Chapter 703: What is the purpose of the Lu family’s trip?

“Seeking a spar with me?”

Lu Wangshu looked towards Shangguan Poyun, who was beside True Person Zilei, furrowing her picturesque brows slightly, and then said indifferently, “I have been focusing on researching talismans these years and am not skilled in fighting. Let’s just forget about it.”

For her, sparring with fellow cultivators of the same rank was meaningless and purely bullying.

Back in the day, when Ancestor Shangguan came to Bihu Mountain to stir up trouble, at least he knew to prepare some stakes.

This True Person Zilei made no such gesture, so naturally, she would not agree.

Not only would it waste her talismans and mana, but if she were to break the other party’s mentality, energy, and spirit, she would also needlessly offend the Shangguan family.

Although her family was not afraid, Lu Wangshu, like Lu Changsheng, hated trouble.

“Hmm?”

True Person Zilei and Shangguan Poyun’s expressions faltered slightly; they had not expected Lu Wangshu to refuse so decisively.

One should know that most geniuses harbor arrogance.

When faced with challenges from others, they would generally accept.

Especially sparring between geniuses, which would benefit both sides’ progress.

However, the two had keen spiritual senses and could sense a hint of nonchalance in Lu Wangshu’s words and expression.

It was as if…

The genius before them, who was hailed as the Shangguan family’s most promising candidate to form a Core, was not taken seriously by her at all.

“If you win, this [Thunderfire Astral Qi] is yours.”

Shangguan Poyun flipped his palm, and a deep purple porcelain bottle appeared, his expression stern.

Normally, there would rarely be bets or stakes in sparring matches between cultivators.

Only those of lower status challenging those of higher status, or losers challenging winners, would prepare treasures as bets to earn the right to challenge.

Years ago, when he sparred with Lu Wangshu, if his ancestor hadn’t intervened, he would have almost died at Lu Wangshu’s hands; it was a crushing defeat.

These years, he had honed his saber intent and had always regarded Lu Wangshu as his final whetstone to break through to Core Formation!

“Poyun!”

True Person Zilei, who was beside him, immediately rebuked in a deep voice upon seeing this.

In front of Lu Miaoge and Lu Ping’an, even if he wanted to spar, he wouldn’t dare to be too domineering or aggressive.

Moreover, this [Thunderfire Astral Qi] was formed from the Youxuan Fire Astral Qi that Shangguan Poyun had obtained and the Shangguan family’s Purple Thunder Astral Qi. It was a top-grade Core Formation spirit object.

When breaking through to Core Formation, one could use the 《Divine Thunder Saber Art》 to form a Divine Thunder Hook Earth Fire momentum, increasing Shangguan Poyun’s Core Formation probability by one and a half percent. It was incredibly rare.

Yet, the latter disregarded his instructions and directly used this most precious Core Formation spirit object as a bet!

“Thunderfire Astral Qi?”

Although Lu Wangshu didn’t know the specific quality, even the cheapest Core Formation spirit object would cost tens of thousands of spirit stones.

And many Lu family disciples who cultivated fire and thunder attribute techniques could exchange for contribution points with this Core Formation spirit object when the time came.

“Wow!”

Lu Qingqi, Lu Qingye, and the others beside her thought to themselves that their elder sister sure made money easily.

Others offered Core Formation spirit objects just to invite her to a sparring match.

If it were them, they might not even be able to earn that many spirit stones in ten years.

“Since that’s the case, alright. However, I mainly cultivate the Dao of Talismans and also dabble in puppets. I’m not good at fighting, so it should be alright to use a few puppets, right?”

Lu Wangshu said with a delicate, beautiful face radiating a bright smile.

“Friendly sparring should stop when enough is enough. As a talisman cultivator, it’s understandable for you to use external objects, as long as you don’t use a large number of talismans,” True Person Zilei immediately added.

Who in the Jiang Country cultivation world didn’t know the great name of Lu Changsheng, the Ancestor of the Heavenly Talisman Lu Family? His talent in the Dao of Talismans was exceptional; not long after breaking through to Core Formation, he could draw third-tier, high-grade talismans.

