Chapter 133: Xiao Xiyue’s Request

Ruyi County City.

Lu Family Inner Courtyard, Wanxiang Garden.

“Hoo hoo hoo—”

In the beautiful stone-paved garden, several martial artists were teaching a group of children martial arts during their morning practice.

Though young, these children moved with great agility as they practiced.

Whenever a mistake was made, the nearby martial artists corrected them meticulously.

A few kids, around ten years old, wielded their fists so well that you could hear the subtle sounds of wind.

Not far away, Lu Changsheng, in a green robe and with a gentle expression, watched over these practicing children.

Now, these kids were all training in martial arts under his guidance to strengthen their bodies.

His eldest son, Lu Ping’an, had already developed internal energy.

By the standards of the jianghu, with categories of unranked, third-rate, second-rate, first-rate, and innate, he was already considered a second-rate practitioner.

A twelve-year-old second-rate practitioner was quite rare in the secular jianghu.

Except for a handful of naturally gifted individuals, only the offspring of immortal cultivators could raise such children.

After all, growing up in places with spiritual veins, eating Spirit Rice and Spirit Foods,

leaves little impurity in their bodies.

These children are prodigies in martial arts training.

Furthermore, after sending these wives and children to the secular world, Lu Changsheng continued to regularly send over Spirit Rice.

However, the strength of these second-rate jianghu practitioners still couldn’t catch the System’s eyes.

Lu Changsheng used the System to check his son Lu Ping’an’s panel information.

In the strength section, there was only the word ‘None’.

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind this.

If earlier he thought he could improve his strength through his children learning martial arts,

now that idea had faded.

He hoped more that the children would learn martial arts to protect themselves and become healthy.

“Dad, how did I do?”

After morning practice, Lu Wuyou cheerfully ran towards Lu Changsheng, asking.

Her eyes showed her love and reliance on her father.

“You’re the one who slacks off.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng smiled softly and rubbed his daughter’s small head.

Then he performed a Clean Clothes Technique, like a refreshing breeze, drying and cleaning the sweat-soaked clothes of his daughter.

Of course, he didn’t play favorites.

He did the same for all the children.

The martial artists nearby watched this scene with eyes full of reverence.

“Alright, you’re all tired, let’s go eat.”

Lu Changsheng patted the heads of several children and led them to have breakfast.

Breakfast was quite rich and balanced in nutrition.

After all, the children were in their growing years.

In this aspect, Lu Changsheng never spared and didn’t mind the money.

After breakfast, Lu Changsheng and a few children, including Lu Ping’an, went to the backyard to feed the Nine Abyss Mastiff.

After raising it for so many years, the Nine Abyss Mastiff was now as sturdy as a large bull.

Its jagged teeth in its mouth were very sharp, and its coat of black fur was as glossy as satin.

Last year, the Nine Abyss Mastiff advanced to a mid-level first-tier Spirit Beast.

However, for Lu Changsheng, it didn’t mean much.

Expecting the Nine Abyss Mastiff to help him soar was clearly impossible.

Unless he invested a ton of resources to hasten the Mastiff’s growth.

But that cost was too high.

Even though Lu Changsheng had extra money, he couldn’t afford to spend like that.

He planned to let it grow slowly.

Later, it would become the spiritual beast of their family, helping to protect the children.

Six days later.

“Dad, Uncle Hong is here.”

Lu Changsheng was chatting with his wives and children in the backyard when a little one came running and shouted.

“You guys play for now. I’ll go check it out.”

Lu Changsheng responded, guessing that Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin must have arrived.

Upon meeting Hong Yi, the latter indeed mentioned that Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin had already arrived and were outside the city.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded and went with Hong Yi to greet them.

They reached outside the city and immediately saw two women and one man.

It was Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin.

Xiao Xiyue wore a moon-white dress, her black hair cascading like a waterfall down to her waist.

Her stunning beauty hadn’t changed much over the past ten years.

