Chapter 650: Master and Disciple: Lu Qingshan’s Combat Power

Ten days later.

Lu Changsheng, along with Nangong Mili and his son Lu Minghuang, arrived at the Immortal City of Da Mengze.

From their earlier conversation, Nangong Mili had already learned that Lu Changsheng was the new City Lord of this immortal city.

While surprised, it paled in comparison to the matters concerning her own sect master.

In the City Lord’s mansion, Ling Zixiao smiled elegantly as she saw Lu Changsheng return. “Welcome back, my lord.”

She then glanced at the disguised Nangong Mili and her son, giving them a quick appraisal. “So, this is Nangong Zhenren and Minghuang, right?”

Although she had previously witnessed Lu Changsheng and Nangong Mili’s performance in the spring palace, she didn’t hold a favorable impression of this demon path practitioner.

She even felt indifferent towards Meng Xiaochan.

It was only after Meng Xiaochan arrived in the Immortal City of Da Mengze that their interactions improved her perception of her.

“Yes, this is Mili. Master Xiaochan, you met her back in the day.”

Lu Changsheng stepped forward with a smile, aware that Ling Zixiao had a poor impression of Nangong Mili.

In fact, Ling Zixiao was inherently proud, and Nangong Mili’s earlier overbearing demeanor certainly didn’t endear her to Ling Zixiao.

Moreover, Ling Zixiao had some aversion towards the demon path cultivators from the Jin Kingdom.

“Xiaochan just brought Meng’er back; she’s in the city now.”

Despite her reservations, Ling Zixiao maintained her composure, knowing that her husband had just brought Nangong Mili home and that she was Meng Xiaochan’s master.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng immediately called for Meng Xiaochan.

“Lu Lang, Master!”

Meng Xiaochan’s face lit up with excitement as she saw Nangong Mili beside Lu Changsheng.

Aside from Lu Changsheng, Nangong Mili was the person closest to her, like a mother figure.

“Xiaochan.”

Seeing Meng Xiaochan, Nangong Mili’s previously indifferent expression softened into a smile as she dropped her disguise.

Even though Ling Zixiao had seen Nangong Mili before, she was still taken aback by her beauty, thinking to herself, ‘What a captivating enchantress!’

While Bai Ling also had her charm, she seemed somewhat inexperienced compared to the alluring presence of Nangong Mili.

“Is this Minghuang?”

Meng Xiaochan looked at the handsome young man beside her with a hint of affection, her heart filled with warmth.

“Minghuang, this is your Aunt Xiaochan.”

Knowing that Nangong Mili still felt uncomfortable about their generational titles, Lu Changsheng took the initiative to introduce them.

.

Though Lu Minghuang was inexperienced and had never left the Five Poisons Sect, he was well-versed in many matters thanks to Nangong Mili’s teachings and what he had read.

After recognizing his father, he felt a bit lost when everyone referred to him as brother and aunt.

“Greetings, Aunt Xiaochan.”

He politely bowed and greeted her.

Meng Xiaochan was quite fond of the handsome young man, who bore a resemblance to her husband and master, and quickly called for her daughter, Lu Mengchan, to introduce her to Lu Minghuang.

“Brother? I thought you were a sister?”

Lu Mengchan looked at the delicate-looking Lu Minghuang with curiosity.

Although there were a few younger siblings in Bihu Mountain, Lu Changsheng had rarely had children in recent years, so she was surrounded by older siblings. Seeing Lu Minghuang, she expected him to be a sister and was quite eager.

.

A moment of silence fell over them.

Meng Xiaochan quickly clarified that he was indeed a brother, and as the elder sister, she needed to look out for him.

When Lu Mengchan took Lu Minghuang off to play, Lu Baixi noticed the beautiful boy and regarded him with warmth.

On one hand, Lu Minghuang appeared to be around her age.

On the other hand, he was strikingly handsome, and his presence felt comforting, unlike Lu Mengchan.

As their children gathered, Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao chatted idly, sharing some of the precious materials they had acquired from the Five Poisons Sect with Meng Xiaochan.

During this trip, he had collected quite a few toxic spiritual materials from the Five Poisons Sect.

