Fantasy: After transmigrating, I effortlessly became a god.

Chapter 426 The Number One Genius in the Southern Region

Yun Youzi's slaying of the Demon Saint General Lie Yuchen and his knockback of five Demon Saints with a single punch gave Zheng Qian a general assessment of his cheap master's strength.

Unrivaled within his realm, that perfectly describes Yun Youzi. He broke through to the Pseudo-God realm only to have his true core shattered by a hunting party, halting his cultivation. Yet, he still managed to slay Lie Yuchen, a second-tier Demon Saint—equivalent to a second-tier Pseudo-God. Yun Youzi's achievement today is a cross-realm slaying of a powerful enemy.

Watching Yun Youzi and Lie Yuchen's battle this time broadened Zheng Qian's perspective. The ten-mile-long flames, the fist wind that shattered the void, and the teleportation that ignored space all brought about a great change to Zheng Qian's martial arts training and fighting style.

Yun Youzi waved, and Lie Yuchen's massive corpse vanished, disappearing into the sky along with Zhao Nuo and Xiao Zhi. Their battle was known only to a few pseudo-god-level experts; only Zheng Qian witnessed Lie Yuchen's slaying. However, news of Lie Yuchen's death at Yun Youzi's hands would soon spread throughout the Youfeng Rift Valley.

Zheng Qian and his apprentice accomplished two major feats upon arriving at Youfeng Rift Valley. Zheng Qian single-handedly initiated a gate-blocking battle, which lasted for four days. Yun Youzi engaged in a one-on-one duel with Lie Yuchen, the strongest warrior at Huaxu Cliff Fortress, and defeated him in just a few moves, dissipating his soul and even taking his corpse back to refine pills.

Feng Ying followed Zheng Qian's gaze and saw blue sky and white clouds, but Zheng Qian's eyes were complicated and his expression was interesting, as if he had seen something extraordinary. He asked in confusion, "Zheng Qian, what are you looking at?"

Zheng Qian took a deep breath: "Watch my master kill Lie Yuchen."

"What? Senior Yun killed Demon Saint General Lie Yuchen?" Feng Yingte shouted in disbelief, then looked up at the sky: "Where? Where? A battle at their level is a guiding light for our growth. Being able to see it is an extremely rare opportunity."

"Is that so?" Zheng Qian grinned and said slowly, "It's over. Lie Yuchen has been killed."

"Lie Yuchen has been killed?" Feng Yingte's voice was loud, and Li Zun and the others were excited when they heard it.

"Grandmaster killed Lie Yuchen? That's too arrogant!" Li Zun's mouth dropped open; he too couldn't believe that Yun Youzi had killed Lie Yuchen.

Three hundred years ago, wasn't your true core shattered, preventing you from making any further progress in your cultivation? How can you kill Lie Yuchen, a second-level Demon Saint, now?

"Hehe, my master is the strongest." Zheng Qian's eyes were filled with pride and admiration.

The news of Yun Youzi killing Lie Yuchen quickly spread throughout Youfeng Rift from the mouths of the high-ranking members of the Dawn Barrier and Feng Yingte.

No one expected that Feng Yingte, this prodigy of the Wind Beast Clan, would be such a big mouth.

"My God, are they the strongest master and disciple in history? The disciple started the gate-blocking battle all by himself and successfully blocked the gate for four days. The master killed the Demon Saint General of Huaxu Cliff Fortress on the second day. Is there anything more explosive than this?"

"If you knew who killed Lie Yuchen, you wouldn't say that."

"who is it?"

"The Wanderer of the Clouds from three hundred years ago, a god-like figure whose portrait hangs on the tower, a man of unparalleled cunning."

"Hiss... So it was the Space Madman. No wonder his disciple Zheng Qian was able to start the gate-blocking battle. A monstrous disciple is naturally even more monstrous. The master and disciple have been full of surprises since they arrived at the Ghost Wind Rift Valley. It's so awesome."

The humans were filled with amazement and celebration, but the three-race alliance was shrouded in gloom.

"I heard that all the geniuses at the Transformation Realm of Huaxu Cliff have avoided the battle because Zheng Qian is too strong, and no one is confident that they can defeat him."

"Sigh, what's the point of fighting? He even killed Shadow Demon, who can beat him? You know, he's only at the Dragon Transformation Realm."

"Have you heard? Zheng Qian's master, Space Mad Blade, killed Lie Yuchen, the great general of Huaxu Cliff Fortress, today. All the demon saints from our fortress have gone to attend the funeral."

"Holy crap, is this for real? The Demon Saint General has been killed? This is an absolute disaster!"

Huaxu Cliff Fortress, a magnificent fortress that has stood for countless years, has witnessed the rise and fall of countless demon races. But today, this fortress is shrouded in unprecedented sorrow, because its strongest, highest leader, the Demon Saint General Lie Yucheng, has fallen at the hands of Yun Youzi.

