Chapter 96: The Children Should Also Train Martial Arts

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath as he stepped out of the Wanbao Pavilion, watching the bustling street.

After busying himself for most of the day, he finally managed to clear out the items of the Kou Clan’s Five Fiends.

He sold them for a total of 4,110 Spirit Stones.

This was roughly what he had estimated initially.

If he were to sell the items he kept for himself, like the Top-Tier Artifact flying dagger, High-Grade Artifact shield, along with pills, talismans, materials, and other miscellaneous items.

It would amount to about 7,000 Spirit Stones.

However, selling pills, talismans, and materials is a hassle.

Lu Changsheng could use these, so he was too lazy to sell them.

And naturally, Lu Changsheng spent all the Spirit Stones.

He used them to buy materials for crafting a Second-Tier puppet.

Though the cost of making a Second-Tier puppet is really high.

After inquiring about various material prices, Lu Changsheng gained a rough understanding of the price for a Second-Tier puppet.

It starts at around 3,000 Spirit Stones.

As for the upper limit, it’s hard to say.

Because puppets are different from pill refining, equipment refining, or talisman making.

There are many types of puppets.

They’re generally divided into combat puppets, support puppets, and special puppets.

In terms of appearance, there are humanoid puppets and beast-shaped puppets.

In size, there are small puppets, large puppets, and giant puppets.

Different puppets use different amounts of materials and time.

A giant puppet can consume materials several times or even dozens of times more than a small puppet.

Due to limited finances, time, and circumstances, Lu Changsheng didn’t consider so many options.

He decided to skip large and giant puppets.

He planned to first craft a Second-Tier small humanoid puppet costing around 3,000 Spirit Stones.

After all, he needed the puppet primarily for self-defense.

In case of unexpected events, it gives him another means of protection.

These small puppets have combat power roughly equivalent to early-stage Foundation Establishment, which is sufficient for him.

However, because he bought a Top-Tier talisman pen and talisman materials, his remaining Spirit Stones weren’t enough.

He hasn’t yet gathered all the materials needed for crafting this puppet.

He’s still short about 500 Spirit Stones.

Lu Changsheng wasn’t in a hurry.

He decided to leave it at that for now.

First, he would start drawing the Second-Tier talismans he purchased.

By then, he should have enough money to gather the remaining materials.

Anyway, even if he gathered all the materials now, he didn’t have much time and energy to start crafting the puppet.

Like the materials for the two puppets he bought earlier, he still hadn’t had the time to complete them.

Let alone crafting a Second-Tier puppet.

Lu Changsheng walked along the street, not heading straight home.

Instead, he went to find an inn.

In his room, he checked to see if he had been followed or marked.

Although large stores like Cloud Peak Trading Company and Wanbao Pavilion wouldn’t do such things.

It’s always good to be cautious.

After confirming there were no issues, Lu Changsheng changed his appearance and outfit and left the inn, headed out of Jiulong Market.

He circled around outside the market, destroyed his clothing and temporary identity tag, then returned to Jiulong Market.

Upon arriving at the Talisman Shop, Shopkeeper Zhang Shan reported the shop’s affairs from the past few days to Lu Changsheng.

He also informed him that three days ago, White Jade Tower sent someone to ask him to visit when he had time.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng immediately understood.

The two maidservants he had previously ordered from White Jade Tower had arrived.

“Alright, I understand.”

Lu Changsheng nodded in acknowledgment.

He wasn’t in a rush to go to White Jade Tower.

He could visit within a month of receiving the notification.

“Whew!”

Walking up to the third floor of the shop, Lu Changsheng sat down on a chair at the side and exhaled deeply.

At this moment, his tense mind finally relaxed completely.

He then took out a bottle of Emerald Bamboo Wine from his storage bag and poured himself a cup.

Today’s buying and selling had kept him tense all day, feeling burdened all along.

He was slightly mentally exhausted.

Thus, Lu Changsheng didn’t immediately attempt to draw the Second-Tier talismans.

He felt a bit weary mentally, not in an optimal state, and didn’t want to risk failure due to it potentially costing him dearly.

After all, the cost of Second-Tier talismans is indeed quite high.

Thinking about how other Talisman Masters burn money to practice, Lu Changsheng understood why talismans are so profitable.

Because a lot of money is spent, and if the profit isn’t high, who would do it?

After sipping two cups of Emerald Bamboo Wine and resting a bit, Lu Changsheng took out the Red Glint Talisman Pen he had purchased and started drawing High-Grade talismans.

He had consumed quite a few talismans this time and needed to replenish them.

