Chapter 385: Children Break Through Foundation Establishment, Heaven and Earth Spirit Embryo!

Jinlong Ridge.

“Lu Changsheng went to Monkey Mountain alone.”

When Jin Patriarch received this report, his eyes narrowed, becoming sharp and deep.

Since the Golden Core ceremony, when he saw Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge suppress Jin Zan tooether, his heart grew murderous, and he considered secretly eliminating them both.

If he allowed them to grow any further, it would be too terrifying.

Now, hearing that Lu Changsheng went out alone without Lu Miaoge, his killing intenttsurged.

“This kid got the Talisman Making Inheritance. The Third-Tier Talismans Ling Zixiao used back then are probably related to him. If he still has Third-Tier Talismans in hand…”

Jin Patriarch unconsciously clenched his fists, feeling indecisive.

If Lu Changsheng mysteriously died near Monkey Mountain, many would suspect the Jin Family.

If Bihu Mountain then openly broke off relations with their Jinlong Ridge, the Jin Family would suffer greatly.

But what he feared most was failing to kill Lu Changsheng in one strike.

After all, Lu Changsheng’s rise over the past decades and his various methods forced him to be cautious.

Moreover, he had witnessed the power of Lu Changsheng’s Talisman Formation firsthand.

If he couldn’t kill Lu Changsheng immediately, it would become very difficult to do so later.

“This kid might be boldly going to Monkey Mountain, just to tempt me to take action.”

After much deliberation, Jin Patriarch concealed his killing intent and decided to give up.

He planned to wait until he acquired something that could counter talismans or ensure a one-hit kill, preventing Lu Changsheng’s escape, before making a move.

“Hmph, let this kid be arrogant for a while longer!”

Jin Patriarch’s expression turned icy cold.

At this moment, Lu Changsheng was unaware of Jin Patriarch’s thoughts.

After patrolling around Monkey Mountain with Lu Xian’er, he returned to White Tiger Mountain, disguised himself, and went to Jinlong Ridge with the Thousand-Faced Fox Puppet to wait for someone.

Though he had gravely injured Jin Zan earlier and the Jin Family likely wouldn’t act soon,

Lu Changsheng knew the Jin Family and Jin Zan well enough to realize they wouldn’t let this slide.

To be on the safe side, he decided to eliminate at least one of the Jin Family’s False Core experts.

But after half a month, Lu Changsheng gave up.

It was too exhausting!

He had to stay alert constantly, using Divine Sense to check if any passerby was Jin Patriarch or Jin Zan in disguise.

“I’ll wait until the Jin Family makes a move.”

Lu Changsheng sighed.

In all his years of cultivation, he had never done something so tiring.

Besides, Jin Zan had been gravely injured and wouldn’t go out for a while.

He was likely at home recovering, cultivating Divine Abilities, or nurturing his Magical Treasure.

And Jin Patriarch rarely went out, so Lu Changsheng didn’t know when his target would show up.

Bihu Mountain.

“What? Immortal Qingluan disappeared?”

When Lu Changsheng returned to the Lu Family Mansion, he heard this shocking news while chatting with his wife.

“Yes. Everyone initially suspected that Immortal Qingluan was severely injured, so she didn’t show up.”

“But over the past year, many forces have tested Qingluan Immortal City. Even Bai Feng Immortal, who previously challenged her, has called her out, yet she hasn’t appeared.”

“Now rumors are spreading that Immortal Qingluan might have left the Jiang Kingdom to seek opportunities in a fourth-rank immortal city to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.”

Lu Miaoyun spoke softly.

“Leaving the Jiang Kingdom to seek an opportunity to break through to Nascent Soul…”

Lu Changsheng found this highly plausible.

He had discussed this with Li Feiyu back in the day, knowing that Immortal Qingluan was already three or four hundred years old.

If she didn’t attempt to advance to the Nascent Soul stage soon, her condition might decline, affecting her breakthrough chances.

And staying in Qingluan Immortal City, she had no hope of breaking through to Nascent Soul.

Only by leaving for a fourth-rank immortal city to seek opportunities could she hope to break through.

“Immortal Qingluan has amassed an enormous fortune over these centuries since founding Qingluan Immortal City.”

“And with her strength, if she wishes to join a force, several Nascent Soul-level powers would likely extend an olive branch, offering her a fourth-rank spiritual vein.”

