Chapter 605: Should I Call You Changsheng Realman or Yangming Realman?

“This is the Sunset Glow Sect’s Flame Light Realman.”

Next to him, Xiao Xiyue introduced to Lu Changsheng through voice transmission.

“So it’s Flame Light Realman. I’ve long heard of you.”

Lu Changsheng was unsure what this person wanted, but still smiled and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

“You and Xiyue Fairy have become Dao companions. The deep affection between you two is truly enviable.”

The visitor gazed at Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue standing side by side, reflecting on this sentiment with envy.

“?”

Lu Changsheng sensed something different in that statement.

Flame Light Realman smiled warmly and continued, “I’ve heard Changsheng Realman is a talisman cultivator, a Third-Tier Talisman Master. I, Jiang, have also achieved some minor success in Talisman Making, so I wanted to have a friendly exchange with you.”

“A friendly exchange? My skill in Talisman Making is insignificant, and I’ve only recently broken through to Golden Core Formation. I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you, Flame Light Realman.”

Lu Changsheng declined calmly.

It was a bit presumptuous to ask for a duel at the first meeting with someone you’ve never met before.

However, he could sense that this person harbored no ill intentions, only a hint of competitiveness.

“Could it be that this person used to admire Xiyue?”

Considering his tone and demeanor, Lu Changsheng guessed in his mind.

Xiao Xiyue, being a disciple of Caiyun Zhenren and a famous fairy of the Azure Cloud Sect, naturally attracted admiration from other sect members.

“Changsheng Realman is modest. To become a Dao companion with Xiyue Fairy is no simple matter, not to mention that I heard that during your Foundation Establishment, your Talisman Making ability was superior to False Core practitioners.

I’ve only been in Golden Core Formation for twenty years. If we have more friendly exchanges, it might benefit our cultivation.”

Flame Light Realman continued, his tone calm and sincere.

“You flatter me. Those are just rumors.”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand, showing no interest.

If the other party were a female cultivator asking for a friendly discussion, Old Ancestor Lu might even be willing to fully share his experiences in Talisman Making.

But a male cultivator, who could very well be his wife’s former admirer, held absolutely no interest for him.

He then cupped his hands slightly and indicated that he had matters to attend to, leaving with Xiao Xiyue.

Seeing this, Jiang Yanguang did not persist any further.

He had come to seek a friendly exchange with Lu Changsheng, not as a sycophant or to provoke him to prove himself to Xiao Xiyue.

Although he was somewhat displeased and confused as to why Xiao Xiyue would choose a clan cultivator like Lu Changsheng as her Dao companion, he didn’t intend to offend Lu Changsheng or alienate Xiao Xiyue because of it.

His visit was partly to make contact with Lu Changsheng and partly to probe his relationship with the Five Elements Wang Family.

In recent years, the Five Elements Wang Family and the Heavenly Talisman Lu Family had grown increasingly close.

Before his death, the Wang Family Patriarch even personally went to the Azure Cloud Sect to congratulate Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue on their Dao companion ceremony. Something was definitely off.

After all, the two families were quite far apart. Where did the connection come from?

Based on the intelligence of the Sunset Glow Sect, the Wang Family and Lu Family might have formed some sort of cooperation.

Although the details were unclear, with Lu Changsheng now backing the Azure Cloud Sect, it was unlikely that they would let anyone fish in troubled waters under the Sunset Glow Sect’s jurisdiction.

Even if the Five Elements Wang Family were to be wiped out, they would divide the spoils with the other forces under the Sunset Glow Sect’s jurisdiction.

If any outside force tried to interfere and grab the benefits, they shouldn’t blame the Sunset Glow Sect for showing no mercy.

“This person also participated in the exploration of the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm.”

After leaving the meeting hall, Xiao Xiyue softly explained to Lu Changsheng through voice transmission.

She, too, suspected that Jiang Yanguang’s approach earlier had something to do with her.

“Hehe, my Xiyue really has great charm.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, gently holding her soft, fair hand, unconcerned.

