Chapter 133: Xiao Xiyue's Request

Ruyi Region City.Lu Family’s Inner Mansion, Wanxiang Garden. “Hu hu hu—” In the beautifully landscaped garden paved with bluestone, several martial artists were leading a group of children in martial arts practice and morning exercises. Although these children were young, their movements were very agile as they swung their fists and kicked. Whenever there were mistakes, the nearby martial artists immediately corrected them meticulously. A few children around ten years old swung their fists and kicks with a faint whistling sound. Not far away, Lu Changsheng, dressed in a blue robe, stood with a jade-like face and a gentle expression, watching the children practicing martial arts. Now, under his arrangements, these children had started practicing martial arts to strengthen their bodies. His eldest son, Lu Ping’an, had already cultivated inner qi. According to the mundane martial world’s classifications of martial arts: unranked, third-rate, second-rate, first-rate, and innate, he was already considered a second-rate expert. A twelve-year-old second-rate expert was rare in the mundane martial world, if not as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Besides a few exceptionally gifted individuals, only the descendants of cultivators could raise such children. After all, living in places rich in spiritual veins and eating spirit rice and spiritual food from a young age meant their bodies had little impurity. Such children practicing martial arts were all martial prodigies. Moreover, even after sending these wives and children to the mundane world, Lu Changsheng continued to send spirit rice regularly. However, the strength of these second-rate martial artists was still unremarkable in the eyes of the system. Lu Changsheng checked his son Lu Ping’an’s panel information through the system. In the strength column, it still showed a “none” character. Lu Changsheng didn’t mind this. If in the early days, he had a few thoughts of enhancing his own strength through his children practicing martial arts. But now, he had fewer such thoughts. He mostly hoped that the children would practice martial arts for self-defense and to strengthen their bodies. “Dad, how did I do?” After the morning practice, Lu Wuyou, with a lively and adorable face, ran toward Lu Changsheng, asking excitedly. Her eyes revealed her respect and reliance on her father. “You’re the one who slacks off the most.” Hearing this, Lu Changsheng smiled gently, rubbing his daughter’s little head. Then, with a cleansing spell, a breeze dried and cleaned the sweat-soaked clothes from her martial arts practice. Of course, he didn’t favor just her. He did the same for all the children. Seeing this, the martial artists nearby were filled with awe. “All right, you’re all tired. Go have breakfast.” Lu Changsheng patted the heads of several children and led them to have breakfast. Breakfast was very rich and nutritionally balanced. After all, the children were at a growing age. In this regard, Lu Changsheng never treated them poorly, nor did he mind spending the money. After breakfast, Lu Changsheng and a few of the children, including Lu Ping’an, went to the backyard to feed the Nine Netherworld Hound. After being raised for so many years, the Nine Netherworld Hound was now as robust as a large bull. Its tusks interlocked sharply, and its pitch-black fur gleamed like satin. Last year, the Nine Netherworld Hound had advanced to the mid-stage of a first-tier demonic beast. However, for Lu Changsheng, this didn’t mean much. Expecting the Nine Netherworld Hound to carry him into flight was clearly impossible. Unless he spent a large amount of resources to nurture the Nine Netherworld Hound, accelerating its growth. But the cost was too high. Although Lu Changsheng had some spare money, he couldn’t afford to spend it that way. He planned to continue raising it slowly. In the future, it could serve as the family’s guardian spirit beast, protecting the children and their paths. Six days later. “Dad, Uncle Hong is here.” Lu Changsheng was in the backyard chatting with his wives and children when a little one came running and shouting. “You all play here, I’ll go take a look.” Hearing this, Lu Changsheng guessed that Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin had arrived. After meeting Hong Yi, the latter indeed informed him that Han Lin, Xiao Xiyue, and Zhao Qingqing were already outside the city. Hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded and went with Hong Yi to welcome them outside the city. As soon as they arrived outside the city, they saw figures of two women and a man. It was indeed Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin. Xiao Xiyue wore a moon-white dress, her jet-black hair cascading down to her waist like a waterfall. Her stunning face hadn’t changed much over the past ten years. With bright eyes, white teeth, a jade-like nose, and skin as smooth as