Chapter 625: Crossing Damengze, Entering the Star Sea!

Ten days later.

Immortal City of Da Mengze, City Lord’s Manor.

“Husband, you’re back.”

“Lu Lang, Dad, Dad!”

Ling Zixiao, Meng Xiaochan, and others happily called out to Lu Changsheng.

Lu Linghe and Lu Baixi were brought back to the Immortal City by Meng Xiaochan shortly after Lu Changsheng left for the Golden Sun Sect.

After all, her daughter had never left her side since childhood. She missed her deeply, and Lu Baixi also longed for her mother Bai Ling.

“Xiaochan, look over this technique for me.”

As the family enjoyed the warmth of reunion, Lu Changsheng handed Meng Xiaochan the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment chapter of the ‘Wan-E Poison Spirit Secret Manual’.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to give her the whole thing.

But this level of technique couldn’t be contained in a regular Jade Slip.

Even copying and imprinting just the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment chapters was something Lu Changsheng could barely achieve using his Nascent Soul Divine Sense and a high-grade Jade Slip.

Thus, the subsequent chapters must be taught to Meng Xiaochan in person, little by little.

But the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment chapters were enough. Meng Xiaochan could study it first, and later teach her daughter.

“Such a profound technique!”

Meng Xiaochan glanced at it and was immediately entranced, captivated by its depths.

It seemed far more vast and profound, several times more so than her own ‘Wan Poison Tome’.

The ‘Wan Poison Tome’ suddenly felt like a simplified version of this technique.

“This is a technique I obtained on my journey. It’s called the ‘Wan-E Poison Spirit Secret Manual’, and I haven’t fully imprinted it yet. Its depth is extraordinary, and it can also solve Meng’er’s Calamity Poison Body.”

Lu Changsheng explained to his wife.

“It can remove Meng’er’s Calamity Poison Body!”

Upon hearing this, Meng Xiaochan’s face filled with immense joy and excitement.

Since marrying Lu Changsheng, she felt like her life was without regrets.

However, after learning that Lu Mengchan had the Calamity Poison Body, a worry settled in her heart.

Though it was possible for Mengchan to cultivate like an ordinary person, even without removing the poison body…

…having such a top-tier Spirit Body but not using it, how could anyone be content?

And embarking on the path of immortality, there’s no telling when one might encounter some powerful poison that would react with the Calamity Poison Body.

“Yes, spend these days studying the technique. After I send Quanzhen back, I’ll teach it to both of you.”

Lu Changsheng spoke gently, glancing toward his daughter, who was standing not far away with delicate, arched brows, pink lips, and a graceful figure wrapped in a lavender dress, her hair styled in a flowing bun. She was as refined and soft as jade, increasingly lovable.

Has his daughter grown stronger over time?

She spent her days with Lu Linghe and Lu Baixi, surely she must have made significant progress, right?

Despite Lu Linghe’s carefree demeanor, she had a resilient nature. There was an unyielding and tough streak in her.

Lu Baixi’s small, often cold face, like a carved ice doll, made her appear distant. Yet, her talent, perception, and Dao Heart were top-tier.

Aside from bloodline inheritance, no challenge seemed too great for her. She never complained and even seemed to naturally enjoy cultivation.

In fact, her constant sparring with Lu Linghe and lessons from the Golden-Winged Roc revealed an inherent toughness and wildness.

Though due to their family’s education and perhaps her mother Bai Ling’s influence, Baixi’s wildness was hidden deep within, making her appear calm and serene on the outside.

“Dad, is something wrong?”

Lu Mengchan asked obediently as she noticed Lu Changsheng looking at her. Her large, clear eyes shimmered like water, and her pink lips pursed. She seemed slightly shy and uneasy.

Although Lu Changsheng deeply cared for his daughter, they spent little time together since he was often away, making their relationship less close.

“It’s nothing, just thinking about my sweet Mengmeng.”

Lu Changsheng smiled.

“And me, Dad?”

Lu Linghe chimed in, playfully tugging at Lu Changsheng.

“Of course I missed you too.”

As usual, after returning home, Lu Changsheng gave his children small gifts.

Nearby, Lu Baixi’s expression remained indifferent, eyes glowing with platinum light, displaying only her thirst for knowledge.

