Chapter 786: Tides of Intrigue and Rising Power

Jiang Kingdom, Azure Cloud Sect.

The Talisman Lu Family, a clan under our Azure Cloud Sect boasting Triple Core Formation and formidable strength, is naturally expected to contribute extra support in these times.

In the Sect Master’s Hall, the Sect Leader of Azure Cloud Sect sat in the main seat with several elders, discussing matters concerning the Liangyue War.

With strong backing from Jiang Kingdom, the Liangyue War had once again reached a tense deadlock.

In light of these developments, the Heavenly Sword Sect opted to continue recruiting reinforcements.

When the call for aid fell to Azure Cloud Sect, it was naturally allocated among the prominent families under its jurisdiction.

Among them, the Talisman Lu Family—with its Triple Core Formation—stood as the mightiest force under Azure Cloud Sect.

Although Master Miaoge of the Lu Family had been summoned to the front lines three years ago, the greater the strength, the heftier the burden.

In the past, with the Talisman Lu Family backed by the Immortal City of Damengze and with connections to Xiao Xiyue and the Heavenly Sword Sect, Azure Cloud Sect had shown considerable favor toward Bihu Mountain.

But now, with the Immortal City of Damengze at odds with the Heavenly Sword Sect and circumstances no longer as they once were, Azure Cloud Sect’s attitude toward the Lu Family had lost its earlier care and deference.

Dressed in a moon-white dress reminiscent of the radiant lunar glow, Xiao Xiyue sat apart in serene isolation, her eyes half-closed as if in quiet meditation.

Although as an elder of Azure Cloud Sect she wielded considerable influence, in such a forum it was hard for her to speak up too forcefully on the Lu Family’s behalf.

After all, this conscription order wasn’t solely a decision of Azure Cloud Sect—it was a measure by the Heavenly Sword Sect to address the current state of the cultivation world.

Certainly, it was even possible that the Sect Leader harbored intentions to curb the Lu Family’s growing power.

“Xiyue’s disciple, I know you and Changsheng Zhenren are dao partners, but you’re well aware of the Liangyue War—the fates of Jiang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom are inseparably linked.”

The Sect Leader of Azure Cloud Sect looked at Xiao Xiyue and said earnestly, “Moreover, fighting on the front lines and earning honor will secure lavish rewards from both Azure Cloud Sect and Heavenly Sword Sect.”

“Danger and opportunity go hand in hand. This is a rare chance.”

Although Xiao Xiyue had only reached the mid stage of Core Formation, she possessed the foundation of the Immortal Golden Core and carried the Nascent Soul seed of Azure Cloud Sect, giving her significant standing within the sect.

“I understand.”

Xiao Xiyue’s expression remained calm, and her cool, unruffled tone was as gentle as a crisp night breeze—reminiscent of an impassive, transcendent ice maiden.

“My disciple, as long as you understand.”

The Sect Leader nodded slightly then fixed his gaze on a young man nearby, saying, “Xinglao, go to Bihu Mountain. If you encounter Changsheng Zhenren, greet him on my behalf.”

This young man, known as True Person Xinglao, was not only a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect Leader but also a newly promoted Core Formation True Person of the sect.

Upon hearing this, he immediately stood up respectfully, clasped his hands, and said, “Please rest assured, Master.”

After the meeting, True Person Xinglao bowed and excused himself before transforming into a streak of rainbow light and setting off for Bihu Mountain.

He had met Lu Changsheng in his early years.

He held great admiration for the legendary Changsheng Zhenren, who had risen from humble beginnings.

Yet, as a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect Leader and one of the candidates for its future leadership, he harbored a dislike for the Talisman Lu Family.

Or rather, no sect would want to see a colossus like the Lu Family emerge under its banner.

Hence, he was quite pleased to see the conscription of the Talisman Lu Family.

If it weren’t for his Master’s consideration for Xiyue Zhenren, he might have even proposed using this opportunity to severely curb the Lu Family’s power.

