Chapter Index

    “It seems the Great Palace Master knows quite a bit about me.”

    Lu Changsheng remained calm and composed as he spoke.

    This was the second time someone had completely stripped away his disguises.

    In the past, he’d worry endlessly about his covers being blown, fearing it would bring danger and trouble to his family, wives, concubines, and children.

    But now, he felt much more at ease.

    The reason was simple: in the cultivation world, unless there was an irreconcilable blood feud, people rarely targeted families or loved ones.

    On one hand, it was a matter of surface-level morality.

    On the other, it boiled down to the idea that those with nothing to lose fear nothing.

    Once cultivators broke through to Nascent Soul, killing someone of the same level became incredibly difficult.

    Having family, disciples, and loved ones created mutual restraints in daily interactions.

    If you wiped out someone’s family, forces, and bonds for revenge, you’d only create a terrifying enemy for yourself.

    With Lu Changsheng’s current strength, anyone or any force thinking of moving against the Lu Family would have to think twice.

    Especially someone like Shen Jianjia, who had her own loved ones, disciples, and forces.

    Still, having his disguises exposed could lead to hidden dangers.

    For instance, once his identities as Yangming True Lord and Changsheng True Lord came to light, it would draw attention from major powers, sparking awe and secret investigations into his background.

    They might capture Lu Family disciples for soul searches or use bloodline ties for divination.

    This was the biggest risk of marrying and having children in the cultivation world.

    That’s why many cultivators stayed solitary, only building families and forces in their later years.

    “Fellow Daoist single-handedly captured and killed six Nascent Soul cultivators, your reputation shakes the Southern Desolation. It’s truly admirable.”

    Seeing Lu Changsheng admit it, Shen Jianjia praised him.

    Then she let out a soft sigh and continued, “But your situation leaves me puzzled and wary. I can’t help but worry about my little sister’s matters with you.”

    She not only disapproved of Lu Changsheng’s many wives, concubines, and countless descendants.

    She also felt deep unease about his background and origins, unwilling to entangle in such karma.

    Lu Changsheng understood her meaning.

    He even empathized with her thoughts.

    Unless someone was bootlicking or currying favor.

    Few would willingly marry their sister to a man with a harem, mysterious origins, and full of unstable factors.

    Even if his talent, looks, cultivation, charm, potential, and more were all top-tier in the world.

    Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly, knowing that without a reasonable explanation, Shen Jianjia’s wariness and vigilance toward him wouldn’t fade.

    He nodded and said, “I understand your concerns, but as for Yiren, you can rest assured, Palace Master Shen.”

    “My feelings for Yiren are genuine. Besides, she already carries my bloodline child—how could I ever abandon her and our son?”

    Lu Changsheng met Shen Jianjia’s gaze steadily as he spoke.

    He’d planned to handle things with Shen Yiren first before asking to see his son Shen Yuanming.

    But now, with Shen Jianjia so guarded, if he couldn’t get past her, he might never see Shen Yiren again.

    “Bloodline child?”

    Shen Jianjia kept her expression neutral, feigning ignorance.

    While bloodline sensing existed in the cultivation world, Shen Yuanming was the young lord of Divine Maiden Palace. His heavenly secrets were profound from birth, masked by diviners.

    Unless Lu Changsheng saw Shen Yuanming in person, sensing his presence would be impossible.

    “Great Palace Master, no need to play dumb.”

    Lu Changsheng smiled faintly and said, “Earlier, you asked why I go against the norm when most cultivators avoid settling down.”

    “Well, I’ll tell you.”

    Lu Changsheng looked at the Great Palace Master of Divine Maiden Palace. His aura sharpened, transcendent and detached, as he met her eyes—brimming with endless majesty and nobility—and uttered the words “Dragon Emperor Dao Body.”

    In his early days, he could hide his pursuit of the Dao behind claims of lacking ambition, indulging in women, and building a large family.

    But now, no one would believe such words.

    So he needed a new explanation, a plausible reason.

    For most cultivators, cultivation always came first.

    Considering his displayed talents and actions, Lu Changsheng figured that being a reincarnated great cultivator with the Dragon Emperor Dao Body was a solid excuse.

    “Dragon Emperor Dao Body?” Shen Jianjia’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. She’d never heard of such a Dao Body.

    But the term “Dao Body” confirmed her suspicions.

    This man wasn’t just a reincarnated great cultivator; he possessed a peerless Dao Body.

    “The Dragon Emperor Dao Body is one of the top physiques in the cultivation world, perfectly aligned with the heavenly Yin-Yang Path.”

