Chapter 854: Bargains of Destiny

True Lord Juejian, despite whatever might, was a Nascent Soul cultivator standing atop the immortal realm.

Though his inner core trembled, his face still held its customary cold majesty.

Fixing his gaze on the Pinghai Halberd and the Fuhai Jiaolong Spear before him, he spoke in a low tone, “City Lord Wang, are these the life’s magical treasures of the Nascent Soul True Lords from the Zhenhai Seven Sects?”

“Indeed. These two treasures come respectively from True Lord Pinghai and True Lord Fuhai. As for True Lord Tunhai, his life’s magical treasure was destroyed in battle.”

Lu Changsheng smiled subtly and nodded in agreement.

Noticing that True Lord Juejian still harbored doubts, he casually brushed his hand.

“My friend, feel free to examine them closely.”

The Pinghai Halberd and the Fuhai Jiaolong Spear soared directly before True Lord Juejian, inviting his careful inspection.

Seeing Lu Changsheng so magnanimously toss the treasures to him, True Lord Juejian felt a slight shock.

It was as if there were no concern about someone fleeing with these treasures.

Though such life’s magical treasures could only reveal their full potency when wielded by cultivators following a compatible path, others could never exploit their power.

Yet, the materials of any life’s magical treasure were exceedingly rare.

They could be disassembled, refined, recast, or even upgraded into new treasures.

From this effortless gesture, True Lord Juejian sensed Lu Changsheng’s profound confidence.

A confidence born of deep inner strength.

If what was said were true – that these treasures were obtained by slaying two Nascent Soul True Lords, with another’s treasure destroyed – then the might of this City Lord of Dameng was not that of an ordinary veteran but rivaled even his own Senior Brother.

Rather, he was a heavyweight Nascent Soul cultivator mid-way through his journey!

“Thank you, City Lord.”

True Lord Juejian bowed in sincere thanks, taking the two treasures to inspect them meticulously.

A life’s magical treasure was as vital as a cultivator’s second life.

Except in rare cases like Lu Changsheng’s, the intricate patterns of magical energy intertwined in a treasure could directly reveal the owner’s true power.

Judging by the Pinghai Halberd and the Fuhai Jiaolong Spear, True Lord Juejian was convinced that Lu Changsheng was not bluffing.

These were the life’s magical treasures of two Nascent Soul cultivators!

Furthermore, the owner of this trident was by no means inferior to him.

He might even surpass him.

Though the Fuhai Jiaolong Spear was damaged, making it difficult to assess its owner’s strength,

the damage itself sent a chill down his spine.

After all, in a contest between equals, it was nearly impossible to mar a life’s magical treasure so severely.

Only a heavyweight mid-stage cultivator could inflict such damage!

Or someone wielding a top-tier treasure!

“City Lord Wang, your prowess is astounding. I truly admire you,” True Lord Juejian admitted after a deep breath to steady his racing thoughts as he returned the treasures to Lu Changsheng with a respectful bow.

He was now completely convinced of Lu Changsheng’s achievements – flattening the Yin Ghost Sect, slaying True Lord Mingsha, and forging alliances with Heavenly Corpse Sect and Five Poisons Sect –

believing that his counterpart was most likely a heavyweight mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator!

He also understood why only Yangming True Lord, even at Core Formation, could hold his own against a Nascent Soul True Lord.

After all, his opponent was not merely a Core Formation cultivator.

He was a reborn or severely wounded giant of the Nascent Soul stage!

As his thoughts churned, a question surfaced in True Lord Juejian’s mind.

Why would such a top-tier existence choose to settle in his own Jiang Kingdom?

After all, Jiang Kingdom was merely a remote corner of Southern Desolation, hardly a fitting home for a giant.

Especially since, upon arriving, Lu Changsheng had chosen to settle in the Immortal City of Damengze – a region known for its third-rank spiritual veins.

A heavyweight mid-stage cultivator would require at least a fourth-tier spiritual vein to sustain his practice.

Even his own spiritual vein was far from sufficient.

“City Lord, may I ask why someone of your caliber remains in Jiang Kingdom?”

True Lord Juejian’s tone grew more respectful as he inquired.

Earlier, he had questioned Lu Changsheng about why he had subdued the Yin Ghost Sect and allied with Heavenly Corpse Sect and Five Poisons Sect.

Lu Changsheng explained that it was merely to settle a grudge with True Lord Mingsha and to relieve pressure on Jiang Kingdom.

