Chapter 915: The Terrifying Effects of the Beast Taming Ancient Rune, Heading to the Starry Sea!

“On Master’s orders?”

Lu Changsheng had already guessed that Qin Yuning’s visit was at the behest of her master, Shen Jianjia.

Now that she’d said it outright, it confirmed his suspicions—the Xuanmu Daoist alias had been completely exposed.

Plus, he’d used the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror back in the White Dew Palace.

Once word of Yangming True Lord reached the Starry Sea and the Divine Maiden Palace, Shen Jianjia would instantly know that Changsheng True Lord was none other than the Lord of Dameng City, Yangming True Lord.

Lu Changsheng stayed calm and composed as he accepted the jade slip.

The deep blue jade slip shimmered with watery patterns and starry gleams, sealed by several Nascent Soul-level restrictions.

An ordinary Core Formation cultivator couldn’t break through those seals at all.

Even some early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators would struggle and need time to crack it.

But to Lu Changsheng’s late-stage Nascent Soul spirit-soul, such restrictions were no obstacle.

He tapped the edge of the jade slip lightly with his finger, then unleashed a surge from his Taiyi Spirit.

With a faint buzz, the restrictions shattered and dissolved.

A streak of starry light burst forth, transforming into a breathtaking figure straight out of legend.

She wore a palace gown woven from what looked like the Milky Way itself, her form ethereal and her face blurred in a hazy mist.

Even so, her presence radiated an indescribable beauty—peerless, transcendent, and otherworldly.

“Master!?” Qin Yuning recognized it instantly as a trace of her master’s divine sense imprint.

Sure, Nascent Soul cultivators could leave messages via divine sense imprints.

But it drained them heavily, so they only did it for truly critical matters.

Why would her master go to such lengths for this Changsheng True Lord?

Yet this was just a sliver of Shen Jianjia’s divine sense locked in the jade slip—it didn’t hear Qin Yuning’s call.

Gazing at Lu Changsheng, the figure spoke in a serene and detached tone: “Since you’ve unlocked the jade slip’s restrictions so easily, my suspicions are confirmed. Please come to the Divine Maiden Palace for a discussion.”

With those words, the magnificent illusion faded away as if it had never been there.

Through the jade slip’s restrictions, Lu Changsheng realized this was Shen Jianjia’s test and ploy.

If he couldn’t unlock it or had to struggle, her message might have been different.

Only by breaking it effortlessly did he earn an invitation to the Divine Maiden Palace.

“Qin my friend, how has the Third Palace Master been these years?”

Since his alias was exposed just as he’d guessed, Lu Changsheng dropped the pretense and asked Qin Yuning directly.

“Huh?”

Qin Yuning blinked in surprise, staring at Lu Changsheng with suspicion.

How did he know about her little martial uncle?

And she sensed something different about him now—an indefinable aura.

He seemed even more detached, almost aloof, as if standing above the mundane world.

Recalling her master’s orders to visit him, how he’d effortlessly broken the jade slip’s seals, and the appearance of her master’s divine sense imprint, Qin Yuning grew more respectful. “The Third Palace Master is doing well.”

“She hasn’t attempted to break through to Nascent Soul yet?”

Lu Changsheng pressed on, suspecting Shen Jianjia sought him out because of Shen Yiren’s Nascent Soul breakthrough.

The reason was straightforward.

Shen Yiren had long met the conditions for advancing to Nascent Soul.

She’d held back only to minimize risks from the heavenly tribulation and aim for a superior Nascent Soul quality.

Over a decade later, with no breakthrough, there could be only one cause—the heart demon tribulation!

Aside from that unpredictable factor, Shen Yiren’s background, foundation, and talent made Nascent Soul a certainty.

And back in the White Dew Palace, the pregnancy with Shen Yuanming would surely affect someone like Shen Yiren, leaving a flaw in her mindset.

“No.”

Qin Yuning’s confusion deepened. What was this Changsheng True Lord’s background?

