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Chapter 631: Lu Shan Jun's Arrival, Severing Worldly Ties
Chapter 631: Lu Shan Jun's Arrival, Severing Worldly Ties
On this day, in the Fulong Mountain Range, a cluster of clear clouds drifted closer and closer.
On the cloud, two graceful figures stood side by side.
The gentle breeze blew, causing their hair to flutter.
The woman at the front maintained a calm demeanor, seemingly enjoying the mountain breeze.
However, the woman behind her kept fiddling with her hair, her seemingly calm face belied by the constant movement in her eyes.
"Ah Xiu, your heart is not at peace," a gentle voice spoke from the female crown disciple.
Upon hearing this, Wen Xiu couldn't help but feel bitter.
Who could truly remain unmoved when returning to their hometown?
"Master, why must you be so resolute?"
Lu Shan Jun spoke calmly, "Since you have entered my sect, you should sever worldly ties and detach yourself from fame and fortune. Your talent is that of a Golden Core cultivator, especially after modifying my cultivation method. You should have made rapid progress, but these years have been stagnant at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, making it difficult to advance. Before, you concealed it well, and I thought you were temporarily stuck. It was only when your daughter came looking for you that I understood the reason."
Wen Xiu lowered her gaze, murmuring, "But how can blood ties be easily severed? Qing is my child, born after ten months of pregnancy and consuming my essence and blood. I can't do it... Master, didn't you also fail to do so in the past?"
Lu Shan Jun frowned.
Indeed, she had failed to sever her worldly ties in the past. Instead, she waited for her relatives to pass away, relying on the power of time to gradually forget those attachments.
Being pointed out by her disciple made her feel embarrassed.
However, Lu Shan Jun did not get angry.
She sighed softly, "It is precisely because I have experienced it that I know the extraordinary effect it will have on cultivating the Forgetting Scripture if one can achieve it in advance."
Wen Xiu felt lost and at a loss.
Lu Shan Jun explained further, "Unlike ordinary cultivators who focus on resources, our Daoist sect emphasizes cultivating the heart. Initially, the cultivation speed may be slightly slower, but once the mental state improves, one will surpass others. According to the introduction in the Forgetting Scripture, the true wonder of this cultivation method can only be fully realized at the Nascent Soul Stage."
Is that really the case?
Wen Xiu's heart was filled with trepidation. Could it be that secular Daoist sects also allowed marriage and funeral rites?
Could it be that their lineage was particularly different?
Glancing at the disheveled middle-aged woman, Lu Shan Jun shook her head.
"This trip is not only to let you settle things with the Zhang family on your own, but I also want to visit a friend. Later, you will accompany me to Peng Island, and then we will return to Cai Lian Island."
"Mm-hmm."
As they spoke, the clear cloud had already passed over a thousand mountains and finally descended by the vast lake.
As soon as the cloud landed, a cultivator from the Wind Wave Pavilion on the lakeside came forward to greet them.
Lu Shan Jun's spiritual pressure was evident, immediately revealing her Golden Core Stage cultivation, causing the pavilion cultivator to be very respectful.
"Senior, are you here to visit the Peng Lake Lord or the Zhang family of Cai Lian Island... Madam Wen?"
As the old cultivator spoke, his gaze unconsciously fell on Wen Xiu, and he blurted out.
Lu Shan Jun waved her sleeves, "Ah Xiu, you handle it!"
"Mm-hmm."
Wen Xiu stepped forward to negotiate with the familiar old cultivator.
She had stayed in Peng Island for a long time and was well aware of the rules there.
Especially after stating that Lu Shan Jun was personally invited by Qing Yangzi, the Peng Lake Lord, the Wind Wave Pavilion cultivator readily opened the door for them.
After Lu Shan Jun and Wen Xiu boarded a boat and headed towards Peng Island, the old cultivator guarding the Wind Wave Pavilion hesitated for a moment, his expression changing from gloomy to bright, before finally heading towards Cai Lian Island.
