Chapter 802: Winds of War in Yue Kingdom

After entering the Yue Kingdom, Lu Changsheng had the Golden-Winged Roc enter the Heavenly Yuan Lotus.

The Liang-Yue War had broken out, and the Yue Kingdom was on full alert. Any trace of the Golden-Winged Roc’s energy could invite unnecessary trouble.

Besides, if he came to visit his wife and children, he needed to appear in person.

If he suddenly showed up on the front lines without warning, it would only arouse suspicion.

Then Lu Changsheng launched a Third-Rank Spirit Boat for his daughter Lu Qingqi to steer, sending it straight toward the battlefront.

“The situation doesn’t look promising,” he remarked.

Clad in a cyan wide robe and with his arms crossed on the Spirit Boat, Lu Changsheng gazed at the passing mountains, family spirit lands, and bustling cities, letting out a reflective sigh.

It was evident that years of war had devastated the Yue Kingdom, leaving it far from the prosperity of the past.

Along the way, he even noticed several abandoned spirit lands, now nothing more than ruins left unattended.

He knew enemy cultivators had infiltrated deep into the rear to sabotage the defenses and incite rebellion.

Once these spirit lands and marketplaces were ruined and left unreconstructed, it spoke volumes about the severity of the situation.

As he pressed onward, he encountered more and more patrols and inspection cultivators.

Many of these inspectors hailed from the Jiang Kingdom, recognizing Lu Changsheng as the Changsheng Zhenren of Bihu Mountain.

In fact, the inspectors had to know who was who.

In the Yue, Jiang, Liang, and Wu Kingdoms, Core Formation True Immortals needed to identify one another to verify their identities.

Just as he neared an outpost of the Azure Cloud Sect, Lu Changsheng suddenly sensed a ripple of magical energy mixed with a trace of bloodstained aura from afar.

He stirred his thoughts and extended his divine sense.

“Huh!?”

With a slight raise of his eyebrow, he took control of the Spirit Boat from his daughter Lu Qingqi and accelerated toward the area of combat.

Boom, boom, boom—

A Second-Rank Spirit Land came into view, its formation in ruins with flames lighting up the sky.

Several cultivators in Azure Cloud Sect robes lay grievously injured, surrounded and being slain by one False Core cultivator and three Foundation Establishment cultivators.

When they saw Lu Changsheng’s Spirit Boat approach, both sides were taken aback, unsure whether he was friend or foe.

However, one Azure Cloud Sect disciple immediately recognized him and exclaimed, “But Changsheng Zhenren, these are Yuan Kingdom cultivators. Please, lend your aid!”

Before the words were finished, Lu Changsheng had already struck.

A talisman several feet long materialized overhead and then darted toward the Yuan Kingdom cultivators, binding and suppressing them all.

Out in the world, Lu Changsheng always remembered his status as Changsheng Zhenren when practicing Talisman Art.

Thus, his actions naturally reflected his illustrious identity.

“Father still knows your technique!”

Lu Qingqi, his daughter, opened her mouth in surprised admiration.

While she knew her father’s signature was his spirit formations, she had never seen him use his talisman methods—instead, she remembered his one-sword strike that dispatched a late Core Formation cultivator in a single blow.

“Thank you, Changsheng Zhenren!”

“Hail, Changsheng Zhenren!”

The Azure Cloud Sect disciples, seeing how Lu Changsheng had effortlessly suppressed the oppressive False Core cultivator with a flick of his hand, bowed respectfully.

“Call me Chaoyang,” he said, nodding toward a man in the crowd.

Lu Changsheng looked toward a man in his thirties with a heroic and composed air, smiling warmly.

That man was Xia Chaoyang, the younger brother of his wife Xia Ziyue.

Though Lu Changsheng seldom paid him much mind, he knew Xia Chaoyang had done well within the Azure Cloud Sect and even had formed a partnership with the daughter of a False Core cultivator.

