Chapter 27
Enemies Meet
"I am Zhong Xiong, an official soldier of the Five Beast Army's Iron Tiger Camp. Who is from the Sky Wolf Camp? Get out here for this young master! "
Zhong Xiong's face was full of arrogance as he scanned the crowd coldly. "You dare to use the name of the Five Beast Army to bully the Zhong family? How dare you! Now, I want you to break your own arms and kneel down to apologize. If you force me to do it myself, it won't be so simple!"
Everyone in the square sucked in a breath of cold air. Zhong Xiong was so domineering. He wanted someone to break their own arms and kneel down to apologize.
Swoosh swoosh swoosh …
In an instant, everyone's gazes gathered on Luo Zheng.
Some were sympathetic, some were regretful, and some were even gloating.
The majority of the people felt that Luo Zheng would definitely not have a good end today.
Firstly, the Iron Tiger Camp's ability was far above the Sky Wolf Camp. Luo Zheng's cultivation was definitely not as good as Zhong Xiong's.
Secondly, Luo Zheng was from a humble family, while Zhong Xiong's Zhong family was a first-rate aristocratic family. Comparing the two families was like comparing a firefly to the sun. Luo Zheng had no way of resisting.
"This Luo Zheng only had a short moment of glory. Now he's in trouble."
"After all, he is from a humble family. Although he has some talent, how can he beat a genius from a first-rate aristocratic family? There will be a good show to watch."
"Changhai Wang and his son are unlucky. It looks like they won't be able to make a comeback today."
Everyone lowered their voices and whispered to each other.
"Young Master Zhong Xiong, can you give me some face on this matter …" Changhai Wang hesitated for a moment, but still walked over to ask.
After all, Luo Zheng had stepped in to help Wang Nian. That was why this had happened.
"Hmm, who are you? Why should I give you face? "Before Changhai Wang could finish speaking, Zhong Xiong's gaze swept over him, revealing a look of disdain as he coldly interrupted him.
Wang Chen squeezed to Zhong Xiong's side and whispered a few words in his ear. Zhong Xiong looked at Wang Changhai's expression with a hint of mockery, "So it's the Wang Family Head. I'm really sorry, this Young Master didn't know your identity and offended you. However, it's better that you don't care about this matter. You're a clay Bodhisattva crossing the river. You can't even keep your position as the Patriarch, so why do you care about others? "
As soon as these words came out, the crowd was in an uproar. Although everyone knew that after Wang Chen collected the Fire Source and became a refiner, Changhai Wang's position as the head of the Changhai Family would come to an end, no one dared to mock him to his face and embarrass him like this!
This Zhong Xiong was simply unreasonable and overbearing to the extreme, not leaving the slightest bit of face for others!
"Junior! You … "
Although Wang Changhai was enduring, he still couldn't tolerate a junior mocking him like this. He glared at Zhong Xiong, a fierce light surging in his eyes.
"What do you want?"
Zhong Xiong was calm and composed, his expression unchanged. He knew very well that Wang Changhai wouldn't dare to touch him. As for the other members of the Wang Family, they wouldn't let Wang Changhai touch him either.
The Wang Family couldn't bear the torrential anger of the Zhong Family!
"Patriarch, don't be rash!"
"Wang Changhai, come back quickly!"
As expected, many members of the Wang Family shouted, and a few elders of the Wang Family directly scolded him.
At this time, if Wang Changhai retreated, he would lose all face and wouldn't be able to raise his head in Green Rock City in the future.
The smile on Wang Chen's face became even more obvious. The more humiliating Wang Changhai was, the easier it would be to remove him from his position as the Patriarch.
"Haha, Brother Zhong, I haven't seen you for a few days, but you're still so arrogant and despotic. Looks like your injuries heal quickly and you forget quickly too!"
At this time, Luo Zheng walked over slowly with a faint smile on his face. He glanced meaningfully at Zhong Xiong's chest.
"Damn it, why is it this jinx!"
Zhong Xiong turned his head to take a look. When he saw Luo Zheng, his face instantly revealed a terrified expression. He only felt a faint pain in his chest. The great loss he suffered in the Five Beast Proving Grounds the last time was still fresh in his memory.
However, Zhong Xiong immediately reacted and suppressed the fear in his heart. His gaze suddenly turned dark and cold as he stared at Luo Zheng and gnashed his teeth. "So it's brother Luo. I trust you have been well since we last met."
"Brother Zhong said that someone was using the name of the Five Beast Army to bully the Zhong Family. You were talking about me, right? Last time, Brother Zhong said that you were going to break my legs, but you didn't. This time, you're going to break my arms. I'm so scared! "Luo Zheng's face was full of mockery as he took another step forward.
Zhong Xiong's expression turned ugly when he heard this. Although two of the guards who had accompanied him to Green Rock City were in the Blood Tempering Realm, the Five Beast Army had always had a rule. Conflicts between martial artists and soldiers could only be resolved by themselves. No one outside the Five Beast Army was allowed to interfere. Any violation of this rule would result in the death penalty.
After all, the martial artists in the Five Beast Army were all from wealthy families. The competition in the army was intense, and there were bound to be conflicts. If the conflicts between the martial artists extended to the families and the powers behind them, it would inevitably evolve into a fierce battle between the families, and the world would be in chaos.
Although this rule was not written, it had come from the War Emperor's own mouth. The purpose of this rule was to prevent such vicious things from happening.
If there was no such rule, Zhong Xiong would most likely immediately give the order to kill Luo Zheng!
"This Luo Zheng benefited greatly from the trial grounds. His strength is astonishing, and I am far from being his match. I can't attack him in front of so many people, so I have to bear with it. As long as I know his whereabouts, killing him will be as easy as flipping my hand. Hmph, when he is alone, I will definitely make him suffer all the torture in the world. Only then will I be able to appease my hatred. I can even give his head to the Young Lord. I think the Young Lord will be very happy! "
Zhong Xiong calculated in his heart, and a trace of coldness flashed across his face. He smiled and said, "It seems that there is some misunderstanding. Brother Luo and I hit it off well. How could I do such a thing? Today is the auspicious day for my cousin, Wang Chen, to become a weaponsmith. I am only here to observe the ceremony."
With that, Zhong Xiong was about to leave, but Luo Zheng refused to let him go. He stepped in front of Zhong Xiong and smiled faintly. "Brother Zhong, you seem to have forgotten that you were very rude to the Wang Family Head just now …"
Zhong Xiong's face stiffened. He muttered to himself for a moment, then turned to Changhai Wang and said expressionlessly, "Wang Family Head, please forgive me. I was just joking." With that, his face darkened, and he walked to a seat at the side and sat down.
"He actually changed his attitude all of a sudden. He has learned to be smart. However, these disciples of aristocratic families are all proud and arrogant. Zhong Xiong suffered a big loss at my hands last time. If he just let it go, no one would believe him. It seems that he has another way to deal with me. "
Luo Zheng thought for a moment, but his face didn't change. He didn't say anything and returned to his seat.
"Cousin, it's this person …"
The smile on Wang Chen's face abruptly disappeared. He originally hoped that Zhong Xiong could teach Luo Zheng a lesson. He didn't expect that the situation would turn out like this. He couldn't help but feel anxious.
Zhong Xiong's face darkened. He slowly shook his head and said in a low voice, "Don't worry, he won't be able to jump around for long!"
"This genius of the Zhong Family is at the Film Forging Realm. He is only one step away from the Qi Sea Opening Realm. He doesn't dare to attack Luo Zheng."
"This Luo Zheng's strength is probably above Zhong Xiong's!"
The surrounding people's faces also changed. They were all guessing, and the atmosphere became strange.
"The auspicious hour has arrived. Guests, please take your seats."
At this moment, the old man presiding over the ceremony loudly announced.
This old man's hair and beard were all white. He was an artificer who was worshipped by a large family in the Hundred Battles Dynasty's capital. His status was extraordinary. This time, the Wang Family had spent a lot of money to invite him.
The old man turned a blind eye to what had just happened. His responsibility was to help Wang Chen collect the flame source. He didn't care about anything else.
Immediately, the surroundings quieted down.
The cold jade box containing the Astral Flame Source was placed on the altar in the center of the plaza.
Following the opening of the cold jade box, a powerful heat spread out. The temperature of the entire plaza suddenly rose to a shocking level. Some of the youths below the Muscle Forging realm were unable to endure this kind of heat, and their bodies were dripping with sweat.
Some people's eyes were even more fiery. Flame sources were extremely rare, and Astral Flame Source was even rarer. Among the many flame sources, it could be considered high grade.
"Your Wang Family's fortune is profound. This flame source's quality is extremely high, far higher than an ordinary Astral Flame Source. Wang Chen's talent in artificing is just passable. But if he can use this flame source well, perhaps he can reach my level. "
The old man had been an artificer for many years, but he had never obtained such a high quality flame source.
