Chapter 140: Yun Wanshang: Why Is It Him?

Hongye Valley Marketplace.

The streets were still sparsely inhabited and not very bustling.

Lu Changsheng walked around the market with his daughter Lu Qingzhu and his wife Lu Miaoge..

“Xiaozhu, do you like this?”

Lu Miaoge, with her hair eleggntly up, had a gentle, charming face as she asked her daughter, holding a small toy.

“Oh.”

Lu Qingzhu looked for a moment before replying.

“I guess she doesn’t like it.”

Lu Changsheng smiled at his daughter’s expression.

This daughter was already two years old.

Adorably cute, like a carved jade statue.

But she had a somewhat simple-minded personality.

Quiet and well-behaved, never crying or making a fuss.

Even when Lu Changsheng playfully pinched her, she’d only give him a slightly aggrieved look.

Totally unlike the mischievous Lu Qingshan.

“Isn’t this Miss Lu Miaoge? And look how big yyur child is now.”

“No wonder Master Lu is so loyal to the Lu Family. Seems like your family really invested in this.”

At this moment, a group of men and women approached from a distance.

One young man in a blue robe saw Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, then teased with aagrin.

“Young Master Yu, do we know you that well?”

Lu Changsheng turned his head, expressionless, and said flatly.

This young man in a blue robe was Yu Ningyuan, the third young master of the Yu Family, who once tried to recruit him at Jiulong Market.

Lu Changsheng didn’t have a good impression of this Yu Family’s third young master.

In fact, he didn’t like the entire Yu Family.

After all, according to his suspicions, the previous ambushes Lu Miaoge and he encountered ere likely orchestrated by the Yu Family.

At that time, this third young master tried to recruit him, and there might be a connection.

He kept such matters in mind.

When he becomes strong enough, he’ll settle all scores.

“Hmph.”

Yu Ningyuan’s face darkened when Lu Changsheng showed no respect.

But he only snorted coldly.

After all, Hongye Valley Marketplace was pretty much their own beat.

It’s still in its early stage.

He wouldn’t create conflict inside the market to avoid affecting its reputation.

Otherwise, he definitely wouldn’t let it slide when Lu Changsheng disrespected him like that.

“Lu Changsheng.”

After Yu Ningyuan left, he glanced back at Lu Changsheng.

He realized that Lu Changsheng wasn’t a simple person.

He had saved Lu Miaoge and remained unscatted despite Yu’s ambushes.

He played a major role in the battle that wiped out Red Leaf Valley.

Knowing that Changsheng was not easily manipulated.

“Changsheng, you should be wary of the Yu Family.”

Lu Miaoge softly advised Lu CCangsheng.

Although the Lu, Bai, Zheng, and Yu families jointly established this market,

relations among the four families hadn’t improved too much.

After all, the previous events at Red Leaf Valley were really unpleasant.

“Sister Miaoge, I understand.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

He was now a core member of the Lu Family, understanding some of the intricacies.

The two continued to stroll for a while or until they returned to the Lu Family’s Talisman Shop with their daughter.

As for his own ‘Ping’an Talisman Hall,’ he’d just check the books monthly and add talismans.

If busy, he’d have Lu Miaoge look after it..

Most of the income relied on a few Top-Tier talismans.

“Xiaozhu, why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Back on the third floor of the Talisman Shop, Lu Changsheng looked at his daughter quietly snuggling in his arms, thinking she was asleep.

But when he looked down, her big bright eyes were staring at him.

“Dad, not sleepy.”

Lu Qingzhu spoke with a milky voice.

Her little head nestled against his chest, her fair face gently rubbed up against him.

“Are you hungry?”

Seeing his daughter’s adorable appearance filled his heart with satisfaction and love, as he pecked her little milky cheeks.

“Oh.”

The little girl thought for a moment before pouting and nodding.

“You should know if you’re hungry. You silly girl.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but smile.

He immediately took out a milk bottle and a few jade bottles from his Storage Bag.

Containing spirit dew, spirit honey, and spirit beast milk.

As a father of over a hundred children, he early on had a Storage Bag solely for storing kids’ food.

Once he prepared the beast’s milk, he skillfully fed it to his daughter.

At her age, she could already hold the bottle by herself.

Lu Miaoge watched as Lu Changgheng fed their daughter, smiled tenderly, then moved to the workshop to make talismans.

Last year she successfully made Top-Tier talismans too.

But her success rate was still low.

She’s still losing money creating Top-Tier talismans.

Lu Changsheng, of course, would give her guidance on talismans.

Yet, results were limited.

It really depended on herself.

This made Lu Changsheng somewhat concerned about teaching kids talismans and puppetry in the future.

Spending more money upfront could yield results.

But without talent, it’s hard to develop.

As his daughter quietly drank, Lu Changsheng suddenly sensed something.

He took out a talisman from his Storage Bag.

Faint spiritual light flowed on it.

“Xiyue has arrived at Hongye Valley Marketplace.”

