Chapter 147: Ascend to Heavenly Pride! Shocking the Whole Crowd!

Second Sub-Hall.

When Wan Houyu, Nan Gong Lei and a few others received the news from their subordinates, they all wore surprised faces.

"You mean Lu Zhangsheng went to challenge again?"

Third Deputy Hall Master Nan Gong Lei, somewhat incredulous, asked again.

In his view, challenging again within such a short time would only bring disgrace upon oneself.

It is a painful lesson that countless warriors have experienced.

"The news is absolutely true; the entire DemonSubduingOffice has heard it."

A young man in black on the stage declared confidently.

Having witnessed it with his own eyes, it could not be false, so he reported it directly.

"Ignore him; he's probably unwilling to accept his last failure…"

Wan Houyu waved his hand and gave a faint smile.

He could never believe that the other's strength could surge so dramatically within just a few days.

This challenge was destined to end in a crushing defeat, without a doubt.

No one knows the terror of the 13th floor better than he does.

The remaining Deputy Hall Masters also smiled and nodded.

They clearly agreed with Wan Houyu's words.

They naturally knew the difficulty of Tongtian Tower; each floor is a Metamorphosis, and the higher one climbs, the more twisted the difficulty becomes.

Soon, even Chief Hall Master Liang Jinghui received the news.

His first reaction was that it was a rumor; after confirming the news repeatedly, he frowned.

However, regarding Lu Zhangsheng's recklessness, he had little to say.

He had no intention of even watching this challenge.

After all, a battle destined to fail is not worth watching.

When many prominent families received the news, they were similarly indifferent.

They thought Lu Zhangsheng was merely unwilling to accept defeat and wanted to try again.

Thus they paid little attention and soon ignored the matter.

Wen Family.

"Clan Chief, that rebellious son is valued by Hall Master Lu; if he succeeds in the challenge and ascends to Heavenly Pride, we…"

An elder in black stood in the room, his expression rather hesitant.

When Wen Zhiyuan was expelled from the family, he also tried to advise, but the Clan Chief persisted stubbornly.

"He cannot succeed; Qingning Residence will never produce another Ye Wudi."

Wen Changhe gritted his teeth.

He would not admit that his own decision had failed.

Even a figure on par with Wan Houyu was not enough to make the entire Wen family bow.

While covert currents swirled outside.

Tongtian Tower, 13th floor.

Howling gale, towering waves.

Lu Zhangsheng stood with his hands behind his back on a stretch of sea, his expression as calm as water.

"Hum…"

As the void ahead rippled gently, three men in white instantly appeared on the sea surface.

They were Lu Zhangsheng's three replicas.

The three, upon seeing Lu Zhangsheng, were filled with astonishment.

Their faces showed disbelief.

"Your strength?"

In their perception, Lu Zhangsheng's strength had more than doubled since his last challenge.

In less than ten days, it was as if he had become a different person, his power undergoing an earth‑shattering change.

"Just a minor breakthrough."

Lu Zhangsheng gave a faint smile.

The three, hearing this, wore strange expressions.

If this is merely a minor breakthrough, then the entire manor would not have only one Heavenly Pride born.

"Please, everyone, offer your guidance."

Lu Zhangsheng drew his long sword, and his internal aura suddenly erupted.

A powerful surge of Qi and blood shot upward, and dense yang energy instantly spread over his whole body.

Even the sea beneath his feet churned into towering waves.

The three replicas, seeing this, wore solemn faces.

This momentum had reached the precelestial level, an absolute Heavenly Pride combat power.

The three dared not delay and unleashed their full power.

"Whoosh…"

In an instant, the three surrounded Lu Zhangsheng, encircling him.

Their auras linked together, forming a perfect array.

"Formation?"

Lu Zhangsheng's expression flickered slightly.

I didn't expect these three to still retain their strength; this is the true strongest combat power.

No wonder that over so many years, only one person in the prefectural city has become a Heavenly Pride; even in Azure Prefecture City there aren't many.

To reach the level of Heavenly Pride, innate combat power is merely a threshold.

This step blocks the vast majority of talents.

"Kill."

Lu Zhangsheng took the lead, slashing forward with a blade.

Whoosh……

The sharp blade aura flashed in the void, as if it wanted to tear through the void, its momentum fierce and unmatched.

