Rally Support / Taibai Golden Vault, Monarch's Physique

"I don't know the fate of the ancestor of the Water Lord, that Sub-Emperor, but if we can lend a helping hand, it would be of great use as a threat to the heart of the Pacific Empire."

Upon hearing this, Hua Zhanhong's eyes lit up. The strategy of alliances and counter-alliances was all too familiar to the Nine Provinces; it was a skill passed down from their Ancestor.

He truly hadn't expected Lu Jun to bring so many surprises.

"Excellent! If we can unite these opponents, we can try to push the battle line to the vicinity of the First Island Chain, reduce damage on our homeland, and even go wherever the enemy goes!"

Chapter 523 Raising a Big Flag

Courtyard houses in the capital city.

Seeing Hua Zhanhong's ambitious and enterprising demeanor, Lu Jun felt relieved that the intelligence he had been holding back for so long had finally been delivered to the right person.

Actually, he also had a selfish motive, which was to rescue the Mermaid maiden's mother.

Furthermore, he would not forget that there was a Water Element Heavenly Seed in the Mariana Trench, the ancestral home of the Water Elemental Spirit Clan!

That place is close to the Pacific Empire, so it's not safe. There might be Supreme Demonic Beast lying in ambush there.

Since Kyushu has no information about the Holy Spirit Clan, it will most likely choose to first go to the Mariana Trench to spy on them.

If the team is led by a forbidden spell user, it will undoubtedly be much safer. With his contributions, obtaining the Water Element Heavenly Seed will be a piece of cake.

Hua Zhanhong sized up the Mermaid maiden, nodded, and said, "Alright, let me verify this before deciding to send someone to the Pacific Ocean."

This is to be expected. Hua Zhanhong bears the fate of the entire nation on his shoulders, so he should not act rashly and must be cautious, and should not blindly trust others.

Lu Jun was not in a hurry. He possessed the Water Repelling Pearl and the Town River Pearl, so if he wanted to go to sea, he would inevitably have to go through him.

As for whether finding the Water Elemental Spirit Clan will expose their secret, there's no need to worry. They're located in the Pacific Ocean, and they have far more information about the various Emperor than he does.

And if all else fails, he can disguise himself as a member of the Magic Trench Demon Ghost, infiltrate their mental network, and gather intelligence.

The brains of the Sea Prophet are all interconnected, progressing layer by layer until the Sea Monster Overlord at the very top controls everything.

Then, as if casually, Lu Jun brought up the matter of Cardinal Nine Infant, asking curiously, "Back then, he was able to escape from the forbidden spell. Which forbidden spell was monitoring him?"

Upon hearing this, Hua Zhanhong looked at him with a half-smile and replied, "Ice Emperor."

Lu Jun understood perfectly. He knew this before he came; Pang Lai had casually mentioned it when he assigned him the task of capturing the Cardinal.

He had taken it to Mind's Eye then. No wonder Nine Infant was able to escape. Besides the carelessness of the higher-ups in the Nine Provinces and the help of the Sea Monster Lord, the Ice Emperor probably also let the sea go.

The Mu Clan's Ice Emperor, a few days ago, joined forces with several forbidden spellcasters to explore Antarctica. As a result, all the forbidden spellcasters perished, with only Ice Emperor escaping back. Immediately afterwards, sea levels rose worldwide.

The truth is that they encountered the Antarctic Emperor, one of the Three Great Rooftops of the world.

The Ice Emperor, by begging and kneeling before the Antarctic Emperor to survive, had already become his puppets.

Hua Zhanhong gave Lu Jun a deep look and said, "We know Ice Emperor well. When he returned from Antarctica alone, we became suspicious. The Nine Infant incident gave us away, but we were just trying to catch a bigger fish."

"Then I'll stop talking."

Lu Jun smiled and brought up another matter: he wanted to establish influence in the Ancient Capital, refine stardust, Nebula, and Star River Magic Tool, and Fusion Magic.

