Chapter 292: Chapter 235: The True Face of Jiang Cheng
Liang Lu was quite dejected because she ultimately failed to persuade Jiang Cheng to sell her some “never revealed to the outsider” talismans.

She simply had nothing to trade with Jiang Cheng.

In theory, as the imperial princess betted on by the Taixu Sect, she could have followed Liang Qing’s tactics to request the Immortal Sect’s intervention and trade with Jiang Cheng using resources from the Sect.

However, the Taixu Sect strictly forbade her from contacting Jiang Cheng, making this approach not only impractical but also likely to expose her relationship with him.

Troublesome.

It seems she could only avoid a confrontation with Lin Yao for the time being.

Liang Lu thought to herself.

One morning at Qingxuan University, just like always, Liang Lu arrived at the special activities room bright and early.

However, to her surprise, Mo Ningdan had arrived even earlier than her!

And was waiting for her at the door of the room!

This was quite unusual.

Liang Lu and Mo Ningdan did not have a formal teacher-student relationship with fixed class schedules; Mo Ningdan typically appeared at random times, and her duration of stay was wholly dependent on her study state and progress, following a teaching philosophy tailored to the individual, rather than specifically waiting for her like today.

“Mrs. Mo?”

Mo Ningdan looked grave as she placed a finger on Liang Lu’s neck and finally let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness, the primordial yin is still intact.”

Liang Lu’s pretty face blushed.

Primordial yin is a concept of cultivating immortality, equivalent to the secular notion of virginity.

Being an innocent young woman suddenly examined for her chastity and hearing such sensitive words, Liang Lu naturally felt bashful.

“Teacher, why are you suddenly checking a student’s body? What is this about?”

Mo Ningdan admonished, “I have told you many times before, and I will emphasize it once again today. The first issue is the range of cultivation techniques you may choose. Most techniques within the Taixu Sect assume that the cultivator’s primordial yin is intact. Although some are highly compatible and do not require whether the cultivator has a partner, the internal statistics of the Sect show that those without primordial yin are more likely to practice such techniques and go awry. ”

“The second issue concerns your future and resources. The Sect tends to favor cultivating ‘loyal’ disciples. The simplest example is that every Holy Maiden, before becoming one, was without exception a woman of complete virtue. No matter what, do not be tempted by fleeting pleasures and ruin your prospects and potential. Do you understand?”

Liang Lu gazed at Mo Ningdan, feeling a sense of foreboding; the sudden discussion indicated her teacher might have sensed something was off.

“The student understands.”

Mo Ningdan sighed and said, “I hope you really understand. If you were as single-minded as Lin Yao on Chaotic Heart Mountain, I would not worry at all.”

Seeing Liang Lu’s despondent expression, Mo Ningdan offered comfort, “But you shouldn’t blame yourself too much. Cultivators like Lin Yao, who are completely focused, are extremely rare within Taixu Sect. It’s she who is the abnormal one. Alright, adjust your mood; there’s someone waiting to see you.”

Liang Lu’s confusion did not last long. When the door to the activities room opened, she immediately recognized the cultivator who wished to see her—Li Qingge!

“Please take a seat.”

Li Qingge gestured toward the cushion in front of her.

Liang Lu sat down properly on the cushion.

“Have some tea.”

“Oh.”

Liang Lu obediently picked up the teacup, her eyes constantly scanning Li Qingge’s face for any useful information, but she found none.

“How far have things progressed between you and Jiang Cheng?”

Li Qingge seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack while Liang Lu was sipping her tea.

Liang Lu coughed a few times before saying, “Senior, I don’t understand what you mean.”

Li Qingge was unsparing, “Your visit to see Jiang Cheng is known to us; there’s no need to hide it.”

“I, I indeed met Jiang Cheng, but we are just casual acquaintances. There’s nothing more.”

Liang Lu had no choice but to confess as it was impossible to hide any longer.

There was no benefit in being stubborn with her senior.

Yet, to her surprise, Li Qingge did not believe Liang Lu’s “honest” admission.

“I have never seen casual acquaintances who can meet privately, then walk into the university together while chatting and laughing.”

Liang Lu said awkwardly, “Then, can we be considered regular friends?”

Li Qingge answered calmly, “What kind of regular friends? As far as I know, there are quite a few female cultivators entangled with Jiang Cheng, some of whom do not even count as ‘regular friends.’ You’re already on a relatively high level around Jiang Cheng.”

Liang Lu: …

Li Qingge, anticipating such a reaction, continued, “What? You don’t want to betray him?”

Liang Lu hurriedly shook her head, “No, it’s not that. I just purchased some talismans from him. There’s no further involvement.”

“Really nothing else?”

“Nothing,” Liang Lu asserted, without any guilt.

“Alright, let’s conduct a simple test. This is a lie detector talisman, which works by judging the truthfulness of one’s words through external factors such as heart rate, Spiritual Power fluctuations, and spiritual power movements.”

Li Qingge took out a talisman and laid it in front of Liang Lu.

“Do you dare to use it?” Li Qingge asked.

“As an innocent, why should I fear?”

Liang Lu picked up the talisman and applied it to herself.

After use, the lie detector talisman didn’t disappear, but turned into a red heart-shaped pattern floating in the air.

Li Qingge explained, “A green, steadily beating heart symbol means your mind is calm, without desire or demand. A red, frequently beating heart symbol indicates great emotional fluctuations, suggesting you have secrets you cannot reveal.”

Having finished her introduction, Li Qingge began the interrogation, “Liang Lu, have you ever done anything that harms the interests of the Immortal Sect?”

“No,” she replied.

Upon seeing the green heart symbol, Mo Ningdan immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Betraying the Sect for Tongtian Sect was a serious offense, whereas a secret romance was trivial. Besides, Liang Lu’s primordial yin was intact, maintaining her potential. As long as she later turned over a new leaf and distanced herself from Jiang Cheng, all would be well.

Li Qingge continued her enquiry, “Do you and Jiang Cheng have any unspeakable secrets?”