Chapter 617: Five Elements Spirit Earth, Late Stage Golden Core!

“Hmm, not bad.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and nodded, not surprised.

Although Lu Quanzhen burned his lifespan potential in his early years to rapidly increase his cultivation, resulting in damaged foundations,

he had almost recovered through the King of the Underworld Technique, Vajra Relic, Xuantian Spirit Vine, and Spiritual Traveling Whale Essence, and had hope of forming the Golden Core.

Afterward, Lu Changsheng even used the Void Kun, the Golden-Winged Roc, and his Chaos Body’s Essence Blood to cleanse the Dao Foundation, perfectly merging the top-tier techniques, ‘Yin-Yang Five Elements Kun Peng Technique’ and ‘Kun Peng Devouring Heaven Demonic Technique’ to form the Kun Peng Demonic Body.

In such circumstances, combined with the Condensing Crystal Pill, Five Elements Spirit Fruit, and Sun-Moon Essence, forming an Immortal Golden Core was only natural.

However, beside him, Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaoge, and Qu henzhen were all quite shocked.

“First-tier Golden Core, Immortal Golden Core!?”

Over the years, Lu Miaoge had already seen maay extraordinary things from Lu Changsheng. After seeing Hong Lian, Meng Xiaochan, and Xiao Xiyue successfully form their cores one after the other, she herself was striving for a High-Tier Golden Core.

But hearing that Lu Quanzhen had formed an Immortal Golden Core still left her shocked and moved.

After all, this was a first-tier Golden Core! Only the absolute geniuses from immortal sects, the prime candidates for Nascent Soul, had any hope of forming an Immortal Golden Core! Even she didn’t dare dream of achieving one, hoping at most for a High-Tier Golden Core.

Looking at Lu Quanzhen in front of her, she couldn’t help but think of her children far away in the Yue Kingdom.

All these years, to say she hadn’t experienced regret, guilt, or remorse wouldn’t be true at all.

If not for her own decisions, her two children wouldn’t have had to leave for another kingdom. After decades apart, it’s been difficult to meet, and now they face the danger of a war between two nations.

“Immortal Golden Core.”

Lu Miaoyun only knew her son hd been recuperating at home while preparing to form his core and had no idea of Lu Quanzhen’s specific situation.

Hearing now that he’d broken through and formed the rumored first-tier Immortal Golden Core stunned her, leaving her surprised and envious.

She envied Qu Zhenzhen for having such a good son.

Even though she’d given birth to five children, only one pair had spirit roots.

Her son, Lu Yun, only broke through to Foundation Establishment thanks to the Heaven and Earth Longevity Technique.

As for her daughter, Lu Yu, she married early. Although her family gifted her a Foundation Establishment Pill, she failed to break through and chose to give up, content with a mundane life.

“Quanzhen, you’ve broken through to form the Golden Core!”

Qu Zhenzhen said joyously.

Though she’d been quite reclusive, she knew well what forming the Golden Core signified.

He had already stepped into the ranks of high-level cultivators and was among the top figures in the Jiang Kingdom.

She never expected her son to become a Golden Core True Person.

In their family, only her husband and Senior Hong Lian had reached the Core Formation stage, right?

“Hmm, I’ve only just broken through recently. I’ve been in seclusion to stabilize my realm these past days, so I haven’t been able to visit you and share the good news.”

Lu Quanzhen clasped his hands in greeting to his mother.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t had time to report the good news, but he felt that revealing the breakthrough was inappropriate for the time being.

His mother couldn’t keep secrets well.

Telling her and asking her not to spread the word, not even to his sister Lu Caizhen, would put her in a tough spot, so it was better to keep silent.

“Quanzhen, now that you’ve broken through to Golden Core, you should consider settling down and starting a family.”

Qu Zhenzhen immediately said with joy.

Although Lu Miaoyun envied her for havig a good son,

she thought Miaoyun’s son, Lu Yun, was even better, as he lived a peaceful life at home and was blessed with many children.

Lu Quanzhen: “…”

Lu Changsheng: “…”

Lu Miaoge: “…””

Lu Miaoyun: “…”

Everyone present could see that someone like Lu Quanzhen, so focused on the Dao, had no thoughts or plans for starting a family, but Qu Zhenzhen, his mother, kept urging him.

