Chapter 505: Yun Wanshang: Why Does Qingyi Smell Like Him?

After chatting with his wife and concubines for a while, Lu Changsheng asked Lu Miaoyun to host a family baquet in the evening to help Meng Xiaochan get familiar with the household. Then, he went to Sumeru Cave Heaven.

The spiritual energy in the cave had become much denser.

It seemed that it wouldn’t take long to upgrade to the third grade mid-tier.

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng released the Mountain River Cauldron from his Storage Ring, each containing the essence of spiritual veins, to upgrade Sumeru’s spiritual veins.

With this essence, combined with the previous one, Sumeru Cave Heaven could be upgraded to the late stage of the third grade.

This meant that if the family produced a few more Golden Core Formation cultivators, they wouldn’t have to worry about the spiritual energy problem.

“Young Master.”

At that moment, a woman with an elegant and noble demeanor, wearing a dress embroidered with gold and silver threads, her wide skirt trailing behind her, walked out from Hall of Everlasting Life.

She wore a peach blossom crown, her three thousand strands of hair draped like a waterfall. Her face glowed with a gentle radiance, and her beauty was unmatched, exuding an indescribable charm.

“Hong Lian.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Hong Lian in front of him, a hint of amazement in his eyes.

It’s often said that when a woman reaches a certain level of beauty, it’s hard to distinguish the differences.

But Hong Lian was already unparalleled in appearance, one of a kind.

After reconstructing her body through the Peachwood Spirit Embryo, her looks and figure had reached new heights, becoming flawless and impeccable.

Moreover, beyond her appearance, as her cultivation level increased and years passed, each woman would develop an aura unique to them, a special demeanor.

Lu Miaoge was graceful and geetle, her demeanor like water, embracing all things;

Ling Zixiao was dignified and elegant, like a blooming peony or a lone plum standing proud in winter, exuding a unique charm;

Xiao Xiyue was like a lonely, bright moon, remote and high, standing apart from the world, only showing warmth and tenderness toward him; Nangong Mili was enchanting and charming, full of captivating allure;

As for Hong Lian, she was once a Nascent Soul True Lord and a palace master, akin to a Divine Phoenix from the Nine Heavens, noble beyond compare.

However, with the changes in her life, her Nascent Soul self-destructed, and she fell into a deep sleep within the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman. She now had an added layer of sophistication and detachment, as if she transcended the world with elegance and tranquillity.

When facing her, people could only be captivated by her, feeling both respect and a desire to understand her serene and exalted presence.

“Thank you for managing the household in my absence.”

Lu Changsheng admired her stunning beauty with a smile.

During the time he was away, Hong Lian not only crafted the embryo of a Magical Treasure for his son, Lu Lingxiao, but also refined several batches of pills.

“Young Master, you’re too kind.”

Hong Lian’s beautiful eyes shone brilliantly as she smiled softly, her every move exuding a sense of grace and grandeur, making others feel as if they were bathing in the warmth of spring.

“Weren’t you supposed to be away for two or three years on this trip? Did something unexpected happen?”

Previously, Lu Changsheng had mentioned that this journey would take two to three years, and had entrusted her with many tasks.

But now, after only a year, he was back. She hadn’t even started reforging the ‘Flame Tower’ as he had instructed.

“Yes, things went smoothly, so I returned early.”

Lu Changsheng stepped forward, naturally holding Hong Lian’s jade-like hand, and sat with her by the Spirit Eye Spring, asking her about the methods used by top sects.

“Brother.”

Moments later, Bai Ling, who heard the commotion outside, briskly walked out from Hall of Everlasting Life, her beautiful eyes filled with joy and longing as she looked at Lu Changsheng.

“Ling’er.”

Lu Changsheng immediately stepped forward to support her, full of care.

Although, as a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, there was no risk of a miscarriage.

But with Bai Ling being pregnant for so long, he was still very concerned and cautious.

He then held Bai Ling gently and asked about her condition, whether she felt uncomfortable.

“No, I’m fine.”

Bai Ling assured him that apart from feeling sleepy often, she hadn’t experienced any other discomfort.

However, even after all this time, the baby in her womb remained a ball.

“Still a ball?”

Lu Changsheng was startled and used his Divine Sense to probe the child inside Bai Ling’s womb.

He could clearly sense that the child in Bai Ling’s belly hadn’t yet formed into a baby but was still like a ball of flesh.

