Chapter 697: Goodbye, Ah Youduo!

“Caw!”

At that moment, from the depths of his consciousness, Ji Shaoyi heard the piercing call of a golden crow. Gradually, he became more aware, realizing something was amiss.

Even though the Azure Cloud Sect’s mystical arts were strange and unfathomable, they couldn’t cause confusion in his soul awareness in such a short time.

The other party was clearly trying to use Junior Sister to disrupt his mind, leading him into deeper confusion.

“Burn the heavens! Burn the sun! Burn the true me!”

Ji Shaoyi shouted loudly, activating his secret technique. He felt as if he were a blazing sun, ready to incinerate his own body.

This was the ultimate secret technique of the Golden Crow Sect, capable of burning oneself to unleash unprecedented power.

With mastery in cultivation, one could even forcefully put oneself in a death-like state, reviving stronger than before! ‘How alert!’

However, Nangong Yaoyao was already prepared. She activated a medium-grade third-tier talisman.

At the same time, several people who had previously besieged the woman in red moved forward, forming a formation to cast their arts and suppress Ji Shaoyi.

“The mundane world is like a prison, and all beings suffer. The cycle of reincarnation is unending, and worries never cease. Compassionate beings, let the divine lotus descend to rescue us from the sea of suffering and enjoy eternal peace. Holy Mother of the Lotus, pure home in the void.”

Petals floated between heaven and earth, and a heavenly sound echoed, reminiscent of celestial music.

He could see shimmering petals with a pinkish-white glow drifting into his body.

“Damn it.”

Ji Shaoyi gritted his teeth, realizing that the opponent had seen through all his techniques.

He pushed the Golden Crow Transformation Art to its peak. His body, ablaze with crimson gold flames, melted into a blazing sun, creating a fierce storm as he tried to break free.

But at that moment, his pale-faced Junior Sister blocked his way, using a secret treasure to interfere with his techniques.

“Ah!!!”

Ji Shaoyi’s eyes widened in fury as he roared, filled with unwillingness.

In a direct confrontation, he wouldn’t fear anyone before him.

He could even face two opponents and still retreat safely.

But Nangong Yaoyao’s methods were undeniably frustrating.

As the group continued their assault, he found it increasingly difficult to hold on. The crimson gold flames around him began to dim, leaving him bloodied and battered, his mind clouded and disoriented.

Nangong Yaoyao, ethereal as a fairy, continuously cast her spells, attempting to transform Ji Shaoyi.

Though the Azure Cloud Sect’s Pure Land was notorious, transforming someone was no easy feat.

To truly transform a fellow cultivator of the same realm was incredibly challenging and couldn’t be accomplished quickly.

If not for her upcoming sect trials, she wouldn’t take such significant risks to transform Ji Shaoyi.

After all, in the near future, not only would she be unable to use the Pure Land, but she would also have to stabilize Ji Shaoyi, all while being targeted by powerful enemies like the Golden Crow Sect.

Additionally, upon returning to the sect, she would have to deal with her two jealous senior sisters.

“Ping’an.”

Lu Changsheng, accompanied by Nangong Mili and Lu Wangshu, returned to Bihu Mountain and handed some blood and bones of the Void Kun to Lu Ping’an.

He gestured for him to use the essence of the Void Kun’s blood and flesh to concoct medicinal baths for the Lu family’s younger generation.

He could also use the essence of the Void Kun’s blood for his own cultivation.

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Ping’an replied respectfully.

“By the way, I plan to organize a Core Formation ceremony for you at home later. What ideas do you have?”

Lu Changsheng inquired.

He previously hesitated to hold the ceremony because of how much attention their family was drawing.

However, the significant impact of Immortal City of Damengze had elevated his status as deputy city lord, even leading the Azure Cloud Sect to change its attitude.

In light of this, Lu Changsheng felt there was no need to keep Lu Ping’an’s Core Formation a secret any longer.

Especially since Lu Ping’an would be staying home for a long time, he would eventually meet people and deal with family matters. It was better to be open about it.

Moreover, after being separated from Qin Yi for so many years, he should hold a grand ceremony before heading to the Heavenly Sword Sect to finalize their marriage.

It might be slightly challenging for the son of Changsheng Zhenren to marry a true disciple from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Yet, a prodigy from the Talisman Lu Family breaking through at a hundred years old seeking to marry a true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect was bound to be welcomed.

“Can I really?”

Lu Ping’an was indifferent to such worldly fame.

“In that case, I’ll have your Aunt Miaoyun prepare in advance. We can hold the ceremony when I return, and you can visit the Heavenly Sword Sect to see Xiao Qin and her Master.”

Lu Changsheng stated, feeling overwhelmed.

He not only had to worry about his wives, but even his children’s marriages.

At that moment, he suddenly found Lu Yun and Lu Qingsong rather worry-free.

