Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Lu Zhou asked, “How does Chen Fu keep his disciples in line? The human heart is unpredictable. Human greed is the most difficult to overcome.”
Yan Mu looked slightly uncomfortable when Lu Zhou addressed Chen Fu by name. He said, “Saint Chen’s name shook the world, and he convinced the people with his virtue. He never forcibly disciplined his disciples. Moreover, his prestige is rather high, and everyone reveres him. Even if his ten disciples have other thoughts, they won’t dare to make an enemy out of everyone in the world.”
Lu Zhou shook his head and only said, “Naive.”
“?”
…
Half a day later, they landed on the peak of a mountain east of the western capital, Luo Yang, and rested for a while.
During this time, Lu Zhou used the Heavenly Writing’s power of sight to check in on Si Wuya. Fortunately, there was always someone keeping an eye on Si Wuya so everything was okay.
Ye Tianxin had already returned to the Evil Sky Pavilion as well.
Since everything was relatively stable, Lu Zhou cut off the power of sight and rested.
Yan Mu looked at Whitzard curiously before he asked, “I heard that Whitzard is an extremely elusive divine beast from the legends. I wonder how senior obtained it?”
“Luck,” Lu Zhou replied.
Yan Mu nodded. “Senior is truly modest.”
“It’s truly by luck that I obtained it,” Lu Zhou said.
“I admire your modesty, senior,” Yan Mu said as he cupped his fists together at Lu Zhou.
Lu Zhou: “…”
‘Look, no one believes me even when I’m telling the truth.’
Yan Mu pointed at the western capital and said, “We’re about to arrive at Luo Yang. We’re pretty lucky that we didn’t encounter any bandits during our journey here. Once we’re near Luo Yang, the bandits won’t dare to appear. However, the closer we are to the capital, the more experts there will be. Even if there are many experts in this world, their number can’t compare to the experts in the western capital.”
Lu Zhou nodded.
After a moment, Yan Mu asked tentatively, “Senior, if I may ask, are you looking for Saint Chen to offer a gift or are you hoping to learn from him?”
“Neither.”
Seeing Lu Zhou’s expressionless face, Yan Mu stopped asking. It was another person’s private matter, after all. It was not appropriate to ask too much.
After resting for a while, the duo set off again.
About 15 minutes later, Lu Zhou ordered Whitzard to stand guard outside the city. Whitzard was too conspicuous, after all, and bringing it into the capital would only attract unnecessary attention and trouble.
After that, the duo flew toward Luo Yang.
Not long after that, they saw a red flying chariot flying toward them from the southeast. It looked majestic, and its speed was fast, but it was only guarded by four disciples.
Upon seeing the flying chariot, Yan Mu frowned and said, “Seven Stars Sword Sect’s Qiu Wenjian?”
Lu Zhou glanced at Yan Mu and asked, “You know him?”
Anger flashed in Yan Mu’s eyes as he said with a scoff, “I’m not embarrassed to say this to senior; he’s the one who injured me. Ten days ago, I left Sunset Mountain to participate in the Dao discussion in Fragrance Valley and was tricked by Qiu Wenjian.”
Lu Zhou nodded. “It’s easy for enemies to meet in this world…”
“I really hate him. Senior, let’s take a detour,” Yan Mu said.
Lu Zhou: “?”
‘If I have to take a detour because of this person, isn’t it equivalent to pressing my dignity to the ground?’
Yan Mu looked slightly embarrassed when he saw Lu Zhou did not intend to turn around.
At this time, the flying chariot had already drawn quite close. Soon enough, a voice brimming with ridicule rang from the flying chariot.
“Isn’t this the Sect Master of Sunset Sect? What a coincidence.”
Yan Mu frowned and said, “Qiu Wenjian, are you a ghost? Why are you haunting me? Did you send someone to follow me?”
A burst of laughter rang out from the flying chariot.
“I’m not that bored to send someone to follow a defeated opponent.”
Qiu Wenjian’s words were a direct verbal attack.
Yan Mu was furious. “You!”
“When discussing the Dao in Fragrant Valley, victory and defeat are common occurrences. Sect Master, when I see your flustered and exasperated expression, I feel very worried…”
Yan Mu scolded, “Isn’t it all because of your tricks? How can that be counted as a glorious win?”
“If you’re not convinced, let’s have another round. We haven’t entered the western capital yet, and this desolate wilderness is a good place to spar. What do you think?” Qiu Wenjian asked derisively.
“Let’s do it!” Yan Mu flew out for more than ten meters.
