Chapter 729: What of the Second Palace Lord’s Beauty?

Shen Yiren walked out of the welcoming hall, her figure transforming into a divine rainbow as she flew to the main peak of Divine Maiden Palace, a place shrouded in swirling clouds and mist, then she arrived before a magnificent palace that seemed plucked from a dream. “Sister,” she called out softly.

Boom!

The grand doors of the hall swung open with a resounding boom, a surge of misty energy, like gentle ripples on a calm lake, spread outward transforming into a breeze. It playfully tugged at Shen Yiren’s flowing black hair and her emerald-green dress, making her appear like a fairy dancing on water, elegant yet ethereal.

Following that.

Tap, tap, tap. Tap, tap, tap. A series of crisp, elegant sounds, like a celestial melody, echoed as someone stepped onto the floor.

There emerged a radiant, breathtakingly beautiful fairy from within the palace.

She wore a luxurious palace-style gown that flowed like a river of stars, perfectly accentuating her exquisite curves.

Though her full figure was veiled, the striking curves of her body were evident even through the fabric, leaving nothing to the imagination.

Her elegant swan-like neck was particularly captivating. It was as white as snow, her skin glowing with a holy aura, and her full, proud bosom rose and fell with each breath.

The hem of her light blue dress draped gracefully to the floor. As she moved, one could glimpse her feet adorned with a pair of elegant, slender, high-heeled crystal shoes, further enhancing her already tall and graceful figure, making her even more alluring and sacred.

“Little Sister.”

This woman of unparalleled beauty, grace, and elegance was none other than the Lord of Divine Maiden Palace, Shen Jianjia! Her eyes, like autumn waters, were clear and bright, revealing a natural purity and beauty. Her long, slightly curled eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, adding to her infinite charm.

Her nose was delicate and refined, like a jade peak rising from the center of her exquisite face. Her lips were soft, moist, and full, as if glowing with a tempting allure, inviting one to savor their sweetness.

Yet, her radiant and transcendent aura commanded respect, leaving one feeling humbled and unworthy of even the slightest desecration.

As she emerged, her graceful presence shone like the bright moon and stars, even causing the already beautiful Shen Yiren, who was known to outshine even the fairest flowers, to pale slightly in comparison.

“Sister.”

A dimple appeared on Shen Yiren’s cheek as she skipped forward like a young girl, affectionately taking her sister’s arm.

Though Shen Jianjia was known for her decisive and ruthless nature in the outside world, often displaying a cold and domineering demeanor.

She was exceptionally caring and gentle towards her younger sister, treating her almost like a mother would.

“What has made my little sister so happy?”

Shen Jianjia could tell her sister was in high spirits, a slight smile graced her lips.

“Being with you makes me happy, Sister.”

Shen Yiren replied playfully, her eyes filled with dependence and affection for her sister.

The two sisters stood arm in arm, one elegant and noble, the other gentle and serene, like a pair of exquisite, blooming flowers, or two radiant luminous pearls, their beauty so dazzling it made everything around them lose its color.

“Hehe.”

Shen Jianjia chuckled softly, knowing her sister’s good mood must be related to that “Xuamu Daoist.”

She didn’t inquire further, after a few words a cloud of misty light, like a blooming lotus, appeared beneath her blue, slender high heels, gently lifting her and Shen Yiren as they flew towards the welcoming hall.

“First Palace Lord!”

“Greetings, First Palace Lord!”

The cultivators of Divine Maiden Palace, seeing the misty light, looked up with respectful expressions, cupping their hands in salute.

Some disciples of lower seniority even knelt on both knees, bowing deeply, their reverence evident.

A few disciples, overcome with excitement, stared at the two beautiful figures on the cloud of light, only to be momentarily blinded by the Nascent Soul-level aura, causing them to feel dizzy.

At the Nascent Soul stage, even without deliberately concealing themselves, the mere flow of their spiritual pressure was enough to make it impossible for ordinary cultivators to look directly at them.

Moments later, the misty light descended before the welcoming hall.

Lu Changsheng, who had been waiting while drinking tea, saw the swirling light and the two sisters, like twin lotus blossoms, appearing at the entrance. His eyes instantly lit up with a hint of amazement.

