Chapter 157: Secured Qin Ruobing!

When the news that Lu Zhangsheng would take up the challenge spread, it was like a spark falling into a pot of oil, and the entire Qingning Manor began to tremble.

Even the many Heavenly Pride of Qingzhou were closely watching the matter.

Countless warriors were very curious about who would be stronger in this duel between the two.

At the same time, the numerous Heavenly Pride and prodigies of Qingzhou hurried to Qingning Manor.

In an instant, Qingning Manor became even more bustling, as if a grand celebration were about to take place.

Afternoon.

Lu Zhangsheng and the Fang siblings sat upright on chairs in the courtyard.

The few of them drank spirit wine, and the atmosphere was rather harmonious.

At this moment, Fang Qing wore a trace of worry on her face: "Zhangsheng, do you have confidence in this battle?"

In her view, Ye Yiyang had been able to suppress the manor for over a decade, and was absolutely terrifying.

Moreover, with this breakthrough, a fierce fight between the two was inevitable.

If Lu Zhangsheng encountered any danger during the fight, that would be the end.

She was also quite worried about this.

Beside her, Fang Tao was likewise a bit restless.

He knew very well Ye Yiyang's great name.

Although he had confidence in his own brother Zhangsheng, he still felt uncertain.

"Don't worry, this battle will be a victory."

Lu Zhangsheng gave a faint smile, lifted his cup and drank it down in one gulp, displaying his boldness.

Since his Killing True Intent broke through to ten percent, he feared no challenge.

Even a newborn innate spirit beast from the Small World could not match his foundation.

All his martial techniques, combined with fully refined muscles, bones, and skin membranes, yielded an increase that was extremely terrifying.

Even he did not know where his own limits lay.

The fight with Ye Yiyang was also a good opportunity to test his own strength.

Hearing Lu Zhangsheng's confidence, Fang Qing and her brother relaxed a little.

Just as the two were conversing,

Boom— Boom— Boom—…

From high above, a series of booming sounds suddenly rang out, accompanied by a raging wind that swept in all directions.

Even the surrounding spiritual energy began to become chaotic.

Whoosh…

A white stream of air fell from the void and spiraled above Lu Zhangsheng's head, rather wondrous.

Lu Zhangsheng felt a sudden coolness in his mind, and his thoughts became much clearer.

"What is this?"

Lu Zhangsheng's face was full of surprise.

Such an abnormality surely meant something major had happened.

"Come."

He called gently into the void.

"I am here."

A curvaceous dark figure emerged from the garden.

Then, with a respectful bow toward Lu Zhangsheng, she cupped her hands.

"Sir, what orders do you have?"

Yue Shulan gave a graceful bow, her expression somewhat complicated.

Her mother originally intended her to be a personal maid, but she unexpectedly became the head of the secret guard.

They had once been teammates, and now Lu Zhangsheng stood at a height she could hardly imagine.

Late at night, she couldn't help but complain that he was insensitive to romance.

Even Fang Qing felt rather odd about it.

A truly great beauty, yet Lu Zhangsheng had assigned her to the secret guard's tasks.

"You, quickly go to the main hall and ask Lord Liang's subordinate documents about what happened."

Lu Zhangsheng gave a faint smile.

It seemed as if he hadn't seen her seductive figure.

After the beautiful gang leader Yue Wanting sent her adopted daughter, he directly let her take over the intelligence system.

All intelligence of the Shark Gang in the manor city was collected and compiled by her, then reported to him.

He discovered that the mother and daughter possessed extremely high talent for intelligence work.

It also saved him a great deal of trouble.

"I accept the order."

Yue Shulan bowed, then turned and walked away.

She walked on the gravel path.

She felt rather embarrassed.

Her mother often wrote, asking whether she had "succeeded".

It made her constantly uneasy and hard to control herself.

An hour later.

Yue Shulan appeared before Lu Zhangsheng again, still holding a piece of intelligence.

Lu Zhangsheng took the intelligence, scanned it, and his complexion flickered slightly.

"Great Zhou's dragon veins are turbulent? No longer able to suppress the massive Qi fortune?"

"Causing Qi fortune to converge on the many Heavenly Pride and strongmen across the world?"

After reading the intelligence in his hand, Lu Zhangsheng's eyes blazed with divine light.

