Chapter 684: The Shock of the Five Poisons Sect Master!

Bihu Mountain.

Sumeru Cave Heaven.

“Husband.”

Even though Lu Miaoge had learned through the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror that the crisis in White Tiger Mountain had been resolved, she approached Lu Changsheng with concern.

“Don’t worry, it’s all taken care of.”

Lu Changsheng held his wife’s delicate hand, speaking in a soft voice as he explained the situation to her.

Lu Miaoge was astonished; she never expected the enemy to come from the dominating force in the Liang Kingdom, which bordered the Yue Kingdom.

“Husband, this should be reported to the Azure Cloud Sect.”

While she felt confident in their ability to handle it, she thought it would be more prudent to inform the Azure Cloud Sect and let them relay it to the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“No need. If the Azure Cloud Sect questions it, just say an unknown evil cultivator attempted to seize Nine Nether, and Ping’an has already forced them back.”

Lu Changsheng was also preparing to deal with the Beast God Mountain through Shadow, so reporting to the Azure Cloud Sect was out of the question.

Moreover, if the Azure Cloud Sect sent people to investigate later, who knew what unnecessary trouble it might stir up?

“Hmm.”

Hearing her husband say this eased Lu Miaoge’s worries, and she refrained from asking further.

“Sumeru, keep an eye on her for now.”

Lu Changsheng lifted his hand, and the unconscious Shadow appeared, tossing her to the Sumeru Tree King.

Theoretically, since True Lord Tiancang’s physical body was slain, the Elder of Beast God Mountain, True Lord Nine Spirits, wouldn’t cross over from the Yue Kingdom to Jiang Kingdom just for a mere Core Formation guard.

Nevertheless, for safety’s sake, Lu Changsheng still refrained from hanging Shadow outside the Sumeru Tree King.

Otherwise, using her token or the Beast God Mountain’s energy to try fishing for information would be risky; if anyone beneath the Nascent Soul dared to come, Sumeru could suppress them all and imprison them in Sumeru Cave Heaven.

“Sumeru’s growth is still inadequate.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the Sumeru Tree King before him, feeling a bit regretful.

In his early days, Sumeru was invincible below the Nascent Soul level—a true guardian.

But as time passed and he began encountering Nascent Soul-level cultivators and forces, Sumeru’s once-unmatched status started to feel lacking.

“To cultivate Sumeru to Fourth Stage, the main difficulty lies with the spiritual veins.”

Sumeru Tree King would likely need tens of thousands of years to reach Fourth Stage through normal growth.

Even with the Myriad Spirits Bottle, it would be extremely challenging to cultivate him to Fourth Stage.

The only way would be to absorb the natural energies of the world within his body to achieve rapid growth.

But at present, Lu Changsheng was still seeking to break through the Fourth Stage spiritual land with his own Nascent Soul, leaving no way to cultivate Sumeru Cave Heaven’s spiritual veins to Fourth Stage.

“Things will align when they need to. If I boost the Dragon Seeking Technique soon, perhaps I’ll find a solution.”

Though Dreamless once said that Fourth Stage spiritual veins gather the fortune of a region.

If destroyed or severed from their source, it would surely result in a backlash of fortune and disaster.

Yet, there are many methods in the cultivation world. A Second Stage Dragon Seeking Technique may detect the spiritual machinations of the world and sever veins. The Fourth Stage might just have the means to shift the spiritual veins as needed.

Leaving aside distant possibilities, with Lu Changsheng’s current divine abilities, he could attempt to move small First or Second Stage veins without needing to slowly sever their origin as he did in the past.

However, doing so would make quite a commotion, causing mountain collapses and severing the spiritual mechanics of that area.

“The Azure Cloud Sect, Golden Sun Sect, and Heavenly Sword Sect have clearly moved spiritual veins before; otherwise, how could they possess such vast spiritual lands simply through natural cultivation?”

Lu Changsheng had visited the Azure Cloud Sect, Golden Sun Sect, and Heavenly Sword Sect.

Apart from their main peaks’ spiritual veins, they also had numerous Third Stage branches.

If they relied purely on natural growth, how long would it take and how many rare treasures would they need to cultivate their spiritual sources?

So, most likely, they possess means in this area to enhance their spiritual lands.

