Chapter 718: Abundant Harvest and Alliance with Jiang Kingdom Cultivators!

Outside the secret realm, Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian remained on guard, prepared for any unexpected developments.

During this time, Lu Changsheng occasionally divined the situations of Meng Xiaochan and Lu Ping’an, using it as an opportunity to deepen his understanding of divination.

Although he had attained third-tier divination through the system, much of the knowledge still required practical application for full comprehension.

For instance, in this divination process, Lu Changsheng sensed that while this secret realm blocked the heavenly secrets, it didn’t compare to the situation of his son, Lu Quanzhen.

From this, one could gauge the significant gap between the two secret realms.

Time slipped by, nearly two months elapsed.

Buzz!

A ripple of uncertainty resonated within the secret realm.

Lu Ping’an and Meng Xiaochan stepped out, appearing travel-worn but not seriously injured.

“Ping’an, Xiaochan!”

Lu Changsheng immediately turned his gaze toward his son and wife, inquiring about their situation.

“Father.”

Lu Ping’an, with a joyful expression, handed several storage pouches and spirit planting bags to Lu Changsheng, indicating this was the outcome of their journey. He then added, “There are still many spirit herbs that aren’t ripe yet, so Aunt didn’t pick them.”

Lu Changsheng quickly assessed the contents of the storage pouches and spirit planting bags with his spiritual awareness. Most held second-tier and third-tier heavenly spirit herbs and materials.

“This is Yusui Jinzhizhi!”

At that moment, Lu Changsheng noticed three rhizomes resembling warm, white jade, crystal clear, with caps like golden-zinc infused spirit fungi, his surprise apparent as he exclaimed.

Although he wasn’t in short supply of Condensing Crystal Pills—holding five in hand—rare pills like these were always welcome.

Even if he had no personal use for them, they could always be traded for other precious materials.

Moreover, with so many sons and daughters, future demand for Condensing Crystal Pills would be substantial.

“Yes, this is indeed the main ingredient for Condensing Crystal Pills: Yusui Jinzhizhi.”

Lu Ping’an said joyfully, clearly appreciating the importance of the Condensing Crystal Pill.

With several younger siblings, achieving Core Formation would certainly require Condensing Crystal Pills.

Yet obtaining them through normal channels was exceedingly difficult, even for Core Formation cultivators.

Now, having acquired three Yusui Jinzhizhi, once he gathered all needed materials and hired someone to refine them, he could at least produce three, possibly four or five Condensing Crystal Pills.

“In addition to Yusui Jinzhizhi, Aunt and I found a spiritual spring eye in the main peak mountain range.”

Lu Ping’an continued, excitedly recounting their discoveries.

Although he didn’t encounter any fortuitous opportunity, these gains were immense benefits for the Lu family, far more gratifying than a personal lucky break.

From Lu Ping’an and Meng Xiaochan’s descriptions, Lu Changsheng gathered a general understanding of this secret realm.

Similar to the Ziyou Secret Realm, it was far more thriving. The central peak housed a middle-tier, third-class spiritual vein, with dense spiritual energy and numerous spirit herbs, including the Yusui Jinzhizhi they harvested.

Beyond the Yusui Jinzhizhi, a spring eye resided at the mountain’s summit, producing a continuous stream to nourish various spiritual herb trees within the mountain.

Deep within the spring, over time, a quantity of spring jade had formed, deemed a top-tier resource for Core Formation.

The Yusui was entirely collected, but taking the spring eye would damage the mountain, so they refrained from touching it.

Not only did they refrain from acting on the spring eye, but they also left many unripe spirit herbs untouched.

“The secret realm houses five third-tier demon kings, one of which, in late third-tier, proved too difficult to subdue. So, Aunt and I poisoned it; the others were only incapacitated and remain in the realm,”

Lu Ping’an revealed, aware that his father had raised a demon king at Bihu Mountain and another in the Immortal City. He understood that living demon kings hold far greater value than deceased ones.

Thus, he refrained from completing kills when he had the strength to capture them.

“Good, good, good! You’ve done well, Ping’an, Xiaochan; you’ve worked hard.”

Lu Changsheng expressed deep joy and satisfaction at the harvest.

Both the spirit herbs and the demon kings represented a massive fortune.

Especially the spirit herbs, acquiring three Yusui Jinzhizhi equated to nine Condensing Crystal Pills!” Hong Lian, how do you think we should handle this secret realm?”

Lu Changsheng turned to Hong Lian, seeking her opinion.

“The demon kings in the secret realm are too fierce and difficult to tame. Later, I’ll refine several Beast Control Rings to manage them.”

“As for the secret realm, the central peak’s spiritual vein can be used to plant spirit herbs, while the other areas can nurture spirit beasts and spiritual soldiers.”

“However, we need spiritual plant masters and array masters to come in and rectify the situation, placing formations around valuable spirit herb locations to prevent beasts from consuming them.”

Dressed elegantly in a red-gilded Vermillion Bird skirt, Hong Lian spoke softly, her beauty radiating.

After finishing, she paused and asked Lu Changsheng, “Can your Dragon Seeking technique move mountains and veins?”