    “Not only does it allow rapid cultivation progress without bottlenecks, but through dual cultivation of Yin and Yang, it boosts one’s practice and clears the mind.”

    “Moreover, this Dao Body makes it easy to sire children, and most offspring are born with exceptional talents.”

    Lu Changsheng slowly explained the effects of the Dragon Emperor Dao Body.

    Though this Dao Body came from ancient texts Hong Lian had seen, its existence was uncertain.

    But Lu Changsheng could spin tales about it effortlessly, even crafting a version unique to himself.

    “Thanks to the Dragon Emperor Dao Body, I sensed my bloodline child with Yiren the moment I entered Divine Maiden Palace.”

    Lu Changsheng said solemnly, “I value my bloodline descendants greatly. Since you’ve investigated me, you must know this.”

    Shen Jianjia didn’t doubt the “Dragon Emperor Dao Body” explanation.

    But she suspected it wasn’t as simple as he described.

    It likely had other effects and secrets.

    Still, Dao Bodies were crucial matters.

    No cultivator would fully reveal their techniques, divine abilities, or Dao Body details to others.

    After a moment of silence, Shen Jianjia said, “I naturally believe in your sincerity.”

    If it were an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator, with Divine Maiden Palace’s strength, she could ignore any request to acknowledge a nephew like Shen Yuanming.

    But Lu Changsheng was a reincarnated great cultivator with the power of a Nascent Soul titan.

    She had no reason—or ability—to refuse his wish to see his bloodline child.

    “The Dragon Emperor Dao Body aligns with the heavenly Yin-Yang Path. Dual cultivation benefits not just oneself but also the partner, clearing the mind, aiding cultivation, boosting fortune, even resolving emotional afflictions and warding off heart demons.”

    Lu Changsheng continued, “So rest assured about me and Yiren.”

    “As long as you don’t interfere too much, our relationship will naturally progress, and her Nascent Soul breakthrough will follow suit.”

    Lu Changsheng wasn’t lying; after Peach Blossom Gu ascended to Immortal Gu, it had a “wife-boosting” effect.

    With more dual cultivation to ease her knots, Shen Yiren’s Nascent Soul breakthrough would be effortless.

    “???”

    Shen Jianjia frowned slightly, sensing something off about Lu True Lord’s “Dragon Emperor Dao Body.”

    Having dual cultivation and fertility effects was one thing.

    But how could Yin-Yang dual cultivation clear the mind, boost fortune, and resolve emotional afflictions?

    Why not claim it breaks bottlenecks, enhances spirit roots, or improves Dao foundation quality too?

    “Does Lu True Lord truly care for my little sister that much?”

    Shen Jianjia gazed at Lu Changsheng, asking directly.

    She could understand him wanting to marry her sister.

    After all, her sister’s looks, talent, techniques, and personality made her an ideal partner.

    But did Lu Changsheng really have such deep feelings for her sister?

    As an elder sister like a mother.

    Shen Jianjia cared deeply for her sister.

    She felt Lu True Lord’s intense attention and efforts toward her sister weren’t as simple as they seemed; there must be other motives.

    Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.

    He knew high-level female cultivators like Shen Jianjia were more rational and didn’t easily believe in romance.

    Plus, with preconceptions.

    His image as a man with a harem and tens of thousands of descendants made it impossible for her to see him as a pure-hearted romantic.

    A man full of responsibility and devotion.

    “On one hand, I truly care for Yiren, and she carries my bloodline. On the other, it ties into my Dragon Emperor Dao Body and my future path.”

    Lu Changsheng continued, expressing affection while offering a reason tied to his own interests.

    Shen Jianjia paused, thoughtful.

    She realized his Dragon Emperor Dao Body’s cultivation might involve partners, dual cultivation, or even offspring.

    “This involves my personal cultivation, so I can’t reveal details now. If you’re interested, feel free to research the Dragon Emperor Dao Body yourself—you might guess a bit.”

    Lu Changsheng avoided using tales like “Central State Holy Emperor” to bluff, instead letting Shen Jianjia speculate.

    For one, a Nascent Soul titan like Shen Jianjia was knowledgeable and hard to fool.

    For another, in his earlier talk with Turtle Immortal Patriarch about dealing with Star King.

    The latter suggested using the “Eastern Emperor reincarnation” identity to subdue Yue Zun and ambush Star King.

    So in the Starry Sea region, he might use the “Eastern Emperor reincarnation” guise.

    If he mentioned “Central State Holy Emperor” now, it would be hard to explain later. Better let her guess, then adapt the story as needed.