Now, even though Xia Chaoyang was only at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment with no hope of reaching Core Formation, effort might still carve a path to a False Core breakthrough.

“Brother-in-law!”

Hearing this, Xia Chaoyang immediately called out to Lu Changsheng, his tone laced with deference.

He then asked why Lu Changsheng had come to the Yue Kingdom. Had he been summoned too?

But the Talisman Lu Family had already contributed enough in this war.

Unless the Azure Cloud Sect planned to suppress him, Lu Changsheng—a Core Formation True Immortal—had no reason to be on the front lines.

“I’ve been in seclusion practicing talisman formations, so I just came for a change of scenery. By the way, do you know where Master Miaoge or Master Qingyi is now?”

Lu Changsheng replied with his arms crossed, his graceful demeanor reminiscent of an ancient towering tree—calm, unassuming, and inscrutable.

“Master Miaoge was last seen at Yulin Lake, while Master Qingyi has been busy patrolling. I don’t have any further details,” Xia Chaoyang answered respectfully.

After a brief nod from Lu Changsheng, he inquired if the situation in Yue was truly as dire—that the rear had been attacked by enemy cultivators.

Xia Chaoyang forced a bitter smile and said, “The situation is indeed grim.”

He went on to explain that months earlier, the foremost family of the Yue Kingdom—the Chi Jiao Qi Family—had betrayed and defected to the Liang Kingdom, striking a heavy blow and allowing many enemy cultivators to infiltrate.

In recent years, the Jiang Kingdom had thrown all its support behind Yue.

Meanwhile, the Liang and Yuan Kingdoms had chosen to strike hard at the Azure Cloud, Luoxia, and Beast Spirit Sects, instilling fear and preventing further assistance.

Earlier, they had sent representatives merely to scout the situation.

Yet after decimating that traitorous family, the Yuan Kingdom cultivators did not flee but instead laid an ambush in their wake.

“Had it not been for your timely arrival, we were doomed,” Xia Chaoyang admitted with lingering fear, already thinking of applying to return to his sect.

“Thank you, Changsheng Zhenren!”

Several Foundation Establishment cultivators quickly expressed their gratitude as well.

“By the way, Brother-in-law, I heard that Xingyang and Qingxuan were assigned to the Qi Family frontline, but it’s too remote for me to know the details,” one of them added.

At that moment, Xia Chaoyang’s expression turned grave as he addressed Lu Changsheng.

Though not particularly close to the Lu Family and barely acquainted with most of its disciples, he did care about his nephew, Lu Xingyang.

“Qingxuan? Xingyang?”

Lu Changsheng had already assessed their fortunes, but given how rapidly the battlefield shifted, unless a great omen appeared, even he could only guess.

“I’ll go check on them soon,” he said, his expression hardening as he prepared to inspect his children’s situation.

“Chaoyang, have you heard any news of Lu Qingshan from the Golden Sun Sect?”

Lu Miaohuan, standing nearby, also inquired about her son.

“I’m not very aware of Lu Changsheng’s details,” Xia Chaoyang replied. He knew of the famed Lu Qingshan, but as a Foundation Establishment cultivator his intel was limited—any news on Lu Qingxian and Lu Xingyang likely came from the Azure Cloud Sect.

“Don’t worry, we’ll see Qingshan soon,” Lu Changsheng assured, softly holding his wife’s hand.

“Mm,” Lu Miaohuan nodded quietly, though her heart twinged at the absence of her son.

“By the way, are you all heading back to the Azure Cloud outpost?”

Observing the grievous injuries on the group, Lu Changsheng remarked.

Regardless of the encounter with Xia Chaoyang, given his relationship with the Azure Cloud Sect, he would lend assistance if needed.

“Brother-in-law, we’ve already called for reinforcements; a True Immortal will arrive momentarily,” Xia Chaoyang explained, indicating that help was on the way.

“Oh?”

Lu Changsheng then asked which True Immortal was expected, hoping to glean more details.

