Chapter 839: Alliances of Destiny

Lu Changsheng saw that the Heaven Corpse Sect Master had assumed a proper stance and no longer pressed his advantage.

The overwhelming might, as if the force of billions of divine mountains and torrents of cosmic power, dissipated like receding tides.

It felt as though it had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion.

Then, with a serene gaze, he addressed the Heaven Corpse Sect Master, “Cultivator of the Corpse Path, now that True Lord Mingsha is dead and the Yin Ghost Sect has been overthrown by True Lord Ben, I intend to consolidate the various forces of the Jin Kingdom’s cultivation world to jointly counter external threats and face the great calamity of our realm. What say you?”

Lu Changsheng’s tone was calm and matter-of-fact.

Yet in the ears of the Heaven Corpse Sect Master, his words struck like rolling thunder, sending shivers through his heart.

He realized that Yangming True Lord was in fact asking whether he was willing to submit!

Naturally, he was not willing to do so.

After all, as a Nascent Soul True Lord and a sect leader, he had always held himself above submission.

But the other party was not merely inquiring or seeking his advice.

Rather, he was being scrutinized!

Before him stood Yangming True Lord, a giant among mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

If he refused, escaping unscathed today would be nearly impossible.

Even if he managed to flee by some miracle, it would cost him the foundation of the Heaven Corpse Sect amassed over the years.

“True Lord, your prowess is profound. If you wish to consolidate the Jin Kingdom, the Heaven Corpse Sect has no objection.”

After a brief hesitation, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master gritted his teeth and said, “However, our sect has long-standing interests and considerations in the Jin Kingdom. I ask you, True Lord, what exactly do you plan? Please make it clear.”

He did not mind submitting to this mighty incarnation of Yangming True Lord.

Yet, as a Nascent Soul True Lord himself, he possessed a dignity and pride of his own.

There was simply no way he would sacrifice his honor and reduce his sect to a vassalized pawn just to survive.

“Hehe, True Lord Ben will not interfere overly with your sect’s affairs; indeed, ample support and generous benefits will be provided.”

Lu Changsheng, holding the Misty Dust Banner in one hand and with the other behind his back, stated coolly, “I heard from Ah Youduo that some of your sect’s treasures were once lost in the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons.”

“In that Abyss, there are numerous demonic beasts and corrupted corpse kings that could be of significant use to your sect.”

“If you agree to submit to True Lord Ben, in the future I can help you recover those lost treasures and hunt down fourth-rank demonic beasts for corpse refining.”

Lu Changsheng understood that to secure the wholehearted service of a Nascent Soul True Lord like the Heaven Corpse Sect Master, he had to offer tangible benefits.

After all, a Nascent Soul True Lord could live carefree and build his own legacy anywhere; it was inconceivable that mere threats to life would force him to submit.

Not to mention, the Yin Ghost Sect and the ‘upper emissary’ behind Beast God Mountain had already promised many benefits.

“Cultivator Yan, my lord’s words are no empty promises. I not only received the supreme inheritance granted by the Master, but also, with his help, successfully recovered the Gu God Cauldron once lost in the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons.”

Ah Youduo, standing by, immediately chimed in.

As Lu Changsheng’s consort, she couldn’t just stand back and decisively chose to support him.

Speaking as she raised her pale hand, a dark, iridescent cauldron intricately engraved with images of Gu insects appeared in her palm.

It was none other than the supreme treasure of the Five Poisons Sect—the Gu God Cauldron!

After years of meticulous nurturing, this Gu God Cauldron was no longer as broken as when it was first found, though it still exuded a sinister demonic aura.

A faint, almost imperceptible energy filled with the cries and trembles of countless Gu insects permeated the air, sending chills down the spine.

“Master!?”

Although the Heaven Corpse Sect Master had suspected that the Five Poisons Sect Master had already allied with Yangming True Lord,

he was still shocked when Ah Youduo addressed Lu Changsheng as ‘Master’.

