Chapter 710: What Has Happened to Her?

There lay Ying’er, completely devoid of clothes, in the Divine Maiden’s Furnace.

The alluring beauty of her porcelain-white body flowed like smoke and mist, her delicate skin faintly flushed.

Her previously sharp and cold features were now soft and pitiable, like a pear blossom bathed in rain.

Especially her dark, deep eyes, reminiscent of stars in the night sky, were now glazed over, vacant and lost.

Her graceful, enchanting figure lay still, as if it were a shell emptied of its soul.

While she still radiated the flames of desire within countless sentient beings, she was utterly transformed from the icy female assassin everyone knew; she seemed like a different person.

“Is she going to be ruined by the Divine Maiden’s Furnace?”

Though Lu Changsheng hadn’t fully activated the furnace.

After all, she was just a small Cultivator at the third level of Core Formation.

So, after a year, he really didn’t know what the effects were.

He infused Yin-Yang magical energy and opened the Divine Maiden’s Furnace.

As the mist flowed and surged, Ying’er’s peerless, seductive beauty appeared before him.

He gently caressed her cheek.

It felt rather hot and a bit damp.

Like it was covered in fine sweat, perhaps a little like tears from someone who had just cried.

Ying’er’s delicate body trembled but made no move to resist.

Then, like a cat, she rubbed her cheek against his palm, making a soft “shh shh shh” sound.

The motion grew bolder as her dreamy, dazed eyes half-closed, her cheeks flushed, as if she were reveling in this bliss.

“???”

Lu Changsheng stared, slightly taken aback, at Ying’er, who kept nuzzling his hand like a cat.

The furnace’s effects were remarkably overwhelming, transforming a determined female assassin into a pet? “Ying’er, my friend, how have you been resting these days?”

Lu Changsheng spoke, his voice as gentle as jade.

Ying’er’s beautiful, porcelain body froze suddenly.

Even her cheek that was rubbing against Lu Changsheng’s palm halted abruptly.

Ying’er!

I am Ying’er. Images flashed in the mind of the Holy Maiden of Beast God Mountain’s personal guard, and she seemed to regain some of her identity.

“Buzz!”

She wanted to end her own life.

But even with her magical energy mostly sealed, she could only muster a bit of strength.

Even at her peak, she couldn’t end her life near Lu Changsheng.

“Looks like it needs a bit more time. ”

He lightly interrupted her energy, murmuring to himself.

While the rules of desire shape thoughts, their intensity is still too weak.

Furthermore, he hadn’t gone through the final steps to amplify her emotions and desires, leaving her with vestiges of her former self.

“Wuwuwu.”

However, when the warmth of his palm vanished, Ying’er panicked, like a fish out of water, desperately clinging to his arm, her cheek rubbing against him furiously, gasping as if parched.

It seemed this was the only way she could find inner peace and feel safe. “???”

Lu Changsheng furrowed his brow, finding Ying’er’s condition perplexing.

You’d think she’d been affected, yet she was eager to end her life.

You’d say she hadn’t been affected, but look at her current state. Lu Changsheng tried to pull his arm away from her cheek, which was nestled between them.

“Mm.”

Ying’er raised her delicate, small face, tears glistening on her beautiful features tinged with red, sparking pity.

Her dreamy gaze was filled with sorrow and longing; her lips parted slightly, letting out soft breaths akin to a weeping kitten.

“I know you’re still somewhat aware and can understand me.”

Lu Changsheng had a rough idea of her state.

Though she retained some lucidity under the furnace’s influence, she was caught in a chaotic trance that was hard to escape.

“So, I’ll give you two choices: first, I can lock you back in the furnace; second, you obediently listen to me.”

He caressed her cheek lightly, speaking in a soft, unhurried tone.

Upon hearing the furnace was an option, Ying’er instinctively shivered.

But as a dead servant, her resilient spirit prompted her to grit her teeth and say, “Kill me, just kill me!”

Yet her flushed cheeks and dazed eyes, along with her voice tinged with a plaintive whimper, showed no hint of wanting to die.

“Damn Divine Maiden’s Furnace, I might have to take matters into my own hands.”

Lu Changsheng realized that in Ying’er’s current state, at most, she could be kept as a pet, but he couldn’t tame her for his use.

He had to take the final step himself to maximize the furnace’s effects, turning her into a concoction to forget the past and bind her completely to his will.

