In Tianguang City, at the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce.
Xiao Cong, the Divine Ability martial artist who had returned from the Yuntu Mountain Range, had already reported everything that transpired there to the chamber's upper echelon, including the Martial Saint who presided over the organization.
The news sent shockwaves through the chamber. Its members found the report nearly impossible to believe.
A Divine Ability cultivator striking upward to slay a saint beast flood dragon?
It was utterly unprecedented!
Yet Xiao Cong held a singular status within the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce; there was no reason for him to lie.
Thus, based on Xiao Cong's account of the mysterious martial artist's appearance and the distinctive traits of his divine abilities, the chamber began to investigate.
Their inquiries proceeded with surprising ease—so smooth, in fact, that the chamber's investigators found it surreal.
The mysterious warrior's divine abilities were simply too distinctive, and his fame was too immense.
With only a modest inquiry, they quickly confirmed the identity of the mysterious powerhouse who had slain the saint beast flood dragon in the Yuntu Mountain Range.
Lu Changsheng!
Lu Changsheng of the Holy Land Heavenly Sect!
Currently the foremost figure in the inner mansion of the Martial Saint Mansion!
"It was actually him?"
"If it is him, everything makes sense."
"They say Lu Changsheng has condensed boundless divine abilities—and more than one, at that. He is essentially invincible beneath the Martial Saint realm."
"According to Venerable Xiao, the man unleashed three divine abilities, which aligns perfectly. When three boundless divine abilities complement each other, their unleashed might could truly shake heaven and earth."
"Moreover, Lu Changsheng obtained the Void Divine Crystal. Should we try to approach him?" the president of the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce could not help asking.
"No, under no circumstances should we approach him."
"Lu Changsheng warned me never to leak a word of what happened in the Yuntu Mountain Range."
"If we rashly make contact, wouldn't that provoke his fury?"
"We cannot casually approach a powerhouse like him. In the future, however, we can keep an eye out and gradually find opportunities to befriend him—or fostering good relations with the Holy Land Heavenly Sect would serve just as well..." Xiao Cong spoke up hastily.
Though months had passed since the events in the Yuntu Mountain Range, lingering dread still stirred in Xiao Cong's chest whenever he recalled that scene.
"Speaking of which, an opportunity has presented itself right now."
"According to our investigation, Lu Changsheng shares close ties with the Li Chamber of Commerce in Tiansheng City."
"Meanwhile, the Black Light Chamber of Commerce has been spreading rumors that the Li clan's ancestor is wounded and near the end of his lifespan. They have been aggressively expanding their moves, dealing blow after blow to the Li Chamber of Commerce's trade."
"Tell me, isn't this an opening for our Deep Space Chamber of Commerce?"
"If a Divine Ability martial artist capable of slaying a saint beast becomes a Martial Saint, how terrifying will he be? In the future, he may very well attain the Heavenly Saint realm! We cannot let this chance slip by. We must find a way to establish ties with the Li Chamber of Commerce."
"Right now, the Li Chamber of Commerce is being suppressed on all fronts. The Black Light Chamber of Commerce has even reached out to us, urging us to join forces against them. Heh, the Black Light Chamber of Commerce is courting its own destruction, but we won't go down that path with them."
"Not only will we refuse to ally with the Black Light Chamber of Commerce, but we will also extend a helping hand to the Li Chamber of Commerce at their most desperate hour."
"We can begin with regular business. Since their trade is struggling under pressure, our chamber can propose cooperation to help alleviate their strain..."
After a round of discussion, the upper echelon of the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce agreed that this was an excellent plan.
A faint smile appeared on Xiao Cong's face.
He had spent so much time concealed in the Yuntu Mountain Range. Although he had failed to secure the Void Divine Stone vein, he had discovered a monstrous martial artist like Lu Changsheng.
That was far more valuable than any vein of Void Divine Stones.
Xiao Cong understood better than anyone what a top-tier martial artist with the potential to reach the Heavenly Saint realm signified.
***
Lu Changsheng arrived at the Li clan residence.
The clan ancestor, Martial Saint Li Zhenggang, appeared in the main hall as well, accompanied by Li Chengwu.
