Chapter 878: Counterattack Begins!

As Yun Wanshang drifted away gracefully, Lu Changsheng’s thoughts stirred. A snow-white pill shot out from the crown of his head, transforming into the likeness of Changsheng True Lord.

Earlier, when he had summoned Yun Wanshang and Lu Miaoge, he had already nurtured the mystical abilities and spells of the [Three Treasure Incarnation Pearl] from the Yin-Yang Creation Sutra into the Nine-Nine Profound Talisman Sutra.

During the upcoming war, the Three Treasure Incarnation only needed to use talismans against enemies, without worrying about excessive energy depletion.

Moreover, now that he had achieved a Nascent Soul breakthrough, recharging the [Three Treasure Incarnation Pearl] had become much simpler.

“Daddy, what kind of treasure is this?” Lu Wangshu had long known her father possessed some form of External Incarnation technique.

But the specifics eluded her.

Now, seeing the Three Treasure Incarnation Pearl take on her father’s form, she instantly realized it must be some kind of Dao-Comprehending Artifact or rare treasure.

Lu Changsheng didn’t answer directly. Instead, he turned to his daughter with a question. “Wangshu, you just broke through to Core Formation. Why aren’t you at home cultivating to stabilize your realm? What brings you to the front lines?”

“I missed you, Daddy.” Lu Wangshu didn’t mention that she didn’t need to stabilize her cultivation or that she wanted to borrow her father’s divine abilities and artifacts to train her own skills.

Instead, she stepped forward, linking her arm with Lu Changsheng’s, her lips curling into a soft pout. “When you rushed out earlier and called Mommy to the front lines, I got worried.”

“Now that I’ve reached Core Formation, I can help ease your burdens, so I came along with Mommy and Master.”

Lu Wangshu tilted her head up to meet her father’s gaze, her eyes brimming with longing and affection.

Lu Changsheng looked at his obedient and sensible daughter, his heart softening at the sight.

He raised a hand to pat her head gently. “This is called the [Three Treasure Incarnation Pearl]. It can manifest an incarnation of my true self. But with your current strength, don’t even think about using it.”

“?” Lu Wangshu immediately pouted. “Daddy, I missed you and care about you! Facing such a sweet and thoughtful daughter, how can you say something so unromantic? Hmph!”

“Unromantic? You’re so concerned for your old man, so I’m telling you straight—your cultivation is too shallow to wield a treasure like this.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled lightly.

Nowadays, the Three Treasure Incarnation Pearl was of middling use to him—nice to have, but not essential. He wouldn’t mind letting his children use it.

However, the pearl was a fourth-rank rare treasure.

At its peak, it could manifest a Third-Rank Top-Tier incarnation. Giving it to his daughter Lu Wangshu would be an utter waste.

She’d need at least late Core Formation stage cultivation to even begin to unleash its potential.

“Daddy, what level of cultivation do I need to use it?” Lu Wangshu asked eagerly.

An External Incarnation was among the most elite divine abilities. To say she wasn’t tempted would be a lie.

“At least late Core Formation stage,” Lu Changsheng said with a hearty laugh.

Hearing this, Lu Wangshu’s spirits sank. Breaking through to late Core Formation felt like a distant dream.

Clinging to her father’s arm, she put on her most obedient expression. “Daddy, isn’t there something I can use at early Core Formation? Your most thoughtful and sensible daughter just broke through and needs a treasure for protection.”

“My most thoughtful and sensible daughter? Where is she?”

Lu Changsheng made a show of looking around.

“Right here! Right here!”

“Aren’t you shameless!”

Lu Miaoge watched the father and daughter banter, shaking her head with a soft smile.

Over the years, everyone in the Lu Family could see Lu Changsheng’s doting affection for Lu Wangshu. It was in a league of its own.

Only Lu Wangshu could be so playful and close with her father like this.

Watching the pair, Lu Miaoge couldn’t help but think of her own daughter, Lu Qingzhu.