“This woman must be the First Palace Lord of Divine Maiden Palace, Shen Jianjia!”

Lu Changsheng’s first thought upon seeing the First Palace Lord was ‘beautiful’. She was incredibly beautiful, absolutely stunning!

Her beauty was on par with Hong Lian’s.

Perhaps due to the transcendent aura of a Nascent Soul True Lord, her renowned reputation, and the allure of the unattainable, even though Lu Changsheng was surrounded by many beautiful women, he couldn’t help but feel his heart stir at this moment, his emotions swayed.

If not for Lu Ancestor’s vast experience in the field of love, having weathered countless storms, he might have been momentarily stunned by the First Palace Lord’s peerless beauty and noble bearing.

“No wonder this First Palace Lord’s beauty is renowned throughout the Starry Sea, once pursued by both the top devil cultivator and the top alchemist of the Starry Sea.”

Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.

He had been curious about the appearance of this First Palace Lord, whose beauty and grace were renowned throughout the Starry Sea.

But the early portraits he had purchased through intelligence reports were vastly inferior to the real person before him, failing to capture even a fraction of her true essence. As the saying goes, it’s easy to paint the skin but hard to depict the bones.

One could only say, how could the beauty of a high-level female cultivator merely be a matter of superficial appearance?

Temperament and spirit were what truly highlighted her unique charm! Especially now, with the First Palace Lord and Third Palace Lord Shen Yiren standing side by side, like twin lotus blossoms of unparalleled beauty, it was a sight rarely seen in Lu Changsheng’s life.

He couldn’t help but think, if he could have both sisters, “I am Xuamu, greetings to the First Palace Lord.”

Lu Changsheng quickly reined in his wandering thoughts and rose to cup his hands in greeting.

Although he possessed a Nascent Soul-level Taiyi Spirit.

The cultivation of Shen Jianjia before him was unfathomable, and she might be able to detect some of his thoughts.

If she knew he was harboring disrespectful thoughts towards her and Shen Yiren, it would be troublesome if she attacked him in anger.

“There’s no need for such formality, my friend.”

Shen Jianjia’s eyes, like unfathomable pools, were bright and deep, with a hint of blue light. She observed Lu Changsheng.

He had an elegant and handsome appearance, a calm and detached demeanor, and though his magical energy was concealed, judging from his temperament and the faint medicinal fragrance about him, one could deduce that his cultivation method likely leaned towards wood-type health preservation techniques.

Lu Changsheng then felt a faint Nascent Soul-level spiritual pressure and divine sense fluctuations.

Very strong!

Although he didn’t know the First Palace Lord’s exact cultivation level, just from this faint spiritual pressure, Lu Changsheng could determine that her cultivation far surpassed any Nascent Soul cultivator he had ever met, including True Lord Xuanjian!

Lu Changsheng felt a surge of unease, unsure if his disguise had been seen through.

After all, the divine abilities, secret techniques, and treasures of a Nascent Soul True Lord were unfathomable.

Back at the Whale-Hunting Banquet, he had secretly observed everyone present using the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror.

If the First Palace Lord possessed a Spirit Treasure with similar effects, Lu Changsheng couldn’t guarantee that his body refinement techniques and the Thousand Illusions Mask could perfectly conceal him.

Tap, tap, tap. Tap, tap, tap. After a brief observation, the First Palace Lord and Shen Yiren gracefully walked to the main seats and sat down.

Then, her red lips parted slightly, and she spoke in a mature, cool voice, with a hint of authority, “I hear you are not a cultivator of our Starry Sea. Where do you come from, and what is your purpose in joining my Divine Maiden Palace?”

As she spoke, she raised her hand, and a green pearl the size of a baby’s fist appeared out of thin air, floating before Lu Changsheng.

“This is the Truth-Seeking Pearl, it has the ability to detect lies.”

Shen Yiren, beside her, immediately sent a gentle voice transmission to Lu Changsheng.

