Chapter 622: Venomous Spirit True Form, True Lord Qingluan, and Red Lotus!

“Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Compendium?”

Lu Changsheng saw this technique and instantly became interested.

Over the decades, he had drawn many techniques.

Other than the Seven Luminaries Great Freedom Sword Manual and the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, the system hadn’t provided him with techniques he urgently needed.

For example, a technique that could automatically train the soul.

Due to his daughter Lu Mengchan’s Calamity Poison Body and his wife Meng Xiaochan’s next-stage technique, he had always hoped to draw a poison-related technique, preferably one linked to the Calamity Poison Body.

Unexpectedly, his luck today was quite good—he actually got a poison-related technique.

After all, this kind of technique was relatively niche.

“I wonder if it can solve the cultivation problem of the Calamity Poison Body.”

Lu Changsheng was filled with anticipation as he looked at the system’s technique.

[Technique: Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Compendium]

[Grade: Dao Seeking Level]

[Description: Harnessing ten thousand calamities and venoms, evolving the essence of the poison path. Venomous spirit enters the body, ten thousand calamities cling to one’s soul, unifying venom and essence to command all poisons and calamities, corroding all things and turning the world into a furnace of poisonous calamities.]

“Dao Seeking Level.”

Compared to the True Immortal Level, Lu Changsheng felt the Dao Seeking or Mystical Level would be more suitable for his children to cultivate.

It wasn’t about anything else, just that the two True Immortal techniques he had drawn were too absurd.

One required Yin-Yang Qi as a lead.

Another needed simultaneous cultivation of Buddhist and Demonic methods, along with Third-Tier Body Tempering, and required baptism by a Buddha Bone Relic, Demonic Path Essence, and Heaven Monster Blood just to begin.

If not for a serendipity where his Dao Foundation happened to have the miniature version of Yin-Yang Dual Qi, he wouldn’t even have been able to start on the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra.

Thus, Lu Changsheng didn’t favor these top-tier techniques.

“System, transmit!”

Without hesitation, Lu Changsheng activated the Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Compendium.

In an instant, knowledge about the technique, cultivation methods, and profound principles flooded into his mind.

Lu Changsheng immersed himself, quietly absorbing and comprehending the nuances of this poison-path technique.

After a long time…

“Good, good, good! The system finally came through!”

“This Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Compendium—it integrates the Calamity Poison Body, the Nine Nether Soul Corrosion Body, the Heavenfiend Poison Body, the Chaos Poison Source Body, and the Ten Thousand Tribulation Deathless Body. Truly worthy of being a Dao Seeking-level poison-path technique—boundlessly profound!”

Lu Changsheng awakened as if he had just broken free from a dream, joy lighting up his face.

This poison-path technique did not disappoint—its sophistication was of the highest order, belonging to the pinnacle of poison-path techniques.

It not only focused on poison path but also touched on curses.

Curses were somewhat similar to divination, a very niche set of skills, but could be useful in combat by afflicting the target with curses, bringing calamity.

Reaching higher levels, it could even enable killing from a distance—strange and unpredictable—similar to the Curse of the Demon that Lu Changsheng had received years ago.

Still, the part that pleased Lu Changsheng the most was that this technique possessed a Calamity Poison Body inheritance.

To be precise, the Calamity Poison Body was one of the physiques most compatible with this technique!

It could elevate poison-based and curse-based methods to a terrifying level.

The issue of inevitable death for Calamity Poison Body cultivators after reaching Nascent Soul would also be resolved by this technique!

The biggest problem of the Calamity Poison Body was that, after reaching a certain level, the body accumulated poison that became uncontrollable.

Even the cultivator themselves couldn’t contain this terrifying poison, which would eventually consume them in endless agony.

However, the Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Compendium contained a divine ability named “Venomous Spirit True Form.”

This technique could concentrate all the body’s poison into a separate law avatar, allowing the cultivator to control all venom.

This method was far more sophisticated than the Five Poison Sect’s poison core method Hong Lian had mentioned. It was somewhat similar to Lu Changsheng’s Brahma Demon True Form—at higher levels, the Venomous Spirit Avatar could manifest into the Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Image!

