Chapter 707: Lu Ping’an’s Wedding: Upgrading Bihu Mountain!

Azure Cloud Sect.

Recently, the Azure Cloud Sect has been buzzing with excitement due to Lu Ping’an’s upcoming marriage.

Though it’s just a Foundation Establishment disciple from the Heavenly Sword Sect tying the knot,

the connections with Lu Changsheng and Lan Ruoxue, along with the marriage to a Core Formation True Immortal, add a different significance.

Moreover, this wedding isn’t just about Master Feixue’s disciple marrying the son of Changsheng Zhenren;

it’s a celebration of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s investment in the talisman master, Lu Changsheng!

When Lan Ruoxue and Qin Yi arrived, the Heavenly Sword Sect prepared not only several boxes of dowry but also sent twelve disciples to escort them as the wedding procession.

Given such circumstances, how could the Azure Cloud Sect, despite being hosts, show anything less than respect?

“They’ve arrived! The Lu family’s wedding procession is here!”

At that moment, a disciple from the Azure Cloud Sect spotted the Nine Nether Hound and the Black Water Flood Dragon spiritual soldiers soaring toward their mountain gate, and shouted excitedly.

“Wow, they’re riding a third-tier demon king and a palanquin pulled by nine second-tier spiritual soldiers! The Talisman Lu Family sure knows how to make a grand spectacle!”

For a wedding celebration like this, the Lu family certainly puts in the effort, showcasing all that they can.

In addition to the leading Lu Zhenren, there are nine other Lu family disciples, all Foundation Establishment cultivators.

“Look, it’s Xiyue Zhenren and Changsheng Zhenren’s daughter, the Fairy Wangshu! She’s here too!”

“And there’s the Black Dragon Spear, Lu Qingyan! She’s the only woman besides Lu Zhenren in charge of the Lu family’s spiritual soldiers.”

“Let’s not forget the Thunderfire Qilin, Lu Qingxian!”

Besides Lu Ping’an, the nine members on the Black Water Flood Dragon were also recognized.

With the likes of Lu Wangshu, she is a well-known figure throughout the Azure Cloud Sect.

As for the other famed ones, Lu Qingyan and Lu Qingxian had both made names for themselves in the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range and the Immortal City of Qingluan.

The former commanded the Black Water Flood Dragon’s spiritual soldiers, slaying multiple late-stage second-tier demon beasts during a beast tide, gaining fast notoriety.

The latter founded Qingxuan Mountain in the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, gradually earning some fame.

Three years ago, wielding the Thunderfire Xuan Lotus and the Qilin Diagram, they eliminated the four evil cultivators known as the ‘Four Demonic Faces’ who were being hunted by the Immortal City of Qingluan, earning the title of ‘Thunderfire Qilin,’ making waves around there.

As for Lu Chensha, while she was famous in the past for her deeds in the Ziyou Secret Realm,

she has been forgotten over the decades, having only managed the Lu family’s spirit beasts without any notable achievements.

“The Talisman Lu Family has come to pick up the bride.”

The nine-headed Black Water Flood Dragon spiritual soldiers lowered the palanquin before the Azure Cloud Sect mountain gate. Lu Wangshu and the others announced loudly and confidently.

For a cultivator’s marriage ceremony, there are no excessive formalities, simply straightforward and without any blocking or hubbub.

Before long, Qin Yi, adorned in her phoenix crown and bridal veil, was lifted onto the palanquin, escorted by the twelve disciples from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“If that’s the case, I’ll head over first,”

Master Feixue nodded respectfully to several chatting Core Formation cultivators, then raised her hand, summoning a large red flying ship filled with dowry to appear.

As Qin Yi’s master and a representative of the Heavenly Sword Sect, she would naturally be present the entire time.

Almost immediately, a vibrant red celebratory flying ship appeared beside the wedding procession.

The twelve disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect soared through the skies on their swords, enhancing the already grand spectacle.

“If I were to marry, I wish for a procession like this!”

“Don’t even think about it! Unless you marry Changsheng Zhenren, it’s unlikely to happen!”

“Exactly! Aside from renowned Core Formation cultivators from major factions, regular ones don’t get such treatment. This is a clear sign of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s respect!”

“What cultivator wouldn’t desire such a luxurious and romantic wedding?”

The disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect watched the opulent wedding arrangement with admiration.

Especially the female disciples who were filled with envy, wondering how a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator like Qin Yi could marry a Core Formation True Immortal and receive such grand treatment.

“What a grand spectacle! What’s going on here?”

