Chapter 385: Gambling and fighting, losing the gold chisel again!
Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge did not go directly to Golden Dragon Ridge.
Instead, they first came to White Tiger Mountain to inquire about the recent situation there.
Because of Jin Zan’s breakthrough to False Core, White Tiger Mountain had been in a semi-closed state for the past six months.
The puppet business either relied on鏢衛 (bodyguards/escorts) for delivery or cooperating forces to pick up goods, showing great caution.
“Father, Aunt.”
Lu Qingsong and Lu Xianzhi reported on the affairs of White Tiger Mountain.
“Mhm.”
After listening to the general situation, Lu Changsheng sighed in his heart when he saw that his son, Lu Xianzhi, was still at the sixth level of Qi Refining.
This son had a ninth-grade spirit root and was busy with affairs.
Even with high-grade Breakthrough Pills, breaking through to the late stage of Qi Refining was not easy.
After feeding a ‘Beast Essence Pill’ to the Nine Nether Mastiff, Lu Changsheng piloted the flying boat and headed to Golden Dragon Ridge with Lu Miaoge.
Golden Dragon Ridge was a vast and continuous mountain range.
Looking down from high altitude, it resembled a giant azure dragon coiled up.
Under the protection array of the Jin family, the mountain range glowed with a faint golden spiritual light, and from a distance, it truly looked like a fierce and mighty golden dragon.
At this moment, Golden Dragon Ridge was very lively.
Many cultivators were coming and going at the mountain gate.
As soon as the spirit boat piloted by Lu Changsheng stopped outside the Golden Dragon Ridge mountain gate, a Jin family Foundation Establishment Elder stepped forward to greet them.
“Mountain Master Lu, Madam Lu, it is a great pleasure to have you here. Please come in.”
“Mhm.”
Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, took out a brocade box, and said, “Congratulations to your esteemed clan’s Great Elder Jin Zan on his successful Core Formation.”
Since they came to attend the ceremony, they naturally had to bring a gift.
Otherwise, it would seem that their family was too petty.
“Mountain Master Lu is too kind.”
The Foundation Establishment Elder opened the brocade box and glanced inside, his pupils shrinking slightly. He said something to the attendant next to him and then invited the two into Golden Dragon Ridge.
“Blue Lake Mountain, Mountain Master Lu, Madam of the Mountain Master has arrived! Presenting a top-grade second-tier spirit talisman!”
The attendant nearby immediately announced loudly.
“Blue Lake Mountain Master Lu Changsheng, then this must be his wife, Lu Miaoge?”
“They truly are a pair of immortal companions.”
“Rumor has it that this Lu couple cultivates a dual cultivation technique and possesses astonishing combat power. I wonder what their strength is like now…”
“I heard that back then, the Lu couple defeated Old Ancestor Jin, who is holding the Core Formation Ceremony this time, and rose to fame in that battle. I didn’t expect them to come and attend the ceremony.”
“After all, the two families haven’t completely fallen out, so it’s normal for them to attend the ceremony.”
“Not only that, I heard that this Great Elder of the Jin family was originally going to attempt True Core Formation, but because he lost to the Lu couple, the spirit materials prepared for Core Formation were used for compensation and apologies, causing him to have to settle for forming a False Core instead.”
“Hiss, is that true? If so, wouldn’t the two families have a grudge of obstructing the Dao?”
“If that’s the case, there will be a good show to watch.”
Many people secretly looked at Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, discussing in low voices.
Under the guidance of the Jin family, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge arrived at a mountain villa.
Many guests who came to attend the ceremony were already gathered here, and there were quite a few familiar faces among them.
These people looked at Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, greeted them one after another, and cupped their hands in salute.
Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge were invited into the main hall of the villa and seated.
Inside the hall, the Old Ancestor of the Jin family and the newly promoted False Core Old Ancestor, Jin Zan, were seated in the main positions.
Seeing the two, they said politely, “Haha, Mountain Master Lu, Madam Lu, long time no see.”
“Old Ancestor Jin, Elder Jin, congratulations, congratulations.”
Lu Changsheng said with a chuckle, offering his congratulations.
Although he wanted to find an opportunity to kill the two, he remained polite on the surface.
“Congratulations to Elder Jin on his successful Core Formation.”
Lu Miaoge also offered her congratulations.
“Haha, thanks to Mountain Master Lu and Madam Lu. If it weren’t for that battle back then, I, Jin, might not have been able to understand my true heart and successfully form a core.”
Jin Zan said with a forced smile.
“Hiss!”
The other cultivators in the hall were immediately surprised and suspicious upon hearing this.
