Chapter 526: Lu Ping’an Battles the Shangguan Patriarch, Dao Soldiers and Flood Dragons Appear!

“You dare, brat!?”

A thunderous voice roared in Lu Qingyan’s ears.

Her entire body went numb as if struck by lightning. Her mind went blank, and she collapsed to the ground, vomiting blood and feeling a suffocating pressure.

The next moment.

“Roar Roar Roar——”

A Flood Dragon bellowed.

A surge of overwhelming and fierce life force shot into the skies like a signal fire, sending waves through the heavens.

The pressure on Lu Qingyan suddenly lifted.

She slightly lifted her head.

In front of her stood a towering, muscular man.

His entire body gleamed like molten gold, radiating immense strength.

Roars echoed from within him, forming a golden ocean around his figure.

“Big Brother.”

She called out weakly.

“Using your seniority to bully the young! Do you think the Lu Family is weak and helpless?”

Lu Ping’an’s body fully awakened. The ground beneath his feet cracked, collapsed, and shattered under the ferocious pressure of his life force.

The force of his blood coursed like a river breaching a dam, forming a tangible golden wave that surged toward Shangguan Jiuyang.

“What is going on!?”

“It looks like someone from Bihu Mountain killed a member of the Shangguan Family.”

“Bihu Mountain is truly bold, daring to kill a disciple of the Divine Blade Shangguan Family?”

“Heh, don’t you know these immortal families? We rogue cultivators enter secret realms only to get slaughtered by them. The Lu Family of Bihu Mountain must have been pushed to their limits.”

“Tsk, tsk. Killing is one thing, but letting one escape with a breath left? No wonder the Shangguan Family Ancestor is this enraged.”

“What terrifying life force! This Lu Family Elder isn’t simple!”

“Indeed, he doesn’t look like an ordinary Body Tempering cultivator.”

The cultivators outside the secret realm stared at the sudden turn of events in shock and started discussing among themselves.

Nobody expected such a scene right after the secret realm ended.

“This is not the place for your reckless brawls!”

At that moment, the Golden Core Elder of Heavenly Sword Sect looked at the two of them and rebuked them.

His words carried a cold, sharp edge, an awe-inspiring presence that wasn’t anger but commanded respect, like a Heavenly Sword slashing at them, causing both Lu Ping’an and Shangguan Jiuyang to shudder as their spiritual energy and life force churned violently.

This Purple Secrets Realm is under the governance of the Four Great Immortal Sects.

Since the secret realm hasn’t completely closed yet, the two of you causing trouble in public like this—if you weren’t from subordinate families, I would’ve already cut you down with a sword.

“I failed to control my emotions for a moment. I beg the senior to forgive me!”

Shangguan Jiuyang quickly cupped his hands and bowed to the Golden Core Elder of Heavenly Sword Sect, suppressing his rage.

“I also ask for the senior’s pardon.”

Lu Ping’an also cupped his hands and bowed to the Golden Core Elder.

“This better be the last time.”

The Golden Core Elder of Heavenly Sword Sect withdrew his gaze, and the crowd fell silent.

“Xiaoyan, are you okay?”

Lu Ping’an helped Lu Qingyan up, showing concern.

“Big Brother, I’m fine.”

Lu Qingyan replied weakly.

If she hadn’t broken through the second stage of Body Tempering, her bones might have shattered under that pressure.

But she still felt terrible; her blood was reversed, and her muscles, bones, and flesh had suffered damage.

“Lu Ping’an, do you dare to fight outside Purple Cloud Gorge?”

At this moment, Shangguan Jiuyang descended, retrieved the corpse of the deceased Shangguan Fei, and looked at Lu Ping’an, speaking in a low tone.

Although he didn’t know the details.

He could guess what had happened after seeing the shattered Soul Tablets on Shangguan Fei’s body.

So today, he had to demand an explanation!

“Life and death are part of the Purple Secrets Realm. If one’s skills are lacking, they should accept their fate.”

An old man with an aura of immortality looked over from a distance and spoke calmly.

He was a Golden Core Elder of Azure Cloud Sect.

Since Bihu Mountain is under Azure Cloud Sect’s governance, they are half-considered members of Azure Cloud Sect.

If they were oppressed, it would be a slap in the face to Azure Cloud Sect.

