Chapter 86: Breaking Through the Fourth‑Tier Mountain Spirit! Full Upgrade!

In the coming period.

Lu Zhangsheng roams outside the city each day, slaying many cultists; when he encounters a blood‑transcending strongman, he immediately retreats and does not engage.

This makes many Wenxiang Sect members itch with hatred.

At the same time, news that a mysterious strongman again slew a Yuhunshi spreads gradually.

Countless cult thieves are terrified, fearing to encounter this ominous star when carrying out missions.

The mysterious strongman of the authorities has become the top target for cultists.

Even the many warriors in the county town begin to discuss, applauding enthusiastically.

For a time, the morale of ordinary warriors in the city rises considerably.

While the whole Changping County is privately speculating about this person, inside a secluded farm outside the city.

A group of black‑clad men stand in the main hall, their gazes cold, a murderous aura pressing around them.

Bu Chichong, the fleeing Jade Soul Envoy, is also conspicuously listed.

The remaining seven men are no less than Bu Chichong; two of them exude especially terrifying aura, faintly reaching the blood‑transcending level.

The group quietly watches the red‑clothed woman on the jade throne ahead, faces full of reverence.

"A Yuhunshi was slain a few days ago as well; have we found any information on this person?"

The woman raises an eyebrow, scans the room, her gaze bearing a thread of authority.

"So far we cannot locate any information; this person seems to have emerged out of nowhere."

Bu Chichong forces himself to answer.

Since he observed the opponent act on site, he now has to step forward.

"This individual is extremely powerful and astonishingly fast; ordinary warriors cannot compare."

He bows his hands, lowers his head, daring not to look up at the woman, as if she were some ferocious beast.

"Useless one, if I strike, I can surely slay this person easily."

At this moment, a tall man in the center speaks, his face full of contempt.

As the First Yuhunshi, Zuo Jiliang does not take any Patrol Envoy seriously.

This confidence comes from his having attained blood‑transcending power.

Even the Second Yuhunshi Qi Guangcheng is a shade behind him.

The two's strength is unparalleled among all Yuhunshi.

Bu Chichong hears this, his face flushing red, clenches his fists tightly, feeling immense anger.

He cannot open his mouth to refute anything.

His act of fleeing in panic cannot be washed away.

However, he strongly suspects that the mysterious strongman probably has blood‑transcending power.

Even if Zuo Jiliang and the other personally strike, they would find it hard to slay the opponent.

When that time comes and those two lose face, they shouldn't blame me for not warning them.

He thinks to himself.

"The task of slaying this person is assigned to Zuo Jiliang and Qi Guangcheng; upon completion there will be a great merit reward."

The woman waves her hand, her expression nonchalant.

In her view, the opponent is merely a Bone‑forging Warrior with somewhat fast speed; the two top Yuhunshi can slay him.

"I respectfully accept the order."

Zuo Jiliang and Qi Guangcheng's faces light up with joy.

A great merit reward is already extremely generous.

Both men would love to immediately hunt the opponent, slaughter him, and bring back his head for the prize.

Only Bu Chichong, standing aside, sneers coldly in his heart.

When that time comes, the two will know; saying more now is useless and only shows his utter incompetence.

That opponent's speed is not comparable to ordinary blood‑transcending levels; it is simply terrifying.

……

Time drifts slowly.

In a flash, several days pass.

Lu Zhangsheng, besides his daily routine of leaving the city to patrol, practices martial arts at home.

At night he controls exotic beasts to mine wildly; everything develops steadily toward the better.

Moreover, these days he has become increasingly low‑key, no longer drawing others' attention.

Aside from a few former teammates he still interacts with, he remains reclusive, as if forgotten by everyone.

Since news of his slaying the two Yuhunshi has not been exposed, his temporary points remain at the bottom.

But he does not pay much attention to it.

Through Lu Zhangsheng's observations over these days, not only has Changping County become turbulent, but neighboring counties are similarly chaotic.

The entire dynasty resembles a pot of hot oil; a single spark would cause it to explode.

He guesses this is probably linked to the scheming of those from Tianyao Gate.

Even the Wenxiang Sect is merely a subordinate force created by the other side.

Lu Zhangsheng feels a sense of urgency; he must quickly strike upward.

Blood‑transcending, rebirth, and even higher innate realms.

According to the classics, innate warriors' lifespans increase dramatically, reaching over two hundred years, capable of traveling a thousand li per day—truly terrifying.

However, Changping County has no innate warriors.

This also made Lu Zhangsheng quite yearn for it.

His original purpose in practicing martial arts was to extend his life, and that is his lifelong pursuit.

Pursuing the sublimation of life's essence is enough to make the soul tremble.

At that moment, a faint footstep sound came from outside the courtyard.

Soon after, a man dressed in white scholar's robes entered.

It was the DemonSubduingOffice scribe Yao Chen.

"Lord Lu, Hall Master Qin requests your presence."

He smiled, bowed his hands, and spoke with considerable respect.

