Chapter 696: The Celestial Lotus Demoness!

Wuwuwu—

Unlike most people who break through Foundation Establishment with radiant light, layers of poisonous mist swirled around Lu Mengchan, enveloping her in disaster.

Fortunately, Lu Changsheng and the others showed no fear.

Otherwise, if an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator were in her place, they might have been affected.

“So this is the Calamity Poison Body,”

Meng Xiaochan and Nangong Mili both closely observed Lu Mengchan’s condition.

They could see she was being baptized, shedding her mortal form.

During this process, the effects of the Calamity Poison Body were continually triggered.

Looking at Lu Mengchan, Nangong Mili felt a twinge of envy.

She envied that Lu Mengchan was valued so highly by Lu Changsheng, receiving rich resources for her cultivation to forge such a supreme foundation during her Foundation Establishment.

Back when she raised her daughter, Nangong Yaoyao, a lot of effort had gone into laying a solid foundation for her from a young age.

Yet even if Nangong Yaoyao’s Spirit Root talent was not inferior to Lu Mengchan’s, and her temperament and comprehension were even better, she still couldn’t compare to the Lu Mengchan before her.

For a moment, Nangong Mili found herself missing her wise and sensible daughter.

She wondered how her daughter was faring since joining the Celestial Lotus Sect.

Although True Lord White Lotus had promised to help her daughter cleanse her impurities and refine her foundation through the Celestial Lotus Pool, a mother always worries.

“Father, Mother, have I broken through successfully?”

At this moment, Lu Mengchan opened her slightly reddened, glistening eyes and spoke.

“Of course! Our Mengmeng is amazing!”

Ignoring the toxins circulating in his daughter’s body, Lu Changsheng squeezed her fair cheek and smiled gently.

Even though breaking through Foundation Establishment had her crying from the pain, if he thought about it closely, this would count as one of the most painful experiences she had gone through from childhood to now.

The little crybaby from earlier could grit her teeth and endure; that much progress was already commendable in his eyes.

“Mengmeng, how are you feeling right now?”

Meng Xiaochan asked out of concern for her daughter’s condition.

“Mother, I feel so sleepy,”

Lu Mengchan said in an adorable, pitiful manner.

During the breakthrough, Lu Changsheng had forcibly helped her break through her limits with Yin and Yang energies, resulting in some burden on her physical meridians. Now, this power transformed into the rebirth energy of the dragon and phoenix to nurture her body.

Moreover, the effects of the Foundation Establishment continued to wash away impurities from her meridians and dantian, invigorate her limbs and body, and activate the Calamity Poison Body effects. It felt as if she had gone through great pain but was now being comfortably nurtured like in the womb, making her sleepy.

“Mengmeng, don’t sleep yet,”

Lu Changsheng gestured for her to stabilize her realm first, circulate her cultivation method, and complete her foundation transformation before falling asleep.

Although Lu Mengchan was exceedingly sleepy and felt wronged, facing her parents’ words, she endured and complied.

Seeing her husband educate their daughter as if she were a child, Hong Lian couldn’t help but shake her head.

With Lu Changsheng’s teaching method, unless some great change occurs, it would be difficult for Lu Mengchan’s character to become independent.

Yet after so many years together, she also understood her husband’s temperament and said nothing, only subconsciously placing her jade hand on her abdomen.

Once Lu Mengchan completely completed her Foundation Establishment, Lu Changsheng checked her physical body, magical energy, and consciousness.

Her magical energy was even more pure and solid than his when he had just breakthrough Foundation Establishment.

Though her physical body hadn’t been trained, it was equivalent to a mid-stage refinement.

The most crucial part was that after breaking through Foundation Establishment, the deadly poisoned magical energy in her body could be unleashed upon her skin, directly poisoning Foundation Establishment practitioners of the second stage body cultivation! Her consciousness was Lu Mengchan’s weak point, only about eighteen zhang.

This was quite normal.

Lu Mengchan had only started cultivating after obtaining the ‘Ten Thousand Calamities Toxic Spirit Codex’ from Lu Changsheng; it had only been ten years since.