Hearing this, Hua Zhanhong said with an appreciative look, "This is a good thing. Kyushu clearly has the raw material sites, but it lacks the relevant technology. Every year, major magic academies and high schools purchase magical artifacts, consuming countless billions."

"The same applies to Fusion Magic. If we could research it, the combat power of the forbidden spells of the Nine Provinces, including the following mages, would increase several times over. Let alone ten Emperors, we would dare to fight even twenty."

Hua Zhanhong pondered for a moment and said, "Lu Jun, what you did today is of great merit and deserves a generous reward; otherwise, we will not be able to convince the public."

Then, with a wave of his hand, he granted us land, policies, and prestige—basically, he promised us everything.

For example, Lu Jun already held the title of Honorary Councilor of the Ancient Capital. Now, he has been promoted to a permanent member, second only to Shao Zheng, and has been granted several titles, including Western Military Strategist, Southern Guardian of the Forbidden City, and General.

If Lu Jun is like an ancient general, who can establish his own government office, recruit talents, and even provide them with official positions, then even Han Ji would be subject to his control if he went to the Ancient Capital.

Lu Jun was delighted; wasn't his discussion of these matters with Hua Zhanhong all for the sake of pretext and justification?

By then, the power he establishes will be completely different from that of aristocratic families and Great Noble Families. It will belong to the Nine Provinces Platform, and attacking him will be tantamount to attacking the Nine Provinces.

Furthermore, there is no need to worry about interference from ordinary internal entities. With his name, the establishment of his own business and residence is extremely independent, equivalent to that of a private individual.

Of course, the downside is that if it goes on for too long, it can become too powerful to control. For example, in ancient times, military governors and generals were only established during wartime and abolished after the war. It was extremely rare for them to hold power for a long time.

This is thanks to Hua Zhanhong's magnanimity; we'll deal with the future when it comes.

Lu Jun didn't care; his actions were merely a temporary measure. He was pursuing immortality and had no interest in fame or fortune.

At the same time, Hua Zhanhong was determined that even if the International Forbidden Curse Association blocked Lu Jun on the issue of the Heart of the Earth, Kyushu would use its reserves to give Lu Jun a Heart of the Earth.

Before long, Lu Jun left satisfied, his status transformed into one of great prominence.

He stayed in the capital for a while, going through the formalities, announcing to the world, and incidentally meeting with representatives from the Holy City and the Five Continents Magic Association to verify the identities of the two Cardinal. Everything went smoothly.

Leng Jue is the son of the Dark Saintess of Parthenon, and his dark faith originates from Parthenon. His identity is crystal clear and beyond question.

A few days later, Lu Jun left and returned to Magic City.

Pearl Academy.

Lu Jun stayed in Ding Yumian's room. Looking out the window, the weather remained gloomy and rainy. He asked in a serious tone, "How is the situation here?"

Ding Yumian, dressed in an elegant white dress, glanced helplessly at the man lounging on the bed and said in a low voice, "The sea level is still rising; the day when Pudong is flooded is not far off."

"Many Sea Monster are gradually appearing along the coast, among which there is a type of Demon Beast called the Filth Hunter. They are scouts of the Pacific Empire, and their numbers are so great that High-Order Mage will die when surrounded."

Lu Jun seemed to be deep in thought. He knew that this was just the prelude, Sea Demon Empire would soon launch a massive offensive.

The good news is that the Pacific Empire invaded six or seven months earlier than planned, leaving them with insufficient troop deployment. If Kyushu can successfully plant Dark Pawn in the enemy's heartland, it may be able to push the battle line to the vicinity of the Mariana Trench.

Since he has spoken to Hua Zhanhong, the other party should organize manpower and set off as soon as possible.

Therefore, Lu Jun waited quietly in Magic City, indulging in romance and cultivating the Metal Element, condensing the Supernatural Power of the Metal Element!

Buzz buzz buzz!

Three Step Tower, Lu Jun activated his Metal Element Calamity Talent [Taiyi Golden Light]. Above his head was the [White Tiger Military Tally], which shone with a metallic luster like glass. An unparalleled sharpness soared into the sky, with various lights of black, blue, red, white, and gold flowing around him.

