Chapter 532: The Sword Gate Pass, Celestial Phoenix True Feather!

The rolling mountains stretched like a giant dragon, with a majestic Five-Color Immortal City standing tall among these peaks.

“Wow, Dad! Is that Nine Heavens Immortal City?”

On a delicate sky-blue Spirit Boat, there were one man and four women.

A lively and cute girl in a red dress, around fourteen or fifteen years old, with bright eyes and twin ponytails, pointed at the Immortal City ahead and spoke excitedly.

The man, called ‘Dad’ by the girl, looked about thirty years old, refined and handsome, dressed in a simple green robe like a humble scholar.

However, his entire being exuded a peaceful and refreshing calmness.

“Yes, this is Nine Heavens Immortal City, the largest Immortal City in the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world.”

This man and four women were none other than Lu Changsheng, his wife Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaohuan, Qu Zhnzhen, and their daughter Lu Linghe.

To avoid drawing attention on this trip to Nine Heavens Immortal City, they had made some simple disguises.

“Wow, so many people!”

As they approached the Immortal City, they saw a large number of cultivators riding Artifacts, spirit beasts, or simply walking. It was quite lively.

Lu Miaoyun and the other two culdn’t help but marvel at the bustling city.

Even though Hongye Valley Marketplace had become quite famous after years of Lu Family’s management, it couldn’t compare to Nine Heavens Immortal City.

The difference was like night and day.

“In the early years, you couldn’t even see Foundation Establishment cultivators except for the old ancestors of major families. But now, they are everywhere in this Immortal City.”

Lu Miaohuan said with a sigh.

Although the Lu Family now had many Foundation Establishment cultivators,

Seeing this kind of scene still felt like stepping into another world.

“People seek to rise higher like water flows to lower places. If a cultivator doesn’t have a fortunate encounter after Foundation Establishment, it’s almost impossible to reach Golden Core Formation.”

“To strive for the chance to form a Golden Core, the only option is to come to one of the three major Immortal Cities and try your luck. So, in the Qingyun Region, there are hardly any famous rogue cultivators.”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile.

Under Qingyun’s rule, aside from family powers, very few famous rogue cultivators could be found.

Occasionally, some skilled rogue cultivators would emerge, mostly from the three Immortal Cities or elsewhere.

Lu Changsheng didn’t directly steer the Spirit Boat into the Immortal City.

Instead, he chose to land and walked with his wife and daughter to experience the local customs and climate.

“Dad, that caravan is much bigger than ours!”

Lu Linghe was very lively, pointing here and there.

She even rode her small pony after seeing many people riding spirit beasts.

As for the Iron-Eating Beast,

it could be let out at any time, but in a place like the Immortal City, it would be too conspicuous.

So, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Lu Changsheng had bought a small pony for his daughter to ride.

In this way, the five of them leisurely made their way to the Immortal City.

When they finally arrived at the Immortal City, they were awestruck by the grandeur of the magnificent city walls that rose like coiled dragons and the overwhelming presence of the Third-Tier Forbidden Grand Formation.

Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaohuan, and Q Zhenzhen were visibly shaken by the sight.

As for Lu Linghe, she didn’t feel much

She just thought that this Immortal City was much bigger than what had been described in books.

Living in an Immortal City is not easy.

But with Lu Changsheng’s wealth, this level of expense was no problem.

After entering the Immortal City, he took his wife and daughter to eat, drink, and explore.

Lu Linghe, who had saved up a lot of Spirit Stones, planned to buy gifts for her brothers and sisters at home, but her purse quickly emptied out, making Lu Changsheng shake his head and laugh.

Lu Changsheng didn’t forget his real purpose.

He asked around about the arrival of the Azure Cloud Spirit Ship.

He learned that the Spirit Ship had arrived half a month ago, so by now, Lu Ping’an should have already reached the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“If they see Ping’an is just there to meet his little girlfriend, those people should be getting ready to act by now.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

Although the way he was fishing for a target was somewhat obvious,

sometimes, the most high-level schemes are just that simple and straightforward.

“Husband, didn’t you visit this Immortal City many years ago? Has anything changed since then?”

Lu Miaoyun asked with a happy mile on her face, looking like an innocent young girl.

