45: Chapter 45 The Olive Branch of the Cloud Mist Sect

Three days after Senior Sister Liu Qingxu left, the people from the Yunxia Sect finally arrived.

The visitor was not Second-Rank Inspection Envoy Zhao Wuji, whom Xu Changkun had expected, but an elderly man with white hair and beard, followed by two young disciples. The old man wore the robes of a Yunxia Sect elder, his aura restrained, his eyes shining with a brilliant light; he was clearly a master at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment.

"I am an elder of the Law Enforcement Hall of the Yunxia Sect, surnamed Li." The old man cupped his hands, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant. "I am here under orders from the Sect Master to investigate the killing of the Liu Family father and son."

Xu Changkun invited them into the front hall, his expression calm, showing no signs of panic: "Elder Li, please sit. Serve tea."

A maid served spiritual tea. Elder Li took a light sip, then set down the teacup and got straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist Xu, our sect's Elder Zhou Yuan has accused you of killing the Liu Family father and son. Is this true?"

"That is correct." Xu Changkun admitted it frankly, looking directly at Elder Li. "Liu Feng led people to besiege my two wives, intending to forcefully seize spiritual herbs, and even spoke rudely. I intervened, and Liu Feng's father, Liu Zhen, along with Elder Zhou Yuan, attacked without asking about right or wrong, each move intended to kill. To protect myself, I had no choice but to fight back, accidentally killing Liu Zhen and his son."

He paused, then added: "The Liu Family father and son have run rampant in Qingyang City for many years, bullying men and oppressing women; they deserved to die. If Elder Li does not believe me, you can go to Qingyang City and ask a few rogue cultivators; their evil deeds have long been known to all."

Elder Li pondered for a moment, his gaze scanning Xu Changkun: "I have already sent people to investigate this matter; the Liu Family father and son indeed had a notorious reputation. It has also been verified that Elder Zhou Yuan accepted benefits from the Liu Family and stood up for them, violating sect regulations."

He looked at Xu Changkun, his tone softening slightly: "However, it is still a fact that Fellow Daoist Xu killed someone protected by an elder of our Yunxia Sect. According to sect rules, there must be an explanation for this, otherwise, where would the face of our Yunxia Sect be?"

Xu Changkun's eyes turned cold, his spiritual energy secretly circulating: "What kind of explanation does Elder Li want?"

"Do not be anxious." Elder Li waved his hand, revealing a faint smile. "I am not here to hold you accountable this time. The Sect Master has ordered that the fault lies with Zhou Yuan in this matter, and Fellow Daoist Xu was acting in self-defense, so it will not be pursued. Zhou Yuan has already been punished by being confined to the Reflection Cliff for three years."

Xu Changkun was startled, feeling somewhat surprised. The Yunxia Sect was actually this reasonable?

Elder Li continued: "Not only that, the Sect Master also asked me to bring a gift to express our apologies."

As he spoke, he took out a jade slip and handed it to Xu Changkun: "This is the Qi Refining chapter of our Yunxia Sect's 'Yunxia Heart Scripture'. Although it is not a core cultivation method, it is still better than the methods practiced by ordinary rogue cultivators. The Sect Master said that Fellow Daoist Xu has many wives and concubines, and this cultivation method is gentle and balanced, which can help them solidify their foundations and prolong their lives."

Xu Changkun took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense, confirming it was correct, but his confusion only deepened: "It is already magnanimous for your sect not to pursue this, why give a gift? This does not seem to follow common sense."

Elder Li laughed, a flash of shrewdness in his eyes: "Fellow Daoist Xu is a straightforward person, so I will not beat around the bush. When the Sect Master sent me to investigate, he also took the opportunity to check on the Xu Family. This investigation gave me quite a shock."

He stood up and scanned the Xu Family courtyard, sighing: "Fellow Daoist Xu has risen in just over a year, from a mere rogue cultivator to owning assets in three towns, with over fifty wives and concubines, and more than twenty offspring. Even more astonishing is that many of your offspring possess spiritual roots. Such a probability is extremely rare even among immortal cultivation families."

Xu Changkun's eyes flickered, but he said nothing, while quickly calculating in his mind.

