The First Marquis of Daxuan

Mao Jiu and Ning Hongchen left decisively.

They went to rob Du Rongcheng.

Su Mu watched their retreating figures, feeling rather helpless.

This has nothing to do with him.

He had no intention of doing anything more to Du Rongcheng; he was already satisfied with just the Heavenly Net Umbrella.

This was purely a spontaneous action by Mao Jiu and Ning Hongchen, and had nothing to do with Su Mu!

"Du Rongcheng has an extraordinary background. Although he has not been in the Heavenly Fate Realm for long, he has a deep foundation. It is hard to guarantee that he does not have other treasures similar to the Heavenly Net Umbrella."

Su Mu stroked his chin, pondering, "After all, his father is the Minister of Works of the Great Qian Dynasty, the weapon-forging master mentioned by the Supreme Celestial..."

"Cat Nine has not been a Celestial Venerable for long, and Ning Hongchen is even more limited by the Heavenly Mandate Divine Weapon. The two of them may not be able to deal with Du Rongcheng."

As Su Mu thought about it, he nodded in self-approval.

“Cat Nine and Ning Hongchen have helped me a lot, I can’t just stand by and watch something happen to them.”

Su Mu muttered to himself, "Isn't that a bit too disloyal?"

I have to help them.

Su Mu stood up, his figure blurred, and he chased after Mao Jiu and Ning Hongchen.

He had to keep an eye on the two of them. If they could handle Du Rongcheng, that would be fine; if not, he would have to step in and help them.

…………

Inside the gates of the Azure Sky Sect.

Du Rongcheng met Liu Rufeng.

Seeing Liu Rufeng's treatment at the Cangqiong Sect, Du Rongcheng felt both envious and jealous.

If he had known that Liu Rufeng would be treated so well in the Azure Sky Sect, he should have chosen Liu Rufeng's mission in the first place!

He endured the wind and sun on Nanheng Mountain and suffered such a severe blow, while Liu Rufeng was doing well, surrounded by admirers and indulging in a life of pleasure.

In what way is Liu Rufeng better than him?

"Junior Brother Du, has your matter been resolved?"

Liu Rufeng looked at Du Rongcheng with a warm smile on his face.

"almost."

Du Rongcheng said vaguely, "I came here this time because I heard that Su Mu is very difficult to deal with, so I was worried that you, Senior Brother Liu, would not be able to handle it alone, so I came here to help you."

"Thank you for your kindness, Junior Brother Du."

Liu Rufeng was much more mature and composed than Du Rongcheng. Although he felt a little disdainful, he didn't show it on his face. Instead, he spoke with gratitude.

"You know what, I've been trying to find out about Su Mu these past few days, and the more I inquire, the more troublesome I feel he is."

I was initially worried about whether I could complete this task, but now, with your help, Junior Brother Du, we're sure to achieve a resounding victory.

"I think so too. If the two of us join forces, who in this world can stop us?"

Du Rongcheng said confidently, "Even those Celestial Venerables are just older. What's so great about them?"

A hint of disapproval flashed in Liu Rufeng's eyes, but his face remained all smiles.

“Junior Brother Du is right.”

Liu Rufeng asked, "Junior Brother Du, do you have any plans?"
Soon after was the day I had agreed upon with Su Mu.

I have gained the trust of the Azure Sky Sect. We have now cornered Su Mu, and he has been forced to agree to fight against the heroes of the world.

He can only become the Lord of Yang in this world's Yang realm if he defeats everyone.

A glint of light flashed deep in Liu Rufeng's eyes as he continued, "My original plan was to give him a series of attacks on that day, and kill him in front of the whole world. Then I could take his place and become the Lord of Yang in this world."

"Senior Brother Liu, your plan is excellent."

Du Rongcheng said thoughtfully, "However, as far as I know, Su Mu follows the path of physical martial arts, so a war of attrition might not be effective against him."

"Then there's nothing I can do."

Liu Rufeng spread his hands and said, "Junior Brother Du, as you know, our identities are special. It's not appropriate for us to act openly in this world. We have to hide our identities and bring this world under our control. This is too difficult for me."

"It is indeed too difficult."

Du Rongcheng looked thoughtful and said, "That's why we need to join forces."