He breathed slowly, and the vast golden Killing Aura of heaven and earth surged and converged, drawing in wisps of strange Gold Qi. His lungs shone with a dazzling white light, outlining a distinct shape.

To Lu Jun's surprise, obtaining the title of Military Strategist General actually enhanced the power of the White Tiger Military Tally.

The Supernatural Power of the Metal Element is about to emerge.

Soon, the platinum radiance of Lu Jun's lungs converged at the center point, which is also the middle dantian [Jianggong], also known as the Tanzhong acupoint.

That's right, the lungs are where he cultivated his Supernatural Power. The lungs belong to the metal element, are the head of the five internal organs, and are known as the canopy of qi.

Chapter 524 Tai Bai Golden Palace, the Monarch Body.

Boom!

Lu Jun's blood and qi surged, tinged with a platinum-gold glow. His lungs shone brightly, and his sharp aura soared to the sky, ringing out like ten thousand swords in unison.

In the center of his body, between his lungs, a magnificent palace floats, entirely made of platinum, laid out like a general's mansion, filled with a murderous aura, and outlined with white tiger stripes.

The palace shone with dazzling light, like a rising platinum sun, echoing Bright Venus in the western sky.

The Supernatural Power of the Metal Element [Tai Bai Golden Palace]!

This ability is closely related to Taiyi Golden Light and White Tiger Military Tally Talisman; its specific effects require exploration and mastery.

However, Lu Jun's breathing could stir up all kinds of energy, draw out his essence, energy and spirit, and spread them throughout his body, reaching even his skin and hair. Every strand of blood and energy in his body was shimmering and sparkling, like a divine weapon, full of chilling Killing Intent.

Soon, his Northern Darkness Qi Sea was stimulated and actively revived, like a black sun suspended in the air, with black, yin-tongued water flowing from his kidneys, nourishing his body.

Thus, Lu Jun's originally imposing figure, which was like a sharp blade cutting through the sky, with an intimidating and unyielding presence, softened somewhat.

His inexhaustible vital energy, while sharp and murderous, also possessed a touch of roundness, as if yin and yang were in harmony, constantly tempering his physique.

Rumble!

The ghostly phantom behind Lu Jun appeared, crackling and towering, breaking through the barriers of the Heavenly Realm and advancing to the seventh realm of Qi and Blood, which is the level of Monarch Body.

The spirit materialized and suddenly possessed him.

The next moment, Lu Jun's height increased rapidly, his body shone with an immortal luster, he suddenly stood up, his eyes shone with a strange light, his lungs and kidneys were extraordinary, a golden palace hung high in the center, a black sun sank into his abdomen, and a supreme and powerful monarchical pressure roared and spread.

Fortunately, the Three Step Tower was shrouded in a powerful magic array, and the boundless space was restrained, preventing Lu Jun's aura from leaking out; otherwise, it would have certainly caused a riot.

He took a deep breath, looked at his own appearance, and a flash of understanding appeared in his eyes.

If the standard for the lower three realms of Qi and Blood is the [fascia layer], from which special human tissues are derived, and the marker of the middle three realms is the [Ghost God Dharma Image], where Qi and Blood radiate outward like the great sun, then the marker of the upper three realms is [Demon Beast].

Similar to the principle of Supernatural Power of the Super Rank, it involves refining a massive amount of magical elements into the body.

Lu Jun's Qi and Blood Seven Realms are almost like those of Demon Beast and blood beasts, filled with endless brute force, fundamentally different from humans in terms of structure.

He is now considered a separate race, like vampires, demons, Moth Woman, and Strange Person.

"Not bad, my more than ten days of cultivation were not in vain."

Lu Jun was satisfied. At the same time, he had not forgotten to control the stars during this period. With the Star Sea Controller, he also successfully mastered the Metal Element Super Rank magic.

Now he is Super Rank of Four Elements, possessing all Four Elements Supernatural Power.

Buzz buzz buzz!

