Chapter 672: Qingluan, Your Friend Comes to Aid You!

What is this?!

Lu Changsheng’s heart sank, his expression turning grave.

Qingluan Zhenren boasted a fourth-tier Luan bird spirit pet and five hundred Qingluan Dao soldiers, making her battle prowess far superior to many early Nascent Soul cultivators.

However, at this moment, the illusory battle formation formed by her spirit pets and Dao soldiers was being shattered.

But in the next heartbeat.

Screech!!!

The cry rang through the heavens.

A majestic fiery Phoenix spirit, ablaze with crimson flames, emerged between heaven and earth, merging with the now-shattered blue Luan bird image.

The blue Luan bird spirit resembled a phoenix reborn from flames, quickly coalescing, its power surging exponentially as it ascended into the sky.

This Qingluan Zhenren truly is formidable.

Seeing this scene, Lu Changsheng took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

In this moment, he was almost certain that the Heavenly Phoenix Feather Qingluan Zhenren had acquired from him allowed not only her spirit beast to break through but that she had also borrowed its cultivation.

It was highly likely that through the Phoenix Feather, she grasped the divine abilities of the Phoenix lineage.

After all, whether it was the Heavenly Phoenix True Fire from the earlier frontier wars or the Phoenix rebirth, both were connected to the Phoenix.

It’s also possible that her cultivation method is inherently linked to the Phoenix; the legends say that both Qingluan and the Phoenix share a bloodline, descendants of the Phoenix.

Lu Changsheng mused, continuing to watch the battle.

Qingluan Zhenren’s strength was indisputable, but against the siege of five Nascent Soul cultivators, it remained difficult for her to break through the encirclement and leave the secret realm.

Unless one possesses overwhelming strength, fighting against many is exceedingly tough.

From his previous experience being pursued by Mingsha, Tan Mei, and Tiancang, Lu Changsheng knew how hard it was to face multiple enemies.

After all, mid-Nascent Soul cultivators could not ignore the spells and artifacts of early Nascent Soul cultivators and needed to divide their attention, especially since Qingluan Zhenren was merely early Nascent Soul.

But what about Qingluan Zhenren’s allies? Didn’t she have three companions with her?

Watching Qingluan Zhenren struggle alone under the assault, Lu Changsheng frowned slightly.

Though he had seen one of her friends being hunted by two Nascent Soul true lords before, she still had two others.

If those two took action, it would be equivalent to four against five, surely they could break through the encirclement.

Observing the battle in the distant sky, realizing he couldn’t leave the area for now, Lu Changsheng gradually approached, wanting a clearer view.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

At that moment, Lu Changsheng spotted two early Nascent Soul cultivators rising into the sky, entering the battlefield against Qingluan Zhenren.

Huh?!

Lu Changsheng’s eyes narrowed, cold light bursting forth.

He didn’t expect that Mingsha Zhenren and Tiancang Zhenren would also join in the hunt against Qingluan Zhenren.

Should I intervene?

Under the onslaught of five Nascent Soul true lords, Qingluan Zhenren could still barely hold her ground.

Now with the addition of Mingsha Zhenren, who wielded the Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool, the pressure on Qingluan Zhenren instantly intensified, her defeat seeming imminent.

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng pondered whether to lend a hand.

Not to mention the enmity between himself and Mingsha and Tiancang.

Had Qingluan Zhenren not arrived previously to scare off Mingsha, Tiancang, and Tan Mei, he would’ve had to rely solely on the Misty Dragon Nirvana Pill and Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror to risk everything.

While he was mostly confident in driving them back, it was still perilous.

Now that Qingluan Zhenren was in danger, it would be a bit unreasonable for him to leave the secret realm without helping her.

If he turned a blind eye, the relationship between him and Qingluan Zhenren would likely end there, mere acquaintances in the future.

If he helped her, though, it could strengthen their bond; she might even be willing to trust him as a friend.

Lu Changsheng weighed his options.

He couldn’t say he had no thoughts about Qingluan Zhenren— that would be impossible.

Right now, it was a good opportunity.

As long as he assisted her in breaking out of the siege, it would definitely earn him her favor.

Moreover, the efficacy of his Misty Dragon Nirvana Pill was running out in just over a month. If he didn’t use it now, he would need to find a place after leaving the secret realm to activate the pill through self-harm.

In that case, why not seize this chance to unleash its effects? If danger arose, he could forcibly break out of the secret realm and escape using the Misty Dust Banner.

Under normal circumstances, Lu Changsheng’s combat strength couldn’t engage in this level of Nascent Soul fights.

