Chapter 813: The Celestial Sword and the Miraculous Birth

Affected by the Liang-Yue War, most of the Azure Cloud Sect’s combat forces have rushed to the front lines.

For these past years, to fend off enemy attacks, the sect’s mountain-protecting array has been upgraded a level.

The entire mountain range, along with dozens of peaks, is shrouded by a Quasi-Fourth Order array resembling a bowl of white jade and glazed porcelain, mystically veiled in swirling mists.

In the past, from afar, the most magnificent palace-like peak was none other than Qingyun Peak—the main peak of the Azure Cloud Sect. But three and a half years ago, Caiyun Zhenren left on a breakthrough to Nascent Soul and returned to the sect.

To provide Caiyun Zhenren with a more conducive cultivation environment, the sect’s feng shui and array masters connected several of the sect’s spirit veins to Rainbow Cloud Peak.

Now, from a distance, Rainbow Cloud Peak stands on par with Qingyun Peak.

Shortly after his return, however, Caiyun Zhenren entered seclusion to refine his divine abilities, activating the array on Rainbow Cloud Peak so that its summit remained obscured, hiding his true brilliance.

Suddenly that day, a sound like the faint ring of a sword echoed from Rainbow Cloud Peak.

It was as if a peerless divine sword had been unsheathed, or like the mysterious melody of the Dao itself.

All disciples on Rainbow Cloud Peak felt their hearts stir and their magical energy quiver as they gazed toward the Caiyun Hall perched at the top, realizing the sword sound emanated from the Zhenren’s palace.

They wondered if Caiyun Zhenren was practicing some sword Dao technique in seclusion—but at that very moment…

A resplendent, earth-rending sword light burst from the summit of Rainbow Cloud Peak and soared skyward.

The sword light shone brilliantly, dazzlingly, accompanied by a rain of ascendant light that tore through the void and disrupted the array’s ethereal glow enveloping the peak.

“What is this? I feel like I’m witnessing a sword immortal performing the ultimate sword Dao!”

“Such astonishing sword light! Could this be the divine sword technique of the Zhenren?”

“What kind of sword manual is this? It seems our sect has never seen such a technique before!”

The sword light shredded the array’s mystical glow atop Rainbow Cloud Peak as it surged toward the heavens, seemingly on the verge of breaching the sect’s mountain-protecting formation.

At that moment, every disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect turned their gaze toward Rainbow Cloud Peak, their faces marked with reverence as they stared at the unrivaled sword light.

Some disciples trained in the sword Dao even felt the magic of their own sword pulsate, as if their weapons were paying homage.

“Since when did Caiyun Zhenren master such a sword Dao technique!”

“An awe-inspiring sword manual, devoid of magical energy yet pure in sword intent—a single beam of light that rends heaven and earth, overshadowing the sun and moon!”

The Sect Leader of Azure Cloud and several Core Formation elders marveled at the supreme sword intent emanating from the beam.

Yet, even in their wonder, doubts stirred in their hearts.

Although the sect possesses a legacy of sword Dao, Yun Wanshang’s practice of the sword was only secondary, not that of a pure sword cultivator.

And this sword intent bore no resemblance to the manual Yun Wanshang had trained in.

But they didn’t overthink it.

They assumed that Yun Wanshang had found an opportunity outside and cultivated an unsurpassed sword manual.

As the sword light pierced the sky, interwoven with immeasurable sword aura, the spirit energy of Rainbow Cloud Peak—and indeed that of the entire Azure Cloud Sect—rushed, tumultuously converging upon Caiyun Hall.

“What on earth is happening?”

“Does practicing divine abilities always create such a commotion?”

“I seem to see my own sword manual within this sword light!”

The cultivators of the Azure Cloud Sect, staring at the unfolding spectacle, were astonished—what kind of sword Dao technique could cause such a profound upheaval?

Yet, in comparison, the magnificence of the Nascent Soul True Lord’s might was on another level entirely.

Under these circumstances, everyone could only respectfully gaze at Rainbow Cloud Peak and the surging beam of light.

Some cultivators, upon seeing the dazzling ascendant sword light like a cascade of fairy radiance, felt a sudden enlightenment.

