Chapter 142: Pay Respects to Hall Master Lu! Rising to Fame!

Lu Zhangsheng walked on the clean and tidy street with his hands behind his back.

Behind him followed a large group of martial artists ready to watch the excitement.

A moment later.

Amidst the strange gazes of a crowd, Lu Zhangsheng arrived in front of a hall.

The entire hall was built from a kind of precious wood, looking extremely imposing.

On the square in front of the hall, a group of people had already gathered, most of whom were eyes and ears of other Deputy Hall Masters and noble families; this group of people smiled but didn't smile, as if they were all waiting to see Lu Zhangsheng make a fool of himself.

At this moment, many figures were already standing inside the hall, all with a trace of curiosity on their faces, staring quietly outside the door.

Qin Ruobing and Yue Shulan, the Demon-Suppressing Envoys who had come from the county city, were also on the list.

When Lu Zhangsheng was transferred to the Prefecture City, he had brought all these old acquaintances with him.

Cultivating them as his confidants.

A trace of worry was revealed in the eyes of these people.

They all knew what would happen today; if Lu Zhangsheng failed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

At this moment, inside the Demon-Suppressing Division's General Hall.

Liang Jinghui was also paying attention to this matter.

The scene of the Tenth Branch Hall was quite clearly displayed in a crystal ball.

Liang Jinghui sat on a chair, his face full of majesty.

Sitting to the side was a middle-aged man dressed as a black-clothed scholar.

This person was named Huyan Yun, mainly responsible for the internal contribution point records and salary distribution of the Demon-Suppressing Division.

"The Lord promoted this person exceptionally; aren't you afraid that the other party will fail?"

Huyan Yun smiled faintly and shook the white feather fan in his hand.

"It doesn't matter; this person has good talent, and even if he fails this time, there will still be opportunities."

Liang Jinghui sipped his tea, his tone neither salty nor bland.

Regarding the disputes in the Tenth Hall, he was just watching quietly.

"I'm just afraid that after this person fails, he will never recover, and his talent will be buried."

Huyan Yun didn't think highly of it.

After all, Shentu Hong's strength was already close to the Ninth Deputy Hall Master.

Lu Zhangsheng didn't have much certainty of defeating the other party.

Even if the two fought to a draw, it would be a major blow to Lu Zhangsheng's prestige.

"If he doesn't even have this kind of temperament, how can he achieve the Innate Martial Dao? Let us wait and see."

Liang Jinghui smiled, looking indifferent.

For him, the disputes between juniors were nothing more than after-dinner conversation.

Afterward, the two said nothing more and watched the scene in the crystal ball quietly.

Tenth Branch Hall.

"Tread, tread..."

Lu Zhangsheng lifted his feet and walked in.

The gazes of everyone in the hall were fixed on Lu Zhangsheng, filled with envy, fear, and even unwillingness—a mix of five flavors.

Tong Yuhua and the others from the county city were all full of excitement.

Lu Zhangsheng flicked his sleeves and walked straight toward the jade seat on the high platform ahead.

One step, two steps...

It was as if he were climbing a peak of power, his footsteps stepping on everyone's hearts.

A group of people under the platform stared at the jade seat with burning eyes.

That position symbolized great power and status.

A few breaths later.

Lu Zhangsheng walked to the jade seat, turned around, and sat down directly, spreading his arms, and a majestic momentum like a mountain emerged spontaneously.

"Your subordinate pays respects to Hall Master Lu."

Led by Qin Ruobing and Tong Yuhua, many county city martial artists immediately bowed, their faces full of respect.

Many people nearby looked at each other and made no move.

Instead, there was a trace of something unusual in their eyes.

At this moment, the situation was unclear, and no one was in a hurry to take sides.

Just at this moment.

A young man in yellow stepped out directly, his face full of respect: "Your subordinate congratulates Hall Master Lu."

The man cupped his hands, his tone very solemn.

Seeing this, the crowd around showed disdain.

"This Wen Zhiyuan is really looking for death, daring to be the first bird."

"If Shentu Hong wins later, his family will be liquidated."

A group of people thought secretly.

These people are all old foxes, the type who won't release the hawk until they see the rabbit; whoever is strong, they will naturally throw themselves under that person's command.

