Chapter 527: Immortal Qingluan Ranked Second, Shocking the Jiang Kingdom!

All the cultivators watching were left dumbfounded, their expressions filled with shock and disbelief.

Before the duel, none of them believed Lu Ping’an could win.

At most, they guessed Lu Ping’an might have some secret treasure or trump card to hold on for a while.

But no one expected Lu Ping’an to actually win.

And he won so thoroughly!

If he wished, he could have even killed Shangguan Jiuyang!

Resisting, defeating, killing—these are three distinct levels.

Each level signifies a gap in power!

Lu Ping’an was able to defeat Shangguan Jiuyang. Even though he took advantage of Dao Soldiers and Shangguan Jiuyang’s underestimation, his strength was undeniable!

“T-this…”

“The Shangguan Family Ancestor actually lost!”

“Is this the power of Dao Soldiers? This is terrifying!”

“I suspect Lu Ping’an is similar to Immortal Qingluan from years ago; obtaining a supreme opportunity to cultivate unparalleled Dao Soldiers!”

“Bihu Mountain’s Old Ancestor Lu Changsheng, in just a few decades, rose from a mere son-in-law to establish the Bihu Mountain Lu Family. He was already a man of great fortune, but I never expected his son to have such a supreme destiny. Is the Lu Family truly favored by the heavens?”

“If eighty-one Dao Soldiers are this terrifying, what if there were five hundred? Couldn’t they reverse the tide against True Core cultivators?”

“Bihu Mountain, Lu Ping’an! This person might be the strongest below the True Core Realm!”

“I’d estimate only a False Core master from the Four Great Immortal Sects or the Beast Taming Xu Family, who commands Dao Soldiers or spirit beasts, can match him!”

“Lu Ping’an’s technique heritage is clearly aligned with Dao Soldiers, far surpassing others. If given a century to grow, he might become the next Immortal Qingluan!”

“The rapid rise of Bihu Mountain might have something to do with this Lu Ping’an!”

As they gazed at Lu Ping’an, they whispered in low voices, filled with awe, respect, envy, and fear.

Their eyes reflected complex emotions—reverence, admiration, jealousy, and apprehension.

“Big Brother!”

On the mountain peak, Lu Qingyan, Lu Chensha, and the others became overwhelmed with excitement at the sight.

Although they were confident.

When the actual battle began, they still had some worries.

But now that Big Brother had forcefully suppressed Shangguan Old Ancestor, they were too excited to speak, pride and honor filling their hearts!

“So, this is the power of Dao Soldiers…”

Lu Chensha’s eyes revealed a hint of longing.

In the Beast Scripture, there is also a method for nurturing Dao Soldiers.

If he could cultivate a group of his own Dao Soldiers…

But just as the thought arose, he remembered the resources his father spent to cultivate these eighty-one Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Soldiers and dismissed the idea.

Right now, the expenses for nurturing his spirit beasts were already covered by his parents—how could he have the extra funds to cultivate Dao Soldiers?

“Once my Ironfire Ants number over ten thousand, their power shouldn’t be any weaker than Dao Soldiers.”

Lu Chensha consoled himself this way.

“I, Lu, have no desire to discuss matters regarding the secret realm. But if the Shangguan Family insists on entangling further, Bihu Mountain is willing to accommodate!”

Lu Ping’an faced Shangguan Jiuyang, his voice powerful and ringing.

He hadn’t struck a killing blow; besides not wanting to escalate the grudge, none of his people had died either, and he had already killed several of their disciples.

Particularly Lu Qingyan, who had killed someone right in front of Shangguan Jiuyang.

Given the situation, he understood their anger.

But in the world of cultivation, no one dwells too much on right or wrong—it’s all about stepping over the remains of others.

“In a battle for the secret realm, life and death are a matter of fate!”

Shangguan Jiuyang’s face turned pale as he spoke.

Even though he was unwilling, with so many eyes watching, he couldn’t continue pressuring the matter.

Moreover, should he persist, Lu Ping’an might indeed kill him—at the very least, he would be crippled.

“Very well.”

Lu Ping’an retracted his Black Dragon Halberd and let out a soft sigh.

He had witnessed much of the cruelty of the cultivation world, yet still felt overwhelmed with emotion each time.

He then looked around at the onlookers, flashed a kind smile, and clasped his hands, saying, “I apologize for any disruption caused by this duel.”

“If you have time, I welcome you all to visit Bihu Mountain as guests for tea. If your family businesses are interested, collaboration is also welcome.”

Before him were cultivators from various prominent families and forces from the Jiang Kingdom.

