Chapter 722: Fourth-level puppet, heading to Xingxiu Sea!
Bihu Mountain, Bailian Peak.
Beneath the Fire Mulberry Tree, within the scorching insect chamber.
“It seems these Iron Fire Ants have reached their Bottleneck.”
Lu Chensha looked at the densely packed Iron Fire Ants, forming fiery red iron balls, and sighed.
He knew these Iron Fire Ants had reached a Bottleneck.
To grow further, they would need to be fed numerous rare metal Ores, allowing them to kill and devour each other.
This process was extremely time-consuming, energy-intensive, and resource-heavy.
“However, for me, it’s barely enough. As long as I don’t encounter a Core Formation cultivator, there shouldn’t be a problem.”
Lu Chensha mused to himself, feeling that with the Iron Fire Ants at Minor Achievement, he should now seek an Opportunity for Core Formation outside.
Previously, he had planned to go out and gain experience after breaking through to Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer.
But after breaking through to Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer, he thought about it and felt there was no need to rush.
After all, the Lu Family’s benefits were quite good.
And besides being responsible for the Lu Family’s Beast Control matters, helping the Family Cultivate Iron Fire Ants, and refining [Refining Crystals], he also received extra rewards.
So, in this situation, occasionally hunting in the Black Cloud Mountain Range meant he wasn’t short on resources.
But now, the Iron Fire Ants, Huishen Insects, and Ghoul-Faced Soul-Devouring Spiders were all in their growth Bottleneck period, and relying on Family resources and the Yao Beasts of the Black Cloud Mountain Range was completely insufficient.
He had to go to places like the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range, Qingluan Immortal City, and Great Dream Immortal City to accumulate enough resources to help the Huishen Insects and Ghoul-Faced Soul-Devouring Spiders Breakthrough, thereby planning for Core Formation.
“Although the Liang Yue War is chaotic, with Qingluan Immortal City, I imagine the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range won’t be affected.”
The news of Qingluan True Monarch’s departure was not widely known, except among the high-ranking officials of Qingluan Immortal City and the Four Great Immortal Sects.
In fact, apart from the Heaven Sword Sect, other forces, due to Qingluan True Monarch’s habit of fishing for information in earlier years and often releasing false news to mislead, did not dare to confirm whether this news was true or false.
Therefore, Lu Chensha did not know that Qingluan Immortal City currently had no Nascent Soul True Lord presiding over it.
“How about I Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Late Stage before going out?”
Considering the dangers of the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range, Lu Chensha felt it would be more secure to Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
Although he only had a Fifth-Grade Spiritual Root, cultivating the Beast Control Technique and contracting [Huishen Insects], [Ghoul-Faced Soul-Devouring Spiders], and [Thousand-legged Centipedes] allowed his Cultivate speed to rival a High Grade Spiritual Root.
In this situation, staying at Lu until Foundation Establishment Late Stage was not a difficult task.
“Forget it, I’ll Cultivate to the Sixth Layer Peak and then see.”
Even if he was confident in breaking through to Foundation Establishment Seventh Layer at Lu, the Bottleneck from Sixth to Seventh Layer, relying on slow grinding, would be very time-consuming.
If his Father asked why he was still diligently cultivating at Lu, it would be a bit awkward.
After feeding the Iron Fire Ants, Lu Chensha walked out of the insect chamber and went to Bishui Lake to check on the other Spirit Beasts raised at Lu.
“Chensha.”
Just then, a Lu Family disciple came over, saying that Lady Monarch had called for him.
“Alright, I’ll go now!”
Lu Chensha heard this, didn’t ask further, and immediately flew towards Biyun Peak, arriving at the Lu Family Mansion.
In the main hall, Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaoyun were chatting idly.
“Chensha greets Aunt!”
Lu Chensha quickly bowed in salute.
Although Lu Miaoge was stationed at Bihu Mountain, she rarely showed herself on weekdays, and Lu Miaoyun handled everything.
So he instantly realized something important was happening.
“Chensha, how has your Cultivate been recently?”
