Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Lu family.

Inside an exquisitely furnished room.

Lu Bing'an, looking frail, was seriously injured and bedridden, surrounded by a number of people.

"Patriarch, the person who attacked us was malicious. They forcibly abolished the Third Young Master's magical power and caused severe damage to his heart meridian. I did my best to save the Third Young Master's life, but he may not be able to condense magical power in the future. Moreover, whenever it is cloudy or rainy, the Third Young Master's injured meridians will be unbearably painful and itchy. Unless a second-level physician who has cultivated special techniques intervenes, there is little chance of recovery."

Among the crowd, a doctor who appeared to be in his sixties sighed after withdrawing his magic.

“Uncle, Su Qin is so cruel. I have been absorbing the essence of female cultivators from the Su family for many years and was expected to reach the Foundation Establishment stage within a few years. I hope you can find a second-level physician for me, so that my Lu family will have three Foundation Establishment cultivators in the future, and our strength will surpass that of the Huang family.”

Lu Bing'an's eyes were full of hope as he spoke anxiously.

"Don't worry, nephew Bing'an, the clan will not abandon you. Just focus on recovering from your injuries."

Among the crowd, a dignified-looking middle-aged man offered words of comfort.

outside the room.

The middle-aged, dignified man spoke calmly:

"Have you found out the situation regarding the remnants of the Su family?"

"Returning home, according to a letter from the Su family, Su Qin fled this place years ago and went to hide in the territory of the Nangong family. He has been living in Qianhe Immortal City ever since. This time, he has returned after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, probably to avenge the grudge from that year. It is said that in addition to Su Qin, there are three other Foundation Establishment masters traveling with him, who are currently staying at the Su family residence."

A man in his thirties or forties, who appeared to be a butler, spoke in a low voice from the side.

"It's alright. Our Lu and Huang families also have four Foundation Establishment cultivators. We are of one mind and will advance and retreat together. The Foundation Establishment master invited by the Su family is only after resources and external things. In the end, he is an outsider. However, we still need to find an opportunity to investigate the background of this remnant of the Su family."

"Go to the Huang family at Xingyue Lake first and bring them news of the Su family remnants' return. Invite the Huang family head to come here for a chat. After that, send someone to contact your niece Qingzhu. As the second Foundation Establishment warrior of the Lu family, she should not stray far from the family territory for the time being."

The middle-aged man looked thoughtful and then began to make arrangements.

……

Qingzhushan, Su Family.

The Su family is no longer as prosperous as it once was.

The only Foundation Establishment Ancestor was seriously injured and died.

Some clansmen went into hiding or fled, while the rest were enslaved by the Lu and Huang families, forced to sign contracts and contribute their clan's property. The men were forced to work in the mines every day, while the women were confined to their homes and subjected to abuse.

After Su Qin returned, he unilaterally abolished the original contract and recalled the clansmen who had been scattered abroad.

After Lin Changsheng and Zhang Xiucai temporarily stayed at the Su family's residence, Su Qin was nowhere to be seen for many days.

The scholar Zhang and his wife decided to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the scenery.

The cultivation world of Yue Kingdom is vast and rich in resources, spanning different regions with completely different customs and traditions.

Lin Changsheng, on the other hand, stayed indoors all day, devoting himself to studying mechanical puppets.

The day after arriving at the Su family, Su Qin handed over the promised second-tier puppet inheritance to Lin Changsheng.

Lin Changsheng soon discovered that the mechanical puppet inheritance in Su Qin's hands seemed to be somewhat unusual.

This doesn't seem to be the mainstream method within the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom.

The differences lie not only in the methods of creating puppets, but also in the subtle variations in the techniques of controlling them.

The common method of controlling mechanical puppets mainly relies on attaching one's divine sense to the puppet, which is no different from the method of controlling magical artifacts, only more complicated.

For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, being able to focus on controlling three or five mechanical puppets of the same level is already the limit.

Furthermore, being distracted by operating multiple mechanical puppets will lead to a decrease in control and affect accuracy.

Su Qin's inheritance of mechanical puppets includes a secret technique that allows him to extract a wisp of divine consciousness and inject it into a specially made mechanical puppet. When controlling it, one only needs to think about it to easily activate it.

It can even allow the manipulated puppet to escape the limitations of the cultivator's divine sense to a certain extent.

