Chapter 595: Lu Minghuang’s Birth: The Nascent Soul Tribulation!

“Dad!”

Lu Wangshu looked at the massive figure slowly emerging in front of her, feeling a heavy, oppressive atmosphere in the air. Instinctively, she held onto her father’s wrist.

“Don’t be afraid, this is the spirit pet I borrowed for you.”

Lu Changsheng found his daughter’s reaction somewhat amusing.

But the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale, whether in appearance or aura, indeed gave an unparalleled sense of awe.

“What? This is your spirit pet, Dad!?”

Lu Wangshu stared in shock and disbelief at the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale’s body, half-submerged in the water, slowly being revealed as the waves rippled.

Although her knowledge was extraordinary,

besides the Golden-Winged Roc, the Sumeru Tree King, and the Sea Spirit Jiao, she had never truly witnessed a Third-Tier Demon King.

And the Golden-Winged Roc and the Sumeru Tree King were always restraining their demonic auras, so she never fully experienced the true might of a Demon King.

But this time, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale was entirely different.

Although it had tried its best to contain its aura.

The gigantic, jet-black body covered in cold scales.

Cutting through the ocean’s surface, with its dorsal fins aligned like sharp, black blades resembling sword mountains.

Its rounded forehead bore a single curved black-gold horn.

Huge black pupils resembling black hole vortexes looked like the maw of a chaotic abyss.

All of this left Lu Wangshu utterly shocked!

It was terrifying!

“So, what do you think of this spirit pet?”

Lu Changsheng asked with a smile as he led his daughter to the massive head of the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale.

Lu Wangshu was still in a daze, staring at the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale in front of her.

During her time in Da Mengze, exploring the depths with Lu Lingxiao and Lu Linghe, she had encountered many demon beasts.

She had even seen numerous quasi-third-tier demon beasts.

But compared to the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale before her, those quasi-third-tier demon beasts were like mere infant cubs.

Yet, as her father’s precious daughter, her innate trust in him made her recover from her shock and joyfully exclaim, “Dad, are you really going to lend me this spirit pet?!”

With such a Demon King, wouldn’t she be able to freely roam Da Mengze?

In the past, when she ventured into the deep sea, there were many places she dared not go, and at the sight of a quasi-third-tier demon beast, she had to flee quickly.

But now,

thinking of this, Lu Wangshu could hardly contain her excitement.

“If you like it, there’s no problem.”

Lu Changsheng gently stroked his daughter’s hair and softly said. Then he asked about the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale’s injuries.

“Master, my injuries have greatly healed, and with the Dragon Essence you’ve given me, my bloodline has improved.”

The Splitting-Sea Profound Whale spoke, revealing its longing for the source of the Black Dragon in its words.

It felt that if it had enough Dragon Essence, there was hope for it to evolve into the Splitting-Sea Profound Dragon Whale and quickly break through to the fourth tier.

“Bloodline improvement…”

Lu Changsheng naturally knew that the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale was just one step away from advancing to a True Spirit-Level bloodline.

If it could obtain treasures related to True Dragon, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale could very well evolve into the Splitting-Sea Profound Dragon Whale!

“The source of the Black Dragon is gone. In the future, I’ll see if I can find any treasures related to True Dragon.”

If possible, Lu Changsheng naturally wished to see the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale ascend to the fourth tier as soon as possible.

Once it reaches the fourth tier, he will become the true ruler of Da Mengze!

Even if the Heavenly Sword Sect were to come, I would be fearless.

“The last Dragon Essence came from the Black Dragon Sect. Judging by its quality, the Black Dragon Sect probably has more than one Dragon Essence. I wonder if I can acquire any through trade.”

Lu Changsheng mused, considering that in the future, when he traveled to the Star Sea, he could visit the Black Dragon Sect.

If he could obtain a few more Dragon Essences, even if not enough to help the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale evolve directly, it would still greatly benefit.

“Dad, what’s the name of this spirit pet?”

Lu Wangshu, beaming with joy, examined the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale in front of her.

Its previously fierce and terrifying appearance now seemed overwhelmingly imposing in her eyes.

“Hmm…”

Lu Changsheng looked at the jet-black Splitting-Sea Profound Whale in front of him, touched his chin, and then replied, “You can call it Big Black, or just shout, ‘Come out, Splitting-Sea Profound Dragon Number One!’”

“…”

Lu Wangshu couldn’t help but stare at her father in shock.

If Little He named it like this, she could understand.