Not long after, a Core Formation cultivator from the Azure Cloud Sect stepped forward.

A newly promoted Core Formation True Immortal, he had seen Lu Changsheng before, though they hadn’t interacted much.

“Greetings, Changsheng Zhenren,” he said as he bowed.

Xia Chaoyang and the others, having learned how Lu Changsheng had subdued those Yuan Kingdom cultivators with barely a gesture, looked on in astonishment.

Though Changsheng Zhenren had broken through Core Formation more than forty years ago, he rarely resorted to brute force.

When people mentioned the Changsheng Zhenren of Bihu Mountain, most recalled his once notorious reputation for marriage and progeny—or that day when he faced down the Azure Cloud Sect’s Xiyue Zhenren, or even how Master Miaoge’s influence brought an entire family to Core Formation.

Thus, the new Core Formation cultivator marveled at Changsheng Zhenren’s formidable prowess.

Raising his hand as if to ask, ‘How did you manage to suppress a False Core cultivator with a single flick?’

A Core Formation cultivator might not typically dare challenge such force.

Nonetheless, with a Talisman Art master like Xiao Xiyue as his superior, Lu Changsheng was someone not to be crossed, and the cultivator inquired why he had come.

“Changsheng Zhenren, earlier when the Qi Family betrayed us, many cultivators rushed to their aid, and Master Miaoge was in the Chi Yue Mountain area,” he said.

“I’ve taken these few back with me. Later, I will report our battle achievements to the sect and record them under noble titles. Any True Immortal who reviews will know the truth,” he added humbly.

Without coveting any credit—after all, exploiting connections to Xiao Xiyue could only lead to trouble—Lu Changsheng responded with a simple nod, and began his journey toward the Chi Yue Mountain Range.

“If Changsheng Zhenren is headed to Chi Yue Mountain Range to see Master Miaoge, I can send a message on your behalf; otherwise, once there, the tight security might cause a delay,” the Core Formation cultivator offered.

“In that case, my friend, thank you,” Lu Changsheng replied with a smile.

After the Spirit Boat had traveled some distance, Lu Qingqi commented, “As expected of Father—wherever he goes, everyone greets him respectfully.”

“What? Could anyone dare slight our Qixi Fairy when she’s out?” Lu Changsheng laughed, knowing his daughter loved to show off just like her brother—the only difference being one was capable and the other less so.

“Not at all. Whenever I meet a False Core cultivator or a Core Formation cultivator, they always show deep respect,” Lu Qingqi quickly added, not wanting her father to think she was boastful.

Besides, with the backing of the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain and her elder brother Lu Qingshan, few would dare cross her path.

“That is the proper courtesy,”

Lu Miaohuan remarked in a slightly exasperated tone, noting how quickly time had flown.

Since perfecting the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method, she had rarely stepped out.

Over the years, their family had risen from a Foundation Establishment clan to a Core Formation household, eventually boasting multiple Core Formation practitioners.

Once, Core Formation True Immortals were untouchable, but now even her husband and she treated them with deference.

Even their daughters faced True Immortals with calm resolve.

Recalling how, in her youth on Qingzhu Mountain, even a Foundation Establishment cultivator inspired awe, Lu Miaohuan was suddenly overcome with nostalgia—as if she had stepped into a different life.

“What are you thinking?” Lu Changsheng smiled at his wife’s reflective expression.

“I was just struck by how abruptly everything has changed. In no time at all, you, our elder sister, and Qingshan have reached the once unattainable Core Formation stage,” she softly replied.

Lu Miaohuan’s voice was gentle, reflecting her mixed emotions.

Her life on Bihu Mountain had never stirred such feelings, but now, far from home, each moment felt overwhelmingly significant.

“Huahuan, you’re just one step away now. Once I’m through with my tasks, I’ll find time for you to break through to Core Formation,” Lu Changsheng promised.

At home, Lu Miaohuan, Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and Xia Ziyue were all practicing the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method.

