Chapter 32: Foreign Powerhouse

Within Yunmao Chaos Province, Yu Nation.

Deep within an ancient mountain range, a tribe lived and thrived. Yet at this moment, the tribal settlement was eerily silent, with tens of thousands of beings lying motionless.

Suddenly—

A wisp of aura floated out from each of the tens of thousands of bodies. These wisps then merged into a single gray-robed figure whose face was hidden by the hood.

"The tens of thousands of beings in this tribe are too weak-minded," the gray-robed figure murmured, shaking his head slightly. "My bloodline devoured their spiritual consciousness without the slightest resistance. Even if I consumed hundreds of millions of such weak True Gods, it would provide me with negligible assistance."

"I still need precious resources," the figure mused. "If I could absorb the vital blood of a Chaos-level exotic beast, the benefit would be far greater."

"It's exceedingly difficult to become a Chaos Dominator through the path of bloodline cultivation."

The bloodline cultivation path is relatively easy in its initial stages, but the further one progresses, the more demanding it becomes in terms of resources. Across the entire Origin Continent, the ultimate limit for bloodline cultivation is the 'Chaos Dominator Realm'. Naturally, reaching the Chaos Dominator stage involves numerous formidable hurdles.

"Hmm?" The gray-robed figure flipped his hand, revealing a karmic communication token. He harbored no concerns about being karmically traced, as the exalted Chaos Dominators paid him no mind, and as for Eternal True Gods...? In his eyes, all Eternal True Gods were merely prey!

Having traversed numerous Chaos Provinces, he possessed extensive experience in engaging powerful adversaries.

"Luo He, in Huyang City, Jiujiang Chaos Province? He killed Muyang, the 'Blood Python President' and leader of a dark organization in Huyang City. He possesses at least two mechanical-style treasures, potentially valued at over 6.5 million cosmic sand?" The gray-robed figure's interest was piqued.

"When it comes to sneak attacks and assassinations, few Eternal True Gods can survive my assault," the gray-robed figure asserted confidently.

"I'll travel to Huyang City. Once there, I'll visit the Yanfeng Guild Hall to uncover Luo He's full background before devising an ambush plan." With a swift movement, the gray-robed figure merged seamlessly with the environment and disappeared.

He sped through the void at a terrifying pace, heading directly for Huyang City in Jiujiang Chaos Province.

Meanwhile, back in the area he had left, the tens of thousands of beings lay silent and motionless, their bodies gradually disintegrating completely.

Many tribal people in the wilderness yearned to reside in large cities because living in the wilds meant facing potential annihilation at any moment. A terrifying exotic beast passing by could swallow an entire tribe in a single gulp. A passing Eternal True God, whether for cultivation, wealth, or even mere amusement, could effortlessly wipe out a tribe. Only by residing within a city could one hope for a stable life.

Huyang City.

"Brother Shang, do you have time? My treat at the Fire Realm Eatery," Luo Feng messaged Shang Tianyan.

"Brother Luo He's treat? How many Eternal True Gods in Huyang City would beg for such an opportunity? Of course, I have time! I can depart right away!" Shang Tianyan replied excitedly.

"Haha, excellent. See you soon at the Fire Realm Eatery." Luo Feng particularly appreciated Shang Tianyan's straightforward nature.

Once arrangements were made, Luo Feng immediately set off with Morosa and Moyu Qingyan.

Inside a flying craft.

Morosa remarked from the side, "Master, Shang Tianyan is merely an ordinary Eternal True God. Why do you show him such deference?"

In Morosa's opinion, their Master, Luo Feng, who could enslave World Beasts and possessed a perfect divine body, was undoubtedly a genius among geniuses. Ordinary Eternal True Gods weren't worth his Master's extensive attention.

"Forging friendships isn't solely about assessing one's strength," Luo Feng stated.

"Is that so?" Morosa didn't fully grasp this, as in his eyes, ordinary Eternal True Gods were merely fit to be consumed as food.

"Furthermore, in my interactions with Brother Shang, I am often the one seeking his assistance," Luo Feng explained. "I frequently ask him about artifact refining techniques, and he instructs me without any reservations."

Morosa interjected, "It is his great fortune that Master seeks his help."

Moyu Qingyan listened from the side, not daring to interject. He sometimes wondered how his Master, despite being incredibly powerful, allowed God-Lord Luosa, who was merely a Void True God serving as a subordinate, to speak with such informality.

"Perhaps Master is simply too benevolent, tolerating God-Lord Luosa's impertinence," Moyu Qingyan mused privately, ensuring he maintained utmost respect.

"Qingyan," Luo Feng said.

"Master," Moyu Qingyan responded with utmost deference.

"I heard from Moli Meng that your father, Moyu Hu, has taken a position in the City Lord's Mansion?" Luo Feng inquired.

Moyu Qingyan replied, "Father also instructed me to convey his gratitude to you once you emerged from seclusion. I had been waiting for an opportune moment to speak of this."

"Thank me? Moyu Hu is quite polite," Luo Feng acknowledged with a nod.

"My father has always been devoted to us three brothers. I was fortunate enough to become your follower," Moyu Qingyan explained. "Father also went to great lengths to send my eldest brother into the Zhu clan and my third brother into the Tianyan Gate."

"Later, after you, Master, eliminated the Blood Python President, Father was recruited into the City Lord's Mansion. My eldest brother also saw his fortunes soar within the Zhu clan, being accepted as a disciple by an Eternal True God named Zhu You," Moyu Qingyan continued.

"Zhu You, an Eternal True God from the Zhu clan, took your eldest brother as a disciple?" Luo Feng asked in surprise.