He not only knew her third martial uncle but was asking about her breakthrough to Nascent Soul.

After all, Shen Yiren’s delay in attempting Nascent Soul puzzled the Divine Maiden Palace, Penglai Island, and many forces in the Starry Sea.

Many cultivators and sects believed the third of the Divine Maiden Palace’s sisters, Shen Yiren, was destined for Nascent Soul.

Yet years had passed with no action, leaving everyone baffled.

Even Qin Yuning wondered about it.

From what she knew, her third martial uncle should have been ready long ago.

“If you’re not in a rush, Qin my friend, I’ll accompany you to Penglai Island in a few days.”

Lu Changsheng had planned to head to the Forbidden Sea first to fulfill his agreement with the Green Dragon King, then visit the Divine Maiden Palace.

But now, with Qin Yuning delivering Shen Jianjia’s divine sense jade slip…

Since she knew his true identity, he decided not to delay and head to the Divine Maiden Palace first.

As for any danger in meeting Shen Jianjia again…

Back in the White Dew Palace, he’d relied on the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror and threats involving Shen Baishuang and Shen Yiren to escape safely.

Now, Lu Changsheng had the strength to face this leader of the Divine Maiden Palace, one of the Starry Sea’s top cultivators, head-on.

“Now that the jade slip is delivered, I can return on my own.”

Qin Yuning couldn’t quite figure out Changsheng True Lord, so she replied respectfully.

“Your cultivation lets you cross Da Mengze back to Penglai Island, but the journey holds dangers, and it’d be too slow. I’ll take you with me when I go.”

Lu Changsheng spoke calmly, no longer masking his mana as a faint Nascent Soul aura seeped out.

“A Nascent Soul True Lord!?”

Qin Yuning’s body trembled, her heart pounding in shock.

She never imagined this Changsheng True Lord, vice lord of Dameng Immortal City, was a Nascent Soul True Lord!

Over these days, she’d gathered information about Jiang Kingdom and the Talisman Lu Family in Dameng Immortal City.

She knew Changsheng True Lord’s rise was legendary, far from ordinary.

But she hadn’t dreamed he was a Nascent Soul True Lord!

Even though her master led the Divine Maiden Palace as a top Nascent Soul cultivator in the Starry Sea, and she herself aimed for Nascent Soul someday…

As a Core Formation cultivator facing a Nascent Soul True Lord, she dared not show any disrespect.

She immediately bowed. “Thank you, True Lord.”

“Rest for a few days. Once I handle my affairs, we’ll set off for Penglai Island.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

Qin Yuning had no objections, remaining deeply respectful.

She understood why her master had sent her all this way to meet this ‘Changsheng True Lord’.

But after they parted and she returned to her quarters, Qin Yuning’s mind reeled.

Dameng Immortal City was just a remote third-rank immortal city.

Yet besides City Lord Yangming True Lord, the vice city lord Changsheng True Lord was also a Nascent Soul True Lord.

And according to reports, there was also a city lord’s wife.

Rumors said she was only at Core Formation.

But given Yangming True Lord and Changsheng True Lord’s situations, this wife was likely a Nascent Soul cultivator too!

Why would three Nascent Soul True Lords linger in such a small place?

Qin Yuning’s mind swirled with confusion.

Jiang Kingdom’s resources were limited, far inferior to the Starry Sea.

A third-rank spiritual land like Dameng Immortal City couldn’t even support one Nascent Soul cultivator’s daily cultivation.

Let alone three.

Especially Yangming True Lord, rumored to be a mid-Nascent Soul powerhouse.

With that strength, he’d be a dominant force even in the Starry Sea!

Qin Yuning didn’t dwell on it. She crushed a communication talisman to inform her master that the jade slip had been delivered.

But when Qin Yuning handed the jade slip to Lu Changsheng and he broke the seals, Shen Jianjia in the Divine Maiden Palace on Penglai Island sensed it immediately.

