Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family Chapter 1807: 461: Captured, Secret Realm Opens!
Previously on Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family...
"Old thing!"
A thick killing intent flared in Lu Changsheng’s eyes; he felt a strong urge to intercept the old man and strike him down using the Great Luo Sword Embryo.
However, through the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror, he discerned that the elder was a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Furthermore, an array of figures was currently converging from every corner of the Endless Wilderness. These cultivators radiated overwhelming mana signatures as they ascended toward the rift torn into the sky above.
"Hmm!?"
In that moment, Lu Changsheng felt a sharp gaze lock onto him.
It was Xuanjian True Monarch!
Clad in a flowing, snow-white robe with a green long sword fastened at his hip, Xuanjian True Monarch projected an aura as pure as untarnished jade, appearing completely detached from the mortal world.
Accompanying him were five individuals, each possessing a piercing aura characteristic of the late stage of Core Formation.
The True Monarch merely cast a fleeting look at Lu Changsheng before leading his group into the Vast Sand Illusion Realm.
"Azure Phoenix True Monarch didn’t join forces with Xuanjian True Monarch?"
Lu Changsheng recalled clearly that it was Azure Phoenix True Monarch who had originally invited him to this secret realm, yet she had not aligned herself with the Heavenly Sword Sect.
On second thought, however, the reason became obvious.
While entering a secret realm as a group offered safety, any heavenly treasures discovered would have to be split among everyone.
Furthermore, by siding with Xuanjian True Monarch, Azure Phoenix True Monarch would lose her voice in decision-making and would have to remain constantly on guard against her own allies.
Her previous invitation to him was based on the fact that his Cultivation was formidable enough to be an asset, yet not so high as to pose a threat to her.
"That old man is at the Nascent Soul stage, and Ping’an is currently in his clutches. Even if I utilize the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror to eliminate him, the risk would be immense."
His eyes shimmering with a freezing, ruthless light, Lu Changsheng continued to track his son's status via the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror.
Making a move outside was out of the question.
His only option was to follow them into the secret realm.
By using the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror within the realm, he could pinpoint Lu Ping’an’s location and seize the initiative.
He could then lock onto the target and unleash a Solar Mysterious Light to execute a one-hit kill!
Although he lacked the power to fully command this Heaven-Reaching Spirit Treasure.
Based on his previous experience using the Celestial City Formation, Lu Changsheng knew that destroying a Fourth Rank Demon King only required a partial activation of the mirror.
If he was prepared to pay the price—whether by sacrificing his own life span or draining the Spirit Treasure Origin—he could completely wipe out an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator!
"If this man's power is only on par with the Heavenly Corpse Sect Master or the Five Poisons Cult Leader, I wouldn't fear a direct clash. I could kill him outright or use the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror to ambush and maim him before finishing the job personally."
Since his encounter with the Five Poisons Cult Leader, Lu Changsheng’s Cultivation had not seen a fundamental shift in stage.
Nevertheless, advancing from the Core Formation Seventh Layer to the Ninth Layer, while merging the Chaos Body with the Undying Golden Body, represented a massive increase in strength.
The Undying Golden Body, in particular, allowed him to push the potential of his Nine Treasures Ruyi Bone to its absolute limit.
Under these conditions, if he fought with everything he had, he felt confident against anyone short of someone like Xuanjian True Monarch.
Besides, he still kept the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror as his final trump card!
If he ignored the consequences, even Xuanjian True Monarch would struggle to survive!
"So, the question is... to go in or not?"
As he watched the Nascent Soul cultivators disappear into the heavenly rift, Lu Changsheng’s expression wavered.
The primary issue with entering the secret realm was that his peak combat power could not be maintained for long.
Whether he drove off or killed a Nascent Soul cultivator through raw force or the Spirit Treasure, he would be left in a temporary state of exhaustion.
Lu Changsheng contemplated, trying to divine his luck regarding the secret realm.
Unfortunately, his divination skills were only at the Second Rank.
Furthermore, a secret realm of the Nascent Soul grade naturally interfered with and obscured the reading of heavenly secrets.
Just then, Lu Changsheng spotted a gaunt old man dragging a large, muscular man toward the opening in the sky.
"To hell with it, even if it is a Nascent Soul level secret realm!"
Seeing those two about to vanish into the rift, Lu Changsheng reached a final decision.
"Beyond the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror—a Heaven-Reaching Spirit Treasure that can slay any Nascent Soul cultivator—my arsenal includes the Great Luo Sword Embryo, the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng, the Three Treasures Huaxiang Pearl, Fourth Rank poisons, Summoning Talismans, and Fourth Rank Talismans. I can retreat safely even from Xuanjian True Monarch!"
