Chapter 142: Greetings to Hall Master Lu! Fame Soars!

Lu Zhangsheng walked with his hands behind his back on the clean and tidy street.

Behind him followed a large group of martial artists ready to watch the spectacle.

Shortly after.

Amidst the strange gazes of a crowd, Lu Zhangsheng arrived before a great hall.

The entire hall was built from a precious timber, appearing extremely magnificent.

On the square before the hall, a crowd had gathered, most of them spies from other FuduDianZhu and aristocratic families, wearing half-smiles, seemingly waiting to see Lu Zhangsheng's joke.

At this moment, many figures stood inside the hall, each face bearing a hint of curiosity, silently staring at the outside.

Qin Ruobing and Yue Shulan, these ZhenYaosi from the county, were also present.

When Lu Zhangsheng was transferred to the prefectural city, he brought all these old acquaintances with him.

He was cultivating them as his trusted aides.

Their eyes revealed a hint of worry.

They all knew what would happen today; if Lu Zhangsheng were to lose, the consequences would be unthinkable.

At this moment, inside the main hall of the DemonSubduingOffice.

Liang Jinghui was also paying attention to this matter.

The scene of the tenth sub-hall appeared quite clearly in a crystal ball.

Liang Jinghui sat upright in his chair, wearing a stern expression.

Beside him sat a middle-aged man dressed as a black-clad scholar.

This man was Hu Yanyun, mainly responsible for recording contribution points and distributing salaries within the DemonSubduingOffice.

"Sir, having promoted this person beyond the usual ranks, aren't you afraid he might fail?"

Hu Yanyun gave a light smile and shook the white feather fan in his hand.

"It's fine; his talent is decent, and even if he fails this time, he still has a chance."

Liang Jinghui took a sip of tea, his tone indifferent.

Regarding the dispute in the tenth hall, he merely watched silently.

"I fear that if he fails, he will never recover, and his talent will be buried."

Hu Yanyun was not very optimistic.

After all, Shen Tuyong's strength had already approached that of the ninth FuduDianZhu.

Lu Zhangsheng's chance of defeating him was not great either.

Even if they ended in a draw, it would still be a major blow to Lu Zhangsheng's prestige.

"If he lacks even this bit of resolve, how could he achieve the innate martial way? Let's wait and see."

Liang Jinghui smiled, his expression indifferent.

To him, the juniors' rivalry was merely after-dinner talk.

Afterwards, neither spoke further; they silently watched the scene in the crystal ball.

The tenth sub-hall.

"Thud-thud..."

Lu Zhangsheng lifted his foot and stepped inside.

Inside the hall, everyone's eyes were fixed on Lu Zhangsheng, filled with envy, fear, even reluctance—a mixture of emotions.

Tong Yuhua and the others from the county were all excited.

Lu Zhangsheng flicked his sleeves and strode straight toward the jade throne on the high platform ahead.

One step, two steps...

It seemed as if he were climbing a peak of power, his footsteps treading on everyone's hearts.

Below the platform, a crowd stared at the jade seat with fervent faces.

That position symbolized great authority and status.

After a few breaths.

Lu Zhangsheng walked to the jade seat, turned and sat down directly, arms spread, a majestic aura like a mountain rising spontaneously.

"Subordinates pay their respects to Hall Master Lu."

Led by Qin Ruobing and Tong Yuhua, the many county martial artists immediately bowed, their faces showing respect.

Many nearby people merely exchanged glances, taking no action.

Their eyes instead held a hint of something unusual.

At this moment the situation was unclear, and no one rushed to pick a side.

Just then.

A youth in yellow robes stepped forward, his face full of respect: "Subordinates congratulate Hall Master Lu."

The young man clasped his hands, his tone solemn.

Those around saw this, their eyes full of contempt.

"Wen Zhiyuan is practically asking for death, daring to be the first to stick his head out."

"If Shen Tuyong wins later, this person's family will be purged."

Many thought to themselves.

These people are old foxes; they won't act until they see which side is strong, then naturally attach themselves to the stronger.

Even Qin Ruobing and the others were quite surprised, not expecting anyone to rush to align with Lu Zhangsheng first.

Wen Zhiyuan stood below the platform, his fingers digging hard into his flesh.