“Are you willing to submit to me entirely?”

Lu Changsheng grasped her delicate chin, gazing at her tear-streaked face as he spoke softly.

Lu Ancestor didn’t like to act against a woman’s will.

But the current Ying’er was pivotal to his larger plan involving Beast God Mountain.

So, in this scenario, self-sacrifice became necessary.

Yet, her desire to snatch his spirit beast, now that she was a captive, seemed justifiable, right?

“I want to… no.”

Under the furnace’s influence, Ying’er’s chaotic emotions and thoughts led her to feel an inherent inclination toward Lu Changsheng.

Upon hearing his words, she instinctively wanted to respond.

But remnants of rational thought reminded her that her true master was the Holy Maiden of Beast God Mountain! She absolutely couldn’t betray her! Tears flowed down her face as she wrestled with her conflicting emotions.

But in just a moment, Ying’er’s delicate, alluring body involuntarily rushed into Lu Changsheng’s embrace.

“Buzz!”

The Divine Maiden’s Furnace trembled, emitting a mist of lights that enveloped Lu Changsheng and Ying’er.

Not long after, a breathtakingly beautiful scene of endless ethereal landscapes unfolded within the furnace’s realm.

A few days later.

“Ying’er?”

Lu Changsheng called gently as he looked at Ying’er, who now sported messy blue hair, flushed cheeks, and two cat ears with a long cat tail.

After completing the final step of the furnace, he could clearly sense a new, elusive connection between him and Ying’er.

Slumped on the ground, with drool at the corners of her mouth, the cat girl lifted her head ever so slightly, gazing at Lu Changsheng with eyes full of tender affection.

“Why have you come to White Tiger Mountain?”

Lu Changsheng gently rubbed her cat ears, inquiring.

Those cat ears seemed sensitive; her already feeble body felt like it had melted away. She moaned softly and breathily said, “Under the command of the Holy Maiden, I came to inquire about the return of the Nine Nether Bloodline and awaken the Tianlang bloodline. Also, to investigate how my master has nurtured the Moonshadow Wolf to the third level.”

“Can you tell me about the matters concerning Beast God Mountain?”

Lu Changsheng continued to look at Ying’er.

Although she possessed the spirit of Beast God Mountain deep within her, blocking her from revealing the essential secrets of the Holy Maiden and the mountain itself.

However, her spiritual consciousness was still eroded by the rules of desire within the Divine Maiden’s Furnace. So, as long as the spirit binding wasn’t fully activated, she could still speak.

However, as Ying’er was merely the Holy Maiden’s personal guard, her understanding of the high-level conflicts within Beast God Mountain was limited.

“Aside from the spirit beast, the Holy Maiden has also contracted with a top-tier beast soul.”

The beast soul is the core inheritance of Beast God Mountain, fusing the beast spirit into oneself! For Ying’er, her beast soul is the 【Yinming Cat】.

Thus her spell techniques lean towards assassination and stealth.

Nonetheless, Ying’er cannot compare to the orthodox power like the Holy Maiden.

The latter studies the orthodox techniques of Beast God Mountain with the potential to reach the Nascent Soul stage.

While Ying’er’s training, though restricted by the Holy Maiden, consumes her beast soul’s remaining lifespan and potential as a price.

“The method of cultivating death servants is somewhat akin to nurturing spirit beasts or Dao soldiers.”

Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes at the cat girl, Ying’er.

Similar to how Hong Lian had methods involving the consumption of spirit beast lifespans and potentials to enhance growth.

“Why haven’t you returned for so long? Does the Holy Maiden have any follow-up plans?”

Lu Changsheng asked, his curiosity piqued, as this was what he cared about most.

“The Holy Maiden should be dispatching cultivators to check on my situation, but I don’t know anything else.”

When Ying’er’s energy slightly returned, her beautiful body leaned closer to Lu Changsheng, her cheeks continuously rubbing against him, and she extended her little tongue to lick him gently.

Her beast soul’s influence led her subconscious to adopt traits of the Yinming Cat; she could usually restrain herself.

Now, eroded by the rules of desire within the Divine Maiden’s Furnace, this cat-like tendency amplified.

“Will she come personally?”

Lu Changsheng took a breath, gently stroking her head while playing with her fluffy ears, and asked.