A moment later, Lu Jun's phone rang. It was Dean Xiao calling. He was quite surprised and murmured, "What does Master want with me?"

When he answered the phone, a tired, aged voice came from the other end. "You brat, come to my office. You were the one who suggested this to Hua Zhanhong, weren't you? You're always adding more burdens to my life."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jun was surprised to learn that Dean Xiao was going to personally lead a team to the Mariana Trench!

Then Lu Jun thought about it again and realized that it made sense. In China, when it comes to the best Water Element forbidden spells, it has to be Dean Xiao.

Moreover, Dean Xiao possesses three forbidden spells, making him extremely powerful, second only to Hua Zhanhong, a top-tier human expert.

Even if they encounter Emperor, even if they cannot kill him, they can still put up a fight and escape with ease.

Crucially, Dean Xiao's identity is kept secret, so as not to alert certain Sea Monster spies within the Nine Provinces.

"Wonderful!"

Lu Jun felt that Hua Zhanhong was making wise choices in his personnel decisions. With his own master leading the team, there was no need to worry about not obtaining the Water Element Heavenly Seed.

Immediately, Lu Jun stepped out of the Three Step Tower, and with a thought, Teleportation to Dean Xiao's office.

As the silver light shimmered, his figure appeared in the office, where several people were already standing, all turning their gazes toward him.

Lu Jun glanced at the group and was surprised to find that most of them were acquaintances.

Ye Mei, whom I had met before, was a high-ranking official in the Imperial Palace. Lu Huan was the chief of the Imperial Mage in the Ancient Capital. The other two men, whom I was not familiar with, all had a serious and capable demeanor that clearly indicated they came from the military.

Lu Huan said with a smile, "Lu Jun, it's been a long time. I never thought we'd be fighting side by side again."

After saying this, Lu Huan was a little emotional. The little guy who was just a high-level cultivator back then has now grown to the point where even he has to admit defeat.

Lu Jun replied with a smile, "Chief Lu, you are still vigorous despite your age. You will need to take on more responsibilities on this trip."

He sensed the auras of the four people present, all of whom were at the Super Rank of cultivation, Imperial Palace guard level.

Moreover, these four people are absolutely trustworthy; otherwise, Hua Zhanhong would not have revealed Dean Xiao's forbidden spell identity.

Furthermore, the dark, vast starry sea within Lu Jun's Spiritual World shone brightly, and he seemed to sense the impending disaster in the Water Element Call Wind Summon Rain could be summoned.

They all possess Water Element cultivation abilities!

The people present introduced themselves one after another, mainly two of whom were from the military.

One of them was Chen Zhen, who looked like a hearty and forthright Northeastern man. He was also very talkative, addressing Lu Jun as "little brother" at every turn.

One of them was named Bai Lang. He was rather thin, with dark skin, as if he had lived at sea for many years. He was taciturn and a southerner.

Both of them originated from the navy, but unfortunately, with rising sea levels, the invasion of the Pacific Empire, and the severing of sea routes, the navy was strategically abandoned and they were reassigned to this kind of mission.

Dean Xiao looked at the group with gentle eyes, listening to them discuss their various Magic System and abilities.

When Ye Mei heard that Lu Jun possessed the Water Repelling Pearl and the Water-Suppressing Pearl, she couldn't help but gasp. The fact that Water Element Jun was immune to Water Element magic below the Super Rank and could suppress water elements was simply a bug.

After they finished their discussion, Dean Xiao cleared his throat and said, "In the upcoming mission to explore the Mariana Trench, I will not easily go all out, lest the forbidden spell's aura spread and attract the pursuit of the Sea Demon Empire's Emperor and Demon Beast."

"That would actually put us in the most dangerous situation."

"Our mission this time is simple: to gather intelligence on the Pacific Empire's Emperor-level forces and establish contact with the Water Elemental Spirit Clan."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jun and the others solemnly replied, "We will certainly live up to everyone's expectations."

"Let's set off now, first by land through Southeast Asia, then out to sea to the Mariana Trench."