Chapter 681: Caiyun Zhenren Goes Missing, An Attack!

“Hong Lian, see if there are any resources you need.”

After their conversation, Lu Changsheng handed over his haul to Hong Lian, letting her choose.

Hong Lian possessed a Spirit Body. With enough resources, she could quickly break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Given these circumstances, Lu Changsheng naturally hoped for Hong Lian to reach Nascent Soul as soon as possible.

Moreover, with the Da Luo Sword Embryo in hand, he could nurture a Sword Embryo Dao Body.

Currently, Lu Changsheng planned to use the Sword Embryo for his and Hong Lian’s child after she broke through to Nascent Soul.

“Thank you, husband~”

Hong Lian’s beautiful eyes sparkled with a soft, crystalline light as she spoke gently. She didn’t stand on ceremony with Lu Changsheng, knowing her urgent priority was to break through to Nascent Soul quickly.

“As long as it’s useful to you, feel free to take whatever you need.”

Lu Changsheng spoke up when he saw Hong Lian only pick a few items.

“These are enough.”

Hong Lian smiled gracefully, her cherry lips curving upwards like a crescent moon or a blooming peach blossom, light and graceful, charming and alluring.

“Won’t you refine a few more Dao-Comprehending Artifacts?”

Lu Changsheng inquired.

Apart from the Star Light Disc, White Gold Mountain Peak, and Beast Taming Ancient Rune he had given her, she had no other suitable Dao-Comprehending Artifacts.

“For now, the innate peach blossom is sufficient. I’ll consider refining Dao-Comprehending Artifacts when I reach the peak of Core Formation. Refining them now might be wasteful.”

Hong Lian said softly.

Her situation was similar to Lu Changsheng’s; ordinary Dao-Comprehending Artifacts didn’t appeal to her.

Spending time and energy collecting materials to refine Dao-Comprehending Artifacts that would soon be outdated as her cultivation improved seemed pointless.

“Alright, let me know if you need any resources.”

In the past, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t have dared to say this, but now with his pockets full, he exuded an air of affluence.

“Okay, thank you, husband~”

Seeing Lu Changsheng’s confident demeanor, Hong Lian responded with a smile brimming with joy.

She thought to herself that Lu Changsheng truly had heaven-defying luck.

As a Core Formation cultivator entering a Nascent Soul level secret realm, he had gained such rich rewards.

Even many Nascent Soul cultivators might not match him.

After spending quality time with Hong Lian and instructing her to watch over Qian Zhuyan, Lu Changsheng sought out Meng Xiaochan to visit Nangong Mili together.

Due to her discord with Ling Zixiao, Nangong Mili preferred to stay out of sight. Except for occasional visits to see her son and Meng Xiaochan, she mostly secluded herself in her cave dwelling for cultivation.

“Mili.”

Lu Changsheng and Meng Xiaochan arrived at the cave dwelling. He called out gently to Nangong Mili, who wore a purple gauze dress, her skin as fair as frost and snow, her figure graceful and alluring, every inch of her exuding charm.

“Hmph.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng’s affectionate expression, Nangong Mili felt irritated.

They had been in the Jiang Kingdom for over two years, yet unless he actively sought her out, she couldn’t even catch a glimpse of him.

And every time he looked for her, it was for…

“Master.”

After their master-disciple intimacy, Meng Xiaochan had grown closer to Nangong Mili, showing less reverence.

Knowing her master’s tendency to act contrary to her feelings when facing her husband, Meng Xiaochan naturally stepped forward to ease the atmosphere.

“Xiaochan!”

Seeing her disciple throw herself into her arms like a child, clinging tightly and nuzzling her face against her ample bosom, Nangong Mili let out a delicate snort.

“Mili.”

Lu Changsheng, seeing the heartwarming scene between master and disciple, sat down beside them and leaned in.

Nangong Mili suddenly felt her red lips covered by a warm, moist sensation, rendering her speechless. She could only glare at the scoundrel before her with her phoenix eyes.

But under the dual assault from her lover and disciple, Nangong Mili’s body soon softened.

Just then, she felt a cool sensation on her chest, followed by a warm, soft, and fragrant touch. Her entire body trembled violently as if struck by lightning. She wanted to cry out in rebuke.

