Chapter 350: A Man Should Be Strong, But a Father Must Be Gentle!

Dragon Head Mountain.

This mountain is tall and majestic, with a range of mountains stretching like a true dragon coiled, overlooking the vast land below, inspiring awe.

In front of the mountain stands a hundred-zhang tall stone tablet.

On it are four powerful characters written in a vigorous style: ‘Beast Taming Xu Family,’ exuding an aura of ancient grandeur.

This is the main family of the Beast Taming Xu Family, one of the three major families in the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world!

The Beast Taming Xu Family has thrived for thousands of years, with not only a Golden Core ancestor in the family but also third-rank spirit beasts suppressing the family’s foundation, commanding the renowned Water Serpent Dao Weapon and Fire Crow Dao Weapon in the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world!

Their strength is unquestionable, far beyond the reach of ordinary family forces.

At this moment, in the Xu Family’s ancestral hall.

“Puff!!!”

The Xu Family elder responsible for guarding the ancestral hall was startled by the sudden sound of extinguished flames from within the hall.

He hurriedly entered the ancestral hall to check the situation, his expression panicked.

Every core disciple of the Xu Family is equipped with a life soul tablet.

Once they break through to Foundation Establishment and become part of the upper echelon of the family, their life soul tablet is upgraded to a life Soul Lamp!

This way, the life and death of the Soul Lamp’s owner can be known, and the lamp can also indicate their health status.

If the Soul Lamp flickers, like a candle in the wind, it means the owner is in danger, and someone can hold the lamp to go and rescue them.

Upon entering the ancestral hall where the Soul Lamps are placed, the elder did not see any lamp extinguished at first glance.

But he was not relieved at all. His face turned pale as he slowly looked up at the Soul Lamps on the high platform.

First layer!

Second layer!

Third layer!

The more he looked, the paler his face became. When he saw one of the lamps on the third layer extinguished, he was struck like lightning, his face ashen with fear, nearly collapsing to the ground.

“This is the Second Ancestor’s Soul Lamp! How could this be possible?”

The elder was at a loss, his eyes filled with disbelief. Thinking he might be seeing things, he looked closely several more times.

After confirming that the Soul Lamp was indeed extinguished and the family’s ancestor had perished outside, the elder let out a mournful cry, sounding the alarm to notify the family.

In the vast mountain range.

Lu Changsheng finished sorting through the Xu Family ancestor’s Storage Bag.

Aside from Spirit Stones and a few Top-Tier spirit tools, there weren’t many Spirit Stones or precious treasures.

“As expected, this Xu Family ancestor must have spent all his wealth on this Thunder Ring and the Nine-Headed Wind Thunder Foal.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head, looking at the Wind Thunder Ring in his hand with a sigh.

For a pseudo-core cultivator like the Xu Family ancestor, if not for being part of the Beast Taming Xu Family, he probably couldn’t afford to raise the Nine-Headed Wind Thunder Foal.

After all, nurturing spirit beasts is like burning money.

The Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapon, Nine Abyss Mastiff, and Six-Winged Golden Silkworm that Hong Lian helped him raise cost a lot of resources.

Not to mention the Xu Family ancestor’s nine second-rank Wind Thunder Foals!

In this situation, unless the other party had just finished a raid like Xiahou Wuwo did back then,

There wouldn’t be much wealth on him.

Lu Changsheng dealt with all the suspicious items and put the ‘Wind Thunder Ring’ back into the Storage Ring.

A magical treasure like this, if refined by someone else, would lose a significant portion of its power.

Moreover, if the cultivation method doesn’t match, it wouldn’t be very effective, making it rather useless—only good for feeding one’s children.

“The most valuable item here, apart from the magical treasure, is probably this pseudo-core, right?”

Lu Changsheng examined the pseudo-core of the Xu Family ancestor in his hand.

He had never seen a pseudo-core cultivator’s core before.

Judging by its appearance, it should have originally been a third-rank demon core.

However, after being refined into a pseudo-core by the Xu Family ancestor, the entire core looked mottled, with its color and aura completely different from Nangong Mili’s True Core.

“No wonder it’s called a pseudo-core.”

“Judging by its appearance, unless someone’s cultivation method is exactly the same as the Xu Family ancestor’s, it probably can’t be used again.”

After examining it for a while, Lu Changsheng stored the core in his Storage Ring, intending to ask Hong Lian, his encyclopedia, about it later.

He then turned to his two sons to check on them.

After a moment, he identified the problem with the Black Dragon Shears.

“The Xu Family ancestor likely used this spirit tool as a medium to sense your presence.”