Lu Changsheng explained.

The Heavenly Sword Sect wouldn’t want to see Immortal Qingluan break through to Nascent Soul.

But other Nascent Soul-level forces in different cultivation nations might be willing to extend an olive branch.

“What’s the current situation in Qingluan Immortal City?”

Lu Changsheng continued asking.

Without Immortal Qingluan to oversee it, Qingluan Immortal City might fall into others’ hands.

This made him worry about his good friend Li Feiyu.

He had previously sent a letter to Li Feiyu in Qingluan Immortal City.

Li Feiyu had reassured him, saying he would stay alert.

“Now, the rumors are growing, causing unrest in Qingluan Immortal City. Many rogue cultivators are leaving, but no force has taken action against the city yet.”

“However, if Immortal Qingluan continues to stay out of sight, within a few years, some force will definitely make a move against the city.”

Lu Miaoyun said softly, her toe tinged with regret.

When she was young, she had heard of Qingluan Immortal City as a holy land for rogue cultivators.

She once wanted to visit this immortal city.

But now all she hears is news of its imminent decline.

“And there are also rumors that as many rogue cultivators have moved to the Spirit Control Sect’s Market, the influx has led to frequent robberies, and it’s deteriorating security in that sect’s territory.”

Lu Miaoyun continued.

Though Qingluan Immortal City’s situation hadn’t affected Azure Cloud Sect yet,

the neighboring Spirit Control Sect was already being affected.

“Sigh, the cultivation world never truly knows peace.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head, sighing.

In the Jiang Kingdom cultivation world, the Spirit Control Sect, being near the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, already had the worst security and most robberies.

Now, with the instability from Qingluan Immortal City, the security there has worsened. Many cultivators may flee to Azure Cloud Sect, Sunset Glow Sect, or Heavenly Sword Sect’s territories.

Time flew by, and half a year passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Lu Changsheng stayed home, cultivating the Yin-Yang Origin Pill Method and condensed six more Yuan Dans.

As for the Monkey Mountain matter, the Tao family eventually agreed to provide the method for cultivating and planting the fruit trees, along with their family’s fruit wine brewing inheritance.

However, they also demanded, besides a Top-Tier second-rank talisman-making inheritance, three Top-Tier second-rank talismans.

Lu Changsheng naturally refused to agree to such a demand, only giving them one Top-Tier second-rank talisman.

As if Top-Tier second-rank talismans were as common as cabbage!

He then sent a message to Zhao Qingqing,

asking her to help look after the spiritual fruit trees on Monkey Mountain.

He wanted to see if there were any areas for improvement in their cultivation methods.

Additionally, Lu Changsheng renamed Monkey Mountain to Flower and Fruit Mountain.

Many families resist renaming because people won’t recognize the new name. You have to explain the old name over and over, taking years, even decades, for the new name to be known.

But Lu Changsheng didn’t care.

He didn’t need anyone to remember Flower and Fruit Mountain.

“Father.”

One day, Lu Qingxian approached Lu Changsheng,

saying he was ready to attempt Foundation Establishment whenever.

“Hmm. Since you’re ready, let’s begin.”

Lu Changsheng noticed his son’s spiritual energy was perfectly balanced, calm and composed. He nodded in approval.

He didn’t ask his son to go to Sumeru Cave Heaven for the breakthrough.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to share the secret of Sumeru Cave Heaven.

It’s just that for years, no one in the Lu Family had ever publicly undergone Foundation Establishment.

As the four-Tier Spirit Root genius, and a concubine’s son, everyone in the family knew of Lu Qingxian.

So, Lu Changsheng wanted him to break through at Biyun Peak, making a bit of a spectacle, setting an example for the family’s wives, concubines, and children.

As for the trouble that another Foundation Establishment cultivator in the family might bring, Lu Changsheng wasn’t too concerned.

Compared to defeating Jin Zan with Lu Miaoge, this wouldn’t attrrct much attention.

“Yes, Father.”

Seeing his father’s casual attitude toward his Foundation Establishment, Lu Qingxian felt a bit disappointed.

But remembering his father’s high level of achievement, he figured a mere Foundation Establishment might not be worth much in his father’s eyes.

“Don’t feel too much pressure. Foundation Establishment is just the beginning of cultivation.”

Lu Changsheng patted his son’s shoulder, speaking warmly.