After all, all factions within Jiang Kingdom knew that once they went to support Yue Kingdom, cultivators from the Four Great Immortal Sects would still receive preferential treatment.

Meanwhile, disciples from other influential families under the sect would be left to shoulder the grueling, menial tasks.

When he was several dozen miles away from Bihu Mountain, he suddenly noticed that a grand formation around it was fully operational, with spiritual energy violently gathering in the surrounding heavens and earth.

“Hmm!? What’s going on? Could someone be attempting a breakthrough in Core Formation?”

Startled by the sight, True Person Xinglao immediately slowed his pace and approached cautiously.

“Roar!!!”

However, just as he neared the gate of Bihu Mountain, an ear-splitting roar suddenly erupted.

Before him loomed a massive, muscular ferocious beast with a fierce gaze and vertical, glaring eyes that seemed to select its prey; the creature exuded an aura of terrifying, deep demonic malice.

True Person Xinglao instantly recognized the beast as the Talisman Lu Family’s protective clan spirit pet—the Nine Nether Hound!

Although he had long heard of the famed guardian spirit of the Lu Family, this was his first encounter with it.

Gazing at its ferocious, predatory eyes, razor fangs, and lupine head, he couldn’t help but tremble with dread—this beast oozed an air of unspeakable peril!

This was an unabashedly vicious beast, terrifying to the core!

“May I ask what brings you to Bihu Mountain, sir?”

At that moment, a young man clad in a blue brocade robe with an unusually fair, delicate face hurried from the gate. Clutching a talisman and grasping his sleeve, he bowed toward True Person Xinglao and asked,

“I am True Person Xinglao, a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect Leader. I’ve come to Bihu Mountain to discuss urgent matters with Changsheng Zhenren.”

Facing the intimidation of the Nine Nether Hound, True Person Xinglao took a deep breath to steady himself and, clutching the Azure Cloud Sect token, declared in a solemn tone filled with unmistakable authority:

“Xinglao True Person!?”

Although Lu Chensha typically paid little attention to external affairs and did not personally know True Person Xinglao, he had heard of his name.

Immediately, Lu Chensha bowed and said, “True Person, your arrival is ill-timed. My elder sister-in-law is in the midst of a Core Formation breakthrough at a critical moment. To prevent any disruption, passage is blocked. Please understand.”

“If you have any urgent matters, I can relay a message to my family on your behalf.”

Lu Chensha spoke sincerely and respectfully.

“Elder sister-in-law?”

As a seasoned handler of sect affairs, True Person Xinglao quickly deduced that the young man’s reference to his elder sister-in-law meant Qin Yi—the dao partner of Lu Ping’an, the eldest son of the Talisman Lu Family, and a disciple of Master Feixue from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

He was taken aback. How could this disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, who wasn’t attempting a breakthrough with his own sect, be advancing at Bihu Mountain? Granted, Bihu Mountain had reached Third-Rank Spiritual Vein years ago—enough for a Core Formation breakthrough—yet its spiritual conditions paled in comparison to those of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“But Qin Yi, the Immortal?”

True Person Xinglao asked aloud.

“That’s right, she is indeed my elder sister-in-law.”

Lu Chensha nodded in agreement, showing great respect toward True Person Xinglao.

“In that case, I’ll wait for Immortal Qin to complete her breakthrough before entering the mountain gate.”

True Person Xinglao raised no objections and replied.

“First, matters of Core Formation are of vital importance.”

“Blocking the mountain gate to prevent unforeseen mishaps is entirely reasonable.”

“Second, my purpose here is simply to deliver the conscription order.”

“Given the current stature of the Talisman Lu Family, even as a Core Formation True Person and a disciple of the Sect Leader, I must display sufficient sincerity and courtesy rather than coming across as overbearing.”

Rushing in hastily at a moment like this would be thoroughly impolite.

If I were to discuss this matter inside and subsequently Qin Yi’s breakthrough failed, the Lu Family might well blame me for disturbing their spiritual fortunes.

