Chapter 575: Wang Ancestor’s Breakthrough!

At Bihu Mountain, within the Lu Family Compound.

“Where is this Wang Ancestor?” Lu Changsheng asked as he returned home with his daughter Lu Wangshu. His wife, Lu Miaoyun, informed him that someone from the Wang Family had arrived.

Even the Wang Family’s Core Formation Ancestor had come along.

“The Wang Ancestor didn’t come to Bihu Mountain himself. He only sent someone to deliver a message,” Lu Miaoyun said softly.

“Hmph.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head with a wry smile, thinking to himself that this Wang Ancestor was awfully cautious.

But it made sense.

If the latter sneaked to Bihu Mountain and the Lu Family suddenly turned hostile, activating their grand formation, his life would be at risk.

Normally, the current second-rank top-tier formation at Bihu Mountain wouldn’t faze a Core Formation cultivator.

But given the Wang Ancestor’s physical condition, he was likely in a terrible state.

“Yun’er, go inform Xingchen and Jing’er. Set up a time to meet with this Wang Ancestor.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t have strong feelings about the Wang Family.

But since his daughter-in-law Wang Yanjing wanted to bridge ties between the Wang and Lu Families, he was willing to show some courtesy for the sake of his son Lu Xingchen and grandson Lu Xuangen.

After a brief chat, he headed to the Sumeru Cave Heaven to plant the Divine Ability Fruit Tree from his system space.

Though the spiritual veins in the pocket dimension would struggle to nurture a fourth-rank spiritual plant like this.

He didn’t need the Divine Ability Fruit Tree to grow on its own. With the Myriad Spirits Bottle, he could force its growth.

“Hum!”

With a flicker of thought, a golden ancient tree about a meter tall appeared. Its bark was etched with mysterious runes, and its leaves shimmered with a faint golden glow.

“Sumeru.”

Signaling Sumeru to plant the Divine Ability Fruit Tree, Lu Changsheng then went to cultivate with Lu Miaoge before checking on his maidservants.

Though these maids were mere Qi Refining cultivators and hardly worth Lu Ancestor’s attention, he didn’t dare exert himself with them.

Still, these women were exceptional in both looks and talent. If they were obedient and sensible, Lu Ancestor didn’t mind nurturing their potential a bit.

Three days later.

Lu Changsheng, along with Lu Xingchen’s family of three and a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Wang Family, arrived at a small courtyard in Hongye Valley Marketplace.

There, seated in the courtyard, was an old man with white hair and beard, yet brimming with vitality.

Though he revealed no trace of spiritual pressure, his extraordinary presence was unmistakable at a glance.

“Yanping pays respects to the Ancestor.”

The Wang Family’s Foundation Establishment cultivator bowed deeply upon seeing the old man.

“This is the Wang Ancestor!?”

Lu Xingchen stared at the plainly dressed old man before him, shock rippling through his heart.

He never expected this man to be the Core Formation True Lord of the Wang Family of Five Elements.

Without hesitation, he bowed alongside his son and wife.

The old man didn’t look at them. Instead, his gaze settled on Lu Changsheng, clad in a green robe, his handsome features resembling an elegant jade tree. A mix of admiration and envy flickered in his eyes as he stood and clasped his fists. “Changsheng True Lord, your reputation precedes you. Seeing you in person is far more impressive.”

“Jing’er, and this must be Xingchen? Truly the son of Changsheng True Lord, striking and exceptional.”

“Greetings, Fellow Daoist Wang.”

Though the Wang Ancestor appeared vibrant, Lu Changsheng could see through the facade.

The man was likely sustaining his vitality through some secret technique or natural treasures. In truth, he was barely clinging to life.

In this state, he probably couldn’t even use mystical secret techniques.

“No wonder this Wang Ancestor didn’t dare act against the Xu Family’s provocations back then. If he had fought, he might’ve already passed away.”

“And for all these years, he’s stayed out of sight, leading to rumors of his death. They’ve kept it secret for this very reason.”

Lu Changsheng mused silently before taking a seat at the stone table.

“I couldn’t visit in person and had to trouble the True Lord to make this trip. Please forgive me.”

Despite his long-standing fame, the Wang Ancestor showed no arrogance before Lu Changsheng. Like an ordinary elder, he personally poured tea.

Yet Wang Yanjing knew well that this ancestor of hers had once been a ruthless, domineering figure who controlled life and death with ease.

