Chapter 557: Body Tempering Breakthrough, War Between Two Kingdoms!

Hall of Everlasting Life.

“Phew!”

Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged, meditating. He opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of clear air.

Ever since he acquired the Heavenly Yuan Treasure Lotus, he had never experienced the depletion of his spiritual energy.

Especially after refining the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus as his second dantian.

But merely activating the Sun Moon Yin-Yang Profound Light Mirror drained all his energy.

If it had been an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, they would have been reduced to a cripple, taking three years to recover enough to awaken the Artifact spirit.

Stretching lazily, Lu Changsheng stepped out of the Sumeru Cave Heaven.

After spending a few days with his wives, and hosting a family feast, he resumed his secluded cultivation, pushing the Hundred Refined Body Technique to the eleventh level.

With Lu Ping’an’s breakthrough, his physical body had reached its limits, making it uncomfortable to hold back further breakthroughs.

Breaking through from the tenth to the eleventh level wasn’t as difficult as it was from the eighth to the ninth. For Lu Changsheng, it was a natural progression.

One month later, his blood boiled and roared, his pores opening and closing with sounds like thunder, successfully breaking through to the eleventh level, reaching the Late-Stage of the third tier!

With the breakthrough in his physical body, Lu Changsheng felt the effects of his Kidney Storage advancing further.

This storage would continuously improve with his cultivation and physical body, aiding in his future breakthrough to the Nascent Soul.

“This feeling of a physical breakthrough is truly wonderful.”

Lu Changsheng clenched his fist, his body glowing and shining brilliantly, radiating a suffocatingly divine strength.

Once his physical body and blood energy calmed, he flicked off the dust from his robe and walked out of the Cave Dwelling.

Lu Ping’an had not yet emerged, likely still refining the Great Wilderness Dragon Spine.

That was expected, as the Dragon Spine was a fourth-tier spiritual material, not easy to refine.

Thinking about how long he had been back, Lu Changsheng figured it was time to visit the Azure Cloud Sect, the Misty Rain Market, and then return to the Immortal City of Da Mengze to oversee things.

He told Lu Miaoyun to notify him once u Ping’an emerged from seclusion.

He was curious to see the effects of the Great Wilderness Dragon Spine.

As for the Heaven-Piercing Spiritual Treasure, the Sun Moon Yin-Yang Profound Light Mirror, Lu Changsheng left it in the Cave Heaven rather than carrying it.

He was unable to fully utilize this spiritual treasure, so it was better left to gather solar and lunar essences within the Cave Heaven.

Carrying it in a Storage Ring could interfere with the condensation of these essences.

The best option would probably be to wear it on his waist.

Not only would it not be affected, but it could also better absorb the essences of heaven and earth, nurturing his body, and protecting its owner in times of danger.

However, with his current strength, carrying such a treasure would be like a child carrying gold through a busy marketplace.

Azure Cloud Sect.

Knowing that Zhao Qingqing was out on a sect mission, Lu Changsheng headed to Caiyun Peak, Mingyue Pavilion, to assist Xiao Xiyue with her cultivation.

Cultivation!

Cultivation!

Cultivation!

After several rounds of cultivation, Lu Changsheng held the supple and tight immortal body of Xiao Xiyue, asking her about her plans to advance to Golden Core.

“My spiritual energy is almost ready, but I need to re-temper my spiritual energy foundation.”

Xiao Xiyue’s hair was disheveled, her eyes slightly hazy, her cheeks tinged with a charming blush. She spoke softly.

Although one could start forming the Golden Core at the peak of Foundation Establishment,

most cultivators would still temper their spiritual energy to refine their foundation, ensuring there was no more room for improvement before training in one or two Secret Techniques to increase the chances of forming a higher-grade Golden Core.

“No rush. In a year, I have a top-tier Golden Core spiritual material for you.”

Lu Changsheng’s fingertips shone with moonlight as he smiled and spoke.

The Sun Moon Yin-Yang Profound Light Mirror could condense solar and lunar essences.

Xiao Xiyue, with her Moonlight Spirit Body, was highly compatible with the lunar essence. Naturally, he would give her a share to help with her Golden Core breakthrough.

“Hmm.”

Xiao Xiyue slightly lifted her head, her beautiful, misty eyes gazing at Lu Changsheng.

Lu Changsheng had not only given her a Taiyin Mysterious Pearl that matched her Spirit Body’s Dao Foundation but also a Five Elements Spirit Fruit known as the ‘Golden Core Fruit’.

A High-Tier Golden Core was already certain for her.