But father…

Forget it.

Lu Wangshu pouted her delicate lips, too lazy to complain.

“Hmm, what’s wrong with the name? It’s simple and easy to understand.”

Lu Changsheng thought his daughter lacked an appreciation for simplicity and didn’t understand the beauty of simplicity.

“Dad, Mom named me, right?”

Lu Wangshu suddenly asked.

“How could that be? I took a long time to come up with your name back then.”

Lu Changsheng playfully flicked his daughter’s smooth forehead and continued, “Just play around this area with the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale. Don’t go any deeper.”

“If you go deeper, you’ll run into many late-third-tier Demon Kings.”

“And at the point where Da Mengze connects to the Star Sea, there’s even a top third-tier Demon King and a quasi-fourth-tier Demon King. Big Black suffered a loss at their hands previously.”

Lu Changsheng reminded his daughter and also indicated to the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale not to seek trouble for now and wait for his signal.

If anything happens, activate the Communication Talisman he gave her.

“Top third-tier Demon King? Quasi-fourth-tier Demon King?!”

Lu Wangshu’s beautiful eyes widened in astonishment.

She was not only surprised that Da Mengze housed such fearsome demon beasts,

but also shocked that the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale could confront such top-tier Demon Kings!

Doesn’t that mean the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale is at least a late-third-tier Demon King?

“Hmph, it seems Dad really has broken through to the Nascent Soul stage!”

Lu Wangshu thought to herself.

Earlier, when she saw her father suppress a Golden Core True Person with just a wave of his hand, she had her suspicions.

Now, after seeing the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale, she was more convinced.

“Okay, you play here for a while. Let Big Black bring you back when you’re done, but try not to appear near Immortal City.”

“Oh, and here’s a Water Repelling Pearl. As long as you don’t dive into the ten-thousand-foot-deep sea, it won’t consume much Spiritual Energy.”

While speaking, Lu Changsheng handed her a fourth-tier Water Repelling Pearl, then gestured for her to enjoy herself.

With the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale, he was quite assured of his daughter’s safety.

If she indeed encounters danger, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale can easily swallow her into its stomach chamber, ensuring her safety.

“Thank you, Dad!”

Lu Wangshu immediately expressed her gratitude with a sweet smile.

Since he was already out, Lu Changsheng didn’t plan on making the trip in vain.

He took the opportunity to look for a Third-Tier Flood Dragon with attributes similar to his Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapon.

However, just then, Lu Changsheng suddenly sensed a profound and intense pulse of energy.

He was instantly familiar with this kind of pulse.

Without thinking, he looked in the direction of the Jin Kingdom.

It seemed he heard the cry of a newborn.

“Has Minghuang been born?”

Considering the time, it’s been a year and eight months since Nangong Mili became pregnant.

It’s only natural that the baby is born now.

“But… just a First-Tier Spirit Root?”

Based on the pulsation of that Spirit Root, Lu Changsheng concluded that this son of his likely had a First-Tier Spirit Root.

“System!”

Not satisfied, he mentally called out, focusing on Nangong Mili in the system interface.

Indeed.

There was now a baby listed under her name.

【Name: Lu Minghuang】

【Lifespan: 1/103】

【Talent: First-Tier Spirit Root】

【Cultivation: None】

【Aptitude: Equipment Refining Proficiency (40%)】

“So he really only has a First-Tier Spirit Root.”

Seeing his son’s talent, Lu Changsheng was somewhat disappointed.

After all, this son was born to him and Nangong Mili, both Golden Core cultivators, with numerous spiritual herbs ingested during the pregnancy, and he had been in the womb for eighteen months.

Yet he didn’t inherit a Spirit Body, possessing only a First-Tier Spirit Root.

Although the pulse of the Spirit Root was quite strong, almost nearing that of an Earthly Spirit Root, it was still just a First-Tier Spirit Root.

“Sigh, a First-Tier Spirit Root isn’t bad. Having children is mostly random anyway.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, adjusting his mindset and trying to console himself.

He knew that having a Spirit Body child wasn’t that easy.

Even two Golden Core True Persons wouldn’t guarantee a child with a Spirit Body.

And two Nascent Soul True Lords wouldn’t dare promise their offspring would likely have a Spirit Body either.

“Minghuang’s talent in Equipment Refining isn’t bad. If he grows up, I can train him in this aspect. Maybe he could practice the Divine Machine Hundred Refinement Technique.”