That single word implied that Ah Youduo was subordinate to Yangming True Lord, a clear mark of inferiority!

Deeply moved, he glanced at the Gu God Cauldron in Ah Youduo’s hand.

Though he couldn’t fully discern the rarity of this treasured artifact from the Five Poisons Sect,

a cursory glance told him it was no ordinary item.

Especially since the cauldron’s surface still bore traces of lingering demonic aura—clear evidence of prolonged contamination in the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons.

At that moment, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master wavered.

After all, a cultivator’s aspirations are few and far between.

At his current cultivation, he knew his potential was limited.

His chances of breaking through mid-stage Nascent Soul were slim, almost nonexistent!

Thus, submitting to this mighty incarnation of Yangming True Lord might be an opportunity.

Besides, he had no other choice.

The Five Poisons Sect Master had already pledged allegiance to Yangming True Lord.

And the other party even possessed a fearsome fourth-rank spirit pet.

In such a predicament, only the desperate measure of a Soul Escape offered a chance to survive.

“If that is so, the Heaven Corpse Sect will submit to you, True Lord. From now on, we shall follow your lead!”

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master’s face, tinged with blue and black, tightened as he took a deep breath and spoke slowly, clinging to the last vestige of pride even though his voice betraying a hint of reluctance and helplessness.

If it weren’t for his dire circumstances, who among true Nascent Soul True Lords would ever willingly submit?

Even though Yangming True Lord, a mighty reincarnation, had offered him so many benefits,

after centuries of cultivation, the promises made both for himself and his subordinates were beyond measure.

How could he easily trust such lofty promises?

Lu Changsheng saw the conflicted look in the Heaven Corpse Sect Master’s eyes—a reflection of resignation forced by strength.

It was only natural.

Completely understandable.

If showcasing mid-stage Nascent Soul power could make a low-level cultivator willingly submit, there would be far fewer disputes in the cultivation world.

“In that case, relax and let Ah Youduo set up the restrictions for you,” Lu Changsheng said coolly, choosing not to personally impose the constraints on the Heaven Corpse Sect Master.

First, if he were the one to lay down the restrictions, it might only cause further anxiety and resistance.

Second, his own Ten Thousand Calamities Toxic Spirit Codex had not been honed with the effort needed to restrain a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Moreover, given his long absence from the Jin Kingdom, he would find it difficult to check on the Heaven Corpse Sect Master.

It was better if Ah Youduo implemented the restrictions to create a deterrent effect.

Hearing this, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master immediately became alert and was unwilling.

After all, once the restrictions were in place, he would be utterly at the mercy of another.

Ah Youduo, on the other hand, was both surprised and intrigued.

She hadn’t expected that her master would trust her with such an important task.

The two exchanged glances while Lu Changsheng remained calm.

“Sect Leader, please proceed,” he said.

Although a sect head and a Nascent Soul True Lord, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master knew that with no choice left and the dignified appearance granted by Yangming True Lord, it was best to act decisively.

He retrieved his life’s magical treasure, the Heaven Corpse Pearl, allowing Ah Youduo to carry out the restriction.

Deep inside, however, he had resolved that if Ah Youduo’s restrictions endangered his Nascent Soul spirit, he would fight to the death!

“I still trust you, Cultivator Yan.”

Ah Youduo looked at Lu Changsheng, dressed in a dark cloak with a heroic demeanor, understanding that her master was playing both the tough and the diplomatic role.

While he intimidated with his strength, she relied on old connections and conciliatory tactics to win others over.

Immediately, Ah Youduo flicked her fingers against the Gu God Cauldron.

“Vrrm!”

A barely visible tremor rippled through it as ripples spread out.

Then, a small, translucent, dark purple Gu insect no larger than a fingernail and covered in mysterious markings burst forth from the cauldron.

“I’m sure you understand the effects of this Heart-Eroding Gu, Cultivator Yan,” she said, addressing the Heaven Corpse Sect Master.

