Chapter Index

    “Lu Changsheng, don’t be shameless.”

    Hearing Lu Changsheng’s words, Song Cheng’s face immediately darkened.

    If it weren’t for Lu Changsheng’s reputation and the fact that this was Bihu Mountain, he would have acted out immediately.

    The two of them came here with a direct order from Immortal Chiyang.

    Lu Changsheng’s blatant disrespect was practically a slap in the face to Chiyang Peak, not just to Immortal Chiyang as their master.

    Even though the Lu Family had a newly formed False Core and Lu Changsheng, a Third-Tier Talisman Master, in the eyes of Azure Cloud Sect they were still nothing more than dogs!

    “Get out!”

    Lu Changsheng held his cup of tea, his expression calm and indifferent, showing no intent to be polite.

    As soon as the words left his mouth, Song Cheng smashed the table with a single palm and stood up abruptly, ready to attack, but Sima Qiuhua quickly held him back.

    She actually hoped her senior brother would fight Lu Changsheng.

    But the main purpose today was to rescue their family’s patriarch.

    If things escalated too much, the situation could get out of control.

    Besides, their family patriarch wasn’t known for being overbearing.

    If he found out they initiated the fight and were forceful, they wouldn’t have a leg to stand on.

    “Fine, fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

    Song Cheng’s face was dark, and his tone harsh. “Since Master Lu doesn’t show respect to Chiyang Peak, I will make sure to report this matter to our master as it is!”

    As a disciple of a Golden Core stage Immortal, Song Cheng held a high position in Azure Cloud Sect, so even the family patriarchs would respectfully greet him.

    But now, Lu Changsheng, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, was treating him like this, causing him to be furious.

    After speaking, he and Sima Qiuhua left the hall and quickly departed.

    “They’re not entirely stupid.”

    Watching them leave, Lu Changsheng took a light sip of tea.

    Lu Changsheng had cultivated for so long that their attitude couldn’t make him truly angry.

    One reason was that there was no point in discussing further, and he didn’t want to be polite.

    Another reason was that if they wanted to bring reinforcements, he didn’t mind letting the matter escalate.

    If the Sima Family invited someone from the Chiyang lineage and his own family could handle it, wouldn’t that prove how strong his backing was?

    “Dear, should I inform Xiyue?”

    Ling Zixiao was slightly surprised by Lu Changsheng’s actions.

    But she didn’t give it much thought.

    She knew that Lu Changsheng certainly had his reasons.

    “Yes, I’ll take a trip to Azure Cloud Sect. I need solid backing there.”

    Lu Changsheng said with a smile.

    “Backing?”

    Ling Zixiao was a bit surprised.

    Besides Xiao Xiyue and Zhao Qingqing, did her husband have other connections in Azure Cloud Sect?

    But to call it a ‘backing’ that wouldn’t fear Immortal Chiyang, it would have to be another Golden Core stage Immortal.

    Could it be…

    Ling Zixiao thought about her husband’s good fortune, and a thoughtful look appeared in her beautiful eyes.

    Lu Changsheng didn’t explain further. The Void Robes flowed with a hidden brilliance, and he disappeared into thin air.

    “Senior Brother, I heard that Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue are friends.”

    “His arrogance must be because of his connection with Xiao Xiyue.”

    After leaving Bihu Mountain, Sima Qiuhua spoke up.

    She had already thoroughly investigated Lu Changsheng’s connections in Azure Cloud Sect.

    She knew that he had a dao partner, a brother-in-law, and a connection with Xiao Xiyue.

    But they didn’t take Zhao Qingqing or Xia Zhaoyang seriously.

    The only one worth their attention was Xiao Xiyue.

    After all, Xiao Xiyue wasn’t just a core disciple of Azure Cloud Sect but had the potential to form a Golden Core. Both her master and senior sister were Golden Core Immortals.

    Such a status was far beyond what they, as Foundation Establishment cultivators, could compare to.

    “Hmph, with Fairy Qingyi sitting in the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm and Caiyun Zhenren in seclusion, what can Xiao Xiyue really do?”

    “Would she really risk offending Chiyang Peak for a mere acquaintance and ask Caiyun Zhenren to come out of seclusion?”

    Song Cheng sneered.

    His eyes narrowed as he continued, “Lu Changsheng is probably trying to ingratiate himself with Caiyun Peak, but he’s making a big mistake!”

    Though he didn’t know much about Lu Changsheng,

    he knew that someone who could rise so quickly over a few decades wouldn’t be foolish enough to provoke Chiyang Peak.

    Today’s attitude definitely had another motive.

