Chapter 800: Shattered Defenses and Lingering Hopes

The area was a craggy wasteland, charred and dark, with the entire formation’s glow reduced to a faint glimmer. The stone pavilions and lofts built within had nearly collapsed, resembling ruins and broken walls.

The stench of gunpowder and the metallic tang of blood in the air made it obvious that a brutal battle had taken place.

“Lu Qingxian, I owe you one for earlier,”

The False Core True Immortal of the Azure Cloud Sect glanced over at a young man not far off—his clothes in tatters, his body scorched and broken as if torched—still trembling with lingering fear as he spoke.

Not long ago, a Core Formation True Immortal from the Yuan Kingdom had suddenly led an attack, putting the entire stronghold on the brink of collapse.

In the end, thanks to the stronghold’s formation, Lu Qingxian’s desperate use of Thunderfire Xuan Lotus, and the last-resort tactics of other cultivators, the enemy was ultimately repelled.

“Immortal, how is it that a Core Formation cultivator shows up here?”

Lu Qingxian’s face was ashen. Clutching his chest and coughing repeatedly, he forced the internal fire poison out before speaking weakly.

This stronghold was not at the front lines of the battle.

Under normal circumstances, Core Formation cultivators would never lead an attack.

Speaking as he did, he pulled a pill out of his storage pouch and swallowed it.

Although he could command the divine ability Thunderfire Xuan Lotus, overexerting it would still inflict harm on himself.

Just like now—his flesh ached and even his meridians throbbed—leaving him unable to take further action for a while.

“There’s a high chance of mishaps at the front,”

the False Core True Immortal beside him said gravely. “This situation looks dire.”

Even though these cultivators from the Jiang Kingdom did not fight at the very front, they were periodically sent as reinforcements, so they were acutely aware of the current predicament. It left both the Jiang Kingdom and the Yue Kingdom on the back foot.

Yet, they continued to hold their ground. Besides the summons from the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Four Great Immortal Sects, the situation teemed with both opportunity and risk.

Not only did the immortal temples of the Yue and Jiang Kingdoms open up access to a trove of rare resources and natural treasures for those summoned,

but during combat, every enemy slain also meant seizing all of his opponent’s wealth and resources.

Thus, on the battlefront, years’ worth of wealth that would normally take a lifetime to amass gave every Foundation Establishment cultivator a chance to gamble for a shot at Core Formation.

Several Foundation Establishment cultivators nearby, upon hearing this, exchanged grave looks as they surveyed the unconscious bodies of fallen fighters.

War was brimming with opportunities, but only if you survived.

If you didn’t survive, nothing mattered.

Just as they were about to reorganize and send word to the stationed Core Formation True Immortal, a Jade Talisman materialized in Lu Qingxian’s hand.

“Qingxian, we need to retreat immediately. From what I observed, something’s wrong at the front. It seems the Qi Family’s defenses have been breached!”

Inside the stronghold, Lu Chensha—covered head to toe with tiny insects as if hidden within shadows—hurriedly reported to Lu Qingxian.

Although these brothers and sisters had all come to the battle in the Yue Kingdom together, they did not operate as one unit.

For instance, thanks to his mastery over insects, he was assigned the role of scout and patrol.

“What!?”

Lu Qingxian’s pale, weakened features turned to shock at the news.

He knew that the frontline he guarded was right outside the first prestigious family of the Yue Kingdom—the Chi Jiao Qi Family.

If the Qi Family were to fall, everyone on this front would be in mortal danger.

“Chensha, is this information accurate?” Lu Qingxian quickly inquired.

“I intercepted it using Black Erosion Poisonous Insects. It’s almost certain—so we must retreat!”

In such a battlefield, if you became a deserter, you’d be hunted down and sent to the frontline as cannon fodder to atone for your crimes.

But under these circumstances, holding your ground meant certain death!

Besides, they could claim that they survived only thanks to the life-preserving talismans granted by their family.

“Qingxian, don’t hesitate. I’ll go notify Sister Ruyi,”

Lu Chensha whispered, then slipped away without alerting the entire stronghold.