But with her red lips covered by Lu Changsheng, dominating her sweet fragrance, she couldn’t make a sound.

“Master~ Mother~”

Meng Xiaochan and Nangong Mili were very close. In their early years on missions together, they had addressed each other as mother and daughter.

Now, in the privacy of the bedroom, there were fewer taboos, and she called out affectionately.

“Xiaochan, this is really too improper,”

Nangong Mili’s long, narrow phoenix eyes were misty with emotion, filled with embarrassment and annoyance. She wanted to struggle, but faced with Lu Changsheng’s strong, powerful body, she couldn’t. She could only submit to their advances.

“Mili, my sweet Mili.”

Lu Changsheng, feeling the beauty’s trembling body in his arms, felt a surge of inexplicable joy. He moved to her earlobe, which had turned slightly red, and whispered soothingly.

“Xiaochan.”

A moment later, seeing the beauty in his arms soft and powerless, her body still trembling, Lu Changsheng patted Meng Xiaochan’s pert bottom, signaling her to attend to her master properly.

Soon after, Nangong Mili’s brows furrowed tightly, her teeth gently biting her lower lip.

Her misty phoenix eyes rippled with soft light, like a spring pond disturbed by a gentle breeze. The waves of emotion washed away all traces of resentment in her heart.

Night fell, and the lanterns began to light up.

It was unclear how much time had passed before the commotion in the antique-styled cave dwelling of the City Lord’s mansion finally subsided.

Nangong Mili, a late-stage Core Formation grand cultivator with a graceful and alluring figure, curvaceous and eye-catching, her body seemingly delicate yet voluptuous, lay limp like mud.

Beneath her willow-like eyebrows, her long, narrow phoenix eyes seemed to be steeped in endless charm and spring allure, their waves captivating the soul.

“You’re on my hair!”

Nangong Mili, having caught her breath, coldly rebuked Lu Changsheng. Her voice, however, was irresistibly alluring, lacking any real threat.

As she spoke, she cast an irritated glance at her disciple, Meng Xiaochan, whose cheeks were flushed red as if intoxicated.

She thought to herself that this disciple was increasingly siding with outsiders.

Not only did she fail to stand with her master against Ling Zixiao, but she also constantly teamed up with this scoundrel to tease her.

“Master.”

Meng Xiaochan, having spent years with Nangong Mili, naturally understood her master’s temperament. She immediately put on an obedient, apologetic expression.

“Mili.”

Lu Changsheng coaxed Nangong Mili gently, explaining that he indeed had been busy lately, but promised that after the Immortal City’s Whale Hunting Banquet in a year, he would spend time with her and escort her back to the Five Poisons Sect.

His identity as Yangming Zhenren had caused such a stir in the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands, putting him at odds with True Lord Mingsha.

So, Lu Changsheng also needed to inform Ah Youduo, to prevent the old dog Mingsha from secretly causing trouble, using the Five Poisons Sect as a breakthrough point.

“This is a gift I prepared for you, do you like it?”

Lu Changsheng, well aware of Nangong Mili’s temperament, knew that under normal circumstances, as long as he didn’t go too far, she was willing to tolerate it as a couple’s playfulness. He handed over the gift he had prepared in advance.

Seeing Lu Changsheng speak kindly and prepare a gift for her, Nangong Mili’s snow-white, bewitchingly beautiful face softened a bit.

“I have one for my little Xiaochan too.”

Lu Changsheng turned to Meng Xiaochan, whose beautiful eyes held a hint of hope, and spoke gently. He knew that what Meng Xiaochan cared about wasn’t the gift itself, but his attitude.

“Thank you, husband.”

Meng Xiaochan immediately beamed with joy, her smile radiant.

“Hmph!”

For some reason, seeing that Meng Xiaochan also received a gift, and it wasn’t exclusive to her, Nangong Mili let out another cold snort.

However, looking at the gift in the brocade box, which had clearly been thoughtfully prepared just for her, Nangong Mili’s heart surged with joy again.

Lu Changsheng, possessing a Nascent Soul level Taiyi Spirit, could detect some of Nangong Mili’s soul fluctuations and general emotions.

