Chapter 569: Shangguan Patriarch Disrupts the Gathering; Jade Elixir Marrow Cleansing Pill!

At the mountain gate, Lu Changsheng saw a middle-aged man in his fifties. He had a chiseled face, a lean figure, and wore a purple robe with thunder patterns.

“This old man is Shangguan Zhan. I heard that Immortal Lu is holding a Golden Core Formation Ceremony, so I came to join the fun. I hope Immortal Lu isn’t offended by my unannounced visit?”

Although Shangguan Patriarch was thin, his voice was extremely loud. He stood like a mighty ancient pine, exuding a powerful and imposing aura.

“A guest is always welcome. Daoist Shangguan, you’ve come from afar, and we deeply appreciate your kindness. Please, come inside!”

Lu Changsheng noticed that Shangguan Patriarch was accompanied by a stern-looking young man carrying a thunderblade. He sensed some hostility from them.

“Since I’m here, naturally, I should offer a gift. This is a Third-Tier ‘Violet Thunder Gangsha’ that I recently refined. Here’s my gift!”

After they entered the main hall, a jade bottle emitting a crystalline thunder glow appeared in Shangguan Patriarch’s hand. He flicked it towards Lu Changsheng, and wisps of thunderous energy leaked out during the process.

“Violet Thunder Gangsha!?”

Many of the cultivators in the hall looked on with burning eyes.

It is rumored that the Shangguan Family possesses a Rare Treasure, a Thunder Pool, capable of condensing Third-Tier Gangsha through the thunder vein of the land.

This Gangsha can not only be used as a spiritual item for Golden Core Formation of Thunder Techniques but also for refining thunder-attribute magical treasures.

“This old fox is indeed up to no good.”

Seeing the thunderous energy leaking from the jade bottle, Lu Changsheng’s eyes narrowed. In a flash, he activated a Third-Tier Superior Talisman—‘Soul-Suppressing Talisman!’

“Buzz!”

The talisman radiated golden light, forming a tapestry of clouds that enveloped the jade bottle, then securely landed in Lu Changsheng’s hand.

“Hmm!?”

The cultivators in the hall were stunned, realizing there was something wrong with the Violet Thunder Gangsha.

Meng Xiaochan, seated beside the main seat, lightly dropped her jade hand, and a violent poison appeared in her palm.

“This Violet Thunder Gangsha is too violent; the container needs a restriction to hold it. I was in a rush and forgot. Please don’t blame me, Immortal Lu.”

Seeing this, Shangguan Patriarch put on an apologetic expression and spoke.

But no one present was a fool; they knew this was a test.

If Lu Changsheng had not detected the test or if his methods were insufficient to safely receive the bottle, he would’ve been made a fool in front of everyone.

A few families close to Bihu Mountain secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

In the world of immortal cultivation, it’s common for newly ascended Foundation Establishment or Golden Core cultivators to be tested by rival forces at ceremonies, even challenged to a duel.

If their performance is poor, it’s not only their reputation but that of their entire family or sect that suffers.

“Haha, Daoist Shangguan, how could I possibly blame you for such a generous gift?”

In such situations, Lu Changsheng naturally wouldn’t respond directly. Instead, he smiled faintly.

Shangguan Patriarch acted as if he didn’t notice the sarcasm in Lu Changsheng’s words. He continued with a laugh: “Why do I not see your son, Lu Ping’an? My junior lost to your son, and I’ve always wanted to meet this young hero.”

“My son had an epiphany recently and is currently in seclusion, so he couldn’t come.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t mention his son was out training. Instead, he made up a reason.

“I see.”

Shangguan Patriarch seemed a bit disappointed but continued: “I’ve also heard that you have another son, Lu Chensha, who was quite impressive in the Purple Secrets Realm.”

“This junior of mine heard of your son’s great reputation and wishes to meet him and spar, if possible?”

As he spoke, he pointed to the stern young man beside him, who was carrying the thunderblade.

“Of course, if any of your younger generation wants to challenge my junior, they’re welcome. I’ve even prepared some prizes for the occasion, just to add some fun to the celebration.”

After speaking, Shangguan Patriarch raised his hand and took out three Natural Treasures from his Storage Ring.

The first was a piece of charred Thunder Wood, still radiating thunderous energy. The second was a fist-sized black meteoric iron, sparking with thunder. The third was a porcelain bottle containing pills.

“Third-Tier Thunder-Struck Wood!”

“Third-Tier Heavenly Thunder Meteoric Iron!”