“Heart-Eroding and Soul-Shattering, of course our sect is well aware,” he replied.

Both the Heaven Corpse Sect and the Five Poisons Sect were among the three major demonic factions of the Jin Kingdom, so the methods of the Five Poisons Sect’s Gu techniques were well known to him.

Barely had he finished speaking when he ripped open his robe at the chest.

With a swift motion, his hand turned, his nails sharp like blades reflecting a dark, eerie glint as he tore open his chest, blood splattering everywhere.

Immediately, he caught the flying Heart-Eroding Gu with his hand.

Before the Gu could burrow into his body, he drove it straight into his heart.

Heart-Eroding, Soul-Shattering!

The Heart-Eroding Gu let out a final shriek as it embedded itself in his heart.

From that moment, a mere thought from Ah Youduo could shatter his heart and claim his life.

Of course, True Lord Mingsha’s last resort ensured that his Nascent Soul remained unaffected.

“Sect Leader, is this sufficient?”

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master withdrew his bloodstained hand from his chest and, looking at Ah Youduo and Lu Changsheng, spoke in a deep tone.

After Ah Youduo’s explanation, Lu Changsheng deduced that the effect of the Heart-Eroding Gu was sufficient.

After all, a Soul Escape is a desperate measure that cultivators only employ as a last resort.

Normally, few Nascent Soul cultivators would be willing to abandon their corporeal form to flee.

Too much is as bad as too little.

The fact that the Heaven Corpse Sect Master had reached this point was sufficient; there was no need to push matters to the extreme.

“Naturally, henceforth our two sects will work together in the Jin Kingdom to serve the Master.”

Ah Youduo, with a smile like polished jade, said so warmly.

Since Lu Changsheng spent most of his time away from the Jin Kingdom,

now that the Heaven Corpse Sect Master had come under her control,

she was set to become the de facto leader of the cultivation world in the Jin Kingdom—the uncrowned queen, the undisputed master!

At this moment, she felt that her bold gamble years ago had proven entirely correct.

“Yan Wujiang, greetings Master!”

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master, no longer maintaining his airs, bowed to Lu Changsheng.

Initially, facing Lu Changsheng, a part of him still retained some pride.

But upon reflection—and knowing that his opponent was a mighty reincarnation and a giant in mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators—

even if Ah Youduo had knelt in submission and True Lord Mingsha had been slain, he found it acceptable to yield.

Even though he begrudgingly felt slightly humiliated by Ah Youduo’s dominance,

he knew that in terms of strength and the foundation of his sect, the Heaven Corpse Sect was no less than the Five Poisons Sect.

“Cultivator Yan, there is no need for further courtesy. Since everything has been said, let’s head over to the Yin Ghost Sect for a brief discussion.”

“We have many resources and natural treasures here that True Lord Ben must manage,” Lu Changsheng said, offering ample face.

He planned to hand over part of the Yin Ghost Sect’s assets to Ah Youduo and the Heaven Corpse Sect in exchange for the resources he needed.

“Yes,” both the Heaven Corpse Sect Master and Ah Youduo replied in unison.

Soon, the three of them set off toward the Yin Ghost Sect.

Moments later, they caught sight of a golden Golden-Winged Roc looming over the Yin Ghost Sect.

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master’s jet-black pupils narrowed.

Back in his early days, when that Roc was merely of third rank, it could hold its own for a short while against a fourth-rank corpse king under his command.

Now that it had broken through to fourth rank, its combat prowess far exceeded that of an average fourth-rank corpse king or ghost king, rivaling his own.

The Golden-Winged Roc clearly remembered him,

recalling its fierce encounter with his old master.

At that time, it suffered significant injuries in the clutches of a corpse king and had to rest for a long while.

In an instant, the Golden-Winged Roc glared at him coldly, its vertical golden iris as fierce as the midday sun, as if ready to pounce.

“Golden Roc.”

Seeing the imposing aura of the Golden-Winged Roc, poised to strike, Lu Changsheng signaled with a raised hand and then led the pair into the Yin Ghost Sect.

