From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 142 Legitimate and Illegitimate Children
"Da Niu, Liu Zi, Zhong Che, here's one Qi-boosting pill for each of you."

Xu Fugui distributed the three elixirs he had bought from the Kunxu market to them.

Xu Xiaoniu and Xu Xiaohou had used Yiqi Dan before and knew its effects.

This was the first time Xu Zhongche had ever received a spirit pill. Curious, he took the jade bottle containing the spirit pill, gently opened the stopper, and immediately a strange fragrance wafted out.

To the average person, Yiqi Dan only has the strong aroma of a miraculous pill.

Under Xu Zhongche's sense of smell, the scent of the Qi-Boosting Pill was mixed with the unique aroma of a spiritual plant.

"Grandpa, what are the effects of this Qi-boosting pill?"

"It can help Qi Refining cultivators break through the minor bottleneck in the mid-stage of Qi Refining. Once you have fully mastered the third level of Qi Refining, taking the Qi-Boosting Pill will allow you to break through to the fourth level in one fell swoop. So, can you identify the medicinal ingredients in it?"

Xu Fugui knew that Xu Zhongche had a unique talent in alchemy, but elixirs were much more difficult to make than ordinary medicines.

"I can smell the scent of more than a dozen kinds of spiritual plants, but apart from the withered leaf crow and the flame berry, I have never seen the other spiritual plants before."

This is Xu Zhongche's predicament.

The Xu family didn't have that many spiritual plants; Xu Zhongche had only ever seen the five-element spiritual plants used to make the Five Elements Medicine Soup.

Upon hearing his words, Xu Fugui seemed to ponder them and decided to go to Kunxu Market or Qingqiu Market to buy some spirit plant seedlings and plant more other varieties of spirit plants in his inner space.

Alchemy is extremely difficult, but their family has Xu Zhongche, a genius in the art of alchemy, and they must make good use of him. If they can establish an alchemy lineage for the Xu family, it will benefit generations of their clansmen.

After distributing the elixirs, Xu Fugui took out a bulging bag of spirit stones, containing a full 150 stones.

"Fifty spirit stones each for the three of you."

As he spoke, he divided the spirit stones into three piles and distributed them to the three people.

The Xu family's current cultivation resources are mainly concentrated on Xu Xiaoniu, Xu Xiaohou, and Xu Zhongche.

Needless to say, Xu Zhongche was responsible for providing logistical support for the family's pills.

Xu Xiaoniu is currently the only cultivator and immortal official in the Xu family who is publicly acknowledged.

Xu Xiaohou cultivates both martial arts and immortality, and controls the family's most precious high-grade flying sword, the Feather Pattern Flying Sword. He is the strongest member of the Xu family.

He is Xu Xiaoniu's hidden "sharp blade," helping him deal with the treacherous and demonic cultivators. He is the Xu family's "shield," protecting the safety of Baihe Mountain.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Xu Xiaoyun, Xu Xiaoan, and Xu Zhonghuai were the only ones present who did not receive any resources.

Xu Xiaoyun watched as his eldest and sixth brothers divided the spirit stones, feeling at peace with himself. He had long since accepted the fact that he could not cultivate immortality.

When he was young, his family lacked resources and couldn't even afford Qi and Blood Pills. He had to eat meat sparingly. In addition, he didn't like practicing martial arts, so he missed the opportunity to break through to the Innate Realm and embark on the path of cultivation.

However, he did not regret it, because the family was still short of spirit stones, and those spirit stones had to be allocated to the most useful people.

A family needs someone to earn money; it's impossible for everyone to give up their jobs to practice martial arts and cultivate immortality. He was that person who earned money for the family.

Xu Xiaoan was very envious, because his talent was so poor that even the Qi and Blood Pill and the Five Elements Pill could not help him break through to the Innate Realm.

Whenever they discussed important matters, he had the least presence and could only offer some trivial suggestions.

He could only place his hopes on his descendants, hoping that one of his children would be successful.

