Chapter 844: The Enigmatic Advancement of the Heavenly Longevity Method

After advancing to the third rank, the Guiyu Demon Flower grew to several meters tall, resembling a towering tree crowned with a radiant red canopy that stood out vividly.

Its thick, dark red thorny roots coiled across the ground like a giant python—ferocious and domineering yet radiating an indescribable, bewitching allure and eerie mystique.

It evoked fear at first sight, yet its beauty was irresistibly captivating.

At this moment, the flower bud, resembling a splendid canopy, blossomed, exuding a vivid crimson luster reminiscent of blood before it dries—dazzling and arresting.

The intricate, mysterious network of veins on both the roots and the bud pulsed like living blood vessels; as light and shadow danced, they released a heady, sanguine fragrance and rose-tinted mists that bathed the surroundings in both beauty and a hint of menace.

Clad in an exquisite black gauze gown, Lu Miaohuan sat elegantly within the bud of the Guiyu Demon Flower, her aura completely merging with the plant’s mystical energy, as if one entity.

Her cloud-like hair cascaded freely, with tips turning dark red and strands gleaming with a bloody sheen, making her appear as a formidable witch from the abyss, exuding an enchanting yet fearsome presence.

“Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method” distinguishes itself from most cultivation techniques in the immortal world.

While other cultivators must endure intense spiritual energy flooding during their Foundation Establishment breakthroughs,

compressing and refining the heavenly and earthly energies to transform their inner spiritual power into magical energy and build a Dao Platform, thereby forming their Dao Foundation,

the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method takes a different path.

It bypasses those arduous steps entirely, entrusting the Life-Bound Spirit Plant to assume that burden.

Once the Life-Bound Spirit Plant thrives and gathers ample latent energy, it feeds back to its master, allowing the cultivator to effortlessly overcome bottlenecks in their advancement.

At this moment, as the Guiyu Demon Flower advanced to the third rank, it began digesting the boundless energy from the 【Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear’s Heart】, channeling it into Lu Miaohuan’s body to nourish the seed of her Dao Foundation.

This is the unique feature of the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method.

Instead of raising a Dao Platform and converging a Dao Foundation like other cultivators do during their Foundation Establishment, one instead condenses a Dao Foundation seed from the Life-Bound Spirit Plant!

Now, even the breakthrough from Core Formation is not about forming a Golden Core atop a Dao Foundation as others do,

but rather about triggering the seed to sprout and root!

From then on, just like a natural Life-Bound Spirit Plant, it takes root in the spiritual realm and actively absorbs the essence of heavenly and earthly energy for its growth.

Unlike the Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment stages, which depend solely on the gradual progress of the Life-Bound Spirit Plant to elevate one’s realm,

this is both an advantage and a shortcoming of the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method.

While cultivation through the Life-Bound Spirit Plant sidesteps the limitations of innate talent and imposes no strict ceiling on progress,

most third-rank Life-Bound Spirit Plants, lacking the nourishment of heavenly liquid, see cultivators plateau at the Foundation Establishment stage, even if their lifespan far exceeds that of others.

Pure reliance on the natural growth of the Life-Bound Spirit Plant is simply too slow.

Fortunately, Lu Miaohuan’s Life-Bound Spirit Plant, the Guiyu Demon Flower, has the ability to devour the essence of living beings to accelerate its growth;

whereas Lu Miaoyun’s Life-Bound Spirit Plant, the Lingming Spirit Tree, grows at an extremely slow pace—worse than Qu Zhenzhen’s Auspicious Tree.

Time passed moment by moment.

The scenery and celestial phenomena in Sumeru Cave Heaven grew ever more astonishing.

Crimson mists, reminiscent of a fading sunset, spread gradually throughout Sumeru Cave Heaven.

During this process, the spiritual flora within the cave seemed drained of their vital energy, gradually withering and decaying.

Had it not been for the Sumeru Tree King’s control over the cave, capable of suppressing the overwhelming energy of the Guiyu Demon Flower, nearly all the cultivated flowers and herbs would have withered completely.

