This is not how immortals cultivate

Chapter 433 Look at what your brother Xiao He has done! He's made my life miserable.

December, the beginning of the month.

Xiang Yuan received news that the Western Chu delegation had left Tai'an, Northern Qi, accompanied by the Northern Qi delegation. They would arrive in the Western Chu capital on the same day as the Southern Jin delegation to discuss the details of the three-nation cooperation.

Xiang Yuan was very unhappy that Xiao He had accomplished what Xiang Yuan had failed to do.

On second thought, he realized that Liu Che had to accept the pressure after he conquered the Southern Jin Dynasty. Even if he was unhappy, he had no choice but to accept it.

Therefore, this is not Xiao He's victory. The MVPs are the Western Chu Overlord, the young sect leader of Tianzong, and others. Xiao He was just a dog who won without lifting a finger. A winning game doesn't count as a skill.

With this thought, Xiang Yuan's mood immediately improved, and he left Southern Jin and returned to Western Chu.

Wushuang Palace.

Xiang Yuan stepped out of the Cold Pool Cave, but did not see Bai Wuyan. Knowing that she was in the White Lotus Palace, he first cleaned himself up before wrapping a Taoist robe around his waist and teleporting to the White Lotus Palace.

Bai Wuyan sat upright on the crystal cloud bed, still vying with the Ninth Grade Immaculate White Lotus, seemingly unwilling to give up until she returned the opportunity.

This White House master is clearly incredibly strong, yet excessively cautious!

Seeing that Xiang Yuan was only wearing a Taoist robe, Qing Zhuying immediately understood what was going to happen next. Fearing that she would be implicated, she lowered her head and walked out of the main hall, obediently accepting the position of sect leader.

Xiang Yuan sat skillfully behind Bai Wuyan, his attitude upright. He returned the two borrowed magical treasures to her face. Even though he knew that Bai Wuyan would probably vomit blood later, he still put the hairpin that the Wujie Sword had turned into back in its original place.

Bai Wuyan ignored Xiang Yuan, lowering her eyes to study the Immaculate White Lotus in her hand. After a while, seeing that Xiang Yuan did not make any move, she frowned and put the Immaculate White Lotus away.

She glanced coldly at Xiang Yuan: "I've said it before, if you're still looking for divination from the Upper Three Realms, don't come looking for me."

Regardless of the circumstances, Bai Wuyan and Xiang Yuan have both enjoyed the good fortune of dual cultivation. For example, the Pure White Golden Wheel has long since taken on Xiang Yuan's shape. Sometimes, without Xiang Yuan even speaking, Bai Wuyan can guess his intentions with just a glance.

Get out of my way!

The White House owner was a respectable person who cared a lot about her reputation. She consulted the oracle four times and coughed up blood three times, which made her lose face. Even now, she still has some unresolved thoughts about it.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Looking at Xiang Yuan's adoring expression, as if she knew she could control her, Bai Wuyan's face suddenly turned cold. She raised her hand, grabbed Xiang Yuan's neck, and bit her hard.

Don't think that just because you have this attitude, I will do as you please!
Once it's agreed to be the last time, there's absolutely no chance.

Scratching and biting.JPG
After the dual cultivation was over, Bai Wuyan lowered her head to study the Immaculate White Lotus, then peered into the distance to scan her face. Seeing that the White Lord of the Palace was ignoring her, she took out the Styx Token and began to speak.

"This item was obtained in the capital city of Shangyuan. The eight characters 'Borrowing a path through the Nine Netherworlds, floating on a sea of ​​blood' have a profound meaning..."

Xiang Yuan untied a corner of the golden inscription, revealing a ferocious bloody light. Seeing Bai Wuyan glancing sideways, he spoke quickly: "The Blood Sea Dao cultivator guarding this item is quite skilled. Although I didn't speak much with him and don't know his name, his Nascent Soul stage cultivation is genuine. It took a fierce battle to take his life."

"Nonsense!"

Bai Wuyan coldly said, "How could an ordinary Nascent Soul stage cultivator be your match? What is he? He's not even worthy to carry your shoes."

Bai Wuyan had great confidence in the furnace she had raised. With so many rare and precious materials thrown at her, how could she lose to a Nascent Soul cultivator? Xiang Yuan didn't need to play the victim or belittle himself; she wouldn't fall for that.

