Chapter 86: Beauty Like a Wolf, Destroying One’s Will!

“What strange hobbies could I have?”

Lu Changsheng spoke calmly, his eyes clear.

Lu Miaohuan suspiciously glanced at Lu Changsheng’s composed look then withdrew her gaze, saying nothing.

After all, looking is just looking.

The way I’m dressed is for people to see.

Though she usually reacted to certain looks with “What are you looking at? Look again, and I’ll gouge your eyes out!” or a verbal rebuke.

Now, she didn’t mind Lu Changsheng’s gaze at all, finding it pleasing.

Feeling confident in her allure, convinced that she is indeed the most beautiful.

And so, they walked side by side for a while.

“Alright, I’m home now. Goodbye, Second Young Miss.”

At a crossroads, Lu Changsheng waved to Lu Miaohuan.

He didn’t have much to talk about with the Second Young Miss, so naturally, he headed back home to bathe.

Seeing Lu Changsheng leave so soon without inviting her inside for tea or asking her to stay, Lu Miaohuan pouted, gave a displeased humph, and said “Goodbye.”

She then walked away as proud and aloof as a peacock, her heels clacking ‘click-clack’.

Night fell.

White Jade Tower sent over the four maidservants Lu Changsheng had purchased.

Since Lu Changsheng didn’t want to wait, he chose available maidservants.

However, Xiao Yueru, who had a spirit root, required notification from White Jade Tower and would arrive within a month.

Gao He next door saw Lu Changsheng buy maidservants again and was speechless.

He rarely visited Lu Changsheng’s home, often inviting him over for tea because there were too many women in Lu Changsheng’s courtyard, making regular visits awkward.

Seeing Lu Changsheng buy maidservants again made him think he should be more cautious.

After all, he had a daughter at home.

Even if his daughter was still young, Lu Changsheng’s looks and demeanor charmed both young and old, causing Gao He some concern.

Lu Changsheng was oblivious to Gao He’s thoughts.

After adding four more maidservants, he noticed another problem.

That was, there wouldn’t be enough room in the courtyard.

At this rate, any more people would require crowded quarters.

“Sigh, that’s enough. Need to take it slow.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head slightly.

Though buying maidservants wouldn’t bother the Lu Family or Lu Miaoyun,

having ten children outside within just over six months at Jiulong Market seemed a bit much.

Moreover, maintaining such a group at Jiulong Market wasn’t cheap.

Since these maidservants were pregnant with his children, he couldn’t possibly neglect them.

They ate spirit rice and spirit food daily.

Living at Jiulong Market required long-term residency permits.

These seemingly small expenses piled up considerably.

For an average person, they couldn’t afford it.

Lu Changsheng, uninterested in dwelling, let the new maidservants assist him bathing.

The following afternoon, Lu Miaoge came to the Talismaa Shop.

She came to thank Lu Changsheng for something regarding Lu Miaohuan.

Jiulong Market wasn’t big nor small, and both the Lu and Zheng families had some influence here, so such matters reaching their ears was normal.

Naturally, Lu Changsheng said it was nothing major.

Half a month passed in a blink.

In Lu Changsheng’s daily life, besides refining the Black Dragon Pearl, nothing else changed much.

After half a month of refining, the Black Dragon Pearl was about a fifth completed.

Among the maidservants he purchased, one successfully conceived under his favor.

One day, a servant arrived at the Talisman Shop, sent by the Second Elder to inform him.

He was asked if he’d like to return to Qingzhu Mountain with the Second Elder in ten days.

“Please tell the Second Elder, I’ll accompany him.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng replied promptly.

He hadn’t returned in nearly four months.

As the Second Elder was returning, he naturally planned to go back home with him.

Six days later, it was the day for stock inspection at the Talisman Shop.

Lu Changsheng informed Gao He in advance.

With Gao He’s assistance, together, they completed the stock check in two days.

“Brother Gao, I owe you for this trip.”

Lu Changsheng pulled out twenty Spirit Stones.

This was the agreed payment.

“Lu, don’t mention it. I should be thanking you.”

Gao He took the stones without pretense, smiling.

As a mid-tier Talisman Master, ten Spirit Stones a day was quite a decent extra for him.

After taking the stones, Gao He pondered before speaking: “Lu, may I say something?”

“Oh? Go ahead, Brother Gao. What’s there to hold back?”

Lu Changsheng casually said, raising an eyebrow.

“As the resident Talisman Master at the Talisman Shop, I often drink and chat with other Talisman Masters and shopkeepers from nearby shops. I’ve noticed some general circumstances about the talisman shops here.”

“Given your Lu Family’s shop’s reputation, the defect rate of the goods is slightly unreasonable.”

“Especially since you often terminate partnerships every few months and, at this rate, have cycled through most of the city’s Talisman Masters.”

Gao He pointed out.

Lu Changsheng understood the implication immediately.

He was hinting that there’s a problem with the shop’s supply chain.

Having been at the shop for so long, he couldn’t possibly be unaware.

The whole procurement and partnership duties were left to Zhang Shan, the steward.