“The Lu family is here! This is the eldest son of the Talisman Lu Family, the newly-promoted True Immortal Lu Ping’an, getting married!”

“Congratulations to Lu Zhenren on this joyous occasion!”

“Best wishes to Lu Zhenren’s marriage! May it be a perfect match, all wishes come true, and everlasting happiness!”

Every cultivator who spotted the wedding procession soaring overhead couldn’t help but stop to watch, bowing respectfully.

Some cultivators who were aware of Lu Ping’an’s marriage congratulated him loudly at once.

In response, Lu Wangshu, Lu Qingqi, and Lu Linghe generously threw out a few red envelopes, prompting many cultivators to rush over to express their congratulations.

Thus, the wedding procession traveled from the Azure Cloud Sect all the way back to Bihu Mountain, making sure almost everyone knew about the Talisman Lu Family and Lu Ping’an’s marriage.

Meanwhile, guests invited from all directions also began to arrive in droves.

Watching the returning procession, these guests marveled and shared their admiration.

Families like the Qingzhu Mountain and the Hundred Bird Lake, who had good relationships with the Talisman Lu Family, felt nostalgia witnessing the Lu Family’s rise to prominence.

“The Lu family of Bihu Mountain!”

The ancestor Jin Zhan from Golden Dragon Ridge arrived personally for the wedding and watched Lu Ping’an, who bore a majestic presence atop the Nine Nether Hound, a dazed expression on his face.

In the past, he had looked down upon the Lu family from Bihu Mountain, facing Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge alone.

Now both Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge had achieved Core Formation.

Even Lu Ping’an was a Core Formation True Immortal now, elevated into the elite ranks.

He felt a pang of envy mixed with bitterness.

Other fake Core families under Azure Cloud felt as if they had lived through different eras, relieved they hadn’t become foes with the Lu family.

Earlier, when Lu Wangshu and Lu Ping’an visited the Sima family at Xuanwu Ridge, although they hadn’t fought, their mere intimidation had drained the Sima family significantly, setting them back at least a hundred years.

However, the Sima family’s true blow was not this substantial loss.

It was offending the Talisman Lu Family, causing other family forces to gradually reduce their ties or sever relationships altogether.

“We’ve come to escort the bride!”

Upon seeing the returning wedding procession, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge also came out to greet and entertain, bowing to Lan Ruoxue on the flying ship.

“Changsheng Zhenren, Miaoge Zhenren.”

Lan Ruoxue nodded lightly. She had a favorable impression of Lu Miaoge but was indifferent towards Lu Changsheng.

There wasn’t much reason behind it.

As a woman cultivator, she simply disliked flirtatious and overly emotional men like Lu Changsheng.

After welcoming Lan Ruoxue into the main hall, they awaited the auspicious timing.

“The True Immortal Luo from Immortal City of Damengze has come to pay tribute.”

“The Xiyue Zhenren from Azure Cloud Sect is here to congratulate!”

At this time, increasing numbers of major influential forces arrived.

Not every Core Formation force would have their cultivators present to offer congratulations.

Most would send a fake Core representative to present tributes.

For example, the Hong Lian family from Immortal City of Damengze sent a fake Core cultivator to deliver gifts and congratulations.

“The Heavenly Sword Sect, Zhenren Zhao has come to pay tribute.”

Before long, another Core Formation True Immortal from the Heavenly Sword Sect arrived.

He had come alongside Lan Ruoxue but arrived separately since the wedding procession was slower.

“Zhao Mingchou?”

Lu Changsheng went out to welcome the Core Formation Zhenren from the Heavenly Sword Sect and immediately recognized him.

In the past, he crafted a deal with the Heavenly Sword Sect under the identity of Yangming Zhenren.

This individual had come with the Sect Leader, indicating he was not an ordinary individual.

Now with Lu Changsheng’s enhanced abilities and recent entry into divination, he saw hints that suggested this person was highly likely a diviner! ‘The Heavenly Sword Sect’s tribute—apart from Lan Ruoxue, how could they send a diviner here?’

Lu Changsheng thought to himself, smiling gently as he welcomed the guest.

Seeing Zhao Mingchou studying Bihu Mountain as though it were a picturesque scene, Lu Changsheng figured out the reason for his visit.

Observing fortunes and luck!

In merely a century, he had grown to this extent, with four achieving Core Formation, and many praised them as favored by Heaven’s will.

It is likely that the Heavenly Sword Sect shares this opinion, so they dispatched Zhao Mingchou to observe Bihu Mountain’s fate and luck.

“After such observation, they will certainly confirm that our Lu family is favored by Heaven.”