Observing the situation, Lu Miaoge continuously channeled techniques, using Taiyi True Water to irrigate the medicinal herbs and spiritual plants.

After all, any medicinal herb cultivated in Sumeru Cave Heaven was precious—a testament to the family’s legacy.

After a long while, all heavenly energy suddenly condensed.

Then, a resounding boom erupted as the Guiyu Demon Flower burst forth in an unprecedented dazzling display of crimson brilliance.

In that instant, withered spiritual flowers and herbs within the cave seemed to revive as if touched by spring, blossoming with vigorous life and radiating an air of prosperity.

Some plants even sprouted a new segment out of thin air.

Not far away, Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, Xia Ziyue, and others watching the scene were visibly delighted, sensing the overwhelming aura of a Core Formation cultivator.

Although the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method lacks any Dao-protecting divine abilities or combative prowess,

this realm breakthrough—the leap in life itself—carried an aura akin to that of a Core Formation cultivator.

“Huanhuan,”

“Congratulations on your breakthrough to Core Formation, Sister Huanhuan!”

“Congratulations, Mother, on achieving the Core Formation Dao!”

Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaoyun, Lu Qingqi, and the others approached with joy to congratulate Lu Miaohuan.

Seated cross-legged in the Guiyu Demon Flower, Lu Miaohuan, having successfully broken through to Core Formation, opened her beautiful eyes.

Her enchanting pupils, glowing with a deep crimson radiance, barely concealed the joy in her heart.

Although the Core Formation achieved via the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method carried many drawbacks and wasn’t solely a product of her effort,

she had nonetheless become a Core Formation cultivator.

Once an elusive dream, now she was a bona fide Core Formation True Person!

“Sister,”

Lu Miaohuan stepped out from the Guiyu Demon Flower, her demeanor and appearance markedly changed from before.

Her once jet-black hair, previously with only hints of red at the tips, now cascaded like dark red silk over her shoulders—exquisitely bewitching.

Not only did her eyes shine with a subtle red luster, but her eyelashes and eye corners also bore a similar dark glow, rendering her beauty both mysterious and arresting.

In many ways, her new look and aura made her resemble not Meng Xiaochan, Nangong Mili, or Ah Youduo, but rather a true demonic cultivator!

Out in the world, any cultivator’s first impression of her would be that of a bewitching demoness—one capable of bewitching souls and wreaking havoc.

Even Lu Miaoge and Lu Qingqi were taken aback upon seeing their own sister and mother’s transformed appearance.

Previously, Lu Miaohuan had resembled a girl wearing overly ornate makeup, but now it was as if every inch of her exuded an ineffable, mesmerizing beauty.

She radiated a mysterious and alluring glow from head to toe.

It was as though she had become a stunning, captivating demon flower!

However, not only were Lu Miaoge and the others surprised by her transformation,

Lu Miaohuan cheerfully called out to her elder sister and then, upon catching a glimpse of Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and Xia Ziyue, felt an inexplicable stirring within.

As if by devouring them, she could extend her lifespan, enhance her cultivation, and expedite the growth from sprouting roots to bearing fruit.

“What is happening?!”

Lu Miaohuan’s heart skipped a beat in sudden shock.

Although she had once possessed a bit of a young lady’s temper and bore the fearsome Guiyu Demon Flower as her Life-Bound Spirit Root,

deep down she was not cruel or heartless—never having intended to use the Guiyu Demon Flower to ravenously devour life essence for her own breakthrough.

Yet now, the abnormal sensations she felt toward her cousins Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and Xia Ziyue filled her with terror.

“It’s the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method!”

In that instant, Lu Miaohuan realized that the insatiable urge to devour did not stem from the Guiyu Demon Flower or her own heart,

but from her very own Dao Foundation seed!

Her Dao Foundation seed was resonating with those of Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and Xia Ziyue, provoking a desire to absorb them.

“Once the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method breakthrough reaches Core Formation and the Dao Foundation seed sprouts, it can absorb other cultivators’ Dao Foundation seeds to further enhance growth!”

Lu Miaohuan felt a profound realization welling within her.

