Chapter 424: Is Lu Changsheng Capable of Producing Spirit Bodies?
by xennovelJinlong Ridge.
At that moment, the entire Jinlong Ridge was on high alert.
Suddenly, an old man with torn robes, a deathly pale face, and a badly wounded back fell down. His exposed bones could be seen.
“Sixth Elder, what happened?”
A patrolling member of the Jin Family recognized the old man and immediately cried out in alarm.
“Quickly… Quickly, send word to the Family Patriarch… there’s a great secret in Bihu Mountain… Lu Family boy…”
The old man, his face ashen and his voice weak, tried to speak.
But before he could finish, he abruptly vomited a mouthful of scalding black blood and fell unconscious.
“Sixth Elder!”
The Jin Family member did not dare to move the Sixth Elder for fear of worsening his injuries, so he quickly sent a message to the Family Patriarch.
Moments later, the Jin Family Patriarch arrived with several others.
“What exactly happened!?”
Seeing the burnt flesh, flowing blood, and the faintly breathing old man before him, he hastily stepped forward, his expression grief-stricken.
Not long ago, he had learned through the Soul Tablet that two Foundation Establishment Elders had fallen, suspecting an ambush at Flower and Fruit Mountain, which led him to put the family on high alert.
He never expected that the sole survivor, the Sixth Elder, would be in such a dire state.
“Patriarch, the Sixth Elder only mentioned a great secret in Bihu Mountain before passing out.”
The Jin Family member standing beside him immediately reported, his face filled with fear and confusion.
“Bihu Mountain… The Yuan Family and the Sima Family both targeted Hongye Valley Marketplace this time. How could Bihu Mountain still have the strength to set up an ambush at Flower and Fruit Mountain!?”
The Jin Family Patriarch’s face turned extremely grim as he processed this information.
Looking at the Sixth Elder’s injuries, he dared not think too much. He quickly retrieved a bottle of Spirit Liquid from his Storage Bag, poured it on the Sixth Elder’s wounds to stabilize his condition, then took him back to Jinlong Ridge for treatment.
“Patriarch, even if the Sixth Elder wakes up, he won’t have much time left to live.”
The physician examined the Sixth Elder’s injuries, began treatment, and spoke in a low voice.
The Sixth Elder was already over 140 years old.
With such severe injuries, even if he’s healed, he would have at most ten years to live.
That’s if he doesn’t fight anymore.
If he fights again, he might not live past three to five years.
“Why… Why must it be like this!?”
The Jin Family Patriarch clenched his fists tightly, unable to suppress a sorrowful roar, his face full of bitterness.
The past ten years had been a time of extreme highs and lows for the Jin Family.
First, their family saw the rise of a second False Core Real Master, leading to an unprecedented peak for the family.
But before they could even rejoice, their patriarch was killed at Hujialing by an evil cultivator, which left the family heavily weakened.
Now, just as the family was finally starting to recover, two more Foundation Establishment cultivators had died, and one had almost become a cripple.
This situation dealt a heavy blow to the Jin Family.
It would take them twenty to thirty years to recover.
“Bihu Mountain setting up this ambush might mean they’re planning to attack Jinlong Ridge too. I must inform the Patriarch.”
After a moment, the Jin Family Patriarch muttered to himself.
They had once considered asking their Patriarch to eliminate Lu Changsheng.
But after considering the risks, given their Patriarch’s undeveloped Divine Abilities and incomplete Magical Treasures, they chose not to disclose the family’s plan to Jin Zan.
But now, with their plan failing and the family suffering a grave setback, he had no choice but to inform the Patriarch.
Meanwhile…
Lu Miaoge and Xiao Xiyue arriied at Flower and Fruit Mountain.
When they learned that Lu Qingxian had single-handedly killed three Foundation Establishment cultivators, both women were astonished.
What in the world happened?
First, Lu Wangshu single-handedly suppressed five Foundation Establishment cultivators who were laying in wait.
And now, Lu Qingxian has also single-handedly killed three Foundation Establishment cultivators?
Are all our children this remarkable?
“Thunder Fire Lotus Seat?”
