Chapter 76: From Now On, You’re My Brother from Another Mother!

“Miss Shao, would you be willing to be my servant?”

Lu Changsheng smiled at Shao Yuyao in front of him.

Whether he asked or not seemed irrelevant; the girl didn’t really have a choice.

Still, it could have been disingenuous or a flexible moral line, so he asked anyway.

After all, he, Lu, never forced others into difficult situations.

Shao Yuyao looked slightly surprised.

Then she looked at Lu Changsheng and forced a slight smile, “This young woman is willing to be your servant, young master.”

“Good, Manager Feng, I’m quite satisfied with her.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded to Feng Jiuniang.

In his eyes, her appearance and figure, coupled with a Spirit Root, 150 Spirit Stones weren’t expensive, quite worthwhile.

As long as she bears children with Spirit Roots, it’s a good investment!

Immediately, Feng Jiuniang waved her hand, signaling the woman in the red dress to take Shao Yuyao out.

To complete the follow-up transaction with Lu Changsheng.

After Lu Changsheng paid the remaining Spirit Stones, he was given a Spirit Contract.

It was Shao Yuyao’s deed of sale.

But this Spirit Contract was much more domineering, capable of deciding her life and death.

And for three years, should any issues arise with Shao Yuyao, Lu Changsheng could take the contract to White Jade Tower to have it resolved.

“Take care, Young Master Li. If you need anything in the future, you’re always welcome~”

Feng Jiuniang warmly saw Lu Changsheng and Shao Yuyao out of White Jade Tower.

As the manager of White Jade Tower, she could tell from Lu Changsheng’s attire, looks, and demeanor that he was a highly prospective client.

Otherwise, for such a small business, she wouldn’t have been this polite.

“Alright.”

Thus, Lu Changsheng took Shao Yuyao back to the talisman shop.

At noon, Zhang Shan’s wife brought their child, carrying a lunch box to the talisman shop.

Seeing the beautiful, meek lady following Lu Changsheng, Zhang Shan showed a hint of envy.

Upon reaching the third floor, Lu Miaoge saw Shao Yuyao and imply asked if this was the maid Lu Changsheng bought from White Jade Tower.

Lu Changsheng nodded and briefly explained Shao Yuyao’s situation.

Hearing this, Lu Miaoge didn’t say much..

She understood even better than Lu Changsheng the harsh realities faced by lower-level cultivators.

Every day, people died in the wilderness, families were destroyed, couples separated, and so on.

Such things couldn’t be fully sympathized with.

In her view, it was already fortunate for this girl to become Lu Changsheng’s maid.

After all, in Qingzhu Mountain, even though Lu Changsheng had a bad reputation for marrying too many wives and concubines,

his reputation was very good when it came to treating his family.

Night fell.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge finished work and rrturned to the Lu Family mansion in the Eastern District.

Shao Yuyao, the little maid, followed half a step behind Lu Changsheng, quietly and obediently.

Li Shi and Wang Wu saw this and exchanged glances.

From each other’s eyes, they saw a bit of melancholy.

Although they wanted to be with Lu Changsheng, they understood.

Someone like Lu Changsheng didn’t lack women.

No one at the Lu Family mansion said anything about Lu Changsheng bringing home a new woman.

Just buying a maid.

Only the Second Young Miss, as usual, gave a cold snort.

And today, the snort was louder than usual, her face showing even more disdain.

Lu Changsheng smiled warmly and directed Shao Yuyao.

“Go get water for my bath.”

Since she was bought as a maid, naturally, she was to be used as a servant.

He had a moral boundary but not a moral obsession.

There was no need to talk about equality with a bought maid.

A maid should behave like a maid.

Shao Yuyao seemed to realize something, her eyes trembled slightly, and she nodded.

Then she carried a bath bucket, fetched hot water, blushing a bit, and helped Lu Changsheng undress.

She bit her lip, undid her own dress, and entered the bath with Lu Changsheng, the water splashing, helping him wash with her soft hands.

As a cultivator, Lu Changsheng wore a Robe, so he didn’t have any dirt, whether to bathe or not didn’t matter.

