Chapter 857: Liang Kingdom replaced Jiang Kingdom, the Star King has an ominous premonition!
No matter how powerful Sword Saint Monarch was, he was still a Nascent Soul cultivator standing at the pinnacle of the Cultivation World.
Even with his inner shock, he maintained his usual cold and dignified expression.
He stared at the Pacifying Seas Halberd and Flood Dragon Spear before him, and said in a deep voice, “City Lord Wang, are these the Natal Spirit Treasures of the Nascent Soul True Lords from the Town Sea Seven Sects?”
“That’s right, these two Natal Spirit Treasures belong to Peace Ocean True Lord and Overturning Ocean True Lord of the Town Sea Seven Sects, respectively. As for Swallowing Sea True Lord, his Natal Spirit Treasure was destroyed in battle.”
Lu Changsheng smiled faintly and nodded.
Knowing that Sword Saint Monarch still had doubts, he lightly waved his hand.
“Fellow Daoist, please take a closer look.”
The Pacifying Seas Halberd and Flood Dragon Spear flew directly in front of Sword Saint Monarch, allowing him to examine them closely.
Sword Saint Monarch was slightly surprised to see Lu Changsheng so generously toss the two Spirit Treasures to him.
This meant he wasn’t worried at all about him absconding with the treasures.
Although such Natal Spirit Treasures, unless cultivated with a continuous Cultivation Technique, could not be fully utilized by others.
However, the materials of any Natal Spirit Treasure were extremely rare.
They could be disassembled, refined, forged, or used to upgrade other Spirit Treasures!
From this effortless gesture, Sword Saint Monarch sensed Lu Changsheng’s confidence and assurance.
A confidence and assurance in his own strength.
If, as the other party claimed, these two Spirit Treasures were obtained by him after slaying two Nascent Soul True Lords, and one Nascent Soul cultivator’s Natal Spirit Treasure was even destroyed, then this Great Dream City Lord’s strength was not comparable to an ordinary veteran Nascent Soul cultivator, or even his Senior Brother.
Instead, he was a giant of the Nascent Soul middle stage!
“Thank you, City Lord Wang.”
Sword Saint Monarch clasped his fists in a solemn expression of gratitude, then took the two Spirit Treasures and examined them carefully.
A Natal Spirit Treasure was like a Cultivator’s second life.
Except for eccentrics like Lu Changsheng, in most cases, by analyzing the interwoven magical power patterns, Dao, and principles on a Natal Spirit Treasure, one could most directly determine the owner’s strength.
Through the Pacifying Seas Halberd and Flood Dragon Spear, Sword Saint Monarch clearly realized that Lu Changsheng was not bluffing.
These were the Natal Spirit Treasures of two Nascent Soul cultivators!
Furthermore, the owner of this trident was definitely no weaker than himself.
He might even be a cut above.
Although the Overturning Ocean Flood Dragon Spear was damaged, it was difficult to analyze the owner’s strength.
But the traces of damage and breakage shocked him even more.
After all, in a battle of Cultivators at the same level, it would be difficult to damage a Natal Spirit Treasure to such an extent.
Only a giant of the Nascent Soul middle stage could achieve this!
Or someone possessing a certain top-tier Spirit Treasure!
“City Lord Wang’s strength is astonishing, Xuanjian Zhenjun is impressed.”
Sword Saint Monarch took a deep breath, calmed the shock in his heart, returned the two Spirit Treasures to Lu Changsheng, and cupped his hands.
He completely believed that Lu Changsheng had leveled the Yinming Ghost Sect, slain Nether Fiend True Lord, and formed an alliance with the Heavenly Corpse Sect and Five Poison Sect.
He believed that the other party was most likely a giant of the Nascent Soul middle stage!
He also understood why Yangming True Lord, who was only at the Core Formation cultivation level at the time, could contend with, and even suppress, a Nascent Soul True Lord!
Because the other party was not a Core Formation cultivator at all.
He was a Nascent Soul giant who had reincarnated or was recovering from severe injuries!
As his thoughts swirled, a doubt arose in Sword Saint Monarch’s mind.
Why would such a top-tier existence choose to reside peacefully in his Jiang Country?