At that moment, the Yin Ghost Sect Master and Lu Quanzhen were busy taking stock of their forces.

Noticing that Ah Youduo and the Heaven Corpse Sect Master lagged just half a step behind Lu Changsheng, his heart skipped a beat.

For thousands of years the three major demonic factions of the Jin Kingdom had remained allies.

Although, due to the strategic maneuvers of their Supreme Elder, some rifts had appeared between the three sects,

they still stood united in times of dire peril.

But none could have imagined that upon the death of their Supreme Elder, the heads of the other two major demonic factions would become entangled with Yangming True Lord.

However, as a sect leader, his astute eyes quickly deduced one important detail just by the fact that the Heaven Corpse Sect Master and Ah Youduo lagged half a step behind Lu Changsheng.

It was highly likely that both Nascent Soul True Lords had already submitted to Yangming True Lord!

Otherwise, if the three stood on equal footing, even with differences in strength, their stances would not be so staggered.

For a moment, the Yin Ghost Sect Master’s mind churned like stormy seas, surging with tumultuous emotions that would not easily settle.

It was almost unimaginable how dramatically the heavens of the Jin Kingdom had changed in just one day.

The Yin Ghost Sect’s overthrow, the Supreme Elder’s death,

and both the Heaven Corpse Sect Master and the Five Poisons Sect Master’s submission to Yangming True Lord!

“Greetings, True Lord, Sect Leader, and Master!”

The Yin Ghost Sect Master quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully without overthinking.

Lu Quanzhen also looked on in astonishment.

Never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined that the Heaven Corpse Sect would be so swiftly dealt with by his own father; he immediately approached to pay his respects.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded gently and introduced Lu Quanzhen as his son.

“Young man, greetings to the Heaven Corpse Sect Master and the Five Poisons Sect Master!”

Lu Quanzhen had long heard of both sect masters; today was the first time meeting these True Lords, and he bowed respectfully.

After all, regardless of his own achievements, he was merely a Core Formation cultivator.

He could never show off in front of two Nascent Soul True Lords, relying solely on his father’s status.

Ah Youduo and the Heaven Corpse Sect Master were well aware of the grudge between Yangming True Lord’s son, Qu Changtian, and the Yin Ghost Sect.

In fact, the feud between the Yin Ghost Sect and Yangming True Lord had escalated entirely because of Lu Quanzhen.

Both of them looked at Lu Quanzhen, noting that he was far from ordinary.

His magical energy was as deep as a black hole, an endless ocean,

and his physique was as robust as his father’s—the practice of dual cultivation of body and magic!

They even detected that Lu Quanzhen was not showing his true appearance at the moment, instead using a disguise.

Given the circumstances, neither of them dared to pry into each other’s true forms.

They merely praised, “Truly, a tiger does not beget a mongrel—your bearing is extraordinary. Born to be one of heaven’s favorites with limitless potential.”

With that, each retrieved a gift from their Storage Rings as a token of courtesy for Lu Quanzhen.

This was both a customary courtesy and a sign of amicable intent.

“Many thanks, seniors,” Lu Quanzhen said, accepting the gifts without objection, his manners both respectful and poised.

The Yin Ghost Sect Master and his aides, watching this exchange, felt a surge of envy.

They deeply appreciated the advantages of having a True Lord as a father.

Inwardly, they murmured that if only they had such a father in the Nascent Soul stage, they might have avoided so many detours and hardships in cultivation.

Lu Changsheng then left Lu Quanzhen with the Yin Ghost Sect Master, instructing them to inspect the Yin Ghost Sect’s holdings alongside Ah Youduo and the Heaven Corpse Sect Master,

and to directly express any selections or needs they might have.

Meanwhile, he queried the Heaven Corpse Sect Master about the overall situation of his sect and presented his current requirements, handing over a list of natural treasures he needed.

“Artifacts that restrain the Nascent Soul spirit!?”