“Yes, Father!”

Lu Qingxian nodded resolutely.

Then, the two went to the back mountain, where Lu Qingxian sat cross-legged, his expression solemn as he began cultivating, using the Nine Thunder Fire Techniques to attempt Foundation Establishment.

Lu Changsheng stayed by his side to protect him.

As a father, he normally didn’t show much concern for his children, but he would accompany and watch over them during important moments like this.

After all, even if he had explained the points of caution, mistakes could still happen during Foundation Establishment.

By being beside him, Lu Changsheng could correct any errors immediately.

This was one of the benefits of having a master or elder to protect!

After a while, Lu Qingxian felt his energy, spirit, and state of being were full, reaching their peak. Without hesitation, he consumed the Top-Tier Foundation Establishment Pill.

“Boom!”

The spiritual energy in his dantian surged and roared, flooding his body like a tidal wave. The celestial energy around him began spiraling into his body rapidly.

“It’s begun.”

Lu Changsheng quietly watched his son’s Foundation Establishment.

At only thirty-five years old, cultivating the side-path technique Nine Thunder Fire Techniques, and with the Foundation Establishment Pill, there shouldn’t be any problems with crossing the three stages of Foundation Establishment.

And knowing his son had little experience and his character might be underdeveloped, Lu Changsheng prepared a spiritual item for Divine Sense Foundation Establishment to ensure there would be no mistakes.

Suddenly, a system notification sounded in Lu Changsheng’s mind, with a surge of pure, intense spiritual power flowing into his body.

[Congratulations to the host’s five descendants for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Bloodline Effect Obtained: Descendants’ Spirit Body Inheritance Rate increased by 1%. High-level lottery opportunity received!]

“Hmm?”

Lu Changsheng was stunned, unable to comprehend for a moment.

What was going on?

Didn’t Lu Qingxian just start the qi and blood stage? How did he already break through to Foundation Establishment?

Instantly, he realized it was another child who had broken through.

“Who?”

At this moment, Lu Changsheng honestly didn’t know which child had broken through.

After all, he currently had seven children at the Ninth Level of Qi Refining, four of them away from home.

Moments later, Lu Changsheng knew which child had made the breakthrough.

[Name: Lu Qingzhu]

[Longevity: 41/231]

[Talent: Seventh-Tier Spirit Root]

[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Level One]

[Ability: Talisman-making Compatibility (35%)]

“So, Qingzhu broke through to Foundation Establishment.”

Seeing that his daughter Lu Qingzhu had broken through, Lu Changsheng’s eyes softened with tenderness and satisfaction.

Given that she only had a Seventh-Tier Spirit Root, breaking through Foundation Establishment was no easy feat.

Seeing his daughter break through, Lu Changsheng felt immense joy and wanted to share the news with his wife, Lu Miaoge..

But it would be impossible to explain such a thing to her.

“I wonder if Qingshan and Qingzhu will return later.”

He felt some longing in his heart.

These two children had always been deeply cherished by him.

But because they had gone to the Golden Sun Sect, they had only reunited twice in over thirty years.

Actually, regarding Lu Qingshan, Lu Changsheng didn’t mind much.

He believed this son’s personality was suited for roaming outside.

But he had always worried and felt protective over his daughter, Lu Qingzhu, fearing she might be bullied outside, hoping she could stay safe at home.

But since the siblings relied on each other outside, he couldn’t just ask Lu Qingshan to stay out while bringing Lu Qingzhu home.

“But with Qingshan with her, Qingzhu shouldn’t have been bullied.”

Lu Changsheng thought, reassuring himself as he exhaled softly. He didn’t dwell on sentimental thoughts and focused his attention back on Lu Qingxian.

Time passed slowly.

Lu Qingxian completed the three stages of Foundation Establishment. The vaporized liquid spiritual energy in his dantian began forming the Dao Foundation.

“The three stages of Foundation Establishment… other than the Divine Sense stage, which was slightly lacking, the other two were flawless.”

Lu Changsheng’s expression remained calm, understanding that this son would form a flawless Dao Foundation.

A flawless Dao Foundation was already very good.

To form a perfect Dao Foundation, not only would his character need further tempering, but he would also need countless Natural Treasures to refine his body, spiritual energy, and foundation.

