At the Blue Cloud Sect, in the Scripture Pavilion.
âYouâre sure you want to choose this cultivation technique, Xiao Xiyue?â
The Pavilionâs Elder looked at the three cultivation techniques Xiao Xiyue had chosen, and his face revealed a strange expression when he saw one of them.
âI want to comprehend all techniques. The method I practice requires me to understand all kinds of techniques, so I chose this technique.â
Xiao Xiyueâs had a calm and serene expression. She bowed slightly and spoke.
âSince youâve made up your mind, I wonât say much, Xiao Xiyue.â
âHowever, you should know the rules of our Blue Cloud Sect: you must take an oath to keep the technique confidential and not leak it to outsiders.â
The Pavilionâs Elder looked at Xiao Xiyueâs demeanor and didnât say much, just nodding slightly.
âThank you, Elder.â
Xiao Xiyue nodded, took the oath, and promised not to leak the technique, then left.
âIt seems that Foundation Establishment has a significant impact on fertility.â
Lu Changsheng had returned to Qingzhu Mountain over a month ago.
During this time, he barely practiced cultivation.
Except for crafting talismans, he spent most of his time on family matters and making babies.
Although he had been trying to conceive for a month, only three concubines had become pregnant.
This made him realize that this was likely due to his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.
Cultivatorsâ cultivation levels affect their fertility, and it becomes harder to conceive as they break through to higher realms, which is a common understanding in the cultivation world.
âHowever, the higher the parentsâ cultivation level, the higher the probability of their offspring having a Spirit Root, and the better their quality.â
âNow that Iâve broken through to Foundation Establishment, and with the systemâs 5% increase in Spirit Root probability, I think the probability of our children having Spirit Roots will also increase significantly.â
Lu Changsheng thought to himself.
This month, although he had been diligent in making babies, he had also been following the principle of eugenics.
The three pregnant concubines all had Spirit Roots.
So, the children they would give birth to would likely have a high probability of having Spirit Roots as well.
âIf I were to have a child with Xiyue, I think their talent would be exceptional.â
At this time, Lu Changsheng thought of Xiao Xiyue.
The other person not only had a four grade Spirit Root and a Moonlight Spirit Body, but was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
If the two of them were to have a child, it would likely have a Spirit Root, and its talent would be exceptional.
However, he also knew that it would be difficult to have a child with Xiao Xiyue at the moment.
Having a child would not only delay her cultivation for several years, but her master would likely not agree to it either.
âHusband, Grandma is here, and it seems like she has something to discuss with you.â
At this time, Lu Miaoyun arrived at the backyard and said to Lu Changsheng.
âWhat is it that you want to discuss with me?â
Lu Changsheng was somewhat surprised to hear this.
He immediately followed Lu Miaoyun to the main hall.
Inside the hall, the Fourth Elder was drinking tea.
The old woman was already ninety years old.
Her once-luxuriant face had aged significantly.
Her once-black hair had turned completely white.
âGrandma.â
Lu Changsheng immediately bowed and greeted her.
âChangsheng.â
The Fourth Elder nodded her head and her face was filled with kindness.
After chatting with Lu Changsheng about family matters for a while, she revealed the purpose of her visit.
She expressed her intention to step down from her position as the elder of the Lu Family and recommended Lu Changsheng to take over the position.
At the same time, she hoped that Lu Changsheng could teach the Lu Familyâs younger generation how to craft talismans.
âTake over the position of elder and teach the Lu Familyâs younger generation how to craft talismans?â
Lu Changsheng was slightly hesitant upon hearing this.
If he had a choice, he would definitely not want to take on this responsibility.
Because he was already very busy.
Not only did he need to craft talismans, refine the Nine-Treasure Jade Ruyi, and take care of his children, but he also needed to focus on his own cultivation.
In the past month, he had spent most of his time on family matters and had barely cultivated.
The Seven Stars Heart Lamp technique still hadnât been cultivated to perfection.
If he took on this position, it would require a significant amount of time and energy.
However, the Fourth Elderâs tone was sincere and pleading, making it difficult for him to refuse.
After all, the old lady was already at an age where she should retire and enjoy her golden years.