“So he really is a reincarnated old monster. But what was his goal in coming to my Divine Maiden Palace back then?”

Shen Jianjia had suspected Lu Changsheng was a reincarnated ancient powerhouse.

How else could a Core Formation cultivator possess fourth-rank body refinement, a Nascent Soul spirit-soul, and a celestial treasure!

Now, through the jade slip’s restrictions, she knew he wasn’t just that—he had a mid-Nascent Soul spirit-soul.

After breaking through to Nascent Soul, advancing cultivation, physique, or spirit-soul became incredibly difficult.

For him to have a mid-Nascent Soul spirit-soul, he had to be a reincarnated old monster—no other explanation.

Even Shen Jianjia, as head of the Divine Maiden Palace, felt wary of such a being.

She wanted to know his true intentions in visiting the Divine Maiden Palace.

If it was scheming…

During his time as Xuanmu Daoist, serving as a guest elder, he’d done nothing to harm the palace.

In fact, he’d helped greatly—capturing Starry Sea pirates and aiding Shen Baishuang against the Six Paths Demon Concubine.

His involvement with her two sisters wasn’t his fault; it stemmed from her second sister.

And throughout, he hadn’t taken undue advantage, using dual cultivation to harvest their yin essence.

He’d even used Shen Baishuang’s yin essence to nurture her little sister Shen Yiren.

So Shen Jianjia remained puzzled.

She planned to meet him, clear the air, and ask him to help resolve her little sister’s inner turmoil.

Though he’d been intimate with her two sisters…

What was done was done; dwelling on it helped no one.

Now, the priority was minimizing damage, helping her little sister overcome her heart knot and break through to Nascent Soul.

For a Nascent Soul powerhouse like her, virginity held value but wasn’t paramount.

Back at the city lord’s mansion, Lu Changsheng informed Hong Lian and Ling Zixiao about Qin Yuning and the Divine Maiden Palace matter.

“Hong Lian, I’m heading to the Starry Sea. Lingxiao and the Holy Maiden, along with True Lord Incinerating Wither, will return from Liang Kingdom soon. You’ll handle their arrival and management.”

“Once Heavenly Sword Sect’s relocation is complete, send word. I’ll return immediately to help you break through to Nascent Soul.”

Lu Changsheng knew Hong Lian was nearly ready for her Nascent Soul breakthrough.

Her resources for forming the Nascent Soul were already prepared.

The spiritual vein for the breakthrough wasn’t an issue either.

She could attempt it at Heavenly Sword Sect, one of the Zhenhai Seven Sects, Jin Kingdom, or the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range.

That said, Lu Changsheng favored Heavenly Sword Sect, the future Yangming Mountain.

First, the Zhenhai Seven Sects’ spiritual lands were all in the vast ocean, water-based, which suited Hong Lian’s fire cultivation only moderately.

The same went for Jin Kingdom’s Five Poisons Sect, Yin Ghost Sect, and Heavenly Corpse Sect.

The Myriad Beasts Mountain Range was fine but required setting up formations to avoid demon king interruptions.

So Yangming Mountain was the most convenient.

Second, per fortune principles, with Jiang Kingdom changing hands and Heavenly Sword Sect relocating, renaming it Yangming Mountain would bring intangible fortune blessings.

As his wife and the domain’s mistress, Hong Lian might gain fortune benefits too.

“Don’t worry, husband.” Hong Lian replied softly.

Though only at Core Formation, she felt no fear handling the Holy Maiden and True Lord Incinerating Wither’s Liang affairs—calm and composed.

“With you and Zixiao here, I’m at ease.” Lu Changsheng smiled.

Over the years, his family’s stability owed much to his wives’ management.

Especially in Dameng Immortal City, Hong Lian and Ling Zixiao had been indispensable.

The three chatted as husband and wives for a while before heading to the cave residence for deeper companionship, sharing longing and affection.

A few days later, Lu Changsheng went to accompany Xu Ruoyin.

