Chapter 599: Plans Can’t Keep Up with Change, Xu Family Patriarch

A few days later.

Lu Changsheng left the Azure Cloud Sect under countless reverent and envious gazes.

“Sigh, plans really can’t keep up with changes.”

Lu Changsheng sighed.

He had originally planned to wait for Lu Quanzhen to break through to the Golden Core stage, then head to the Yue Kingdom with his wife Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaohuan..

After returning from Yue Kingdom, he intended to find time to visit the Jin Kingdom to see Nangong Mili, his son Lu Minghuang, and check on the progress of gathering his materials.

However, the unexpected breakthrough of the Yin Ghost Sect’s Grand Elder to Nascent Soul completely disrupted his plans.

Moreover, the frontier war may seem straightforward, but who knows what unexpected events might arise.

After returning to Bihu Mountain, Lu Changsheng briefly explained the frontier war to Lu Miaoyun before asking her t hold a family banquet to liven things up.

“Later, I will go to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range and won’t be able to return for a while. Do you have any doubts regarding your Golden Core formation?”

Lu Changsheng then found Lu Quanzhen and informed him that he would be leaving soon.

“Please don’t worry, Father. I’m confident about forming my Golden Core.”

Lu Quanzhen cupped his hands and spoke.

He wasn’t a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse.

He was already well-prepared and confident in forming his Golden Core.

“Hmm, when the time comes, you need to use the life essence of the Spiritual Traveling Whale. You can simply summon Sumeru to assist.

The life force of the Spiritual Traveling Whale, being such a Demon King, is immense. Over the years, only its life essence has been overly depleted, leaving it in a weakened state.

For the past few days, Lu Changsheng has been feeding the whale plenty of Natural Treasures, preparing to raise it in Sumeru Cave Heaven.

In the future, the family’s descendants will be spared the trouble of hunting Demon Kings or purchasing large quantities of Natural Treasures for their medicinal baths.

“Yes!”

Lu Quanzhen responded with cupped hands.

Over the next period, Lu Changsheng spent his time at home, accompanying his wives, concubines, and children, and drawing talismans.

Although he had been drawing talismans over the years, it was mostly for recreation in his free time. As a result, he didn’t have many high or top-tier talismans.

Now, as he prepared for the frontier war, he decided it was necessary to stock up on some talismans, given that he was a talisman cultivator.

Twenty days later, when the time was right, Lu Changsheng planned to take his daughter, Lu Wangshu, to the Azure Cloud Sect to participate in the frontier war.

Although this daughter wasn’t pursuing a worldly path, it would be good for her to gain some experience rather than staying home bored.

Moreover, since the mother and daughter hadn’t seen each other for so long, this was another opportunity.

“Father, I also want to go!”

His daughter, Lu Qingqi, said to Lu Changsheng.

She was feeling extremely bored at home and didn’t want to return to Jinxia Valley. She wanted to see the frontier war.

“Why do you want to go? Do you think war is a child’s play? You’ll just cause unnecessary trouble.”

Lu Miaohuan, dressed in a black gauzy palace dress, with a tall and graceful figure and an otherworldly beauty, immediately pinched her daughter’s white ear, scolding her.

“Mother, I’m a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Why can’t I go?”

Lu Qingqi retorted, feeling dissatisfied.

After all, among her peers, she was considered a big figure. Whomever she met would respectfully address her as Fairy Qi.

“Haha, no one knows what the frontier war will be like. It’s possible it might be dangerous.”

“How about this—once I return and everything is settled, I’ll take you to the Immortal City of Da Mengze or the Yue Kingdom.”

If it were a more cautious child, like his son Lu Qingxian, Lu Qingsong, or Lu Qingyan, Lu Changsheng might consider taking them.

But this daughter of his was playful and spoiled. Taking her to the front lines would not be convenient at all.

Seeing that even her usually agreeable father refused her, Lu Qingqi lowered her head dejectedly and weakly said, “Alright.”

“If Qingqi doesn’t want to go to Jinxia Valley, then don’t. We’ll send someone else.”