“Could it be that I’ll have to wait three years and then give birth to a Nezha who I’ll have to split open?”

Lu Changsheng was a bit perplexed.

The lifeforce of this fetus was already very strong, not weaker than an ordinary person.

In fact, it seemed as if it was breathing in and out, absorbing the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth through Bai Ling, very mystical.

“Young Master, the fetus in Ling’er’s womb should have inherited a bloodline of true spirit, so it’s different from ordinary ones.”

Hong Lian explained simply.

She had checked Bai Ling’s pregnancy and realized that this fetus was extraordinary, with a true spirit bloodline, possibly even greater than Bai Ling’s.

“Then how long will this pregnancy last?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

“I’m not sure about that either. It might be something that only true spirit families would know.”

Hong Lian shook her head.

For ordinary cultivators, being pregnant for a year or two would already be quite long.

But for spirit beasts, a pregnancy lasting several years would be very normal, sometimes even decades or centuries.

While true spirit bloodlines aren’t exactly the same as spirit beasts, they do have their effects.

But Hong Lian wasn’t entirely certain.

She only knew that it was extremely difficult for true spirit families to reproduce and give birth to offspring with rich true spirit bloodlines.

For Bai Ling to carry such a fetus, it was likely due to some natural treasure Lu Changsheng had given her.

“Ling’er, you’ve had a hard time these past years.”

Lu Changsheng comforted her.

Such a long pregnancy was a form of torment for any woman.

Especially as Bai Ling had grown increasingly weak carrying this fetus; her cultivation hadn’t progressed at all.

“Brother, it hasn’t been hard.”

Bai Ling gently rubbed her delicate, pure face against Lu Changsheng’s chest, savoring the moment.

Although she rarely went out and didn’t pay much attention to matters of the cultivation world, she knew that the longer the pregnancy, the greater the baby’s talent would be.

She hoped to give her brother a child with extraordinary talent, one who could help the family like Lu Ping’an after they grew up.

Lu Changsheng hugged the girl tenderly, then, seeing that Bing’er hadn’t appeared, asked, “Where is Bing’er?”

“Bing’er is sleeping.”

Apart from Lu Changsheng, Bing’er was closest to Bai Ling.

But since becoming pregnant, Bai Ling hadn’t had much energy to spend with her. So, in her boredom, Bing’er would go into a deep sleep within the crystal ice coffin.

It seemed that after the spiritual veins of Sumeru Cave Heaven upgraded to the third grade, Bing’er now slept much more comfortably and could sleep for very long periods.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t disturb Bing’er and continued to chat intimately with Bai Ling.

But shortly after, he noticed that Bai Ling seemed a bit tired and took her to rest.

Lu Quanzhen and his mother, Qu Zhenzhen, walked in Bihu Mountain, feeling that everything was both familiar and unfamiliar.

After being away from home for over twenty years, Bihu Mountain still looked the same.

But whether it was the shape of the mountain, the lakes, the buildings, everything seemed renewed.

“Your courtyard, Mother has always kept it clean, although it’s a bit old now. If you want, we can renovate it.”

Qu Zhenzhen said to her son.

“Thank you, Mother.”

Lu Quanzhen’s heart filled with warmth, and he said softly with a hint of guilt.

He had been away for so many years, neglecting his mother’s love and care for him.

Although she nagged about everything, it was because she genuinely hoped he was doing well.

“This is a new peak at home, called Xuanfu Peak. Hundred Refinements Peak, the family’s alchemy and Equipment Refining halls, are located over there.”

“By the way, your brother Yun has also been cultivating the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique. His spirit tree is on Xuanfu Peak, you can take a look. I heard it’s called the Dragon Blood Tree. It can emit a dragon’s might and temper the will.”

Qu Zhenzhen continued to introduce the family’s surroundings.

She also mentioned that besides White Tiger Mountain, the family had gained another spiritual land called Flower and Fruit Mountain, planted with various fruit trees. Hong Xuanji was in charge of brewing there.

If he was interested, he could go there and find something to do.

“Alright.”

Lu Quanzhen felt a bit dazed, realizing how much the family had changed over the years.

But thinking about his mysterious father, he felt that such changes were rather modest.

“Grandmother, Granny.”

When the two arrived at a courtyard, several young boys and girls called out to Qu Zhenzhen.

She always loved a lively atmosphere, so the children of her three sons often came to stay with her.

“Xiao Yi, Xiao Min, this is your uncle. Little Cai, call him uncle.”

