Having many children brings many blessings; the struggle for power begins with marriage.

Chapter 276 Yunxianxian

Although Chen Wanrong's master, Yun Xianxian, always said that all men are the same and seemed to hate men, she never forbade the male and female disciples of Xuan Yue Palace from falling in love, let alone forbidding them from engaging in sexual relations.

On the one hand, she was well aware that people have seven emotions and six desires, and the path of cultivation is the loneliest journey. If a person suppresses his or her seven emotions and six desires for a long time, it will inevitably lead to a large accumulation of negative emotions in his heart, which can easily cause the cultivator to go astray during cultivation.

On the other hand, as she had told Chen Wanrong, she wanted to see if any of the disciples of Xuan Yue Palace could comprehend the dual cultivation method.

Currently, no disciple has comprehended the method of dual cultivation. However, some disciples with Daoist partners cultivate much faster after having a partner than those without. This is a phenomenon that Yun Xianxian noticed long ago.

Of course, compared to some abstinent disciples, it is difficult for disciples with Daoist partners to stand out.

For example, there was a woman she had taken up the mountain before. That woman devoted all her energy to cultivation. Moreover, unlike Chen Wanrong, she wasn't her personal disciple. She only gave her the cultivation method and gave her some pointers. At the time, she didn't think much of that female disciple, but in a short period of time, that female disciple broke through to the Celestial Realm.

Of course, even though abstinence could accelerate cultivation and allow one to go further, Yun Xianxian never considered prohibiting Xuan Yue Palace disciples from finding Daoist partners. In her view, some people were destined not to go far on this path.

However, these people do not include her two personal disciples, Chu Yue and Chen Wanrong.

As a result, neither of her two personal disciples listened to her and insisted on finding men, which made her very angry.

After examining Chen Wanrong's body and confirming that there was no evil energy within her, Yun Xianxian basically confirmed that Lu Chen was practicing some kind of authentic dual cultivation method. This reassured Yun Xianxian somewhat, as long as Lu Chen wasn't using any evil or heretical methods, or like the demonic paths of this world that used women's primordial yin energy for cultivation.

No wonder Chen Wanrong said earlier that Lu Chen treats all his women very well. The dual cultivation method emphasizes the connection between the hearts and minds of men and women, so it's natural that Lu Chen would treat his wives and concubines well.

The fact that they could communicate with each other in spirit also suggests that Lu Chen probably really liked his wives and concubines, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to use the authentic dual cultivation method.

Thinking about this, Yun Xianxian thought to herself, "I never expected that Yue'er's child would be such a sentimental person."

At this moment, Chen Wanrong spoke up, saying, "Master, since I and the Northern King are practicing the authentic dual cultivation method, may I resign from my position as Palace Master and marry the Northern King, so that I can cultivate in the Northern King's mansion?"

Seeing that Chen Wanrong still wanted to go to the Northern Kingdom, Yun Xianxian said coldly, "Even if you are practicing the authentic dual cultivation method, so what? The most taboo thing in dual cultivation is not being devoted to one's partner. He is a prince with so many wives and concubines. How much attention can he have on you? Sooner or later he will go astray."

Upon hearing Yun Xianxian's words, Chen Wanrong felt despair. It seemed she was destined to be imprisoned in Xuan Yue Palace by her master.

She didn't know if Lu Chen was serious when he said those words. He had told her that if she didn't go back, he would take her back.

She secretly hoped that Lu Chen wasn't serious. Although she might never see Lu Chen again in her life, she didn't want a conflict to break out between the Northern Kingdom and the Xuan Yue Palace.

Just when Chen Wanrong thought she might never see Lu Chen again in her life, Yun Xianxian said, "So be it. Since it has already happened and your pure Yin body has been broken, we can only continue down this path."

Hearing this, Chen Wanrong could hardly believe her ears. She stared at Yun Xianxian's cold face and then asked, "Master, do you mean you're going to let me go down the mountain?"

Yun Xianxian snorted coldly and said, "You wish! Since you are the Palace Master of Xuan Yue Palace appointed by your master, you will stay in this position forever."