This was a Communication Talisman.

When a corresponding Transmission Talisman activates, the Communication Talisman responds.

But being a first-level Communication Talisman, its range was limited.

So Lu Changsheng immediately knew Xiao Xiyue arrived at the market.

He went to the workshop to inform Lu Miaoge about his brief outtng.

Then he carried his daughter to the market gate.

A quarter of an hour later.

Lu Changsheng arrived at the market entrance.

He immediately saw Xiao Xiyue not far away, dressed in white, tall and graceful, with a cool and aloof temperament.

“Xiyue.”

Lu Changsheng approached and called out to Xiao Xiyue.

When they last parted, Xiyue suggested addressing each other as comrades, which felt distant.

So they naturally changed their terms of address.

“Changsheng.”

Upon seeing Lu Changsheng, Xiao Xiyue’s serene, aloof eyes softened.

“Is this your daughter too?”

Seeing Lu Qingzhu holding a bottle in Lu Changsheng’s arms, Xiao Xiyue asked.

She knew Lu Changsheng had many wives and children.

But she didn’t expect him to carry a child at the market.

It left her somewhat speechless.

She could only say Lu Changsheng really loved children.

“Yes, this is my daughter Lu Qingzhu.”

“Xiaozhu, this is your Aunt Xiyue.”

Lu Changsheng introduced calmly.

“Hee hee, Auntie.”

The little girl, with her bottle, was momentarily dazed then spoke in her milky voice.

At Qingzhu Mountain, she’d call quite a few aunties.

But her pronunciation wasn’t quite clear yet.

“She’s so cute.”

Xiao Xiyue chuckled softly, seeing the little girl drinking.

Firstly, the child was indeed cute.

But also, she liked what her affection for Lu Changsheng extended to.

So the two happily entered the Hongye Valley Marketplace.

However, while they were chatting,

“It’s him!?”

A figure hidden in the void revealed shock, confusion, frustration, anger, disbelief in their dreamlike beautiful eyes when they saw Lu Changsheng.

Just like when Duan Yu discovered his beloved was his half-sister.

But found out he wasn’t his father’s biological son.

“How could Xiyue’s fated passion involve him!?”

Yun Wanshang, in a colorful dress, stood silently in the air.

Watching the youth engaging with her student, her expression was filled with shock and complexity.

Her heart felt as though a pot of mixed emotions had been spilled.

After Xiao Xiyue left, she felt uneasy about her student.

She wanted to see how her disciple’s fated passion was.

After all, this love trial affected her student’s future.

As a master, she had to care.

Thus, she followed Xiao Xiyue to inspect and watch.

But she never expected her student’s fated love to be with a low-level Qi refining cultivator she had once had an intimate encounter with.

This shock, surprise, irritation, anger, murderous intent made her brain a mess.

After a moment.

“Destiny really plays jokes.”

Yun Wanshang looked at the two faraway figures with a wry smile and deeply sighed.

Amidst those emotions, she even thought of killing Lu Changsheng with a sword.

But recalling the past, she couldn’t blame Lu Changsheng.

The fault lay with her.

Moreover, she couldn’t do such a thing.

Lu Changsheng was only with Xiao Xiyue, why should she kill him?

Besides, Xiao Xiyue had obviously fallen for him.

Love knows no reason.

Now as the passion trial begins, it’s up to Xiao Xiyue to walk out.

In such cases, killing Lu Changsheng means ending her disciple’s future too.

“Alas.”

Yun Wanshang sighed deeply again.

Feeling indescribably complex.

She once thought if Lu Changsheng was promising, building his foundation in twenty to thirty years, she might give him a chance,

inviting him to cultivate at Azure Cloud Sect.

Condensing a True Core was difficult with no hope.

But with her guidance, forming a False Core was feasible.

That way, he could qualify as a life partner.

In the future, by relying on the spirit-connecting essence in him, they could improve further through dual cultivation.

But now, seeing Lu Changsheng as Xiao Xiyue’s Passion Trial, this plan was abandoned.

Though Xiyue might forget this love after transcending the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique’s trial, she as the master couldn’t do such things anymore.

Otherwise, how disgraceful it is for both teacher and disciple to serve the same man!

She, Yun Wanshang, a legitimate True Person, doesn’t she care for dignity?

“Yet he even has children, maybe he’s given up on cultivation?”

Yun Wanshang recalled Lu Changsheng holding a child earlier, frowning slightly.

Cultivators preserving their true spirit can help their initial cultivation.

That’s why most young cultivators hardly consider marriage.

“He’s just of the Eighth-Tier Spirit Root. Even with luck and helping my breakthrough, reaching Foundation Establishment seems unlikely.”

“Plus, Xiyue mentioned Qingzhu Mountain as a Foundation Establishment family. If he’s from it, mediocre talent means marrying and settling down.”

Yun Wanshang murmured to herself.

