Chapter 436: Nangong Mili’s Shock, Arrival from Chiyang Peak!

Zhang Family of Little Kong Mountain.

This Foundation Establishment family was located near the Luoyun Mountain Range, completely insignificant in the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world.

At this moment, in the Zhang Family’s forbidden area, a small courtyard.

“My Lord Envoy, according to Tianzhi Tower’s information, the Four Immortal Gates are about to open the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, allowing some sect’s core inheritance disciples to enter and comprehend the Heavenly Stele.”

“Besides the Immortal disciples, the Four Immortal Gates will also allocate some spots to their subordinate family forces.”

A fifty-something elder was bowing low to the ground, his voice filled with respect.

“It’s about to be opened?”

In the attic above the courtyard, a stunningly beautiful woman around thirty years old with a slender, alluring figure was sitting on a delicate recliner.

Upon hearing this, her long, almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly.

“Do we have an approximate time?”

She was dressed in a purple misty chiffon long dress, her figure was lovely and graceful, absolutely exquisite.

Her plump, jade-like long legs were crossed, rocking a pair of slender-heeled high heels with flowing purple stardust.

Her face was indifferent as she gazed at the teacup in her hand, her jade-like fingers gently stirring the floating, crystal-clear tea leaves, speaking in a low voice.

Even though her voice was calm and distant, as if pushing others away, it still carried an underlying charm that made others long to see her divine beauty.

“My Lord Envoy, Tianzhi Tower only has some information on the matter, but the Four Immortal Gates have not yet decided on a time.”

The elder stayed prostrate on the ground, replying respectfully, not daring to lift his head, fearing to offend the beauty in the attic.

“It seems the Heavenly Sword Sect has already laid out an inescapable net, now opening the secret realm, waiting for people to take the bait.”

This woman was Nangong Mili, who had come to the Jiang Kingdom.

For more than half a year, she had been observing the situation of the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm near the Luoyun Mountain Range.

She had long realized that the Four Immortal Gates of the Jiang Kingdom had nearly swept the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm clean.

Now, upon hearing that the Four Immortal Gates were preparing to open the secret realm, she immediately understood that this was a trap, waiting for people to enter.

However, the cultivation world has always been this way.

As long as there’s a chance at acquiring opportunities, many people, even aware that it’s an inescapable net laid by the Four Immortal Gates, will still rush inside.

“Core disciples of the sect… Subordinate family forces…”

Nangong Mili took a sip of tea, her luscious red lips leaving a faint trace of crimson on the teacup, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Continue monitoring the news in this area. Have there been any recent movements in Qingluan Immortal City?”

Nangong Mili continued to inquire.

A year ago, the newly appointed City Lord of Qingluan Immortal City, Bai Feng Immortal, was slain by demonic cultivators.

Although this matter has yet to completely spread, it’s no longer much of a secret.

She had been keeping an eye on this matter.

Trying to guess which power was responsible for the follow-up movements in Qingluan Immortal City.

Trying to determine if this matter would affect the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm.

“My Lord Envoy, there have been no major changes in Qingluan Immortal City.”

The elder responded respectfully.

As he spoke, he took out a Jade Slip from his Storage Bag, holding it with both hands when he said, “My Lady, I have a piece of recent information about the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain that you wanted me to monitor.”

“The Lu Family of Bihu Mountain?”

Nangong Mili’s almond-shaped eyes narrowed with a faint eyeshadow lining the corners, her icy, stunning face showed a touch of curiosity as her delicate hand lifted, and the Jade Slip in the elder’s hands floated into her own.

“Third-Tier Talisman Master, Lu Family’s eldest son, Lu Ping’an.”

Nangong Mili scrutinized the information on the Jade Slip, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, revealing a mix of surprise and curiosity.

She wasn’t surprised that Lu Changsheng had advanced to a Third-Tier Talisman Master.

What shocked her was Lu Ping’an’s age and combat strength.

A while ago, she had learned through the elder about Lu Wangshu’s details regarding Hongye Valley Marketplace.

