Chapter 134: Xiao Xiyue’s Request
Ruyi County City.
Lu Family Inner Residence, Myriad Phenomena Garden.
“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—”
In the beautiful garden, paved with bluestone, several martial artists were leading a group of children in martial arts practice and morning exercises.
Although these children were young, their movements were very agile when they swung their fists and kicked.
Wherever there was a problem, the martial artists nearby would immediately correct them, meticulously.
A few children, around ten years old, even had faint sounds of fist wind whistling when they swung their fists and kicked.
Not far away, Lu Changsheng, dressed in a green robe, with a face like jade, looked gently at the children practicing martial arts.
Currently, all these children had begun practicing martial arts to strengthen their bodies under his arrangements.
For example, his eldest son, Lu Ping’an, due to his diligence in the martial Dao, had already cultivated inner Qi.
According to the secular Jianghu’s martial Dao divisions of Unranked, Third-rate, Second-rate, First-rate, and Innate, he could already be considered a Second-rate expert.
A twelve-year-old Second-rate expert, in the secular Jianghu, if not as rare as a Phoenix feather or a Qilin horn, was still very uncommon.
Apart from a few exceptionally gifted individuals, only descendants of Cultivators could raise such children.
After all, they lived in a Spiritual Vein area from a young age, eating Spiritual Rice and Spiritual Food.
There wasn’t much impurity within their bodies.
Such children, when practicing martial arts, were all martial Dao prodigies.
Moreover, after sending these wives and children to the Mortal World, Lu Changsheng would still regularly send Spiritual Rice.
However, the strength of such a Jianghu Second-rate expert still did not catch the System’s eye.
Lu Changsheng checked his son Lu Ping’an’s panel information through the System.
In the strength column, it was still marked as ‘None’.
Lu Changsheng didn’t pay much attention to this.
If, in the early days, he harbored some thoughts of improving his own strength through his children’s martial arts practice, now, he didn’t have many such thoughts.
More so, he hoped that his children would practice martial arts for self-defense and to strengthen their bodies.
“Daddy, how am I doing with my practice?!”
After the morning exercise, Lu Wuyou, with a lively and adorable expression, ran towards Lu Changsheng and asked.
Her eyes revealed reverence and dependence on her father.
“You’re the one who likes to be lazy.”
Lu Changsheng smiled faintly upon hearing this, and ruffled his daughter’s small head.
Then, a Cleansing Spell, transforming into a gentle breeze, dried and cleaned his daughter’s sweat-drenched clothes from practicing martial arts.
Of course, he didn’t show favoritism.
He did it for all the children.
This made the martial artists nearby look on with awe.
“Alright, you’re all tired, go eat.”
Lu Changsheng patted the heads of several children and led them to have breakfast.
Breakfast was very rich and nutritionally balanced.
After all, children are in their growing stage.
In this regard, Lu Changsheng would never be stingy, nor was he short on money.
After finishing the meal, Lu Changsheng and his children, including Lu Ping’an, went to the backyard to feed the Nine Nether Mastiff.
After so many years of raising it, the Nine Nether Mastiff’s Physique was now as robust as a large bull.
Its fangs were intertwined and very sharp, and its jet-black fur was as lustrous and black as silk.
Last year, the Nine Nether Mastiff had already advanced to a First Grade Middle Stage Yao Beast.
However, for Lu Changsheng, it was of little significance.
It was clearly impossible for the Nine Nether Mastiff to help him take off.
Unless he spent a large amount of resources to Cultivate the Nine Nether Mastiff and accelerate its growth.
But the cost was too great.
Although Lu Changsheng had quite a bit of spare money, he couldn’t sustain such spending.
He planned to just slowly raise it like this.
In the future, it would serve as his Family’s mountain-guarding Spirit Beast, used to accompany and protect the children.
Six days later.
“Dad, Uncle Hong is here.”
Lu Changsheng was in the backyard chatting with his wives and children when a little one ran over and shouted.
