25: Chapter 25: The Three Sisters are Pregnant, and They Sweep Away the Demonic Cultivators

Three days later, the Xu Family was decorated with lanterns and festoons, and red silk hung across the entire street.

Xu Changkun had used absolute dominance to complete the annexation of the Zhao Family's influence. This marriage not only signified the Zhao Family's submission but also marked the Xu Family's official status as the premier family spanning both the Qinghe and Heishi towns.

The bridal sedan chairs arrived at the door, accompanied by the sounds of gongs and drums.

Under the witness of countless guests, the three Zhao sisters, dressed in bridal robes as bright as fire, stepped over the fire basins one by one to complete the wedding ceremony with Xu Changkun.

As night deepened, the noise faded away.

On the wedding night, red candles burned brightly.

To show them sufficient respect, perhaps out of a desire to preserve the last shred of the Zhao Family's dignity, Xu Changkun specifically arranged for the three sisters to be housed in three adjacent exquisite courtyards, rather than crowding them together.

Xu Changkun first pushed open the door to the eldest sister, Zhao Hongling's room. Under the flickering red candles, her face was flushed; although her eyes held shyness, there was more of a resignation after accepting her fate.

After comforting the eldest sister, Xu Changkun went to the second sister, Zhao Zhuoyao's courtyard. She remained somewhat stubborn, biting her lip and not daring to look at him.

Finally, there was the third sister, Princess Bai Zhi; she was so nervous that she twisted her handkerchief with both hands, looking like a startled little deer.

That night, Xu Changkun moved in order, and despite living in separate rooms, he fully enjoyed the blessings of having multiple wives.

The next morning, the system notification arrived on schedule.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully taking concubines! Family luck has increased!"

"Reward: Longevity +30 years! Family Guardian Formation scroll × 1!"

In the days that followed, the three Zhao sisters gradually integrated into the life of the Xu Family. Xu Changkun was not a tyrant who only knew how to take; he was always generous to his women. Pills, spirit stones, cultivation techniques—as long as they needed them, he was never stingy.

Under this combination of kindness and authority, the sisters' defenses gradually crumbled.

Especially Zhao Hongling, who was someone who admired strength. After witnessing Xu Changkun's methods and breadth of mind, her initial unwillingness had long since vanished, replaced by deep admiration and affection.

Half a month later, the system brought good news again.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host, family bloodline continuation successful!"

"Zhao Hongling, Zhao Zhuoyao, and Princess Bai Zhi are confirmed to be pregnant."

"Reward: Longevity +70 years! marrow cleansing pill × 10!"

With his wives and concubines pregnant, the Xu Family was filled with joy. Having successfully absorbed the Zhao Family's influence, the Xu Family's strength had greatly increased. Now, Xu Changkun sat on the resources of two towns, and the prototype of a massive cultivation family had already emerged.

However, the issue of the demon cultivators remained a thorn in his side. According to scouts, the remnants of the Blood Fiend Sect were becoming increasingly active in the surrounding area; if they refused to give up, they would ultimately be a hidden danger.

"We must strengthen our defenses."

Xu Changkun made a prompt decision. He took out the formation materials rewarded by the system and set up a Five Elements Maze Formation around the residence.

When the formation was activated, five-colored light halos rippled, dreamlike and illusory, enveloping the entire Xu Family. This formation could not only gather spiritual energy but also resist forced entry by cultivators below the Foundation Establishment Stage.

"With this formation in place, the household is safe." Xu Changkun instructed his wives and concubines, "The demon cultivators are rampant recently; stay home to cultivate and nurture your pregnancy, and do not go out casually."

After settling things at home, he flew on his sword to the Yunxia Sect to visit Nalan Yanran.

At the Yunxia Sect, in the outer sect courtyard.

Nalan Yanran's lower abdomen was already visibly swollen, adding a touch of maternal radiance. Seeing Xu Changkun arrive, her eyes were filled with joy.

"Husband." She supported her waist, wanting to rise, but was pressed down by Xu Changkun as he stepped forward quickly.

"Don't move, take care of your body." Xu Changkun held her hand and voiced his worries about the demon cultivators.

Nalan Yanran pondered for a moment, her expression solemn as she said: "The sect is also discussing the extermination of the Blood Fiend Sect remnants recently. According to investigations, they are active in many towns within a hundred-mile radius, acting increasingly rampant and using cruel methods."

She paused, looked at Xu Changkun, and a flash of wisdom appeared in her eyes: "Is Husband thinking of taking the initiative?"

"That's right." Xu Changkun nodded, his gaze turning cold, "Rather than waiting for the thieves to come to us, it is better to take the initiative to clear them out. My Xu Family is now a tall tree attracting the wind, and we need to eradicate future troubles. There is no such logic as a thousand days of being a thief, but never a thousand days of defending against thieves."

Nalan Yanran agreed: "Husband's words are very true. As it happens, Senior Sister Liu Qingxu is leading a team down the mountain in three days to purge the demon cultivators. Senior Sister Liu is an expert at Qi Refining Level 8 and is proficient in alchemy and formations. If Husband wishes to go together, I can introduce you. With her there, you can look out for each other, and I will be more at ease."

"Senior Sister Liu Qingxu?" A cold figure appeared in Xu Changkun's mind.

Nalan Yanran suddenly lowered her voice, a playful smile on the corner of her mouth: "Senior Sister Liu is cold on the outside but warm on the inside, has excellent aptitude, and has always been devoted to alchemy, never having had a dao companion. If Husband has the ability... why not seize the opportunity to add another powerful assistant to the family."

