Chapter 695: Children, the Calamity Poison Spirit Erosion Dao Foundation!

A few days later.

Lu Changsheng, having spent time with his wives and concubines, found his daughter Lu Wangshu and said, “Your mother, Miaoge, will be going to Nine Heavens Immortal City. If you’d like to go out for a walk, you can join her later.”

“If you don’t want to go, weren’t you always interested in Puppet Techniques? I can arrange for a Puppet Master to teach you about puppet combat formations.”

Initially, he planned to wait until the ban on the frontier war was lifted, and then visit the Li family with Li Xingruo to settle old scores.

However, with so much going on over the years, besides cultivating the Brahma Demon True Form, reforging Dao-comprehending artifacts, and practicing divine abilities, he also needed to visit the Five Poisons Sect in Jin Kingdom.

There truly wasn’t enough time to visit the Li sisters at the Li family’s residence in Daya Mountain.

Mainly, he had to handle matters under the identity of Changsheng Zhenren, which made it inconvenient to use the Golden-Winged Roc for quick trips, as it was tremendously time-consuming.

Thus, he planned to have his wife, Lu Miaoge, represent him and go with the two women.

“Nine Heavens Immortal City? What does Mother want to do there?”

Lu Wangshu asked, somewhat surprised.

“It concerns your aunt Xingru from early years,”

Lu Changsheng explained the general situation to his daughter.

“Father, why not wait a bit longer? As the older generation of the Li family mostly passes away, the old grudges will surely fade away with time.”

Lu Wangshu was rather speechless at her father’s urgency.

Seeing her father about to lecture her, she immediately smiled and said, “Little Li and the others will go along, right? That’s great! I’ve never been to Nine Heavens Immortal City, so I want to check it out!”

If her mother and aunt encounter any awkward situations, she could handle them as a junior.

After saying that, her clear, glittering eyes filled with suspicion as she looked at her father. “By the way, Father, what’s this about the Puppet Master you mentioned?”

She thought to herself, Could it be that Father has taken a liking to some female Puppet Master, or perhaps that they need a clever pupil, and he’s planning to send the exceedingly intelligent me over as a decoy?

“What on earth are you thinking?”

Though Lu Changsheng did not know exactly what his daughter was pondering, he could guess somewhat. He lightly tapped her head and said, “While in the Mirage Domain, I obtained a puppet. This puppet is a genius in Puppet Techniques.”

“Your current understanding of Talisman Art is limited by your cultivation level, so it’s challenging to make progress. Therefore, I thought it would be good for you to have a teacher to foster your interest.”

Lu Changsheng said with an exasperated tone.

“To become a puppet master, controlling twelve puppets through combat formations to battle against the Nascent Soul?”

Lu Wangshu was taken aback by her father’s words, her red lips parted in shock.

What an impressive skill!

If only she possessed this level of puppetry, combining talismans, talisman warriors, and puppets perfectly, backed by her father’s support, she could even take on Core Formation Zhenren head-on.

“If you’re interested, you can study hard.”

In the past, Lu Changsheng didn’t want his daughter to learn too much, thinking it would scatter her time and energy.

However, all these years later, her interest in puppetry hadn’t waned.

Now that there was a Puppet Master like Qian Zhuyan, it was worth spending some time in this area.

Besides, Lu Wangshu was preparing for Core Formation, and this type of indirect learning might even benefit her.

“Thank you, Father.”

Lu Wangshu replied happily, contemplating how to impress so she could obtain a third-tier puppet.

She already possessed several top-of-the-line second-tier puppets and two quasi-third-tier puppets, but she still lacked a genuine third-tier puppet.

Now that the family had a third-tier Puppet Master, as long as her father was pleased and nodded, a low-grade third-tier puppet would be a simple matter.

“If you study diligently, that would be the greatest way to thank me.”

Lu Changsheng replied with a hint of annoyance.

Then, Lu Changsheng took his daughter Lu Wangshu to meet Qian Zhuyan.

He indicated for the latter to pass on her puppet heritage and combat formations to Lu Wangshu.

