Chapter 504: Ling Zixiao: Is This the Daughter of Lu Lang and Nangong Zhenren?

Jiang Kingdom, Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

A radiant golden light descended rapidly from the Nine Heavens Gale Layer, tearing through thh the void and stirring up fierce gale currents.

On top of the golden light stood two figures, their silhouettes resembling a man and a woman.

Both figures were shrouded in a layer of hazy starlight, making their faces indistinguishable, though their tall and upright postures were evident.

“Lu Daoyou, let’s part ways here.”

Chu Qingyi lightly pursed her red lips and spoke softly.

She wore a blue and white dress that highlighted her tall and graceful figure. Her facial features were incredibly delicate and beautiful.

She embodied both the softness of a woman and the cool, composed aura of neutrality.

But today, her usual aloofness was gone, replaced with a gentler, more demure demeanor.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t insist on her staying.

He had caused quite a stir at the Yin Ghost Sect earlier.

If he returned to the Qingyun Region with Chu Qingyi on the Golden-Winged Roc, it could draw some unnecessary trouble.

Besides, he noticed that since returning to the Jiang Kingdom, Chu Qingyi had been more pensive.

“Qingyi, I really appreciate your help on this journey. Otherwise, my injuries wouldn’t have healed so quickly.”

Lu Changsheng held Chu Qingyi’s slender hand and said, “Do you still remember the wisp of primal energy I gathered for you when I helped you form your Golden Core?”

“Ah…”

When Chu Qingyi heard Lu Changsheng mention the Golden Core formation, she suddenly blushed.

She recalled how, during the process, a mysterious and profound source of Dao energy had flowed into her body.

This made their Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra resonate in absolute harmony for months.

“This primal energy is great for nurturing Golden Cores. Now that I’ve recovered, I’ve refined a wisp of primal energy myself.”

“You’re now a Second-Tier Golden Core. You just need a bit more nurturing to advance to a first-Tier Golden Core. Who knows? You may even reach the level of an Immortal Golden Core.”

Lu Changsheng spoke with a serious expression.

“Nurturing the Golden Core?”

Chu Qingyi was taken aback.

After all, whether it’s for nurturing the Dao Foundation or Golden Core, Natural Treasures for such purposes are incredibly rare and priceless.

Especially treasures that nurture High-Tier Golden Cores—those are even rarer.

She had not expected that Lu Changsheng’s primal energy could nurture High-Tier Golden Cores.

This… This…

“Is he trying to trick me again?”

Chu Qingyi couldn’t help but wonder.

But she quickly dismissed the thought.

Although Lu Changsheng often teased and bullied her, there was no reason for him to lie about something like this.

Besides, the primal energy he used back during the Golden Core formation did seem to have this effect.

“No, there’s no need. But thank you for the offer, Lu Daoyou.”

Chu Qingyi quickly shook her head.

On one hand, she felt she already owed Lu Changsheng too much and was uneasy about accepting more.

On the other hand, she was concerned that this primal energy would deplete Lu Changsheng’s own reserves.

“The difference between a Second-Tier and a first-Tier Golden Core may seem small, but it’s a world of difference.”

“The Dao is long, and I hope to walk it with you, Qingyi. Even if you’re not ready to accept me now.”

Lu Changsheng looked at her deeply, filled with emotion.

After this journey through the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, their relationship had grown much closer, stabilizing to the point where they almost resembled an old married couple.

However, Chu Qingyi was still hesitant about their relationship.

She worried about her junior sister Xiao Xiyue and Master Yun Wanshang.

Even though Xiao Xiyue didn’t mind, Chu Qingyi didn’t know how to face her Master.

After all, Yun Wanshang had raised and taught her, and now she would be sharing a husband with her junior sister. It would be a disgrace to their sect.

“Lu Daoyou…”

Chu Qingyi bit her lip, wanting to say something but hesitated.

As Lu Changsheng had guessed, she was concerned not only about Xiao Xiyue but also deeply worried about what her Master would think.

If her Master found out that both she and her junior sister were in love with the same person, how disappointed would she be?

Having been raised by her Master from a young age, her greatest fear was to disappoint her.

Moreover, if her Master found out about this, she might get angry enough to cause trouble for Lu Changsheng.

“Don’t overthink it. Everything will naturally resolve itself.”

“One day, I will confidently go to the Azure Cloud Sect with you and earn the recognition of your Zhenren.”

Lu Changsheng spoke softly, not pushing her further.

The complicated relationship between the three of them also gave him a headache, and he wasn’t sure how to resolve it.

Even though with the Golden-Winged Roc, he had enough strength to not fear Yun Wanshang.

Matters of love couldn’t be resolved by combat alone.

