Chapter 382: Condensing Yuan Dan, and the Jin Clan’s Ceremony!

“By the way, husband, a few days ago, Xu Fairy came by. She mentioned that the Beast Taming Xu Family has started focusing on us, investigating our situation.”

At that moment, Lu Miaoyun continued, her facetinged with worry.

She couldn’t understand how out of nowhere, their family caught the attention of the Beast Taming Xu Family.

She wasn’t concerned about Jinlong Ridge, knowing how capable her husband was.

But when it came to this massive presence, the Beast Taming Xu Family, their family’s strength seemed insufficient.

“Xu Ruoyin?”

When Lu Changsheng heard this, he connected it to the incident with Xu Ge.

He thought to himself that Xu Ruoyin, always in the Beast Taming Xu Family, was finally proving useful.

“Did she say anything else?”

Lu Changsheng inquired.

“No, only that something might have happened in the Xu Family. They’re paying attention to our family, so we should be more careful.”

Lu Miaoyun shook her head as se spoke.

“It seems the Xu Family isn’t suspecting me yet. It’s probably because Xu Ge tried to ambush me outside, but ended up dead, drawing the Xu Family’s attention to Bihu Mountain.”

Lu Changsheng thought quietly.

Then he picked up his tea, took a small sip, and said, “Alright, don’t worry about this matter.”

“Okay.”

Lu Miaoyun softly responded.

After chatting briefly, Lu Changsheng got up to check on their children.

He then used the Profound Mirror of the Dao to examine their situation.

If it weren’t for the fact that his wives’ cultivation levels were too low, he would have passed on this Profound Mirror of the Dao to them.

After finishing his tasks, Lu Changsheng returned to the Hall of Everlasting Life, where he released the seals on the Nine Treasures Dao Bone to refine his blood essence and consolidate his cultivation.

Hall of Everlasting Life.

“Whew!”

Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, slowly exhaling a breath of turbid air.

His dual cultivation sessions with Yun Wanshang had been greatly beneficial for him.

His cultivation level had now reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.

Whenever he wished, he could attempt Golden Core Formation.

“Everything is ready now. All I need is spiritual veins.”

Lu Changsheng muttered to himself.

When others reach the peak of Foundation Establishment and aim to form a Golden Core, they worry about Condensing Crystal Pills, spiritual treasures, and more.

They might spend half their lives searching for one or two spiritual items, only to miss the best age for a breakthrough, losing the chance for Golden Core Formation, or even perishing in the process.

He had long since gathered everything he needed.

Not only did he have the Top-Tier Condensing Crystal Pill!

He also had the ‘Five Elements Spirit Fruit,’ a Top-Tier spiritual item dubbed the ‘Golden Fruit’ for forming a Golden Core!

Paired with the Taiyi Dao Seed, which could also count as a Top-Tier spiritual item, and four other general spiritual items for core formation.

In terms of skills and techniques, he had the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra to boost his chances and the Yin-Yang Origin Pill Method to improve the quality!

Besides that, he possessed several Spirit Bodies.

Some like the Minor Spirit Body and the Metal-attribute spiritual body weren’t very significant.

But the Immaculate Heavenly Fragrance Body and the Dragon Chant Physique would surely assist in core formation!

Given these circumstances, Lu Changsheng wasn’t worried about success. He only focused on quality!

For this reason, he knew the atmospheric spiritual energy he would need for core formation would be immense.

He needed to enhance the household’s spiritual veins to ensure success!

“I wonder how long Caiyun Zhenren needs to cultivate?”

Before this, Lu Changsheng hadn’t felt any urgency.

But with core formation within reach, he grew eager. All he needed was to strengthen the spiritual veins, refine his Yuan Dan, and he could attain core formation. His impatience was growing.

However, Yun Wanshang’s situation kept him from making that breakthrough now.

After all, breaking into Golden Core Formation after only fifty years would be too shocking, likely attracting unnecessary trouble.

“Better start with condensing the Yuan Dan first.”

Without overthinking, Lu Changsheng began practicing the Yin-Yang Origin Pill Method, attempting to condense the Yuan Dan.

Though this core-formation method was powerful, it required a lot of time.

“Buzz!”

Seated cross-legged, Lu Changsheng activated the Yin-Yang Origin Pill Method.

In his Dantian, the elemental lake roared and bubbled as it compressed the liquid Qi, pushing it toward solidification.

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh!”

