Chapter 690: The Heavenly Sword Sect’s Speculation: Ling Zixiao’s Core Formation!

“Your skills are impressive, my friend!”

True Lord Juejian’s expression turned serious as he replied earnestly.

This was no empty praise.

To simply clear out a shadow sect cultivator and memorize their magical energy signature, then see through the disguise of a peak Core Formation cultivator—such a feat was unbelievable! If the Heavenly Sword Sect possessed this kind of ability, they could easily eradicate all lurking threats within Jiang Kingdom.

“You flatter me.”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand dismissively, then tossed the shadow sect cultivator aside and gestured with his cup to the other cultivators in the hall. “I apologize for the interruption, everyone.”

“Not at all, not at all!”

“You honor us, City Lord!”

Before, there were those who thought the new City Lord had a good temperament, kind and friendly.

But now, seeing him stand unmoving, his mere aura suppressing a peak Core Formation expert, the cultivators present no longer dared to show any disrespect, hurriedly holding their cups with both hands.

After an hour, the Whale Hunt Feast finally came to a close.

“Friend, may I have a private word with you?”

True Lord Juejian turned to Lu Changsheng before leaving.

“Of course.”

Without hesitation, Lu Changsheng agreed.

As a representative of the Heavenly Sword Sect, True Lord Juejian was friendly, and Lu Changsheng was willing to reciprocate that goodwill.

After all, they shared a common hope for stability in Jiang Kingdom.

The two of them moved to a side hall and set up a barrier.

“I wonder if the foes you cleared out in the past, aside from the Shadow Sect, included any other enemy cultivators?”

True Lord Juejian asked straightforwardly.

“There might be a few stragglers, but I didn’t pay much attention. Only one shadow sect cultivator killed Changsheng Zhenren, so I remember that one quite well.”

Lu Changsheng replied with a smile.

“Killed Changsheng Zhenren?”

True Lord Juejian naturally knew that Changsheng Zhenren was the deputy City Lord of the Immortal City of Damengze.

Furthermore, according to the Heavenly Sword Sect’s intelligence, there were potential unknown ties between Changsheng Zhenren and the City Lord of Damengze, which explained their close relationship as he pressed for core formation there.

However, seeing the strength demonstrated by the City Lord made him reluctant to pry further, and he simply asked about official matters. “To be frank with you, the Shadow Sect has always specialized in gathering intelligence and infiltrating other immortal cultivation nations’ powers.”

“Just as you said, a shadow cultivator of the sect appeared in Immortal City of Damengze, and now there’s another peak Core Formation expert. It’s likely that Yan Kingdom or some other faction is targeting Jiang Kingdom from the shadows. Therefore, I hope you can hand over this person from today to the Heavenly Sword Sect for us to handle.”

“Afterward, the Heavenly Sword Sect will provide you with appropriate compensation. If the Shadow Sect harbors any ill intentions toward Immortal City of Damengze, we will also share intelligence in response with you.”

True Lord Juejian continued.

At present, in major immortal cultivation nations, Nascent Soul true lords wouldn’t easily step into action or leave their territories. A peak Core Formation expert already indicated the seriousness of the issue.

“That can be done.”

The shadow sect cultivator wasn’t of much use to Lu Changsheng, and the information from soul searching through the Six Desire Heart Demon Technique was also limited; it was better to let the Heavenly Sword Sect take care of it and exchange for sufficient benefits.

Moreover, if the Shadow Sect learned that their own peak Core Formation expert fell into the hands of the Heavenly Sword Sect, they wouldn’t dare to come looking for trouble in the Immortal City of Damengze again.

“Thank you, my friend.”

True Lord Juejian clasped his hands in salute before continuing, “Do you happen to have any information on this front?”

“To be frank, my wife and I are not cultivators from the Southern Desolation. We’ve settled in the Damengze region due to some circumstances.”

“As for the Shadow Sect, I learned a bit of information from soul searching previously, mainly involving the layouts of the Seven Demonic Sects, but I don’t know much more than that.”

