Chapter 851: The Calculated Ambush

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Yun Wanshang looked at Lu Changsheng and sighed softly, her exquisite features momentarily frozen in surprise.

“What’s going on?”

Some more people from the Starry Sea have arrived and killed a few. She could understand that.

But the rest of his words left her baffled.

The Zhenhai Seven Sects boast an ancestor who is a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

Without absolute certainty, is he planning to prepare plenty of talismans for a surprise ambush?

Ambushing a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator?

Wasn’t this little rascal only just breaking through to Nascent Soul?

How could it be…

She knew that Lu Changsheng’s combat prowess was extraordinary—he could, even at the Core Formation stage, rival and even slay Nascent Soul cultivators and Fourth-Rank Demon Kings, not to mention wield the priceless Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror.

But for a cultivator who had just broken through to Nascent Soul to dare ambush a veteran titan of mid-stage Nascent Soul… it was simply outrageous.

If it were anyone else, she might even deem him mad.

“Once the Zhenhai Patriarch is dealt with, I can free myself to head to the Yue Kingdom front lines,” he declared.

Lu Changsheng noticed the wonder and doubt sparkling in Yun Wanshang’s eyes, and, amused, he continued.

Feigning concern, he then asked, “Caiyun, what’s wrong?”

Even as Yun Wanshang struggled to maintain her dignity in front of him, she couldn’t hide her emotion and asked, “You said you’ll ambush a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator? Are you really sure about this?”

In the world of cultivation, defeating foes one level above during the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages was nothing special.

But once you reached Core Formation, simply besting an equal was impressive—and overcoming a higher-level opponent would mark you as a genius!

And during the Nascent Soul stage, prevailing over an enemy of a higher caliber would be nothing short of earth-shattering—a legend in the making.

After all, every Nascent Soul cultivator was once a top-tier genius who had defeated opponents beyond their own level.

Especially when a Nascent Soul cultivator advanced from early to mid-stage, they were deemed titans.

No matter where they were, they dominated their surroundings.

In the Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world, only True Lord Xuanjian might break through to mid-stage Nascent Soul.

“It’s very difficult,” he admitted.

Lu Changsheng drew a deep breath and slowly exhaled before saying gravely, “At mid-stage Nascent Soul, one’s abilities become inscrutable. Only with the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror do I stand a chance of a successful ambush.”

“That’s why I’m still preparing—to leave nothing to chance.”

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Though she sensed a hint of exhibitionism in his tone, Yun Wanshang was utterly stunned by his words.

After all, such a move was incredibly audacious.

Yet, thinking of Lu Changsheng’s prized treasure, the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, she felt a small measure of relief.

That treasured artifact could not only reveal scenes from miles away…

When their powers combined in the past, it spanned thousands of miles and obliterated a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Had it not been for that cultivator having two accomplices to share the burden, he might have been completely annihilated, his body shattered.

Staring at Lu Changsheng’s peerlessly handsome face, Yun Wanshang felt momentarily dazed.

Years ago, she and Lu Changsheng made a pact in the Rainbow Cloud Hall.

They vowed that if he ever became one of the top cultivators of the Southern Desolation, she would marry him and serve as both disciple and partner.

Back then, she set such an ambitious goal to spur him on.

She hoped he wouldn’t waste his time on trivial matters but would dedicate himself to cultivation.

Yet she hadn’t expected that just a few years after breaking through to Nascent Soul, he would dare plot an ambush against a mid-stage titan.

At this pace, it might take a century before he evolved into one of the top, awe-inspiring cultivators of the Southern Desolation!

Lu Yunxiao sat quietly nearby, watching his parents converse.

Being so young, he didn’t catch most of the conversation.

But he did know that cultivation progressed through the Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and Nascent Soul stages.

Hearing his father speak of ambushing a Nascent Soul cultivator confirmed just how formidable he was.

His mother’s expression also attested to it.

After all, his mother, normally so reserved, rarely showed emotion.

Thinking this over, Lu Yunxiao looked up and studied his father carefully.

He had handsome features.

Yet, he seemed to lack a certain aura of authority.

Lu Yunxiao was only three, so such concepts were still fuzzy to him.

Still, he vaguely sensed that his father didn’t command the same strict presence as his mother.

“What’s wrong, Yunxiao?”

Seeing his son staring up at him, Lu Changsheng leaned down, gently pinched his cheek, and asked with a warm smile.

“.” Lu Yunxiao wasn’t fond of having his cheek pinched.

Yet, with his father so near, he shyly shook his head and replied, “I’m fine.”

“Hehe.”