Hearing this, the Wang Family members were all overjoyed.
Blacksmiths were divided into nine ranks. Rank 1 to 3 Blacksmiths could refine low-grade magic tools, rank 4 to 6 Blacksmiths could refine middle-grade magic tools, and rank 7 to 9 Blacksmiths could refine high-grade magic tools.
This old man was a rank four artificer. Although his success rate in refining mid grade Enchanted items wasn't high, he had successfully refined four mid grade Enchanted items in his life. Each of them had caused countless factions to fight over them. If Wang Chen could reach this height, the Wang Family's status would definitely rise greatly.
Although it was impossible for them to become a first rate family, they would at least be at the peak of a second rate family.
Wang Chen was so excited that his eyes turned red. It was as if he had personally refined a mid grade Enchanted item.
"Haha, how ridiculous. Everyone is so happy that they don't even know how to listen. This old artificer is clearly regretting that Wang Chen isn't worthy of this flame source. It's a waste of God's gift." Luo Zheng was secretly amused. "However, his worries are unnecessary. It's impossible for Wang Chen to refine the Astral Flame Source."
The ceremony to refine the flame source officially began. After a series of secret techniques, Wang Chen followed the old man's instructions and knelt in front of the altar. With a pure and sincere heart, he began to communicate with a trace of spirituality in the Astral Flame Source and tamed it. As long as the Astral Flame Source acknowledged Wang Chen, it would automatically fly up and land on his body.
This flame source was very magical. Once it was collected, the temperature of the flame source would not cause any harm to the person who collected it. In a battle, it could even be used as an attack. Its power was extremely powerful.
Time passed slowly. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Wang Chen and the Astral Flame Source in the jade box.
A quarter of an hour, half an hour … Soon, two hours had passed. The Astral Flame Source did not move at all, but the temperature in the square was getting higher and higher.
"What's going on? I've asked around. Normally, it would only take an hour to refine the flame source. Is Wang Chen not sincere enough?"
"Perhaps the quality of this flame source is much higher than ordinary ones. That's why it's so difficult to refine."
Some people began to discuss in low voices. Some people with low cultivation could not withstand the high temperature and could only retreat far away.
Another hour passed, and more and more people began to discuss. Some people even revealed looks of disdain.
The members of the Wang family also had ugly expressions. If Wang Chen failed today, the Wang family would become the laughing stock of Green Rock City.
The white-haired old man also revealed an impatient look. He looked at Wang Chen, who was kneeling on the ground and sweating profusely. "It seems that this kid's talent is too poor. He can't communicate with the spirituality of the flame source. That's good too. Otherwise, it would be a waste of such a good flame source."
However, since he was paid to do so, the old man did not want to interrupt him. He could only wait patiently and let Wang Chen give up.
Wang Nian was overjoyed when he saw this scene. He looked at Luo Zheng, who had a calm expression on his face. "Brother Luo Zheng was right. Wang Chen can't become a weapon refiner."
Chapter 28
Obtaining the Stellar Fire Source
Wang Chen knelt on the ground. The scorching heat made him sweat profusely, and his energy was greatly depleted.
After all, Wang Chen was only at the Bone Tempering Stage, and he was kneeling in front of the altar, closest to the Stellar Fire Source, so the heat he endured was also the highest.
For more than two hours, no matter how hard he tried, he could not sense the Stellar Fire Source's spirituality. The fire source lay quietly in the Frost Jade Set, motionless.
"It moved!"
His heart was already dead, but he did not expect the fire source to jump slightly at this moment.
"What's going on? I did not touch the fire source. Why did it move? "
Wang Chen was delighted, but then confused.
The other Wang Family members did not know what was going on. Seeing the fire source jump, they could not help but become excited.
The clansmen who supported Wang Chen breathed a sigh of relief. Many of them turned to look at Wang Zhanghai with mocking expressions.
"Looks like the position of Family Head is going to change hands!"
Once Wang Chen obtained the Stellar Fire Source, Changhai's position as Family Head would come to an end. He would definitely be replaced by Wang Chen's father.
When Wang Zhanghai saw this, the last shred of hope in his heart was extinguished. A desolate smile appeared on his face as he slowly stood up from his seat as the family head. He walked to Wang Nian's side and said, "Wang Nian, pack up tomorrow and return to the Five Beasts Army. Do not return to the clan for the time being."
As he spoke, Wang Changhai looked at Luo Zheng and said, "Nephew Luo, I will now enter the ancestral hall and resign from my position as Family Head. I will not interfere in the clan's affairs in the future. After I lose my power, if Wang Nian stays in the clan, he will definitely be bullied. He is young and full of vigor, and will not be able to take it. Nephew Luo is brimming with talent and will definitely achieve great things in the future. I hope that you will help me take care of Wang Nian in the future. I will be eternally grateful. "
With that, Wang Changhai slowly walked towards the ancestral hall.
"A bunch of ingrates!"
Wang Nian's face was filled with resentment as he said, "Our Wang family used to be a nobody in Green Rock City. After my father became the head of the family, he worked hard to make the city prosper and secure our position as the number one family in Green Rock City. Because of this, my father never married until fifteen years ago. When my mother gave birth to me, she was already close to the age of a king. Otherwise, how could I be her only child? Now, for the sake of Wang Chen, the Wang family has completely forgotten my father's contributions and wants to strip him of his position as the family head. How hateful! "
"Haha, don't worry. They won't be happy for long. No one can take away Uncle Wang's position."
Luo Zheng revealed a mocking smile. With a thought, the Astral Flame Source on the altar pulsed even more intensely.
In truth, seven days ago, Luo Zheng had already used the Heart Refining Technique in the secret chamber of the Wang Family's treasury to erase the spirituality of the Stellar Fire Source. He had also refined a strand of his consciousness into the Stellar Fire Source.
The Astral Fire Source had long been in his bag.
However, the Stellar Fire Source was the family heirloom of the Wang family. If he had taken it back then, even if he could hide it from the Wang family's second elder and Wang Changhai, it would have been discovered and would have brought about great trouble.
Therefore, Luo Zheng resisted the temptation of immediately obtaining the Stellar Fire Source and thought of a safer method. Since it could help Wang Nian and his son defeat Wang Chen and keep their position as the family head, it could also allow them to obtain the Stellar Fire Source without any repercussions.
And now, it was time to implement it.
"Look, it's a success. The Stellar Fire Source is moving towards Wang Chen."
"Hahaha, our Wang family actually produced a weapon refiner. In the future, even those first-rate families will come to our Wang family if they want to refine magic weapons."
"It's really the blessing of our ancestors!"
Seeing the yellowish-gray Stellar Fire Source slowly float up from the cold jade box and fly towards Wang Chen, all of the Wang family members were extremely excited.
Sitting in his seat, Zhong Xiong also revealed a rare expression of joy. Although the Zhong family was a first-rate family, they did not have their own weapon refiner. The number of magic weapons in the family was extremely small. Although he was a genius of the Zhong family, he did not have the qualifications to obtain a magic weapon.
"After cousin Wang Chen becomes a weapon refiner, I must first ask him to refine a magic weapon for me. I think he won't refuse, right?"
Zhong Xiong thought happily. Among the Zhong family members, there were many experts who had reached the Blood Tempering Realm and even the Marrow Changing Realm who did not have their own magic weapons.
…
"How can this be? I clearly did not communicate with the Stellar Fire Source's spirituality, let alone taming it. There must be a problem here."
While everyone else was wild with joy, Wang Chen's heart was filled with fear and unease.
Seeing the Stellar Fire Source fly towards him for no reason and the terrifying heat coming closer and closer, he could not help but tremble.
Whoosh —!
Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, the Stellar Fire Source suddenly increased its speed and shot towards Wang Chen.
This change was extremely sudden and many people could not react in time.
Wang Chen was even more horrified. Feeling the arrival of death, he suddenly jumped up from the ground and quickly retreated.
However, he had already exhausted all of his strength under the high temperature. Now, his limbs were weak and he staggered and fell to the ground before he could even take a few steps back.
Pfft!
The Stellar Fire Source was like a rocket, fiercely shooting into Wang Chen's chest. The terrifying heat instantly ignited his skin and muscles. The flames quickly spread throughout his body and even set his hair on fire.
The temperature of the Stellar Fire Source was so terrifying that it could even refine some extremely tough metal. How could Wang Chen, who was only in the Bone Tempering Realm, resist it?
Ahhhh!
Wang Chen became a man on fire, constantly letting out heart-wrenching cries.
"How can this be!"
Everyone was stunned. Their faces were filled with horror and disbelief.
"Quickly save him!"
Waves of anxious cries came from all around. Several powerful Wang Family members all shot towards Wang Chen.
After the Stellar Fire Source burned through Wang Chen's body, it fell to the ground and burned a finger-sized hole in the rocky ground. It drilled into the ground and disappeared.
