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 murderous intent flickered within Lu Changsheng’s gaze; he felt a strong urge to intercept and slay the old man using the Great Luo Sword Embryo.
However, he perceived through the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror that the elder was actually a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Furthermore, an array of figures was currently converging from every corner of the Endless Wilderness, radiating intense mana fluctuations as they surged toward the fracture in the sky above.
"Hmm!?"
In that moment, Lu Changsheng felt a sharp gaze lock onto him.
It was Xuanjian True Monarch!
Dressed in flowing, snow-white robes with a verdant long sword suspended at his hip, Xuanjian True Monarch projected an aura as pure as untarnished jade. He appeared completely detached from the mortal world.
Five individuals accompanied him, each possessing a piercing aura indicative of the late stage of Core Formation.
The True Monarch spared Lu Changsheng only a brief, indifferent look before leading his group into the Vast Sand Illusion Realm.
"Why didn't Azure Phoenix True Monarch join Xuanjian True Monarch?"
Lu Changsheng recalled vividly that Azure Phoenix True Monarch had been the one to invite him to this secret realm, yet she had chosen not to align herself with the Heavenly Sword Sect.
After a moment of reflection, however, the reason became clear.
While entering a secret realm as a large group offered safety, any heavenly treasures discovered would have to be split amongst everyone.
Additionally, by staying at Xuanjian True Monarch’s side, Azure Phoenix True Monarch would lose her influence and would constantly need to remain on guard against those around her.
The reason she had reached out to him previously was that his Cultivation was formidable enough to be useful, yet not so high as to pose a genuine threat to her.
"That old man is at the Nascent Soul stage, and Ping’an is currently in his grasp. Even if I utilize the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror to take his life, the risk remains extremely high."
Lu Changsheng’s eyes shimmered with a freezing, ruthless light as he continued to track his son's status via the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror.
Making a move outside was clearly out of the question.
His only option was to act once he was inside the secret realm.
By utilizing 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 fatal strike in a single blow!
Even though he had not yet mastered the full power of this Heaven-Reaching Spirit Treasure.
Based on his previous experience using the Celestial City Formation, Lu Changsheng understood that killing a Fourth Rank Demon King only required the treasure to be activated to a specific threshold.
Provided he was prepared to pay the price—whether by sacrificing his own lifespan or draining the Spirit Treasure Origin—he possessed the means to completely wipe out an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator!
"If that man's prowess is on par with the Heavenly Corpse Sect Master or the Five Poisons Cult Leader, I have no fear of a direct confrontation. I could kill him outright or use the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror to launch a devastating ambush before finishing him off in person."
While Lu Changsheng's Cultivation level hadn't seen a massive qualitative transformation since his encounter with the Five Poisons Cult Leader.
The progression from the seventh to the ninth layer of Core Formation, alongside the fusion of his Chaos Body and Undying Golden Body, represented a significant advancement.
The Undying Golden Body, in particular, allowed him to push the capabilities of his Nine Treasures Ruyi Bone to their absolute limit.
Under these conditions, he felt entirely confident in an all-out struggle, provided he wasn't facing someone of Xuanjian True Monarch’s caliber.
Furthermore, he still held the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror as his ultimate trump card!
If he were truly willing to endure the consequences, not even Xuanjian True Monarch would be able to survive!
"So, the question is whether to go in or not..."
Lu Changsheng’s expression wavered as he watched the Nascent Soul experts vanish into the rift in the sky.
The primary issue with entering the secret realm was that his peak combat strength could not be maintained for long.
Whether he used a massive burst of power to drive away or kill Nascent Soul cultivators, or relied on the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror, he would be left in a state of temporary exhaustion afterward.
Lu Changsheng contemplated his options, trying to calculate his prospects for the journey ahead.
Unfortunately, his skill in divination was merely at the Second Rank.
Furthermore, a secret realm of the Nascent Soul grade possessed the power to interfere with and obscure the threads of heavenly fate.
Just then, Lu Changsheng spotted a withered old man hauling a large, muscular man toward the celestial fracture.
"What does a Nascent Soul level secret realm matter!"
As he watched the pair prepare to enter, Lu Changsheng’s resolve hardened.
"Beyond the Sun and Moon Taiji Mysterious Light Mirror—a Heaven-Reaching Spirit Treasure capable of felling 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 safely retreat even if I encounter Xuanjian True Monarch!"
