Chapter 702: Misty Demons and Marriage!

Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons.

The chilling winds howled as ghostly mists cloaked the area.

A massive, black-faced demon ape, its fangs bared and black mist swirling around it, ravenously consumed the blood and flesh essence from the headless, mountainous lizard body.

As the last traces of demonic energy and flesh essence from the two-headed demonized lizard were absorbed by the Soul-Taking Beast, its own terrifying form shrank down to just a few inches, transforming into a comically adorable baby monkey.

“Burp~”

The Soul-Taking Beast let out a contented burp and then lazily stared at Lu Changsheng, indicating that it wanted to sleep.

Even though the Soul-Taking Beast was naturally resistant to ghostly demons and corpses, capable of evolving through soul absorption and demonic essence.

After entering the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons and devouring so many ghostly essences, as well as a large portion of a fourth-tier demonized beast’s flesh, it was feeling a bit overstuffed and needed a deep sleep to quickly digest and grow.

“Rest well.”

Lu Changsheng found this situation quite amusing. He gestured to it but indicated not to go into a deep slumber.

“Chirp chirp chirp.”

The Soul-Taking Beast nodded in response, then dove into Lu Changsheng’s sleeve, clutching its beast core and falling into a deep sleep.

However, even in this state, it wasn’t completely asleep.

If faced with a fourth-tier demonized beast or a vicious ghost king, it would wake up to alert him.

The Five Poisons Sect Master looked at the shriveled remains of the two-headed lizard, then turned to Lu Changsheng’s sleeve where the Soul-Taking Beast resided, a look of astonishment on his face.

It was truly hard to imagine that such a cute and harmless-looking creature possessed such incredible combat strength and appetite.

“Could this beast be some true spirit-grade bloodline creature?”

Ah Youduo pondered in her heart, her gaze toward Lu Changsheng loaded with more awe.

The two spirit pets of Lu Changsheng, the golden-winged roc and the Soul-Taking Beast, both showcased power well beyond ordinary heavenly-grade bloodline beasts.

Even if they weren’t true spirit-grade bloodline beasts, they must have awakened and activated their spirit bloodlines! Once they reached the fourth tier, their power would be terrifying, far surpassing their peers!

“Let’s go.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind Ah Youduo’s gaze. He smiled at her and reached out to ruffle her hair, which had fallen loose beneath her silver crown.

Though this Five Poisons Sect Master was a few hundred years older than him.

Her usual appearance stirred up feelings of affection in him.

“Mhm~”

Had it been someone else, such an action would be outright humiliation.

Yet to the Five Poisons Sect Master, Lu Changsheng’s gesture felt intimate; she had no hint of rejection, softly replying.

Her small, pristine white feet hovered a foot off the ground, strolling beside Lu Changsheng.

A few days later, Lu Changsheng and Ah Youduo were searching in a craggy ravine.

Suddenly, dense dark mist began to swirl in from the distance, threatening to envelop the two of them.

“Oooooo——”

The mist howled like a vengeful spirit, dark clouds looming over them, forming a massive vortex.

“Soul-Taking!”

Lu Changsheng gazed at the black mist, which seemed to swallow everything like a hurricane. His expression turned serious as he swung the Da Luo Sword Embryo, signaling the Soul-Taking Beast to wake up and take action.

This trip had been so easy for him and Ah Youduo that any ghostly winds or mists, or even spirit demons they encountered, could be directly dealt with by the Soul-Taking Beast.

Otherwise, even he and Ah Youduo would not dare to search this long in the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons, to the point of exhausting their physical energy and magical energy slaying a fourth-tier demonized beast.

However, when the Soul-Taking Beast awakened, the faint yellow glow from its nose merely scattered the black mist before them slightly, failing to sweep it all away as before.

“My lord, this must be a natural disaster in the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons, the ‘Demonic Mist.’ It’s endless! We need to leave quickly.”

Ah Youduo looked at the increasingly fierce black mist as it seemed to morph into a tornado, immediately urging Lu Changsheng to retreat.

“Demonic Mist?”

Lu Changsheng’s expression tightened slightly. He understood that the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons, much like other forbidden areas, often housed various natural disasters.

Just like the Layer of Nine Heavens’ Gale and the Great Void, aside from chaotic winds, thunderstorms, and ghostly mists could occur.

No one truly knows the specific reasons behind it; they only know it’s best to avoid them when encountered.