Moreover, the Lu Familyâs highest cultivation level in talisman crafting was currently himself.
And the old lady had already offered him the position of elder.
It was worth noting that in the Lu Family, a cultivator family, the elders were usually from within the family.
âChangsheng, teaching the Lu Familyâs younger generation how to craft talismans is mainly about giving lectures, guiding them, and seeing if they have any talent for talismans.â
âIf they have talent, itâs like when I taught you and Miaoge, and it wonât take up too much time.â
The Fourth Elder saw Lu Changshengâs hesitation and continued to speak.
Her tone was warm and kind, with a hint of pleading in her eyes.
âGrandma, teaching the Lu Familyâs younger generation how to craft talismans is naturally not a problem.â
âAs for the position of elder, why donât you give it to Sister Miaoge? You know Iâm not interested in managing things, and I donât like to get involved in family matters.â
Lu Changsheng looked at the old ladyâs gaze and spoke out.
Since the old lady had already said so, he couldnât directly refuse.
It wouldnât be too difficult to take some time to teach the Lu Familyâs younger generation about talismans and share his knowledge.
He might as well do something for the Lu Family.
Moreover, he couldnât push this task away.
Lu Changsheng was very clear in his heart that if he refused, this task would ultimately fall on his wife Lu Miaogeâs shoulders.
He still hoped that Lu Miaoge would have fewer things to worry about and could focus more on her cultivation.
So, he might as well take on this task.
Besides, he was already teaching his own children about talismans, so it wouldnât be too much trouble to teach a few more.
âChangsheng, this position of elder is not just Grandmaâs idea, but also the Patriarchâs and the elderâs thoughts.â
âAnd this position is just a title, without too many responsibilities. As for Miaoge, the family will make other arrangements in the future.â
The Fourth Elder patted Lu Changshengâs hand and spoke softly.
Lu Changsheng understood that this position of elder was the Lu Familyâs way of further pulling him in.
Otherwise, this position wouldnât be decided by just the Fourth Elder alone.
It would require a vote from all the Lu Family elders.
âSince Grandma has said so, I would naturally accept.â
Looking at the old ladyâs kind face, Lu Changsheng didnât refuse again and nodded in agreement.
âGood, this matter will be finalized at this yearâs family meeting. Youâll have to work hard then, Changsheng.â
The Fourth Elder saw Lu Changsheng agree and smiled.
This was a big deal, and it wouldnât be directly finalized.
She had come to inform him in advance, so Lu Changsheng could prepare.
âDonât worry, Grandma.â
Lu Changsheng smiled and shook his head.
âHowâs your first-grade top-quality talisman crafting going?â
At this time, the Fourth Elder asked about Lu Changshengâs talisman crafting skills as usual.
She would ask about his talisman crafting skills every half year or so.
Half a year ago, Lu Changsheng had already shown that his talisman crafting skills were almost on par with the Fourth Elderâs.
âPlease, Grandma, guide me.â
Lu Changsheng didnât say much, instead, he revealed his Talisman-making skills to the Fourth Elder.
Now that he had broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, he could be a bit bolder.
He would accelerate his progress in the Talisman-making aspect.
In a few years, he would be able to showcase his second-grade Talisman-making skills to the outside world.
âVery good, very good.â
As Lu Changsheng successfully created a first-grade, top-quality Talisman, the Fourth Elderâs face lit up with excitement and joy, repeatedly exclaiming her praise.
She could see that Lu Changshengâs Talisman-making skills had already surpassed her own.
This Talisman, even if she were to create it herself, would not be as refined, and might not even be as good as Lu Changshengâs.
Lu Miaoyun, who was standing by, although she didnât fully understand, was also delighted and happy.
She knew that her husbandâs Talisman-making skills had made another breakthrough.
Over the years, she had witnessed Lu Changshengâs continuous progress in Talisman-making.
âChangsheng, from now on, I wonât be able to teach you anything about Talisman-making. Youâll have to rely on yourself.â
âThis purple one is our Lu Familyâs second-grade, top-quality Talisman-making inheritance.â
âThis white one is my own annotation and understanding of the Talisman-making inheritance, which Iâve accumulated over the decades. Take it and study it well.â
âMy only wish now is to see you become a second-grade Talisman master.â
The Fourth Elder tidied up her storage bag and took out a white jade box.
