Chapter 227: Fire of Hope, Zhao Qingqing’s recent situation!
“Ho ho ho—”
Lu Ping’an felt as if a great mountain was pressing down on him, his heart pounding ‘thump-thump-thump’, and he felt a sense of suffocation.
Moreover, a light surged like a river within his body, emanating an indescribable suppressive will that almost made him collapse.
But his Father’s words, the two characters ‘persist’, made him grit his teeth and hold on.
Because from childhood to adulthood, his Father had never spoken to him with such a serious tone.
This was the first time his Father had spoken to him seriously, telling him to hold on!
Although his nature was straightforward, he wasn’t foolish!
He knew that his Father speaking to him about these things today surely had a deeper meaning!
This was a test!
His Father’s test for him!
Therefore, he had to hold on and not disappoint his Father!
“It seems, at most, a 6th Grade Spiritual Root.”
Lu Changsheng watched the light cluster within his son Lu Ping’an’s body spread, becoming brighter and brighter, accompanied by a profound and mysterious sensation, and he gently exhaled.
He could tell that Lu Ping’an was almost at his limit.
“For a Mortal to awaken, a 6th Grade Spiritual Root is already quite good.”
Lu Changsheng murmured in his heart.
He knew that when Hope Gu awakened Mortals, it normally resulted in a Low Grade Spiritual Root.
For Lu Ping’an to have a 6th Grade Spiritual Root was already quite good.
Moreover, through the System, he knew that the true power of Hope Gu was not in Awakening Mortals and giving birth to Spiritual Roots!
Instead, as long as hope existed in one’s heart, miracles would occur!
As long as the host’s flame of hope did not extinguish, Hope Gu could unleash its power, stimulate potential, and strive for a sliver of hope!
Whether facing a desperate situation, a powerful enemy, or breaking through a Realm, it could have a certain effect!
Otherwise, a Heaven Spirit Gu that could only awaken people and give birth to Spiritual Roots would seem rather ordinary.
“Ho ho ho—”
Lu Ping’an clenched his fists tightly, and small, snake-like bulging veins appeared on his cheeks and arms.
As his Spiritual Root improved from Low Grade to Medium Grade, the light within his body intensified, like a blazing sun, almost bursting out of his body.
His bones crackled.
It seemed his Meridians and flesh were about to be destroyed, suffocating him and making it hard for him to breathe from the pain.
It felt as if he would die if he continued like this!
At the same time, a gentle spring breeze was caressing his body and mind.
It made him feel exhausted and lazy, wanting to empty his mind and body and choose to give up.
“Lu Ping’an!”
A black-clad Young Miss appeared in his mind, shouting loudly at him.
It seemed to be telling him to give up and not to continue holding on.
The fear of death!
Instinctive laziness!
Began to fill and pervade his heart.
“I can’t hold on any longer.”
His taut body and mind seemed to be on the verge of giving up at this moment.
But as soon as this thought emerged, it was like a bolt of lightning that startled Lu Ping’an awake.
No!
I cannot give up!
This is Father’s test!
I must persevere!
Hold on!
This might concern my Immortal destiny!
Lu Ping’an gritted his teeth and held on tightly.
At this moment, his deep longing and desire for Cultivation were ignited.
Pain and laziness, perseverance and obsession, made his body and mind constantly struggle.
“Hmm?”
Lu Changsheng was somewhat surprised to see Lu Ping’an still gritting his teeth and holding on.
Logically, the other party should have reached his limit by achieving a 6th Grade Spiritual Root.
He didn’t expect him to still grit his teeth and persevere.
It seemed his son had quite good willpower.
“Boom!”
A profound and mysterious tremor spread.
He knew that Lu Ping’an’s Spiritual Root had advanced to 5th Grade.
In that instant, the light within Lu Ping’an’s body also exploded.
It made him feel as if he was soaking in a hot spring, warm and comfortable, his heartstrings relaxed, his pores opened, and a layer of filth was expelled from his body.
This process seemed long, but it was actually very short.
The entire process took less than a quarter of an hour.
“Father, what’s going on?”
Lu Ping’an recovered, stunned.
He looked at his palms and his Father in front of him.
It was as if the pain and scenes from before were all illusions.
Now, his entire being felt light and incredibly comfortable, filled with strength.