The Wen family was merely a medium-sized clan, far inferior to the three great aristocratic families.

Not to mention that he is a bastard son, who has virtually no cultivation resources.

Moreover, his innate talent is only of the excellent grade, and only through arduous practice does he barely manage to hold his footing in the Tenth Hall.

When he learned that Lu Zhangsheng was about to assume office, he immediately made this decision.

He wants to gamble his own future.

Better to risk it all than to spend a life in mediocrity and die in obscurity.

One must know that adding a flower to brocade is far less impactful than sending charcoal in snow; taking the initiative to align oneself will surely leave a deep impression on the other party.

"Hmm."

Lu Zhangsheng lightly nodded at the sight, his expression as calm as water.

Wen Zhiyuan immediately slipped back into the crowd, knowing his purpose had been achieved.

Around him, many members of the Wen clan glared angrily.

In their hearts they muttered "traitorous son".

Wen Zhiyuan's action was undoubtedly to put their family on the roasting fire.

The Shentu family is not one that the Wen family can offend.

At this moment, Lu Zhangsheng scanned the surroundings and calmly said, "Today I, the newly appointed, take office; have all the ZhenYaosi arrived?"

He had already issued a notice yesterday, summoning everyone to gather.

At this moment, noticeably fewer people were present on the scene.

Shentu Hong was not among them.

He asked knowingly.

"Your Excellency, Shentu Hong and others suffered a mishap while training and are feeling unwell..."

After Ouyang Xiao calmly stepped forward, he responded feigning sincerity.

"Oh? Then send for the Shentu Inspection Envoy; the Tenth Hall still has some healing Spiritual Medicine."

Lu Zhangsheng gave a faint smile.

He also did not expose the matter.

He also knew that the other side intended to give him a warning by deliberately not showing up.

"I will go request Shentu Hong at once."

Ouyang Xiao casually bowed his hands, then led a group of people to turn and walk out of the great hall.

They soon disappeared from the hall.

Lu Zhangsheng sat calmly on the jade chair, his breath steady, eyes closed to cultivate his spirit.

He actually wanted to see what confidence the other side had, thinking they believed they could dominate him.

A group of people below the stage fell silent like chilled cicadas, the atmosphere growing oppressive.

Everyone was waiting for Shentu Hong's arrival.

At the same time.

The situation in the Tenth Hall instantly spread throughout the DemonSubduingOffice.

Countless warriors arrived in droves, gathering on the square outside the hall, ready to watch the spectacle.

Even the other eight FuduDianZhu were closely monitoring the development.

The Wen family.

Inside a lavish manor.

"Pa—pa—..."

Wen clan head Wen Changhe suddenly smashed his tea cup onto the floor.

His face turned extremely angry.

He did not expect that bastard to act so recklessly, daring to take the lead and put the entire family in danger.

"Clan head, calm your anger; we will immediately go to the Shentu family to atone, bringing abundant gifts..."

A black‑robed elder hurriedly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

"Immediately expel that traitorous son from the family and erase his name from the genealogy."

Wen Changhe's tone was extremely cold.

According to the long‑established family policy, aligning with the Shentu family is the proper path.

Lu Zhangsheng would likely be unable to match Shentu Hong.

"I, the old man, will handle it right away."

The elder shook his head, but had no choice but to comply.

As for Wen Zhiyuan, he felt rather regretful; after being expelled from the family, he would lose protection and likely be unable to survive under the pressure of the noble houses.

Under the current situation, even a moderately difficult task could result in death.

……

After more than half an hour.

The Tenth Hall.

A group of people still waited for Shentu Hong's arrival.

The venue was silent as crows, the atmosphere growing ever more oppressive.

No one expected Shentu Hong to be so arrogant as to keep the newly appointed FuduDianZhu waiting so long.

It was as if they didn't regard the other party at all.

Qin Ruobing and the others saw a cold glint appear in their eyes.

A surge of anger boiled within them.

Lu Zhangsheng's expression, however, remained consistently calm like water.

With his strength, his mindset had long since risen above these petty disputes.

Only the first two FuduDianZhu could arouse even a hint of his interest.

Besides that, it was merely the innate martial way.

Flying through the void is almost the ultimate dream of every human.

