Chapter 694: The Beast of Punishment: Qian Zhuyan Awakens!

A spirit pet, huh?

Lu Changsheng had already lost interest in ordinary spirit pet cubs from basic lotteries.

But he still found high-level spirit pets from advanced lotteries quite appealing.

Whether it was the Sumeru Tree King, the Golden-Winged Roc, or the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, all of them would prove to be incredibly useful to him.

[Spirit Pet: Soul Cry Beast]

[Grade: Low-level True Spirit]

[Description: A primary punishment beast with the strength of late Stage Three. It is neither a demon, a magic creature, nor a ghost. It wields the power of punishment, capable of soul-harvesting and devouring demons, restraining all kinds of monsters and undead. It can also evolve by consuming souls, ghosts, and the malevolent spirit energy of corpses.]

“The power of punishment? Restraining all kinds of monsters and undead?”

Lu Changsheng eyed the introduction in front of him with raised eyebrows.

Thanks to his Chaos Body’s Bai Ze bloodline ability and his Exorcising Golden Thunder, he already had some resistance against demonic forces.

Now, with another soul-harvesting beast that restrains undead monsters, it felt like destiny.

“Am I destined to become a nemesis of the demonic path in the future?”

Lu Changsheng mused, thinking about the three major demonic sects in the Jin Kingdom, the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Yin Ghost Sect.

One specialized in corpse cultivation while the other raised ghosts.

“It’s a shame I got this a bit late. If I had this Soul Cry Beast earlier, I wouldn’t have feared the Heavenly Corpse Sect or the Yin Ghost Sect.”

In his earlier days, Lu Changsheng was no match for the Nascent Soul cultivators of either sect. Having a beast capable of restraining them would have been a tremendous boon.

But now, with his increased strength, he didn’t need the Soul Cry Beast’s help to deal with either of them.

“Still, it’s better than nothing. At least it has the combat strength of late Stage Three.”

Though he had the combat ability of a Nascent Soul cultivator and could even slay Nascent Soul practitioners at full power,

having an additional companion with late Stage Three combat strength would still be a significant enhancement.

With a thought, Lu Changsheng extracted the Soul Cry Beast from the system space.

In an instant, a small creature about a few inches long appeared, its fur a brilliant golden hue, with unusually large nostrils and bright black eyes that resembled a playful monkey.

“Is this the Soul Cry Beast?”

Normally, a Third Stage monster would be large and imposing.

Often, one could judge the strength of a monster by its size.

Yet, the Soul Cry Beast before him, despite being a late Third Stage creature, was no bigger than a handful, with an adorably comical appearance, akin to a cute pet.

However, according to the detailed information in his mind, Lu Changsheng knew this Soul Cry Beast had a battle form! It could transform into a true beast of punishment, ferocious and terrifying, a genuine bane to demons!

In that state, the Soul Cry Beast could also use divine abilities to judge the sins of others!

Typically, it’s not easy to interrogate and scrutinize in the cultivation world.

After all, who among those who achieved cultivation didn’t possess a firm path in their hearts?

Extracting information through severe torture was far from simple.

As for the soul-searching technique, one must first have a higher cultivation level than their target’s soul.

Furthermore, many key pieces of information were often hard to obtain and could even cause the target’s soul to become disordered, leading to confusion or mental collapse.

The Soul Cry Beast’s punishment abilities, however, could extract confession through dual torment of flesh and soul.

If it was on a higher level, it could even suppress the restrictions placed on the target during the confession process, making it incredibly powerful!

“And unlike other monsters, the Soul Cry Beast can quickly evolve as long as it has sufficient spiritual essence, ghost energy, and sinister soul energy.”

Lu Changsheng’s eyes narrowed with contemplation.

According to the system’s introduction, this creature was not an ordinary type of monster.

Rather, it was a unique being that existed between demons, magic, and ghosts.

Thus, its growth and promotion patterns differed from regular beasts.

For example, even if one fed the Golden-Winged Roc and the Abyssal Sea Whale King numerous rare treasures, they would still need time to digest and grow.

But the Soul Cry Beast was different.

If it were given enough spiritual essence, the body of a corpse king, and a ghost king right now, it could rapidly advance to peak Stage Three, even breaking into Stage Four, evolving continuously.

“Maybe I should go to the Yin Ghost Sect and see if I can acquire some essence?”

