Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 36 Favorability

"Good poem..."

Shangguan Wan'er silently read it once, a look of amazement flashing in her eyes: "This should be an imitation of Confucius's 'Youlan Cao'. In those days, the Master traveled around the states but did not find a good match. On his way back to Lu from Wei, he saw a fragrant orchid blooming alone in a secluded valley and lamented that he was born at the wrong time... However, these two lines are more open-minded and unrestrained than the meaning expressed by Confucius."

She couldn't help but look at Li Lingyue.

The first line, "The orchids are so beautiful, their fragrance is so sweet," uses the orchid as a metaphor to describe how the princess, despite being in the mire of the royal family, still maintains her integrity. This subtly reflects her guilt towards the old Li Tang clan and her loneliness at being misunderstood by the world.

The second line, "If it is not picked but worn, what harm does it do to the orchid?", describes her outwardly cold but inwardly tormented situation, even if no one understands her, and also subtly praises her character of "not being less fragrant because no one is there to appreciate her."

It's so fitting...

This is no poem; it is a sharp, soft knife, piercing the softest spot in the princess's heart!
Did Lu Chenyuan do this himself?
He used to be just an internal guard.

This talent is enough to get into the Hongwen Academy.

Shangguan Wan'er truly loved these two lines and couldn't help but look at them again and again. The princess's eyesight was truly sharp. Such a rough gem had actually stood out from the crowd and shone brightly through the absurd method of being a male concubine. It was truly a testament to the unpredictability of life.

The sound of the water clock echoed outside the palace.

Looking at her small, adorable reflection in the birdcage, and at the four lines of poetry reflected in the mirror-like image, Li Lingyue felt the melody echoing in her mind, and couldn't help but murmur, "Lu Chenyuan..."

Her voice was very low, as if she were talking in her sleep, as if she were calling out, but as soon as she uttered it, she immediately woke up and asked, "...What is he doing?"

Yuan Qingshuang said, "Lord Lu finished this item about half an hour ago. After that, he went to the Lingni Hall to apologize to the Lion King, chatted with Zen Master Yunhe for a few minutes, and then returned to his new residence to rest."

Li Lingyue asked, "Is he satisfied with his accommodations?"

Yuan Qingshuang said, "He should be quite satisfied. When I saw him, he had already tidied up his room and was studying the 'Forging Gold Chapter' on the cold jade bed in the west wing. He seemed quite at ease... Later, Ni Jun also went there..."

"..."

Li Lingyue's face stiffened, and she gritted her teeth: "You stinking Jin Gang! If you've got the guts, don't come back to Lingni Palace!"

Yuan Qingshuang lowered her head to suppress her laughter, while Shangguan Wan'er burst out laughing. She stared at Lü Lüyi, a complex emotion rising in her heart.

She was both pleased that the princess had found such a kindred spirit and couldn't help but feel a little envious.

In this world, there really is someone who can see through the princess's thoughts so clearly.

She gently stroked the smooth surface of the instrument, her fingertips lingering on the orchid patterns.

As the empress's most trusted and talented woman, she felt a kind of indescribable loneliness for the first time.

Lu Chenyuan's poem is like a mirror, reflecting not only Li Lingyue's thoughts but also her deepest longing—that one day, someone will understand her in the same way.

"Your Highness..."

Shangguan Wan'er hesitated, then finally just smiled gently.

That smile contained so many unspoken words: cherish the people in front of you, and don't let down this rare friendship.

Li Lingyue didn't speak, but swam to the edge of the birdcage, her fingertips gently stroking the hair of the little figure inside. Water droplets dripped from her wet eyelashes, leaving a faint water mark on the porcelain doll's cheek.

She withdrew her finger, turned and disappeared into the misty fog, leaving behind the words: "The secret manual is 'Taiyi Fengyun Finger'."

Shangguan Wan'er was taken aback.

Yuan Qingshuang was secretly surprised, as the "Taiyi Fengyun Finger" was a fourth-grade martial art.

More importantly, it shares the same origin as the sword-wielding technique "Taiyi Flying Star Style" that the princess practiced!
……

The next day.

Lu Chenyuan, Wang Yizhi, and Xie Tingyun arrived at the Xuanji Pavilion of the Princess's residence, ready to receive their reward.

The other two wore traditional red feather robes, the only difference being the patterns and accessories, while Lu Chenyuan changed into the imperial purple robe.

