Chapter 618: Nascent Soul Divine Spirit, Dao Assimilation, Journey to Yue Kingdom!

“Buzz!”

A golden figure glowing with a radiant light emerged from the sea of consciousness at Lu Changsheng’s brow.

Under the endless soul power, it became even more refined, like an immortal deity.

In his early days of Golden Core Formation, with the awakening of the Taiyi Soul Body, Lu Changsheng’s divine soul rapidly ascended, rising to the peak of Golden Core Formation.

Over the subsequent years, as the realms broke through with the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra, the divine soul experienced gradual elevation.

However, the barrier between Golden Core and Nascent Soul was like an insurmountable abyss, preventing any further breakthrough.

Now, after advancing to the late stage of Golden Core Formation, with the enhancement of the Taiyi Soul Body, the divine soul finally shattered the barrier and began its ascent towards Nascent Soul divine soul.

At this moment, Lu Changsheng entered a profoundly mystical state.

The divine soul stepped forth from his brow, resembling a sun the size of a fist, radiant and brilliant, resonating with the Yin-Yang Diagram above his head, casting a flawless gleam on his skin, which now shone with brilliance.

Lu Changsheng’s physical body, Taiyi Divine Soul, and Yin-Yang Diagram formed a mystical and intimate connection, becoming one as if divinely ordained.

Upon closer inspection, one could see the golden figure as if it were breathing in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, gradually becoming more solid and majestic, resembling a seated immortal king, emanating endless rays of golden light.

As the divine soul transcended, Lu Changsheng felt as though his thoughts had broken free from his physical body, merging with the heavens and the earth.

A sacred ancient tree, with a body like jade and radiating brilliance, stood tall between heaven and earth, forming a dreamy, ethereal figure clad in a flowing gown of gold and jade light.

This figure faced Lu Changsheng, its eyes filled with gentle compassion, embracing all beings, opening its arms as it melded with Lu Changsheng’s divine soul and consciousness.

In an instant, Lu Changsheng felt as though he were soaking in a hot spring, enveloped by wisps of floating clouds, his entire body completely relaxed and comfortable.

Simultaneously, he entered a peculiar perspective.

It was as if he had transformed into a great ancient tree, overseeing the entirety of Bihu Mountain.

He could see the Xuantian Spirit Vine and Xuanwood Vine in the Underground Palace at the peak of Biyun Peak; he could see his wives and children in the courtyards of the Lu Family Mansion; he could see the spiritual veins and the spirit fish in Bishui Lake, as well as the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Soldiers being reared.

He even saw within Sumeru Cave Heaven, his wife Lu Miaoge meditating in cultiiation, surrounded by flowing azure light, and a handsome youth with a Yin-Yang Diagram above his head, sitting cross-legged, radiating splendor from his flesh.

It wasn’t just vision.

He felt the pulse of the spiritual veins beneath this land, the movement of the spiritual energy, the patterns of the Xuantian Spirit Vine, and even the ethereal strands of fate converging around it. He sensed the soul force and spiritual energy of every member of the Lu family. At this moment, Lu Changsheng felt as if he were a god, governing this piece of heaven and earth! A flood of comprehension about techniques, cultivation insights, and skill mastery surged into his mind, providing countless new understandings.

Especially with the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, which he himself had diligently cultivated.

While these techniques were instilled through the system, they still needed to be slowly digested, comprehended, and understood.

“The interaction of Yin and Yang, mutually verifying, bringing all things to life!”

In the hidden chamber of the Cave Dwelling, the Yin-Yang Diagram above Lu Changsheng’s head spun, releasing black and white radiance as true Yang and true Yin appeared, seemingly revealing the origin and ultimate destination of the Dao! As Lu Changsheng’s spirit intertwined with the Sumeru Tree King’s consciousness, he felt as though the mysteries of the universe and the great Dao of Yin and Yang were falling in place, imprinting themselves in his mind.

“Buzz!”

