Chapter 901: Instructions and Departure

“Relax, Yaoyao is doing fine. She’s already broken through to the sixth layer of Core Formation and is clearly favored by her master.”

With the system’s help, Lu Changsheng knew a bit about his daughter Nangong Yaoyao and her recent advance to the sixth layer.

Though her speed couldn’t match Lu Quanzhen’s, it was still astonishingly fast.

The coming Blood Sea Calamity might shake the Celestial Lotus Sect where Yaoyao cultivated, and he worried it could endanger her.

“Sixth layer of Core Formation? Really?”

Nangong Mili’s eyes sparkled with delight yet disbelief.

Her daughter was so young—how could she improve that fast?

Even with a Nascent Soul master like True Lord White Lotus, it sounded unbelievable.

Unless Yaoyao had other fortunes or was being raised as a Saintess candidate.

“Of course. You know I have a divine art that lets me sense Yaoyao through our bloodline.”

Holding Mili’s graceful waist, Lu Changsheng spoke with a light smile.

“The Celestial Lotus Sect preaches salvation but its arts are demonic. With Yaoyao advancing so fast, could there be hidden dangers?”

Mili voiced another worry.

Raised in the Five Poisons Sect, she trusted neither pure good nor pure virtue.

She knew the demonic path had many shortcuts for quick breakthroughs.

Every shortcut demanded a price that would surface later.

Despite the word “Celestial,” the sect was a first-rate demonic power.

True Lord White Lotus surely had plans beyond simple charity—perhaps grooming his own core faction.

“The Northern Region is chaotic and wars erupt everywhere; the Central Region of the Southern Desolation is the same. All top powers are pouring resources into their talents.”

Lu Changsheng used this to reassure her.

Even so, Yaoyao’s speed felt excessive, and this was the only explanation he could give.

“Stop worrying about the Yin Ghost Sect or Minghuang. Focus on cultivation and reach the Core Formation peak quickly.”

“After the Liang-Yue campaign I obtained many Nascent Soul resources; I’ll use them to help you break through.”

He spoke softly to Mili.

Thanks to Ah Youduo’s support, Mili got abundant resources from the Five Poisons Sect, yet her pace was merely decent, only recently reaching the ninth layer.

Advancing from seventh to ninth layer in thirty-four years was fast by common standards.

Most Core Formation cultivators couldn’t imagine such speed.

To Lu Changsheng, though, it seemed average—maybe even slow.

“Nascent Soul?!”

With his help she had upgraded her True Core to a top-grade Golden Core and once dreamed of a Nascent Soul.

To her, that realm still felt impossibly distant.

Now Lu Changsheng was promising it outright.

After years together she knew this philanderer rarely spoke plain truth to women.

Yet he was lavish with money and resources, never stingy with promises.

The supplies for her, Lu Minghuang, Meng Xiaochan and Lu Mengchan were all top-tier.

With Lu Changsheng’s rising power she often wondered if Yaoyao ever needed the Celestial Lotus Sect at all.

“A Nascent Soul must brave Heaven’s Thunder and the Heart-Demon Tribulation. Ask Ah Youduo for advice when you can.”

He continued.

He already had the resources.

But even he couldn’t guarantee safe passage through the Heavenly Tribulation; they had to rely on themselves.

As for the Demon Breaking Life Saving Pill that dispelled heart demons, its recipe alone was nightmarish.

Gathering the materials would take ages.

“Mm.” Mili lifted her chin and gazed at him, heart overflowing with joy.

Ninety-nine percent of Core Formation cultivators could not resist the pull of Nascent Soul.

“Come, let your husband help you cultivate.”

Seeing the haze in her eyes, Lu Changsheng’s blood heated; he cupped her enchanting face.

Now that he was Nascent Soul, dual cultivation returned powerful benefits to his partners.

As for the drain on his essence—

With a Chaos Body, mid-Fourth-Tier physique and the Kidney Divine Treasure, it mattered only if he labored for months on end.

Afterwards!

Afterwards!

Afterwards!

Next morning, despite spending stamina, mana and essence, Lu Changsheng woke refreshed.

Nangong Mili, brimming with Yin-Yang Origin, still slept soundly.

Her cheeks were rosy, lips curled with contentment, no trace of fatigue.

Seeing the wrecked cave and faint bruises on her skin, he gently massaged and healed her.

She woke at once, thinking he wanted another round.

“Husband, I really can’t anymore…”

Pleading pitifully, she begged for rest and suggested bringing Xiaochan next time.

Even at ninth-layer Core Formation, his physique was too much for her alone.

A few bouts last night had already left her aching.

Without his soothing words and the Medicine King Scripture’s healing she’d have collapsed.

Even so she dared not monopolize him again—Xiaochan had to share the load.

“What’re you thinking?”

He gave her slightly swollen rear a light slap.

Pleasure wasn’t all that filled his mind.

