Chapter 327

Chapter 327: The Forty-Ninth [Fast]

The techniques taught by Zhou Luo were actually not particularly profound. It was simply because they had been lost over time that they appeared novel in the eyes of Pill Masters.

Having obtained this treasure, Pill Master Sun couldn’t wait to test out the alchemy techniques Zhou Luo had described.

When one method was understood, all others followed.

Even though he didn’t yet have the conditions to apply these techniques to the refining of Foundation Establishment Dan, when refining other potions, he was amazed to discover that these techniques proved surprisingly effective.

"This Zhou Luo is truly fortunate to have gained the favor of such an eminent figure," he exclaimed, unable to contain his admiration as he looked at the five potions lying quietly in the furnace.

After mastering these techniques, he found that his speed in refining dan had increased significantly, and the quality and quantity of his products had also improved.

Now, Pill Master Sun was increasingly convinced that the rumors circulating outside were true.

Zhou Luo really had encountered an immortal opportunity and won the appreciation of a powerful figure.

Otherwise, he couldn’t believe that Zhou Luo could master such exquisite alchemy techniques solely by himself.

These techniques weren’t mentioned even during his own exchanges with Pill Masters from the Immortal Sect.

At this thought, Pill Master Sun’s opinion of Zhou Luo rose yet another level.

Naturally, the reason for all this lay with the person behind him.

The next day, at Zhou Fu in the core district.

Wang Lang sent word that the Potion Alliance had relinquished that plot of land.

Zhou Luo left all these matters for Wang Lang to handle; he himself stayed home teaching the children and cultivating.

During this time, Pill Master Sun also had everything Zhou Luo needed delivered over, and thoroughly discussed alchemy techniques with Zhou Luo once more.

Though it was called a discussion, it was really just Zhou Luo casually mentioning a few small techniques and tricks.

Faced with these things he had never heard before, Pill Master Sun showed an immense desire to learn.

He returned home enriched and greatly inspired.

In the blink of an eye, Yao Wu reached her due date.

Outside the room on the second floor of the main building, in the inner courtyard of Zhou Fu.

Zhou Luo waited quietly outside with Zhou Chang Lun and Zhou Changqing.

The midwife had already gone inside.

This had been specially arranged by Zhou Luo through Wang Lang.

"Daddy, is Mommy going to be alright?" Little Changqing tugged the hem of Zhou Luo’s robe, looking up with a small face, his big eyes full of worry.

Zhou Luo smiled slightly, bent down, and scooped him up into his arms. "Mommy will be fine with Daddy here."

Little Changqing nestled against the broad chest and gently murmured, "Mm."

Standing there with pressed lips was Zhou Chang Lun, already one meter sixty-five tall, his mind inevitably drifting to his mother, far away at the Lin Family.

It had been almost two months since he had come here. Before that, he had always been with his mother; their bond was deep.

Having been away for so long, it was only natural that feelings of longing surfaced in the youth’s heart.

[Congratulations, host, for the birth of your forty-ninth descendant! Seventy years added to your lifespan!]

[As this descendant possesses a Fourth Grade spiritual root, host gains twenty-five talent points!]

[Current Proficiency: Eighth Grade spiritual root (442/500)]

At that moment, the familiar system notification sound rang out.

Yao Wu had given birth to a child with a Fourth Grade spiritual root.

Though merely a mid-grade spiritual root, it still counted as superior aptitude.

If nurtured diligently in the core region later, coupled with some fateful encounters, there was high probability it could achieve Foundation Establishment.

Moreover, this newborn infant’s greatest immortal destiny was his own father—herself.

With him present, she would never lack for opportunities in the future.

Setting aside his thoughts, he fixed his gaze on the opened doors.

The midwife looked at him joyfully: "Congratulations, master. It’s a girl."

"Will I have a younger sister?"

Zhou Changqing’s tender voice suddenly rose in pitch, all earlier worry vanishing as excitement colored his words.

Zhou Luo carried him into the chamber.

Yao Wu lay weakly upon the bed, her face slightly pale.

Beside her pillow, within a cradle, a small infant wailed loudly. Its cries were clear and bright, yet not grating—instead bringing a sense of bustling happiness.

"Mother!"

Zhou Changqing called out, waving his small hands in sheer delight.

Zhou Luo set the little one down and approached Yao Wu with a gentle smile, tenderly stroking her pale cheek, his eyes filled with adoration.

"You’ve endured much."

Yao Wu mustered a faint smile: "What name will you give our daughter?"

"Daughters of the Zhou family all bear names from poetry. I wish to name her ‘Xin'(馨)," Zhou Luo said softly.

Zhou Shixin—Zhou Luo’s forty-ninth child.

Among Zhou Luo’s many descendants, this name held no particular distinction. Yet long afterward, it would resound throughout the entire cultivation world.

Truly striking fear into all who heard it.

But this… was later.

Now, as an elder brother, Zhou Changqing leaned against the cradle’s rim on tiptoe, blinking curiously at the red-faced, crying infant, trying earnestly to coax a smile from his sister.

Nearby, Zhou Chang Lun stood erect, though his eyes kept darting toward the tiny figure. An inexplicable sense of responsibility blossomed within him.

……

News of Zhou Luo’s new child spread swiftly.

Although all knew he had many wives, concubines, and children, it was his renown that drew visitors flocking to his gates.

This happy event served as the perfect pretext to foster closer ties.

Pill Master Sun arrived at Zhou Fu accompanied by several disciples.

Among them stood the prideful Geng Feng.

Following his master, he proceeded into the inner courtyard.

The inner courtyard hosted luminaries of the core region: some mastered the Second Level alchemy skill, others were Foundation Establishment cultivators.

All sat amidst laughter and chatter, toasting cheerfully with Zhou Luo.

Though esteemed figures commanding reverence elsewhere, here they shed all pretense.

After all, Zhou Luo was himself a second level Pill Master, capable of refining Foundation Establishment Dan.

These Foundation Establishment cultivators, while having no personal need for the pill, could not say the same for future descendants.

Thus, building goodwill early was only prudent.

"Pill Master Zhou."

Pill Master Sun, clad in a moon-white alchemy robe, stepped forward with a respectful bow.

Behind him, disciples bowed low in deference.

"Pill Master Sun! Quickly, come join us." Zhou Luo gestured him to a seat within the main hall.

Having resided decades in the core zone, Pill Master Sun was acquainted with the gathered company. Seated, the conversations flowed.

As for the disciples, their status confined them to the outer courtyard.

"Pi-Pill Master Zhou… please accept this gift."

Geng Feng carefully presented a storage ring with both hands.

His former neighbor—once a fellow cultivator with whom he’d exchanged cultivation insights—had now become a phoenix, soaring so high even his own master showed reverence.

This immense reversal churned within Geng Geng’s heart, a bitterness impossible to voice.

Zhou Luo received it impassively, then turned away.

Once, he might have needed Geng Feng’s connection to know Pill Master Sun.

But roles had shifted utterly. Such old ties held no weight now against the abyss of their diverged status.

Stepping into the main hall, Zhou Luo took a seat beside Pill Master Sun.

The moment he was seated, Pill Master Sun transmitted his voice privately: "Pill Master Zhou… This old man has yet another matter to beseech your assistance with."