“But Nangong Mili likely won’t let her son follow the path of an Artifact cultivator.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head, planning to visit the Jin Kingdom when possible.

Meanwhile,

at Heavenly Spider Peak in the Five Poison Sect, within a secret chamber.

Nangong Mili, draped in a luxurious purple gauze dress, looked down at the infant in her arms, her face pale and weak.

The baby was a bit more robust than a typical child, with fair, jade-like skin, resembling a porcelain doll.

His chubby little hand grasped a sacred jade cicada that glowed with a white-golden hue.

“What’s going on? Why are Minghuang’s eyes golden? Could it be that Minghuang also has some rare kind of Spirit Body?”

Nangong Mili noticed her son’s pupils were not like those of ordinary people, not just black and white, but a radiant gold, much like golden amber.

“And this Crystal Cicada Gu… I intended to use it to enhance Minghuang’s talent and link it to his life. When he grows up, it can become a Golden Cicada Gu to ward off disaster. But why has it changed like this?”

She then stared at the jade cicada in her son’s hand, with her beautiful phoenix eyes filled with confusion.

Even though she was a Golden Core cultivator, she couldn’t fully comprehend her son’s situation.

But she suspected that her son likely had some kind of rare Spirit Body.

And that the Crystal Cicada Gu was influenced and transformed by his Spirit Body’s power.

“As expected from my son with the blood of Nangong Mili.”

Even though she previously disliked having a son,

the maternal love sparked by the mother-child bond, coupled with his extraordinary talent, filled her with immense joy.

“I just don’t know what kind of Spirit Body Minghuang has…”

In the past, to understand her daughter Nangong Yaoyao’s Spirit Body, she had studied many ancient texts on Spirit Bodies.

But she couldn’t recall any Spirit Body that matched her son’s condition.

Jiang Kingdom, Da Mengze.

Lu Changsheng, after almost a month’s search in the vast sea, finally found an Ink Scale Jiao that matched the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapon’s attributes.

It had mid-third-tier strength and an Earthly Spirit Root bloodline!

Lu Changsheng didn’t kill the Demon King outright,

instead, he drained half of its Essence Blood and let it go.

After all, Da Mengze’s Third-Tier Demon Kings, no matter how many there were, couldn’t withstand endless hunting.

Since Da Mengze was essentially his backyard now, he couldn’t afford to destroy the ecosystem.

However, before leaving, Lu Changsheng placed a restriction marker on it, making it easier to find it to draw more blood later.

After returning to Dragonfish Island, Lu Changsheng handed a gourd filled with Flood Dragon Essence Blood to his daughter.

“Qingyan, this is diluted Flood Dragon Essence Blood. You can use it to feed the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapon. You can also use it yourself for body tempering.”

If this daughter could refine the Black Dragon source, raising an army of Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapons could be enough to dominate a region.

“Yes, Father!”

Lu Qingyan glanced at the gourd.

Even though it was diluted, she could tell from the aura that this was indeed the Essence Blood of a Third-Tier Demon King.

She was astonished. Did her father really go deep into Da Mengze and hunt a Demon King?

For the next period, Lu Changsheng stayed at home with his wives, focusing on nurturing the Three-Treasure Transformation Pearl.

During this process, Lu Changsheng realized the shortcomings of this Rare Treasure.

He could only integrate Divine Abilities like Yin-Yang Grand Capture, Mysterious Yin-Yang Divine Light, and Reversal Yin-Yang Glazed Wall into this avatar.

Other Secret Techniques like those that burn blood for power or desperate Divine Abilities couldn’t be integrated.

Moreover, the nine Divine Abilities of the Nine Treasures Dao Bone could not be integrated into this avatar either.

“As expected, an avatar is still an avatar. No matter what, its combat power can never match the original body exactly.”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

After observing for some time, he finally decided to have his daughter, Lu Linghe, switch from the Black Dragon Scripture to the Vajra Ming Wang Technique.

Although switching from a Black Dragon Scripture-based Dao Foundation to the Vajra Ming Wang Technique, which had completely different attributes, would weaken the power of techniques and the benefits of the Dao Foundation,

this daughter was indeed more suited for Buddhist Techniques.

Previously, Lu Linghe needed his help with the Profound Mirror of the Dao to assist in training.

But she could easily start on the Vajra Ming Wang Technique.

After nearly half a month, Lu Wangshu returned from her three-month adventure with the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale in Da Mengze’s deep sea, feeling extraordinarily joyful.