jade, she was a beauty. However, her demeanor and aura had undergone a complete transformation from ten years ago. Back then, she was full of innocence and liveliness. Her face always had a radiant, bright smile that made people feel as if they were basking in the warmth of spring, naturally generating good feelings towards her. Now, Xiao Xiyue’s face was cool and her aura was like a high, bright moon—pure, serene, and aloof. She seemed so distant and untouchable that people only dared to admire her from afar, afraid to approach and desecrate her sanctity. Lu Changsheng was somewhat surprised to see Xiao Xiyue like this. He couldn’t fathom what she had gone through in the past decade to have changed so drastically. Though her face was similar, it was as if she had become a different person. If she hadn’t been with Zhao Qingqing and Han Lin, Lu Changsheng might not have been certain that this was Xiao Xiyue. Zhao Qingqing and Han Lin, who were with Xiao Xiyue, had matured and looked a few years older but otherwise hadn’t changed much from ten years ago. “Daoist Xiao, Daoist Zhao, Daoist Han.” Lu Changsheng didn’t dwell on it too long and greeted them with a smile, clasping his hands. Hong Yi was also a bit surprised by Xiao Xiyue’s change. But he didn’t stare too long. He greeted them heartily and naturally, “Fellow Daoists, it’s been a while.” “Daoist Hong, Daoist Lu.” Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Nʘvᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality. Xiao Xiyue, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin nodded and greeted Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi. Seeing Lu Changsheng’s appearance and demeanor, they were just as surprised as Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi were upon seeing Xiao Xiyue. Over the past ten years, their appearances and auras had changed to some extent. Hong Yi now wore a luxurious purple robe, a purple gold crown on his head, and sported a mustache. He had grown much more mature and composed compared to ten years ago. But Lu Changsheng still looked like a twenty-year-old. With his handsome and elegant face, one could vaguely see the contours from ten years ago. But now he exuded an even more refined and transcendent aura. He looked strikingly beautiful, elegant, and otherworldly, like an exquisite orchid or a jade tree, giving people a sense of tranquility and detachment. If they didn’t know about Lu Changsheng’s situation. Based on his appearance and demeanor, they would believe he was a core disciple of an immortal sect or a scion of a great cultivating family. As Lu Changsheng approached and Xiao Xiyue saw him, an inexplicable surge of emotion welled up within her. She felt a sudden flutter in her heart. The ‘Supreme Forgetfulness Technique’ she practiced involuntarily started to circulate. “What is this?” Xiao Xiyue was slightly stunned. She noticed that upon seeing Lu Changsheng, her serene heart, like a bright moon, began to ripple. After cultivating the Supreme Forgetfulness Technique, her heart had become like the moon in the sky, undisturbed by emotions and untroubled by feelings. No matter what happened, it was difficult to move her or cause any inner turmoil. But now, seeing Lu Changsheng, her heart actually fluttered slightly, causing the Supreme Forgetfulness Technique to activate. “Could this be my opportunity, the catalyst for my breakthrough?” Xiao Xiyue’s eyes, cold and captivating like stars and the bright moon, shone with clarity. She had been practicing the Supreme Forgetfulness Technique and had reached the peak of Qi Refining. However, due to her state of mind, she had been unable to break through. Her master, Yun Wanshang, had given her three years. Now, half of that time had passed. She realized that she couldn’t break through on her own. She needed to go out into the world, train her heart amidst the mundane, and use external forces to overcome her obstacles. This was also the purpose of her trip down the mountain for this meeting. She planned to spend the remaining year and a half traveling the world, seeking the opportunity for a breakthrough. Unexpectedly, just after leaving the mountain and reuniting with old friends, her heart fluttered, and the Supreme Forgetfulness Technique activated. “Where is Daoist Li? Why isn’t he here?” Han Lin, noticing only Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi, asked. “Feiyu went out for training last year and got delayed by some matters. He might not be able to make it back in time. I apologize on his behalf.” Lu Changsheng clasped his hands and said. “Didn’t expect Daoist Li to be out training.” Han Lin nodded slightly and didn’t press further. “Fellow Daoists, you must be tired from your journey. I have arranged accommodations at the Ruyi Tower, in the same Gathering Immortals Pavilion as before.” Hong Yi said, stepping forward to lead the way. The five of them chatted as they walked, arriving at Ruyi