A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Since the ancestor is not here, there is no need to rush the question about the five-colored wish-fulfilling pearl. We just need to figure it out before breaking through to the Cave Nether Realm.

Duan Rong then bid farewell to Chu Wushang and returned to the secret cultivation chamber within the Lü family residence.

Two more months passed as he sat down on the meditation cushion in the corner of the secret room.

With Duan Rong gone, Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi, who had just moved into the courtyard, were initially excited, but after a while, they grew bored. Lü Qingzhu, on the other hand, was more patient than the other two.

Shen Mizhi was diligently cultivating in the courtyard. Although Lü Qingzhu had just recovered and could not yet cultivate, she was also a swordswoman and would sometimes give Shen Mizhi some pointers.

Over time, Shen Mizhi often came to ask her for advice.

Seeing that Shen Mizhi was working for Duan Rong and was also diligent in her cultivation, Lü Qingzhu held nothing back from her. Since she had nothing else to do, she gave Shen Mizhi detailed guidance each time, which Shen Mizhi greatly benefited from.

As time went on, Shen Mizhi became increasingly respectful towards Lü Qingzhu, treating her with the respect due to a master and disciple. Although the two were of similar age, it did not affect her respect for Lü Qingzhu at all.

Because Lü Qingzhu's guidance wasn't like Duan Rong's, which would only point out the key points in one sentence and leave the rest for her to figure out and explore on her own. She often had to work up a lot of trouble to understand what Duan Rong meant.

Lu Qingzhu's guidance was meticulous, covering every detail, and he would even personally demonstrate and explain things to her from different angles repeatedly.

Shen Mizhi's respect for Lü Qingzhu was heartfelt, not only because she had benefited from his guidance, but also because she was truly impressed by Lü Qingzhu's patience and kindness.

To be honest, Shen Mizhi had already pledged allegiance to Duan Rong, while Lü Qingzhu was Duan Rong's Daoist partner, so their relationship was that of master and servant. However, Lü Qingzhu's earnestness in guiding her often moved Lü Qingzhu deeply.

Two months passed in the blink of an eye, and the Lesser Fullness of Grain Festival is just two days away.

In the land of Kyushu, Xiaoman is not only a solar term, but also a very important festival.

Because of Amo's death, Lü Qingzhu had not returned for the Xiaoman Festival for the past two years. This year, seeing that the father and daughter had reconciled, Li Baoyue came two days in advance to tell Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu that they should all come over on Xiaoman Festival so that the family could have a good get-together.

After Li Baoyue left, Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu discussed it and decided to go to the cultivation chamber the night before Xiaoman Festival to invite Duan Rong out. That way, they could go to Lü Zhongtang's place together without being impolite.

Moreover, judging by the timeline, Duan Rong has been in seclusion for two months and it's time for him to take a break.

Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu first prepared some gifts and also prepared all the things needed for the Xiaoman Festival.

In Kyushu, there is a custom for the Lesser Fullness of Grain Festival: to place a type of herb called Su Mang on the headboard, wardrobe, or window screen.

This herb not only has a rich and unique fragrance, but also has insect-repelling effects.

Therefore, every year during the Lesser Fullness of Grain festival, every household will go to the wild to collect some.

Duan Rong and his companions lived in these endless mountains, where the seasonal changes and wild plants covered the valleys.

That day, Xiao Yu, Lü Qingzhu, Zhu Xiaoqi, and Shen Mizhi, the four of them, carried flower baskets and small hoes and went to the wild to pick wild herbs.

After picking the rich herbs, they placed them inside and outside the courtyard, filling the air with a unique fragrance.

As evening approached, Zhu Xiaoqi was preparing dinner, while Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu went to the secluded cultivation chamber by the artificial hill to invite Duan Rong out of seclusion.

Duan Rong was focused on refining the essence of the high-level Yuan Beast he had recently swallowed, and the pure Yuan Qi in his dantian was surging. Suddenly, he heard light footsteps...

Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu entered the secret room. Both of them had dressed up and were both beautiful and charming.

Compared to Xiao Yu, Lü Qingzhu possessed a more pure and virtuous air.

Compared to Lü Qingzhu, Xiao Yu possesses a more mature and dignified demeanor.

The two entered the secret room hand in hand. When Xiao Yu saw Duan Rong sitting cross-legged on a futon in the corner, looking emaciated and with disheveled, her heart ached and she was about to speak.

Lu Qingzhu immediately stopped her. She had just scanned Duan Rong's dantian with her divine sense and knew that Duan Rong's dantian was surging with energy at this moment, so it was not the time to disturb him.

Lu Qingzhu whispered, "Sister, our husband is currently cultivating at a critical point. Let's wait quietly to the side for a while."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu's eyes flickered, and she nodded slightly.

The secret room was quiet. Although Lü Qingzhu's voice was not loud, Duan Rong, sitting cross-legged on the futon, could hear it clearly.

He concentrated his energy, dispersing and guiding the spiritual pressure of the pure primordial energy within his dantian. After about an incense stick's time, he slowly opened his eyes.

He looked at Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu standing there.

