Chapter 90: Curse of the Demon! Forty-Nine Children!

A peaceful and leisurely life always passes quickly.

In the blink of an eye, more than a month has passed.

During this month, Yun Qianqian perfectly integrated into Lu Changsheng’s large family and successfully became pregnant.

This made Yu Maocheng and his wife admire Lu Changsheng’s efficiency.

During a conversation, Yu Maocheng asked Lu Changsheng how he planned to raise so many children in the future.

It’s said that you raise children according to your means, whether rich or poor.

But if the child has a Spirit Root, no matter what, it will be a significant expense.

Faced with this inquiry, Lu Changsheng nonchalantly stated that as a Talisman Master, he had some savings too.

He also regularly saved money to support his children’s future.

After all, a little hardship for himself was fine, but he couldn’t let his children suffer.

Hearing this, Yu Maocheng looked at him with an expression like an old man reading a phone on the subway.

He believed the children wouldn’t suffer.

But no matter how he looked at it, he didn’t think Lu Changsheng seemed like someone who would endure hardships.

Yu Maocheng had never seen someone who enjoyed life as much as Lu Changsheng.

Not to mention a harem of wives and maids serving him.

His lifestyle, consuming and shopping, made Yu Maocheng, who earned only ten Spirit Stones a month, extremely envious.

However, Yu Maocheng wouldn’t pry too much into such matters.

With Yun Qianqian’s connection, their two families had more interactions but didn’t treat each other like in-laws.

Knowing Yun Qianqian lived well in Lu Changsheng’s house was enough.

On this day.

Lu Changsheng was in the Talisman Shop creating talismans.

Suddenly, an indescribable mysterious feeling surged through him.

Lu Changsheng felt a sensation as if his Spirit Root advanced.

From an Eighth-Tier Spirit Root to a Seventh-Tier Spirit Root!

“Hmm, do I have a child with a Spirit Root born?”

Lu Changsheng was startled by this sensation, showing surprise.

The talisman he was creating failed, and the talisman paper smoked.

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind, he sensed and then shook his head: “No, this isn’t the sensation of a child’s Spirit Root boost.”

“It’s just a natural advancement that raised my Spirit Root from an Eighth-Tier to a Seventh-Tier!”

“Yes, my current four children’s Spirit Roots are still developing, so my Spirit Root grows as well.”

“Previously, my Spirit Root was nearing the peak of the Eighth-Tier, and now with continuous growth, it advances to a Seventh-Tier Spirit Root naturally!”

Lu Changsheng immediately understood what was happening.

According to this timing, indeed, two of his wives’ children from Qingzhu Mountain were about to be born.

But he didn’t feel the sensation of a Spirit Root boost.

Only a mysterious feeling that his Spirit Root advanced.

“Seventh-Tier Spirit Root!”

“Phew, finally advanced to a Seventh-Tier Spirit Root. Just one more step and I’d be a Middle-Tier Spirit Root Immortal Seed!”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath and exhaled, his face beaming with joy.

A Spirit Root is the foundation of one’s cultivation!

For Lu Changsheng, the Spirit Root not only mattered for himself.

But also concerned the future Spirit Root quality of his children.

After all, the parents’ Spirit Root quality could affect the children’s Spirit Root quality.

The better his Spirit Root, the better Spirit Roots his future children would have.

Even though he was trying to improve the quality of the children’s mothers.

As a father, he couldn’t fall behind.

“If this continues, the later-born children won’t just have better conditions and environment. Their talents will also stand on their siblings’ shoulders, reaching higher limits.”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but sigh.

It felt like as long as he continued, improved like this, perhaps eventually, he’d have a family of High-Tier or even Heavenly Spirit Roots.

Immediately, he tried experiencing the cultivation speed of his Seventh-Tier Spirit Root.

However.

The Root’s quiet enhancement didn’t seem to give him much of a noticeable change.

“Both Eighth-Tier and Seventh-Tier Roots are lower-tier. This advancement doesn’t show a significant change.”

“Possibly, advancing from lower to Middle-Tier might show a considerable change.”

“I wonder how my Root’s advancement after the Eighth-Tier to Seventh-Tier will help break through the mid-to-late Qi Refining stage bottleneck.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head slightly, looking at the Qi Sea Dantian. The spirit energy was as viscous as a stream.