Qiu Wenjian said again, “Your injuries healed quite quickly. However, I have to advise you not to overestimate yourself. This time, I won’t hold back.”
Yan Mu unleashed his energy swords.
Qiu Wenjian clicked his tongue and said, “Your swordsmanship is far inferior to mine.”
Seeing that Yan Mu was overcome by anger, Lu Zhou said, “Young man, you’re too rash.”
Lu Zhou’s voice was dignified and steady.
Qiu Wenjian was briefly stunned as he looked at Lu Zhou. Then, a disciple next to him said, “Isn’t this Zhou Tian, an inner sect disciple of Sunset Sect?”
Only then did Lu Zhou remember he was still under the effect of the Disguise Card.
Qiu Wenjian ignored Lu Zhou. Instead, he said to Yan Mu, “Sect Master Yan, you dare to call yourself a sect master when your disciple has to stand up for you?”
Yan Mu turned around and looked at Lu Zhou with an embarrassed expression on his face.
Lu Zhou waved his sleeve and said, “My time is very precious. I don’t have time to waste. Why are we still here?”
With that, Lu Zhou flew swiftly toward Luo Yang.
Yan Mu and Qiu Wenjian were speechless.
When Qiu Wenjian regained his senses, he laughed as he said, “Sect Master Yan, your life is getting worse and worse. Even a disciple dares to behave so atrociously toward you.”
Lu Zhou did not want to cause any trouble in the jade green lotus domain. If he could avoid trouble, he would avoid it. If he could save time, he would save it. He would solve the problem in the fastest way possible. He suddenly came to a halt and turned around before he said, “You’re so young, but you don’t know how to respect your elders.”
Lu Zhou raised his hand, guiding Yan Mu’s sword.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
It pierced through the flying chariot accurately.
Qiu Wenjian was shocked. He leaped up into the air and looked at Lu Zhou in surprise. “A disciple actually has such control over the sword?”
Qiu Wenjian drew his sword, trying to send Yan Mu’s sword flying.
Lu Zhou continued to control the sword with two fingers.
The sword moved nimbly in the air.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Its speed grew faster and faster like the wind and the shadow.
Qin Wenjian was shocked, and he grew more and more exhausted, revealing a flaw.
Swoosh!
The sword slashed at Qiu Wenjian before it returned to its sheathe by Yan Mu’s side.
Yan Mu was dumbstruck.
Lu Zhou’s shadow flashed, and he stood half a meter in front of Qiu Wenjian with his hands behind his back, staring at Qiu Wenjian with a deep and spirited gaze.
Qiu Wenjian: “…”
The five disciples around the flying chariot were very surprised as well.
Qiu Wenjian’s eyelids kept twitching as he reluctantly drew his sword.
Bang!
Lu Zhou clamped the sword with two fingers.
Qiu Wenjian tried to move his sword, but he discovered that he could not move it. Not only that, but he could not move his body as well. It was as though a huge mountain was pressing down on him. His Primal Qi was also restricted.
Lu Zhou released his hold on the sword before he pushed his hand out against the tip of the sword.
Bang!
The sword broke into several pieces in just an instant and hit Qiu Wenjian’s chest.
Bang!
Qiu Wenjian flew backward as he spat out blood; his face was pale.
“Sect Master!”
The disciples were shocked as they hurried over to support Qiu Wenjian.
Qiu Wenjian’s blood and qi surged in his body chaotically. His Dantian’s sea of Qi was restless as well. He grunted in pain.
Lu Zhou said tonelessly, “Your foundation is unstable, and you’re not skilled with the sword. Your moves are repetitive, and you’ve yet to master the control of your vitality energy. Young man, with such skills, you dare to behave so arrogantly?”
“…”
Upon hearing these words, Qiu Wenjian spat out another mouthful of blood.
Lu Zhou turned around and looked at Yan Mu before he said, “My time is limited.”
Yan Mu nodded and quickly followed Lu Zhou. He turned to glare at Qiu Wenjian before he chased after Lu Zhou.
After the duo disappeared in the direction of Luo Yang, Qiu Wenjian grunted in pain again.
“Sect Master!”
“Sect Master, what’s wrong?”
Qiu Wenjian grabbed the hilt of the broken sword and said, “A disciple is actually… so powerful?”
The disciple next to him said, confused, “It’s really strange. When did Zhou Tian become so powerful? It doesn’t make sense at all!”
“Could it be that he was deliberately concealing his strength before this?”
“That’s impossible! How could he hide his strength for so long?”