Of course, if Lu Changsheng was willing to let him consume the Five Elements Spirit Fruit, he might stand a chance to form a perfect Dao Foundation.

But with the Five Elements Fruit Tree still not planted, Lu Changsheng wasn’t extravagant enough to consider that.

“Shoooom—”

As the three stages of Foundation Establishment were completed, the celestial energy surged and formed a spiritual energy vortex several feet wide in the sky above the mountain.

“Hmm, what’s going on?”

“That’s a spiritual energy vortex; someone’s breaking through to Foundation Establishment!”

“Foundation Establishment… who in the family is breaking through?”

“Is it Qingxuan or Wangshu—or perhaps one of the concubines?”

The abnormality in the celestial energy instantly caught the attention of many at Bihu Mountain, who looked toward the hillside behind Biyun Peak, whispering to each other, their eyes filled with envy, anticipation, and excitement.

After all, the addition of another Foundation Establishment cultivator in the family was a significant event.

Especially since Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge had recently won Mookey Mountain from the Jin Family, the family needed a Foundation Establishment cultivator to oversee it.

“Xuan’er…”

On a tower, Shao Yuyao, dressed in a pale yellow palace dress with her black hair neatly tied into an elegant bun, clenched her handkerchief tightly. Her gentle face was full of tension as she looked toward the back mountain.

She knew her son, Lu Qingxian, was the one attempting Foundation Establishment.

Although Bihu Mountain now had several Foundation Establishment cultivators,

and Foundation Establishment cultivators were no longer as unreachable to her as they once were,

her heart was still full of hope and excitement for her son’s breakthrough.

“It looks like it should be a flawless Dao Foundation.”

In the Lu Family Mansion, Lu Miaoge murmured softly as he observed the spiritual energy vortex.

Then, she gently said to Lu Wangshu beside her, “Wangshu, are you close to breaking through to Foundation Establishment?”

“Father said I shouldn’t rush the breakthrough and should get familiar with the spirit patterns before attempting Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Wangshu responded weakly while playing with Lu Qingxian.

Over the years, seeing Lu Lingxiao’s rapid cultivation progress, she worried that one day he might surpass her.

So she wanted to break through Foundation Establishment soon to maintain her authority as the elder sister, but her father wouldn’t allow it.

“Your father only thinks of your long-term benefit. The Nine-Nine Mysterious Talisman Scripture is a technique that advances slowly but steadily.”

Lu Miaoge said warmly..

She knew that the daughter before her was a true talent.

As soon as she broke through Foundation Establishment, her accumulated foundation would likely rival that of her brother Lu Qingshan.

And so, under everyone’s watchful eyes and discussions, half a month passed.

On that day, the spiritual energy vortex over the back of Biyun Peak dissipated, leaving a faint rainbow.

“The spiritual energy has turned into a rainbow—it’s a successful breakthrough!”

“Besides our eldest brother, we have another Foundation Establishment cultivator in the family!”

“Foundation Establishment… Our family still has Foundation Establishment Pills. If I can just cultivate to the peak of the Ninth Level of Qi Refining quickly, I could also achieve Foundation Establishment!”

“I wonder if there will be any Foundation Establishment Pills left by the time I reach the Ninth Level of Qi Refining…”

Many Lu Family disciples watched the situation. They felt inspired and motivated, but also a bit pressured.

Even though the family had Foundation Establishment Pills available,

everyone knew they were limited, and those who took their time might miss out.

So, even among siblings, competition for Foundation Establishment was fierce!

On the cliff behind Biyun Peak.

“Father!”

After successfully breaking through, Lu Qingxian opened his eyes excitedly and called out to Lu Changsheng,

who, along with the years he spent in the Red Leaf Market, the cultivation had matured his character significantly.

Yet, at this moment, the joy of successfully achieving Foundation Establishment was too overwhelming to contain.

“Qingxuan, congratulations on reaching Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and said to his son, “Now, fully experience this transformation brought by Foundation Establishment. Later, I’ll have a gift for you.”

“Yes, Father!”

Lu Qingxian closed his eyes, knowing he must not let his emotions overwhelm him.

After Lu Qingxian completed his Foundation Establishment baptism, his entire appearance and aura had visibly changed. He now emitted a slightly fiery and domineering aura.

“Let’s go meet your mother.”

Lu Changsheng said as he took his son to see the concubine, Shao Yuyao.

“Master, and Xuan’er.”

