Chapter 804: Battles, Bonds, and Breakthroughs

I’ve seen Elder Lu! I’ve seen Master Lu!

Compared to the doctor Lu Miaoge, Lu Qingshan’s reputation on the front lines is even more illustrious.

In the Yue Kingdom, nearly every cultivator knows him.

Because he never took a Taoist name, everyone greets him respectfully as either ‘Elder Lu’ or ‘Master Lu.’

Lu Qingqi admired her brother’s imposing presence and dreamed of the day she would become a Core Formation True Immortal.

Moments later, the official in charge of managing False Core cultivators respectfully asked Lu Qingshan, “Master Lu, what are your orders?”

“Send everyone on this list straight to the second-line battlefield.”

Lu Qingshan tossed him the list that included Lu Xingyang and the others.

“Master Lu, we haven’t received any orders.”

The False Core True Immortal hesitated, clearly in a bind.

“Count it as a temporary assignment from Lu Qingshan.”

Knowing the battlefield rules well, Lu Qingshan stated directly,

“Do you possess an assignment order, True Immortal?”

The False Core cultivator continued in a respectful tone.

Frowning, Lu Qingshan hurled a jade stone from his Storage Ring, infusing it with a strand of sword qi, and said coldly, “This is your assignment order. If anyone questions it, let them come see me, Lu Qingshan. Delay and mess up my affairs, and you’ll answer to me!”

The False Core cultivator gazed bitterly at the jade in his hand and could only report upward.

“Brother, isn’t this a bit too harsh?”

Lu Qingqi, watching her brother’s method with eyes alight with admiration, nevertheless felt uneasy.

“What’s so wrong about it? On the battlefield, following protocol could take forever. This way is much simpler.”

Unconcerned, Lu Qingshan declared confidently, knowing that at his level few rules applied.

“Besides, after Father and my stepmother just defeated three Core Formation cultivators, who would dare cause trouble for us! Brother, you should at least greet Elder Jinque; otherwise, our reputation suffers.”

Lu Qingzhu softly suggested, indicating he should notify the Golden Sun Sect elders to help with the procedures.

“Fine,” Lu Qingshan replied, a mix of exasperation and fond indulgence in his tone.

After a while, Lu Xingyang, Lu Ziyun, Lu Qingze, and the others learned they had been temporarily assigned by Golden Sun Sect’s Lu Changsheng to the second-line battlefield—they were utterly baffled.

They exchanged puzzled glances, vaguely sensing what was unfolding.

Soon, as they neared the second-line base from a key frontline town, they suddenly overheard someone discussing news in the distance.

“Three top Core Formation cultivators from the Yuan Kingdom attacked Chi Hu Town. Changsheng True Immortal and Miaoge True Immortal of the Talisman Lu Family intervened and slaughtered all three Core Formation True Immortals!”

“What?!”

“Master Changsheng?!”

Their hearts pounded in shock, sure they’d misheard.

But with both Master Changsheng and Master Miaoge mentioned, it couldn’t be a mistake—there’s no way two share the same name.

They immediately stepped forward to inquire further.

Slaying three mid-stage Core Formation cultivators marked an enormous victory. Whether in the Yue Kingdom or Liang Kingdom, it would be lauded as a tremendous win to boost morale.

Especially on this front, where morale had plummeted after the Chi Jiao Qi Family’s betrayal; this was the perfect moment for a rallying cry.

News of Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge annihilating the three top Core Formation cultivators quickly spread throughout the Chiyue Mountain Range.

“Who is this Talisman Lu Family? Who are Master Changsheng and Master Miaoge? Why hadn’t we heard of them before?”

“I thought Master Miaoge was famous for his water-based healing arts. How does he wield such formidable power?”

“Why has Lu Changsheng come to the front lines?”

“I heard he was worried about his wife and children, so he came to check on them.”

“Slaying three Core Formation cultivators in one fell swoop—what a display! Master Changsheng must be here to assert his authority!”

“Could this man be the father of Lu Qingshan from the Golden Sun Sect?”

On the Chi Yue battlefield, most cultivators in the Jiang Kingdom had heard of the Talisman Lu Family and Lu Changsheng.

Yet in the Yue Kingdom, barely anyone knew more than this lone figure.

At that moment, high-ranking cultivators in both the Jiang and Yue Kingdoms were astonished by the names of Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, stunned by their prowess.

A couple who cultivated jointly, masters of Talisman Art, who had slain three top Core Formation cultivators!

Their strength rivaled—or even exceeded—that of many late Core Formation masters. It was truly terrifying.

“I never expected Master Changsheng would keep such a low profile.”

“I had heard of Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge’s early joint cultivation, but once he reached Core Formation, he secluded himself to study Talisman Art. I thought he had abandoned combat techniques.”

“Where would a Talisman Cultivator acquire a fighting method like that? Don’t forget, twenty years ago Master Changsheng could already draft third-rank top-tier talismans with his secret technique.”