“Yes, wasn’t it here that you met Xingruo and Xingyu?”

Lu Miaohuan, who was dressed in an elegant black palace gown and had a dignified and cold beauty, glanced at her husband.

“Heh, not much has changed.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled.

It had been forty-six years since he last visited Nine Heavens Immortal City.

Though the city looked the same, the cultivators had changed over and over.

Hearing the names Li Xingruo and Li Xingyu, he felt a bit emotional and walked to where the Treasure Pill Pavilion used to be.

The shop had a new signboard.

“But in a few years, I should help Xingruo and Xingyu get justice.”

Lu Changsheng thought.

The two sisters were oppressed by their family back then and could only temporarily resolve the issue by relying on him.

But after he and Ling Zixiao left, without a strong backer, the sisters, who were holding a fortune, attracted unwanted attention again.

Ultimately, unable to bear the harassment, they accepted Ling Zixiao’s invitation to come to Bihu Mountain.

For all these years, the two women had borne children for him, with Li Xingruo becoming the chief alchemist of the Lu Family.

So, when the time is right, naturally, Lu Changsheng will seek justice for them.

The mountain range was like a landscape painting, with towering and majestic peaks that were grand and imposing.

Unlike ordinary mountain ranges, these peaks were straight like swords piercing the sky, as if they were competing to reach higher, aiming at the heavens.

But in the middle of this range, one pinnacle stood like a peerless Heavenly Sword, towering into the clouds and connecting with the heavens, making the surrounding mountains seem dull in comparison.

Lu Ping’an sat in a pavilion outside the Heavenly Sword Sect mountain gate, gazing at the golden peak of the Heavenly Sword Peak, bathed in the glow of a thousand rays of light.

This was his first real trip away from home.

Not only did he get to see the Nine Heavens Immortal City he had always heard of but never visited,

but he also arrived at the Jiang Kingdom’s dominant power, the Heavenly Sword Sect!

Even though he had seen the Azure Cloud Sect and Qingyun Market Town, this Immortal City and Sect still left him stunned, deeply feeling the vastness of the world.

His thoughts wandered, marveling at the grandeur of the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world, wondering how fascinating the Southern Wilderness must be.

But thinking about meeting Qin Yi soon, he clenched his fists, feeling a little uneasy, unsure of how to start the conversation.

Reflecting on how he came here without notifying her, would it be too abrupt? What if she’s in seclusion or out on a task?

Time passed little by little.

He didn’t know how long it had been.

A woman with slender eyes, cherry-red lips, a cold and clear face, and a high ponytail walked over in black robes.

Seeing the tall figure of Lu Ping’an sitting dumbfounded on the stone bench in the pavilion, she smiled slightly and then walked over, softly saying, “Lu Ping’an, what brings you here?”

Lu Ping’an, lost in thought, looked up at the black-clad woman and instinctively replied, “Long time no see, Miss Qin.”

“Long time no see? It’s only been a few years. Didn’t you usually go decades without seeing me?”

Qin Yi said indifferently.

“.”

Lu Ping’an scratched his head and said, “Miss Qin, haven’t we moved past this already?”

Qin Yi found his behavior somewhat amusing.

It was hard to connect this man with the rumored Lu Family Ancestor, who commanded Dao Soldiers and subdued Shangguan Jiuyang.

“Why did you come to the Heavenly Sword Sect?”

She naturally sat next to Lu Ping’an in the pavilion, her tone much softer.

“Well, you know, it’s been a while, so I thought I’d visit. Our family matters are done, so I wanted to see you.

“You visited me at Bihu Mountain before, so now it’s my turn to visit you at the Heavenly Sword Sect. Plus, I’ve never been to Nine Heavens Immortal City or the Heavenly Sword Sect, so I wanted to take a look.”

With his father’s prior advice, Lu Ping’an naturally wouldn’t admit being urged to come by his father.

“Really?”

Qin Yi raised an eyebrow, leaned closer, and asked with a hint of suspicion.

She felt this kind of action didn’t seem like something Lu Ping’an would do.

Although he was loyal and righteous, his family had always come first in his heart.