The flames on Wang Chen's body were finally extinguished. However, in a short period of time, he was burned beyond recognition. His black hair was completely burned away, and his chest was badly mutilated. He had turned into a piece of charcoal.
"Sigh, the quality of this Stellar Fire Source is extremely good and its spirituality is amazing. Wang Chen's talent in refining is too poor and he could not tame it. He tried to forcefully take the Stellar Fire Source, which aroused the Stellar Fire Source's ferocity. After injuring him, it fled. In short, fortune is determined by the heavens. Nothing can be forced. This old man is also powerless. I will take my leave first. "
The white-haired refiner sighed, shook his head, and left the Wang Family Mansion.
Now that Wang Chen was seriously injured and the Stellar Fire Source drilled into the ground, there was no need to say anything.
"Haha, I said that Wang Chen will never become a refiner. Do you believe me now? Alright, the show is over. Why don't you go find Uncle Wang and tell him that he doesn't need to resign from his position as the Family Head? "
Luo Zheng winked at the dumbfounded Wang Nian, then turned and left, walking towards his own courtyard.
"Luo Zheng is really amazing!"
Wang Nian finally reacted. He glanced at Luo Zheng's unfathomable back and hurriedly walked into the Wang Family Ancestral Hall.
The guests who came to observe the ceremony all left. Some were regretful, while others were gloating. The celebration banquet that was originally prepared was canceled, leaving behind only a mess.
However, Zhong Xiong did not leave. Instead, he stayed in the courtyard that the Wang Family had arranged for him. It was extremely close to Luo Zheng's courtyard.
Night fell and the silver moon hung high in the sky like a plate. The silver moonlight shone on the Wang Family Mansion.
Luo Zheng sat in his room with an exhausted expression. A yellowish-grey fire source the size of a thumb danced between his five fingers like a lively little elf.
"The Stellar Fire Source, this is my first fire source. I never thought that I would become a refiner. If mother and sister knew, they would be so happy! Furthermore, after becoming a refiner, I won't have to worry about not having enough pills to cultivate. I have to quickly raise my cultivation level and save father. "
He muttered to himself as a joyful smile appeared on his face.
In the Hundred Battles Dynasty, weapon refiners were highly respected. Even if they could only refine low-grade magic tools, they could still earn tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of taels of gold. It was enough for his mother and sister to live a life of luxury and luxury.
What's more, Luo Zheng possessed the Through Heaven Record. In the future, his achievements in refining were almost limitless!
It turned out that when Luo Zheng was refining the star fire source in the Wang Family's storehouse, he had discovered that he could use his Divine Sense to control the movement of the star fire source. When he thought about how Wang Chen was going to perform the ceremony to collect the star fire source, he had a sudden inspiration and decided on a plan. That was why he had burrowed into the ground after burning Wang Chen.
This kind of plan, unless there was a martial artist with a powerful consciousness who discovered that someone was using their consciousness to control the Stellar Fire Source, otherwise it would be impossible to see through.
Unfortunately, no one was able to discover that Luo Zheng possessed the power of his consciousness. He could control the Stellar Fire Source, penetrate the ground, and obtain this fire source without anyone noticing.
"This method of mental cultivation is indeed incomparably magical. Otherwise, it would be impossible to control the fire source to advance and retreat at will. It could also silently penetrate the ground. In the future, if used properly, it can be used to kill people and take their lives. It is simply impossible to guard against. In battle, if the opponent is not on guard and suddenly uses it, it is also an excellent trump card. Unfortunately, it cannot be used without limit. "
Luo Zheng pondered for a while, feeling more and more magical about the mental cultivation method.
Unfortunately, this time, Luo Zheng also discovered that controlling the movement of the fire source consumed a great deal of his Spiritual Sense, especially when traveling underground. It was even more exhausting. This time, it was only a few thousand feet. He had to rest twice before he finally moved the Stellar Fire Source to the courtyard.
Moreover, when penetrating the ground, he needed to constantly consume the power of the Stellar Fire Source to refine the soil and rocks. If he continued to penetrate the ground, he would sooner or later exhaust the power of the Stellar Fire Source, causing it to completely dissipate.
After a while, Luo Zheng put away the Stellar Fire Source and fell into deep thought.
"This time, Wang Chen did not become a weapon refiner. Logically speaking, the Wang family has no demands on Zhong Xiong. However, not only did he not leave, he even stayed in the Wang family. He must be planning to deal with me. Zhong Xiong's abilities are far inferior to mine. If he wants to deal with me, he will have to use the Zhong family. According to the information that Wang Nian gathered, there should be two Blood Tempering Realm experts in Zhong Xiong's entourage. According to the academy's rules, he definitely wouldn't dare to make a move on me openly. There's only one possibility, and that is that he'll make a move on me while I'm rushing back to the academy! "
"Originally, if I refined the Thunder Metal into an Immortal Weapon, I could exchange it for a large amount of elixirs to raise my cultivation to the Blood Tempering Realm. However, now that the break ends and there are only five days left, it is impossible to refine an Immortal Weapon and successfully exchange it for elixirs to raise my cultivation. Moreover, before the break ends, I have to rush back to the Five Beasts Army. Otherwise, I will be seen as a deserter. It seems that the only way now is to refine the Blue Fire Crystal and condense it into a Heavenly Sword. "
Luo Zheng thought of a countermeasure. His expression kept changing, and he was somewhat hesitant.
After all, the Blue Fire Crystal was only one of the materials used to refine the Heavenly Sword. It could only be used to refine the prototype of one of the 81 Heavenly Swords.
Chapter 29
Condensing Sword
However, Luo Zheng had no other choice but to give it a try.
Walking out of the room, Luo Zheng instructed the two maids and returned to his room.
Then, he carefully recalled the method of condensing the Heavenly Sword in the Heavenly Record and took out the Blue Fire Crystal.
In fact, condensing the 81 Heavenly Swords was not difficult. Previously, the Spirit Sword Heavenly Lord had already refined the 81 Heavenly Swords and derived the 81 Sword Souls.
As long as he could find the corresponding materials, after refining and integrating the sword movement, he could condense the sword into a treasure sword.
Having made up his mind, Luo Zheng no longer hesitated. The yellow-gray Star Fire Source wrapped the fist-sized Blue Fire Crystal and suspended it in the air, refining it little by little.
If any weapon refiner saw this scene at this time, they would be shocked. The Star Fire Source wrapped the Blue Fire Crystal, and in the process of continuous burning, there was no excess heat leakage. In the whole room, there was no change in the temperature.
This kind of fire control technique could be said to be superb. It did not consume any of the power of the Fire Source. It was impossible for any weapon refiner in the Hundred Battles Dynasty to achieve this. Perhaps Luo Zheng was the only one in the world who could use the Heart Tempering Technique, the Heart Tempering Spirit Design, to achieve this.
However, Luo Zheng did not know what he was doing at this time, how shocking it was. There was no expression on his face, he had been concentrating on refining the Blue Fire Crystal.
The sky outside the room gradually brightened.
Luo Zheng was still refining the Blue Fire Crystal.
"It seems that this Blue Fire Crystal can indeed be called a treasure of heaven and earth. The power of the Star Fire Source is already extremely amazing, but in one night, only half of it has been refined. It seems that to completely refine this Blue Fire Crystal, it will take at least until sunset. "
Luo Zheng sighed in amazement. Previously, he had tried to use the Star Fire Source to burn the steel sword that had been broken the last time. The result was that in less than 50 breaths of time, the steel sword that had been forged a hundred times had melted into molten iron.
The Heart Refinement Method was accidentally obtained by the Spirit Sword Empyrean a million years ago. In the Through Heaven Record, the Empyrean was also vague about the origin of this method.
However, this Heart Refinement Technique was indeed profound. The control of the fire source could be said to have reached the microscopic level. It only required a powerful Divine Sense to support it.
If not for the remnant energy of the sword soul in the Heavenly Sword Formation opening up a sea of consciousness for Luo Zheng, he would not have been able to use it even if he had the Heart Tempering Technique.
However, the Heart Refinement Technique also had an extremely great drawback. Once the Divine Sense Strength was exhausted, it would completely lose its effect.
After noon, Luo Zheng also gradually felt that he could not hold on any longer. A deep sense of weariness arose in his mind.
Continuously using his Divine Sense for fourteen to fourteen hours had consumed a lot of his energy.
"I can't give up. If I stop halfway, the blue fire crystals that have been refined will definitely return to the solid state. Everything will have to start all over again. There are only a few days left before the end of the season break. I don't have time to start all over again!"
Luo Zheng thought in his heart. On his chiseled face, there was a determined look. He bit his tongue hard.
Under the fierce impact of the sharp pain, Luo Zheng's spirit was refreshed. His originally blurred eyes suddenly became fierce.