While it might not be enough for Meng Xiaochan, it would surely suffice for their daughter, Lu Mengchan, to reach the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment.

“So many!”

Meng Xiaochan exclaimed in surprise as she looked at the resources in the storage pouch, her eyes filled with admiration and affection for Lu Changsheng.

Her husband had previously secured the Ten Thousand Calamities Toxic Spirit Codex, solving their daughter’s spirit body cultivation issue.

Now, he had also provided for her daughter’s early cultivation needs, saving her from worrying about frequent trips to the Immortal City of Qingluan.

“Yes, this trip to the Five Poisons Sect went smoothly. In the future, Xiaochan, if you wish to return, you can do so anytime. You can also collect some spiritual materials through the Five Poisons Sect.”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile.

Collecting highly toxic spiritual medicines was ultimately more convenient through the Five Poisons Sect than here in the Jiang Kingdom.

With the Five Poisons Sect as a stronghold, he felt confident that his daughter wouldn’t have to worry about resources for Core Formation and Nascent Soul cultivation.

“By the way, Xiaochan, this is your Soul Lamp.”

As he spoke, Lu Changsheng handed Meng Xiaochan her Soul Lamp, prompting her to exclaim in surprise.

She knew that a Soul Lamp was a sect’s token, and even Nangong Mili, her master, couldn’t easily take one out.

“Hehe.”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he ruffled her silky hair, noticing the tenderness in her gaze.

Ling Zixiao, observing from the side, felt a bit puzzled, wondering what sort of collaboration Lu Changsheng had reached with the Five Poisons Sect. Not only did he bring back Nangong Mili but also acquired so many precious materials, including Meng Xiaochan’s Soul Lamp.

Could it be that, considering her husband’s situation over the years, her guess was quite possible?

But this Five Poisons Sect Master was a Nascent Soul true lord, after all.

Moreover, according to intelligence, that Five Poisons Sect Master appeared to be a child of about seven or eight years old. Though her husband had some unrefined tastes, this was still… “What’s wrong, Zixiao?”

Noticing Ling Zixiao’s expression, Lu Changsheng inquired.

“Nothing at all.”

Since Nangong Mili and Meng Xiaochan were still nearby, Ling Zixiao simply shook her head, mentioning that their son, Lu Lingxiao, and Lu Wangshu had come by a few days ago.

“I know.”

Lu Changsheng held his wife’s hand gently, speaking softly.

Nangong Mili observed Lu Changsheng’s tender demeanor towards Ling Zixiao and felt a twinge of jealousy rise within her.

Even though she was aware of Lu Changsheng’s situation, she couldn’t help but feel a bit disgruntled at the sight.

Later that night.

Lu Changsheng held Ling Zixiao close as they exchanged sweet words.

“Now that Xiao’er is back, I plan to let him handle the affairs of the Immortal City while I focus on my cultivation and strive to reach Core Formation as soon as possible.”

Ling Zixiao nestled in Lu Changsheng’s embrace, sharing her thoughts.

Though Lu Changsheng dotes on their son, Lu Lingxiao, and supports his growth, as a mother, she still wanted to secure some inheritance for him.

If their son could manage the Immortal City, it would certainly aid his future cultivation.

Moreover, seeing Nangong Mili bring her son over, she felt a sense of urgency growing within her.

She believed such situations would recur in the future, and she and Lu Miaoge needed to band togeeher to maintain their family’s authority, especially since her own cultivation was declining.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, facing off against a Core Formation cultivator like Nangong Mili would leave her relying entirely on Lu Changsheng’s support. “I had previously considered this as well. Xiao’er has nearly completed his training and can be nurtured to gain some authority, which will help him in breaking through to Core Formation.”

Having been married for so many years, Lu Changsheng understood Ling Zixiao’s character well.

It was perfectly normal for a mother to seek some inheritance for her son, especially since they were all family. He had no objections to who took the lead as long as they had the ability.

Their son, Lu Lingxiao, had fused with the Core Fusion technique, and now, during his training outside, he had developed an aura of invincibility. With the Immortal City aiding him, he would gain a regal presence, facilitating his Core Formation.

