Chapter 368: Asking for a Duel at the Heavenly Sword Sect!

Lu Changsheng arrived at White Tiger Mountain and saw the headless body hanging at the mountain gate.

He thought to himself that his son’s actions were truly forceful and domineering.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator, wherever they are, is considered a significant figure, an elder of a region.

But now such a figure was hung high as a deterrent.

Although these actions were not in line with his usual conduct, he didn’t say anything about it.

“Father.”

Upon hearing of Lu Changsheng’s arrival, Lu Qingsong immediately informed his elder brother Lu Ping’an and seventh brother Lu Xian’er to come and pay their respects.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly at his children and briefly inquired about the events of the previous night, including the raid.

After learning that the three raiders were well-prepared but didn’t seem like the Foundation Establishment cultivators from the surrounding family forces and nothing suspicious was found on them, Lu Changsheng did not ask further.

He just reminded them to be more cautious in the future.

Afterward, he expressed concern for the other children and went with Lu Xian’er and others to inspect the Puppet Workshop and Equipment Refining Workshop.

Seeing that there was nothing else, Lu Changsheng returned to Bihu Mountain.

At this time, the news from White Tiger Mountain had also reached the ears of his wives, concubines, and children at home.

Like Lu Miaohuan, who, because her son Lu Qingsong was stationed at White Tiger Mountain, immediately sought out Lu Changsheng to inquire about the situation, even though she knew nothing had happened.

“Hehe.”

Lu Changsheng hugged his wife’s slender waist and assured her that their son, Lu Qingsong, was fine.

He also praised their son’s excellent performance in managing White Tiger Mountain in an orderly manner.

Perhaps the pressure from his elder brother Lu Qingshan or his desire to make his mother proud, Lu Qingsong had indeed been working hard and performing well in recent years.

Otherwise, if his abilities were inadequate, no matter the relationship with Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaohuan, LuuChangsheng would have replaced him at White Tiger Mountain long ago.

“Dad, what treasure was used to shoot down a Foundation Establishment cultivator with one arrow? Give me one too.”

After hearing the news, Lu Wangshu thought it was some kind of talisman or treasure and looked at her father with a flattering smile.

Her father was indeed too wealthy, always able to produce treasures she had never seen before.

And she never had enough of treasures.

“This was your elder brother’s true skill.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at his daughter and spoke.

“Ping’an?”

“Ping’an just broke through to Foundation Establishment recently, and he could already shoot down a Foundation Establishment cultivator with one arrow?”

Lu Miaohuan and the others were very surprised to hear this.

Their main impression of Lu Ping’an was from a few years ago when he broke through to Foundation Establishment.

They didn’t expect that shortly after breaking through, Lu Ping’an could kill a Foundation Establishment cultivator. It was astonishing.

“Ping’an has a few Artifacts I gave him, so his combat power is higher than that of an average Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t explain his extravagant behavior or Lu Ping’an’s encounter, he just said it simply.

After speaking, he looked at his daughter Lu Wangshu and said, “Keep cultivating well. When you break through to Foundation Establishment, I’ll prepare something for you.”

Lu Wangshu had reached the Ninth Level of Qi Refining six months ago.

She would probably attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment in four or five years.

“Dad, don’t worry. I’ll definitely strive to reach Foundation Establishment soon.”

Lu Wangshu, who had taken age-defying spirit pills, still looked like she was seventeen or eighteen years old, with a bright and innocent appearance.

The others, including Lu Miaohuan, heard this and did not ask more.

After all, their husband’s treasures were truly too many.

It was understandable that with the means given by Lu Changsheng, shooting down a Foundation Establishment cultivator with one arrow was possible.

Like Lu Miaohuan, she had given her son Lu Qingsong the Talisman Treasure Vermilion Bird Ring that Lu Changsheng had given her.

“Husband, back then Qingshan said he would go to the Heavenly Sword Sect to challenge after Foundation Establishment. Why haven’t we heard any news all these years?”

At this time, Lu Miaohuan recalled her eldest son Lu Qingshan and asked Lu Changsheng.

