Chapter 76: From now on, you’re my half-brother!

“Miss Shao, would you be willing to serve as this young master’s maid?”

Lu Changsheng looked at Shao Yuyao in front of him and asked with a smile.

Although it didn’t really matter whether he asked or not, the woman in front of him had no right to refuse anyway.

But perhaps out of pretense or perhaps due to a flexible moral bottom line, he still asked.

After all, he, Lu Changsheng, never forced others into difficult situations.

Shao Yuyao looked slightly stunned.

Then, she looked at Lu Changsheng and squeezed out a smile, saying, “This maiden is willing to serve as the young master’s maid.”

“Alright, Madam Feng, I’m quite satisfied with her.”

Lu Changsheng nodded towards Feng Jiuniang and said.

In his eyes, with her appearance, figure, and possession of Spirit Root, along with a hundred and fifty spirit stones, she wasn’t expensive; she was quite valuable.

As long as she bore some offspring with Spirit Roots, that would be even more profitable!

Then, Feng Jiuniang waved her hand, letting the woman in the red dress lead Shao Yuyao out.

Lu Changsheng proceeded with the subsequent transaction.

After Lu Changsheng paid the remaining spirit stones, he was given a spiritual contract.

It was Shao Yuyao’s contract of servitude.

But this contract was quite overbearing; it could determine Shao Yuyao’s life and death.

Moreover, within three years, if Shao Yuyao encountered any problems or got involved in any troublesome situations, Lu Changsheng could bring this contract to White Jade Tower and have them resolve it.

“Farewell, Master Li, feel free to visit us often in the future!”

Feng Jiuniang warmly escorted Lu Changsheng and Shao Yuyao out of White Jade Tower.

As the person in charge of White Jade Tower, she could tell from Lu Changsheng’s attire, appearance, and demeanor that he was a very promising big client.

Otherwise, for such a small transaction, she wouldn’t have been so polite.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng left with Shao Yuyao and headed back to the Spirit Talisman Shop.

It was noon, and Zhang Shan’s wife, carrying a lunch box and accompanied by her child, arrived at the Spirit Talisman Shop to deliver lunch.

Seeing the beautiful woman with lowered eyebrows following behind Lu Changsheng, Zhang Shan’s eyes showed a hint of envy.

Arriving on the third floor, Lu Miaoge saw Shao Yuyao and simply asked if she was the maid Lu Changsheng bought at White Jade Tower.

Lu Changsheng nodded and briefly explained Shao Yuyao’s situation.

Hearing this, Lu Miaoge didn’t say much either.

She was even more aware than Lu Changsheng of the cruelty among low-stage cultivators in the cultivation world.

Every day, there were incidents of bones buried in the wilderness, families ruined, loved ones separated, and so on.

Such things were beyond sympathy.

In her view, for this woman to become Lu Changsheng’s maid was already fortunate.

After all, although Lu Changsheng’s reputation in Qingzhu Mountain wasn’t great due to his many wives, concubines, and children, his reputation regarding how he treated his wives, concubines, and children was quite good.

Night fell.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge finished work and returned to the Lu Family’s estate in the Eastern District.

Shao Yuyao, the little maid, followed half a step behind Lu Changsheng, with lowered eyebrows and a pleasing demeanor.

Seeing this scene, Li Shi and Wang Wu couldn’t help but exchange glances.

They could see a hint of bitterness in each other’s eyes.

Although they wanted to devote themselves to Lu Changsheng, they also understood that a man like Lu Changsheng had no shortage of women.

The people in the Lu Family’s estate naturally didn’t say anything when they saw Lu Changsheng bring back a woman.

It was just a maid purchase.

Only the second young miss snorted disdainfully as usual.

However, today her snort seemed a bit louder than usual, and her face looked even more contemptuous.

Lu Changsheng chuckled and returned to his courtyard, directly instructing Shao Yuyao, “Go and prepare a bath for me.”

Since he had bought her as a maid, naturally, she was to do as she was told.

Although he had a moral bottom line, he wasn’t obsessed with moral purity.

He wouldn’t treat a bought servant as an equal in terms of personality; servants were supposed to act like servants.

Shao Yuyao seemed to realize something, her eyes trembling slightly as she uttered a soft “hm.”

Then, she carried the bath tub and brought in hot water.

A faint blush adorned her cheeks as she helped Lu Changsheng undress.

She also bit her lip, undoing her own clothes. Amidst the sound of splashing water, they both entered the tub together, and her two delicate and smooth hands gently scrubbed Lu Changsheng’s body.

As a cultivator, Lu Changsheng’s robes prevented any dirt from clinging to his body, so bathing was unnecessary.

However, bathing was a form of relaxation and enjoyment.

When one had the means, it was natural to indulge.

After all, if one only focused on cultivation day in and day out, what would be the point if not for longevity?