    Given the past grievances between his master’s wife and Caiyun Zhenren, it wasn’t a secret that relations between the two lineages were poor.

    So he first guessed that Lu Changsheng’s rejection was probably a ploy to curry favor with Xiao Xiyue and Caiyun Peak.

    “Hmph, that Lu Changsheng is a playboy. He might have some feelings for Xiao Xiyue and is trying to win her favor!”

    Hearing her senior brother, Sima Qiuhua snorted disdainfully.

    Though she found Lu Changsheng exceptionally handsome,

    during the tea-drinking session earlier, he hadn’t spared her a single glance. His behavior only made her dislike him.

    “I’ve heard Xiao Xiyue cultivates a technique that requires forgetting emotions and rejecting love. He’s just wasting his efforts.”

    “Besides, who is Xiao Xiyue? She’s destined to be a Divine Phoenix of the Nine Heavens, with hopes of forming a Golden Core in the future. What qualifications does Lu Changsheng, who’s nothing more than a big fish in a small pond, have!”

    Song Cheng laughed coldly.

    He had once tried to pursue Xiao Xiyue.

    But after learning a secret from his master, he knew it was futile.

    “Don’t worry, Junior Sister. I’ll report everything to our master and mistress.”

    Song Cheng assured Sima Qiuhua.

    “Thank you, Senior Brother. I will certainly repay you.”

    Sima Qiuhua smiled sweetly, her voice soft.

    Though Song Cheng might not hope to form a True Core in the future,

    as a disciple of Immortal Chiyang, forming a False Core wouldn’t be difficult.

    But she was far behind. She would need her family’s support to break through to the False Core stage.

    “No need to be so polite.”

    Song Cheng responded warmly, smiling.

    Helping Sima Qiuhua this time wasn’t just out of respect for his mistress but also to gain favor with the Sima Family.

    Handling this matter well would ensure that the Sima Family would owe him a significant favor.

    “Tsk.”

    Hidden in the void, Lu Changsheng watched the two of them leave.

    They’re not entirely stupid, knowing that my attitude earlier meant I must have some backing.”

    “Too bad, my backing isn’t Xiyue.”

    Lu Changsheng chuckled.

    If his only connection was Xiao Xiyue, he wouldn’t have acted this way.

    He would have likely exchanged pleasantries and kept them at arm’s length.

    In the Qingyun Region, or the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world, playing by the rules is stifling unless you have absolute strength.

    Without Caiyun Zhenren’s connection, if his strength remained hidden, he would have suffered a loss in this situation.

    Though he could use disguise and other methods to handle many external threats,

    when up against Azure Cloud Sect, Heavenly Sword Sect, and other sects, he had no option but to play by their rules.

    “I really need to broaden my connections.”

    “If I could form connections with Golden Core Immortals in the Sunset Glow Sect, Spirit Control Sect, and Heavenly Sword Sect, I wouldn’t have to worry about situations like this.”

    Lu Changsheng took a deep breath and released it slowly, realizing his path still had a long way to go.

    He needed to solidify his relationship with Caiyun Zhenren as soon as possible.

    Only then could he ensure peace while staying in the Qingyun Region.

    Lu Changsheng didn’t dwell on it further. The Void Robes glimmered, and he headed toward Azure Cloud Sect.

    Stopping a hundred miles from Azure Cloud Sect, Lu Changsheng adjusted his attire and took out a jade pendant.

    Even though his relationship with Caiyun Zhenren was unique,

    it wouldn’t be appropriate to directly walk into Azure Cloud Sect and seek an audience. He couldn’t exactly say, ‘Xiyue, I need to talk to your master.’

    So instead, he used the jade pendant given to him by Yun Wanshang.

    “Buzz!”

    When Lu Changsheng channeled his power into the jade pendant, it instantly emitted a radiant glow.

    Azure Cloud Sect.

    Within a luxurious palace on Caiyun Peak.

    Yun Wanshang was seated cross-legged, her beautiful eyes closed, surrounded by strands of radiant mist exuding a profound aura.

    At that moment, sensing something, she suddenly opened her eyes and raised her hand. A jade pendant appeared, shimmering in her grasp.

    “Hmm?”

    Yun Wanshang looked at the jade pendant with some surprise.

    She had given another one to Lu Changsheng, telling him to activate it in a life-or-death situation to request her help, yet he had never used it before.

    This was the first time he had.

    In addition to this jade pendant, she had also given him a token that sealed one of her Divine Abilities.

    Considering that Lu Changsheng had activated this jade pendant now, it didn’t seem like a life-or-death crisis.