With bright eyes and pearly white teeth, a jade nose, and skin smooth as jade, she was exceptionally beautiful.

But her aura and demeanor had transformed dramatically compared to ten years ago.

Back then, she was straightforward and lively.

Her bright and radiant smile made people feel like a spring breeze and instantly liked her.

Now, Xiao Xiyue’s face was calm, her aura was like a bright moon high in the sky, serene and sacred, isolated from the world.

People dared only to admire from afar, fearing to approach and offend.

Looking at Xiao Xiyue like this, Lu Changsheng was a bit surprised.

He wondered what she had experienced over the past ten years to change so much.

Although her face was similar, it was as if she had become a different person.

If she wasn’t with Zhao Qingqing and Han Lin, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t have been sure she was indeed Xiao Xiyue.

With Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing and Han Lin looked only a little older and more mature than ten years ago, not much different.

“Fellow Daoist Xiao, Fellow Daoist Zhao, Fellow Daoist Han.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and cupped his hands.

Hong Yi was also surprised by Xiao Xiyue’s change.

But he didn’t scrutinize her excessively.

With a hearty and natural demeanor, he cupped his hands, saying: “May our three friends be well.”

“Fellow Daoist Hong, Fellow Daoist Lu.”

Xiao Xiyue and the other two nodded in greeting towards Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi.

They, in turn, were somewhat taken aback by Lu Changsheng’s demeanor, akin to how he and Hong Yi saw Xiao Xiyue.

Ten years had passed, and their appearances and demeanor had changed somewhat.

Take Hong Yi, for instance. Now he wore a luxurious purple brocade robe, a purple gold crown, and sported a beard.

Compared to ten years ago, he seemed far more mature and steady.

Yet Lu Changsheng still looked like a twenty-year-old.

With handsome, refined looks, you could see traces of his appearance from ten years ago.

Yet, he looked even more dignified, as if he transcended the mundane.

His appearance was rakishly beautiful, dashing, and ethereal, like a noble tree, making anyone near him feel calm.

If they didn’t know Lu Changsheng’s situation,

even the way he carried himself and looked could be believed as a core disciple of a sect or from a great immortal family.

As Lu Changsheng approached, Xiao Xiyue felt an inexplicable emotion arise.

Her heart suddenly trembled.

The ‘Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique’ she cultivated started to operate on its own.

“What is…”

Xiao Xiyue was slightly dazed.

She noticed that upon seeing Lu Changsheng, her heart, like a bright moon, rippled.

After cultivating the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique, her heart was like the moon in the sky, unaffected by emotions or trapped by feelings.

Nothing could easily move her heart or cause a stir.

Yet now, seeing Lu Changsheng, her heart trembled, triggering the operation of the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique.

“Could this be the opportunity for my breakthrough?”

Xiao Xiyue’s eyes, as calm and bright as stars, moved with a hint of emotion.

She had cultivated the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique to the peak of Qi Refining.

But due to her state of mind, she couldn’t break through.

Her master Yun Wanshang gave her three years.

Now, half of those three years have passed.

She understood that on her own, she couldn’t break through.

She needed to travel among the mortal world to hone her heart and rely on external forces to comprehend.

This is why she came down the mountain to meet them.

Thinking about having a year and a half left to travel the mortal world looking for a breakthrough opportunity,

unexpectedly, upon stepping down the mountain and reuniting with old friends, her heart trembled, activating the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique.

“Where is Fellow Daoist Li? Where did he go?”

Han Lin asked, seeing only Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi.

“Feiyu went out for training last year. Due to some matters, he might not make it back and sends his apologies.”

Lu Changsheng cupped his hands and said.

“I didn’t expect Fellow Daoist Li to be training outside.”

Han Lin nodded slightly and didn’t say much.

“Three Fellow Daoists, you must be tired from the journey. I’ve arranged everything at the Ruyi Building, still at the old Gathering Immortals Pavilion.”

Hong Yi spoke up, leading them to the venue.

