Chapter 137: Skill Upgrade! The True Meaning of a 30% Kill!

Not only that.

Outside the county town, the number of those cultist bandits keeps increasing day by day, assuming a stance ready to attack at any moment.

As time passes.

The atmosphere around the county town grows increasingly tense, and within the city there is a clamor of fear.

Some martial practitioners even fled the county town at night to join the cult.

The whole situation in Changping County has already become as precarious as a cracked egg.

Such days have slipped by for two months.

That day, deep night.

Lu Zhangsheng lies quietly on the bed.

He opens the panel and checks his own resources.

Source Energy Points: 4200.

After these days of hard digging, his resources have increased again.

He prepares to control the Pangolin and begins to accelerate the collection of Spiritual Creatures.

The external cultist bandits become more rampant, constantly ready to attack the county town.

The opponent has been encircling without attacking; there must be some plot.

Perhaps that demoness is making preparations; when the day of siege comes, it will be earth‑shattering.

From now on, he must devote all effort to strengthening his power.

A thought stirs in his mind.

"Hum…"

A wisp of thought is poured into the Pangolin's body.

Looking around, it is still that dark, damp cave, with a smell of moss everywhere in the air.

After many days of digging, he finally reaches the middle section of this mine.

The deeper he digs, the richer the Spiritual Creatures become.

Of course, the exotic beasts encountered also increase, and their strength has grown considerably.

Clang clang clang…

His claws swing swiftly, and the massive stones before him fall to the ground like blocks of tofu.

Lu Zhangsheng rushes forward, digging rapidly toward the depths of the mine.

After digging for more than half a day.

He arrives at a subterranean corner, and a sliver of light suddenly appears ahead.

"Could it be another large natural cavern?"

Looking at the natural passage ahead, Lu Zhangsheng's expression shifts slightly.

"Whoosh…"

He no longer hesitates; he pushes off with his legs and darts out immediately.

After he swiftly passes through the opening, the surroundings instantly become bright.

A faint glow continues to flicker in the space.

The cavern's area is quite large, roughly a radius of ten zhang.

Above, countless stalactites hang like sharp swords, pointing straight down.

Lu Zhangsheng immediately begins searching for the source of the light.

Looking left and right, a corner behind catches his attention.

Lu Zhangsheng quickly jumps out and arrives beneath a massive rock wall.

He looks up.

He sees the entire rock wall emitting a faint glow, somewhat mysterious.

"Could there be treasure?"

Lu Zhangsheng's expression shifts slightly, and he quickly jumps beneath the stone wall, clawing fiercely.

"Clang clang clang…"

As the outer rocks are clawed away, a smoother, finer inner wall is revealed.

A faint coolness emanates from his claws.

"Is there something?"

His face lights up with instant joy.

This is one of the common signs of discovering a rare treasure; after years of digging, he is quite familiar with it.

As Lu Zhangsheng digs vigorously, the crystal‑clear rock inside quickly becomes exposed.

The moment his claw touches, a crisp Prompt Sound rings through his mind.

【Found Primordial Marrow, absorb?】

"Absorb."

Lu Zhangsheng silently thinks.

【Source Energy Points +50.】

【Source Energy Points +50.】

Seeing his resources surge rapidly, he feels quite pleased.

This small piece of Primordial Marrow can provide 50 Source Energy Points; indeed, it is a treasure more precious than a high‑grade Core Stone.

The small cluster before me, once fully absorbed, is enough to raise all my skills.

In no time.

The core marrow within the rock wall ahead is completely absorbed, revealing a small pit a few meters across.

My Source Energy Points rise by over two thousand again.

Lu Zhangsheng is about to turn and leave when sudden movements come from the cave entrance behind.

Sizzle…

Three aberrant beasts resembling lizards dash toward the cavern.

Each beast is several meters long, its dark skin exuding a strong killing aura.

A pair of eyes the size of copper bells glint with a faint blood‑red hue.

Six‑stage beast?

Seeing a new species of aberrant beast ahead, Lu Zhangsheng knows he has once again entered their territory.