"Yes," Moyu Qingyan confirmed with a nod. "My father believes that both the City Lord's Mansion and the Zhu clan wish to curry favor with you, Master. However, since few individuals in Huyang City have direct ties to you, they extended their patronage to my father and my brothers instead."

Luo Feng simply smiled. Indeed, he only had two subordinates: Morosa and Moyu Qingyan. Consequently, various factions could only approach the Moyu family, which dramatically altered the family's fortunes.

"And your third brother?" Luo Feng inquired.

"My third brother is still learning basic techniques at the Tianyan Gate," Moyu Qingyan replied. "Their artifact refining techniques are strictly taught, requiring mastery of the fundamentals step by step."

Luo Feng nodded. "Your father chose well. The Tianyan Gate has an excellent reputation, and their Sect Master, Shang Tianyan, is also a good friend of mine. Furthermore, the Zhu clan is the preeminent native family in Huyang City. He put considerable thought into sending one child to the Tianyan Gate and another to the Zhu clan."

The five prominent families associated with the City Lord's Mansion are not native to the city. They are either branches of God-King families or branches of Chaos Dominator families. Among the native families genuinely rooted in Huyang City, who have steadily prospered over generations, the Zhu clan stands as the most powerful. The Zhu clan conducts its business honorably, avoids involvement with dark forces, yet possesses immense strength.

Within Huyang City, only a handful of individuals could have slain the Blood Python President. Zhu Gu, the leader of the Zhu clan, is one of them! In terms of raw power, none of the five major families would dare claim superiority over the Zhu clan. However, considering their vast backgrounds, the five major families could readily summon terrifying entities.

"Father indeed went to great lengths for us three brothers. However, Father's entry into the City Lord's Mansion and my eldest brother's acceptance as a disciple by an Eternal True God are both entirely thanks to you, Master," Moyu Qingyan expressed with gratitude.

"If you wish to thank me, then master the ten fundamental laws as quickly as possible," Luo Feng advised.

"Yes," Moyu Qingyan affirmed. He understood perfectly that he had encountered an extraordinary opportunity, but only if he could seize it! Mastering the ten fundamental laws was the initial trial for becoming a disciple. He devoted over ninety percent of his daily time to comprehending these laws, never allowing himself the slightest relaxation. He even found ways to placate God-Lord Luosa, imploring him for a few pointers.

Fire Realm Eatery.

"Esteemed One!" Black Butcher exclaimed, greeting him with immense excitement. Over recent days, as time had passed, the news that Luo He had slain the Blood Python President had gradually permeated from the upper echelons of Huyang City to the middle ranks.

As the proprietor of an eatery, Black Butcher was well-informed from the constant flow of customers and had also caught wind of this development. Moreover, with the Blood Python Guild's headquarters reduced to ruins, merchants who had been obligated to pay 'tribute fees' were already buzzing with discussions.

"Haha..." Luo Feng chuckled, observing Black Butcher's excitement. "Black Butcher, has the Blood Python Guild exempted you from your tribute fees?"

"The Blood Python Guild is gone, so naturally, there's no more so-called tribute fee," Black Butcher replied gratefully. "What's more, the two other dark factions vying for the Blood Python Guild's territory have both approached me, promising to exempt my Fire Realm Eatery from all future tribute fees."

"The two dark factions contending for the Blood Python Guild's territory? Which ones are they?" Luo Feng asked, curious.

"One is the Thousand Mountain Pavilion, and the other is the Six Lords Alliance. Both have been very amicable towards my Fire Realm Eatery," Black Butcher explained, his gratitude evident. "I know this is all because of you, Esteemed One."

Luo Feng smiled faintly. "They are quite astute."

"They're likely afraid that if they collected tribute fees, you'd go and eliminate them too," Shang Tianyan commented, emerging from a nearby small building. "Brother Luo He, you, the host, are a step behind me!"

"I came as fast as I could," Luo Feng said with a smile as he approached. "Black Butcher, please prepare some food and drinks quickly, and put some extra care into them."

"I will certainly do my utmost," Black Butcher replied, full of vigor.

Luo Feng and Shang Tianyan then entered the small building together.

"You must feel as though many factions in Huyang City are now circling around you, correct?" Shang Tianyan remarked with a smile. "Huyang City may appear to have numerous powerful individuals, but ultimately, it is the most formidable beings who dictate everything. And now, you are one of those who influence the established order. Most importantly, you have no family or attachments! Naturally, many forces seek to win you over, and they are prepared to pay a substantial price."

"Seeking to win me over? I wouldn't even glance at ordinary prices," Luo Feng said, personally pouring wine for Shang Tianyan. "Come, let's drink."

"Few are privileged enough to have Brother Luo He pour their wine personally," Shang Tianyan commented, delightedly raising his glass.

After finishing a glass of wine, Shang Tianyan looked outside with a hint of surprise. At that moment, Moyu Qingyan was naturally guarding outside the small building. Morosa, however, was seated on a large rock nearby, casually drinking from a wine flask in one hand while simultaneously ordering food from the Fire Realm Eatery.

"That subordinate of yours is remarkably informal," Shang Tianyan remarked.

"He has been with me since I was a True God. Though he's called a subordinate, he's more like a brother," Luo Feng explained. "Incidentally, my invitation today also stems from some confusion I've encountered regarding body refining."

"Body refining is merely a branch of artifact refining. Feel free to share any confusion you have," Shang Tianyan replied, his confidence soaring at the mention of artifact refining.

One posed questions, the other provided answers. Luo Feng presented his confusions concerning the second body refining stage of the "Chaos Great Strength Map." Shang Tianyan, however, handled them effortlessly, clarifying each point from various perspectives and illuminating Luo Feng's understanding.