Soon, the five walked and talked their way to the Ruyi Building, Gathering Immortals Pavilion.

“Please take seats.”

After everyone was seated, Hong Yi, with a cheerful smile, served spiritual tea and fruits.

Compared to ten years ago, this gathering clearly lacked the same natural familiarity.

First, back then, their relationship was, at best, general.

Now, they hadn’t seen each other in ten years, with only occasional letters exchanged.

Secondly, in the past, there were people who warmed up the atmosphere and led the conversation.

Now, Xiao Xiyue’s demeanor was distant and ethereal, and she barely spoke.

Meanwhile, Lu Changsheng, Han Lin, and Zhao Qingqing weren’t talkative either, and they were missing Li Feiyu.

But under Hong Yi’s guidance, Lu Changsheng and Han Lin, as well as Zhao Qingqing, gradually found topics, making the conversation more natural and harmonious.

During the talk, Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing spoke about various Azure Cloud Sect stories and major events in the cultivation world.

Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi talked about secular and marketplace events.

Lu Changsheng also mentioned his brother-in-law Xia Zhaoyang.

He didn’t worry much about Xia Zhaoyang.

Occasionally, when Xia Zhiyue wrote, she mentioned her brother’s matters.

Sometimes, when Xia Zhiyue sent a letter, he’d send over some Spirit Stones.

Though not many, these were just a brother-in-law’s token gestures, simple investments.

“I heard about Xia Zhaoyang. I didn’t know he was a friend of Fellow Daoist Changsheng.”

Han Lin said, surprised.

Working in the Azure Cloud Sect’s Equipment Refining Hall, he wasn’t well-known, but information was his forte.

Xia Zhaoyang, with a Fourth-Tier Spirit Root, entered the inner sect and was taken as a disciple by a Foundation Establishment elder, so he knew of him.

As the conversation turned to their current situations,

Lu Changsheng learned that Han Lin had reached the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining.

Zhao Qingqing recently exchanged for a High-Tier Breaking Stage Pill from the sect and had broken through to the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining.

Hearing about this level of power, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but marvel.

It’s no wonder they’re immortal sect disciples.

Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing were both outer sect disciples of Azure Cloud Sect.

They had sideline jobs and were delayed by miscellaneous tasks.

Yet, despite this, one reached the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining and the other the Seventh.

To know that Lu Miaoge, as the Lu Family’sseldest daughter of Qingzhu Mountain, with a Fifth-Tier Spirit Root, was already twenty-nine when she broke through to the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining.

As for Hong Yi and Li Feiyu, both with lower-Tier spirit roots,

one was still at the Fourth Layer of Qi Refining, while the other had just recently broken through to the Fifth.

As for himself, Lu Changsheng discounted himself.

After all, he had the System.

To the outside world, he claimed he had just broken through to the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining.

“Fellow Daoist Changsheng seems to enjoy life in a cultivation family, with wives and children and progressive improvements in both cultivation and talisman making.”

Han Lin remarked.

He had the best relationship with Lu Changsheng back then.

Though they had grown apart over time, he still felt a sense of closeness.

“Haha, nowhere near your bright cultivation future awaits,”

Lu Changsheng waved and smiled.

Then, he looked at Xiao Xiyue, whose face was as serene as an immortal’s, asking, “I heard Fellow Daoist Xiao was taken as a disciple by a Core Formation True Person. May I ask how you are doing?”

Lu Changsheng’s inquiry was partly due to curiosity about Xiao Xiyue’s situation.

It also seemed she had been frequently scrutinizing him.

“I’ve focused on cultivation over these years. Now I’m at the peak of Qi Refining and have come down the mountain for training, seeking a breakthrough opportunity.”

Xiao Xiyue spoke gently, her voice calm and captivating.

“Sss!”

Hearing this, everyone’s breath was taken away in surprise.

Peak of Qi Refining, seeking breakthrough opportunity.

She was evidently looking for an opportunity to break into Foundation Establishment.