Due to the nature of her innate spirit plant, Lu Miaohuan’s Guiyu Demon Flower had blossomed the fastest, already reaching the ninth level of Foundation Establishment.

If Lu Changsheng fed it some Demon King’s flesh or Wuling Heaven Dew, its advancement could be rapid.

Yet, as always, after so many years away, many family affairs remained unresolved.

For instance, the Wuling Heaven Dew—apart from being used for rare spirit medicines like the Five Elements Spirit Fruit Tree or Tianling Flower—had been hoarded by the Guiyu Demon Flower and Qu Zhenzhen, unused.

“Father, I want to reach Core Formation too,”

Lu Qingqi eagerly declared as she listened to her father mention Core Formation in passing.

After years of struggle, she knew her talent, comprehension, mindset, and determination were average, making Core Formation nearly impossible under normal circumstances.

Her only hope rested on her father.

After all, her father had once decapitated a late Core Formation cultivator with one sword strike, transformed his spirit pet into a person, and even killed a Demon King with a single punch—probably having long surpassed Nascent Soul.

A True Immortal’s guidance would certainly make things easier.

“Wishing alone is not enough—you must first break through the later stage of Foundation Establishment,” Lu Changsheng said with a smile as he looked at his daughter’s barely five-level Foundation Establishment state.

“Don’t worry, Father, I will train diligently and break through the later stage soon!” Lu Qingqi promised obediently.

Half a month later, Lu Changsheng arrived at the Chi Yue Mountain Range, where many outposts and patrolling cultivators were stationed.

Spotting his Spirit Boat, someone immediately approached to ask who he was and what his business was.

After a brief interrogation, they asked him to wait while a message was relayed.

“Friend Changsheng,”

Not long after, a Core Formation cultivator from the Azure Cloud Sect appeared and bowed to Lu Changsheng.

“Friend Cangchen,”

Lu Changsheng recognized him as an established Core Formation cultivator from the Azure Cloud Sect who had fought during the pioneer wars.

“I received word that Changsheng Zhenren would come. We have been waiting for you. Please, come in.”

Unlike the newly promoted cultivator, Cangchen Zhenren was even more courteous.

After all, he knew Lu Changsheng had long been capable of drawing Third-Rank Top-Tier talismans.

Over the years, he might even have mastered the art of consistently drawing them.

A talisman maker like him on the battlefield would be a top-tier weapon—no mere early Core Formation cultivator, but on par with late-stage ones.

“Friend Cangchen, no need for such formalities,”

Lu Changsheng replied, though a wary feeling crept into his heart as he sensed the other’s over-familiarity.

In times of war, unsolicited courtesy was either a trap or an opportunist.

Besides, a Core Formation True Immortal like him arriving at the frontline might be expected either to show combat or to provide his talismans.

After years overseas in the Starry Sea, he had not drawn many talismans, and his own supply was rather meager.

Yet, as expected, Cangchen Zhenren invited him to the outpost to rest, offering wine and spirit fruits before speaking.

“Changsheng Zhenren, not long ago our frontline forces have been stretched thin, and the surrounding areas lack enforcers. Could you spare us some time?”

“I came during my seclusion because my mind was unsettled; I only wanted to check on my wife and children. I have no intention of engaging in battle,” Lu Changsheng explained.

His wife and children were not in his sight—he had no leisure to head to the front.

Besides, until he broke through to Nascent Soul, he preferred not to attract too much attention.

Otherwise, he might have exploited his feigned death and slumbering Shadow to lure in the Holy Maiden of Beast God Mountain and sweep her domain in one fell swoop.

Cangchen Zhenren looked disappointed, but he understood that as a Talisman Practitioner, Lu Changsheng’s reluctance to fight was natural.

After all, when a Talisman Practitioner truly engaged, it meant unleashing his carefully drawn talismans.

“Then, could you sell some talismans? These years of war have left our supplies critically low,” Cangchen Zhenren pleaded, his tone heavy with lament.