Though decades had passed and she’d awakened past-life memories, shifting her mindset slightly…

Lu Ancestor was always proactive.

After some tender care, he had the reincarnated great cultivator in her disheveled red gown yielding beneath him.

Perhaps because he’d long posed as a reincarnated powerhouse, facing Xu Ruoyin—a true reincarnated great cultivator—added a unique thrill.

A day and night later, in the cave residence, the bed sheets lay wrinkled, scattered with gowns, shoes, and socks.

Xu Ruoyin resembled a phoenix goddess, her fair skin glistening with a layer of translucent scarlet-gold flames.

Her eyes burned fiercely like fire, pupils like amber, a phoenix mark faintly visible on her brow, her parted lips glistening crimson.

Most striking were the fiery phoenix wings extending from her back.

They swayed with her graceful form and flowing red hair, radiating captivating beauty.

Time passed until Xu Ruoyin let out a phoenix-like cry, her body going limp, trembling, toes curling tightly.

Lu Changsheng cast a cleaning spell to tidy the scene, then held her close, asking about her plans ahead.

“I’m planning to use the Beast Taming Ancient Rune to raise the Heavenly Fire Mink and Fire Python Tiger to third-rank, then head to the Beast Taming Xu Family.” Xu Ruoyin said softly.

Though she’d broken through to Core Formation, only her Heavenly Demon Phoenix had advanced to third-rank under her Core Formation essence.

The Heavenly Fire Mink and Fire Python Tiger remained at top second-rank.

Now with the Beast Taming Ancient Rune reclaimed, she aimed to elevate both pets to third-rank and further enhance their bloodlines!

“Even with the Beast Taming Ancient Rune, raising the Heavenly Fire Mink and Fire Python Tiger to third-rank would take years, maybe over a decade, right?”

Lu Changsheng knew the rune aided spirit beast growth but had limits.

“If you’re going to the Beast Taming Xu Family, you could go with Hong Lian and take control of Dragon Head Mountain.”

Lu Changsheng knew the Xu Family’s ancestor had grudges with Xu Ruoyin.

Such matters he could resolve easily now, but it wasn’t worth his direct involvement.

He didn’t mind Hong Lian helping Xu Ruoyin settle it, letting her take charge of the Beast Taming Xu Family as a major Jiang Kingdom clan.

Simply put, with Heavenly Sword Sect relocating, Jiang Kingdom would lack reliable forces.

If Xu Ruoyin controlled the Beast Taming Xu Family, she’d be a trusted ally.

“With my awakened past wisdom, I’ve gained the true method to use the Beast Taming Ancient Rune. It can plunder bloodline essence and life origin from other demon beasts to cultivate and elevate others, allowing the fastest advancement to third-rank.”

Xu Ruoyin explained softly, revealing the rune’s true effects.

Normally, she’d keep such secrets close.

But with her life now tied to Lu Changsheng’s side, her pets’ growth couldn’t be hidden from him.

Better to reveal it upfront.

“Plunder bloodline essence and life origin from demon beasts?” Lu Changsheng was surprised.

It sounded like many demonic path methods or beast-taming acceleration techniques.

“No side effects?” Lu Changsheng asked, doubting Xu Ruoyin would risk stunting her pets.

“That’s the rune’s superiority—the cultivation process causes no harm to the spirit pets.” Xu Ruoyin replied softly.

As a beast tamer, her fate intertwined with her contracted pets; she wouldn’t jeopardize their future.

“Besides this ability, does the Beast Taming Ancient Rune have other powers?”

Lu Changsheng asked curiously, sensing the rune’s value exceeded his expectations.

“Aside from that, it exerts pressure and can enslave demon beasts.”

Xu Ruoyin described the rune’s current abilities.

Lu Changsheng already knew it suppressed demon beasts.

But Xu Ruoyin’s version wasn’t the simple suppression he’d seen.

It imposed powerful bloodline and spirit-soul suppression on all demon beasts and fierce beasts!

