In the monotonous and dull life of cultivation, talisman making, and spell practicing, another month had passed.
Lu Changsheng's another concubine was pregnant with a second child.
At the same time, the ninth child was also born.
Still, there was no pulsation of the Spiritual Root, indicating the absence of one.
On the second day after the birth of the ninth child, Lu Changsheng received a letter.
He was somewhat surprised when he saw the letter.
It was actually from Hong Yi, who had attended the Immortal Sects' examination with him.
The letter started with simple greetings and then inquired whether Lu Changsheng still remembered the three-year agreement they had made.
It had been more than two years since they had parted from the Qingyun Sect.
He hoped that Lu Changsheng and Li Feiyu would also come together to catch up.
And he mentioned that Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin had all agreed to the meeting.
"The three-year agreement."
Lu Changsheng, looking at the content of the letter, narrowed his eyes slightly.
This three-year agreement was a casual remark made by Hong Yi when the six of them were introduced to the Qingyun Sect.
They had agreed, regardless of whether they entered the Immortal Sects or not, to gather at Ruyi Prefecture's largest restaurant, 'Ruyi Tower,' three years later.
If it weren't for Hong Yi's letter, Lu Changsheng would have forgotten about it and considered it just a joke.
He did not expect that Hong Yi would actually write to mention it.
He also said that Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin would all come.
"There is about half a year left, should I go?"
Lu Changsheng thought to himself.
On his way to Qingzhu Mountain in the past, the attack by the Chen Family cast some shadows on him.
He felt the cultivation world was too dangerous and did not want to leave the Lu Family lightly.
But the thought of the meeting and that Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin would also be there gave him some inclination to attend.
As the saying goes, the more friends one has, the more paths one finds.
All three were disciples of the Qingyun Sect, and maintaining this friendship might be beneficial and advantageous for him in the future.
He wasn't close to Xiao Xiyue and Zhao Qingqing, but he had a fairly good relationship with Han Lin back then.
"On this trip to the meeting, I can also deal with the talismans I've accumulated over the years and buy some materials for drawing high-quality and supreme talismans."
"With these talisman treasures on me, as long as I don't encounter a Foundation Building Cultivator, there shouldn't be a problem."
"Moreover, after seeking the path of cultivation and leaving my home for three years, it's time to go back for a visit."
After thinking it over, Lu Changsheng decided to make the trip.
Besides attending the meeting, there were other things he needed to do; he had to make some decisions about his worldly family affairs as well.
"Since I've received the letter, Feiyu must have received one too," Lu Changsheng thought.
Immediately, he went out and headed towards Qingzhu Villa to see what Li Feiyu planned to do.
It would be safer for the two of them to travel together.
Lu Changsheng did not go directly to Li Feiyu's house.
Instead, he first went to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion to greet the shopkeeper.
If it were not for the storekeeper of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, his talent for talisman making wouldn't have become so smoothly known by the higher-ups of the Lu Family; thus, he came to visit and express his gratitude.
Besides, he was still dependent on the Lu Family, and it was good to cultivate a favorable impression by befriending the people of the Lu Family. After all, cultivation is not only about practicing and fighting; there are also interpersonal relationships and worldly affairs to navigate.
The shopkeeper of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion was delighted and gratified to see Lu Changsheng come to Qingzhu Villa to visit him.
Initially, he had helped Lu Changsheng out of self-interest.
He saw that the young man had a good talent for talisman making and was a decent person, suitable to be utilized by the Lu Family.
But Lu Changsheng's gesture added a few more points of fondness in his heart.
He felt the young man was indeed commendable.
Afterward, Lu Changsheng bought some medicinal herbs for strengthening the foundation and nurturing vitality from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion as gifts and brought them to Li Feiyu's home.
He now had ten spirit stones a month, while Li Feiyu still had only two spirit stones.
Directly providing for the latter would not be accepted.
And he wouldn't do that either.
Not to mention he wasn't wealthy enough to afford it, doing so would also change the nature of their friendship.
Visiting now with some gifts in hand was just appropriate.
Carrying the gifts, Lu Changsheng arrived at Li Feiyu's home.
"If you're going to visit, why bother bringing gifts?"
Li Feiyu was somewhat surprised and delighted to see Lu Changsheng coming.
"It's not like we're just neighbors dropping by, so it's perfectly normal to come over and bring something."
"Besides, in two months, my sister-in-law will be giving birth, and all these are things to nourish her body."
Lu Changsheng said casually.
He and Li Feiyu were of the same age, but Li Feiyu was older by several months, so Lu Changsheng also called Li Feiyu's wife "sister-in-law."
"Alright, then I'll take it without being polite."
Upon hearing this, Li Feiyu did not hesitate and directly accepted the gifts.
"You've received Hong Yi's letter too, haven't you?"
As they entered the living room, Li Feiyu brewed a pot of tea and, guessing the purpose of Lu Changsheng's visit, started the conversation.
"I did, and after seeing the letter, I thought that since Han Lin and the others are going, I might as well go too, to get together."
"And I've been away from home for so long, it's time to go back and settle things, so I came over to see what you think."
Lu Changsheng stated directly.
"I have the same idea."
Li Feiyu nodded and said.
"Great, then we'll go together. We still have half a year, and we should set out about a month in advance."
"After all, traveling from Qingzhu Mountain to Ruyi Prefecture takes quite some time," Lu Changsheng said.
"No problem, I usually don't have much going on. Just come and call me on the day you leave," Li Feiyu said.
Subsequently, the two chatted for a while, and Lu Changsheng had lunch at Li Feiyu's home before leaving.
...
Time flew, and another half a month passed by.
On this day, Lu Changsheng's tenth child was born.
Just like the others, this child did not have a Spiritual Root.
However, the instant the child was born, a system notification sounded.
[Congratulations to the host; the number of progeny has reached ten. You've earned one lottery chance!]
"As expected!"
Upon hearing the system notification, Lu Changsheng was delighted and thought to himself that it was as he expected.
He had previously suspected that once certain achievements were triggered, they would lead to rewards.
The first numeral was one; it was highly likely that the second numeral was ten.
"I wonder if the next one is twenty, fifty, or... a hundred," Lu Changsheng pondered.
Without further thought, Lu Changsheng went to see the child.
It was a girl, adorable indeed.
After visiting his wives and children, Lu Changsheng returned to his study to start his fourth lottery draw.
"System, I want to draw a prize."
Lu Changsheng silently wished.
Immediately, a pale red virtual lottery wheel appeared before his eyes.
Looking at the familiar lottery wheel, Lu Changsheng took a deep breath and prayed in his heart.
He hoped for a Cultivation Technique.
His current Returning Origin Technique was a primary level common Cultivation Technique.
The advantage was that the Cultivation was steady and smooth, with almost no risk of issues during the process.
However, the downside was the same, too steady, which caused the absorption of Spiritual Energy to be exceedingly slow.
He hadn't felt it much while at Qingzhu Villa.
Now that he had come to Qingzhu Valley to cultivate on the Second Grade Spiritual Vein, this feeling was very pronounced.
Therefore, Lu Changsheng thought that if he could obtain a Cultivation Technique, this situation should improve.
After all, even if the system was stingy, it would at least provide a Peripheral Sect Level Technique, right?
"Start the draw!"
Lu Changsheng exhaled and declared.
Instantly, a golden light spun on the pale red wheel.
After five seconds, the wheel slowed down.
Under Lu Changsheng's gaze, filled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, the golden light settled on Pet Beasts.