Chapter 576: If You Want to Be Rich, Collect More Gifts, Five Elements Mirror!

Today, the Azure Cloud Sect is bustling with activity.

The vast square paved with white jade looks like a celestial paradise, decorated with lanterns and flowers, wrapped in a mist of radiant light.

On the transparent jade table, dishes of delicacies are arranged with great care. The aroma fills the air, complemented by rare wines, spiritual fruits, and exquisite pastries, displaying opulence and refinement.

Only those with Foundation Establishment cultivation are allowed to attend, all dressed in splendid robes. The scene is truly grand.

Clang!

Clang!

Clang!

At that moment, the sound of a bell resounded.

The various Peak Masters, Elders, and high-ranking members of the Azure Cloud Sect, along with other Core Formation experts from various factions, all took their seats.

‘The Dao Companion Ceremony is officially beginning!’

The Azure Cloud Sect Master, clothed in a Azure Cloud Sect robe, spoke in a powerful voice from the platform above.

As his words fell, spiritual light surged, filling the sky. Cranes and auspicious beasts circled while melodious celestial music filled the air.

Next, colorful rainbow lights intertwined, forming two bridges that extended from Caiyun Peak to Lu Changsheng’s Cave Dwelling, looking holy and magnificent.

Lu Changsheng, dressed in a Kirin robe, as handsome as an exiled immortal, walked along the rainbow bridge. Beside him was Xiao Xiyue, adorned in a Phoenix robe, appearing like a celestial maiden under the moon.

However, next to Xiao Xiyue stood a young girl, bearing a strong resemblance to her, with vivid brows and a bright, captivating appearance, dressed in a dazzling Rainbow Feather Garment.

‘This Dao Companion Ceremony is indeed grand and solemn!’

‘Both have reached Core Formation by their hundredth year, with limitless prospects. Now, they’re becoming Dao companions—it’s a spectacular event worth celebrating!’

‘Hmm, who’s that girl standing next to Master Xiao Xiyue? They look somewhat alike.’

‘Could she be Xiao Xiyue’s younger sister? But I’ve never heard that she has any siblings.’

‘She seems to be Lu Wangshu, the daughter of Immortal Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, and also Lu Changsseng’s successor in the art of Talisman Making.’

‘There were rumors that this Lu Wangshu is actually Immortal Xiao Xiyue’s daughter. Now, it’s looking more and more likely.’

‘What? Immortal Xiao Xiyue’s daughter is already this old!’

‘Immortal Lu Changsheng sure can keep secrets. Even Xiao Xiyue’s daughter is this grown up already.’

‘Both parents are Core Formation experts. If I can marry this Immortal Wangshu, wouldn’t that save me thirty years of struggle?’

The guests and disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect were all surprised by the presence of Lu Wangshu alongside Xiao Xiyue.

Needless to say, even when the ceremony was finalized two days ago, Chu Qingyi and the Azure Cloud Sect Master were taken aback upon seeing Lu Wangshu.

They didn’t expect that not only had the two decided on each other for life, but they also have such a grown daughter.

In that instant, the Azure Cloud Sect Master understood why Caiyun Zhenren agreed to their marriage.

After all, with a daughter together, how could anyone separate their love now?

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue met on the rainbow bridge.

Under countless gazes of admiration, respect, and envy, the two clasped hands and walked toward the Great Hall at the end of the square.

The procedures for a Dao Companion Ceremony aren’t complicated and are much like the secular marriage rites.

The first bow is to thank the heavens for the blessing of the Dao, granting them spirit roots and immortal destiny.

The second bow is to thank the sect for acceptance and guidance on the path of cultivation.

Although Lu Changsheng isn’t a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect,

as an Elder of the Azure Cloud Sect, holding the ceremony here, it’s natural for Lu Changsheng to join Xiao Xiyue in worshipping the ancestors’ portrait of Azure Cloud Sect.

The third bow is for the two of them as Dao companions.

This signifies that from now on, they will walk the Way together, supporting each other through hardships and sharing everything.

‘First bow to the Way, thanking the heavens for bestowing us with spirit roots and guiding us onto the immortal path!’

Following the ceremonial Elder’s chant, Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue bowed to the heavens with solemn expressions.

‘Before the heavens, today, I, Lu Changsheng, and Xiao Xiyue, become Dao companions. From this day onward, we will walk the immortal path together, hand in hand, never to part through life and death.’

