Marco stood in the hall, an irrepressible smile on his face. When he saw the familiar figure entering through the doorway guided by a servant, even though he had anticipated this moment, a flicker of excitement still passed through his eyes.
Lu Zhou remained as stern as ever, dressed in travel-worn blue robes with the distinct outline of a cross long blade wrapped in gray cloth visible on his back. After nearly two years apart, his posture had become even more upright, the sharpness between his brows more restrained, yet his hawk-like eyes appeared deeper and more penetrating than before, as if they could pierce through all falsehoods. Upon entering the hall, his gaze immediately locked onto Marco. Their eyes met across the room, exchanging countless unspoken messages in that instant.
"Brother Lu, it's good to see you well," Marco spoke first, genuine joy evident in his voice.
"Marco," Lu Zhou responded with a slight nod, the corners of his mouth twitching almost imperceptibly upward in greeting. His voice remained calm, but Marco, familiar with him, could detect a subtle fluctuation in it.
"You've had a long journey. Please, have a seat." Marco warmly invited Lu Zhou to sit as a maid promptly served fragrant tea.
Hearing the commotion, Ye Lingling, Qiu Yao, and Osler soon arrived in the main hall. They had long been curious about this "Lu Zhou" whom Marco held in such high regard.
"Brother Lu, let me introduce everyone," Marco said, gesturing to those beside him. "This is my sister Ye Lingling, this is Qiu Yao, also like a sister to me. And this is Osler, my good friend."
Ye Lingling nodded coolly, her gaze lingering on Lu Zhou for a moment. She could sense the formidable aura about him, which was anything but ordinary. Qiu Yao timidly hid behind Ye Lingling, curiously observing this somewhat "intimidating" older brother. Osler straightened his posture, examining Lu Zhou with a mix of scrutiny and curiosity, before clasping his hands in salute. "Brother Lu, I've long heard of your reputation. I'm Osler."
Lu Zhou stood up and returned the salute with a crisp, efficient motion. Without unnecessary words, he simply stated, "Lu Zhou." His gaze lingered on Osler for a moment longer, as if detecting the unique aura of someone tempered by the Six Styles, different from that of an ordinary Soul Master.
The atmosphere grew slightly awkward until Marco broke the ice with a laugh. "Brother Lu is naturally reserved, please don't mind him. Osler, you've personally experienced the hardships of Six Styles training. Brother Lu's dedication and perseverance on the Way of the Blade far exceed what you or I can imagine."
Hearing this, Osler quickly nodded, his respect for Lu Zhou growing. Anyone who could master a skill to its peak deserved respect.
By evening, Li Zhaoyan and Mother Ye had finished their affairs and joined them in the main hall. When Li Zhaoyan saw Lu Zhou, surprise and admiration flashed in his eyes. With the discernment of a Titled Douluo, he could immediately tell that this young man had a solid foundation and condensed aura, especially the sharp Blade Intent contained within him. Though hidden, it was like a sheathed sword—once drawn, it would surely shock the world. This was not a quality possessed by any ordinary Soul Master.
"Ke'er, this must be the young friend Lu Zhou you often mention?" Li Zhaoyan spoke gently.
"Yes, Father," Marco replied respectfully before turning to Lu Zhou. "Brother Lu, this is my father, and this is my mother."
Lu Zhou rose once more and bowed to Li Zhaoyan and Mother Ye with neither humility nor arrogance. "This junior Lu Zhou pays his respects to Uncle Li and Aunt Ye."
"Excellent, excellent! Truly an outstanding young talent!" Li Zhaoyan applauded in admiration. "For Ke'er to have a friend like you is his good fortune. You must be tired from your journey—please treat this place as your own home and don't stand on ceremony."
Mother Ye also nodded with a smile, instructing servants to prepare a lavish banquet to welcome Lu Zhou.