Now, upon seeing Lu Ping’an’s situation, she fully recognized that something was off about Lu Changsheng.

His children were all exceptionally talented.

Lu Ping’an, Lu Wangshu, Lu Qingshan, and her own daughter, Nangong Yaoyao.

Besides their extraordinary talents, she also couldn’t ignore the combat strength issue.

As a Golden Core stage cultivator, she was acutely aware that a cultivator who wanted to maximize their talents and combat strength far beyond their peers needed wealth, companions, techniques, and a location.

In fact, one could say that the importance of wealth, companions, techniques, and location outweighed that of a Spirit Root.

Many rogue cultivators or family forces, even if they give birth to incredibly talented offspring, don’t have the means to cultivate them into something great and end up sending them to an Immortal Sect.

Take, for example, the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain.

Besides the location, they don’t have the wealth, companions, or techniques.

After all, as the Heavenly Spider Envoy of the Five Poison Sect, she oversaw many Markets and family forces.

Nangong Mili was fully aware that these family forces usually generated little to no extra income each year.

For Companions, aside from Taoist companions and like-minded friends, there’s also teachers, etc.

But what kind of talent could a small Foundation Establishment family have?

Surrounded by a bunch of bumpkins, what can they learn?

As for techniques, this is the most crucial point.

Even with a Heavenly Spirit Root, without a compatible Top-Tier technique, their cultivation speed and combat strength may be inferior to someone with a High-Tier spirit root.

A Foundation Establishment family simply cannot possess any Top-Tier technique inheritances.

Even a Golden Core family would only have one or two high-level technique inheritances and may not even be suitable for their own offspring.

So whether it’s Lu Ping’an or Lu Wangshu, they don’t seem like products of a small Foundation Establishment family.

Judging by the combat strength of the two, it’s evident their technique inheritance is extraordinary, and someone is guiding them. They aren’t just cultivating on their own.

Based on these observations, Nangong Mili realized there was a significant issue with Bihu Mountain, a very big issue.

“Lu Changsheng.”

Nangong Mili’s almond-shaped eyes gleamed with a cold light, knowing these matters were all related to Lu Changsheng.

Over the past half year, the more she learned about Lu Changsheng, the more she felt he was not a simple character, shrouded in a mysterious veil.

However, this only made her more eager to unveil the mystery surrounding Lu Changsheng.

“When it comes time to go to Bihu Mountain, I’ll need to be extra careful.”

Nangong Mili murmured to herself, her caution towards Lu Changsheng rising another notch.

After all, he not only dared to boldly nurture a Golden Core Dao Rhythm for others but could also pull out a Rare Treasure like the Mysterious Pearl.

Now, with various signs indicating that he is far from simple, she had to be more vigilant.

Otherwise, if she made a misstep and fell into his trap, wouldn’t that be…

“Hmph, no matter what, he’s just a Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

“Even if he has the combat power of a False Core or techniques that rival a Golden Core, as long as I am careful, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Nangong Mili suddenly stood, her posture enchanting and graceful. As her purple misty chiffon skirt swayed in the wind, a glimpse of her fair legs was revealed while her high heels exuded an air of elegance and charm.

Sumeru Cave Heaven.

Lu Changsheng gazed at Bai Ling as she sat cross-legged, cultivating.

Since obtaining the technique inheritance, Bai Ling’s cultivation speed had nearly doubled.

This was truly remarkable!

It was equivalent to advancing from High-Tier spirit root speed to Earth spirit root level, even comparable to a Heavenly Spirit Root.

“At this rate, Ling’er might be the fastest in the family to reach the peak of Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

He knew that Bai Ling’s cultivation speed reaching this level was due not only to her compatibility with the technique but also her bloodline awakening.

This bloodline awakening had essentially elevated Bai Ling’s talent by an entire level.

“However, the more extraordinary Ling’er’s bloodline is, the more it suggests that the child she bears will also be extraordinary.”

“I just wonder if this child will be human or half-demon.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Bai Ling’s flat belly beneath her white skirt, contemplating.

