Apocalypse Circular-Chapter 437: You’re Still One Step Ahead

Facing Wu Liji’s inquiry, Dan Kun clearly hesitated for a moment.

"Liji, what are you planning to do?"

Dan Kun’s hesitation only fueled Wu Liji’s current anger. The actions of the grey-robed Pilgrims had already surpassed her original understanding of the organization. Their ideals were not like this at the beginning.

"I am asking where you are. What, am I now to be doubted to this extent?"

Wu Liji’s tone was already full of anger, and naturally, this wasn’t a situation Dan Kun wanted to see. Beside Dan Kun, the Elder also didn’t wish to lose Wu Liji, an important chess piece.

A Princess, no matter what, has value. They were ready to give up on Wu Liji before because they felt she had been exposed and was no longer of any use. But now, it seems Wu Liji hasn’t been exposed. That means there’s much more room to operate.

If they could reconnect, say some kind words, and soothe her a bit, Wu Liji should still be able to work for them.

"Tell her our location," the Elder instructed. "Don’t worry. Even if the Inspection Department comes, we can just leave. Moreover, the Inspection Department should still be dealing with Hei Tengxi’s matter today. They don’t have the energy to bother with us."

Observing the Elder’s confident demeanor, Dan Kun felt a bit more assured than before.

Yes, they really didn’t need to fear the GuiXi district’s Inspection Department now. Hei Tengxi’s matter would definitely require the Inspection Department’s intervention. Though Zhang Changming is powerful, the Elder is a genuine Seventh Tier expert. Even if he couldn’t win, they have enough strength and energy to contend with Zhang Changming. This means that, to a certain extent, we’re already on invincible ground.

"We are in the south," Dan Kun relayed.

"The south?"

This location surprised Lu Luo. Hei Tengxi’s affair was in the northeast. He had originally thought that after committing the crime, the grey-robed people would continue running deeper into the northeast, but instead, they had gone in the opposite direction.

"Tell me the exact location. Tonight, I will come to find you," Wu Liji demanded.

"Our exact location is Long De."

"I understand. I still have the Coal Capital’s club general meeting to deal with during the day today. We can talk about the specifics tonight."

Under Lu Luo’s guidance, Wu Liji managed to suppress her anger and arranged to meet with Dan Kun and the others that night. However, after hanging up the phone, Wu Liji was struggling to contain her temper.

"Why not go find them now? Come nightfall, who knows how many more complications will arise."

"Your Highness, Princess, your heart is in turmoil," Lu Luo said. "Especially at a time like this, you mustn’t rush. They are already suspecting your true allegiance. Your purpose here in GuiXi was primarily to preside over the club general meeting and then present awards. This is a task from the Imperial Family. No matter what, the Imperial Family’s task should be completed first. If you abandon even the Imperial Family’s task now, they will definitely doubt your loyalty and flee. Them leaving is not a situation you would want to see, right?"

Lu Luo’s analysis gradually calmed Wu Liji. "Alright, let’s do as you say."

"Mm, day is almost breaking. You still have to deal with the club general meeting, and besides, I am determined to obtain those two resource points."

Wu Liji’s eyes narrowed slightly. She felt that with Lu Luo’s strength, he could even make a name for himself in the Imperial Capital. Such a young Seventh Tier expert! Aside from those old monsters in the Imperial Capital, hardly anyone would be Lu Luo’s opponent. Given this potential, heading to the Imperial Capital for development was undoubtedly the best choice. So why was Lu Luo so fixated on these trivial matters in the Coal Capital? Developing in the Coal Capital was certainly far inferior to the Imperial Capital.

"Lu Luo, why don’t you head to the Imperial Capital?" Wu Liji asked.

"The Imperial Capital? Why should I go to the Imperial Capital?"

"The resources there are plentiful! They have the best Cultivation Techniques, insights, and guidance from master teachers. It’s the most suitable stage for a genius to develop. I feel that any young person with talent would go to the Imperial Capital to seek their fortune."

Lu Luo seriously considered the question before offering a serious response, "You said it yourself, only talented people would go. I’m not particularly skilled, so I won’t be going."