That day is not far away.

Time flowed slowly.

Another half an hour passed, and just as Qin Ruobing and the others could bear it no longer, there finally came a commotion outside the hall.

"Dong dong dong…"

Only to see a group of people carrying a splendid jade throne walking slowly, the jade throne almost identical to the one inside the hall.

Seated upon the jade throne was a young man with a sinister visage, none other than Shen Tu Hong.

After delaying for more than an hour, the other party finally arrived late. Moreover, Shen Tu Hong had specially crafted a hall master's jade throne, outright arrogance to the extreme.

It was clearly telling everyone present that this seat was now firmly taken by Shen Tu Hong.

This happened on Lu Zhangsheng's first day in office, and they completely disregarded Lu Zhangsheng.

This person embodied arrogance and lawlessness to the extreme.

Seeing this, the people in the square all changed expression in shock; now Shen Tu Hong and Lu Zhangsheng would surely have to decide a winner.

The arena was filled with a strong smell of gunpowder.

Soon after.

Everyone carried Shen Tu Hong to the center of the hall.

They set him down.

Lu Zhangsheng slowly opened his eyes: "I heard that Inspector Shen Tu was injured; I happen to know a little medicine…"

He wore a calm expression, rose, and walked toward the steps below.

As if chatting with an old friend.

Shen Tu Hong snorted: "Let's speak plainly; the position of vice hall master belongs to the capable; I will take it. I advise you to step down early and yield the position, lest we harm harmony."

He wore a nonchalant expression, as if he could control everything.

His martial arts true intent had already risen to thirty percent.

As early as several months ago, he had secretly exchanged blows with the ninth FuduDianZhu.

Their strengths were not much different.

In today's battle, he is absolutely confident he can defeat the person before him.

Qin Ruobing and the others, seeing this, wore looks of anger.

This person didn't even bother to pretend; he directly provoked on the spot.

Lu Zhangsheng clasped his hands behind his back, gave a faint smile: "You mean, your strength is stronger than mine, making you the capable one?"

He actually had some anticipation for the opponent's strength.

Who gave him such great courage?

"That is natural."

Shen Tu Hong nodded with an arrogant expression.

As a genius of the Shen Tu family, he naturally had this confidence.

As they spoke, Shen Tu Hong slowly rose to his feet and confronted Lu Zhangsheng.

His aura burst forth, a powerful sense of oppression sweeping in all directions.

The people present all felt their chests tighten, making it hard to breathe.

"What strong strength."

Everyone's gaze turned stern.

This aura is hardly inferior to that of the ninth FuduDianZhu.

"This newly appointed vice hall master is probably in danger."

Everyone thought to themselves.

Even Qin Ruobing and the others wore worried expressions.

They also didn't expect Shen Tu Hong to have concealed his strength.

Lu Zhangsheng clasped his hands behind his back, wearing a calm expression.

His body was like a vast ocean; no matter how the opponent erupted with aura, he remained unmoving.

"Come die for this seat."

Shen Tu Hong roared in anger and threw a punch at Lu Zhangsheng's face.

Booms of sonic explosions rang out in the void, his aura fierce and unmatched.

Lu Zhangsheng likewise, without changing expression, threw forward a punch.

This punch was light and insubstantial, as if it had no strength at all.

Even the air transmitted no movement.

"Boom boom boom…"

Their fists suddenly collided, sending waves of qi rolling out, kicking up a gale.

In that single strike.

Lu Zhangsheng stood firmly on the open ground, his expression calm.

His whole body remained utterly still, not even the bricks beneath his feet stirring.

Shentu Hong's complexion turned pale, then he quickly calmed down.

There was no change beneath his feet either.

Inside him, a towering wave surged, and his arm seemed to receive endless force, making it hard to resist.

Even the tiniest meridians began to rupture and bleed, a wave of excruciating pain continuously assaulting him.

He strained to wear a calm expression, but his heart was filled with terror.

"Those who can match me are few throughout the DemonSubduingOffice; you, however, seem fit for the position of FuduDianZhu..."

Shentu Hong said lightly.

His face was breezy and untroubled.

Lu Zhangsheng gave a slight smile, yet said nothing.

