Chapter 649: The Azure Cloud Sect’s Stance!

Jiang Kingdom, Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

A golden Peng bird, shimmering with a hazy yin-yang glow, descended from the sky.

Lu Changsheng gazed at the endless mountains ahead, knowing he had reached the territory of the Beast Spirit Sect and the Immortal City of Qingluan.

He didn’t hurry home, instead, he planned to visit Qingxuan Mountain to check on his children and also drop by to see Xiao Xiyue.

“Mili, Minghuang.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at the beautiful woman and handsome youth beside him, suggesting they visit Qingluan Immortal City since he had some business there.

Besides, he could use this opportunity to familiarize Minghuang with the situation in the Jiang Kingdom.

“Mhm~”

Ever since Nangong Mili learned that even her sect master had been conquered by Lu Changsheng, her attitude toward him had softened, resembling that of a virtuous wife and loving mother.

However, despite this change, Lu Changsheng planned to take Nangong Mili directly to the Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Given her temperament, she probably wouldn’t get along with Lu Miaoyun and the others at Bhu Mountain.

And so, the family of three slowed their pace, disguising themselves simply as they made their way to Qingluan Immortal City.

After arriving at Qingluan Immortal City, Lu Changsheng found an inn and activated the communication talisman linked to his son, Lu Qingxian, intending to check on how he had been these past few years.

By his calculations, his son had been in Qingluan Immortal City for seven years now.

Only three years remained of the ten-year learning period he had agreed upon with Qingluan Zhenren.

“Father.”

About half an hour later, Lu Qingxian, dressed in a refined, azure brocade robe, arrived, his handsome and scholarly features exuding elegance as he entered the private room.

Upon seeing not only his father but also a woman and a young boy, Lu Qingxian paused slightly.

“This is your Aunt Nangong, and this is Minghuang. Due to certain reasons, they’ve been away for a long time. So, I’ve brought them back. You should spend some time getting to know each other.”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he introduced them.

As a Core Formation cultivator, it was perfectly normal for there to be a significant age gap between his children, sometimes even spanning decades or centuries.

“This is your older brother, Qingxuan.”

He then introduced Lu Qingxian to Minghuang.

“Minghuang.”

Lu Qingxian smiled and nodded, understanding that this younger brother was no ordinary child. He greeted him with natural warmth and politeness.

After the brief introductions, Lu Changsheng inquired about Lu Qingxian’s progress over the years.

“Aunt Mu is still as elusive as ever. She rarely shows herself, but she occasionally offers guidance on my cultivation.”

Lu Qingxian replied.

Ten years may seem like a long time to ordinary people, but for a Nascent Soul cultivator, it was merely the blink of an eye, a single meditation session.

Thus, in the past seven years, he had only seen Qingluan Zhenren a handful of times.

However, whenever he encountered difficulties in his cultivation, he could consult with the Core Formation experts of the city.

“Divination isn’t something you should force. Just take it as it comes. If you want to stay in Qingluan Immortal City, that’s fine. If not, you’re welcome to come to the Immortal City of Da Mengze.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t put much weight on it.

When he had sent his son here to study, he hadn’t expected much.

If Lu Qingxian wanted to continue developing in Qingluan Immortal City, that was fine.

If he wished to take on more responsibilities, he could gradually take over some of the family’s affairs once Ling Zixiao had solidified his Core Formation.

“There’s still a lot for me to learn here.”

Lu Qingxian said.

Though Qingluan Zhenren rarely appeared, she had granted him considerable authority, allowing him to handle various matters.

“Is this Aunt Mu the Qingluan Zhenren?”

Nangong Mili, who had been listening to Lu Qingxian’s explanation, initially didn’t know who he was referring to by ‘Aunt Mu.’ But as she listened, she started to piece it together.

Realizing that this ‘Aunt Mu’ was the master of the city, the number one independent cultivator in Jiang Kingdom, Qingluan Zhenren, her eyes filled with surprise as she glanced at Lu Changsheng. She couldn’t help but wonder how he had gotten involved with such a powerful figure and just how far their relationship had progressed.

If this scoundrel had also become Qingluan Zhenren’s Dao companion, wouldn’t that mean he had two Nascent Soul Dao companions?

For a moment, Nangong Mili felt a mix of jealousy and admiration.

“I’ll explain later.”

Lu Changsheng, noticing her gaze, sent her a message through divine sense.

“By the way, Father.”

