Family Cultivation: My Ancestral Home Gets Infinite Upgrades

Chapter 111 Collaboration Again (5k views, please subscribe)

"Eighty percent?!"

The head of the Wang family gasped, his pupils shrinking slightly.

He had never heard of any talisman master who could achieve an 80% success rate!

If this can be achieved, the material costs saved will amount to far more than five hundred spirit stones in the long run.

He was clearly tempted, but the Wang family was indeed short of five hundred spirit stones in cash at the moment.

He suggested, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, could the amount be reduced further? The Wang family simply can't raise the money right now."

Jiang Fu'an seemed to have expected this, and immediately said, "If you don't have enough cash, you can use that shop as collateral."

"According to Zhaoyun, the shop was purchased for eight hundred spirit stones."

"Although the market price for shops is low these days, Mr. Jiang is not trying to lower the price and is still charging 800."

As he spoke, he produced a gray cloth bag of spirit stones, placed it on the tea table, and pushed it towards the Wang family head: "Here are three hundred spirit stones. As long as Fellow Daoist Wang nods in agreement, the Wang family can send someone to learn tomorrow."

The head of the Wang family lowered his head, staring at the bag of spirit stones, and remained silent for a long time.

This is the biggest decision he has to make since taking over as head of the family.

If they make the wrong choice, the already struggling Wang family may really fall into the abyss.

Just then, Lin Erya, who had been standing silently with her head down, suddenly raised her head and looked at Jiang Fu'an: "Master, may I try again?"

Jiang Fu'an turned his head and saw that the girl's eyes, which had always carried a hint of timidity, were now filled with determination.

He nodded inwardly; this girl was quite resilient.

Perhaps we should put more pressure on her in the future.

He reached out and straightened the talisman paper, set up the talisman brush, and said gently, "Since you want to try, then draw it again."

"Don't overthink it, just practice like you normally do in your room."

Lin Erya nodded and walked to the table again.

This time, her wrist was much steady when she picked up the pen.

His gaze was fixed solely on the point where the pen tip touched the talisman paper, as if the entire living room, along with the two cultivators beside him, had ceased to exist.

The brush moved swiftly, and spiritual light flowed slowly along the ink marks, gradually revealing winding runes.

Before you knew it, a miasma-repelling talisman, imbued with spiritual energy, had been safely placed on the table.

Lin Erya put down her pen and let out a soft sigh.

Her face was still somewhat pale, but her eyes were bright and sparkling.

At that moment, the timidity she had shown vanished, replaced by a hint of confidence.

Jiang Fu'an smiled approvingly: "Well done. You've worked hard. Go and meditate to regulate your breathing."

After reaching the first level of Qi Refining, one can draw two talismans consecutively, but the consumption of mental energy and magical power is already close to the limit.

Next, she will probably need to rest and recuperate for most of the day before she can recover.

"Yes, sir. Er Ya will go down now."

Lin Erya bowed respectfully and left the living room with slightly unsteady steps.

The head of the Wang family kept his gaze fixed on the newly made talisman for dispelling miasma on the table.

A young girl who had only recently entered the first level of Qi Refining and had only been exposed to the Dao of Talismans was able to succeed so smoothly on her first try!

This is enough to show that the painting method mastered by the Jiang family is by no means ordinary.

The last vestige of hesitation in his heart was crushed by this talisman.

The Wang family head raised his eyes, looked at Jiang Fu'an, and said firmly, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, the Wang family accepts this cooperation!"

Jiang Fu'an laughed heartily, "Fellow Daoist Wang, you will definitely feel fortunate for this decision in the future."

"I hope so!"

Patriarch Wang chuckled lightly, then looked in the direction Lin Erya had left through the doorway: "That girl just now, her aptitude and temperament are truly remarkable."

"I wonder how much offering you made to win her over to your household, Fellow Daoist Jiang?"

Upon hearing this, a strange look crossed Jiang Fu'an's face.

At the time of the spiritual root test, Erle was completely ignored.

Ma Ping once asserted that she was "timid and cowardly, and unlikely to make any progress."

He wasn't one to boast, so he simply said, "Back then, there were a few more promising talents, and everyone was vying for them."

"On the contrary, no one competed with Jiang for Er Ya, so it didn't cost too much."

"So that's how it is—"

Patriarch Wang couldn't help but show envy and sighed, "That Fellow Daoist Jiang has picked up a treasure."

"No, it was just a coincidence."

