Chapter 555: Phoenix Nirvana, Lu Ping’an’s Breakthrough!

Heavenly Sword Sect.

Sect Master’s Great Hall.

“You’re telling me this ‘Immortal Yunmeng’ has a Divine Soul comparable to that of a Nascent Soul True Lord?”

A dignified and stern voice echoed from deep within the hall.

“Yes, even Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes with his sixth-level Golden Core cultivation couldn’t shake him. Such a feat is daunting even for the peak-stage cultivators of the Golden Core Realm.”

“However, under the Divine Sense Secret Technique of this ‘Immortal Yunmeng’, his mind suddenly lost focus. Moreover, there was an incredibly terrifying Divine Soul fluctuation emitting from Immortal Yunmeng’s body at that time.”

“I suspect that ‘Immortal Yunmeng’ intentionally revealed this Divine Soul fluctuation as a means to intimidate and send a message.”

Immortal Ancient Sword stated firmly.

Golden Core Realm cultivators typically practice Divine Soul Secret Techniques.

But within the same realm, it’s challenging to inflict damage with a Divine Sense attack.

Also, considering the numerous soul-based magical treasures in the cultivation world, one misstep could lead to self-harm.

Thus, you would only use Divine Soul Secret Techniques and Divine Sense attacks if the disparity in realms is vast or you have full knowledge of your opponent.

“Nascent Soul Divine Soul.”

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master fell silent.

It is still within acceptable limits for a Qi Refining cultivator to develop Divine Sense or a Foundation Establishment cultivator to possess Golden Core capabilities.

But a Golden Core cultivator with a Nascent Soul level Divine Soul? That is practically unheard of!

Whether Immortal Yunmeng used a secret technique or not, such a method leaves one with an impression of immense depth and unfathomable power!

“And what about this ‘Wuhen Zhenren’?”

He continued to inquire.

“This person practices Dual Cultivation of the Flesh and Spirit, possessing a physique of at least Late-Stage Stage Three strength. Although their cultivation level is only at the sixth level of Golden Core, their Spiritual Energy is pure and abundant, not weaker than a Late-Stage Golden Core cultivator. High likelihood suggests they are a Golden Core cultivator, or they have hidden their true cultivation.”

“Their Body Tempering method belongs to Buddhist origins, and their Qi Refining method pertains to orthodox Five Elements techniques. However, the inheritance source is unclear.”

Immortal Ancient Sword continued to explain.

Lu Changsheng’s duel with the Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes was witnessed in the vicinity, allowing for a detailed observation.

“Where did Meng Wuhen find these two people?”

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master’s deep eyes seemed to contain the sharpness of two peerless divine swords, with an edge that cut through the air with just a glance.

Not just in the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world,

It is rare to find a Late-Stage Golden Core rogue cultivator even in surrounding countries.

But now, two top-tier cultivators have suddenly emerged.

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master and Immortal Ancient Sword discussed further details, then decided to report the matter to True Lord Xuanjian.

Matters such as an Immortal City changing hands don’t usually warrant disturbing Lord True Lord.

However, considering the brewing storm in the cultivation world and the recent developments in the Immortal City of Da Mengze, he decided it was necessary to inform him.

Qingluan Immortal City.

At the peak of Qingluan Peak, within a palace.

A green Luan bird gracefully spread its wings and trailed a long tail, its form refined as it circled within the palace, reflecting crystalline jade-like brilliance, shining in its splendor.

Deep within the Great Hall, a tall, sharp-featured woman with boldly defined features sat cross-legged with disheveled hair, wearing nothing.

Her snow-white, jade-like body was being carved with crimson, blazing flames from a brilliant red plume, leaving scarlet gashes.

However, as soon as these wounds opened, they visibly healed the next moment, leaving no trace.

If you observe closely, you can see that every time the red feather slashes through the woman’s body, a rune of a phoenix spreads its wings, glowing faintly and flooding into her body.

It is unknown how much time passed before the woman’s phoenix-like eyes, bright as the sun and moon, suddenly opened.

Her brows and eyes were cold and dignified, full of heroism, and deep within her pupils, a Phoenix seemed to be burning.

She stretched out her long, slender hand and firmly grasped the Celestial Phoenix True Feather in front of her, plunging it directly into her chest towards her heart.

