Chapter 880: Tyrannical God-Devouring Technique and the Threat of True Lord Qianren!

Currently overseeing the military campaign, Lu Changsheng didn’t rush to extract the God-Devouring Technique from his system space.

He planned to study and comprehend this technique during a moment of rest.

A few days later, the army captured a key stronghold. They set up camp to recuperate and await the convergence of other forces.

“System, initiate transmission.”

Seizing the opportunity, Lu Changsheng focused on the God-Devouring Technique in his system space and chose to activate it.

He was genuinely curious about this True Immortal-level soul technique.

Instantly, the cultivation methods, intricacies, and core principles of the God-Devouring Technique flooded into his mind like a torrent of enlightenment.

He closed his eyes and sat cross-legged, immersing himself in the profound mysteries of this True Immortal-level technique.

After an unknown stretch of time, Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, having fully absorbed the essence of the God-Devouring Technique.

Truly, this technique lived up to its True Immortal status.

Its depth and power were astonishing, bordering on tyrannical.

Once mastered, it could double the strength of one’s divine sense in an instant!

Moreover, the cultivation process was nothing short of extraordinary.

As described, the God-Devouring Technique offered two distinct paths of practice.

The first, the Way of Heaven, involved taking from the abundant to nourish the deficient.

By viewing oneself as the deficient, one could condense a God-Devouring Seed and implant it into another living being. This allowed the absorption of their unconscious spiritual thoughts and growth during cultivation, nurturing and strengthening one’s own soul.

Essentially, it meant finding a living being to assist in one’s own cultivation.

The second, the Way of Man, involved taking from the deficient to serve the abundant.

This meant actively plundering and devouring the soul essence of other beings to bolster one’s own soul.

These two methods weren’t mutually exclusive; they could be practiced simultaneously.

However, each path imposed different requirements on the cultivator and carried varying side effects.

To begin with, cultivating the God-Devouring Technique required at least Core Formation stage cultivation.

Moreover, both the physical body and soul needed to be exceptionally strong to withstand the technique’s overbearing backlash.

After all, a sudden surge in divine sense could destabilize the soul and body if they weren’t robust enough to handle the strain.

The two cultivation methods followed the same principle.

Different demands were placed on the body and soul.

If either were too weak or if one advanced too quickly by devouring too many souls, it could lead to soul disarray, plunging the cultivator into a frenzied state of slaughter and chaos, or even total soul collapse.

Another drawback was that once the God-Devouring Technique was cultivated, there was no turning back.

One had to break through to the next level within a limited timeframe.

Failing to do so would trigger the technique’s side effects, resulting in soul disarray and a descent into uncontrollable chaos and bloodshed.

“This God-Devouring Technique is incredibly domineering.”

“Or perhaps, no True Immortal-level technique is easy to master.”

Lu Changsheng murmured to himself.

Among the True Immortal-level techniques he had acquired, each posed its own challenges.

The Yin-Yang Creation Sutra was profoundly complex and nearly impossible to fathom without the guidance of Yin and Yang energies.

The True Saint Skill of Brahma and Demons demanded a third-rank body refinement foundation, dual cultivation of Buddhist and demonic paths, and tempering through demonic essence, heavenly demon blood, and Buddhist Bone Sarira just to get started.

The True Spirit Nine Transformations was relatively simpler. With Core Formation cultivation and late second-rank body refinement, one could cultivate the first transformation.

Yet each transformation required a specific type of True Spirit Vital Blood as a catalyst!

Moreover, subsequent vital blood needed to maintain a balance with the previous ones.

And now, the God-Devouring Technique followed a similar pattern.

The first level could be cultivated at the Core Formation stage.

However, it demanded divine sense comparable to mid-Core Formation and body refinement akin to mid-third-rank.

Once started, one had to break through to the second level within a set time.

The second level of the God-Devouring Technique required Nascent Soul stage cultivation.

In other words, if one cultivated this technique but failed to reach Nascent Soul and achieve the second level, late in life they would face ominous consequences. Soul disarray and a descent into chaotic slaughter would be inevitable, making a peaceful death impossible.

“But for me, this might not be an issue.”

Lu Changsheng pondered the God-Devouring Technique in his mind, musing silently.

As a True Immortal-level technique, its effects were undeniable.

Not only could it massively boost divine sense, but it also allowed the condensation of a God-Devouring Seed to parasitize other beings and aid in cultivation.

Alternatively, one could devour the soul essence of others to nourish and strengthen their own soul.