One must know that Jiang Country was merely a remote corner of the Southern Wilderness, a place too small to accommodate such a titan.
Especially since the other party had settled in Great Dream Immortal City, a place with a Third-Order Spiritual Vein, ever since arriving in Jiang Country.
A Nascent Soul middle stage giant would require at least a Fourth-Order Medium Grade Spiritual Vein to meet his cultivation needs.
Even his own Spiritual Vein was far from sufficient.
“Xuanjian Zhenjun may I be so bold as to ask, with City Lord Wang’s strength, why have you always remained in Jiang Country?”
Sword Saint Monarch’s tone became more respectful as he inquired.
In their previous conversation, he had asked Lu Changsheng a similar question.
Why he had flattened the Yinming Ghost Sect and allied with the Heavenly Corpse Sect and Five Poison Sect.
The other party had explained it was purely due to his grievances with Nether Fiend True Lord and to alleviate the pressure on Jiang Country.
Not only did he not believe it then, but he believed it even less now.
He believed that such a top-tier Cultivator coming to Jiang Country must have a reason!
Hiding from an enemy?
Sword Saint Monarch felt this was the most likely possibility.
At this moment, he felt that the Great Dream City Lord before him, Yangming True Lord, was a naked jinx, a lone star of disaster.
Not only had he and Qingluan True Monarch provoked many forces in the Southern Wilderness Northern Region, and terrifying forces like the Star Constellation Sea and Town Sea Seven Sects, but he might also have unknown terrifying enemies!
For forces in the Southern Wilderness Northern Region, his Heaven Sword Sect could still intervene slightly and help resolve matters.
But if the Town Sea Seven Sects truly had seven Nascent Soul True Lords and a Nascent Soul middle stage Old Ancestor, as Lu Changsheng claimed, then his Heaven Sword Sect could face annihilation if they weren’t careful.
As for the enemies the other party was hiding from, Sword Saint Monarch dared not even imagine.
After all, to make such a Nascent Soul middle stage giant hide in such a remote place, their strength was unimaginable, completely beyond what their Heaven Sword Sect could contend with.
At this moment, Sword Saint Monarch had no thought of forming an alliance or clinging to Lu Changsheng’s leg.
He only wanted to know why the other party came to Jiang Country, when he would leave, and sincerely hoped he wouldn’t bring disaster to their Jiang Country.
Their Heaven Sword Sect truly couldn’t bear it.
Lu Changsheng noticed the increased respect in Sword Saint Monarch’s words and expression, and was somewhat surprised.
He had thought he would need to spar with Sword Saint Monarch and demonstrate some strength to convince him.
He hadn’t expected that simply bringing Lu Lingjing and showing the Natal Spirit Treasures of Peace Ocean True Lord and Overturning Ocean True Lord would make the other party believe his words.
But thinking about it, it was normal.
How could an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator possess multiple Natal Spirit Treasures and two Fourth-Order Spirit Pets?
“Great Tribulation.”
Lu Changsheng’s face showed a hint of solemnity as he uttered two words.
He then paused, and said with some emotion, “Fortune and misfortune are intertwined; a Great Tribulation is also a Great Era.”
“I came here for certain reasons and sensed an Opportunity, so I settled in Great Dream Immortal City to prepare for the Great Tribulation.”
“My invitation for your Sect to form an alliance is also in hopes that we can work together to face the crisis of the future Great Tribulation.”
Although Lu Changsheng knew about the Great Tribulation and Great Era, he wasn’t clear on the details.
So he spoke very vaguely, letting Sword Saint Monarch guess for himself.
“Great Tribulation…”
Sword Saint Monarch’s face was solemn, and he remained silent.
If it had been before, when he faced Lu Changsheng and Great Dream Immortal City, he might have had some thoughts of forming an alliance.
But now, he had no intention of forming an alliance at all.
After all, a so-called alliance was a huge gamble.
Once involved in the other party’s disputes, his Heaven Sword Sect’s millennium foundation could be destroyed at any time, falling into eternal damnation.
But now that Lu Changsheng had indicated there was an Opportunity in the Jiang Country area, it meant he wouldn’t leave anytime soon.
Sword Saint Monarch had a headache.