Inside, there were two jade slips, which she solemnly handed over to Lu Changsheng.
Lu Changsheng looked at the Fourth Elderâs serious expression and knew that this must be something extremely precious to her.
After all, it was extremely difficult for ordinary cultivators to obtain advanced-level techniques and second-grade Talisman-making inheritances.
Not only were they expensive, but they were also rarely available on the market.
This second-grade, top-quality Talisman-making inheritance was likely the Lu Familyâs most treasured heirloom in the Talisman-making aspect.
âI wonât disappoint you, Grandma.â
Lu Changsheng nodded heavily, respectfully accepting the inheritance with both hands.
âVery good, very good.â
The Fourth Elder patted Lu Changshengâs shoulder, also not saying much more.
She then chatted with them for a bit before going to visit her great-grandchildren.
As she grew older, she became more and more fond of the children.
Lu Miaoyunâs eldest son, Lu Yun, was nine years old this year.
After being discovered to have a seventh-grade Spirit Root, he had become even more favored by the Fourth Elder.
However, Lu Miaoyunâs second child didnât have a Spirit Root, and her third child only had a ninth-grade Spirit Root, which made both Lu Miaoyun and the old lady feel somewhat disappointed.
âCongratulations, husband.â
After the Fourth Elder left, Lu Miaoyunâs face lit up with joy as she congratulated Lu Changsheng.
As his wife, she naturally felt proud and happy about her husbandâs rapid progress in Talisman-making and his upcoming position as the family elder.
Lu Changsheng also smiled and nodded in response.
Although he didnât feel particularly excited about the elder position, he knew that it was a significant achievement that warranted celebration.
If he appeared too calm, it would be hard to explain.
Soon, Lu Miaoyun spread the news throughout the household.
âCongratulations, husband!â
âCongratulations, father!â
âCongratulations, dad!â
The wives and children in the backyard were all overjoyed upon hearing the news and rushed to congratulate Lu Changsheng.
Their thoughts were similar to Lu Miaoyunâs â becoming the family elder was a great honor and a remarkable achievement.
Now that their husband, father, was going to become the Lu Family elder, it was a truly remarkable thing.
Lu Changsheng looked at the happy faces of his wives and children and couldnât help but feel joyful, a smile spreading across his face.
âItâs not finalized yet, letâs just keep it to ourselves for now.â
He waved his hand, thinking to himself that if they knew that their husband, father, was already a Foundation Establishment cultivator, they would be even more astonished.
Before long, half a month had passed.
In the practice room, Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, his five hearts facing upwards, imagining the seven stars in his mind, and the endless sword aura.
The countless sword auras in his body converged at his Dantian, gradually forming a seven-star ancient lamp.
âSeven Stars Heart Lamp!â
âThe spiritual light in the heart is the lamp wick, the spiritual power is the lamp oil, and with a single thought, the heart lamp can be ignited, which can eliminate the poison, guard and enlighten the mind, and resist external demons.â
âIf I use heavenly silver as the lamp oil, I can accelerate my cultivation, condense my spiritual power, and make my foundation even more refined.â
âMoreover, when facing enemies, I can use my spiritual power to ignite the lamp wick, unleashing endless sword auras to kill my foes, making it a perfect combination of offense and defense!â
After a long time, Lu Changsheng slowly opened his eyes, gazing at the Seven Stars Heart Lamp that had condensed in his Dantian. He let out a gentle sigh and a joyful expression appeared on his face.
Through half a month of closed-door cultivation, he had finally succeeded in condensing the Seven Stars Heart Lamp.
Next, he would need to gather materials to forge the Seven Stars Heart Lamp into his spiritual weapon.
However, he didnât start forging immediately.
Because this process would take a long time and couldnât be interrupted.
It would take several months of closed-door cultivation to achieve this.
Now Lu Changsheng gradually understood why cultivators couldnât be bothered with worldly affairs.
This Seven Stars Heart Lamp condensation method didnât require him to spend time studying or contemplating.