This is an extremely magnificent bestowed garment.

Made of purple gauze with fire-resistant brocade woven in, it reveals frost patterns when stirred by internal energy. The hem is divided into four panels, which spread out like a phoenix tail when moving and cascade like a waterfall when standing still.

What's most special is its color: a deep, dark purple. When it's deep, it's like ink-black evening clouds; when it's light, it's like a thin mist dyeing the sunset. As you walk, light and shadow shift, and you can vaguely see star patterns embroidered with silver threads.

This color, this outfit—not everyone can pull it off.

Many members of the Wu family possessed such bestowed robes, but Wu Chengsi and Wu Sansi had python robes and did not need to wear bestowed robes to reveal their status. Only Wu Youji knew how to wear them, but when he wore them, he looked like an actor, or rather, a clown. Over time, the people in the princess's residence also got used to the way the purple robes looked out of shape.

until today.

As the wind blew, his robes fluttered slightly, the purple robes rising and falling gently like living things, like flowing clouds and water, making Lu Chenyuan look elegant and noble!

The maids they encountered along the way all stopped to watch, the younger ones blushing and gathering in twos and threes behind the pillars to peek.

Even Xie Tingyun's eyes lit up, as for Wang Yizhi...

What a pity.

As the young master of the Wang family in Taiyuan, he had only ever felt inferior to Lu Chenyuan in his entire life.

Lu Chenyuan didn't react much. He strode to the front of Xuanji Pavilion, looked up at the magnificent pavilion with its pyramidal roof and layered eaves, looking the same from all directions.

This is the Xuanji Pavilion, one of the three most famous weapon arsenals in the martial arts world!

Yuan Qingshuang walked over from a short distance away, her gaze lingering briefly on Lu Chenyuan, showing a hint of amazement, but she quickly regained her composure and introduced, "The Xuanji Pavilion has twelve floors. The upper six floors store 47,000 volumes of martial arts manuals, ranging from low to high grade, with increasing difficulty in cultivation; the lower six floors contain 952 spiritual weapons, ranging from shallow to deep, with progressively higher grade and increasingly intense killing aura. I will take you to the upper floors to retrieve the manuals first."

"Thank you for your trouble, Commander Ling."

All three of them were quite impatient.

Fifth-grade cultivation techniques are not commonplace. Mastering just one of these techniques can easily allow one to establish a sect and become a powerful force in the region.

In today's martial arts world, the lower three ranks of the nine-rank martial arts techniques are nothing more than fancy moves and mediocre skills, which are not valued by the Xuanji Pavilion. The upper three ranks are too mysterious and unattainable, and are kept secret even within the Xuanji Pavilion. Only the middle three ranks are the goal that the Kite Guards strive for and are treasures that people in the martial arts world can see and touch.

Wang Yizhi possessed third-grade family martial arts skills and was not lacking in techniques. However, he had unique skills and secret arts of the sixth grade and above. Moreover, he had already set his sights on a rare sonic technique called "Three-String Playing" from the collection of the pavilion.

Xie Tingyun was in a similar situation. Her cultivation technique was already fully formed, making it extremely difficult to change or improve it. She could only continue to refine and further develop the characteristics of the technique based on the "Blood River Divine Mirror". Therefore, she chose two unique techniques from the Miao Skull Cave: "Burning Blood Curse" and "Bloodless Secret Technique".

Next up was Lu Chenyuan.

He had no shortage of internal strength, nor was he interested in cultivating it further. What he lacked was offensive methods. Among the fifth-grade palm techniques, he chose a relatively satisfactory one called "The Heaven-Cutting Hand". Before he could choose again, Yuan Qingshuang had already placed another secret manual in front of him, "The Taiyi Beacon Cloud Finger".

"I knew it wouldn't be simple..."

Wang Yizhi had become accustomed to this differential treatment, and Xie Tingyun had also become numb to it.

Everyone says that Empress Wu was willing to spend a lot of money to please her male lovers, and our princess is no less so!
Lu Chenyuan himself was startled.

He has read three whole floors of books in the library these past few days, and he is no longer the clueless newbie he used to be.

There weren't any martial arts manuals on those three floors, but there were countless introductions to various talismans and Taoist techniques, anecdotes about the martial arts world, and stories of extraordinary people.