“Qingshan might be busy with other things. I have people keeping an eye on the Heavenly Sword Sect for any news.”

“As soon as Qingshan goes to the Heavenly Sword Sect to challenge, we’ll hear about it.”

Lu Changsheng replied warmly.

He had heard Lu Qingshan mention before that he was not only going to participate in the Five Sects Competition on behalf of the Golden Sun Sect but also planned to go to the Qingming Realm.

So many years had passed, and his son should have completed all these tasks.

However, based on Lu Qingshan’s current cultivation level, having just broken through to the Second Level of Foundation Establishment, Lu Changsheng guessed that his son hadn’t encountered any significant opportunities.

Of course, it was also possible that after breaking through to Foundation Establishment, Lu Qingshan spent most of his time on techniques or other aspects.

Heavenly Sword Sect.

As the overlord of the Jiang Kingdom and the only Nascent Soul-level force, the Heavenly Sword Sect naturally had an imposing presence.

Among the continuous majestic mountains, there were towering peaks everywhere, as straight as swords.

Some peaks had lush greenery and spiritual herbs planted all over, while others were shrouded in mist with pavilions and palaces built on them. Some had waterfalls flowing like silver dragons, grand and magnificent.

In the central area, a peak stood like a divine sword, piercing the sky, making people feel small and awed.

“Whoosh!”

A Divine Light Beam carrying a terrifying pressure descended outside the Heavenly Sword Sect.

As the glow dissipated, a giant Gourd appeared, on which stood a beautiful woman in her thirties, dressed in a luxurious red gown.

Beside her were a handsome young man with sword-like brows and starry eyes and a gentle and elegant young woman.

“So this is the Heavenly Sword Sect?”

The three people on the Gourd were Immortal Tian Yuan, Lu Qingshan, and Lu Qingzhu, who had come to the Heavenly Sword Sect to challenge.

Lu Qingshan gazed at the Heavenly Sword Sect in front of him, his eyes full of determination and fighting spirit.

He had naturally heard of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s great reputation.

He even thought of joining the Heavenly Sword Sect when he was young.

“Heavenly Sword Sect.”

Lu Qingzhu also looked at the first immortal sect of the Jiang Kingdom, constantly observing.

“I wonder what brings Immortal Tian Yuan here?”

The disciple guarding the gate of the Heavenly Sword Sect saw the three people and immediately greeted them respectfully.

Immortal Tian Yuan did not speak.

This ordinary gatekeeper disciple was not qualified to speak with her.

Soon, a sword light shot out from the Heavenly Sword Sect, revealing a stern-faced middle-aged man in his thirties.

He saw Immortal Tian Yuan and cupped his hands in salute: “What brings Immortal Tian Yuan to our Heavenly Sword Sect?”

“Greetings, Immortal Huangjian.”

Immortal Tian Yuan, unlike her usual lazy and casual self, was dignified and majestic, with a slight bow.

She then spoke, “I am here at the invitation of Jade Sword Zhenren to bring my disciple Lu Qingshan to challenge.”

“Challenge.”

Immortal Huangjian heard this and immediately looked at Lu Qingshan on the Gourd.

As a sword cultivator, he could tell at a glance that Lu Qingshan was a sword cultivator.

He had a sharp aura, with a stunning sword intent!

“What a promising sword cultivator!”

Immortal Huangjian praised.

Among sword cultivators, one could often gauge the depth of another’s skill through their aura and sword intent.

A swordsmanship genius like Lu Qingshan was as conspicuous as a torch in the night, easy to recognize.

No wonder he was invited by his senior brother to come and challenge.

“Immortal Tian Yuan, please wait a moment. I will notify Senior Brother Yujian to make arrangements for the young friend.”

Immortal Huangjian spoke.

For those who came to challenge, the Heavenly Sword Sect always took it seriously.

Those who dared to challenge the Heavenly Sword Sect and were invited to do so were all top talents!

Therefore, the Heavenly Sword Sect needed to make some preparations for such challenges.

It was impossible to send a few disciples up casually!

Not long after, a cold and stern boy of about fifteen or sixteen years old arrived.

He was Jade Sword Zhenren, who had once been in the Purple Secrets Realm.