It perfectly compensated for his shortcomings in soul strength.

After all, his early advantage in soul strength among peers relied entirely on the amplification and growth of his Taiyi Spirit.

But after breaking through to Nascent Soul, the advantage of his superior Taiyi Spirit diminished. It could no longer provide the significant boosts seen during Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages.

Currently, having just reached Nascent Soul, his divine sense—bolstered by the Taiyi Spirit and Yin-Yang Myriad Laws Nascent Soul—was comparable to mid-Nascent Soul.

However, once he advanced to mid-Nascent Soul, his soul strength would hold little edge over other top-tier mid or late Nascent Soul cultivators.

It couldn’t bridge the gap created by centuries of cultivation and accumulated experience.

Relying on slow, personal cultivation to enhance his soul was something Lu Changsheng couldn’t bear, nor did he have the time for it.

Beyond soul amplification and rapid soul cultivation methods, the God-Devouring Technique also offered several secret arts.

For instance, the God-Devouring Seed’s parasitism could serve as a monitoring tool or a form of restriction.

Additionally, upon reaching a certain level, the technique allowed the formation of a God-Devouring Treasure Bottle within the sea of consciousness.

This bottle could suppress the sea of consciousness, defend against, and devour others’ divine sense attacks.

It could even be used offensively, as a tool for interrogation.

“With my Taiyi Spirit, my soul already surpasses those of my peers. Once I cultivate the God-Devouring Technique, I won’t have to worry about soul strength at all!”

“And since soul and body are intertwined, with my Chaos Body and mid-fourth-rank physique, I don’t need to fret about my body lagging behind my soul.”

“In fact, I could follow the same path as my breakthroughs from Foundation to Core Formation, and Core Formation to Nascent Soul—first reaching fifth-rank body refinement and fifth-rank soul strength before aiming for Spirit Transformation!”

Lu Changsheng brimmed with confidence in his cultivation journey.

After all, possessing a top-tier Dao Body like the Chaos Body and a Heavenly Spiritual Root, his talent—while not unprecedented—could be considered rare in ten thousand years.

And his innate gifts continued to grow and accumulate.

Breaking through to Spirit Transformation wasn’t an unreachable dream.

As for the Southern Desolation lacking Spirit Transformation cultivators, Lu Changsheng didn’t mind filling that void himself.

“Moreover, I don’t need to rush into plundering and devouring the soul essence of other beings to enhance my own soul.”

Through the system’s transmission, Lu Changsheng understood the nuances of the two cultivation paths.

The Way of Man—taking from the deficient to serve the abundant—meant that excessive plundering and devouring of others’ soul essence would result in greater side effects on one’s own soul.

Not only would the time limit to break through to the second level become more pressing, but if soul disarray occurred, the loss of control would be far more severe.

In contrast, the Way of Heaven—taking from the abundant to nourish the deficient—by absorbing the spiritual thoughts of other beings, was much milder.

There would still be drawbacks and potential soul issues, but they wouldn’t exacerbate the situation as severely.

Using the God-Devouring Seed to parasitize and absorb spiritual thoughts from other beings came with its own intricacies and considerations.

For optimal results, it was best to target beings inclined toward soul-based cultivation.

Examples included his son Lu Chensha’s spirit pet, the Ghost-Faced Soul-Devouring Spider; the renowned soul-based spiritual plant, the Soul-Nurturing Tree; or cultivators like his son Lu Qingxuan, who possessed a soul-based Spirit Body.

However, Lu Changsheng already had a target in mind for parasitism.

The Ghost Tree!

This fifth-rank spiritual plant, considered a sacred tree among specters, might not compare to the Soul-Nurturing Tree in terms of soul-based properties.

Yet as a fifth-rank spiritual plant, it absorbed ghostly energy, spiritual essence, turbid qi, and baleful qi from heaven and earth daily, producing a substantial amount of spiritual thoughts.

It was precisely this energy and spiritual thought that allowed the Ghost Tree to form a batch of Ghost Cocoons every hundred years.

If Lu Changsheng chose the Ghost Tree to cultivate the God-Devouring Technique by implanting a God-Devouring Seed, it could impact the tree’s growth.

For instance, it might stunt its development, halt its growth, or slow down the formation and quality of Ghost Cocoons.

“The Ghost Tree forms cocoons once every hundred years, with a maximum of ten per batch. To cultivate an army of Lu Family’s Spiritual Soldiers, who knows how many years it would take.”