Seeing his theatrical expression, Lu Changsheng replied that he drew talismans as the City Lord for his own family and that very few remained, with many people clamoring to buy them.

Nonetheless, he ended up handing over a few pieces.

“Thank you, Friend Changsheng,”

Cangchen Zhenren, satisfied, then escorted Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaohuan, and Lu Qingqi to the temporary outpost where Master Miaoge resided.

“Changsheng, Huahuan, Qixi,”

Upon receiving the news and seeing Lu Changsheng and his sister arrive, Master Miaoge’s ethereal, pure face lit up with joy.

When she had been summoned earlier, Lu Changsheng’s absence had filled her with worry.

Now, seeing him safe, her anxiety dissipated like a tide receding.

“Sister Miaoge, Sister, Auntie,”

Lu Changsheng called out affectionately, his voice overflowing with longing.

Cangchen Zhenren did not disturb the family reunion and quietly took his leave.

In the eyes of the world, Master Miaoge—having recently broken through to Core Formation and practicing a primarily healing water technique—typically remained at the rear outpost.

Only when threats arose at the front did she venture out to provide support or treatment.

After all, in wartime, high-level healers were precious, and none of the factions could afford to lose them.

Upon entering Master Miaoge’s cave residence, Lu Changsheng saw his daughter Lu Qingzhu present as well.

“Qingzhu!”

Seeing his daughter in a flowing, radiant attire, Lu Changsheng’s face brightened with joy.

He soon learned that his son Lu Qingshan had recently come out of seclusion and brought Lu Qingzhu along.

But ever restless, Lu Qingshan had sent Lu Qingzhu ahead to the front; upon hearing how dire the situation was, he had gone to take his post.

Lu Miaohuan, hearing her sister and Lu Qingzhu exchange words, was relieved to know her son was safe, though she thought his impulsiveness on the front was dangerously reckless.

In a casual conversation with Master Miaoge, Lu Changsheng also learned that Zhao Qingqing and his daughter Lu Xingyang were present, both serving as healers in the rear.

It could be said that if the Yue Kingdom lost this war, all four great Immortal Sects of Jiang would suffer devastating blows.

“By the way, Miaoge, do you have any news about Qingxuan and Xingyang?”

Lu Changsheng recalled what Xia Chaoyang had said about the Qi Family’s betrayal and the collapse of that frontline—warning that his children might be in danger.

“Mm,” Master Miaoge said somberly, nodding to indicate that while Lu Xingyang was unharmed, Lu Qingxian—having recently unleashed a secret technique in battle—was severely injured.

She continued, “Although Lu Qingxian and Lu Xingyang are managing, among the Lu Family disciples who came this time, Lu Chensha and Lu Ruyi might be in grave danger—their whereabouts unknown.”

Furthermore, the collapse of that frontline had resulted in heavy casualties for Yue. Even though most disciples, except Lu Ruyi and Lu Chensha, had retreated promptly using the family talismans and with Master Miaoge’s assistance, the Yue Kingdom leaders still harbored suspicions of desertion.

Master Miaoge had even informed Lu Qingshan of these developments.

After all, in the Yue Kingdom’s cultivation world, Lu Qingshan’s reputation was far more intimidating than that of a mere Core Formation True Immortal like Master Miaoge.

Listening to his wife’s words, Lu Changsheng calculated silently.

He sensed that his son Lu Chensha’s fate was intertwined with both fortune and misfortune, and that his daughter Lu Ruyi faced grave danger—if he didn’t act, she might never return.

“Miaoge, let’s check on Qingxuan first,”

Taking a deep breath, Lu Changsheng slowly exhaled, resolved to tackle these problems one by one.

Not long after, he arrived at a rest room for the wounded at the rear outpost and found Lu Qingxian, whose physical meridians were severely damaged.

Without Core Formation pills or the help of Master Miaoge’s healing, even a recovery would leave hidden damage that could jeopardize his progress.

