Chapter 814: The Brewing Storm Over Damengze

A few days later, Lu Changsheng left Caiyun Hall and headed to Bright Moon Residence.

After visiting his son Lu Shouzheng, who was cultivating at the Residence, alongside Xiao Xiyue, he went to Hundred Herbs Garden to see his fellow cultivator Zhao Qingqing.

He had planned to offer Zhao Qingqing a Core Formation opportunity, but he had no Condensing Crystal Pills on hand.

He would have to wait until after breaking through to Nascent Soul to refine three Yusui Jinzhizhi from Immortal City of Damengze into Condensing Crystal Pills and hand over one.

Given her sixth-rank Spirit Root and her inherent plant body, as long as she wasn’t greedy, with his assistance and a boost from a low-quality pill, she should have no trouble reaching Core Formation.

After visiting Zhao Qingqing, Lu Changsheng left Azure Cloud Sect and set off for Immortal City of Damengze.

However, as soon as he arrived, something felt off.

The Qi Flow in Immortal City of Damengze was wildly fluctuating, as if a storm was brewing.

“Is it because Hong Lian is missing, or is danger approaching?”

Lu Changsheng furrowed his brows.

Years ago, his divinations had warned him that a hidden crisis—a fatal calamity Qi—loomed over the city.

Yet, when he and Yun Wanshang had returned to Immortal City of Damengze, that calamity Qi had gradually subsided.

Now, however, that vicious Qi was reassembling and even more ferocious than before! Lu Changsheng realized the crisis had always been there.

Only because he and Hong Lian had held the city’s seat of power had the calamity been kept at bay.

“Bzzzz!”

Throwing a divination copper coin, Lu Changsheng sought to discern from which direction the crisis was coming.

Was it from Starry Sea, Heavenly Sword Sect, or another force?

After a long while, his inner divine sense made it clear: the vicious crisis was coming from Starry Sea.

“Is it still about that Kunpeng Egg?”

His eyes narrowed as he looked toward the Starry Sea.

Back when True Lord Pinghai and two others had attacked, though he had shattered one opponent’s body and forced another’s Nascent Soul to escape, the matter remained unresolved.

None of the three would ever give up! A few years back, he had even sensed a heavenly secret when he divined the situation of the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale.

“This ominous Qi is simmering rather than exploding outright. As I suspected, the trio must have spread news of the Kunpeng Egg and the Spirit Whale across Starry Sea, thereby creating multiple crises.”

“If I were to confront them directly, unable to fully demonstrate my might to deter them, these Nascent Soul True Lords will take action!”

Lu Changsheng pondered these thoughts.

“I can’t delay any longer. If I don’t completely intimidate them, trouble will keep coming.”

He took a deep breath, knowing that while he could temporarily defuse the crisis by holding the city, it was only a stopgap.

Should the situation escalate and news spread throughout Starry Sea, even wielding the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror wouldn’t be enough to repel the enemy—it would only invite greater disaster.

The simplest solution was to deliver a decisive blow early on so that countless later blows wouldn’t be needed!

“Quanzhen, come see me.”

Extending his divine sense, Lu Changsheng communicated telepathically with Lu Quanzhen, who was training at the City Lord’s Mansion.

Not long after, Lu Quanzhen, clad in a cyan wide robe and exuding a stately grace like that of a deity, arrived and respectfully said, “Father, what brings you here?”

He knew his father planned to break through to Nascent Soul, which is why he was to hold the city for now.

“I sense a storm brewing over the city—a pressure of impending doom. Keep a close watch on the city for any suspicious cultivators coming and going.”

Lu Changsheng instructed his son, aware that soon someone would be probing the city or testing its defenses.

“If danger strikes, activate the grand array immediately and alert the Spirit Whale.”

Lu Changsheng planned to take the heavenly dew and head with Yun Wanshang to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range to break through to Nascent Soul as soon as possible.

This dangerous Qi was merely gathering now, and he wasn’t sure when it would erupt—everything would only get riskier the longer he waited.

“Danger approaching?”

Lu Quanzhen’s expression turned serious, knowing that his father’s concern for danger was always linked to the Nascent Soul True Lords.

Immediately, he clasped his hands, saying, “Rest assured, Father, I will heed your instructions closely.”