“Fellow Daoist Wang is too polite. This trip was also because Jing’er misses her family and has things to discuss with you.”

Lu Changsheng lifted the tea, taking a small sip as he spoke.

Knowing the gravity of what was to come, the Wang Ancestor signaled Wang Yanping to stand guard outside.

Then he turned his gaze to Wang Yanjing and the young boy beside her.

Though Lu Xuangen’s Spirit Body was masked by a Jade Token crafted by Lu Changsheng,

As a Core Formation cultivator practicing Five Elements techniques, the Wang Ancestor sensed something unique the moment Lu Xuangen entered.

“Greetings, Ancestor.”

Wang Yanjing took a deep breath and said, “Jing’er has failed the family’s expectations. I’ve asked the Ancestor to come today for two reasons: to pay my respects and to discuss Qian’er’s matter.”

“Qian’er possesses the Five Elements Body. I humbly request the Ancestor to grant him a technique. When Qian’er grows, he can also protect the family.”

Wang Yanjing spoke with reverence.

Though they already had the Five Elements Unity Sutra, whether or not they obtained the Wang Family’s Mixed Yuan Five Elements Art didn’t matter much.

But since she hailed from the Wang Family of Five Elements, she couldn’t bear to watch her family decline. She hoped that once her son matured, he could lend the Wang Family a hand.

Moreover, with Lu Xuangen’s Five Elements Body, the Wang Ancestor might not only grant the Mixed Yuan Five Elements Art but also offer additional support, like secret techniques or the family’s inherited treasures!

As a Core Formation clan, the Wang Family’s Five Elements techniques, passed down for a millennium, had much to offer.

When the Wang Ancestor heard the words ‘Five Elements Body,’ his aged hands beneath his sleeves trembled. Then, with a kind smile, he said to Lu Xuangen, “Qian’er, come here. Let me take a look.”

“Lu Xuangen, greetings to the Ancestor.”

Having been instructed by Wang Yanjing beforehand, the boy carried himself with calm confidence.

Hearing the name ‘Lu Xuangen,’ the Wang Ancestor sighed inwardly before grasping the boy’s wrist.

Through his divine sense and magical energy, he instantly confirmed that this boy, like their Founding Ancestor, possessed the Five Elements Body!

His lips quivered, hands shaking. After a few breaths, he spoke in a hoarse voice, “Good, good, very good. What a fine child.”

Though his face beamed with joy, his cloudy eyes swirled with indescribable regret and bitterness.

The Wang Family had awaited a Five Elements Body for a thousand years.

Now, at last, their bloodline bore such a talent!

Yet this Five Elements Body, though carrying Wang blood, belonged to the Lu Family and bore the surname Lu.

Worse still, his own lifespan was nearing its end. He wouldn’t live to see this child grow or witness the day the Wang Family of Five Elements resounded through Jiang Kingdom once more!

If he were a hundred years younger, he might’ve even fought the Lu Family for custody of this child.

“What a fine child…”

The Wang Ancestor gazed at Lu Xuangen repeatedly, murmuring to himself. The regret and bitterness in his voice nearly spilled over.

Just then, his brow furrowed as he noticed something off.

Though the boy’s spiritual energy resembled their Mixed Yuan Five Elements Art, it was distinctly different.

Amid its profound purity, there was a sense of endless Five Elements circulation, no less refined than their own technique—perhaps even more so.

“This…”

The Wang Ancestor’s expression shifted.

Did the Lu Family possess a top-tier technique surpassing their Mixed Yuan Five Elements Art!?

“No, it must be because this child has the Five Elements Body. Even an ordinary Five Elements technique would outshine others in his hands!”

Unwilling to believe the Lu Family had a superior technique, the Wang Ancestor reassured himself.

Regardless, the technique Lu Xuangen cultivated was no weaker than their Mixed Yuan Five Elements Art.

If the Lu Family had such a top-tier technique, why would Wang Yanjing ask him to grant one?

As a Core Formation True Lord who’d lived five hundred years, he quickly grasped his descendant’s true intent.

Though this boy wasn’t a Wang by name, he still carried their blood.

With a mother like her, as long as he grew up, he’d never let the Wang Family down!

“This child is yours, Jing’er, and carries our Wang blood. Naturally, he may cultivate our family’s techniques!”

The Wang Ancestor didn’t hesitate, laughing heartily.

In the cultivation world, clan techniques were rarely shared.