Moreover, he remembered Bihu Mountain had some ties with Caiyun Peak.

Now that Caiyun Peak has two Golden Core cultivators, and Yun Wanshang has even broken through to the late Golden Core stage, he naturally wanted to offer some favor as well.

“The senior speaks the truth.”

Although Shangguan Jiuyang was a domineering Blade Cultivator, he knew when to advance and retreat with great respect.

“If you want to fight, fine. We’ll settle this outside Purple Cloud Gorge!”

Lu Ping’an knew that if today’s matter wasn’t resolved, the Shangguan Family wouldn’t let it go.

Besides, they brazenly attacked Lu Qingyan in public. As her brother, he couldn’t remain indifferent.

Moreover, he was not just representing himself but also the family!

If he showed weakness and didn’t dare to accept the challenge, it would bring shame to the family!

“Alright!”

Hearing this, Shangguan Jiuyang’s eyes gleamed with sharp light, and he said, “A battle outside Purple Cloud Gorge! If you defeat me, today’s grudge will end here.”

With that, he carried Shangguan Fei’s corpse back to his Spirit Boat.

As for what would happen if Lu Ping’an lost, Shangguan Jiuyang didn’t say.

Because if Lu Ping’an lost, he would die under his blade, and there would be no need to say more!

The Azure Cloud Sect’s Golden Core Elder saw this and frowned slightly.

He realized that Lu Ping’an wasn’t a match for Shangguan Jiuyang, so he had tried to intervene and help.

But he didn’t expect Lu Ping’an to refuse his goodwill.

“Thank you for your kindness, senior!”

Lu Ping’an immediately cupped his hands and bowed to the Golden Core Elder to express his gratitude.

He knew the elder meant well.

But after his recent herb bath, his Hundred Refined Body Technique was nearly at the peak of the eighth layer.

And with the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapon in his hand, as long as he didn’t face a True Core cultivator, he could fight anyone!

“Hmm.”

The White Cloud Elder shook his head, thinking that Lu Ping’an was still too young and hot-headed.

But he could understand.

As a young clan cultivator with such achievements at a young age, it was normal for Lu Ping’an to have some pride.

“But many geniuses fall short due to excessive pride, leading to an untimely demise.”

White Cloud Elder sighed, planning to intervene and save Lu Ping’an after he was severely injured by Shangguan Jiuyang.

That way, he could gain the favor of the Bihu Mountain Lu Family while minimizing losses.

After all, the frontier war had already been decided.

Next up would be discussions, plans, and preparations.

And their subordinate families were the main fighting force in these frontier wars.

If Lu Ping’an were to die at Shangguan Jiuyang’s hands, it would also be a loss to Azure Cloud Sect.

“Lu Ping’an, interesting.”

Xu Family Elder looked at Lu Ping’an with a slight smile.

He had been eyeing the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapon for a while, waiting for an opportunity to acquire the method behind it.

Now that the Lu Family and the Shangguan Family were at odds, he found it amusing.

“Lu Ping’an, the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain.”

Apart from the Beast Taming Xu Family, many other family forces turned their attention to Lu Ping’an, curious about where his confidence to accept the challenge came from.

After all, Lu Ping’an became famous by subduing Sima Tong, the ancestor of the Xuanwu Ridge Sima Family.

But that victory was due to an ambush using formation techniques.

Plus, Sima Tong had underestimated him.

Now, in a one-on-one face-off, it seemed like he had no chance.

“Could it be that Lu Ping’an has some sort of secret treasure for protection?”

“The Shangguan Family has always been domineering; even if Lu Ping’an doesn’t accept the challenge, Shangguan Jiuyang would likely intercept him midway. It’s better to fight openly and resolve the grudge.”

“If Lu Ping’an dares to accept the challenge, he must have some confidence. But the Shangguan Family prides itself on their Divine Blades. All their family cultivators practice with innate blades, making them more powerful than other cultivators of the same level!”

“Tsk, tsk. Lu Ping’an is so young and has achieved such feats in Body Tempering. If he doesn’t meet an untimely demise, he’ll certainly break through to the third stage of Body Tempering and reach Golden Core with a solid foundation.”

“If he was willing to back down, the White Cloud Elder clearly intended to protect him.”

“A genius like him, filled with pride and self-confidence. They never learn until they hit a wall.”

