Chapter 109: Father’s friend!

Yunzhou, Tai’an County City.

“This is where Xia Long settled his children, right?”

Lu Changsheng looked at a common courtyard in front of him.

Because Xia Long had been wandering outside for a long time, he also had some enemies.

So he didn’t bring his children with him.

Instead, he settled them in the mundane world and hired an Old Servant to look after them.

“Thump, thump, thump!”

Lu Changsheng stepped forward and knocked on the door.

After a short while, the door opened with a ‘creak’.

“Young Master, who are you looking for?”

Opening the door was a Young Miss dressed in a moon-white smoke-gauze long dress.

She looked to be fifteen or sixteen years old, with a slightly youthful melon-seed Face and a well-proportioned figure, exuding a strong youthful aura.

Lu Changsheng immediately saw that the Young Miss in front of him had Cultivation.

But she only had a Qi Refining Two-Layer Cultivation.

“This must be Xia Long’s daughter, right?”

“I didn’t expect Xia Long, with his bushy eyebrows and big eyes, to have such a beautiful daughter.”

Lu Changsheng was slightly surprised in his heart.

Then he smiled and said, “Excuse me, is this Xia Guang’s home?”

Xia Long’s true name was Xia Guang; Xia Long was just an alias.

“Yes, Young Master, are you looking for my father for something?”

The Young Miss asked upon hearing this.

“I am a friend of Xia Guang, entrusted by him to come here.”

Lu Changsheng said softly.

“Father’s friend? Entrusted to come here?”

The Young Miss’s expression paused slightly upon hearing these words.

She immediately invited Lu Changsheng into the courtyard.

In the courtyard, there was also an Old Man with gray hair, dressed in a gray long gown.

“Young Miss, who is this?”

The Old Man’s expression immediately became serious upon seeing Lu Changsheng, his eyes revealing vigilance as he asked.

Lu Changsheng knew that this Old Man was the Old Servant Xia Long had arranged for his children.

This Old Man did not Cultivate Immortals, but he had practiced Martial Dao.

He was a Martial Dao Innate master.

“This Young Master is Father’s friend, entrusted by Father to come here.”

Xia Zhiyue said in a clear voice.

“Master’s friend?”

The Old Servant still had vigilance in his eyes upon hearing this.

“Don’t worry, my visit here is indeed at Xia Guang’s request.”

Lu Changsheng, seeing the Old Man’s vigilance, said faintly.

He slightly raised his hand, and a ball of flame appeared with a ‘whoosh’, making the air hot.

“So it is an Immortal Master who has arrived; I have been disrespectful, please forgive me, Immortal Master!”

Seeing Lu Changsheng’s display, the Old Servant no longer doubted and bowed with cupped hands.

“I wonder what Father entrusted Senior with.”

After inviting Lu Changsheng into the living room, Xia Zhiyue lightly pursed her lips, her expression a little nervous and hopeful.

Her father had never brought any friends over, nor had he ever sent friends over.

This time, entrusting a friend to come made an ominous premonition rise in her heart.

Lu Changsheng sighed slightly upon seeing the Young Miss’s expression.

He took out Xia Long’s urn from his Storage Pouch.

“Fellow Daoist Xia unfortunately died while venturing out to compete for an Opportunity. Before his death, he entrusted some last wishes to me, asking me to convey them to you and your younger brother.”

Lu Changsheng spoke.

“How could this be…”

The Young Miss was struck by lightning upon hearing this.

Her youthful and bright Face instantly turned pale, and she felt her hands and feet turn cold.

“Father!”

Then, with a Face full of grief and sorrow, she let out a mournful cry and fell weakly.

“Please accept my condolences.”

Lu Changsheng immediately helped the Young Miss’s soft body up.

He also took this incident as a warning in his heart.

One must be steady in everything one does.

Otherwise, if he were to have an accident, Xia Long’s situation would be a cautionary tale.