He knew that his Martial Dao had advanced further just now.
From the recently Breakthrough Innate Grandmaster, he had broken through to Innate Great Grandmaster.
Which was the Peak of Martial Dao.
But he felt that what his Father had done to him just now was not as simple as a Martial Dao Breakthrough.
“Nothing, you actually possess a Spiritual Root, it just wasn’t detected before.”
“Come back to Qingzhu Mountain with me later.”
Lu Changsheng flicked his finger, casting a cleansing spell to clean the filth from his son’s body.
He didn’t expect that using Hope Gu would also incidentally stimulate Lu Ping’an’s inner potential, allowing his Martial Dao to advance further.
Now, Lu Ping’an had reached the end of the Martial Dao.
However, the strength of this Innate Great Grandmaster was indeed very ordinary.
It was equivalent to a Cultivator’s Body Refining Minor Achievement.
It just had an additional Innate Protective Aura.
“What, I possess a Spiritual Root!?”
Lu Ping’an was stunned when he heard this, his face filled with surprise and disbelief.
He didn’t expect that he actually possessed a Spiritual Root.
But thinking of the situation just now, he looked at his Father and said, “Father, is this Spiritual Root of mine something you just…”
“You just have a Spiritual Root. When we get to Qingzhu Mountain, Father will teach you Cultivation.”
Lu Changsheng stood up and patted his son’s broad shoulders, saying.
“Yes, Father, your son understands.”
Lu Ping’an pursed his lips and said in a deep voice when he heard this.
Although he didn’t know much about Cultivation.
He also knew a thing or two.
Things like giving birth to a Spiritual Root were Heaven-Defying acts.
Today, no matter what, he simply possessed a Spiritual Root that hadn’t been detected before.
“Hmm, the Five Elements of the Spiritual Root are the same, that’s not bad.”
Lu Changsheng’s palm rested on Lu Ping’an’s shoulder, and his Divine Sense and magical power flowed through his body, checking the condition of his Spiritual Root.
Everyone’s Spiritual Root possessed all Five Elements.
But most of them had a certain attribute that was higher.
So everyone would choose a Cultivation Technique based on their highest attribute Spiritual Root.
As for Lu Ping’an’s Spiritual Root, all Five Elements were consistent, all having just reached the 5th Grade level.
This Spiritual Root attribute, if Cultivating the Five Elements Stellar Annihilation Sword Classic from the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture, would be very effective.
“Father, what grade is my Spiritual Root?”
Lu Ping’an looked at his Father, asking curiously.
He knew that Spiritual Roots were divided into Nine Ranks.
So he was a bit curious about his own Spiritual Root.
“Hmm, your Spiritual Root is 7th Grade.”
Lu Changsheng thought for a moment and said.
Although a 5th Grade Spiritual Root, in his current view, was not considered high.
Relatively speaking, it was already quite high.
So it was better to say a lower-grade Spiritual Root.
“7th Grade.”
Lu Ping’an nodded when he heard this, without any disappointment.
In his opinion, possessing a Spiritual Root and being able to Cultivate was already very satisfying.
His own Father only had a Nine-Rank Spiritual Root, yet he had achieved what he had today step by step.
With his own 7th Grade Spiritual Root, what more could he be dissatisfied with!
As long as he worked hard, he would surely be able to make a name for himself in the Cultivation World in the future!
After resolving Lu Ping’an’s matter, Lu Changsheng did not widely publicize it.
He merely told his wife, Lu Lanshu, that he had just discovered their son, Lu Ping’an, possessed a Spiritual Root.
It should have been undetected when he was young, or his Spiritual Root was hidden and not apparent, so he planned to take him back to Qingzhu Mountain.
“What, Ping’an possesses a Spiritual Root!?”
Lu Lanshu was stunned when she heard this, feeling as if a huge pie had fallen from the sky and hit her.
She knew her son had no Spiritual Root, so she had always wanted him to manage the secular Lu family.
But her son was not interested in that aspect and was a bit slow-witted, which gave her a headache.
She didn’t expect that Lu Changsheng would now tell her that her son possessed a Spiritual Root.
Her entire being was filled with unexpected joy.
“Husband, are you telling the truth…”
Lu Lanshu covered her mouth with her hands, saying in a choked voice.