“Even with the Myriad Spirits Bottle, nurturing the Ghost Tree is difficult. I might as well use this fifth-rank spiritual plant to cultivate the God-Devouring Technique.”

Considering his circumstances and the Ghost Tree in his system space, Lu Changsheng decided to cultivate the God-Devouring Technique to address his soul shortcomings.

Otherwise, facing late Nascent Soul great cultivators, his soul would be at a severe disadvantage.

“In that case, I’ll start cultivating the God-Devouring Technique once this war ends.”

Lu Changsheng was confident he could quickly master the first two levels of the technique.

However, cultivating such a technique required a quiet environment and prior preparations.

He couldn’t possibly cultivate the God-Devouring Technique while overseeing a military campaign.

If interrupted, it could damage his soul and affect his condition.

Time ticked by slowly.

The cultivator armies of Hunyuan Sect, Purple Light Sect, Heavenly Sword Sect, and Azure Cloud Sect had all breached Liang Kingdom’s borders, preparing to converge for the final decisive battle.

At this moment, True Lord Juejian sent a message.

He invited Lu Changsheng, along with Caiyun True Lord, True Lord Hunyuan, and True Lord Ziguang, to a pre-battle strategy meeting.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng gave a few instructions to his wife Lu Miaoge and Qian Zhuyan before flying out from the army’s position to join the meeting.

Soon after, True Lord Hunyuan, True Lord Juejian, True Lord Ziguang, and Caiyun True Lord all arrived.

As for True Lord Xuanjian, he had long infiltrated deep into Liang Kingdom’s heartland to scout the movements of Beast God Mountain, Qisha Sect, and Tianmu Sect’s armies.

Although the Liang-Yue War was initiated by Liang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom, with their lands as the battleground, Lu Changsheng’s entry as a Nascent Soul powerhouse and the agreement between Liang and Jiang Kingdoms shifted the war’s focus to Heavenly Sword Sect and Immortal City of Damengze.

Thus, True Lord Xuanjian took this war very seriously.

When the army set out, he ventured into Liang Kingdom’s heartland to investigate Beast God Mountain.

“True Lord Hunyuan.”

Among the four Nascent Soul True Lords, True Lord Juejian and Yun Wanshang were already acquainted with Lu Changsheng.

True Lord Ziguang had met him in Red Peak Immortal City, leaving True Lord Hunyuan as the only new face.

This True Lord Hunyuan wore a black-and-white Dao robe. Of average build and aged appearance, he looked far older than the other four present.

From what Lu Changsheng knew, True Lord Hunyuan was over eight hundred years old, surpassing everyone else in age.

It was precisely for this reason that Hunyuan Sect had been actively nurturing new Nascent Soul cultivators.

True Lord Hunyuan feared that after his passing, Hunyuan Sect would lack a Nascent Soul cultivator to uphold its standing.

“True Lord Yangming.”

Though his face bore the marks of time, True Lord Hunyuan’s spirit was sharp. He cupped his hands in greeting, sizing up the mysterious Nascent Soul powerhouse before him.

“True Lord Yangming.” True Lord Ziguang also cupped his hands, though his gesture lacked warmth.

After all, his Purple Light Sect’s warships, Spirit Boats, and other strategic resources in Red Peak Immortal City had fallen into Lu Changsheng’s hands, hindering their counteroffensive and delaying progress.

What irked him more was Lu Changsheng’s earlier claim that the Immortal City’s resources were seized by Beast God Mountain, yet now he openly used the Purple Abyss Vessel without a shred of regard for him.

“True Lord Yangming, according to my Senior Brother’s observations these past days, Beast God Mountain has forcibly conscripted cultivators from Asura Sect and Tiansha Sect. Yet there’s been no significant activity, nor any sign of the Demonic Mastermind.”

Once everyone gathered, True Lord Juejian turned to Lu Changsheng and spoke.

By seniority, this meeting should have been led by True Lord Hunyuan.

After all, Hunyuan Sect was a dominant force in Yue Kingdom, and True Lord Hunyuan’s strength surpassed that of True Lord Ziguang, True Lord Juejian, and Yun Wanshang by a notch.

However, Lu Changsheng’s displayed prowess was simply too overwhelming.

He outclassed everyone present by a significant margin, so the meeting naturally revolved around him as the central Nascent Soul powerhouse.

“What about Barebody Sect, Tianmu Sect, and Qisha Sect?” Lu Changsheng inquired.

