Chapter 777: Shadows of the Eternal Night

Land of Eternal Night.

In the Forbidden Deep Mountains, darkness blankets everything.

Within this grim and eerie land of darkness, where mystery lurks at every corner, a mechanical puppet with ghostly, bluish flames in its eye sockets stood silently alongside a resplendent golden Peng bird, both guarding a lone tent.

Inside the pitch-black tent, a Xuanjian Mirror hung aloft, emitting a soft glow that revealed a sensuous and captivating scene.

On a dark golden tiger-skin rug, Yun Wanshang’s exquisitely sculpted form was spread out, her fair and graceful body enhanced by silky black hair that cascaded like satin, reminiscent of a rare orchid blossoming in the dark.

Her rosy cheeks, half-lidded enchanting eyes, and delicate teeth lightly biting her crimson lips were matched by brows that alternated between determined furrows and gentle ease, all radiating an otherworldly allure.

Lu Changsheng gazed at the beauty before him with burning passion, his hand resting tenderly on her slender yet resilient waist, as if afraid that too much pressure might shatter the perfection before him.

They spoke not a word, communicating solely through the most primal acts that expressed their deep, mutual affection.

As their yin and yang merged like water mixing with milk, an invisible cauldron—formed by a blazing sun and a luminous moon—seemed to hover faintly above their heads.

“Calm your mind and channel your power!”

Then the woman spoke, her voice laced with an unrestrained, coquettish charm.

Lu Changsheng noticed that Yun Wanshang’s Psychic Energy, darting like little fish into his Qi Sea Dantian, resonated with his Golden Core Dao Foundation, awakening his yin and yang energies—a fact that visibly stunned him.

Unwilling to be distracted by the seductive intimacy before him, he drew a deep breath and focused, channeling the drifting energy with steely resolve.

He used his yin and yang to nurture this spiritual essence and attempted to further stimulate his Golden Core Dao Foundation.

After a while, as their cultivation techniques took effect and the energy was guided back into Yun Wanshang’s body, Lu Changsheng said, “True Lord, since you already knew the effect of this energy, why mention it only now?”

Through their dual cultivation and his careful guidance of her energy, Lu Changsheng realized that this essence could stimulate his Golden Core Dao Foundation and awaken magical power.

Yet its effect was minimal—less potent than that of the Three-Colored Flower.

But the catch was that the Three-Colored Flower was a rare spiritual substance that took immense effort to find, whereas this energy could be attained simply through dual cultivation.

Moreover, under its influence, his awakened yin and yang could further stimulate his Golden Core or nurture the energy itself.

In short, they were a perfect match.

Her energy nourished his Golden Core Dao Foundation, while his yin and yang rejuvenated her spiritual essence.

.

Yun Wanshang fell momentarily silent.

She realized, just as she had suspected, that her energy was indeed affecting Lu Changsheng.

Moreover, with his cultivation now at the peak of Core Formation, his yin and yang could continue to enhance his energy, helping her to awaken her dormant magical power.

“True Lord, we’ve wasted enough time. We can’t afford any more delays—our magical power must be awakened swiftly if we are to leave this place.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t blame Yun Wanshang.

After all, who would casually mention dual cultivation upon first meeting?

While he had no qualms, she—being a female cultivator—naturally exercised some reserve.

“???”

Startled by his words, Yun Wanshang paused in surprise.

Although her energy had a modest effect on stimulating his Golden Core Dao, she couldn’t help but wonder—how long would it take to fully awaken her dormant magical power?

Even if she trained in the Celestial Light Force and her body surpassed the third rank, wouldn’t it eventually give out? Besides, who could sustain endless dual cultivation? She recalled that his yin and yang took nearly two weeks or even a month to recover. In the Land of Eternal Night, where his Golden Core lay dormant, could his yin and yang still regenerate?

Before she could dwell on it further, Lu Changsheng pressed on with a serious expression, declaring, “True Lord, channel your power!”