Here's what I'm thinking: just to be on the safe side, we can't wait until the day you agreed on before we take action.

We must strike first.

How can one strike first and gain the upper hand?

Liu Rufeng said.

"Let's take action now."

Du Rongcheng said, "We'll ambush him now. We don't need to kill him, just severely injure him. Then you can make your move on the day you agreed upon."

A severely injured Su Mu is definitely no match for you, Senior Brother Liu. At that time, won't you easily win the crown, Senior Brother Liu?

Liu Rufeng glanced at Du Rongcheng and slowly said, "Su Mu is no ordinary person. Even if you and I join forces, it may not be so easy to make him seriously injured but not die."

Even if we could manage it, it would be almost impossible for either of us to escape unscathed.

unless--"

"Unless what?"

Du Rongcheng said.

"Unless you lend me the Heavenly Net Umbrella, I think we still have a good chance of succeeding."

Liu Rufeng said.

Du Rongcheng cursed inwardly, "If I had the Heavenly Net Umbrella, would I need to come looking for you?"
I could easily crush Su Mu on the ground by myself.

Unfortunately, the Heavenly Net Umbrella was snatched away by the Supreme Celestial!

“It’s not that I’m unwilling to lend the Heavenly Net Umbrella to you, Senior Brother Liu, but I’ve already given it to Venerable Jue Tian.”

As you know, my father sent me here with the Heavenly Net Umbrella to recruit the Supreme Celestial…”

Du Rongcheng made a troubled expression and said.

"Without the Heavenly Net Umbrella, what if I get injured like him when we go to deal with Su Mu?"

Liu Rufeng said.

"If you get injured, I'll go and compete in public for you, won't I?"

Du Rongcheng blurted it out.

He realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth and quickly said, "That's not what I meant. I meant you might not get hurt..."

"You don't need to say anything, I understand."

Liu Rufeng said meaningfully, and couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Du Rongcheng's intentions were as obvious as if they were laid bare in the sunlight.

He had known all along that Du Rongcheng was a good-for-nothing, but what could he do when Du was born into such a good family?

With a father who was the top weapons casting master and Minister of Works in the Great Qian Dynasty, even if Du Rongcheng were a pig, he could still become a master in his own right.

This bastard already has so much, and now he still wants to steal his credit. He's simply inhuman!
You want to trick me into dealing with Su Mu so you can take advantage of me? Do you really think I, Liu Rufeng, am as easy to fool as you?
Liu Rufeng sneered inwardly, but his smile remained unchanged on his face.

"Junior Brother Du, what a brilliant plan!"

Liu Rufeng said, "However, there is a slight problem with this matter."

"What little problem?"

Du Rongcheng said, "Senior Brother Liu, are you worried that the two of us can't beat Su Mu?"

Are you still worried about getting hurt?

If that's the case, you don't need to worry. I'm wearing the Seven-Slaying Dragon Scale Armor that my father forged himself.

How about I lend it to you temporarily?

"Seven Absolute Dragon Scale Armor?"

Liu Rufeng was taken aback, a deep jealousy flashing in the depths of his eyes.

The Seven Deadly Dragon Scale Armor is one of the ten most precious armors of the Great Qian Dynasty, and in terms of defensive power, it can even rank seventh among the ten most precious armors.

Even an ordinary person wearing it can withstand a blow from a Heavenly Fate Realm expert.

If a martial artist at the Heavenly Fate Realm were to wear it, it would be enough to withstand a single blow from a Heavenly Venerable expert without injury!
There are many defensive weapons in the world that can withstand a Celestial Venerable's attack, but very few can withstand a Celestial Venerable's attack without getting injured.

Having this Seven-Skill Dragon Scale Armor is practically like having an extra life.

"If Junior Brother Du is really willing to lend me the Seven Absolute Dragon Scale Armor, then I have nothing to worry about. Let's go and deal with Su Mu now!"

Liu Rufeng said.

He knew very well that Du Rongcheng would never be so kind as to help him deal with Su Mu; if Du Rongcheng did this, he definitely had some other plan.

However, it doesn't matter. As long as he can defeat Su Mu, he can take the opportunity to become the Lord of Yang in this world. At that time, even if Du Rongcheng has some conspiracy, it won't change this fact.