After achieving second-tier divination, Lu Changsheng had looked into his family’s luck.

Perhaps due to the Xuantian Spirit Vine, Bihu Mountain’s luck surpassed that of other family forces.

It presented an expansive and prosperous scene, with no signs of decline whatsoever.

Lu Changsheng wasn’t sure how proficient Zhao Mingchou was in divination and observing luck.

However, unless he was a fourth-tier divination master, it would be difficult for him to discern intricate details; he would only be able to see that Bihu Mountain exuded a flourishing vitality.

“This Bihu Mountain is obviously just a second-tier spirit land yet possesses such grand fortune!”

At that moment, Zhao Mingchou felt astonished, his heart racing in disbelief.

The concept of fortune is ethereal, as even diviners through observation can only perceive vague outlines.

But even from just the vague impressions, it was apparent to him that something was off about Bihu Mountain’s fortune.

It felt too overwhelming!

Although fortunes aren’t static and are influenced by various factors like geography and people’s influence,

Bihu Mountain’s feng shui wasn’t particularly remarkable, merely average and typical.

Even with Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaoge, and Lu Ping’an, three Core Formation True Immortals, the fortune could never reach such heights!

Additionally, with the fortune being stable, there were indications of an even slight upward trend!

That was extremely bizarre!

Bihu Mountain’s luck wasn’t that of a mere second-tier spirit land, yet it continued rising, completely out of the ordinary.

“Could it be that Lu Ping’an’s breakthrough to Core Formation pushed Bihu Mountain’s luck even higher?”

“But he just recently broke through and hasn’t stabilized; there is no way for luck to augment this quickly!”

Zhao Mingchou puzzled over this, not considering the possibility of fortune-altering treasures.

After all, even the Heavenly Sword Sect would find it hard to access treasures that influence fate.

How could a minor Talisman Lu Family have such artifacts?

So, after a lot of deliberation, he finally settled on one conclusion—either the Talisman Lu Family or Lu Changsheng was a lucky individual favored by great fortune!

At that moment, he desperately wanted to employ divination techniques on Lu Changsheng to further examine his fate.

However, whether or not he could glean anything was one matter; attempting such probing without permission was treated as an offense in the world of cultivation.

He forcibly suppressed his curiosity, deciding to observe closely later on to verify any potential errors.

Before the auspicious moment arrived, representatives from various factions had gathered nearly all in place.

As for those who hadn’t arrived, Lu Changsheng didn’t dwell on it too much and directly announced the wedding commencement.

As soon as he spoke, waves surged around, and the entire Bihu Mountain was enveloped in colorful rays, with numerous spirit birds circling and performing melodious music.

Though it wasn’t quite as elaborate as the Dao Partner ceremony prepared for Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue by the Azure Cloud Sect, it wasn’t lacking in grandeur either.

Under the gaze of all present, Lu Ping’an and Qin Yi reached the Hall of Biyun and began their vows.

The first bow was to express gratitude for the Way’s favor and for possessing a Spirit Root and immortal fate! The second bow was to thank their parents and the sect for the guidance in their cultivation! Thus, Lu Ping’an and Qin Yi bowed to Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaoge, Lan Ruoxue, and others before turning towards the Heavenly Sword Sect and bowing.

The third bow was for the couple to bow to each other!

This symbolizes that from now on, they will walk the path of big adventures together, supporting one another through trials and tribulations!

“On this auspicious day, Heaven and Earth rejoice! Today, Lu Ping’an and Qin Yi bond their hearts, and the Way bears witness as they become husband and wife on Bihu Mountain. May you both walk a broad path in cultivation, forever deep in love, follow the myriad calamities together, achieve the everlasting Way, and shine upon the Immortal Gate, bringing blessings to the world for generations!”

With the completion of the vows, Lu Changsheng, sitting in the high hall as the father, announced the wedding finished.

“Congratulations, dear brother! May you and your new sister-in-law forever stay united on the path of immortality!”

“Congratulations to Lu Zhenren and Qin Xianzi on your marriage! Perfectly united, may your immortal road flourish!”

“Congratulations, Uncle!”

All Lu family scions and invited cultivators raised their glasses in congratulation for the couple or bowed respectfully, their voices echoing majestically through the air.

At the same time, the grand formation of Bihu Mountain continued to throng with energy, waves flowing, shifting with colorful light, and showering sparkling flower rain as blessings for the couple.

For this wedding, the Lu family had spared no effort.

Such a magnificent spectacle only deepened the awe and reverence among the many guests and family forces toward the Talisman Lu Family.

They recognized that the Talisman Lu Family’s strength and foundation were extraordinary! At the Biyun Hall.

Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaoge, Lan Ruoxue, and others encouraged the two newlyweds briefly before signaling them to greet and get to know the guests.

All attending family ancestors and regional overlords faced Lu Ping’an and Qin Yi with warm smiles, showing no sign of arrogance.

Unlike the past, where Lu Changsheng’s Core Formation celebration had the Shangguan family ancestor causing trouble,

there was now no force that dared to stir trouble on such a joyful day! “Congratulations, Lu Zhenren and Qin Xianzi on your beautiful union!”

The messenger from the Shen Family of Blades was a robust man in his forties with graying hair.

“Dao Friend Shangguan!”

Lu Ping’an recognized him, recalling that he was Shangguan Jiuyang from the battle they had in the Ziyou Secret Realm years ago.

It was indeed this battle that established Lu Ping’an’s reputation in the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation community.

With a warm smile, Lu Ping’an raised his glass and clinked it with him, expressing regrets for past grievances and hoping to establish better relations in the future.

“Lu Zhenren is too modest. Please don’t mind the past.”

Shangguan Jiuyang spoke with a hint of bitterness.

The divide between fake Core and true Core cultivators is a vast chasm!

While he could once afford to be unrepentant after losing to Lu Ping’an, now that Lu Ping’an had broken through to Core Formation, he felt the disparity keenly.

Jin Zhan, the fake Core ancestor from The Great Ape Mountain, the fake Core ancestor from the Xie family of Ling Creek, and others from rival families felt stirred emotionally, looking at Lu Ping’an and Qin Yi while reminiscing.

They reminisced about the time when they, too, stood at the same rank as Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, with Lu Ping’an just a mere junior.

Now, they no longer qualified to sit at the same table as Lu Changsheng.

Even when facing Lu Ping’an in toasts, they had to be exceedingly courteous, bowing their cups low in respect.

Three days later, the wedding celebration concluded.

The Core Formation True Immortals and fake Core cultivators who had come to congratulate mostly left, with Lan Ruoxue, Zhao Mingchou, and Xiao Xiyue being the last to depart.

“With this pot of second-tier spirit vein source, Bihu Mountain can rightfully be promoted to a third-tier spirit land now!”

After sending the three out of Bihu Mountain, Lu Changsheng returned to the Lu family estate, his expression one of delight as he gazed upon a jar of third-tier spirit vein source.

Having the top-tier dragon-finding technique in the Immortal City of Damengze, he certainly wasn’t short of third-tier spirit vein sources.

He had originally intended to upgrade Bihu Mountain’s spirit vein when the time was ripe since doing so would have too much of a stir.

Unexpectedly, within the bridal gifts sent by the Heavenly Sword Sect, there was already a jar of third-tier spirit vein source.

Although it wasn’t much, it was enough to elevate Biyun Peak’s second-tier top-tier spirit vein to a third-tier inferior grade.

Once Biyun Peak’s spirit vein was upgraded, it would be a cinch for him to cultivate the spirit vein of Bishi Lake as well.

“Though the timing is about right now, having the Heavenly Sword Sect’s spirit vein source also makes for a better explanation to the outside world.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, calling his wife Ling Zixiao to discuss the spirit vein upgrade.

Previously, Lan Ruoxue had suggested nurturing and upgrading the spirit vein, and he could ask a feng shui master or a formation master from the Azure Cloud Sect for assistance.

However, since the Xuantian Spirit Vine was already planted in their vein, Lu Changsheng obviously wouldn’t seek help from others and preferred to handle it himself.

Meanwhile,

after leaving Bihu Mountain, Lan Ruoxue looked towards Zhao Mingchou and asked, “Master Zhao, what do you think of Lu Changsheng of Bihu Mountain?”

She came along to represent her family in sending their disciple to the wedding.

However, Zhao Mingchou was tasked with investigating the Talisman Lu Family’s background.

“Impressive! Bihu Mountain is truly remarkable! The fortune stretches endlessly; it even surpasses the fate of the Shen Family of Blades!”

Zhao Mingchou took a deep breath, then spoke gravely, “As for Lu Changsheng, I find him enigmatic. He is certainly not as simple as he appears to the outside world!”

“Over these days, after observing the aura of Bihu Mountain’s fortune and paying close attention to the Lu family’s descendants,

the spirit and general condition of the Lu family disciples do not resemble a mere Foundation Establishment family or even a newly-promoted Core Formation one. I would not be surprised if they were an established Core Formation family!”