Lu Miaoge treated the Lu Family disciples much like Lu Changsheng, without much strictness, like a gentle spring breeze, making people feel close to her.
In fact, many Lu Family disciples held more respect and love for aunts like Lu Miaoge and Lu Miaoyun.
After inquiring about Lu Chensha’s recent situation, Lu Miaoge continued to ask, “Have you heard about the [Mystic Realm of Submerged Abyss] in the Great Dream Marsh recently?”
“I’ve heard a little.”
Although Lu Chensha rarely went out, he still paid attention to outside information.
Mainly, after the Qingyun Sect released this news, many Lu Family disciples discussed it, so he naturally knew.
However, he didn’t have many thoughts about this Secret Realm.
On one hand, False Core Immortal Masters could enter the Secret Realm.
On the other hand, his methods would be weakened by fifty percent if he went to an boundless water area like the Great Dream Marsh.
“Senior Honglian sent me a message, indicating that you should also go and see this [Mystic Realm of Submerged Abyss].”
Lu Miaoge, with her watery demeanor, said gently.
Although Lu Changsheng didn’t force such matters, letting his children choose for themselves.
But now, the Secret Realm matters were fully handled by Honglian and Ling Zixiao.
So Honglian directly named some Lu Family disciples to go.
Not seeking much gain, but simply using this Opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain experience.
Of course, the main reason was that the Secret Realm was under their control, so there was no need to worry about accidents.
Lu Chensha was stunned when he heard this, not expecting Senior Honglian to call him to the Mystic Realm of Submerged Abyss.
However, since Lu Miaoge had said so, he naturally couldn’t refuse, and immediately bowed, saying, “Yes, Chensha will go prepare now.”
“There’s no need to rush with this. Later, there will be an azure cloud spirit ship heading to Great Dream Immortal City, and you can take the spirit ship there.”
“By the way, you’ll go with Xiao Qin, Xuanqian, and Qingze then. Once you reach Great Dream Immortal City, you can look for Wangshu and the others.”
Lu Miaoge, in her plain white dress, spoke with a serene and elegant demeanor.
“Big Sister-in-law, Qingze, Xuanqian, and Sister Wangshu are going too?”
Lu Chensha paused slightly, surprised when he heard this.
“At that time, Great Dream Immortal City will issue some rewards, so you should strive to perform well.”
Lu Miaoge encouraged Lu Chensha a few more times, then motioned for him to go and handle his current affairs.
As the news of the Mystic Realm of Submerged Abyss spread and continued to ferment, many Foundation Establishment Cultivators and False Core Immortal Masters rushed to the Great Dream Marsh.
And Great Dream Immortal City also took this Opportunity to hold several auctions, creating a lively atmosphere.
Lu Changsheng, as the City Lord of the Immortal City, was completely unaware of these happenings and didn’t care in the slightest, fully focused on helping Qian Zhuyan upgrade the Puppet’s quality.
On this day, he perfectly embedded a top-tier mirror Magic Treasure into Qian Zhuyan’s chest as a heart-protecting mirror, further protecting the internal Puppet core.
Then, under Qian Zhuyan’s guidance, the two of them worked together to engrave runes on the Puppet’s body.
After a long time, the heart-protecting mirror and Qian Zhuyan’s Puppet body perfectly merged, forming an invisible Qi flow.
At this moment, Qian Zhuyan’s Puppet body, from top to bottom, inside and out, had all been upgraded to Four-Rank quality!
“Four-Rank Puppet!”
Qian Zhuyan felt her body, and the Soul fire in her eye sockets fluctuated, her sinister and hoarse voice carrying an unprecedented joy.
This joy was not just about advancing to a Four-Rank Puppet!
It was also that she had finally created a Four-Rank Puppet!
Previously, although she had confidence and had simulated it countless times in her mind, she had never had the chance to put it into practice.
Now, Lu Changsheng had not only helped her realize her dream but also showed her hope for revenge!
“Many thanks, Master!”
Qian Zhuyan bowed to Lu Changsheng, expressing her joy and gratitude.