However, to create this special mechanical puppet, a very rare material is needed: earth vein energy.

Only by injecting the earth's source energy and the cultivator's own divine consciousness into the mechanical puppet can this wisp of divine consciousness be nurtured and retained within the puppet for a long time.

Unfortunately, the source energy of the earth veins is not an ordinary material; it is rare and hard to find.

Even with Lin Changsheng's current status as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he only has one portion of Earth Vein Source Qi in stock.

Thinking of this, Lin Changsheng's heart stirred. He reached into the storage bag and a well-preserved map appeared in his hand.

It was the map of the ruins that Tian Fu presented when he was at Xi Danhe's house.

According to Tian Fu's grandfather, Tian Hulin, this site is very likely to contain earth vein energy.

At that time, Lin Changsheng was just a Qi Condensation cultivator and had no shortage of cultivation resources, so he kept the map in his collection and did not risk going to check it out.

Back then, Tian Hulin was only at the Qi Condensation stage, yet he was able to venture into that ruin.

Now that Lin Changsheng has entered the Foundation Establishment stage, the risks are even smaller.

Coincidentally, the site was located in the northern part of the Yue Kingdom, not far from here.

Lin Changsheng made up his mind that once the matter at Su Qin's family was settled, he would explore the secrets of this ruin according to the location shown on the map.

……

That day, Lin Changsheng secluded himself in his room, his mind immersed in the inheritance of the second-tier mechanical puppet.

A shout suddenly came from afar:

"You remnants of the Su family, how dare you harm a member of the Lu family! Come out and face your death at once!"

A voice imbued with the power and pressure of a Foundation Establishment cultivator resounded throughout the entire Su family compound.

Lin Changsheng was also interrupted by the shout, and opened his eyes with a hint of lingering interest.

At the same time, he sensed four Foundation Establishment cultivators of varying strengths surrounding the Su family.

At the same time, Su Qin's slender figure appeared above the Su family without fear, activating his magical artifact, and stood facing the four outsiders.

Two of them possessed profound magical power, having already reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

The other two have relatively weak magical abilities, and seem to have only recently advanced in their cultivation.

Inside the room, Lin Changsheng withdrew his divine sense, his expression calm.

If I'm not mistaken, these four are the Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Lu and Huang families.

Just a few days ago, Scholar Zhang and his wife went on a trip, and today these four people have come out in full force, so it seems they came prepared.

Lin Changsheng thought to himself.

"Hmph, Lu Bing'an is nothing more than interest that my Su family has been collecting. I, Su Qin, will repay the humiliation my Su family has suffered over the years tenfold."

Su Qin faced four Foundation Establishment cultivators alone, yet remained calm and showed no fear whatsoever.

"How about the fellow Daoist below comes out for a chat?"

Among the four, a dignified-looking middle-aged man spoke towards where Lin Changsheng was in the courtyard.

Before long, a young man dressed in white, with a gentle and refined demeanor, appeared before everyone.

Upon seeing that the Foundation Establishment cultivator who walked out of the house was actually a handsome young man who looked harmless, the middle-aged man's eyes revealed a hint of disdain.

"I am Lu Changlin, the head of the Lu family. This is my niece, Lu Qingzhu. May I ask how you are addressed?"

The next moment, the middle-aged man who called himself Lu Changlin first introduced himself, and then introduced the young girl in a light green dress next to him.

"I am Huang Bo, the head of the Huang family. Today, I have come with my elders to seek justice for Brother Lu."

On the other side, the young man from the Huang family who called himself Huang Bo and the elderly man also nodded to Lin Changsheng.

"I have met you four fellow Daoists. My surname is Lin. I have known Fellow Daoist Su for many years and have been staying at the Su family's residence recently."

Lin Changsheng seemed oblivious to the tense atmosphere in the room, clasped his hands in greeting to the four people one by one, and wore a warm smile on his face.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Lin. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Let's be frank. Today's matter is a long-standing feud between the Lu and Huang families and the Su family. It has nothing to do with outsiders like Fellow Daoist Lin. I advise Fellow Daoist Lin not to interfere in this matter."

Lu Changlin spoke frankly and directly to Lin Changsheng.

“Indeed, I observe that Fellow Daoist Lin’s wood-attribute aura is upright and peaceful, and he does not seem to be a person who enjoys fighting.”