After all, their fates were not his concern.

Too many notifications might cause unwanted trouble later if someone accused him of misreporting the military situation and pinned the responsibility on him.

“Lu Qingxian, what’s wrong?”

The False Core True Immortal in the stronghold, noticing Lu Qingxian’s sudden change in expression, asked with genuine concern.

Lu Qingxian wasn’t only the son of the Talisman Lu Family’s Changsheng True Immortal; he was also the strongest fighting force here, save for the Immortal himself.

“Luo True Immortal, I’m worried—the Core Formation cultivators who attacked earlier might have compromised the Qi Family’s defenses.”

Lu Qingxian, surveying the state of the stronghold, said in a deep tone, unable to justify a solo retreat.

“That’s impossible. The Qi Family’s Patriarch is a Core Formation Grand Cultivator. With him in command, a breach could never happen. Besides, if there were any issues at the Qi Family, we would have received a retreat signal by now.”

The False Core True Immortal immediately shook his head in disagreement.

“The recent Core Formation attack must have been an anomaly. I’ve already sent the message, and it won’t be long before an Immortal arrives.”

Luo True Immortal continued soothing him, “You get some rest and focus on your recovery.”

In times like these, a cultivator who could also heal was invaluable, and nearly every stronghold had one.

But most were only capable of stabilizing injuries; truly life-saving treatments were rare.

“Qingxian…”

After Luo True Immortal left, Lu Xingyang, Lu Ziyun, and the others received Lu Chensha’s message and inquired about Lu Qingxian’s plans.

Lu Qingxian was not only older than them by many years, but his strength and abilities also earned him their absolute trust.

“Prepare to retreat.”

Taking a deep breath, Lu Qingxian transmitted the message, choosing to trust Lu Chensha’s meticulous caution.

“But…”

He looked at the dim, fading light of the formation and couldn’t bring himself to become a deserter.

Even if a retreat became necessary, there needed to be a respectable reason for it.

That way, any future misjudgment could be explained.

Bihu Mountain.

Lu Changsheng had merged his son Lu Qingshan’s Great Geng Metal Sword Body with the Chaos Body.

True to its name, this spirit body shone like a sword forged from Geng Metal, razor-sharp and relentless.

Building upon the Geng Metal Constitution, it pushed beyond to become something extraordinary, even unconventional in its approach.

While this endowed the entire body with a fierce Geng aura, for Lu Changsheng—as one who practiced the Yin and Yang—the result was far too extreme.

As the saying goes, too rigid an approach can lead to collapse. Lu Changsheng feared that this aggressive spirit body might jeopardize the future.

Yet, knowing his son Lu Qingshan’s nature, he believed that it was precisely because of that he had allowed his spirit body to develop this way.

“I should look into it later,”

Lu Changsheng felt that as a father he still had a duty to guide his son.

Half a month later, a system chime rang inside Lu Changsheng’s mind.

【Congratulations! The number of Foundation Establishment disciples has reached 15. You’ve earned one lottery draw chance.】

Gazing toward the island at the center of the lake, he realized that one of the Lu Family disciples had successfully broken through Foundation Establishment.

Although only a few from the three, four, and even five generations of the Lu Family were extraordinarily gifted,

the Lu Family’s efforts to nurture talent would naturally yield increasing numbers over time.

Yet, the current resource consumption at Bihu Mountain far exceeded that of other families.

Furthermore, many Lu Family disciples—often the inept Foundation Establishment failures Lu Changsheng used to scold in his youth—demanded even more resources.

Under these circumstances, the Lu Family had gradually slowed its resource allocation for Foundation Establishment beyond the second generation.

“Once the Cheng Lu Pan is operational, this issue will be solved,”

Lu Changsheng remarked calmly. For him, all these problems boiled down to insufficient resources.

Once he established the Cheng Lu Terrace in the Immortal City of Damengze, an endless stream of Celestial Dew would fuel not just Foundation Establishment but even Core Formation for the Lu Family.