Given Du Rongcheng's cultivation level and methods, it's impossible for him to take the position of Yang Master from my hands.

Even if Du Rongcheng really subdued Jue Tianzun, it would be the same.

Moreover, the possibility of Du Rongcheng being able to subdue Jue Tianzun is almost zero. It's just that his father, Du Bao, can't see this. Everyone else has long seen that Du Rongcheng is simply an incompetent fool.

Do you know where Su Mu is hiding?

Du Rongcheng was overjoyed.

A hint of disdain flashed deep in Liu Rufeng's eyes. "You've been in this world for so long, and you don't even know where Su Mu is?"
There are only so many powerful people in this world, and Su Mu is the most outstanding one among them. It only takes a little inquiry to find out Su Mu's whereabouts.

People live in their own world, why should they hide it?

With Su Mu's strength, who in this world would be qualified to make him hide away?
Liu Rufeng thought to himself, but he didn't argue with Du Rongcheng. Instead, he slowly said, "I used the power of the Azure Sky Sect to find his stronghold. He's currently—"

…………

Mao Jiu and Ning Hongchen tracked them all the way to the outside of the Cangqiong Sect.

A look of doubt flashed across Ning Hongchen's face.

"You're saying Du Rongcheng came to the Azure Sky Sect? Are you kidding me?"

Ning Hongchen asked.

"How could there be a mistake?"

Cat Nine said, "Old Ning, you don't even believe in my abilities anymore?"
Even if I weren't a Celestial Cat now, I would never make a mistake in tracking down a person.

He is definitely hiding within the Azure Sky Sect.

"Hey, two people are coming out right now. If you don't believe me, we'll grab them and interrogate them."

"it is good."

Ning Hongchen flew out directly towards the two people.

Just then, Mao Jiu's expression froze.

"Holy crap, what a coincidence!"

Cat Nine's eyes widened, and he muttered, "The aura on this guy—"

"Is he Du Rongcheng?"

Du Rongcheng and Liu Rufeng had just left the Cangqiong Sect and were preparing to ambush Su Mu when suddenly a man came rushing towards them menacingly.

"I know him, he's one of Su Mu's men!"

Liu Rufeng's pupils shrank, and he said in a deep voice, "Good heavens, Su Mu actually dared to strike first!"
"Junior Brother Du, get him!"

Liu Rufeng remained calm and moved a step away from Du Rongcheng.

At this moment, Ning Hongchen had already pounced on Du Rongcheng and reached out to grab him.

"Be bold!"

Du Rongcheng didn't notice Liu Rufeng's actions; he only heard Liu Rufeng say, "This person is Su Mu's man!"

His anger towards Su Mu suddenly erupted. I can't beat Su Mu, but I can't beat Su Mu's subordinates either.

Now's a good time to collect some interest!
Du Rongcheng's aura surged wildly, and a three-pointed double-edged sword appeared in front of him. He gripped the sword with both hands and slashed down at Ning Hongchen.

boom!
A loud bang. A dazzling white light erupted from the three-pointed double-edged sword, and it was already in front of Ning Hongchen in an instant. Its speed was so fast that even Ning Hongchen, with his cultivation level, was caught off guard.

Ning Hongchen's pupils contracted.

He never expected that someone he randomly encountered outside the Azure Sky Sect would possess such strength!

The Azure Sky Sect actually had a peak Heavenly Fate Realm expert he didn't recognize hidden away?
In the blink of an eye, Ning Hongchen reacted extremely quickly.

He jerked his arms and slammed his fists forward.

Rumble!
Their fists clashed, producing a deafening sound.

pedal!pedal!pedal!
Ning Hongchen staggered back several steps, his fists were a bloody mess, and the white bones were even visible.

Du Rongcheng, who was opposite him, simply took a step back, flicked his three-pointed double-edged sword to the right, then drew a circle before slashing it down at Ning Hongchen again.

Ning Hongchen snorted coldly, his body flashed with white light, and the wounds on his hands healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

He took a step forward and threw a punch as well.

Ning Hongchen was no ordinary martial artist; he had experienced countless battles throughout his life, and his experience was even richer than that of Su Mu.

No matter how strong the opponent is, he will not back down.

Moreover, the opponent's strength lies only in their weapons!
In the blink of an eye, Ning Hongchen and Du Rongcheng clashed again.