And also get used to this new talisman pen.

“No wonder it’s a Top-Tier pen, making the talisman drawing process smoother.”

“Even if the spiritual energy becomes slightly tumultuous, spreading too thin, it can help to calm it.”

After drawing two High-Grade talismans and experiencing the effect of the Top-Tier pen, Lu Changsheng nodded and praised.

However, this was just an additional effect of the pen.

The main effect of a Top-Tier pen was to withstand the flow of spiritual ink and energy, allowing better lines to be sketched on the talisman paper.

Even if one’s talisman-making technique was high, a Mid-Tier Artifact pen couldn’t be used to draw Second-Tier talismans.

As night fell.

Lu Changsheng returned home.

He inquired about recent household events from Xiaoqing and others.

Except for the birth of his forty-second child, nothing significant had happened recently.

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, went to see the child, then had a meal, and went to bed early.

The following day, Lu Changsheng arrived at the talisman room of the Talisman Shop with a full spirit.

He was ready to start drawing Second-Tier talismans.

Spreading out pale purple beast hide talisman paper, Lu Changsheng took out the Red Glint Talisman Pen and absorbed demon beast blood spiritual ink into the pen tip.

Then, his body’s spiritual energy surged to his hand, flowing to the talisman pen, and its tip.

Under the flow of spiritual energy, the pen shaft glowed faintly red.

The pen tip also emitted a purple radiant glow.

With a serious and focused expression, Lu Changsheng began drawing the Second-Tier talisman.

The drawing process was very slow.

Although the talisman strokes appeared smooth, every step seemed somewhat laborious.

Beads of sweat formed on Lu Changsheng’s forehead.

Time passed bit by bit.

Finally, Lu Changsheng completed the last stroke of the talisman lines.

Instantly, the entire talisman paper’s lines connected, purple currents surged, and flames appeared from the paper’s edges, emitting a terrifying spiritual pressure.

However, the spiritual pressure quickly dissipated, solidifying the talisman lines.

Second-Tier lower-grade talisman, the Thunder Fire Talisman, was made!

“Successful on the first try, not bad.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the Thunder Fire Talisman with satisfaction, gently wiping away the sweat from his forehead.

Drawing Second-Tier talismans might not completely exhaust him, but it consumes a lot.

Both mentally and spiritually, he was mostly drained, feeling an overall fatigue.

“Second-Tier lower-grade talismans have power comparable to an early-stage Foundation Establishment attack.”

“However, with such talismans, given my current power, I can only activate one at a time.”

“I also need to be careful when guiding and controlling them, as any carelessness could potentially harm myself.”

Lu Changsheng held the Thunder Fire Talisman in his hand, smiling with delight.

Second-Tier lower-grade talismans correspond to an early-stage Foundation Establishment strike.

If used well, they can even threaten Foundation Establishment cultivators.

However, the higher the talisman grade, the more control over mind and spiritual power is required.

This is why, with lower-grade and middle-grade First-Tier talismans, Lu Changsheng could use dozens.

But with High-Grade talismans, even now, he could only use five or six at most at a time.

As for Top-Tier talismans, he could only use one or two at most.

Frugality is one aspect.

The main reason is he can only guide and control so many talismans with his current mind and spirit power.

If too many talismans are used at once without proper guidance and control, carelessness could lead to talismans harming himself.

This is one of the talisman’s drawbacks.

Otherwise, spellcasters would dominate the cultivation world.

Anyone could throw dozens or hundreds of talismans during battles; who could withstand that?

Or entry-level to mid-level Qi Refining cultivators could wield Second-Tier or Third-Tier talismans; who could withstand that?

Currently, Lu Changsheng is in the late stage of Qi Refining. Even if given a Third-Tier talisman, he couldn’t control or use it properly.

A slight mishap could result in power leakage and explosion, potentially injuring himself.

This is also one reason for the high value of talisman treasures.

With great power, even entry-level Qi Refining cultivators can use them, unleashing some power without harming themselves.

Lu Changsheng put away the Thunder Fire Talisman and went to the rest area to meditate.

After restoring 70-80% of his spiritual energy, he got up and headed out to White Jade Tower.

A quarter-hour later.

Lu Changsheng arrived at White Jade Tower.

A maid in a red dress informed him that Feng Jiuniang was busy.

She arranged for him to wait in an elegant room with tea served.

Not long after, a series of crisp high-heeled footsteps approached, accompanied by a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

Lu Changsheng said.

The door opened, and a beautiful lady in a black gauze dress entered the room.

“Forgive the wait, Mr. Lu.”

