Chapter 803: The Battle of Talisman Formations

At the Core Formation level, everyone is well-versed in the art of talisman formations.

And within Yue Kingdom’s Five Major Immortal Sects, there is the renowned Beast Talisman Sect, celebrated for its Talisman Art.

So when Lu Changsheng’s Storage Ring unleashed a talisman to form a formation, two Core Formation True Immortals from the Yuan Kingdom sensed trouble.

After all, talisman formations are all about battlefield strategy—overcoming strength with clever positions.

Earlier, when Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge used a three-rank top-tier talisman to slash an enemy, it was clear they possessed many high-level talismans.

Under these conditions, once the formation was set, they were no match at all.

In a flash, the two roared, channeling Golden Core True Yuan into their Life-Bound Treasures as they made a desperate dash for the rear.

Yet Lu Qingshan and Yuan Flow True Immortal were not about to let them escape so easily.

Remember, every time a Core Formation cultivator falls on the battlefield, it’s a major feat.

Both launched a full-scale interception to block the retreat.

At that moment, Lu Miaoge unleashed a ‘Three Mountains and Heavy Peaks’ talisman—the formation of three towering mountains high above exuding a crushing aura meant to subdue them.

One enemy then hurled a Heavenly Lightning Child toward one of the towering peaks, triggering an earth-shattering roar before vanishing with the Life-Consuming Secret Technique.

Yet Lu Changsheng regarded such tactics as mere child’s play.

In a burst of brilliance, a series of talismans flared to life, creating a radiant golden wall that blocked his path.

As they tried to change direction, they spotted a thunderous, ten-yard lightning dragon roaring in their direction.

From all sides, the fearsome power of the talisman formations closed in, leaving them with no escape.

Exchanging a look, they shattered several defensive talismans and burned their Golden Core Essence to unleash Divine Abilities, risking heavy injuries in a bid to flee.

At that moment, Lu Changsheng calmly commanded—with his cyan robe billowing—as the complete talisman formation converged to strike at them.

In an instant, the sky became a chaotic inferno of wind, fire, lightning, and brilliance, turning into a hellish realm of destruction that swallowed the two whole.

“How is this possible?!”

Seeing the terrifying shockwaves from dozens of three-rank talismans, both felt their scalps go numb, their eyes reflecting endless lightning, wind, fire, and golden light.

Even though they unleashed hidden techniques and burned their Golden Core Essence—almost at the late Core Formation stage—they felt utterly powerless, drenched in despair at the barrage of talismans.

They couldn’t fathom how a mid-Core Formation cultivator could simultaneously control so many three-rank talismans.

Granted, a talisman cultivator can activate multiple talismans at once and set up a formation by controlling them all.

But they’d never seen anything this extravagant—no formation like this, no display of talisman mastery of such scale!

For a late-Core Formation Grand cultivator, it might be expected.

Especially since they sensed that among the talismans there were even two three-rank top-tier ones.

Really—if you’re that wealthy, why head to the battlefield?

Why not stay home selling talismans or drawing formations at the rear? Slaughtering three of us for a quick profit—at the end of the day, aren’t they only worth their talismans’ price?

Even Yuan Flow True Immortal beside them was dumbfounded, his eyelids twitching in disbelief.

Talisman work can really be pulled off like this?!

He had contended with many Core Formation True Immortals from the Beast Talisman Sect before.

He knew that aside from burning money, the greatest flaw of talisman cultivators was that their setup of formations and divine abilities was too slow—making it easy for opponents to disrupt or escape.

Yet the Lu Changsheng before him not only unleashed twenty or so three-rank talismans with a mere flick, but his speed in both casting and forming the formation far outstripped any Beast Talisman Sect cultivist he knew.

He had almost perfectly overcome the shortcomings of talisman cultivation.

“Could it be that they practice a combined cultivation technique, merging their magical energies so that they can wield talismans in unison?”

Yuan Flow True Immortal observed that Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge’s energies seemed perfectly merged, elevating Lu Changsheng’s cultivation to the sixth layer of Core Formation.

But a sixth-layer Core Formation cultivator shouldn’t be able to handle so many three-rank talismans.

Especially when two of those were three-rank top-tier talismans!

Thus, he suspected that their combined cultivation technique not only blended their magical energy but may also have intertwined their souls and divine senses to control the formation.

Otherwise, even a secret technique driving him to the sixth layer couldn’t explain it.

Yet the secret techniques, divine abilities, and Dao-Comprehending Artifacts of cultivators are shrouded in mystery; he couldn’t pry into their souls now.

Moreover, the explosive power of the talisman formation forced even this Core Formation True Immortal to focus solely on avoiding the shockwaves.

At Lu Changsheng’s reminder, Lu Qingshan immediately retracted his Flying Sword and retreated back to Chi Hu Town, glancing regretfully at Father as he burned talismans.

After all, that was hard-earned money.

Boom! Boom! Boom!!!

Boom! Boom! Boom!!!

Boom! Boom! Boom!!!

For several heartbeats, the deafening, world-shattering explosions gradually died down.