After a year of getting along, she had also developed a great deal of fondness for Lu Changsheng, her master of both talent and appearance.
After all, who could refuse a generous, gentle, learned, and handsome man?
Especially since Qian Zhuyan had devoted herself to Cultivate and researching Puppet Arts in her early years, never focusing on romantic relationships.
Now, suddenly encountering such an excellent man like Lu Changsheng, how could she resist?
If it weren’t for her heart being filled with deep-seated hatred, and now being a Puppet body, not an ordinary person, she might have directly fallen for Lu Changsheng’s advances.
That’s right, it was indeed an advance.
Although this year was about helping to upgrade the Puppet, Lu Changsheng also tried his best to increase his intimacy with Qian Zhuyan.
After all, relying solely on a cooperative relationship lacked trust; intimacy was still needed.
And after such a long period of contact, Lu Changsheng also saw that Qian Zhuyan was a talent.
A truly top-tier talent!
Not only in the Dao of Puppets, but also extraordinarily gifted in the Dao of Artifact Refining!
Facing much of his knowledge and concepts from the Divine Machine Hundred Refinements Art, she could infer other things from one point.
If the Divine Machine Hundred Refinements Art were passed to her, she would definitely become a Four-Rank Artifact Refining Grandmaster in the future!
A Four-Rank Puppet and Artifact Refining Grandmaster, Lu Changsheng naturally wanted to completely subdue her.
“Little Yan, you are too polite. I have also benefited greatly these past few days.”
Lu Changsheng said with a joyful expression.
This was not false.
Through his interactions with Qian Zhuyan these past few days and exchanging knowledge on Puppets, his Puppet skills had advanced by leaps and bounds.
He felt that through Qian Zhuyan, he could upgrade his Family’s Puppet craftsmanship, factories, and the Thousand-Faced Fox Puppet.
Of course, the main reason for his happiness was that Qian Zhuyan’s quality had reached Four-Rank, and his strength had risen to another level!
“Little Yan, you have also been very tired these past few days. Get some good rest. Once I finish handling the matters at hand, we will go to the Star Constellation Sea.”
This year, Qian Zhuyan had hardly rested.
The problem of Puppet spirit erosion was directly resolved by Lu Changsheng’s Six Desires Heart Demon Art.
However, prolonged high-intensity work would still lead to Divine Soul fatigue, requiring rest and relief.
“Mm.”
Qian Zhuyan knew about Lu Changsheng’s plan to go to Star Constellation Sea, and her hoarse, eerie voice was softer than before.
Then, she activated her “Little Yan Art” and entered a state of slumber.
Lu Changsheng walked out of the Puppet Hall and spent a long time with his wives, asking about the situation in Great Dream Immortal City during this period.
Upon hearing that the Mystic Realm of Submerged Abyss was ready and would open in three months, with many Lu Family disciples participating, Lu Changsheng nodded slightly.
He knew that Red Lotus and Ling Zixiao handled these matters more smoothly than he did.
“Since it’s a reward, let’s make it big. Let’s set the first-place prize as a Ningjing Pill.”
“If Xiao’er can’t win it, then let Wangshu compete for it!”
Upon hearing that Red Lotus had placed three hundred and sixty-five tokens in the Secret Realm and would later announce that the top ten token holders would receive generous rewards, Lu Changsheng decided to make it more exciting.
He would use this to stimulate and motivate his children.
This was also because he had absolute confidence in his children.
One Lu Lingxiao might find it difficult to suppress everyone.
But with an additional Lu Wangshu, the two of them working together could definitely win first place!
If, under such circumstances, someone could still win, then Lu Changsheng would admit defeat, take it as a lesson for himself, and never underestimate others again, focusing on educating and nurturing his children well.
“If the reward is set as a Ningjing Pill, then this Secret Realm will be lively.”
Red Lotus knew that Lu Changsheng had absolute confidence in the Lu Family disciples.
However, this would undoubtedly increase the difficulty for Lu Lingxiao.