Lu Changsheng gently shook his head, continuing to disguise as a cultivator from the North Plains while taking the opportunity to gather intelligence.

After all, as a proper Nascent Soul elder, it would be unacceptable if he knew too little about the top intelligence information in this area.

“So you’re not a cultivator from the Southern Desolation?”

True Lord Juejian scrutinized Lu Changsheng, wanting to ascertain the truth of his statement.

But the latter’s fourth-tier physique had no flaws; it was as if he wore seamless heavenly clothes, and even the fluctuations of his soul were undetectable. He genuinely couldn’t fathom it.

He paused for a moment and then said in surprise, “I never expected you weren’t from the Southern Desolation after all.”

After that, this seemingly straightforward Nascent Soul true lord began chatting with Lu Changsheng about the customs and practices of other cultivation realms.

With prior experience, Lu Changsheng handled it with ease.

“The North Plains cultivation realm, you say?”

True Lord Juejian thought to himself. Outside the Southern Desolation, he only had a general idea of customs from ancient texts with only fragments of information.

“Regarding the Seven Demonic Sects, you should have some knowledge of them by now.”

True Lord Juejian didn’t press further and began telling Lu Changsheng about the Seven Demonic Sects.

“In the last hundred years, the Seven Demonic Sects have become much more active, especially in recent decades; many factions have the Seven Demonic Sects following closely behind them.”

Though True Lord Juejian refrained from divulging deeper intelligence, Lu Changsheng could perceive the Heavenly Sword Sect’s seriousness and concerns from these words.

However, that was to be expected. No matter how capable the Heavenly Sword Sect was, they only had two Nascent Soul true lords.

Even if both Nascent Soul cultivators were among the best within the same tier, considering the entire Southern Desolation cultivation realm, they didn’t quite compare and could only strive to survive in the coming cataclysm.

“Since I’m currently residing in Immortal City of Damengze, I naturally wish for Jiang Kingdom to be stable. If your sect needs any assistance, I’d be willing to help out.”

Lu Changsheng naturally picked up on the subtext in True Lord Juejian’s remarks.

He hoped that Lu Changsheng could contribute to Jiang Kingdom.

However, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t serve Jiang Kingdom;

But if help was truly needed, he was willing to lend a hand.

After all, if Jiang Kingdom were to collapse into chaos, the Lu family would surely be affected.

“With your words, I can rest assured, my friend.”

True Lord Juejian respectfully clasped his hands and then chose to take his leave.

As for the shadow sect cultivator, he would bring appropriate valuable treasures to exchange.

“Heavenly Sword Sect cultivators may be direct, but they’re quite straightforward in their dealings.”

Watching True Lord Juejian depart, Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.

However, thinking about the Heavenly Sword Sect using the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm to fish for the True Lord Tiansha and shackling the Jin Kingdom in the ongoing expansionist war, the thought left his mind.

Both of them had managed to break through to the Nascent Soul stage and become among the elite of their tier; they were certainly not simple-minded.

“Cultivation realms prioritize strength; schemes and plots are but small paths. They’re valuable to utilize occasionally but if one engages in too much plotting when dealing with people, it’s bound to backfire sooner or later.”

Compared to schemes and plots, Lu Changsheng favored open dealings—acting honorably and adapting to circumstances!

“Husband.”

At that moment, Hong Lian approached gracefully, her figure radiating elegance as she asked Lu Changsheng if there was any matter concerning True Lord Juejian.

Lu Changsheng recounted their discussion.

“Husband, you’re too easygoing.”

Hong Lian wrapped her arm around Lu Changsheng’s and spoke softly.

“As the hegemon of Jiang Kingdom, the Heavenly Sword Sect at least acts fairly on the surface and is quite ostentatious. When matters arise, it’s no harm to sell a favor or two.”

Lu Changsheng naturally understood that True Lord Juejian’s words were full of trial, wishing to find a top-tier combatant for a minimal cost.

Nevertheless, after living in Jiang Kingdom for a hundred years, he generally held goodwill towards the Heavenly Sword Sect.