It would be better to wait outside for a while longer.

That way, I would demonstrate my sincerity, and regardless of Qin Yi’s breakthrough, the Lu Family wouldn’t hold a grudge against me.

“If Immortal Qin succeeds in her breakthrough…”

True Person Xinglao gazed at the hazy Core Formation signs veiled by Bihu Mountain’s grand formation, lost in thought.

Although a single Core Formation True Person could hardly influence the outcome of the Liangyue War,

the fact that the Talisman Lu Family now had a Core Formation daughter-in-law from the Heavenly Sword Sect undoubtedly increased their weight in Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world.

This meant that whatever Azure Cloud Sect decided regarding Bihu Mountain would now require extra deliberation.

“Perhaps this lady considered these factors, which is why she chose to pursue a breakthrough at Bihu Mountain to assert her stance.”

Leaning against the ground, True Person Xinglao looked somberly toward Biyun Peak.

At the confluence of Da Mengze and the Starry Sea, the ocean roiled and churned, forming successive, towering tsunamis.

At that moment, deep within the Sea Eye, a Nascent Soul cultivator clad in sky-blue armor and wielding a trident, together with two other Nascent Soul practitioners, had encircled a giant whale.

The giant whale was massive, its body covered in dark golden, dragon-patterned scales and crowned with a pair of imposing dragon horns.

Though its power was astonishing, none of the three Nascent Soul cultivators were ordinary—they had come fully prepared.

Each held a black Xuanshui flag, and as their spiritual energies intertwined, it seemed as if they were cleaving the ocean into an isolated domain.

The Sea and Sky Black Water Flag—one of the legacy spirit treasures of the Zhenhai Seven Sects!

Five years ago, True Lord Pinghai received word of a Fourth-Rank Whale King spotted on the Black Reef Islands and rushed to investigate; sensing the aura of a Kunpeng egg on Lu Lingjing, he sought to obtain it from her.

Before long, a fierce brawl erupted between the two sides.

True Lord Pinghai never imagined he would be outmatched.

He then decisively retreated to summon assistance from his friends, True Lord Fuhai and True Lord Lingbo of the Zhenhai Seven Sects.

However, in recent years the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale had been prowling uncontrollably in the Starry Sea at an incredible speed, making it impossible for them to locate it.

These years, the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale had ceased its erratic wanderings and settled to slumber in the Sea Eye of Da Mengze, allowing True Lord Pinghai and his comrades—through divination—to track it from the Starry Sea all the way to the Sea Eye of Da Mengze.

“Whale King, we mean you no harm. We only wish to know the whereabouts of the Kunpeng egg. If you’re willing to divulge its location, I’m prepared to offer you other treasures in exchange.”

True Lord Pinghai, his eyes deep as if burning with a ghostly orchid flame, addressed the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale.

Although they outnumbered it and could potentially defeat the creature,

various pieces of intel led him to suspect that this Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale was not an ordinary demon but belonged to some faction.

Furthermore, slaying such a formidable Fourth-Rank demon king would come at a steep cost.

Especially since he was leading this hunt, a full-out confrontation would likely result in grievous injuries for him as the whale fought back desperately.

Even though he trusted True Lord Fuhai and True Lord Lingbo, he still hoped to negotiate a solution that would minimize losses.

Latest update: Posted on 69 Book!

“I don’t know anything about any Kunpeng egg. Do you think I’m an easy target?”

Lu Lingjing roared in anger.

Earlier, while she was sleeping in the Starry Sea waiting for her master’s return, the Blue-Armored Man had disturbed her.

Now, as she slumbered soundly, the Blue-Armored Man had disturbed her again—and even called for backup, just as her lady had warned.

Lu Lingjing was furious, itching to confront him.

But her lady had warned that if the Blue-Armored Man brought a group along, she would immediately flee into the deep sea to shake them off.

As a Fourth-Rank Sea Demon King, in these vast waters she always held the upper hand against cultivators.

