Chapter 156: The First Heavenly Pride?

Lu Zhangsheng led many Martial Artists in pursuit, slaughtering the Tianyao Sect disciples and members of the Six Great Sects without mercy.

He swung the Jinhuang Blade like the Death God, coldly reaping the lives before him.

Blade Light blazed brilliantly, dancing wildly through the void, accompanied by endless screams.

The ground was littered with severed limbs and broken bodies, blood flowing everywhere, resembling a hellish realm.

This cleansing battle lasted more than ten days.

Throughout the Xiao Shi Jie, footprints of Lu Zhangsheng and others remained everywhere.

Until most of these Demon Persons had been slaughtered.

Thanks to Lu Zhangsheng's keen perception, hardly anyone escaped his pursuit.

Due to the overwhelming killing aura, Lu Zhangsheng gained another nickname in secret—the Bloodied Butcher—making many Qingning Prefecture Town Guard Martial Artists revere him even more.

Time passed.

Soon, the three-month deadline drew near.

On this day, at noon.

The blazing sun hung high, golden sunlight scattered across Yueling Lake; a light breeze stirred, rippling the shimmering waves.

Lu Zhangsheng stood by the lake, arms crossed behind his back, his white robe fluttering in the wind, appearing utterly carefree.

Nearby Martial Artists all gazed at Lu Zhangsheng with deep reverence.

During this time, Lu Zhangsheng's merciless slaughter had imprinted itself upon their hearts, lingering endlessly.

Such a fierce killing nature was extremely rare throughout Qingning Prefecture.

At the same time, these Martial Artists had learned that Lu Zhangsheng cultivated the Killing Intent.

This True Intent was outstanding in offensive power among peers.

"Hum…"

At that moment, the large number of Nine-Leaf Lotus flowers in the lake ahead began to tremble gently.

Vast amounts of Spiritual Energy converged toward the entire lotus pond.

This caused those around to perk up instantly, inhaling deeply.

The pond's Spiritual Objects had finally matured.

Lu Zhangsheng gazed silently at the vast expanse of Nine-Leaf Lotus, his expression as calm as still water.

Each lotus platform was the size of a millstone, emitting a dark green glow, remarkably mystical.

From the central lotus heart, wisps of misty vapor rose, irresistible to harvest.

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

"This Seat claims seven-tenths of the pond's contents. If anyone disagrees, speak now—we can discuss it together."

Lu Zhangsheng spoke calmly, his demeanor relaxed and effortless.

Seven-tenths of all lotus platforms was still a great deal.

He estimated that after absorbing them, his resource points would be substantial, so he made no pretense and directly claimed most of it.

Upon hearing this, those around fell silent, no one voicing opposition; the scene became utterly still.

Everyone internally wondered—who dared to object now? Wasn't that asking for death?

Don't be fooled by Lu Zhangsheng's polite tone, as if consulting them.

None here were fools.

"Lu Daren has contributed the most—he shattered the Innate Puppet and secured our ultimate victory; naturally, he deserves seven-tenths."

Wen Zhiyuan smiled faintly, subtly flattering him.

As Lu Zhangsheng's number one "yes-man," he knew exactly what to say at this moment.

"Correct. We have no objections."

Qin Ruobing and the Second Branch Hall members nodded in agreement, smiling broadly.

"Then I'll take one-tenth."

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

He lacked no cultivation resources and had no desire to provoke direct conflict with Lu Zhangsheng over some Spiritual Objects.

Thus, he made a concession.

Upon hearing this, those around were startled.

No one expected Ye Yiyang to retreat so easily.

After the two Top Heaven's Proud Sons had decided, no one dared oppose further.

Even Wan Houyu and the other Deputy Hall Masters, though deeply resentful, dared not speak.

Soon, everyone began distributing the spoils.

Each lotus platform was harvested and placed at Lu Zhangsheng's feet.

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

Only after all lotus platforms in the lake had been harvested did they stop.

Lu Zhangsheng glanced briefly at the lotus platforms on the ground—about sixty in total.

He picked up one Spiritual Object and extracted its lotus heart.

Instantly, the entire platform withered rapidly, collapsing into lifelessness within moments.

The core of this Spiritual Object lay solely in the lotus heart; the rest was useless.

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

Each lotus heart was the size of a thumb, plump and full, emitting a fragrant aroma.

In this distribution, Lu Zhangsheng alone claimed seven-tenths, Ye Yiyang took one-tenth, and the remaining few Deputy Hall Masters shared one-tenth.

The final tenth was divided equally among everyone present.

Everyone received benefits, their faces filled with joy.

As the one who gained the most, Lu Zhangsheng naturally drew immense envy from all.

Yet no one dared speak a word.

Afterwards, Lu Zhangsheng turned and walked away, striding swiftly across the grass, gradually vanishing from view under the awe-filled gazes of others.

……

In the center of the world, within a dense forest.

Lu Zhangsheng sat cross-legged atop a large tree, opening his Panel.

A blue light screen appeared before his eyes.

Source Energy Points: 12000.

Then he took out the Lotus Heart.