On the boat.
Lu Shan Jun's spiritual sense naturally took in the situation behind them, and her voice transmitted into Wen Xiu's ear.
"You see, that's how things are in this world."
"When you took charge of the Zhang family on Cai Lian Island on behalf of Zhang Jiadi, you were gentle and kind, and you often showed them kindness. Even after you left, you never mistreated them."
"But now, with your sudden return, those who have received your kindness hesitated and ultimately chose to inform the people on Cai Lian Island."
"Nothing is colder than a cup of tea that has cooled."
"Family and romantic relationships may run deeper, but they cannot withstand the test of time. Severing them early is the right path."
The woman behind her had a pained expression, biting her lips as if unwilling to accept the truth.
Or perhaps, she already understood these principles.
However, in the past, she had only thought of giving way. When giving way was not an option, she thought of avoiding the situation, eventually seeking refuge under Lu Shan Jun's name.
But in the end, she was still avoiding the issue!
Lu Shan Jun understood her thoughts, which was why she chose to bring her back and make her face these matters head-on.
If she still couldn't let go, Lu Shan Jun wouldn't mind returning alone.
Suddenly, a warm laugh reached Wen Xiu's ears.
"Fellow Daoist, please!"
"Qing Yangzi is too polite. There's no need to welcome me from afar."
"Haha, it's just a few extra steps. There's no need to mention a welcome. Come, this way. I heard that you enjoy sightseeing. On Peng Island, there's a mountain with a pavilion where you can overlook the lake and enjoy the scenery. Let's go there to chat while enjoying the view.
"Then I shall follow the host's lead. Ah Xiu, you can wait here for a while."
Wen Xiu nodded and stood alone on the edge of Peng Island, gazing into the distance with her eyes, her expression constantly changing.
...
About half a day later, Luo Chen and Lu Shan Jun returned together.
Both had smiles on their faces, indicating that their discussion went smoothly.
After Lu Shan Jun landed beside Wen Xiu, she smiled at Luo Chen and said, "You can decide on the specific departure time. I will rush to make the required talismans and will not delay your important matters."
Luo Chen smiled and nodded, "There's no rush. I still need some time, and I also want to invite another fellow cultivator to join us."
Lu Shan Jun was a little surprised. Apart from Sang Jiugong, he needed one more person?
It seemed that Qingyangzi was determined to obtain Purple Spirit Island.
However, after a moment's thought, she felt that having more people was better. If they encountered trouble, it would be safer.
After all, they were heading deep into the demon-infested Demon Sea.
"In that case, I won't disturb you any further." Lu Shan Jun bowed and prepared to leave with Wen Xiu.
But Luo Chen spoke up, "Do you need me to act as a mediator?"
Lu Shan Jun hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing.
The Zhang family of Cai Lian Island was not to be feared; they were merely a Foundation Establishment family.
However, behind them was the Nascent Soul stage Coral Sea Zhou family.
As a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, she couldn't suppress them, even though she didn't plan to use force.
But Luo Chen was different. He was a distinguished guest of the Zhou family and also the head of the Zhang family. If he intervened, everyone would have to show him some respect.
Now, it was up to Wen Xiu's decision.
"Ah Xiu, have you made up your mind?"
...
Cai Lian Island.
Luo Chen's gaze fell upon this island, rich in spirit energy, and his eyebrows raised slightly.
He clearly remembered that this small island initially had only a second-grade lower-quality spirit vein. But now, using the Spirit Eye Technique, he could sense that it had reached the middle-grade second-grade level, and even hinted at the upper-grade level of spirit energy.
However, this additional spirit energy was not entirely drawn from the main vein of Peng Island.
His gaze shifted to the increasingly sparse lotus leaves and flowers, and the Emerald Coral beneath the lake, and a thought crossed Luo Chen's mind.
