Chapter Forty-One: Breaking into the Zhao Residence

Lu Qingyun’s voice was thunderous, showing no trace of hesitation or fear. Having chosen to come here to settle the score, he had naturally made all the necessary preparations. Some people choose to do nothing, but when they do act, they do so with earth-shattering impact. They want everyone to know just how terrifying they can be and what price one must pay for provoking them.

A large crowd had gathered at the entrance, each of them visibly shocked. They felt that what Lu Qingyun was doing was far too reckless. After all, this matter was not so simple; this was the Zhao family’s territory. Having fought his way to their doorstep, how could they possibly let him off easily? People began to whisper, heedless of the consequences.

"This young man is truly too impulsive. He gains nothing from this, and the consequences will be dire."

"Who can say otherwise! It was said that this young man had a bright future, but by doing this, he is destroying his own path!"

"Sigh... it’s such a pity. I had hoped to witness the birth of a miracle, but I never expected this kid to be such a fool..."

The comments grew increasingly harsh, making one feel quite uncomfortable, yet Lu Qingyun seemed not to hear them at all. He stood his ground, waiting to confront them. If anything, the situation only made him more energized, ready to deliver a resounding slap to their faces.

Just then, a group of people finally emerged from the Zhao family compound. Leading them was none other than the source of all this trouble: Zhao Tuo. He was still astride that same tall steed, maintaining his arrogant posture, looking down at Lu Qingyun from his elevated position. He seemed to have regained his confidence, a smug smile playing on his lips as he spoke slowly.

"Heh, heh, heh. Lu Qingyun, your guts are truly immense. To think you would dare come to our Zhao family; I have never seen anyone with such audacity..."

"Since you insist on coming here to die, what choice do I have? I had intended to let our family move far away after dealing with you, and I assumed you would keep hiding in the City Lord’s mansion."

Watching Zhao Tuo’s arrogant display, Lu Qingyun could not fathom where his confidence came from; he only found his current demeanor laughable. He looked at the group behind Zhao Tuo—a collection of weaklings and cowards, utterly devoid of real strength. He did not let his guard down, keeping his eyes locked on Zhao Tuo, determined not to fall for any of their tricks. These people were inherently untrustworthy, and one moment of carelessness could cost him his life.

Facing this provocation, Lu Qingyun remained calm. He spoke slowly, "Heh, heh, heh. I don’t consider myself a petty person, but everything you have done has made me feel truly uncomfortable—and, in fact, absolutely furious."

"You changed the trajectory of my life and forced me into a different path. If not for you, how could I have encountered so many misfortunes?"

Lu Qingyun never liked to complain, nor did he like to shift the blame onto others, but if he had never crossed paths with this man, how could things have turned out this badly? He felt a sense of profound helplessness, but what could he do? Now, there was only one thing left: to vent all his fury upon the Zhao family and let them realize just how egregious their actions had been. Zhao Tuo was so arrogant and tyrannical that he must have committed countless wrongs and bullied innumerable people. A man like him deserved to pay a heavy price.

Zhao Tuo still wore that same haughty expression, laughing loudly, "Hahahaha! I think you just deserve it. I have changed the lives of countless people. That you were able to work for the City Lord at the end of your life is already the greatest fortune you could hope for. What else do you have to say?"

"Instead of complaining, you should be thanking me. If it weren't for me, how could you have had such a 'spectacular' life?"

Listening to his words, it was clear that Zhao Tuo had been coached by some expert; otherwise, how could he have come up with such phrasing? But he was still too green. Lu Qingyun shook his head with a faint smile.

"Heh, heh, heh. Is that so? Then I really should thank you properly. However, my way of thanking you might be a bit different; I wonder if you can handle it."

"I could have granted you a quick death to spare you some suffering, but since you are so unhinged, I’m afraid I have changed my mind. I don’t think I’ll even leave your body intact!"

After Lu Qingyun finished speaking, Zhao Tuo was instantly ignited with rage. His face flushed red, and his body trembled uncontrollably. He gritted his teeth and snarled, "Lu Qingyun, it seems there is no point in wasting any more useless words on you. I had originally intended to bring you into our Zhao family, but since you are so ungrateful, I have no choice but to kill you!"

He turned to the weaklings behind him and shouted, "Men! Hack him to death and mince him into meat paste to feed the dogs!"

***

At Zhao Tuo’s command, the lackeys behind him rushed forward at once. Lu Qingyun watched them charge, finding it utterly ridiculous. With their level of strength, they were no match for him. Since they were insistent on throwing their lives away, Lu Qingyun chose to oblige.

He drew his Qingyun Sword, a weapon he hadn't used in a long time. As he watched the blade shimmer, a smile played involuntarily on his lips. Dealing with these small fry would be a perfect way to reawaken the Qingyun Sword with their blood.

Stepping into his Lotus Movement technique, his body moved in eerie, unpredictable patterns. Each landing point was unexpected, and each strike claimed a life. Lu Qingyun said coldly, "Do you think you have a mighty tree to shade you? Do you think that by following the Zhao family, you can act with impunity and never suffer any harm?"

"All of this is nothing more than your delusions. If you continue to aid the wicked and act as their claws and teeth, I have no choice but to take your lives!"

Though Lu Qingyun was much younger than them, in their eyes, he stood like a seasoned master of high status. The majesty he exuded was not to be trifled with; even meeting his gaze made them feel incredibly nervous. How could someone so young possess such terrifying pressure?

"ROAR!"

