Chapter 565: Ancestor Lu’s Formation of the Golden Core in Immortal City, Vice City Lord!

Only one year remains until the Pioneer War.

The war between the Yue Kingdom and Liang Kingdom has intensified, affecting the cultivation world in the Jiang Kingdom, creating a tense and restless atmosphere.

Now, rogue cultivators who haven’t signed up for the Pioneer War find it difficult to access the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range to hunt spirit beasts.

It’s not that the Four Great Immortal Sects are forbidding it.

Instead, over the years, the sects have sent disciples to lead rogue cultivators into the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range for training and familiarization.

Major family forces have also sent Foundation Establishment cultivators with their younger members to train and familiarize themselves with the area.

As a result, the outer region of the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range has been cleared, leaving no place for ordinary rogue cultivators.

Although countless rogue cultivators, full of passion, have flocked to the Four Great Immortal Sects and Qingluan Immortal City to sign up for the Pioneer War, aiming to stake a future for themselves,

many have opted to avoid the conflict and have come to Da Mengze instead.

As a result, the Immortal City of Da Mengze has become even more bustling in recent years.

On this day, above Yunmeng Mountain in the core area of Da Mengze, the winds suddenly picked up, and the sky changed color.

Spiritual energy from the surrounding area seemed to be drawn by an unseen force, gathering at the Cave Dwelling at the mountain’s peak, forming a visible vortex of energy.

“Is someone attempting to form a Golden Core?”

Nearby cultivators sensed the situation and either stopped in their tracks or came out of their rooms and Cave Dwellings to look towards Yunmeng Mountain.

“Who is forming a Golden Core?”

“The phenomenon is grand, shining with celestial light, and devoid of any demonic energy. This isn’t a False Core; it’s a True Core!”

Even though the Jiang Kingdom’s three Immortal Cities allow cultivators to break through and form a Golden Core,

cultivators successfully forming Golden Cores are rare, occurring only once every few years.

Besides some Foundation Establishment cultivators who have nothing more to lose, taking a last-ditch gamble to form a False Core, most are forming fake Golden Cores.

So when these Golden Core formation phenomena appear, cultivators in Immortal City are filled with admiration, longing, awe, and envy.

After all, forming a Golden Core is the dream that countless cultivators strive for their entire lives!

Whether successful or not, the effort alone commands respect!

Once successful, even if it results in a lower-tier flawed Golden Core, one could enjoy a lifespan of 500 years, overlooking the world’s changes.

“This phenomenon shows the strength of sweeping everything before it, indicating a solid and exceptional foundation!”

“When did a cultivator of this caliber come to Da Mengze?”

Many powerful cultivators in Immortal City noticed something unusual.

From the phenomenon, they immediately discerned these differences.

As time passed, the disturbance from the phenomenon grew larger.

Both the inner and outer districts of the city noticed it and looked up anxiously at Yunmeng Mountain, their eyes filled with envy, reverence, admiration, and longing.

“Is that my father forming a Golden Core?”

In a small courtyard, Lu Wangshu, dressed in a pink and white skirt, glanced at the Golden Core formation phenomenon, then pouted, showing no interest.

After all, her father had already broken through to the Golden Core long ago.

Moreover, as her cultivation improved and she learned more about the cultivation world, she had long harbored suspicions about her father.

Over thirty years ago, he could kill Golden Core cultivators and take Lu Wangshu on a journey through the Nine Heavens Gale. He might have formed a Golden Core back then but lied about it.

“Hmph, that cunning old man even tricked his obedient, clever, gentle, charming, and sensibly wise daughter!”

Lu Wangshu wrinkled her nose, but her beautiful eyes sparkled with a hint of light, like the first light of dawn.

She remembered her mother saying that only if both parents broke through to the Golden Core would their relationship be allowed to go public.

Recently, her mother had broken through to the Golden Core, and now her father was ‘breaking through’ immediately afterward.

Above Yunmeng Mountain, the phenomenon climbed higher with unstoppable force.

In just ten days, the spiritual energy vortex expanded up to seven or eight miles, astonishing countless onlookers.

“According to ancient records, if the formation of the Golden Core’s scope exceeds five miles, it should result in an Intermediate Golden Core. Could this person be aiming for a Fourteenth-Grade Golden Core!?”