If her daughter had stayed home instead of joining the Golden Sun Sect, would she also share such a warm, natural bond with Changsheng?

But her daughter’s quiet, reserved nature wasn’t as charming as Lu Wangshu’s. She’d likely be more like Xiao He.

“Mommy, Daddy’s always bullying me.” Lu Wangshu suddenly let out a playful huff, releasing Lu Changsheng’s arm and turning to cling to Lu Miaoge for sympathy.

Lu Miaoge’s expression was gentle and elegant as she replied, “Your father dotes on you the most. I’m sure he’s already prepared something for you.”

“Heh.”

Lu Changsheng gave a noncommittal chuckle. “Miaoge, let’s head to Red Peak Immortal City first.”

He led Lu Miaoge, Lu Wangshu, and the Three Treasure Incarnation toward Red Peak Immortal City.

Along the way, he explained the current situation in the city to Lu Miaoge, as well as the key points to note for the upcoming war.

Hearing this, Lu Miaoge realized her guess was correct.

The Liang-Yue War currently posed little danger. Calling her here was mainly to contribute to the Talisman Lu Family’s efforts.

“Daddy, what about me? What about me!”

Though Lu Wangshu had just pretended to ignore Lu Changsheng, hearing him discuss the war situation made her eager to prove herself.

Back in the day, she was known as the Talisman Fairy around Bihu Mountain.

But over the years, her title as Fairy Wangshu had been overshadowed by Lu Qingxian and Lu Ping’an.

Whenever people mentioned Talisman Fairy Lu Wangshu, they only thought of her as the daughter of Changsheng True Lord and Xiyue True Lord, inheritor of Changsheng True Lord’s Talisman Art legacy.

In this war, Lu Wangshu was determined to make a name for herself and prove her worth!

“You’ll team up with Lingxiao and Qingxuan later.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, not minding if his daughter showcased her Core Formation cultivation and made a splash in the Liang-Yue War.

The trio, along with the incarnation, arrived at Red Peak Immortal City.

“Greetings, Yangming True Lord!”

“We pay our respects to Changsheng True Lord and Master Miaoge!”

Many of the Jiang Yue Cultivators in the city had either heard of or seen Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge before.

So, spotting the Three Treasure Incarnation behind Lu Changsheng and recognizing Lu Miaoge, they immediately offered respectful salutes.

As for Lu Wangshu, few knew her.

Lu Changsheng didn’t bother with lengthy introductions. He led the group straight into the City Lord’s Mansion and summoned Lu Qingxian.

“Father, Aunt, Wangshu?”

Lu Qingxian looked at Lu Changsheng, who was acting as the Lord of Dameng City, and the Three Treasure Incarnation resembling Changsheng True Lord, feeling a bit confused and stunned, unsure of what was happening.

“Qingxian, take Wangshu around the Immortal City to familiarize her with the situation. Then bring her to the treasury to see if there’s a suitable Dao-Comprehending Artifact for her.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t elaborate, simply instructing his son to take his daughter along.

“Yes, Father.” Lu Qingxian bowed respectfully, far less casual with Lu Changsheng than Lu Wangshu.

“Daddy, Mommy, I’ll head off with Qingxian.” Lu Wangshu understood the need to give her parents some private space. She left the City Lord’s Mansion with Lu Qingxian, asking him about the Immortal City and where Lu Lingxiao was.

Though she and Lu Qingxian were close in age and both tested as having Fourth-Rank Spirit Roots, considered geniuses of Bihu Mountain, their relationship wasn’t particularly close.

In their early years, Lu Qingxian had been quite reserved, often silent and focused solely on cultivation.

It wasn’t until after reaching Foundation Establishment and training together in Qingxuan Mountain and the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range that they grew closer.

Still, Lu Wangshu got along better with Lu Lingxiao, their interactions far more natural.

“Lingxiao is patrolling the Chiyue Mountain Range, clearing out lingering demonic path cultivators,” Lu Qingxian explained, asking when Lu Wangshu had broken through to Core Formation.