As for the principles of puppetry and puppet crafting, that would be a long-term endeavor, not something that could be learned in a short time. Lu Changsheng had no intention of having his daughter waste her time on that.

It was better to wait until Qian Zhuyan’s situation stabilized before sending her to White Tiger Mountain to learn.

Afterward, Lu Changsheng called for his son Lu Qingsong.

“Father, you called for me?”

With quick steps, Lu Qingsong arrived at the hall, and upon seeing Lu Changsheng standing there in a green robe, arms behind his back, he immediately performed a respectful bow.

“You’re here. How have things been lately? Are you adjusting well?”

Lu Changsheng turned to look at his son.

Among his many children, Lu Qingsong was the most average, or rather, conventional.

With a seventh-grade Spirit Root, his abilities could only be described as above average.

From managing family affairs to overseeing operations at White Tiger Mountain, then coming to Da Mengze to govern Dragonfish Island, and now serving as a steward in the Immortal City.

He hadn’t standout achievements nor made any significant mistakes, having early settled down, married with concubines, and had five sons and four daughters for the family.

It’s just that luck hadn’t favored him; only four of his kids had Spirit Roots, and their talents were all subpar.

“In response to Father,”

Lu Qingsong, being traditional in character and having been regularly involved in family matters, behaved respectfully and formally before Lu Changsheng, unlike his siblings Lu Qingshan, Lu Qingqi, or Lu Wangshu who were more laid-back.

From Lu Qingsong’s words, Lu Changsheng could tell that this son mostly spent his thoughts on the family business, showing a degree of half-heartedness toward cultivation.

Yet, from his Foundation Establishment at the third layer, one could perceive some effort as well.

This was quite normal.

Lu Qingsong was merely a seventh-grade Spirit Root. Even with hard work, he might only manage to advance with grinding effort or break through to mid-Foundation Establishment with a breakthrough pill; it would be difficult to progress any further.

Unless he considered leaving the family, venturing out to experience life and seeking opportunities.

“Not bad, but you mustn’t neglect your cultivation during ordinary days.”

Lu Changsheng said softly, then a porcelain vial appeared in his hand. “I obtained a Heaven Mending Pill this time. It has the effect of refining innate Spirit Roots and improving their quality. After taking it, your future cultivation will surely yield double the results for half the effort.”

“Heaven Mending Pill?!”

Though Lu Qingsong was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage, he had heard of the renowned Heaven Mending Pill.

Previously, his brother Lu Qingshan had mentioned it to him as well, saying that he would obtain one for him in the future.

Little did he expect that his father would actually give him such a rare pill.

Warmth surged in his heart as he wanted to accept it, but he forced a wry smile and bowed, saying, “Thank you, Father, but this pill is really a waste on me. Please take it back.”

Family matters are well understood.

With so many years of being a seventh-grade Spirit Root, settling down, and handling family affairs, he had gradually lost the desire for progress in cultivation.

Not to mention how he compared himself to his ingenious elder brother. Even when compared to Lu Qingyan and Lu Lingxiao, he felt as if he was much older.

In such a scenario, he knew that even if his Spirit Root improved, at most it would only elevate his cultivation speed and hover around mid-Foundation Establishment, having little hope for significant achievement.

“You’ve worked so hard for the family all these years, I’ve been watching. This is your reward.”

Lu Changsheng said softly, aware that he had given very little attention to this son.

Years ago, before his late father-in-law Lu Yuan Ding passed away, he mentioned that this son had been feeling an amalgamation of pressure due to the excellence of his siblings.

Feeling like he lacked the ability to voice his frustrations, he ultimately chose to accept and acknowledge his mediocrity.

“Father, the Heaven Mending Pill is precious, and many in the family need it, like Ruyi, Qingyan, Qingxuan, and Wangshu. It’s too much of a waste to give it to me.”

Lu Qingsong, dressed in a deep green brocade robe and sporting a beard, looked to be in his forties, appearing steady yet with a hint of majesty as he respectfully spoke.

