Chapter 575: Wang Family Patriarch Breakthrough!

Bihu Mountain.

Lu Family Mansion.

“Where is this Wang Family Patriarch?”

When Lu Changsheng and his daughter Lu Wangshu returned home, his wife Lu Miaoyun mentioned that somene from the Wang Family had arrived.

Even the Foundation Establishment Patriarch from the Wang Family also came.

“The Wang Family Patriarch did not come to Bihu Mountain but sent someone to inform us.”

Lu Miaoyun spoke softly.

“Heh.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head, smiling slightly, thinking how cautious this Wang Family Patriarch was.

But he could understand.

If the Wang Family Patriarch came secretly to Bihu Mountain and Lu’s family suddenly attacked and activated the formation, his life would be at risk.

Under normal conditions, Bihu Mountain’s current formation is at the peak of the second tier, and a Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn’t fear it.

But, this Wang Family Patriarch’s physical condition is likely extremely poor.

“Yun’r, arrange a time for Xingchen and Jing’er to meet with the Wang Family Patriarch.”

Lu Changsheng had no special feelings toward the Wang Family.

However, since his daughter-in-law, Wang Yanjing, wanted to forge ties between the Wang Family and the Lu Family, he was willing to give face for the sake of his son Lu Xingchen and grandson Lu Xuangen.

After some conversation, he headed to Sumeru Cave Heaven to plant the Divine Ability Fruit Tree from the system space.

Though it’s difficult for the spiritual veins in the cave to sustain a fourth-tier Spirit Plant of this level.

But he didn’t need the tree to grow naturally; he could easily stimulate its growth using the Wanling Bottle.

“Buzz!”

With a thought, a golden ancient tree about ten feet tall appeared. The patterns on its bark resembled some mysterious talisman, and its branches and leaves emitted a faint golden glow.

“Sumeru.”

After instructing Sumeru to plant the Divine Ability Fruit Tree, Lu Changsheng went to cultivate with Lu Miaoge and casually checkee on his maidservants.

Although these maids were Qi Refining disciples and not highly valued by Elder Lu, he didn’t dare to treat them harshly.

Nonetheless, these women were both beautiful and talented. If they were obedient and sensible, Elder Lu wouldn’t mind nurturing one or two.

Three days later.

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

In the courtyard sat an elder with white hair and beard, who appeared spirited and lively.

Though he didn’t release any spiritual pressure, it was clear at a glance that he was extraordinary.

“Yanping greets the Patriarch.”

The Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Wang Family immediately bowed upon seeing this elder.

“Is this man the Wang Family Patriarch!?”

Lu Xingchen looked at the plainly dressed elder in front of him, surprised.

He hadn’t expected this man to be the Foundation Establishment expert of the Five Elements Wang Family.

He quickly made a bow with his son and wife beside him.

The elder didn’t look at them but instead focused on Lu Changsheng, who was handsomely dressed in a green robe. With some admiration and envy in his eyes, he rose to greet, “Changsheng, your reputation precedes you. Seeing you is even more impressive.”

“Jing’er, is this Xingchen? He truly does live up to being the son of Changsheng, as he is indeed extraordinary.”

“Greetings, Immortal Wang.”

Although this Wang Patriarch seemed lively, Lu Changsheng noticed some underlying weakness.

The elder likely maintained his vitality through some secret technique or rare treasure but was actually barely surviving.

In this state, he likely couldn’t use any Divine Abilities or Secret Techniques.

“No wonder the Wang Family Patriarch didn’t dare to fight back when provoked by the Xu Family of Beast Tamers. If he had fought, he likely would have perished.”

“He hasn’t shown himself in all these years, allowing others to speculate he had passed away, but kept it secret for the same reason.”

Lu Changsheng reflected on this as he sat down at the stone table.

“I’m sorry for troubling you to come here in person, as I couldn’t visit myself.”

Although the Wang Family Patriarch had been famous for a long time, he put on no airs when facing Lu Changsheng and even poured tea for him like an ordinary old man.

However, Wang Yanjing knew well that her family’s Patriarch was once a man of authority, known for his domineering and decisive nature.

“You are too kind, Immortal Wang. Jing’er had some things to discuss with you regarding her concerns for the family.”