After that, he asked, “Father, is it the Nascent Soul True Lords from Starry Sea?”

Being in charge of Immortal City of Damengze, he had a pretty good understanding of the Jiang Kingdom’s situation.

He knew Jiang Kingdom had a total of four Nascent Soul True Lords.

After Qingluan True Lord left for potential cultivation in the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands, his whereabouts became unknown, and his connection with Father Yangming True Lord was profound.

As for the newly ascended Nascent Soul True Lord, Caiyun True Lord needed no introduction; he might even be addressed as a lady. The remaining True Lords of Heavenly Sword Sect—True Lord Xuanjian and True Lord Juejian—were dangerous, but previously, Father had sent the Young Lord, Lu Lingxiao, to the front lines with a generous supply to ease tensions.

Heavenly Sword Sect had no reason to attack the city.

Moreover, Immortal City of Damengze wasn’t solely guarded by him; the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, a fourth-rank Demon King, was also stationed here. Even if Heavenly Sword Sect attacked, forming a crisis would be difficult.

Thus, the only likely threat came from Starry Sea! He knew very well that the Kunpeng Egg issue had brought great trouble upon his Father.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, revealing nothing to his son as he explained, “Early on, True Lord Pinghai of Starry Sea sensed the energy of the Kunpeng Egg from the Spirit Whale and began watching me closely.”

“Previously, the three Nascent Soul True Lords came to Da Mengze to hunt the Spirit Whale, seeking the Kunpeng Egg’s whereabouts, but I repelled them with force.”

“They will not give up so easily. I suspect they will soon spread word of the Kunpeng Egg and the Spirit Whale.”

“But you need not worry too much. Unless multiple Nascent Soul True Lords attack, the Spirit Whale can handle the situation. When I return, these trespassers will be nothing but insignificant pests!”

Lu Changsheng’s calm voice brimmed with incomparable confidence.

At the Core Formation stage, he could already confront Nascent Soul cultivators and even slay one if necessary.

Once he broke through to Nascent Soul, his strength would undergo a dramatic transformation!

“Your father congratulates you in advance on your breakthrough.”

Lu Quanzhen smiled and respectfully bowed, his confidence in his father’s impending breakthrough unwavering.

“These Nascent Soul True Lords are very cautious. Back when Fuhai True Lord was shattered by my blast of Sun Profound Light, and Lingbo True Lord fled instantly by Nascent Soul, they would not act rashly now. They are likely only testing the waters.”

Lu Changsheng advised his son, “In such situations, be bold.”

Lu Quanzhen squinted his slender eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips, “Understood.”

Though his cultivation was only at the sixth layer of Core Formation,

having the body of a Kunpeng and advanced third-rank physique plus numerous Spirit Treasures, he was confident he could face even a Core Formation Grand cultivator and possibly slay one!

After all, this was Immortal City of Damengze! With its forbidden grand array in the city, he was fearless unless a Nascent Soul True Lord himself appeared.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, assured by his son’s reliability.

Then, a Misty Dust Banner appeared in his hand as he prepared to venture deep into Da Mengze in search of Lu Lingjing.

While collecting the heavenly dew, he also planned to brief her about the situation in Starry Sea.

However, upon recalling the rewards he had previously received—the Hunting God Chariot and the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass—Lu Changsheng paused.

When he charged toward Nascent Soul in Myriad Beasts Mountain Range, between the Golden-Winged Roc, the Soul-Taking Beast, Qian Zhuyan, Hong Lian, and Yun Wanshang as guardians, he had more than enough.

The Nine-Leaf Sword Grass could easily be left behind in Immortal City of Damengze!

Immediately, Lu Changsheng looked into his system space, intending to extract the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass.

“Clang!”

In an instant, the sound of a sword ringing out filled the air.

Before him, a sword grass resembling a small tree suddenly materialized, exuding sharp sword aura and a lethal edge.

Its grass stem stood nearly a meter high, entirely a pale blue-gray, its surface rugged as if inscribed with countless sword marks, and it boasted nine sword leaves.

Each leaf, several feet long and shaped like a narrow willow, was edged with serrated, razor-sharp blades that glimmered with a cold light.

