I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

Outside Tingzhu Xiaozhu, the barrier light screen trembled violently, emitting a muffled hum. Three figures stood in mid-air, their auras emanating without any concealment. They were all at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment, and one of them was already at the peak of the eighth level, just one step away from the ninth level.

The leader was a tall, burly, bald man with a face full of scars. He wielded a massive axe the size of a door panel, its blade gleaming coldly, exuding a fierce aura. He was swinging the axe, hacking at the protective barrier of Bamboo Pavilion with each powerful strike, causing ripples to appear in the barrier's light screen, which flickered erratically.

"Lu Zhao! Get out here! What kind of skill is it to hide in a turtle shell?" The bald, burly man roared in a deep voice as he slashed, his voice shaking the surrounding area and attracting many disciples to stop and watch, pointing and whispering.

"That's right! You surnamed Lu, you have the guts to offend Senior Brother Qin, but not the guts to show your face? You're such a coward, do you even deserve to be an inner disciple of the Diyuan Sect?" A thin cultivator with a pointed mouth and monkey-like cheeks, holding a pair of water-splitting daggers, chimed in with a sarcastic tone.

The third person was a pockmarked cultivator with a gloomy face, holding a black mourning staff with several small bells hanging from its head, which jingled in the wind, disturbing the mind. Although he did not speak, his eyes were cold and he stared intently into the barrier, his mourning staff poised to strike.

"It's the Xiong family's three villains! What are they doing here?"

"These three are Qin Wuyai's lackeys, notoriously ruthless, and specialize in doing dirty and tiring work."

"I heard that Lu Zhao humiliated Qin Wuyai at the exchange meeting, and Qin Wuyai has sent someone to settle the score!"

"Isn't Lu Zhao only at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment? These three are all veterans at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment. When they join forces, they dare to fight even a ninth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator. Lu Zhao is probably in trouble."

"Not necessarily. Haven't you heard? Lu Zhao was able to kill a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Netherworld Sect in the Fallen Dragon Abyss. Although he might have relied on external forces or luck, he was still no ordinary person."

"Hmph, you believe rumors? I think it's just an exaggeration. The three fierce men of the Xiong family are not to be trifled with, especially the eldest brother, Xiong. He has superb martial arts skills and immense strength, making him difficult to harm with ordinary magical weapons."

The disciples watching were discussing among themselves, most of them not optimistic about Lu Zhao. After all, the three fierce members of the Xiong family were notorious, and they were working together. Although Lu Zhao was a "prominent figure", he had only been a disciple for a short time and his cultivation was "only" at the eighth level of the Foundation Establishment stage (they did not know that Lu Zhao had already broken through), and he was alone.

Within the restricted area, Lu Zhao remained calm, but his eyes were icy cold. He recognized these three men; they were recorded in the jade slip Ye Qingyi had given him. The bald, burly man was the eldest, Xiong Li, who cultivated the "Mountain-Shaking Technique," possessing immense strength and a formidable physique. The one with the pointed mouth and monkey-like cheeks was the second, Hou San, whose movements were unpredictable and who excelled at sneak attacks. The pockmarked cultivator was the third, Yin Jiu (who shared the same surname as Yin Jiuyou, but was not the same person), who practiced evil arts, wielding a mourning staff capable of captivating the soul and emitting sonic attacks. The three were inseparable, working in perfect harmony, and were quite infamous among the lower-level disciples of the inner sect, serving as Qin Wuyai's trusted henchmen.

"It seems Qin Wuyai can't wait for the selection battle and wants to use these dogs to test me first, or perhaps, cripple me outright?" Lu Zhao sneered inwardly. Their blatant attack on his cave's protective barriers was a serious violation of the sect rules, tantamount to provocation. The Enforcement Hall always dealt with such behavior severely. But these three dared to act so brazenly; they must have something to rely on. Either Qin Wuyai had given them sufficient benefits and promises, or they had calculated that Lu Zhao wouldn't dare to kill them, or that the Enforcement Hall was temporarily too busy to deal with the situation.

"Since you've delivered yourself to my doorstep, I'll use you to establish my authority!" A cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. He hadn't wanted to cause trouble before the selection, but the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease. Since trouble had come knocking, he would use swift and decisive action to swat these flies! He would also show those who were secretly watching that he, Lu Zhao, was not a soft persimmon to be toyed with!

With a crisp "crack!", the protective barrier of Tingzhu Xiaozhu finally gave way under Xiong Li's continuous slashing. The light screen shattered and dissipated into specks of spiritual light. This barrier was merely a basic protection provided by the sect to its inner disciples. It was not particularly strong and was mainly used for early warning and concealment. How could it withstand the brute force of an eighth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator?

"The barrier is broken! Lu Zhao, where do you think you can hide now!" Hou Sanjian laughed and, together with Xiong Li and Yin Jiu, rushed into the courtyard.

However, the courtyard was empty. Only the rustling of bamboo leaves and the gentle breeze could be heard.