Watching Lu Luo earnestly claim his lack of ability, Wu Liji was infuriated. Such a person, with such talent—it’s truly a waste!

"Lu Luo, regardless of any conflicts between us, I still believe the Imperial Capital is far superior to GuiXi. Not to mention anything else, but just in terms of teaching staff alone, the two cannot be compared. Being a local emperor in GuiXi is pointless."

"How do you know that the Cultivation Techniques I practice are inferior to those in the Imperial Capital? You’re not me. Don’t make unfounded judgments about other people’s lives, understand?"

Lu Luo’s words left Wu Liji stunned. She became even more suspicious about Lu Luo’s past identity and where he came from.

"Lu Luo..."

"Alright, alright, the club general meeting is about to start. If you have time to spout this nonsense, you might as well take a moment to put on some makeup. Understand?"

How could I possibly go to the Imperial Capital? Lu Luo thought. At least, it’s impossible for now. I need time to accumulate strength. Until I have the power to face the big shots of the Imperial Capital directly, I won’t go. The task entrusted by the Judgment Chief is etched in my mind. But the Judgment Chief didn’t specify a short deadline for its completion. Delaying it for three or five years shouldn’t be a problem, right?

Seeing that Lu Luo was continuously avoiding the topic of going to the Imperial Capital, Wu Liji did not press further.

"So much for good intentions," she muttered.

"Enough with the good intentions," Lu Luo retorted. "We’re really not that close."

Time passed quickly. As Lu Luo was a member of the challenger group, he had to start participating in the loser’s bracket competition from early morning. If it had been before, I might have had some interest in playing around. But now, my mind is no longer on the club general meeting. The only reason I’m staying is to secure those two resource points, allowing the base’s resources and channels to gradually integrate with the Imperial system. Since he had lost interest in playing around, Lu Luo’s attacks became much more ruthless.

"In this match: from the challenger group—Lu Luo, versus, from the loser’s bracket—Zhang Zhe."

No sooner had the second loser’s bracket match started than steam immediately burst from Lu Luo’s body. Zhang Zhe was also a Fourth Tier expert. Though he had no Sequence and had not undergone systematic club training, his long experience fighting in the underworld and brawling in the wild had equipped him with considerable street-fighting skills. But such skills were a complete joke in front of Lu Luo. Before he had even finished his tough opening remark, Lu Luo’s figure had already charged in front of him.

BOOM!

An ordinary-looking heavy blow, yet it carried the pressure of Steam Level Four. Its power, already comparable to a Sixth Tier Exotic Species, was further amplified by an explosive human Cultivation Technique. At that moment, Zhang Zhe felt as if an Exotic Species Great Lord had stomped on him; he was sent flying out of the arena, instantly losing consciousness.

Observing the indentation left on the wall and the barely alive Zhang Zhe, the audience watching the match had even forgotten to cheer.

Such a match was too fast! But it seemed... quite exhilarating! This...

"Referee? Sir Referee?"

"Oh! The winner is Lu Luo."

The referee looked at Lu Luo, his face a mask of shock and suspicion. I didn’t even see Lu Luo’s attack clearly. As a referee for combat competitions between Transcendents, I possess Fifth Tier strength. But that punch Lu Luo just threw... if it had landed on me, my fate probably wouldn’t have been much better than Zhang Zhe’s. The gap in strength is too vast; they’re simply not in the same league.

The referee muttered, "Someone of Contestant Lu Luo’s caliber really doesn’t need to participate in matches like these." He had already turned off his microphone, so although the audience in the stands saw his lips moving, they had no idea what he had said.

Lu Luo smiled. This referee has a good eye. Being a referee here is indeed a waste of his talents.

"What are you saying, Mr. Referee?" Lu Luo called out. "The match isn’t over until the very end; no one can be sure of the outcome. GuiXi has had quite a few geniuses in recent years. Maybe some particularly formidable character will emerge and defeat me in an instant!"

