Chapter 600: The Rules of the Pioneering War, Visiting the Lu Family Disciples!

A month later, the Azure Cloud Spirit Ship arrived at the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, the Azure Cloud Sect’s forward base.

During the journey, Lu Changsheng had already gained detailed knowledge of this pioneering war.

According to True Lord Xuanjian from the Heavenly Sword Sect, the goal of this war was to carve out a thousand miles of mountain range within the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, eventually pushing toward the territory of the Fourth-Tier Demon King, the ‘Two-Headed Flood Dragon’.

When the time comes, True Lord Xuanjian, True Sword, and Qingluan Zhenren will handle the Two-Headed Flood Dragon.

“So this is the impact of the pioneering war?”

Lu Changsheng, alongside Xiao Xiyue and their daughter Lu Wangshu, stepped out of the spirit ship, overlooking the vast mountain ranges below.

The landscape looked somewhat similar to when he came here years ago, yet it was entirely different.

Using the Taiyi Soul and Fiery-Eyes, Lu Changsheng observed the dense blood aura, killing intent, and evil power suffusing the mountain range.

War inherently comes with mass slaughter!

This pioneering war swept across the mountains, obliterating everything in its path, leaving behind countless acts of massacre.

This is one reason why the Four Great Immortal Sects and Qingluan Immortal City conscripted Jiang Kingdom’s cultivators and roaming cultivators to participate.

Besides training soldiers, reducing pressure, and countering beast tides, another significant reason was to spread the enormous karmic burden across all cultivators.

“Is this really the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range?”

Lu Wangshu couldn’t perceive the evil power and killing intent in the mountains ahead.

She only felt that the scene before her was very different from the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range she had read about in books.

It lacked vitality, with few spirit beasts in sight, and the air carried hints of decay and blood.

“Most of the spirit beasts here have been cleared out; this land now belongs to Jiang Kingdom.”

“Once the pioneering war is over, we will dispatch geomancers, formation masters, and array masters to reshape the mountains, cleanse the evil energy and poisonous miasma, cultivate spiritual fields and lands, establish formations, and defensive measures, turning barren wilderness into fertile land, and relocating low-level cultivators and mortals here.”

Xiao Xiyue explained to her daughter.

Although the pioneering war lasts only a few years,

It’s a century-long project, requiring a prolonged recovery and development phase after the initial sweep!

This is the real crux of the pioneering war!

“Okay.”

Lu Wangshu nodded thoughtfully.

After arriving at the forward base, the Azure Cloud Sect leader gathered Lu Changsheng, Xiao Xiyue, and the other Golden Core and False Core cultivators to meet with the person in charge at the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

The person currently in command of the Azure Cloud Sect’s front line is none other than the Sect’s Grand Elder.

This alone showed how dire the front-line situation was.

“Greetings, Grand Elder.”

This was Lu Changsheng’s second time meeting this Grand Elder.

During his Dao celebration with Xiao Xiyue, the elder had generously gifted them two magical treasures and a Dual Cultivation Secret Method.

“Alright, since everyone is here, I won’t waste any time. Let’s get straight to the tasks ahead.”

Seeing everyone present, the Grand Elder immediately entered the council hall and briefed them on the situation.

The area that the Azure Cloud Sect is responsible for still has about five Third-Tier Demon Kings, and these must be dealt with by Golden Core cultivators!

Additionally, True Lord Xuanjian has requested an acceleration of the pace, so False Core cultivators are now required to fully engage on the front lines.

Unlike before, where False Core cultivators mostly stayed at the rear, resolving unexpected issues when they arose.

“During the pioneering war, for every spirit beast slain, you will be awarded corresponding war credits. The higher the rank and the more you slay, the more rewards you will receive. Detailed information will be provided for you to review later.”

“Pills, Artifacts, techniques, and various Natural Treasures can all be exchanged for war credits. Even when the war is over, war credits from our Four Great Immortal Sects can be used interchangeably for exchanges.”

“However, rare strategic resources, such as high-grade magical treasures, Condensing Crystal Pills, and Third-Tier Breaking Stage Pills, are limited, so in the end, eligibility to redeem them will be based on your war credits.”

After finishing his briefing on the situation, the Grand Elder then explained the reward system.

If this war didn’t have rewards, it wouldn’t just be Lu Changsheng and the Xu Family Elder’s subordinate family forces who would object.

Even the Azure Cloud Sect’s own cultivators would have their discontent.