The reason she had developed consciousness during the Qi Refining stage was entirely due to Lu Changsheng and Meng Xiaochan nurturing her.

Otherwise, given her situation, she would still need to rely on the potential of the Calamity Poison Body to unlock the consciousness stage.

“Xiaochan, Mengmeng can spend more time on spell arts in her training from now on to lay the foundation for cultivating divine abilities in the future,”

Lu Changsheng said to his wife.

Cultivating divine abilities isn’t something that can be achieved in one go; a certain spell arts foundation is still required.

The ‘Ten Thousand Calamities Toxic Spirit Codex’ not only involves toxic arts but also curses; it is extremely complex and difficult to cultivate, demanding a lot of time.

Fortunately, their daughter has the Calamity Poison Body; as long as she consumes the deadly poison, her cultivation can improve. Even if she spends a lot of time on spell arts, it won’t delay her training.

“Mmm~”

Meng Xiaochan never questioned Lu Changsheng’s words and completely trusted him.

Next, Lu Changsheng inquired about Meng Xiaochan’s training.

The latter had converted to the ‘Ten Thousand Calamities Toxic Spirit Codex’ and had taken a significant step ahead of her daughter, yet she still had not completely grasped this method and required Lu Changsheng to teach and clarify.

Earlier, Nangong Mili had seen Lu Mengchan break through and suddenly appeared lost in thought, which naturally didn’t escape Lu Changsheng, who possessed the Taiyi Spirit.

Thus after guiding Meng Xiaochan in cultivating, Lu Changsheng took her to comfort Nangong Mili.

“Don’t worry, Yaoyao is wise and understanding. With a Nascent Soul True Lord as her master, she won’t be bullied by anyone,”

“Who knows, by the time we visit her, she may have already become the Holy Maiden of the Celestial Lotus Sect.”

In the end, Lu Changsheng consoled Nangong Mili, who was soft and alluring in his arms.

This was not purely a comfort.

After all, his daughter Nangong Yaoyao had broken through to Core Formation at sixty-four years old. This speed indicated that she was receiving considerable attention in the Celestial Lotus Sect.

Though her cultivation hadn’t improved for years,

as a sect disciple, especially one from a major sect, engaging in missions, going out for experiences, or cultivating divine abilities and spell arts consumed a lot of time.

It was understandable that her progress had slowed down.

“That’s right. Master, Yaoyao’s character is likable everywhere, and she’s so wise and sensible,”

Meng Xiaochan said, lightly sweating and clutching her master’s fair arm.

In her early years, whenever there was a matter, it’s always Meng Xiaochan who looked after her junior sister, so she naturally knew all about how cute and innocent Nangong Yaoyao was. Such innocence was a mere facade, as she was actually exceedingly clever.

If she continues to grow, she would undoubtedly become a demonic temptress capable of ensnaring the hearts of many.

With her character, it wouldn’t be easy to suffer any losses even if she joined the Celestial Lotus Sect.

“Mmm~”

Nangong Mili’s enchanting eyes glimmered with a misty look, as if a galaxy flowed through, breathlessly responding.

Despite this, as a mother, she always felt concerned her daughter might be bullied.

A few days later, Lu Changsheng took Nangong Mili and their daughter Lu Wangshu back to Bihu Mountain, preparing to visit Five Poisons Sect with Nangong Mili.

On one hand, this was to honor his promise to Nangong Mili; if she didn’t like it here, he’d take her back to Five Poisons Sect.

On the other hand, there was the matter of the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands, preparing to meet Ah Youduo and inquire about the current situation.

He’d also ask Ah Youduo if there were any channels to acquire the Huaying Pill or if there were unclaimed spiritual lands suitable for breaking through to Nascent Soul.

Meanwhile,

in the Eastern Region of Southern Desolation, in a Secret Realm valley.

A woman in a red gauze dress, wearing an exquisite and beautiful appearance, tall and graceful, had a pale complexion as if made of paper, surrounded by several people who were attacking her, causing her to bleed continuously.

“Junior Sister!”