But now, his skepticism had only grown.

He believed that a top-tier cultivator coming to Jiang Kingdom must have a compelling reason!

Was it to evade enemies?

True Lord Juejian felt that was the most likely possibility.

At that moment, he regarded the City Lord of Dameng and Yangming True Lord as nothing more than harbingers of disaster.

Not only had they entangled themselves with myriad forces from Southern Desolation, the Northern Regions, and the Starry Sea, as well as with the formidable Zhenhai Seven Sects, but they might also harbor deadly, unknown foes!

While the Heavenly Sword Sect could dabble in Southern Desolation and the Northern Regions, facing the Zhenhai Seven Sects—with its seven Nascent Soul True Lords, true heavyweight mid-stage cultivators—a single misstep could spell doom.

Furthermore, the thought of the enemy Lu Changsheng was evading was almost too terrible to imagine.

After all, for a heavyweight mid-stage cultivator to hide in such a barren place, his strength had to be formidable – far beyond what the Heavenly Sword Sect could match.

At this moment, True Lord Juejian had no intention of allying with Lu Changsheng.

He only wanted to know why Lu Changsheng had come to Jiang Kingdom and when he planned to depart, hoping fervently that he wouldn’t bring calamity to his home.

The Heavenly Sword Sect simply could not afford such a risk.

Noticing a shift in True Lord Juejian’s tone—marked by newfound respect and cautious distance—Lu Changsheng was somewhat surprised.

He had expected to spar with True Lord Juejian to prove his might, ensuring his words were accepted.

Instead, by merely presenting Lu Lingjing and showcasing the treasures of True Lord Pinghai and True Lord Fuhai, his words had won approval.

It made perfect sense.

After all, few Nascent Soul cultivators possessed multiple life’s magical treasures or two fourth-tier spirit pets.

“Great Calamity,” Lu Changsheng stated solemnly, his face turning grave as he uttered the two words.

He paused for a moment before adding with a tinge of wistfulness, “Fortune and misfortune are intertwined; a great calamity heralds an era of turmoil.”

“Due to certain circumstances, I have come here, sensed an auspicious chance, and chosen to settle in the Immortal City of Damengze in preparation for the great calamity.”

“I invite your sect to form an alliance, so we may join forces to confront the impending crisis.”

Although Lu Changsheng understood the notion of great calamity and turbulent times, he was unclear on the specifics.

Thus, his explanation was intentionally vague, leaving True Lord Juejian to speculate.

“Great Calamity.”

True Lord Juejian’s expression grew even sterner, and he fell silent.

Earlier, he had entertained the idea of forming an alliance with Lu Changsheng and the Immortal City of Damengze.

But now, any thought of alliance had vanished.

After all, such an alliance was nothing more than a gamble.

If entangled in their conflicts, his Heavenly Sword Sect’s millennia-old legacy could crumble, dooming them to endless suffering.

And now that Lu Changsheng had indicated an opportunity in Jiang Kingdom, True Lord Juejian was deeply troubled.

If Lu Changsheng were merely an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator, his sect might negotiate or even force him away.

But a heavyweight mid-stage cultivator with two fourth-tier spirit pets—and possibly a mysterious Nascent Soul partner—was not a foe his sect could easily battle.

“Have City Lord Wang and Qingluan True Lord already formed an alliance?”

True Lord Juejian paused, his tone laced with tentative inquiry.

In the past, the joint efforts of Yangming True Lord and Qingluan True Lord against numerous Nascent Soul cultivators had become legendary throughout Southern Desolation.

Everyone wondered why Yangming True Lord would exert himself so much.

“Indeed,” Lu Changsheng replied without hesitation.

Although he did not interact much with Qingluan True Lord privately, she was akin to a nurturing figure; calling her an ally was hardly an overstatement.

However, True Lord Juejian’s probing made it awkward for Lu Changsheng to mention her whereabouts.

True Lord Juejian longed to ask if the chance Lu Changsheng spoke of was linked to the core opportunity of the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands, and where Qingluan True Lord might be.

But such secret matters were premature given their current rapport.

With a change in expression, he added earnestly, “City Lord, I would be honored if your alliance with the Heavenly Sword Sect could be confirmed, but this monumental decision must be approved by my Senior Brother—I truly cannot decide it myself.”

True Lord Juejian retracted his earlier agreement to the alliance and prepared to negotiate further.

