Chapter 439: Nangong Mi Li was shocked, someone came from Chiyang Peak!

Xiaokong Mountain Zhang Family.

This is a Foundation Establishment Family, located near the Falling Cloud Mountain Range, with no presence in the entire Jiang Country Cultivation World.

At this moment, in a small courtyard within the Zhang Family Forbidden Land.

“Envoy, according to information from Heaven Knowing Tower, the Four Great Immortal Sects are about to open the Tian Yuan Secret Realm, allowing some Sect Core Disciples and True Disciples to enter and comprehend the Heavenly Stele.”

“In addition to the Immortal Sect Disciples, the Four Great Immortal Sects will also release some quotas to the Family forces under their jurisdiction.”

A fifty-year-old man prostrated on the ground, speaking respectfully.

“Are they finally opening it?”

On the pavilion in the small courtyard, a beautiful woman around thirty years old, with an exquisite, ethereal, and enchanting face and figure, sat on a delicate recliner.

Upon hearing this, her slender Phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.

“Is there an approximate time?”

She wore a purple mist-gauze dress, her figure graceful and exquisite, utterly beautiful.

Her full, round, and slender jade-like legs were crossed, one purple star-sand flowing high-heeled shoe propped up.

She gazed nonchalantly at the teacup in her hand, her delicate jade-like fingers gently stirring the glistening tea leaves floating on the surface, speaking softly.

Even though her voice was calm and indifferent, as if pushing people a thousand miles away, it still gave off a soft, captivating charm, making one desire to behold her immortal countenance.

“Replying to Envoy, Heaven Knowing Tower only has information regarding this, but the Four Great Immortal Sects have not yet confirmed the time.”

The old man prostrated on the ground, speaking respectfully, not daring to look up, fearing to profane the beauty in the pavilion.

“It seems Heaven Sword Sect has already set up a net, and now opening the Secret Realm is just waiting for people to take the bait…”

This woman was none other than Nangong Mili, who had come to Jiang Country.

For the past half-year, she had been observing the situation of the Tian Yuan Secret Realm in the Falling Cloud Mountain Range.

She had already learned that the Tian Yuan Secret Realm had been mostly swept clean by the Four Great Immortal Sects of Jiang Country.

Now, hearing the news that the Four Great Immortal Sects were preparing to open the Secret Realm, she immediately realized this was a trap set to lure people in.

However, the Cultivation World was always like this.

As long as there was the temptation of an Opportunity, even if many knew it was a net set by the Four Great Immortal Sects, they would still rush into it.

“Sect Core Disciples, Family forces under their jurisdiction…”

Nangong Mili took a small sip of tea, her luscious red lips leaving a crimson mark on the teacup, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

“You continue to monitor this information. Is there any recent movement in Qingluan Immortal City?”

Nangong Mili continued to inquire.

A year ago, the new City Lord of Qingluan Immortal City, Immortal Master Bai Feng, was killed by a Demonic Path Cultivator.

Although this matter had not yet completely spread, it was no longer a secret.

She had been following this matter.

She wanted to guess which force was responsible based on the subsequent movements of Qingluan Immortal City.

She also wanted to determine if this matter would affect the Tian Yuan Secret Realm.

“Replying to Envoy, Qingluan Immortal City has not undergone major changes…”

The old man said respectfully.

As he spoke, he took out a Jade Slip from his Storage Pouch, holding it with both hands, and said, “My Lady, there is a piece of news about the Bihu Mountain Lu Family that you asked me to keep an eye on.”

“Bihu Mountain Lu Family?”

Nangong Mili’s Phoenix eyes were long and narrow, with a faint eyeshadow outlining their corners, cold and stunning. She lightly raised her slender, fair hand, causing the Jade Slip held by the old man to float into her hand.

“Third-Order Talisman Master, Lu Family eldest son Lu Ping’an…”

Nangong Mili looked at the information on the Jade Slip, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, a hint of surprise and doubt in her expression.

She wasn’t surprised by Lu Changsheng’s promotion to Third-Order Talisman Master.

Rather, she was surprised by Lu Ping’an’s age and combat power.

Some time ago, she had learned about the Hongye Valley Market and Lu Wangshu through the old man.