But a bath was an enjoyable relaxation.

Having the means meant he could enjoy himself, otherwise, life would be nothing but endless hardship for the sake of immortality?

After bathing Lu Changsheng, Shao Yuyao blushed deeply, hugging Lu Changsheng’s neck, shyly saying, “Young master…”

Her actions and voice were somewhat stiff, but it was clear, White Jade Tower taught her well—she was very considerate.

Immediately, Lu Changsheng didn’t suppress himself.

After all, he hadn’t been with a woman for nearly a month.

Soon, the bathwater surged, splashing violently.

The next day.

“As expected, loneliness cannot produce, nor can singularity last, a balance must be maintained.”

Lu Changsheng, feeling refreshed, walked out of the room.

Needing someone next to him.

Without embracing the warmth of a woman, something felt missing at night.

He didn’t bring Shao Yuyao to the talisman shop.

Upon leaving the courtyard, he met Lu Miaocheng.

“Changsheng!”

Seeing Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaocheng quickly approached.

With a somewhat haggard face, he gave an awkward smile, saying, “Changsheng, do you have extra Spirit Stones, let me borrow twenty.”

“Uh”

Lu Changsheng thought he came to ask about reading or tea appreciation.

Didn’t expect it was to borrow Spirit Stones.

He started with twenty Spirit Stones.

Though Lu Changsheng spent lavishly, twenty Spirit Stones are no small sum.

After all, borrowing money meant being prepared not to have it returned.

Though Lu Miaocheng managed a shop, each month’s earnings weren’t much.

“The other day, a female cultivator among the new teas at Spring Blossom House caught my fancy, so I spent all my Spirit Stones, that’s why I’m borrowing some.”

“Changsheng, let me tell you, the female cultivators at Spring Blossom House aren’t just stunningly beautiful, in terms of pleasure, they can offer the best experience, not comparable to ordinary maids or concubines.”

Lu Miaocheng continued, his handsome smile taking on a sleazy look.

Lu Changsheng also had heard of Spring Blossom House.

Knew it was a brothel in the market.

The staff inside were skilled in the arts of love.

Hence, the prices were very high.

A single experience could cost several or even dozens of Spirit Stones.

Lu Miaocheng probably frequented it recently.

Thus, spending all his Spirit Stones was normal.

Indeed, such a place was a money pit.

No matter how many Spirit Stones you had, frequent visits would deplete them.

“Brother Cheng, I’ve also spent most of my Spirit Stones lately. Just bought a maid, so don’t have much left.”

“Here are twenty Spirit Stones for you, but try not to go to such places often.”

Lu Changsheng put on a troubled look, then took out twenty Spirit Stones.

Given they were practically family, constantly seeing each other.

He had called on him several times in recent days.

Even if it was for reading or tea appreciation, there was some relationship, so it was hard to refuse outright.

If he really didn’t return them, it would be a loss of twenty Spirit Stones.

“Good brother, thanks a lot!”

“Once I have Spirit Stones, I’ll repay you, then treat you to a grand experience at Spring Blossom House!”

Lu Miaocheng took the Spirit Stones and smiled.

Then turned and left.

“Sigh.”

Watching Lu Miaocheng’s departing figure, Lu Changsheng shook his head, “Brother Cheng, although a Fifth Layer of Qi Refining cultivator, became haggard due to visiting the brothel too often, borrowing Spirit Stones from me.”

“Such places should be avoided; with that money, why not take more concubines, buy some maids, much better?”

“No, I, Lu, am not someone who lusts for pleasure, even if I take wives and concubines, it’s for the path, to live long!”

Lu Changsheng mused, eyes bright, posture straightening.

Then marched proudly with Lu Miaoge towards work..

Upon arriving at the talisman shop, Lu Changsheng routinely made a few mid-level talismans.

He had taken charge of the shop in Jiulong Market, but the Lu Family still required him to complete talisman tasks monthly, which had to be on schedule.

Not that he wanted to skip these tasks.

After all, not only were there Spirit Stones, any extra materials went into his own pocket, great profits!