All that remained were the charred, ruined bodies of the two Core Formation True Immortals along with shattered Dao-Comprehending Artifacts, falling from the sky—dead beyond further death.

If Lu Changsheng hadn’t managed to control the power a bit earlier, their bodies might not have even remained intact.

Silence! Absolute silence!

A deathlike quiet fell over the battlefield!

For a brief moment, both sides on the field were hushed, a pause in the chaos.

Everyone stared upward in shock at the scene—a pair of corpses descending, leaving their throats dry and sending chills down every spine.

Core Formation True Immortals!

The three revered Core Formation True Immortals, who usually looked down on countless cultivators, had been so easily slain.

They saw, high above, a figure clad in a cyan wide robe and another in a plain white dress—the celestial couple, bathed in the hazy glow of the sun and moon, faces filled with reverence.

In the cultivation world, strength reigns supreme!

At this moment, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, who had slain three Core Formation True Immortals, were undoubtedly top-level experts! “But only a few more years of cultivation before they dare bully my son.”

Lu Changsheng spoke calmly, his expression composed as the merged energies with Lu Miaoge gradually dissipated.

Then he glanced at Lu Qingshan off in the distance and asked, “Qingshan, are you alright?”

It should have been an emotional scene of a father avenging his child by striking down bullies.

But Lu Qingshan already knew his father’s power—a single sword stroke was enough—and felt only that it was wasteful.

Still, with Father setting the stage, he couldn’t pass up the chance and cheerfully said, “Son Lu Qingshan pays his respects, Father.”

He declared, “These three relied solely on numbers and a higher cultivation level than mine, yet they still can’t defeat me!”

Clad in a white and gold brocade robe, Lu Qingshan’s tall, erect figure resembled a divine sword capable of splitting the heavens, his aura sharp and imposing.

“True Immortal Changsheng, I have long admired your reputation; meeting you today, you truly live up to your fame.”

Nearby, Yuan Flow True Immortal saluted the couple with a cautious bow, his expression wary.

He had only heard Lu Changsheng’s name and knew of him.

Such grand praise as ‘long admired’ and ‘famous’ was utterly overblown.

Even as a sect cultivator, he couldn’t help but feel that Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge exuded an air of superiority.

Yet after witnessing their feat of slaying three Core Formation True Immortals through talisman formations, he believed their names would soon echo throughout Yue Kingdom—and even in Liang and Yuan Kingdoms.

“True Immortal Yuan Flow, you flatter me,” Lu Changsheng replied with a respectful bow, his brows showing fatigue as his aura pulsated erratically.

“Friends, take a short break; once I restore order on the battlefield, I will host a celebration for you.”

Although the battle was already settled, Yuan Flow True Immortal said little more—just bowed slightly before moving off to secure the field.

“Father, Mother.”

Lu Qingshan stepped forward, addressing the two as he asked how Lu Changsheng had managed to arrive.

“I had some urgent matters earlier, and when I heard about the situation here, I came to see for myself,” Lu Changsheng explained.

“Very well, Father and Mother; once the battlefield is cleared, we will talk.”

Lu Qingshan nodded softly, aware that now was no time for idle chatter but for clearing the debris.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, however, did not hurry to help.

Having expended tremendous energy using their combined cultivation technique to form the talisman formation, they were too drained to assist.

Instead, they went to fetch Lu Miaohuan, Lu Qingzhu, and Lu Qingqi.

After the distant sounds of battle, every cultivator’s gaze turned respectfully toward Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge.

Those who had met Lu Miaoge before were especially astonished—wasn’t she known as a True Immortal Physician? How could she possibly possess such remarkable combat prowess?

In less than half an hour, the battlefield was fully pacified. Yuan Flow True Immortal and Lu Qingshan returned and invited Lu Changsheng and the others into the town.

“I came here to find some peace and thought of my wife and children,” Lu Changsheng said calmly.

He added, “Though our renown echoes throughout Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation circles, beyond Jiang it is rather ordinary.”

Most people only recognize the Talisman Lu Family for its four Core Formations, unaware of the true prestige of our Lu Family.

Today, with Lu Miaoge and I slaying three Core Formation True Immortals on the battlefield, we have also enhanced the reputation of the Talisman Lu Family by one level.

Thus, our disciples’ influence and status on the battlefield will likewise be elevated.

“True Immortal Changsheng’s love for his family is so admirable—truly enviable.”

Yuan Flow True Immortal commented, his tone tinged with genuine admiration.

And his compliment was not without merit.

While he dismissed figures like Lu Miaohuan and Lu Qingzhu, he recognized that Lu Miaoge’s extraordinary beauty combined with her mastery of combined cultivation techniques—and Lu Qingshan’s prowess—were rare treasures; not everyone is blessed with such a partner or child, which is why so many Core Formation cultivators remain solitary.

Noticing the family reunited, Yuan Flow True Immortal didn’t linger.

He merely said he would report the battle and later host a celebration for Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge.

Although Lu Changsheng wasn’t keen on celebrations, with his whole family in tow, such social gatherings were inevitable, so he agreed with a nod.