Many people sighed in their hearts, feeling a bit sorry for Lu Ping’an.

No one believed that Lu Ping’an was a match for Shangguan Jiuyang.

“Big Brother.”

At this moment, Lu Chensha and Lu Mingfeng emerged from the secret realm and immediately sensed something amiss.

“Are you alright?”

Lu Ping’an looked at the two of them.

“Big Brother, we’re fine.”

They shook their heads and then whispered, “Big Brother, we’ve caused trouble for you.”

“What happened with the Shangguan Family?”

Lu Ping’an led them aside and asked.

“Earlier in the secret realm…”

Lu Chensha immediately recounted the situation inside the secret realm.

Hearing that several people had used their Avatar Talismans and that Lu Qingze and Lu Yunfei had been unconscious the entire time, Lu Ping’an’s expression grew cold as he glanced at Shangguan Jiuyang.

“Big Brother, should we send word to the family?”

Lu Qingxian, who was nearby, looked at Lu Ping’an and whispered.

He knew his big brother’s strength was extraordinary.

But wasn’t sure of his exact combat power.

“Don’t worry.”

Lu Ping’an smiled and patted his shoulder with a broad hand, indicating that there was no need to trouble their father.

Before long, Lu Ziyun and three members of the Mo Family came out, carrying the unconscious Lu Qingze and Lu Yunfei.

“You…”

The Mo Family’s elder who had reached Foundation Establishment saw his family’s disciples mingling with the Lu Family members and broke out in a cold sweat.

In the past, he would have been happy to see this.

But after what just happened with the Divine Blade Shangguan Family, he was genuinely afraid of getting dragged into it.

However, with Lu Ping’an nearby, he didn’t dare say much, only calling his three disciples over.

“Big Brother, Elder!”

Lu Ziyun and the others approached and greeted Lu Ping’an.

“It’s good that you’re all safe.”

Lu Ping’an said, then examined the condition of Lu Yunfei and Lu Qingze.

Lu Yunfei’s bones were almost entirely shattered, and only spiritual herbs were keeping his body intact.

Lu Qingze was in a similar state, with internal organ damage.

He wasn’t a healer and didn’t know how to treat them.

He could only take out two second-tier healing talismans from his Storage Bag to heal them, to prevent any long-term complications.

Then, Lu Chensha, Lu Ziyun, and the others went to the Azure Cloud Sect designated area to submit the spiritual herbs.

“Hmm, so many!?”

The supervising disciple of Azure Cloud Sect was surprised to see Lu Chensha and the others submit so many spiritual herbs.

Although Bihu Mountain and Qingzhu Mountain are two separate entities.

The amount of spiritual herbs they submitted was clearly above average for most families.

But after what had just happened with Lu Ping’an and Shangguan Jiuyang, they roughly understood why.

So they didn’t say much.

“Such rich returns.”

Even the Mo Family’s elder was surprised by the harvest his family’s disciples brought back.

He knew his family’s situation well.

Just managing to get one or two Celestial Spirit Fruits would’ve been considered good luck.

“Elder, these spoils are from Bihu Mountain…”

One of the Mo Family disciples explained, saying that most of these spiritual herbs were submitted by the Lu Family through them.

After all, the Lu Family had already submitted more than the average amount of spiritual herbs.

To avoid any trouble, they gave some to the Mo Family to submit.

“Sigh.”

The Mo Family Ancestor sighed but didn’t say much.

He could only pray that Lu Ping’an wouldn’t die at Shangguan Jiuyang’s hands.

Otherwise, if the Shangguan Family decided to implicate his family, it would be a disaster.

“Bihu Mountain, the Lu Family!”

At this time, the Foundation Establishment elders of the Jin and Sima Families were glaring at Lu Chensha and the others.

Judging by the amount of spiritual herbs the Lu Family had submitted, they guessed that their disciples were most likely killed by the Lu Family.

After all, the fact that Shangguan Fei had been slain by Lu Qingyan proves that these Lu Family members weren’t ordinary!

“Why does Bihu Mountain have so many geniuses!?”

The Sima Family’s Foundation Establishment cultivator clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white under his sleeves.

If it weren’t forbidden to attack, he would kill Lu Chensha and the others right now.

The Jin Family cultivator’s expression was similar.

