The moment the word "apologize" left his lips, the surrounding Awakened could not help but shudder.
Just moments ago, a demand for an apology had prompted him to strike without hesitation, killing an influential figure alongside five or six Awakened.
Now, hearing those words again sent chills tingling across everyone's scalps.
If Zhou Yunqiong took a hard line, would this man go on another killing spree?
He was facing the Zhou family of Wuzhou Group—could he truly remain so overbearing? Did he not intend to yield in the slightest?
In the New Era, the law of the jungle prevailed; many were well aware of this and were gradually adapting, some even with several lives already on their hands.
Yet they still found Lu Yuan's current conduct utterly unimaginable.
It could only be summed up in a single word:
Arrogant!
"Ah!"
Right then, a furious roar rang out.
The man who had been struck by Lu Yuan and hurled into the mountain ridge reappeared.
His hair was disheveled, his face grimy, and his body spattered with blood in absolute disarray.
He closed in rapidly, eyes blazing with fury as though ready to spit fire.
Evidently, Yi was genuinely enraged.
Ever since the New Era arrived and his abilities awakened, he had never suffered such a humiliating blow. It was completely intolerable.
His earlier defeat and injury were merely due to carelessness, but that would not happen again.
At the same time, the group of Wuzhou Group Awakened also stepped closer, their expressions hostile.
"Yi, calm down. And the rest of you, fall back!"
Zhou Yunqiong spoke, her tone exceptionally severe and carrying absolute authority.
Sure enough, at her command, both Yi and the Wuzhou Group members withdrew, halting in their tracks without continuing the attack.
Many in the crowd were shaken and found it unbelievable. Even after the Third Young Mistress had been killed, she could still endure it?
A single order made everyone back down?
This showed just how immense the eldest young mistress's prestige was within Wuzhou Group.
Still, onlookers wondered how she would handle the aftermath. After all, the person killed was her own sister.
Seeing that Yi and her subordinates had been restrained, Zhou Yunqiong turned her gaze back to Lu Yuan, quickly shifting her eyes toward the Daluo sword core.
Indeed, he was completely different from the person in her memories.
Especially what had just happened.
His speed had been frighteningly swift.
Had he encountered some miraculous fortune?
Although she could not perceive his exact strength, Zhou Yunqiong was certain that Lu Yuan was far from ordinary now—vastly different from what their previous investigations suggested.
Was it... because of that black sword?
Indeed.
After the advent of the New Era, countless divine treasures had appeared. Wuzhou Group possessed some as well, imbued with extraordinary, unimaginable power. Yet under normal circumstances, they were exceedingly difficult to control, carrying a high risk of backlash.
That had to be it.
While Zhou Yunqiong pondered, Lu Yuan remained unhurried, standing in place with his robes pristine and free of dust.
"No," Zhou Yunqiong finally spoke, her voice melodious. "My third sister was far too reckless just now. She got what she deserved. It is I who should apologize to you."
As she spoke, she bowed her head slightly, appearing not to care about her sister's death in the slightest.
There was not the slightest hint of vengeance.
She had even stepped forward to apologize on her sister's behalf.
This scene astonished everyone present.
To cast aside such a blood feud and offer an apology instead...
The eldest young mistress of the Zhou family was truly extraordinary.
Was she composed, or was she simply cold-blooded?
Beside her, Yi and the people from Wuzhou Group also cast puzzled looks in her direction. Yet significantly, none of them raised any voice of objection against Zhou Yunqiong's decision.
Lu Yuan, however, found nothing strange about it. He knew very well what kind of person she was. Her bloodline was the strongest in the Zhou family, and her talent surpassed even the so-called Five Great Sovereigns. In his previous life, relying on the resources of Wuzhou Group, she had attained remarkable heights.
Zhou Yunqiong's defining traits were calm composure and meticulous calculation; she was never swayed by emotion.
Combined with her formidable bloodline, even the patriarch of the Zhou family would likely heed her words.
Perhaps she might even forget everything that had just occurred and continue trying to win him over.
"However, my previous offer still stands," Zhou Yunqiong continued, a faint smile playing on her lips. "If you are interested, you can come find me at Wuzhou Group."
It was as though the death of her sister and her subordinates meant no more to her than the loss of stray pets—unworthy of anger or concern.
Even the surrounding Awakened were dumbfounded.
It seemed impossible to fathom.
Was it really over just like that?
The eldest young mistress backed down, ignored her sister's murder, and now actively sought to recruit him... What was going on?