“You all play first, I’ll go over.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng guessed that it should be Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin who had arrived.
Upon seeing Hong Yi, the latter indeed stated that Han Lin, Xiao Xiyue, and Zhao Qingqing had already arrived and were just outside the city.
Hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded and went with Hong Yi to welcome them outside the city.
The two arrived outside the city and immediately saw three figures: two women and one man.
They were precisely Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin.
Xiao Xiyue wore a moon-white dress, her black hair cascading like a waterfall to her waist.
Her exquisite face had not changed much from ten years ago.
Bright eyes and white teeth, a beautiful nose, skin like jade, and a graceful, alluring demeanor.
However, her overall appearance and temperament had undergone earth-shshattering changes compared to ten years ago.
Back then, she had a frank and lively expression.
A radiant smile adorned her face, making people feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze, generating goodwill.
Now, Xiao Xiyue’s face was cold, and her temperament was like a high and bright moon, serene and sacred, standing aloof from the world.
It made people only dare to admire her from afar, not daring to approach rashly, fearing blasphemy.
Lu Changsheng looked at Xiao Xiyue’s appearance, feeling somewhat surprised.
He wondered what she had experienced in the past ten years, and why she had changed so much.
Although her facial features were similar, it was as if she had become a different person.
If it weren’t for her being with Zhao Qingqing and Han Lin, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t even be sure that this person was Xiao Xiyue.
Zhao Qingqing and Han Lin, who were with Xiao Xiyue, apart from looking a few years older and much more mature, hadn’t changed much from ten years ago.
“Daoist Friend Xiao, Daoist Zhao, Daoist Friend Han.”
Lu Changsheng didn’t think much, a smile appeared on his face, and he cupped his hands in greeting.
Hong Yi was also somewhat surprised by Xiao Xiyue’s change.
But he didn’t stare too much.
With a hearty and natural expression, he cupped his hands and said, “Three Fellow Daoists, have you been well?”
“Fellow Daoist Hong, Fellow Daoist Lu.”
Xiao Xiyue and the other two also nodded and greeted Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi.
They looked at Lu Changsheng’s appearance and temperament, and just like Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi seeing Xiao Xiyue, they were all somewhat surprised.
Ten years had passed, and their appearances and temperaments had changed more or less.
Like Hong Yi, he now wore a luxurious purple brocade robe, a purple-gold crown on his head, and a mustache on his lips.
Compared to ten years ago, he was immeasurably more mature and steady.
But Lu Changsheng still looked like he was twenty years old.
His handsome face still vaguely showed the contours of ten years ago.
But his whole person was even more refined and elegant, with an otherworldly air.
He was exceptionally handsome, dashing and refined, like an orchid or a jade tree, giving people a feeling of warmth, tranquility, and detachment.
If they didn’t know Lu Changsheng’s situation, with Lu Changsheng’s temperament and appearance, they would believe it if he was said to be a Core Disciple of an Immortal Sect or a young Master of a great Cultivation Family.
When Xiao Xiyue approached Lu Changsheng and saw him, an inexplicable emotion surged within her.
It caused her heart to suddenly stir.
The ‘Supreme Emotion Severing Art’ she cultivated began to operate involuntarily.
“This is…”
Xiao Xiyue was slightly startled.
She noticed that upon seeing Lu Changsheng, her moon-like state of mind began to show subtle ripples.
After cultivating the Supreme Emotion Severing Art, her heart was like the bright moon in the sky, undisturbed by emotions and unconstrained by feelings.
No matter what happened, it was difficult to move her or cause her inner self to fluctuate.
But at this moment, upon seeing Lu Changsheng, her state of mind actually stirred slightly, causing the Supreme Emotion Severing Art to operate.
“Could it be that this is my Opportunity, the catalyst for my Breakthrough?”
Xiao Xiyue’s eyes were as cold and captivating as stars and a bright moon.
She had cultivated the Supreme Emotion Severing Art, and her cultivation had reached Qi Refining Perfection.
However, due to her state of mind, she had always been unable to Breakthrough.