After Yuan Flow True Immortal departed, the family finally relaxed and began casual conversation.

“Father, your being here is perfect—I need your help with something.”

At that moment, Lu Qingshan suddenly recalled something and turned to his Father.

“What is it?” Lu Changsheng asked, sensing a steely glint in his son’s gaze.

“Father, you remember when I was ambushed by Black Eagle True Immortal on Beast God Mountain?”

Lu Qingshan narrowed his eyes, a cold edge in his gaze.

Before Lu Changsheng could answer, Lu Qingshan continued with a sly grin, “I’ve been on the hunters’ list in Liang Kingdom for a long time. Besides Black Eagle True Immortal, various enemy cultivators are eager to take me down.”

“Then why do you still go out?”

Lu Changsheng sighed in exasperation and explained that not only his son but even the Nascent Soul Seeds of Yue Kingdom were marked on enemy hunters’ lists.

Moreover, the top talents among the Nascent Soul Seeds from Liang and Yuan Kingdoms were surely on the hunters’ lists of both Yue and Jiang Kingdoms.

“Yes, why must you be so conspicuous in the sect? You should stay low.”

Lu Miaohuan voiced her concern, worried that her son was courting danger.

“Sigh, Mother—just because they want to kill me doesn’t mean it’s that simple when I’m in Yue Kingdom.”

“Just like before, Black Eagle True Immortal only dared to strike when he was sure of a kill.”

Lu Qingshan said helplessly, “Besides, cultivation demands resources. Without venturing to the battlefield, how can I progress or gather funds for Divine Abilities, Dao-Comprehending Artifacts, and such?”

“So what are you implying?”

Lu Changsheng raised his brows, understanding his son’s meaning.

“Since they want to kill me, then I’ll let them try!”

Lu Qingshan’s eyes flashed as he retorted, “Brother, are you trying to lure trouble with your own body?!”

Immediately, Lu Qingqi interjected, aware that their elder sister Lu Wangshu loved these daring schemes.

“No, that’s far too dangerous.”

Lu Miaohuan, ever the protective mother, immediately objected, feeling it would put her in harm’s way.

“Mother, with Father here, there’s nothing to fear.”

Lu Qingshan shrugged casually, unconcerned.

If not for his own limitations, Lu Qingshan had always vowed swift revenge.

But with Father by his side, he naturally called on him for support.

After all, his Father had once killed the mid-Core Formation Tu Yuan True Immortal with a single sword stroke.

So as long as the enemy wasn’t a Nascent Soul True Immortal, there was no real danger.

Under such circumstances, with both Father and himself working together, why should they fear Black Eagle True Immortal?

He envisioned taking them down one by one, maybe even in pairs—surely the enemy wouldn’t field so many late-Core Formation cultivators to deliver a death sentence!

Moreover, with Nascent Soul True Immortals reluctant to intervene, late-Core Formation cultivators were prized assets—too valuable to see fall.

And Liang Kingdom certainly wouldn’t have an abundance of late-Core Formation Grand cultivators lurking in Yue Kingdom to ambush, wasting their fighting potential.

“Since you have such intentions, why not recruit others?”

Lu Changsheng cared little for such trivialities.

Besides, he had once used his son Lu Ping’an as bait, knowing these Core Formation True Immortals were not easy targets—it would just be a waste of time.

“Isn’t it because you can’t trust anyone? Moreover, no Core Formation Grand cultivator is willing to risk joining me in such a venture.”

Lu Qingshan grinned, “Not only do I distrust others, but no one is willing to step into danger with me either.”

“Husband, if you’re confident, why not team up with Qingshan? Otherwise, this isn’t a solution.”

Lu Miaohuan, thinking of her husband’s steady nature, hesitated before, with a conflicted tone, replying.

After all, compared to our son’s solo ventures, she felt his approach was far too risky on the hunters’ lists.

“Let’s discuss this later—I have matters to handle now.”

Lu Changsheng spoke up, not minding a bit of trouble-solving for his son.

But he had more pressing business—to retrieve his daughter Lu Ruyi and his son Lu Chensha.

After saying that, he looked at his son Lu Qingshan and asked, “By the way, I heard that Lu Xingyang and Yunfei have been dispatched to the front lines. Have you sorted that out?”

“I asked—they’re willing to serve at the front,” Lu Qingshan replied.

“?”

Lu Changsheng was taken aback, and seeing his son’s candid demeanor, he gave him an exasperated kick.

“If you’d normally ask whether they might retreat from the front, who would ever be scared?”

Since these youngsters willingly volunteered for the front lines, they had no fear of death.

“Then send them all to the secondary frontline,” Lu Changsheng decided firmly.

He admired their fighting spirit and ambition.

But as a parent, he believed that even training should be gradual—there was no need to push them to the brink of death.

“Alright, I’ll handle it right away,” Lu Qingshan agreed without protest.

“Take Qingzhu and Qingqi with you,” Lu Changsheng instructed, planning to enjoy some private time with his wife.

…

Lu Qingshan’s face twitched as he left with his two sisters, heading off to where Lu Xingyang and the others were gathered.