Chapter 578: True Lord’s Commendation, The War of Pioneer Begins!

“Splurt splurt-”

Even after the head rolled off, Lu Qingshan remained cautious and vigilant.

Using the Dagen Gold Sword Qi, his seven flying swords pierced through the fat man’s body, leaving it riddled with holes. The False Core was forced out and all vitality was extinguished before he stopped.

After all, in these years of battling demonic cultivators, he had witnessed all sorts of tactics.

Some could still launch a final counterattack, even after decapitation or with their organs crushed.

“Cough cough, these False Core cultivators are really hard to kill.”

Lu Qingshan clutched his chest, circulated his spiritual energy, and coughed up a few mouthfuls of clotted blood.

Against ordinary late Foundation Establishment and even pinnacle Foundation Establishment cultivators, he could easily kill them.

But when it came to False Core cultivators like the fat man, even though he wasn’t weak in power, he couldn’t face the divine might of a magical treasure head-on.

If not for having Third-Tier Talismans with him today, he wouldn’t have dared to fight like this.

Of course, it was also because this man’s Divine Ability was just countered by him.

Otherwise, if another Foundation Establishment cultivator faced his mind-bewitching Divine Ability, they wouldn’t have been able to control themselves.

“Sigh, if Xiaozhu sees me like this and knows this puppet got destroyed, she’ll be worried again.”

Lu Qingshan grinned, looking at the completely scrapped puppet, which now looked like broken copper and iron, not far away.

Although he had many methods, this Top-Tier Second-Tier puppet was still something his younger sister Lu Qingzhu gave him.

Years ago, their Father secretly gave his sister a lot of Talismans and puppets for protection.

But when he went out on a mission, his sister immediately stuffed these treasures into her brother’s hands.

Thinking of returning later, knowing that his sister would worry after hearing about his hard confrontation with the False Core True Person, he felt a headache coming on.

Shaking his head, he put away the scrapped puppet and took another look at the fat man’s Golden Bowl Magical Treasure and broken robe.

“Although it’s just a low-grade Magical Treasure, it can still be used for practicing the Hundred Refined Body Technique.”

Back in the day, he had obtained the ‘Hundred Refined Body Technique’ from his eldest brother Lu Ping’an.

But he found that practicing both physical and spiritual techniques required an enormous amount of time and energy.

So, after the initial interest, he hadn’t practiced much.

However, among this technique, there was a Secret Technique to refine the Magical Treasure into the body to automatically temper it, which he found quite good.

Although a bit extravagant and wasteful.

But for someone like him, who doesn’t have the time and energy to practice Body Tempering, it was perfect.

After collecting the man’s treasure, Storage Bag, and Corpse, Lu Qingshan took the two unconscious individuals nearby to a cave, set up a small formation to conceal his presence, and waited for reinforcements.

Before long, a Divine Light Beam enveloped in the pressure of a Golden Core shot through the sky.

“Hmm?”

The newcomer noticed the remnants of spiritual energy in the air from the battle, his face tensing up. He then detected Lu Qingshan hiding his presence with a formation.

“Lu Qingshan greets Senior Uncle Qiao!”

Sword in hand, Lu Qingshan stepped out of the formation, his posture straight as a sword, and saluted with a bow.

“Lu Qingshan, what’s going on here? Was it you who shattered the help-seeking talisman?”

The Golden Core True Person glanced at Lu Qingshan, assessing his condition, and asked in a deep voice.

Without unnecessary words, Lu Qingshan held up the fat man’s severed head, saying, “Senior Uncle Qiao, this man was a cultivator from the Scarlet Sect, ambushing here. I have now slain him.”

Although his spiritual energy was in disarray and his face was somewhat pale, his demeanor was calm as if he were mentioning something inconsequential.

“Scarlet Sect’s Gao Ning! What?! You killed him!?”

Senior Qiao sensed the traces of Golden Core-level spiritual energy in the air, along with a sharp sword aura.

He thought that Lu Qingshan and company had been ambushed and had managed to fend off an attack.

He never expected that they had actually killed a False Core cultivator!

To have a Foundation Establishment cultivator triumph over a False Core True Person, that is the mark of a real genius of the current era!