At that moment, a Buddhist chant, as if from the distant heavens or perhaps from his own mind, rang out, pulling Lu Changsheng from his mystical state.

“What just happened?”

Lu Changsheng suddenly opened his eyes.

“Master was about to merge with the heavens,”

a soft, ethereal voice echoed in his mind.

It was the voice of the Sumeru Tree King.

“Merge with the heavens?”

Lu Changsheng frowned, reflecting on the experience he just had.

He had just ascended to the late stage of Golden Core Formation. His divine soul had transcended, reaching the Nascent Soul level.

The mystical effects of the Taiyi Soul Body had led him to deeply comprehend the Dao of Heaven and Earth.

But, as he was breaking through within Sumeru Cave Heaven, his spirit unknowingly fused with the consciousness of Sumeru, entering a profound state of spiritual communion.

In this state, he observed Bihu Mountain from the Sumeru Tree King’s perspective, gaining enlightenment about techniques and the laws of the universe.

Yet, his cultivation realm was far from being able to control such power, causing him to fall into it, nearly merging with the heaven and earth itself.

“Is this what they call Dao Assimilation?”

Lu Changsheng muttered under his breath.

Dao Assimilation—a terrifying concept!

Many cultivators had met their demise this way, their souls returning to the heavens.

Besides death, as a cultivator’s realm ascended and their comprehension of the Dao grew too profound, they could easily get lost in it, becoming one with the heavens and earth, their soul dissipated.

According to Hong Lian, some cultivators, seeking to break through bottlenecks, deliberately pursued this method, entering the Dao at the risk of death in hopes of finding a breakthrough.

If successful, they would transcend their limits. If they failed, they would perish in their Cave Dwelling, unnoticed.

Lu Changsheng had unwittingly glimpsed the Dao of Yin and Yang from the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra through the help of the Taiyi Soul Body and the will of Sumeru, but this was far from being a realm he could fully grasp, causing him to nearly lose himself.

“No wonder cultivation often requires older generations to act as protectors. Cultivation is perilous—even the slightest carelessness can lead to disaster, and one’s soul may completely dissolve.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath, feeling a little shaken.

Initially, the ascent of his divine soul and the Taiyi Soul Body’s comprehension of the heavens and earth were blessings.

However, when taken too far, it could lead to grave consequences.

His techniques were too profound for him at his current realm.

He had only just started to comprehend the so-called Dao of Yin and Yang, and it was like a child trying to lift a massive cauldron—lacking the strength, wisdom, and morality to achieve it.

“Many sects don’t impart advanced techniques to their disciples for this exact reason—to impose limits, knowing that too much knowledge can be a burden. Not only does it foster attachment to preconceived ideas, but it entices one to delve into dangerous studies, with unpredictable outcomes.”

Lu Changsheng sighed in relief, thankful that he had never spent too much time delving deeply into these techniques.

He always learned what was necessary through the system and used it accordingly, without overthinking or venturing into realms beyond his reach.

“I lack proper cultivation refinement. I need to take some time to comb through my cultivation foundation.”

Besides this realization, Lu Changsheng also understood that he needed to gain a deeper understanding of his current realm instead of wholly relying on the system’s instilled knowledge.

Otherwise, it may work in the short term, but once he reached Nascent Soul or even Divine Transformation, it would bring about unseen risks.

“With the solid foundation laid by the system and the Taiyi Soul Body, I just need to spend time absorbing all this knowledge and truly making it my own.”

“Ultimately, it all comes down to time.”

Lu Changsheng stood up, exhaling lightly as he dusted off his robes and mumbled to himself, “Taking eighty-seven years to break through to the late stage of Golden Core Formation might seem illustrious to others, but only I know the hardships along the way. I could never afford to slack off for even a moment.”

“This led to my neglect of foundational cultivation, to the point where I failed to build a proper base.”

“Once I’ve completed my journey to Yue Kingdom, and then Jin Kingdom, I’ll return home to settle down and solidify my foundation.”