He wasn’t reckless. Continuously slashing with the Da Luo Sword Embryo, he sped off with Ah Youduo and the Golden-Winged Roc.

During this escape, the sword’s light clashed against the demonic mist, as if fighting an angry ghost king. Yet through the Taiyi Spirit and Fiery Eyes of Truth, he saw nothing.

After a long while, Lu Changsheng and Ah Youduo managed to escape the area engulfed by the mist, exhaling a sigh of relief.

“No wonder it’s said that only Nascent Soul cultivators dare to step into the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons. If a Core Formation cultivator encounters such a natural disaster, unless they possess a secret treasure, they’d have no chance to escape.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath; it was his first time coming across such an unexpected natural disaster.

After resting for a moment, he and Ah Youduo continued searching for the spots where the Gu God Cauldron might have been dropped.

Apart from the earlier demonic mist, the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons also housed even more formidable fourth-tier demonized beasts than the two-headed demonized lizard.

Faced with such creatures, even Lu Changsheng and Ah Youduo could only avoid their wrath.

Or use older methods: one person distracting the beast while the other slips in to search.

After all, the prerequisite for slaying a fourth-tier demonized beast was that both could not sustain injuries.

In the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons, being severely injured could be extremely dangerous and make it hard to escape.

Time passed slowly.

Though the two did not find the Gu God Cauldron, they gathered an impressive haul during their search, collecting several third-tier demon cores, beast materials, as well as treasures from the demon and ghost paths.

Even though Lu Changsheng couldn’t use a lot of it, the role of the Five Poisons Sect became apparent; they could process it with the help of the Five Poisons Sect Master in exchange for other needed resources.

Meanwhile.

Lu Miaoge and Lu Ping’an arrived at the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Unlike Lu Changsheng years prior, who bellowed when he sought a marriage proposal at the Azure Cloud Sect, Qin Yi had already received word and was waiting eagerly outside the mountain gate.

“Lu Ping’an.”

Qin Yi, donned in the Heavenly Sword Sect disciple’s robe, tall and graceful, resembled a sturdy bamboo under the spring sun.

Her silky black hair was elegantly styled; though her beautiful face bore the marks of time, it still exuded a striking elegance.

Upon seeing Lu Ping’an and his entourage, she felt a bit shy and clasped her hands, saying, “Greetings, Miaoge Zhenren.”

“Xiao Qin, long time no see.”

With a character as gentle as flowing water, Lu Miaoge stepped forward warmly, naturally endearing herself to others as she said, “You can just call me Auntie.”

“Auntie.”

Without her usual sharpness, Qin Yi obediently replied.

Not only did Lu Miaoge hold a seniority above Lu Ping’an’s head, but just her status as a Core Formation Zhenren was enough for Qin Yi to treat her with respect.

“Sister Qin.”

“Sister-in-law.”

At this moment, Lu Wangshu, Lu Qingqi, and the others also stepped up to greet her.

“Little He, Wangshu.”

Qin Yi recognized both Lu Linghe and Lu Wangshu, smiling back and signaling Lu Ping’an to introduce her to the others.

Before anyone could engage in further conversation, the Heavenly Sword Sect noticed Lu Miaoge’s Core Formation aura and sent a Zhenren to receive her.

“Ah, it’s Lu Miaoge Zhenren! A pleasure to meet you. What brings you to our Heavenly Sword Sect?”

The Zhenren, having recognized Lu Miaoge, was incredibly polite.

After all, Zhenrens are treated like honored guests wherever they go, and the Heavenly Sword Sect wouldn’t dare disrespect her.

Considering the Talisman Lu Family’s standing, they wouldn’t dare look down on her, nor deliberately make things difficult.

“I’ve come to visit your esteemed sect primarily regarding my son Lu Ping’an’s marriage.”

Dressed in a snow-white palace gown, Lu Miaoge spoke eloquently with a refined demeanor.

“Marriage?”

Upon seeing Lu Ping’an and Qin Yi, the Zhenren instantly guessed the matter.

The Heavenly Sword Sect did not forbid its disciples from marrying or seeking companions.

However, all factions would impose certain restrictions, disallowing disciples from carelessly marrying or leaving the sect.

“If the two are genuinely compatible and share similar aspirations, forming a union would indeed be a good thing. Please, come in.”

Although it is rare for prominent disciples like Qin Yi to marry outside,

the Talisman Lu Family had three who reached Core Formation. Moreover, Lu Changsheng was the deputy city lord of Immortal City; the Heavenly Sword Sect wouldn’t mind adding such ties.

