Chapter 458: What If Xiyue Doesn’t Mind?

“Do you really understand the choice, Qingyi?”

“Life is a journey of cultivation. Every experience is a view along the way. If you find a beautiful scene, why not stop for a moment and enjoy it?”

Lu Changsheng chuckled softly and said, “Moreover, the Great Dao is long and winding. If you have a few close friends to support each other through the long years, wouldn’t that be a blessing?”

Chu Qingyi didn’t argue. After a moment of silence, she asked in a low voice, “Why did you give up on Sword Dao, Lu Daoist?”

Although she wasn’t sure if Lu Changsheng was speaking the truth.

But years ago, his sword energy cured her poison, and he passed on the ‘Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual’ to her, all of which showed his extraordinary talent in Sword Dao where he had poured much of his effort.

In such a situation, choosing to change his cultivation path was truly puzzling to her.

“Didn’t I tell you before? The world is vast and full of beautiful things. If you focus solely on one thing, you’ll miss out on other wonderful experiences.”

Lu Changsheng gently squeezed Chu Qingyi’s smooth jade-like hand and continued, “When I was cultivating Sword Dao, I was obsessively focused. But gradually, I lost interest in other things. I didn’t even want to interact with or try them. Deep down, there was some disdain.”

“But later, I found a Talisman Making technique and, after a basic understanding, realized I had a greater interest in it.”

“After that, due to family needs, I delved into Spirit Plant Cultivation, spiritual cooking, brewing, refining pills, and Equipment Refining, discovering the charm in each of these paths.”

Lu Changsheng and Chu Qingyi walked side by side on the street as he spoke with a smile.

“Lu Daoist, your talent and intelligence are rare in my life.”

“But for us cultivators, cultivation is the foundation.”

Chu Qingyi pursed her lips and glanced at Lu Changsheng as she spoke.

She had heard of Lu Changsheng’s title as the ‘Dual Talent of Dan and Talisman.’

She didn’t expect Lu Changsheng to have studied so many disciplines besides Sword Dao, refining pills, and Talisman Making.

He even transitioned from a sword cultivator to a talisman cultivator and now seeks other methods.

Could this man truly be a reincarnation of a celestial being?

Besides Sword Dao, Chu Qingyi knew some other techniques and cultivation arts.

But these were only used to cultivate her temperament or to expand her understanding when facing a bottleneck.

She never focused much of her time and energy on these areas, nor did she have much time and energy to spare.

But Lu Changsheng, who was younger than her, spent so much time and energy yet still had such a shocking level of cultivation.

Even though she was always regarded as a genius, she felt inferior compared to Lu Changsheng at this moment.

“I agree with what you’re saying, Qingyi.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and nodded, “But life is fleeting, like an ephemeral day, so what does immortality mean to me?”

“Even if you and I achieve Golden Core and can live for five hundred years, it’s still just another cage. Wouldn’t it be better to have a beautiful partner by your side, a home full of children, and enjoy life while you can?”

“Even if it means wasting your life, at least you leave no regrets. If you only focus on cultivation, then look back later, with a life of cold loneliness, can you really be without regret?”

After saying this, Lu Changsheng sighed and added, “I’m different from you, Qingyi. I was born into humble origins and have seen many rogue cultivators who give up their families, lovers, and friends, wandering far and wide just for the pursuit of immortality, only to end up poor, cold, and buried in the wilderness with nothing to show for it.”

“Who can say their Dao hearts were not firm? But life is like a game of chess, where every move is irreversible.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Chu Qingyi earnestly and said, “I’m not trying to persuade you to give up your cultivation or Sword Dao, but I hope that during your cultivation, you also enjoy the scenery around you. Only then can you have no regrets in life.”

Chu Qingyi carefully pondered Lu Changsheng’s words and felt they made sense.

Since childhood, she was raised and nurtured with high expectations by her Master, Yun Wanshang.