They didn’t expect this Great Elder of the Jin family to be so aggressive right from the start.
It seemed that the animosity between the two families was difficult to resolve.
“It’s mainly because Elder Jin is exceptionally talented and possesses great perseverance and willpower.”
Lu Changsheng pretended not to understand the hidden meaning in his words and said with a smile.
In his eyes, Jin Zan was already a dead man.
As the saying goes, the dead are to be respected, so why bother with such matters with the other party?
After the two were seated, the ceremony continued.
This process was nothing more than drinking and chatting, discussing some matters and news of the cultivation world, or talking about business cooperation.
The Jin family took this opportunity to showcase their strength and talk about some general plans of the family and other nonsense.
Just as they were finishing their drinks, Jin Zan held his wine cup and came to Lu Changsheng’s table, saying, “Mountain Master Lu, Madam Lu, back then, I, Jin, was defeated by you and have always wanted to find an opportunity to challenge you again.”
“Now there is a good opportunity. I wonder if the two of you can fulfill a long-cherished wish of mine.”
Jin Zan had thick dark beard and hair, and a dignified face. His calm and polite voice was full of gunpowder.
Anyone could hear the meaning behind his words – he wanted to regain face.
“Tsk tsk tsk, this Great Elder of the Jin family doesn’t even care about losing face, challenging two Foundation Establishment cultivators just after breaking through to False Core.”
“Jin Zan is not only trying to regain face, but also to test the strength of the Lu Changsheng couple.”
“It is estimated that the Jin family wants to attack Blue Lake Mountain, and is taking this opportunity to test the strength of the two.”
“Back then, the Lu couple combined their strength and were comparable to the peak of Foundation Establishment. Now, more than ten years have passed, and I don’t know what their strength is like.”
Most of the family ancestors present watched with a look of enjoying the show.
Although most of them were unwilling to see the Jin family rise.
But they also did not want to see Blue Lake Mountain rise.
They were very happy to see Golden Dragon Ridge and Blue Lake Mountain entangled, and it would be best if both sides fought to the death.
Lu Yuanzhong, Bai Yunyang, and some other Foundation Establishment cultivators who were on good terms with Blue Lake Mountain had solemn expressions and looked at Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge with some worry.
Although Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge had said before that their current strength could contend with a False Core True Person.
But they couldn’t help but worry in their hearts.
“Elder Jin has now achieved the status of a False Core True Person. How could we, husband and wife, be your opponents?”
Lu Changsheng did not expect the other party to play such a trick on him, and directly refused.
This kind of thing was thankless, and no matter whether they won or lost, it could cause trouble for their family.
“Mountain Master Lu is truly too modest. The dual cultivation technique of you and Madam Lu is something I, Jin, have rarely seen in my life, so I have always wanted to experience it again.”
“Of course, I, Jin, will not let Mountain Master Lu and Madam Lu make a move in vain.”
“Regardless of whether I win or lose, I, Jin, am willing to offer a purple copper mine in the Black Cloud Mountain Range as a gift.”
Jin Zan continued.
As soon as these words came out, the people in the hall were in an uproar.
They didn’t expect Jin Zan to be so generous!
One should know that a purple copper mine, no matter how small, was worth tens of thousands of spirit stones.
Spending tens of thousands of spirit stones just to fight with Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge?
However, none of the people in the hall were fools.
They knew that the more Jin Zan acted like this, the more determined his idea of attacking Blue Lake Mountain was.
As long as the strength of Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge was not as expected, they would seize the opportunity to attack Blue Lake Mountain.
“Purple copper mine…”
Lu Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat, but he still refused, saying, “I, Lu, just want to focus on cultivating health, studying the art of talisman making and alchemy, and am not skilled in combat.”
He decided in his heart that after the Jin family ceremony ended, he would stay at Golden Dragon Ridge for three months.
“It seems that Mountain Master Lu doesn’t think much of the small matter of the purple copper mine.”
Jin Zan was relentless and continued, “Since that’s the case, let’s add a little more to the stakes!”
“If I, Jin, lose, Mountain Master Lu can propose any condition.”
“But if I, Jin, win, Mountain Master Lu only needs to hand over White Tiger Mountain!”
“The Zhao family of White Tiger Mountain and my Jin family are old friends. Back then, the Zhao family invited me, Jin, to help, but I failed to contribute, causing the destruction of the Zhao family. I have always regretted it and wanted to return White Tiger Mountain to the Zhao family, so please, Mountain Master Lu, do not refuse!”
The smile on Jin Zan’s face gradually disappeared, and he stared directly at Lu Changsheng, his calm and indifferent tone giving people a sense of dominance.