Just then, a young man with a heroic appearance and agile stature burst through the air, shouting in rage.

He glanced at one of the figures, clad in a white lotus dress and veil, a pure maiden, summoning a Dao-Comprehending Artifact: “Nangong Yaoyao, release my Junior Sister!”

As he spoke, he summoned a golden ancient lamp that radiated like the intense heat of the sun, its color a vibrant gold, shining like a great sun.

Following that, a majestic three-legged God Bird surged towards Nangong Yaoyao, who was bathed in a hazy holy light.

Though Nangong Yaoyao’s veil obscured her face, one could see her pair of beautiful, star-like eyes, captivating those who beheld them, making it hard to resist falling at her charm.

She let out a light chuckle, then formed hand seals, her face bearing utter purity and beauty; she spoke softly: “The mortal world is like purgatory, and all beings suffer.”

In an instant, the world seemed to brighten, and an ethereal sound, resembling celestial music, echoed forth.

“The mortal world is like purgatory, and all beings suffer. Reincarnation is endless, and troubles never cease. Pity those of this world, the Celestial Lotus descends, escaping the sea of suffering and enjoying eternal bliss, O Holy Mother of Lotus, the purest homeland.”

Nangong Yaoyao stood like an untainted celestial being, exuding an air of holiness, light, and ethereal grace.

Beauty like a blooming floral rain fell from all directions, fragrant and crystalline, akin to a hidden orchid in the valley; it soothed the heart and emphasized her noble and pure essence.

One could see that wherever she stood transformed into a pure land; she was completely detached from the world, isolating the burning sun’s true fire in the void.

“Damn it!”

Ji Shaoyi stared at Nangong Yaoyao’s divine abilities with a solemn expression.

Though Celestial Lotus Sect cultivators were not good at direct confrontation, they had various means, and defeating them of the same level wasn’t an easy task.

Particularly, the current Nangong Yaoyao had already mastered the high-tier divine ability of the Celestial Lotus Sect: the Celestial Lotus Pure Land.

“Senior Brother!”

Nearby, the woman dressed in red gauze suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, her face pale as she shouted, struggling desperately.

Ji Shaoyi grew both anxious and angry. He knew defeating the enchanting demoness before him would be challenging if he wished to rescue his Junior Sister.

Yet allowing his Junior Sister to suffer without a plan wasn’t feasible either.

“What’s wrong? Do you want to save her?”

Nangong Yaoyao calmly looked at the young man before her, her star-like beautiful eyes seemingly flowing with a serene compassion.

Even Ji Shaoyi of the Daylight Golden Crow Sect, facing Nangong Yaoyao’s allure, couldn’t help but feel disoriented; he quickly bit his tongue to keep his wits and coldly stated: “Nangong Yaoyao, what must you do to let my Junior Sister go?”

Even one-on-one, he was confident he could triumph over Nangong Yaoyao; however, now he faced overwhelming numbers, and he stood no chance.

Especially with his Junior Sister still in her grasp.

At this moment, he realized something was off.

Though his Junior Sister possessed extraordinary strength, it was impossible for her to hold out for long under so many of Nangong Yaoyao’s subordinates. She must have been purposely used as bait to lure him in.

“That depends on what price you are willing to pay, Daoist Brother.”

Though Nangong Yaoyao was ethereal and seemingly a celestial maiden, her words were soft yet sinister, alluring one’s soul, making it difficult to remain sober.

“Hmph, Celestial Lotus Demoness, stop weaving webs of confusion! Whatever you want, just say it. As long as it’s not excessive—”

Ji Shaoyi dared not say much to Nangong Yaoyao to avoid falling under her enchantment, which could disturb his mind.

After all, divine abilities of the Celestial Lotus Sect were inherently unpredictable!

“Ji Shaoyi, you need to be clear: I’m not negotiating with you; you are asking me a favor.”

Nangong Yaoyao interrupted him, her voice carrying a cold command like that of a lofty queen. “If you continue with that attitude, then there’s no need for negotiation. Let me collect your Junior Sister’s corpse instead.”