The prelude to the great contention has already begun.

The stronger the individual, the larger the gathered Qi fortune.

As for the wondrous uses of Qi fortune, there are many.

Simply put, the stronger the Qi fortune, the greater the chance of encountering serendipity, and even danger can be turned to good.

It can also improve a martial artist's aptitude; its effect is truly defying the heavens.

The white cloud above Lu Zhangsheng's head earlier was the Heavenly Pride Qi fortune.

Under the Qi fortune's blessing, he felt his own aptitude strengthen considerably.

Originally his aptitude was merely ordinary; now it has reached an excellent level.

If he were to claim the title of Great Zhou's number one Heavenly Pride, that Qi fortune would be astonishing.

At this moment, Lu Zhangsheng set a goal in his heart: to become Great Zhou's number one Heavenly Pride within three months.

Gather massive Qi fortune, then ascend directly to precelestial, the dragon enters the sea.

Relying on this Qi fortune, he estimates his aptitude will surge, reaching Heavenly Pride level.

……

First Hall.

Ye Yiyang looked at the intelligence in his hand, and brilliant radiance suddenly burst from his eyes.

At this moment, he has a reason he must win.

Defeating Lu Zhangsheng, stepping onto Great Zhou's Heavenly Pride list, and after obtaining massive Qi fortune, becoming a precelestial strongman, is the only clear path.

It also brings great benefit to his future martial path.

Five days later, the battle with Lu Zhangsheng is also the prelude to this great contention; he must give his all.

Let the two Heavenly Pride open it.

Thinking of this, Ye Yiyang slowly closed his eyes, fully adjusting his own state.

……

DemonSubduingOffice Main Hall.

Liang Jinghui sat upright on a chair with three precelestial strongmen.

His expression was rather solemn.

"The nation's fortune is turbulent, truly a troublesome season; now many Heavenly Pride are emerging from the passes to vie for Qi fortune, and ancient sect families are appearing one after another; a chaotic era is about to begin."

A black‑robed elder let out a sigh.

"Those demonic people will also act in secret, and in the future peace may not return."

Liang Jinghui's eyes were dim: "A hundred‑legged insect, dead yet not stiff; Great Zhou cannot fall for now, matters of the future can be discussed later…"

His voice was melodious, as if imbued with a kind of magic.

"What does everyone think of the battle between Lu Zhangsheng and Ye Yiyang?"

A middle‑aged man smiled and spoke.

"I think Ye Yiyang will have a slight edge."

The black‑robed elder gave a faint smile.

Ye Yiyang has long been the number one Heavenly Pride; everyone is well aware of his strength.

"I, however, think Lu Zhangsheng will win."

The middle‑aged man smiled and sipped his tea.

In his view, the sheer might of slaughter will surely overwhelm Ye Yiyang.

Those around began to discuss.

"Everyone, let us watch with anticipation."

Liang Jinghui gave a faint smile.

Regardless of which of the two wins, it is a great cause for celebration.

The victor will obtain another Qi fortune, likely elevating them further.

All present were quite expectant.

……

With Great Zhou's Qi fortune in turmoil,

Across Great Zhou's billions of territories, the prodigious martial artists of the ninety‑nine provinces each received a Qi fortune.

Many, seeking to gather Qi fortune and ascend further, began successive challenges; even Qingzhou grew increasingly lively.

A large group of prodigious martial artists were all watching the battle between Lu Zhangsheng and Ye Yiyang.

Some even wished to defeat the two and collect the Qi fortune each held.

For a moment, within Great Zhou's realm, hidden currents began to stir.

……

Qingzhou City.

Inside a great hall of the DemonSubduingOffice.

Ning Wanfeng slowly opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing within.

"Looks like we have to make a trip to Qingning Prefecture."

"Now the fortune falls upon many Heavenly Prides; as long as he can defeat all the top Heavenly Prides of the court one after another, he can gather the strongest fortune."

"Entering the Innate realm with an invincible posture—that is his Dao."

"Before Ning Wanfeng, who dares claim invincibility?"

"……"

"Inside another magnificent hall."

"A white-clothed man stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze deep and dim."

"Has the great contention trend begun? This time I will surely seize first place."

"As the second Heavenly Pride of Qingzhou City with perfected true intent, he will absolutely not submit to anyone."