At this moment, Lu Qingxian, having heard that his father had recently returned, mentioned some matters regarding their family, unsure if he was aware.

“Matters?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.

“The Wang Family of Five Elements…”

Lu Qingxian immediately began recounting the events of the past few months.

“The Tier-3 Demon King, Nine Nether Hound? Lu Qingshan, the rising star of the Lu Family, reached Core Formation at the age of eighty and even slew a Tier-3 Demon King?”

Lu Changsheng was slightly surprised. He hadn’t expected such developments to occur in his family during the year he was away.

After listening to the details, however, he didn’t pay much mind to it.

The Nine Nether Hound’s breakthrough to Tier-3 wasn’t particularly significant.

Sooner or later, it would have made its presence known to the public.

He had even considered bringing the Nine Nether Hound along when handling the matters with Li Xingruo’s sisters, using the opportunity to announce the Tier-3 Demon King’s existence to the world.

Still, when he heard about his son Lu Qingshan’s accomplishments, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but shake his head.

He thought to himself, ‘This kid just can’t resist showing off.’

After all, his name was still on the Liang Kingdom’s kill list.

He had only just broken through to Core Formation, yet he was already being so flashy. Wasn’t he afraid that someone from the Liang Kingdom might come after him?

Still, Lu Qingshan’s strength was commendable. To be able to slay a demon beast in the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range only a few years after breaking through to Core Formation was quite impressive.

Though still far from his own level, it was enough for him to stand out among his peers.

“Eighty years old and already in Core Formation?”

Nangong Mili was once again taken aback upon hearing their conversation.

She knew a little about Lu Changsheng’s children.

But she hadn’t expected that one of them had reached Core Formation at the age of eighty.

And not only that, but he had also managed to slay a Tier-3 Demon King right after his breakthrough!

That was truly remarkable. Even in the entire cultivation world of the Jin Kingdom, such a feat was exceedingly rare.

However, remembering that Lu Changsheng had mentioned their daughter, Nangong Yaoyao, had also reached Core Formation, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.

After all, her daughter had always been brilliant and exceptionally talented. Now, she was apprenticed to a top-tier sect like the Immortal Lotus Sect. How could the cultivators from the Jin, Jiang, or Yue Kingdoms compare?

Thinking of this, she started to miss her daughter, Nangong Yaoyao, eagerly anticipating the day when Lu Changsheng reached Nascent Soul stage so they could visit her together.

After chatting with his son, Lu Changsheng gave him some pointers on cultivation and then took Nangong Mili and Lu Minghuang for a stroll around Qingluan Immortal City before heading to Qingxuan Mountain.

Over the years, Qingxuan Mountain had taken shape, recruiting many spiritual farmers and apprentices and establishing a puppet workshop.

With the mature craftsmanship of the Lu Family from Bihu Mountain as a foundation, the construction of the workshop at Qingxuan Mountain proceeded smoothly.

In fact, thanks to the reputation of the Talisman Lu Family, many cultivators actively sought to purchase puppets from the Lu Family or even become apprentices.

Lu Changsheng was quite satisfied with this.

Though he wasn’t particularly interested in the Spirit Stone income.

It showed that his children were able to handle things on their own, and that the family could continue replicating this process in the future.

However, Xiao Xiyue, Lu Wangshu, and Lu Lingxiao were not around.

Xiao Xiyue had completed her ten-year sect mission and returned to her sect to report.

Seeing this, Lu Wangshu had decided to return to her sect as well, so she and Lu Lingxiao had taken a spirit ship to Da Mengze.

“Got it.”

Lu Changsheng asked if his son needed any assistance, gave him some advice on cultivation, and then took Nangong Mili and Lu Minghuang back to Bihu Mountain.

Though he didn’t plan on having Nangong Mili stay at Bihu Mountain, he still wanted to introduce her to Meng Xiaochan.

And with his son Lu Qingshan home, he figured it was a good time to check in on him as well.

Half a month later, Lu Changsheng returned to Bihu Mountain.

When Lu Miaoyun and the others saw hat Lu Changsheng had brought back not only a woman but also a boy who seemed about ten years old, they were a bit shocked.

If they didn’t know their husband’s character well enough, they might have thought he had taken in a divorcee with a child.

“This is Minghuang, back then—”

Lu Changsheng never hid anything from Lu Miaoyun, so he explained th situation of the two in detail.

“The Heavenly Spider Emissary from the Five Poisons Sect? Meng Xiaochan’s master?”