The underwater exploration with the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale not only broadened her knowledge but also brought her substantial gains.

“Dad, what kind of spirit beast egg is this?”

Lu Wangshu retrieved a spirit beast egg, covered in blue clouds and water patterns, from her Spirit Pet Bag and asked Lu Changsheng.

However, Lu Changsheng was not well-versed in beast taming knowledge, so he had to consult Hong Lian.

Hong Lian immediately identified it, suggesting it might be an ‘Ocean Wing Dragon’ with a mid-Heaven-Tier bloodline.

“Dad, how about this? This spirit beast egg is mine, and these are yours. Later, when Big Black and I find more, we can share them fifty-fifty. How about that?”

Lu Wangshu’s eyes sparkled as she grabbed her father’s arm, smiling sweetly.

She had lost hope in raising the Cold Jade Mysterious Turtle, opting to let it grow naturally.

But now, hearing that this spirit beast egg had the bloodline of a Heaven-Tier Dragon, she was immensely tempted.

She was thinking about borrowing the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale again to continue treasure hunting in Da Mengze.

After all, this journey was simply too exciting. The vast deep sea allowed for unrestrained exploration!

“…”

Lu Changsheng found his daughter’s flattering attitude rather amusing.

Still, this daughter of his had surprisingly good luck.

In just three months, she had acquired a Heaven-Tier spirit beast egg.

After glancing at the Storage Bag she handed to him, he pondered for a moment and said, “Too little. I’ll take ninety percent, you keep ten.”

“Dad, isn’t that too greedy?!”

Lu Wangshu pouted.

“Even between a father and daughter, one must keep accounts clear. Giving you ten percent is already generous. If there’s something you particularly like, you can choose that first.”

Lu Changsheng casually remarked, feeling that ten percent was already plenty for a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“Dad, seventy-thirty. You take seventy, I take thirty.”

Lu Wangshu pouted and batted her eyes, trying to negotiate, but Lu Changsheng wouldn’t relent.

After all, he didn’t really need these things.

He just wanted to give his daughter some experience and broaden her horizons, without letting her become obsessed with treasure hunting and lose focus on cultivation.

After a long time of bargaining, the father and daughter finally agreed that once she advanced to the late Foundation Establishment stage, the split would be seventy-thirty. But for now, it would stay at ninety-ten.

And she could use the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale for a maximum of three months a year.

Later, Lu Changsheng reviewed his daughter’s gains from the Storage Bag and thought they were decent.

But considering that she had a top third-tier Demon King as a bodyguard, the loot was just average.

After so long, Ling Zixiao had fully refined the Shared Path Treasure, ‘Dutian Divine Fiends Diagram,’ significantly boosting her cultivation speed.

She practiced the Cantong Qi and absorbed the shared essence.

Instantly, she felt a surge of this essence flooding her body, enhancing both her energy and spirit.

During this process, not only did her cultivation advance rapidly, but the twelve divine beings under her command also rose in power. She even felt subtle changes to her Spirit Body.

This is the downside of the Cantong Qi!

Influenced by the shared source within the treasure, she gradually became affected. In the future, she could only master this technique’s path completely and must upgrade the Shared Path Treasure to advance.

Otherwise, to switch and retrain in another technique, she would have to abandon her foundation and start anew.

She had already made her decision regarding her cultivation technique, without any wavering.

But the subtle changes to her Spirit Body were harder for her to assess, so she reported them to Lu Changsheng.

From then on, Lu Changsheng closely monitored her cultivation.

He also began unraveling the early effects of the reversed Dragon Chant Physique, which had been altered by her training.

“Some adjustments are necessary.”

As the Dragon Chant Physique’s effects gradually unfolded, Lu Changsheng realized that Ling Zixiao’s Shared Path Treasure had a problem.

Its grade needed to far exceed her current level!

For instance, now that she was in the late Foundation Establishment stage, her Shared Path Treasure must at least be of lower grade.

When she reaches the Golden Core stage, the Shared Path Treasure must be of upper grade or even higher.

Only then can she balance the Shared Path Treasure with the Dragon Chant Physique.

Moreover, she must frequently use the Shared Path Treasure to absorb its essence. It cannot merely be a supplementary item.

“In that case, Zixiao’s Shared Path Treasure still needs to be upgraded quickly. Otherwise, if I leave for an extended period and the treasure’s source is over-consumed, it would be difficult to suppress the Dragon Chant Physique.”

Lu Changsheng mulled over the situation, realizing the challenges ahead.