When engaged in battle, the avatar could turn an entire area into a wasteland, with not a blade of grass left standing! At higher cultivation, the surrounding area would brim with calamity aura, even summoning natural disasters!

If Lu Changsheng’s Brahma Demon True Form was a one-on-one combat technique…

Then the Venomous Spirit True Form was a large-scale warfare weapon! In one-on-one duels, while not as strong, it could become overwhelmingly dominant in prolonged battles, as few could withstand such calamities and poisons.

“This Venomous Spirit True Form bears some similarities to Hong Lian’s poison core method, proving that it is viable.”

“However, by comparison, the Venomous Spirit True Form is more profound, sealing all the poisons of the Calamity Poison Body into a law body.”

Lu Changsheng quietly examined the technique and its Venomous Spirit True Form.

The more he observed, the more he found it exceptional—it could maximize the potential of the Calamity Poison Body.

Moreover, he also gained inspiration for cultivating several poison-path and curse-path secret techniques.

When confronting enemies, his spiritual energy could not only contain poison but could also inflict curses, bringing misfortune and unease.

“But I prefer quick battles, so this technique’s sustained fighting style doesn’t match me.”

Lu Changsheng’s Chaos Body shared many traits with the Calamity Poison Body.

One practical trait was immunity to all poisons, converting them into spiritual medicine, and even brewing a personal top-tier poison.

Previously, with the help of Meng Xiaochan and the Five Poison Sect’s toxins, he had brewed a Third-Tier top poison as a secret weapon.

Now that he had obtained the Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Compendium, he could even attempt to create a quasi-Fourth-Tier poison capable of affecting Nascent Soul True Lords!

“But this poison might not be effective against a poison-path Nascent Soul like the Five Poison Sect Master.”

“Still, the curse methods are intriguing.”

Top-tier techniques naturally came with accompanying secret techniques and divine abilities.

Lu Changsheng found several interesting curse spells.

For instance, spells that bring misfortune, causing targets to become irritable or even develop inner demons.

Although such curse methods have limited effect among those of the same level and come with high costs…

For a late-stage Golden Core expert like Lu Changsheng, it would be a godsend when dealing with adversaries, especially if he found someone around the family he disliked.

Sitting at home and cursing them every now and then—who knows, maybe their ancestor might lose a few years of life or mysteriously die!

Take the Beast Taming Xu Family Elder, for example.

Curse him randomly, and given his limited lifespan, he might shave off another three to ten years.

If he encountered a misfortune while angry or when cultivating, it could even lead to his sudden demise.

“I, Lu, am an upright man, honorable and just. Such curse spells are unfit for me, but dream-stealing techniques could suit Xiaochan.”

Lu Changsheng imagined the scene.

Whenever he found someone objectionable or was about to duel someone, he’d say to his daughter Lu Mengchan, ‘Meng, this guy is a bad egg. Draw a curse circle and make a voodoo doll to curse him.’

Given her timid nature, just drawing a circle to curse someone from home should be fine, right?

Or, when the Lu Family disciples faced strong foes, Lu Ping’an and Lu Quanzhen could fight head-on, Lu Wangshu and Lu Qingxian could flank, while daughter Lu Mengchan poisoned and cast curses in the backline.

But remembering his daughter’s intense fear of venomous creatures, Lu Changsheng felt a headache brewing and sighed.

No matter how exquisite the Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Compendium was, it couldn’t make one avoid contact with poison.

Even the simplest cultivation method for the Calamity Poison Body required exposure to various poisons.

“Well, take it slow, step by step. At least Xiaochan can also cultivate this technique. They can both cultivate it together.”

This Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Compendium, being a Dao Seeking-level technique, naturally had high entry requirements.

It required not only great innate roots and comprehension but also talent in either the poison or curse path, or a corresponding spiritual body.

After getting started, one would still need access to top-level venoms to continue progressing.

However, for Lu Changsheng, acquiring Tier Three poisons and monster cores was no longer an issue.

His daughter, Lu Mengchan, had the Calamity Poison Body. His wife, Meng Xiaochan, possessed the Thousand Silk Wan Du Body. Both had the conditions to begin cultivation.