“System, lottery draw,”

Lu Changsheng murmured quietly as he used his lottery chance, eager for a truly remarkable reward.

For him, ordinary rewards like cultivation methods, artifacts, or pills held little meaning compared to a truly extraordinary skill.

After years of artifact refining and talisman making, he was one step away from ascending to Fourth Rank. Now, he hoped the system might give him a breakthrough.

【Ding! Congratulations! You have obtained a Core Seed: Dao Heart Enlightenment!】

【Rewards have been delivered to the system space. They can be viewed at any time.】

A translucent, white jade emblem appeared accompanied by the system’s notification sound.

“A big prize again!?”

Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat as a joyful glow appeared in his eyes.

Although he had long since grown tired of ordinary lottery draws, every so often a grand prize would emerge.

For instance, a Core Seed was, in his eyes, the pinnacle reward!

Yet, when he saw the Core Seed, he remembered his own Core Seed, Seven Aperture Exquisiteness.

He had long deliberated and preferred to grant it to his daughter Lu Qingzhu.

On one hand, the Core Seed resonated with her; on the other, it served as compensation.

He had always shown a partiality towards his daughter.

He believed his son bore his familial responsibilities and hopes, while his daughter was meant to be cherished.

Lu Qingzhu had once been his most beloved daughter, always by his side between Qingzhu Mountain and Hongye Valley Marketplace.

But later, when he visited the Nine Heavens Immortal City once, both Lu Qingshan and Lu Qingzhu were taken away as disciples by Immortal Tian Yuan to the Golden Sun Sect in the Yue Kingdom.

Had he not hidden so many truths from his wife and been unprepared, his daughter—with her low-grade Spirit Root—would not have had to leave.

This had left Lu Changsheng with a lingering sense of guilt about his daughter, and he had often wished to bring her back home.

However, Lu Qingzhu refused, unwilling to let her brother face the Yue Kingdom alone, so the idea of bringing her home was abandoned.

And over the years, the incidents at the Starry Sea had kept him from ever seeing her.

Moreover, the side effects of this Core Seed troubled him; he feared that giving it to his daughter might bring her dangerous misfortunes.

Thus, for over a decade, he had kept the Core Seed untouched.

“Sigh.”

Thinking of his dutiful daughter so far away in the Yue Kingdom, Lu Changsheng felt a pang of sorrow.

He looked towards his system space.

【Core Seed: Dao Heart Enlightenment】

【Rank: Fourth】

【Description: Reflecting the essence of the Way, illuminating the spirit with clarity. The recipient awakens their Dao Heart, achieving unparalleled focus, inner peace, and unwavering resolve.】

“Awaken the Dao Heart?”

Lu Changsheng frowned slightly at the description of the Core Seed, which felt rather abstruse—unlike his previous three Core Seeds that clearly enumerated their effects.

Yet, the phrase ‘Dao Heart Enlightenment’ gave him a vague understanding.

The Dao Heart was the heart of a person! It wasn’t just any heart—the awakened Dao Heart represented one’s true spiritual state. For example, Xiao Xiyue cultivated the Supreme Emotionless Technique.

With a mind untainted by worldly desires and undisturbed by emotion, one achieved a clear Dao Heart.

Since Chu Qingyi was aware of her true affinity with the sword, she upheld her nature and stayed true to her inner self—this was called Sword Heart Enlightenment.

Such enlightenment not only boosted one’s cultivation but also sharpened one’s spiritual acuity far beyond that of ordinary cultivators.

Lu Changsheng believed that the Core Seed Dao Heart Enlightenment worked roughly along those lines.

“Extract!”

In an instant, a translucent, thumb-sized orb of light appeared before him.

Immediately, Lu Changsheng understood in detail the effects of the Dao Heart Enlightenment Core Seed.

The human heart is vulnerable; the Dao Heart, subtle and singular, must be nurtured with precision. Once activated, it bestows unparalleled focus, inner calm, and myriad benefits.

It sounded mystical, but essentially it enabled one to channel their cultivation techniques as effortlessly as Xiao Xiyue’s Supreme Emotionless Technique.