“Hoo, hoo, hoo—”

From all directions, celestial spirit energy surged like a tidal wave into Caiyun Hall.

Inside the elegantly austere yet lavish main hall, sword light merged with rosy radiance to weave a dazzling, resplendent tableau.

In that moment, the revered Caiyun Zhenren—worshipped by countless members of the Azure Cloud Sect—was seen draped in a colorful, cloud-patterned dress, lying on a white jade bed as she cradled a pale, fragile infant.

“Yunxiao.”

Gazing down at the baby in her arms, her lips colorless, Yun Wanshang whispered softly, her eyes filled with both fatigue and joy.

In order to fuse the sword embryo with her son and nurture a sword embryo Dao body, she had sacrificed years of progress—the process leaving her cultivation stagnant and her original essence severely diminished.

It was clear that things had been rushed.

Though she had broken through the Nascent Soul stage,

she became pregnant at the moment of breaking through, and throughout the ordeal her cultivation never fully stabilized.

After refining the sword embryo, she immediately began nurturing its Dao body, without taking the time to truly master, familiarize, and consecrate it.

Had it not been for her top-tier innate Nascent Soul, nourished by Kirin Blood Essence, this pregnancy might have even ended in disaster—causing irreversible harm to her.

But it was all behind her now.

Seeing her child successfully born filled her heart with indescribable joy.

“My child!”

This is my child!

Her child—Yun Wanshang’s own—lay with closed eyes, seemingly still asleep.

With each gentle breath, limitless celestial spirit energy flowed into the tender, pristine body.

The infant clutched a sword embryo, its surface intricately woven with endless patterns of sword Dao rules.

The profound celestial energy entering the hall was transformed by the flowing sword Dao rules of the embryo into an exquisitely refined vital force, channeled into the baby.

On closer inspection, each of the infant’s breaths seemed to harmonize with the undulating sword Dao rules, forming a mysterious, unified rhythm.

Even as Yun Wanshang gazed at her son, she felt a surreal disorientation, as if caught in a dream.

Although she knew that once born, her son would undoubtedly astonish the world,

witnessing the miraculous event and the heavenly phenomena surrounding his birth left her utterly stunned.

Not only did he resemble the legendary prodigies in ancient texts, but extraordinary omens appeared with his arrival.

Moreover, the sword light had directly torn through the array restrictions of Caiyun Hall.

Remember, not only the Azure Cloud Sect and Rainbow Cloud Peak—the palace itself—had array protections.

Yet, Caiyun Hall’s restrictions were shattered the moment the baby, Lu Yunxiao, was born, as his sword embryo ripped through them.

The inexhaustible spirit energy converging on Caiyun Hall wasn’t summoned by her,

but by her son, Lu Yunxiao.

Or rather, by the sword embryo he cradled.

After more than four years of pregnancy, the sword embryo had completely fused with her son.

So much so that the instant Lu Yunxiao was born, the sword embryo tore through the heavens, drawing in endless spirit energy to nourish his tiny, budding form.

Staring at her pale yet peacefully sleeping son, Yun Wanshang felt a dazed, almost dreamlike state.

On one hand, after years of pregnancy, she was overjoyed to finally see her child; on the other, the sheer marvel of him was overwhelming.

Bathed in the spirit energy channeled by the sword embryo, her son radiated a dazzling, otherworldly light.

And on his forehead, a faint Kirin mark shimmered—a portent of auspicious, king-like aura.

It spoke of a destiny unlike any other; born to be extraordinary, born to be a king! Yet this wasn’t the most astonishing aspect for Yun Wanshang.

The most puzzling detail was that within the infant’s fragile body, there seemed to reside a spark of magical energy.

Though faint, it was remarkably pure—comparable to that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Yun Wanshang reached out with her divine sense to probe the baby’s tiny form,

but detected no Dao foundation.

Still, she understood how magical energy was forged.

The sword embryo!

Her son’s accompanying sword embryo had become his Dao foundation.

Thus, right at birth, he possessed magical energy akin to that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator—a head start into cultivation.

Yun Wanshang was utterly at a loss for words, astonished beyond measure by what she had witnessed.

