Family Cultivation: Evergreen of the Song Family

“【Taiyi Azure Jade Fruit】?” Song Changsheng was shocked.

Song Youxiang, who was sitting quietly beside him, also showed a look of surprise in her eyes.

Among all the longevity-promoting spiritual plants, the [Taiyi Azure Jade Fruit Tree] is somewhat special. Legend has it that it was one of the first spiritual plants to grow after the creation of the Great Thousand World. Its mother plant is hundreds of feet tall and can take root in the void, absorbing the power of the laws to survive.

Its grade is unknown, but the fruit it produces drives even Nascent Soul Supremes crazy, so it is very likely a legendary seventh-grade spiritual plant.

The seeds and lateral branches of the mother plant's fruit have a chance to grow into new fruit trees, but their final quality is unlikely to surpass that of their mother plant.

As the trees differentiated over generations, the quality of the Taiyi Jade Fruit Tree varied greatly, ranging from the first to the seventh rank.

Since Jiang Shuming brought it up, then Baicaotang's [Taiyi Qingyu Fruit Tree] must be at least of the third tier.

The third-tier [Taiyi Azure Jade Fruit] is already extremely extraordinary. Consuming the fruit directly can add forty years to one's lifespan, and refining it into the [Taiyi Jiazi Pill] can add another sixty years to one's lifespan.

This elixir can be taken three times, with the effect decreasing with each dose. It can extend lifespan by up to nearly two cycles of sixty years, but it will have no effect beyond that.

This is its most unusual feature: after being refined into an elixir, it actually extends lifespan even further.

For example, the Longevity Peach in Song's possession can extend the lifespan of Foundation Establishment cultivators by five years if consumed directly. However, its efficacy will be weakened after being refined into a pill. Furthermore, Qi Refining cultivators can gain up to ten years of lifespan if consumed directly.

However, the [Taiyi Azure Jade Fruit] is different. Whether you are a Purple Mansion cultivator or a Foundation Establishment cultivator, the lifespan increase after consuming it is the same.

Among the three-tier life-extending treasures currently available, excluding some unorthodox methods and supernatural techniques, this item's life-extending effect is quite outstanding.

It should be noted that the lifespan of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator is between 240 and 250 years. With this item, one can increase their lifespan by up to 120 years (two cycles of 60 years), which is half the lifespan.

This is a miraculous item that can truly defy fate and change one's destiny.

Furthermore, the third tier is the most conservative estimate. It should be noted that Lu Yuming's lifespan was extended by far more than two Jiazi (60 years), which means that he must have obtained more than the third tier back then.

"What is its grade?" Suppressing his excitement, Song Changsheng asked in a deep voice.

"Third level."

Jiang Shuming gave a rather disappointing answer.

At this moment, Song Youxiang asked, "Master, I have seen this in ancient books."

The third-tier [Azure Jade Armor Pill] can only extend lifespan by a maximum of two Jiazi (60 years), but the Hall Master seems to have already exceeded this limit. Is there some special reason for this?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shuming sighed. Since he had already spoken, there was no point in hiding anything.

"The one that the hall master took was not the third-tier [Azure Jade Armor Pill]."

Back then, my grandmaster, who was also my grandfather's master, was traveling when he encountered a bottleneck in his cultivation and accidentally entered an ancient secret realm.

The grandmaster was trapped inside for ten years, and finally brought out a fourth-level [Taiyi Green Jade Fruit].

At that time, he was not yet a fourth-level alchemist, so he could only ask a master from the Wanlong Chamber of Commerce to refine the pills. The number of pills produced was unknown, but in the end, his grandmaster received five.

The master's lifespan was nearing its end, so he took one pill, which extended his life by 120 years.

As the saying goes, "A common man is innocent, but he is guilty of possessing a treasure." About five hundred years ago, after my grandmaster failed in his breakthrough and passed away, the Golden Crow Sect's Golden Sun True Man personally came to ask for it back. My grandfather had no choice but to take out one of the treasures as a gift and give it to him.

As for the remaining three, they have all been consumed by the sect leader.

The plant in the hall today was re-cultivated from a side branch that our master brought out from the secret realm. We also tried to cultivate it using fruit seeds, but that failed.

Because of the short cultivation period, it only grew to the third stage.

After the real person mentioned it before, I went to Huoding Mountain to obtain the [Taiyi Qingyu Fruit], but the hall master said it was not yet ripe.

I went there again some time ago, but…

Jiang Shuming couldn't continue, but Song Changsheng and Song Youxiang both knew that Lu Yuming would definitely refuse again with various reasons.

It's obvious that he has been completely marginalized. Otherwise, given his status and position, it wouldn't be so difficult for him to obtain even a few [Azure Jade Armor Pills], let alone the entire spirit fruit.