    As she channeled her power into the pendant in her hand, the two jade pendants connected, forming an intangible link. She realized that Lu Changsheng wasn’t far; he was within her range of contact.

    “What’s the matter?”

    Yun Wanshang’s voice echoed, calm and melodious, yet carrying a hint of authority.

    “Huh, this pendant can transmit sound?”

    On the other side, Lu Changsheng was a bit startled to hear Yun Wanshang’s voice coming from the pendant.

    He had studied the pendant before and knew it was a Rare Treasure capable of masking his presence and serving as a communicative link,

    but he hadn’t realized it could directly transmit messages.

    “Senior, I have something I need your help with.”

    Knowing Yun Wanshang’s decisive nature, Lu Changsheng didn’t beat around the bush and got straight to the point.

    “Speak.”

    The pendant transmitted Yun Wanshang’s crisp, cool voice, like pearls falling onto jade plates.

    “Damn, this woman is really cold.”

    Lu Changsheng cursed silently in his heart.

    But he knew this was just her nature, icy on the outside, warm on the inside.

    So his voice softened, tinged with a bit of grievance, “Senior, after developing my family for many years, we recently established a caravan to trade for Spirit Stones.

    “But the Sima Family of Xuanwu Ridge is tyrannical and unreasonable. They not only oppressed us, but also forbade our family from doing business, sending people to kill us.”

    “Get to the point.”

    Yun Wanshang’s voice interrupted.

    “My son has captured the Sima Family’s ancestor, Sima Tong, and detained him, but the Sima Family has summoned Immortal Chiyang to intervene, sending disciples to our family.”

    Lu Changsheng quickly explained.

    “Captured Sima Tong, and now Immortal Chiyang is involved?”

    Yun Wanshang was immediately surprised.

    She knew Sima Tong of Xuanwu Ridge was a False Core stage cultivator.

    That Lu Changsheng could detain him was understandable.

    But now Lu Changsheng claimed his son did it!?

    She didn’t press for details, instead responding calmly, “How do you want to handle it?”

    “Uh, that depends on what’s convenient for you, Senior.”

    “If possible, as long as the Sima Family provides ample compensation, I’m willing to settle things peacefully.”

    Lu Changsheng replied.

    “Alright, I understand.”

    With that, Lu Changsheng felt the invisible connection between the pendants sever.

    “So aloof?”

    Lu Changsheng felt speechless, he hadn’t even mentioned the compensation details.

    But given what Caiyun Zhenren said, he figured she wouldn’t let him suffer a loss.

    Looking towards Azure Cloud Sect, Lu Changsheng thought it had been a while since he last spent quality time with Xiao Xiyue and Zhao Qingqing.

    Since he was here, he might as well visit them and check on the children, Zhao Qingqing, and Han Lin.

    Meanwhile.

    After putting away the jade pendant, Yun Wanshang released her Golden Core stage Divine Sense, sending a message to a woman in the courtyard outside the palace, “Jinxiu, go to the Enforcement Palace and bring me the latest information about Bihu Mountain.”

    “Yes, Peak Master.”

    The woman responded immediately.

    Moments later, the woman named Jinxiu returned to Caiyun Peak and presented a Jade Slip.

    “Boom!”

    The palace doors opened with a roar, and the Jade Slip landed in Yun Wanshang’s hand.

    “Foundation Establishment Pill, Lu Wangshu, Eldest son of the Lu Family, Lu Ping’an, only sixty-one years old, nearly Third-Tier Body Tempering.”

    Reading the news, Yun Wanshang was surprised that Lu Changsheng had stirred up so much in just a few years, no wonder he had attracted attention from other families.

    But when she read about Lu Ping’an, her peerless beauty showed a slight hint of surprise.

    This information was shocking.

    Even with her Golden Core Immortal-level vision, Lu Ping’an’s situation was extraordinary, truly remarkable.

    As for Lu Changsheng’s advancement to Third-Tier Talisman Master, she wasn’t too surprised.

    She had suspected for a long time, especially when they had shared an intimate moment before. She had sensed that Lu Changsheng had been hiding his true power.

    She just hadn’t explored further or exposed him.

    “Lu Qingshan, Lu Ping’an, Lu Wangshu, could it be that Lu Changsheng’s Spirit Body is related to fertility?”

    Yun Wanshang stared at the Jade Slip in her hand, lost in thought.

    She was not pleased with Lu Changsheng’s behavior as a ‘breeder.’

    On one hand, it was out of regard for the women involved.

    On the other, it was because top cultivators are usually devoted to their cultivation, indifferent to worldly desires.