The two men moved at extreme speed, almost indistinguishable to the naked eye, with only a series of explosions echoing in the air.

Mao Jiu and Liu Rufeng moved forward at the same time, their eyes colliding in the air, as if sparks were being ignited.

"Kid, you're out of luck!"

Cat Nine grinned.

It raised its paw and swiped at the target in mid-air.

call!
A giant cat paw appeared in the air and pressed down towards Liu Rufeng.

Liu Rufeng's expression changed slightly, and the light in his eyes shifted.

He could tell at a glance how powerful the opponent's attack was; it was clearly the power of a Celestial Venerable.

With his strength, he is not yet a match for the Celestial Venerable.

So he instinctively wanted to avoid it.

However, he immediately thought of the Seven Dragon Scale Armor he was wearing.

The Seven Deadly Dragon Scale Armor can withstand attacks from Heavenly Venerables without causing injury.

"Then let me test whether this legendary Seven Deadly Dragon Scale Armor is truly that powerful!"

A crazy idea popped into Liu Rufeng's mind.

In the blink of an eye, he gave up dodging and instead poured his inner power into the Seven Dragon Scale Armor he was wearing.

boom!
Blinding golden light emanated from Liu Rufeng's body, instantly forming a dazzling golden light shield.

At this moment, Cat Nine's claws had already landed on the light barrier.

Click, click, click!

Spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the light shield.

The light shield looked like it was about to collapse, but it eventually held on.

Cat Nine's face showed a hint of surprise.

Then, its eyes suddenly lit up.

With Cat Nine's discerning eye, it was immediately clear that Liu Rufeng's ability to block its attack was not due to his own strength, but rather to the opponent's use of a peerless treasure.

A peerless treasure capable of withstanding a single blow from a Celestial Venerable!

"Even I, the Cat Master, don't have something this good. What makes you think you deserve it?"

Cat Nine's face revealed a fierce expression.

"Smash it all!"

Cat Nine cried out loudly, its paws flashing in afterimages.

Swish!Swish!Swish!
The howling wind enveloped Liu Rufeng.

Liu Rufeng's expression changed drastically.

Although the Seven Deadly Dragon Scale Armor was powerful, it couldn't withstand the Heavenly Venerable's relentless pursuit.

Without the slightest hesitation, Liu Rufeng once again channeled the power within his body into the Seven Absolute Dragon Scale Armor.

In an instant, dragon scales flew off Liu Rufeng's body, transforming into a five-clawed golden dragon that carried Liu Rufeng as they crashed through Mao Jiu's attack and fled into the distance.

"Oh my, you can still run! Let's see where you can run to!"

Cat Nine cried out and chased after it.

On the other side, Ning Hongchen and Du Rongcheng were locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle.

Du Rongcheng became increasingly enraged as he fought.

After releasing the suppression, he broke through to the Heavenly Fate Realm, and with the help of the pills given to him by his father, he further improved his cultivation to the peak of the Heavenly Fate Realm.

In addition, he possessed a three-pointed double-edged sword forged by his father.

Even ordinary peak-level martial artists of the Heavenly Fate Realm might not be his match.

Now this guy on the other side is actually able to fight him to a standstill.

If the opponent were Su Mu, it wouldn't matter, since Su Mu is a renowned powerhouse in this world.

But what is this guy on the other side now?
How could someone he had never heard of or known before be able to fight him to this extent!
Who do you think you are to be on par with me, Du Rongcheng?
"I originally saved this move for Su Mu, but now you've forced me to use it. Your death is worthwhile!"

Du Rongcheng roared angrily.

He pushed off with both legs, his body instantly retreating several feet, and then he gripped the three-pointed double-edged sword with both hands.

The three-pointed, double-edged sword gleamed with a brilliant white light.

"You want to kill me? With your current strength, you're not enough."

Ning Hongchen laughed heartily.

He couldn't remember the last time he had fought so exhilaratingly.

He felt as if he had returned to the days when he fought alongside seventy-one brothers.

Back then, they were young and impetuous.

At that time, they were filled with passion and fervor.

Ning Hongchen is no nobody.

Ning Hongchen was once a formidable figure who rarely encountered an opponent.