Even though he had already heard of Lu Qingshan’s name and knew he was a top sword dao genius, such an achievement still left him shocked.

In fact, given such accomplishments, if word got out, it would stir up the entire Yue Kingdom’s cultivation world!

After all, Lu Qingshan was only at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment.

And this Gao Ning wasn’t some weakling who had just formed his False Core.

The latter had completed his False Core years ago and had taken countless lives with his mind-bewitching Divine Ability.

Yet such a man was slain by Lu Qingshan.

And looking at his current state, though injured, he wasn’t completely at his wit’s end!

“Very good, very good, Lu Qingshan. You’ve killed Gao Ning and achieved a great merit. When you return, you’ll be heavily rewarded. For now, let me take you back to rest and recover!”

Senior Qiao, excited and elated, didn’t ask too many questions. His spiritual energy enveloped Lu Qingshan and the others, and they swiftly left in a Divine Light Beam.

When Lu Qingshan and Senior Qiao returned to Hunyuan City and the news spread, it caused an immediate uproar.

Killing a False Core True Person might not sound like much.

But in this war, with Nascent Soul True Lords not stepping in and Golden Core True Persons only getting injured, with no major casualties.

Now that a Foundation Establishment disciple like Lu Qingshan had killed a False Core True Person from the Scarlet Sect, it greatly boosted morale.

Not just the Golden Sun Sect, but the Five Great Immortal Sects of Yue Kingdom were all debating the event.

Talented individuals who once competed against Lu Qingshan in the early years now heard of this achievement, each showing signs of doubt and surprise.

No one expected that in just a few years, Lu Qingshan had grown so much.

However, some doubted that Lu Qingshan had some kind of secret treasure or that other cultivators from the Golden Sun Sect helped him, hence it wouldn’t be possible otherwise for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to defeat a False Core True Person.

On this day, at a Hunyuan Sect stronghold.

“Yuer, this Lu Qingshan is a rare genius of this era. Your Grandmaster praises him greatly. Upon hearing he only has the Sixth-Tier Spirit Root, he specifically bestowed this ‘Heavenly Restoration Pill’.

“I want you to take this Heavenly Restoration Pill to Lu Qingshan and establish a connection with him.”

A cultured-looking Golden Core True Person said to a slightly petite young woman.

“Heavenly Restoration Pill!?”

Shen Yu was startled. She took the White Jade Porcelain Bottle handed to her by her father, her expression a mix of surprise and a sudden surge of envy.

Like Lu Qingshan, she also had a Sixth-Tier Spirit Root.

Years ago, her father had begged their Grandmaster for a Heavenly Restoration Pill.

But their Grandmaster didn’t bestow it upon her.

She guessed it was because her Grandmaster believed that, even with the Heavenly Restoration Pill improving her Spirit Root, breaking through to Golden Core would still be difficult.

The cultured man, seemingly aware of his daughter’s thoughts, gently stroked her hair and warmly said, “Yuer, in a few years, when the sect has a new batch of Condensing Crystal Pills, I have already secured a spot for you.”

“This Lu Qingshan is indeed a genius of this era. His appearance and character are top-notch. You should take this chance to get to know him better.”

“If you two are interested, I will ask the Master to arrange a marriage for you. That way, your mother in the afterlife can find peace and comfort.”

Even as a Golden Core True Person and a disciple of a Nascent Soul True Lord, this man couldn’t help but marvel at Lu Qingshan’s achievements.

Especially in these times of war, talents like Lu Qingshan are surely destined to rise strongly!

Although his master values talent in all forms, Lu Qingshan is, after all, a seed of the Golden Sun Sect.

If he could become his daughter’s dao companion, his master would be more than pleased.

“Who’s interested in him!?”

Shen Yu habitually bit her lower lip, her pretty face showing signs of stubbornness and pride.

Moments later, after her father’s persuasion, she left the Cave Dwelling and headed to the Golden Sun Sect’s stronghold.

As she approached the stronghold, she couldn’t help but take out the White Jade Porcelain Bottle from her arms to look at it, her eyes filled with envy and jealousy.