Given the recent events in the Purple Secrets Realm, it would have been best for him to remain in the family to oversee matters.

“Really.”

Lu Ping’an nodded immediately.

Then, he took out a translucent Jade Slip, shimmering with a blue glow, and handed it to the black-clad woman, saying, “Miss Qin, I didn’t bring any gifts this time.

“Since you practice Sword Dao, I’ve collected many Sword Dao techniques and true understandings over the years. I hope they’ll be useful to you.”

Lu Ping’an said this sincerely.

As a sword cultivator, Qin Yi’s spiritual senses were sharp, and she noticed something off in Lu Ping’an’s demeanor.

She vaguely guessed that his actions were probably the result of some sibling’s scheming, making him act a bit awkwardly.

However, she didn’t call him out on it.

Given his straightforward nature, making this proactive step was already a big improvement.

“You were thoughtful.”

She smiled and accepted the Jade Slip.

As a Heavenly Sword Sect disciple and a named disciple of a Master, she didn’t lack in Sword Dao techniques or true understandings.

But she wouldn’t reject a heartfelt gift from Lu Ping’an.

“But I don’t have any gifts for you. Since you’ve never been to Nine Heavens Immortal City or the Heavenly Sword Sect, shall I give you a tour?”

The black-clad woman stood up, her expression calm, and said.

“Sure.”

Lu Ping’an grinned.

Outside cultivators were not allowed to freely enter the sect.

But with Qin Yi, a core disciple, vouching for him, and after providing his name and background, they faced no obstacles.

“This is our Heavenly Sword Sect’s Sword Testing Peak, where outer sect disciples spar and train.”

“That peak over there is called Sword Mountain. At the summit is the Sword Hall, where swords carried by ultimate real immortals of our sect are kept.”

“When the core true disciples fall, their Flying Swords are placed in the sword pool on Sword Mountain to nurture their spirituality. After the annual competition, disciples can go up the mountain to select swords.”

Qin Yi walked side by side with Lu Ping’an, explaining the sect.

However, with many restricted areas, they could only tour the outer regions.

When Lu Ping’an heard about Sword Inquiry Platform, he became interested.

He remembered his father mentioning how his younger brother Lu Qingshan was once invited by Jade Sword Zhenren to the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Sword Inquiry.

In the end, he overwhelmed opponents of the same level, carving the character ‘Lu’ on the Monument.

Now, since no one was at the Sword Inquiry Platform, nothing much to see, Qin Yi took him to the Heavenly Sword Monument.

The monument was marked with numerous sword marks, symbols, or characters, each conveying a different meaning.

Many Heavenly Sword Sect disciples were seated in front of the monument, meditating on the sword intent inscribed there.

From them, Lu Ping’an spotted a ‘Lu’ character.

Although he wasn’t sure if it was carved by his brother Lu Qingshan, pride swelled within him.

After all, not everyone could achieve such a feat.

Even though he surpassed his younger brother in strength, he had no arrogance.

He knew his current power was entirely due to his father’s favor.

“All paths lead to the same destination. You can also study the sword intent here.”

Qin Yi said to Lu Ping’an.

The Heavenly Sword Monument was not an exclusive Artifact; outsiders could comprehend it if they had the ability.

After staring at the monument for a long time, Lu Ping’an shook his head.

After they had toured the entire Heavenly Sword Sect, rested for two nights, Qin Yi and Lu Ping’an left to explore.

At this moment, Qin Yi seemed to have let go of her inner constraints and burdens.

“Lu Ping’an, you probably haven’t received my letter yet, have you?”

One day, as they sat side by side, Qin Yi turned to him and asked.

“What letter? I don’t think so.”

Lu Ping’an shook his head.

After a moment of silence, Qin Yi exhaled, her gaze firm, and said, “In a few days, I will be heading to Jianmen Pass.”

“Jianmen Pass?”

Lu Ping’an had no idea what that was.

“This is a secret realm of our Heavenly Sword Sect that only Foundation Establishment cultivators can enter.”

“Passing through the nine gates of Jianmen can refine your Sword Heart and clarify your understanding of the Sword Dao. It’s also the path to become a true disciple within the sect.”

Qin Yi explained.