Finding his son’s feigned maturity amusing, Lu Changsheng then turned to Yun Wanshang and said, “Don’t worry—the Starry Sea incident, I can handle it.”

“As for the Liang-Yue War, you needn’t trouble yourself. Postpone it if you can; if push comes to shove, I’ll deal with it,” he added.

Though Lu Changsheng had no time to spare for the Liang-Yue War…

when a crisis hit, he could always send Hong Lian with either the Golden-Winged Roc or Qian Zhuyan to ease the pressure.

After all, Yun Wanshang’s current condition made her unfit for frontline combat.

“What exactly are your plans?”

Unlike most women, Yun Wanshang trusted Lu Changsheng implicitly and asked how he intended to handle the Liang-Yue War.

If True Lord Xuanjian were to abandon his support, it would likely force the Heavenly Sword Sect to retreat and relocate for self-preservation.

In that case, the Azure Cloud Sect and the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain would inevitably face immense pressure.

“Not long ago, I ventured to the Jin Kingdom and subdued its three major demonic factions. I can inform the Heavenly Sword Sect so they needn’t fear an attack from Jin, and also have Jin supply some strategic resources to ease the frontline pressure.”

Lu Changsheng paused briefly as he explained the Jin Kingdom situation, then added, “If that isn’t enough, I’ll send the Golden Roc—or even Xiao Yan—to further alleviate the pressure.”

He planned to include the Golden Roc and Qian Zhuyan when ambushing the Zhenhai Patriarch.

That’s why, until the very last moment and only as a last resort, he was reluctant to dispatch the Golden-Winged Roc or Qian Zhuyan to the Yue Kingdom battlefield.

Especially when away from him, subordinates might not fully obey orders.

How the Golden-Winged Roc would perform on the battlefield without him was anyone’s guess.

And since Qian Zhuyan was busy reconstructing and upgrading his battle-array puppet, Lu Changsheng preferred not to disturb him.

“Subdue the three major demonic factions in the Jin Kingdom?”

Yun Wanshang was stunned again.

She was completely flabbergasted.

She had accompanied him through his Nascent Soul breakthrough and even returned with him to Bihu Mountain.

She remembered clearly that it had only been a little over two years since he achieved his Nascent Soul breakthrough.

In that short span, he had not only confronted the Starry Sea and prepared to ambush a mid-stage titan but also subdued the Jin Kingdom’s three major demonic factions.

What, what, what…

If she didn’t know Lu Changsheng, she would have thought he was talking nonsense.

It was simply beyond belief.

Isn’t he supposed to be in seclusion cultivating?

Shouldn’t one retreat immediately to hone divine abilities after breaking through to Nascent Soul?

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly and smiled, “I’ve had a grudge with Ming Sha since long ago. Knowing that taking down the Zhenhai Patriarch would require many rare materials, I decided to completely eliminate the Yin Ghost Sect.”

“After dealing with the Yin Ghost Sect, I’ll naturally subdue both the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Five Poisons Sect.”

Like the master of his palace, Lu Changsheng picked up a teapot and, with a leisurely air, poured a cup of Spirit Tea for both himself and Yun Wanshang.

Then he glanced at his Storage Ring, retrieved an old baby bottle from years past, and in a flash, infused it with several spirit herbs, some Spirit Milk, and spirit liquid before handing it to his son, Lu Yunxiao.

“???” Lu Yunxiao looked at the offered bottle, momentarily stunned.

He felt he had grown past the age for milk.

Yet, drawn by the bottle’s rich, crystalline liquid, he accepted it and took a small sip.

In that moment, Lu Lingxiao’s exquisitely youthful face lit up with a look of delight—he thought it tasted wonderful.

Yun Wanshang was left speechless by Lu Changsheng’s actions.

She could hardly have imagined that one of the Jiang Kingdom’s greatest adversaries would be dispatched so effortlessly by him.

He had crushed the Yin Ghost Sect.

And then, he had subdued both the Five Poisons Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect.

Bear in mind, the three major demonic factions of the Jin Kingdom each represent a Nascent Soul-level power!

To make a Nascent Soul force submit, one must possess truly fearsome strength and methods!

She was overwhelmed—her astonishment was hard to put into words.

Yet when she saw Lu Changsheng hand a baby bottle to his son, Yun Wanshang snapped back and said sternly, “Yunxiao is already a big kid.”

In her eyes, her son was exceptionally gifted, endowed with the Dao Body and destined to be invincible in the Southern Desolation.

He must be taught proper conduct, bearing, and manners from a young age.

How could clinging to a baby bottle be considered proper?

“What’s the harm? This spirit liquid is only beneficial for Yunxiao’s body,”

Lu Changsheng replied nonchalantly, seeing nothing wrong with his son drinking it.