The atmosphere at the banquet was harmonious. Li Zhaoyan inquired about Lu Zhou's experiences along the way and briefly discussed some changes in Heaven Dou City over the past six months, carefully avoiding sensitive topics related to family matters and personal strength. Marco gave a general account of his own recent activities, mentioning that he had mainly been consolidating his cultivation and perfecting his Self-created Soul Skill. His tone remained calm, and he didn't reveal core secrets like Martial Soul Evolution or Domain Awakening.
When the conversation turned to Lu Zhou's experiences over the past two years, Lu Zhou spoke concisely: "Most of the time, I was cultivating in a canyon at the edge of the Land of Extreme North."
"The edge of the Land of Extreme North?" Marco was slightly surprised—that was known as an extremely harsh environment with ferocious Soul Beasts. "I've heard that place is full of dangers. Brother Lu cultivated there alone?"
"Yes," Lu Zhou nodded, his tone still even. "The cold there is piercing, and powerful Ice-type Soul Beasts appear frequently. It was a good place to temper my Blade Intent."
"No wonder..." Marco understood. After nearly two years of arduous cultivation in such extreme conditions, it would be difficult not to make rapid progress in strength. Sensing that Lu Zhou's aura had reached a critical point, he asked: "It seems Brother Lu's cultivation has greatly advanced?"
"My Soul Power has reached level fifty," Lu Zhou stated directly.
At these words, apart from Marco and Li Zhaoyan who had been mentally prepared, Ye Lingling, Osler, and others showed astonished expressions! Level fifty! Another Soul King under twenty years old?! And achieved through solitary arduous cultivation in a place like the Land of Extreme North—the significance of this accomplishment was self-evident!
Marco's heart also stirred with waves. He had only reached level fifty thanks to his Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit and various extraordinary encounters, yet Lu Zhou had achieved the same realm with just a single blade through arduous cultivation in extreme conditions! Such perseverance and talent were truly formidable! However, he didn't press for details about what opportunities the other might have obtained—everyone had their own secrets and path.
"Congratulations, Brother Lu!" Marco said sincerely.
Lu Zhou nodded slightly, accepting his congratulations. Then he raised his head, his hawk-like eyes fixed directly on Marco. Though his tone remained calm, it seemed to carry burning flames: "Marco, let's fight."
It wasn't a question but a statement. An invisible fighting spirit, like an unsheathed blade, instantly emanated from him and enveloped Marco! The temperature in the hall seemed to drop several degrees.
Ye Lingling and Qiu Yao instinctively shrank back, while Osler felt a chill and his expression grew more solemn. A glint flashed in Li Zhaoyan's eyes, but he didn't intervene—instead, he revealed a look of interest.
Marco felt that pure and sharp fighting spirit, and the Azure Flame within him seemed to be stirred, growing slightly restless. He took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to immediately accept the challenge, and met Lu Zhou's gaze with a smile. "Brother Lu, you're still the same as ever. However, you've just arrived today and must be weary from the journey. Rest well for a couple of days and adjust to your peak condition. When the time comes, I will gladly accompany you in a match!"
Lu Zhou stared at Marco for a few seconds, as if gauging the sincerity in his words, then slowly reined in the fighting aura surrounding him and nodded. "Alright. Two days from now.The evening banquet concluded in a subtle and expectant atmosphere. A servant guided Lu Zhou to the guest room that had long been prepared for his rest. Unable to hold back, Osro leaned in close to Marco and whispered, "Boss, that guy... his presence is truly intimidating. The battle two days from now is bound to be absolutely spectacular!"
Marco gazed in the direction Lu Zhou had departed, a blazing fighting spirit igniting in his eyes as he murmured softly, "Indeed, I'm looking forward to it as well. Over these past two years, I wonder just how fast his blade has become...As the night deepened, the Li Manor seemed infused with a new vitality due to the arrival of this cold and stern swordsman. A fierce and thrilling contest was already brewing in the air.
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