Yet, Lu Changsheng was offering her a top-tier Golden Core spiritual material. This was simply too extravagant.

Whether it was the Five Elements Spirit Fruit or the Taiyin Mysterious Pearl, both were extremely rare.

Even her Master and Senior Sister did not have such conditions when forming their Golden Cores.

If they had, would they have only reached the half-step Golden Core stage?

“This spiritual material has about a year before it matures. Since my Xiyue is forming her Golden Core, we must be fully prepared!”

Lu Changsheng looked at the soft and endearing Moon Palace Fairy in his arms, gently pinching her cheek with a pampering tone.

“Changsheng, I am already confident in forming a High-Tier Golden Core. There’s no need to trouble yourself further.”

Nestled in Lu Changsheng’s arms, Xiao Xiyue felt a warmth flow through her heart as she spoke softly.

“No risks. Just focus on your cultivation. When you form your High-Tier Golden Core, I’ll bask in your glory too.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, then asked how much influence Caiyun Peak currently had within the Azure Cloud Sect.

Would her identity and status change if she formed a High-Tier Golden Core?

“Master has broken through to the late stage of Golden Core. Now, her voice in the sect is second only to the Supreme Elder.”

“Senior Sister, although she only recently took over the Enforcement Palace, she still wields considerable influence. Even the Sect Master won’t interfere with her matters out of respect for our Master.”

Xiao Xiyue thought for a moment, then spoke softly.

“Pseudo Cores, Flawed Cores, True Cores, and Golden Cores have different statuses within the sect.”

“False Core masters usually handle sect affairs or oversee markets or strongholds. While they are elders, their status is the lowest and rarely part of the core hierarchy.”

“Flawed Cores and True Cores can hold core positions within the sect, while Golden Core cultivators are considered seeds for the Nascent Soul stage. The sect provides them with more resources, and their power depends on the individual, giving them relatively higher status.”

Xiao Xiyue rubbed her face against her lover’s chest as she continued.

Even though the Azure Cloud Sect lacked Nascent Soul cultivators, they still had seeds for the Nascent Soul stage.

These Nascent Soul seeds, as long as they didn’t perish, would likely advance to the late stage of Golden Core and become future Supreme Elders, adding to the sect’s foundation.

Though the disdain chain among Golden Core stages wasn’t overt, there were still subtle differences in status.

For example, a Golden Core cultivator could easily insult a False Core or Flawed Core cultivator, saying, ‘A mere flawed core like you dares to walk alongside me.’

“Xiyue, does the Azure Cloud Sect know about Immortal Chu Qingyi forming a High-Tier Golden Core?”

Lu Changsheng held his beloved’s fragrant shoulder, continuing to ask.

“I’m not sure. Senior Sister was at the half-step Golden Core stage before. If she suddenly advances to High-Tier Golden Core, it might not be well-received. If anyone knows, it’s likely only Master, the Sect Master, or the Supreme Elder.”

Xiao Xiyue softly replied.

In the cultivation world, spiritual materials that could refine Flawed Cores into True Cores were already extremely rare.

And those that could refine True Cores into High-Tier Golden Cores were even more priceless.

If news of such spiritual materials leaked, it would spark bloody conflicts, attracting the covetous eyes of countless Golden Core cultivators.

After all, many cultivators hadn’t established a solid foundation in their early years.

But later, with a stroke of luck, they managed to break through to the late Foundation Establishment or late Golden Core but were constantly searching for spiritual materials to strengthen their foundation.

If they saw a glimmer of hope, they wouldn’t care if you were a disciple of a powerful sect; they’d strike without hesitation.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

Given the gravity of the situation, Chu Qingyi probably wouldn’t make it public.

Besides, the quality of a Golden Core isn’t something many people would want to disclose. It’s a secret that belongs to the cultivator.

“Xiyue, if you form a High-Tier Golden Core, could it cause any trouble?”

Lu Changsheng asked out of concern.

Although disciples of powerful sects don’t need to hide,

Even rumor had it that Heavenly Sword Sect’s Yun Jianfeng had a High-Tier Golden Core, but no one knew the exact quality.

Moreover, the cultivation world was unpredictable. Who knew if showing too much talent would invite trouble?

As seen in the history of the Southern Wilderness, cultivation wars often targeted geniuses.

“As long as it’s not an Immortal Golden Core, there shouldn’t be any trouble.”

“Master once told me to solidify my foundation as much as possible. The war in the cultivation world will break out, and when it does, it will also present opportunities for us.”

Xiao Xiyue spoke softly.

Forming an Immortal Golden Core would be an unparalleled stroke of luck.