‘Before the heavens, I, Xiao Xiyue, and Lu Changsheng, become Dao companions. Hereafter, we will walk the immortal path together, hand in hand, never to part through life and death.’

At this moment, the two gazed into each other’s eyes.

Xiao Xiyue, who usually appeared as cold and distant as the moon in the sky, suddenly seemed to melt, her brows arcing with joy and warmth, full of tenderness—a look that would last a lifetime.

Seventy-nine years ago, the two of them came together to participate in the assessment of the Azure Cloud Sect.

Back then, Lu Changsheng was just a farm boy, while she was a Young Miss from a scholarly family.

No one expected that seventy-nine years later, the two would hold a Dao Companion Ceremony as Core Formation experts within the Azure Cloud Sect!

Watching from above on the platform, the Azure Cloud Sect Master and Chu Qingyi couldn’t help but sigh at the sight of the usually cold and untouchable Xiao Xiyue displaying such tenderness.

They realized that the bond between Xiao Xiyue and Lu Changsheng was far deeper than they had imagined.

Especially Chu Qingyi, who felt a wave of envy and bitterness at seeing the two of them so perfectly matched.

As the ceremonial Elder chanted, the two once again bowed solemnly to the ancestor’s portrait in the Great Hall and finally performed the couple’s bow to each other.

‘On this auspicious day, with the heavens and earth as witnesses, today Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue become Dao companions, bound by their hearts, their bond sealed by the Way. May their paths be vast, their love eternal, their cultivation endless, and their legacy shine through millennia!’

At this moment, the Azure Cloud Sect Master stepped forward and loudly declared, his voice amplified by spiritual energy, announcing the end of the ceremony and its success to the entire Azure Cloud Sect.

‘Congratulations to Immortal Lu Changsheng and Immortal Xiao Xiyue on their union as Dao companions, forever united in heart, may your immortal paths flourish!’

‘Congratulations to Immortal Lu Changsheng and Immortal Xiao Xiyue on their union as Dao companions, forever united in heart, may your immortal paths flourish!’

All the guests and disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect raised their cups and recited in unison, or bowed in respect, their voices echoing to the heavens.

At the same time, above the square, brilliant light shone, thousands of auspicious rays followed, the sky adorned with brocade-like clouds, and flowers raining down to celebrate the couple.

‘Thank you, Sect Master! Thank you, everyone!’

Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue returned the bow to the Azure Cloud Sect Master, the Elders, and other guests, along with the Core Formation experts.

‘Now that you are Dao companions, from here on out, you must be one in both body and mind, supporting each other through all trials and tribulations, seeking the Way of Immortality together.’

At this moment, the Azure Cloud Sect’s Grand Elder stepped forward with a kind smile, offering words of encouragement and then presenting a private gift.

While it’s true that Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue’s union does provide protection for the Lu Family,

it also ties Lu Changsheng—a promising Core Formation expert—to the Azure Cloud Sect.

‘Thank you, Grand Elder!’

Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue respectfully expressed their gratitude, accepting the Storage Bag.

This Dao Companion Ceremony was hosted by the Azure Cloud Sect, including all the social interactions, wine preparations, and celebratory arrangements, so they only received half of the total wedding gifts.

But private gifts like this were directly pocketed by the pair.

Only the Grand Elder was so generous.

The other Core Formation experts had already sent their congratulations but didn’t prepare an additional private gift.

After the ceremony was over, instead of a wedding night, the celebratory feast began.

Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue, the newlyweds, started toasting the guests.

‘Wangshu, you should offer a toast to your Master-Granduncle as well.’

‘Wangshu, this is Immortal Baiyun, also your Master-Granduncle.’

During the toasting, Xiao Xiyue introduced her daughter to various elders and Core Formation experts from the sect.

Originally, Xiao Xiyue’s breakthrough to Core Formation should have placed her in the same generation as them.

But many of them were seniors of Caiyun Zhenren, so Xiao Xiyue’s ranking became lower.

‘Wangshu greets Master-Granduncle.’

Lu Wangshu followed beside her parents, her sweet smile and obedient demeanor impressing everyone.

‘As expected of Immortal Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue’s daughter, truly blessed by the heavens. Here, take this gift from your Master-Granduncle.’

Although these people wouldn’t give another private gift to Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue,

they still prepared small gifts for their young junior, Lu Wangshu.

‘Your daughter is blessed with an immortal physique and boundless talent. She will undoubtedly achieve great things in the future!’