Hearing the mention of Condensing Crystal Pills and Third-Tier Breaking Stage Pills, the cultivators present couldn’t help but feel excited.

Major family forces like the Xu Family Elder, Jin Patriarch, and Sima Family Elder all hoped to earn a Condensing Crystal Pill.

Many Azure Cloud Sect disciples were also desperate for a Condensing Crystal Pill.

After all, everyone had juniors.

Even though they were elders of the Azure Cloud Sect, they couldn’t guarantee that their juniors could secure a Condensing Crystal Pill or that a single Condensing Crystal Pill would ensure a breakthrough.

Throughout the process, the Grand Elder showed full respect to the cultivators present, asking them if they had any opinions or suggestions.

These people were considered the Azure Cloud Sect’s elite force. They were given some courtesy to motivate them.

The cultivators present were sensible and mostly raised minor issues, without proposing any major demands.

Lu Changsheng kept his responses reserved, not expressing any opinions.

He now considered himself half a member of the Azure Cloud Sect and didn’t want to cause trouble for his allies.

Although some of the family forces present hoped Lu Changsheng and the Xu Family Elder would represent them to fight for more benefits, both remained silent.

“Changsheng Zhenren and Nephew Xiyue just recently broke through to the Golden Core stage, so their divine abilities and magical treasures are not yet mature. Therefore, I won’t assign you specific tasks for now. You will act as free agents on the battlefield, using your judgment to support struggling teams.”

The Grand Elder then began assigning responsibilities and tasks.

They were divided into three levels.

First, the besieging of Demon Kings!

Second, the inspection of front-line battle situations and the clearing of ruins and Cave Dwellings.

Third was Lu Changsheng’s type of mission.

Acting as a free agent, solving situations as they arise or taking on certain responsibilities, such as supporting battle formations.

This arrangement was a form of protection for Xiao Xiyue and Lu Changsheng by the Grand Elder.

Tasks like besieging Demon Kings, though with an advantage, still carried a risk of injury if the Demon King retaliated.

The second task seemed simple but was fraught with hidden dangers.

Even Golden Core cultivators and False Core cultivators running out of Spiritual Energy from constantly using their Divine Sense to sweep the area could put a huge strain on their souls.

Moreover, the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range had countless venomous creatures and spirit beasts that could evade Divine Sense detection.

Going on an inspection could lead to unforeseen dangers.

“Yes, Grand Elder.”

Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue nodded in agreement without trying to show off.

Both were newly promoted Golden Core cultivators, so they needed to adapt to the situation first.

After gaining a general understanding, they weren’t in a rush to take on other tasks.

Soon after, everyone in the hall had been assigned a task.

The Xu Family Elder, a Beast Tamer cultivator with a Third-Tier Earth Dragon, was tasked with scouting the front lines and inspecting ruins and Cave Dwellings.

Although the Xu Family was well-suited for Beast Taming, Lu Changsheng still subconsciously suspected that the Azure Cloud Sect might be targeting them.

But faced with such an order, the Xu Family Elder had no choice but to comply.

“Slaying a First-Tier early-stage spirit beast earns one war credit, a mid-stage spirit beast three war credits, a Late-Stage spirit beast ten war credits, while a top-tier spirit beast earns thirty war credits.”

“Slaying a Second-Tier early-stage spirit beast grants one hundred war credits.”

“Slaying a Third-Tier early-stage Demon King rewards you with a hundred thousand war credits.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at the Jade Slip, which outlined the calculation of war credits and the different techniques, pills, and Artifacts that could be exchanged.

There was also a note stating that if someone managed to slay a Third-Tier Demon King on their own, they would be given priority to exchange for strategic resources.

“In that case, getting a Condensing Crystal Pill doesn’t seem that hard; you just have to kill a Demon King.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

He considered the possibility that, in an unexpected encounter, he might manage to slay a Demon King using his Talisman Formation.

But he decided to assess the situation on the front lines first.

After the meeting ended, Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue took their war commands and headed to the front line with their daughter Lu Wangshu.

Other Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators who had been sent over were also assigned to various front-line outposts by the Azure Cloud Sect’s disciples.

Upon reaching the front line, they could sense the heavy atmosphere.

The cultivators stationed at the outposts were filled with killing intent and aggression.

Many also looked exhausted, some even injured.

The pioneering war had been going on for over three years.

Those who had arrived in the first wave had already been through three years of slaughter. Each one was a seasoned veteran, naturally covered in killing intent and aggression.