If the other party were just an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator, their Heaven Sword Sect could still negotiate, or even force him to leave.
But a Nascent Soul middle stage giant, with two Fourth-Order Spirit Pets, and a Dao Companion whose strength was unknown but suspected to be a Nascent Soul cultivator, their Heaven Sword Sect was simply no match.
“I presume City Lord Wang and Qingluan True Monarch have already formed an alliance?”
Sword Saint Monarch pondered for a moment, then asked with a hint of probing.
The matter of Yangming True Lord and Qingluan True Monarch jointly resisting multiple Nascent Soul cultivators had spread throughout the Southern Wilderness Northern Region.
Everyone wondered why Yangming True Lord was willing to help so much.
“That’s right.”
Lu Changsheng said without hesitation.
Although he and Qingluan True Monarch didn’t have much private interaction, she was still the mother of his child, so calling them allies was not an exaggeration.
However, Sword Saint Monarch’s question made it awkward for him to inquire about Qingluan True Monarch’s whereabouts.
Sword Saint Monarch still wanted to ask what the Opportunity the other party mentioned was, and if it was related to the core Opportunity of the Han Sha Illusion Domain.
And where Qingluan True Monarch was currently.
But such a sensitive topic, and their relationship hadn’t reached that point yet, so he immediately changed his expression and sincerely said, “City Lord Wang’s willingness to ally with my Heaven Sword Sect is naturally an honor for my Heaven Sword Sect, but this is such a major matter that it must be decided by my Senior Brother. I truly cannot make the decision.”
Sword Saint Monarch directly retracted his previous agreement to ally and cooperate, preparing to discuss it further.
Lu Changsheng naturally saw Sword Saint Monarch’s change in attitude, which now included more respect and a cautious distance.
This was very normal.
There was already a lack of trust between them, and now that he had such terrible trouble, the Heaven Sword Sect naturally didn’t want to get too involved.
He didn’t mind, and said calmly, “Today I have been frank, only to show that I bear no ill will towards your Sect and wish to befriend you.”
“The Liang Yue War is not an excuse; it is truly because the Star Constellation Sea crisis is imminent, and I am stretched thin.”
“Once the Star Constellation Sea matter is resolved, I will naturally lend a hand, and I also have some collaborations and transactions I wish to discuss in detail with your Sect.”
Lu Changsheng’s tone was calm, without the slightest hint of arrogance.
“Collaboration? Transaction?”
Sword Saint Monarch frowned slightly, his heart filled with vigilance.
In his opinion, any transaction that Lu Changsheng would actively bring up must concern their most core interests.
Lu Changsheng nodded slightly and said, “Not only will I act in the Liang Yue War, but I am also willing to pacify Liang Country and give this territory to your Sect.”
Lu Changsheng had no good feelings towards Liang Country.
If he hadn’t been tied up with the Star Constellation Sea matter, he would have already gone to Liang Country to flatten and destroy Beast God Mountain.
And in his plan, he intended to make Jiang Country his own territory.
But Old Ancestor Lu was unwilling to do things like seize territory without reason.
Not to mention that he needed the Heaven Sword Sect and Yue Country as a barrier for Jiang Country; just because Jiang Country had cultivated for a hundred years, he wouldn’t do anything to seize it by force.
So Lu Changsheng planned to exchange Liang Country with the Heaven Sword Sect.
Compared to Jiang Country, Liang Country was more prosperous, with multiple Fourth-Order Spiritual Veins.
Moreover, according to rumors, the Spiritual Veins of Beast God Mountain were also more abundant than those of the Heaven Sword Sect.
“Give Liang Country to our Sect!?”
Sword Saint Monarch was shocked, his vigilance reaching its peak.
He knew well that there was no such thing as a free lunch.
Behind such a generous gift, there must be an even more astonishing demand!
Sword Saint Monarch suppressed the shock in his heart and said in a deep voice, “Is City Lord Wang perhaps too confident?”
“Liang Country has a deep foundation. Beast God Mountain, Chi Shen Sect, and Shura Sect all have Nascent Soul True Lords overseeing them. Nine Spirits True Lord of Beast God Mountain is even extraordinarily powerful, possessing a Fourth-Order Beast King Spirit Pet, and shows signs of breaking through to the Nascent Soul middle stage!”