"Brother Lu, you've arrived." Li Guang's eyes brightened as he saw Lu Changsheng.
Li Zhenggang nodded slightly. "Young Friend Lu truly possesses remarkable courage. This is fundamentally my Li clan's grievance, yet you dare risk venturing to Tianguang City. Naturally, this old man shall accompany you to see what the Black Light Chamber of Commerce has to offer."
Lu Changsheng asked, "Ancestor, does your injury pose any major concern?"
"Haha, no matter. Though I carry wounds, if I stake my life, I can still trade blows with a Martial Saint!" Li Zhenggang replied with open magnanimity.
Just then, Li Guang spoke up. "Curiously enough, Tianguang City's Deep Space Chamber of Commerce contacted us today to proactively propose cooperation. For every line of business the Black Light Chamber of Commerce has suppressed or disrupted, the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce is willing to partner with us."
"If this cooperation proceeds, our beleaguered trade could recover by seventy to eighty percent, vastly mitigating our losses."
"As far as I recall, we have virtually no prior business dealings with them, and they are based right there in Tianguang City. It would be one thing if they simply refrained from joining hands with the Black Light Chamber of Commerce, but why would they take the initiative to partner with us? What could this mean?"
The members of the Li clan exchanged glances, evidently at a loss for an explanation.
"Oh? Deep Space Chamber of Commerce?" Lu Changsheng's interest was piqued.
The name sounded somewhat familiar, though he had not recalled it immediately.
Thinking carefully now, the black-clad martial artist he had encountered in the Yuntu Mountain Range months ago—the one who excelled at concealing his aura and hiding his presence—hadn't he claimed to belong to the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce?
At the time, Lu Changsheng had not bothered to ask where the chamber was based. It turned out they were located in Tianguang City.
What a coincidence.
As for why the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce would suddenly offer cooperation—providing help in their hour of direst need—Lu Changsheng understood the reason perfectly.
They were currying favor with him!
Throughout his journey of cultivation, countless people and factions had proactively sought his favor.
The Li clan itself had initially extended goodwill to him, which was how their ties had grown so close.
"Brother Lu, do you know of the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce?" Li Guang asked.
Lu Changsheng nodded slightly. "I once crossed paths with a Divine Ability martial artist in the Yuntu Mountain Range who claimed to be from their chamber."
"Their current actions are likely an overture of goodwill."
"This is a good thing. I do not understand much about commercial matters, but cooperate where appropriate; there shouldn't be any major issues."
Lu Changsheng's words brought joy to the Li clan members.
The Deep Space Chamber of Commerce had approached them solely because of Lu Changsheng.
They were actively showing goodwill toward him.
For a merchant chamber overseen by a Martial Saint to curry favor with a Divine Ability martial artist, anyone with eyes could see that profound circumstances lay beneath the surface.
Something extraordinary must have taken place in the Yuntu Mountain Range.
Yet since Lu Changsheng did not elaborate, they refrained from prying.
In any case, this was an immense boon!
"Hahaha! Excellent, simply marvelous!"
"The Deep Space Chamber of Commerce is by no means simple. Even in my prime, I had no absolute certainty of defeating the Martial Saint overseeing their organization."
"Now that they have shown goodwill, haven't we seized a massive advantage before even setting out?" Li Zhenggang chuckled.
The Deep Space Chamber of Commerce's friendly stance proved at least one thing: in Tianguang City, they would only have to face the Black Light Chamber of Commerce.
There was no need to worry about Black Light joining hands with other local forces.
Otherwise, why would Deep Space extend an olive branch at a time like this?
This was an enormous relief!
"Regardless, the pressing priority is to proceed to the Black Light Chamber of Commerce and make our stance clear," Lu Changsheng said in a deep voice, his demeanor calm and composed.
"We must ensure they never dare reach toward the Li Chamber of Commerce again!"
"In the end, we still have to rely on ourselves!"
Partnerships and goodwill were all well and good, but minor commercial collaboration counted for little. Only by repelling the Black Light Chamber of Commerce could they truly resolve the crisis.
"Young Friend Lu speaks the truth. Everything depends on ourselves!"