Even the son she had seen in her Soul Dao Dream wasn’t so extreme.

After all, countless cultivators in the immortal world struggle their entire lives to reach Foundation Establishment.

Yet her son had, at birth, the magical energy of Foundation Establishment.

At this rate, once he grew up and began cultivating, he could directly start at the Foundation Establishment stage!

“So many ancient legends weren’t mere fabrications,”

Yun Wanshang recalled the miscellaneous records and biographies from old texts.

They recounted tales of legendary cultivators—ancient divine beings, born sages, or even reincarnated immortals—

who exhibited unthinkable feats from birth.

They spoke of prodigies who were born knowing all, who could walk soon after birth, who wielded profound magical energy from the start, or even legends of great masters born without parents, nurtured by destiny; mothers who conceived after dreaming of celestial unions, and so on.

In her youth, Yun Wanshang never believed these stories, dismissing them as mere legends and curiosities.

But now, looking at her son Lu Yunxiao, she began to wonder.

Perhaps these so-called ancient divine beings, born sages, or reincarnated immortals were indeed favored by heaven—possessing unparalleled Dao bodies and innate treasures.

Just then, a voice from outside the hall called out.

“Master!”

When Xiao Xiyue saw the soaring sword light, she instantly realized that the child in the Master’s belly had been born.

Even though Lu Changsheng had once mentioned that this child was extraordinary,

seeing such a spectacle still took her by surprise.

This is no ordinary birth.

Even if it were a breakthrough to Core Formation or the attainment of divine abilities, she could hardly believe it.

Yun Wanshang, glancing at her still-sleeping son, then looked outside and murmured, “Xiyue, go wait by the Mountain Gate.”

Although Xiao Xiyue tried to hide her feelings,

she had long known about Yun Wanshang’s pregnancy with Lu Changsheng’s child.

Yet, this was a matter too sensitive to discuss openly—though both Master and disciple knew the truth, neither mentioned it.

Or rather, as long as Yun Wanshang didn’t bring it up, Xiao Xiyue wouldn’t ask.

“Yes, Master.”

Xiao Xiyue replied with a bowed gesture.

Even though she practiced the Supreme Emotionless Technique and usually remained unmoved by external matters, at that moment her calm heart was stirred by a ripple of emotion.

Her Master had fathered a child with her husband.

And now that the Master’s child had been born, her husband was coming to see him.

Meanwhile, she, as the disciple, was sent to the gate to receive him.

What kind of mess is this? That Peach Blossom Demon—such a troublemaker!

After flying off Rainbow Cloud Peak, Xiao Xiyue’s beautiful eyes, like the bright moon of the heavens, filled with a complex expression.

Though her heart and soul were bound to Lu Changsheng, she couldn’t help but have some grievances about the matter.

She felt that her husband acted so carelessly.

Yet, all was not entirely his fault.

Barely having arrived at the Azure Cloud Sect’s Mountain Gate, she saw Lu Changsheng—clad in a green mountain robe and with somewhat disordered magical energy—hurrying over.

“This man sure is fast.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng arrive so quickly stirred mixed feelings in Xiao Xiyue.

Although Bihu Mountain is not far from the Azure Cloud Sect,

how could Lu Changsheng have reached so soon after the strange phenomena appeared at the Master’s cave? “Xiyue,”

Lu Changsheng, surprised to encounter his wife at the sect’s entrance despite his bold nature, felt a tinge of embarrassment.

Fortunately, after a century of cultivation, Lu Ancestor had seen far worse; he paused slightly, then stepped forward with a gentle, natural smile, taking Xiao Xiyue’s hand as he called out with deep longing.

Xiao Xiyue replied with a light, sulky hum, “You really are quick to show up.”

Lu Changsheng: “.”

He had indeed arrived quite swiftly this time.

After a system notification confirmed that his son, Lu Yunxiao, had been born, he immediately left Sumeru Cave Heaven and sent for the Misty Dust Banner.

“What did Xiyue say? As long as you call me husband, I’ll always be there in a flash.”

Lu Changsheng, holding his wife’s hand firmly, spoke gravely. Then, peering through the Azure Cloud Sect’s mountain array, he saw the soaring sword light on Rainbow Cloud Peak.