Under such circumstances, he certainly didn’t believe that Lu Wangshu, as the beloved daughter of True Person Changsheng and Immortal Xiyue, didn’t have a few third-tier talismans on her.

Even if she didn’t have third-tier talismans given to her by True Person Changsheng, with her reputation as a genius talisman master, Shangguan Poyun wouldn’t be a match for her if she threw out dozens of second-tier talismans at once.

It could only be said that wealthy talisman masters were truly unsolvable among their peers.

“Don’t worry, I won’t use the talismans on me to form a talisman array,” Lu Wangshu said with a slight curl of her red lips and a smile on her face.

She had no intention of using the talismans on her for this sparring match.

“Alright.”

Shangguan Poyun’s expression was stern; he also knew that if Lu Wangshu threw out a pile of talismans, unless it was an ambush in the wild, he would definitely not be Lu Wangshu’s opponent.

Before coming, his family had also instructed him on this.

“I remember there’s a dueling arena in Nine Heavens Immortal City. Shall we go now?” Lu Wangshu continued, seemingly in a good mood.

“Alright.”

A hint of fighting intent ignited in Shangguan Poyun’s eyes.

After twenty years, he was finally going to wash away his shame!

“Wangshu, you need to be careful. This person’s energy and spirit are surging, and the saber intent within his body is accumulating and not being released…”

Although Lu Ping’an had confidence in Lu Wangshu, he still instructed her.

After all, the Shangguan Poyun before them, who could become the seed of the Divine Saber Shangguan Family, was indeed extraordinary.

Especially the faint, sharp saber intent on his body, which could definitely be called outstanding among his peers.

A talisman cultivator like Lu Wangshu, even if she also cultivated body refinement, would be very difficult to deal with once someone got close.

“Thank you, Big Brother,” Lu Wangshu’s red lips curled up, her smile bright, indicating that they could rest assured.

Immediately, the group headed towards the arena in Nine Heavens Immortal City.

Although Nine Heavens Immortal City was the first immortal city in Jiang Country in its early years, a few Foundation Establishment cultivators dueling in the arena was considered lively.

At this time, Lu Wangshu and Shangguan Poyun’s group walked towards this place, immediately attracting many people’s exclamations and discussions, and they came to watch the excitement.

After all, the Divine Saber Shangguan Family was a Core Formation family under the rule of the Heavenly Sword Sect, and they also had many industries in Nine Heavens Immortal City.

Years ago, Shangguan Poyun not only challenged many famous geniuses but also set up an arena in Nine Heavens Immortal City, making him very famous.

As for True Person Zilei, there was no need to say more.

Even if the name of True Person Changsheng of the Heavenly Talisman Lu Family was far greater than this True Person Zilei, there were more people in Nine Heavens Immortal City who knew the Divine Saber Shangguan Family.

“What’s going on? Is Shangguan Poyun going to spar with someone again?”

“Even True Person Zilei has come forward. Who are these people?”

“This person seems to be the Lady of the Heavenly Talisman Lu Family, True Person Miaoge, Lu Miaoge!”

“Hiss, she’s actually from the famous Heavenly Talisman Lu Family!”

“How did the Shangguan Family start fighting with the Lu Family?”

Under countless cultivators’ respectful, awed, amazed, and infatuated gazes, True Person Zilei spoke a few words to the person in charge of the arena. Then, the formation of Arena Number One was activated, and Lu Wangshu and Shangguan Poyun stepped onto the arena.

“Lu Wangshu of the Heavenly Talisman Lu Family, so it’s her sparring with Shangguan Poyun.”

“Is she the Talisman Fairy Lu Wangshu who perfectly inherited True Person Changsheng’s Talisman Dao inheritance? With such looks and talent… If I could marry her, I’m afraid I’d struggle a hundred years less, right?”