Soon his son would leave with Qu Changge for Tianmo Sect, and Qu Zhenzhen was in the Yin Ghost Sect—he had no time to drown in lust.

Last night’s “discipline” simply urged Mili to behave.

After healing her, they left the cave to find Qu Zhenzhen.

Mili was possessive and jealous, cold toward his other women.

Ina, Yin Yuge—even her own sect leader—met her frost.

But after his “lesson” and knowing Qu Zhenzhen had Lu Quanzhen and a Nascent Soul brother, her attitude warmed rapidly.

Zhenzhen was gentle, unlike competitive Ling Zixiao, Ina or Yin Yuge.

Mili even considered befriending her, forming an alliance and fully joining the Lu family.

“Quanzhen, your father says you’ll soon head to the Central Domain with your uncle.”

At noon she and Lu Changsheng visited Lu Quanzhen, treating him politely without any elder’s airs.

“Mm.” Quanzhen nodded, guessing his father had told her.

Lu Changsheng said, “Quanzhen, do you remember Yaoyao—your Aunt Nangong’s daughter?”

“Of course.”

He recalled the half-sister.

Back when True Lord Guima hunted him, Yaoyao and Meng Xiaochan had ambushed him.

If not for his Myriad-Venom Body and the Six-Winged Golden Silkworm, he might have fallen.

Yet that silkworm nearly killed Yaoyao too, if not for her mother’s protective treasure.

From Yin Ghost intelligence he knew she’d been taken by a Nascent Soul master to cultivate.

“True Lord White Lotus accepted her; she’s now in the Celestial Lotus Sect.”

“If you meet her in the Central Domain, give her these letters.”

Lu Changsheng spoke and looked at Mili.

She handed Quanzhen a token, jade slip and storage pouch. “Sorry to trouble you.”

“Yaoyao regretted that attack once she learned you were her brother. She left quickly with White Lotus and never apologized in person. Please don’t blame her.”

Mili lowered her stance while speaking.

How deep a parent’s heart runs.

Though ruthless to outsiders, her love for Yaoyao was genuine.

She even favored her daughter over Lu Minghuang.

“Aunt, you’re too polite. I never minded, and you once saved me.”

Quanzhen answered.

Normally he repaid every slight.

Yet Yaoyao was his sister, Meng Xiaochan his father’s wife; grudges were off the table.

Besides, Mili once stalled Zhen Tian the Old Demon and saved him.

Under such grace he couldn’t resent his sister.

“Good. Show the token and she’ll believe you—work together when you can.”

Mili did not look down on Quanzhen despite Yaoyao joining a top sect.

She’d heard Quanzhen instantly killed Ghost Shadow True Lord and fought three Core Formation experts alone—his strength was terrifying.

Even in the Central Region he’d rank as a prodigy.

Yaoyao befriending him could only help.

He also had a Nascent Soul elder behind him.

“Rest assured, Aunt.”

Though indifferent toward this sister, she was still his father’s child.

Since his father asked, he’d watch out for her if they met.

Provided she trusted him.

“Relax, Quanzhen knows what to do.”

Lu Changsheng trusted his son and patted Mili’s soft hand.

“Mm.”

Knowing Quanzhen was taciturn, Mili said no more.

“Mili, I need to speak with Quanzhen alone.”

Lu Changsheng gestured.

Understanding, she left the hall to give them space.

“If you and Yaoyao get along, help her when you can. If not, don’t force it.”

He liked that daughter but—

He knew her charm stemmed from sharp insight, not innocence.

She’d been in the Celestial Lotus Sect for years and he wouldn’t have his son suffer for her sake.

“Understood, Father.”

“Once you’re at Tianmo Sect, see if you can find news of True Lord Qingluan.”

He added.

Since the Mirage Domain parting, Qingluan had vanished.

Divination said she’d left the northern reaches.

She’d likely fled to the Central Region or beyond.

Tianmo Sect’s channels might turn up clues.

“True Lord Qingluan?”

Quanzhen paused—did father also have deep ties with her?

Rumors from the Mirage Domain suggested so.

He’d long admired her legend as Jiang Kingdom’s top rogue cultivator.

How had such a lone powerhouse crossed paths with Father?

“If you do find her, hand her this jade slip or crush this talisman.”

Lu Changsheng passed him the items.

The Jiang Kingdom was far; only sensing talismans could bridge that gap.

“Also look for a girl named Mu Que. She bears the Heavenly Phoenix bloodline.”

He flicked a water-mirror, revealing a delicate girl about seventy percent similar to Qingluan.

She was his and Qingluan’s daughter, Mu Que.

He’d never met the child.

Yet the system’s family tree showed her face and stats.

Seeing the resemblance, Quanzhen was stunned.

Father even had a child with True Lord Qingluan?

He blurted, “Father, she is…?”

“My daughter with Qingluan, your sister.”

“Qingluan likely faced danger and was separated from Mu Que. If possible, find her.”

Lu Changsheng sighed, not hopeful.

The Central Region was vast.

