Chapter 276: The Choice of Two Women!

“Heaven-Tier beast, True Spirit-level beast, Soul Fusion Life-Returning Pill, Spirit Eye Spring.”

“This is absolutely not something a Foundation Establishment cultivator could obtain!”

“Even a Golden Core cultivator couldn’t possibly have such extraordinary luck!”

“Moreover, according to what the Xu girl said, this person’s growth experience is incredibly legendary.”

“He was originally just a family’s son-in-law with a lower-Tier spirit root!”

“But in just over twenty years, he went from an ordinary person, a family’s son-in-law, to breaking through to Foundation Establishment and establishing his own family clan.”

“If it were just that, it would be understandable. After all, the cultivation world never lacks small figures who rise after obtaining opportunities!”

“But this person’s various deeds, combined with such extraordinary luck, can’t be explained by just being a small figure who rose after obtaining opportunities!”

“Especially how this person faced me with neither servility nor arrogance, his words full of confidence. Such bearing is also not that of an ordinary cultivator.”

Hong Lian looked at Lu Changsheng before her, with his handsome features and tall, slender figure, like an orchid or jade tree, elegant and graceful. She remained silent, pondering in her heart.

Back then at the Zheng Family on Centipede Ridge, she had briefly observed and learned about Lu Changsheng through Xu Ruoyin, and determined that Lu Changsheng had great opportunities and great secrets.

But after seeing the Sumeru Tree King, she deeply suspected in her heart that Lu Changsheng was a reincarnation of a great expert!

Because Lu Changsheng’s situation simply couldn’t be explained by just having lucky encounters.

Now, seeing the Fourth-Tier pill ‘Soul Fusion Life-Returning Pill’, she was almost certain in her heart that Lu Changsheng was indeed a reincarnated great expert cultivating again!

Because apart from this reason, she really couldn’t think of any other explanation!

“This person is definitely a reincarnated great expert cultivating again. I even sensed a terrifying aura within his body.”

“This aura might be a backup left by his previous life, cultivation and Spiritual Energy sealed within his body, to be released when encountering danger.”

Hong Lian thought of the faint yet terrifying aura she had sensed from Lu Changsheng’s body.

She didn’t know how to describe this aura herself.

She just felt it was incredibly mysterious and terrifying!

“But this person’s growth experience, having over a hundred children in just over twenty years and establishing a cultivation family clan, could it be that he’s the legendary ‘Dragon Emperor Dao Body’, wanting to follow the path of that Central Plains Saint King from back then!?”

“It’s rumored that the Central Plains Saint King had countless offspring, created a set of worldly imperial hierarchy in the cultivation world, concentrating power in one person and one family, causing the world’s fortunes in the unseen realm to gather on one person and one clan!”

“But I’ve never heard of anyone being able to reincarnate and cultivate again, let alone decide their own physique? And such a legendary Dao body at that!”

“Could it be spirit possession and recultivation? But if it were spirit possession and recultivation, why would he have wasted so many years early on?”

Hong Lian murmured in her heart, constantly pondering, trying to explain Lu Changsheng’s situation.

But the more she thought, the more mysterious and unfathomable she found Lu Changsheng before her, shrouded in mist.

“However, if he really is the ‘Dragon Emperor Dao Body’…”

Hong Lian paused in her thoughts, considering the effects of the Dragon Emperor Dao Body.

She knew that if her guess was correct and Lu Changsheng was indeed the legendary Dragon Emperor Dao Body, then following him would probably mean becoming his wife or concubine, having to bear children for him.

After all, for the legendary ‘Dragon Emperor Dao Body’, such things were considered natural and in line with his great Dao.

“Perhaps, it’s for this very reason that he made the offer to recruit me.”

Hong Lian paused again in her thoughts, believing that Lu Changsheng was indeed as she had guessed, which was why he showed such sincerity.

“I want to reshape my body, return to my peak, solve the mysteries of the past, and get revenge. Relying on the Xu girl, the hope is slim.”

“Moreover, both the Xu girl and I have fallen into this person’s hands now, and escaping is impossible.”

“If I follow him, I might be able to live again, solve the mysteries of the past. Even if I become his wife or concubine, so what?”

As a Nascent Soul True Lord, Hong Lian didn’t dwell too much on whether Lu Changsheng’s recruitment of her was because he was attracted to her beauty.

Instead, she immediately began weighing the gains and losses.

After all, in her current situation, she didn’t have many choices.

Moreover, following Lu Changsheng was quite a good choice.

Because based on all these judgments, Lu Changsheng was no ordinary reincarnated great expert cultivating again!

He was at least a Divine Transformation True Venerable!

Maybe even a realm above Divine Transformation!

If she followed Lu Changsheng, in the future, she might not only be able to resurrect, return to her peak, and get revenge, but also have the opportunity to advance further!

Moreover, if it was as she guessed, and Lu Changsheng wanted to establish a family dynasty in the future like that Central Plains Saint King.

If she chose to follow him now, seizing the opportunity early, if not becoming a holy empress, she could at least attain the position of a celestial consort!

