Chapter 755: Elder Xuanmu, What Do You Think of Yiren?

“I know Elder Xuanmu doesn’t urgently need anything besides the Nascent Soul opportunity and the Huaying Pill.”

“But Huaying Pills are incredibly rare. Even our Penglai Island finds them difficult to acquire,”

Shen Baishuang said with a touch of melancholy.

Her words held no falsehood.

Even though their Divine Maiden Palace had channels to obtain Huaying Pills, acquiring them required patience and a significant price.

“However, besides the Huaying Pill, I’ve prepared several Nascent Soul Spirit Items and some rare resources not commonly seen outside. Elder Xuanmu, please take a look. Perhaps there’s something you need.”

Shen Baishuang paused, then continued, her voice unhurried and clear, carrying a rich undertone as if a mountain spring mingled with aged wine, leaving a lingering, captivating resonance.

As she spoke, her slender jade hand presented a deep blue Jade Slip to Lu Changsheng, her movements elegant and graceful.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng accepted the Jade Slip and scanned it with his divine sense.

It listed many high-grade natural treasures.

Nascent Soul Spirit Items were a given.

There was even a High-Grade Nascent Soul Spirit Item and an exceptionally rare mind-tribulation type Nascent Soul Spirit Item.

He knew that such mind-tribulation type Nascent Soul Spirit Items fetched astronomical prices at previous high-end auctions.

Perhaps knowing he was a talisman maker, diviner, and physician, and possessed a fourth-rank puppet proficient in Puppetry, there were many materials related to these fields.

Even Lu Changsheng felt a stir of desire.

“Second Palace Master, I’ll exchange for this Pure Lotus of the Tranquil Heart.”

After a moment’s thought, Lu Changsheng pointed to the mind-tribulation Nascent Soul Spirit Item.

Although he possessed the Demon Breaking Life Saving Pill, making the Pure Lotus of the Brahma Heart unnecessary for himself, it was the most valuable item among the treasures.

It could be used by his wife or as a bargaining chip in trades with other cultivators.

“Very well. Based on Elder Xuanmu’s current contribution, you can select a few more items besides this one.”

Shen Baishuang wasn’t surprised by Lu Changsheng’s choice.

This Pure Lotus of the Brahma Heart was primarily a token of sincerity and gratitude from their Divine Maiden Palace.

As a Core Formation cultivator eager for a Nascent Soul opportunity, it would be odd if he didn’t choose it.

If he didn’t, it would indicate he either possessed a mind-tribulation type Spirit Item or had absolute confidence in himself, with no flaws in his mental state! Subsequently, Lu Changsheng selected two rare spiritual materials useful for Qian Zhuyan and handed the list of his previous losses to Shen Baishuang.

“No problem.”

Shen Baishuang was generous. She merely glanced at the list without questioning it and asked Lu Changsheng whether he wanted to exchange for contribution points or select more items from the list.

“May I exchange it for high-grade Spirit Stones?”

Lu Changsheng inquired after a moment’s consideration.

Although high-grade Spirit Stones were precious, it shouldn’t be an issue for a Nascent Soul-level power like the Divine Maiden Palace.

After all, whether it was setting up Formations or operating strategic Dao-Comprehending Artifacts, warships, or puppets, Spirit Stones were essential.

And high-grade Spirit Stones were naturally the best. Every top-tier power would have a substantial reserve.

Otherwise, Shen Baishuang wouldn’t have readily offered him five high-grade Spirit Stones when she saw his puppet’s need for them.

“High-grade Spirit Stones aren’t abundant in our Divine Maiden Palace either.”

Shen Baishuang didn’t immediately agree. Instead, she contemplated with a thoughtful expression, saying, “However, since Elder Xuanmu needs them, I can authorize the exchange for twenty.”

High-grade Spirit Stones were strategic resources, so it was one thing for the Divine Maiden Palace to have limited reserves.

The main reason was that Shen Baishuang didn’t want Lu Changsheng to possess too many high-grade Spirit Stones.

After all, his Puppet Battle Formation was too formidable, comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator! If he harbored ulterior motives, ambition, or was swayed by enemy forces, these high-grade Spirit Stones could become ammunition against their Divine Maiden Palace.

“Twenty?”

Lu Changsheng initially felt it was too few.

But considering he had only obtained about thirty high-grade Spirit Stones from True Lord Loushan, True Lord Zicang, and True Lord Tiancang combined, he didn’t say much and cupped his fist, saying, “Thank you, Second Palace Master.”

“Hehe, Elder Xuanmu, you’re too polite. I haven’t even thanked you for your assistance in the previous battle.”