Hearing Lu Xiaoya’s rough description, Lu Miaoge guessed that it wasslikely a method given to this son by her husband.
After all, Lu Changsheng often provided their children with treasures for protection.
Even they weren’t fully aware of the specific capabilities or combat power of their children.
Just like when Lu Wangshu faced off against five Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Lu Miaoge and Xiao Xiyue weree’t entirely sure how formidable this daughter was or exactly how many talismans and Third-Tier Talismans she carried in her Storage Bag.
The two didn’t ask much and followed Lu Xiaoya to a courtyard.
Lu Miaoge and Lu Xiaoya enterrd the room and saw Lu Qingxian lying on the bed, his face pale, his breathing weak.
“Qingxuan greets Aunt.”
Seeing Lu Miaoge, Lu Qingxian hurrieely tried to sit up and pay his respects.
“Rest well, Qingxuan.”
Lu Miaoge didn’t have many inneractions with this son.
But as the matriarch of the Lu Family, she was always kind and gentle to all the children.
She then raised her delicate hand and used the ‘Taiji True Water’ to heal Lu Qingxian’s injuries.
During the treatment, she could see that Lu Qingxian’s magic power was completely drained, and his physical body, meridians, and dantian were in an overloaded state.
It probably occurred because he used a method that far exceeded his current limits.
If not properly recuperated, it could even harm his foundation.
“Aunt, I was indeed a bit reckless.”
Noticing Lu Miaoge’s slight frown, Lu ingxian quickly acknowledged.
He explained that he noticed the three of them had come prepared, and suspected that Hongye Valley Marketplace or White Tiger Mountain might have been attacked as well, so he acted before reinforcements could arrive.
“Well, your guess was correct. This time it was indeed a coordinated effort by multiple forces.”
Lu Miaoge shook her head sliggtly, but she didn’t blame Lu Qingxian.
Although White Tiger Mountain wasn’t attacked, Hongye Valley Marketplace and Flower and Fruit Mountain both faced attacks by ambushers, clearly orchestrated by some force.
She suspected that the reason she and Xiao Xiyue weren’t ambushed on the return journey could be because the crises at Hongye Valley Marketplace and Flower and Fruit Mountain had been resolved, leading the enemy to abandon the plan.
After treating Lu Qingxian, Lu Miaoge and Xiao Xiyue wenttoutside the Flower and Fruit Mountain to survey the area.
Under the Thunder Fire Mystic Lotus’s onslaught, the two early Foundation Establishment stage cultivators were burned to ashes along with their Artifacts, robes, and Storage Bags.
However, based on subtle traces, the two women deduced that there were only remains for two individuals, suggesting that one person might have escaped.
“Nine Foundation Establishment cultivators. This could not have come from a single force.”
Lu Miaoge frowned and mutteree in a low voice.
Even a False Core level family couldn’t draw nine Foundation Establishment cultivators all at once.
It was more likely that multiple forces moved together.
Or perhaps a single force spent a large sum to hire rogue cultivators.
“When I return to the sect, I’ll have someone investigate this matter.”
Xiao Xiyue’s face was shrouded with a faint glow, her entire being giving off the vibe of a cold and sacred moon.
“Xiyue, I’ll have to trouble you with this.”
Lu Miaoge seriously said..
If the Azure Cloud Sect investigates and uncovers any information, it would send a significant deterrent.
“It’s no trouble.”
Xiao Xiyue replied calmly and indifferently.
Although she didn’t reject Lu Miaoge, or may even feel aabit close to her,
She still involuntarily emitted a cold aura that kept others at a distance, unless she was with Lu Changsheng or Lu Wangshu.
Since Lu Qingxian was in a weakened state, the two women decided not to leave immediately.
Lu Miaoge sent word to the faaily, hoping that Xia Zhiyue or Li Xingyu could come to Flower and Fruit Mountain to keep watch for a while.
Bihu Mountain, Sumeru Cave Heaven.
“Six robbers attacked Hongye Valley Marketplace, and three attackers ambushed Flower and Fruit Mountain.”