“That’s…the Heavenly Sword Sect’s secret pill, the ‘Jade Elixir Marrow Cleansing Pill!’ A pill that can help Foundation Establishment cultivators cleanse their marrow and improve their Dao Foundation!”

“I didn’t expect Shangguan Patriarch to be so generous!”

The cultivators from various forces were all shocked and envious when they saw these three Natural Treasures.

It must be understood that these three items are extremely rare and hard to find in the outside world.

If none of the Lu Family’s younger generation can defeat this Shangguan family junior, not only would they avoid any losses, but they’d also cause the Lu Family to lose face!

“It seems this Shangguan Patriarch is here because of the Purple Secrets Realm incident.”

“The Shangguan Family truly does repay grudges.”

“Although the Shangguan Family didn’t care much about the loss of a few Qi Refining juniors, the Purple Secrets Realm isn’t just about collecting spiritual herbs. It’s also a trial by combat among major forces. The Shangguan Family’s juniors were all killed by the Lu Family, and their leader, Shangguan Jiuyang, was defeated by Lu Ping’an. The family’s prestige suffered. Now that they have the opportunity, they naturally want to regain their honor.”

“I wonder if the Lu Family can win a few rounds.”

The cultivators in the hall remained silent, all looking at Lu Changsheng, curious to see how he would respond.

“So, they’re here to disrupt the gathering, huh?”

By this point, Lu Changsheng fully understood Shangguan Patriarch’s intentions.

To put it bluntly, whether it was the earlier test or the current challenge, they were here to trample on the Lu Family from top to bottom.

To let him and everyone else know that even among Golden Core families, there are gaps in strength!

Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly, glancing at the young man beside Shangguan Patriarch.

His cultivation was at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment.

But for someone to be brought here by Shangguan Patriarch, his strength must be formidable, and cannot be judged by ordinary Foundation Establishment standards.

“Husband, since Patriarch Shangguan is so eager, why not call Chensha and the others to spar with this young friend? I’ve long heard of the prestige of the Shangguan family’s Divine Blade, but I’ve never seen it in action.”

At this moment, Ling Zixiao, who was seated beside the main seat in a blue palace dress, spoke with a light smile.

Who in the Lu Family doesn’t know the strength of its younger generation, right?

But with Lu Wangshu and Lu Qingxian here, that should be enough.

“Xiang’er also wants to see it.”

Meng Xiaochan chimed in.

Although she appeared obedient and lovely beside Lu Changsheng,

that didn’t mean she was truly gentle by nature.

“Alright. Since Daoist Shangguan is so interested, how could I refuse?”

Lu Changsheng spoke.

Immediately, he sent a voice transmission to summon his children from another side hall.

Because the main hall had limited space and the number of Lu Family juniors was large, they were all dining in a side hall.

A moment later, Lu Ruyi, Lu Qingxian, Lu Wangshu, Lu Chensha, Lu Yunlou, Lu Xingchen, and Lu Qingxian arrived.

Lu Changsheng relayed the intentions of Shangguan Patriarch.

The Lu Family juniors present were not foolish.

They immediately realized that Shangguan Patriarch was here to cause trouble.

“Father, since Senior Shangguan has such a generous offer of prizes, I’d like to try challenging this Daoist from the Shangguan family!”

Lu Wangshu, a beautiful girl in a pink and white dress, looked at the stern young man from the Shangguan family and smiled.

With Lu Ping’an traveling and Lu Quanzhen and Lu Qingshan not at home,

Lu Wangshu currently had the highest combat power among the Lu Family juniors.

Moreover, her cultivation was also at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, the same as this Shangguan family junior.

Of course, the Xuan Yuan Pearl, which was a Rare Treasure, didn’t count as part of her true strength.

“Lu Wangshu!”

Among the Lu Family juniors, besides Lu Ping’an, Lu Wangshu was the most outstanding.

The cultivators in the hall all recognized or had heard of Lu Wangshu.

Not only did she inherit Lu Changsheng’s Talisman Making Inheritance, but she also surpassed her father in some ways.

Shortly after breaking through to Foundation Establishment, she used a thousand talismans to single-handedly kill six Foundation Establishment cultivators, making her famous in the Qingyun Region.

Shangguan Patriarch sized up Lu Wangshu.

Before coming here, he had naturally gathered information about the Lu Family.

He knew that besides Lu Ping’an and Lu Qingshan, who had joined the Golden Sun Sect in the Yue Kingdom, this Lu Wangshu was the most talented.