Even Qin Ruobing and the others were quite surprised that someone would take the lead in leaning toward Lu Zhangsheng.

Wen Zhiyuan stood under the platform, his fingers pinching into his flesh with force.

The Wen family was only a medium-sized family, far inferior to the three great families.

Not to mention he was just a concubine's son, with very few cultivation resources.

Plus his own talent was only at the excellent level, and he had barely managed to gain a foothold in the Tenth Hall by relying on hard cultivation.

When he learned that Lu Zhangsheng was about to take office, he made this decision directly.

He wanted to gamble his future.

Rather than living a mediocre life and dying in a cowardly way, he might as well fight for it.

One had to know that adding flowers to the brocade was far inferior to sending charcoal in the snow; his taking the lead in surrendering would definitely leave a deep impression on the other party.

"Hmm."

Seeing this, Lu Zhangsheng nodded lightly, his expression as calm as water.

Wen Zhiyuan then retreated into the crowd; he knew his goal had been achieved.

Many members of the Wen family around glared at him.

They all secretly cursed "rebellious son."

Wen Zhiyuan's move was undoubtedly putting their family on a stove to roast.

The Shentu family was not something their Wen family could afford to offend.

At this moment, Lu Zhangsheng scanned the surroundings and said faintly: "Today I am newly appointed; have all the Demon-Suppressing Envoys arrived?"

As early as yesterday, he had issued a notice to gather all personnel.

At this moment, there were clearly quite a few people missing.

Shentu Hong was not on the list.

He was also asking knowing the answer.

"Reporting to the Hall Master, Shentu Hong and others have had some trouble practicing, and are feeling unwell..."

Ouyang Xiao stepped out calmly and answered falsely.

"Oh? Then go and invite Inspector Shentu over; the Tenth Hall still has some healing spirit medicine."

Lu Zhangsheng smiled faintly.

He didn't expose this matter either.

He also knew that this was to give him a show of force, deliberately not showing up.

"Your subordinate will go and invite Shentu Hong."

Ouyang Xiao cupped his hands casually, then led a group of people and turned to walk out of the hall.

Soon they disappeared from the hall.

Lu Zhangsheng sat on the jade chair calmly, closing his eyes to rest.

He wanted to see what the other party had to rely on, thinking they could eat him up.

A group of people under the platform also remained silent, and the atmosphere on the field was quite oppressive.

Everyone was waiting for Shentu Hong's arrival.

At the same time.

The situation in the Tenth Hall instantly spread throughout the entire Demon-Suppressing Division.

Countless martial artists flocked to the square outside the hall, ready to watch this good show.

Even the other eight Deputy Hall Masters were closely watching the progress of the event.

Wen family.

Inside a magnificent residence.

"Slap, slap..."

The Wen family head, Wen Zhanghe, suddenly smashed the teacup in his hand on the ground.

His expression was extremely shocked and angry.

He hadn't expected that concubine's son to be so suicidal, daring to take sides first and put the entire family in danger.

"Family Head, calm down; we will immediately go to the Shentu family to apologize, bringing a large number of gifts..."

An old man in black hurriedly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

"Immediately expel that rebellious son from the family and remove his name from the genealogy."

Wen Zhanghe's tone was extremely cold.

According to the policy already set within the family, leaning toward the Shentu family was the right path.

Lu Zhangsheng was likely no match for Shentu Hong.

"This old man will go and do it."

The old man shook his head and had to comply.

Regarding Wen Zhiyuan, he felt quite regretful; after being expelled from the family without protection, he would likely be unable to survive under the suppression of the noble families.

Under the current situation, any difficult task could lead to death.

More than half an hour later.

Tenth Branch Hall.

A group of people were still waiting for Shentu Hong to arrive.

The field was silent, and the atmosphere became increasingly oppressive.

Everyone hadn't expected Shentu Hong to be so arrogant, making the newly appointed Deputy Hall Master wait for so long.

It was simply not taking the other party seriously.

Qin Ruobing and the others also had a trace of cold light in their eyes.

A fire of anger was burning in their hearts.

Lu Zhangsheng's expression remained as calm as water.

With his strength, his mindset had long jumped out of these low-level disputes.

Only the first two Deputy Hall Masters could arouse a trace of interest in him.

