Chapter 723: Secret Realm Showdown! Contemporary Geniuses!

Jiang Kingdom, Da Mengze.

As the City Lord’s Mansion announced the rules of the Abyss Secret Realm, and released three hundred and sixty-five tokens, with the first-place prize being a Condensing Crystal Pill, all the cultivators in Da Mengze were in an uproar! Apart from the four major immortal sects and Core Formation level forces, ordinary factions simply weren’t qualified to even see a Condensing Crystal Pill.

Even for a Core Formation family, trying to obtain a Condensing Crystal Pill was extremely difficult.

Therefore, the precious value of a Condensing Crystal Pill was self-evident.

Possessing a Condensing Crystal Pill was akin to having one foot in the Core Formation stage! Yet now, the City Lord of Dameng City had actually put up a Condensing Crystal Pill as a reward.

This gesture was like a massive boulder thrown into a pond, causing countless waves.

Initially, there were quite a few people who were hesitant.

But as the news spread, the False Core Ancestors from the Da Mengze region all emerged from seclusion, choosing to enter the secret realm and compete for the Condensing Crystal Pill.

Even many Foundation Establishment cultivators, knowing they weren’t qualified, couldn’t help but gasp in awe and enter the secret realm.

At this very moment, the Abyss Secret Realm was more lively than ever before.

Countless cultivators were fighting for opportunities in the secret realm. Those with lower cultivation searched for spiritual herbs, spirit medicine, crystal mines, and hunted demonic beasts.

Those with higher cultivation and confidence in themselves, such as the disciples of the four major immortal sects, directly contended for the tokens.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

At that moment, a pillar of light shot into the sky within the secret realm. Everyone knew that new tokens had appeared.

In an instant, the cultivators near that area rushed over, starting a melee.

“These tokens are mine!”

Lu Lingxiao happened to be nearby and immediately flew over. A Vermillion Bird Seal hovered above his head, his fists glowing as he unleashed a scorching fire that swept towards everyone.

He alone swept away several people, targeting all the cultivators who came to snatch the tokens, his dominance boundless.

Some of the cultivators who were attacked coughed up blood, including even those in the late Foundation Establishment stage, unable to withstand a single blow from Lu Lingxiao.

“So strong!”

“Let’s wait for others to come!”

Some chose to retreat with injuries, while others waited for their friends to arrive.

Not far away, Lu Wangshu, in a gorgeous pink and white dress and with a delicate and bright face, quietly watched Lu Lingxiao show off his strength, fighting against many opponents alone.

After all, her main purpose in entering this secret realm was to keep an eye on Lu Lingxiao.

Lu Lingxiao’s combat power was beyond doubt. He didn’t even use his Dao-Comprehending Artifact, the [Golden Fire Vine Tree]. The Vermillion Bird Seal alone was enough to overwhelm everyone present.

However, since this secret realm was mainly for trials, he didn’t strike fatal blows.

After being injured, the cultivators wisely retreated and chose to leave the secret realm.

After grasping the several tokens that had just appeared, Lu Lingxiao and Lu Wangshu headed to the next location.

As time slowly passed, most of the cultivators in the early and mid-Foundation Establishment stage were eliminated from the secret realm.

The secret realm had reached its final stage.

Everyone knew that the remaining tokens had to be snatched from others!

And the cultivators in the secret realm began to form groups to compete.

“Young friends, hand over your tokens. I happen to have some other gains here that I can exchange.”

At this moment, a False Core Elder, accompanied by several Foundation Establishment cultivators, saw Lu Qingxian, Lu Qingze, Lu Qingyan, Lu Chensha, Lu Linghe, Lu Xuangen, Qin Yi and others, and spoke with a smile.

He was from a False Core family in the Da Mengze region.

Recognizing Lu Qingyan and the others as members of the Talisman Lu Family, he didn’t want to offend them to the point of no return, so he chose to be polite first.

“A False Core cultivator.”

Lu Qingxian, Qin Yi, Lu Qingze and the others exchanged glances, their expressions somewhat grave.

Although they had numbers, their combined strength was enough to fight a False Core cultivator.

But they would also suffer significant losses.

“Big Brother Qingxuan, we can fight.”

Lu Chensha said to Lu Qingxian through voice transmission.

Under normal circumstances, he would definitely not want to fight a False Core cultivator.

But in this secret realm, if he didn’t perform well and let others steal their tokens, he would definitely get scolded when he returned home.

“Senior’s words alone make you think we will hand over our tokens? You ask too much. Let my brothers and sisters experience your False Core Divine Abilities!”

Although Lu Chensha was only at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment.

Lu Qingxian had interacted with him quite a bit and knew that this type of insect cultivator, beast master, had extraordinary methods, and could defeat a stronger opponent! “Since that’s the case, don’t blame this old man for bullying the weak.”