If he could establish friendly relations with even a fraction, and enter into collaborations, it would greatly benefit his family.

Although Lu Ping’an didn’t get involved in family affairs, he had gained some understanding through exposure.

“Of course, of course!”

“Lu Daoist, you are too kind!”

“Should I find the time, I will definitely pay a visit!”

“I heard that your esteemed father is a master of both Dan and Talisman arts, and your family’s puppets are renowned. My Li family happens to have such needs. We will definitely visit!”

The observing cultivators clasped their hands respectfully, their expressions solemn, their attitudes vastly different from before.

Previously, Lu Ping’an, despite being near the Third-Tier of Body Tempering, was far behind a true False Core cultivator.

But now, his divine abilities and methods had surpassed most False Core cultivators, earning him immense respect.

“This old man is Wang Muyun. I greet you, Lu Daoist.”

At this moment, the Old Ancestor of the Wang Family stepped out gracefully, his smile amiable, and clasped his hands.

“Greetings, Senior Wang.”

Even though Lu Ping’an had the strength of a False Core cultivator, he still addressed those in the False Core realm as a junior would.

“Lu Daoist, my Five Elements Wang Family has many aspects where cooperation with your esteemed family would be beneficial. Shall I send someone to Bihu Mountain later to discuss?”

Wang Muyun said with a smile.

His family’s Core Formation Old Ancestor didn’t have much lifespan left, so in recent years, they had been nurturing good relations with many families, even through marriage ties.

All to secure their family’s future.

Now that Lu Ping’an had shown such promise, potentially achieved the Core Formation in the future, the Wang Family was naturally willing to invest, even offering help when necessary.

Besides, his Wang Family wasn’t on good terms with the Xu Family. Bihu Mountain and the Beast Taming Xu Family were both under the Azure Cloud Sect. He figured he could use this to irritate the Xu Family.

As for whether offending the Xu Family and the Shangguan Family was a concern, the Wang Family didn’t care at all.

Once their family’s Old Ancestor passed, the two families would certainly begin to suppress them. So, fearing them was pointless.

“You are most welcome.”

Lu Ping’an had heard about the situation with the Five Elements Wang Family.

But since they had come so courteously, he naturally wouldn’t refuse.

“Good.”

After chatting with Lu Ping’an for a bit, exchanging tokens, Wang Muyun sent a message, “Lu Daoist, your use of Dao Soldiers might attract the covetous eyes of the Beast Taming Xu Family. You must be cautious.”

“Furthermore, the Xu Family absolutely doesn’t want to see your family rise. Please be vigilant. If any trouble arises, feel free to contact me. After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

Although the Old Ancestor of the Wang Family had little lifespan left, with his vitality dwindling, his combat power was now weaker than both the Xu and Shangguan Family Elders, ranking among the lowest of all Core Formation cultivators.

But precisely because of this, no Core Formation cultivator wanted to clash with the Wang Family to the death.

They were all waiting for their Old Ancestor to pass.

Years ago, the Xu Family Elder came to the Five Elements Mountain and shattered their gate solely using the might of spirit beasts and Dao Soldiers.

“Thank you for the reminder, Senior. I will stay alert.”

Lu Ping’an replied in a deep voice.

Although there hadn’t been a direct conflict with the Beast Taming Xu Family yet.

With his family’s rise, a direct confrontation was bound to happen eventually.

“Good.”

Wang Muyun smiled and nodded, inwardly sighing. Why couldn’t his family produce such a promising child?

If they had, they wouldn’t have fallen to this state.

But thinking about the current chaos in his family, he couldn’t help but sigh again.

“Lu Daoist, you are young and extraordinary. I am impressed. Our two families are both under the administration of Cloud Peak. We should connect more often. If you have the time, please visit Dragon Head Mountain.”

At this moment, Xu Yinglong of the Beast Taming Xu Family approached with a smile, addressing Lu Ping’an.

Although just recently, he had considered ambushing Lu Ping’an.

Nonetheless, appearances still needed to be maintained.

“Thank you, Senior. If I have the time, I will certainly visit!”

Lu Ping’an still remembered clearly how thirty years ago, his father killed the Second Ancestor of the Xu Family at this very place. He clasped his hands in response.

“Mhm.”

Xu Yinglong wasn’t as enthusiastic as Wang Muyun. He smiled and nodded, then mounted his spirit beast and returned with his family members.

Preparing to report the situation of Lu Ping’an back to their family.

The rise of this Lu Ping’an was too alarming; he must not be allowed to live.

If allowed to grow, he might indeed become the second Wang Family Ancestor!

