A Man's Name, a Tree's Shadow! Lu Changsheng Slays a Divine Treasury Expert, Forging Supreme Renown!

Lu Changsheng stared intently at the Mind Stele. Moments later, the stele ceased its trembling. The radiant white light gradually dispersed as well. Everyone now clearly saw the mind index displayed upon the Mind Stele. "Is that... seventy-eight?" "Senior Brother Lu's mind index has risen to seventy-eight? How long has it even been? If I recall correctly, when Senior Brother Lu last tested his mind index, it was only at sixty-three!" "It was sixty-three during his last test, and now it has increased by another fifteen... Could it be that Senior Brother Lu relies on comprehending domains to perfection to elevate his mind power?" "Most likely! After his last test, Senior Brother Lu gained another perfected domain. And before that previous test, as I recall, his mind index was only at forty-eight—which was also an increase of fifteen points!" "Reaching perfection in a domain seems to directly raise one's mind index by fifteen points. If I could comprehend several domains to perfection, wouldn't my mind index be able to reach one hundred?" "To think that comprehending a domain to perfection yields such a massive boost to the mind..." Many disciples were struck with wonder. A mind power index of seventy-eight was not exceptionally high in an absolute sense. At best, it was on par with an ordinary genius. In the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, there were quite a few geniuses of that caliber. *My mind index has already reached eighty-seven. If I focus wholeheartedly on comprehending domains and manage to bring even one domain to perfection in my lifetime, gaining fifteen points of mind power, perhaps there really is hope for my mind power to reach an index of one hundred.* In an instant, several disciples made up their minds. Never had they felt as resolute as they did right now. After all, no one had ever demonstrated so plainly to others that comprehending a domain to perfection could elevate one's mind power by fifteen points. Such a clear, quantifiable metric immediately gave everyone a tangible direction to strive toward. Especially when shown by someone like Lu Changsheng, who "suppressed an entire generation." His method of cultivation could not possibly be wrong. Indeed, he did not even need to explain; people would naturally believe him and seek to imitate him. In truth, Lu Changsheng had not spoken a single word from beginning to end. He had no interest in advising others on how to cultivate. Yet even without words, his current renown meant that every move he made naturally conveyed a message. This was a viable path—a definitive method to increase mind power! Lu Changsheng also took a clear look at his mind power index. *Seventy-eight? It seems just as I estimated: once the Perception Domain reached perfection, it elevated my mind power as well!* Lu Changsheng nodded, quite pleased with his current level of mind power. Reaching seventy-eight was already quite solid. He still had his Ocean Wave Domain and Tempest Domain that had not yet reached perfection. Once they were perfected, his mind power would essentially reach an index of one hundred. Lu Changsheng turned to leave. However, a disciple bowed and asked respectfully, "Senior Brother Lu, does bringing a domain to perfection truly increase mind power by fifteen points?" All eyes immediately converged on Lu Changsheng. "You didn't know?" Lu Changsheng paused slightly. With the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's long history, surely people had reached domain perfection before, hadn't they? Lu Changsheng truly was not certain on this point. He had merely assumed that given the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's profound heritage, there must be many martial artists who had perfected their domains. However, those were all Divine Treasury martial artists. As for martial artists in the Divine Gang Realm who could cultivate a domain to perfection, there had not been a single one! Therefore, Lu Changsheng was an undeniable trailblazer. Still, Lu Changsheng felt this was hardly a secret. Anyone who paid close attention to his circumstances could easily guess as much. "Indeed. Comprehending a domain is just like comprehending heaven and earth. Normally, the effect might seem negligible, but once a domain reaches perfection, one's mind power experiences a tremendous surge!" Lu Changsheng nodded and answered. *Whoosh!* The entire Technique Transmission Hall erupted in an uproar. Yet the noise was filled with excitement, exclamations of awe, and a glimmer of hope! This was a direct confirmation from Lu Changsheng himself, the man who overshadowed his generation. He had verified the immense boost that domain perfection granted to the mind. What this signified went without saying. In the past, many Divine Gang Realm martial artists relied primarily on combat—life-and-death struggles—to hone and elevate their mind power. That was the only method proven to yield the best results. As for comprehending heaven and earth, it was far too ethereal and nebulous; many lacked sufficient comprehension to even grasp heaven and earth. Tempering the mind in the mortal world was harder still. While life-and-death struggles certainly increased mind power with visible results, they were far too dangerous. A single misstep meant death. No one truly wanted to teeter constantly on the brink of life and death. Now, Lu Changsheng