On closer inspection, the intertwined patterns of each leaf shone differently, as if telling distinct sword techniques.

The thick, dragon-like root, deep brown and marred with even sharper marks than the stem, emanated an invisible sword aura that seemed ready to pulverize everything into dust.

Upon seeing the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass, Lu Changsheng felt as though he were witnessing a blade capable of cleaving the sun, moon, and stars—a display of sword energy so peerless it could terrify gods and ghosts alike!

Its sword intent and aura were devastatingly sharp, possessing an unstoppable quality that could obliterate anything in sight.

Although Lu Changsheng had never deeply studied the sword way, his early practice of the Seven Luminary Sword Manual and his long stewardship of the Da Luo Sword Embryo had given him a profound grasp of the sword path.

Yet neither the essence of the Seven Luminary Sword Manual, the Da Luo Sword Embryo, nor Chu Qingyi’s Azure Cloud Sword Technique or Tianyuan Sword Manual compared to this peerless, awe-inspiring sword aura! “A mere blade splits the heavens and bends the stars—its nine leaves shatter all!”

In that moment, Lu Changsheng murmured to himself, realizing that the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass was a plant of absolute, ruthless killing intent.

Though it was a plant, its murderous intent surpassed that of many a ferocious beast!

As the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass was extracted from the system, Lu Changsheng obtained a clearer understanding of this spirit pet.

According to the system’s description, it can unleash its sword aura, employ divine ability techniques to slay foes, and by ingesting and refining its leaves, one can enhance one’s sword talent and absorb its legacy; ultimately, it can transform into the divine weapon Nine Calamity Sword.

However, as a plant, it had many inherent drawbacks.

First, being a spirit plant, it cannot move like animals—it must remain rooted in one spot for a long time to grow.

Second, although its nine leaves can be absorbed to boost sword talent and inherit its legacy, once they are plucked, the battle power of the grass declines sharply and regeneration is difficult without consuming rare sword materia.

Third, its transformation into Nine Calamity Sword is not arbitrary.

Normally, the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass can transform into the Nine Calamity Sword for combat,

but after a battle, as its energy wanes, the power of the Nine Calamity Sword fades along with the grass, sometimes to the point where it barely transforms.

Moreover, any damage to the Nine Calamity Sword also severely injures the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass.

This creates a problem.

If one were to keep the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass close, without abundant sword energy or materials to sustain it, it would continuously be drained.

Especially after transforming into the Nine Calamity Sword and engaging in a fierce battle, it would need time to recover!

So, just like Sumeru Cave Heaven, the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass is only fit for guarding one’s home.

Lu Changsheng frowned. “Does the Myriad Spirits Bottle’s Heavenly Dew help the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass?”

At that moment, Lu Changsheng recalled another one of his five-rank special treasures—the Myriad Spirits Bottle.

The Myriad Spirits Bottle, which condensed Myriad Spirits Heaven Dew, had tremendous benefits for spirit medicines, herbs, and plants.

Just one drop could make a spirit medicine seed sprout and grow as if fast-forwarded a century.

Even a hundred or thousand-year-old herb could gain decades of growth and cultivation.

If he kept the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass by his side and, when it was overly depleted, fed it a drop of Myriad Spirits Heaven Dew, might it rapidly recover? If so, its shortcomings would be completely overcome—perhaps even surpassing many Spirit Treasures.

After all, Spirit Treasures too suffer wear and tear in battle.

Not to mention all the artifacts he’d shattered in battle; previously, the mid-grade Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor he lent to Yun Wanshang for her tribulation had already shown signs of damage under Nascent Soul thunder.

But if the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass were injured, a single drop of Myriad Spirits Heaven Dew could restore it completely, allowing it to be used without reservation, even unleashing a ferocious outbreak!

“Furthermore, heavenly dew also benefits spirit plants and demon beasts.”

“Once I break through to Nascent Soul and establish the towering Cheng Lu Pan, I’ll have an endless supply of dew—in fact, I could even use it to water the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass!”

Thinking this, Lu Changsheng suddenly felt that the plant’s shortcomings were no longer a problem.

If Myriad Spirits Heaven Dew worked as expected, all nine leaves could likely regenerate.

The moment he saw the sword aura of the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass, his thoughts immediately turned to his son, Lu Qingshan.