His role was to help both mother and daughter successfully master the technique.

Once they both succeeded, the combined power of poison and curse would be astonishing.

“Moreover, this technique can cultivate an acquired poison body. Xiaochan can use the Thousand Silk Wan Du Body as a foundation and, through Mengmeng, transform it into an acquired Calamity Poison Body, perhaps even the Chaos Poison Source Body or the Ten Thousand Tribulations Deathless Body, further enhancing her potential!”

This poison-path technique bore some similarities to Lu Quanzhen’s Kun Peng Devouring Heaven Divine Demonic Technique. Once mastered, as long as one could control and harness the power without fear of backlash, one could rapidly increase strength by utilizing external toxins.

Thus, if Meng Xiaochan successfully switched to this technique, Lu Changsheng was confident that she could reach the late stage of Golden Core in the shortest time.

As for Nascent Soul, that would have to wait until after he achieved Nascent Soul himself.

After all, rapid cultivation comes with a price, which must be compensated elsewhere.

“Huff!”

After a moment, Lu Changsheng exhaled lightly and stopped contemplating the technique. He planned to study it further at home with Meng Xiaochan, then fall into a peaceful rest, laying beside Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaohuan..

Though his cultivation level no longer required sleep…

…both meditation and sleep had calming effects on the soul and spirit.

A month and a half later, Lu Changsheng returned to the Golden Sun Sect with his wife and children after a leisurely trip.

The Heavenfiend Sect and Liang Kingdom investigations he was worried about never surfaced.

That was to be expected.

No matter how capable, the Liang Kingdom could not infiltrate Yue Kingdom with numerous Golden Core cultivators.

Besides, Tu Yuan, a late-stage Golden Core-level cultivator, had mysteriously perished. Even if there were Liang Kingdom spies hiding in Yue Kingdom, they wouldn’t dare make a move now, likely trembling in fear, afraid of Yue Kingdom’s purge.

“Here—keep these three talismans for self-defense. Be cautious when you go out.”

Lu Changsheng handed his son three high-grade Third-Tier talismans and also gave him a magical treasure for concealing his aura and altering his appearance.

Once he broke through to Golden Core, he could avoid detection from most Golden Core cultivators.

And with Lu Changsheng’s control over the family’s genealogy suppressing heavenly omens, as long as Lu Qingshan remained careful, he wouldn’t be easily ambushed.

“Dad, don’t you think three of these is a little too few? How about giving me a couple more?”

Lu Qingshan grinned, looking very pleased with the talismans in his hand.

Although being a sword cultivator meant primarily relying on his Flying Sword, he appreciated the value of talismans.

Previously, he’d managed to kill Gao Ning, a False Core commander, thanks to the talismans his father had provided.

“You think Third-Tier talismans are cabbages?”

Lu Changsheng smacked him on the back of the head, then sternly instructed, “Break through to Golden Core properly while in the sect. Don’t fool around, understand?”

If it weren’t inconvenient to bring Lu Qingshan back home for the breakthrough, Lu Changsheng would have taken him to ensure safety.

Considering that Lu Qingshan’s prior use of the Da Luo Sword Embryo method was so risky, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but worry that something might go wrong again.

“Dad, don’t worry.”

Lu Qingshan grinned confidently and said goodbye to his mother, aunts, and siblings.

When bidding farewell to his sister Lu Qingzhu, he hinted through a wink, “I’ll come pick you up after I break through to Golden Core.”

Earlier, his sister had given him the talismans and puppets their father gifted her, so surely their father would give her even better things now. He wanted her to accept them without hesitation.

“Scram.”

How could Lu Changsheng not see through such antics? With an annoyed kick, he shooed him away, determined not to let him spoil his obedient daughter.

Nearby, Lu Miaoge and Lu Qingzhu sileetly laughed.

Among all his children, only Lu Qingshan and Lu Wangshu dared to joke around with Lu Changsheng.

“Safe travels, Dad!”

Lu Qingshan waved his hand with a care-free smile, not the least bit concerned about his image, and then left.

