Chapter Index

    The talisman on the feather was complex, with flames dancing, as if giving life to phoenixes soaring high. The sight was captivating.

    Even Lu Changsheng couldn’t decipher its mysteries right away.

    It would take considerable time and effort to gain understanding.

    “Could this be the legendary Phoenix Script?”

    Lu Changsheng squinted at the elegant script that fluttered, like phoenixes in flight.

    It was said that many techniques and divine abilities originated from symbols of the rules of Heaven and Earth.

    Just like the ancient talisman from Beast Taming, bearing symbols that resemble birds and beasts.

    Or the blood patterns within Blood Talisman Spirit Body’s Qi Sea.

    And the intertwined patterns on Xuantian Spirit Vine, all similarly derived.

    Among these, the most famous symbols were those of dragons and phoenixes, collectively known as ‘Dragon Script and Phoenix Script’!

    However, Lu Changsheng had only heard of this, he had never seen it.

    He couldn’t be sure if this was the so-called ‘Phoenix Script’.

    If it truly was Phoenix Script, then perhaps with this feather, one could comprehend the techniques and Divine Abilities of the Heavenly Phoenix clan.

    “Hong Lian’ inheritance is called the Vermilion Bird Palace; perhaps something could be gleaned from this Heavenly Phoenix True Feather.”

    Hong Lian had once told Lu Changsheng that the founder of Vermilion Bird Palace was related to the Vermilion Bird clan.

    And both the Heavenly Phoenix and Vermilion Bird had deep connections to the Phoenix.

    “Better to study this later.”

    Lu Changsheng shook his head, feeling it wasn’t urgent.

    Giving the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather to Hong Lian would be as good as giving it to her for study.

    But he had just recently created a body for her and then gifted such a Rare Treasure; would that make him seem biased towards one wife over the others?

    Perhaps after she gives birth to two children, he’ll reward her with this Heavenly Phoenix True Feather.

    “Moreover, this feather could be used to craft a top-tier Magical Treasure with a fourth-rank foundation.”

    Lu Changsheng toyed with the feather briefly, planning to set it aside for now until he decided on its use.

    Half a month later.

    After confirming his fishing attempt had failed, Lu Changsheng sighed deeply and returned to Bihu Mountain with Lu Ping’an.

    During these few days, there were quite a few events back home.

    The Hongye Valley Marketplace and White Tiger Mountain were attacked by rogue cultivators.

    However, with the current strength of the Lu Family, these attacks were easily handled.

    It’s worth mentioning that during the attack on Red Leaf Valley, Lu Miaoge revealed her cultivvtion at the late Foundation Establishment, shocking many families and organizations.

    After all, Lu Miaoge’s breakthrough to tte late Foundation Establishment wasn’t small news.

    Everyone knew she and Lu Changsheng practiced a Dual Cultivation Method.

    Back when both were in the early Foundation Establishment, they could fight against cultivators at the late Foundation Establishment!

    Now that both had broken through to the late Foundation Establishment, how terrifying would their combat power be?

    Could they even fight against False Core cultivators?

    Or maybe even be as formidable as Lu Ping’an, who was at the peak of False Core!?

    “Sister Miaoge, you’ve been through a lot these days.”

    After hearing the news, Lu Changsheng gently held his wife’s hand, spoke softly.

    “It’s nothing that difficult.”

    Lu Miaoge, clad in a simple wwite dress, her appearance graceful, asked how their trip had gone.

    “No one took the bait. I suspect this attack was likely a test from a certain family, aimed to gauge our strength in Ping’an’s absence.”

    Lu Changsheng shared his thoughts.

    In his view, the attacks on Hongye Valley Marketplace and White Tiger Mountain were probably tests from some family or organization.

    However, the opponents were quite clean, all the rogue cultivators being unknown wandering cultivators.

    Lu Changsheng didn’t pay much attention to it.

    As long as no Golden Core Formation family declared war or a False Core family launched a full-scale attack, there was no need for him to make an appearance.

    Facing the Jin Family, Sima Family, and these other powerful families, he was simply creating opportunities for his children to grow and mature.

    After all, in a few years, when Meng Xiaochan and Xiao Xiyue both break through to Golden Core Formation, it won’t be easy to keep his own Golden Core hidden.

    By then, word would spread that his family had multiple Golden Core cultivators, and the family would have to start playing at a higher level.

    “Speaking of which, when I propose to Xiyue, should I also mention Qingyi? Would Caiyun Zhenren strike me down?”