That sword aura, fierce and piercing like his son’s, seemed capable of tearing apart the skies and shifting the sun and moon—it bore a striking resemblance.

Lu Qingshan had an impressive natural talent in the sword way; having fused the Taiyang Bullfight Core Seed for decades, his Sword Dao Compatibility had even exceeded 100%.

It was truly astounding.

Under these circumstances, Lu Changsheng didn’t hesitate to push him further.

He wanted to see how far his sword talent would develop, and whether he could fully integrate the Sword Bullfight Core Seed.

After all, the process of fusion between the Core Seed and its host was crucial.

Neither Lu Lingxiao nor Lu Qingshan had fully fused their Core Seeds.

But this was not a matter to be rushed by Lu Changsheng. If the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass could indeed regenerate its leaves, then he’d consider it further; otherwise, without those nine leaves—only the stem and root remaining—its divine combat potential would be greatly diminished.

“Nine-Leaf, then remain rooted here for now!”

Looking at the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass before him, Lu Changsheng signaled for it to subdue its sword aura and brought it to the spiritual vein in the backyard of the City Lord’s Mansion.

As a spirit plant, it had another drawback: it couldn’t transform into human form.

Or rather, its only form of transformation was into the Nine Calamity Sword.

If it wished to leave and move, it could transform into the Nine Calamity Sword, but only for a limited time.

“If a Nascent Soul True Lord attacks and my son Quanzhen calls for your aid, do your best to fend them off,” Lu Changsheng instructed the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass.

The sword grass replied, “Yes, Master,” its voice sounding like clanging sword strikes that chewed on metal.

Watching as the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass gradually rooted itself onto the spiritual vein of the City Lord’s Mansion, Lu Changsheng shook his head slightly, worried that its sword aura might damage the vein.

He thought that the spirit vein he had obtained from the Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear in Myriad Beasts Mountain Range would be more suitable for the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass.

“Hunting God Chariot.”

Having extracted the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass, Lu Changsheng promptly extracted another reward.

“Boom!”

In an instant, a massive war chariot as dark as the abyss, with gold and crimson patterns resembling ancient ferocious beasts, materialized before him.

The chariot was enormous, several meters tall, with a roofless, angular carriage reminiscent of a battle beast puppet.

Its front featured a gruesome white tiger devouring the sun, its pupils inlaid with deep, dark, blood-red crystals, as if it were ready to spill fresh blood at any moment.

The four wheels, neither metal nor wood, were laden with a weight as heavy as mountains, seemingly crushing the very earth and sky.

“What an impressive Hunting God Chariot!”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration at the appearance of the imposing war chariot.

Its mere design filled him with delight.

He had long dreamed of a fine carriage for himself, but due to his busy schedule, laziness, and his reliance on the Golden-Winged Roc and Misty Dust Banner, it had been continually postponed.

Now, upon seeing this mid-grade Spirit Treasure Hunting God Chariot, he immediately decided it would serve as his ride!

According to the system’s detailed introduction, unlike his other Spirit Treasures, the Hunting God Chariot, though requiring the use of Nascent Soul divine sense and magical energy to control, consumes enormous energy. Thus, the method devised by the immortal Altar Lord was to use living souls as fuel.

This allowed the chariot to be activated without draining too much magical energy.

The Spirit Treasure’s power was simple and crude.

It intimidated, strangled, charged, and hunted—no further explanation was needed for the first three.

The intimidation came from the white tiger’s roaring sound waves that attacked a wide range of cultivators; the strangling effect created a crushing field around the chariot; and the charge, when fully engaged, had the power to break through laws and restrictions—ideal for siege and pillage.

The final ability, hunting, was the very core of the chariot!

Not only could it capture and imprison the souls in its crushing field for fuel, but it could also form nine chains to seize and enslave powerful beast souls, turning them to its own use.

For example, if Lu Changsheng decimated a fourth-rank Demon King, he could use the Hunting God Chariot to capture and enslave its beast soul as combat power! According to the chariot’s capacity, it could handle up to three beast souls at once.

However, to enslave three beast souls, not only must they be within the chariot’s capacity, but the controller must also be strong enough to subdue all three.