“Uh…”

Lu Ping’an had been planning to visit the Heavenly Sword Sect but delayed because of family matters.

He didn’t expect his father to directly suggest visiting Qin Yi’s Master.

This caught him somewhat off guard.

“Forget it. Later, your Aunt Miaoge and Wangshu will go to Nine Heavens Immortal City for a while. You might as well go along. I will let your Aunt Miaoge know to take you to the Heavenly Sword Sect later.”

Seeing his son’s hesitant expression, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but shake his head.

As for Bihu Mountain,

with Ling Zixiao having recently broken through to Core Formation and with the Nine Nether Hound and Thousand-Faced Fox Puppet, there was no need for Lu Ping’an to guard the house once he placed the third-tier puppets he acquired from the Mirage Domain.

“Alright, it’s settled then.”

Seeing that Lu Ping’an wanted to say something, Lu Changsheng waved his hand.

“Oh, make sure to bring Xiao He and Xiao Qi along to lighten their spirits.”

Lu Changsheng was quite fond of his daughters.

Since he didn’t have the time to take them out himself, he had Lu Ping’an do it.

“Yes, Father.”

Lu Ping’an responded somewhat resignedly, seeing that his father had sorted everything out.

Lu Changsheng then returned to Bihu Mountain and informed Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaoyun, and Ling Zixiao about Lu Ping’an’s situation.

“Alright~”

“Ping’an has been away for so long. It’s about time he visited Xiao Qin.”

The girls had a good impression of Qin Yi, who had courageously come to Bihu Mountain before.

Since Lu Changsheng made the decision, as long as everything was in order, the girls wouldn’t object.

After spending a few days at home, Lu Changsheng and Nangong Mili flew towards the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

With the Liang-Yue War underway, the border of the Jiang Kingdom was much stricter now.

Although it wouldn’t impact Lu Changsheng, for safety’s sake, he planned to cross the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range to the Jin Kingdom.

Additionally, he could stop by the Immortal City of Qingluan to check on his children and see how things were in the Immortal City.

Considering he needed to meet Chu Qingyi as well, Lu Changsheng told Nangong Mili that given the current two countries’ political situations and all the troubles he’d attracted, he hoped she could endure being in the Heavenly Yuan Lotus for a while.

Having experienced the Void Realm events, Nangong Mili was somewhat skeptical of Lu Changsheng’s words.

In the end, she chose to trust him.

After all, if this man truly wanted to find other women, she could just turn a blind eye.

Otherwise, if she nitpicked everything, it would surely drive her insane.

Moreover, even the Sect Master recalled their previous agreement, and amidst the promises made, Nangong Mili felt an inexplicable flutter in her heart. Half a month later, Lu Changsheng arrived at the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, Qingxuan Mountain.

Seeing that everything was fine here, Lu Changsheng felt relieved and instructed them to stay vigilant. If something seemed off, they should inform the clan immediately.

Later, he went to visit his son, Lu Qingxian, in the Immortal City of Qingluan.

Although Lu Qingxian had heard about the Mirage Domain, he knew what to ask and what not to. He only casually inquired about the general situation of Qingluan Zhenren and what to watch for next.

“You can handle everything yourself. Although Qingluan Zhenren has left, her influence remains, and the Heavenly Sword Sect won’t act against the Immortal City of Qingluan for a while.”

Lu Changsheng wasn’t entirely clear about the Heavenly Sword Sect’s specific stance towards the Immortal City of Qingluan.

However, based on his judgment, as long as they weren’t clear about Qingluan Zhenren’s situation, the Heavenly Sword Sect would likely maintain a friendly attitude.

“I understand, Father.”

Lu Qingxian nodded in agreement, realizing his thoughts matched his father’s.

“Regarding the divination inheritance of Qingluan Zhenren, I discussed it with her before. It’s not that she won’t teach you; it’s just that her teachings are beyond your grasp. Treat it as a hobby, and don’t become too obsessed.”

Lu Changsheng was only vaguely familiar with his son’s divination skills from years prior.

But after drawing the second-tier divination inheritance, Lu Changsheng understood that mastering this skill would demand tremendous time, energy, and even lifespan.

Those who aren’t exceptionally gifted shouldn’t delve too deeply into it.

While Lu Qingxian had some talent for divination, it was only average. If he became too entangled, he would hinder his potential and waste his innate gift.

“Father, I understand.”

Lu Qingxian nodded earnestly.

He didn’t need his father to elaborate. After years of research and exposure, he slowly understood that it would be challenging for him to become a third-tier diviner.

In fact, he could only achieve that by breaking through to Core Formation and then investing considerable time, energy, and lifespan to gradually elevate his divination to the third-tier.

However, doing so would severely affect his lifespan and potential.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly.

He felt that this son was easy to manage. A few words were enough.

