Chapter 852: Intrigues of the Heavenly Sword Sect

Heavenly Sword Sect.

Sect Master Hall.

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master stared at the urgent secret letter from the Immortal City of Damengze, his face awash with shock, astonishment, and disbelief.

One of the three great demonic factions of the Jin Kingdom, the Yin Ghost Sect, has been crushed by the City Lord of Dameng City, and its Supreme Elder, True Lord Mingsha, has perished.

The Five Poisons Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect have forged an alliance with the Immortal City of Damengze, vowing not to assault the Jiang Kingdom.

They have even agreed to provide strategic support for the Liang-Yue War.

“This is impossible!”

And it wasn’t just the Heavenly Sword Sect Master.

Even the resident True Lord in the Immortal City of Damengze, upon receiving the news, was utterly shocked and found it hard to believe.

At the end of the secret letter, it was noted that the messenger was merely relaying the message on behalf of Damengze and was unsure of its authenticity.

“The Yin Ghost Sect has been flattened, and Supreme Elder True Lord Mingsha is dead.”

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master took several deep breaths to steady his emotions before calmly analyzing the credibility of the news.

After long contemplation, he concluded that the news was highly likely to be true.

Half a year ago, the Heavenly Sword Sect had begun noticing irregularities in the Jin Kingdom.

The actions of the Five Poisons Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect had grown increasingly frequent.

Meanwhile, the Yin Ghost Sect, behaving unusually, suddenly chose to contract its forces and retreat into a semi-secluded state.

Their informants planted within the Yin Ghost Sect also went silent during this period.

For this reason, he even sent a Core Formation cultivator of the sect to investigate the situation.

However, matters like these never yield news so quickly.

“What could the Immortal City of Damengze be planning with this news?”

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master pondered to himself.

On the surface, it was good news.

It would rid them of a major threat, ensuring they no longer had to worry about incursions from the three demonic factions of the Jin Kingdom.

Yet the Sect Master was well aware that trust between his sect and Damengze was minimal at best.

Currently, almost all of the Heavenly Sword Sect’s forces were deployed against the Liang-Yue War, fighting both Liang and Yuan Kingdoms.

At this critical juncture, the sudden display by the Immortal City of Damengze of its terrifying power to annihilate the Yin Ghost Sect—and to form an alliance with the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Five Poisons Sect—posed an extreme danger to the Heavenly Sword Sect.

If Damengze harbored ulterior motives against them, it would be even more perilous than the Jin Kingdom’s old demonic factions.

Without hesitating, the Sect Master set off immediately to see True Lord Juejian to report the news.

“They crushed the Yin Ghost Sect? Supreme Elder True Lord Mingsha is dead!?”

Upon hearing the report, True Lord Juejian’s expression grew grave and his heart filled with doubt.

He recalled that two years ago, Yangming True Lord, then City Lord of Damengze, had come to him seeking to borrow a secret treasure that suppressed Nascent Soul Spirit Bodies.

In the blink of an eye, that very individual had departed for the Jin Kingdom, flattened the Yin Ghost Sect, and slew True Lord Mingsha.

Even though he had witnessed the magical duel involving Lu Changsheng back then,

he knew that his adversary was none other than Yangming True Lord—a cultivator who had once battled Core Formation against Nascent Soul cultivators, possessed a fourth-tier Peng Bird spirit pet, and wielded formidable combat prowess.

Not to mention, he had a record of slaying Nascent Soul cultivators.

Yet hearing that his archrival, “True Lord Mingsha,” had been killed by the enemy left him unable to hide his astonishment.

“I must make a trip to the Immortal City of Damengze!”

Without further questions, True Lord Juejian’s voice turned deep as he declared this.

Previously, the Heavenly Sword Sect had invited Yangming True Lord to assist in the Liang-Yue War, but he had made excuses concerning matters in the Starry Sea.

Now, he had suddenly turned his attention to the Jin Kingdom to flatten the Yin Ghost Sect?

What did that signify?

There was no time to support the Liang-Yue War if he had leisure to head to the Jin Kingdom.

Nevertheless, at this point, dwelling on such queries was meaningless.

Faced with such a critical matter, as a Nascent Soul True Lord, he had to personally travel to the Immortal City of Damengze to demand an explanation.