Thus, from a young age, she considered cultivation her duty and her only goal.

With her innate Sword Heart, she mastered any sword art or technique quickly and efficiently. Focused entirely on Sword Dao, she gradually lost interest in other pursuits.

“Lu Daoist, you are no ordinary person.”

Chu Qingyi spoke softly.

She knew Lu Changsheng was trying to convince her and partly agreed with his philosophy.

But she had her own thoughts and principles that were not easily swayed.

Moreover, she truly didn’t know how to deal with these kinds of emotions.

“Hahaha, I’m just an ordinary person, as ordinary as they come.”

Realizing that convincing her wouldn’t be easy, Lu Changsheng laughed and pulled Chu Qingyi along to a nearby jewelry shop.

Chu Qingyi followed him as obediently as a young wife, her mind still reflecting on his words, finding Lu Changsheng quite strange.

He was different from most of the people she interacted with daily.

Before forming her Golden Core, many fellow disciples and other sect disciples pursued her.

But they all treated her as a high and aloof celestial maiden, nothing like Lu Changsheng.

For a moment, she couldn’t describe him, finding him shameless, rogue-like, yet carefree.

“Come, Qingyi, try this. I think it suits you well.”

While she was lost in thought, Lu Changsheng held a plum blossom tassel hairpin, ready to place it on her.

Chu Qingyi froze, wanting to say something, but seeing the clear and natural look in Lu Changsheng’s eyes, she didn’t know what to say, so she let him tie up her high ponytail.

His movements were practiced, and he didn’t take advantage of her.

But seeing how gently and intimately he treated her, Chu Qingyi’s heart, which had just calmed down, was in turmoil again, her beautiful eyes betraying a hint of shyness.

“Tsk, I guess a beauty like you doesn’t need adornments. However, I still think your previous look, valiant and filled with Sword Intent, is the best.”

Lu Changsheng touched his chin, looked her over twice, and spoke with a smile.

Normally, Chu Qingyi’s eyebrows were dark and her sword-like eyes were sharp, needing no extra embellishments.

Now, with the two of them having disguised themselves simply, Chu Qingyi’s usual cold and aloof demeanor softened. With her hair tied up, she suddenly looked more like a gentle, virtuous wife, making people want to tease her a bit.

Without hesitation, Lu Changsheng kissed Chu Qingyi on her smooth cheek.

Chu Qingyi immediately became flustered, her eyes showing both shyness and anger.

Didn’t he say he wouldn’t force me?

He held my hand earlier and now this…

Seeing the sales clerk not far away smiling at them, Chu Qingyi glared at Lu Changsheng and whispered, “Lu Daoist, didn’t you say you’d stop at holding hands earlier?”

“Yes, I did say Qingyi shouldn’t feel guilty or force herself.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, and under Chu Qingyi’s shy and angry gaze, he got a bit closer and whispered, “If you don’t like it, just tell me.”

Chu Qingyi: “…”

This person is indeed as shameless as ever, pushing boundaries wherever he can.

But strangely enough, she’s starting to get used to it.

“I noticed Qingyi hasn’t said anything and showed no aversion, so I thought you didn’t mind.”

Lu Changsheng spoke softly. Before his words even fell, he leaned in closer to Chu Qingyi’s tender lips.

“Mmm~”

Chu Qingyi’s face turned beet red with embarrassment. She wanted to resist but didn’t dare to use too much force, just lightly pressing her lips together and gently pushing him away.

After a few breaths, her face was still flush with embarrassment as she angrily said, “You… You’re breaking your promise!”

Even someone as kind as she couldn’t help but be angered at this moment.

Seeing the clarity in her beautiful eyes, as bright as water, yet filled with a hint of shyness and anger, Lu Changsheng whispered, “I just noticed you seemed preoccupied and wanted to cheer you up, Qingyi.”

Chu Qingyi: “???”

Why wouldn’t I be preoccupied? Do you really not understand?

