Chapter 449: I Fell in Love with the Fairy at First Sight!

As soon as Lu Changsheng entered the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus, a rich spiritual energy surrounded him, almost as thick as liquid, invigorating his senses.

However, apart from the dense spiritual energy, this cave world didn’t seem particularly special. It resembled the Sumeru Cave Heaven, with a misty, gray atmosphere covering the sky and earth.

In front of him stood a majestic palace.

The structure appeared to be made of gold, iron, and white jade, exuding a bright, radiant light. It was ancient and grand.

But the eerie silence gave the place a desolate feeling.

Holding Chu Qingyi in his arms, Lu Changsheng glanced around the cave’s interior. His expression remained calm and indifferent as he said, ‘Senior, since you called me here, why not show yourself?’

As his words faded, the dense fog-like spiritual energy in front of him began shifting. Gradually, a faint, almost invisible figure appeared.

‘Hmm!?’

Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat when he saw the figure, his eyes filled with caution.

The shadowy figure resembled the red-haired figure he encountered outside. It wore a jade crown and a flowing white qilin robe.

But unlike the sinister red-haired figure, this one had a calm aura and a handsome appearance, like a sword scholar who mourned the hardships of life.

‘Remarkable youth, I never thought I would meet such a fated person in my lifetime,’

The remnant soul spoke with a deep sense of sorrow, gazing gently at Lu Changsheng.

Even though it was just a fragment of a soul, it couldn’t fully see through Lu Changsheng.

Yet, through the Heavenly Yuan Lotus’s connection, it had glimpsed some aspects of Lu Changsheng during his battle with Nangong Mili.

‘Senior, why did you summon me?’

Lu Changsheng asked, his voice steady as he looked at the remnant soul in front of him.

Although the other party mentioned something about inheritance and opportunity, he didn’t believe in such luck from the heavens.

He believed the other party must have a specific purpose for calling him here.

‘Don’t worry, I mean no harm.’

‘Besides, after all these years, my primordial spirit has long decayed and nearly dissipated. Now, it’s just a sliver of consciousness lingering in the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus. I have no power to possess anyone.’

The remnant soul noticed Lu Changsheng’s deep wariness and spoke reassuringly.

‘You flatter me, Senior.’

Lu Changsheng didn’t lower his guard simply because of the other’s words.

Perhaps what the other party said was true.

But even if this remnant was far weaker than the Hong Lian back then, the pressure it exerted on him was not any less, perhaps even more.

In the face of such an existence, how could he not be cautious?

Seeing that Lu Changsheng still didn’t lower his guard, the remnant soul didn’t mind. It continued, ‘One reason I called you here is that it’s fate.’

‘My primordial spirit has faded, and I can only transmit my voice to you because of the connection with the Heavenly Yuan Treasure Lotus in your body. Also, you’ve cultivated the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra, indicating that we’re fated. So, I hope you can inherit my teachings.’

The remnant soul explained.

‘Senior, I already have an inherited technique and cannot take on another.’

‘However, I can find a few suitable successors for you, who will not disgrace your name.’

Lu Changsheng glanced down at the pale, breathless Chu Qingyi in his arms and responded seriously.

As he spoke, his dantian’s Golden Core released a dazzling glow, and a surge of yin-yang Spiritual Energy radiated from his body.

‘Boom, boom, boom——’

This Spiritual Energy flowed around Lu Changsheng, forming a yin-yang diagram. It seemed to encapsulate all of creation, echoing with subtle Dao sounds.

‘This…’

The remnant soul looked at the yin-yang diagram above Lu Changsheng’s head, its calm and faint expression showing traces of shock.

Even as just a remnant soul, it could sense the profound Dao rhythm contained within this diagram.

‘Remarkable youth, remarkable youth… I didn’t expect you to possess such a technique. It seems I’ve been presumptuous.’

The remnant soul sighed in admiration.

Even though it was immensely proud of its own techniques, it realized that Lu Changsheng already had a much more formidable inheritance.

‘Since that’s the case, as you wish, please find a suitable successor for my teachings.’

The remnant soul spoke.

As it did, it raised its hand slightly, and a glimmering Jade Slip appeared before Lu Changsheng.

‘This contains all of my teachings. If you’re interested, feel free to study and cultivate them.’

In the remnant’s eyes, Lu Changsheng, having cultivated the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, had no need to covet its techniques.

