Chapter 757: What does Elder Xuanmu think of Yiren?

“I know that Xuanmu Elder, besides the Nascent Soul Opportunity and the Nascent Soul Pill, has no other urgent needs.”

“But the Nascent Soul Pill is extremely rare, even our Penglai Island would find it difficult to acquire.”

Shen Baishuang said with a look of considerable emotion.

These words were not false.

Even if their Goddess Palace had a channel for the Nascent Soul Pill, acquiring it would still require waiting and paying a huge price.

“However, besides the Nascent Soul Pill, I have prepared several Nascent Soul spiritual items and some rare resources rarely seen in the outside world. Xuanmu Elder can take a look; perhaps there’s something you need.”

Shen Baishuang paused, then continued, her voice neither rushed nor slow, clear with a hint of mellow charm, like a blend of mountain spring water and aged fine wine, its lingering resonance moving the heart.

As she spoke, her slender, delicate hand handed a湛蓝 Jade Slip to Lu Changsheng, her movements graceful and elegant.

“Good.”

Lu Changsheng took the Jade Slip and swept it with his Divine Sense.

It recorded many Advanced Heaven And Earth Treasure.

Nascent Soul spiritual items, for instance, go without saying.

It even contained a top-grade Nascent Soul spiritual item and an incredibly rare heart-calamity-type Nascent Soul spiritual item.

One should know that at the previous Advanced auction, such a heart-calamity-type Nascent Soul spiritual item had fetched a sky-high price.

Perhaps knowing that he was a Talisman Master, a Diviner, a Physician, and possessed a Four-Rank Puppet proficient in Puppet techniques, there were many Materials in this regard.

Even Lu Changsheng felt his heart stir as he looked at them.

“Second Palace Master, I’ll exchange for this [Brahma Heart Pure Lotus].”

After a brief consideration, Lu Changsheng pointed to the heart-calamity Nascent Soul spiritual item and said.

Although he possessed the demonic subduing calamity eradication pill and did not need this [Brahma Heart Pure Lotus], among these treasures, this item was the most precious.

It could not only be used by his wife at Lu but also serve as a bargaining chip for trading with other Cultivator.

“Good ~ With Xuanmu Elder’s current contribution, besides this item, you can choose a few more.”

Shen Baishuang was not surprised by Lu Changsheng’s choice.

This [Brahma Heart Pure Lotus] was originally a token of their Goddess Palace’s sincerity and gratitude.

It would be strange if the latter, as a Core Formation cultivator, urgently needing a Nascent Soul Opportunity, did not choose this item.

If he didn’t choose this item, it would mean that he possessed a heart-calamity-type spiritual item, or that he had absolute confidence in himself, with no flaws in his state of mind!

Immediately, Lu Changsheng chose two rare spiritual Materials usable by Qian Zhuyan from the list and handed the previous consumption list to Shen Baishuang.

“No problem.”

Shen Baishuang was very generous; she merely glanced at the list roughly, without checking or asking further, and then asked Lu Changsheng if he wanted to convert it into contribution points or choose a few more items from the list.

“May I exchange it for Top-Grade Spirit Stone?”

Lu Changsheng mused softly.

Although Top-Grade Spirit Stone are rare, for a Nascent Soul-level force like the Goddess Palace, they are not too precious.

After all, whether it’s for setting up Formation, or for strategic Magic Treasure, warships, and Puppet, they all require Spirit Stone to operate.

And Top-Grade Spirit Stone are naturally the best, so every top force would store a lot.

Otherwise, when Shen Baishuang saw him using a Puppet required consuming Top-Grade Spirit Stone and he demurred, she wouldn’t have directly offered him five Top-Grade Spirit Stone.

“Top-Grade Spirit Stone, our Goddess Palace doesn’t have many…”

Shen Baishuang did not agree directly, but instead said with a thoughtful expression: “However, since Xuanmu Elder needs them, I can decide to exchange up to twenty pieces.”

Top-Grade Spirit Stone are a strategic resource, and the Goddess Palace not having many is one thing.