“Now that my divine soul has advanced to Nascent Soul, I have many divine sense secret techniques I can cultivate. Otherwise, having a powerful soul without the corresponding techniques would be futile.”

Despite possessing many techniques, Lu Changsheng hadn’t cultivated many battle techniques.

For instance, the Hundred Refined Body Technique, while good at strengthening the body, had many divine physical abilities that Lu Changsheng had not yet cultivated.

Apart from rapidly cultivating his natal Treasure Bone using the Nine-Treasure Jade Ruyi, none of the other abilities within the technique had been refined.

The Six Desires Demon Heart Manual was the same.

In addition to its use for spiritual sense secret techniques, it had numerous divine soul-related abilities.

For example, the Six Desires Demon Badge—by using the Seven Emotions and Six Desires, it could forge a demon badge in the sea of consciousness, boosting the power of spiritual attacks while interfering with an opponent’s senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and intent.

Additionally, the Seven Desires and Six Emotions Armor could forge a spiritual soul armor to shield against spiritual attacks while disturbing an enemy’s emotions during combat.

Besides these two techniques, if he wanted to enhance his combat abilities, he could use the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra as his foundation, alongside the Nine-Nine Mysterious Talisman Scripture to forge a natal divine talisman.

Or he could use the Twelve Heavenly Demon God Scripture to condense demonic thoughts, enhance his physical body with the Vajra Ming Wang Technique, and develop his body with the Baoding Medicine King Scripture’s Precious Glazed Body.

While the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra wasn’t particularly potent for battle, it was perfectly balanced and could command an array of different techniques. Its strength lay in its potential to encompass various techniques and divine abilities.

If Lu Changsheng were to dedicate time to cultivating every technique in his mind, his combat prowess would increase by an entire tier.

“But cultivation cannot revolve around combat alone—advancing one’s realm is the true foundation.”

Shaking his head, Lu Changsheng gave thanks to Sumeru, then sat cross-legged and began focusing on stabilizing his new Nascent Soul divine soul and the seventh layer of Golden Core Formation’s power.

Half a month later, Lu Changsheng emerged from closed-door cultivation, feeling quite pleased.

Upon breaking through to the late stage of Golden Core Formation, his spiritual energy had doubled in quality, rivaling the power he had achieved by progressing to the eighth layer of Golden Core Formation with his Nine Treasures Dao Bone.

Moreover, the advancement in his spiritual energy and divine soul had greatly improved his control over his Magical Treasures.

For instance, the Michen Banner—he could now barely manipulate part of its power, becoming noticeably more precise and flexible when wielded.

At least in a fight, if push came to shove, he could unleash this High-Tier Spiritual Treasure in a dire situation.

However, to fully wield it and harness its true strength, he would need to advance to Nascent Soul.

On the other hand, the Da Luo Sword Embryo, having been refined with the ‘Unity of Man and Weapon Technique,’ had become much easier to handle.

Aside from its high spiritual energy consumption, Lu Changsheng felt confident that he could slay a high-level Golden Core Formation cultivator with a single strike.

As for the enhancement brought by various alchemy, formations, talismans, and artifact refining techniques, there was no need to elaborate.

“Sister Miaoge.”

Lu Changsheng sought out Lu Miaoge, informing her thattthey would soon be heading to Yue Kingdom.

“Changsheng, did you just break through to the late stage of Golden Core Formation?”

Lu Miaoge, having cultivated he Taiyi Water Generation Technique alongside him and spending time in Sumeru Cave Heaven, had sensed his breakthrough but was nevertheless filled with surprise and delight.

After all, that bottleneck between the mid and late stages of Golden Core Formation is formidable.

Many Golden Core Formation cultivators could spend their entire lives stuck at this stage, unable to progress even an inch.

But Lu Changsheng, having said he would enter secluded meditation for a few days to break through, had exceeded expectations, shattering it within moments. It was nothing short of shocking.

“Yes, everything went smoothly.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, holding his wife’s hand.

“Congratulations, dear, on your breakthrough.”