“Since we’re going to play, it should naturally be lively.”
Lu Changsheng smiled faintly.
Before, he didn’t have the capital and couldn’t bear to part with Ningjing Pills.
But now, with five Ningjing Pills and three jade marrow gold ganoderma in hand, even if he lost one, he could afford it.
Moreover, he was now the City Lord of Great Dream Immortal City, a Nascent Soul True Lord in many people’s eyes.
If he was stingy when organizing a Secret Realm event, what would outsiders think of him?
“Oh, by the way, you’ll have to worry about Little Ling’er’s Core Formation later.”
Previously, Lu Changsheng had planned to help his wife Bai Ling form her Core this time.
But now he really didn’t have time, so he entrusted this matter to Red Lotus.
However, given Bai Ling’s talent and the presence of Ningjing Pills, Five Elements Spiritual Fruit, and other Core Formation spiritual items, it was basically a sure thing.
“Don’t worry, Husband.”
Red Lotus smiled gently, asking Lu Changsheng when he planned to go to Star Constellation Sea.
“After one more trip back to Bihu Mountain, it’ll be about time to go.”
Lu Changsheng intended to bid farewell to Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaoyun, Xiao Xiyue, and others.
Then, he would release the well-trained Ying’er, use messages to stabilize the Youyue Saintess, and then head directly to Star Constellation Sea.
“Mm.”
Red Lotus leaned into Lu Changsheng’s embrace and softly responded.
“I won’t take A Wu and Lingjing with me. If anything happens, you can directly order Lingjing to act.”
After much thought, Lu Changsheng decided not to take Rift Sea Mysterious Dragon Whale for now.
On one hand, Great Dream Immortal City needed a powerful combat force to guard it.
If both he and Rift Sea Mysterious Dragon Whale were absent and a Nascent Soul-level force attacked, it would be very troublesome.
For example, when Rift Sea Mysterious Dragon Whale underwent Tribulation, he killed a Fourth-Order Flood Dragon King and repelled a Fourth-Order Demon King. If the latter incited a beast tide to attack, it would be extremely dangerous.
Although he could quickly return via the Mi Chen Banner, the two places were far apart, and if he was held up by something, it would be very troublesome.
On the other hand, Rift Sea Mysterious Dragon Whale had only recently broken through to Fourth-Order and needed time to digest its inherited memories and awaken its innate Divine Ability.
His main purpose for this trip to Star Constellation Sea was to understand the Nascent Soul Pill, the situation of Fourth-Order Spiritual Lands, and to search for the whereabouts of his son Lu Quanzhen.
With his current combat strength, along with Qian Zhuyan, Golden Winged Roc, and Tihun Beast, it was enough to handle most situations.
If he truly encountered something he couldn’t resolve, it wouldn’t be too late to bring Rift Sea Mysterious Dragon Whale and Red Lotus.
Moreover, the Southern Barrens and Star Constellation Sea likely had connections, and bringing Rift Sea Mysterious Dragon Whale might draw attention to him if he used the Immortal Master Yang Ming’s Divine Ability.
“Husband, you’re not taking Lingjing?”
Red Lotus was a little surprised, knowing that Lu Changsheng had been waiting for Rift Sea Mysterious Dragon Whale to break through to Fourth-Order.
“Mm, Lingjing just advanced to Fourth-Order and still needs time to settle down. Besides, with Lingjing guarding the Lu, I feel more at ease.”
Lu Changsheng said so.
After spending time with his wives and concubines, including Red Lotus, Ling Zixiao, Meng Xiaochun, and Bai Ling, Lu Changsheng went to see his children here, encouraging them and telling them to perform well in this Secret Realm.
Then he called his daughter Lu Wangshu aside and told her about his son Lu Lingxiao, indicating that she, as an older sister, should help him.
“Got it~”
Although Lu Wangshu was usually mischievous and teased her younger siblings, she still knew what was important.
Moreover, her aunt Ling Zixiao had already told her about this matter.
She hoped that she could help Lu Lingxiao a bit.