Lie Yucheng, a name that resounds throughout the Demon Realm, is the pride of the Flaming Leopard Clan and the guardian of the entire Void Transformation Cliff Fortress. His life is full of legendary stories, rising from an ordinary leopard warrior to a Demon Saint General. He used his strength and wisdom to protect this land, earning the respect of countless demons.

However, fate is always unpredictable. Just today, a wandering soul who should have been dead for three hundred years suddenly appeared at the Huaxu Cliff Fortress, challenging Lie Yuchen to a duel. Although Lie Yuchen was powerful, under the spatial laws of the wandering soul, he ultimately could not escape his fate of death.

The fall of Lie Yucheng was undoubtedly a huge disaster for the Huaxu Cliff Fortress. His body was taken away by Yun Youzi, and even his demon core was extracted for alchemy. This was not only an insult to Lie Yucheng personally, but also a provocation to the entire Huaxu Cliff Fortress.

The news sent shockwaves throughout the entire Ghost Wind Rift Valley. The demon races of Ghost Wind Rift Valley mobilized to hold a grand funeral for Lie Yuchen. Powerful members of the three major demon races—the Yuren, the Youying Snake, and the Lieyan Leopard—gathered to mourn this former Demon Saint General.

The Yu Ren race, a mysterious and ancient powerful demon race. At Lie Yuchen's funeral, the Yu Ren warriors, dressed in long black robes and wearing tall pointed hats, wore solemn expressions. They surrounded Lie Yuchen's statue, softly chanting ancient dirges, their voices filled with remembrance and reverence for him.

"Great Demon Saint General, your heroic spirit will live forever between heaven and earth. Your courage and wisdom will forever inspire us to move forward. May your soul rest in peace, and may your glory endure forever."

The Shadow Serpent Clan, a demon race known for its assassination, selfishness, cold-bloodedness, and deadly venom. They excel at concealment and their attacks are swift and deadly. At Lie Yucheng's funeral, the powerful members of the Shadow Serpent Clan, clad in tight-fitting black leather armor and wielding sharp daggers, stood silently around the statue. Their eyes were filled with remembrance and reverence for Lie Yucheng.

"Great General Demon Saint, your bravery and courage are deeply admired by us. Your sacrifice will be forever engraved in our hearts. May your soul rest in another world, and may your glory illuminate our path forward."

The Flaming Leopard Clan, members of Lie Yucheng's tribe. They possess powerful fire-based soul techniques and agile movements, making them a force to be reckoned with in the Demon Realm. At Lie Yucheng's funeral, the powerful members of the Flaming Leopard Clan, clad in red armor and wielding long muskets, stood with eyes flashing with furious rage. Their hearts were filled with grief for Lie Yucheng and hatred for Yun Youzi.

"Great Demon Saint General, your fall has broken our hearts. Your courage and wisdom will forever inspire us to fight for the glory of the Flaming Leopard Clan. We swear to avenge you and make Yun Youzi pay the price!"

The powerful members of the Flame Leopard Clan roared as they aimed their muskets at the sky, unleashing brilliant streams of soul-infused flames. These flames intertwined in the air, forming a massive net of fire to send off Lie Yucheng's soul.

At the funeral, the powerful figures of the three races jointly mourned Lie Yuchen's bravery and sacrifice. They expressed their respect and remembrance for Lie Yuchen in their own ways.

Standing atop the Dawn Barrier, Zheng Qian could see the flames emanating from the Blazing Leopard Clan, and his gratitude towards Yun Youzi reached its peak. He didn't know the consequences of killing Lie Yuchen; he only knew that Yun Youzi needed Lie Yuchen's demon core to refine the Spirit Aperture Strengthening Pill for him, so he sent Zheng Qian to provoke them and then challenge Lie Yuchen to a duel.

Lie Yuchen didn't leave the Huaxu Cliff Fortress. Relying on the fortress's defensive formation, Yun Youzi would have to use some methods to capture him. Unexpectedly, Lie Yuchen was so confident that he flew into space to deliver a demon core to Yun Youzi.

"What a good person!" Zheng Qian exclaimed. Lie Yuchen was truly a good person; he had actually traveled a hundred miles to deliver a demon core just for his elixir.

Days passed in this way, and three days later, all four brothers sent out by Yun Youzi returned to Dawn Fortress, bringing with them materials for refining elixirs.

"Boss, there's too much to do in the army. I'll come to Youfeng Rift Valley to have a drink with you when I have some free time." After Qin Yifeng finished speaking, a pair of burning wings sprouted from his back, emitting brilliant streaks of light in the air, before disappearing into Youfeng Rift Valley.

"Brothers, I'm entrusting Zheng Qian to you for the next ten days." Yun Youzi was also leaving; he was going to find his connections to refine the Spirit Aperture Strengthening Pill for Zheng Qian.

"Don't worry, we have a few old brothers here, he'll be fine," Xiao Zhi said with a smile. "We won't let him go to the battlefield until you come back."

"Yes, Lao Diao, your precious apprentice is very steady, you can rest assured." Feng Xingyun's calmness towards Zheng Qian was summed up in one word: steady.