So now, seeing Lu Ping’an’s situation, she deeply realized that Lu Changsheng was unusual.

His children were all exceptionally outstanding.

Lu Ping’an, Lu Wangshu, Lu Qingshan, and even her own daughter, Nangong Yaoyao.

And besides their extraordinary talent, she also realized the issue of their combat power.

As a Core Formation True Person, she clearly knew that for a Cultivator to fully tap into their talent, potential, and combat power, far surpassing their peers, wealth, companions, Cultivation Technique, and location were extremely important.

It could even be said that the importance of wealth, companions, Cultivation Technique, and location surpassed that of Spiritual Root talent.

Many Loose Cultivators and Family forces, even if they had children with extraordinary talent, did not have the conditions to Cultivate them, so they could only send them to Immortal Sects.

Like the Bihu Mountain Lu Family.

Aside from a location and wealth, they had nothing to do with companions or Cultivation Technique.

After all, as the Heavenly Spider Envoy of the Five Poison Sect, she had many markets and Family forces under her jurisdiction.

Nangong Mili was very clear that the annual profits of these Family forces basically could not leave much surplus money.

As for companions, besides Dao Companion and like-minded friends, there were also teachers and so on.

But what kind of talents could a small Foundation Establishment Family have?

Surrounded by a bunch of bumpkins, influenced by them, what could they become?

As for the last point, Cultivation Technique, it was the most important.

Even a Heavenly Spiritual Root, without a suitable Cultivation Technique, might have slower cultivation speed and weaker combat power than a High Grade Spiritual Root.

And a Foundation Establishment Family simply could not have any top-tier Cultivation Technique Legacy.

Even a Core Formation aristocratic Family would at most have one or two Advanced Cultivation Technique Legacies, and they might not even be suitable for their own Disciples.

Therefore, neither Lu Ping’an nor Lu Wangshu seemed to have been cultivated by a small Foundation Establishment Family.

Furthermore, judging by their combat power, it was clear that their Cultivation Technique Legacy was extraordinary, and they were guided by someone, not just cultivating on their own.

Based on these points, Nangong Mili realized that there was a problem with Bihu Mountain, a big problem.

“Lu Changsheng…”

Nangong Mili’s Phoenix eyes gleamed with a cold light, knowing that all of this was related to Lu Changsheng.

Through these past six months, the more she learned about Lu Changsheng, the more she felt that he was not simple, as if his entire being was shrouded in a mysterious veil.

But precisely because of this, she desired even more to unveil Lu Changsheng’s mysterious veil.

“When I go to Bihu Mountain, I’ll have to be extra careful…”

Nangong Mili murmured to herself, her vigilance towards Lu Changsheng increasing by another level.

After all, not only was he audacious enough to nourish Golden Core Dao Rhyme for others, but he could also produce a rare treasure like the mitian pearl.

Now, various signs indicated that he was not simple, so she had to be extra cautious.

Otherwise, if she made a mistake and fell into his ambush, wouldn’t it be…

“Hmph, no matter what, he is only a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.”

“Even if he has False Core combat power, or even means comparable to Core Formation, as long as I am careful, it will be fine.”

Nangong Mili suddenly stood up, her figure graceful and exquisite, her purple mist-gauze dress fluttering in the wind, revealing half of her fair legs beneath the hem and purple stiletto high heels. Her entire being exuded an elegant, noble, and charming allure.

Xumi Grotto-heaven.

Lu Changsheng looked at Bai Ling, who was cultivating cross-legged before him.

After obtaining the Legacy Cultivation Technique, Bai Ling’s cultivation speed almost doubled.

This was truly astonishing!

It was equivalent to her cultivation speed increasing from that of a High Grade Spiritual Root to the Earthly Spiritual Root level, even comparable to a Heavenly Spiritual Root.

“At this rate, Ling’er will probably be the fastest in the Lu to Cultivate to Foundation Establishment Peak…”

Lu Changsheng sighed inwardly.

He knew that Bai Ling’s cultivation speed could achieve such a boost, not only due to the Cultivation Technique’s compatibility but also related to her Bloodline Awakening.

This Bloodline Awakening was equivalent to elevating Bai Ling’s talent by one level.

“However, the more extraordinary Ling’er’s Bloodline is, the more extraordinary the child she gives birth to will be.”