In the future, he could, like Lu Qingshan, leverage his sword intent to break through to Core Formation, harnessing an unwavering spirit and momentum to achieve an Immortal Golden Core!

“Thank you, my lord.”

Ling Zixiao replied softly.

“We are husband and wife; there’s no need for such formalities.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, reassuring her to focus on her own Core Formation.

The next day, Lu Changsheng spent time with Hong Lian.

Afterward!

“My lord, what about your cultivation?”

Earlier, Ling Zixiao, Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaohuan, and QQ Zhenzhen had been dual cultivating with Lu Changsheng and hadn’t noticed his breakthrough.

Only Lu Miaoge had a slight sense f it.

However, Hong Lian clearly felt that Lu Changsheng’s spiritual power and essence had reached a new level, indicating a significant breakthrough, and not just a minor one.

“This trip to the Five Poisons Sect brought some fortuitous encounters, allowing me to break through to the ninth layer of Core Formation.”

Lu Changsheng said calmly while holding Hong Lian’s delicate form.

“As expected of my lord.”

Hong Lian’s response was gentle and filled with admiration, her gaze reflecting deep affection.

“Did you encounter any troubles on this trip?”

She knew that Lu Changsheng had to confront Nascent Soul cultivators during his journey to the Jin Kingdom, and seeing him break through, she wondered if he had faced any dangers.

After all, according to the elusive concept of fortune, most breakthroughs came with both blessings and calamities.

“There were some troubles, but nothing serious.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t hide anything from Hong Lian, sharing his experiences with the Five Poisons Sect Master and then discussing the Yin Ghost Sect.

“The Five Poisons Sect Master, being a Nascent Soul cultivator, should have a way to handle this kind of emotional poison, so my lord, just be cautious.”

After hearing about the Five Poisons Sect Master, Hong Lian gently advised, then continued, “As for that True Lord Mingsha, his Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool belongs to the Daoist weapon category, suitable for positional warfare. If you encounter him, just avoid prolonged engagements.”

“I know that. By the way, Hong Lian, I’m planning to adopt a reincarnation identity to present to the public. Do you have any suggestions?”

Lu Changsheng asked Hong Lian.

He was over a hundred years old when he formed his Core, shaking the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world.

While matters like Core Formation could still be explained through spirit bodies or fortuitous encounters, breaking through to Nascent Soul at over a hundred years old was hard to justify.

Such a feat would shatter the cultivation records of Jiang Kingdom and even the entire Southern Desolation! In this situation, even if his combat power was extraordinary, he still needed a plausible explanation to cover up the circumstances.

“In recent years, I have perused many ancient texts about the Southern Desolation. Jiang Kingdom is in the Northern Region of the Southern Desolation, far from the center. Most Nascent Soul cultivators are at the early stage of Nascent Soul, and to break through, they can only travel to the prosperous lands of the Central Region.”

“If you wish to borrow the name of a legendary great cultivator known by many, that person must be quite famous, likely with numerous ties and grievances. I suggest you create a name of your own, or later, I can look for one in ancient texts,” Hong Lian gently suggested.

Hong Lian spoke softly.

Cultivating is like crossing a river, with countless soldiers and horses rushing through.

A cultivator who rises to the level of a Nascent Soul will inevitably attract many enemies and forge countless grudges.

As the years pass, those past events fade like smoke, turning to dust.

But the grudges of enemies may still linger in their sects.

According to the elusive fortunes and causality in the cultivation world, borrowing a name still carries a risk of trouble.

“That works. You can take a look later,” Lu Changsheng replied.

Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment and found the reasoning sound.

Every recorded and famous Nascent Soul cultivator is no simple figure.

If he were to use their names, it’s possible that past enemies and their factions would come knocking.

Better to use a fabricated title, like that of the Emperor of the Central State.

Southern Desolation is thousands of miles away from the Central State; even a Nascent Soul cultivator would find it hard to cross such a distance, and few would be aware.

Thinking of this, Lu Changsheng sighed quietly.

If not for so many weaknesses, with his unparalleled talent, once he broke through to Nascent Soul, he could easily become a legend in Jiang Kingdom, even shattering the records of breakthroughs in the Southern Desolation cultivated for tens of thousands of years.