Lu Wangshu, witnessing this, felt the harshness of war.

“Daoist Luo, my Lu Family had many disciples arrive in the first wave. I’d like to visit them. Would that be convenient?”

Lu Changsheng decided to visit Lu Qingxian, Lu Chensha, and the other Lu Family disciples.

Unknowingly, they had been involved in the pioneering war for three and a half years.

Now that he was here, he should pay them a visit.

“Of course it’s convenient. I’ll check which units your noble family’s disciples are in after I’m done here and take you to them.”

The Azure Cloud Sect’s Golden Core cultivator in charge of the front line responded politely.

If it were any other cultivator, he might not have bothered.

But with someone like Lu Changsheng, a Golden Core cultivator, making the request, he readily agreed to help.

Out of respect for Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue, he even offered to arrange for Lu Wangshu to join them in their actions or place her in a suitable unit.

While the pioneering war was fair, personal connections still mattered everywhere.

For example, when Lu Qingxian, Lu Chensha, and others arrived early, Immortal Baiyun took care of their unit assignment, giving them a slight advantage.

“Much appreciated, Daoist Luo.”

Since Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue were still considered free agents, they arranged for Lu Wangshu to be a free agent as well.

They politely handed over two Third-Tier talismans.

“You’re too kind, Changsheng Zhenren.”

The Golden Core cultivator thought to himself that Lu Changsheng, a High-Tier Talisman Master, was indeed generous.

Even Golden Core cultivators couldn’t casually purchase Third-Tier talismans; it required time and effort.

Seeing Lu Changsheng being so courteous, he reciprocated by arranging a favorable unit for the Qingzhu Mountain group during the personnel assignment.

Once things were sorted out, Daoist Luo led Lu Changsheng to see Lu Qingxian, Lu Chensha, and the others.

Since Immortal Baiyun had looked out for them earlier, the Lu Family disciples were placed in nearby units.

To avoid any mistakes, he checked their status beforehand.

Knowing that all the Lu Family disciples had performed well and were in good condition reassured him.

A moment later, Lu Changsheng saw Lu Qingxian, Lu Qingze, Lu Xinghuo, and two other Guest Cultivators.

“Father!?”

“Father, Wangshu, why are you here?!”

“Greetings to the Patriarch!”

They were all surprised but delighted to see Lu Changsheng and Lu Wangshu.

“I came to check on you.”

After over three years of honing themselves, their appearances and auras had changed significantly; there was now a certain fierceness and resolve in their expressions.

“Where are Chensha, Yunfei, and Ziyun?”

Noticing some people were missing, Lu Changsheng asked.

“Chensha took on a front-line clearing task and hasn’t returned yet. Yunfei and Ziyun were badly injured earlier and are currently recuperating at the rear.”

Lu Qingxian promptly explained.

War is cruel.

Even though they were well-prepared with pills, talismans, Artifacts, and puppets and received some preferential assignments from the Azure Cloud Sect, avoiding the most dangerous tasks.

Over the past three years, they still suffered numerous injuries, big and small.

Almost all the pills and talismans they brought had been used up.

“You’ve all worked hard these past years.”

Lu Changsheng could see that they were exhausted, likely having just experienced a battle.

In this pioneering war, it was hard to find peace either physically or mentally.

After each stage of the war, they still had to remain vigilant against counterattacks from spirit beasts, checking for any remaining spirit beasts, venomous creatures, or other dangers, keeping them constantly on edge.

Even during their rest periods, it was difficult to relax.

After hearing about their years of experience, Lu Changsheng understood, despite their brief explanations, the true brutality of it all, which even Lu Wangshu could sense.

He knew that their survival was partly due to Immortal Baiyun’s early care and partly because of their careful preparations and mutual support.

For instance, Lu Xinghuo’s leg was once shattered, and Lu Yunfei’s internal organs were almost torn open.

Ordinary cultivators might not have survived or would be permanently crippled.

Yet, with their brothers by their side, they could be saved immediately.

The Lu Family disciples had also come prepared with numerous high-quality pills.

Lu Changsheng checked their conditions closely.

Lu Xinghuo’s leg still bore hidden injuries that hadn’t fully healed.

If not adequately treated, it might affect his future chances of achieving Golden Core or even Late-Stage Foundation Establishment.

It wasn’t just him; both Lu Qingxian and Lu Qingze had hidden wounds too.

Continued accumulation of such injuries could lead to severe ailments, making breakthroughs difficult or shortening their lifespan.