But as the saying goes, ‘The tallest tree in the forest catches the wind.’

Such talent would easily attract the animosity of opposing forces.

Many geniuses have perished midway due to various reasons.

“Even if it’s an Immortal Golden Core, it’s fine. At that time, just have Senior Sister activate the Caiyun Peak formation to conceal it.”

With his multiple experiences in forming Golden Cores, Lu Changsheng believed Xiao Xiyue had a decent chance of forming an Immortal Golden Core.

After all, aside from the Taiyin Mysterious Pearl, Five Elements Spirit Fruit, Taiyin Essence, and their shared Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra, Yin-Yang Dao Seed.

All of these would aid in forming a Golden Core.

“That’s still far off.”

Xiao Xiyue playfully glanced at Lu Changsheng.

Even with everything prepared, she couldn’t guarantee that she would form a High-Tier Golden Core.

How could Lu Changsheng speak as if an Immortal Golden Core was just around the corner?

“Xiyue.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, biting her delicate earlobe as he shared his idea of forming his Golden Core in the Immortal City of Da Mengze.

“Even though Master isn’t here, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Xiao Xiyue’s ears turned red, her body slightly softening as she spoke softly.

Once she forms her Golden Core, her status in the sect will naturally rise.

As long as she doesn’t betray the sect, the Sect Master and Supreme Elder would still show her respect.

“Ah? Caiyun Zhenren isn’t in the sect?”

Lu Changsheng was surprised.

He had been waiting for Yun Wanshang to preside over his Daoist ceremony with Xiao Xiyue.

“Yes, Master is out traveling.”

Xiao Xiyue lightly bit her pink lips and replied.

“Could she be avoiding it on purpose to escape?”

Lu Changsheng secretly thought to himself.

She knew he was going to form his Golden Core.

And Xiao Xiyue forming her Golden Core was also practically confirmed.

“Xiyue, do we need to wait for the Immortal to return for the ceremony?”

Lu Changsheng was eager to witness Yun Wanshang hosting his ceremony and asked.

“Master didn’t say when she’d return. We should arrange it ourselves or have Senior Sister do it.”

Xiao Xiyue’s beautiful eyes looked at Lu Changsheng with a hint of suspicion, feeling that his relationship with her Master was not ordinary.

Faced with Xiao Xiyue’s gaze, Lu Changsheng quickly changed the subject: “Alright, we’ll do as you say, Xiyue.”

“Changsheng, you and Senior Sister…”

At this moment, Xiao Xiyue asked Lu Changsheng about his relationship with her Senior Sister, suspecting that they still had unresolved feelings.

Her Senior Sister had returned from a mission in the Jin Kingdom over a year ago, just about the same time as Lu Changsheng’s return.

“Since Immortal Chu Qingyi doesn’t want to see me, I won’t force it.”

Holding Xiao Xiyue in his arms, how could Lu Changsheng talk about other women, especially one who was her Senior Sister?

He assured her that they hadn’t seen each other since their last meeting and then kissed Xiao Xiyue’s delicate lips, helping her with more cultivation.

After two weeks in Mingyue Pavilion, Lu Changsheng finally left the Azure Cloud Sect.

He then used Cleanse on himself and arrived at Chu Qingyi’s agreed meeting place to see the Sword Fairy.

However, Chu Qingyi took a while to arrive, explaining that she had been busy with affairs recently.

“Has the Liang Kingdom declared war on the Yue Kingdom?”

Lu Changsheng inquired, obtaining shocking news.

“Yes, the news just arrived. The Liang Kingdom has officially declared war.”

Chu Qingyi’s expression grew serious.

Although the Jiang Kingdom had long suspected the Liang Kingdom would start a war,

the Liang Kingdom’s quick action was unexpected, raising suspicions that they had hidden cards or confidence.

Chu Qingyi then mentioned that as the war escalated, the demand for war supplies would surge, potentially affecting the Jiang Kingdom.

With Lu Changsheng in charge of the Immortal City of Da Mengze, he could start making preparations in advance.

Like in Qingluan Immortal City, some forces or individuals might already be stockpiling and sweeping up supplies.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes, thinking of his children far away in the Yue Kingdom.

If the war escalated, the Golden Sun Sect, where his children resided, would inevitably be drawn into it.

With the war on his mind, Lu Changsheng lost most of his interest in teasing Chu Qingyi and discussed serious matters instead, asking her thoughts on his ‘Golden Core’ formation.

“Now that the Liang and Yue Kingdoms are at war, and since our Jiang Kingdom has always been an ally of the Yue Kingdom, we’ll be affected as well.”