Among the three sisters, she was the smallest in stature, but strangely, the most mature.

Later that evening.

Lu Changsheng discussed matters with Hong Lian regarding Qingluan Zhenren.

“I only had a brief conversation with Qingluan Zhenren. When dealing with someone as shrewd as her, it’s better not to lay things out too clearly. It’s better to let her guess and judge on her own.”

Hong Lian’ long black hair cascaded messily over her back, her beautiful eyes sparkling with charm. Her flawless, jade-like body glistened with a misty glow as she perspired.

Having merged their souls early on, Lu Changsheng was privy to some details about the Saint King of the Central Plains and the Dragon Emperor Dao Body, so he asked: “Is there any information about the Central Plains here in the Southern Wilderness?”

“I’m not sure. But ancient records do mention interactions between the seas to the east and west, the Southern Wilderness, the Northern Plains, and the Central Plains in ancient times.”

“Over time, these connections dwindled, and many long-distance teleportation formations were destroyed or abandoned for reasons unknown.”

“Since the Southern Wilderness once had ties with the Central Plains, it is likely that some records still exist on this topic. If Qingluan Zhenren seeks them, she might find some scattered clues.”

Hong Lian’ voice was soft.

At the Nascent Soul level, if one is willing to spend time and effort looking for rare ancient texts, uncovering secrets from the ancients isn’t difficult.

However, as time passes, much of the information becomes uncertain, and it’s hard to distinguish between truth and fiction.

Regarding the Saint King of the Central Plains and the Dragon Emperor Dao Body, Hong Lian only believed that there was once such a supreme existence, but she couldn’t be certain how accurate her knowledge was.

Because information, as it spreads, often becomes muddled and obscure.

Still, it’s often this kind of half-truth that drives continuous contemplation.

“Mm.”

After their cultivation session, Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian discussed ancient mysteries, historical records, and various legends from the immortal world.

The tales of the Saint King of the Central Plains and the Dragon Emperor Dao Body fascinated Lu Changsheng.

Although he had no interest in the idea of kingship and hierarchy…

… the idea of an entire family’s fortunes being tied to someone who collects the world’s luck was quite intriguing.

Although fate and luck seem intangible and mysterious, difficult to grasp…

After cultivating for so many years, especially with the effects of the Xuantian Spirit Vine, Lu Changsheng had come to fully believe in it.

For example, over the past decade, he noticed a marked improvement in the quality of the Lu Family disciples from Bihu Mountain.

Moreover, the cultivation breakthroughs of Lu Family disciples, when compared to those from Qingzhu Mountain or Hundred Bird Lake, seemed smoother.

After weighing various factors, Lu Changsheng believed this improvement must be connected to the invisible luck gathered by the Xuantian Spirit Vine.

And this was just luck gathered by a single Spirit Vine.

If one could gather the world’s luck and concentrate it on a single family, wouldn’t divine children be born into the family every few years?

In that scenario, bearing Spirit Bodies, top-tier talents, smooth cultivation, and successful trials would be commonplace.

But Hong Lian had only heard of such things and considered them entertaining tales.

Unless one stumbled upon a technique or treasure capable of gathering the world’s luck, even a Nascent Soul True Lord couldn’t control such a concept.

Without wasting time, Lu Changsheng finished helping restore the source power of Ling Zixiao’s Shared Path Treasure and soon set out with Lu Quanzhen for the Star Sea.

“Whoosh—”

The Golden-Winged Roc soared like a golden beam of divine light, cutting through the waves and exuding boundless majesty.

After flying for a long while, the Golden-Winged Roc halted above deep waters and let out a loud scream.

“Hmm?”

Lu Quanzhen became alert, scanning his surroundings with a wary gaze.

“The gray fog deep within Da Mengze suppresses Spiritual Energy and Divine Sense. Even the Golden-Winged Roc would quickly tire here. After crossing Da Mengze, I am not familiar with what lies ahead.”

“So, we’ll switch to a different spirit beast for travel.”

Lu Changsheng explained to his son.

Though he was confident they could traverse Da Mengze, to be cautious, he used the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale for the journey.

“A different spirit beast?”

