Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family Chapter 1916: 498: What Is the Lu Family’s Purpose This Time? (part 3)
Previously on Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family...
In this manner, following a quarter-hour deadlock between the pair, Lu Wangshu gently touched her storage bag, summoning four metallic puppets that gleamed with profound luster across their forms.
"Puppets, four Second Rank Puppets!"
A voice rang out in immediate astonishment.
"She's actually deploying puppets, turning it into five versus one—there's no real fight left."
"This Lu Fairy, being a Talisman Master, poses great risk up close, so employing puppets for defense makes perfect sense."
"Those puppets must be at Second Rank Superior Grade, aren't they? Truly affluent."
"Ridiculous, as a Talisman Master with Nascent Soul Immortal parents, how could she ever be short on funds? That storage bag might hold Third Rank Talismans or even Third Rank Puppets."
Numerous cultivators gazed upon Lu Wangshu atop the arena, her robe billowing gracefully, her beauty captivating, her poise refined, their hearts swelling with both admiration and resentment.
Indeed, beyond her exceptional aptitude and allure, her elite family heritage placed her at the pinnacle, stirring envy in all who beheld her.
"Divine Thunder Saber Art!"
Having witnessed Lu Wangshu's mastery of puppets and talismans, Shangguan Poyun understood he couldn't shatter her barriers, rendering victory unattainable.
Therefore, at that instant, he unleashed everything, his form erupting in saber intent, the thunder blade gripped tightly surging wildly, akin to celestial thunder igniting terrestrial flames, stretching two or three zhang in length, his presence now rivaling that of a False Core Cultivator!
Confronted by this onslaught, Lu Wangshu could no longer afford restraint.
With a heavy heart, she directed her puppets to advance, while the talismans hovering in the sky quivered, launching forth in unison.
"Crash——"
Simultaneously, she activated the luminous white jade bracelet on her wrist, unleashing a brilliant glow.
This bracelet, a supreme exotic treasure, had yet to reveal its complete might earlier.
Now, driven to its utmost by her, even Shangguan Poyun, fortified by a saber cultivator's resolve, found his focus wavering briefly, his mana flowing erratically.
Seizing this fleeting opening, Lu Wangshu swiftly formed hand seals, rapidly crafting ethereal talismans that wove into an array, soaring toward Shangguan Poyun to bind him down.
"Boom Boom Boom!"
Shangguan Poyun's saber intent fused with his Essence, Qi, and Spirit, unyielding and resolute, carrying an unstoppable force.
Yet Lu Miaoge, Lu Ping’an, Zilei True Man, and several observing Foundation Establishment cultivators discerned the telltale marks of his impending loss.
Though he had grasped the upper hand at first, he now found himself on the defensive. Without piercing Lu Wangshu's assault, reversal seemed utterly out of reach.
"This Talisman Fairy is no ordinary foe; she's cornering Shangguan Poyun solely with her personal skills and puppets, without resorting to the renowned 'Talisman Sea Tactics' favored by Talisman Cultivators."
"Deploying puppets hardly counts as an even match."
"In duels and battles, fairness has never been a factor. Back in the day, Shangguan Poyun erected this arena himself, and the cultivation methods he wields, along with his life-bound spiritual artifact crafted with aid from the Shangguan family..."
Certain cultivators among the crowd deemed that even a triumph for Lu Wangshu would lack true glory, whereas others argued that victory remained victory, and familial assets plus heavenly boons formed integral aspects of one's power.
Who would ever hold back superior tools or limit their realm to match an opponent's, after all?
"I lost."
After yet another quarter-hour impasse, Shangguan Poyun grasped that only forbidden arts like "Demonic Sword Art" or "Blood Burning Blade" might breach Lu Wangshu's barrage.
However, during arena spars without deep grudges, fighters rarely risked life-or-death struggles.
Furthermore, with Lu Miaoge and Zilei True Man overseeing nearby, they would step in should genuine peril arise.
Besides, he detected Lu Wangshu retaining hidden reserves and aces up her sleeve.
Even employing the Life Burning Saber Technique might fail to claim triumph over her.
Defeat in this fashion, as the Shangguan family's Nascent Soul hopeful, would tarnish their clan's standing.
"I concede."
Upon hearing those words, Lu Wangshu, appearing utterly drained, cupped her fists in response.
She then stored away her somewhat battered puppets.
Typically, she avoided clashing with foes, given her battle style's constant drain on spirit stones regardless of the scenario.
"Outmatched this time, I'll seek a rematch in the future."
Shangguan Poyun, echoing the poise of his Shangguan forebears, accepted defeat gracefully, hurling the [Thunder Fire Gang Sha] toward Lu Wangshu with a cool demeanor.
Yet a flicker of reluctance lingered in his gaze.
After all, he had toiled endlessly in past years to obtain this [Thunder Fire Gang Sha].
Zilei True Man observed Shangguan Poyun descending the arena, visibly fatigued, and inquired: "Poyun, shall I assist in reclaiming that Gang Sha for you?"
This Thunder Fire Gang Sha could boost Shangguan Poyun’s Core Formation odds by one and a half percent.
For cultivators of thunder or fire affinities, though, it offered merely a one-percent edge.
"My thanks, Uncle, but losing this bout reveals my need for further honing. I'll acquire another on my next venture out."
Shangguan Poyun maintained a steady composure, his Essence, Qi, and Spirit unbroken.
Were he quick to falter, he never would have advanced this far.
Acknowledging his shortcomings now, he resolved to train even fiercer.
As for the forfeited Core Formation Spiritual Object, it would fuel his drive to refine himself more!
"Well said, that's the spirit of my Shangguan family's Qilin Child!"
Zilei True Man, pleased by this, clapped his shoulder, then approached with evident respect, cupping his hands as he spoke: "Changsheng True Master and Miao Ge True Master excel at raising their offspring, with prodigies rising successively in the clan—truly a sight to envy."
"True Man flatters us excessively."
Lu Miaoge replied mildly, her bearing serene as still waters, engaging in courteous exchange.
Acting as host, Zilei True Man then extended an invitation to Lu Miaoge, Lu Wangshu, and their group for a feast at Jiuxiao Immortal City's grandest eatery, extending warm welcome.
Despite their initial challenge to Lu Wangshu, their conduct remained impeccable, so Lu Miaoge accepted without hesitation.
"I've learned that True Man arrived due to the troubles with Xiaoya Mountain’s Li Family and Mo Yu Mountain’s Zhao Family. Our Shangguan family holds sway in these parts; if True Man requires aid, we can manage it in your stead."