“You could relocate a spiritual island to the exit of this secret realm, linking it through formations. That way, it would be much easier to guard it.”

This secret realm lay in the depths of the sea of Da Mengze. Lu Changsheng, along with Hong Lian, Lu Ping’an, and Meng Xiaochan could certainly visit without issue.

However, they couldn’t stay monitoring the area indefinitely. If they could connect an island to the secret realm, it would transform into a top-tier spiritual territory for the Lu family.

“If it were merely a second-tier little island, using divine abilities would work, but to move a third-tier spiritual island from the depths of Da Mengze is beyond my current capability.”

Lu Changsheng replied with a slight shake of his head.

His second-tier Dragon Seeking technique couldn’t simply move mountains or veins.

He was confident in relocating smaller second-tier islands, harnessing his abilities comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator.

“This matter isn’t urgent. The secret realm has already produced results, and we can take our time to develop it further.”

Hong Lian, hearing this, didn’t mind. She lightly bit her red lips and smiled gently.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, feeling there was no rush for this.

Then, a group returned to the Immortal City of Damengze, ready to inform Ling Zixiao about the secret realm findings. Later, Lu Ping’an and Ling Zixiao would return to the realm to arrange formations.

“Is Xiaoxiao preparing for Core Formation?”

Upon returning to the City Lord’s Mansion, Lu Changsheng learned that his son, Lu Lingxiao, had completed his seclusion and was preparing to attempt Core Formation.

“Yes, Xiaoxiao says he has mastered the Core Formation technique and intends to make a forceful attempt to break through.”

Though Ling Zixiao had achieved Core Formation, she too was uncertain about Lu Lingxiao’s circumstances and felt the need for Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian to oversee him.

Regarding her son, regarded as one of their family’s most gifted, Lu Changsheng had a keen interest. He immediately called for him to assess his status.

“Father, Mother, Master!”

Before long, Lu Lingxiao arrived, dressed in a black-red trimmed embroidered robe, his figure erect and exuding confidence.

“Xiaoxiao, are you preparing for Core Formation?”

Lu Changsheng regarded his dignified son, questioning.

“Yes, I have perfected the Core Formation technique taught by my master. I’m confident in condensing an upper-grade Golden Core, maybe even an Immortal Golden Core. Thus, I’m ready to make a breakthrough!”

Lu Lingxiao stood tall, eyes bright as he spoke with confidence.

This confidence wasn’t just the influence of his Dao Seed but stemmed from genuine conviction! An upper-grade Spirit Root! Incomplete Dragon Roar Body!

His Nascent Soul master! Top-tier inheritance! Immortal Bone [All Laws Harmonize]! Dao Seed [Imperial Qi Vision]! Talent, cultivation techniques, foundation, and the premium resources prepared by the Lu family provided him with absolute trust for a breakthrough! Yet, Lu Changsheng gazed at his son, shook his head, and said, “Not enough.”

“Hmm!?”

Ling Zixiao looked at her husband, surprised that Lu Changsheng deemed their son, Lu Lingxiao, insufficient at this moment.

It’s known that her son’s potential and foundation surpassed that of her own.

Even she, with Lu Changsheng’s aid, condensed an Immortal Golden Core; how could Lu Lingxiao’s talents lack?

Beside them, Hong Lian appeared thoughtful.

“Please clarify, Father!”

Undeterred, Lu Lingxiao directly inquired.

“Your momentum isn’t enough.”

Lu Changsheng responded gently.

In terms of talent and foundation, Lu Lingxiao far surpassed Lu Ping’an and Lu Qingshan.

Yet regarding momentum, comparing him with Lu Qingshan, who had also merged Dao Seeds, he fell short.

Though he had placed Lu Lingxiao in the Immortal City, making him the Young Lord, cultivating a regal presence and authority, Lu Changsheng immediately saw that this kingly aura fell short of the invincible edge Lu Qingshan exhibited in his early years.

This revealed that Lu Lingxiao hadn’t fully explored the invincibility of [Imperial Qi Vision].

“This is also a drawback from growing up under my protection.”

Lu Changsheng had long realized that he had sheltered his children too much.

This had its pros and cons.

The benefit was that the Lu family’s child mortality rate was far lower than that of many other clans.

The downside was that the potential of many children could not be better realized.

“Your momentum isn’t enough.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Lingxiao instantly comprehended his father’s meaning.

Invincible momentum!

He recognized that his integration of Dao Seeds had yet to meet his father’s expectations.

Regarding the determination and momentum of invincibility, he understood this was cultivated through a series of victories.

That was why he had always sought opportunities to train and develop this insurmountable momentum.

Aside from his sister, Lu Wangshu, he had maintained dominance at his level.

After breaking through the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment, he served as Young Lord in the Immortal City and once sparred with False Core cultivators, remaining evenly matched.

But now, after Lu Changsheng’s remarks, he felt somewhat lost.

“You’re lost. One comment makes you doubt yourself, which shows your will isn’t firm enough.”

Seeing his son’s state, Lu Changsheng gently shook his head, saying, “As my son Lu Changsheng, possessing a Spirit Body, endowed with superior conditions, dominating your peers is expected.”