He, Ning Hongchen, won't die so easily!

boom!
Ning Hongchen suddenly grew taller, and his skin turned golden.

With his legs slightly bent, Ning Hongchen assumed a charging stance.

The next moment, Ning Hongchen's feet exploded, and he rushed out at an unimaginable speed.

In mid-air, a person took half a step forward and then stopped; it was Su Mu.

Su Mu followed closely behind Mao Jiu and Ning Hongchen.

He naturally witnessed the exchange between the two sides.

He wasn't in a hurry to make a move, because if Mao Jiu and Ning Hongchen could win, then there was no need for him to intervene.

Cat Nine has already reached the Heavenly Venerable realm, so Su Mu naturally doesn't need to worry about him.

So after Mao Jiu chased after Liu Rufeng, Su Mu still chose to stay where he was.

It was somewhat unexpected for Su Mu that Liu Rufeng possessed a treasure capable of withstanding attacks from a Heavenly Venerable.

Even so, Liu Rufeng would find it difficult to threaten Mao Jiu.

But Ning Hongchen's situation is different.

Ning Hongchen's opponent is Du Rongcheng, the son of the Minister of Works of the Great Qian Dynasty, who possesses countless treasures.

As Su Mu had predicted, the three-pointed double-edged sword in Du Rongcheng's hand was indeed extraordinary.

Moreover, Du Rongcheng had just fully unleashed the power of the Three-Pointed Double-Edged Sword, and the sheer force of it made Su Mu feel threatened.

He instinctively wanted to help Ning Hongchen.

However, the aura that erupted from Ning Hongchen the next moment made Su Mu change his mind.

From Ning Hongchen, Su Mu sensed a fighting spirit he had never felt before.

At that moment, Su Mu understood that Ning Hongchen did not need his help.

Ning Hongchen was no weakling; he was one of the Seventy-Two Sages of that time.

Back in the day, Ning Hongchen was also a supreme powerhouse who roamed the world.

Even if he were the only one left of the original 72 Sages, he could still fight; he didn't need anyone's pity.

Ning Hongchen chose to fight, while Su Mu chose to respect.

Or rather, Su Mu would like to see the former Ning Hongchen reappear before the world.

That once spirited hero should not simply vanish into oblivion.

He should have his own unique style.

Rumble!
The loud noise echoed in the air.

A blinding light enveloped Ning Hongchen and Du Rongcheng.

Even Su Mu couldn't see clearly what was happening inside the light; he could only hear the continuous sound of colliding energies.

This process lasted for the time it takes to brew a cup of tea.

Then, with a deafening sound, the two figures separated again.

"Hahaha, so happy!"

Ning Hongchen was covered in blood and swayed unsteadily.

Several hundred feet away from him, Du Rongcheng leaned on the ground with his three-pointed double-edged sword, panting heavily and pale-faced.

Although he did not appear to be injured, a lingering sense of shock and fear remained in his eyes.

"Who are you?"

Du Rongcheng couldn't help but shout.

He had never seen such a madman before.

The other party was acting like they had no regard for their own lives.

If it weren't for his three-pointed double-edged sword, and if it weren't for the other protective armor he wore...

Du Rongcheng simply couldn't imagine the consequences.

How can there be so many perverts in this world?

One Su Mu wasn't enough, and now another madman has appeared!
"You are definitely not an unknown person!"

Du Rongcheng shouted, "If you've got the guts, then state your name!"

A true man never changes his name or surname.

Ning Hongchen laughed heartily and said proudly, "I am Ning Hongchen."

"Ning Hongchen?"

Du Rongcheng frowned, his mind racing, but he couldn't recall where he had heard the name before.

He had memorized the names of all the powerful beings above the Heavenly Fate Realm in this world, but it seemed that Ning Hongchen was not among them.

"Never heard of it?"

Just as Du Rongcheng was wondering, a voice suddenly rang in his ear.

"You must be ignorant to have never heard of it."

Remember this: Ning Hongchen is one of the Seventy-Two Sages of this Saha World. Next time you fight someone, remember to keep your eyes peeled.

Before the words had even finished, Du Rongcheng felt a whoosh of wind behind him. He instinctively tried to turn around, but a sharp pain shot through his neck, and the next moment, his consciousness was plunged into darkness. (End of Chapter)