Chapter 386: Hundred-Year Nascent Soul, Spiritual Connection!

“Buzz!”

A massive withered tree stump appeared before Lu Changsheng.

The trunk was pitch black, like a burnt-out stump, with no crown or branches.

However, there were nine vibrant peach blossoms on the trunk, as if carved from jade, overflowing with life.

“Peachwood Spirit Embryo.”

Lu Changsheng stared at the Peachwood Spirit Embryo before him.

Through the system, he realized that this Peachwood Spirit Embryo was indeed the same as the Celestial Materials he knew.

It originally was a ten-thousand-year-old Peach Divine Tree.

During its tribulation to take human form, it miraculously birthed a spiritual essence under the heavenly lightning, nurturing this spirit embryo.

The spirit embryo hasn’t yet developed consciousness; it’s still growing.

Once it reaches the fifth rank, it will begin to form a consciousness and awareness.

This Peachwood Spirit Embryo can be used as a Top-Tier elixir, enhancing cultivation and nourishing Divine Abilities.

It can also be refined with great effort, allowing a spirit to reside within, becoming a powerful avatar or Dao Soldier.

If this spirit embryo were released now, it would already have a third-rank cultivation, comparable to Golden Core Formation!

With enough Natural Treasures, it will rapidly grow. In no more than a hundred years, it will reach the fourth-rank Nascent Soul level!

The growth process faces no bottlenecks like that of a cultivator or a demon beast; it’s seamless!

“If I refine this spirit embryo into an avatar, wouldn’t I have a Golden Core clone? And within a hundred years, it would grow into a Nascent Soul True Lord’s clone?”

Lu Changsheng felt a mix of surprise and uncertainty.

In the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world, a Golden Core True Lord is already among the top tiers.

And this spirit embryo would be born with a third-rank cultivation!

As long as there are enough resources, it can grow to the fourth rank without any bottlenecks!

Bear in mind, in the entire Jiang Kingdom cultivation world, only True Lord Xuanjian of the Heavenly Sword Sect is a Nascent Soul True Lord!

“Moreover, this spirit embryo can be molded before its birth by merging with the soul and being refined with heart’s blood, shaping its growth as desired.”

“If I want a sword cultivator avatar or Dao Soldier, I can completely guide the spirit embryo to practice the ‘Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual’ while it’s in its embryonic state, resulting in a perfect match for this technique!”

At this moment, Lu Changsheng deeply understood why this kind of Celestial Material was so suited for refining avatars.

However, he had no intention of refining avatars.

First, he currently lacked an avatar cultivation technique.

Second, the practice of refining avatars was extremely demanding.

As far as Lu Changsheng knew, refining an avatar required at least Golden Core Formation.

Moreover, this method involved cutting off half of one’s soul.

For a cultivator, the soul is extremely vital. Even slight damage requires lengthy recovery.

Cutting off half would not only require countless Natural Treasures to nourish and repair but also several decades of recuperation.

Lu Changsheng had no leisure to spend so much time and effort on just a clone.

Furthermore, he had seen in ancient texts that avatars carry hidden risks.

For example, if an avatar remains away from the main body for too long, it may develop its own consciousness or create a rift between the thoughts of the avatar and the main body.

And if the avatar’s strength surpasses that of the main body, there could even be a risk of backlash.

Although the probability of this is very small.

Just the risk alone made Lu Changsheng unwilling to consider such a method.

“However, this Spirit Embryo is perfectly suitable as a body for Hong Lian.”

Lu Changsheng thought silently.

Although the Spirit Embryo could also be refined into a Dao Soldier.

He preferred to use it to reshape Hong Lian’s body rather than create a Dao Soldier.

On one hand, he had promised Hong Lian when he was younger.

On the other hand, Hong Lian’s current spirit state made it extremely difficult to find a body that would perfectly accommodate her soul.

Hong Lian once mentioned three potential solutions to him.

The complete remains of a Nascent Soul True Lord.

Celestial Materials suitable for refining avatars.

A body sculpted using Natural Treasures.

Any of these would be extremely challenging to acquire.

Even if he reached Golden Core Formation, it’s uncertain if they could be obtained.

The Peachwood Spirit Embryo could satisfy all three conditions.

Not only could it perfectly integrate with her soul, but it would also allow her to customize her body!

It would enable her to return to her peak state and restore her Nascent Soul True Lord cultivation in the shortest possible time!

“But there’s a problem with doing this.”

Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes slightly.

Over the decades, Hong Lian had been diligent in the Lu Family, refining pills, refining equipment, setting up formations, and even helping to guide and teach his children. She was utterly obedient, almost like a servant.

But deep down, Lu Changsheng hadn’t fully trusted Hong Lian.

After all, she was a Nascent Soul True Lord!

Living under someone else’s roof might make one more obedient.

But for a Nascent Soul True Lord to be so overly obedient to him seemed suspicious.

With her experience and skills, if Hong Lian were to procure the Peachwood Spirit Embryo and then developed ulterior motives, controlling her would be almost impossible!

