Chapter 372: I Am Watching You
The ancient and dilapidated broken walls, the altar square smeared with dark red bloodstains, the colossal throne crafted from peculiar yellow clay, and the savage figure on the throne, seemingly asleep yet deranged…
What Lu Heng glimpsed was but a fleeting momentary scene.
However, the image seen in that brief moment was deeply imprinted in his mind, utterly impossible to disregard.
Especially when the figure on the throne opened its eyes, Lu Heng, with his cultivation level, found himself slightly breathless.
Indeed, within the Zhuxian Ancient City, there truly exists an unparalleled sense of terror.
Even though Lu Heng's gaze briefly intersected with that savage figure, he was acutely aware of the inherent peril within it.
The intuitions of the cultivator were desperately warning him - he must not approach that figure, he must not provoke that entity under any circumstances!
The immense pressure left Lu Heng with lingering trepidation.
However, beyond the pressure, what perplexed Lu Heng the most was the aura emanating from that figure, which inexplicably evoked an overwhelming sense of familiarity within him.
It feels as though… I have encountered it somewhere before.
Or perhaps, it is as if I have encountered a similar entity somewhere before.
However, Lu Heng continuously reminisced, yet he remained unable to recall.
This is highly irregular.
You should know that cultivators not only have an exceptional photographic memory, but they can even recall things from their childhood, even those experienced during their innocent years.
However, nowadays he inexplicably remains unable to recall it…
In the pitch-black and somber underground, Lu Heng fell into silence for a while, slowly shook his head, and relinquished his attempt to reminisce about the figure on that throne.
He also temporarily has no intention of continuing to use magic to peer into the scenes within the city.
The figure on that throne of yellow earth is wicked and eccentric, who knows if they might break free from the seal and charge out? Currently, without the Heavenly Thunder Sword by his side, it is not appropriate for him to engage in such perilous endeavors.
Moreover, in that brief glance just now, Lu Heng managed to discern numerous things.
Within the vast and dilapidated city, there are countless crumbled walls, ruins, and collapsed buildings.
The sky outside the city walls, however, was ominously still and devoid of any visible presence.
This dilapidated ancient city is evidently situated within an independent realm. Currently in a semi-projection state, it is absolutely beyond the reach of any influence unless Lu Heng directly tears apart the seal and rushes in.
Obviously, Lu Heng still has to wait, until after a dozen or so hours have passed tomorrow, when the night of the Eighth day of the twelfth lunar month arrives and the true upheaval in Zhuxian Town begins, only then can he exert influence over this peculiar ancient demonic city.
Moving underground in the dense aura of blood, Lu Heng swiftly resurfaced once again on the ground.
Beneath the chilly moonlight, the Zhuxian Town appeared eerily deserted. Within this immense city, not a single trace of human presence could be seen, not even the cultivators who had previously lingered had all departed.
In the Zhuxian Town, only Lu Heng strolled alone at present.
Not far away, Xiao Ai's figure emerged in the night sky, bringing along the siblings Wuyou and Wuyu, arriving before Lu Heng.
At this moment, only Xiao Ai, who had received instructions from Lu Heng, dared to approach this city without being intercepted by Duanmu Zhi.
Upon seeing Xiao Ai return, Lu Heng smiled and remarked, "You were a bit slow… but has Ao Tianxing arrived?"
Xiao Ai nodded calmly and said, "He has already gone to the Qushui Village to find Lian Cangqing. Tonight promises to be an entertaining spectacle."
The little girl remained as cold and indifferent as before, her facial expression showing no hint of change, as if she were not the one deceiving others.
Lu Heng couldn't help but smile and said, "Then let's go to the Qushui Village to witness the spectacle. This formidable ruffian might actually give Lian Cangqing a beat."
Xiao Ai nodded and then glanced at the empty city before expressing her concerns, "However, the Wolf God, the anomaly in this ancient city…"
Lu Heng sighed and said, "Currently, we are unable to intervene. We can only wait until the anomaly strikes tomorrow night and attempt to intervene from the outside."
Lu Heng had intended to explore the depths of the Zhuxian Ancient City in advance, and if possible, eliminate the threat of this ancient city through thunderous means.
However, the current situation that he glimpsed made him realize that the underground entities were not something he could easily eliminate.
That savage figure on the Yellow Earth Throne, I'm afraid even the Heavenly Thunder Sword might not be effective.
In such circumstances, without assurance, Lu Heng was truly reluctant to provoke it. He planned to employ the simplest method - waiting until the Zhuxian Ancient City fully manifested in the Netherworld and directly using the power of the Requiem Seal to expel this city from the Netherworld.
In any case, this ancient city has been here for countless years, hardly experiencing any major incidents. Even the Human Emperor only issued a decree to suppress it. Lu Heng, a passing traveler, certainly has no need to risk his life here.
When his strength becomes even stronger, and he can ensure a safe retreat, then he will consider eliminating the malevolent presence in this place.
While it is important to slay demons and evil demons, it is unnecessary to make futile sacrifices.
Carrying Xiao Ai and the Wuyou and Wuyu siblings, Lu Heng departed from the empty Zhuxian Town and headed directly towards the Qushui Village.