Lu Miaoyun was surprised. She adn’t expected that the woman before her was none other than Meng Xiaochan’s master, a Core Formation cultivator from the demonic path.

She had heard Lu Changsheng mention Nangong Mili in the past and had even investigated some information about her.

But she didn’t say much and instead updated Lu Changsheng on the family’s affairs over the past year.

“Qingshan went to Da Mengze too?”

When Lu Changsheng heard that his son Lu Qingshan had taken Lu Qingzhu, Meng Xiaochan, and Lu Linghe to Da Mengze, his brow furrowed slightly in surprise.

Had they all joined up with Lu Wangshu and Lu Lingxiao?

“Yes. Qingsong has been in Da Mengze these past few years, so Qingshan took Qingzhu to visit him.”

Lu Miaoyun’s voice was gentle.

After finishing her explanation, she added, “Oh, right, husband, Xiao Xiyue came by earlier and asked to be informed when you returned.”

“I suspect it has something to do with Xiao Hei and Qingshan’s situation.”

Although Xiao Xiyue hadn’t said much, as the mistress of the household, Lu Miaoyun could easily guess.

“Alright, I’ll stop by the Azure Cloud Sect later.”

Lu Changsheng had a rough idea of what was going on.

With a Tier-3 Demon King and Lu Qingshan’s recent rise to prominence, it would be strange if the Azure Cloud Sect didn’t react.

But with Xiao Xiyue’s connection and Lu Qingshan’s achievements, the Azure Cloud Sect wouldn’t dare to openly suppress them or make any covert moves.

Most likely, they just wanted to have a discussion to understand the situation.

After that, Lu Changsheng spent the next few days at home, enjoying time with his wives and concubines.

During this time, he checked in on his son Lu Qingyue’s progress.

Lu Qingyue was still using the Six-Eyed Bodhi Seed and Xuantian Spirit Vine to refine his spiritual energy.

But it wasn’t just his spiritual energy—his physical body, blood essence, and divine soul had all improved. His perfect Dao foundation was almost complete.

At this point, there was no need for further refinement; any additional improvement would be minimal.

Lu Changsheng advised him to wait for the right moment and then directly attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment, suggesting he do so in the underground palace, where there might be some hidden benefits.

While visiting the underground palace, Lu Changsheng had noticed that a walnut-sized fruit had appeared on the Xuantian Spirit Vine growing beside the Xuanmu Vine.

With the help of the Myriad Spirits Bottle, it should mature in five or six years.

Lu Changsheng was quite looking forward to this fruit, hoping it would give him insight into the future growth of the Xuantian Spirit Vine.

Half a month later.

Lu Changsheng arrived at Bright Moon Residence on Rainbow Cloud Peak.

Afterward!

“The Sect Leader wants to know where you stand on certain matters now…”

Xiao Xiyue, looking as radiant as a celestial maiden from the moon palace, snuggled in Lu Changsheng’s arms, her body emitting a faint pink glow, as she whispered softly.

Not long ago, the Sect Leader had approached her, expressing concern that the Talisman Lu Family’s situation had grown beyond acceptable limits.

With things as they were, it was bound to affect the ecological balance within the Azure Cloud Sect’s jurisdiction. So, they wanted to understand what Lu Changsheng’s future plans were.

Previously, during the development of the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, several Tier-3 spiritual lands had been cleared. If Lu Changsheng needed one, the Azure Cloud Sect could help secure a piece of spiritual land for his family.

Alternatively, if the Lu Family had other plans, the Azure Cloud Sect could assist by cultivating a small Tier-3 spiritual vein.

“Heh.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled softly to himself, realizing that the Sect Leader had decided it was better to send them away than try to keep control over them.

But that was perfectly understandable.

With Xiao Xiyue, Lu Qingshan, and the connection to Da Mengze, it was hard for the sect to make any direct moves. Sending them away was the safer option.

Moreover, with Xiao Xiyue in the picture, even if they left, the Lu Family would still be tied to the Azure Cloud Sect.

And if they helped with the spiritual vein, the Lu Family would owe the sect a favor, which would have to be repaid in the future.

“I’ll meet with the Sect Leader later.”

Lu Changsheng held the celestial woman in his arms, enjoying their moment of quiet intimacy.

He had no interest in the Azure Cloud Sect’s small patch of land.

Bihu Mountain was already stable, with resources like the Sumeru Tree King and the Xuantian Spirit Vine, making it an ideal base for raising children.