    Someone as indulgent as Lu Changsheng, with no control over his desires, how could he ever walk the path of greatness?

    But looking at the information before her, she suddenly realized that Lu Changsheng might be forging his own unique path.

    “Is there a Spirit Body that aids fertility while not hindering cultivation?”

    Yun Wanshang pondered.

    She had long suspected Lu Changsheng was harboring a mutated Spirit Root or some rare Spirit Body.

    Years ago, she had tested Lu Changsheng’s Spirit Root, and it had been Eighth-Tier.

    But later, when she saw his details from Azure Cloud Sect, his early test results showed a Ninth-Tier Spirit Root.

    It’s extremely rare in the cultivation world for a Spirit Root to improve.

    But it’s not impossible.

    Some mutated Spirit Roots might not be detectable early on, or might appear as low-Tier, only maturing as cultivation progresses and showing their effects.

    Similarly, certain Spirit Bodies could have similar effects, even masking or affecting the Spirit Root’s state.

    “Jinxiu, go handle the grudge between Bihu Mountain and the Sima Family. Find out what Bihu Mountain wants in compensation, then bring Sima Tong to the Enforcement Palace and notify the Sima Family to come and get him.”

    After a moment of consideration, Yun Wanshang called out to the woman outside, throwing her a token.

    “Yes, Peak Master!”

    Jinxiu respectfully answered.

    After Jinxiu left, Yun Wanshang took out the jade pendant again. Once the two pendants connected, she said, “I’ve sent someone to handle the issue. Come to Azure Cloud Sect, and when you see Xiyue, explain it like this.”

    For some reason, after saying this, Yun Wanshang felt as if she and Lu Changsheng were hiding something from Xiao Xiyue.

    Even though she did it first, she couldn’t help but feel like she was betraying her disciple.

    “Sigh.”

    Yun Wanshang lightly sighed, staring at the Jade Slip in her hand as her thoughts drifted.

    She couldn’t help but recall the son she bore with Lu Changsheng in the Soul Dao Dream.

    That Soul Dao Dream and reality seemed to reflect each other.

    If Lu Changsheng were truly a unique Spirit Body that could produce such an extraordinary child with any woman,

    Wouldn’t bearing a child with him really fulfill the prophecy in that Soul Dao Dream?

    “Hmph!”

    Yun Wanshang’s expression grew cold as she discarded these thoughts, resuming her meditation and refining her Golden Core.

    Meanwhile.

    In a luxurious palace on Chiyang Peak.

    “What? Lu Changsheng told you to get lost?”

    A dignified and beautiful woman in her thirties, wearing a green daoist robe and with her hair styled in an elegant bun, looked at the two people before her with a questioning gaze.

    “Master, we wouldn’t dare deceive you on a matter like this.”

    Sima Qiuhua replied respectfully, her eyes full of helplessness.

    “Mistress, Lu Changsheng of Bihu Mountain is a friend of Xiao Xiyue. He likely rejected Chiyang Peak to curry favor with Caiyun Peak and rely on them instead.”

    Song Cheng added with a bow.

    “Caiyun Peak!”

    Hearing that name, Song Qingzhi’s expression turned cold.

    Everyone in Azure Cloud Sect knew about her past grievances with Yun Wanshang.

    She could overlook Yun Wanshang, but Lu Changsheng, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator from a newly formed False Core family, daring to insult her?

    “A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator dares to choose who to follow. Refusal is not an option!”

    Song Qingzhi’s voice was frosty as she rebuked.

    She wasn’t just concerned about this for Sima Qiuhua.

    She had also noticed that Bihu Mountain was not ordinary; both Lu Changsheng and Lu Ping’an seemed to have great fortune.

    If she openly tried to seize their fortune, it wouldn’t look right. It would be too blatant.

    But if Bihu Mountain relied on her Chiyang lineage, then they would have no choice but to offer their fortune willingly.

    But who would have thought that they would reject her and align themselves with Caiyun Peak?

    “Hmph, I want to see what gives Lu Changsheng the courage to defy me!”

    Song Qingzhi stood up, preparing to visit Bihu Mountain personally.

    She wanted to see where Lu Changsheng got his courage!

    Chapter Summary

    Lu Changsheng dismisses Song Cheng and Sima Qiuhua, causing tension between them and Chiyang Peak. After their departure, Lu Changsheng plans to visit Azure Cloud Sect, reflecting on the need for stronger backing. Meanwhile, Yun Wanshang assists Lu Changsheng, investigating the Sima Family’s oppression of the Lu Family. Song Qingzhi, angered by the rejection, decides to visit Bihu Mountain personally to confront Lu Changsheng.

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