“Brother~”

After checking her cultivation speed, Bai Ling opened her eyes and called out to Lu Changsheng with excitement.

“Very good, but since Ling’er is now pregnant, there’s no need to cultivate so diligently every day.”

Lu Changsheng gently spoke to Bai Ling.

A woman can still cultivate in the early stages of pregnancy, but months later, there would be risks involved during cultivation.

“Mm-hmm~”

Bai Ling nodded enthusiastically, her face brimming with happiness.

Though it’s her first pregnancy, she’s well aware of the dos and don’ts.

The two walked out of Hall of Everlasting Life, heading to the Peachwood Spirit Embryo beside Sumeru Cave Heaven.

“Hong Lian.”

Lu Changsheng inquired if Hong Lian knew of a True Spirit named Bai Xi.

“Bai Xi?”

After pondering for a moment, Hong Lian replied that she hadn’t heard of such a True Spirit.

It wasn’t that there wasn’t such a True Spirit.

Just that True Spirit information is incredibly rare.

Beyond specific True Spirit families or forces that have worshipped True Spirits, others have limited access to this information.

Only by piecing together bits from ancient texts could one gather a small portion of knowledge.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng wasn’t too concerned after hearing this.

The scarcer the information, the more mysterious it is, indicating that this True Spirit is extraordinary.

“Ling’er, just focus on nurturing the fetus. Don’t worry about these things. If anything feels uncomfortable, let Brother know immediately.”

Lu Changsheng gently said to an anxious-looking Bai Ling beside him.

Soon after, the two headed to the Lu Family Mansion.

Bai Ling was overjoyed to share the news of her pregnancy with Ling Zixiao, Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and te others.

“Ling’er, congratulations.”

“Ling’er, congrats to you!”

The ladies, upon hearing this news, immediately congratulated Bai Ling.

After many years of interaction, they all grew fond of this timid and gentle girl.

Knowing that she had always longed to bear a few children for her husband.

But for years, she had been unable to conceive.

Now upon hearing that Bai Ling was pregnant, they truly felt happy for her.

Just as Lu Changsheng was chatting with his wives and concubines.

Lu Xingyang arrived to report a piece of news saying that someone from the Sima Family had come.

“So, the Sima Family has finally sent someone.”

Ling Zixiao, clad in a lake-blue dress, looked dignified and elegant.

The matter between the two families had spread far and wide.

Although the Lu Family hadn’t taken the initiative to contact the Sima Family, the Sima Family certainly wouldn’t ignore the matter regarding Sima Tong.

“Father, the people from the Sima Family arrived together with people from the Azure Cloud Sect.”

Lu Xingyang continued.

“Azure Cloud Sect?”

Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and te others were startled upon hearing this.

Though the Sima Family had some roots in the Azure Cloud Sect.

No matter how you look at it, the fault lies with the Sima Family. Why would the Azure Cloud Sect get involved?

“It’s likely due to Ping’an showing False Core strength and my husband’s achievement in becoming a Third-Tier Talisman Master.”

Ling Zixiao softly replied.

Ordinary families usually wouldn’t catch the eyes of Azure Cloud Sect.

But when a family grows to a certain level, like having multiple top Foundation Establishment members or a False Core combat power, then Azure Cloud Sect begins to take notice.

There’s even a saying that when a family force grows to a certain level, it needs to find a backer in the Azure Cloud Sect, pick a mountain to rely on.

As for a subordinate family producing a Third-Tier Talisman Master, even the Azure Cloud Sect would be willing to extend an olive branch, inviting them to serve as a guest elder.

“But if the people from the Azure Cloud Sect and the Sima Family came together, they likely intend to act as mediators.”

Ling Zixiao gave a graceful smile as she continued.

“Now that they’ve arrived, let’s go see them.”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile, heading over with Ling Zixiao to greet the guests.

Moments later, the two arrived at the reception hall.

Inside, they saw a man and a woman seated.

The man appeared to be around thirty, with a somewhat heroic appearance, at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment.

