Chapter 689: Chaos Unleashed, Shocking the Entire Hall!

“As expected of a sword cultivator, quite straightforward.”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, initially thinking that True Lord Juejian would wait until the banquet concluded to privately inquire about certain matters. He didn’t expect him to directly ask right away.

However, considering his identity as a sword cultivator, known for their directness, it was understandable. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he said, “I had an early encounter with the friend without trace and we had a delightful conversation, hence our temporary stay in the Immortal City of Damengze.”

“Coincidentally, Friend Wu Hen and Friend Yun Meng planned to leave Jiang Kingdom, so we made a transaction.”

“As long as my wife and I helped them hunt down the fourth-tier transformation demon king, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, deep in Da Mengze, they would grant us ownership of the Immortal City as our spiritual abode.”

“So, as you can see, my wife and I took charge of the Immortal City as soon as we arrived in Jiang Kingdom.”

Lu Changsheng’s tone was as calm as water as he spoke lightly.

Yet, his seemingly understated words struck the cultivators present like a deafening thunderclap.

Hunting down the transformation demon king, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King in Da Mengze! The city lord before them, not only had he killed a fourth-tier transformation demon king three years ago, but he had also once collaborated with Dreamless and his wife to hunt another fourth-tier demon king, all within the depths of Da Mengze!? Although the cultivators present had never ventured deep into Da Mengze, they knew well that it was shrouded in mist year-round, suppressing cultivators’ magical power and consciousness.

As they delved deeper, even a Core Formation cultivator would be affected and suppressed, making it extremely dangerous.

Yet, under such circumstances, this couple had actually hunted a fourth-tier transformation demon king, the ruler of the deep seas!

What a remarkable feat!

“I see.”

True Lord Juejian remained calm, lightly nodding without questioning.

When Lu Changsheng first took over the Immortal City, the Heavenly Sword Sect had received news of the change in ownership and examined Da Mengze.

Through the massive commotion and turbulence reported from the deep sea, along with the collapse of isles and the remains of demon beasts, there were signs of a brutal battle, suspected to be caused by Dreamless and his wife alongside these two.

Furthermore, after the change in ownership, the Immortal City had a layout by Dreamless that concealed heavenly secrets. Thus, it was highly likely they had reached some sort of agreement with the new city lord.

However, he hadn’t anticipated that the nature of their agreement with Dreamless and his wife was to hunt the fourth-tier transformation demon king of Da Mengze!

At that moment, he regarded the couple before him with added trepidation.

“You can rest assured, my wife and I are leisurely folk, not fond of trivial disputes. Hence, how things were in the Immortal City back then remains unchanged today.”

Lu Changsheng said, raising his cup in a gesture towards True Lord Juejian.

His friendly demeanor clearly expressed his intent to avoid antagonizing the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“You’re too kind.”

Regardless of whether Lu Changsheng spoke truthfully, having a top-tier cultivator capable of slaying a fourth-tier transformation demon king express a friendly stance in such a setting rendered True Lord Juejian unable to harbor any hostility.

With the Liang-Yue War now igniting and the Jin Kingdom glaring hungrily at them, the Heavenly Sword Sect didn’t want to provoke a formidable enemy at this pivotal time.

Moreover, once one reached the Nascent Soul level, they were all prominent figures; their words held weight and it was unlikely they would deceive.

“Hoo!”

Seeing that True Lord Juejian bore no hostility, the cultivators in the hall sighed in relief.

They had genuinely feared a confrontation between True Lord Juejian and the city lord of Dameng.

That would indeed be a case of losing everything due to a minor conflict.

What followed was drinking, chatting, and exchanging cultivation insights.

Initially, Lu Changsheng had two main objectives for this gathering.

First, he could provide a legitimate reason to invite others for a spar, showcasing his strength.

Second, it was a chance to put on a show.