After thoroughly drying Lu Changsheng’s body, Shao Yuyao’s cheeks were flushed crimson, and her slender arms lightly wrapped around Lu Changsheng’s neck.

Her voice was shy as she said, “Master…”

Although her actions and voice were somewhat stiff, it was evident that she had been taught well at White Jade Tower and was quite considerate.

Without further hesitation, Lu Changsheng no longer restrained himself.

After all, it had been almost a month since he had last indulged in carnal pleasures.

Soon, the water in the tub roiled, and splashes filled the air as intense vibrations echoed within.

The next day.

“Truly, one cannot thrive alone in the yin or yang; harmony of both is necessary,”

Lu Changsheng exclaimed as he stepped out of the room, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

There had to be someone by his side. Without embracing the warmth of a tender beauty, something would feel lacking when sleeping at night.

He didn’t bring Shao Yuyao to the Talisman Shop. As he stepped out of the courtyard, he ran into Lu Miaocheng.

“Changsheng!” Lu Miaocheng hurried over when he saw Lu Changsheng.

With a slightly weary face, Lu Miaocheng showed a hint of embarrassment and said, “Changsheng, do you have any extra spirit stones? Could you lend me twenty spirit stones?”

“Hmm,” Lu Changsheng thought Lu Miaocheng was going to ask him to read or drink tea together.

He didn’t expect it to be a request for spirit stones, and twenty at that, right from the start.

Although he was lavish with his spending, twenty spirit stones were still a considerable sum.

After all, when it came to lending money, one had to be prepared for the possibility that it might not be returned.

Although Lu Miaocheng also managed a shop, his monthly income wasn’t particularly high.

“The last batch of new tea from Chunman Tower had a female cultivator whom I greatly admired. So, I’ve spent all my spirit stones recently, hence coming to borrow some from you,” Lu Miaocheng explained. “Changsheng, let me tell you, the female cultivators at Chunman Tower not only have stunning appearances but also excel in providing ultimate pleasure. They’re incomparable to ordinary maids or concubines.”

Lu Changsheng had heard of Chunman Tower before.

He knew it was a brothel within the city, where the workers were skilled in the arts of pleasure.

Consequently, the prices were exorbitant.

A single visit could cost several spirit stones, even dozens.

Lu Miaocheng probably frequented it during this period, which would explain why he had spent all his spirit stones.

“Brother Cheng, I’ve nearly depleted my spirit stones these days, and I’ve just bought a maid, so I don’t have many left,” Lu Changsheng said with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

Then, he took out twenty spirit stones.

After all, they were acquaintances, and it wouldn’t do to turn him down outright.

Despite Lu Miaocheng’s intentions, they had exchanged pleasantries over the past few days, even if it was just inviting him to read or drink tea. Refusing outright wouldn’t be polite.

If Lu Miaocheng didn’t return the spirit stones, he’d simply consider it as gone.

“Thanks a lot, my friend! I’ll pay you back when I have more spirit stones. When the time comes, I’ll invite you to Chunman Tower for a good time!”

Lu Miaocheng accepted the spirit stones with a smile and immediately turned to leave.

Lu Changsheng shook his head as he watched Lu Miaocheng’s departing figure.

“This Brother Cheng is at least a cultivator at the Fifth Stage of Qi Refining, yet he’s become so haggard due to lingering in brothels, and coming to borrow spirit stones from me.”

He continued to muse to himself, his eyes shining with determination and his posture upright.

“Such places should be avoided if possible. With that kind of money, one could take in a few concubines, buy some maids and servants. Wouldn’t that be more satisfying?”

“No, I, Lu Changsheng, am not one who indulges in pleasure and ephemeral delights. Even if I marry and take concubines, it’s all for the sake of the Dao, for longevity and vision!”

Lu Changsheng muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Then, he strode confidently, accompanying Lu Miaoge to work.

Upon arriving at the Spirit Talisman Shop, Lu Changsheng proceeded to draw several medium-grade talismans as usual.

Although he was managing the shop in Jiulong Market, he still had to fulfill his monthly quota of drawing talismans assigned by the Lu Family.

However, Lu Changsheng didn’t mind this task. After all, not only did it earn him spirit stones, but any surplus materials also went into his own pocket, making it quite profitable!

At noon, Lu Changsheng once again invited Lu Miaoge to dine at the Jade Banquet Hall.

Although it was a bit expensive, the food was indeed delicious, and dining there occasionally was quite enjoyable.

However, on these occasions, Lu Miaoge insisted on paying the bill instead of Lu Changsheng, suggesting they take turns.

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind this arrangement and didn’t feel the need to argue over who paid.

Inside the Lu Family’s Talisman Shop, in the room for drawing talismans:

“Hmm, even premium talisman paper can have defects?”