The woman seemed to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with a calm and graceful beauty, at the sixth level of Foundation Establishment.

“Greetings, Master Lu, Lady Lu. I am Song Cheng, a disciple from Azure Cloud Sect’s Chiyang Peak.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao, the man immediately stood up, cupping his fists in a polite gesture.

“Sima Qiuhua.”

The woman introduced herself with a cold expression, showing no emotion.

“Greetings, Daoist Song. What brings you and Daoist Sima to our Bihu Mountain today?”

Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao sat nearby, smiling as they asked.

“It’s like this, my master heard that Master Lu had advanced to a Third-Tier Talisman Master, so he sent me to congratulate you and inquire whether Master Lu would be interested in becoming a guest elder at our Chiyang Peak.”

Song Cheng took a delicate gift box from his Storage Bag and handed it to Lu Changsheng, speaking politely.

“Daoist Song is too kind. Chiyang Peak? Who is your master?”

Lu Changsheng didn’t immediately accept the gift. He narrowed his eyes slightly and asked.

“My Master is Chiyang Immortal.”

Song Cheng’s face showed a hint of pride as he spoke.

As the disciple of a Golden Core Immortal, it was indeed something to be proud of.

“So it’s the disciple of Chiyang Immortal, my apologies for being impolite.”

Lu Changsheng slightly clasped his hands in greeting.

Although he knew the names of several Golden Core Immortals in the Azure Cloud Sect.

Besides having heard that Caiyun Zhenren had two disciples, he wasn’t really familiar with the others.

“My husband, if I’m not mistaken, Sima Qiuhua is also a disciple of Chiyang Peak.”

“So, likely, they didn’t come representing the whole Azure Cloud Sect, but rather just Chiyang Peak, as mediators.”

At this point, the dignified and graceful Ling Zixiao, who was sipping tea, transmitted her Divine Sense’s analysis to Lu Changsheng.

“I have just recently advanced to the Third-Tier in Talisman Making and am far from proficient. So, I’m afraid the matter of becoming a guest elder isn’t something Chiyang Immortal would consider.”

Lu Changsheng politely declined.

He could sense that the other party wasn’t just here to recruit him; they were probably here to mediate, just as Ling Zixiao had suggested.

If he accepted this recruitment, things would likely become more complicated.

Furthermore, he had heard from Xiao Xiyue long ago that his Master Caiyun Immortal seemed to have a grudge with Chiyang Immortal’s partner.

Back when he and Xiao Xiyue were ambushed, it might have even been instigated by them.

“Master Lu’s talent in Talisman Making is something I’ve long heard about.”

“Moreover, my master personally asked about this matter and promised that if Master Lu were willing to join our Chiyang Peak as a guest elder, not only would you receive our sect’s Third-Tier Talisman Making inheritance.”

“But in the future, when Master Lu wishes to break through to the False Core stage, our Chiyang Peak could provide you with a suitable Third-Tier monster core.”

Song Cheng could sense Lu Changsheng’s intention to politely decline, so he offered more tempting terms.

As for Golden Core resources like Condensing Crystal Pills, he didn’t even bring them up.

After all, Condensing Crystal Pills were so limited in the Azure Cloud Sect that even core disciples had to compete for them. There was no way they’d offer them to an outsider.

“Let me think about it.”

Lu Changsheng continued to politely decline.

Even if he were to become a guest elder in the Azure Cloud Sect, it would be at Caiyun Peak, not Chiyang Peak.

“Alright, in that case, please consider it carefully, Master Lu.”

Song Cheng noticed Lu Changsheng’s continued refusal, his tone becoming a bit colder.

In his eyes, no matter how powerful Bihu Mountain was, it was still just a dog under the Azure Cloud Sect’s rule.

For his master to personally ask about this matter, and even offer an olive branch with promised benefits, only to have Lu Changsheng refuse it, was utterly ungrateful!

“In addition to the guest elder matter, I also came here to resolve the feud between Master Lu and the Sima Family of Xuanwu Ridge.”

