Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family Chapter 2215: 597: Dao Heart Clarity, Meeting Yun Wanshang!

North of the Yue Country battlefield, a critical stronghold stood.

The surroundings were a mess of pits and mounds, blackened from fire. The great formation’s light within had significantly dimmed, and the stone houses and pavilions appeared on the verge of collapse, resembling ruins.

"Lu Qingxuan, it was incredibly fortunate we had you during the battle just now."

A False Core Immortal from the Qingyun Sect gazed at a young man nearby. Dressed in tattered, charred clothing, the youth seemed to have suffered severe burns. The Immortal spoke with a lingering sense of dread.

Moments before, a powerful Nascent Soul Immortal from Yuan Country had launched a surprise assault with a group, pushing the entire stronghold to the brink of disaster.

It was only through the combined efforts of the Qingyun Sect’s stronghold formation, Lu Qingxuan’s strenuous use of the "Thunder Fire Mysterious Lotus," and Lu Xingyang activating a Third Rank Talisman that they managed to thoroughly repel the invading forces.

"Immortal, why would Nascent Soul cultivators appear in this location?"

Lu Qingxuan’s face was pale, and he clutched his chest, coughing repeatedly as he expelled the lingering fire poison. He asked weakly.

This particular stronghold was not situated on the primary frontline of the conflict.

Under normal circumstances, it was highly unlikely for Nascent Soul cultivators to lead an attack here.

As he spoke, he retrieved an elixir from his storage bag and consumed it.

Although he could wield the divine skill "Thunder Fire Mysterious Lotus," pushing its limits under such pressure had inflicted damage upon him.

Currently, his physical body and meridians ached, making him hesitant to act rashly for a short period.

"It’s possible something unforeseen occurred on the frontline,"

the False Core Immortal beside him stated gravely, his expression clouded with displeasure.

These cultivators from Jiang Country, while not mandated to be on the frontlines, were occasionally required to rotate for support. Knowing the current situation, which was disadvantageous for both Jiang Country and Yue Country, weighed on them.

Despite this, they maintained their positions. Beyond the summons from the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Four Great Immortal Sects, there was also the allure of both opportunity and peril.

Not only in Yue Country, but Jiang Country's immortal sects had also unveiled numerous rare resources, heavenly and earthly treasures, for the summoned cultivators.

During this conflict, any enemy cultivator slain offered a chance to claim all their wealth and resources.

Consequently, after a few years on such battlefields, one could amass wealth and resources that might otherwise take a lifetime to acquire, providing Foundation Establishment cultivators with a genuine chance to aspire to Core Formation.

Several Foundation Establishment cultivators nearby overheard this, their gazes falling upon some unconscious comrades, their expressions heavy.

In times of war, opportunities certainly existed, but survival was the paramount prerequisite.

Without survival, any talk of opportunity was merely empty words.

As they regrouped and dispatched a message to the leading Nascent Soul Immortal, a jade talisman suddenly appeared in Lu Qingxuan's hand.

"Brother Qingxuan, you all need to retreat immediately. Based on my observations, something has gone terribly wrong at the frontline; the Qi Family’s defenses seem to have been breached!"

A few miles beyond the stronghold, Lu Chensha, concealed by a swarm of tiny insects as if melting into the shadows, urgently communicated with Lu Qingxuan.

Though he and his sibling had joined the Yue Country war together, they did not operate in unison.

For instance, his unique ability to control insects made him ideally suited for scouting and reconnaissance.

"What!?"

Lu Qingxuan, weakened and with a pale complexion, heard this and his expression shifted dramatically.

He was acutely aware that the vanguard of this defensive line he was stationed at was the renowned "Crimson Flood Qi Family," Yue Country’s most prominent clan.

If the Qi Family’s defenses were breached, the individuals on this line would face extreme peril.

"Chensha, can this intelligence be verified?"

Lu Qingxuan hastily inquired.

"I obtained this information using my Black Erosion Poison Insects; it’s almost certain. Retreat quickly!"

On such a battlefield, desertion would lead to being declared a wanted criminal, summarily sent to the frontlines as cannon fodder, and forced to atone through acts of merit.

However, remaining now meant certain doom, with no possibility of survival!

Furthermore, they could later claim they escaped disaster by utilizing life-saving talismans granted by their family.

"Brother Qingxuan, do not delay. I will go inform Sister Ruyi and the others!"

With that, Lu Chensha departed silently, choosing not to alert the entire stronghold.

After all, the fate of these individuals held no personal significance for him.

Informing too many might invite complications, potentially leading to accusations of fabricating military intelligence and shifting blame onto him.

"Lu Qingxuan, what is amiss?"

The False Core Immortal from the stronghold noticed Lu Qingxuan's sudden change in demeanor and questioned him with evident concern.

Known not only as a member of the esteemed Heavenly Talisman Lu Family, but also as the son of the formidable Changsheng True Master, Lu Qingxuan possessed considerable influence and was generally well-regarded, being the strongest fighter around.

"Real Man Luo, I can't help but wonder if the attack from that Nascent Soul cultivator might indicate that something has gone awry with the Qi Family," Lu Qingxuan observed, his gaze sweeping over the stronghold's situation with a thoughtful expression, unwilling to simply abandon his post alone.

"That's impossible," the False Core Immortal countered swiftly. "The Qi Family's progenitor is a Great Master of Core Formation. With him leading, there's absolutely no way their defenses could be breached. Furthermore, had something dire happened to the Qi Family, we would have surely received word to retreat."

"The Nascent Soul cultivator's assault earlier was likely an isolated incident. I've already dispatched a message, and a True Man should arrive shortly," Real Man Luo added, attempting to reassure Lu Qingxuan. "For now, you should focus on resting and receiving treatment."

In the midst of these stronghold battles, physicians adept at healing cultivation techniques were indispensable, with each stronghold typically assigning one to attend to the wounded.

However, their skills were often mediocre, capable only of stabilizing injuries and wounds rather than guaranteeing complete recovery.

"Brother Qingxuan..."

Shortly after Real Man Luo's departure, Lu Xingyang and Lu Ziyun, having received instructions from Lu Chensha, approached Lu Qingxuan to inquire about his plans.

Lu Qingxuan, significantly older and proven in both strength and capability, held their complete trust.

"Prepare to withdraw," Lu Qingxuan declared after a deep breath, choosing to heed Lu Chensha's cautious counsel.

"But..."

His gaze fell upon the faltering spiritual light of the stronghold's formation, and he felt a reluctance to be branded a deserter.

Alternatively, even if a retreat were necessary, he felt it required a valid justification.

This would allow him to offer an explanation, even if his decision proved mistaken in hindsight.

...

Bi Lake Mountain.