And how is this supposed to cheer someone up?

Chu Qingyi quickly dragged Lu Changsheng out of the shop, bit her lip, gathered her courage, and whispered, “Lu Daoist, I have no interest in matters of love and cannot betray Xiyue…”

“What if Xiyue doesn’t mind?”

Lu Changsheng suddenly asked.

“???”

Chu Qingyi was stunned, her whole being a bit confused.

But when she thought that if not for her junior sister, she didn’t have to worry about her Master’s scolding, she wouldn’t find this so repulsive.

She quickly steadied herself and shook her head, saying, “Lu Daoist, this has nothing to do with Xiyue. I’m currently focused on cultivation and have no interest in such matters.”

“I understand, Qingyi.”

Lu Changsheng responded with a downcast look.

“Lu Daoist, successful cultivators are those who are devoted to their cultivation, distancing themselves from emotions and desires. As a person with celestial-level talent, you should focus on cultivation above all.”

Chu Qingyi, feeling a bit sympathetic, spoke in a soft tone.

She thought that Lu Changsheng’s focus on love and relationships was a waste of his talent.

“Emotions and desires are inherent to human nature. If becoming an immortal requires one to abandon them, what’s the point of cultivation?”

Lu Changsheng shook his head as he spoke.

“Do you think I’m just indulging in romance, Qingyi?”

“But everyone has their own Dao. I gave up Sword Dao to explore various paths and discovered this is the Dao I seek.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Chu Qingyi with a serious expression.

“This…”

Chu Qingyi was taken aback by his honest yet unconventional words, not knowing what to say for a moment.

So, she had become part of his Dao?

If she rejected his pursuit, would that mean his Dao wouldn’t be complete?

She sighed and said, “Romantic pursuits don’t contribute to cultivation; they are just side paths. With your celestial talent, you should see through them.”

“That’s why I say I’m just a common man who loves beauty, just as Qingyi loves her sword. It’s got nothing to do with major or minor paths.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t argue further, laughing lightly as he spoke.

Chu Qingyi no longer spoke.

She understood that debating with him at this point would only result in her being influenced by him.

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind either, calmly continuing to hold Chu Qingyi’s hand as they strolled.

“This shameless man…”

Nangong Mili from the Wuxiang Domain watched this scene with a cold, disdainful face, muttering insults, thinking that Lu Changsheng was quite suited to be a person of the demonic path.

But remembering how, despite his strength, Lu Changsheng was still willing to coax both Chu Qingyi and herself, she found that this approach was actually quite nice.

Otherwise, if he had been as recklessly indulgent as some demonic cultivators, she would have found him utterly repulsive.

While the Immortal City of Da Mengze was bustling, it couldn’t meet Lu Changsheng’s purchasing needs.

Whether it was rare materials he wanted to buy or the earth-ranked water dragon blood beasts he sought, they couldn’t be found immediately. He would have to wait for auctions or trade fairs.

As they passed a pavilion with the words ‘Tianzhi Tower’ written on it, Lu Changsheng entered with Chu Qingyi and inquired about any information on the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, Azure Cloud Sect, and Bihu Mountain.

A moment later.

“Heavenly Sword Sect’s Yun Jianfeng broke through to Nascent Soul, and with True Lord Xuanjian, they ambushed True Lord Tiansha in the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm.”

“True Lord Tiansha’s body was shattered, and he only managed to escape thanks to his Nascent Soul.”

Lu Changsheng, looking at the Jade Slip information, was stunned.

Although he knew there were Nascent Souls battling outside the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, and True Lord Tianyuan mentioned that there were three Nascent Soul cultivators outside.

He never imagined that the third Nascent Soul True Lord would also come from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

The same man who had suppressed demonic cultivators in Nine Heavens Immortal City years ago, Yun Jianfeng!

“This man condensed a High-Tier Golden Core and was recognized as the foremost disciple under True Lord Xuanjian fifty or sixty years ago. It’s understandable he broke through to Nascent Soul now.”

