The wedding banquet had just passed its climax, but under the calm surface, turbulent currents began to stir.
Jin Zan spoke up, his tone dry and insincere, making Lu Changsheng's composed demeanor shine even brighter by contrast. Many among the guests could guess the truth—the Core Formation Spiritual Object had clearly been prepared by the Jin Family for Jin Zan.
How could he possibly be pleased watching it fall into another’s hands?
“Hehe, Daoist Jin, you’re too kind.”
Lu Changsheng responded with a casual smile, unbothered. To him, Jin Zan was no more than a petty clown.
He raised his cup to the crowd. “Let’s continue! Drink!”
Laughter and chatter resumed in the hall, the clinking of cups echoing joyously through the mountain villa. During a pause, Lu Changsheng stepped out to toast other guests.
Wherever he went, graceful women with alluring gazes followed him. But Lu Changsheng, already burdened by the responsibility of fifteen concubines, remained unfazed.
Beauty, after all, no longer impressed him. It was status, temperament, and talent that mattered.
Night descended, and as tradition demanded, Lu Changsheng fulfilled his duties as the groom. But dealing with fifteen new concubines proved to be no easy task—even for him.
To preserve energy, he cleverly encouraged harmony and camaraderie among the women, subtly reducing the pressure on himself.
The following day, the feast resumed. However, this time Lu Changsheng shifted his focus. He invited the patriarchs and respected leaders—including Lu Miaoge, Lu Miaoyun, Ling Zixiao, and Lu Yun—for private discussions, sending a clear message of goodwill and intent to build lasting alliances.
Internally, the Lu Family continued to uphold its foundational philosophy: raise strong children, multiply their blessings, and avoid unnecessary conflict with others.
But peace was fleeting.
Mount Sumeru Cave Heaven – Changsheng Hall
“Hiss… So the Beast Taming Xu Family has taken an interest in me?”
Lu Changsheng leaned back lazily, fingers playing with the soft, fiery red strands of Xu Ruyin’s hair as she delivered the troubling news.
“It’s likely the Jin Family leaked information to the Xu Family’s three ancestors,” Xu Ruyin explained, her voice delicate and hesitant.
“The Jin Family… again.”
Lu Changsheng’s eyes narrowed. He knew of the Beast Taming Xu Family, but hadn’t expected to be targeted so soon.
The third ancestor of the Xu Family—Xu Ge—was known to be ruthless. A False Core cultivator with a twisted personality and a history of aggression toward the weak, he was infamous among smaller sects and families.
Lu Changsheng squeezed a snow fruit in his palm, the juices dripping through his fingers.
The Jin Family’s scheme was becoming clearer: prop him up as bait, draw fire from powerful enemies, and let others deal the blow.
“They really want to use a borrowed knife to kill me…”
After a long pause, Xu Ruyin lifted her head, cheeks flushed, whispering softly, “Master…”
Lu Changsheng nodded and whispered, “Let’s see what you’ve learned this year.”
As their conversation continued, even through more intimate moments, Lu Changsheng gleaned detailed intelligence about the Xu Family’s structure and hidden power. The presence of a Third-Order guardian beast, a mysterious ancient turtle, was particularly noteworthy.
In the end, Lu Changsheng gave her the Beast Taming Charm and sent her back to gather more information, urging her to stay close to her son, Lu Chensha.
Back at Bihu Lake Mountain
Having heard everything, Lu Miaoge and Ling Zixiao understood the gravity of the situation. There was no easy solution.
Lu Changsheng instructed Miaoge to limit her outings and asked Xu Ruyin to downplay their family's strength when she returned.
“I only want to raise my children in peace, enjoy a quiet life with my wives…”
“But they won’t let me.”
He gazed at the sky, his voice low and filled with frustration. If Xu Ge truly made a move, he might be forced to retaliate—and if that brought the Xu Family’s Core Formation Ancestor to his door, things would escalate beyond control.
Three days passed.
The banquet drew to a close. Guests left in groups, and the grand celebration gradually faded.
Xu Ruyin remained two extra days before departing with a promise—to send a warning if trouble brewed.
Lu Changsheng stood at the gates of Bihu Lake Mountain, watching her silhouette disappear into the mist.
“…They push me too far, and I’ll push back.”
He turned, a subtle smirk curling on his lips.
The calm days of the Lu Family might soon come to an end.