Chapter 515

Lu Yuan sensed Bai Xueji's doubt; he was not angry, instead a fighting spirit rose in his heart.

He knew that only with strength could people change their opinion of him.

After all, in this cruel cultivation world, strength is the sole measure of everything.

Lu Yuan stood in the center of the martial arena, looking around; every cultivator was desperately training for the Heavenly Thunder Hegemony Battle.

He took a deep breath, silently chanting in his heart: "Phoenix Dance Nine Heavens Sword Technique!"

As he lightly raised his Fobao, the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword, a vast immortal aura emanated from his body.

Murderous intent filled the entire martial arena; Lu Yuan's gaze locked onto the immensely powerful opponent across from him.

This Heavenly Thunder Hegemony Battle will be a fierce and heart-pounding battle. With only one day left until the Heavenly Thunder Hegemony Battle, Lu Yuan brought Su Liyan and Zi Xi'er into a quiet teahouse in Tiangang Valley.

They found a concealed corner, sat down, and began discussing their upcoming plan.

Zi Xi'er watched Lu Yuan's face gradually sink and softly asked: "What's wrong, Lu Yuan?"

"You seem to be in a bad mood."

Lu Yuan gave a bitter smile and shook his head: "My strength is still insufficient to participate in the Heavenly Thunder Hegemony Battle; I fear I will become the object of everyone's ridicule."

Zi Xi'er lightly patted Lu Yuan's shoulder and encouraged: "Don't worry; although you are currently an early-stage Body Tribulation Realm martial artist, you have comprehension and the spirit of diligent cultivation."

"Moreover, having mastered the Phoenix Dance Nine Heavens Sword Technique, your strength is far greater than you imagine."

Bai Xueji happened to pass by their table and overheard their conversation; she stopped and walked over to them.

"Sorry to disturb you; may I ask if you are Lu Yuan?"

"I heard you are participating in the Heavenly Thunder Hegemony Battle," she asked with a smile.

Lu Yuan stood up and politely replied: "Yes, may I ask who you are?"

Bai Xueji said solemnly: "I am a member of the Phantom Mercenary Corps; we are a very powerful organization."

"I heard your strength is outstanding; our mercenary corps holds great appreciation for those with potential."

"Therefore I have come especially to invite you to join us."

Lu Yuan staggered for a moment; he never expected to be noticed by the mercenary corps, let alone that this opportunity would come knocking on its own.

He hesitated for a moment, torn inside about whether he should accept this opportunity.

Seeing this, Zi Xi'er gently tugged at Lu Yuan's sleeve and said with a smile: "Lu Yuan, Miss Bai Xueji's Phantom Mercenary Corps is strong and possesses abundant resources and opportunities."

"If you join them, you will be able to increase your cultivation speed and gain more combat experience."

Bai Xueji then explained: "The Phantom Mercenary Corps provides members with various resources and cultivation opportunities; you need not worry about insufficient strength."

"As long as you are willing to work hard, you can achieve great breakthroughs in a short time."

Lu Yuan lowered his head and pondered for a moment; he knew this was a rare opportunity.

Although he worried he might become the weakling in the Phantom Mercenary Corps, this was also an opportunity to strengthen his strength.

Finally, Lu Yuan raised his head and firmly said: "Good!"

"I accept your invitation and join the Phantom Mercenary Corps!"

Bai Xueji smiled and nodded: "Congratulations on making a wise choice."

I believe you will receive excellent training in the Phantom Mercenary Corps.

Zi Xi'er also showed a relieved expression: "Congratulations, Lu Yuan!"

"Joining the mercenary corps will be a new starting point for you."

In the following time, Bai Xueji gave Lu Yuan a detailed introduction to the Phantom Mercenary Corps' operations and daily tasks.

Lu Yuan listened attentively and resolved in his heart to cultivate diligently, not to waste this opportunity. As the news spread, it instantly caused an uproar within Thunderclap City.

The representatives of all clans showed expressions of surprise and dissatisfaction.

They were greatly shocked that the Ziyun Clan had chosen an early-stage Body Tribulation Realm martial artist as its representative.

One clan chief could not help but ask: "Zi Xi'er, has the Ziyun Clan truly decided to send an early-stage Body Tribulation Realm martial artist to participate in the Heavenly Thunder Hegemony Battle?"

"This is an absurd choice!"

Facing the doubtful gazes of the crowd, Zi Xi'er's face showed a hint of worry.

She immediately looked up at Bai Xueji, hoping to gain her support and a clear answer.

Bai Xueji smiled faintly and nodded slightly to show understanding.

She walked forward slowly and stopped before the crowd.

"Honored clan chiefs, please calm your anger."

Bai Xueji feigned composure and said: "The Ziyun Clan's selection of Lu Yuan to compete is not a decision we made arbitrarily."

"In fact, Lu Yuan has already demonstrated extraordinary strength and potential in our Phantom Mercenary Corps."

"He has mastered the Phoenix Dance Nine Heavens Sword Technique and possesses astonishing talent and comprehension."

"Although his current strength is not yet comparable to that of other advanced Body Tribulation Realm martial artists, he has shown unique courage and determination."

Bai Xueji's words, spoken with firm confidence, made everyone listen attentively.

The Ziyun Clan and the Phantom Mercenary Corps have close ties; Bai Xueji's statement undoubtedly will increase some trust.

"Honored clan chiefs, please trust the judgment of our Phantom Mercenary Corps."

Bai Xueji then said: "We fully understand that Lu Yuan's strength is still insufficient to look down on all heroes, but precisely because of this, he cherishes this opportunity all the more."

"He is willing to prove himself with his actions and bring glory to the Ziyun Clan."

In her words there was a hint of inspiring vigor, exuding a strong and confident force.

After hearing her, the crowd's expressions gradually eased, and they began to consider whether Bai Xueji's words made sense.

Although Lu Yuan's strength is still shallow, after all he has been favored by the Phantom Mercenary Corps—do they have reason to doubt the Ziyun Clan's choice? Lu Yuan stepped firmly into Zixiao Palace, seeking the opening of the Tiangang Hegemony Battle.

He gazed at the magnificent scenery inside the palace and could not help recalling his master Supreme Dao Ancestor's warning.

"Lu Yuan, participating in the Tiangang Hegemony Battle is no easy task."

The Supreme Dao Ancestor earnestly said to Lu Yuan, "Zixiao Palace is a place full of unknown dangers and secret realms."

"You must always stay vigilant; you must never underestimate the enemy."

Thinking of his master's words, Lu Yuan felt a surge of determination and resolve.

He realized that what he would face was not only the challenge of other high-ranking Body Tribulation realm martial artists, but also the dangers hidden deep within Zixiao Palace.

Relying on his own intelligence and the profound immortal arts he had mastered, he was confident he could handle all of this.

But he also understood that only by staying vigilant could he ensure his own safety.

Every step he took after entering Zixiao Palace was made in utter silence.

She sensed that some kind of power was hidden in every corner, a power full of mystery. (End of chapter)