Xiang Yuan felt pleasantly pleased to be praised by the White House official. He found the cold, unsmiling face in front of him to be exceptionally beautiful, and the person speaking to him to be particularly pleasant to hear.

Give me more, I love listening to it!
Bai Wuyan didn't praise Xiang Yuan, but spoke the truth. She fixed her gaze on the Styx Token and slowly said, "This item is inscribed with 'Styx,' which can be a sea of ​​blood. It should be one of the components of the Three Realms. The schemes involved should be related to the Heavenly Sect, but have nothing to do with you. Get rid of it as soon as possible."

Xiang Yuan nodded secretly. Just as he expected, the mastermind left the Styx Token so that he could pass it on to the broken sampan.

He expressed his doubts, saying that it was just a matter of passing on the message and that anyone could be assigned to it. The Qianyuan Realm was not what it used to be; it was far from the days when Nascent Soul cultivators were everywhere and Grandmasters were as common as dogs. Nascent Soul cultivators were highly valuable and not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry. The mastermind behind the scenes must have a deeper meaning in using the Profound Blood Master as a pawn.

"Some reincarnations of Heavenly Emperors have a great reputation and seem to be omnipotent, but in reality they are utterly incompetent. What good would it do if I handed this item to them? They would be tricked without even realizing it, thinking they are something special. Little do they know, in the eyes of true powerhouses, they are nothing but a joke with an empty reputation."

Xiang Yuan didn't name Ji Wuzhou specifically, but looked at Bai Wuyan with admiration: "I only know of one such true powerhouse. She is stunningly beautiful, highly respected, approachable, and of noble character..."

A string of flattering words, without a single repeated word, made Bai Wuyan feel a little smug.

But she quickly suppressed those thoughts and said disdainfully, "I am not that kind of woman. Are you exaggerating or trying to mock me?"

No way, this rich woman is too difficult to deal with.

Xiang Yuan thought to himself, "If only Bai Wuyan were as easy to coax as Chan'er. She's so stubborn, no amount of sweet talk works. What am I going to do?"

"Why did you stop? Keep talking!"

"..."

What do you mean? Are you still being arrogant?

"Say!"

Bai Wuyan narrowed her eyes and said unkindly, "Today I want to hear how many more words you have to say."

"Oh."

Xiang Yuan cleared his throat and rattled off a string of four-character phrases: noble character, pure and immaculate, decisive and efficient... humble and open-minded, upright and righteous, charitable and generous... frank and open-minded, understanding of righteousness, and completely innocent...

These were all positive words praising virtue, which might not have much to do with Bai Wuyan, but at this critical juncture, Xiang Yuan was just spouting whatever came to mind without any hesitation.

Of course, they couldn't say things like "a teacher should be a role model" or "a great teacher produces great students." They were both behind Xiao Lingyue's back, so saying those words would be sarcastic even if it wasn't meant to be.

He spoke for the entire time it takes for an incense stick to burn before finally stopping.

It's hard to say whether Bai Wuyan lost herself in the praise; he racked his brains but couldn't come up with anything to say, and was already confused.

"You seem rather pitiful, so I'll do a divination for you. Let me make this clear: this is the last time. If it happens again, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Bai Wuyan glared at Xiang Yuan, feeling sorry for him for trying to make her happy. She thought he had done his part, even if he hadn't done anything particularly good, so she decided to reward him with a fortune-telling session.

This is a one-time exception; there will be no next time.

Xiang Yuan nodded repeatedly, pointed to his oath, and said things like "Heaven above" to indicate that this was truly the last time.

Even so, he knew very well that statements like "XXX, this is the last time" had zero credibility. If it happened once, it would happen again; how could it possibly be the last time?

I'll ask the White House again next time!
"Speak, what do you want to be valued for?"

Bai Wuyan slowly closed her eyes, calmly accepting reality, already mentally prepared for the backlash that would cause her to vomit blood.

"I want to know what will happen after the Styx Token falls into the hands of the Heavenly Sect, what is the deeper meaning behind the mastermind's actions, and what benefits he will gain from them?"

"..."