But thinking about the attitude of Immortal Baiyun just now, he felt a bit troubled.

His Xu Family might not want Bihu Mountain to rise.

But the Azure Cloud Sect would probably be very happy to see another Core Formation family emerge to balance the Xu Family.

At this time, the other cultivators, seeing the Beast Taming Xu Family and Shangguan Jiuyang leave, quickly approached to exchange pleasantries and make their presence known.

While they wouldn’t offer aid in an emergency, they were more than willing to add the finishing touch by congratulating him.

Of course, this was mainly because Lu Ping’an was very approachable, easy to talk to.

In the distance, a young man wearing the robes of a Cloud Peak disciple gazed at Lu Ping’an, feeling a bit lost.

A little while ago, Immortal Baiyun had told him that if Lu Ping’an was gravely injured or in danger, he should step in with the Cloud Peak token to stop the fight, then report to him.

But now, with Lu Ping’an defeating Shangguan Jiuyang, what should he do?

Should he report it or not?

Lu Ping’an didn’t engage in much further conversation. He wasn’t very used to this sort of interaction, so after a few words, he took the disciples of the Lu Family and left.

Considering the energy he had just expended, and the fact that the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Soldiers had now been exposed to the public, he immediately ordered the nine Black Water Flood Dragons to pull the spirit boat, maximizing their speed.

“Boom boom boom—”

Nine Second-Tier Black Water Flood Dragons soared through the clouds, water shimmering around them, pulling the Spirit Boat into the sky, leaving the other family forces in awe.

Some rogue cultivators who previously wanted to join Bihu Mountain watched this scene with deep regret.

They hadn’t expected the patriarch of the Lu Family to be so powerful.

“The rise of Bihu Mountain’s Lu Family seems unstoppable!”

“A tall tree attracts the wind. This Lu Ping’an is too monstrous; some won’t want him to break through to the Core Formation Realm.”

“In the cultivation world, the tides shift constantly. Only by reaching the Core Formation Realm can one truly step into the higher realms! Without a Core Formation, one remains but an ant!”

“If I were Lu Ping’an, I would leave the family now and go find an opportunity to break through to the Core Formation Realm. As long as he’s alive, no one would dare publicly act against Bihu Mountain. Besides, with Lu Changsheng and his wife holding the fort, the two of them are essentially False Core cultivators.”

“Sigh, I’m not envious of Lu Changsheng’s other achievements, just that he has such a good son. And I hear he has another son who joined the Golden Sun Sect in the Yue Kingdom, also a Core Formation seed!”

“If both sons break through, wouldn’t that be a family with two Core Formations!”

“The Lu Family of Bihu Mountain is truly favored by the heavens!”

The onlooking cultivators sighed audibly as Lu Ping’an left, their voices filled with envy and jealousy.

Families like the Xie Family of Lingxi, the Yuan Family of Great Ape Mountain, and the Mo Family of Tiemulin, who had dealings with Bihu Mountain, were filled with emotion, as if in a dream.

Not too long ago, the Bihu Mountain Lu Family was still on par with them.

But how many years have passed, and they’ve begun to show the foundation of a top-tier False Core family, a terrifying power!

Outside the Purple Secrets Realm.

“Hmm? Xiao Jiang, why have you returned? How did things turn out between Lu Ping’an and Shangguan Jiuyang?”

Immortal Baiyun saw his disciple return and frowned slightly, asking in a concerned tone.

I told him explicitly to inform me if Lu Ping’an was defeated.

Why has he returned directly?

“Reporting to Elder…”

The youth, whom Immortal Baiyun called Xiao Jiang, respectfully answered.

“What? You’re saying Lu Ping’an defeated Shangguan Jiuyang?”

Immortal Baiyun’s face showed surprise.

Though he wasn’t sure of Shangguan Jiuyang’s exact strength, he had some idea.

Among False Core cultivators, Shangguan Jiuyang was definitely in the upper ranks!

But this Lu Ping’an, hadn’t he just risen to fame a few years ago?

And yet, at such a young age, he managed to defeat Shangguan Jiuyang?

“Hmm?”

Not far away, the Core Formation elders of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Sunset Glow Sect, and Spirit Control Sect heard Xiao Jiang’s words. Their eyes opened, somewhat surprised.

Although Shangguan Jiuyang was not particularly impressive to them.

He was nonetheless a well-known False Core cultivator.

Lu Ping’an, on the other hand, was a name that none of them had ever heard of.

Only during the opening of the secret realm did they slightly notice him and form a brief impression.