Lu Changsheng muttered to himself.

The Heavenly Sword Sect gaining another Nascent Soul True Lord was a significant event!

It could even affect the future direction of Jiang Kingdom.

Especially since these two Nascent Soul True Lords seemed to be powerful figures.

Back then, True Lord Xuanjian had fought alone against two Nascent Souls from Jin Kingdom.

Now, this newly ascended True Lord True Sword had barely entered Nascent Soul but nearly succeeded in ambushing a Nascent Soul True Lord alongside True Lord Xuanjian. Clearly, he was extraordinary.

“Could it be that what Yun Wanshang mentioned about the Frontier Expansion Order is related to the Heavenly Sword Sect wanting to expand Jiang Kingdom’s territory?”

“Or maybe, with Liang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom locked in a prolonged conflict, Jiang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom are planning to take the initiative and start a war in the cultivation world?”

Lu Changsheng speculated.

The addition of a Nascent Soul True Lord to Jiang Kingdom was undoubtedly a good thing.

But a Nascent Soul True Lord’s cultivation demands an enormous amount of resources.

As the sect’s elder, if he doesn’t go out to seek opportunities and resources, the most common solution is to start a war to seize resources.

“Qingyi, do you know about True Sword’s breakthrough?”

At this time, Lu Changsheng thought about the high-level figure from Azure Cloud Sect by his side and asked.

“Yes, True Sword reached the peak of Golden Core long ago, always awaiting his opportunity to break through to Nascent Soul.”

“True Lord Xuanjian calculated that True Sword’s breakthrough chance lay in the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, so the secret realm’s early closure years ago was due to True Sword attempting to break through to Nascent Soul.”

Chu Qingyi spoke softly.

Although it was a confidential matter, with the recent closure of the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, it was no longer a secret.

“So True Sword broke through to Nascent Soul within the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm!?”

Lu Changsheng was shocked.

He had heard rumors about Nascent Soul opportunities in the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm but assumed they were false, meant to muddy the waters.

He didn’t expect that the rumors were true and that the new Nascent Soul True Lord had indeed broken through there.

“Yes, I heard from the elders that breaking through from Golden Core to Nascent Soul requires a solid foundation, the right timing, and a convergence of fortune.”

“The Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm not only has a Fourth-Tier spiritual vein but also a unique fortune, making it ideal for True Sword’s Nascent Soul breakthrough.”

Chu Qingyi explained.

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly.

Hong Lian had told him before about the intricacies of breaking through from Golden Core to Nascent Soul.

It not only requires the right time, place, and people but also a connection to the world’s fortune.

So many cultivators often wait for the right moment and opportunity for their Nascent Soul breakthroughs.

“Is True Lord Xuanjian also skilled in divination?”

Lu Changsheng, recalling Chu Qingyi’s earlier mention of True Lord Xuanjian’s calculations, raised an eyebrow and asked.

“Yes, True Lord Xuanjian’s divination skills are extraordinary. He is one of the top divination masters in Jiang Kingdom.”

Chu Qingyi nodded gently.

“Everyone who becomes a Nascent Soul True Lord is remarkable, especially this True Lord Xuanjian. Not only is his combat prowess astonishing, but he also understands divination.”

Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes, realizing that while he could deal with Golden Core cultivators, it would be best to avoid encounters with Nascent Soul True Lords and those skilled in divination.

Although divination can only provide a vague prediction,

for people like them, even a hint that something is off could spell trouble.

Still, with the Xuantian Spirit Vine anchoring his fortune, as long as he remains unnoticed, he should be fine.

He continued, “Qingyi, with Heavenly Sword Sect gaining a new Nascent Soul True Lord, could they launch a frontier expansion war or a war within the cultivation world?”

“Heavenly Sword Sect indeed has plans for a frontier expansion in the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range. As for a war in the cultivation world, I’m not sure at the moment.”