The main reason, however, was that Shen Baishuang did not want Lu Changsheng to possess too many Top-Grade Spirit Stone.

After all, the latter’s Puppet battle array was too astonishing, comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator!

If the latter harbored ill intentions, developed ambitions, or was incited by an enemy force, these Top-Grade Spirit Stone would become ammunition fired at their Goddess Palace.

“Twenty pieces?”

Lu Changsheng initially felt it was too few.

But thinking about the Top-Grade Spirit Stone he had acquired from Loushan True Lord, Zicang Zhenjun, Heavenly Silkworm True Lord, and others, which totaled only about thirty, he said no more, cupping his hands and saying, “Thank you, Second Palace Master.”

“Haha, Xuanmu Elder is too polite. I haven’t even thanked you for the previous battle.”

Shen Baishuang’s rose-colored, delicate red lips curled slightly, forming a beautiful and charming arc, and she gradually got to the point, subtly probing the origins of Qian Zhuyan and Tihun Beast.

“To be honest, Second Palace Master, the Soul within this Puppet is a Senior who is both my teacher and friend…”

Lu Changsheng sighed softly and began to recount how he, a Foundation Establishment clan Cultivator, had risen step by step to his current level.

It was during his youth that he accidentally acquired a damaged Puppet, within which slept a Senior who taught and guided him in his Cultivate.

It’s just that her Divine Soul was damaged, and she was mostly in slumber, having forgotten many memories. He now hopes that after achieving Nascent Soul, he can help her repair her Divine Soul and recover her past memories.

As for the Tihun Beast, he himself was not clear.

It was a peculiar creature that the Puppet’s Divine Soul helped him find in a Secret Realm back then.

This beast usually had no combat power or use, but it was naturally capable of Soul absorption and ghost devouring, restraining fierce Souls and ghost Cultivator, and even some Demonic Path Cultivator.

“Ye rarely engages in battles or厮杀, and the Cultivation Nation he belongs to is also a Righteous Path Cultivation Nation. He has never seen such a Nascent Soul-level Demonic Path Cultivator, which is why he only now realized how astonishing this beast’s combat power is.”

Lu Changsheng said a lot of nonsense with a face full of emotion, not revealing any detailed information about Qian Zhuyan and Tihun Beast, only mentioning information that Shen Baishuang could observe and deduce.

The two conversed for a long time, and Shen Baishuang, knowing that it was impossible to inquire about Lu Changsheng’s true background, revealed her real intention: “Xuanmu Elder, what do you think of Yiren?”

“Second Palace Master is referring to… Your Highness, Third Palace Master?”

Lu Changsheng asked with a hint of uncertainty.

“That’s right, it’s my younger sister.”

Shen Baishuang nodded lightly, a faint smile gracing her lips, then elegantly picked up her tea and took a small sip, every movement exuding an innate noble grace.

Lu Changsheng’s heart paused slightly, then he thoughtfully said, “Third Palace Master is kind-hearted and approachable. When I first entered the Goddess Palace, I received much care from Third Palace Master.”

“Moreover, Third Palace Master is exceptionally talented, not only in medicine but also knowledgeable in Talisman, Medicinal Pill, and divination. Several interactions and exchanges have greatly benefited me.”

Lu Changsheng said with emotion, as if he hadn’t heard the underlying meaning in Shen Baishuang’s words.

Shen Baishuang seemed a little tired, putting down her teacup. Her high, rounded hips shifted slightly, her crossed legs changed position, and the exquisite red embroidered shoes beneath her skirt gently lifted, looking plump and alluring.

Then she looked at Lu Changsheng with burning eyes and asked, “Since that’s the case, do you have any thoughts about Yiren, any romantic inclinations?”

“???”

Lu Changsheng was stunned.

He hadn’t expected this Second Palace Master to be so direct.

Although he had previously guessed that with his astonishing combat prowess and methods, the Goddess Palace might consider arranging a match between him and Shen Yiren.

But he never expected Shen Baishuang to be so blunt.