With this strike, he directly unleashed all his qi and blood within, adding seventy percent killing intent, his attack power reaching a terrifying level.

As the blade aura swept about, it was as if countless evil spirits roared around, filled with endless bloodlust and killing intent.

"Slash."

The three simultaneously drew their blades and lunged at Lu Zhangsheng.

Even the angle of their attack was the same, their aura equally ferocious.

"Boom boom boom……"

The two sides collided violently, a tremendous roar echoing through the clouds.

Surrounding energy sprayed wildly, rolling up thousand-layered waves.

The surging seawater poured down upon the several people, but was blocked by the four's protective gang qi.

After one clash.

Lu Zhangsheng stood steadily on the sea surface, his expression very calm.

The three, however, were shaken back over ten meters, their faces full of shock.

"Indeed, it's innate combat power; you actually stepped into Heavenly Pride in such a short time."

Upon first contact, they immediately ascertained Lu Zhangsheng's strength.

It was no longer something the three of them could block.

"Kill."

Lu Zhangsheng hesitated not, charging forward again.

Seeing this, the three could only resist with all their might.

"Bang bang bang……"

Both sides fought bloody on the sea surface without cease, the surrounding seawater surged wildly, and gusts of fierce wind howled.

As time passed.

After more than half an hour.

The three replicas had already fallen into an absolute disadvantage.

Even if the three cooperated perfectly and their strength approached the innate level, they were no match for Lu Zhangsheng.

The three exerted all their effort, blocking Lu Zhangsheng.

Relying on their inexhaustible qi and blood, they erupted wildly.

Plus the advantage of the formation, they barely managed to hold on.

……

Outside the Heaven-Reaching Tower.

A large group of martial artists stood on the square, looking shocked at the information ahead.

"This…… has already been challenging for almost two shichen?"

"It completely surpasses the previous time; could it be that the opponent truly intends to break through in one go and become a Heavenly Pride?"

Everyone simply couldn't believe it.

I never expected that in such a short time, the opponent would have another breakthrough.

Soon, this news spread like a hurricane.

Large numbers of martial artists flocked toward the Heaven-Reaching Tower.

Afraid to miss this historic moment.

Even several FuduDianZhu of Wan Houyu also rushed to the square.

Looking at the information ahead, their faces were extremely gloomy.

Given this situation, the opponent is highly likely to succeed in the challenge.

Inside the main hall of the DemonSubduingOffice.

Liang Jinghui and several figures sat upright in chairs, silently watching the figure in the crystal ball ahead.

Exactly the scene of Lu Zhangsheng completely suppressing the three replicas.

"Congratulations, Hall Master Liang, on gaining another great general."

A green-robed elder smiled and clasped his hands.

Just from Lu Zhangsheng's displayed strength now, he already has absolute confidence to pass the checkpoint.

Liang Jinghui's eyes were also full of surprise.

Even he hadn't expected that Lu Zhangsheng's talent would be so strong, his martial dao true intent surging in such a short time.

One must know that martial dao true intent cannot be faked; most Spiritual Medicine are useless, relying only on one's own comprehension.

This is also the greatest difference between a Heavenly Pride and ordinary talent.

However, being able to add another Heavenly Pride, he is also extremely happy.

This let him go to the prefectural city while still able to straighten his back.

Besides Qingzhou City, their Qingning Prefecture has two Heavenly Prides, simply unparalleled.

Just as the outside world was stirring up a heaven-shaking huge wave.

Heaven-Reaching Tower, inside the thirteenth floor.

Lu Zhangsheng grew braver with each battle, completely suppressing the three.

No matter how the three clones erupted, they could not in the slightest turn the tide.

Just then.

Lu Zhangsheng seized a slight opening in his opponent, unleashing his essence blood in a full-power slash.

Whoosh—

The fierce blade light, swift as lightning, slashed toward a clone on the left.

Even the void transmitted bursts of sonic booms, the momentum extremely ferocious.

Before he could react, the blade light instantly slit his throat.

Hum—

That clone directly turned into specks of light, dissipating on the sea surface.

All of this happened in an instant.

After losing one of the three clones, the remaining two could no longer hold on.

They were quickly defeated one by one by Lu Zhangsheng.

All turned into starlight and vanished.

Afterward, Lu Zhangsheng sheathed his long blade and stood silently on the sea surface.

The information ahead also changed. Challenger: Lu Zhangsheng.

