Proofreader & Editor: Lotas
How is this possible?
Is there really such a thing as coming back to life in this world?
Despite Xu Kui's years of experience in the pugilistic world, after encountering Li Hengsheng, he realized that his experience was utterly useless.
He had checked meticulously many times before, fearing he might miss any sign of life from Li Hengsheng. But no matter how he checked, there was no sign of life in Li Hengsheng.
His heart had been pierced by a sharp weapon; it was beyond saving even by gods.
Yet now, Li Hengsheng was standing right before him, leaving Xu Kui at a loss on how to view the world.
Who am I?
Where am I?
How did my uncle die?
The constant questioning in his mind complicated Xu Kui's expression.
Wan Gui Feng was equally baffled. Wasn't Li Hengsheng supposed to be dead?
He had even seen Li Hengsheng's body, and now the man was standing perfectly fine before him. What was going on?
The masses outside were showing signs of panic.
Was this a case of playing dead?
At this moment, Li Hengsheng, holding the Chasing Immortal Spear, swept his gaze over Mu Hongxue and Hua Xianggu, as well as several experts who had followed them. Just one look from him made everyone present feel oppressed!
It was as if they were being looked upon by a powerful being.
Even Hua Xianggu and Mu Hongxue felt it, which they found quite preposterous.
Li Hengsheng wasn't dead, which was beyond their expectations. They didn't know why Li Hengsheng had feigned death, but why did his appearance now give them a sense of oppression?
Upon closer observation, Li Hengsheng's aura was indeed surging, but no matter how you looked at it, he was only at the Great Perfection of the Postnatal Realm.
Compared to their Prenatal Realm, it was nothing to be concerned about.
"Inspector," Hua Xianggu said with a smile, "We heard that the Inspector had an accident and perished, so we rushed here to mourn. But it turns out it was all a misunderstanding. The Inspector is alive and well. I wonder where these baseless rumors originated from."
"That's true, I didn't expect such a big misunderstanding to arise from this matter," Mu Hongxue also said with an awkward smile.
Regardless, seeing Li Hengsheng alive, they knew they wouldn't get any advantage today.
After all, there was Xu Kui, Wan Gui Feng.
And Li Hengsheng!
They knew that the Prenatal expert Ghost Wolf had died at the hands of Li Hengsheng.
Although Ghost Wolf's strength wasn't much in the Prenatal Realm, compared to them, they couldn't defeat a Prenatal expert like Ghost Wolf in one move!
Whether Li Hengsheng had that strength himself or used some treasure, they were at a disadvantage for now.
"Zhenguo Mansion's head and Hua family's head have taken great pains, but to mourn me, you didn't have to fight right outside my inspection mansion, did you?"
Li Hengsheng spoke calmly.
"This…"
Both were at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond.
Coming to mourn and ending up fighting at the doorstep, how could that be justified?
"How dare you! Our family head came to mourn you, which is giving you face. Don't be ungrateful!" A Postnatal Great Perfection martial artist following Hua Xianggu stepped forward, his red hair indicating his fiery temper.
One eye bore a deep scar, and he was furious, loudly berating.
Pfft!
Before he could finish, the red-haired man's forehead was pierced on the spot!
He didn't even have time to react and died right there.
The crowd, including several Prenatal experts, didn't react in time. Hua Xianggu saw Li Hengsheng make a move, but there was no time to warn the red-haired man, who didn't even have a chance to resist before being slain by Li Hengsheng.
"Cheng Fei!"
Hua Xianggu cried out in shock. Hua Cheng Fei was one of his adopted sons, a Postnatal Great Perfection expert and one of the Hua family's top fighters. Although a bit rash, Hua Xianggu trusted him and he was very loyal to the Hua family.
Hua Xianggu was very fond of this adopted son.
Among his twelve adopted sons, only three were given the Hua surname.
He never expected Hua Cheng Fei to die before his eyes.
"Li Hengsheng!"
Hua Xianggu was furious, his eyes blazing with anger and murderous intent: "You killed my adopted son!"
"Insulting the Inspector in front of the inspection mansion deserves death," Li Hengsheng said calmly. "Any problems with that?"
"You!" Hua Xianggu clenched his fists tightly, barely able to control his killing intent.
Mu Hongxue, on the other hand, said nothing. Li Hengsheng's seemingly simple move had killed a Postnatal Great Perfection expert from the Hua family.
In Mu Hongxue's view, Li Hengsheng was excessively strong.
Hua Cheng Fei was at the same Postnatal Great Perfection level as Li Hengsheng, but Li Hengsheng killed him as easily as crushing an ant.
It made Mu Hongxue feel a chill.
If a real conflict arose, they feared they wouldn't have the upper hand.
Mu Hongxue stepped forward and grabbed Hua Xianggu's arm, then gave him a look, signaling him not to act rashly.
