Chapter 717: Divination Tool and Secret Realm Development!

A month and a half later.

City Lord’s Mansion, Artifact Refining Hall.

On the dark gold-colored treasure forging platform, a lightning-wreathed dragon resembling a purple-red flood dragon roared at a thumb-sized, intricately patterned copper coin.

Watching the copper coin tremble with madness, Lu Changsheng formed hand seals and sent out the two copper coins he previously refined.

In an instant, the three copper coins formed a triangular formation, their energies intertwining and swirling.

When the timing felt right, Lu Changsheng unleashed the prepared 【Nine Heavens Pure Spiritual Energy】 to cleanse and merge the energies of the three copper coins, completing the final step to form a combined Dao-Comprehending Artifact!

After a long while, the three copper coins shimmered with brilliant spiritual light as they floated into Lu Changsheng’s hand.

“Finally done! I hope it doesn’t let me down,” he muttered.

Lu Changsheng looked at the copper coins in his hand and let out a long sigh.

To forge these three copper coins, comparable to top-tier Dao-Comprehending Artifacts, he had expended a considerable amount of precious heavenly materials, even going so far as to use a few Nascent Soul items.

If the results were not ideal, it would be a considerable loss! “Let’s check on Quanzhen’s situation first.”

Calculating the time, he had spent almost half a year crafting this divination tool.

According to the family lineage records, his son, Lu Quanzhen, was no longer in mortal danger. Thus, he was likely out of the secret realm.

“Buzz, buzz, buzz!”

Lu Changsheng lightly tossed the three copper coins in his palm and then formed hand seals.

As he began to calculate, the copper coins gradually shimmered with a pale golden light, exuding an aura of mystery as arcane symbols floated out and intertwined with the celestial energy surrounding Lu Changsheng.

“Quanzhen has already left the secret realm, but there is still a force obstructing his celestial fate, making it difficult to predict his fortune or misfortune!”

Using the divination copper coin, Lu Changsheng sensed a change in the celestial force surrounding his son, Lu Quanzhen.

No longer veiled in chaos and obscurity, he could glean some insights.

If he were to expend his blood essence and lifespan, there was a chance he could acquire some information.

“The distance between Da Mengze and the Starry Sea is vast. Once I reach the Starry Sea and find some clues, if I use our bloodline as a medium and expend my blood essence and lifespan, I might be able to gain a clearer understanding of his situation.”

After a brief calculation, Lu Changsheng’s complexion turned pale.

On one hand, divination was extremely draining on mental energy.

On the other hand, the earlier artifact refinement had already consumed a lot of his strength, and he was not in peak condition.

“It seems this divination tool wasn’t a wasted effort; it has some function after all.”

Lu Changsheng stored the three copper coins without continuing the calculations.

He realized that pushing further would only waste more of his precious blood essence and lifespan.

It was better to head to the Starry Sea first, gather information on his son, and then attempt the calculations again.

“The force that obstructs celestial fate is quite exquisite. It’s unlike other diviners’ techniques. Could it be that Quanzhen is currently trapped in a cave treasure that isolates celestial fate calculations?”

Thinking of the earlier divination signs, Lu Changsheng pondered.

Cave treasures that obstruct celestial fate are incredibly rare; typically, Core Formation cultivators would struggle to possess one.

Combined with the fact that his son, Lu Quanzhen, bore a quasi fourth-tier talisman given by him, it was very likely he could escape against anyone below the Nascent Soul realm.

So, his son was most likely caught by a Nascent Soul True Lord.

“Sigh, how come everyone keeps crossing paths with Nascent Soul cultivators?”

Lu Changsheng felt a bit helpless.

Wherever he went, Core Formation cultivators belonged to the high-level ranks.

And Nascent Soul cultivators usually stay hidden, rarely showing themselves. Normally, Core Formation cultivators wouldn’t get entangled with them.

But his eldest son, Lu Ping’an, had already offended a Nascent Soul cultivator, and now his son Lu Quanzhen was in the same predicament.

“I hope Qing Shan and Yao Yao don’t end up in trouble with any Nascent Soul cultivators as well,”

Lu Changsheng thought about his other two children who had broken through to the Core Formation stage, unable to help but worry.

But then he recalled the commotion he had caused in the 【Mirage Domain of Vast Sands】. Even now, many Nascent Soul factions and cultivators in the Southern Desolation and Northern regions were keeping an eye on him; Lu Changsheng shook his head.

With his kind of trouble, it was inevitable for his children to face difficulties while out seeking opportunities. It would be unrealistic if they didn’t encounter any setbacks.

“Husband, what’s wrong?”

Ling Zixiao noticed Lu Changsheng’s somewhat pale complexion and immediately inquired with concern.

“I just used some divination techniques and drained a bit too much. No big deal,”

Lu Changsheng replied with a smile.