Thirteenth floor: cleared.

Talent: Heavenly Pride (lower).

……

"Shall we challenge the fourteenth floor?"

"No."

Lu Zhangsheng shook his head.

According to his guess, the next level is definitely an Innate-level expert.

With his own strength, it would be difficult to slay the opponent.

At best, he could barely maintain an undefeated state.

……

At this moment, the outside world had already seen the information on the Heaven-Reaching Tower.

Seeing Lu Zhangsheng become a Heavenly Pride, everyone was stunned.

【143】 ……

"This isn't a dream, is it? Hall Master Lu Zhangsheng really succeeded?"

"This time, Qingning Prefecture will produce another Invincible Lu..."

Countless people shouted in unison, the momentum shaking the heavens.

Moreover, many people scattered, rushing to spread the good news throughout the prefectural city.

Nobody expected that Lu Zhangsheng would actually break through successfully.

This made countless people feel as if a towering surge surged in their hearts.

Qin Ruobing and the Fang siblings were likewise extremely excited.

After this moment, Lu Zhangsheng's status will surely rise again.

Wen Zhiyuan even clenched his fists, his face flushing red.

He had indeed bet correctly; after climbing this great tree of the heavens, he was destined to rise with it, reclaiming everything he had lost.

Wan Houyu and several other FuduDianZhu all had rather grim expressions.

Another great mountain loomed overhead, and no one could remain calm.

Thinking that his status would be lowered by one and that he would be suppressed by Lu Zhangsheng for over ten years made his heart feel uneasy.

Rumble—

Just then.

The stone gate of the Heaven-Reaching Tower slowly rose.

A white-clad man walked out, hands behind his back, his face full of majesty.

The breeze stirred the man's robes, making him seem like an immortal stepped out of a painting, his bearing extremely carefree.

"We greet Hall Master Lu Zhangsheng."

Countless people on the field bowed down, faces full of reverence.

The shouts echoed through the clouds.

"No need for excessive courtesy, everyone."

Lu Zhangsheng gave a light smile, spread his hands, making a gesture of offering.

Just as he was about to leave, a black-clad man suddenly approached from afar.

The man also held a sheet of white paper in his hand.

Soon, the man arrived at the square, unfolded the paper, and loudly proclaimed: "Effective today, promote Lu Zhangsheng to Second FuduDianZhu; everyone else automatically moves down one rank."

Signature: Liang Jinghui.

Seeing this, everyone on the field was filled with shock.

I didn't expect the promotion to come so quickly; there was no need for any challenge.

Is this the Heavenly Pride? Able to disregard any ordinary genius.

Wan Houyu, Nangong Lei and the others wore extremely grim expressions.

They hadn't expected this day to arrive so swiftly.

"Congratulations, Lu Zhangsheng."

At that moment, the man walked up to Lu Zhangsheng and handed over the appointment document.

"Thank you."

Lu Zhangsheng clasped his hands in a bow, a smile on his face.

"Lu Zhangsheng has just been promoted; could you show us the power of the Heavenly Pride?"

At that instant, an ill‑timed voice rang out.

Everyone turned their heads to look.

They saw Wan Houyu shake his feather fan, his expression indifferent.

The words just spoken had indeed come from him.

The onlookers, seeing this, all displayed expressions eager for a spectacle.

They were quite curious about how strong the newly‑promoted Heavenly Pride, Lu Zhangsheng, truly was.

How much stronger is he than Wan Houyu, the quasi‑Heavenly Pride? Qin Ruobing and the others, upon hearing the provocation, narrowed their eyes.

Yet their faces were full of confidence.

In the past ten years, there have been almost no cases of a Heavenly Pride being defeated by a genius; a quasi‑Heavenly Pride is merely a genius.

They have absolute confidence in Lu Zhangsheng's strength.

Nangong Lei and the others also looked at Wan Houyu with eager anticipation.

They all hoped Wan Houyu would make a move, breaking the myth of the Heavenly Pride's invincibility.

Only Lu Zhangsheng, the newly‑promoted Heavenly Pride with unstable power, could give others a chance to act.

That is probably Wan Houyu's plan as well.

"Do you wish to spar with me?"

Lu Zhangsheng's expression remained as calm as water.

He gave this person no consideration at all.

His opponent would only be a peer Heavenly Pride or a naturally strong cultivator.

"How about we decide the winner with a single move?"

