On the outskirts of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization, there was a place called the Drunken Sleeper Inn.

The Miao Maiden Qinglian stood before the main entrance, hands clasped behind her back.

The Miao Maiden Qinglian had always been inherently arrogant, and this haughtiness had only intensified since she discovered she possessed the appearance of the Azure Maiden. To Qinglian, the idea that a mere Yue Maiden, Xiaoqing, who hailed from an outer domain, would dare compare herself to her was laughable. Naturally, Qinglian had heard of Lu Yuan’s reputation—the number one on the Heavenly Ranking, what an astounding reputation! And since Qinglian knew Xiaoqing’s only support stemmed from this very fact, she was all the more determined to understand Lu Yuan. Qinglian had long since used the Cijing Shu spell to know Lu Yuan’s appearance, so the moment she entered the small establishment, she recognized him instantly.

Of course, it was impossible to say that the Miao Maiden Qinglian took Lu Yuan too seriously.

Qinglian was well aware that, with her current strength, a hundred of her would not be enough for Lu Yuan to casually crush.

But then again, in this day and age, who judges solely based on individual strength?

No matter how powerful Lu Yuan was, what could he accomplish alone?

Behind her stood the vast Miao Civilization.

Indeed, the Miao Civilization was ranked at the very bottom among the thirty general civilizations.

However, when comparing Lu Yuan against the Miao Civilization, it was immediately clear that the latter was an absolute behemoth.

Therefore, the Miao Maiden Qinglian believed that regarding the Azure Maiden dispute, Lu Yuan could not stir up any significant waves whatsoever.

Qinglian possessed this degree of self-confidence.

The Miao Maiden Qinglian glanced over: “Oh, and the Son of Law and the Son of Martial Arts are here as well, sirs. Are you two perhaps intending to assist the Yue Maiden Xiaoqing? Regrettably, since you hail from the Law Ancient Civilization and the Martial Ancient Civilization, you share no kinship with Xiaoqing. By the rules of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization, you cannot aid her.”

The Miao Maiden Qinglian placed more importance on the Son of Law and the Son of Martial Arts. Yes, Lu Yuan was currently stronger, but Qinglian believed that the Son of Law and the Son of Martial Arts, possessing formidable backers and immense potential, would become stronger in the future. The Miao Maiden Qinglian was fundamentally a proponent of the "powerful backer" theory.

Lu Yuan paused the wine cup in his hand; drinking with an annoyance beside him was anything but enjoyable.

The Son of Martial Arts was equally vexed. If he weren't respecting the standing of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization, he would have dearly loved to deliver a harsh beating to the Miao Maiden Qinglian. Like Lu Yuan, how could the Son of Martial Arts possibly enjoy his drink with such an irritating presence nearby?

The Azure Maiden dispute had already caused quite a stir within the Phoenix Ancient Civilization. Originally, this Drunken Sleeper Inn had virtually nothing to do with the matter, but the Miao Maiden Qinglian’s commotion made the other patrons realize that the two female protagonists of the Azure Maiden dispute were present—the Miao Maiden Qinglian and the Yue Maiden Xiaoqing. Not to mention the three major figures: Lu Yuan, the Son of Law, and the Son of Martial Arts. It was an absolute hotbed of gossip, and countless eyes swept over them.

“Oh, Lu Yuan, the number one on the Heavenly Ranking? I truly wish to meet this so-called Heavenly Ranking Number One and see how he compares to me.” Suddenly, behind the Miao Maiden Qinglian, a figure of unparalleled, immense presence materialized. Everyone present felt the overwhelming aura emanating from this person, compelling them to look up in awe.

This was a bald, muscular man clad in Miao ethnic attire, wielding a colossal Miao Saber, his bearing radiating an atmosphere of extreme intimidation.

The Son of Martial Arts let out a sharp cry: “Miao Changsheng!” The bald man paused, slightly surprised: “Oh? I haven't emerged for so long, yet someone still recognizes me.” He couldn’t help but scrutinize the Son of Martial Arts: “Are you that Son of Martial Arts fellow?”