“Father lied to me. You clearly said that after this year, you would no longer venture out, but would stay home to accompany me and my younger brother. How could you just…”

The Young Miss’s pretty Face was filled with sorrow, looking pitiful and tear-streaked, her pink lips trembling.

A moment later, the Young Miss realized she was a bit out of sorts and quickly wiped away her tears.

With a slight blush, she bowed gracefully to Lu Changsheng, saying, “Thank you, Senior. It was this humble girl who lost her composure.”

“It’s nothing, such things are only natural.”

Lu Changsheng sighed slightly.

If the other party hadn’t shown any sorrow, he wouldn’t have known what to say.

Seeing that the Young Miss’s mood had somewhat calmed, Lu Changsheng began to convey Xia Long’s last wishes.

At this time, Xia Zhiyue also called her younger brother, Xia Chaoyang, back.

Xia Chaoyang was eleven years old this year, with delicate features.

He was dressed in a light green gown, with a refined scholarly air.

He resembled his father, Xia Long, in some ways, but their temperaments were completely different.

Lu Changsheng estimated that Xia Long had struggled and fought his way through life.

So he protected this son very well.

He also didn’t want his son to follow his path.

He hoped that in the future, his son could enter an Immortal Sect and Cultivate Immortals peacefully.

Xia Chaoyang was also sad when he learned about his father’s situation.

However, his character was very firm, and he bowed to Lu Changsheng in gratitude.

Afterward, Lu Changsheng also took out several of Xia Long’s personal belongings, as well as a Storage Pouch containing three hundred Spirit Stones, and gave them to the siblings.

“Now that Fellow Daoist Xia’s entrustment has been completed, Lu will take his leave.”

After explaining everything, Lu Changsheng turned to bid farewell.

“Thank you, Senior, for returning my father’s belongings and ashes. Such great kindness, we siblings have no way to repay it.”

At this moment, Xia Zhiyue lightly pursed her lips, her eyes brimming with tears, and with a determined expression, she knelt before Lu Changsheng and spoke.

“Fellow Daoist Xia has already given me compensation for this matter, so there’s no need for this.”

Lu Changsheng said, reaching out to help the Young Miss up.

But the Young Miss was very stubborn, as if she wouldn’t get up unless Lu Changsheng agreed.

“Now that my younger brother and I are dependent on each other, it is difficult to survive in this world. I hope Senior can, for Father’s Face, look after my younger brother a little.”

“This humble girl is willing to be Senior’s servant, to work like an ox or a horse, to repay your kindness.”

The Young Miss looked pitifully at Lu Changsheng and said.

She knew very well in her heart that now that her father was dead, she and her younger brother were without support.

Survival might be okay.

But it would be very difficult to Cultivate Immortals in the future.

Although a sum of property was left behind.

But property could also become a danger.

Moreover, it was hard to say whether her father had any enemies outside.

Since her father entrusted his last wishes to Lu Changsheng, who was before her.

And Lu Changsheng did not covet this property.

This indicated that his character was acceptable and trustworthy.

So, under such circumstances, after a brief thought, she decided to become Lu Changsheng’s servant.

Lu Changsheng, before her, was not only her father’s good friend, an immortal cultivator, and trustworthy in character.

He was also handsome and refined, like a graceful gentleman, which gave her no aversion at all, and even quite a good impression.

If she served by Lu Changsheng’s side, not only would her siblings’ situation be resolved.

He would also be able to look after her younger brother in the future.

Lu Changsheng looked at Xia Zhiyue’s appearance and pondered slightly.

“How about this, I can first send you two to live with a good friend of mine.”

“When the Qingyun Sect Immortal Sect assessment begins, I will come over and send your younger brother to Qingyun Sect to participate in the assessment.”

“During this period, if you have anything, you can also send me a message.”

“As for being a servant, there’s no need. If you insist on this, I can take you as a concubine.”

Lu Changsheng spoke.