“Barebody Sect, like Beast God Mountain, shows no movement. As for Tianmu Sect and Qisha Sect…”

True Lord Juejian paused, glancing at True Lord Hunyuan and True Lord Ziguang before asking, “True Lord Hunyuan, True Lord Ziguang, do you have any intelligence from Liang Kingdom?”

This war had raged for years, and Yue Kingdom naturally had numerous spies planted. Their intelligence network in Liang Kingdom likely surpassed that of Heavenly Sword Sect.

“These past days, most of Hunyuan Sect’s spies and informants have been purged. All we know is that True Lord Nightmare Eye has retreated to Barebody Sect with Tianmu Sect’s Core Formation cultivators.”

True Lord Hunyuan spoke up. “As for Qisha Sect, they’ve remained in the shadows with no news.”

The movements of Nascent Soul True Lords were always elusive, like a dragon glimpsed only briefly.

Even during wartime, it was the same.

A shadowy assassination force like Qisha Sect, along with True Lord Qianren and their Core Formation cultivators, rarely appeared in the open unless striking, making them incredibly difficult to deal with.

“Likewise for Purple Light Sect. Our spies and informants have been purged, and we have little information to share.” True Lord Ziguang added.

“My friend Juejian, has True Lord Xuanjian sent any further messages?”

True Lord Hunyuan turned to True Lord Juejian, aware that True Lord Xuanjian wasn’t just powerful but also a Divination Grandmaster.

During reconnaissance, he could sense heavenly secrets and analyze critical intelligence.

“My Senior Brother only mentioned that something feels very off. He hopes City Lord Wang can join him to monitor Beast God Mountain, keep an eye on True Lord Nine Spirits, and track the envoy from Blood Sea Sect.”

True Lord Juejian’s expression was grave as he turned his gaze to Lu Changsheng.

Though True Lord Xuanjian was formidable, infiltrating deep into Liang Kingdom’s heartland still carried risks.

“Understood.”

Facing their gazes, Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement.

With Liang Kingdom concentrating all its forces at Beast God Mountain and Barebody Sect, the decisive battle loomed ahead.

In such a situation, as a top-tier combatant, he couldn’t remain in the rear, leisurely overseeing the campaign.

It was best to head to Beast God Mountain, lock down True Lord Nine Spirits, and restrict their movements to prevent escape or desperate actions.

“In that case, I will head to Barebody Sect to pin down and monitor True Lord Yunmei.”

True Lord Hunyuan declared solemnly.

Though True Lord Nightmare Eye from Tianmu Sect was likely at Barebody Sect, and True Lord Qianren from Qisha Sect might be lurking in support, the upcoming phase was the decisive battle.

He needed to contribute during this stage to secure a share of the spoils post-war.

Hunyuan Sect had painstakingly nurtured True Lord Yuanqi, only for him to be ambushed by True Lord Nine Spirits, his Body and Qi shattered. He barely escaped by burning his Nascent Soul Spirit Body essence.

Even if he resorted to seizing and reincarnating, his future would be capped at the first or second level of Nascent Soul.

Thus, True Lord Hunyuan needed this war to secure enough resources to cultivate a third Nascent Soul cultivator for Hunyuan Sect in his remaining years.

“True Lord Qianren is likely lurking at Barebody Sect. My friend Hunyuan, I’ll accompany you for mutual support.”

True Lord Ziguang spoke up, also seeking to claim a share of war merits to later exchange for benefits in Wu Kingdom.

“In that case, Caiyun True Lord, shall we each hold the rear, leading separate armies to assault Beast God Mountain and Barebody Sect?”

True Lord Juejian didn’t vie for frontline roles, turning to Yun Wanshang with the question.

“Agreed.” Yun Wanshang nodded without objection.

Though she possessed Nascent Soul cultivation and was even a top-tier earthly Nascent Soul, her Divine Abilities were incomplete. She had only mastered a few Nascent Soul techniques, and her body hadn’t fully recovered, preventing her from fighting at full strength.

After discussing a few more details and finalizing the plan, the meeting concluded.

“Thank you for your efforts, City Lord Wang. If I was discourteous during my earlier visit, I hope True Lord won’t take offense. I, Juejian, offer my apologies.”

Though True Lord Juejian sensed that the Lord of Dameng City wasn’t petty, he took the chance to formally apologize to Lu Changsheng.

“My friend Juejian, you’re too kind.”

Lu Changsheng bore grudges, but unless someone was overly aggressive or harmed his family, he wouldn’t dwell on minor slights or nitpick.