“Father has rendered countless meritorious deeds for the sect. The Grandmaster clearly possesses Heavenly Restoration Pills yet refuses to grant one to me, preferring to award it to an outsider rather than to his own.”

“If I had obtained the Heavenly Restoration Pill, with my Spirit Root enhanced, I could’ve broken through to Golden Core long ago. There would be no need to wait until now.”

Shen Yu opened the bottle, revealing a shimmering pill the size of a dragon’s eye, emitting a fragrant aroma. She almost wanted to consume the Heavenly Restoration Pill then and there.

But her fear of the Grandmaster, coupled with the concern of affecting her father, made her suppress her resentment and close the bottle.

She then arrived at the Golden Sun Sect’s stronghold and said with an emotionless expression, “I am Shen Yu, daughter of Infinite True Person of the Hunyuan Sect. I have come under the orders of the True Lord to visit Lu Qingshan. Where is he?”

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, the curtain of the pioneering war of the Jiang Kingdom has been lifted.

For over a decade, the Four Great Immortal Sects and Qingluan Immortal City have prepared resources for this pioneering war on every front.

The Myriad Beasts Mountain Range has countless temporary strongholds built.

In these days, families under the Four Great Immortal Sects have sent their disciples, participating in the war, to the Spirit Sect, preparing to board spirit ships heading to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

Bihu Mountain.

Lu Changsheng stood before twenty-six Lu Family disciples and four Foundation Establishment guest cultivators and spoke in a deep voice.

“When you go to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, be extremely careful. Don’t act on impulse or be brave needlessly. Always prioritize your safety. If you encounter any unfair treatment, contact me immediately!”

Although the Lu Family’s pioneering quota was four Foundation Establishment disciples and twenty Qi Refining disciples.

But in this national-level pioneering event, even the Lu Family disciples were influenced, their blood boiling with enthusiasm, actively signing up.

In the end, ten Foundation Establishment disciples and twenty Qi Refining disciples were going.

Among the Foundation Establishment cultivators, aside from the four who had broken through to Foundation Establishment thanks to Bihu Mountain’s resources, the other six were Lu Qingxian, Lu Chensha, Lu Yunfei, Lu Qingze, Lu Ziyun, and Lu Xinghuo.

As for the Qi Refining disciples, five were from the second generation of the Lu Family, and fifteen were from the third generation.

Though the Lu Family’s benefits were good.

The third generation still couldn’t compare with the second generation and needed to rely on their efforts, showing exceptional performance to have a chance at obtaining a Foundation Establishment Pill.

Therefore, in this pioneering war, the third generation of the Lu Family was actively participating.

“Father, Grandfather, True Person, please rest assured. We will not disappoint you and uphold the prestige of the Lu Family of Heavenly Talismans!”

The Lu Family disciples and the four guest cultivators said with determination.

They understood that their performance didn’t just affect their future but also the family’s reputation.

If their performance was poor, not only would they and their family be ridiculed, but the Heavenly Talisman Lu Family as a whole would be laughed at!

“Reputation is fleeting, but laughing last makes you the true winner.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head, his voice soft, as a Dao Soldiers Command appeared in his hand.

“Roar roar roar—”

Deep roars, like waves, emerged from Bishui Lake immediately.

Nine Black Water Flood Dragons appeared, flying over the clouds.

Lu Changsheng then took out an emerald Spirit Boat, no bigger than the palm of his hand, from his Storage Ring.

Infusing it with spiritual energy, the boat’s blue radiance surged, quickly expanding into a boat over ten zhang long, floating in the air and gleaming with light.

Then, one by one, huge chains were attached to the menacing heads of the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Soldiers.

“Let’s go.”

Lu Changsheng stepped onto the Spirit Boat, then used spiritual energy to lift the thirty people onto the boat, glancing at his concubines watching from a distance.

If there was anyone who worried about them the most on this journey, it was those women, who were most concerned about their children.

“Brothers and sisters, may you return victorious and bring glory to the Heavenly Talisman Lu Family!”

“Brothers and sisters, may you return victorious and bring glory to the Heavenly Talisman Lu Family!”

Many other Lu Family disciples, who weren’t selected, came to see them off, cupping their hands and calling out.

“Rest assured!”