The Xia Zhiyue in front of him was of high-grade appearance, possessed a Spiritual Root, and had no complicated background troubles.

He naturally wouldn’t mind taking her as his concubine.

Xia Long had also said at the time that he could take his daughter as a concubine.

But Xia Zhiyue still had a younger brother after all.

If he took Xia Zhiyue, it would be impossible for him to ignore Xia Chaoyang.

From Xia Chaoyang’s current performance, his character was fine and not much trouble.

But bringing Xia Chaoyang back to Qingzhu Mountain, Lu Changsheng felt it wasn’t very good, not very convenient.

So Lu Changsheng thought of sending the siblings to Ruyi County first and asking Hong Yi to look after them.

He would also observe their character along the way.

If their character was confirmed to be fine, he could then take Xia Zhiyue as a concubine.

Moreover, from Xia Long’s last words, his son’s Spiritual Root was very good.

He seemed almost certain to enter an Immortal Sect.

If Xia Chaoyang entered an Immortal Sect in the future, he would gain another Immortal Sect connection.

After all, he lived in seclusion for a long time, and information was inevitably limited.

If he had an Immortal Sect brother-in-law, he could have more sources of information on some major matters.

“Thank you, Senior!”

Xia Zhiyue, hearing this, immediately bowed to Lu Changsheng with cupped hands, her Face full of joy.

She then pulled Xia Chaoyang to bow to Lu Changsheng together.

“This humble girl also wishes to simply arrange a funeral for Father and bury him with Mother…”

At this moment, Xia Zhiyue pursed her lips and continued to speak.

“It’s fine, I can stay here for a few days. You can handle whatever matters you have.”

Lu Changsheng nodded upon hearing this.

“Thank you, Uncle Lu!”

Xia Zhiyue bowed to Lu Changsheng again.

Her address had also changed from Young Master to Senior, and then to Uncle.

Lu Changsheng didn’t pay too much attention to this.

He waved his hand and let Xia Zhiyue arrange a room for him.

“The Spiritual Qi in the mundane world is truly too thin. Without a Spirit Gathering Array, Spirit Stones, or Medicinal Pills, Cultivating is simply too slow.”

Lu Changsheng tried to meditate, then shook his head slightly and took out two Spirit Stones.

In a blink of an eye, seven days passed.

During these days, Xia Zhiyue and her younger brother began to arrange their father’s funeral and so on.

Lu Changsheng, being idle, also lent a hand.

After all, it wasn’t easy for the siblings.

Everything went smoothly, and it was a simple arrangement. After it was completed, Xia Zhiyue expressed that she would follow Lu Changsheng’s previous arrangements.

“You two should rest well. We will ride tomorrow.”

Lu Changsheng said so.

That night.

“Hmm?”

Lu Changsheng, who was meditating and Cultivating, opened his eyes, hearing a sound of movement.

It was light footsteps.

He sensed slightly and knew that the person coming was Xia Zhiyue.

“It seems this little girl is still not at ease.”

Lu Changsheng vaguely guessed the other party’s intention in his heart.

However, he also admired her decisiveness.

“Uncle Lu, are you resting?”

A moment later, Xia Zhiyue’s soft and clear voice came from outside the door.

“What is it?”

Lu Changsheng said.

“Uncle Lu, Zhiyue has something she wants to tell you.”

The night wind howled, and Xia Zhiyue, standing outside the door, mustered her courage, clutching the hem of her clothes with both hands, her Face flushed with shyness as she spoke.

Lu Changsheng originally wanted to say that if there was anything, they could discuss it tomorrow.

But he thought that it wasn’t easy for the young girl either.

Her coming over this time was probably after much tossing and turning and hesitation, finally mustering up the courage.

If he were to say that, it would be too hurtful and would dampen her enthusiasm.

“Alas, I am a soft-hearted person after all.”

Lu Changsheng sighed slightly and said, “The door isn’t locked.”

