Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

Nine Heavens Peak, in a courtyard.

A disciple from the Steward Hall quickly delivered Chen Qing's written challenge.

Lu Chenming's heart first stirred, then his brows furrowed tightly.

He had thought Chen Qing would continue to lie low, quietly accumulating power with his astonishing potential.

He never expected Chen Qing to be so decisive. After breaking through the thirty-first floor of the Celestial Treasure Tower, he had only cultivated in seclusion for two months before brazenly issuing a challenge!

"Chen Qing..."

Lu Chenming murmured the name. 'What is he relying on? Is it that powerful Body Refining Cultivation, that rumored Three Stances Fusion Spear Technique, or... is it just the reckless arrogance of youth?'

He had never seen Chen Qing truly fight, nor had he personally witnessed the battle on the Seven-Star Platform.

But to be able to defeat the well-grounded Han Xiong and ascend to the thirty-first floor of the Celestial Treasure Tower was more than enough proof that this man was no easy opponent.

Any underestimation could come at a terrible price.

Lu Chenming took a deep breath, suppressing all thoughts of contempt and restlessness. His eyes returned to a state of profound calm, like the still water of an ancient well.

Even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit.

Besides, Chen Qing was no rabbit to be trifled with.

Every time he accepted a challenge, he, Lu Chenming, gave it his all. He knew full well that every True Successor Candidate who made it before him was a person of unyielding will and extraordinary methods. How could a challenge for which they gambled everything be a trivial matter?

Just then, a voice announced from outside the courtyard, "Brother Lu, Junior Brother Zhao Mu is here to see you."

A flicker of light crossed Lu Chenming's eyes. 'Zhao Mu?'

This man was one of Brother Zhong's close associates and a disciple Luo Ziming trusted deeply.

It was self-evident why he had come at this moment.

"Please show Junior Brother Zhao in."

Lu Chenming turned to greet his guest.

Soon, a young man with sharp features and bright eyes, dressed in the attire of a Nine Heavens Peak Core Disciple, strode in. It was Zhao Mu.

He clasped his hands in a salute toward Lu Chenming, his smile hearty. "Brother Lu, my apologies for the intrusion."

"There's no need for such formalities, Junior Brother Zhao. Please, sit."

Lu Chenming led him to a seat and personally poured him tea.

Zhao Mu dispensed with the pleasantries and got straight to the point. His expression turned serious as he said, "Brother Lu, I presume you already know about the challenge. Brother Zhong sent me with a message. This challenge concerns the honor of our Nine Heavens Lineage, and several Elders... will also be watching. This Chen Qing has astonishing potential, and the True Martial Lineage has placed great hopes in him. This challenge is by no means a blind shot. You must be cautious, Brother Lu, and not let your guard down in the slightest."

Lu Chenming understood completely.

The old grudge between Vein Master Li Yu-jun and the True Martial Lineage was no secret among the upper echelons.

Years ago, Li Qingyu had betrayed the Sect and killed the previous Nine Heavens Vein Master. For a blood feud of this magnitude, it was only natural that Li Yu-jun would transfer part of her hatred to the True Martial Lineage, from which Li Qingyu had come.

Any opportunity that might allow the True Martial Lineage to rise again was something the Nine Heavens Lineage—and Vein Master Li Yu-jun in particular—did not want to see.

He cupped his fist and said in a low, serious voice, "Please report back to Brother Zhong, Junior Brother Zhao. I, Chenming, have been the defender here for eight years and have not dared to slack off for a single day. No matter who my opponent is, I will give it my all. I will absolutely not disappoint the Vein Master or Brother Zhong."

Zhao Mu nodded, a smile returning to his face. "Brother Lu, you have been the defender for eight years, faced numerous challenges, and never once failed. We all know the depths of your foundation. Brother Zhong and the Vein Master naturally have faith in you. I am sure you will not disappoint this time, either."

He paused, then rose to his feet. "My message has been delivered. I will not disturb your preparations any longer, Brother Lu. I wish you a resounding victory!"

"Thank you, Junior Brother Zhao."

Lu Chenming rose to see him off.

After seeing Zhao Mu out, the courtyard gate closed once more.

Lu Chenming stood alone in the courtyard. He looked up at the clouds and mist swirling around the summit of Nine Heavens Peak and took a deep breath. The air was cold, seeping deep into his lungs.

The pressure was like a mountain, but he was long used to it.

He turned, walked back into the courtyard, and picked up his saber again.

This time, he did not put it back. Instead, his thumb pushed lightly against the handguard, revealing a section of the blade that glinted with a cold, sharp light, reflecting his calm eyes.

'Five days is enough.'

In these few days, he needed to adjust his condition to its absolute peak. At the same time, he also had to repeatedly deduce all the possible techniques Chen Qing might use.

"Chen Qing..."

He muttered to himself, "Let's see just how much of my strength you, the so-called genius in whom the True Martial Lineage has placed such high hopes, can actually force me to use!"

CLANG!

The long saber returned completely to its sheath. Lu Chenming sat down cross-legged and sank his Heart and Spirit into his body. He began to regulate his aura as the faint Nine Heavens True Astral around him started to circulate slowly, like a great river with a surging undercurrent, gathering power for the decisive moment.

....

The Shen Family, Immortal Welcoming Pavilion.

This place was a world apart from the Tingzhu Pavilion where Chen Qing had been received on his first visit.

Tingzhu Pavilion was quiet and secluded. Though elegant, it retained a sense of simplicity and was used to entertain ordinary guests.

The Immortal Welcoming Pavilion, however, was located in the core area of the Shen Mansion. Its upturned eaves and ornate brackets were exquisitely magnificent. Inside the pavilion, Spirit Wood formed the beams, and White Jade paved the floor. Ancient paintings imbued with Spirit Charm hung on the four walls, while in the corners, incense burners released billows of Soothing Sandalwood Incense worth a thousand gold pieces, its refreshing fragrance delighting the heart and spirit.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the pavilion was harmonious.

Patriarch Shen Jiuhe was seated in the host's chair. His gaze was profound, and though he did not deliberately release his aura, he naturally possessed a commanding presence that inspired awe without anger.

To his left sat Grand Elder Shen Boyuan, Second Elder Shen Wanqing, and several highly regarded young disciples of the direct lineage, in that order. Shen Xinyue was also among them, sitting quietly in a seat slightly further back.

On the right side were the honored guests: True Disciple Luo Chengxuan and his wife, Shen Xinrou.

"Chengxuan, Xinrou, it has been a long time since you've been back."

Grand Elder Shen Boyuan wore a warm smile as he looked at his esteemed grandson-in-law, his tone filled with affection and satisfaction.

"You are too kind, Grandfather."

Luo Chengxuan nodded slightly. His smile was gentle, and his bearing was impeccable. "Sect affairs are numerous, and I dare not slacken in my Cultivation. I have indeed been remiss in paying my respects. I hope that Grandfather, Patriarch, and all the esteemed Elders will forgive me."