Jiang Kingdom, Bihu Mountain.

Lu Family Compound.

“Concubine, the war in the Yue Kingdom is perilous—let me go!”

Lu Ping’an, tall and imposing, looked at Lu Miaoge with earnest respect as he bowed with cupped hands.

After establishing a foothold in the Wu Kingdom, the Yuan Kingdom chose to intervene in the Liang-Yue War.

Although, with assistance from Jiang Kingdom, the Nascent Soul True Lord had not directly engaged, their support had plunged the Yue Kingdom into a precarious state.

Faced with this situation, Jiang Kingdom simply could not stand by idly.

Not only were Core Formation cultivators from the Azure Cloud Sect, Luoxia Sect, and Beast Spirit Sect summoned to aid the Yue Kingdom, but the subordinate family forces were also drawn into the conflict.

The Talisman Lu Family, boasting three Core Formation cultivators, was naturally conscripted.

Their choices were stark: either send a Core Formation True Lord or provide ten Foundation Establishment cultivators along with strategic supplies to support the front.

Such wars among immortal nations were brutal—sending Foundation Establishment cultivators was almost a death sentence.

The Lu Family, always treasuring its disciples, wouldn’t risk sending them into such peril. Thus, Lu Miaoge opted to join the war in the Yue Kingdom, leaving Lu Ping’an to oversee the family compound.

“Ping’an, with Jiang Kingdom now embroiled in the conflict, there’s a chance that cultivators from the Liang Kingdom or Jin Kingdom might disrupt our rear. The family needs you to stand guard.”

“My cultivation technique has healing properties, eliminating the need for extensive frontline combat. Besides, with Qingyi Zhenren accompanying me, I’ll have enough support—there’s little danger.”

Dressed in a simple white dress, Lu Miaoge, her features delicate and her aura as fluid as water, spoke softly, aware that under her husband’s training, Lu Ping’an’s combat prowess far exceeded her own.

However, his immense strength couldn’t be openly displayed, lest it attract the envy and apprehension of rival cultivation factions.

A discreet journey to the Yue Kingdom was essential to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Moreover, her two children, Lu Qingshan and Lu Qingzhu, remained in the Yue Kingdom and could not return; Lu Miaoge also hoped to see them and learn of the harsh trials they had faced in the war.

Seeing that Lu Ping’an wished to insist further, Lu Miaoge raised a delicate hand and, in a gentle yet authoritative tone, said, “Guarding the family is no easy task. Besides, with Xiaoqin nearing her Core Formation, you must stay by her side.”

Lu Ping’an sighed, his expression growing grave as he remarked, “Concubine, why not take Xiao Hei along? With me here, there’s no need for him to stand guard.”

Though the Nine Nether Hound had only been a third-rank cultivator for thirty years, as a demonic beast of a low-grade Heaven Step bloodline, it could still hold off even mid-stage True Core cultivators for a brief spell.

“The cultivators who once attacked White Tiger Mountain came from the Beast God Mountain of Liang Kingdom. If we bring Xiao Hei along, he might attract unwanted attention. Besides, with the third-rank puppet and talisman from your father at my side, I can handle any crisis.”

Lu Changsheng had mentioned the matter of Shadow to Lu Miaoge, so he was aware that Xiao Hei had caught the covetous eye of the Holy Maiden of Beast God Mountain.

“In that case, Concubine, be cautious. If anything happens, just crush the communication jade talisman, and I’ll come immediately.”

Lu Ping’an said this with a solemn expression.

Though his cultivation hadn’t advanced much these years, his mastery of Dragon-Tiger Abyss Cultivation and the Nine Cicadas Undying Body Technique had solidified his foundation in divine abilities, resulting in a noticeable boost in combat prowess.

Even if he resorted to using the Wild Dragon Spine, he could hold his own against even a Core Formation True Lord at its peak.