Claiming there wasn’t any manipulation or profit was hard to believe.

He even casually fabricated a supplier’s name for cooperation, so it seemed easy for Zhang Shan to do so.

However, Zhang Shan worked at the Talisman Shop for nearly ten years, doing a decent job in the past half-year.

So a little side profit was understandable.

As long as it wasn’t excessive, Lu Changsheng turned a blind eye.

After all, perfection is a myth.

“Thanks for the reminder, Brother Gao. I get it.”

Lu Changsheng replied with a smile.

“Looks like I’ve spoken out of turn. Indeed, there’s no major issue.”

Gao He understood he worried for nothing.

Having known Lu Changsheng for a while and developed a good rapport, he was concerned Lu Changsheng might be too young and naive and therefore warned him.

“Brother Gao spoke with the intent of friendship.”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand, appreciating the kind warning.

He knew Gao He’s nature; otherwise, he wouldn’t have sought his help.

Shortly after, they left for Yushan Pavilion for a meal, chatting and laughing.

Yushan Pavilion’s owner, Yu Maocheng, greeted them with a 20% discount and a small complimentary dish.

Three days later.

“Second Elder, Sister Miaoge.”

Lu Changsheng was bathing in the backyard.

Upon hearing Baihe say the Second Elder and Young Miss were visiting, he immediately went to the living room.

“Haha, I was about to notify you to stay at the main courtyard tonight for an early departure to Qingzhu Mountain tomorrow morning.”

“But considering you’ve lived alone for so long, I decided to visit instead. Hope I’m not interrupting?”

The Second Elder, dressed in a green robe, tall and sturdy, held his tea, smiling warmly.

The Young Miss, Lu Miaoge, sat gracefully in hite attire nearby.

“How could that be? Second Elder’s visit is a welcome one.”

Lu Changsheng courteously replied.

He then chatted with the Second Elder and took them on a brief tour of his courtyard.

During which, seeing many women in Lu Changsheng’s courtyard, the Second Elder shook his head slightly.

Thinking Lu Changsheng’s reputation for fondness of female company was certainly well-earned.

How long had he been at Jiulong Market?

Just over half a year, yet he had many beautiful maidservants.

Seeing several of them pregnant made his eyebrows twitch, watching them more closely.

He realized nearly all the women in the courtyard were pregnant.

He counted.

One, two, three… eleven!

Realizing the number, the Second Elder was taken aback.

He didn’t expect Lu Changsheng not only to have so many maidservants but to have impregnated them all.

Was youth supposed to be this energetic?

Did he not train, draw talismans, or work on anything else?

The Second Elder couldn’t help but ask Lu Changsheng: “Changsheng, are these all your new maidservants, carrying your children?”

Even though he knew it was a redundant question, he couldn’t help but confirm.

Because it seemed quite absurd.

For cultivators, indulgence in such matters drains vital energy and affects cultivation speed.

Even Dao couples practice moderation in intimacy.

Yet, Lu Changsheng having eleven in just over half a year was courting self-destruction.

Lu Miaoge pressed her lips, sslent.

However, her beautiful eyes showed slight disappointment.

In her view, if Lu Changsheng focused solely on cultivation and talisman making, he could aim for the slim chance of Foundation Establishment.

She had discussed these matters with him before.

Seeing him now bringing Guan Xin along and having so many maidservants was disheartening.

Lu Changsheng clearly hadn’t heeded her advice.

“Yes, Second Elder, they are my new maidservants, carrying my children.”

Lu Changsheng felt a bit awkward hearing this.

He was indeed aware that as a cultivator in this world, having eleven children in such a time was quite a tally.

Though normally he felt no shame,

being questioned by this elder made him slightly embarrassed.

Since the elder was his senior.

Especially with Lu Miaoge present..

“Sigh.”

The Second Elder shook his head, sighing.

In this moment, he gained an understanding of Lu Changsheng’s notoriety at Qingzhu Mountain as one fond of marriage and offspring.

He softly coughed, then said to Lu Changsheng, “Changsheng, beauty can erode one’s will like wolves and tigers. Occasional indulgence is fine.”

“But don’t be overly absorbed. Focus more on cultivation and talisman making.”

He advised sincerely.

These things, though seemingly absurd, weren’t outright excessive.

After all, it was his private life.

Upon returning, he planned to ask the Fourth Elder to counsel him.

Otherwise, he feared Lu Changsheng might ruin himself.

Failure would be a great loss to the Lu Family.

“I understand, Second Elder. I will heed your advice.”

Lu Changsheng replied sincerely.

Being an elder, it was appropriate to listen.

Afterward, he would decide for himself.

Even so, he planned to save money and be cautious moving forward.

Previously, he thought of buying magical clothes and beauty pills for his wives and children.

Yet he spent whatever he had, increasing expenses, leaving nothing saved.

Returning with no money for decent gifts felt unfortunate.

“Okay.”

Seeing this, the Second Elder didn’t pursue the topic.

Too much preaching would only irritate.

