Rising Fame! The Number One Expert of Nujiang County!

Nujiang County was in an uproar.

The news that Lu Chen had returned alive seemed to have grown wings, spreading across the entire city in less than half a day.

In teahouses, restaurants, and on every street corner, everyone was talking about it.

The versions of the story became increasingly bizarre as they spread.

Some said that Lu Chen was a god descended from the heavens, who had split the Dragon Palace in two with a single blade strike at the bottom of the river and slaughtered a hundred-foot-long evil dragon.

Others claimed that Lu Chen was actually the illegitimate son of the Dragon King, and that he had gone down there to acknowledge his kin and clean up the family business while he was at it.

Still others insisted that Lu Chen had obtained an ancient inheritance and had already cultivated an indestructible body, immune to blades, spears, water, and fire.

Although the stories were varied, one fact was universally acknowledged.

That was that the scourge of water ghosts, which had plagued Nujiang County for decades, had been thoroughly eradicated by Lu Chen.

The remains of the Water Ghost King that had been dragged back (which were actually just a few large, unmelted chunks of ice) were hung at the city gate by the County Yamen for all to see for three full days.

Although they were shattered beyond recognition, the massive scales and terrifying claws still made everyone who saw them tremble with fear.

To be able to kill a monster like that.

Just how powerful had Lu Chen become?

"The number one expert in Nujiang County!"

No one knew who had shouted this title first, but it was quickly accepted by everyone.

Even the previously acknowledged number one expert, County Yamen Constable Zhao Gang, had stated on multiple occasions in public: "Hall Master Lu's divine martial arts are peerless; I, Zhao, am ashamed to fall short."

Black Water Gang headquarters.

It was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the sound of gongs and drums filled the air.

Gang Leader Chen Wanli threw a grand banquet, inviting the city's most prominent figures to celebrate Lu Chen's victory.

At the head table, Chen Wanli was beaming, unable to stop smiling.

Lu Chen's display of prowess this time was not just his personal glory, but the glory of the Black Water Gang as well.

From this day forward, in the small territory of Nujiang County, who would dare to challenge the Black Water Gang?

"Come! Let us raise a glass to Deputy Hall Master Lu!"

Chen Wanli raised his wine cup and said loudly, "If not for Deputy Hall Master Lu venturing into the tiger's den to slay the demon, how could we have these peaceful days in Nujiang County! Deputy Hall Master Lu is our great hero!"

"A toast to Hero Lu!"

The hall masters, wealthy merchants, and local gentry below stood up one after another, raising their glasses and cheering.

A tide of flattery and sycophancy surged toward him.

Lu Chen sat just below Chen Wanli, holding a wine glass in his hand with a faint smile on his face.

But deep in his eyes, there was only cold composure.

He did not like this kind of scene.

Too noisy.

Too hypocritical.

These people were holding him up to the heavens now because he was strong and because he could bring them benefits.

Once he lost his power or suffered a serious injury, these people would definitely be the first to trample him into the dirt.

"Many thanks to the Gang Leader, many thanks to everyone."

Lu Chen drained his glass in one gulp, his voice steady. "I only did what was expected of me; I am not worthy of such praise."

"Hey! Brother Lu is too humble!"

Zhao Tieshan, the Hall Master of the War Hall, slurred his words as he slapped Lu Chen heavily on the shoulder. "I heard all about that battle from Little Six! You're truly a badass! This old brother of yours is impressed! From now on, you call the shots in the War Hall! If anyone dares to disobey you, I'll hack them to pieces!"

Zhao Tieshan was a crude man, but he valued strength above all else.

Lu Chen's performance this time had completely won him over.

Lu Chen smiled but said nothing.

The banquet lasted until late into the night.

After seeing off the last group of guests, Lu Chen declined the beautiful songstresses offered by several wealthy merchants and returned to his mansion alone.

He closed the courtyard gate, shutting out the clamor from outside.

The smile on Lu Chen's face vanished instantly.

He walked quickly into his secret chamber and checked the mechanisms, breathing a sigh of relief only after confirming that no one had tampered with them.

Although he now had a famous reputation, the sense of crisis in his heart had only grown heavier.

A tall tree catches the wind.

The title of "Number One Expert" was both an honor and a target.

Furthermore, once the Profound Nether Hand and the Netherworld Stone he had obtained underwater were exposed, they would undoubtedly bring a fatal disaster upon him.

Even Chen Wanli, if he knew that Lu Chen possessed a Spirit Tier cultivation technique, would likely strike against him without the slightest hesitation.

"Strength... is still not enough."

Lu Chen sat cross-legged on the Cold Jade Bed (a cultivation-assisting tool he had spent a small fortune to purchase).

He summoned his panel.

[Name: Lu Chen]

[Realm: Body Tempering Realm (Bone Refining Pass 20%)]

[Martial Arts: Profound Nether Hand (1st Realm: Glimpse of the Path 30%), Iron Cloth Shirt (3rd Realm: Mastery 25%)...]

Over the past few days, despite being busy with social obligations, he had not neglected his cultivation.

Relying on the large quantity of Netherworld Stones brought back from the Dragon Palace, his Profound Nether Hand had progressed rapidly.