Everyone looked at each other in confusion.
In the end, Qiu Wenjian looked in the direction of Luo Yang and said, “Send someone to investigate.”
“Understood.”
“Sect Master, are we still going to visit Saint Chen?”
Qiu Wenjian wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. He took a deep breath and endured the pain before he said, “Of course. As long as I have a good relationship with Saint Chen, I’ll have plenty of chances to annihilate the Sunset Sect.”
“Then, should we go now?”
“Now?”
“Yes.”
…
In Luo Yang, the western capital.
It was one of the most prosperous cities in Great Han.
Lu Zhou and Yan Mu walked on the streets, clearly uninterested in the activities around them.
Yan Mu had been thinking about Lu Zhou’s sword technique during the entire journey here. At this moment, he chuckled and said, “Senior, your sword technique…”
“You want to learn it?”
“No, no, no, I’m just asking.”
“You don’t have any talent with swords. The fist is more suited for you,” Lu Zhou said.
Yan Mu shook his head and said, “But my master once told me I’m suited for the sword.”
“Perhaps, it was true when you were young. However, your hands are free of calluses, and your movement is slow now. Your great talent has long been exhausted,” Lu Zhou said.
Yan Mu was stunned by these words. When he regained his senses, he sighed.
When they arrived at the end of the street, Yan Mu said, “Saint Chen has a high status so he won’t live in an ostentatious place. Please wait for a moment, senior. I’ll go and ask around.”
Lu Zhou nodded.
Yan Mu flew off.
About fifteen minutes passed before Yan Mu returned.
“Senior, you’re really lucky. Saint Chen is at the Autumn Dew Mountain Pavilion that’s located west of Luo Yang,” Yan Mu said.
“Alright,” Lu Zhou flew into the sky immediately.
Yan Mu hurriedly flew after Lu Zhou. When he caught up, he said in a low voice, “Senior, this is Luo Yang. We can’t fly here.”
Lu Zhou ignored Yan Mu’s warning and said, “Follow closely.”
“Ah?”
As expected, the patrol team appeared swiftly.
“Who is so daring to act so audaciously in Luo Yang?”
Dozens of patrolling cultivators chased after Lu Zhou and Yan Mu.
Meanwhile, the cultivators on the streets shook their heads at yet another reckless cultivator.
When Yan Mu turned around and saw the dozens of cultivators chasing after them, he was frightened. He was about to speak again when Lu Zhou grabbed Yan Mu’s wrist.
Buzz!
Yan Mu felt as though the space was distorted. The buildings and the scenery around him became blurry and twisted. This speed was far beyond his comprehension and subverted his worldview. His ears rang, and his eyes teared up until he could hear or see anything.
Swoosh!
When everything returned to normal, Yan Mu felt like the world was spinning. He bent forward and threw up for a long time before he finally regained his senses.
…
Meanwhile, the patrolling cultivators looked at the empty sky in confusion.
The two figures had vanished into thin air.
Due to the gap between their cultivation bases, they could not capture Lu Zhou’s movements at all.
…
Lu Zhou stood next to Yan Mu with his hands on his back. He pointed ahead and asked, “Is that Autumn Dew Mountain Pavilion?”
Yan Mu raised his head and looked at the green mountains and flowing rivers. The scenery was beautiful like a paradise on earth. He asked in confusion, “We’ve arrived?”
Lu Zhou frowned.
Upon seeing this, Yan Mu hastily said, “Yes, yes, yes. That’s the Autumn Dew Mountain Pavilion. I… I… Senior’s cultivation base is truly unfathomable.
Lu Zhou ignored the low-level flattery and said, “Lead the way.”
“Yes.” Yan Mu was thoroughly convinced by Lu Zhou’s strength as he led the way to the Autumn Dew Mountain Pavilion.
In just a moment, they landed at the foot of Autumn Dew Mountain.
Unexpectedly, it was very lively at the foot of the mountain. An endless stream of cultivators carrying all kinds of precious gifts was lined up.
Yan Mu said, “The Saint is really here! However, I’m afraid if we get in line now, we won’t be able to see the Saint.”
“Get in line?” Lu Zhou frowned.
Yan Mu explained, “Senior, don’t look down on these people. Those who have the guts to meet the Saint must have an extraordinary background. People like me won’t even dare to show my face. After all, it’s no different from asking for trouble. In any case, there are many people who line up to see the Saint every year. You’ll get used to it.”
“I don’t have the habit of lining up,” Lu Zhou said.
“Ah?”