At noon, Lu Changsheng asked Lu Miaoge to dine at Jade Feaat Hall.

Although expensive, the taste was indeed good.

A meal every now and then was quite nice.

However, over several visits, Lu Miaoge insisted on paying lternately with Lu Changsheng.

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind; he wasn’t particular about paying first.

Qingzhu Lu Clan’s Talisman Shop.

Inside the talisman room.

“Hmm, even premium talisman paper can have flaws?”

Lu Changsheng crafted a high-grade dungeon talisman, surprised.

He almost failed crafting that talisman.

The reason was simple.

There was a tiny flaw in the talisman paper nearly causing a failure.

He then checked the remaining ten or so sheets, finding no issues.

Only the one he used had a small flaw.

Noting that, Lu Changsheng didn’t worry about it.

After all, out of several stacks of talismans, one sheet with a minor flaw was acceptable.

After a brief rest, Lu Changsheng considered he had come to Jiulong Market for nearly a month.

A few days more to check this month’s arrivals, then he could go home.

“I’m heading back, so should buy some gifts.”

He then greeted Lu Miaoge, headed out to purccase gifts for his wives and children.

At night.

Lu Changsheng lay back in the bath.

After a while, Shao Yuyao emerged from the water, discreetly coughing.

Lu Changsheng raised his hand, using telekinesis, poured a cup of tea from the nearby table, and handed it to her.

“You didn’t need to swallow it, really.”

“It’s alright, young master.”

Shao Yuyao sipped the tea, her eyes lowered.

Her once vacant eyes were now lively.

Through days of interaction, she realized her young master was quite a decent person.

Especially yesterday.

Even the woman who was never kind to her master had given her a few pointers.

Telling her, though her master had a fondness for women, he treated them well.

As long as she performed well, aside from having children, she wouldn’t be denied anything.

Talisman Shop.

“Boss, here’s this month’s goods.”

“Including 496 basic talismans, 851 lower-tier talismans, 388 mid-tier talismans, regular talisman paper.”

Zhang Shan handed over a list and five Storage Bags to Lu Miaoge for inspection..

Lu Miaoge nodded, then went tt the third floor, calling Lu Changsheng to check the goods together.

Checking all goods wasn’t possible.

Otherwise, who knows when they’d finish?

Plus, most of the freelance cultivators Lu Family cooperated with were regulars, so it was enough to sample check.

Then Lu Miaoge explained the goodssinspection standards to Lu Changsheng.

For a talisman, first, the paper quality must not be too poor.

Next, the drawn symbol lines must flow smoothly without interruption, lastly, energy within should be fluid.

These components affected two to three percent of a talisman’s efficacy.

Lu Changsheng had sold his talismans to the shop due to their high quality, hence his smooth transactions.

For talisman paper and spiritual ink, there should be no detectable flaws.

Knowing this, Lu Changsheng understood the shop’s quality standards.

Recalling that recently he’d found a flawed talisman from his store purchase.

Was it bad luck or failing quality control?

This spurred a seriousness in his inspections.

After all, in a short time, he’d manage the shop.

Quality issues or reputation damage under his watch wouldn’t do.

“Sister Miaoge, does this talisman’s energy flow count as smooth?”

Holding a mid-tier talisman, feeling its energy, he asked.

“It’s right on the passing line, any less and it’d fail.”

Lu Miaoge replied..

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded, starting his work.

This round of inspections took two whole days.

“Changsheng, thank you. Without your help, checking would’ve taken two or three more days.”

Lu Miaoge smiled faintly..

“It’s what I should do.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, holding a list, “These people’s goods had issues, return them, no more cooperation, right?”

During the two days, they found instances of subpar talismans, paper, and ink.

“That’s right, a shop depends mainly on its reputation.”

“Frequent quality issues sully reputation, eventually ruining the shop, so standards must be strict.”

Lu Miaoge nodded seriously..

“Understood, I’ll maintain strict control.”

Lu Changsheng understood this perfectly.

After all, success breeds resentment and competition in this business was fierce.

