NOVEL NEXT Chapter 158: You Are All My Wings, Superior Spirit Root!
Chapter 158: You Are All My Wings, Superior Spirit Root!
There is a saying: a little separation makes the reunion sweeter.
After a night of passion with Lu Miaoge, Lu Changsheng headed to the cave dwelling area early the next morning.
“Xiyue, it’s me. Open the door.”
Arriving at the entrance of a cave dwelling, Lu Changsheng took out the communication talisman linked to Xiao Xiyue.
After a short while, the restriction on the cave dwelling was lifted.
Xiao Xiyue appeared in a moon-white dress with a cold and holy face, like a fairy from the Moon Palace.
“Changsheng.”
Upon seeing Lu Changsheng, her cold demeanor melted like ice and snow, revealing a smile.
“Have you missed me these days?”
Lu Changsheng naturally took hold of Xiao Xiyue’s soft, smooth, slender, and fair hand, speaking gently.
After entering the cave dwelling, he embraced her.
The familiar rich fragrance filled his nostrils, making him feel refreshed.
Even though they were already very intimate, after not seeing each other for half a year, Lu Changsheng’s affectionate gesture made Xiao Xiyue blush.
However, his actions and gentle words did not repel her; instead, they made her indifferent heart tremble.
Not suppressing her emotions, she softly replied, “Yes.”
“Xiyue has been thinking of me, and I have always been thinking of Xiyue.”
Holding the soft and warm beauty in his arms, Lu Changsheng whispered in her ear.
Hearing this, Xiao Xiyue felt a surge of sweetness in her heart.
But she wasn’t an easily deceived girl.
Her beautiful eyes shimmered as she looked at Lu Changsheng and smiled sweetly, “Hmph, sweet talk. With so many wives and concubines at home, how could you remember me?”
“Xiyue, are you jealous?”
“You are all my wings; how could I forget you? I came to find you as soon as I had time.”
Lu Changsheng smiled and did not dwell on the topic. He softly said, “Xiyue, let me see how your Dao foundation is.”
“Um…”
Xiao Xiyue couldn’t help but let out a soft, sultry hum, her delicate nose wrinkling slightly as she closed her beautiful eyes.
As rustling sounds filled the air, her long, slender legs tensed.
Her snow-white feet, wrapped in moon-white stockings, involuntarily curled their ten crystalline toes.
A long while later.
Afterward.
Xiao Xiyue refined the Yin and Yang energies, consolidating her Dao foundation.
Leaning gently against Lu Changsheng, she said, “Changsheng, I heard some news within the sect.”
“Meng Zhenren’s grandson, the one we encountered in Blue Cloud Market Town, Meng Yibai, is dead.”
Xiao Xiyue spoke out.
Meng Yibai was not only the grandson of a fake core Zhenren but also a core disciple of the Blue Cloud Sect.
Even in a prestigious sect like Blue Cloud Sect, Foundation Establishment cultivators were quite valuable, representing the backbone of the sect.
Moreover, Meng Yibai wasn’t just any Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Now that he had fallen outside, it was significant news within the Blue Cloud Sect.
“Meng Yibai?”
Lu Changsheng was playing with the soft, full, moon-like snowball when he heard this and raised an eyebrow.
Since Xiao Xiyue brought up this news to him, she likely already suspected it was his doing.
He didn’t choose to hide it, chuckling lightly as he said, “After I left the market town, he inexplicably came to hunt me down, so I killed him.”
Hearing this, Xiao Xiyue didn’t show any surprise.
Just as Lu Changsheng had guessed, she had vaguely sensed it was related to him when she first heard the news.
Especially after learning the general situation and understanding Meng Yibai’s character, she was almost certain that Meng Yibai had died at Lu Changsheng’s hands.
Although she didn’t know how Lu Changsheng, having just broken through to Foundation Establishment, managed to kill a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator like Meng Yibai.
However, his Yin-Yang Five Elements Dao Base and his previous feat of killing the red-robed youth had already made Lu Changsheng’s image in her heart grand and mighty.
She felt that although this matter was shocking, it was also reasonable.
After all, the person she liked was not that simple.
“Changsheng, regarding Meng Yibai’s matter, although Meng Zhenren hasn’t traced it back to you, I found out that she investigated in Blue Cloud Market Town and might have us in her sights.”