"Today, all four Foundation Establishment cultivators from our Huang and Lu families have come out. Fellow Daoist Lin's insistence on interfering in this matter is not a wise move."

"As long as Fellow Daoist Lin stands idly by, once we capture Su Qin, this remnant of the cult, we will present Fellow Daoist Lin with a gift."

Huang Bo, the young head of the Huang family, spoke with a hint of threat in his words.

“What Fellow Daoist Huang said is correct. I am indeed not good at fighting. This time I am just accompanying Fellow Daoist Su to visit the Su family.”

Lin Changsheng said with a faint smile.

He naturally noticed the disdain in the words of the Huang and Lu families.

Lin Changsheng, on the contrary, believed that this disdain was more advantageous to him.

Upon meeting Lin Changsheng, one could tell that neither his aura of magical power nor his tone of voice indicated a domineering person.

Lu Changlin and Huang Bo exchanged glances, and a thought began to form in their minds.

"With the other two Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Su family away, we have a chance to capture this brat, Su Qin!"

"That's right. Send one person to keep an eye on that kid surnamed Lin, and with the combined strength of three Foundation Establishment cultivators, taking down Su Qin will be a piece of cake."

The two moved their lips slightly, but no sound came out, clearly indicating that they were using a secret technique to transmit sound.

"Do it!"

Give an order.

Lu Changlin, Huang Bo, and the old man from the Huang family all flew towards Su Qin and surrounded him!

The remaining Lu family girl, dressed in a light green dress, hesitated for a moment before approaching Lin Changsheng.

The girl in the green dress had a beautiful face, bright and lively eyes, and a pure and lovely appearance, but her face carried a hint of aloofness.

"Go back to where you came from. Don't believe their so-called gifts; it's just a delaying tactic. Once they've subdued Su Qin, they'll turn their attention to you."

The girl parted her almond-shaped lips slightly, and a melodious secret message rang in Lin Changsheng's ear.

Lin Changsheng was surprised. He looked up and met the girl's eyes, only to find that she had a cold expression and no extra emotion.

As he watched the other three surround Su Qin, a hint of reluctance appeared in his eyes.

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Lu, rest assured, neither Su Qin nor I, Lin, will be in any trouble."

A clear voice carried over, but the girl's eyes showed a hint of confusion.

Lin Changsheng did not offer much explanation, but remained calm and composed, exuding a gentle and refined air.

At this moment, Su Qin, who was being attacked by three people, remained calm and unhurriedly took out a purple bead from his storage bag and gently held it between his two fingers.

A chilling aura of rage and annihilation emanated from the purple bead.

The three men, who had intended to swiftly subdue Su Qin, stopped what they were doing upon seeing this scene and stared at the purple bead with some surprise and uncertainty.

"This is... a Heavenly Thunder Pearl containing the power of lightning tribulation?!"

The eldest member of the Huang family, after a moment of surprise, asked with a hint of horror in his eyes.

Huang Bo and Lu Changlin looked puzzled. Although they didn't know what this thing was, they could still feel the terrifying aura emanating from it.

"Hehe, I didn't expect that the Huang family patriarch, who has lived in the remote Silver Star Lake for many years, would have such insight."

Su Qin sneered and explained with a playful look in his eyes, "That's right, this is the Heavenly Thunder Pearl. It contains a wisp of the tribulation aura that a Golden Core cultivator experiences when advancing to the Nascent Soul stage. Although it's only a wisp, it's enough to severely injure or even kill a late Foundation Establishment cultivator. This is also a great gift I've prepared for both of your families."

"So you actually possess this item, no wonder you're so fearless. It seems you've already acquired that ruin from back then. However, this Heavenly Thunder Pearl is extremely powerful. If you use it here, not only will we suffer, but you, this Fellow Daoist Lin, and the Su family members will also be affected."

The old man from the Huang family revealed a shrewd look in his eyes and exposed the truth.

The old man spoke sharply, not only pointing out that Lin Changsheng would be affected, but also directly exposing Su Qin's great opportunity, intending to sow discord between the two.

Ultimately, under the threat of the Heavenly Thunder Pearl...

The Huang and Lu families arrived in a menacing manner, but left in a sorry state.