Moreover, since the few Nascent Soul cultivators had come seeking the Kunpeng egg, they would try to restrain their energy to avoid causing too much commotion.

“Whale King, True Lord Ben had already sensed the essence of a Kunpeng egg on you. Denial is useless—if you’re willing to hand over the Kunpeng egg, I’ll exchange it for other treasured relics.”

True Lord Pinghai continued, attempting to appeal to Lu Lingjing with offers of benefit.

The Kunpeng egg is exceedingly precious; once obtained, whether used for cultivation or to power certain arcane techniques, its applications are boundless.

Moreover, they speculated that the Kunpeng egg might also be linked to many treasures and legacies of the Kunpeng Nest.

“Its value is simply beyond measure! I told you I don’t know—if you disturb my rest again, don’t say I won’t be ruthless!”

Lu Lingjing’s dragon horns radiated a hazy glow as the spiritual energy of the Fourth-Rank Demon King continuously surged forth.

“This shapeshifting Demon King is no ordinary creature—there must be a true spirit bloodline flowing through its veins.”

True Lord Lingbo, watching the energy that enveloped the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, transmitted his words telepathically, his eyes gleaming with a hint of greedy desire.

As one of the top forces in the Starry Sea, the Zhenhai Seven Sects controlled the maritime trade routes, hunted demon kings, and reaped abundant resources, making them well-versed in the behavior of sea beasts.

They had never encountered this Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale before, but from its energy it was clear that it surpassed typical Heavenly Rank demon kings.

The refined blood of such a demon king would be immensely valuable whether for practicing certain secret techniques of Lingbo Sect or for nurturing a sect’s own sea beast demon kings.

“Pinghai, enough with the chatter—just take it down!”

Beside him, True Lord Fuhai—clad in Jiaolong Armor and wielding a Nine-Dragon Sky-Splitting Spear—had long lost his patience for negotiation, his temper running hot.

Though the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale before them was imposing,

as one of the most venerable forces in the Starry Sea, they possessed numerous array devices and magical artifacts specifically designed to counter sea beast demon kings, and they feared no duel in these vast waters.

“Whale King, since you choose to be obstinate, don’t blame True Lord Ben for my rudeness.”

True Lord Pinghai knew that a confrontation was inevitable today.

As he spoke, the Sea and Sky Black Water Flag in his hand rippled in the water, summoning surges of black waves that formed into giant serpentine shapes roaring toward the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale.

In the distance, both True Lord Lingbo and True Lord Fuhai activated their own Sea and Sky Black Water Flags, conjuring black whirlwinds and waves that charged at the whale.

Though the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale appeared somewhat adorably naïve, it was by no means foolish—especially after Hong Lian had given it numerous warnings about the dangers involved.

It roared, generating rolling sound waves, and then its fierce dragon horns trembled as it unleashed a water blade over a hundred feet in length, slicing through the towering surges ahead, intent on tearing apart the barrier before it.

However, this Sea and Sky Black Water domain was extraordinary—especially now with three Nascent Soul True Lords in command, its power was limitless.

After a brief stalemate, Lu Lingjing, realizing as her lady had warned that she couldn’t outlast them, roared downward and activated the formation that Hong Lian had pre-arranged for her.

Though it was merely a Third-Rank formation and posed little threat to the Nascent Soul True Lords, catching them off guard nevertheless had some effect.

The giant dragon-horned blade reappeared, ripping through the domain before them; its body, adorned with dark-gold scales and emitting a striking draconic luster, collided forcefully to shatter the barrier completely as it fled toward the Starry Sea.

However, she still heeded Hong Lian’s instructions—to avoid breaking out of the deep sea and steer clear of cultivators, lest her escape draw unwanted attention.

“A formation? This whale actually understands formations!?”

The three True Lords of Pinghai were momentarily astonished, then immediately gave chase after the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale.

Most Fourth-Rank demon kings can transform into human form and learn human martial arts reasonably well, but those that do so are exceedingly rare.