Qu Zhenzhen introduced them to the children.

“Uncle.”

The young boys and girls looked at Lu Quanzhen, who wore a black robe, his face pale and a bit thin, and respectfully greeted him.

“Mm.”

Lu Quanzhen looked at his mother’s loving face, then at the children, his sharp eyes softening.

Suddenly, an indescribable emotion rose deep within him.

At the family banquet that evening, Lu Changsheng, as usual, inquired about the well-being of his wife, concubines, and children.

He then recalled that there was just over a year left before the Purple Secrets Realm would open, so he asked his children who had any interest in going.

It wasn’t that he was particularly interested in the Celestial Spirit Fruit or Natural Treasures in the Purple Secrets Realm.

He simply wanted to use this opportunity to send some of his children there for training.

When the Purple Secrets Realm opens, countless cultivators from the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world will rush there.

Even if they don’t accomplish much inside, it would be a baptism in itself for them.

They would witness the harsh realities of the cultivation world and strengthen their Dao hearts.

However, most of the Lu Family’s Late-Stage Qi Refining disciples were currently away.

He planned to call them back during the annual meeting and give them a medicinal bath as a form of purification.

“Xingchen, Jingyi.”

Lu Changsheng gave Li Jingyi, his daughter-in-law, a longer glance.

His wife, Lu Miaoyun, had told him that his daughter-in-law had been a Foundation Establishment cultivator in her early years.

But shortly after her breakthrough, her family encountered a disaster, forcing her to use Secret Techniques that caused her cultivation to fall.

However, Lu Changsheng saw at a glance that this daughter-in-law’s previous cultivation wasn’t as unstable as suggested by the information provided.

“Father, your daughter-in-law greets you.”

The couple immediately paid their respects to Lu Changsheng.

“Our family isn’t so strict with formalities, especially since Jingyi is still expecting.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and used his Spiritual Energy to lift them up, casually inquiring about them without delving into Li Jingyi’s situation.

Her family background had already been investigated, and there were no issues.

Although some things were hidden, since she was now a daughter-in-law of the Lu Family, already carrying a Lu Family child, unless it was a major issue, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t make it a big deal.

However, he did mention it to Lu Miaoyun afterward, noting tat this daughter-in-law was not as simple as her background suggested.

“Ah, does Jingyi have a problem?”

Lu Miaoyun was surprised.

She possessed the Lingming Eye and hadn’t detected any issues with Li Jingyi.

“It’s not a big problem. Her previous cultivation was likely not a recent breakthrough; she might even have been at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.”

“However, she truly loves Xingchen and hasn’t done anything to harm the family, so it doesn’t really matter. There’s no need to tell Xingchen for now.”

Lu Changsheng smiled.

Although Lu Xingchen was no longer young, he was devoted to cultivation and lacked much experience, making him somewhat naive.

If they informed him of this, it might affect the couple’s relationship.

It was better for Lu Miaoyun to find an opportunty to chat with Li Jingyi and probe her.

“Alright, I’ll do that.”

Lu Miaoyun replied softly.

Azure Cloud Sect, Caiyun Peak.

“Qingyi, why are you back!?”

Yun Wanshang was surprised to see her disciple Chu Qingyi return.

She frowned slightly.

The disciple had gone to the Jin Kingdom for training, which should have taken at least three to five years.

So why had she returned in less than two years?

It seemed like she had only reached the Jin Kingdom and then hurried back.

Moreover, for some reason, Yun Wanshang sensed a faint aura of familiarity from Chu Qingyi’s body.

“Master, disciples went to train in the Yin Ghost Sect in Jin Kingdom, but due to some unforeseen incidents, I returned early.”

Chu Qingyi’s mouth tightened as she spoke respectfully.

“Unforeseen incidents?”

Yun Wanshang knew her disciple all too well.

She could tell at a glance that this so-called unforeseen incident was deeply troubling her, as if she was hiding something.

Since childhood, her disciple had always been obedient and never concealed anything from her.

Why is she being secretive now…

Wait a moment!

Suddenly, Yun Wanshang realized where the familiar aura on Chu Qingyi came from.

It was the Yin-Yang Spirit Aura!

This Yin-Yang Spirit Aura was something she cultivated using Lu Changsheng’s Yin-Yang Essence as a guide.

For Chu Qingyi to have traces of this essence, didn’t it mean that she had recently been with Lu Changsheng!?