Lu Miaoge gazed at him with ssarkling eyes, her smile soft and sweet as she said, “Once I break through to Golden Core, you’ll probably be at Nascent Soul already.”

The more Lu Changsheng’s cultivation skyrocketed, the more she felt herself falling behind, even becoming a burden.

If two people with comparable talent and cultivation practiced the Taiyi Water Generation Technique together, their progress would accelerate significantly.

But at the moment, she could not offer him the slightest benefit—rather, it was Lu Changsheng who solely shouldered their cultivation advancements.

“Don’t think about it too much. I’ll just be your vanguard; there’s still a long road ahead for us.”

Lu Changsheng understood that his rapid advancement would inadvertently place psychological pressure on his wife.

It wasn’t just Lu Miaoge—Xiao Xiyue had felttsimilarly after discovering his true capabilities.

But there was nothing he could do.

He was the kind to bloom late, but when he did, his growth was vast and swift.

Over time, his innate gifts accumulated, and even if he didn’t actively practice, his speed in cultivation left everyone far behind.

In this situation, not only were Lu Miaoge and Xiao Xiyue getttng left in the dust— even the most brilliant talents or those with top-tier spiritual constitutions would struggle to keep up with him.

The only person capable of keeping up with him now was Hong Lian, who had the Peachwood Spirit Embryo.

But in the future, when his Sword Embryo Dao body matured, or once a few other top-tier spiritual and Dao constitutions emerged in his family, even Hong Lian might find herself trailing far behind his ever-surging cultivation speed.

After spending some warm and comforting time with his wife, Lu Changsheng explained his plans for traveling to Yue Kingdom with Lu Miaohuan, his son Lu Qingxian, and his daughter Lu Qingqi.

He had already promised to take his daughter Lu Qingqi to Yue Kingdom, and he had no intention of breaking his word.

As for his son Lu Qingxian, the plan was to send him to Qingluan Immortal City after their trip, to see if Qingluan Zhenren was interested in accepting a disciple.

“Quanzhen, take care of Bihu Mountain while I’m gone. Once I return, I’ll take you to Star Sea.”

Lu Changsheng also reminded his son Lu Quanzhen.

Although Lu Quanzhen had broken through to Golden Core Formation,

it was still impossible for him to cross Da Mengze to reach Star Sea on his own.

Not only were there countless demon kings lurking along the way, but the gray mist interfered with one’s divine sense and spiritual energy.

Hence, Lu Changsheng planned to personally escort him to Star Sea after returning from Yue Kingdom.

This would also give him a chance to explore this vast and prosperous sea region.

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Quanzhen, having seen the information etched into the Jade Slip from Meng Wuhen, was filled with curiosity about the unknown world of cultivation that awaited him in Star Sea.

Half a month later.

Once everything was settled at home, Lu Changsheng departed for Yue Kingdom with his wife Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaohuan, and hhs two children.

Rather than using the Golden-Winged Roc for travel,

he chose to pilot a serene blue Spirit Boat, leisurely traveling with his family as though on a vacation.

This journey was both to visit his children and to take his wife on a relaxing trip, while also providing Lu Qingxian and Lu Qingqi with some worldly experience.

In this manner, the five of them traveled while sightseeing. After about two and a half months, they arrived at Qingluan Immortal City.

“So, this is Qingluan Immortal City?”

Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaohuan hadd’t visited Qingluan Immortal City in fifty-five years.

Though the Immortal City was unchanged, countless stores and immortal cultivators had moved through in that time.

It was the first time that Lu Qingxian and Lu Qingqi had traveled so far from home; they were filled with curiosity about this legendary paradise for rogue cultivators.

Lu Changsheng spent several days wandering the city with his family before visiting the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range and Azure Cloud Sect’s base, where he greeted Xiao Xiyue and his daughter Lu Wangshu.

However, like Xiao Xiyue, Lu Wangshu had a reclusive temperament, preferring to spend long periods in closed-door cultivation.