However, it is somewhat surprising that Baicaotang's [Taiyi Qingyu Fruit] is actually cultivated from the side branches of the mother plant.

The advantage of lateral branch cultivation is that once fully grown, the quality can reach the same level as the mother plant, and the fruiting speed is also fast. The disadvantage is that the survival rate is extremely low. Baicaotang's success on the first try can be considered a stroke of luck.

A third-tier Taiyi Qingyu Fruit takes at least eight hundred years to bear its first fruit, and side branches take five or six hundred years to cultivate. Based on this calculation, this plant in Baicaotang should be bearing fruit for the first time.

In that case, we don't need to rely on Jiang Shuming to obtain it.

After a long pause, Song Changsheng slowly said, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, you have dragged this out for too long. The previous buyer has already passed away."

"This...sigh." Jiang Shuming was taken aback at first, then let out a heavy sigh. He had actually anticipated this outcome.

With a hint of self-deprecation, he said, "Perhaps, I, Jiang, am not destined for this. Oh well."

Song Changsheng suddenly changed the subject, saying, "Fellow Daoist, there is no need to be pessimistic. To be honest, my clan recently obtained a fourth-order talisman inheritance, which is extremely exquisite."

But those are family assets, and I can't just divulge them to outsiders.

Fellow Daoist and I have known each other for over a hundred years, so I will speak frankly: Fellow Daoist's existence is quite awkward for Baicaotang at present.

Fellow Daoist should not deny this.

Then I can't help but ask, fellow Daoist, do you still yearn for the position of hall master?

Upon hearing the first half, Jiang Shuming's eyes lit up, but after hearing the second half, the light in his eyes disappeared. How could he not know his own predicament?

He shook his head and said, "You flatter me, Master. If I were to covet that position, why would I remain confined to a corner and be manipulated at will?"

His words revealed a deep resentment. Although he didn't want to fight for anything, exclusion and suspicion never left him.

"Is that really so? Not even a trace of romantic thoughts?"

"Absolutely no lies."

Song Changsheng nodded in satisfaction: "If that's the case, then things will be much easier."

Until the new leader takes over and consolidates his power, your situation will not improve; it will only become more and more awkward.

Since the tone ended unpleasantly, why not take the initiative to break free from this cage? Our clan is willing to invite you as a guest elder with the highest honors. As long as you nod, we will definitely offer you the fourth-order talismanic inheritance.

If you wish to expand your lineage, continue your legacy, or establish a new lineage in the future, our clan will fully support you.

In Xiangzhou, there are still large tracts of territory under the actual control of our people but which have not yet been given ownership.

Fellow Daoist, there's no need to rush to refuse. Even if you don't want to serve my clan, I still have a few places for you to choose from.

The first is the East Sea, a vast and boundless place with countless islands, any one of which could be a perfect retreat. The second is Twilight Cloud City. Our clan has deep ties with Twilight Cloud City. As a neutral force, it is inclusive and tolerant, and transportation is very convenient, making it another good place to stay temporarily.

Thirdly, there is the Wanlong Chamber of Commerce. Fellow Daoist should be aware of my relationship with the Wanlong Chamber of Commerce. With your mastery of talismanic arts, it would not be difficult for you to become a guest elder.

Breaking free from constraints doesn't mean severing all ties with Baicaotang; it simply means leaving each other some breathing room.

As the saying goes, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Once you leave Baicaotang, Master Lu will no longer have any worries, and you will no longer be in such a dilemma.

If Baicaotang ever encounters difficulties in the future, you can also lend a helping hand to repay the kindness of your upbringing.

Finally, Song Changsheng added, "Even if you don't consider yourself, you should at least consider your disciples. They are also anomalies in the Hundred Herbs Hall."

Aside from a slight selfish motive at the beginning, all the other visits were made with Jiang Shuming's best interests at heart, so I can say I have a clear conscience.

Jiang Shuming also felt Song Changsheng's sincerity, but he still had some hesitation in his heart.

"I have always believed that Baicaotang's composition is too simple, which is the biggest reason for its development."

"I chose the path of talismans in the first place because I wanted to find a new way out. Is there really no possibility of harmonious coexistence?"

“Fellow Daoist Jiang, your original intention is certainly good, but others may not think so.” Song Changsheng didn’t say much, but Jiang Shuming already understood his meaning.

Baicaotang started with elixirs and spiritual plants, and has long been completely bound together with them. Developing talismanic arts is only partly due to the lack of a suitable successor; the main issue is that it would affect the interests of others, which is the most important factor.

If he were Lu Yuming's disciple and successfully succeeded as the next hall master, he could naturally forcefully implement these policies. However, he is not Lu Yuming's disciple and has no desire to compete for the position, which makes it impossible for him to achieve his goal.

"Fellow Daoist, think it over carefully." Song Changsheng gave him some time to consider.