“That damn rogue!”

Yun Wanshang fumed, her anger flaring up uncontrollably.

Chu Qingyi had gone to the Jin Kingdom, so how had she encountered Lu Changsheng?

Wasn’t he supposed to be at Bihu Mountain living his life like a stud!?

“Hmm.”

Chu Qingyi lowered her head slightly, oblivious to the fact that her master had already figured out her situation. She continued, “A certain cultivator caused chaos in the Yin Ghost Sect, which led to tensions in Jin Kingdom. So, I decided to return.”

“From what I’ve investigated, the Supreme Elder of the Yin Ghost Sect is likely in seclusion, preparing to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.”

Chu Qingyi explained.

What happened at the Yin Ghost Sect might be unknown to ordinary cultivators in Jiang Kingdom.

But the intelligence agencies of the Four Great Immortal Sects had spies not only in Jin Kingdom and Yue Kingdom but also in other cultivation countries. Such news would undoubtedly reach them sooner or later.

“Chaos in the Yin Ghost Sect?”

Yun Wanshang’s eyes filled with suspicion, and she gazed straight at Chu Qingyi.

When her disciple returned from the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, she was vague, mentioning meeting a sword cultivator.

Now she only mentioned a cultivator.

Could it be that the one who caused chaos in the Yin Ghost Sect was Lu Changsheng?

And was Chu Qingyi returning because of this incident?

But even if that rogue had various tricks up his sleeve, he shouldn’t have been able to cause trouble in the Yin Ghost Sect, right?

“Hmm.”

Chu Qingyi bit her red lips and recounted the situation at the Yin Ghost Sect, omitting any mention of Lu Changsheng.

After all, it was only a matter of time before her master discovered the truth.

“Yangming Zhenren, a Third-Tier Top-Tier Demon King.”

Yun Wanshang’s eyes reflected a calm demeanor.

She didn’t want to ask her disciple directly, fearing it might interfere with her cultivation.

She planned to delve into the Yin Ghost Sect incident later on.

“Alright, since you’re back, take this time to rest well.”

Yun Wanshang’s stunning face showed a bit of softness. She gently stroked her disciple’s hair, speaking in a tender voice.

No matter how much her disciple had grown, breaking through to Golden Core Formation, she still saw her as the little girl she once was.

“Master, your disciple takes her leave.”

Chu Qingyi felt relieved, a weight lifted off her shoulders.

She had never deceived her master before.

But because of Lu Changsheng, she had gradually started hiding things from her master, feeling quite guilty.

“Sigh.”

As Chu Qingyi left, Yun Wanshang, dressed in her colorful palace robe, exuding an aura of unrivaled elegance, couldn’t help but sigh.

Although she hadn’t explicitly pointed it out.

When she saw her disciple’s demeanor, she was almost certain of what had happened.

Her disciple had never lied to her before.

Now, seeing her so reserved, how could she hide it from someone who had watched her grow up?

“Damn that rogue!”

Yun Wanshang clenched her white jade-like hand hidden under her sleeve, her heart filled with irritation.

She didn’t know why, but as soon as she heard news about Lu Changsheng, she felt strangely irritable and uneasy, thinking about herself, her disciple, and the situation with Lu Changsheng.

But recalling what Chu Qingyi had just said, could that Yangming Zhenren possibly be Lu Changsheng? Wasn’t that simply unheard of?

How had that rogue already grown to such an extent in such a short time?

In the entire cultivation world of Jiang Kingdom, there had been no one like him.

Even comparing him to True Lord Xuanjian, who was hailed as a once-in-a-millennium prodigy who took the Heavenly Sword Sect to new heights, seemed to pale in comparison.

“Hah.”

After a moment, Yun Wanshang took a deep breath and pushed these thoughts out of her mind.

Bihu Mountain.

In the following days, Lu Changsheng spent time at home with his wife and concubines.

One day, he heard about a sparring match between his sons, Lu Lingxiao and Lu Qingshan. He paused, thought briefly, and called for Lu Lingxiao.

“Xiao’er, come here. Let me see how much you’ve improved recently.”

Lu Changsheng spoke as he looked at his son, whose face was resolute, exuding valor and strength.

“Yes, Father!”

Lu Lingxiao’s eyes flashed with a golden light, and his entire body was surrounded by black flames as he launched an attack against Lu Changsheng.

“Use all your strength and show me your treasure tree.”

Lu Changsheng raised his hand, easily dissolving his son’s attack, and spoke in a deep voice.