"Without further ado, let us depart at once!"
With that, a group of twenty to thirty individuals set off, nearly all of them at the Divine Ability level.
Several Divine Ability elders from the Holy Land Heavenly Sect joined the Li clan's martial artists, and together they sped toward Tianguang City.
Tianguang City and Tiansheng City were not far apart. For Divine Ability martial artists, the journey took very little time.
"We've arrived!"
"The moment we set foot in Tianguang City, the Black Light Chamber of Commerce will surely know," Li Zhenggang said with a solemn expression.
"No matter. We go straight to their headquarters," Lu Changsheng replied.
"We came openly and honorably. There is no need to conceal our auras."
With a slight shudder of Lu Changsheng's frame, a terrifying aura surged forward, rolling over Tianguang City like a vast tide.
As Lu Changsheng unleashed his presence, the twenty to thirty companions alongside him did not hold back either, releasing their own auras in full measure.
Only Martial Saint Li Zhenggang kept his aura suppressed.
Even so, having so many Divine Ability martial artists—each an elite of their realm, accompanied by Martial Venerables from the Li clan—unleash their strength created a tempestuous pressure that instantly swept across the entire city.
Every cultivator in Tianguang City felt the colossal impact and looked up into the sky in shock.
"What is going on? What an astonishing aura! There are top-tier Divine Ability experts, Martial Venerables, and even a presence far more frightening than an ordinary Martial Venerable—twenty to thirty auras in total! What has happened in Tianguang City?"
"Look quickly, what is that?"
"Hiss... twenty to thirty Divine Ability martial artists, including Martial Venerables..."
"Where did they come from? To arrive in Tianguang City and release such terrifying pressure—they come with hostile intent!"
"Those people... they seem to be martial artists from the Li Chamber of Commerce in Tiansheng City."
"The Li Chamber of Commerce? Weren't they being relentlessly suppressed by the Black Light Chamber of Commerce? I heard their situation was dire; how do they dare come straight to Tianguang City?"
"It seems their objective is the Black Light Chamber of Commerce. Something massive is about to unfold..."
Initial astonishment gave way to understanding once people realized the visitors were from the Li Chamber of Commerce.
Everyone knew how aggressively the Black Light Chamber of Commerce had cornered them.
Now that the Li Chamber of Commerce had arrived in force, it was certainly not for mere show.
In an instant, undercurrents surged throughout Tianguang City, and countless gazes locked onto Lu Changsheng and his party.
Yet Lu Changsheng and the others seemed to have anticipated this.
Without pausing along the way, they proceeded straight toward the headquarters of the Black Light Chamber of Commerce.
"Halt! Who goes there?" Several Divine Ability martial artists standing outside the headquarters gates called out nervously.
Li Chengwu let out a cold laugh and stepped forward. "Inform your leaders that Li Chengwu, Patriarch of the Li clan and President of the Li Chamber of Commerce, has come to pay a visit!"
Many recognized Li Chengwu's identity.
Seeing that the Li clan patriarch had arrived in person, the guards exchanged wary, apprehensive glances.
"Wait here. We will go report..."
Lu Changsheng suddenly spoke up. "Why bother reporting? Go straight in."
"Anyone who stands in our way shall be slain without mercy!"
His voice was decisive and brooked no argument.
Both sides were locked in a mortal struggle. What need was there for etiquette?
"You..."
The guards' expressions changed drastically, and they moved to activate their divine abilities.
Lu Changsheng merely waved his hand.
*Buzz.*
The Five Elements Decomposition divine ability erupted instantly.
A terrifying five-colored brilliance washed over the five Divine Ability guards.
Their bodies stiffened, and in the next instant, their physical forms decomposed into nothingness.
Their divine abilities failed to hold out for even a single breath before shattering and dispersing.
Domineering!
Terrifying!
Overwhelming!
Though many had heard of Lu Changsheng's renown, most had never seen him fight in person.
They had heard the tales of "Venerable Lu," but seeing him now, he proved even more overbearing and formidable than the rumors suggested.
"Dead... five Divine Ability martial artists, dead just like that?"