With a father like Lu Changsheng, who was a Third-Tier Talisman Master, no one knew how many talismans or high-grade Spirit Talismans she had on her.

Still, since he dared to bring his junior here and make such a statement, he was confident.

He knew that talisman cultivators needed time to set up a Talisman Formation before making a move.

As long as she couldn’t complete the formation, half the battle would be won.

And if things didn’t go well and they lost to Lu Wangshu, who relied on talismans, it wouldn’t matter much.

Shangguan Patriarch looked at the stern young man beside him and asked in a calm voice.

“Shangguan Poyun is willing to learn from Miss Lu’s divine abilities.”

The stern young man immediately got up, looked at Lu Wangshu, and exuded a sharp aura like that of a sword cultivator.

“It’s too small here; we won’t be able to fully display our skills. There’s an open space just outside the manor that will serve as the battlefield.”

Ling Zixiao spoke up.

She then looked at the cultivators in the hall and gracefully said, “If any of you have the time, feel free to come and watch.”

“Of course, of course.”

The cultivators in the hall agreed politely. They were also interested in seeing the strength of the two families’ juniors.

But they couldn’t help but wonder.

“Why does the Lu Family’s matron look so confident?”

“This Shangguan Poyun wouldn’t have been brought here by Shangguan Patriarch if he were simple!”

“Lu Wangshu has a record of defeating Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators; she shouldn’t fear this Shangguan Poyun!”

“As a Second-Tier Talisman Master with a father like Immortal Lu, she probably has Third-Tier Talismans on her.”

“But in a spar, it would be meaningless for her to use Third-Tier Talismans.”

Outside the main hall, the guests and cultivators from several adjacent pavilions saw the scene and were astonished, not knowing what was happening.

But when a few Lu Family juniors explained, they immediately came to join the fun.

Moments later, everyone arrived at the open space at the edge of Lake Heart Island.

“Wangshu, this young friend of the Shangguan family is not ordinary. You must be careful and not underestimate him.”

Meng Xiaochan said to Lu Wangshu, but secretly she urged her to strike ruthlessly.

She had a good relationship with Lu Wangshu.

She knew that Lu Wangshu had a personality somewhat similar to Nangong Yaoyao; she appeared innocent and lively, but was actually very cunning.

“Don’t worry, Sister Xiaochan.”

Lu Wangshu smiled back at her and made a reassuring gesture.

Shangguan Patriarch also sent a voice transmission to Shangguan Poyun, instructing him to concede immediately if a Talisman Formation was used.

After all, when a talisman cultivator is fully armed, few in the same realm can block their power.

At the same time, Ling Zixiao activated the formation of Bishui Lake, causing the spiritual energy of the world on Lake Heart Island to surge. Formation patterns appeared, dividing the area into a battlefield.

“Miss Lu, please instruct me!”

Shangguan Poyun unsheathed his thunderblade, his purple battle robe fluttering as his aura grew stronger.

“Daoist Shangguan, please!”

Seeing this, Lu Wangshu’s enchanting face also revealed a serious expression. She realized that Shangguan Poyun before her was extraordinary, and the Nine-Nine Mysterious True Talisman appeared in her hand.

“Let’s begin.”

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng spoke.

“Slash!”

Shangguan Poyun knew that he must not give his opponent, a talisman cultivator, any breathing room, so he struck immediately.

He slashed with his thunderblade, and arcs of lightning filled the air, tearing apart the air as they shot toward Lu Wangshu.

As soon as the first strike was launched, he continued to swing, unleashing countless arcs of thunderous blade aura that formed a net, whirling like a violent storm.

When these blade auras attacked Lu Wangshu simultaneously, his blood and spiritual energy surged, and an enormous amount of thunderous energy burst forth around him, as if preparing for an ultimate strike.

“Clang! Clang! Clang!”

Lu Wangshu’s Nine-Nine Mysterious True Talisman transformed into countless iron sticks that blocked in front of her. She then began drawing talismans in the void.

“Drawing Talismans in Void Space!”

Even though many had heard of the Lu Family’s Talisman Making Inheritance, they couldn’t help but exclaim when they saw this technique.

“Heavenly Strike of Five Thunders!”

Seeing this, Shangguan Poyun stepped forward, launching himself out like a bolt of lightning.

The thunderous arcs of lightning from his thunderblade condensed into blade auras like bolts of lightning, forming a massive strike.

Three strikes!