The False Core Elder said in a deep voice.

Although it wouldn’t be good for his reputation if a False Core bullied Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The first-place prize of this secret realm was a Condensing Crystal Pill, and even the top ten could get an superior Core Formation Spiritual item.

For such an opportunity, even offending the Talisman Lu Family was worth it.

Moreover, the cultivation world had an unwritten rule that grudges in trial secret realms were not taken outside.

As long as he didn’t go too far and kill all the Lu family disciples, even if Changsheng Zhenren was the vice city lord of Dameng Immortal City, he couldn’t openly retaliate without tarnishing his reputation.

“Let’s see your true strength!”

Lu Qingxian didn’t say much. He also wanted to see the methods of a False Core cultivator.

His Life-bound Treasure, the [Thunderfire Scepter], appeared in his hand, with a mix of purple lightning and crimson flames surging around him, his aura violent.

Lu Qingyan, next to him, wielding a Black Dragon Spear, charged straight towards the False Core Elder like a nimble dragon.

Lu Chensha quietly retreated behind the others. Dense swarms of ants with black flames appeared from under his feet.

Qin Yi, dressed in black sword attire, summoned her Life-bound Sword and fought alongside Lu Qingyan.

Lu Qingze, Lu Linghe, and Lu Xuangen engaged the three Foundation Establishment cultivators who were with the False Core Elder.

The battle broke out immediately.

Although there were many rumors of Foundation Establishment cultivators defeating False Core cultivators in the cultivation world.

Under normal circumstances, a False Core cultivator’s power was not something a general Foundation Establishment cultivator could contend with.

Except for Qin Yi, whose cultivation had already broken through to the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment, the others were only in the mid and late Foundation Establishment stages.

Therefore, in a single breath, Lu Qingyan’s Blood Energy surged under the False Core Elder’s immense magical energy, and her body retreated repeatedly.

However, in an instant, Qin Yi’s Flying Sword shot out, with sharp sword energy flying everywhere.

Lu Qingxian and Lu Chensha’s attacks followed closely behind.

“The Talisman Lu Family, indeed, lives up to its reputation! Ha!”

After several exchanges, the False Core Elder realized that the Lu family disciples in front of him were not ordinary. If he didn’t use his real skills, he might actually be defeated.

He opened his mouth and spat out a cold light that transformed into an ancient, ornate fishing rod interwoven with jade-colored pearl light.

It was his Life-bound Treasure—the Sea-Tugging Rod!

This fishing rod spun around, gathering a deep blue radiance that resembled an ocean, forming a heavy pressure like a mountain, pressing down towards Qin Yi and the others.

Then, the rod’s crystalline line flew towards Lu Qingxian, trying to bind this main force.

“Clang!”

Qin Yi immediately formed hand seals and pointed at her Flying Sword, which then slashed swiftly at the crystalline line, but it was tightly entangled and trembled continuously.

Seeing this, Lu Qingxian used the Thunderfire Scepter to connect with the [Raging Thunder Kirin Diagram], refined with the Hundred Refinements Body Technique at his chest.

His entire body instantly transformed into a sea of thunder. Above his head, a Kirin that resembled a thunder beast roared, stepping towards the deep blue radiance like an ocean.

“Rumble!”

The attack, full of destructive and explosive force, directly broke the False Core Elder’s attack, creating terrifying magical energy fluctuations that caused the fishing rod to shake violently and its spiritual light to become unstable.

Lu Qingyan and Lu Chensha immediately attacked.

But a False Core was still a False Core, not something a Foundation Establishment cultivator could compare to. He summoned a top-grade spiritual artifact to defend his body, and the fishing rod in his hand suddenly released a blue radiance, attacking the others.

“Five Elements Wheel!”

Not far away, Lu Xuangen had a five-colored wheel hovering above his head. It illuminated his entire body, making him seem invulnerable, suppressing his opponent at the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment.

Although he was young, having broken through to Foundation Establishment only seventeen years ago.

He had the Five Elements Body and made rapid progress in his cultivation, like eating and drinking, already breaking through to the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment.

Lu Linghe was not to be outdone.

Although she started much later and hadn’t cultivated many techniques.

She was one of Lu Changsheng’s most beloved daughters and was constantly nourished by sarira and natural treasures, making her physical strength and magical energy incredibly powerful.

Not only did she have a cultivation base at the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment, with top-grade spiritual artifacts like the Black Dragon Spear and the Qiankun Ring, but all her hair accessories, necklaces, dresses, bracelets, and shoes were also spiritual artifacts.