As long as the other side didn’t target his family, he was willing to maintain a good relationship.

“Hong Lian, you’ll be in charge of the upcoming auction in the Immortal City, along with this shadow sect matter while I take Zixiao back to break through to Core Formation.”

Lu Changsheng said to Hong Lian.

Now that the Whale Hunt Feast was over, he was preparing to focus on other matters.

Such as helping his wife Ling Zixiao with her Core Formation.

The refining of the Heavenly Mending Pills!

Recasting the treasures he had acquired!

And visiting the Five Poisons Sect with Nangong Mili.

“Husband, don’t worry. Just leave it all to me.”

Though Hong Lian focused on her cultivation and rarely concerned herself with matters, before Lu Changsheng, she appeared gentle and understanding.

However, having been a Nascent Soul true lord and a leader in her own right, her capabilities were certainly not in doubt.

She simply knew the image Lu Changsheng liked, so she had been presenting herself in such a manner—like water finding its level.

“Let’s go, Zixiao.”

With Ling Zixiao’s talent and foundation, coupled with the Dao-Comprehending Artifact and the Core Formation resources Lu Changsheng had prepared for her, achieving a top-tier Golden Core would be almost guaranteed.

However, for Lu Changsheng, it was unacceptable that he hadn’t been beside the other wives helping form cores; it wouldn’t feel right if he wasn’t there for Ling Zixiao as well.

Moreover, Ling Zixiao had a stubborn and competitive streak deep down.

Now that she was finally on the verge of Core Formation, any minor mistake or core formation error resulting in a lower quality than Lu Miaoge and the others might just damage her mindset.

Therefore, to ensure everything went smoothly, even if Ling Zixiao insisted she could manage on her own, Lu Changsheng was resolute in his desire to assist as he finished up his current matters.

“You’re making it hard for me, husband.”

While Ling Zixiao said she didn’t need Lu Changsheng’s help and urged him to focus on his own tasks first, she still felt joyful within her heart because of his attitude.

“Why must we speak in such a manner? It’s I who have been distracted and hindered your progress toward Core Formation, Zixiao.”

Lu Changsheng gently held her jade hand and spoke softly.

Then he brought her and their daughter Lu Linghe back to Bihu Mountain.

Although Immortal City of Damengze also had the capabilities for breaking through to Core Formation.

Bihu Mountain was home to the Sumeru Tree King, which could assist in refining the world’s spirit energy while clearing the mind and dispelling distractions—quite beneficial for the Core Formation process.

Additionally, Bihu Mountain had the Xuantian Spirit Vine as well.

Though the concept of luck may seem illusory, the likelihood of collective luck falling on an individual is minuscule; nevertheless, it could still provide some assistance and make a difference! After returning to Bihu Mountain, Lu Changsheng handed their daughter over to Lu Ping’an for safekeeping and gave him the Dong Xuan Treasure Mirror.

With it, he could check on the training progress of his children, and then he began helping Ling Zixiao upgrade her Dao-Comprehending Artifact—the Heavenly Godly Descent Diagram.

Ling Zixiao immediately went to the Sumeru Cave Heaven, sitting cross-legged to adjust her state.

Meanwhile, True Lord Juejian returned to the Heavenly Sword Sect and reported the banquet’s situation to True Lord Xuanjian.

“Deep Sea Demon Whale King, Three Element Beast Heart Pill, Shadow Sect, fourth-grade physical cultivation, North Plains cultivation realm.”

True Lord Xuanjian, donned in a loose, snow-white robe, sat cross-legged, his demeanor calm.

Due to sustaining significant injuries during this trip to the Mirage Domain, he had sent True Lord Juejian to attend the banquet in his stead.

This was why True Lord Juejian had approached the City Lord of Immortal City of Damengze with a stance of investigation and mild persuasion.

On one hand, the power capable of killing a fourth-grade demon king warranted serious attention.

On the other hand, True Lord Xuanjian was injured, and the whereabouts of Qingluan Zhenren remained unknown, so they needed to pull in allies.