    “Fellow Daoist Shen, I’ve shown enough sincerity.”

    Lu Changsheng said calmly, offering no further explanation.

    After all, he was a reincarnated great cultivator and Nascent Soul titan.

    Lowering his stance too much would backfire.

    “If Lu True Lord is truly sincere toward my little sister, I naturally won’t interfere much.”

    After a moment of silence, Shen Jianjia spoke, taking a step back but not committing fully.

    “That’s all I ask.” Lu Changsheng knew she still harbored caution and wariness.

    But as long as she didn’t meddle in his affairs with Shen Yiren, it was fine.

    With business settled, they exchanged a few pleasantries before Lu Changsheng left Divine Maiden Palace to visit Shen Yiren.

    Meanwhile, Shen Jianjia immediately messaged her sister about “Changsheng True Lord”‘s deeds and situation.

    To prevent her sister from being deceived by this “reincarnated old monster.”

    If her sister was unwilling, she as the elder sister would back her up.

    Shen Yiren wasn’t in her cave residence or chambers; she was at the rear cliff of Divine Maiden Peak, accompanying her son in cultivation.

    Receiving the flurry of messages from her sister Shen Jianjia, Shen Yiren’s jade-like face froze, then went blank as she stared in a daze.

    She’d had a good impression of Lu Changsheng, once known as Xuanmu Daoist.

    Gentle and refined, graceful and knowledgeable.

    Though from a clan cultivator background and humble origins, he’d risen through relentless effort.

    But now, according to her sister’s messages, the former Xuanmu Daoist was all a facade.

    This Fellow Daoist Xuanmu—or rather, Lu True Lord—had long since started a family.

    With wives and concubines aplenty, hundreds of children, and tens of thousands of bloodline descendants.

    This news hit Shen Yiren hard.

    She struggled to accept it for a moment.

    After all, she’d once worried if bearing their son Shen Yuanming would trouble or burden Lu Changsheng.

    She never imagined he already had hundreds of children.

    Though the cultivation world had no shortage of cultivators who loved marrying and having kids.

    But with her preconceptions, the contrast was too stark.

    It was like seeing a woman who seemed pure, beautiful, and virtuous, only to learn she’d been through countless battles.

    “Third Palace Master, Xuanmu Daoist has come to visit.”

    Just as her mind swirled in chaos and she stared blankly, a message came from the cave residence steward.

    Shen Yiren snapped back, glancing at her son cultivating nearby. She bit her red lip lightly and transmitted, “Yuanming, Mommy has some matters to handle. Cultivate well, and if anything comes up, call for me or notify Elder Xin.”

    Previously, Shen Yiren had hoped for father and son to reunite.

    Now, she thought things were fine as they were for her son.

    Shen Yuanming was deep in cultivation and didn’t notice his mother’s expression, simply replying that she could go ahead.

    With that, Shen Yiren transformed into a streak of emerald escape light and returned to her palace.

    Back at the palace, she saw Xuanmu Daoist already waiting in the main hall.

    “Greetings, Lu True Lord.”

    Shen Yiren looked at Xuanmu Daoist’s handsome and scholarly face, feeling a slight daze as she bowed and addressed him.

    From Shen Yiren’s expression, gaze, and tone, Lu Changsheng instantly realized Shen Jianjia had told her about his true situation.

    Though he’d planned to confess himself, there was a difference between Shen Jianjia telling her and him doing it.

    “That woman!”

    Lu Ancestor thought the Great Palace Master was truly on guard against him.

    Treating him like some scheming outsider.

    But on second thought, Shen Jianjia was like a mother to Shen Yiren, being hundreds of years older, so her deep concern was natural.

    “Yiren, I came here with things to tell you. It seems the Great Palace Master has already informed you of my situation.”

    Lu Changsheng smiled, his expression warm and refined.

    “Yes, Sister told me a bit about Lu True Lord’s matters.”

    Shen Yiren, in a light green dress, her slender and graceful figure elegant, skillfully brewed and poured tea for Lu Changsheng.

    Gazing at his face, she pursed her red lips and said, “Lu True Lord, perhaps you should revert to your true appearance.”

    Previously, his looks had felt unfamiliar, making it hard to see him as the old Xuanmu Daoist.

    Now, knowing Xuanmu Daoist was just a disguise, she felt much calmer and accepted it readily.

    “Alright.”

    Lu Changsheng smiled in agreement, not wanting to keep using the Xuanmu Daoist identity with Shen Yiren anyway.