The Son of Martial Arts replied: “My surname is Tie, and I originate from the Tie Family Clan.”

The bald man chuckled: “Ah, I see. So, you are from the Tie Family Clan whom I nearly wiped out back then. I didn't expect anyone from the Tie Family Clan to still be alive, much less a major figure in the Martial Ancient Civilization.” Miao Changsheng, the bald man, felt a surge of annoyance; clearly, his previous actions hadn’t been thorough enough to eradicate the entire Tie Family Clan.

Lu Yuan was momentarily stunned; it seemed the Son of Martial Arts and the newly appeared bald man, Miao Changsheng, harbored a deep enmity.

The Son of Martial Arts stated gravely: “This Miao Changsheng is an individual who existed shortly after the birth of this epoch. He can practically be considered contemporary with the Ancient Origin.” The seniority of the Ancient Origin was universally acknowledged. The Son of Martial Arts continued: “Millions of years ago, this Miao Changsheng was ranked second on the Heavenly Ranking, just below Gu Nu. It was in that era that my originating clan, the Tie Family Clan, was annihilated by Miao Changsheng, with most of the clansmen perishing. My ancestor barely escaped due to sheer luck. Our ancestor's final instruction was to seek revenge against Miao Changsheng if the opportunity arose.” The Son of Martial Arts’ voice carried a heavy tone.

“And millions of years ago, Miao Changsheng obtained the remains of a damaged Civilization Vice-Lord. He immediately immersed himself in studying the Way of Civilization and then vanished. Many assumed Miao Changsheng perished because something went wrong while attempting to merge with the Vice-Lord’s body, but unexpectedly, he is still alive. And now he reappears.” Miao Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back: “Boy, Son of Martial Arts, you are remarkably well-informed about my history. However, although I have not yet reached the Civilization Realm since emerging this time, dealing with this current self-proclaimed Heavenly Ranking Number One, Lu Yuan, should not be an issue.” Miao Changsheng possessed such confidence. The former Kunpeng King was far too weak compared to Miao Changsheng. He was truly powerful now. Lu Yuan estimated his strength to be roughly equivalent to the Immortal Son after merging with the remains of Zhen Yuanzi. With such formidable power, it was no wonder Miao Changsheng was so self-assured.

The current Miao Changsheng was utterly rampant in his arrogance!

Miao Changsheng fixed his gaze on Lu Yuan: “You are that boy, Lu Yuan, here to support the Yue Maiden Xiaoqing. I hear your past achievements were quite remarkable, earning you the top spot on the Heavenly Ranking. Unfortunately, as I emerge from seclusion, your so-called Heavenly Ranking Number One is merely a joke before me. Yue Maiden Xiaoqing, in front of you, I will crush this Lu Yuan boy thoroughly and make you understand true despair.”

“Oh, and Son of Martial Arts of the Tie Family Clan, I shall also heavily defeat you today. I destroyed the Tie Family Clan back then; today, I can defeat you again.” Miao Changsheng harbored killing intent toward both Lu Yuan and the Son of Martial Arts. Killing Lu Yuan would be simple, as Lu Yuan had no powerful backing, not yet being an official member of the Law Ancient Civilization. However, the Son of Martial Arts was a key talent being cultivated by the Martial Ancient Civilization; he could only be defeated, leaving a shadow in his heart so deep that he would be terrified upon sight of Miao Changsheng.

Miao Changsheng scoffed arrogantly: “Boy Lu Yuan, Boy Son of Martial Arts, which one of you will come to die first?” The Miao Maiden Qinglian also stood with her hands behind her back, wearing a slight expression of triumph. Look, Xiaoqing, your backer cannot compare to mine. The Miao Civilization casually produces a great figure like Miao Changsheng, with even greater figures behind him—how could you possibly compare with one Lu Yuan?”

Lu Yuan scoffed inwardly. This Miao Changsheng was indeed strong, but at best, he was at the level of the Immortal Son. To come out and boast with such power was laughable. Just as Lu Yuan was preparing to finish this man off, the Son of Martial Arts stood up: “I will take this battle.” Lu Yuan had initially intended to step forward himself, but upon seeing the determined look on the Son of Martial Arts’ face, he fell silent, allowing the challenge to proceed.