Moreover, these beasts are not weak; they are all six‑stage.

Kill.

Lu Zhangsheng thrusts his legs and charges forward.

In the blink of an eye, he reaches the leftmost lizard.

He then extends his sharp claws, slashing fiercely at its head.

Ah…

With a howl, the giant lizard's skull shatters, blood spews wildly, staining the surrounding broken stone floor red.

Boom—boom—boom…

At that moment, the massive jaws of the other two lizards clamp onto Lu Zhangsheng's back, emitting a harsh, high‑pitched screech.

Thanks to his own hard scales, Lu Zhangsheng only feels a slight numbness on his back, unharmed.

Then he twists his head and swipes forward again.

Crunch…

His claw pierces the chest of the rightmost lizard, gutting it open; its entrails spill out.

The scene is quite bloody.

The remaining lizard, terrified, tries to flee, then lets out a scream and rolls violently on the ground.

Lu Zhangsheng again unleashes his innate divine skill 【Soul Strike】.

A single mental strike instantly strips the opponent of its fighting power.

At that moment, a pitch‑black vortex suddenly appears above his head, spinning rapidly.

Its dark radiance flickers erratically, looking extremely mysterious.

Whoosh…

The giant lizard's soul is instantly drawn out, rushing toward the vortex above.

In the blink of an eye, it vanishes into the vortex.

Then a wave of coolness echoes in Lu Zhangsheng's mind.

The opponent's soul is completely crushed, turning into a stream of pure spiritual energy.

He glances again at the panel prompt.

Species: Poison‑shell Lizard Rank: Six‑stage.

A social creature, adept at using venom attacks, preferring to hunt other aberrant beasts at night.

Lu Zhangsheng already knew this beast's information when he struck.

As he delves deeper into the Ten‑thousand Great Mountains, various aberrant beasts appear more frequently.

This Pangolin‑level also needs to be upgraded quickly.

Lu Zhangsheng then gathers the corpses of the aberrant beasts on the ground and rushes toward the cave entrance ahead.

…

Changping County.

Night, the moon and stars are sparse.

Lu Zhangsheng stands in the center of the courtyard, feet planted apart.

The bright moonlight pours over his shoulders, as if draping him in a veil of silver.

He opens the panel.

Source Energy Points: 7400.

After diligent excavation during this period, his resources have once again been gathered.

He no longer hesitates and heads straight for several skill points.

Buzz…

A buzzing reverberates in his mind, as if dusk drums and morning bells are striking.

His internal Qi and blood surge wildly, a transparent yang aura instantly spreading over his body.

His whole body emits threads of golden light, exceedingly divine.

After your years of hard cultivation, a heaven‑splitting strike, protective Xuan‑Gang, a single reed crossing the river, you have finally cultivated to the Perfect Realm.

With a crisp Prompt Sound, this upgrade officially ends.

Lu Zhangsheng slowly opens his eyes, a powerful aura bursting forth.

Whoosh…

He kicks off his foot, and the courtyard fills with after‑images; countless blade flashes dart through the void, intertwining with the after‑images, forming a dense celestial net.

"Huh…"

After a moment, Lu Zhangsheng stopped, exhaling a breath of foul Qi.

After this breakthrough, his attack power and speed increased by several multiples again.

His strength drew ever closer to that of pre‑Heaven strongmen.

Then, he began to test the yang energy after the breakthrough.

"Boom—boom—boom…"

As the protective Xuan Yang was urged, the immensely thick yang energy instantly spread over his entire body.

Even the fallen leaves around were shaken apart.

He suddenly drew his sword and slashed at his own yang shield.

"Clang—clang—clang…"

The crisp slicing sound rang through the courtyard, yet the yang shield showed no ripple, remaining as solid as a golden broth. "What strong defense."

Lu Zhangsheng had already exerted thirty percent of his strength, yet he could not move it a hair.

Such defense would probably not be broken even by a swarm of Transcended Perfection assailants.

Even now, if he stood still, Transcended Perfection strongmen could not affect him.