That punch earlier had already shattered the opponent's meridians; the man was clearly gravely injured, yet he was still forcing himself.

These aristocratic youths indeed value face quite heavily.

They would rather not retreat a single inch and stubbornly hold on; truly a "real man".

If the opponent had chosen to release the force, he wouldn't have been so badly wounded.

The surrounding crowd, seeing this, wore expressions of startled uncertainty.

"What is happening?"

The people looked at each other, unable to decide.

The two were clearly even, yet Shentu Hong chose to retreat.

"Could it be that this Master Lu has some earth‑shattering background?"

This left a group of people on the scene bewildered.

Even the onlookers in the plaza were at a loss.

At that moment, Shentu Hong turned and slowly walked backward.

He was seen with his hands clasped behind his back, steps light, his face relaxed and carefree.

One step, two steps...

Soon he left the main hall and arrived onto the plaza.

The surrounding crowd quietly watched Shentu Hong gradually depart; the scene fell silent for a moment.

Even Qin Ruobing and the others wore puzzled faces, glanced at Lu Zhangsheng, and found nothing abnormal.

They also did not know the details of the two's duel.

Who truly held the upper hand?

…

Inside the DemonSubduingOffice's main hall.

"Fool!"

Liang Jinghui wore a disdainful expression.

As a born strongman, he naturally saw a hint of something.

Regarding Shentu Hong's dying for face and suffering while alive, it was also rather shameful.

As a martial strongman, being able to pick up and let go is a basic mindset; no one can win forever.

"Lu Zhangsheng is indeed impressive, managing to steadily defeat Shentu Hong."

Hu Yan Yun wore a surprised face.

He hadn't expected that he had misjudged.

…

Tenth Hall, on the plaza.

Just as everyone thought today's dispute would end with an anticlimax, an anomaly suddenly erupted.

Shentu Hong reached the far end of the plaza and could no longer hold on.

"Puff..."

A mouthful of fresh blood spurted out violently.

Then his eyes closed, and he collapsed directly onto the ground, motionless.

"This..."

"Knocked out by a single punch?"

The many martial artists on the scene looked at Shentu Hong, who resembled a dead dog, their faces full of shock.

Only then did these people realize that Shentu Hong had been forcing himself earlier.

His eyes were still without shame.

In their hearts, a towering wave seemed to surge, and their gazes at Lu Zhangsheng were filled with awe.

Qin Ruobing, Tong Yuhua, and the others all wore delighted expressions.

That punch directly manifested Lu Zhangsheng's status and dignity.

A single punch turned Shentu Hong into a dead dog; such deterrence could intimidate many who wished to challenge.

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

As if he had done a trivial little thing.

His whole body exuded an immovable, mountain‑like aura.

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

Wen Zhiyuan knelt on the ground, his face flushed with excitement.

He had bet correctly, and sensed that at this moment his own fate would be rewritten from then on.

"We pay our respects to Hall Master Lu!"

Only then did the crowd react, bowing their heads one after another, their faces full of awe.

With such strength, he can certainly sit securely in the position of FuduDianZhu.

It is by no means something these people can challenge.

A group of people looked at Wen Zhiyuan with eyes full of envy.

That kid is probably about to soar skyward.

Beside him, Ouyang Xiao also stared at Lu Zhangsheng with a terrified face.

He felt extremely relieved inside, glad it wasn't he who took up the challenge; otherwise, he would be the one lying on the ground today.

He doesn't think he's stronger than Shentu Hong, and he's well aware of that.

"Everyone need not be so formal."

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

"Wen ZhenYaosi's strength and merits are both commendable; as of today, his rank is promoted by one level."

His tone was rather flat.

As the head of a subhall, whose merits are greater is decided by him; if he says you can, then you can.

That is the allure of power.

"Thank you, Hall Master, for the promotion; I will certainly redouble my efforts."

Wen Zhiyuan was so elated he was about to faint; this first wave of riches already made him hard to restrain.

Climbing the Hall Master's great tree, he is destined to soar.

The surrounding crowd, seeing this, wished they could take his place.

At the same time, they felt rather regretful, wondering why they lacked such insight.

Regarding Shentu Hong's unscathed state, a thread of hatred rose in their hearts.

(End of chapter)