“Rumor has it that not long after she established her Foundation, she used a talisman array to kill several Foundation Establishment cultivators. Her combat power is amazing.”

“She’s a talisman cultivator, after all. At that time, she relied on the talismans given to her by True Person Changsheng, so her combat power performance was amazing, but this kind of sparring will definitely not be like that.”

“You can’t say that either. The Dao of Talismans also depends on the person. Some talisman cultivators refine talismans into arrays with a wave of their hand, while others use talisman techniques like casting spells, which takes a lot of time.”

“Shangguan Poyun’s Divine Thunder Saber Art has already achieved a small success. Once he seizes the initiative, this Lu Family fairy may not have a chance.”

Among Nine Heavens Immortal City, there were still many veteran Foundation Establishment cultivators who were knowledgeable and experienced, watching the two people in the arena and commenting.

“Aunt, can Sister Wangshu win?”

Originally, Lu Qingqi had a lot of confidence in her elder sister.

But seeing True Person Zilei’s indifferent expression and many onlookers being more optimistic about Shangguan Zhanyun, she couldn’t help but worry and ask.

“Don’t worry,” Lu Miaoge said gently, her temperament like water.

Others didn’t know, but she knew a little about Lu Wangshu’s situation.

Although her cultivation level was only at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, not as good as Shangguan Zhanyun’s,

Relying on the 【Profound Yuan Pearl】, her mana was not weaker than any Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Moreover, in addition to talismans, she also had talisman soldiers, puppets, exotic treasures, second-tier body refinement, and many other methods in her hands.

If she really went all out, there might not be many people in the same rank who were her opponents.

“Sister, go for it!”

Lu Linghe immediately waved her fist to cheer for her sister.

Lu Qingqi and the others beside her also started to cheer.

In the process, many cultivators looked over here, their gazes wandering to Lu Wangshu on the stage, their eyes filled with amazement, appreciation, fiery passion, and other expressions.

However, seeing Lu Miaoge and Lu Ping’an, they didn’t dare to look too much, fearing that they would incur displeasure.

Before long, the two people on the stage began to spar.

Lu Wangshu’s bright and moving face showed a hint of seriousness, and she sacrificed the talisman artifact Nine-Nine Profound True Stratagem, which transformed into the appearance of a Luo umbrella, hovering above her head.

Shangguan Poyun cupped his hands slightly, and then with a stern expression, he charged forward with his natal thunder saber.

The saber body surged with thunder and lightning arcs, expanding to a length of ten feet, like a roaring thunder dragon, incomparably intimidating.

Through his earlier sparring and the understanding he had gained over the years, he knew that when facing a talisman cultivator like Lu Wangshu, he absolutely could not give her the slightest chance to breathe.

“Shangguan Poyun’s Divine Thunder Saber Art has improved again!”

“After all, he is the Shangguan family’s Core Formation seed for this generation. Once he breaks through to Core Formation, the Divine Saber Shangguan Family will also have a grand occasion of three Core Formations!”

Some veteran Foundation Establishment cultivators exclaimed in amazement.

Not only did Shangguan Poyun find people to spar with and set up arenas these years, but he also tempered his saber intent through reclamation wars. It could be said that he was a veteran of hundreds of battles.

Facing Lu Wangshu’s methods, without using talismans and puppets prepared in advance, she could only defend passively.

However, as soon as the first talisman was outlined by the void, Lu Wangshu flicked her slender jade fingers, and the divine patterns between her eyebrows bloomed with Xia light. This talisman immediately transformed into two, and two into four, continuously deriving and bombarding Shangguan Poyun.

These years, Shangguan Poyun not only found people to spar with and set up arenas, but he also tempered his saber intent through reclamation wars. It could be said that he was a veteran of hundreds of battles.

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Facing Lu Wangshu’s methods, relying on his intuition and saber energy, he broke through Lu Wangshu’s talismans one by one, making it difficult for her to form a formation.

However, Lu Wangshu’s void talisman drawing seemed to be endless. For a time, the two formed a stalemate.