For decades, she had never seen this aunt like this, knowing how much she valued it.
“The first-place prize for this Secret Realm is a Ningjing Pill, prepared for you and Lingxiao. Don’t disappoint your Father.”
Lu Changsheng looked at his bright-faced daughter, his voice tinged with indulgence.
This Secret Realm was not only for his son Lu Lingxiao to show off.
It was also a stage for his daughter Lu Wangshu.
“Father, aren’t you afraid we’ll lose?”
Lu Wangshu’s red lips parted slightly, and her eyes widened when she heard that the first-place prize was a Ningjing Pill.
“Isn’t this because I have confidence in you?”
Lu Changsheng laughed.
“What if we lose?!”
Lu Wangshu felt very distressed, thinking that her old man would use such a rare Medicinal Pill as a reward.
Even though she knew the probability of others taking it was minuscule, she still felt a pang of pain.
Don’t flaunt your wealth!
“If you lose, your Ningjing Pill, your Father will just have to find another way.”
Lu Changsheng spread his hands.
“Father, you actually used my Ningjing Pill as a reward!”
Lu Wangshu felt even more distressed when she heard that this Ningjing Pill originally belonged to her. She stared with her clear, big eyes, wishing she could bite her Father.
“Look at you, a money grubber.”
Lu Changsheng tapped his daughter’s forehead with his hand, saying irritably.
He couldn’t understand why this little cotton-padded jacket, who had been well-fed and clothed since childhood, was such a money grubber.
After chatting with his daughter and giving a few instructions to his son Lu Ping’an, Lu Changsheng rushed back to Bihu Mountain.
After spending several days with Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaoyun, Lu Miaohuan, Qu Zhenzhen, and others, Lu Changsheng arrived at Qingyun Sect.
However, he learned that Xiao Xiyue was out on a mission and was not currently in Qingyun Sect.
“Yuan Country?”
Lu Changsheng learned from the Qingyun Sect Master that the Liang Yue War was currently in a stalemate, and Yuan Country had begun to infiltrate Wu Country, possibly having reached some kind of cooperation with Liang Country.
Therefore, under these circumstances, Heaven Sword Sect had gathered several Core Formation cultivators from Qingyun Sect, Luoxia Sect, and Yu Ling Sect to help Yue Country share the pressure, hoping for an early end to the Liang Yue War.
“Mm, this matter might even require City Lord Wang’s help.”
Qingyun Sect Master told Lu Changsheng this to seize the Opportunity to convey the message to Great Dream Immortal City, indicating that the current situation was unstable.
“Ask me for help…”
Lu Changsheng didn’t expect that after he politely exchanged a few words with Sword Saint Monarch, the latter would actually plan to ask him for help.
He was going to Star Constellation Sea now and had no time to worry about these things.
He continued to inquire and learned that Xiao Xiyue and the others were mainly going to help Yue Country share the pressure and would not be in too much danger, which put Lu Changsheng at ease.
Then, he traded ten Third-Order Talismans with Qingyun Sect and took his leave.
After leaving Qingyun Sect, Lu Changsheng flew for ten thousand miles until he reached a mountain range, where he released the well-trained Ying’er from the Goddess Furnace.
“Ying’er, if there’s any urgent situation, you can send a message to Bihu Mountain. If there’s no important information, just wait for me to return.”
Lu Changsheng looked at Ying’er, who was dressed in dark soft armor, with an elegant and graceful figure. He gave her five top-grade Third-Order Talismans, indicating that she should try her best to stabilize the Youyue Saintess.
He had mentioned Ying’er’s matter to Lu Miaoyun.
If she received a message, the latter would inform Red Lotus to find a solution.
“Yes, Master.”
Ying’er obediently responded.
However, to be safe, Lu Changsheng still planted a quasi-Fourth-Order Talisman in her Sea of Consciousness, in case the Goddess Furnace’s effect failed.
After completing these tasks, Lu Changsheng rushed back to Great Dream Immortal City, preparing to set off for Star Constellation Sea!