But with the family in such dire straits, there was no point in hoarding them.

Besides, sharing this technique could forge a bond of goodwill.

He immediately pulled out a Jade Slip, imprinting the family technique within, and handed it to Lu Xuangen.

“Qian’er, this is our Wang Family’s core technique, the Mixed Yuan Five Elements Art. Study it well in your daily practice. Seek guidance from your mother or… Changsheng True Lord.”

He could accept Lu Xuangen and Wang Yanjing cultivating the technique.

But giving it to Lu Changsheng still stung a little.

Yet, considering the Lu Family already had a top-tier technique and Lu Changsheng had achieved Core Formation at a mere hundred years, he didn’t dwell on it.

Lu Xuangen glanced at his mother, then bowed with clasped hands. “Thank you, Ancestor.”

“Good child.”

The Wang Ancestor looked at the boy before him, sighing endlessly, yearning to see the day the Wang Family of Five Elements regained its glory in Jiang Kingdom.

“Alas, I came in a hurry this time and didn’t bring any proper gifts.”

“This Five Elements Ring is a spiritual artifact I used in my younger days. I’ll give it to you, Qian’er.”

The Wang Ancestor took out a top-tier spiritual artifact from his Storage Ring, speaking with a touch of nostalgia.

Knowing his time was short, he didn’t carry many natural treasures on him.

As for the family’s inherited Dao-Comprehending Artifacts or other treasures, he certainly wouldn’t bring them along.

“Since the Ancestor has given it, Qian’er, accept it.”

Wang Yanjing instructed her son.

“Thank you, Ancestor.”

Lu Xuangen responded, taking the Five Elements Ring. But the artifact was so heavy that he struggled to hold it. Wang Yanjing quickly stepped in to help.

“Changsheng True Lord must’ve seen that my lifespan is nearly at its end.”

At that moment, the Wang Ancestor turned to Lu Changsheng. He knew Wang Yanjing informing him of the Five Elements Body must’ve been with this Lu Ancestor’s permission.

And for some reason, Lu Changsheng gave him a faint sense of danger.

Especially when he held Lu Xuangen’s wrist, he felt an invisible aura enveloping him.

“Fellow Daoist has achieved Core Formation, earned fame across Jiang Kingdom, and lived five hundred years. That already surpasses ninety-nine percent of cultivators.”

Lu Changsheng sipped his tea lightly, speaking in a calm tone.

The Wang Ancestor, having lived to such an age, could be considered to have had a fulfilled life.

“Changsheng Daoist speaks true.”

The Wang Ancestor nodded, then looked at him and said, “Now that our two families share this connection, I’d like to propose a deal with you.”

“When I pass, my family will struggle to hold Five Elements Mountain. Your noble clan dominates as a leading family. Your son Lu Ping’an has the potential for Core Formation, and Xuangen shows signs of it as well. So, if you’re willing, Fellow Daoist, you may take Five Elements Mountain!”

The Wang Ancestor declared.

“Five Elements Mountain?”

Lu Changsheng had little interest in the Wang Family’s Five Elements Mountain.

He already stood out too much as it was.

If he claimed Five Elements Mountain under Luoxia Sect’s jurisdiction, would they tolerate it?

However, as the Wang Ancestor said, his family would have more Core Formation cultivators in the future. Once another emerged, Five Elements Mountain could prove useful.

Moreover, as the Wang Family’s ancestral land, Five Elements Mountain was fully developed, with Five Elements spiritual energy divided perfectly, ideal for most cultivators’ practice.

Especially since his family possessed the Five Elements Unity Sutra.

“Beyond Five Elements Mountain, my Wang Family also has two Dao-Comprehending Artifacts passed down from our Founding Ancestor. If Changsheng True Lord is willing to offer protection, I’ll have them delivered when the time comes.”

The Wang Ancestor knew that merely offering Five Elements Mountain wasn’t substantial enough.

If they couldn’t hold the mountain, Lu Changsheng would at best gain a righteous cause to claim it.

And since Lu Changsheng had just achieved Core Formation and was set to become Dao partners with Xiao Xiyue of Azure Cloud Sect, falling under their jurisdiction, seizing Five Elements Mountain from under Luoxia Sect’s nose wouldn’t be easy.

“Fellow Daoist Wang offers such a price. What does he wish for me to do?”

Lu Changsheng asked calmly.

He had no interest in Five Elements Mountain, but the Wang Family’s inherited Dao-Comprehending Artifacts from their Founding Ancestor piqued his curiosity.