After a simple greeting with Immortal Tian Yuan, he looked at Lu Qingshan and said, “It seems that young friend Qingshan’s swordsmanship has improved greatly over the years.”

He could see that Lu Qingshan’s sword intent was not only sharper but also carried an invincible aura!

This aura was very familiar to him.

It was the invincible aura cultivated through continuous victories!

“Young Lu Qingshan greets Jade Sword Zhenren!”

Lu Qingshan cupped his hands and saluted.

He remembered that this Jade Sword Zhenren had once waived his spiritual herb tribute, so he had a good impression of him.

“Immortal Tian Yuan, young friend Qingshan, please stay and rest first.”

“I will arrange for the challenge to take place in seven days.”

Jade Sword Zhenren led the three to a courtyard on a mountain peak in the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“Thank you, Immortal.”

Lu Qingshan cupped his hands in thanks.

After settling Lu Qingshan and Lu Qingzhu, Immortal Tian Yuan cupped her hands to Jade Sword Zhenren and said, “Jade Sword Zhenren, I hope your sect will not hold back in this challenge.”

Normally, when a disciple is outstanding, the master should be very pleased.

Indeed, Immortal Tian Yuan had become increasingly satisfied with her disciple Lu Qingshan over time.

But after the Purple Secrets Realm, the Five Sects Competition, and the Qingming Realm, Immortal Tian Yuan noticed a problem with her disciple’s mindset.

He was too arrogant, too proud.

This arrogance wasn’t reckless, but a deep-rooted pride.

He believed that among his peers, he was invincible and was convinced that he would be invincible in the world in the future!

Nothing in this world could make him retreat or fear!

This kind of attitude could be seen in many geniuses.

But Lu Qingshan’s case was particularly prominent.

Immortal Tian Yuan realized that Lu Qingshan’s mindset could lead to significant losses in the future.

And if he suffered a setback, it would be a huge one, possibly leading to his death.

After all, Divine Abilities can’t defeat destiny.

Not to mention that he’s just a Foundation Establishment cultivator, even Golden Core Formation masters or Nascent Soul True Lords could perish if they weren’t careful!

Lu Qingshan was only at the beginning of his cultivation journey, and he still had countless trials and dangers to face in his growth.

So on this trip to the Heavenly Sword Sect, although she told Lu Qingshan to be cautious,

in reality, she had already planned for the Heavenly Sword Sect to humble her disciple, tempering his arrogance.

She didn’t want him to go around thinking he was invincible and looking down on others.

“It’s normal for geniuses to have some arrogance. Immortal Tian Yuan, don’t worry.”

Jade Sword Zhenren naturally understood Immortal Tian Yuan’s meaning.

Which young genius isn’t arrogant?

Especially sword cultivators, who emphasize a decisive mindset and invincibility, making this even more pronounced.

He invited Lu Qingshan to the Heavenly Sword Sect for a challenge, also to use him to temper his own disciples, to let them know that there are always others better than them.

In the future, when they leave the sect, they should be wary and respectful of other cultivators.

“Thank you, Jade Sword Zhenren.”

Immortal Tian Yuan said seriously.

Her disciple was indeed exceptionally talented.

But she still had great respect for the Heavenly Sword Sect, with its deep foundations as a Nascent Soul-level sword sect.

She had even heard that this generation of the Heavenly Sword Sect had produced a genius with the ‘Supreme Sword Bone’.

“Hmm.”

Jade Sword Zhenren glanced at Lu Qingshan, who was laughing and joking with his sister Lu Qingzhu in the distance.

He felt that although Lu Qingshan had a stunning sword intent and an invincible aura, he seemed to have a good temperament.

He didn’t seem like an arrogant and conceited person who looked down on others.

He thought to himself that although Immortal Tian Yuan was a Golden Core Formation master, she didn’t understand sword cultivators.

Seven days later.

Heavenly Sword Sect, Challenge Platform.

Under the arrangements of Jade Sword Zhenren, the challenge of Lu Qingshan had already spread, and many disciples came to watch.

After all, challenges like this were a feature of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Such events occurred every few years, and even Golden Core Formation masters would come to observe.