Both he and Hong Lian far surpassed Core Formation cultivators in insights on cultivation, solidifying their identities as Nascent Soul lords.

However, given the recent feat of slaying a fourth-tier Void Kun and hunting the Deep Sea Demon Whale King with Dreamless, no cultivators in the hall dared to provoke or invite sparring.

Instead, Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian actively engaged with the cultivators in the hall, exchanging insights that greatly benefited many who expressed their thanks.

“Hiss!”

Some cultivators observed the city lord of Dameng talk warmly with everyone, not only sharing insights but also discussing talisman arts with the renowned Changsheng Zhenren, and conversing with the Grand Elder of Danxia Mountain about alchemy—irresistible surprise came over them.

Even more astonishing was watching him exchange ideas with the Qinqing Fairy of the Mirage Sect over melodies; it was simply remarkable.

This was beyond mere erudition and knowledge.

Only a seasoned Nascent Soul cultivator could have invested so much time mastering the myriad arts of cultivation.

After a round of conversation, the cultivators in the hall held Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian in greater esteem and fondness.

After all, two top-tier cultivators who had slain a fourth-tier transformation demon king, yet remained humble in discussing their cultivation, evoked a sense of surprise.

“Too bad the city lord already has a partner.”

Qinqing Zhenren looked at Lu Changsheng’s refined and handsome face, feeling quite regretful in her heart.

The Mirage Sect was skilled in melodies, song, and illusions, but their combat capabilities were only average, if not low.

The reason the Mirage Sect could maintain its standing in Jiang Kingdom for thousands of years was partly due to an early ancestor’s relationship with the Heavenly Sword Sect, and partly due to the overwhelming demand for female cultivators with such talents.

Not only could they help their partners cultivate their temperaments and soothe their minds, but they also suited dual cultivation.

Thus, many disciples from the Mirage Sect became partners, companions, or even concubines of the core true disciples from the Four Great Sects, which further protected the Mirage Sect.

In light of this, the current head of the sect, Qinqing Fairy, naturally wished to contribute towards her sect’s ascendance by finding an ideal husband.

The city lord of Dameng was not only handsome and educated but also exceptionally profound, overseeing the Immortal City without many entanglements—truly an excellent choice.

Unfortunately, he had a wife who surpassed her in every aspect, be it appearance, build, disposition, or even innate talent and cultivation.

Faced with Hong Lian’s majestic and noble beauty, she dared not entertain too many thoughts, fearing to offend.

After a satisfying meal and drink, the banquet entered its second half.

Lu Changsheng clapped his hands and smiled as he said, “I assume there’s no need for me to elaborate on the rules of the exchange meeting. My wife and I shall start first, taking turns to sell or purchase desired items, and so on in succession.”

“Once the transactions conclude, if anyone has further needs, feel free to trade amongst yourselves. If you wish for private exchanges, I can arrange a secluded space for everyone.”

Although Lu Changsheng had never attended a private trading session, he understood the general proceedings.

As the host, Lu Changsheng was naturally the first to trade.

“Of course, of course.”

The cultivators in the hall had no objections.

“In that case, allow me to offer the first item.”

Being the organizer, he needed to guard his reputation, so Lu Changsheng didn’t begin by seeking a plethora of precious materials.

A white jade gourd appeared in his hand as he smiled and said, “One gourd of fourth-tier Void Kun’s blood—no need to elaborate on its effectiveness, I presume?”

“Fourth-tier Void Kun blood!”

Many cultivators had come to this trading session primarily for the precious materials from Lu Changsheng, the demon beast ingredients he offered.

Hearing about the Void Kun’s blood, a Core Formation cultivator from the Beast Spirit Sect immediately filled with desire and asked, “May I ask, City Lord, what’s the price for this blood?”

“Since this is a trading session, we only exchange and do not sell.”

Lu Changsheng replied with a grin, “As long as rare spiritual items are offered, we can negotiate. Priority will be given to soul-related precious materials, Nascent Soul treasures, as well as spiritual medicine for rearing spirit beasts.”