Chu Qingyi replied.

Currently, in the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world, there aren’t many uncharted spiritual veins apart from the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

Mountain ranges like Luoyun Mountain are of no interest to Heavenly Sword Sect.

Even if there were a plan for expansion, it would be handled by sects like Azure Cloud Sect, Sunset Glow Sect, and Spirit Control Sect.

“I see.”

Lu Changsheng nodded. He knew that once Heavenly Sword Sect decided to expand, it would inevitably affect other sects.

“Qingyi, if you were to reach the peak of Golden Core and wanted to break through to Nascent Soul, could you use the Heavenly Sword Sect’s spiritual veins for your breakthrough?”

At this moment, Lu Changsheng thought of an idea.

He recalled that Azure Cloud Sect didn’t possess a Fourth-Tier spiritual vein, meaning it couldn’t support a Golden Core cultivator’s breakthrough to Nascent Soul.

So, he was curious if Yun Wanshang could go to Heavenly Sword Sect for her breakthrough.

After all, the Four Great Immortal Sects are interconnected, so using each other’s spiritual veins might be possible.

“If you’re willing to pay a certain price, it should be possible.”

“However, breaking through to Nascent Soul requires the right time, place, people, and fortune, so most prefer to go out and seek their opportunities.”

Chu Qingyi pondered for a moment before replying.

Although Fourth-Tier spiritual veins are rare, according to Azure Cloud Sect’s records, there are still quite a few Fourth-Tier Immortal Cities in the Southern Wilderness.

As long as you’re willing to pay, you can achieve your breakthrough in these cities.

Although the Four Great Immortal Sects are interconnected, it’s uncertain whether the Heavenly Sword Sect would want the other sects to produce more Nascent Soul True Lords.

After all, although the Four Great Immortal Sects sound equal in status,

everyone knows that in Jiang Kingdom, there’s only one true overlord: the Heavenly Sword Sect!

“If you plan on breaking through to Nascent Soul, Lu Daoist, you might want to visit some of the major Fourth-Tier Immortal Cities first.”

Chu Qingyi suggested softly.

To her, with Lu Changsheng’s talent, he would naturally aim to break through to Nascent Soul in the future.

“I was just asking.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled.

He was still some distance away from Nascent Soul.

Who knows, maybe someday the System will reward him with a Fourth-Tier spiritual vein, so he wasn’t in any hurry.

But from Chu Qingyi’s words, he realized that the relationship between the Four Great Immortal Sects wasn’t as harmonious as it seemed on the surface.

Now that he thought about it, it was only logical.

Although the Four Great Immortal Sects seem peaceful now,

if Azure Cloud Sect, Sunset Glow Sect, or Spirit Control Sect were to produce a Nascent Soul True Lord, could this balance really be maintained?

Could the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world truly sustain this many Nascent Soul True Lords?

He then looked at the recent information on Azure Cloud Sect and Bihu Mountain.

He saw that Chu Qingyi was said to be missing in the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, and that the Bihu Mountain Ancestor Lu Changsheng was said to have encountered attacks from Golden Core cultivators in the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm and was suspected to have perished.

“Why is it that you’re only missing, while I’m suspected to have died?”

Seeing this information, Lu Changsheng felt a bit dissatisfied.

“Tianzhi Tower may be an intelligence organization, but they can’t verify everything. Some information is derived from their own judgment.”

“Since I’m a Azure Cloud Sect elder, as long as the sect doesn’t give a definite account, the outside world won’t declare me deceased.”

Chu Qingyi couldn’t help but find it amusing as she explained after seeing Lu Changsheng’s reaction.

“I see.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, thinking that his wives, concubines, and children at home must be worried after such a mishap.

Although they could sense that he was still alive through the Sumeru Tree King and their spiritual pets, it was only natural that they might still be concerned.

“Now that everything’s settled, we should head back.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath, his thoughts of flirting dissipating a bit.