“Now that the war has cooled down, the Holy Maiden probably won’t have the time to arrive. Additionally, her status is important, closely watched by many factions, making it very dangerous to infiltrate Jiang Kingdom.”

Ying’er spoke in a stuttering manner.

“Is there any way you can maintain contact or lure the Holy Maiden out?”

Lu Changsheng narrowed his gaze and asked.

Faced with her former master, Ying’er experienced a brief moment of tension and seemed to be in considerable turmoil.

After a moment, her eyes glistened, and she softly said, “Since I’ve been away for so long, the Holy Maiden will certainly not trust my communication. However, if I leave a mark indicating I encountered danger, it should stabilize the Holy Maiden.”

“Okay.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly; he could see that while Ying’er had been corroded by the rules of desire, her mental clarity hadn’t been completely lost.

Time was still short, and she hadn’t entirely fallen into a pit of confusion, forgetting her past.

He then took Ying’er from Sumeru Cave Heaven, and they set markers at White Tiger Mountain and several other locations while shattering a few talismans to relay messages.

Afterward, Lu Changsheng planned to train Ying’er for a while longer before utilizing her against the Holy Maiden and Beast God Mountain!

As for letting her return as an undercover agent, the risk was just too great.

Not to mention she hadn’t sunk completely.

Beast God Mountain, as a veteran Nascent Soul-level power, might be able to discern her issues.

So, the best plan was still to use Ying’er to lure out the Holy Maiden.

As long as she dared to go alone, he was fully confident in suppressing her! Back at Bihu Mountain, Lu Changsheng inquired about the developments at Lu Miaoyun’s home.

“The Xu Family’s Old Ancestor has sat down?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, a bit astonished.

Even though the latter’s lifespan was short, considering how things had unfolded in the past, he shouldn’t have perished so quickly.

“The Xu Family has already made a public announcement and hosted a funeral.”

Lu Miaoyun gently spoke, indicating that the passing of the Xu Family’s Old Ancestor was indeed rather sudden.

However, such matters weren’t something anyone could pry too deeply into, and understanding more was futile.

Lu Changsheng attempted to make calculations with his fingers.

Yet, he lacked any related clues or deep connections to the Xu Family’s Old Ancestor, making it quite difficult.

“Mm, let it be, then.”

Lu Changsheng refrained from pressing for answers, not wishing to waste his energy.

Cultivators perishing naturally had their complexity.

Especially when they were aged; even while practicing techniques, a slight mishap could lead to missteps, disturbing vital energy and impacting physical condition.

“However, some cultivators speculate that the Xu Family’s Old Ancestor could very well have faked his death to remove obstacles for his family.”

Lu Miaoyun’s expression turned serious as she spoke.

Such occurrences were not without precedent; the Beast Taming Xu Family and certain Foundation Establishment clans have been known to do similar things.

“It’s not impossible.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, indicating they should remain cautious at home.

An undercover Core Formation cultivator, wherever they might be, would certainly be troublesome.

However, possessing a third-tier divination technique, as long as he was willing to pay the price, finding the Xu Family’s Old Ancestor wouldn’t be too difficult.

Moments later, he heard that Ling Zixiao had successfully constructed the teleportation array between Bihu Mountain and White Tiger Mountain and came by to have a look at the palace.

It was clear that Ling Zixiao’s short-range teleportation array took inspiration from the 【Misty Dust Banner】, even using the side banner of the Misty Dust Banner as the anchor point.

“This idea is quite clever; I can completely replicate a few small Misty Dust Banners as anchors to ensure the stability of the array.”

As a third-tier top-tier artifact refiner and array master, Lu Changsheng immediately recognized Ling Zixiao’s thought process.

However, Ling Zixiao had already headed to the Immortal City of Damengze, so he could only discuss it with her later.

“Ping’an.”

After spending a few days with his wives and concubines, Lu Changsheng reminded his son, Lu Ping’an, to look after the family before heading to the Azure Cloud Sect to reminisce with Xiao Xiyue.

Half a month later, Lu Ancestor exited the Azure Cloud Sect, taking Ying’er to the Immortal City of Damengze.

With the fame of hunting the Void Kun and the whale-hunting banquet, no cultivator dared to cause trouble in the Immortal City of Damengze.

As for the occasional rogue cultivator or bandit, the situation in the city was more than enough to handle them with ease.