Lu Changsheng, of course, could see through his daughter’s intentions and said with a smile.

Although Lu Qingxian had deliberately given his sister some tasks, hoping she would mature, Lu Changsheng didn’t mind. As long as his daughter was happy, that’s all that mattered.

After all, everyone has their ambitions. With her personality, unless the family faced a major disaster, it would be hard for her to strive upward.

Moreover, even hard work in cultivation doesn’t always guarantee great achievements.

All his efforts were to give his children the freedom to choose their own paths.

“Hehe, Father still loves me most!”

Lu Qingqi beamed and clung to her father’s arm, laughing.

“Hmph, just keep spoiling her.”

Lu Miaohuan snorted.

She realized that this daughter was similar to her younger self.

In her youth, she didn’t feel it, but now as a mother, she knew how worrisome such a child could be.

Without a family’s protection, a child like this could easily suffer losses out in the world.

“How can I not spoil such a sweet and obedient daughter? I spoil you too, don’t I, Huan Huan? Even if you wanted the stars, I’d pluck them down for you.”

Lu Changsheng was used to showing affection in front of his children. Moreover, the Second Miss was said to be mature but still loved being pampered.

“And how do you think this looks in front of the children!”

Lu Miaohuan lightly punched Lu Changsheng, though her beautiful eyes were filled with joy.

Creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere, Lu Changsheng told everyone everything would be fine before leaving Bihu Mountain with Lu Wangshu to head to the Azure Cloud Sect.

At that moment, the Azure Cloud Sect was bustling with activity.

At the mountain gate, just like when Lu Changsheng had previously sent Lu Qingxian, Lu Chensha, and others to participate in the frontier war, the area was filled with cultivators preparing to head to the front lines.

Although the number of people was far lower than the last time, the overall quality was far superior.

At a glance, most cultivators were from the Foundation Establishment stage.

Lu Changsheng recognized many familiar faces.

The Jin Patriarch of Jinlong Ridge, Jin Zan; the Sima Family Patriarch, Sima Tai, who was once suppressed by Ling Zixiao and Lu Ping’an; Lu Muping from Qingzhu Mountain; and Bai Yunyang, the Bai Family Ancestor from Hundred Bird Lake.

“It’s really a full mobilization. If anything goes wrong, many families could decline or even be wiped out.”

Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.

But then, this mobilization was like raising troops for a thousand days and using them at a critical moment.

Usually, the Azure Cloud Sect was lenient with the families under its rule, but when the need arose, refusal was not an option.

“Muping meets with Uncle.”

“Greetings, True Person Changsheng!”

“Greetings, True Person Changsheng and Fairy Talisman.”

Upon seeing Lu Changsheng arrive, many quickly bowed respectfully and came forward to greet him.

They couldn’t refuse such urgent recruitment. Having no choice, they came to follow orders, with little understanding or assurance of the situation at the front lines.

At this time, they thought that it might be beneficial to get close to Lu Changsheng, the True Person of Golden Core Formation. If things went awry, he might offer some protection.

Seeing that Lu Changsheng brought his beloved daughter Lu Wangshu with him, many breathed a sigh of relief, believing that the battlefield wouldn’t be too intense.

Otherwise, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t have brought Lu Wangshu along.

“Muping, Daoist Bai.”

Lu Changsheng nodded to some familiar faces.

The Sima Family Patriarch, upon seeing Lu Changsheng, quietly withdrew.

“True Person Changsheng.”

A moment later, the Golden Core cultivator in charge here approached Lu Changsheng, exchanging polite greetings.

Although cultivators like Lu Changsheng, born in influential families, were not usually taken seriously by them.

However, since he was married to Xiao Xiyue, and was a Talisman Master who could craft top-tier Third-Tier Talismans, he was worth befriending.

“Greetings, Teacher.”

Due to the previous Daoist ceremony, Lu Wangshu recognized most of the Golden Core cultivators in the Azure Cloud Sect. She greeted them politely and sweetly when she saw them.

“Wangshu has come as well.”

