Chapter 438: Xiao Xiyue: Why Is Master With Changsheng…

Song Qingzhi, along with Song Cheng and Sima Qiuhua, exited the palace, preparing to head to Bihu Mountain to demand justice.

“Hmm!?”

“Lu Changsheng!”

As the trio reached the mountain gate, Song Cheng and Sima Qiuhua spotted a dashing man in a green robe standing not far away, appearing noble and serene.

Unexpectedly, Lu Changsheng arrived at the Azure Cloud Sect shortly after their return.

This confirmed their suspicion that Lu Changsheng had come to seek out Xiao Xiyue.

“Master’s Wife.”

Song Cheng immediately addressed Song Qingzhi with respect.

“Hmm, so he is Lu Changsheng?”

Song Qingzhi’s hair was tied in a top knot, and she wore a loose green robe that didn’t conceal her voluptuous figure.

Upon hearing Song Cheng’s words, her eyes, as calm as an autumn lake, gazed at the distant Lu Changsheng, who looked like a refined and otherworldly being. Ripples flickered in her eyes.

Although she’d heard of Lu Changsheng, she had never met him before.

Seeing him now, he seemed like an otherworldly immortal, as if he had stepped out of a painting. A deep feeling of admiration and excitement surged in her heart.

She was no stranger to handsome men.

In the world of cultivation, there were many who could be described as beautiful.

But Lu Changsheng wasn’t just handsome; he possessed an indescribable aura.

He made those around him feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze, which even caused her to feel a sense of closeness.

As Song Qingzhi looked at Lu Changsheng, who stood as if among ancient pines and green cypresses, her desire to demand justice subsided.

She began to believe that Lu Changsheng couldn’t be as bad as her disciples had claimed.

Her disciples and Song Cheng might have exaggerated and stoked the flames.

She knew their personalities well.

Although they wouldn’t dare deceive her,

when dealing with a small subordinate family, their attitudes could be somewhat arrogant, which would easily escalate situations.

“Hmm.”

Sima Qiuhua also looked at Lu Changsheng, a bit entranced.

She had recently seen him on Bihu Mountain.

She had to admit, he was indeed an extraordinary man.

But no matter what, at that time, he wasn’t as striking and exceptional as he appeared today—a man who could captivate at a glance.

Even her feelings of repulsion and disdain for him had dissipated upon seeing his current appearance.

“What’s going on? Is this some kind of charm technique?”

Sima Qiuhua felt a ripple of unease, suspecting that she had fallen under Lu Changsheng’s spell.

But she could perceive no trace of any charm technique.

Instead, Lu Changsheng seemed to have acquired a new aura that was utterly captivating.

While Song Cheng noticed Lu Changsheng was more refined and elegant, it didn’t affect him much.

He merely assumed that Lu Changsheng had dressed up to meet Xiao Xiyue at the Azure Cloud Sect.

“Hmph, what good is being handsome? As if Junior Sister Xiyue would be so shallow!”

Song Cheng thought with disdain.

“So, you’re Lu Changsheng from Bihu Mountain?”

Song Qingzhi approached and questioned Lu Changsheng.

Her features were beautiful and dignified, with eyebrows like thin willows that gave her a mildly authoritative air.

“Hmm?”

Sima Qiuhua and Song Cheng, standing nearby, were puzzled by this.

What was going on?

Although others might not understand, they knew their master and mistress well.

Since failing in Golden Core Formation and forming a False Core, her temperament had become unpredictable.

Why had her aggressive demeanor vanished once she laid eyes on Lu Changsheng?

Could this be the calm before the storm? Was their mistress already at the peak of her rage?

Song Cheng thought this might be the case.

However, Sima Qiuhua felt something odd.

She wondered if her master had decided to let this matter slide just because Lu Changsheng was handsome and exceptional.

She knew that her master was a lover of beauty.

She always insisted on proper attire and even had requirements for the appearances of disciples and servant recruits.

“Indeed, I am Lu Changsheng.”

Lu Changsheng slightly cupped his hands in respect to Song Qingzhi.

Although he didn’t know her,

he recognized Song Cheng and Sima Qiuhua in the distance, so he guessed she was associated with Chiyang Peak.

It seemed they might be coming to cause trouble.

But Song Qingzhi’s attitude made Lu Changsheng feel something peculiar.

