Chapter 207: Deep Bonds Between Master and Disciple, Refining the Locking Emotion Gu

Lu Changsheng grasped Nangong Mili’s pale, slender wrist, sending his spiritual power into her body.

He immediately noticed her weakened physical state, with dried-up meridians and dantian, in a severely overloaded condition.

She must have suffered severe injuries and used some life-burning secret technique.

“So this is a Golden Core cultivator’s True Core?”

Lu Changsheng’s spiritual sense then probed into Nangong Mili’s sea of qi and dantian.

There, he saw a round, dimly glowing dark purple True Core floating silently on the Dao platform.

This was Lu Changsheng’s first time seeing an actual True Core.

He had only read descriptions of them in books before.

His spiritual sense touched this True Core.

He faintly sensed a mysterious aura of heavenly laws and Dao rhythms.

A cultivator’s condensed True Core is related to their cultivation method and foundation.

Through the True Core, one can roughly determine a person’s spiritual power, cultivation method, and foundation.

Therefore, both Dao Foundation and Golden Core are private matters for cultivators.

Unless two people are extremely close,

They would never allow others to examine the condition of their sea of qi, dantian, Dao Foundation, or Golden Core.

Lu Changsheng took advantage of Nangong Mili’s unconscious state to satisfy his curiosity and gain some knowledge.

“This True Core should be of middle grade, probably fourth or fifth rank?”

Lu Changsheng pondered as he observed the True Core.

From what he knew, there were nine ranks of Golden Cores.

Ranks nine to seven were considered lower-Tier True Cores.

With a lower-Tier True Core, the possibility of breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm in this lifetime was basically gone.

The worst, ninth-rank True Core, was even called a miscellaneous core.

Without great fortune, forget about reaching Nascent Soul, even breaking through to mid-stage Golden Core would be problematic.

Ranks six to four were middle-Tier True Cores.

This quality of Golden Core theoretically had a glimmer of hope for reaching Nascent Soul.

But the chance was extremely slim.

Without great fortune, it was practically impossible.

Ranks three to one were upper-Tier Golden Cores!

Just forming such a Golden Core gave a considerable chance of reaching Nascent Soul!

These were true prodigies! Extraordinary individuals! Called Nascent Soul seeds!

“The True Core is dim and lusterless, the situation seems quite serious indeed.”

“Of course, what could make a Golden Core cultivator so weak and unconscious if not a severe injury?”

“Although her life isn’t in danger, waking up and recovering won’t be easy.”

“Without immediate treatment, using precious Natural Treasures to nourish her body, meridians, and True Core, not only will it be hard for her to regain consciousness, but even if she wakes up, her foundation will likely be damaged and her cultivation will regress.”

Lu Changsheng’s spiritual sense completed a thorough examination.

He made a rough assessment of Nangong Mili’s condition.

After all, as a Golden Core cultivator, her life force was incredibly tenacious, not so easily extinguished.

But if left untreated like this, whether she could wake up and recover was uncertain.

Moreover, even if she woke up, there was a high chance of hidden ailments, damaged foundation, and regressed cultivation.

“Lu, how is it? How’s my master’s condition?”

At this moment, Meng Xiaochan looked at Lu Changsheng with hopeful eyes and asked softly.

“Your master’s condition is very troublesome,”

Lu Changsheng sighed lightly and shook his head.

Nangong Mili’s situation was indeed complicated.

He didn’t have any good solutions for this kind of condition.

There was only the simplest and most direct old method.

A full treatment course of pills, talismans, Yin-Yang Nirvana Technique, and life-preserving techniques.

But stabilizing the condition of a Golden Core cultivator like Nangong Mili would be difficult and certainly costly!

He had no personal connection with Nangong Mili, so how could he possibly pay such a price to save her?

Hearing this, Meng Xiaochan’s expression immediately darkened.

She had just checked Nangong Mili’s condition herself.

She knew her master’s current state was extremely dire.

Yet she had an inexplicable trust in Lu Changsheng.

Subconsciously, she placed her hopes on him.

“However, it’s not entirely hopeless,”

Lu Changsheng said thoughtfully, seeing Meng Xiaochan’s pitiful appearance.

