Chapter 156: First Day's Heavenly Pride?

Lu Zhangsheng also led many martial artists in pursuit, wantonly slaughtering this group of Tianyao Gate disciples and members of the six major sects.

He waved the Golden Radiant Blade, like a grim reaper, mercilessly reaping lives ahead.

The blade's light shone brilliantly, dancing wildly in the void, accompanied by endless wails.

Limbs and severed arms littered the ground, blood flowed everywhere, like purgatory.

This cleansing battle lasted over ten days.

Traces of Lu Zhangsheng and his companions remained throughout the small world.

Until most of these demonic people were slain.

Thanks to Lu Zhangsheng's keen perception, almost no one escaped his pursuit.

Because the killing intent was too strong, Lu Zhangsheng gained another nickname, the Bloody Butcher, which spread in secret, making many Demon Subduing Office martial artists revere him even more.

Time passed.

Soon it was approaching the three-month mark.

That day, at noon.

The scorching sun hung high, golden sunlight scattered over Moon Spirit Lake, a gentle breeze swept by, causing rippling glints.

Lu Zhangsheng stood with his hands behind his back at the lakeside, his white robe fluttering in the wind, making him appear completely at ease.

Many nearby martial artists all looked at Lu Zhangsheng with reverence.

During this period, Lu Zhangsheng's wanton slaughtering figure seemed imprinted in everyone's mind, lingering long.

Such a fierce killing intent was extremely rare even in the entire Qingning Prefecture.

At the same time, these martial artists also knew that Lu Zhangsheng cultivated the true intent of slaughter.

This true intent, among peers, also had outstanding attack power.

"Hum..."

Just then, a large batch of nine-leaf lotuses in the Moon Spirit Lake ahead began to sway gently.

A large amount of spiritual energy gathered around, flowing toward the entire lotus pond.

It caused everyone nearby to feel refreshed and take a deep breath.

The Spiritual Creatures in the pond finally matured.

Lu Zhangsheng quietly gazed at the vast expanse of nine-leaf lotuses ahead, his expression calm as water.

Each lotus platform was the size of a grindstone, emitting a dark green radiance, quite miraculous.

The lotus cores in the center even rose with wisps of misty vapor, making one unable to resist wanting to pluck them.

The phenomenon lasted only a moment before the lotus platforms in the pond completely calmed down.

"I will take seventy percent of what's in the pond; anyone with objections may speak up, and we can discuss together."

Lu Zhangsheng spoke lightly, with a relaxed and carefree expression.

Seventy percent of the lotus platforms in the pond is already quite a lot.

He estimated that after absorbing them, the resource points would still be plentiful, so he naturally wasn't polite and directly demanded to take most of them.

Upon hearing this, the surrounding people's expressions froze, and no one dared to refute; for a moment the scene fell utterly silent.

Everyone thought to themselves, who now dares to object? That's practically courting death.

Don't mistake Lu Zhangsheng's polite words as seeking discussion with them.

The people present are certainly not fools.

"Lord Lu has the greatest merit; by shattering the innate puppet, he enabled us to win the final victory, so naturally he deserves seventy percent."

Wen Zhiyuan smiled faintly, flattering him without changing his expression.

As Lu Zhangsheng's top lackey, he naturally knew what to say at this moment.

"Not bad, we have no objections."

Qin Ruobing and the people of the Second Sub-Hall nodded in agreement, smiling.

"Then I will take ten percent."

At this moment, Ye Yiyang also spoke softly, his tone calm.

He also lacked no cultivation resources, and at this moment he did not want to clash directly with Lu Zhangsheng over some Spiritual Creatures.

Thus he made a concession.

Upon hearing this, the surrounding people's expressions changed in surprise.

No one expected Ye Yiyang to back down so easily.

After the two top Heavenly Pride figures gave their approval, no one dared to object further.

Even if Wan Houyu and several Deputy Hall Masters felt resentful, they still dared not speak.