Lu Qingxian and the others stood on the Spirit Boat, clasping their fists in salute. Then, they looked up at Biyun Peak, bowing deeply towards their mothers and others who were watching from afar.

Leaving today, who knows when they’ll return.

If they have good fortune, they’ll secure a promising future and return home in glory!

If they are unlucky, they might die or be crippled, turning into mere bones.

Even though they were filled with great ambition, at this moment, an inexplicable sense of melancholy rose in their hearts.

“Roar roar roar—”

The nine Black Water Flood Dragons pulled the massive Spirit Boat, soaring towards Azure Cloud Sect.

These days, Azure Cloud Sect was bustling with activity.

Outside the mountain gate, several majestic, spiritual light-clad Black Armored warships floated in the sky like ancient beasts of the wild laying on the heavens.

Many families sent their disciples, who would participate in the pioneering war, to the sect.

At this time, there were still some wandering cultivators who decided to enlist and join the pioneering war.

“Hiss, what a grand display, which family or force is this!?”

Someone noticed nine dark streams of light flying towards Azure Cloud Sect in the sky, their face filled with surprise.

“Those are the Dao Soldiers of the Heavenly Talisman Lu Family!”

“Could it be the eldest son of the Lu Family coming!?”

“No, it’s True Person Changsheng!”

“We greet True Person Changsheng!”

As the nine streams of light got closer and clearer, everyone saw that it was nine Black Water Flood Dragons pulling a massive Spirit Boat.

Standing at the front of the Spirit Boat was a handsome, tall young man.

Seeing this man, the crowd immediately bowed to pay their respects.

“True Person Changsheng.”

When Immortal Baiyun of Azure Cloud Sect, who was overseeing the matter, saw Lu Changsheng arrive, he too stepped forward and cupped his fists.

“Immortal Baiyun, these are the Lu Family’s disciples participating in the pioneering war.”

Lu Changsheng cupped his fists and returned the courtesy.

“I didn’t expect you to come in person, True Person Changsheng.”

Immortal Baiyun smiled and then glanced at the Lu Family disciples on the Spirit Boat.

At first glance, he noticed Lu Chensha and Lu Qingxian.

He had some impression of Lu Chensha, knowing he was one of the top talents of the Lu Family.

Although the others weren’t known to him, he could sense their solid quality from their spiritual energy auras.

He thought to himself that the Lu Family didn’t just send a bunch of useless people to fill up space.

Unlike some other family forces who deliberately hired wandering cultivators to fill up their quotas, Immortal Baiyun was keeping tabs on these things.

When the time comes, those who perform poorly would be held accountable again, with a possible reckoning!

“Why don’t I see your son Lu Ping’an? If he performs well in this battle, the sect might open an additional exchange for Condensing Crystal Pills.”

Immortal Baiyun asked.

In wars like this, those who practice Body Tempering have a great advantage.

From his perspective, Lu Ping’an, who was in urgent need of resources, should’ve participated in this battle.

“My son is currently in closed cultivation, and it won’t be possible to come out anytime soon. If he does, he’ll consider participating.”

Lu Changsheng replied calmly.

“I see, then it’s understandable. Cultivation is important.”

Immortal Baiyun didn’t ask further to avoid causing displeasure.

After all, Lu Ping’an was also considered the true heir and cornerstone of the Lu Family.

If something were to happen to him in the pioneering war, it would break the Lu Family’s back.

Thus, with everyone looking on with respectful eyes, the two of them casually chatted, and Immortal Baiyun called up a Azure Cloud Sect disciple to register the Lu Family disciples.

“Be at ease, Fellow Daoist Changsheng. I’ll ensure these young friends receive some care from me.”

Seeing that the conversation was coming to an end, Immortal Baiyun also spoke to Lu Changsheng.

Unlike other families, many of the Lu Family’s disciples sent were Lu Changsheng’s own children.

While he may have hundreds of children, making it impossible to care for them all.

Azure Cloud Sect was currently trying to win over Lu Changsheng, so they were willing to show them some care.

“Then I’ll trouble you, Fellow Daoist Baiyun.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t reject the privilege.

He had chosen to break through to Golden Core at this time not only because of Xiao Xiyue’s case but also to gain some privileges and influence in the pioneering war.