Suddenly, the phantom of a Azure Dragon martial soul appeared behind Lu Qingyun. Upon seeing this projection, everyone understood. This was the suppression of a martial soul! Although these lackeys also had their own awakened martial souls, they were mostly beasts or other minor types. They could not compare to the Azure Dragon, which stood as the representative—and perhaps the leader—of the Four Divine Beasts. No ordinary martial soul could match it, save for those of ancient origin.

It was like a butcher carrying a tiger bone; even the fiercest dog would not dare to bark at him. This suppression from the bloodline could not be altered. The men began to retreat, their eyes filled with fear. Especially when they saw those who had already fallen—each killed with a single strike—they realized the terrifying nature of Lu Qingyun’s methods.

Ever since he had awakened his martial soul, he had traveled to the Wind and Cloud Gorge. Though he hadn't encountered enemies of overwhelming strength, the demonic beasts there were horrific. Moreover, he rarely released his martial soul, as it consumed a massive amount of energy at that time. He had to resolve battles in the most concise manner possible to conserve his strength. It was those battles that had honed his Qingyun Sword technique to the level of perfection.

Drawing the Qingyun Sword again felt incredibly familiar, and dealing with these lackeys was far easier than handling those beasts. Seeing his men retreat, Zhao Tuo shouted, "I keep you all fed and housed for moments like this! He has released his martial soul; he cannot possibly have the spirit energy to sustain it for long!"

"Only a few of you have died, and you dare to retreat? Do you want me, the Young Master of the Zhao family, to fight him myself? Get back in there!"

Upon hearing Zhao Tuo’s words, the men seemed to regain their confidence. Before the battle, the Zhao family had briefed them on Lu Qingyun’s situation: such a powerful martial soul required immense spirit energy to support. Since Lu Qingyun had already released it, he couldn't fight for long.

Lu Qingyun finally understood why Zhao Tuo dared to face him; they had this little scheme in mind. However, Lu Qingyun felt they still underestimated him! His method of cultivation was vastly different from theirs; he did not rely on absorbing the spirit energy of this continent to raise his realm. The cultivation he obtained was gifted by the system, and it was extremely pure—no refining required.

Therefore, even though he was at the ninth level of the Body Tempering Realm, no one within that realm could be his match! Watching the Zhao family’s subordinates come forward again, Lu Qingyun shook his head in resignation.

"Fine. Since you are determined to die by my hand, I shall grant you your wish!"

This time, Lu Qingyun did not choose to be passive. He moved first, flashing forward like a bolt of lightning and vanishing from his spot. His figure became like a phantom, weaving through the crowd. In less than a moment, all of the Zhao family’s servants lay dead on the spot, each killed with a single strike.

Seeing this, Zhao Tuo turned to flee. His tall steed was fast, but it could not compare to Lu Qingyun’s Lotus Movement. The moment Zhao Tuo’s horse turned around, Lu Qingyun had already blocked his path. He held the Qingyun Sword and tapped it against the horse's head; the beast instantly froze, cowed by Lu Qingyun’s overwhelming aura!

Zhao Tuo was no longer as composed as before; a look of terror flickered in his eyes, and his voice trembled as he spoke, "You... what do you want? This is the Zhao family!"

"It’s not too late for you to leave. I won't pursue the matter of those men who died..."

Before Zhao Tuo could finish his sentence, Lu Qingyun interrupted him in a cold voice. "A fine 'not pursuing the matter.' You Zhao family members have been hounding me relentlessly. If I possessed the power of the City Lord, would you dare? Isn't it all because you think my cultivation is low?"

"Didn't you say I came here to die? Haven't you been wanting to kill me all along? Use whatever tricks you have, because today, I am settling everything with the Zhao family!"

"Zhao Tuo, either you die or I die today. But even if I die, I will drag you down to the grave with me!"

Lu Qingyun’s eyes were filled with such intense killing intent that Zhao Tuo was too terrified to even hold the reins. Tears welled in his eyes as he screamed, "Grand Elder, save me!"

Before the sound of Zhao Tuo’s voice had faded, Lu Qingyun felt a tremendous pressure surging from behind him. Lu Qingyun had been waiting for this Grand Elder of the Zhao family! The Zhao family was not a martial arts sect; their status was built entirely on alchemy and the sale of pills. They were, in essence, very successful merchants. Unfortunately, the only expert the family could put forward to save face was this Grand Elder.

The moment the Grand Elder appeared, he roared, "Lu Qingyun, do not push your luck! We gave you a chance. If you had not stepped into our gates, the Zhao family would not have hunted you to the end."

"Since you insist on invading our home, I shall let you witness the power that transcends the Body Tempering Realm!"

The Grand Elder of the Zhao family had long since broken through the Body Tempering Realm; he was a true expert of the Qi Gathering Realm. If Lu Qingyun had enjoyed a smooth path without all these misfortunes, perhaps he would have reached that realm himself by now.

Lu Qingyun said coldly, "Do you think your realm is so impressive? You have only reached the Qi Gathering Realm at such an advanced age; it only proves that you have had to compensate for your lack of talent with hard work. You don't seem to have much natural aptitude for cultivation."

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder’s fury was reignited. He produced a long blade from thin air and gritted his teeth, "Boy, I knew you had a sharp tongue. Today, I will knock your teeth out one by one and cut out your tongue to feed the dogs!"

"Even if you work for the City Lord, you are trespassing on our property. Even if I kill you, the City Lord will not blame us!"

The Grand Elder charged forward rapidly. Lu Qingyun did not dodge in the slightest, gathering all his strength into the Qingyun Sword. He roared back, "You old cur, then let me see if you have the ability to do so!"