Tower and entering the Gathering Immortals Pavilion. “Please, take your seats.” After everyone was seated, Hong Yi, with a hearty smile, took out spirit tea and spirit fruits, pouring tea for everyone. Compared to ten years ago, this gathering was noticeably less familiar and natural. For one, their relationships back then were only moderately close. Now, having not seen each other for ten years, they only occasionally corresponded through letters. Another reason was that ten years ago, there were people on both sides to warm up the atmosphere and lead the conversation. But now, Xiao Xiyue had a cold, ethereal demeanor and rarely spoke. Lu Changsheng, Han Lin, and Zhao Qingqing were not talkative by nature, and with Li Feiyu absent, the conversation was lacking. However, under Hong Yi’s guidance, Lu Changsheng, Han Lin, and Zhao Qingqing gradually found topics to discuss, and the conversation became more familiar and natural, turning into a relatively harmonious and pleasant exchange. During the conversation, Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing mentioned some news about the Blue Cloud Sect and major events in the cultivation world. Lu Changsheng and Hong Yi talked about mundane affairs and events in the marketplace. At one point, Lu Changsheng mentioned his brother-in-law, Xia Chaoyang. Lu Changsheng hadn’t been particularly concerned about his brother-in-law. He occasionally heard from Xia Ziyue about her brother’s situation through letters. Whenever Xia Ziyue sent a letter, Lu Changsheng would send a few dozen spirit stones along. It wasn’t much, just a token of his care as a brother-in-law and a simple investment. “Xia Chaoyang, I have heard of him. I didn’t expect he was a relative of Daoist Changsheng,” Han Lin said, a bit surprised. Although Han Lin was inconspicuous in the artifact refining hall of the Blue Cloud Sect, he was well-informed. Xia Chaoyang, possessing a fourth-grade Spirit Root, had entered the inner sect and was favored by a Foundation Establishment elder, who took him as a disciple, so Han Lin knew of him. At this point, everyone shared their recent experiences. Lu Changsheng learned that Han Lin had reached the sixth stage of Qi Refining. Zhao Qingqing had recently exchanged for a high-grade breakthrough pill from the sect and used it to reach the seventh stage of Qi Refining. This level of cultivation made Lu Changsheng sigh with admiration. No wonder they were disciples of an immortal sect. Both Han Lin and Zhao Qingqing were outer sect disciples of the Blue Cloud Sect. They were often delayed by side jobs and miscellaneous tasks. Yet, even under such circumstances, one was at the sixth stage and the other at the seventh stage of Qi Refining. It was worth noting that Lu Miaoge, the eldest daughter of the Lu Family in Qingzhu Mountain and a fifth-grade Spirit Root, had only broken through to the seventh stage of Qi Refining at twenty-nine years old. Hong Yi and Li Feiyu, being low-grade Spirit Roots, were also slower. One was still at the fourth stage of Qi Refining, and the other had only recently broken through to the fifth stage. As for himself, Lu Changsheng excluded himself from comparison. After all, he had a cheat. Publicly, he claimed to have just broken through to the sixth stage of Qi Refining not long ago. “Daoist Changsheng seems to be living a comfortable life, surrounded by wives and children in a cultivating family, with steady progress in both cultivation and Talisman skills,” Han Lin remarked with a sigh. He had always been the closest to Lu Changsheng. Even though they had grown distant over the years, there was still a sense of closeness. “Hehe, it’s not comparable to your prospects in the immortal path.” Lu Changsheng waved his hand and smiled. Then he turned his gaze to Xiao Xiyue, whose face was cold as ice, and asked, “I heard that Daoist Xiao was accepted as a disciple by a Core Formation true person. How have you been?” Lu Changsheng asked partly out of curiosity about Xiao Xiyue’s situation. Another reason was that he felt as if Xiao Xiyue had been observing him the entire time. “I have been focusing on my cultivation these years. Now, I have reached the peak of Qi Refining. This trip down the mountain is for training and seeking an opportunity for a breakthrough.” Xiao Xiyue’s voice was soft and cold, captivatingly beautiful. “Gasp!” Upon hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but express their amazement, inhaling sharply. The peak of Qi Refining, seeking a breakthrough. This clearly indicated she was looking for an opportunity to break through to Foundation Establishment. Unexpectedly, in just ten years, Xiao Xiyue had cultivated to the peak of Qi Refining and was preparing for Foundation Establishment. The difference between her and the others was like heaven and earth. Not only Hong Yi, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin were surprised, but Lu Changsheng was also a bit