Hearing Lu Changsheng’s request, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master felt a chill.

Among Nascent Soul cultivators, few would risk a fatal confrontation; beyond concern for one’s life, the primary reason was because of the potential for a Soul Escape!

After all, defeating someone and completely annihilating their Nascent Soul spirit were two very different matters!

At the Nascent Soul stage, a cultivator might be decapitated in battle,

but to utterly annihilate someone’s Nascent Soul spirit was as difficult as ascending to immortality.

It would require coordinated ambushes and an intricate net of restrictions using rare artifacts that even the sect’s foundation treasures would seldom be lent.

Now, seeing that Lu Changsheng’s top priority was an artifact to restrain the Nascent Soul spirit, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master was undeterred.

He suddenly asked, “Master, do you know whether Mingsha’s Nascent Soul spirit has attempted to flee?”

Regarding the matter of the ‘upper emissary,’ he had his suspicions, aware that True Lord Mingsha had been closely allied with Beast God Mountain.

If Mingsha’s spirit escaped back to Beast God Mountain, it would remain an unpredictable factor.

“Rest assured, Mingsha’s Nascent Soul spirit has already been devoured by the Golden-Winged Roc,” Lu Changsheng said coolly, his dark cloak billowing as he placed his hands behind his back.

“What!?”

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master was struck dumb, his expression aghast.

He had never imagined that True Lord Mingsha would not only be slain by Yangming True Lord, but that even his Nascent Soul spirit would be utterly obliterated.

Yet, considering that True Lord Mingsha’s Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool had come into Lu Changsheng’s possession, he felt reassured enough to believe him.

After all, if True Lord Mingsha had attempted a Soul Escape, he would have surely taken with him that treasured inheritance to flee.

“Master, your divine abilities are vast,” the Heaven Corpse Sect Master said with a respectful bow, his voice filled with awe.

He admitted, “The Heaven Corpse Sect currently lacks any artifact to restrain a Nascent Soul spirit.”

“However, our sect does possess a corpse refining method called 【Flame World Devouring Corpse】, which, upon reaching fourth rank, the technique 【Heavenly Melting Furnace】 can constrain the Nascent Soul spirit.”

“But such a demonic corpse is extremely difficult to refine. It requires not only the body of a fourth-rank Red-Scaled Gluttonous Beast, but also nine different types of heavenly and earthly spiritual flames.”

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master explained, partly to emphasize the significance of his sect and partly to rely on Lu Changsheng for assistance in refining such a supreme demonic corpse.

“?”

Though Lu Changsheng didn’t understand corpse refining, he knew that forging a fourth-rank corpse king would take decades, if not a century—simply impossible within a short span.

Thus, what the Heaven Corpse Sect Master said was nothing more than empty talk.

Yet, looking at the Heaven Corpse Sect Master, Lu Changsheng suddenly recalled the situation with his own Bing’er.

Based on his and Hong Lian’s judgment, Bing’er was a kind of Yin Corpse,

or a corpse cultivator refined into a Yin Corpse.

However, the details remained unclear to both him and Hong Lian.

In recent years, Bing’er had inexplicably fallen into a long slumber with an unknown cause.

Now, facing the Heaven Corpse Sect Master—a Nascent Soul cultivator of the corpse path—Lu Changsheng hoped he could ascertain her condition.

He then explained Bing’er’s situation and asked Yan Wujiang if his understanding was correct.

“A Yin Corpse with dark Yin aura, indistinguishable from a living person, but once out of the ice coffin for too long, undergoes a transformation, exuding demonic and sinister energies.”

Upon hearing this, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master furrowed his brow and fell into deep thought.

After a moment, he murmured, “Master, I have not seen such a case before. From your description, this isn’t a mere Yin Corpse undergoing corpse refining—it seems to be a corpse cultivation technique that transmutes and evolves.”

“Like what you mentioned: leaving the ice coffin and having the body exude demonic energy, reminiscent of a corpse demon’s aura—the refining process might be part of a cultivation method. I cannot judge without examining it myself.”