After all, following the series of pursuers in the Mirage Domain, True Lord Mingsha from the Yin Ghost Sect had made it onto Lu Changsheng’s must-kill list.

He planned to gather sufficient power before storming the gates of the Yin Ghost Sect.

Now, as he recalled the Soul Cry Beast, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but think of the Yin Ghost Sect’s protective formations woven from ghostly soldiers and the True Lord Mingsha’s [Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool].

If he could feed these to the Soul Cry Beast, it might just directly ascend to the Fourth Stage.

“Forget it. In the current situation, there’s no need for undue attention.”

Considering that the commotion in the [Mirage Domain] was quite loud, and many powers had turned their eyes toward him, Lu Changsheng dismissed this notion and chose to bide his time.

“Let’s go.”

He looked at the adorably petite Soul Cry Beast in his hands, assessing it for a moment before flying toward Da Mengze.

Half a month later, Lu Changsheng returned to the Immortal City of Damengze.

“Husband.”

Hong Lian greeted Lu Changsheng with concern about Ling Zixiao’s Core Formation.

She then shared the happenings of the Immortal City over the past half year, handing him the storage pouch exchanged between the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Shadow Sect.

Lu Changsheng took the storage pouch, glancing inside, and exclaimed, “The Heavenly Sword Sect really is generous.”

“This is their first collaboration, so of course the Heavenly Sword Sect wouldn’t be stingy. Previously, the Beast Spirit Sect brought over a [Beast Heart Pill] as a gesture of goodwill, likely through the Heavenly Sword Sect’s approval.”

Dressed in a simple crimson robe, with a delicate and flawless appearance, Hong Lian said with a gentle smile.

“Oh?”

Although the Beast Heart Pill isn’t as good as the Three Element Beast Heart Pill, it still aids demon kings in breaking through, helping to stabilize the mind and spiritual essence.

“Since they’re willing to initiate favorable trade, we can be generous in our future dealings as well.”

Lu Changsheng said with a smile.

The rare treasures he obtained in the Mirage Domain were all considered loot and needed to be exchanged slowly to acquire the resources he desired.

“Mm~”

Hong Lian understood her husband’s character.

As long as others didn’t provoke him, he would be magnanimous and cultivate good relationships.

“By the way, husband, Qian Zhuyan has awoken.”

With her graceful posture, Hong Lian continued, “Regarding the Thousand Bamboo Sect and Ancient Puppet Sect, the news we’ve gathered over time is still limited.”

“In the past, there was indeed a faction called [Thousand Bamboo Sect] in the Endless Desert, but it was destroyed by the Ancient Puppet Sect and several other factions for defying the upper sect and contending for a treasure.”

“Currently, the Ancient Puppet Sect has two Nascent Soul cultivators stationed, both in the early Nascent Soul stage.”

Hong Lian said softly.

“Two early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators?”

From the strength of the Ancient Puppet Sect, Lu Changsheng’s predictions appeared to be accurate.

Or rather, in the surrounding areas of the Southern Desolation and Northern Regions, there didn’t seem to be any top-tier forces.

“Let’s go see Qian Zhuyan first.”

As the two entered the cave dwelling, they immediately spotted a puppet glowing with a faint dark light, intricate patterns drawn into its slightly damaged body.

“Master.”

Upon seeing Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian arrive, the flames of the soul in the puppet’s eyes blazed, and it hoarsely called out.

With Hong Lian handling negotiations and other affairs, there was naturally no need for Lu Changsheng, the head of the family, to get personally involved.

“Rest assured, if you perform well, I will help you advance to Fourth Stage within a hundred years, and also assist in avenging your grievances.”

Lu Changsheng noted that Qian Zhuyan appeared much calmer and more stable than before.

Soon, both parties reached an agreement.

Qian Zhuyan would devote herself to helping Lu Changsheng craft puppets and impart her knowledge and skills in puppet mastery.

In return, Lu Changsheng had to help her advance to Fourth Stage within a hundred years and assist in her revenge.

Once her vengeance was fulfilled, she would completely submit to Lu Changsheng.

Afterward, Qian Zhuyan actively assisted Lu Changsheng in refining and controlling the core of the puppet, imprinting a mark of her soul.

However, since Qian Zhuyan retained her consciousness, Lu Changsheng didn’t need to control her.

