Chapter 423
Chapter 423
Lu Sheng needed time to consolidate.
“The Illusory Mindscape, Willpower Manipulation …”
These were the two spiritual power techniques Lu Sheng had just used. Though not minor techniques, they were classified as top-tier spiritual power master inheritances unlocked at Level 7 authority. However, because they weren’t included in the Fireseed program, Lu Sheng had relegated them to the “minor techniques” category.
The first technique, as the name suggested, uses spiritual power to deceive the opponent’s five senses, constructing a world that you want the opponent to see, hear, smell, and perceive—just like a dream. The realism of this dream depends on the spiritual power master’s strength, control over spiritual power, and the ability to replicate various details. With Lu Sheng’s Level 8 Spiritual Power, constructing a small carriage was effortless.
Moreover, Lu Sheng hadn’t constructed it on the spot. From the moment he and Li Die entered the carriage, a dreamscape he had woven specifically for her had already quietly begun. The first time he used it, the effect was unexpectedly excellent, especially the moment when the dream shattered, which was incredibly shocking and impactful. As the creator of the dreamscape, Lu Sheng felt a profound sense of achievement.
As for Willpower Manipulation, the methods ranged from mild psychological suggestions and hypnosis to more aggressive approaches where one’s spiritual power suppressed and shattered the opponent’s willpower defenses, forcibly controlling everything about them. Of course, the consequences of such actions were severe, often leading to the controlled person’s willpower collapsing, resulting in insanity at best or brain death at worst.
The seed of spiritual power Lu Sheng planted in Li Die’s mind was simple—atonement. To do one final act that could cleanse her of her sins. Driven by guilt, remorse, and fear, the only thing Li Die could do was probably to offer her life.
“Regardless of the reason, a mistake is a mistake. And if a mistake is made, one must pay the corresponding price.”
This was Lu Sheng’s consistent principle. Whether it was Dong Shengyi or Li Die, the same rule applied.
As he watched the cold winter landscape fly past the window, Lu Sheng suddenly became aware of a subtle change in his own personality and mindset.
“It seems my heart has become much colder … If this means I can better protect those around me from harm …” Lu Sheng silently thought to himself, “Then I’ll become even colder.”
Suddenly, the small window connecting the carriage to the driver’s cabin slid open. A young officer holding a phone leaned in, whispering something into the ear of the Dongning Military Region Major General sitting opposite Lu Sheng. The Major General’s expression changed, and he reported to Lu Sheng with a somewhat grim face, “Lu Zuo, the guard accompanying you, Li Die … She just committed suicide by throwing herself onto the tracks.”
Lu Sheng’s face showed an expression of “surprise” as he briefly questioned the Major General before concluding the topic, his expression turning slightly somber. In truth, he felt nothing, as this outcome was expected.
At that moment, Lu Sheng sensed a faint warning signal from the six immortal cells in his brow, similar to when Dong Qingxue encountered danger in the underground cave. With six immortal cells, these premonitions had become much clearer. Lu Sheng knew this warning was about him and his family, but it was still weak, far less intense than the last time.
“It seems that after Li Die’s poisoning attempt failed, Lian Su still has other tricks waiting for me …”
Lu Sheng maintained a calm expression, gently rubbing his brow as he asked the Major General from the Dongning Military Region, “How long until we reach my home?”
The Major General inquired with the driver and quickly replied, “Half an hour.”
Lu Sheng nodded, took out his phone, and dialed Dong Qingxue’s number. The call connected, and Dong Qingxue’s calm voice came through.
“Hello. Qingxue, it’s me …”
Lu Sheng looked out the window, watching the landscape blur into cold gray lines as they sped past.
“I need a favor …”
Lian Su, is it? Since you want to play, let’s see it through to the end. Let’s settle this once and for all.
…
At the Lu family residence in Huafu Region, a dozen black cars were neatly lined up on the driveway in front of the villa. The leading car, a long black limousine with a small flag and the license plate Dong D00001, was particularly eye-catching. The Lu family had once again become the focus of attention in the neighborhood.
Those who had experienced the nine-horn salute for Lu Sheng’s ascension to national fame knew this meant that the Governor of Dongning Province was visiting the Lu family again!
“Please, take a seat, take a seat.”
Xia Pingnan, once again dressed in a Zhongshan suit, stood in the Lu family’s living room, cheerfully inviting Lu Hai and his wife, Zheng Yufen, to sit down, as if he were the host of the house.
“We’re all old friends here, no need to be so formal!”
The Mayor of Baihe City, the President of the Baihe Martial Arts Association, Xiao Yuhe … practically everyone of significance in Baihe City was present, making the scene even more lively than during Lu Sheng’s nationwide ascension.
“Oh dear, Governor Xia, why have you personally come again …”
Lu Hai and Zheng Yufen were both overjoyed, their excitement making them a little incoherent. Lu Hai smacked his forehead and hurriedly urged his daughter, Lu Qinghe, who was standing nearby, “Qinghe, go make tea for our guests!”
“Okay!”
Lu Qinghe responded quickly and dashed off.
Xia Pingnan sat on the sofa, smiling as he said, “Today, a significant figure from the military is visiting Baihe City. I came to greet him and thought it’s been a while since I visited, so I decided to stop by on my way. To my surprise, it turns out that Lu Sheng is also home today. I’m in for a treat—I get to enjoy Mrs. Lu’s cooking again. The last time I dined here, the memory stayed with me …”
Zheng Yufen, beaming with pride yet feeling slightly bashful, responded, “Governor Xia, you must be tired of gourmet food and find our simple meals refreshing. I’m not much of a cook. If you don’t mind, you can come by anytime, and I’ll cook for you every day …”
Xia Pingnan laughed and said, “Mrs. Lu, you’re too modest. Anyone who can raise a son who became the national martial arts champion and the top young martial artist in the country must have extraordinary cooking skills …”
As they chatted on the sofa, despite Xia Pingnan’s prestigious status as the provincial governor and martial arts grandmaster, he spoke to Lu Hai and Zheng Yufen without any airs, creating a warm and lively atmosphere in the living room.
The main reason was that their brilliant son, Lu Sheng, had earned Xia Pingnan’s special attention, to the point that the governor didn’t mind taking time out from welcoming a high-ranking military figure to make sure he could drop by the Lu family’s home for another meal.