"Huh? Where did they go? Did they run away in fright?" Xiong Li was taken aback, brandishing his giant axe and looking around warily.

"Big brother, be careful! He might be hiding inside the house, or he might have used a concealment talisman!" Hou San shouted, raising the Water-Splitting Dagger in his hand, and two beams of cold blue light shot towards the doors and windows of the main house.

"Bang!" A flash of cold light struck the doors and windows, but it vanished without a trace, like a stone thrown into the sea. The main house's doors and windows remained completely intact, without even a scratch.

"No! It's an array!" Yin Jiu's expression changed, and he slammed his mourning staff down. "Ding-a-ling!" A rapid ringing sound rang out, and invisible sound waves spread out from him, sweeping across every inch of the courtyard.

However, no abnormalities were observed where the sound waves passed.

"You're playing tricks! Come out here!" Xiong Li, impatient, swung his giant axe, ready to split the main house open.

Just then, a detached voice suddenly rang out behind him: "Are you looking for me?"

Xiong Li's hair stood on end. Without thinking, he swung his axe backward! However, the axe struck nothing. There was nothing behind him but air.

"Up there!" Hou San screamed, and the Water-Splitting Thorn transformed into two venomous snakes, piercing straight into the roof.

On the rooftop, Lu Zhao's figure flashed by and disappeared again.

"Illusion? Or movement technique?" Yin Jiu's face was gloomy. He shook the mourning staff in his hand rapidly, and the sound of the bell became sharp and piercing, trying to disturb Lu Zhao's mind and force him to show himself.

However, Lu Zhao's figure was like a ghost, appearing and disappearing unpredictably in the courtyard. This was his newly cultivated "Phantom Escape Technique." Although it was not yet fully mastered, combined with his keen perception of the environment and his divine sense far exceeding that of his peers, it was more than enough to toy with these three people.

"You coward! All you do is hide and hide? Do you dare to come out and fight your grandfather for three hundred rounds!" Xiong Li roared angrily, hacking wildly with his giant axe, smashing the stone table and benches in the courtyard to pieces, and sending bamboo leaves flying everywhere.

"As you wish."

Before he finished speaking, the air beside Xiong Li distorted slightly, and Lu Zhao's figure suddenly appeared, less than ten feet away from him! He had no weapon in his hand, and simply threw a punch!

This punch was devoid of any frills, dazzling light, or earth-shattering momentum; it was pure power and extreme speed! As the punch landed, the air was compressed, producing a deep, explosive sound!

Xiong Li, a veteran of countless battles, remained calm despite his initial shock. With a roar, an earthy-yellow spiritual light surged from his body, his muscles bulging instantly, straining his robes. He swung his axe in a backhand slash, aiming for Lu Zhao's waist and abdomen! He was actually planning to trade injury for injury! He was extremely confident in his physical defense and strength!

However, in the next instant, his confidence turned into horror.

Lu Zhao's fist, though launched later, struck first, landing solidly on his chest before Lu Zhao's giant axe could hit him!

"Bang!!!"

A deep, resounding thud, like the thunder of a drum! The layer of earth-yellow protective aura around Xiong Li shattered instantly, as if made of paper! Immediately afterward, his chest, which he was so proud of and which was comparable to a mid-grade defensive magic weapon, visibly caved in from the point where the fist landed!

"Crack!" A clear sound of bone breaking rang out.

"Pfft—!" Xiong Li's eyes bulged out, and he spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with fragments of internal organs. He was sent flying backward like a cannonball, as if he had been hit by an ancient beast. He crashed through several green bamboos and finally slammed heavily against the courtyard wall, creating a human-shaped dent in the thick bluestone wall. He then slid down and collapsed to the ground, unconscious. His chest was a bloody mess, and he was barely breathing.

One punch! Just one punch! Xiong Li, a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator at the eighth level, known for his powerful physique and immense strength, was severely injured and on the verge of death!

Silence! Deathly silence!

The sinister smiles on Hou San and Yin Jiu's faces froze instantly, replaced by boundless terror and horror! They hadn't even seen how Lu Zhao threw the punch! They only saw Xiong Li fly out like a broken sack!

The surrounding disciples were all dumbfounded and speechless. Everyone was stunned by this domineering and devastating punch!

Xiong Li, a peak Foundation Establishment level 8 cultivator, was actually killed instantly by Lu Zhao, also at the Foundation Establishment level 8, with a single punch?! How is this possible?! Even a Foundation Establishment level 9 cultivator might not be able to do it so cleanly and decisively!

Lu Zhao slowly withdrew his fist, his expression calm, as if he had only done something insignificant. He turned his gaze to the stunned Hou San and Yin Jiu, and said indifferently, "It's your turn."

"Run!" Hou San and Yin Jiu were terrified, no longer daring to fight. They exchanged a glance, then turned and fled in two different directions for their lives! They had only one thought now—escape! Get as far away from this monster as possible!

"Trying to leave now? Too late." Lu Zhao's voice, like a ghost, rang in their ears at the same time.

