Special Physique: The Eldest Miss, Qin Fenglan
In the main residence of the Qin family, several key core members had gathered in the grand hall. Patriarch Qin Zhengyang sat at the head position.
The Qin family had produced three high-grade spiritual root immortal seedlings in a row, a feat that had even drawn him out personally.
"This Qin Changqing is truly a marvel," he said after hearing the reports, stroking his beard with a chuckle. "Not only is he incredibly fertile, but every child he fathers has astonishing talent. Who knows what surprises he might bring us next."
Qin Xiahe took a sip of tea. "Patriarch, Qin Changqing is no ordinary man. With so many offspring already, it's likely more immortal seedlings will emerge in the future. That's certainly good for the family—but if it catches the eye of other clans, it could spell trouble. In the long run, he'll become a target for envy and schemes."
The others nodded and chimed in agreement.
Qin Zhengyang pondered for a moment, then nodded gravely. "Xiahe speaks wisely. From now on, we'll test Qin Changqing's children in secret. If any more high-grade spiritual roots appear, keep the results confidential. Announce them as rootless or low-grade instead."
This arrangement would protect both the family and Qin Changqing.
After all, excellence in a person could be a sin all its own. The tallest tree in the forest invites the fiercest winds.
In Xiu Garden, the women of the Qin family clustered in small groups, admiring the flowers and chattering away. Most of the conversation revolved around Qin Changqing.
"Did you hear? Another of Qin Changqing's daughters—Qin Mengxue, I think—tested as high-grade spiritual root!"
"No way! Doesn't that make three immortal seedlings in a row for him?"
"It's enough to make you sick with envy. My own boys are such disappointments. I gave my husband two sons, and neither has a shred of cultivation talent. If only I'd been chosen by Qin Changqing back then..."
"Sigh, no use crying over it now."
Qin Rongrong's heart raced as she listened to the gossip. She'd only slept with Qin Changqing at first to prove her fertility wasn't the issue—but she'd never imagined such a bonus.
If things keep going like this, doesn't that mean Qipeng has a good shot at having a spiritual root too?
Her fists clenched involuntarily, a flush creeping across her pretty face.
If my son really has one, I'll find a way to get Qin Changqing to give me another child, no matter what.
Qin Changqing, already a celebrity in the Qin family, exploded in popularity once more. Women envied him; men seethed with jealousy.
One year later, in the inner residence, young Qin Qihong stood nervously beside the spirit-testing stone, extending his small hand.
Whoosh!
Brilliant light erupted.
"Again... high-grade spiritual root?!" Qin Wenbo's voice trembled. The elders clustered nearby gasped in unison.
Thank goodness this was a secret test—otherwise, the whole family would lose its mind.
"Brother Changqing, how in the world do you do it?" Qin Xiahe couldn't help asking.
Qin Changqing chuckled. "Beats me. Luck! Pure luck!"
"You've hogged all the luck in the world!"
…
Another month passed. Same place, same routine.
"Qin Qiyang... high-grade spiritual root!"
…
One year later.
"Qin Qichen, high-grade spiritual root!"
…
"Qin Mengyao... high-grade spiritual root!!"
When the ninth child tested the same, Patriarch Qin Zhengyang could no longer sit still. He came to Qin Changqing's residence in person.
"Brother Changqing, nine in a row? You can't chalk this up to luck anymore, can you?"
Qin Zhengyang fixed him with a piercing stare.
Qin Changqing knew he couldn't dodge forever. He scrambled for an excuse. "Patriarch, I truly don't know the exact reason. But I have noticed something unusual about myself—maybe it's related."
"Oh?" Qin Zhengyang and the elders perked up. "Tell us, quick!"
Qin Changqing gave a wry smile. "My physique is different from normal. I absorb spirit energy from spirit stones incredibly fast, but it doesn't go to my dantian. Most of it fuses into my kidneys instead. Maybe that's why the kids are special."
"Strange. What kind of constitution is that?"
Qin Zhengyang's eyes widened. After a moment's thought, they lit up. He nodded vigorously. "That must be it! As the saying goes, the chest stores will, the kidneys store essence, the brain stores spirit. Your absorbed energy must be pouring into your kidneys, producing offspring with spiritual roots one after another. Brother Changqing, you truly are the Qin family's lucky star!"
He burst into laughter, gazing at Qin Changqing like a priceless treasure.
Qin Xiahe mused, "No wonder you've stayed at the first layer of Qi Refining all these years—the spirit energy's all going to your kidneys!"
It's because my talent sucks and I just can't be bothered to cultivate... Qin Changqing wanted to cry.
But these folks were masters at filling in the blanks themselves.
Qin Zhengyang and the others exchanged glances, their eyes alight with ecstasy.
If that was the case, didn't Qin Changqing's constitution mean he could produce hordes of immortal seedlings for the Qin family?
Rise to prominence was just around the corner. Becoming Jing Kingdom's top cultivation clan wasn't a pipe dream!
"Brother Changqing, if you absorbed more spirit stones, could you sire even higher-quality offspring?"
Qin Zhengyang asked eagerly.
Damn, old man, your ambitions run deep. Treating me like a damn breeding machine!
Qin Changqing thought it over. "Not sure, but probably. More spirit stones should mean better results. But siring children takes two. I can strengthen the offspring, sure—but the mother has to endure it. For stronger talents, you'd need women with stronger physiques to bear them."
"Makes sense!"
Qin Zhengyang stroked his beard approvingly. The elders nodded too.
Thrilled by the revelation, the Qin clansmen buzzed with excitement. Qin Zhengyang swept his sleeve dramatically, rewarding Qin Changqing with another five hundred spirit stones on the spot.
Back at the main residence, he declared, "This is of utmost importance—it concerns the Qin family's entire future. All of Qin Changqing's children will be tested in secret from now on. No results, good or bad, may be leaked to anyone!"
"Yes, Patriarch!" The others bowed, smiles on every face.
"Summon Xiaolan for me," Qin Zhengyang said after a pause.
The elders' hearts stirred—they could guess his intentions.
Qin Fenglan was Qin Zhengyang's eldest daughter, with medium-grade spiritual root. Unmarried still, she was the finest female talent in the Qin family.
He clearly meant to betroth her to Qin Changqing.
Soon, a graceful woman in a flowing white silk gown glided in, her figure slender and poised. She curtsied elegantly. "Father, you wished to see me?"
Qin Zhengyang hummed with a smile. "Xiaolan, you're not a child anymore. It's high time you married. Have you taken a fancy to any promising young man?"
Qin Fenglan frowned slightly, her voice soft yet firm. "Father, why bring this up out of nowhere? I have no desire to marry yet!"
Qin Zhengyang's face hardened. "Nonsense! Marriage is the natural order of things. You can't avoid it forever!"