“This person breaking through to the Golden Core in Da Mengze suggests they’re not a disciple of an Immortal Sect but likely a family or rogue cultivator. But since when does a rogue cultivator have such extraordinary foundation?”

“Could this be evidence that chaos is coming, and heroes are rising?”

“The Pioneer War and the wars between the Liang and Yue Kingdoms all point to an era of great upheaval. If you don’t fight now, the future might offer no chances!”

Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivators in Da Mengze watched in awe, astonishment, and envy.

They knew that forming a Fourteenth-Grade Golden Core was something that most could only dream of.

For ordinary rogue or family cultivators, breaking through to a Golden Core surpasses 99% of other cultivators and marks them as geniuses!

Forming a Middle-Tier Golden Core requires deep foundation and great opportunity!

But this Golden Core phenomenon showed no signs of stopping, seemingly aiming even higher, towards a High-Grade Golden Core.

However, as the vortex reached the nine-mile mark, it began to struggle and waver, causing many people’s hearts to similarly rise and fall.

“Buzz!”

Suddenly, the spiritual energy vortex trembled as if exhausted, retreating like a tide.

It shrank back to about six or seven miles and then stabilized but couldn’t progress any further, only maintaining a slight fluctuation.

“Boom!”

After a while, the massive spiritual energy vortex above Yunmeng Mountain solidified, then dissipated smoothly in a wave of returning energy, with rays of light scattering everywhere!

“Success!”

“The vortex extended over six miles, so it should be a Five-Grade Golden Core.”

“It’s hard to say. The vortex reached a peak of nine miles, so it might be a Fourteenth-Grade Golden Core.”

“What a pity. This person’s foundation was deep and solid, advancing swiftly at first, but unfortunately, lacking the strength to sustain it in the end.”

“Is it true? Did they really form a Golden Core!?”

Everyone watching was astonished, whispering amongst themselves.

Especially the Foundation Establishment and False Core cultivators at the foot of Yunmeng Mountain, as they felt the tremendous Golden Core pressure sweeping over them, their hearts filled with envy, jealousy, and complex emotions.

At the same time, many cultivators approached Lu Changsheng’s Cave Dwelling, hoping to be the first to meet him and establish a beneficial relationship.

One month later.

“Boom!”

The cave’s door suddenly opened, and a man and a woman walked out.

The man had a handsome, elegant face and stood tall with a slender body. He was dressed in a long green robe, exuding an ethereal aura, like a celestial being descending to the mortal world, captivating anyone who looked upon him.

The woman had delicate features, beautiful as the moon, with an elegant and tall figure wrapped in a pure white palace robe. She radiated a refined and gentle temperament.

“Hmm, why are there two people?”

“Could the earlier phenomenon have been from two people forming Golden Cores?”

“No, this woman has no Golden Core aura. She’s a Foundation Establishment cultivator!”

“He’s so handsome! I didn’t expect this Golden Core predecessor to be so young and dashing!”

The cultivators outside the cave were both surprised and confused when they saw the two.

But the next moment, they immediately guessed the two were Dual Cultivation partners.

In the cultivation world, there are quite a few Secret Techniques for breaking through to the Golden Core,

and it’s quite common for Dual Cultivation partners to assist in such breakthroughs.

“Congratulations to the predecessor on forming a Golden Core!”

“Congratulations, Senior, on successfully forming a Golden Core! Your future path is promising, and longevity is within reach!”

“Congratulations, Zhenren, on achieving the Golden Core Great Dao!”

These cultivators, all at least mid-to-late Foundation Establishment, and even a few False Core cultivators, congratulated him.

After all, ordinary cultivators have no right to enter this area.

Seeing so many people respectfully and admiringly congratulating him and calling him ‘Zhenren,’ Lu Changsheng felt deeply emotional.

From now on, he would be truly considered a high-level cultivator in the Jiang Kingdom.

Lu Miaoge was also pleased toowitness this scene for her husband.

Once a cautious and reserved small-time cultivator, he had now become an unreachable Golden Core Zhenren in the eyes of the world, a big figure!

“Congratulations, Father, on breaking through to the Golden Core!”

Just then, Lu Wangshu, dressed in her pink and white skirt, and looking beautiful, stepped forward, smiling brightly to congratulate her father.

“Good!”