And with the relationship between Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi, he couldn’t possibly fight Yun Wanshang, maybe just argue a bit.

Moreover, there was another issue.

What would Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi think if they found out about his relationship with Yun Wanshang?

Sigh…

Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly, watching as Chu Qingyi silently stood there, her head slightly lowered.

Without saying a word, he gently cupped her delicate, smooth face, leaning in to steal a kiss.

By now, Chu Qingyi was somewhat used to such gestures—but she could still find a reason to convince herself that this ambiguity shouldn’t continue.

As she awkwardly responded, Lu Changsheng pried open her teeth…

“Mmm~”

Despite having experienced this several times, Chu Qingyi’s body still stiffened, her long lashes trembling like fans as she let out a helpless moan.

“N-not here…”

Moments later, her snowy-white face flushed red as she opened her eyes slightly and whispered like a mosquito.

Lu Changsheng immediately waved his hand, summoning the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus, and took her inside to nurture her Golden Core.

“Hmph.”

Inside the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus, Meng Xiaochan pouted, slightly jealous as she watched what had unfolded.

Due to the dangers of the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, she had spent most of her time inside the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus.

Just when she finally saw Lu Changsheng again, he was already getting intimate with Chu Qingyi, making her feel a pang of jealousy.

After all, she had been the first…

Even if… Yaoyao has grown up so much by now, yet still…

Several days later.

“Qingyi, I can refine a wisp of primal energy every three to four months. I’ll contact you then.”

Lu Changsheng softly spoke as he embraced her soft, warm body.

“There’s no need… really…”

Chu Qingyi’s voice quivered.

She could sense that her Golden Core Dao Rhythm had been refined somewhat.

But if she wanted to advance to a first-Tier Immortal Golden Core, it would take dozens of these sessions.

Though achieving a first-Tier Immortal Golden Core was already extraordinary.

Yet it felt so wrong to continue like this…

“Just trust me on this.”

Lu Changsheng’s voice was firm and commanding, leaving no room for doubt.

Chu Qingyi’s heart trembled, and she bit her lip, feeling a bit like a scolded wife.

“By the way, Qingyi, I have a favor to ask you as well.”

Lu Changsheng’s tone softened once more as he asked Chu Qingyi to help gather materials for refining the Yin-Yang Dao Diagram.

He had previously been putting this off.

But after his trip to the Jin Kingdom, he realized this was a weakness in combat.

If he could refine the Yin-Yang Dao Diagram, it would compensate for this shortfall.

And he could tell that Chu Qingyi felt indebted to him, so he wanted to give her something to do.

“What do you need?”

Chu Qingyi raised her head slightly, her watery eyes filled with a hint of anticipation as she looked at him.

“My current innate Magical Treasure is no longer effective, so I need to refine a new one.”

Lu Changsheng explained, listing the materials he needed.

“Frozen Essence Crystal, Void Stone, Ten-Thousand-Year Goldsilk, Scorching Sun Soul Blaze Fiend, Nether Frost Corrosion Fiend.”

Many of these materials were unknown to Chu Qingyi, making her realize that Lu Changsheng’s innate Magical Treasure would be no ordinary item.

But this made her somewhat happy.

She felt like she could finally do something useful for him.

“Alright, when I get back to the sect, I’ll check the treasure vault.”

Chu Qingyi nodded, her clear voice carrying a lazy yet soft tone.

Then, after a few more moments of intimacy, Lu Changsheng and Chu Qingyi got up, checked on Lu Quanzhen, and left the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus.

“Lu Daoyou, I’m heading back now.”

Chu Qingyi softly said goodbye, feeling unexpectedly reluctant to part.

“Alright, be careful. Reach out to me if anything happens, alright?”

Lu Changsheng gently stroked her hair, his voice warm.

Then, with a mock sternness, he added, “If I find out you did something dangerous behind my back again, you’ll have to face your husband’s wrath.”

“…”

Chu Qingyi’s heart skipped a beat and her eyes filled with playful reproach. This man was spouting nonsense again.

But like a shy wife, she softly whispered, “I know.”

“Alright, go on now.”

Lu Changsheng hugged her one last time.

Chu Qingyi nodded, then gave him one last glance before turning into a streak of sword light and leaving.

Watching her disappear into the sky, Lu Changsheng suddenly realized with a sigh that the women he met all had remarkable qualities.

The more he interacted with them, the more he wanted to take them all home.

But when he thought of the complicated situation with Chu Qingyi and Yun Wanshang, he felt a headache and returned to the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus.

“Xiaochan.”

He naturally noticed that Meng Xiaochan was in a bit of a mood.

He also felt guilty for neglecting her.

After all, she had abandoned being the Five Poison Sect’s true disciple and followed him all the way to the Jiang Kingdom.