‘Wangshu, feel free to visit the Azure Cloud Sect often. If you need any medicinal pills, you can come directly to find your Master-Uncle.’

Regardless of whether they were Core Formation experts, False Core experts, or guests from other major powers, everyone spoke kindly to Lu Wangshu, praising her and offering gifts.

After all, being brought along to such a grand occasion shows just how favored she is.

Some even subtly sent messages to their descendants, suggesting they should make more acquaintances with Lu Wangshu.

For if one could form an alliance with her, it would increase their odds of reaching Core Formation by at least 30% in the future!

‘Immortal Lu Changsheng, Immortal Xiao Xiyue, here is a small gift from this old man.’

The Wang Family Patriarch personally arrived to offer his congratulations.

His physical condition seemed better than before, his voice strong as he handed Lu Changsheng a Storage Bag.

But Lu Changsheng knew well that the Wang Patriarch must have used some secret method, deliberately showing a strong front now, though he was likely on the brink of death.

‘Thank you, Immortal Wang.’

Lu Changsheng drank with him, signifying that their families should stay in close contact in the future.

As the important guests were toasted, higher-level cultivators above the False Core stage gradually dispersed.

Only the Azure Cloud Sect disciples and representatives of the subordinate family powers remained, to continue their toasting and casual discussions.

Lu Changsheng watched as Chu Qingyi left and let out a silent sigh.

Then he and Xiao Xiyue made their way towards the guests familiar with Bihu Mountain, offering formalities before leaving.

As for their daughter, Lu Wangshu, she remained behind to help them socialize and to get to know more people.

After all, everyone here was either a core member or a direct disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect, or a representative of the major powers under the sect’s control.

It wouldn’t hurt for her to know them now. It would serve as an extra layer of protection when she travels outside in the future.

However, as soon as Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue left, a crowd of Azure Cloud Sect disciples instantly came forward to show their goodwill.

‘Junior Sister Lu, since you’re new to the Azure Cloud Sect, if you’re not familiar with the place, I can show you around.’

‘I’ve heard Junior Sister Lu excels in Talisman Making and is a Talisman Master. I know a thing or two about Talisman Art…’

‘Years ago, I heard of Miss Wangshu’s name, and now I realize that seeing is indeed believing.’

These disciples, regardless of gender, had clear intentions.

After all, with both parents as Core Formation experts, Lu Wangshu is undoubtedly a second-generation immortal.

And apart from her parents, she herself was exceptionally talented, already a top-tier second-grade Talisman Master.

Among the pursuers, most male cultivators were quite straightforward about their objectives.

Some even harbored feelings for Xiao Xiyue for years, only to shift their affections toward Lu Wangshu now.

Yet, as the beloved daughter of Lu Changsheng, Lu Wangshu had exceptional insight and saw through these people, finding none to her liking.

If she were to look for an ideal companion, if he couldn’t be as outstanding as her father, he would at least have to be as strong as her brother and main protector, Lu Lingxiao, right?

If someone could come and challenge Bihu Mountain, defeating Lu Lingxiao, Lu Qingshan, and her eldest brother Lu Ping’an, then perhaps she would consider it.

Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue returned to Mingyue Pavilion on Caiyun Peak and opened the private gift from the Grand Elder.

Inside, there was a Dual Cultivation Secret Method and two lower-tier Magical Treasures.

Although they were just lower-tier Magical Treasures,

the quality was excellent, not your ordinary lower-tier Magical Treasures.

‘The Eight Directions Mysterious Spirit Umbrella, after refining it, it can form eight different types of spirit light, resistant to various magical treasures and Divine Abilities.’

‘The Hundred Refinements Blazing Cloud Shuttle, crafted with Earth Fire Essence Crystal and Wind Spirit Silk, refined with Red Flame Fire, allows swift movement through wind and fire and can also unleash blazing clouds to attack.’

These two Magical Treasures even came with an introduction, and for someone who recently broke through to Core Formation, they were very valuable gifts.

‘Xiyue, you should take these two Magical Treasures.’

Lu Changsheng wasn’t lacking in Magical Treasures—or rather, he wasn’t lacking in lower-tier Magical Treasures.

‘I already have a Magical Treasure. When I reached Core Formation, I picked one from the sect’s treasure vault. I don’t need the Eight Directions Mysterious Spirit Umbrella.’

Xiao Xiyue raised her slender hand, revealing a misty scarf in her palm, indicating she already had a defensive Magical Treasure.