“Puff!”

The true feather pierced through skin and flesh, stabbing directly into her heart.

Even for Golden Core cultivators and Nascent Soul True Lords, the heart remains a vulnerable spot of the body.

But despite her heart being pierced, the woman showed no signs of pain. Her beautiful eyes remained calm and cold, growing even brighter.

As time passed, her heart began to emit a crimson lustrous radiance that grew stronger, illuminating her entire body, and even revealing a vibrant flame-like glow similar to a phoenix soaring through the nine heavens, filling the Great Hall with blazing light.

After quite a while, the woman finally pulled the Celestial Phoenix True Feather from her heart. Every movement was filled with an indescribable beauty, akin to a phoenix spreading its wings.

“Nirvana of the Phoenix; as long as the heart does not die! If I had this Celestial Phoenix True Feather with just a trace of the Celestial Phoenix bloodline in my early years, I might have attempted the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul.”

Qingluan Zhenren looked at the feather in her hand, feeling the powerful thumping of her heart, and gently exhaled a breath.

“Master.”

At that moment, the Luan bird flew over, eyes filled with craving as it looked at the Celestial Phoenix True Feather, chirping softly.

“Don’t be hasty. The Immortal City is not suitable for your breakthrough right now.”

The woman stood up and gently raised her hand. Her snow-white skin was then draped in a luxurious jade green robe, her long, green hair tied up, resembling an elegant noble son.

Although a beast’s breakthrough doesn’t require the massive support of worldly Spiritual Qi as cultivators do, it still needs to be assisted by spiritual veins.

“Screech!”

The Qingluan bird softly chirped, filled with a sense of grievance.

“Don’t worry, I already have a plan for your breakthrough.”

Qingluan Zhenren gently patted the Luan bird’s head, the frostiness in her phoenix eyes softening.

She was born a rogue cultivator and has lost all her friends over the years.

Though the Qingluan bird is a spirit beast, after spending centuries relying on each other, they’ve long since considered each other as sisters.

After leaving the Great Hall, Qingluan Zhenren checked on recent significant events in the cultivation world.

“The Immortal City of Da Mengze has changed hands.”

When she saw that the Immortal City of Da Mengze had changed masters and that the Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes had challenged the ‘Wuhen couple,’ the corners of her lips lifted ever so slightly, revealing a hint of allure with icy sharpness.

As the city lord of an Immortal City herself, she naturally recognized Meng Wuhen and his wife, having dealt with them before.

She knew full well that they were not merely mid-stage Golden Core cultivators.

And now, the Wuhen couple had silently left, their position taken by two mysterious and formidable cultivators.

“Interesting.”

Qingluan Zhenren glanced at the Celestial Phoenix True Feather in her hand, her lips curving upwards with a somewhat amused smile.

Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Lu Changsheng didn’t care at all, nor was he concerned about the rumors circulating about him in the outside world.

At this time, our city lord was busy feeding a baby.

“No crying, no crying.”

Lu Changsheng held his daughter Lu Mengchan, gently soothing her, patting her back softly.

This daughter of his was quite healthy, but she sure liked to cry. She was like a little crybaby, wailing at the slightest displeasure.

Meng Xiaochan, despite her experience with children, had only raised Nangong Yaoyao.

Nangong Yaoyao had been extremely obedient and well-behaved when she was young, nothing like this daughter.

Thus, Meng Xiaochan often found herself at a loss dealing with the incessant crying of her younger daughter.

“Hmph~”

After a while, Lu Mengchan finally stopped crying under Lu Changsheng’s gentle care. With teary eyes, she snuggled up against her father’s chest, indicating that she was hungry.

Lu Changsheng immediately took out a milk bottle and gently and expertly placed it in her mouth.

He wondered whether his daughter would also grow up to have this personality?

The Calamity Poison Body—shouldn’t it be like a cold and ruthless goddess, wherever she goes, not a blade of grass grows, making all who hear her tremble?

Given her current personality, would she cry while running from enemies or spirit beasts, only to accidentally poison them in the process?

Just imagining this scene made Lu Changsheng involuntarily shake his head.

“Lu Lang.”