“Furthermore, according to my Heaven Sword Sect’s intelligence, it is highly likely that there is a hidden hand from elsewhere behind Liang Country starting this war!”
Regarding the matter of the Seven Demonic Sects’ “Emissary,” A Youduo and the Heavenly Corpse Sect had vaguely guessed, so how could the Heaven Sword Sect, as the overlord of Jiang Country, not know?
For these past years, Jiang Country and Yue Country had been passively defending, not daring to ambush Liang Country’s Nascent Soul True Lords, precisely because they feared the other party’s mysterious Emissary.
Otherwise, the top combat strength of Jiang Country and Yue Country is not weaker than Liang Country.
Without going into too much detail, besides Nine Spirits True Lord of Beast God Mountain, no one in Liang Country is a match for Xuanjian Zhenjun, this peerless Sword Cultivator.
As long as a plan is laid out to lure the enemy out and kill one or two of them, this war can be stopped early.
“Does this Devil Dao Emissary have Nascent Soul Late Stage strength?”
Lu Changsheng’s expression was calm as he asked quietly.
“Of course not!”
Sword Saint Monarch immediately said, “What kind of existence is a Great Cultivator of the Nascent Soul Late Stage? Even looking at Nanhua Cultivation World, he is a top existence. How could he come to such a remote place?”
Let alone Nascent Soul Late Stage, even the probability of a Nascent Soul middle stage giant is not high.
After all, the location of Jiang Country is not considered prosperous, so how could there be so many Nascent Soul giants?
But it is also possible that this mastermind secretly manipulates wars between multiple countries, so his strength is extraordinary.
“Since that’s the case, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Lu Changsheng said lightly.
Then he gave Sword Saint Monarch a deep look and said, “I have ways to deal with and resolve the Town Sea Old Ancestor of Star Constellation Sea, so Fellow Daoist Jue Jian can rest assured about the matters of Liang Country.”
Although these words had a hint of exaggeration.
But having come this far, how could he retreat?
Moreover, he had killed Nether Fiend True Lord and seized the Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool, so sooner or later, he would have to face the Devil Dao Emissary behind Beast God Mountain.
Now that he had reached a cooperation with Heaven Sword Sect, he would have a few more helpers then.
“There’s nothing to worry about if there’s no Nascent Soul Great Cultivator?”
Even Sword Saint Monarch, a Nascent Soul cultivator, felt his heart tremble upon hearing this.
What kind of confidence was this!
Although he guessed that Lu Changsheng in front of him was a Nascent Soul middle stage giant, he couldn’t help but be shocked.
“Does City Lord Wang truly have confidence?”
Sword Saint Monarch couldn’t help but ask, his heart moved by the territory of Liang Country.
After all, this condition was simply too tempting!
His Senior Brother had failed to break through to the Nascent Soul middle stage years ago.
And the Spiritual Vein environment of Beast God Mountain was superior to his Heaven Sword Sect.
If they could obtain the Spiritual Vein of Beast God Mountain, his Senior Brother would have a few more chances to break through to the Nascent Soul middle stage.
Besides that, there was also the concept of Luck!
Liang Country was more prosperous and fertile than Jiang Country.
If their Heaven Sword Sect could obtain the territory of Liang Country, not only could they acquire more resources, but the Luck of Heaven Sword Sect would also advance further, flourishing day by day.
A strong Sect with abundant Luck was not only beneficial to its Disciples but also brought numerous advantages to the Sect’s Old Ancestors.
Especially for a diviner like his Senior Brother, he could use the power of Luck to break through more easily.
Moreover, Sword Saint Monarch knew in his heart that his own talent was inferior to his Senior Brother’s, making it even more difficult for him to break through to the Nascent Soul middle stage.
If the Sect was strong, perhaps he would have a few more opportunities!
“Hehe.”
Lu Changsheng chuckled and said, “Why would I deceive Fellow Daoist about such a matter? Besides, won’t we know after a battle?”
“City Lord Wang wants to give the territory of Liang Country to my Heaven Sword Sect. What is your intention?”
Sword Saint Monarch controlled the emotions on his face and spoke, wanting to know Lu Changsheng’s demands.