After showing some concern and offering guidance on Lu Qingxian’s cultivation, Lu Changsheng quietly left to find Chu Qingyi.

Having seen the information about the Mirage Domain, Chu Qingyi was quite worried about Lu Changsheng.

Although she knew through Junior Sister and the news from Immortal City of Damengze that Lu Changsheng was fine, she couldn’t help but worry since she hadn’t seen him in a while.

Now that they met, this normally aloof and proud sword fairy showed a warm side beneath her icy exterior.

Lu Changsheng felt a wave of tenderness in his heart and accompanied her, sharing warm moments together.

After a week and a half, they reluctantly parted ways.

“Indeed, beauty can dull one’s will.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath, realizing that indulging daily in such tenderness would surely delay his important matters.

“Starting today, I’ll abstain. Let’s go, Golden Winged Roc!”

With a thought, Lu Changsheng summoned the Golden-Winged Roc from his Storage Belt, signaling it to serve as his mount.

He hadn’t called upon it before. On one hand, the roc needed rest to digest the Essence of the Nascent Soul, and on the other hand, Qingluan Zhenren had warned that many forces would focus on the Jiang Kingdom, so he tried not to use the Golden-Winged Roc in Jiang’s territory.

However, the journey from Jiang Kingdom to Jin Kingdom was lengthy. Traveling alone would drain his time and energy; he still needed the Golden-Winged Roc for assistance.

“Caw!”

Thanks to the incomplete Nascent Soul source from True Lord Zicang, the Golden-Winged Roc had already grown to the pinnacle of the third tier, its body brimming with astonishing energy.

Its golden, resplendent feathers shone brilliantly, and with a mighty flap of its wings, it transformed into a golden streak, tearing through the void towards the Jin Kingdom.

A month later, the Golden-Winged Roc arrived at the edge of the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range in the Jin Kingdom.

For safety, Lu Changsheng did not let the roc continue flying. Instead, he cast the Reverse Yin-Yang Glazed Disc to escape towards the Five Poisons Sect.

After reaching a hundred miles from the Five Poisons Sect, he activated Ah Youduo’s communication talisman.

Half an hour later, the void rippled as several venomous insects materialized.

Following that, a delicate yet imposing girl wearing a purple-red luxurious dress, adorned with a silver crown and bare feet, emerged.

“My lord.”

The Five Poisons Sect Master bowed to Lu Changsheng, gazing at him with a mixture of awe and reverence despite her young appearance.

Having received intelligence about the Mirage Domain, she had come to believe that Lu Changsheng was the reincarnation of the Crowned Monarch of the Central State.

Thus, any doubts or arrogance she held in the past had been completely dissipated, and she had adjusted her mindset accordingly.

“Ah Youduo, did my actions in the Mirage Domain cause any issues for your Five Poisons Sect?”

Lu Changsheng inquired, knowing she must have received news about his achievements in the Mirage Domain.

Otherwise, the look in her eyes wouldn’t carry such uncharacteristic respect.

“A few Nascent Soul cultivators have come to inquire, indirectly probing my relationship with my lord, but they were just asking questions and didn’t cause any trouble.”

The Five Poisons Sect Master responded.

No matter what, she was still a Nascent Soul True Monarch! Even if other Nascent Soul cultivators knew of her connection to Yangming Zhenren, they wouldn’t dare confront her directly.

Besides, the news about her association with Yangming Zhenren had been released by True Lord Mingsha.

Whether it was true or false, or the exact nature of their relationship remained uncertain.

No one would provoke a Nascent Soul cultivator over such trivial matters.

Moreover, she had been staying within the sect, utilizing a fourth-tier formation. Even if three or four Nascent Soul cultivators came to visit, she remained unfazed.

“That’s good.”

Lu Changsheng slightly nodded, not wanting her to be unduly affected by his matters.

“However, my lord should be cautious. According to the information I’ve received, certain factions are secretly inciting rumors about your relationship with Qingluan Zhenren.”

“In this case, it might attract attention from powerful forces and mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.”

The Five Poisons Sect Master continued.

Given Lu Changsheng and Qingluan Zhenren’s demonstrated strength in the Mirage Domain, ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators would be no match for them.

Unless several Nascent Soul cultivators set up an ambush, the situation would be dire.

However, that possibility seemed unlikely; more likely, some mid-stage Nascent Soul old monsters would take notice and try to analyze their situation.

“They’re publicizing my connection with Qingluan Zhenren?”

Lu Changsheng’s eyes narrowed as he expressed concern, asking, “Do you know which factions are behind this?”

“I’m not sure. The Beast God Mountain might be involved, but one Beast God Mountain alone shouldn’t have that much influence.”

The Five Poisons Sect Master shook her head and then inquired, “My lord, is there something specific you need?”