Not only Hong Lian, but Xu Ruoyin was also struggling internally at this moment.

Although the Illusion Heart Talisman only lasted for a moment just now, it had a significant impact on her mind.

She knew that deep in her heart, she was still unwilling to die like this, unwilling to just die like this.

Moreover, now that she had fallen into Lu Changsheng’s hands, she probably couldn’t even seek death if she wanted to.

If it weren’t for Senior Hong Lian’s presence, the Lu Changsheng before her would probably have humiliated her in unimaginable ways by now.

So she was also struggling, wondering whether to obediently comply and choose to submit, to be a slave and a servant.

After all, being alive meant having a future!

Submitting to Lu Changsheng not only meant she could survive, but also potentially leave this place in the future.

She might even have the chance to obtain a Heaven-Tier beast, seek justice for her father, and become the pride of her family!

As for the price, it was nothing more than being violated by him and bearing eight or ten children.

Naturally, Xu Ruoyin found such things hard to accept, impossible to accept.

But she clearly knew that she had no choice in this matter.

Even if she didn’t accept, with Lu Changsheng’s methods, if he really wanted to do this, she probably had no way to resist, only to passively accept.

Since that was the case, why not turn passivity into initiative, turn humiliation into enjoyment.

However, while this was the reasoning, even though Xu Ruoyin tried to comfort herself like this internally, her self-esteem and pride prevented her from doing such things.

After all, not long ago, she was still the beloved daughter of the Xu Family in Yushui, the apple of their eye, carrying great opportunities, with the potential to reach Nascent Soul in the future!

But now, she had to be someone’s slave and servant. The gap was simply too great.

At this moment, a strong sense of regret welled up in Xu Ruoyin’s heart.

She regretted why she had done such a thing, coming to Bihu Mountain to steal spirit beasts.

If she had followed her grandfather’s arrangements, she would be safely breaking through to Foundation Establishment at home now.

After breaking through to Foundation Establishment, she could have gone to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range for experience.

Or returned to the clan.

Now, with less than a hundred years left in the lifespan of the Beast Taming Xu Family’s ancestor, the clan was vigorously cultivating seeds for Golden Core Formation!

If she had been willing to return to the clan, she could have stood out completely, making her path to Golden Core Formation smooth.

But all of this, because of her pride and stubbornness, had turned into a fleeting bubble.

“Senior, take your time to consider.”

“When you’ve made your decision, feel free to let Sumeru notify me.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t wait slowly for Hong Lian to make her choice, nor did he ask her to make an immediate decision. He put away the Soul Fusion Life-Returning Pill and said.

Then he and Ling Zixiao walked towards Hall of Everlasting Life.

“Thank you, Young Master Lu.”

Hong Lian looked at Lu Changsheng and bowed slightly.

Although she had made her decision in her heart to follow Lu Changsheng.

But she still had some words to say to Xu Ruoyin.

After all, having spent so many years together, she knew Xu Ruoyin’s personality very well.

She knew that with her stubborn and proud personality, she wouldn’t obediently comply and submit to Lu Changsheng.

But she also didn’t want to see Xu Ruoyin being humiliated, or just perishing like this.

“Senior Hong Lian, I’m sorry.”

Xu Ruoyin looked at Senior Hong Lian before her and bit her lip lightly as she spoke.

“Girl.”

Hong Lian sighed softly.

Then her faint form dispersed, turning into countless tiny red light spots, returning to the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman.

In her current state, she couldn’t stay outside for long and had to rely on the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman to maintain her soul form.

Moreover, now in the Sumeru Cave Heaven, it wasn’t convenient for her to communicate with Xu Ruoyin in this state.

Entering the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman would also help conceal her words.

After entering the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman, Hong Lian made the talisman return to Xu Ruoyin’s sea of consciousness.

“Girl, what do you plan to do?”

Hong Lian’s voice sounded, ethereal and gentle.

“Senior Hong Lian, I… I don’t know”

Xu Ruoyin spoke, her whole person seeming very confused.

Although she was mature for her age, she had never experienced any major setbacks growing up.

Now encountering such a situation, she truly didn’t know how to deal with it.

“Girl, tell me everything you know about this Lu Changsheng.”

Hong Lian said thus.

Although she planned to follow Lu Changsheng, she currently knew almost nothing about him.

The general information she knew was from what Xu Ruoyin had told her earlier.

“Senior Hong Lian, I don’t know much about him either,”

Xu Ruoyin said softly.

She then told Hong Lian everything she knew about Lu Changsheng and all related matters.

Inside Hall of Everlasting Life.

“With Sumeru here, Zixiao, you can speak freely,”

Lu Changsheng said, noticing Ling Zixiao’s hesitation. He knew she was worried about Hong Lian overhearing.

“It’s nothing much. I just wanted to ask about your plans for Miss Xu and Senior Hong Lian,”

Ling Zixiao said with a faint smile. “I think Senior Hong Lian cares deeply for Miss Xu. If you want to win over Senior Hong Lian, it might be tricky to handle Miss Xu.”

