Luo Cheng did not notice the peculiar glances of others and galloped into the city, heading straight for the Luo Residence.
The magnificent and fiery Flame Jade Lion attracted countless gazes along the way.
The news of Luo Cheng’s return to Qishan City spread like wildfire throughout the entire city.
In front of the crimson gates, two rows of brightly dressed Luo Family guards stood in formation, their gazes sharp as blades.
"Wait! It’s Young Master Luo Cheng who has returned!"
Noticing someone riding toward them, the guards immediately turned, their swords practically drawn.
Upon recognizing Luo Cheng, their eyes lit up, and they exclaimed in excitement.
Ever since Luo Cheng won the Hunting Festival and elevated the Luo Residence to the foremost family in Qishan City, he had gained considerable prestige within the family.
"Young Master, allow me to hold the reins—ah!"
One of the guards stepped forward, intending to grab the reins, but the Flame Jade Lion snorted, releasing a burst of fiery streams that nearly caused him to collapse to the ground in fright.
The other guards widened their eyes in shock.
None of them had ever seen such a majestic and fearsome steed.
Luo Cheng dismounted, soothing the restless Flame Jade Lion, and smiled:
"Are my grandfather and father at home?"
The guard who had been scared stiff quickly regained his composure and replied, "They’re both in the main hall discussing matters! I’ll notify them right away!"
"No need, I’ll go myself."
Handing over the reins, Luo Cheng strode toward the residence.
"Did you all notice? Young Master Luo Cheng seems... different now."
"Indeed! When he stands there, I feel a strange sense of intimidation, as if there’s an invisible power! The only one I’ve ever felt such a presence from is City Lord Yun Daojiang!"
"Is this what it means to be a disciple of the Three Great Sects?"
One guard suddenly sighed, "Now that Young Master Luo Cheng has returned, I wonder if this is good or bad news..."
Hearing this, the others recalled the current situation in Qishan City and exchanged uneasy glances.
Within the grand and imposing main hall of the Luo Residence.
Family Head Luo Mingshan, Luo Cheng’s father Luo Hong, Uncle Luo Heng, and numerous high-ranking members of the Luo Family were all present.
Each of them wore a grave expression as they discussed matters.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, the group immediately fell silent.
Luo Mingshan’s face darkened slightly, preparing to rebuke the intruder.
Just then, Luo Cheng stepped into the hall and immediately knelt, exclaiming, "Grandfather! Father! Uncle!"
Luo Mingshan stood up in excitement and hurried to help Luo Cheng off his knees, laughing heartily: "It’s good to have you back! It’s good to have you back!"
Waving his hand, Luo Mingshan ordered, "Enough, everyone, you may leave for now!"
"Family Head, about the Lin Family..."
One of the elders began to speak but was cut off by Luo Mingshan’s furrowed brow: "We’ll discuss this later!"
One by one, everyone left.
In an instant, only Luo Cheng, Luo Mingshan, and Luo Hong remained in the hall.
"Cheng’er, it’s been half a year, and you’ve grown so much taller..."
Luo Mingshan observed Luo Cheng from head to toe with a deeply moved expression.
When Luo Cheng left Qishan City, he had been an innocent boy.
Now, the boyishness in him had faded considerably. Though his figure was somewhat slim, it no longer appeared weak, instead bearing sharp, defined edges.
"How has life been in the Xuanyuan Sect? Were you bullied?"
Luo Cheng laughed crisply, silently noting to himself: It seems the events of the Outer Sect Tournament have yet to reach Qishan City...
Just then, Luo Hong, who had been quiet all this time, suddenly gasped, "Cheng’er, your cultivation level?"
Luo Mingshan, caught up in joy over Luo Cheng’s safe return, had not paid attention to the shifts in his aura.
Upon hearing Luo Hong’s words, he scrutinized Luo Cheng closely and instantly widened his eyes in disbelief:
"Am I seeing things?"
Luo Cheng’s aura was pure and vast, his Essence Energy waves deeply restrained and radiating an oppressive presence.
This was unmistakably a sign of having ascended to the Third Layer of the Tongxuan Realm!
Was this even possible!
"Grandfather, father, I have already reached the Third Layer of the Tongxuan Realm. Furthermore..."