“Xiyue, what’s going on up there?”

Although Lu Changsheng guessed that the light was formed by the Da Luo Sword Embryo and linked to Lu Yunxiao’s birth, he asked knowingly.

“Hmph, asking even when you already know.”

Xiao Xiyue, not giving him any face, replied curtly, “Let’s go.”

Realizing that Lu Changsheng was eager to see the Master’s child and that the Master was waiting for him, Xiao Xiyue said no more and led him into the Azure Cloud Sect, heading toward Rainbow Cloud Peak.

“Sorry to trouble you, Xiyue.”

Facing his understanding wife, Lu Ancestor felt deeply remorseful, thinking how awkward the situation was between Xiao Xiyue, Chu Qingyi, and Yun Wanshang.

“I hope you can live up to your words when the time comes,” Xiao Xiyue remarked.

Before long, the two reached Rainbow Cloud Peak.

Many cultivators of the Azure Cloud Sect were astonished—why would Changsheng Zhenren show his face?

But with Xiao Xiyue by his side, they assumed Lu Changsheng was simply there to see her.

“You go on ahead,”

Upon reaching the peak, Xiao Xiyue did not enter Caiyun Hall with Lu Changsheng.

After all, while he might be indifferent once inside, the Master would surely feel uneasy, and she wasn’t sure how to face him.

So, they silently agreed to wait—until Lu Changsheng had handled matters or until the Master initiated a confrontation.

Seeing how naturally Xiao Xiyue led Lu Changsheng into Caiyun Hall, Yun Wanshang’s heart was awash with mixed emotions, thinking, “What a fiasco.”

Hearing Lu Changsheng’s call, she swept aside the hall doors with a flourish.

“Whoosh!” Lu Changsheng transformed into a rainbow of light, entering the main hall and heading straight for the cave residence.

This was Lu Changsheng’s first visit to Yun Wanshang’s private chamber; previously, they’d only met in the outer hall.

“Huh!?”

As he reached the chamber, he saw Yun Wanshang lying pale as paper, utterly drained, with chaotic magical energy and extreme weakness—a sight that startled him.

What was wrong? How had she become so feeble? Though childbirth naturally depletes a female cultivator’s vital energy, this was beyond normal.

Lu Changsheng realized it was linked to the Da Luo Sword Embryo and their son, Lu Yunxiao.

After all, such a pregnancy could not be measured by ordinary standards.

Just as with the Da Luo Sword Embryo—when there’s no Nascent Soul cultivation in the womb, it might even result in a shared life and death.

“Caiyun, why have you done this without telling me?”

Lu Changsheng hurried to the bed and placed his palm on her chest.

In an instant, the Nine Treasures Dao Bone surged with power, interlacing into mystifying, intricate runes that formed a vibrant, healing divine light.

At the same time, he looked at the seemingly sleeping infant in Yun Wanshang’s arms.

Aside from the Da Luo Sword Embryo, the first thing he noticed was a faint Kirin mark on his son’s forehead.

As a Fourth-Order diviner with Fiery Eyes of Truth, he could discern what ordinary people could not—even without resorting to divine abilities.

For instance, that Kirin mark not only exuded auspicious energy, but seemed to harbor a certain innate divine talent. Holding the innate sword embryo on his forehead—could my son be a Kirin child?

No, there was more.

Lu Changsheng noticed that with every breath his son took, a ripple of magical energy flowed through him.

Though faint, it nearly reached the level of Foundation Establishment.

A baby with Foundation Establishment magical energy? What on earth?

Lu Changsheng was left dumbfounded by his son’s condition.

After all, he only knew that the Da Luo Sword Embryo could nurture a sword embryo Dao body; nothing more.

Yun Wanshang, noticing how quickly Lu Changsheng had come and that he was the first to show concern, felt a warming tenderness.

But knowing his thick-skinned nature—adept at turning adversities to his advantage—she replied in a cool, faint voice, “Just rest a few days.”

“Rest a few days? In your condition, a few days’ rest won’t suffice,” Lu Changsheng retorted irritably,

then sat on the bed, taking her pale, white wrist in his hands as he carefully examined her state.