Outside the ancient city, numerous cultivators, led by Duanmu Zhi, are on guard outside the Zhuxian Town, prepared for the impending crisis. A man dressed in magnificent royal robes is currently conversing with Duanmu Zhi, seemingly the aforementioned King Zhennan.
However, Lu Heng, accompanied by Xiao Ai and the Wuyou and Wuyu siblings, departed discreetly, completely disregarding the presence of the group and showing no intention to approach them for greetings.
Naturally, including King Zhennan, everyone failed to perceive Lu Heng's departure.
Similarly, they also failed to notice the peculiar figure that emerged from the city after the departure of Lu Heng and his companions…
And outside the Qushui Village at this moment, the bustling atmosphere had reached its peak.
Almost all the cultivators within a radius of thousands of miles around the Zhuxian Town have gathered here because there are rumors that the arrogant and audacious Ao Tianxing, who has been causing a disturbance in the southern realm these days, is coming to challenge the cultivator who has trapped the Qushui Village.
Moreover, information regarding the identity of the enigmatic cultivator who trapped the Qushui Village has gradually started to circulate.
"I heard that she is a woman named Lian Cangqing, hailing from the Fire Pass Country in the south. Her cultivation prowess is unparalleled, causing even the Lord of All Demons in the Green Hell Cave to tremble at the mere mention of her name…"
"The perpetrator who ruthlessly slaughtered City Lord Nangong and his entourage before is none other than this Lian Cangqing. It is also rumored that the authorities from the capital city have dispatched personnel to apprehend the criminal… It remains unknown who will be sent."
"Heh… This Ao Tianxing, it is said that he was once slapped away by Lian Cangqing. I wonder if he can regain his dignity this time when he comes to provoke her."
"I'm afraid… Within a single palm strike, this woman has annihilated both Lie Lao and City Lord Nangong, remember, both of them are innate cultivators! As for that Ao Tianxing, though he may be excessively arrogant, it is quite evident that he is not on the same level as Lian Cangqing. Tonight, it seems he will once again bring shame upon himself…"
"Perhaps even his life cannot be preserved…"
Among the mountains and wilderness, similar discussions arose one after another.
The cultivators stood atop the mountain, in the sky, or on the trees, gazing near or far to observe the situation around the Qushui Village, eager to witness the commotion.
Because the audacious rogue named Ao Tianxing is swaggering towards the Qushui Village, boldly declaring his intention to teach Lian Cangqing a lesson and avenge the ambush that took place that day.
Lu Heng, who had silently blended into the crowd, listened to the discussions among the mountains and wilderness, his face filled with astonishment. He turned to Xiao Ai beside him.
Xiao Ai undoubtedly played a role in directing the release of these news and public opinions.
No wonder that Ao Tianxing rushed over eagerly. For this rogue who seeks fame by challenging the strong, such public opinion of having lost once and being certain to lose this time is absolutely intolerable.
No wonder Xiao Ai, this young girl, was so slow. It turns out she wasn't simply delivering a letter to Ao Tianxing to provoke him into action, but rather directly manipulating public opinion to force Ao Tianxing to take the initiative.
Goodness gracious!
In just two days' time, the public opinion has been shaped in such a way that everyone knows about the incident where Lian Cangqing slapped Ao Tianxing and sent him flying…
Lu Heng exclaimed, "Xiao Ai, you are becoming more formidable!"
Lu Heng's astonishment caused a slight blush to color Xiao Ai's face. She was about to speak when, at that moment, a resounding voice echoed through the mountains.
"Peerless in the world! Walking alone in the heavens! All beings bow down! Unrivaled in the myriad realms!"
"Lian Cangqing, your grandfather Ao Tianxing has come to see you!"
The sudden laughter echoed among the mountains. The faint aura of dominance within the sound caused the faces of all the cultivators engaged in lively discussions to change, and they all fell silent.
Amidst the radiant glow, a figure descended from the heavens, gradually landing in the vacant space before the Qushui Village, under the gaze of tens of thousands of eyes. With a lofty demeanor, Ao Tianxing declared, "Tonight, I, Ao Tianxing, shall publicly slap your face and shatter your Divine Skill, making the world aware that on that fateful day, it was not my defeat, but rather your dishonorable conduct of assaulting me by surprise!"
"If we truly engage in a life-and-death battle, I, Ao Tianxing, will undoubtedly personally defeat you!"
The arrival of Ao Tianxing left the Wuyou and Wuyu siblings in awe and astonishment.
They looked at Lu Heng beside them with some disbelief and spoke, "Father, is this person truly formidable?"
"Yes, father. How is this person just like a third-rate minor character? He lacks any sense of gravitas that a true powerhouse should possess."
The Wuyou and Wuyu siblings expressed their confusion.
Having stayed by Lu Heng's side for so long, the siblings also considered themselves to have witnessed formidable cultivators. Moreover, they discovered that these powerful cultivators all shared a common characteristic.
That would be the embodiment of maturity, composure, and remarkable dignity.