"Ning Wanfeng could never make him bow his head."

"At the same time, many Heavenly Prides within Qingzhou City also began to act."

"They flocked toward Qingning Prefecture; the battle between Lu Zhangsheng and Ye Yiyang has already reached the point of being the focus of everyone's attention."

"……"

"At night, the moon shone bright and the stars were sparse."

"Lu Zhangsheng waved his blade in the courtyard, his footwork becoming ever more ethereal as he shifted and dodged."

"At that moment, noises came from outside the distant courtyard gate."

"A purple-clothed woman walked over slowly—it was Qin Ruobing."

"All that could be seen was her purple long dress outlining a fiery, perfect figure."

"On her face lingered a hint of flush, as if she had drunk a little wine."

"She gently approached Lu Zhangsheng, lotus blossoms forming beneath her feet with each step."

"Lu Zhangsheng sheathed his blade and stood, somewhat puzzled."

"I don't know what urgent business brings you here at this late hour."

"In five days' duel, do you have confidence?"

"Qin Ruobing gave a bewitching smile, myriad charms arising."

"Her tone was gentle, her voice like an oriole's."

"There is no room for error."

"Lu Zhangsheng smiled faintly, his whole person exuding a strong confidence."

"You are always so confident."

"Qin Ruobing smiled gently, making one feel like basking in a spring breeze."

"Since she came to know Lu Zhangsheng, she has never seen him flustered."

"He has always been composed and assured, which is also what she admires most about him."

"Lu Zhangsheng chuckled, but did not respond."

"He knew that her visiting him so late at night certainly wasn't just to praise him."

"As expected."

"After a moment, Qin Ruobing's gaze grew deep and she softly sighed: 'I must leave, heading for the Imperial Capital; I'll depart tomorrow.'"

"Just a short sentence, and she fell silent, the two of them sinking into silence for a while."

"Lu Zhangsheng's expression stalled; he hadn't expected her to be transferred away so quickly."

"And her departure was so urgent."

"He also knew Qin Ruobing came from the Imperial Capital, her background likely not insignificant."

"This parting likely makes it hard to see each other again in the short term."

"Qin Ruobing quietly gazed at Lu Zhangsheng, her eyes seeming to glisten with a hint of moisture."

"With her cheeks bearing a slight flush, she became all the more alluring."

"Have you been drinking?"

"Lu Zhangsheng smelled a strong wine scent on Qin Ruobing."

"Mm."

"Qin Ruobing nodded, her voice like a mosquito."

"The atmosphere on the scene became somewhat amorous."

"Lu Zhangsheng naturally knew of her slight affection; after their contact in the cave that day, their relationship had undergone some change."

"Tonight, deep into the night, she came specially to bid farewell; he surely understood the 'deep meaning' therein."

"Lu Zhangsheng no longer hesitated, immediately reaching out to firmly grasp Qin Ruobing's soft little hand."

"Thread after thread of tenderness transmitted from the palm, causing his heart and mind to sway."

"Qin Ruobing's face flushed; after a slight 'struggle,' she let Lu Zhangsheng lead her by the hand."

"Thereafter, the two proceeded down the dark corridor toward the bedroom."

"Above, moonlight poured down, scattering upon their shoulders like a pair of immortal lovers."

"Creak……"

"Not long after, Lu Zhangsheng brought Qin Ruobing into the room and closed the door."

"He lifted Qin Ruobing's waist in one motion, and, amid her half‑push, half‑yield, strode toward the bed."

"Mm……"

"With a muffled groan, Qin Ruobing completed her final metamorphosis."

"Her arms locked tightly around Lu Zhangsheng, her heart and mind gradually sinking into a hazy daze."

In the room, a sound rose like waves, one after another, as if never ceasing.

Both were born warriors, with excellent physical constitutions; truly a match of equals.

That night was exceedingly long.

……

The next day, when Lu Zhangsheng opened his eyes, the lady's figure was already gone beside him.

A lingering fragrance remained by the pillow, as if recounting last night's pleasure.

Lu Zhangsheng let out a soft sigh, feeling a faint sense of loss.

When he reaches the pinnacle of his martial path, he will certainly go to the Imperial Capital to find her; that day is not far off.

The following days.

Lu Zhangsheng stayed at home, adjusting his condition and cultivating his mind and body.