Lu Changsheng, possessing the Taiyi Spirit at the Nascent Soul level, could see his son’s words were sincere.

He recognized that he was similar to the early Lu Xianzhi, accepting his mediocrity and unwilling to dream of too much, preferring to enjoy the present.

“Alright, keep these resources and try to rely on yourself to break through to mid-Foundation Establishment.”

Lu Changsheng did not push further, preparing to see in a few decades whether he contemplated the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method.

Though this method could lead to Core Formation and even Nascent Soul, the price was losing one’s freedom.

“Thank you, Father.”

Lu Qingsong expressed not the slightest regret, appearing exceptionally relieved.

After all, it’s better to be content.

If he hadn’t been born into the Lu family of Bihu Mountain, with his talent, abilities, and comprehension, breaking through to Foundation Establishment would be a near-impossible task.

Four years ago, the beast tide erupted in Da Mengze. Lu Qingyan and several other Foundation Establishment members rushed to join the Immortal City enforcement team, helping to guard the city and hunt demonic beasts, earning significant acclaim for Dragonfish Island.

Especially Lu Qingyan, who commanded the Black Water Jiao Dao Soldiers, even acquired the title of ‘Black Dragon Spear,’ attracting many Foundation Establishment cultivators in pursuit.

Though Lu Qingyan was not stunningly beautiful, she could be considered above average in appearance.

Her beauty, paired with being the daughter of Changsheng Zhenren, the Vice Lord of the Immortal City, and the commander of the Lu family’s Dao soldiers, made her quite sought after.

Notably, the previous commander of the Lu family’s Dao soldiers had been the eldest son of the Lu family.

From this, it’s clear how significant Lu Qingyan’s standing is within the Lu family.

Thus, after the beast tide, many cultivators frequently visited Dragonfish Island, trying to approach Lu Qingyan under the pretense of seeking guidance and sparring.

On this day, on Dragonfish Island at Jiao Snake Cliff, Lu Qingyan was sparring with a refined-looking cultivator around twenty-seven or eight years old.

This was part of her usual routine.

Aside from cultivation and raising Dao soldiers, she often went out to hunt demonic beasts or spar with others.

At that moment, a middle-aged man around thirty and a handsome youth in his twenties strolled over.

As Lu Qingyan, holding a black Jiao dragon spear, sensed something, she caught sight of the remarkably handsome youth and froze momentarily. Then, she elegantly flipped her spear in the air and greeted, “Father!”

“What!?”

The refined cultivator sparring with Lu Qingyan was startled, glancing at the strikingly handsome youth, akin to an ethereal flower, and hurriedly bowed, saying, “I’m Li Fengyao from the Li family of Haiyan Island. Pleased to meet you, Changsheng Zhenren.”

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng had a slight impression of the Li family of Haiyan Island, recalling it to be a False Core level force.

After a brief inquiry, he turned back to converse with his daughter.

Seeing this, Li Fengyao wisely retreated, respectfully taking his leave.

Suddenly, Lu Changsheng looked at his daughter with a smile, saying, “Qingyan, this fellow seems to have a penchant for you?”

“Ah!?”

Lu Qingyan was stunned.

She hadn’t expected her father to bring up such matters.

However, after a hint of surprise, she firmly declared, “I have no intention of developing romantic feelings, nor do I wish to marry anyone as a wife or concubine.”

Afterward, she tightened her grip on the black dragon spear, her intense gaze fixed, saying, “Though I may not possess the talent or competence of my elder brother or sister Wangshu, I still want to do my utmost to see where I can go in the future.”

“Even if I cannot achieve the renown of Qingluan Zhenren, binding the Canglong with a red ribbon and making a name for myself, I still wish to defend a territory for my family with this spear in my hand.”

She may only be five or six years younger than Lu Qingsong.

Yet her resolve was entirely different from him.

This was also a common reason why many cultivators were reluctant to start families.

Once they marry, have children, and settle down, they gradually lose their fervor for the path and the ambition to strive forward.