However, the current Ao Tianxing is arrogant and conceited, boasting and exaggerating his abilities, which makes it hard to perceive him as a formidable individual.
Of course, the siblings have such a feeling because, under the protection of Lu Heng, they were not subjected to the unbridled exertion of oppressive power emanating from Ao Tianxing.
If it weren't for Lu Heng's protection, with the siblings' meager abilities, they would most likely have been terrified by Ao Tianxing's overwhelming presence, leaving them pale-faced and with their minds blank.
And this, indeed, is the reason why cultivators all around fell into silence.
Because in the moment Ao Tianxing made his appearance, he shamelessly unleashed his own aura, forcefully overshadowing the surrounding mountains.
Such action, both arrogant and disrespectful, can be considered a provocation to everyone present.
However, such a terrifying aura indeed overwhelmed the many cultivators present. Many cultivators who had only heard of Ao Tianxing's name now had pale faces and trembling hands and feet, finally realizing the astonishing strength of this madman.
Amongst the mountains, there was a brief moment of silence and stillness.
After Ao Tianxing's voice fell, surprisingly, not a single sound echoed thereafter.
Even the sound of breathing came to a halt.
In the midst of such eerie silence, after three breaths, Ao Tianxing, who stood proudly in the void, couldn't keep his composure any longer.
He scanned the surroundings once again and proclaimed loudly, "Lian Cangqing, are you scared? Are you afraid of being defeated by me in front of everyone, so you dare not show yourself? Hmph! Since you are afraid, I will not bother to argue with a woman like you."
"Tonight, I will break through your formation and release the people of the Qushui Village, so that the world may know that even ancient monsters like you, Lian Cangqing, pale in comparison before me, Ao Tianxing!"
"The name of Ao Tianxing shall resound throughout the universe!"
After speaking, Ao Tianxing turned around and looked straight at the colossal mountain, suspended above the Qushui Village. Raising his right fist, a surge of vibrant green aura erupted fiercely around him.
Merely the act of throwing a punch set off a torrential surge of spiritual energy, causing a violent gust of wind to sweep through the area, shaking the very form of the cultivator standing amidst the mountains.
This Ao Tianxing, the might of his punches is remarkably formidable!
Upon witnessing this scene, the cultivators all harbored a singular thought in their hearts -- In the face of such a fearsome punch, the so-called Lian Cangqing is hardly worth mentioning.
Among the crowd, Lu Heng, on the other hand, shook his head, finding Ao Tianxing to be an ultimate show-off, deliberately creating such a grand commotion even for the sake of setting up a formation.
However, since he enjoys making a name for himself so much, I might as well use his own name next time I set out on a journey. After all, even if he finds out, he won't mind…
In the vast emptiness, a surge of spiritual energy roared, as ferocious fist strength surged and overwhelmed the mountains.
The roar of Ao Tianxing echoed for hundreds of miles, resounding far and wide.
"Proud Sky Battle World Technique! Second form! Proud Sky Dragon's Chant!"
Roar-
Within the resounding roar of a magnificent dragon's chant and beastly roar, a radiant golden dragon emerged from the surging tide of spiritual energy. With a furious roar, it collided with the colossal suspended mountain in the sky.
As this punch was about to shatter the suspended mountain in front of everyone's eyes, within the midst of the mountains, a voice of indifference from a woman finally resounded.
"What is this buzzing nuisance that appeared out of nowhere?"
As the voice fell, the colossal suspended mountain in the void unexpectedly turned transparent. The radiant golden dragon pierced through the mountain directly and vanished into the distance.
The mighty fist, after Ao Tianxing had spent quite some time building up strength, ended up missing its mark completely.
Meanwhile, the figure of the woman in red finally materialized before everyone's eyes.
Within the moon that hung in the night sky, the silhouette of Lian Cangqing unexpectedly emerged!
Within the shimmering moonlight, a woman dressed in crimson appeared, her blood-stained robe contrasting vividly against the moon's pure radiance, creating an inexplicably ominous and eerie presence.
The cultivators who witnessed this scene couldn't help but shudder in their hearts, as if they had encountered some ancient malevolent creature, inexplicably sending chills down their spines.
However, soon enough, someone noticed an anomaly.
"No! It's not the moon! The true moon is elsewhere!"
Amidst the crowd, there were also highly accomplished cultivators who quickly grasped the situation, being the first to discern Lian Cangqing's techniques.
As everyone cast their gazes, it became evident that on the other side of the night sky hung a genuine moon. However, the moon above the Qushui Village, was deceitful and false.
However, all the cultivators, including Ao Tianxing, were oblivious to the fact that within this counterfeit moon, Lian Cangqing lay concealed.
Even Lu Heng failed to notice…
Within the crowd, Lu Heng's heart skipped a beat, as an ominous feeling arose.
Unbeknownst to Lu Heng, Lian Cangqing had been covertly observing the surroundings from the sky, evidently anticipating his appearance!
Although he discreetly infiltrated using the concealment technique for the sake of caution and security.
However, Lian Cangqing possesses remarkable strength. I wonder if Lu Heng has already been discovered upon his stealthy entrance…