Moreover, its techniques were so arcane and obscure that ordinary people would struggle to comprehend them, so it didn’t mind if Lu Changsheng studied them.

‘Rest assured, Senior.’

Lu Changsheng’s eyes reflected a golden light as he carefully took hold of the Jade Slip.

He didn’t expect the other party to be so straightforward in passing on its teachings.

Cautiously, he examined the Jade Slip.

‘Heavenly Yuan Scripture’, ‘Heavenly Yuan Sword Technique’, ‘Nirvana Golden Body’.

The slip held countless teachings, including the ‘Heavenly Yuan Scripture,’ which seemed to be a summary of the remnant soul’s life’s work.

Besides the core techniques, there were also many Secret Techniques and cultivation insights.

Although the ‘Heavenly Yuan Sword Technique’ and the ‘Heavenly Yuan Scripture’ only differed by one word, they were not complementary techniques and seemed to be original creations of True Lord Tianyuan.

Before Lu Changsheng could explore further, the remnant soul continued speaking, ‘The second reason I called you here is to ask a favor.’

Its calm voice trembled slightly, carrying the weight of age and sorrow.

‘A favor!?’

When Lu Changsheng heard the word, his brows slightly furrowed.

For such an existence to use the word ‘favor,’ it must be no simple matter.

Yet, looking at Chu Qingyi’s delicate face in his arms, Lu Changsheng nodded seriously and said, ‘Senior, please speak. If it’s within my power, I’ll do my best, but I can’t guarantee I’ll succeed.’

‘Having your answer is enough. After all, this is only a faint hope in my heart.’

The remnant soul’s eyes filled with sorrow, and it sighed, ‘I hope you can find a sword one day.’

‘A sword?’

Lu Changsheng’s brows furrowed deeper, finding the request somewhat strange.

The remnant soul did not explain further and asked, ‘Have you ever heard of the Innate Sword Spirit Body?’

‘No, I haven’t.’

Lu Changsheng shook his head.

The cultivation world was filled with various spirit bodies, and even a Nascent Soul True Lord couldn’t claim to know them all.

‘The Innate Sword Spirit Body is an extremely rare constitution. It can cultivate the body as a sword, the soul as a sword, and even all things in the world as swords.’

‘Once the spirit body is fully formed, it can even transform into an Innate Sword Spirit!’

Upon mentioning this, the remnant soul’s voice grew heavier, ‘My daughter possessed such a body. When I attempted a breakthrough to Divine Transformation, I faced the heavens’ triple tribulation. Not only did I fail the breakthrough, but my body perished, and my soul dissipated, bringing disaster upon my wife and daughter.’

‘Some people sought my daughter’s Innate Sword Spirit Body to use her as a sword spirit and forge a peerless divine weapon!’

The remnant soul’s voice was filled with sorrow and fury, radiating a strong killing intent.

Back then, it had dominated the Southern Wilderness, considered a prodigy destined for Divine Transformation. Everyone believed it had a high chance of breaking through.

But when it attempted the breakthrough, it not only failed and perished but also brought catastrophe upon his wife and daughter.

His wife died in battle, and his daughter might have been forged into a sword.

‘Using her as a sword spirit and forging a peerless divine weapon.’

Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat.

Although spirit bodies provided many benefits, they also attracted trouble.

Just like his daughter Lu Wangshu’s Blood Talisman Spirit Body.

When she was younger, a demonic cultivator noticed it and tried to sacrifice her.

So, as a father, he could understand the other’s intense rage.

Lu Changsheng pondered briefly and said, ‘Senior, I’m currently only in the Golden Core stage and not even qualified to touch this level. In the future…’

But before he could finish, the remnant soul interrupted, ‘I understand. This request was only a fleeting hope, a remnant attachment in my heart.’

‘I only hope that in the future, if you have the power, you will attempt to find it.’

‘If you find it, rescue my daughter. If not, don’t dwell on it.’

The remnant soul sighed deeply.

It knew it had been thousands of years since its death, and the world outside had surely changed drastically. Finding the sword was a nearly impossible task.

Moreover, he couldn’t even be sure if his daughter had been turned into a divine weapon.

‘Very well. If that day comes, I, Lu Changsheng, will find the sword and rescue your daughter, Senior.’

Lu Changsheng solemnly promised.

Afterward, he asked, ‘Does this sword have a name?’

‘If this sword still exists in the world, it might be called—Heaven’s Will!’

The remnant soul seemed somewhat relieved at Lu Changsheng’s sincerity and voluntary inquiry.