In this way, every time he felt that he could not hold on any longer, he would bite his tongue hard. He used the sharp pain to stimulate himself and stay awake.
The sun was setting in the west. Luo Zheng's tongue was already covered with deep teeth marks. He did not even need to bite his tongue. The sharp pain would come continuously.
"It's done!"
At night, Luo Zheng's surprised voice came from the room.
The blue fire crystal had been completely refined into a liquid form. The crystal blue liquid was flowing in the air like a small wave in a clear stream. It was crystal clear and dreamy.
Suddenly, the 81 Heavenly Swords in Luo Zheng's Spirit Sea began to vibrate violently. A blue sword with a long, narrow body and beautiful lines, like a deep sea fish, flew out of the Spirit Sea.
Whoosh!
The Sword Spirit instantly wrapped around the crystal blue liquid and spun rapidly in the air.
Not long after, a two feet long, three centimeters thick crystal blue sword fell into Luo Zheng's hands.
This sword was extremely strange. It did not have a hilt, a sword guard, or any decorative patterns. The sword ridge was like a fish's back, slightly raised. It felt like a piece of iron.
The first Heavenly Sword was condensed. Although it was only a sword embryo and could not be considered a real Heavenly Sword, it was already showing off its ability!
"Blue Separation Sword!"
The moment the sword fell into his hands, Luo Zheng's heart suddenly felt connected to the sword. The sword in his hand was like a branch of his life. It was as if he could feel its joy, anger, sorrow, and joy.
"What a sharp sword. Even a high-grade mortal level sword forged with refined steel is not a part of this sword."
Luo Zheng could feel that the Blue Separation Sword in his hand was trembling and emitting a faint buzzing sound, as if it was expressing its fighting spirit!
A peerless sword that had been covered in dust for a million years could not wait to show its ability to kill and drink blood!
"Don't worry, it won't be long before the blood of experts is delivered to my door."
Luo Zheng muttered, as if he was telling himself and also comforting the sword in his hand.
Bang bang bang!
"Brother Luo Zheng, are you alright?"
At this moment, Wang Nian's voice came from outside.
"Looks like I was too careless. When I forge weapons in the future, I must find a secret place. Otherwise, if I am disturbed at a critical moment, I'm afraid my mind will be damaged and my Spirit Sea will be greatly affected. Fortunately, this damn fatty came a little late. Otherwise, I would have been injured. "
With a thought, Luo Zheng's Blue Separation Sword turned into a ray of blue light and flew directly from the top of his head into his Spirit Sea.
"Fatty, why are you looking for me?" Luo Zheng opened the door and asked with a smile.
"I've come to look for you three times. The two maidservants said that you ordered no one to disturb you and that you didn't eat or drink for an entire day. I thought that you had become an immortal and naturally came to take a look."
Wang Nian looked Luo Zheng up and down and said with a smile.
"It would have been better if you didn't mention it. Now that you mention it, I am indeed a little hungry."
Luo Zheng had been refining the Blue Fire Crystal for an entire day and night without drinking a drop of water. He was also extremely hungry.
After a full meal, Luo Zheng looked at Wang Nian and said, "There are still four days before the end of the autumn break. I plan to leave Green Rock City tonight and return to the Five Beast Army. On the way back, I can also stroll around the other cities."
"Alright, I'll let my father know tonight. We'll leave early tomorrow morning." Wang Nian nodded and said.
"You don't have to accompany me. Uncle Wang needs your support now. You have to make good use of your time to cultivate. I estimate that you will be able to enter the Bone Forging Realm in a few days. Therefore, you should stay. "Luo Zheng shook his head and said.
Luo Zheng had decided to leave early because he didn't want to travel with Wang Nian. This time, Zhong Xiong would definitely not let go of this opportunity to return to the Five Beast Army. He would definitely get the two Blood Tempering Realm warriors to attack him.
At the moment, Luo Zheng still didn't know how powerful the Blue Fire Sword was and whether he could protect himself. Furthermore, he still had to divert some of his energy to protect Wang Nian.
Letting Wang Nian travel with him would only cause him to lose his life.
Furthermore, there was another reason. Luo Zheng guessed that Zhong Xiong would definitely not expect him to decide to return to the Five Beast Army four days early. He would definitely be caught off guard and this would give Luo Zheng an advantage.
"That's good too. I also want to spend more time with my father. Although Wang Chen was severely injured and lost the Stellar Fire Source, Zhong Xiong has already expressed his support for Wang Chen's father to take over the position of family head. Therefore, many of the clan members are still wavering."
After this experience, Wang Nian had become much calmer and more mature.
After he finished speaking, Wang Nian thought of something and looked gravely at Luo Zheng. He said, "That's right, Xiao Han has been in seclusion for a month in order to break through to the Blood Tempering Realm. The end of our season break is also about the time he comes out of seclusion. After the end of the season break, the Blood Refinement Test will begin. The Blood Refinement Test is extremely dangerous. You can't not participate. I'm worried that Xiao Han will attack you during the Blood Refinement Test. "
"Don't worry. Although Xiao Han has taken the Yuan Pill, he might not be able to enter the Blood Tempering Realm. He might even fail to break through."
Luo Zheng smiled faintly and comforted Wang Nian.
If Luo Zheng could safely return to the Five Beast Army camp this time, he wouldn't have to worry about Xiao Han breaking through to the Blood Tempering Realm.
"That's right. What is the Blood Refinement Test?"
Luo Zheng hadn't been in the Five Beast Army for long and had come from a humble background. His luck wasn't as good as Wang Nian's, so he didn't know much about the Five Beast Army.
Wang Nian explained.
Originally, the Five Beast Army would conduct two assessments every year. Because there would always be casualties during each assessment, it had gradually become known as the Blood Refining Assessment.
The Blood Refinement Test was held once in the spring and once in the autumn.
All the soldiers of the Five Beast Army had to participate in every test. The army had also set some standards for this test.
Those who couldn't meet the minimum requirements of the Blood Refinement Test would be expelled from the Five Beast Army. Those who performed well in the Blood Refinement Test would receive corresponding rewards. The rewards for the Blood Refinement Test were extremely plentiful. There were superior human-level elixirs like the Yuan Pill, superior human-level martial arts techniques, and even Dharma weapons.
Furthermore, the rewards for the Blood Refinement Test weren't the greatest benefits of the Blood Refinement Test.
The real benefits were the rewards obtained from the Blood Refinement Test.
It was said that during each Blood Refinement Test, the War Emperor would open up the mystic areas of the royal family, the treasured lands of destroyed sects, or the ancient graveyard. These places would be used as test grounds.
Although this kind of test ground contained great danger, there were also many invisible opportunities within.
In the test grounds, one could obtain all kinds of elixirs, high-level Dharma weapons, treasured weapons, and even earth-level martial arts techniques. These weren't considered much.
After each test, there would often be unknown soldiers whose cultivation would improve by leaps and bounds. They would amaze everyone and even trample on the heads of the famous geniuses in the army.
Legend had it that during one of the Blood Refinement Tests, someone had even obtained the complete inheritance of an ancient almighty in the ancient graveyard. He had become an unparalleled strong practitioner whose cultivation was second only to the War Emperor.
This legendary figure was the most dazzling of the three kings with different surnames. He was the Holy Martial King, Hong Shenji.
"Holy Martial King, Hong Shenji!"
Luo Zheng murmured Hong Shenji's name. His eyes shone with a yearning light.
Late at night, Luo Zheng carried the leather bag and the thousand-refined steel sword that Changhai Wang had given him. He left the Wang Family Mansion and shot out of Green Rock City.
"Young Master, that Luo Zheng has already left the Wang Family Mansion. Zhong Qi has already followed him," a man dressed as a guard said as he entered Zhong Xiong's room.
"Hmph, that Luo Zheng is indeed cunning. He actually tried to escape when I wasn't paying attention. Zhong Mang, Zhong Shi, come with me to kill him. "
As soon as Zhong Xiong finished speaking, two middle-aged men appeared in a flash. The two of them emitted a powerful aura. They were clearly Blood Tempering Realm experts who had already derived their true qi.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Chapter 30
The Pursuit
Luo Zheng left Green Rock City. His figure was like a monkey. With a few leaps, he entered the dense forest.
His figure paused, and he turned around to take a look. He saw that the middle-aged man had also jumped down from the city wall, and he couldn't help but smile. Then, he took large strides and flew away.
The middle-aged man following behind Luo Zheng was Zhong Qi, the captain of the Zhong Clan's guards. He had already reached the Membrane Forging Realm.
"That brat is only at the Membrane Forging realm. Although his talent is astonishing for him to have such accomplishments at the age of fourteen, he has only cultivated for a few years. How much strength can he have? Young master actually said that I can only follow him and not attack him. Isn't he being too careful?"
