"Hmm? A marriage proposal?"
"And they're offering access to a Spiritual Vein Blessed Land and a Cultivation Manual?"
Those who had been rejected from the Qingyun Sect stirred with excitement upon hearing the man in green robes speak.
Lu Changsheng, too, was moved.
After careful consideration, he had already concluded: joining a cultivation power would be the best possible outcome. And as for becoming someone's son-in-law?
He didn't think it disgraceful.
As long as it led to cultivation, what did it matter?
Still, Lu Changsheng didn't immediately speak up. Instead, he chose to observe quietly.
After all, in this world, pies didn't just fall from the sky.
He had heard of the Lu Family of Qingzhu Mountain—they had a decent reputation. But he wasn't certain about their recent situation. All his information came from his organization, Dawn, which only operated in the mortal world.
In this world, "mortal" referred to non-cultivators. The gap between mortals and cultivators was immense.
Take himself as an example—though he was at the peak of the mortal world as a great innate realm martial artist, in the cultivation world, he was merely mid- to low-tier.
Who knew what lay behind this so-called marriage proposal? What if it was just a trap?
"May I ask, Senior, what are the requirements for this son-in-law recruitment?"
"From what I understand, cultivation families don't usually nurture foreign bloodlines."
Someone from the crowd voiced the doubt many shared.
Among the eliminated candidates were offspring of nobles, wealthy merchants, and loose cultivators—many of whom had a decent understanding of the cultivation world.
"Haha, since my young friend asked, I will not conceal anything."
"In recent years, our Lu Family suffered heavy losses in a battle against the Chen Family of Red Leaf Valley over a Spirit Stone Mine. Many of our younger generation perished, leaving behind a significant generational gap. Hence, we've decided to make an exception and accept sons-in-law to replenish the bloodline."
"As for the requirements—"
"Within twenty years, you must father fifty offspring. If even one of them possesses a Middle Grade Spiritual Root, or three possess Lower Grade Spiritual Roots, your obligation will be considered fulfilled."
"During this period, our Lu Family will provide Spiritual Vein lands, Cultivation Manuals, and a monthly quota of cultivation resources."
The green-robed man, scholarly and composed, spoke calmly.
However, as soon as he finished, many of those present frowned.
This wasn't a son-in-law recruitment—it sounded like they were looking for breeding stock.
For cultivators, especially those already of limited potential, frequent intercourse could significantly deplete their energy and essence—hindering future cultivation.
Lu Changsheng's lips twitched slightly.
Fifty children in twenty years? That seemed… excessive.
Even if one child was born per year, you wouldn't reach fifty in two decades.
Clearly, the Lu Family intended for each son-in-law to marry multiple wives.
But then again…
The more he thought about it, the more it didn't seem unreasonable—especially for him.
A place to cultivate. Wives. Help raising children.
It solved almost every difficulty of his system's early stage.
In fact, the strict conditions were a good sign—they weeded out people with other options.
"Lu Changsheng," Hong Yi whispered beside him, seeing the interest in his expression. "I've heard of the Lu Family. They're a proper cultivation clan, and they still have a Foundation Establishment Ancestor alive."
"As the man said, they lost many young members in a fight with the Chen Family a few years ago. That Spirit Stone Mine nearly ruined them. This offer is real."
"If you've got nowhere else to go, this isn't a bad option."
Hong Yi had once looked down on others, including Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing.
But now that those two had joined Qingyun Sect while he was eliminated, his pride had faded. He was starting to face reality.
He realized that once on the path to immortality, titles like marquis, merchant, or noble son mattered little.
If Lu Changsheng succeeded, even modestly, he'd still be a valuable connection.
"Thank you, Brother Hong," Lu Changsheng nodded.
With that, his final doubts were gone.
Becoming a son-in-law of the Lu Family—was the right move.
With the system in hand, if he could make it past the early grind, he could reach the heavens.
Just then, Lu Changsheng stepped forward.
At that moment, Li Feiyu, silent until now, finally made her decision.
"Life is but a fleeting dream," she said softly. "When a chance for cultivation appears, one must not miss it."
She spoke with deep resolve.
Though the Crimson Whale Gang wasn't weak, decisions weren't hers alone—and they couldn't provide her enough wealth or support to cultivate freely.
Returning would mean inheriting her father's position as gang leader and living a mundane life.
But she had seen it once—her father, a feared martial expert, bowing to a cultivator.
In that moment, she understood: no matter how high one stood in the mortal world, they were still ants before cultivators.
Even if it was difficult, she would fight for a chance.
"I wouldn't mind marrying Lu Changsheng," she added. "At least that way, I won't have regrets."
"Then I wish Sister Li and Brother Lu a prosperous cultivation path. If anything ever happens, feel free to contact the Ruyi Marquis Mansion," Hong Yi said, bowing with sincerity.
Although he wouldn't lower himself to become a son-in-law, he understood their decision.
With some resources at home, he could still attempt cultivation as a loose cultivator.
Moments later, Lu Changsheng and Li Feiyu stood before the man in green, stating their willingness to join the Lu Family.
Upon learning that Lu Changsheng possessed only a Ninth Grade Spiritual Root, the man frowned slightly.
After all, the better the spiritual root, the higher the chance of producing talented offspring.
But then he saw Li Feiyu, with her Seventh Grade Spiritual Root, standing beside him.
Their willingness to marry each other improved the prospects significantly.
If both parents had spiritual roots, their children had a higher chance of inheriting one.
Moreover, Lu Changsheng shared the same surname—ensuring the children would naturally bear the Lu Family name.
After a short pause, the man proposed a condition:
"For the first five years, Li Feiyu may not bear children. In the remaining fifteen years, she must have at least three children. The first child must be born of Lu blood."
Both agreed immediately.
In truth, this condition benefitted Li Feiyu—it gave her five years to cultivate before childbirth.
"Have you considered this carefully?" the man asked solemnly. "Once you arrive at Qingzhu Mountain, there is no turning back. You must sign a soul-bound contract."
"If the conditions are not fulfilled within twenty years, you will be required to repay triple the resources, and serve the Lu Family for ten years."
"We've made our decision," Lu Changsheng and Li Feiyu replied together.
Half an hour later, twenty sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law had been recruited.
All were youths of humble background, with no strong connections.
Those of noble birth were unwilling to lower themselves, and Lu Yuanding—who didn't want any political entanglements—preferred it this way.
"I am Lu Yuanding, the Patriarch of the Lu Family. From today on, you may address me as Family Head," the man in green announced.
"Now, let's return to Qingzhu Mountain."
He opened a golden-threaded pouch. From within it, several beams of white light shot out—transforming into magnificent horses.
Each was tall and muscular, with golden manes and shimmering yellow coats.
"Horses?" someone murmured in surprise.
After seeing Qingyun Sect use auspicious clouds to carry their disciples away, riding horses felt… underwhelming.
Even Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.
"These are no ordinary horses," Lu Yuanding said, smiling faintly. "They are spiritual beasts, capable of traveling a thousand miles in a day. Even if you've never ridden before, they'll carry you safely."
In truth, the Lu Family was a small clan.
They had a single Flying Magic Boat, but it was rarely used.
Lu Yuanding, with his eighth-layer Qi Refinement cultivation, could barely sustain flight on his own—much less with others.
With twenty new recruits, spiritual horses were the most practical choice.
And so, Lu Changsheng, Li Feiyu, and the others mounted their new steeds and departed.
At the foot of Qingyun Mountain, five Lu Family cultivators awaited them—there to escort and protect them on the road ahead.
....