Her Master, Yun Wanchang, had given her three years.
Now, half of those three years had passed.
She herself realized that she couldn’t Breakthrough on her own.
She had to go out, temper her Heart-Nature in the Mortal World, and use external forces to comprehend it.
This was also the purpose of her trip down the mountain to attend the gathering.
She planned to travel around the Mortal World for the remaining year and a half, seeking a Breakthrough Opportunity.
She didn’t expect that as soon as she came down the mountain and gathered with old friends, her state of mind would stir, and the Supreme Emotion Severing Art would automatically operate.
“Why is Daoist Friend Li not here? Where did Daoist Friend Li go?”
Han Lin saw only Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi, and asked.
“Feiyu went out for an experience last year. He was delayed by something and might not be able to make it back, so he asked me to apologize to everyone.”
Lu Changsheng said with cupped hands.
“I didn’t expect Daoist Friend Li to have gone out for experience.”
Han Lin nodded slightly upon hearing this, and didn’t say much more.
“Three Fellow Daoists, you’ve worked hard on your journey. I’ve already arranged everything at the Ruyi Restaurant, still the Gathering Immortal Pavilion from before.”
Hong Yi said, stepping forward to lead the way.
Immediately, the five walked and chatted, arriving at the Ruyi Restaurant, Gathering Immortal Pavilion.
“Please take your seats, everyone.”
After everyone was seated, Hong Yi smiled heartily, took out Spiritual Tea and Spiritual Fruit, and poured tea for them.
Compared to ten years ago, this gathering was clearly not as familiar and natural.
One reason was that their relationship back then was only considered average.
Now, after ten years of not seeing each other, they only occasionally exchanged letters.
Another reason was that ten years ago, there were people on both sides to liven up the atmosphere and lead topics.
But now, Xiao Xiyue had a cold, Fairy-like demeanor and barely spoke.
And Lu Changsheng, Han Lin, and Zhao Qingqing were not talkative people to begin with, and Li Feiyu was also missing.
However, under Hong Yi’s guidance, Lu Changsheng, Han Lin, and Zhao Qingqing also actively sought topics, gradually becoming familiar and natural, and the conversation was quite harmonious.
During the process, Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing spoke of some insights from the Qingyun Sect and major events in the Cultivation World.
Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi, on the other hand, spoke of some matters in the Mortal World and the market.
During this time, Lu Changsheng also mentioned his younger brother-in-law, Xia Chaoyang.
Lu Changsheng had never worried much about this younger brother-in-law.
He only occasionally heard Xia Zhiyue write letters, mentioning some of her brother’s situations.
He would have Xia Zhiyue send a few dozen Spirit Stones when she sent letters.
The Spirit Stones weren’t much, just a small token of his regard as an older brother-in-law, a simple investment.
“Xia Chaoyang, I have heard of him, but I didn’t expect him to be Fellow Daoist Changsheng’s relative.”
Han Lin said, somewhat surprised, upon hearing this.
Although he was unknown in the Qingyun Sect’s Refining Hall, he was quite well-informed.
Xia Chaoyang had a Fourth Grade Spiritual Root, entered the inner Sect, and was favored by a Foundation Establishment Elder, who took him as a Disciple, so he knew this person.
At this point, everyone also spoke about their recent situations.
Lu Changsheng learned that Han Lin had already reached the Qi Refining Sixth Layer cultivation.
And Zhao Qingqing, not long ago, exchanged a High Grade Breakthrough Pill from the Sect, and with the help of the Medicinal Pill, had already broken through to the Qi Refining Seventh Layer.
This level of cultivation strength made Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but sigh with emotion.
As expected of Immortal Sect Disciples.
Both Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing were Outer Sect Disciples of the Qingyun Sect.
They were also often delayed by side occupations, skills, and miscellaneous tasks.
But even in this situation, one was at Qi Refining Sixth Layer and the other at Qi Refining Seventh Layer.