Is this even a question?

Oh well, this is the last time anyway.

Bai Wuyan, her face icy with displeasure, pointed her fingers like a sword, slicing open a streak of blazing white light. The sword, seemingly invisible, traced a mysterious path in the void, attempting to capture the details and see the mastermind's chessboard behind the scenes.

A moment later, she groaned, a trickle of bright red blood spilled from the corner of her mouth, and collapsed backward, powerless.

Xiang Yuan reached out and pulled Bai Wuyan into his arms, wiping the bloodstains from the corner of her mouth with his fingertips: "Princess Bai, if the divination cannot be completed, then so be it. Why force it?"

I wanted to ask about the result, but fearing it might be a bad start, I quickly changed my mind.

Bai Wuyan did not want to suffer the backlash of vomiting blood three times in a row, so she performed divination three times in a row, vomiting all the blood she had lost at once, and suffered a very severe backlash from the heavenly secrets.

She felt weak and didn't want to talk. She glanced coldly at Xiang Yuan, telling him to stop pretending and think before he spoke, asking who had forced her to do this.

Xiang Yuan acted decisively. With a thought, he removed his cloud-woven heavenly robe and embraced the fairy-like beauty sitting face to face with her. He used his primordial spirit to heal her injuries.

This repair took three days and three nights.

The scene shifts to Xiang Yuan dressing Bai Wuyan in palace attire. The process is practiced and his movements are becoming increasingly skillful, much faster than the first time.

Xiang Yuan wrapped her hands around the palace robes, completing the final step of shaping. She stood behind Bai Wuyan, holding the Wujie sword hairpin in her mouth, and used her hands as a comb to gently gather her cascading black hair.

This divination attempt resulted in the most severe injuries and yielded only mediocre results, making it a clear loss.

Bai Wuyan felt embarrassed and didn't give Xiang Yuan a very friendly look. She didn't say anything even after he finished tying his hair.

"The White House owner?!"

"The Styx Token can be brought into the Heavenly Sect to perfect the prototype of the Three Realms. The reincarnation of that Heavenly Emperor is plotting against the Heavenly Court. He alone is not enough to gain momentum, so he invited Ji Wuzhou to join him." Bai Wuyan said with a displeased expression.

She wasn't interested in the outcome of the battle between the two reincarnations of the Heavenly Emperors; her displeasure was solely directed at Xiang Yuan.

It’s annoying just looking at it!

Xiang Yuan was stunned when he heard this. He was just a salted fish in a broken boat. What could he do if the mastermind invited him? He would still just lie there as usual.

Ji Wuzhou: I'll admit defeat if you even move a muscle!

Suddenly, I remembered that after Ji Wuzhou fell into the small world where Yan Xuanhe had passed away, he escaped and the mastermind behind the scenes did not confront him directly, but abandoned the Tianzong and left.

Isn't this a kind of invitation? The rickety sampan doesn't want to move, but the mastermind behind it is pushing it forward. Thinking about it this way, some of my previous doubts have a reasonable explanation.

Xiang Yuan gained some knowledge, but as he learned more, his doubts also increased. He asked curiously, "Master Bai, I believe that the Twelve Pavilions of the Heavenly Sect are the prototype of the Heavenly Court. My sect master also said so. If the mastermind's plan succeeds, wouldn't the Heavenly Sect become the Upper Heavenly Court of the Qianyuan Realm?"

Thinking about it, it's true. The Heavenly Sect Grand Array's concept is too lofty, exceeding the conventional scope of array formations and cannot be viewed using common sense.

Moreover, those who wield the Heavenly Sect's grand formation are either reincarnations of the Heavenly Emperor or holders of the Heavenly Emperor's Dao Seed. The Heavenly Sect has an extremely high chance of evolving into the Heavenly Court, which is not something ordinary people can touch.

"So what if it is, so what if it isn't? Even without the reincarnations of two Heavenly Emperors, the Qianyuan Realm will still have its own Heavenly Court. This is something neither you nor I can reverse."

Bai Wuyan glanced at Xiang Yuan indifferently, telling him not to waste his time on futile efforts, and then said, "Observe the situation calmly and stay out of it. This is the way to last... Of course, you are already in the middle of it all, like a boat without a boat. Even if you want to stop, someone will push you forward."