‘I, Xuantian Yuan, never owe anyone anything, and I won’t let you make this promise for nothing. Do you wish to save this woman?’

True Lord Tianyuan looked at Chu Qingyi and spoke.

He didn’t force Lu Changsheng to swear an oath or anything like that.

To him, someone as talented as Lu Changsheng, who also possessed unparalleled inheritances, had his self-respect and integrity.

If Lu Changsheng agreed, he wouldn’t go back on his word.

Moreover, for someone who had the potential to become a Top-Tier expert, breaking promises would impede their state of mind.

‘Yes. Does Senior have a way?’

Lu Changsheng responded without hesitation.

‘This woman’s meridians and bones are shattered, and her True Core is damaged. Reviving her won’t be easy.’

‘But since you’ve cultivated the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra, I have a secret method that allows you to use the technique to extend her life.’

True Lord Tianyuan glanced at the unconscious Chu Qingyi in Lu Changsheng’s arms before continuing.

‘The Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra?’

Lu Changsheng was momentarily stunned.

Damn it, that’s the method you’re relying on?

If that was the plan, why would he need anyone else’s help?

With the Yin-Yang Nirvana Method, Life Transfer Technique, and the Nine Treasures Dao Bone’s healing powers, as long as there’s a breath left, Lu Changsheng could save her!

However, upon hearing that Chu Qingyi’s True Core was damaged, Lu Changsheng immediately used his Divine Sense to check her condition.

He quickly saw that her dantian’s Dao Foundation had a darkened True Core, radiating faint Golden Core Dao Rhythm. Several cracks marred it, causing the essence to leak.

In the urgency of the situation, he hadn’t noticed how severe Chu Qingyi’s condition was.

Wasn’t this saying that even if she survived, her Dao Foundation would be damaged, blocking her future progress?

‘No…’

At this moment, Chu Qingyi suddenly struggled, her breath faint as she whispered, ‘Absolutely not. I’d rather die… cough, cough, cough…’

But before she could finish, she coughed up blood violently.

She had been on the verge of unconsciousness.

But upon entering the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus, surrounded by dense spiritual energy and nourished by Lu Changsheng’s Spiritual Energy, she slowly regained some awareness.

And just as she regained consciousness, she heard about using the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra for healing.

She was naturally aware of this technique.

She had initially discovered it together with her master, Yun Wanshang, and knew it was a dual cultivation method.

The idea of letting a stranger save her in such a manner was unbearable.

However, she was puzzled about who Lu Changsheng was and his reasons for saving her.

When he first saved her, that surge of Spiritual Energy felt familiar. It was certainly not the power currently nurturing her body!

‘Senior, is this the only way? Is there a method to restore her foundation?’

Lu Changsheng ignored Chu Qingyi’s resistance, gently tapped her back, and asked True Lord Tianyuan.

If this were the only way, he wouldn’t need the other’s help; he could directly save her.

Although the process might be a bit offensive and ruin her purity.

But considering she was Xiao Xiyue’s senior apprentice and Yun Wanshang’s disciple, how could he just leave her to die?

Wait, why did thinking of these two connections make him feel a bit more thrilled!?

No, this was just about his deep compassion. Seeing a patient in such grave condition stirred his emotions.

‘He’s quite the gentleman…’

Lying in Lu Changsheng’s arms, Chu Qingyi’s eyes fluttered. Her long, thick eyelashes trembled like tiny fans.

She was so weak now that she couldn’t even lift a finger.

If Lu Changsheng really wanted to save her by such means, there was no way she could refuse.

‘If you wish to restore her foundation, I have one method, but it’s very dangerous.’

True Lord Tianyuan pondered for a moment.

‘Senior, please share it.’

Lu Changsheng thought this Nascent Soul True Lord certainly had vast knowledge and abilities.

‘You’ve condensed a first-Tier Golden Core, correct?’

True Lord Tianyuan examined Lu Changsheng, then asked.

‘Correct!’

Lu Changsheng nodded, not bothering to explain about his Dao Golden Core.

‘A first-Tier Golden Core!?’

Despite hearing this conversation, Chu Qingyi, whose mind was nearly in a daze, was shocked.

Golden Cores were divided into nine grades.

Over ninety percent of cultivators were not destined to obtain a High-Tier Golden Core.

And a first-Tier Golden Core was the pinnacle achievement in Golden Core Formation!