“Good, I didn’t expect my daughter Qingyan to have such aspirations.”

Lu Changsheng understood that this daughter had a firm heart for cultivation, but he hadn’t anticipated her ambition to be this strong.

He applauded and laughed, “Qingluan Zhenren commanded the Qingluan Dao Soldiers in her early years, gaining fame in Jiang Kingdom. You can cultivate the Black Dragon Codex and Black Water Transforming Dragon Technique to core formation level and lead the Black Water Jiao Dao Soldiers to dominate Da Mengze. Then you too could become a renowned figure in Jiang Kingdom.”

“Core formation.”

Lu Qingyan’s dark eyes flickered with expectation.

Though she had elevated her Dao foundation to a perfect standard through her black dragon essence and Jiao dragon blood, breaking through into core formation was still as difficult as ascending the heavens.

“Since you aspire to emulate Qingluan Zhenren’s resolve, you should know that the early Qingluan Zhenren was not considered exceptionally gifted. If she could gradually become a Core Formation Zhenren and a Nascent Soul Zhenren, why can’t my daughter?”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he spoke with his daughter.

Over the years, he realized that not only his daughter Lu Qingyan, but many female cultivators around her also idolized Qingluan Zhenren.

Including Lu Miaoge and Ling Zixiao.

Thus, he became curious about how the women would react if they knew he had a daughter with Qingluan Zhenren.

“Father.”

Even though Lu Qingyan had aspirations, she couldn’t dare to hope she could reach Qingluan Zhenren’s level.

Most Jiang Kingdom female cultivators admired Qingluan Zhenren, viewing her as a role model and goal.

“Hehe, your Dao foundation is robust now. As long as you reach the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment and leverage your Dao soldiers’ magical energy, you may yet achieve core formation.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled and then became serious, saying, “If I must note any shortcomings, it’s that your Spirit Root holds you back somewhat.”

A low-grade Spirit Root essentially lacks the potential for Foundation Establishment.

A mid-grade Spirit Root may not be entirely barred from Core Formation, but the chances are slim.

Especially since Lu Qingyan only has a sixth-grade Spirit Root.

However, his visit this time was twofold: to check up on his children and to consider whether to give Lu Qingsong’s Heaven Mending Pill to Lu Qingyan.

“Spirit Root.”

Lu Qingyan understood that her sixth-grade Spirit Root posed a hindrance to breaking into Core Formation, and she must compensate through other means.

But soon after, her father’s gentle voice resonated in her ears, “Since you have such aspirations, I shall lend you a hand. This pill can elevate the quality of your Spirit Root.”

“Ah? Improve the quality of my Spirit Root?”

Though Lu Changsheng didn’t mention the name Heaven Mending Pill, Lu Qingyan was still astonished.

After all, pills that could enhance Spirit Roots were priceless everywhere.

“Father, this—”

Lu Qingyan started to speak, wanting to refuse, but Lu Changsheng didn’t bother to delay. With a flick of his finger, the vial opened, and the Heaven Mending Pill flew directly into Lu Qingyan’s mouth.

“Focus on refining its energy.”

Immediately after, Lu Changsheng began helping his daughter refine the energy of the Heaven Mending Pill.

Just like his other daughter, Lu Ruyi, Lu Qingyan’s Spirit Root enhanced to fourth-grade.

However, there are differences in the fourth-grade Spirit Root.

While Lu Ruyi only made it to the fourth grade barely.

Lu Qingyan’s Spirit Root was close to the threshold of fourth-grade, and a few more breakthroughs could elevate it to third-grade.

“Father!”

Lu Qingyan opened her eyes, sensing a tremendous enhancement in her Spirit Root.

Yet exactly how much it had improved would only be revealed through diligent cultivation.

“Hehe, alright, I’ll wait for you to break into Core Formation, holding the red ribbon and leading eight hundred Dao soldiers to protect a territory for the family. Here’s some essence of the Void Kun you can use to dilute with spirit liquid for cultivating Dao soldiers.”