Lu Changsheng glanced at the Truth-Seeking Pearl, then cupped his hands in salute, saying, “I am indeed not a cultivator of the Starry Sea, but from a cultivation family in a country in the northern region of the Southern Desolation.”

“I came to the Starry Sea for two reasons. Firstly, a member of my family is missing, and I’m here to find them. Secondly, I’ve heard of the Starry Sea and had a premonition that my opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage lies here.”

“As for why I’m joining Divine Maiden Palace, it’s for these two reasons. I hope to enlist your sect’s help in finding my family member and to utilize your esteemed palace’s fourth-grade spirit vein for my future advancement to the Nascent Soul stage.”

“Furthermore, as a top power in the Starry Sea, if I could obtain information about Nascent Soul spiritual items or the Huaying Pill through this connection, that would be ideal.”

Although the Truth-Seeking Pearl before him was a quasi-Spirit Treasure, Lu Changsheng wasn’t entirely confident in deceiving it, so he changed ‘disciple’ to ‘family member.’

As for utilizing Divine Maiden Palace’s fourth-grade spirit vein, that wasn’t a lie.

He simply didn’t want to just rent Divine Maiden Palace’s spirit vein to attempt a breakthrough to the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul stage.

But if he could form a Daoist couple with Shen Yiren, with this elder sister-in-law’s approval and protection, using Divine Maiden Palace’s spiritual land to breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage would be even more secure, so that wasn’t a lie.

The Truth-Seeking Pearl hovering before Lu Changsheng continued to glow green, indicating he wasn’t lying.

“Hmm.”

Shen Jianjia nodded slightly, her expression calm. She didn’t inquire further about the cultivation country or family Lu Changsheng came from.

After all, the position of guest elder was about mutual benefit and cooperation, not servitude. Cultivators wouldn’t reveal all their secrets and give others leverage over them.

As long as he harbored no ill intentions or ulterior motives towards Divine Maiden Palace, these minor details could be set aside for the time being.

Her beautiful eyes gazed directly at Lu Changsheng, her stunning face no longer as warm and gentle as when she faced Shen Yiren, but rather cold and aloof, like the bright moon on a cold night, exuding a powerful aura. She continued to ask, “Why did you come to Penglai Immortal City? And why do you want to join my Divine Maiden Palace?”

“I have some knowledge of divination. When I first arrived in the Starry Sea, I was lost in the vast expanse of the ocean. I used divination to determine where to go and, by chance, encountered your palace’s merchant ship.”

“Therefore, under these circumstances, I guessed that joining Divine Maiden Palace might make things go more smoothly. Coincidentally, the Third Palace Lord personally came to thank me and extended an invitation, so I went with the flow, awaiting my destined Nascent Soul opportunity.”

Lu Changsheng spoke calmly, not showing any eagerness or desperation to join Divine Maiden Palace.

After all, with his cultivation and strength, he would be an ancestor-level figure anywhere.

Why should he humble himself and insist on entering Divine Maiden Palace?

If he wanted to, he could become a revered guest in any Nascent Soul-level power.

“Divination.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Shen Jianjia’s eyes, which shimmered with a blue light.

To be able to divine one’s own opportunity and fortune in the boundless Starry Sea was no ordinary feat for a diviner! Either they possessed top-tier, third-grade divination skills, or they possessed some kind of rare divination treasure!

Little Sister said this person is a third-grade, high-grade talisman master and also skilled in medicine.

So, he likely possesses some kind of rare divination treasure.

But even with a divination treasure, he must have at least third-grade divination skills! As a Core Formation cultivator, to have spent so much time and energy on the various cultivation arts while still being so young, and still have plenty of lifespan left to seek his Nascent Soul opportunity, was quite extraordinary! Such a figure, even in the Starry Sea, would be considered a dragon among men!

“Do you harbor any ill intentions towards my Divine Maiden Palace?”

Shen Jianjia’s expression remained calm as she continued to inquire.

“No, I am an upright person!”

Lu Changsheng immediately declared.

Not only did he have no ill intentions towards Divine Maiden Palace, he even harbored the thought of marrying Shen Yiren, bringing joy to both families.