Feng Jiuniang greeted with a soft, charming smile, bowing gracefully.

Her demeanor was elegant and dignified, but the exposed black silk legs from her skirt were irresistibly alluring.

“Manager Feng, I heard the two maidservants I ordered before have arrived.”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he looked at the enchanting lady.

“Please wait a moment, Mr. Lu. I have already sent for them.”

Feng Jiuniang said with a gentle voice.

She then walked to the table, delicately bent slightly, and poured tea for Lu Changsheng.

She then elegantly sat on a chair beside him, habitually crossing her legs, revealing a black phoenix bird high-heeled shoe beneath her skirt.

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. This White Jade Tower manager was truly charming, as if every move was teasing.

Even someone like him, who had seen it all, felt tempted. What about others?

Unfortunately, it was something to admire but not to enjoy.

A moment later.

A woman in a red dress brought two beautiful women in.

One appeared twenty-four or twenty-five years old.

Her face was makeup-free, slightly rigid, with slender eyebrows sharp as a blade, her eyes carrying a hint of coldness.

She wore a red, form-fitting martial outfit, standing tall, with black hair in a ponytail, exuding a heroic spirit.

It was evident from her tall, straight posture that this woman had martial arts skills.

It’s possible she was a real hero.

The other girl seemed about sixteen years old.

She had long black hair reaching her waist, wearing a white tassel dress.

Her face was beautiful, her skin fair, and her figure well-developed.

If viewed from her perspective, she clearly couldn’t see the small white embroidered shoes under her dress.

As she entered the room, a subtle sorrow flowed in her eyes, making her look pitiful.

“Mr. Lu, these are your maids, Jiang Louyue and Yuyao.”

Feng Jiuniang introduced in a charming voice and then said to the two women, “Greet Mr. Lu.”

Her voice was laced with undeniable authority.

“Greetings, Mr. Lu.”

The two women immediately greeted Lu Changsheng with a graceful bow.

Their eyes also showed a hint of surprise.

After all, Lu Changsheng looked handsome, with a gentle demeanor.

He wore a green robe with bamboo leaf patterns, giving off a refreshing and warm aura.

It even inspired goodwill.

Feeling that the young man before them seemed like a kind person, a refined gentleman.

“Do you both wish to become my maids?”

Lu Changsheng stood up, hands behind his back, smiling.

He also noticed the look in their eyes.

He was all too familiar with such a gaze.

With his care, it wouldn’t take long for the two women to revive, feeling life was vibrant and colorful.

“This girl is willing, Yao’er is willing.”

The two women responded immediately.

“Alright, Manager Feng, I’m quite satisfied.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled softly and nodded.

He suddenly thought of the ‘Weeping Elder’ who created the Immortal Grace Technique.

If he came to a place like White Jade Tower, he probably couldn’t ask if the other party was willing, right?

Afterward, Lu Changsheng fully completed the contract with Feng Jiuniang and paid the remaining Spirit Stones.

“Mr. Lu, with your total of over 1,000 Spirit Stones spent at our White Jade Tower, you are now our member.”

“From now on, when purchasing maids from us, you can waive the deposit, and there will be no loss if you’re dissatisfied.”

“Moreover, we will have batches of high-quality maids available for members periodically.”

“If Mr. Lu is interested, I will have someone notify you.”

At this time, Feng Jiuniang took out a white jade token and handed it to Lu Changsheng, saying this.

“Oh?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

He didn’t expect White Jade Tower to have a membership system.

He wasn’t concerned about the deposit waiver.

He was only slightly interested in the premium maids exclusive for members.

“By continuing to spend, is there a higher tier membership available?”

Lu Changsheng took the white jade token and examined it.

One side was carved with the White Jade Tower emblem, the other inscribed with his name, Lu. It seemed pre-customized.

“Indeed, we have multiple membership tiers at White Jade Tower to provide every customer with better service.”

Feng Jiuniang smiled sweetly.

“Alright, if there are any premium maids exclusive for members in the future, you can send someone to inform me at the Lu Family Talisman Shop.”

Lu Changsheng said thoughtfully.

Initially, he thought about pausing his visits to White Jade Tower to buy maids.

After all, he already has quite a number of maids now.

Buying more would truly require moving houses.

And spending too much money at White Jade Tower might arouse suspicion at the Lu Family.

However, he could learn more about such matters without necessarily making purchases.

If there’s something really good, he could consider it.

“Sure, no problem. Take care, Mr. Lu.”

Feng Jiuniang said with a charming smile as she escorted Lu Changsheng out of White Jade Tower.