“His natural talent for Talisman Art is unparalleled, further honed by the Immortal City of Damengze. His progress has been astounding.”

“I always suspected he would rise to become the vice-city lord of Damengze; there’s more to him than meets the eye. And it appears so.”

“Indeed, had he not been concerned about his family and come here to assert his presence, we might never have fully appreciated his abilities.”

“But I recall Master Changsheng broke into mid-Core Formation in just over forty years—how did he progress so quickly?!”

On the Chi Yue battlefield of the Jiang Kingdom, Yue Kingdom cultivators discussed Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, rapidly spreading the news along other fronts in the Yue Kingdom.

Not long after, Yuan Flow True Immortal hosted a victory banquet for Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, with many Core Formation cultivators coming to meet the Talisman couple from the Talisman Lu Family.

During the event, many marveled at the couple’s display of Talisman Art, hoping to purchase some of their talismans.

But Lu Changsheng would never make concessions—he insisted that his talismans were scarce. Instead, he advised that anyone in need purchase them from Bihu Mountain, where small batches would be released periodically.

Although it wasn’t too difficult for Core Formation True Immortals to acquire third-rank talismans,

by the late third-rank stage, even true Immortals found third-rank top-tier talismans nearly impossible to obtain—only someone like Lu Changsheng could manage it.

Part of the reason was the scarcity of third-rank top-tier Talisman masters.

Also, the materials needed to craft them were rare—requiring late third-rank Demon King components or top-tier spirit wood, for instance.

Even when production leaked, the numbers were extremely limited; no one ever complained about the shortage.

At the banquet, several Core Formation True Immortals from the Beast Talisman Sect glowered at Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge.

They felt the couple’s mastery of Talisman Art was a direct affront to the Beast Talisman Sect.

After all, the Beast Talisman Sect was renowned in the Yue Kingdom for its Talisman Art.

Recently, many had compared Lu Changsheng’s demonstration with the techniques of the Beast Talisman Sect…

Some even claimed that the Beast Talisman Sect’s methods paled in comparison to those of the Talisman Lu Family.

Though merely rumors, they nonetheless left the sect feeling insulted.

Yet faced with a formidable enemy, the Core Formation cultivators of the Beast Talisman Sect couldn’t afford to quibble. Over drinks, one elder smiled and remarked, “Hearing that Master Changsheng—a true Talisman Cultivator—and Master Miaoge joined forces to kill three top Core Formation cultivators from the Yuan Kingdom has really lifted my spirits.”

“Coincidentally, our Beast Talisman Sect also excels in Talisman Art. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from you, Master?”

At these words, many Core Formation cultivators in attendance began watching the exchange keenly, eager to see whose skills surpassed the other’s.

After all, battlefield reports confirmed that, as Yuan Flow True Immortal had said, Lu Changsheng’s Talisman Art was truly impressive.

“My friend, there’s no need for courtesy. I’m no fighter and have little real combat experience—all my victories are due solely to the talismans I deploy.”

Lu Changsheng, who never cared for such sparring, laughed lightly.

“Master Changsheng is far too modest; I had heard quite a bit about that fierce battle back then.”

The Core Formation elder from the Beast Talisman Sect simply couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

It was ludicrous for an average mid-Core Formation Talisman cultivator to control two or thirty third-rank talismans. Even if achieved through secret techniques, to then intercept and kill three opponents was an extraordinary feat.

“Yes, both Master Changsheng and we of the Beast Talisman Sect are adept in Talisman Art. Regular exchanges only enhance our techniques and divine prowess.”

Another Talisman cultivator from the Beast Talisman Sect concurred.

“You have a point. Currently, my wife and I have exhausted our secret technique and must recover for months. When time permits, I will definitely seek consultation and exchange insights with you, Master.”

Lu Changsheng noted that these men harbored no ill intent—only a competitive spirit.

Yet he had little interest in such exchanges.

Instead, he thought that his daughter, Lu Wangshu, once she reached Core Formation, could engage with the Beast Talisman Sect’s cultivators to enhance her own understanding of Talisman Art.

After the victory banquet, Lu Changsheng looked at the Jade Record of Achievements in his hand and smiled.

Although some of the battle credits had to be allocated to Lu Qingshan and Yuan Flow True Immortal, the massive victory had greatly boosted morale in the Chiyue Mountain Range, resulting in generous awards.

For instance, a Condensing Crystal Pill, once nearly impossible to obtain, could now be exchanged for two.

On one hand, the three slain Core Formation cultivators were all at mid-stage cultivation.

On the other hand, in the continuing war in the Yue Kingdom, even precious resources like the spirit items of condensed infancy were being deployed to rally the troops.

Although Lu Changsheng now had plenty of Condensing Crystal Pills, considering his son Lu Qingxian’s condition, he exchanged one for him—with plans for a bold assault in Core Formation later.

The remaining battle credits were managed by Lu Miaohuan, who used them to help Lu Xingyang, Lu Ziyun, and the others secure additional resources or locate any necessary family items.

