Chapter 78: I, Lu Changsheng, Full-time Craftsman!

After moving house, Lu Changsheng used magic to clean the house and courtyard.

“This house only comes with a basic soundproof formation. Looks like I’ll have to buy a few small formations later.”

Lu Changsheng thought as he observed the courtyard.

Although Jiulong Market has good security, it’s not quite like living in the Eastern District’s Lu Family compound in Qingzhu Valley.

I still need to be cautious and have some protective measures.

Otherwise, if I’m not home and my wives are, what happens if there’s danger?

Besides, once you buy these small formations, you can take them with you for future moves.

The next day, before heading to work, Lu Changsheng gave twenty Spirit Stones to Xiaoqing.

To buy some Spirit Rice, Spirit Vegetables, and materials to stock at home.

Now that I have Xiaoqing, the spirit chef, we can eat better.

“Make lunch for two and bring it to the Talisman Shop,” he instructed Xiaoqing.

On his way to the Talisman Shop, Lu Changsheng noticed a formations shop and went in to inquire about small formations, formation tools, and formation discs.

“Formation tools usually come with formation flags, discs, and cores. The specifics depend on the area you’re covering,” the shopkeeper explained.

The shopkeeper introduced the offerings.

Lu Changsheng then asked about the cost for covering a four or five hundred square meter courtyard with these formation tools.

“There are many formations. For this size, the most common are first-rank lower-grade formations, like the Little Maze Formation, which costs one hundred eighty Spirit Stones. More advanced formations require a formation master to set arrays and engrave patterns.”

The shopkeeper, knowing Lu Changsheng, shared some formation knowledge.

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but click his tongue in disbelief at the cost.

Just covering four hundred square meters with a basic first-rank low-grade formation tool costs one hundred eighty Spirit Stones.

A first-rank medium-grade full set of formation tools costs four to five hundred Spirit Stones.

As for a first-rank top-grade full set, it costs nearly a thousand Spirit Stones.

High-level formations are even more expensive because they include the formation master’s fee for setting up the array.

He thought, ‘Indeed, compared to formation masters, pill refiners, and equipment refiners, Talisman Masters are a bit lacking.’

“I wonder if I can draw the skill of Formation Arts in the future? If I could, becoming a formation master would stabilize things, and I wouldn’t worry about theft.”

After chatting with the shopkeeper, Lu Changsheng shook his head and left.

He currently couldn’t afford even a first-rank low-grade formation tool.

Anyway, he felt that a first-rank low-grade formation tool was just mediocre.

Around noon, Xiaoqing arrived with the lunch box.

Hearing that there was a portion for herself, Lu Miaoge showed a slight smiie.

Lu Changsheng prepared two portions to naturally provide one for the Young Miss.

Having spent time together, Lu Changsheng knew she had a fondness for food.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have cooking skills.

He couldn’t win her heart with a roasted chicken.

Unless one day he draws the skill of being a spirit chef.

After eating, Lu Miaoge offered Spirit Stonns to Lu Changsheng as food expenses.

Naturally, Lu Changsheng refused.

But he couldn’t refuse her persistent insistence and accepted twelve Spirit Stones a month as a gesture.

Night fell.

When Lu Changsheng returned home that evening, Xiaoqing informed him.

In the afternoon, a neighbor came to visit.

They brought three talismans, saying they’re neighbors now and wished for good relations.

Lu Changsheng was a bit surprised.

He didn’t expect the neighbor to be so friendly.

Looking at the talismans from Xiaoqing, all three were lower-grade talismans.

“They gifted talismans. Could it be that this neighbor is a Talisman Master?”

Lu Changsheng wondered.

Thinking about how distant relatives aren’t as reliable as close neighbors, it’s good to have friends nearby.

This neighbor seemed easy to get along with, worth getting to know.

Building good relations with neighbors surely wouldn’t hurt.

At least it might help understand the neighborhood better.

So, he prepared a basket of fruits and two gift boxes containing talismans for a return visit.

“Knock, knock, knock!”

Lu Changsheng knocked on the right-side neighbor’s courtyard door.

Soon, the door opened with a creak.

“Uncle, who are you looking for?”

A cute little girl with round cheeks and twin buns tied with ribbons opened the door, dressed in a moon-white jacket.

The little girl, with long eyelashes and clear eyes, looked at Lu Changsheng and asked brightly.

“I’m a neighbor who just moved in, here to visit. Are your parents at home?”

Lu Changsheng smiled slightly at the little girl.

“The neighbor?”

The little girl tilted her head, shouting inside, “Dad, it’s the uncle who moved in next door!”

A middle-aged man of about thirty, with a gentle appearance and a slightly corpulent figure, came out.

“I’m Lu, I just moved next door. I heard you visited today, so I came to introduce myself.”

Lu Changsheng offered the fruit basket courteously.

“Ah, it’s Daoist Lu. I’m Gao He. Please come in, come in.”

The middle-aged man smiled warmly, gesturing welcome and spreading a feeling of prosperity.