However, thinking about the latter’s somewhat rash temperament, Lu Changsheng found it quite reasonable and said, “For a goddess like Third Palace Master, it would naturally be impossible for me to say I have no admiration.”

“However, matters between men and women depend on fate and mutual affection. Moreover, the Cultivation World is ever-changing. Core Formation cultivator may seem glorious, having stepped into the threshold of Advanced Cultivator, but without achieving Nascent Soul, they are ultimately ants, and a slight carelessness can lead to their demise.”

“I am currently just a wandering Loose Cultivator, and my main focus and energy are all on achieving Nascent Soul. Without achieving Nascent Soul, how dare I presume upon such a beauty?”

Lu Changsheng shook his head and sighed, then said with determined eyes.

Although he could take this Opportunity to express his admiration and love for Shen Yiren.

However, based on Lu Changsheng’s understanding of the three Palace Masters of the Goddess Palace, he suspected that both the Great Palace Master and the Third Palace Master were unaware of the Second Palace Master’s visit.

Otherwise, when Shen Yiren visited him earlier, it would have been impossible for her to show no inclination whatsoever.

Moreover, his “Xuanmu Daoist” persona was that of someone single-mindedly pursuing the Dao, coming to Xingxiu Sea to seek a “Disciple” and a Nascent Soul Opportunity.

If he were to show too much affection for the Third Palace Master now, or even willingness to abandon his Nascent Soul Opportunity, the other party might think he was unscrupulous and trying to use Shen Yiren as a stepping stone.

When Shen Baishuang saw Lu Changsheng frankly expressing his admiration for her sister, for some reason, she felt a little jealous.

Her own charm was no less than her sister’s, if not more.

Why didn’t he show any affection for her?

However, remembering that she was a married woman, she immediately dispelled the thought from her mind and said with a beautiful, flowing smile, “Since Xuanmu Elder is interested in Yiren, then I’ll speak plainly.”

“Many times, matters between men and women do not conflict with the Great Dao of Nascent Soul. You are interested in Yiren, and Yiren also has a good impression of you.”

“If you and Yiren become Dao Companion, then you will be family. At that time, when the Goddess Palace obtains the Nascent Soul Pill, Fellow Daoist will be considered first.”

“The Goddess Palace doesn’t have the Nascent Soul Pill right now, but there’s the Ninefold Spirit Pill, known as the ‘Lesser Nascent Soul Pill.’ With my sister’s ability, it wouldn’t be difficult to purchase one from the Dan Alliance.”

As she spoke, Shen Baishuang picked up her teacup again, took a small sip, and looked calmly into Lu Changsheng’s gentle eyes, saying slowly, “And I’ll tell Xuanmu Elder a secret: Yiren’s Cultivation Technique is beneficial for Dual Cultivation.”

“In a few more years, Yiren will be able to Breakthrough to Nascent Soul.”

“If you and Yiren become Dao Companions, the probability of your future Breakthrough to Nascent Soul can also increase by several tenths!”

Shen Baishuang put down her teacup, casually revealing a secret, her beautiful eyes wanting to see shock and emotion on Lu Changsheng’s face.

However.

Lu Changsheng’s expression sank, his handsome and refined face instantly revealing a serious and resolute look, and he said, “What kind of person does Second Palace Master take me for!”

“Although I desire to achieve the Nascent Soul Dao, I absolutely cannot resort to unscrupulous means, deceive others’ feelings, and treat Third Palace Master Your Highness as a bargaining chip or a tool to advance my Realm, just for the sake of a Nascent Soul Breakthrough!”

“This is not my Dao!”

Lu Changsheng said with a solemn and serious face, his steady voice carrying a hint of suppressed anger.

In his heart, he couldn’t help but sigh, this Second Palace Master truly wasn’t suited for recruiting people.

For such matters, a few hints would suffice; why be so direct?

It made him momentarily unsure if this was a test or genuine sincerity.

Moreover, the other party valued his talent, potential, and various methods, wanting him to completely become a person of the Goddess Palace.