With a ‘creak’.

The door opened.

And there, Xia Zhiyue, with a delicate Face and a slender figure wrapped in a thin mourning dress, walked into the room.

“Uncle Lu.”

After Xia Zhiyue entered the room, she closed the door and called softly.

Her voice was shy and timid, yet full of pure and moving charm.

“Yue’er, what do you want to say?”

Moonlight spilled into the dim room. Lu Changsheng stood up, looked at Xia Zhiyue’s delicate appearance, and said with a light chuckle.

Xia Zhiyue’s small hands fiddled with the hem of her clothes, then she suddenly looked up, her Face flushed as she rushed into Lu Changsheng’s arms.

She tightly embraced Lu Changsheng’s waist, pressing her soft body against his chest.

With breath like orchids, she spoke of a matter.

Facing such actions and such words, Lu Changsheng no longer pretended to be a gentleman.

There was nothing he could do; with things like this, what else could he do?

Moreover, this could be considered a scene Fellow Daoist Xia would have wished to see before his death.

“Uncle Lu~”

Before long, the young woman leaned back, her neck arched and her breathing rapid.

Afterward.

Lu Changsheng gently caressed Xia Zhiyue, who was flushed, limp like mud, and nestled in his arms.

“Uncle Lu.”

Xia Zhiyue, her Face completely red, curled up in Lu Changsheng’s arms, her voice somewhat hoarse and soft as she called out.

“It’s fine, you rest well.”

Lu Changsheng cast a cleansing spell, clearing away sweat and fluids, and said warmly.

“Mhm.”

The young woman had experienced great ups and downs these past few days, constantly busy, and was already mentally exhausted.

After enduring such vigorous activity, she was even more fatigued and quickly fell asleep.

“Brother Xia Long, you truly have given me two great gifts.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Xia Zhiyue’s exquisite Face, muttering in his heart.

Just now, Xia Zhiyue had told him a piece of information.

She revealed that she possessed a hidden Physique.

The probability of her future children having a Spiritual Root could be increased.

Therefore, if Lu Changsheng was willing, she could bear children for him.

Lu Changsheng had never refused Xia Zhiyue.

Now that she had come to him willingly and revealed such news, it was even more impossible for him to give up.

After all, this kind of Physique was very likely the legendary Spiritual Nurturing Body!

“Spiritual Nurturing Body, huh.”

Lu Changsheng vaguely remembered seeing such a Physique among the Spiritual Bodies.

However, he was not clear about the specific details.

Xia Zhiyue herself was also unclear.

She only knew that her mother had this Physique.

It was also because of this that both she and her younger brother possessed Spiritual Roots.

The next day.

Lu Changsheng rode the Iron Feather Eagle, taking the siblings to Ruyi County to find Hong Yi.

He hadn’t seen Hong Yi in some years.

Moreover, he had something to discuss with Hong Yi on this trip.

Four days later, the Iron Feather Eagle landed in an uninhabited area outside Ruyi County City.

Lu Changsheng took out a communication Talisman and sent a message to Hong Yi.

Then he took Xia Zhiyue and Xia Chaoyang to Ruyi County City.

“Brother Lu, it’s been many years, and your demeanor has truly become more and more remarkable.”

Hong Yi was waiting outside Ruyi County City, and upon seeing Lu Changsheng, he immediately stepped forward with a smile to greet him.

He wore a purple-gold crown and a purple brocade robe, exuding an air of nobility and majesty.

“Brother Hong also looks well.”

Lu Changsheng also said with a smile.

Over the years, he and Hong Yi had exchanged many letters.

There was no sense of unfamiliarity upon meeting this time.

After settling Xia Zhiyue and Xia Chaoyang first.

The two then went to Ruyi Restaurant to reminisce and chat.

During the conversation, Lu Changsheng informed Hong Yi about Xia Zhiyue and Xia Chaoyang, asking Hong Yi to look after them.