Lu Quanzhen’s heart raced, his expression a mix of curiosity and doubt.

In the next moment, he felt a terrifying aura, as vast and oppressive as a bottomless abyss.

“Roarrrrr—”

The once-calm sea trembled violently as waves surged in every direction, crashing like a tsunami, as though the ocean itself was roaring in fury.

All of a sudden, a massive shadow tore through the sea surface, revealing its looming form with a cold, dark presence that exuded an oppressive, terrifying majesty.

Lu Changsheng sized up the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale in front of him.

Its appearance hadn’t changed much.

But if you looked closely, you would see something new—an ancient, mysterious dragon-shaped pattern etched upon its black armor-like scales, barely visible yet natural.

Its enormous eyes, like black holes, now resembled the pupils of a two-headed flood dragon—cold and piercing, commanding the deepest of fears.

“Let’s go.”

Lu Changsheng said to Lu Quanzhen before stepping onto the huge whale’s back.

“Is this my father’s travel beast?”

Lu Quanzhen felt a shock deep in his heart.

He had already been stunned by the Golden-Winged Roc.

But now he realized his father had a spirit pet even more terrifying than the Golden-Winged Roc.

In the endless waters of Da Mengze, this top-tier demon king must be the supreme ruler, right?

He swallowed his shock, suppressing his awe as he moved to stand beside his father.

Covered in golden talismans, the Golden-Winged Roc shrunk to a visible size before landing on Lu Changsheng’s shoulder.

“Let’s move.”

Lu Changsheng signaled to the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale to head toward the sea’s eye, then turned to Lu Quanzhen, saying: “This is the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale, the true power guarding our family’s stake in Da Mengze.”

“Just like how we can cross Da Mengze into the Star Sea, the cultivators of the Star Sea can likewise come here. That’s why this trip to escort you is to better understand both sides.”

“I had you gather information about the Black Dragon Sect and the fourth-rank dragon-type Natural Treasures to help the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale break through to the fourth rank.”

As Lu Quanzhen had reached the stage of Golden Core Formation, Lu Changsheng naturally shared more of the family’s secrets and foundations with him.

This way, not only would he be better informed about the family situation but also more prepared to face the world.

“Rest assured, Father.”

Standing atop the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale, looking over the vast, rolling waves, Lu Quanzhen felt a wave of pride and unshakable ambition.

Though riding the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale was fun, after a while the journey became rather dull.

Lu Changsheng gave Lu Quanzhen a Spirit Eye Spring before heading inside the whale’s stomach to meditate and rest.

Unfortunately, there were limits to what the Heavenly Yuan Imperial Lotus could achieve. It wasn’t like the Sumeru Cave Heaven, capable of nurturing spiritual veins and serving as a true portable cave dwelling.

In the meantime, Lu Changsheng practiced comprehending the power of the void and continued his studies of the ‘Wan-E Poison Spirit Secret Manual’, preparing in advance for the ‘True Saint Method of Brahma Demon’.

“Splash——”

Upon entering the deep sea, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale sped up considerably, its backfin cutting through the surging waters like a giant axe, parting the waves to form a magnificent path.

Without fourth-rank demon kings in Da Mengze, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale’s third-rank aura alone deterred any who might dare attack it, unless it ventured into another demon king’s territory.

After traveling for a month and a half, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale reached the sea eye connecting Da Mengze to the Star Sea.

This sea eye contained a nearly fourth-rank spiritual vein and was occupied by a third-rank peak sea beast.

“Roar!”

Sensing the presence of the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale, the sea beast took it as a challenge and began roaring furiously, raising huge waves as the sea rumbled with power.

Not backing down, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale’s near-fourth-rank aura erupted as it stirred the waters into towering whirlpools, crashing backwaves like surging dragons.

Sensing the disturbance, Lu Changsheng emerged from inside the whale.

“If I used this sea eye for fishing, I wonder how many demon kings I’d catch.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, summoning the Da Luo Sword Embryo. A dazzling sword light burst into the sky, splitting the sea and leaving a majestic trench as if cleaving Da Mengze in two.

Meanwhile, Yin-Yang Grand Capture, coupled with the Golden-Winged Roc, appeared.