"As for the weakness after a burst of power, it’s no obstacle. Once inside, I’ll immediately consume the Mystic Dragon Nirvana Pill. After I expend my strength, I can use Elixir Medicines to facilitate a rebirth, allowing me to find new strength through the breaking of the old!"
After muttering these words to steel his resolve, Lu Changsheng’s gaze turned icy. He gathered his determination and shot into the sky, heading straight for the secret realm.
In that moment, he spotted four shadows appearing in the distance, tearing through space.
One of them was a woman with a tall, elegant stature who dressed like a refined Young Master. She wore a glazed crown and a Green Jade Luan Bird brocade robe, holding a folding fan with a dashing, heroic air.
It was Azure Phoenix True Monarch!
"Daoist Yangming?"
Observing Lu Changsheng atop the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng, Azure Phoenix True Monarch’s sharp, sword-like eyebrows rose in slight astonishment.
She had extended invitations to him twice before, both of which he had politely declined.
Finding him here, at the entrance of the secret realm, was unexpected.
"Daoist Azure Phoenix."
Lu Changsheng offered a smile and a cupped-hand salute. He then sent a divine transmission: "I had a sudden moment of clarity and sensed a destiny awaiting me here. I didn't realize it was tied to this secret realm. I was wondering if you could share any details you have regarding this place?"
Lu Changsheng was aware that the Vast Sand Illusion Realm was a Nascent Soul level secret realm, but he lacked specific knowledge about its interior.
It wasn't for a lack of trying; information on realms of this caliber was usually restricted to late-stage Core Formation cultivators and rarely leaked to the public.
Meeting Azure Phoenix True Monarch now was a stroke of luck, allowing him to gather intelligence and play it safe.
He could even consider a temporary alliance once inside, perhaps trading a favor for her assistance in dealing with the old man.
Ultimately, his priority was the safety of his son, Lu Ping’an, rather than any treasures.
If he could ensure Ping’an’s rescue, he was more than willing to sacrifice potential gains for the sake of stability.
"Oh?"
Azure Phoenix True Monarch was surprised by his claim of sensing an opportunity. Given how these high-level realms distorted heavenly secrets, even she could only sense vague omens of luck or danger upon entry.
For Lu Changsheng to perceive a specific opportunity was truly remarkable.
"Very well."
Azure Phoenix True Monarch pulled a jade slip from her storage ring, imprinted some data onto it, and flicked it toward Lu Changsheng.
She then gave him a jade talisman, adding, "Since Daoist Yangming is here, you may use this talisman to reach me."
Given the unpredictable dangers of such realms, even Azure Phoenix True Monarch preferred having a capable acquaintance like Lu Changsheng nearby.
The three companions at her side looked on with curiosity, wondering how a Core Formation cultivator had earned the right to be addressed as a Daoist friend by Azure Phoenix True Monarch.
However, noting Lu Changsheng’s profound mana, powerful physique, and the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng he rode, they remained silent. They gave a small nod to Azure Phoenix True Monarch and entered the rift together.
Lu Changsheng scanned the information within the jade slip provided by Azure Phoenix True Monarch. After a quick review, he urged the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng forward and charged into the realm!
"Yangming True Man!"
Just as Lu Changsheng crossed the threshold, four more figures arrived through the void. Among them was a hideous middle-aged man wearing dark red ghost robes. Upon seeing Lu Changsheng on the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng, his dark pupils contracted, and a faint trace of evil Qi leaked out.
"Daoist Ming Sha, is that the individual who ruined your plans back then, causing the Heavenly Fiend to fall into the hands of the Heavenly Sword Sect—Yangming True Man?"
A rotund, richly dressed man standing beside him asked while staring at the crack in the sky.
"Yes, that is indeed Yangming True Man."
Ming Sha True Monarch confirmed with a nod.
Back at the Myriad Demon Abyss, he had briefly clashed with Lu Changsheng.
Even though he hadn't exerted his full power, the display of the Great Luo Sword Embryo and the Brahman Demon True Body had convinced him that Yangming True Man’s strength exceeded the Core Formation level and rivaled many Nascent Soul cultivators.
He chose not to mention the Great Luo Sword Embryo to his companions. His secret plan was to use the Myriad Ghosts Blood Pool within the realm to kill Yangming True Man, claiming the sword for himself and eventually escaping the control of Beast God Mountain.
The group didn't linger; they exchanged nods and flew into the heavenly rift.