If he and Shen Yiren were to become a couple, with this elder sister-in-law’s help, he could breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage. In the future, their two families could support each other, perhaps even helping Divine Maiden Palace rise to greater heights.

Lu Changsheng passed the Truth-Seeking Pearl’s test for all three questions, confirming he wasn’t lying.

“In that case, Divine Maiden Palace welcomes you, my friend.”

Shen Jianjia’s lips curved into a slight smile, and with a gentle wave of her hand, she retrieved the Truth-Seeking Pearl.

A hint of a smile appeared on her usually stern and composed face, and her voice softened slightly.

Seeing this, Shen Yiren instantly breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to Lu Changsheng with a gentle, smiling gaze.

Although she had previously believed that Lu Changsheng’s identity was not a problem.

Through their interactions today, she couldn’t help but look forward to him joining Divine Maiden Palace.

“Thank you, First Palace Lord. May I ask about the treatment I will receive upon joining your esteemed palace?”

Lu Changsheng cupped his hands in salute, politely inquiring.

Since he had passed the interview, it was time to discuss compensation.

Even if he wasn’t lacking in resources, it was necessary to discuss this thoroughly! “Do you cultivate a health preservation technique, my friend?”

Shen Jianjia didn’t directly answer Lu Changsheng’s question but instead posed a question of her own.

Any power, when recruiting guest elders, would determine their compensation based on their value.

Cultivators who practiced health preservation techniques generally received lower compensation than others.

The reason was simple: the cultivation world was full of conflict and strife.

Cultivators who practiced health preservation techniques generally had weaker combat abilities, ranking at the bottom among those of the same level.

“That’s right.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, not minding this at all.

In fact, he felt that using the《Treasure Cauldron Medicine King Scripture》to save someone was a fortunate coincidence, a good choice.

After all, cultivating a health preservation technique not only gave him more common ground with the Third Palace Lord but also meant that, as a guest elder, he generally wouldn’t have to engage in battles, allowing for a peaceful life.

“What skills and techniques do you possess, my friend?”

Although she already knew from Shen Yiren that Lu Changsheng was skilled in talisman making, divination, and medicine, it was still necessary to confirm these things in person.

“I cultivate a health preservation technique and have some skill in healing. I also study the art of talisman making and can currently create third-grade, high-grade talismans. I have dabbled in divination as well, having মোটামুটি reached the third-grade level.”

Lu Changsheng thought for a moment, then said, “As for other areas, although I have some knowledge, it’s all superficial and not worth mentioning.”

“Hmm?”

Shen Jianjia’s eyes widened slightly in surprise as she listened to Lu Changsheng.

This Xuamu Daoist’s situation was somewhat similar to her younger sister’s. Her sister, Shen Yiren, also cultivated a health preservation technique, excelled at healing, and studied various cultivation arts, exploring alchemy, arrays, talismans, divination, and many other fields.

But upon closer comparison, this Xuamu Daoist’s talent seemed to surpass her sister’s.

After all, the fact that he needed to seek his Nascent Soul opportunity outside and rent a fourth-grade spirit vein indicated that he came from a mere Core Formation-level power.

Whereas Divine Maiden Palace was a Nascent Soul-level power, one of the top powers in the Starry Sea, with far more favorable conditions and resources.

“You are well-versed in many fields, my friend.”

Shen Jianjia’s lips curved into a slight smile, her beautiful face like a blooming rose, delicate and captivating, exuding a mesmerizing fragrance.

It wasn’t seduction, but rather that every gesture, every smile, every movement of this First Palace Lord was filled with a captivating charm and allure.

She then offered Lu Changsheng the position of guest elder, requiring him to serve Divine Maiden Palace for fifty years.

After fifty years, he would be eligible to use Divine Maiden Palace’s fourth-grade spirit vein to attempt his breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage.

During those fifty years, Divine Maiden Palace would provide him with a third-grade spirit vein abode and fully assist him in searching for his disciple.

As for basic benefits, they were negligible.

Lu Changsheng would have to earn contribution points by creating third-grade talismans, healing, or performing divinations.

“Furthermore, Fellow Daoist Xuamu can gain early access to the fourth-grade spirit vein by creating talismans or performing divinations.”