After exchanging a few words with True Lord Juejian, Lu Changsheng sent a transmission to Yun Wanshang. “Caiyun True Lord.”

“What is it, True Lord Yangming?”

In public, Yun Wanshang maintained decorum, avoiding overly close interactions with Lu Changsheng, the Lord of Dameng City and True Lord Yangming.

“Here are some pills and talismans. Keep them with you.”

Lu Changsheng tossed a Storage Pouch to Yun Wanshang, speaking through transmission.

While True Lord Juejian, True Lord Hunyuan, and others were unaware of Yun Wanshang’s condition, Lu Changsheng knew it well.

He understood that if she clashed with a Nascent Soul cultivator, her weakened state would be exposed.

“My condition is fine.” Yun Wanshang’s pride shone through. Feeling she already owed Lu Changsheng much, she was reluctant to accept more aid.

“Take them. If you don’t need them, you can return them later.”

Knowing her temperament, Lu Changsheng said with a faint smile.

But just as he spoke, his gaze fixed on Yun Wanshang’s elegant, stunning face, his expression tightening.

His pupils shimmered with a deep, profound flow of fate.

“What’s wrong?” Yun Wanshang asked, feeling uneasy under his intense stare.

“Don’t move.”

Lu Changsheng’s voice was low as he continued to gaze at her.

He even reached out, gently holding her face to examine her closely.

It was as if he wanted to scrutinize every inch of her exquisite features in minute detail.

“What are you doing!?”

If True Lord Hunyuan, True Lord Juejian, and the others hadn’t already left, and if Lu Changsheng’s expression wasn’t so grave and serious, Yun Wanshang might have instinctively pushed him away.

Even so, a mix of embarrassment and irritation surged within her.

A moment later, Lu Changsheng suddenly leaned in, kissing her softly on the lips with a faint smile. “Nothing. It’s just that a day apart feels like three autumns. I wanted to take a good, long look at you.”

“Lu Changsheng, you!”

Yun Wanshang’s face flushed with anger and shame, her chest heaving with frustration.

If she could overpower Lu Changsheng or wasn’t worried about causing a scene, she might have struck him with a couple of sword slashes.

Not only had he meddled with her two disciples, but now he dared to tease her like this.

“Damn little thief!” Yun Wanshang fumed inwardly.

What angered her more was her inability to intimidate Lu Changsheng any longer.

With a cold huff, she transformed into a streak of colorful rainbow light and vanished into the horizon.

After Yun Wanshang departed, Lu Changsheng pulled out a turtle shell and three Divination Copper Coins.

This turtle shell was a Divination Tool obtained from Zhenhai Sect.

Though it didn’t originate from the Turtle Immortal Patriarch, it was still a fourth-rank shell, albeit crudely crafted.

Through divination, Lu Changsheng confirmed he hadn’t misread the signs earlier.

A faint aura of misfortune lingered between Yun Wanshang’s brows.

Though it was merely a precursor, a minor omen at best, it suggested she might face danger soon.

Lu Changsheng mulled over this, suspecting that Yun Wanshang and True Lord Juejian might encounter an ambush while leading their armies toward Barebody Sect and Beast God Mountain.

“The Demonic Mastermind? Or True Lord Qianren…”

True Lord Nine Spirits was at Beast God Mountain, and True Lord Yunmei needed to hold Barebody Sect.

Thus, the Nascent Soul cultivators likely to launch an ambush were the Demonic Mastermind from Blood Sea Sect, True Lord Nightmare Eye from Tianmu Sect, or True Lord Qianren from Qisha Sect.

Based on various intelligence, this Demonic Mastermind from Blood Sea Sect, one of the Seven Demonic Sects, likely possessed mid-Nascent Soul strength.

If a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator ambushed Yun Wanshang, it wouldn’t be a minor omen—it would be at least a moderate or even major threat.

Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment before returning to the Red Peak Immortal City battle line with the Golden-Winged Roc.

Upon closer inspection, he noticed a trace of misfortune in the brows of his wife Lu Miaoge and son Lu Lingxiao as well.

Yet when he looked at other cultivators, including his son Lu Qingxuan and daughter Lu Wangshu, no such aura of misfortune appeared.

“Whoever dares to attack Caiyun True Lord also plans to strike at my Immortal City of Damengze and the Lu Family disciples.”

Lu Changsheng’s mind cleared with sudden realization as he mulled over the situation.

After a round of divination, he summoned Qian Zhuyan to his side.