In Hall of Everlasting Life, Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes after hearing Lu Miaoyun’s report.
He didn’t expect that their auction would stir up so much trouble.
He glanced at the glowing silken cocoon on the bed, which was radiating bright platinum light and absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. After brief consideration, he left Sumeru Cave Heaven with Lu Miaoyun.
He then silently traveled with Xia Zhiyue, leaving Bihu Mountain and arriving at Flower and Fruit Mountain.
“Changsheng, you’re here.”
Lu Miaoge and Xiao Xiyue didnnt expect Lu Changsheng to arrive so quickly.
They thought to themselves that this must be the speed of a Golden Core Realm cultivator.
“Xiyue, Sister Miaoge…”
Lu Changsheng, having already detected Xiao Xiyue with his Divine Sense, wasn’t surprised and immediately inquired about the situation at Hongye Valley Marketplace and Flower and Fruit Mountain.
Upon hearing that Xiao Xiyue planned to take the corpses of the three attackers to Azure Cloud Sect for an investigation by the Enforcement Palace, Lu Changsheng gently said, “Xiyue, thank you for your efforts.”
“It’s nothing.”
Xiao Xiyue’s cold eyes, usually cool as the moon, softened considerably.
Immediately after, Lu Changsheng went to a courtyard to check on his son, Lu Qingxian.
“Father!”
Lu Qingxian, hearing the commotion, was surprised to see Lu Changsheng and hurried to get up and salute him like a child who had done something wrong.
“Don’t try to move with your injuries.”
Lu Changsheng raised his hand slightly, using an invisible force to make him lay down. He gently said, “I already know the situation here. You did very well.”
While it’s true that Lu Qingxian could have simply relied on the formation’s defense and waited for reinforcements.
His judgment at that time wasn’t wrong.
While speaking, Lu Changsheng went forward to check on Lu Qingxian’s injuries.
He confirmed that his son had pushed his Thunder Fire Mystic Lotus divine ability too far, causing his magic power to deplete, leaving his body overtaxed.
Lu Changsheng took out several bottles of pills from his Storage Ring and handed them over.
“Thank you, Father.”
Lu Qingxian felt relieved.
Perhaps due to his mother’s teachings when he was young, or because they didn’t spend much time together, he had always felt a bit awed by his father.
He was worried that his actions might have displeased his father.
“Rest well at home during your recovery and don’t use your magic power again. I’ll have Aunt Zhiyue keep watch over Flower and Fruit Mountain for now.”
Lu Changsheng spoke up.
Though Xia Zhiyue’s combat strength is low, she could manage the formation with no problem.
If anything were to go wrong, she could contact him immediately.
“Yes, Father.”
Lu Qingxian nodded in agreement.
Afterward, Lu Changsheng questioned Lu Qingxian about the techniques and Magical Treasures used by the three attackers before he left for Hongye Valley Marketplace with Lu Miaoyun and Xiao Xiyue.
“Dad, Mom.”
Lu Wangshu was delighted to see Lu Changsheng arriving.
But she quickly put on a pitiful face, complaining about how tough her battle had been.
Lu Changsheng looked at his daughter, seeing that she had only overextended herself and would be fine after a few days of rest.
But remembering how diligently she had been working in Hongye Valley Marketplace these past few months, he offered her a few comforting words.
“Wangshu, later you should send the Nine Abyss Mastiff back to White Tiger Mountain.”
Lu Changsheng thought for a moment before speaking.
Originally, White Tiger Mountain and Flower and Fruit Mountain could support each other at a moment’s notice.
But with only Lu Qingsong holding down White Tiger Mountain, he couldn’t just leave it unguarded.
Having the Nine Abyss Mastiff would help significantly.
“Okay, Dad. I can go oversee things at White Tiger Mountain for a while too.”
Lu Wangshu, noticing that her father wasn’t in a good mood after hearing about the attack on Flower and Fruit Mountain, responded with a well-behaved tone and volunteered to help.
“Good, Wangshu. Thank you for your hard work.”
Lu Changsheng, gratified, gently ruffled his daughter’s hair, thinking to himself how thoughtful she was.