It was rare indeed to see her outside the Immortal City, out hunting spirit beasts in the mountains.

Lu Qingxian, Lu Lingxiao, and their siblings often banded together while traveling, bonding as a family.

After spending several nostalgic days reminiscing with Xiao Xiyue and exchanging heartfelt emotions,

Lu Changsheng didn’t linger long and resumed his journey to Yue Kingdom.

But currently, Yue Kingdom was still embroiled in war, fully mobilized. Along the way, cultivators from various sects repeatedly scrutinized and questioned them.

To avoid any trouble, Lu Changsheng placed Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaohuan, and tteir children inside the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus, then activated the Reversal Yin-Yang Glazed Wall and flew straight toward Yue Kingdom atop the Golden-Winged Roc.

Twenty days later.

A well-dressed, handsome young man in a blue robe appeared several hundred miles from the Golden Sun Sect’s mountain gate.

Since he was going to Gold Sun Sect to visit his children, he had to use his real identity, lest he fail the verification procedure.

As a guest elder of Azure Cloud Sect, his status would not be an issue.

Lu Changsheng didn’t retrieve Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaohuan, or thh children from the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus. Instead, he radiated a faint, imperceptible Golden Core Formation pressure as he approached the Golden Sun Sect’s gate.

“May I know what brings this True Person to our sect?”

The disciples guarding the gate were extremely courteous upon witnessing a Golden Core True Person’s arrival.

“I am Lu Changsheng, guest elder of Azure Cloud Sect. I’m here to see my son, Lu Qingshan, and my daughter, Lu Qingzhu. Could you kindly inform them of my arrival?”

Lu Changsheng presented his guest elder token and the token of Immortal Tian Yuan, his voice carrying a subtle authority.

“Lu Changsheng? Looking for Uncle Qingshan?”

“Please wait a moment, True Person.”

The disciple did not dare dally, respectfully taking the tokens and carefully examining them before escorting Lu Changsheng to the visitors’ pavilion outside the gates, serving tea while they went to deliver the message.

After about half an hour.

A tall, sharp-eyed young man in a blue robe, sword strapped to his waist, appeared in the visitors’ pavilion.

“Father, what brings you here!?”

He was surprised to see Lu Changsheng sitting in the pavilion.

“I thought you might be nearing Golden Core Formation, so I came to check on you.”

Lu Changsheng sipped his tea, observing his son before him.

He was at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

His sword intent was no longer overwhelming and aggressive but carried the restrained, sharp feeling of a sheathed sword, with no trace of its once fierce aura.

But with his Nascent Soul divine soul, Lu Changsheng could tell at a glance that his son’s sharpness hadn’t diminished—it was simply being honed.

He was gathering this sword intent, preparing for the moment when he would advance forward and break through to Golden Core Formation.

“Well done. It seems your sword Dao has made great progress in recent years.”

Lu Changsheng smiled in approval.

“I had to improve somewhat after so long.”

A wry grin tugged at Lu Qingshan’s lips. He had matured considerably, no longer the cheeky, mischievous youth of old.

“Where’s Xiaozhu?”

Lu Changsheng asked, concerned for his daughter, Lu Qingzhu.

While he wasn’t too worried about Lu Qingshan, who had always been reliable, Lu Qingzhu’s gentle and quiet nature made him more concerned for her safety.

Although Qingshan looked out for her, he wasn’t exactly the most attentive by nature.

“Xiaozhu is still at the battlefield frontlines. I’ve just returned to the sect to prepare for my Golden Core breakthrough.”

Lu Qingshan explained.

Then, as if noticing his father’s worry, he quickly added, “Don’t worry, Father. Xiaozhu is working in logistics, stationed in the rear, and her master is looking out for her. She’s perfectly safe.”

“In the rear?”

Lu Changsheng nodded, then asked, “How confident are you in your upcoming Golden Core Formation?”

“I’m certain of forming a core. Seventy percent chance of forming a High-Tier Golden Core. About a thirty percent chance of forming an Immortal Golden Core.”