“Naturally, it’s true.”
“I’ll have Ping’an come back often; you’ll be able to see him then.”
Lu Changsheng said softly.
Lu Lanshu’s heart filled with joy. She looked at her son and instructed him to listen to his Father and Aunt Miaoge.
She knew that Lu Miaoge was the Eldest Young Miss of the Lu family, and her status was extraordinary.
If her son could gain the favor of the several main wives in the Lu, he would have a better life in Qingzhu Mountain.
“Mother, I know, don’t worry.”
Lu Ping’an responded with a serious expression.
“You’re this old now, Mother won’t say anything more to you.”
Lu Lanshu looked at her son with a smile, her heart full of joy.
She knew that her son had always been favored by Lu Changsheng.
Now that he also had a Spiritual Root, he would certainly not suffer in Qingzhu Mountain.
After a moment, she hesitated and asked Lu Changsheng, “Husband, since Ping’an has a Spiritual Root, will Ningjing, Anning, Anran… will they also have Spiritual Roots?”
These were all her children.
She had given birth to six children for Lu Changsheng in total.
But all six of these children did not have Spiritual Roots.
“Later, have all the children gather in the backyard; I’ll check them again.”
Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment after hearing this, then said.
The matter of Lu Ping’an having a Spiritual Root certainly couldn’t be hidden.
He planned to take Lu Ping’an back to Qingzhu Mountain and tell Lu Lanshu about it, so he had no intention of hiding it.
Since that was the case, he might as well check all the children in the Lu again.
However, thinking that these children would have hope, only to eventually be disappointed, he sighed softly in his heart.
“Thank you for your trouble, Husband.”
Lu Lanshu immediately said, excitedly going to spread the news.
Since he had returned to Ruyi County.
Lu Changsheng naturally also took the opportunity to meet Hong Yi and inquire about his son Lu Quanzhen’s situation.
But Ruyi Marquis told Lu Changsheng that Hong Yi had gone on a mission with Lu Quanzhen.
He would immediately send someone to inform Hong Yi.
The next day.
Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge checked the Spiritual Roots of all the children in the Lu Mansion’s backyard.
However, after checking, no one was found to possess a Spiritual Root.
This left the children and several concubines feeling disappointed.
Lu Ping’an pursed his lips when he saw this scene, his heart heavy.
He was almost certain that his Spiritual Root was due to his Father, Lu Changsheng.
Thinking of his Father’s favoritism towards him, a sense of heavy responsibility welled up in his heart.
Lu Changsheng stayed in Ruyi County for five days.
On this day, Hong Yi and Lu Quanzhen arrived at Lu Mansion, covered in dust from their journey.
“Congratulations, Senior Lu, on your Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.”
“Son greets Father, congratulations on Father’s Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment!”
After arriving at Lu Mansion, the two immediately cupped their hands towards Lu Changsheng.
“Haha, Hong Xiong, we’ve known each other for so many years, why be so formal?”
Lu Changsheng heard Hong Yi’s address and knew that he had received the news of his Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.
After all, Hongye Valley Market was near Qingzhu Mountain.
And Ruyi Marquis Manor had a shop in Hongye Valley Market.
Upon receiving such news, it would naturally be sent back immediately.
“It was I who was too formal, please don’t blame me, Lu Xiong.”
Hong Yi immediately smiled upon hearing this.
But his words and actions were still somewhat restrained, full of respect and awe.
After all, this was a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator!
He really hadn’t expected that the farm boy he had looked down upon more than twenty years ago would now achieve Foundation Establishment!
Once, the six of them went to Qingyun Sect to participate in the Immortal Sect assessment.
Three of them joined Qingyun Sect, and three were rejected.
Lu Changsheng was the one with the worst Spiritual Root talent among everyone.
But now, this person with the worst Spiritual Root had actually Broken Through to Foundation Establishment, which truly made him sigh at how unpredictable and ever-changing the world was, like a game of chess.
However, he was also glad for his past choice to befriend and invest in Lu Changsheng.
“Take the Medicinal Pill.”
Lu Changsheng glanced at his son, Lu Quanzhen.
Seeing that his aura was somewhat chaotic, he must have suffered a minor injury.
He flicked out a bottle of healing Medicinal Pills from his Storage Pouch, telling his son to take them.