Otherwise, if the divine soul and magical energy couldn’t restrain them, there might be a risk of them turning on the master! “They didn’t even deliver the beast souls? How inconsiderate!”

Lu Changsheng knew full well that the Hunting God Chariot currently held no beast souls.

To use beast souls in battle, he would have to hunt and capture them himself.

Powerful beast souls could not only be used in combat but also serve as fuel to enhance the effects of intimidation, strangulation, and charging.

In short, the ultimate effectiveness of the Hunting God Chariot depended on the owner’s ability and the strength of the beast souls captured.

The stronger the beast soul, the mightier the chariot!

“This Hunting God Chariot is intriguing—I’ll later discuss it with Xiao Yan,” Lu Changsheng mused.

As a fourth-rank weapon craftsman, he saw that the design of the Hunting God Chariot was exceptionally ingenious, and its crafting technique was peerless—a true masterpiece among Spirit Treasures.

Studying it in detail could even benefit his own insights in artifact refining.

Meanwhile, Qian Zhuyan’s puppet body was already mulling over its next upgrade.

Capturing and enslaving beast souls with the Hunting God Chariot for fuel was, in Qian Zhuyan’s eyes, nothing short of astonishing.

If they could replicate this method on her puppet body, her combat power would increase yet another level.

With a slight upward gesture of his hand, the enormous Hunting God Chariot gradually shrank under the influence of his magical energy until it was as small as a palm, and it was stored inside his Storage Ring, reserved for fusion after he broke through to Nascent Soul.

Having reviewed all his rewards, Lu Changsheng also decided it was time to fuse his son Lu Yunxiao’s innate Da Luo Sword Embryo.

This was the main reason he had delayed his own breakthrough until now.

“I hope you won’t disappoint me.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and then returned to his cave residence. He murmured, “System, fuse!”

In that moment, Lu Changsheng felt an unparalleled divine sword coalesce within his body—a grand, magnificent display of intertwining sword light and the very essence of Sword Dao, peerless in its might.

Although his son Lu Yunxiao’s innate sword embryo was his Dao Body, Lu Changsheng’s own Chaos Body, fused with the Kunpeng body—a true Dao Body—made it much easier to integrate the innate sword embryo now.

He sat cross-legged like a boiling cauldron of chaos, fusing the innate sword embryo within him.

During this process, Lu Changsheng gained a detailed understanding of his son’s innate sword embryo.

Much like the fundamental rules of Sword Dao interwoven with the Da Luo Sword Embryo, this sword essence, though peerless and unmatched in offense, was not as pure and unadulterated as Lu Qingshan’s—imbued with a grand aura that concealed its sharp edge like a sword in its sheath.

Just like the Da Luo Sword Embryo, it appeared plain and rough when dormant, without any divine splendor.

But once activated, the sword light shone brilliantly, overpowering the sun, moon, and sky.

For Lu Changsheng, this balanced sword body was better suited to him.

His Chaos Body had to fuse myriad forms and bloodlines; if it became too extreme, fusion would be impossible and sacrifices had to be made.

It was just like how his son Lu Qingshan once condensed a Great Geng Metal Sword Body.

Even so, for his Chaos Body to absorb the innate sword embryo, he would have to make many compromises.

As time passed, just the innate sword embryo fusing into his Chaos Body made Lu Changsheng feel his sword talent climb several levels.

Not only did the essence of the Seven Luminary Sword Manual come flooding back, but even the sword insights he had once neglected while handling the Da Luo Sword Embryo surged into his mind.

After what felt like an eternity, Lu Changsheng suddenly opened his eyes. His pupils shimmered with a mix of yin and yang, now exuding an even sharper sword aura.

“When the dead lie in wait, the dragon appears; in silence the abyss stirs, and in motion the heavens abide!”

After fusing the innate sword embryo, Lu Changsheng not only gained a deeper understanding of this Dao Body but also acquired insights for nurturing his son Lu Yunxiao.

For a Dao Body to fully unleash its potential, it must resonate perfectly with its Dao.

Take his son Lu Yunxiao, for instance.

His Dao was the true essence of Sword Dao as revealed by the Da Luo Sword Embryo.

To maximize his innate potential, every bit of his early energy should be dedicated to grasping the profound essence of the Da Luo Sword Embryo—without touching on any other techniques during that period.