Lu Changsheng naturally noticed the change in his demeanor—a shift towards added respect and cautious deference.

It was entirely understandable.

Trust between the two parties had always been thin, and with such dire matters looming, the Heavenly Sword Sect was unwilling to get overly involved.

Unperturbed, Lu Changsheng stated calmly, “I speak plainly today only to show that I harbor no malice toward your sect and wish to maintain good relations.”

“The Liang-Yue conflict is not just an excuse; the crisis at the Starry Sea is imminent, and I am stretched too thin.”

“Once matters at the Starry Sea are resolved, I will certainly lend my support—and I have proposals and deals I wish to discuss with your sect.”

Lu Changsheng’s tone was even and devoid of arrogance.

“Cooperation? Deals?”

True Lord Juejian furrowed his brow, a deep caution seeping into his mind.

In his view, any deal Lu Changsheng mentioned must inevitably touch upon his sect’s most critical interests.

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly and said, “Not only will I intervene in the Liang-Yue War, but I am also willing to pacify Liang Kingdom and hand those lands over to your sect.”

Lu Changsheng had never been fond of Liang Kingdom.

If not for the entanglements at the Starry Sea, he would have long marched to Liang Kingdom to trample Beast God Mountain and obliterate it.

In his grand design, he planned to turn Jiang Kingdom into his own territory.

But Lu Ancestor would never stoop to seizing territory without a just cause.

Moreover, if he did not require the Heavenly Sword Sect or Yue Kingdom as a defensive bulwark for Jiang Kingdom, why would he resort to such tactics?

Thus, Lu Changsheng intended to exchange Liang Kingdom for Jiang Kingdom with the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Compared to Jiang Kingdom, Liang Kingdom was far more prosperous with multiple fourth-tier spiritual veins.

Rumor had it that even Beast God Mountain’s spiritual vein was far superior to that of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“Handing Liang Kingdom over to your sect!?”

True Lord Juejian was stunned, his caution reaching its zenith.

He knew too well that such a generous gift could hide even greater demands.

Suppressing his inner shock, True Lord Juejian said gravely, “City Lord, are you overly confident?”

“Liang Kingdom has a profound legacy—with Beast God Mountain, the Barebody Sect, and the Asura Sect all housing Nascent Soul True Lords, not to mention Beast God Mountain’s Nine Spirits True Lord who wields a fourth-tier Beast King spirit pet and shows signs of a mid-stage breakthrough!”

“Moreover, according to our Heavenly Sword Sect, the Liang conflict may even be orchestrated by unseen forces!”

Regarding the matter of the Seven Demonic Sects’ envoy, both Ah Youduo and Heavenly Corpse Sect had only vague suspicions—for a hegemon like the Heavenly Sword Sect in Jiang Kingdom, how could they be oblivious?

For years, Jiang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom had been forced onto the defensive, too wary to ambush Liang Kingdom’s Nascent Soul True Lords for fear of these mysterious envoys.

Otherwise, the top-tier fighters of Jiang Kingdom and Yue Kingdom would hardly be any inferior to those of Liang Kingdom.

Not to mention that aside from Beast God Mountain’s Nine Spirits True Lord, no one in Liang Kingdom could match the like of True Lord Xuanjian, the peerless sword cultivator.

With the proper stratagem, decapitating one or two could wind up stopping the war prematurely.

“Does this demonic envoy possess the strength of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator?”

Lu Changsheng inquired calmly.

“Certainly not!”

True Lord Juejian immediately retorted, “How could a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator—among the pinnacle existences even in Southern Desolation—appear in such a remote place?”

Not to mention, even the odds of a heavyweight mid-stage cultivator showing up were slim.

After all, Jiang Kingdom wasn’t exactly thriving; how could there be so many heavyweight cultivators?

Yet it was possible that a mysterious mastermind was secretly orchestrating wars in multiple nations, which would make him extraordinarily powerful.

“Then there’s nothing to worry about?”

Even True Lord Juejian, a Nascent Soul cultivator himself, felt his heart quake at such unwavering confidence.

Such an air of certainty was almost unthinkable!

Despite suspecting that Lu Changsheng before him was indeed a heavyweight mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, he couldn’t help but feel startled.

“City Lord, are you truly that confident?”

True Lord Juejian couldn’t hold back, his eyes flashing with sharp sword-light as he expressed his desire for Liang Kingdom’s lands.

After all, the proposal was too enticing!