Only at this stage did the indestructible golden body and Golden Bell Cover fully reveal their terrifying power.

With his current strength, even those famed for decades as pseudo pre‑Heaven strongmen, he would dare to fight.

It is said that some Transcended strongmen who failed to break through to pre‑Heaven have already undergone Metamorphosis, and after decades of honing the true meaning of martial ways, their strength is extremely terrifying.

Then, Lu Zhangsheng practiced his martial arts for a while longer, intending to return to his chamber to rest, when he suddenly sensed a series of knocks coming from outside the courtyard.

"Dong—dong—dong…"

The crisp knocking was rather conspicuous.

Lu Zhangsheng was somewhat puzzled—so late, and someone still looking for him? "Come in."

"Squeak…"

A beautiful woman in a violet robe pushed open the door and gracefully walked toward him.

It was Yue Wanting, the leader of the Shark Gang.

She wore a flowing violet dress that perfectly outlined her voluptuous figure, and her face always bore a smile.

As time passed, she grew increasingly mature and stunning.

Lu Zhangsheng wore a puzzled expression.

She arrived late at night in full regalia—what could be the reason? "Young master, the four great families I was tasked to monitor have shown some changes."

Yue Wanting smiled, walked to Lu Zhangsheng, and gave a graceful bow.

Regarding this DemonSubduingOffice hotshot, she dared not speak out of turn.

Lu Zhangsheng's expression shifted slightly: "Lead the way ahead."

He suspected some people intended to leave the county, which was the opportunity he had long awaited.

"Your command, sir."

Yue Wanting turned and walked toward the outside of the courtyard.

Inside, she felt a bit disappointed; she had spent a long time dressing up, yet he barely glanced at her.

This made her somewhat insecure about her looks, and a hint of frustration rose within her.

Afterwards, the two walked along the silent street and soon arrived near the gate of East City.

At this moment, many carriages were parked near the gate.

Some martial artists stood guard around, holding weapons.

Zhu Houyu and Chen Zhanpeng, two disciples of prominent families, were conspicuously present.

This group was confronting the Xuan Jia Army defending the gate.

"By Lord Qin's order, no one may leave the city at will."

A man who looked like a commander shouted loudly, his face frosted with cold.

"Open your dog eyes and see clearly; I hold Lord Xiao's command."

"Allow us to go to the Prefecture City for refuge; why won't you open?"

A murderous glint flashed in Zhu Houyu's and Chen Zhanpeng's eyes.

Who would have thought a mere city guard dared to block the four great families? Truly courting death.

The middle‑aged commander wore a troubled expression.

Standing in place, he seemed at a loss.

Some nearby Xuan Jia soldiers glared angrily.

Whenever there's profit, these aristocratic youths swarm in, snatching all the gains.

At the slightest hint of danger, they instantly flee, which is extremely shameful.

Just as the middle‑aged man was deeply troubled, he suddenly sensed some movement ahead; after recognizing the newcomers, his eyes brightened.

"I, your humble subordinate, pay respects to Lord Lu."

The middle‑aged man immediately approached, his face full of respect.

Regarding this top figure under Lord Qin, he dared not offend him in any way.

"What happened here? All this clamor—"

Lu Zhangsheng stood with his hands behind his back, his face imposing.

He naturally knew the cause, yet he still asked knowingly.

"Some aristocratic martial artists wish to leave the city and head to the Prefecture City for refuge."

The middle-aged commander bowed slightly, smiling as he spoke.

What aristocratic clan warrior? This is a cult spy! Prepare to leave the city and join the cult.

Lu Zhangsheng grinned.

All Profound Armor Army, move now, kill the spies, and I will secure merit for you.

His tone left no room for doubt, utterly grim.

The surrounding people stared at Lu Zhangsheng in disbelief.

I never expected them to be so bold, actually launching a deadly strike against the aristocratic clan.

Yue Wanting's beautiful eyes shone with varied colors, her heart surging.

Lu Zhangsheng, you dare!