If it were in the past, why would he be so long-winded with Lu Changsheng?
But Blue Lake Mountain not only had the Lu couple, but also a Lu Qingshan!
This Lu Qingshan was too monstrous!
After learning the news that Lu Qingshan had challenged at the Heavenly Sword Sect and suppressed all those of the same cultivation level.
They sent people to Yue Country to learn about the news and situation of this Lu Qingshan.
They knew that this Lu Qingshan had won the first place in the Sword Trial at the Golden Sun Sect during the Qi Refining stage and was promoted to true disciple.
Afterward, he also won the first place in the Five Sect Grand Competition in Yue Country, challenged multiple immortal sects, and suppressed his peers, earning the title of Little Sword Immortal.
Such a prodigy, as long as he didn’t die young, was destined to achieve Core Formation!
It was precisely because of Lu Qingshan that they wanted to attack Blue Lake Mountain, but they were also apprehensive and dared not kill them all or go too far.
So they thought of using this method to take back White Tiger Mountain without bloodshed and with justification.
“You dog, you’re showing your true colors now.”
Lu Changsheng sneered in his heart.
Now that many of his family’s industries had moved to White Tiger Mountain, he naturally couldn’t just hand it over.
However, with the other party’s stance, he also understood that if he refused again, the other party would use the opportunity to attack White Tiger Mountain.
“The Zhao family of White Tiger Mountain is affiliated with my Blue Lake Mountain. They are living well in White Tiger Mountain now, so where does this talk of destruction come from?”
“However, since Elder Jin has said this much, if I, Lu, don’t agree, I would be ungrateful.”
“As long as Elder Jin can provide a corresponding stake, my wife and I will accept this gamble.”
Lu Changsheng was no longer so polite and said with an indifferent expression.
Since the other party insisted on fighting, so be it.
But the benefits must be sufficient!
He just happened to use this opportunity to show his False Core combat power with Lu Miaoge, to deter the surrounding families, and then cultivate with peace of mind for Core Formation.
“Hiss, he actually agreed!”
“Does this Lu Changsheng really have the confidence to defeat Jin Zan?”
“Jin Zan has just broken through to False Core not long ago and doesn’t have magic treasures or divine abilities yet. Maybe Lu Changsheng is counting on this.”
“Even without divine abilities or magic treasures, a False Core True Person is not comparable to a Foundation Establishment cultivator!”
The cultivators in the field heard Lu Changsheng’s words and looked at him and Lu Miaoge one after another, wanting to know where he got his confidence from.
“My Golden Dragon Ridge has a second-tier spiritual land under its name called Kui Niu Mountain. How about using this mountain as the stake?”
Jin Zan saw Lu Changsheng agree and said directly.
Others were wary of the strength of the Lu couple, thinking that their combined strength was comparable to False Core, and they could even kill a False Core.
But he knew very well in his heart that this news was released by his own family.
Even if the Lu couple both broke through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment and their strength greatly increased, he did not believe that the two were his opponents.
After all, Foundation Establishment and False Core were completely different levels!
Only by breaking through to False Core could one understand the chasm-like difference between the two!
“Kui Niu Mountain?”
Lu Changsheng heard this and took out a jade slip from his storage bag to check.
This was a map of the distribution of forces in the Azure Cloud territory.
When he saw the location of Kui Niu Mountain, Lu Changsheng shook his head and said, “This Kui Niu Mountain is too far from my Blue Lake Mountain.”
“I remember that the Tao family of Monkey Mountain is an affiliated family of your Golden Dragon Ridge, right?”
“If Elder Jin is willing to use Monkey Mountain as the stake and add another thirty thousand spirit stones, I, Lu, would be willing to accept this gamble.”
Lu Changsheng looked at the distribution of forces on the map in his hand and said after a moment of thought.
This Monkey Mountain was not far from White Tiger Mountain. The family did spirit wine business and planted spirit fruit trees all over the mountain.
If it could be brought under their own name, it could also help their spirit wine business thrive.
As soon as these words came out, an old man not far away froze.
He didn’t expect that Lu Changsheng and Jin Zan’s gamble would involve his own family.
“Good, good, good!”
Jin Zan was angered to laughter by Lu Changsheng’s actions.
The gamble hasn’t even started yet, and you’ve already picked a spiritual land?
Do you really think you can still win against me?
Jin Zan said coldly, “Okay, since Mountain Master Lu is willing to accept, I, this elder, can make the decision. As long as you win, this Monkey Mountain will belong to your Blue Lake Mountain, and I will give you thirty thousand spirit stones!”