Many Lu Family disciples were puzzled about Lu Wangshu’s breakthrough to Core Formation.

After all, her Spirit Root talent was undeniable.

Even during her Foundation Establishment Stage, she could craft third-rank talismans, a truly extraordinary gift, fully inheriting her father’s Talisman Art legacy.

In terms of resources, not only was she deeply favored by her father, but her mother was also Xiyue True Lord of the Azure Cloud Sect. She never lacked for anything, far surpassing her peers.

Yet despite these advantages, Lu Wangshu had taken so long to reach Core Formation, leaving Lu Qingxian and other Lu Family disciples baffled.

Some quietly speculated if she was aiming to condense an Immortal Golden Core.

But Lu Qingxian, who knew a sliver of his father’s true depths, felt there was more to it.

“I broke through just a while ago,” Lu Wangshu replied, mentioning that it happened shortly after he headed to the Yue Kingdom Front Lines.

Under Lu Qingxian’s guidance, the Core Formation cultivators of Red Peak Immortal City learned that the graceful and radiant young woman before them was the daughter of Changsheng True Lord and Xiyue True Lord of the Azure Cloud Sect, as well as the disciple of Caiyun True Lord.

In an instant, several Core Formation cultivators took an interest in Lu Wangshu, some even considering introducing her to their own descendants.

After all, female cultivators were rarer than male ones in the cultivation world, especially at higher levels.

Lu Wangshu wasn’t just talented and beautiful; her background was formidable.

Winning her favor could shave off a century of struggle!

Especially since she had only recently broken through to Core Formation, her worldview might still be narrow. Other Core Formation cultivators might hold a certain allure in her eyes, making it easier to gain her affection.

Inside the City Lord’s Mansion, after Lu Wangshu left, Lu Changsheng and his wife Lu Miaoge shared a moment of longing and intimacy.

Afterward, Lu Miaoge nestled in Lu Changsheng’s embrace, her beautiful eyes filled with tenderness. “Changsheng, Wangshu came here partly to train her divine abilities using your artifacts.”

Earlier, during their playful banter, the father and daughter hadn’t touched on this topic.

But Lu Miaoge kept it in mind, gently reminding Lu Changsheng, hoping he’d find time to assist Wangshu with her training.

After all, divine abilities and Dao-Comprehending Artifacts were crucial in a cultivator’s battles.

“Hm? Wangshu wants to refine the Nine-Nine Profound True Borrowing Treasure Talisman and the Nine-Nine Myriad Forms Borrowing Law Talisman?”

Lu Changsheng held the soft warmth in his arms, his hand brushing over smooth curves, a brow raising as he instantly understood what divine abilities his daughter wished to cultivate.

“Though the Nine-Nine Profound True Borrowing Treasure Talisman and the Nine-Nine Myriad Forms Borrowing Law Talisman are harder to master than other divine abilities, they can’t be learned overnight.”

Lu Changsheng let out a light chuckle, not at all opposed to passing his divine abilities and artifacts to his daughter.

But for her to refine her own divine abilities and artifacts? That was no small challenge.

“Wangshu has already comprehended third-rank spirit patterns, so there’s no need to worry about her skill in techniques.”

Lu Changsheng knew his daughter’s capabilities well. He planned to help her train her divine abilities after the war.

For now, he’d use this time to craft more high-rank talismans, ensuring the Three Treasure Incarnation was fully prepared.

Lu Miaoge nodded softly, aware that Lu Changsheng had everything under control. She then asked about Lu Qingshan.

“Don’t worry, that kid Qingshan is clever. He’s in no danger.”

Lu Changsheng smiled as he spoke.

Earlier divinations had shown that his son Lu Qingshan was the safest among them. He suspected the boy had sensed something amiss and fled at the first sign of trouble.

“By my estimate, he’ll be arriving soon.”

Lu Changsheng figured that once Lu Qingshan heard news of him, he’d rush over.