“I just don’t know if this child will be human or half-demon…”

Lu Changsheng looked at the flat lower abdomen beneath Bai Ling’s white dress, pondering.

“Brother~”

After a simple check of her cultivation speed, Bai Ling opened her eyes and called out to Lu Changsheng with a joyful expression.

“Very good, but Ling’er is pregnant now, so you don’t need to Cultivate so diligently every day.”

Lu Changsheng said softly to Bai Ling.

Women could still Cultivate in the early stages of pregnancy, but cultivating after a few months would carry some risks during the process.

“Mmm-hmm~”

Bai Ling’s face was beaming with a happy smile, and she nodded vigorously.

Although it was her first pregnancy, she was already well aware of the relevant taboos.

The two walked out of Chang Sheng Hall and arrived at the Xumi Grotto-heaven, next to the peach wood spirit embryo.

“Honglian.”

Lu Changsheng asked Honglian if she knew of a True Spirit named Bai Xi.

“Bai Xi?”

Honglian pondered for a moment, then stated that she had not heard of this True Spirit.

It wasn’t that such a True Spirit didn’t exist.

Rather, information about True Spirits was very scarce.

Aside from some True Spirit aristocratic families, or forces that had worshipped True Spirits, others found it very difficult to access such information.

They could only learn bits and pieces from fragmented ancient texts.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t pay too much attention to this remark.

The less information, the more mysterious, indicated that this True Spirit was even more extraordinary.

“Ling’er, you can rest assured and focus on your pregnancy. Don’t worry about these things. If you feel unwell, tell your brother immediately.”

Lu Changsheng said gently to Bai Ling, who looked a little worried beside him.

Immediately after, the two arrived at the Lu Family Mansion.

Bai Ling immediately told Ling Zixiao, Lu Miaoyun, Qu Zhenzhen, and others the news of her pregnancy with a joyful expression.

“Ling’er, congratulations.”

“Ling’er, congratulations to you!”

Upon hearing this, the women immediately congratulated Bai Ling.

After so many years of living together, they all liked this timid and shy girl.

They knew that she had always wanted to bear several children for her Lang Jun.

However, she had been unable to conceive for so many years.

Now, hearing that Bai Ling was pregnant, they were genuinely happy for her.

Just as Lu Changsheng was chatting with his wives and concubines.

Lu Xingyang came to report a piece of news, stating that someone from the Sima Family had arrived.

“So the Sima Family has finally sent someone.”

Ling Zixiao, in a lake-blue dress, had a dignified and elegant appearance.

The matter between the two families had been widely spread.

Although the Lu Family did not actively contact the Sima Family, it was impossible for the Sima Family to ignore Sima Tong.

“Father, people from the Sima Family and Qingyun Sect are coming together,” Xingyang continued.

“Qingyun Sect?”

Miao Yun, Zhenzhen, and others were surprised and puzzled upon hearing this.

Although the Sima Family had a Foundation in Qingyun Sect, no matter what, the fault lay with the Sima Family in this matter, and it shouldn’t have provoked Qingyun Sect to come knocking, should it?

“It should be because of Ping’an’s False Core combat power and Lang Jun’s status as a Third-Order Talisman Master,” Ling Zixiao said softly.

Ordinary families generally do not enter the sight of Qingyun Sect.

However, when a Family grows to a certain extent, such as having multiple Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators or False Core level combat power, Qingyun Sect will begin to pay attention.

There is even a saying that when a Family’s influence grows to a certain point, they must find a backer in Qingyun Sect, attaching themselves to a Mountain.

As for a Third-Order Talisman Master appearing in a Family under their jurisdiction, even Qingyun Sect would be willing to extend an olive branch, inviting them to serve as a Guest Elder in Qingyun Sect.

“However, since the people from Qingyun Sect and the Sima Family are coming together, they are likely here to mediate,” Ling Zixiao said with an elegant, shallow smile.

“Since they’re here, let’s go meet them,” Lu Changsheng said with a smile, going to greet the guests with Ling Zixiao.

A moment later, the two arrived at the reception hall.

Inside, a man and a woman were seated.

The man was in his thirties, with a rather heroic face and a Basement Establishment Ninth Level Cultivation.