“Greetings, Father, Auntie!”

Upon seeing Lu Changsheng, Lu Qingxian immediately rose and bowed.

“No need for formalities. Have you used the Thunderfire Xuan Lotus again?”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand; noticing the damage from overexertion, he replied,

“Yes,” Lu Qingxian nodded.

Without further words, Lu Changsheng grasped his son’s wrist and applied the Treasure Cauldron Medicine King Scripture to heal his injuries, tending to his wounds as best as he could.

“Rest well,” he advised, promising to return later with something for him.

This son, though only possessing a fourth-grade Spirit Root and average talent, was among the more capable—it was his courage in volunteering for the front that earned his father’s support.

“Thank you for your hard work, Father,” Lu Qingxian said, bowing as he began to sit and cultivate for healing.

Cultivators dreaded severe injuries that left them unable to cultivate, forced to rely on external aids like pills for a slow recovery.

After seeing Lu Qingxian, Lu Changsheng left with his wife and daughter to visit his son Lu Qingshan at the front.

The outposts were heavily guarded—unless Master Miaoge herself was present, none below Core Formation were free to wander, and everyone strictly followed orders.

However, before reaching the stronghold where Lu Qingshan was stationed, Lu Miaoge and Lu Changsheng sensed a surge of battle formation energy ahead, like lightning and thunder erupting.

As they continued forward, Yue Kingdom patrol cultivators called out to them, bowing, “Greetings, Master Miaoge. What brings you to Chi Hu Town?”

“I have business with Lu Qingshan,” Master Miaoge said, producing a token and speaking with authority.

“Reporting, Chi Hu Town is under attack and entry is restricted,”

the leading False Core cultivator stated after glancing at Lu Changsheng’s group and then at Lu Miaohuan.

“We came only to support and not to enter the town,”

he added.

Lu Changsheng, using his divine sense, observed that five Core Formation cultivators were in combat, and his son Lu Qingshan was locked in battle with a Fifth-Level Core Formation cultivator.

Originally, he had only come to visit his family, not to seek the limelight.

However, with his wife summoned, unless a great feat was achieved, the cycle for the next ten years would remain unchanged.

Master Miaoge had only been practicing for a little over four years; not even five.

Thus, Lu Changsheng thought that if he could cut down one Core Formation cultivator now, Master Miaoge and Lu Qingxian could all opt to return home.

“Support?” the False Core cultivator hesitated.

“I am Lu Changsheng – Azure Cloud Sect Guest Council Elder, Deputy City Lord of the Immortal City of Damengze, and father of Lu Qingshan. I am here to slay enemies and earn merit. Can you afford to delay the battle?”

Lu Changsheng’s handsome face turned stern as he scolded.

“Please forgive me, True Immortal,” the False Core cultivator stammered, bowing hurriedly.

“Today, you and I—as spouses—shall fight once again,” Lu Changsheng said with a smile directed at his wife.

In their early years, the couple had practiced joint cultivation techniques to suppress many enemies.

But after breaking through Core Formation, aside from minor skirmishes during Beast Tides in the Immortal City of Damengze, they rarely clashed.

Today, the duo from Bihu Mountain would once again fight side by side.

“Huahuan, you and Qixi, stay here,”

Lu Changsheng instructed, noting that even though the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method prevented Lu Miaohuan from moving too far, the distance here was negligible.

As soon as his words fell, the couple soared together toward the uppermost Core Formation battlefield.

“Huh!?”

The five cultivators engaged with Lu Qingshan were startled to see two Core Formation cultivators descending from the direction of Chi Hu Town.

“Father, Auntie!?”

Lu Qingshan, mid-formation in the Seven Luminary Geng Metal Sword Formation, was surprised to see his parents come to aid him.

He immediately sent a transmission to the Yuan Flow True Immortal, informing him that his father and aunt had arrived.