After speaking, he looked at the Foundation Establishment cultivator named Tao not far away and said, “Daoist Tao, rest assured, if I, this old ancestor, truly lose, I will compensate you with Kui Niu Mountain.”
“I naturally believe in Old Ancestor Jin.”
The Foundation Establishment cultivator named Tao cupped his hands and said.
Although he believed that Jin Zan could win, he still felt a burst of bitterness in his heart.
Monkey Mountain had been managed by their family for nearly a hundred years, and now it was being used as a stake like this.
If Jin Zan lost and they really had to move, the family’s industry, mountain protection formation, and so on would all require time, money, and effort to re-establish, which could be described as a severe blow to their vitality.
But with Old Ancestor Jin Zan, a False Core True Person, speaking, he had no room to refuse at all.
“Okay, since that’s the case, let’s make a spirit contract.”
Lu Changsheng said.
Although in such a public setting, the Jin family wouldn’t go back on their word.
But who knew if the Jin family would play tricks later?
For example, damaging the mountain protection formation, spirit veins, and spirit fruits all over the mountain of Monkey Mountain.
Jin Zan was furious when he saw that Lu Changsheng even wanted to sign a spirit contract.
He suppressed the anger in his heart and signed a spirit contract with Lu Changsheng.
Then he said coldly, “Mountain Master Lu, Madam Lu, my Golden Dragon Ridge happens to have a barren mountain that can be used as a battlefield. Please.”
Now that his goal was achieved, he was too lazy to be polite and didn’t want to waste words with Lu Changsheng.
“If you are interested, you can come and watch the battle and be a witness.”
Jin Zan looked at the cultivators in the hall and said.
Back then, in White Tiger Mountain, he was beaten by Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge and fled in a sorry state, losing face greatly!
Today, he would publicly avenge himself and make Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge lose face completely!
“Naturally, naturally!”
The cultivators in the hall all had a look of watching the excitement.
They wanted to see how strong Jin Zan, this newly promoted False Core True Person, was.
They also wanted to see what the current combat power of Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge was like.
“Okay.”
Lu Changsheng gave Lu Yuanzhong and others a reassuring look, then held his wife’s fair hand and went out with Jin Zan and others.
The cultivators outside the villa saw the Foundation Establishment Elders in the main hall come out one after another, not knowing what was happening.
However, as several Foundation Establishment Elders led their disciples to watch the battle, many people followed to join in the fun.
But they could only bitterly pilot their magic tools to chase, completely unable to keep up with the Foundation Establishment’s遁光 (escape light).
After a moment.
Golden Dragon Ridge, on a barren mountain.
“Mountain Master Lu, Madam Lu, please!”
Jin Zan wore a brocade robe and jade belt, with a dignified face. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking energetic and full of confidence.
“Okay.”
Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge exchanged glances, then the two clasped their fingers together, and the magic power in their bodies circulated.
Due to cultivating the Sun Moon Reincarnation Art, their magic power was now more harmonious, as if they were one.
“Buzz!”
As the magic power and aura of the two circulated, Lu Miaoge released the Tai Yi Talisman.
This spiritual artifact had been reforged by Lu Changsheng and had been promoted to a high-grade spiritual artifact, its power greatly increased.
The Tai Yi Talisman burst forth with brilliant golden light, with strands of yin and yang energy circulating, transforming into a small golden sword that slashed towards Jin Zan.
“This strike is already not weaker than the late stage of Foundation Establishment!”
“The Lu couple, as expected, live up to their reputation!”
Among the cultivators watching the battle, although there were no False Core True Persons, there were quite a few late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators who could see the depth of Lu Changsheng’s strike.
“Clang!”
Facing the incoming Tai Yi Talisman Sword, Jin Zan did not dodge or evade. A circle of sharp and violent golden light shields surged around him.
This layer of light shields was different from ordinary protective shields, full of offensiveness, directly blocking the Tai Yi Talisman Sword outside.
“Clang, clang, clang–”
The Tai Yi Talisman Sword continuously struck the golden light shield, sparks flying everywhere, but it could not break through the golden light shield at all.
“Hiss, is this a False Core True Person!”
“Even if it’s just a False Core, there’s still a chasm between it and Foundation Establishment!”
The Foundation Establishment cultivators in the field looked at Jin Zan, who was radiating golden light and looked mighty and domineering, their eyes filled with longing and reverence.
For most people present, being able to achieve False Core in this life was their greatest pursuit.
As for condensing a True Core, it was simply too distant and remote!
“Mountain Master Lu, Madam Lu, if you don’t go all out, you won’t have a chance!”
Jin Zan looked at Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge with a somewhat playful look, and then let out a long roar.