    At this thought, Lu Changsheng remembered that after Xiao Xiyue formed her Golden Core, they had asked Caiyun Zhenren to preside over the wedding.

    Back then, Caiyun Zhenren had promised that as long as he and Xiao Xiyue both formed Golden Cores within fifty years, she would agree to their marriage and even host the grand ceremony.

    But now his relationship with Chu Qingyi had also progressed to this point, so marrying both at the same time shouldn’t be a problem.

    Furthermore, Chu Qingyi’s biggest concern was about her Master, Yun Wanshang.

    As long as Yun Wanshang nods in approval, Lu Changsheng believed Chu Qingyi would be willing to marry him.

    “Sigh, I’ll find an opportunity to probe this matter later.”

    Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.

    After chatting with Lu Miaoge for a while, Lu Chaagsheng headed to the Heavenly Grotto to visit Bai Ling and Meng Xiaochan.

    “Father.”

    His daughter, Lu Baixi, though not yet a year old, was the size of a typical two to three-year-old, she called out in a babyish voice.

    However, this daughter of his seemed to naturally dislike smiling, her delicate, jade-like face often expressionless.

    “Baixi.”

    Lu Changsheng smiled warmly, picked up his daughter, and took her to see his other daughter, Lu Linghe, hoping for some interaction.

    “Baixi, you can call me Big Sister Linghe.”

    Lu Linghe was friendly with everyone.

    Seeing her younger sister with a snake mark on her forehead and platinum dots in her eyes, her innocent face was filled with curiosity, “Father, what is that?”

    “Just like how your brother’s eyes emit golden light.”

    Lu Changsheng explained simply.

    Lu Linghe nodded thoughtfully and continued chatting with Lu Baixi.

    Having been looked after by Bai Ling often in her younger years, she felt very close to Lu Baixi and took out some sweets from her pouch to share.

    “Oh, Big Sister Linghe.”

    Lu Baixi’s eyes brightened, and the two of them, one big and one small, happily shared the treats.

    “Well, at least she has company now.”

    Lu Changsheng exchanged a glance with Bai Ling, both of them smiling at the heartwarming scene.

    However, as he watched the two girls, Lu Changsheng felt like something was missing.

    A moment later, Bing’er sensed his presence and emerged from her coffin.

    Suddenly, at the dining table, there appeared a beautiful, delicate girl, with eyes as clear and innocent as a mountain spring.

    Looking at the scene before him, Lu Changsheng felt a sense of harmony.

    “Father, Ling’er Auntie, you eat.”

    “Brother, Sister.”

    Linghe and Bing’er looked at Lu Changsheng and Bai Ling, offering them some of their food.

    Seeing this, Little Baixi mimicked them, scooping food to feed Lu Changsheng and Bai Ling.

    “Good girl.”

    Lu Changsheng’s heart was filled with joy, his eyes shining with happiness and contentment.

    Every time he watched as a new life emerged among his wives and children, growing and thriving, he felt a burst of responsibility, a sense of duty, fulfillment, and accomplishment.

    “It’s precisely because of responsibility, family, and the duty to protect and have a goal that makes life meaningful.”

    “If the goal was solely to grow stronger for the sake of strength, disregarding means, the thrill of rapid advancement would be there, but life would lose many joys.”

    As his daughter continued to feed him, Lu Changsheng spoke to himself.

    In the world of cultivation, it was often said that cultivating the heart through worldly experiences was vital.

    Lu Changsheng believed that all these years, he’d been cultivating his heart through worldly experiences.

    “Because of this, after all these years, I’ve managed to keep my original heart unchanged. It’s truly precious.”

    He sighed, savoring the warmth and fulfillment.

    After the warmth subsided, he handed over Lu Linghe and Lu Baixi to Lu Ping’an, then spent quality time with Bai Ling and Bing’er.

    A few days later, Lu Changsheng arrived at Jade Cicada Pavilion to accompany Meng Xiaochan.

    Her cultivation had long reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.

    Now she was just waiting for the Five Elements Spirit Fruit to mature and strengthen her foundation.

    To this end, Lu Changsheng devoted himself fully to helping Meng Xiaochan solidify her foundation.

    A month later.

    After spending time with his wives and children, Lu Changsheng set off again with Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaohuan, and Q Zhenzhen to Myriad Beasts Mountain Range and Qingluan Immortal City for a visit.

    Unlike before, where they had taken their time sightseeing along the way, this time, Lu Changsheng directly released the Golden-Winged Roc, allowing the three women to enjoy the thrill of speed.

    The Golden-Winged Roc flew like a golden streak, tearing through the fierce winds, reaching Myriad Beasts Mountain Range in less than ten days.

