With the Lightning Star Core fused in his body, Zhi Hao had already surpassed his previous limits. His realm leaped up to the Seventh Star, lightning aura coiled like a raging dragon, and Qianlong, his divine weapon, shone with a deadly light."Is this... the power of a god?" Nong Bai muttered softly, feeling himself like an ant before the immense power.Zhi Hao appeared in front of Nong Bai in the blink of an eye, his smile cold. "You called me weak earlier, didn't you? Let's prove it."One swift swing, the sound of lightning ripples echoed in the air.Swoosh! Slash!Nong Bai's body stopped for a moment before being split in half, from head to waist. Blood sprayed onto the ground, while his aura shield shattered as if it was nothing but fragile glass.Nong Bai's corpse fell with a silent thud, watched by the members of the Zhi Clan in the distance. They were all stunned, watching the feared enemy leader die in an instant by Zhi Hao's hands.Zhi Hao stood there, Qianlong returned to t
Swoosh!The wind around the valley gusted sharply as Elder Liang of the Purple Heaven Sect stepped forward from behind the Wang Clan troops. His figure was full of dignity, his purple robe fluttering gracefully with the sect symbol shining faintly on his chest. His eyes radiated calmness mixed with complete confidence, the sign of an expert who had reached the peak of strength at the seven-star Earth Realm.Wang Xiang smiled with satisfaction as he looked at Zhi Hao from a distance. “Zhi Hao, no matter how strong you are, you are just an immature little Dragon compared to the might of the Purple Heaven Sect. This is the end of your journey.”Elder Liang glanced at Wang Xiang before stepping closer to the battlefield. "The Zhi Clan has dared to go against the existing order too much. It is the sect's duty to restore balance. I will deal with them, especially that arrogant young man."On the other hand, Zhi Hao stood tall, holding his sword calmly. His face was full of confidence even t
Zhi Hao was unfazed by the threat. He raised his sword high. "Then let them come. I will face anyone who dares to threaten my family."With one lightning slash, Zhi Hao ended Elder Liang's life. His body fell slowly to the ground, and the purple aura surrounding him vanished like smoke blown away by the wind.In the distance, Wang Xiang who watched the event from behind a tree gritted his teeth. "That boy… he's not an ordinary human. This is worse than I imagined."Wang Xiang was shocked when Zhi Sao suddenly appeared in front of him with incredible speed. His steps stopped, and the faint, threatening smile on Zhi Sao's face made his body tremble.“Zhi Sao… I just—” Wang Xiang tried to say, but his voice was muffled by the pressure radiating from the Zhi Clan Patriarch's body.“Having come all this way, why rush to leave?” Zhi Sao said casually, but his eyes flashed sharply. "Don't you want to enjoy a little dishThe Zhi clan always welcomes guests with open arms."Wang Xiang gritted h
Zhi Sao's eyes swept across the room. "But this victory is not the end. Threats are still out there, and we must continue to prepare. We must strengthen ourselves, not only physically, but also through wisdom and unity."Zhi Hao stepped forward. "Father, what should we do next? Are we going to expand our influence?"Zhi Sao smiled faintly. "That's not our priority right now, Hao. We should focus on strengthening the clan's foundation and establishing better relationships with trustworthy allies"This victory has attracted the attention of many parties, both friendly and hostile."Elder Zhi Fang, one of the clan advisors, added, "We also have to be careful of the movements of the Wang Clan and Lin Claneven though they have been hit, their grudge will not just be extinguished. And don't forget about the big sects that might be after your power, Zhi Hao."Zhi Hao nodded, realizing that the responsibility on his shoulders was getting heavier. However, he feels confident that with his famil
The Zhi Clan enjoyed a temporary moment of peace after their great victory. Zhi Hao spends his days strengthening the Clan's defenses, restoring its energy, and strategizing for potential future threats. He knew that the Purple Heaven Sect would not remain silent after losing one of their Elders. This peace is just the beginning of the storm to come.In the midst of the Zhi Clan's frenzied preparations, a spy from the Purple Heaven Sect, Rong Wei, had infiltrated Linggau city. wearing ordinary merchant robes, he mingles with the townspeople, hearing rumors and finding out about Zhi Hao.In a small tavern, Rong Wei sat in a corner, listening to the conversation of two young men who seemed to be disciples from one of the small clans."You heard the story about Zhi Haothey said he killed Elder Liang of the Purple Heaven Sect!" said one of the youths excitedly."Not only that," his friend answered. "He also defeated Patriarch Lin Feng and made the Lin Clan and Wang Clan hand over their tr
Three days passed with increasing tension. The sky above Linggau City was cloudy, as if reflecting the mood of the residents of the Zhi Clan. Within the Zhi Clan headquarters, Zhi Hao stood in front of his prepared troops. Every face there showed determination, but they also couldn't hide the feeling of anxiety about the threat that was getting closer."We will not surrender to tyrannical forces," Zhi Hao said in a firm voice. “The Purple Sky Sect may feel like they can trample us like ants, but today we will show that the Zhi Clan is stronger than they think!”Small cheers rang out from the soldiers of the Zhi Clan. Zhi Hao continued, "Remember, you don't fight alone. The formation is ready, and this will be our greatest weapon to face them."On the other hand, Zhi Sao stood atop the main watchtower, watching the horizon. He could feel a huge energy approaching from a distance. His eyes narrowed. "They're coming," he muttered.On the Purple Heaven Sect's side, Zhong Tian led a large