One must know that Lu Miaoge, as the Eldest Young Miss of the Qingzhu Mountain Lu Family, with a Fifth Grade Spiritual Root, only broke through to Qi Refining Seventh Layer at the age of twenty-nine.
Take Hong Yi and Li Feiyu, for example; as Low Grade Spiritual Roots, one is still at Qi Refining Fourth Layer, and the other only recently broke through to Qi Refining Fifth Layer.
As for himself, Lu Changsheng directly excluded himself.
After all, he had a cheat.
Outwardly, he also said that he had just broken through to Qi Refining Sixth Layer not long ago.
“Daoist Friend Changsheng lives a more leisurely life, surrounded by wives and children in the Cultivation Family, while his cultivation and Talisman Dao are steadily improving,” Han Lin said with emotion.
He had the best relationship with Lu Changsheng back then.
Although they were much more estranged now, he still held a few points of closeness.
“Haha, I can’t compare to your promising Immortal Dao,” Lu Changsheng waved his hand and smiled.
Then, he looked at Xiao Xiyue, whose face was as cold as a Fairy, and asked, “I heard that Daoist Friend Xiao was accepted as a Disciple by a Core Formation True Person, how are things recently?”
Lu Changsheng asked this, partly out of curiosity about Xiao Xiyue’s situation.
The other reason was that he felt Xiao Xiyue seemed to be constantly observing him.
“I have been cultivating diligently these years, and now I have reached Qi Refining Perfection. This trip down the mountain is also for tempering myself and seeking a Breakthrough Opportunity,” Xiao Xiyue said softly, her voice clear and moving.
“Hiss!”
Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but gasp in surprise.
Qi Refining Perfection, seeking a Breakthrough Opportunity.
Clearly, she was looking for an Opportunity to Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.
Unexpectedly, in just ten years, Xiao Xiyue had cultivated to Qi Refining Perfection and was preparing for Foundation Establishment.
The gap between her and the others was like heaven and earth.
Not only were Hong Yi, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin surprised, but Lu Changsheng was also somewhat surprised.
However, Lu Changsheng was more astonished.
He remembered that Xiao Xiyue was only a Fourth Grade Spiritual Root.
A Fourth Grade Spiritual Root, even in a Sect, could not possibly Cultivate this quickly.
“Could it be that Xiao Xiyue possesses some kind of Spiritual Physique?” Lu Changsheng immediately speculated in his heart.
The reason for his speculation was simple.
Xiao Xiyue was accepted as a Disciple by a Core Formation True Person.
If she were merely a Fourth Grade Spiritual Root, it was highly unlikely she would be favored by a Core Formation True Person and accepted as a Disciple.
At most, she would be favored by a Foundation Establishment Elder and accepted as a Disciple.
After all, in the entire Qingyun Sect, Core Formation True Persons were few and far between.
Unless one possessed a truly extraordinary talent like an Earthly Spiritual Root or a Heavenly Spiritual Root, they would not easily accept Disciples.
“Or, could it be that she Cultivates a certain Cultivation Technique?” Lu Changsheng thought of another reason.
He cultivated the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Scripture and knew how much a good Cultivation Technique could help a Cultivator.
If it weren’t for this Cultivation Technique, which allowed him to refine Medicinal Pill toxins and ignore minor Bottlenecks, his cultivation speed would certainly not be this fast.
So he speculated that Xiao Xiyue likely also cultivated such a Cultivation Technique.
But this Cultivation Technique had side effects.
He had once read in ancient texts that many powerful Cultivation Techniques had side effects.
For example, a male appearing female, a drastic change in appearance, or a significant change in personality and Heart-Nature.
Xiao Xiyue’s current change in appearance made him feel very much like this kind of situation.
Otherwise, how could such a drastic change suddenly occur after ten years of cultivation?
However, speculation was just speculation; Lu Changsheng did not ask much about such matters.
In the Cultivation World, Physique and Cultivation Technique were both very private matters.
“Then I wish Daoist Friend Xiao a successful Foundation Establishment in advance!” Hong Yi immediately raised his teacup, speaking as if he were in a different era.