Hong Yi naturally agreed readily, assuring Lu Changsheng.

At the same time, Lu Changsheng also stated that he would begin sending his children to the secular world next year.

He would need to trouble Hong Yi to help arrange a large manor.

And also to help organize Martial Masters, scholars, guards, servants, and other necessities.

“Please rest assured, Brother Lu, you can leave these minor matters to me!”

Upon hearing this, Hong Yi was instantly overjoyed.

Relying on his Talisman business with Lu Changsheng, his position in Ruyi Marquis Manor had continuously risen over the years.

Now, the position of Young Master was almost within reach.

Now that Lu Changsheng was willing to settle his secular children in Ruyi Marquis Manor.

It indicated that his connection with Lu Changsheng was completely solidified.

Naturally, he was extremely delighted and welcomed it.

“Thank you for your trouble, Brother Hong. Oh, there’s one more thing I’d like to trouble you with…”

Lu Changsheng then thought of Qu Zhenzhen’s matter.

He asked Hong Yi to investigate the forces behind the old man who had killed Qu Zhenzhen’s entire family, and the Immortal Cultivator involved.

Lu Changsheng felt he now had the ability to deal with Qu Zhenzhen’s matter.

Naturally, he had to help Qu Zhenzhen get her revenge.

After all, she had already borne him three children, so this small matter was only proper.

“No problem. This matter is not difficult for me; leave it to me.”

“If there’s any news, I’ll immediately send someone to inform Brother Lu.”

Hong Yi heard this and immediately agreed.

“Thank you, Brother Hong. I didn’t bring any gifts this trip, please accept these three Talismans.”

Lu Changsheng took out three High-Grade Talismans and handed them to Hong Yi.

These matters were naturally not worth the price of three High-Grade Talismans.

But in terms of human relations, he never let others suffer losses.

Especially after dealing with Hong Yi so many times, he knew the other party was trustworthy.

So, giving a little more benefit was harmless.

“Brother Lu is truly too polite. I will accept this kind intention!”

Hong Yi did not decline politely either.

He knew that such interactions, and exchanges of benefits, also helped to strengthen their relationship.

However, when he took the three Talismans and held them in his hand, he immediately felt something was off.

After a few glances, he couldn’t help but be surprised, looking at Lu Changsheng in disbelief, “Brother Lu, what kind of Talismans are these? Why don’t they seem like Medium-Grade Talismans? Could it be…”

“That’s right, these are High-Grade Talismans, Golden Light Shield Talismans, capable of withstanding one strike from a Late Stage Qi Refining cultivator.”

“I was fortunate enough to become a High Grade Talisman Master not long ago, and I just drew a few for self-defense.”

Lu Changsheng said so.

Aside from personal relationships and exchanges of benefits.

Lu Changsheng felt it was also necessary to appropriately reveal a little of his own strength and value.

Only in this way could their interactions and exchanges be stable and long-lasting.

“High-Grade Talismans, Golden Light Shield Talismans!”

“Brother Lu has advanced to High Grade Talisman Master!”

Upon hearing this, Hong Yi was stunned, completely shocked.

His heart surged like a raging tide, and he looked at Lu Changsheng with a Face full of disbelief.

When he first befriended Lu Changsheng, it was because he saw Lu Changsheng’s extraordinary talent in the Dao of Talismans.

He hoped that Lu Changsheng would become a High Grade Talisman Master in the future.

He wanted to establish a good relationship in advance and get to know a High Grade Talisman Master.

He never expected that in just five years.

Lu Changsheng had advanced from being a Low Grade Talisman Master to a High Grade Talisman Master.

This speed was simply astonishing.

At this moment, Hong Yi was immensely grateful for his decision back then.

He was grateful that he had invited Lu Changsheng for the three-year agreement and had continuously maintained and fostered their relationship.

It was simply the most correct decision he had ever made in his life.

“It was just a stroke of luck. I’ve just started trying, and it’s very difficult to succeed.”