The woman was twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a beautiful and serene appearance, and a Basement Establishment Sixth Level Cultivation.

“Greetings, Mountain Lord Lu, Mrs. Lu, I am Song Cheng, a Disciple of Chiyang Peak of Qingyun Sect.”

The man immediately stood up and cupped his fists respectfully after seeing Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao.

“Sima Qiuhua,” the woman said, her face expressionless, even somewhat cold.

“Greetings, Fellow Daoist Song, may I ask why Fellow Daoist Song and Fellow Daoist Sima have come to my Bihu Mountain?” Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao sat down beside them and asked with a smile.

“It is like this, my Master heard that Mountain Lord Lu has Advanced to a Third-Order Talisman Master, so he sent me to congratulate you and to ask if Mountain Lord Lu would be willing to serve as a Guest Elder on my Chiyang Peak.”

Song Cheng took out an exquisite gift box from his Storage Pouch, handed it to Lu Changsheng, and said politely.

“Fellow Daoist Song is too kind. Chiyang Peak? Your Master is?” Lu Changsheng did not immediately accept the gift, his eyes slightly narrowed as he asked.

“My Master is Immortal Master Chiyang,” Song Cheng said, a hint of arrogance on his face.

Being a Disciple of a Core Formation True Person was something to be very proud of.

“So it’s the esteemed Disciple of Immortal Master Chiyang. My apologies for the oversight,” Lu Changsheng slightly cupped his hands.

Although he knew the names of several Core Formation True Persons in Qingyun Sect, he only knew that Immortal Master Caiyun had two Disciples and was otherwise not clear.

“Lang Jun, if I am not mistaken, this Sima Qiuhua is also a Disciple of Chiyang Peak.”

“Her coming here is most likely not on behalf of Qingyun Sect, but Chiyang Peak, to mediate,” Ling Zixiao, who was gracefully sipping tea, transmitted to Lu Changsheng with her Divine Sense.

“My Talisman Dao has just Advanced to Third-Order not long ago, and I am not yet proficient, so this matter of Guest Elder may not meet the Immortal Master’s Dharma Eye,” Lu Changsheng politely declined.

He also saw that the other party’s intention was not just recruitment; as Ling Zixiao said, they also wanted to mediate.

If he accepted this recruitment, it would be difficult to refuse the subsequent matters.

Moreover, he had heard Xiao Xiyue mention years ago that his Immortal Master Caiyun seemed to have a grudge with Immortal Master Chiyang’s Dao Companion?

Could the assassination he and Xiao Xiyue encountered back then have been the other party’s doing?

“I have long heard of Mountain Lord Lu’s Talisman Dao talent.”

“Moreover, my Master personally inquired about this matter and promised that as long as Mountain Lord Lu is willing to serve as a Guest Elder on my Chiyang Peak, you can not only obtain my Sect’s Third-Order Talisman Dao Legacy.”

“In the future, if Mountain Lord Lu wishes to Breakthrough to False Core, my Chiyang lineage can provide suitable Third-Order Demonic Cores,” Song Cheng said sincerely, hearing Lu Changsheng’s polite refusal.

As for Core Formation resources, Ningjing Pills, he didn’t even mention them.

After all, Ningjing Pills in Qingyun Sect were something even True Disciples had to compete for; how could they be given to outsiders?

“Please allow Lu to consider this first,” Lu Changsheng continued to politely decline.

Even if he were to serve as a Guest Elder in Qingyun Sect, he would definitely choose Caiyun Peak, not Chiyang Peak.

“Alright, in that case, Mountain Lord Lu should consider it carefully.”

Song Cheng’s expression was no longer polite and became somewhat cold when he saw Lu Changsheng refusing him like this.

After all, in his opinion, no matter how strong Bihu Mountain was, it was merely a dog under the jurisdiction of his Qingyun Sect.

His Master, at the behest of his Mistress, personally inquired about this matter and was willing to extend an olive branch and promise benefits, yet the other party dared to refuse.

He simply didn’t know what was good for him!

“Besides the matter of the Guest Elder, I, Song, am also here for my Junior Sister’s Family matter, intending to resolve the grudge between Mountain Lord Lu and the Xuanwu Ridge Sima Family,” Song Cheng said, continuing.

