World's Strongest Martial Warrior

In comparison to the other two Golden Immortal forces, the Ning Clan and the Luo Water Merchant Union, the Lu family was in a league of its own, boasting greater strength and influence.    

Occupying a vast expanse of prime real estate in the eastern district, the Lu family's prominence in Sky Water Immortal City was unmatched. Following their departure from the Luo Water Merchant Union, Luo Changkong and Lu Sheng made a beeline for the Lu family's territory.    

Upon their arrival, they were met with a stern warning: "This area is under the protection of the Lu family. No unauthorized persons may enter."    

A first-grade Heaven Immortal, flanked by over ten figures, emerged from the family's stronghold to confront Luo Changkong and Luo Changtian. It was clear that the Lu family's power was such that even an elder from a distinguished Golden Immortal force like the Luo Water Merchant Union was assigned mere gatekeeping duties.    

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Luo Changkong quickly showed his respect to the first-grade Heaven Immortal, saying, "Greetings, I am Luo Changkong of the Luo Water Merchant Union. I've come to visit the Lu family and would be grateful if you could relay my presence to them."    

To his surprise, the first-grade Celestial Immortal recognized him instantly, his eyes betraying a flicker of shock. Luo Changkong, the esteemed Great Elder of the Luo Water Merchant Union, was one of the rare ninth-grade Heaven Immortals in the city, second only to the Golden Immortals in prowess.    

The Lu family's dominance in Sky Water Immortal City was well-known, and their rivalry with the Luo Water Merchant Union, who traditionally allied with the Ning family, was no secret. The sudden appearance of Luo Changkong at their doorstep raised suspicions. Was there an ulterior motive at play?    

The Lu Clan's first-grade Heaven Immortal regarded Luo Changkong with a calculating gaze before responding, "I apologize, but the Lu Clan is not entertaining visitors at the moment for certain reasons. Please return at a later time."    

Luo Changtian's expression shifted subtly. "I have an urgent matter to discuss with the Lu Clan. I hope you can make an exception for me."    

His rushed visit to the Lu Family was driven by the hope of convincing them to take action against the Luo Water Merchant Union as soon as possible.    

Otherwise...    

Once Luo Qianqiu's injuries healed, his life would be in jeopardy.    

"I'll say this one final time: The Lu family is not receiving guests at the moment."    

The Lu family's first-grade Celestial Immortal spoke with impatience, "If you refuse to leave, the Lu family's response will be less than hospitable!"    

Luo Changkong's face contorted with displeasure.    

Given the Lu family's might, even Luo Changkong, a ninth-grade Celestial Immortal, wouldn't dare force his way in.    

His only option was to depart and devise a new strategy to reach out to the Lu Clan's higher-ups.    

"Grand Elder, something seems off about the Lu Family," Luo An observed, murmuring to Luo Changkong.    

Despite the strained relations between the Luo Water Merchant Union and the Lu family, Luo Changkong was the Grand Elder of the Union, a distinguished Rank Nine Heavenly Immortal in Sky Water Immortal City.    

The Lu Family had no apparent reason to turn away someone of Luo Changkong's stature.    

"First, let's figure out what's going on with the Lu Family," Luo Changkong decided, his gaze sharp as he turned to leave.    

At that moment, a figure glided in and landed right outside the Lu family's entrance.    

If Peter Parker were present, he would instantly recognize the newcomer as Lu He, the guardian of the Guiding Immortal Platform.    

Previously, Lu He had drawn six ascenders from the lower realms. Consequently, a man named Peter Parker, oblivious to his own best interests, had dispatched Lu Feng to pursue him.    

Unexpectedly, there had been no word from Lu Feng, a Third Stage True Immortal. It seemed increasingly likely that he had met his end at Peter Parker's hands.    

This turn of events had infuriated Lu He.    

In his quest to locate Peter Parker, he had recently assigned someone else to watch over the Receiving Immortal Platform in his stead.    

For days on end, Lu He had received no word about Peter Parker. Unwilling to resign himself to this silence, he resolved to return to the Lu Family and tap into their resources to uncover Peter Parker's whereabouts.    

"Great Elder Luo, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit to the Lu family?" Lu He inquired, his thoughts interrupted by the unexpected sight of Luo Changkong and another figure at the Lu Family's entrance. His surprise was evident; after all, he had previously engaged in clandestine dealings with Luo Changtian and was well-acquainted with the Great Elder of the Luo Water Merchant Union.    

Luo Chang Tian stepped forward with urgency, offering a respectful fist-and-palm salute. "Ivan Redick, I come with pressing matters to discuss with your Lu Family. I would be grateful if Ivan Redick could relay a message on my behalf."    

Despite Lu He's modest rank as a Seventh Rank True Immortal, his standing within the Lu Family was remarkable, bolstered by the fact that his elder brother, Lu Ming, was one of the three esteemed Golden Immortals of the Lu Family. Securing Lu He's assistance was crucial for the success of his mission.    

After a moment's contemplation, Lu He responded, "The Lu Family is preoccupied with significant issues at present. Should your concern be of a routine nature, I fear we may not have the capacity to attend to it. Elder Luo, might you divulge the specifics of your visit?"    

Without hesitation, Luo Changkong revealed his purpose for coming.    

"Elder, are you proposing an alliance with our Lu Clan to confront Luo Qianqiu of the Luo River Merchant Union?" Lu He's gaze sharpened at the prospect.    

The Lu Clan had long harbored ambitions to claim the lucrative Luo River Merchant Union for themselves. However, the union's steadfast alliance with the Ning family for both offense and defense had always necessitated caution from the Lu family, preventing any overt aggression.    

Now, with Luo Changkong's overture, an exceptional opportunity had presented itself. Collaborating with Luo Changkong to eliminate Luo Qianqiu and subsequently erode the influence of the Luo Water Merchant Union could significantly bolster the Lu Family's power.    

Moreover, the Ning Family, bereft of the Luo Water Merchant Union's support, would no longer pose a formidable challenge to the Lu Family.    

At that moment, the Lu Family was poised to become the unrivaled sovereign of Sky Water Immortal City.    

"Indeed," Luo Changkong affirmed with a nod. "I have approached the Lu Clan with the utmost sincerity to propose an alliance."    

Lu He took his time before responding, his gaze fixed on Luo Changkong. "Elder Luo, you must have been plotting for quite some time to seize control of the Luo Water Merchant Union. With Luo Qianqiu incapacitated, there's no one within the Union who can challenge you. So, what brings you to seek the Lu Family's assistance?"    

Lu He was skeptical, finding too many inconsistencies in Luo Changkong's story to take it at face value.    

He was cautious by nature, wary of hidden dangers. If Luo Changkong's visit was a ruse orchestrated by the Luo Water Merchant Union and the Ning Family, any hasty action by the Lu Family could lead to disastrous consequences.    

"The reason is Luo Wuji's return to the Luo Water Merchant Union," Luo Changkong explained, taking a measured breath. "He has ascended to the eighth-grade Heaven Immortal Realm, matching my own strength."    

He continued with a grave tone, "Moreover, Luo Qing'er has somehow enlisted a mysterious prodigy named Peter Parker, a Fourth Stage True Immortal. With him, I could be taken down by a ninth-grade True Immortal without warning."    

"Peter Parker?" Lu He's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of a name he knew all too well. "Elder Luo, are you saying that Luo Qing'er has someone named Peter Parker at her side?"