“Friend, from the Beast Spirit Sect, if you have any Three Element Beast Heart Pills, or Beast Origin Pills along with related spiritual medicinal materials, I can trade more demon beast materials with you.”

After acquiring resources from True Lord Loushan, True Lord Tiancang, and True Lord Zicang, Lu Changsheng had sufficient resources.

Therefore, he considered acquiring soul-related precious materials needed by Qian Zhuyan, as well as spiritual medicines for raising offspring and spirit beasts.

Three Element Beast Heart Pill was a top-tier medicine specifically for third-tier demon beasts.

It could help solidify the psyche and spirit of a demon king, aiding them to endure the tribulation of transformation.

Though he was confident the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale could advance to fourth-tier, having witnessed its crossing of the True Spirit Tribulation, Lu Changsheng felt it prudent to prepare even further.

“Three Element Beast Heart Pill?”

The cultivators present, all at least Core Formation experts, knew the significance of the Three Element Beast Heart Pill and looked at Lu Changsheng in astonishment.

According to information, the city lord of Dameng owned a third-tier top demon beast as a pet.

Now that he needed Three Element Beast Heart Pills, could it be that this spirit pet was preparing to break through to fourth-tier!?

Even True Lord Juejian couldn’t help but glance at Lu Changsheng.

If the latter’s spirit beast were to break through to fourth-tier, “This matter, I must report back to the sect.”

The Core Formation cultivator from the Beast Spirit Sect pondered for a moment.

Not to mention he didn’t possess any Three Element Beast Heart Pills.

Even if he did, without the Heavenly Sword Sect’s approval, he wouldn’t dare directly trade with Lu Changsheng.

“Of course.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and nodded, showing no offense, continuing to look at the others present.

His purpose in hosting the trading session was also to highlight his requirements—those possessing rare spiritual materials could come directly to the Immortal City to trade with him.

Otherwise, simply relying on the resources available in Immortal City would make acquiring high-tier spiritual materials quite difficult.

“Great Lord of Dameng, I have a piece of third-tier Soul-Rearing Wood; could I exchange it for a gourd of the blood?”

A cultivator revealed a segment of thick, purple-black wood, radiating a deep, dark sheen.

Previously, Lu Changsheng had also acquired a small piece of Soul-Rearing Wood from True Lord Loushan’s storage pouch.

Its quality was even slightly superior to the one being offered.

However, such rare spiritual wood never went amiss. It could be crafted into treasures for nurturing the soul or worn regularly by family members.

“Of course, that’s a fair trade.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

Having achieved fourth-tier in body refinement, he could freely offer up all the remaining essence blood from the Void Kun for exchange.

“Great Lord of Dameng, I have a Nine-Color Soul-Claiming Flower here, which can refine the bloodlines of demon beasts. May I exchange it for a gourd of blood?”

Demon beast blood could not only be used for alchemy and talisman creation but also to cultivate spirit beasts and temper treasures—its uses were manifold.

Thus, such blood from a fourth-tier demon king was highly coveted among the cultivators present.

Faced with such requests, Lu Changsheng expressed that he was open to trade, having ample fourth-tier blood on hand.

After Lu Changsheng completed the trades, it was True Lord Juejian’s turn.

“I seek for fourth-tier sharp metal materials such as gold essence, crystallized essence, or other materials imbued with destruction attributes; pricing can be negotiated.”

Under normal circumstances, a trading session of this level would rarely have materials sufficient for a Nascent Soul expert like him. However, since he was here, he still brought up his requests.

Hearing this, the cultivators understood that True Lord Juejian was in search of materials to enhance his Flying Sword.

“I happen to have a piece of Gold Essence, may I inquire if it meets your needs, True Sword Friend?”