It was difficult for even an ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator to easily break through her full-body treasures.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator who was fighting her couldn’t help but feel apprehensive when he saw the dazzling glow of her treasures.

After all, the glow was too blinding! He knew without thinking that she was the daughter that Changsheng Zhenren doted on greatly.

If he accidentally injured her even slightly, provoking the wrath of the Zhenren or other dissatisfied Lu Family disciples, he wouldn’t be able to stay in Jiang Kingdom anymore.

However, facing Lu Linghe’s open and powerful fighting style, which resembled a demonic beast, he was no match and retreated step by step.

“Young friends, how about we end this here?”

After a moment, the False Core Elder realized he couldn’t easily defeat Lu Qingxian and the others.

And his three juniors were unable to defeat Lu Xuangen, Lu Linghe, and Lu Qingze.

Continuing the fight was meaningless, and would only lead to mutual losses.

“End it here? Do you think our Talisman Lu Family is easy to bully?”

Just then, a clear and melodious voice sounded.

A stunningly beautiful woman in a pink and white dress appeared in the distance, her beautiful eyes examining the fishing rod in the False Core Elder’s hands.

Next to her stood a tall and sturdy young man with a crimson glow surrounding him.

“Sister!”

Seeing this woman, Lu Linghe called out happily. The Black Dragon Spear in her hand abruptly pushed back her opponent, wanting to use her Wind Fire Wheels to go to Lu Wangshu.

But then remembering she was still in battle, she stopped, thinking that if she left the pressure would fall on Lu Xuangen and others.

“Wangshu.”

“Sister Wangshu.”

The others also called out immediately after seeing Lu Wangshu, their gaze turning to Lu Lingxiao.

It was just that Lu Lingxiao’s identity as the Young City Lord was too eye-catching, so Hong Lian had disguised him, causing even Lu Linghe, besides Lu Wangshu, to not recognize her own brother.

“So it’s Fairy Fu. I wonder what the fairy intends?”

Lu Wangshu, as the daughter of Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue, and because she had been in Dameng Immortal City for many years, managing the Lu Family’s [Talisman Hall], was quite famous.

Even this False Core Elder knew about Lu Wangshu and patiently and politely asked.

“Naturally, hand over all your gains.”

Although Lu Wangshu was very envious of the other party’s fishing rod, this was a secret realm trial, and she still tried her best not to cause trouble for her family.

“Does young friend think so little of this old man?”

The old man’s expression and voice immediately turned cold.

Even a clay figure had a bit of temper.

He was a dignified False Core cultivator, a patriarch of his own region. Considering the face of the Talisman Lu Family and Changsheng Zhenren, he had already been quite polite to Lu Qingxian and Lu Wangshu.

But Lu Wangshu, a mere junior, was actually asking him to hand over all his gains! She completely disregarded him as an elder! This was outrageous!

It was simply outrageous! Even if there were rumors that this Fairy Fu had inherited Changsheng Zhenren’s Talisman Art and had extraordinary strength, he couldn’t back down like this.

Otherwise, where would he put his face in the future! “Since that is the case, then I’ll take it myself.”

Lu Wangshu crossed her arms, looked at Lu Lingxiao beside her, and slightly raised her chin, signaling him to make a move.

…

Although Lu Lingxiao was speechless at Lu Wangshu’s behavior of ordering around her underlings, he had already gotten used to it over the years.

The Vermillion Bird Seal appeared above his head, and then he flew out like a Vermillion Bird, with an imposing aura, killing the False Core Elder.

“Big Sister-in-law, Qingxuan, Qingyan… You don’t need to take action. Just watch from the side.”

At this moment, Lu Wangshu transmitted a message to Lu Qingxian and the others, telling them to watch the battle from the sidelines.

“Hmm?”

Lu Qingxian saw Lu Lingxiao, who was covered in a crimson glow. His eyes narrowed slightly. He instantly understood what was happening.

Not only him, but Lu Linghe also recognized her brother as she saw Lu Lingxiao’s golden eyes and the flames gradually burning on his body.

Only Qin Yi was a bit stunned, not understanding what Lu Wangshu meant.

Why would she let Lu Lingxiao, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, face a False Core cultivator! Even in the Heavenly Sword Sect, there were very few cultivators who could challenge a False Core from Foundation Establishment.

However, Lu Wangshu, arriving at their side, flicked her hand and sent Lu Linghe’s opponent flying, telling her to behave and just watch the battle.

“Good good good!”

Seeing Lu Lingxiao enter the battle, while Qin Yi and Lu Qingxian retreated to the sidelines, the False Core Elder’s anger grew.

He realized that Lu Wangshu and the Lu family disciples were completely disregarding him. It was an open challenge, using him as a whetstone!

In an instant, he stopped holding back and prepared to teach the junior in front of him a lesson.