Zhong Qi followed behind Luo Zheng, leaving behind marks along the way. Although he was dissatisfied with Zhong Xiong's orders, he didn't dare to disobey the rules of the Noble Clans.
Luo Zheng's feet did not stop moving. His Spiritual Sense was also completely released. Even the rustling of the grass within a radius of a thousand feet around him could not escape his ears.
"They're here!"
Suddenly, his ears twitched and starlight flashed in his eyes. He had already sensed that three figures were chasing after him at high speed.
In a short while, he had already caught up to the person following him.
"Zhong Qi, you've done well. Once you kill Luo Zheng, this Young Master will reward you handsomely!"
Zhong Xiong caught up with Huang Xiaolong. Seeing Luo Zheng's figure, Zhong Xiong's face turned ferocious as he sneered and shouted, "Luo Zheng, you lowly race, you were so insolent last time in the training field. Today, I'll let you suffer all the torture in the world and then cut you into pieces!"
"Hahaha, Brother Zhong, do you want me to see your Eagle Claw again? It's a pity that you are too weak. I have no interest in bullying you. "Luo Zheng curled his lips. His feet moved even faster as he continued to scheme in his heart.
He could feel the terrifying aura of the two middle-aged men beside Zhong Xiong.
They must be in the Blood Tempering Realm!
"Young Master, this young man's strength is only so-so. Why bother Zhong Mang and Zhong Shi? I can easily take care of him. Let me serve Young Master!"
Zhong Qi was eager to perform meritorious deeds. Before he finished speaking, he had already sped out with all his might, chasing after Luo Zheng at lightning speed.
"Idiot, since you don't listen to me and want to die, don't blame me for not warning you."
Zhong Xiong furrowed his brows, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Even Zhao Feng, who was one of the top Film Forging Realm soldiers in the Five Beast Army, had been defeated by Luo Zheng. Although Zhong Qi had some strength, how could he be Luo Zheng's match?
However, Zhong Xiong did not stop him. There were many guards like Zhong Qi in the Zhong family. No matter how many of them died, he would not feel any heartache.
Only those who had reached the Blood Tempering Realm and above were the true elites of first-rate families!
On the other hand, Zhong Mang and Zhong Shi wore indifferent expressions. They strolled leisurely as if they were taking a stroll in the park. Their gazes were filled with disdain.
The Body Tempering Realm had a total of nine ranks. The difference between the first five ranks and the last four ranks was like heaven and earth.
The first five ranks of the Body Tempering Realm focused on strengthening the body. No matter how strong one's strength was, it could not surpass the limits of the body.
Only after entering the last four ranks of the Blood Tempering Realm, Marrow Changing Realm, Viscera Refining Realm, and Viscera Consolidating Realm. Only then would one truly step onto the martial path. Condensing True Qi and strengthening one's organs would increase one's strength by tenfold!
Only after entering the Blood Tempering Realm would one truly reach the next rank!
Even the difference of a small rank represented a merciless suppression!
A normal Blood Tempering Realm martial artist could easily kill ten Film Forging Realm experts working together.
Because of this, Zhong Mang and Zhong Shi did not put Luo Zheng in their eyes at all.
"Chasing Wind Steps!"
Zhong Qi gave a harsh laugh. His feet moved as if he were walking on the wind as he rushed towards Luo Zheng. In an instant, he was behind him.
Chasing Wind Steps was a Human-tier inferior-grade martial art. Although its grade was not high, it was a rare movement martial art. It was extremely fast. In an instant, Zhong Qi's large hand reached out behind Luo Zheng and abruptly grabbed his back. "Brat, I advise you to obediently allow yourself to be captured!"
"Die!"
With a soft shout, Zhong Qi did not even have the time to shield Luo Zheng. Luo Zheng turned around, but a sword light had already enveloped him.
Whoosh!
The Thousand Refined Steel Sword pierced through Zhong Qi's head, turning him into a corpse in an instant.
"Damn it, this bastard is only fourteen years old. How can he have such terrifying strength?" Zhong Xiong's face was pale as he was overwhelmed with shock.
"Lightning Spike!"
"This kid actually cultivated Lightning Spike to such a level. His talent is amazing!"
Seeing Luo Zheng's sword strike, the shock on Zhong Mang and Zhong Shi's faces disappeared in a flash.
"Alright, don't make any more meaningless struggles! Just give up and let me capture you! "
Whoosh whoosh! Zhong Mang and Zhong Shi looked at each other. They leaped into the air and covered the distance of several hundred feet in just two leaps. They stood in front of Luo Zheng and behind him, blocking him in the middle. Their voices were cold.
"The Blood Tempering Realm has already developed True Qi. Although you can't really walk in the air, your speed is indeed amazing. You are three times faster than me."
Luo Zheng sucked in a breath of cold air, secretly shocked.
This was a true Blood Tempering Realm warrior. Compared to the puppet beasts in the training ground, they were many times stronger. They could not be compared at all. The beasts could only rely on their powerful physical strength and natural instincts to attack. Warriors, on the other hand, could practice martial arts and unleash the full power of their True Qi.
"Hahaha, Luo Zheng, why aren't you running? Why aren't you running?"
At that moment, Zhong Xiong had caught up and was staring at Luo Zheng with a sinister smile.
"Run? Why should I run? Zhong Xiong, you have used the power of your family to kill me. You have already broken the rules of the Five Beast Army. If the military instructors know about this, you will not be able to escape death! "
Luo Zheng narrowed his eyes and said coldly.
"Hahaha, you bastard. You are so naive. You are going to die today. Who else will know about this? Who else is here? Hahahaha! "
Zhong Xiong laughed maniacally. He had nothing to fear. Even if the news spread, there was no evidence. No one could do anything to him.
"Alright, there's no need to struggle. I know that you have obtained many benefits in the training ground. Hand them over now and I will let you suffer less! "
Zhong Xiong smiled sinisterly, greed in his eyes. He crossed his arms and looked down at Luo Zheng. "Also, hand over the Qiankun Gourd that you obtained from Zhao Feng!"
"We will talk about it after you have your life!"
Luo Zheng's eyes turned cold. His body flashed and the sword in his hand suddenly stabbed towards Zhong Xiong's face.
The cold air and the whistling of the wind made one's hair stand on end.
This sword was as fast as lightning and almost impossible to react to. The smile on Zhong Xiong's face turned into fear, as if he was about to suffocate.
If this sword pierced through, Zhong Xiong would die without a doubt.
"How dare you!"
Zhong Mang and Zhong Shi's faces turned cold. They had not expected Luo Zheng to fight like a cornered beast. They were instantly enraged.
"Eagle Claw Skill!"
Zhong Shi's eyes turned cold. White True Qi surged out of his body and condensed into a giant eagle claw that grabbed at Luo Zheng's sword.
Hiss! Hiss!
The air was torn apart as the True Energy Eagle Claw tore the space apart. It grabbed the long sword and twisted it.
Crack! Crack!
The True Qi of the Blood Tempering Realm was already shockingly strong. Its toughness was comparable to that of ten thousand refined steel. However, it had twisted the sword made of thousand refined steel into two.
"Winding Snake Skill!"
At the same time, Zhong Mang sneered. His body was like a snake, slithering silently. Without Luo Zheng noticing, Zhong Mang had already appeared behind him. His hand was like a venomous snake's fangs, ruthlessly grabbing at the back of Luo Zheng's neck.
Seeing this scene, Zhong Xiong and Zhong Shi revealed a sinister smile.
Zhong Mang's Winding Snake Skill was impossible to guard against. Even a cultivator of the same realm would find it difficult to guard against it, not to mention Luo Zheng. This time, even if he didn't die, he would be seriously injured!
However, when Zhong Mang's hand grabbed at Luo Zheng's neck, he suddenly let out a blood-curdling scream.
What his hand grabbed wasn't Luo Zheng's neck, but a ball of yellowish-gray flame the size of a thumb.
A terrifying heat was emitted, causing the air to distort from the heat.
"Astral Fire Source! So you're the culprit. No wonder Wang Chen failed to obtain the fire source. How did you get the Astral Fire Source?! "
Zhong Xiong's eyes widened as he let out a scream. He stared at Luo Zheng as if he had seen a ghost.
That day, everyone had seen the Astral Fire Source burn the ground and burrow into the ground. They had never imagined that this fire source was actually controlled by Luo Zheng. This method was extremely strange.
"Save me, Young Master, Zhong Shi, please save me!"
The Astral Fire Source was like a maggot that wrapped around Zhong Mang's hand. His fingers were melting at a speed visible to the naked eye. No matter what method he used, he couldn't get rid of the Astral Fire Source. He could only use his True Qi to resist the flames.
However, if this continued, Zhong Mang's Green Qi would be exhausted, and he would definitely be burned into a ball of black ash!