“She didn’t ask me about it, perhaps out of respect for my master.”
“As far as I know, Meng Zhenren was very fond of her grandson, Meng Yibai. She won’t let this go easily and will continue to investigate.”
“This time, I came down the mountain in disguise, hiding my identity and movements. You should also be cautious in the future.”
Xiao Xiyue nestled in Lu Changsheng’s arms, speaking softly.
After suspecting that Lu Changsheng was the one who killed Meng Yibai, she naturally went to understand the situation.
She knew that Meng Zhenren had left Blue Cloud Sect immediately after Meng Yibai’s death to investigate, specifically going to Blue Cloud Market Town for inquiries.
If someone investigated thoroughly in Blue Cloud Market Town, both she and Lu Changsheng could end up on the list of suspects.
Cultivators rarely relied on evidence when taking action, especially when there was a significant disparity in power between the parties involved.
She had a Core Formation master and thus had nothing to fear. However, if Lu Changsheng were targeted, he could face serious trouble.
This was why she brought the matter to his attention.
“Alright, I’ll be careful in this regard,” Lu Changsheng said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he nodded.
Although he had refined the vengeful spirit, preventing Meng Zhenren from tracking him down, the location where he killed Meng Yibai was not far from Blue Cloud Market Town.
If Blue Cloud Sect sent people to investigate, they might find some clues.
In the cultivation world, there were countless methods, and nothing could be ruled out.
“Xiyue, what about Blue Cloud Sect? How are they reacting to Meng Yibai’s death?” Lu Changsheng inquired, wanting to understand how the sect typically handled such situations.
“The sect had the Law Enforcement Hall send people to investigate,” Xiao Xiyue replied, shaking her head slightly.
“But since Meng Zhenren herself couldn’t find any relevant information, the Law Enforcement Hall is just going through the motions.”
Although the death of a core disciple enraged Blue Cloud Sect, it wasn’t enough to warrant a massive uproar.
“Alright,” Lu Changsheng nodded.
Nearly six months had passed, and with no action from Blue Cloud Sect or Meng Zhenren, it indicated that the trail hadn’t led back to him so far.
However, Meng Zhenren, having lost such a beloved grandson, wouldn’t give up easily. He needed to remain vigilant.
At the very least, the spiritual weapons, earth spirit rat, pet egg, and the Talisman treasure taken from Meng Yibai couldn’t be revealed or sold. If exposed, it might attract attention from Blue Cloud Sect or Meng Zhenren.
After chatting and spending some affectionate time together, Lu Changsheng stood up to leave.
He had a wife and daughter to take care of, so he couldn’t stay with Xiao Xiyue all the time.
This trip was mainly to check on Xiao Xiyue and help restore her Dao foundation.
A month passed in the blink of an eye.
During these days, Lu Changsheng stayed in the Hongye Valley market town.
Every day, he focused on creating talismans, refining the Nine-Treasure Jade Ruyi, practicing dual cultivation with Lu Miaoge while taking care of their child, and repairing Xiao Xiyue’s Dao foundation.
His days were exceptionally fulfilling.
With his recent advancement to the Foundation Establishment stage, the speed at which he could refine the Nine-Treasure Jade Ruyi had significantly increased.
At most, within a year, he would complete refining this powerful spiritual treasure, allowing him to incorporate it into his body and use it to practice the Hundred Treasure Refinement Body Tempering Technique.
As dual cultivation became more frequent, Lu Changsheng increasingly appreciated the importance of a strong body.
However, although his physique had improved, his ordinary concubines were starting to struggle with his powerful exertions.
Lu Changsheng realized that if his Hundred Treasure Refinement Body Tempering Technique advanced a few more stages, he might have to find female cultivators who also practiced body cultivation to fully enjoy intimacy.
Half a month ago, after taking the Three Yang Pill, Lu Miaoge successfully broke through from the eighth stage of Qi Refining to the ninth stage.
It was estimated that in another five or six years, she would reach the peak of Qi Refining and be ready to attempt Foundation Establishment.
Living a fulfilling life in the Hongye Valley market town, Lu Changsheng didn’t forget about his wives and concubines at home.
After informing Lu Miaoge and Xiao Xiyue, he returned to Qingzhu Mountain.
After all, his primary base was still at Qingzhu Mountain.
He always remembered his initial goals and firmly adhered to his two main objectives: “raising children well and creating children well.”
