17: Spiritual root descendants

The Lin Family's Main Family is located in the Core Area, the most mysterious and solemn place in the entire Lin Family. Aside from those in the Main Family and a few branch members, others might never see what the Core Area looks like in their entire lives.

In a way, for Zhou Luo, a Matrilocal Son-in-law, to be able to enter the Core Area was already a Heaven-Defying occurrence.

Zhou Luo followed the attendant through a long corridor, heading deep inside. Along the way, he saw numerous Cultivators who looked like guards, each radiating powerful fluctuations of Spiritual Qi.

Even as a Qi Training First Level Great Perfection Cultivator, he felt a wave of pressure.

Clearly, these guards were at least at the Qi Cultivation Stage 2.

Using Qi Cultivation Stage 2 Cultivators as guards—as expected of a Immortal Family.

At the end of the corridor, a spiritual light shimmered; it was the effect of a Formation.

When Zhou Luo passed through the Formation, he could clearly feel an ethereal power sweep over his entire body.

At that moment, the scene before his eyes finally opened up.

He had finally arrived at the legendary Core Area.

The Spiritual Qi here was abundant, spiritual lights flickered, and buildings were arranged in an orderly fashion. The air was filled with a fresh fragrance, giving off a very comfortable feeling.

The buildings in the Core Area weren't actually much different from those on the periphery.

The only difference was likely that the Spiritual Qi here was much denser.

Before long, he arrived in front of a grand hall.

Inside the hall, the decorations were simple yet exuded an ancient aura. A heavy sensation washed over him, making Zhou Luo feel a sense of solemnity.

Walking into the hall, he immediately saw an old man sitting on the throne above.

Although the old man had white hair, he was full of vigor. A pair of sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, landed on Zhou Luo.

In an instant, Zhou Luo felt a pressure as heavy as a mountain.

He hurried to bow in greeting: "Greetings, Family Head."

“Rise.” A faint voice echoed through the hall.

Zhou Luo rose respectfully, not daring to even breathe loudly.

This was the Family Head of a Immortal Family. Although he didn't know his Realm, the man could surely crush him to death with one hand.

The only thing he could do was nothing at all, following whatever the other party said.

“Zhou Luo, you’ve been with the Lin Family for over a year now, haven’t you?” Lin Tianxiong asked leisurely.

“Reporting to the Family Head, yes,” Zhou Luo replied humbly.

“Then do you hate the Lin Family?” Lin Tianxiong suddenly asked.

The peaceful voice felt like a thunderclap in his ears, making Zhou Luo’s body tremble.

Here it comes.

The life-or-death question has arrived.

Zhou Luo’s mind raced. His posture became even more humble, and his expression turned serious as he said, “At the beginning, I did have some dissatisfaction. But after seeing how much the Family values me, my heart has long been filled with gratitude. How could I dare to resent the Family?”

“Hmm.” Lin Tianxiong hummed in thought, seemingly very satisfied with this answer.

After that, he continued, “I have actually observed your performance since you came to the Lin Family. To be honest, I have always thought highly of you.”

Zhou Luo couldn't help but think to himself: 'You, old man, actually have time to watch me? Stop talking nonsense and just give me some actual rewards.'

Despite his thoughts, he still cupped his hands and said modestly, “I am honored by the Family Head's attention.”

“Given your performance, I intend to let you officially become a Son-in-law of my Lin Family. What do you think?” Lin Tianxiong finally revealed his true purpose.

A 'Son-in-law' was completely different from a 'Matrilocal Son-in-law.'

The former was equivalent to being a member of the Lin Family, with a status similar to the Lin Family's own children, while the latter was purely a breeding tool without any human rights.

“Thank you, Family Head.” Zhou Luo showed a heartfelt smile.

He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

“Mm, this is the new contract.” Lin Tianxiong raised a hand.

In the next second, a piece of pale yellow parchment shot out from his hand, drifting into Zhou Luo's hands like a falling leaf.

The contract clearly stated that Zhou Luo would henceforth become a Son-in-law of the Lin Family.

As a Son-in-law, he would no longer be required to produce forty Nine-Rank Spiritual Root descendants for the Family within ten years. He could choose his own wives and concubines, and the children born would take his surname.

Secondly, he would enjoy the same treatment as Lin Family disciples. His monthly allowance would increase from the original five Spirit Stones to fifteen, and he would also receive a bottle of Bigu Pills.