“Roar, roar, roar!”
In an instant, bursts of dragon-like roars sounded from within him.
A spiritual artifact, like a spear or a saber, appeared, emanating layers of golden rainbow light and powerful magic power fluctuations.
“Jin Zan’s innate spiritual artifact, the Golden Dragon Fangtian Zan!”
“This spiritual artifact already possesses the aura of a magic treasure and can be considered a quasi-magic treasure!”
“No wonder Jin Zan is so confident. It turns out that his innate spiritual artifact has already been nurtured into a quasi-magic treasure!”
“Hiss!”
Since the Lu couple couldn’t break through Jin Zan’s protective magic shield, resisting his attacks would likely be difficult.
The Lu couple still have their final method, the talisman array!
Now, it depends on whether Lu Changsheng’s talisman array can subdue this Jin family Great Elder!
The cultivators watching the battle gazed at the Golden Dragon Fangtian Zan, its Flood Dragon phantasm coiled above, its power terrifying, and their expressions were solemn.
A Pseudo Core True Person’s cultivation couldn’t advance further at this stage.
Therefore, the main factors in measuring a Pseudo Core True Person’s combat strength were their magic treasures and divine abilities!
“Golden Dragon Annihilation Slash!”
Jin Zan held the magic artifact in both hands and roared loudly.
The clawing and fanged Flood Dragon phantasm above his head almost materialized, causing the space between heaven and earth to be filled with a sharp and overbearing aura, as if it could annihilate all living beings.
The surrounding cultivators watching the battle all felt this chillingly sharp killing intent, as if they had fallen into an ice cellar.
Immediately, some cultivators with weaker cultivation bases continuously retreated, lest they be injured by the lingering aura.
If those outside the arena felt this way, let alone Lu Changsheng and his wife, who were facing Jin Zan directly.
“Buzz!”
Lu Miaoge immediately formed a hand seal and summoned her ‘Yin-Yang Two Qi Bottle’.
The Yin-Yang Two Qi Bottle instantly formed a layer of azure light screen, with a small Yin-Yang fish slowly swimming within the light screen, incredibly profound.
“Boom boom boom!”
The Flood Dragon roared, golden light flickered, sharp and violent!
The azure light shield, flowing with Yin-Yang Two Qi, was constantly torn apart under the terrifying attacks of the Flood Dragon.
But this layer of light screen was much tougher than the protective shields of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Moreover, it possessed a continuously regenerating power, and even if it was torn apart or destroyed for a moment, it could immediately recover.
“This Lu couple is indeed not simple; they can actually contend with a Pseudo Core True Person!”
“But if this is all they have, the two of them won’t be able to defeat Jin Zan at all.”
Seeing the two sides clash, all the cultivators had solemn expressions.
Although Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge appeared to be at a disadvantage now.
But they knew that if it were them facing Jin Zan and his attacks, they would have likely already lost.
“Wind-Fire Great Array!”
At this moment, Lu Changsheng unleashed his famous method, the talisman array!
After all, relying solely on the two of them to subdue Jin Zan, who was a Pseudo Core True Person, would be a bit too high-profile.
He still had to rely on this talisman array technique to gloss over it.
However, being able to win Monkey Mountain and thirty thousand spirit stones made this talisman array move worthwhile.
“Whoosh whoosh whoosh—”
Streams of spirit talismans poured out from Lu Changsheng’s sleeves, causing everyone’s expressions to be shocked.
Because most people had only heard of methods like talisman arrays, but had never seen them.
And most people usually used at most two or three talismans in their daily lives; where had they ever seen such a scene.
“Is this a talisman array!”
“Hundreds of talismans, refined into an array, it’s truly astonishing!”
“No wonder Lu Changsheng was able to kill three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Yu family right after breaking through to Foundation Establishment back then. With such a method, as long as there are enough talismans, even an early Foundation Establishment cultivator could kill a late Foundation Establishment cultivator!”
“But this talisman array really burns through money, doesn’t it? In just this short moment, it probably cost tens of thousands of spirit stones, right?”
“Indeed, it’s estimated that Lu Changsheng was unwilling to agree to the fight just now because it was too expensive. Who can afford to burn through money like this?”
The cultivators watching the battle were all surprised and emotional upon seeing this scene.
Even the Jin family ancestor showed a hint of solemnity on his face when he saw the talismans pouring out.
“Hmph, talisman array!”
Jin Zan snorted disdainfully when he saw these talismans.
He had lost to Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge back then precisely because of this talisman array technique.
Now that he dared to challenge Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, he naturally came prepared!
“Disorder Magic Orb!”