Upon returning to the sect and entering the mountain gate, his whole demeanor changed, becoming sharp and commanding, his starry eyes filled with an unparalleled sword intent that seemed ready to pierce the heavens.

His Sword Heart was clear, and he observed everyone who looked in his direction.

He was watching for even the slightest fluctuation in their expressions or mental state.

After all, it was highly likely that there was a traitor within the sect, based on Tu Yuan’s attempt to ambush him, and he wanted to get to the bottom of it.

“Greetings, Senior Brother Qingshan!”

“Greetings, Uncle Lu!”

As sect disciples passed by and sensed his immense sword energy, they quickly and respectfully lowered their heads to greet him.

Over the years, Lu Qingshan had earned a reputation as the Golden Sun Sect’s top disciple.

He remained focused, returning to Tianyuan Peak and entering seclusion to prepare for his Golden Core breakthrough.

Considering all his recent flashy appearances in the Golden Sun Sect and along the Yue Kingdom frontline, Lu Changsheng decided to take a more low-profile route back to the Jiang Kingdom, using the Golden-Winged Roc for faster travel along the way.

Without Lu Qingshan, the trip home was slightly quieter but still filled with joy.

Lu Changsheng was in high spirits throughout the journey.

This trip hadn’t just helped clear Lu Qingshan’s obstacles and relieved his wife’s worries, but he had also obtained a rare Demonic Path Golden Core.

And if he included Lu Qingshan’s Second-Tier Body Tempering and the Ten Thousand Calamity Venomous Spirit Compendium lottery prize, the trip to Yue Kingdom had been quite the success.

Meanwhile, in the Jiang Kingdom’s Immortal City of Da Mengze.

It had been over three years since the end of the Pioneering War.

Qingluan Zhenren finally had the time to visit Da Mengze Immortal City to fulfill her promise and lay down her fate-arranging formation.

Upon arriving, she crushed a jade talisman in her hand.

After about a quarter hour, a stunning woman arrived, dressed in a red gown with intricate gold and silver embroidery, her graceful figure radiating an elegant nobility.

“Are you Comrade Qingluan?”

Hong Lian closely examined the woman in green, who looked like a refined nobleman.

“You must be Immortal Li Muwan?”

Qingluan Zhenren gazed upon Hong Lian, a hint of amazement flashing in her beautiful eyes.

Hong Lian’s appearance was indeed extraordinary.

Even as a fellow woman, she couldn’t help but be awed by her looks, poise, and grace.

Dressed in a luxurious red gown, her figure was graceful and alluring. Her long jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, shimmering with an ethereal glow, crowned with a peach blossom tiara.

Her bare face was flawless, beyond perfection.

But above all, what astonished Qingluan was the air of timeless nobility that Hong Lian exuded, carrying herself with a serene dignity that could only come from years of cultivation.

Even if Qingluan had previously suspected Hong Lian of being a Nascent Soul cultivator…

She was now almost certain—given Hong Lian’s terrifying grace—that this woman was undeniably a Nascent Soul cultivator!

It wasn’t just her beauty…

It was an ethereal aura that encompassed her entire being, as if she were a sacred spirit favored by the heavens, far beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators.

This was no mere disguise or act.

Previously, Qingluan had guessed that Lu Changsheng was the reincarnation of a Nascent Soul elder precisely because he lacked this kind of top-tier Nascent Soul elder aura.

She surmised that perhaps Lu Changsheng had not yet fully recovered his memories from his previous life.

But Hong Lian was different!

“Yes.”

Hong Lian gently nodded, her heart secretly agreeing with her husband about cooperating with Qingluan Zhenren.

In terms of appearance, temperament, and stature, this woman was among the best of the best.

Additionally, before making this visit, she had spent time researching Qingluan’s background.

She had learned that Qingluan, despite starting as a rogue cultivator, had proven herself through talent, intelligence, and luck.

“I’m here on behalf of Comrade Wang, also known as Yangming Zhenren, to help arrange the fate formation for Da Mengze Immortal City.”

Qingluan formally stated her purpose.

“My husband informed me before he left, so it’s no trouble at all, Comrade Qingluan.”