Every day he meditated for two fixed hours.

Yet his cultivation remained unmoved.

He could only rely on slow grinding, waiting for a breakthrough opportunity.

However, if he really wanted a breakthrough, Lu Changsheng had inquired before.

The High-Tier Breaking Stage Pill costs twelve hundred Spirit Stones.

It could help mid-stage Qi Refiners break through to the late stage.

He could afford it if he saved for a year.

But to Lu Changsheng, it wasn’t necessary.

Staying at home most of the time, not engaging in battles or exploring dungeons.

Having many talismans, his cultivation was sufficient without rushing.

Occasionally using Yellow Dragon Pills for auxiliary cultivation was enough.

Pills like Breaking Stage ones should be spared, as they affect future Foundation Establishments.

“Guan Xin should be close to giving birth too, I wonder if this child will have a Spirit Root.”

Lu Changsheng stretched a bit, looking at the clear sky outside, feeling a bit of anticipation.

He had come to terms with wives or concubines without Spirit Roots having children.

But for those with Spirit Roots, he couldn’t quite suppress his expectations.

Ten days later.

Lu Changsheng found that two of his maids were pregnant.

Of the four maids he recently bought, only one hadn’t conceived yet.

But Lu Changsheng didn’t mind, not in a hurry to replenish.

After all, he only had one stick.

With ordinary maids in abundance now, it was better to save money for higher quality ones.

Moreover, Lu Miaoyun was still at Jiulon Market.

Out of respect for his wife, Lu Changsheng restrained himself a bit.

At least until Lu Miaoyun and Qu Zhenzhen retrned to Qingzhu Mountain next month. Then, he could visit the White Jade Tower.

Six days later.

On this day, Lu Changsheng stayed home instead of going to the Talisman Shop.

Because Guan Xin’s child was about to be born.

“Wah!”

As a cry sounded, Lu Changsheng felt a profound, mysterious sensation of resonance.

It was the resonance of a Spirit Root.

The child had a Spirit Root, giving him a boost!

Meanwhile, at his surprise, a system notification sounded.

“Congratulations to the host for having five children with Spirit Roots and earning a chance to draw a prize!”

This sensation and the system’s notification filled Lu Changsheng with immense joy.

However, with his matured mindset, he wasn’t overly excited.

He simply wore a faint smile, looking gentle and amiable.

He entered the room with Lu Miaoyun.

“Sir, it’s a baby girl.”

The midwife said with a beaming smile.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Lu Changsheng handed over a Spirit Stone and said.

This was the midwife he hired from Jiulong Market, who had helped with two previous births.

He felt he might need to hire a permanent midwife there in the future.

Even though wives and concubines were always nourished with Spirit Rice and food, ensuring safe childbirth.

Such measures had to be foolproof.

“Thanks to Sir Lu, thank you, Sir Lu.”

The midwife received the Spirit Stone, smiling like a blooming chrysanthemum.

Lu Changsheng lifted the child.

She was an adorable infant.

Knowing the child had a Spirit Root made Lu Changsheng more delighted, finding her increasingly adorable.

This sight made Guan Xin smile with joy.

She felt slightly disappointed knowing it was a daughter.

Afraid Lu Changsheng might not be pleased.

After all, in this world, many still favored sons over daughters.

Seeing Lu Changsheng’s smile put her more at ease.

After the birth, Lu Changsheng didn’t rush to draw his prize.

Instead, he stayed with Guan Xin, chatting with her and other wives.

Only in the afternoon did he mention going to the shop.

At the Talisman Shop, Lu Changsheng went straight to the third floor, starting the segment he anticipated most.

“System, draw a prize for me!”

Lu Changsheng thought silently.

Immediately, the light-pink system lottery wheel appeared.

“I wonder what I’ll get this time. If there’s no technique, another Magical Treasure would be nice.”

Looking at the lottery wheel, Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

After all, the Black Dragon Pearl had greatly benefited him.

If he could obtain a treasure for each limb, his cultivation would truly soar.

Without overthinking, Lu Changsheng said, “Start the draw!”

Instantly, golden light on the wheel began to spin.

In the anticipation of Lu Changsheng’s gaze, the light stopped slowly on the ‘treasure’ section of the lottery.

“Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a rare treasure: Curse of the Demon!”