Before Yan Mu regained his senses, Lu Zhou flew above everyone’s heads toward Autumn Dew Mountain.
This naturally provoked the anger of the masses.
“Who’s so daring the cause trouble so close to the Saint?”
“Impudent!”
“How arrogant! Isn’t he looking down on all of us?”
Lu Zhou ignored the seething masses. He brought the incredibly nervous Yan Mu and continued flying toward the barrier.
No one dared to cause a commotion at the foot of the Autumn Dew Mountain so they could only gnash their teeth in anger.
“I hate people who cut the line the most!”
Right at this moment, two green-clad disciples flew over from Autumn Dew Mountain.
“Those who trespass into Autumn Dew Mountain will be heavily punished. Please restrain yourself.”
The people on the ground pointed at Lu Zhou and Yan Mu.
Yan Mu was very easily embarrassed. At this moment, even his ears were red.
On the contrary, Lu Zhou remained calm as he said, “I’m here to see Saint Chen. Please lead the way.”
Yan Mu: “…”
‘Senior, your cultivation base is indeed impressive, but you still can’t court death like this! Can you keep a low profile?’ Yan Mu thought to himself nervously.
One of the green-clad cultivators said, “Saint Chen isn’t free today. Please leave.”
As soon as his voice fell, before Lu Zhou could speak, the line of cultivators behind him began to speak up one after another.
“Brother, I brought high-grade blood ginseng to pay respect to the Saint!”
“I’m an envoy from the north. I came to seek an audience with the Saint!”
“I’m the first disciple of the Heaven Lake Sect. I came to seek an audience with the Saint as well!”
The green-clad cultivation remained unmoved as he said expressionlessly, “The Saint really isn’t free. Everyone, please leave.”
Lu Zhou frowned. He waved his sleeve and walked forward with his hands on his back.
Everyone broke into an uproar upon seeing this.
‘He’s going to force his way in!’
Everyone looked at Lu Zhou and Yan Mu with their mouths agape. All of them wore expressions of shock and disbelief on their faces.
Yan Mu’s heart was pounding in his chest. Although he was the Sect Master of Sunset Sect, he was no different from an ant in front of a Saint.
‘It’s over! It’s really over! I took too big of a gamble this time! I really can’t afford to f*cking play this game!’ Yan Mu seriously thought about turning around and running away.
Lu Zhou stopped in front of the barrier and studied the inscriptions and formation of the barrier.
All the cultivators looked on as though they were watching an incredibly exciting show. Even then, none of them thought Lu Zhou would be able to bypass the barrier.
At this moment, Lu Zhou raised his hand that had been imbued with the divine power and pressed it against the barrier.
Buzz!
The barrier opened up immediately.
Everyone: “…”
Lu Zhou easily walked in while the two green-clad cultivators looked at Lu Zhou in shock.
Lu Zhou turned around and saw Yan Mu scratching his ears and face like a monkey. He called out, “Yan Mu.”
Yan Mu raised his head. “Ah?”
“Still not coming?”
“Oh.” Yan Mu was both shocked and aggrieved. He was shocked that Lu Zhou managed to breach the barrier, and he was aggrieved that he was going to die for no good reason.
The other cultivators watched with their mouths agape as Lu Zhou said to the two green-clad cultivators, “Lead the way.”
One of the green-clad cultivators said, “This… How dare you trespass into Autumn Dew Mountain? Impudent! According to the rules of the Autumn Dew Mountain, you’ll have to be punished.”
“You’re quite arrogant,” Lu Zhou said dismissively. He ignored the two young men. Rules were used to restrain the mediocre, not him. He walked up the stairs with his hands on his back.
Yan Mu wanted to cry, but he had no tears. He could only brace himself and follow Lu Zhou.
In just a blink of an eye, Lu Zhou seemed to have taken 1,000 steps and arrived at the halfway point of the mountain.
Yan Mu spent a lot of effort trying to catch up.
The duo was about to reach the top when a figure suddenly appeared in the sky. The person wore a gray robe and a brocade hat, and a saber hung at his waist. He asked sternly, “Who are you?”
Lu Zhou sensed that the other party’s cultivation base was very high. This person had the highest cultivation base among all the people he had met since he came to the twin lotus domain. Hence, he asked, “Who are you?”
The cultivator asked, “You don’t know me?”
Yan Mu looked as though he was going to meet death itself as he whispered into Lu Zhou’s ears, “This is the Saint’s first disciple, Hua… Hua Yin.”
Lu Zhou nodded and said, “So you’re Saint Chen’s first disciple.”