Lu Changsheng raised his hand; a piece of deeply dark, icy metal emerged, shimmering like stars in the night sky, interwoven with delicate patterns.

“Gold Essence!?”

True Lord Juejian raised an eyebrow and nodded, inquiring, “What might you need?”

“Aside from the treasures mentioned earlier, any other valuable spiritual materials will suffice.”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile, projecting an amicable and open attitude, as if he were rendering a favor to his companion.

However, experts like True Lord Juejian never took advantage of others, stating that his sect had a fourth-tier Soul-Rearing Wood and would trade it later.

Yet, Lu Changsheng needed to come up with three more gourds of fourth-tier blood or other equivalent items.

“Of course.”

The value of the fourth-tier Soul-Rearing Wood far surpassed that of Gold Essence; this was entirely reasonable. Lu Changsheng nodded in agreement.

Thus, the trading continued in turns.

During the process, the Three Treasure Incarnation of Changsheng Zhenren released over a dozen third-tier talismans and two top-tier talismans, wishing to exchange them for Condensing Crystal Pills, Nascent Soul treasures, third-tier demon cores, and precious medicines for enhancing the Spirit Root.

With True Lord Juejian present, Lu Changsheng couldn’t use his position as the Dameng City Lord to procure Condensing Crystal Pills or precious items relevant to Spirit Root, so he naturally left it to Changsheng Zhenren.

“This Changsheng Zhenren has only broken through to Core Formation for twenty years, yet he can draw third-tier top-tier talismans?”

Although the Talisman Lu Family held considerable reputation in the Jiang Kingdom, aside from the Four Great Sects, other factions and free cultivators didn’t focus much on him.

Thus, witnessing this moment came as a significant surprise.

Medicinal pills, talismans, and artifacts are all considered hard currency and easy to trade. However, obtaining Condensing Crystal Pills and third-tier demon cores is much trickier.

Yet, observing Lu Changsheng’s skills in talisman crafting, many immediately displayed friendliness and inquired if he could customize some talismans.

“Currently, Lu can only reliably craft a few types of high-quality talismans. For top-tier ones, I must rely on secret techniques to have even a chance at success; customization is not yet an option.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head, not wanting to oversell himself.

Despite this, many were still keen to befriend him.

Indeed, there are very few renowned third-tier talisman masters in the Jiang Kingdom.

Most have been claimed by the Four Great Sects, making it exceedingly difficult for free cultivators to obtain third-tier talismans without channels.

Although this Changsheng Zhenren belongs to the Immortal City of Damengze, it currently appears that to benefit their family heirs, there remains great demand for transactions.

Additionally, some privately observed that this Changsheng Zhenren possessed such talent and skills in the talisman arts, having attached himself to the Immortal City so early; the Talisman Lu Family’s rise was now unstoppable! After about an hour, the trading session neared its end.

The cultivators began to engage in private trades, share information, or sip tea together, exchanging interesting anecdotes from the cultivation world.

Lu Changsheng’s earlier display of friendly generosity, welcoming anyone who brought valuable spiritual materials to trade for fourth-tier demon king blood, had prompted many cultivators to seek him out for exchanges.

Meanwhile, Changsheng Zhenren exhausted the few talismans he had prepared during the trading segment.

As time passed, the cultivators gradually began to take their leave.

Just then, Lu Changsheng noticed a middle-aged man dressed in a black robe, exuding an imposing demeanor, rising from his seat. His gaze suddenly focused on Lu Changsheng as he spoke calmly with indifference, “Has Star Hidden Friend made these preparations to depart?”

“Hmm!?”

The cultivators in the hall sensed a hint of hostility from the city lord of Dameng, whose eloquent speech pierced the atmosphere.

Star Hidden Gentleman was taken aback, his expression somewhat blank, then he clasped his hands and bowed, saying, “Does the City Lord have any business with me?”

“I set this banquet to primarily invite fellow cultivators from Jiang Kingdom to meet one another; I did not invite your Shadow Sect.”