Xiao Yu looked at him with worry in her eyes, while Lü Qingzhu's expression was much gentler and calmer.

Duan Rong smiled gently and said, "Ladies, the moment you stand here, this humble abode seems to be illuminated."

What Duan Rong said was his intuitive feeling, not an exaggeration.

There's an old saying, "a humble abode shines with glory," which has become a polite expression over time. But at this moment, Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu were indeed radiantly beautiful.

When Xiao Yu saw that Duan Rong could still joke, her worries disappeared.

Although Duan Rong looked emaciated and his hair was disheveled, he was clearly in good spirits, and his eyes gleamed with a hidden sharpness.

Xiao Yu curtsied and said, "We apologize for disturbing your cultivation, husband. Tomorrow is the Lesser Fullness of Grain festival, and Elder Lü has invited us to his residence for a chat. It would be impolite if you were not here, so we have taken the liberty of inviting you."

Duan Rong laughed and said, "You really don't know the sun when you're in the mountains. Is tomorrow the Lesser Fullness of Grain Festival?"

Xiao Yu said, "That's right, my husband."

Duan Rong said, "I understand. You all go back first. I will definitely be back before dawn."

After all, he had just swallowed the essence blood of a high-level elemental beast, and that spiritual pressure was still in his dantian. If he didn't refine it completely, it would be a waste of resources.

"Yes, my husband!" Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu bowed respectfully.

Lü Qingzhu smiled and said, "We brought some fragrant herbs from Su Mang to give to my husband."

After Lü Qingzhu finished speaking, she and Xiao Yu each took a sprig of sedge and walked towards Duan Rong.

The two of them gently bent down and tucked the fragrant herbs they held into Duan Rong's clothes.

Duan Rong laughed and said, "You all think your husband smells bad, so you're giving me a little 'foaming' beforehand, right?"

Lü Qingzhu smiled and said, "Giving fragrant herbs to virtuous men symbolizes noble character. My sister Xiao and I are giving fragrant herbs to our husbands on this Lesser Fullness of Grain festival, as a way of wishing them success in their spiritual practice and a higher realm of understanding."

Duan Rong took a light sniff; the delicate fragrance of the wild herbs on his clothes gave him a slight jolt.

Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu bowed again, then left hand in hand.

Duan Rong watched the two figures as they walked away and couldn't help but smile. He could tell that Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu got along quite well.

He sniffed the fragrance from his clothes again, then cleared his mind of distractions, focused his attention, and began to refine the remaining essence blood of the high-level elemental beast in his dantian.

Duan Rong finally finished refining it just before dawn.

Duan Rong got up from the futon and slowly walked out of the cultivation chamber.

It was late at night, and as he walked out from behind the artificial hill, two divine senses immediately crossed and swept over him.

Duan Rong did not use his physical abilities to ride the wind, but instead walked slowly along the garden path towards his own courtyard. At this time, the night was gloomy, and the moon and stars were sparse overhead.

A slightly chilly night breeze swept by, causing Duan Rong's disheveled hair to flutter.

He walked back to the gate of his courtyard, and with a slight movement, leaped inside. Although he had the key to the gate, opening and closing it was just too much trouble.

The courtyard was pitch black, with only the chirping of insects coming from the corner of the wall.

Duan Rong originally wanted to go back to his own room to sleep, but then he felt bored and hesitated for a moment before going to the east wing where Xiao Yu was staying. The door was closed.

Duan Rong then gently knocked on the door.

Soon, rustling sounds came from inside.

"Who?" Xiao Yu's sleepy voice rang out.

Duan Rong said, "It's me."

A dim light suddenly illuminated the room, and the door opened on its own. Duan Rong stepped inside and saw Xiao Yu standing there with her hair up and wearing a traditional Chinese undergarment.

Under the dim, hazy light, it appears even more alluring.

Duan Rong closed the door and immediately scooped Xiao Yu up in his arms. Xiao Yu playfully punched Duan Rong with her small fist, but her eyes were full of affection.

Duan Rong had been practicing asceticism for two months without bathing, and was not only smelly but also had a full beard. However, Xiao Yu did not resist and let Duan Rong do as he pleased...

The next day, Duan Rong, after two months of arduous cultivation, slept until the sun was high in the sky before getting up.

After getting up, he washed his face and cleaned himself thoroughly. He then changed into a brand new set of clothes and went with Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu to Lü Zhongtang's courtyard next door.

Xiao Yu and Lü Qingzhu had already prepared the gifts in advance; Duan Rong only mentioned them.

As soon as the three entered the courtyard, the steward Han Cheng came to greet them and led them to the flower hall in the backyard.

When they arrived at the backyard, they could see Zhu Xiaoqi busy in the kitchen from afar. She was carrying something from the kitchen doorway into the kitchen.

Duan Rong was slightly surprised and looked at Xiao Yu, asking, "Why did Xiao Qi come here too?"

Xiao Yu smiled and said, "Aunt Yue said that Xiao Qi is a good cook, so she specially invited Xiao Qi to come and help with the family banquet for Xiaoman Festival."

Duan Rong said, "From now on, Xiao Qi will probably never have a peaceful time during festivals."