Although he had given up on the idea of taking advantage of the situation to absorb Nangong Mili’s essence,

He hadn’t completely abandoned his plans.

He had just checked and found that Nangong Mili was likely still a virgin, possessing true yin of the Golden Core.

At the same time, he discovered that Nangong Mili’s True Core was of the yin-cold attribute.

She must be practicing a yin-cold attribute cultivation method.

If Nangong Mili were to wake up and recover, she might be able to suppress the outburst of Ling Zixiao’s Dragon Chant constitution, allowing him to solve his Dragon Chant body problem.

Saving her life and getting some benefits in return, that’s not too much, right?

“Lu, you have a way?”

Hearing this, Meng Xiaochan’s eyes immediately lit up.

“That’s right,”

Lu Changsheng nodded and said, “Miss Xiaochan, you are from the Five Poison Sect of Jin Kingdom, currently being hunted by the Heavenly Sword Sect. Saving her would certainly bring me trouble.”

“Moreover, my method of saving her involves a Dual Cultivation secret technique.”

“If I save her, not only will it be extremely taxing for me, but your master might blame me afterward and try to kill me.”

“So, why should I pay such a price to save her?”

Lu Changsheng said sternly, looking at the pitiful Meng Xiaochan before him.

He did feel some sympathy and pity for Meng Xiaochan.

But he wasn’t a foolishly kind person.

He wouldn’t disregard the consequences and consume his own life essence to help just because of a moment of softness.

Besides, he trusted Meng Xiaochan.

But for her master, Nangong Mili, this demonic cultivator, he had no trust at all.

Who knows if after saving her, she might put on her robes and deny everything?

A Golden Core cultivator, even in a weakened state, is not to be underestimated.

“Dual Cultivation secret technique… great cost…”

Hearing this, Meng Xiaochan bit her lip, saying nothing.

After pondering for a moment, she suddenly looked up.

Her pale, delicate face showed determination as she said to Lu Changsheng, “Lu, as long as you can save my master, I’ll agree to any request you have.”

“As for when my master wakes up, I’ll explain everything to her. I absolutely won’t let her harm you in any way.”

Meng Xiaochan spoke thus.

She knew that since Lu Changsheng spoke this way, he must have confidence in saving her master.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have said such things.

As for Lu Changsheng coveting beauty and her master’s yin essence, she didn’t think in that direction.

On one hand, it was due to her absolute trust in Lu Changsheng.

On the other hand, in her view, if Lu Changsheng really wanted to do that, he wouldn’t need to be so complicated, he could just do it directly.

She and her master currently had no power to resist Lu Changsheng at all.

So, she firmly believed that Lu Changsheng was willing to pay the price to save her master for her sake.

“As expected.”

Nearby, Ling Zixiao heard this and snorted lightly.

She thought to herself that Lu Changsheng had finally revealed his true intentions.

After all that talk, he was still moved by lust!

However, since her lover had such thoughts, as his dao companion, she naturally wouldn’t just stand by and watch.

After all, Lu Changsheng had done so much for her these days, she should do something for him too.

Moreover, her lover’s relationship with this young woman seemed quite complex.

Some words might be difficult to say too directly.

If she said them instead, it wouldn’t matter.

“Ahem.”

At once, Ling Zixiao coughed lightly.

She said in a clear voice, “Fellow Daoist, I was previously in a state where my body’s foundation was damaged and my life was hanging by a thread. Lu saved my life and healed me through a Dual Cultivation secret technique.”

“But this method comes at an extreme cost, not only consuming one’s essence but also shortening one’s lifespan.”

“It’s not something that can be brushed off with a casual promise to agree to any request.”

“Moreover, you and your master are both demonic cultivators, known for acting without restraint.”

“What if your master wakes up and recovers while Lu is weakened? What could we do if your master decides to kill him?”

“Even if your master spares him for your sake, what if she later reveals your relationship with Lu to the Heavenly Sword Sect?”

Ling Zixiao questioned Meng Xiaochan.

Hearing these words, Meng Xiaochan fell silent.

Just as Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao had said,

Being involved with them already carried extreme risk and would bring trouble.

If Lu Changsheng were to save her master, it would be more than just a casual involvement.