With Lu Xuangen’s Five Elements Body, he was already a top-tier genius, virtually guaranteed to reach Core Formation!

If he obtained the Five Elements Dao-Comprehending Artifacts passed down by the Wang Family and refined them through the Alchemy of Harmony, his cultivation speed would soar to another level, making breakthroughs as easy as eating or drinking.

In his view, these two artifacts, handed down through generations, were worth more than the Wang Family’s ancestral land, Five Elements Mountain.

Once the Five Elements Body fully emerged, claiming a third-rank spiritual land would be child’s play.

Besides, Lu Xuangen carried Wang blood and cultivated Five Elements techniques, making him a legitimate heir to the Wang Family. If other forces seized Five Elements Mountain, they’d have a righteous cause to reclaim it.

“I ask for nothing more than this: when my Wang Family declines, I hope Changsheng True Lord can offer some protection.”

As the family’s ancestor, he knew their situation all too well.

Though a dying camel is still larger than a horse, and they had a few False Core True Immortals left,

Once he passed, other families wouldn’t give the Wang Family a chance to rise again.

The family’s foundational treasures would also attract covetous eyes.

“Fellow Daoist is too pessimistic. With the frontier war approaching, it could be an opportunity for your family.”

Lu Changsheng sighed softly.

This man had supported his family for centuries. Now, with his lifespan nearing its end, he still clung to life through secret techniques, refusing to pass on.

And now, for the sake of his family, he humbled himself before Lu Changsheng. It was both pitiful and lamentable.

Yet over the past few decades, Lu Changsheng had witnessed such scenes a few times.

Once, the ancestor of the Zheng Family at Centipede Ridge, nearing the end of his life, had also pleaded with him, hoping to marry a direct descendant into the Lu Family.

“I too hope my family’s young ones can fight for a future as our ancestors did. But families like the Beast Taming Xu Family and the Shen Family of Blades likely won’t wish to see another Core Formation cultivator rise from my Wang Family.”

The Wang Ancestor’s voice brimmed with unwillingness.

Back in the day, their Founding Ancestor had risen from a mere Qi Refining clan to achieve Core Formation, dominating Jiang Kingdom and establishing the Wang Family of Five Elements!

Now, though they stood as a Core Formation clan with deep foundations, not a single descendant showed the potential to restore the family’s glory!

“I entrust this matter to Fellow Daoist Lu. Just a measure of protection will suffice.”

As he spoke, the Wang Ancestor produced a Spiritual Contract, imprinting it with his magical energy to signify that, upon the Wang Family’s decline, their ancestral land, Five Elements Mountain, would be gifted to Lu Changsheng, Ancestor of the Talisman Lu Family.

“Fellow Daoist has truly exhausted himself for the family. They are fortunate to have you.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, agreeing to the deal.

“Changsheng True Lord possesses heaven-defying talent, achieving Core Formation at a hundred years with successors to follow. Naturally, you needn’t stoop to my level.”

The Wang Ancestor sighed as the Spiritual Contract landed before Lu Changsheng.

In truth, he had long arranged the family’s affairs.

One group would fight in the frontier war for a slim chance at Core Formation!

If a Core Formation cultivator emerged, the family’s crisis would be resolved, extending their legacy for centuries more!

If not, another group of family seeds would hide their identities, preserving the Wang bloodline.

But seeing Wang Yanjing and Lu Xuangen today gave him another option.

Thus, through this connection, he sought to build ties with Lu Changsheng, a newly ascended Core Formation cultivator, securing one more path for the future.

After their discussion, the Wang Ancestor chatted casually with Wang Yanjing, revealing that the family had investigated her situation and confirmed she’d been betrayed by a family spy.

He felt deep regret for this descendant.

Possessing a minor Five Elements Body, she’d been a seed for Core Formation in the family, only to be ambushed and have her foundation damaged.

Yet fortune and misfortune often intertwined. Because of this, she married Lu Xingchen and bore a child with the Five Elements Body.

Under normal circumstances, a genius like Wang Yanjing would rarely marry, dedicating herself entirely to cultivation.

After a short talk, he gave gifts to Wang Yanjing and Lu Xingchen, then took his leave, stating he’d deliver the Dao-Comprehending Artifacts during Lu Changsheng’s Dao partner ceremony.

With rumors of his passing already circulating, he needed to make a public appearance in his final days to intimidate others on behalf of the family.