“Little Zhu’er should be close to Core Formation too, right?”

Compared to his son Lu Qingshan, Lu Changsheng was more concerned about his daughter Lu Qingzhu.

When he had come to Yue Kingdom earlier, he gave Lu Qingzhu a [Heaven Mending Pill] to elevate her Spirit Root to fourth-rank.

But at the time, he lacked Condensing Crystal Pills and high-quality Core Formation Spirit Items.

After several bountiful gains, he now had plenty of Condensing Crystal Pills and top-tier Core Formation Spirit Items—more than enough to provide his daughter with the best conditions.

“Core Formation…” Lu Miaoge’s heart trembled at the thought, memories flooding back. She recalled leading Lu Qingshan, Lu Qingzhu, and others to Green River Market to escape disaster, only to encounter Immortal Tian Yuan.

Back then, a Core Formation cultivator seemed like an untouchable, lofty existence to their family.

Now, Lu Changsheng had become a Nascent Soul True Lord, she herself had broken through to Core Formation, and Lu Qingshan, Lu Wangshu, and others followed suit.

Even her daughter, who once had only a seventh-rank Spirit Root, now stood a chance at Core Formation.

Truly, when one rises, all around them ascend as well.

The couple nestled together on the bed, speaking softly to one another.

Yun Wanshang arrived at the front lines, rallying the Azure Cloud Sect’s cultivator army. Her presence invigorated the sect’s warriors.

After all, having a Nascent Soul True Lord in command versus not having one made a world of difference.

Not only did it provide a sense of security, but it also meant the Azure Cloud Sect could directly claim war merits and share in the spoils of victory.

Unlike now, where all achievements fell under the Heavenly Sword Sect’s banner, leaving them to wait for rewards afterward.

Especially in recent days, news of Yangming True Lord capturing and slaying four Nascent Soul True Lords of Liang Kingdom had spread like wildfire, boosting Jiang Yue morale to new heights.

Everyone felt the winds of victory blowing in their favor.

True Lord Xuanjian had no objections to Yun Wanshang’s arrival, her rallying of the Azure Cloud Sect cultivators, or her forming an independent army.

On one hand, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, she had the right to do so.

On the other, it was out of respect for Yangming True Lord.

Previously, he had suspected that Yun Wanshang’s partner, the [Kirin Sword Lord], might be the same person as Yangming True Lord and the Lord of Dameng City.

Now, with Yun Wanshang’s arrival, his suspicions grew stronger.

He believed the likelihood was extremely high.

Otherwise, without his summons, why would Caiyun True Lord, who had been reluctant to come to the front lines, arrive so promptly? It was far too coincidental.

Most likely, Yangming True Lord had sent word, inviting Caiyun True Lord to share in the war merits.

Still, having another Nascent Soul True Lord was a boon.

It not only stabilized the battlefield further but also greatly boosted morale.

“Many thanks, True Lord Xuanjian.”

Yun Wanshang, sensing the reasons behind the smooth proceedings, offered a respectful salute.

“Caiyun True Lord is too polite,” True Lord Xuanjian replied, discussing the current situation and future strategies while seeking her input.

“I’ll follow True Lord’s arrangements,” Yun Wanshang responded, still holding respect for True Lord Xuanjian, once the foremost figure of Jiang Kingdom. She didn’t let her Nascent Soul breakthrough inflate her ego.

Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi, upon receiving urgent news of Caiyun True Lord’s arrival, hurried to rendezvous at the Azure Cloud Sect’s stronghold.

“Greetings, Master!”

“Qingyi pays respects to Master and congratulates Master on breaking through to Nascent Soul and ascending to True Lord!”

The two women gazed at their master, dressed in colorful palace attire, exuding an air of regal elegance, and bowed with a mix of excitement and awe.

“Qingyi, Xiyue, you’ve worked hard over the years,” Yun Wanshang said with a nod.