    As his words fell, his scholarly handsome face blurred, transforming into a youth of unparalleled beauty, like carved jade.

    Even though Shen Yiren had seen Lu Changsheng once before.

    Seeing his appearance now still stunned her, leaving her momentarily entranced.

    He was too handsome, too extraordinary.

    Like an immortal stepped out of a painting, flawless and without a single imperfection.

    Especially his brows and aura.

    His eyes shone deep and profound, like a vast starry sky.

    His presence was transcendent, like an immortal descending to the mortal world, as if he didn’t belong here and might ascend at any moment, carrying an ethereal immortal charm.

    Shen Yiren’s mood had been heavy and chaotic.

    But seeing Lu Changsheng now somehow calmed her a bit.

    Lu Changsheng said nothing.

    His deep eyes gazed at Shen Yiren with affection, locking with hers.

    Shen Yiren’s heart fluttered, her emotions in turmoil as she hurriedly returned to her seat, pouring herself tea to mask her inner chaos.

    “???”

    Lu Changsheng watched the flustered beauty, wondering if he was that intimidating.

    He usually suppressed his overwhelming charm as much as possible.

    Now, revealing just a hint, and Shen Yiren reacted like this.

    “I’m not sure what the Great Palace Master told you about me.”

    Lu Changsheng smiled warmly, his gaze gentle and pure, free of any lust or possessiveness, like chatting with a long-lost confidante.

    “Just some details about True Lord.” Shen Yiren kept her eyes lowered, replying softly, somewhat afraid to meet his gaze.

    “I apologize for concealing things from you before, Yiren.”

    Lu Changsheng cupped his hands, then gently explained his situation and why he’d come to Divine Maiden Palace.

    Shen Yiren listened quietly.

    For some reason, facing Lu Changsheng now filled her with an inexplicable calm, closeness, security, and trust.

    “Though what happened that day was a twist of fate, sparked by the Second Palace Master, it was just a fleeting romance.”

    “But one day as husband and wife creates a hundred days of grace. And from our time together, I’ve realized I’ve fallen for you, Yiren. That’s why I’m here, hoping you’ll give me a chance.”

    As he spoke, Lu Changsheng rose from his seat, approached Shen Yiren, and took her soft, slender hand.

    Though Shen Yiren didn’t reject Lu Changsheng, she paled in shock, instinctively pulling away. “Lu True Lord, please behave!”

    “If you’re unwilling, Yiren, I won’t force it.”

    Lu Changsheng paused, his gaze warm and calm as he looked at the flustered beauty.

    At his words, Shen Yiren, who had been gently struggling, froze.

    Then she heard Lu Changsheng continue, “The only thing I can’t let go of is your Nascent Soul formation and our child.”

    “If you’re unwilling, once you break through to Nascent Soul, I’ll leave.”

    Lu Changsheng said with a light chuckle, appearing very composed.

    After all, with his current image of having a harem, acting too lovesick wouldn’t make sense.

    Better to take it step by step, gradually.

    It’s not like he’d be gone forever, unable to meet again.

    “Lu True Lord is willing to help with my Nascent Soul formation—I’m deeply honored, but I feel undeserving.”

    Shen Yiren said softly, her exquisite fair face flushing slightly as she tried to pull her hand free from Lu Changsheng’s grasp, but to no avail.

    “How could it be undeserving? Once you reach Nascent Soul, Yiren, you’ll be better able to care for Yuanming.”

    Lu Changsheng smiled faintly. “And if you accept me in the future, it would be even less so.”

    “True Lord, don’t joke.” Shen Yiren turned her head away, her jade-like face blushing, radiant and enchanting.

    Lu Changsheng gently pulled the beauty into his embrace, saying seriously, “Yiren, your greatest heart demon is me. As long as you pass my test, you’ll easily overcome the heart demon tribulation.”

    “True Lord, please behave!” Shen Yiren felt both shy and annoyed, thinking this Lu True Lord was truly shameless, lacking the demeanor of a great cultivator.

    Lu Changsheng met her annoyed gaze with a straight face. “If Third Palace Master can’t even accept and face this, how will you break through your heart barriers and pass the heart demon tribulation!”

    Chapter Summary

    Lu Changsheng discusses his exposed identities and Dragon Emperor Dao Body with Shen Jianjia, assuring her of his intentions toward Shen Yiren. He explains how his physique aids cultivation and senses their son. Shen Jianjia relents slightly. Lu visits Shen Yiren, who learns his true background. He confesses feelings, offers help with her Nascent Soul breakthrough, and embraces her, claiming to be her heart demon to overcome.
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