“If you can abandon your reliance on your Spirit Body, Immortal Bone, and Dao Seed, and still remain invincible while dominating your peers, only then will you be genuinely stepping onto the path of invincibility!”

Clad in a blue robe, Lu Changsheng, handsome in appearance, spoke quietly.

“Abandon reliance on your Spirit Body, Immortal Bone, and Dao Seed?”

Lu Lingxiao paused, contemplating whether he could still dominate without those advantages.

The answer was in the affirmative.

Yet, in that case, he acknowledged that he wouldn’t have the same combat power at present, making invincibility unfeasible.

“Invincibility lies in the heart, not in possessions.”

Beside him, Hong Lian spoke softly.

Lu Lingxiao understood that his father wasn’t suggesting he abandon material possessions but rather indicating his resolve wasn’t steadfast enough to achieve true invincibility!

Over the years, in pursuit of cultivating this so-called invincibility, he had at times acted merely to act.

“Father, Master, I plan to venture out to hone my heart and mind.”

Lu Lingxiao took a deep breath and declared, intending to put his Dao Seed aside and follow his true heart.

“You plan to challenge the Jiang Kingdom’s prodigies and seek sword techniques from the Heavenly Sword Sect?”

Lu Changsheng caught onto his son’s intentions.

“Yes, my child also intends to revisit the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.”

Lu Lingxiao’s brow was sharp, aiming to break through his mental barriers through a life-and-death crisis.

“That sounds too troublesome.”

Lu Changsheng exchanged glances with Hong Lian, sensing that this sparring held little significance for his son.

Without enduring severe trials and true life-and-death baptism, genuine transformation would be challenging.

After pondering for a moment, he suddenly turned to Ling Zixiao, saying, “Zixiao, the secret realm of Da Mengze has been fully explored, later you and Ping’an should go tend to necessary matters, then inform the four great sects. Our Immortal City of Damengze will open the secret realm; all cultivators beneath Core Formation from the Jiang Kingdom can participate, including False Core cultivators!”

After speaking, Lu Changsheng looked at his son, Lu Lingxiao, saying, “Xiaoxiao, I’ll give you a chance. Soon, in the secret realm, if you can overpower all participants and nurture invincible momentum among the populace, you may directly attempt Core Formation in the secret realm!”

What was the point of mere sparring? If they were going to do this, it should be real blades and real danger!

He would use the Jiang Kingdom cultivators as sharpening stones for his son! At that time, he would even release two severely injured third-tier demon kings within the secret realm.

If, under these conditions, his son still failed to cultivate an invincible mindset, then one could only conclude that the Dao Seed wasn’t compatible, and it should no longer be forced.

“This…”

Ling Zixiao was taken aback by her husband’s statement.

Opening the Da Mengze secret realm to all the Jiang Kingdom prodigies, even False Core cultivators, would serve as sharpening stones for their son.

It was vital to note that their son, Lu Lingxiao, had just reached the peak of Foundation Establishment; how could he possibly contend with so many cultivators from the secret realm, especially those who are False Core practitioners?

If she heard that Lu Changsheng planned to release several third-tier demon kings, she’d undoubtedly be even more shocked.

Beside them, Hong Lian pursed her lips, a playful smile appearing as she subtly raised a corner of her mouth.

She hadn’t always agreed with Lu Changsheng’s methods of training their children, but she never openly disputed his approach.

Now that Lu Changsheng was willing to make changes for Lu Lingxiao, she viewed it as a positive sign; it was beneficial for the growth of the Lu family’s children over the long haul.

“Alright.”

While she might discuss other matters with Lu Changsheng, regarding this, knowing it was for her son’s best, she nodded in agreement.

“Thank you, Father!”

Lu Lingxiao did not flinch, standing tall with an aura of one who could embrace the sun and moon, brimming with anticipation for this upcoming secret realm!

“Young Master, could Wangshu and the others enter the secret realm?”

At that moment, Ling Zixiao inquired about the details of the secret realm.

“Of course, anyone willing can enter!”

Lu Changsheng replied directly, feeling it essential to transform the Da Mengze secret realm into a training ground similar to the Ziyou Secret Realm, allowing family members to experience training.

This way, as long as the secret realm was controlled by the family, they wouldn’t worry about any unexpected incidents.

“Hong Lian, do you have any thoughts on this?”

Lu Changsheng looked toward Hong Lian, seeking her ideas.

“If my husband wishes to use this secret realm for trials,”

As a former Nascent Soul powerhouse, Hong Lian was quite experienced in this regard, promptly outlining some general measures regarding the secret realm layout.

She also suggested establishing some cooperation with the four great sects of the Jiang Kingdom through the secret realm.

“Alright, you can handle these arrangements.”

These issues would take considerable time. Lu Changsheng decided to leave it all to Hong Lian and Ling Zixiao.

During this time, he planned for his journey to the Starry Sea.

He even intended to travel to the Starry Sea on the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, bringing along the Golden-Winged Roc and Soul-Taking Beast, Qian Zhuyan.

The Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale would return to Da Mengze to stand guard, ensuring there were no unexpected events at home, or that after their family finished in the secret realm, the whale could return.