“Well, it’s not impossible. With a Calamity Poison Body like mine, if I don’t mind risking my life, I could break through to Nascent Soul in just over a hundred years.”

“Looking at it that way, breaking through to Nascent Soul at over a hundred years is impressive, but it wouldn’t shock the entire Southern Desolation.”

Lu Changsheng thought again, feeling that a century-old Nascent Soul would be exaggerated, but perhaps not so many would pay attention.

After pondering for a moment, he dismissed the thought, deciding to go with the flow.

As long as he kept a low profile in Jiang Kingdom and didn’t provoke the powerful Nascent Soul true lords of the Seven Demonic Sects, he should be fine.

Days later, Lu Changsheng finally had time to accompany Nangong Mili and Meng Xiaochan.

“Damn that man!”

Seeing Meng Xiaochan lovingly drape her arms around Lu Changsheng’s neck, Nangong Mili’s exquisite, ethereal face flushed with embarrassment, and her phoenix eyes brimmed with indignation as she spat.

That man must have been waiting for this moment, relishing the sight of them both clinging to him. With a disdainful snort, she turned on her elegant, long legs and left.

However, as Lu Changsheng savored Meng Xiaochan’s alluring lips, he suddenly turned around and pulled her delicate shoulder, wrapped in her purple dress.

Before she could utter a word, he captured her sweet lips in a domineering kiss.

Nangong Mili felt as if struck by lightning, her body trembling, her eyelashes fluttering, her phoenix eyes filled with shock and anger! How could that man dare to humiliate her in front of Xiaochan!

She immediately struggled.

But against Lu Changsheng’s robust physique, she could only make muffled sounds, her dress slipping down her shoulder as she struggled, exposing her exquisitely sculpted shoulder that was as smooth and beautiful as white jade.

In the soft light, her delicate shoulder glimmered with a mesmerizing sheen, perfectly outlining the beautiful curve of her collarbone, adding an alluring hint of temptation.

Meng Xiaochan, held by Lu Changsheng around her waist, felt an unexplainable emotion surge as she saw her master’s lips being held captive.

Shyness, anger… she couldn’t quite articulate it.

“You two haven’t seen each other for so long; you should be closer, shouldn’t you?”

Lu Changsheng said softly, embracing the graceful figure of Nangong Mili.

“You jerk!”

But just as Nangong Mili was about to speak, his warm breath covered her lips, silencing her from cursing.

This woman needed more than kind words; she had to be conquered first before they could have a proper conversation.

“Mmm…”

Nangong Mili’s delicate nose let out a soft hum, her heart racing wildly, her stunning face blushing like a sunset.

Meng Xiaochan obediently nestled in Lu Changsheng’s embrace, head bowed, as she saw his hand slide into her master’s clothing.

Years ago, Nangong Mili enjoyed teasing her, so she had the fortune of experiencing the fullness and softness of her master, nearly suffocating her face.

Seeing her master’s figure change as Lu Changsheng’s hands moved, her legs felt a little weak as she glanced down at herself.

Even though she had a daughter, Lu Mengchan, here seemed a bit more prominent; still, she couldn’t compare to her master’s flawless skin.

Not long after, she saw Lu Changsheng bury his head in her master’s bosom, savoring it like a celestial dog devouring the moon.

Watching this scene, she licked her own shiny, slightly dry lips, inexplicably wanting to savor it like Lu Changsheng did. Just as she was lost in thought, Lu Changsheng pulled her closer.

In an instant, their faces nearly touched, and the enchanting gazes met for a fleeting moment before quickly darting away.

“Xiaochan, you’re the disciple, so you should endure this,” Lu Changsheng said, looking at Meng Xiaochan’s exquisite face.

Though Meng Xiaochan felt shy, she always obeyed Lu Changsheng’s words.

“Hiss…”

Lu Changsheng gazed at the obedient and understanding Meng Xiaochan, his heart softening.

Even though she was under the influence of the Locking Love Gu.

Having such a stunning woman pouring all her thoughts and feelings into him, willing to do anything for him, truly made one feel cherished and loved.

“Xiaochan!”

Seeing her disciple like this, Nangong Mili wanted to reprimand her, but her voice came out in a sultry tone, cursing the ‘jerk’ in her heart.