So, Lu Changsheng harbored some concerns.

“I’ll wait until after I form my Golden Core, then I’ll test her intentions.”

After pondering for a moment, Lu Changsheng handed the Peachwood Spirit Embryo to the Sumeru Tree King for safekeeping.

He decided to consider giving the spirit embryo to Hong Lian after he formed his Golden Core.

“Speaking of which, if the Spirit Embryo were to bear children, would it give birth to a human or a peach demon?”

Lu Changsheng’s thoughts came to a sudden halt as this question crossed his mind.

It was impossible for him to have no thoughts about Hong Lian.

After all, the best way to make someone truly yours is to have them bear your child.

Besides, the time spent together would naturally deepen feelings.

“Forget it, nothing’s even happened yet.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head, dismissing the thoughts, and headed to Hall of Everlasting Life to continue condensing his Golden Core with the cultivation progress he had gained.

Based on what he knew, it was extremely difficult for a human and a demon to bear a child together. Let alone with a half-true-spirit being like this Spirit Embryo.

Still, if it did happen, it would turn out well.

Yue Kingdom, Golden Sun Sect.

“Returning to Jiang Kingdom.”

Immortal Tian Yuan pondered as he listened to Lu Qingshan’s words and looked at the siblings before him.

“Qingluan Immortal City is currently unstable due to Immortal Qingluan’s situation. If you do return, be very cautious.”

“If it’s not urgent, you may want to wait a few years before going back, or wait until I can escort you.”

Immortal Tian Yuan spoke again.

Qingluan Immortal City lies on the border between Jiang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom.

Due to the situation surrounding Immortal Qingluan, many forces in Jiang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom are paying attention.

Once it is confirmed that Immortal Qingluan has left, the city will be divided among major forces.

“Qingluan Immortal City.”

Lu Qingshan grew more curious and asked, “Master, is Immortal Qingluan really leaving Qingluan Immortal City to seek out an opportunity to form a Nascent Soul, as rumored?”

“Most likely. Immortal Qingluan is nearly four hundred years old. At this age, even with Natural Treasures or Secret Techniques to sustain herself, delaying any longer would harm her chances of forming a Nascent Soul.”

Immortal Tian Yuan, her lavish crimson gown draped lazily, took a sip from her wine Gourd as she spoke.

These factions were almost certain that Immortal Qingluan had left Qingluan Immortal City.

Now, they were watching closely to determine if she had truly gone or was just pretending to bait someone.

After all, the rumor of Immortal Qingluan’s severe injury from her earlier years had deceived many people and factions.

“Four hundred years old?”

Lu Qingshan was somewhat surprised to discover that Immortal Qingluan was that old.

But remembering his early years, when she was already the top rogue cultivator in Jiang Kingdom for hundreds of years, it made sense.

He continued to ask, “Master, what are her chances of successfully forming a Nascent Soul?”

“Thirty percent.”

Immortal Tian Yuan took another sip before answering.

“Only thirty percent for Jiang Kingdom’s foremost rogue cultivator?”

Lu Qingshan was taken aback.

While thirty percent might be high for many Golden Core cultivators.

It seemed a bit low, given Immortal Qingluan’s legendary life.

“Thirty percent is already very high. It’s said Immortal Qingluan wasn’t particularly talented in her youth. Only through fortuitous encounters, gaining a type of acquired Spirit Body and Qingluan Dao Soldier, did she rise to her current level.”

“Over these centuries, despite devouring massive amounts of Spirit Stones and Natural Treasures through Qingluan Immortal City to cultivate her Dao Soldier and spirit beast Qingluan, obtaining a ‘Nascent Soul Pill’ to assist in her breakthrough is nearly impossible.”

“Without a Nascent Soul Pill, relying only on her acquired Spirit Body or a few Nascent Soul materials, the thirty percent probability was the highest she could reach.”

“Moreover, she’s too proud to submit to any faction. Gaining access to a fourth-rank spiritual vein to support her breakthrough is a significant challenge. She can only seek out a fourth-rank Immortal City.”

Immortal Tian Yuan shook her head with a sigh.

Although she was talking about Immortal Qingluan, she was also lamenting her own difficult and slim chances of breaking through to Nascent Soul.

“Nascent Soul Pill.”

Lu Qingshan nodded, aware that just as the Foundation Establishment Pill aids in Foundation Establishment and the Condensing Crystal Pill in condensing crystals, a pill called the Nascent Soul Pill helps cultivators in Golden Core Formation to shatter the core and form a Nascent Soul.

However, for rogue cultivators, obtaining such a pill is nearly impossible.

Lu Qingshan guessed that even Golden Sun Sect, an Immortal Sect, had slim chances of getting a Nascent Soul Pill.

“What are your plans?”

Immortal Tian Yuan asked, gazing at Lu Qingshan.

“Master, I still plan to return now. My sister and I will travel by Spirit Ship the entire way, so there shouldn’t be any danger.”