"Once my strength has recovered somewhat, I will personally test your lover. If he has feelings for you, I can allow you to improve your cultivation through dual cultivation in the future. But if he only likes your body and has no feelings for you, then you will stay obediently in Xuan Yue Palace and never think of going to see him again."

This……

Chen Wanrong was a little anxious. She hadn't expected that her master was really planning to go find Lu Chen.

What if her master discovers that Lu Chen is a lecherous man who spends all his time on women and neglects his duties? Wouldn't that mean the end of her relationship with Lu Chen?

To be honest, Chen Wanrong has no confidence in Lu Chen at all. She doesn't believe that Lu Chen can withstand her master's test.

After spending time with Lu Chen, she came to believe that he was a complete lecher. Although he could indeed improve his skills through dual cultivation, Lu Chen engaged in sexual relations primarily for pleasure, and she did not believe that he was truly focused on dual cultivation.

Although she was anxious, Chen Wanrong didn't dare to say no directly. If she tried her best to stop her master from going down the mountain to test Lu Chen, her master would definitely conclude that Lu Chen had a problem.

Now she can only hope that during the time her master is down the mountain, Lu Chen will focus on his proper duties and not spend all his time doing those kinds of things with his wives and concubines.

At this moment, Yun Xianxian said, "Alright, go ahead and do your work."

Chen Wanrong then stood up, "Yes, Master."

As soon as she finished speaking, Chen Wanrong turned around and walked towards the main hall's door. Just as she was about to reach the door, Yun Xianxian continued, "If he is a person with exceptional talent, like your senior sister, then I may consider taking him as my personal disciple."

Hearing this, Chen Wanrong was slightly stunned. If her master really accepted Lu Chen as his personal disciple, then her relationship with Lu Chen would be legitimate.

Chen Wanrong instantly understood her master's intention. Her master had basically agreed to their being together, and now it was up to Lu Chen to see if he could pass her master's test.

Chen Wanrong then turned and bowed to Yun Xianxian, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Master."

Yun Xianxian said coldly, "Get out of here right now. Just looking at you annoys me."

"This disciple takes her leave." After saying this, Chen Wanrong turned around again and left the main hall.

Watching Chen Wanrong's retreating figure, Yun Xianxian sighed softly and said to herself, "The path of cultivation is destined to be lonely. The improvement brought by dual cultivation is only temporary. I hope you won't regret it in the future."

Then Yun Xianxian closed her eyes, and a chill emanated from her body, making the entire hall even more frozen. Yun Xianxian continued to mutter to herself, "A Celestial Realm expert has appeared in the north. This time, the aura seems to be different from the one that caused the strange phenomenon in the heavens and earth last time."

"The Northern King, who possesses a destiny to become an immortal, is also in the Northern Kingdom. Is there some causal relationship between them?"

"It seems I need to hurry up and recover my strength, and find some time to go to the Northern Kingdom."

……

half a month later.

North.

In the early morning, Lu Chen lay in Yelü Nanyan's soft and fragrant embrace, feeling completely relaxed. Xuan Yuan Chaoge was already on his way to Yancheng and would probably arrive soon.

Since learning that Xuanyuan Chaoge had broken through to the Celestial Realm, Lu Chen felt no pressure at all. With a Celestial Realm expert in charge, he could do whatever he wanted without worry, as long as he didn't provoke other Celestial Realm experts.

Just then, Lu Chen suddenly remembered the Kaiyuan Pill, then propped himself up and looked into Yelü Nanyan's eyes, saying, "By the way, Nanyan, I want to ask you a question."

Yelü Nanyan asked curiously, "Your Highness, please ask."

Lu Chen then said, "I have two kinds of pills here. One pill can keep you young forever, and the other pill can increase your strength. If you had to choose one, would you choose to stay young forever or increase your strength?"

Upon hearing Lu Chen's question, Yelü Nanyan suddenly recalled something she had observed recently: Mu Zixuan, Da Zhou, and Xiao Zhou all seemed to have become much prettier, and their skin looked more delicate. In fact, the three of them no longer wore makeup; apart from fixing their hair in the morning, they didn't have any rouge on their faces.

Yelü Nanyan thought to herself that it seemed the reason why the princess and Da Zhou and Xiao Zhou had become even more beautiful was because they had taken the kind of elixir that could keep them young forever.