“Jiang Country.”
Lu Changsheng said, “I said that I sensed an Opportunity here, so I plan to reside in Jiang Country for a long time.”
“And Liang Country is for exchanging Jiang Country with your Sect.”
Two sharp sword lights suddenly shot out from Sword Saint Monarch’s eyes.
He hadn’t expected that what this Great Dream City Lord sought was actually his own Jiang Country.
Such a demand was truly astonishing!
If it were anyone else who dared to say this to him, he would probably directly make a move.
But he was extremely wary of Lu Changsheng in front of him.
However, on second thought, the other party was willing to exchange Liang Country for his own, which was worth it.
Otherwise, why would the other party give Liang Country to his own Sect?
“If City Lord Wang can clear and pacify Liang Country, this matter is not impossible.”
Sword Saint Monarch said calmly.
The Great Dream City Lord in front of him had already set his sights on his Sect.
If he truly possessed invincible combat strength below the Nascent Soul Late Stage, enough to pacify Liang Country, then this transaction would not allow their Heaven Sword Sect to refuse.
If the other party’s strength was insufficient, then it would just be empty talk, and his Heaven Sword Sect was not to be bullied by anyone.
“Hehe, I am also being frank with you. These matters can be discussed after the Liang Yue War is resolved.”
Lu Changsheng said with a faint smile, “So, my purpose in coming to see Fellow Daoist Jue Jian this time is also to know the current situation of the Liang Yue War? How much longer can it last?”
“Hard to say.”
Sword Saint Monarch said with a solemn expression, “If it remains a stalemate and a war of attrition, it can last for a long time.”
“But besides the mastermind, the Devil Dao Emissary, in recent years, a fierce calamity Qi has been rising and spreading in Liang Country.”
“Once this crisis erupts, I’m afraid there will be more ill than good. This is also why I have been inviting Fellow Daoist to assist in the war, hoping to stop this fierce calamity.”
Now facing Lu Changsheng, Sword Saint Monarch no longer concealed anything and revealed the suspicions of Jiang Country and Yue Country.
They suspected that Nine Spirits True Lord had broken through to the Nascent Soul middle stage.
Or that he had cultivated terrifying existences like Fourth-Order Beast God or Shura Fiend God.
Whichever it was, it was extremely terrifying.
“Fierce calamity Qi!?”
Lu Changsheng knew that for Sword Saint Monarch to take it so seriously, it meant the situation was indeed very serious.
However, wars change instantaneously, and with Nascent Soul True Lord overseeing them, the heavenly secrets were in disarray.
He was currently far away in Jiang Country, making it difficult to observe and deduce the fierce calamity Qi that the other party spoke of.
“Hmm.”
Lu Changsheng looked at Lu Lingjing, who was eating heartily beside him, and said, “I understand. If it is truly urgent, I will let my wife and spiritual pet go to support first to relieve the pressure.”
After listening to Sword Saint Monarch’s words, he also felt a sense of urgency about the Liang Yue War.
“…”
Sword Saint Monarch was somewhat speechless upon hearing this.
He really wanted to say, can’t you send your spiritual pet first?
But thinking of the Star Constellation Sea and Town Sea Seven Sects that the other party mentioned, he could only helplessly cup his hands and say, “Since that’s the case, if there’s a change on the front lines, I will inform Fellow Daoist immediately.”
“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Jue Jian.”
Lu Changsheng cupped his hands and said.
After walking out of Great Dream Immortal City, Sword Saint Monarch looked at the boundless blue sea, his heart filled with surging emotions.
The amount of information in today’s conversation was simply too vast.
“Alas, I wonder if this is a blessing or a curse…”
Although he was unwilling to form an alliance with Lu Changsheng in his heart, believing the risk was too great.
But facing the transaction between Jiang Country and Liang Country, he found it difficult to refuse, impossible to refuse.
After pondering for a moment, he vanished, rushing back to Heaven Sword Sect to convey the news to his Senior Brother as quickly as possible and ask for his opinion.
In addition, he also collected the Heaven and Earth Longevity Method, as well as some secret rumors of Jiang Country, to see if he could find the Opportunity that Lu Changsheng spoke of!