Even if he did participate, he wouldn’t be much help.

But with the Nine Treasures Dao Bone’s full eruption, it would be a different story.

In such a state, his combat power was by no means inferior to Qingluan Zhenren or True Lord Xuanjian; he could definitely surpass Mingsha Zhenren and other Nascent Soul cultivators!

The only problem is that while he could gain Qingluan’s affinity, it might also attract more trouble, making himself a target!

If it was only five Nascent Soul cultivators along with Mingsha and Tiancang, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t hesitate this much.

But now many Nascent Soul cultivators were gathered in the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands.

If he unleashed the Da Luo Sword Embryo in such a public space, it would surely invite others’ envy.

Besides, if a Core Formation cultivator exhibited such astonishing combat power, by the time the secret realm ended, Yangming Zhenren wouldn’t only be renowned in Jiang Kingdom but would echo throughout the Northern Region of Southern Desolation!

At that point, this cloak of anonymity would be inoperative; he needed to be cautious with the Golden-Winged Roc, Da Luo Sword Embryo, and Brahma Demon True Form’s divine abilities.

So should I take action or not?

Lu Changsheng mulled over the pros and cons.

Meanwhile, the Peach Blossom Gu in his mind trembled.

It hinted that if he worked hard, there was a chance to form a romantic connection with Qingluan Zhenren.

Lu Changsheng ignored the occasional reminders from the Peach Blossom Gu.

Watching the imposing and proud Qingluan Zhenren in her blue-gold armor being gradually overwhelmed by seven Nascent Soul cultivators, he decided to take action.

Once the Misty Dragon Nirvana Pill was fully activated, whether in body or cultivation, he could make a leap forward, quickly breaking into the fourth level of the Body Refinement stage and reaching Nascent Soul!

And the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale would soon advance to the fourth level, becoming the true overlord of Da Mengze.

In this circumstance, as long as he didn’t face off against Nascent Soul cultivators head-on, he needn’t use the Da Luo Sword Embryo or Brahma Demon True Form.

Moreover, saving Qingluan Zhenren would deepen their connection. In the future, when trouble arose, she could seek his help, fostering their bond.

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath; the Nine Treasures Dao Bone within him surged power, his life essence and magical energy like a surging tide, pouring into his body’s every part and channel.

His Core Formation at the ninth level and near fourth-tier physique rose toward the Nascent Soul level.

“Golden Roc, let’s go take revenge!”

Lu Changsheng looked toward Mingsha Zhenren and Tiancang Zhenren in the sky, his eyes filled with killing intent.

As he acted to help, he also wanted to seize this opportunity to unleash his full power and slay Mingsha and Tiancang.

Especially Tiancang Zhenren! If it weren’t for this old dog sensing his aura, he wouldn’t have been so messy, running within this secret realm every day.

Screech!

The Golden-Winged Roc let out a mighty cry, unfolding its wings like a golden sun as it soared into the sky.

Throughout this process, its life essence boiled, roaring with demonic energy and malice as the image of a Roc battling a dragon began to manifest, enveloping an aggressive aura.

In such a battle, it had to burn its lifeblood to even qualify to participate.

Huh? What kind of beast is this? It looks a bit like a Golden-Winged Eagle, but its speed and aura exceed that of any typical Golden-Winged Eagle.

And the person on it has no Nascent Soul magical energy, yet emanates an aura akin to a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Wow, every time I enter this secret realm, I see many of this era’s prodigies.

At this moment, amidst the battle of numerous Nascent Soul cultivators at the secret realm exit, Lu Changsheng rode the Golden-Winged Roc high into the sky, gathering little attention.

Even if someone noticed, they would simply assume he was trying to leave the secret realm.

However, Qingluan Zhenren, Mingsha Zhenren, Tiancang Zhenren, and the lurking Tan Mei Zhenren all immediately noticed Lu Changsheng.

“Watch out! This person is coming for us!”

The plump Tiancang Zhenren, adorned in a shimmering silken robe, possessed keen senses.

As soon as he sensed an aura locking onto him during Lu Changsheng’s approach, he promptly shouted a warning.

“Good! Good! Good! Yangming Zhenren, you really are a fool wandering into heaven’s path without following the road to hell!”

Although Mingsha Zhenren had taken action, it was merely to intercept Qingluan Zhenren using the Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool, not committing fully.

Upon witnessing Lu Changsheng charging forward, his eyes gleamed with a blood-red light, seizing the chance to eliminate the thorn in his side, Yangming Zhenren.

If the secret realm ended and Yangming Zhenren was still alive, he wouldn’t have a moment’s peace!

