Chapter 30: "Playing With The Children"

After consuming the Breaking Realm Pill, Li Daoxuan felt a soothing sensation spread throughout his body. With the infusion of spiritual power, he successfully ascended to the Gold Core stage.

Early Gold Core stage!

Mid Gold Core stage!

Gold Core stage... Wait, is that it?

Li Daoxuan hadn't even fully savored the thrill of his newfound strength before it abruptly halted.

"Is this all?"

"That's it?"

It was far from what Li Daoxuan had anticipated. He had hoped for a direct leap to the peak of the Gold Core stage, with improved aptitude and a higher spiritual root grade.

But the progress seemed disappointingly small.

[Master, don't be dissatisfied. Be mindful not to advance too hastily and destabilize your foundation!]

[Moreover, do you think advancing a minor realm requires the same amount of spiritual power as others?]

[Your body harbors ten times the spiritual power of others!]

[You possess Five Elements spiritual power, with each type already at mid Gold Core stage.]

Li Daoxuan felt relieved. He was pleasantly surprised to find his foundation stable and secure.

This time, Li Daoxuan didn't rush out of seclusion. Instead, he pondered whether he could enhance his alchemy skills.

However, when he examined a batch of medicine bottles, he shook his head in dismay.

"Ah! What a waste."

The herbs and spiritual roots he had acquired last time had been completely depleted. But Li Daoxuan then retrieved two weapons—the two second-grade Spiritual Weapons he had previously acquired, the Water Mill Zen Staffs.

"Whoever crafted this trash wasted precious resources!"

"Destroy them!"

Li Daoxuan also checked the two storage bags he had seized, which still held some spirit stones and refining materials.

Time to refine!

Li Daoxuan tossed the two Water Mill Zen Staffs into the Sword Pavilion and added rare metals. With practiced hand seals, he struck the furnace continuously, swiftly entering a profound state.

Minutes turned into hours.

Clang~

Clang clang~

Swords took form one after another. As the flames gradually subsided, ten swords emerged from the Sword Pavilion. Li Daoxuan swiftly intervened to prevent them from flying out of the secret room.

"Hahaha... This skill upgrade wasn't in vain. Now I can refine second-grade top-quality spirit swords directly!!!"

Each of the ten spirit swords varied: ancient and hefty, delicate and small, crystal-clear...

But all were second-grade top-quality spirit swords!

Li Daoxuan retained two for personal use and packaged the rest for sale.

He kept two swords: one for himself and one as a self-defense weapon for Zi Ling. Qing Xuan, he had something superior in mind.

Emerging from seclusion!

This time, Li Daoxuan remained secluded for over a month, the longest in recent years.

Upon emerging, Li Daoxuan didn't immediately see Qing Xuan and Zi Ling, which struck him as odd.

Li Daoxuan headed to the bustling backyard, where his children were gathered.

"Father! Father!"

A young boy rushed over and hugged Li Daoxuan's leg. Li Daoxuan bent down, scooping up his eldest son, Li Chen.

"Father! I miss Mother!"

Li Daoxuan fell silent. His previously buoyant mood soured momentarily, though not toward the child.

"Little Chen, Mother is far away. Be good, alright?"

"Okay." Xiao Li Chen pouted, disappointed but not making a fuss.

Xiao Man and Xiao Yu quickly approached, the two maids in charge of the children who hadn't seen Qing Xuan and Zi Ling around.

Puzzled, Li Daoxuan asked, "Xiao Man, where are the Madams?"

"They're in seclusion!"

"What? Both of them? How long have they been in seclusion?"

"After you entered seclusion, Second Madam followed suit!"

"After a few days of childcare, Third Madam entered seclusion too!"

Li Daoxuan was speechless. These maids were evidently driven to follow suit.

Li Daoxuan had no intention of secluding himself again. Despite his improved spiritual root grade and accelerated autonomous cultivation, he opted to spend more time with his children.

Li Daoxuan didn't view his children as mere tools but cherished them deeply.

Eldest son Li Chen, lacking outstanding cultivation talent, displayed remarkable intellect and sensibility.

Second son Li Yan, born to Qing Xuan with a top-grade Earth-ranked golden spiritual root, hadn't started cultivation but showed immense promise.

Eldest daughter Li Junyao and second daughter Li Xi Yao, close in age, led to a rivalry over who would be the eldest sister, with Li Junyao's mother being Qing Xuan and Li Xi Yao's mother Su Youruo.

These children, already lively and bright, brought joy and laughter to the Li family.

The youngest daughter, Li Qingyue, remained in swaddling clothes, cooing softly.

"Father!"

"Father, you're finally out of seclusion!"

"Father, come play with us!"

...

A group of children noticed Li Daoxuan and gathered around excitedly. Li Daoxuan couldn't help but smile as a contented father.

"Ah, here you are. Today, let's play a new game, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Wuwu~wuwu~"

The youngest girl, seeing her older siblings dash away, grew upset and reached out her tiny hand.

Li Daoxuan's heart melted, and he carefully lifted her.

"Giggle~"

The little one giggled instantly, delighted by Li Daoxuan's kiss. Her joy spread.

Laughter and mirth filled the Li family's backyard, a heartwarming sight that left Li Daoxuan's heart unsettled for a long while. He cherished this present life immensely.

Li Daoxuan spent quality time playing with the children, teaching them games and enjoying their enthusiasm.

He didn't wish to miss a moment of their growth. He recounted tales, lulled them to sleep, cooked delicious meals, and accompanied them outdoors...

This was the life Li Daoxuan yearned for.

Yet, safeguarding this peaceful happiness demanded stronger power. Li Daoxuan needed greater strength.

On that day, bidding the children farewell, Li Daoxuan resolved to return to Luo City. There, he would gather various materials and prepare for the children's impending cultivation.

The children were nearing the age to begin cultivation.

Commencing early cultivation would benefit both the children and himself. Their progress would also enhance his cultivation.

This time, Li Daoxuan planned to reach Luo City ten times faster than before, with newfound confidence at the Gold Core stage.

"Luo City, here I come again!"

Upon entering Luo City, a sudden idea took root, growing steadily.