However, lacking the necessary materials to upgrade the Shared Path Treasure, Lu Changsheng couldn’t fully release Ling Zixiao’s Dragon Chant Physique abilities.

Otherwise, once she reached the Golden Core stage, even he wouldn’t be able to reverse or suppress the source of her Dragon Chant Physique.

One day, Lu Changsheng noticed that the Three-Treasure Transformation Pearl in his Qi Sea Dantian had been fully nourished.

He prepared to take Hong Lian and the Golden-Winged Roc to help the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale take back its territory.

Meanwhile, he wanted to see if these two Demon Kings could assist his son Lu Quanzhen.

Lu Quanzhen’s situation couldn’t be delayed any longer.

If the essence blood obtained from this hunt was insufficient, Lu Changsheng planned to have Lu Quanzhen directly attempt Golden Core Formation after mastering his secret technique.

“Hong Lian,”

Lu Changsheng explained the general plan to Hong Lian.

Then he informed Ling Zixiao and Lu Miaoyun that he and Hong Lin were heading to the depths of Da Mengze to hunt Demon Kings, so they should keep an eye on Immortal City.

If anything urgent happened, they were to contact him immediately, and he would return through the Michen Banner.

“Husband, be careful.”

“Changsheng, Hong Lian sister, both of you take care.”

The two women knew they couldn’t be much help, so they just urged them to be cautious.

“Don’t worry.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and left the City Lord’s Manor with Hong Lian.

Meanwhile,

in the Yin Ghost Sect of the Jin Kingdom.

At this moment, the grand formation of the Yin Ghost Sect’s mountain gate was fully activated, causing the spiritual energy within a thousand-mile radius to roil and converge.

Above the fourth-tier spiritual veins, thick clouds rolled as tribulation clouds gathered, and streaks of lightning pierced the sky.

“What is going on!?”

A cultivator saw the sudden gathering of clouds, filling his heart with unease.

Though the Yin Ghost Sect was constantly shrouded in clouds with ominous energy,

this gloominess had never taken the form of such an oppressive cloud, as if exuding heavenly wrath, intimidating one’s soul.

“It’s a Tribulation! A Heavenly Thunder Tribulation! Is the Supreme Elder undergoing Nascent Soul transformation!?”

An elder of the Yin Ghost Sect realized what was happening and was overjoyed.

The three stages of Nascent Soul: first, the Golden Core must be shattered and transformed into the Nascent Soul!

Next comes the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation and the Heart Demon Tribulation!

Shattering the Golden Core and forming the Nascent Soul is already the most difficult step!

For the subsequent two stages, the Yin Ghost Sect’s centuries of foundation and decades of preparation provide immense confidence!

“Boom!”

A thick streak of purple lightning struck down from the sky, tearing through the black clouds and smashing from the heavens, the dazzling light radiant with a terrifying aura.

At this moment, a massive blood pool erupted into the sky.

Countless wisps of sinister energy, ghostly qi, resentment, and sins gathered, forming an army of ghost soldiers, howling fiercely.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!”

The blood pool, like a volcanic eruption, spewed out torrents of blood, automatically engulfing the purple lightning.

In an instant, the lightning exploded, and a blood-red glow engulfed the sky, mingling with the flickering lightning in a battle of light and shadow.

“Boom!”

Seemingly provoked, more thunder roared down, with a blinding light and overwhelming destructive energy.

Yet the blood pool stood firm in the sky, as if dividing the heavens, blocking the Thunder Tribulations.

“Damn it, this old ghost utilized the Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool! Even at the cost of damaging its essence, he’s ensuring his survival through the Thunder Tribulation!”

Someone watching from the shadows couldn’t hide their bitterness.

Not only did demonic cultivators find breakthrough attempts more challenging,

but their techniques were often more vulnerable during Nascent Soul Tribulation.

Especially the Yin Ghost Sect’s heritage, which was entirely countered by heavenly tribulations, making the challenge three to four times harder compared to righteous cultivators.

But the hidden cultivator observed that the Supreme Elder of Yin Ghost Sect was so determined to succeed that he was willing to deplete the Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool’s essence to guarantee safe passage through the Thunder Tribulation.

However, seeing the entire mountain gate of the Yin Ghost Sect fully fortified, with the Supreme Elder surrounded by a powerful fourth-tier spiritual vein and isolation formations, no one dared to act rashly at this time.

At this time, unless a Nascent Soul True Lord appeared in person, Golden Core cultivators would have little impact.