Jiang Fu'an waved his hand modestly, but in his heart he was thinking:

Er Ya's Xuan Yin body has not yet fully manifested; it will be revealed when this "ugly duckling" first shows its brilliance.

Those who abandoned her like trash back then must have been utterly astonished.

After chatting for a while, the head of the Wang family got up to take his leave, promising to complete all the procedures for the handover of the shop as soon as possible.

Jiang Fu'an personally escorted him to the gate and watched him disappear into the dense forest along the mountain path before turning around.

Jiang Fu'an personally escorted him to the gate and watched his figure disappear into the woods along the mountain path.

Turning around, he saw Wang Zhaoyun quietly following behind him, and gently instructed, "Now that you're back, this is your home. There's no need to stand on ceremony."

"Go see Xuan'er and Shitou, they've been talking about you for a long time."

Wang Zhaoyun bowed respectfully: "Yes, Father. I'll go now."

Having said that, she walked briskly towards the other side of the courtyard.

Jiang Fu'an focused his attention on the "ancestral home" in his mind. With a slight thought, he quietly connected the "bedroom" with the bedroom where Wang Zhaoyun and Shi Tou lived.

Since he himself has been unable to produce any offspring, the responsibility of having children and offspring should be entrusted to the young couple.

The Jiang family is still too small now.

The Wang family acted even faster than expected.

The next day at noon, the ten men rode half-spirit horses and arrived at the gate of the Jiang residence on Qinglu Mountain.

To Jiang Fu'an's surprise, the person leading the team was Wang Zhiyue.

She was still dressed in a simple dress, her face aloof.

However, when he saw Jiang Fu'an coming out to greet him, a hint of embarrassment flashed across his face.

His lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he remained silent.

Acquaintances who were traveling with us included Ma Ping and Lu Changfeng.

Upon seeing him, Ma Ping immediately and nimbly dismounted, then strode forward with a beaming smile: "Fellow Daoist Jiang! It's been several years since we last met, and you're even more dashing than before!"

"You look so radiant, you've even younger!"

Jiang Fu'an was slightly taken aback, thinking to himself:

I haven't increased my lifespan recently because I'm still taking elixirs, and the progress of "dietary therapy" in resolving erysipelas is also slow, so how can I be younger?

But when he noticed that Ma Ping showed no surprise, he immediately realized that it was just a polite greeting.

So, he laughed and replied, "Thank you for your kind words, Fellow Daoist Ma. I also hope to grow younger with each passing year."

After exchanging pleasantries, Ma Ping got straight to the point, pointing to the group behind him: "Fellow Daoist Jiang, the ten of us are here to learn the art of talisman drawing. Do you think that's alright?"

"All of them?"

Jiang Fu'an glanced at Wang Zhiyue, a look of surprise on his face.

This former head of the Wang family actually condescended to learn talismans?

Following his gaze, Ma Ping smiled knowingly and explained in a low voice, "Zhiyue hasn't had many things to do lately, so she wanted to give it a try."

"If I can get into the family, I can contribute more to the Wang family in the future."

Holding the Moon —

They still call each other so affectionately.

Jiang Fu'an couldn't help but feel curious:

Ma Ping actually tolerated Wang Zhiyue cheating on him!

Or has their relationship improved, and Wang Zhiyue is now willing to share a room with him?

"Fellow Daoist Jiang?"

Seeing that he was lost in thought, Ma Ping couldn't help but call out to him.

"Of course, no problem!"

Jiang Fu'an snapped out of his thoughts and gestured with his arms outstretched: "Gentlemen, you have come from afar, please come in."

"I'll have someone prepare tea first, and then I'll arrange for Xiangqian to come over and explain the basics of talismanic arts to everyone."

In the days that followed, the ten people stayed temporarily at Qinglu Mountain.

Every morning, Jiang Xiangqian would lead them to a secluded clearing in the woods behind the house.

More than a dozen wooden tables had already been set up on the open ground, with talisman paper, spirit ink, and talisman brushes all on them.

Although Jiang Xiangqian was still young and his figure had not yet fully developed, he had a calm and composed demeanor when he stood in front of the desk.

He and Jiang Fu'an both possess the "Body of a Talisman Saint," but under the constant influence of his destiny being "quick-witted and eager to learn," his research into the theory of talismans has actually surpassed that of his father.

If we only consider the finished products of drawing talismans, the father and son might be evenly matched.

However, when it comes to explaining the Dao of Talismans, Jiang Xiangqian's expertise is much deeper.

When he teaches, he often breaks down the complex rune structure and spiritual energy circulation path into simple and easy-to-understand analogies.