Jin Zan let out a long roar, and a red magic orb the size of a fist appeared above his head.
“Buzz!”
The magic orb spun, radiating layers of colorful light.
The talisman array, which had just formed its structure and whose energy was beginning to merge, was instantly disrupted at this moment, scattered by Jin Zan’s magic power.
“This is a rare treasure that can disrupt magic energy and arrays, specifically countering methods like talisman arrays and battle arrays!”
Someone exclaimed loudly upon seeing this Disorder Magic Orb.
“No wonder Jin Zan was so confident!”
“With this Disorder Magic Orb, Lu Changsheng’s talisman array will be difficult to form, and even if it does, its power will be greatly reduced!”
“It seems the Lu couple is going to lose!”
Many cultivators felt a pang of regret upon seeing this scene.
They had still wanted to witness the power of Lu Changsheng’s talisman array, hoping for a mutually destructive outcome.
“This…”
Lu Yuanzhong and the others showed worried expressions upon seeing this scene.
If Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge were to lose to Jin Zan today, they would not only lose White Tiger Mountain, but likely also face layers of suppression from the Jin family.
“Disorder Magic Orb, somewhat interesting.”
Lu Changsheng chuckled lightly as he looked at the red magic orb.
He formed a hand seal and let out a low shout: “Nine-Nine Profound True Stratagem, Rise!”
The opponent had a rare treasure that could disrupt talisman arrays, and he naturally had a method to suppress talisman arrays!
“Buzz buzz buzz!”
A black iron ball flowing with dark light appeared in Lu Changsheng’s hand, shooting out streams of black iron stakes.
Due to limited materials and divine sense in the early years, Lu Changsheng had only forged eighteen thousand Nine-Nine Profound True Stakes.
Now that his divine sense was comparable to a Core Formation True Person’s and he didn’t have a handy magic treasure, he naturally forged the complete version of this Nine-Nine Profound True Stratagem.
“Whoosh whoosh whoosh—”
In an instant, every four thousand five hundred Profound True Stakes formed a celestial pillar, a total of eight celestial pillars, suppressing the eight directions.
The talisman array, whose energy had been disrupted by the ‘Disorder Magic Orb’, instantly reformed and arranged itself in the four directions.
As soon as the Wind-Fire Great Array formed, fierce winds immediately swept through and raging flames billowed, covering the area and enveloping Jin Zan within.
“Hmm?”
Jin Zan was startled upon seeing this scene and immediately roared: “Disorder Magic Orb, Break!”
“Whoosh whoosh whoosh!”
The Disorder Magic Orb above his head was like a volcano erupting, unleashing layers of colorful light that swept in all directions.
Then, the Golden Dragon Fangtian Zan in his hand erupted with endless, awe-inspiring golden radiance, spreading like a vast ocean, its power surging, mighty and vast, attempting to break through the talisman array.
However, under the suppression of the sixty-four thousand Nine-Nine Profound True Stakes, the talisman array remained as still as a mountain. The fierce winds and raging flames swept forth, bombarding Jin Zan and submerging him completely.
But Jin Zan truly lived up to his name as a Pseudo Core True Person.
Facing this surging offensive, his entire body was enveloped in golden light, displaying a violent and formidable might. As he wielded the Golden Dragon Fangtian Zan, it was as if flood dragons were roaring, invincible and tearing through the sky.
“Buzz—”
Seeing this, Lu Miaoge immediately switched from defense to offense. The Yin-Yang Two Qi Bottle soared into the sky, circling above the talisman array, as if suppressing Jin Zan.
The Taiyi Talisman, on the other hand, transformed into a small sword and slashed into the talisman array.
“Hiss, what is this? It actually stabilized the talisman array!”
“I heard that talisman cultivators’ magic artifacts are called talisman artifacts. This must be a talisman artifact!”
“It seems this Lu Changsheng has truly obtained some kind of talisman path inheritance and is a talisman cultivator!”
“Not only can he refine talismans into an array and control so many talismans, but he can also manipulate such a complex talisman artifact. His divine sense is probably not weaker than a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, right?”
“Is this the power of a talisman array? It’s simply terrifying!”
The cultivators watching the battle were repeatedly surprised in their hearts upon seeing this scene.
Today’s fight, though brief, was full of suspense and incredibly gripping.
“Boom!”
At this moment, a heaven-shaking sound rang out from within the Wind-Fire Great Array.
Jin Zan’s hair was disheveled, his entire body erupted with golden light, and his aura climbed steadily, as if it could crush the sky, as he bombarded the talisman array.
This scene was incredibly thrilling, and all the cultivators present watched with trembling hearts, able to feel the terror of the clash between the two sides.