‘It’s fine; you should keep it. I don’t really need it either.’

After all, one can never have too many Magical Treasures.

But this demonstrates the benefits of having the support of a sect.

For ordinary rogue cultivators, how could they afford a second Magical Treasure early on?

Most of their resources would go toward upgrading their innate Magical Treasure.

Afterward, Lu Changsheng opened the Storage Bag that the Wang Family Patriarch had given him.

Inside it were a Jade Slip, several medicinal pills, Spirit Stones, and two Magical Treasures.

Lu Changsheng examined the two Magical Treasures.

One was a five-colored jade pendant, and the other was a five-colored treasure mirror.

‘Tsk tsk, for a declining family, they still managed to present one mid-tier Magical Treasure and one high-tier Magical Treasure.’

‘Moreover, it’s evident that these two Magical Treasures belong to a set. But who starts with refining a jade pendant and a mirror, though?’

Lu Changsheng recognized that this was likely the Wang Family’s inherited Magical Treasures.

Besides these two, the Wang Family likely possessed other treasures but chose not to give them up.

Which is understandable.

Although the Wang Family has declined, they still hope to rise again through a Core Formation expert.

If they gave away all their family’s precious items, wouldn’t they regret it when another Core Formation expert emerged?

‘It seems that these families that have passed down their legacies for over a thousand years are indeed not to be underestimated.’

‘The resources and foundations accumulated over generations far exceed what others can imagine.’

‘As long as they produce a Core Formation expert to wield these treasures, they would be invincible in their realm!’

Lu Changsheng mused to himself.

These two Magical Treasures hadn’t been used for quite some time and lacked spiritual energy nourishment, causing their power and spirituality to diminish slightly.

‘Changsheng, is this…?!’

Xiao Xiyue was surprised when she realized that these items came from the Wang Family Patriarch’s Storage Bag.

Why would he send such a valuable gift?

‘I made a deal with the Wang Family Patriarch.’

Lu Changsheng briefly explained his dealings with the Wang Family Patriarch.

‘A Five Elements Body!?’

Xiao Xiyue’s lips parted slightly in surprise.

The Five Elements Body is a top-tier Spirit Body, which greatly enhances cultivation and even offers some aid for breaking through to Nascent Soul.

Lu Xuangen, having a Five Elements Body, is almost guaranteed to achieve Core Formation unless something unexpected happens. And the odds are, it will be a high-tier Golden Core!

‘Yes, only you and I know about this matter.’

Lu Changsheng carefully handled the Magical Treasures, speaking in a low voice.

With the Five Elements Fusion Technique, if he refines those two Magical Treasures, he could immediately use them and unleash most of their power.

However, it’s clear that the Wang Family Patriarch intended these Magical Treasures for Lu Xuangen.

The five-colored jade pendant not only passively protects its owner but also calms the mind and boosts the power of the five elements.

He then looked at the Jade Slip in the Storage Bag.

It contained the secrets of the Five Elements Body and the cultivation insights and experiences of the Wang Family’s founder.

This information was incredibly valuable.

Though many have heard of the Five Elements Body,

few truly understand its specific effects.

Especially the cultivation insights of a Five Elements Body owner, which could significantly help descendants, allowing them to avoid many detours.

Besides these, the Wang Family Patriarch mentioned that their family has additional cultivation insights on the Five Elements Body and the Primordial Five Elements Art and offered for Lu Xuangen to visit the Wang Family in the future.

As for the medicinal pills and Spirit Stones, their value totaled somewhere around 200,000 to 300,000 Spirit Stones, not significant enough for Lu Changsheng to care about.

But it’s clear these were prepared for Lu Xuangen, so he would remember this favor.

‘Compared to all this, sheltering the Wang Family in the future might not be too bad.’

Lu Changsheng softly exhaled as he put the items back into the Storage Bag, realizing the Wang Family Patriarch had invested heavily in this.

If he weren’t about to die, with no backup plan, and a Five Elements Body having emerged, he wouldn’t have taken such a drastic step.

‘Xiyue, this secret method from the Grand Elder looks quite intricate.’

At this moment, Lu Changsheng glanced toward the Dual Cultivation Secret Method given by the Grand Elder and smiled at Xiao Xiyue.

Moments later, within the Cave Dwelling, the atmosphere grew warm.