With his fourth-tier body refinement and exceptional physique, this kind of divination was still advantageous compared to average diviners.

For instance, the consumption of blood essence not only yielded better results but also restored him more quickly.

“Divination?”

Ling Zixiao was aware of divination. She had previously studied the Lu family’s divination legacy.

However, her talents in this area were not high, and as she had to divert her attention elsewhere, she only had a basic understanding.

“Yes, I sensed that Quanzhen is in some danger, so I cast a divination.”

Lu Changsheng stated honestly.

He had initially planned to finish up family matters before heading to the Starry Sea in search of opportunities at the Nascent Soul level.

Now, with this issue regarding Lu Quanzhen, he felt a heightened sense of urgency and intended to resolve the secret realm matter as soon as possible before heading over.

“Zixiao, how is the situation in the secret realm right now?”

Lu Changsheng continued to inquire.

“The secret realm is stable as Elder Hong Lian mentioned. There are no unexpected issues, but we found more than one Third-tier demon king, making exploration a bit challenging,”

Ling Zixiao replied.

“Have you informed Ping’an?”

“I’ve already contacted Miaoge, and Ping’an should be on his way. If the timing is right, he should arrive soon.”

Although the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror had been brought to the Immortal City of Damengze by Lu Changsheng, communication with Bihu Mountain remained very convenient from there.

“Alright, I’ll take a few days to rest. When Ping’an arrives, don’t rush into the secret realm. Wait for me to finish my recovery first.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded in agreement before finding a place to recuperate and dual cultivate with Hong Lian.

Half a month later.

Lu Changsheng emerged from Hong Lian’s cave abode, feeling revitalized.

Learning that Lu Ping’an had already reached Da Mengze and was currently at Dragonfish Island, Lu Changsheng didn’t delay.

He went together with Hong Lian and Meng Xiaochan to Dragonfish Island, bringing Lu Ping’an along to the secret realm.

To prevent any cultivators from intruding into the secret realm, the surrounding area had been sealed off by the City Lord’s Mansion.

It was guarded by the Sea Spirit Flood Dragon and several Foundation Establishment cultivators.

This Sea Spirit Flood Dragon, which was seized from Wan Hu Zhenren, though tamed by Hong Lian, still possessed a fierce nature deep down, and only Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian could command it.

However, since Hong Lian usually didn’t need to make use of it, she had handed it over to the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale as a subordinate.

Sometimes, even the most skilled beast tamers find it more effective to let the beasts manage their own kind through bloodline dominance.

Faced with the Ascended Fourth-tier Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, even the slightest aura compelled this Sea Spirit Flood Dragon to submit and obey.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, it really does seem like it’s best to control beasts with beasts.”

Lu Changsheng remarked, suddenly feeling a surge of inspiration regarding Da Mengze.

“As long as the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale subdues all the demon kings in Da Mengze, we could develop all the islands, including those shrouded in mist. How about it, Hong Lian? What do you think of the idea of having the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale lead the governance of Da Mengze?”

Lu Changsheng expressed his thoughts to Hong Lian, asking for her input.

“Your idea is certainly plausible, but these wild demon kings aren’t so easy to tame. Even if they submit to the Spirit Whale, their ingrained wildness and ferocity could still pose a threat to cultivators,”

Hong Lian, as a practitioner skilled in beast taming, understood the habits of demon beasts very well.

She stated that this had been attempted by many before, and it was essential to nurture multiple demon kings.

Then, much like training spiritual soldiers, one could tame a batch of Second-tier demon beasts and feed them ‘Spirit Nourishing Pills’, ‘Wisdom Opening Pills’, and other elixirs that enhance their intelligence, forming a true pack for his own use.

This task would require a massive amount of effort and resources, not achievable in a short time.

“It seems that fully developing Da Mengze won’t be easy after all,”

Lu Changsheng shook his head, planning to manage Da Mengze more carefully.

For example, he could use the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale to subdue all the demon kings and open up trade routes across the sea, resolving Da Mengze’s inaccessibility and dangers on the high seas.

Then, he could rent out or sell all the islands to other cultivators and factions, making a fortune from his dominance in these maritime regions.

He could even profit by using the demon beasts subdued by the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale for delivery, communication, and transport.

“I’ll take my time. Once the Black Water Flood Dragon’s soldiers mature, I can slowly begin experimenting,”

Lu Changsheng decided to set aside that thought, knowing that he needed to build his strength before anything else.

Breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage would make everything significantly easier.

“Ping’an, see if you can enter the secret realm?”

The secret realm has restrictions regarding cultivation levels, allowing only those at the initial stage of Core Formation to enter.

Although Lu Ping’an had just reached Core Formation, his body refinement had already broken through to the late Third-tier.

While he practiced both body refinement and cultivation, he was not purely focused on body cultivation from ancient times, which could conflict with the secret realm’s laws.