As for the Qi Refining cultivators who came to watch, at this moment, besides feeling the terrifying power like a vast ocean from afar, they could no longer clearly see this duel.
“Hiss… Jin Zan is using some kind of secret technique and is preparing to go all out!”
Someone who cultivated an eye technique saw that something was wrong with Jin Zan’s situation within the talisman array and exclaimed in surprise.
Upon hearing this, many people showed surprised expressions.
And the Jin family cultivators’ faces turned ugly upon hearing this.
Especially the Jin family ancestor.
He hadn’t expected this gamble, which was supposed to be a sure win, to turn out like this.
This made him look at Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, who were holding hands in front of him like an immortal couple, with a look of apprehension in his eyes.
Since Jin Zan wasn’t their match, it meant that if he were to fight them head-on, he wouldn’t be their match either.
“To kill these two, he would have to wait until they were alone, and absolutely prevent Lu Changsheng from using his talisman array…”
The Jin family ancestor’s eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered.
Attacking Green Lake Mountain head-on was no longer a viable option.
He could only find an opportunity to ambush and kill Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge in secret.
“Elder Jin, it’s not too late to surrender now.”
At this moment, Lu Changsheng spoke to Jin Zan within the talisman array.
Although he could seize this opportunity to severely injure, or even kill, Jin Zan.
But doing so would attract a lot of unnecessary trouble.
“Kill!”
Jin Zan was deaf to his words, his entire being seemingly consumed by madness. His eyes were wild and domineering, soul-stirring, and he roared incessantly.
He couldn’t accept this outcome.
He had already condensed a Pseudo Core.
He had even spent a fortune to acquire this Disorder Magic Orb in Nine Heavens Immortal City, which could interfere with magic energy and arrays, yet he was still no match for Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge.
Lu Changsheng’s expression was calm and indifferent as he began to detonate the talisman array.
Boom boom boom!
Boom boom boom!
Boom boom boom!
With every talisman explosion, everyone present felt a wave of fear and trembling.
This talisman array was terrifying. Anyone trapped inside would feel their blood run cold.
Under several waves of attacks, Jin Zan’s protective energy shield was blasted open. Patches of char appeared on his body, and he then vomited blood, his face pale and his aura weak.
“Mountain Master Lu, stop. Our Jin family has lost this battle.”
The Jin family ancestor said upon seeing this.
If the fight continued like this, Jin Zan would be severely injured even if he didn’t die.
Moreover, he could see that something was wrong with Jin Zan’s state; he was like a madman, having lost his rationality.
“I’m not reconciled!”
Seeing Lu Changsheng stop, Jin Zan roared in anger, vomited another mouthful of blood, and then fainted.
Today was his Core Formation ceremony, a day of great joy and limitless glory!
He had originally planned to use this opportunity to wash away his past humiliation and reclaim White Tiger Mountain!
Yet, he was defeated by Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge in front of such a large crowd.
It was estimated that it wouldn’t be long before this matter spread throughout the entire Green Cloud Region, and even the entire cultivation world of Jiang Kingdom.
Everyone would know that he, Jin Zan, a dignified Pseudo Core True Person, had challenged two Foundation Establishment cultivators and lost to them.
“We won!”
“The Lu couple actually won!”
“This… this… this…”
“Although they relied on the talisman array, their combat strength is simply astonishing!”
“If he had enough talismans, I suspect Lu Changsheng could have directly killed Jin Zan!”
“Green Lake Mountain, Lu Changsheng, Lu Miaoge!”
Seeing Jin Zan faint, everyone present looked at Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge with expressions of shock, doubt, surprise, and disbelief.
None of them had expected Jin Zan to lose so miserably and so completely!
Especially Lu Yuanzhong and Bai Yunyang.
At this moment, the two of them were practically speechless, feeling as though they were dreaming.
Both of them had broken through to Foundation Establishment earlier than Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge.
But now, the two of them were still struggling in the early Foundation Establishment stage.
Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, however, had already grown to the point where they could subdue a Pseudo Core True Person!
“Fights are unpredictable, Mountain Master Lu need not mind.”
“As for this bet, regarding Monkey Mountain and the spirit stones, I will arrange it for Mountain Master Lu.”
The Jin family ancestor took a deep breath and said to Lu Changsheng in a deep voice.
He then checked on Jin Zan’s condition, saw that it was just injuries and a qi and blood backlash that caused him to faint, and ordered someone to send Jin Zan back to rest.
“Since the fight has concluded, everyone please return to Golden Dragon Mountain Villa…”
The Jin family ancestor looked at the spectators and spoke, already feeling somewhat lackluster about this Core Formation ceremony.
