Chapter 122: I Never Meant to Live Off a Woman!

At this moment, the slaughter within Red Leaf Valley was almost over.

The cultivators with Chen Family bloodline had been nearly wiped out.

Only those with different surnames and slaves, as well as commoners, were left.

As a thunderous ‘boom’ sounded from above Red Leaf Valley, everyone looked up to the sky where a blinding white light shone.

As the white light gradually faded, the Patriarch of the Lu Family, Patriarch Bai, and a figure in purple clothing appeared.

However, the Chen Family Ancestor was nowhere to be seen.

Everyone knew that the Chen Family Ancestor was dead.

From today on, the Chen Family of Red Leaf Valley ceased to exist.

The original scrawny young man had vanished.

In his place was a stunningly beautiful girl in a purple dress, exuding an ethereal aura.

Everyone guessed that the girl in purple was the disguise of the scrawny young man from earlier.

Although surprised, they felt it was expected.

After all, many people heard Meng Xiaochan calling ‘Lu Lang’.

From that form of address, they guessed that this person, Lu Lang, was likely a man.

It would be reasonable for a man to call another man ‘Lu Lang’, but it would seem a bit strange.

However, it felt quite normal if it was a female cultivator.

Looking at Meng Xiaochan, floating gracefully in the sky with her exquisite beauty, everyone couldn’t help but wonder who she was referring to as Lu Lang.

Could it be Lu Family Patriarch or Patriarch Yuan Zhong?

Two families’ cultivators shifted their gaze to the Lu Family Patriarch and Lu Yuanzhong in the sky, speculating.

“It’s definitely her!”

Lu Changsheng looked at the girl in purple and thought it was indeed her.

He realized he had guessed correctly.

The scrawny young man from earlier was indeed the girl in the purple dress who had once used Gu on him.

Although she was merely considered pretty before, her current exquisite features and ethereal aura were a huge difference.

But the contour of her eyebrows and this attire made Lu Changsheng see traces of her.

He was one hundred percent sure they were the same person.

“Does this mean that the Lu Lang she was calling was me?”

“Did she attack the Chen Family Ancestor just now because of me? Because he attacked me?”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

He roughly understood the before and after, clearing up any doubts.

But the next moment, he paused with a sudden realization.

“Would she come over and greet me?”

With this thought, Lu Changsheng suddenly felt nervous.

In such a public place, if she came over and called ‘Lu Lang’, wouldn’t it make him unable to keep a low profile?

It would draw attention and leave an impression.

However.

As soon as he thought about it, Lu Changsheng saw Meng Xiaochan in her purple dress flying gracefully towards him.

“Crap!”

Lu Changsheng cursed inwardly.

This was troublesome for him.

Under everyone’s gaze, Meng Xiaochan landed in front of Lu Changsheng.

Her exquisite face was slightly pale from the recent battle.

Her star-like eyes looked at Lu Changsheng with grievance and an apologetic look.

Then, with a gentle voice full of tenderness, she faintly said, “Lu Lang.”

“Hiss!”

“Hiss!”

“Hiss!”

At that moment, everyone around was stunned, shocked, and dumbfounded.

The Fourth Elder was stunned.

Lu Miaoyun was stunned.

Lu Yuanshan Ding was stunned.

Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaohuan werr also stunned.

Just a moment ago, they were thinking about how well Patriarch Lu and Lu Yuanzhong had hidden having a Foundation Establishment insider within the Chen Family.

But none of them expected that the so-called ‘Lu Lang’ the Foundation Establishment master referred to was actually Lu Changsheng.

Unexpectedly, Lu Changsheng knew such a distinguished Foundation Establishment cultivator.

And at this moment, this ethereal, fairy-like Foundation Establishment master smiled tenderly at Lu Changsheng and called him ‘Lu Lang’.

From her tone, they sensed endless resentment and affection.

Causing everyone to gasp involuntarily.

“Sigh.”

Lu Changsheng sighed slightly.

He clearly felt the innumerable curious, surprised, envious, and respectful gazes falling upon him at this moment.

He knew he could no longer stay inconspicuous.

“Miss, it’s been a while.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Meng Xiaochan in front of him and said awkwardly.

As he spoke, his hand stealthily slipped into his sleeve, grasping the Golden Light Brick talisman treasure.

Although he suspected she was affected by the Love Gu and in love with him.

Most of the reasoning was from Lu Changsheng’s conjectures.

He wasn’t sure about the specific effects of the Love Gu.

And he didn’t know if she would still harm him.

After all, their last two encounters weren’t exactly pleasant.

He felt it was a bit too coincidental for the Chen Family Ancestor to suddenly attack him.