Ever observant, Lu Miaoge immediately noticed the sudden terror in her sister’s eyes and asked with concern, “Huanhuan, what’s wrong?”

After a pause, Lu Miaohuan responded, “Sister, I… I feel…”

But Lu Miaohuan would not hide such matters.

Gazing at the complex expressions of her sister and Lu Miaoyun as she gently bit her blood-tinted lips, she revealed the situation of the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method.

“What?!”

Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaoyun were shocked by her words.

They never expected the method to produce such bizarre and horrifying effects.

Moreover, Lu Miaoge quickly realized a serious problem:

If Lu Miaohuan, when near Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and Xia Ziyue, feels compelled to absorb them,

could other practitioners of the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method also sense and harbor such intentions?

Although the method is deeply flawed and offers no combative divine abilities, its practitioners cannot escape the confines of their own Life-Bound Spirit Plants.

If they stray too far, their bodies become sluggish, as if shackled, making escape difficult.

Yet, such circumstances are not absolute!

A husband can temporarily transfer their Life-Bound Spirit Plant into a void artifact using his formidable power, enabling travel.

Since her husband could manage it, others might replicate the process.

Besides, the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method itself carries a major flaw: cultivators lack any magical combat techniques and must rely on others’ protection during their growth.

If someone reaches the Core Formation level with this method, there will undoubtedly be a Dao-guard to protect them!

“Huanhuan, aside from this sensation, are you feeling unwell in any other way?”

Lu Miaoge asked gravely.

Lu Miaohuan closed her eyes briefly, channeling her inner Dao Foundation seed in silent introspection.

Beside her, Lu Miaoyun and Xia Ziyue exchanged worried glances, astonished by this unexpected twist in the method’s effects.

Qu Zhenzhen, however, remained calm and composed.

After all, in the realm of such methods, absorption is merely an interaction between seeds.

Could it be that Sister Huanhuan might even absorb her own self?

Lu Qingqi looked on in bewilderment.

Once, she had considered training in this very method herself,

but the inability to leave one’s Life-Bound Spirit Plant behind had discouraged her.

Unexpectedly, this method now exhibited such strange phenomena.

Still, its effects almost perfectly matched her mother’s current demonic appearance.

“Apart from absorbing other cultivators’ Dao Foundation seeds, I sense that this method is incomplete,”

Lu Miaohuan said after a thoughtful pause, furrowing her brows slightly.

“I believe that beyond the sprouting and rooting stage following Core Formation, there exists another capability—

but lacking the appropriate chapters in the method, I can’t activate it.”

For Lu Miaohuan, her breakthrough to Core Formation seemed merely an incremental extension rather than a qualitative leap,

yet the derived roots and emerging buds hinted at potential far beyond simple cultivation via absorbing heavenly energy.

“The method is incomplete,” she murmured.

Lu Miaoge nodded softly, which was hardly surprising given what Lu Changsheng had long suspected.

The reason was simple:

Although the method appeared profound and its effects impressive, it was not at all rare.

Not only was it circulated in the cultivation world of Jiang Kingdom,

but it had also been unearthed in other regions. Its excessively strict cultivation conditions and virtually negligible practical benefits meant that hardly anyone practiced it, leaving scant information behind.

“It’s fine; once Changsheng returns, we’ll see if he can shed any light on this.”

Lu Miaoge comforted her sister.

Then she added to Lu Miaoyun, “Miaoyun, keep a close eye on any news related to the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method in the coming days.”

“Hmm,” Lu Miaoyun replied.

Noticing the serious expressions on both her sisters’ faces, Qu Zhenzhen also offered reassurance, “Don’t worry, Sister Huanhuan. With your husband around, there will be no issues.”

Lu Qingqi, wrapping her arm around her mother, chimed in, casting a Water Mirror Technique to compliment her mother’s renewed youth and beauty—certainly enough to dazzle Daddy upon his return.

“Mm,” Lu Miaohuan nodded gently.

Though the women tried to console her, the unsettling effects of the method somewhat dampened her joy over the Core Formation breakthrough.

A month later.