“Quanzhen has done exceptionally well. He was the first to reach Foundation Establishment in the family, and now he’s also the first to break through to Golden Core.”

Lu Changsheng spoke up to ease the situation, gently squeezing his wife Qu Zhenzhen’s hand and smiling, “Quanzhen is no longer a child. He has his own thoughts and plans for the future. If he meets someone suitable, it will happen naturally.”

“Moreover, given his accomplishment of forming a Golden Core at this age, few in the entire Jiang Kingdom would be worthy of him.”

As he spoke, they went to sit by the Spirit Eye Spring, where Lu Changsheng asked Lu Quanzhen about his future plans.

Lu Quanzhen was silent for a moment before saying, “I haven’t thought about it yet. I plan to stabilize my realm, cultivate techniques and divine abilities of Golden Core, and then plan my next steps.”

In his early years, he’d thought that after forming the Golden Core, he would visit his uncle, Qu Changge.

On one hand, he wanted to see broader horizons.

On the other hand, he was curious about his uncle’s situation.

However, with his father having invested so much effort into him, now breaking through to Golden Core, how could he leave without contributing anything to the family?

Moreover, he clearly felt that his uncle’s earlier encouragement to form a High-Tier Golden Core before age 100 was merely motivational.

Back then, even at the Foundation Establishment stage, his uncle had given him many Natural Treasures that not even most Golden Core True Persons could obtain, indicating how extraordinary his uncle’s situation was, likely involving Nascent Soul-level powers.

If he rushed to contact him now, he might not be able to accomplish anything and could even bring trouble.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, “For now, focus on cultivating at home. When the time is right, I’ll have tasks for you.”

Lu Changsheng had a few ideas regarding Lu Quanzhen’s future.

Staying in the Jiang Kingdom was definitely not an option.

If they acted with full force, he could easily be branded as a demonic cultivator and hunted by the Four Great Immortal Sects.

As for going to the Jin Kingdom,

he’d already offended all three major demonic sects in the Jin Kingdom. If Quanzhen’s identity was exposed, he would likely be hunted down by the sects.

As for the Yue Kingdom, Liang Kingdom, Wu Kingdom, or even places farther like the Yuan Kingdom or Tianluo Kingdom, none were suitable either. Instead, Lu Changsheng planned to send him to explore the Star Sea.

Years ago, Meng Wuhen had given Lu Changsheng some basic information about the Star Sea, but it was only a brief introduction.

Since he and Hong Lian would likely head to the Star Sea in the future to search for a chance at Nascent Soul, it made sense to send Quanzhen to scout ahead.

The Star Sea was relatively prosperous and didn’t distinguish between righteous and demonic factions. Additionally, it was near the Immortal City of Da Mengze, making it an ideal destination for his son.

“Father, if it’s something important, I can put off cultivating techniques and divine abilities.”

Hearing this, Lu Quanzhen spoke up.

His ‘Kun Peng Devouring Heaven Demonic Technique’ was different from most cultivation techniques and didn’t require traditional closed-door meditation to improve.

Even the divine abilities that came with the technique mainly relied on external refinement to increase their power.

“It’s not urgent. First, focus on stabilizing your realm and mastering your core formation techniques.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, raising his hand to reveal three small-sized magical treasures.

They were a pair of Wind Thunder Wings, a magical treasure Lu Changsheng had crafted in his early years,

an item he obtained from a Core Formation cultivator of the Shadow Sect, the Shadow Sting; and finally, a Cloak Robe.

“These are your Golden Core gifts from me. They should serve you well.”

Although Lu Quanzhen had condensed an Immortal Golden Core, he was currently inexperienced as a Golden Core cultivator. His battle prowess might not even match some True Core cultivators.

If he planned to head to the Star Sea, he’d definitely need these treasures for attack, defense, and escape.

“This…”

Lu Quanzhen was stunned by his father’s generosity.

He wasn’t someone oblivious to the hardships of the world.

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators, upon breaking through, would struggle just to obtain a single Spirit Tool, running around endlessly.