“Thank you, Father.”

After the Wang Ancestor departed, Wang Yanjing bowed in gratitude to Lu Changsheng.

Though the Wang Ancestor had granted techniques and artifacts, he’d also proposed terms of trade with Lu Changsheng.

“It’s a small matter, no need to worry.”

Lu Changsheng waved it off, then added, “Similar techniques can complement each other, but Qian’er is still young. Wait until he breaks through to Foundation Establishment before showing him the Wang Family’s technique.”

Studying similar techniques could provide insights and fill gaps.

But at Lu Xuangen’s age, there was no need to study too many. Overloading him could lead to confusion.

Afterward, he patrolled Hongye Valley Marketplace with the trio.

The marketplace had changed significantly from years past, though limited by its spiritual veins, it couldn’t progress further.

Though he held many spiritual vein essences, he wouldn’t use them on Hongye Valley Marketplace’s veins.

During the tour, he checked on Lu Xingchen and Lu Xuangen’s progress in their cultivation techniques.

Though there were many areas they didn’t understand, Lu Changsheng didn’t explain everything.

According to Hong Lian, sometimes explaining techniques too thoroughly wasn’t beneficial. It could create mental barriers.

Struggling through the process and thinking deeply could hone their abilities and aid their cultivation.

Time flew by, and a month passed in the blink of an eye.

In the Sumeru Cave Heaven, within the Hall of Everlasting Life.

Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged, Yin and Yang energy flowing over his body like a Dao robe, as the surrounding spiritual energy swirled and gathered.

“Boom!”

At that moment, within his Qi Sea Dantian, the Dao Golden Core atop his Yin-Yang Five Elements Foundation quivered fiercely. Yin-Yang Dao patterns intertwined on its surface, bursting with radiant light.

“Ninety-seven years old, Core Formation Sixth Layer.”

Lu Changsheng slowly opened his eyes, his presence solemn and majestic.

Though he’d spent much of these years on miscellaneous affairs, he’d also devoted considerable effort to cultivation.

With only three days until the Dao partner ceremony, Lu Changsheng steadied his magical energy, activated the Nine Treasures Dao Bone Technique, and set off for Azure Cloud Sect with his daughter Lu Wangshu.

“Be sweet with your words later. Any gifts you receive are yours to keep.”

Lu Changsheng looked at his daughter, ruffling her silky hair with a doting smile.

This daughter of his was perfect in every way, save for a slight obsession with wealth.

Even now, as her father, Lu Changsheng had no idea how much Lu Wangshu had saved up.

But since she enjoyed it, on such a joyous occasion, he didn’t mind letting her have some fun.

“Don’t worry, Daddy. I’ve got this.”

Lu Wangshu linked arms with her father, beaming with delight.

Her mother was a Core Formation True Lord of Azure Cloud Sect. Didn’t that make all the other Core Formation True Lords her elders?

Elders like that, meeting her for the first time, would surely give generous gifts. They wouldn’t skimp.

Azure Cloud Sect might not have many Core Formation True Lords, but False Core True Immortals were definitely plentiful.

Thinking of this, Lu Wangshu’s eyes sparkled with a smile as she mused about raising another batch of talisman soldiers later!

Being a talisman cultivator had many perks, but it burned through money like nothing else.

Not only did she need to refine her Life Talisman, but a single major battle could consume dozens or even hundreds of talismans.

As for the talisman soldier crafting method in the Nine-Nine Profound Talisman Sutra, it was an outright money pit, akin to raising her own spiritual soldiers.

Even with Lu Wangshu’s wealth far exceeding most, she could barely keep up.

Half a day later, the father and daughter arrived at Azure Cloud Sect.

As a guest elder of Azure Cloud Sect, Lu Changsheng held an Azure Cloud Sect Token, granting him free entry.

“Greetings, Changsheng True Lord!”

“Greetings, Changsheng True Lord!”

The gatekeeping disciples bowed respectfully upon seeing Lu Changsheng’s token.

But when they noticed Lu Wangshu beside him, they couldn’t help but feel a flicker of surprise.

Changsheng True Lord was soon to become Dao partners with Xiyue True Lord. Why had he brought such a beautiful young woman to Azure Cloud Sect?

And the two seemed so close and natural together.

Still, they knew better than to ask questions about such matters.

Only after the pair passed through the Mountain Gate and some time had elapsed did they dare whisper among themselves.