He always suppressed the effects of his Immortal Grace Technique, Peach Blossom Gu, and Immaculate Heavenly Fragrance Body.

Before meeting Yun Wanshang, he decided to activate these effects in an attempt to soften her cold exterior.

But honestly, he hadn’t used these effects in years.

Especially since advancing to Golden Core Formation, the Third-Tier Peach Blossom Gu and enhanced Immaculate Heavenly Fragrance Body had made him unsure about the extent of his charm now.

And now it seemed that his charm was working quite well?

Was it strong enough to even affect a False Core cultivator?

“Buzz——”

Just then, a faint signal came from the Peach Blossom Gu in his brow.

It indicated that if he played his cards right, there was a chance to establish a romantic connection with the woman before him.

“Damn it, you really are hungry!”

Lu Changsheng cursed at the Peach Blossom Gu.

It had recently advanced to the third tier with Bing’er’s help.

But to advance to the fourth tier would require an immense amount of romantic energy.

However, this woman before him had the aura of a mature, dignified lady and was clearly married.

How could he do something so dishonorable?

Moreover, the current situation with Xiao Xiyue and Yun Wanshang was already giving him a headache, uncertain how to resolve it.

If he stirred up more trouble in Azure Cloud Sect, things would only get worse.

“I sent my disciples to invite you to serve as a guest offering for the Chiyang Peak. Why did you refuse?”

Song Qingzhi continued with a calm and graceful tone.

“Your disciples?”

Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat at her words.

He quickly figured out this woman’s identity.

She was Song Qingzhi, the Dao companion of Chiyang Zhenren, and an accomplished False Core cultivator.

How curious that such a high-ranking figure was kindly asking why he refused her invitation. It made Lu Changsheng somewhat suspicious.

He started to wonder if this peak lord’s wife had an unusually good temper.

Or perhaps being good-looking really did make life easier?

“I’m not entirely familiar with Azure Cloud Sect’s internal affairs, so I came here to consult with a friend and learn more about the different peaks before making a decision.”

“Moreover, your disciple involved the Sima Family from Xuanwu Ridge in a dispute with Bihu Mountain. They wanted to resolve it but refused to offer sufficient compensation, so I couldn’t agree to that.”

Lu Changsheng, standing tall with a deep and firm gaze, spoke clearly without showing any arrogance.

He was accommodating when others treated him with respect, so he naturally reciprocated with a polite tone.

Song Qingzhi, upon hearing his words, realized that the issue indeed lay in the conflict between Bihu Mountain and the Sima Family.

It must have been her disciples and Song Cheng who escalated the situation.

Otherwise, Lu Changsheng in front of her wouldn’t be foolish enough to offend Chiyang Peak.

Even with his connection to Xiao Xiyue, it wouldn’t be wise to act irrationally.

Song Qingzhi shot a cold glance at Sima Qiuhua and Song Cheng, causing them to shiver.

Then, with a warm smile, she turned back to Lu Changsheng and said, “If you wish to understand Azure Cloud Sect’s situation better, I can offer some insights.”

“As for the conflict between the Sima Family and Bihu Mountain, it’s best to resolve it amicably. If there are any demands, I’m willing to mediate between you two.”

“After all, both your families are significant in the Azure Cloud Sect’s domain. Continuing this feud benefits no one, and it’s not something our sect wishes to see.”

Song Qingzhi spoke calmly.

She was sincere in her offer.

Normally, the Azure Cloud Sect kept an eye on Foundation Establishment families and False Core families.

If conflicts between such families escalated, the sect would step in to mediate.

Typically, both sides would face heavy penalties.

With the Sima Family being an established False Core family that had been in the Azure Cloud Sect for years, having ties with multiple peaks and disciples,

it was likely that Bihu Mountain would ultimately suffer more if things escalated.

But right now, Song Cheng and Sima Qiuhua stood there dumbfounded, completely taken aback.

What the hell!?

Why was Master’s Wife behaving like this?

Especially Song Cheng—

he couldn’t recall his Master’s Wife ever speaking so gently, not even with his master!

“Could she be trying to lure Lu Changsheng in? Once he agrees, she’ll trap him and make him comply while embarrassing Caiyun Peak?”

Song Cheng suspected something like this.

Meanwhile, Sima Qiuhua’s expression grew more and more puzzled.