    The mountain range was vast and majestic, like a starry sky spread out beneath them; the sight from above was awe-inspiring.

    “Screech!”

    Lu Changsheng stood atop the Golden-Winged Roc, holding the three women, as they gazed at the scenery of Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

    Such an act was utterly audacious.

    But of course, with the Golden-Winged Roc, Lu Changsheng dared to treat Myriad Beasts Mountain Range as his backyard.

    “Screech!”

    Just as the four were laughing and chatting, the Golden-Winged Roc let out a sudden cry.

    Lu Changsheng was instantly startled, sensing a terrifying aura.

    Ahead, a ripple appeared, the void torn open, and a figure emerged.

    She was tall and slender, dressed in an extravagant jade-colored robe, with a jade crown atop her head, resembling an elegant noble.

    However, despite her attire, it was clear at a glance that she was a woman.

    A stunningly beautiful woman!

    Her beauty was unlike that of most women.

    Her features were sharp, with a face as sharp as a blade, eyes like sun, moon, and stars, and her nose was tall and straight, while her lips were vivid red; her overall presence exuded a majestic, solemn aura.

    The moment one saw her, they instinctively overlooked her beauty, too intimidated to directly admire her.

    With her eyes burning bright, she scanned Lu Changsheng, making him feel exposed, like there was no place to hide.

    A Nascent Soul!

    The woman in front of him was a Nascent Soul True Lord!

    It was Lu Changsheng’s first time facing a Nascent Soul cultivator directly, and a sense of unprecedented danger welled up within him.

    Unexpectedly, while traveling with his wives, he had stumbled upon a Nascent Soul True Lord!

    But just then, the Peach Blossom Gu in his brow transmitted faint information, indicating that if he handled this well, there was a chance of forming a good relationship.

    “Damn, you really dare!”

    Lu Changsheng cursed inwardly.

    Taking a deep breath to steady himself and suppress his emotions, he cupped his fists, “Greetings, Senior.”

    “Screech!”

    A radiant azure bird appeared beside the woman, its golden eyes staring at Lu Changsheng before nodding lightly.

    It was a top-tier third-rank demon king!

    Through the bird’s aura, Lu Changsheng quickly gauged its strength, feeling astonished.

    Hold on, a top-tier third-rank azure bird?

    He looked at the woman before him.

    “There’s no need to be tense, Daoist. I Divined that my spirit beast has a fated opportunity ahead; it appears the opportunity lies with you.”

    “Does Daoist have a Phoenix or Azure Bird item?”

    She spoke with a voice that was clear and rich, full of a magnetic charm.

    “A Phoenix or Azure Bird item?”

    Lu Changsheng instantly knew she was referring to the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather.

    He couldn’t believe that she had managed to Divine its presence so soon after he acquired it.

    Such a method was indeed astonishing!

    “This opportunity concerns my spirit beast’s breakthrough. If Daoist is willing to trade, you may state any conditions.”

    As a Nascent Soul True Lord, the woman quickly deduced from Lu Changsheng’s expression and continued speaking.

    “Senior, might you be Immortal Qingluan?”

    Lu Changsheng asked while looking at the woman.

    As soon as he saw the top-tier third-rank azure bird, he immediately thought of the once-renowned top rogue cultivator of Jiang Kingdom, Immortal Qingluan.

    Additionally, her appearance was somewhat similar to a picture he had seen of Immortal Qingluan.

    “Yes.”

    She stood tall and straight, like a spear.

    Dressed in her jade-colored robe, combined with her sharp features, she had a distinct and unique allure.

    “Immortal Qingluan!”

    “Immortal Qingluan!”

    Upon hearing this, Lu Miaoyun and Lu Miaohuan, stnding on the Golden-Winged Roc, were shocked, staring at the woman before them in disbelief.

    To think that she was the once-famous top rogue cultivator of Jiang Kingdom!

    Fifteen years ago, news had spread that Immortal Qingluan had vanished from Qingluan Immortal City.

    There was much speculation, with many guessing that she had gone on a journey to challenge the Nascent Soul stage.

    Now, fifteen years later, Immortal Qingluan had successfully broken through to Nascent Soul and returned to Jiang Kingdom!

    This news, if spread, would undoubtedly shake the entire cultivation world of Jiang Kingdom!

    “If this Immortal Qingluan were to return to Qingluan Immortal City, it would shake the entire cultivation world of Jiang Kingdom, even the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom!”

    Lu Miaoyun was utterly astoundd.

    “Is this what you seek, True Lord?”