Indeed, the current strength of the Son of Martial Arts was not a match for Miao Changsheng. The Son of Martial Arts was currently at the level of an entry-level Heavenly Ranker, whereas Miao Changsheng was the Heavenly Ranking Number One, vastly stronger than the power level of King Lipeng. However, this was the ancestral enemy of the Son of Martial Arts. Since he insisted on challenging, Lu Yuan naturally could not stand in the way. The only thing Lu Yuan could do was intervene if the Son of Martial Arts faced mortal danger.

The Son of Martial Arts placed his hand upon the chest holding his weapons.

Miao Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back, disdaining the rush to attack. He wanted to shatter the Son of Martial Arts’ confidence first: “You may strike first.” The surrounding onlookers had also become intrigued—the Son of Martial Arts, one of the Seven Heavens of Fortune, versus the ancient monster Miao Changsheng. This battle was guaranteed to be spectacular.

Since Miao Changsheng invited the Son of Martial Arts to move first, the latter showed no hesitation. The Son of Martial Arts clearly understood that his opponent was superior. He let out a sharp shout and closed the distance rapidly toward Miao Changsheng. As he approached, various weapons materialized instantly from the chest.

First came a saber—the Sole Saber Technique, imbued with the spirit of dominating the world. Then, with a swift motion, he unleashed the Heaven-Questioning Spear Technique—My Heaven-Questioning, I am Invincible! The spear thrust forward, unstoppable, embodying the spirit of bloodied combat concentrated in that single strike. Next, he manifested a sword—the Heavenly Mandate Sword Dao: Destiny is Mine, I Am Destiny! This was the Heavenly Mandate Sword Dao.

In the space of a turn, he brought forth the Killing Staff Technique, a set of staff movements possessing an extraordinary degree of ferocity. The malice was so concentrated it seemed intent on slaughtering everything in heaven and earth.

Immediately following that was the Mountain and Sea Fist Sutra. This sutra exhausted all the transformations between mountains and seas; within the mountains and seas lay the winds and clouds—such was the essence of the Mountain and Sea Fist Sutra. One punch gathered a mountain; the next dissolved into the sea, radiating an indescribable dominance.

With a phantom turn of his left hand, he produced the Square Heaven Halberd Technique—the weapon considered the most difficult to master among all armaments. A well-wielded halberd could stab, cleave, or lock an enemy's weapon. The Square Heaven Halberd Technique displayed by the Son of Martial Arts now captured the very essence of halberdery. Lu Yuan observed it and thought it was only slightly inferior to the halberd skills of the Son of Wilderness.

Then came the Extreme Speed Lightning Kick—a single kick released with speed akin to lightning, a dizzying flash, frighteningly fast.

After executing the Extreme Speed Lightning Kick, the Son of Martial Arts summoned the Startling Thunder Divine Finger. This finger technique possessed the quality of a dragon twisting into a snake during a thunderstorm. The Startling Thunder Divine Finger and the Extreme Speed Lightning Kick complemented each other—one thunder, one lightning, one kick, one finger—blending in profound subtlety. The combined thunder and lightning struck created an upheaval, a chaotic storm of electricity that no one could match.

Concurrently, he unleashed the Heaven-Slaying Palm Technique, which carried the spirit of cutting down and severing everything.

By this point, the Son of Martial Arts had unleashed nine of the Ten Strong Martial Ways: the Sole Saber Technique, the Heaven-Questioning Spear Technique, the Mountain and Sea Fist Sutra, the Killing Staff Technique, the Square Heaven Halberd Technique, the Extreme Speed Lightning Kick, the Startling Thunder Divine Finger, and the Heaven-Slaying Palm Technique—a total of nine techniques used simultaneously. Normally, a person could not execute techniques this way, but the Ten Strong Martial Ways of the Martial Ancient Civilization were uniquely structured. Attacking with nine simultaneously did not diminish their power or cause dispersion; rather, the nine martial arts formed a unique synergy.