Lu Changsheng smiled and nodded, raising his hand lightly to lift her with an invisible force, forming a warm family of three.

Then he addressed the cultivators gathered: “Thank you all for your congratulations. I, Lu Changsheng of Bihu Mountain, have successfully formed a Golden Core today. In six months, I will host a Golden Core Ceremony at Bihu Mountain, establishing our family as a Golden Core Clan. You are all welcome to attend as guests.”

Since he had decided to reveal his Golden Core cultivation, Lu Changsheng naturally wouldn’t hide the Golden Core ceremony or the establishment of the Golden Core Clan.

He openly displayed his identity and background.

He also used the rogue cultivators and various forces from Da Mengze to quickly spread the news of his Golden Core breakthrough throughout the entire Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world!

“What? Bihu Mountain’s Lu Changsheng!”

“This person is really Ancestor Lu Changsheng of the Bihu Mountain Lu Family!”

“It’s really him!”

“How is this possible!”

Some cultivators in the crowd were bewildered, some were surprised, and some were shocked and unbelieving.

Just before, cultivators from the Qingyun Region saw Lu Changsheng’s appearance and were stunned.

They couldn’t believe this Golden Core Zhenren was really Lu Changsheng, thinking the appearance was similar but might be a disguise.

Now, hearing Lu Changsheng’s words, their hearts erupted in waves of shocking realization.

Even those who had only heard rumors of Bihu Mountain and Ancestor Lu Changsheng were utterly shocked.

After all, Bihu Mountain had risen in just a few decades, and Ancestor Lu Changsheng was only about a hundred years old.

So how had he suddenly formed a Golden Core, and not just any, but a Middle-Tier Golden Core!

Although shocked, the cultivators, accustomed to trials and tribulations, quickly and courteously responded: “Thank you, Zhenren Lu, of course, of course!”

“This old woman congratulates Zhenren Lu on stepping into the Golden Core Great Dao. My Azure Cloud Sect is honored.”

At this moment, an elderly woman with a wrinkled face stepped forward to congratulate him.

She was a False Core Zhenren of the Azure Cloud Sect.

Since Bihu Mountain was under the jurisdiction of the Azure Cloud Sect, it was fitting for her to congratulate Lu Changsheng on behalf of the sect.

However, as she spoke, her cloudy eyes secretly assessed the present Lu Changsheng.

“Greetings, Real Man Chiyan.”

Lu Changsheng had met this elderly woman before.

It was during the journey on the Azure Cloud Spirit Ship to Nine Heavens Immortal City, where this Real Man Chiyan had presided over the ship.

Over the decades, she had aged significantly, probably nearing the end of her life, thus retiring to live out her remaining days in Da Mengze.

Without waiting for further pleasantries from Lu Changsheng, a mass of purple light flew out of the City Lord’s Manor, surrounding a noble and elegant woman dressed in a light purple robe.

“Greetings, City Lord.”

“Greetings, City Lord.”

The patrolling cultivators of Da Mengze immediately bowed upon seeing the figure.

“Zhenren Lu, Lady Lu, would you join us in the City Lord’s Manor for a discussion?”

Hong Lian, her entire being wrapped in purple light, spoke with a dignified and graceful voice to Lu Changsheng.

“It would be my pleasure.”

Lu Changsheng nodded with a smile, gesturing for his daughter to head back, then brought Lu Miaoge with him as they accompanied Immortal Yunmeng into the City Lord’s Manor.

After Lu Changsheng and Immortal Yunmeng left, his identity, background, and achievements were immediately spread, inciting a flurry of discussions.

“A Golden Core under a hundred years old!? Once a live-in son-in-law, the rise of this Zhenren Lu is truly legendary!”

“So Bihu Mountain’s Lu Ping’an, who once defeated the God Saber of the Shangguan Family, Shangguan Jiuyang, is his son! It turns out father and son are both remarkable talents!”

“Rumor has it that the eldest son of the Lu Family has the potential to form a Golden Core. If he succeeds, wouldn’t they be a father-son Golden Core duo!?”

“Wasn’t this Ancestor Lu at the peak of Foundation Establishment? How did he break through to the Golden Core so quickly?”

“This Zhenren Lu isn’t even a hundred years old. Why rush to form a Golden Core? Judging by the phenomenon, his foundation is deep and solid. If he had taken a few more decades to prepare, he might have aimed for a Half-Step Golden Core!”