Once preparations were complete, and a public announcement of a recovery period was made, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaohuan silently left the Chiyue Mountain Range to search for their daughter, Lu Ruyi.

In earlier days, he needed a Blood-Calling Talisman to locate his daughter via a bloodline connection, but now with Fourth-Rank Divination and their close kinship, it wasn’t too difficult.

The only caution was to avoid drawing the attention of cultivators from the Yue or Yuan Kingdoms.

Six days later, deep within the Chiyue Mountain Range, Lu Changsheng spotted Lu Ruyi: her face was pale, her armor ragged and bloodstained, and one leg appeared broken.

“Ruyi.”

Gazing at his daughter—pale-faced and with eyes dim—Lu Changsheng softly called out her name.

“Having another hallucination?”

Hearing the voice, Lu Ruyi’s heart skipped a beat; she instinctively thought she must be hallucinating.

After all, based on her observations these days, she was deep in the Chiyue Mountain Range near the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

This area not only harbored numerous demon beasts but was also likely occupied by cultivators from the Yuan and Liang Kingdoms. How could her father possibly appear?

Recalling her early days as a Qi Refining cultivator—when she was captured by the Zhao Family on White Tiger Mountain and later wandered deep into the Black Cloud Mountain Range via a Substitute Talisman before being rescued by her father—

now she was no longer a junior Qi Refining cultivator.

Yet the dangers in the Chiyue Mountain Range far exceeded those in the Black Cloud Mountain Range of her youth.

Otherwise, even severely injured, she would have been confident of escaping.

Although she hadn’t yet reached the point of total exhaustion, the sound that had seemed like a hallucination moments ago triggered a rapid flashback of her over one hundred years of life.

“Without Father, with my talent and determination, I’d probably only reach the sixth level of Qi Refining.”

In a daze, Lu Ruyi noticed a shimmering, flowing yin-yang glow ahead, and a young man in a blue robe appeared.

His tall, graceful figure and otherworldly beauty were accentuated by deep, compassionate eyes that regarded her with pity.

“Father, I have disappointed you.”

Lu Ruyi murmured softly as she gazed at the figure before her.

But as soon as the words left her lips, she froze, sensing that something was off.

Even if she were gravely injured, she couldn’t be hallucinating.

Besides, the figure before her was too real—it wasn’t like the visions people see on the brink of death.

“You have never let me down.”

Lu Changsheng said tenderly to his daughter, noticing her grave injuries, as he stepped forward and placed his hand on her shoulder to begin treating her.

“Huh? Father?”

Lu Ruyi was utterly stunned, unable to believe her father had actually appeared before her.

He had come, just as in her youth, at the moment when she needed him most.

She was completely shocked, filled with disbelief.

“Yes, it’s me.”

Lu Changsheng channeled the Treasure Cauldron Medicine King Scripture to heal his daughter, noting she had suffered repeated injuries.

Feeling a warm surge of vital energy, Lu Ruyi slowly came back to herself, stuttering as she finally asked, “Father, how did you end up here?”

“I heard you were in danger, so I came to look for you.”

Lu Changsheng replied in a gentle, warm tone.

Despite her mature, independent nature, Lu Ruyi had always been doted on by her father, whose voice was soft whenever he spoke to her.

Hearing this, the normally resilient Lu Ruyi felt her heart soften; tears welled up as she realized her father had risked everything to find her.

“Father, I’m sorry for worrying you,” she whispered.

“There’s no need for that,” Lu Changsheng said as he inquired about her condition and how she had ended up here.

Lu Ruyi had not retreated immediately when the Yuan Kingdom’s massive army attacked; even though she was hit by a bombardment from a warship, a Substitute Talisman had allowed her to narrowly escape.

But here, she encountered a horde of demon beasts—and after exhausting every option, she barely escaped once again.

Lu Changsheng sighed at his daughter’s words.

He knew that in war, unexpected twists were common; once the main forces were defeated, the remaining cultivators were as expendable as grass.

“Just hold on a little longer.”

Seeing that her leg was fractured, Lu Changsheng set it back in place and treated it with a Nine Treasures Dao Bone.

Lu Ruyi grunted as she watched her caring father treat her, her mind clouded by pain.

“Let’s move on.”

After a while, once her condition stabilized, Lu Changsheng gave her a pill and announced that he was off to find his son, Lu Chensha.

“Mm,” Lu Ruyi nodded faintly, still dazed, as she then saw her father enveloped in swirling yin-yang light carrying them deeper into the mountains.

Not pressing him further, but noticing he occasionally paused to calculate, she asked, “Father, where are we headed?”

“Lu Chensha must be in the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range; I’m going to fetch him back.”

Since the Chiyue and Myriad Beasts Mountain Ranges are connected, Lu Chensha’s situation was even more perilous than hers.

Yet according to the divinations, his fate was intertwined with both fortune and misfortune.