A third-rank demon king facing Xu Ruoyin with the rune would have its combat power reduced by thirty to fifty percent.

Beasts below third-rank would lose all resistance.

Once fully suppressed, she could forcibly enslave them, imprinting a ‘Beast Taming Seal’—utterly domineering.

Enslaved beasts could then be transformed via the rune into ‘Mysterious Beast Dao Soldiers’, ‘Earth Beast Dao Soldiers’, or ‘Heavenly Beast Dao Soldiers’ for her command!

Though the number of enslaved beasts was limited by Xu Ruoyin’s cultivation and spirit-soul.

Transforming them into dao soldiers also consumed significant resources and time.

Still, the Beast Taming Ancient Rune’s effects were astonishingly powerful!

Given time, she could max out her spirit pets’ potential swiftly.

And build a demon beast army, a top-tier dao soldier force!

Back then, Qingluan True Lord became Jiang Kingdom’s top rogue cultivator with five hundred Qingluan dao soldiers.

Xu Ruoyin’s potential, once grown, would eclipse even that—terrifying.

Especially since she could enslave beasts as cannon fodder, gather resources, explore secret realms and dangers, rising rapidly.

“Tsk.” Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly. Without meeting him, with the Beast Taming Ancient Rune and Hong Lian as her portable mentor, Xu Ruoyin might have become a second Qingluan True Lord—or greater.

The rune’s abilities were truly overpowered.

“Can Hong Lian activate the rune?” Lu Changsheng asked.

Hong Lian was nearing Nascent Soul; mastering the rune’s full power could let her quickly form a third-rank dao soldier unit.

“The rune seems tied to my past life somehow. Though Senior Hong Lian slumbers within and holds some authority, she may not wield it as I do.”

Xu Ruoyin revealed the rune’s powers fully because only she could unleash them completely.

But there was one wildcard.

Their son, Lu Chensha.

Having cultivated the Beast Art, he was the third person besides her and Hong Lian who could use the rune.

If he learned the true method, whether he could fully activate its power remained unclear to Xu Ruoyin.

“Mm, you can tell Hong Lian later and see if she can use it. Her help would make things easier for you.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, hoping Hong Lian could wield it but not forcing it if she couldn’t.

A few days later, with affairs in the immortal city and Jiang Kingdom settled, Lu Changsheng prepared to head to the Starry Sea and Penglai Island with Qin Yuning.

Considering Hong Lian might lack deterrence against True Lord Xuanjian and the Holy Maiden…

And she’d need to trade True Lord Qianren’s Nascent Soul spirit body with Seven Killings Sect and Yuan Kingdom cultivators, Lu Changsheng left the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass in Dameng Immortal City.

If issues arose, Hong Lian could call on the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass for aid.

Or have it transform into the Nine Calamity Sword for slaying foes and intimidation.

Though Hong Lian lacked his mana and physique to maximize the Nine Calamity Sword’s power…

His feats wielding it in the Liang-Yue War—capturing multiple Nascent Soul cultivators—had cemented his reputation as a Nascent Soul powerhouse!

So the Nine Calamity Sword alone would serve as absolute deterrence!

As for his own combat power without the Nine Calamity Sword…

With the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, unless a late-stage Nascent Soul great cultivator set elaborate traps, no one could stop him.

Besides, on this Starry Sea trip, Lu Changsheng planned to visit Fuhai Sect and bring Turtle Immortal Patriarch along.

With Turtle Immortal Patriarch by his side, it was far more reliable than the Nine Calamity Sword.

“Hong Lian, Zixiao, if anything comes up, just send word. Don’t worry about disturbing me.”

Lu Changsheng instructed his wives, knowing they’d only contact him for critical matters.

“Mm, be careful, husband.” Hong Lian and Ling Zixiao nodded.

“Don’t worry.” Lu Changsheng hugged them farewell, notified Qin Yuning, and set off for the Starry Sea.