At this point, she pointed to the Styx Token. The mastermind behind the scenes had already taken notice of Xiang Yuan. This was not the first Heavenly Emperor to pay attention to Xiang Yuan, nor would it be the last.

Xiang Yuan was at a loss for words. He placed his hands on Bai Wuyan's shoulders and gently massaged them: "Princess Bai, between the two reincarnations of the Heavenly Emperor, who has a better chance of winning?"

Bai Wuyan did not refuse, and was very satisfied with Xiang Yuan's attitude. She also showed no respect to Ji Wuzhou, saying, "Your sect master's chances of winning are too low. If nothing unexpected happens, he will surely suffer a crushing defeat and lose everything."

"Unexpectedly, something unexpected will definitely happen."

Xiang Yuan spoke confidently, then asked, "May I ask, Lord Bai Gong, what was the surprise?"

Bai Wuyan didn't speak, but glanced at Xiang Yuan from the side.

With so many schemes and plots around you, it would be hard for you to die even if you wanted to. So where do you think the accident would happen?

Xiang Yuan understood immediately; it was indeed the case. Then, a new question arose: "Since the mastermind knew me, he should have been able to foresee that I was an accident. But he doesn't seem to have any intention of attacking me. Is it because I still have value to him and it's not time to make a move yet, or is there another reason?"

Bai Wuyan shook her head slightly. She couldn't guess or calculate it. She only knew that Xiang Yuan had to send the Styx Token to the Heavenly Sect, otherwise someone would secretly push him.

Cooperate honestly and don't cause trouble now. Wait until you're not afraid of trouble anymore, then you can turn the tables.

Thinking of this, Bai Wuyan said earnestly, "You have the Yanfu Sect, so you should make good use of it. Don't go anywhere for the time being. Focus on your cultivation. When the Yanfu Sect opens a new world, I can accompany you on a trip."

With Bai Wuyan's cultivation level, entering a new world corresponding to Xiang Yuan's cultivation level is basically the same as having a strategy guide to run a dungeon, and she also has a max-level character by her side.

With her backing him up, Xiang Yuan was full of confidence for the next world and felt that there was nothing to be afraid of anymore.

Of course, the premise is that you don't encounter any extraterrestrial demons or anything like that, otherwise it will be like the previous two times.

When it came to cultivation, Xiang Yuan was full of enthusiasm. He put on his Taoist robe and strode towards the gate of the White Lotus Palace.

I'm going to check if the sect leader is working diligently today, or if he's been eavesdropping on the leaders. I'll see which foot goes in first, give him a scolding, and then teleport away.

To call him a dog is outrageous! He's clearly a gigolo.

Boom!
He bumped headfirst into the spatial barrier, and dazed, he turned around, unable to dodge the impact. Confused, he looked at Bai Wuyan.

Why? What went wrong this time?
Bai Wuyan remained silent, lowering her head to examine the immaculate white lotus in her hand, letting the furnace figure out what went wrong.

Being kept by a rich woman is like this; there are always times when you're not treated like a human being. Xiang Yuan moved closer to Bai Wuyan, straightened her palace robes, and carefully examined her.

No problem, that's not the issue.

Is it a problem with the hairstyle?

That doesn't seem right either; it's only when you handle it that there's a problem.

After racking his brains without finding a solution, he massaged Bai Wuyan's shoulders while trying to figure out what was not quite right.

After a moment, it dawned on me.

Add more time!

He was careless; he shouldn't have massaged that shoulder today.

Now, there's one more step to show your attitude in the future.

Xiang Yuan cursed inwardly, "Human desires are constantly growing. Today the White House wants her to massage his shoulders and even extend the session. Tomorrow he wants her to massage his feet and clean his ears. And the day after tomorrow, will he want her to have an essential oil back massage?"

Damn it, being a kept man is just too awful!
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The Overlord's Mansion.

After throwing the Styx Token to Ji Wuzhou, Xiang Yuan returned home exhausted. Not wanting the princesses to know how hard he had worked or how much he had suffered, he put on a cheerful face and pretended to be a tyrant who bullied the villagers. Before dinner, he presented three gifts.