"As for the weakness following a burst of power, it is of little concern. Once inside, I will immediately consume the Mystic Dragon Nirvana Pill. After I've exhausted my strength, I can rely on Elixir Medicines to facilitate my rebirth, rebuilding myself stronger than before!"
Muttering these words of self-assurance, Lu Changsheng’s gaze turned cold. With his determination set, he shot into the air, heading straight for the secret realm.
In that moment, he spotted four silhouettes appearing on the horizon, tearing through the fabric of space.
Among them was a figure of tall and elegant grace, resembling a sophisticated Young Master. Wearing a glazed crown and a Green Jade Luan Bird brocade robe, the figure held a folding fan, looking both heroic and refined.
It was Azure Phoenix True Monarch!
"Daoist Yangming?"
Catching sight of Lu Changsheng atop the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng, Azure Phoenix True Monarch’s sharp, sword-like eyebrows rose in slight astonishment.
She had reached out to Lu Changsheng twice before, only to be met with polite refusals on both occasions.
Finding him here, at the entrance of the secret realm, was unexpected.
"Daoist Azure Phoenix."
Lu Changsheng offered a smile and a respectful hand-cupped greeting. He then sent a private transmission: "I experienced 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 regarding this place?"
While Lu Changsheng was aware that the Vast Sand Illusion Realm was a Nascent Soul level secret realm, he lacked specific knowledge about its interior.
It wasn't for lack of trying; information regarding realms of this grade was usually restricted to late-stage Core Formation cultivators and rarely reached the public.
Having run into Azure Phoenix True Monarch, he decided to take the cautious route and gather more intelligence from her.
He even considered the possibility of a temporary alliance once inside, perhaps trading a favor for her assistance in dealing with the old man.
After all, his primary goal for entering was to rescue his son, Lu Ping’an, rather than hunting for treasures.
To ensure Lu Ping’an’s safety, he was more than willing to sacrifice potential profits for the sake of security.
"Oh?"
Azure Phoenix True Monarch was surprised to hear that Lu Changsheng had sensed a specific opportunity. Given how these high-level realms clouded heavenly secrets, even she could only get a vague sense of luck or danger upon entering.
The fact that Lu Changsheng could perceive a specific chance for destiny was truly remarkable.
"Of course."
Azure Phoenix True Monarch retrieved a jade slip from her storage ring, imprinted some information onto it, and tossed it toward Lu Changsheng.
She then provided him with a jade talisman, adding: "Since Daoist Yangming is joining us, you may use this talisman to get in touch with me."
Because of the unpredictable nature of such secret realms, Azure Phoenix True Monarch preferred having a familiar face like Lu Changsheng nearby.
The three companions at her side watched the exchange with curiosity, wondering how a mere 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 magical depth, his powerful physique, and the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng he rode, they remained silent. They gave Azure Phoenix True Monarch a slight nod before entering the crack together.
Lu Changsheng scanned the information within the jade slip provided by Azure Phoenix True Monarch. After reviewing her notes on the realm, he urged the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng forward and surged into the opening!
"Yangming True Man!"
Just as Lu Changsheng vanished into the secret realm, four more figures arrived through the void. Among them, a gaunt middle-aged man wearing a dark red ghost robe spotted the Golden-Winged Heavenly Peng. His dark pupils narrowed, and a faint trace of malevolent Qi escaped him.
"Daoist Ming Sha, is that the same Yangming True Man who ruined your plans and caused the Heavenly Fiend to be captured by the Heavenly Sword Sect?"
A round, wealthy-looking man dressed in lavish attire stood beside him, staring toward the rift as he questioned the grim-faced man.
"Yes, that is indeed Yangming True Man."
Ming Sha True Monarch confirmed with a nod.
He had briefly clashed with Lu Changsheng previously outside the Myriad Demon Abyss.
Even though he hadn't exerted his full strength then, the display of the Great Luo Sword Embryo and the Brahman Demon True Body had convinced him that Yangming True Man’s power exceeded the Core Formation level, rivaling many Nascent Soul experts.
However, he kept the existence of the Great Luo Sword Embryo to himself. He intended to use the Myriad Ghosts Blood Pool within the secret realm to eliminate Yangming True Man, claiming the prize for himself and eventually breaking free from the control of Beast God Mountain.
Without further delay, the group exchanged nods and plunged into the fracture in the heavenly dome.