Seeing Lu Changsheng married with children, she felt inexplicably lost and displeased.

“Hmph, married with children yet caring for Xiyue so much!”

Yun Wanshang’s expression turned colder.

“No, Xiyue said she escaped the Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator thanks to him.”

“And Xiyue requested Golden Crow Pill production for his Foundation Establishment. This means his cultivation reached Full Qi Refinement.”

Yun Wanshang suddenly snapped her head up, realizing something off.

Lu Changsheng carried the Harmony with the Dust Jade she gave him,

So she didn’t initially notice his cultivation state.

And emotional surges consumed her mind, making her momentarily forget.

Thinking of it now left her confused.

Watching them leave, she quickly followed.

Then observed Lu Changsheng closely, her eyes sparkling like flowing galaxies.

“Ninth Level of Qi Refining!”

“And his spiritual power was righteous, hints of ferocity and dominance.”

“His physical vitality was vibrant, like a spirit beast.”

“This is”

Using techniques, Yun Wanshang immediately saw Lu Changsheng’s cultivation realm.

She was shockingly taken aback.

“It’s only been eight years?”

“From the peak of the Sixth Layer to the Ninth Level of Qi Refining in eight years with an Eighth-Tier Spirit Root.”

“This speed is barely passable, but his cultivation aura, vigorous spiritual power, hints at dual cultivation.”

Yun Wanshang was shocked and disbelieving.

Such a state is normal for genius Azure Cloud Sect disciples.

But for Lu Changsheng, it seemed implausible.

“Whew!”

After confirming her observations, Yun Wanshang exhaled deeply.

As a True Person, she’s usually calm even with crises.

Even learning about Xiao Xiyue’s issues only slightly furrowed her brow.

Yet encountering Lu Changsheng today, her expression changed twice, stirring her heart.

While Yun Wanshang observed Lu Changsheng,

Lu Changsheng faintly felt a chill.

He quickly turned his head, scanning around.

But only saw sparse pedestrians.

Nothing unusual.

Yet he trusted his instincts.

He sensed that feeling of being watched.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t feel this way.

“Could it be the Yu Family Patriarch?”

Earlier Yu’s confrontation made Lu Changsheng suspect the Yu Family.

He remembered the Yu Family Patriarch staying at the market.

But he also deemed it unlikely.

Why would he observe him?

Having stayed at Hongye Valley Marketplace so long, if the old patriarch wanted to, he would’ve done it earlier.

Not wait until now.

He glanced at Xiao Xiyue,

wondering if someone targeted her again.

“Changsheng, what’s wrong?”

Xiao Xiyue saw Lu Changsheng acting unusual and asked.

“I just felt someone was secretly observing me.”

“Xiyue, did anything happen on your way here?”

Lu Changsheng stopped glancing around and transmitted his voice to her.

“Changsheng, you think someone was following me?”

“Nothing unusual happened on the way.”

Xiao Xiyue quickly understood Lu Changsheng’s words, became cautious, and observed.

“I see.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath.

Knowing Xiao Xiyue cultivates the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique.

Her senses were sharper than his.

If she hadn’t sensed anything unusual,

then it was unrelated to her.

Or the person was too advanced for her to detect during their journey.

“Changsheng, let’s meet later.”

Suddenly, Xiao Xiyue paused as if recalling something, pursing her lips.

Then she walked towards the market’s exit.

“Huh?”

Lu Changsheng saw her suddenly leave and was puzzled.

But guessed she might have realized something.

“Alright, I’ll take the child back.”

Lu Changsheng nodded and replied.

Planning to return his daughter to Lu Miaoge..

Just in case, carrying a child is inconvenient in an accident.

“They’re quite alert.”

“I guess Xiyue already guessed it was me.”

From the street, Yun Wanshang watched them separate, her expression steady.

Knowing her actions raised Lu Changsheng’s suspicion.

Which likely led Xiyue to guess who was observing them.

“Xiyue, it’s your master.”

To ease her disciple’s stress, Yun Wanshang admitted it through telepathy.

“Master, why are you here?”

Hearing her master’s voice, Xiao Xiyue sighed in relief, speaking softly.

As if talking to herself.

But Yun Wanshang heard clearly.

She bluntly said, “Your trial is crucial, I’m concerned.”

“Thank you, Master.”

Xiao Xiyue nodded gently, grateful for her master’s care.

“Find a place, I need to ask you something.”

Yun Wanshang continued through telepathy.

“Yes, Master.”

Then Xiyue found a nearby tavern,

Immediately booked a room.

Yun Wanshang followed, invisible to others, entering with her.

Becoming visible inside the room.

“Master.”

Upon seeing Yun Wanshang, Xiao Xiyue greeted humbly.

“Was that man your fated passion?”

Yun Wanshang asked calmly.

“Yes, Master.”

Xiao Xiyue nodded.

“Tell me everything about your situation with him.”

Yun Wanshang instructed.

Power outage, writing on phone is a pain.