With a faint smile, Luo Cheng was about to explain the events of the Outer Sect Tournament when he suddenly saw a blur of motion as a figure appeared before him.
"The Third Layer of the Tongxuan Realm! Is this true?"
Luo Hong grabbed Luo Cheng by the shoulders. Normally a composed figure, his eyes were now bloodshot with nervous excitement.
Luo Cheng nodded slightly, then flicked his finger.
A transparent Qi Force shot forth, tearing through the air with a crisp sound and creating a straight fissure that extended for a hundred meters.
"Essence Energy unleashed, Hundred-step Divine Gang!"
Luo Mingshan and Luo Hong inhaled sharply, momentarily stunned, their minds buzzing.
In just half a year, Luo Cheng had gone from the Body Tempering Realm to the Third Layer of the Tongxuan Realm!
Luo Cheng had prepared his explanation long ago and scratched his head, embarrassed: "I don’t know how it happened. After entering the Xuanyuan Sect, everything just felt simple. I even attained the Golden Body Realm of the Transcendence Seventh Realm. After that, breakthroughs felt as effortless as eating and drinking, and before I knew it, I reached the Third Layer of the Tongxuan Realm."
"Golden Body Realm of the Seventh Realm of Transcendence? Isn’t the Transcendence Realm said to have only six layers?" ƒree𝑤ebnσvel-com
Luo Mingshan asked in confusion.
Luo Hong, himself a former disciple of the Three Sects, had heard of the Golden Body Realm. Fixing his gaze firmly on Luo Cheng, he explained:
"The Golden Body Realm is a hidden layer within the Transcendence Realm. Martial Artists who refine their skin, flesh, bones, and organs to the extreme can possibly attain this Seventh Layer Golden Body Realm!"
"It is said that those who achieve the Golden Body Realm reforge their blood and flesh, laying down an unmatched foundation for the Supreme Martial Arts. Their bodies become peerlessly durable, making them invincible at their level! Individuals with the potential to become kings and legends! Only extraordinary prodigies who leave their mark on history have the chance to reach this realm!"
"So, Cheng’er is a prodigy! No, a super prodigy!"
Luo Mingshan exclaimed, overwhelmed with delight.
"To be precise, he is a prodigy in the refinement of the physique," Luo Hong replied.
"Haha! It doesn’t matter what type of prodigy he is—he is still a prodigy! Our Cheng’er is a prodigy!"
Luo Mingshan was brimming with pride, his face glowing with joy.
He didn’t care about the specifics of the Golden Body Realm; all that mattered was that Luo Cheng was anything but a failure—he was a prodigious talent! A remarkable prodigy!
Luo Hong patted Luo Cheng’s shoulder. "Excellent! Truly excellent!"
Luo Cheng could feel his father’s hands trembling slightly. His tone turned resolute as he declared:
"Grandfather, father, rest assured—from now on, I, Luo Cheng, will not be inferior to anyone!"
"Haha! Superb! What does it matter if you lack a Martial Soul! To ascend from Body Tempering Realm to the Third Layer of the Tongxuan Realm in just half a year... How many in the Great Yue Dynasty can achieve this? Let me see who will ever dare say my grandson is mediocre again!"
Luo Mingshan laughed heartily, eager to proclaim the news to the world.
Recalling the earlier scene in the hall, Luo Cheng couldn’t help but ask:
"Grandfather, what were you all discussing earlier? What’s happening with the Lin Family?"
Luo Mingshan hesitated momentarily before offering a smile: "It’s nothing serious. You’ve traveled far to return, so go take some rest for now. We’ll talk tonight."
Having traveled relentlessly, Luo Cheng felt somewhat fatigued.
As he walked away, Luo Mingshan smiled in contentment: "Hong’er, you’ve raised a fine son!"
Luo Hong rarely showed emotion, but for once, he let a smile slip. Then, remembering the Lin Family, his brows knitted: "Should we tell him about the Lin Family?"
At this, Luo Mingshan’s expression turned serious, and he shook his head firmly: "You know his temperament. If he finds out about this, he will not sit idly by."
"The Lin Family is pressing us hard this time. If Lin Canglang truly breaks through, we must prepare for the worst."
"After tonight, let Cheng’er return to the Xuanyuan Sect by nightfall. With him, our Luo Family still has hope!"