Seeing her emotions constantly fluctuating, now happy, now sad, he felt bewildered, thinking to himself that women were truly changeable.

But then he realized that a woman’s joy and sorrow for you meant she had truly given her heart.

After comforting Nangong Mili, Lu Changsheng finally had time to check on his children at home.

Arriving at the back courtyard, he saw his daughters Lu Linghe, Lu Baixi, Lu Mengchan, and his sons Lu Minghuang and Lu Ping’an practicing martial arts together. Lu Changsheng felt very gratified.

These children were so well-behaved and worry-free.

“Father!”

“Father! Father!”

Seeing Lu Changsheng, they all called out immediately.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded with a smile, sat down nearby, and began guiding and instructing his children in their cultivation. Then he handed out a gift to each of them.

Although Lu Ping’an was quite grown, given the atmosphere, Lu Changsheng gave him a gift as well, for the sake of it.

“Thank you, Father!”

“Thank you, Father!”

Lu Linghe, looking at her gift, examined it for a moment before asking, “Father, have you finished using this Buddhist bead?”

Although she noticed that this Buddhist bead was somewhat different from the previous Buddhist Bone Sarira, she couldn’t discern the details.

“This is a new Buddhist bead Father obtained. Keep it safe and don’t let others see it, understand?”

Lu Changsheng spoke gently to his daughter.

Although his daughter rarely went out, this sarira was precious, so he still needed to caution her.

“Father, don’t worry.”

Lu Linghe nodded vigorously, then pulled out the previous Vajra Sarira from her purse and asked, “Father, do you still need to use this Buddhist bead?”

“Since I’ve given it to little He, it’s naturally yours now. Keep them both,”

Lu Changsheng pinched her cheek and said with a smile, “You can hold both beads together when you cultivate in the future.”

“If you feel any discomfort, stop immediately and tell Father, understand?”

“Father, I understand.”

Lu Linghe responded adorably.

Then Lu Changsheng instructed his daughter Lu Baixi to stop immediately and tell him if she felt any discomfort while cultivating with the Blood Metamorphosis Stone.

As he spoke, he released the Golden-Winged Roc from the Storage Belt.

“Uncle Da Jin!”

Lu Baixi, who was quite fond of the Golden-Winged Roc with its true spirit bloodline, called out in a crisp voice when she saw it.

“Golden Roc, when you’re free, teach little Xi some cultivation techniques.”

Lu Changsheng glanced at the Golden-Winged Roc, noticing that its physical condition had recovered by more than half, its body brimming with surging vital energy. It wouldn’t be long before it fully recovered.

“???”

The Golden-Winged Roc was stunned, then tilted its head to look at Lu Baixi, whose face was delicate and exquisite. After a moment of silence, it said, “Yes, Master.”

Although it felt closer to Lu Baixi, who possessed a true spirit bloodline, that didn’t mean it enjoyed looking after children.

Moreover, the breakthrough and growth of spirit beasts were often accompanied by periods of slumber.

Just half a step away from advancing to the peak of the third tier, after consuming the remnant Nascent Soul spirit body of the purple-robed elder, its body was now surging with vital energy. Its flesh and bones seemed to be evolving and being cleansed at every moment. All it wanted was to have a good sleep.

“You don’t need to watch her constantly. Rest well when you need to, just help little Xi with her problems when you’re free.”

Lu Changsheng, seeing the Golden Roc’s current state, which was suitable for sleeping and advancing, spoke again.

After checking on Lu Mengchan and Lu Minghuang, Lu Changsheng turned to Lu Ping’an and said, “Ping’an, I’m planning to return to Bihu Mountain. Come back with me.”

Although he had his son stationed in the Immortal City of Damengze, there was no rush now.

Besides, his son had been away from home for so many years, it was time for him to go back and see everyone, and resolve some of his own issues.

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Ping’an nodded in agreement.

Then Lu Changsheng went to see his other children in the Immortal City of Damengze, informed Ling Zixiao about Qian Zhuyan’s situation, and then flew back to Bihu Mountain with Lu Ping’an.

Since the news from the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands hadn’t spread yet, Bihu Mountain hadn’t received any related information. So when Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaoge, and othrs saw Lu Changsheng and Lu Ping’an return, they didn’t ask much.