Lu Changsheng saw Hong Yi’s reaction and waved his hand with a smile.

But Hong Yi was still so surprised that he couldn’t close his mouth.

Finally, he swallowed, then spoke with great emotion, “Brother Lu’s talent in the Dao of Talismans can be described as extraordinary. In the future, you might even have hope of becoming a Second-Order Talisman Master.”

“I never imagined that I, Hong Yi, would be able to befriend a Second-Order Talisman Master. It’s truly a blessing of three lifetimes!”

“However, these Talismans are too precious, Brother Lu should take them back.”

Hong Yi said with some reluctance.

One High-Grade Talisman would cost at least thirty Spirit Stones.

These three Talismans were a huge sum for him, too precious.

“Once something is given away, there’s no reason to take it back.”

“Brother Hong, just keep them. In the future, when I send my children to the secular world, I’ll have to trouble Brother Hong to take care of them.”

Lu Changsheng said.

Three High-Grade Talismans, at cost price, were only about ten Spirit Stones for him.

They weren’t considered that precious.

“Alright, in that case, I will humbly accept.”

Hong Yi cupped his hands.

Then, with a serious expression, he said, “Brother Lu, please rest assured. In the future, when your nephews and nieces are in the secular world, with me, Hong Yi, watching over them, they definitely won’t lose a single hair. Otherwise, you can hold me, Hong Yi, accountable!”

Now that Lu Changsheng had revealed his status as a High Grade Talisman Master.

Once Lu Changsheng settled his children in Ruyi Marquis Manor, it would signify that their relationship was as solid as a rock.

At that time, his father, Ruyi Marquis, would also be unable to ignore the importance of Lu Changsheng, the High Grade Talisman Master.

He would want to befriend and build a good relationship with Lu Changsheng, the High Grade Talisman Master.

“Haha, Brother Hong, you exaggerate too much.”

“I just hope these children can live safely and happily.”

“I don’t have too many other thoughts.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Hong Yi’s appearance, shaking his head with a smile.

Immediately afterward, the two continued to reminisce and chat.

Late at night.

Afterward.

“Zhiyue, I will be leaving in two days. At that time, if anything happens, just send me a message.”

Lu Changsheng said to Xia Zhiyue.

He wasn’t in a hurry to have Xia Zhiyue return to Qingzhu Mountain with him.

His original idea remained.

To let her take care of her younger brother in the secular world.

Waiting for the immortal sect to recruit Disciples.

As for having children, he wasn’t in a hurry either.

He planned to go back and research her Physique first.

To see if it was the Spiritual Nurturing Body he thought it was.

“Mhm.”

Xia Zhiyue lazily nestled against him, weakly humming in affirmation.

Seven days later.

Qingzhu Mountain.

“The Spiritual Nurturing Body allows children conceived in the womb to have a high probability of possessing a Spiritual Root.”

“However, each birth will cause significant damage to one’s Origin Qi.”

“This Physique can also forcefully consume one’s cultivation Origin to nurture the fetus, enhancing the fetus’s Spiritual Root Aptitude.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the book in his hand, which described the Spiritual Nurturing Body.

“Zhiyue said that her mother died not long after giving birth to Xia Chaoyang.”

“Possessing a Spiritual Nurturing Body means having a Spiritual Root, and being an Immortal Cultivator.”

“Immortal Cultivators generally don’t experience difficult births or death.”

“Xia Long placed great hopes on his son Xia Chaoyang. Could it be that Xia Chaoyang was the child his wife conceived by consuming her own cultivation Origin?”

“And this is why Xia Long cherished and valued this son a hundredfold?”

Lu Changsheng murmured in his heart, guessing.

“If that’s the case, it seems having children isn’t something to be done casually.”

“Xia Zhiyue’s body is still too weak now, and her cultivation is too low. If she were to have several more children, problems might arise.”

Lu Changsheng let out a light breath.