Moments later, the sea beast let out a pitiful howl.

Lu Changsheng didn’t slay it but let it go after receiving a portion of its Essence Blood as an offering.

As his cultivation climbed higher, Lu Changsheng increasingly understood the heavens’ virtue of preserving life, not wanting to shed unnecessary blood.

However, after scoping out the sea eye’s lair, he gave a simple evaluation: “Poor beast!”

Fishing here would be pointless if one couldn’t pull up valuable Natural Treasures.

“Let’s keep going.”

Lu Changsheng signaled for the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale to continue.

“So, this is the Star Sea?”

Two days later, Lu Changsheng noticed a subtle change in the atmosphere over the waters—the Star Sea’s energy felt different from Da Mengze’s. It was clear now that they had reached the Star Sea.

Although it looked quite similar to Da Mengze, it was still shrouded in fog, disturbing cultivation techniques and spiritual senses.

The main difference was the deeper azure blue of the waters and the increased number of islands. Various small and large islands dotted the waves, their sharp rocks whipped by the currents.

“It seems no one lives here. It’s undeveloped land.”

Gazing at these rocky islands, Lu Changsheng murmured to himself.

Lu Quanzhen, who had just emerged from the whale’s stomach, began inspecting the mysterious sea as well.

After a while, having learned that the situation here mirrored the deep sea of Da Mengze, the two continued their journey.

Although the purpose was just to deliver Lu Quanzhen to the Star Sea…

…leaving him to explore immediately was too dangerous. He might get himself killed midway, so it was safer to first find a populated island to gather information.

As they ventured deeper into the Star Sea, Lu Changsheng noticed the biggest difference between the two regions—

—there were far more demon kings here.

Along the way, the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale encountered numerous top-tier demon kings, even a near-fourth-rank demon king.

Without the Da Luo Sword Embryo to deter it, that near-fourth-rank demon king wouldn’t have retreated so easily.

“So, the two Void Whales I fought earlier must have come from the Star Sea.”

Lu Changsheng recalled the two Void Whales that had fought the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale for the sea eye earlier.

One had escaped back then, and he wondered if it might cross paths with him again in the Star Sea.

He was particularly interested in acquiring more Void Crystals from it.

With enough Void Crystals, fusing void fragments to form a complete Region would become much easier.

Realizing that the Star Sea had so many demon kings, Lu Changsheng instructed the whale to be more cautious. Finding a fourth-rank demon king here would be troublesome.

Having witnessed the mighty Demon Whale King and Two-Headed Flood Dragon, Lu Changsheng had a vividly clear understanding of a fourth-rank demon king’s terrifying power.

After half a month, as the mist thinned and fewer demon kings appeared.

Lu Changsheng surmised that the fog was a natural habitat beneficial for sea beasts.

“Hmm?! There’s someone ahead.”

Suddenly, while meditating at the whale’s dorsal fin, Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, sensing the presence of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“Looks like we’ve reached the true Star Sea!”

Lu Changsheng felt a surge of excitement and directed the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale toward the cultivator.

Back when Meng Wuhen had provided him intel on the Star Sea, it was only a rough outline, without specific maps.

Otherwise, this trip wouldn’t have been quite so tedious.

At that moment, on a rocky cliff battered by waves, a pale, disheveled woman in a torn robe sat weakly.

She suddenly sensed an overwhelming aura heading her way. Her already pale face turned even whiter. “Is heaven about to destroy me, Shen Wanzhao?”

The next thing she saw was the rolling waves parting, revealing an enormous whale rising from the sea.

“Hmm?”

On the whale’s back stood a tall, elegant man in a green robe, as handsome as a celestial being.

Though her senses told her this man was incredibly powerful—probably a Nascent Soul True Lord!—his calm, serene demeanor had a strangely soothing effect on her, giving her the impression this man was a noble and kind gentleman.

“Where is this place? Who are you?”

Lu Changsheng stepped forward, instantly passing through the cliff’s rudimentary formation to face Shen Wanzhao and ask directly.

“Hmm?”

Startled, Shen Wanzhao’s heart pounded, but she quickly replied: “Honored elder, this is the ‘Mist Sea’ of the Star Sea, near the Feiyan Islands under the rule of the Capable Seas Sect.”