Besides that, it was the Innate Martial Dao.

Traveling through the air was almost the ultimate dream of every human being.

This day was not far off either.

Time passed slowly.

Another half hour passed, and just when Qin Ruobing and the others could no longer bear it, there was finally movement outside the hall.

"Dong, dong, dong..."

A group of people were seen carrying a magnificent jade seat and walking slowly; the jade seat was almost identical to the one in the hall.

Sitting on the jade seat was a young man with a sinister face; it was Shentu Hong.

After delaying for more than an hour, the other party finally arrived late. Not only that, Shentu Hong had specially built a Hall Master's jade seat, which was arrogant to the extreme.

It was clearly telling everyone on the field that he, Shentu Hong, had decided to sit in this position.

This was happening on Lu Zhangsheng's first day in office, completely ignoring Lu Zhangsheng.

This person had carried arrogance and domineering to the extreme.

Seeing this situation, the crowd on the square was shocked; Shentu Hong and Lu Zhangsheng would definitely have to decide a winner today.

The field was filled with a strong smell of gunpowder.

Before long.

The crowd carried Shentu Hong to the center of the hall.

And put him down.

Lu Zhangsheng slowly opened his eyes: "I heard Inspector Shentu was injured; I know a little about medicine..."

He looked indifferent and stood up to walk down the platform.

It was as if he were chatting with an old friend.

Shentu Hong sneered: "Let's stop beating around the bush; the position of Deputy Hall Master should be held by the capable. I want it; I advise you to abdicate to the virtuous as soon as possible, so as not to hurt the harmony."

He looked understated, as if he could control everything.

His own Martial Dao True Intent had already been raised to three-tenths.

As early as several months ago, he had secretly fought with the Ninth Deputy Hall Master.

The two were not much different in strength.

In today's battle, he had absolute certainty that he could defeat the person in front of him.

Seeing this, Qin Ruobing and the others were full of anger.

This person didn't even pretend anymore and started making trouble on the spot.

Lu Zhangsheng carried his hands behind his back and smiled faintly: "You mean, your strength is stronger than mine, and you are the capable one?"

He was actually looking forward to the other party's strength.

Who gave the other party such great courage?

"That is natural."

Shentu Hong nodded proudly.

As a genius of the Shentu family, he naturally had this confidence.

While speaking, Shentu Hong slowly stood up and confronted Lu Zhangsheng.

His momentum erupted, and a powerful sense of oppression swept in all directions.

Everyone on the field felt their chests tighten, finding it difficult to breathe.

"What strong strength."

Everyone's eyes froze.

This momentum was almost not much different from the Ninth Deputy Hall Master.

"This newly appointed Deputy Hall Master is likely in danger."

Everyone thought secretly.

Even Qin Ruobing and the others were full of worry.

They hadn't expected Shentu Hong to have hidden his strength.

Lu Zhangsheng carried his hands behind his back, looking indifferent.

His body was like a vast ocean; no matter how the other party erupted with momentum, he remained unmoved.

"Die for this Seat."

Shentu Hong roared and punched Lu Zhangsheng in the face.

A series of sonic booms sounded in the void, and the momentum was fierce and peerless.

Lu Zhangsheng also punched forward without changing his expression.

This punch looked light and airy, as if it had no strength at all.

Not even a sound came from the air.

"Boom, boom, boom..."

The two fists collided violently, and a series of air waves swept out, kicking up a wild wind.

After one strike.

Lu Zhangsheng stood firmly on the open ground, his expression calm.

His entire body didn't move at all, and even the bricks under his feet didn't have any movement.

Shentu Hong's face turned pale, but he soon calmed down.

There was no change under his feet either.

However, a monstrous wave surged within his body, and infinite power seemed to come from his arm, making it difficult for him to resist.

Even the smallest meridians began to crack and bleed, and a sharp pain attacked him continuously.

He tried hard to put on a calm expression, but he was terrified in his heart.

"There are not many people in the entire Demon-Suppressing Division who can fight to a draw with this Seat; Your Excellency is indeed qualified for the position of Deputy Hall Master..."

Shentu Hong said faintly.

His face was light and breezy.

Lu Zhangsheng smiled slightly and said nothing.