“Huh? Why isn’t Sister using other techniques and puppets?” Although Lu Qingqi wasn’t clear about Lu Wangshu’s true combat strength, she had gone to the Great Dream Marsh with her to blast fish and had seen her spar with Lu Lingxiao.

So, after watching for a moment, she realized something was amiss. Her sister wasn’t going all out!

However, seeing her aunt and eldest brother’s calm expressions, as well as the Purple Thunder True Person not far away, she quickly guessed what was happening.

If the battle ended too quickly, it would be a loss of face for the Shangguan family, and they wouldn’t come to challenge her sister in the future.

If they fought back and forth, and then evenly matched defeated the opponent, it would not only give the Shangguan family face, but also allow them to continue waiting for people to come to spar and earn Core Formation spiritual objects!

Just like that, after the two stalemated for a quarter of an hour, Lu Wangshu lightly patted her storage bag, and four metal puppets with deep, dark luster appeared.

“Puppets, four second-order puppets!”

Someone immediately exclaimed in surprise.

“She’s even using puppets. Five against one, there’s no way to fight like that.”

“As a talisman master, this Fairy Lu is very dangerous once someone gets close to her. It’s understandable to use puppets to protect herself.”

“These puppets should have reached the top grade of the second order, right? She’s really rich.”

“Nonsense, she’s a talisman master herself, and her parents are Core Formation True Persons. How could she be short of money? Maybe there are third-order talismans and third-order puppets in her storage bag.”

Many cultivators looked at Lu Wangshu on the arena, her clothes fluttering, her black hair flying, her appearance exquisite and beautiful, and her temperament elegant and immortal, and felt a burst of envy and jealousy.

Not only was her talent good, and her appearance good, but her family background was also among the top tier. It was simply enviable!

“Divine Thunder Saber Art!”

Shangguan Poyun had seen Lu Wangshu’s puppet and talisman methods and knew that if he couldn’t break through her defensive formation, he wouldn’t be able to defeat her.

So at this moment, he didn’t hold back at all. His whole body’s saber intent erupted completely, and the thunder saber in his hand exploded with a bang, extremely violent, as if heavenly thunder ignited earthly fire, expanding to two or three zhang in length, and his whole person’s aura was approaching that of a Pseudo-Core cultivator!

Faced with such a formation, Lu Wangshu didn’t dare to hide her clumsiness any longer.

With some heartache, she controlled her puppets to rush up, and then the talismans arranged in the void trembled and shot out together.

“Whirr—”

At the same time, the bracelet on her white jade wrist rang crisply like a bell, blooming with brilliant light.

This bracelet, as a top-grade exotic treasure, had not been used to its full potential before.

At this time, under her full urging, even though Shangguan Poyun was a saber cultivator with a firm will, his expression was still dazed, and his magic power became disordered.

As the opportunity for a gap appeared, Lu Wangshu immediately formed hand seals, and the void talismans formed some kind of formation, flying out and suppressing Shangguan Poyun.

“Boom boom boom!”

Shangguan Poyun’s saber intent and spirit were condensed, tenacious and unyielding, with a spirit of never giving up.

But Lu Miaoge, Lu Ping’an, Purple Thunder True Person, and some onlookers of Foundation Establishment cultivators all saw that Shangguan Poyun was showing signs of defeat.

He had seized the initiative at the beginning, but now he had fallen into a passive position. If he couldn’t break through Lu Wangshu’s offensive, it would be almost impossible to turn the tables.

“This Talisman Fairy is not simple. She has suppressed Shangguan Poyun with her own methods and puppets alone, without using the talisman sea tactics that talisman cultivators are most famous for.”

“She used puppets. It can’t be called a fair fight.”

“Sparring and fighting have never been fair. Shangguan Poyun set up a ring here in his early years, cultivating the techniques and natal spiritual weapons that the Shangguan family helped forge and nurture.”

Some cultivators in the audience felt that even if Lu Wangshu won, it would not be a glorious victory, while others felt that winning was winning, and family resources and natural treasures were part of strength.