In the midst of the chaos, Zhi Chan ran to Zhi Hao's side. "Sister, let me help you!" he said.However, Zhi Hao shook his head. "This isn't a fight you can handle. Keep our formation and make sure everyone else is safe."Zhi Chan hesitated, but eventually complied and stepped back. Zhi Hao then focused himself on Zhong Tian, who started to step forward with a huge force surrounding him.“Let’s see how strong this so-called great brat is,” said Zhong Tian, before attacking with incredible speed.Zhi Hao lifted Qianlong, and a powerful impact occurred. The energy explosion spread in all directions, shaking the entire region. The real war has begun.explosion after explosion rocked the air. Zhi Hao and Zhong Tian exchanged attacks at a speed that was difficult for the naked eye to follow. Each impact of their weapons produced a wave of energy that destroyed the surrounding soil and rock."Purple Sky Sword Technique!" Zhong Tian swung his sword, creating a crescent-shaped purple rippl
Zhi Hao's victory over the black-robed figure brought temporary relief to the Zhi Clan, but the threat of the Purple Heaven Sect still loomed. In the depths of their secret room, the sect leaders were holding an emergency meeting."What does this report mean?" asked Zhong Yue, one of the Grand Elders of the Purple Sky Sect, as he threw the report scroll onto the table.“Nong Bai is dead, Liang is dead, even our shadow envoy has disappeared. Is that brat from the Zhi Clan really that powerful?”a subordinate answered with a trembling voice, "Based on the last information we received, Zhi Hao has already reached the Seven Star Earth Realm. Plus, he has a God weapon called Qianlong.""Qianlong?" Zhong Yue was shocked. "It's an ancient weapon that has been lost for centurieshow could he have it?"Elder Zhong Tian, who was present at the meeting, added, "Not only that. He also has a Lightning Star Core, which increases his strength to an incomprehensible levelif we don't take immediate a
The man in the black hood lay sprawled on the floor of the cave, his body trembling from the agony he had just endured. Black 5 stood beside him, twirling a small silver needle between his fingers, a cold smirk on his face.“You thought you could toy with my master and walk away unscathed?” Black 5 said in a low, menacing voice. He crouched down, slowly pressing the needle into the man’s shoulder, sending sharp pain coursing through his body.“Aaagh!” the hooded man screamed, his body arching in agony.Black 4 stood nearby, arms crossed, his expression unyielding. “You’ll talk eventually. We’ve got plenty of time. But for you, every second will feel like an eternity.”Zhi Hao stood a short distance away, his piercing gaze fixed on the man. He raised his hand slightly, signaling Black 5 to continue.Black 5 chuckled darkly. “You know this is just the beginning, right?” He pressed the needle into the man’s knee this time, twisting it slowly. “This pain won’t kill you, but you’ll wish it
That night, Zhi Hao prepared his next move. Calm and composed, he stood in a dimly lit room at his temporary base, illuminated only by the faint glow of a small lantern. Before him lay a map of Linggau City, marked with strategic annotations.Black 5 returned from his reconnaissance, bowing respectfully before speaking. "Master, the hooded man appears to have connections with the shadow group from the West. They’ve been using the teahouse on the city outskirts as a temporary meeting place, but their movements are swift and difficult to track."Zhi Hao didn’t respond immediately, his sharp gaze fixed on the map. "How many people did you see?""At least seven, including the hooded man. Four looked like seasoned mercenaries, while the other two seemed to be intermediaries or messengers."Zhi Hao nodded slowly, then shifted his gaze to a burly man standing in the corner—He Lian, one of his combat commanders. "He Lian, assemble the team. We begin the operation tonight."He Lian grinned bro
The dark night enveloped Linggau City. In a luxurious inn on the outskirts, the mysterious man sat in a dimly lit room. Several documents were scattered on the table before him. He gazed at them calmly, lifting his teacup and taking a sip.A plain-looking man entered the room quietly and bowed respectfully. "Everything is going according to plan, sir. Zhi Hao continues to pressure the Ling and Huai Clans. Tensions between them are escalating."The mysterious man placed his cup down and nodded slowly. "Good. Has the document reached Zhi Hao?"The man nodded. "Yes, sir. An anonymous courier managed to slip it into one of his frequent haunts. He must have read it by now."The mysterious man smirked, his eyes gleaming coldly. "Zhi Hao will see it as a golden opportunity. He’ll use the document to humiliate the Ling Clan and possibly provoke direct conflict with the Gray Sky Sect. In the process, he’ll expend considerable resources and energy.""And if he succeeds?" the man asked cautiousl