Lu Changsheng’s expression turned slightly surprised as he finished drawing a high-grade talisman, the Dungeon Talisman.

He had almost failed to draw this talisman just now because there was a tiny flaw on the talisman paper, causing him to almost fail in crafting the talisman.

Following this, Lu Changsheng checked the remaining dozen or so pieces of talisman paper, and all of them were fine except for the one he had just used, which had a minor flaw.

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng didn’t pay it much mind and moved on.

After all, among several stacks of talismans, having one with a minor flaw was still acceptable.

After resting for a while, Lu Changsheng thought that it had been almost a month since he arrived at Jiulong Market.

In a few days, after inspecting the goods that arrived every month, he could return home.

“Since I’ll be going back soon, I should buy some gifts for my wives and children,” he thought. Then, he greeted Lu Miaoge and went out to buy some gifts for his family.

That night, Lu Changsheng lay back in the bathtub, his eyes slightly narrowed.

After a while, Shao Yuyao surfaced, covering her mouth and coughing softly.

Lu Changsheng raised his hand and used his control over objects to pour a cup of tea from the nearby teapot and handed it to the maid.

He whispered softly, “You don’t have to… swallow it down.”

“It’s okay, Master.”

Shao Yuyao took a sip of tea, her eyes downcast as she spoke softly.

Her clear eyes were no longer as lifeless as before.

Through these days of interaction, she had come to realize that her master was actually a decent person, especially after yesterday.

The woman who had never shown a good attitude towards her master even gave her some advice, saying that apart from his lustful nature, her master was decent towards women. As long as she behaved well, besides having to bear children, she wouldn’t be mistreated.

At the Spirit Talisman Shop:

“Boss, here are this month’s goods.”

Zhang Shan handed over a list and five storage bags to Lu Miaoge for inspection.

Lu Miaoge nodded and then called Lu Changsheng to come over to inspect the goods together.

With so much merchandise, it was impossible to inspect everything.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t know when they would finish.

Besides, most of the Rouge Cultivators cooperating with the Lu Family’s Spirit Talisman Shop were regulars, so sampling from each person’s goods was sufficient.

Lu Miaoge and Lu Changsheng then discussed the standards for inspecting the goods.

For talismans, the quality of the talisman paper couldn’t be too poor. The drawn talisman lines should flow smoothly and not be messy, and the spiritual energy inside should flow smoothly as well.

Talismans, once crafted, are usable.

However, the quality of materials, the drawing of the lines, and the spiritual energy infused can result in one or two percent difference in effectiveness.

Lu Changsheng had previously sold talismans at the Talisman Shop because the quality of his talismans was excellent, leading to smooth sales. As for talisman paper and spiritual ink, they had to be flawless in quality.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng finally understood the standards for goods at the Talisman Shop.

He couldn’t help but think of the two stacks of talismans he had bought in the shop a few days ago, one of which had a flaw. Was it just bad luck, coincidence, or was there a problem with quality control?

Immediately, Lu Changsheng began to inspect the goods with greater seriousness.

After all, the Talisman Shop would soon be under his management. If there were any problems with the quality of the goods or the reputation of the shop, it wouldn’t be good.

“Sister Miaoge, according to the standards, is the spiritual energy flowing smoothly inside this talisman?”

Lu Changsheng asked as he gently touched a medium-grade talisman, feeling the flow of spiritual energy inside.

“This one is just passing the minimum standard. If it were any worse, we wouldn’t accept it,” Lu Miaoge replied.

Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded and got to work. This round of work took the two of them two full days to complete.

“Changsheng, thanks for your hard work. If it weren’t for your help, it would have taken me another two or three days to finish the inspections,” Lu Miaoge said with a smile on her face.

“It’s the least I could do,”

Lu Changsheng replied with a smile, then holding up a list, he said, “These few people’s goods have issues, so they’ll be returned. We won’t be cooperating with them in the future, alright?”

During the two days of inspections, they had found some talisman pen, talisman paper, and spiritual ink that didn’t meet the standards.

“Exactly. Running a shop in the city mainly relies on reputation. If there are frequent issues with the goods, it will damage the reputation of the shop. So, this aspect must be strictly controlled,” Lu Miaoge said earnestly.

“Alright, I’ll make sure to control this aspect well,” Lu Changsheng affirmed.

Lu Changsheng naturally understood this principle.

It was said that climbing the ranks and getting rich could lead to hostility among peers.

The competition among the numerous talisman shops in Jiulong Market was fierce.

It wasn’t easy for the Lu family’s spirit talisman shop to reach its current status.

If there were any problems, other shops would definitely take advantage of the situation, and their business might suffer a severe decline.

“Uncle Zhang, I’ve finished inspecting all the goods. The quality rate for these few suppliers is a bit low, so we’ll return them all and suspend cooperation with them in the future,” Lu Changsheng said, handing a list to Zhang Shan.