After Lu Changsheng returned to the City Lord’s Mansion with Lu Lingjing, he recounted his conversation with Sword Saint Monarch to Honglian and Ling Zixiao.
“Devil Dao Emissary…”
Although Honglian and Ling Zixiao presided over Great Dream Immortal City, the intelligence they possessed did not include information about the Devil Dao Emissary.
Especially when Lu Changsheng said that this Devil Dao Emissary was likely from the Seven Demonic Sects, Ling Zixiao’s heart immediately surged with an inexplicable worry about this war.
After all, according to what she knew, the Seven Demonic Sects were the top forces in the Nanhua Cultivation World.
They had once instigated a war between the righteous and Demonic Paths, which almost swept across half of Nanhua, truly terrifying and tragic.
“Honglian, make preparations. If Sword Saint Monarch comes to ask for help again, you can take Little Yan to support.”
Lu Changsheng did not let Honglian go immediately. He planned to wait for Sword Saint Monarch’s next letter before sending Honglian and Qian Zhuyan.
After all, he couldn’t just watch the Liang Yue War collapse.
Especially according to Sword Saint Monarch’s description, the current situation in Liang Country was full of abnormalities.
Once Jiang Country and Yue Country were defeated, he would only have a greater headache if he intervened then.
“Okay~” Honglian, dressed in a red Vermilion Bird embroidered gown, elegant and noble, softly responded.
Normally, Lu Changsheng would also visit his children in Great Dream Marsh and check on the situation of the Lu family Disciples.
But now time was pressing.
He handed a Storage Pouch of resources to Ling Zixiao, asking her to take his place and distribute these resources to the Lu family Disciples here, to maximize their cultivation speed.
Then he continued to focus on drawing Fourth-Order Talisman.
At the same time, in Star Constellation Sea, Zhenhai Sect.
These days, Star King would divine and deduce the situation of this operation every once in a while.
Although the heavenly secrets of the “Eastern Emperor” were isolated and could not be deduced.
He could use himself as a medium to divine the general auspiciousness and inauspiciousness of the situation.
Through such long deductions of auspiciousness and inauspiciousness, he vaguely sensed that as time went on, his ominous feeling was increasing.
If it was considered minor inauspiciousness before, it was now gradually increasing towards moderate inauspiciousness.
“No, we can’t drag this on any longer!”
For a Nascent Soul cultivator, a few years were nothing. They should try their best to gather clear intelligence about the “Eastern Emperor” before acting.
But the increase in the inauspicious卦 made Star King feel a sense of urgency, feeling that they couldn’t keep wasting time like this.
If Moon Lord reacted, it would be even more troublesome.
Immediately, Star King found Town Sea Old Ancestor and expressed his thoughts, wanting to act against the Eastern Emperor as soon as possible.
Otherwise, if they continued to delay, he would rather give up than take the risk.
“This…”
Town Sea Old Ancestor had seen Lu Changsheng’s combat strength, so he was very cautious and unwilling to act before he was confident of completely killing him.
But with Star King’s insistence, he had to consider it carefully.
Then he consulted his main body, “Turtle Immortal Old Ancestor.”
“Auspicious!”
Turtle Immortal Old Ancestor, through his innate talent, sensed his own auspiciousness and inauspiciousness, and immediately received an auspicious omen from the heavens.
He was not surprised by this.
He was a pure-blooded True Spirit descendant, only half a step away from advancing to the Fourth-Order Late Stage.
In such a situation, with Town Sea Old Ancestor and Star King, two top combat strengths, as helpers, how could he fear an “Eastern Emperor” who relied on a supreme treasure?
The reason for gathering information was to be cautious and ensure everything was foolproof.
And also to wait for Zhenhai True Lord, Rippling Wave True Lord, and others to return to Nascent Soul.
Since Star King’s divination suggested that it was not advisable to delay any longer, Turtle Immortal Old Ancestor still believed him.
After all, Star Moon Hall inherited the Legacy of Sun Moon Star Palace, and their divination skills were exceptional.
Unlike his own Bloodline talent, which had limitations.
Immediately, Turtle Immortal Old Ancestor emerged from seclusion and discussed the plan of action with Town Sea Old Ancestor and Star King.