She wondered if her master had taken a liking to Lu Changsheng’s handsome face.

Although Lu Changsheng was undeniably striking, this seemed too outrageous!

“Thank you for your kind offer, but—”

Lu Changsheng felt that Song Qingzhi’s enthusiasm was a bit overwhelming.

He was about to politely decline,

when a woman in a colorful palace dress appeared, with stunning features and hair adorned with a phoenix pin, exuding a noble and graceful aura.

“Why are you wasting time here?”

Yun Wanshang looked at Lu Changsheng, chatting away with Song Qingzhi with a cold and stern expression.

How did you manage to strike up a conversation so fast?

Didn’t you say that Chiyang Peak was bullying you?

Why are you engaging in idle chatter with their peak lord’s wife?

Seeing Lu Changsheng dazzling like some male siren, Yun Wanshang felt a twinge of displeasure.

She finished speaking, lifting her hand to wrap him in a wave of Spiritual Energy and took him to Caiyun Peak.

Only her flat, authoritative voice echoed in the air: “I’m taking him for Caiyun Peak.”

“Yun Wanshang!”

Song Qingzhi’s face turned dark as she watched Yun Wanshang take Lu Changsheng away.

It wasn’t that she was suddenly smitten with Lu Changsheng.

As a dignified False Core cultivator, she wouldn’t fall in love so easily.

Instead, she recalled the time when she was about to exchange a Condensing Crystal Pill to advance to Golden Core Formation.

But when Yun Wanshang rose to power, she took the pill instead, forcing her to wait for the next one.

In the end, while Yun Wanshang succeeded in Golden Core Formation, she failed and had to settle for a False Core.

Now, her disciple couldn’t match Yun Wanshang’s, even when trying to recruit a small family’s Talisman Master.

Yun Wanshang had to come and snatch it away, causing the fury in Song Qingzhi’s heart to ignite.

“Why is Caiyun Zhenren here!?”

Sima Qiuhua and Song Cheng were dumbfounded and trembling nearby.

What’s happening today?

Have we seen a ghost?

First, their Master’s Wife and Master started acting differently around Lu Changsheng.

Now, even Caiyun Zhenren was here to personally take him away?

Wasn’t she supposed to be in seclusion?

They were utterly bewildered, more than a little frightened.

“Why are you still standing there making fools of yourselves? Let’s go back!”

Song Qingzhi shot a cold glance at Song Cheng and her disciple.

Both of them shivered and quietly followed her back to Chiyang Peak.

Caiyun Peak.

“Greetings, Master.”

Xiao Xiyue faced her master and Lu Changsheng, utterly bewildered.

What’s going on?

Why is Master with Changsheng?

“From now on, he will serve as a guest offering for Caiyun Peak. Xiyue, take him to the Recording Palace to register.”

Yun Wanshang gave no further explanation and handed over an order before heading back to her palace.

“Changsheng, how did you end up with Master…”

Xiao Xiyue’s beautiful eyes revealed a hint of confusion as she looked at Lu Changsheng, wanting to know how he came to be brought into the Azure Cloud Sect by her master.

Her master knew of Lu Changsheng, but they shouldn’t have had any prior interaction.

Moreover, her master had been in seclusion for years.

“Xiyue, it’s a long story,”

Lu Changsheng had anticipated this moment and assumed a ‘just realizing’ expression, explaining his relationship with Yun Wanshang.

He claimed that fifty-six years ago, while traveling back from Jiulong Market to Qingzhu Mountain, he stumbled upon a major battle and hid.

After waiting for the conflict to subside, as he was about to leave, he encountered a badly injured Golden Core cultivator.

At the time, he didn’t realize the cultivator was Caiyun Zhenren, but he still helped her.

Afterwards, she gave him a token, telling him he could activate it in case of danger or come to Azure Cloud Sect for her aid.

“But over the years, I never faced big enough trouble to use it.”

“Recently, however, because of the issues with Ping’an and the Sima Family, where the Sima Family involved Chiyang Zhenren’s disciple and his authority, I thought of the token.”

“I figured that if I leveraged the favor she owed me from the past, I could find some backing within the Azure Cloud Sect.”

“I simply didn’t expect that the person I had saved would turn out to be your master, Caiyun Zhenren.”

Lu Changsheng made sure nine out of ten statements were true, speaking with heartfelt emotion.

