Chapter 79: Just Two Late-Stage Qi Refiners Dare to Ambush Me?

“Sister Miaoge, Miaoyun is about to give birth in a few days. So, I plan to set off back to Qingzhu Mountain today.”

That day, Lu Changsheng visited the Talisman Shop and spoke to Lu Miaoge..

He had already discussed this with Lu Miaoge before..

He planned to return a couple of months earlier.

Hoping to be there for the birth of Miaoyun and Qu Zhenzhen’s child.

“Alright, be careful on your way. I’ll look after the shop here.”

Hearing this, Lu Miaoge nodded gently and ssid softly.

After bidding farewell to Lu Miaoge, Lu Changsheng walkkd out of Jiulong Market alone, mounted his Iron Feather Eagle, and set off for Qingzhu Mountain.

As Lu Changsheng exited the city gate of Jiulong Market,

A middle-aged man with a slender frame on a nearby tavern roof revealed a strange gleam in his eyes and took out a Communication Talisman.

In the clouds, an Iron Feather Eagle soared.

“Could something unexpected happen just because I’m going home alone?”

Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged on the Iron Feather Eagle, and couldn’t help but let his mind wander.

It was fine when he was with Lu Miaoge..

He only worried about mishaps during the first trip to Jiulong Market.

But after two visits, he was fine.

Now returning alone made him a bit uneasy.

“Sigh, I really am a person who fears death and lacks a sense of security.”

“Even with thirty-four Top-Tier talismans, one Supreme talisman, and a Talisman Treasure on me, I still lack a sense of security.”

Lu Changsheng slightly shook his head, acknowledging his own nature.

After the Iron Feather Eagle had been flying for half a day, Lu Changsheng’s anxious heart calmed down substantially.

He thought about how the world couldn’t be that dangerous.

However, at that moment,

“Caw—”

The Iron Feather Eagle, gliding through the clouds, suddenly let out a sharp, piercing cry as if stimulated.

Lu Changsheng, sitting quietly on its back, felt his heart leap.

Before he could realize what was happening, the Iron Feather Eagle spread its wings and dove towards a mountain peak below.

“What’s going on?”

Lu Changsheng quickly grabbed the Iron Feather Eagle’s feathers to avoid being thrown off and took out the beast tamer token.

With the token, he sensed a trace of agitation and restlessness in the Iron Feather Eagle.

It seemed something on the mountain peak was attracting it.

“Could there be Natural Treasures or ripe spiritual fruits on the peak?”

Lu Changsheng thought immediately.

But he had no particular interest in such things.

Because books mentioned that most Natural Treasures and rare spiritual fruits, when ripe, would be guarded by powerful spirit beasts.

Not something a Ninth Level of Qi Refining weakling like him should consider.

Without thinking much, Lu Changsheng immediately used the beast tamer token to calm the Iron Feather Eagle and instructed it to continue on the route.

The Iron Feather Eagle, diving towards the peak, momentarily paused upon hearing his command.

But the next moment, it let out another, even more jarring cry and continued to dive fervently towards the mountain.

“No, this is definitely not about mature Natural Treasures!”

“Even though the Iron Feather Eagle is a trained spirit beast, it wouldn’t usually defy orders and lose control!”

Lu Changsheng’s expression darkened, clutching tightly onto the eagle, realizing something wasn’t right.

But facing such a situation, he wasn’t sure how to handle it.

As the Iron Feather Eagle neared the peak, suddenly,

“Whizz Whizz—”

Two piercing sounds filled the air.

Lu Changsheng saw two sword lights shooting towards him like rainbows.

The cold gleam of sword energy flickered in the air, emitting a ‘buzzing’ sound that shook the spirit.

“Not good!”

In that moment, even if Lu Changsheng was slow to react, he realized he was being ambushed.

He understood why the Iron Feather Eagle suddenly lost control.

Without further thought, two flying swords were already lunging at him.

“Clang! Clang!”

As the two flying swords drew near, his robe fluttered, and a green energy shield appeared.

