation?

“Go on, take it.”

Seeing the conflicting emotions of his daughter, torn between wanting it and feeling guilty, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but chuckle, effortlessly flicking his fingers.

The glimmering Heaven Mending Pill soared from the porcelain vial and instantly flew into Lu Ruyi’s mouth.

“Boom!”

In that moment she consumed the pill, a profound sensation washed over her entire being.

Spirit Root!

Her Spirit Root was agitated! A mysterious force caused her Spirit Root to tremble.

“Focus on refining it,”

Lu Changsheng promptly reminded her, placing a hand on her back to help her absorb the pill’s medicinal energy without wasting a trace of it.

After a few hours, Lu Ruyi awoke as if from a dream, sensing her Spirit Root had seen a drastic enhancement.

Yet she couldn’t pinpoint exactly how much.

“Fourth-grade Spirit Root! Core Formation now seems within reach!”

Lu Changsheng smiled at his slightly bewildered yet joyous daughter.

“Fourth-grade Spirit Root!”

Upon hearing this, Lu Ruyi surged with indescribable joy and exhilaration.

Her Spirit Root had advanced to fourth-grade!

With only an eighth-grade Spirit Root, she previously had to put in a tremendous effort just to keep pace.

Despite her hard work, she would still feel the gap in Spirit Roots that could not be bridged.

Especially when observing her younger siblings, who were progressing so smoothly, it was overwhelming.

Many outsiders admired and respected her, despite her low-grade Spirit Root, thinking how far she had come.

Yet she envied those gifted with top-tier talents.

Now, she was no longer of low-grade Spirit Root; she had reached the fourth grade!

“Thank you, Dad!”

Lu Ruyi replied, her eyes reddening as she bowed deeply before her father.

Without her father’s support with resources and the Foundation Establishment Pill, no amount of effort could have pushed her through.

Thus, she held onto a calm mindset, knowing that even with an eighth-grade Spirit Root, she was already better than many cultivators.

Today, as her father granted her the invaluable Heaven Mending Pill, she felt a torrent of emotions that were beyond words.

“It’s merely an external object; if it helps you, that’s the most important thing.”

Lu Changsheng reassured, noticing her joy to the point of tears.

After calming her, he continued, “You don’t need to worry too much about the family commerce now; invest your time in your cultivation.”

Though he believed there was hope for her to break through by the age of one hundred and fifty.

This was a process that was naturally better attempted sooner than later.

With that, Lu Changsheng gifted his daughter additional Spirit Stones and medicinal pills, encouraging her to train diligently, and then quietly left.

Upon arriving at Yanyu Market, he informed Yan Lan that he procured a third-grade Demon Core. If she was ready, she could head for Immortal City to prepare for her Core Formation.

Hearing this, Yan Lan felt a rush of joy; her excitement was indescribable. She didn’t know how to express her gratitude, yet also wrestled with fears of possible failure.

After all, breaking through to Core Formation with a third-grade Demon Core wasn’t guaranteed and had a likelihood of failure.

In response, Lu Changsheng shared his experiences and insights regarding the process of forming a False Core.

Although he hadn’t experienced this himself, nor seen it done, having the encyclopedic knowledge of Hong Lian, and as a guest elder of the Azure Cloud Sect, allowed him to have a general understanding.

“Thank you, Husband!”

Yan Lan could only express her current excitement through action.

Her sister Yufei was also genuinely happy for her sibling and expressed gratitude to Lu Changsheng.

Days later, as Lu Changsheng departed, the sisters found themselves in a trance, as if dreaming.

“If it weren’t for Feifei back then…”

After some time, Yan Lan slowly regained her senses, complex emotions resonating within as she spoke.

Had her sister Yufei not chosen to marry Lu Changsheng years ago, she wouldn’t have such a connection.

Without that bond, she would have never acquired a third-grade Demon Core to pursue Core Formation.

“So, how will you reward me, Sister?”

Yufei hugged her sister, then softly mused, “You wouldn’t despise me if I turn into a False Core cultivator, would you?”

“Ugh…”

Though both sisters had become Lu Ancestor’s concubines, their bond remained strong, often confiding in each other.

After leaving Yanyu Market, Lu Changsheng went directly to Immortal City.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host; fifteen offspring have broken through to second-tier Body Refinement, earning one high-level lottery chance!]”

Days later, a sudden system notification resounded in Lu Changsheng’s mind.

“Hmm?”

Although Lu Changsheng had previously instructed his talented children to focus on cultivating both body and essence, due to the limited number of Dao Comprehending Artifacts, not everyone could learn the Hundred Refinements Body Technique.

So he had provided additional resources for Body Refinement without much attention.

He never anticipated that, unconsciously, fifteen of his children had broken through to second-tier Body Refinement.

“Later, I can dilute the blood of the Void Kun to prepare a medicinal bath for the children.”

Lu Changsheng pondered about the Void Kun in Immortal City.

He decided that when he had time, he would treat the Lu Family youngsters to a splendid medicinal bath.

Alternatively, he could also ask his son Lu Ping’an to help with the medicinal bath preparations.

“System, lottery!”

With the previous Dao Seed of the ‘Seven-Portal Heart’, Lu Changsheng suddenly felt excited about the lottery, eager to see if his luck would continue with another grand prize.

In an instant, the high-level roulette appeared and began spinning rapidly.

After a few breaths, the golden light began to slow, landing on the ‘Spirit Pet Artifact’ section.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for acquiring a Spirit Pet: Soul-Crying Beast!]”

[The reward has been issued to the system space, and the host can check it at any time.]