Even with Tianmo Sect’s network, finding a fresh Foundation girl was like fishing up a needle.

Unless her Phoenix bloodline drew attention.

They might not even be in the region.

Quanzhen: “…”.

Father’s vast “connections” left him speechless.

“Rest assured, Father.”

He accepted the slip and talisman, still eyeing his father.

Were there more hidden aunts or siblings?

“???”

Lu Changsheng wanted to chide that look but said seriously, “That’s all.”

“Your uncle will help, yet your success depends on you.”

He raised his hand; spirit treasures, Nascent Soul items, pills and talismans appeared.

“Keep these for emergencies—no need to pester your uncle for everything.”

His brother-in-law was generous, but Lu Ancestor spared no expense either.

He handed over the spoils from the Liang-Yue War so his son wouldn’t lag behind.

Quanzhen could even share some with Yaoyao later.

“Father, Uncle already gave me Wu Gu Old Demon and True Lord Shi Hai’s storage rings. I’m not short of resources—give these to Big Brother or others.”

Feeling his father’s love, Quanzhen still shook his head.

After killing True Lord Mingsha, Father had opened the Yin Ghost treasury to him.

Thus he lacked nothing in artifacts.

Spirit treasures too—

At his level he could barely wield them.

More would be baggage.

Lu Changsheng realized he’d underrated his brother-in-law’s generosity.

Still, that let him trust Qu Changge with his son.

“Then at least take these pills and talismans.”

He didn’t insist; his son’s wealth rivaled many Nascent Soul elders.

When it ran out, maybe he’d visit Quanzhen and Yaoyao in the Central Domain.

Just then a snow-white pellet flew from his crown, turning into a Three Treasure Incarnation.

“Quanzhen, how’s this incarnation?”

He smiled, ready to gift the Three Treasure Incarnation Pearl.

Ordinary spirit treasures were of limited use to Quanzhen now.

But this Four-Tier treasure’s help was obvious.

Once refined, it produced a clone identical in form and aura.

The clone could wield divine arts with full combat power.

For Quanzhen’s dual-cultivated body and Qi, it was wings to a tiger.

He could exploit its power just as Father once did.

“A clone treasure?” Quanzhen had seen the Yin-Yang Dao Form and guessed as much.

Seeing the pearl, he recognized its rarity.

Such treasures rivaled spirit weapons in value.

He noticed something odd.

The clone’s aura was only Core Formation, not Nascent Soul like the Yin-Yang Dao Form.

“Apart from its aura, it’s almost indistinguishable from you.”

He commented.

“It’s called the Three Treasure Incarnation Pearl.”

Lu Changsheng introduced it.

He still liked the pearl.

It had helped him as much as the old Xuanyuan Pearl.

Yet the clone maxed at top third-rank.

Now that he was Nascent Soul it no longer helped much.

Mainly he used it to act as “Changsheng True Lord,” playing two roles.

Using it just for that was wasteful.

He could ask Qian Zhuyan for a lifelike puppet instead.

Or use a Fourth-Tier Incarnation Talisman.

“It can wield your divine powers and full strength?!”

Quanzhen’s face shifted; the treasure’s value was clear.

An extra self with full power doubled combat strength, not added it.

Unless the pearl shattered, even a dying clone could be restored with time.

Basically an undying second body.

He could already picture the boost.

“Father, this treasure is too precious.”

He believed it out-valued many lower-grade spirit weapons.

“Take it. It helps me little now—may it aid you.”

Lu Changsheng wiped his imprint and tossed the pearl over.

“Thank you, Father.”

Feeling its weight in hand and heart, Quanzhen grew heavy-hearted.

Father had poured resources into him without demanding repayment.

Now he was abandoning Father’s arranged path for his own future.

Yet Father supported him wholeheartedly—shame and gratitude flooded him.

With such a father, what more could a son want!

Three days later Qu Changge left with Lu Quanzhen for Tianmo Sect.

Only Lu Changsheng, Qu Zhenzhen and Nangong Mili knew of it.

“Brother, take care and come home when you can. Quanzhen, listen to your uncle and don’t pick fights.”

A mother always worries when her child travels far.

Though her son was late-stage Core Formation and her brother Nascent Soul,

Qu Zhenzhen’s eyes turned red watching them leave.

“Zhenzhen, rest easy; I’ll look after Quanzhen.”

Qu Changge hated farewells and felt miserable seeing her cry.

“Mother.” Quanzhen’s heart was heavy too.

“Don’t forget your promise. Brother, you can also find yourself a wife out there.”

She wiped her tears and forced a smile.

After the farewell, Qu Changge steered the magic boat, tore through the Great Void and vanished.

“Zhenzhen, relax. If Quanzhen doesn’t come back, I’ll go drag him home myself.”

Lu Changsheng hugged his wife, comforting her while he watched boat and son disappear.

From this moment the Kunpeng spreads its wings, soars upward and will one day blanket the stars!