If someone performed well during the challenge, they could receive rewards afterward.

“As expected of the Heavenly Sword Sect, truly extraordinary.”

Lu Qingshan saw the scene before him, where many Heavenly Sword Sect disciples in white sword robes gathered, and he praised.

The Heavenly Sword Sect was different from other sects.

All the disciples in the sect were sword cultivators, practicing sword techniques.

On a normal day, three or five, or ten or more together might be fine.

But now, with hundreds of sword cultivators gathered, each radiating a sharp aura, it was a different feeling.

“Brother, good luck!”

Lu Qingzhu cheered for her brother.

Although in Immortal Tian Yuan’s eyes, Lu Qingshan was too arrogant and looked down on others.

But in Lu Qingzhu’s eyes, her brother was the best in the world!

Even if she heard that her brother was arrogant, she would think that her brother was so powerful, not only improving rapidly in his cultivation but also mastering any sword technique or spell quickly. Wasn’t it normal to be a little arrogant?

“Haha, watch your brother’s performance.”

Lu Qingshan habitually ruffled his sister’s hair and grinned.

“Qingshan, remember what I told you.”

Immortal Tian Yuan reminded her disciple.

“Don’t worry, Master!”

Lu Qingshan knew that his master was telling him not to defeat his opponents with one strike and to give them some face.

He stepped onto the Challenge Platform, standing tall and imposing, cupped his hands toward the audience, and said, “Lu Qingshan of the Golden Sun Sect has come to challenge the Heavenly Sword Sect today. I ask for your guidance.”

After speaking, a golden Magical Sword appeared in his hand, and his entire body was enveloped in a soaring sword intent, as if he were about to tear the sky apart, displace the sun and moon, giving off an unstoppable aura.

“Hiss, what an astonishing sword intent!”

“What kind of sword intent is this?”

“Lu Qingshan of the Golden Sun Sect, I’ve heard of him. He won first place in the Five Sects Competition in the Yue Kingdom six years ago!”

“It’s him, the sword cultivator from the Purple Secrets Realm!”

“I didn’t expect him to come to our Heavenly Sword Sect to challenge.”

The Heavenly Sword Sect disciples saw Lu Qingshan on the Challenge Platform and immediately started discussing.

“This young man, at such a young age, has such a powerful sword intent!”

“To cultivate such sword intent at a young age, he must be exceptionally talented in swordsmanship.”

Several Heavenly Sword Sect masters came to observe the challenge and commented as they watched Lu Qingshan on the platform.

They all understood why Jade Sword Zhenren invited Lu Qingshan to challenge.

“Wu Jiu requests Lu Daoist’s guidance.”

Immediately, a figure in his thirties shot onto the Challenge Platform and coldly spoke to Lu Qingshan.

“I didn’t expect Senior Brother Wu to be the one to go up.”

“Lu Qingshan won first place in the Five Sects Competition, which is no small feat.”

“That’s right. If you go up without some strength, it’ll just be self-embarrassment.”

Immediately, a disciple spoke up, indicating that this Wu Jiu was no ordinary figure.

“Please.”

Lu Qingshan, dressed in the robes of the Golden Sun Sect, tall and straight, made a gesture of invitation.

Wu Jiu didn’t hesitate, summoning a sword orb to attack Lu Qingshan.

Although the challenge seemed informal, with several Golden Core Formation masters watching, there was no need to worry about any accidents during the process.

“Clang, clang, clang!”

Lu Qingshan faced the attacking sword orb with a calm expression, his Magical Sword slicing out beams of sword light.

The sword light clashed with the sword orb, sparks flying.

“Such sharp sword energy!”

Wu Jiu felt his life-bound sword orb tremble slightly after the first exchange, and his heart was filled with shock.

He didn’t dare to hesitate, immediately forming hand seals and attacking with full force.

But Lu Qingshan remained unmoved, his Magical Sword dancing lightly, effortlessly neutralizing his attacks.

Moments later, Lu Qingshan slashed out a sword light like a meteor striking the sun, sending the sword orb flying back, causing Wu Jiu’s face to turn pale and his steps to stagger.