Lu Changsheng’s handsome and refined appearance, tall and straight beneath his dark robes, suddenly resembled a dormant ancient volcano, exuding an unmatched aura of dominance.

Upon hearing this, the cultivators directed astonished looks towards Star Hidden Gentleman, realizing he hailed from the Shadow Sect.

As a Core Formation cultivator, they had naturally heard of this faction, which belonged to the demonic path of the cultivation realm! “City Lord, you jest. I have long resided in Jiang Kingdom; how could I be a cultivator of the Shadow Sect?”

Star Hidden Gentleman, draped in a black robe, hurriedly replied.

Yet, feeling two sharp auras locking onto him, he understood that no matter how he tried to refute it, the city lord of Dameng had already seen through his guise.

Without hesitation, a surge of dark aura erupted from his body, embodying a tremendous force as he attempted to flee at lightning speed from the City Lord’s Mansion while simultaneously crushing the teleportation talisman in his grasp!

However, in that instant…

“Boom!”

A dark figure clad in robes appeared behind the city lord of Dameng, revealing a void-like chaos that felt as though it were returning to the beginning of time.

A being manifested, resembling a celestial king or deity, standing amidst the chaos, with a blazing sun above its head, the flows of Yin-Yang and Five Elements beneath its feet, and divine lights radiating from all directions in a majestic dance.

At the same time, the heavens resonated with profound celestial sounds akin to chants from Buddhism, the roars of ancient gods, and the howls of demons.

“What kind of supernatural ability is this!?”

While Lu Changsheng hadn’t targeted the other cultivators in the hall, the strange phenomena that erupted caused the realm to feel as if it was engulfed in chaos, permeated with a chilling aura.

Glancing around, guests awed at the sights with the grand hall lit by celestial brilliance, spanning from the sun and moon, shattering the mountains and rivers.

This was Lu Changsheng flawlessly manifesting his fourth-tier body refinement talent and supernatural chaos—the essence of chaos giving rise to myriad forms, transforming all into manifestations! The effects of this phenomenon were self-evident, akin to the Nascent Soul cultivator’s domain, crashing down on Star Hidden Gentleman.

As a peak Core Formation cultivator, the fully unleashed Star Hidden Gentleman now felt his body plummet under this heavenly spectacle, his blood and magical energy spiraling chaotically, overwhelmed by countless attacks before blood even escaped the corners of his mouth.

“Break!”

With a fierce expression, he bellowed as his peak Core Formation magical energy surged upward, reaching new heights.

“A Core Formation Grandmaster!”

“So Star Hidden Gentleman is indeed a spy from the demonic path!”

Only moments ago, some had doubted Lu Changsheng’s claims, unsure if Star Hidden Gentleman belonged to the Shadow Sect. But now, with his overwhelming surge of peak Core Formation energy, they were instantly convinced, fear creeping into their hearts.

True Lord Juejian’s eyes also turned cold, sword energy coiling around him, ready to strike.

“Hmph!”

Lu Changsheng stood with his hands clasped behind him, letting out a cold snort as his fourth-tier vigor melded into the celestial phenomenon.

In an instant, chaos enveloped the area, the world turning upside down!

Under the overwhelming pressure, Star Hidden Gentleman suddenly coughed blood, his retreat interrupted, his bones feeling as though they were in the grip of an ancient mountain, completely immobilized.

Silence! Utter silence!

For a moment, the grand hall fell silent; not even a pin drop could be heard! Except for Hong Lian and True Lord Juejian, all the cultivators stared in absolute shock at Lu Changsheng, finding it hard to believe as chills ran down their spines.

Was it resolved so easily?

Whether Star Hidden Gentleman was truly a member of the Shadow Sect remained uncertain, but the erupting peak Core Formation energy left no room for pretense.

Such a formidable Core Formation Grandmaster was effortlessly suppressed by the city lord of Dameng, unable to retaliate at all!?