After all, trust between the two sides had always been scarce.

With Damengze orchestrating such a move, how could the Heavenly Sword Sect ever feel secure?

Especially with Senior Brother True Lord Xuanjian, stationed at the frontline, warning that defeat was imminent and urging him to prepare for the worst.

If further troubles arose in the Jiang Kingdom, their rear would collapse entirely.

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master was taken aback.

He hadn’t expected that True Lord Juejian would head straight to Damengze to verify the truth of the matter.

This indicated that True Lord Juejian believed the news was very likely accurate.

“Yes, True Lord!”

The Sect Master instantly responded respectfully.

Without delay, True Lord Juejian transformed into a streak of sword light, tore through the void, and vanished from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Lu Family of Bihu Mountain.

Sumeru Cave Heaven, Hall of Everlasting Life.

Lu Changsheng held a talisman brush as he meticulously drew a fourth-tier talisman.

With the power of Taiyi Spirit, top-tier Talisman Art spirit, and the inheritance from the Nine-Nine Profound Talisman Sutra, his mastery of Talisman Art was advancing at an impressive pace.

Although he could no longer effortlessly draft second- or third-rank talismans as he once did in his early days,

he could still, by focusing intently and burning refined blood to channel his energy, achieve a talisman completion rate of up to ninety percent.

Such an impressive success rate was enough to rival a mid-level fourth-tier talisman maker.

However, Lu Changsheng’s energy was currently limited; he intended to first prepare the necessary lower-grade fourth-tier talismans before attempting those of mid-fourth rank.

After all, mid-fourth tier talismans were significantly more challenging,

demanding a higher standard for talisman paper, ink, and the talisman brush.

At that moment, the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror suspended over the Hall of Everlasting Life began to tremble lightly.

Once Lu Changsheng completed drawing the talisman in his hand, Ah Wu immediately informed him that Hong Lian had sent word.

“True Lord Juejian has arrived for a visit?”

Upon hearing the news, Lu Changsheng instantly realized that the message must have been delivered by Hong Lian.

He mused that the speed at which messages traveled within the Heavenly Sword Sect was truly impressive.

It seemed that these major powers had plenty of means to relay information swiftly.

He stretched languidly, stepped out of the talisman room, briefly informed his wife Lu Miaoge, and then activated the Misty Dust Banner to head for the Immortal City of Damengze.

“Vroom!”

A ripple of spatial energy vibrated.

In a matter of a few breaths, amid swirling spatial rotations, Lu Changsheng materialized in the Immortal City of Damengze.

Now that he had broken through to Nascent Soul, his trips via the Misty Dust Banner no longer required the use of spirit stones as in the old days—only his own magical energy, making travel exceedingly convenient.

“Hong Lian.”

His divine sense reached out, but he detected no trace of his wife Hong Lian’s aura, leaving him somewhat perplexed.

Holding the formation plate of the Immortal City, Ling Zixiao sensed Lu Changsheng’s arrival and immediately conveyed that True Lord Juejian had not come to the City Lord’s Mansion.

Instead, he had chosen to meet at the Cloud Dream Inn within the Immortal City to talk things over.

Apparently, Senior Hong Lian was already at the Cloud Dream Inn.

“Hmph.”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but smile inwardly, realizing that True Lord Juejian’s actions signified a lack of trust in him.

He worried that his adversary might attack him.

But that was understandable.

Having already demonstrated the capability to annihilate Nascent Soul cultivators, how could the enemy dare to barge into the City Lord’s Mansion?

Anyone bold enough to enter the Immortal City now would be considered exceedingly brave.

“Zixiao, I’ll head over there first.”

Lu Changsheng said little to his wife as he began to quiet the magical energy of the Misty Dust Banner.

Then, channeling his Physical Divine Abilities and cloaking himself in his Seamless Robe, he set off for the Cloud Dream Inn.

“Husband.”

“City Lord Wang.”

Upon seeing Lu Changsheng in his dark, flowing robe, Hong Lian and True Lord Juejian immediately called out.

“Cultivator Juejian, thank you for coming—please forgive our unworthiness.”

With a beaming smile, Lu Changsheng greeted True Lord Juejian with a respectful bow.