This had even pushed his realm past the Flesh Refining Stage, officially stepping into the Bone Refining Pass.

Now, his bones were as hard as iron, his hematopoiesis had significantly improved, and his vitality was more than twice as thick as before.

I must reach the second realm of Profound Nether Hand as soon as possible to condense the Profound Nether Body Protection.

Lu Chen secretly set his goal.

Only by possessing a defensive technique could he truly be considered to have the power to protect himself in front of a Meridian Connecting Realm expert.

In the days that followed, Lu Chen went completely silent.

He declined all invitations and threw all administrative matters to Zhao Tieshan and Wang Xiaoliu.

He stayed behind closed doors all day, hiding in his secret chamber to practice diligently.

The rumors outside did not subside because of his low profile; instead, they only made him appear even more mysterious and unfathomable.

Some said he was in seclusion, contemplating a higher-level martial art.

Others said he was recovering from injuries.

But regardless, the status of the Black Water Gang remained as stable as Mount Tai.

Until half a month later.

A massive caravan broke the tranquility of Nujiang County.

This caravan flew the banner of the Flying Horse Merchant Association, consisting of a full hundred carriages, with two to three hundred guards.

Moreover, these guards were all well-equipped and had fierce expressions; one look was enough to tell they were elites who had seen blood.

The most eye-catching detail was the golden character "Cang" embroidered on the caravan's flags.

Canglan Prefecture!

This was a major power from the prefectural capital!

In a small place like Nujiang County, caravans from the prefectural capital rarely visited, let alone one of this scale.

As soon as the caravan entered the city, they booked the largest inn in town, Yuelai Inn.

Immediately after, the merchant association's steward began making visits everywhere.

The County Yamen, the Black Water Gang, and several wealthy merchants—not a single one was left out.

They were incredibly generous, and the gifts they presented were rare goods only found in the prefectural capital.

For a time, the entire Nujiang County had its eyes fixed on this extravagant caravan.

Black Water Gang Main Hall.

Lu Chen was urgently summoned by Chen Wanli.

"Brother Lu, you've heard about it too, right?"

Chen Wanli sat in a Taishi Chair, fiddling with an exquisite snuff bottle in his hand; it was something just delivered by the Flying Horse Merchant Association.

"The Flying Horse Merchant Association?" Lu Chen nodded. "I've heard. They're making quite a scene."

"It's more than just a scene."

Chen Wanli's expression was somewhat grave. "This Flying Horse Merchant Association is one of the top three merchant associations in Canglan Prefecture. They have deep connections and are said to be linked to several martial arts families in the prefectural capital."

"They've come this time claiming they want to open up the water transport routes of Nujiang and want to cooperate with us."

"That sounds like a good thing." Lu Chen remained calm.

"It is a good thing."

Chen Wanli frowned. "But I keep feeling like something is off. That steward, Qian Tong, kept fishing for information about the Water Ghosts throughout our conversation today."

"Oh?" Lu Chen's eyes narrowed.

"He asked very detailed questions."

Chen Wanli looked at Lu Chen. "He asked when the Water Ghosts first appeared, what their characteristics were, if anyone had seen the Water Ghosts' lair... and he specifically asked about you."

"Asked about me?"

"Yes. He asked how you killed the Water Ghost King, what martial arts you used, and if you brought anything up from under the water."

Chen Wanli stared into Lu Chen's eyes. "Brother Lu, give it to me straight. Is there... something else down there under the water?"

Lu Chen's heart skipped a beat.

It had come, just as expected.

He knew the matter of the Dragon Palace wouldn't blow over so easily.

Since that Water Ghost King had been able to evolve to the Meridian Connecting Realm, it must have been due to the Netherworld Stone and the Yin Fiend Qi of the ruins.

Such a natural anomaly might fool ordinary people, but it couldn't fool true experts.

The Flying Horse Merchant Association's visit this time was likely a ruse; business was the facade, but treasure hunting was the real goal!

"You're overthinking it, Gang Leader."

Lu Chen's expression remained unchanged, his face calm and open. "Other than mud and human bones, there is nothing under that water. If I had really found some treasure, would I be able to hide it? I would have brought it out long ago to offer to you in exchange for cultivation resources."

Chen Wanli stared at Lu Chen for a long time, unable to find any flaws.

He laughed heartily and patted Lu Chen on the shoulder.

"I was just asking casually. How could I not trust your character, Brother Lu?"

"However, this group of people has ill intentions. Since they have set their sights on you, be careful lately."

"Don't capsize in a gutter."

Lu Chen nodded. "Thank you for the reminder, Gang Leader."

Walking out of the main hall.

Lu Chen's expression darkened instantly.

Flying Horse Merchant Association.

Canglan Prefecture.

It seemed that his secrets had already been sniffed out by those with ulterior motives.

"Want to investigate me?"

Lu Chen looked back in the direction of Yuelai Inn, a murderous glint in his eyes.

"Then we shall see if your necks are harder than my blade."

Returning to his small courtyard.

Lu Chen did not head straight into the secret chamber as he usually did.

He sat on the stone bench in the courtyard, wiping down the Hundred Refinements Steel Saber.

The sky gradually darkened.

There was no moon tonight, and the wind was strong.

It was a good night for killing.

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