"Inspector, today was our fault. We were so eager to see you that we made some mistakes. We hope you won't take it to heart," Mu Hongxue said with clasped fists to Li Hengsheng.
"Since it's a misunderstanding, I won't pursue it," Li Hengsheng said nonchalantly.
"Seeing that you're alright, we can rest assured," Mu Hongxue said with a smile. "If there's anything you need our help with, please feel free to command us. Mu Mansion will go through fire and water for you."
"Alright."
"Then we'll take our leave."
Mu Hongxue called out to the inside: "Mu Jing, let's go!"
But after he spoke, there was no response from inside.
Li Hengsheng shook his head: "You fought on the street outside the inspection mansion, which is just disturbing the peace. I won't take it to heart since you were eager to see me. But Mu Jing and Hua Zheliu came to cause trouble inside the inspection mansion, their crimes are much greater than yours, and they won't be leaving so easily."
Hearing this, Hua Xianggu and Mu Hongxue's expressions changed.
Hua Xianggu's teeth were almost crushed.
But Mu Hongxue's expression quickly returned to calm, as she could see that Li Hengsheng was pressuring them.
It seemed he was looking for an excuse to deal with them. How could Mu Hongxue give Li Hengsheng the opportunity?
"Understood, they deserve their punishment," Mu Hongxue took a deep breath, then smiled slightly and said, "Today, our family's ancestor is about to leave seclusion, and Mu Mansion will be hosting a banquet. We hope the Inspector can honor us with your presence for a drink."
Mu Mansion's ancestor is leaving seclusion?
Hearing this news, everyone's expression changed.
Mu Mansion's ancestor had surpassed the Prenatal Realm and stepped into the Prenatal Great Perfection!
It's just that Mu Mansion's ancestor was nearing the end of his life and had been in seclusion trying to break through. For many years, there had been no news.
Even though it's likely another failed attempt, the emergence of a Prenatal Great Perfection expert would be a devastating blow to the inspection mansion, wouldn't it?
"Sure, I'll be there."
Li Hengsheng didn't seem concerned at all, responding indifferently.
Mu Hongxue was taken aback by Li Hengsheng's attitude. Even bringing up her own ancestor, Li Hengsheng didn't seem worried at all?
What was going on?
Was he relying on something or just pretending?
"Mu Hongxue bids farewell."
After speaking, Mu Hongxue turned and got into the carriage.
"Hmph!"
Hua Xianggu also snorted coldly and quickly had someone carry Hua Cheng Fei's body away.
The Hua family and Mu Mansion's people left, and everyone quickly made way.
All the commoners looked at Li Hengsheng, and they couldn't help but cheer. When had they ever seen the Hua family and Mu Mansion suffer such a loss?
Now it was happening right before their eyes!
Seeing them leave, Li Hengsheng also put away the Chasing Immortal Spear and turned to look at the two people standing behind him, dumbfounded.
"Uncle Xu, sorry to have worried you," Li Hengsheng said with a smile.
Xu Kui didn't know what to say, but it was good that Li Hengsheng was alive.
So he also said with a smile, "It's good to be alive, good to be alive!"
"Who is this?" Li Hengsheng looked at Wan Gui Feng, whom he had never met before. Curious about this newly emerged Prenatal expert, Li Hengsheng was somewhat intrigued.
"Inspector, my name is Wan Gui Feng, from Jiangxue Path," Wan Gui Feng introduced himself. "I am a divine hunter from the Jiangxue Path inspection mansion."
"Jiangxue Path?"
Li Hengsheng raised his eyebrows: "That's Great Yuan Dynasty territory, right?"
"Yes, my lord heard about your accident and was worried about the inspection mansion here, so he sent me to help," Wan Gui Feng said with a smile.
"Master, if it weren't for Divine Hunter Wan's help these past few days, the inspection mansion wouldn't have had it so easy. Lin Qizhu almost died at the hands of Mu San a few days ago, and it was Divine Hunter Wan who saved him."
"Thank you, Divine Hunter Wan."
Li Hengsheng bowed gratefully.
"Don't mention it, sir. It was an order from my lord, and you must protect yourselves."
Wan Gui Feng hurriedly said.
"What's your lord's name?" Li Hengsheng was curious.
"My lord's name is Zong Guan," Wan Gui Feng said.
"Zong Guan?"
Li Hengsheng was taken aback by the unfamiliar name, not recognizing it.
And it didn't seem like a Prenatal expert who had just broken through recently, so it meant he wasn't someone he met during the Ghost Devil trial.
But if he didn't know him, why would the other party help him?
Seeing the puzzled expression on Li Hengsheng's face, Wan Gui Feng also smiled and said, "Are you curious why my lord sent me to help? Actually, my lord doesn't know you, sir."
