Chapter 201

Chapter 201: Returning to Zhou Garden

Zhou Garden wasn’t far from the core district. Along the way, numerous descendants of the clan greeted Zhou Luo.

Every one of these people was an important figure in the clan, especially those from the main branch, all radiating friendliness—a stark contrast to their attitude years ago.

In their eyes, Zhou Luo had aligned himself with the main branch. Showing goodwill was only natural.

More importantly, he was a Pill Master with the potential to advance to Second Level. His future seemed exceptionally bright.

Apart from the main branch descendants, encounters with those from the Great Elder’s faction were unavoidable.

After all, Zhou Garden itself was under the “protection” of the Great Elder’s higher-ups. Learning of Zhou Luo’s safe return, these individuals deliberately waited at their own estate entrances.

The moment he appeared, they pretended to bump into him, engaging him in warm conversation.

If the main branch’s enthusiasm stemmed from their belief that Zhou Luo supported them,

what about the Great Elder faction?

Naturally, it was due to his status.

This status didn’t solely refer to his future as a Second Level Pill Master—that outcome remained distant and uncertain.

But one thing was indisputable:

He was destined to succeed Lin Zhi Shou as the clan’s Sixth Elder.

Though aided by Zhou Luo’s Lifespan Pill, Lin Zhi Shou could live only a few more years at best.

Within those few years, barring unforeseen events, the position of Sixth Elder would undoubtedly be Zhou Luo’s.

This was the guaranteed outcome in the immediate future.

As members of the Great Elder’s faction—yet still part of the Lin Family—showing goodwill now was essential.

For kindness shown before someone becomes an Elder holds far greater value than kindness offered afterward.

The journey from the family head’s residence to Zhou Garden was short, but Zhou Luo felt as if he’d walked an eternity.

So much so that he remained stony-faced until he saw the familiar eaves and the large crowd waiting at the entrance.

The corners of his lips lifted. A radiant smile spread across his handsome face as he quickened his pace.

His wives and children surged forward, emotions running high. Some even had red-rimmed eyes.

Like the legendary Cowherd and Weaver Girl separated by the Milky Way, though only two months apart, it felt achingly long.

"Husband…"

"Father…"

They quickly surrounded him, voices overlapping. A wave of warmth washed over him.

Zhou Luo scooped up the youngest, Zhou Chang Le, and greeted them one by one.

"Let’s go inside first. It wouldn’t do for outsiders to see like this," Lin Xi suggested gently.

After childbirth, Lin Xi had lost some of that maidenly innocence in her brows, replaced by a poised elegance.

As the principal wife spoke, the others eagerly ushered Zhou Luo toward the entrance.

There by the gate stood Xu Changsheng, clad in a green robe, waiting with quiet reverence.

He was all smiles seeing his old friend return safely.

Earlier, upon learning that Zhou Luo might have perished at the hands of an evil cultivator, he had drowned his sorrows in drink, lamenting life’s unpredictability and worrying deeply about his own future.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Luo hadn’t died after all.

He was overjoyed.

Because if Zhou Luo had died, he himself, victim of poisoning, probably wouldn’t have lived much longer either.

Exchanging a smile with him, Zhou Luo was quickly surrounded by his wives and children and ushered into Zhou Garden.

Inside the main hall of the central building, Zhou Luo and his wives and children were fervently discussing his experiences while away.

But seeing the hall filled to the brim with people, he couldn’t help feeling a bit of a headache.

This was precisely the downside of having too many wives and children.

He simply didn’t have the energy to take care of each and every one of them individually, nor could he give all of them his full attention.

Some distance became unavoidable.

Lin Xi seemed to sense his thoughts. After a brief exchange, she asked everyone else to leave first, staying behind herself, holding little Chang Le.

"Sometimes a large crowd is just trouble," Zhou Luo picked up his spirit tea and drank it all in one go, unable to stop himself from sighing.

Little Chang Le, not yet a year old, leaned in her mother’s arms, her big, dark eyes curiously observing this father of hers.

Lin Xi smiled faintly. "Didn’t you say that wives and children are the sort of thing where the more, the merrier?"

Once, during some intimate pillow talk, the couple had discussed this very matter.

At that time, Lin Xi had also heard the family rumors about Zhou Luo’s lustfulness, so after marrying him, she had asked him his thoughts on the subject.

Zhou Luo’s answer had been blunt.

He’d said, wouldn’t it be livelier with more people?

Now, hearing him sigh like this, Lin Xi couldn’t help but chuckle.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Zhou Luo’s face.

Truth was, if it weren’t for this More Children, More Blessings system, he really wouldn’t have wanted this many family members.

With so many people, management became difficult.

Thinking of this, Zhou Luo couldn’t help but feel tender sympathy for Lin Xi, who acted as the mistress of the household.

After all, she was the one really running things.

"You’ve worked hard taking care of this household."

Lin Xi gave him a bright smile. "What hard work? The sisters get along peacefully, the children are obedient, and I have Sister Jin Xuan helping me too. It really isn’t tiring."

Zhou Luo nodded repeatedly.

The sisters getting along harmoniously was the most crucial thing.

This was precisely why, when selecting wives and concubines, he had placed more importance on their character.

As the saying goes, behind every successful man is a good woman.

For Zhou Luo, behind his success was a group of good women.

"But," Lin Xi abruptly asked, "why are you still determined to marry Third Sister?"

Lin Xin’s temper was notorious throughout the entire family.

Known as the big sister among the younger disciples, Lin Xin was proud and cold, treating both servants and family members with an attitude that kept people at arm’s length. Even Lin Xi dared not interact much with this Third Sister.

Zhou Luo could certainly understand that sentiment.

Back when he had first married into the Lin Family, he nearly died at the hands of this Third Young Lady.

Perhaps, though, because of all they had been through, this Third Young Lady had clearly changed for the better.

Especially their experience in Jiang City, which had significantly softened her haughty nature.

Moreover, Zhou Luo held leverage over her; even if she came to Zhou Garden, he could easily keep her under control.

"People do change," Zhou Luo said softly. "She is much better now."

Lin Xi didn’t press further, only saying, "I trust your judgment. But what about the position of main wife?"

Zhou Luo’s judgment wasn’t off, that much was obvious from this very harmonious large family.

What concerned her more was who should hold the position of mistress of the household.

Both by sentiment and logic, Lin Xin, being Lin Xi’s sister and holding a special position within the family, naturally ought to shoulder the role.

However, Lin Xi worried she might bully the other wives or concubines.

"Don’t worry," Zhou Luo reassured her, "the position of main wife is still yours."

He added, "After she marries in, simply leave her be. She won’t involve herself overly with any of you anyway."

Their marriage was purely a facade; he figured he could just assign Lin Xin a random room once she was here.

Lin Xi couldn’t help but show a flicker of surprise and curiosity, though she let it go without further questions.

Afterwards, the two turned their conversation to matters since they had been away.

During the past two months, Zhou Garden had remained largely peaceful. Everyone was safe and sound. Even six-year-old Zhou Chang An had already reached the mid-stage of Qi Refinement Level One.

Hearing this news pleased Zhou Luo immensely.

He couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret, however, that this eldest son possessed only a Ninth Grade spirit root, likely limiting his future achievements.

Apart from this, Lin Xi brought up another matter.

Someone had previously attempted to seize control of Zhou Garden.