Shen Baishuang’s rosy lips curved into a beautiful and captivating smile as she moved to the main topic, subtly probing the origins of Qian Zhuyan and the Soul-Taking Beast.

“To be honest, Second Palace Master, the soul within this puppet is that of a senior who was both my teacher and friend.”

Lu Changsheng sighed softly and began to narrate how he, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from a clan, had risen to his current status.

It began in his youth when he inadvertently acquired a damaged puppet containing a sleeping senior who guided his cultivation.

However, her soul was damaged, causing her to be mostly dormant and forget much of her past. His current hope was that after reaching the Nascent Soul stage, he could help her repair her soul and recover her memories.

As for the Soul-Taking Beast, he wasn’t sure either.

It was a peculiar creature that the puppet’s soul helped him find in a secret realm.

This beast usually lacked combat power but was naturally adept at absorbing souls and devouring ghosts, making it effective against vengeful spirits, demonic cultivators, and even some cultivators who practiced the demonic path.

“I rarely engage in duels or battles. The cultivation nation I reside in is a righteous one, and I’ve never encountered Nascent Soul-level demonic cultivators, hence my surprise at this beast’s formidable power.”

Lu Changsheng spoke a load of nonsense with a look of realization, revealing only information Shen Baishuang could already deduce, while concealing the details of Qian Zhuyan and the Soul-Taking Beast.

After a lengthy exchange, Shen Baishuang, realizing it was impossible to ascertain Lu Changsheng’s background, revealed her true intention: “Elder Xuanmu, what do you think of Yiren?”

“Second Palace Master is referring to… Third Palace Master?”

Lu Changsheng asked with uncertainty.

“Indeed, my younger sister.”

Shen Baishuang nodded gently, a faint smile gracing her lips. Then, with graceful movements, she picked up her teacup and took a delicate sip, every gesture exuding an innate nobility and elegance.

Lu Changsheng paused internally before replying thoughtfully, “Third Palace Master is kind-hearted and approachable. I’m grateful for her consideration when I first arrived at the Divine Maiden Palace.”

“Furthermore, Third Palace Master possesses remarkable talent and beauty. She is knowledgeable not only in medicine but also in talismans, pills, and divination. My interactions with her have been highly beneficial.”

Lu Changsheng spoke sincerely, seemingly oblivious to the underlying meaning of Shen Baishuang’s words.

Shen Baishuang seemed slightly weary. She placed her teacup down and subtly shifted her ample form, crossing her legs, revealing a glimpse of exquisite red embroidered shoes beneath her skirt, full of alluring charm.

Then, looking directly at Lu Changsheng with an intense gaze, she asked, “Given this, do you have any feelings for Yiren? Romantic intentions?”

“??”

Lu Changsheng was taken aback.

He hadn’t expected the Second Palace Master to be so direct.

Although he had previously speculated whether the Divine Maiden Palace might consider matching him with Shen Yiren given his impressive combat prowess and abilities.

He never anticipated Shen Baishuang’s bluntness.

However, remembering her somewhat impulsive nature, Lu Changsheng found it quite plausible. He replied, “A divine maiden like Third Palace Master is certainly someone I admire.”

“However, matters of the heart depend on fate and mutual affection. Moreover, the cultivation world is ever-changing. Core Formation cultivators may seem prestigious, having entered the threshold of high-level cultivators, but without reaching the Nascent Soul stage, they are ultimately insignificant and can perish easily.”

“I am currently merely a wandering cultivator, focusing all my energy on reaching the Nascent Soul stage. Without achieving that, how could I dare to be presumptuous towards such a beauty?”

Lu Changsheng shook his head and sighed, his gaze firm.

Although he could seize the opportunity to express his admiration and affection for Shen Yiren.

Based on his understanding of the three Palace Masters of the Divine Maiden Palace, Lu Changsheng suspected that the Great Palace Master and Third Palace Master were unaware of the Second Palace Master’s visit.

Otherwise, Shen Yiren wouldn’t have shown no inclination towards this when she visited him previously.

Furthermore, his persona as “Xuamu Daoist” was someone focused solely on the Dao, seeking his “disciple” and Nascent Soul opportunity in the Starry Sea.

If he now appeared overly fond of the Third Palace Master, even willing to forgo the Nascent Soul opportunity, he might be perceived as unscrupulous, using Shen Yiren as a stepping stone.

Upon hearing Lu Changsheng’s candid admission of admiration for her sister, Shen Baishuang felt a strange twinge of envy.

Her own charm was no less than her sister’s.

Why didn’t he show any affection towards her?