“Moreover, with the Wasteland War starting in five years, Lu Daoyou choosing to form your Golden Core now has both advantages and disadvantages.”

“The advantage is that the impact will be reduced, and the Four Great Immortal Sects will be happy to step in and woo you.”

“The downside is that when the Wasteland War begins, you’ll be expected to contribute more.”

Chu Qingyi said softly.

After pausing, she added that participating in the Wasteland War was not entirely bad.

If you contribute significantly during the war, you could exchange for many rare spiritual materials that are usually hard to come by.

“Are there any Condensing Crystal Pills?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow and asked.

Although he still had one Condensing Crystal Pill,

his wife Lu Miaoge used up the last onn to break through to Golden Core, leaving none.

Although the Immortal City of Da Mengze was collecting materials for it, it was difficult to gather all the necessary ingredients.

“There will be, but the conditions for exchange are extremely harsh.”

Chu Qingyi explained.

Although the Azure Cloud Sect, Sunset Glow Sect, and Spirit Control Sect would release some Condensing Crystal Pills, they were limited in quantity and came with numerous restrictions.

Only the Heavenly Sword Sect might release more Condensing Crystal Pills as rewards to boost morale.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded thoughtfully, not entirely opposed to participating in the war.

After all, during the Wasteland War, his family would send some disciples to the frontlines anyway.

If he broke through to Golden Core, he could oversee things personally, even sending some of his children for further training.

Although he wasn’t in the mood for romance, since he was already there,

Lu Changsheng still spent some quality time with Chu Qingyi, enjoying the Sword Fairy’s gentle affection.

A few days later, Lu Changsheng parted ways with Chu Qingyi.

Returning to Bihu Mountain, Lu Changsheng informed his son Lu Qingxian of the war between the Liang and Yue Kingdoms.

He advised him to start making preparations, stockpiling some pills, puppets, talismans, and even Spirit Beast materials and Spirit Rice.

However, he warned not to start a large-scale buy-out just yet, keeping the news to themselves.

“Father, the Liang, Yue, and Wu Kingdoms were in a three-way balance. Why would the Liang Kingdom suddenly wage war on the Yue Kingdom?”

Lu Qingxian, aware of some details about the Liang and Yue Kingdoms, was surprised.

“We haven’t received detailed information yet. Most likely, the Liang Kingdom has gained another Nascent Soul True Lord, while the Wu Kingdom has lost one.”

Lu Changsheng explained.

The only thing that could influence a national war like this was a Nascent Soul True Lord.

Previously, Lu Qingshan mentioned that Beast God Mountain might have produced a second Nascent Soul True Lord, while the Wu Kingdom’s Nascent Soul True Lord was nearing the end of their lifespan.

“Doesn’t this war affect Brother Qingshan and Sister Qingzhu in the Yue Kingdom’s Golden Sun Sect?”

Lu Qingxian asked out of concern.

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

Lu Changsheng replied, but he was planning to visit the Yue Kingdom himself if he had the time.

Not only to check on his children but also to see firsthand just how brutal a cultivation world war could be.

Given the ongoing conflict, taking the Golden-Winged Roc might not be convenient right now.

While Lu Ping’an was still in seclusion refining the Great Wilderness Dragon Spine, Lu Changsheng rode the Golden-Winged Roc back to the Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Upon returning, Ling Zixiao informed him that they had already received news of the war between the Liang and Yue Kingdoms.

The Heavenly Sword Sect immediately sent someone to notify them, asking the City Lord’s Manor to control prices and stock up on Spirit Beast materials for refining pills, Artifacts, and talismans, prioritizing trade with the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Lu Changsheng nodded in response, acknowledging the efficiency of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Ling Zixiao then briefed him on the situation. Over the past six months, they had gathered quite a bit of rare materials.

In the past, the Lu Family lacked Foundation Establishment Pills.

But now, with control over the Immortal City of Da Mengze, obtaining Foundation Establishment Pills and their materials had become much easier.

As long as they invested time, even materials for refining Golden Core spiritual items could be purchased by the City Lord’s Manor.

The same applied to materials for Condensing Crystal Pills.

However, the main ingredient for Condensing Crystal Pills was too rare, making it difficult to assemble everything.

“Even with an Immortal City at our disposal, obtaining such rare materials takes years, decades, or even centuries.”

“In just a few short years, it’s impossible to gather all the materials for Condensing Crystal Pills, unless we use the old method of having a third-tier pill refiner stationed for free refining.”

Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.