    Upon learning that the woman before him was indeed Immortal Qingluan, Lu Changsheng lightly touched his waist, producing the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather in his hand.

    He had heard of Immortal Qingluan’s deeds in his early years.

    Although she had already been a Golden Core cultivator when she gained fame.

    She had gradually expanded Qingluan Immortal City, which eventually became a sanctuary for rogue cultivators, without any stains on her reputation or good name.

    With such a reputable background, Lu Changsheng was willing to trade.

    If confronted by an infamous, ruthless devil cultivator instead, he would have resorted to fleeing using the Ancient Beast Taming Talisman and the Substitute Life Charm.

    The moment the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather appeared, the azure bird beside Immortal Qingluan chirped eagerly, its eyes filled with longing.

    Lu Changsheng noted that the azure bird possessed a faint trace of the true spirit bloodline of the Azure Luan.

    Since both the Heavenly Phoenix and Azure Luan stemmed from the Phoenix’s bloodline.

    Thus, this Heavenly Phoenix True Feather would greatly benefit it.

    “This Immortal Qingluan is no ordinary person. She only recently broke through to Nascent Soul and is already planning for her spirit beast’s fourth-rank breakthrough!”

    With a fourth-rank Azure Luan as her pet, Immortal Qingluan’s strength would be among the best of Nascent Soul True Lords, on par with many older Nascent Soul cultivators.

    Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but admire her ambition.

    Anyone who broke through to Nascent Soul was sure to have great fortune and opportunity, a true talent!

    “This… is a Heavenly Phoenix True Feather, and the bloodline aura is so potent!”

    Immortal Qingluan was visibly astonished upon seeing the feather.

    While she had Divined an opportunity for her azure bird, she didn’t know the specifics.

    Only after searching extensively and sensing the aura of the Golden-Winged Roc did she realize the opportunity lay with Lu Changsheng.

    “If Daoist is willing to trade, state your conditions freely.”

    She studied Lu Changsheng closely, curious to know how someone like him emerged in Jiang Kingdom.

    Owning such a Golden-Winged Roc as a mount and possessing a Heavenly Phoenix True Feather!

    Golden-Winged Rocs and Heavenly Phoenix True Feathers were not items that a mere Golden Core Formation cultivator should have!

    However, just as she began to calculate Lu Changsheng’s background, she was met with a great deal of resistance, as though a mist covered the heavens, obscuring everything.

    This could mean that either his strength wasn’t as simple as it seemed or he had some sort of treasure that veiled him from Divination!

    “My request is very simple: should the need arise in the future, I hope True Lord can lend me her aid three times.”

    Lu Changsheng stated his condition.

    This Immortal Qingluan, who established a sanctuary for rogue cultivators, and then successfully broke through to Nascent Soul, was clearly no ordinary person!

    No doubt she possessed many Rare Treasures, perhaps even a Nascent Soul Pill would be within her reach.

    But for Lu Changsheng, it wasn’t treasures that he lacked now, but a powerful Nascent Soul backer!

    If she agreed to help him three times in the future, as long as he didn’t provoke another Nascent Soul True Lord, she would likely be able to resolve the issue.

    Plus, having such a hook could further deepen their relationship in the future.

    “To offer aid three times…”

    Immortal Qingluan didn’t immediately agree.

    Such a condition could be either big or small.

    If Lu Changsheng asked her to cause trouble with the Heavenly Sword Sect or venture into some dangerous secret realm, she wouldn’t be willing.

    She had gotten this far through a combination of opportunity, caution, and careful planning.

    Most underestimated her reaching Nascent Soul because of her initial late start.

    Little did they know, she waited until she was older to attempt her breakthrough, ensuring she was fully prepared!

    “Rest assured, True Lord. The aid would be within your abilities.”

    Sensing her hesitation, Lu Changsheng added.

    “To aid you thrice within my abilities, such a condition is reasonable. I accept.”

    After a moment’s thought, Immortal Qingluan nodded in agreement.

    “Very well, the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather is yours.”

    Lu Changsheng smiled, handed the feather over without hesitation.

    This Immortal Qingluan may have been courteous, but she was still a Nascent Soul True Lord.

    If she decided to take it by force, even if he managed to escape, it would still come at a great cost.

    Better to be straightforward, give a good impression, and make future interactions easier.

    Seeing how forthright Lu Changsheng was, Immortal Qingluan’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of charm in her gaze.

    Taking the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather, she handed him a jade and gold medallion.

    “If Daoist encounters any difficulties in the future, use this medallion to find me in Qingluan Immortal City. I will assist you if it is within my means.”