After handing Shadow over to be watched by Sumeru, Lu Changsheng planned to return to the Azure Cloud Sect to visit Zhao Qingqing.

She had returned from the front lines a year ago, and now that her status in the sect had risen, she could be promoted to an outer sect elder once she broke through to the late Foundation Establishment stage.

Given Lu Changsheng’s current resources, assisting her in breaking through from mid to late Foundation Establishment was naturally a piece of cake.

However, considering the influence of the advanced Second Stage Breaking Pill on her future Core Formation, which could nearly eliminate her chances of achieving it, he opted to help her refine her magical energy instead through dual cultivation.

Several days later, after Lu Changsheng had finished nurturing his relationship with Zhao Qingqing, they returned together to Bihu Mountain to see their son, Lu Qingyue.

Thanks to the Xuantian Spirit Vine and the Six-Eyed Bodhi Seed, this son had successfully condensed a perfect Dao foundation, making him one of the current geniuses of the Lu clan.

“Father! Mother!”

Lu Qingyue, possessing a Green Wood Body and practicing the Treasure Cauldron Medicine King Scripture, could maintain his youthful appearance. Dressed in a green long gown, he resembled a flourishing orchid, exuding a refreshing charm reminiscent of Lu Changsheng.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng and Zhao Qingqing expressed their concern for their son’s situation, asking what his plans were.

“I’ve made some progress in my techniques and want to go out and train.”

Lu Qingyue glanced at his parents before speaking.

Although the Treasure Cauldron Medicine King Scripture leaned towards alchemy, most cultivators were unwilling to remain complacent. They desired to venture out and gain opportunities and experiences that could propel them skyward.

“In that case, you can head to Qingxuan Mountain and train alongside your Qingxuan brothers to adapt first.”

Lu Changsheng did not oppose his children going out to train; in fact, he encouraged it.

After all, only by stepping out could they grow quickly, especially his gifted children.

“Qingyue only just broke through Foundation Establishment; is going to the Myriad Beasts Mountain too dangerous? Wouldn’t it be better to hone your skills under the Azure Cloud Sect for a while?”

Zhao Qingqing, having been at the Myriad Beasts Mountain since the Wilds War began, had witnessed countless deaths.

Let alone her son just breaking through; even late Foundation Establishment cultivators had lost their lives there.

“A man with ambition should seek the world; since Qingyue is willing, let him venture forth. Besides, he has Qingxuan and the others with him.”

Lu Changsheng held Zhao Qingqing’s delicate hand as he spoke.

Though late Foundation Establishment cultivators were like ants to him now.

In the vicinity of Bihu Mountain, they were still recognized like ancestral figures.

If they didn’t act foolishly and armed themselves with a few talismans, they should be fine. If dangers arose during the journey, it would suggest they weren’t suited for cultivation.

Seeing Lu Changsheng say this, Zhao Qingqing had no objections.

During the Wilds War, she and Lu Xingyue had met Lu Qingxian several times, knowing he was a person capable of standing alone.

With him around, their son should be safe.

Besides, Qingxuan Mountain had other members of the Lu clan in Foundation Establishment, forming a considerable force.

“Thank you, Father. Rest assured, Mother.”

Seeing this, Lu Qingyue joyfully clasped his hands towards his parents.

Originally, Lu Changsheng intended to catch up with Chu Qingyi, but she had long since gone to guard the Myriad Beasts Mountain.

Remembering that he had concubines and children in Yanyu Market who hadn’t seen him in two years, he decided to pay a visit.

Now that he returned to Yanyu Market, not only the loose cultivators but even Yan Lan and Yu Fei looked at Lu Changsheng with a mix of restraint and respect.

Having risen from loose cultivators to this level, the two sisters valued the hierarchy of power even more.

In the early days, when Lu Changsheng was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator, they showed him some respect.

But after he displayed his Core Formation powers and became a revered Core Formation master, their innate respect grew from the bones.

“Father!”

The three children of the two sisters were already grown.

However, having lived in Yanyu Market for so long and rarely seeing Lu Changsheng, their understanding of him primarily came from their mothers and hearsay, leaving their gazes filled with awe.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng looked at his three children with care before turning to Yan Lan’s child and asking, “How confident are you about breaking through Foundation Establishment?”

