Chapter 93: Dad, Without a Spirit Root, Can’t I Cultivate Immortality?

After leaving Jiulong Market, Lu Changsheng did not ride the Iron Feather Eagle.

Instead, he took out the flying Artifact he had previously obtained from a robber.

Now that he had broken through to Late-Stage Qi Refining, he could use it for travel.

Of course, Lu Changsheng didn’t plan to fly back to Qingzhu Mountain using it.

That wasn’t practical.

He simply thought that since he was already in disguise, he should do it properly.

And it was a chance to experience flying Artifacts.

This flying Artifact resembled a round wheel.

Lu Changsheng infused spiritual energy into it, tossed it into the air, and jumped on.

With a slight shift in focus, the wheel began to fly, sustained by his spiritual power.

The basic speed of this flying Artifact wasn’t very fast.

Just a bit faster than a spirit beast.

Compared to a flying sword Artifact, it consumed very little spiritual energy.

But if speed was needed for escape, the energy consumption would increase significantly.

After flying about ten kilometers, Lu Changsheng felt he had used up a tenth of his spiritual energy.

“This kind of flying Artifact uses quite a bit of energy; it’s not suitable for long-distance travel.”

“For long flights during Qi Refining, one should rely on flying mounts or Spirit Stone-powered vessels.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head and remarked.

He then dismounted from the Artifact and released the Iron Feather Eagle from the Spirit Pet Bag, mounting it.

“Whoosh! Whoosh!”

The Iron Feather Eagle’s wings spread wide, and it ascended quickly, heading towards Qingzhu Mountain.

Two days later.

Qingzhu Mountain.

Lu Changsheng, with a handsome face and dignified posture, clad in a green bamboo-leaf brocade robe, dismounted from the Iron Feather Eagle.

The journey had been very smooth, with no unexpected incidents.

Now with Late-Stage Qi Refining cultivation, over a hundred high-grade talismans, fifty top-tier talismans, and a talisman treasure, Lu Changsheng felt much more secure.

He no longer worried as much during his travels.

Upon returning home, his wives and children were all delighted.

While chatting with Lu Miaoyun, he learned that th test for spirit roots would begin in five days.

And he found out that during his three days at home, one of his wives got pregnant.

Meaning, the maid from Jiulong Market was carrying his fifty-first child.

After spending some time with his wives and children, Lu Changsheng went to greet the Fourth Elder.

After all, upon returning, it was customary to pay respects.

The Fourth Elder, aware that Lu Changsheng returned for the spirit root test, didn’t say much.

He inquired about the past three months and checked his progress in talisman crafting.

Five days later, the Lu Family’s spirit root test began.

Lu Changsheng, along with Lu Lanshu, Lu Qing’er, Lu Zi’er, and Lu Lian’er, brought their four children to a plaza at Qingzhu Mountain Estate.

This was where the spirit root test was held.

Here, Lu Changsheng saw many Lu Family disciples.

He also met the immortal seedlings who had once arrived with him at the Lu Family.

They were all there with their children for the test.

Though called a grand ceremony, it wasn’t heavily attended.

The number of children was around forty.

“Form a line!”

An elder from the Lu Family officiated the spirit root test.

Uncle Fu and several Lu Family disciples maintained order.

Lu Changsheng also had his four little ones line up for the spirit root test.

The tool for testing was about a one-meter-long crystal cylinder.

The child would step forward, drop a bit of blood on it, and then touch it with their hands, waiting for thirty seconds.

If they had a spirit root, the crystal would react.

“Now the spirit root test begins!”

When the time was right, the elder called the first child forward.

“Husband.”

Lu Lanshu and the other three women were filled with tension and anticipation, their eyes full of hope.

After all, this moment would determine their children’s fate.

If no spirit root, the child would remain a mortal.

Even though with the Lu Family and Lu Changsheng around, their future would be prosperous and worry-free.

But as mothers, they naturally hoped their children would have a spirit root and cultivate immortality.

Become high-status immortals.

Lu Changsheng, seeing their anxious expressions, sighed slightly in his heart but said nothing.

He just gently patted them, reassuring them not to be too nervous.

“Next!”

“Next!”

“Next!”

One by one, the children were tested.

The crystal showed no reaction.

Indicating none had a spirit root.

Seeing this, the surrounding parents and elders were anxious and disappointed.

The children waiting in line were also tense.

After all, growing up in Qingzhu Mountain, they knew this moment affected their fates.