Meanwhile, the Cold Jade Amulet on his chest emitted a faint glow, forming a water-blue shield around him, blocking the two flying swords.

This was the passive protective spell from the Artifact robe and Cold Jade Amulet.

But under the assault of the flying swords, the two protection spells dimmed considerably.

Lu Changsheng’s face fell. Before fear could take root, he made a prompt decision, pulling a stack of talismans from his Storage Bag.

He activated a flying talisman and a Golden Light Shield Talisman on himself.

This made him feel like the wind was beneath his feet, and his body became light enough for brief air travel.

At the same time, a heavy layer of golden light covered him like a bell.

“Clang! Clang!”

The two razor-sharp flying swords attacked again, striking the bell with a metallic clang.

Even with the protection of the Golden Light Shield Talisman, Lu Changsheng felt a powerful force shaking him.

However, this shock didn’t harm him much. It just made him slightly unsteady on the eagle’s back.

“Escape!”

Lu Changsheng decisively used the flying talisman to leap and fly away in the opposite direction.

Knowing he was being ambushed, he speculated why the Iron Feather Eagle lost control and rushed to the peak.

It was definitely not due to blooming rare fruits.

It was beast luring incense!

A type of incense crafted for attracting spirit beasts.

It could tempt beasts with little intelligence to act on instinct, filling them with animalistic ferocity.

Many beast hunters used beast luring incense to draw in spirit beasts for hunting.

Given the situation with the Iron Feather Eagle, it was likely influenced by the beast luring incense.

So, it could only be abandoned!

“Where do you think you’re going?!”

“I’ve been watching you for so long, kid. You think you can get away?!”

Upon seeing Lu Changsheng flee with the aid of a flying talisman, two figures, one plump and one slim, shot up from the mountain peak.

They soared towards Lu Changsheng on a circular flying Artifact.

“They’re riding a flying Artifact!”

“Both are Late-Stage Qi Refiners!”

Seeing two figures appear, Lu Changsheng felt a chill.

He knew with the speed of his flying talisman, he couldn’t outrun them.

He quickly decided to land and planned to use the Hundred Mile Escape Talisman to flee.

“This kid can bring out three Top-Tier talismans, he must have other life-saving talismans on him. We can’t let him escape!”

However, these two weren’t simple, both seasoned and cunning.

As they pursued Lu Changsheng on their flying Artifact, they controlled two flying swords to attack him, blocking his escape route.

Casting spells turning him into a target, they quickly dimmed the golden glow on him.

“Impossible, it’s hard to land in this situation.”

Lu Changsheng realized that he was an easy target. Relying on talismans until landing to escape would be difficult.

Moreover, he didn’t know if they had other tricks to pursue him.

The best course was to fight back!

“What if they are Late-Stage Qi Refiners? They’re just two cultivators! With my talismans and Talisman Treasure, I fear no Late-Stage Qi Refiner!”

Lu Changsheng’s gaze turned fierce. He immediately used another Golden Light Shield Talisman, preparing to counterattack.

“Another Golden Light Shield Talisman? How can this kid, just a mid-grade Talisman Master, have so many Top-Tier talismans?!”

“He’s certainly a big fat sheep. It’s worth the time we spent!”

The two men, one fat and one thin, eyes gleaming with greed and malice.

As they intensified their assault, Lu Changsheng turned and threw a stack of talismans at them.

All were mid and lower-tier talismans, about twenty of them.

This was the maximum amount of talismans Lu Changsheng could control at once with his focus.

Beyond this, control would be difficult.

Under Lu Changsheng’s spiritual guidance, the talismans transformed into fireballs, rolling stones, ice spears, wind blades, arrows, and cold winds.

All launched ferociously at the duo, an overwhelming assault.

“So many talismans?”

The fat man of the duo was shocked, quickly summoning a yellow shield Artifact, blocking the fierce assault.

Lu Changsheng’s talisman attacks thudded against the shield.