had personally confirmed that perfecting a domain could grant a tremendous increase to mind power. From now on, Divine Gang Realm martial artists had a concrete objective. They could devote themselves entirely to comprehending domains, striving to bring them to perfection. Once a domain reached perfection, their minds would naturally receive a massive elevation. Calling such a definitive cultivation path "trailblazing" was not an exaggeration in the slightest. It was safe to say that throughout the Ancient Region, focusing on comprehending domains and striving for perfection would likely become the prevailing trend. Even if one's comprehension was somewhat lacking, it did not matter—one could grind it out with time. Spending a decade or even several decades concentrating on comprehending a domain to reach perfection would be worth it. Once successful, their mind power would surge, and when combined with other methods, reaching an index of one hundred was within the realm of possibility. "Perfection in a domain definitely raises mind power! Look at Senior Brother Lu: every time he perfects a domain, his mind index jumps by fifteen points. They say Senior Brother Lu possesses four domains. Once all of them reach perfection, his mind power will have increased by sixty points! Coupled with other methods to temper the mind, reaching an index of one hundred really doesn't seem out of reach!" "This is a shortcut to reaching a mind power index of one hundred!" "And don't forget Senior Brother Lu's technique of turning illusion into reality! Before, when Senior Brother Lu's mind power was only at sixty-three, he could already materialize his domain. Maybe I can do it too..." Many disciples in the Technique Transmission Hall felt a renewed sense of hope. Lu Changsheng said nothing more and continued walking out of the hall. In truth, Lu Changsheng knew very well that while his words were entirely accurate, the real obstacle lay in comprehension. Why had no one across all those years in the Ancient Region discovered the benefit of domain perfection on mind power? Lu Changsheng suspected it was not that simple. Bringing a domain to perfection was exceedingly difficult. It demanded exceptionally high comprehension. Without sufficient comprehension, attempting to grind a domain to perfection purely through time was simply impossible. "Lu Changsheng." At that moment, an airy voice drifted into Lu Changsheng's ears. "Greetings, Elder!" Lu Changsheng suddenly saw an elder from the Hall of Law Enforcement step out from the crowd and arrive before him. The elders of each hall in the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect wore distinct robes that could be recognized at a glance. The elder before him hailed from the Hall of Law Enforcement. The Hall of Law Enforcement dealt specifically with disciplinary action against disciples. Practically no disciple was ever fond of its elders. Lu Changsheng was puzzled as to why an elder of the Hall of Law Enforcement would seek him out. He had not broken any sect rules. The Hall of Law Enforcement had no reason to penalize him. "You are a true disciple seed of the Northern Region Heavenly Sect. Since the Northern Region Heavenly Sect and the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect are one and the same, you are also a true disciple seed of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect." "Wu Qingyi broke the rules by taking it upon herself to intercept and kill a true disciple seed of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect." "After deliberation, the Hall of Law Enforcement unanimously decided to wipe out the Wu clan." "Just moments ago, thirteen elders of the Hall of Law Enforcement mobilized together and eradicated the Wu family." As soon as these words were uttered, not only was Lu Changsheng mildly surprised, but the surrounding Ancient Region Heavenly Sect disciples were left utterly astonished. "The Wu family was wiped out?" "Wu Qingyi's family was a genuine martial clan with five Divine Treasury experts!" "Wu Qingyi is already dead. To be precise, the Wu family only had four Divine Treasury experts left." "Even with four Divine Treasury experts, they were still an established martial clan! Since when has our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect been this fiercely protective?" "Fiercely protective? That's an understatement! Senior Brother Lu has become a prime focus of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's protection. From now on, anyone who dares defy the rules to target Senior Brother Lu is practically seeking death!" "Indeed. Wiping out the Wu family is just the surface. This is likely a warning directed at Xu Haotian of the Huang Tian Sect. If Xu Haotian dares make another move against Senior Brother Lu, our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect won't hesitate to break the rules directly and execute Xu Haotian!" The crowd buzzed with fervent discussion. They all knew the reason Wu Qingyi had intercepted Lu Changsheng was because of Xu Haotian. And Xu Haotian was a true disciple of the Huang Tian Sect! In fact, he was the foremost figure among their true disciples. He was someone with a real chance of taking that crucial step forward. Because Xu Haotian had not personally acted against Lu Changsheng, there was still room for maneuver. The Ancient Region Heavenly Sect would not directly move against Xu Haotian over this. However, if Xu Haotian were to act again, or send someone