“What? This Zhenren Lu is fond of women and fathering children?”

The cultivators in the crowd engaged in lively discussion, with some of them immediately relaying the news to their families.

After all, the emergence of a Golden Core Zhenren in the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world, and one from a family, was a significant event.

Especially in the Qingyun Region, family forces looked serious upon hearing this news.

“What? My father became a Golden Core Zhenren!?”

“So the recent Golden Core formation phenomenon was my father breaking through!”

Over the years, other members of the Lu Family besides Lu Qingsong, Lu Qingyan, and Lu Wangshu, had also come to Da Mengze and Immortal City of Da Mengze.

When they heard that the Golden Core Zhenren who broke through to the Golden Core recently was their Ancestor Lu Changsheng of the Lu Family, they were stupefied.

It had all happened so suddenly and unexpectedly.

But in the next moment, they were overjoyed.

With their father breaking through to the Golden Core, the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain would become a Golden Core Clan, significantly elevating their status!

A few days later.

While Da Mengze was still abuzz with discussions about the breakthrough of Ancestor Lu of Bihu Mountain, the City Lord’s Manor announced a major piece of news.

From today, Ancestor Lu Changsheng of the Lu Family is appointed as the Vice City Lord of Immortal City of Da Mengze!

“What!? Zhenren Lu has become the Vice City Lord of Immortal City of Da Mengze!”

“I heard Zhenren Lu was previously a guest of the Immortal City, hence why he was given a Cave Dwelling to break through.”

“Not only that, I heard Zhenren Lu was provided an exceptional spirit item by the City Lord’s Manor to assist in the breakthrough of his Golden Core!”

“Gasp! Such secret information?”

“Furthermore, I heard that Zhenren Lu broke through alongside his wife Lu Miaoge, and it’s said thattboth City Lords also practice Dual Cultivation methods. Perhaps this is related?”

“In recent years, the City Lord’s Manor has actively recruited Talisman Masters. Zhenren Lu is exceptionally talented in talismans and was a third-order Talisman Master during his Foundation Establishment. Now, having broken through to the Golden Core, he might become a fourth-order Talisman Master!”

“There isn’t a fourth-order Talisman Master in Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world yet.”

“Bihu Mountain is a family force under Qingyun’s jurisdiction. Now that Zhenren Lu has joined Da Mengze, won’t this upset the Azure Cloud Sect?”

The cultivators in Immortal City discussed Zhenren Lu’s appointment as Vice City Lord.

However, most of their attention was on the rumors surrounding Zhenren Lu and the City Lord’s Manor.

No one worried much about him taking on the role of Vice City Lord.

After all, a Golden Core Zhenren would be a distinguished guest no matter where they went,

even in the Four Great Immortal Sects, where they might serve as an honored elder!

Moreover, the news of Da Mengze’s change in leadership had been tacitly accepted by various forces, except for the common rogue cultivators.

It was clear that the two new City Lords were recruiting new powers to help them balance and manage Immortal City, reshuffling the cards.

Immortal City of Da Mengze, Core Area.

At this moment, many female cultivators were gathered here.

Some wore elegant and fresh clothes; others were dressed plainly, exuding a free and easy air.

Some had delicate features, displaying a dignified and refined demeanor; others were adorned like flowers, exuding allure.

Some had ample curves, with pronounced features, exuding a mature and feminine charm.

These female cultivators were drawn here after hearing that Zhenren Lu was fond of women and fathering children.

They hoped to catch his attention, thinking about the possibility of becoming the partner of this newly formed Golden Core Zhenren.

After all, Zhenren Lu, not even a hundred years old, had already formed a Golden Core, possessing extraordinary talent and a strikingly handsome appearance.

Such a talented and attractive man seemed to be the ideal partner for them!

If one could encounter Ancestor Lu and form a Dao relationship, the future would indeed be promising!

As for the fact that he was already married with many wives and children, these female cultivators didn’t mind at all.

After all, for a great cultivator like Ancestor Lu, having multiple wives and children was normal, wasn’t it?

It showed that he was loving and responsible!

And if he could take care of so many wives and children, it was proof of his excellent character, making him someone worth trusting with their lives!

Moreover, the fact that Ancestor Lu has sired geniuses like Lu Ping’an, Lu Qingshan, Lu Wangshu, and Lu Chensha made him even more attractive to female cultivators.