Naturally, they could not comprehend what went on in Zhou Yunqiong's mind.
After all, they were not on the same level.
"Truly not interested," Lu Yuan replied indifferently, saying nothing more.
Since she had no desire to provoke him further, he was glad to be spared the trouble.
He then turned around, looking toward the distant Mount Li.
He could already sense that the surrounding world was beginning to undergo a transformation.
Rumble!
A tremendous roar resonated across the sky.
The Awakened, who had still been reeling from Lu Yuan's dominance, immediately had their attention seized.
Before Mount Li, the massive gateway had now stabilized and fully manifested, looking as solid as physical reality.
Streams of light poured into the gates, illuminating ancient patterns across its surface.
Everyone knew the imperial mausoleum was about to open—perhaps in the very next moment.
The energy was violent and turbulent, affecting the surrounding heavens and earth.
The sky turned completely dim and overcast.
A suffocating aura pressed down, making it hard to breathe. The dragon-shaped vital energy above the mountain seemed to come alive, its body condensing into tangible form and stunning all who beheld it.
"I will be waiting for your word," Zhou Yunqiong told Lu Yuan before turning away.
Her sole purpose in coming here was the Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum. She left immediately to issue preparatory orders to her subordinates.
Yi cast a deep, lingering look at Lu Yuan without saying a word, then followed her.
With every step he took, however, the injuries on his body began to knit and heal.
At the same time, the aura within him surged continuously.
In the next instant, a powerful energy roiled across his entire frame.
Within moments, light enveloped him completely.
His black hair lengthened, turning a brilliant silver, while his physique altered and grew taller.
Most strikingly, a pair of white feathered wings abruptly sprouted from his back. With a gentle flap, he soared into the sky, hovering above everyone as arcs of lightning crackled and wound around his wings.
His present appearance was a stark contrast to his earlier disheveled state; bathed in radiant light with silver hair flowing like a waterfall, he looked immaculate.
"Yi... It's the Winged Celestial!"
"That man just now was the Winged Celestial?"
"No wonder he was nowhere to be seen—he can alter his appearance!"
The surrounding Awakened were thoroughly shaken, looks of utter disbelief on their faces.
Who could have imagined that the Winged Celestial could walk among them in an ordinary human guise?
Only in his true form was he at his strongest, was he not?
Soon, several people turned their gazes toward Lu Yuan.
Just before leaving, the Winged Celestial had given him a meaningful look.
None present were fools; they knew he had been genuinely angered. Anyone could feel the discontent simmering within a figure standing at the apex of the current Awakened hierarchy. He had clearly set his sights on this man.
Disaster loomed.
They were certain Lu Yuan was doomed.
That was the Winged Celestial, one of the Five Great Sovereigns.
His strength was formidable, and his wings of wind and thunder contained immense power.
Earlier, he had merely been in his ordinary state; now, revealing his true form, he genuinely resembled a celestial being descended to earth.
At this moment, the looks directed at Lu Yuan were filled with pity.
Of all people to provoke, why did he have to offend the mighty Winged Celestial?
He had the eldest young mistress of the Zhou family shielding him for now, but what about later?
They acknowledged that Lu Yuan was quite strong.
Yet the Winged Celestial's fame was resounding, and he had Wuzhou Group backing him.
Lu Yuan, however, remained where he stood, his gaze calm.
He truly had not anticipated this either.
Back then, he had been too weak to ever come into contact with the so-called Winged Celestial, let alone see him in person.
Yet Lu Yuan was pondering a different matter altogether:
The Winged Celestial's true identity.
This individual possessed a special bloodline that did not belong to this world. He was not even of pure human lineage, but originated from beyond this realm—hailing from an extraordinarily powerful extraterrestrial race, naturally blessed with immense strength.
The global mutation affected far more than just this world; it encompassed the entire cosmos, representing an unprecedented upheaval unseen in tens of millions of years.
When the time came, beings from various extraterrestrial star systems would descend.
All the terrifying myths and legends would gradually unveil themselves.
What was happening now was merely the lifting of a single corner of the curtain.
That would be the true crisis.
It was also the real reason Lu Yuan had always sought to grow stronger.
Because of this, a sense of urgency had constantly driven him, compelling him to evolve and grow rapidly in a short span of time.
As for the likes of Longevity Genetics or Wuzhou Group, he had never paid them much heed, nor did he truly consider them enemies. When that time arrived, all existing paradigms would be rewritten.