Yet during this time, most of his attention was on Chu Qingyi, and he felt he had wronged her.

Fortunately, Meng Xiaochan had deep feelings for him and was easily comforted. Not long after, her face was filled with happiness and sweetness.

Ten days later.

“Xiaochan, we’ve arrived at Bihu Mountain.”

Lu Changsheng, dressed in black robes, descended from the sky with Meng Xiaochan, pointing toward Bihu Mountain.

“Mhm, mhm.”

Meng Xiaochan gazed at Bihu Mountain, her eyes brimming with joy.

Not long ago, Lu Lang had promised that upon returning to Bihu Mountain, they would hold their wedding, leaving her full of anticipation and happiness in the days since.

“Buzz—”

Lu Changsheng summoned the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus, which emitted a faint ripple.

Lu Quanzhen, clad in loose black robes, appeared.

Although he looked pale and thinner, his snow-white hair and crimson eyes had returned to normal.

This wasn’t because he had recovered.

But because he was using Artifacts to conceal his true form.

Otherwise, it would have been apparent at a glance that he had dealings with demonic cultivators.

Plus, Qu Zhenzhen would be heartbroken and nag incessantly if she saw her son in this condition.

Even though he’s a Foundation Establishment-level cultivator and near unstoppable under a Nascent Soul, Lu Changsheng was still afraid of his wife’s nagging.

“Let’s go.”

Lu Changsheng nodded to his son, then quietly led them into Bihu Mountain.

But the moment he entered, Ling Zixiao, who was in charge of the family formation, felt his presence.

“Is my husband back?”

Ling Zixiao made her way to Biyun Peak.

Moments later, she saw Lu Changsheng with Lu Quanzhen and Meng Xiaochan.

“Hmm?”

Ling Zixiao saw Meng Xiaochan in a purple robe, with an ethereal and delicate appearance, and looked at her in surprise.

She, of course, recognized Meng Xiaochan.

They had disagreed when they first met.

But wasn’t her husband on his way to meet their daughter?

Why had he brought home this demonic lady?

And why had Lu Quanzhen returned with him?

“Zixiao.”

When Lu Changsheng saw Ling Zixiao, he immediately approached her.

“Weren’t you going to visit our daughter in the Jin Kingdom? Is this the child of Lu Lang and Nangong Zhenren?”

Dressed in a blue palace gown, with a tall and graceful figure, Ling Zixiao smiled faintly as she looked at Meng Xiaochan.

Lu Changsheng was speechless.

“What are you saying?”

Ling Zixiao had met Meng Xiaochan years ago and knew of Nangong Mili’s pregnancy, so it was impossible for her to mistake someone else.

She was simply teasing; ever since she and Nangong’s disciples had competed in the Spirit Pool, Ling Zixiao had held a grudge.

Or perhaps she intended to give this new ‘sister’ a bit of a scare.

“Hmph.”

Meng Xiaochan held her tongue out of respect for Lu Changsheng, but she also cast an unfriendly glare at Ling Zixiao.

Though she was gentle and obedient around Lu Changsheng, Meng Xiaochan was not a pushover.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to break through Foundation Establishment as a rogue cultivator.

And then, make her way to the Jin Kingdom, join the Five Poison Sect, and grow to her current level.

“…”

Lu Quanzhen quietly pretended to notice nothing.

He couldn’t help but wonder how his father even found time to cultivate amidst all this!

“Zixiao, has everything been alright at home while I was away?”

Lu Changsheng led Lu Quanzhen, Meng Xiaochan, and Ling Zixiao into their estate.

“Husband!”

“Master!”

“Father!”

“Hey, Brother Quanzhen! You’re back!”

Within the estate, wives, concubines, sons, and daughters greeted Lu Changsheng without much surprise.

Though he had been absent for a while, Ling Zixiao and Lu Miaoyun occasionally used te Thousand-Faced Fox Puppet to impersonate him, so many of his family members hadn’t realized he was gone.

“Nothing significant has happened here at home, although Qingshan and Xiaozhu returned half a year ago.”

Ling Zixiao replied casually.

Although she paid attention to family matters, she didn’t bother with the small stuff.

“Oh, Qingshan and Xiaozhu are back?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, pleased.

But why did they always come back when he was away?

“They’re still at Crane Ming Mountain, but they’ll likely return in a few days.”

Ling Zixiao quickly mentioned what was happening at Crane Ming Mountain.

“Husband, Sister Zixiao… Hey, Quanzhen’s back too!”

When Lu Miaoge arrived at the estaae and saw Lu Quanzhen, she was pleasantly surprised.

She and Qu Zhenzhen had been as close as sisters for years, practically raising Lu Quanzhen, so she always treated him like her own son.