Only after he truly comprehended the fundamental essence of Sword Dao should he explore other sword techniques, following the path illuminated by his understanding.

For example, while Lu Yunxiao could learn from the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass in time, he must not train with it in his early years! Even the precious material that enhances sword talent from the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass must be withheld so as not to disrupt his Dao Body and Sword Dao.

However, by fusing the innate sword embryo into his Chaos Body, he sacrificed a bit of that pure effect—the result was not as potent—but he managed to integrate the innate potential of the Dao Body into his Chaos Body.

With the innate sword embryo completely fused, Lu Changsheng felt the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra beginning to operate on its own, urging him toward Nascent Soul breakthrough.

The opportunity for a Great Dao Nascent Soul was upon him!

After fusing the innate sword embryo, Lu Changsheng once again felt the chance for a Great Dao Nascent Soul!

He believed that as long as he wished, he could always remain on the brink of a Great Dao Nascent Soul! Moreover, facing the autonomous flow of the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, he even had an inkling of merging the Seven Luminary Sword Manual with the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra.

After all, all techniques require resonance.

Although Lu Changsheng cultivated the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, its inherent compatibility was merely average.

It was entirely forged by the system and his Dao Foundation.

After fusing the Kunpeng body, his innate yin-yang potential soared, raising the compatibility of his sutra by a level.

And now, by fusing the innate sword embryo into his Chaos Body, his Sword Dao talent had multiplied.

A subconscious impulse urged him to merge the Seven Luminary Sword Manual into the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra for even better synergy.

But that was merely an impulse, one he quickly suppressed.

He knew he wasn’t yet ready to flawlessly integrate a classical technique into a true immortal-level sutra.

Even minor errors could cause irreparable damage.

“With the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra, which governs all techniques, perhaps once I ascend and perfect my Chaos Body, I can use it as a foundation to forge my own supreme method.”

Lu Changsheng murmured softly, a newfound thought stirring within him.

Many high-level cultivators, after mastering their techniques completely, spend time reevaluating and refining their methods to perfectly align with themselves.

Lu Changsheng had never bothered with such endeavors, regarding them as too time-consuming.

But a sudden, inexplicable stirring made him consider it now.

He envisioned that one day he would refine all his methods, assimilating countless techniques to create a supreme, personally tailored method!

“Hmph, my talent is peerless—I will shake the heavens and become an immortal patriarch. Creating my own method will be a piece of cake.”

Lu Changsheng’s eyes shone like stars, interlaced with yin-yang radiance, as if ready to launch twin divine swords.

Even before he could fully analyze and understand his own sword embryo and Dao Body, he felt his grasp of Sword Dao improve several levels.

Furthermore, he sensed that returning to use the Da Luo Sword Embryo from his son Lu Yunxiao would be much more effortless.

“Quanzhen, if multiple Nascent Soul True Lords attack, come to the backyard and call out ‘Nine-Leaf’!”

Without delay, Lu Changsheng addressed his son, then shook the Misty Dust Banner and set off deep into Da Mengze to summon Lu Lingjing.

Soon enough, water roared and the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale appeared in Da Mengze.

Obeying Lu Changsheng’s instructions, Lu Lingjing hadn’t consumed all her heavenly dew this time, retaining ten drops.

Yet, as she handed the ten drops over to Lu Changsheng, she kept swallowing, causing his face to twitch in exasperation.

Fortunately, the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale was in its demonic beast form. Otherwise, it would have felt as though it were exploiting a child laborer.

“Spirit Whale, the Blue-Armored Man might return to Da Mengze to cause trouble for you and the city; from now on, do not condense more heavenly dew—head to the Sea Eye and rest. If danger arises, flee to the outskirts of the city,” Lu Changsheng advised Lu Lingjing.

Lu Lingjing, her voice filled with anger, bellowed, “Blue-Armored Man!”

Her anger caused her tail to strike the surface of the sea, creating a terrifying surge.

She couldn’t believe that the enemy still dared to hassle her, especially when it meant leaving her without dew to drink!

However, hearing that both Master and Madam were out, and would return later, she could only nod and reply.