Shaking his head, Lu Yuan cast aside his stray thoughts and ceased dwelling on the matter.
Right now, he focused his attention entirely on the Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum.
The resting place of the Ancestral Dragon would be the land of fortune for his next transformation.
Yet pairs of eyes were still watching him.
"To think that Lu fellow actually showed up."
Over by Longevity Genetics, Wang Tao had also turned his gaze over due to the recent commotion.
Upon seeing Lu Yuan and comparing him to the photograph, Wang Tao confirmed that this was indeed the person he was looking for.
He had not expected this man to dare clash with Wuzhou Group, nearly trading blows with the Winged Celestial in the end.
"It must be that sword."
Suddenly, Wang Tao thought of the Daluo sword core in Lu Yuan's hand.
It was only after brandishing that sword that he had displayed such terrifying, unexpected strength.
Wang Tao was certain, just as his mother had said, that this man had gained benefits from that extraterrestrial meteorite. Otherwise, he would never dare stand toe-to-toe with Wuzhou Group. He had to have a trump card, and that trump card was the sword.
If he could obtain it, wouldn't he be able to challenge his elder brother directly?
For a moment, Wang Tao's heart pounded with burning greed.
"Second Young Master," the elder in the long robe cautioned as he walked over, "you are no match for him. It is best not to entertain any notions."
He was also a powerful Awakened. Having observed the recent skirmish, he could not gauge the exact depths of Lu Yuan's strength.
Even so, he was certain the man was formidable, especially with that sword.
It was undeniably a mystical divine treasure.
Hence his warning.
"I know," Wang Tao smiled. "No matter how strong he is, he's still just one person, and we have plenty of firearms. Rest assured, I will prioritize the bigger picture."
His reasoning was simple: when the Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum opened, there would certainly be fortunes inside, but they would not fall to him—most would go to his elder brother.
In that case, shifting his target to Lu Yuan might prove far simpler.
Still, to pacify the elder, Wang Tao kept his words diplomatic.
Naturally, Wang Tao was not the only one.
Factions such as Beidou Biology and Tianshen Technology had also taken notice of Lu Yuan.
All of them believed the sword was extraordinary—perhaps some divine artifact—and harbored their own thoughts about whether to recruit him or take other measures.
Yet none made a reckless move, for their primary objective remained the Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum; what lay inside was far more important.
"It's actually him?"
Elsewhere, in the area occupied by Zhendan Academy, Zhu Qingyu watched Lu Yuan's silhouette, her eyes filled with astonishment.
Her attention had initially been focused entirely on the imperial mausoleum, but the earlier conflict had been so intense that even the Winged Celestial had revealed himself, forcing her to look over. That single glance left her stunned—it was the very person she had encountered in the forest outside Qingyang City.
To think he was this powerful...
Why hadn't she noticed it before?
"What is it? You know him?" Dean Zheng asked, looking down with curiosity.
Lu Yuan's earlier performance had indeed commanded everyone's attention; even he could not overlook it.
He had even wondered whether they could recruit him into Zhendan Academy.
As for the killing, such incidents had become all too common in the New Era; so long as it did not happen within the five super megacities, it could be ignored.
"I've met him, but I don't know his name," Zhu Qingyu replied after a moment's thought.
"It's because he was so rude and wouldn't say a word," Qin Lan chimed in, though she quickly shrank back, recalling how Zhou Biqiong had been slain.
She immediately felt grateful that Qingyu had stopped her back then. Otherwise, had she said a few more words, with his current temperament, wouldn't he have struck her down as well?
A shiver ran down her spine.
He was truly terrifying.
"Is that so?" Dean Zheng did not press further, turning his attention back to the Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum.
At this moment, nearly everyone was doing the same, waiting for it to open.
Rumble!
As time ticked by, the ancient gateway began to vibrate, emitting deep rumbles.
At the same time, waves of majestic energy surged forth and shot high into the sky, drawing the surrounding clouds together until they blocked out the sun, creating an increasingly awe-inspiring spectacle.
Boom!
A bolt of lightning struck down, spanning an immeasurable length as it pierced the heavens and earth.
Triggered by the Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum, it caused heaven and earth to lose their color.
Hum, hum, hum.
Soon, the air vibrated.
Everyone felt as though an oppressive weight was pressing down upon them, making it difficult to breathe.
Simultaneously, the gateway materialized completely, the carved patterns upon it radiating brilliant light.