Elder Li lowered his voice, implying something: "In the world of immortal cultivation, the strong prey on the weak. The rise and fall of a family lies in its people and talent. Fellow Daoist Xu's offspring are gifted; the Sect Master understands what this means, and Fellow Daoist Xu should also be very clear."

He paused, then said solemnly: "The Yunxia Sect has been established for three hundred years and knows the importance of talent. Rather than becoming enemies with you for scum like Zhou Yuan, it is better to forge a good relationship. Since Senior Sister Liu Qingxu and Nalan Yanran have already married you, they are natural bonds. The Sect Master hopes that the Xu Family can support the Yunxia Sect and develop together."

Xu Changkun understood. The Yunxia Sect valued his high-yield and high-quality offspring potential; this was a long-term investment. In this world of immortal cultivation, talent was the most precious resource.

"Elder Li," he said slowly, "Are Senior Sister Liu Qingxu and Nalan Yanran doing well in your sect?"

"Naturally, they are well." Elder Li smiled. "They are about to give birth, and the sect has already made proper arrangements, with special personnel taking care of them. Fellow Daoist Xu can rest assured."

Xu Changkun nodded: "After they give birth, I want to take them home to recuperate. There are many people at home, and I can take care of them."

Elder Li pondered: "This matter... still needs to be discussed. Senior Sister Liu Qingxu and Senior Sister Nalan Yanran have special statuses in the sect, and the Sect Master intends to focus on cultivating them. However, if Fellow Daoist Xu misses your wives and children, you can come to the sect to visit at any time. The doors of the sect are always open to you."

Xu Changkun understood the hidden meaning—the Yunxia Sect did not want to let them go, but also did not want to become enemies with him. This was intended to use them as hostages and also to better bind the Xu Family.

"In that case, I will follow your sect's arrangements." Xu Changkun did not insist. Right now, he did not have the capital to go head-to-head with the Yunxia Sect.

Elder Li nodded in satisfaction, chatted for a few more sentences, and then took his leave.

...

A month later, news came from the Yunxia Sect: Nalan Yanran and Senior Sister Liu Qingxu had given birth one after another.

Xu Changkun immediately set off for the Yunxia Sect. Under the guidance of Elder Li, he successfully entered the residence of his two wives.

The process went smoothly; Nalan Yanran gave birth to a son, and Senior Sister Liu Qingxu gave birth to a daughter.

Xu Changkun took the two children, looking at their porcelain-like faces, his heart filled with the joy of being a father for the first time. He quietly activated the system to check their aptitude—

A rich blue light column rose above his son's head, deeper than Nalan Yanran's spiritual root, clearly excellent aptitude. A yellow light column rose above his daughter's head, surpassing even Senior Sister Liu Qingxu's green aptitude, with limitless future potential!

It seems the consumption of lifespan yielded good results.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host on the birth of an offspring! Thirteenth son (Blue Spiritual Root), reward: Lifespan +80 years, High-grade Spirit Stones x100, Sword Dao Inheritance "Ice Soul Sword Canon" x1!]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host on the birth of an offspring! Ninth daughter (Yellow Spiritual Root), reward: Lifespan +50 years! Mid-grade Spirit Stones x100!]

[Reward: Spiritual Root improved: Yellow Spiritual Root!]

[Reward: Cultivation improved: Foundation Establishment Second Level!]

A majestic true energy surged into his body; Xu Changkun felt his meridians relax, his cultivation instantly broke through the bottleneck, stepping into the second level of Foundation Establishment. Not only that, his spiritual root aptitude had also improved, and his cultivation speed would be faster in the future.

The news that both children's spiritual roots surpassed their mothers spread quickly, causing a sensation among the top brass of the entire Yunxia Sect.

Sect Master Chu Yuntian came in person, looking at the infants in the swaddling clothes, his eyes unable to hide his shock: "Fellow Daoist Xu, your offspring's talent is remarkable! If cultivated carefully, they will surely achieve great things in the future."

Xu Changkun cupped his hands: "Thanks to the Sect Master's blessing."

Chu Yuntian said solemnly: "Fellow Daoist Xu, let me speak plainly. The Yunxia Sect is willing to form an alliance with the Xu Family. Can these two children stay in the sect to practice? Our sect will spare no effort to cultivate them and will never keep anything back."