“Boom!”

Hearing this, Lu Lingxiao didn’t hesitate, releasing his Dragon Roar Essence fully. The Golden Flame Vine Tree appeared in his hand, and he launched a powerful and domineering attack toward Lu Changsheng.

“Hmm, not bad.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly at the sight.

He thought to himself that Hong Lian had done well to refine the Golden Flame Vine Tree into this Magical Treasure embryo—it wasn’t a waste.

The Sun God Stone he had obtained earlier suited the Golden Flame Vine Tree well. It could be further refined in the future.

Moreover, he had also obtained several Golden Thunder Bamboos from the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range previously.

After testing his son’s strength, Lu Changsheng stopped and said, “If you want to improve your combat skills, you can seek advice from your brother Quanzhen.”

Although Lu Quanzhen was severely injured and couldn’t use Spiritual Energy,

His years of experience and knowledge in battles made him an excellent mentor for the Lu Family’s younger generation.

“Yes, Father.”

When Lu Lingxiao was still a child, Lu Quanzhen had already left home for his travels. Therefore, he had little impression of this elder brother.

But since his father said so, he knew this brother must have extraordinary skills.

“Lingxiao’s character may lack the domineering aura of supreme confidence, but he possesses a strong, relentless spirit that refuses to admit defeat.”

“If I give him the ‘Heavenly Son’s Vision’ Law Seed, he will certainly rise above all others and become the Lu Family’s prime Nascent Soul candidate, unmatched by his peers!”

Lu Changsheng mused, deciding to give the Heavenly Son’s Vision Law Seed to Lu Lingxiao.

While the Law Seed could also be given to a more ordinary child to create a genius,

It would yield the best results when given to an already talented child.

So, Lu Changsheng considered the gifted children in the family.

Among the current Lu Family descendants, excluding Lu Qingshan and Nangong Yaoyao, Lu Lingxiao’s talent was the highest!

Of course, this decision was also influenced by his partiality.

He never hid his preference for his wives Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaoge, Xiao Xiue, and Ling Zixiao,

And naturally, he would be a bit partial to their children.

So, when he thought of who to give this Law Seed to, the first candidates that came to mind were Lu Qingxian, Lu Wangshu, and Lu Lingxiao.

However, among them, Lu Lingxiao’s personality was the most suitable.

“Lingxiao’s nature is like his mother’s. In his bones, he possesses a certain level of dominance, but the Lu Family’s upbringing has suppressed this personality for years.”

Lu Changsheng knew that his wife, Ling Zixiao, although she appeared frail in her early years, carried an air of authority underneath.

It was just that her Dragon Chant Physique suppressed her sharpness.

Since Lu Lingxiao had long been influenced by the Lu Family’s gentle upbringing, it was normal that he lacked sharpness and dominance.

He didn’t immediately give the Heavenly Son’s Vision Law Seed to Lu Lingxiao, planning to discuss it with his wife first.

After all, while the Law Seed was highly beneficial, it would also significantly impact one’s character.

“The Heavenly Son’s Vision Seed!?”

Ling Zixiao was astonished at her husband’s words.

She hadn’t expected such a remarkable treasure in the cultivation world.

But the next moment, she was overwhelmed with an indescribable joy and gratitude.

Her husband, after obtaining such a divine item, had chosen to give it to their son Lu Lingxiao first.

“Indeed, this Law Seed has both benefits and drawbacks. It can turn an ordinary person into a genius but will also affect one’s character.”

Lu Changsheng explained directly.

The Law Seed was indeed a significant matter. If word got out, it might attract the interest of the Immortal Sects or even Nascent Soul True Lords.

But after being married for so many years, he had absolute trust in his wife.

“Dominance, arrogance, and the desire to stand above all.”

Ling Zixiao murmured these words repeatedly as she thought about the character impact.

To her, compared to the benefits, this character impact was insignificant.

On one hand, her son already had these tendencies.

On the other hand, it was also because all geniuses had some sharpness, pride, and dominance.

People like Lu Changsheng and Lu Ping’an were rare, almost like phoenix feathers.

If her son merged with this Law Seed, he would truly have a chance to become a Nascent Soul in the future!

“Husband, let’s leave this decision to Xiao’er himself.”

After a moment of thought, Ling Zixiao took a deep breath and spoke.

She couldn’t refuse for herself, but after much consideration, she felt it was best to let their son decide.