The Golden Core cultivator smiled.

Even though this frontier war might not be that intense, it still held a fair share of dangers.

His impression of Lu Changsheng improved, believing that the Lu Family was fully supporting their Azure Cloud Sect.

Lu Changsheng didn’t linger long. After a few chats, he took Lu Wangshu to Caiyun Peak to find Xiao Xiyue.

“Wangshu!”

Xiao Xiyue was a bit surprised to see her daughter arrive.

But after thinking for a moment, she felt it was a good opportunity.

On one hand, it would let her daughter gain some experience.

On the other hand, if her daughter performed well, she could help transfer her own contributions to her daughter and allow her to exchange them for Natural Treasures or even a Condensing Crystal Pill.

However, she still advised her daughter to be extra careful at the front lines.

Over these days, Xiao Xiyue had learned about the frontier war details and the situation at the front lines through the Azure Cloud Sect.

“Mother, don’t worry!”

Lu Wangshu chuckled.

With her father accompanying her, she didn’t think there was any danger.

“Hehe.”

Lu Changsheng watched the mother-daughter pair, a faint smile on his face.

Only when with the two of them did Xiao Xiyue show her softer side.

However, if Xiao Xiyue found out about her daughter’s actions in Da Mengze, even daring to provoke a Demon King, she might react differently.

Two days later, the Azure Cloud Sect’s warship was ready to depart for the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

Lu Changsheng, Xiao Xiyue, and Lu Wangshu boarded the spirit ship.

Those like them, who were Golden Core cultivators, had luxurious rooms and didn’t need to squeeze in with others.

“Hmm?”

At that moment, Lu Changsheng noticed a tall man with gray hair on his temples, clad in a black and yellow cloak.

The man also happened to be looking at Lu Changsheng.

As their gazes crossed in the air, an invisible pressure formed.

“True Person Changsheng, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

The man’s expression remained neutral as he spoke to Lu Changsheng in a calm tone, but with a presence that exerted pressure.

“Greetings, True Person Xu.”

Lu Changsheng recognized him.

He was the Golden Core Patriarch of the Beast Taming Xu Family.

It was Lu Changsheng’s first time seeing the Xu Family Patriarch.

Although the man appeared in his forties or fifties, seemingly in his prime.

Lu Changsheng knew that this man was over four hundred years old with not much time left.

“The news of the Wang Family Patriarch’s passing probably can’t be hidden any longer.”

At that moment, Lu Changsheng thought of the Five Elements Wang Family Patriarch.

His condition was far worse than that of the Xu Family Patriarch.

The elder had used some secret technique to pretend to be in better health to attend his Daoist ceremony with Xiao Xiyue at the Azure Cloud Sect.

But it’s very likely that he passed away shortly after returning.

Considering it was during the frontier war and that the Wang Family wouldn’t announce such news publicly.

As long as the Wang Family Patriarch’s death wasn’t confirmed, those coveting the Wang Family wouldn’t dare to act.

But now, with the Jiang Kingdom’s emergency conscription, the news of the Wang Family Patriarch’s death would be hard to conceal.

“Truly, new talents replace the old. True Person Changsheng, you’ve truly made this old man’s eyes open wide. Your future is boundless.”

The Xu Family Patriarch’s gaze was deep and sharp, like a pair of cold and piercing beast eyes, carrying an imposing aura.

“Hehe, you flatter me, True Person Xu. I’ve only just formed my Golden Core, far beyond the glory of yours. The road ahead is still long.”

Lu Changsheng responded calmly, unaffected by the other’s gaze and aura.

Though, the Xu Family Patriarch indeed had a presence, as though a Demon King was standing before him.

Had it been a newly formed Golden Core cultivator, they might have been overwhelmed by his aura.

Without saying another word, the Xu Family Patriarch calmly entered his room.

“Changsheng.”

Xiao Xiyue noticed that this Xu Family Patriarch was not friendly.

“It’s nothing.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and didn’t take it to heart.

Though the Xu Family Patriarch had some skill, he could easily kill him with one slap.