“Hiss, so strong!”

“Wu Jiu had already gone all out, yet he couldn’t shake him at all.”

The Heavenly Sword Sect disciples below were amazed.

“Thank you for the match.”

Lu Qingshan looked at Wu Jiu and slightly cupped his hands.

“I lost.”

Wu Jiu took a deep breath, realizing that his strength was on a completely different level from his opponent.

As soon as he stepped down, a thin young man came onto the Challenge Platform.

“Luo Yijian, please give me your guidance!”

“It’s Senior Brother Luo. Although he’s at the Third Level of Foundation Establishment, his Divine Sense is incredibly strong, and he practices the Myriad Swords Technique, able to control thirty-six flying swords!”

“I’ve heard that Senior Brother Luo once used thirty-six flying swords to suppress a mid-Foundation Establishment demon cultivator!”

“…”

Lu Qingshan heard these discussions, his sword-like brows slightly raised, his expression calm, as he made a gesture of invitation.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!”

Luo Yijian didn’t hesitate, tapping his Storage Bag, and a series of three-inch flying swords shot out, each glowing with seven colors, striking at Lu Qingshan.

Although most of the flying swords were just Artifacts, their power was still formidable.

“Good timing.”

Seeing this, Lu Qingshan’s Magical Sword danced, layers of sword energy swirling around him like a vortex, forming a sword energy shield that enveloped him, the sharp sword energy rising and falling.

“Clang, clang, clang—”

The flying swords clashed with Lu Qingshan’s sword energy shield, producing a series of crisp sounds and sparks.

Then, strands of sword light from Lu Qingshan’s body wrapped around the flying swords like small snakes, clashing continuously, causing the flying swords to dim in the process.

“I lost.”

Seeing this, Luo Yijian realized that if his opponent hadn’t shown mercy, his flying swords would have been shattered.

“Where’s Senior Brother Luo’s sword formation? Why didn’t he use it?”

“Lu Qingshan’s swordsmanship has reached the level of Sword Qi Manifestation. Under his sword energy, Senior Brother Luo’s sword formation couldn’t even take shape.”

“Sword Qi Manifestation? Isn’t he only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment?”

“Good, good, good! Sword Qi Manifestation, interesting. Let me test you!”

The Heavenly Sword Sect disciples saw this and started discussing again, and another person stepped up.

“Hiss, it’s Senior Brother Zhao!”

“This should be stable now!”

“But Lu Qingshan is only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. Senior Brother Zhao has already reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Even if he wins, it’s not fair.”

“Since it’s a challenge, Senior Brother Zhao will naturally suppress his power to the early stage of Foundation Establishment.”

Seeing the middle-aged man on stage, someone immediately spoke up.

This middle-aged man was different from the previous two. He held a Magical Sword and fought with a wide-open, aggressive sword style.

But at the beginning, they seemed evenly matched. After a few rounds, Lu Qingshan’s attacks became more fierce, making it difficult for Senior Brother Zhao to defend, and he had to use his mid-Foundation Establishment power to admit defeat.

For a moment, the Heavenly Sword Sect disciples noticed something unusual.

They realized that Lu Qingshan was deliberately engaging in a few rounds with each person before truly attacking and defeating them.

Otherwise, if he could defeat Senior Brother Zhao so easily, the previous two, Wu Jiu and Luo Yijian, wouldn’t have been able to withstand a few of his strikes.

Faced with this situation, some were amazed at Lu Qingshan’s strength, while others were displeased, feeling that they were being looked down upon.

“It seems I’ve underestimated this boy’s strength.”

Jade Sword Zhenren watched Lu Qingshan on the Challenge Platform and immediately understood why Immortal Tian Yuan had asked the Heavenly Sword Sect not to hold back.

Because with Lu Qingshan’s strength, their ordinary disciples were indeed no match for him.

Immediately, he sent a voice transmission to a disciple: “Han Jing, suppress your cultivation to the early stage of Foundation Establishment and test Lu Qingshan.”

He then sent another voice transmission, instructing someone to summon a few of the sect’s Golden Core Formation seeds.