However, remembering she was a married woman, she quickly dismissed the thought and smiled, her beautiful eyes twinkling, “Since Elder Xuanmu has feelings for Yiren, then I’ll be frank.”

“Often, matters of the heart don’t conflict with the pursuit of the Nascent Soul Dao. You have feelings for Yiren, and Yiren also has a favorable impression of you.”

“If you and Yiren become Dao companions, you’ll be family. When the Divine Maiden Palace obtains Huaying Pills, you will be our top priority.”

“The Divine Maiden Palace doesn’t currently have Huaying Pills, but with my elder sister’s connections, purchasing a Nine-Turns Spirit Pill, also known as the Lesser Huaying Pill, from the Pill Alliance isn’t difficult.”

As she spoke, Shen Baishuang picked up her teacup again, took a sip, and looked directly into Lu Changsheng’s gentle eyes, saying softly, “Moreover, I’ll tell Elder Xuanmu a secret: the cultivation technique Yiren practices is beneficial for Dual Cultivation.”

“In a few years, Yiren will be ready to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.”

“If you become Dao companions with Yiren, your chances of reaching the Nascent Soul stage will also increase significantly!”

Shen Baishuang put down her teacup, casually revealing a secret, her beautiful eyes hoping to see shock and excitement on Lu Changsheng’s face.

However.

Lu Changsheng’s expression darkened. His handsome and refined features instantly conveyed seriousness and resolve. “Second Palace Master, what do you take me for?!”

“While I aspire to achieve the Nascent Soul Dao, I would never resort to unscrupulous means or deceive someone’s feelings to break through, using Third Palace Master as a tool or a stepping stone to advance my cultivation!”

“That is not my Dao!”

Lu Changsheng declared with a stern and righteous expression, his usually calm voice tinged with suppressed anger.

Inwardly, however, he couldn’t help but sigh. The Second Palace Master was truly inept at winning people over.

Such things were best hinted at, not stated so bluntly. It made him unsure whether this was a test or a genuine offer.

Furthermore, she valued his talent, potential, and abilities, wanting him to become completely integrated into the Divine Maiden Palace.

But if he truly agreed to the matter with Shen Yiren, would the Second Palace Master and the Great Palace Master truly trust him completely?

They would likely prepare numerous means of control to keep him in check. In that case, it was better to let things progress naturally with Shen Yiren.

As for Shen Yiren’s cultivation technique being beneficial for Dual Cultivation, Lu Changsheng paid it no mind. He wasn’t interested.

Now that he had the Huaying Pill and his Spirit Root had been upgraded from Earth Spiritual Root to Heavenly Spiritual Root, he was already very confident about reaching the Nascent Soul stage.

His only aspiration was whether he could achieve a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul, or even surpass his Dao Golden Core once more! “??”

Shen Baishuang was stunned.

She hadn’t expected Lu Changsheng to react so strongly to her good intentions, even reprimanding her, which stirred a hint of anger within her.

However, his words caused a tremor deep within her heart.

“While I aspire to achieve the Nascent Soul Dao, I would never resort to unscrupulous means or deceive someone’s feelings…”

She couldn’t help but think of herself.

Her husband was a Nascent Soul True Lord and the master of Blade Forging Mountain, his standing far surpassing the Lu Changsheng before her.

Yet… after marrying her, he favored men and had no interest in women.

This left her not only living like a widow but also enduring much gossip and slander.

Seeing Lu Changsheng willing to forgo such a shortcut and Nascent Soul opportunity to avoid deceiving her sister, Shen Baishuang was filled with complex emotions. Her anger subsided, and she said softly, “Elder Xuanmu, please don’t be angry. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that considering your firm stance with the Divine Maiden Palace against Si Guihua, you are someone we can trust, and since you and my younger sister have mutual affection, I thought it would be a good match.”

“Second Palace Master’s kindness is appreciated, but matters of the heart, once forged into a Dao companion relationship, should be about walking the great path together, supporting each other through thick and thin. If too much pragmatism is involved, its true essence is lost. Please refrain from such words,”

Lu Changsheng saw Shen Baishuang’s sincere expression and softened his tone, cupping his fist.

Afraid that the Second Palace Master might genuinely see him as someone solely focused on the Dao, Lu Changsheng added, “If Third Palace Master has feelings for me, I still hope our connection is born of natural affection, witnessed by the heavens and earth, before we become Dao companions.”

“Mm.”

At this moment, Shen Baishuang’s thoughts were in disarray after Lu Changsheng’s words. She nodded slightly, exchanged a few more words, and then stood up to leave.

“Did my words hurt the Second Palace Master?”

Watching the Second Palace Master’s graceful figure depart, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but wonder.