The referee’s mouth twitched. A genius is a genius, but a monster is a monster. As a referee, I know all too well that the strength of geniuses usually ranges between the Fourth and Fifth Tiers. Combat power is another matter, but that’s how it is in terms of realm. The younger ones are at Fourth Tier, the older ones at Fifth Tier. Rarely does anyone exceed this range at their age. But Lu Luo is clearly different. He doesn’t seem like a player in this game, more like a disruptive force, a game-breaker.

The referee said quietly, "With your level of strength, I don’t think anyone in this competition can surpass you."

Lu Luo replied, "Whether you think so or not doesn’t matter; competitions are ultimately decided by their results."

It wasn’t until Lu Luo left the arena that the audience slowly came back to their senses, followed by cheers. Many people attended the club’s general meeting not just for recruitment or to vie for resources; the bigger reason was to enjoy the spectacle. Qi Xinzhu’s dominance had left a mark in many people’s hearts. Although they did not know the extent of Qi Xinzhu’s strength, based on Lu Luo’s performance just now, he was definitely not weaker than Qi Xinzhu. They felt that the appearance of another character who could rival Qi Xinzhu meant that there was sure to be a fierce match.

The subsequent matches were much more mundane. After two rounds, the winner’s bracket, which included Qi Xinzhu, also began to compete. Like Lu Luo, she swept through her opponents, advancing effortlessly. During the semifinals, Qi Xinzhu even managed to defeat a Fifth Tier expert in a short amount of time. Such a display of strength undeniably sent the spectators’ blood pressure soaring. Many had already foreseen that the final showdown would be between Qi Xinzhu and Lu Luo.

The competition proceeded swiftly and smoothly. Essentially, all other participants had been thoroughly outmatched by Lu Luo and Qi Xinzhu. The two of them advanced to meet in the finals without issue. Astute observers had already guessed the outcome of this match, but most people were still filled with anticipation. As a result, the betting odds for the contest between the two were red-hot.

Just as Lu Luo was about to step onto the stage, a somewhat crazed individual rushed over, holding a handful of what looked like betting slips, and waved them in front of Lu Luo.

"Lu Luo, you have to win! I’ve placed a heavy bet on you! You must win! For someone from the challenger group to become the ultimate victor would be unprecedented! Don’t let me down!"

Lu Luo raised an eyebrow slightly. How did this guy get in? Was this intentional? He wasn’t known for his good temper, and he found gamblers like this particularly repellent.

"Who the hell are you?"

"You?"

"Get lost."

Lu Luo thought to himself, I’m so busy, I don’t have time to waste on these gambling fiends. Besides, I’m a very upright person. I have an irreconcilable hatred for vices like drugs and gambling. They’ve really approached the wrong person for this sort of thing.

Ignoring these interruptions, Lu Luo finally arrived at the competition stage. And Qi Xinzhu, under the eager gaze of the entire crowd, took her position opposite him.

A battle between husband and wife, Lu Luo thought, somewhat amused. However, this time, I really do want to test Xinzhu’s recent progress. I wonder when she’ll reach Fifth Tier? Once she’s at Fifth Tier, according to Exotic Species standards, she’ll be at the Lord level.

Lu Luo said softly, "Xinzhu, let me see your progress."

His voice was very soft, but Qi Xinzhu, standing opposite him, seemed to sense his intention immediately and adopted a genuine battle stance.

"Alright!"

Clutching her Alloy Sword tightly, Qi Xinzhu attacked without holding back in the slightest. Nobody understands Lu Luo’s strength better than I do. Facing him, I don’t need any reservations. Because... whether now or in the future, I’ll never be his match.

TING!

The tip of her sword struck the back of Lu Luo’s hand. The impact, a burst of sparks and Holy Radiance, caused the ground beneath Lu Luo’s feet to instantly shatter.

Not bad! Lu Luo thought. Her speed and power have improved tremendously. Xinzhu has really been diligent in her training recently.

"It’s not over yet!" Qi Xinzhu leaped high, her broadsword beginning to emit a golden glow. "Sword Heart Second Form: Fu Yu!" she cried.