Even when Lu Changsheng wasn’t nearby, she could act on her own.

“Can you repair your condition by yourself?”

Lu Changsheng asked, noticing the slight damage on Qian Zhuyan.

Though his puppet mastery was only at Second Stage,

as a master craftsman at the peak of Third Stage with the Divine Creation Refinement Art, he could still attempt repairs.

“I can, but I need materials and time.”

Qian Zhuyan replied in a hoarse voice.

“I have some materials on hand. Take a look and see if they can be used, or which ones could extend your awake time.”

The only downside to Qian Zhuyan was her inability to maintain consciousness for long periods.

She needed to sleep to avoid being eroded by the puppet spirit.

Thus, Lu Changsheng aimed to upgrade her to improve this aspect.

“Thank you, Master.”

Seeing the pile of Fourth Stage rare treasures in Lu Changsheng’s hands, the flames of her soul flickered with emotion.

Realizing that her master was more remarkable than she had imagined.

As they proceeded to repair the puppet’s shell, Lu Changsheng shared numerous suggestions based on his experience as a craftsman.

Upon learning that Lu Changsheng was actually a peak Third Stage master craftsman, Qian Zhuyan was filled with surprise.

The fields of crafting and puppetry had many overlaps.

Having Lu Changsheng’s assistance in craftsmanship would greatly enhance the puppet’s quality and help it advance to the Fourth Stage.

Half a month later, her half soul that had turned into a puppet spirit began to erode her normal soul consciousness like a ghost cultivator.

“Is this what puppet spirit erosion looks like?”

Lu Changsheng sensed that wave of ghostly negative energy with his Taiyi Spirit.

He activated the golden figure in the center of his brow, attempting to operate the Six Desire Heart Demon Technique, using the soul mark between them as a medium, then transforming that negative ghostly energy into nourishment to cultivate the Six Desire Heart Demon Technique.

A miraculous scene then unfolded.

The negative emotions from Qian Zhuyan’s puppet spirit were directly refined by Lu Changsheng’s Taiyi Spirit.

“Is it really possible?”

The Six Desire Heart Demon Technique cultivates the practitioner’s consciousness through emotions.

Due to the complications in cultivation, aside from the time he spent on the [Flame Refining Qi Tower] in his early years, Lu Changsheng hadn’t focused on it much afterward.

To his surprise, he found that using the soul mark as a medium allowed him to refine the negative emotions generated by her puppet spirit.

“Does that mean I can use the negative emotions generated by her puppet spirit to cultivate the Six Desire Heart Demon Technique?”

Lu Changsheng pondered, looking at the dark armored puppet.

“This…”

Not only Lu Changsheng, but even Qian Zhuyan herself was baffled, unsure of what was happening.

How did the fixation, resentment, and malice formed by her puppet spirit suddenly vanish?

“Master?”

With the flames of her soul flickering in her eyes, she looked at Lu Changsheng in confusion.

“If we can dispel this negative energy, will you be able to maintain your state of awakening for longer?”

Lu Changsheng asked calmly, without explaining.

“Yes, Master. If there’s no puppet spirit’s influence, my soul only needs to withstand the erosion of toxic energy, which could significantly extend my awake time.”

“If we add some soul-nourishing wood to the puppet’s brain components, it could further prolong this awake time.”

Qian Zhuyan’s voice had notes of appreciation and excitement.

If she had more time awake, she could better showcase her value by aiding Lu Changsheng in crafting puppets and then use his materials to upgrade herself to a Fourth Stage puppet.

Once she upgraded to a Fourth Stage puppet, her chances for revenge would finally become a reality!

“Alright, I’ll look for a way to resolve this.”

Even though the Taiyi Spirit’s Six Desire Heart Demon Technique could temporarily resolve her issue,

it only treated the symptoms, not the root cause.

However, this solution inspired Lu Changsheng.

He felt he could delve deeper into the condition of her puppet spirit and find a resolution.

At that moment, as if struck by an idea, Lu Changsheng raised his hand slightly, and the Soul Cry Beast appeared from the Storage Belt.

“Chirp chirp chirp!”

As soon as the Soul Cry showed up, its ghostly, yellow-glowing eyes locked onto Qian Zhuyan, its pupils brimming with desire.

Qian Zhuyan, encased in the dark armored puppet, suddenly froze as if hit by immense terror.