Yelü Nanyan then asked, "Your Highness, when you say 'eternal youth,' do you mean never growing old?"

Lu Chen replied, "Yes, apart from the hair turning white, there will be no other changes, and there will be no wrinkles on the face."

Upon hearing Lu Chen's answer, Yelü Nanyan replied without hesitation, "I choose the elixir that can preserve my youth forever."

Upon hearing Yelü Nanyan's choice, Lu Chen was taken aback for a moment, then said, "I thought you were going to choose a pill to enhance your strength."

Yelü Nanyan smiled slightly and then said, "If I were still in the Tianlang King's tribe, I would most likely choose the pills that enhance my strength."

In the past, although Yelü Nanyan valued her beauty, in the environment of the grasslands, she hoped to improve her strength and be able to protect herself.

However, now that she is the Northern King's woman, her living environment is different, and she no longer needs to possess too much strength.

Of course, she knew that the stronger one was, the slower one would age. But no matter how slowly one aged, one would still grow old. She was already in her thirties and would be forty in a few years. Given her strength, she might still be charming at forty, but by fifty, there would be signs of aging on her body.

Moreover, she has someone she cares about. Once a woman has someone she cares about, she will pay extra attention to her appearance.

In Yelü Nanyan's view, even if the increase in strength could temporarily slow down the aging process, her strength probably wouldn't improve much, and she didn't have much confidence in herself.

One is a sure way to keep her young forever, while the other requires effort and carries significant risks. Most importantly, she will eventually grow old anyway. There's no need to overthink which one to choose.

Lu Chen initially thought that Yelü Nanyan was a relatively independent woman, so she would likely choose the Kaiyuan Pill. That's why he said it and let Yelü Nanyan make her own choice.

However, it's not surprising that Yelü Nanyan would choose the Youth Preservation Pill; what woman doesn't love beauty?

Lu Chen smiled, then conjured a small porcelain bottle out of thin air and said to Yelü Nanyan, "Inside is the Youth-Preserving Pill that can keep women young forever."

Hearing Lu Chen's words, Yelü Nanyan asked with slight surprise, "Your Highness, does such a pill really exist in this world?"

Lu Chen said, "Of course it exists, but it's a magic pill, extremely precious."

At this point, Lu Chen placed the small porcelain bottle directly into the soft, fragrant room and said, "This is for you. After taking it, impurities will be expelled. Have the maid prepare some hot water for you to take a bath later."

Yelü Nanyan immediately said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for bestowing the elixir!"

Lu Chen got up from Yelü Nanyan at this moment. He glanced at Yelü Nanyan's voluptuous figure and couldn't help but sigh in his heart. It was really difficult to get a martial artist pregnant.

Another half month passed, and Yelü Nanyan and the other martial artists showed no signs of pregnancy, but Chu Yuqin suddenly became pregnant.

Lu Chen didn't think much of it and got out of bed. Yelü Nanyan also quickly got up and dressed Lu Chen.

Half an hour later.

The Hall of State Affairs.

Today's morning court session mainly focused on the matter of Princess Da Wu's mission to the Northern Kingdom.

A large majority of the officials in the northern kingdom opposed this matter.

The eldest princess of Da Wu, such an important figure in Da Wu, is coming to the Northern Kingdom. How could no one possibly know what her intentions are?

Clearly, Da Wu wanted Wu Yunwan to instigate a civil war between the Northern Kingdom and Da Xia, and then take the opportunity to split Da Xia, so that Da Wu could reap the benefits.

At this moment, an official from the Huanyu Academy faction said, "Your Highness, I believe that the Northern Kingdom is not yet capable of independence. Although the Northern Kingdom has signed a trade cooperation agreement with Dayue and has trade relations with other dynasties, most of the important resources of the Northern Kingdom come from other parts of Daxia, especially the ores related to weapons."

"If we fall out with the Great Xia Dynasty at this time, and the Dynasty completely severs ties with the Northern Kingdom, then the Northern Kingdom will find it difficult to obtain those resources in a short period of time."