She knew one Blue-Armored Man was something she could handle, though the enemy was cunning and might call for backup, possibly using treasures to restrain her.

Relying solely on dew, which had only just restored her strength, she couldn’t afford getting battered and injured again.

“Understood, Master,” Lu Lingjing grumbled, feeling deeply aggrieved.

“Rest assured, once Master returns, I’ll avenge you,” Lu Changsheng observed the slight disgruntlement in the Spirit Whale.

That was perfectly natural.

Even as a spirit pet, she was a living being with thoughts.

Furthermore, as a fourth-rank Demon King, Lu Lingjing’s ability to control emotions was already remarkable.

With the threat from Starry Sea looming, Lu Changsheng wasted no time.

After gathering the heavenly dew and Cheng Lu Pan, he activated the Misty Dust Banner and, consuming Spirit Stones, teleported back to Bihu Mountain.

On this journey to Myriad Beasts Mountain Range to challenge Nascent Soul, besides Yun Wanshang, Lu Changsheng would also take his wife, Lu Miao, along.

After all, having cultivated the Taiyi Water Technique together, her Taiyi Dao Seed in her body could transform into a top-grade Condensing Dew Spirit Medicine.

Even though his own condition suggested he might not need the dew, he wouldn’t waste it.

Besides, that Taiyi Dao Seed not only served to form his Condensing Dew Spirit Medicine now, but it would later be passed on to Lu Miao.

This mutual exchange would further merge their energies into one.

Currently, thanks to the Taiyi Dao Seed, Lu Miao’s natural talent—comparable to a first-rank Spirit Root—and the Supreme Goodness Like Water Method had escalated her cultivation to a mysterious level.

If he broke through to Nascent Soul and then condensed another Nascent Soul-grade Taiyi Dao Seed for her, Lu Miao’s talent and method would soar even higher.

Sometimes, Lu Changsheng mused that Lu Miao’s technique was a bit like the Beast Art.

But in her case, it wasn’t about multiple contracted spirit pets boosting herself—it was simply a bond formed by binding.

“But wouldn’t my cultivation be considered True Spirit level?”

Lu Changsheng quietly pondered.

Normally, the Taiyi Water Technique wouldn’t be nearly as extreme as Lu Miao’s.

Yet he had elevated the technique far beyond its true limits.

“Miaoge,

Go to Bihu Mountain and then Sumeru Cave Heaven,” Lu Changsheng called to his wife.

“Alright,” Lu Miao replied, knowing about his plans for Nascent Soul breakthrough and inquiring when he would leave.

“I’ll be leaving after a quick stop at Azure Cloud Sect,” Lu Changsheng said.

Then he turned to his son Lu Ping’an, instructing him that if any emergency arose at home, he should act without hesitation.

Even though Lu Ping’an had only just surpassed the third layer of Core Formation, his physical strength and the Wild Dragon Spine were enough to hold off most Nascent Soul cultivators.

“Don’t worry, Father,” Lu Ping’an responded, his tone serious as he was rarely spoken to with such caution.

Soon, he asked, “Father, what’s the situation?”

“I am preparing to break through to Nascent Soul and won’t be able to attend to the family for a while. Previously, some cultivators from Qisha Sect attacked—we dealt with them—but I fear enemy cultivators from rival nations might try to cause further trouble.”

Lu Changsheng admitted frankly.

“Qisha Sect?”

Lu Ping’an recalled hearing about Qisha Sect during his travels—a group known for assassination, with their own Nascent Soul True Lords—though he didn’t know the details.

“Father, don’t worry. Once you break through, I’ll handle the household,”

he said in a determined tone without further inquiry.

“Mm,” Lu Changsheng nodded, then turned to his daughter Lu Wangshu at Bright Moon Residence and said, “Wangshu, since you haven’t reached Core Formation yet, wait for me to return.”

He knew his daughter was inherently proud and loathed losing to Lu Lingxiao.

Her Yin-Yang energy could serve as a Condensation Spirit Medicine.

After I break through to Nascent Soul, that Yin-Yang energy will surely advance further, improving your Golden Core quality.

Lu Wangshu immediately looked up at her father and asked, “Father, what are you off to do now?”

Lu Changsheng replied lightly, “I’m off to break through to Nascent Soul.”