Soon everyone began distributing the spoils.

One lotus platform after another was plucked and placed at Lu Zhangsheng's feet.

They formed a small pile of Spiritual Creatures, quite impressive.

Only when all the lotus platforms in the lake had been harvested did everyone stop.

Lu Zhangsheng glanced briefly at the lotus platforms on the ground; there were roughly sixty.

He picked up a Spiritual Creature and took out its lotus core.

At that moment, the entire lotus platform began to wither rapidly, completely dying in the blink of an eye, losing all vitality.

The core of this Spiritual Creature lies in the lotus heart; the other parts are of little use.

Soon, Lu Zhangsheng had sixty lotus hearts in his hand.

Each lotus heart was the size of a thumb, fully plump, emitting a fresh fragrance.

In this distribution, Lu Zhangsheng alone occupied seventy percent, Ye Yiyang ten percent, and the remaining Deputy Hall Masters jointly held ten percent.

The final ten percent is shared equally by all participants.

Everyone received a benefit, their faces full of joy.

As the one who reaped the greatest reward, Lu Zhangsheng naturally drew great envy from the crowd.

Yet no one dared to say another word.

Then Lu Zhangsheng turned and walked away across the grass with long strides, gradually disappearing under the awe‑struck gazes of the onlookers.

……

In the heart of the world, within a dense jungle.

Lu Zhangsheng sat cross‑legged on a large tree and opened the panel.

A blue light screen floated before his eyes.

Source Energy Points: 12000.

Then he took out a lotus heart.

【Discovered Spiritual Creature Nine‑Leaf Lotus Heart, absorb?】

A crisp Prompt Sound rang out.

"Absorb."

Lu Zhangsheng silently recited in his mind.

【Source Energy Points +1000.】

【Source Energy Points +1000.】

【Source Energy Points +1000.】

……

The resources in his hand surged rapidly, as if limitless.

A single lotus heart could provide a thousand Source Energy Points, which made Lu Zhangsheng quite pleased.

With this batch of Spiritual Creatures in hand, he was confident he could break through the innate stage within three months.

After fully taking that step, from then on the seas will be as vast as a leaping fish, and a whole new world will unfold.

According to ancient legends, those powerful deities all began with the innate Dao and ascended to the summit.

It can be said that innate strong ones are the initial stage of deities, and this step is extremely important.

Some innate spirits in minor worlds are also innate strong ones.

He opened the panel again.

Source Energy Points: 72000.

Seeing the button behind the undying golden body still dim, he knew he still lacked some resources to formulate a new technique.

Seeing the exit imminent, he gathered the Pangolin.

……

The next day, at dawn.

The rising sun bathed the entire jungle in golden light.

Lu Zhangsheng sat cross‑legged on a clearing, closed his eyes to nurture his spirit.

Today is the day to go out.

At that moment, a powerful repulsive force manifested in the void, as if to push Lu Zhangsheng out of the place.

At the same time, the surrounding spiritual energy began to churn, becoming increasingly violent.

Gusts of cyclone began to form, sweeping all directions.

"Buzz…"

As the surrounding space gently rippled, Lu Zhangsheng felt his body tighten; when he opened his eyes again, he found himself in the outside world.

He scanned the surroundings; a barren field stretched around him.

After confirming his direction, he flew toward the capital city.

……

Three days later.

Lu Zhangsheng sat upright on a chair in the courtyard, sipping spirit wine with a contented smile.

As numerous DemonSubduingOffice warriors returned, everything that happened in the minor world spread rapidly.

Countless warriors of the entire Qingning Manor were shocked.

No one expected that group of demonic people to be so fanatical as to insert an innate puppet.

They also colluded with members of the Six Great Sects.

What shocked everyone even more was that the majority of Tianyao Gate disciples and Six Great Sect members suffered heavy casualties.

Only a few lucky ones managed to escape.