“Reward issued to system space, the host can check at any time.”

An image of a jet-black scroll with eerie patterns appeared with the system prompt.

“A rare treasure, Curse of the Demon?”

Lu Changsheng was puzzled by this prize, unsure what it was.

He looked at the system space.

Checking what this Curse of the Demon might be.

“Curse of the Demon Book”

“Grade: Three-Tier”

“Description: An ancient shamanic ritual Artifact refined from the world’s evil auras. By focusing on the person, a curse can manifest from afar, binding their blood and soul within forty-nine days, ultimately leading to decay and death.”

The description of the Curse of the Demon’s effects emerged.

“It’s a curse-type treasure?”

Looking at the Curse of the Demon, Lu Changsheng instantly understood what it was.

It’s not a Magical Treasure.

But its effects are somewhat similar, classified as a rare treasure.

The treasure seemed potent, but Lu Changsheng knew as a Three-Tier Artifact, it could at most curse someone at the Golden Core stage.

Moreover, such treasures undoubtedly have restrictions or side effects.

He extracted the Curse of the Demon.

Taking a closer look at the details of this rare Artifact.

A black book, solid as a tome, but unable to turn pages, appeared before Lu Changsheng.

The scroll had no text, only faint black patterns.

These lines seemed like strands of demonic energy, flowing slowly, appearing eerie.

As the Curse of the Demon materialized, more detailed information flooded Lu Changsheng’s mind.

Reaffirming his hypothesis.

This Curse of the Demon Book appeared formidable but ultimately remains a Three-Tier treasure with limited effects.

First, this Curse of the Demon Book is a one-time use treasure.

After one use, it’s gone.

It can at most curse a Golden Core True Person.

Additionally, there is a side effect.

To curse others, one must pay a price – it requires shortening one’s lifespan!

And vitality recedes, needing calm cultivation to recover.

Cursing a Qi Refining cultivator shortens life by one to three years!

Cursing a Foundation Establishment cultivator cuts ten to thirty years!

Cursing a Golden Core cultivator takes more than a hundred years!

As for a Nascent Soul True Lord, although not lethal, it could nauseate them, causing them to be plagued by dark forces and weakening them.

The cost depends on one’s cultivation and longevity.

Without Nascent Soul’s strength, such a curse could lead to physical decay and soul obliteration.

“Curse of the Demon, this thing… how to put it.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the portrait-like Curse of the Demon in front of him, puckering his lips, unsure what to say.

It’s undoubtedly powerful.

By merely focusing on someone, he could curse them from afar, ignoring distance.

Unlike spells he read about, which required collecting the hair or blood of the target or their belongings.

Meaning, as a Qi Refining cultivator, he could curse a Foundation Establishment cultivator purely through this treasure, sacrificing lifespan.

Even if he risked his life, though not guaranteed to kill a Golden Core True Person, he could plague them with demonic forces.

Degrading their flesh, weakening their soul, severely hindering their strength and cultivation progress.

Such actions are extraordinary.

However, Lu Changsheng felt the cost was too great, not quite worth it.

For a Qi Refining cultivator, lifespan is just over a century.

Cursing a Foundation Establishment cultivator might cost two to three decades.

Besides shortening lifespan, it affects vitality, impacting strength, cultivation, and possibly future progeny.

“However, this treasure doesn’t bind to a master and isn’t restricted from being used by others.”

“If I wished, I could let someone else use it, sacrificing their lifespan to curse for me.”

“However, who would trust or be willing to do such a risky thing?”

“Thus, I will keep this treasure as my last resort, using it only when absolutely necessary.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the Curse of the Demon in his hand, slightly shook his head, and stored it in the Storage Bag.

Intending to use it against any blind low-level Foundation Establishment troublemakers who pushed him too far.

As for Golden Core beings, the mutual destruction wasn’t worth it.

After the lottery, Lu Changsheng felt unfulfilled.

He meditated to test his daughter’s Spirit Root quality, assessing the bonus for his cultivation.

For a long time, through experience, Lu Changsheng felt the boost was less than ten percent.

His daughter’s Spirit Root was probably at most an Eighth-Tier.

However, he was satisfied with that.

At this stage, simply having a Spirit Root was enough.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Lu Changsheng believed with effort, he’d reach unmatched heights.

Another ten days passed in a blink.