Lu Changsheng handed her a gourd of his already diluted Void Kun essence, meant for nurturing the Black Water Jiao Dao Soldiers.

Even though cultivating Dao soldiers demands significant resources and the growth rate is slow, once nurtured, their value could hardly be overstated.

Moreover, currently stationed at Da Mengze, Lu Changsheng needed such forces of Dao soldiers for future use.

“Father, rest assured! The daughter will certainly strive hard and will not disappoint your high hopes!”

Lu Qingyan declared resolutely.

“Good.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, he and his daughter went to check on the current status of the Black Water Jiao Dao Soldiers.

With Da Mengze being the natural training ground perfect for these Dao soldiers, the number of Black Water Jiao Dao Soldiers had already surpassed three hundred.

However, their levels still hadn’t risen.

Only a little over ten had high-level terrestrial bloodlines to be promoted to second-tier.

But this kind of battle power was already quite terrifying!

Previously during the beast tide, Lu Qingyan hadn’t taken these Black Water Jiao Dao Soldiers out.

If all of them had appeared in the public eye, the Talisman Lu Family would likely have stirred up another storm.

After giving a few words of encouragement and praise, Lu Changsheng continued to visit Red Carp Island and Green Carp Island.

Once everything was settled, Lu Changsheng returned to the City Lord’s Mansion to protect his daughter Lu Mengchan as she prepared for her Core Formation.

“Mengmeng, don’t be nervous.”

This daughter’s breakthrough to Core Formation was extraordinarily significant.

Not only did she have Lu Changsheng, a Nascent Soul level father, and a Core Formation mother personally guarding her.

Nangong Mili and Hong Lian had also come to watch.

Knowing that Lu Mengchan had the Calamity Poison Body and practiced unparalleled poison arts, even Hong Lian was quite curious about her condition.

She wanted to see how this seemingly gentle and delicate girl would grow and what sort of Dao foundation she would gather.

“Hmm?”

Lu Mengchan had initially calmed herself and was in a good state, but with so many watching her now, she suddenly felt a bit nervous.

Fortunately, after such extensive preparation, Lu Mengchan took a few deep breaths and then began her breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

The initial three hurdles for Foundation Establishment were naturally not an issue for Lu Mengchan; she passed through them with ease.

In fact, her entire breakthrough process was as effortless as eating and drinking.

As the cultivation method operated, the spirit liquid that Meng Xiaochan had prepared poured into her body, filling her meridians and limbs.

“Is this the Calamity Poison Body? Such potent toxins would likely overwhelm a typical Foundation Establishment cultivator in less than a tea’s time, and it also carries a sense of looming disaster and cursed energy!”

Hong Lian, possessing a Nascent Soul level spirit, could directly observe the condition of Lu Mengchan’s Qi Sea and Dan Tian.

Unlike ordinary cultivators, her Dan Lake was filled with endless toxins.

As the Dan Lake crystallized into a true lake and she began to consolidate her Dao platform, a sense of disaster surrounded by cursed energy flowed in, intertwining with the toxins as they surged into the Dao platform.

Hong Lian could sense that right now, this toxic energy alone could be lethal for Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Once Lu Mengchan fully broke through, she would become utterly invincible among those of the same rank! Without physical enhancements or poison resistance, merely approaching her could result in poisoning and death.

As for the disaster and cursed energy that lingered, Hong Lian couldn’t discern their specific effects, but they seemed to possess extraordinary qualities.

“No wonder it’s said that the Calamity Poison Body reaching Core Formation is a humanoid calamity, capable of turning a territory into poison-soaked land, no one would dare provoke it. Even at mere Foundation Establishment, it’s this astonishing!”

“Wait, this isn’t an ordinary Calamity Poison Body. She practices the unparalleled Poison Arts prepared by her husband; once she breaks through to Core Formation or Nascent Soul, she may be even more terrifying than the tales of the Calamity Poison Body!”

Hong Lian couldn’t help but ponder that such a poison body on the battlefield would be extremely daunting and could effortlessly take the lives of countless cultivators.