Lu Changsheng sipped his tea lightly and spoke.

Understanding that the conversation ahead was crucial, the Wang Family Patriarch signaled Wang Yanping to stand guard outside.

Then, he looked at Wang Yanjing and the young boy beside her.

Despite Lu Xuangen’s Spirit Body being concealed by the Jade Token crafted by Lu Changsheng.

The Foundation Establishment elder, a cultivator of five elements, sensed something unique as soon as Lu Xuangen entered.

“Greetings, Patriarch.”

Taking a deep breath, Wang Yanjing spoke, “Jing’er has failed to meet the family’s expectations. I invited you here today to honor your presence and ask for a favor concerning my son, Xuanqian.”

“Xuanqian has a Five Elements Body. Therefore, I humbly request the Patriarch to bestow upon him a technique so that he may one day protect the family.”

Speaking respectfully, Wang Yanjing explained.

Though they already possessed the ‘Five Elements Fusion Technique,’ it wouldn’t hurt for them to obtain the Wang Family’s ‘Primordial Five Elements Art’.

After all, Wang Yanjing was born into the Wang Family and could not bear to see her family decline. She hoped to let her son grow so that he could support the Wang Family.

Additionally, the Wang Family Patriarch, upon hearing that Lu Xuangen had a Five Elements Body, might provide further support, such as Secret Techniques or even the family’s heirloom treasures!

The Wang Family had been a Foundation Establishment family for over a thousand years, with many valuable traditions passed down.

When he heard the words ‘Five Elements Body,’ the old man’s aged hand under his sleeve trembled, and he looked at Lu Xuangen kindly, “Xuanqian, is it? Come here, let me take a look.”

“Lu Xuangen greets the Patriarch.”

Before arriving, Wang Yanjing had briefed her son, so he maintained a composed attitude.

Hearing the name ‘Lu Xuangen,’ a sigh rose in the Patriarch’s heart as he held Lu Xuangen’s wrist.

Through his Divine Sense and Spiritual Energy, he instantly recognized that the young boy possessed a Five Elements Body just like the Wang Family’s Forefather!

His lips quivered, and his hand trembled. After several moments, he finally spoke in a slightly raspy voice, “Good… good child.”

Although his face beamed with joy, there was a complex mix of regret and sorrow in his cloudy eyes.

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

Finally, their bloodline produced one!

But this Five Elements Body carried Wang Family blood yet bore the surname Lu.

Moreover, his life was reaching its end; he would not live to see this child grow or witness the Wang Family’s name echo across the Jiang Kingdom once more!

Had he been a hundred years younger, he would have fought with the Lu Family for custody of this child.

“Good child.”

The Wang Family Patriarch continued to look at Lu Xuangen, murmuring to himself with bitterness and sorrow evident in his voice.

Just then, he frowned, sensing something amiss.

Although the young boy’s spiritual energy was similar to the Wang Family’s Primordial Five Elements Art, it was also distinctly different.

There was an exquisite purity to it, a sense of endless Five Elements circulation, far superior to their family’s technique.

“This…”

The Wang Family Patriarch’s expression shifted.

Could the Lu Family possess a technique superior to the Wang Family’s Primordial Five Elements Art!?

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

Comforting himself, the Wang Family Patriarch refused to believe that Lu’s family possessed superior techniques.

But regardless, the technique Lu Xuangen practiced was no worse than their Primordial Five Elements Art.

Since the Lu Family had such top-notch techniques, why did Wang Yanjing ask him to bestow one?

As an experienced Foundation Establishment cultivator who had lived for five hundred years, he instantly realized his family member’s purpose.

This child was not a direct Wang Family member but carried the Wang Family’s bloodline.

With his mother’s influence, when this child rises in the future, the Wang Family would not be forgotten!

“This child, although not born into the Wang Family, carries our bloodline, so he naturally has the right to learn our techniques!”

The Wang Family Patriarch did not hesitate and laughed heartily.

In the cultivation world, family techniques were often kept within the family.

But his family was already at this point; there was no longer a need to hide anything.

Moreover, bestowing this technique would strengthen their bond.

He immediately pulled out a Jade Slip and imprinted the family’s techniques within before handing it to Lu Xuangen.