The fishing rod released a spiritual light, condensing endless azure radiance. The fishing line roared towards Lu Lingxiao like a dragon.

Although Lu Lingxiao was just a Foundation Establishment cultivator, his aura was not at all weaker than the False Core Elder in front of him. In fact, it was even more imposing. His body was covered in flames, with strands of lightning arcs mixed in. He then punched out.

“Screech!”

A Vermillion Bird fire bird collided with the dragon before him, creating terrifying magical energy fluctuations.

However, merely relying on the Vermillion Bird Seal, a spiritual artifact, he was no match for the old man who wielded a Dao-Comprehending Artifact.

The magical energy within his crimson body surged. Golden light spread from his Qi Sea Dantian. A black-gold treasure tree with burning vine appeared.

It was his Dao-Comprehending Artifact [Golden Fire Vine Tree]! Lu Lingxiao grabbed the Golden Fire Vine Tree. His aura soared. He unleashed limitless profound light. Then, with a fierce sweep, the scorching and domineering aura directly shattered the blue dragon.

Ignoring the mountain-like pressure formed by the fishing rod, he charged towards the False Core Elder like a human-shaped demonic beast, a fierce gust of wind rolling up behind him. The imposing Blood Energy and magical energy oppressed the battlefield, rendering him incomparably domineering.

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh!”

Lu Lingxiao used the Golden Fire Vine Tree as a close-quarters weapon. With the support of his peak Foundation Establishment magical energy and second-tier body, he swung it out with all his might.

In an instant, the dazzling and scorching fire filled the False Core Elder’s eyes.

“Bang!!!”

Then, the False Core Elder’s Protective Shield shook violently. The spiritual light dimmed at a speed visible to the naked eye. Then, dense cracks appeared as if it was about to break and melt.

“This!”

The False Core Elder’s expression was aghast, as if he had seen a ghost.

If he was facing a Core Formation cultivator or a False Core cultivator’s divine abilities, it would be normal for his Protective Shield to be broken.

Even if he faced a third-tier attack talisman, or a top-grade talisman treasure, he could understand.

But Lu Lingxiao in front of him, although surrounded by crimson glow, the magical energy aura of the peak Foundation Establishment could not be fake.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator made his Blood Energy surge, his Protective Shield shatter, his body unstable and sent flying.

“This this this…”

“It’s him!”

Lu Qingxian, Lu Qingyan, Lu Xuangen and the three cultivators brought by the False Core Elder all looked surprised and shocked, their scalps tingling.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator knocking back a False Core cultivator with a single blow! What kind of contemporary genius was this! Even Lu Qingxian, Lu Qingyan and Lu Xuangen, whose fighting power was top-tier among their peers, were astonished.

“Lingxiao has grown to this point!”

Lu Qingxian had already recognized Lu Lingxiao. Through his Dao-Comprehending Artifact, the [Golden Fire Vine Tree], he was completely sure.

Seeing the latter’s strength, he realized that he had surpassed himself quite a bit without him even noticing. He felt a rush of emotion.

“A Foundation Establishment cultivator defeating a False Core cultivator!”

While Lu Xuangen was shocked, he took Lu Lingxiao as his goal.

He had the Five Elements Body and had always been required by his mother, Wang Yanjing, to be invincible at the same level and be able to challenge those of higher levels.

The facts proved that he had not disappointed his mother.

But he was still a little unsure about the shocking event of a Foundation Establishment cultivator fighting a False Core cultivator.

After all, in the Bihu Mountain region, Foundation Establishment cultivators were the ancestors, and False Core cultivators were another level.

In this sort of environment, he subconsciously placed a bit of a filter on False Core cultivators, thinking it was nearly impossible for a Foundation Establishment to challenge a False Core.

But now, seeing Lu Lingxiao repel the False Core with a single blow, a surge of boldness rose within him.

He believed that he would also be able to do it in the future, to challenge a False Core cultivator during the Foundation Establishment stage, and then advance to Core Formation! “Wangshu, who is he?”

Qin Yi recognized Lu Lingxiao’s Golden Fire Vine Tree and remembered seeing him during the pioneer wars.

She didn’t expect him to be with Lu Wangshu.

“Big Sister-in-law, you’ll know in the future.”

Lu Wangshu smiled with a hint of playfulness.

Lu Linghe beside her wanted to introduce her brother to Qin Yi, while cheering him on. But Lu Wangshu covered her mouth, and could only whimper.

Qin Yi looked at the two sisters joking around, unable to help but speculate, could this person be Lu Wangshu’s beloved Dao Companion?

A contemporary genius who could fight a False Core cultivator during the Foundation Establishment stage, he was indeed worthy of this Lu Family moon.