“Fifty-six years ago…”

Xiao Xiyue immediately recalled when her master went out to refine a Red Dust Pill for her. Her aura had indeed been unstable at the time, as if she’d been injured.

But knowing that Lu Changsheng had saved her master, Xiao Xiyue felt a bit puzzled.

She had been saved by Lu Changsheng once when she was younger.

Her senior sister had also been rescued by Lu Changsheng in a life-threatening situation.

And now, her master too was saved by Lu Changsheng?

Does that mean all three of them owed their lives to him?

Moreover, Xiao Xiyue felt there might be more to the relationship between her master and Lu Changsheng than it seemed.

She thought back to the time Lu Changsheng asked her master for approval of their relationship and her master’s previous interactions with Immortal Lady Meng.

“In fact, over the years, I had a vague suspicion that the person I saved back then was Caiyun Zhenren, but I wasn’t certain.”

Knowing Xiao Xiyue’s sharp mind, Lu Changsheng extended his hand to gently hold hers, and said, “I remember you mentioning that your master had some minor grievances with Chiyang Peak.”

“Moreover, I don’t really need the token anymore, so I thought I’d use this opportunity to confirm it.”

“If it works out, not only can we resolve the issue with Chiyang Peak, but we might also find a stable backing for our family in the Azure Cloud Sect.”

“And by taking advantage of this favor and doing my best, it would be easier to ask for your master’s blessing in the future.”

Lu Changsheng’s voice was soft and filled with affection.

Even though there were still some gaps in the story, it was better that Xiao Xiyue got a hint of what was happening.

“Changsheng…”

Although Xiao Xiyue practiced the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique, which usually kept her mind clear, she wasn’t immune to the effects of Lu Changsheng’s charm when they were together.

Particularly now, with Lu Changsheng’s charm in full effect, even Xiao Xiyue couldn’t help but be influenced, reducing her ability to think critically. She believed every word he said, touched deeply.

After chatting for a while, Xiao Xiyue led Lu Changsheng to register his guest offering status.

For a Guest Elder, they would need the approval of the Sect Master of the Azure Cloud Sect.

But for a guest offering position, as long as the peak lord approved, it was sufficient.

“This rascal is truly brazen, lying through his teeth!”

In the palace atop the peak, Yun Wanshang used her Divine Sense to listen in on Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue’s conversation, her expression turning tense.

Seeing Lu Changsheng lying with such affection in his eyes as he deceived her disciple made her furious.

But when he mentioned helping Xiao Xiyue with her technique problem, she felt a bit surprised.

She knew all too well about the Supreme Forgetting Emotions Technique.

It was intricate and profound. Once one began cultivating it, there’s no turning back unless the technique is dispelled.

But now, Lu Changsheng claimed he could solve the problem with Xiao Xiyue’s technique?

Where does he get such confidence?

Was he just making this up to coax Xiao Xiyue?

But Yun Wanshang had a feeling that Lu Changsheng wasn’t lying.

Besides, Xiao Xiyue, being so pure-hearted and emotionally involved, wouldn’t easily fall for such deceit.

“Could this rascal really have a solution?”

Yun Wanshang pondered, reflecting on the various things she knew about Lu Changsheng.

She’d always known he had hidden opportunities and secrets.

But the more she interacted with him, the more she realized he wasn’t as simple as he seemed—his fortunes were not like those of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“If this rascal really can solve Xiao Xiyue’s problem…”

Yun Wanshang suddenly recalled the agreement she made with Lu Changsheng years ago.

If both he and Xiao Xiyue broke through to Golden Core Formation within fifty years, she would give them her blessing.

She even promised to personally organize their Daoist ceremony if they succeeded.

Looking back now, Lu Changsheng had a decent chance of forming a Golden Core.

And if Xiao Xiyue could overcome her emotional tribulation and sever her feelings, forming a Golden Core wouldn’t be difficult.

At that moment, Yun Wanshang realized Lu Changsheng might have set a trap for her all those years ago!

“Cunning rascal!”

Frustration welled up in Yun Wanshang’s heart, and her fair hand clenched tightly.

“Caiyun Zhenren…”

At that moment, Yun Wanshang heard a deep voice belonging to the Azure Cloud Sect Master.

Moments later, Yun Wanshang turned into a streak of light, flying from Caiyun Peak to the Main Hall atop the Cloud Peak.