On this day, the Second Elder visited Lu Changsheng’s home.

Roaming around, he claimed he’d be returning to Qingzhu Mountain in half a month.

Asking Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaoyun, and others if theywished to return together then.

Naturally, Lu Changsheng expressed his desire to return.

Lu Miaoyun and Qu Zhenzhen shoed interest in returning to Qingzhu Mountain for rest, letting others come over.

Originally, Lu Changsheng intended to send Guan Xin to Qingzhu Mountain for recuperation and to bring the children.

But due to limited flying boat seats, only having three spots, he had to abandon the idea.

Lu Changsheng asked the Second Elder if babies would manage on a flying boat.

He planned to send these three kids back to Qingzhu Mountain.

The Second Elder assured there were no major issues, but advised buying some Warm Sun Jade.

This jade insulates against cold, nurturing the body.

On the flying boat, the babies wouldn’t feel cold and could sleep soundly.

After finishing the matters and chatting for a while, the Second Elder left with a chuckle.

His visit wasn’t purely about notifying Lu Changsheng of returning to Qingzhu Mountain.

For such trivial news, would the Lu Family’s Second Elder bother to visit personally?

His primary purpose was to observe if, under the Fourth Elder’s advice, in these six months, Lu Changsheng continued his obsession with a harem and buying maids.

From his observations, Lu Changsheng’s behavior had improved.

Though children were still born frequently, it was much better than before.

Lu Miaoyun informed him that i six months, Lu Changsheng had taken just one concubine and one maid, comforting him.

He felt the Fourth Elder’s guidance was quite effective.

Preparing to return in half a month, the next day, Lu Changsheng took Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and te other women shopping.

Planning to buy some items and gifts for the return.

During this, Lu Changsheng found Warm Sun Jade quite inexpensive.

Only two Spirit Stones per piece.

He purchased thirty-five pieces.

After all, a good father doesn’t favor one child over another.

Even if he had preferences for certain kids.

In minor matters, he still tried to be fair.

With thirty-five kids, he bought thirty-five gifts, one each.

Later, he wandered around the market, checking the price of age-defying pills.

His wives and concubines, having accompanied him over the years and borne many children, deserved valuable gifts.

The best would naturally be age-defying pills.

They worked to keep youth everlasting.

But age-defying pills are second-tier, priced steeply.

First-tier age-defying pills, there’s beauty pills and beauty-enhancing pills.

Beauty pills preserve appearances but gradually change in about ten years.

Priced at a hundred Spirit Stones.

Beauty-enhancing pills nourish and beautify.

More is better, taking one every three years has age-defying effects.

Priced at twenty Spirit Stones each.

Lu Changsheng thought for a while and bought sixteen beauty-enhancing pills.

One per wife or concubine.

In total, it cost three hundred and twenty Spirit Stones, discounted to three hundred.

Only at such times did Lu Changsheng feel the challenges of having so many wives and kids.

Ten days later.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, each arrying a baby, headed to the Eastern District courtyard to prepare to return to Qingzhu Mountain with the Second Elder.

Accompanying them were three Lu Family disciples, all cousins of Lu Miaoyun.

Two had traveled with them previously.

They noticed that before arriving, Lu Miaoyun and Qu Zhenzhen seeed fine.

Returning home now, both had slightly swollen bellies, each carrying a baby.

Leaving them puzzled.

They asked Lu Changsheng where the babies came from.

Facing such questions, Lu Changsheng didn’t hide.

He explained that he had taken several concubines and bought maids here.

These three babies just born were to be raised in Qingzhu Mountain.

Hearing this, they exchanged bewildered glances.

As Lu Family disciples, they knew of Lu Changsheng’s reputation in Qingzhu Mountain.

Valuing good women and prolific childbearing.

Although known, they didn’t expect he would keep having children wherever he went.

Especially Lu Miaoyun’s cousin sister, inuiring about his current number of children.

Lu Changsheng said he had thirty-five born and fourteen more on the way, leaving the three stunned.

Even the Second Elder piloting the flying boat couldn’t help but twitch his mouth, baffled.

At the beginning, the Lu Family demanded producing fifty children in twenty years.

Now, in over six years, Lu Changsheng had forty-nine children.

PS: Trying to update daily, so the schedule might be random. Apologies for possible delays at 11 AM tomorrow.