"What is the Li Chamber of Commerce trying to do? This is the Black Light Chamber of Commerce's headquarters, guarded by a Martial Saint! How dare they?"
"Aren't they afraid they will never leave alive?"
"No matter how strong a Divine Ability martial artist is, they are utterly fragile before a Martial Saint. Where did they find the courage?"
Those watching the scene were dumbfounded.
To mercilessly obliterate Divine Ability guards right at the headquarters of the Black Light Chamber of Commerce was an act of staggering audacity.
They treated the chamber as nothing—and showed even less regard for the Martial Saint behind it.
How could a chamber forced into retreat on all fronts act with such brazen confidence?
Spectators found it incomprehensible.
Even the martial artists from the Li Chamber of Commerce stood with jaws slack, completely stunned.
They had assumed they were coming to negotiate, but this did not look like negotiation in the slightest.
It looked like they had come to eradicate the Black Light Chamber of Commerce.
Yet a Martial Saint presided over this place. Could they truly wipe them out? Were they relying on their ancestral Martial Saint?
They glanced toward Li Zhenggang, but the elder merely shook his head in silence.
The group had no choice but to follow swiftly behind Lu Changsheng.
"Audacious!"
"This is the Black Light Chamber of Commerce! How dare you?"
"This isn't Tiansheng City; this is Tianguang City! To act so recklessly—since you've come, don't think of leaving!"
In moments, dozens of Divine Ability martial artists surrounded Lu Changsheng and his party.
Among them were three Martial Venerables!
Yes, three Martial Venerables!
That the Black Light Chamber of Commerce possessed three Martial Venerables was a testament to its immense foundation.
Even if their Martial Saint did not act, those three Martial Venerables were enough to sweep aside most major factions.
Lu Changsheng glanced at the trio, hands clasped behind his back, and said coldly, "You cannot make the decisions here. Tell the Black Light Martial Saint to show himself."
The three Martial Venerables felt intensely insulted.
One of them sneered, "Why would Lord Martial Saint need to intervene? The three of us are more than enough to wipe you out!"
"We intended to leave your Li Chamber of Commerce some shred of face, but you insist on seeking death."
"Since you delivered yourselves to our door, don't blame us for being ruthless!"
The three Martial Venerables and dozens of Divine Ability martial artists glared fiercely, their murderous intent surging as if ready to obliterate Lu Changsheng's group in a single charge.
Yet Lu Changsheng remained unperturbed, hands still clasped behind his back.
He said coldly, "Black Light Martial Saint, do you truly intend to hide until every last one of your subordinates has been slaughtered?"
"If that is the case, then I shall grant your wish..."
Lu Changsheng's gaze chilled.
"Divine ability, Spiritual Black Hole!"
With a flick of his sleeve, a massive black vortex manifested in the void.
When the Spiritual Black Hole hung suspended above their heads, both the Martial Venerables and the ordinary Divine Ability martial artists felt a horrifying aura descend upon them.
It weighed heavily upon their hearts, as though immense danger and dread loomed over their souls.
"A divine ability..."
"What manner of divine ability is this?"
"Who on earth are you?"
The complexions of the three Martial Venerables changed drastically.
As Martial Venerables, they had condensed top-tier greater divine abilities.
Yet facing Lu Changsheng's Spiritual Black Hole, they could clearly sense that this technique surpassed every divine ability they possessed.
If it truly descended upon them, they would die!
Every single one of them would perish!
There was no doubt about it!
Among the crowd, countless onlookers observed the confrontation, none more intently than the members of the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce.
When Xiao Cong saw Lu Changsheng deploy that technique, a tremor ran through his entire frame.
"It's that divine ability... a spiritual boundless divine ability, called Spiritual Black Hole!"
"It even shook the spirit of the saint beast flood dragon."
"Though a flood dragon's spiritual consciousness is not extraordinarily tough, it is still not something ordinary spiritual divine abilities can shake. Only a boundless divine ability possesses such earth-shattering might."
"Truly, hearing about it cannot compare to seeing it firsthand. Everyone says Lu Changsheng condensed boundless divine abilities, but without witnessing it with your own eyes and feeling it directly, no one can fathom its power."