Then, a child’s hand touched the crystal.

The cylinder glowed with three layers of light, faintly red.

“Nice! A Seventh-Tier Spirit Root, fire attribute!”

The clan elder in charge of testing smiled.

“Oh! Wonderful!”

“My son has a spirit root, a Seventh-Tier Spirit Root!”

A young man shouted excitedly from not far away.

Lu Changsheng remembered him.

He was one of the immortal seedlings who came to the Lu Family with him.

Unexpectedly, his first child had a spirit root and a Seventh-Tier at that.

Such luck was admirable.

“No yelling.”

Uncle Fu reminded him.

But he wasn’t blamed.

The spirit root test continued, and another Eighth-Tier Spirit Root was found.

It belonged to a child of a Lu Family member.

Then it was Lu Ping’an’s turn.

As Lu Changsheng anticipated, no surprises occurred.

The crystal cylinder remained unresponsive.

Not just him, but also Lu Wuyou, Lu Wuyu, and Lu Xile showed no results.

“Phew!”

Upon seeing the tests completed without finding spirit roots in his four children.

Even though he was prepared, Lu Changsheng sighed slightly.

“Dad, Mom.”

The four little ones approached.

Failing the test for spirit roots, they appeared a bit disappointed.

They were all over five years old, nearly six.

They roughly understood the significance of spirit roots.

Lu Changsheng had prepared them, saying cultivation wasn’t that great, the mundane life was also nice.

But their mothers, who spent more time with them, wanted them to excel.

They were more eager for success.

“It’s okay. Most don’t have spirit roots. Let’s go eat something nice.”

Lu Changsheng tousled the heads of his children, speaking softly.

“Okay.”

“Dad, I want beast milk cake!”

Lu Wuyou and Lu Xile, the two girls, were more accepting and smiled.

Lu Ping’an and Lu Wuyu found it harder.

The family of nine headed home.

Just as they reached the door.

Lu Ping’an suddenly looked up at Lu Changsheng and said, “Dad, without a spirit root, can’t I become an immortal cultivator? I also want to be like you!”

Hearing this, seeing the hopeful eyes of his son, Lu Changsheng paused, feeling a pang of sorrow.

But he was silent.

Without a spirit root, immortality was unreachable.

This was a truth, a rule!

Even with his system, he dared not break it.

He hesitated to speak, stopped by his emotion.

“Ping’an.”

Lu Lanshu looked sternly but with concern at her son.

“Dad, don’t be sad, Ping’an won’t cultivate.”

Ping’an replied after seeing his father’s expression, pursing his lips.

“Dad, don’t be sad.”

Little Wuyou chimed in.

Though young, they were very understanding.

Lu Changsheng felt comforted and yet guilty.

He gently patted their heads, saying nothing.

The next day, Lu Changsheng rode the Iron Feather Eagle back to Jiulong Market.

“Sigh, I thought after these years, I was unwavering.”

Recalling yesterday’s scene, Lu sighed.

Knowing such events would happen yearly.

He sighed again.

“There’s no perfect world.”

“It’s one of the cultivation world’s cruelties.”

Looking at the blue sky and forests below, Lu exhaled deeply.

“Hmm?”

Suddenly, Lu sensed waves of energy nearby.

He turned to see.

A luxuriously dressed, slender youth flying on a purple snake.

Behind him, three figures on a black cloud and two on flying Artifacts attacked.

Clearly, they were chasing this youth.

Lu was surprised seeing this.

This youth, seemingly at Late-Stage Qi Refining.

But facing five pursuers, only seemed slightly flustered.

While countering their attacks, he unleashed golden beetles back at them.

“Leave!”

Lu didn’t look further.

Avoid danger! The wise avoid risky walls!

He directed the Iron Feather Eagle to dive, avoiding involvement.

However.

The youth on the snake saw Lu, eyes brightening.

That look made Lu feel uneasy.

Confirming this youth was extraordinary.

“Friend, meeting by chance, here’s a great opportunity for you: a bottle of Profound Yin True Water, a Foundation spirit material, helpful for cultivation!”

The youth shouted at Lu, tossing a black porcelain bottle to him.

Lu frowned, his face darkening.

Realizing the youth intended to divert his pursuers to him.

But hearing ‘Foundation spirit material’ and seeing the bottle, he was tempted, catching it.

After all, he was at the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining.

It was time to consider Foundation Establishment.