“Father, it’s just a minor injury, I’ll be fine after ten days to half a month of rest.”
Lu Quanzhen took the Medicinal Pill and said respectfully.
“Take it if I tell you to; Lu doesn’t need you to save this money.”
Lu Changsheng said.
“Lu Xiong, this trip was my fault. I went out to capture a rogue Cultivator, thinking it was a sure thing.”
“But this person actually had a Spirit Beast hidden in the dark, which ambushed Quanzhen nephew.”
Hong Yi quickly said.
“It’s fine, how can one not get injured normally?”
“This kind of thing can also teach a lesson.”
Lu Changsheng waved his hand upon hearing this.
Then he told Lu Quanzhen to go and tend to his injuries.
“Son takes his leave.”
Lu Quanzhen understood that his Father probably wanted to talk to Hong Yi, so he immediately excused himself.
Immediately, Lu Changsheng took out wine and chatted with Hong Yi, asking about his son Lu Quanzhen’s performance over the past two years.
He also inquired about some situations of the Lu family.
Regarding this, Hong Yi naturally dared not conceal anything and recounted Lu Quanzhen’s performance over the years in detail.
He stated that at first, he didn’t dare to let Lu Quanzhen do anything dangerous, only odd jobs.
But Lu Quanzhen’s steady character ensured that everything he was assigned was done in an orderly manner.
Later, he started to be responsible for some affairs, and they were all well-organized and handled impeccably.
In the past six months, he had been taking Lu Quanzhen to participate in missions to apprehend rogue Cultivators and Yao Beasts.
Lu Quanzhen also showed courage, resourcefulness, and decisiveness.
“Hong Xiong, don’t just pick out the good things to say.”
Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
He knew his son had a mature and very opinionated personality.
But he hadn’t expected to receive such a high evaluation from Hong Yi.
“Lu Xiong, how could I possibly deceive you about such a thing?”
“Quanzhen nephew is indeed exceptionally talented in this regard.”
Hong Yi said with a wry smile.
Then he flattered him, saying, “It must be due to your guidance since childhood, Lu Xiong, that Quanzhen nephew possesses such qualities.”
“If that’s the case, then let him continue to temper himself with you for a few more years, Hong Xiong.”
“His mother worries about him all day. I was thinking that if he didn’t adapt, he could return early and I’d arrange for him to manage business at the Market.”
Lu Changsheng nodded slightly and said.
He had originally thought that if his son Lu Quanzhen’s performance was mediocre, there would be no need for him to keep fighting and killing here.
He would return to Qingzhu Mountain with him and go to Hongye Valley Market to be responsible for some affairs.
However, since his son indeed had talent in this area, he would let him continue to gain experience with Hong Yi.
“Lu Xiong, rest assured, I will definitely take good care of Quanzhen nephew!”
Hong Yi raised his cup and said respectfully.
He had originally wanted to marry one of his daughters with a Spiritual Root to Lu Quanzhen.
But now that Lu Changsheng had Broken Through to Foundation Establishment, he felt a bit awkward bringing up the matter.
He decided in his heart that he would let his daughter work harder, and then let Lu Quanzhen bring up the matter to his Father.
“Then I’ll trouble you, Hong Xiong.”
Lu Changsheng nodded, raised his cup for a toast, and also inquired about Hong Yi’s current situation.
Since the other party helped him with various trivial matters, he would naturally help the other party solve some problems in return.
Just like that, as the two chatted, they also talked about Li Feiyu, Han Lin, Zhao Qingqing, and Xiao Xiyue.
Li Feiyu had gone to Qingluan Immortal City, and after all these years, besides writing two letters, there had been no contact.
Except for Xiao Xiyue, Lu Changsheng had no contact with Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing either.
However, Hong Yi had always maintained contact with Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing, and even had a lot of business dealings with them.
For example, if they needed to collect any Materials or information in the Sect, they could entrust it to Hong Yi to handle.
And if Hong Yi had any needs, he would write to them to inquire, which was mutually beneficial.
During the process, Hong Yi told Lu Changsheng about their recent situations.
Han Lin had some talent in Artifact Refining and was now a High Grade Artifact Refiner, with a Qi Refining stage eight Cultivation.
Zhao Qingqing, on the other hand, already had a Qi Refining Ninth Layer Cultivation and was preparing for Foundation Establishment.