Lu Changsheng spoke.

He didn’t find any marked aura on his sons.

But he noticed that the Black Dragon Shears had the same aura as a dragon pearl in the Xu Family ancestor’s Storage Bag.

So, he guessed that the other party had used the source aura between the two spirit tools to sense the location of the spirit tool, and then tracked it down.

“Does this mean that whenever we acquire a new spirit tool, we shouldn’t carry it with us?”

Lu Ping’an scratched his head, looking at the Black Dragon Shears in front of him, after hearing his father’s words.

“Ordinary spirit tools usually don’t matter.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and said, “This spirit tool was clearly forged by a master craftsman using rare materials, so when you encounter such High-Tier spirit tools, you should be more cautious.”

“However, this time it was just because the Xu Family ancestor happened to be outside the secret realm. Otherwise, even if the spirit tools could sense each other, there would still be distance limitations.”

“In most cases, if you’re separated by more than a thousand miles, it’s hard to sense anything.”

Lu Changsheng explained slowly.

This method is similar to the principle of sensing talismans and Identity Tokens.

Once the distance exceeds a thousand miles, even a Golden Core cultivator would have difficulty sensing it, unless they paid a great price.

“Dad, we understand.”

The two nodded, immediately grasping the reasoning.

“In addition, some Artifacts also have bloodline restrictions, making them unusable by outsiders. If someone recklessly tries to refine them, the restrictions will be triggered.”

“So, when you obtain powerful Artifacts from other family cultivators in the future, you must be extra careful.”

Lu Changsheng continued to advise.

Cultivators in the cultivation world often seize Artifacts that are not suitable for them and may contain various dangerous traps.

Among the spirit tools he obtained from White Tiger Mountain, two had bloodline restrictions.

However, the bloodline restrictions of White Tiger Mountain were rather ordinary.

They only made it difficult for others to fully utilize the power, suitable only for the Zhao Family’s bloodline.

“Dad, does this pair of shears have bloodline restrictions?”

Lu Ping’an asked immediately.

“This one doesn’t. Although bloodline restrictions can prevent outsiders from refining it, they also affect part of the Artifact’s power.”

“Moreover, as later generations’ bloodline grows thinner, they also become affected by the bloodline restriction. So, except for family heirlooms, bloodline restrictions are rarely embedded.”

“If you’re ever unsure about such an Artifact in the future, just sell it discreetly in the black Market, but be careful not to attract attention.”

Lu Changsheng instructed.

After packing up everything and preparing himself again, Lu Changsheng didn’t linger in the mountain range. He boarded a Spirit Boat and said to his two sons, “Let’s go. As for today’s events, keep my cultivation level to yourselves. Don’t spread it around.”

“Dad, I understand.”

“Father, I know.”

Lu Ping’an and Lu Quanzhen nodded.

After boarding the Spirit Boat, Lu Quanzhen looked at his father’s tall figure, his mind filled with thoughts.

He kept wondering about his father’s true situation.

Was he a Nascent Soul True Lord who had taken over a new body, or a reincarnation of a legendary figure?

Aside from these reasons, he couldn’t think of why his father, at only fifty years old, could possess such astonishing strength, capable of killing a pseudo-core cultivator with a single punch!

Moreover, after regaining his composure, he remembered something.

When his father faced the Xu Family ancestor, he used a Sword Dao technique!

That Sword Dao technique had a fierce and domineering aura, somewhat similar to his brother Lu Qingshan’s Sword Dao.

Then there was his body tempering, which was almost identical to his brother Lu Ping’an’s, but even simpler and more domineering, returning to the basics!

“So, did my brother inherit father’s body tempering? Did Qingshan inherit father’s Sword Dao? Did Wangshu inherit father’s Talisman Making?”

Lu Quanzhen thought, feeling bewildered.

His recent meeting with Uncle Qu Changge had broadened his horizons, making him think he had seen a wider world.

But now, his father’s recent actions left him completely confused.

“Quanzhen, if you have something to ask, go ahead. I can see you’re holding it in and feeling uncomfortable.”

At this moment, Lu Changsheng turned back and smiled at his son Lu Quanzhen.

With his sharp Divine Sense, he naturally noticed his son frequently glancing at him, looking troubled.

“I’m just curious, father. With your strength, why do you keep hiding it?”

Lu Quanzhen was momentarily stunned, not knowing where to start.

After thinking for a moment, he picked a simple question to ask.

“A man should be strong, but a father must be gentle.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, looking at the mountain range below, dotted like stars, and said softly, “In this world of cultivation, everyone is competing. They fear nothing, except those who live differently from them.”