This includes the origin of the book "Taiyi Fengyunzhi".

According to the Records of Strange Tales of Xuanmen, it was the ultimate skill of the Louguan Taoist sect at the end of the Sui Dynasty and one of the two wonders of the Taiyi Mountain Taoist sect.

Bai Xiaolou classified this skill as a fourth-rank skill, and the other unique skill of the two is the famous sword control technique, "Taiyi Flying Star Style".

This is also a move commonly used by Li Lingyue. Legend has it that Qingxuzi, the fifteenth generation leader of Louguan Taoism, meditated for a hundred days on the summit of Zhongnan Mountain. He saw the sea of ​​clouds gathering and dispersing like smoke from a beacon fire and comprehended this finger technique. The first time he used it, he used his finger as a sword on the banks of the Yellow River, drawing a thirty-zhang ditch with a single finger, which diverted the overflowing river to a barren land. The local people erected a monument called "Finger Mark Dam" which still exists today.

This is a world-renowned and unparalleled skill!

Lu Chenyuan thought to himself, "It seems that yesterday's gift suited her very well, so my afternoon of work was not in vain... But, with these repeated exceptional rewards, why am I a little panicked? How many have I actually received so far?"

He had met countless people in his past life and had his own method for judging favorability.

Leaving aside the negative ones, starting from zero, the higher the favorability, the more likely you are to unlock.

—0-10 is the stage of being strangers, with no enmity or grudges; 10-20 is the stage of having some impression and being able to remember the name; 20-30 is the stage of being able to flirt and unlocking slight physical contact; 30-40 is the stage of ambiguity, where the other party starts to take the initiative, replies to messages instantly, and unlocks actions such as patting the head, hugging the waist, and even smelling the fragrance of her hair.

—From 40-50, you start to get hooked, unlocking late-night heart-to-heart talks and drunken flirting, and you can take her home. From 50-60, you enter the infatuation period, start spending money, give expensive gifts, and unlock kisses and hugs. From 60-70, you fall for her, unlocking overnight stays. From 70-80, things start to get dangerous; some rich women will dream about the future, while others will want to define the relationship.

The most dangerous level is 80 and above, where there's a chance of unlocking the yandere mode!

Lu Chenyuan felt a lingering fear when he thought about this.

He was a newcomer to the industry at the time, inexperienced and too young. Before he knew it, he had gained a lot of goodwill, putting himself in the same situation as Duan Zhengchun and Kang Min. He couldn't recover for half a year and almost developed PTSD.

This kind of thing should absolutely be avoided.

Even if you don't make money, you absolutely can't overdo it!

absolute!

Lu Chenyuan tried his best to shake off the dangerous images that flashed through his mind. He carefully accepted the manual and said he would thank the princess. However, just to be on the safe side, he decided to find out more first. So he asked casually, "When Your Highness saw Lü Lüyi... did you have any special reaction?"

"..."

Yuan Qingshuang glanced at him. From the moment the manual appeared, she noticed that his muscles were tense and his heart was racing. Although he hid it well, it couldn't hide it from her, a fifth-level cultivator. This wasn't joy, it was tension!

Yuan Qingshuang didn't know what he was nervous about, but she was very clever and immediately connected it to his inexplicable seriousness and decorum a few days ago.

Last night, Hui Yeqing confessed, revealing all the information, including the conversation during the disguise, and there was nothing amiss.

Lu Chenyuan was feigning suspicion and had the upper hand at the time; the content of their conversation had little to do with what followed.

So the problem lies with Zhang Shuo and Wang Yizhi, but after questioning them, their conversation seemed normal.

but……

Lu Chenyuan's reaction made her think of something.

At that time, the only thing that could be compared to this secret manual was Zhang Shuo mentioning the origin of the [Holy Spirit Pill]. After that, Lu Chenyuan became serious and stopped being as enthusiastic towards the princess as before, and he no longer said anything that would make her angry.

What is he nervous about?
Is it because you're afraid of being unable to repay such a debt of gratitude, hence the pressure?

He doesn't seem like that kind of person.

Based on Yuan Qingshuang's current understanding, she knew very well what kind of confidence this man possessed. He didn't care about these favors at all. Whether it was skipping three major grades to directly reach the sixth grade of Hundred Feather, or obtaining that [Thunder Sound Hammer], he acted too indifferently!
The object itself was never his focus; what mattered was his question, "Was there any unusual reaction?"