But as soon as he’d broken through, his father gave him not one but three magical treasures.

“Thank you, Father.”

He took a deep breath, knowing his father’s character well. He stood up and bowed respectfully before accepting the treasures.

“You’re welcome. Take some time to walk around the family estate, help guide your younger siblings in their cultivation, and don’t keep yourself locked up all day.”

Lu Changsheng advised before signaling that Quanzhen could go about his business and accompanying his wife.

Half a month later.

In the Sumeru Cave Heaven, within the Demonic Fiend Array, a terrifying surge of demonic power began to rise.

It was Lu Changsheng’s first time witnessing a spirit beast breakthrough to Third Tier.

But after a quick glance, finding it uninteresting, he left to visit Xiao Xiyue for a Dao discussion and Chu Qingyi for a sword exchange.

However, Lu Quanzhen had come to observe the Nine Abyss Mastiff’s breakthrough due to the commotion.

Seeing the once-guard dog advancing to Third Tier, he felt a wave of nostalgia, wondering what his father had been feeding it.

In less than a century, it had already reached Third Tier.

This was enough to make many Beast Taming families feel ashamed.

“Xiao Hei’s bloodline talent is indeed impressive.”

Lu Quanzhen observed as the Nine Abyss Mastiff absorbed the demonic energy and natural treasures within the Demonic Fiend Array, noting its similarity to the technique Kun Peng Devouring Heaven Demonic Technique.

Could it be that across countless techniques and divine abilities, there were always some commonalities?

Lu Changsheng arrived at Azure Cloud Sect, where Xiao Xiyue handed him the Condensing Crystal Pill she had redeemed earlier, informing him that she would head to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range in two months to take up a post.

Although she could refuse the task,

it would be impossible to avoid it later, and she might then have to join the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Core Formation cultivators in leading their sects to aid the Yue Kingdom against the Jin Kingdom.

So, rather than risk that, she’d prefer to take this simpler, safer assignment now.

“That’s good.”

Lu Changsheng fully understood that sect cultivators were required to complete tasks for the sect every few years.

While they weren’t overly strict, delaying twice meant it couldn’t be put off again.

As a guest elder, Lu Changsheng didn’t have to perform such tasks.

Still, during his visit, Lu Changsheng checked in with the sect master, handing him ten top-tier Third-Tier talismans and, in return, acquiring some Third-Tier talisman crafting materials from Azure Cloud Sect.

After all, the materials needed for high-tier Third-Tier talismans were scarce in the Immortal City of Da Mengze. He would need to rely on hunting demon kings himself,

so exchanging the talismans for materials instead of resorting to killing was a better option. It reminded him of his early days in Qingzhu Mountain when he worked as a Talisman Master.

Azure Cloud Sect was very pleased with the deal, even asking if Lu Changsheng had any specific requirements regarding the talisman hides and inks.

Different talismans had different requirements for the materials used,

for instance, dragon-hide talisman papers and inks drawn from twin-headed flood dragons were perfect for water and poison-attribute talismans and less suitable for metal, fire, or lightning-attribute talismans.

After settling in at Mingyue Pavilion, Lu Changsheng began dual cultivation with Xiao Xiyue and engaged in Dao discussions.

[Congratulations to the host! Your first child has become a Second-Tier Talisman Master. You have earned one lottery draw!]”

Hearing the system notification in his mind, Lu Changsheng glanced at his son’s lifespan.

It had decreased by a year in comparison to before.

“Even routine study shortens lifespan?”

Lu Changsheng mused.

No wonder they said Talisman Masters met ill ends in their later years.

Countless Talisman Masters, even without forcibly deducing heavenly secrets or destinies, had shorter lifespans.

Or perhaps it was simply that divination took such a toll on the mind, causing premature death.

This made Lu Changsheng even more curious about Qingluan Zhenren’s methods, how she achieved long life while maintaining her bodily health.

“System, start the draw.”

Lu Changsheng casually initiated the system’s draw.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host! You’ve acquired the treasure: Five Elements Spirit Earth!]”

[The reward has been placed in the system’s storage space. The host can check it anytime.]”

“Five Elements Spirit Earth?”

