Chapter 40: Hunter Liu Takes Action (1)

A vast and overwhelming aura emanated from Shu Sheng, like an endless torrent ready to consume everything, enveloping everyone present. Yet, not a single person dared to resist.

Even true experts like Zhou Longqi, Liu Hongyan, and Yun Haisheng were left utterly stunned. Their faces were filled with shock, and words failed them as they looked at Shu Sheng with a mix of awe and dread. Resistance wasn't even a consideration.

The Star Absorption Stage!

The aura radiating from Shu Sheng far surpassed that of any Meridian Opening stage warrior. Even those at the peak of the Meridian Opening stage paled in comparison.

For a century, Poyang City had never witnessed the presence of a Star Absorption stage warrior. But today, not only did such a figure appear, but they also dominated the scene, suppressing the leaders of the three major gangs with ease.

"So powerful… incredibly powerful…"

Hunter Liu watched the unfolding scene, his heart filled with both amazement and aspiration. For the first time, he had witnessed a truly supreme expert.

Perhaps only a warrior like Shu Sheng, who had reached the Star Absorption stage, could be considered a true expert. All others paled in comparison.

Even figures like Zhou Longqi, a Meridian Opening stage Level 10 warrior, didn't qualify.

"The Star Absorption stage—I'll reach it soon enough."

Though Hunter Liu hadn't even reached the Meridian Opening stage yet, his confidence was unshakable. The goal of the Star Absorption stage felt tantalizingly close.

Shu Sheng looked down at Zhou Longqi with the disdainful gaze of an emperor. "Zhou Longqi, do you have anything left to say? Did you truly think you could oppose me?"

If not for his efforts to maintain a delicate balance among the powers in Poyang City, Shu Sheng would have long since banished Zhou Longqi from the city.

Zhou Longqi's face was a mask of shock, but deep within his heart, resentment and jealousy burned fiercely. His eyes flashed with malice.

"Why? Why did he advance to the Star Absorption stage so quickly? If Shu Sheng has reached this level, my plans are utterly ruined. No, I can't let him control Poyang City. If he solidifies his power, my path to the Star Absorption stage will become a distant dream."

Gritting his teeth, Zhou Longqi sneered. "Shu Sheng, I'll admit you're stronger than me. Even if the three of us join forces, we wouldn't last a single move against you. But I have the Guiyuan Sect backing me. Young Master Wu himself has decreed me as the next ruler of Poyang City. When he arrives, if you still refuse to step down, you'll be annihilated. Surely, at our level, you've heard of Young Master Wu's methods."

"Young Master Wu is coming to Poyang City?" Shu Sheng's expression remained calm, though a ripple of unease crossed his heart.

While Shu Sheng also had a powerful faction supporting him, they rarely intervened in local affairs. On the other hand, although Young Master Wu held a high position within the Guiyuan Sect, his influence was unlikely to mobilize such a faction unless extraordinary circumstances arose.

However, by then, it might already be too late.

"Hmph. And what if Young Master Wu does come? Do you think he'll continue to back you after learning that I've reached the Star Absorption stage?" Shu Sheng said coldly.

Zhou Longqi burst into laughter, his tone dripping with scorn. "Young Master Wu certainly needs Star Absorption stage warriors to support him. And yes, you've reached that level, while I've only been in the Meridian Opening stage for two years."

He continued, staring Shu Sheng down with disdain, "But would you truly cooperate with Young Master Wu? I know your nature, Shu Sheng. You'd never allow a great power to interfere in Poyang City. You want to ascend higher on your own, turning Poyang City into a prefecture, rivaling even Shangrao Prefecture. But do you think Young Master Wu would ever allow you to achieve that? Shu Sheng, stop daydreaming. Your ambitions are doomed to fail."