“Thus, Lu Changsheng most definitely belongs among those favored by the great fortunes. He must have obtained top-tier fortuitous opportunities long ago, possessing numerous high-level cultivation methods! Otherwise, with the state of the Lu family, it would be impossible to cultivate their descendants to such a level!”

As a diviner, Zhao Mingchou was adept in observing luck and fortune.

While he couldn’t see through Lu Changsheng’s Core Formation mastery,

he could analyze the condition of the Lu family’s descendants at a glance.

Even without using his divine sense to peer deeper, his insight into their appearances and overall spirit could reveal much.

So from Bihu Mountain and the Lu family descendants, he understood that the Lu family’s foundation was far more than it appeared, especially that of the ancestor, Lu Changsheng! The current status of Bihu Mountain’s Lu family owes much to this ancestor!”

“Indeed, the methods of cultivation practiced by the Lu family are quite extraordinary.”

Lan Ruoxue nodded slightly.

As a Core Formation cultivator herself, she could also deduce various insights; the Lu family couldn’t possibly be a centuries-old family.

Many renowned families with thousand-year legacies weren’t necessarily as prosperous as Bihu Mountain.

“In a little pool, a dragon cannot be nurtured, yet this person may thrive and grow into a dragon beneath Azure Cloud’s protection. He’s no ordinary individual!”

“He breaks through to Core Formation while still hiding their strength, aiming high. Is it possible he dreams of soaring like a dragon?”

Zhao Mingchou’s eyes gleamed with profound fortune as he pondered, growing ever more incredulous.

But now, with Lu Changsheng marrying Xiyue Zhenren from Azure Cloud Sect, plus backing from the Immortal City of Damengze as a vice-city lord, he has already made a name for himself.

Otherwise, given the state of the Lu family, he would’ve found it difficult to explore! “This is best reported to the Sect Leader for decisions.”

Lan Ruoxue cast a deep glance at Zhao Mingchou, uttering a reminder to keep his impulses in check.

After all, as a diviner, if he were to deduce that the Lu family has some great fortune, greed could hinder the entire Heavenly Sword Sect’s plans.

“Rest assured, Master Feixue.”

Zhao Mingchou’s face was pale, donning a scholar’s cap, presenting himself like a frail scholar.

While these diviners aspired to fly high based on great fortunes, they also cherished their lives immensely.

Just like he had planned to use Lu family descendants as intermediaries to perform secret techniques and further calculate Lu Changsheng’s situation over these few days,

yet he felt an ominous premonition creeping into his heart, discouraging him from pursuing this thought.

As Lu Ping’an’s wedding announcement concluded, Lu family descendants began exiting one after another.

After all, many Lu family members returned from afar for this occasion, making it hard for them to stay long at home.

Looking at the gradually settling Bihu Mountain, Lu Changsheng felt sentimental. After spending some quality time with his wife, concubines, and children,

he began to busy himself with his tasks.

He planned to enter seclusion and reforge his Brahma Demon True Form.

However, upon catching sight of Shadow, locked in confinement within the Xumi Chamber, he suddenly paused, recalling the Soul-Taking Beast and the Divine Maiden’s Furnace he had won in the lottery.

“The Divine Maiden’s Furnace can influence others’ feelings, thoughts, and desires. Could I potentially use it to subdue this one?”

Though Lu Changsheng disliked such malevolent spiritual treasures, he held no sympathy for a demon cultivator like Shadow.

This girl had injured the Nine Nether Hound, and the force she represented, Beast God Mountain, held a deep vendetta against his family!

Previously, he had contemplated using her as a gateway to eliminate the Holy Maiden of Beast God Mountain and the True Lord Tiancang.

However, the latter had a resilient soul and possessed prohibitions. Unless using Locking Love Gu, it would be challenging to sway her.

Yet, Lu Ancestor had always been merciful.

Once the Locking Love Gu was employed, this girl would transform into someone who wholeheartedly adored him, making him likely to lose his resolve later.

But the Divine Maiden’s Furnace was different.

Moreover, the effects of the Divine Maiden’s Furnace could transform the Soul-Taking Beast into a punishing beast to extract secrets from Beast God Mountain!

“This girl has been under my control for so long and hasn’t returned. Perhaps the Holy Maiden of Beast God Mountain, her master, is growing suspicious. I shouldn’t delay this—better to resolve it sooner!”

“If I can subdue her, she could even serve as an insider!”

Thinking for a moment, Lu Changsheng entered the Hall of Everlasting Life, taking the spiritual treasure, the Divine Maiden’s Furnace, into his grasp to begin the rituals.

Although this treasure could be forced to function without rituals, it was still necessary to refine it for maximized power.