However, unlike Xiao Xiyue’s method, this Core Seed primarily granted two effects:

One, a state of pure focus so that any task could be approached with genuine, undistracted intent, almost like a spontaneous epiphany; Two, a mind as serene as ice—capable of suppressing distractions and doubts, maintaining an equilibrium within.

“What an amazing Dao Heart Enlightenment!”

Lu Changsheng marveled, recognizing the profound capabilities of the Core Seed.

If enhancing sword talent was akin to a bull charging the ox, and the Seven Aperture Exquisiteness boosted one’s perceptiveness, then the Dao Heart Enlightenment would dramatically accelerate one’s learning ability.

It allowed one to enter a state of intense, almost instantaneous comprehension.

That said, like his previous Core Seeds, it carried side effects.

If the recipient engaged in tasks they despised or harbored too many distractions, their Dao Heart could become clouded, nullifying the benefits or even causing them to slip into a state of self-destruction.

In particular, the ability to suppress distractions in moments of crisis depended on a calm, undisturbed mind.

But if chaos reigned within, not only would the distractions persist, the Dao Heart might even backfire disastrously.

Looking at the Core Seed in his hand, Lu Changsheng immediately thought of his wife, Xiao Xiyue.

This Core Seed and her Supreme Emotionless Technique were an almost perfect match.

But realizing that Xiao Xiyue was already mid-Core Formation, he decided that the Core Seed would only serve as an extra boon for her.

After all, the Core Seed’s greatest utility was in enhancing learning—be it cultivating new techniques, spells, or mastering the myriad arts of immortal cultivation.

The ideal recipient was naturally gifted and complemented their formation work.

After much deliberation, Lu Changsheng resolved to give the Core Seed to his daughter, Lu Qingzhu.

Under his tutelage, she had often lagged behind, and even though her Nascent Soul trajectory was safer post-Core Formation, her pace was still slower by several levels.

He estimated that at around three hundred years old, she might finally reach the peak of Core Formation, refine her spiritual patterns, and break through to Nascent Soul.

If she received the Dao Heart Enlightenment Core Seed, her innate affinity for Talisman Art could soar, drastically reducing the time spent on the Nine-Nine Profound Talisman Sutra.

Moreover, over these years, the Talisman Lu Family had sold many third-rank talismans produced by Lu Qingzhu—a contribution not to be underestimated.

But remembering that his daughter and Lu Linghe with the Golden Roc had not yet returned, Lu Changsheng shook his head once more.

Half a month later, Lu Qingzhu, Lu Linghe, Lu Baixi, and the other sisters returned, looking thoroughly elated from their outing.

Lu Changsheng inquired about the Golden-Winged Roc and what they had done.

The latter replied that they had taken a tour under Azure Cloud’s jurisdiction and then ventured into the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

“Hmm,”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly and then smiled as he asked his daughter what had made their outing so delightful while engaging in casual conversation.

Lu Linghe and Lu Qingqi immediately began to share their journey details.

Especially Lu Qingqi, who excitedly recounted how they encountered a Demon King—only to have the little Roc King knock him out with one punch.

The Demon King became dinner for the Golden-Winged Roc, but not before he distributed plenty of spoils as keepsakes for them.

Holding up the Demon King’s serrated fang with fervor, Lu Qingqi beamed with excitement.

She planned to have it refined by an artifact-refiner into a spirit artifact, proudly noting it was the fang she’d severed from a third-rank Demon King.

Soon after, she shared more about their gains from the Demon King’s lair.

“.”

Lu Changsheng finally understood why they were all so happy.

After all, stumbling upon money—no matter what others might say about most third-rank Demon Kings being paupers—was a cause for exuberance.

“When your cultivation breakthroughs come, I’ll have the little Roc King take you on another adventure,”

Lu Changsheng, never one to dampen their spirits, said with a smile.

After lunch, Lu Changsheng summoned Lu Qingzhu to the Bright Moon Residence under the pretext of inspecting her Talisman cultivation.