These two disciples had contributed immensely to the Azure Cloud Sect and the Caiyun Clan on the Yue Kingdom Front Lines.

The master and disciples spoke for a moment before Chu Qingyi’s expression turned hesitant. She suddenly knelt before Yun Wanshang, bowing deeply. “Qingyi has disappointed Master. I beg for your punishment!”

Though Xiao Xiyue knew of her master’s relationship with Lu Changsheng, she certainly wouldn’t interject at this moment.

Yun Wanshang sighed softly in her heart, her tone calm. “Shouzheng is doing well. I’ve already met him. His talent even surpasses yours in your early years.”

Regarding Chu Qingyi and Lu Changsheng, it would be a lie to say she wasn’t upset.

But what was done was done. Their child was already so grown—what more could she say?

After so much time, her initial anger had long since faded.

Besides, secrets couldn’t stay hidden forever.

Her own relationship with Lu Changsheng would eventually come to light to her disciples. How could she have the face to punish Chu Qingyi now?

“Huh?” Chu Qingyi was stunned, expecting her master to be deeply disappointed. She hadn’t anticipated this reaction.

“I’ve made an agreement with Changsheng True Lord. If he achieves sufficient merit in this war, I’ll approve of your union.”

Regarding Lu Changsheng and Chu Qingyi, she had already given her consent earlier. Now, she no longer dragged her feet, addressing it directly with her disciple.

Chu Qingyi was dumbfounded.

She hadn’t expected things with Lu Changsheng to resolve so smoothly.

In her heart, she guessed that Lu Changsheng must have pleaded with her master, putting in tremendous effort.

Considering that Lu Changsheng, with his astounding identity as Yangming True Lord, still went to such lengths to gain her master’s approval…

After speaking, Yun Wanshang’s gaze shifted to Xiao Xiyue, whose face was cold and pure, like a fairy from the Moon Palace. She sighed inwardly.

Influenced by the Supreme Emotionless Technique, this disciple now faced even her master with an icy, detached demeanor, as if devoid of emotion.

She spoke softly. “Wangshu is doing well. She’s successfully reached Core Formation and is currently with Changsheng True Lord and Master Miaoge in Red Peak Immortal City.”

Hearing news of her daughter, Xiao Xiyue’s usually impassive, cold face showed a flicker of emotion.

She hadn’t expected her master to have already met Wangshu.

Nor did she know that her daughter had broken through to Core Formation and arrived at Red Peak Immortal City.

“Changsheng True Lord?” Chu Qingyi was puzzled, unaware of the Three Treasure Incarnation.

She wondered silently. Isn’t Lu Changsheng just Yangming True Lord? Isn’t Yangming True Lord already in Red Peak Immortal City? How did Master see him arriving?

But such matters weren’t hers to ask.

Though Xiao Xiyue knew much about her master and Lu Changsheng’s relationship, she maintained a tacit understanding with Yun Wanshang, never broaching the subject.

With Yun Wanshang’s arrival, the Azure Cloud Sect cultivators rallied into an independent army. Many tasks needed oversight.

As Yun Wanshang’s disciples, Chu Qingyi and Xiao Xiyue, who had been supporting the front lines for years, were the most suitable to handle these responsibilities. Thus, the two couldn’t head to Red Peak Immortal City to meet Lu Changsheng and their daughter.

With the arrival of Caiyun True Lord, morale at the Yue Kingdom Front Lines soared even higher, nearly reaching its peak.

After all, Yangming True Lord had captured and slain four Nascent Soul cultivators of Liang Kingdom. Now, with Jiang Kingdom’s Caiyun True Lord joining the fray, what could Liang Kingdom possibly do to resist?

As news of True Lord Tiancang and others spread, Liang Kingdom’s forces on the Yue Kingdom border were continuously eradicated, their morale plummeting to an all-time low.

After a month of thorough preparation—amassing troops, organizing strategies, and gathering resources—Jiang and Yue Kingdoms sounded the horn for a full-scale counterattack against Liang Kingdom!