“In the future, I’ll have Ah Youduo serve you too.”

Seeing that Nangong Mili still looked a bit reluctant, Lu Changsheng painted her a grand picture.

Nangong Mili, her delicate body trembling, felt a strange thrill surge in her heart upon hearing this.

Having the sect leader serve her… Although Nangong Mili had no such inclination, she respected and esteemed her sect leader.

But imagining the sect leader, a lofty Nascent Soul true lord, serving her, alongside her serving Lu Changsheng, brought an inexplicable thrill and anticipation.

“What nonsense are you talking about!”

Nangong Mili’s phoenix eyes were hazy, filled with shame and anger as she glared at Lu Changsheng.

She still held some respect for her sect leader.

“Mili,” Lu Changsheng said, not elaborating further, giving her a knowing look.

After the earlier excitement, Nangong Mili was already prepared to welcome him warmly.

Moments later, soft rustling sounds filled the air as Nangong Mili’s graceful and enchanting figure lay down on the bed.

Meng Xiaochan, though she had witnessed Lu Changsheng with her master before, felt her cheeks flush crimson like burning clouds at this sight.

Still, she obeyed Lu Changsheng’s words and served beside him.

After a long time, Nangong Mili suddenly felt a soft, slippery sensation pressing against her, accompanied by hurried breaths.

But now, she was too weak to resist, her voluptuous body limp like clay, and she could only shut her phoenix eyes in embarrassment, cursing the ‘jerk’ in her heart.

Days later.

“Mili, Xiaochan, I have some matters to attend to. You two rest well at the residence,” Lu Changsheng said to the pair on the bed, looking refreshed.

Nangong Mili’s hazy phoenix eyes sparkled with seductive light as she glanced at the handsome, robust Lu Changsheng, snorting softly.

In a fleeting moment, she looked at her disciple, Meng Xiaochan, feeling a surge of anger.

Xiaochan was being too reckless!

She didn’t heed a word from her master, only knowing to please that ‘jerk’!

Lu Changsheng chuckled, putting on his robe, feeling sprightly as he walked out of the residence.

Though it took some effort to soothe Nangong Mili, who was willing to be a devoted servant, the deepening connection between Nangong Mili and Meng Xiaochan turned out to be fruitful.

Lu Changsheng thought he could invite Ah Youduo next time, forming a trio from the Five Poisons Sect.

With this trio in mind, Lu Changsheng thought of Xiao Xiyue, Chu Qingyi, and Yun Wanshang.

Compared to the trio from the Five Poisons Sect, he felt the trio from the Azure Cloud Sect would be much harder to manage.

Xiao Xiyue already knew about his relationship with Chu Qingyi and might suspect his bond with Yun Wanshang is not simple; she might not say much.

But with Chu Qingyi’s temperament, she might find it hard to accept such matters.

As for Yun Wanshang, her aloof and proud nature made it impossible for her to agree to a trio, especially since he still had much to learn from her.

“By the way, she won’t come back just because she broke through to Nascent Soul, will she?”

Currently, Lu Changsheng had trouble asking Xiao Xiyue about Yun Wanshang’s situation, but based on his deductions, Yun Wanshang still hadn’t returned.

Counting the time, she had been traveling for thirty years.

A late-stage Core Formation cultivator being away for so long likely meant she had left Jiang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom, especially with the frontier wars ongoing.

Lu Changsheng remembered that over fifty years ago, during the Tianyuan Secret Realm, she had shown her late-stage Core Formation cultivation; given her talent and foundation, she probably reached the ninth layer of Core Formation by now.

“I hope she can successfully break through to Nascent Soul.”

While thinking of revenge, Lu Changsheng still hoped Caiyun Zhenren could break through to Nascent Soul while away.

This way, not only would it be more fulfilling, but he’d also gain a reliable partner for the future, saving him from wasting time with the Leader of the Azure Cloud Sect.

“Reaching Nascent Soul must happen sooner rather than later. The cultivation world is ever-changing; while breaking into high-tier cultivator ranks seems glorious, against the raging currents of the cultivation world, one is merely a larger ant. A slight misstep could lead to utter ruin.”