But alongside the anger, he felt a sense of sorrow and even fear.

The rise of the Lu Family was truly shocking.

It far outpaced the Jin Family.

At this rate, in ten or twenty years, Bihu Mountain would surpass Jinlong Ridge.

By then, the Jin Family would struggle to survive in front of Bihu Mountain and slowly wait for their end.

If their ancestor ever had a problem, they would only face annexation.

He looked towards Shangguan Jiuyang standing on the Spirit Boat.

Now he could only hope that Shangguan Jiuyang would kill Lu Ping’an.

As long as Lu Ping’an dies, Bihu Mountain would be left with only Lu Changsheng and Miaoge, and their family could begin to fight back.

As more and more cultivators emerged from the secret realm and submitted spiritual herbs, it was also the time for various family forces to recruit cultivators and buy spiritual herbs.

But due to the issue between Lu Ping’an and Shangguan Jiuyang, not many cultivators were willing to join the Lu Family.

Even those rogue cultivators who had been impressed by Lu Ping’an’s display of pulling the carriage with Flood Dragons earlier, chose to give up and turned to other families after learning about the conflict.

“Hmph, blind fools.”

Lu Ziyun grumbled in displeasure.

No one present seemed to appreciate their family’s worth, which made her, as a sister, worry about her big brother.

But seeing that Lu Chensha, Lu Qingyan, and Lu Qingxian all remained calm, she didn’t say much more.

“It’s only natural.”

“As long as big brother resolves this grudge, many rogue cultivators will naturally come to seek us out.”

Lu Qingxian, dressed in a green brocade robe, smiled, unfazed.

Since big brother said he was confident, he chose to believe.

“Qingxuan is right.”

Lu Chensha chuckled softly.

He knew that Lu Ping’an could use the Black Water Flood Dragon Dao Weapon, giving him unshakable confidence.

This confidence not only came from Lu Ping’an himself but also from an inexplicable trust in their father!

Although no one joined Bihu Mountain, when it came to buying spiritual herbs, Bihu Mountain offered a high price, making many willing to sell.

After dealing with most of the matters, Lu Ping’an took out a few talismans from his Storage Bag and handed them to Lu Qingyan, Lu Chensha, and the others.

In case someone tried to attack them while he fought Shangguan Jiuyang.

“Let’s go.”

He glanced at Shangguan Jiuyang, who had been watching him, and spoke.

Then the Flood Dragon roared, pulling the Spirit Boat and speeding towards Purple Cloud Gorge.

“Bold!”

Seeing this, Shangguan Jiuyang’s eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he immediately rode his Spirit Boat after them.

“Let’s go watch the show.”

The Xu Family Elder chuckled, and his flying beast screeched as it pulled his Spirit Boat toward Purple Cloud Gorge.

“Lu Ping’an.”

The Wang Family Elder narrowed his eyes as he watched the scene, deep in thought.

Then he guided his steed to pull the jade chariot, bringing his family’s disciples to join the excitement.

Besides them, many Foundation Establishment cultivators from various family forces headed over to watch the battle.

“Little Jiang.”

The White Cloud Elder of Azure Cloud Sect glanced towards Lu Ping’an, then ordered a disciple to go over and report back if anything significant happened.

A quarter of an hour later.

Outside Purple Cloud Gorge.

Lu Ping’an settled Lu Chensha, Lu Qingxian, and the others on a mountaintop, guarded by three Black Water Flood Dragons.

Then he stood in mid-air and looked at the approaching Shangguan Jiuyang, saying, “Here will do.”

As he spoke, a silver-plated, icy and formidable suit of armor appeared on his towering frame, making him look exceptionally imposing.

In his hand appeared a dark, chill-inducing halberd that coiled like a black dragon.

The armor and halberd were no longer the mid-tier spirit tools of the past.

After being reforged by Lu Changsheng, their hardness was nearly on par with magical treasures.

However, due to Lu Ping’an’s low cultivation, the power they could exert was still far inferior to that of magical treasures.

“This Lu Ping’an’s armor and weapon are extraordinary, at least top-tier spirit tools. The Bihu Mountain Lu Family rose so quickly, with such financial resources, surely they have some great opportunity!”

“His weapon is like a coiled black dragon. It looks similar to his three Flood Dragon spirit beasts. Could it be that this is a lineage-based technique inheritance?”