He suspected she was somehow involved.

Making it necessary for him to remain vigilant.

Yet, with the Xuan Yuan Pearl in hand, he felt confident facing Meng Xiaochan now.

“Lu Lang recognizes me but doesn’t want to meet with me, how could I be at peace?”

Meng Xiaochan’s rosy lips curled slightly, her starry eyes full of accusation.

As if she were looking at an unfaithful man.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng looked at her resentful expression, twitching his lip with speechlessness.

Sister, we’ve only met three times.

I don’t even know your name.

Thinking the Love Gu was too dominating.

Ever since the Gu worm’s backfire after their first encounter, they hadn’t met again until now.

He felt thankful for having the Peach Blossom Gu; otherwise, imagining the same situation happening to himself was nerve-wracking.

“Hiss!”

“Hiss!”

“Hiss!”

At this moment, everyone around inhaled sharply.

With a Foundation Establishment master visiting a lover, commenting loudly was disrespectful.

Some even fell to their knees.

Feeling that listening to how Lu Changsheng would respond deserved a kneeling posture.

And not only them, but even the three patriarchs were stunned.

Just knowing Lu Changsheng was the Lu Lang the Foundation Establishment master referred to left them speechless.

Now, seeing this Foundation Establishment master behave as a coy woman in front of Lu Changsheng was like a dream.

This!

This!

This!

What kind of charm does Lu Changsheng possess?

To make a Foundation Establishment master reveal such behavior.

In the cultivation world, female cultivators were fewer than males.

As one’s cultivation level increased, the imbalance worsened.

A beautiful and highly capable female cultivator was especially sought after.

Most female cultivators had several, even dozens, of suitors.

Yet at this moment, a fairy-like Foundation Establishment master showed such a demeanor to a Qi Refining cultivator.

Making them question their years of experience.

Feeling as if they had wasted decades, if not centuries.

In this moment, they truly gained new insights.

Meng Xiaochan sighed gently seeing Lu Changsheng silent.

She said to herself, “Xiaochan knows that Lu Lang harbors resentment toward me, hence doesn’t wish to acknowledge me.”

“But my feelings for Lu Lang are sincere.”

“This is a gift prepared by Xiaochan for Lu Lang, it’s my token of sincerity, please accept it.”

Meng Xiaochan sighed, extending a storage bag toward Lu Changsheng.

“A gift? A token?”

Lu Changsheng looked at the storage bag with narrowed eyes.

He sensed her genuine sincerity, but the situation made it challenging to respond appropriately.

“Thud! Thud! Thud!”

The sound of kneeling echoed.

Young cultivators from the Lu and Bai families knelt, looking up at Lu Changsheng.

Such a high-level dialogue deserved a kneeling posture out of respect.

They didn’t hope to be like Lu Changsheng but admired having someone like a fairy-like Foundation Establishment master speak softly and tenderly.

“Lu Lang, will you not forgive Xiaochan?”

Meng Xiaochan’s flawless face looked distressed when Lu Changsheng didn’t take the storage bag.

Her gentle words could melt the hardest heart.

Simplicity stunned everyone.

“A Foundation Establishment master behaving like this in front of Lu Changsheng.”

Not far away, Lu Miaohuan watched in disbelief, biting her lips.

She didn’t expect Lu Changsheng’s charm to be this potent.

Making a Foundation Establishment master equal to herself behave this way.

Stirring a sense of crisis in her heart.

However, when Lu Changsheng acted indifferent towards Meng Xiaochan and thought of his usual attitude towards her, she stood proudly.

Hmph, what if she’s a Foundation Establishment master, what if she’s attractive?

Lu Changsheng likes someone like me!

Lu Miaohuan felt a surge of pride.

Lu Miaoge quietly watched..

She knew Lu Changsheng had secrets.

But never did she imagine such a deep secret.

Wondering how Lu Changsheng made a Foundation Establishment master deeply enamored.

“Husband, since it’s the senior’s token of sincerity, you should accept it.”

At this moment, Lu Miaoyun gently held Lu Chansheng’s hand, whispering.

She was equally shocked.

Never did she think the ‘Lu Lang’ of a Foundation Establishment senior would be her husband.

Leaving her at a loss for words.

But seeing how the Foundation Establishment master was, she chose to present herself as kind and generous.

“That’s right, Changsheng, since it’s from the young lady, you should accept it.”

The Fourth Elder chimed in.

Never imagining the ‘Lu Lang’ called by the Foundation Establishment master would be her grandson-in-law.

And in front of her grandson-in-law, the master behaved so humbly.

Besides thinking Lu Changsheng didn’t know what was good, she felt admiration.