He could see this son’s foundations were solid; he had no concerns about achieving a flawless Dao foundation.

“Replying to Father, I can absolutely break through to Foundation Establishment. However, I’ve heard that beyond flawless foundations, there are perfect ones, so I want to give it a try!”

Lu Yanhan bowed as he replied.

He possessed Second-grade Spirit Root, and his physical meridians were unusual; he could have broken through to Foundation Establishment long ago.

However, his mother told him that with the goal of achieving Core Formation, he needed a strong foundation! “You want to strive for a perfect Dao foundation? You’re still missing some heat. I have a Spirit Nourishing Herb here; after you consume it, I’ll help you refine it, which can enhance your chances.”

Currently, for Lu Changsheng, perfect Dao foundations weren’t a challenge.

Unless one’s talent was too low, anyone could be pushed to this level.

Seeing his son’s decent talent and wanting to make up for opportunities, Lu Changsheng was willing to offer some resources.

“Spirit Nourishing Herb!?”

Lu Yanhan was confused, but Yan Lan and Yu Fei had heard of this prized Third-grade spirit herb, which could enhance talent and refine consciousness.

Under normal circumstances, Qi Refining cultivators couldn’t refine it.

But having a Core Formation master like Lu Changsheng to refine it would definitely strengthen his foundation.

“Yanhan, don’t forget to thank your father!”

Yan Lan quickly urged her son.

Lu Yanhan quickly bowed in thanks, while Lu Yanran and Lu Yanjun looked at him with envy.

“You all practice properly and when you attempt Foundation Establishment, I have more gifts for you.”

Lu Changsheng addressed these son and daughter.

After a pause, he continued, “Your elder brother returned from his training recently. If you have time, you can visit him at Bihu Mountain to discuss cultivation.”

With Lu Ping’an back home, he could help teach and guide the younger generation in their cultivation.

Lu Changsheng intended to pass down the Dongxuan Treasure Mirror to Lu Ping’an.

This way, he could also help consolidate and expand his cultivation knowledge through teaching.

“Elder brother!”

The three were taken aback.

The Talisman Lu Family, aside from the renowned ancestor Lu Changsheng and matriarch Lu Miaoge, consisted of eldest son Lu Ping’an, as well as Lu Wangshu, who was known for his beauty in the sect, and Lu Qingshan, a swordsman who had cut down a Third-stage Demon King for the Golden Sun Sect years ago.

Thus, the trio had heard of their elder brother’s reputation.

In his early Foundation Establishment days, he ambushed a False Core master with Lu Mu, capturing the head of the Sima family’s False Core ancestor in Yanyu Market.

Later on, he commanded Lu family spiritual soldiers in the Ziyou secret realm, defeating the Master of the Shen Family of Blades, Shangguan Jiuyang, shocking the Jiang Kingdom cultivation community, and was called the second Qingluan Zhenren by well-meaning onlookers.

However, he had suddenly gone silent over the past few decades, and no one knew where he went.

Some speculated that he had broken through to Core Formation to train outside, while others guessed he had entered solitary training and failed, leading to his demise.

“Father, I heard elder brother was just one step away from breaking through to Core Formation in his early years. Has he returned now?”

Lu Yanran asked curiously.

“In due time, you will know.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and did not answer.

Meanwhile, Yu Fei quickly transmitted to her daughter that matters regarding their family’s secrets should not be asked too much.

As of now, the Talisman Lu Family faced scrutiny for having one sect master and another who had achieved Core Formation, plus a Third-stage Demon King.

If the family produced another Core Formation master, it would attract unwanted attention from the higher powers watching over the Azure Cloud Sect.

That evening.

Later events!

Later events!

Later events!

Lu Changsheng embraced the seemingly limp Yan Lan, and the Yu Fei sisters.

His hand roamed over the beautiful features, strong physique, and wheat-colored skin of Yan Lan, and he suddenly asked, “Lan’er, I remember you’re not yet 150 years old, are you?”

The Yan Lan before him was talented; as a loose cultivator, she had reached this stage, demonstrating undeniable abilities, which made Lu Changsheng keen to support her.

“Yes, nine more years.”

Yan Lan naturally understood what turning 150 meant for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, causing her heart to tremble. She then whispered.