They assumed that after sending Lu Qingshan and Lu Qingzhu back to the Yue Kingdom, Lu Changsheng had spent the remaining time with Lu Ping’an.

However, upon learning that Lu Ping’an had broken through to Core Formation, the women let out a series of exclamations.

“There’s no need to rush in spreading this news for now,”

Lu Changsheng said.

Although holding a Core Formation ceremony for Lu Ping’an, showcasing four Core Formation cultivators in one family and three generations of Core Formation father and sons, would be enough to elevate the Talisman Lu Family’s reputation further,

Such a grand ceremony would likely make the Azure Cloud Sect truly restless.

While Lu Changsheng wasn’t afraid of the Azure Cloud Sect, he was somewhat wary of the Heavenly Sword Sect, the hegemon of the Jiang Kingdom.

Moreover, Lu Changsheng didn’t want to make the situation between the two families too tense, putting Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi in a difficult position.

“However, when facing trouble, you should still act when necessary. There’s no need to be overly reserved,”

Lu Changsheng continued to advise his son Lu Ping’an, worried that he might deliberately suppress his strength to avoid causing trouble for the family.

“Father, I understand.”

Lu Ping’an grinned.

After conversing with his wives, Lu Changsheng placed the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror back in the Sumeru Cave Heaven, checked on the Xuanmu Vine’s condition, and then spent his days accompanying his wives and concubines, teaching and guiding his children.

Several days later, having finished his business at Bihu Mountain, Lu Changsheng headed to the Azure Cloud Sect.

On one hand, he wanted to see Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi.

On the other hand, Xiao Xiyue had previously sent a message to Bihu Mountain, stating that the Azure Cloud Sect Leader wanted to meet him.

“Greetings to True Person Changsheng!”

“Greetings to Elder Lu!”

As Lu Changsheng arrived at the Azure Cloud Sect, disciples along the way looked at him with eyes full of respect, admiration, and reverence, bowing in greeting.

The reason for this, apart from Lu Qingshan’s return home elevating the Talisman Lu Family’s reputation further, was primarily due to the beast tide at Da Mengze a year and a half ago.

The Lord and Lady of Dameng City had killed a fourth-tier beast king, while Lu Changsheng, as the vice city lord, along with Lu Miaoge, had suppressed a third-tier beast king in this battle. This was widely discussed, and his status and position had risen accordingly.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly and quickly arrived at the main hall of the Azure Cloud Sect to pay his respects to the Sect Leader.

“True Person Changsheng, please sit and rest for a moment. I’ll inform the Sect Leader right away.”

The disciple receiving him respectfully invited Lu Changsheng to the side hall and served tea.

Not long after, the sound of footsteps was heard.

A man in Azure Cloud Sect robes, with a thin build and a steady demeanor, entered the hall and cupped his hands in greeting, “True Person Changsheng, I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”

“Greetings, Sect Leader.”

Lu Changsheng returned the greeting and asked what the matter was.

“It’s nothing major. I just heard about the incident of Dameng City killing a fourth-tier beast king and wanted to learn some details from you.”

After some small talk, the Azure Cloud Sect Leader got straight to the point.

“Sect Leader, you flatter me. Regarding the City Lord killing a fourth-tier beast king, I was also incredibly shocked.”

Lu Changsheng had long known what the Azure Cloud Sect Leader wanted to know and spoke with a face full of emotion.

“You mentioned before that the Lord of Dameng City would leave the Immortal City in the future?”

The Azure Cloud Sect Leader continued to inquire, probing Lu Changsheng’s relationship with the Immortal City of Damengze.

After all, according to rumors, the joint cultivation technique of Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge was somewhat similar to the Dao-Comprehending Artifact of the Lord of Dameng City.

And rumor had it that the Lord and Lady of Dameng City were also proficient in joint cultivation techniques.

“Regarding this aspect, it’s as I previously told the Sect Leader. However, after this killing of the fourth-tier beast king, the City Lord urged me to draw fourth-tier talismans as soon as possible. He seemed quite eager about this.”

Lu Changsheng spoke with a serious expression.

“Draw fourth-tier talismans as soon as possible…”

If it were in the past, the Azure Cloud Sect Leader could understand why the Lord of Dameng City would need fourth-tier talismans.