It’s impossible to not use good things and suppress yourself to the same level as you, right?

“I lost.”

After another quarter of an hour of stalemate, Shangguan Poyun knew that unless he used methods such as the ‘Demonic Saber Art’ and ‘Blood Burning Saber’, he would not be able to break through Lu Wangshu’s offensive.

But in arena sparring, unless there is a feud, people generally don’t risk their lives in a life-or-death battle.

Lu Miaoge and Purple Thunder True Person were watching nearby, and they would step in to stop them once they really started fighting.

Moreover, he could feel that Lu Wangshu still had energy and a backup plan.

Even if he used the Life Burning Saber Technique, he might not be able to win against the opponent.

If he still lost like this, he, as the Shangguan family’s Core Formation seed, would also affect the Shangguan family’s prestige.

“You flatter me.”

Lu Wangshu said as she clasped her hands, seemingly exhausted.

Then, she put away her slightly damaged puppets.

The reason why she usually didn’t want to fight with people was also because her fighting style would cost money no matter what.

“My skills are inferior. I will challenge you again another day.”

Shangguan Poyun, like the former Shangguan Old Ancestor, was very gracious in defeat, and with a stern expression, he threw the [Thunderfire Astral Fiend] to Lu Wangshu.

But in the depths of his eyes, there was still some heartache.

After all, he had spent a lot of time earning this [Thunderfire Astral Fiend] in his early years.

Purple Thunder True Person looked at Shangguan Poyun, who was walking down the arena with a somewhat tired expression, and asked, “Poyun, do you want me to help you exchange this astral fiend back?”

This Thunderfire Astral Fiend could increase Shangguan Poyun’s probability of forming a core by 15%.

But for other thunder- or fire-attribute cultivators, it might only be a 10% probability.

“Thank you, Uncle, but since I lost this battle, it means I still need to hone myself. I’ll find another one when I go out another day.”

Shangguan Poyun’s expression was calm, and his spirit was not frustrated.

If he were so easily frustrated, he would not have been able to grow to this point today.

Since he realized his shortcomings, then he could just work harder.

As for the Core Formation spiritual object that was lost, it would just serve as motivation for him to hone himself next!

“Good, this is my Shangguan family’s unicorn!”

Hearing this, Purple Thunder True Person patted his shoulder, and then stepped forward and clasped his hands with some emotion and envy, saying, “True Person Changsheng and True Person Miaoge are really good at teaching their children. Your family has outstanding talents emerging one after another, which is really enviable.”

“You flatter me, True Person.”

Lu Miaoge said softly, her temperament like water, exchanging greetings politely with him.

Afterwards, as the host, Purple Thunder True Person invited Lu Miaoge and his party to the most luxurious restaurant in Nine Heavens Immortal City for a meal, to show the hospitality of the host.

Although the two came over and immediately looked for Lu Wangshu to spar, they showed a lot of bearing, so Lu Miaoge did not refuse.

“I heard that the reason True Person came here this time is because of the affairs of the Li family of Little Cliff Mountain and the Zhao family of Ink Jade Mountain. My Shangguan family still has some face in this area. If True Person needs it, my Shangguan family can handle it on your behalf.”

In the process, Purple Thunder True Person expressed goodwill to Lu Miaoge and others.

Being Core Formation families, everyone is happy to make money with harmony and make friends as long as there is no great feud.

This time, the Shangguan family helped the Lu family, and in the future, if the Shangguan family had anything involving the Qingyun Sect’s rule, they could also ask the Lu family for help.

Moreover, the Heavenly Talisman Lu family’s current rise is unstoppable.

Old Ancestor Lu Changsheng is not only a third-order top-grade talisman master, but also serves as the deputy city lord in Great Dream Immortal City. Even if his Shangguan family is an old-brand Core Formation family, they are willing to sell a few favors.

In fact, just Lu Changsheng’s identity as a third-order top-grade talisman master is enough for many Core Formation cultivators to befriend him and spend favors to order and buy talismans.