Foundation required more than just his own effort, best to use external aids.

Most cultivators relied on aids for Foundation success!

Solo attempts were near fatal.

The best for aiding Foundation is the Foundation Establishment Pill!

It stabilizes Vitality, boosts Spiritual Energy, coordinates body for success during Foundation.

Even on failure, it prevents backlash.

Besides pills, many spirit materials aid cultivation.

Profound Yin True Water helps immensely with the Foundation’s power stage.

“Should I take it? Even if unused, selling it could fetch two to three thousand Spirit Stones.”

Lu pondered looking at the bottle.

Weighing pros and cons, he decided.

Since involved, denying wouldn’t resolve it.

Plus, he wanted it!

“I want it, and avoid trouble only one way.”

Lu coolly glanced at the youth and pursuers.

Seeing this, the five saw the youth trying to shift trouble, the leader didn’t hesitate.

“Third Brother, Fourth Brother, retrieve the Profound Yin True Water.”

“Yes, Big Brother!”

The two turned towards Lu, flying their tools.

“Buzz!”

Lu activated a Golden Light Shield Talisman.

A golden glow enveloped him and the eagle.

The eagle must stay safe.

There’s still a day to Jiulong Market.

He held a stack of talismans in one hand, and a sturdy, gold-brick-engraved talisman in another.

The Golden Light Brick talisman treasure!

These youths and the five weren’t ordinary, quick action was needed.

“High-Grade Talismans, seems you’re well-off?”

“Nonetheless, we, the Kou Clan’s Five Fiends, won’t forgive you easily!”

The pursuing duo charged, sneering.

One wielded a sword, the other a hammer, both fierce.

The Golden Light Shield Talisman wouldn’t hold long.

Seeing their approach, Lu remained unflinched, his robes billowing magically, throwing the talismans.

Fire snakes, clouds, and wind blades appeared.

“Kid, such measures to steal our prize? Hah.”

Unfazed, the pair activated protective spells.

Then saw in Lu’s hand a radiant gold object growing, emanating power.

The aura weighed heavily, their faces changed.

“A talisman treasure!”

They cried, astonished and furious.

Never expecting such opposition, they were caught off-guard.

The youth had been troublesome enough, let alone now a talisman treasure wielder.

Ridiculous luck today!

“Mystery friend, mistake, mistake! The item’s yours!”

“Right, let’s talk, peace!”

They shouted.

They couldn’t fathom Lu’s actions.

Using a talisman treasure for such an item?

This aggressiveness was confusing.

“Too late!”

Lu dismissed them coldly.

Once unleashed, no turning back!

“Third Brother, Fourth Brother!”

On the black cloud, a large man panicked.

Casting a blood chain to retrieve them.

But the golden brick fell like a mountain.

The pressure crushed them, even slowing the blood chain.

“Boom!!!”

The brick struck, sending them down, wounded.

“You killed my brothers! You die today!”

The man roared, biting his lips until they bled.

Summoning a strange blade with blood energy, aiming at Lu.

“This is bad!”

Lu focused, seeing the danger.

His opponent trying to capitalized on his talisman.

He drew another talisman.

A top-tier Golden Light Protection Talisman!

And a personal mid-grade Artifact shield.

The earth-toned shield stood as a barrier.

Meanwhile, Lu controlled the brick.

Locked onto the snake-riding youth and others for another hit.

He wanted the item, not the hassle.

Being equipped, Lu acted decisively.

Confident until against a Foundation expert!

Only if face-to-face they’d fight!

“Slash!”

The blood blade shattered Lu’s shield.

He drew five more talismans, stacking protections.

In battle, precision was key!

“Slash! Slash! Slash!”

The blood blade tore through three shields, losing momentum at the fourth.

“Such a fierce assault!”

Lu was startled.

Without delay, he commanded the brick to strike again.

“Wrong, friend!”

The snake rider felt pressure, shouting.

Summoning a swarm of black insects as armor to escape.

On the cloud, the others realized time was against them.

They eyed each other, transforming their cloud to blood red.

Straining against the brick’s pressure, trying to flee.

“Hmm!?”

Lu hadn’t expected such persistence.

Truly skilled.

Immediately using three more talismans.

High-grade Soul Shock talisman!

Top-tier Lightning Talisman!

Top-tier Skynet Talisman!

The sky boomed, unsettling all.

Fear gripped them, foiling efforts.

Lightning roared, blocking their path.

A net formed, confining them on all sides!