“Friend, I’m here to assist you!”

Hearing Lu Changsheng’s voice, Qingluan Zhenren glanced at him on the Golden-Winged Roc, where chaotic energy radiated with an aura as fierce as that of an ancient volcanic eruption, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Previously, not only did she invite three allies, but she also collaborated with several others.

Yet of her three friends, one was dead, one was injured, and one had fled, leaving no one to assist.

She didn’t expect that Yangming Zhenren, who had previously claimed circumstances were unfavorable and declined to aid her in seizing the secret realm’s opportunities, would choose to help now.

Moreover, it was in her dire situation, besieged by seven Nascent Soul cultivators.

“Thank you, Yangming Zhenren!”

Although having a Core Formation cultivator in such a battlefield was like a moth flying into the fire, for Lu Changsheng, she felt an inexplicable trust.

And given the current situation, she indeed needed support! As long as someone could help crack open a gap in the siege formation with their battle formation and secret techniques, she could muster a chance to break free and escape.

Just as she was enduring the onslaught, pondering how to turn the tables, the Golden-Winged Roc had already charged into the battlefield.

Lu Changsheng didn’t continue battling atop the Golden-Winged Roc; instead, he held the Da Luo Sword Embryo, moving like a deity or demon, crashing through the layers of void like a battle god, heading straight for Tiancang Zhenren.

In his current state, both his physical body and cultivation power were on par with the fourth tier, giving him an advantage in close combat.

Furthermore, having planned for the eruption of the Misty Dragon Nirvana Pill, he wouldn’t hold back against any injuries, prepared to trade wounds for a kill!

Clang!

Vital essence and magical energy surged fiercely into the Da Luo Sword Embryo, causing the fundamental principles of swordsmanship to intertwine and explode, reflecting a celestial vision as it slashed towards Tiancang Zhenren.

In an instant, the brilliant sword light illuminated the heavens, overwhelming the shadows of Tiancang Zhenren.

“Fellow friends, this person is named Yangming Zhenren!”

Mingsha Zhenren realized he couldn’t rely solely on himself to eliminate Yangming Zhenren, abandoning his sword embryo’s opportunity and telepathically communicating to the five Nascent Soul cultivators surrounding Qingluan Zhenren, suggesting they deal with Yangming Zhenren first.

Though Mingsha didn’t need to send that message, the moment Lu Changsheng unleashed an unparalleled sword attack, they recognized he was no ordinary threat.

Yet compared to Lu Changsheng, they were more reluctant to let Qingluan Zhenren escape, splitting only a small fraction of their strength to contain Lu Changsheng’s advance.

“Qingluan, let’s take out Tiancang first! We’ll pick them off one by one!”

Lu Changsheng projected a mental message to Qingluan Zhenren, preparing to dispatch Tiancang quickly as a warning to the others before sequentially dismantling them.

“Alright!”

Though Qingluan Zhenren was under constant attack from seven beings,

facing one against seven and managing to hold out for so long was enough to demonstrate her formidable combat prowess!

Now that Lu Changsheng was willing to assist, she naturally prepared to fight with all her might to break the situation.

Gripping her blue-gold spear, she unleashed a dazzling brilliance, the edge cutting through the air forcefully as if it would tear the heavens apart.

The looming hundred-foot-tall blue Luan spirit above her also spread its wings, generating a tempest of ethereal winds that charged toward Tiancang Zhenren.

The Golden-Winged Roc, adorned in brilliant gold symbols, didn’t plunge directly into the fray but darted around the edges, emanating boundless murderous intent like a surging ocean, crafting a sight resembling peerless divine swords, aimed at Mingsha Zhenren and the others.

Although the Golden-Winged Roc was only a late-stage third-tier beast, at that moment, burning its lifeblood to enhance its strength was sufficient that even Nascent Soul true lords couldn’t ignore; they had to expend effort to break through its myriad feathers.

Boom! Boom! Boom——

In an instant, the heavens and earth erupted thunderously.

Yin-Yang magical energy, Da Luo sword light, Luan bird spirit image, ethereal winds, blood rain, the domain of Tiancang, myriad feathers, and the divine abilities of the other five Nascent Soul cultivators blended together, conjuring a cataclysm of devastation.

Even if hundreds or thousands of miles away, one could feel the terrifying spirit pressure and fluctuations of magical energy.

“Who is this person? Clearly devoid of Nascent Soul magical power, yet exhibiting such strength that it rivals even some late Nascent Soul cultivators!”

“Not just rivaling, this strength even surpasses many freshly promoted Nascent Soul cultivators!”