"Hmph, Zhong Xiong, I will definitely return to the Five Beast Army and report what you have done today to the instructor. If you have any questions, you can ask them when the time comes!"
How could Luo Zheng allow Zhong Xiong to free up his hands to save a Blood Tempering stage expert after much difficulty? He coldly chuckled as he turned around and madly fled.
Luo Zheng didn't believe that a young master from a wealthy family like Zhong Xiong would risk his life to save someone else!
As expected!
"This Luo Zheng's martial talent is extremely shocking. He can even master the Lightning Piercer to such an extent. He is a rare genius. We can't let him live! We have to kill Luo Zheng. We can't let him leave. Zhong Shi, let's kill him first. It won't be too late to save Zhong Mang later. He should be able to hold on for a while longer! "
Zhong Xiong's face was ferocious as he shouted sternly.
"Brat, how dare you use underhanded means to harm others. Die now!"
Zhong Shi gritted his teeth, his eyes spitting fire. His True Qi clawed out and flew towards Luo Zheng's back.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The claw was as sharp as an eagle's claw. It was as if it wanted to tear Luo Zheng in half.
The gap between the Blood Tempering Realm and the Film Refining Realm was huge. True Qi attacks were like arrows. It wasn't something a Film Refining Realm cultivator could dodge.
In an instant, the claw was only a few feet away from Luo Zheng's back.
This attack was as fast as an arrow. When it entered Luo Zheng's Sword Master Space, it was completely visible to his Spiritual Sense.
It wasn't as if he couldn't dodge it.
However, he didn't manage to dodge the claw attack in the end.
Puff!
Although Luo Zheng's reaction was extremely fast and he dodged, one of the sharp claws of True Qi still fiercely scraped his body, leaving three deep wounds that were so deep that his bones could be seen. Blood gushed out as if it was free.
Luo Zheng was sent flying by the claw attack. He landed thirty meters away, blood gushing out of his mouth.
Then, the two claw-shaped True Qi clawed at two trees that were so thick that it would take five or six people to wrap their arms around them, and then they disappeared.
The strength of a Blood Tempering Realm cultivator was truly terrifying.
"Hahaha! Let's see where you can run this time!"
Chapter 31
The Humble Man and the Dog
"Young Master, Luo Zheng's internal organs have been ruptured by my Genuine Qi. It's impossible for him to escape. I'll go and help Zhong Mang put out the fire!"
Zhong Shi glanced at Luo Zheng and said as he ran toward Zhong Mang.
Zhong Shi and Zhong Mang were both orphans raised by the Zhong Family. They grew up together and were as close as brothers. Naturally, they did not want to see each other suffer the pain of being burned by the fire.
Moreover, the Astral Fire Source was not like last time, where it left after touching Wang Chen's body. Instead, it was attached to Zhong Mang's body and kept burning. Its power was terrifying. In less than ten breaths, Zhong Mang's Genuine Qi was exhausted and his entire palm was burned.
Zhong Xiong nodded slightly with a sneer on his face. He slowly walked toward Luo Zheng.
When he got closer, he saw that Luo Zheng's face was pale and his breath was weak. Blood was constantly flowing out of his wounds and mouth. He was relieved.
"A bastard from a humble family dares to go against me. You really don't know what's good for you!" Zhong Xiong sneered. He was in an extremely good mood.
"You should be the one who doesn't know what's good for you. Brother Zhong, you've been fooled!"
Suddenly, Luo Zheng's eyes opened, and a mocking smile appeared on his face as he slowly stood up.
"You … How can you be fine!"
Zhong Xiong's body trembled. His body suddenly turned cold. Fear rose in his heart as if he felt that death was approaching.
Zhong Shi was already hundreds of feet away. It was impossible for him to rescue Wang Chen in time.
"You want to kill me with just a piece of trash like you?"
Luo Zheng smiled disdainfully.
It turned out that Luo Zheng's attack was completely within his plan. After the claw-shaped Genuine Qi entered the range of the Sword Master Space, Luo Zheng clearly saw the claw-shaped Genuine Qi's speed, attack angle, and power.
It seemed like a heavy blow had hit his body. In fact, it only scratched his skin. Zhong Shi's Genuine Qi did not hurt his internal organs.
The blood that gushed out of his mouth was also an illusion that he had purposely bitten his tongue.
However, in order to trick Zhong Xiong, Luo Zheng had also paid a huge price. The three deep wounds on his body were so deep that his bones could be seen. The pain was so excruciating that it almost penetrated his heart and lungs. This was a self-directed and self-staged show.
The reason why Zhong Shi and Zhong Xiong were fooled wasn't because they weren't smart enough. No one would have expected that Luo Zheng, who was only at the Film Forging Realm, would possess spiritual consciousness.
In the Sword Master Space, his perception had reached the Minute Subtlety Realm!
One had to know that if there was even the slightest error in the attack that he had received, it could have been life-threatening. There was absolutely no room for any mishap. If it wasn't for the Sword Master Space, he definitely wouldn't have dared to try it.
"Brother Zhong, I let you go last time. This time, you're courting death. You can't blame me. Die!"
A smile appeared on Luo Zheng's blood-stained face.
"Falling Star Fist!"
A punch that could cause stars to fall, a Fist Technique with shocking might, ruthlessly blasted out.
"What!? Falling Star Fist, this is a unique skill passed down in the Rong Manor. Its power is comparable to the Zhenyuan Marquis' Thousand Illusion Palm. How did you obtain such a unique skill!? "Zhong Xiong's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief.
"Go ask the Underworld!" Luo Zheng was too lazy to answer, and his punches became even more ferocious.
"Impossible, I, Zhong Xiong, am a genius of the Zhong Family. In the future, I will definitely be the head of the family. How can I die in the hands of a lowly person like you? As long as I can hold on for three breaths of time, Zhong Shi will kill you!"
Zhong Xiong's eyes spurted blood as he roared and punched out.
At this time, Zhong Shi also discovered the situation here and rushed over, but it was already too late.
The two fists collided!
Zhong Xiong let out a blood-curdling scream. His internal organs spurted blood as if they had been hammered by a heavy hammer. The bones in his arm exploded, splashing blood and flesh everywhere. The muscles on his entire arm were torn apart by the powerful force, like pieces of rotten cloth.
In one move, Zhong Xiong was seriously injured and fainted!
"Damned brat, I'll cut you into a thousand pieces!"
Zhong Shi roared, his body flying. When he was still dozens of feet away, claw-shaped true energy exploded, wanting to kill Luo Zheng on the spot.
"Haha, just kill. Let's see if your Young Master Zhong Xiong dies first, or if I die first."
Luo Zheng looked at Zhong Shi indifferently and lifted Zhong Xiong in front of him.
"Treacherous scoundrel! If you have the guts, fight me head on! "Zhong Shi was afraid of harming Zhong Xiong, so he could only give up. His eyes were fixed on Luo Zheng as he approached step by step.
"Treacherous? Bah, four of you, two Blood Tempering Realm experts, came to kill me, and you dare call me a scoundrel? " Luo Zheng's face was full of disdain as he jokingly said, "If you want to fight me head on, I'll give you a chance to fight me head on if you break your own arms and legs."
In the dark night, the mountain wind was like a knife.
Aside from the rustling of leaves and the whistling of the cold wind, there was only Zhong Mang's miserable shriek in the distance.
His entire forearm had already been burned by the Astral Fire Source. Soon, the flames would spread to his shoulders and above, burning his entire body to ashes.
However, Zhong Shi had no time to save Zhong Mang. He and Zhong Mang were the Zhong family's personal bodyguards to protect Zhong Xiong. If Zhong Xiong died, they, along with their wives and children in the Zhong family, would be buried with him!
"Even if you can escape today, you won't be able to escape the Zhong Clan's pursuit in the future!" Zhong Shi's eyes were filled with hatred as he said, "If you let my Young Master go, I'll spare your dog life. We'll pretend nothing happened!"
"Haha, that's a good condition. Then I'll give it to you!" Luo Zheng suddenly grinned and nodded in agreement.
"Ah! Is there something wrong with this brat's head? Or is he scheming something? "
Zhong Shi was stunned. He was only testing Luo Zheng's bottom line. He didn't expect him to agree.
Then, before Zhong Shi could react, Luo Zheng pushed Zhong Xiong toward him.
At the same time, Luo Zheng pounced and threw a Falling Star Punch at the back of Zhong Xiong's head. If it hit, Zhong Xiong's head would explode and he would die.
"Hmph, you think you're so smart. Can't you see that I've been approaching you?"
Zhong Shi saw this and couldn't help but sneer. Then, he moved and his tall body blocked Zhong Xiong behind him. His Genuine Qi surged out like waves and condensed into a giant eagle claw the size of a millstone. It grabbed at Luo Zheng viciously. "Die!"