Several days later, after the Dao Companion Ceremony concluded,

Lu Changsheng prepared to leave. He and Xiao Xiyue went to see the Sect Master to settle the wedding gifts.

The Sect Master didn’t haggle with them, handing over the registry of gifts for them to review.

It had to be said, the Azure Cloud Sect has formidable influence!

The gifts received at this Dao Companion Ceremony, if converted into Spirit Stones, would amount to 6 to 7 million, easily surpassing the value of the gifts from his earlier Core Formation ceremony.

Moreover, the gifts from major powers like the Sunset Glow Sect, Spirit Control Sect, Heavenly Sword Sect, and Danxia Mountain were priceless Natural Treasures that couldn’t be bought.

Although the Azure Cloud Sect took half of the gifts, their efforts in social interactions, preparations, and return gifts meant they didn’t actually profit much.

Of course, if one considers the fame, reputation, and influence gained from hosting this Dao Companion Ceremony, the Azure Cloud Sect definitely didn’t lose out.

‘Tsk tsk tsk, it turns out, the real money lies in collecting gifts!’

‘If I took a new wife every now and then, wouldn’t I be making a fortune?’

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

But he quickly dismissed that idea, as such behavior would ruin his reputation.

Every once in a while is fine. People are happy to show respect and prepare generous gifts.

But if it becomes too frequent, no one would take them for fools.

Lu Changsheng browsed through the registry and picked a few items he needed. For the rest, he told the Sect Master that after the sect’s accounting, they could be given directly to Xiao Xiyue.

His straightforward manner earned him silent approval from the Azure Cloud Sect Master, seeing that Lu Changsheng wasn’t someone looking to take advantage of small benefits.

Lu Changsheng named his third-tier Cave Dwelling at the Azure Cloud Sect ‘Changsheng Pavillion.’

He went to Changsheng Pavillion to find his daughter Lu Wangshu and asked her if she wanted to return home or stay at the Azure Cloud Sect.

‘I want to go home!’

Lu Wangshu immediately replied.

For the past few days, she felt she was constantly bothered.

‘How was your stay?’

Lu Changsheng smiled and stroked her hair seeing her current look.

‘It was so boring.’

Lu Wangshu pouted.

Earlier, she thought the disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect were powerful.

But after spending some time with them, she found them rather ordinary.

The outer and inner sect disciples weren’t much stronger than the members of her own family.

As for the core disciples, she thought they were just so-so.

In the same realm, few could defeat her or Lu Lingxiao.

‘Hehe.’

Lu Changsheng chuckled, guessing the general experience his daughter went through over the past few days.

After returning to Bihu Mountain, he called his son Lu Xingchen and his daughter-in-law Wang Yanjing over.

Then he gave them the Jade Slip, Spirit Stones, medicinal pills, and the Five Elements Jade Pendant that the Wang Family Patriarch had gifted him.

As for the Five Elements Mirror,

since it’s a top-tier Magical Treasure, Lu Changsheng decided to keep it for himself.

‘This…’

Lu Xingchen and Wang Yanjing were stunned when they saw the Spirit Stones, medicinal pills, and Magical Treasure inside the Storage Bag.

As Foundation Establishment cultivators, they had never seen such wealth before.

Lu Changsheng also informed them that the jade pendant was a Magical Treasure that enhanced the power of the five elements.

Wang Yanjing was overjoyed and delighted to receive such valuable gifts.

She knew she had made the right choice since the Patriarch granted their son Lu Xuangen resources and support!

However, she was also surprised that Lu Changsheng would give them the Magical Treasure so early on.

After all, such a treasure could still be useful even for a Core Formation expert like him.

‘Jing’er, take some time to study this secret method and see if you can comprehend it.’

At that moment, Lu Changsheng produced a translucent Jade Slip and handed it to Wang Yanjing.

Although his son, Lu Xingchen, had a Third-Tier Spirit Root, his temperament was average. While he had a chance to reach Core Formation,

Wang Yanjing had an even higher chance.

Now that the Wang Family Patriarch had gifted him these two Five Elements Magical Treasures, if she could comprehend the ‘Can Tongqi’ technique, it would greatly increase the likelihood of merging the Five Elements Mirror Artifact, giving her a considerable chance of breaking through to Core Formation.

Should she reach Core Formation, she could assist her son and protect her grandson, Lu Xuangen.

‘Yes, Father.’

Wang Yanjing accepted the Jade Slip with both hands, showing utmost respect to her mysterious father-in-law.