    “If an emergency arises, crush the medallion, and I will rush to you immediately.”

    Her mood was greatly uplifted by acquiring the feather, and in return, she spoke warmly.

    “With your promise, I can rest at ease.”

    Lu Changsheng nodded with a smile and then asked, “Does True Lord plan to reside in Qingluan Immortal City?”

    Her eyes flashed with determination, “Having recently become a Nascent Soul, I need to find a Spiritual Land for cultivation.

    “Qingluan Immortal City is a place I built from the ground up. Now that I’ve returned, I’ll naturally settle back there.”

    She replied.

    “Then allow me to be the first to congratulate True Lord on her return!”

    Lu Changsheng said with a smile.

    “But for now, please keep this news to yourself and avoid spreading it.”

    She stated seriously.

    “Of course.”

    Lu Changsheng responded with a smile.

    However, he couldn’t help but wonder why this Immortal Qingluan remained so cautious even after reaching Nascent Soul. Could she be plotting something?

    “Since that’s the case, I’ll take my leave.”

    Without further words, Immortal Qingluan raised her hand. The azure bird beside her let out a cry, as ripples formed in the air, and she vanished into the void.

    “A Nascent Soul True Lord, crossing the void with ease, is truly terrifying!”

    Lu Changsheng exhaled deeply as he watched.

    Despite his calm demeanor, he had been somewhat tense.

    He could sense the power and aura of the Azure Luan.

    But he couldn’t detect any of Immortal Qingluan’s cultivation base!

    She was an unfathomable, imposing presence of danger!

    Even his Golden-Winged Roc had felt a strong sense of danger from her!

    As a spirit beast with true spirit bloodline, the Golden-Winged Roc had an instinct for danger that was often more sensitive than Lu Changsheng’s.

    This only further evidenced Immortal Qingluan’s unique character.

    “To think that Immortal Qingluan’s breakthrough to Nascent Soul wasn’t ordinary; she’s probably a Earthly Nascent Soul.”

    Lu Changsheng realized.

    Foundation Establishment was divided into Fragmented, Incomplete, Complete, and Perfect.

    Golden Core was ranked from one to nine.

    And Nascent Soul was similarly divided into Mortal Nascent Soul, Earthly Nascent Soul, and Heavenly Nascent Soul!

    Given how deep and powerful Immortal Qingluan seemed after only recently breaking through, she likely wasn’t a Mortal Nascent Soul.

    For a rogue cultivator to achieve an Earthly Nascent Soul, Immortal Qingluan’s value had increased even more.

    After all, from what Lu Changsheng had learned from talking with Chu Qingyi, the Heavenly Sword Sect’s True Sword had also broken through his Nascent Soul stage to become an Earthly Nascent Soul, thanks to the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm.

    “Husband.”

    At this moment, Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaohuan, and Q Zhenzhen looked over at Lu Changsheng.

    Though there had been no oppressive aura earlier, when facing Immortal Qingluan, they instinctively held their breath.

    “It’s nothing. Trading this item for three instances of aid from Immortal Qingluan isn’t a loss at all.”

    “However, with Immortal Qingluan returning, the cultivation world of Jiang Kingdom is in for a shake-up.”

    Lu Changsheng smiled at his wives.

    Considering Immortal Qingluan’s return, Lu Changsheng suspected Qingluan Immortal City might see some major developments soon; he decided to cancel his plans and return with the three women.

    The three women understood the gravity of the situation and no longer felt like sightseeing.

    “Still, I didn’t expect Immortal Qingluan to be proficient in Divination techniques.”

    “It seems I should minimize my outings and be more discreet in the future; encountering other malicious Nascent Soul cultivators would be troublesome.”

    Lu Changsheng reflected, realizing that riding the Golden-Winged Roc so openly might have been too conspicuous.

    But considering that Immortal Qingluan hadn’t acted aggressively, perhaps she had been cautious due to the presence of the Golden-Winged Roc.

    After all, while the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather would incite greed, a true spirit bloodline spirit beast like the Golden-Winged Roc would make anyone wary of its hidden abilities.

    Chapter Summary

    Lu Changsheng encounters Immortal Qingluan during a trip and negotiates to trade the Heavenly Phoenix True Feather for her help three times in the future. Learning of her deep abilities, he suspects her breakthrough to Nascent Soul made her an Earthly Nascent Soul. He contemplates her return to Qingluan Immortal City, which is bound to shake the cultivation world. Afterward, Lu Changsheng decides traveling without caution might draw unwanted attention from powerful enemies.

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