Hong Lian’s voice was soft yet melodious.

“Since you’ve come a long way, why don’t you rest at the City Lord’s Manor first?”

Hong Lian gestured courteously, recognizing that the purpose of this meeting was not just about the formation but also to solidify cooperation.

The goal was to affirm both her husband and her own Nascent Soul status, forging deeper ties.

“Very well.”

Qingluan Zhenren wasn’t just here to complete the arrangement; she was also curious about Lu Changsheng and keen on evaluating this ‘Immortal Li Muwan.’

Soon, the two entered the City Lord’s Manor and seated themselves in a side chamber.

Hong Lian elegantly rolled up her sleeves, revealing wrists as pure as white jade. She skillfully prepared tea, arranging the tea set, brewing the water, and steeping the tea with such grace and fluidity that it was a sight to behold.

“Please, Comrade Qingluan.”

Soon, the sound of tea pouring filled the air, resembling the gentle murmurs of a flowing spring, accompanied by faint celestial music.

The entire chamber became enveloped in tea fragrance, rich and refreshing.

In the realm of cultivation, even ordinary activities, when pursued with dedication, could lead to enlightenment.

To Qingluan, Hong Lian’s tea-making flowed so seamlessly, it was as though she was incorporating the Dao into her movements.

“Comrade Li, your tea-making skill has nearly reached the level of Dao. Impressive.”

Qingluan praised as she sipped the tea, savoring the rich, mellow taste.

“Any skill cultivated deeply enough, whether it be tea or any other art, can approach the Dao.”

“This is a minor pursuit, something for my own amusement, hardly worth mentioning.”

Hong Lian smiled softly, sipping her tea in a manner that exuded elegance and grace.

“You say that, but how many mortals can reach your level?”

Qingluan Zhenren, without the airs of a True Lord, naturally and casually complimented.

After a bit more small talk, Qingluan casually began probing into Hong Lian’s background: “How did you become acquainted with Comrade Wuhen?”

“It was by pure chance. My husband came to Da Mengze to hunt monsters and happened to meet Comrade Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng.”

Hong Lian answered without hesitation, speaking openly.

“The Deep Sea Demon Whale King!?”

Qingluan’s heart couldn’t help but shake as she heard about how Hong Lian and her husband had helped hunt the Grade Four Demon Whale King of the deep sea.

Though Qingluan hadn’t ventured deep into Da Mengze herself, she knew about the ominous gray mist that suppressed both cultivation and Divine Sense in those areas.

For four mere Golden Core cultivators to successfully hunt a Grade Four Demon Whale King in such a place…

This meant their strength far surpassed the typical Golden Core stage.

She knew a little about Dream Wuhen and his wife.

Both were at the Golden Core peak, and they shared a special dual cultivation technique that increased their strength.

As for Lu Changsheng’s capabilities…she had seen them firsthand during his battle against the Twin-Headed Flood Dragon, where he had confronted a Nascent Soul True Lord head-on.

And the woman standing before her—though her cultivation level seemed to be a mere Fifth Stage Golden Core, Qingluan knew that Hong Lian was anything but ordinary.

“I heard from my husband that you’re acquainted with Comrade Wuhen and have a history with Nascent Souls.”

Throughout their conversation, Hong Lian had also learned a lot about Southern Wilderness and the Jiang Kingdom from Qingluan Zhenren.

Qingluan, being eager to exchange information, also casually asked: “So, Comrade Li, you’re not from the Southern Wilderness?”

Hong Lian cast a meaningful glance at Qingluan before softly chuckling and saying, “I came here to look for my husband, but I don’t belong to this era.”

“Looking for your husband?”

Qingluan’s heart skipped a beat.

She had once surmised that Lu Changsheng might be the reincarnation of a Nascent Soul elder who had, through some means, awakened his past memories and glimpsed the mysteries of reincarnation.

Now, hearing this, she speculated that it was Hong Lian who had helped Lu Changsheng break through the mysteries of reincarnation.

Perhaps even Yangming Zhenren’s golden roc was a beast she had tamed.

Still, she wondered why such a powerful woman would tolerate Lu Changsheng having multiple wives.