However, as long as the man didn’t seek death, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t act recklessly.

On one hand, it might bring unnecessary trouble.

On the other hand, the Beast Taming Xu Family could help ease the pressure on them in the Qingyun Region.

“That Xu Family Patriarch was so fierce.”

After entering the room, Lu Wangshu quietly commented.

She couldn’t even meet his gaze just now.

“The Xu Family is famous for Beast Taming. Naturally, their cultivation technique revolves around it. Reaching this level would naturally give one a bit of a Demon King’s appearance.”

Lu Changsheng explained with a smile.

This ability has its uses.

Just like the bloodline suppression among monsters, his son Lu Qingshan’s sword intent, or his son Lu Lingxiao’s celestial aura.

In battle, this kind of gaze and aura is enough to weaken the opponent.

“This True Person Changsheng is not simple!”

“For someone to form a Golden Core before a hundred and almost reach a half-step Golden Core stage, it’s not a minor feat.”

“Longterm study of the Talisman Making and spirit patterns strengthens one’s spirit, and Lu Changsheng has just formed his Golden Core, yet he can already craft top-tier Third-Tier Talismans, which suggests that in his early years, he obtained some treasure to enhance his spirit.”

The brief encounter between Lu Changsheng and the Xu Family Patriarch did not escape the attention of several Golden Core and False Core cultivators from the Azure Cloud Sect.

As cultivators of the Azure Cloud Sect, they were naturally pleased to see the Lu and Xu Families at odds.

However, Lu Changsheng’s composure did surprise them.

After all, it had only been five years since he broke through to Golden Core Formation.

For a newly formed Golden Core to stand his ground against an old Golden Core cultivator like the Xu Family Patriarch was rather impressive.

With Lu Wangshu as the third wheel, Lu Changsheng spent his time teaching his daughter about Talisman Making techniques and crafting some Third-Tier Talismans himself.

“Hiss…”

Lu Wangshu was astounded, watching her father draw talisman lines on the talisman paper as if it were second nature, leaving her in disbelief.

Though she was a Third-Tier Talisman Master, after all these years, she could only create lower-Tier Third-Level Talismans, and her success rate was limited.

After completing one talisman, she usually needed a long time to rest.

But her father was like an emotionless Talisman-making machine.

Within just fifteen minutes, he completed a mid-Tier Third-Level Talisman.

He even crafted seven or eight talismans in one go without showing any signs of fatigue.

It’s important to note that Talisman Making consumes a lot of mental energy.

Many Talisman Masters experience premature aging or even early death due to excessive talisman crafting.

“Crafting talismans heavily taxes one’s mind and spirit. Even Golden Core cultivators with strong spirits would struggle to craft talismans so tirelessly!”

“Hmph, that sneaky dad of mine still insists he’s not a Nascent Soul True Lord!”

Lu Wangshu pursed her lips slightly, thinking to herself that she had spotted a loophole in her father’s words.

Beside her, Xiao Xiyue was also amazed by Lu Changsheng’s Talisman-making efficiency.

As a Golden Core cultivator, and with her husband and daughter being Talisman Masters, she had some understanding of Talisman Making.

She knew it was not only difficult to master but also incredibly draining.

“What are you daydreaming about now?”

Lu Changsheng raised his Talisman Pen, exhaled lightly, and flicked his daughter’s white forehead upon noticing her mind wandering.

“Father, I told you not to flick my forehead! It’s your fault I haven’t advanced to mid-Tier Third-Level Talisman Master yet!”

Lu Wangshu immediately retorted, then clung to her mother, Xiao Xiyue, complaining, “Mother, Father keeps knocking on my head! I think he’s making me stupid!”

“Haha, and now you’re blaming me? You just play around all day.”

Lu Changsheng laughed and signaled her to pay attention to the spirit patterns of the Nine-Nine Mysterious Talisman Scripture.

Xiao Xiyue, usually so cold and aloof, smiled tenderly as she listened.

It had been a long time since the three of them had enjoyed such a heartwarming moment as a family.