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master’s dark eyes glimmered with curiosity.

According to Lu Changsheng, this Yin Corpse was far from ordinary.

In other words, if Yangming True Lord valued it and found it inscrutable, it proved that this Yin Corpse was unique.

If he could study it, perhaps he might even gain insights and benefits from it.

“Mm, if the opportunity arises, I shall bring her over,” Lu Changsheng said lightly, thinking that one day he would let Bing’er be examined by the Heaven Corpse Sect Master.

Back then, Bing’er seemed to have consumed some of that Yin-Yang Fusion Spirit Pill, awakening her so-called ‘second personality’—a memory that left a deep impression.

Had it not been for the Sumeru Tree King, he would never have been able to suppress Bing’er.

After a long, casual conversation with the Heaven Corpse Sect Master and Ah Youduo, Lu Changsheng did not linger.

He signaled for them to return and prepare the materials and the weaponsmith.

However, Lu Changsheng instructed Ah Youduo to send Nangong Mili, Meng Xiaochan, Lu Minghuang, Lu Mengchan, and Lu Jiangtang over.

Although the Yin Ghost Sect was temporarily under the control of his son, Lu Quanzhen, he couldn’t handle everything himself.

Thus, Nangong Mili and Meng Xiaochan were to take responsibility for certain matters.

As for Lu Minghuang, he was to use this opportunity to learn the art of artifact refining.

Lu Mengchan and Lu Jiangtang were to accompany him so he could keep them company.

“Master, have you considered deepening our ties with the Heaven Corpse Sect by granting them a few subordinate positions?”

At this moment, Ah Youduo sent a transmission to Lu Changsheng.

Having spent so much time with him, she gradually realized that he wasn’t an overbearing master, or rather, in the eyes of the Holy Radiant Empire’s ruler, most matters held little significance—including the vast wealth of the Yin Ghost Sect.

Instead, he placed great importance on his children.

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow and asked, “Oh? What are your thoughts?”

“Madam!”

Ah Youduo immediately shared her idea.

She suggested that the Heaven Corpse Sect Master send some trusted aides to serve as Lu Changsheng’s consorts.

Later, these aides could act as intermediaries to manage parts of the Yin Ghost Sect’s affairs on behalf of the Heaven Corpse Sect.

Although Lu Changsheng, as a mighty reincarnation with mid-stage Nascent Soul strength, had little need for such measures,

Ah Youduo knew that he was indifferent to these matters.

Moreover, currently, the bond between the Heaven Corpse Sect and Lu Changsheng was rather shallow.

If the Heaven Corpse Sect’s people were taken in as consorts, it would be an honor!

Furthermore, Ah Youduo had her own ideas.

She believed that as time progressed, Lu Changsheng might proactively assimilate consorts from the Heaven Corpse Sect.

By proposing it now, it would allow her side to take the initiative and ensure they would be in Good graces, with an ally to call on in emergencies.

“Madam,” Lu Changsheng instantly understood what Ah Youduo implied.

Whether in the secular world or the lower echelons of the cultivation realm, aristocratic families often forged ties through marriage and alliance.

Although such matters were of little consequence, at some level they demonstrated sincerity and intent,

or even served to station an insider—a contact for emergencies.

Such occurrences became increasingly rare at the Core Formation and Nascent Soul stages.

Not only were such matters not particularly honorable, but most Nascent Soul True Lords disliked marriage and concubinage,

and female cultivators generally were not interested either.

Lu Changsheng had no objections to the idea.

In his early days, to ensure the rise and stable development of Bihu Mountain, he had taken many concubines from lesser families.

Many of Lu Family disciples had also married female cultivators from other small families.

Never did he imagine that as a high-ranking Nascent Soul True Lord in the cultivation world,

he would be discussing such matters with Ah Youduo.

“Sigh, for the sake of the clan and the greater good, sacrifices must be made,” Lu Changsheng murmured inwardly, lamenting the unambitious nature of his own children.