In a sect like the Heavenly Sword Sect, rising in rank required not just cultivation and talent, but also rigorous trials.

It was through this system that Heavenly Sword Sect maintained its dominion, its disciples stronger than those of other sects.

“Is it dangerous?”

Lu Ping’an immediately asked.

Seeing his worried expression, Qin Yi raised her eyebrow and smiled, “Of course there’s danger.

“But for us sword cultivators, our path is all about moving forward with determination. We burn our bridges, how could we retreat at the first sign of danger?”

Her eyes softened with a smile, but her resolve was unwavering.

Qin Yi may not be as strong as Lu Ping’an.

But from the time she was a young girl at the third stage of Qi Refining until today, her Sword Dao heart has been undeniable!

“Qin Yi…”

Lu Ping’an was worried and wanted to dissuade her.

“Lu Ping’an, I, Qin Yi, am destined to become a powerful Sword Immortal. Can’t you have some faith in me? Why do you always look like I’m going to fail? Why can’t you hope for the best for me, instead!?

The black-clad woman glared at him.

“Uh… I wish you success in passing.”

Lu Ping’an scratched his head, realizing she had a point.

Here he was, worrying before she had even started, as though she was doomed to fail.

But despite his words, he still couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease.

“The Immortal path is long and treacherous. There’s bound to be danger. You just have to fight your way through it.”

“Lu Ping’an, with your personality, I wonder how you’ve managed to make it this far? You must have faced many setbacks, right?”

Qin Yi sat with her knees up and looked at Lu Ping’an.

To her, over the past few decades, Lu Ping’an had grown from a simple-minded youth into a renowned figure, enduring countless hardships no one knew about.

Even so, his ability to stay true to his original nature was impressive.

“I’m just worried about you.”

Lu Ping’an gently shook his head.

“Don’t worry too much. To become a Sword Immortal like True Lord Xuanjian, I won’t be falling that easily.”

“But, Lu Ping’an, you need to put in the effort as well so I don’t leave you in the dust.”

Qin Yi smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

Then they continued to explore the mountains and enjoy their time together.

However, the matter of Jianmen Pass lingered in Lu Ping’an’s mind, making him slightly distracted.

A few days later, they parted ways.

Lu Ping’an handed several of the Third-Tier Talismans, given to him by his father, to Qin Yi.

Qin Yi felt a bit out of place as she accepted the talismans.

She recalled their last parting when Lu Ping’an gave her all the pills and talismans he had on him.

“Lu Ping’an, I appreciate your gesture.”

“But Jianmen Pass is a trial of the Sword Dao. I need to overcome it with my own Sword Dao.”

Qin Yi didn’t accept all of them but made her stance clear.

“It’s alright. Just keep these two defensive talismans. It’ll give me peace of mind.”

Lu Ping’an insisted, pressing two talismans into her hands.

He reminded her seriously, “You should take some time to look over the Jade Slip I gave you. It may help you.”

Although he didn’t understand Sword Dao, he trusted anything his father provided.

“I know, I know. You’re so fussy, but thank you.”

Seeing his concerned expression, Qin Yi’s heart softened.

After that, she looked up at the taller Lu Ping’an and said, “Lu Ping’an, say that thing you told me before, once more.”

“What thing?”

Lu Ping’an was confused.

“What you said on the bow of your family’s boat.”

After thinking, Lu Ping’an seriously said, “Qin Yi, I like you!”

The black-clad woman suddenly smiled and embraced the young man, whispering, “Lu Ping’an, I like you too.”

The breeze blew gently as they hugged in silence, listening to each other’s heartbeat.

But Lu Ping’an wasn’t Lu Changsheng, and Qin Yi wasn’t some lovestruck maiden.

After a moment, both let go, the blush on their faces fading, and they bid each other farewell.

Despite their feelings, there was more to their lives than just romance.

Back in Nine Heavens Immortal City,

Lu Changsheng had been spending time exploring the city with his wife and daughter.

But that day, he sensed something and took out a token.

Realizing that his son had finally finished meeting his little girlfriend.

He decided not to meet Lu Ping’an in the Immortal City.

Only after Lu Ping’an left Nine Heavens Immortal City did he take Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaohuan, Qu Zhnzhen, and Lu Linghe out of the city.