else to do so, that would be a clear violation of the rules. When that time came, the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect would show no leniency! Even at the risk of antagonizing the Huang Tian Sect, they would certainly execute Xu Haotian! Otherwise, how could the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect maintain its standing in the Ancient Region? "Thank you, Elder!" Lu Changsheng bowed respectfully. This feeling of being "protected" and looked after was genuinely pleasant. Even though he was accustomed to operating alone and solving his own problems whenever trouble arose, being cared for by the sect still felt wonderful. Such were the benefits of having a background and a powerful backer. The elder of the Hall of Law Enforcement nodded. For a "minor matter" like this, there was strictly no need for an elder in the Divine Treasury Realm to deliver the news in person. Yet he had come nonetheless. Moreover, it had been an explicit instruction from the master of the Hall of Law Enforcement. The purpose was simple: to tell Lu Changsheng not to fear, for the entire Ancient Region Heavenly Sect stood behind him! This was already the treatment accorded to a full "true disciple," not merely a true disciple seed. Evidently, Lu Changsheng's reverse-slaying of a Divine Treasury expert had drawn the serious attention of the sect's upper echelons. He was a rare, pinnacle talent in the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. His talent was perhaps even more terrifying than that of Xu Haotian from the Huang Tian Sect. Naturally, the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect would prioritize protecting him. Shortly thereafter, the elder took his leave. Lu Changsheng returned to his courtyard. *The elders of the Hall of Law Enforcement mobilized and directly wiped out the Wu family. The other factions in the Ancient Region should understand my importance now.* *There shouldn't be any more Divine Treasury experts intercepting me.* *Next, I still need to rest for a few days, at least until my mind power makes a full recovery.* Lu Changsheng's mind power had been thoroughly exhausted in the battle at the Golden Marsh. Although bringing the Perception Domain to perfection was equivalent to three days of rest, three days was not enough to fully restore his mind power; he needed several more days of rest to recover completely. Without mind power, his ultimate trump card—materializing his domain—could not be employed. That would undoubtedly leave him in a vulnerable position. Thus, Lu Changsheng remained inside his courtyard in the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, quietly recovering his mind power. *** In the second layer of the Ancient Region, Xu Haotian sat cross-legged upon the ground. Before him stood an elder with snow-white hair and beard. Xu Haotian knew his identity: the vice master of the Hall of Law Enforcement. Today, the vice master had come in person. "Xu Haotian, Wu Qingyi is dead, slain by Lu Changsheng." "Along with her, the entire Wu clan was forcibly wiped out by the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's Hall of Law Enforcement. Not one of their four Divine Treasury experts escaped." "The Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's Hall of Law Enforcement has already sent a warning to our Huang Tian Sect. If you dispatch anyone else to intercept Lu Changsheng, then regardless of whether Lu Changsheng is harmed, you will be crushed and executed by the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect!" "Therefore, drop this matter. If you truly harbor hatred in your heart, remember: do not break the rules," the vice master said coldly. This was both a reminder and a warning. It was only because of Xu Haotian's transcendent status that a vice master of the Hall of Law Enforcement had bothered to come personally. Xu Haotian remained expressionless, answering calmly, "This disciple understands." "Before Lu Changsheng achieves the Divine Treasury Realm, this disciple will not touch him; doing so would only give the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect an excuse." "Once Lu Changsheng advances to the Divine Treasury Realm and steps into the second layer of the Ancient Region, I will resolve him personally." "When that time comes, the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect will have no justification or excuse whatsoever." Xu Haotian's words caused the vice master's gaze to narrow slightly. Evidently, Xu Haotian had indeed not let go of the hatred in his heart. Now it was no longer just about Xu Haoran; Wu Qingyi was added to the score. Even though Xu Haotian had indeed been using Wu Qingyi, she had been a very convenient tool. Yet she was slain by Lu Changsheng, only serving to bolster Lu Changsheng's renown. How could Xu Haotian stomach that? However, rules were rules. Lu Changsheng was no ordinary martial artist without backing; he was a true disciple seed of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, and a future true disciple! Breaking the rules to attempt an assassination on Lu Changsheng could be attempted once, but never twice. "It is good that you understand." "In truth, it is merely one Lu Changsheng. Let the rumors outside blow his achievements to the heavens." "So long as you take that crucial step, what would a mere Lu Changsheng amount to?" "One's own cultivation is what matters most!" Having said his piece, the vice master spoke no further. He