Beside her, Yu Fei was also startled, looking at her sister and Lu Changsheng with mixed emotions in her beautiful eyes.

“Not long from now, the City Lord will hold a banquet where several Third-Stage Demon Cores will be released. I’ll see if I can acquire one; you’ve focused on cultivating these years, so prepare well.”

Lu Changsheng spoke softly to Yan Lan.

Although she was talented, being a loose cultivator in her early years left her with limited resources and an average foundation.

After breaking through to late Foundation Establishment, her chances of achieving True Core were almost nonexistent unless she used the Condensing Crystal Pill or Five Elements Spirit Fruits to top off her supplies.

But since he and the Yan sisters were in this for mutual benefit, he wasn’t planning to expend all his resources on their cultivation.

“Husband, won’t this be a bit extravagant?”

Yan Lan trembled slightly with excitement and anxiety at his words.

To Lu Changsheng, False Cores were just average.

But for her, False Cores were a luxury—a coveted existence that seemed out of reach!

Even knowing that Lu Changsheng, as a Third-grade talisman master and deputy city lord of the Immortal City of Damengze, could obtain Third-stage Demon Cores, she never dared to hope he would help her secure one to break through to True Core.

After all, selling the two sisters would hardly be worth one Third-stage Demon Core.

“As long as you can break through, it won’t be wasted, but I can’t guarantee that I can get one either.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, not revealing too easily.

“Thank you, husband!”

Even so, Yan Lan was still overflowing with gratitude.

Meanwhile, Yu Fei showed her appreciation to Lu Changsheng through her actions.

After all, she was closer to Yan Lan than most sisters. Seeing her sister’s hopes to reach True Core made her happy too.

“If you wish to express your gratitude, then give me more children.”

Lu Changsheng leaped to his feet.

His support for Yan Lan came not just because she was a concubine; after her breakthrough, there would be some benefits to him as well as she could give birth.

After all, cultivating female cultivators who could achieve Core Formation was nearly impossible; it could only rely on nurturing.

Upon hearing this, both sisters instantly recalled the early rumors about their husband.

He had a penchant for taking wives and concubines, hoping to have many descendants.

“Husband~”

Yan Lan wasn’t overly fond of the idea of pregnancy; she felt one child was enough. However, Yu Fei genuinely wanted to have more to bear children like Lu Ping’an, Lu Qingshan, and Lu Wangshu—those with outstanding talents.

Yet, these past years, opportunities to meet with Lu Changsheng had been rare.

And with one being a Foundation Establishment cultivator and the other a Core Formation master, getting pregnant wouldn’t be easy.

In an instant, the cave was filled with spring-like warmth.

Due to other matters, Lu Changsheng didn’t spend much time nurturing in Yanyu Market.

After a week, he returned to Bihu Mountain to enter closed-door training to refine and upgrade his life-bound treasure, the Yin-Yang Chart.

At the same time, news regarding Mirage Domain of Vast Sands began to spread from the Endless Desert to neighboring nations, including Jiang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom.

As a Nascent Soul-level force in Jin Kingdom, the Five Poisons Sect Master received the news immediately.

“Yangming Zhenren annihilated the Beast God Mountain’s True Lord Tiancang and killed True Lord Zicang!?”

The Five Poisons Sect Master, dressed in a sumptuous purple-red gown and crowned with a silver coronet, bore a shocked expression on her exquisitely dignified face.

When she fought against Yangming Zhenren, she had witnessed his strength.

He possessed numerous methods comparable to Nascent Soul cultivators.

What amazed her most was that his physical body ignored and was immune to her toxic magic.

Otherwise, defeating her would come at a heavy price.

Yet, she could never have imagined that just a few years later, Yangming Zhenren could kill a Nascent Soul cultivator, vanquishing two at once.

Especially since True Lord Zicang’s Nascent Soul body was obliterated.

Though intel suggested that True Lord Zicang was slain through a cooperative effort by Yangming Zhenren and Qingluan Zhenren, it still spoke volumes about Yangming Zhenren’s prowess.

“Even if one breaks through from Core Formation seventh layer to ninth layer, such improvement shouldn’t be possible.”

Recognizing Yangming Zhenren had seized her magical essence during their battle, Ah Youduo knew he had encountered her while only at the seventh layer of Core Formation.