She was utterly depleted—body, energy, and spirit.

Unless she got top-grade celestial treasures, a full recovery would take years.

And yet, she had gone to the front lines to help?

By the time her recovery was complete and her divine abilities restored, even the yellowed days would have cooled off.

“I’m fine. You take care of the child,” Yun Wanshang said without protesting, handing their son, Lu Yunxiao, to Lu Changsheng.

“How does he even possess magical energy?” Lu Changsheng asked as he took the baby.

He didn’t press further about the Kirin mark on his son’s forehead, suspecting it had something to do with the rare Kirin Blood Essence.

After all, back in his early days, by awakening his Taiyi Soul Body through Blood-Spirit Light, he had occasionally demonstrated the Demon King innate talent of Blood-Spirit Light.

The Kirin Blood Essence Yun Wanshang ingested was tens of times rarer than ordinary Kirin Blood.

Most of it, apart from what was used to overcome tribulations, was devoted to nurturing their son, Lu Yunxiao—potentially endowing him with a touch of Kirin divine talent.

“The sword embryo has become his Dao foundation; that is how he possesses magical energy,” Yun Wanshang murmured softly.

Under Lu Changsheng’s healing divine light, she gradually regained some color, though she still looked weak and exhausted.

“Dao foundation?”

Lu Changsheng quickly extended his divine sense to assess the state of his son and the Da Luo Sword Embryo.

He saw that his son and the sword embryo were one—now the sword embryo could function as an external pill.

In fact, this was what allowed his sword embryo Dao body to perfectly integrate with the sword embryo.

“Although Yunxiao possesses Foundation Establishment magical energy and could potentially skip Qi Refining, I don’t think that’s wise,” Lu Changsheng said aloud, knowing well that true cultivation began with Qi Refining.

Skipping that step would rob him of the mysteries inherent in that phase.

Just like how many sects have secret techniques and natural treasures to hasten training—but they never pull the seedlings too early.

Back when the Honglian taught the Lu Family disciples with Lu Lingxiao, they intentionally slowed his progress.

“So, what are you suggesting?” Yun Wanshang asked, her beautiful eyes fixed on Lu Changsheng’s handsome face.

“We sever his magical energy and have him start over,” Lu Changsheng replied.

“Given Yunxiao’s talent, he shouldn’t take long to progress from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment. Besides, cutting his magical energy to retrain him might not only let him appreciate the subtleties of Qi Refining but might even strengthen his base into an unparalleled Dao foundation.”

Lu Changsheng, ever the cautious one, favored following the normal pace of cultivation.

After all, it was through the process of mastering Qi Refining that one truly understood its beauty.

When the time came, he would prepare the finest celestial treasures to forge a solid Dao foundation for his son!

“Hmm.”

After witnessing many of Lu Changsheng’s techniques, Yun Wanshang had no objections—she trusted his judgment.

It seemed that although this situation was promising, it might also become a shackle in the future.

Hence, why not proactively cut his magical energy and let him start fresh?

“So, what’s your plan for the Nascent Soul breakthrough? When do you intend to challenge it?” Yun Wanshang asked softly, her voice betraying her weakened state.

“My preparations for the Nascent Soul stage are nearly complete,” Lu Changsheng replied, pausing before adding, “But there’s no urgency—once you recover, we’ll go together.”

“My condition isn’t a hindrance,” Yun Wanshang insisted, aware that her body required extended rest.

Seeing her determined look, Lu Changsheng said with a hint of helplessness, “Rest now. I’ll prepare some pills later. Then, we’ll go together.”

He then ceased the flow of the Nine Treasures Dao Bone on his chest and announced his intention to return to Da Mengze to fetch some heavenly dew.

He also planned to use the time for absorbing the Dao body through a lottery draw.

Noticing Yun Wanshang trying to say more, Lu Changsheng squeezed her hand with a determined yet apologetic expression, “You’re exhausted—rest now. We’ll talk later, alright?”

Watching Lu Changsheng’s earnest yet resigned gaze, Yun Wanshang pressed her lips together and chose to lie down and sleep.

Nurturing a sword embryo Dao body was tremendously taxing.

Over the years, she had rarely rested; her mind and spirit were utterly depleted, and she soon drifted off to sleep.