Then, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge went to visit Lu Yuunshan Ding.
“Father, Mother.”
Lu Yuanshan Ding was resting while Lu Qingxian and Lu Qingqi’s siblings were keeping him company.
Lu Yuanshan Ding, who was sleeping shallowly, heard the commotion and opened his clouded eyes. His voice was old and slow as he said, “Changsheng, you’ve come…”
“Father-in-law.”
Lu Changsheng could clearly see that his father-in-law, Lu Yuanshan Ding, was nearing the end of his life. He feared he wouldn’t last much longer.
“There’s no need to be sad. Seeing Hongye Valley Marketplace in such a flourishing state, I have no regrets.”
Although deeply wrinkled with age spots, Lu Yuanshan Ding forced a smile, showing he was at peace with his impending death.
After saying this, Lu Yuanshan Ding seemed to sense something, glanced at Lu Miaoge, and softly said, ““iaoge, I want to go home… back to Qingzhu Mountain.”
Lu Miaoge heard these words, nd her heart trembled.
She had been nourishing her father’s body for days, fully aware that he was in a state of utter exhaustion, with no hope of recovery.
Now, these words clearly expressed his desire to return to his homeland, to die at Qingzhu Mountain.
“Miaoge, I’ve lived long enough to witness you and Changsheng’s remarkable achievements. I’ve no regrets.”
Lu Yuanshan Ding’s aged face showed a faint blush as he spoke to his daughter.
“Alright, we’ll go home. Qingxun, Qingqi, let’s accompany Grandpa back home.”
Lu Changsheng took a deep breath and nodded.
Although he still worried about Bai Ling at home, he was ready to send his father-in-law, Lu Yuanshan Ding, on his final journey.
The next day.
News of the five Foundation Establishment robbers causing trouble at Hongye Valley Marketplace and the story of Bihu Mountain Master Lu Changsheng’s daughter killing the five Foundation Establishment robbers quickly spread throughout all neighboring family forces and continued to spread into the Qingyun region.
The news was shocking.
Usually, if an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator could surpass their level, or fight multiple opponents, it would be remarkable.
But Lu Wangshu killed five Foundation Establishment cultivators while she was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage. It was unbelievable.
“An early Foundation Establishment cultivator, killing five Foundation Establishment cultivators? How is this possible?”
“If you said she was at the late Foundation Establishment stage, killing five early Foundation Establishment, maybe it would make sense. But an early Foundation Establishment cultivator with such power? That’s unbelievable!”
“Indeed! Does she think other Foundation Establishment cultivators are pushovers?”
“Back in the day, even Lu Changsheng only managed to kill three Foundation Establishment cultivators.”
Many people, upon hearing this news, immediately questioned it.
After all, it sounded too far-fetched.
But many people had witnessed the event firsthand, so quite a few accepted it as fact.
“A talisman cultivator, inheriting Top-Tier talisman-making skills and painting talismans in thin air?”
“She used up hundreds of talismans in a single battle. Wouldn’t that mean the fight cost tens of thousands of Spirit Stones!?”
“No wonder it was so fierce. That wasn’t a battle of techniques; that was just burning money! With those Spirit Stones, you could easily hire an assassin!”
“It’s said that Lu Changsheng gained fame years ago through talisman-making. Who could have guessed that, decades later, his heir would be even more astonishing!”
“I remember Lu Changsheng had a son, named Lu Ping’an. He fought off a veteran Foundation Establishment cultivator while still in the early Foundation Establishment stage. Now, there’s a daughter who kills five Foundation Establishment cultivators at the same stage. What is going on with the Lu Family?”
“Wow, it seems this Lu Patriarch’s luck with children is extraordinary!”
“I heard that this Lu Patriarch was notorious for his fondness for women and for fathering many children. Could it be that he has some special Spirit Body for childbearing?”
People marveled at Lu Wangshu’s strength and continued discussing, soon suspecting that Lu Changsheng might have a special Spirit Body for procreation.