But it was precisely this understanding that left her dumbfounded.

“The master of the Holy Radiant Empire.”

In recent years, the Five Poisons Sect Master often pondered whether Yangming Zhenren had deceived or fooled her back then.

After all, he had claimed to be the Son of the Holy Emperor, leading to countless confounding claims like being reborn and carrying with him the Dragon Sovereign Body, the Yin-Yang Grand Dao, and the Grand Dao of Nascent Soul that sounded both grandiose and unbelievable.

Though she perused numerous ancient texts, she found nothing to substantiate his words.

Now, with this information spreading, Ah Youduo finally believed.

She fully accepted it without the slightest doubt! After all, an ordinary Nascent Soul old monster reconstructing his physical body could never reach this level, to combat Core Formation masters and slay two men.

Only an existence above Nascent Soul could achieve this—this must be a True God!”

“According to the information, the master used some sort of life-burning secret technique back then; who knows how dangerous it is now?”

While reports indicated that Yangming Zhenren likely adored Qingluan Zhenren and has become her subordinate, Ah Youduo speculated on Yangming Zhenren’s motives.

“The Unrivaled Dragon Sovereign Body!”

“The Unrivaled Yin-Yang Grand Dao!”

He must be trying to cultivate alongside Qingluan Zhenren to attain mastery over the Dragon Sovereign Body and the Yin-Yang Grand Dao.

“The master is True God, the reincarnated sovereign of the Holy Radiant Empire; surely, he wouldn’t sacrifice himself for a woman.”

The Five Poisons Sect Master gazed at the jade slip in her hand, pondering for a moment before saying, “Come, bring my orders, starting today, seal the mountain gates, and report any unusual occurrences to me!”

Years ago, when she left the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons alongside Yangming Zhenren, they were spotted by Mingsha Zhenren, who spread rumors about them.

Although it wouldn’t impact her much, now that Yangming Zhenren had created such a terrifying disturbance, it’s probable that Nascent Soul cultivators would want to approach her in search of Yangming Zhenren.

Not to mention that Mingsha Zhenren would certainly not let go of Yangming Zhenren.

Especially after Yangming Zhenren’s confrontation with True Lord Tiancang and his grudge against Beast God Mountain, while Mingsha Zhenren was also closely involved with Beast God Mountain.

Under such circumstances, she needed to elevate her vigilance as much as possible.

Stepping out of the great hall and gazing at the Five Poisons Sect before her, the unexpected thought of missing Yangming Zhenren surged in her heart.

But upon recalling that he was likely cultivating with Qingluan Zhenren in the realm of Yin-Yang Grand Dao, a tinge of jealousy arose.

The Five Poisons Sect Master paused, realizing it was the Seven Calamities Love Gu affecting her heart.

Although the distance between them was vast, she could suppress this feeling—it was still impossible to avoid its influence.

Particularly after receiving the intel regarding Yangming Zhenren slaying a Nascent Soul cultivator, her emotions surged uncontrollably.

However, considering Yangming Zhenren’s circumstances, she refused to suppress her feelings.

Knowing that suppressing these emotions would only unleash them like a tide when they met again unless she broke the love gu.

Unlike the Five Poisons Sect Master, the Yin Ghost Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect Master were left bewildered by this news.

Especially the Yin Ghost King.

Previously, when Mingsha Zhenren returned, he closed himself off to recover first and tasked the Yin Ghost King with gathering intel on Yangming Zhenren and Qingluan Zhenren; he remained uninformed of the details regarding the secret realm.

He never imagined Yangming Zhenren was this formidable, having sliced down two Nascent Soul masters in the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands alongside his close ties to Qingluan Zhenren.

If those two healed or broke through to Nascent Soul, what would happen if they came for revenge on his Yin Ghost Sect?

He rushed to visit Mingsha Zhenren, wanting to inquire about the situation and whether the intel could be false.

“My Heavenly Corpse Sect has no grudge against this Yangming Zhenren, right?”

Although the Heavenly Corpse Sect Master had intended to kill Yangming Zhenren years ago, receiving this information made him abandon that thought.

Unless Yangming Zhenren was gravely injured and surrounded by many, he wouldn’t seek to kill him.

Otherwise, he would never willingly intensify enmity.