“Wangshu, you’re back,”

Xiao Xiyue, who had been residing at Bihu Mountain, greeted her daughter in a gentle tone.

Over time, she had gradually come to terms with the revelation of her master’s pregnancy.

But now, looking at her daughter Lu Wangshu, she couldn’t help but wonder how she would ever refer to her master’s child, or what name to use for her.

“Mother,” Lu Wangshu said affectionately with a radiant smile.

“Xiyue,”

Lu Changsheng smiled warmly at his wife as the three of them entered Lu Wangshu’s talisman room to assess her cultivation.

Xiao Xiyue watched the father-daughter duo with a tender smile, though the thoughts of her own master troubled her.

Darn that flirt—such a troublemaker!

Xiao Xiyue couldn’t help but glare at Lu Changsheng.

“?”

Lu Wangshu, confused by her mother’s expression, asked, “Mother, what’s wrong? Is Dad upsetting you again?”

Lu Changsheng gave a light tap to his daughter’s porcelain-like forehead.

“It’s nothing,” Xiao Xiyue gently shook her head, not wanting to burden her daughter with such matters.

“Look, Mom, Dad keeps tapping my head all day!”

Lu Wangshu immediately complained to her mother.

Xiao Xiyue promptly avenged her daughter with a light tap directed at Lu Changsheng.

Amid their playful banter, Lu Wangshu suddenly looked at Lu Changsheng and asked, “Dad, didn’t you say you had something for me earlier?”

Originally, Lu Changsheng had intended to give his daughter a Heaven Mending Pill to upgrade her Fourth-Rank Spirit Root to Third Rank.

Though the jump from Fourth to Third Rank was only one step, the difference was as stark as that between the early and late stages of Foundation Establishment.

For example, during a break in Foundation Establishment, a mediocre Spirit Root might hold one back, whereas an upper-grade Spirit Root would never be a hindrance.

But now, instead of a Heaven Mending Pill, Lu Changsheng produced the Core Seed Dao Heart Enlightenment by a slight raise of his palm.

“Dad, what’s this?”

Lu Wangshu, studying the thumb-sized iridescent orb intently, her eyes full of surprise and curiosity, asked.

Beside her, Xiao Xiyue also looked at the Core Seed, unable to decipher its secrets.

“This is a Core Seed,”

Lu Changsheng explained its effects and asked if she would like it.

Upon hearing the details, Lu Wangshu’s face lit up. She threw her arms around Lu Changsheng and squealed, “Yes, yes, thank you, Daddy! I always knew you were the best!”

Over the years, refining spiritual patterns had been nothing short of a headache for her.

But with this Core Seed to activate her Dao Heart, her progress would be twice as effective.

More importantly, this Core Seed would aid any studious pursuit she embarked upon.

And she had plenty of interests.

Although her talents in Alchemy, Puppet Mastery, and Formations were only average and hardly as effortless as in Talisman Art, having this Core Seed meant she wouldn’t have to worry about those shortcomings.

Xiao Xiyue was visibly astonished, deeply aware of the Core Seed’s precious value.

Once assimilated, its benefits would mirror her own Supreme Emotionless Technique—truly astounding.

As for the side effects—compared to those of the Supreme Emotionless Technique—they were nothing to worry about.

Unless, of course, she and Lu Changsheng were no longer around, in which case no troubles would befall her.

Lu Changsheng looked at his daughter’s obedient, charming expression and almost reconsidered.

Could a Core Seed really boost her cultivation speed that much?

“Dad, Dad?”

Lu Wangshu, noticing her old man’s silent gaze, tilted her head and sweetly called out.

Even Xiao Xiyue couldn’t help but giggle at her daughter’s mischievous, endearing look.

“Swish!”

Lu Changsheng gave a shake of his head, then lightly flicked his finger to drive the Core Seed into Lu Wangshu’s brow.

“Boom!”

In an instant, innumerable pure, solemn radiances flooded her mind.