“You’re able to enter the barrier so your cultivation base mustn’t be weak. However, you still broke the rules,” Hua Yin said.
Lu Zhou said tonelessly, “Rules are made to be broken.”
“…”
Hua Yin thought these words were reasonable. Then, he cupped his fists together and asked, “May I ask for your name, sir?”
“My surname is Lu.”
“Why are you looking for my master,” Hua Yin asked.
“The matter is beyond you,” Lu Zhou replied.
Yan Mu did not dare to interrupt at all. When the big shots talk, it was best to remain silent.
Hua Yin frowned slightly. “Lu? I’ve never heard of anyone like that in the cultivation world.”
Hua Yin speculated that the other party must be a hidden expert who came to look for his master for advice.
Lu Zhou did not mention he was from the golden lotus domain. Based on what he had learned from Qin Renyue, the twin lotus domain was hostile toward outsiders. If he said he was from the golden lotus domain, it would be even harder for him to meet Chen Fu. Moreover, Chen Fu had four disciples who were Venerable Masters. It was better to be cautious. Hence, he said, “The world is so vast. It’s not surprising that you don’t know me.”
As Lu Zhou spoke, he took a huge step forward.
Hua Yin raised his hand to block Lu Zhou as he said, “My master has said that he won’t be seeing any guests today.”
At this time, a green-clad disciple flew up from below. He kneeled on one knee and said, “Mr. First, Qiu Wenjian, the Sect Master of the Seven Stars Sword Sect, is here to seek an audience with the Saint.”
Hua Yin nodded. “Bring him in.”
“Understood.”
Upon hearing this exchange, Lu Zhou frowned, clearly displeased.
However, before Lu Zhou could speak, Hua Yin said, “The Sect Master of the Seven Stars Sword Sect has an agreement with my master. He came three days ago and made an appointment to see my master today. I hope you can forgive me.”
In other words, if one did not follow the proper procedure, then one should not even think about meeting the Saint.
Lu Zhou shook his head. “There’s no one in this world I can’t meet.”
Lu Zhou flew into the air.
Hua Yin was stunned. He raised his hand and launched a shocking palm seal.
Just as the palm seal was about to land on Lu Zhou, Lu Zhou disappeared and reappeared behind Hua Yin.
“How dare you!” Hua Yin shouted as he charged at Lu Zhou.
Lu Zhou flicked his sleeve. Time and space froze. When he flashed again, he appeared 100 meters away.
“Great Venerable Master?!” Hua Yin was stunned.
These three words made Yan Mu tremble. To think he had been following a Great Venerable Master around.
Hua Yin was about to make a move again when a dignified voice rang in the air.
“Let him up.”
Hua Yin turned respectful immediately. “Understood.”
…
Autumn Water Mountain Pavilion.
An old man with white hair was playing chess. However, there was no one on the other side of the chessboard. At the same time, he enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the waterfall.
After a while, Lu Zhou appeared near the pavilion with Yan Mu and Hua Yin.
When Lu Zhou saw Chen Fu, he immediately thought of his appearance when he had just transmigrated to his world. However, Chen Fu seemed much more at ease with his age. Chen Fu was also thinner. His hair was neat, and his white robe was spotless. It was hard to imagine that Chen Fu was the strongest person in the twin lotus domain, the Great Saint Chen.
Lu Zhou flashed in front of Chen Fu and sat down.
Upon seeing this, Hua Yin, Chen Fu’s disciple, stepped forward angrily.
Chen Fu’s expression remained calm. He smiled slightly and gestured for Hua Yin to step back.
Hua Yin did not dare to act rashly and retreated obediently.
Yan Mu kept gulping as he stood next to Hua Yin. His heart raced in his chest as he peeked at Chen Fu from time to time.
‘So this is Saint Chen? The person everyone wants to see? The person whom male cultivators revere and countless female cultivators dream of?’ Yan Mu was so excited that he felt like crying. He was also a fan of the Chen Fu after all. He was so overwhelmed by his emotions that his legs felt weak.
At this moment, Chen Fu raised his head and looked at Lu Zhou.
Unexpectedly, Lu Zhou turned around and called out, “Yan Mu.”
“Ah?”
“Why are you standing there?” Lu Zhou asked before he pointed at the stone bench next to him.
Yan Mu’s hands trembled. ‘I don’t dare to sit on the same level with the Saint!’
Chen Fu chuckled. “Sit.”
“…”
Yan Mu’s mind went blank.
Lu Zhou shook his head.. ‘He’s beyond saving.’