After all, with the Liang-Yue War reaching a critical point, the Heavenly Sword Sect had to stand firm.

Once seated, Lu Changsheng inquired about the purpose of True Lord Juejian’s visit, suspecting it was connected to the Yin Ghost Sect incident.

“That’s correct,”

True Lord Juejian nodded, seeking to confirm the truth of the matter from Lu Changsheng and to understand his intentions.

“It’s not as complicated as you might imagine,”

Lu Changsheng chuckled softly, speaking at a measured pace, “You must be aware that there is a longstanding grudge between my faction and the Yin Ghost Sect—and True Lord Mingsha.”

“Previously, when I visited the Heavenly Sword Sect to borrow a Nascent Soul secret treasure, I intended to use this opportunity to settle that feud and see if anything could be gained.”

“As for the alliance with the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Five Poisons Sect, it was solely for the stability of the Jin Kingdom.”

Lu Changsheng’s tone was sincere and friendly as he explained that his alliance with the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Five Poisons Sect was purely meant to ensure stability in the Jin and Jiang Kingdoms.

If the Yin Ghost Sect were to be obliterated, the Jin Kingdom would undoubtedly descend into chaos, inviting opportunistic factions and endangering the Jiang Kingdom.

True Lord Juejian naturally remained skeptical of Lu Changsheng’s words.

But since Lu Changsheng had already demonstrated overwhelming power, a satisfactory verbal explanation would suffice; there was little room for further questioning.

“City Lord Wang, I have come not only to inquire about the Yin Ghost Sect but also regarding our previous alliance.”

True Lord Juejian, without lingering on the Yin Ghost Sect matter, shifted the conversation directly to the main subject.

“My senior’s position is simple: the alliance is feasible, but you must show some sincerity.”

“For instance, your contribution to the Liang-Yue War could serve as our first step in cooperating together.”

With gleaming eyes and earnest words, True Lord Juejian appealed for Lu Changsheng to step forward and support the Liang-Yue War.

Only by standing united with the Jiang and Yue Kingdoms in repelling the forces of Liang and Yuan would the Heavenly Sword Sect feel safe enough to lower their guard and place their trust in you.

Otherwise, if Lu Changsheng only offered empty words of friendship without taking concrete action, who would know what hidden intentions he harbored?

Even on its own, the Liang-Yue War saw many families opportunistically switching allegiances and betraying, leading to devastating casualties in the Yue Kingdom.

“The Heavenly Sword Sect always keeps its word. Once an alliance is forged, not only will we help avert cataclysmic crises, but we will also lend our support concerning matters like the Starry Sea and the past issues with the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands,”

True Lord Juejian continued, outlining the benefits that would come to Lu Changsheng upon sealing the alliance.

Although Lu Changsheng’s current combat prowess was immensely impressive—surpassing many veteran Nascent Soul cultivators—the alliance was his own proposal.

Since he had raised such demands, it was clear that he needed allies; he could hardly face the crisis alone.

“Goodness,”

Lu Changsheng felt that the Heavenly Sword Sect was essentially laying its cards on the table, trying to bind him to the Jiang-Yue alliance as quickly as possible.

Only by personally joining the frontline and contributing to the war could both sides truly stand together.

He had no qualms about such an arrangement.

Yet the matter of the Starry Sea loomed over him like a sword of Damocles.

He wasn’t sure how long it would take to venture to the Yue frontline.

Moreover, once news emerged that Yangming True Lord had reappeared, it might invite further unwanted complications.

While Lu Changsheng was undaunted by such troubles, the problems linked to the Starry Sea were more worrisome.

“The issues at the Starry Sea aren’t merely excuses on my part,”

Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment, took a deep breath, and slowly replied, “If all goes well, in no more than a year I should be able to take a trip to the Liang-Yue War front.”

“I may not change the tide of battle, but at least I can help eliminate a Nascent Soul cultivator to ease the pressure!”

In as little as half a year, I can gather enough talismans for a fourth-tier talisman formation.

Then, I’ll journey to the Starry Sea to visit the Fuhai Sect and scout for an opportunity.

If an opportunity arises to settle the matter with the Zhenhai Patriarch once and for all, that would be ideal.

If not, I might make a brief trip to the Yue Kingdom to lend a hand and ease tensions.

