First Pacify the Interior, Then Repel the Exterior

Ce Heaven Domain, one of the Thirty-Six Upper Domains, was where the Immortal Gu Family had its headquarters.

At this moment, deep within the Gu Family, in the land where many ancestors slumbered.

A young man in white robes sat cross-legged on a white jade platform, exuding a mysterious aura as he cultivated some powerful technique.

Then, the voice of a Gu Family ancestor suddenly reached the young man's ears.

"Changtian, news has come from outside—that little brat Lu Yuan of the Lu Family has returned. It seems he didn't die in that chaotic battle five months ago, nor did he go into self-exile with the rest of the Lu Family. This boy is a big problem. Do you have confidence in dealing with him?"

"If not, kill him early, or else with his talent, he'll definitely head to the Divine Martial Heavenly Ruins, and that will be a huge headache."

"Lu Yuan is back? Where is he?"

The young man opened his eyes, a glint of gold flashing in their depths.

"Unknown for now. His movements are very secretive. He might be hiding somewhere, or perhaps he's already been recruited by some major power."

Gu Changtian thought for a moment, then said, "Ancestor, to be honest, I don't have confidence in defeating him one-on-one. So if there's a chance, kill Lu Yuan early, or else it'll be a big problem later."

As the Young Master of the Gu Family, Gu Changtian was not arrogant. He understood the gap between himself and Lu Yuan well.

Hearing this, the Gu Family ancestor sighed. "Changtian, the path of cultivation is about who laughs last. Don't lose heart. Though Lu Yuan's talent is strong, it's ultimately a flash in the pan. In history, peerless prodigies like Lu Yuan from the Dark Continent have mostly fallen like shooting stars."

Gu Changtian smiled faintly. "Ancestor, I understand that truth. I've never thought that just because I'm behind Lu Yuan now, I'll be behind him forever. I will prove myself at the Divine Martial Heavenly Ruins!"

"It's good that you think that way."

Within the Feathered Immortal Dynasty.

In the palace of a certain Prince.

"Your Highness, the news has been confirmed. Lu Yuan is back." A general in dark armor knelt on one knee in the hall.

On the throne, a young man in a gold robe embroidered with a four-clawed golden dragon narrowed his eyes. "He didn't come back when the Lu Family vanished, but he returns right on the eve of the Divine Martial Heavenly Ruins. Interesting."

"But so what? I've already mastered the Supreme Ancestral Dragon Divine Canon. Lu Yuan, this time, I won't lose to you again!"

The gold-robed young man's face brimmed with confident, proud laughter.

Within the Dark Immortal Hall.

At the peak of a sacred mountain.

A gentle, refreshing breeze brushed past a young man sitting cross-legged at the cliff's edge.

The young man reached out his hand and spread his five fingers. The breeze that had been gentle moments ago suddenly turned fierce and violent. As he twisted his fingers slightly, strands of wind gathered into his palm.

The next moment, he clenched his fist into a seal and struck toward the heavens.

Boom!

The sky roared violently, layers of clouds torn apart.

"Lu Yuan, this time you will die without a doubt!"

The young man's cold, icy words echoed across the mountain peak.

A few days later.

Lu Family clansmen were guided back by the Qingling Star Travel, encountering no obstruction along the way.

To those who had attacked the Lu Family, their goal had already been achieved.

Offending the Qingling Star Travel over some insignificant Lu Family branch members was simply not worth it.

Outside Qingling City.

Within a manor spanning a million acres.

Lu Yuan sat quietly by the lake, while Lu Changming stood beside him reporting.

"Brother Yuan, we've already received over two hundred thousand clansmen. This manor can barely hold any more."

Lu Yuan said, "I know. I recall that the Lu Family also had properties and houses in Qingling City. What's their status now?"

Lu Changming smiled bitterly. "They've all been seized."

"Whoever took them, make them give them back. Do I need to teach you something this simple?" Lu Yuan's gaze turned cold.

Lu Changming shuddered. When the Lu Family was still around, Lu Yuan was the head of the younger generation. As the eldest brother figure, his discipline was even stricter than that of their own elders.

Then, Lu Changming said helplessly, "Brother Yuan, we don't have the strength."

"Don't have the strength?" Lu Yuan paused, squinting. "Over two hundred thousand clansmen, and you can't find anyone capable of fighting?"

"How are the statistics I asked you to compile earlier?"

Lu Changming quickly replied, "I've mostly finished. There are about two hundred and fifty thousand clansmen in total. Five are at the Great Heavenly Saint realm, thirty-five at the Heavenly Saint realm, three hundred and fifty at the Earthly Saint realm, five thousand seven hundred at the Saint realm, and those below the Saint realm are not counted."

Hearing these numbers, Lu Yuan asked in confusion, "This strength isn't bad. Why haven't you made a move?"

Lu Changming said, "Those five Great Heavenly Saints are branch clan elders, and the thirty-plus Heavenly Saints are branch clan leaders from various regions. They believe that for now, it's better to conserve strength and avoid conflict with other forces."

Lu Changming's eyes flickered.

Clearly, the truth was not as he had stated.

After hearing this, Lu Yuan narrowed his eyes and sneered, "Did you tell them this was my order?"

"I did, I did, but they said you're just a junior, not yet qualified to command them."

"Ha!" Lu Yuan laughed in anger, rising to his feet on the spot. "Notify all clan members above the Great Heavenly Saint to assemble at the Council Hall. Limit: one quarter of an hour. Anyone who doesn't show up will face the consequences!"

"Yes, Brother Yuan."

A quarter of an hour later.

The estate's Council Hall.

Looking at the hall with only a little over thirty people present, Lu Yuan's expression was utterly cold.

"It seems many of you don't take me seriously." Lu Yuan's icy voice echoed through the hall.

The seated crowd below all felt a chill in their hearts.

Lu Yuan turned to Lu Changming beside him. "Write down those who didn't come. Effective today, expel them from the Lu family. Erase their names from the Family Registry!"

"You can't!"

At these words, the many Great Heavenly Saints seated below couldn't help but speak out.

Lu Yuan coldly looked at them. "Anyone have objections?"

Someone spoke in a deep voice, "Lu Yuan, only the clan leader can expel someone from the registry. You're just the Eldest Son—you don't have that authority. Besides, after everything our Lu family has been through, every single clansman is extremely precious. Doing this would be too heartless!"

"Heartless?" Lu Yuan looked at that person. "Do you think I'm negotiating with you?!"

With that, Lu Yuan addressed everyone, "According to clan rules, I am the Lu family's Eldest Son, the first heir to the clan leader. Now that the clan leader is absent, I will act as acting clan leader until his return!"

"Now, who agrees, and who opposes?"

Lu Yuan's cold gaze swept over the crowd.

"I agree."

"I agree too."

"Me as well..."

In the end, of the thirty-plus people in the hall, more than half agreed to Lu Yuan acting as clan leader. A small minority remained silent throughout, including three Great Heavenly Saints seated at the head.

Lu Yuan's gaze swept over those who hadn't spoken. "Your silence—I'll take it as agreement."

Just then.

From outside the hall, a vigorous voice rang out.

"I oppose! Lu Yuan, you're not qualified to be clan leader!"

The voice arrived before the person.

But Lu Yuan gave him no chance. He said coldly, "Since you oppose, then die."

The moment the words fell.

Lu Yuan turned into a blur, black longsword in hand, charging out of the hall.

A few breaths later.

Lu Yuan returned to the hall, carrying a still-dripping severed head.