However, his sons seemed to have inherited his "mediocrity," and none of them had any talent in martial arts.

Previously, the Xu family required that one could cultivate immortality once they broke through to the Innate Realm. Now, there is an additional restriction: one must break through to the Innate Realm before the age of sixteen.

Xu Xiaoan prayed in his heart that one of his grandsons would be exceptionally talented, break through to the Innate Realm early, and enter the path of cultivation, so that his lineage could finally hold its head high.

There's also Xu Zhonghuai, who was born with innate talent seven years ago. He gave up the path of cultivation and gave the spirit stones to his older brother, Xu Zhongche.

Although he doesn't cultivate immortality, he has stepped into the threshold of cultivation, occasionally practicing techniques to maintain a trace of spiritual energy in his body, thus possessing the lifespan of a Qi Refining cultivator.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After distributing the resources, Xu Fugui reminded everyone: "Things have been a bit unsettled in Kunxu Market lately. I heard that some precious elixirs have appeared. Everyone should keep a low profile and avoid getting into trouble."

Upon hearing his explanation, everyone nodded.

Then Xu Xiaoniu said, "Father, I have something to tell everyone. Some time ago, Supervisor Pei of the Forestry Bureau forced thirty spirit stones on me, asking me to recommend him for the position of county magistrate. I didn't agree immediately, but..."

Strangely, within two days, rumors spread that he had bribed me with thirty spirit stones. I had never told anyone about this; did he accidentally leak it out?

There are also rumors that I would cooperate with him to frame Lu Qingmao of the Lu family as a demonic cultivator.

How could I possibly agree to that? It's completely fabricated.

"Brother, I heard about this. I thought you really chose to help the Pei family."

The speaker was Xu Xiaoyun, who had been doing business in the county town for many years and had a wide network of connections.

"I...I was set up by Pei Wanchang."

Xu Xiaoniu felt helpless. He was forced to accept thirty spirit stones and become a helper of the Pei family.

"Perhaps the Pei family's goal is not to win you over, but to make the Lü family think that you have sided with the Pei family, so as to make them feel threatened."

Xu Xiaoyun guessed at the Pei family's purpose.

"Why is this causing the Lü family to feel a sense of crisis?"

Xu Xiaoniu was puzzled.

"..."

The Xu family members discussed it.

Even the Lü family couldn't see through Pei Wanchang, so the Xu family, being outsiders, was even less likely to.

After some fruitless discussions, Xu Fugui instructed, "No matter what, you must not get involved in the conflict between the Lü and Pei families. As for framing and slandering, you absolutely must not do that."

"Dad, I know."

Xu Xiaoniu certainly knew what he couldn't do.

After discussing a few trivial family matters, the group dispersed.

As he left, Xu Xiaoniu took thirty spirit stones from his share of fifty and gave them to Xu Xiaohou. "Brother, you're giving these to me again, what about you?"

"I have spirit stone stipends, and the rewards from the female demon cultivator and the county government will be issued soon. Improving your strength is the priority."

Xu Xiaoniu wanted Xu Xiaohou to first raise his strength to the eighth or even ninth level of Qi Refining, which was very important to the Xu family.

Although Xu Xiaohou killed a female demon cultivator at the seventh level of Qi Refining last time, that's not enough.

He is the strongest fighter in the Xu family, so he must be powerful enough.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Xu Xiaoyun left the core area of ​​Baihe Mountain and came to the residential area.

He usually lives in the county town and runs the Yun'an Tavern business. Recently, he has been unwell and is staying in Baihe Mountain, where Zhongche is making him some nourishing pills to help him recover.

In his youth, especially during the first few years after the opening of Yun'an Tavern, he was overworked and worried day and night. He also often accompanied big customers to social drinking parties, which led to physical depletion and chronic illnesses.

Among his brothers of the "Xiao" generation, he had the worst health.

He and his wife Zhang Caixia lived in a secluded courtyard in Baihe Mountain, where the air was fresh, flowers and plants provided shade, and the climate was very pleasant.

