Chapter Index

    The visitor was of noble status, so Lu Changsheng immediately stepped out of the Great Hall to greet them.

    An elder, with an immortal aura, dressed in white robes, approached with a Fairy from the Moon Palace, her face veiled, exuding cold and sacred grace.

    “Greetings, Immortal Baiyun and Immortal Xiyue.”

    Lu Changsheng smiled warmly as he bowed to them.

    “Xiyue congratulates Fellow Daoist Changsheng on successfully mastering your Divine Abilities and achieving Golden Core after a hundred years.”

    Xiao Xiyue’s voice was gentle yet pleasing as she offered her congratulations.

    Though her perfect face was hidden behind a veil, it added a touch of mystique and dignity to her presence.

    “Hmm?”

    Immortal Baiyun was slightly taken aback when he saw Lu Changsheng’s youthful and handsome face, which looked no older than twenty.

    Although there were many techniques for maintaining one’s youthful appearance in the cultivation world, most men didn’t practice them. They often preferred a more mature look.

    Especially those of high status who cultivated a mature and dignified aura that made them appear unique and deep as mountains and oceans.

    A Golden Core cultivator as young, handsome, and refined as Lu Changsheng was rare.

    However, he didn’t dwell on it. With a bow, he spoke in a loud voice, “I have long heard of Immortal Lu’s name. You truly are extraordinary.”

    “On behalf of the Azure Cloud Sect, I congratulate the Immortal on achieving Golden Core and present you with a top-tier Third-Tier Talisman Pen and fifty high-grade Third-Tier Talisman Skins.”

    He was here representing the Azure Cloud Sect, knowing that Lu Changsheng was a Third-Tier Talisman Master, so he brought a gift package tailored for a Talisman Master.

    “Immortal Baiyun, you are too kind. I should thank you for helping my son that time in the Purple Secrets Realm.”

    Lu Changsheng vaguely remembered this Immortal Baiyun.

    Back then, when Lu Ping’an escorted Lu Qingyan, Lu Chensha, and the others to the Purple Secrets Realm, they were later harassed by Shangguan Jiuyang. It was this Immortal Baiyun who stepped in to help.

    “Hehe, I’m ashamed to even mention it.”

    The three of them chatted and laughed as they entered the hall and took their seats.

    Everyone else in the hall saw them and showed their respect, bowing deeply and not daring to breathe too loudly.

    These were, after all, three Golden Core experts!

    Jin Zan felt bitter seeing Lu Changsheng chatting and laughing with the two Golden Core immortals, addressing each other as equals.

    This was the dream scene from his youth.

    But now, he was only an onlooker.

    “Now that Immortal Lu has become a Golden Core cultivator, have you taken a Daoist title?”

    Immortal Baiyun initiated the topic with Lu Changsheng.

    “My name is Changsheng, and my early goal was the Great Dao of Longevity. Now that I have fortuitously achieved Golden Core, I decided to keep ‘Changsheng’ as my title to remember my original intent.”

    Lu Changsheng had put some thought into his Daoist title, even discussing it with his wife for a long time.

    He initially thought about being low-key and using something like Bihu, Lingfu, Duofu, or Tianfu.

    But considering the enigmatic fate discussions in the cultivation world,

    A title can sometimes silently influence a cultivator’s destiny and fortune.

    A good one can complement a cultivator, making their fate and luck improve.

    So, after careful consideration, he decided on ‘Changsheng’.

    “Immortal Changsheng.”

    Immortal Baiyun’s first impression was that it was plain, common.

    After all, who in the vast cultivation world doesn’t wish to achieve the Great Dao of Longevity?

    So, many have used the title ‘Changsheng’ before.

    Because too many used this title, many also died, leading later generations to consider it unlucky or so grand that it was hard to bear.

    “It’s an excellent title. I’ll wish Immortal Changsheng to achieve the Great Dao of Longevity!”

    As it was a day of celebration, Immortal Baiyun naturally didn’t say anything inauspicious and offered his praise.