“Louyue, have you trained in martial arts?”

As they walked, Lu Changsheng turned to Jiang Louyue, who exuded a sense of valor, and asked.

“Reporting to sir, since childhood, Louyue has practiced martial arts, but only stepped onto the path of cultivation upon encountering an immortal chance.”

Jiang Louyue respectfully replied.

She quickly adapted to her identity.

After all, under White Jade Tower’s training, they could only hope to find a good master.

Now, Lu Changsheng appeared to be such a master, and she naturally adjusted her attitude.

“What is your martial arts level?”

Lu Changsheng continued to ask.

He had long aspired to have his rootless children practice martial arts, aiming to establish a martial family in the mortal world.

Now that Lu Ping’an and others were reaching an appropriate age.

He could start preparing for their martial training.

Initially, he considered having Li Feiyu teach them.

But Li Feiyu’s current situation was well-known to him.

Struggling for a living every day to leave the Lu Family, Li Feiyu didn’t have time to spare.

If he asked Li Feiyu, the latter would certainly agree.

Yet, wasting his time and paying him would make him decline.

And given his many children, one or two people wouldn’t be enough to teach them.

So he thought of finding more people to teach his children martial arts.

“Based on worldly standards, my martial arts ability is at the Innate Grandmaster stage.”

Jiang Louyue said.

“Can you teach children martial arts?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

Practicing martial arts and teaching them are two different things.

For instance, many maidservants bought from White Jade Tower practiced martial arts.

But having them teach would be a bit difficult.

“I haven’t taught before, but I can try.”

Jiang Louyue replied.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

He thought he could bring Jiang Louyue to Qingzhu Mountain to have a look.

If it really didn’t work, he could spend money in the mundane world to hire so-called martial grandmasters to teach his children.

Money makes the mare go.

Surely, with his spending, he could hire a martial arts teacher from the regular world.

After taking the two women home, Lu Changsheng let Baihe arrange their accommodation and explain the situation.

By now, the women in the courtyard were used to Lu Changsheng buying maidservants.

Moreover, they couldn’t say anything about it, nor did they have the right to.

Six days later.

In the Talisman Shop.

Lu Changsheng held a Spirit Pattern Knife, carving on the chest of a metallic humanoid puppet as tall as himself.

Each time the knife fell, it left a graceful line on the puppet.

After a long time.

“Finally done.”

Lu Changsheng stopped and looked at the puppet with satisfaction.

Naturally, this wasn’t the Second-Tier puppet he intended to craft.

It was a middle-grade First-Tier puppet.

He worked on it little by little with the materials he bought earlier, which took this long to complete.

Using the Puppet Control Technique, Lu Changsheng controlled the spirit core in the puppet’s chest to manage it.

With a slight mental command.

The metallic puppet took a step forward.

Then retreated a step.

Jumped to the left.

Then jumped to the right, leaping and flipping.

Under Lu Changsheng’s control, despite appearing bulky, the metallic puppet was incredibly agile.

Such puppets could perform moves that ordinary people could, and even some that ordinary people couldn’t.

Then Lu Changsheng took out the Qingyan Sword from his storage bag.

With a flash of cold light as the sword left its sheath, he slashed at the puppet.

“Clang!” Sparks flew.

But the sword left only a white mark on the puppet’s chest.

“Not bad.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly.

In addition to its metallic material, he engraved sturdy spirit patterns and formations on the puppet.

It could withstand Late-Stage Qi Refining spells and medium-grade flying sword attacks.

The puppet’s chest spirit core could store spiritual energy, enabling its arms to cast Fireball and Frost Spells.

However, it could only use the Fireball and Frost Spells three times before depleting its stored spiritual energy.

“The only drawback is that a person’s mental capacity is limited, unable to control too many puppets simultaneously.”

“With my current Late-Stage Qi Refining cultivation, I can barely control two or three puppets.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the puppet before him, contemplating silently.

First-Tier and Second-Tier puppets lack self-awareness.

They must be manipulated using the Puppet Control Technique.

Just like driving a Artifact.

In a fight, maneuvering Artifacts, using talismans, and controlling puppets would be overwhelming, making it impossible to exert full strength.

“The puppet profession is uncommon, not without reason.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head.

He felt crafting a few puppets would be enough.

Having too many wouldn’t help and he couldn’t create a puppet army as he imagined.

“If I reach Foundation Establishment and develop Divine Sense, I could control multiple puppets simultaneously by then.”

Moreover, it’s said that in the cultivation world, there are techniques to train the Divine Sense.

Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes with thought.