Following this, Lu Changsheng instructed Xiaoqing, then left with the Second Elder and Lu Miaoge for the Lu Family’ssEastern District compound.

Preparing to depart for Qingzhu Mountain the next morning.

At the Eastern District, they were assigned the same small courtyard as before.

Knock, knock, knock!

While meditating in his room, Lu Changsheng heard knocking.

He got up and opened the door.

“Changsheng?”

Outside stood Lu Miao Cheng.

“Changsheng, here are the Spirit Stones I borrowed.”

Lu Miao Cheng took out twenty Spirit Stones upon seeing Lu Changsheng.

“You’re too kind. There’s no need to make a special trip.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, accepting the stones.

He was surprised Lu Miao Cheng voluntarily repaid the debt.

Honestly, he considered those stones a loss.

This action genuinely surprised him.

“Changsheng, Spring Blossom House is getting new tea next month. My treat, let’s go together.”

Lu Changsheng’s smile wavered a bit.

“I’ve never been to such places.”

He asserted.%Could Lu Miao Cheng assume Lu Changsheng is responsible?’

“Changsheng, I tell you, many teas are unopened.”

Lu Miao Cheng continued.

“No, no, I won’t go.”

Lu Changsheng firmly replied.

He had so many wives and servants at home, there was no need for other places.

Wasting resources and energy!

Better to buy gifts for his wife and children.

“Alright then.”

Lu Miao Cheng felt uninspired and stopped persuading.

Watching Lu Miao Cheng leave, Lu Changsheng wondered if he lived lavishly only to diligently recuperate later.

Otherwise, how did Lu Miao Cheng seem rejuvenated now?

Early next morning, the Second Elder left with Lu Changsheng and several family members through Jiulong Market’s east gate.

Taking out a palm-sized yellowish flying boat.

Activated by spiritual energy, the boat soared, transforming into a ten-foot long vessel covered with formations.

“Get on.”

The Second Elder instructed.

Boarding, Lu Changsheng found a seat.

The boat held seven seats, each with grooves for embedding Spirit Stones.

Knowing Spirit Stones provided energy for long flights, saved cultivators’ energies.

Merely relying on spiritual energy was inefficient for long journeys.

“Go!”

Upon everyone settling, the Second Elder boarded, summoning a water barrier around the boat, rising into the sky as streak of light.

“Its speed surpasses the Iron Feather Eagle’s. It can hold about ten people if squeezed in.”

Lu Changsheng admired its speed.

Having one would simplify bringing his family between Jiulong Market.

However, such boats cost over a thousand Spirit Stones.

And they attracted attention without sufficient strength on the road.

A day and a half later.

The boat landed in front of Qingzhu Mountain.

They disembarked and entered Qingzhu Mountain, where Lu Changsheng bade farewell quickly before heading home.

“Husband!”

“Husband, you’re back!”

“Dad! Dad! Dad!”

Lu Changsheng barely entered the courtyard when his wives and children joyfully surrounded him.

Seeing this scene filled him with warmth and joy, picking up two eager children.

With so many children, he had to keep placing them down for others.

Also, he embraced each wife.

Even with many maidservants in Jiulong Market,

it lacked the warmth of facing his wives and children here.

Having spent so many years with his family, a deep bond formed.

Soon, Lu Miaoyun and Qu Zhenzhen accmpanied by children approached, eyes filled with love.

Noticing their little ones seemed to have grown a bit, looking adorable.

He also paid attention to Shui’er and Jiu’er’s kids.

Both children had their mothers’ hair color.

One red, one blue.

But their eyes remained black.

Lu Changsheng found his children unique.

He engaged with the children and wives, exchanging tales.

Meanwhile.

In another manor within Qingzhu Valley.

“Brother, did you hear? In Jiulong Market, Changsheng moved alone, indulging in relationships, with many pregnant maidservants, over ten in total?”

The Fourth Elder was surprised and skeptical.

Despite knowing Lu Changsheng liked having children,

she hadn’t imagined such a deep indulgence.

He was serious about his cultivation.

But hearing this, she was speechless.

For the Lu Family recruitment, fifty children in twenty years was acceptable.

Yet in six months, Lu Changsheng had eleven pregnant.

Continuing this would leave no room for cultivation or Talisman Mastery.

“Do I seem like one to make jokes casually?”

The Second Elder replied at her disbelief.

“Miaoge was present, you can verify with her.”

“Although it’s not for me to comment, as an elder, watch over them.”

“Or else, I fear he’ll squander himself on women.”

The Second Elder sighed.

He didn’t mind Lu Changsheng taking maidservants.

Men loving beauty was normal.

Yet, Lu Changsheng’s conduct seemed excessive.

Beauty destroys the will!

Youth often lacks resolve, risking losing control.

Unchecked, a promising talisman talent might fade.

“Alright, I’ll check it out tomorrow, find out what’s happening.”

The Fourth Elder nodded seriously.

She liked her grandson-in-law Lu Changsheng.

Unwilling to believe he would neglect cultivation.

Planning to visit and assess his talisman skills.

The truth would become evident.