“Well, I’m here for two reasons. One, to return Mili safely, and the other, to ask if you have access to Huaying Pills or know of any unclaimed fourth-tier spirit grounds.”

Lu Changsheng replied.

The uproar from breaking through to Nascent Soul was immense, especially since he planned to break through to the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul.

In this situation, it would be best to rely on an unclaimed spiritual vein for the breakthrough.

As for using the Five Poisons Sect’s spiritual ground for the breakthrough, he’d need to observe the situation further; the essence of the Nascent Soul was sure to attract True Lord Mingsha’s interference the moment he made a move.

Lu Changsheng even believed that the Heavenly Sword Sect wouldn’t want to see Yangming Zhenren break through to Nascent Soul, let alone to the Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul! Huaying Pill!? Unclaimed fourth-tier spiritual ground?!

Ah Youduo gasped, surprised, questioning internally if her master planned to break through to Nascent Soul.

However, given his displayed strength, breaking through to Nascent Soul should be easy for him, right? ‘My lord, unless one goes to a secret realm or ancient ruins, there are practically no Huaying Pills circulating in the normal market.’

“To obtain Huaying Pills, you must attend a Nascent Soul trading conference hosted by several top-tier factions; only then would you have a chance to trade for relevant materials needed to request someone to refine them.”

Ah Youduo explained with a hint of exasperation.

There were so few Nascent Soul cultivators that it corresponded with the rarity and preciousness of the Huaying Pill.

Unlike Congjing Pills, which could be produced steadily by many forces, the Huaying Pill’s rarity lay not just in its refining difficulty but in the requirement of specific herbs that took at least thousands of years to cultivate.

In this context, unless at a top-tier Nascent Soul faction, ordinary ones would find it hard to acquire Huaying Pills, and would need to gather the materials slowly.

Having no Huaying Pills, she had to rely on Nascent Soul secret techniques and a few Nascent Soul treasures for her own breakthrough.

“As for the unclaimed fourth-tier spirit grounds…”

Ah Youduo shook her head, saying, “Any known fourth-tier spirit ground is usually claimed by someone; unclaimed fourth-tier spirit grounds don’t exist.”

“If my lord wishes to advance to Nascent Soul, it would be best to avoid the Southern Desolation and Northern Regions for now. Many factions are currently paying attention to your relationship with Qingluan Zhenren. Once you attempt to break through, if your magical energy leaks, it will easily attract trouble.”

For a time, Ah Youduo felt that Lu Changsheng’s aim to find a fourth-tier spirit ground to break into Nascent Soul would be fraught with difficulties.

If it weren’t for the events in the Mirage Domain, he could’ve achieved his Nascent Soul breakthrough in the Five Poisons Sect with ease.

But now, should anyone detect the signs of a Nascent Soul manifestation from the Five Poisons Sect, countless forces would follow up to investigate.

Moreover, if he attempted to break through to the so-called Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul, the commotion would far exceed that of Human and Earth Nascent Souls, likely drawing considerable attention and posing significant dangers.

“Sure enough.”

In fact, Lu Changsheng had been mentally preparing for this. He pondered, “Let’s go to your Five Poisons Sect first.”

“Alright.”

Ah Youduo agreed, indicating that many factions were currently focusing on Yangming Zhenren, so it would be best not to appear in the open at the Five Poisons Sect to avoid unnecessary trouble.

She then held Lu Changsheng’s hand, using the array disc to tear through the Great Void, directly entering the Five Poisons Sect’s core territory.

“My lord, our Five Poisons Sect has a developing ‘Nursery Gu’ that should mature in about a hundred and eighty years. If you wish, I can use secret techniques to hasten its growth to maturity within fifty years, which could enhance your chances of achieving Nascent Soul by ten percent.”

While the Five Poisons Sect lacked Huaying Pills, they had exclusive secret techniques to improve one’s chances of entering the Nascent Soul.

This ‘Nursery Gu’ mimicked the effects of the Huaying Pill.

It could help Core Formation cultivators boost their essence and spirit, nurturing the Nascent Soul fetus to stabilize its foundation!

“Nursery Gu?”

Lu Changsheng understood that the Five Poisons Sect’s arts allowed them to use insects as techniques, treasures, and even pills.

To enhance the chances of achieving Nascent Soul by ten percent was undeniably valuable.

However, hastening it would still require fifty years for it to mature, which felt far too slow.

Moreover, with prior experience in Foundation Establishment and Core Formation, Lu Changsheng knew that breaking through to Nascent Soul without the best spiritual treasures wouldn’t be of much help, and might even become a hindrance.

“No need; I was just inquiring.”

Lu Changsheng replied with a smile, not wanting to pressure Ah Youduo. He then entered the hall to discuss the ‘Ten Thousand Calamities Toxic Spirit Codex’ and see if there were any concepts he could help her understand.