After contemplating for a moment, True Lord Xuanjian opened his eyes and looked at Yun Jianfeng, who was clad in black and had a composed, sharp face, suddenly inquiring, “What do you think the chances are that this person is Yangming Zhenren?”

“Though the City Lord of Damengze and Yangming Zhenren share many coincidences, as you mentioned, Yangming Zhenren’s life force would have burst out in the secret realm, and even if he didn’t die, he would need decades for recovery. Yet this City Lord of Damengze seems completely unscathed and possesses fourth-grade body refinement.”

In the past, the Heavenly Sword Sect had suspected that Yangming Zhenren and the newly appointed City Lord of Damengze, Wang Lin, were the same person.

However, based on intelligence information, their abilities and techniques didn’t match.

Yet, both of them had been rather secretive and appeared at similar times, with their cultivation balancing between the body and the Dao, leaving True Lord Xuanjian with the feeling that things were far too coincidental.

The Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation realm was just a relatively remote nation in the Southern Desolation and North Plains; why would two top-tier mysterious cultivators choose to reside there?

“Qingluan Zhenren shouldn’t return anytime soon. Given the current state of the Liangyue War, we should still seek to recruit this person.”

True Lord Xuanjian slightly nodded and spoke softly, his tone calm and gentle, lacking the sharpness expected from a sword cultivator.

“Qingluan Zhenren.”

Upon hearing this name, True Lord Juejian paused and looked to his master.

As a Nascent Soul true lord of the Heavenly Sword Sect, he was naturally aware of various secrets regarding Qingluan Zhenren.

For instance, Qingluan Zhenren was very likely to have obtained some phoenix-related inheritance. And legendary creatures like phoenixes would obviously have numerous rumors surrounding them.

Among the more famous legends was… rebirth!

“Rebirth.”

True Lord Juejian recalled that the Whale Hunt Feast of Immortal City of Damengze had been delayed, instantly understanding why his master was still questioning whether the City Lord of Damengze was the same as Yangming Zhenren.

There were indeed many coincidences between the two.

Yet despite the plethora of speculations, they didn’t dare to test the waters lightly.

Having a supreme treasure capable of slaying a fourth-grade demon king as well as Yangming Zhenren, who could utilize a burst of life force to counterattack a Nascent Soul true lord…

Additionally, right under their noses, Qingluan Zhenren had successfully broken through to the Nascent Soul stage and fought for core opportunities within the Mirage Domain.

With such strength, regardless of where one looked, they would be hard to overlook or ignore.

However, upon seeing his master closed his eyes and seemingly became a statue, he chose not to inquire further and took his leave instead.

The auction in Immortal City of Damengze was quite lively.

Although there weren’t any rare pills like the Condensing Crystal Pill, many valuable items such as third-grade demon cores and Core Formation spiritual materials were also present.

Among them, the third-grade demon core was purchased by the ancestor of the Talisman Lu Family, Changsheng Zhenren, which sparked quite a bit of gossip.

After all, the Talisman Lu Family had three peak core cultivators and was backed by a third-grade demon king. Would they be cultivating another False Core true lord? Many speculated about which wife or child Lu Changsheng might use this demon core to empower, while others guessed he might be using it to bolster family foundations.

The Changsheng Zhenren who had bought the third-grade demon core was, of course, Lu Changsheng’s Three Treasure Incarnation present in Immortal City of Damengze to throw others off the scent.

Meanwhile, the real Lu Changsheng was currently helping Ling Zixiao break through to Core Formation.

The refining of the Heavenly Godly Descent Diagram wouldn’t require as long as it would take to upgrade his own Life-bound Treasure, so it was completed in just half a month.

At this moment, inside the cave, the two were tightly embracing, the sun and moon rotating overhead, creating a beautiful, harmonious melody of life.

In the past, when Lu Changsheng helped Xiao Xiyue and Lu Miaoge, they were only at the mid to late stages of Core Formation.