“Xuanqian, this is our Wang Family’s foundational technique, the ‘Primordial Five Elements Art’. Take good care to study it. You can consult your mother or Immortal Changsheng for guidance.”

Bestowing this technique to Lu Xuangen and Wang Yanjing was acceptable.

Yet, giving it to Lu Changsheng was still somewhat painful.

However, considering the Lu Family already had top-tier techniques and the fact that Lu Changsheng had formed a Foundation Establishment at a young age, he didn’t dwell on it.

Lu Xuangen glanced at his mother before bowing and saying, “Thank you, Patriarch.”

“Good child.”

The Wang Family Patriarch, still in awe, thought how much he wished to see the Wang Family’s name resoundingly echoed across the Jiang Kingdom once again.

“Ah, this old man came hurriedly and didn’t bring any gifts.”

“This Five Elements Ring was a Spirit Tool I used in my younger years. I’ll give it to you, Xuanqian.”

The Wang Family Patriarch retrieved a top-tier Spirit Tool from his Storage Ring, handing it over with nostalgia.

Knowing his life was short, he carried few rare treasures on him.

Items like the family’s heirlooms or rare treasures weren’t something he could carry around.

“Since the Patriarch has given it to you, take it, Xuanqian.”

Wang Yanjing said to her son.

“Thank you, Patriarch.”

Lu Xuangen replied as he accepted the Five Elements Ring.

However, the weight of this Spirit Tool was too much for him to handle, so Wang Yanjing quickly helped him hold it.

“Immortal Changsheng must have noticed, this old man’s life is nearing its end.”

The Wang Family Patriarch looked at Lu Changsheng, knowing that Wang Yanjing had told him about Lu Xuangen’s Five Elements Body after receiving his permission.

Moreover, for some reason, Lu Changsheng gave him a feeling of danger.

Especially when he held Lu Xuangen’s wrist, a formless, threatening aura seemed to envelop him.

“You’ve succeeded in Foundation Establishment, made a name for yourself in the Jiang Kingdom, and lived for five hundred years. You have surpassed ninety-nine percent of cultivators.”

Lu Changsheng sipped his tea lightly and spoke calmly.

This Wang Patriarch had already lived long enough to be considered as having a good life and peaceful death.

“Immortal Changsheng is right.”

The Wang Family Patriarch nodded and then said, “Now that our families are connected, I’d like to propose a trade with you.”

“When I pass away, my Wang Family will no longer be able to hold Five Elements Mountain. Your family, being a prestigious one, has the means. Your son, Lu Ping’an, has the potential for Foundation Establishment, and Xuanqian also displays similar talent. If you’re willing, you may claim Five Elements Mountain after I am gone!”

The Wang Family Patriarch spoke seriously.

“Five Elements Mountain?”

Lu Changsheng had no special interest in the Wang Family’s Five Elements Mountain.

He was already drawing too much attention.

If he occupied the Five Elements Mountain, located within the jurisdiction of the Sunset Glow Sect, would they tolerate it?

However, as the Wang Patriarch mentioned, if more such talent cultivators from the Lu Family achieved Foundation Establishment in the future, the Five Elements Mountain could indeed be useful.

Moreover, the Wang Family’s ancestral grounds, Five Elements Mountain, was well-constructed and divided into distinct Five Elements spiritual energy zones, suitable for most cultivators.

Especially since he possessed the ‘Five Elements Fusion Technique’ in their family’s techniques.

“In addition to Five Elements Mountain, our family has two heirloom treasures from the Forefather. As long as Immortal Changsheng agrees to protect us, I will bring them to you.”

The Wang Family Patriarch knew well that his offer of Five Elements Mountain might not seem substantial.

If they couldn’t hold the mountain, Lu Changsheng could take it with good reason.

However, considering Lu Changsheng had just reached Foundation Establishment and was about to marry Xiao Xiyue from the Azure Cloud Sect as his Dao companion, the Sunset Glow Sect might not allow him to take the mountain within their territory.

“What would Wang Patriarch ask in return for such a hefty price?”

Lu Changsheng asked calmly.