“Yes, Second Master,” Zhang Shan nodded, taking the list and looking through it.

When he saw a name on the list, he spoke up, “Second Master, this Rouge Cultivator named Jia Huairen has been cooperating with our shop for several years, and there have never been any issues during the process.”

“Has there never been any problem in several years of cooperation?” Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.

“That’s right. Ever since the Master took over this shop, Jia Huairen has been cooperating with us without any problems, and the quality has always been good,” Zhang Shan replied calmly.

“In that case, have his goods sent back, and let him inspect them all himself. I’ll take another look later. If there are no issues, we’ll let it go this time,” Lu Changsheng said after a moment of contemplation.

“Understood, Second Master,” Zhang Shan nodded immediately.

Lu Changsheng then discussed the matter with Lu Miaoge. She thought the problem wasn’t significant and giving him a chance was fine.

Lu Changsheng would handle it himself.

Then, he mentioned that he would set off for Qingzhu Mountain in two days.

Upon returning to the Lu Family’s mansion, Lu Changsheng informed Shao Yuyao that he would be going back in a few days.

Shao Yuyao, aware that her master had a lot of wives and children in the Lu Family, obediently acknowledged his words.

Meanwhile, in a small courtyard in the western district.

“Brother Zhang, why did all the materials come back for rework this time?” A burly man addressed Zhang Shan.

“Why did they come back for rework? You’re asking me?” Zhang Shan retorted.

“We’ve got a new boss this month, so they’re keeping a close eye on the quality of the goods these few months. Keep a closer watch yourself, don’t try to pass off subpar stuff as good again,”

“If I hadn’t spoken up this time, the cooperation would have been terminated directly,” Zhang Shan said impatiently.

“If it’s terminated, then let it be. We’ll just change our name and continue cooperating as usual,” the burly man replied casually.

“Changing the name will only lead to more trouble with inspections later on. Plus, I haven’t figured out the temperament of this new boss yet. Make sure Lao Zhou and Lao Yang keep an eye on things too,” Zhang Shan continued, his face showing seriousness and no room for doubt.

“Alright, Brother Zhang, I got it,” the burly man nodded earnestly.

Two days later, early in the morning, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge rode steel-feathered eagles back from Jiulong Market to Qingzhu Mountain.

It took them about two days, and they successfully returned to the Lu Family.

“Husband~”

“Husband’s back!”

“Daddy, daddy!”

As Lu Changsheng entered, several wives and children playing in the courtyard noticed his return and ran over joyfully, surrounding him and hugging him.

“This is the feeling of home!”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but smile, rubbing his wives and hugging his children.

Later, other wives also came to see Lu Changsheng. During the process, Lu Changsheng noticed a girl he hadn’t seen before.

She looked about seventeen or eighteen, with an elegant and delicate appearance, seeming a bit shy.

Later, upon listening to Lu Miaoyun’s account, he learned that the girl’s name was Guan Xin.

She was the girl who had been sent by Hong Yi to Qingzhu Mountain not long ago when he came to trade talismans, possessing an eighth-grade Spirit Root.

Hearing this, Lu Miaoyun pouted slightly, acting spoiled, indicating that Lu Changsheng already had them, but still had someone outside helping to find women.

Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng immediately recalled the scene at that time.

Lu Miaoyun had gone to trade talismans with her pregnant belly, and as a result, Hong Yi had sent a girl to him.

In such a situation, it was normal for Lu Miaoyun, as the main wife, to have a little temper.

He immediately reassured her, saying that he really didn’t know about it.

After the last incident with Jiuer and Shui’er, he had told Hong Yi not to do such things again.

He also said that if he had been there, he would definitely not have accepted it.

Then, he showered Lu Miaoyun with sweet words, praising her for her magnanimity, and how she was the perfect wife.

Of course, while he said all this, in his heart, he thought, “Hong Yi, you’re a good buddy!”

It wasn’t easy to find someone with Spirit Root in the secular world, let alone a young woman.

Now that Hong Yi had found one and sent her to him, he was truly like a blood brother from another mother.

Lu Changsheng also thought that now he could sell some medium-grade talismans to Hong Yi.

On one hand, it would increase his income, and on the other hand, it would be a favor to Hong Yi.

After all, since Hong Yi had been so good to him, treating him like a brother, he couldn’t just sit there without showing any appreciation.

Later, Lu Changsheng also chatted with Guan Xin, asking about her family situation, whether she volunteered or was forced, and so on.

The latter said that her family was just an ordinary family of five and that she volunteered to sell herself to Marquis Ru Yi’s mansion to come and serve the Immortal Master.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng felt relieved. A gentleman seeks a virtuous woman; he never forced anyone, to avoid any trouble.