“These are some Talismans I’ve drawn recently. Fellow Daoist Baiyun can take a look at my work.”

In the spirit of reciprocating courtesy, Lu Changsheng sent a small token of appreciation, handing over two Third-Tier high-grade Talismans.

Even Immortal Baiyun was pleased by these high-level Talismans.

He thought that True Person Changsheng was very generous.

But from this, it was also clear that this man must be quite skilled in Talisman Making.

If his success rate wasn’t high enough, he wouldn’t be willing to give away such Talismans.

After finishing their conversation, Lu Changsheng once again gave instructions to Lu Qingxian and the others, then entered Azure Cloud Sect.

Zhao Qingqing had already gone to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

Not just Zhao Qingqing, even their daughter Lu Xingyue had gone too.

However, they were part of the logistics team and didn’t need to go to the front lines.

They were responsible for planting and managing Spirit Fields and Spirit Rice obtained during the pioneering efforts, as well as cultivating some rare spiritual herbs and medicinal plants.

After arriving at Caiyun Peak in Mingyue Pavilion, Lu Changsheng cultivated with Xiao Xiyue.

Later, Lu Changsheng gained more insight into the pioneering war.

Aside from the Sect Leader and the Elder of the Supreme Path, all Golden Core True Persons of Azure Cloud Sect had to take turns sitting on the front lines.

Only Xiao Xiyue had a ten-year grace period because she had just broken through to Golden Core and her Divine Abilities and Magical Treasures were incomplete.

Eight years later, it would be her turn.

For example, Chu Qingyi eagerly applied to be part of the first batch to go to the frontline.

On one hand, this pioneering war was also an opportunity for Golden Core True Persons to gain resources, merits, and natural treasures.

On the other hand, the Heavenly Sword Sect had imposed mandatory requirements on Azure Cloud Sect, Sunset Glow Sect, and Spirit Control Sect.

“Has Senior Sister already gone to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range?”

Lu Changsheng asked, thinking that perhaps Chu Qingyi was hurrying to the front lines to avoid him.

“Not yet. Senior Sister will go with this Spirit Ship.”

Xiao Xiyue, nestled in Lu Changsheng’s arms, softly replied.

After saying this, she gently raised her head, her beautiful moonlit eyes looking at Lu Changsheng, seemingly trying to read something from his expression.

Long ago, she had sensed that something was off between Lu Changsheng and Senior Sister.

After breaking through to Golden Core, her mind had become clear, making her even more perceptive about this matter.

In several encounters between Senior Sister and Lu Changsheng, she noticed that whenever they talked about the other, their emotions were somewhat out of place.

“.”

Under Xiao Xiyue’s gaze, Lu Changsheng felt as if she had seen through his thoughts.

But the state of mind he had honed over the years remained calm, and he sighed lightly, saying, “Something happened between Fairy Qingyi and me. Avoiding her forever isn’t a solution, so I want to meet her and talk it out.”

“Mhm.”

Xiao Xiyue lowered her beautiful eyes, her long eyelashes casting shadows over them, and softly said, “Changsheng, you can find Senior Sister at the Immortal Pavilion. If it doesn’t work out, let me deliver your message to her later.”

Even though she knew there was some unspeakable secret between Lu Changsheng and her Senior Sister.

But after being together with Lu Changsheng for so many years, she was well aware of his affectionate nature.

After experiencing a life-and-death ordeal with Senior Sister, how could he simply let go.

“Xiyue, I’m sorry.”

Lu Changsheng held Xiao Xiyue close, feeling deeply guilty towards her.

He thought that she might be able to accept Chu Qingyi.

But Yun Wanshang, even Xiao Xiyue, might not be able to accept it right away.

“Hmph!”

Xiao Xiyue, with her clear Dao heart, immediately noticed the fluctuation in Lu Changsheng’s state of mind, thinking he was dwelling on Senior Sister. She let out a girlish snort of discontent.

No matter how understanding she was of Lu Changsheng, in this situation, with him thinking of another woman, especially her own Senior Sister, she would still feel a bit emotional.

“Dear Xiyue.”

Lu Changsheng immediately kissed her soft, smooth, and plump lips.