On the summit of Biyun Peak,

a ripple in space emerged.

A handsome youth, clad in a blue robe and holding a Five-Colored Long Banner, appeared.

“Quite the commotion,”

Lu Changsheng, now a Nascent Soul True Lord, even without actively extending his divine sense, could perceive the jubilant atmosphere across a vast area.

Just after returning to Bihu Mountain, he noticed that the area was abuzz with celebration—a ceremony was underway.

His divine sense instantly identified it as the ceremony of his daughter-in-law, Wang Yanjing.

He had intended to return to Jin Kingdom within a year, so he had arranged for his wife, Lu Miaoyun, to schedule these events a year later.

But things had not gone as planned.

This breakthrough, meant to resolve the issues with the Yin Ghost Sect, had taken little time.

However, the unexpected change of plans by the artificers from the three sects in Jin Kingdom and the sudden decision to produce spiritual treasures for the Yin Ghost Sect delayed matters.

Still, such delays were of little consequence.

Even Lu Ancestor showed little interest in such ceremonies.

After a casual scan with his divine sense, Lu Changsheng entered Sumeru Cave Heaven, intending to connect with the Immortal City of Damengze via the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror.

But as he entered the cave, he immediately noticed the Guiyu Demon Flower now towering several meters high.

He quickly deduced that the demonic plant had advanced to the third rank.

Moreover, he sensed significant changes in the flora and fauna since his departure.

“Has Huanhuan broken through to Core Formation?”

Lu Changsheng instantly guessed that his wife, Lu Miaohuan, had indeed advanced beyond the Core Formation stage.

Before his departure, the greatest disturbance in Sumeru Cave Heaven had been the Guiyu Demon Flower devouring the 【Golden-Haired Monoceros Bear’s Heart】.

Now that the Guiyu Demon Flower had reached the third rank, Lu Miaohuan was likely close to the same milestone.

Without further thought, Lu Changsheng resolved to meet his wife soon. He planned to hurl the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, infusing it with his magical energy.

“Husband,”

after several breaths, the mirror’s surface revealed the flawless, exquisite face of Hong Lian.

“Hong Lian, have there been any developments in Starry Sea or the Immortal City of Damengze these days?”

Although his divination predicted no issues, Lu Changsheng still confirmed.

“Husband, the Immortal City has remained peaceful; nothing out of the ordinary has occurred,”

Hong Lian replied, before asking if his journey had gone smoothly.

“Hehe, quite well,” Lu Changsheng answered with a smile, confident that his trip to Jin Kingdom had been a success.

Although he had not borrowed the artifact to restrict Nascent Soul Spirit Bodies from the Heavenly Sword Sect, he had nonetheless acquired the 【Danghun Bell】.

His subsequent breakthroughs at the Five Poisons Sect, the subjugation of the Yin Ghost Sect, and the conquest of the Heavenly Corpse Sect had all proceeded without incident.

Moreover, the resources he gathered from the Five Poisons, Yin Ghost, and Heavenly Corpse Sects exceeded his expectations.

“Congratulations, Husband,” Hong Lian said, her bright tone reflecting the pleasure in his evident good spirits.

She then mentioned that there was news regarding the Heavenly Sword Sect.

She inquired about the situation at Starry Sea and whether matters were proceeding smoothly.

From these cues, it was clear that the Heavenly Sword Sect was impatient for Lu Changsheng—the Lord of Dameng City and Yangming True Lord—to aid in the Liang-Yue War.

According to intelligence from the Immortal City of Damengze, the Liang-Yue War was in a precarious state,

with a palpable sense that the Yue Kingdom might collapse at any moment.

The conscripted cultivators from Jiang Kingdom were no longer merely assisting with patrols and logistics—they were expected to serve as the main fighting force.

“Hong Lian, please relay the news from the Yin Ghost Sect to the Heavenly Sword Sect,” Lu Changsheng said.

There are no walls that shield secrets.

As the overlord of the neighboring Jiang Kingdom, his actions in Jin could be covered up for a while,

but eventually the Heavenly Sword Sect would notice something amiss.