Five strikes! The razor-sharp blade auras intertwined in the air, forming a purple thunderbolt as thick as a barrel, roaring like a thunder dragon.

“Such a technique, how incredible!”

“Divine Thunder Blade Art! This junior actually cultivated the Shangguan Family’s Divine Thunder Blade Art to such a level. No wonder Shangguan Patriarch brought him here.”

“It’s said that the Shangguan Family’s Divine Thunder Blade Art incorporates elements of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Heavenly Sword Art. Truly sharp and domineering!”

The cultivators watching were all shocked.

Many of the Foundation Establishment cultivators here were the patriarchs of their families, but even they doubted they could withstand Shangguan Poyun’s strike.

Faced with the thunder dragon’s attack, Lu Wangshu’s expression remained unchanged as she lightly patted her Storage Bag.

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

Five mid-grade Second-Tier puppets appeared, standing around her like war machines, buzzing and forming a powerful and overwhelming aura.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

The five puppets struck simultaneously, assaulting the thunder dragon, causing a thunderous roar like an iron tide that spread in all directions, kicking up dust and debris.

Ling Zixiao gently manipulated the Formation Disc in her hand, causing a water-like barrier to form over the battlefield, dispersing the residual spiritual energy.

“Gasp, someone actually owns five Second-Tier puppets! How extravagant!”

“So it’s just relying on external items, huh.”

“Well, it helps to have a good father.”

“I wish my dad were a real Golden Core cultivator too!”

Some people were envious of Lu Wangshu’s methods.

After all, Second-Tier puppets are hard to find on the market and usually require a trip to Immortal City or an auction.

But Lu Wangshu, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, actually owned five puppets.

“Wait, a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator can control five puppets simultaneously while drawing talismans in void space? What is this madness!?”

“And these puppets aren’t ordinary either! They look like a battle array.”

But some people noticed something off.

“Immortal Lu is certainly generous with his children.”

Shangguan Patriarch saw this and said to Lu Changsheng with a hint of disdain in his tone.

Blade cultivators, like sword cultivators, only refine their life blade and never rely on external items.

Therefore, they tend to look down on cultivators who depend on external items.

“You’re too kind, Daoist Shangguan. My daughter, like me, only cultivates Divine Sense Talismans. When caught off guard, if she didn’t have other methods at her disposal, she’d be too passive. We can’t compare to your family’s divine abilities.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind the sarcasm at all.

After all, do you really expect me, a talisman cultivator, to engage in a fair one-on-one fight with you, a blade cultivator?

If you have the skills, let me set up my Talisman Formation first before making a move.

On the battlefield, Shangguan Poyun continued swinging his blade, filling the air with a terrifying aura. The thunderous momentum was unstoppable, forcing Lu Wangshu to rely on her puppets, defending with talismans.

But just as Shangguan Poyun pushed closer, about to break through Lu Wangshu’s defense, an overwhelming spiritual pressure erupted from the five puppets.

The talismans drawn in void space were suddenly completed, several dozen turning into several hundred, and they burst out in an overwhelming attack, enveloping Shangguan Poyun.

“Not good!”

Shangguan Patriarch’s eyes narrowed, sensing that something was wrong.

But in that instant.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

The talismans did not form a formation; instead, they exploded directly, unleashing an endless torrent of lightning, earth, fire, and sandstorms.

Under this terrifying power, the entire Lake Heart Island seemed to shake, almost shattering the formation Ling Zixiao had set up.

“This… this…”

“Sister Wangshu sure doesn’t hold back.”

In an instant, all the cultivators were shocked.

This level of power could kill not just a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, but even Late-Stage and peak-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators!

But in that split second, Shangguan Patriarch made his move.

An overwhelming amount of Golden Core spiritual energy surged, sweeping away and suppressing the remaining talisman power, dispersing the smoke and dust.

“Poyun.”

He used his spiritual energy to protect Shangguan Poyun.

Shangguan Poyun’s hair was disheveled, his robes were torn, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his spiritual energy was unstable.

Had Shangguan Patriarch not made a move, the talisman’s power would have killed him.

“This little girl is quite skilled.”

Shangguan Patriarch coldly looked at Lu Wangshu and spoke.

He could see that she had deliberately feigned weakness earlier, intending to severely injure or even kill Shangguan Poyun.

After all, Shangguan Poyun was not only extraordinarily talented but also a direct descendant of the family, a Golden Core candidate!

“How many times have I told you, don’t use techniques that you haven’t fully mastered, and don’t go too far in a sparring match. What if you injured or crippled our guest?”