Seeing her fall asleep so quickly, Lu Changsheng sighed softly and whispered to the sleeping infant in his arms, “Your mother sacrificed so much to bring you into this world.”

After a while, the spirit energy converging from all directions into Caiyun Hall gradually subsided. The sleeping Lu Yunxiao slowly awoke, opening his dark, round eyes as a clear cry rang out.

Yun Wanshang was instantly jolted awake by the infant’s cry and looked up at Lu Changsheng, exclaiming, “Lu Changsheng, what did you do?”

“You woke her up just as she fell asleep.”

Lu Changsheng lightly patted the baby’s bottom.

“Lu Changsheng, you made him cry—how can you blame him?”

Seeing this, Yun Wanshang’s face turned cold.

“???” Lu Changsheng was bewildered. Obviously, every baby cries after birth.

However, Yun Wanshang wouldn’t listen to his explanation and simply, coldly, muttered, “And to think—you managed to have so many, yet can’t even take care of your own child!”

As she reached to take the baby from him,

“???”

Lu Changsheng was left speechless, wishing he could point out that he was far better at taking care of the child.

Though he hadn’t babysat in years, he’d once been the number one dad at Qingzhu Mountain.

But he knew better than to argue with Yun Wanshang, whose views on family were clearly headstrong.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry, baby,”

Yun Wanshang, also inexperienced at childcare, managed to soothe the infant with maternal instinct.

However, this child was unlike most babies, showing no sign of sleepiness—full of restless energy.

“Let me handle it; you just rest.”

Lu Changsheng said tenderly.

Facing Yun Wanshang’s doubtful gaze, he winced slightly and added, “Trust me, alright? Give your old man a break.”

“Son, give your dad some respect,”

Years later, Lu Changsheng found himself revisiting fatherhood, cradling Lu Yunxiao as he playfully tinkered with the Da Luo Sword Embryo.

That sword embryo had now bonded with his son—though he could still use it, it wasn’t as fluid as before.

In others’ hands, it wouldn’t compare to when it was with him.

“Not a bad deal at all,”

Lu Changsheng marveled while gazing at his son’s stats, utterly impressed by his prodigious talent.

He thought this child was simply an anomaly, a true wonder.

It was hard to imagine just how smooth his future would be.

“This must be the epitome of a top-tier prodigy,” he mused, convinced that his son was nothing short of a destined genius.

Not only did he possess an extraordinarily rare Heavenly Spiritual Root, but also a sword embryo Dao body with an innate Kirin mark and an inherent innate sword embryo!

He resolved to devote himself to nurturing his son, determined not to let him go astray.

Looking over at Yun Wanshang, now soundly asleep once more, he figured that it wasn’t his place to worry—she would undoubtedly be all in.

“Come on, son, let’s head to the front hall,”

Lu Changsheng said to his child as he carried him to the front hall and called for Xiao Xiyue to come in.

After all, Xiao Xiyue would eventually meet the child—and there was no need to hide given that she already knew about Yun Wanshang’s pregnancy with Lu Changsheng’s child.

Besides, always making Xiao Xiyue wait outside was just too shameless.

Even though the child was born of the Master and her husband,

Xiao Xiyue merely moved closer to examine the baby.

Like Lu Changsheng, she was amazed by the five-colored Kirin mark on Lu Yunxiao’s forehead and the fact that the infant even possessed magical energy.

A Dao body—while not yet fully developed—was something one preferred to keep secret.

But Lu Changsheng did not hide anything from Xiao Xiyue, frankly revealing that when the Master was pregnant, he had bestowed this precious sword Dao treasure on the baby as an accompanying spirit item.

That was how the child possessed magical energy and his sword embryo talent was so extraordinary.

Xiao Xiyue recalled the previously seen Chongxiao Sword Light and was utterly amazed, thinking that this child’s talent might surpass even that of his daughter, Lu Wangshu, or Lu Lingxiao and the others from the Lu Family.

Not to mention the prodigious sword Dao talent—how would it compare to Lu Qingshan of the Golden Sun Sect?