The fat man held his ground against the onslaught, shouting, “Don’t dawdle, finish him off! He’s using our talismans!”

In their eyes, Lu Changsheng’s belongings were already theirs.

Every use meant more of their wealth gone.

The thin man said nothing but shared the thought. Eyes fierce, he slapped his Storage Bag, casting a ritual and summoning a shining crescent blade Artifact.

The blade, like a cold moon, swiftly flew towards Lu Changsheng, slicing the air.

However, at that moment, Lu Changsheng activated another Golden Light Shield Talisman while casting three talismans.

The previous stack of mid and lower-tier talismans was just a warm-up.

It was meant to distract the duo.

Now the main act begins!

“Buzz!”

A sound resembling thunder echoed in the air, causing light vibrations.

A Top-Tier Talisman—the Soul Quake Talisman!

It unnerves the mind, inducing panic, fear, and anxiety.

The Soul Quake Talisman, used by Lu Changsheng, caught the fat and thin duo off guard, an overwhelming assault.

In that moment, their minds went blank, filled with immense fear, slightly dazed.

In this instant,

“Boom! Boom!”

Two talismans flew out, purple lightning surrounded them, transforming into two raging lightning bolts, roaring towards them.

A Top-Tier Talisman—the Thunder Summoning Talisman!

It could unleash an attack equivalent to a Ninth Level of Qi Refining strike!

Even on ordinary days, facing such Thunder Summoning Talismans was challenging.

Especially now, caught by the Soul Quake Talisman, their minds vulnerable.

Boom! Boom!

The yellow shield summoned by the fat man was already struggling against heavy talisman bombardment.

As the lightning bolt struck, the yellow shield flew aside, and before his senses returned, he was engulfed by talisman attacks.

The thin man, slightly more resolute, quickly regained composure, eyes bursting with electric light, hurriedly casting a protective energy shield.

But it was too late.

“No! Aaah!”

The protective shield shattered like paper under the furious assault of the Thunder Summoning Talisman. The man let out a cry of unwillingness and disbelief.

Immediately, two scorched bodies fell from the air.

Both bodies turned to black charcoal, disintegrating into dust in the air.

The crescent blade Artifact, which had been attacking Lu Changsheng’s golden shield, lost its spiritual support and plummeted straight down.

“Just like that? Dead?”

Holding the Thunder Light Talisman and Golden Light Brick Treasure, Lu Changsheng, prepared to continue fighting, watched the two enemies turn to charcoal under the Thunder Summoning Talisman and fall, stunned.

He had only just begun, and they were gone.

In an instant, it became clear; a cultivator duel can be life or death in moments.

Any mistake or carelessness could lead to death.

Though formidable, they were only Late-Stage Qi Refiners.

Even a single mid-tier talisman could cost them their lives if unprepared.

Still, he realized that dealing with just one Top-Tier Thunder Summoning Talisman was more potent.

Lu Changsheng sighed with relief, finally calming down.

His heart stopped pounding in his throat.

“How risky! If not for the robe and Cold Jade Amulet, I’d never have even had the chance to use a talisman when the flying swords charged at me.”

Lu Changsheng swallowed, his throat dry, filled with lingering fear.

He realized his instincts for danger were still lacking.

When the Iron Feather Eagle lost control, he should have immediately sensed danger and been on guard.

Not waited until the flying swords arrived to realize the threat.

“Phew, my experience is sorely lacking in this area!”

Lu Changsheng exhaled, licking his lips in contemplation.

Knowing such instincts can’t be honed overnight, but need accumulation.

Planning to prepare more protective Artifacts when he returned to Jiulong Market, fully armed.

Otherwise, if encountered by more powerful bandit cultivators, his robe and Cold Jade Amulet alone would be inadequate.

“Judging from their talk, these two were specifically lying in ambush for me?”

“I’m always peaceful and avoid conflict. How could someone lie in wait just for me?”

“Only explanation is someone in Jiulong Market marked me?”

Lu Changsheng considered his spending over the past two months in Jiulong Market.