Yun Wanshang wanted to continue and remind him that a child’s manners and conduct had to be nurtured from early on.

But seeing his indifferent look and knowing his unruly nature, she swallowed her words to avoid further argument.

“You subdued the Jin Kingdom yet refuse to aid in the Liang-Yue War—aren’t you just inviting deeper suspicions from the Heavenly Sword Sect?”

Yun Wanshang shifted her tone and said so.

She realized that by informing the Heavenly Sword Sect about the Jin Kingdom affair, neither True Lord Xuanjian nor True Lord Juejian would easily support the Yue Kingdom without worry.

Instead, it would only heighten their wariness of Lu Changsheng.

“I know, but such things are for them to decide whether to believe,”

Lu Changsheng replied calmly, “If they truly can’t hold on and require urgent assistance, I’ll do my best to intervene.”

Earlier, Hong Lian had warned him that there was a lack of trust between the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Immortal City of Damengze.

If he couldn’t act immediately, it might provoke further suspicion from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“Hmm.”

Seeing that he had matters under control, Yun Wanshang said no more.

To her, the Liang-Yue War hardly seemed like an imminent crisis compared to his power.

His display of strength was more than enough to quell hostilities and settle the conflict.

“Caiyun, how are you feeling now?”

After wrapping up their main discussion, Lu Changsheng turned his concern to Yun Wanshang’s health.

Yun Wanshang: “???”

They had known each other for years.

Especially during their time in the Land of Eternal Night, when they shared days and nights and weathered hardships together.

So when Lu Changsheng expressed concern, Yun Wanshang immediately caught his meaning.

Her beautiful eyes flashed with a hint of irritation as she looked at him, thinking, with her son nearby, what is he doing…

Lu Changsheng instantly understood—realizing that her Master was blushing—and quickly snapped his fingers at his son.

Cradling the baby bottle, Lu Yunxiao soon grew drowsy and dozed off.

“Lu Changsheng, you!”

Seeing how he treated his son, Yun Wanshang’s exquisite face instantly darkened with anger.

“Master, haven’t I been wanting to catch up and share some heartfelt words with you?”

Lu Changsheng replied softly, his eyes full of fondness as he observed her expression.

“Who do you think your master is?” Upon hearing that title, Yun Wanshang immediately thought of her disciples, Chu Qingyi and Xiao Xiyue, and blushed with slight indignation.

“Alright, alright, Caiyun, Caiyun.”

With a helpless smile, Lu Changsheng leaned in and asked after her health.

He mentioned that he had secured some treasured medicine from the Yin Ghost Sect that might help her.

Even though Yun Wanshang remained somewhat aloof toward him,

he knew that, like Chu Qingyi, she wasn’t sure how to handle this relationship.

So she always maintained a formal air, upholding her master’s dignity.

He didn’t mind at all, treating it as a small amusement between them.

Facing his teasing, Yun Wanshang found it hard to remain stern and gradually softened.

Afterwards.

Yun Wanshang inquired again about Lu Changsheng’s plans to deal with the Zhenhai Patriarch.

She felt that such an undertaking was utterly unimaginable and fraught with extreme risks.

“Rest assured.”

Lu Changsheng gently squeezed her hand and, in a soft tone, revealed some of his plans before turning his attention back to his son, Lu Yunxiao.

Until that moment, he hardly knew his son beyond their brief reunion.

“Yunxiao is very clever and understanding,”

Yun Wanshang remarked, believing that Lu Changsheng’s nature was unfit for nurturing and teaching his own child, and she didn’t want him interfering in her son’s education.

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Lu Changsheng naturally acknowledged her aptitude in guidance and nurturing.

However, his philosophy was to balance work and rest, fearing that under her strict tutelage, his son, Lu Shouzheng, might never truly experience childhood.

But he had no time to worry about his children or persuade her further at the moment.

He intended to visit his son and take him out when he had the time.

“Yunxiao,”

After a while, Lu Changsheng woke his son, Lu Yunxiao, from his nap, remarking that the milk had put him to sleep.

“???” Lu Yunxiao looked at the half-empty bottle in his hand, scratching his head in confusion.

“Yunxiao, what techniques can you master with this sword embryo?”

Lu Changsheng asked his son.

Although his son was only three, as Yun Wanshang had said he was exceptionally bright, Lu Changsheng wanted to see for himself.

Lu Yunxiao, no longer perturbed by dozing off from his milk, brought his fingers together and executed the Sword Controlling Technique, as if oneness with the Great Luo Sword Embryo.

Witnessing this, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but express his amazement.