Besides, with his relationships with Xiao Xiyue, Chu Qingyi, and Yun Wanshang, he had no desire to take any actions that might put them in a difficult position.

“Mhm~”

Xiao Xiyue knew how powerful Lu Changsheng had become, perhaps even strong enough to take over the Azure Cloud Sect.

After spending a few days with Xiao Xiyue, Lu Changsheng left Bright Moon Residence and went to meet with the Sect Leader for a detailed conversation.

“Sect Leader, I’ve spent most of my time and energy on talisman crafting. The City Lord has already promised that once I finish making the needed Tier-4 talismans, he’ll transfer some of the city’s authority to me.”

“So, as for Bihu Mountain, I haven’t had the time to manage it. The Nine Nether Hound was cultivated partly because of its unique bloodline mutation, and partly because I’m often away and need something to guard the family in case of emergencies.”

Lu Changsheng continued to use the Immortal City of Da Mengze as his explanation, stating that he simply didn’t have the time or energy to manage his family’s affairs.

In fact, many of the family’s businesses had already been transferred to Da Mengze, and he and his wife, Lu Miaoge, spent most of theii time there. As such, they wouldn’t be encroaching on the Azure Cloud Sect’s spiritual lands.

If Lu Changsheng had said this back when he had just broken through to Core Formation, the Sect Leader might have been displeased and suspected him of planning to leave. But now, the situation was different.

The Sect Leader even showed concern, inquiring about Lu Changsheng’s progress as a Tier-4 talisman master, and offered to provide top-grade talisman paper and spiritual ink if needed. The Azure Cloud Sect could also help gather more crafting materials.

Unable to offend him, the Sect Leader chose to strengthen ties, adding more investments to secure a good relationship.

After all, aside from the criticism he received for marrying too many wives and fathering too many children, Lu Changsheng’s character was impeccable.

Even after marrying into the Lu Family of Qingzhu Mountain, he had continued to care for them all these decades. His wife Lu Miaoge’s Core Formation ceeemony had even been held at Qingzhu Mountain.

Though he had many wives and concubines, he never neglected any of them.

His agreement with Xiao Xiyue for their joint Core Formation, as well as his efforts to obtain the Condensing Crystal Pill for his wife Lu Miaoge, were seen as acts f deep affection, earning him the title of Jin Kingdom’s most devoted Dao companion. Many female cultivators dreamed of a chance encounter with Lu Changsheng.

In any case, these gestures were enough to show his character. Lu Changsheng was known for his loyalty and willingness to repay kindness with even greater acts of gratitude.

As a result, after discussing with the Grand Elder, the Sect Leader decided to increase their investment in Lu Changsheng and secure a good relationship.

“Thank you, Sect Leader!”

Lu Changsheng didn’t stand on ceremony, cupping his hands in gratitude.

Tier-3 top-grade talisman materials were incredibly rare, and relying solely on the Immortal City of Da Mengze wouldn’t be enough to gather everything he needed.

With the Azure Cloud Sect’s help, it would save him a lot of time and effort.

Later, he could always sell a few Tier-3 top-grade talismans to the Azure Cloud Sect in return.

After finishing his conversation with the Sect Leader, Lu Changsheng returned to Bihu Mountain and explained the Azure Cloud Sect’s stance to Lu Miaoyun.

As long as their family didn’t go too far or aggressively annex the sect’s subordinate forces, the Azure Cloud Sect wouldn’t intervene.

If their family ever encountered trouble, they could immediately turn to the Azure Cloud Sect for help.

Of course, if the Azure Cloud Sect needed assistance, it would be best not to refuse and to help out if possible.

“Mhm~”

Lu Miaoyun nodded softly, undestanding the Azure Cloud Sect’s attitude.

Their family had risen from being a small Foundation Establishment clan to being acknowledged by the Azure Cloud Sect.

Although that acknowledgment was still somewhat reluctant, it was a significant achievement.

Realizing that their family, once a small Foundation Establishment clan from Bihu Mountain, had gradually become the number one family in the Jiang Kingdom, Lu Miaoyun couldn’t help but fel a sense of joy and accomplishment.

After handling all the family matters, Lu Changsheng took Nangong Mili and Lu Minghuang to the Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Though Nangong Mili was slightly upset that Lu Changsheng hadn’t spent much time with her lately, she mostly stayed in the courtyard, so there hadn’t been any major disruptions.

However, this arrangement couldn’t last forever.