“Xiao Yan, take on my appearance and head to Beast God Mountain with the Golden-Winged Roc to rendezvous with True Lord Xuanjian.”

Lu Changsheng instructed Qian Zhuyan, deciding to send her in his stead to Beast God Mountain.

Based on his divinations, it was highly likely that a Nascent Soul True Lord from Liang Kingdom would launch an attack targeting Yun Wanshang’s army.

Besides Yun Wanshang, their sights were also set on Lu Lingxiao, the Young Lord of Immortal City of Damengze.

And they wouldn’t spare those closely tied to the city, like Lu Miaoge, Lu Qingxuan, and Lu Wangshu.

Under such circumstances, Lu Changsheng couldn’t risk heading to Beast God Mountain himself.

Yet through fourth-rank divination and the subtle heavenly insights from his Taiyi Spirit, he sensed something critical.

If he didn’t personally go to Beast God Mountain with the Golden-Winged Roc, the outcome he foresaw would shift in unpredictable ways.

“Understood.” Qian Zhuyan never questioned Lu Changsheng’s orders, accepting them without hesitation.

“Xiao Yan, take these two treasures with you.”

Lu Changsheng handed her the communication talisman linked to True Lord Xuanjian and pulled out two disguise treasures from his storage ring.

Though Qian Zhuyan had illusionary skills, they weren’t advanced enough.

They couldn’t fool the divine sense or ocular divine abilities of a Nascent Soul True Lord.

But with these treasures and the Golden-Winged Roc’s demon power masking her, as long as she didn’t use her puppet power, even close scrutiny from a Nascent Soul cultivator would struggle to discern her true identity.

“Golden-Winged Roc, do your utmost to support Xiao Yan. If danger arises, get her out of there immediately.”

Lu Changsheng directed the Golden-Winged Roc, avoiding an order to fully obey Qian Zhuyan.

After all, the Roc had its own will and a proud nature. Forcing it to follow Qian Zhuyan’s lead might breed resentment or small acts of defiance.

“Don’t worry, Master. I’ve got this.” The Golden-Winged Roc replied with confidence.

Sure, its master often dragged it into high-stakes battles, forcing it to burn its life essence every now and then, leaving it heavily injured or drained of refined blood.

Yet the Golden-Winged Roc’s loyalty to its master remained unshakable!

Besides, its master treated it well enough.

Take, for instance, the Flood Dragon Holy Son’s essence and the remnants of the Huangquan Flood Dragon’s soul still digesting in its belly.

After watching the Golden-Winged Roc depart with Qian Zhuyan disguised as ‘True Lord Yangming,’ Lu Changsheng quietly returned to where ‘Changsheng True Lord’ resided.

He withdrew the Three Treasure Incarnation back into his body, resuming his true self to set a trap and await the looming crisis.

As ‘True Lord Yangming’ headed to Beast God Mountain and True Lord Hunyuan and True Lord Ziguang moved toward Barebody Sect, the original five armies merged and reorganized into two massive cultivator forces.

One, led by True Lord Juejian, marched to assault Beast God Mountain.

The other, under Caiyun True Lord’s command, advanced on Barebody Sect.

The Red Peak battlefront army under True Lord Yangming’s banner joined Caiyun True Lord’s force, pressing toward Barebody Sect.

Days later, as the armies converged, Lu Changsheng spotted Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi among them.

He also caught sight of his son Lu Qingshan and daughter Lu Qingzhu from Golden Sun Sect.

Yet he refrained from meeting his children right away.

Instead, he took Lu Miaoge and Lu Lingxiao, the Young Lord of Immortal City of Damengze, to pay respects to Caiyun True Lord.

Yun Wanshang, however, delegated the task to her disciples Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi to handle such formalities.

“???” Lu Changsheng strongly suspected she was avoiding him on purpose.

“Xi Yue, Qingyi True Lord.”

“Changsheng, Miaoge, Young Lord Wang.”

Though Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi knew full well that the City Lord of Damengze was Lu Changsheng himself, and the Young Lord was his son, formalities dictated their address in such settings.

With his wife Lu Miaoge and son Lu Lingxiao by his side, Lu Changsheng couldn’t engage in overly familiar conversation with Xiao Xiyue and Chu Qingyi.

Moreover, with his Taiyi Spirit and divine sense rivaling mid-Nascent Soul strength, he faintly sensed someone observing him.

Though he didn’t probe with his own divine sense, Lu Changsheng could guess the owner of this presence.