"The reason I came to help is that the dynasty's higher-ups ordered it, and it was from the ancestor himself. It was the Qinglian Sword Sovereign who heard you came to Zhenguo Mansion, so he sent a letter to our dynasty's ancestor, asking the ancestor to have the Great Yuan Dynasty's people protect you," Wan Gui Feng said cheerfully, which was what Zong Guan had told him before coming.
Otherwise, he was worried that Li Hengsheng might be suspicious.
"Qinglian Sword Sovereign?"
Li Hengsheng was deeply shocked.
He never expected the Qinglian Sword Sovereign to still remember him.
Thinking of the Qinglian Sword Sovereign, Li Hengsheng's heart warmed, remembering the senior who had helped him continuously during the Ghost Devil trial and even made enemies with Guanglan Palace.
Now knowing that he had come to Zhenguo Mansion and personally asked the Great Yuan Dynasty to protect him.
Li Hengsheng took a deep breath, and the pain of being betrayed by Zhou Jun and Lu Qiaoqiao was somewhat soothed.
In this world, there were still people who loved him.
There was his father, and there was the Qinglian Sword Sovereign.
"After Divine Hunter Wan returns, please thank your lord for me. If Jiangxue Path ever needs help, please send a letter," Li Hengsheng said with clasped fists.
"Of course, of course," Wan Gui Feng laughed. "But looking at the current situation, I can't go back yet. Sir, you were a bit too harsh on Mu Mansion and the Hua family just now, leaving almost no room for maneuver. They probably won't let it go and will definitely cause trouble. If I stay, I can help out."
"And more importantly, Caohe Village is not a simple opponent either. They seem unassuming on the surface, but they're like a lurking hungry wolf, ready to bite at any moment."
"Must be cautious."
Wan Gui Feng reminded.
"Don't worry," Li Hengsheng said lightly. "Soon they won't be able to jump around anymore."
After speaking, Li Hengsheng walked into the inspection mansion.
Wan Gui Feng was stunned for a moment. Where did Li Hengsheng get such confidence? Could it be that some powerful reinforcements were coming?
Otherwise, given the current situation, Li Hengsheng had offended both the Hua family and Mu Mansion.
And Mu Mansion's ancestor was about to leave seclusion.
By that time, would Li Hengsheng still have good days ahead?
Even if Mu Mansion's ancestor didn't dare to kill Li Hengsheng openly, secretly killing him would be easy for a Prenatal Great Perfection expert.
By then, even with himself and Xu Kui protecting him, they couldn't stop a Prenatal Great Perfection!
Wan Gui Feng was puzzled but didn't ask further.
Li Hengsheng entered the inspection mansion, where Mu Jing and Hua Zheliu were tied up, along with their lackeys who had been neatly dealt with.
"Li Hengsheng, you better release me quickly. My family's ancestor is about to leave seclusion, and your death is imminent!" Mu Jing glared at Li Hengsheng viciously.
Hua Zheliu also glared at Li Hengsheng: "My Hua family also has an ancestor alive. You better release me, or you won't have a good end."
"Release you?"
Li Hengsheng smiled: "I have to ask you some questions. You are the steward of Mu Mansion and a direct descendant of the Hua family, so you must know a lot. How big are the crimes of Mu Mansion and the Hua family? You are clearer on this, and I, as the White Snake Path's inspector, must be responsible for the common people. I hope you two won't make it difficult for me and cooperate."
"Pah!"
Mu Jing said, "I won't say anything."
Hua Zheliu also snorted coldly: "I don't know anything."
"Hmm, quite tough," Li Hengsheng didn't care and had them thrown into the dungeon to be well looked after.
After locking them up, the other guards were cleaning up the scene, and those following Li Hengsheng were all looking at him curiously, wondering how he had come back to life.
Li Hengsheng didn't know how to explain that either.
"Brother Li, I was about to send a message to the sect just now," Wu Santong said, tears welling up, happy to see Li Hengsheng alive again.
"Don't worry, it's all good now," Li Hengsheng said with a smile.
"Brother, who killed you?" Wu Santong was still furious and had to know who the murderer was.
"Brother Wu, don't ask," Li Hengsheng shook his head. "I can handle this matter myself."
"Alright then."
Since Li Hengsheng said so, Wu Santong didn't pursue it further.
"Master, I'll arrange a meal to celebrate for you. Besides, I've been too busy these days to properly thank Divine Hunter Wan for his help," Xu Kui said from the side.
"We should indeed thank Divine Hunter Wan properly."
Li Hengsheng nodded.
Then, Li Hengsheng had the largest restaurant in Tushan City prepare a table of food and called Wan Gui Feng over.
Wan Gui Feng was flattered, not expecting Li Hengsheng to invite him to dinner.
What was Li Hengsheng's status?
He was the person the Great Yuan Dynasty's ancestor had personally ordered to take care of, and with the Qinglian Sword Sovereign's background, such a person was inviting him to dinner?