However, being cautious with his fishing plan,

Lu Changsheng stored the four women in the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus, where he had prepared various toys, books, and snacks to keep them entertained.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Came here alone and going back alone too.”

Concealed in the void with his Void Robes, Lu Changsheng watched his son walking alone and couldn’t help but shake his head in disappointment.

With that simple-minded personality, he seemed destined for a lonely life.

But seeing the slight melancholy on his son’s face, Lu Changsheng frowned.

“Was he rejected? Got turned away?”

Lu Changsheng rubbed his chin, thinking that shouldn’t have happened.

After all, he had observed the girl earlier and felt she seemed quite decent.

After leaving the Immortal City and traveling several hundred miles, Lu Changsheng’s Divine Sense swept the area, confirming that the observers following Lu Ping’an didn’t dare get too close. Then, he revealed himself.

“Ping’an.”

He called out to his son.

“Dad!”

Lu Ping’an was startled, completely unaware that his father had been nearby.

Such divine abilities were truly astonishing, almost unbelievable!

However, seeing his father confirm his earlier suspicions.

“What happened? Were you dumped by that little Qin or pining for someone else?”

Lu Changsheng asked bluntly.

“Dad, I’m fine.”

Lu Ping’an hurriedly replied.

“If I couldn’t see through your thoughts, I wouldn’t be fit to be your father.”

Lu Changsheng scoffed.

He then raised an eyebrow and continued, “So, what’s the deal?”

“Uh…”

Lu Ping’an scratched his head and honestly recounted the events.

“If you’re really concerned, why not just try to persuade her directly? Why get all worked up over it?”

Lu Changsheng was speechless.

“Sword Dao is about decisiveness of heart. If I interfere, it’s likely to affect her mindset.”

Lu Ping’an muttered.

“.”

Lu Changsheng was even more speechless.

If others knew how naive his son was, it would be embarrassing!

Back in the day, Xiao Xiyue’s Supreme Emotionless wasn’t any less determined than this.

But now, their children were safeguarding an entire region.

“It’s not that I don’t want to teach you, but… never mind. There’s no teaching someone like you. If you can’t let go, or are worried, why not go back to the Heavenly Sword Sect?

“If you trust little Qin, then wait for news. Jianmen Pass is just a trial, not a life-and-death situation.”

Lu Changsheng said with a bit of exasperation.

“Yes, Dad.”

Lu Ping’an took a deep breath, clearing his mind.

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng didn’t say more, bringing out Little He to comfort Lu Ping’an.

“Big Brother!”

When Lu Linghe saw Lu Ping’an, her eyes widened in surprise and joy, thinking they had returned home.

Lu Ping’an barely recognized his disguised sister and was amazed.

Surprised that their father had brought out Lu Linghe at this moment.

“Big Brother…”

Lu Linghe, oblivious to her brother’s subtle melancholy,

happily chattered about how much she missed him and recounted her experiences in Nine Heavens Immortal City.

She even pulled out a domineering black cloak filled with a powerful aura from her Storage Bag, saying it was a gift for him.

“Thank you, Little He.”

Facing his innocent and adorable sister, Lu Ping’an’s mood quickly brightened.

However, out of respect for his fishing plan, Lu Changsheng didn’t stay long.

He concealed himself again with Void Robes and left with his daughter.

Time passed bit by bit.

Occasionally, Lu Changsheng would let his wife and daughters out for some fresh air and a bit of sightseeing, but they hadn’t caught any fish yet.

Other than a few low-level robbers who tried to attack Lu Ping’an, there were no formidable opponents in sight.

“Damn it, why aren’t the Xu Family and Shangguan Family making a move?”

Lu Changsheng’s targets for this trip were the Xu Family Elder and Shangguan Family Elder.

But after all this time, neither family had made any moves, making it feel like a wasted effort.

Not ready to give up, he expanded his Divine Sense to investigate the situation.

While leaving Nine Heavens Immortal City, someone had been following and observing Lu Ping’an.

But now, there was no one like that in sight.

Meanwhile.

In the Beast Taming Xu Family.

“According to the information, Lu Ping’an is heading to the Heavenly Sword Sect to meet a disciple named Qin Yi.”