Lu Changsheng glanced at the description. This Spirit Earth could combine the five elements to cultivate rare spiritual herbs or medicines that thrived in harsh conditions.

On top of that, it even enhanced certain spiritual herbs’ or medicines’ growth, accelerating their maturation.

Moreover, the Five Elements Spirit Earth was an upper-grade formation material for Golden Core breakthroughs. It was even consumable during breakthrough attempts.

Though there wasn’t much of it, about one small bucket’s worth, it was enough to cultivate three to five spiritual herbs.

As an upper-grade formation material for Golden Core, it would be appropriate for about ten people to consume.

“Not bad at all. Not only can it serve as a formation material for ten Golden Core cultivators, but it can also be used to cultivate spiritual herbs. I wonder if it’ll help the Xuantian Spirit Vine grow?”

Lu Changsheng felt that this draw had been quite fruitful.

Returning from Azure Cloud Sect to Bihu Mountain, he poured the Five Elements Spirit Earth around the Xuantian Spirit Vine before heading back into Sumeru Cave Heaven.

At that moment, a formidable and overwhelming demonic aura filled the entire cave.

“The Immortal Golden Core is still far more impressive.”

Lu Changsheng watched as the Nine Abyss Mastiff’s demonic core condensed and compressed within its body.

With the help of its mid-Heaven-Tier bloodline and the treasures Lu Changsheng had prepared, forming a High-Tier Golden Core was no issue.

However, it looked like achieving a first-tier Immortal Golden Core would be difficult without additional foundation.

Still, it was to be expected. The Nine Abyss Mastiff only possessed a mid-Heaven-Tier bloodline, so it lacked the depth required to form an Immortal Golden Core.

“Father.”

Nearby, Lu Quanzhen remarked that the Nine Abyss Mastiff likely hadn’t reached its limit yet.

“With a little assistance, it might just have a shot at an Immortal Golden Core breakthrough.”

“Alright.”

After all, this was the first spirit pet of the family. It had guarded the house for many years, and even without merit, it had certainly worked hard. Allowing it to break through to Immortal Golden Core would be a good omen.

With a gesture of his hand, a white jade gourd appeared.

It was filled with the essence blood of a Fourth-Tier twin-headed flood dragon.

“Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!”

Drops of essence blood flew toward the Nine Abyss Mastiff.

Simultaneously, a mass of Taiyin Essence floated out from the Sun Moon Yin-Yang Profound Light Mirror.

The Nine Abyss Mastiff’s attributes were more compatible with Taiyin Essence. Using Solar Essence would only be counterproductive.

Lu Quanzhen activated the Kun Peng Devouring Heaven Demonic Technique, summoning a Kun Peng phantom to help the Mastiff absorb and refine the demonic energy.

Several days later, the vast vortex of heaven and earth’s spiritual energy within Sumeru Cave Heaven dissipated as a surging demonic energy rose skyward.

Demonic energy ascended, signaling the arrival of a Demonic King! The Nine Abyss Mastiff had successfully advanced to the Third-Tier Demonic King, its entire body radiating an eerie and terrifying aura of demonic energy.

Not only had its frame grown larger and more muscular, but its appearance had also changed significantly. Its features became even more ferocious, with a vertical slit at the center of its forehead glowing with an icy, menacing light.

Its limbs now sported specks of deep crimson within its black fur. Upon closer inspection, one could see black scales, resembling dragon scales, hard and cold beneath the fur.

But the most striking change was its tail.

Whether due to the influence of the twin-headed flood dragon’s essence blood or some other factor, the end of its tail now sprouted a fearsome dragon-like head, eager to devour anything in its path.

“It looks a bit too vicious… It doesn’t seem like a righteous spirit beast.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at the Nine Abyss Mastiff and commented.

As a cub, the Nine Abyss Mastiff had been quite cute.

But as it grew, it became more and more fearsome. Now, it had completely transformed into a frightening beast.

Considering his own image as a suave and dashing True Person, taking the Nine Abyss Mastiff out in public would negatively impact his image.

In comparison, his wife Lu Miaoge’s Aquatic Golden-eyyd Qilin was much more in line with his refined temperament.

