Nine Star Hegemon Body Art

Chapter 5866: Psychological Trick

It seemed that this was Liu Xihua’s first time visiting this place. As she took in the scenery, she couldn’t help but praise it.

Clearly in a good mood, Liu Ruyan gradually lowered her guard toward her mother. She even explained that this scenery was from the Spirit World, something she had painstakingly recreated here.

As Liu Xihua admired the view, she casually asked about the Spirit World. Liu Ruyan didn’t hide anything and happily shared her experiences.

Only then did Long Chen realize that Liu Xihua knew very little about Liu Ruyan’s past. It was only today that the two finally had a chance to talk heart-to-heart.

From Liu Xihua’s cautious manner, Long Chen could tell she truly cared for Liu Ruyan. However, her way of expressing love was more restrained, likely due to the rigid rules of the Undying race. Perhaps that was why Liu Ruyan didn’t feel any familial love. Combined with the pressure Liu Changtian had placed on her, it was no wonder she had projected her resentment onto Liu Xihua as well.

But today was different. Liu Xihua had finally managed to build a genuine connection with Liu Ruyan.

Liu Xihua seemed very interested in the Martial Heaven Continent and asked many questions.

Seeing this, Long Chen couldn’t help but smile. Was this not a roundabout way of asking about him?

However, Liu Ruyan didn’t catch on. She talked freely and even brought up some awkward stories, much to Long Chen’s exasperation.

The three ladies conversed peacefully, with Long Chen sitting silently at the side, feeling slightly awkward. Yet, seeing the distance between Liu Ruyan and Liu Xihua slowly close brought him some comfort.

So what if Liu Changtian was the Sovereign Lord? As long as Liu Xihua was on their side, there would still be room to maneuver.

After a while, Liu Xihua turned to Long Chen. With a serious look, she asked, “Long Chen, what do you think about the Undying race’s disciples?”

“Be nice,” Liu Ruyan warned, shooting him a sharp glare.

Long Chen thought for a moment before replying, “The Undying race’s disciples are powerful… but ultimately useless.”

“You!” Liu Ruyan instantly fumed. Had he forgotten she was part of the Undying race too?

“Oh? Why do you say that?” asked Liu Xihua with a faint smile.

“They possess immense strength, but have no idea how to properly wield it. Isn’t that the definition of useless?” Long Chen replied, shrugging helplessly.

Liu Xihua frowned. “Our Undying race’s minds aren’t the most flexible. Could you speak a little more plainly?”

Long Chen was about to speak when Chu Yao gave him a look, signaling him to be gentle. He shouldn’t be too rude.

But Liu Xihua smiled and said, “It’s fine. Just speak frankly. It’s better to be direct. That way, we’ll understand each other better.”

Seeing her open attitude, Long Chen was impressed. As expected, the higher the cultivation base, the more subdued a person should become. It was always the loudest fools who got noticed first. For someone like Liu Xihua to remain so humble was rare indeed.

Long Chen solemnly said, “Since Miss Xihua thinks so highly of me, I must tell the truth, or I would fail to live up to your trust. To put it bluntly, our Undying race’s disciples have power but lack killing instinct. They can’t even bring out thirty percent of their strength effectively. If I’m not wrong, the fighting styles of Liu Rujiao and Liu Qingyu are based on techniques from the primal chaos era, right?”

Liu Xihua nodded. The Undying race had preserved its ancient traditions and battle styles.

Long Chen continued, “The times have changed. This kind of fighting style has long since become obsolete.”

“Really?” Liu Ruyan argued, “Aren’t older techniques stronger?”

Long Chen nodded. “You’re not wrong. But techniques are dead, while people are alive. The laws of the world have changed since the primal chaos era. The spiritual qi is thinner, the resources are scarce, but the competition is fiercer than ever. To survive, we have to refine our combat systems. As a result, the true experts of this era possess greater battle instincts. Take me for example… What choice do I have? I must grow stronger, or I’ll die. And if I die, who will protect my beautiful wives—”

Chu Yao hastily interrupted, “Don’t say such unlucky things. If you have something to say, say it properly!”

Long Chen solemnly said, “My point is, the Undying race’s fighting methods, style, and approach are all outdated. They can’t keep up with the times. To put it even more bluntly—they’ve been eliminated. I believe the Daluo Azure Lotus race came to test whether the Undying race was still stuck in the past. You saw how the Devil Eye Water Lily race has already aligned with the Yan Xu faction and Lord Brahma. If the Undying race remains rigid and outdated... instead of reclaiming your past glory, you guys might…”

Long Chen didn’t finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear. Though they had defeated the army from the Daluo Azure Lotus race, the news would spread.

And if that was all it took to shake Lord Brahma, they were underestimating him. Long Chen was certain that word of this battle had already reached the other side.

After thinking for a bit, Liu Xihua asked, “Then according to you, what should the Undying race do?”

Long Chen answered, “Lord Brahma’s side has likely received the news. If my guess is correct, they’ll definitely be satisfied to hear that the Undying race is still stuck in outdated practices. They probably won’t act for a while. However, once they do, it will be a thunderous blow. We’ll have no chance to retaliate. So, this battle has actually given us a rare opportunity. If we use this lull to rapidly raise the Undying race’s strength, we may be able to meet their killing blow head-on.”

“And how can we increase our power so quickly?” asked Liu Xihua.

“I have a way.”

However, after saying that, Long Chen didn’t explain further. He simply looked at Liu Xihua.

Liu Xihua was baffled. She thought about it for a moment but couldn’t figure it out.

“And what is this way?” Liu Ruyan demanded.

Long Chen answered, “This is a secret technique of my Long family. It can’t be shared freely. Of course, if Ruyan were mine, I’d keep no secrets from her. But… she still has a few obstacles in her way…”

Now Liu Xihua understood. Long Chen wanted to see Liu Changtian’s stance first.

Liu Xihua couldn’t help but smile. This little rascal was shrewd—he wouldn’t reveal his cards without a guarantee.

Since Long Chen refused to elaborate, Liu Xihua simply chatted a bit longer with Liu Ruyan and Chu Yao before taking her leave.

“Long Chen, that was blackmail!” Chu Yao said once Liu Xihua was gone.

“It wasn’t blackmail—just a psychological trick,” Long Chen replied with a grin. “This is a show of strength to my future father-in-law. If I act too soft, he’ll just look down on me. Someone like him only respects power.”

Chu Yao and Liu Ruyan didn’t quite understand, but since Long Chen had made up his mind, they chose not to argue.

The three of them spent the next two days chatting peacefully. The time passed quickly. On the third day, an imperial decree arrived: the three of them were to have an audience with the ruler.

“It’s finally here,” Long Chen said.

Long Chen’s fighting spirit ignited. He’d finally see what kind of existence this future father-in-law of his was.