Lu Miaoge glanced at Li Xingruo next to her and said with an elegant and refined air, “The matter has been resolved, so we won’t bother your family.”

“It’s good that it’s resolved.”

Purple Thunder True Person said with a smile, not saying much in this regard.

However, after the meal, he asked Lu Miaoge if the Lu family still had any third-order talismans for sale.

Although the Shangguan family had a channel to purchase third-order talismans, which family would complain about having too many pills and talismans?

In this regard, Lu Miaoge sold ten third-order low-grade talismans.

Currently, besides Lu Changsheng, she and Lu Wangshu are both third-order talisman masters in the Lu family.

These years, Lu Changsheng has been busy with his time. Besides occasionally having time to draw talismans, most of the third-order low-grade talismans sold to the outside world are actually from Lu Wangshu’s hands.

She sometimes even has to ask Lu Wangshu for advice on talisman techniques.

“Thank you, True Person Miaoge.”

Purple Thunder True Person traded the talismans, his expression happy, and left with Shangguan Poyun, saying that they could look for the Shangguan family if they had anything.

In the next few days, many people in Immortal City discussed the sparring between Lu Wangshu and Shangguan Poyun.

“The Heavenly Talisman Lu family is indeed well-deserved. This Talisman Fairy’s method of drawing talismans in the void is simply amazing.”

“Yes, and this is without using the talisman array, which is said to be almost invincible in the same realm.”

“But she’s relying on puppets. If she didn’t have four second-order top-grade puppets to protect her, she would never be Shangguan Poyun’s opponent.”

“With this Talisman Fairy’s talent, Core Formation is promising in the future.”

“Definitely. In his early years, True Person Changsheng was able to earn a Crystal Condensation Pill for his wife, Lu Miaoge, through the wasteland war. This woman is True Person Changsheng’s talisman inheritance and the daughter of True Person Xiyue of Qingyun Sect. She will definitely be able to obtain the Crystal Condensation Pill and impact Core Formation!”

“If this Fairy Wangshu breaks through to Core Formation, wouldn’t the Heavenly Talisman Lu family have four Core Formation members?”

“I’m afraid it’s more than that. The person traveling with them this time is Lu Ping’an, the eldest son of the Lu family, who has been missing for more than thirty years. This person’s sudden appearance is very likely to break through to Core Formation.”

“Impossible, right? I remember that this Lu Ping’an has an extraordinary talent in body refinement, but his Qi refining cultivation can only be considered average. Moreover, he cultivates both body and magic. How can he break through to Core Formation so quickly? It is very likely that he will break through to the third-order body refinement!”

“Hiss, what does the Heavenly Talisman Lu family want to do this time? Lady Miaoge and this eldest son of the Lu family, who has been missing for many years, came to Nine Heavens Immortal City together? Could there be something big going on?”

“I heard that they are helping True Person Changsheng’s two concubines resolve their grievances and seek justice.”

“Is this kind of grievance even a matter in front of the Heavenly Talisman Lu family? It’s not worth True Person Miaoge taking a trip. As long as True Person Changsheng releases a word to the outside world, there will definitely be many people willing to help resolve it.”

As the discussion progressed, the topic gradually shifted from Lu Wangshu and Shangguan Poyun to the Heavenly Talisman Lu family, Lu Ping’an, and others.

After all, in the eyes of most people, things like Li Xingruo’s matter are not worth a Core Formation True Person taking a trip.

Especially since besides Lu Miaoge, there are also Lu Ping’an and Lu Wangshu, the two pillars of the Lu family. There must be something big going on.

As the parties involved, Lu Miaoge, Lu Ping’an, and Lu Wangshu’s party toured Nine Heavens Immortal City for a few days before embarking on the path of proposing marriage to the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Li Xingruo was also preparing to look for a few shops in Nine Heavens Immortal City this time, so that her children could be responsible for some Lu family affairs here in Nine Heavens Immortal City in the future, so she did not go with them.