Chapter 117: The Path of Invincibility, the Aura of Invincibility

"Lu Yunfeng’s grandfather is the Zongzheng; that is no reason for me to avoid challenging him—"

"What kind of logic is that?"

Frowning, Lu Sheng gave a mocking laugh. "Are you saying that everyone in this world influenced by the Zongzheng is forbidden from dueling Lu Yunfeng?"

He truly could not comprehend why having a grandfather who held the office of Zongzheng meant he could not face him in a duel. After all, his own mentor was Lu Chunyuan, and he had the backing of two Grandmasters hidden in the shadows. Why should a mere Zongzheng be enough to warrant such caution?

"It is not that you cannot challenge Lu Yunfeng, but rather that before you have secured your noble title, it is best not to," Lu Hongyuan explained with a wry smile. "Ever since Duan Zhengfei soared to prominence and became the number one on the Heavenly Ranking, many in this world have begun to follow in his footsteps."

"Lu Yunfeng is currently walking the Path of the Invincible, cultivating an aura of invincibility. If you were to challenge him now—"

"Should you lose, it goes without saying that many would look down upon you. But if you were to win, you would shatter his path!"

"Tell me, if such a thing were to happen, how do you think his grandfather, Lu Hongkang, or his uncle, Lu Anshi, would treat you?"

To ruin someone’s path and obstruct their cultivation is a grievance that breeds eternal enmity. If Lu Sheng were to truly defeat Lu Yunfeng and destroy his path of invincibility, not only would Lu Yunfeng harbor resentment, but Lu Hongkang, in his capacity as Zongzheng, would certainly never let the matter rest.

Although Lu Sheng had the support of Grandmasters and securing a title would not be an issue, the administrative process overseen by the Zongzheng would undoubtedly be fraught with obstacles. This was the reason for Lu Hongyuan’s persuasion.

***

"Heh... The Path of the Invincible!"

Lu Sheng gave a scoffing laugh. "Invincibility is something you earn through your own strength!"

"If an aura of invincibility can be cultivated this way, then wouldn't every powerful person in the world, especially the descendants of Grandmasters, simply need to force anyone stronger than them to refuse a duel in order to cultivate such an aura?"

"If this method were viable, where would there be any room left for other martial artists?"

The paths of martial arts were strange and varied. Had Lu Hongyuan not mentioned it, Lu Sheng would never have known that people were cultivating an aura of invincibility in such a manner. The revelation truly opened his eyes.

"Heh heh!"

Luo Liheng was equally skeptical, but as the grandson of the chief editor of the *Great Jing Martial Treasury*, even though he had not previously worked at the Treasury, he had been influenced by his surroundings and was well-versed in such matters.

"You really shouldn't be so dismissive! It is not just the Lu clan of Great Jing; almost all the other major powers have people walking this path."

"It is said that they have even received the approval of certain Grandmasters!"

The mention of receiving approval from Grandmasters finally made Lu Sheng take notice. As the individuals who had reached the pinnacle of martial arts in this world, whatever the Grandmasters did could not be without meaning.

Though still skeptical, Lu Sheng asked, "Explain it to me carefully. What exactly is this Path of the Invincible?"

Luo Liheng chuckled, about to explain, when Lu Hongyuan interjected, "Let me handle this. I happened to be involved in this matter after I arrived at the Martial Treasury."

During the years of Duan Zhengfei’s rise, Lu Hongyuan had already been at the Martial Treasury. As the number one on the Heavenly Ranking, Duan Zhengfei was naturally a subject of intense analysis by the institution.

Having been involved in that research, Lu Hongyuan understood Duan Zhengfei deeply. "Although Duan Zhengfei became a Martial Sect before the age of forty, he never once reached the top ten in the Talents Ranking or the Earth Ranking during his youth. His highest placement was seventeenth on the Earth Ranking."

"It is fair to say that the speed with which he became a Martial Sect and the strength he displayed thereafter completely exceeded everyone’s expectations. That is why his history has been researched and excavated by so many."

"The Path of the Invincible was a concept people derived from his experience."

"How was it summarized?" Lu Sheng asked.

Stroking his beard, Lu Hongyuan replied, "Many Grandmasters, before reaching that level, were already peerless among their generation. Many of them had never even tasted defeat."

"Thus, through their battles, they cultivated a conviction of invincibility, believing that they were truly invincible."

"Although Duan Zhengfei’s rankings were not the highest, just like those who became Grandmasters, he remained undefeated among his peers throughout his journey. One could say that he walked his path as an invincible figure."

"Therefore, some believe that this is the reason his martial will is so formidable."

"Furthermore, his approach has provided inspiration to many who cannot claim to be peerless in strength among their generation. Many are now using this method to cultivate an aura of invincibility."

"Take Lu Yunfeng, for example. The path he is currently walking was not only designed by his grandfather, a Martial Sect, but has also received the tacit approval of many others. If you ruin his path, you will be offending far more than just one person."

"Of course it’s more than just one person!" Luo Liheng added. "As long as this path is seen as viable, those with power, influence, or formidable elders will be ecstatic. It allows them to use their own status and strength to pave the way for their descendants to follow this path."

"If you ruin his path, everyone in the world who has invested interest in it will view you with hostility. And remember, these are all people with power, influence, and strength!"

***

"Haha!"

Lu Sheng gave a wry smile and shook his head, finally understanding the situation. He laughed, "If we are talking about a path of invincibility, I, a peerless genius, would seem more suited for it."

"However, since Lu Yunfeng wishes to walk this path, as a member of the Lu clan of Great Jing, I naturally cannot sabotage him."

With that, he turned to Luo Liheng and said, "Help me write a reply. Tell them that I have received guidance from my mentor and will be going into seclusion shortly. My duel with Lu Yunfeng will have to wait until after I emerge."

Then, turning to Lu Hongyuan, he added, "As for the matter of the noble title, I leave it to you, Elder. Once the title is secured, we shall return to our ancestral home to pay respects, leaving Yujing for a time."

"Lu Yunfeng should not object to such an arrangement!"

"Do you think this is appropriate, Lord Hongyuan?"

Having decided to postpone the duel with Lu Yunfeng, Lu Sheng acted decisively, cutting through the confusion with a plan to delay. Moreover, he used this excuse to entrust all the trivial matters concerning his ennoblement to Lu Hongyuan.

"Appropriate! Entirely appropriate!" Lu Hongyuan nodded repeatedly, adding, "If we drag it out this way, we can easily delay it until the Central Province Martial Gathering. Though, it is not certain that Lu Yunfeng will attend..."

"No," Lu Sheng interrupted. "Lu Yunfeng will certainly attend."

"It has been confirmed that the host of this Martial Gathering is none other than Duan Zhengfei."

"If Lu Yunfeng wishes to follow Duan Zhengfei’s path, he will undoubtedly attend this gathering."

"Duan Zhengfei? He is to host the Central Province Martial Gathering?" Hearing this news from Lu Sheng, Lu Hongyuan could hardly believe it. "Does this mean the number one on the Heavenly Ranking, Duan Zhengfei, has defected to our side?"

Luo Liheng was equally incredulous. "That’s impossible, surely? Why would such a future Grandmaster suddenly defect to us?"

Clearly, the news of Duan Zhengfei joining the Great Jing imperial court left both men deeply shocked.