It was most likely their master, Yun Wanshang.

“Does this woman have a penchant for spying?”

Lu Changsheng mused to himself. If he extended his divine sense now, she’d likely flare up in a mix of irritation and embarrassment.

After a brief chat, he took Xiao Xiyue to see their daughter Lu Wangshu.

Mother and daughter, reunited after years apart, were overwhelmed with joy at the sight of each other.

Xiao Xiyue was especially thrilled to see Lu Wangshu had successfully reached Core Formation.

However, burdened with numerous duties alongside Chu Qingyi, Xiao Xiyue couldn’t linger long with her daughter.

Not long after, Lu Qingshan arrived with his sister Lu Qingzhu to find Lu Changsheng.

Earlier, upon hearing that Nascent Soul True Lords had entered the fray and the Red Peak battlefront had fallen, he rushed back to Golden Sun Sect.

He intended to send Lu Qingzhu to the rear lines, perhaps even to Jiang Kingdom or the Immortal City of Qingluan.

But before reaching Golden Sun Sect, news broke that True Lord Yangming had reclaimed Red Peak Immortal City and slain four Nascent Soul cultivators.

He immediately returned to the sect, hoping to bring his sister to meet their father.

Yet upon arriving, the Golden Sun Sect Leader conscripted him, preventing him from taking Lu Qingzhu to Red Peak Immortal City.

“Dad, Aunt Miaoge, oh wow, Wangshu, you’ve broken through to Core Formation!”

Lu Qingshan, often a cool and aloof sword immortal in public, was casual and carefree among family.

“Daddy, Mommy, Wangshu.” Lu Qingzhu, dressed in a flowing feathered robe, differed from her brother with her quiet demeanor. Her face lit up with joy and longing as she greeted her parents.

“Brother Qingshan, Sister Qingzhu.” Lu Wangshu called out to them warmly.

“Qingshan, Little Bamboo.”

Seeing his pair of children, Lu Changsheng felt a surge of happiness. He inquired with concern about Lu Qingzhu’s circumstances over the years.

The family chatted briefly. With no outsiders around, Lu Qingshan leaned in sneakily and whispered to Lu Changsheng, “Dad, what’s going on between you and the Lord of Dameng City?”

“What’s going on with what?” Lu Changsheng feigned ignorance.

“Dad, come on, you’re still hiding it from me at this point.” Lu Qingshan pressed with a grin.

“You’ll find out in due time.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, letting his son puzzle it out on his own.

“Man, what a shame I wasn’t at Chiyue Mountain Range to witness you taking down four Nascent Soul True Lords single-handedly, Dad.”

Lu Qingshan sighed with exaggerated regret.

“Yeah, exactly.” Lu Wangshu chimed in eagerly.

Then, turning to Lu Qingshan, she added, “Brother Qingshan, I heard from Qingxuan that you’ve reached mid-Core Formation. You even slew a mid-Core Formation cultivator from Beast God Mountain.”

Lu Qingshan waved it off with a nonchalant air. “That’s nothing worth mentioning.”

He let out a small sigh, a trace of wistfulness in his tone. “If only I had enough resources to upgrade my flying sword’s grade. With a flaw in my Seven Luminary Great Metal Sword Formation, even a late Core Formation cultivator would be within my reach to fight—or even kill.”

“?” Lu Wangshu had planned to flatter Lu Qingshan a bit to snag some benefits from him.

But she didn’t expect him to so smoothly play the ‘I’m broke’ card, subtly hinting to their father nearby that his flying sword’s grade was lacking.

“Oh? How’s your progress with the Great Metal Sword Technique and the Seven Luminary Sword Manual?”

Lu Changsheng caught the implication in his son’s words but was genuinely curious about his sword Dao cultivation.

“Heh.” Seeing his father’s interest, Lu Qingshan’s eyes lit up. He launched into an enthusiastic spiel.

Father and son dove deep into a discussion on sword Dao.

In the past, Lu Changsheng’s sword Dao prowess relied entirely on the system-inherited Seven Luminary Sword Manual, lacking personal insight.

Now, with his Chaos Body fused with an Innate Sword Embryo, his talent in sword Dao had reached astonishing heights.

Not only had he mastered the Seven Luminary Sword Manual, but he’d also developed his own understanding of the path.

Still, the time he devoted to sword Dao was limited, preventing him from completely outpacing Lu Qingshan.

“After this war ends, you and Little Bamboo should come home for a visit.”