Thus, the Immortal City of Damengze enjoyed a period of tranquility in recent years, practically devoid of any issues.

“Young Master, Xiyue is currently cultivating Core Formation techniques. To quote the words of Senior Hong Lian, Xiyue has no problem entering Core Formation, but since there are conditions, it’s best to prepare thoroughly.”

Ling Zixiao was breaking through to Core Formation, while Lu Lingxiao was preparing for his breakthrough, leaving the affairs of the Immortal City in her hands.

“The matter of Core Formation is still up to Xiyue; there’s no need to rush things.”

Although his son, Lu Lingxiao, was breaking through to Core Formation, the system would give him a share of pocket money.

Still, he hoped his son could build a solid foundation, regardless of the time taken.

Then, Lu Changsheng planned to check on his children in the Immortal City.

However, none of them were home; they had been taken out by Meng Xiaochan for wilderness training.

“Wow!”

Lu Changsheng was somewhat taken aback to hear that his son, Lu Minghuang, daughter, Lu Baixi, Lu Mengchan, and Lu Linghe were all out training.

However, learning that Meng Xiaochan was leading them to develop new islands, he nodded slightly.

With his kids grown up, it was unreasonable for them to be home all the time, a little adventure was good for them.

Even if such endeavors might not hold much significance.

Moreover, with Meng Xiaochan, a Core Formation cultivator, watching them isn’t too risky, especially since the islands were near where the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale sleeps.

After spending several days enjoying tender moments with Ling Zixiao and Hong Lian, Lu Changsheng thought of the Puppet Master, Qian Zhuyan.

Though affected by the Spirit Erosion, requiring slumber, she had crafted a third-tier mid-quality puppet and a half-finished third-tier puppet over these years.

“Great!”

Lu Changsheng felt a sense of satisfaction as he released several piles of earthly materials gathered from the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons and Five Poisons Sect to assist Qian Zhuyan in upgrading the puppets and continue creating more.

Seeing the abundant third-tier and fourth-tier materials, Qian Zhuyan was overjoyed.

On one hand, there was hope for promoting a fourth-tier puppet.

On the other, she genuinely loved the art of puppet-making! Lu Changsheng provided her with unlimited materials and placed few demands, allowing her to flourish freely; it was her dream life.

If it weren’t for the deep-seated hatred she harbored, she would be willing to spend her life this way.

“Now, she truly is a homebody! A tech nerd!”

Lu Changsheng mused as he inquired about his daughter, Lu Wangshu’s, talent in puppet-making.

“Average.”

Qian Zhuyan replied in a hoarse yet strong voice, indicating Lu Wangshu’s talent in puppet creation was mediocre, but her comprehension was quite good.

She had already grasped the basics of the 【Minor Deduction Technique】 and the 【Minor Deduction Manual】; it ultimately depended on how much time she invested.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly and decided to take the completed puppets crafted by Qian Zhuyan to hand them over to Ling Zixiao for management, then headed to a store called 【Talisman Hall】 in Immortal City of Damengze.

This was the Talisman Lu Family’s main store in Immortal City of Damengze, where Lu Wangshu was the managing clerk.

Although the third-tier talismans sold occasionally in the store were nominally crafted by “Changsheng Zhenren”, they were actually produced by Xiansi Wangshu.

Seeing that his daughter wasn’t at the store, Lu Changsheng moved on to her little courtyard.

Finding that his daughter was earnestly cultivating, he felt a sense of pride.

“Father, what brings you here?”

Only a few individuals, like Lu Changsheng and Lu Lingxiao, possessed the key to the courtyard’s formation.

So, upon witnessing the formation’s barrier opening, Lu Wangshu instantly woke from her meditation.

“I finished my business and thought I’d come to see you.”

Lu Changsheng smiled warmly at his stunning daughter with striking features.

Despite having many children, he had a special fondness for Lu Wangshu.

Inquiring about her recent training, he noticed she seemed weary, shaking his head as he revealed, “This is the fourth-tier talisman I promised you earlier.”

“A fourth-tier talisman!”

Instantly, Lu Wangshu perked up, gazing at the talisman in her father’s hand, examining it closely, her face glowing with surprise and joy as she exclaimed, “Father, you really remembered! I thought you were just teasing me again!”

“???”

Lu Changsheng playfully flicked her smooth forehead and chuckled, “When have I ever tricked you?”