The cultivators stood speechless, their gazes upon Lu Changsheng slowly transforming to admiration and respect tinged with fear.

“Clatter—”

At this moment, Hong Lian threw out the Beast Binding Lock, ensnaring Star Hidden Gentleman, who was struggling to escape and unable to move under the force of the phenomenon.

In the next moment, the chaotic aura receded, revealing a clear sky.

The city lord of Dameng stood there in a dark robe, hands clasped behind him.

Although he remained as refined and handsome as before, his entire being now exuded an imposing, majestic presence, like an unparalleled sovereign from ancient times, commanding all to prostrate before him.

“Is this the true visage of the city lord of Dameng?”

“Earlier, he appeared elegant and affable; I had thought him a friendly senior, and yet…”

“This city lord of Dameng has undoubtedly broken through to the Nascent Soul level!”

The cultivators felt a surge of disbelief and awe within their hearts, feeling utterly astounded.

Even though speculations about the city lord of Dameng being a Nascent Soul cultivator had circulated, witnessing it firsthand still left them incredulous.

“What is… this physical cultivation ability?”

Seeing the city lord of Dameng as a Nascent Soul cultivator, True Lord Juejian recognized the type of ability being employed.

“From the information gathered, this city lord of Dameng practices body and energy cultivation in tandem, meaning he isn’t simply at third-tier body refinement but has truly achieved fourth-tier cultivation?”

Even True Lord Juejian was taken aback by Lu Changsheng’s situation.

While the cultivation realm had numerous fourth-tier body cultivators, such individuals were few and far between.

As for having fourth-tier body refinement during the Core Formation stage, True Lord Juejian had never considered it.

After all, one would typically progress and break through to fourth-tier body refinement before advancing to the Nascent Soul stage, which defied conventional wisdom.

“Yet based on early intel, this person’s strength doesn’t appear to be a Nascent Soul lord… could it be they suffered injuries in earlier years and have been residing in the Immortal City of Dameng to recuperate?”

True Lord Juejian mused silently, struggling to piece together Lu Changsheng’s circumstances.

“Nevertheless, with such strength and prior demeanor and insight, this person absolutely is a Nascent Soul cultivator.”

“Even his wife is a Nascent Soul cultivator!”

True Lord Juejian did not dwell too deeply on the matter.

Regardless, the Immortal City holding Nascent Soul-level might meant the Heavenly Sword Sect must tread carefully!

“Good skills, indeed.”

He regarded Lu Changsheng standing above in the hall, offering his commendation.

Though he could defeat him with a single strike, it couldn’t be denied that Lu Changsheng’s abilities were astounding—he had easily restrained a peak Core Formation cultivator merely through a supernatural phenomenon.

“You’re too complimentary.”

Lu Changsheng smiled lightly, his composure unruffled, as if he had just dealt with a trivial matter.

But as he gazed at the astonished cultivators in the hall, he felt quite satisfied with the results from his supernatural phenomenon.

“The Shadow Sect possesses extraordinary skills in disguises and façades; how did you discern it?”

True Lord Juejian inquired.

The Shadow Sect specialized in assassination, evasion, concealment, and disguise.

Had Star Hidden Gentleman not unleashed his abilities, True Lord Juejian wouldn’t have detected his circumstances.

“In earlier years, when I took charge of the Immortal City, I cleared out some lurking pests, among whom was a cultivator from the Shadow Sect, thus I remembered this magical aura.”

Lu Changsheng replied nonchalantly.

However, his words left the other cultivators in sheer amazement.

The Immortal City had undergone a cleansing once? Merely by recognizing an old aura, he could unveil the Shadow Sect’s covert disguise? If such camouflage could easily be seen through, they wouldn’t have been able to infiltrate multiple cultivation nations, gathering intel, or even assassinating and subverting foreign cultivators and factions.