Everyone returned to Golden Dragon Mountain Villa filled with emotion.
“Mountain Master Lu, Madam Lu, your divine might is impressive.”
“I’ve long heard of Mountain Master Lu’s reputation for talisman arrays. Seeing it today, it truly lives up to its name.”
“I wonder if Mountain Master Lu has any thoughts on taking disciples? My daughter…”
At this moment, many Foundation Establishment cultivators stepped forward to try and get close to Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge, their expressions and words full of respect and awe.
Before this, although Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge had a considerable reputation.
But many people knew that reputation could be greatly exaggerated.
Witnessing Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge’s divine abilities and methods today truly shocked and awed them.
It was estimated that it wouldn’t be long before today’s events spread throughout the entire Green Cloud Region and reached the cultivation world of Jiang Kingdom.
The reputation of the Lu couple of Green Lake Mountain was about to rise another level.
And the Lu family of Green Lake Mountain would also be treated as a Pseudo Core family, rather than just an ordinary Foundation Establishment family.
However, among these people, one person’s face was stiff and unsightly.
It was precisely the Tao family ancestor from Monkey Mountain.
Because of Jin Zan’s defeat, it was equivalent to losing his Monkey Mountain.
Due to the gamble between Lu Changsheng and Jin Zan, the Core Formation celebration at Golden Dragon Ridge also concluded early.
After all, with such an incident occurring, it not only cost Jin Zan, the Jin family’s Great Elder, his face, but the entire Golden Dragon Ridge suffered a complete loss of face!
If he hadn’t had reservations, the Jin family ancestor might have even considered killing Lu Changsheng right there at Golden Dragon Ridge.
However, he still followed the bet and gave Lu Changsheng thirty thousand spirit stones, stating that as for Monkey Mountain, the relocation would take three months.
Hearing this, Lu Changsheng didn’t say much.
Arriving at White Tiger Mountain, he handed this matter over to his son, Lu Ping’an, asking him to take charge of Monkey Mountain.
“Ah, we won Monkey Mountain in a gamble?”
Lu Ping’an, Lu Qingsong, and the others were dumbfounded upon hearing that their father and aunt had gone to the Jin family’s ceremony and returned having won a spiritual land.
One should know that the Tao family of Monkey Mountain was a family with two Foundation Establishment cultivators overseeing it.
However, after hearing the general details, the few of them were also filled with emotion and excitement.
Not only had the family gained Monkey Mountain, this spiritual vein, but their father and aunt’s strength was now comparable to that of a Pseudo Core True Person!
“Hehe, this is interesting. I remember the three Foundation Establishment cultivators who came to cause trouble at our White Tiger Mountain back then. The leader, an elder of the Dragon Light Merchant Association named Tao Jizhong, was the Foundation Establishment ancestor of this Monkey Mountain. Now, their family’s spiritual land has actually become ours.”
At this moment, Lu Qingsong said with a laugh.
“Oh? There was such a thing?”
Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow.
He had simply seen that Monkey Mountain had a good geographical location, being relatively close to White Tiger Mountain.
And that it was a second-tier mid-grade spiritual vein, suitable for the spiritual wine business, and didn’t remember anything about the Dragon Light Merchant Association.
However, he didn’t pay too much attention to it. After explaining things to his children, he returned to Green Lake Mountain with Lu Miaoge.
A few days later, the news about Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge defeating Jin Zan gradually spread.
“Subduing a Pseudo Core True Person, is that true or false?”
“Even if this Jin family Great Elder had just broken through to Pseudo Core and didn’t have magic treasures or divine abilities, he was still not someone a Foundation Establishment cultivator could contend with!”
“Earlier, I had heard about the deeds of this Lu couple, and thought they were exaggerated…”
“With the Lu couple overseeing Green Lake Mountain, it’s already equivalent to a Pseudo Core family!”
“It’s still incomparable. One of the couple will always need to cultivate in seclusion; it’s impossible for both of them to always be out together.”
“Regardless, Golden Dragon Ridge has certainly lost a lot of face this time.”
At this time, the matter continued to spread, causing countless people to discuss it heatedly, and even many rogue cultivators came to pledge allegiance to Green Lake Mountain.
Meanwhile, some female cultivators thought about latching onto this Ancestor Lu, who was fond of taking wives and concubines, but then thought of his wife, Lu Miaoge, and wondered if they would be chased away if they approached with such intentions.
Not only that, this matter also stirred up a wave of discussion in Green Lake Mountain, and many of the younger generation began to develop an interest in the Dao of Talismans.