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng immediately scolded his daughter, Lu Wangshu, but there was no hint of blame.

He then looked at Shangguan Patriarch, cupped his hands slightly in apology, and said, “My daughter is stubborn and lacks training, causing her to be too heavy-handed. I sincerely apologize for injuring your junior. I have some pills here.”

“It’s normal not to hold back in a sparring match, especially when it’s only minor injuries.”

Shangguan Patriarch responded in a deep voice, taking a pill from his Storage Ring and handing it to Shangguan Poyun.

In such sparrings between juniors, it was normal for an elder to intervene to prevent serious injuries.

If he were to scold the junior for lacking sportsmanship, it would be utterly disgraceful.

Besides, this was Bihu Mountain, so he couldn’t really tear his face with Lu Changsheng.

“Senior Shangguan, does this mean that I’ve won?”

Lu Wangshu, showing no signs of guilt, directly asked Shangguan Patriarch.

“Which one do you want, junior?”

Though displeased, as a Golden Core elder, Shangguan Zhan had the decorum to place the three prizes in front of Lu Wangshu.

“I’ll take the Third-Tier Thunder-Struck Wood; it’ll be perfect for crafting talisman paper.”

Lu Wangshu spoke.

Among the three items, the Jade Elixir Marrow Cleansing Pill was the most valuable.

But since she had no use for it, she decided to leave the opportunity to others.

Though she regretted that Shangguan Poyun only suffered minor injuries.

Without saying anything, Shangguan Patriarch handed the Third-Tier Thunder-Struck Wood to Lu Wangshu.

“Senior Shangguan, I’ve heard that your junior came here specifically for me. Is he still willing to fight?”

At this moment, Lu Chensha stepped forward and looked at Shangguan Poyun.

Although his cultivation was only at the third level of Foundation Establishment,

over the years, he had trained many Ironfire Ants and had a Thousand-Legged Centipede, as well as the Spectre Face Soul-Devouring Spider, two Second-Tier Spirit Pets. He was confident that he could face Shangguan Poyun.

Of course, he would never suggest waiting until Shangguan Poyun had recovered.

Shangguan Patriarch looked at the pale-skinned, somewhat eerie young man in a blue brocade robe.

“This one is Lu Chensha.”

Lu Chensha cupped his hands, neither overly humble nor arrogant.

“Let’s fight!”

Shangguan Poyun gripped his thunderblade and looked at Lu Chensha, speaking coldly.

In the Purple Secrets Realm, a close friend of Shangguan Poyun had been killed by Lu Chensha.

“But Lu Chensha is only at the third level of Foundation Establishment; isn’t he overstepping?”

“This junior was able to stand out in the Purple Secrets Realm; his methods are not simple. Besides, Shangguan Poyun suffered serious injuries from Lu Wangshu.”

“That Lu Wangshu was ruthless. She may appear beautiful, but she strikes hard—yikes.”

“You think? When the old ancestor was in seclusion, Bihu Mountain was sustained entirely by Lu Ping’an and Lu Wangshu.”

The guests and cultivators watched the battlefield, whispering and still amazed by the previous battle. They had gained a deeper understanding of talisman cultivators.

Some even speculated aloud, wondering how terrifying the methods of the talisman cultivator, Lu Changsheng, must be.

Meanwhile, Lu Chensha released his Thousand-Legged Centipede and Spectre Face Soul-Devouring Spider.

“Two Second-Tier Spirit Pets!?”

“The Spectre Face Soul-Devouring Spider! It’s rumored that in the Purple Secrets Realm, Lu Chensha used this spider to kill all the Shangguan family juniors!”

“I heard he was only in the Qi Refining realm back then. How did he manage to tame a Second-Tier demonic beast?”

“Looking at his pale skin, it’s likely a side-effect of contracting such a demonic beast.”

At this moment, the crowd began discussing Lu Chensha’s background.

He had made a name for himself in the Purple Secrets Realm, and afterward, many families and forces paid attention to him.

“Poyun, don’t look into the spider’s eyes.”

Shangguan Patriarch observed for a moment and then sent a voice transmission to Shangguan Poyun.

Even though blade cultivators have a stronger Divine Sense and willpower than other cultivators,

when facing the Spectre Face Soul-Devouring Spider’s soul attack, one misstep could be disastrous.

“Let’s begin.”

Seeing that the two were ready, Lu Changsheng spoke in a calm tone, wanting to see how much his son, Lu Chensha, had improved over the years.