These escapees kept muttering, "Devil, Lu Zhangsheng is a devil..."

Clearly terrified. When countless warriors learned that Lu Zhangsheng, after fully breaking through his killing intent to ten percent, shattered the innate puppet and swept the Tianyao Gate disciples, a tidal wave seemed to surge in their hearts.

Countless people were horrified.

Such power truly left some people trembling with fear.

The entire capital city's DemonSubduingOffice also fell into a sea of jubilation.

A group of people were all extremely exhilarated.

Now Qingning Manor also boasts an invincible Heavenly Pride; such a strongman is one of only three in the whole Qingzhou City.

Those in the Second Hall felt especially honored.

At this moment.

The Great Zhou Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion officially placed Lu Zhangsheng at fourth place on the Qingzhou Heavenly Pride List.

Great Zhou Heavenly Pride List, 360th place.

This news, once released, swept across Great Zhou like a hurricane.

It made countless warriors learn of Lu Zhangsheng.

From then on, Lu Zhangsheng's name resonated throughout Qingzhou.

One should know that the Great Zhou imperial domain spans billions of li, comprising ninety‑nine provinces, of which Qingzhou is only one.

Those who can be named on the Great Zhou Heavenly Pride List are the most terrifying among the countless reborn warriors.

Even Ye Yiyang, a top‑grade Heavenly Pride, has no name on the Great Zhou Heavenly Pride List, which shows how difficult it is.

For the next few days, Lu Zhangsheng stayed at home and did not go out lightly.

He dispatched his subordinates to handle all missions.

He showed no intention of setting out at all.

Lu Zhangsheng knew very well that after becoming fully famous, someone would be watching him from the shadows.

Going out casually now would be courting death.

As long as he quietly stays in the DemonSubduingOffice, no one can trouble him.

Moreover, his own resources are only a step away; wandering outside would not suit his interests at all.

He also needed to settle for a while; once the Spiritual Creature collection is complete, he can immediately begin breaking through the Precelestial stage.

……

Outside Qingning Residence, a subterranean space.

A large group of silhouettes stood at the edge of a blood pool, all with extremely grim expressions.

Seated on the platform was a man with a fierce countenance, none other than Jiu Chen, the Guardian of the Tianyao Gate in Qingzhou.

Below the platform were several Precelestial strongmen, among them Tang Yong, who was conspicuously listed.

Zhao Yuanjing, Wei Shaoxuan and others could not even dare to breathe.

Everyone present knew what had happened.

"Snap…"

Jiu Chen slammed the teacup to the ground with fury, his face blazing with anger.

"This person dares to ruin my great undertaking; if given the chance, I will personally intervene and grind the opponent into powder."

His tone was chilling to the extreme, like a demon from hell.

As a Precelestial pinnacle strongman, he had that confidence.

Tang Yong furrowed his brow: "He is extremely vigilant, rarely goes out; after leaving the minor world, he has stayed within the mansion city, and we have found no opportunity at all."

"Moreover, ordinary Precelestial strongmen cannot even match him…"

He also found the situation extremely tricky.

Last time he chased Lu Zhangsheng, but now he is probably not the other's adversary.

If they meet, he might end up dead.

He understood this point very clearly.

In a short time, Lu Zhangsheng's power surged, leaving him utterly shocked.

Zhao Yuanjing, Wei Shaoxuan and the others below were also deeply shocked.

Is this still the Lu Zhangsheng they know? It completely overturns the perception of the people of Changping County.

"I will report this matter to the higher‑ups."

Jiu Chen's eyes flashed with a cold glint.

He had no way to deal with Lu Zhangsheng's caution.

After all, he couldn't just rush into the mansion city; that would be courting death, and the Great Zhou court is not to be taken lightly.

……

Qingzhou City.

As the largest city in Qingzhou and the seat of the prefecture, it is the most prosperous place in the entire Qingzhou.

Inside the DemonSubduingOffice.

In a magnificent grand hall.