Now, having raised his cultivation to the peak of Core Formation and broken through to fourth-tier physique, the effects of the Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra were dramatically heightened, pure and rich spiritual energy swirling around like dense steam, flooding into Ling Zixiao’s body and all her limbs.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

Ling Zixiao’s Dragon Roar Body erupted, roaring as it created a mysterious balance with the Dao-Comprehending Artifact above her head—the Heavenly Godly Descent Diagram—seemingly explaining the principle of Yin and Yang.

Then Lu Changsheng skillfully used the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra as a foundation to simulate the Twelve Heavenly Demonic God Skills, guiding Ling Zixiao’s Core Formation.

At the same time…

In the Starry Sea, an island estate.

On this day, within the estate’s cave, a powerful surge of magical energy erupted; the invisible pressure and spirit energy of heaven and earth resembled the roar of a Kunpeng.

“Core Formation, second layer.”

Lu Quanzhen opened his eyes, exhaling a breath of foul air, his dark, profound pupils like two black holes, captivating and chilling.

He calmed his magical energy, flicked his fingers, sweeping away the dust accumulated from his breakthrough, and then stepped out of the cave.

“Mr. Qu.”

The maid waiting outside immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing Lu Quanzhen.

“Has there been anything happening lately?”

Lu Quanzhen asked the maid.

Three years ago, he had been gravely injured in battle and needed a place to recuperate.

However, third-grade spirit pulse estates were either occupied by major powers or strong scattered cultivators or had demon kings residing.

As for renting caves on large islands, he was still recovering from wounds and wasn’t convenient to travel, so he disguised himself as a False Core cultivator and worked as an attendant for a failing trading association.

It not only provided favorable conditions for training but also kept him close to the conditions of the Starry Sea.

The downside was that the spirit pulse was weak, making it unsuitable for long-term cultivation and exposed him to risks if the trading association eventually collapsed.

“Please wait a moment, Mr. Qu.”

The maid quickly stepped away and returned with a piece of information in a jade slip.

“Kunpeng Nest?”

Looking at the jade slip’s message, Lu Quanzhen squinted slightly.

He had been in the Starry Sea for over ten years.

Naturally, he had heard of the Kunpeng Nest.

In the beginning, he was somewhat excited, thinking of the Kunpeng Swallowing Heaven Demon Art he was cultivating.

However, after thoroughly gathering related information about the Kunpeng Nest, he noticed something amiss! News of the Kunpeng Nest often circulated frequently in the Starry Sea; he immediately guessed that someone was intentionally spreading this information to obscure the truth or set up a trap.

“However, it might be worth checking out.”

Even if this news was somewhat true or utterly false.

He had never been one to confine himself to a cave and grind away at his practice.

Recognizing his talent, he knew that relying solely on arduous training would make it challenging to achieve any significant results.

Now that his injuries had healed and his cultivation had broken through, it was naturally time to venture out, looking for opportunities to gain and harvest.

Even if the news regarding the Kunpeng Nest were false, there would still be people drawn to it; thus, he could swim through the chaos and possibly find some opportunities and benefits.

Soon after, Lu Quanzhen expressed to the maid that he had business to meet with the guild leader.

“Mr. Qu.”

The downfall of this trading association was naturally due to the death of their Core Formation True Lord, leaving only a few False Core cultivators to hold down the fort.

Thus, when Lu Quanzhen arrived, he had already devised a strategy—directly revealing his Golden Core-level magical energy to suggest that he could no longer continue working as an attendant and terminating the contract in advance.

Hearing this, the guild leader’s face filled with anger as he sought some compensation.

But sensing the faint intimidation radiating from Lu Quanzhen, the bloodthirsty killer instinct made him reply in a respectful tone, “It’s our honor to have a senior like you stay on our Ling Hai Island.”

“If you wish, my Ling Hai Trading Association is willing to offer generous support.”

“No need for that. Consider these spirit stones as rent for the spirit pulse over the last three years.”

Lu Quanzhen tossed a storage pouch before transforming into a rainbow of divine light and shooting toward the sea region where the Kunpeng Nest was located.

The guild leader watched Lu Quanzhen depart, his expression fluctuating, ultimately letting out a deep sigh.