His own Senior Brother had once failed in his mid-stage breakthrough.

And with the superior spiritual vein environment of Beast God Mountain compared to that of his sect, if his Senior Brother could tap into that vein, his breakthrough would be far more attainable.

Furthermore, there was talk about enhancing fortune!

Liang Kingdom was far more prosperous than Jiang Kingdom.

If the Heavenly Sword Sect were to obtain the territory of Liang Kingdom, not only would they have access to more resources, but their overall fortune would soar.

A thriving sect, bolstered by abundant fortune, would benefit both the disciples and the founding elders.

Especially since his Senior Brother, a diviner, could harness that fortune to break through more easily.

True Lord Juejian knew full well that his own natural talent lagged behind his Senior Brother’s, making a mid-stage breakthrough even more challenging.

If his sect grew in strength, his chances might improve!

With a light chuckle, Lu Changsheng said, “I have no need to deceive you, my friend. Everything will be revealed in a single battle.”

“City Lord, what is it that you seek by offering Liang Kingdom to our Heavenly Sword Sect?”

Struggling to conceal his emotions, True Lord Juejian asked, eager to discern Lu Changsheng’s true intentions.

Lu Changsheng replied, “Jiang Kingdom.”

He continued, “I mentioned before that I sensed an opportunity here, and I intend to reside in Jiang Kingdom for the long haul.”

“In exchange, Liang Kingdom would be handed over to your sect.”

True Lord Juejian’s eyes flashed with sharp determination.

He had not expected that this City Lord’s ambition would target his very own Jiang Kingdom.

Such a request was nothing short of astonishing!

Had anyone else spoken thus, he might have struck without hesitation.

But in front of him stood Lu Changsheng, someone he deeply respected.

After a moment’s thought, he conceded, “If City Lord Wang can completely pacify Liang Kingdom, then this arrangement is acceptable.”

True Lord Juejian stated steadily.

The City Lord before him had already set his sights on his own Jiang Kingdom.

If his strength truly reached late-stage Nascent Soul levels—enough to subdue Liang Kingdom—then the deal was not something the Heavenly Sword Sect could refuse.

If his strength fell short, it would all be empty talk; the Heavenly Sword Sect would not be bullied.

“Heh, I speak plainly; these matters can wait until after the Liang-Yue War is resolved,” Lu Changsheng said lightly.

“So I have come today to ask—what is the present state of the Liang-Yue War? How much longer can it hold out?”

“It’s hard to say,” replied True Lord Juejian solemnly. “If both sides remain locked in a stalemate, the attrition might allow the conflict to continue for some time. But besides the unseen mastermind and the demonic envoy, a menacing aura of calamity has been building over Liang Kingdom for years, threatening dire consequences if it erupts.”

“And that is why I have repeatedly invited you to aid us—so we might halt this impending disaster.”

Facing Lu Changsheng, True Lord Juejian laid bare the speculations concerning Jiang and Yue Kingdoms.

He suspected that the Nine Spirits True Lord might breach his mid-stage, or that terrifying beings like a fourth-tier Beast God or an Asura Shaman could emerge.

Whatever the eventual outcome, the potential threat was formidable.

“A menacing aura of calamity!?”

Realizing that True Lord Juejian placed tremendous importance on his revelations, Lu Changsheng understood the gravity of the situation.

Yet, the war’s rapid pace and the presence of Nascent Soul True Lords disrupted normal fate, making it difficult to gauge the true peril.

Now, from his distant post in Jiang Kingdom, Lu Changsheng found it nearly impossible to ascertain the ominous aura True Lord Juejian described.

“Mm.”

Glancing over at Lu Lingjing, who was contentedly enjoying his meal, Lu Changsheng said, “I understand. If things become too urgent, I will send my wife and spirit pet to lend assistance and ease the pressure.”

Hearing these words, True Lord Juejian felt an even greater urgency regarding the Liang-Yue War.

A silence fell.

True Lord Juejian wanted to ask, why not simply send your spirit pet first?

But considering the involvement of the Starry Sea and the Zhenhai Seven Sects, he could only clasp his hands in resignation and reply, “Rest assured, if the front lines change, I will inform you immediately.”

“Trust me, True Lord,” Lu Changsheng assured as he bowed once more.

After leaving the Immortal City of Damengze, True Lord Juejian stared out over the endless, azure sea, his heart a whirlwind of emotions.

Today’s conversation had divulged far too much information.