Back then, the six of them participated in the Sect assessment together, and he even had a crush on Xiao Xiyue and pursued her.
Now, thirteen years later, he had achieved some success in the Mortal World.
But Foundation Establishment, for him, was still an unreachable term.
Yet, at this moment, Xiao Xiyue was already preparing for Foundation Establishment, which made him very emotional.
“I wish Daoist Friend Xiao to find her Opportunity and succeed in Foundation Establishment.”
“We also wish Senior Sister Xiao a successful Foundation Establishment!”
“We also wish Senior Sister Xiao a successful Foundation Establishment!”
Lu Changsheng, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin also raised their cups in congratulation.
“Thank you.”
A hint of gentleness appeared in Xiao Xiyue’s cold eyes, like a night-blooming cereus blossoming, and she raised her cup to drink with everyone.
But her gaze involuntarily turned to Lu Changsheng.
She found that as long as she looked at Lu Changsheng, her state of mind would have a faint, almost imperceptible tremor.
If it weren’t for the operation of the Supreme Emotion Severing Art, even Xiao Xiyue herself would have thought this was an illusion, unable to capture this emotional tremor.
“Do I really need to experience this Inner Demon Tribulation to Breakthrough?” Xiao Xiyue murmured in her heart as she looked at Lu Changsheng.
She thought of her Master’s teachings.
To Cultivate the Supreme Emotion Severing Art and truly achieve ruthlessness and Supreme Forgetfulness, one must experience the Inner Demon Tribulation to fully comprehend the meaning of Supreme Forgetfulness.
She didn’t know why, but facing Lu Changsheng, her heart had this tremor.
However, a subtle spiritual intuition told her that her Breakthrough Opportunity likely lay with Lu Changsheng.
Thinking that her Breakthrough Opportunity lay with Lu Changsheng and that she had to experience an Inner Demon Tribulation with him, her heart felt chaotic and bewildered.
These years, she had been cultivating in the Qingyun Sect and didn’t understand much about matters of emotion.
She had only read a little about it in books.
Moreover, after cultivating the Supreme Emotion Severing Art, her heart became increasingly indifferent, almost forgetting emotions.
Now, being asked to experience an Inner Demon Tribulation, she was indeed somewhat at a loss, unsure how to begin.
“Didn’t I come down the mountain precisely to find this Opportunity?”
“Now that the Opportunity is right before me, what am I hesitating for?”
Xiao Xiyue’s chaotic inner self instantly firmed up.
When she chose to Cultivate the Supreme Emotion Severing Art, she knew it was a path of no return.
She understood that if she didn’t have the enlightenment of ‘If one hears the Dao in the morning, one can die in the evening’ in her Heart-Nature, she would be unable to advance an inch in this life and would have no hope of achieving the Great Dao.
Now that the Opportunity was right before her, she naturally couldn’t miss it.
Moreover, through the recent conversation, she also learned that Lu Changsheng had many wives and concubines and numerous descendants, indicating rich experience in emotional matters.
Perhaps this was the reason why her Breakthrough Opportunity lay with Lu Changsheng.
Immediately, Xiao Xiyue also gradually began to speak, participating in some of the group’s topics of conversation.
“Fellow Daoist Hong, Fellow Daoist Lu, cultivating amidst the disturbances of the Mortal World and being overly tainted by the Qi of the Mortal World will also affect your cultivation.”
“If you temper yourselves in the Mortal World, making your six senses pure, it will be helpful for your cultivation, Heart-Nature, and Bottlenecks.”
When the topic turned to cultivation, Xiao Xiyue spoke, offering some cultivation advice to the few of them.
She usually had guidance from a Core Formation Master, and the Supreme Emotion Severing Art she cultivated placed great emphasis on Heart-Nature, so she had many insights in this area.
“Thank you for your guidance, Daoist Friend Xiao.” Hong Yi said, flattered.