She knew that Lu Qingshan was one of Lu Changsheng’s most impressive sons; nowadays, not only was he a Nascent Soul Seed of the Golden Sun Sect, he was also among the Nascent Soul Seeds of the Yue Kingdom.

“So what are your plans for this child?”

Xiao Xiyue asked Lu Changsheng softly.

“Do you think the Master would let me take the child away?”

Lu Changsheng remarked, sensing how precious the child was to Yun Wanshang.

In his early days, he had thought that Yun Wanshang might reject having children altogether.

But he hadn’t anticipated her deep commitment—she would rather remain weak than forgo nurturing him.

Still, he had no intention of contesting custody with Yun Wanshang.

The answer was simple: he had far too many matters to attend to next.

Foremost among them was breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Once that breakthrough was achieved, he planned to visit the Jin Kingdom—to see Nangong Mili, Ah Youduo, Shen Yiren, and his daughter Lu Jiangtang;

and to settle old scores with the Yin Ghost Sect, helping Ah Youduo consolidate the Jin Kingdom.

After dealing with the Jin Kingdom, he intended to head to the Yuan Kingdom to resolve matters with the Qisha Sect.

After all, how could one defend against enemies for a thousand days?

Once his issues with the Qisha Sect were settled, he planned to journey to the Starry Sea to fulfill a promise with the Green Dragon King,

and also to meet with Shi Hai True Lord and Wu Gu Old Demon to avenge Lu Quanzhen and help Hong Lian prepare a Nascent Soul opportunity.

All of these would keep him exceptionally busy.

Moreover, with the Liang-Yue War looming, Yun Wanshang wouldn’t be able to join the battle anytime soon.

If there were any complications, then either the Dameng City Lord or Caiyun Zhenren’s partner, the Kirin Sword Lord, would have to step in.

Additionally, there were matters concerning Shen Yiren; the grudges with Beast God Mountain; the pact with the Array Spirit of the Sealing Demons Array over the Kirin formation; issues with his daughter Mu Que; and the situation with his wife, Qingluan Zhenren.

Furthermore, he had also promised Nangong Mili that once he broke through to the Nascent Soul stage, he’d take her to the Celestial Lotus Sect to see his daughter, Nangong Yaoyao.

Even when Lu Changsheng thought about the future, he couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed—there simply wasn’t enough time to personally nurture and guide his son.

Thus, training Lu Yunxiao would have to be entrusted to Yun Wanshang.

After all, as the Nascent Soul True Lord of the Azure Cloud Sect with ample experience training Chu Qingyi and Xiao Xiyue, Lu Changsheng was completely at ease with her in this matter.

“How should I know!”

Xiao Xiyue, frowning at Lu Changsheng’s words, exclaimed.

She couldn’t believe the affair surrounding the Master’s pregnancy; who knew what attitude the Master would have toward the child.

In her mind, the Master had always been rather strict and carried an air of authority.

Ever since Lu Changsheng recounted the past with the Master, she had lost the ability to face him directly.

Each time she met the Master, she would expel all worldly thoughts using the Supreme Emotionless Technique, just as in her youth.

After a long exchange with Xiao Xiyue, Lu Changsheng, gazing at his energetic son, said, “Son, if you’re sleepy, it’s time to sleep.”

Lu Yunxiao, with his dark round eyes, looked at Lu Changsheng, puzzled.

But in the next moment, Lu Changsheng snapped his fingers, let out a yawn, cradling the Da Luo Sword Embryo as he gradually dozed off.

Seeing his son asleep, Lu Changsheng nodded in satisfaction, thinking to himself that this dad made childcare look so effortless.

Then, he told Xiao Xiyue to get on with things and prepare to return to the cave residence of Caiyun Hall with the baby for some rest.

But recalling that he still had two lottery draws unused, he decided to share in his son’s auspicious aura.

After all, a Kirin child carries an inherent streak of luck.

“Let’s go for an advanced lottery draw first.”

Lu Changsheng silently muttered, planning to use the advanced lottery first, followed by a rare lottery draw.

【Ding! Congratulations, Host – you’ve obtained a Spirit Treasure: Hunting God Chariot!】

【The reward has been sent to your System Space. Check it anytime.】

A mechanism war chariot, jet-black with gold and blood-colored patterns, materialized from the lottery disk accompanied by a system notification.