Han Cheng laughed and said, "The capable should do more work!"

The three of them didn't respond and followed Han Cheng into the flower hall.

In the flower hall, only Lü Zhongtang sat there leisurely drinking tea, while Li Baoyue was busy in the kitchen.

There were already quite a few cold dishes on the round table.

After bowing to Lü Zhongtang, Duan Rong and the other two took their seats.

Lu Zhongtang chatted with Duan Rong for a few minutes before speaking to Lu Qingzhu, asking her how she had been and if she was having any trouble adjusting to her new place.

Since Xiao Yu entered, Lü Zhongtang hadn't spoken a word to her. Xiao Yu was prepared for this and simply endured it.

They sat down, sipped some tea, and then the hot dishes were served one after another. Li Baoyue also took off her apron and hurried over.

At this moment, a servant came and poured wine. It was customary to offer wine before the meal.

When Xiao Yu offered a toast, Lü Zhongtang and Li Baoyue accepted it very politely, especially Lü Zhongtang, who did not give her a hard time.

Today is a holiday, after all, there's no need to make things difficult. Besides, Xiao Yu is the head of the household, and Lü Qingzhu is doing the menial work. Although Lü Zhongtang was unhappy about it, he had already accepted it.

Afterwards, they chatted and ate together, enjoying themselves immensely.

Li Baoyue got up, picked up a lotus root sandwich, placed it in Lü Qingzhu's bowl, and said with a smile, "Qingzhu, this lotus root sandwich is very well made. You should try it."

Lü Qingzhu smiled and said, "Thank you, Aunt Yue."

She picked up the lotus root and was about to put it in her mouth when she suddenly felt nauseous and immediately turned her head away to gag. She looked quite uncomfortable.

Seeing Lü Qingzhu's state, both Lü Zhongtang and Li Baoyue were filled with worry.

Even Duan Rong, who was sitting there, frowned slightly.

Because cultivators don't get sick, especially since Lü Qingzhu is a Qi Cyclone Realm expert. Unless her previous injuries haven't fully healed.

With a worried look in his eyes, Lü Zhongtang asked, "Qingzhu, is your injury not completely healed?"

"No, Father..."

Before Lü Qingzhu could explain, Duan Rong had already sat down next to her, placed his hand on her wrist, and started taking her pulse.

Looking at Duan Rong's focused and deep expression, Lü Qingzhu felt a blush creep across her face. Actually, she could sense what was wrong with her.

Sure enough, after taking her pulse, Duan Rong stared at her in astonishment. "Qingzhu, are you pregnant?!"

Looking at Duan Rong's silly expression, Lü Qingzhu smiled and said, "Mm."

"You're pregnant?!"

Everyone in the hall was filled with a mixture of surprise and delight.

"So, I'm going to be a grandfather?!" Lü Zhongtang exclaimed happily, then his eyes flickered as he looked at Duan Rong and said, "Duan Rong, look closely, is it a pregnancy pulse?"

Duan Rong said, "Father-in-law, I am certain that I have taken the wrong pulse. It is indeed a pregnancy pulse."

Upon hearing this, Lü Zhongtang's face lit up with a broad smile.

Li Baoyue had already walked over, snatched the wine cup from in front of Lü Qingzhu, and scolded, "You child! You're pregnant, why are you still drinking?"

Lü Qingzhu said, "It's only been two months. Drinking this little bit of wine is no big deal."

Duan Rong's eyes flickered. Two months ago was the first time he emerged from seclusion. He immediately smiled and said, "Qingzhu, let's listen to Aunt Yue. What if another little drunkard is born tomorrow?"

Duan Rong's words caused everyone in the hall to burst into laughter.

Xiao Yu was initially beaming with joy for Lü Qingzhu, but her eyes quickly dimmed.

Lu Qingzhu just said, "Two months ago." Two months ago, Duan Rong also slept with her.

Moreover, she and Duan Rong had been married for several years and often shared a bed. Just like last night, they were still deeply in love.

But her stomach showed no reaction.

Back when they were outer disciples, she had asked Duan Rong about this problem. Duan Rong had prescribed medicine for her, and she had drunk bitter medicine for a period of time, and had also prayed at Guanyin temples in several nearby counties.

But it was all in vain. She even suspected that Duan Rong was the culprit.

She had subtly inquired about this matter with Duan Rong. Duan Rong told her that he didn't care about having children; it didn't matter whether he had any or not.

Xiao Yu, of course, was unaware of Duan Rong's two lifetimes and had become quite indifferent to such matters. This was because, according to the customs of the Nine Provinces, offspring were of utmost importance.

Therefore, Xiao Yu became even more suspicious that the problem lay with Duan Rong.

But Lu Qingzhu's pregnancy today was like a bolt from the blue for her, waking her up completely.

"So it was my problem."

Xiao Yu turned her head and stared blankly at Duan Rong, who was beaming with joy. Suddenly, she felt very grateful. Even though she knew it was her fault, Duan Rong had never looked down on her all these years. He even comforted her by saying that he didn't care about having children.

At that moment, Xiao Yu's heart was filled with mixed emotions. (End of Chapter)