But now, such an unknown junior had managed to defeat Shangguan Jiuyang, something truly unexpected.

Especially for the Core Formation elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“Yes, Elder. This person, besides three Second-Tier Flood Dragons, had six more Second-Tier Flood Dragons and seventy-two top-notch First-Tier Dao Soldiers.”

“It was by relying on the Dao Soldiers’ power that he was able to defeat Shangguan Jiuyang.”

Xiao Jiang explained what happened during the battle.

“Dao Soldiers!”

Immortal Baiyun’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He could see that Lu Ping’an’s Black Water Flood Dragons were cultivated using some Dao Soldier secret technique.

Just having two or three wouldn’t warrant the term “Dao Soldiers.”

But he hadn’t expected Lu Ping’an to possess eighty-one of them.

Although not a huge number, for a clan cultivator, it was already very impressive.

“I didn’t expect I had misjudged him.”

Immortal Baiyun laughed at himself.

Previously, because of Bihu Mountain’s relationship with Caiyun Peak and the reclamation wars, he had considered stepping in to help.

But now, hearing about Lu Ping’an’s situation, he started harboring other thoughts.

The Beast Taming Xu Family, with their deep-rooted foundation over the years, had been unyielding, even causing certain disruptions to the Azure Cloud Sect.

While the Azure Cloud Sect could theoretically destroy the Xu Family.

Such an act, without a justifiable reason, would likely lead other families to feel threatened and migrate away from Cloud Peak’s jurisdiction, unwilling to serve them.

Now, if Bihu Mountain rose with Lu Ping’an, the Azure Cloud Sect wouldn’t mind supporting them to balance the Xu Family.

After all, they were only somewhat dissatisfied with the Beast Taming Xu Family.

But if weakened slightly and willing to comply, they would be glad to keep them around.

The Core Formation elders of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Spirit Control Sect, and Sunset Glow Sect, after hearing about the Dao Soldiers and the general situation, did not comment.

They simply kept the name Lu Ping’an of Bihu Mountain in mind.

Twenty days later.

Bihu Mountain.

Several members of the Lu Family and cultivators were guarding and patrolling the mountain gate.

Although intrusions were rare, maintaining such vigilance was necessary.

It was at this moment that they suddenly noticed streaks of light speeding toward them from the horizon.

“Roar, roar, roar—”

A flash of ghostly light revealed nine terrifying black figures soaring through the clouds.

“Hmm? It’s Big Brother!”

“Uncle is back!”

“Wait, didn’t the family have three Black Water Flood Dragons? Why are there nine now!?”

The black figures, towering two or three meters high, with horns on their heads, fins on their abdomens, resembled black flood dragons, both majestic and fearsome.

The members of the Lu Family immediately recognized them as their family’s Black Water Flood Dragons.

Moments later, the Black Water Flood Dragons landed outside Bihu Mountain.

“Big Brother, Uncle, greetings to the Young Master!”

They all greeted respectfully.

“Mhm.”

Lu Ping’an nodded, without saying much, he took Lu Chensha and the others into the family, then reported the situation of the Purple Secrets Realm to Aunt Lu Miaoyun.

Given the gravity of the situation, Lu Miaoyun was unsure what to o and sent a message to Lu Changsheng.

Sumeru Cave Heaven, Hall of Everlasting Life.

Lu Changsheng was explaining the mysteries of yin and yang to Lu Miaoge..

Bing’er was also listening nearby.

Although she didn’t understand.

When things got profound, she would still hum along.

Who knows how much time passed, but the lecture ended as yin and yang merged.

At this moment, Lu Changsheng saw the Communication Talisman in his Storage Ring, put on his robe, and headed to the Lu Family Mansion with Bing’er.

“The Shangguan Family of the Divine Sword…”

After hearing Lu Ping’an narrate the situation, Lu Changsheng raised his eyebrows slightly.

He didn’t expect such a commotion in the Purple Secrets Realm.

Before this, he had already sensed that the Jin and Sima Families might target his own.

But he hadn’t expected to cross paths with the Shangguan Family.

“It’s fine. Next time something like this happens, you can send me a message directly to avoid running into danger along the way.”

Lu Changsheng’s expression remained calm as he spoke.

Although Lu Ping’an’s battle with Shangguan Jiuyang had barely resolved the matter.

It also put him in the crosshairs.

Years ago, the Third Ancestor of the Xu Family had secretly laid in ambush, waiting to strike at my ‘Foundation Establishment cultivator,'”

Who knows if the Beast Taming Xu Family or the Shangguan Family’s Core Formation elders would stoop to such methods as well?