Countless streams of Sword Qi descended from the sky. In a place like GuiXi district, so lacking in advanced martial arts, such a magnificent technique had never been witnessed. The sky filled with a downpour of Sword Qi, like fireworks blooming and then cascading down. Many spectators had already risen to their feet upon seeing this move. Including Wu Liji in the central stand!

This move... I’ve seen Lu Luo use it before, Wu Liji realized.

"Those two," Wu Liji muttered.

"Your Highness the Princess seems quite interested in that Qi Xinzhu. Do you have any thoughts of recruiting her?" At this moment, the GuiXi District Chief began to speak with Wu Liji, seemingly probing her intentions.

However, as a Princess of the Imperial Family, Wu Liji was well-versed in handling such situations. She naturally wouldn’t give anything away at a time like this.

"I have already recruited Lu Luo. As for Qi Xinzhu, let’s forget it. There will be many watching her, and it would be somewhat inconvenient for me to act."

"Is that so? I thought Your Highness the Princess wanted to recruit them both. Still, it’s truly remarkable that Your Highness could spot Lu Luo in the challenger group at a single glance. In all these years, Lu Luo is the only one like him to emerge from the challenger group. Without exceptional foresight, one could never discover such an unpolished gem."

"You flatter me, District Chief. While I played a part in finding Lu Luo, it was mostly due to luck. It was my good fortune that fate allowed me to encounter him."

When Wu Liji said this, the District Chief felt somewhat puzzled. Although Lu Luo is talented, does he really warrant such high praise from Wu Liji? Could it be that she truly believes Lu Luo can defeat Qi Xinzhu?

"Hehe, it seems Your Highness the Princess has a great deal of confidence in Mr. Lu Luo."

"No, it’s not about confidence," Wu Liji replied, her tone somewhat cryptic, confusing those around her. "Because whether Lu Luo wins or not, he is now one of my people."

「Meanwhile, the battle in the center of the arena raged on.」

The rain of swords had fallen. Lu Luo, to conceal his true defensive measures, released a small amount of steam, obscuring how the swords landed on him. The power of the Holy Radiance Sword Qi was immense; the arena platform had already been torn apart by the Fu Yu Sword Qi. The bewildered referee could only run to the side and hide, to avoid being accidentally injured. The battle between the two had reached a fever pitch; it seemed only when one party was defeated would the victor be decided.

After a series of clanging sounds, Lu Luo suddenly lunged forward. He kicked against the blade of Qi Xinzhu’s sword. He controlled his power, but the force still overwhelmed Qi Xinzhu somewhat. She stumbled backward, her longsword scraping against the ground.

Actually, this would be a perfect opportunity to use my Sequence, Mirror Moon Soul Dual Slash. It’s ideal for this situation, Qi Xinzhu thought. However, Lu Luo already emphasized not to use Sequences in front of everyone, so I’ll have to refrain.

"Soul Breaker!"

Massive slashes of Sword Qi descended upon Lu Luo one after another. Each impact sent a powerful tremor through the venue. Some spectators had begun to quietly leave; this kind of battle could easily harm the innocent.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Dust filled the air as Qi Xinzhu’s sword kept striking Lu Luo. If one were close enough, they would see Qi Xinzhu being unilaterally coached by Lu Luo:

"Xinzhu, your Constitution has already far surpassed that of ordinary Transcendents. What you need to work on now is attack strength and attack speed. You need to be faster, and more accurate."

TING!

Eventually, the broadsword stopped at the center of Lu Luo’s forehead, and Qi Xinzhu ceased her gushing Holy Radiance.

"To think I can’t even break through your defense anymore," Qi Xinzhu said. "Lu Luo, you’re getting more and more outrageous."

"Not bad!" Lu Luo said. "Are we done fighting? If we are, then I’ll admit defeat, okay?"

With that, Lu Luo dramatically flopped onto the ground. The two then held their positions, silently waiting for the dust to settle.

The remaining people finally saw the outcome of the battle. Qi Xinzhu’s sword was pointed at Lu Luo’s forehead. This...

They saw Lu Luo lying on the ground, gasping for breath, and declaring with Oscar-worthy acting talent, "You were still a cut above."