Forbidden Sea, Crackling Island.

Above the island, a whirlwind of heavenly spiritual energy had expanded to several hundred miles—a spectacle truly astonishing.

Although Yun Wanshang’s preparations were somewhat lacking,

her Immortal Golden Core, coupled with fate favoring a breakthrough to Nascent Soul, made her success almost guaranteed.

Moreover, with Lu Changsheng’s Sun and Moon Reincarnation Sutra aiding her and after she ingested a Top-Tier Huaying Pill orally, her nascent soul aura far surpassed that of True Person Jing Qing from the Divine Maiden Palace in earlier times.

Lu Changsheng observed that Yun Wanshang’s mind was calm and her body relaxed without excess indulgence as she assisted in safeguarding the formation.

“I wonder if the blessing of cosmic fortune can transform into Great Gestation Qi?”

Lu Changsheng gazed at the nascent soul phenomena before him, silently pondering with a touch of inexplicable anticipation.

Back in the Land of Eternal Night, he had once entertained the notion that if Yun Wanshang became pregnant with his child and returned to Azure Cloud Sect—so that his child with Chu Qingyi could be seen—everything would be resolved.

But such matters cannot be forced, and Lu Changsheng would never push it.

However, once both had completed their breakthroughs and returned to Azure Cloud Sect, it would be the perfect opportunity.

Otherwise, after Yun Wanshang had finally opened her heart and ceased suppressing her emotions, coming home only to see that Chu Qingyi also had a child might well leave her with a cold expression again.

“Sigh.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head and silently muttered ‘lottery draw’ in his mind.

Not long ago, his son Lu Lingxiao had upgraded his formation to Third-Rank—and the system even contributed a sum of funds.

Lu Changsheng suspected that after his son Lu Lingxiao broke through Core Formation, he had devoted all that time to cultivating arcane techniques and comprehending the art of formations.

Otherwise, given his talent, it would have been impossible for him to remain at the Core Formation stage for over a decade.

But that was normal; most cultivators, after breaking through a realm, spend several or even over a decade cultivating arcane techniques—just as Xiao Xiyue did in her early years.

It is expected that Yun Wanshang will need even longer to break through to the Nascent Soul stage and cultivate her arcane arts.

This is one of Lu Changsheng’s advantages.

It spares him the time of slowly comprehending and cultivating arcane techniques—instead, he only needs to invest a bit of time and the requisite natural treasures for ceremonial refinement.

As the system’s lottery wheel spun, its golden light came to rest on the ‘Spirit Treasure’ reward slot.

【Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Spirit Treasure: Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor!】

【The reward has been issued to the system space; the host may check it at any time.】

A piece of armor, seemingly pieced together from nine turtle-shell patterned segments with several ferocious beasts faintly visible, emerged from the lottery wheel accompanied by a system prompt sound.

“A Spirit Treasure.”

Lu Changsheng was well aware of the significance of a high-grade Spirit Treasure acquired through the lottery.

However, since he already possessed numerous high-grade materials—and his son Lu Quanzhen had several Spirit Treasures from his earlier days—he wasn’t in dire need of more.

But seeing that it was a set of armor, he nodded in approval.

His early Yuanxu Robe and Golden Tiger Dragon Pattern Armor had all been damaged in battle, and he usually rotated among a few ordinary robes, having no time to refine top-grade armored robes.

Now, obtaining a Spirit Treasure armor outright was rather good—it saved him the time required for forging one.

The only drawback was that this armor, seemingly stitched together from turtle shells, wasn’t exactly aesthetically pleasing or imposing.

Lu Changsheng barely spared a thought and turned his attention to the system space to read the armor’s description.

【Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor】

【Grade: Mid-Grade Spirit Treasure】

【Description: Forged from the shell of a Juntian Xuan Turtle in the Nine Abyss Ruins, this armor condenses the essence of nine demonic souls. It can be used to subdue formidable foes, mitigate calamities, or empower the wearer.】