In the entire Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world, even in the Southern Wilderness cultivation world, such an existence was as rare as a phoenix feather.

Yet, Lu Changsheng had actually formed a first-Tier Golden Core!

At this moment, Chu Qingyi was increasingly curious about Lu Changsheng.

Why was he so concerned about her? Why did he want to save her? How did he know the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra?

‘Since you’ve achieved a first-Tier Golden Core, this method has a bit more chance of success.’

True Lord Tianyuan nodded slightly, saying, ‘I don’t have much time left. Besides the technique inheritance, I have one last gift for you—this Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus.’

‘This lotus once housed my second Nascent Soul. When I attempted Divine Transformation, it received the source energy of Divine Transformation; it was only one step away from becoming the Heavenly Yuan Dao Lotus!’

‘And that’s why this remnant of mine has survived until now!’

‘Although the Nascent Soul is gone, it still retains some source energy, which can be used to pass on techniques and provide purification. During the process, you could use a secret technique to dissolve this woman’s True Core and repair her body’s meridians.’

‘Then, you could use the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra to help her reform her core. If successful, this would not only restore her meridians but also improve her Golden Core Formation.’

True Lord Tianyuan calmly explained.

‘Dissolving the core…?’

Lu Changsheng naturally knew of this secret technique.

Some False Core practitioners, or low-quality Golden Cores, with great fortune and confidence, might break their core to rebuild it, restoring them through this technique.

But the better the Golden Core, the greater the risk!

For False Core practitioners, the mortality rate from dissolving their inner core was only around thirty to fifty percent.

But for those with low-quality Golden Cores attempting it, the mortality rate could be seventy to eighty percent.

And for Chu Qingyi, who was only a half-step from Golden Core, attempting it would be a life-and-death gamble.

Not to mention that in her current state, hanging by a thread.

She might not even survive the core dissolution process before succumbing.

Seeing Lu Changsheng hesitate, True Lord Tianyuan slightly shook his head, saying, ‘No pain, no gain. Break to renew.’

‘Given her current state, she can either maintain her life through the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra or break through and rebuild.’

‘With my source energy and the spiritual herbs from the herb gardens, combined with your first-Tier Golden Core assisting in her formation, there should be a thirty percent chance.’

True Lord Tianyuan calmly offered the perspective.

After speaking, he remained silent, giving Lu Changsheng time to decide.

‘Fairy Qingyi, you heard what the senior said, right?’

After thinking for a moment, Lu Changsheng looked down at the weak Chu Qingyi in his arms, leaving the choice to her.

‘Thank you, Daoist friend… There’s no need to save me…’

Chu Qingyi’s pale lips barely moved as she whispered with a fading breath.

‘No, you must choose. If you don’t decide, I will.’

Lu Changsheng declared, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

‘No… cough, cough, cough…’

Chu Qingyi tried to speak again, but she was too weak to form words, her life force held together only by Lu Changsheng’s Spiritual Energy.

‘I know that even in death, the Fairy wouldn’t want her body to be defiled, but I, Lu Changsheng, was captivated by the Fairy at first sight. I can’t bear to see you perish like this.’

Lu Changsheng sighed, his voice low and heavy.

Hearing his words, a faint blush crept onto Chu Qingyi’s deathly pale cheeks.

So, the reason this man wanted to save her was because he was captivated by her at first sight?

‘Since that’s the case, I’ll choose the second method on the Fairy’s behalf and leave the outcome to fate!’

‘If we fail, there’s no harm; if we succeed, I’ll take responsibility. If the Fairy is willing, I’ll go to the Azure Cloud Sect and propose to Caiyun Zhenren!’

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath and continued.

True Lord Tianyuan mentioned a thirty percent chance.

But in Lu Changsheng’s estimation, it should be higher.

If all else failed, he could stabilize Chu Qingyi’s condition with his superior medical skills and think of a solution later.

After finishing, he didn’t wait for Chu Qingyi’s objection. He looked at True Lord Tianyuan and said, ‘Senior, we’ll go with your method.’

‘By the way, Senior, the red-haired figure that pursued me earlier is headed here. Will it pose a threat?’

‘Also, this secret realm is collapsing. Will we be affected if the entire realm falls apart?’

At this moment, Lu Changsheng remembered the situation outside and asked.

Given Chu Qingyi’s precarious state, treating her within this cave was ideal.

However, if the realm’s collapse would have repercussions, that would complicate matters.