These marriage alliances should have been handled by his own children.

But as none of his promising heirs showed any interest in marriage,

he was forced to take matters into his own hands.

“In that case, allot one consort position for the Heaven Corpse Sect.”

After a short moment of thought, Lu Changsheng declared.

“It’s quality, not quantity. Too many concubines would only mean mediocre choices.

A single consort slot would surely be cherished by the Heaven Corpse Sect.”

“Rest assured, leave it to me,” Ah Youduo immediately replied, saying she would convey the matter to the Heaven Corpse Sect Master.

“Mm,” Lu Changsheng nodded, instructing Ah Youduo to handle the arrangement.

After Ah Youduo departed, Lu Changsheng let out a soft sigh, feeling that his journey had been fraught with hardship.

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master then left Yin Ghost Sect with several disciples,

all of whom were undercover agents placed by his sect within the Yin Ghost Sect.

Every faction had their own spies; not only did the Yin Ghost Sect harbor agents for both the Heaven Corpse Sect and the Five Poisons Sect,

but the Heaven Corpse Sect itself had lookouts within the Yin Ghost Sect and the Five Poisons Sect.

Lu Changsheng was well aware of this and, being considerate, suggested that he and Ah Youduo could take their respective men along.

They might even take along certain trusted individuals with whom they had connections, choosing to overlook minor issues.

“Cultivator Yan, wait a moment,”

Just then, a figure clad in a purple-red dress with a silver crown hairpin—the Five Poisons Sect Master—whizzed in and called out.

“Master, what is the matter?”

Although he was under Ah Youduo’s imposed restrictions, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master maintained his dignity and responded in a calm tone,

after all, for a Nascent Soul True Lord, preserving face was of utmost importance.

Or rather, it wasn’t just about face—it was about prestige.

If their fellow cultivators in the Heaven Corpse Sect learned that their revered patriarch was kowtowing, or that he had been restricted by the Five Poisons Sect Master, their reputation would suffer greatly.

The entire sect would fall into disarray as people sought alliances elsewhere.

Besides, Lu Changsheng and Ah Youduo were playing contrasting roles, one stern and the other affable—surely he was alert to this?

Had it not been for Ah Youduo guiding him into the Yin Ghost Sect, how could he have encountered Yangming True Lord and ended up in this predicament?

Although he might not be able to avoid this calamity within the Heaven Corpse Sect, at least he wouldn’t be so passive within his own sect!

“I have good news for you, Cultivator Yan,” the Five Poisons Sect Master announced.

Ah Youduo immediately transmitted a message to Yan Wujiang, hinting that today’s actions might sow discord between them, a fact for which she expressed regret and proposed a consort slot.

The Heaven Corpse Sect would then choose one of their female cultivators to serve as Yangming True Lord’s consort.

“A consort!?”

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master’s expression shifted instantly, not in anger but in delight.

After all, having submitted to Yangming True Lord, he naturally hoped to gain some benefits from him,

such as support when trouble arose within his power to help.

However, the entire binding between the parties was completely dictated by the other side—it was nothing more than empty talk.

Now that Yangming True Lord had promised a consort slot, it was clearly an attempt to further solidify their bond and put his mind at ease.

“Thank you, Master!”

Although such matters would undoubtedly require Yangming True Lord’s personal nod and could not be easily persuaded by Ah Youduo alone,

the very fact that the promise was made meant that a favor was owed.

“The Jin Kingdom is but one facet of our Master’s grand design. Ultimately, our success hinges on our combined efforts,”

Ah Youduo stated, “As for the candidate, I believe you, Cultivator Yan, already have someone in mind, so there’s no need for me to elaborate further.”

“If it pleases the Master, perhaps, like our Heavenly Spider Emissary, you could even sire an heir,”

Ah Youduo continued, hinting further.

She reminded him that the Heaven Corpse Sect’s methods often caused its cultivators to become half-corpse, rendering them unable to produce offspring.