But now that he had the means to kill a fourth-tier beast king, what use did he have for fourth-tier talismans? However, thinking about how the Lord of Dameng City hadn’t appeared for so long after killing the fourth-tier beast king, he realized the cost must have been great, so it was understandable.

He continued to question Lu Changsheng, hoping to gain some information.

But Lu Changsheng’s replies were all ambiguous, leaving the Azure Cloud Sect Leader to make his own guesses.

After all, some things were better left unsaid explicitly.

“Thank you for your trouble, True Person Changsheng.”

A quarter of an hour later, the Azure Cloud Sect Leader saw Lu Changsheng out of the main hall, not having gained much useful information.

Mainly because matters of cultivation technique inheritance were private to cultivators, and he couldn’t inquire too much.

Especially since these cultivation technique inheritances involved that mysterious and unpredictable Lord of Dameng City.

“It seems this Azure Cloud Sect Leader values the Immortal City of Damengze even more than I imagined,”

After leaving the Azure Cloud main hall, Lu Changsheng looked at the Azure Cloud Sect’s mountain-protecting grand formation, which flowed with glazed light, and thought to himself.

But thinking about it, it made sense.

With the Jiang Kingdom gaining a force and a cultivator capable of killing fourth-tier beast kings, how could the Azure Cloud Sect, one of the four major immortal sects of the Jiang Kingdom, not pay attention?

“I wonder what the Heavenly Sword Sect’s attitude is?”

Compared to the Azure Cloud Sect, the attitude of the Heavenly Sword Sect was of paramount importance.

Lu Changsheng didn’t think too much about it and headed straight for Rainbow Cloud Peak, Bright Moon Residence.

In the antique-styled cave dwelling, Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue expressed their mutual longing.

Afterwards!

“Xiyue, did Caiyun Zhenren go to the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands?”

Lu Changsheng, embracing Xiao Xiyue’s immortal jade body, gently brushed away a few strands of hair stuck to her exquisitely beautiful face and suddenly remembered something, asking out loud.

Although he hadn’t seen Yun Wanshang in the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands,

He had seen True Lord Xuanjian leading several Core Formation cultivators, which made him think of Yun Wanshang.

She had been out seeking Nascent Soul opportunities for many years, and the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands was a Nascent Soul level secret realm, so there was a high probability she had gone there.

“She probably didn’t. Earlier, the Sect Leader and the Supreme Elder both tried to contact Master, but…”

Xiao Xiyue’s cloud-like hair was disheveled, no longer maintaining her usual cold immortal appearance. She gently bit her red lips, her beautiful eyes showing a hint of worry as she spoke.

“Did something happen to Caiyun Zhenren!?”

Lu Changsheng’s heart suddenly tightened.

“Master’s soul lamp is currently fine, but… the sect has been trying to contact Master for years, yet there’s been no response.”

Xiao Xiyue’s eyes, like a winding clear spring, glanced at Lu Changsheng and said softly, her mood somewhat low.

For some reason, hearing that Yun Wanshang had no news and might be in danger, Lu Changsheng felt a wave of worry and heaviness in his heart.

However, seeing the concern on Xiao Xiyue’s face, he hugged her shoulders and said soothingly, “Don’t worry, Caiyun Zhenren is blessed by good fortune. She might have found a Nascent Soul opportunity and is in seclusion, attempting to break through to Nascent Soul, so she hasn’t responded.”

“Mm.”

Xiao Xiyue quietly nestled in Lu Changsheng’s arms without speaking, but her beautiful eyes were filled with worry.

After all, the sect’s first attempt to contact Master was eighteen years ago.

Not only had there been no news at all, but three years ago, the Supreme Elder had even asked True Lord Xuanjian to divine Master’s whereabouts, yet they hadn’t obtained any relevant information.

However, these matters involved sect secrets, which she couldn’t disclose to Lu Changsheng.

As Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue were embracing, outside Bihu Mountain, a figure wearing a pitch-black mask and a wide black cloak, seemingly merged with the shadows, gazed at the mountain-backed, water-fronted Bihu Mountain before him and muttered,

“So this is the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain?”