Lu Changsheng told his son, intending to pass on the Nine-Leaf Sword Technique to him when the time came.

“Got it.” Lu Qingshan agreed, then added that it was time for Little Bamboo to attempt Core Formation.

Though he’d secured a Condensing Crystal Pill and several Core Formation spirit items, he felt it wasn’t secure enough. “Do we still have any Five Elements Spirit Fruit or top-grade Core Formation spirit items at home?”

“Don’t worry about that. Leave it to me.”

Lu Changsheng was pleased with his son’s care and devotion toward his sister.

Before receiving the Heaven Mending Pill, Lu Qingzhu had only a seventh-grade Spirit Root.

Yet even under such conditions, with Lu Qingshan’s support, she’d successfully reached late Foundation Establishment.

“Heh, if you say so, Dad, I’m at ease.” Lu Qingshan grinned broadly.

As the armies fully merged and prepared to launch an assault on Barebody Sect, Lu Changsheng also met with the leading figures from Golden Sun Sect and Hunyuan Sect.

These leaders were all at late Core Formation or even Core Formation Grand Cultivator level.

Lu Changsheng’s alias as ‘Changsheng True Lord’ even seemed on the lower end of cultivation among them.

Yet thanks to ‘True Lord Yangming’s’ fearsome reputation, none of these cultivators dared to underestimate the ‘fourth-layer Core Formation’ Vice City Lord of Damengze or the ‘third-layer Core Formation’ Young Lord. They treated them with utmost courtesy.

During this, Lu Changsheng also encountered his children’s master, Immortal Tian Yuan.

This Immortal Tian Yuan, at late Core Formation, was among the higher echelons of Golden Sun Sect.

“Immortal Tian Yuan.” Lu Changsheng greeted his son’s master with friendly respect.

“Changsheng True Lord.”

Immortal Tian Yuan had met Lu Changsheng only a handful of times.

Yet she’d witnessed his rise from an obscure minor family cultivator to achieving Foundation Establishment alongside his wife.

Later, both husband and wife reached Core Formation, earning the title of the Heavenly Talisman Couple across Jiang and Yue Kingdoms.

Now, with the Lord of Dameng City and True Lord Yangming’s awe-inspiring feats, Lu Changsheng’s status as Vice City Lord of Damengze had soared accordingly.

Even she, a late Core Formation cultivator, regarded Lu Changsheng as an equal.

Thinking back to a century ago when he’d just broken through to Foundation Establishment, she marveled.

Now his achievements nearly matched hers, and in the future, he might even surpass her. Immortal Tian Yuan couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.

She envied Lu Changsheng for having a colossal backing like the Lord of Dameng City and True Lord Yangming.

If Golden Sun Sect had a Nascent Soul True Lord, the path to Nascent Soul for her and other Core Formation elders wouldn’t be so arduous.

As the leading figures of various factions met and finalized their plans, the army set off to assault Barebody Sect.

Meanwhile, in a hidden underground cavern, True Lord Qianren opened his eyes.

“True Lord Yangming has headed to Beast God Mountain, while True Lord Hunyuan and True Lord Ziguang have arrived at Barebody Sect. It’s time to act.”

Gazing at the intel in his hand, True Lord Qianren’s form vanished silently into the shadows of the cavern.

Though Liang Kingdom’s war effort was already faltering, unless True Lord Yangming was slain, there was no hope of turning the tide.

But Yuan Kingdom couldn’t stand idly by as Jiang and Yue Kingdoms grew stronger.

Once Jiang and Yue Kingdoms annexed Liang and Wu Kingdoms, they might push into the Endless Desert, posing a direct threat to Yuan Kingdom.

So, seizing this chance, eliminating even one top-tier combatant from Jiang and Yue would weaken their momentum.

Their primary target was Yun Wanshang, who had only recently broken through to Nascent Soul.

After all, having just reached Nascent Soul, her divine abilities and techniques were likely unrefined. Azure Cloud Sect, her backing, was once merely a Core Formation faction, suggesting her Nascent Soul foundation was average at best—probably a Human Dao Nascent Soul.

Against such a Nascent Soul cultivator, True Lord Qianren was confident in a successful assassination.

Beyond that, this was also an opportunity to deal with Changsheng True Lord and Miaoge True Lord, who had humiliated Qisha Sect in their initial clash.

And to capture Lu Lingxiao, the Young Lord of Damengze, to uncover intel on the Lord of Dameng City and True Lord Yangming’s origins.