“Resolve the grudge?”

Lu Changsheng and Ling Zixiao exchanged glances upon hearing this, thinking, “As expected.”

“I didn’t expect this Fellow Daoist Sima to be from Xuanwu Ridge,” Lu Changsheng said with a smile, looking at Sima Qiuhua.

Then he looked at Song Cheng and continued, “The feud between the two Families originated from the Sima Family. Since Fellow Daoist Song has spoken, my Bihu Mountain is not willing to go too far. As long as the Sima Family is willing to make appropriate compensation to my Bihu Mountain, this matter will naturally be dropped.”

Sima Qiuhua, standing nearby, clenched her fists in her sleeves upon hearing Lu Changsheng’s words.

Not only was her Old Ancestor captured, but four Core Formation seeds and one Foundation Establishment Elder also died.

Especially that Elder, who was her direct paternal uncle.

Yet, at this moment, in Lu Changsheng’s understated tone, it became a lighthearted “not willing to go too far.”

“What compensation does Mountain Lord Lu want?” Sima Qiuhua asked, suppressing the anger in her heart.

Although she had asked her Master to intervene, her Master could not personally come for such a matter.

Hence, this recruitment trip.

On one hand, Lu Changsheng was indeed a talent, and Bihu Mountain’s current strength was worthy of Qingyun Sect’s recruitment.

On the other hand, recruiting him to Chiyang Peak would also better resolve the feud between the two Families.

Of course, the compensation for resolving the grudge would still have to come from her Sima Family.

“As for compensation…” Lu Changsheng glanced at Ling Zixiao and pondered, “500,000 Spirit Stones, one Spiritual Land, thirty shops of my choice in your market, and open all trade strongholds, swearing not to retaliate against my Bihu Mountain for a hundred years.”

He had discussed this with Ling Zixiao before and also obtained some information from Old Ancestor Sima through the Six Desires Heart Demon Art.

So, although this compensation was a lot, it was within the Sima Family’s acceptable range.

It just meant that for the Sima Family, it would be a major bloodletting, leaving them severely weakened afterward.

“That’s impossible!” Sima Qiuhua immediately exclaimed, her voice somewhat sharp.

Even though she had been in Qingyun Sect for a long time, she knew her Family could not agree to such compensation.

This compensation alone would be enough to Cultivate a False Core True Person, or even support someone in impacting Core Formation!

Moreover, she had asked her Master to intervene precisely to minimize the compensation.

Besides, the Family would also have to give benefits to her Master afterward.

“Is Mountain Lord Lu joking? My Master personally inquired about Junior Sister Sima’s matter and does not wish for it to escalate too much,” Song Cheng said, his face slightly sinking.

Although his Master hadn’t given many instructions, only telling him to make a trip, his Mistress had specifically instructed him to handle this matter well.

“Is Fellow Daoist Song representing Qingyun Sect, or Chiyang Peak?” Lu Changsheng heard a hint of threat in the other party’s words, his handsome face tinged with coldness as he said calmly and indifferently.

He, Lu, had always disliked being threatened.

Now, a mere Foundation Establishment Cultivator dared to put on airs in front of him?

If it weren’t for being in his own home and considering the other party was a Disciple of Qingyun Sect, he would have slapped them to death already.

“I, Song, represent Chiyang Peak, but also Qingyun Sect!” Song Cheng stared at Lu Changsheng, his eyes showing a hint of coldness, completely devoid of his previous politeness.

“If you represent Qingyun Sect, then present your written order.”

“If there is no written order, see them out.”

Since he knew the purpose of their visit, Lu Changsheng was too lazy to play along.

After all, under these circumstances, talking further wouldn’t lead to anything.

It was better to wait for someone from the Sima Family who could truly speak for them to arrive.

As for Qingyun Sect, Chiyang Peak…

Just call for backup.

With his current Core Formation Cultivation, he probably wouldn’t need to ask Immortal Master Caiyun for much.

It would be better to ask her for a small favor.

This incident would also serve to publicly display his Family’s relationship with Qingyun Sect, thereby adding another layer of deterrence.

So, your Family has a backer in Qingyun Sect, huh?

I, Lu, am all about building good relationships; I had already cultivated connections in Qingyun Sect even before establishing my Family!