If people had previously acknowledged Lu Yuan's strength and recognized his extraordinary combat power, then ever since learning of extraterrestrial beings and far greater powers beyond, they had not considered him truly invincible—at least not when facing entities from the deep cosmos.
But things were different now. Extraterrestrials of every stripe had descended one after another, culminating in beings of the Saint Realm. Yet the outcome remained unchanged: they were slain on the spot.
Earth's inhabitants had already held immense reverence for Lu Yuan. Following such a glorious triumph, they hailed him directly as Invincible Beneath the Starry Sky. Nearly everyone believed the title well deserved.
Even the extraterrestrial beings fell utterly silent upon hearing of this. After all, the facts lay right before them. A Saint indeed could not unleash their full might in this world, yet they were still not something an opponent an entire realm lower ought to be able to slay. Yet Lu Yuan had done it, and he had slain three at once!
They understood all too well that they would likely have to keep a low profile for a long time to come. Even if they discovered fortunes or inheritances, they would have to tread carefully and watch Lu Yuan's expression. It was quite simple: in this world—and across the deep reaches of the cosmos—might reigned supreme.
At that moment, back at the Mount Tai Trial Academy, Lu Yuan had returned with Elder Ji and the others. Zhu Qingyu, Ice Fairy, Little Heavenly Master Chunyang, and the rest gathered around, their faces shining with excitement and reverence.
Even beings who had attained the sixth and seventh stages had been slain by Lu Yuan! Furthermore, the destruction wrought by that clash and the sheer power on display were heights they felt were utterly out of reach; to them, this was what a true powerhouse looked like.
Lu Yuan understood their feelings clearly, but he felt little joy. Instead, he gave them a stern warning. As time went on, the protective measures shielding Earth would eventually vanish completely. When that happened, extraterrestrial beings would be able to descend without restraint.
These beings had evolved over thousands or even tens of thousands of years. The Saint Realm was merely their core backbone, by no means their pinnacle. Great clans like the Celestial Clan, the Origin Demon Clan, and the Three-Headed Ghost Clan ranked among the top hundred star sectors. Among them, there were bound to be far more terrifying existences—perhaps even beings who could truly be called immortals.
If such figures appeared and descended, that would be an authentic catastrophe, the most perilous hour for Earth and the Milky Way Star Sector. His intention was simple: he hoped everyone would seize the opportunity and grow stronger as fast as possible in the shortest time, so they could confront the disaster that might come.
This was not alarmist talk. It was vigilance in times of peace.
Hearing his words, Zhu Qingyu and the others grew solemn. They realized that more trials lay ahead; everything had only just begun.
After speaking with them a little longer, Lu Yuan took his leave.
In the final clash with Lei You, he had also sustained some injuries. Though not severe, they still required recuperation. At the same time, this epic battle had brought Lu Yuan fresh insights. He now stood firmly in the Sovereign King Realm; his next step was to divinize all his internal organs and step into the Saint Realm.
When that time came, it would mark yet another transformation.
"Congratulations to King Lu on your triumphant victory! Striking once and felling three Saints at a stroke!"
Just as Lu Yuan was about to return to his quarters, a crisp voice sounded behind him.
It was Jiang Ningxian.
As always, dimples adorned her cheeks and her smile was radiant. "This battle of King Lu's truly exceeded my expectations."
"You flatter me. It was just a bit of good luck," Lu Yuan replied with a slight shake of his head. "Had it not been for the suppression from the Severance of Heaven and Earth, with my current strength, forget slaying three Saints—even facing a single one would have been a stretch."
He maintained clear self-awareness. Others might not grasp this, but Jiang Ningxian hailed from a prominent extraterrestrial clan and possessed an extraordinary background. She saw through it completely, so there was no need for him to let a momentary victory turn into arrogance.
"You truly live up to being someone I recognize as a friend."
Jiang Ningxian's eyes brightened at his words. Though they had not known each other long, they already shared some mutual understanding. In her eyes, Lu Yuan was immensely confident without being haughty. He was prudent yet unconstrained by trivialities, adept at reading situations, and outstanding in every respect. Coupled with his innate talent and power, he would stand out as exceptional even within the Jiang clan.
Yet it was precisely someone like him who would inevitably draw certain eyes in the future.
Her thoughts turning there, Jiang Ningxian continued, "Now that you've slain three Saints, the situation should remain relatively calm for some time, and certain people won't dare act rashly. However, this battle has also forged an irreconcilable feud between you and those three great clans.
"From the information I've received, even stronger beings are already en route and will arrive before long—including members of the Ji clan.
"Given your past conflict with Zhou Yunqiong, the Ji clan will inevitably harbor hostility toward you, so your days ahead may prove difficult.
"Still, if you're worried, I can have the Jiang clan intervene to smooth this over."
The unspoken meaning was that she could resolve the trouble on his behalf.
Yet Lu Yuan's expression remained unmoved. Whenever he made a choice, he had already prepared himself to face whatever followed.
Just like this time.
When enemies came knocking at his door, was he supposed to back down? Impossible.
The Ji clan claimed descent from Xuanyuan the Yellow Emperor of ancient times.
So what? Fear them?
No.
He feared nothing!
And so, Lu Yuan looked at her and said slowly, "No matter."
Indeed, just those two words, with nothing more said.
To an outsider, it might seem unremarkable, but in Jiang Ningxian's ears, it carried immense weight. It signified a supreme, unyielding confidence. She felt increasingly certain that among the Sons of the Great Era born in this age, Lu Yuan would undoubtedly claim a place.
Her past choice to ally with him and let go of the Ancestral Dragon Breathing Method and the Human Sovereign essence blood had indeed been a wise decision.
"Right, Miss Jiang," Lu Yuan said, suddenly remembering something.
He turned his hand slightly, and the Void Blazing Heaven Mirror materialized in his palm. "I didn't end up using this, so I shall return it to its rightful owner for now."
When Lei You and the other two Saints descended, none of them had wielded a Saint weapon for the simple reason that they did not possess one. The conditions for forging a Saint weapon were exceptionally demanding; otherwise, the other two would not have been so excited upon seeing the Daluo sword core.
Across from him, Jiang Ningxian shook her head. "Keep it for now. I sought you out this time for another reason—about that sword you used to slay the Three-Headed Ghost Saint!"
Chapter 165