But if he really agreed and accepted the matter with Shen Yiren, would this Second Palace Master, and even the Great Palace Master, truly trust him completely?

They would likely prepare numerous checks and balances to control him, wouldn’t they?

Since that was the case, it would be better to let things naturally develop with Shen Yiren in an open and honorable way.

As for Shen Yiren’s Cultivation Technique being beneficial for Dual Cultivation, Lu Changsheng didn’t care at all and had no thoughts on it.

Now that he had the Nascent Soul Pill, and his Spiritual Root had Advanced from Earthly Spiritual Root to Heavenly Spiritual Root, he was already ninety percent certain of achieving Nascent Soul.

What he sought was nothing more than a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul, and whether it could advance further, just like the Great Dao Golden Core!

“???”

Shen Baishuang was startled.

She hadn’t expected Lu Changsheng’s reaction to be so intense despite her good intentions, directly scolding her. A hint of irritation welled up in her heart.

But his words stirred something deep within her.

“Although I desire to achieve the Nascent Soul Dao, I absolutely cannot resort to unscrupulous means, deceive others’ feelings…”

She couldn’t help but think of herself.

Although her husband was a Nascent Soul True Lord, in charge of Zhujian Mountain Villa (Sword Casting Villa), his conditions were superior to Lu Changsheng’s.

But… after marrying her, he inexplicably disliked women and only preferred the company of men.

This led her not only to live as a widow but also to endure numerous rumors.

Now, seeing Lu Changsheng willing to give up such a shortcut and Nascent Soul Opportunity to avoid deceiving her sister, Shen Baishuang was filled with emotion.

If only… if only…

Her anger gradually dissipated, and she said softly, “Xuanmu Elder, please don’t be angry. I absolutely did not mean that. I only remembered that Fellow Daoist stood firmly on the side of my Goddess Palace when facing Si Guihua, proving to be a trustworthy person, and also having a mutual liking with my younger sister. I simply thought of bringing about a beautiful union.”

“Second Palace Master’s good intentions are appreciated, but the affection between a man and a woman, once they become Dao Companions, means walking the Great Dao together, supporting each other, and sharing hardships. If too many utilitarian motives are mixed in, it loses its true essence. I ask Second Palace Master to please refrain from saying such things.”

Lu Changsheng saw Shen Baishuang’s sincere expression and softened attitude, so he cupped his hands and spoke.

After speaking, fearing that this Second Palace Master would truly believe he was a person steadfast in the Dao, Lu Changsheng added, “If Third Palace Master has feelings for me, I still hope that by the will of fate, the two of us will fall in love and become Dao Companions under the witness of Heaven and Earth.”

“Mmm.”

At this moment, Shen Baishuang had no more thoughts after Lu Changsheng’s several remarks. She nodded slightly, then said a few words, and then got up and left.

“Hiss, did my words hurt this Second Palace Master?”

Seeing the graceful figure of the Second Palace Master leaving, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but ponder.

After all, according to rumors, the Second Palace Master and her husband, Lord Yuanwei, had a strained relationship.

Had his talk of mutual affection, walking the Great Dao together, and sharing hardships touched a raw nerve with the Second Palace Master?

“However, this matter is most likely the Second Palace Master’s idea. The Great Palace Master and Third Palace Master should be unaware.”

As for Great Palace Master Shen Jianjia, Lu Changsheng was unsure.

But having interacted with Third Palace Master Shen Yiren for so long, he had some understanding.

Gentle on the outside, firm on the inside.

Although she was willing to make sacrifices for the Goddess Palace, she wouldn’t go so far as to choose a marriage alliance just to win him over.

Even if she agreed or had such an idea, it would be to try and interact more with him, not to have Shen Baishuang come as a persuader.

Shen Baishuang returned to her sleeping quarters, Lu Changsheng’s words replaying in her mind like successive critical blows, causing an inexplicable irritation in her heart.

Not only emotional deception.

Whether it was the mutual affection a Dao Companion should have, or sharing hardships and supporting each other, she had none of it.