Additionally, he could enter the Spirit Vein Blessed Land to cultivate for five days every month, which could be accumulated.

These were all his rights.

Furthermore, as a Lin Family Son-in-law, he had the obligation to refine a certain amount of Medicinal Pills for the Lin Family every month and strictly protect the Lin Family's interests.

When the Family had a need, he could not refuse any request from the Family.

This part was actually somewhat overbearing.

But on second thought, he was only an Entry-Level Alchemist; it was impossible for the Lin Family to make too many concessions.

Being able to enjoy those rights was already enough.

As for these obligations, as long as he didn't rebel against the Family or think about leaving, it wasn't a big deal.

In any case, before reaching Foundation Establishment, he wouldn't be leaving this place.

And once he reached Foundation Establishment, this small contract wouldn't be able to bind him anymore.

After some thought, he agreed to the terms of the contract.

Seeing Zhou Luo sign his name, a smile finally appeared on Lin Tianxiong’s stern face: “From now on, the Lin Family is your home.”

...

The news of Zhou Luo transforming from a Matrilocal Son-in-law to a regular Son-in-law quickly spread through the entire matrilocal circle.

Those who were already envious, jealous, and hateful toward Zhou Luo now completely lost their temper.

Because they knew that from now on, the difference in status between them would be like heaven and earth.

To this end, some sensible matrilocal sons-in-law visited one after another to offer congratulations and gifts.

Their purpose was naturally to hope that this former "fellow traveler" could look after them a bit in the future.

Zhou Luo made no response to this.

Because he had already entered the Spirit Vein Blessed Land.

The guests who came to the door saw the three pregnant women and Lin Qinghan holding a child, and could only leave their gifts and depart dejectedly.

Zhou Luo didn't stay in the Spirit Vein Blessed Land for long this time.

Because half a month later, Lin Yiyi and her two sisters were all about to give birth.

And before that, Lin Lan had finally successfully conceived, and Zhou Luo had gained another chance for a lucky draw.

He currently had no interest in the lucky draw; his attention was entirely focused on the three sisters.

Coincidentally, perhaps because they were sisters, they all went into labor on the same day.

This kept Zhou Luo busy running back and forth.

There was no other way; because Lin Qinghan had a cold personality and didn't like crowds, there had only ever been one maidservant, Lin Lan, in the courtyard.

Since Lin Lan had also become a concubine, no one had arranged for more maidservants.

It wasn't until now, when Zhou Luo had to do everything himself, that he felt deep regret.

Just then, the sound of a baby crying suddenly came from the room, three women...

[Congratulations to the host on the birth of the second offspring, gaining a ten-year lifespan bonus!]

...

[Congratulations to the host on the birth of the third offspring, gaining a twenty-year lifespan bonus!]

[Since this offspring possesses a Nine-Rank Spiritual Root, the host gains one Aptitude Point!]

[Current Aptitude: Nine-Rank Spiritual Root (2/100)]

...

[Congratulations to the host on the birth of the fourth offspring, gaining a twenty-year lifespan bonus!]

[Since this offspring possesses a Nine-Rank Spiritual Root, the host gains one Aptitude Point!]

[Current Aptitude: Nine-Rank Spiritual Root (3/100)]

...

[Congratulations to the host on the birth of the fifth offspring, gaining a ten-year lifespan bonus!]

...

A series of notification sounds rang out.

Zhou Luo stood frozen in place.

He had produced another two Spiritual Root descendants?

But this was also within reason.

Whether it was Lin Qinghan or the other three sisters, they were all Cultivators who possessed Spiritual Roots.

When two Cultivators with Spiritual Roots joined together, there was a high probability of producing Spiritual Root descendants.

Aside from that, what surprised Zhou Luo the most was that with the birth of these four children, he had gained another sixty years of lifespan.

One must know that only Cultivators beyond the Qi Refining Fifth Layer have fifty years more lifespan than ordinary people.

He had achieved or even surpassed that just by having four children.

If this were to get out, it would probably make countless Qi Training cultivators spit blood in anger.

Zhou Luo also discovered...

An ordinary child only increased his lifespan by ten years, while a Nine-Rank Spiritual Root descendant could increase it by twenty years.

Then would an Eight-Rank Spiritual Root descendant increase it by thirty years, forty years, or even more?

If a First-Grade Spiritual Root descendant were born, how much would that be?!

At this thought, Zhou Luo's heart surged with excitement.

This is the true path to longevity.