Deep within her consciousness, a vast, majestic voice echoed as the words “Dao Heart Enlightenment” flowed in like a gentle stream, seeping into every fiber of her being.

At that moment, Lu Wangshu seemed to enter a mysterious, unfathomable state. It was as if a hidden vault of divine secrets had been unlocked.

Countless thoughts surged through her mind yet she could control each one with clarity.

Simultaneously, the techniques and a myriad of knowledge—Talisman Art, Puppet Mastery, Alchemy, Spirit Cultivation, music, Formation—the previously jumbled information now crystallized into clear understanding.

At the same time, her Nine-Nine Profound Talisman Sutra began to autonomously circulate as her magical energy surged.

Beyond its primary effects, the Core Seed also enhanced innate talent, broadened perception, and remedied past deficiencies.

Under its influence, Lu Wangshu’s entire cultivation and Foundation Establishment reorganized and refined.

Time passed—though it was impossible to tell how long—until Lu Wangshu finally opened her eyes.

She sensed that her magical energy and Foundation Establishment had reached a standstill, ready to break into Core Formation at any moment.

Moreover, looking at the Nine-Nine Profound Talisman Sutra in her mind, she felt an enlightening clarity—one truth that resonated with all things.

“Wangshu, how do you feel?”

As soon as Lu Changsheng noticed his daughter awakening, he anxiously inquired.

Not only him, but even Xiao Xiyue looked on with more concern than he did.

“Dad, ever since you passed me those spiritual patterns, I feel like I’ve understood them all. Show me the next set of patterns,”

Lu Wangshu, gazing at her handsome father as if to confirm it wasn’t a hallucination, said.

“They work that well?”

Lu Changsheng, surprised, then slowly drew a spiritual pattern, demonstrating its evolution.

Lu Wangshu watched intently.

Moments later, she attempted to mimic it.

Though she couldn’t match Lu Changsheng’s skill yet, she captured a hint of its essence.

Xiao Xiyue’s eyes widened with both surprise and joy. She thought it was amazing that her daughter had managed such progress.

“That,”

even Lu Wangshu was astounded, her red lips parting into a delighted smile as she said, “Dad, now every technique I see becomes instantly clear—I learn as soon as I see!”

In that moment, she quietly absorbed the newfound power of her awakening Dao Heart.

Her Dao Heart shone with endless possibilities, aligning her perfectly with the Way!

Already gifted with a blood-talisman body that made her immensely talented in Talisman Art, with her newly awakened Dao Heart, Lu Wangshu was almost one with the art.

“???”

Lu Changsheng was taken aback by his daughter’s words. Although the Core Seed’s effects were extraordinary, he doubted they could be as instantly transformative as she claimed.

So he taught her a Five Elements technique from the Five Elements Unity Classic to see if she could learn it.

While Lu Wangshu didn’t master it on the first try, she did manage to grasp its essence with a bit of practice.

Given some time, she would quickly understand and master it.

“Dad, go keep your wife company. I’m off to cultivate!”

Undeterred by minor setbacks, Lu Wangshu’s excitement for cultivation burned brighter than ever as she prepared to enter the state of intense, pure focus.

“???”

Lu Changsheng watched in dismay as his daughter’s demeanor shifted so quickly—from the obedient, understanding child to a determined young cultivator—and couldn’t help but shake his head.

Yet, seeing her passion for cultivation, he felt a bittersweet sense of joy.

“If you ever decide to break into Core Formation, just let me know,”

Lu Changsheng advised, worried that she might push herself too hard with the aid of the Condensing Crystal Pill in hand.

“Don’t worry! I’ll inform both you and Mom immediately when such a critical moment comes,”

Lu Wangshu, with a mischievous yet well-behaved smile, reassured him—aware that his private stash was reserved for moments when she truly excelled.

Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue exchanged a knowing smile as they left the talisman room.

“Xiyue, delaying further isn’t an option. Let’s visit the Azure Cloud Sect to see the Immortal,”

Lu Changsheng suggested, having stayed at home for too long. It was time to visit his wife and children in the Yue Kingdom and deliver some supplies.