shocked. However, Lu Changsheng was more puzzled. He remembered Xiao Xiyue as only having a fourth-grade Spirit Root. A fourth-grade Spirit Root, even in an immortal sect, couldn’t possibly have such a rapid cultivation speed. “Could it be that Xiao Xiyue possesses some kind of spiritual body?” Lu Changsheng immediately guessed. His reasoning was simple. Xiao Xiyue had been accepted as a disciple by a Core Formation true person. If she were merely a fourth-grade Spirit Root, it was unlikely that a Core Formation true person would take her as a disciple. At most, a Foundation Establishment elder would notice her and accept her as a disciple. After all, Core Formation true persons in the entire Blue Cloud Sect were few and far between. If she didn’t have at least a ordinary Spirit Root or heavenly Spirit Root, they wouldn’t easily accept a disciple. “Or could it be that she is cultivating some special technique?” Lu Changsheng considered another possibility. He practiced the Seven Stars Great Freedom Sword Technique and knew how much a good technique could benefit a cultivator. If it weren’t for this technique, which allowed him to refine pill toxins and bypass small bottlenecks, his cultivation speed would not be this fast. So, he speculated that Xiao Xiyue might also be cultivating such a technique. However, this technique likely had side effects. He had once read in ancient texts that many powerful cultivation techniques came with side effects. For example, there were cases where male cultivators turned feminine, their appearance drastically changed, and their personalities underwent a complete transformation. The current change in Xiao Xiyue’s appearance made him feel like this could be one of those cases. Otherwise, how could there be such a drastic change after just ten years of cultivation? But speculation aside, Lu Changsheng didn’t inquire much about such matters. In the cultivation world, matters like physique and cultivation techniques were all considered highly secretive. “Well then, I’ll toast in advance to Xiao Daoist’s successful Foundation Establishment!” Hong Yi immediately raised his tea cup, with a sense of nostalgic camaraderie. Back when they participated in the Immortal Sect Assessment together, he harbored an admiration for Xiao Xiyue. Now, thirteen years had passed, and he had achieved some success in the secular world. But Foundation Establishment was still a distant concept for him. Yet here Xiao Xiyue was, already preparing for Foundation Establishment, which left him deeply moved. “To Xiao Daoist’s fortuitous encounters and successful Foundation Establishment.” “We also toast to Senior Sister Xiao’s successful Foundation Establishment!” “We also toast to Senior Sister Xiao’s successful Foundation Establishment!” Lu Changsheng, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin also raised their cups in congratulations. “Thank you.” Xiao Xiyue’s cold eyes softened slightly as she raised her cup to drink with everyone else. But her gaze involuntarily drifted towards Lu Changsheng. She found that whenever she looked at Lu Changsheng, her heart would flutter ever so slightly. If not for the operation of the Supreme Forgetfulness Technique, Xiao Xiyue would have thought this was just an illusion, unable to capture this subtle emotional flutter. “Do I have to go through emotional tribulations to break through after all?” Xiao Xiyue murmured as she looked at Lu Changsheng. She remembered her master’s teachings. To truly achieve emotionlessness and forgetfulness with the Supreme Forgetfulness Technique, one must experience emotional tribulations to comprehend the true meaning of supreme forgetfulness. Although she didn’t understand why she felt this flutter in her heart when facing Lu Changsheng, a mysterious intuition told her that her breakthrough opportunity might lie with him. Thinking about how her breakthrough might depend on experiencing emotional tribulations with Lu Changsheng left her feeling confused and lost. Over the years, she had been cultivating in the Blue Cloud Sect and didn’t have much understanding of emotions. Moreover, after practicing the Supreme Forgetfulness Technique, her heart had become even more indifferent, almost forgetting about emotions altogether. Now, being asked to experience emotional tribulations, she truly didn’t know where to start. “I came down the mountain precisely to find this opportunity.” “Now that the opportunity is right in front of me, what am I hesitating for?” Xiao Xiyue’s chaotic inner thoughts instantly solidified. When she chose to cultivate the Supreme Forgetfulness Technique initially, she knew it was a one-way path. Understanding that without the determination to seek the Dao at dawn and be willing to die at dusk, spiritual enlightenment would be nearly impossible in this lifetime, making progress on the Great Dao seem hopeless. Now that the opportunity was right in front of her, she naturally couldn’t afford