He wasn’t particularly interested in Five Elements Mountain, but he was intrigued by the Wang Family Forefather’s heirloom treasures.

As Lu Xuangen was a top-tier genius with a Five Elements Body, becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator was nearly guaranteed!

If he could obtain the Five Elements treasures passed down through the Wang Family, refining them through ‘Contemplation Contracts’ would accelerate his cultivation speed, making breakthroughs as easy as breathing.

For this reason, Lu Changsheng considered the Wang Family heirloom treasures more valuable than Five Elements Mountain.

When the Five Elements Body matures, claiming a third-tier spiritual land shouldn’t be difficult.

Besides, Lu Xuangen carried Wang Family blood and cultivated Five Elements techniques, making him a legitimate inheritor who could reclaim Five Elements Mountain if it was usurped by other forces.

“I have no other requests. I only hope… I only hope that when the Wang Family falls into decline, Immortal Changsheng can protect us a little.”

As the Patriarch, he understood well his family’s situation.

Though a dying camel is still bigger than a horse, with a few False Core cultivators remaining in the family.

Once he perished, other families wouldn’t give them any chance to rise again.

The family’s heritage would also attract covetous eyes.

“Wang Patriarch is too pessimistic. The upcoming expansion wars can be an opportunity for your family as well.”

Lu Changsheng sighed lightly as he spoke.

His family had maintained their position for several hundred years and now that longevity was coming to an end, they clung to life with Secret Techniques, unable to pass away in peace.

Now, bowing before another for the sake of their family, it was indeed sad and pitiful.

But he had seen this sort of thing several times over the decades.

When the Zheng Family Patriarch of Centipede Ridge neared the end of his life, he also pleaded with Lu Changsheng, hoping to marry off his family’s daughter to secure a future for the family.

“I also hope that our descendants will forge a brighter future, just like our ancestors did. But the Xu Family of Beast Tamers, the Sword Saint Shangguan family, and other factions won’t allow the Wang Family to produce another Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

The Wang Family Patriarch spoke bitterly.

He remembered how their Forefather had risen from a humble Qi Refining family and achieved Foundation Establishment, shaking the entire Jiang Kingdom and establishing the Five Elements Wang Family!

His family was now a prestigious Foundation Establishment family with deep roots, but none had succeeded in restoring the family’s glory!

“I entrust this matter to you, Immortal Changsheng. All I ask is that you protect us as much as you can.”

With these words, the Wang Family Patriarch produced a Spirit Contract.

Imprinted with his spiritual mark, it signified that the Wang Family’s ancestral grounds, Five Elements Mountain, would be given to the Lu Family of Heavenly Talismans after his family’s fall.

“Wang Patriarch, you truly go to great lengths for your family. They are fortunate to have you.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, agreeing to the deal.

“Immortal Changsheng, you are a prodigy who achieved Foundation Establishment at a young age, with successors to come. You needn’t worry about such matters.”

The Wang Family Patriarch sighed as the Spirit Contract landed in front of Lu Changsheng.

He had already arranged everything for his family’s future.

Some would venture out into the expansion wars, hoping to seize the slim chance of Foundation Establishment!

If even one Foundation Establishment cultivator emerged from his family, the family’s decline would be reversed, and they would thrive for several more centuries!

If not, there was also a group of family seeds in hiding, preserving the Wang Family’s bloodline.

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

So he used this connection with Lu Changsheng, a newly established Foundation Establishment cultivator, to secure an additional escape route.

After their conversation, the Wang Family Patriarch chatted with Wang Yanjing, explaining that the family had investigated her situation and found it true that she had indeed been harmed by a spy within the family.

He reflected deeply on this family junior.

She had a minor Five Elements Body and was once regarded as a potential Foundation Establishment candidate, but had her Dao Foundation damaged due to an assassination attempt.

However, this tragic situation brought her and Lu Xingchen together, resulting in the birth of a child with a Five Elements Body.

If things had gone normally, a genius like Wang Yanjing would have focused on cultivation and not married, dedicating herself to the path.

After a brief chat, the Wang Family Patriarch gave Wang Yanjing and Lu Xingchen some gifts before taking his leave, promising to deliver the heirloom treasures at the Dao companion ceremony.