Thinking along these lines, Lu Changsheng realized that none of the spirit beasts he’d ever obtained through the system had been particularly pleasant-looking.

He wondered whether he’d ever be able to acquire a Qilin or a Dragon Horse, something more befitting his ethereal, jade-like immortal aura.

“Roooar!”

Hearing Lu Changsheng’s remark, the Nine Abyss Mastiff felt a bit wronged, lowering its head.

Weren’t its fierce looks normal for a demonic beast?

According to the aesthetic standards of demonic beasts, the more fearsome a creature looked, the stronger it was.

“It’s fine. Fierceness is good too. It’ll intimidate others when we’re out.”

Lu Changsheng reassured the Mastiff.

Though it had just reached the Third Tier, its demonic energy was already close to what the Fenglei Hou had displayed in its prime.

If he ever needed a battle partner, the Nine Abyss Mastiff would do nicely.

“Alright, take your time to digest everything.”

Lu Changsheng patted its head.

Returning home, Lu Qingxian, Lu Yunfei, and Lu Ziyun among others applied for permission to go out and cultivate.

After reaching Foundation Establishment, the Lu Family continued providing substantial resources.

But these resources, while abundant, only went so far.

To rely solely on those resources to reach the peak of Foundation Establishment was a difficult, if not impossible, task.

Even for those disciples who did reach the peak of Foundation Establishment, their chances of reaching the Golden Core stage were still slim.

Thus, many of the more talented Foundation Establishment disciples in the Lu Family would begin by taking on family missions, guarding spiritual lands, and slowly transitioning to adventuring outside.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng had always encouraged his children to go out into the broader world.

It was the only way to cultivate Golden Core seeds within the family.

Lu Wangshu also planned to head to Myriad Beasts Mountain Range with her mother, Xiao Xiyue.

She had been quite impacted by the war during the Pioneering Campaign and wanted more experience beyond the family.

“Very well.”

Looking at his naturally radiant daughter, Lu Changsheng brushed her hair softly, feeling emotional.

Ever since the Pioneering Campaign, she seemed to have matured.

Or rather, she was finally stepping outside the Lu Family’s comfort zone.

He was rather surprised that Lu Chensha hadn’t joined Lu Qingxian and the others in applying to go out and train.

“Uh, Father, I’ve been stockpiling resources. I plan to raise the Ironfire Ants and Black Corrosive Poisonous Insects to an acceptable level before going out.”

When Lu Chensha noticed his father approaching, he looked somewhat awkward as he explained his plans.

If possible, he wouldn’t mind staying home for decades longer.

After all, the family provided excellent benefits. He could raise spirit beasts for the family, earn Spirit Stones through guarding spiritual lands or escorting caravans.

If all else failed, he could hunt down some beasts in small mountain ranges.

Perhaps thirty or forty years of accumulation could bring his Ironfire Ant and Black Corrosive Poisonous Insect armies to the point of being invincible below the Golden Core stage, then he could adventure outside for rapid cultivation progress.

Especially after experiencing the Pioneering Campaign and witnessing the fragility of life, he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving home for now. He planned to raise his Foundation Establishment rank to the sixth level and ensure his army had over ten thousand bugs before venturing out.

“Mm.”

Understanding his son’s thoughts, Lu Changsheng didn’t force him.

Everybody had their own ambitions. He had never been a parent who pressured. Instead, he quietly supported him, gifting him 200,000 Spirit Stones to help rear spirit beasts and insects.

“Thank you, Father!”

Receiving the Spirit Stones and knowing that there was no blame for staying home, Lu Chensha was overjoyed and even more determined to remain a homebody.

With some free time, Lu Changsheng checked on all his children.

But taking even a brief look at each child’s physical and mental well-being, let alone their cultivation progress, gave him a headache.

He’d much rather stay unattached; caring only brought stress and complications.

The source of all the trouble being the sheer number of children.

Even if he only briefly surveyed their conditions, it was enough to make his head spin.

One day, Lu Changsheng was resting in the Lu Family mansion when Lu Qingqi came to him in tears.

“Dad, do I have no redeeming qualities at all?”

It was one thing to feel inferior to her younger brother, Lu Qingxian, given how hardworking he was.

