Begin your practice with the crane-shaped stance.

After days of hard work and running around, Xia Dong finally managed to steal a half-day of leisure.

With a thoughtful and caring confidante like Xiaohong by his side, serving him tea and water, and massaging his shoulders and back, life was naturally quite pleasant.

However, while enjoying this tranquility, Xia Dong's mind remained clear.

He closed his eyes slightly, pondering something Qin Wan had mentioned during the day—the Lone Moon Immortal had emerged from seclusion.

The previous invisible care shown to him by Master Guyue was definitely not because Xia Dong was handsome; it was clearly because of the "Taoist disciple" badge he wore.

Master Guyue simply hoped that he could have offspring with spiritual roots so that he could obtain the corresponding benefits.

Previously, Master Guyue had been in seclusion for a long time, and Xia Dong was happy to have some peace and quiet, so he devoted all his energy to cultivation.

Especially when practicing the basic chapter of "Changchun Xingqi Jue", this method involves the most important aspect of the transformation of one's root and essence, and the most taboo thing is the leakage of primordial yang.

Therefore, he not only remained a virgin, but also had no intention of taking a concubine and having children.

The deeper reason, and a thorn in his side, was that he was very clear about his position. If he were to give birth to a child with spiritual roots, he, as a mortal father who was "breeding," would likely lose his usefulness instantly and might even face unknown dangers.

But the situation is different now; Master Guyue has emerged from seclusion. Who knows, one day he might suddenly remember that there's someone like him in Lin Yuan City?

If they see that he is not getting married and having children for a long time, they will inevitably have doubts and may even forcibly intervene.

Rather than waiting for Master Guyue to notice this matter and send someone to warn him, it's better to take the initiative now and resolve this potential threat before it even arises.

The child is definitely not conceived now, but we must be proactive in our attitude towards "breeding".

Furthermore, his previous display of remarkable martial arts talent in public served as an excellent shield.

Everyone knows that the most important thing in the early stages of martial arts training is to hone one's qi and blood and preserve one's essence. His excuse of not getting close to women in order to improve his martial arts skills is a perfectly valid reason.

However, Xia Dong's assumption was purely out of caution. Little did he know that after Master Guyue emerged from seclusion, he hadn't bothered with this matter at all.

In the eyes of a high-ranking cultivator like Master Guyue, how could a young man from the mortal world not be lustful once he has power, money and influence?

Isn't this just common sense?

That's just how the world is. As long as a man has some spare money, even if his health fails, he can't help but be lustful, unless he kicks the bucket and enters his coffin.

Therefore, the real person simply doesn't bother to pay attention to such trivial matters as whether he is "trying to have children".

But Xia Dong knew this loophole needed to be fixed. It was better to do more than to do nothing.

That evening, as Xiao Hong brought in steaming hot water to wash his feet, Xia Dong, leaning against the couch, casually remarked, "Xiao Hong, you've been with me for quite a few years now, managing the household impeccably. I'm planning to pick an auspicious day to formally take you as my concubine."

Xiao Hong, who was half-squatting on the ground washing Xia Dong's feet, suddenly trembled, her hands freezing instantly. She abruptly raised her head, her eyes reddening instantly, her face filled with disbelief and ecstasy, her voice choked with sobs: "Young...Young Master...Are you telling the truth?"

For a peasant girl like her, being a maidservant was already a luxury, but now the young master wants to give her the official title of concubine!

This was not only a great favor, but also a complete relief for her heart, which had been hanging in suspense for so long.

"Of course it's true." Xia Dong smiled gently, then changed the subject and instructed, "In addition, tomorrow go to the matchmaker and find a few more diligent and pretty maids to fill our household."

Young people who are successful and rise to high positions indulge in sensual pleasures, taking concubines and buying maids—this is the kind of behavior that conforms to worldly customs.

What he needs to do is "mingle with the world".

Entrusting the matter of buying maids to Xiao Hong was a thoughtful decision by Xia Dong. After all, Xiao Hong was one of his own, and had shown unwavering loyalty to him over the years. If a new maid were directly brought into the inner quarters without giving her any title or status, the household would likely never have peace again.

Now that Xiao Hong has a formal title, it's perfectly safe for her to manage the household affairs.

Xiao Hong readily agreed.

Seeing this, Xia Dong cleared his throat, his expression becoming slightly serious, and whispered, "However, there's something I need to make clear to you beforehand. I'm currently at a crucial stage in my training, so... I can't consummate our marriage yet."

This wasn't Xia Dong lying to her. After entering the Divine Treasury Chapter of the "Eternal Spring Qi Circulation Technique," the emphasis shifted to the internal restraint of vital energy, only allowing it to enter and not exit. If he were to indulge in momentary pleasure at this time and leak his primordial yang, it might negatively impact his future path to immortality.