Lu Qingshan estimated, but his tone carried an unmistakable, confident sharpness.

As a sword cultivator, one must always believe in their own invincibility.

Lu Changsheng noted his son’s self-assuredness.

To think he had such confidence in forming an Immortal Golden Core.

“No need to rush your Golden Core Formation. Both your mother and I are here to see you. I’ve also got something for you. Let’s visit Xiaozhu afterward.”

Lu Changsheng told him, refraining from entering the Golden Sun Sect.

Given the current wartime state, all the sects were on full alert. It wouldn’t be easy for an external cultivator to gain entry—and using the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus inside might attract unwanted attention.

“Mother is here too?”

Lu Qingshan nodded, then asked where his mother was.

A few hundred miles away, Lu Changsheng raised his hand slightly. The Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus appeared, causing faint ripples in the air.

Moments later, Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaohuan, Lu Qiigxian, and Lu Qingqi stepped out.

“A Cave Heaven artifact!?”

Lu Qingshan instantly recognized the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus as an extraordinarily rare Cave Heaven artifact.

Such treasures were many times rarer than ordinary Magical Treasures.

He hadn’t expected his father to possess such a priceless treasure.

“Mother, Aunt, Qingxuan, Qingqi, you’ve all come!?”

He called out excitedly upon seeing his family.

Despite rarely seeing his younger siblings, Lu Qingshan still felt an innate closeness to both of them.

“Brother Qingshan.”

Lu Qingxian bowed, while Lu Qingqi, eyes filled with admiration, eagerly asked about her older sister, Lu Qingzhu.

“Qingshan, have things been very dangerous these past few years?”

Lu Miaohuan immediately inquired about her son’s well-being.

She was aware of the ongoing war between Yue Kingdom and Liang Kingdom.

She had heard of the frontlines’ collapse, with rumors of several Golden Core True Persons’ demise, which had caused her many sleepless nights.

“It’s been alright. While the war is dangerous, it also presents many opportunities. I’ve already obtained a Condensing Crystal Pill and a Golden Core spiritual artifact from the last mission, and I’m now preparing to break through.”

Lu Qingshan laughed lightly, his tone relaxed.

Though more mature, he still carried an air of boldness.

“Brother, you’re about to break through to Golden Core Formation!?”

Lu Qingqi’s lips parted in shock, her face filled with amazement.

Her brother was still so young, yet he was already on the verge of Golden Core Formation. It completely surpassed her expectations.

Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaohuan, and LL Qingxian were equally astonished.

“With current circumstances being what they are, we can’t follow the usual pace. After the collapse of the Fire Luo Sect’s defenses, things have become unstable. True Lord Hunyuan and True Lord Ziguang have poured their resources into those of us who are deemed as the future of our five sects.”

Lu Qingshan explained with a slight smile.

Under normal circumstances, it would’ve taken him another ten years to attempt Golden Core Formation.

However, given the war, his sect had provided abundant Natural Treasures and had prioritized giving him a Condensing Crystal Pill and top-tier Golden Core materials.

In this environment, not only was he advancing quickly, but so were all the other Nascent Soul prospects in the five sects of Yue Kingdom.

“It’s still incredibly fast, though.”

Lu Qingqi couldn’t help but feel slightly demoralized. At her current rate of progress, she wasn’t even sure if she would reach the late stage of Foundation Establishment by the time she reached her brother’s age.

Hearing this, Lu Qingxian finally understood the phrase, ‘War is the ladder for a cultivator’s advancement.’

He had heard it before from his brother, but now he truly grasped its meaning.

In war, not only did the strategic commanders profit, but even talented cultivators could gain resources beyond their wildest dreams by proving themselves on the battlefield.

After catching up for a bit, the group boarded the Spirit Boat and flew toward the frontlines, chatting and laughing along the way.

Unbeknownst to them, shortly after Lu Qingshan left the Golden Sun Sect, a disciple quietly departed the sect as well, flying far enough out of sight before crushing a Jade Talisman in their hands.