If the Heavenly Sword Sect found out, it could bring lethal consequences.

Moreover, Lu Changsheng would have to pay a huge price to save her master, without any benefit to himself.

And based on what she knew of her master’s personality,

Though her master usually appeared unrestrained and liked to tease her, she actually despised men and treated them coldly.

If Lu Changsheng were to save her master through Dual Cultivation,

After the incident, Nangong Mili might become enraged and attack Lu Changsheng.

At that time, she couldn’t guarantee she’d be able to calm her angry master.

Although she wanted Lu Changsheng to save Nangong Mili,

she didn’t want him to be in danger or get into trouble.

Suddenly,

the air fell silent.

None of the three spoke.

“Dear Lu, do you have the Locking Emotion Gu with you?”

Meng Xiaochan gently bit her lip, her beautiful eyes looking at Lu Changsheng as she asked.

She knew clearly that carrying her master and escaping the Heavenly Sword Sect’s pursuit to return to the Five Poison Sect was nearly impossible.

They could only rely on Lu Changsheng’s help until her master regained consciousness.

So, even if it cost a great price for her master to be saved by Lu Changsheng’s Dual Cultivation Method, she was willing.

Moreover, in her heart, someone like Lu Changsheng was worthy of her master and could be a good match.

However, to ensure her master wouldn’t harm Lu Changsheng upon waking, she thought of the Locking Emotion Gu.

The one that Lu Changsheng had taken from her.

“Locking Emotion Gu?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised to hear this.

“Yes, that blood-red insect from before.”

Meng Xiaochan spoke, her small hand lightly touching her dress, looking down at her toes as she spoke softly.

She had wanted to say it was the insect she had used on Lu Changsheng before.

But this past event was still difficult for her to bring up.

“You mean this insect?”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng immediately knew what Meng Xiaochan meant.

He promptly took out a black insect jar from his Spirit Pet Bag.

Opening the lid, he revealed an insect less than an inch long, blood-red and crystal clear, looking exquisite.

It was indeed the Locking Emotion Gu he had obtained from Meng Xiaochan.

He had long suspected it was a love insect.

One bite would make someone fall in love.

But he wasn’t sure of its exact effects.

Considering the insect’s mysterious nature and uncertainties, he never dared to refine it.

“Locking Emotion Gu!?”

Hearing this, Ling Zixiao looked at the insect in Lu Changsheng’s hand with surprise and doubt.

Due to her Dragon Chant Physique, she couldn’t cultivate normally.

So she spent most of her time studying formations and reading various books and records, seeking ways to resolve her Dragon Chant Physique issue.

She had once seen information about the Locking Emotion Gu in a Gu cultivator’s manual.

It was a Top-Tier earth spirit insect.

Its effects were overwhelming. Anyone bitten by the Locking Emotion Gu would develop romantic feelings for the insect’s host.

Love would arise unknowingly, deep and lasting.

Even Golden Core cultivators or Nascent Soul lords, after being bitten by the Locking Emotion Gu, would fall in love unknowingly, even if they realized something was wrong.

They would develop affection for the insect’s host, hardly able to harbor ill intentions.

She never imagined Lu Changsheng would have a Locking Emotion Gu.

According to ancient records, such insects were extremely rare, considered heavenly spirit insects.

“Could it be that this woman was bitten by the Locking Emotion Gu, so she’s in love with Lu Changsheng?”

Ling Zixiao looked at Meng Xiaochan, thinking to herself.

She had long noticed that the situation between Lu Changsheng and Meng Xiaochan was strange.

It didn’t seem like a normal couple or Dao partners relationship.

She had been pondering for a while but couldn’t figure out their relationship.

Now seeing the Locking Emotion Gu, she suddenly had a guess.

“But it seems this Locking Emotion Gu doesn’t belong to Lu Changsheng, but to this woman.”

“If she’s from the Five Poison Sect and received the insect inheritance, it would make sense for her to have a Locking Emotion Gu.”

“But why is this Locking Emotion Gu in Lu Changsheng’s possession, and why did this young woman herself fall victim to it?”

Ling Zixiao was again puzzled, unable to understand what was going on.