Regardless of their cultivation level or comprehension, everyone in the Wang family could understand what was being said.

What's even more remarkable is that whenever anyone encounters obstacles or raises questions during practice, he can always see through the key issues at a glance and pinpoint the crux of the problem in just a few words.

At first, Lu Changfeng was still preoccupied with the unpleasant incident at Qinglu Mountain several years ago. Although he didn't show it on his face, he always seemed somewhat indifferent while listening to the lecture.

But after only half a day, the slight resentment in his heart was gradually dispelled by Jiang Xiangqian's profound yet simple teaching.

After trying it himself in the afternoon, he failed several times, but after a little guidance from Jiang Xiangqian, he suddenly understood and was completely convinced.

He couldn't help but recall a few years ago, when a seven-year-old child looked up at him and said in a childish voice, "It's clearly your own lack of understanding that's the problem, so why are you blaming my father for not teaching you well?"

At that time, he only felt that the child was arrogant and rude, and left in anger.

Now that I've experienced it firsthand, I realize that what the other person said back then was true, and that I was just too narrow-minded.

Of the ten, Wang Zhiyue is the one who has made the most progress.

This was not because she had any amazing talent in the art of talismans, but because she had the highest cultivation level.

With a divine sense and control over spiritual power far exceeding that of others.

With Jiang Xiangqian's patient and meticulous guidance, she successfully drew the miasma-repelling talisman in just two days.

Half a month later, the success rate had steadily climbed to over 60%.

This astonishing speed made her wonder if she had a special talent for this path.

But when she discovered that the other nine members of the Wang family, while not progressing as quickly as she had, were still far beyond the level expected of an ordinary talisman master apprentice, she suddenly realized:

It wasn't that I had any talent, but rather that the method taught by the Jiang family was simply too ingenious.

Along with the joy, a complex sense of bitterness also welled up in my heart.

She recalled how much time and resources she had spent supporting Xia Qingshan back then, and in the end, she could only raise his success rate to about 70%.

Now, within the Jiang family, she, a self-taught individual, has already grasped about 60% of the skills in just half a month.

The contrast is so ironic.

The head of the Wang family was also quite efficient.

In just half a month, all the transfer and handover procedures for the shop in Yuelingfang City were completed.

The land deed, house deed, and documents from the Market Management Office were all delivered to Jiang Fu'an.

That very evening after receiving the news, Jiang Fu'an summoned Shi Tou and Wang Zhaoyun to his study.

He didn't get to the point right away, but looked at his daughter-in-law first and said in a gentle tone, "Zhaoyun, you've been back for more than half a month now. Are you getting used to it?"

"That kid Stone hasn't been behaving recklessly and hitting you lately, has he?"

Wang Zhaoyun quickly curtsied and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Father. I'm comfortable here. However—"

She paused before speaking, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.

Seeing that she hesitated to speak, Jiang Fu'an assumed that his son had caused trouble again, so he immediately straightened his face and said, "Zhaoyun, if you have any grievances, just say them, and your father will stand up for you."

Wang Zhaoyun bit her lower lip and said in a voice barely audible, "Could you please do something about Shi Tou and tell him to stop abusing me?"

"Abuse?"

Jiang Fu'an frowned; this was far more serious than assault.

He turned his gaze to his son, his voice turning serious: "Shitou, what happened? Explain yourself."

To everyone's surprise, Shi Tou looked aggrieved and said, "Dad, I didn't mistreat her! That method of tickling her feet was taught to me by you back then."

"She insists this is torture, it's abuse!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the study fell silent for a moment.

Wang Zhaoyun suddenly looked up at her father-in-law, her eyes filled with disbelief.

She never imagined that such a "cunning" trick that made people laugh until they were exhausted and begged for mercy was taught by her usually dignified and composed father-in-law!

Jiang Fu'an's face flushed with embarrassment. He never expected that this fool would be so outspoken, revealing the "family secret technique".

He coughed lightly, forcing a stern face as he reprimanded, "I taught you back then because I was afraid you'd be too hasty and might hurt Zhaoyun!"

"That's a last resort, why are you using it to make fun of people every day?"

Taking the opportunity, Wang Zhaoyun pleaded in a low voice, "Father, please let him hit me directly. I really can't stand that method."

Seeing this, Jiang Fu'an was even more embarrassed and could only shout at his son, "Did you hear me? From today onwards, you are not allowed to use any means against Zhaoyun!"