Unexpectedly, in just ten years, Xiao Xiyue had cultivated to the peak of Qi Refining, preparing for Foundation Establishment.

The difference between them and her was colossal.

Not only were Hong Yi, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin surprised, but Lu Changsheng was as well.

However, for Lu Changsheng, it was more puzzlement.

He remembered Xiao Xiyue only had a Fourth-Tier Spirit Root.

A Fourth-Tier Spirit Root couldn’t cultivate this fast, even in an immortal sect.

“Could Xiao Xiyue possess some sort of spiritual body?”

Lu Changsheng immediately speculated.

His reasons were simple.

Xiao Xiyue was taken as a disciple by a Golden Core cultivator.

If she only had a Fourth-Tier Spirit Root, a Golden Core cultivator wouldn’t have taken interest.

She’d likely be noticed by a Foundation Establishment elder, at most.

In the entire Azure Cloud Sect, Golden Core cultivators were few.

Unless one had a truly exceptional talent like an Earthly or Heavenly Spirit Root, they wouldn’t easily accept disciples.

“Or could it be she’s cultivating a particular technique?”

Lu Changsheng thought of another possibility.

He knew how beneficial a good technique could be, like his own Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual.

Without it, handling pill toxins and ignoring minor bottlenecks, his cultivation speed wouldn’t be as fast.

So he surmised Xiao Xiyue might also have cultivated such a technique.

But perhaps this technique had side effects.

He had read in ancient texts that many powerful techniques came with side effects.

For instance, some may change in appearance or character.

Xiao Xiyue’s change in appearance and demeanor made him think of such a situation.

Otherwise, how could a decade of cultivation lead to such drastic changes?

Nevertheless, while speculating, Lu Changsheng didn’t pry.

In the world of cultivation, things like physiques and techniques were very private matters.

“Then let me wish Fellow Daoist Xiao success in building her Foundation in advance!”

Hong Yi raised his teacup, expressing a sense of reminiscence.

Back then, six of them participated in the immortal sect entrance test together, and he once admired and pursued Xiao Xiyue.

Thirteen years had now passed, and he achieved something small in the secular world.

Yet Foundation Establishment remained a distant aspiration.

While Xiao Xiyue was about to embark on Foundation Establishment, making him feel deeply moved.

“Wishing Fellow Daoist Xiao good fortune in finding her opportunity and success in Foundation Establishment.”

“We also wish Senior Sister Xiao success in Foundation Establishment!”

“We also wish Senior Sister Xiao success in Foundation Establishment!”

Lu Changsheng, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin also raised their cups in celebration.

“Thank you.”

Xiao Xiyue’s cold eyes softened slightly as she toasted with everyone.

But her gaze involuntarily turned to Lu Changsheng.

She found that whenever she looked at him, there was a faint but noticeable tremor in her heart.

If it weren’t for the operation of the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique, even Xiao Xiyue herself would have thought it was an illusion and hard to catch this emotional tremor.

“To break through, do I really have to undergo this emotional tribulation?”

Xiao Xiyue glanced at Lu Changsheng, silently musing.

She recalled her master’s teachings.

To truly be emotionless and forget emotions through cultivating the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique, one must undergo an emotional tribulation to comprehend its meaning.

Though she didn’t understand why her heart would stir for him,

nevertheless, an intuitive insight suggested that her opportunity for breakthrough might lie with Lu Changsheng.

Thinking her breakthrough chance was with him, leading to undergoing an emotional tribulation, her heart was chaotic and confused.

Over the years, she cultivated in the Azure Cloud Sect and was not versed in matters of the heart.

She had only encountered it in books.

Moreover, after cultivating the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique, her heart grew colder, nearly forgetting emotions.

Now, facing an emotional tribulation, she was somewhat at a loss.

“Didn’t I come down the mountain to seek this opportunity?”

“Now, with the chance before me, why hesitate?”

Xiao Xiyue’s chaotic heart instantly steadied.

When she chose to cultivate the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique, she knew it was a path of no return.