At the same time, countless strands of spiritual energy rushed toward Lu Changsheng, forming a small vortex of spiritual energy above his head.

The Yin-Yang Origin Pill Method simulated the process of Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Formation, compressing and condensing liquid Qi to the utmost to form individual Yuan Dans.

Then, when the core formation attempt was made, all these Yuan Dans would merge into one, aiming for an Immortal Golden Core!

One month later.

Looking at the ping-pong-ball-sized black-and-white Yuan Dan in his Dantian, Lu Changsheng smiled.

This was the Yin-Yang Origin Pill Method’s Yuan Dan!

At first glance, it looked quite ordinary.

But on closer inspection, one could see a faint flow of Yin and Yang, giving it a sense of profoundness.

“Although this Yuan Dan didn’t elevate my foundation or improve my cultivation,”

“Encountering danger, I can convert it back into Qi, which is quite handy.”

Lu Changsheng quietly experienced the Yuan Dan, sensing its pure and rich Yin-Yang Qi.

He didn’t think too much, beginning to condense the second Yuan Dan.

The Yin-Yang Origin Pill Method is minor achievement at nine Dans and major achievement at thirty-six.

One can keep pushing further.

But the more Yuan Dans formed, the harder it becomes.

Each Yuan Dan isn’t isolated.

They must interconnect to form a whole.

Only in this way can they seamlessly integrate during core formation.

In the days that followed, Lu Changsheng focused on practicing the Yin-Yang Origin Pill Method at home.

With the system’s technique infusion, third-level body tempering, third-level Divine Sense, and Sumeru feeding him spiritual energy, forming the Yuan Dan was quite easy.

It took him roughly half a month to form just one.

Ordinary cultivators, though, would likely face multiple struggles and might even fail during the process.

But Lu Changsheng didn’t remain in seclusion completely.

After forming each Yuan Dan, he would step out of his Cave Dwelling to check on his family.

Having not seriously secluded himself in years, he wasn’t used to the harsh lifestyle of reclusive cultivation.

He would often look for a break after completing his tasks.

And since he was preparing for core formation, Lu Changsheng decided to take advantage of the time to have a few more children.

Once he succeeds in core formation, the difficulty of having children increases significantly.

However, the offspring born at that time would likely possess Spirit Roots and exceptional talent.

Moreover, these children would probably inherit his bloodline, with a higher likelihood of producing future Spirit-rooted descendants.

During this period, Xiao Xiyue visited Bihu Mountain.

But for some reason, whenever he saw her, Lu Changsheng felt a bit guilty.

During their dual cultivation, he couldn’t help but think of Caiyun Zhenren and wonder.

One day, Lu Miaoyun informed Lu Changshng that Jin Zan had successfully formed a False Core in Nine Heavens Immortal City and was acknowledged as a False Core Immortal.

“Are you sure it’s a False Core?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

“Yes, according to the reports, when Jin Zan formed his core, the vortex of spiritual energy and colorful clouds only spanned a mile. Many people saw it, so it couldn’t be faked.”

Lu Miaoyun said softly.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

If no concealing methods are used while forming a core, the quality can typically be assessed by the vortex.

And Nine Heavens Immortal City definitely wouldn’t help Jin Zan hide anything.

This shows that Immortal Cities have advantages and disadvantages when forming cores.

The advantage is that the city protects the core-forming process from interference or attacks.

But the downside is that the process is fully visible to others.

“Is he still in Nine Heavens Immortal City or has he returned to Jinlong Ridge?”

Lu Changsheng continued to ask.

“There’s no information on that.”

Lu Miaoyun shook her head.

Though Bihu Mountain had established some intelligence networks,

it could only gather relatively simple information.

“Alright, Yun’r, keep an eye on Jinlong Ridge. Let me know if anything happens.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and said, planning to take action first.

He intended to find an opportunity to deal with Jin Patriarch or Jin Zan to prevent the Jin Family from causing trouble.

Right now, he just wanted to cultivate in peace, not get tangled up with the Jin Family.

“Don’t worry, husband.”

Lu Miaoyun replied with a swee smile.

There was no need for Lu Changsheng to remind her. She had already ordered the family to monitor Jinglong Ridge.

“Though wiping out Jin Zan right after killing Xu Ge might attract the Xu Family’s attention to me.”

Lu Changsheng suddenly realized a potential issue.

A mere False Core would be easy to kill.

If he got an opportunity, he could take them out in one strike.

