You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

For Lu Zuo, the importance of detoxification is even greater than becoming stronger!

If you can't avert the calamity of "the King of Hell calling you to die at midnight," then it's all just an illusion!

Therefore, after comprehending the second level of the Thousand Blade Flow Slash Technique, he did not go directly to Zhang Lihua, but instead came to humiliate Kong Fan.

Originally, Lu Zuo had planned to discuss philosophy and doctrine with Zhu Yuyan and learn from her about various schools of thought.

But this woman might be deliberately avoiding him; she left the Kong residence last night and her whereabouts are unknown.

Then he'll just have to make do with Kong Qing for now...

......

The next day, early in the morning.

[Missed the morning court session; internal strength +1.]

[Enchanted by beautiful women, physique +1.]

[Excessive indulgence in lust, bonus reward: Cultivation +933.]

[Humiliating a subject grants an extra reward: Poison Path +58.]

[Abandoning official duties, bonus reward: Swordsmanship +2.]

"So many?"

Lu Zuo clicked his tongue slightly, thinking to himself, "Is it because the humiliation of Kong Fan yesterday was too severe that he was given the 58 Poison Path attribute?"

"Um……"

"Let's try again today."

Since Gu Yanran came into his life, Zhang Youyuan has lost interest in everything else.

As for Yu Wanyin, she has completely lost her value!

Although the widow is quite amusing, Lu Zuo's goal is to detoxify and become stronger!

Why waste time on her?

……

For a period of time afterward, Lu Zuo would go to the Confucius Mansion during the day and return to the Imperial Palace at night to discuss and exchange ideas with Zhang Lihua.

With the accumulation of dozens of poison attributes each day, his own level quickly broke through the three hundred mark.

However, her cultivation level did not increase much. It was unclear whether this was because Zhang Lihua was too tired or because the amount one takes in decreases over time.

In short, he can only gain a little over 600 cultivation points a day now.

"It seems..."

"We need to find a newcomer whose martial arts skills are similar to, or even better than, those of this vixen."

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Lu Zuo muttered to himself, then his heart stirred slightly, and he summoned the character panel.

All attributes have been greatly improved, except for 'Dao Enlightenment', which has not increased at all.

"Since the Thousand Blade Flow Slash Technique contains the principles of the Daoist scriptures, we cannot rely entirely on Zhang Lihua and women."

"It's time to add the 'incognito travel' attribute to our system..."

Thinking of this, Lu Zuo stood up, intending to go to Jiangyun Palace, but as soon as he stood up, he suddenly felt a strange sensation in his heart!

"This, this is...?"

"Has the poison that sent Yama to kill you at midnight completely dissipated?"

For a long time, this poison had been attached to the meridians and internal organs, and no matter how Lu Zuo tried to peel it off with his true energy, he could not shake it in the slightest.

Although there are signs of loosening, it remains extremely stubborn and difficult to remove from the body!

"I... I can finally break free from the toxin's control?"

His pupils suddenly contracted sharply, and his heart pounded rapidly!

His fists clenched unconsciously, cracking loudly: "Finally, finally I can get rid of those two bastards..."

A piece of great good news made Lu Zuo feel excited and thrilled.

"First, go and meet with Chu Yunlong and the others to trigger the collusion with the rebels."

"Then find a secluded place to practice your internal energy to expel the poison."

……

Dark as ink.

A bonfire was lit in the open space outside Da'an Village, its flames flickering and the dry firewood crackling.

On the side, there were several jars of fine wine and a few cleaned pheasants and rabbits.

Huang Ye sat on a blue stone, holding a wooden stick with a pheasant skewered on it, turning it from time to time to roast it.

Several children, around seven or eight years old, squatted to the side, their bright eyes fixed on the pheasant, occasionally swallowing their saliva.

Bang, bang, bang...

On the other side, Chu Yunlong and Lin Ruhai exchanged blows, their fists and feet clashing fiercely as they sparred and practiced martial arts.

The two sides moved at incredible speeds, colliding suddenly in one place and then abruptly separating, making for a very lively battle.

Bang!

Another muffled thud was heard, and the two of them staggered back more than twenty steps before regaining their footing.

"Hahahaha, Lao Lin, it seems your injury has completely healed."

Chu Yunlong laughed loudly, stepped forward, and patted Lin Ruhai on the shoulder.

Lin Ruhai was already injured before he faced the Bone-Painting Demoness; otherwise, the demoness wouldn't have been so easy to defeat.

Lin Ruhai smiled and was about to speak when he heard light footsteps behind him.

"It's so lively!"

He turned around and saw a tall, handsome young man with striking features, a commanding presence, and an extraordinary aura. He was carrying a long sword and walking slowly towards him from a distance.

"Brother Lu?"

Having not seen Lu Zuo for many days, Chu Yunlong and the others thought he would never come back.

Upon seeing him appear, they all stood up and stepped forward, bowing respectfully: "Greetings, Brother Lu."

"Hello everyone."

Lu Zuo returned the greeting with a smile.

"I have been busy lately and have not been able to come to visit, but I have been thinking about Miss Huang and Brother Lin's injuries."

Having said that, he glanced at the two of them and said, "Now that I see you two are full of energy and vitality, and your movements are no longer sluggish, I am relieved."

Huang Ye and Lin Ruhai quickly clasped their hands in thanks and said, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Lu."

Then, they invited Lu Zuo to have a barbecue and drinks with them.

The latter, who had come to get closer to the group and find out their intentions, naturally wouldn't refuse.

……

Alcohol is a great tool for getting people talking.

After a few bowls, Chu Yunlong asked, "Brother Lu, there's something I, Chu, am unsure if I should say?"

"Brother Chu, please speak frankly."

Chu Yunlong: "From what I've observed of Brother Lu's battle with the Bone-Painting Demoness, although his skill is profound and his swordsmanship is excellent..."

"However, I have too little experience in actual combat."

"Otherwise, given Brother Lu's cultivation level and the injuries of the Bone-Painting Demoness that night, he could have taken her down within ten moves."

These words struck a chord with Lu Zuo, and he nodded: "This is another reason why I came to see you all tonight."

"Do any of you have time to give Mr. Lu a chat?"

"Alright!" Chu Yunlong readily agreed. "Sparring with others is another enjoyable thing for me besides drinking!"

"Come on, come on..."

"Let's have a few exchanges, and let me, Chu, experience Brother Lu's exquisite swordsmanship."

The two immediately set off to practice, putting down their wine bowls and engaging in friendly sparring.

At first, it was just Chu Yunlong, but as the battle progressed, Huang Ye and Lin Ruhai also joined the fray.

Since it wasn't a life-or-death battle, Lu Zuo couldn't go all out, and he was quickly defeated after the two joined the fight.

Then, the group discussed their experiences from their earlier exchange.

Just as they were getting into the conversation, everyone's eyes suddenly sharpened, and they looked up at the top of the cliff.

Splash...

On the cliff, the wind howled, branches and leaves swayed, and countless withered leaves and dust were swept into the air, obscuring the view.

"That aura..."

Chu Yunlong's eyes widened, and he analyzed in a deep voice, "They're probably experts above the Innate Realm!"

As soon as he finished speaking, three figures emerged from the dense forest and drifted away into the distance.

It moved so fast that it disappeared without a trace in the blink of an eye.

Because their backs were to the crowd, their faces were not visible, but Lu Zuo still recognized one of them by their figures.

"Zhu Yuyan?"

"What is she doing here?"