    “Achieving Golden Core is already a stroke of luck; how dare I pursue the elusive dream of longevity.”

    Lu Changsheng guessed Immortal Baiyun’s thoughts from his subtle expressions.

    He had initially wondered if the title would make him sound overly domineering.

    But then, recalling his name was Lu Changsheng and with a system backing him, having a bit of prestige and grand ambition seemed normal.

    “You’re being too modest, Immortal Changsheng.”

    Immortal Baiyun chuckled and continued chatting with Lu Changsheng, while Xiao Xiyue conversed with Lu Miaoge..

    This scene left many in the hall astonished and confused.

    They knew Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue had been close friends since their humble beginnings.

    But they hadn’t expected their relationship to be so close, as intimate as if Lu Miaoge and Xiao Xiyue wereechildhood friends.

    If this were to spread, people would think Lu Changsheng and the Fairy Xiyue were even closer than imagined.

    After chatting for some time, Ling Zixiao reminded Lu Changsheng that the auspicious hour had arrived.

    Lu Changsheng then stepped out of the Great Hall, watched by Immortal Baiyun and others, to perform a ritual at Bishui Lake, officially declaring the Bihu Mountain Lu Family as a Golden Core Family.

    “Thank you, everyone, for attending today’s Golden Core Ceremony of my family!”

    “Today, I, Lu Changsheng, perform a ritual at Bihu Mountain, declaring the establishment of the Golden Core Family, with the clan title: Tianfu!”

    Lu Changsheng’s voice was powerful, reaching the heavens, echoing across Bihu Mountain.

    For ordinary families, they might have two or three spiritual lands, so they often use the land name as a prefix for the family.

    But once a family becomes a Golden Core Family, they choose a clan title.

    Like the Xu Family’s title, ‘Beast Taming,’ the Shangguan Family’s title, ‘God Blade,’ and the Wang Family’s title, ‘Five Elements.’

    Lu Changsheng initially thought about using ‘Changsheng’ as the family title.

    But he realized the title needed to reflect the family’s characteristic.

    Since its establishment, Bihu Mountain was famous for talisman making.

    The renown of Bihu Mountain was built on his many battles.

    These battles all relied on talismans.

    So, he decided to go with ‘Tianfu’ as the title.

    Considering the Xu Family, the Wang Family, and the Shangguan Family, most clan titles are grand.

    Besides, the name Tianfu not only represented the Lu Family’s famous talisman making but could also imply a divine mandate, embodying the workings of heavens!

    “Congratulations, Immortal Lu, on achieving Golden Core and establishing a Golden Core Family!”

    “The Jin Family of Jinlong Ridge congratulates Immortal Changsheng and the Tianfu Lu Family!”

    “The Qingzhu Mountain Lu Family congratulates Immortal Changsheng and the Tianfu Lu Family!”

    “The Xie Family of Lingxi Lake congratulates Immortal Changsheng and the Tianfu Lu Family!”

    .”

    At this moment, all the family representatives in attendance rose and raised their cups to offer their congratulations to Lu Changsheng.

    “Tianfu Lu Family!”

    All Lu Family members and cultivators, hearing these congratulatory voices echoing to the heavens, felt their blood boil with excitement.

    The glory of becoming a Golden Core Family burned brightly in their veins, filling them with passion, strength, and an unyielding belief.

    The sense of family pride and unity reached a peak at this moment!

    Suddenly, a system notice echoed in Lu Changsheng’s mind.

    [Congratulations, Host, your family has reached a new level. The unique treasure, the Lu Clan Genealogy, has been upgraded. You may check the details.]

    “Hmm? A family upgrade? Genealogy upgrade?”

    Lu Changsheng was momentarily stunned but didn’t expect holding a Golden Core ceremony and declaring a Golden Core Family would cause the genealogy to upgrade.

    However, with so many people around, he didn’t dwell on it. Remaining calm, he poured some wine into Bishui Lake and then downed another cup.