He seemed to want the princess to have a particular reaction.

strangeness……

Yuan Qingshuang said calmly, "His Highness only asked one question, 'What is he doing?' before continuing to bathe."

Lu Chenyuan raised an eyebrow. So calm?

He opened the book to its cover and casually inquired, "Have you seen His Highness handling it?"

Yuan Qingshuang recalled carefully: "She touched the little figure and then ordered that you be rewarded with the Taiyi Beacon Cloud Finger."

This is the truth.

But not all.

Yuan Qingshuang deliberately omitted the detail of Li Lingyue taking Nalu Lüyi back to her bedchamber after her bath, placing her by her bedside, and listening to her alone in the middle of the night.

Lu Chenyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems the gift did catch my eye, but it's not something I'm overly fond of.

That's good.

Yuan Qingshuang noticed this detail and felt more and more uneasy! A normal man shouldn't react like this when faced with a cold reception after receiving a gift. He should be sad, disappointed, and anxious. What's wrong with Lu Chenyuan?

She continued leading the three down into the underground treasure vault to retrieve the spirit weapon, asking along the way, "What does Lord Lu think of Zhang Shuo? Last night, the princess read his poem and, although she felt that his behavior was dissolute, he was not lacking in real talent."

Is he planning to take her as a male concubine?

From then on, we'll be colleagues.

Lu Chenyuan had anticipated this; like mother, like daughter. But he hadn't even had his fill of the first one, and she was already looking for the second. What kind of behavior was this? Was he going to be relegated to the cold palace before even receiving any favor?
Lu Chenyuan was filled with questions. He knew what kind of reaction Yuan Qingshuang wanted—nothing more than jealousy and rivalry over the princess. Speechless, he sighed and said somewhat forlornly, "Indeed, you are very learned. I am ashamed to admit my inferiority..."

"..."

Yuan Qingshuang felt something was amiss. Walking ahead, she frowned slightly and continued, "What does Lord Lu think of Wang Han's 'Liangzhou Ci' from Bingzhou? The princess specifically recommended him for officialdom!"

Lu Chenyuan thought to himself, "Are you ever going to stop?" and sighed, "It is indeed a masterpiece."

"And Xu Jian from Huzhou, Cui Shi from Dingzhou..."

"They are all young talents."

"..."

Even though it was the answer she wanted, Yuan Qingshuang became angrier the more she asked.

Xie Tingyun and Wang Yizhi sensed something was wrong and were about to speak up to smooth things over when Yuan Qingshuang suddenly stopped, turned around and stared intently at Lu Chenyuan. She wasn't going to beat around the bush anymore and said directly, "Lord Lu seems very concerned about His Highness's reaction? Why? Did she give you the [Holy Spirit Pill] and bestow upon you the 'Taiyi Beacon Cloud Finger', making you feel uneasy?!"

Lu Chenyuan said calmly, "I am flattered."

"you--"

Yuan Qingshuang glared at her, utterly bewildered: "What are you so afraid of!"

This is a difficult question to answer.

I can't exactly say I'm worried the princess will fall in love and lock me in her mansion, can I? That would be far too arrogant. Or would I bluntly say, "A fleeting affair is acceptable, but true love is out of the question"? That would be suicidal.

The princess said it was fine, but the male concubines wouldn't.

Besides, I haven't even gotten my hands on the third one yet...

Lu Chenyuan said, "I have many fears. Do you know why I asked His Highness for permission to 'make a name for myself' on my first day back in the manor after recovering from my injuries?"

Yuan Qingshuang's face stiffened slightly.

Lu Chenyuan said, "I heard that His Majesty the Martial Emperor has a new favorite imperial physician named Shen Nanqiu? Xue Huaiyi caused a scene at the Mingtang because of this?"

Yuan Qingshuang's expression grew increasingly grim.

Lu Chenyuan laughed: "You can pass on my next words directly to the princess. I, Lu Chenyuan, am not Xue Huaiyi, and I disdain being Shen Nanqiu! I like her, but if I have to wag my tail and beg for mercy like these two dogs, I'd rather focus on being her weapon, making my own contributions, and establishing my own career! The reason I'm restraining myself is not because I'm not tempted, but because... I've seen the lessons of the past and I'm afraid of getting too involved and ending up like these two dogs!"

(End of this chapter)