After all, according to rumors, the Second Palace Master and her husband, Yuan Wei True Monarch, had a strained relationship.

His talk about mutual affection and walking the great path together through thick and thin might have struck a nerve.

“However, this matter is likely the Second Palace Master’s own initiative. The Great Palace Master and Third Palace Master probably don’t know about it.”

Lu Changsheng wasn’t sure about the Great Palace Master, Shen Jianjia.

But after interacting with the Third Palace Master, Shen Yiren, for so long, he had gained some understanding of her.

She was outwardly gentle but inwardly strong.

Although willing to make sacrifices for the Divine Maiden Palace, she wouldn’t go as far as choosing marriage to win him over.

Even if she agreed or had such thoughts, she would try to interact with him more personally rather than sending Shen Baishuang as an envoy.

Back in her own chambers, Shen Baishuang recalled Lu Changsheng’s words, which felt like a barrage of critical hits, causing inexplicable irritation.

It wasn’t just about the deception of feelings.

She lacked everything a Dao companion relationship should have, from mutual affection to supporting each other through thick and thin.

She only felt a sickening discomfort.

After a long while, her thoughts calmed down, and she replayed her conversation with Lu Changsheng, realizing something was amiss.

Although this Elder Xuanmu appeared righteous and principled.

Had she been too direct in her intentions?

Could he have perceived it as a test, hence his reaction?

Once this thought arose, Shen Baishuang found it very plausible.

“Regardless of the truth of his words, this Xuamu Daoist is a favored child of heaven and earth, possessing immense Fortune!”

Subsequently, Shen Baishuang recalled the information she had subtly gleaned.

Although the veracity of his words remained questionable, he was definitely a person of great Fortune!

For Core Formation cultivators breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage, besides Spirit Root talent and foundation, timing and the elusive Fortune played a role!

After all, no one could claim a 100% certainty of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.

They could only try to maximize their chances.

This was where Fortune became particularly important.

It could even be considered a factor in the probability of breaking through.

Although Fortune was intangible, it could be shared.

According to cultivators’ research, having multiple individuals with great Fortune gathered in one place or joining a particular power could potentially boost the overall Fortune of that place.

This was one of the reasons why many powers were willing to invite guest elders and honorary elders.

Besides providing high-end combat power and expertise, high-level cultivators often possessed considerable Fortune, which could potentially enhance the power’s overall Fortune.

Of course, there were both advantages and disadvantages.

Sometimes, guest elders and honorary elders could bring significant disasters to a power.

“If he and my younger sister could become a couple, it might even enhance her Fortune to some extent.”

Although Shen Baishuang was confident in her younger sister Shen Yiren’s breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage.

The boost of Fortune could make the process of breaking the core and forming the nascent soul smoother and even improve the quality of her Nascent Soul!

But thinking of her younger sister’s personality and Elder Xuanmu’s attitude, she shook her head, deciding to let things take their course.

Time flew by quickly. In the blink of an eye, a year had passed.

Because the divination results showed fluctuating fortunes, making it unsuitable to travel, Lu Changsheng had remained in Moonmelt Isle, focusing on his cultivation.

For a cultivator of his level, a year wasn’t short, but it certainly wasn’t long.

He had only used up one-tenth of the Xuanhuang Essence.

This day, he suddenly felt a sensation and walked out of his cave dwelling, gazing into the distance.

He saw a vortex of spiritual energy roaring above the Divine Maiden Palace, causing the surrounding spiritual energy to violently converge and surge, gradually affecting Moonmelt Isle.

“This is… someone is breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage?!”

Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat at the sight.

Although he had never witnessed a Core Formation cultivator breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage, he had seen the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale’s true spirit tribulation and the fourth-rank heavenly tribulation.

Before long, a Core Formation cultivator arrived at Moonmelt Isle, explaining that True Person Jing Qing was attempting a Nascent Soul breakthrough, which might affect the cultivation here, and asking for Elder Xuanmu’s understanding.

Furthermore, the Divine Maiden Palace and even Penglai Island had entered a state of full alert, with everyone prohibited from entering, leaving, or approaching.

“Understood.”

Lu Changsheng was understanding of the situation.

The Nascent Soul tribulation was crucial and couldn’t afford any unforeseen circumstances.

When a guest elder like him attempted a Nascent Soul breakthrough in the future, the Divine Maiden Palace would also enter lockdown to prevent any interference.

So, such measures were justifiable, and everyone chose to understand.

Subsequently, Lu Changsheng remained on Moonmelt Isle, watching the Nascent Soul celestial phenomena above Divine Maiden Peak from afar, observing the process of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.