Meng Xiaochan, seeing her daughter finally calm down, let out a sigh of relief.

She had always wished to have a daughter as obedient as Nangong Yaoyao.

But now that she actually had a daughter, she found herself struggling every day.

“It’s okay; just keep coaxing her.”

Lu Changsheng smiled.

Nowadays, he rarely looked after the child.

But in the earlier days on Qingzhu Mountain, he had been a stay-at-home dad, looking after two children every day, so he had quite the experience.

After lulling his daughter to sleep, Lu Changsheng planned to visit Bihu Mountain.

With all the commotion in Immortal City of Da Mengze, it was time to check in with his wives, Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi.

Besides, he had long wanted to go home and see how Lu Ping’an was doing.

Only, with the impending storm in the Immortal City, it had been difficult to step away.

Now that he had deterred potential threats through the example set with the Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes, no one would dare challenge the city for some time.

“Hong Lian, how is that Sea Serpent doing?”

Lu Changsheng expressed his intention to go back and inquired about the situation of the Stage Three Jiao-Dragon.

Though he had acquired the soul contract with the Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes’ Jiao-Dragon, it was fine if he or Hong Lian used it. But if Lu Miaoyun, Ling Zixiao, or oters tried to use it, it probably wouldn’t work.

So, Lu Changsheng had given the Jiao-Dragon to Hong Lian for some rigorous training.

“I’ll grind down its spirit a bit later, then keep it under pressure for some time. It should become more obedient.”

Hong Lian replied thus.

Like a wild beast king, it’s not easy to tame its savage nature. They would rather die than submit.

This spirit pet, although not as fierce as a wild one, still remained quite resilient.

“Okay.”

Lu Changsheng chatted with Hong Lian for a bit more, indulged in some Dual Cultivation, then quietly left the Immortal City.

Ten days later—Bihu Mountain.

“Husband!”

Lu Miaoyun lit up with joy whe she saw Lu Changsheng had returned, then eagerly asked about the events in Immortal City of Da Mengze.

After all, with her husband’s name now resounding throughout the Jiang Kingdom, she was proud to be his wife.

Her only regret was that she didn’t get to witness it first-hand and couldn’t immediately congratulate him.

“Yun’r.”

Lu Changsheng smiled gently at her, holding her hand as he recounted the events of the battle.

Not long after, Lu Miaohuan hurried over, eager to hear how Lu Changsheng fought the Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes.

“Hehe.”

Even though the battle was decided in a single strike and there wasn’t much to tell, Lu Changsheng patiently described in detail how the Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes, with all his might, rode a Stage Three Jiao-Dragon into the fight.

How he and Hong Lian, by joining forces, defeated the opponent in one move and secured spoils of war, left his wives full of admiration and longing.

She eagerly looked forward to the day when her husband’s name would truly shake the entire world, standing under the limelight of Jiang Kingdom.

After spending time with her, Lu Changsheng entrusted the Rare Treasure ‘Five-Element Pot’ to his wife Lu Miaoyun for safekeeping.

Although this wife’s talent was average,

She had accumulated enough over the years, honing her skills in cooking spiritual cuisine, Spirit Plant Cultivation, and brewing to the second rank.

That night, Lu Miaoyun used the Five-Elemet Pot to prepare a sumptuous feast.

The taste might not have been divine, but it was exceptionally fresh, visually appealing, and delicious.

Most importantly, the spirit cuisine prepared with the Five-Element Pot locked in the spiritual essence of the ingredients, perfectly preserving and further enhancing their essence, making digestion and refinement easier.

With this Five-Element Pot, the foundation and cultivation speed of the Lu Family descendants would surely advance further!

The next day, under Lu Miaoyun’s command, the Lu Fmily began to connect the fire veins of Hundred Refinements Peak and set up an Earth Fire Array, constructing a dining hall.

They planned to keep the Five-Element Pot in the back kitchen, operating it at all times.

After checking in on the situation of his children, Lu Changsheng told his son Lu Qingxian that after the family disciples achieved Foundation Establishment, if they wanted to train outside, they should go to Da Mengze.

Immortal City of Da Mengze had recently gained quite the reputation, attracting many cultivators.

It’s perfectly normal for his children to go there as well.