The following day, Linggau City was shrouded in an invisible tension. Rumors of a potential conflict between the Ling Clan and the Huai Clan spread quickly, leaving merchants and ordinary citizens anxious about their safety. Behind the scenes, Zhi Hao continued to maneuver his pieces, unseen by anyone.In a secluded tea house at the edge of the city, Black 1 sat at one of the tables, conversing with a nervous informant."The Huai Clan has started deploying small forces along the border. They're preparing for something, but Patriarch Ling doesn't seem fully aware of it yet," the informant said in a low voice.Black 1 gave a slight nod. "Keep watching. Make sure we know their every move. Zhi Hao wants this information on time."The informant hurried away, leaving Black 1, who soon melted into the bustling market crowd. He knew Zhi Hao's next steps would be pivotal.Meanwhile, at the Ling Clan residence, Patriarch Ling felt pressure mounting from all sides. Reports about the Huai Clan's
The mysterious man unrolled another small scroll, revealing a document detailing secret transactions. The writing on the paper recorded the shipment of weapons and hidden agreements between the Grey Sky Sect and several small clans in the region. He grinned. "I got this from an informant in the black market. This is proof that the Grey Sky Sect has a contract to supply weapons to the Ling Clan and other clans. If this document reaches Zhi Hao, he'll definitely use it to expose the Ling Clan's betrayal."The younger man sitting across from him, still sharp but appearing less experienced, chuckled softly. "You're truly crafty. With this, Zhi Hao will shift his focus to destroying the Ling Clan while we remain in the shadows."The mysterious man nodded slowly, his eyes gleaming with the calculation of a well-thought-out plan. "And that’s just the beginning. If Zhi Hao and the Ling Clan destroy each other, we only need to wait for the right moment to swoop in and take what's left."The yo
On the other side, at the Ling Clan's residence, Patriarch Ling stood in front of a large window, gazing out at the tranquil garden below. His eyes were vacant, yet his mind was filled with plans and concerns. The sky, tinged with red, seemed to reflect the pressure he was feeling.Ling Mei approached with light steps, but there was tension in her expression. She carried a cup of tea for her father and placed it on the small table beside him."How was your meeting with Zhi Hao?" Patriarch Ling asked without turning, his voice low yet full of attention.Ling Mei sat in the chair near him, adjusting the folds of her long skirt before answering. "He’s clever and hard to read. But I feel he hasn’t completely closed himself off from our approach."Patriarch Ling chuckled softly, but there was no humor in his tone. "Of course. A man like Zhi Hao won't be easily trapped. He plays at a different level, and that makes him dangerous."He took a sip from his teacup, then continued, "However, tim
Ling Mei stood on the balcony of her pavilion, gazing at the starry night sky. Her mind was filled with images of her meeting with Zhi Hao. His sharp words, his cold demeanor yet full of power, and his calculating gaze made her feel both intimidated and captivated."I have to do this," she muttered to herself, trying to gather her courage. Patriarch Ling had entrusted her with the task of approaching Zhi Hao and ensuring the success of the alliance.The following day, Ling Mei began preparing her first step. With the help of her personal maid, she decided to send a private invitation to Zhi Hao, asking him to meet her in the bamboo garden at the edge of Linggau City. The place was quiet and beautiful, far from the bustle of the clan—a location she hoped would make their conversation more personal.The message was delivered by a messenger of the Ling Clan and was received directly by one of the Black. Zhi Hao, who was reviewing documents about the Ling Clan's weaponry at his residence,
Zhi Hao sat casually, his gaze sweeping the room before finally settling on Patriarch Ling. “Let’s get to the point, Patriarch Ling. I don’t like wasting time with pleasantries.”Patriarch Ling was slightly taken aback by the direct tone, but quickly masked his discomfort with a thin smile. “Very well. We would like to propose a marriage between you and my daughter, Ling Mei. This marriage will not only strengthen our relationship but also bring great benefits to both clans.”Ling Mei lowered her head gracefully, appearing shy, but Zhi Hao, with his sharp observation, could see the tension in her face.Zhi Hao smiled faintly, his gaze cold and piercing. “Interesting. But what benefits will the Zhi Clan gain from this marriage?”The elders of the Ling Clan exchanged looks, but Patriarch Ling quickly responded, “Full support from the Ling Clan in any conflicts the Zhi Clan may face. Additionally, the Ling Clan has resources and networks that could strengthen your position.”Zhi Hao chuc
The quiet of the night enveloped the Ling Clan's headquarters, with only the moonlight reflecting off the grand stone walls. Inside the main pavilion, the atmosphere was livelier. Black 1 stealthily crept towards one side of the building, approaching a half-open window. Inside, Patriarch Ling was sitting with five clan elders, their faces serious, indicating the discussion underway."This marriage is a golden opportunity for us," Patriarch Ling said in a low voice, full of authority. His sharp eyes swept across the table, ensuring every elder understood his point. "Zhi Hao is not just a genius, he is the key to our future power."One elder, an old man with gray hair and a long beard, nodded slightly. "But Patriarch, Zhi Hao is known to be difficult to control. If he doesn't agree with our terms, this plan could turn into a threat for us."Patriarch Ling smiled coldly. "We don’t need his consent directly. If he marries Ling Mei, we can slowly use that relationship to gain control. Ling