Zhu Houyu and Chen Zhanpeng both wore faces full of fury, their eyes flashing with killing intent.

We have ties with several great clans of the prefectural city; do you dare to act?

Kill.

The only reply to them was a single cold word.

Lu Zhangsheng waved his hand, his face full of coldness.

Halt.

Numerous Profound Armor Army immediately formed a spear formation, closing in; the battlefield instantly filled with killing intent, murderous aura everywhere.

These people had long been dissatisfied with the four great clans; now being able to openly slaughter them, they naturally felt pleased.

First kill Lu Zhangsheng, then break out of the city.

Zhu Houyu and Chen Zhanpeng both wore grim expressions; they never expected Lu Zhangsheng to be so oblivious to death, so they had to personally send him on his way.

Afterward, the two attacked simultaneously, striking at Lu Zhangsheng.

Blade light flickered in the night sky, its aura fierce and unmatched.

Die.

Lu Zhangsheng merely swung his blade lightly forward.

A piercing cold flash flashed through the void, as if even the moonlight in the high heavens dimmed.

Crack—

With a soft sound, two heads fell to the ground and rolled sideways.

A large amount of blood spurted several meters high, extremely bloody.

One stroke, both dead.

With his strength, killing two was as easy as crushing two ants.

All of this happened in an instant.

Only then did the surrounding people react.

They all stared wide-eyed, faces filled with shock.

Detached Fetus strength?

Many Profound Armor Army also wore faces of disbelief; to kill them in one move would require at least Detached Fetus level strength.

The middle-aged commander's gaze grew even more reverent.

Beside her, Yue Wanting felt ever more relieved.

Having clung to Lu Zhangsheng this great tree, the Shark Gang is destined to rise.

Seeking death, return my son's life.

Among the aristocratic clan disciples, two explosive shouts rang out, revealing two elders in green robes.

Both, faces full of killing intent, stared at Lu Zhangsheng, hearts filled with immense grief.

Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, our two geniuses were cut down.

Seeing this, the surrounding people all looked worried.

These two elders are likely hidden Detached Fetus experts lurking in the shadows.

They are also the aristocratic clan's final trump card.

It is unknown whether Lu Zhangsheng can withstand these two.

The middle-aged commander quickly signaled his subordinates, preparing to have them summon Lord Qin for rescue.

Yue Wanting's eyes also showed a hint of worry.

Just then.

Lu Zhangsheng moved, pushing off with his legs.

Whoosh—

A afterimage flickered in the night sky, followed by a burst of brilliant blade light.

Only the blade light was seen, no figure.

Ah—

Accompanied by two tragic cries echoing through the night sky, the bodies were directly cut in half.

A large amount of blood stained the surrounding bluestone ground red.

Then, Lu Zhangsheng walked through the aristocratic clan crowd, blade in hand.

Like a grim reaper, he indiscriminately harvested the lives before him.

Ah—

Waves of wails echoed throughout the arena; soon the ground lay filled with various corpses.

【Slaughter True Intent increasing……】

【Killing Intent True Meaning increasing……】

……

【Killing Intent True Meaning increased to thirty percent.】

Clear Prompt Sounds rang one after another in his mind, and only then did Lu Zhangsheng 'wake up'.

His martial arts true intent had actually increased to thirty percent.

His strength increased significantly again.

At that moment, everyone on the field finally reacted, all falling silent like cicadas in winter.

Everyone looked at Lu Zhangsheng with awe-struck faces.

With such strength, one is considered a strong expert even in the Detached Fetus stage.

No wonder Lord Qin values Lu Zhangsheng so much.

"Clean up the corpses of these traitors; I will report this matter to Lord Qin."

Lu Zhangsheng walked away with his hands behind his back, a calm expression on his face.

As if he had done something insignificant.

Now the outskirts of the city are besieged; this group daring to leave the city must have had contact with those cultists.

Killing these people also counts as removing a harm for the people.

Yue Wanting followed closely behind, like a well-behaved maid.

The two soon disappeared into the night.

(End of chapter)