After all, a Foundation Establishment master was typically like an ancestor, treated with great respect.

Here one was apologizing to a Qi Refining cultivator, making any possible wrongdoing forgivable.

“Alright, thank you, Miss Xiaochan, I’ll accept the token and bygones be bygones.”

With these words, Lu Changsheng cautiously took the storage bag.

But remained on guard, ready to act at any moment.

After all, if she intended harm,

even with the Xuan Yuan Pearl, he’d be at risk.

“Lu Lang is willing to forgive me?”

Upon hearing this, Meng Xiaochan’s bitterness vanished.

Her flawless face revealed a bashful joy, with dimples, infinitely captivating.

“Mhm.”

“Mhm.”

Lu Changsheng slightly nodded.

If they were alone, he wouldn’t have agreed without understanding the Love Gu’s effect.

But in such a public setting, he restrained from saying too much.

“Lu Lang’s willingness to forgive me is wonderful.”

Meng Xiaochan spoke earnestly, “But I have pressing matters and can’t stay long. Once done, I yearn to cook and live my life alongside Lu Lang.”

With a lingering glance, she flew off as a streak of light.

“Whew!”

Watching her leave, Lu Changsheng sighed with relief.

He perceived that the Love Gu’s backlash left her without malice.

Next time, he’d explore more about this Gu worm.

“Brother Changsheng, can I learn from you?”

A Lu Family disciple gazed at Lu Changsheng as if visiting a sage.

“Brother Changsheng, truly a role model for our generation!”

“Is this considered living off a woman?”

“Living off a woman? This is taking charge!”

“No wonder you’re Qingzhu Mountain’s most affectionate.”

“I thought I’d mastered the art of avoidance; I realize there’s much more to learn.”

“Shouldn’t cousin Miaoyun be affected the most?”

“It’s unachievable.”

“Earlier, I didn’t dare miss a moment, eager for Lu Changsheng’s words, but he said nothing.”

“Silence speaks louder; this alone will last a lifetime for contemplation.”

After Meng Xiaochan departed, many Lu Family disciples dared to speak.

Earlier events had them stifled.

Many Bai family cultivators ingrained this scene into their memories, remembering the name Lu Changsheng.

“I really didn’t intend to live off a woman.”

Seeing the inquisitive looks, Lu Changsheng thought, feeling resigned.

Whether he liked it or not, he became known for this.

“Ahem, ahem.”

At this moment, the Lu Family Patriarch descended, lightly coughing to restore order.

“Lu Changsheng, what’s going on with you and that Daoist friend?”

Even the Lu Family Patriarch inquired.

The previous situation left him in awe.

Internally, he was immensely shocked.

“Uh.”

Lu Changsheng pondered slightly.

Then, with a wry smile, he said, “Patriarch, I encountered her severely injured on my way to Jiulong Market and saved her life.”

“She then invited me to explore a Cave Dwelling, where some things happened.”

Lu Changsheng spoke vaguely.

Because there simply was no way to explain, he made things up.

Whether they believed him wasn’t his concern.

“I see.”

“Changsheng, thanks to you, we’ll ensure you’re duly credited and rewarded.”

The Lu Family Patriarch didn’t press further and spoke warmly.

Everyone had their fated secrets.

It was polite not to pry.

Today, without Lu Changsheng’s connection to the Foundation Establishment, their Lu Family would have faced trouble.

Plus, with Lu Changsheng always linked to such a distinguished cultivator, their Lu Family gained external intimidation.

“Thank you, Patriarch.”

Lu Changsheng slightly bowed.

“Alright, rest here and keep an eye on things.”

The Patriarch didn’t elaborate, letting Lu Changsheng and others rest while overseeing Red Leaf Valley cleanup.

“Miaoyun, it wasn’t my intention to keep this from you.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at his wife, Lu Miaoyun, feeling the need t explain.

“It’s alright, husband. As long as you cherish me.”

Lu Miaoyun gently shook her hed.

She had long accepted her husband’s polygamous situation.

Seeing a Foundation Establishment fall for her husband was indeed unsettling.

Yet, a sense of pride arose.

Her husband was indeed remarkable.

“Changsheng, did you obtain those Second-Tier talismans from the Cave Dwelling too?”

The Fourth Elder asked.

“Yes, grandmother. The pills I used to save Sister Miaoge and these talismans were collected there.”

Lu Changsheng said.

Promptly directing all fortune to Meng Xiaochan.

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Elder ceased further questioning.

Permitting Lu Changsheng to rest while focusing on organizing their gains and assessing Chen Family’s resources.