"Now I have seen it... boundless divine abilities truly are invincible!"
The martial artists of the Deep Space Chamber of Commerce fell silent.
Earlier, some had harbored doubts about why the chamber had proactively sought out the Li Chamber of Commerce, offering benefits and goodwill.
Now, all their doubts vanished.
With Lu Changsheng's current strength, who beneath the Martial Saint realm could stand against him?
At that moment, the three Martial Venerables found themselves in an impossible position, their hearts quaking with dread.
"Who are you, really?" the three asked almost in unison.
Lu Changsheng's gaze was frigid. Standing with hands clasped behind him, he looked down upon the three Martial Venerables and spoke slowly, word by word:
"Holy Land Heavenly Sect, Lu Changsheng!"
*Boom.*
The moment the name "Lu Changsheng" fell, a jolt shot through the hearts of the countless martial artists below!
Even the eyes of the three Martial Venerables narrowed sharply as they stared fixedly at him.
Lu Changsheng of the Holy Land Heavenly Sect!
The foremost figure in the Martial Saint Mansion's inner mansion!
Possessor of boundless divine abilities, virtually invincible within the realm!
Venerable Lu, whose fame resounded across the entire Holy Land!
He stood right before their eyes!
His reputation was immense, shrouded in tales that sounded like myth.
Now that they met the man in person, any earlier suspicions that the rumors had been exaggerated completely vanished.
In fact, they realized the rumors had been conservative.
Hearing a hundred times could never match a single glimpse. Without facing the legendary Venerable Lu directly, it was impossible to imagine just how terrifying he was.
"It really is him..."
The three Martial Venerables exchanged glances, their eyes filled with deep trepidation.
A person's name carried weight; a tree's shadow cast far. Lu Changsheng was no nameless figure, but a warrior celebrated throughout the Holy Land.
Who among the Divine Ability realm dared claim they could defeat him?
No one!
At least, no one had ever publicly claimed victory over him.
So what if they were Martial Venerables? More than one or two Martial Venerables had already perished by his hand.
Even if the three of them joined forces, they would likely still meet their end. The boundless divine ability hanging above their heads filled their souls with primal dread.
"Greetings, Venerable Lu!"
The three took a deep breath and lowered their heads.
The other martial artists who had been clamoring moments ago fell silent as well, not daring to make a sound.
A single name had cowed three Martial Venerables and dozens of Divine Ability cultivators.
Even Lu Changsheng was somewhat surprised.
Had his fame grown so formidable?
He had originally anticipated a bloodbath, but since these men had bowed their heads and dared not move, he had no intention of slaughtering them.
"Hahaha! Well said, Lu Changsheng! What a magnificent boundless divine ability!"
"Old Ghost Li, I never expected your Li clan could recruit a Martial Venerable so nearly invincible beneath the heavens. It seems this seat underestimated you..."
Just then, a booming voice echoed in everyone's ears.
At the same time, a white-robed figure walked out from the Black Light Chamber of Commerce below, step by steady step.
With every step he took, his aura doubled in magnitude.
By the time he stepped into the void, his terrifying pressure spread over the heavens and earth, blanketing everyone present.
Whether Divine Ability martial artists or Martial Venerables, all felt suffocated beneath that crushing weight.
A Martial Saint!
This was the true pressure of a Martial Saint!
The figure in the void was none other than the Black Light Martial Saint!
"A Martial Saint!"
Even Lu Changsheng's expression turned solemn.
This was a genuine Martial Saint.
Though he had previously slain the saint beast flood dragon, he had relied on clever tactics, wearing it down in a battle of attrition until its stamina was exhausted.
In theory, a Martial Saint was stronger than a saint beast.
At the very least, Lu Changsheng's Spiritual Black Hole would not be nearly as effective against a Martial Saint as it had been against a beast.
Furthermore, the explosive power of a Martial Saint's saint body far exceeded that of a saint beast.
Even before the Black Light Martial Saint had unleashed his saint body, the mere aura he radiated imposed immense pressure on Lu Changsheng.
Indeed, a Martial Saint lived up to the title—a saint among martial artists!
"Old Ghost Black Light, so it really is you."