“Hmm?”

But a moment later, she noticed that something was off about him as she browsed Lu Quanzhen with her dainty brows furrowing slightly.

His body seemed suffused with a thick, bloody aura, and his face was not just pale—it was deathly white.

Just as she invoked her Lingming Eye to examine Lu Quanzhen more closely, Lu Changsheng’s voice echoed in her head, indicating for her to stop.

Having cultivated the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique, Ling Zixiao had formed her Dao Foundation seed after reaching Foundation Establishment. Meanwhile, Lu Miaoge, who had reforged the Lingming Treasure Tree as her innate Spirit Root, gained an ability—Lingming Eye, allowing her to see through illusions and concealment-based techniques.

She immediately saw through Lu Quanzhen’s disguise.

“Auntie.”

Lu Quanzhen cupped his fists and bowed politely.

“You’ve been away all these years and couldn’t even send a few letters? Your mother has been worried sick!”

Seeing that he was likely in some trouble, Lu Miaoge softened her tone..

Then she noticed Meng Xiaochan, looking shocked as she cautiously asked, “Are you… Xiaochan?”

Years ago, during the battle between the Qingzhu Mountain Lu Family and the Red Leaf Valley Chen Family, Meng Xiaochan had betrayed the Chen Family, allowing the Lu Family a chance to defeat them.

During that battle, Meng Xiaochan had affectionately called Lu Changsheng ‘Lu Lang,’ leaving a deep impression on them all.

“Xiaochan, this is Yun’r—Lu Miaoge. Back then…””

Lu Changsheng smiled, introducing them.

Given what happened back then, Lu Miaoge was quite fond of MMng Xiaochan and treated her kindly.

Meng Xiaochan responded in kind, showing no signs of the demonic lady they’d once dealt with.

Lu Miaoge then began discussiig all the family matters Lu Changsheng had missed:

Like how when there were only three months left before Yu Fei would give birth, Lu Miaoge and the Thousand-Faaed Fox Puppet brought her to Bihu Mountain. The baby is now born—it’s a girl.

And how Xia Zhiyue and Zhao Qingqing have also given birth, though Bai Ling’s child is still in the womb.

And about how Lu Xingchen and the other Lu Family members are getting married, so there were lots of little things.

Ling Zixiao didn’t pay much attention to family matters, but Lu Miaoge was very aware of ttese details.

“Yun’r, Zixiao, thank you both for all your efforts.”

Lu Changsheng sincerely held his wife’s hands.

Though he was the leader of the Lu Family.

He usually only cared about major plans like direction and focus, leaving the rest to his wives.

Moments later, Qu Zhenzhen arrived.

“Quanzhen, you finally decided to come back. I was worried you might have gotten into trouble…”

When she saw him, her eyes turned red.

He had promised to return after a few years.

But that ‘few years’ had turned into over twenty.

He had only sent a few letters at the beginning; after that, nothing.

If not for Lu Changsheng constantly assuring her that everything was fine, she would have believed her son’s fate might be like his uncle Qu Changtian, who left and never returned.

So when she saw her son now, she was overcome with emotion and burst into tears.

“Mother, I’m sorry for making you worry.”

Lu Quanzhen knew his mother very well and felt ashamed.

While he was adventuring out there and facing dangers, he had forgotten the family that was always concerned about him.

“It’s alright now that you’re back. You’re so pale—are you hurt? You’ve lost so much weight.”

Seeing how pale he was, Qu Zhenzhen couldn’t help but speak out in concern.

“When I met Quanzhen, he had just survived a dangerous situation in a secret realm and got injured. He’ll be fine after some time at home recovering.”

Lu Changsheng quickly explained on behalf of his son.

“I knew it—going out there isn’t without danger. But now you’re back, and that’s all that matters. Rest well, and don’t leave home for a while.”

She didn’t nag much further, her voice soft.

After that, she told him about the marriage of Caizhen and Xuanji, who had children of their own.

And how Huaizhen and Yuzhen both found partners and had children.

She asked if he had met someone special during his journey.

If not, it would be better to settle down and focus on family instead of wandering outside.

“…”

Standing nearby, Lu Changsheng’s face twitched slightly, but he had no intention of intervening.

Meng Xiaochan found the whole scene amusing.

While in the Jin Kingdom, the tales of Lu Quanzhen roaming as ‘Qu Changtian,’ when he killed numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators and even slew the peak-level Feng Li, were legendary.

But here, he stood head down, getting lectured about settling down.

Her thoughts wandered back to her own past, thinking of how her grandma wished for her to find someone special…

Meng Xiaochan’s gaze fell on the tall and refined Lu Changsheng standing next to her.