Lu Qingshan glanced at his younger sister before speaking.

He knew his sister had been looking forward to returning home after achieving Foundation Establishment.

Now that they had both broken through, waiting a few more years, though she wouldn’t voice it, would leave her disappointed.

“Very well. In that case, take the sect’s Spirit Ship to Qingluan Immortal City, then switch to the Azure Cloud Sect’s Spirit Ship from there.”

Immortal Tian Yuan did not further dissuade him.

Given Lu Qingshan’s strength, unless faced with a Golden Core True Lord, he shouldn’t be in much danger.

“Thank you, Master!”

Lu Qingshan smiled and cupped his hands in gratitude.

“Thank you, Master.”

Lu Qingzhu, with her serene and gentle face, softly murmured her thanks, a smile curling her lips.

Bihu Mountain.

Hall of Everlasting Life.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge were currently praccicing the ‘Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra.’

At this moment, the two had entered an extraordinary state. Their souls seemed to wander in the void, their Divine Senses and spirits merging seamlessly.

Their souls, thoughts, and spirits seemed to have melded into one. Each could feel the deep emotions and thoughts in the other’s heart.

After some time, they both simultaneously opened their eyes, feeling a powerful connection in their gazes.

“Hmm!”

They both let out a sound of surprise as if they had just witnessed something unexpected.

“Has the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra reached minor completion?”

Lu Changsheng noticed a bright moon mark had appeared on Lu Miaoge’s forehead and saiddwith pleasant surprise.

When the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra reaches minor completion, a radiant sun and bright moon form on the foreheads of the male and female practitioners, respectively.

Afterward, they can fuse their souls and refine their Divine Senses, purifying their spirits through this bright sun and moon.

“I didn’t expect the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra to reach minor completion so soon. It seems this cultivation technique was tailor-made for us.”

Lu Changsheng, feeling a sense of peace, stroked the smooth, fair skin of his wife as she gently breathed. Despite many years together, she always gave him a soothing, big-sister-like feeling that put him at ease.

“Yes.”

Lu Miaoge, with her beautifulleyes glistening, snuggled into Lu Changsheng’s embrace and softly responded.

Though she knew their rapid progress with the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra was related to their journey into the Soul Dao Dream.

Seeing how swiftly they were improving with this technique, Lu Miaoge felt a sweet joy innher heart.

Not long after, the two continued their dual cultivation through the ‘Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra,’ merging body and spirit, stabilizing their foundations, and advancing their cultivation.

Lu Changsheng’s spirit was already on par with a Golden Core True Lord. His cultivation was at its peak, so this process mainly improved Lu Miaoge..

However, due to their practice of ‘Taiyi Water Generation Technique,’ he felt his Spiritual Energy solidifying even more.

Also, his physical body, cultivated with the ‘Hundred Refined Body Technique,’ gradually adopted a more serene and infinitely regenerative essence under this profound dual cultivation method, subtly nourishing his organs, meridians, and dantian.

“Buzz, buzz, buzz——”

Their magical energies flowed between them like a mighty river, endlessly cycling, causing a mystical Yin-Yang essence to envelop Lu Miaoge’s perfect form..

With the help of both the ‘Yin-Yang Creation Sutra’ and the ‘Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra,’ their compatibility with the ‘Taiyi Water Generation Technique’ now likely surpassed even the ancestors who created it.

This made Lu Miaoge’s cultivation path ot inferior to a Profound-Level technique, and her cultivation speed rivaled that of a High-Tier Spirit Root.

If Lu Changsheng breaks through to Golden Core, his Taiyi Dao Seed will advance further, bringing her even more benefits and making her Golden Core formation inevitable!

After a long while, they concluded their dual cultivation. The lingering connection made separation difficult.

Later, Lu Changsheng clearly realized this was a side effect of the soul-dual-cultivation aspect of the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra.

The two would become lost in a deep mutual connection.

Or rather, the novelty of this spiritual connection, something they had never experienced, caused them to become somewhat engrossed.

This made Lu Changsheng aware of another aspect of this soul-dual cultivation.

In this process, it’s easy for the two to develop stronger feelings and affinities.

And through this mental connection, the two can be completely open with each other, understanding each other’s thoughts and emotions.

“Can I cultivate feelings with Hong Lian through this kind of spiritual connection to gain insight into her thoughts and nature?”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

Now that the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra had reached minor completion, he had mastered a secret method.

It allowed him to actively merge his spirit with another, using his own spirit to nurture and repair the other’s soul.

This process would slightly harm himself, weakening his spirit.

But during the spiritual connection, it would strengthen the bond and provide deep insights into each other’s mind.

“Hong Lian has done much for us over the years. As my son’s master, as a father, I should show her some gratitude.”

Lu Changsheng stroked his chin, feeling that a tiny bit of harm wouldn’t be a big deal.

However, this should also wait until after his Golden Core formation.

For now, their spirits are too far apart.

If the connection does not succeed, it would be awkward.