“If you can create a sufficient number of talismans for my Divine Maiden Palace and render significant service, I can open up the exchange of Nascent Soul resources to you.”

Although Lu Changsheng had previously helped save a disciple of Divine Maiden Palace, Qin Yuning, the First Palace Lord didn’t let emotions cloud her judgment like Shen Yiren and still discussed the terms meticulously.

However, the conditions were relatively lenient.

“There are no bosses who don’t make empty promises.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the beautiful, elegant, and graceful Shen Jianjia before him, feeling somewhat speechless.

He hadn’t even officially joined Divine Maiden Palace, and she was already making grand promises.

If it were an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, they would likely have to toil like an ox for decades in exchange for a few inferior or ordinary Nascent Soul spiritual items.

Fortunately, his goal wasn’t these. He pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, “These conditions are acceptable.”

“However, I’m unsure if my Nascent Soul opportunity might change. If I experience another premonition, I may need to leave Divine Maiden Palace at any time to seek my Nascent Soul opportunity.”

Lu Changsheng stated candidly.

He was only joining Divine Maiden Palace temporarily to utilize their resources and convenience, he couldn’t be bound here.

Stating this now meant that if something came up later or he wanted to return, he could use this as a reason.

“Naturally.”

Even Shen Jianjia couldn’t object to such a reason.

After all, cultivators chose to join Divine Maiden Palace for the sake of their Nascent Soul opportunity.

If the opportunity arose, was there any reason to prevent someone from leaving? Besides, for Nascent Soul-level powers like theirs, using a fourth-grade spirit vein and the chance to breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage as an exchange to recruit guest elders didn’t require them to expend too many resources, so it wasn’t a loss.

Then, after Lu Changsheng and Shen Jianjia agreed on the details, they drew up a spirit contract.

“Also, I hope the First Palace Lord and Third Palace Lord can keep the fact that I’m not a cultivator of the Starry Sea confidential.”

After signing the spirit contract, Lu Changsheng cupped his hands towards the two before him, his expression serious.

From what he had learned during his time in Penglai Immortal City, the Starry Sea wasn’t isolated. Not only did Da Mengze flow into the Starry Sea.

There was a saying that many of the areas in the Starry Sea shrouded in mist and fog likely connected to some mysterious place.

It could be other cultivation worlds, cultivation countries, or even some dangerous forbidden zone.

So, from this, he knew that there were other cultivators and powers from the Southern Desolation in the Starry Sea. He still needed to keep his identity as Yangming Zhenren as low-key as possible.

“Rest assured, my friend. I will not reveal such private matters.”

The First Palace Lord nodded in agreement.

Shen Yiren also immediately said, “Please rest assured, Fellow Daoist Xuamu.”

“In that case, Little Sister, please take Elder Xuamu to choose an abode and arrange his identity token.”

Seeing that matters were settled, Shen Jianjia instructed her sister, then a cloud of misty light appeared beneath her feet, and she returned to Divine Maiden Peak.

“Fellow Daoist Xuamu, please follow me.”

Seeing her sister leave, Shen Yiren felt more at ease and comfortable facing Lu Changsheng, and she spoke gently with a smile.

“I’ll have to trouble the Third Palace Lord.”

Lu Changsheng let out a soft breath as Shen Jianjia departed, feeling a sense of relief.

Facing such a peerlessly beautiful and powerful Nascent Soul cultivator, even he felt some pressure.

However, aside from pressure, Lu Changsheng also felt a surge of motivation.

To breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage and conquer this First Palace Lord, making her the mother of his children!

If he could win over this Divine Maiden, whom even the top devil cultivator and top alchemist of the Starry Sea had failed to pursue, and make her the mother of his children, just the thought made his blood boil with excitement and ambition.

“The First Palace Lord and Third Palace Lord are both exceptionally beautiful. I wonder what the Second Palace Lord is like.”

Although the Second Palace Lord, Shen Baishuang, was already married, and Lu Changsheng had no improper thoughts.

After seeing two of Divine Maiden Palace’s Divine Maidens, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of curiosity about the third.