Chapter 137: Underestimating Yourself? Lu Qing Steps Forward—Bone and Muscle Clash with Internal Organs!

At the City Gate, besides Tian Cang Sect disciples, several other martial artists were present—elite warriors from various factions within the county town. The weakest among them were already close to achieving the peak of Jin Gu Jing, formidable martial cultivators in their own right.

Since the decree prohibiting Xian Tian Jing masters from harming those beneath the Xian Tian Jing realm had become known, fear of these high-level cultivators had noticeably diminished. When word spread that another Xian Tian Jing master had arrived outside the city walls, all of them hurried to witness it firsthand.

After all, Xian Tian Jing masters were rare sights. Observing their aura up close might even offer insights that could benefit their own cultivation in the future.

But just as they arrived, they witnessed something utterly unbelievable—Lu Qing had stood firm, completely enduring Wang Cangyi’s full Xian Tian pressure, his expression utterly unshaken.

The onlookers were stunned. Only days ago, they had personally experienced the crushing weight of a Xian Tian Jing master’s aura. The confrontation between Wang Cangyi and Wei Shanhai had been so intense that the entire county town had trembled under the sheer pressure of their spiritual dominance.

How, then, had this young man remained unaffected?

"Looks like Senior Wang truly treats Sheng Shan Jin Ling as nothing," Lu Qing called out, his voice clear and steady, gazing up at the figure atop the City Gate. "But I wonder—can you bear the consequences of breaking the law?"

His calm demeanor left the other martial artists speechless. This boy was truly reckless—daring to openly challenge a Xian Tian Jing Zong Shi in public!

Didn’t he fear Wang Cangyi would simply slice him down with a single stroke?

Wang Cangyi glared down at Lu Qing, cold eyes narrowing, about to speak—when suddenly, he sensed two distinct auras appearing from the adjacent City Wall.

He turned to see the County Magistrate and the Cloth-Clothed Youth standing nearby, observing the scene.

The calm gaze of the Cloth-Clothed Youth caused Wang Cangyi to pause. The harsh words he’d been about to utter died in his throat.

Though his fury burned deep, he dared not act. If not for this Tian Ji Lou disciple here, he would have unleashed his wrath without restraint.

But now, even in anger, he could only contain himself.

Yet, he couldn’t harm the Cloth-Clothed Youth—so he turned his focus to Lu Qing.

"Boy," Wang Cangyi sneered, "you’ve got nerve. And a bit of wit. A mere Jin Gu Jing daring to provoke me? But do you truly believe that having Sheng Shan Jin Ling behind you protects you?"

"No," he chuckled, his eyes glinting with mockery. "You’re just digging your own grave."

"Xiong Er," he called out, "seize this insolent youth. Don’t kill him yet—bring him down and teach him a lesson."

"Yes, Master!" The towering, broad-shouldered first disciple answered with a deep voice, stepping forward slowly.

Turning to the Cloth-Clothed Youth, Wang Cangyi asked, "Zhi Rui, this boy insulted me. I’m sending my disciple to discipline him. Does that violate Sheng Shan Jin Ling?"

"Of course not," the youth replied, shaking his head.

"And if the Xian Tian Jing over there attacks my disciple in retaliation?" Wang Cangyi pressed.

"Then it does violate the decree," the youth said flatly, one word.

"Excellent. Very well." Wang Cangyi nodded in satisfaction.

Then, calling down to the battlefield, "Xiong Er, did you hear that? If the old man over there dares lay a hand on you, I’ll personally handle it. No need to fear."

"Understood, Master!" the giant bellowed.

Wang Cangyi hadn’t bothered to conceal his words. Every martial artist nearby had heard the exchange.

Instantly, all eyes turned to Lu Qing—filled with pity.

That broad-shouldered youth was no ordinary warrior. He was a Nei Fu Jing Wan Man, a Zong Shi on the verge of Hou Tian mastery, capable of matching the Wei Family Head in combat. Among everyone present, aside from the two Xian Tian Jing masters and the mysterious Zhi Rui, he was the strongest.

And Lu Qing? Just a mere Jin Gu Jing.

How could he possibly stand against such a force?

Worse yet, Wang Cangyi had twisted Lu Qing’s earlier taunt—using it to trap him, cutting off even his last defense.

"Old Doctor," Ma Gu whispered, dread creeping into his voice. "What do we do now?"

The towering figure approaching radiated an overwhelming aura of life force. Ma Gu knew—this was a foe they could never defeat.

The man’s presence felt even stronger than the Nei Fu Jing warrior they’d faced in the nameless valley.

"A Qing, step back." Old Doctor couldn’t stand by as his disciple faced certain doom. He was about to act, to force the giant to retreat.

But Wang Cangyi, ever watchful, had already sensed the movement.

With a flick of his hand, he summoned a blade qi.

"Old man, you want to bully a youth? Then don’t blame me for being ruthless!"

A surge of pressure filled the air—Wang Cangyi was about to charge.

But Lu Qing placed a firm hand on Old Doctor’s arm.

"Master, not yet. Let me face this brute first."

"But A Qing—"

"Trust me, Master. I know what I’m doing. Even if I lose, I’ll walk away unharmed."

Seeing the calm smile on his disciple’s face, Old Doctor slowly lowered his hand.

He knew Lu Qing was never reckless. The boy rarely acted without confidence.