Rather than wait for them to probe, he preferred to take the initiative and share the good news,

allowing them to retract some of their forces intended to guard against Jin Kingdom and instead support Yue.

Of course, whether the Heavenly Sword Sect would trust him was another matter.

“Husband, even though we have an agreement with the Heavenly Sword Sect and True Lord Juejian, mutual trust is scant,”

Hong Lian admitted. “If this message goes out without quickly cementing our alliance and trust, it might only provoke further suspicion from them.”

Lu Changsheng mused, “In that case, we should wait for the right moment.”

Although he was willing to support the Liang-Yue War, no one could single-handedly reverse the tide and force Liang to retreat.

Even with his formidable strength, incomplete eradication of threats could lead to lingering problems. Resolving the war completely would be a formidable challenge,

and once the news spread, who knew what further complications might arise.

Moreover, there remained the ticking time bomb that was Lu Ancestor.

“Husband, I can now break through to Nascent Soul at any time,” Hong Lian declared.

She had reached the peak of Core Formation two years ago,

delaying her breakthrough in order to prepare thoroughly for a push toward a higher Nascent Soul!

But Lu Changsheng needed to be certain of a smooth breakthrough.

Having once been a Nascent Soul cultivator like him, she did not require excessive time for refining divine techniques.

“Matters of the Nascent Soul are paramount. Don’t rush—prepare well. My recent gains at the Yin Ghost Sect will also aid your Nascent Soul.”

Lu Changsheng, never one to push his wife recklessly, hoped she would steadily consolidate her foundation.

Though he could later enhance his Nascent Soul Spirit Body through dual cultivation of Yin-Yang energy and essence,

his trials with Ah Youduo had shown that his own reserves were only marginally effective for raising his Nascent Soul.

“Thank you, Husband,” Hong Lian replied with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting an elegance carved by time.

She had little interest in the Liang-Yue War,

her concern solely to ease Lu Changsheng’s burdens, knowing he would never rush into a Nascent Soul breakthrough.

“I must attend to some matters; I’ll come to the Immortal City later,” Lu Changsheng said as he observed Lu Miaohuan emerging from the Hall of Everlasting Life, with Lu Miaoyun also arriving at Sumeru Cave Heaven.

After disconnecting the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, Lu Changsheng called out tenderly, “Miaoyun, Huanhuan.”

“Husband, you’ve returned,” Lu Miaoyun exclaimed joyfully.

Clutching a formation plate from the grand Sumeru Illusory Array of Bihu Mountain,

she could immediately sense his return as soon as he activated the Misty Dust Banner.

Meanwhile, having just broken through to Core Formation, Lu Miaohuan’s keen senses immediately alerted her upon Lu Changsheng’s entrance into the cave.

“Mm,” Lu Changsheng replied with a gentle smile.

Back at Bihu Mountain, the sight of his family—wives, concubines, and children—instantly put him at ease, filling him with joy.

His gaze eventually settled on Lu Miaohuan clad in her finely crafted black gauze dress.

Her entire aura mirrored that of the Guiyu Demon Flower, exuding an ineffable, enchanting beauty laced with a mysterious, dangerous vibe.

Her hair, like strands stained with blood, her vibrant red lips, and eyes shining with a similar deep lustre, painted the picture of a demoness from the abyss.

“Congratulations on your breakthrough, my dear Huanhuan. Soon, the legend of Lu Miaohuan as a Core Formation True Person will spread throughout Southern Desolation,”

Lu Changsheng praised, his gaze full of appreciation and admiration.

Even though her appearance might resemble that of a demonic enchantress at first glance,

even Lu Ancestor, having encountered many such demonesses, would not disdain her.

To him, his wife’s look—like a blood-stained poppy blooming in the dead of night—held an irresistible, mesmerizing allure.

In every aspect, be it appearance, figure, or aura, she had advanced by an entire level.

“Huanhuan, what’s the matter?” Lu Changsheng stepped forward with concern, noticing that despite his accolades, his wife did not seem entirely joyful.

He knew well how eagerly she had awaited her Core Formation breakthrough.