"Before, I only heard from Tian Xuan that the Zhang family became more prosperous after Zhou Shanshan married into it, and I thought it was just a change in wealth and population."
"But now it seems that everything has changed in every aspect."
Wen Xiu's heart tightened even more.
The once-abundant lotus leaves that touched the sky were now withered and cold, a stark contrast to the past.
Indeed, everything had changed.
For a moment, her tense heart inexplicably felt a bit more at ease.
People had changed, and things had changed. Why should she still cling to the past? Perhaps because she had anticipated Wen Xiu's return, and Luo Chen and Lu Shan Jun's teleportation was not concealed at all, so when they arrived, a group of people had already gathered in advance in the family jade plaza at the center of Cai Lian Island.
As Luo Chen descended, the Zhang family cultivators, led by Zhang Jiadi and Zhou Shanshan, bowed in reverence.
"Greetings, Qing Yang Monarch!"
The voices of over a hundred cultivators together sounded like a mountain-shattering tsunami.
Luo Chen was used to such grand scenes and didn't pay it much mind.
He waved his hand and said, "Today is a family matter. I'll act as a mediator and help resolve it harmoniously."
After saying this, he strode towards the Zhang family's main courtyard, appearing carefree and treating himself as one of them.
Behind him, Zhang Jiadi looked at Wen Xiu with tender eyes, not daring to look away.
Zhou Shanshan pursed her lips, staring at Wen Xiu as if someone was taking her food.
Wen Xiu, who had gradually come to terms with the situation, surprisingly felt a sense of calm. She followed her master, Lu Shan Jun, into the courtyard.
Zhang Jiadi waved his hand to dismiss the family cultivators, taking only Zhou Shanshan with him.
...
Luo Chen observed the entire 'Zhang family matter' from the sidelines, finding it quite entertaining.
It was nothing more than Wen Xiu wanting to divorce Zhang Jiadi and take her share of the property.
Zhang Jiadi was naturally unwilling.
But his reluctance was not about the property but the emotional aspect.
He even went as far as saying bitter words like "abandoning your husband and child" and "how ruthless your heart is."
The more Wen Xiu watched his performance, the more disgusted she felt. How could she have fallen for such a person in the past?
Thus, her determination to divorce only grew stronger.
Zhang Jiadi's persuasion was in vain, and he eventually agreed to sign the divorce agreement under the witness of two Golden Core stage cultivators.
Zhou Shanshan was somewhat reluctant. The property Wen Xiu wanted to take was not a small amount, and although it wouldn't cripple the Zhang family's finances, it was "her money"! But with Qing Yang Monarch present, she didn't dare to throw a tantrum.
Don't be fooled by her usual demeanor towards other Golden Core cultivators, even the Celestial Whirl, she could remain unyielding.
But Qing Yang Monarch was different. He was an existence admired by the elders of her maternal Zhou family. During the old ancestor's 800th birthday, they even sent an invitation to Qing Yang Monarch.
After the divorce agreement was signed and the Spirit Stones were delivered to Wen Xiu, she no longer had any ties with the Zhang family of Cai Lian Island.
At this moment, the night was deep, and the dew was heavy.
Lu Shan Jun declined Zhang Jiadi's invitation to stay and left with Wen Xiu.
However, as they stepped out of the courtyard, everyone's footsteps came to a halt.
In the moonlight, a graceful young girl stood with tears welling up in her eyes.
"Mother, don't you want me anymore?"
...
"Is this the way of cultivation for Daoist cultivators?"
"Not exactly. Other orthodox Dao cultivators don't have as many concerns. It's just that my lineage is a bit special."
"Isn't that placing too much emphasis on formality?"
"Wen Xiu hasn't reached that realm yet, so she can't help but be mindful of minor details. Whether it's formality or intentional, at least it cuts off her path of return."
"Haha, you're indeed a dedicated Master."
"Forgive me for my ignorance, fellow Daoist."
In the moonlight, a man and a woman stood side by side on a cloud, chatting casually.