As for assigning them positions, to be honest, there’s not much available right now, so it’s better to let them gain some experience on their own.

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Qingxian replied respectfully, though something was on his mind.

A year and a half ago, his father adjusted the family’s development strategy, stating that Da Mengze was more suitable for their growth.

Then, he took his mother, Aunt Zixiao, Sister Qingyan, Brother Qingsong, Sister Wangshu, Brother Lingxiao, and others, and they all left.

Now, he was suggesting that all Foundation Establishment disciples should move to Da Mengze, which made him think deeply.

After all, these recent years, news about Da Mengze’s Immortal City changing hands had spread.

And not long ago, the Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes challenged the city lord of Da Mengze, only to be strongly suppressed.

If it weren’t for the power discrepancy, he would have suspected that the current city lord of Da Mengze was his own father and mother!

It seemed too coincidental!

But even if that weren’t the case, he still suspected that his father and the new city lord had some ties and had gained a foothold in Da Mengze.

Otherwise, Father wouldn’t shift the family’s focus towards Da Mengze.

“I’m acquainted with the new city lord of Immortal City of Da Mengze. If you adapt well to the environment there and find it suitable, you can choose an island to govern or take up a position in the city.”

Lu Changsheng’s divine sense, which had surpassed the peak of Golden Core Realm, detected his son’s inner thoughts and immediately spoke.

Hearing this, Lu Qingxian thought, so it is indeed true.

“Father, although our family has slowed down our expansion, focusing on partnerships in recent years, the Jin Family, Sima Family, and even the Beast Taming Xu Family have kept an eye on us.”

Lu Qingxian spoke up, detailing the current issues facing the family.

When they initially went to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range for development, Lu Qingyan, Lu Qingsong, and others were constantly attacked.

He suspected it was led by the Beast Taming Xu Family.

The Xu Family, as an old Golden Core family, had long been entrenched in the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, even having sub-forces in the domain of the Spirit Control Sect.

If the news about the Lu disciples moving to Da Mengze leaked, they might face similar dangers.

“No need to worry about that.”

In the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, other forces could target their family before, but now that he was the lord of Immortal City of Da Mengze, how could they still do so?

Though he hadn’t fully grasped control of the entire Immortal City yet, he was still the city’s lord!

Moreover, with himself and Hong Lian stationed in the city, they could respond to any situation immediately.

“Understood.”

Lu Qingxian replied.

After leaving the family leader’s Great Hall, Lu Changsheng arrived at the peak of Biyun Peak, gazing out at the vast expanse of Bishui Lake, lost in thought.

Now that attention was on both Bihu Mountain and Immortal City of Da Mengze, with his family members gradually heading towards Da Mengze for their development, it would only be a matter of time before they attracted attention. They couldn’t keep it hidden forever.

So, he should make a few preparations upfront in case of any unforeseen events.

“How about breaking through Golden Core in Immortal City of Da Mengze and then taking up a guest official position there?”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

If possible, he would prefer to continue developing quietly, without getting involved in external affairs.

However, with the impending frontier wars, it was impossible for his family to remain low-key. They needed to make some preparations.

If he could break through to Golden Core, he would at least have some say in matters.

Moreover, Xiao Xiyue was about to form her Golden Core, and he had promised her that they would go to the Azure Cloud Sect for marriage proposals once she did.

Marriage proposals with just the Foundation Establishment realm naturally wouldn’t do; he had to show his Golden Core strength.

“If I break through to Golden Core in Immortal City of Da Mengze, am accepted by the city lord, and become a guest official, then send some of the Lu Family disciples to Immortal City of Da Mengze for development, it could all make sense.”

“Although this move might not look good in the eyes of the Azure Cloud Sect.”

“But after marrying Xiao Xiyue and with ties to Caiyun Peak, sending a few Foundation Establishment children to Immortal City of Da Mengze for development shouldn’t be an issue.”

Lu Changsheng squinted his eyes, considering whether this plan was feasible.

After much deliberation, he decided to ask Xiao Xiyue about Caiyun Peak’s influence within the Azure Cloud Sect later.

If she then achieved a High-Tier Golden Core breakthrough.

Afterward, Lu Changsheng quietly left Bihu Mountain and made his way to Ruyi County.