But the problem was that Xu Ge had come to Bihu Mountain a while back, only to die mysteriously.

If a similar incident happened at Jinlong Ridge and, given their grudge, the Xu Family might suspect him.

Even though he had Caiyun Zhenren as a backer,

the Immortal wouldn’t start a conflict with the Beast Taming Xu Family over him, likely just giving a warning.

“I need another identity so they wouldn’t link it to me.”

Lu Changsheng’s eyes narrowed, and he asked his son, Lu Yun, for information on any notorious wanted demonic cultivators.

Or perhaps in Jin Kingdom, Yue Kingdom, a famous demon cultivator or bandit?

“Demonic cultivators? Rogue cultivators?”

Lu Yun was surprised, wondering why his father would ask about them.

Without asking further, he immediately went to collect and organize these details for Lu Changsheng.

A few days later, Lu Changsheng examined the Jade Scroll his son had compiled.

It contained information on demonic and rogue cultivators wanted throughout the Jiang Kingdom.

Nangong Mili and Meng Xiaochan were prominently listed.

It’s clear that most of these warrants served more as deterrence.

Unless the Four Immortal Sects invested significant resources to engage a diviner and set up a trap.

Otherwise, it was nearly impossible for regular cultivators to report and capture these criminals.

After a while, Lu Changsheng found an identity suitable for disguise.

Hua Ziyi!

This woman was originally an elder in the Phantom Sound Gate but defected for unknown reasons.

When she reappeared, she had formed a False Core and even killed a False Core Immortal of Phantom Sound Gate.

But what really caught Lu Changsheng’s attention wasn’t Hua Ziyi herself.

It was the body cultivator who accompanied her.

Details of this body cultivator’s identity weren’t recorded.

It only noted that Hua Ziyi survived the battle against the Phantom Sound Gate’s False Core Immortal thanks to this body cultivator.

“Body cultivation and charm techniques, isn’t that a perfect match?”

Lu Changsheng thought of his Thousand-Faced Fox Puppet.

If he acted together with the puppet, no one would suspect him.

As for why these two would show up in the Qingyun region, or why they would kill Jin Zan or Jin Patriarch, does it really matter?

They’re already demon cultivators. It’s not unusual to kill a False Core Immortal out of spite, right?

But ambushing them would be no easy task.

He realized there’s an art to staking out someone, requiring great patience.

Xu Ge had staked him out for months outside Bihu Mountain.

Lu Changsheng had never done such laborious work before.

“Forget it. As long as the Jin Family makes a move, they’ll have to step out.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t dwell on it.

Given Jin Zan’s recent False Core breakthrough, he would likely make a big move once he stabilized his cultivation.

When that time comes, the opportunity will present itself.

A month later, Lu Changsheng received an invitation.

In half a year, Chief Elder Jin Zan of Jinlong Ridge would hold a Golden Core Formation Ceremony, inviting nearby families and factions.

“Tsk tsk tsk, a core formation ceremony.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the invitation and clicked his tongue.

While False Core Immortals are no Golden Core Immortals in the eyes of higher-level cultivators,

to the surrounding families and factions, a False Core is a figure they can only look up to.

Once news of this ceremony spreads, neighboring families will surely be on edge.

“Miaoge, let’s go together when the time comes.”

Lu Changsheng mentioned this to his wife, Lu Miaoge..

He planned to attend the core formation ceremony with her to observe the Jin Family’s attitude.

And perhaps see if there’s a chance to take out Jin Zan or Jin Patriarch.

“Alright.”

Lu Miaoge, holding their son u Qingxian, softly responded.

Though their son was young, his personality resembled their daughter Lu Qingzhu’s during her childhood, calm and quiet.

Their daughter, Lu Qingqi, on the other hand, was as mischievous as Lu Qingshan.

A few days later.

Lu Yuanzhong, Bai Yunyang, and patriarchs from families like Tiemulin’s Mo Family, and Creekwater’s Ning Family came to Bihu Mountain to seek Lu Changsheng’s thoughts on the core formation ceremony hosted by the Jin Family.

These families were allied with one another.

Though the White Tiger Mountain incident was over ten years ago,

they knew that now that Jin Zan had reached False Core, he would likely begin expanding, probably targeting White Tiger Mountain.

If Jinlong Ridge took it over, Tiemulin and Creekwater’s Ning Family would live in constant fear.