Directly imagining the seven stars, condensing the sword aura, and forging the heart lamp had taken him half a month.
If an ordinary person were to attempt this, they would need to close themselves off for at least three to four months, or even half a year, to condense this heart lamp.
âAh, no wonder cultivators canât be bothered with too many worldly affairs.â
âToo many worldly affairs make it difficult to focus on cultivation.â
Lu Changsheng sighed, walked out of the practice room, and headed to the Fourth Elderâs residence to discuss teaching the Lu Family children about Talisman-making.
He planned to teach a lesson, and then use the excuse of going into seclusion to break through to the Qi Refining seventh stage to forge the Seven Stars Heart Lamp into a spiritual weapon.
After all, this Seven Stars Heart Lamp was beneficial for cultivation, and the sooner it was forged, the better.
âIâll let Patriarch notify everyone, and weâll hold the lesson at Qingzhu Mountain tomorrow.â
The Fourth Elder said this after hearing Lu Changshengâs intentions.
The next day, the sun was shining brightly.
The Fourth Elder arrived at Lu Changshengâs residence, accompanied by a man in his thirties with a refined face and a courteous demeanor.
This man was Lu Miao, the young Patriarch of the Lu Family.
He would become the new Patriarch of the Lu Family at this yearâs family gathering.
It wasnât that Lu Yuanding had done anything wrong.
It was just that the Patriarch of the Lu Family served a twenty-year term.
Lu Yuanding had just completed his twenty-year term, so he would be stepping down and becoming an elder.
âGrandma, young Patriarch.â
Lu Changsheng bowed to the Fourth Elder and Lu Miao.
âChangsheng.â
The two of them also nodded to Lu Changsheng.
This young Patriarch was Lu Yuandingâs nephew.
So, his personality was similar to Lu Yuandingâs.
He was courteous and refined, making people feel very comfortable.
The two of them had come for the Talisman-making lesson.
Since it was the first lesson, they lacked experience, so the Fourth Elder had to come to supervise.
As for the young Patriarch, he was there to observe and ensure that the Lu Family children didnât cause any trouble for Lu Changsheng, the future elder.
Lu Changsheng called out to his sons, Lu Xianzhi and Lu Quanzhen, to come over as well.
These two sons of his didnât have any talent in Talisman-making.
But even without talent, as cultivators, knowing more about Talisman-making couldnât be a bad thing.
Everyone arrived at Qingzhu Mountain Manor.
âUncle Fu.â
Lu Changsheng saw Uncle Fu, the manager of Qingzhu Mountain Manor, and greeted him.
Uncle Fu, an old man, had also aged significantly and was now semi-retired.
âFourth Elder, Young Patriarch, Changsheng,â Uncle Fu greeted Lu Changsheng and the others.
In his heart, he felt a mix of emotions, thinking about how Lu Changsheng, the former son-in-law of the Lu Family, had now become the core of the Lu Family.
On the Talisman Dao, he had even surpassed Lady Lu Miaoge, taking over as the Fourth Elder, and becoming the number one person in the Lu Family.
He led the three of them to a large hall in Qingzhu Mountain Manor.
Inside, there were over twenty young Lu Family disciples, ranging in age from eleven to fifteen.
âGreetings, Fourth Elder, Uncle Miao, Uncle Chang, Master Lu.â
These young Lu Family disciples had received the news yesterday and knew that Lu Changsheng was teaching Talisman crafting.
The family elders had also instructed them to show respect and courtesy to Lu Changsheng.
After all, during the battle where the Lu Family destroyed the Chen Family, the previous generation of the Lu Family knew about Lu Changshengâs exceptional talent and value as a son-in-law.
Not only did he have a natural talent for the Talisman Dao, but he was also favored by the Lu Familyâs ancestors and was personally granted a marriage.
He also had a deep connection with a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
âXian, Quanzhen, you two find a seat and sit down.â
Lu Changsheng said to his two sons, then began to lecture.
With his second-grade Talisman crafting skills, he was extremely solid in his foundation.
His theoretical explanations were also well-structured and easy to understand.