Upon hearing this, Lu Ping’an attempted to enter the secret realm but felt a sudden heaviness in his body, as if bearing a great burden, with no sign of rejection from the secret realm.

“Ping’an, once inside, your physical divine abilities may face some suppression,”

Hong Lian remarked.

“Got it.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, flipping his palm to reveal the three copper coins, tossing them gently as he began the divination to assess the fortunes and misfortunes of Lu Ping’an and Meng Xiaochan during this venture into the secret realm.

After a long while, he let out a relieved breath, receiving a divination sign indicating that this journey would be smooth, with a small fortune! “Is it just a small fortune?”

Lu Changsheng furrowed his brow slightly.

“A small fortune also means there might not be any precious opportunities in this secret realm.

However, thinking of it, since Lu Ping’an and Meng Xiaochan are both Core Formation cultivators, at least they should be able to gain Core Formation level opportunities.

As for medium and large fortunes, those would indicate top-tier opportunities, even possibly Nascent Soul level chances.

“Husband, what’s the matter?”

Seeing Lu Changsheng’s slight frown, Hong Lian immediately inquired with concern, assuming there was a problem with the secret realm.

“It’s nothing. Just a small fortune from the divination. I feel that this opportunity won’t be too significant.”

Lu Changsheng gently shook his head, feeling less optimistic about the secret realm than before.

Previously, he had held high hopes for this secret realm, considering it could yield significant rewards like those of the Celestial Secrets or Mirage Domains.

.

Hong Lian was left speechless.

Not every secret realm is filled with opportunities.

Many secret realms require substantial time and effort to explore, only to yield less than was expended or even suffer severe losses.

Lu Ping’an and Meng Xiaochan entering the secret realm with a small fortune sign is already quite good.

Moreover, after clearing the secret realm, it could still be developed into a medicinal garden, spirit beast garden, or a trial ground.

However, considering her husband’s perspective, it’s understandable that he wouldn’t look at it as a top-tier opportunity.

“There shouldn’t be any significant dangers inside, but be cautious once you enter. If anything seems off, come back immediately,”

Lu Changsheng instructed his wife and son and then provided them with several talismans and a Third-tier puppet.

Although the divination indicated a small fortune, this trip would go smoothly.

But the ways of heaven are unpredictable.

Divination is not absolute; it may change with the passage of time.

What was deemed a great fortune one moment could turn into a deadly misfortune the next; one cannot be overly superstitious about it.

“Dad, I understand,”

“Don’t worry, Lu Lang, I’ll be careful,”

The two replied with smiles, nodding to Lu Changsheng before stepping into the secret realm.

“Boom!”

As the world spun around him, Lu Ping’an felt a sudden heaviness as soon as he entered the secret realm, as if carrying a heavy load.

His entire vitality felt as though it was bound by invisible shackles.

Though he could forcibly struggle against it, he knew that would jeopardize the stability of the secret realm.

“Ping’an, what’s wrong?”

Meng Xiaochan noticed Lu Ping’an’s discomfort.

“I’m fine; it’s just that my vitality exceeds the limits of this secret realm, so I’m being suppressed. I need to adapt to it,”

Lu Ping’an replied with a grin.

Although his vitality was suppressed, his defensive power remained unaffected.

Only many of his divine abilities would be difficult to wield, requiring some time to adjust to his current state.

He had anticipated this situation beforehand, thanks to Hong Lian’s predictions before entering the secret realm.

“Alright, let me know if anything feels off,”

Meng Xiaochan replied, releasing a puppet and some poisonous insects to act as alarms.

Now that they had entered the secret realm, she transitioned from her usual caring wife persona back to the formidable Meng Xiaochan from her youth who had ventured alone to the Jin Kingdom to become a true disciple of the demonic path.

Half an hour later, after Lu Ping’an adapted to his current physical condition, he lightly tapped his spirit pet pouch and a massive yellow rat, the size of a dog, appeared.

“Squeak, squeak, squeak—”

This soul-seeking rat was none other than the treasure-hunting rat that Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao captured in the Nine Heavens Immortal City years ago.

Since being entrusted to the family business, it had been well-fed and cared for, growing into a late Second-tier spirit beast, now the number one treasure-hunting rat in Bihu Mountain.

Only for significant tasks or extraordinary circumstances do the members of the Lu family request to take this treasure-hunting rat outside; typically, it enjoys good food and comfortable living on Bihu Mountain.

However, it was able to reach this stage because it had endured three days of hunger while in Lu Changsheng’s company, knowing it needed to perform well to prove its worth.

Thus, once released from the spirit pet pouch by Lu Ping’an, the top treasure-hunting rat immediately began observing its surroundings, sensing the aura of heavenly medicines, and promptly guided Lu Ping’an and Meng Xiaochan in scavenging various spiritual herbs and heavenly treasures within the secret realm.