Preparing to face the upcoming great battle.

Three days later, at dusk.

Imperial Capital, Prince Yong's Residence.

Prince Yong, one of the nine princes, naturally wielded great power, with strong men under his command like clouds.

He also had many children, numbering dozens, and even more grandchildren.

Inside a magnificent main hall of Prince Yong's Residence.

Qin Ruobing slowly entered the hall, then stood gracefully within.

She lightly brushed her abdomen with her right hand, as if protecting something extremely important, her face ever smiling.

At that moment, a stern‑faced middle‑aged man walked in from the back of the hall.

He was one of Prince Yong's thirty‑six sons, Qin Ruobing's father, Qin Chaoyang.

"You've returned. I've already given you a chance, yet for years you haven't proven yourself..."

Qin Chaoyang's tone was icy.

Regarding this concubine daughter, he had already been as benevolent as possible; had it not been for her mother's desperate pleas, he would have long ago taken Qin Ruobing as a marriage alliance.

That is the fate of royal offspring: either marrying into noble families or into foreign and barbarian tribes.

"Father, I am sorry, I have let you down."

Qin Ruobing bit her lip, her expression a bit resentful.

Her talent was average, lacking royal resources; for years she hadn't even entered the innate stage.

This dealt a huge blow to her confidence.

At that moment, Qin Chaoyang suddenly noticed something amiss, his face like frost: "You've been defiled? Who did it?"

His tone was extremely cold.

He hadn't expected anyone to dare target a royal lady.

A powerful aura pressed toward Qin Ruobing, like a mountain.

Qin Ruobing felt her chest hard to breathe, clenching her teeth.

She showed no sign of confession.

"It was all my daughter's own choice... not his fault..."

"Hum..."

Qin Chaoyang let out a cold snort and turned to walk out of the hall.

"This matter must not be spread; you are sentenced to five years confinement."

Even though she is his daughter, he felt some reluctance; if the Prince discovered, he might also be held responsible.

By then, Qin Ruobing would likely be handed over to the Imperial Clan Office, which would be troublesome.

"Your command, daughter."

Qin Ruobing's expression relaxed; she knew this hurdle from her father was temporarily cleared.

Nevertheless, even facing countless obstacles, she would not regret; she firmly believed Lu Zhangsheng would come to the Imperial Capital to find her.

And she also trusted her own judgment.

……

Two hours later.

In a dim side hall.

"Did you obtain this person's information?"

Qin Chaoyang whispered toward the shadowed corner.

"Whoosh..."

A figure entirely swathed in darkness darted out, like a phantom.

"Reporting, master, all the intel on the person is here."

After speaking, he placed the intel on the table ahead and vanished again into the shadows.

Qin Chaoyang picked up the intel and examined it carefully.

A moment later, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

"Lu Zhangsheng? The truly perfect Heavenly Pride?"

"Unfortunately, his birth is too low; even Heavenly Pride is insufficient..."

"If he could seize the Great Zhou's number one Heavenly Pride, he might be worthy of Bing'er."

As a royal scion, he had seen every kind of Heavenly Pride.

Nonetheless, Qin Chaoyang was willing to give Lu Zhangsheng a chance, depending on how he handled it.

Come.

A soft shout.

I'm here.

A man in black knelt on one knee, his face full of respect.

In this Heavenly Pride bout, keep an eye on Lu Zhangsheng.

If they can seize a place in the top hundred, I will grant them this.

He then took out a round crystal and set it on the table.

The crystal glittered, obviously a rare treasure.

For a gifted talent, he, Qin Chaoyang, would naturally invest in their training; giving away a daughter is nothing.

But if their performance is lacking, they will have to face his thunderous wrath.

Making the top hundred on the Heavenly Pride list is also the baseline he set for Lu Zhangsheng.

In his opinion, Lu Zhangsheng has only a twenty percent chance.

The top hundred Heavenly Pride contenders are truly fearsome; even he himself back then was only just outside the top three hundred.

……

Time trickled by.

Soon came the day Lu Zhangsheng would face Ye Yiyang.

That day, the square of the Demon Subduing Office was already filled with crowds of martial artists, packed tight and bustling.

Many Heavenly Pride contenders had also rushed in from the prefectural city.

Everyone waited in silence.

(End of chapter)