Their gazes fell upon the mother and daughter outside Cai Lian Island, leaning on each other.
Lu Shan Jun suddenly spoke, "In fact, we all have different paths, but we share the same destination. Those who seek the Great Dao are destined to be alone! Qing Yangzi, after a thousand years, how many can truly follow by your side?"
Luo Chen's smile gradually faded.
Qi Condensation cultivators live for a hundred years, and even the longest-lived ones rarely exceed a hundred and twenty-five.
Foundation Establishment cultivators double their lifespan, but even those proficient in longevity techniques cannot surpass the three-hundred-year limit.
As for Golden Core cultivators like them, it's common to pass away at four or five hundred years old.
For ordinary people, this is already an extremely long life.
But for those who seek the Great Dao, it's still not enough time.
In the process of climbing to the peak, there will always be some who fall behind.
Even if someone can keep up with your pace for a while, in the long run, you'll eventually be alone.
If you dwell on the past and worry about old friends, it will affect your cultivation, and you'll end up falling behind as well.
Only by embracing solitude can you forge ahead! What Lu Shan Jun is doing now is merely helping her disciple Wen Xiu take a step ahead.
And what about himself?
Luo Chen pursed his lips, his eyes filled with bewilderment.
Unbeknownst to him, Lu Shan Jun had already left with Wen Xiu.
Zhang Jingqing, now a grown young lady, stood at the edge of Cai Lian Island, lost in thought. When the moon reached its zenith, she dove into the lake like a fish, swimming towards the depths.
...
"Tian Xuan, do you know how old you are?"
While waiting for the spiritual pill's properties to settle in the Dan Qi Hall, Luo Chen asked this question.
Tian Xuan, who was using the Xue Xue Fan to control the furnace fire for Luo Chen, was taken aback.
She then gave her answer.
"I should be over three hundred years old!"
Luo Chen was surprised, "So young?"
Tian Xuan smiled slightly, "Not that young. Although it's said that yao beasts are naturally long-lived, it also depends on the yao race. Our Fighting Gull Clan is born fierce and combative, making us one of the short-lived races among yao beasts. As far as I know, the lifespan of a fourth-stage Fighting Gull is only a thousand to eighteen hundred years."
"That's still very long, comparable to a Nascent Soul True Monarch of the human race." Luo Chen shook his head and then asked about her family and friends.
Tian Xuan seemed at a loss.
Their Fighting Gull Clan was too combative, making it difficult for them to live in groups. As soon as they reach the second stage, they would leave the group and live alone.
To her, the concept of family and friends was truly foreign.
In the end, Tian Xuan sighed, "If I hadn't met my master, I would have either died at the hands of other yao beasts or mindlessly cultivated to the fourth stage."
Luo Chen couldn't help but ask, "Have you never thought about the meaning of life?"
"Meaning?"
Tian Xuan was taken aback and then asked, "Isn't the meaning of life just to live?"
Luo Chen was astonished.
Just then, a strange sound came from the Primordial Cauldron.
Luo Chen channeled his mana, and a stream of light flew out like a starry river.
The improved fourth-stage Poison Resistance Pill was finally successful! Holding the pill, Luo Chen pondered Tian Xuan's words, and slowly, a faint smile appeared on his face.
The meaning of life is to live.
In other words, isn't the purpose of cultivation to seek immortality?
Why am I bothering myself with these concerns?
His original aspiration was precisely this! As for so-called mortal attachments and loneliness, why bother with them as long as they don't affect his cultivation?
Let time take care of everything!
For now, let's just focus on taking each step firmly!
Holding the Poison Resistance Pill, Luo Chen asked, "Where is Duan Li now?"
Tian Xuan stood up, "I should complete my task and report back to the Monster Hunting Bureau."
Monster Hunting Bureau?
Luo Chen nodded and waved his wide sleeve, heading outside.
"He owes me a favor, and I'll repay it this time!"
(End of Chapter)
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