Upon returning to Qingzhu Mountain, Lu Changsheng learned that his efforts over the past half month had resulted in his concubine Kui Si becoming pregnant.
Feeling gratified, he checked on his wives and children before continuing his endeavor to expand his family.
After staying at Qingzhu Mountain for over half a month and with another maid becoming pregnant, Lu Changsheng rode his steel-feathered eagle to the Ruyi Region.
Partly to check on his wives and children, and partly to see Bai Ling.
After all, it had been six months since their last meeting.
He didn’t want this young girl to forget about him.
Moreover, she could now begin her own cultivation journey.
Upon arriving in the Ruyi Region, Lu Changsheng visited his home before heading to Bai Ling’s residence.
“Brother~”
Bai Ling was learning to weave from Grandma Zhao.
Seeing Lu Changsheng, her face immediately lit up with joy, and she ran over.
She was still wearing her exquisite white flowing fairy dress.
But looking at Bai Ling now, Lu Changsheng felt she had become even more charming and attractive compared to six months ago.
Though the term “alluring” was quite inappropriate for a twelve-year-old girl, Lu Changsheng couldn’t shake off that impression.
He was acutely aware that this wasn’t just his imagination.
There was indeed something different about her.
This led Lu Changsheng to speculate that it was related to Bai Ling’s unique physical condition.
After all, he had previously noticed that her eyes sometimes seemed to reflect an internal ripple, a momentary daze.
“Master,” Grandma Zhao greeted Lu Changsheng respectfully.
She understood well that her current comfortable life was entirely thanks to Bai Ling.
Thus, she was very conscious of her position and frequently reminded Bai Ling of Lu Changsheng’s kindness.
“How has little Ling’er been doing lately?”
Lu Changsheng nodded and then looked at the young girl in front of him, gently ruffling her twin ponytails as he asked warmly.
“Ling’er has been very happy lately! There’s delicious food, and I’m carefree, joyful. And Ruyi often takes me out to play,”
Bai Ling recounted joyfully, her head tilted up towards him.
After not seeing Lu Changsheng for six months, she had missed him dearly.
Lu Changsheng was not only her savior but had also brought a comforting light into her once-bleak life, fostering a special bond in her heart.
“Ling’er, do you remember what I told you before about having a destiny with immortality?” Lu Changsheng asked after listening to Bai Ling recount her daily life for a while.
“Yes, yes! Brother, can Ling’er really cultivate immortality?”
Bai Ling’s eyes sparkled with hope as she responded.
Over the past six months, although she mostly stayed at home, thanks to Lu Changsheng’s arrangements, Lu Wuyou, Lu Xile, and Lu Ruyi would come to play with her.
This experience had given her a better understanding of Lu Changsheng, destiny, and cultivation.
Hence, she had been eagerly hoping that she truly had a destiny with immortality and could cultivate to stay by Lu Changsheng’s side.
“Of course, brother wouldn’t lie to you,”
Lu Changsheng smiled, leading Bai Ling towards the Lu Residence.
In the backyard of the Lu Residence, he had set up a small Spirit Gathering Array.
The spiritual energy within it was sufficient for cultivators at the early to middle stages of Qi Refining to meditate and cultivate.
Walking on the street, when pedestrians passed by, Lu Changsheng saw Bai Ling’s face looking a little timid, with her hands tightly holding him.
Obviously she was still socially anxious and afraid of strangers.
Lu Changsheng understood that Bai Ling only appeared normal and natural when she was with him. Once she left home and faced strangers, her social anxiety would resurface.
He knew this was a psychological trauma, not something that could be healed overnight.
“It’s okay, brother is here,”
Lu Changsheng gently squeezed her small hand and said softly.
“Mm-hmm,”
Bai Ling looked at Lu Changsheng’s handsome face, and his words felt like a spring breeze that calmed her heart, making her feel less afraid.
In the backyard of the Lu Residence, where he had set up a small Spirit Gathering Array, Lu Changsheng began teaching Bai Ling the basics of cultivation using the “Return To Origin Technique.”
This cultivation method was attribute-neutral, making it easy for beginners and allowing for future transitions to other techniques.
After a half-day of detailed explanations from Lu Changsheng, Bai Ling understood the basics of cultivation. Through her own exploration, she managed to sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and began trying to absorb it into her body.