"Even if I had the same intention, the hall master might not agree," Jiang Shuming sighed helplessly.

This is Lu Yuming's current dilemma: on the one hand, he worries that Jiang Shuming will seize power and affect the stability of Baicaotang after his death; on the other hand, he is reluctant to give up Jiang Shuming's combat power at the Great Perfection of the Purple Mansion realm.

It's a situation where you have to both want it and repeatedly pull and tug at the same time.

"I will go see Master Lu again later. If you have thought it through, I will naturally lend you a hand."

After frowning and pondering for a moment, Jiang Shuming finally made up his mind, stood up, and solemnly said, "Then I'll leave it to you, Master."

Song Changsheng nodded, then walked out of the pavilion to visit Lu Yuming again.

He went straight to the point: "Master Lu, before I leave, I have one more request."

Given his current status, uttering the word "request" was already a very serious matter. Lu Yuming dared not be careless and solemnly said, "Please speak, Master."

"I have several elders whose lifespans are running out, so I wish to ask the master for a longevity treasure. I hope the master can grant my request."

Lu Yuming narrowed his eyes and his expression darkened as he said, "Was it Shu Ming who told you, Master?"

"Master, you are overthinking it. It is common knowledge that Baicaotang has longevity treasures. Moreover, has Master forgotten that I also had some friendship with the deceased Daoist Jinyang?"

"The Azure Jade Armor Pill is no secret to me," Song Changsheng said calmly.

Lu Yuming suddenly realized, but did not doubt it. He just said with a troubled expression, "To be honest, the pill that Jin Yang Zhenren obtained was just a coincidence. My hall currently only has one batch of third-grade [Azure Jade Armor Pill] that was refined some time ago, and the success rate is not high."

If the True Person needs it, our temple is willing to give them one.

Song Changsheng shook his head slightly and held up three fingers, saying, "I need at least this many."

Lu Yuming suddenly stood up: "Three grains, are you perhaps joking, Master?"

He produced only six pills in this batch, and Song Changsheng immediately asked for half of them.

"Even if it's three Jiazi Pills, their value is far less than that of Fellow Daoist Jin Yang's single fourth-tier Jiazi Pill. Why are you so agitated, Fellow Daoist?"
"What I can offer you, Master, is no less than what Fellow Daoist Jin Yang can offer. Moreover, I can help you resolve a major threat to your life," Song Changyi said meaningfully.

Lu Yuming's eyes flickered slightly as he tentatively asked, "Who do you mean by 'real person'?"

"Naturally, it's Fellow Daoist Jiang."

"You flatter me, Shu Ming is my junior, how could he be a threat?"

"Does the master himself believe these words?"

Song Changsheng mercilessly exposed his lie: "As long as the master nods, I am confident that I can persuade Fellow Daoist Jiang to voluntarily leave Baicaotang."

Although he has left, Master should know Jiang Daoyou's character. If Baicaotang were to truly face a crisis, he would certainly not stand idly by.

Of course, now that I've taken the lead, I will definitely see it through to the end.

There are some things that I, Song, should not say, but Fellow Daoist Jiang is a friend of mine for many years, so there are some things I have to say.

My advice to you is to make a decision now; indecisiveness will only lead to bloodshed.

His words were tantamount to a promise to help Baicaotang in a critical moment, and they also carried a hint of threat, implying that if Jiang Shuming was not allowed to leave, he would definitely stand on Jiang Shuming's side if a conflict arose in the future.

Lu Yuming's expression shifted, and after weighing the pros and cons repeatedly, he gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, but I have another request."

Seeing that he had finally relented, Song Changsheng's tone softened considerably: "Please speak, Master."

"I wish to personally craft a magical artifact, and the blueprints will be provided by my sect."

After a moment's thought, Song Changsheng roughly understood what he meant. The master was referring to: "The Heavenly Fire Cauldron?"

"good."

"It seems that the importance of the Heavenly Fire Cauldron to Baicaotang is not as simple as the rumors suggest." Song Changsheng thought to himself, then nodded and said, "No problem, but I also have two additional conditions."

"Please tell me, real person."

"I want a side branch of the Taiyi Jade Fruit Tree and the remaining fruit pit in the master's hand."

"This……"

After a moment's hesitation, Lu Yuming gritted his teeth and said, "No problem."

These two items are not important to Baicaotang, and it's not a bad deal to use them to gain Song Changsheng's favor.

A smile appeared on Song Changsheng's face as he stood up and said, "Master, you are straightforward."

Fellow Daoist Jiang is waiting outside the hall. Master, you can speak with him first. If necessary, I will intervene and persuade him.

Lu Yuming nodded calmly and looked at his trusted confidant beside him, saying, "Please invite Shuming in."

...(End of chapter)