【Spiritual Object discovered: Nine-Leaf Lotus Heart. Absorb?】

A crisp alert tone sounded.

"Absorb."

Lu Zhangsheng silently thought in his heart.

【Source Energy Points +1000.】

【Source Energy Points +1000.】

【Source Energy Points +1000.】

……

The resources in his hand surged rapidly, as if without limit.

A single Lotus Heart providing a thousand Source Energy Points filled Lu Zhangsheng with great delight.

With this batch of Spiritual Objects in hand, he was confident he could break through to Innate Strength within three months.

Once he fully took that step, the sea would stretch wide for fish to leap, opening an entirely new world.

According to ancient legends, the mighty deities all began their ascent from the Innate Dao.

One could say, Innate Strength is the initial stage of deities—this step is extremely crucial.

In some Xiao Shi Jie, the innate lifeforms were all Innate Strengths.

He opened the Panel again.

Source Energy Points: 72000.

Seeing the button behind Indestructible Golden Body still dim, he knew he still lacked sufficient resources to deduce a new Cultivation Technique.

With departure imminent, he put away the Pangolin.

……

The next day, morning.

The rising sun bathed the entire forest in golden light.

Lu Zhangsheng sat cross-legged on an open patch of ground, cultivating tranquility.

Today was the day to leave.

At that moment, a powerful repelling force manifested in the void, as if trying to expel Lu Zhangsheng from this place.

Simultaneously, the surrounding Spiritual Energy began to grow chaotic, becoming increasingly violent.

Whirlwinds began to form, sweeping in all directions.

"Hum…"

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

He scanned the surroundings—beyond lay barren farmland.

After confirming his direction, he flew toward the Prehistoric City.

……

Three days later.

Lu Zhangsheng sat on a chair in the courtyard, sipping Spirit Wine with complete ease.

As numerous Town Suppressing Demons Martial Artists returned, everything that had occurred in the Xiao Shi Jie spread rapidly.

Countless Martial Artists across Qingning Prefecture were stunned.

No one had expected those Demon Persons to be so deranged as to smuggle an Innate Puppet inside.

And they had conspired with members of the Six Great Sects.

Even more shocking was that the vast majority of Tianyao Sect disciples and Six Great Sect members had perished.

Only a few lucky ones managed to escape.

These few survivors kept muttering: "Demon, Lu Zhangsheng is a Demon…"

Clearly terrified out of their wits. When countless Martial Artists learned that Lu Zhangsheng's Killing Intent had reached full tenfold, shattered the Innate Puppet, and wiped out the Tianyao Sect disciples, their hearts surged as if with a colossal tidal wave.

Countless people were utterly horrified.

Such power truly filled certain individuals with dread.

The entire Prehistoric City Town Suppressing Demons Office was plunged into a sea of jubilation.

Everyone was extremely elated.

Now Qingning Prefecture had produced an Invincible Heaven's Proud Son—such a Strong Person, in all of Qingzhou City, numbered only three.

The Second Branch Hall members felt immense pride.

At the same time.

The Dazhou Tianji Pavilion officially ranked Lu Zhangsheng at fourth place on the Qingzhou Heavenly Pride Ranking.

Number 360 on the Dazhou Heavenly Pride Ranking.

As soon as this news broke, it swept across the entire Dazhou like a hurricane.

Countless Martial Artists came to know of Lu Zhangsheng.

Thus, Lu Zhangsheng's name resounded throughout Qingzhou.

Keep in mind, the entire territory of the Dazhao Dynasty spanned hundreds of millions of li, with ninety-nine states—Qingzhou was merely one of them.

Those who appeared on the Dazhou Heavenly Pride Ranking were all the most terrifying among millions of Cultivators.

Even Ye Yiyang, a Top Heaven's Proud Son, had not earned a name on the Dazhou Heavenly Pride Ranking—imagine the difficulty.

In the following days, Lu Zhangsheng remained at home and rarely ventured out.

He assigned all missions to his subordinates to handle.

He showed no intention of moving.

Lu Zhangsheng knew clearly that after becoming widely known, someone must be watching him in secret.

Going out carelessly now would be suicide.

As long as he stayed quietly within the Demon Suppression Office, no one could harm him.

Moreover, his resources were just a little short; wandering outside now would completely contradict his own interests.

It was perfect—he needed time to consolidate; once the Spiritual Objects were fully collected, he could immediately begin breaking through to Innate Strength.

……

Outside Qingning Prefecture, an Underground Space.

A large group of figures stood at the edge of the Blood Pool, their expressions grim.

On the dais sat a man with a sinister face—it was Jiuchen, the Protector of the Tianyao Sect in Qingzhou.

Below the dais were several Innate Strength cultivators, including Tang Yong.

Zhao Yuanjing, Wei Shaoxuan, and others dared not even breathe loudly.

Everyone present knew what had happened.

"Crack…"

Jiuchen slammed his teacup onto the ground, his face flushed with rage.

"How dare this person ruin This Seat's grand plan? When the chance arises, I will personally strike him down into dust."