……

A few days later, Zhang Xiucai and his wife returned.

That night, Lin Changsheng and Su Qin flew away from the Su family.

"Uncle Lin, I implore you and Senior Chong to help me. Just stop the Lu family's rescue efforts and buy me an hour."

Su Qin made his request.

Later in the night.

Suddenly, towering flames erupted within the Huang family residence at Yinxing Lake.

boom!

boom!

boom!

A large number of high-level spell symbols were released in a short period of time, and waves of heat mixed with spiritual energy rolled out.

"The Su family, Su Qin has come to collect a debt, and the Huang family of Silver Star Lake is expelled from the family today!"

A somber voice, belonging to a young man, echoed outwards from the center of the burst of spiritual energy.

It's several dozen miles away.

Two figures, a man and a woman, were rushing towards them.

It was Lu Changlin and his nephew Lu Qingzhu from the Lu family.

Not far in front of the two, on a small hilltop, stood a young man in a white shirt, smiling at them.

"Why are you two fellow Daoists going out so late at night? May I ask what brings you here?"

Lin Changsheng said slowly and deliberately.

Upon seeing Lin Changsheng appear, Lu Changlin frowned, seemingly sensing something, and then said:

"Qingzhu, the Huang family has called for help. It must be because the three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Su family have mobilized all their forces. Let them wear each other down for a while. You stop this person first, and I will go to the Su family to launch a sneak attack!"

After a moment's thought, Lu Changlin suddenly had an idea and instructed Lu Qingzhu beside him.

They had already found out that Su Qin and the other two were only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

With the Huang family patriarch backing them up, the two sides are evenly matched.

Recently, many of Su Qin's direct relatives have returned to the Su family.

They are all the best choices as hostages.

Lu Changlin didn't want to waste words with Lin Changsheng, so he turned around and hurriedly flew towards the Su family.

The young girl, Lu Qingzhu, remained silent, and Lin Changsheng showed no intention of pursuing her.

The two met within a few dozen feet, and the scene remained calm.

……

On the other side, Lu Changlin brought several late-stage Qi Condensation clan members to the Su family in Qingzhu Mountain.

Just as they were about to go in and wreak havoc, they suddenly sensed the auras of two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Looking up, one could see that Scholar Zhang and his wife, Lü Hongling, were on high alert.

"How can it be!"

"Su Qin went to the Huang family alone?"

Lu Changlin found it hard to believe.

But now that he was here, as a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, he naturally wouldn't be scared off by two early-Foundation Establishment dolls.

"Do it!"

He immediately activated his magical artifact and began fighting with Zhang Xiucai and his companion.

Meanwhile, a group of Lu family members stormed into the Su family compound and carried out a massacre.

Over the years, countless high-ranking cultivators of the Su family have died or been injured.

Even if Su Qin could invite a Foundation Establishment cultivator as an outside help, it still wouldn't be enough to make up for the lack of combat power among the Qi Condensation cultivators in his clan.

"These two are no ordinary rogue cultivators!"

After a fierce struggle, Lu Changlin became increasingly alarmed.

Zhang Xiucai unleashed his pure aura, activating his magical artifact to single-handedly withstand him. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Lü Hongling leaped down and slew the invading Qi Condensation clansman from the Lu family.

Upon seeing this, Lu Changlin cried out in distress and immediately withdrew.

……

"Damn it, where did Su Qin find these two? They're only at the early Foundation Establishment stage, but their cultivation techniques are extraordinary, and their attacks are fierce. They're definitely not ordinary rogue cultivators!"

Even after flying out of the Su family's territory, Lu Changlin was still heartbroken over the losses suffered by his family members.

A crimson light suddenly shot out from the soil below.

"Enemy attack?"

Lu Changlin was like a frightened bird, his heart filled with terror.

Having narrowly escaped the sneak attack, I finally got a clear look at the figure of light.

It was a ferocious-looking red centipede!

"A second-tier demonic insect!"

Having narrowly escaped an attack, Lu Changlin was still shaken when he heard a faint gust of wind behind him.

Lu Changlin felt a sharp pain in his back, and then he fell to the ground like a kite with a broken string.

The Crimson Centipede twisted its body and darted over with a 'whoosh'.

In the dim light, Lu Changlin caught a glimpse of that dark and ugly iron thing behind him…