Now that rumors had already spread of his death, he needed to make an appearance during his remaining days and impose his presence once more for the sake of the family.

“Thank you, father.”

After the Wang Family Patriarch left, Wang Yanjing bowed to Lu Changsheng in thanks.

The Wang Family Patriarch had indeed given them both techniques and treasures, but he had also requested protection from Lu Changsheng.

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

Lu Changsheng waved his hand and said, “Similar techniques can complement each other. But Xuanqian is still young, let him reach the Foundation Establishment first before studying the Wang Family’s techniques.”

By studying similar techniques, one can broaden their understanding and complement their skills.

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

Afterward, Lu Changsheng, accompanied by the three, wandered around Hongye Valley Marketplace.

The market had undergone significant changes from years before, but growth was limited due to the constraints of its spiritual veins.

Although he possessed many spiritual vein essences, they couldn’t be used for the spiritual veins of Hongye Valley Marketplace.

Along the way, he checked on the cultivation progress of Lu Xingchen and Lu Xuangen.

Although both had many questions and a shallow understanding, Lu Changsheng did not explain everything.

According to Hong Lian, sometimes explaining a technique too clearly was counterproductive, as it could lead to mental obstacles.

A little pondering could exercise their abilities and benefit their cultivation.

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

Sumeru Cave Heaven, Hall of Everlasting Life.

Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged, with yin and yang energy flowing throughout his body, resembling a robe of yin and yang. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth gathered around him.

“Boom!”

Suddenly, in the Qi Sea Dantian, the Golden Core on his Yin-Yang Five Elements Dao Foundation trembled violently, with yin and yang Dao markings intertwining its surface, bursting forth with brilliant rays of light.

“Ninety-seven years old, Sixth Level Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Changsheng slowly opened his eyes with a solemn expression.

Though much of his time in recent years had been spent handling miscellaneous matters, he had still dedicated significant effort to cultivation.

As the Dao companion ceremony approached in just three days, Lu Changsheng calmed his Spiritual Energy and activated his Nine Treasures Dao Bone before heading with his daughter, Lu Wangshu, to the Azure Cloud Sect.

“Be sweet later, and all the gifts you receive will be yours.”

Seeing his daughter, Lu Changsheng affectionately patted her silky black hair, speaking with indulgence.

This daughter of his was faultless, except she had a slight obsession with money.

To this day, Lu Changsheng had no idea how much wealth his daughter Lu Wangshu had accumulated.

However, seeing how it brought her joy, on this happy occasion, he didn’t mind letting her indulge.

“Don’t worry, Father.”

Lu Wangshu clung to her father happily.

Her mother was a Foundation Establishment elder of the Azure Cloud Sect, making all other Foundation Establishment elders her elders as well.

Meeting such elders for the first time would likely earn her plenty of welcome gifts, none of which would be small.

There weren’t many Foundation Establishment elders in the Azure Cloud Sect, but there were plenty of False Core elders.

As she thought of this, Lu Wangshu’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, thinking to herself that she could finally cultivate a new batch of Talisman Soldiers!

The profession of a Talisman Master had many advantages, but it was also extremely costly.

Not only did it require refining life-guarding talismans, every major battle consumed dozens to hundreds of talismans.

As for the Talisman Soldier creation methods in the ‘Nine-Nine Mysterious Talisman Scripture,’ it was even more costly, equivalent to cultivating a troop of Dao Soldiers.

Even with her wealth far surpassing the average person’s, it was difficult for Lu Wangshu to support it.

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

As a guest elder of the Azure Cloud Sect, Lu Changsheng held a token from the sect that allowed him to enter freely.

“Greetings, Immortal Changsheng!”

“Greetings, Immortal Changsheng!”

The disciples guarding the gate immediately bowed when they saw Lu Changsheng’s token.

But when they noticed the beautiful young woman beside Lu Changsheng, they couldn’t help but be puzzled.

Immortal Changsheng was about to enter into a Dao companion ceremony with Immortal Xiyue. So why did he bring a beautiful woman to the Azure Cloud Sect?

And the two seemed remarkably close.

But it wasn’t their place to ask such questions.

After the two entered the sect grounds, it was only much later that the disciples began to whisper among themselves.