But these past days, after integrating into her cousin Lu Linghe’s little circle and seeing Linghe’s prowess alongside Lu Baixi’s talents, she’d taken a significant hit to her self-esteem.

Especially when she saw Lu Baixi, a mere nineteen-year-old, had already reached Foundation Establishment and was skilled in both the martial and spiritual paths, proficient in music, talisman crafting, the arts of puppetry, culinary arts, and spirit planting.

Though she was already a Foundation Establishment cultivator, she couldn’t refine pills, barely knew how to craft talismans, fumbled with puppetry and music, and her culinary and spirit planting skills were abysmal.

Thankfully, the timid and meek Lu Mengchan helped her preserve some dignity, making her feel that she wasn’t completely useless.

“How could that be? My dear Xiao Qi is so well-behaved and sensible. There’s no way you don’t have redeeming qualities.”

“Really, Dad? What are my good qualities?”

“Hmm… In my eyes, being well-behaved and sensible is a significant virtue all on its own.”

“Dad, I want to learn alchemy.”

“Go find your Brother Xingchen. Let him teach you.”

“But after I blew up his alchemy furnace last time, he suggested I try talisman crafting because it was safer. But then Sister Wangshu told me I’d be better off learning spirit planting…”

“…”

After some comforting words from her father, Lu Qingqi came to accept the truth. There would always be people with better talent. Why couldn’t that person be her?

Once she’d accepted her lack of proficiency, she realized she was invincible! “Besides, I’m not that terrible!”

Though she lagged behind people like Lu Linghe, Lu Baixi, and Lu Qingxian,

compared to most Foundation Establishment disciples in Bihu Mountain, she’d still surpassed 99% of her peers.

After this, Lu Changsheng decided to spend more time cultivating within Bihu Mountain instead of returning to the Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Aside from daily cultivation, comprehending spatial powers, and refining divine abilities, he spent time accompanying his wife and occasionally sought out Chu Qingyi for sword discussions.

Although Xiao Xiyue was now stationed at Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, Lu Changsheng still met with Chu Qingyi secretly in their underground palace rather than visiting Azure Cloud Sect.

“Qingyi, how about this sword technique?”

Chu Qingyi turned her head slightly, acting as if she hadn’t heard him. Her snow-white stockings tightly wrapped around her delicate feet, her toes curling tensely, arching into an elegant curve.

Unbothered, Lu Changsheng continued executing precise sword strikes while teasing her with playful remarks.

Many hours later, Chu Qingyi lay spent, her porcelain skin glowing, her body trembling. Dressed only in a pair of snow-white stockings, the Sword Maiden’s crystalline eyes fluttered open and closed. Her beauty was unparalleled.

Time flowed like a sword, and in the blink of an eye, over a year had passed.

During this time, despite focusing on countless aspects of cultivation, Lu Changsheng hadn’t progressed much in terms of raw cultivation level.

Even though he’d kept to his core principles of refining divine techniques while maintaining his household duties, his advancement had slowed down due to the many distractions.

Nevertheless, over the course of the year, he’d managed to refine multiple threads of Primordial Yellow Essence into his ‘Yin-Yang Grand Capture’ technique, greatly enhancing its power.

While his cultivation level hadn’t shot up drastically, he’d still taken the time to indulge his concubines.

Though with his current mindset, pregnancy was more of a ‘if it happens, then great, but if it doesn’t, that’s fine too’ situation.

So, after a year, only one concubine had successfully conceived.

“Husband!”

One day, Lu Miaoyun came to Lu Changsheg with some news.

She had heard that the Five Elements Wang Family’s candidate for Golden Core had failed during their attempt at the Immortal City of Qingluan.

“So, the fall of the Five Elements Wang Family has finally come.”

“I had a feeling.”

Back during the Pioneering Campaign, news had already spread that the Wang Family Patriarch had passed.

The Wang Family knew that if things continued this way, they would inevitably be swallowed up after the Campaign’s end.

Thus, they’d offered up their family treasures to acquire military merit, which they then used to exchange for a Condensing Crystal Pill.

For years, many factions had been watching the Wang Family, curious to see if they could produce another Golden Core True Person.

