Chapter 310: Chapter 243: Ruined by Over-Practicing
 

It must be said that Lin Yao’s tactics were highly effective.

Influenced by Lin Yao, Liang Lu’s feelings for Jiang Cheng plummeted rapidly, if not at breakneck speed.

As a result, without the need for Li Qingge and others to test deliberately, a casual observation revealed that Liang Lu was deeply affected, almost beyond redemption.

It had become nearly impossible for Liang Lu to leave Jiang Cheng.

One day, Li Qingge personally arranged a meeting with Liang Lu.

“Liang Lu, we have all noticed your talent. Do you have any plans for your future development?”

Liang Lu, puzzled, asked, “Senior Li, what do you mean by development?”

Li Qingge spoke solemnly, “Then I’ll be straightforward. Do you plan to ascend to the Immortal Sect to pursue the path of immortality, or would you rather stay in Liang Kingdom to ascend the throne and become emperor?”

Liang Lu fell into a rare silence; it was a difficult choice.

On the surface, Li Qingge was asking her to choose between the path of immortality and imperial power.

But on a deeper level, it was a choice between comfort and risk, with imperial power representing comfort, and the path of immortality representing risk.

On an even deeper level, it was about whether to let go of Jiang Cheng.

For Jiang Cheng would not stay in Liang Kingdom, he would surely ascend to the Immortal Sect. And as Jiang Cheng left Liang Kingdom, if Liang Lu did not follow him into the Immortal Sect, they would hardly have any ties in the future.

All basic contact and ties would be gone, not to mention any romantic relationship.

If Liang Lu still wanted to be with Jiang Cheng, she only had the option to ascend to the Taixu Sect, which would be a match in status with Jiang Cheng’s Tongtian Sect. Only then could there be a possibility between them.

Liang Lu was not foolish, on the contrary, she was very smart; she immediately realized the implications behind Li Qingge’s words.

Li Qingge asking her to make a choice was essentially asking her for a guarantee.

Choosing imperial power meant accepting the support of the Taixu Sect, ensuring a break from Jiang Cheng, and cutting off ties with the power of the Tongtian Sect.

Choosing the path of immortality meant giving up the support of the Taixu Sect, gaining the freedom to love Jiang Cheng, but it also meant that within the territory of Liang Kingdom, she would no longer receive much care from the Taixu Sect.

Seeing that Liang Lu remained silent, Li Qingge added, “You don’t have to worry about your cultivation after ascending the throne. We can apply to headquarters to provide you with a special high-ranking teacher. With your talent, reaching Core Formation is no issue, and with a bit of effort, advancing to Nascent Soul is also highly likely.”

With these words, Li Qingge’s bias was evident.

She hoped that Liang Lu would give up on Jiang Cheng and dutifully play the role of an emperor.

Truth be told, Li Qingge’s offer was very tempting: a comfortable future, unlimited resources, personal mentors, and strong backing—all of which could all be Liang Lu’s with just a nod.

But still, Liang Lu’s response was silence.

Looking at Liang Lu’s eyes, half-hidden by her thick lashes, Li Qingge realized about a third of the truth in her heart.

Although she had anticipated it, when it came down to it, she couldn’t help but marvel at Jiang Cheng’s influence.

Could this young man possess the legendary “Natural Charm Body”? How else could he have ensnared so many female cultivators, leaving them lovestruck!

He might become a trouble for my Taixu Sect in the future!

Li Qingge thought to herself.

“Senior Li, this is a matter of great importance; may I use a communication charm to decide?” asked Liang Lu.

“Of course.” Li Qingge agreed without hesitation.

Choosing between the throne and the path of immortality was indeed a life decision more significant than any national examination; it was only natural for Liang Lu to want to discuss it with her elders.

However, Liang Lu did not reach out to her mother, Consort Li, but instead, she sent a communication charm to Jiang Cheng!

Jiang Cheng responded to the communication charm very promptly.

From within the reusable communication charm, Liang Lu’s familiar voice emerged.

“Hello? Liang?

“It’s me.”

“Oh, what’s the matter?”

“Senior Li just asked me about something; she told me to choose…”

Liang Lu explained the situation to Jiang Cheng and asked with a nervous heart, “What do you think I should choose?”

From Jiang Cheng’s perspective, it didn’t matter to him whether Liang Lu chose to be the emperor or ascend to the Immortal Sect. Either option was acceptable and potentially beneficial.

But Jiang Cheng did not tell Liang Lu the answer.

“You should choose whatever you want to choose.”

Liang Lu pressed further, “What do you wish for me to do?”

“Me?” Jiang Cheng thought for a moment and without overthinking, said, “I wish for your happiness and joy, and it’s best if you don’t work too hard.”

Upon hearing Jiang Cheng’s words, Liang Lu’s eyes suddenly moistened, and she bit hard on her red lips.

“You jerk!” she cursed.

Jiang Cheng: ???

Jiang Cheng was puzzled. He had just given Liang Lu his blessing, so why would she curse him? Liang was never impolite!

Liang Lu had reached out to Jiang Cheng with a charm, actually holding onto a glimmer of hope.

She wanted to test how genuine Jiang Cheng’s feelings for her were.

If Jiang Cheng chose the most beneficial option for her—becoming the emperor—she would give up the throne and ascend to the Immortal Sect to walk the path of immortality alongside Jiang Cheng.

If Jiang Cheng chose the least beneficial option for her—ascending to the Immortal Sect but not allowing her to go to the Taixu Sect, instead suggesting that she go to the Tongtian Sect—she would harden her heart and cease interaction with Jiang Cheng forever.

But what Liang Lu never expected was that Jiang Cheng’s simple wish for her “happiness and joy” would completely break through her defenses.

His sincere blessing for her was heartfelt and unguarded.

The truth in his words was more profound than a thousand promises and all the glory and riches in the world.

Liang Lu had hoped that the choice would firm up her conviction and clear the path ahead, but indeed, it solidified her resolve—it would be Jiang Cheng or no one.

Regardless of the outcome, now that things had come to this, Liang Lu knew her choice.

However, having given up the support of the Taixu Sect for Jiang Cheng’s sake, she had to secure some advantage from him, even if it were just an empty promise. Perhaps Jiang Cheng could treat her to a meal or hold hands, right?