***
By noon.
Beiyen Tower.
This was the largest restaurant in Tushan City. The owner was a businessman, but he also had a certain background in Zhenguo Mansion, which allowed him to run such a large restaurant.
Hearing that Li Hengsheng was coming to dine, he made sure everything was well arranged.
The largest private room on the third floor was given to Li Hengsheng.
In the private room, there were Li Hengsheng, Xu Kui, Wu Santong, Yan Wanghou, Wan Gui Feng, Lin Qizhu, and some strong guards.
One was to celebrate Li Hengsheng's rebirth, and the other was to welcome Wan Gui Feng.
Wan Gui Feng first met Li Hengsheng, initially thinking he would be a stern and pretentious person, but after three rounds of drinks, he found Li Hengsheng to be very approachable.
Li Hengsheng and Wu Santong also talked about some interesting things that happened in Dao Mountain Ancient Land, which piqued Wan Gui Feng's interest and made him yearn for the sect.
Wan Gui Feng didn't expect Li Hengsheng to leap from a menial disciple to a direct disciple of the sect, a jump that was rare to see in a lifetime.
"I was like Brother Xu back in the day, a wanderer. Then I met the previous Inspector, who took me in, and I settled down here as a divine hunter," Wan Gui Feng also sighed. "Now listening to your stories, Sir, I also have some yearning for the sect, but it's probably too late now."
"Why would it be too late? Divine Hunter Wan is still young. If you want to join the sect, you can have your lord write a recommendation letter for you. Isn't it the same if you join the Great Yuan Dynasty? If you don't want to go to the Great Yuan Dynasty, I can also write you a recommendation letter to join my Dao Mountain Ancient Land," Li Hengsheng said with a smile.
A Prenatal expert would be welcomed by any sect, as more is always better. After all, reaching the Prenatal level means a strong combat force.
This actually made Wan Gui Feng somewhat tempted.
"Divine Hunter Wan can consider it, but it still requires your lord's approval, otherwise I'll be poaching," Li Hengsh Li Hengsheng said with a laugh.
Just then, a commotion arose from downstairs.
"Get out, get out, get out! Where did this little thief come from?"
"Daring to steal food to eat!"
"If you don't get out, we'll beat you."
The voices of scolding were chaotic, and it seemed to involve more than one person.
Li Hengsheng, who was sitting by the window, glanced outside. As the White Snake Path's inspector, he had noticed a significant decrease in beggars and vagrants on the streets recently. If there was someone in need, offering a meal wouldn't be a problem.
Looking down, Li Hengsheng saw a figure resembling a small beggar, face smeared with grime, wearing ragged clothes, stuffing a steamed bun into their mouth, while several waiters from the restaurant were trying to chase them away.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Li Hengsheng froze.
Why did this person look so familiar?
Despite the beggar's face being covered in grime and dressed like a man, Li Hengsheng recognized them instantly.
This…
Damn it, was that Lu Shiran?
Li Hengsheng doubted his own eyes.
But no matter how he looked, that was Lu Shiran!
"Sir, the shopkeeper instructed me to add a dish for you…" The waiter came in at that moment, intending to add a dish to Li Hengsheng's table.
But as soon as he entered, he saw Li Hengsheng jumping out of the window.
"Mother of heaven, the Inspector has jumped from the building!" The waiter was so frightened that he dropped the dishes on the floor.
Wan Gui Feng and the others were also astonished. Why had Li Hengsheng jumped down from the building?
"Stop."
Li Hengsheng quickly intervened to stop the restaurant's guards.
Seeing it was Li Hengsheng, the guards immediately retreated to the side.
The little beggar was still hungrily gnawing on the steamed bun, and upon hearing Li Hengsheng's command, they paused and then looked up at Li Hengsheng.
"Husband, I've found you."
When Lu Shiran saw Li Hengsheng, she grinned.
Li Hengsheng could hardly believe that the person before him, who looked as wretched as a beggar, was truly Lu Shiran!
So strange!
Wasn't she a disciple of Guanglan Palace?
How did she end up here?
And why was she in such a sorry state?
She was, after all, a Postnatal Great Perfection martial artist, wasn't she?
Even at her worst, she shouldn't have ended up like this.
"It really is you." Li Hengsheng quickly stepped forward to help Lu Shiran up.
But the moment he touched Lu Shiran, Li Hengsheng's heart jolted.
What was going on?
He couldn't feel Lu Shiran's divine body anymore.
The Starry Sky Divine Body had vanished?
Not only the divine body, but Lu Shiran's cultivation was also gone.
She was just like an ordinary person.
What had happened?
"I'm hungry."
Lu Shiran looked at Li Hengsheng with puppy eyes: "Husband, can you take me for a meal? I haven't eaten in four days."