The courtyard was modest, around a hundred square meters, not as large as Lu Changsheng’s.

Still, seeing that it was just Gao He, his daughter, and two servants, it seemed adequate.

In their conversation, Lu Changsheng learned the man was a medium-grade Talisman Master working at a Talisman Shop.

Gao He, learning that Lu Changsheng owned the Qingzhu Lu Family Talisman Shop, was enthusiastic.

He suggested future business exchanges.

They shared some insights on talisman making.

Through their conversation, Lu Changsheng gauged that Gao He was a mid-stage medium-grade Talisman Master.

After leaving Gao He’s place, he visited the courtyard across the street.

An old steward opened the door.

Upon hearing his purpose, he said their master wasn’t home and usually returned after dinner.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng apologized and promised to visit another time.

He knocked on the left door next.

“Who are you?”

A thirty-year-old graceful woman opened the door.

With fair skin, delicate eyebrows, a delicate nose, and vibrant lips, she had lustrous black hair tied into a bun.

She wore a light blue dress with a cloud belt, highlighting her curvaceous figure, a gentle smile on her lips, radiating a mature charm.

“I’m Lu Changsheng, the new neighbor. Sorry for the unannounced visit.”

Lu Changsheng offered a gift box with talismans, smiling warmly.

It contained three lower-grade talismans and one medium-grade.

After all, a small gift doesn’t need to be too expensive.

“Ah, Daoist Lu. Please come in.”

The woman welcomed him, offering tea and water, calling her husband to meet him.

Her husband was a towering man in his forties.

Unlike the amiable Gao He, he was rather quiet.

Lu Changsheng sensed a hint of ferocity in him, making him seem unapproachable.

After a brief chat, Lu Changsheng excused himself, offering help if they needed talismans.

The man introduced himself as Zhao, making a living by hunting Spirit Beasts.

He suggested buying Spirit Beast meat from him.

After visiting the neighbors, Lu Changsheng returned home.

He took a bath and spent time with Xiaoqing and the maids, striving hard to attain immortality!

The next day.

Just as Lu Changsheng was about to leave, there was a knock.

Opening the door, he found a tall, handsome middle-aged man.

His neighbor across the street, who heard Lu Changsheng had visited, came by to introduce himself.

The man recognized Lu Changsheng as the new owner of the Lu Family Talisman Shop.

Through introductions, Lu Changsheng realized he was the owner of Yushan Hall.

Being a businessman, the Yushan Hall owner was very amicable.

He invited Lu Changsheng to visit Yushan Hall for discounts on meals in the future.

Lu Changsheng, appreciating his good nature, reciprocated.

With pleasantries exchanged, he left for work.

He thought, ‘Except for the stern neighbor on the left, the others are nice.’

Time flew by, and month-end drew near.

Zhang Shan brought this month’s inventory list for Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge for inspection..

In two days, they completed the inspection.

There were minor flaws, but not many.

Lu Changsheng asked Lu Miaoge why long-term suppllers delivered flawed products.

Faced with this, Lu Miaoge explained..

Some suppliers are permanent, and there are changes requiring new suppliers.

Lu Changsheng nodded, understanding the Lu supply chain wasn’t fully stable.

Such quality issues couldn’t be avoided.

Thinking about Lu Miaoge leaving soon..

It would take three to four days monthly to check goods alone.

He found this tedious.

The process was tiresome.

After confirming the inspection list with Zhang Shan, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge agreed to return tooQingzhu Mountain in two days.

Two days later, riding the Iron Feather Eagle, they returned to Qingzhu Mountain.

Xiaoqing remained at Jiulong Market; ferrying her too often wasn’t feasible.

Returning, he’d also have to bring Guan Xin.

Not convenient with more people.

They returned to Qingzhu Mountain safely.

Back home, Lu Changsheng learned his twenty-fifth child was born.

On his third day back, the twenty-sixth child was born.

To no surprise.

Both lacked Spirit Roots.

Lu Changsheng accepted this calmly.

In a month, Lu Miaoyun was due.

For this child, he was expectant.

He thought to stay until Lu Miaoyun gave birth.

But stayed mindful of Qu Zhenzhen’s impending birth.

Couldn’t wait for Lu Miaoyun’s but not Qu Zhenzhn’s?

Fairness was crucial.

Couldn’t wait them all.

Ultimately, he planned to spend quality time.

Estimating a return to spend days at home.

Felt as a special treatment for his wife.

At home for three days, he focused on family, not on refining talismans.

Having attended the Fourth Elder’s talisman lectures, he received the monthly shop talismans.

Not many: three Top-Tier talismans, thirty High-Tier, thirty Medium-Tier.

Lu Changsheng mused, ‘Does the Fourth Elder draw a High-Tier and Medium-Tier talisman daily?’

He recalled other Lu shops needing supplies.

Three days passed quickly, and they returned to Jiulong Market.

Seeing Lu Changsheng with Guan Xin, Lu Miaoge sighed..

A month ago, she emphasized cultivation was crucial.

Lu Changsheng had acknowledged that.