"Haha, Wanderer, where are you going?" A hearty voice came from the horizon. The newcomer had a wine gourd hanging from his waist, his hair was messy, his face was red, and he looked drunk.

"Eastern Gambling King, are you drunk again?" Yun Youzi squinted, not expecting that Eastern Gambling King would arrive just as he was about to leave.

"No...no, absolutely not." Dongfang Gambling King hiccuped and shook his head, saying, "I, Dongfang Gambling King, have drunk countless fine wines in my life, and I have never been drunk even once."

"Alright, I'm going out for ten days to refine pills for Zheng Qian. During these ten days, you must protect Zheng Qian well." Yun Youzi was still worried and instructed Dongfang Duba to keep an eye on Zheng Qian.

"Don't worry, even if you go for ten years, let alone ten, it's completely... completely no problem." The Eastern Gambling King was truly drunk, his face red and his neck thick, and he could barely stand on his feet.

"Who is this?" Xiao Zhi looked at Dongfang the Gambler with suspicion. Despite his drunken appearance, he was actually a pseudo-god-level expert.

"Me? I am Zheng Qian's protector, the Eastern Gambling Tycoon." The Eastern Gambling Tycoon let out another hiccup, his chest thumping loudly.

Xiao Zhi smiled: "So you are Zheng Qian's protector. It's a pleasure to meet you."

This guy is drunk, clearly an alcoholic. People like that are unreliable. That was Xiao Zhi's first impression. He didn't have much of a liking for the Eastern Gambling King because he disliked drunk people, believing they were prone to making mistakes.

"Take good care of Zheng Qian. I'll be back in ten days." After saying this, Yun Youzi disappeared from the spot and reappeared behind Zheng Qian.

"I'm going away for ten days. During these ten days, you must not leave the Dawn Barrier, and you must not accept any challenges from the demon race. With Lie Yuchen's death, the three races will make a big move. You must not go out. Go to the Seeking Tower to cultivate in seclusion, and consolidate your realm. When I return, you will break through to the Liquid Aperture Realm."

"Yes, Master." Zheng Qian knew that with Lie Yuchen's death, the demon race would definitely make a big move. However, he was just a junior in the Dragon Transformation Realm, and there was nothing he could do about the demon race's actions, so he wasn't worried.

"The Eastern Gambling King is here. I've arranged for him to protect you closely. Remember, don't leave the Tower of Stratagems. Wait for me to return." Yun Youzi reminded Zheng Qian again before disappearing into the Ghostly Wind Rift Valley.

With Lie Yucheng dead and Yun Youzi gone, Zheng Qian didn't feel much crisis. Both the Radiant Legion and the Strategic Alliance were very friendly to him. He believed that whatever happened, they would face it together.

Zheng Qian moved to Mouta again, at Yun Youzi's request, as well as Xiao Zhi's request.

The geniuses of the Dongfang family arrived. Dongfang Yifeng was as handsome as ever. Upon seeing Zheng Qian, he gave him a bear hug: "Zheng Qian, our Dongfang family's ancestor sent someone to be stationed in Anshi Kingdom. Their military industrial capacity will increase at least tenfold within five years. The other fifty countries are also developing vigorously. When you go back, you will discover a different fifty countries."

Zheng Qian punched Dongfang Yifeng: "I didn't expect you to not hold a grudge against me and to be so supportive. Thank you!"

"Hehe, we're brothers, we became friends through fighting, no need to thank me." Dongfang Yifeng laughed happily. He had already heard about Zheng Qian's four-day gate-blocking battle, which made him admire him immensely.

"By the way, I want to introduce you to someone." After saying that, Dongfang Yifeng called out to the outside, "Uncle, come in quickly, I'll introduce Zheng Qian to you."

Outside the gates of the Tower of Martial Arts, a figure walked in with his back to the sunlight. His short, jet-black hair stood upright, as if tempered by lightning, radiating a faint sheen. His skin, reflected in the lightning, appeared translucent like jade, yet also revealed a resilient and unyielding strength. He wore a purple, form-fitting outfit embroidered with intricate lightning patterns; with his movements, a faint rumble of thunder seemed to echo, perfectly complementing his aura.

"Zheng Qian, this is my uncle, Dongfang Honglei." Dongfang Yifeng introduced Dongfang Honglei with a face full of pride.

Dongfang Honglei, one of the seven great prodigies of the Southern Region, caused a sensation in the Dongfang family at birth and became famous throughout the Southern Region because he is a rare lightning-attribute soul palace. It is said that he is now at the mid-stage of the Soul King realm, which is extremely powerful.

"I've long admired your name!" Zheng Qian took the initiative to bow. Dongfang Honglei was one of the seven great prodigies alongside Li Mingneng, and must possess extraordinary abilities, which were worthy of Zheng Qian's respect.

"Zheng Qian".

Dongfang Honglei called Zheng Qian by his name directly, then looked him up and down with a scrutinizing gaze, leaving Zheng Qian completely bewildered.

Dude, you're not here to cause trouble, are you?

Dongfang Honglei grinned and said loudly, "Not bad, he deserves the title of the number one genius in the Southern Region."