“My name is Shen Wanzhao, a disciple of the Goddess Palace of Penglai Island. I was ambushed and fled here by chance. If Senior would lend a hand, Penglai Island would repay you handsomely!”

She revealed her identity in hopes of deterring him.

“Capable Seas Sect, Penglai Island.”

Based on the information Meng Wuhen had provided, Lu Changsheng recognized both names as Nascent Soul-level factions.

“Do you have a sea map of the islands around here, or a map of this area?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

“Yes.”

Shen Wanzhao immediately handed over a Jade Slip, realizing this elder wasn’t from the Star Sea.

According to certain rumors, many of the Mist Sea areas were extremely perilous, inhabited by all kinds of sea beasts. Legends spoke of mysterious forbidden lands hidden deep within the Mist Seas, while others claimed crossing the Mist Sea would lead to an even vaster and wealthier cultivation world.

Lu Changsheng examined the Jade Slip with his Divine Sense.

The map was somewhat rough but serviceable. If they kept traveling for ten more days, they would reach the so-called Feiyan Islands.

“Not bad. Consider this your reward.”

Noting the injuries of the woman before him, Lu Changsheng raised his hand and activated the Nine Treasures Dao Bone, releasing a divine healing light.

In a moment, Shen Wanzhao felt as though she was bathed in a mother’s embrace. Warm, nurturing energy poured into her limbs, nourishing her entire body and spirit.

Soon, her wounds were healed.

“Thank you, Senior!”

Shen Wanzhao immediately bowed respectfully, feeling an unexpected closeness toward the man before her.

“No need for thanks. This is the reward you deserve.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled softly, his warm eyes suddenly growing dark and profound, causing Shen Wanzhao to briefly lose her focus, her gaze becoming blank.

He then continued questioning her about the specific situation in the Star Sea.

However, as Shen Wanzhao had only recently begun her cultivation travels, her knowledge about the Star Sea was limited.

Still, after hearing what she knew, Lu Changsheng used the Six Desires Demon Heart Manual to alter her memories.

Since he hadn’t disguised himself on this journey, it was more cautious to erase any memory of his appearance…

…and replace it with the memory of her finding a ‘Strange Ghost Flower’ that healed her wounds but caused her to faint afterward.

Afterward, Lu Changsheng quietly left with the Splitting-Sea Profound Whale, summoning Lu Quanzhen from his cultivation to catch him up on the situation while handing him the Jade Slip.

Meanwhile, back on the cliff, Shen Wanzhao awoke, dazed, and carefully scanned her surroundings before rubbing her throbbing forehead: “I was teleported to the Mist Sea by a teleportation talisman? At least I found a Strange Ghost Flower that quickly healed my wounds.”

“Huh, but how did that flower get here? I was reckless. What if a spirit beast had attacked while I was unconscious? I wonder when my godmother will come.”

She bit her lip, worried and anxious.

Half a month later, Lu Changsheng and Lu Quanzhen reached the Feiyan Islands.

He couldn’t help but marvel at the boundless Star Sea. The territory of just the Capable Seas Sect alone was almost as vast as the Jiang Kingdom.

However, like Da Mengze, travel between islands here in the Star Sea was perilous and troublesome.

Many mortals and low-level cultivators likely spent their entire lives on a single island, never leaving.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Quanzhen disguised themselves before landing on a larger island to gather information.

“Quanzhen, there are matters at home that require my attention. I will return now. If you encounter danger, break the ‘Avatar Talisman’. It should allow you to escape from anything below a Nascent Soul cultivator. If there is trouble, communicate with me.”

After learning more about the area’s conditions, Lu Changsheng prepared to depart.

The dragon blood and scales he had traded with Qingluan Zhenren allowed him to craft several high-tier talismans.

But time was limited, so he could only nourish the talismans to a near-fourth-rank state. He handed one to his son for a lifeline, just in case.

After all, the Star Sea was chaotic, divided among countless factions. Even with Lu Quanzhen having reached Golden Core Formation, there were still dangers.

“Rest assured, Father!”

Lu Quanzhen bowed, his heart filled with excitement as he was filled with anticipation for the journey through the Star Sea.