All of his wives and Dao companions were goddesses or fairies in the eyes of others. If he got jealous over every little thing, it would be endless.

Besides, their child was already this big. What was there to be jealous about?

Not far away, wearing a blue and white palace robe, Chu Qingyi, who had a cold and heroic temperament, couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of envy when she saw the two of them looking like a celestial couple.

“Daoist, care to have a chat?”

Just as Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue were talking, a clear, deep, and slightly magnetic woman’s voice suddenly echoed in his ears.

Qingluan Zhenren!

Lu Changsheng’s heart tightened. The instant the voice and the divine sense fluctuations reached him, he recognized its owner.

“It looks like my cover is finally blown and I’ve been recognized.”

Back then, when he traveled with his wives, Qu Zhenzhen and Lu Miaohuan, he had disguised himself, but it wasn’t a highly effective disguise.

A Core Formation Realman using eye techniques or divine abilities could easily see through it, not to mention Qingluan Zhenren.

He had mentally prepared for this and wasn’t panicking. He turned to Xiao Xiyue and said, “Xiyue, I have some matters to attend to. I’m going to meet a friend.”

“Alright.”

Xiao Xiyue understood that Lu Changsheng had his own social circle.

Just like back then when the Wang Family Patriarch even gave Lu Changsheng two top-grade Magical Treasures as gifts.

A moment later, Lu Changsheng arrived at a valley with a formation.

After passing through it, he saw an elegant young gentleman drinking alone.

Although he had just met Qingluan Zhenren not long ago, seeing her again, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but feel a moment of amazement.

It wasn’t that Qingluan Zhenren was incomparably beautiful.

In terms of looks and temperament, Hong Lian wasn’t inferior to Qingluan Zhenren and might even surpass her slightly.

But seeing her dressed in men’s clothing, gracefully sipping wine, she exuded a unique beauty.

Cool and proud, full of charisma, and yet exuding an enchanting charm.

Especially her well-defined features, eyes as bright as stars, and the faint aloofness in her expression, which made people feel awe yet compelled them to admire her.

Of course, although her beauty was striking, Old Ancestor Lu had seen many beauties in his time. He showed no reaction on his face and simply cupped his hands in greeting, “Greetings, Qingluan Zhenren.”

“I’m not sure whether I should address you as Changsheng Realman, Yangming Zhenren, or… Lord Wang.”

Qingluan Zhenren finished the wine in her cup, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly.

“Damn!”

Lu Changsheng hadn’t expected his identity as the Lord of the Immortal City of Da Mengze to be exposed as well.

He hadn’t appeared much as Wang Lin, except during the confrontation with Meng Wuhen. Other than that, he’d barely shown his face.

Moreover, with the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus disrupting divination, it should have been impossible to deduce his identity.

“At this moment, I am naturally Changsheng Realman.”

Even though this was likely a probe, being found out meant there was no point in hiding it.

Besides, since she had invited him in private, it was unlikely that she wanted to dwell on his identity and turn him into an enemy.

“True, a name is just a label. Daoist Changsheng, please have a seat.”

Qingluan Zhenren extended an invitation with a casual yet refined gesture, addressing him as Daoist in a friendly and open manner.

Lu Changsheng wasn’t shy and sat opposite her, asking, “May I ask what business Zhenjun has summoned me for?”

“I just happened to see you and invited you over for a chat.”

Qingluan Zhenren poured a cup of wine for Lu Changsheng and said, “If I have disturbed you, please forgive me.”

Lu Changsheng took a small sip, instantly feeling an intense heat surge in his belly, spreading to all his limbs.

This was a Fourth-Tier strong wine.

If it weren’t for his late Third-Tier physique, an average Golden Core Formation cultivator wouldn’t be able to endure this strong drink and would need to sit down and meditate to refine it, or else they’d be knocked out after just one cup.

However, despite this, the wine stirred a slight ripple in the Spiritual Energy sealed within his Nine Treasures Dao Bone.

“Strong, pure, fragrant, mellow—this is excellent wine.”