“This spiritual affinity is remarkable…”
Lu Changsheng observed Bai Ling sitting cross-legged, her face serious as she inhaled and exhaled the spiritual energy, and he was surprised.
As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he could clearly see the flow of spiritual energy in the air.
Bai Ling’s speed in drawing spiritual energy into her body was exceptional.
He stayed by her side, quietly watching her cultivate.
“Brother, I followed your instructions and guided the energy through here, here, and here, and then let it settle here,”
Bai Ling opened her eyes and said, gesturing with her small hands after half an hour.
“To refine the first wisp of spiritual energy in just half an hour, and in a mundane small Spirit Gathering Array at that,”
Lu Changsheng was astonished.
He recalled that when he, with his ninth-grade Spirit Root, had begun cultivating at Qingzhu Mountain, it had taken him an entire night to refine his first wisp of spiritual energy.
“This means that Bai Ling’s Spirit Root is at least of top-grade quality,” he thought. “Or perhaps, even if it isn’t top-grade, her unique physique allows her to cultivate at a speed comparable to that of a top-grade Spirit Root.”
Lu Changsheng had previously used his spiritual sense to examine Bai Ling’s body.
Her condition was highly unusual, making it difficult for him to determine the exact quality of her Spirit Root.
Even the snake-like scales on her hand remained a mystery to him.
“Brother?” Bai Ling’s voice brought him out of his thoughts.
Bai Ling noticed Lu Changsheng staring at her and called out softly, worried that she might have done something wrong and disappointed him.
“It’s nothing, Little Ling’er. You did great, achieving this so quickly,” Lu Changsheng said, coming back to his senses.
He patted her head with a gentle smile.
“Hehe,”
Bai Ling responded with a happy, contented smile.
“Should I bring Bai Ling to Qingzhu Mountain?”
Lu Changsheng pondered.
Although the small Spirit Gathering Array in the secular world sufficed for initial cultivation, it could not compare to Qingzhu Mountain.
Bringing Bai Ling to Qingzhu Mountain would allow him to monitor her progress and nurture their bond.
After considering it briefly, Lu Changsheng decided to take Bai Ling to Qingzhu Mountain.
Staying in the secular world presented some inconveniences, and given Bai Ling’s rapid cultivation speed—indicative of at least a top-grade Spirit Root—he felt uneasy leaving her there.
Even though there were few powerful cultivators in the secular world, there was always a risk.
A passing powerful cultivator might recognize Bai Ling’s extraordinary potential and take her away.
At Qingzhu Mountain, she would be much safer.
“Ah, if only I had my own spiritual land and home, things would be so much more stable and convenient,” Lu Changsheng thought.
He realized that reaching a certain stage required having a stable base.
This would simplify matters like Bai Ling’s situation and allow Xiao Xiyue to stay comfortably.
Even his children without Spirit Roots, like Lu Ping’an, could build a small village or city within the spiritual land.
“Indeed, reaching a certain level means needing a home,”
Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.
He then informed Bai Ling of his decision to take her to his other home.
Bai Ling was delighted but felt reluctant to leave her newfound friends, Lu Wuyou, Lu Xile, and Lu Ruyi.
Having been ostracized in her village and called a monster, Bai Ling had never had friends before, and now she finally did.
“Don’t worry. Brother will be visiting them whenever he can, and he will bring you along,”
Lu Changsheng reassured her, patting her head with a smile.
This eased Bai Ling’s worries, and she nodded happily.
Preparations were made for the journey to Qingzhu Mountain. Lu Changsheng took care of all necessary arrangements and ensured Bai Ling was comfortable and ready.
He also made sure to inform the other members of his household about Bai Ling’s arrival, emphasizing her special status and potential as a cultivator.
With everything set, Lu Changsheng and Bai Ling embarked on their journey to Qingzhu Mountain, a place of greater safety and opportunity, where Bai Ling’s cultivation could flourish under Lu Changsheng’s careful guidance.
Unexpectedly, within just half a year, Bai Ling had formed a friendship with his daughters.
After staying at home for about half a month, Lu Changsheng took Bai Ling and Grandma Zhao to Qingzhu Mountain.
Bai Ling had severe social anxiety and lacked a sense of security. If she went to Qingzhu Mountain without him, she would undoubtedly feel insecure. Having Grandma Zhao with her would help significantly.