“Thank you for your guidance, Daoist Friend Xiao.” Lu Changsheng also slightly cupped his hands, roughly understanding that this principle was similar to the idea of a clear mind he had thought of earlier.
“It’s not guidance, just some suggestions.”
Although Xiao Xiyue’s face was cold and resembled a Fairy from the Nine Heavens Moon Palace, her words were not at all arrogant, but very gentle.
Just like that, with Xiao Xiyue’s participation, the atmosphere of the conversation became increasingly harmonious.
Especially in terms of cultivation, when discussing cultivation, Fairy Xiao Xiyue, who was at Qi Refining Perfection, often enlightened others with just a few words, leaving them with much to gain.
This also made Lu Changsheng realize the importance of ‘Dao Companion’ among wealth, Dao Companion, Cultivation Technique, and land.
In the long journey of cultivation, almost everyone would face some difficulties and doubts.
If one cultivated in isolation, it would be difficult to go far.
But having a renowned Master, a group of like-minded Fellow Daoists, and Dao Companions to communicate with would be much better.
During the conversation, Xiao Xiyue also occasionally asked Lu Changsheng about daily life matters and questions.
This was also her purpose in participating in the conversation.
From Lu Changsheng, she saw her Breakthrough Opportunity.
However, she couldn’t directly bring up the Inner Demon Tribulation or cultivation matters.
She needed to understand and observe Lu Changsheng’s situation.
After all, something like an Inner Demon Tribulation, if not handled well, could harm oneself and others, and affect others.
Although her emotions were gradually becoming indifferent, she would not be cold and ruthless just for the sake of cultivating immortality.
Lu Changsheng was somewhat surprised by these questions.
But hearing Xiao Xiyue say that her main purpose for coming down the mountain this time was to temper her Heart-Nature in the Mortal World, he didn’t pay it much mind.
After all, these people had experienced many Mortal World affairs.
However, Xiao Xiyue and the other two had been cultivating in the Sect and rarely experienced daily trivialities.
There is no feast that does not end.
As the sun set, everyone concluded their gathering and bid each other farewell.
Zhao Qingqing said she had a mission to complete.
Han Lin, on the other hand, was returning home to visit his relatives.
“Fellow Daoist Lu, this trip down the mountain, I wish to travel the Mortal World and seek Opportunities.”
“But I don’t know much about the Mortal World and the Cultivation World, and I currently have no destination. I would like to ask you to accompany me for a journey, if possible?”
At parting, Xiao Xiyue did not leave directly, but looked at Lu Changsheng and said.
She wore a white dress as pure as snow, her face cold and peerless, like the bright moon in the sky, calm and indifferent, carrying a hint of immortal aura.
“Uh?”
Lu Changsheng was slightly startled to hear this.
However, he had just learned from their conversation that Xiao Xiyue’s purpose for coming down the mountain this time was to temper her Heart-Nature in the Mortal World and Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.
To him, this request was not abrupt.
“Lu usually only travels between Ruyi County in the Mortal World, Qingzhu Mountain, and the market. If Daoist Friend Xiao has no current destination, Lu is naturally willing to accompany Daoist Friend Xiao for a journey,” Lu Changsheng pondered slightly and said.
As a Disciple of the Sect, and even a Disciple of a Core Formation True Person, Lu Changsheng was naturally willing to befriend her and maintain this relationship.
Just accompanying him for a journey, in Lu Changsheng’s view, was not much trouble, and agreeing was fine.
Whether it succeeded or not, it meant the other party owed him a favor.
A favor from a Sect Core Formation True Person’s Disciple was also a layer of background connection.
Especially since this Sect was Qingyun Sect.
Qingzhu Mountain, where he was located, was also under the jurisdiction of Qingyun Sect.
“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Lu.”
A hint of warmth appeared in Xiao Xiyue’s cold eyes, like a night-blooming cereus blooming.
“I’ve always been in the Mortal World and also understand the Cultivation World, why didn’t you ask me?”
Hong Yi, who had been silent beside them, couldn’t help but feel a hint of bitterness in his heart.