The spectators, mostly Foundation Establishment cultivators, had keen eyes and quickly noticed some things.

“Please begin.”

Lu Ping’an gestured courteously.

“Heh.”

Shangguan Jiuyang, in his wide purple robe, stood straight, his figure composed and his hands behind his back.

It seemed as if an unrivaled Heavenly Blade was contained within his upright spine, radiating a domineering edge.

Against Lu Ping’an, he didn’t even bother to draw his blade.

He simply raised his hand and slashed down. Several zhang-long violet blade energies flew through the air towards Lu Ping’an, accompanied by crackling thunder.

“Boom——”

Lu Ping’an’s Black Dragon Halberd trembled before he swung it fiercely. Like a fierce black dragon clawing, it clashed with the thunderous blade energy.

Sparks flew everywhere, and the blade energy dissipated.

“You have some skill. Worthy of me drawing my blade!”

Shangguan Jiuyang sneered, and with a slap to his Qi Sea Dantian, his purple robe fluttered, and even his pupils gleamed with purple light.

“Boom boom boom——”

A series of thunderclaps resounded from above.

Torrents of violet lightning surged from Shangguan Jiuyang’s body, vibrating violently and spreading in all directions.

Then a simple, ancient long blade appeared, its color a purple-red darkening to black, covered with lightning scars.

This was his innate Magical Treasure—the Heavenly Thunder Blade!

Although it was a lower-tier magical treasure, he had nurtured and refined it since Qi Refining, making its power far surpass ordinary magical treasures!

“Black Dragon Slash!”

Lu Ping’an, with his formidable physique, didn’t wait for the enemy to strike again. His black halberd trembled, emanating an aura heavy as a mountain.

Then, with a golden shine enveloping his muscles, he slashed heavily towards Shangguan Jiuyang.

“Boom boom boom——”

The Black Dragon Halberd distorted the air with its pressure, and a sea-like wave of life force surged forth, bearing down on its opponent.

“Buzz buzz buzz!”

Shangguan Jiuyang gripped his innate Magical Treasure, and his spiritual energy poured into it, making it hum uncontrollably.

On the blade, streaks of lightning intertwined, sending out one hundred and eight lightning-infused blade energies that surged dozens of zhang, filling the sky with crackling lightning and blade energies.

“This is the Divine Blade Shangguan Family! Such strength, absolutely terrifying!”

“It’s said that the Divine Thunder Blade passed down by the Shangguan Family Elder is infinitely powerful, a top-tier magical treasure. With it in his hands, even in the Golden Core stage, he’s undefeated against others of the same level!”

“No matter how strong the Shangguan Family is, they’re still a level below the Heavenly Sword Sect. I wonder, just how powerful is a Golden Core Elder from the Heavenly Sword Sect?”

“This Lu Ping’an, although remarkable, doesn’t seem to be a match for Shangguan Jiuyang.”

The surrounding cultivators marveled and discussed as they watched the battle unfold.

From afar, Lu Chensha, Lu Qingxian, and the others could barely keep their eyes on the intense clash.

The spiritual energy waves were too intense, and the lightning was far too dazzling for them to withstand.

“Boom boom boom——”

One hundred and eight blade energies engulfed Lu Ping’an.

However, amidst the deafening clashes and metallic sounds, Lu Ping’an burst through the lightning and blade energies, with torrential blood energy surging from his head, straight towards Shangguan Jiuyang with immense force.

“Boom!!!”

The Heavenly Thunder Blade and Black Dragon Halberd collided, unleashing a terrifying wave of energy like a tsunami, spreading in all directions.

Some nearby Foundation Establishment cultivators felt their blood boil and immediately retreated to avoid being engulfed by the aftershocks.

As the two clashed, many noticed that Lu Ping’an, wielding the Black Dragon Halberd, was not at a disadvantage against Shangguan Jiuyang’s onslaught.

“Hundred Refined War Armor!”

Lu Ping’an activated his Hundred Refined Body Technique. His silver-plated armor seemed to be encased in a golden glow, and with an overwhelming aura, he charged at Shangguan Jiuyang.

The Black Dragon Halberd in his hands swung continuously like a black dragon shrouded in wind and lightning; it was also like an axe splitting the heavens or a divine tower suppressing the skies. Its aura was unmatched, causing the void to collapse and rumble.

