C14 Lu Wushuang

When it comes to power, both Spiritual Cultivators and Martial Artists have their respective strengths and weaknesses. The idea of mastering both paths is a common aspiration, yet for most, it remains an unattainable dream.

Martial Artists are further categorized by the five elements: wood, water, fire, earth, and wind, with corresponding Martial Skills for each. Lu Shaoyou, after delving into these distinctions, discovered that his practice of the Yin Yang Spirit Martial Art enabled him to become an All Attribute Martial Artist, proficient in all five elemental skills.

This revelation left Lu Shaoyou in awe. He realized that most Martial Artists specialize in a single element, and those capable of mastering two are considered prodigies. A Triple Attribute Warrior is a rarity, a prodigy among prodigies. On the Spirit Martial Continent, Dual Attribute Martial Artists are scarce, and Triple Attribute Warriors are virtually unheard of.

Yet, Lu Shaoyou found himself as an All Attribute Martial Artist, a fact that brought a smile to his face. Uncle Nan's teachings were truly remarkable. The Yin Yang Spirit Martial Art was not only potent, allowing him to assimilate the power of Demonic Pills, Spirit Pills, or even other cultivators, but its advantages far outweighed its costliness.

During this time, Lu Shaoyou frequently sought small creatures like mice to feed the pale yellow snake he kept. Whenever the snake grew hungry, it would emerge from his sleeve, their mysterious bond guiding it.

Simultaneously, Lu Shaoyou diligently worked on refining the energy of two Spirit Pills within him. On the eighth night, he sat in meditation, enveloped in a faint mist that shimmered with elusive light. An intangible aura surrounded him.

Uncle Nan observed with continuous nods and a knowing smile.

Eventually, the misty aura was fully absorbed through Lu Shaoyou's pores, and he exhaled a breath of stale air.

"Uncle Nan, why have I reached the Peak of Ninth Layer as a Spirit Disciple, yet I'm only at Layer 1 as a Martial Disciple?" Lu Shaoyou inquired, opening his eyes.

"That's to be expected," Uncle Nan explained, "The two pills you've taken were Spirit Pills, which primarily enhance your Spirit Qi. Advancing to Layer 1 as a Martial Disciple is already quite an achievement."

"So, what's my next step?" asked Lu Shaoyou.

"The Yin Yang Spirit Martial Art has its drawbacks. For now, you can only consume Demonic Pills, which mainly boost your Spirit Qi. To progress further, you'll need to wait until your Martial Artist Level also reaches the Peak of Ninth Layer. As I've told you, unless both your levels advance in tandem, continuing to consume Spirit Pills could be fatal." Uncle Nan cautioned with grave sincerity.

Lu Shaoyou playfully stuck out his tongue, realizing his focus must shift to elevating his Martial Artist Level. Demonic Pills were costly, and currently beyond his means.

"Make sure you purchase all the items on this list by tomorrow. In the evening, I'll teach you how to personally craft pills and also give your spirit a boost," Uncle Nan instructed as he handed Lu Shaoyou a slip of paper listing over a dozen ingredients, all names of medicinal herbs.

"Material shopping," Lu Shaoyou muttered, eyeing the list before tentatively inquiring, "Uncle Nan, how many gold coins will this set me back?"

"They're quite affordable. I'm only concocting a first-grade pill, so it should be around twenty gold coins," Uncle Nan replied.

"Twenty gold coins," Lu Shaoyou inhaled sharply. Since arriving on the Spirit Martial Continent, he had come to understand the value of money. A low-level servant in the Lu family earned a mere half gold coin a year, while a high-level servant's annual wage was one gold coin.

Twenty gold coins equaled the yearly earnings of forty low-level servants. Moreover, with that amount, one could take twenty wives in an ordinary family.

"Uncle Nan, surely you have twenty gold coins. Could you lend me some to start with?" Lu Shaoyou pleaded, his face etched with concern. He was utterly broke, not even half a gold coin to his name.

"You really are hopeless. Whether you steal or rob, make sure you have all the materials by tomorrow night. Otherwise, I won't bother teaching you anymore," Uncle Nan scolded, giving Lu Shaoyou a stern look. "Time's nearly up for today. You should head back."

With a heavy heart, Lu Shaoyou trudged home, lamenting to himself. It's no wonder they say a mere penny can defeat a hero. Even if he resorted to thievery or robbery, gathering twenty gold coins seemed impossible.

Lu Shaoyou had barely been back in his room when dawn broke. He hadn't slept a wink, his energy levels replenished daily by the refined Spirit Pill within him.

"Third Aunt, are you there?" a sweet voice called from beyond the courtyard.

"Why are you up so early? Come inside, it's chilly out," Mrs. Luolan's voice floated from the small hall.

"I'm not cold at all. As a cultivator, the cold doesn't bother me. Third Aunt, this is the robe I bought for you. Wear it and see if it fits; winter's cold is unforgiving," Lu Wushuang offered warmly.

"That must have cost you dearly. This robe looks expensive, and you're always so generous," Mrs. Luolan responded.

Lu Shaoyou wondered to himself, "What brings Lu Wushuang here?"

"Is Shaoyou still asleep?" Lu Wushuang inquired.

Opening the door, Lu Shaoyou greeted her, "Good morning." Lu Wushuang was resplendent in a red brocade robe, her jet-black hair cascading down her back, with a few loose strands framing her face, adding to her elegance and nobility. She had a presence that naturally drew people to her.

"Shaoyou, I've also brought you a robe. Try it on," Lu Wushuang urged, her gaze lingering on him a moment longer than usual.

"Thanks, Wushuang," Lu Shaoyou said, accepting the green robe likely fashioned from animal fur. It was incredibly soft to the touch and seemed to radiate warmth, indicating its considerable value.

"No need for thanks. I'm your sister, and looking after you is my responsibility," Lu Wushuang said with a light smile, her dimples making a brief appearance.

Lu Shaoyou was momentarily captivated by her smile; she was truly beautiful.

"It fits perfectly," he said, slipping into the robe. It was indeed a perfect fit, and he felt at ease in it. A thought crossed his mind: aside from those at the orphanage, Lu Wushuang was the first woman to ever buy him clothes.

"That's great. I've brought breakfast—how about we eat together?" Lu Wushuang suggested, lifting a basket from which a delicious aroma drifted.

"I've already had mine. There's a lot to do in the laundry today. Go ahead without me; I need to start working." Mrs. Luolan replied.

Lu Wushuang spoke gently, "Third Aunt, I appreciate all your hard work. I'll find a way to persuade Grandfather to change his mind." Her expression conveyed a sense of helplessness. The directive had come from the First Madame, her Third Uncle's wife. Despite her significant standing within the Lu family, she was powerless to alter the situation.

"Silly girl, I'm quite content. After all, I was born a maid, and that's the life I'm destined for," Mrs. Luolan said with a soft smile before she departed the courtyard.

Lu Shaoyou observed the exchange, his heart growing heavier with discomfort. He silently vowed, "Mother, endure just a little longer. Soon, I'll make sure you no longer have to suffer."

"Shaoyou, let's have breakfast," Lu Wushuang called out tenderly, opening the basket. She carefully placed an assortment of delicate pastries and other tasty treats on the table.