“If you’re too weak, they’ll destroy you, trample on you. If you’re too strong, they’ll deceive you, fear you. Only by being like everyone else can you be accepted by the world and live peacefully in this world.”

“If the world knew about my strength, countless troubles would come knocking. Even though I don’t fear them, what about you?”

“So, to live peacefully and freely in the cultivation world, one must disguise themselves to be like everyone else.”

Lu Changsheng spoke gently.

After speaking, he smiled, patted his son’s shoulder, and said, “You’ll learn about my matters in time.”

“Just remember, I’m always your father, your eternal support.”

“So, if you have any issues, just come to me.”

Although Lu Changsheng was in disguise, his appearance much more dignified,

His words still carried the familiar gentle tone that the two brothers recognized.

“Father, I understand!”

Lu Quanzhen smiled and nodded, no longer dwelling on his thoughts.

After all, whether his father was a Nascent Soul True Lord or a reincarnation of some great figure, it didn’t change their father-son relationship.

His father’s nurturing, care, and love for them were genuine.

Moreover, the stronger his father was, the more they, as his sons, would benefit.

Although he had always been self-reliant, he wasn’t the type to stubbornly refuse help. When it was time to rely on his father, he would!

“Dad, I understand.”

Lu Ping’an nodded seriously.

Ever since the Hope Gu incident, Lu Changsheng had been like a towering mountain in his heart.

“By the way, Dad, I’ve already broken through the sixth layer of the Hundred Refined Body Technique, but I feel there’s a problem with my cultivation.”

At this moment, Lu Ping’an spoke up, seeking his father’s guidance on his cultivation technique.

“Hmm? A problem with your cultivation? Tell me.”

Lu Changsheng immediately showed concern.

The Hundred Refined Body Technique is highly detailed.

Any slight mistake during cultivation could lead to physical problems.

“It’s that when I was in the secret realm, after consuming a lot of spiritual herbs, a thin membrane formed between my skin and bones.”

“I suspect it’s related to my breakthrough to the fifth layer earlier.”

Lu Ping’an explained his situation to Lu Changsheng.

“Let me see?”

Lu Changsheng held his son’s wrist, sending his power and Divine Sense into his body to examine it.

After a moment, he saw the membrane Lu Ping’an mentioned and frowned slightly before relaxing.

He thought to himself that his son was indeed fortunate.

This was a sign of his son naturally mastering a divine ability of the Hundred Refined Body Technique.

“It’s nothing to worry about. This is a divine ability associated with the Hundred Refined Body Technique. I hadn’t taught it to you yet.”

“It seems that when you broke through the fifth layer, the technique activated on its own, allowing you to start mastering this divine ability, and the large amount of spiritual materials nourished it, giving it some of its effects.”

Lu Changsheng explained.

The Hundred Refined Body Technique, as a proper cultivation technique, naturally included more Divine Abilities beyond the Treasure Bone Technique.

The membrane in Lu Ping’an’s body was called the ‘Hundred Refined Battle Armor.’

Once completed, the membrane could spread out and form armor around the body.

If not activated, it would remain as a keratinous membrane within the body, enhancing physical defense.

“A divine ability!?”

Lu Ping’an and Lu Quanzhen were stunned to hear this.

Divine Abilities are something only Golden Core cultivators can learn.

Now, hearing that Lu Ping’an had begun mastering a divine ability, how could they not be surprised?

“Yes, it’s a divine ability. But it only has some of its effects. You’re still far from mastering it.”

Lu Changsheng explained.

He could tell that his son had only gained a small portion of its effects by chance.

It was still a long way from even small success.

Moreover, to form the ‘Hundred Refined Battle Armor,’ who knows how many resources and treasures would be needed.

“When we get home, I’ll teach you the Divine Abilities of the Hundred Refined Body Technique.”

“If you have any other questions about your cultivation, tell me all of them.”

Lu Changsheng continued.

Immediately, Lu Ping’an explained all the issues and doubts he encountered during his cultivation.

As he listened to his son talk about the Fist of Opening Mountain, Lu Changsheng nodded slightly.

He thought to himself that his son indeed had some talent in body tempering and martial arts.

After the fifth layer of the Hundred Refined Body Technique, one could gradually refine body parts towards the level of Artifacts, gaining a certain effect or ability.

Lu Ping’an’s Fist of Opening Mountain was based on this principle.

However, his case was somewhat opportunistic.

He hadn’t refined his own divine ability, but by refining a part of his body into an Artifact, he tapped into a trace of its power.