His tone was utterly chilling, like a demon from hell.

As a Xiantian Fengfeng Strong Person, he had the right to speak thus.

Tang Yong frowned deeply: "This person is extremely cautious, rarely leaves his quarters; since exiting the Xiao Shi Jie, he has remained within the Prehistoric City—we have found no opportunity at all."

"Besides, ordinary Innate Strength cultivators cannot match him…"

He too found the situation extremely difficult.

He had once pursued Lu Zhangsheng; now he was likely no match for him.

If they met, he might get crushed.

He understood this clearly.

Lu Zhangsheng's sudden surge in power had left him utterly stunned.

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

Was this still the Lu Zhangsheng they knew? It completely overturned the perceptions of everyone in Changping County.

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

Jiuchen's eyes flashed with cold light.

He had no solution to Lu Zhangsheng's caution.

After all, he couldn't just storm into the Prehistoric City—that would be suicide; the Dazhou Imperial Court was no laughing matter.

……

Qingzhou City.

As the largest city in Qingzhou and the seat of the Prehistoric City, it was the most prosperous place in all of Qingzhou.

Within the Demon Suppression Office.

In a magnificent Main Hall.

A young man in white robes stood with his hands behind his back; his face was handsome, his aura as deep as an ocean.

Ning Wanfeng, the First Heaven's Proud Son of Qingzhou and a Top Strong Person who had perfected the True Intent to Ten Layers, stood just one step away from Innate Strength.

Ning Wanfeng silently studied the intelligence on the table, a faint smile curling on his lips.

"Interesting—Changning Prefecture has produced an Invincible Heaven's Proud Son? Lu Zhangsheng? And he cultivates the Killing Intent? This Seat looks forward to debating the Dao with you…"

At the same time, the other two Heavenly Pride in the Prehistoric City who had perfected the True Intent to Ten Layers also received news of Lu Zhangsheng.

They were extremely interested in a Martial Dao Heavenly Pride who cultivated the Killing Intent.

All of them wanted to test his mettle.

……

Half a month later.

Qingning Prefecture, First Branch Office.

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

His aura surged wildly.

Ever since the bottleneck of the Dripping Water True Intent began to loosen, he had immediately entered seclusion upon returning.

After more than ten days of intense cultivation, he finally sensed that faint aura.

"Break for me."

Ye Yiyang let out a furious roar.

Something inside his body seemed to shatter, and a terrifying aura shot straight up into the clouds.

"Whoosh…"

A gentle breeze suddenly stirred above the Main Hall, and thin threads of rain fell upon the rooftop.

The breeze and the fine rain seemed to contain a certain Dao.

"Swoosh…"

The raindrops instantly transformed into wisps of Blade Light, scattering wantonly between heaven and earth.

At the same time, many Martial Artists outside also sensed this strange phenomenon.

Their faces were filled with horror.

"Another Invincible Heaven's Proud Son has appeared? Has Ye Yiyang broken through?"

Sensing the direction of the Main Hall, the crowd instantly confirmed it.

Their eyes held a strange look—after Lu Zhangsheng broke through, Ye Yiyang had followed right behind.

He must have been stimulated by Lu Zhangsheng.

Now there was going to be a good show.

Who would claim the title of Qingning Prefecture's number one Heavenly Pride was still uncertain.

A dragon-fight-tiger-struggle was inevitable.

Everyone's hearts began to fill with anticipation.

A clash between two Invincible Heaven's Proud Sons was extremely rare even in the entire history of Qingning Prefecture.

"Hahaha…"

Inside Zong Dian, Liang Jinghui burst into wild laughter, his heart surging with excitement.

Two Invincible Heaven's Proud Sons—their Qingning Prefecture had struck it rich.

This was extremely rare even throughout all of Dazhou.

There were even many Prefecture Cities that didn't have a single ordinary Heavenly Pride.

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

A newly risen Heavenly Pride, and an existence that had guarded the Town for over a decade.

The two would surely have to determine who was superior.

Three days later, a piece of news spread, stunning the entire Qingning Prefecture even more.

Ye Yiyang would formally challenge Lu Zhangsheng in five days at the Zhongyang Guangchang of the Town-Demon Division.

To definitively determine who was the number one Heavenly Pride of Qingning Prehistoric City.

The moment this news came out, it stirred up a huge uproar in the Prehistoric City.

Even throughout all of Qingzhou, many people began heading toward Qingning Prefecture.

Wanting to witness this epoch-defining battle with their own eyes.

In a certain Courtyard.

Lu Zhangsheng sat upright in a chair, looking at the battle invitation in his hand, a powerful fighting spirit rising in his heart.

This man Ye Yiyang was worthy enough to be his opponent.

True Intent of Ten Layers and nine layers—those were two different worlds.

Now the other's strength had surely skyrocketed, and his physical body was also perfected.

"Go tell your Hall Master—this Seat accepts this battle."

Lu Zhangsheng smiled faintly.

He, Lu Zhangsheng, feared no challenge.

"This one obeys the order."

A black-clothed youth cupped his hands respectfully.

(End of this chapter)