“Husband, after my breakthrough…”

Lu Miaohuan, after months immersed in the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method, had gleaned more insights into her Dao Foundation seed.

She realized that she could absorb the Dao Foundation seeds of other practitioners of the method to rapidly enhance her cultivation and accelerate her seed’s growth.

Likewise, other cultivators of the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method could potentially do the same.

At present, having just reached Core Formation, she could only sense those close to her—Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and Xia Ziyue.

But as her roots continued to sprout and expand, her detection range might extend even further, possibly allowing her to sense other practitioners from afar.

If she ultimately broke through to Nascent Soul, reaching the stage of blooming and fruitful fruition, the effect could be extraordinarily amplified.

Confronted by these insights and doubts, Lu Miaohuan felt a surge of pressure.

“Absorb the Dao Foundation seeds of fellow Heaven and Earth Everlasting cultivators!”

Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat; he never imagined that the very method designed to aid his wife’s innate cultivation would harbor such a hidden danger.

Gazing into his wife’s flawless, pale wrist where the nascent Dao Foundation seed was beginning to sprout within her Qi Sea Dantian,

he envisioned a future where, upon breaking through to Nascent Soul, that seed would mature into a full-fledged fruit.

“It appears that someone may have deliberately leaked this fragment of the method,” he mused. In his early days, his insight had been limited,

but now as a Nascent Soul True Lord his vision far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators.

He knew the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method was no trivial art—it had significant origins.

Someone, perhaps a high-level practitioner, had intentionally disseminated this incomplete version to harvest its benefits later.

After all, the method’s harsh cultivation requirements meant that even obtaining a third-rank Life-Bound Spirit Plant was extremely difficult,

and even if one managed to break through to Core Formation, the road ahead remained arduous.

But Lu Miaohuan had already dedicated herself to this method with no turning back,

and Lu Changsheng comforted her tenderly, wrapping her in an embrace and saying, “Huanhuan, Miaoyun, you need not worry.”

“Once I break through to Nascent Soul, hardly any nation around will be a match. We’ll avoid trouble, and no one will dare come after us.”

“Later, I’ll gather more information about this method to see if we can recover its missing chapters,”

Lu Changsheng said in a confident, relaxed tone imbued with an aura of supremacy.

This was not empty boasting—it stemmed from genuine confidence in his strength!

Barely two years into his Nascent Soul stage, he could easily decimate veteran cultivators like True Lord Pinghai,

and with the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, he had previously shattered a formation of four Nascent Soul cultivators’ Dao Soldiers singlehandedly.

Now having broken through to the second layer of Nascent Soul and reaching mid Fourth-Rank body refinement, his might had grown even further, leaving him unfazed by cultivators below the late Nascent Soul stage.

If he unleashed his full might, even late Nascent Soul cultivators would be put to the test.

Moreover, having not invested in any specialized Nascent Soul techniques in the past two years, all he needed to do was deepen his cultivation of his Nascent Soul Domain and divine techniques to further elevate his strength.

Furthermore, his resource gains from the Yin Ghost Sect were abundant.

Once he refined the Xuanmu Gourd into his personal life’s magical treasure—the 【Yin-Yang Creation Gourd】—he would be able to rapidly nurture the first batch of Dao Soldiers!

Then, with his Dao Soldiers fully formed, his combat prowess would soar to an entirely new level.

Beyond his own progress, he planned to invest the many spirit stones, pills, and natural treasures acquired from the Yin Ghost Sect into the family,

fostering rapid growth among the Lu Family disciples—each advancement doubling as a system reward and generous endowment.

In short, Lu Changsheng was brimming with confidence about his imminent rise in power!

“Mm~”

The hundred-year marital couple, Lu Miaohuan and Lu Miaoyun, trusted Lu Changsheng implicitly, convinced that their husband was invincible.

At that moment, under his reassuring words, any lingering worries in Lu Miaohuan vanished like smoke.

Soon after, she joyfully looked forward to her Core Formation ceremony, where, as a Core Formation True Person, she would journey to Qingzhu Mountain to pay homage to her father.