“Sigh… I wonder if this is fortune or misfortune…”

Though he was reluctant to form an alliance with Lu Changsheng due to the inherent risks, the prospect of the Jiang-Liang exchange left him with little choice.

After a moment’s thought, he vanished, hurrying back to the Heavenly Sword Sect to relay the news to his Senior Brother and seek counsel.

He also intended to gather information on the Heaven and Earth Everlasting Method and some of Jiang Kingdom’s secret legends in hopes of uncovering the opportunity Lu Changsheng mentioned!

Back at the City Lord’s Mansion, Lu Changsheng recounted his conversation with True Lord Juejian to Hong Lian and Ling Zixiao.

“The demonic envoy.”

Although Hong Lian and Ling Zixiao oversaw the Immortal City of Damengze, neither possessed detailed intelligence regarding the demonic envoy.

Especially when Lu Changsheng mentioned that this envoy likely hailed from the Seven Demonic Sects, Ling Zixiao felt a deep, unspeakable worry about the war.

After all, as far as she knew, the Seven Demonic Sects were among the most elite forces in the immortal realm of Southern Desolation.

They had once triggered a full-blown clash between righteous and demonic forces that nearly engulfed half of Southern Desolation—a conflict of unimaginable ferocity.

“Hong Lian, prepare your forces. If True Lord Juejian calls for support again, take Xiao Yan along to assist.”

Lu Changsheng did not immediately dispatch Hong Lian since he anticipated another message from True Lord Juejian, and instead instructed Hong Lian and Qian Zhuyan to proceed.

After all, he could not stand by and watch the Liang-Yue War collapse.

Especially given True Lord Juejian’s description, the situation in Liang Kingdom was gravely off-balance.

If Jiang or Yue Kingdom were to fall, his intervention would only compound his troubles.

“Alright~” replied Hong Lian, her red vermilion dress embroidered with phoenix motifs flowing elegantly as she softly acquiesced.

Normally, Lu Changsheng would also check on the Lu Family disciples in Damengze, but time was of the essence.

He handed a Storage Pouch to Ling Zixiao, instructing her to distribute its resources among the Lu Family disciples to boost their cultivation.

Then he turned his attention back to crafting fourth-tier talismans.

Meanwhile, at the Starry Sea and within Zhenhai Sect,

the Star King periodically conducted divinations and predictions regarding the campaign.

Even though the Eastern Emperor’s Heir had been isolated—making it impossible to accurately forecast—

the Star King could use his own mediums to gauge the overall omens.

After prolonged divinations, he sensed that as time passed, his ominous fate was growing worse.

Where once it had been a slight ill-omen, it now steadily edged toward a moderate one.

“No, we cannot delay any longer!”

For a Nascent Soul cultivator, a few years were trivial; he should secure intelligence on the Eastern Emperor’s Heir before acting.

But as the ill-omen worsened, the Star King grew increasingly anxious, feeling that he could no longer wait.

If Yue Zun’s reaction lagged, the ensuing complications would be even more dire.

Immediately, the Star King sought out Zhenhai Patriarch to propose swift action against the Eastern Emperor’s Heir.

Otherwise, he would rather abandon the effort than risk further delays.

“This…”

Zhenhai Patriarch, having witnessed Lu Changsheng’s martial strength, was extremely cautious—unwilling to act unless he was sure of victory.

But faced with Star King’s insistence, he had to ponder carefully.

He then consulted with his mentor, Turtle Immortal Patriarch.

“Auspicious!”

Turtle Immortal Patriarch, drawing upon his innate talents, immediately sensed an auspicious omen.

It came as no surprise.

Being of pure-blood True Spirit lineage and nearly advancing to late fourth stage,

and with the support of both Zhenhai Patriarch and the Star King—two top-tier powers—how could he fear an Eastern Emperor’s Heir armed only with a treasured relic?

In gathering firsthand intelligence, he aimed to proceed with utmost caution.

At the same time, he awaited the return of True Lord Zhenhai and True Lord Lingbo, as well as the restoration of their Nascent Soul.

Since the Star King’s divinations suggested no further delay, Turtle Immortal Patriarch maintained hope.

After all, the Starrymoon Hall was the heir of the Sun-Moon Star Palace, and its divination skills were extraordinary.

They were far superior to his own blood-line talents, which had inherent limitations.

Soon, Turtle Immortal Patriarch set out from the fortress to confer with Zhenhai Patriarch and Star King regarding their next moves.