“Don’t worry. Miaoge and I have both broken through to mid-stage Foundation Establishment. With our dual cultivation method, we can face a False Core Immortal head-on.”

Lu Changsheng, dressed in flowing robes and gentle in demeanor, calmly stated.

“Gasp!”

“Gasp!”

“Gasp!”

The patriarchs in the hall were all shocked, sucking in cold breaths.

Though they had guessed as much after Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge defeated Jin Zan yeers before, hearing it confirmed was still shocking.

After all, achieving such strength at mid-stage Foundation Establishment could rival a False Core.

What would happen if they reached Late-Stage Foundation Establishment?

Seeing Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge attain mid-stage Foondation Establishment at their age, everyone believed they had a good chance of reaching Late-Stage.

At that moment, everyone looked at them with a mix of reverence.

After discussing, the families departed.

Lu Yuanzhong didn’t immediately leave. He wanted to discuss another matter with Lu Changsheng.

At Qingzhu Mountain, a third Foundation Establishment cultivator had emerged, though it hadn’t been publicly announced.

Lu Yuanzhong was contemplating acquiring a second spiritual land.

His idea was to have Lu Chenghua lead a branch family to a remote area, finding an unclaimed spiritual land to develop from scratch.

After all, there were only so many ways to acquire spiritual land.

You could either develop it, buy it, or take it by force.

Buying was out of the question,

and while taking by force was possible with Qingzhu Mountain’s strength,

but with the close ties between Qingzhu Mountain and Bihu Mountain, they were inseparable.

Any significant action from Qingzhu Mountain would undoubtedly be linked to Bihu Mountain, inviting suspicion.

Bihu Mountain was already under significant scrutiny from various factions.

If Qingzhu Mountain took any bold actions, it might bring trouble to both sides.

“Developing.”

Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes when he heard this.

He had researched spiritual land development early on.

He knew that for most families, development was the only option.

“Uncle, Chenghua recently broke through to Foundation Establishment, so there’s no need to rush.”

“It would be better to wait until he reaches the third layer or mid-stage Foundation Establishment before considering it.”

Lu Changsheng suggested.

After all, developing new land wasn’t easy; even Foundation Establishment cultivators faced risks.

“I was just thinking aloud, seeking your advice.”

Lu Yuanzhong replied.

But he hadn’t revealed his other concern.

Their association with Bihu Mountain was too close.

If something happened to Bihu Mountain one day, Qingzhu Mountain too would face annihilation.

If Lu Chenghua were to establish a branch in a remote area, it would ensure a bloodline survived even in dire times.

But he kept these thoughts to himself, making a contingency plan.

“I don’t know much about that area. You should make the decision, Uncle.”

Lu Changsheng said quietly, not intending to meddle in Qingzhu Mountain’s affairs.

Three months later.

Yun Wanshang sent word, asking for Lu Changsheng’s help with her cultivation.

Lu Changsheng quickly submerged the Yuan Dans he had cultivated into his Dantian.

As long as Yun Wanshang didn’t use her Divine Sense to inspect his Dantian, she wouldn’t notice the Yuan Dans.

During this cultivation session, Lu Changsheng inquired about how much longer her cultivation would take.

Yun Wanshang estimated about three more months of cultivation.

Afterward, perhaps one more session would suffice.

“So soon?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised.

Though his Yin-Yang Dual Qi had the effect of nurturing Golden Cores, it was very subtle.

He thought it would take years of effort.

But then he understood the reason.

According to his knowledge from the Soul Dao Dream, the Spirit-Connecting Essence body could nurture spiritual energy through dual cultivation.

Though his Yin-Yang Dual Qi wasn’t the same as the Spirit-Connecting Essence,

they were closely related, likely allowing the Immortal to absorb and grow her spiritual energy, nurturing her Golden Core.

Over the past half-year, she was not only helping him cultivate but also deepening her own.

Realizing this, Lu Changsheng was pleased.

He was really worried Yun Wanshang would drag him into years-long cultivation sessions, which might numb him.

But this time, after two months of cultivation, Lu Changsheng had to return early for the Jin Family’s core formation ceremony, cutting it short.

Yun Wanshang didn’t say much about it, just quietly agreeing before leaving as a beam of light.

“Let’s go, Miaoge.”

After returning to Bihu Mountain, when the day for the Jin Family’s ceremony arrived, Lu Changsheng set off with Lu Miaoge to Jinlong Ridge tooattend.