If a war broke out in the cultivation world, such a Calamity Poison Body could, to a certain extent, influence the situation.

However, thinking about Lu Mengchan’s delicate nature, she couldn’t help but shake her head feeling it was a bit regretful.

“Little Chan!”

Lu Changsheng, using the Taiyi Spirit, kept an eye on his daughter’s condition.

He signaled Meng Xiaochan to release the pre-prepared deadly poison as a Dao foundation spiritual material to aid his daughter in solidifying her Dao foundation and enhance its quality.

However, a Qi Refining cultivator’s meridians and Qi Sea can only endure so much in the end.

Even with the Calamity Poison Body, she couldn’t simply accumulate endless deadly toxins to enhance her Dao foundation.

Seeing the time was right, Lu Changsheng flipped his palm.

The yin-yang energy from her Qi Sea swirled like a dragon and phoenix appearing to assist his daughter in advancing further.

“Mengmeng, concentrate!”

Lu Changsheng said gently, and then he used the yin-yang origin to protect his daughter’s meridians and Qi Sea, helping her refine the many toxins and solidify her Dao foundation!

“Boom!!”

One could see her endless toxins and disasters intertwining in deep purple forming Dao platform, which, under the aid of the yin-yang fish, surged forward again, steadily solidifying and visibly thicker than most cultivators’ Dao foundations.

However, throughout this process, Lu Mengchan’s delicate face displayed a look of agony.

Even though her Qi Sea was more resilient and thick than most cultivators due to her abundant heavenly resources, there was still a limit to her endurance.

Now, Lu Changsheng was pushing her to break this limit, which naturally caused immense suffering.

“Mengmeng, if you can’t hold on, just tell Father.”

Lu Changsheng operated the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, aiding his daughter in coordinating the yin and yang energy, balancing the disasters and toxins within the Dao foundation, aiming for a perfect match with the Ten Thousand Calamities Toxic Spirit Codex to break through her limits.

Though Lu Mengchan had a gentle disposition, was timid, cried easily, and felt wronged, she had grown much stronger under Meng Xiaochan’s patient teachings over the years.

Especially when it came to breakthroughs like this. Her mother had stressed its significance; even with her face now feeling wronged and tears welling up, she still tightly pressed her lips together.

“Mengmeng, don’t cry.”

While knowing her husband was doing this for their daughter’s sake, Meng Xiaochan still felt worried as she watched her child in pain.

After a long while, once Lu Changsheng sensed that his daughter’s Dao foundation had truly reached its limit, he stopped circulating his cultivation method, dispersing the yin-yang energy to transform into the dragon and phoenix of Nirvana to nourish her physical body, meridians, and inner organs.

After refining the source of the dragon and phoenix, Lu Changsheng’s yin-yang energy now possessed the essence of these mystical beings.

Because of this, his breakthrough to the fourth-tier refinement had given him the Nirvana True Ability! Moreover, the fusion of the Chaos Body with his daughter Mu Que’s true spirit bloodline had slightly enhanced this Nirvana effect.

Hence, this yin-yang ancestral energy now served to nourish and heal her body just as well as it would her Dao foundation.

Even if the effectiveness may be lesser through this means, for someone like Lu Mengchan who was a half-step Foundation Establishment cultivator, it was still remarkable.

“Boom!”

Moments later, in Lu Mengchan’s Qi Sea, a deep purple Dao platform brimming with vibrant colors, rich and mysterious, spiraled upwards, intermixed with wisps of black mist.

This Dao platform was unlike most others.

It was much broader and thicker, with a surface covered in intricate, bizarre patterns resembling mysterious ancient runes, glowing with an eerie green light.

The edges also displayed an irregular, jagged sensation like the fangs of a demon, flickering with faint purple flames.

However, the most astonishing aspect was at the center of the Dao platform, where a colorful vortex slowly rotated, revealing glimpses of various poison specters.

They roared and struggled within the vortex, as if imprisoned within the Dao platform, yet continuously supplying it with the power of toxic spirits.