Although Lu Changsheng didn’t particularly like strong wine and typically drank more spirit fruit wine, he still praised it.

“This wine is quite strong; you might not be used to it.”

Qingluan Zhenren smiled, surprised by Lu Changsheng’s Spiritual Energy concealing technique, which made it impossible even for her to gauge his strength.

He appeared to be at the first stage of Golden Core Formation, yet he calmly drank her ‘Qing Flame Brew’.

“Indeed, it’s a bit strong. Would you like to try some of my spirit wine?”

Lu Changsheng suggested, taking out a jar of Fourth-Tier spirit fruit wine from his Heaven and Earth Binding Shadow Belt.

He had obtained a lot of Fourth-Tier spirit wine back in the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus.

Since he rarely drank wine and the others in his household couldn’t handle Fourth-Tier spirit wine, most of it was still left.

As soon as the cover was removed, a dazzling amber light shone, and a rich aroma filled the air.

At that moment, the valley was filled with the fragrant smell of the wine, and even the plants and trees seemed to become more vibrant and refreshed.

“I didn’t expect Daoist Changsheng to be a wine lover as well?”

Qingluan Zhenren was slightly surprised to see Lu Changsheng casually take out a jar of Fourth-Tier wine.

This wine was already better than her Qing Flame Brew, likely near the middle-grade of Fourth-Tier.

Judging by its rich and fragrant aroma, the materials used weren’t top-tier Fourth-Tier, but the wine was made through fermentation, which meant it had been aged for hundreds or even thousands of years.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a wine lover, but I do enjoy the occasional drink or two.”

At this moment, Lu Changsheng was in a relaxed state of mind, treating Qingluan Zhenren as a peer. He lightly tapped the jar and poured her a cup of the wine.

“Impressive. Daoist Changsheng’s wine has a unique taste. What is it called?”

Qingluan Zhenren tasted Lu Changsheng’s wine. It was as sweet as nectar, intoxicating yet with a spicy kick that stimulated her taste buds and nourished her body and soul.

“Bodhi Brew.”

Lu Changsheng immediately came up with a name, then poured himself a cup and casually asked, “How did you identify me as the Lord of the Immortal City of Da Mengze, Daoist Qingluan?”

“It was just a guess.”

Qingluan Zhenren sipped her wine and explained, “I know a little about techniques for divining one’s fate. Yangming Zhenren and the new lord of the Immortal City of Da Mengze both have mysterious origins, with their fates shrouded in chaos and emptiness, yet both are extraordinarily powerful.

It would be impossible for multiple top-tier Golden Core Formation cultivators to emerge simultaneously in Jiang Kingdom, so I guessed they were the same person.”

She had another reason she didn’t mention.

She had gone to the Immortal City of Da Mengze with her Qingluan and sensed the faint aura of the Golden-Winged Roc through a Secret Technique.

Spirit Beasts are highly sensitive to auras.

Having nurtured Qingluan to this stage, along with a troop of Qingluan Dao Soldiers, she was undoubtedly a top-tier Beast Taming expert with techniques in this area.

“You’re truly skilled at probing.”

Lu Changsheng realized that the chaotic fate would indeed make someone suspicious.

Anyone could make the connection between Yangming Zhenren and the Lord of Da Mengze after a rough divination and conclude they were the same person.

“It seems I’ve been careless.”

Lu Changsheng praised her, pouring another cup of wine.

To reach where she was today as an unaffiliated cultivator, Qingluan Zhenren had to be formidable in both strength and talent.

Compared to these Nascent Soul True Lords, he was still lacking in experience and accumulation.

Qingluan Zhenren looked at the refilled cup and casually asked, “I wonder what Daoist’s plans are during this trip?”

“I’m just a small cultivator who recently broke through to Golden Core Formation, here to answer the call.”

Lu Changsheng replied softly.

Although this opening battle was significant for the Jiang Kingdom, he wasn’t particularly interested. He just wanted to stay safe and lie low.