But the Immortal City of Da Mengze didn’t have such a pill refiner.

Hong Lian could refine Condensing Crystal Pill, but she hadn’t done so in years and couldn’t guarantee success or high yields.

After chatting with Ling Zixiao, Lu Changsheng summoned Hong Lian, Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, Meng iaochan, and Bai Ling for a gathering.

Lu Miaoge had a small beast, ike a puppy, by her side.

It was the Spirit Beast egg that Lu Changsheng had given her, now hatched into a Biting-Water Golden-Eyed Qilin cub.

“Changsheng.”

Lu Miaoge expressed concern ffr their children far away in the Yue Kingdom.

“Don’t worry. That boy Qingshan has been eagerly anticipating the war. Qingzhu, as a logistics officer, doesn’t need to be on the frontlines, especially with Immortal Tian Yuan looking after them.”

Lu Changsheng held his wife’s hand, smiling to reassure her. He wasn’t too worried about their children.

He then offered, “But if you’re really concerned, we can visit the Yue Kingdom when we have time.”

After speaking, he picked up the Biting-Water Golden-Eyed Qilin next to her.

This was the first Heaven-Tier bloodline Spirit Beast the Lu Family had, aside from those obtained through the system draws.

“Awoo awoo—”

The Biting-Water Golden-Eyed Qilin cub whimpered as soon as Lu Changsheng picked it up.

“Daddy, don’t bully Little Lin!”

Lu Linghe and Lu Baixi immediately rushed over to rescue the Biting-Water Golden-Eyed Qilin.

In the evening.

Lu Changsheng spent time with his wives, especially Hong Lian.

Thanks to the resources she received, Hong Lian had made significant progress.

Her cultivation had already broken through to the third level of Golden Core.

Lu Changsheng even felt bad about asking her to get pregnant, fearing it would delay her cultivation.

But Hong Lian was very eager, even preparing a few pills to help with conception.

As both were Golden Core cultivators with exceptional constitutions, it was more difficult for them to conceive than ordinary Golden Core cultivators.

In the blink of an eye, over a month passed, but Hong Lian still hadn’t conceived.

One day, when the weather was nice, Lu Changsheng took his daughters Lu Linghe and Lu Baixi to visit Dragonfish Island to see how their children were faring.

Lu Qingsong and Lu Mingfeng served as the island’s main and deputy lords. Although Lu Qingyan was the nominal island lord, she spent most of her time raising Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapons.

As for Lu Wangshu and Lu Lingxiao, they frequently went out to sea again.

“Could Wangshu be out fishing again?”

Lu Changsheng asked with a hint of doubt.

Lu Qingyan immediately replied that Wangshu was quite lucky and skilled at fishing. Six months ago, she caught a Rare Treasure fish with a precious pearl in its belly. Not long ago, she fished up a Storage Bag worth 10,000 Spirit Stones.

Lu Changsheng: “???”

For a moment, Lu Changsheng couldn’t find a reason to forbid his daughter from fishing anymore. He then used a Communication Talisman to locate both of them.

The two weren’t fishing at the moment. Instead, they were hunting Spirit Beasts.

Lu Lingxiao was fighting head-on.

Lu Wangshu stood gracefully on top of a Top-Tier Second-Tier puppet with flowing sleeves, watching Lu Lingxiao’s moves, ready to support him.

“Brother! Sister!”

Although both were in disguise, Lu Linghe recognized her brother and immediately shouted in joy.

“Oh! Father, Linghe, Baixi, you’ve come.”

Lu Wangshu noticed them, looked them over, and immediately smiled warmly.

She then quickly dispatched the Spirit Beast using the puppet, explaining that they ventured out to sea mainly to train Lu Lingxiao in the Dragon-Seeking Technique.

After all, to truly master this technique, one had to keep intercepting spiritual veins.

However, it was quite difficult for both of them to intercept spiritual veins in the sea. When they finally found one, their abilities were suppressed underwater, and encountering Spirit Beasts meant having to give up.

“Father, why don’t you lend us your Spirit Pet for a while? Then, Lingxiao and I won’t fear danger when we encounter it.”

Lu Wangshu smiled sweetly, wrapping her arm around her father’s as she spoke in a slightly spoiled tone.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng tapped her on the forehead, then proceeded to guide Lu Lingxiao in practical training.

He also handed out Water Repelling Pearls to his daughters, bringing them along for an underwater adventure.

More than half a month later.

A system notification echoed in Lu Changsheng’s mind.

[Congratulations to the host’s first child for becoming a Second-Tier Dragon-Seeker. You have earned one chance to draw a prize!]