Thus, he was in no position to contradict Lu Miaoge, who had reached the third tier of Core Formation.

“Alright.”

Lu Miaoge smiled gently as she looked at the robust, solid, and sincere Lu Ping’an before her.

Once a bumbling youth sent from the secular world by her husband and later discovered to possess a Spirit Root on Qingzhu Mountain, he had quietly grown into someone she once looked up to.

After deciding to join the war in the Yue Kingdom, Lu Miaoge entrusted Lu Miaoyun with handling the family affairs.

Although she nonchalantly claimed there was no danger,

she recalled how Chu Qingyi had once returned severely injured, and with the Liang-Yue war growing even more fierce, Lu Miaoge had braced herself mentally.

“Phew!”

Lu Ping’an reached the summit of Biyun Peak, gazing out at the swirling mists and boundless expanse of Bihu Lake. His fists clenched tightly, and his mighty arms radiated power like coiling dragons and tigers.

In his youth, with his father at home, he only needed to focus on his cultivation.

Now, with his father away for long periods, he realized how woefully inadequate his own strength truly was.

Alone, he could never possibly support the family as his father once did.

In the ever-shifting realm of cultivation, only by becoming a Nascent Soul True Lord could one protect a region and safeguard the family!

A few days later, Chu Qingyi and Xiao Xiyue arrived at Bihu Mountain aboard a Jade Sedan Chair.

“Miaoge, has there been no word from Changsheng yet?”

Clad in a moon-white dress and moving with graceful elegance like a celestial maiden from the Moon Palace, Xiao Xiyue inquired with concern as she faced Lu Miaoge.

Seeing her shake her head, she exchanged a look with Chu Qingyi and then sighed softly.

Before coming over, the two senior disciples had requested an audience with the Leader of Azure Cloud Sect to inspect their Master’s Soul Lamp.

Fortunately, the Soul Lamp remained steady, signifying that their Master was safe.

Yet, knowing that their Master had been away for over forty years with no word, and that Lu Changsheng had also left in search of a Nascent Soul opportunity with no news, both women couldn’t shake a growing sense of worry.

After a brief conversation, Chu Qingyi, holding her son Lu Shouzheng, looked at Xiao Xiyue and Lu Miaoge and said, “Junior Sister, Lu Dao Friend, please take care of Shouzheng from now on.”

Although she had the right to refuse this conscription,

But since this conscription came from the Heavenly Sword Sect, if she refused, Azure Cloud Sect would have to send another Core Formation True Lord.

Not to mention how scarce Core Formation cultivators were in Azure Cloud Sect at the moment.

If she declined now, a new conscription round would force her to go in a few years anyway—so it was best to accompany Lu Miaoge this time.

As for her son, Lu Shouzheng, she decided to place him in foster care at Bihu Mountain.

Having stayed at Bihu Mountain for several months, she observed that they treated Lu Shouzheng with kindness and care, without any hint of rejection.

Yet her tender words betrayed the lingering sorrow in her beautiful eyes as she looked at her son.

This journey would take years—perhaps even a decade—before he could return.

By then, her once-child would have blossomed into a graceful youth immersed in cultivation, perhaps even forgetting his mother. Despite her inner conflict, parting now filled her with regret.

“Qingyi Zhenren, please rest assured.”

Immediately, Lu Miaoge called over Lu Miaoyun, Lu Ping’an, and Lu Qingqi.

“Rest assured, True Lord, we will take proper care of Shouzheng.”

Not to mention the relationship between Chu Qingyi and her own husband or father,

even his status as a Core Formation True Lord was enough to command respect at Bihu Mountain.

Immortal City of Damengze.

City Lord’s Mansion – a backyard adorned with clusters of blooming flowers.

“Senior Hong Lian, the Heavenly Sword Sect has sent word requesting resource aid, and they’ve included a resource list featuring several strategic-grade assets.”