“A Spirit Treasure?”

Lu Changsheng frowned slightly; at this point, he was rather indifferent to cultivation techniques and spirit treasures.

After all, one’s capacity for cultivation was limited, as was the number of spirit treasures one could wield.

Given his current state—with a pile of unused treasures and spirit items—the utility was minimal.

He glanced at the description of the new Spirit Treasure.

【Hunting God Chariot】

【Rank: Mid-Grade Spirit Treasure】

【Description: The masterpiece crafted from the blood of the Celestial Treasure Sage. A war device forged entirely from Nine Nether Stellar Iron, imbued with 36 deadly restrictions. It can hunt souls as fuel and even imprison Fourth-Order Beast Souls for its own use.】

“A war device? To imprison Fourth-Order Beast Souls?”

Lu Changsheng thought this treasure was superb.

After all, he currently lacked any war spirit treasures.

In the upcoming Liang-Yue War, this treasure could prove invaluable.

Moreover, the ability to imprison Fourth-Order Beast Souls suggested it might even coerce a Beast Soul to fight for him.

However, now wasn’t the time to study the treasure in detail; Lu Changsheng didn’t extract it from his System Space.

Taking a deep breath filled with anticipation, he quietly muttered, “System, lottery draw!”

In an instant, a rare great-turntable appeared and began spinning rapidly.

After several breaths, the golden light gradually slowed, finally stopping on the ‘Spirit Pet/Fa Treasure’ category.

【Ding! Congratulations, Host – you’ve obtained a Spirit Pet: Nine-Leaf Sword Grass!】

【The reward has been sent to your System Space. Check it anytime.】

“A Spirit Pet? A demonic plant-type spirit pet?”

Among his previous lottery draws, Lu Changsheng had received True Immortal-level techniques, Celestial Treasures, Fifth-Order relics, even Fifth-Order supreme treasures—but never a Spirit Pet.

In that moment, he was filled with anticipation as he examined the Spirit Pet’s details in his System Space.

【Spirit Pet: Nine-Leaf Sword Grass】

【Rank: Mid-Stage True Spirit】

【Description: Born from the desolate Zangjian Abyss, its roots thrive in chaotic destructive energy while absorbing the sharpness of countless swords. Its leaves are sword-like, growing in nine parts. Consumption and refinement of its nine leaves drastically enhance sword Dao talent, unlocking the Nine-Leaf Sword Technique. It can unleash sword-like energy to slay foes or transform into the divine weapon [Nine Calamity Sword].】

“Mid-Stage True Spirit! Not only does it enhance sword Dao talent, but it can also kill foes autonomously and transform into the divine weapon Nine Calamity Sword!”

Lu Changsheng’s face brightened upon reading the description.

All the Spirit Pets he had acquired earlier were of lower grade.

Even so, considering that Lu Lingjing had only recently broken through Fourth Order, it still surpassed even established Nascent Soul True Lords like Pinghai.

Thus, as a Mid-Stage True Spirit, the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass was undoubtedly formidable.

But what thrilled him most was that this Spirit Pet wasn’t just a plant—it could transform into the [Nine Calamity Sword].

His Da Luo Sword Embryo had been given to his son, Lu Yunxiao, who now sorely lacked a powerful weapon.

A True Spirit-level demonic plant that becomes a divine sword might not match the Da Luo Sword Embryo, but it would be close enough for now.

After all, his own use of the Da Luo Sword Embryo years ago had not fully awakened its power—it sufficed for his current needs.

Now, the only uncertainty was the exact grade of the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass.

Previously, the Sumeru Tree King, Golden-Winged Roc, Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, and Soul-Taking Beast were all Third-Order.

If this Nine-Leaf Sword Grass was also Third-Order and required cultivation on his part, he’d have a problem.

But as he focused his thoughts and examined it carefully, he instantly discerned that the sword grass was at the early stage of Fourth Order.

“Early Fourth Order—it’ll do!”

Lu Changsheng beamed with delight, eager to extract the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass from his System Space to compare its transformed Nine Calamity Sword with the Da Luo Sword Embryo.