Except for a few killing moves, Shangguan Jiuyang’s blade energy was directly met by Lu Ping’an’s body, clashing with a metallic clang.

“How is this possible!? How can his physical body be so powerful!?”

A cultivator exclaimed in disbelief.

No matter how powerful a Body Tempering cultivator is, it’s impossible for their physical body to withstand the power of a Magical Treasure!

And the Divine Blade Shangguan Family is renowned for its attacks!

“This physical body…”

Even the old ancestor of the Beast Taming Xu Family narrowed his eyes at the sight.

As a Beast Taming family, they had raised many fierce beasts.

And fierce beasts have always been synonymous with powerful physical bodies.

Yet, he could hardly find any beast that could compare to Lu Ping’an’s physical body.

Even if there were, they couldn’t match Lu Ping’an’s ferocious attacks!

“This youngster not only has the method to cultivate Dao Weapons, but he also possesses a top-tier Body Tempering inheritance!”

The Xu Family Elder thought to himself, a hint of greed in his eyes.

“Boom!!!”

Lu Ping’an and Shangguan Jiuyang exchanged another powerful blow, causing a massive explosion and shockwaves that even caused a nearby mountain to collapse.

“Damn it!”

Shangguan Jiuyang’s face darkened.

Lu Ping’an’s strength was beyond his expectations.

At this rate, unless he fought to the death, it would be impossible to win.

But to be unable to quickly kill Lu Ping’an in front of so many people would be an immense loss of face!

“Boom!”

Roars of thunder echoed, and lightning snakes writhed as Shangguan Jiuyang’s Magical Treasure trembled. The blade energy soared like a rainbow, piercing the sky, unleashing waves of terrifying lightning blade light toward Lu Ping’an.

And in that instant, his aura surged to another level.

“This Shangguan Family Ancestor actually used forbidden techniques to boost his power!”

A cultivator exclaimed in shock.

Shangguan Jiuyang’s power was already above Lu Ping’an’s, and now he was using a forbidden technique for a burst of power.

Such techniques always came with side effects.

It was clear that this Shangguan Family Ancestor was out for blood!

“And there’s a puppet!”

As Shangguan Jiuyang slashed at Lu Ping’an, four puppets wielding golden blades appeared beside him, emitting a cold metallic sheen.

“These are the Hundred Battles War Puppets of the Shangguan Family, each comparable to a top-tier second-stage existence!”

“This Shangguan Family Ancestor really wants to kill Lu Ping’an here!”

“Such methods, isn’t it unfair?”

“Victory takes all, why is it unfair?”

“Sigh, this isn’t just about individual strength; it’s about family resources as well. Ordinary cultivators wouldn’t have access to so many top-tier puppets!”

“Given this Lu Elder’s physical body, if he escapes now, there’s still time…”

The watching cultivators murmured, filled with emotion.

In their eyes, Lu Ping’an’s power was already comparable to many veteran False Core cultivators.

But unfortunately, he encountered Shangguan Jiuyang.

“Enough.”

Lu Ping’an realized that continuing like this would make it difficult to defeat his opponent.

Dragging it out would only deplete his energy and blood.

“Roar Roar Roar——”

He suddenly opened several Spirit Pet Bags from his chest, releasing dense mist as one after another Black Water Flood Dragons soared out.

The three Flood Dragons pulling the Spirit Boat also shot into the sky.

“These are… Dao Weapons!?”

“I thought those three Flood Dragons didn’t seem like ordinary beasts but were actually Dao Weapons!”

“How is this possible? The Lu Family of Bihu Mountain has only been established for a short time, yet they already possess so many Dao Weapons!”

“Nine Second-Tier Dao Soldiers, Seventy-Two Top-Tier First-Tier Dao Soldiers! This can’t be cultivated in just a few decades!”

“This isn’t just a matter of time! It’s money! Cultivating this many Dao Soldiers easily costs hundreds of thousands of Spirit Stones! Moreover, you need specific Secret Techniques and pills. Ordinary families wouldn’t even be able to shoulder the burden!”

Every cultivator present went pale upon seeing this scene.

Dao Soldiers, a benchmark for measuring a family’s foundation!

To many, the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain seemed like an upstart clan.

They rose through luck and opportunities!