    “Fellow Daoists, today my Lu Family declares itself a Golden Core Family, but I, Lu Changsheng, promise that the Tianfu Lu Family will always pursue peaceful development.”

    “I hope that we can work together to create a mutually beneficial future for all!”

    Lu Changsheng continued to articulate his family’s development policy.

    Whether it’s true or not, a Golden Core Immortal making such a promise naturally held a certain degree of authority.

    If the Lu Family were to later unjustifiably invade another family’s territory, it would be tantamount to slapping Immortal Changsheng in the face.

    “The Qingzhu Mountain Lu Family is willing to form permanent and strong alliances with the Tianfu Lu Family!”

    “The Bai Family of Hundred Bird Lake is willing to form eternal alliances with the Tianfu Lu Family!”

    “The Jin Family of Jinlong Ridge is willing to form eternal alliances with the Tianfu Lu Family!”

    Various family representatives echoed in agreement.

    With the ritual complete, it was time to eat and drink.

    Many guests used the opportunity to meet each other, seek collaborations, or request a meeting with Lu Changsheng.

    However, Lu Changsheng didn’t meet everyone. He only selected a few representatives for a brief meeting.

    “Immortal Lu, could we speak in private?”

    Immortal Baiyun sent a voice transmission to Lu Changsheng.

    “Please, come in!”

    Naturally, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t refuse and led him to a discussion hall.

    “Now that Immortal Lu has achieved Golden Core, what are your future plans?”

    Immortal Baiyun took a sip of Spirit Tea, speaking as if casually.

    “With the impending frontier wars, as a part of the Jiang Kingdom, I naturally have to contribute.”

    “As for the future, I haven’t decided yet. I plan to focus on cultivating Divine Abilities first, and after ensuring my family’s stability, I’ll consider other matters.”

    Lu Changsheng roughly guessed what Immortal Baiyun wanted and spoke up.

    “Now that Immortal Lu has achieved Golden Core, whether managing your family or cultivating Divine Abilities, Bishui Lake’s spiritual veins aren’t sufficient anymore.”

    “If you are interested, our Azure Cloud Sect can allocate your family ‘Yuquan Forest’ and even employ a Feng Shui master to cultivate a small portion of Third-Tier spiritual veins for your cultivation.”

    Immortal Baiyun smiled, offering a friendly gesture.

    “Yuquan Forest?”

    Lu Changsheng remembered that Yuquan Forest seemed to be a quasi-Third-Tier spiritual land near the Beast Taming Xu Family’s Dragon Head Mountain.

    So, they wanted his family to confront the Xu Family or restrict their development?

    It was a straightforward strategy, hard to refuse.

    If it weren’t for the Third-Tier spiritual veins in Sumeru Cave Heaven, he might have been tempted despite knowing the Azure Cloud Sect’s agenda.

    “What would I need to offer in return?”

    Lu Changsheng asked aloud.

    There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

    For the Azure Cloud Sect to give away a quasi-Third-Tier spiritual vein and even help cultivate a small portion of Third-Tier spiritual veins, it definitely wasn’t just to curb the Beast Taming Xu Family.

    “Hehe, Immortal Lu is too cautious.”

    Immortal Baiyun laughed and said frankly, “Yuquan Forest is near Dragon Head Mountain. We hope your family can somewhat limit the Xu Family.”

    “If you aren’t interested in Yuquan Forest, as long as you contribute significantly to the upcoming frontier wars, you can choose another spiritual land.”

    “If there’s any request, it’s to produce more Third-Tier talismans for our Azure Cloud Sect as the wars begin.”

    Immortal Baiyun explained.

    With the war approaching, all factions’ demand for pills, arrays, talismans, and Artifacts would skyrocket.

    Currently, due to the war with the Liang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom, the prices of pills, talismans, and magic Artifacts in the Jiang Kingdom had already risen.

    And with Lu Changsheng’s exceptional talent as a Third-Tier Talisman Master and a Golden Core Immortal, his status had also risen, making him a strategic-level talent!