In the courtyard, Shao Yuyao saw Lu Changsheng and Lu Qingxian flying in, her eyes a bit red.

Her life had been full of ups and downs.

Her family had been destroyed early on, and she had been sold to White Jade Tower.

She thought her life had reached its lowest point, but then she met Lu Changsheng.

Though she had many children, her seventh was the one with a Spirit Root—an actual four-Tier Spirit Root!

And now, this son had even reached Foundation Establishment, becoming a figure her former family would have looked up to.

“Mother.”

Lu Qingxian bowed in respect before his mother.

“Good, good, good…”

Shao Yuyao was overjoyed to the point of tears, unable to find the right words.

“Yuyao, you’ve worked hard all these years.”

Lu Changsheng stepped forward, held Shao Yuyao’s hand, and spoke softly.

“Master… it was no trouble. Meeting you has been the greatest blessing of my life.”

Shao Yuyao choked up as she spoke.

After a brief conversation, Lu Changsheng told Lu Qingxian to go consolidate his cultivation and return to see him once he was stable.

He then instructed Lu Miaoyun and his son, Lu Xinyang, to organize a simple Foundation Establishment ceremony for Qingxuan, inviting only a few familiar families.

“System, draw the lottery!”

After giving all the necessary instructions, Lu Changsheng went to the peak of Biyun Peak to start the high-level lottery he had earned.

“I wonder what I’ll get this time. Please, no more techniques…”

Lu Changsheng muttered to himself.

His last two draws had granted him the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, which was indeed a significant prize.

But he was really worried the system would give him another technique.

More ordinary techniques could at least be taught at home,

but high-level lottery techniques had such high entry requirements that he couldn’t teach them and just had to let them gather dust.

The high-level lottery spun with a flash of golden light, eventually stopping at the ‘Natural Treasures’ category.

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have obtained the Peachwood Spirit Embryo!]

[The reward has been sent to the system space. You may check it at any time.]

Suddenly, an image of a charred peach tree appeared, accompanied by the system’s notification.

“Spirit Embryo?”

Lu Changsheng blinked, puzzled. He quickly checked the system space.

[Spirit Embryo: Peachwood Spirit Embryo]

[Rank: Fourth Rank]

[Description: A Heaven and Earth Spirit Embryo formed from the gathering of spiritual energy in a peach tree over ten thousand years. If it matures, it can transform into a true spirit.]

“So, it’s a Heaven and Earth Spirit Embryo… but it’s only fourth rank?”

Lu Changsheng frowned as he read the description.

He didn’t expect a high-level lottery to give a fourth-rank item.

But after a moment, he understood.

In the regular lottery, coming across a fourth-rank prize was a stroke of amazing luck.

It made sense that a high-level lottery had mostly fourth and fifth-rank items.

“I wonder if this Spirit Embryo is like the one I read about in those ancient texts. If it is…”

Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes, thinking to himself.

He remembered reading about Spirit Embryos in an old journal.

Not created from flesh, but nurtured by Heaven and Earth!

Spirit Embryos could take many forms.

It could be a stone, a piece of jade, a bit of wood, a mountain, a river, or even a flame or a plant.

Unlike demons, Spirit Embryos were born from the convergence of Yin and Yang in Heaven and Earth, during the profound mysteries of life and death, gradually forming.

In theory, a ‘Spirit Embryo’ could continually grow until it became a true spirit, emerging undefeated in the world!

However, the growth of a Spirit Embryo into a true spirit was nearly impossible.

For a Spirit Embryo to form was already an extremely rare miracle.

For each stage of its growth, it would need countless years and face numerous heavenly tribulations.

Thus, the idea of a Spirit Embryo growing into a true spirit was mostly theoretical.

But for cultivators, an evolving ‘Heaven and Earth Spirit Embryo’ was an unparalleled treasure, extremely rare!

Not only could it be refined into great elixirs to enhance cultivation or nourish Divine Abilities, but it could also be used to nurture avatars or refine Dao Soldiers!

The journal Lu Changsheng had read mentioned a top sect acquiring a nine-orifice stone embryo and refining the Spirit Embryo within it into an unmatched Dao Soldier.

“Extract!”

Without hesitation, Lu Changsheng decided to extract the Spirit Embryo.

He wanted to see if it had the same effects as the Spirit Embryos he knew about.