Numerous talisman shops in Jiulong Market made for intense rivalry.

Lu Family pulling through to this point wasn’t easy.

A mistake would invite others to undermine them; business could decline sharply.

“Uncle Zhang, I checked all the goods; these have low good rates, return them and cease cooperation.”

Lu Changsheng handed Zhang Shan a list.

“Yes, Second Master.”

Manager Zhang Shan nodded, glancing at the list, particularly a name.

“Second Master, this rogue cultivator, Jia Huairen, has cooperated for years with no issues.”

“Could there be a reason this time, should I ask him?”

Zhang Shan asked.

“Years of smooth cooperation?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, since the big owner took charge, Jia Huairen has always cooperated, no issues, high quality.”

Zhang Shan said steadily.

“Alright, send his goods back for him to check.”

“I’ll review them later, if there’s no issue, we’ll move on.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Zhang Shan, squinting, pondering momentarily.

“Understood, Second Master.”

Zhang Shan nodded.

Later, Lu Changsheng discussed this with Lu Miaoge..

She stated this wasn’t a major issue, leaving it to his judgment.

They planned to return to Qingzhu Mountain in two days.

Back at the Lu Family mansion, Lu Changsheng told Shao Yuyao he’d be gone for a few days.

Shao Yuyao was aware of her master’s numerous wives and children, obliged.

At the same time.

In a small yard in the Western District.

“Brother Zhang, why were the materials all returned?”

A burly man asked Zhang Shan.

“Why are you asking me?”

“The shop has a new owner this month, quality checks will be strict, ensure no more MIS-leading.”

“If I hadn’t spoken, cooperation would’ve ceased.”

Zhang Shan replied irritably.

“Let it cease, I could collaborate under a new name.”

The burly man dismissed.

“Changing names ensures checks and handling issues are more troublesome.”

“Plus, I haven’t gauged the new owner’s temperament, tell old Zhou, old Yang to be cautious.”

Zhang Shan firmly stated.

“Got it, Brother Zhang.”

Acknowledging seriously, the burly man nodded.

Two days later, early morning, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge rode the Iron Feathhr Eagle back to Qingzhu Mountain from Jiulong Market.

Much like their arrival, two days later, they smoothly returned to the Lu Family.

“Husband~”

“Husband’s home!”

“Daddy, Daddy!”

Upon entering, Lu Changsheng was warmly greeted by his wives and children.

“Feels like home!”

Smiling, Lu Changsheng hugged his family.

Soon, his other wives came to meet him.

He noticed an unfamiliar girl.

The girl was about seventeen or eighteen, gentle and elegant, slightly shy.

Lu Miaoyun, elaborating, introuced her as Guan Xin.

Sent by Hong Yi, who recently came for talisman transactions, possessing an Eighth-Tier Spirit Root.

Mentioning this, Lu Miaoyun pouted, teasing Lu hangsheng for not being satisfied with them, even seeking outside help for more women.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng recalled that moment.

Miaoyun went to exchange talismans when Hong Yi gifted a girl.

This situation, with Miaoyun, the main wife, holding a slight grudge was normal.

He assured innocently that he didn’t ask for it.

Since Jiu’er and Shui’er, he had told Hong Yi to stop these things.

Stating, if present, he wouldn’t have accepted.

Sweet-talking, he praised Miaoyun’s role and helpfulness.

Deep down, he held esteem for Hong Yi—a genuine brother.

Finding Spirit Root individuals in the mundane world was hard.

And a girl at that prime age, even harder.

Should Hong Yi find one, it’d be sent over, a brother indeed.

Lu Changsheng decided to sell mid-level talismans to Hong Yi.

On one hand, it raised income.

On the other, it was a reward for Hong Yi.

After all, as a true friend, he deserved recognition.

Lu Changsheng chatted with Guan Xin, asking about her family and if she was forced or willing.

She replied her family was just an ordinary one of five, willingly sold to the Marquis of Ruyi to serve a cultivator.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng was relieved.

As a gentleman, he valued taking women justly.

His limit was to avoid coercion, preventing unnecessary trouble.