The sun’s glow dimmed, blood-red as dusk matched the valley’s crimson beauty.

In the falling dusk, the Lu and Bai family members felt a serene beauty.

While the Chen cultivators turned into grotesque, resentful spectators.

The Lu and Bai family leaders organized the cleanup within Red Leaf Valley.

While Lu Changsheng and his wife Lu Miaoyun chatted nearby.

Lu Miaohuan joined with her sister Lu Miaoge..

Lu Miaohuan chatted non-stop, asking about everything.

While Lu Miaoge remained quietly beeutiful.

Right then.

“Hmm? Who owns this Spirit Boat?”

“Be cautious! Vigilant!”

Someone shouted, looking to the sky.

Lu Changsheng glanced up.

Noticing a Spirit Boat approaching swiftly, hovering above Red Leaf Valley.

Onboard descended three cultivators.

An elder with graying hair in black robes,

a dignified middle-aged man in azure robes,

and a young man in scarlet robes.

The black-robed elder and azure-robed man radiated a frightening aura of dominance.

“Two Foundation Establishment cultivators!”

Lu Changsheng immediately discerned that apart from the scarlet-robed youth, the others were both Foundation Establishment cultivators.

“This scarlet-robed youth looks like a Chen Family member.”

“As for these two, could they be the patriarch of Zheng from Centipede Ridge and a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Bihu Mountain?”

Lu Changsheng considered.

The surrounding cultivation families had distinct colors.

Qingzhu Mountain preferred green, with bamboo and leaf patterns.

The Chen Family of Red Leaf Valley was red.

Zheng at Centipede Ridge was black, Yu Family at Bihu Mountain was azure.

So seeing these three sudden arrivals, Lu Changsheng speculated on their identities by attire.

There were only a few major cultivation families nearby.

And since the Lu and Bai families attacked the Chen Family, the Yu and Zheng families couldn’t just watch.

If the Lu and Bai families absorbed the Chen Family’s cultivation resources, with the Red Leaf Valley’s spiritual land, they’d develop quickly.

With new Foundation Establishment rising, they’d threaten their surroundings.

The Lu Family had anticipated the Zheng Family might intervene, hence struck swiftly.

“If the azure-robed man is indeed from Bihu Mountain’s Yu Family, it shows the Yu Family seeks a slice of the pie.”

Lu Changsheng thought.

Considering the Yu Family’s Third Young Master trying to recruit him.

It’s understandable for them to meddle.

“With the Lu and Bai patriarchs injured, and Yu Family having two Foundation Establishment cultivators, plus the Zheng patriarch, totalling three, it’s unresolved.”

Lu Changsheng sighed.

The Lu Family hoped to claim the Chen Family’s riches, yet it wasn’t that simple.

Before his thoughts deepened.

He saw three streaks of light shoot from deep within Red Leaf Valley.

The Lu Family Patriarch, the Bai Family Ancestor, and Lu Yuanzhong appeared.

“Meetings to Righteous Yu and Righteous Zheng Daoists.”

“What brings you here, two Daoists?”

The Lu patriarch addressed the azure-robed man and black-robed elder.

The Bai patriarch and Lu Yuanzhong looked at them with malice, guessing their intentions.

“I came under invitations to Red Leaf Valley for a visit from the Chen patriarch.”

The black-robed Zheng patriarch said.

Yet inside, he was shocked.

Learning of Chen’s call for aid, the Lu Family birthed a new Foundation Establishment, joining with the Bai family against the Red Leaf Valley.

The Chen Family fell quickly despite expectations.

He felt lucky crossing paths with the Yu patriarch.

Otherwise, solo travel would’ve been risky.

“Lu Daoist, a few days ago the Chen patriarch sent his heir to Bihu Mountain to propose becoming our Yu Family’s vassal.”

“So I arrived with the heir to discuss, what is happening in Red Leaf Valley?”

The Yu patriarch’s expression was calm.

He was surprised by Chen’s quick downfall.

And that both Lu and Bai patriarchs survived.

He received news of the Lu and Bai families’ joint attack.

He anticipated death for both patriarchs and severe injury for the Bai patriarch.

Leaving the Yu Family to gain advantage.

Yet unexpectedly, the Lu and Bai patriarchs were alive, though disordered.

“Visit? Vassals?”

The Lu and Bai patriarchs and Lu Yuanzhong turned grim hearing these words.

Understanding Yu’s and Zheng’s intentions.

“Chen’s feud with Lu spans generations. I, near death, sought to end this.”

“Why do Righteous Yu and Righteous Zheng want to interfere?”

The Lu patriarch spoke coldly, dropping pleasantries.