"Die? Don't you know that I've been waiting for you to come closer? "
Luo Zheng raised his eyebrows and smiled triumphantly.
Chi!
The Lan Li Sword flew out from Luo Zheng's head and landed in his hand, emitting a cold light.
"…"
Before Zhong Shi could finish his words, the Lan Li Sword had already pierced through the Genuine Qi eagle claw like cutting tofu and pierced through his head!
The distance was too close and there was no way to dodge. This sword only took an instant!
Phew!
Luo Zheng heaved a sigh of relief. Looking at the Blue Separation Sword in his hand, he smiled. Every one of the 81 Heavenly Swords had earth-shattering power. Even a sword embryo was comparable to a magical artifact level divine weapon!
If it was only a mortal-grade weapon, it would be impossible to hurt Zhong Shi.
"Zhong Shi is dead! If you let me go, Luo Zheng, I can give you countless riches … "
Zhong Xiong slowly woke up and saw the corpse of Zhong Shi and the wailing Zhong Mang in the distance. His face was filled with despair and his body trembled.
Luo Zheng's eyes were indifferent. He didn't look at him and pierced his heart with the sword.
Although he was young, he knew that he couldn't let the tiger go back to the mountain.
After dealing with the injuries on his body and dealing with the dying Zhong Mang, Luo Zheng retrieved the Astral Fire Source. He took all the medicinal pills, gold notes, and other valuables from the three of them. After dealing with the corpses, he changed into a clean set of clothes and left.
"The Blue Glass Sword's power already gives me the ability to kill a Blood Tempering Realm martial artist. But if the opponent knows my trump card and doesn't fight me at close range, I'll only be able to protect myself at most."
Luo Zheng flew, summarizing the experience he had gained from this battle. He sped towards the capital of the Hundred Battles Dynasty.
The reason why Luo Zheng was heading to the capital of the Hundred Battles Dynasty was because he found a pill ticket on Zhong Xiong's body. It was a common pill ticket used in the Hundred Battles Dynasty. It could be exchanged for twenty Blood Nourishing Pills at the pill store of the Crane Immortal Market.
Before leaving this time, Luo Zheng gave the few pills he had left to Wang Nian. He only kept the black pill he had obtained in the trial field. His other purpose in going to the capital was to find an appraiser to appraise the effects of the black pill.
One day later, near evening, Luo Zheng arrived at the capital.
The capital of the Hundred Battles Dynasty was called the Imperial War City!
The city had a population of ten million. The city walls were as tall as a cliff. The entire city was built with golden steel and was incomparably wide. The area was larger than ten thousand Five Beast Army camps.
Luo Zheng stepped into the magnificent city gates. After asking for a while, he went directly to the Martial Market.
In the Hundred Battles Dynasty, martial arts prospered. Every city would have a Martial Market that specialized in martial cultivation resources. The business was extremely prosperous.
Luo Zheng was like an insignificant grain of sand when he entered.
The Immortal Crane Market was one of the most famous pill shops in the dynasty. There were countless branches. The owner of the Immortal Crane Market was the Imperial War Emperor's most trusted alchemist, the White Crane Marquis.
The pill ticket on Zhong Xiong was a common item without any markings. Luo Zheng was not worried. He went directly into the shop and found a shopkeeper. He took out the pill ticket and exchanged it.
The shopkeeper checked the pill ticket and asked Luo Zheng to wait for a moment while the shop assistant went to get the pills.
Luo Zheng thought for a while and asked the shopkeeper, "May I ask if your shop has Yuan Dan or other pills of the same level for sale?"
When the shopkeeper saw that Luo Zheng had taken out twenty Blood Nourishing Pills in one go, he knew that he must be a young master from a wealthy family. Naturally, he did not dare to be negligent.
"Young master, all pills of the upper grade need to be pre-ordered. Moreover, it takes a long time, at least half a year. May I know which family you are from? Why don't you tell me and we can make the appropriate arrangements based on the situation."
Although the shopkeeper spoke vaguely, Luo Zheng was not stupid. He understood the meaning behind his words.
Obviously, the higher one's background was, the shorter the time needed to pre-order the pills.
"At least half a year …" Luo Zheng frowned and said, "Shopkeeper, I'm the one who wanted this pill. I'm not from any aristocratic family, so I don't know if there's a faster way."
"What!"
Hearing this, the shopkeeper's face turned ugly. He looked at Luo Zheng with a scrutinizing gaze. His voice could not help but become louder, "You? If you are not from a wealthy family, then you must be from a humble family? Since you are from a humble family, where did you get your pill ticket? "
The Crane Immortal Market was the private property of the White Crane Marquis. Even if he was only a shopkeeper, his status was not low. Thinking that he was actually respectful to a kid from a humble family, the shopkeeper could not help but become angry.
"Hmm? What do you mean? "Luo Zheng was displeased. His voice was cold," I can't have a pill ticket just because I am from a humble family? Do I need to explain to you how I got my pill ticket? "
"Hmph, you really are a kid from a humble family. You don't know, right? Our Crane Immortal Market has always done business with wealthy families. People from humble families cannot get their hands on pill tickets! You have to understand that our Crane Immortal Market's entrance is not for dogs and poor families to enter! Right now, I suspect that your pill ticket came from an improper source. You have to explain yourself or you can forget about getting your pills! "
The shopkeeper's face became gloomy and cold. After he finished speaking, several people walked out from the back hall. They were all martial artists from the Membrane Forging Workshop. The leader was even a Blood Tempering Realm expert.
"Poor families and dogs? Bullshit! Then let me ask you, why is a dog like you here? Which wealthy family are you from? Why are you here as a watchdog? What a snob! "
Luo Zheng's gaze was cold as he asked indifferently.
Chapter 32
Beast Transformation Pill
The shopkeeper didn't expect that Luo Zheng, a commoner, would be so audacious.
Just as Luo Zheng expected, the shopkeeper was a commoner. However, after working hard for many years in the Crane Immortal Market, he climbed to the position of shopkeeper. Every day, he would come and go with the rich and powerful families, so he was a little complacent.
In addition to his identity as a shopkeeper, some of the rich and powerful families who needed to purchase pills were also more polite to him. Over time, he became even more self-righteous and cared most about others revealing the fact that he was from a poor family.
At this time, Luo Zheng's series of questions stabbed at his heart. It really made his lungs explode from anger.
"Kid, you have guts, you dare to call me a dog!" The shopkeeper pointed at Luo Zheng and screamed.
"Call you a dog? I feel insulted to a dog. "Luo Zheng sneered.
Bang!
The shopkeeper's eyes flashed with a ruthless light. He angrily slammed his palm on the counter and winked at the several martial artists. "This brat is from a lowly and humble family. The Blood Nourishing Pill's pill coupons must have come from some unknown source. Perhaps he stole them. We must investigate this thoroughly! Take him down and interrogate him with torture! "
"Hehe, kid, if you don't explain the origin of the pill ticket clearly, don't think about leaving today!"
"In our Crane Immortal Market, even those marquis children have to be careful when they come in. You dare to insult the shopkeeper, kneel down and admit your mistake!"
Several martial artists surrounded Luo Zheng, all of them laughing sinisterly.
"Hmph, don't kill him. Just break this little bastard's arms and legs." The shopkeeper glanced at Luo Zheng and said with a sinister smile.
Several martial artists rubbed their fists and surrounded him.
"You're asking for humiliation!"
Although Luo Zheng didn't want to cause trouble, he wouldn't allow himself to be captured without a fight and let others break his arms and legs!
Whoosh!
A cold light flashed in his eyes. His figure flashed, and like a nimble ape, he nimbly jumped and instantly passed through the encirclement of several martial artists.
Slap! A slap landed on the shopkeeper's face. The shopkeeper's head fiercely hit the ground like a scallion, and blood flowed from his head.
"Old dog, you want to break my arms and legs, right?"
Luo Zheng didn't give anyone a chance to react. His eyes glinted coldly as he stomped down.
Crack!
In an instant, the shopkeeper's palm turned into a pile of minced meat. Even his bones were crushed.
The shopkeeper screamed like a pig being slaughtered.
"Is this kid crazy?"
Everyone in the Crane Immortal Market was stupefied. Each and every one of them widened their eyes. Where did this brat come from? He was so bold that he actually crippled the shopkeeper's hand in the Crane Immortal Market.
This was the property of the White Crane Marquis. How could he expect to live after being slapped in the face like this?
Everyone felt that Luo Zheng was dead for sure!
"Brat, how dare you injure someone in the Crane Immortal Market? Kill him!"
The Blood Tempering expert, who had been standing in the distance and hadn't said a word, suddenly had a cold expression. The other martial artists all pounced towards Luo Zheng, each of their attacks ruthless and deadly.
However, although these martial artists were in the Film Forging Realm, their true strength was far from the Five Beast Battalion's genius youth.