Without the conscious realization of ‘Hearing the Way in the morning, one can die peacefully at dusk,’ she would struggle on her path with no hope of great attainment.

With the opportunity now before her, she couldn’t miss it.

Besides, from the earlier conversation, she also learned that Lu Changsheng had many wives and children, with rich experiences in emotions.

Perhaps it was for this reason that her opportunity lay with him.

Thus, Xiao Xiyue gradually joined in the conversation.

“Fellow Daoist Hong, Fellow Daoist Lu, cultivating among the mundane world, you gather too much worldly energy, which can affect your cultivation.”

“But honing oneself in the mundane world can help cleanse the six roots, benefiting cultivation, state of mind, and overcoming bottlenecks.”

When the topic shifted to cultivation, Xiao Xiyue voiced her suggestions.

With guidance from a Golden Core master and cultivating the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique, she had many insights into state of mind.

“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Xiao, for your guidance.”

Hong Yi, feeling honored, said.

“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Xiao, for your guidance.”

Lu Changsheng slightly bowed, understanding that this principle was much like his past thoughts.

“It’s not guidance, just some suggestions.”

Xiao Xiyue’s serene demeanor, like a celestial goddess, lacked a hint of arrogance and was very gentle.

As she joined in more, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.

Especially when discussing cultivation, Xiao Xiyue, in the peak of Qi Refining, often spoke enlightening words.

This made Lu Changsheng realize the importance of ‘companions’ in the cultivation principle of wealth, companions, law, and land.

In a long journey of cultivation, everyone would face challenges and confusions.

Alone, it was hard to make progress.

But with mentors or companions of like-minded practitioners, it helped significantly.

Throughout chatting, Xiao Xiyue often asked Lu Changsheng about everyday matters.

This was part of her purpose for joining the conversation.

From Lu Changsheng, she saw her chance for breakthrough.

But she couldn’t directly bring up emotional tribulations and cultivation matters.

She needed to observe Lu Changsheng’s situation first.

After all, handling emotional tribulations poorly could harm others and herself.

Though her emotions grew colder, she wasn’t cold-hearted for cultivation.

Lu Changsheng was puzzled about such questions.

But knowing Xiao Xiyue was here for a mundane heart training journey, he didn’t mind.

After all, they had experienced many mundane matters.

Whereas Xiao Xiyue and her companions seldom did.

In this world, no party lasts forever.

As the sun set, the gathering ended, and everyone said their goodbyes.

Zhao Qingqing mentioned tasks to attend to.

While Han Lin was heading home for a family reunion.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, I journeyed down the mountain to travel the world and seek opportunities.”

“But I lack understanding of both the mundane and cultivation worlds. I have nowhere to go and wish for you to accompany me. Would you?”

At parting, Xiao Xiyue didn’t leave but looked at Lu Changsheng.

Dressed in pure white, her serene, transcendent face was like the bright moon in the sky—a touch of immortality.

“Uh?”

Lu Changsheng was slightly surprised.

But knowing Xiao Xiyue’s purpose was mundane heart training and Foundation Establishment, her request seemed appropriate.

“I usually only travel between Ruyi County, Qingzhu Mountain, and the market. If Fellow Daoist Xiao has nowhere in mind, I’d be glad to show you around.”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

Being an immortal sect disciple, and a disciple of a Core Formation True Person,

he naturally wished to maintain this connection.

Accompanying her wasn’t a big task, so he accepted.

If nothing else, it’d owe him a favor.

Owing to a disciple of a Core Formation True Person was a beneficial connection.

Especially since the immortal sect was Azure Cloud Sect.

Qingzhu Mountain was under Azure Cloud Sect’s jurisdiction.

“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Lu.”

Xiao Xiyue’s cold eyes softened, like a blossoming ephemeral flower.

“I’ve often resided in the mundane world and know about the cultivation world. Why not ask me?”

On the side, Hong Yi, though silent, felt a pang of bitterness within.