Facing impending death, he united with the Bai family, exhausting resources to destroy Chen.

Now the Yu and Zheng wish for him to concede without a fight, retake the prey? Impossible.

Even if the Yu Family was stronger with two Foundation Establishments, the Lu Family wasn’t easily bullied.

“Lu Daoist, you twist words; the Yu Family won’t interfere with your disputes.”

“However, with the Chen patriarch’s statement of vassalage, the Yu Family can’t back away.”

Yu’s patriarch spoke seriously.

“The Chen patriarch said they’re your vassals? Now he’s dead, let him say.”

The Bai patriarch snorted.

Unable to remain diplomatic facing Yu’s obvious opportunism, harvesting from others’ toil, his tone chilled.

“Young Chen, reveal the matter to the Daoists.”

Yu’s patriarch nodded to the scarlet-robed Chen heir.

“Indeed, my family chose to become Yu’s vassal, thus Red Leaf Valley belongs to Yu.”

The heir glanced at Red Leaf Valley, bitterness lingering.

“Who’s this nobody to speak?”

“The Chen Family of Red Leaf Valley doesn’t exist.”

The Lu patriarch coldly declared, striking a long sword toward the Chen heir.

“Bang!”

Yu’s patriarch countered effortlessly.

Speaking indifferently, “Lu Daoist, do you oppose our Bihu Mountain?”

“Oppose?”

The Lu patriarch sneered.

“Normally, we fear you Yu Family.”

“But with limited days remaining, I wish to experience Righteous Yu’s techniques!”

He addressed Zheng, “Zheng patriarch, do you wish to enter this?”

Although calm, his eyes held fierce intent.

Becoming a Foundation Establishment wasn’t solely from talent or meditation.

It was forged through countless trials and bloodshed.

By age, having refined his temperament.

“I’m not involved in this matter.”

Zheng’s patriarch laughed.

“Although Chen owes Zheng a resource debt, now that Lu and Bai defeated Chen, who will pay?”

“After all, you can’t lack this small resource, can you?”

Zheng patriarch spoke.

He sensed the Lu and Bai patriarchs’ injuries.

Yet he sought no conflict.

Despite their bruised pride, Foundation Establishments were formidable.

Besides the Lu patriarch, the Bai patriarch and Lu Yuanzhong were present.

Leaving without some gain was discontenting.

“Facing off is acceptable.”

“Our Jin Yang patriarch travels, do you think you’ll win?”

Yu’s patriarch brandished red-gold and ice-blue disks, preparing for battle.

A surge of spiritual light enveloped him, radiating fierce spiritual pressure.

“Jin Yang patriarch?”

The three Lu Family leaders narrowed eyes at Yu’s words, knowing Jin Yang’s strength.

Considering their current condition, defeating Yu patriarch was uncertainty.

Besides, Zheng patriarch remained a threat.

“It seems the Yu Family intends to claim others’ spoils as their own.”

“Curious don’t you think, how did we conquer Chen so swiftly?”

Lu patriarch continued.

His words paused Yu and Zheng, surprised by the claim.

In the valley.

“Will they fight?”

Lu Changsheng watched the Yu patriarch prepare spirit tools with intent.

But.

He saw the red-gold disk spin, casting a blazing fire.

Reducing the Chen heir to ashes instantly.

Then the five Foundation Establishments boarded the Spirit Boat.

“Hmm? What’s happening?”

“A negotiation?”

Lu Changsheng observed, raising a brow.

He didn’t expect readiness for battle to end with quick negotiation and the scarlet Chen heir’s demise.

“If the two are Foundation Establishments from Bihu Mountain and Centipede Ridge’s Zheng patriarch, Lu and Bai won’t avoid concessions.”

“Conquering is one step; defending is crucial.”

“True territorial control comes with power and acknowledgment.”

“Or risk losing both land and people.”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

The Lu and Bai families conquered Red Leaf Valley, eradicating the Chen patriarch.

Yet control was incomplete.

With injured patriarchs, Lu Yuanzhong was recently established.

Confronting Yu and Zheng, defending Red Leaf Valley posed challenges.

Unrest would disrupt his cultivation and peace.

He hoped for resolution.

The families’ peace was his chance to grow.

Through Meng Xiaochan, patriarchs Lu, Bai, and Chen fought.

Indicating killing a Foundation Establishment was feasible.

Utilizing Second-Tier puppets, talismans, and the Treasure Bone Technique.

Slaughtering a Foundation Establishment was achievable.

With opponents desperate, it meant becoming properties and doom.

Although possessing the Substitute Life Charm was different, he dreaded encounters.

Lu Changsheng wished for steady growth until Foundation Establishment.