had said all that needed saying. Xu Haotian was a clever man, and the vice master trusted he would make the right choice. "Thank you for making the trip, Vice Hall Master." Xu Haotian promptly closed his eyes. The implication was abundantly clear: he was seeing his guest off! The vice master's expression stiffened slightly. Xu Haotian had always been like this, carrying an utterly foul temper. Yet Xu Haotian's talent was immensely high. Though merely a true disciple, his status far exceeded that of a vice master of the Hall of Law Enforcement. The reason was simple: Xu Haotian was someone with a real chance of taking that crucial step. Meanwhile, the vice master was destined to remain stranded at the Divine Treasury Realm for the rest of his life, incapable of taking another step forward. "Take care of yourself." The vice master shook his head, then rose and departed from Xu Haotian's immortal cave. "Lu Changsheng... suppressing an entire generation..." Once the vice master was gone, Xu Haotian opened his eyes and let out a cold sneer. A sharp, ruthless glint flashed through his gaze. Lu Changsheng would die by his hand, without question! Just not now. He would wait! He would wait until Lu Changsheng broke through to the Divine Treasury Realm and entered the second layer of the Ancient Region. When that time came, Xu Haotian would personally strike and cut him down! With that, Xu Haotian closed his eyes once more. *** Several days later, Lu Changsheng slowly opened his eyes. "My mind power has finally fully recovered!" Lu Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief. Once his mind power was restored, he could materialize his domain again, bringing his greatest trump card back into play. Furthermore, because his mind power had increased from an index of sixty-three to seventy-eight—a substantial leap—he could maintain the materialization of his domain for slightly longer. For the Starry Sky Waterfall Domain, turning illusion into reality for even a fraction of a breath longer brought an immense boost to his combat strength. After so much time had passed, Lu Changsheng brought up his attribute panel to review his status. Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: 4,500 (Praised in All Directions) Qi and Blood Sword Casting Secret Method: 14 years and 4 months of sword casting. Mind Sword Mantra Formula: Progress 56% (Mind Sword) Ocean Wave Domain: Progress 1% Tempest Domain: Progress 12% Perception Domain: Perfection (Untransformed) Starry Sky Domain: Perfection (Untransformed) Waterfall Domain: Perfection (Untransformed) Lu Changsheng's comprehension had been growing steadily. However, the milestone of ten thousand still seemed quite distant. In the short term, another transformation of his comprehension was out of the question. On the other hand, his Mind Sword had seen significant improvement, already reaching 56% progress. The Mind Sword was truly marvelous. Originally just a secret method from the Divine Strength Realm, its might had multiplied after fusing with the Nine-Word Mantra Secret Method. Moreover, it had not yet undergone a transformation. The Mind Sword appeared capable of transforming further. This martial art was far from simple. Of course, calling it a martial art or a secret method both worked. The Mind Sword Mantra Formula was fundamentally unique. Only in battle—specifically in intense, ferocious combat—did deploying the Mind Sword seem to take effect. In particular, using the Mind Sword to cleave through an opponent's spirit yielded massive benefits to the technique. Yet even so, Lu Changsheng's Mind Sword Mantra Formula had still not reached 100% progress. No wonder someone with Sheng Yuanyi's extraordinary talent back then had been unable to cultivate the Mind Sword to its pinnacle. The Mind Sword Sect's heritage had even teetered on the verge of collapse as qualified successors grew scarcer, destined to eventually die out. The demands this Mind Sword placed on talent and comprehension were simply too severe. Lu Changsheng's gaze shifted to his domains. Currently, only the Tempest Domain and Ocean Wave Domain had not reached perfection. For the Ocean Wave Domain, one needed to witness ocean waves firsthand, which was somewhat difficult to arrange. By contrast, a place with fierce storms was not hard to find. In the first layer of the Ancient Region, near the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, the place known for storms was "Wolf Crying Gorge." The so-called Wolf Crying Gorge was a ravine where gale-force winds swept through frequently, producing a wailing sound akin to wolves howling. There were a few other places with violent winds, but Wolf Crying Gorge was the closest to the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. Lu Changsheng had no desire to travel too far. This time, he decided to go alone. After all, his Perception Domain had reached perfection. Once deployed, a perfected Perception Domain could maintain itself automatically, even while Lu Changsheng was immersed in sudden enlightenment. The moment someone stepped into the domain, Lu Changsheng would be immediately jolted awake. Therefore, whether he had someone guarding him made little difference. Besides, Liu Yuan and the rest of the Tianlin Squad needed time to rest and digest the gains from their trip to the Golden Marsh. That required time as well, and Lu Changsheng did not wish to wait. Thus, Lu Changsheng rose, left the sect grounds, and followed his map straight toward