Ruyi County, Lu mansion.

At this time, Lu Ping’an was in the backyard, teaching the Lu Family’s children martial arts.

From young toddlers to those in their forties or fifties, over a hundred Lu Family members followed his lead, practicing martial arts.

“Hmm?”

In the midst of training, Lu Ping’an suddenly sensed something and indicated for everyone to stop for the day.

He then made his way to the Lu mansion’s cemetery, where he found a young man resembling a mortal deity dressed in a dark robe, holding a wine jug and drinking alone before his mother’s grave.

“Father.”

Upon seeing the young man, Lu Ping’an immediately bowed and greeted him.

“Sit.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, motioning for his son to sit beside him, and asked about his plans for the year—whether he intended to go out into the world or stay put.

“Father, I plan to go out with Yi Yi and train.”

Lu Ping’an responded.

If it was possible, he wanted to go out and see the world.

Of course, if the family needed him, he was willing to spend his life guarding it.

“It’s good to get out there.”

Lu Changsheng softly remarked. He always hoped his children would carve out their own paths in the world.

After speaking, he reached out and gripped his son’s shoulder.

He could tell that his son had not slacked off in practicing the Hundred Refined Body Technique during his time of mourning, having reached the peak of the eighth level and ready to pursue the ninth.

“Return home and break through to the ninth level before heading out.”

Lu Changsheng advised.

Although his son was strong enough to go out now, he wanted him to be fully prepared, sparing him needless worry.

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Ping’an felt a warmth in his heart, sensing the depth of his father’s concern.

“Go notify everyone.”

Lu Changsheng gestured for his son to inform the rest of the Lu Family.

He then looked at the array of gravestones before him, drank the remaining wine, and softly recited, “One day, if I become the Green Emperor, we’ll let the peach blossoms bloom together.”

In an instant, the entire cemetery’s plants and flowers swayed as if resurrected, rare flowers competed in beauty, and a fragrance spread to the heavens.

When Lu Ping’an returned, he was astonished by the sight.

While his physique was powerful, it wasn’t attuned to Wood techniques, far from achieving such effects.

“Let’s go.”

Lu Changsheng took his son and transformed into a streak of light, soaring through the Nine Heavens Gale, disappearing into the horizon.

Bihu Mountain, Sumeru Cave Heaven.

To ensure that his son could successfully attain the ninth level of the Hundred Refined Body Technique, Lu Changsheng took out a pile of Natural Treasures from his Heaven and Earth Binding Shadow Belt, concocting a medicinal bath.

After all, this breakthrough was as dangerous as a Qi Refining breakthrough into Foundation Establishment, or a Foundation Establishment breakthrough into Golden Core!

Any mistake in the process, or insufficient follow-through, could lead to severe bodily damage and loss of vital energy.

So, better to spend more resources and ensure no accidents happen.

After meticulously preparing everything, Lu Changsheng sat beside his son, providing protection as he attempted the breakthrough to the ninth level of the Hundred Refined Body Technique.

Once Lu Ping’an adjusted his condition to its peak, he entered the medicinal bath and began activating the Hundred Refined Body Technique.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

An enormous surge of blood and energy started to rumble, while his body emitted an endless stream of golden light, creating a field of intense pressure with an indescribable weight.

An ordinary Qi Refining cultivator or even an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn’t be able to breathe under this physical aura.

Lu Changsheng was unaffected.

He simply indicated for Sumeru Cave Heaven to activate the domain, to prevent the breakthrough’s intensity from collapsing Hall of Everlasting Life.

As Lu Ping’an began the breakthrough, waves of energy formed around his body like a tsunami, crashing towards the Great Hall. Even the medicinal bath began to boil, trembling with resonance.

His face gradually contorted with pain.

“Boom! Boom! Boom——”

“Clang! Clang! Clang!——”

Throughout the process, Lu Ping’an’s blood and energy continued to roar and burst, as bones and internal organs trembled and roared in harmony, like countless divine craftsmen tempering his muscles, bones, and flesh with a hammer, resonating loudly.

If you observe closely, you can see fine cracks appearing on his muscular, golden light-emitting body, with fine impurities being expelled, then slowly healing, as if his flesh were shattering and reassembling.