“Only by achieving Nascent Soul can one shift from a pawn to a player, controlling their own destiny and facing the changes in the cultivation world directly.”

Lu Changsheng arrived at the City Lord’s mansion’s attic, gazing down at the Immortal City of Da Mengze, looking out over the vast expanse of Da Mengze and the Starry Sea in the distance.

“No, even Nascent Soul isn’t enough. Characters like Ah Youduo and True Lord Tiansha, just between nations, face such consequences. If a war breaks out with the Seven Demonic Sects sweeping through the Southern Desolation, at least one would need mid-stage Nascent Soul power.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head as he thought about the brewing storm in the cultivation world, dark currents swirling beneath the surface.

For ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, it wasn’t too bad. But for someone from a family like his, to ensure safety during future upheavals, at least mid-stage Nascent Soul strength was necessary.

“I’ll head to Yue Kingdom or Wu Kingdom later to check on Ping’an. After refining my Brahma Demon True Form with Xuanhuang Essence, I can consider heading to the Starry Sea.”

Having seen his son Lu Ping’an break through to the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment without a reduction in lifespan, Lu Changsheng felt much more at ease.

Once he finished dealing with family matters, he planned to visit both Yue and Wu Kingdoms, using the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror to locate his son Lu Ping’an.

Afterward, he would use the Xuanhuang Essence to further advance his Brahma Demon True Form before setting off for the Starry Sea in search of opportunities for Nascent Soul cultivation.

Meanwhile, the Abyssal Sea Whale King was nearly ready to rise to the fourth tier.

Having spent time with his wife, Lu Changsheng now turned to serious matters and headed to Dragonfish Island to see his children.

However, upon arriving at Dragonfish Island, he learned that Lu Qingshan had taken Lu Qingzhu, Lu Qingqi, and Lu Wangshu, along with Lu Lingxiao and Lu Linghe, out to sea to hunt monsters.

“???”

Several question marks appeared in Lu Changsheng’s mind.

Previously, Ling Zixiao had mentioned that his daughter Lu Wangshu was planning to use the Abyssal Sea Whale King, but she had been stopped.

Now, she was out with Lu Qingshan and the others to fish.

He quickly sent a message to call them back, only to find out that Lu Qingshan had merely taken Lu Qingzhu and Lu Qingqi into the deep sea for some fun and to broaden their horizons.

As for Lu Wangshu and Lu Lingxiao, they were experienced and acted as guides.

“Dad, Aunt Zixiao said there was almost a beast tide recently. Why would we cause trouble?”

Lu Wangshu, dressed in a pink and white dress, looked demure and graceful.

Although they loved to play, they still understood the importance of caution.

“It’s not that I’m afraid you’ll run into danger. If you provoke a monster king and stir up their wrath, it could be perilous.”

Lu Changsheng lightly tapped his daughter’s forehead as he spoke.

“Dad, I told you not to flick my forehead!”

Lu Wangshu pouted in protest, insisting that with Lu Qingshan around, who claimed to be a third-tier monster king, they had nothing to fear.

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but chuckle at her words. He turned to Lu Qingshan and said, “A third-tier monster king is easy to kill with a snap of your fingers? You might want to test that against Da Jin and see how you fare!”

“Da Jin?”

Lu Qingshan raised his brows in interest, having never encountered the Golden-Winged Roc before.

“Yes, it’s my spirit pet, a golden roc. If you’re up for it, I’d love to see how you handle it. I’ve always wanted to witness your true strength after seeing you take down a monster with a single sword strike.”

Lu Wangshu immediately joined in, teasing Lu Lingxiao, “Lingxiao, don’t you want to see it too?”

“Let’s give it a try, then.”

Lu Qingshan knew he wasn’t a match for his father but thought sparring with a third-tier spirit beast wouldn’t be too risky. It would also give him a chance to learn from his dad.

Lu Lingxiao silently twitched his lips, not speaking.

He was well aware of the Golden Roc situation.

“Brother.”

Lu Qingzhu, who had seen the Golden-Winged Roc before, knew it was no ordinary third-tier monster and quickly sent a message to persuade him.