A young man in white, hands behind his back, stood there; his face was handsome and his aura as deep as an abyssal sea.

Ning Wanfeng, the top Heavenly Pride of Qingzhou and a supreme practitioner who has cultivated true intent to the tenth degree, is but one step away from the Precelestial stage.

Ning Wanfeng quietly examined the intelligence on the table, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"Interesting, Qingning Residence has also produced an invincible Heavenly Pride, Lu Zhangsheng? Is he following the path of cultivation through slaughter? I look forward to debating Dao with you…"

At the same time, two other tenth‑degree true‑intent Heavenly Prides in the prefecture city also received Lu Zhangsheng's message.

The martial Heavenly Prides who practice the true intent of killing are extremely interested.

They all want to make a move to test the other's caliber.

……

Half a month later.

Qingning Residence, First Subhall.

Ye Yiyang sat cross‑legged on the ground, his expression somewhat grim.

His aura surged wildly around him.

Since the bottleneck of the Droplet True Intent began to loosen, he immediately entered seclusion after returning.

After more than ten days of arduous cultivation, he finally sensed that thread of aura.

"Break it for me."

Ye Yiyang let out a roar.

It felt as if something inside his body ruptured, and a surge of astonishing aura shot straight up to the heavens.

"Huh…"

A light breeze suddenly rose above the Great Hall, and fine strands of rain fell onto the roof.

The breeze and drizzle seemed to contain a certain Dao.

"Whoosh…"

The rain instantly turned into countless blades of light, scattering wildly across heaven and earth.

At the same time, many cultivators outside also sensed this anomaly.

They all wore shocked expressions.

"Another invincible Heavenly Pride has emerged? Has Ye Yiyang broken through?"

Sensing the location of the Great Hall, they instantly pinpointed it.

A strange look appeared in their eyes; after Lu Zhangsheng broke through, Ye Yiyang also followed suit.

Perhaps they were spurred by Lu Zhangsheng's stimulus.

Now there's a good show to watch.

It's still uncertain whose hands will claim the title of Qingning Fu's first Heavenly Pride.

A clash of dragons and tigers is inevitable.

Everyone's hearts began to anticipate.

The rivalry between the two invincible Heavenly Prides is extremely rare in Qingning Fu's history.

"Hahaha…"

Inside the Main Hall, Liang Jinghui burst into a wild laugh, his heart racing with excitement.

With two invincible Heavenly Prides, Qingning Fu is truly blessed.

This is exceedingly rare throughout the Great Zhou.

Many manor towns haven't even produced a single ordinary Heavenly Pride.

Soon, news of Ye Yiyang's breakthrough spread rapidly, and countless people debated who was stronger between Lu Zhangsheng and Ye Yiyang.

One is a newly risen Heavenly Pride, the other has been a presence in the DemonSubduingOffice city for over a decade.

The two must inevitably determine who is superior.

Three days later, a piece of news spread, shocking the entire Qingning Fu.

Ye Yiyang will, five days later, formally challenge Lu Zhangsheng to a duel at the central plaza of DemonSubduingOffice.

To definitively settle who is Qingning Fu city's first Heavenly Pride.

When the news broke, it caused a massive uproar in the manor city.

Even the whole Qingzhou saw many people rushing toward Qingning Fu.

They wanted to witness this epochal battle with their own eyes.

In a courtyard.

Lu Zhangsheng sat upright in his chair, looking at the duel invitation in his hand, and a powerful fighting spirit surged within him.

Ye Yiyang is indeed a worthy opponent for him.

Ten percent true intent versus ninety percent—that's two different worlds.

Now the opponent's strength has skyrocketed, and his mortal body is also complete.

"Go tell your Hall Master, I have accepted this battle."

Lu Zhangsheng gave a faint smile.

Lu Zhangsheng fears no challenge.

"Sir, your command."

A young man in black, his face full of respect, bowed his hands.

(End of chapter)