Just now, with that punch, he had already shattered the other party's meridians; this person was clearly seriously injured but was still holding on.

These noble family children took face quite seriously.

Preferring to hold on without retreating an inch, he was indeed a "true man."

If the other party had chosen to unload the force, he wouldn't have suffered such a serious injury.

Seeing this, the crowd around was full of suspicion.

"What is the situation?"

The crowd looked at each other, unable to make up their minds.

The two were clearly a draw, so why did Shentu Hong choose to retreat?

"Could it be that this Lord Lu has some astonishing background?"

This left everyone on the field confused.

Even on the square, many onlookers were also confused.

At this moment, Shentu Hong turned around and walked slowly backward.

He saw him carrying his hands behind his back, walking lightly, looking relaxed.

One step, two steps...

He soon left the hall and arrived at the square.

The crowd around watched Shentu Hong gradually leave, and for a time, the field was silent.

Even Qin Ruobing and the others were full of doubts, looking at Lu Zhangsheng, but they didn't find anything unusual.

They didn't know the details of the two's fight either.

Who exactly had the upper hand?

Inside the Demon-Suppressing Division's General Hall.

"Idiot!"

Liang Jinghui looked disdainful.

As an Innate expert, he naturally saw the clues.

He was quite ashamed of Shentu Hong's suffering for the sake of face.

As a martial arts expert, being able to hold up and let go was a basic mindset; no one could win all the time.

"This Lu Zhangsheng is not bad; he was actually able to steadily defeat Shentu Hong."

Huyan Yun was full of surprise.

He hadn't expected that he had misjudged.

Tenth Branch Hall, on the square.

Just when everyone thought that today's dispute would end with a whimper, a change occurred.

Shentu Hong walked to the end of the square and could no longer hold on.

"Pfft..."

A mouthful of blood sprayed out violently.

Then he closed his eyes and fell directly to the ground, motionless.

"This..."

"Knocked out with one punch?"

Many martial artists on the field looked at Shentu Hong, who was like a dead dog, full of shock.

Only then did these people react; Shentu Hong had been holding on just now.

Their eyes were full of disdain.

A monstrous wave seemed to surge in everyone's hearts, and their gazes toward Lu Zhangsheng were full of awe.

Qin Ruobing and Tong Yuhua were all full of joy.

This punch directly established Lu Zhangsheng's status and prestige.

Knocking Shentu Hong into a dead dog with one punch, this kind of deterrent power was enough to shock a large number of people who wanted to challenge him.

Lu Zhangsheng carried his hands behind his back, looking indifferent.

As if he had done a trivial little thing.

His entire body radiated a momentum of being unmoved like a mountain.

"Your subordinate pays respects to Hall Master Lu."

Wen Zhiyuan bowed directly to the ground, his face flushed with excitement.

He had gambled correctly, and he had a premonition that at this moment, his own destiny would be rewritten from now on.

"We pay our respects to Hall Master Lu!"

Only then did the crowd react, bowing one after another, their faces full of awe.

With this kind of strength, he could definitely sit firmly in the position of Deputy Hall Master.

It was definitely not something these people could challenge.

A group of people looked at Wen Zhiyuan with envy.

This kid was likely going to soar to the sky.

Ouyang Xiao, standing to the side, also looked at Lu Zhangsheng with fear.

He felt extremely fortunate that it wasn't him who challenged him, otherwise, the one lying on the ground today would be him.

He didn't think he was stronger than Shentu Hong; he was very clear about this.

"You don't need to be so polite."

Lu Zhangsheng waved his hand, his face full of majesty.

"Inspector Wen's strength and contributions are quite good; from today on, you are promoted by one rank."

His tone was quite flat.

As the master of the branch hall, whose contribution was greater was not up to him to decide; if he said you could, you could.

This was the charm of power.

"Thank you, Hall Master, for the promotion; your subordinate will definitely continue to work hard."

Wen Zhiyuan was so happy he was about to faint; this first wave of wealth made him somewhat unable to control himself.

Climbing this big tree of the Hall Master, he was destined to soar.

The people around seeing this wished they could take his place.

At the same time, they felt quite regretful in their hearts; why didn't they have such a discerning eye?

Regarding Shentu Hong being so fragile, they felt even more hatred in their hearts.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 143 =====