"Although the Northern Kingdom possesses a Celestial Realm expert, no one knows if His Majesty has any trump cards to contend with. I recently heard that the royal family obtained a sacred artifact from the Xuan Yue Palace, which can temporarily elevate the strength of a Grandmaster to the level of a Celestial Realm expert."

The officials from the Huanyu Academy faction knew more about the matter. Because they were on their own side, Lu Chen basically arranged for officials from the Huanyu Academy faction to be in charge of purchasing materials for weapon manufacturing. They were very clear about the current situation of the Northern Kingdom.

According to the officials of the Huanyu faction, if they were to go to war with the Great Xia Dynasty at this time, the Northern King would not only be unable to seize the throne in a short period of time, but would also likely lose many ways to acquire resources due to the outbreak of war.

Furthermore, since Da Wu has now quelled the rebellion in the southeast, and they are watching us with predatory eyes, wouldn't it be exactly what Da Wu wants if the Northern Kingdom and Da Xia went to war at this time?

The key is that the Northern Kingdom has experts at the Celestial Realm, while the Great Xia Dynasty also has ways to deal with them. If these two powerful forces collide, they are likely to suffer heavy losses, which would actually benefit a third party.

The signing of the trade cooperation agreement between Lu Chen and Dayue has already provoked the imperial court. If they continue to have close ties with the Dawu Dynasty, it will likely further provoke the Daxia Dynasty and cause it to take some extreme actions.

Although the Northern Kingdom has gained considerable strength, it is not yet powerful enough to overthrow a dynasty. Therefore, most officials believe that it is best not to let the eldest princess of the Great Wu Kingdom come to the Northern Kingdom at this time.

Seeing that the officials from the Huanyu Academy faction all thought so, Li Rui also stepped forward at this time, "Your Highness, I also believe that it is indeed not appropriate to continue to provoke the court now."

Although the Celestial Realm expert boosted the confidence of the Northern Kingdom officials, most of them remained clear-headed. Everyone could see that Lu Chen had no intention of having a direct conflict with the court in the short term.

Hearing their words, Lu Chen smiled faintly, then looked at Zhuge Chongguang and asked, "What does the Grand Scholar think?"

Zhuge Chongguang said, "This old minister believes that since the eldest princess of Da Wu wants to come, then let her come. Didn't Your Highness say earlier that not only she would be coming this time, but also the second prince of Da Wu?"

"Da Wu wants to sow discord between the Northern Kingdom and the Great Xia Dynasty. The Northern Kingdom can also sow discord between their eldest princess and prince."

Upon hearing Zhuge Chongguang's words, Lu Chen thought for a moment and then said, "The Grand Scholar is right. In that case, let them come."

Lu Chen also realized that the Empress Wu sent the second prince of Da Wu to accompany Wu Yunwan on her mission to the Northern Kingdom in order to restrain Wu Yunwan and prevent her from taking all the credit.

As a woman, Wu Yunwan was always competing with the princes for credit, so the princes of Da Wu must have been very resentful of her as the eldest princess.

Since that's the case, we can take advantage of this to sow discord between the Prince of Da Wu and Wu Yunwan, and ideally, exacerbate the political infighting within Da Wu.

Seeing that both Zhuge Chongguang and Lu Chen wanted the eldest princess of Da Wu to come, the officials in the hall said no more. The matter was basically settled, and the next step was to prepare for the reception.

Wu Yunwan's delegation was different from that of Dayue. After all, Wu Yunwan was the eldest princess of Dawu, and a princess with great power in Dawu, so the level of reception she received had to be high.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye, and the Da Wu delegation finally arrived in Yan City in the Northern Kingdom.

Sitting in the carriage, Wu Junwan thought of the scene when she hurriedly left Yancheng last time. She couldn't help but laugh. When she left Yancheng, she thought she wouldn't be coming to the Northern Kingdom for a while. She didn't expect to come back to Yancheng so soon.

Wu Junwan opened the curtain of the carriage window and glanced at the welcoming crowd outside. She couldn't help but feel a little expectant. Last time she left Yancheng in a hurry and didn't have time to see what kind of person the Northern King was. This time, she would finally have the opportunity to meet the Northern King in person.

Wu Junwan said to herself, "I hope you won't disappoint me."

(End of this chapter)