Although Shi Tou was still somewhat unconvinced, seeing his father's serious expression, he dared not disobey and could only hang his head and mumble a promise: "I understand, Dad. I will never lay a hand on her again."

After resolving the young couple's conflict, Jiang Fu'an got down to business: "That shop in Yue Ling Market is now part of the Jiang family's property."

"Father intends to hand over the management of the shop entirely to the two of you. What do you think?"

As the head of the family, he needed to stay at Qinglu Mountain to take care of the entire family, which left him with no time to spare.

The shops in the market need someone to be stationed there to manage them, and it is most suitable to entrust them to a son and daughter-in-law who are already married.

This was not unfamiliar to Wang Zhaoyun.

She had managed that shop before, and she was familiar with all the procedures.

She immediately agreed, her tone light and cheerful: "Don't worry, Father, I will do my best to manage our family shop perfectly."

Seeing his daughter-in-law's enthusiasm, Jiang Fu'an was pleased and instructed her, "The shop needs someone to look after it. You can hire two clever and reliable girls from the Wang family to be maids. Their wages can be paid from the shop's account."

"Leave the daily chores to them; don't let them interfere with your own spiritual practice."

"Thank you, Dad!"

Wang Zhaoyun was overjoyed upon hearing this.

With this arrangement, she only needs to grasp the overall situation and check the accounts on weekdays, and can spend most of her time cultivating on the second floor of the shop, which can be described as the best of both worlds.

Stone hesitated for a moment, scratching his head: "Father, the hidden injury I sustained from using the Blood Burning Curse last time hasn't fully healed yet."

"If I were to stay in the market town permanently, I wouldn't be able to eat your cooking every day."

He was also preoccupied with eliminating the underlying threats as soon as possible so that he could use this life-or-death secret technique without any scruples when facing the enemy in the future.

Shi Tou didn't mention this matter, but Jiang Fu'an had already considered it.

"It's alright. From now on, you'll have to work harder and come home every four days."

"When you come back, Dad will cook you a nice meal."

Before you leave, I'll pack you some food that can be stored so you can have two more meals.

"By the way, I'll also take the newly made talismans from home to the shop to replenish the shelves."

After two years of exploration, he has roughly figured out the pattern of the effects of "dietary therapy":

Its potency depends primarily on the ingredients themselves.

Even with the most skilled cook, the effect of using only ordinary ingredients is limited.

The Jiang family's current wealth is insufficient to support the daily consumption of first-tier spirit beast meat.

Previously, even though Stone was at home, he couldn't always enjoy the best "food therapy".

Since that's the case, why not save up the daily spirit beast meat and cook a sumptuous meal when Stone returns home?

This cycle ensures that the shop's business is not disrupted, while minimizing the impact on the healing process.

Upon hearing this, Shi Tou's eyes lit up: "That's a great idea! From Qinglu Mountain to Yueling Market, if we ride a fast half-spirit horse, it won't take more than three hours!"

After finishing the important business, Jiang Fu'an felt there was one more thing he had to say: "Our Jiang family is ultimately too small. Neither of your two older sisters has any plans to get married yet."

"Now that you two have reconciled, you should put more effort into adding more people to your family."

Now that the "Spirit Talisman Pavilion" in Moon Spirit Market belongs to the Jiang family, he had tried it before and was able to bind it to the "Bedroom" as well.

Even after the couple went to Moon Spirit City, they were still constantly affected by the "eugenics" effect.

Upon hearing this, Shi Tou immediately perked up: "Dad, don't worry! I promise you'll get to hold a big, healthy grandson every year!"

He had always been passionate about this matter; the years Wang Zhaoyun was away from home had made him extremely frustrated.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so careless back then and fallen into that wicked woman's trap.

Wang Zhaoyun blushed as she listened, lowered her head, but did not voice her objection.

In this world, women's thinking is still relatively simple. They generally believe that it is a matter of course to have children and continue the family line after marriage.

Having finished explaining everything, Jiang Fu'an did not linger any longer and got up to leave the study.

Night had fallen, and the lanterns hanging under the eaves emitted a dim, yellowish light.

The moonlight is exceptionally bright tonight, its silvery glow spilling across the courtyard like a ribbon.

The bluestone path was illuminated so clearly that even the outlines of flowers and plants in the corners were clearly visible.

As Jiang Fu'an was walking around a corner, a figure suddenly appeared silently from the shadow of a pillar in front of him and was in front of him in an instant.

He was startled and instinctively reached for the storage bag at his waist.

However, by the bright moonlight, he could see the face of the person who had come into view—

It turned out to be Wang Zhiyue.