Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family Chapter 2076: 552: What Does Elder Xuanmu Think of Yiren? (2)

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Previously on Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family...
Shen Baishuang presented Elder Xuanmu with a jade scroll listing rare Nascent Soul spiritual objects and resources as rewards for his contributions. He selected the precious Pure Heart Lotus, materials for Qian Zhuyan, and exchanged the rest for twenty Supreme Spirit Stones. After Lu Changsheng shared the backstory of his puppet's soul and the Soul-calling Beast, Shen Baishuang directly asked his thoughts on Third Palace Master Yiren.

With a trace of hesitation, Lu Changsheng inquired.

"Yes, it’s my younger sister."

A subtle nod came from Shen Baishuang, while a soft smile tugged at her lips. She elegantly lifted the teacup for a light sip, every action radiating her natural grace.

After a brief pause, Lu Changsheng reflected momentarily before speaking: "The Third Palace Master is kind-hearted and approachable. I was lucky to get her guidance upon first joining the Goddess Palace."

"Furthermore, the Third Palace Master is both talented and stunning, excelling not just in medicine but also in talismans, elixir medicines, and the Way of Divination. I’ve gained much from our exchanges."

Lu Changsheng appeared unaware of the hidden intent in Shen Baishuang’s words, simply voicing his sincere praise.

Shen Baishuang looked a bit weary as she set the teacup down, subtly shifting her full thighs, adjusting her crossed legs, and slightly raising the fine red embroidered shoes beneath her skirt, exuding allure and charm.

Her gaze flared intensely as she locked eyes with Lu Changsheng and questioned: "Given that, do you harbor any romantic feelings toward Yiren?"

"???"

Lu Changsheng stood stunned.

The Second Palace Master’s directness caught him completely off guard.

He had once wondered if his exceptional abilities might lead the Goddess Palace to match him with Shen Yiren.

Yet he hadn’t foreseen Shen Baishuang being quite so blunt.

Recalling her straightforward personality, though, Lu Changsheng found it fitting, replying: "Admiration for a goddess like the Third Palace Master is inevitable for me."

"Romantic pursuits rely on destiny and shared feelings, however. The cultivation world remains perilous; Nascent Soul cultivators appear mighty, entering the realm of top-tier experts, yet those yet to form their Nascent Soul are mere ants, facing potential death and soul scattering from any misstep."

"As a mere itinerant loose cultivator, all my efforts go toward attaining Nascent Soul. Without that, how could I presume to pursue such a beauty?"

Shaking his head with a sigh, Lu Changsheng spoke with resolute eyes.

Though he could seize the chance to declare his fondness for Shen Yiren.

From his knowledge of the Goddess Palace’s three Palace Masters, he guessed the Second Palace Master’s visit was secret from the Great Palace Master and Third Palace Master.

Otherwise, Shen Yiren’s earlier visit would have hinted at interest.

Besides, his persona as "Xuanmu Taoist" was that of a Dao-obsessed figure traveling to Starry Sky Sea for "disciples" and Nascent Soul chances.

Showing excessive attachment to the Third Palace Master now, even abandoning Nascent Soul pursuits, could paint him as opportunistic, exploiting Shen Yiren for gain.

Observing Lu Changsheng openly praise her sister stirred an odd jealousy in Shen Baishuang.

Her own allure matched her sister’s without question.

Still, he showed no such feelings toward her.

Remembering her marriage, she quickly banished the notion, her eyes flowing warmly as she smiled and stated: "Since Elder Xuanmu feels drawn to Yiren, I’ll speak plainly."

"Matters of the heart often align with the Nascent Soul Great Dao. You fancy Yiren, and she holds a favorable view of you."

"Becoming Dao companions with Yiren would make you family, prioritizing you for any Infant Transformation Elixir the Goddess Palace acquires."

"Though we lack the Infant Transformation Elixir now, the Nine Curves Spirit Pill—called the lesser version—is easily obtainable by my sister from the Dan Alliance."

While speaking, Shen Baishuang raised the teacup once more for a soft sip, meeting Lu Changsheng’s gentle gaze as she continued calmly: "Here’s a secret for you, Elder Xuanmu: Yiren’s cultivation technique aids dual cultivation."

"Within a few years, Yiren might advance to Nascent Soul."

"As her Dao companion, your own odds of reaching Nascent Soul would rise by several percent!"

Setting the teacup aside, Shen Baishuang casually disclosed the secret, her lovely eyes scanning Lu Changsheng’s face for surprise or reaction.

However.

Lu Changsheng’s face grew stern, his refined features hardening with resolve and gravity as he declared: "What kind of person does the Second Palace Master take me for!"

"Though I pursue the Nascent Soul Great Dao, I would never be unscrupulous, toy with someone’s emotions, or treat the Third Palace Master as a mere tool to ascend realms!"

"This is not my Dao!"

Lu Changsheng declared with a grave look, his firm tone laced with suppressed fury.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that the Second Palace Master truly lacked tact in talks like this.

Issues of this nature could be suggested subtly through mere hints—why spell them out so plainly?

This left him struggling to judge if it was merely a probe or honest intent.

Moreover, she cherished his talents, prospects, and abilities, eager for him to fully integrate into the Goddess Palace.

Yet if he consented, concerning Shen Yiren’s situation, would the Second Palace Master and Great Palace Master ever trust him without reservations?

They’d no doubt implement numerous safeguards to keep him in check, wouldn’t they?

Thus, being with Shen Yiren openly and genuinely would prove far better.

Regarding Shen Yiren’s cultivation technique aiding dual cultivation, Lu Changsheng held no interest whatsoever.

Possessing the Infant Transformation Elixir now, plus his Spiritual Root’s upgrade from Earth Spiritual Root to Heavenly Spiritual Root, Nascent Soul attainment was already certain.

His true pursuit was a Heavenly Nascent Soul at minimum, or even further evolution akin to the Great Dao Golden Core!

"???"

Shen Baishuang stood stunned.

Lu Changsheng’s fierce response, openly rebuking her, ignited a spark of resentment within.

Still, his words resonated deeply in her core.

"Though I pursue the Nascent Soul Great Dao, I would never be unscrupulous, toy with someone’s emotions..."