“Even though the Four Great Immortal Sects hold the advantage in this pioneering war, they’re still using cultivators’ bodies and lives to push forward.”

“But that’s the nature of cultivation. Many join these wars, but only a few will rise above. Most will either die or be left with lingering injuries, crippling their growth.”

Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly and handed them a storage bag filled with materials he had prepared beforehand.

He then went with Lu Qingxian to visit Lu Yunfei, Lu Ziyun, and the other seriously injured Lu Family disciples.

Normally, Lu Qingxian wouldn’t have been allowed to leave his unit casually.

But with Lu Changsheng present, it wasn’t an issue.

Lu Changsheng checked on the conditions of Lu Yunfei, Lu Ziyun, and the other injured Lu Family disciples.

Their injuries were severe, requiring a long period of recuperation.

Although the Azure Cloud Sect had healers, they only performed basic treatments and wouldn’t expend too many spiritual herbs to fully heal anyone.

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng provided some medical assistance.

His Yin-Yang Creation Sutra could be converted into the Baoding Medicine King Scripture, and he was skilled in healing techniques.

“Thank you, Father!”

“Thank you, Grandfather!”

The Lu Family disciples expressed sincere gratitude, feeling safer with their father and grandfather around.

“Within two years, this war will end, and the family will reward you all handsomely.”

Lu Changsheng encouraged them.

Participating in such a war was indeed a valuable opportunity for growth.

After enduring the trials of war, these Lu Family disciples would become the core strength of the family.

Since the Azure Cloud Sect’s battle zone wasn’t the same as the Heavenly Sword Sect’s,

Lu Changsheng’s sons, Lu Lingxiao and Lu Mingfeng, who had joined through Immortal City of Da Mengze’s recommendation, were in a different region, so he couldn’t visit them.

However, he did visit Zhao Qingqing and Lu Xingyue.

As they were in the logistics team, far from the front lines, they were uninjured.

Five days later.

Following the route set by the Azure Cloud Sect, the cultivators continued their advance, the scene was awe-inspiring.

The frontline forces were still made up of numerous Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators, forming battle formations and charging ahead.

But to swiftly end the war, the Azure Cloud Sect had now deployed their warships.

These warships hovered above like immense beasts, gathering spiritual energy.

“Roar, roar, roar——”

The Demon Kings of the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, though not highly intelligent, were not about to sit idle as the human army advanced and knew to rally their forces for a counterattack.

“Boom, boom, boom——”

Talismans, spirit light, Artifacts, and flying swords intertwined with battle formation techniques in the sky, producing deafening blasts.

In such battles, unless you were a False Core cultivator, an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator couldn’t accomplish much.

As free agents, Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue flew through the air, observing the surrounding situations and offering support wherever needed.

“This kind of battle is a blatant burn of wealth.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

Whether it’s the talismans and Artifacts used by the cultivators or the battle formations and spirit ships above, they all consumed large amounts of Spirit Stones.

But after the battle, the materials harvested from the slain spirit beasts would be a huge windfall, more than enough to cover the war expenses of the Four Great Immortal Sects, possibly with a significant profit.

“Everyone, slay the beasts!”

Xiao Xiyue, adorned in a white moonlit dress and exuding an elegant and dignified aura, took out a battle drum spirit tool and struck it with her Spiritual Energy.

This was a spirit tool granted by the Azure Cloud Sect, meant for large-scale battles.

It could amplify a cultivator’s Spiritual Energy, boost morale, and to some extent, suppress the roars and sonic attacks of the spirit beasts.

“Boom, boom, boom——”

The cultivators below heard the sound and looked up. Seeing a Golden Core cultivator holding the rear, their spirits were lifted and they were greatly encouraged.

Recently, they had learned that the sects were bringing in full reinforcements, intending to swiftly end the pioneering war.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!”

With sharp senses, Lu Changsheng spotted a Second-Tier top-tier Shadow Wolf rushing at a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Instantly, he summoned a talisman pen-like magical treasure and struck.

“Puff!”

The talisman pen emitted a radiant light that effortlessly pierced through the body of the Second-Tier top-tier spirit beast.

As the battle grew more intense, Lu Changsheng signaled Xiao Xiyue to take separate actions. They needed to contribute as much as possible.

Fighting together would waste their combat potential.

The same applied to their daughter, Lu Wangshu.

However, Lu Changsheng advised her to stay within a reasonable distance.