“Alright,”

Xiao Xiyue agreed, aware that sooner or later they’d have to see their master.

Soon, the trio—Lu Changsheng, Xiao Xiyue, and Lu Shouzheng—set off for the Azure Cloud Sect.

“Greetings, Xiao Xiyue True Immortal! Greetings, Xiao Xiyue Martial Uncle! Greetings, Changsheng True Immortal!”

Upon arriving at the Azure Cloud Sect, the mountain guards and passing disciples bowed respectfully to Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue.

As for Lu Shouzheng, no one dared to ask too many questions.

Given the past controversies surrounding Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue, rumors had spread widely within the Azure Cloud Sect, so Lu Changsheng even used his magical energy to conceal Lu Shouzheng’s appearance from the disciples’ prying eyes.

Before long, the trio reached the majestic Rainbow Cloud Peak, where mists of spiritual energy swirled and a towering waterfall cascaded down.

“The Immortal still resides on Rainbow Cloud Peak?”

Lu Changsheng remarked in surprise at the unchanged sight of the peak.

Yun Wanshang had broken through to Nascent Soul, and now Rainbow Cloud Peak seemed too trivial for her cultivation.

“The Sect Leader had asked if the Immortal would move to a new cave residence, but the Immortal said there was no need. It seems the Sect Leader is preparing something,”

Xiao Xiyue whispered, knowing that with the Immortal breaking through to Nascent Soul, the sect would need to maximize their spiritual energy supply.

Lu Changsheng merely nodded, asking no further questions.

Upon entering the Rainbow Cloud Hall, Xiao Xiyue’s tension rose. She glanced at Lu Changsheng.

Sensing her unease, Lu Changsheng looked back innocently.

“You little troublemaker!”

Xiao Xiyue chided sharply, though mindful of Lu Shouzheng standing nearby, she restrained herself from delivering a full-blown slap.

“.”

Feeling rather sheepish, Lu Changsheng swallowed his discomfort as he and Xiao Xiyue, along with Lu Shouzheng, approached the front of the hall and bowed deeply.

“Lu Changsheng, we respectfully request an audience with the Caiyun True Lord,”

“Disciple Xiao Xiyue respectfully greets Master!”

“Lu Shouzheng pays his respects to the Patriarch!”

The trio saluted in unison.

Meanwhile, in the Caiyun Hall, Yun Wanshang sat cross-legged with brows furrowed.

Although she had secluded herself these past days, nurturing the fetus with the Great Luo Sword Embryo, the intel delivered by the Leader of Qingyun Sect had revealed that Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue had entered into a relationship—and even secretly had a daughter.

But then, what of Lu Shouzheng? Is he a second child of Lu Changsheng and Xiao Xiyue? The young man before her resembled not the disciple Xiao Xiyue, but bore striking similarities to Chu Qingyi in his childhood.

Especially his features—it was almost identical to Chu Qingyi’s when she was young.

“Could it be…”

Yun Wanshang’s stunning features hardened as a thought suddenly struck her.

She had long suspected, during those early days in the Land of Eternal Night, that perhaps her senior disciple had also been ensnared by that little rogue.

Even though the intel from the Leader of Qingyun Sect hadn’t mentioned this, Lu Shouzheng’s appearance was too revealing to ignore.

Moreover, instead of bringing their daughter Lu Qingzhu along, they had brought Lu Shouzheng. What was the meaning of this? Had Xiao Xiyue known about Chu Qingyi all along, hiding it from me?

For a moment, Yun Wanshang’s face, once breathtakingly beautiful, turned cold.

“Come in,”

She rose and walked to the front hall, her ruby lips parting to speak in a calm, aloof tone laden with noble authority.

At her words, the grand doors of the Caiyun Hall burst open.

Lu Changsheng felt a chill run down his spine as he exchanged a glance with Xiao Xiyue before leading Lu Shouzheng into the hall.

Only Lu Shouzheng maintained a calm expression, his curious eyes fixed on the Patriarch his mother had mentioned.