Wan Houyu gave a faint smile.

As long as he can sustain one move, his reputation is destined to soar.

Stepping on the opponent's body and moving upward is not bad at all.

That was the plan he formulated in an instant.

He was rather pleased with his own wit.

He would not think that after unleashing his vital blood, a single move couldn't be blocked.

The people around, hearing this, felt rather embarrassed.

With Wan Houyu's strength, it is highly likely he could catch Lu Zhangsheng's move.

Everyone understood this scheme and couldn't help admiring Wan Houyu's cunning.

Nangong Lei and the others all wore expressions eager for a show.

Wan Houyu's rise would be beneficial to those several FuduDianZhu as well.

Qin Ruobing and the others beside them wore extremely dissatisfied looks.

It was obvious this person was scheming; if Lu Zhangsheng refused, his reputation would suffer, and if he forced a move without winning in a single strike, his face would also be lost.

After all, Liang Dian Zhu's appointment had just arrived, and this incident occurred.

Lu Zhangsheng gave a cold smile, his tone even: "Then let's stop at that point."

He actually wanted to see what confidence this person had to dare challenge him.

Seeing Lu Zhangsheng agree, Wan Houyu's face lit up with joy.

Seeing his scheme succeed, he felt quite excited.

"Ha..."

He launched his attack outright.

Then, he fully unleashed his internal vital blood, a massive aura soaring straight to the heavens.

The surrounding cultivators seemed to feel a mountain pressing on their chests, their faces turning horrified.

"What a formidable strength; worthy of the second FuduDianZhu, perhaps nearing the Heavenly Pride."

Sensing this terrifying aura, Qin Ruobing and the others all showed worry.

"Good, good, Brother Wan's strength has actually improved."

Nangong Lei and the others wore joyful expressions.

Their confidence surged.

Lu Zhangsheng, however, stood with his arms crossed behind his back, his face unchanged.

No matter how the opponent's aura pressed, he remained as steady as Mount Tai.

A moment later.

Seeing he could not gauge Lu Zhangsheng's strength, Wan Houyu threw a punch forward.

The fierce fist wind rippled through the void, emitting bursts of cracking sounds.

The momentum was quite ferocious.

Lu Zhangsheng showed no hesitation, likewise throwing a forward punch.

The punch looked light and floating, without any disturbance.

The surrounding crowd, seeing this, stared fixedly at Lu Zhangsheng and the other person.

The victory or defeat will be revealed shortly.

Judging by the momentum of both sides, Wan Houyu's hope is not small.

This made the ZhenYaosi of the Second Sub-Hall all excited beyond measure.

Boom—boom—boom—

In an instant.

The two collided, a tremendous roar echoing through the clouds.

A strong air wave surged, blowing the surrounding low-ranking martial artists unable to stand.

In a single strike.

Ah—

Wan Houyu let out a miserable cry, his whole body instantly flying backward, blood spraying wildly from his mouth.

After a few breaths he fell to the ground, motionless, extremely miserable.

In contrast, Lu Zhangsheng remained unmoving, his expression calm.

As if crushing an ant.

One punch, Wan Houyu was directly beaten to a dead dog, knocked unconscious.

The surrounding crowd were all filled with shock.

At this moment, they finally understood a saying: Heavenly Pride cannot be insulted!

What quasi-Heavenly Pride is simply not enough to see.

The gap between the two sides is simply immeasurable; this is the essential difference between innate and transformed.

Nan Gonglei and several FuduDianZhu had shock in their eyes that lingered.

Such strength, they seemed to have seen another Ye Yiyang.

The same invincible bearing, likewise making people look up in awe.

A few people felt a hint of reverence rise in their hearts.

At the same time they felt quite fortunate, for not having rashly challenged; otherwise those lying on the ground would be them.

Qin Ruobing and several others were excited, their faces flushed red.

They seemed to see a top-tier Heavenly Pride rising slowly in the prefectural city, not expecting it to arrive this quickly.

Lord Lu Zhangsheng's divine might!

The surrounding crowd loudly congratulated, faces full of reverence.

As for Wan Houyu on the ground, no one glanced at him again, like a clown.

Having expended effort and scheming, to end up like this is disgraceful.

The people of the Second Sub-Hall all had ashen faces, cold sweat pouring from their foreheads.

They also did not expect this result.

(End of chapter)