Dressed in a regal azure palace dress with her hair elegantly swept up, Ling Zixiao spoke in a refined tone.

As she spoke, she casually brushed her sleeve, and a Jade Slip, shimmering with crystalline luster, materialized in her hand before she handed it to Hong Lian.

Hong Lian, adorned in a red and gold vermilion bird dress, exuded an air of opulence and stood remarkably tall.

Standing beside her, the graceful Ling Zixiao, with her delicate features and refined demeanor, appeared almost secondary—as if a supporting leaf to a grander bloom.

With every graceful gesture, Hong Lian exuded noble authority. Accepting the Jade Slip, she lightly tapped it with her slender finger, instantly grasping its contents.

She understood that the Heavenly Sword Sect was slowly testing their resolve, much like a frog being boiled in warm water.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Hong Lian said, “We can trim seventy percent off this list and respond to the Heavenly Sword Sect later.”

Earlier, she had mentioned that Lu Changsheng was in seclusion, having declined the invitation of True Lord Juejian.

Although the Heavenly Sword Sect didn’t burn any bridges, they immediately applied pressure on the Immortal City of Damengze.

First through economic measures via trade, and then, citing the Liang-Yue war, by demanding resource sponsorship from Damengze.

While Damengze could have chosen to refuse,

with Lu Changsheng absent, Hong Lian strove to maintain stability.

Otherwise, if the Heavenly Sword Sect truly broke ties, they would find themselves in a very precarious position.

“Alright.”

Ling Zixiao nodded gently, already forming a rough understanding in her heart.

Yet, given the gravity of the situation, she felt it necessary to seek Hong Lian’s opinion.

“Until we uncover their true intentions, the Heavenly Sword Sect will never sever ties with us.”

“Besides, with the Liang-Yue war at a stalemate, the Heavenly Sword Sect can scarcely divert its attention to us. We should delay as much as possible until our Lord returns.”

Hong Lian and Ling Zixiao murmured in unison, their eyes drifting instinctively toward the Starry Sea.

Unlike Lu Miaoge, Ling Zixiao, and the others, she had absolute confidence in Lu Changsheng.

She didn’t believe he was in any peril; rather, she thought he was merely delayed by certain matters and would return soon.

While they were conversing, both Ling Zixiao and Hong Lian sensed something amiss as a jade talisman appeared in their hands.

It was the communication talisman used to contact the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale!

“Has the Sea Dragon returned?”

“Is this our husband returning?”

The two women exchanged glances upon seeing the communication talisman, each reading joy in the other’s eyes.

Yet, being shrewd, they both instantly sensed that something was not right.

If her husband were near the Immortal City, he would have returned via the Misty Dust Banner—not have the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale relay a message.

This communication talisman was more a means for them to locate the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale.

Or perhaps, if the whale encountered an emergency, it could send a message.

“I’ll go check it out.”

After a brief moment of contemplation, Hong Lian said to Ling Zixiao before a cascade of rosy light enveloped her graceful form and she vanished from sight.

The Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale had set out with her husband. Now, with Lu Changsheng still absent and the whale sending a message, Hong Lian grew even more cautious and employed divine techniques to conceal her form and aura.

After some time, Hong Lian reached Xuan Whale Island, sensed a faint presence, and activated the communication talisman.

Splash—

The once-calm sea instantly began to churn and roar as the massive form of the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale gradually emerged from the water.

Though it could assume human form, Lu Lingjing preferred its natural beastly guise, finding it far more comfortable.

“Sea Dragon, why is it you that’s returned? And where’s Master?”

Seeing the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale before her, Hong Lian’s rosy glow faded as she materialized and asked,

“Madam, Master is missing.”

The deep, resonant voice of the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale echoed in Hong Lian’s mind.

“Missing?”

Hong Lian was taken aback, a look of bewilderment crossing her face.

Lu Changsheng was fine—how could he suddenly vanish?