After finishing his talk with Lu Ping’an, Lu Changsheng went to visit Lu Qingyan, Lu Chensha, Lu Yunfei, and others.

With the use of pills and the treatment of Lu Miaoyun and Qu Zhenzhen, th condition of Lu Yunfei and Lu Qingze was stable.

They might wake up in a few days.

However, their injuries had lingered for so long that their foundations had been damaged.

But for Lu Changsheng, such injuries to their foundation were not a big problem.

With the Nine Treasures Dao Bone and Miaoge’s nurturing using Taiji True Water, they could fully recover.

“Your performance this time wasn’t bad.”

Lu Changsheng praised Lu Qingyan, Lu Chensha, and Lu Mingfeng.

Although they brought some trouble to the family, he wasn’t disappointed in their performance.

Especially Lu Chensha.

He had managed to contract a Second-Tier demonic beast, the Spectre Face Soul-Devouring Spider, in the secret realm, which was beyond Lu Changsheng’s expectation.

Then, Lu Changsheng had his son release the Spectre Face Soul-Devouring Spider and checked his condition.

“So, contracting three spirit beasts can create such strong foundations. This Beast Scripture really is interesting…”

Lu Changsheng noticed that Lu Chensha’s body, spiritual energy, and foundation far surpassed those of the same level.

He wouldn’t fall behind even Lu Lingxiao or Lu Wangshu.

“If Chensha can contract a true spirit-level pet at the peak of Foundation Establishment, wouldn’t that allow him to aim directly for the Immortal Golden Core, perhaps even the Dao Golden Core?”

This thought suddenly came to Lu Changsheng.

Chensha’s Beast Scripture hadn’t reached its limit and could still improve.

The difference between true spirit-level demonic beasts and Heaven-Tier demonic beasts was like night and day.

If he could contract a true spirit-level demonic beast, not only would his Beast Scripture improve to a profound level, but his talent, foundation, and potential would all increase greatly!

However, Lu Changsheng dismissed the idea.

Currently, the only true spirit-level bloodline demonic beasts he had were Sumeru and Golden-Winged Roc; he couldn’t give them away.

Besides, contracting and taming a true spirit-level pet wasn’t something that could be done easily.

“You should continue your cultivation at home and prepare for Foundation Establishment,” Lu Changsheng told the four.

He had long prepared Foundation Establishment Pills.

Now, the family was about to usher in a wave of Foundation Establishment.

After what happened in the Purple Secrets Realm, keeping a low profile wasn’t possible for them anymore.

The matter of establishing branch families could also be expedited.

He originally planned to leave the establishment of branch families to his son, Lu Lingxiao.

But seeing Lu Chensha’s current progress, he felt Chensha might be more suited to go to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

As the Purple Secrets Realm adventure came to an end, the news of Lu Ping’an’s clash with Shangguan Jiuyang began to spread.

This incident caused quite a stir.

It made the name Bihu Mountain and Lu Ping’an resonate throughout the Jiang Kingdom.

Some even started comparing Lu Ping’an to Immortal Qingluan!

As a young family cultivator with remarkable achievements, many began to see Lu Ping’an as comparable to the Five Elements Wang Family’s founding ancestor.

They believed Lu Ping’an had a top-tier Spirit Body, much like the Wang Family ancestor did back then!

“Back then, the Wang Family ancestor’s Five Elements physique shook the world. This Lu Ping’an’s body is like a dragon, directly withstanding the might of a magical treasure. He must have some Body Tempering Spirit Body!”

“That’s right, I’ve heard his entire body shines with a golden light, his vitality like a beacon, soaring towards the heavens, resembling the legendary Savage Battle Body!”

“I think it’s more like the Vajra Body. Remember, the Vajra Body is also so strong, with a physique comparable to magical treasures!”

As the news spread, many cultivators and forces marvelled and discussed this matter.

The name of the Bihu Mountain Lu Family gradually spread beyond the Qingyun Region, becoming known to major forces in the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world.

During these days, Bihu Mountain was bustling with activity.

On the one hand, the Lu Family members were celebrating and feeling proud.

On the other hand, many family forces came to visit Bihu Mountain.

Now that Lu Ping’an had shown such formidable strength, it was only natural for the surrounding forces to come to pay their respects.

After all, it wouldn’t do for Lu Ping’an, the head of the Lu Family, to one day harbor a grudge because they didn’t send gifts to congratulate him.

In addition to the surrounding family forces, there were also visiting cultivators from more distant regions, coming to build connections or propose alliances and marriages with the Lu Family.