But as Lu Ping’an continued to speak, Lu Changsheng realized that his son now had strength but lacked the ability to use it.

And like his father, he didn’t even have a suitable weapon.

“When we get home, I’ll take care of that for you.”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand grandly.

He planned to teach Lu Ping’an the Divine Abilities of the Hundred Refined Body Technique and forge some spirit tools for him.

After all, he didn’t have the ability to forge magical treasures.

But with his reputation as Master Lu, getting someone to forge a few spirit tools was no problem.

Once Lu Ping’an broke through Foundation Establishment and had spirit tools, he could settle in White Tiger Mountain and develop the spiritual land there!

As the father and sons chatted, the Spirit Boat sped towards Bihu Mountain.

Meanwhile, at the Beast Taming Xu Family.

An immense wave of energy swept across Dragon Head Mountain, with fierce beasts roaring, shaking the void.

“The ancestor has come out of seclusion!”

“I heard that the ancestor was severely injured during the beast tide incident and went into seclusion, not to be disturbed unless it was extremely important. How long has it been, and now the ancestor is forced to come out!”

“This time, it must be someone deliberately targeting our family, so the ancestor has to intervene!”

“Not just the ancestor, there’s also the aura of the Earth Dragon Beast!”

Countless members of the Xu Family sensed this aura and were shocked.

Many high-ranking members immediately understood what was happening and spoke in trembling voices.

“Investigate! Find out immediately which force is behind this. I’m not dead yet, and they dare to touch my Xu Family!”

The voice of the Xu Family ancestor rolled like thunder, with thousands of beasts roaring, suppressing a wave of anger, as he spoke to the Xu Family high-ranking members.

He had only been in seclusion for ten years, and now something like this had happened to the family. Naturally, he was furious.

“Yes, sir!”

The Xu Family high-ranking members were frightened, trembling.

For a moment, the entire Beast Taming Xu Family was in motion.

Because this matter wasn’t just about the death of a pseudo-core cultivator.

It also concerned the face and dignity of the Beast Taming Xu Family!

A month later.

Lu Changsheng, Lu Ping’an, and Lu Quanzhen returned to Bihu Mountain.

He immediately took his two sons to the peak of Biyun Peak.

After all, it was time to tell his sons about the situation with Sumeru Cave Heaven.

Moreover, both Lu Quanzhen and Lu Ping’an were preparing to break through to Foundation Establishment. He planned to let them break through in Sumeru Cave Heaven.

“Follow me.”

Lu Changsheng led them towards the peak.

“Hmm?”

The two brothers exchanged glances.

The peak of Biyun Peak is a family forbidden area, shrouded in mist all day. They had never been here before, but now their father was bringing them.

Before long, the three of them reached the peak of Biyun Peak.

As the ‘Five Elements Reversal Formation’ opened, the towering, golden Sumeru Tree King appeared before them.

“What is this?”

Both of them could tell that this tree was extraordinary.

But Lu Quanzhen immediately noticed that aside from this tree, there was no place to live on the entire peak.

“This is the Sumeru Tree King, the sacred tree of our family.”

Lu Changsheng pointed to the Sumeru Tree King and spoke.

“The Sumeru Tree King, the sacred tree?”

The two of them looked at the Sumeru Tree King, curious about why this tree was their family’s sacred tree.

But Lu Changsheng didn’t explain. He pointed to a small, inconspicuous tree next to the Sumeru Tree King and said to Lu Quanzhen, “Quanzhen, this is the Auspicious Tree your mother used to cultivate the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique.”

Since his son already knew about the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique, he naturally wouldn’t hide it.

“The Auspicious Tree?”

Lu Quanzhen was puzzled, examining the Auspicious Tree.

“Haha, your mother named it, so you probably haven’t heard of it.”

Lu Changsheng laughed and said.

“Dad, without a Spirit Root, can someone not cultivate the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique?”

At this moment, Lu Ping’an suddenly looked at Lu Changsheng and asked.

Lu Changsheng was slightly taken aback by this question, then shook his head gently.

He understood what his son meant.

But without spiritual power, it’s impossible to cultivate heavenly spiritual plants.

“Hmm.”

Lu Ping’an pursed his lips, his face somewhat heavy, and nodded.

“Sumeru.”

Lu Changsheng called softly.

Immediately, a golden portal appeared before them.

“Hmm?”

The two brothers were stunned to see the golden portal.

Because the portal reminded them of the one in the Purple Secrets Realm.

Could it be that their family owned a secret realm?

“Go in.”

Lu Changsheng patted their shoulders and said.