Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family Chapter 1877: 485: Shadow Sect Returns, Whale Hunt Banquet! (part 3)
Previously on Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family...
In the vast Jiang Country Cultivation Realm, those who have reached the pinnacle of Core Formation are truly rare gems.
Besides myself, virtually every one of them enjoys fame and originates from the Four Great Immortal Sects.
The features of this individual clearly do not belong to any Core Formation Great Master among the Four Great Immortal Sects.
"Hold on... this qi mechanism of magic power..."
Lu Changsheng gazed at the man in black robes and abruptly sensed a vague familiarity in the other's qi mechanism of magic power, yet he couldn't quite place its origin.
"What is it, husband?"
Hong Lian, noticing the serious look on Lu Changsheng's face, activated the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror and couldn't resist inquiring.
"I spot someone who seems a little off..."
Lu Changsheng rubbed his chin while speaking, still racking his brain to remember where he had come across this qi mechanism of magic power earlier.
"A little off?"
Hong Lian had already suspected that the slaying of a Fourth Rank Demon King by Great Dream Immortal City would stir up a massive commotion. Beyond the Jiang Country Cultivation Realm, it could very well draw eyes from powers in other cultivation nations.
Upon catching Lu Changsheng's remark, she instantly linked it to that possibility.
"Shadow Sect!"
After deep reflection over an extended period, Lu Changsheng at last recalled the reason behind the faint recognition of this qi mechanism of magic power.
Two decades and one year prior, while operating under the guise of the [Bi Lake Mountain Master], he had achieved Core Formation breakthrough right in Great Dream Immortal City.
During the journey back to Bi Lake Mountain with his wife Lu Miaoge and daughter Lu Wangshu, he detected a divine sense mark on his daughter, which drew a Nascent Soul cultivator intent on ending their lives.
Subsequently, via the Six Desires Heart Demon Technique, Lu Changsheng uncovered that the culprit, known as [Partridge], hailed from the Yan Country's Shadow Sect.
Their mission in Jiang Country centered on collecting intelligence, sneaking in to sow discord and prompt betrayals, and eliminating key cultivators.
In the intervening years, Lu Changsheng hadn't caught wind of any more Shadow Sect activities and assumed the episode was behind them.
To his surprise, yet another Shadow Sect cultivator had slipped into Jiang Country, heading straight for Great Dream Immortal City.
"Is this fellow here chasing leads on Partridge, or drawn by my takedown of the Fourth Rank Demon King?"
Via the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror, Lu Changsheng observed that this Shadow Sect cultivator excelled at masking his true self.
His practiced cultivation technique allowed for profound veiling of qi mechanisms, and he likely carried supporting magical treasures as well.
Even Nascent Soul cultivators would struggle to pierce through his facade.
"I only seek a peaceful life to nurture my family. Why must they keep meddling in my affairs?"
Lu Changsheng let out a quiet sigh, feeling much like a tree yearning for tranquility while the relentless wind persists.
"Yet if you insist on seeking your doom, don't fault this city master for what follows!"
Using the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror, Lu Changsheng scanned the assembly in the front hall, checking for any signs of scheming among the guests.
Having already felled a Fourth Rank Demon King, he had no qualms about dispatching one more to send a clear message!
....
An additional hour passed, and with the front hall almost packed, detecting a Nascent Soul qi mechanism, Lu Changsheng offered a subtle smile, turned to Hong Lian at his side, and declared: "The key figure is here—let's head out."
This Nascent Soul qi mechanism flowed freely without suppression or hiding, but its keen edge revealed origins from the Heavenly Sword Sect!
"Mm."
Hong Lian laced her fingers through Lu Changsheng's, proceeding together toward the front hall.
The moment the pair entered the front hall, where lively chatter and exchanges had filled the air, an abrupt hush descended.
Every gaze shifted to Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian.
"Salutations to the city master and city master's wife!"
The assembled cultivators offered bows to Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian.
Even as fellow Core Formation cultivators, they fully recognized the prowess of this duo who had vanquished a Fourth Rank Transformed Demon King!
A few male cultivators stole admiring looks at Hong Lian but quickly averted their eyes.
"Could that be the Great Dream City Master?"
Absolute Sword True Monarch eyed Lu Changsheng, who drew near in a wide, dark robe, exuding a refined and erudite air.
Resembling an ordinary mortal, with no trace of any qi mechanism detectable.
However, a deeper look revealed his imposing, robust frame draped in what seemed like an impenetrable Celestial Robe, rendering him utterly inscrutable.
"Has the Great Dream City Master already advanced to Nascent Soul?"
Though Absolute Sword True Monarch refrained from employing his Spiritual Eye Pupil Technique, his sword cultivator senses—superior vision and spiritual awareness—eclipsed those of most peers.
Yet facing the Great Dream City Master, he perceived nothing at all.
It wasn't just the city master.
His accompanying city master's wife, despite her Core Formation Sixth Layer cultivation.
She carried an air of grace, her form radiating a soft, ethereal glow, as though infused with heavenly allure, coupled with a timeless aura of aloof superiority and elegance that hinted at hidden depths.
"Greetings, fellow Daoists."
Despite being a sword cultivator, Absolute Sword True Monarch possessed ample courtesy, offering a slight bow to Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian while presenting a thoughtfully chosen lavish gift.
In the end, for slaying a Fourth Rank Demon King, these Core Formation cultivators merited his address as Daoist friends and warranted proper dialogue.
"Absolute Sword True Monarch's visit elevates our modest city; as city master, I am deeply honored..."
Lu Changsheng reciprocated the bow with poise, then addressed the gathered cultivators in the hall, adding, "We extend a warm welcome to all fellow Daoists in my Great Dream Immortal City..."
As he spoke, he signaled the banquet's commencement, taking his place with Hong Lian at the honored seats.
"As for organizing this banquet, I trust you all fellow Daoists understand the intent."
"My wife and I have just entered Jiang Country and stirred up some waves, so we seized this chance to meet everyone, share thoughts on cultivation, and incidentally host a trade fair."
Lu Changsheng remarked with a grin, cradling a wine cup.
"Of course, of course."
"We are thrilled and eager to join."
While some cultivators held their tongues, others chimed in right away.
"Why did the two of you arrive in Jiang Country so recently and then seize command of Great Dream Immortal City?"
Right then, Absolute Sword True Monarch, clad in a long black robe of sword-attire, with unremarkable but sharp features, and a physique that concealed a supreme divine sword, posed the question.
His words landed, sparking a momentary lull among the present cultivators, who either stayed quiet or directed glances at the pair.
They were acutely aware of the Heavenly Sword Sect's wariness toward the present Great Dream Immortal City.
After all, three decades back, Azure Phoenix Immortal's abrupt Nascent Soul return while ruling Azure Phoenix Immortal City had reshaped Jiang Country's balance of power.
Now, with Dreamless and his wife vanishing without a trace, and this fresh duo of city masters—who could hunt Fourth Rank Demon Kings—emerging out of nowhere, how could the Jiang Country hegemon, Heavenly Sword Sect, remain idle?
The on-site cultivators hadn't anticipated Absolute Sword True Monarch's forthright approach, diving straight into the heart of the matter.