Especially since her essence had transformed into a puppet spirit, she faced an instinctive tremor at her perceived enemy.

“Soul Cry, do you have a way to resolve this?”

The Soul Cry Beast’s ability to counter monster demons might just hold the key to alleviating Qian Zhuyan’s condition.

The little monkey-like creature leapt from Lu Changsheng’s hand to rest on Qian Zhuyan’s shoulder. Sniffing her with its large nostrils, it then indicated to Lu Changsheng that it could eat her ghost-like spirit.

“???”

Qian Zhuyan maintained control over the puppet because half of her soul had become the puppet spirit.

If she were to be devoured by the Soul Cry, it would severely harm her soul and cause her to lose control over the puppet.

“Forget it, you’re off the hook for now.”

Lu Changsheng gestured for the Soul Cry to return, deciding to explore this later.

However, the appearance of the Soul Cry had instilled a deeper sense of fear and trepidation in Qian Zhuyan toward Lu Changsheng.

Five days later, Lu Changsheng completed the restoration of Qian Zhuyan’s body, incorporating the acquired soul-nourishing wood, soul crystals, and star stones into her physique to extend her awakening time.

As for upgrading and enhancing the quality of the puppet, that would take considerable time, and he had other matters to attend to.

He handed over the materials for creating puppets to Qian Zhuyan, indicating that she could approach Hong Lian with any issues, before going to spend time with his wives and children.

“Lu Lang.”

Meng Xiaochan approached Lu Changsheng once he had finished, promptly discussing their daughter Lu Mengchan’s Foundation Establishment.

After years of cultivation, Lu Mengchan was primed for a breakthrough, ready to consolidate a perfect foundation at any moment.

However, in Meng Xiaochan’s view, Foundation Establishment marked the beginning of the great path and held immense significance, thus it had to be executed flawlessly.

Although she thought her daughter’s foundation was already incredibly solid, far exceeding her own early years, she still preferred for Lu Changsheng to oversee it when he had time.

After all, she knew that her understanding of the [Ten Thousand Calamities Toxic Spirit Codex] and her perspective were nowhere near what Lu Changsheng’s were.

“You’re already in great shape.”

Lu Changsheng held Lu Mengchan’s delicate wrist, infusing her body with Yin-Yang magical energy.

With the [Calamity Poison Body], cultivating the [Ten Thousand Calamities Toxic Spirit Codex], and consuming numerous rare treasures compatible with the Calamity Poison Body, Lu Mengchan’s spiritual power surpassed even his own during his Qi Refining stage.

If not for the contributions of Xiao Xiyue’s Taiyin Moonlight, the essence of the Golden Crow Pill brought by Yun Wanshang, and the spiritual energy from Ling Zixiao’s dragon roar body, Lu Changsheng could never have upgraded his foundation to the Yin-Yang Five Elements Foundation.

If it weren’t for the assistance of several spirit bodies, including Ling Zixiao’s Dragon Roar Body and Nangong Mili’s Taiyin Jade Liquid, he wouldn’t have reached his current level.

“Later, I’ll help Mengmeng guard, so she can break through the Foundation Establishment.”

Since his daughter possessed such talent, and his wife Meng Xiaochan cared so much for her, Lu Changsheng was determined to personally protect her as she established her foundation.

Were it not for the limited supply of Five Elements Spirit Fruits and the fact that all of the Ten Thousand Spirits Heaven Dew had been used on the Xuanmu Vine, Lu Changsheng would have even considered giving his daughter a Five Elements Spirit Fruit to see how high she could elevate her foundation.

“Thank you, Lu Lang.”

Meng Xiaochan’s eyes brightened with joy upon hearing that Lu Changsheng would personally assist their daughter in her Foundation Establishment.

“Thank you, Papa!”

Lu Mengchan chirped happily, her delicate features radiating an innocent and adorable charm, making her quite endearing.

“Hahaha, there’s no need to thank me, especially from dear old dad.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled as he playfully pinched the cheeks of both mother and daughter, then glanced at his storage ring to see if there were any rare treasures or elixirs that could assist his daughter.

However, at his level, he no longer possessed items that would greatly benefit Qi Refiners or Foundation Establishment practitioners.

Common rare treasures or foundations wouldn’t only be ineffective for his daughter, but could also adversely affect the purity and quality of her foundation.