At this moment, Xu Zhongchao and his concubine Liu Yun were waiting at the entrance of the mansion.

Liu Yun was dressed in a flamboyant manner, wearing a floral long dress, a gold bracelet on her wrist, and a jade hairpin in her hair. She stood tall and graceful, captivatingly beautiful.

Xu Xiaoyun was in a good mood, but her expression changed when she saw the two of them from afar.

The prettier Liu Yun was, the more disgusted he became with her.

His son, Zhongchao, had previously said he wanted to take a concubine so he could have a child, but he never expected the concubine to be so beautiful. Was it really for having a child, or to satisfy his lust?
When Xu Xiaoyun approached, the two greeted each other and exchanged greetings.

"Dad~~"

"father."

Liu Yun nodded and bent her knees, responding to Xu Zhongchao's address.

"Ok?"

Xu Xiaoyun frowned: "Mind your manners, you should call me Great-Master."

Terms like "father" and "father-in-law" are used by the legal wife, not by concubines.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Liu Yun quickly changed her tune.

"Chao'er, why are you back at Baihe Mountain? Is everything alright at the shop?"

Xu Xiaoyun ignored Liu Yun and looked at his son, Xu Zhongchao. He was recuperating at Baihe Mountain and had Zhongchao manage the Yun'an Tavern business.

Liu Yun does not usually live in Baihe Mountain.

The Xu family bought a small courtyard house for him and Xu Zhongchao in the county town.

The Xu family was very generous to their concubine, Liu Yun.

"Father, Xiaoyun is pregnant. Our Baihe Mountain has a good environment, and I want her to stay here to rest and prepare for childbirth."

Xu Zhongchao brought Liu Yun here specifically.

"Are you happy?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Xiaoyun's face showed a rare look of joy, and he subconsciously glanced at Liu Yun's waist.

Judging from the timeline, Liu Yun had only been a concubine for a little over a month, so she definitely hadn't shown any signs of pregnancy yet; she must have just discovered she was pregnant.

“Since she is of the Xu family bloodline, it is reasonable for her to live in Baihe Mountain. I will arrange accommodation for her.”

"Thank you, sir."

Liu Yun thanked her respectfully.

"Father, I'll go tell Shujie first. I haven't told her yet that I'm going to Baihe Mountain."

"Go."

Xu Xiaoyun waved his hand, signaling the two to leave.

Watching Xu Zhongchao and Liu Yun leave, he couldn't help but feel sorry for his daughter-in-law, Ma Shujie.

"Sigh, Shujie must be feeling terrible."

Ma Shujie was a daughter-in-law he had begged for and was very satisfied with, but because she hadn't given birth to any children, Xu Zhongchao had to marry this young and beautiful concubine. He must have felt resentful about it.

Liu Yun is pregnant less than two months after getting married, which must be a blow to her.

Xu Xiaoyun gritted her teeth and said, "Once the child is born, we will give him to Ma Shujie to raise as her child."

It was common for children born to concubines to be adopted by the legal wife.

In many families, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children is clear.

Children born to the legal wife are considered legitimate offspring.

Children born to concubines are considered illegitimate. Illegitimate children have a very low status; some are not even considered part of the family bloodline, but rather follow the concubine's status and are treated like servants.

Xu Zhongchao was the first in the Xu family to take a concubine. How to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate children is a matter for discussion in the current Xu family, and rules need to be established.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

On the other side, Liu Yun, led by Xu Zhongchao, met Ma Shujie and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Madam."

Ma Shujie's face was not pleasant; this beautiful concubine seemed to be showing off to her.

This was the second time she had seen Liu Yun. The first time was when Liu Yun served her tea at the concubine-taking ceremony.

"How did you end up at Baihe Mountain?"

"My lady, Xiaoyun is pregnant. I've brought her to Baihe Mountain to rest and prepare for childbirth."

(End of this chapter)