The brilliant commoner before him, shining like the midday sun, could not be neglected.

"Understood."

Lu Zhangsheng immediately rose and headed toward the DemonSubduingOffice.

As he passed the orderly streets and arrived at the great hall of the DemonSubduingOffice, five figures were already standing inside.

They were the other five Patrol Envoys, with Tong Yuhua among them.

Lu Zhangsheng smiled, greeted Tong Yuhua, and walked over.

He began to size up the people around him.

He judged that the two Patrol Envoys under HeChunlin were the strongest.

One of them had a face like a crowned jade, wore a white robe, and exuded an aura as deep as the abyss.

He was the aristocratic powerhouse, the leading figure of this generation in the DemonSubduingOffice, Chen Zhanpeng.

At that moment, Chen Zhanpeng stood proudly among the crowd, like a crane among chickens.

His gaze swept the surroundings, a sharp light flickering in his eyes.

An air of disdain for everything arose effortlessly.

As the top Patrol Envoy of this generation in the DemonSubduingOffice, possessing blood‑renewal power, he had this prideful foundation.

The other ZhenYaosi were completely incomparable to him.

Another was a cold‑faced man with a very restrained aura, named Zhu Houyu.

Lu Zhangsheng sensed a hint of threat from the two.

He suspected that the two might have acquired blood‑renewal power.

Much like the first two Yuhunshi of the cult.

Aside from Chen Zhanpeng and the other, the remaining few only possessed fully realized Bone-forging power.

XiaoTiansi's subordinates were two young men in yellow robes, also from aristocratic families.

On the surface, Lu Zhangsheng and Tong Yuhua were the weakest in strength.

They also did not belong to the Four Great Families.

Of course, Lu Zhangsheng's strength had not been fully revealed.

At that moment, Qin Ruobing, XiaoTiansi, and another Deputy Hall Master entered.

The three rose onto the raised platform ahead.

"Given the current tense situation, we have deliberated: within three years, the Patrol Envoy with the highest points will be nominated as Deputy Hall Master, and the DemonSubduingOffice will fully cultivate them, promoting them immediately upon passing the assessment..."

HeChunlin shouted loudly, his face full of confidence.

For his subordinate Chen Zhanpeng, this Deputy Hall Master position was as easy as reaching into a bag.

The other party's strength, talent, and aptitude were first‑rate among the six Patrol Envoys.

This proposal had also been discussed together with XiaoTiansi; the Chen family had shed much blood, even sending some Spiritual Medicine to the DemonSubduingOffice.

It seemed as if the Chen family had an internal appointment.

Chen Zhanpeng scanned his colleagues, and a wave of arrogance rose effortlessly.

He was determined to obtain this Deputy Hall Master seat.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houyu's eyes flashed with brilliance, but soon the light was concealed.

XiaoTiansi beside him also felt quite envious.

His two Patrol Envoys were average, with little hope.

As for the two under Qin Ruobing, he regarded them as merely filler. Qin Ruobing silently scanned Lu Zhangsheng and the other, holding little hope.

In the upcoming mission, surviving would be a blessing.

Lu Zhangsheng's expression was as calm as water, but thoughts stirred within him.

The Deputy Hall Master hurdle is extremely hard to ascend, vastly different from ordinary ZhenYaosi.

Not only must strength meet the standard, but a certain talent is required; Spiritual Creatures are precious, and the court will not cultivate someone without innate strong potential.

Some older martial artists barely meet the strength requirement yet have lost the chance to advance.

If one can ascend successfully, the benefits are enormous.

One can receive full cultivation from the DemonSubduingOffice and learn a great many secret techniques.

Later promotion to Deputy Hall Master of the Prefecture City is highly likely; this hurdle can be called a leap in rank.

Lu Zhangsheng holds two Yuhunshi heads; their points can be exchanged for a lot.

He plans to approach Qin Ruobing for exchange when the three‑year term is about to end.

By then his own strength will likely have already become blood‑renewed, perhaps even higher, and he could contend for the Deputy Hall Master position.

For now, he cannot reveal this thought; the timing is not right.

At that moment, Qin Ruobing calmly said, "What do you all think of the mysterious strong one who slew two Yuhunshi?"

These past days, she had also received information about the other party, leaving her rather puzzled.

They have no such person within the Demon Subduing Office; if they could bring him in, it would be a great help.

HeChunlin smiled slightly: "This person might be a secret strongman in the Xuanjia Army; his strength is probably close to a blood renewal."

XiaoTiansi beside him also nodded, clearly in agreement.

In the audience, Chen Zhanpeng seemed somewhat dismissive.

With his strength, he could also slay those two Yuhunshi.

Afterwards, after a brief exchange, the group each went their separate ways.

Lu Zhangsheng left the Zhen Yao Si Office and returned to his own small courtyard.

The next few days.

He returned to his usual tranquil days.

Each day he toured the city by day, returned home at night to excavate Spiritual Creatures, his resources increasing bit by bit, leaving him quite satisfied.

