22: Chapter 22: Taking 16 Concubines in One Day

In the cellar, sixteen young girls looked at each other in bewilderment.

Most of them were eighteen or nineteen, in the prime of their youth, yet they had suddenly encountered such a calamity. Looking at the handsome, upright, and powerful benefactor before them, their eyes held more than just gratitude; there was a sense of reliance, as if they had found a lifeline in a desperate situation.

In these chaotic times, the fate of lone women wandering outside was easily imagined.

“Benefactor... I am willing to follow you.” A bold girl was the first to kneel. “My family is gone. I am willing to serve as a slave or a maid to repay your life-saving grace.”

Seeing this, the other girls also knelt one after another, tearfully pleading to be taken in.

Xu Changkun looked at those pairs of hopeful eyes and nodded. “In that case, come back with me. I do not lack servants. If you are willing, you may enter the Xu Family as concubines. With an official status, you will have someone to rely on in the future.”

Hearing this, the girls were both surprised and delighted, their cheeks flushing red. To be able to marry such a powerful cultivator was the best possible outcome for them.

Three days later, the Xu Family was decorated with lanterns and streamers.

Xu Changkun did not act carelessly; instead, he followed proper etiquette and held a collective wedding ceremony.

When the news spread, the entire Qinghe Town was in an uproar. The Xu Family marrying sixteen brides at once was a scene that was truly unprecedented.

Although some people were jealous and spoke sourly, most were moved by Xu Changkun’s righteous act—after all, those girls were poor souls who had suffered a disaster, and Xu Changkun was giving them a way to live.

The auspicious hour arrived, and sixteen bridal sedans were carried into the Xu Manor one by one.

The wedding ceremony was solemn and lively. The girls were dressed in red makeup, and though they were shy, their eyes sparkled with longing for their future life.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for expanding the family scale! Reward: Lifespan +80 years!]

[Family members have increased, and Providence has risen. Host, please continue your efforts to spread the family's seeds and leaves.]

As the night deepened, the red candles flickered.

Xu Changkun did not act as dissolutely as outsiders might imagine. He knew well that these women had just survived a life-and-death ordeal and still felt uneasy in their hearts.

That night, he gave them enough patience and respect, using warmth to slowly heal the trauma and fear in their hearts.

Perhaps out of gratitude for his kindness and consideration, the girls soon truly integrated into this large family, giving their hearts and bodies to the man who had given them a second life.

As time passed, the system notification sounds rang out one after another.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully 'spreading leaves'! Reward: Lifespan +5 years, marrow cleansing pill ×10!]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully 'spreading leaves'...]

Looking at the ever-increasing lifespan and resources on the system panel, Xu Changkun felt an even heavier sense of responsibility.

[Name: Xu Changkun]

[Lifespan: 195]

[Wives and Concubines: 21]

[Offspring: 2]

The Xu Family’s backyard became increasingly lively, filled with constant laughter and chatter.

Wang Qingxuan and Zhou Xiaoyun were also nearing their due dates. Every day, besides cultivation, Xu Changkun spent his time accompanying his wives and concubines, living a fulfilling and warm life.

The only thing on his mind was Nalan Yanran, who was far away at the Yunxia Sect.

On this day, Xu Changkun went to the Yunxia Sect to visit her.

On Luoyun Peak, Nalan Yanran wore a plain white dress, looking cold and ethereal. Upon seeing Xu Changkun, the ice in her eyes instantly melted, turning into a tenderness like flowing water.

“Husband has come.”

The two sat opposite each other in the room, the aroma of tea curling in the air.

Xu Changkun honestly told her about the matters at home. Nalan Yanran listened quietly without getting angry; instead, she sighed softly, “Husband is kind-hearted; saving them is also a meritorious deed. It’s just that the family is large and the expenses are high; the burden on your shoulders has become heavier.”

Xu Changkun held her hand. “With you here, I am at peace. I also came this time to check on your injuries.”

“It is no longer a problem.” Nalan Yanran’s cheeks flushed slightly as she held his hand back. “Husband... the sisters at home have all spread their leaves, yet I...”

Her gaze fell on her flat lower abdomen, a hint of expectation flashing in her eyes.

Xu Changkun’s heart stirred, and he said softly, “We are both cultivators; offspring is a matter of fate and must follow its natural course.”

Nalan Yanran looked up at him, her eyes shimmering. “I... wish to seek this fate.”

For the next few days, Xu Changkun stayed overnight on Luoyun Peak.

The two discussed their cultivation insights together, their affection growing deep. Xu Changkun discovered that as his cultivation level increased, conceiving offspring with high aptitude indeed required more effort and cost. He did not hesitate to burn part of his lifespan just to increase that sliver of a chance.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host! Concubine Nalan Yanran has successfully conceived.]

[The mother has a Blue Spiritual Root aptitude; rewards are doubled!]

[Reward: Lifespan +30 years!]

[Reward: Cultivation increased: Qi Refining Level 9!]

[Reward: Mid-Grade Spirit Stone ×50!]

[Reward: Sword Dao Insight 'Autumn Water Sword Intent' ×1!]

At that moment, a mysterious sword intent surged into Xu Changkun’s mind. He seemed to see the surging autumn waters, endless and continuous, soft yet firm.

Xu Changkun opened his eyes, a sharp light flashing through them. Qi Refining Level 9! And he had mastered the embryonic form of sword intent!

Looking at the sleeping Nalan Yanran in his arms, his heart was full of tender affection.

When it was time to part, Nalan Yanran saw him off to the mountain gate.

They happened to encounter a female cultivator in green robes, her temperament as cold as frost and her appearance peerless.

“Junior Sister Nalan.” The woman spoke, her voice like pearls falling on a jade plate.

Nalan Yanran bowed. “Senior Sister Liu.”

Xu Changkun’s heart stirred. This was the Senior Sister Liu Qingxu that Nalan Yanran had mentioned? She indeed had skin like ice and bones like jade, with an extraordinary temperament.

Liu Qingxu’s gaze swept over Xu Changkun. She nodded slightly as a greeting and left on her sword without saying much.

Watching her receding figure, Xu Changkun was lost in thought.

Nalan Yanran seemed to see through his thoughts and said with a half-smile, “What? Has Husband taken a liking to Senior Sister Liu?”

Xu Changkun withdrew his gaze and smiled frankly. “Everyone has a heart for beauty. However, having Yanran is enough for me.”

Nalan Yanran felt sweet in her heart and gave him a playful glare. “Smooth-talker.”