Lu Family Manor, rather than a manor, was more like the embryonic form of a divine kingdom... The flowers and plants here grew several times more luxuriantly than those outside, and their colors were even more vibrant and captivating.
Inside the pavilion.
Lu Cheng was accompanying Gu Qingcheng as she sunbathed. She leaned lazily against Lu Cheng's shoulder, exuding a soft and sacred maternal glow.
Occasionally, when the fetus in her womb stirred gently, a wisteria outside the pavilion would sway on its own, as if greeting its future little master.
On the lawn not far away.
Anya, the Violin Queen, was playing the strings elegantly, her eyes closed.
Melodious tunes flowed from her fingertips.
The music was no longer just simple sound; it carried a strange power that could soothe people's hearts, enveloping the entire manor in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
Xia Qinghe stood respectfully behind Lu Cheng, holding a tablet and softly reporting on the group's recent affairs.
During the breaks in her report, she would secretly glance up at Lu Cheng's profile, her eyes filled with an unyielding admiration and reverence.
And outside the pavilion, Ye Shuying stood there silently, like the most loyal shadow...
"Tao Tao, slow down!"
From among the flowers came Mu Wanrou's gentle, yet slightly helpless, call.
Mu Taotao was giggling, having a wonderful time.
The landscape was so enchanting.
This vivid painting of beauties, this vibrant back garden, was the most direct manifestation of Lu Cheng's current power and influence.
This immense satisfaction of holding the Daughters of Destiny in his grasp was far more intoxicating than simple slaughter.
As for the others who couldn't make it... there would be plenty of time in the future...
Night fell.
Deep within the manor.
Inside a massive room, spiritual mist swirled, like a fairy land.
In the center was a huge hot spring pool carved from a single piece of warm jade. The water was clear, exuding a refreshing medicinal fragrance.
Lu Cheng looked at the several stunning beauties before him, each with a unique charm, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.
"The child in Gu Qingcheng's womb is extraordinary; its fetal breath will draw in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth."
"This is an opportunity for you all, but if not guided, the mixed spiritual energy could instead damage your foundations."
"Tonight, I will lend you a hand, conducting a harmonization of Yin and Yang, to transform this spiritual energy into your own power."
He spoke in a grand and righteous manner, but Shen Ning霜, Luo Qingyan, Anya, and the others listened with flushed faces and pounding hearts.
They naturally understood what this "harmonization of Yin and Yang" implied.
But in their eyes, there was no hint of resistance; instead, there was anticipation and a touch of... reverence.
This man was their heaven, their path, and the source of their power.
To be able to "cultivate together" with him was their dream...
The next morning.
When the hot spring's door opened again.
As the several heroines walked out hand in hand, each of them seemed to have undergone a transformative rebirth.
Their skin became more lustrous and smooth than the finest mutton-fat jade, radiant and exuding an otherworldly aura.
More importantly, the aura within their bodies had all ascended to a brand new height...
Their gazes towards Lu Cheng were no longer merely infatuated.
Within them was the most fervent adoration, awe, and... the realization of completely dedicating their entire being.
They truly felt it.
This man was a god walking among mortals.
And they were the... goddesses... serving the god...
Inside the study.
Lu Cheng had just finished the "morning exercise" that left the girls deeply grateful, and was now leaning back on a soft sofa.
Xia Qinghe dutifully brought him a freshly brewed cup of coffee, then quietly retreated to the side.
Before Lu Cheng, a virtual light screen unfolded out of thin air.
On the screen, last night's meeting within the Tianming Pavilion was being played from a "God's eye view."
He watched as "Master," Jueying, and others in the video, under the "authoritative interpretation" of "Heavenly Secret," finally reached a consensus, deciding to pour all resources into assisting Ren Shitou in completing the "Trial of Destiny."
Watching their solemn expressions, as if "following the will of heaven and assisting destiny."
Lu Cheng couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Heh heh..."
"A group of... adorable clever people."
His voice carried a hint of playful amusement, like a cat toying with a mouse.
"They're fertilizing and watering the leeks I'm growing, and they genuinely believe they're pushing the course of history."
"This spirit of selfless dedication is truly touching."
Now, the only "audience" he needed to do was create the best viewing environment for himself.
He picked up his coffee, took a small sip, and then contacted Ji Yao...
"Master."
Lu Cheng's tone was very casual, as if arranging a weekend entertainment activity.
"Yao'er, help me arrange some drones from multiple angles and in all directions in the underground black boxing market in the Demon City."
"I want to watch a... high-definition live broadcast."
"Understood, Master."
After hanging up the phone, Lu Cheng turned his gaze to the window.
The sun was just right, and the back garden was still a peaceful scene of singing birds and chattering swallows.
A gentle and warm smile returned to his face.
However, deep within those profound eyes, there was indifference and amusement, anticipating the curtain-raiser of a good show.
The hound was about to meet its prey.
And that self-proclaimed "God Chef" had already sharpened his carving knife.
This grand drama, personally directed by him, was finally about to begin.