That night, the silence was like water.

Lu Zhangsheng lay quietly on his bed, his thoughts stirring.

His thought entered the body of the bound beast.

Looking around, it was still the scorching cave.

Around the perimeter, a large number of Second Tier blazing fire ants lingered.

Some were missing arms or legs, looking rather grim.

Moreover, the ant swarm's numbers had dropped by about ten percent, making even Lu Zhangsheng feel a pang of pain.

The fire toad clan in the lava river still posed a great threat.

Even if the ant swarm bravely dug forward, they could only gather few Spiritual Creatures, and their own losses were huge.

These are still Second Tier blazing fire ants; before breakthrough, gathering would be even harder.

"It seems this bound beast must be upgraded, otherwise it greatly hinders Spiritual Creature collection."

Lu Zhangsheng thought to himself.

Next, he planned to fully raise the bound beast to Tier 4.

Then lead the Ant Tribe army to wipe out the fire toads, excavate all Spiritual Creatures near the lava river, and then have his own body push toward a higher realm.

This path is also the fastest way to ascend.

He had long made his plans.

After his strength greatly increases, he'll hunt Yuhunshi and then seize the position of FuduDianZhu in one stroke.

This has been his scheme for the past two years.

Afterwards, Lu Zhangsheng gathered his thoughts, looked at the Fire Crystal Stone on the cave floor, and began absorbing it at once.

"Source Energy Points +5."

"Source Energy Points +5."

"Source Energy Points +1."

……

Soon, all the Spiritual Creatures collected over the days were fully absorbed.

Open the panel.

Source Energy Points: 380.

Lu Zhangsheng no longer hesitated, immediately moved toward the plus sign behind the Mountain Spirit and clicked repeatedly.

"Buzz…"

A powerful surge of vital blood roared inside, his whole body began to expand violently, and his scales started to emit a faint glow.

Even his claws were rapidly undergoing Metamorphosis.

After a moment.

Lu Zhangsheng slowly opened his eyes, seeing his body had grown a bit more, and his scales appeared much thicker.

Bound beast: Mountain Spirit 【Tier 3】

Level: 33.

Consuming three hundred Source Energy Points, upgrading three times in a row, quite cost-effective.

And since his bloodline awakened, this upgrade no longer requires increasing Source Energy Points.

Then Lu Zhangsheng again ordered the ant swarm, sending them full force toward the lava river, disregarding ant casualties.

As long as he can breakthrough, with abundant Spiritual Creatures feeding, the ant swarm can recover its numbers.

…………

In the blink of an eye, two months passed.

That night.

Inside the cave, a deep gloom.

Lu Zhangsheng lay quietly on the cave's broken stones.

His physique had grown significantly, even his scales now held a hint of golden sheen.

Open the panel.

Bound beast: Mountain Spirit 【Tier 3】.

Level: 39.

Source Energy Points: 300.

During this period, Lu Zhangsheng frantically excavated Spiritual Creatures, and the ant swarm operated at full capacity.

This bound beast's level kept climbing, finally reaching the Tier 3 pinnacle.

Tonight is the time for a breakthrough.

Lu Zhangsheng no longer hesitated, immediately went to click the plus sign after the level.

Wong—

With waves of rumbling sounds, his whole body began to shake violently, qi and blood surging wildly.

Golden light burst from his eyes, extremely miraculous.

After an unknown amount of time, the metamorphosis phenomenon gradually ceased.

Lu Zhangsheng opened his eyes, a beam of sharp light shot straight into the void.

He opened the panel again.

Bound Exotic Beast: Intermediate Mountain Spirit 【Fourth Tier】.

Level: 40.

Innate Divine Ability: 【Control】 (Excellent), 【Soul Pain Strike】 (Excellent).

Skills: 【Armor Enhancement】 (Excellent), 【Earth Burrow】 (Excellent), 【Underwater Breathing】 (Excellent).

Divine Bloodline: one in a hundred thousand.

Remark: A powerful species evolved from the Primary Mountain Spirit via Metamorphosis, possessing a hint of miraculous power.

Divine Bloodline further awakening...

This increase is extremely huge.

Not only did the realm reach the fourth tier, but the innate skills also advanced, greatly increasing power.

Most crucially, the divine bloodline concentration increased exactly tenfold.

Lu Zhangsheng eagerly awaits what creature he will evolve into upon reaching a hundred percent.

At that time, this Exotic Beast Clone will also become a powerful aid to the main body.

These several ordinary skills have also long been raised to Excellent by him.

Next, Lu Zhangsheng began to test his own changes.

He waved his claws several times, and afterimages trailed in the void, his speed surging greatly.

Even the strength of his claws and scales increased severalfold.

It can be said that this increase is an all-around increase.

Now he will no longer fear that fourth-tier fire toad.

He plans to immediately go clear the magma river region, and after slaying the fire toad, he will fully search for fire crystal marrow.

Then let the main body break through quickly.

As the conflict between the two sides intensifies, he must speed up.

(End of chapter)