Even he couldn’t imagine how a Jin Gu Jing Wan Man could stand against a Nei Fu Jing Zong Shi.

But faith in his disciple carried him through.

"Lu Xiao Langjun," Wei Fu Ren gasped from the ox cart. "Are you really going to fight that brute?"

"Someone has to buy time," Lu Qing said, his expression grim. "But The Lady of the Wei Family—your reinforcements are taking far too long. We’ve been waiting ages. Where are they?"

"I… I don’t know," Wei Fu Ren admitted, her voice laced with shame. "Perhaps something’s happened at the residence… It’s holding them back…"

"Hope the Wei Family Head arrives soon," Lu Qing sighed. "Otherwise, I may not last long."

He removed the cover from the basket on his back, handing it to Xiao Yan. Then, from the ox cart, he drew his War Blade.

"Xiao Li," he said, "protect Xiao Yan. If anyone tries to harm her—kill them without hesitation."

Wei Fu Ren and her son stared, stunned. Who was Xiao Li?

But before they could ask, Lu Qing had already stepped forward, blade in hand.

Only Ma Gu understood.

He’d thought Lu Qing would bring that mysterious, stealthy being—like in the nameless valley—into battle.

But now, he was being told to protect Xiao Yan… while Lu Qing went alone.

A Jin Gu Jing facing a Nei Fu Jing Zong Shi?

It was suicide.

But Ma Gu couldn’t stop him. By the time he realized, Lu Qing was already walking toward the battlefield.

Meanwhile, the crowd at the City Gate erupted in shock.

They watched as the boy didn’t flee. Instead, he advanced—blade in hand—toward the towering warrior.

"Is this boy mad? Does he actually think he can fight a Nei Fu Jing Zong Shi?"

"Stupid kid—Master Xiong Er will tear him apart!"

"Youthful arrogance. Can’t he see how powerful his opponent is?"

"Overreaching himself—he’s dead already!"

The air buzzed with disbelief.

Even the elite warriors atop the City Wall were surprised.

Wang Cangyi’s expression flickered with surprise, then twisted into a cold smirk.

So this was the kind of fool who thought he could challenge the heavens?

Perfect. Let Xiong Er take him as a hostage. Then force the old man to surrender the Wei family’s mother and child.

"Zhi Rui," the County Magistrate murmured to his friend, "who is this boy? So bold?"

"I don’t know," the Cloth-Clothed Youth replied, but his gaze lingered on Lu Qing with a strange intensity.

The day before, in the Half Mountain Small Courtyard, he’d felt something peculiar about Lu Qing—like a figure shrouded in mist. But then, most of his attention had been on Old Doctor.

Now, he began to suspect Lu Qing was far more unusual than he’d first thought.

As the youth’s thoughts deepened, a faint, otherworldly sensation flickered from his eyes—unseen by all.

In the midst of the crowd, Lu Qing reached the giant.

And in his vision, a set of words appeared, hovering within the crimson glow of his abilities:

> [Zhao Xiong: Tian Cang Sect disciple, eldest disciple of Xian Tian Jing master Wang Cangyi. Calm, composed, mature.]

> [Cultivation: Post-Natal Internal Organs Stage Wan Man. Master of the sword.]

> [Possesses Secret Technique—doubles combat power for a short time.]

Lu Qing blinked. Even among Wang Cangyi’s disciples, this one was surprisingly decent.

Unlike the others he and Xiao Li had killed—ruthless, vicious beasts.

"Boy," Zhao Xiong said, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "You’ve got courage. If you kneel and beg now, I might ask Master to spare your life."

"Thank you," Lu Qing smiled. "But my bones are too hard. I’ve never bowed to anyone. I’d rather die standing than live on my knees."

"Good spirit," Zhao Xiong grunted. "But can your strength match your pride?"

"Words won’t help," Lu Qing said. "Let’s see your blade. I can tell from your back that you’re a swordsman. Draw it."

"Me? Draw my blade for a Jin Gu Jing?" Zhao Xiong laughed. "That’d be a joke. But if you can force me to draw, I’ll spare you—no need to beg Master."

"Then I’m truly grateful," Lu Qing said, a smile playing on his lips.

He lowered his stance, assuming the opening stance of a swordmaster.

"Be careful, though. My technique isn’t something you can block with bare hands."

Before the words finished, a wave of killing intent surged from Lu Qing’s body.

The ground trembled.

In an instant, Lu Qing vanished from sight—then reappeared directly before Zhao Xiong.

A blinding slash of steel, crackling with fury, descended like a thunderbolt—aimed straight at the giant’s head!

"What?!"

Zhao Xiong’s eyes widened in shock.

In that split second, he felt the depth of Lu Qing’s technique—his movements had sealed off all escape routes, as if every direction was already cut off.

He couldn’t dodge. He had to fight.

Without hesitation, he reached behind his back, drawing his own War Blade—just in time to block the incoming strike.

Clang!

The clash of blades rang out, deafening. A shockwave exploded outward, forcing both fighters back several steps.

Lu Qing glanced at his War Blade—now chipped at the edge—but showed no concern.

Instead, he looked at Zhao Xiong, who gripped his own weapon, its blade now also chipped, his face a mask of disbelief.

"See?" Lu Qing smiled. "I told you—my style isn’t easy to block."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end