He mused that in the future, he could simply taunt, ‘Your Sword Controlling Technique is no match for my three-year-old son.’

Soon after, Lu Yunxiao pointed his finger, and streams of sword qi burst forth from his fingertips.

They swirled around him, radiating a fierce, cutting sword light.

It was hard to believe that this came from a mere three-year-old child.

If word got out, it could shock not only the entire Jiang Kingdom but also the Southern Desolation and even the Northern Regions!

Moments later, Lu Changsheng reached out and grasped his son’s Great Luo Sword Embryo.

Once this embryo merged as his son’s companion sword embryo, its effectiveness for others was drastically reduced and its power curtailed.

However, when his Chaos Body merged with his son’s Innate Sword Embryo, their synergy immediately skyrocketed.

Though not as formidable as his son’s, they fused seamlessly to harness the embryo’s power.

“Buzz, buzz, buzz”

The moment he grasped the sword embryo, Lu Changsheng felt countless principles of Sword Dao weaving and surging around him.

If he wished, he could use the embryo to raise his Sword Dao realm by several levels, becoming a top-tier sword cultivator.

But Lu Changsheng had no time for such indulgences; he merely used the Great Luo Sword Embryo to play with his son, releasing bursts of sword qi to test his command over it.

Even though Lu Yunxiao was born with Foundation Establishment prowess and his body far exceeded that of most,

he was still just a child. As he pushed the Great Luo Sword Embryo and absorbed its essence, his energy eventually waned, and he began to doze off.

“Hehe.” Seeing this, Lu Changsheng carried his son off to sleep and then went to check on his other son, Lu Shouzheng.

This son remained obedient and respectful as ever.

He observed all the proper rituals, though his eyes lacked much warmth or closeness.

Not only with his father,

but even with Yun Wanshang, albeit a little more so.

“Shouzheng, how has your cultivation been this past year?”

Lu Changsheng, disregarding any attitude, inquired about his progress.

Lu Shouzheng reported honestly, his posture upright and tone measured.

Lu Changsheng nodded gently and continued, “Did you encounter any puzzles in the Seven Luminary Sword Manual?”

Lu Shouzheng then asked his questions methodically, and Lu Changsheng provided his answers.

“I have matters to attend to. Keep these cultivation resources,”

Lu Changsheng said after resolving Lu Shouzheng’s issues and handed him a pre-prepared Storage Pouch.

“Father, at the Azure Cloud Sect, I receive a monthly stipend, enough for my cultivation,”

Lu Shouzheng, now sixteen with rosy cheeks and striking features reminiscent of Chu Qingyi—a dashing youth—bowed graciously to show that he was now self-reliant.

“Keep it. Once you break through Foundation Establishment, I’ll take you to the Yue Kingdom,”

Lu Changsheng looked at his son, whose eyes shone like cold stars touched with determination, and said so.

He admired Lu Shouzheng’s self-reliance.

Yet, he also felt a twinge of regret and guilt about his son’s independent nature.

With Chu Qingyi unable to return due to the Liang-Yue War, he also planned to take his son to the Yue Kingdom when time permitted.

“Thank you, Father.”

Lu Shouzheng paused briefly, accepted the Storage Pouch with a bow, and thanked him.

After parting with his son, Lu Changsheng went to see his partner, Zhao Qingqing.

“Qingqing, there’s no need to rush your Core Formation,”

he said, “even though you have Condensing Crystal Pills and Five Elements Spirit Fruits.”

But Zhao Qingqing’s sixth-grade Spirit Root and inferior Spirit Body still held her back from achieving absolute certainty.

If I had more time, I could certainly improve your chances of successful Core Formation.

Yet, since breaking through to Core Formation takes at least half a year, I simply don’t have the time to help right now.

So I’m saying you can wait another two years.

By then, I’ll most likely have the time to assist.

After returning from the Azure Cloud Sect to Bihu Mountain, Lu Changsheng instructed Hong Lian to inform the Heavenly Sword Sect of the Jin Kingdom affairs and then resumed his seclusion to draft talisman arrays.

He planned to quickly assemble a Fourth-Rank Talisman Array to resolve the Zhenhai Patriarch matter.

Otherwise, this issue would hang over him like a Damocles’ sword—a constant weight on his mind.

Moreover, aside from the Liang-Yue War and various trivial matters, he still owed a favor to the Green Dragon King, having promised to visit his sister after many years.

Now, with seven years passed, any further delay might invite unnecessary troubles or misunderstandings.

Even though Lu Changsheng now dreaded no Demon Kings of late Fourth-Rank,

he still wished to avoid conflict and intended to meet his appointment soon to repay his favor.