“That’s a pity. If you’re interested, you could reap some rewards from this battle.”

Regarding the matter of the Celestial Phoenix True Feather, she had already considered Lu Changsheng as a potential ally.

So she wanted to increase contact with him, then discuss a possible cooperation.

“Isn’t this battle already in the bag?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.

“The Venomous Dragon Pool, a Fourth-Tier spiritual land, will eventually fall under the jurisdiction of Qingluan Immortal City.”

“Therefore, my Qingluan Immortal City must be the main force in this battle. If you could represent Qingluan Immortal City and ease our pressure, I would ensure you’re duly rewarded.”

Qingluan Zhenren said earnestly.

Having broken through to Nascent Soul, Qingluan Immortal City’s spiritual land was no longer sufficient for her.

Naturally, her collaboration with the Heavenly Sword Sect in conquering new territory had some ulterior motives.

“Well now.”

Lu Changsheng had long suspected that Qingluan Zhenren had made some deal with the Heavenly Sword Sect, but he hadn’t expected the Venomous Dragon Pool to go entirely to Qingluan Immortal City.

He pondered for a moment, “What about the allocation of the two-headed Flood Dragon?”

If there was anything he wanted from this battle, it would naturally be the two-headed Flood Dragon of the Venomous Dragon Pool.

Although the two-headed Flood Dragon and the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale didn’t have entirely compatible attributes, as a Fourth-Tier dragon-type monster king, feeding it to the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale might upgrade it to a Splitting-Sea Profound Dragon Whale!

“The two-headed Flood Dragon belongs to the Heavenly Sword Sect.”

Qingluan Zhenren replied directly.

Then noticing his expression, she asked, “Are you interested in the two-headed Flood Dragon?”

“Indeed, I plan to refine a Magical Treasure, but I’m short of Fourth-Tier dragon-type materials.”

Lu Changsheng answered candidly.

If Qingluan Zhenren could help him acquire the two-headed Flood Dragon, he wouldn’t mind putting Yangming Zhenren back in action.

However, Fourth-Tier Flood Dragons were rare treasures, and merely employing Yangming Zhenren’s strength wouldn’t suffice.

“If you’re willing to help, I could arrange for you to exchange for some of the dragon’s essence blood, or a couple of materials from the two-headed Flood Dragon.”

Qingluan Zhenren sipped her wine gracefully, expressing goodwill.

Although the two-headed Flood Dragon belonged to the Heavenly Sword Sect, it wouldn’t be difficult to trade some of its essence blood, scales, claws, or tendons.

“What if I wanted to trade for the two-headed Flood Dragon’s Monster Core? What would the cost be?”

Lu Changsheng inquired.

After his experience with the black dragon essence, Lu Changsheng knew that for the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale to evolve, essence blood and flesh alone wouldn’t suffice. A Fourth-Tier dragon-type Monster Core would be necessary!

If he could obtain that Monster Core and upgrade the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale, he would be willing to pay the price.

“The two-headed Flood Dragon’s Monster Core…”

Qingluan Zhenren was stunned by his appetite.

One should know that the Monster Core is among the most valuable materials on a monster king!

For a two-headed Flood Dragon with Heaven-Tier bloodline, a Fourth-Tier Monster King, its Monster Core was exceedingly precious.

“A Fourth-Tier Monster Core is impossible to price.”

Qingluan Zhenren shook her head slightly.

But after pondering for a moment while looking at Lu Changsheng, she said, “If you’re willing to pay the price, I can help you broker that deal.”

“But once the deal is made, one of the three favors you owe me will be considered fulfilled.”

Qingluan Zhenren stated.

After obtaining the Celestial Phoenix True Feather from Lu Changsheng, she owed him three favors, and she intended to repay them as soon as possible.

“Alright, then I’ll trouble you to ask for the price.”

Lu Changsheng replied with a smile.

Although he didn’t have many treasures to trade for a Fourth-Tier Monster Core, he could probably scrape together something.

If not, he could always use one of the three favors he had yet to collect from Qingluan Zhenren.