“Husband,” Lu Miaohuan’s eyes shone with hopeful anticipation as she spoke, dreaming of that day.

No longer the arrogant second young lady of her past,

she was now fully aware that the repeated emergence of Core Formation cultivators could attract unwanted attention,

especially given her average talent for Core Formation—if word got out, trouble was sure to follow.

“Alright, Huanhuan. Pick a lucky day!”

Lu Changsheng caressed his wife’s hand, his eyes brimming with tender affection as he replied.

He knew that the frequent occurrences of Core Formation within the family would inevitably draw the covetous and suspicious eyes of other factions,

particularly considering his wife’s less-than-stellar natural talent.

But after a hundred years together,

the formerly willful second young lady had mellowed with time, and her self-imposed seclusion to cultivate with the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method had only made her all the more endearing.

How could Lu Changsheng not be pleased by his wife’s modest wishes?

After all, his relentless cultivation had always been aimed at providing his family a life free of worries and full of fulfillment.

“Miaoyun, how is the ceremony coming along?”

Lu Changsheng recalled that a ceremony was currently underway in the family. He inquired if he needed to join.

“Husband, don’t worry,” Lu Miaoyun promptly replied. “With Lu Ping’an and Sister Miaoge at the helm, everything is under control.”

After all, every year Bihu Mountain held grand ceremonies; other families merely sent a representative with gifts, without much fuss.

The only noteworthy matter was the envoy from Huang Yuan Mountain, testing their stance on nurturing Wang Yanjing while simultaneously aiming to seize the Five Elements Mountain.

“Five Elements Mountain,” Lu Changsheng scoffed, already inclined to dismiss the influence of the Wang Family.

Years ago, the Lu Ancestor had even bestowed upon him a spiritual contract from the Wang Family,

signifying that once the Wang Family declined, the ancestral grounds—the Five Elements Mountain—would be granted to the Talisman Lu Family.

But Lu Changsheng had never had the leisure to concern himself with matters like that.

Now, he thought, if necessary, he could later have his son, Lu Ping’an, retrieve it.

“What does Jing mean by that?” Lu Changsheng inquired curiously about his daughter-in-law’s remark.

“Jing has no interest in the Wang Family strife; she only says that once our family’s needs demand it, future retrieval of the Five Elements Mountain could be arranged after Lu Xuanqian secures it,”

Lu Miaoyun explained.

“Hehe, that’ll do,” Lu Changsheng laughed, considering that when his grandson Lu Xuanqian eventually broke through to Core Formation and recovered the Five Elements Mountain, it would serve as an ideal training ground for three generations of the Lu Family.

Such a move would not only inspire the third and fourth generations but also encourage them greatly.

After a long conversation with his wife, Lu Changsheng placed the numerous resources—pills, spirit stones, and natural treasures—acquired from the Yin Ghost Sect into the family treasury.

He then transferred a message to his son, Lu Ping’an, and daughter, Lu Wangshu, summoning them to meet him.

On this trip to Jin Kingdom, Lu Changsheng hadn’t forgotten his children; he had procured many fine treasures for them.

For instance, from Ah Youduo he had obtained a rare 【Butterfly Transformation Gu】, which possessed the power to confer rebirth and further refinement—intended to enhance Lu Wangshu’s innate talent.

Furthermore, he had acquired from the Heavenly Corpse Sect a 【Corpse King Pearl】, a top-tier treasure for body refinement.

Not only could it aid in nurturing corpses, but it could also be used to temper the flesh, greatly expediting breakthroughs in body refinement—a vital aid for his son Lu Ping’an.

Without it, given his current pace, it might be an eternity before his breakthrough.

Lu Changsheng also hoped that his son, Lu Ping’an, would break through mid Fourth-Rank body refinement soon, wondering what kind of system reward might accompany his progress.

Lastly, there was the 【Ten Thousand Spirit Blood】 he procured from True Lord Mingsha of the Yin Ghost Sect.

Although refining this blood required massive slaughter—a practice that offended the heavens—it was unlikely to go unused now that it was in his possession.