They fantasized about bearing such talented children, possibly securing their future through their children!

With such thoughts, these female cultivators became even more convinced that Ancestor Lu was the perfect partner, so they gathered here.

Some even came secretly, hiding it from their Dao partners and husbands, hoping to encounter Ancestor Lu.

However, Ancestor Lu wasn’t aware of any of this.

Now that he had broken through to the Golden Core in Immortal City, he planned to return to Bihu Mountain to prepare for the Golden Core ceremony and seek a marriage proposal from the Azure Cloud Sect.

But before returning, he decided to release the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale into Da Mengze.

This would provide Immortal City with an additional layer of protection.

“Whoosh!”

A beam of rainbow light shot to the depths of Da Mengze, spread out under a vast mist.

Lu Changsheng observed the area, confirming no other cultivators’ islands were around, then opened the system space and looked at the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale within.

He silently commanded, “Extract!”

“Roar!!!”

Immediately, a massive figure emerged, releasing an overwhelmingly terrifying aura.

A gigantic whale, nearly a hundred feet in length, appeared, its body as large as an island.

Its skin was pitch-black, covered with cold, metallic scales like black iron from beyond the sky. Several blades jutted out along its spine, as sharp as mountains of swords, reflecting a terrifying, dark gleam against the mist and the blue sea.

The Splitting-Sea Profound Whale had a rounded head with a curved horn as sharp as a hook, eyes like black holes that sent shivers down to one’s soul when looked into.

Its wide mouth was filled with rows of dagger-like teeth, each several meters long and gleaming with a cold light, resembling a deep abyss of chaotic blades.

“Boom!”

As the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale plunged into the water, the calm sea surface immediately churned up towering waves.

The whale’s dorsal fins, sharp horn, and powerful tail could tear through the ocean with ease.

“What a magnificent Splitting-Sea Profound Whale!”

Lu Changsheng gazed at the colossal creature before him, delighted and full of admiration.

Aside from its size, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale’s appearance and aura were not inferior to the previous Deep Sea Demon Whale King!

In fact, it looked even more menacing!

But this was normal.

The Deep Sea Demon Whale King only had an ordinary Heaven-Tier bloodline.

However, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale had a top-tier Heaven-Tier bloodline!

It was only one step away from advancing to a True Spirit-Level bloodline!

According to the system’s description, if it could obtain True Dragon bloodline treasures, such as a Fourth-Tier Jiao Dragon’s Monster Core, this Splitting-Sea Profound Whale might evolve into a True Spirit-Level bloodline——a Splitting-Sea Profound Dragon Whale!

“Tsk, if I could draw a reward similar to the Celestial Phoenix True Feather, this Splitting-Sea Profound Whale could directly evolve into a Splitting-Sea Profound Dragon Whale and quickly ascend to the Fourth Tier!”

Lu Changsheng thought of his son, Lu Ping’an, and his Great Wilderness Dragon Spine.

Though it’s a rare treasure, the original material was a dragon spine!

If that dragon spine were given to the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale for refining, it would bring tremendous benefit!

However, the Great Wilderness Dragon Spine had already been absorbed by his son, so Lu Changsheng didn’t dwell on it too much. He provided the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale with information and maps of Da Mengze, suggesting it should explore the deeper sea.

If the deep-sea areas were occupied by other monster kings, it should fight them if possible; if not, it could wait for him to return.

It was to notify him first if any cultivators or monster kings crossed the Star Sea.

It was also instructed not to wantonly slaughter monster kings or snatch immature treasures unless necessary.

In the past, he hunted monster kings to earn a living.

But now that Da Mengze had become his back garden, Lu Changsheng naturally wouldn’t harm it excessively.

After giving these instructions, Lu Changsheng handed the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale a Sun-Moon Token.

Normally, there would be no way to communicate with the whale over long distances.

But with the Sun-Moon Token, this issue was immediately solved.

In the future, he could even watch the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale’s undersea adventures through the Sun Moon Yin-Yang Profound Light Mirror.

After giving the necessary instructions to the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale, Lu Changsheng summoned the Michen Banner and returned to Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Then he took his wife, Lu Miaoge, and daughter, Lu WWngshu, back to Bihu Mountain.