Equal weight, without bias.

Impartiality is the greatest form of favoritism; all three women have different intentions.

Xiao Lingyue: You're good at being fair, but if you really want to be impartial, don't bring gifts back next time. There was nothing wrong before, but now there is.

Chan'er: Why do your two younger sisters have the same amount as Chan'er? You're favoring them!

Xiao Lingyan: My sister seems angry. Speaking of which, it seems like Father hasn't given Mother and the aunts any gifts in a long time.

After the meal, Xiang Yuanjian felt dissatisfied with Chan'er, so he went to comfort her and secretly took out a second gift, which made her very happy.

Xiao Lingyue and Xiao Lingyan also received a second gift behind their backs.

Xiang Yuan: I like you more than the other two. You can keep this, but don't tell anyone, or next time I'll really treat them equally.

Chan'er: My husband is the best in the world. Chan'er knew it. The two of them are not as good as Chan'er. Even if they were combined, they wouldn't be as good as Chan'er.

Xiao Lingyan: Although I'm very happy, it's wrong of you to do this. I can't accept the second gift.

Xiao Lingyue said nothing.

After receiving the second gift and hearing Xiang Yuan's biased words, she gave Xiang Yuan a meaningful look before happily accepting it.

The First Wife saw through it, but she didn't expose him or remind Xiang Yuan. The Prince Zhao's Mansion had abandoned this self-defeating tactic long ago.

Xiang Yuan intended to go into seclusion to cultivate and properly review his recent gains. After briefly dealing with Chan'er, he said to Xiao Lingyue beside him, "I gained a lot from this trip to Southern Jin. I plan to go into seclusion to cultivate diligently for a while..."

Xiao Lingyue was speechless. There were many things to complain about, such as why Chan'er was in her room and why Xiang Yuan looked so matter-of-fact.

Furthermore, were all these gains truly acquired by the Southern Jin dynasty?

Seeing Xiang Yuan spouting nonsense with a straight face, Xiao Lingyue could no longer bear it and said irritably, "Your Highness has indeed made great gains in Southern Jin. I heard about it at home. The Li clan has chosen a date for a marriage alliance, and the princess he is interested in has already been betrothed."

Xiang Yuan chuckled upon hearing this: "These kinds of rumors shouldn't be taken seriously. Even Chan'er doesn't believe them, so how could you?"

As he spoke, he gently patted Chan'er's shoulder and asked her if she believed him.

Chan'er didn't speak, but vaguely looked for her husband and nestled into Xiao Lingyue's arms, snuggling against him.

"Look, even Chan'er doesn't bother to answer."

"..."

Xiao Lingyue was even more speechless. Of course she knew that the rumors were unreliable and she also knew Xiang Yuan's real purpose in going to Nanjin. However, looking at this self-righteous face, she couldn't help but want to confront him.

"A princess is impossible. I am pure and chaste, and I am definitely not the kind of fickle man..." Xiang Yuan patted his chest confidently, like a demon from the Illusionary Path who was pushed away by him as soon as she came forward.

Chan'er pushed away the hand that Xiang Yuan had placed on Xiao Lingyue's chest.

Chan'er: You are not allowed to touch Chan'er's husband.

"..."

So weak! x2
Just as Xiang Yuan was feeling smug, Bao Qin knocked on the door. Seeing that the prince was not personally instructing Xiao Lingyan on her swordsmanship, and that neither his own Holy Maiden nor Xiao Lingyue were in sight, based on previous experience, he guessed that the scene inside the house was not pleasing to the eye.

"What's the matter?"

"Your Highness, news has come from the capital that relates to the envoys from Northern Qi and Southern Jin. We need your review."

"Such a small matter, you can just handle it yourself..."

Xiang Yuan muttered to himself, then waved his hand, moving the letter from Bao Qin's hand to his palm.

Upon opening it, the smile froze on his face, and his expression instantly became extremely serious.

Oh no, this is going to cause trouble!
Seeing Xiao Lingyue curiously peeking out, a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes as he angrily said, "Look at what your brother Xiao He has done! He betrayed his brother for personal gain, and he has caused me so much suffering... Look for yourself what he has done!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

10,000 words, please vote with monthly tickets!

(End of this chapter)