Wolf Crying Gorge. Just over two hours later, Lu Changsheng arrived at Wolf Crying Gorge. The gorge had certainly earned its name. As soon as Lu Changsheng arrived, he heard wave upon wave of wailing like weeping wolves. In reality, it was not the crying of actual wolves, but the sound formed as fierce winds tore through the canyon. Taking a closer look, Lu Changsheng discovered numerous martial artists within Wolf Crying Gorge, seemingly using the gale-force winds to cultivate. "Is this... comprehending domains?" A strange expression crossed Lu Changsheng's face. So many martial artists were here comprehending domains. Was Wolf Crying Gorge always this lively? Yet according to Liu Yuan, Wolf Crying Gorge had always been very tranquil. Why were there suddenly so many martial artists here? Moreover, virtually all of them appeared to be comprehending wind-related domains. To comprehend the Tempest Domain, Lu Changsheng needed a quiet spot. After all, he would have to consume a Dao Comprehension Pill to enter sudden enlightenment. Lu Changsheng looked around Wolf Crying Gorge. Halfway up the gorge's wall, he spotted a tier of stone steps. These steps were carved into the mountainside, situated right in the center of the fierce winds. That was the prime location in the entire Wolf Crying Gorge! However, just like at the Golden Marsh, the stone steps were occupied by martial artists. Yet this posed no obstacle to Lu Changsheng. In the Ancient Region, if a martial artist wanted anything, they had to fight for it! *Whoosh.* With a single leap, Lu Changsheng landed directly below the first tier of the stone steps. The martial artist seated on the step opened his eyes. Upon recognizing Lu Changsheng, a sharp glint flashed across his gaze. "Are you Lu Changsheng of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect?" the martial artist asked. "Indeed, it is I," Lu Changsheng replied calmly. "It really is Lu Changsheng! It seems you've come to comprehend the Tempest Domain, haven't you?" "Thanks to you, ever since news of your deeds spread, everyone has been eager to comprehend domains and bring them to perfection to raise their mind index. Some even dream of achieving complete perfection!" "It was you who showed us Divine Gang Realm martial artists a path of hope!" The martial artist actually bowed toward Lu Changsheng, his tone sincere and without a trace of pretense. Lu Changsheng glanced at the densely packed martial artists across the stone steps. *So all these martial artists came to Wolf Crying Gorge to comprehend domains because of me?* Lu Changsheng had not realized that his emergence had effectively sparked a wave of domain comprehension among Divine Gang Realm martial artists throughout the Ancient Region. Not everyone had hope of advancing to the Divine Treasury Realm. Yet Lu Changsheng's appearance had offered those Divine Gang Realm martial artists with bleak prospects a sliver of hope. Even if reaching the Divine Treasury remained immensely difficult, a sliver of hope was still hope. "I need to go up," Lu Changsheng stated directly. "Please!" The martial artist stepped aside without hesitation, clearing the path. Lu Changsheng walked up the stone steps, pace by pace. Wherever he passed, martial artists parted to make way. After all, a man's name, like a tree's shadow, commanded respect. In the entire first layer of the Ancient Region, Lu Changsheng's prestige was so towering that practically no one could rival it! Step by step, Lu Changsheng finally reached the tier midway up the canyon wall. He came to a halt. His gaze settled upon the four individuals occupying this level. All four were evidently deep in domain comprehension. Seeing Lu Changsheng stop before them, they immediately understood his intent. "Lu Changsheng, you want this stone tier?" one of them asked. "Indeed. I intend to use this platform to comprehend the Tempest Domain," Lu Changsheng acknowledged openly. The four exchanged subtle shifts in expression. Taking a deep breath, an inkling of reluctance flashed across their eyes. They had managed to occupy this prime tier not through polite deference or sheer luck, but through pure, formidable strength, having wrenched it away from others. None of them were pushovers. "Well done, Lu Changsheng. You truly are as domineering as the rumors say." "He is, after all, the number one Divine Gang who suppresses an entire generation!" "If you want this tier, we yield." "Withdraw!" The four were clearly acquainted, perhaps even close friends. Without uttering a single threat, they turned and left directly. Such was Lu Changsheng's prestige—or rather, his fearsome reputation! The battle at the Golden Marsh had spread far and wide, growing more exaggerated with every telling. What was once over a hundred layers of domains had been inflated to thousands. A single blade cleaving into a hundred strikes had been transformed into ten thousand blades resounding in unison. They described him as peerless and invincible, claiming that even a Divine Treasury martial artist could not withstand a single move from him, and that he had effortlessly slain Wu Qingyi in an instant. Such sensational tales were simply endless. Lu Changsheng had reverse-slain a Divine Treasury expert. The process did not matter; the outcome was what counted. It had forged Lu Changsheng's supreme renown across the Ancient Region! A man's name precedes him, like the shadow of a great tree—who would dare speak harshly before Lu Changsheng now?