"What honor is there in bullying the young?"
Just then, Li Zhenggang spoke.
Until now, no one had paid attention to Li Zhenggang. While Lu Changsheng was displaying his brilliance, who would notice an unfamiliar elder who showed little outward aura?
Though Li Zhenggang was a Martial Saint, he had lived for ages and made his name long ago. After suffering injuries and retreating into seclusion, he rarely appeared in public.
Those who could recognize him were few and far between—the Black Light Martial Saint being one of the rare exceptions.
Li Zhenggang stepped forward, appearing to disregard the Black Light Martial Saint's pressure entirely. He released his own Martial Saint aura, instantly standing toe-to-toe with his opponent.
"A Martial Saint! Another Martial Saint!"
"That is... the Li clan ancestor, Martial Saint Li Zhenggang!"
"He is a legendary figure who hasn't shown himself in ages!"
"No wonder the Li Chamber of Commerce dared march straight into the Black Light headquarters with such confidence—they brought a Martial Saint with them!"
"Weren't there rumors that Li Zhenggang was injured? Why has he appeared at the Black Light Chamber of Commerce? Could the rumors have been false?"
"The rumor of his injury came from the Black Light Chamber of Commerce itself. They should know better than anyone."
"A clash between two Martial Saints—this is something one might never see in a lifetime..."
In an instant, all eyes in Tianguang City converged upon the two Martial Saints.
To the vast majority of martial artists, a Martial Saint represented the absolute ceiling of the martial path—the very heavens above them.
Witnessing a potential battle between two Martial Saints filled everyone with profound excitement.
The Black Light Martial Saint narrowed his eyes slightly.
Naturally, he had long known of Li Zhenggang. They were far too familiar with each other, having clashed in their youth.
After both attained the Martial Saint realm, they had rarely fought.
"Old Ghost Li, you conceal it well."
"Yet you remain wounded, and your injuries have not healed. Even if you erupt with all your strength, you will certainly pay a grievous price."
The Black Light Martial Saint spoke with absolute certainty.
With a single glance, he had discerned that Li Zhenggang was injured.
Li Zhenggang showed no surprise. Had he avoided appearing before others, his condition might have stayed hidden, but appearing before another Martial Saint made detection inevitable.
Besides, he had anticipated that his injury would be seen through, so he felt no shock.
"Old Ghost Black Light, so what if this old man is wounded?"
"Destroying your Black Light Chamber of Commerce would still pose no difficulty."
Li Zhenggang's voice was cold, tinged with killing intent.
He knew he could not kill the Black Light Martial Saint, but he could annihilate the chamber itself.
The Black Light Chamber of Commerce was the culmination of the man's life's work; he would never stand idly by and watch it be destroyed.
"Is that so?"
"Old Ghost Li, this seat wishes to test that claim!"
"Let us see how much of your strength remains!"
The Black Light Martial Saint was entirely unfazed by the threat. A sharp light gleamed in his eyes, eager for the fight.
His goal was to devour the Li Chamber of Commerce and eliminate Li Zhenggang.
Once accomplished, the Black Light Chamber of Commerce's influence would span both Tianguang City and Tiansheng City.
Moreover, this was an ideal opportunity. Li Zhenggang was injured; once he recovered, Black Light would lose his chance.
He knew he could not afford to wait.
Li Zhenggang's heart sank, his expression growing increasingly grim.
If they truly clashed, he was likely no match for the Black Light Martial Saint in his current state.
Fighting would play right into the other man's hands, and Li Zhenggang would find himself at a severe disadvantage.
Once that happened, his deterrent power would vanish.
For the Li Chamber of Commerce, the loss of their ancestor's deterrence would bring terrifying consequences.
With the Black Light Martial Saint pressing so aggressively, Li Zhenggang was caught in an impossible position.
He had no choice but to fight with everything he had!
Just then, Lu Changsheng took a light step forward.
"Ancestor, as we agreed before:"
"The Black Light Martial Saint will be handled by me!"
"So, let me take him!"
Lu Changsheng's voice was calm as he walked forward in midair, step by step, toward the Black Light Martial Saint.
Chapter 232