“When did the Southern Desolation produce such an extraordinary sword cultivator?”

“Not only that, his Golden Roc seems like a peak third-tier monster, but this level of combat power certainly isn’t far from that of a top-tier legendary beast with an awakened True Spirit bloodline!”

“What is this person’s background? How can they possess such combat power and spirit pet?”

Although Yangming Zhenren was well-known in Jiang Kingdom and Jin Kingdom, across the entire Southern Desolation, even in the Northern Region, his renown was mediocre at best; few recognized him.

However, now exuding such overwhelming might, charging into the realm of Nascent Soul, many cultivators immediately turned their gaze towards him, bewildered and astonished.

After all, wherever you are, a Core Formation cultivator can stand against Nascent Soul cultivators, qualifying them as extraordinary talents.

And to take it further is simply beyond comprehension! This sword in his hand must be a supreme offensive treasure!

Cultivators capable of discerning the situation were at least Nascent Soul true lords; their judgment was sharp, they could instantly tell that Lu Changsheng’s mystical energy and the emitted sword light were on different wavelengths.

They realized he was not just an extraordinary sword cultivator but a cultivator endowed with a treasured sword of incredible power!

“Yangming Zhenren!”

Below the secret realm, True Lord Xuanjian, accompanied by several Core Formation cultivators, squinted at the sky.

He had learned this name from the Heavenly Sword Sect Master during his earlier years but hadn’t taken it to heart.

He simply instructed someone to monitor his activities and check whether he was connected to the new Lord of Da Meng.

Later on, they met during the frontier wars.

At that time, he sensed that this individual was extraordinary; should he break into the Nascent Soul level, he might become a hinderance to his Heavenly Sword Sect.

Unexpectedly, in just over a decade, the other’s strength had increased again.

This surge in power was even more extraordinary in his view than a mere breakthrough to Nascent Soul!

Because Core Formation cultivators have their limits.

The other party should’ve reached a critical point a long time ago; to still gain strength under these circumstances was truly astonishing.

“He should have been able to hit Nascent Soul ages ago; why wait? Is he aiming for the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul?”

True Lord Xuanjian didn’t believe that Lu Changsheng lacked the Huaying Pill or fourth-tier spirit land.

This type of cultivator likely amassed a considerable foundation for rebirth through possession, possibly holding ample trump cards.

Even if he lacked a Huaying Pill, based on his foundation, he could theoretically succeed at breaking through to Nascent Soul!

Thus, True Lord Xuanjian believed the only explanation for Lu Changsheng’s stagnation was in preparation for the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul!

After all, the difficulty of achieving the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul far exceeds that of a top-grade Golden Core or an Immortal Golden Core.

It requires the Nascent Soul spirit body formed from a fragment golden core to withstand the calamity’s impact, absorbing the energy of the Heavenly Dao—one wrong move, and it could reduce one to ashes.

Years ago, he acquired a piece of calamity-avoiding treasure; attempting to propel himself towards the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul, he tried to blend in some degree of Heavenly Dao’s aura, yet the first calamity nearly shattered his Nascent Soul.

“Let’s observe the outcome.”

True Lord Xuanjian transmitted to those next to him.

Whether it was Qingluan Zhenren or Yangming Zhenren, both were beings blessed by fate.

Especially Qingluan Zhenren.

She had dwelt in the Immortal City of Qingluan for a century, then left Jiang Kingdom to achieve Nascent Soul level; this was completely unexpected.

Therefore, he had been quietly observing, wanting to see what other tricks Qingluan Zhenren had left up her sleeve.

If Yangming Zhenren hadn’t intervened, once Qingluan Zhenren was on the brink of her body being destroyed, headed to the verge of her Nascent Soul, he would have stepped in to assist.

After all, in the current situation of Jiang Kingdom, having a Qingluan Zhenren was a boon—a stabilizing factor and a means to reap bigger rewards.

But if this Qingluan Zhenren’s potential and combat power fell short, only an average Nascent Soul, it would have been better.

With that statement, True Lord Xuanjian continued to gaze into the skies, his eyes reflecting the struggle between Qingluan Zhenren and Yangming Zhenren.

Especially the Da Luo Sword Embryo in Yangming Zhenren’s hands, gleaming as though flowing with celestial radiance.

“Mingsha, my friend, aid me!”

While all eyes were on the celestial battle unfolding, Tiancang Zhenren, submerged under the overwhelming light of the Da Luo Sword and Qingluan’s magical energy, let out a desperate howl.