He added: "Not only these two, but in the future, any Xu Family offspring with spiritual roots are welcome to join the Yunxia Sect. In return, the Yunxia Sect will protect the Xu Family and share some resources. The Yunxia Sect will also take care of the business in Qingyang City."

Xu Changkun pondered. The Yunxia Sect was eyeing the potential of his offspring, wanting to invest early and bind the Xu Family to the Yunxia Sect's chariot.

"The children are still young, this matter needs long-term consideration." He said slowly, neither agreeing directly nor refusing.

"Naturally." Chu Yuntian laughed. "The children can stay with their mothers for now and we can discuss it after they turn six and their spiritual roots are tested. During this period, the sect will provide the best resources to support them."

He looked at Senior Sister Liu Qingxu and Nalan Yanran: "As for Senior Sister Liu Qingxu and Senior Sister Nalan Yanran, they have special statuses in the sect, and I hope they will stay to continue their cultivation. The sect will provide the highest level of training and will not treat them unfairly."

Xu Changkun looked at the two women. Senior Sister Liu Qingxu and Nalan Yanran looked at each other, though there was reluctance in their eyes, they understood that this was the best arrangement for now, so they nodded gently.

"In that case, I will follow the Sect Master's arrangements." Xu Changkun said.

Chu Yuntian was very pleased and took out a Guest Elder Token and handed it to Xu Changkun: "This token allows you to enter and leave the sect freely and call upon some resources. Fellow Daoist Xu, you are welcome to come often; from now on, we are one family."

Xu Changkun took the token: "Thank you, Sect Master."

Chu Yuntian left, leaving only Xu Changkun and the two women who had just given birth in the room.

The door closed, the candlelight flickered, and the atmosphere in the room was warm and quiet.

Senior Sister Liu Qingxu leaned against the head of the bed, wearing moon-white silk sleepwear. Although her face was a bit pale, she could not hide the joy and tenderness of being a mother for the first time.

Nalan Yanran sat on the edge of the bed, wearing a water-red gauze dress, holding the child in her arms, her eyes so gentle they seemed like they would drip water.

"Husband," Senior Sister Liu Qingxu said softly, "This arrangement is also good. With the children in the sect, they will always be cared for, and their starting point will be higher than children outside."

Nalan Yanran also agreed: "The Yunxia Sect has deep foundations, which is beneficial for the children's future. Besides, since the Sect Master has promised, he will surely not treat us unfairly."

Xu Changkun sat by the bed, holding Senior Sister Liu Qingxu's hand with one hand and Nalan Yanran's hand with the other, his eyes full of guilt and pity.

"It is just that I have wronged you, having to part with me temporarily. I wanted to take you home to enjoy life, but I didn't expect that I would still have to let you stay in the sect and suffer."

"It is not a grievance." Senior Sister Liu Qingxu shook her head, holding his hand back, "As long as my husband has us in your heart, it is the same everywhere. Besides, my husband can come often."

Nalan Yanran carried a faint milky scent, mixed with her unique body fragrance, making people feel at ease when smelling it.

"Since my husband is a Guest Elder, it is convenient to travel back and forth. We can meet often in the future, so there is no need to be too sad."

The candlelight flickered, reflecting the shadows of the three, appearing exceptionally warm.

Xu Changkun looked at them, his heart filled with tenderness. These two women had given birth to children for him and had to endure the pain of separation; he would remember this affection in his heart.

He lowered his head, first kissing Senior Sister Liu Qingxu on the forehead, his movements extremely gentle. Then, he turned to Nalan Yanran and kissed her on the cheek.

"You have worked hard."

Senior Sister Liu Qingxu's eyes swirled, leaning on his shoulder: "Husband, look at the children. Look at this little girl, her eyebrows and eyes look just like you."

Xu Changkun leaned over, looking at his sleeping daughter in the cradle, his heart feeling soft.

"It's good that she looks like me, looking like me means she has good fortune."

Nalan Yanran also chimed in: "Then who does this little guy look like? Why do I think he looks a bit like my father?"

The three of them looked at each other and smiled, and the previous sorrow of separation seemed to have dissipated a lot at this moment.

Xu Changkun reached out and gently took the two women into his arms.

"No matter who they look like, they are all our treasures. In the future, I will use my life to protect you and protect this home."

The two women snuggled in his arms, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, feeling incredibly at ease.