Completely unlike the Fourth Elder, who had learned through slow and steady effort, Lu Changshengâs teaching was effortless and natural.
So, it was perfect for these newcomers to learn from him and understand the Talisman Dao.
Lu Changsheng didnât hold back, teaching in a simple and easy-to-understand manner, making the lesson flow smoothly.
He even broke down the basic steps of crafting a Talisman, teaching them step by step, and the children listened with rapt attention.
Even the Fourth Elder, listening to Lu Changshengâs lecture, couldnât help but be surprised by the clear and concise explanation of the Talisman crafting process.
She felt that Lu Changshengâs teaching was flawless, without any flaws.
She even had a sense of nostalgia, as if she was re-learning the basics.
She had originally thought that Lu Changsheng, who had learned through self-study, might have some gaps in his foundation.
So, she came to listen to the lesson, thinking that she could point out a thing or two to Lu Changsheng and help him solidify his foundation.
But unexpectedly, she found herself reviewing the basics again.
âAlright, thatâs enough for todayâs lesson.â
âIf youâre interested, you can practice on your own at home, and Iâll check on you during the next lesson.â
After lecturing for almost an hour, Lu Changsheng stopped and said:
âCrafting Talismans is not just about listening; itâs useless if you only listen. You need to practice and master the techniques with your hands. To achieve success on the Talisman Dao, you must unite your body and mind, and have precise control over your spiritual energy and force. Then, through persistent practice, you can achieve success on the Talisman Dao.â
âChangsheng, your performance today has left me utterly astonished,â the Fourth Elder said with a smile, her face filled with admiration.
âThank you, Fourth Elder, itâs all thanks to your guidance,â Lu Changsheng replied humbly.
Then, he mentioned his plan to break through to the Qi Refining seventh stage. The next lesson might be in a few months.
âChangsheng, if youâre planning to lecture, just let Uncle Fu know a few days in advance,â Lu Miaochang said.
It was impossible to force a fixed schedule for Lu Changshengâs lectures, and it was more convenient to follow his own pace.
âBy the way, Changsheng, when you break through to the Qi Refining later stage, youâll need to exchange for a high-grade Breakthrough Pill,â Lu Miaochang continued.
âI remember we have two high-grade Breakthrough Pills in the family,â he said.
âI also had the same idea,â Lu Changsheng said with a smile.
It wasnât about taking advantage of the familyâs contribution points, but rather, as a ninth-grade Spirit Root, it would be abnormal not to use a Breakthrough Pill.
âI also need to go there, so letâs go together,â Lu Miaochang said, nodding his head.
âGood,â
Lu Changsheng nodded, letting his two sons return on their own.
He and Lu Miaochang went to exchange for the high-grade Breakthrough Pill.
The high-grade Breakthrough Pill cost 1,200 spirit stones in the market, but in the Lu Family, it could be exchanged for 850 contribution points, equivalent to 850 spirit stones.
This was one of the familyâs benefits, encouraging family members to make contributions.
Lu Changsheng had accumulated many contribution points by providing Talismans to the Lu Family every month, enough to exchange for the high-grade Breakthrough Pill.
After exchanging for the high-grade Breakthrough Pill, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaochang bid farewell.
He could see that the young Patriarch was always showing him kindness.
Moreover, the other party was also brother-in-law, so he naturally had a friendly attitude, and since the other party showed him respect, he would show even more respect in return.
âI donât know when Xiyue will come over.â
âIâm going to refine the Seven Stars Heart Lamp, which should take about three to four months.â
On his way back, Lu Changsheng thought of Xiao Xiyue.
It had been three months since the two of them parted ways.
Xiao Xiyue had gone back to the Blue Cloud Sect to report and learn the Foundation Establishment techniques, and was expected to come over in a few months.
âWife, can you help me keep this transmission talisman? If someone sends a message, just tell them Iâm in seclusion.â
âIf she has any business, just tell her to go directly to Hongye Valleyâs market to find Sister Miaoge.â
After returning home, Lu Changsheng told his wife about his seclusion.
At the same time, he gave the communication talisman between himself and Xiao Xiyue to his wife Lu Miaoyun.
This way, Xiao Xiyue wouldnât come when he is not there.