    Even the Azure Cloud Sect was in dire need of Third-Tier Talismans.

    “Is it possible for me to think about it for a while?”

    Lu Changsheng made it look like he was tempted but also conflicted.

    With Sumeru Cave Heaven and Immortal City of Da Mengze, he wasn’t interested in Yuquan Forest and didn’t want to get involved with the Beast Taming Xu Family.

    But as a newly promoted Golden Core, directly refusing would be like slapping the Azure Cloud Sect’s face.

    So, he thought of stalling for time, planning to visit the Azure Cloud Sect to propose to Xiao Xiyue after stabilizing his relationship with her.

    Otherwise, whatever they discussed now could easily lead to unpleasantness.

    “Of course, Daoist Lu, take your time. If you wish, you are welcome to visit the Azure Cloud Sect any time.”

    Immortal Baiyun said with a smile.

    With the allure of Third-Tier spiritual land, he didn’t believe Lu Changsheng could resist.

    But Lu Changsheng achieved Golden Core in Immortal City of Da Mengze and established connections, even becoming a vice city master.

    Under such circumstances, it created an awkward situation for the Azure Cloud Sect.

    Although they could pressure Lu Changsheng.

    But with the Immortal City of Da Mengze as his backing, if pushed too hard, he could relocate his entire clan there.

    Even if the Azure Cloud Sect was much stronger than Immortal City of Da Mengze, they wouldn’t go to war over this.

    So, they wouldn’t break off relations unless it was necessary.

    “Very well, once I’m done with family matters, I’ll visit the Main Sect to pay my respects.”

    Lu Changsheng responded politely.

    Even though he could move his family to Immortal City of Da Mengze, he didn’t plan on doing that.

    Such an act would be a direct slap to the Azure Cloud Sect’s face, tearing their relationship apart.

    Considering Xiao Xiyue, Chu Qingyi, and Yun Wanshang, he couldn’t do that.

    “Good.”

    Immortal Baiyun nodded with a smile, and continued talking to Lu Changsheng for a bit.

    He suggested that now that the Lu Family had become a Golden Core Family, they could send more descendants to join the Azure Cloud Sect.

    These descendants would receive preferential treatment from the Sect.

    Also, as a Golden Core Family, the Lu Family no longer had to pay tribute, but Lu Changsheng, as a Golden Core Immortal, could not intervene in disputes under the Sect’s jurisdiction or bully the weak.

    After speaking, he bid farewell and left Bihu Mountain.

    Lu Changsheng then met with several other family representatives.

    Most were there to befriend the Lu Family or to offer talented daughters to become maidservants for the family patriarch.

    Indeed, given Lu Changsheng’s status, these daughters were no longer qualified to be his concubines, only maids.

    But to become a maid for a Golden Core Immortal was still like becoming a phoenix to them!

    After all, even with great talent, these daughters were only hopeful of reaching the Foundation Establishment stage in the future.

    But if they earned Lu Changsheng’s favor, reaching Foundation Establishment would be no problem at all.

    Given the cooperative needs, Lu Changsheng didn’t refuse and accepted these women.

    Aside from these maids offered by other families, there were also many Foundation Establishment female cultivators who wanted to become concubines.

    Lu Changsheng was more cautious with them.

    After all, these cultivators and small family ancestors who reached Foundation Establishment were not simple-minded.

    They clearly had their own motives for wanting to rush in and become a concubine, likely for family or personal gain.

    Lu Changsheng did not shy away from profit-oriented transactions, but he would consider talent, character, and their status carefully first.

    Otherwise, bringing in a mess would only lead to trouble instead of help.

    Chapter Summary

    Lu Changsheng performs a Golden Core ceremony to establish the Tianfu Lu Family. Various sects and families offer congratulations and alliances, while Immortal Baiyun proposes a deal involving spiritual land. Lu Changsheng stalls for time as he considers his next steps. Many offer daughters as maids, and Foundation Establishment female cultivators seek to become his concubines, but Lu Changsheng carefully assesses their motives.

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