Xia Dong would never take this risk unless absolutely necessary.

At least, it's far too early for him to indulge in pleasure. Those who achieve great things must first be patient and patient.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Hong was not disappointed at all; on the contrary, she nodded repeatedly, showing her understanding.

For her, the most important thing was her status and the young master's regard for her. As for consummating their marriage, since the young master was doing it for his future in martial arts, she would naturally give her full support.

Within two days, the news that Doctor Xia was going to take his personal head steward, Xiao Hong, as a concubine and that he was also going to buy beautiful maids spread like wildfire throughout half of Pingyang County.

Neighbors, the He family, and even some colleagues from the Eagle Wolf Guard all prepared congratulatory gifts, wanting to visit and ask for a drink at the wedding.

However, Xia Dong abruptly suppressed the matter of holding the banquet, only saying to the outside world that it was "not in a hurry".

Old Zhao is currently away on business and has not returned. If I were to hold a grand wedding banquet for taking a concubine, wouldn't that be disrespectful to my elder brother?

Xia Dong would naturally not do something so taboo.

Everything will have to wait until Lao Zhao comes back.

...

...

These past few days, several new maids have been added to the mansion, and there's also the need to inventory the storeroom and arrange internal and external affairs. As the head housekeeper and the future mistress, Xiao Hong is naturally extremely busy.

Although she felt incredibly happy and worked with great energy, her mortal body couldn't withstand such continuous work.

After a few days, a hint of fatigue gradually appeared on her originally pretty face, and a faint dark circle appeared under her eyes.

All of this, of course, did not escape Xia Dong's eyes.

That evening, Xia Dong had just finished a round of meditation. After emerging from his meditation, he happened to sense Xiao Hong carrying freshly brewed spiritual tea into the courtyard.

Noticing that her steps were slightly heavy, Xia Dong's heart stirred, and he called out gently, "Xiao Hong, put down the tea and come here for a moment."

Xiao Hong obediently put down her teacup and walked over gracefully: "Young master, what are your orders?"

Xia Dong didn't say much, but under the cover of his wide sleeves, he quietly took out a delicate white jade porcelain bottle from his storage pouch.

He gently pulled out the cork, and a refreshing, slightly cool medicinal fragrance instantly filled the room. Just one whiff of it made one feel clear-headed and refreshed.

He poured out a pill the size of a fingernail, smooth and translucent with a faint glow, and handed it to Xiao Hong: "You've worked hard these past few days taking care of the household chores. Here's a celestial pill for you to take and replenish your vital energy."

Upon hearing that it was a "celestial elixir," Xiao Hong was immediately flattered and overwhelmed, waving her hands and taking a half-step back in fright: "Young master, this...this is unacceptable! Celestial treasures are so precious. I've only done some rough work, and I'll be fine after a couple more hours of sleep tonight. How could I possibly be worthy of such a celestial elixir?"

"Take it if I tell you to. This is your own home, don't be shy." Xia Dong pulled her hand without further ado and gently placed the pill in her palm.

This pill is not the ordinary Qi Gathering Pill available on the market, but a Xuan Yin Qi Gathering Pill that Xia Dong secretly modified using Xuan Yin Divine Water.

Ordinary elixirs of immortality are potent and overpowering. If ordinary people were to ingest them rashly, they would easily be unable to tolerate the benefits, and there is even a risk of their qi and blood becoming disordered, or their bodies exploding and dying.

However, this Profound Yin Gathering Qi Pill is quite different. Because it is mixed with Profound Yin Divine Water, its turbulent spiritual energy is completely neutralized, and its medicinal properties become extremely mild and gentle.

Even for ordinary people like Xiao Hong, who usually only practice a few basic martial arts techniques to improve their health, swallowing it is like a gentle spring breeze and rain, and there is no need to worry about being harmed by the strong medicinal power.

Furthermore, his bestowal of this elixir was certainly motivated by compassion for Xiaohong and a desire to strengthen her constitution. After all, Xiaohong was his most capable and loyal assistant in his secular businesses, and her health would be a serious problem if she were to collapse.

On the other hand, he really wanted to see for himself whether the Xuan Yin Gathering Qi Pill, which incorporates the properties of Xuan Yin Divine Water, would have the same special effects as the giant snake if used on ordinary people, in addition to nourishing their vital energy and strengthening their bodies.

"Take it with warm water before going to bed tonight, don't be reluctant to take it."

Xia Dong paused slightly at this point, then continued, "Tomorrow morning, carefully observe the changes in your body and tell me the truth."

"Yes, thank you for your generous gift, young master!" Xiao Hong clutched the pill tightly and curtsied.