“Oh, you have! Three years ago, you said that as long as I mastered the puppet knowledge from Elder Qian, you’d craft a third-tier puppet for me, but I still haven’t seen that puppet!”

“And what about this talisman? How many years has it been since then? Seven years ago, you promised me something from nine years back!”

Lu Wangshu argued back, then held up her pale fingers, counting how many years her father had delayed on promises.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough; that was ages ago! Besides, doesn’t that take time?”

Seeing his daughter dig up grievances from decades ago, Lu Changsheng quickly interrupted and explained he was genuinely busy.

Also, the effort to refine these three fourth-tier talismans had been challenging.

Especially after all the initial failures and the collection of suitable materials for talisman-making.

“Alright, alright, I won’t speak anymore, you’ve worked hard.”

Although Lu Wangshu believed her father was merely overwhelmed with his busy life, she couldn’t help but comfort him as he began lamenting.

Subsequently, Lu Changsheng helped his daughter refine the three talismans.

Indeed, it was a process of refining.

These three talismans took so long to promote to fourth-tier not just due to Lu Changsheng’s busy schedule but mostly because it was tough!

These weren’t ordinary talismans meant for activation and use but rather rare talismans similar to the 【Descent Spirit Charm】.

They could connect with Lu Wangshu’s Lifespan Talisman, aiding her in nurturing her vitality and spirit for enhancing her foundation! After an hour.

“How’s the effect?”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he asked his daughter.

“Father, I feel these three talismans are like the treasures formed through the 【Hundred Refinements Body Technique】, with their magical energy actively swirling around me. If I practice by myself, my speed is nearly fifty percent faster!”

Lu Wangshu beamed with joy.

Noticing that Lu Lingxiao was already cultivating Core Formation techniques and was about to break through, while she was only at the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment, she felt pressured.

Now, she could use other means to hold on until the latter broke through to Core Formation, or she would be thoroughly left behind.

“Good.”

Seeing his daughter’s radiant smile, Lu Changsheng felt that the effort he put into those three talismans was worthwhile.

He ruffled her flowing hair, reminding her to be steady in her cultivation, not to rush.

Afterward, the father and daughter went out together, heading to Dragonfish Island, Green Carp Island, and Red Carp Island before finally arriving at 【Mengxi Island】, where Meng Xiaochan was taking Lu Linghe, Lu Mengchan, and others for wilderness exercise.

“Lu Lang! Brother!”

“Father! Father! Sister!”

Seeing Lu Changsheng and Lu Wangshu arrive, Meng Xiaochan, Bai Ling, and others instantly beamed with joy.

“Xiaochan, Ling’er.”

Lu Changsheng looked over the island where they experienced wilderness-building activities with his wife and children.

Half a month later, Lu Changsheng ventured deep into Da Mengze to check on the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale.

“Splash——”

The sea boiled and roared as a massive whirlpool formed.

After years of slumber, the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale has finally completed its transformation from Celestial Grade bloodline to True Spirit level!

Its immense and majestic form was perfect in proportion, covered with shimmering dark scales like the most sturdy armor, seamlessly encasing its body.

Under the sun and sea’s light, every scale glimmered with a mysterious luster, and flowing dark golden dragon patterns shimmered mystically.

Its two noble horns rose above its head, exuding majestic dominion.

Its fins resembled broad, sturdy wings, layered with razor-like tiny scales. Under the gentle caress of the water, they shimmered with a chilling glint.

“Alright, this looks the part of a true spirit-grade beast!”

Lu Changsheng looked at the current appearance of the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale with delight.

The previous growth process and transformation looked somewhat awkward.

“Da Hei, are you ready?”

Lu Changsheng queried.

“Roar!”

The Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale let out a low roar, indicating its readiness to strive for the fourth tier, confident in its success!

.

Speaking of confidence, Lu Changsheng recalled how it had been severely damaged by heavenly tribulations during its last attempt to transcend, leaving only its skeleton.

“Alright, I will come with you later.”

While he was sure of the whale succeeding in transcending.

His earlier divination had also shown auspicious signs, meaning the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale was destined to succeed.

Nonetheless, this was a major matter, and it was best to stay cautious.

Previously, he had also prepared some treasures for the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale at the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons and Five Poisons Sect to ensure success!