Song Cheng spoke, continuing.

“Resolve the feud?”

Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao exchanged a glance, thinking to themselves that it was just as they had guessed.

“I didn’t expect that this Daoist Sima would be from Xuanwu Ridge’s Sima Family.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Sima Qiuhua and spoke with a smile.

Then he turned back to Song Cheng, continuing, “The conflict between the two families started with the Sima Family. Since Daoist Song has spoken, our Bihu Mountain is also willing to let things go. As long as the Sima Family compensates us accordingly, this matter will be over.”

Beside him, Sima Qiuhua clenched her hands tightly within her sleeves at Lu Changsheng’s words.

Not only had her clan’s patriarch been captured, but four of their Golden Core seeds and a Foundation Establishment elder had died.

That elder was even her direct uncle.

Yet, now, in Lu Changsheng’s indifferent tone, it seemed like he was just letting it go.

“What compensation does Master Lu seek?”

Sima Qiuhua suppressed her anger as she spoke.

Although she had asked her master to intervene.

In such a matter, it was impossible for her master to come in person.

So, this led to their attempt to recruit Lu Changsheng.

Not only was Lu Changsheng talented, but Bihu Mountain’s current strength made them worth recruiting by Azure Cloud Sect.

Additionally, recruiting Lu Changsheng to Chiyang Peak would also help resolve the feud between the two families.

Of course, the compensation for resolving the feud would still have to come from the Sima Family.

“As for compensation…”

Lu Changsheng glanced at Ling Zixiao and pondered, “Five hundred thousand Spirit Stones, one spiritual land, thirty shops in their Market of our choosing, and the Sima Family must swear not to retaliate against Bihu Mountain for the next hundred years.”

He had discussed this with Ling Zixiao previously and even gained some insights from Sima Patriarch through the Six Desires Demon Heart Manual.

Although the compensation is steep, it was something the Sima Family could manage.

However, for the Sima Family, it would be a severe blow, causing them to suffer greatly.

“That’s impossible!”

Sima Qiuhua immediately responded, her tone sharp.

Even though she had stayed in Azure Cloud Sect for a long time, she knew her family would never agree to this compensation.

Such compensation would be enough to cultivate a False Core Immortal or even support someone breaking through to Golden Core!

She had asked her master to intervene to minimize the compensation.

Moreover, after this, her family would still have to compensate her master.

“Master Lu, are you joking? Regarding my junior sister’s matter, my master personally asked that it not escalate.”

Song Cheng’s face darkened as he spoke.

Although his master hadn’t given him much instruction, only asking him to handle it seriously.

His master’s partner had specifically instructed him to manage this matter properly.

“Daoist Song, are you representing Azure Cloud Sect or Chiyang Peak?”

Lu Changsheng could sense the hint of threat in his words, his handsome face revealing a trace of coldness as he calmly asked.

He, Lu Changsheng, had never liked being threatened.

And now, a mere Foundation Establishment Cultivator dared to pull rank on him?

If not for the fact that this was his own home and the other was a disciple of Azure Cloud Sect, he would’ve slapped him to death long ago.

“I represent Chiyang Peak but also Azure Cloud Sect!”

Song Cheng stared at Lu Changsheng with a cold gleam in his eyes, showing none of his previous politeness.

“If you represent Azure Cloud Sect, then present your sect’s decree.”

“If not, then leave.”

Since he already understood their purpose, Lu Changsheng saw no need to keep pretending.

After all, continuing the discussion wouldn’t lead to any resolution.

It would be better to wait for someone with more authority from the Sima Family to come.

As for Azure Cloud Sect and Chiyang Peak,

He’d simply call for backup.

Given his current cultivation at Golden Core, there’s no need to trouble Caiyun Immortal over this.

Instead, he could ask for a small favor.

This could help solidify the Lu Family’s connection with Azure Cloud Sect and serve as a deterrent.

So, you have a backing in Azure Cloud Sect too, right?

I, Lu Changsheng, have been building relationships there since before the family was established!