Moreover, they only practiced Mortal low-grade martial arts. Although there were many of them, they couldn't even touch the corner of Luo Zheng's clothes.
"Galloping Horse Strength!"
Luo Zheng's eyes flashed as he charged back and forth like a warhorse. Whoosh! Whoosh!
Whoosh! After a few jumps, the martial artists fell to the ground one by one. Their arms and legs were broken. It was a tragic sight.
"What a ruthless brat! I'm Zhang Yan of the Crane Immortal Market. Who are you? You better tell me clearly. If you wait until I make a move, you won't have a chance! "
Seeing Luo Zheng's tyrannical methods, Zhang Yan couldn't help but be shocked.
A fourteen to fifteen year old youth with a cultivation base of the Film Refinement Realm was considered a rare genius in the Hundred Battles Empire. Not to mention, his battle prowess was so shocking that four or five cultivators of the same level couldn't even fight back in front of him. It was truly shocking!
Whoosh!
"Catch!"
Luo Zheng smiled faintly. A black wooden token flew out from his hand and shot towards Zhang Yan.
"Five Beasts Army, Grey Wolf Battalion, Official Soldier Luo Zheng!"
Zhang Yan took the wooden token and glanced at it. His expression changed slightly and he threw the black wooden token back to Luo Zheng.
The Five Beasts Army was the reserve army of the Five Saints Army. It was equivalent to being the Emperor's disciple.
Although the Crane Immortal Market was the property of the White Crane Marquis, he wouldn't dare to do whatever he wanted.
Moreover, this matter was obviously the fault of the shopkeeper of the Crane Immortal Market. If the matter was blown out of proportion, it wouldn't be easy to protect him. However, Luo Zheng had just crippled the shopkeeper and a few guards in front of everyone. If they let it go, the Crane Immortal Market would lose face.
"Guard Zhang, this old dog is deliberately making things difficult for me. You are also short-sighted. How do you want to deal with this?"
Luo Zheng kicked the innkeeper before looking at Zhang Yan and saying indifferently.
Zhang Yan had a headache. If Luo Zheng was a disciple of a wealthy family, and it was the shopkeeper who provoked him first, this matter would be easy to deal with. However, he was a disciple of a humble family. If this matter was spread out, saying that a humble family could step on the head of the Crane Immortal Market, he wouldn't be able to explain himself.
After thinking for a while, Zhang Yan said, "I have no authority to decide this matter. I can only report it to the higher-ups. You wait here!"
"Wait? Then let's see if you can keep me here! "
Luo Zheng's expression turned cold. It was clear who was right and who was wrong. He was already being magnanimous by not making a fuss about it. However, Zhang Yan still wanted to report it to the higher-ups and deal with it.
At this moment, a beautiful girl in green and a young man in white walked down from upstairs.
The young man in white had a powerful aura. His eyes were like lightning, and his eyebrows were straight. His snow-white clothes set off his extraordinary temperament.
At this moment, he was scanning the area below like a god overlooking all living things.
"Princess, Young Marquis!" Zhang Yan and the rest quickly bowed.
The young man in green was the son of the White Crane Marquis, Bai Xingjian!
"Eh, it's her."
Luo Zheng also raised his head slightly and looked up. When he saw the girl in green, a trace of surprise appeared on his face.
The girl looked to be about 12 or 13 years old. She was extremely beautiful, and her skin was as white as snow. She looked like the person in the legends. She was the girl who left the Falling Star Fist manual to Luo Zheng.
"Big brother!"
When she saw Luo Zheng, a joyful expression surfaced on her pretty little face. Her heart was beating wildly like a little deer. She took light steps and arrived in front of Luo Zheng as she shyly called out.
"What? Big brother? "
Everyone was shocked. Their mouths were opened so wide that they could swallow an egg.
Big brother? Could this young man be the son of Prince Rong, Rong Hao? The high and mighty Princess Rongyue actually called him big brother!
"I am the son of the White Crane Marquis, Bai Xingjian. May I know who this little brother is?"
At this moment, Bai Xingjian also walked down. He sized up Luo Zheng and asked with a kind smile.
Those who were qualified to be called big brother by Princess Rongyue were only the sons of a few Princes and Marquis with different surnames. Other than them, there were only the princes of the War Emperor.
Bai Xingjian naturally recognized all of these people. However, he simply could not recall anyone by the name of Luo Zheng.
"Brother Bai, my name is Luo Zheng. I seem to have had some misunderstandings with your shop just now."
Luo Zheng slightly cupped his hands and told him what happened just now. Although Luo Zheng felt that Bai Xingjian seemed to have some kind of hostility toward him, he didn't want to hit a smiling person.
"I see. Brother Luo, don't take it to heart." Bai Xingjian nodded. He looked at Zhang Yan and said, "Hurry up and bring Young Master Luo's elixirs and 20 Blood Nourishing Elixirs to help Young Master Luo get over the shock. Also, kick that blind thing out of the Crane Immortal Market! "
Bai Xingjian pointed at the pale-faced shopkeeper.
Soon, four jade bottles were brought to Luo Zheng. Each bottle contained ten Blood Nourishing Elixirs.
"Thank you, Brother Bai. That's a big deal." Luo Zheng quickly waved his hand. He didn't want to be rewarded for nothing. He couldn't feel Bai Xingjian's kindness. Instead, he felt that he was putting on a show for Princess Rongyue.
"Hehe, big brother, you don't have to be so polite. The entire Crane Immortal Market belongs to Young Lord Xingjian. 20 Blood Nourishing Elixirs are nothing." Rongyue smiled sweetly. She stopped Luo Zheng and let the accompanying guards take the elixirs. Then, she said to Bai Jianxing, "We'll be leaving first."
After saying that, Rongyue pulled Luo Zheng and walked out of the Crane Immortal Market.
Seeing Luo Zheng and Princess Rongyue leave, the smile on Bai Xingjian's face gradually turned cold. He looked at Zhang Yan.
Zhang Yan understood and quickly went up. "Young Lord, this Luo Zheng is a soldier of the Five Beasts Army's Blue Wolf Battalion. He seems to be from a humble background."
"Humble background?" Hearing this, Bai Xingjian's gaze instantly turned gloomy. "Someone from a humble background wants to get close to Princess Rongyue? Hmph!"
On a luxurious carriage made of flood dragon blood.
Luo Zheng and Princess Rongyue sat opposite each other. Two beautiful maids served them carefully, secretly sizing up Luo Zheng from time to time.
This was the first time an unfamiliar man was able to sit in the princess's carriage.
"Big brother, why did you come to War Emperor City?"
Rongyue asked sweetly as she glanced at Luo Zheng with a red face.
Luo Zheng could only smell the delicate fragrance of a young girl. It kept entering his nose. He couldn't help but recall the scene of him carrying Rongyue on his back. His heart rippled.
Luo Zheng felt an inexplicable sense of closeness to this sweet young girl. He always felt that she was like a little sister to him. He didn't hide anything and said with a smile, "Mainly to exchange for elixirs and see if I can get my hands on elixirs like the Yuan Dan. However, it seems to be a little difficult now. "Also, I obtained a strange elixir in the training field. I don't know what it's for, so I want to find someone to appraise it."
"Elixir? Can you let me take a look? "Rongyue asked mysteriously as her bright eyes turned.
"Take a look." Luo Zheng didn't think too much and took out the black elixir from his backpack.
"Beast Transformation Elixir!"
Rongyue exclaimed as she took the thumb-sized black elixir and carefully examined the patterns on it.
"Big brother, you're really lucky. This Beast Transformation Elixir is a low-grade Dharma class elixir. It's something unique to a small country in the Gobi Desert. However, this small country was destroyed by our Hundred Battles Dynasty and the elixir recipe for the Beast Transformation Elixir was lost. Only a small number of elixirs fell into the hands of the War Emperor. You're really lucky to be able to obtain one in the training field. "
Rongyue said with a smile.
The Beast Transformation Elixir contained the bloodline of a Vicious Beast. After consumption, it would allow a cultivator to activate the body and strength of a Vicious Beast for a short period of time. Although the Beast Transformation Elixir would only last for a quarter of an hour, it could greatly increase the cultivator's strength.
"This Beast Transformation Elixir contains the bloodline of a War Tiger. If consumed, I'm afraid that you'll instantly possess the strength of a Marrow Changing Stage Vicious Beast." Rongyue warned, "However, big brother, you must not consume it carelessly. After consumption, the terrifying bloodline of a Vicious Beast will cause you to lose your mind and not be able to distinguish between friend and foe. It's very likely that you'll kill your own people. Moreover, once the effects of the elixir wear off, you'll become extremely weak. If you can't kill your opponent, you'll be killed instead."
"Princess, how do you know so much?" Luo Zheng didn't expect his luck to be so good. He was overjoyed and surprised at Rongyue's knowledge.