Noticing that Lu Ping’an’s cultivation level was not obvious at a glance, he froze momentarily.

The marriage between Lu Ping’an and Qin Yi proceeded incredibly smoothly.

After all, regarding such matters, the two indeed had mutual affection.

Lu Ping’an wasn’t an unremarkable rogue cultivator; he had a clear family background and exceptional talent; moreover, Qin Yi wasn’t a mere sword path seed—they wouldn’t marry outside.

“Master Feixue, this is the betrothal gift that my husband prepared.”

At this moment, Lu Miaoge handed a gift box to Lan Ruoxue.

Since they came to propose, the Lu Family naturally prepared a betrothal gift.

This not only represented their sincerity and importance regarding the marriage but also showed respect for the other party, the Heavenly Sword Sect!

“One tier-3 top-grade talisman, six tier-3 upper-grade talismans, six tier-3 mid-grade talismans, and six tier-3 lower-grade talismans!”

Lan Ruoxue and the Heavenly Sword Sect Master gasped at this impressive list of gifts.

Tier-3 middle and lower-grade talismans were generally considered normal for the Heavenly Sword Sect.

However, tier-3 upper-grade talismans were extremely rare, categorized as strategic resources! As for the tier-3 top-grade talismans, even the Heavenly Sword Sect had limited quantities.

Thus, with this betrothal gift from the Lu Family, they conveyed sincere intentions! Furthermore, with this marriage, they would have a closer connection to Lu Changsheng, a top-tier talisman master from the Jiang Kingdom!

If Lu Changsheng could consistently produce tier-3 top-grade talismans and ascend to tier-4 talisman master, he would undoubtedly rank among the pinnacle cultivators below Nascent Soul! “Such a grand gesture from a noble family!”

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master chuckled lightly, saying, “In that case, let’s finalize this matter. I wonder if Miaoge Zhenren and Changsheng Zhenren have a date in mind for the wedding?”

“We haven’t settled that yet. We plan to hold the wedding simultaneously with Ping’an’s Core Formation celebration.”

Lu Miaoge smiled as she spoke, her light and calm voice announcing significant news.

“Core Formation Celebration!”

“This child has indeed broken through to Core Formation!”

Both the Heavenly Sword Sect Master and Lan Ruoxue turned to look at Lu Ping’an, not far away.

The moment they laid eyes on him, they began to suspect that Lu Ping’an had indeed achieved Core Formation.

However, since Lu Ping’an’s cultivation and magical powers were obscured by treasures, they had no reason to forcibly examine him with their skills.

“Has your son truly broken through to Core Formation?”

Even though they had suspected it earlier, the Heavenly Sword Sect Master appeared slightly surprised.

It was certainly normal for Lu Ping’an to break through Core Formation by himself.

But within the Talisman Lu Family, this achievement felt exceptionally unusual, almost beyond reason.

Old Ancestor Lu Changsheng, a rogue healer, came to prominence in less than a century to reach Core Formation!

A mere ten years later, Lu Miaoge, with the help of her father, also broke through to Core Formation.

At the same time, another member of the Lu Family, Lu Qingshan, who joined the Golden Sun Sect in Yue Kingdom, also achieved Core Formation, becoming one of their Nascent Soul seeds.

Now, yet another member of the Lu Family had broken through to Core Formation.

Although the growth paths of the four were logical, aside from Lu Changsheng, they didn’t seem particularly typical or plausible.

Across the whole history of the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world, no family had risen to such prominence in just over a century, boasting such a significant number of talented offspring.

“Ping’an gained some opportunities during his travels, allowing him to successfully break through to Core Formation.”

Lu Miaoge replied softly.

“Your family’s skilled upbringing and deep luck!”

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master refrained from pressing further, simply offering heartfelt praise.

After all, delving too deeply into such matters could come off as intrusive.

Moreover, within the cultivation realm, countless seemingly unreasonable phenomena occurred.

Throughout the long ages, many extraordinary individuals seemed almost absurdly fortunate, born under the auspices of heaven and earth.

For instance, in the history of Southern Desolation, there was even a ninth-grade spirit root Nascent Soul master who gained fortunes slowly over time.