In the cultivation world, it was common for male experts to have numerous wives and concubines, but with a Dao partner as distinguished as Hong Lian, how could he be so unrestrained?

Surely, with someone of Hong Lian’s stature, he’d show more restraint, right?

“Forgive my rudeness.”

Realizing her question had delved into personal matters, Qingluan Zhenren politely inclined her head.

“I’m only sharing these things because I wish to collaborate further with you.”

“For now, my husband still needs time to grow. I don’t want others disrupting our plans.”

Hong Lian gently shook her head, seriously explaining.

“Plans?”

Qingluan’s expression shifted slightly.

In the Jiang Kingdom, Nascent Souls were considered top-tier cultivators.

Lu Changsheng and Yangming Zhenren already had near-invincible strength below Nascent Soul. With Hong Lian also involved, why would they need more time?

Could they be referring to some future demonic tribulation?

If the demonic cults rose again, even Qingluan might not be able to protect herself. All she could do was hope to survive.

“If you have time, Comrade Qingluan, feel free to look up the ancient records of the Central Plains and the deeds of the Great Qian Holy King from the Ancient Era. You may get an idea about my husband’s plans then.”

Hong Lian hinted with a cryptic smile.

“The Great Qian Holy King of the Ancient Central Plains?”

Qingluan Zhenren had only read brief mentions of the Central Plains, considered the most prosperous region, along with the Eastern Sea, Western Desert, and Northern Plains.

Hearing Hong Lian mention an ancient king from that place shocked her.

“Could Yangming Zhenren have something to do with this Great Qian Holy King?”

Qingluan was left unsure of what to think.

Shifting the conversation from this topic, Qingluan conversed lightly with Hong Lian, discussing cultivation and day-to-day topics.

Since Qingluan specialized in raising a Qingluan and Qingluan Dao Soldiers, the two spoke of Beast Taming techniques.

Through their conversation, Qingluan realized Hong Lian’s knowledge of Beast Taming exceeded her own.

This only deepened her suspicions that it was Hong Lian who had helped Yangming Zhenren raise the golden roc.

Perhaps the flood dragon Dao Soldiers that had appeared in the Lu Family were also raised by this woman.

Qingluan now believed that Lu Changsheng’s rapid rise to prominence was largely due to her chess moves made from the shadows.

However, when Qingluan sought more details about their cooperation…

Hong Lian said the collaboration would be simple at first: the two cities would support and watch out for each other.

Advancing the partnership further would depend on future developments.

After a long conversation, Qingluan Zhenren finally performed her fate-arranging formation for the Immortal City.

“Her divination abilities are remarkable.”

Hong Lian watched Qingluan Zhenren’s handiwork with sharp eyes.

Although not trained in divination, she had encountered many top-tier diviners.

She realized that Qingluan Zhenren’s divination methods were different from what she had seen before…

…as though Qingluan Zhenren were tapping into a mysterious aspect of fate.

“This fate-arranging formation should hold for about ten years. Now that everything is settled, I have other matters to attend to and will take my leave.”

Qingluan Zhenren’s complexion was pale—clearly the formation had taken some toll. She gave a light bow before bidding farewell.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Hong Lian nodded gracefully, gifting her a bottle of Fourth-Tier spirit wine Lu Changsheng had obtained from the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm.

Qingluan Zhenren accepted the gift with a word of thanks, then stepped into the void and departed.

“Qingluan Zhenren.”

Hong Lian watched her vanish, her eyes gleaming.

As someone who had been a Nascent Soul True Lord in a past life, Hong Lian knew well.

It was rare for a newly-broken Nascent Soul cultivator to move so effortlessly through the void.

This suggested two things: she was deliberately putting on a display…

…and that she had a rare innate talent for space manipulation.

But other than those with a Spatial Spirit Body, few people could easily control space upon reaching Nascent Soul stage.

“Qingluan.”

Hong Lian mused over the name.

The ancestor of all Qingluans, the Nine Heavens Qingluan, was a True Spirit bloodline.

While not known for proficiency in space manipulation, its relative, the Celestial Phoenix, was highly skilled in spatial techniques.