“Yes, it’s this Locking Emotion Gu.”

Seeing this Locking Emotion Gu, Meng Xiaochan’s eyes showed complex emotions.

It was because of this Locking Emotion Gu that she and Lu Changsheng formed a deep bond.

She bit her lip lightly and said softly, “Anyone bitten by the Locking Emotion Gu will develop romantic feelings for its host!”

“If you’re worried Master might harm you, you can refine the Locking Emotion Gu and use it on Master.”

“This way, when Master wakes up, under the effect of the Locking Emotion Gu, she won’t harbor ill intentions towards you.”

Meng Xiaochan spoke softly.

“Hm?”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.

He didn’t expect Meng Xiaochan to come up with such a solution.

Letting him refine the Locking Emotion Gu and use it on Nangong Mili.

This way, when Nangong Mili wakes up, she won’t harbor ill intentions towards him.

He had to admit, this suggestion was very tempting.

Doesn’t this mean that not only could he take Meng Xiaochan home to have children,

but he could also bring Nangong Mili, a Golden Core cultivator, home to have children?

Having children with a Foundation Establishment cultivator would likely result in children with good spiritual roots.

If he had children with a Golden Core cultivator, the child’s spiritual root talent would definitely be exceptional!

Moreover, with the Locking Emotion Gu, he could openly live off a Golden Core cultivator.

Unlike now, where he has an opportunity to live off someone but doesn’t dare to take it.

Afraid that if he tries to take a bite, he might end up being eaten instead.

“Fellow Daoist, your Five Poison Sect specializes in insect and poison techniques.”

“Your master Nangong Mili, as the Sky Spider Envoy of the Five Poison Sect and a Golden Core cultivator, must have some kind of insect in her body.”

“As far as I know, there’s a concept of backlash between insects. If your master has some powerful insect in her body, and Lu uses the Locking Emotion Gu on her, it might not work and could even result in an insect backlash.”

Before Lu Changsheng could speak, Ling Zixiao said.

Although she had guessed some of the relationship between Lu Changsheng and Meng Xiaochan,

her understanding of insects was ultimately limited.

She wasn’t sure if doing this would be dangerous.

So naturally, she had to be cautious and ask the questions that Lu Changsheng might find awkward to ask.

Meng Xiaochan’s pale, delicate face looked coldly at Ling Zixiao.

Then she turned to Lu Changsheng, looking docile and pitiful, “Dear Lu, you can rest assured. Master previously used a secret technique to sacrifice all her insects to help me escape danger.”

“She no longer has any insects in her body now.”

“That’s why Master is so weak at the moment.”

Meng Xiaochan looked at Lu Changsheng, her expression sincere.

She showed her weak, docile, and humble side to Lu Changsheng because she liked him.

But this liking wasn’t enough to make her like Ling Zixiao by association.

In fact, seeing Ling Zixiao being close to Lu Changsheng made her very unhappy.

Also, she could sense that Ling Zixiao was clearly targeting her, so naturally, she wouldn’t have a good attitude.

“Dear Lu, I’ve read about the Locking Emotion Gu in ancient texts. Would you mind letting me take a look at this insect?”

Ling Zixiao ignored Meng Xiaochan’s gaze and asked Lu Changsheng.

Lu Changsheng was surprised to hear this.

He didn’t expect Ling Zixiao to know about the Locking Emotion Gu.

Although he hadn’t spent much time looking for information about this Locking Emotion Gu,

because of the Locking Emotion Gu, Peach Blossom Gu, and Hope Gu, he had read quite a bit about insect techniques.

But insect techniques were too esoteric, and related information was scarce.

So he couldn’t find information about the Locking Emotion Gu, Peach Blossom Gu, or Hope Gu.

“Miss Xiaochan, if I want to refine this Locking Emotion Gu, how should I do it?”

“Also, your master is a Golden Core cultivator. If I use it on her, will there be any effects?”

Lu Changsheng handed the Locking Emotion Gu to Ling Zixiao to examine and asked Meng Xiaochan.

“I have the incantation for refining the Locking Emotion Gu. Dear Lu, you just need to feed the Locking Emotion Gu with your blood while refining it.”