Ling Zixiao had been watching the whole time. She could tell Lu Changsheng wanted to win over both Hong Lian and Xu Ruoyin.

Or rather, mainly Hong Lian.

But to win over Hong Lian, they couldn’t let Xu Ruoyin go yet. It seemed complicated.

“Haha, now they’re at our mercy. We have the upper hand,”

Lu Changsheng chuckled. “Senior Hong Lian is at least a Nascent Soul True Lord. Winning her over would be great for us and our family.”

“As for Xu Ruoyin, like you said earlier, she’s learned about Sumeru in this realm. We can’t let her leave,”

he continued. “This realm could use a maid. If Xu Ruoyin behaves, I’ll keep my word.”

“If she doesn’t cooperate, there’s no need to be nice. The same goes for Senior Hong Lian.”

Lu Changsheng said calmly.

While easygoing, he didn’t force people.

But considering they tried to steal from Bihu Mountain, giving them a chance was already generous.

If they didn’t appreciate it, he wouldn’t be kind.

“I think Senior Hong Lian is already tempted to follow you,”

Ling Zixiao analyzed. “She’s hesitant to leave because of Miss Xu.”

“The immortal world values karma. Senior Hong Lian helped Miss Xu. They must have some karmic connection.”

“So, for Senior Hong Lian’s sake, you could treat Miss Xu a bit better.”

Ling Zixiao, though only at Foundation Establishment, understood.

Lu Changsheng’s situation would shock even Golden Core or Nascent Soul cultivators.

Especially the ‘Soul Fusion Life-Returning Pill’, which could help revive others.

In the immortal world, everyone strives for immortality and a fulfilling life.

For a Nascent Soul True Lord with only a soul left, nothing could be more tempting than revival.

As Lu Changsheng said, people seek better opportunities. Following him was far better than staying with Xu Ruoyin!

“Karmic connection? I see,”

Lu Changsheng nodded. “Now it depends on Miss Xu’s choice.”

He chatted with Ling Zixiao for a while, mentioning his ongoing pill refinement.

He said little Wangshu would wake up soon, and he needed to check on her.

“Alright, go ahead. I’ll keep watch here,”

Ling Zixiao thought about how much Lu Changsheng loved Lu Wangshu.

Though he cared for all his children, some were clearly favored.

This made her think about herself.

After years together, her feelings for Lu Changsheng had grown beyond their initial agreement.

Seeing his love for children, she considered having one with him.

She felt at home on Bihu Mountain and wanted a child.

But her body wasn’t ready for pregnancy yet.

With Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge’s treatment, she essimated she’d recover in three to five years.

Then she could think about having a child with Lu Changsheng.

Seeing so many children, she wondered if Lu Changsheng would love their child as much as Lu Wangshu.

As the mother, she’d ensure her child wasn’t mistreated.

But she hoped Lu Changsheng would favor their child too.

Lu Changsheng left Hall of Everlasting Life.

Xu Ruoyin, still suspended in the air, looked at him with complex emotions.

She bit her lip and called out, “Senior Lu.”

“Hmm?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, wondering if she had made up her mind.

Suddenly, an Ancient Talisman flew out from Xu Ruoyin’s forehead.

Colorful light spread, forming countless red dots that became Hong Lian’s figure.

“Senior Hong Lian, have you decided?”

Lu Changsheng smiled warmly at the ethereal, stunning Hong Lian.

“If you don’t mind, I’m willing to follow you, Young Master Lu,”

Hong Lian, tall and graceful, bowed slightly to Lu Changsheng.

Though Lu Changsheng was only at Foundation Establishment, she had decided to follow him and adjusted her attitude.

After all, Lu Changsheng was a reincarnated powerful being.

If she acted superior, it might displease him.

“Senior Hong Lian,”

Xu Ruoyin bit her lip hard, seeing Hong Lian’s behavior.

She thought Hong Lian was partly doing this for her sake.

“Senior Hong Lian, you’re too kind. I’m honored and delighted that you’re willing to follow me,”

Lu Changsheng said with a warm smile, like a gentle breeze.

“If you don’t mind, Young Master Lu, please just call me Hong Lian. ‘Senior’ isn’t appropriate,”

Hong Lian continued.

Though much older than Lu Changsheng, she dared not act superior.

“Oh?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised.

He hadn’t expected this powerful Nascent Soul expert to be so agreeable.

Her attitude was incredibly good!

But since Hong Lian insisted, he wouldn’t be polite.

After all, it would be odd to keep calling the future mother of his children ‘Senior’.

Though it could be quite interesting.

“Alright, I’ll call you Hong Lian from now on,”

Lu Changsheng nodded with a smile. “Since you’re willing to follow me, feel free to state any conditions or requests.”

He always returned kindness tenfold.

Since Hong Lian was so agreeable, he would be too.

“Thank you, Young Master!”

Hong Lian felt touched by Lu Changsheng’s directness.

Though she chose to follow him for benefits, she didn’t want to seem too mercenary by immediately making demands.