Yet, not long after, he bought a maid and brought another from home.

But she wasn’t overly talkative.

Once stated, no need to repeat.

At Jiulong Market, Lu Changsheng arranged permanent residency for Guan Xin with a property deed.

Instructed her to liaise with Xiaoqing for matters.

Xiaoqing was now running the place.

Lu Changsheng resumed his ordinary life: cultivating, crafting talismans, and fathering children.

During this, Gao He visited often to discuss talismans.

Lu Changsheng warmly entertained him for half an hour, exchanging ideas.

Ten days later.

Lu Changsheng learned Xiaoqing was pregnant.

He was delighted.

Xiaoqing, with her Ninth-Tier Spirit Root, had a high chance of a spirit-rooted child.

Yet, concern arose.

He relied on Xiaoqing for tasks.

Her pregnancy hindered her involvement.

Thinking about helpers always falling pregnant.

Leaving no steady workers.

“I need someone to manage the household affairs.”

Lu Changsheng considered.

Remembering White Jade Tower’s beast-ears maiden.

These maids, created by Secret Techniques, couldn’t bear children.

Employing one as a steward seemed ideal.

But they were costly.

Often exceeding tens, even hundreds, of Spirit Stones.

Finding a satisfying one would cost at least a hundred Spirit Stones.

Spending that much seemed wasteful.

Especially when he needed resources.

“Wait, I’m not a stud. Not every woman here needs to be pregnant. I can assign two maids for work.”

Regaining clarity, he laughed at his own silliness.

As a cultivator, he can’t ensure conception.

But he can prevent it.

Knowing White Jade Tower still had seven pending maids, he expected them soon.

He planned to choose two for management duties.

The next day.

Gao He visited again.

Lu Changsheng shook his head privately.

As neighbors, occasional chats were fine.

But discussions had limited appeal.

Their expertise levels weren’t comparable.

Professors advising elementary students came to mind.

Previous chats suggested he had great insights.

Gao He gained much, warranting more visits.

This time, Lu Changsheng played humble.

Not wanting Gao He visiting frequently.

Maintaining a medium-grade Talisman Master façade.

During chats, he asked Gao He about shop activities.

Exploring if he could learn anything.

Gao He revealed everything openly.

His shop resembled the Lu Family Talisman Shop.

But quality control and talisman variety were lacking.

Lu Changsheng nodded, understanding.

Whether a Talisman, Pill, or Equipment shop…

Skills guaranteed success.

Lu Family Talisman Shop depended on the Fourth Elder’s talismans.

“If my luck continues, I might become a full-time craftsman.”

“I could raise my children as artisans, ensuring stable income.”

“Securing the family’s stability without risking lives.”

“Pursuing stability reigns supreme.”

Lu Changsheng pondered his future.

Three days later.

A servant informed him his purchased maids arrived.

Lu Changsheng visited White Jade Tower.

Greeted by the captivating Feng Jiuniang.

“Every meeting mesmerizes me!”

“Young Master Lu, pleased?”

Feng Jiuniang introduced seven maids to Lu Changsheng.

He used his real name, no longer Fei Yu.

The alias was briefly borrowed from a friend.

Feng Jiuniang already knew his identity.

No need to hide anymore.

“All good.”

Seven diverse and beautiful maids stood before him.

Some with renown skills, some trained in Maiden’s Nourishment Technique.

Ordinary maids wouldn’t cost one hundred sixteen Spirit Stones.

You get what you pay for at White Jade Tower!

Completing payment, he took the seven maids home.

His entourage turned many heads on the street.

“Which family’s young master is that?”

“No idea, another rich young master?”

“Seems like the new Lu Family Talisman Shop owner?”

“Living my dream…”

“Ha, mere mortal women!”

“Look closer, they aren’t ordinary!”

“From White Jade Tower, then.”

“Having wealth, indeed!”

“Indulgence in pleasure hinders cultivation!”

“Yes, it’s all a downfall.”

Passersby cast envious glances at Lu Changsheng.

Many women were drawn to his charm and grace.

Several even approached for introductions.

Inquiring about marriage intentions.

Though tempted, Lu Changsheng politely declined.

Claiming he’d consider concubines and maids only.

He was cautious about marriage.

Considering implications for the Lu Family.

Concubines and maids aside, he wouldn’t remarry.

Married to Lu Miaoyun less than a year.

He quickly returned home with seven maids.

“In future purchases, splitting visits or home deliveries seems better.”

“Too conspicuous otherwise, drawing unwanted attention.”

He mused after returning home.

He felt no pride in the streets.

Concerned about being preyed on.

Xiaoqing, Shao Yuyao, and Guan Xin saw the seven new maids.

Quelling any remarks, noting his vitality soon got all pregnant.

“You’ll be called Night Lotus, Red Cotton, Purple Rose, and Blue Orchid…”

Lu Changsheng named the new maids.

He aimed for consistent naming.

“Yes, Master!”

The maids were well-trained.

At night.

Lu Changsheng experienced the renowned skills his friend once mentioned.