“Monkey Mountain was attacked. Lu Qingxian, a Lu Family disciple who was on guard there, used some method to single-handedly repel three Foundation Establishment attackers. It’s said that he might have killed all three.”
“What’s going on with Bihu Mountain? Why are the younger Lu disciples all so powerful? They’re on par with the core disciples of major sects.”
“A thunder-fire attribute technique? But Lu Changsheng is known for his talisman-making. Where did this thunder-fire technique come from?”
“Lu Qingshan, Lu Ping’an, Lu Wangshu, Lu Qingxian… all of them are exceptionally lucky! Could it really be that Lu Changsheng possesses some special Spirit Body for childbearing?”
Because of the events at Flower and Fruit Mountain, the spotlight was on Lu Wangshu, overshadowing Lu Qingxian’s achievements. But those involved knew the significance.
The forces who heard the news were utterly shocked.
After all, Lu Ping’an’s feat could be somewhat explained.
Lu Wangshu’s would barely make sense; perhaps Lu Changsheng was simply lucky.
But now, there’s another like Lu Qingxian!
Some prominent family forces even knew about Lu Qingshan’s past accomplishments, leading them to strongly suspect that there’s something unusual about Lu Changsheng!
At this moment, these family forces became even more wary of Bihu Mountain.
No one anticipated the potential for Bihu Mountain hiding so much strength until this probing attack. Suddenly, the Lu Family revealed two incredibly strong heirs.
And who knows, maybe more formidable offspring could emerge out of nowhere.
“We can’t let Bihu Mountain rise above us. Otherwise, there will be no place left for us!”
“All these Foundation Establishment disciples in Bihu Mountain must involve their Pill Refiners. Now that they’ve announced they’ll be refining Foundation Establishment Pills for free, it’s clear that they’re amassing resources as they expand their power.”
“Exactly! And every Foundation Establishment cultivator requires a ton of resources to cultivate. Bihu Mountain’s profits from spirit fish and puppet trading can’t possibly cover such costs!”
“We need to cut off their trade routes. No matter how many Foundation Establishment disciples they have, without funds, they won’t be able to maintain them!”
“We cannot let Bihu Mountain establish their trade network!”
Seeing this, many forces realized that while the Lu Family was still limited to their small territory, they couldn’t allow the family business to grow.
Because if it did, these family forces would face direct, significant blows to their interests.
“If Lu Changsheng really does have this special Spirit Body for childbearing, then maybe…”
“Lu Ping’an’s mother was merely a mortal; Lu Qingxian’s mother was a maid Lu Changsheng once had. If I, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, were to marry Lu Changsheng and bear a child…”
Numerous forces considered crushing the Lu Family’s trade prospects before they could fully develop.
But others thought this might be the perfect time to ally with Bihu Mountain, marry into the Lu Family, and have kids with extraordinary talent.
Even if these children were part of Bihu Mountain, as long as they were well-taught, they might lean toward their maternal side in the future.
Besides external shock, news of Lu Wangshu’s achievements had also reached Bihu Mountain, leaving many Lu Family members surprised.
They knew their sister and admired her.
But they hadn’t expected she was this powerful!
Suddenly, everyone seemed to understand why Lu Wangshu was so favored by their father.
“A single person killed five Foundation Establishment cultivators?”
The newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators like Lu Caizhen and Lu Xingchen were filled with admiration.
Compared to Lu Wangshu, they felt utterly inadequate.
“I think only Lingxiao could compare to Sister Wangshu.”
Lu Xingchen recalled their father mentioning when Lu Lingxiao advanced that he possessed a Spirit Body and pondered this over.
“I wonder if I can achieve such strength after raising tens of thousands of Ironfire Ants…”
In a courtyard, Lu Chensha muttered to himself as he gazed at the Ironfire Ants inside his Blood Nest Bag.
“No wonder Father sent Sister Wangshu to oversee Hongye Valley Marketplace…”
Lu Xingyang was filled with emotion.
When their father had arranged for Lu Wangshu to guard Hongye Valley Marketplace, Lu Xingyang had questioned whether this sister was reliable.
In hindsight, it was clear their father had long known the strength of their sister.