Several such families have risen like comets over the ages.

But without a deep foundation, they could fall just as quickly when faced with a crisis.

Yet now, Lu Ping’an had Dao Soldiers.

Although there weren’t many, only eighty-one, it was still terrifying!

“Black Water Flood Dragon Curse, Black Water Flood Dragon Battle Formation!”

Lu Ping’an paid no mind to the gasps of others, holding the Dao Soldier Token and circulating the Black Dragon Scripture.

“Roar! Roar! Roar—”

Eighty-one Dao Soldiers lined up neatly, their bodies automatically activating the Black Water Flood Dragon Curse. Their Qi merged, forming a massive flood dragon’s shadow.

This flood dragon shadow towered over thirty feet high, solid and real, exuding a stunning late second-tier aura, winding around Lu Ping’an.

Simultaneously, Lu Ping’an’s blood and Qi surged violently. His body grew taller, black dragon scales appearing all over his skin. His Spiritual Energy soared, rising from Foundation Establishment stage four to the peak of stage six.

Lu Ping’an felt an unprecedented surge of power, his entire being had never felt better.

“Boom!”

He hurled the Black Dragon Halberd, carving through the air with a terrifying trajectory. At the same time, his fists erupted with golden light, his aura vast and overwhelming as he rushed towards Shangguan Jiuyang.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

His wild and domineering blood and Qi, together with the flood dragon shadow, shot towards the sky, stirring the heavens and earth, releasing an intimidating and powerful aura.

“Clang!!!”

Shangguan Jiuyang slashed his long blade, blocking the roar of the Black Dragon Halberd. Yet, the force sent him staggering back, his blood and Qi churning.

He looked at Lu Ping’an, who now seemed like a god or demon, his eyelid twitched. A wave of unease washed over him.

Suddenly, he felt it was a mistake to have fought Lu Ping’an.

But his will was strong. He didn’t retreat and continued to cast Secret Techniques. The Heavenly Thunder Blade erupted with purple thunder knife Qi, slashing directly at Lu Ping’an.

Four Hundred Battles War Puppets charged at Lu Ping’an simultaneously.

“Clang! Clang! Clang—”

The knife Qi landed on Lu Ping’an without appearing to do any harm. Instead, he threw a punch, as if the ancient god’s mountain pressed down, shattering the Hundred Battles War Puppets.

“What a physique!”

Shangguan Jiuyang twitched again. He activated a top-tier second-tier defensive talisman. His body shimmered brightly as lightning surged around him. With a roar, he continued to engage Lu Ping’an.

“This…”

“It looks like Shangguan Family Ancestor is about to lose!”

“So this is the power of Dao Soldiers!”

“To think only eighty-one Dao Soldiers could be this astounding. I suddenly understand why Immortal Qingluan could contend with a late Golden Core cultivator with just five hundred Dao Soldiers!”

“The Lu Family of Bihu Mountain!”

The surrounding cultivators watched in shock, unable to say a word.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

After several more rounds, Shangguan Jiuyang finally couldn’t hold his ground. Lu Ping’an advanced, pushing him back at every step.

“Boom!”

Lu Ping’an threw a punch, causing the space to quake and distort. The flood dragon shadow coiled down, engulfing Shangguan Jiuyang like a massive axe or divine tower pressing down.

“Bang! Bang! Bang—”

Shangguan Jiuyang’s protective aura shattered completely. His body hurtled back, the Heavenly Thunder Blade slipping out of his grasp.

Lu Ping’an’s towering figure shot forward like a cannonball, tearing through space. He struck Shangguan Jiuyang, who spat out blood as his bones fractured.

He had just used a Secret Technique, but now, gravely wounded by Lu Ping’an, his momentum suddenly drained away.

“Fellow Daoist, do you yield?”

Lu Ping’an grasped the Black Dragon Halberd, pointing it at Shangguan Jiuyang, speaking in a deep voice without continuing to attack.

Chasing in for the kill could grant him the opportunity to finish off his opponent.

But doing so would ignite an irreversible feud with the Shangguan Family.

He didn’t want that.

“Fellow Daoist, your power is extraordinary. I yield.”

Shangguan Jiuyang’s face turned pale. His once straight and sharp posture, like a blade, now seemed slightly hunched. He spoke with a bitter, reluctant tone.