However, facing the eager gazes of Lu Wangshu and Lu Qingqi, Lu Qingshan just patted Lu Qingzhu’s shoulder, reassuring her.

“Good lad.”

Initially just joking, Lu Changsheng found his son’s fighting spirit amusing and said, “Alright, since you’re so eager, let’s give it a shot.”

With many people around, he didn’t want to signal a spar here. Instead, he led his children to a secluded part of Da Mengze and then lightly tapped his Storage Belt.

“Caw!”

The Golden-Winged Roc, shining like it was crafted from gold, instantly appeared, radiating a terrifying aura of demonic power.

“???”

Lu Qingshan’s mind sharpened as he sensed an overwhelming sense of danger emanating from the Golden-Winged Roc.

Even the Sword Heart of the Celestial Star Sword began to ring out, warning him that this Golden-Winged Roc was extremely dangerous.

“Dad, is this Da Jin?”

Lu Qingshan asked, a mixture of surprise and shock evident in his tone.

It was hard to imagine such a majestic and powerful beast exuding such a dangerous aura had such a simple name.

He suddenly recalled the Nine Nether Hound stationed at White Tiger Mountain—Little Black! “So this is Da Jin, huh? Let’s give it a try; it’s just a spar.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, eager to see what his son was capable of now.

“Alright.”

Lu Qingshan raised his brows, filled with confidence, facing the monster’s aura without flinching.

“Golden Roc.”

Lu Changsheng gestured to the Golden-Winged Roc, instructing it not to harm Lu Qingshan.

“Caw!”

The Golden-Winged Roc looked at Lu Qingshan, its wings spread wide as it let out a soft call, inviting him to attack.

“Da Jin, I’m coming!”

Lu Qingshan’s robes billowed as he surged forward, his sword intent soaring into the skies, stirring the winds and clouds. He then reached into his Storage Pouch, summoning seven Flying Swords that circled around him, radiating sharp sword energy.

Seeing Lu Qingshan’s soaring sword intent and fierce sword energy, Lu Wangshu and Lu Lingxiao immediately grew serious.

Over the years, they had slain several near-third-tier monsters in the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

Together, they could confidently claim that they were unbeatable below the Core Formation stage, even able to hold their own against Core Formation experts.

Yet, Lu Qingshan’s sword intent and energy gave them an overwhelming sense of dread and danger.

“Is this the power of a Nascent Soul seed from the Celestial Sect?”

Lu Wangshu and Lu Lingxiao exchanged glances, both ignited with a fighting spirit, prideful and confident that they wouldn’t fall behind.

“Wow, it’s no wonder you’re a disciple of the Celestial Sect. Such flair!”

Lu Changsheng was focused on Lu Qingshan’s Flying Swords.

Although the seven Flying Swords varied in quality, it was clear they were all third-tier swords.

A cultivator who had just broken through Core Formation possessing seven third-tier Flying Swords could only have them from the Golden Sun Sect.

When Xiao Xiyue broke through to Core Formation, the Azure Cloud Sect only gave her one artifact to help upgrade her Life-bound Treasure.

This treatment was incomparable to Lu Qingshan’s.

“Xiyue is still too low-key. If she were as bold as Qingshan, she could probably secure more resources for her growth. But with the impact of the recent wars, the Yue Kingdom’s sects are more generous with their treasures. In peaceful times, they wouldn’t be this generous at all.”

Lu Changsheng mused inwardly, glancing at his son Lu Qingshan.

“Buzz buzz buzz——”

The seven third-tier Flying Swords hovered in mid-air, slowly rotating, releasing a brilliant glow that spanned over ten feet.

The sword shadows intertwined, emitting various colored energies, weaving together like a dazzling net of swords that engulfed the Golden-Winged Roc.

“Sword Formation!”

Lu Wangshu’s eyes sparkled as she observed the sword formation, but the sharp sword energy stung her eyes, causing her discomfort.

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng placed a hand on her shoulder, channeling Yin-Yang power to help her clearly perceive the sword formation’s energy.

Lu Lingxiao, possessing the Core Fusion skill, observed the situation without fear, his eyes resembling the rising sun and moon. He could even see the Golden-Winged Roc burning with the intensity of the sun within the sword formation.