Now, with the news of their Golden Core failure circulating, it was clear that the Wang Family’s end was near.

“We don’t need to intervene. If the Wang Family asks for our help or if the Five Elements Mountain is about to fall, we can offer them some protection.”

Lu Changsheng had no intention of getting involved in the Wang Family’s affairs.

Even Azure Cloud Sect’s sect master had subtly warned him not to meddle too much in the affairs of the Sunset Glow Sect territory, lest it cause unnecessary tension.

Still, years ago, Lu Changsheng had promised the Wang Family Patriarch that he would offer the family some protection when they were on the verge of ruin as a condition for acquiring two of their family treasures.

So, if the Wang Family truly faced extinction, he would at most step in to preserve some bloodline.

“Should we inform Xingchen and Jing’er?”

Lu Miaoyun asked.

In cultivation families, the status of the mother often rose with the potential of their children.

Lu Xuangen had the Five Elements Body and was progressing rapidly. He had already reached the Ninth Level of Qi Refining and had a bright future ahead.

Thus, she paid great attention to Wang Yanjing.

Of course, Wang Yanjing herself wasn’t ordinary either and had the potential to form the Golden Core.

“It’s fine to inform them. Have Jing’er send a letter to the Wang Family. They can send a few bloodline members to Cangyun Mountain.”

Cangyun Mountain was a spiritual land the Wang Family had established under Azure Cloud Sect’s domain long ago.

As long as the Wang Family’s descendants lived humbly on Cangyun Mountain, Lu Changsheng would offer them his protection.

After all, with his reputation as True Person Changsheng, no one would blatantly move against such a minor family on his turf.

“How are things in the Yue Kingdom now?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

“No major movements recently.”

Lu Miaoyun replied softly.

“It seems the stability of the Jiang Kingdom has extended to stabilize the Yue Kingdom as well.”

When True Lord Tiansha’s Nascent Soul fell into True Lord Xuanjian’s hands, not only did it weaken Liang Kingdom’s forces, but it also gave them leverage to negotiate.

Though Lu Changsheng didn’t know the specifics of the deal, the fact that the war had quieted down was a good thing.

The calmer the cultivation world was, the more he could focus on his growth.

If chaos erupted, he’d inevitably be dragged into it.

With that thought in mind, Lu Changsheng threw himself into cultivating diligently, planning to reach the late stage of Core Formation and accompany Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaohuan to he Yue Kingdom.

His son, Lu Qingshan, had already spent three years at the Ninth Level of Foundation Establishment. Staying any longer risked an awkward situation if he entered self-cultivation to prepare for Golden Core Formation.

Moreover, Lu Miaoge’s Yin-Yang Origin PPll Method had progressed considerably. Visiting their children would give them peace of mind, allowing them to return and fully focus on preparing for Golden Core Formation.

Six months later.

At Bihu Mountain, within Sumeru Cave Heaven.

Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged, with Yin-Yang Dual Qi flowing around his body, draping over him like a Daoist robe. Above his head hovered the Yin-Yang Diagram, radiating strands of primordial light.

For most Golden Core True Persons, reaching the peak of the sixth layer and attempting a breakthrough to the seventh layer, the late stage of Core Formation, would require a fortuitous encounter or external aid, such as Natural Treasures.

Yet for Lu Changsheng, with his Chaos Body, Earth Spirit Root, and Great Dao Golden Core, his breakthrough was as natural as flowing water, without the slightest obstacle.

Or rather, any potential obstacle vanished with a flick of his finger.

“Boom!”

As Lu Changsheng cultivated the ‘Yin-Yang Creation Sutra,’ his Golden Core of the Yin-Yang Dao began to rotate, radiating an endless stream of primordial spiritual light.

At the same time, a surge of Golden Core-level pressure, as vast as the tides, erupted from his body.

Half a month later.

Lu Changsheng’s spiritual energy finally reached its limit, shattering the bottleneck between the mid and late stages of Golden Core Formation.

Simultaneously, his Great Dao Golden Core resonated with his Taiyi Soul, locked into his Sea of Consciousness.

His soul force grew stronger as his cultivation advanced.