“How could Lu Ping’an have any ties with a Heavenly Sword Sect disciple?”

“There’s no relevant information.”

“Regardless, this trip by Lu Ping’an is too suspicious.”

“Unless our Elder takes action, there’s no point risking an ambush on Lu Ping’an.”

“Indeed. Plus, Azure Cloud Sect sent Immortal Baishuang to Bihu Mountain. Their intentions are clear. If anything happens to Lu Ping’an now, Azure Cloud Sect could easily suspect our family. It’s not worth the risk.”

The Xu Family monitored Lu Ping’an throughout all of this, but their interest was more in his intent rather than planning an ambush.

For one, his fishing tactic was too obvious.

And for another, Lu Ping’an’s strength was formidable.

If they wanted to attack him with full certainty, they’d have to send their Golden Core Elder.

But really, as a Golden Core family, the Xu Family had deep roots and could flourish steadily. Why take risks by provoking Bihu Mountain, a newly rising power?

Though Bihu Mountain’s rise was rapid,

It still wasn’t worth their Elder disrespecting his own face and getting involved directly!

If there was a trap, and something went wrong, their family foundation would be shaken!

Thoughts within the Shangguan Family were similar to those in the Xu Family.

The matter of the Purple Secrets Realm wasn’t too big or too small.

At the family level, supporting other powers to suppress Bihu Mountain was acceptable.

But for their Elder to intervene directly would be too much.

Not to mention the risk involved.

If word got out, it would damage their family’s reputation and standing.

At most, they would wait for a chance when Lu Ping’an was severely injured or Bihu Mountain encountered some crisis before pouncing on them.

[Congratulations to the Host on achieving 300 descendants, earning a high-level lottery draw.]

In the midst of this tedious waiting, Lu Changsheng’s mind was suddenly alerted by a system notification.

He realized that the three children born when he left home had been delivered.

However, these three were all conceived before he gained a Chaos Body, so their Spirit Roots were average and wouldn’t inherit his innate potential.

“Time flies. Even making babies has slowed down so much.”

Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.

Then he mentally activated the lottery draw.

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for winning the Celestial Phoenix True Feather!]

[Reward has been issued to the system space. The host can check it anytime.]

“Celestial Phoenix True Feather… just a bird feather?”

Lu Changsheng frowned slightly and immediately looked at the system space.

[Celestial Phoenix True Feather]

[Grade: Fourth Tier]

[Description: The unique True Feather of a Fourth Tier Celestial Phoenix. It contains the essence nurtured by the Phoenix and is imprinted with Phoenix Bone Runes, equivalent to a natural Magical Treasure.]

Seeing this reward, Lu Changsheng didn’t know what to say.

The reward was certainly not bad.

A True Feather from a Fourth Tier Celestial Phoenix.

But, after his failed fishing attempt, seeing this unimpressive reward left him feeling a bit disinterested.

If this showed up in an ordinary lottery, it would have been worth celebrating.

But getting just a bird feather from an advanced lottery felt a bit disappointing.

“However, this feather is suitable for refining Magical Treasures or even Spirit Treasures.”

Lu Changsheng exhaled lightly and extracted the Celestial Phoenix True Feather.

He wanted to see what made this True Feather so rare.

In an instant, a bright red, blinding feather appeared before him. It was engulfed in raging flames and surrounded by many mysterious talismans, exuding astonishing energy.

It seemed as if a Phoenix cry echoed faintly in the air, stirring layers of intense heat.

Lu Changsheng held the True Feather and made a gentle slash.

The void trembled as countless crimson flames erupted from the True Feather, sweeping in all directions, forming an ocean of blazing fire.

“Hiss… The power of this unrefined primal feather rivals that of top-tier Magical Treasures!”

Lu Changsheng was extremely surprised.

He knew that each spiritual bird had only one True Feather in its entire body, intricately tied to its life, making it extremely precious.

But he hadn’t expected that just a feather could possess such terrifying power.

“As expected, anything the system produces can’t be that bad.”

Lu Changsheng held the True Feather in his hand, studying the mysterious talismans, trying to discern the Phoenix Bone Runes imprinted on it.