“???”

Lu Wangshu was taken aback, then pouted, “Father, you’re getting so careless. You can’t even come up with a reason anymore.”

Lu Changsheng sighed, “Alas, I’m no longer your favorite—I can’t even muster an excuse, can I? Woe is me…”

“???”

Seeing his daughter’s dramatic act, Lu Changsheng tapped her forehead and grumbled, “When have I ever been careless with you?”

She retorted, “You already broke through to Nascent Soul, yet you still use that as an excuse. Just come up with any excuse and I’d believe you.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head helplessly, “When have I ever broken through to Nascent Soul?”

Noticing her incredulous expression, Lu Changsheng stopped the idle chatter and grabbed her hand to show the Golden Core in his Qi Sea Dantian.

“Father, your Golden Core—it’s…”

Lu Wangshu gaped as she saw the black-and-white, purple-gold shimmering Golden Core at the center of her father’s five-colored jade plate Qi Sea Dantian.

She was not only astonished that her father was still in Core Formation, but also by the profound energy emanating from the Golden Core—a sacred item never lightly shown.

After Lu Lingxiao broke through to Core Formation, she had once seen his Immortal Golden Core.

That memory continued to weigh on her.

Later, she even sought advice from Madam Xiao on the secrets of Core Formation after seeing her Golden Core.

However, compared to her brother Lu Lingxiao and their mother Xiao Xiyue, her father’s Golden Core was a class apart.

Furthermore, the flow of Dao energy from the Golden Core left her with an indescribable impression.

“Now you believe, right? Stay at home and cultivate until I return.”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he affectionately tousled his daughter’s hair, enjoying the sight of his wife and children looking at him in awe.

After all these years, in the eyes of his many wives and children he had become almost omnipotent.

With that, Lu Changsheng transformed into a beam of rainbow light and silently departed for Azure Cloud Sect.

The heavenly dew, though astonishing in effect, was of only average quality—probably third-rank—when condensed with great magical energy.

Thus, such dew was useful for Yun Wanshang, but its effects were limited.

Ten drops of dew could not completely restore her.

As a Nascent Soul True Lord and an enforcer of Azure Cloud Sect, Yun Wanshang had noticed Lu Changsheng’s increasingly decisive manner and asked, “What’s the matter?”

Lu Changsheng replied frankly, “There’s some stirring over at Starry Sea, so I plan to break through soon.”

Had it not been for the words of Great Dao Nascent Soul which he once used to request Yun Wanshang’s assistance—and given her stubborn nature—he almost wished she would remain, continuing her recuperation at Azure Cloud Sect.

Instantly, Yun Wanshang recognized the matter—it was about the Kunpeng Egg.

Though she wasn’t sure of the exact details, she recalled that she had participated with Lu Changsheng in activating the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror to annihilate Fuhai True Lord in battle.

“In that case, there’s no time to waste!”

Donning her colorful palace attire, Yun Wanshang, though a bit pale, exuded decisive, lightning-fast energy.

Lu Changsheng admired her graceful beauty and glanced at his son Lu Yunxiao in his arms before saying, “Yunxiao, let Xiyue take care of him for now.”

But, knowing well of the unspoken rapport between them, he added, “I have a Pocket Dimension treasure; if you wish to take Yunxiao with you, it won’t matter.”

Besides Yun Wanshang, there were also his wife Lu Miao, Ling Zixiao, and Hong Lian—someone could easily look after his son.

“No, let Xiyue handle him,” Yun Wanshang replied directly, aware of the gravity of the situation and not wanting to be distracted by her son.

After all, she knew about her pregnancy and couldn’t keep Lu Yunxiao a secret forever.

Besides, his father was the Qilin Sword Lord, not the husband of her disciple Lu Changsheng.

Yun Wanshang’s expression turned cool as she dismissively thought of that.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng was pleased that his son would be looked after by Xiyue.

“Changsheng, be careful,” Xiao Xiyue said, her eyes reflecting genuine concern upon hearing that he was headed to Myriad Beasts Mountain Range to challenge Nascent Soul.

Lu Changsheng held his wife’s hand firmly and nodded seriously, “Don’t worry.”

Seeing his wife and children care so much for him emboldened him further for the challenges ahead!