Xu Changkun laughed, reached out, and flicked her nose: "You are quite magnanimous, even taking the initiative to arrange things for me."

Nalan Yanran leaned her face on his broad shoulder and said softly: "This concubine only wishes for Husband to be well and for the family to flourish. Adding one more sister means adding one more bit of strength. As long as Husband has me in his heart, I am satisfied."

Three days later, outside the gate of the Yunxia Sect.

The morning breeze was cool, blowing the thin mist in the mountains.

Senior Sister Liu Qingxu was dressed in green activewear, outlining her tall and slender figure. Her black hair was tied high, making her look even more heroic. Behind her followed six outer sect disciples, all experts at Qi Refining Level 7 or 8, each with a solemn expression.

Seeing Xu Changkun flying over on his sword, she nodded slightly, her expression cold and clear: "Fellow Daoist Xu, this purge is exceptionally dangerous, thank you for your help."

"It is my duty." Xu Changkun returned the salute, his gaze open and honest, "To eliminate demons and defend the Dao is an obligation."

Senior Sister Liu Qingxu acted decisively and without any nonsense, sharing intelligence directly on the road: "According to reports, the remnants of the Blood Fiend Sect have split into several groups, hiding in several strongholds on the edge of the Luoxia Mountain Range."

She looked at Xu Changkun with clear eyes and arranged clearly: "Our primary target this time is Black Wind Hollow. According to investigations, the leader there has a cultivation of Qi Refining Level 9, and there are over a dozen demon cultivators under his command. At that time, Fellow Daoist Xu, you will follow me to attack, and the others will set up formations to surround and block them. We must annihilate them all; we absolutely cannot let a single one escape!"

Xu Changkun nodded: "I will listen to Senior Sister Liu's arrangements."

The group traveled rapidly and soon arrived at Black Wind Hollow.

It was gloomy here, with ancient trees towering and blocking the sun. An abandoned mountain temple was hidden in the black fog, exuding a strange aura.

"We're here." Senior Sister Liu Qingxu made a gesture, and the group immediately dispersed, quietly surrounding the area.

Xu Changkun and Senior Sister Liu Qingxu looked at each other, their figures moving like lightning, silently sneaking into the temple.

The temple reeked of blood, which was nauseating. There were three black-robed demon cultivators setting up a small blood pool, with five young girls tied up beside the pool, all unconscious, clearly the "sacrifices" they had just captured.

"Damn it!" A flash of anger appeared in Senior Sister Liu Qingxu's eyes.

"Who?!" The lead black-robed person had keen perception, suddenly turned around, and the aura of Qi Refining Level 8 erupted.

"The one who will kill you!"

Xu Changkun didn't say a word and slashed out with his fingers. The crimson sword energy was like a red lightning bolt tearing through the darkness, carrying scorching high temperatures, instantly penetrating the black-robed person's protective spiritual energy.

"Pfft!"

The black-robed person didn't even have time to scream before being pierced through the heart by the sword and falling dead to the ground.

The other two were horrified and wanted to escape, but Senior Sister Liu Qingxu flicked her slender hands, and several green silk ribbons flew out like spirit snakes, instantly binding the two tightly. Xu Changkun followed closely, adding two sword energies to clean and neatly finish them off.

The battle ended very quickly. The group rescued the girls and counted the battlefield, finding several Blood Fiend Sect tokens and some spirit stones.

Senior Sister Liu Qingxu inspected the girls and found that they all had spiritual roots, and couldn't help but sigh: "They are all innocent people; if they are snatched away, their lives will be ruined."

Looking at these terrified girls, the thought in Xu Changkun's mind became even clearer.

He said solemnly: "Senior Sister Liu, I have something to say, I don't know if it should be said or not."

"Please speak, Fellow Daoist Xu."

"These demon cultivators are kidnapping people everywhere, specializing in women with spiritual roots; it is truly impossible to guard against. We saved five today, but perhaps ten will suffer tomorrow." Xu Changkun's expression was serious, his tone sincere, "Rather than letting them be displaced and living in fear, it would be better for me to come forward and seek out young women with spiritual roots in the surrounding towns."

"Those who are willing to enter my Xu Family, I, Xu Changkun, am willing to take them as concubines and provide them with protection and resources. The Xu Family has the Five Elements Maze Formation to guard it, which is enough to keep them safe. This way, we can not only save people but also cut off the demon cultivators' thoughts."

Senior Sister Liu Qingxu was stunned upon hearing this, looked at him deeply, and her expression was somewhat complex: "Fellow Daoist's move... although it is well-intentioned, I am afraid it will cause controversy and be called... greedy for beauty."

"The innocent are innocent." Xu Changkun's expression was stern, his gaze firm, "I, Xu Changkun, act only to have a clear conscience. If I can protect these innocent women from the demon's claws, what does it matter if I bear some infamy? In this chaotic world, giving them a stable home may be more important than anything else."

Senior Sister Liu Qingxu fell silent. She looked at Xu Changkun's firm profile, and her heart moved slightly. This man, seemingly romantic, actually... has some sense of responsibility.

After a long time, she sighed softly, and the way she looked at Xu Changkun changed, with a bit more respect: "Fellow Daoist is righteous. This matter... I can ask the sect to issue a document, stating that it is to fight against demon cultivators and protect the good, so as to avoid slander from villains."

"Many thanks, Senior Sister."

Xu Changkun was secretly happy; with the backing of the Yunxia Sect, this matter was settled. The growth of the family was just around the corner!