“The Locking Emotion Gu is currently in a weakened state. Since my master is a Golden Core cultivator, the Locking Emotion Gu can only have partial effects and can’t fully influence her.”

“But under the influence of the Locking Emotion Gu, Master definitely won’t harbor ill intentions towards you.”

Meng Xiaochan said seriously to Lu Changsheng.

After finishing, she continued to add, “The Locking Emotion Gu can be used on up to three people at the same time. Since Master is a Golden Core cultivator, if you haven’t nurtured the Locking Emotion Gu, try not to use it on others.”

“Dear Lu, this insect matches the description I saw in the ancient texts. It should be genuine.”

“However, you should still be careful. After all, she’s a Golden Core cultivator.”

After examining the Locking Emotion Gu for a while, Ling Zixiao didn’t continue to provoke Meng Xiaochan but transmitted a message to Lu Changsheng.

“Alright, I understand.”

Lu Changsheng transmitted back to Ling Zixiao.

Then he looked at Meng Xiaochan and said, “I naturally believe Miss Xiaochan’s words.”

“I have one request. Once your master wakes up and recovers, I hope she can help suppress the Dragon’s Chant Yang energy in Zixiao’s body.”

Lu Changsheng said.

He didn’t need to mention things like the True Core and Yin essence separately.

“Suppress the Dragon’s Chant Yang energy?”

Meng Xiaochan looked at Ling Zixiao with confusion.

“That’s right. This is Ling Zixiao, my Dao partner. She has the Dragon’s Chant constitution and can’t cultivate.”

“I have a method to solve the Dragon’s Chant constitution issue, but it requires a Golden Core cultivator who practices Yin-cold attribute techniques to suppress her Spirit Body’s backlash.”

“I just checked your master’s condition. She should be practicing Yin-cold attribute techniques, so I’d like to ask for her help when the time comes.”

Lu Changsheng explained frankly.

“Alright, I’ll agree on behalf of my master!”

Meng Xiaochan nodded in agreement.

“Lu Lang.”

Ling Zixiao was slightly stunned hearing this.

She had thought Lu Changsheng was attracted to Nangong Mili.

Unexpectedly, Lu Changsheng wanted to wake up and heal Nangong Mili to solve her Dragon’s Chant constitution issue.

This moved her heart deeply.

“Zixiao, can you check if this formation needs improvement or if we should move to a more suitable location?”

“Otherwise, it’ll be troublesome if Heavenly Sword Sect people find us.”

Lu Changsheng turned to Ling Zixiao and said gently.

Whether refining the Locking Emotion Gu or saving Nangong Mili, both would take considerable time.

So during this process, they absolutely couldn’t let anyone disturb them.

“This Spirit Pond serves as a formation eye, making it excellent for setting up formations.”

“To be safe and completely hide our aura, I can set up another ‘Small Curtain of Heaven Formation’ within this one. That way, we’re unlikely to be discovered.”

Ling Zixiao explained.

“Good, thank you for your hard work.”

Lu Changsheng nodded upon hearing this.

He then asked Meng Xiaochan to teach him how to refine the Locking Emotion Gu.

Meng Xiaochan looked at Ling Zixiao in surprise, not expecting her to be a formation master.

She knew that with Ling Zixiao setting up formations to isolate their aura, she and her master would be much safer.

Without lingering, she began to tell Lu Changsheng how to refine the Locking Emotion Gu.

She also informed Lu Changsheng that he had a very domineering Gu insect in his body.

So if he wanted to refine other Gu insects, as long as the Gu in his body didn’t mind, it would make the process twice as easy.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng immediately squeezed out a drop of essence blood to feed the Locking Emotion Gu.

Then, with a slight mental shift, he had the Peach Blossom Gu in his sea of consciousness exert pressure to subdue the Locking Emotion Gu.

“Boom!”

Under the Peach Blossom Gu’s pressure, the already weakened Locking Emotion Gu trembled.

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng immediately enveloped the Locking Emotion Gu with his spiritual power, activating the refining method to process this Gu insect.

With the Peach Blossom Gu’s assistance, the process went very smoothly.

Lu Changsheng estimated that in just three to five days, he could completely refine this Locking Emotion Gu.