Lu Changsheng and Master Miaoge combined their energies using the Taiyi Water Technique, their powers interweaving as Lu Changsheng pushed his cultivation to the sixth level of Core Formation.

Immediately after, Master Miaoge sacrificed her Life-Bound Treasure—the Taiyi Talisman; the Yin-Yang Jade Purifying Vase appeared.

The Taiyi Talisman transformed in Lu Changsheng’s hand into a three-inch sword, which he used to strike at Lu Qingshan’s opponent with resplendent golden light and razor-sharp precision.

At the same time, Lu Changsheng launched his Third-Rank Top-Tier talisman—the Ninefold Thunder Blade Talisman.

In an instant, the talisman formed a massive thunderblade, its aura surging as it barreled down toward the enemy.

“Third-Rank Top-Tier talisman? This is bad!”

The Core Formation cultivator, who had been stalling, was caught off guard—never expecting such a devastating assault from Lu Changsheng and Master Miaoge.

He quickly crushed a talisman in his hand in an attempt to invoke a secret escape technique, but Lu Qingshan ensured he couldn’t flee as the sword formation intercepted him.

Meanwhile, Lu Changsheng’s Ninefold Thunder Blade Talisman was only a distraction; in that moment, a silent divine sense attack further hindered him.

As the Taiyi Sword descended, the thunderous Ninefold Thunder Blade carried overwhelming might, filling the enemy with despair as he cried out for help from two nearby Core Formation cultivators.

“This is bad!”

The two surged forward to assist, but Lu Changsheng and Master Miaoge stepped between them.

“Glorious Sun, as silent as dusk!”

“Resplendent Moon, guide us through hardship!”

Lu Changsheng’s body glowed with intricate golden runes, while Master Miaoge’s head shone with lunar brilliance, as if cloaked in a celestial robe.

Then, dazzling golden rays burst forth from their clasped hands, radiating outward.

Now carrying the title Changsheng Zhenren, Lu Changsheng did not overdo it—a single beam of divine light forced the attackers to retreat.

Pfft!

Under the overwhelming force of the Ninefold Thunder Blade, the False Core Formation True Immortal’s protective aura shattered; he spat blood, and Lu Qingshan’s Flying Sword pierced his body, extracting his True Core—his defiant expression frozen until his final moment.

He was simply too unwilling to accept his fate.

What began as a three-versus-one encounter, which initially seemed a sure victory, turned when Lu Qingshan unexpectedly intervened—ensuring even a fallback was possible.

But then, two more Core Formation cultivators appeared.

Although one was in the early stage and the other in mid-stage, both wielded Third-Rank Top-Tier talismans that disrupted his secret technique.

“Retreat!”

Panicked by the turn of events in the four-versus-two encounter, the two enemy Core Formation cultivators shouted and attempted to flee.

At that moment, both sides were dumbfounded.

No one had expected the battle to end so abruptly.

But when they saw the grand divine light of the Sun God, the dark might of the Ninefold Thunder Blade, and a fallen Core Formation True Immortal, expressions shifted on both sides—one filled with morale and the other with dread.

“Still planning to cover the rear?”

Seeing that two Core Formation cultivators hadn’t retreated to shield the Yuan Kingdom fighters, Lu Changsheng chuckled and lightly tapped his Storage Ring—releasing dozens of talismans in sequence. They arranged themselves in a formation, their auras linking to form a talisman array.

Since they had encountered foes, he couldn’t return empty-handed.

Besides, as Yun Wanshang had remarked earlier, if he ever wished to wed Chu Qingyi, he could go to the front and dispatch two Core Formation cultivators to bolster his prestige—thus sparing his future Nascent Soul from bullying.

“Wishing alone won’t cut it—you must first break through the later stage of Foundation Establishment,”

Lu Changsheng glanced at his daughter’s weak five-level Foundation Establishment state and said with a smile.

“Father, rest assured. I will work hard and break through the later stage soon!” Lu Qingqi promised obediently.