Faced with the fully unleashed Lu Changsheng, he may not even match up, let alone against the situation with both Lu Changsheng and Qingluan Zhenren actively fighting.

Thus, under such an oppressive force, the boundary surged with cracks and began to shatter; Tiancang Zhenren’s robes flickered ominously as fear filled him, as if the very word ‘doom’ was materializing above him.

Whoosh—

Mingsha Zhenren responded instantly, triggering the Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool, unleashing countless ghost soldiers and torrents of crimson blood toward Lu Changsheng.

However, Lu Changsheng faced Mingsha Zhenren’s onslaught without flinching, his golden tiger dragon-patterned armor and the Yin-Yang diagram appearing, then activating a fourth-tier defense talisman obtained from True Lord Loushan, forming a shield as thick as a mountain, intended for a swift kill on Tiancang Zhenren.

Instantly, Lu Changsheng was beside Tiancang Zhenren.

The Da Luo Sword Embryo’s essence surged, unleashing an irresistible aura that cleaved through the crashing realm, slicing directly toward Tiancang Zhenren’s head.

At this moment, time felt as though it was suspended.

The radiance of the Da Luo Sword clashed with Tiancang Zhenren’s robe, creating an overwhelming force.

“Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!”

Tiancang Zhenren struggled to break free and even attempted to wrap himself up like a cocoon in silk. Yet under the immense pressure of Qingluan Zhenren’s assault, his Tiancang robes started to fracture.

“Heavenly Silkworm Calamity!”

Tiancang Zhenren’s eyes turned crimson, his face twisted in rage as he unleashed his Nascent Soul’s essence, spewing forth a mouthful of blood.

His left arm suddenly exploded, morphing into a bloody apparition, his true body teleporting nearly ten feet away, his complexion pale.

Simultaneously, Mingsha Zhenren’s blood shower and spectral soldiers broke through Lu Changsheng’s fourth-tier talisman. The golden tiger dragon-patterned armor began dimming under the crimson tides, developing minute cracks.

Yet, Lu Changsheng remained unperturbed, radiant like a battle god, grasping the Da Luo Sword Embryo, charging directly toward Tiancang Zhenren.

“What deep-seated grudge does he have with Tiancang Zhenren?”

“This isn’t just helping Qingluan Zhenren—he’s risking everything!”

“Incredible! This Yangming Zhenren possesses extraordinary cultivation; both his magical energy and physical prowess are astonishing! That’s why he dares to trade wounds for advantage!”

“He seems to be using a fatal technique—one can tell he’s not himself; despite the explosive force, he seems to be growing slightly stronger!”

“Such power surely indicates extraordinary talent, but why is he risking his life?”

Many Nascent Soul cultivators gasped, riveted to the conflict in the heavens. Some were even itching to snatch the Da Luo Sword Embryo.

However, upon witnessing Lu Changsheng’s reckless determination, some hesitant individuals quelled their desires, opting for caution.

After all, charging in to snatch opportunities could result in dire consequences.

Especially now that so many Nascent Soul cultivators were gathered—everyone was wary of one another; none wanted to stir up trouble.

“Be careful, Yangming Zhenren!”

Qingluan Zhenren was also taken aback by Lu Changsheng’s might and ferocity.

This is too much! At her peak Core Formation, even if she manifested a battle formation, she wouldn’t have compared to Lu Changsheng.

Had she not known Lu Changsheng was preparing to intimidate and eliminate their ranks one by one, she might have thought he had a blood feud with Tiancang Zhenren, engaged in a desperate struggle.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!!!”

Gripping her blue-gold spear, the radiance shimmered upon her figure, illuminating her as a divine warrior, her hair soaked in hints of golden light; she generated tremendous pressure, purposefully isolating the aftermath strikes from the five Nascent Soul cultivators, buying time for Lu Changsheng.

“You’ve gone too far, you insolent brat!”

Seeing Yangming Zhenren aggressively targeting him, Tiancang Zhenren felt immense frustration.

The latter naturally had a greater grudge against Mingsha Zhenren. Why was he so recklessly focused on him?

Can’t he be bold enough to deal with Mingsha instead?

Am I not someone to be trifled with?

After battling for multiple rounds, Tiancang Zhenren suddenly sensed something amiss.

A potent lethal magic force quietly infiltrated into his body, beginning to erode and decay his energy, surging toward his energy sea.

“Fourth-tier poison!”

Tiancang Zhenren’s ashen face began to show hints of black, spreading across his body like a web, making him glare at Lu Changsheng in disbelief, realizing how despicable his actions were.

However, the most shocking was that he didn’t even realize when he had been poisoned!