If watched, it was clear he was well off—a fat sheep.

“They say, ‘Don’t flaunt your wealth.’ Once your riches show, you’re an easy target.”

“Though Jiulong Market has good law and order, it doesn’t mean the people inside are good.”

“Once out of Jiulong Market, any cultivator could become a bandit cultivator.”

“I’m just a Fourth Layer of Qi Refining cultivator, seen as easy prey by most.”

Lu Changsheng understood this truth and decided to be more cautious.

Seeing no other presence,

He immediately descended using the flying talisman to claim his spoils.

In the previous onslaught, both bodies turned to charcoal and dust, leaving only the remnants of their robes and boots.

“These must be Artifacts, right?”

Lu Changsheng’s eyes lit up when he saw the clothing and boots.

Ordinary attire wouldn’t withstand the talisman attacks before.

He performed a Cleanse, blowing away ashes and skeletons in the robes and shoes, examining them.

Under the previous talisman assault, all robes were lightly damaged, probably lower-tier robes.

Inside both robes, he found a Storage Bag.

A smile appeared on Lu Changsheng’s face.

After all, in such dangerous life-death confrontations, spoils are the only worthy expectation.

Without checking the two Storage Bags, he first stored them.

Then around, located and stored their flying Artifact, flying swords, shield Artifact, and crescent blade Artifact.

Feeling he made a good haul this time.

Lu Changsheng took out the beast tamer token, trying to sense the Iron Feather Eagle’s state.

Losing it would mean tricky travels back to Qingzhu Mountain.

Returning to Jiulong Market would mean running all the way.

Through the token, he sensed a faint connection, suggesting the eagle was still at the peak.

“As I thought, they used beast luring incense, driving the Iron Feather Eagle crazy and towards the mountain.”

“An Iron Feather Eagle is worth hundreds of Spirit Stones. As bandits seeking wealth, they wouldn’t harm it.

“Otherwise, they would’ve targeted the eagle rather than me when I rode it.”

Lu Changsheng pondered, planning to return to find the Iron Feather Eagle.

Noticing his flying talisman’s power waning, he hesitated before using another.

Mind wary, he cautiously flew towards the peak.

Though only the two pursued earlier, caution doesn’t hurt.

Especially in these wilderness mountains, who knows if spirit beasts exist.

Reaching the peak cautiously, he saw an arm-thick light brown incense stick atop a large boulder.

Thick white smoke lazily drifted into the air.

Nearby, the Iron Feather Eagle screeched restlessly.

“Definitely beast luring incense!”

“Clearly, these two prepared well in advance, putting much thought into ambushing me.”

“But I left Jiulong Market ahead of time. How could they be so precise waiting outside?”

“They couldn’t have lit this incense pointlessly each day.”‘

“From the incense’s burn, seems lit just a few hours.”

Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes at the incense.

Faintly sensing something amiss.

They likely had an accomplice.

An accomplice in Jiulong Market, watching him secretly.

As soon as he left, a message was sent to the outside.

Otherwise, how could they act so accurately.

Given the Iron Feather Eagle’s speed, it was considered fast.

To be prepared faster, only a Communication Talisman would work.

“Seems I must be cautious returning to Jiulong Market.”

Lu Changsheng mused.

He didn’t approach the restless Iron Feather Eagle.

He took out a Water Bullet Talisman, launching a water bullet at the incense, extinguishing it.

With the incense out, the Iron Feather Eagle calmed somewhat.

Lu Changsheng issued commands with the beast tamer token, assessing its state.

But found the eagle still anxious and not fully obedient.

“Might take a day to wear off the incense’s effects.”

Lu Changsheng sighed, helpless.

Knowing it takes time for the incense-induced beast nature to fade.

He fed the Iron Feather Eagle a Spirit Nourishing Pill to slightly stabilize its mood.

Then used the beast tamer token to store the eagle in the Spirit Pet Bag, seeking a cave to hide.

Otherwise, waiting here for its recovery might bring trouble from their accomplices.