“Wow!”

Lu Qingqi, unable to discern the details and lacking the Eye Technique, simply exclaimed, dazzled by the sword formation’s beauty, cheering for her brother.

However, Lu Qingshan could clearly sense that his sword formation was becoming unstable under the Golden-Winged Roc’s demonic energy.

In this situation, he didn’t hesitate to unleash his full power.

“Buzz buzz buzz——”

Within the sword formation, sword energies intertwined like countless dragons roaring and writhing, tearing through the air with a sharp whistling sound, as if they were going to rip apart the void itself.

Yet, the Golden-Winged Roc, glowing brilliantly, simply flapped its wings, creating a golden tide that easily dispersed the sword energies.

Lu Qingshan pressed on, intertwining sword lights to form eighty-one beams of light. His Life-bound Treasure, the Celestial Star Sword, appeared in his hand as he slashed forward.

The sword light sparkled like a waterfall descending from the heavens, enhancing the sword formation’s might, enveloping the Golden-Winged Roc, yet still failing to breach its physical defenses.

“Boom!”

The Golden-Winged Roc, burning like the sun, suddenly flapped its wings and shattered the multitude of sword lights, leaving the seven third-tier Flying Swords slightly unsteady.

“This is a top-tier third-tier monster king?!”

Lu Qingshan said, his expression grave as he assessed the Golden-Winged Roc.

While claiming to kill a third-tier monster king with a snap of his fingers was an exaggeration, his Da Geng Golden Sword’s sharpness far surpassed that of a typical cultivator at the same level.

With the sword formation in play, he could easily breach the defenses of a mid-tier monster king.

But now, facing the Golden-Winged Roc, he couldn’t even scratch it. He immediately guessed it was a top-tier third-tier monster king! “It must be mid-tier!”

Lu Changsheng turned to his son, asking if he had any other tricks up his sleeve.

“Just a mid-tier third-tier, huh?”

Lu Qingshan frowned, somewhat surprised. He thought the Golden-Winged Roc was a top-tier third-tier monster king; otherwise, he shouldn’t have been unable to make a dent.

However, he didn’t feel defeated or discouraged. Instead, he calmly replied, “I have nothing else. The sword formation is my strongest move. If it can’t break the enemy, then I’ll have to escape.”

He was confident he could defeat any opponent of the same realm, and even those of higher realms would find him a formidable foe.

But losing in a cross-realm battle wouldn’t demoralize him; he firmly believed he was unbeatable at his level.

Unless someone of equal standing could decisively defeat him, no one could shake his undefeated sword heart.

“Escape?”

Lu Qingqi was surprised by her brother’s words and asked, “Brother, aren’t sword cultivators supposed to charge forward and never retreat?”

This question had been posed to Lu Qingshan by Lu Wangshu years ago, reflecting a common misconception about sword cultivators.

Yet Lu Qingshan patiently explained, “Sword cultivators do emphasize charging forward and never retreating, which pertains to their resolute mindset. But a sword cultivator isn’t foolish. If they know they’re in a fatal situation and can escape, it’s not cowardice to run; it’s just common sense.”

He added, “In the future, if you find yourself in danger, run away at the first opportunity. Don’t listen to what others say.”

“Your sword formation technique is still a bit too slow. When you defeated the Flame-Breaking Lion, you must have set up an ambush in advance, right?”

Lu Changsheng turned to his son, immediately spotting the flaws in the sword formation.

The sword formation was indeed powerful; even a mid-Core Formation cultivator could face significant danger if trapped within it.

However, like talismans, it requires some preparation.

While talismans can be continuously replenished to enhance their power, sword formations lack that ability.

“Heh, I knew you’d see it right away, Dad,” Lu Qingshan praised, buttering him up. “On this trip, I also wanted to consult you. Based on my own ideas, if I adjust the materials and energies of the seven Flying Swords, I believe we can make further improvements.”

“We’ll talk about it when we get back,” Lu Changsheng replied.

Though he was only a Core Formation cultivator, his understanding of techniques surpassed that of many Nascent Soul cultivators, allowing him to identify numerous issues. Yet, he couldn’t explain everything to Lu Qingshan at that moment.