While that would be a boon for her, it would result in competition with offspring from Nangong Mili or Ina.

However, judging by Lu Changsheng’s actions and Lu Quanzhen’s mastery of the Yin-Yang Path,

she guessed that Lu Changsheng likely had many offspring already.

In such a case, preventing the Heaven Corpse Sect from producing any further progeny would be meaningless.

Better to proactively bring such individuals into her own camp to form a faction.

“Rest assured, our sect understands these matters well,” the Five Poisons Sect Master said.

Although very few knew of the affairs between the Heavenly Spider Emissary and Yangming True Lord,

as the Heaven Corpse Sect Master, he was aware of the news.

He even knew that Nangong Yaoyao had once been taken in as a disciple by True Lord White Lotus.

In that instant, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master began to contemplate which candidate would be most suitable—someone both trustworthy and of high cultivation, possessing the grace and appearance required.

However, his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden pause.

How did the Five Poisons Sect Master know so much—so much as to mention these intimate details to Yangming True Lord?

Had this Five Poisons Sect Master also pledged himself to Yangming True Lord?

Gazing at Ah Youduo, who appeared as a young girl of about seven or eight, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master couldn’t help but grimace.

He knew that due to the influence of a secret technique, she had maintained the appearance of a young girl for years, and for a Nascent Soul cultivator, such changes in form were but a thought away.

Yet, the notion of Ah Youduo sacrificing herself to Yangming True Lord still stirred an indescribable feeling inside him.

Then, shifting his thoughts, he wondered if Yangming True Lord might have peculiar tastes.

Perhaps, having seen many ordinary female cultivators, he might favor those who were distinct.

If that were the case, the Heaven Corpse Sect would indeed have an advantage.

“Thank you, Master, for the reminder. I must take my leave now. I owe you a favor,”

the Heaven Corpse Sect Master said without further thought as he bowed to Ah Youduo, then left with several spies back to the Heaven Corpse Sect.

Once clear of the Yin Ghost Sect’s vicinity, he turned to his aides and asked if any had witnessed how True Lord Mingsha had met his end.

“Reporting, Master,” they replied in unison, recounting the events outside the Yin Ghost Sect Mountain Gate.

“Hmm!?”

Upon hearing that Yangming True Lord’s son, Qu Changtian, had single-handedly slain Ghost Shadow True Lord, engaged in combat with the Yin Ghost Sect Master, the Yin Ghost King, and Ghost Bat, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master was utterly dumbfounded.

According to the reports, this young man initially only had Foundation Establishment cultivation?

Yet in merely sixty-something years, he had grown to such a formidable stature?

Could he truly be Yangming True Lord’s son?

Or perhaps he was a high-ranking cultivator reincarnated?

Could it be that all members of Yangming True Lord’s family were high-level reincarnated cultivators?

The Heaven Corpse Sect Master was at a loss for words.

Although the cultivation world did speak of reincarnation shattering the mysteries of the womb,

such cases were exceedingly rare.

As for both father and son reincarnating together, he had never heard of such an occurrence—unless a high-level cultivator had taken over another’s body.

But then, hearing that True Lord Mingsha had appeared and been wiped out in two rounds by Yangming True Lord,

with his Nascent Soul spirit devoured by the Golden-Winged Roc and his body nailed to the Yin Ghost Sect’s Mountain Gate, the Heaven Corpse Sect Master felt a chill run through him.

He recalled Lu Changsheng’s earlier words: “I never considered you a worthy opponent; otherwise, you would have been dead by now.”

Earlier, he had believed that with a Soul Escape, he might have a small chance to survive.

Now, a deep coldness filled him as he realized that attempting a Soul Escape in his current state would likely only lead to his doom.

At this moment, his respect and submission towards Yangming True Lord grew even stronger.

Not for the benefits promised,

but because merely having Yangming True Lord come to his aid in times of trouble would be enough to alleviate the myriad crises facing him in the Southern Desolation and Northern Region.