Upon finishing her words, she struck out with a palm toward the woman in red gauze.

“Pff!”

Already on the verge of collapse, the red gauze woman was sent flying, blood spurting from her mouth as her restraints left her unable to move.

“Senior Brother, don’t agree to her! Even if I die, I won’t let you plead with this demoness of the Celestial Lotus Sect!”

The woman in red gauze displayed immense determination, urging her Senior Brother to resist.

However, this only made Ji Shaoyi feel more pained about leaving her to die.

After all, he had a close bond with his Junior Sister; they were on the verge of becoming Dao partners.

If he allowed her to perish at Nangong Yaoyao’s hands, it would surely create a heart demon.

“Speak! What do you need to do to let my Junior Sister go!”

Ji Shaoyi’s body ignited with red-golden flames as he fixed his gaze on Nangong Yaoyao, his hands pressed together, veins standing out.

“Simple. To spare your Junior Sister, you must trade your life in exchange. Just allow me to plant a restriction in your consciousness, and I will let her go.”

Nangong Yaoyao spoke sweetly, her eyes glistening with purity, like a sacred celestial being.

Ji Shaoyi’s expression darkened.

Once he allowed her to implant the restriction in his mind, it would be tantamount to his life being controlled by her.

“Senior Brother, don’t agree to her! I’d rather die than allow you to have a restriction placed on your consciousness by this demoness!”

The red gauze woman immediately cried out, wanting to take her own life.

But a nearby cultivator swiftly placed a palm on her back, sealing her magical energy to prevent her from self-harming.

“A restriction in the consciousness? Nangong Yaoyao, are you trying to master my life and bring me into the Celestial Lotus Pure Land?”

Ji Shaoyi knew Nangong Yaoyao well and was aware of the infamy surrounding the Celestial Lotus Sect’s techniques.

Among them, the most notorious technique was the ‘Celestial Lotus Descends to Save All Beings’; once pulled into the Pure Land, one would become a lifelong slave of the other party, willingly offering everything.

Yet, this terrifying method is incredibly difficult to perform; the conditions are exceptionally rigorous.

As a genius of the Daylight Golden Crow Sect, mastering the Daylight Golden Crow Method, he would never easily succumb. The opponent must set him with various restrictions first.

“But as long as you let my Junior Sister go, I’ll allow you to plant a soul restriction!”

He took a deep breath, struggling within, evidently making a hard decision.

Having gained fame as a genius in the Daylight Golden Crow Sect, he had also obtained a rare opportunity as a child and found a genuine feather from a golden crow.

Upon refining this feather, not only had his talent soared, but a sliver of true sunlight also ignited within his consciousness.

This glimmer of fire could burn a multitude of soul techniques aimed at him, including several soul restrictions.

Only his master and Junior Sister knew about this.

Thus, when Nangong Yaoyao proposed to plant a restriction on his consciousness, he became overjoyed, thinking this might be the opportunity to seriously injure her spirit.

If he could seriously injure her spirit, he would have a five in ten chance of killing her during a full-force eruption!

However, to avoid revealing his plan to Nangong Yaoyao, he had to feign conflict and anger, everything for his Junior Sister.

Just then, the nearby Junior Sister could only shake her head at her Senior Brother, her voice sealed, unable to articulate anything.

“What in life is love, that makes a person willing to sacrifice themselves?”

“I didn’t expect you, Dao Brother Ji, to be such an emotional person. As a genius of the Daylight Golden Crow Sect, you are even willing to make such a sacrifice for your Junior Sister,”

Nangong Yaoyao observed Ji Shaoyi, her eyes gleaming like a brilliant star, seemingly quite surprised.

“Hmph, if you let my Junior Sister go, I will open my consciousness and allow you to plant a restriction there.”

Ji Shaoyi donned a red-golden robe, his countenance heroic, emanating a compelling aura of confidence.

“Even though your deep feelings are quite convincing, I have my doubts about you. Why not let go of your restriction in my consciousness, and I will allow you to plant a restriction? Then I will naturally let the maiden go free.”

Nangong Yaoyao’s eyes seemed to speak, her smile full of charm.