Only a physical and mental discomfort, a feeling of disgust.

After a long while, her emotions calmed, and she recalled her conversation with Lu Changsheng, realizing a few things were amiss.

Although this Xuanmu Elder appeared righteous.

Her objective seemed a bit too direct?

Would he think… she was testing him, which was why he reacted that way?

As soon as this thought emerged, Shen Baishuang felt it was very possible.

“Regardless of the truth of his words, this Xuanmu Immortal Master is a favored child of Heaven and Earth, possessing great Luck!”

Subsequently, Shen Baishuang thought of the information she had indirectly obtained.

Although the veracity of the words was still questionable, the other party definitely belonged to a person of great Luck!

And for a Core Formation cultivator to Breakthrough to Nascent Soul, besides Spiritual Root talent, and Foundation, it also depended on the right time, place, and the subtle Luck!

After all, no one could claim with absolute certainty that they would Breakthrough to Nascent Soul.

They could only maximize their chances and probabilities.

Therefore, at this time, Luck became especially important.

It could even be considered one of the probabilities for a Nascent Soul Breakthrough.

Although Luck was ethereal, it could actually be shared.

According to Cultivator research, when multiple individuals with great Luck gather in one place, or join a certain force, it is possible to boost the subtle Luck of that place.

This was also one of the reasons why many forces were willing to invite Guest Elders and venerables.

Besides being high-end combat power and possessing specialized skills, in many cases, Advanced Cultivators all had extraordinary Luck, which could potentially boost the subtle Luck of their own forces.

Of course, there were pros and cons to everything.

Sometimes, some Guest Elders and venerables would also bring great disaster to the force.

“If this person can succeed with my younger sister, perhaps he can even boost my younger sister’s subtle Luck by a few points.”

Although Shen Baishuang was confident in her sister Shen Yiren’s Breakthrough to Nascent Soul.

But with the boost of Luck, the process of shattering the Core and forming the Nascent Soul would be smoother, and it could also improve the quality of the Nascent Soul!

Just thinking of her younger sister’s temperament, and this Xuanmu Elder’s attitude, she shook her head, deciding to let nature take its course.

Time flew by, and in a blink of an eye, a year passed.

Due to the unpredictable fluctuations in the auspiciousness of the divination, it was not advisable to go out. So, during this time, Lu Changsheng had been cultivating in seclusion on Rongyue Island.

For a Cultivator of his Realm, a year was not short, but certainly not long.

He had only consumed one-tenth of his Xuanhuang Essence.

One day, he suddenly felt something, walked out of his Immortal Cave, and looked into the distance.

He saw the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi vortex roaring above the Goddess Palace, causing the Spiritual Qi from all directions to violently gather, churn, and surge, gradually affecting Rongyue Island.

“This is… someone is Undergoing Tribulation to Nascent Soul!?”

Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat as he observed this commotion.

Although he had never witnessed a Core Formation cultivator Undergoing Tribulation to Nascent Soul, he had seen the Rift Sea Mysterious Dragon Whale’s True Spirit Tribulation and a Four-Rank Heavenly Tribulation.

Not long after, a Core Formation cultivator came to Rongyue Island, stating that Jingqing True Person was Undergoing Tribulation to Nascent Soul, which might affect cultivation here, and requested Xuanmu Elder’s understanding.

Furthermore, the Goddess Palace, and even Penglai Island, had entered a state of full alert, with no one allowed to enter, exit, or approach.

“Good.”

Lu Changsheng expressed understanding for such matters.

A Nascent Soul Undergoing Tribulation was of utmost importance, and no accidents were allowed to occur.

When a Guest Elder like him Underwent Tribulation to Nascent Soul in the future, the Goddess Palace would also enter a state of lockdown and alert to prevent disturbance.

So, such matters were perfectly understandable, and everyone chose to be accommodating.

Immediately, Lu Changsheng watched the Nascent Soul heavenly phenomenon from Shennv Peak from a distance on Rongyue Island, observing the process of the Nascent Soul Breakthrough.