There were auspicious beasts such as the qilin, pixiu, dragon, and phoenix, alongside vicious beasts like the qiongqi, taowu, and taotie. They looked as though they were coming alive, struggling to break free from the gates and manifest their might in the mortal world.
The resting place of the Ancestral Dragon was truly extraordinary!
Some pulled out phones and cameras to capture photos and videos, eager to post them online, knowing this would be massive news that would draw enormous attention.
Dong! Dong! Dong!
Finally, when all the light subsided, the gates trembled slowly and cracked open, revealing a gap.
A primitive, desolate aura poured from within, as though an ancient, primordial realm were contained inside.
Under the weight of this aura, some weaker Awakened turned pale, their hearts pounding erratically.
Lu Yuan remained amidst the crowd, standing alone.
The surrounding Awakened instinctively gave him a wide berth out of respect for the strong.
He gazed at the Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum, his expression growing solemn.
If one were to name the foremost mysterious lands in the country possessing supreme fortunes that surpassed ordinary famous mountains and great rivers, this was undeniably one of them, alongside places like Kunlun, Taihang, Qinling, and Shennongjia.
Thus, it was entirely reasonable for such miraculous phenomena to accompany the opening of the imperial mausoleum.
Too many legends surrounded it, steeped in countless mystical colors.
Especially in this New Era, nothing that occurred inside would be surprising.
Rumble—
With another thunderous roar, the gap in the gateway widened further until the doors swung fully open.
Beyond the gates lay a flight of white jade steps emitting a faint glow. Yet instead of leading downward, they climbed upward into the boundless distance, resembling a stairway to heaven leading straight into the celestial realm!
Could it be that the resting place of the Ancestral Dragon was not underground, but in the heavens?
That was the first thought that struck everyone upon seeing the steps.
Yet that thought lasted only a fleeting instant.
A unique aura washed over the crowd, seeming to proclaim to all that entering would grant them a complete metamorphosis!
"The Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum has opened! Everyone, follow me inside! Further evolution is right before our eyes!"
"The Ancestral Dragon slumbers within, guarding supreme fortunes! Whoever obtains them will rise to the very top!"
"Charge! I'm taking the lead!"
Under the influence of that aura, the Awakened who had previously remained calm now grew frenzied.
Only a few individuals whose strength exceeded the fifth stage of the Initial Realm remained motionless where they stood.
They sensed a trace of danger—one that had emerged the instant the mausoleum gates opened, intensely sharp and foreboding.
Lu Yuan did the same, standing in place with his arms crossed over his chest.
Rumble!
Sure enough, the ground began to tremble as an earthquake struck.
A vast expanse of land beneath the colossal gateway collapsed directly, forming numerous pits, each spanning a hundred meters in length and width.
"What... what's happening?" someone shouted in alarm, halting their steps as a sliver of reason returned.
"Those are... they look like terracotta warriors! Yes, they're fired terracotta figures!"
"Right, I've seen them on television! Those are Qin Dynasty terracotta warriors!"
Those who had drawn close called out, their faces filled with shock at the sight inside the pits.
No one had expected terracotta warriors to be here—densely packed, numbering at least ten thousand.
Some held spears, some carried swords, some drove chariots, and some rode horses. Each was vivid and lifelike, just like real living soldiers, laid bare before the eyes of the world in an awe-inspiring display.
"What's there to be afraid of? They're just terracotta warriors! Let's enter the mausoleum!"
After a brief moment of shock, a daring Awakened quickly regained his composure.
He urged those behind him not to be afraid and to press into the mausoleum.
He took the lead himself, striding at the very front.
Seeing this, others who did not want to lose the initiative prepared to step inside as well.
They could not compete with the major factions; their only hope was to rely on sheer boldness to seize the upper hand.
"Trespassers into His Majesty's tomb shall be executed without mercy!"
Just then, the terracotta general leading the vanguard actually spoke.
Behind him, the tens of thousands of terracotta warriors took a step forward in unison, raising their weapons as they roared in thunderous chorus, "Executed without mercy!"
The sound seemed to span over two thousand years of history, ringing deep within everyone's hearts.
Tens of thousands of terracotta warriors formed a military phalanx and marched right out of the pits.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Step by step, they advanced toward the crowd.
They bore no human breath.
Yet now, they had revived, barring the entrance to the imperial mausoleum with their weapons pointed straight at all the Awakened.
At this sight, countless people felt their scalps tingle, shocked to the absolute extreme.
In the Mount Li Imperial Mausoleum, terracotta warriors from over two thousand years ago...
Had actually come back to life.
Chapter 45