“If that’s the case, you shall vow your heart, promising to let my Junior Sister go and even protect her as she leaves the secret realm.”

Ji Shaoyi did not wish to waste more words with Nangong Yaoyao; coldly retorted. Above him, a three-legged golden crow flickered in and out, generating a fiery ocean of crimson.

“Heart vow.”

Nangong Yaoyao pondered for a moment before readily agreeing, stating: “Alright, as long as Dao Brother Ji releases his consciousness for me to plant a restriction, it’s a deal.”

At this moment, Ji Shaoyi frowned.

He hadn’t expected Nangong Yaoyao to agree so readily.

However, realizing the other party’s main goal was him, he felt a sense of relief and spoke in a low voice: “Good.”

He then released his consciousness.

Even with the true sunlight present, he remained cautious.

After all, the consciousness and Qi Sea dantian were critical areas for any cultivator.

The slightest mishap could lead to utter destruction.

If it weren’t for his Junior Sister, he would never be so reckless and resort to such a desperate measure.

Nangong Yaoyao formed divine seals, casting a particular soul restriction.

But just as the restriction was instigated, a bug swiftly flew out from her sleeve, darting toward Ji Shaoyi’s consciousness.

“Pff!”

Ji Shaoyi glared with anger; the true sunlight within his consciousness lit ablaze, incinerating the approaching bug into ashes.

But the next moment, when he saw Nangong Yaoyao unveil her veil, it was as if she were a divine masterpiece, radiating pure compassion and grace, causing him to momentarily lose focus.

“Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!”

Around him, a restriction array emerged unbeknownst to him.

He felt the surrounding air ripple and fluctuated as invisible threads ensnared his body and limbs, binding his magical energy.

“Not good!”

Ji Shaoyi bit his tongue to focus, activating his magical energy to burn the threads. Yet the bug that had burned to ash at his brow shrieked tragically, turning into dust and sending pain throughout his mind.

At the same time, blossoming white lotuses unfolded in Nangong Yaoyao’s pupils, her melodious voice was heard, reciting: ‘The mortal world is like purgatory, all beings suffer,’ summoning the soul restriction while extending a jade-like finger.

Ji Shaoyi’s magical energy surged, trying to break through the relentless attack, but as he faced the invisible threads and Nangong Yaoyao’s unmatched beauty, his magical energy faltered, restricting his struggle.

He could only helplessly watch the pure, jade-like finger fall upon his brow.

Following that, Nangong Yaoyao appeared like a dream, like an immortal painting; her pure and compassionate visage left a lasting impression on his consciousness.

He stared at Nangong Yaoyao, and an indescribable feeling welled up within him.

As if all things in the world dimmed in her presence.

“Something’s wrong!”

As a genius of the Daylight Golden Crow Sect, Ji Shaoyi suddenly realized something was amiss; he was being drawn in by her charm.

Yet looking at Nangong Yaoyao’s flawless beauty, he couldn’t find anything wrong.

“Sister Yaoyao, is it done?”

At that moment, not far off, the pallid, bloodless red gauze woman suddenly stood up, weakly stepping forward, her eyes gazing toward Nangong Yaoyao with admiration.

“Your Senior Brother truly deserves to be a top prodigy of the Daylight Golden Crow Sect, remaining steadfast under my divine ability. However, given more time, it won’t be long before he succumbs to my influence,”

Nangong Yaoyao smiled lightly.

She then gently stroked the hair of the red gauze woman, caressing her cheek, her voice tender, “Qianqian, you’ve worked hard this time.”

“As long as I can help Sister Yaoyao, Qianqian doesn’t mind the effort,”

the red gauze woman smiled blissfully despite her paper-white complexion, gently rubbing Nangong Yaoyao’s palm.

“Junior Sister!?”

Ji Shaoyi gazed in shock at the scene before him, his heart heavy, rendered speechless.

What astonished him more was that he felt no hatred or murderous intent toward Nangong Yaoyao; instead, he felt an icy fear envelop his heart. He understood that he had already fallen into Nangong Yaoyao’s grasp.