to miss it. Moreover, through their conversation just now, she had learned that Lu Changsheng had numerous wives and children, indicating a rich emotional experience. Perhaps it was for this reason that her breakthrough opportunity fell upon Lu Changsheng. Soon, Xiao Xiyue also gradually joined in the conversation, participating in some topics with the others. “Daoist Hong, Daoist Lu, immersing oneself too much in the secular world can affect cultivation. If one can purify oneself amidst the mundane distractions, it can greatly assist in cultivation, both in mentality and overcoming bottlenecks.” When the topic turned to cultivation, Xiao Xiyue spoke up, offering advice to the others. With guidance from her Core Formation master and her profound understanding of the Supreme Forgetfulness Technique, she had many insights in this regard. “Thank you for your guidance, Daoist Xiao.” Hong Yi expressed his gratitude sincerely. “Thank you for your guidance, Daoist Xiao.” Lu Changsheng also nodded slightly, understanding that the principle Xiao Xiyue mentioned aligned closely with his initial thoughts. “It’s not so much guidance as it is just a few suggestions.” Although Xiao Xiyue’s demeanor was as serene as a fairy in the moon palace, her words carried no hint of arrogance, remaining remarkably calm. With Xiao Xiyue’s participation, the atmosphere of the conversation became even more harmonious. Especially in discussions about cultivation, Xiao Xiyue, a complete Qi Refining stage cultivator, often provided insights that enlightened others and left them feeling enriched. This also made Lu Changsheng realize the importance of having companions on the path of cultivation. In the long journey of cultivation, almost everyone would encounter difficulties and doubts. It was hard to progress far alone, but with a renowned teacher and like-minded companions, the journey would become much smoother. During their conversation, Xiao Xiyue also occasionally asked Lu Changsheng about daily life matters and other questions. This was her purpose in engaging in conversation, to observe and understand Lu Changsheng’s situation. After all, emotional tribulations were not something to be taken lightly. If mishandled, they could harm both oneself and others. Although her emotions had gradually faded due to cultivation, she wouldn’t become cold-hearted just for the sake of cultivation. This behavior puzzled Lu Changsheng somewhat. However, when he heard that Xiao Xiyue’s main reason for descending the mountain was to temper her heart amidst the secular world, he didn’t pay it much mind. After all, they had experienced quite a bit in the secular world. While Xiao Xiyue and her companions had been practicing in the Immortal Sect, they rarely encountered mundane affairs. All good things must come to an end. As the sun began to set, the gathering came to a close, and the group bid farewell to each other. Zhao Qingqing mentioned having tasks to attend to, while Han Lin said he was going home to visit family. “Daoist Lu, I descended the mountain this time to explore the secular world and seek opportunities. But I don’t know much about the mundane or the cultivation world, and I don’t have a destination in mind. Could you accompany me for a while?” Xiao Xiyue asked Lu Changsheng before parting. She stood there in her snow-white attire, her face as cold and ethereal as the moon in the sky, calm and indifferent, with a hint of celestial aura. “Huh?” Lu Changsheng was slightly taken aback by the request. However, from their earlier conversation, he understood that Xiao Xiyue’s purpose in descending the mountain was to temper her heart amidst the secular world and break through to Foundation Establishment. So, he didn’t find the request too surprising. “I usually travel between the secular Ruyi Region, Qingzhu Mountain, and the market. If Daoist Xiao has nowhere specific to go, I would be willing to accompany you on a journey.” Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment before replying. As a disciple of the Immortal Sect and a Core Formation true person, it was only natural for Lu Changsheng to foster good relations and maintain such connections. Besides, accompanying Xiao Xiyue for a while wouldn’t be much of a hassle in Lu Changsheng’s view. Agreeing to her request wouldn’t hurt. Whether it succeeded or not, Xiao Xiyue would owe him a favor. And a favor from a Core Formation true person of the Immortal Sect was a significant background relationship. Especially considering that the Immortal Sect was the Blue Cloud Sect, which oversaw Qingzhu Mountain, where Lu Changsheng resided. “Thank you, Doiast Lu.” Xiao Xiyue’s cold eyes softened slightly, like a rare moment of gentle bloom in the midst of frost. “I’ve been in the secular world all this time, and I have some understanding of the cultivation world. Why didn’t you ask me?” Hong Yi couldn’t help but feel a twinge of bitterness, though he remained silent.