“It seems that in a few years, Daoist Zhao will also be able to Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.”
Lu Changsheng said with a chuckle.
He remembered that Zhao Qingqing had an Innate Wood Spirit Body and was taken as a Disciple by an Outer Sect Elder of Qingyun Sect.
Perhaps she could exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill and Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.
“It’s not that simple.”
“Several years ago, Daoist Zhao asked me to help her look for news of Foundation Establishment spiritual items.”
“She said that her contributions were not enough to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill in the Sect, and she could only choose to exchange for a ‘Meridian Protection Pill’.”
“At that time, she could only rely on Foundation Establishment spiritual items to attempt Foundation Establishment.”
Hong Yi shook his head and sighed.
“Oh, doesn’t she have a Master?”
“Wouldn’t her Master promote and help her?”
Lu Changsheng was a bit surprised to hear this.
In the Cultivation World, the Master-Disciple relationship is not inferior to the parent-child relationship.
Therefore, as a Master, most would promote and help their Disciple.
“I’ve heard a little about this. Daoist Zhao’s Master has a grandson who is an Inner Sect Disciple of Qingyun Sect.”
“She took Daoist Zhao as her Disciple initially because she wanted to set up Daoist Zhao with her grandson.”
“But Daoist Zhao was unwilling, so their Master-Disciple relationship is not good. Otherwise, with the care of a Master who is an Outer Sect Elder, Daoist Zhao might have been able to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill.”
Hong Yi said with a sigh.
“Indeed, no matter where you are, you can’t escape human relations.”
Lu Changsheng also couldn’t help but shake his head and sigh upon hearing this.
He had originally thought that with Zhao Qingqing’s Awakening of the Innate Wood Spirit Body and being taken as a Disciple by the Outer Sect Elder in charge of Qingyun Sect’s medicinal garden, she would have hope for Foundation Establishment in the future.
But he hadn’t expected that she still couldn’t escape human relations and was coveted by others.
After the two chatted for a long time, Hong Yi bid farewell to Lu Changsheng.
Afterward, Lu Changsheng asked his son, Lu Quanzhen, whether he planned to return with him this time or continue to stay here.
“If Mother sees that I’m injured, I’m afraid she’ll start nagging again.”
“After some time, son will return to Qingzhu Mountain to visit Father and Mother.”
Lu Quanzhen said so.
Normally, he wasn’t afraid of anything else, only his Mother’s nagging.
If she saw his injuries, she would surely worry and not let him go out.
At that time, if his Mother cried and said a few words to his Father, his Father might agree.
“Alright, you’ve always been sensible. You can decide these things yourself.”
Lu Changsheng nodded, not forcing him.
After speaking, he continued, “In the future, if there’s anything unstable, or if you go out to do any missions, you can bring Nine Nether Mastiff along to provide support.”
“Nine Nether Mastiff?”
Lu Quanzhen was stunned.
“It’s Little Black.”
Lu Changsheng explained.
Because when he brought the Nine Nether Mastiff home, it was purely to play with the children, so he gave the Nine Nether Mastiff the humble name ‘Little Black’.
Therefore, these children basically didn’t know the name Nine Nether Mastiff.
“Little Black doesn’t seem to be very close to me.”
Lu Quanzhen scratched his head and said upon hearing this.
He knew that the Spirit Beast his Father raised was very powerful.
But the Nine Nether Mastiff was only closer to children like Lu Ping’an, Lu Wuyou, and Lu Wuyu, who grew up with it since childhood.
It wasn’t very close to him.
“Alright, I’ll go tell it.”
Lu Changsheng said.
He took Lu Quanzhen to see the Nine Nether Mastiff and told it to listen to Lu Quanzhen’s words sometimes.
At the same time, he gave Lu Quanzhen a Spirit Beast Pouch and three bottles of Spirit Feeding Pills.
He told him that he could feed the Nine Nether Mastiff normally, and when going out, he should put the Nine Nether Mastiff in the Spirit Beast Pouch.
“Thank you, Father!”
Lu Quanzhen immediately cupped his hands.
After settling and handling all the family matters, Lu Changsheng piloted his spirit boat, taking Lu Miaoge, Lu Ping’an, and several children back to Qingzhu Mountain.