Under normal circumstances, possessing a ninth-grade spirit root made it nearly impossible to even establish a foundation, yet this individual defied the odds, reaching the pinnacle of the cultivation world! “I’ve heard your son, Lu Qingshan, performed admirably in the Liangyue War, earning his place inscribed on our Heavenly Sword Sect’s monument. Might Miaoge Zhenren want to take a look?”

After discussing the marriage proposal, Lan Ruoxue suggested that Qin Yi show Lu Ping’an and the others around the Heavenly Sword Sect for some days.

“I’ve long wanted to visit your esteemed sect after hearing of this matter from years ago,” Lu Miaoge responded.

When talking about her son Lu Qingshan, a maternal glow flickered in Lu Miaoge’s enchanting eyes.

Despite ensuring the Lu Family children from Bihu Mountain were well taken care of, she would still cherish her own child and her sister Lu Miaohuan’s.

Shortly after, they explored places like the Sword Query Platform and the Heavenly Sword Monument at the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“Sister Qin, is there any reward for succeeding at the Sword Query?”

Lu Wangshu asked inquisitively as she gazed up at the characters etched on the Heavenly Sword Monument.

Years back, Lu Lingxiao had also received an invitation from the Heavenly Sword Sect for a Sword Query, though he hadn’t participated.

“Those who succeed at the Sword Query may inscribe their name in the Heavenly Sword Sect. For those wishing to join, they are always welcome in the future.”

Qin Yi reflected, realizing that Lu Qingshan, who once held a great reputation in the Heavenly Sword Sect, was Lu Ping’an’s brother.

.

Lu Wangshu couldn’t help but frown at her words, thinking the Heavenly Sword Sect truly acted stingy for a Jiang Kingdom hegemony.

Qin Yi seemed to catch her thoughts, and confidently stated that being able to inscribe their names would not only grant entry to the Heavenly Sword Sect, but any other faction would readily open its doors for such talent.

Moreover, many factions would be eager to form connections with such talents.

In addition, the opportunity to challenge the Sword Query and engage in a session of combat with top opponents was an invaluable experience for many talented individuals.

Lu Wangshu slightly nodded, grasping the concept.

Should she succeed at the Sword Query, not only would she gain fame for herself, but her family’s name would shine throughout the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation realm.

Thereafter, this renown could lead to abundant resources and investment opportunities.

But thinking about her family’s already strong reputation and that participating in competitions would cost her talismans and puppets, she quickly lost interest.

In the Grand Hall of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“Could it be that the Talisman Lu Family also enjoys the luck of heaven?”

“As the True Lord mentioned, whenever great tribulations arrive, a brilliant era shall ensue. In these past hundred years, the Southern Desolation has birthed many outstanding individuals, which indeed verifies the True Lord’s statements.”

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master stood in the main hall, hands clasped behind him, eyes narrowed as he pondered.

He had kept an eye on the Talisman Lu Family since years ago.

Today, Lu Miaoge brought Lu Ping’an to propose, prompting him to revisit all information regarding Bihu Mountain, the Talisman Lu Family, and Lu Changsheng.

After thoroughly reading the materials, he was left with one strong impression: things seemed too smooth! Lu Changsheng’s growth trajectory appeared remarkably untroubled, as if he hadn’t encountered any significant setbacks.

Or rather, while he had faced numerous obstacles, he always seemed to resolve them in unexpected ways.

From this report, he inferred that Lu Changsheng had likely possessed tremendous opportunities from an early age.

Yet, as a minor cultivator, he had consistently hidden his true capabilities, remaining humble and waiting for the day of Core Formation! He suspected Lu Changsheng had already broken through to Core Formation.

His recent breakthrough in Immortal City had merely been a facade.

In reality, he had attained exceptional levels in both his cultivation and talismanic skills far beyond what he currently displayed.

It was precisely because of this that he had broken through to Core Formation and rapidly become the deputy city master of Immortal City!

“A great tribulation approaches, and with it, opportunities abound; I wonder how many we, the Heavenly Sword Sect, can seize?”

Looking at the azure sky, the Heavenly Sword Sect Master drew a deep breath.

War and chaos are the stepping stones to promotion!

According to the True Lord Xuanjian, with the coming grand tribulations, the luck of the heavens will be disturbed, causing various relics and treasures of the heavens to manifest more readily.

That is why many minor cultivators have the chance to encounter such fortunes.

In recent years, our Heavenly Sword Sect has strived to stabilize and strengthen the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation realm, hoping that when the chaos comes, we’ll seize enough opportunities to advance further!