As long as the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Yue Kingdom can lure the Nascent Soul cultivators of Liang and Yuan out into the open, I am confident I can slay them!

However, after several encounters, True Lord Juejian instinctively doubted Lu Changsheng’s words, feeling that he was once again offering excuses to delay action.

Yet, he couldn’t voice his suspicion directly.

After a moment of silence, True Lord Juejian said, “Cultivator, if you can step up and support the frontline, I believe it will greatly relieve the pressure—even potentially turn the tide of this war.”

“But the situation in Liang-Yue is changing by the minute. You know as well as I do that delaying further might bring about uncontrollable changes.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng continuously hedge his commitment, True Lord Juejian no longer cared about saving face.

.

Lu Changsheng realized that True Lord Juejian had come here to force him to make his stance clear:

Either he commits to the Liang-Yue War and forms an alliance with the Heavenly Sword Sect,

or, by remaining ambiguous, risk leaving his Nascent Soul-level faction isolated at the rear.

“Husband, perhaps I should step in as well,”

Hong Lian, noticing that True Lord Juejian wasn’t in a hurry for Lu Changsheng to rush to the battlefront in support of Yue, added,

“Cultivator Juejian, allow me to discuss this matter with my husband,”

Lu Changsheng did not offer an immediate reply, his expression remaining calm as he said,

“Of course, I will stay in the Immortal City of Damengze for a while and await your decision.”

True Lord Juejian nodded in agreement.

.

Gazing upon the dignified and stern face of True Lord Juejian, Lu Changsheng felt that the sword cultivator was not as inflexibly rigid as the rumors suggested.

Yet upon reflection, he realized that a man too inflexible could hardly achieve such heights.

“Very well,”

Lu Changsheng nodded in assent, then inquired, “By the way, Cultivator Juejian, are you familiar with the ‘Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method’?”

Earlier, my wife Lu Miaohuan encountered an issue upon breaking through Core Formation.

When cultivating the ‘Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method,’ one who surpasses Core Formation can absorb the Dao Seeds of fellow practitioners!

As the dominant power in the Jiang Kingdom with a long and profound legacy, the Heavenly Sword Sect might hold records regarding this method.

“Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method?”

True Lord Juejian asked in confusion, not understanding why Lu Changsheng had suddenly mentioned this cultivation method.

Could it be that he intended to help those around him practice this method?

Lu Changsheng explained, “For certain reasons, I wish to learn more about this method. I wonder if your sect has any records or information on it.”

“I don’t know much about it,” True Lord Juejian admitted.

He recalled that centuries ago, an elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect had assisted later generations in practicing it.

However, though it appeared to have simple requirements, the method was in fact extraordinarily harsh.

Relying solely on this method to break through Core Formation to Nascent Soul was almost impossible.

Without support, reaching Nascent Soul would be unattainable.

“Is there any hidden danger with this cultivation method?”

Lu Changsheng pressed on with his inquiry, deliberately omitting mention of the method’s ominous trait of devouring other cultivators’ Dao seeds.

It was conceivable that anyone who advanced through the ‘Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method’ would guard this secret jealously and refrain from revealing too much.

“Hidden danger?”

True Lord Juejian furrowed his brow, unsure of what hidden danger the method might entail.

After a moment’s thought, as if a realization struck him, he replied, “This method is not only circulated in the Jiang Kingdom but is also found in other immortal nations.”

“I once heard a rumor of cultivators practicing the ‘Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method’ mysteriously disappearing.”

Mysteriously disappearing!

Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat.

Earlier, upon learning that the method could absorb the Dao Seeds of others, he had harbored suspicions,

wary that someone might be deliberately spreading it to harvest others.

Now, hearing True Lord Juejian’s words, he felt his suspicions were mostly confirmed.

“I don’t know much about the specifics of this method, but if City Lord Wang is interested, once I return to the Heavenly Sword Sect, I can have someone gather relevant information.”

True Lord Juejian, seeing Lu Changsheng’s earnestness, immediately said,

that as long as Lu Changsheng was willing to contribute to the alliance, he wouldn’t mind revealing more details.

“In that case, I’ll be indebted to you, Cultivator Juejian,” Lu Changsheng said, clasping his fists in gratitude.