His figure blurred, appearing beside Hou San as if by teleportation. He delivered a simple punch, aimed at Hou San's back. Hou San was terrified, letting out a scream as he thrust his Water-Splitting Dagger backward. Simultaneously, a layer of azure light rose around him, blurring his form as he attempted to use a water-escape technique.

However, in the face of absolute speed and power, all struggles are futile.

Lu Zhao's fist ignored the Water Splitter and the light blue shield, piercing straight through and imprinting itself on Hou San's back.

"Pfft!" Hou San burst like a punctured balloon. His protective shield shattered, blood gushed from his mouth, and his spine made a teeth-grinding cracking sound. His body fell to the ground like a kite with a broken string, convulsing all over. It was clear that he was going to die.

On the other side, Yin Jiu was terrified when he heard Hou San's screams. He used all his strength to shake the mourning staff wildly, emitting an extremely piercing demonic sound. At the same time, he spat out a mouthful of blood essence onto the staff, and the small bells on the staff head shone with dark light. Several ferocious ghost shadows flew out and pounced on Lu Zhao, who was chasing after him, trying to stop him.

Lu Zhao frowned slightly. This ghostly figure seemed to be able to erode his soul, making him feel slightly uncomfortable. But his will was unwavering. With a slight movement of the sword intent of annihilation in his sea of ​​consciousness, the discomfort instantly dissipated. He pointed his fingers like a sword, a gray light flashing at the tip, and gently pointed out.

"Swoosh!" A thin, gray sword aura shot out, silent and swift as lightning.

The hideous ghostly figures, upon touching the gray sword energy, melted away like ice and snow, emitting mournful screams before vanishing instantly. The gray sword energy, undeterred, pierced through Yin Jiu's brow in his horrified gaze.

Yin Jiu's charging figure suddenly froze, the light in his eyes quickly dimmed, and the mourning staff in his hand clattered to the ground. He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but no sound came out. He fell backward, lifeless.

A single red mark between his eyebrows spread rapidly, and his soul was annihilated.

From the moment Lu Zhao appeared to the moment two of the three Xiong family members died and one was seriously injured, the entire process took only a few breaths!

The courtyard was a mess. Xiong Li lay slumped against the wall, his life hanging in the balance. Hou San lay on the ground, his breath faint. Yin Jiu lay sprawled on the ground, dead. Only Lu Zhao, still dressed in his blue robe, stood calmly in place, as if he had merely swatted three flies.

A deathly silence fell over the surroundings. All the disciples watching held their breath, staring at Lu Zhao with terror, as if he were a monster. That seemingly ordinary punch and finger strike, in their eyes, was more terrifying than any earth-shattering spell!

"Hiss—!" After a long while, someone finally gasped, breaking the silence.

"One punch... just one punch... my god!"

"Hou San and Yin Jiu are dead too?!"

"This...this is really the eighth level of Foundation Establishment?!"

"Wasn't it said that he was lucky in the Fallen Dragon Abyss? This strength... it's probably not even that great, even a Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn't be much stronger!"

"Ruthless! Absolutely ruthless! The three ruthless Xiong family members, are they really finished just like that?"

"Lu Zhao... how... how dare he use such force? This is within the sect!"

"It was the three thugs of the Xiong clan who attacked his cave first, violating the sect rules! Senior Brother Lu was merely acting in self-defense!"

"But...this is too heavy-handed! Fighting among fellow disciples is a grave crime!"

"Hmph, the three Xiong scoundrels have committed countless evil deeds and deserve to die! Senior Brother Lu is ridding the people of a scourge!"

"Look! The people from the Enforcement Hall are here!"

In the distance, several streaks of light flew rapidly towards them; they were disciples of the Enforcement Hall. The one in the lead was none other than Lin Tian, ​​whom he had met once before.

Lin Tian landed with several enforcement disciples, and upon seeing the scene in the courtyard, his pupils contracted, and a look of shock appeared on his face. He had received a report from his disciples that someone had attacked Lu Zhao's cave, and immediately led his men to the scene, but he hadn't expected to be a step too late. The battle had ended far too quickly!

He quickly scanned the scene, seeing Xiong Li and Hou San, their fates unknown, and Yin Jiu, dead with a single red mark between his brows. His eye twitched involuntarily. Such ruthless methods! Such formidable strength!

Lin Tian looked at Lu Zhao and said in a deep voice, "Junior Brother Lu, what's going on?"

Lu Zhao bowed respectfully and calmly recounted the events, from how the three Xiong thugs breached the barrier and verbally provoked him, to how he was forced to defend himself, ultimately "mishandling" and severely injuring Xiong Li and Hou San, and killing Yin Jiu. His words were concise, clear, and without omission.

"Senior Brother Lin, these three attacked my cave without provocation, with malicious intent. I was forced to defend myself, and my actions inevitably went awry. I beg Senior Brother Lin to investigate thoroughly," Lu Zhao said finally, his tone neither humble nor arrogant.

Lin Tian frowned. Lu Zhao's words largely matched the descriptions of some of the bolder disciples who hadn't yet dispersed. It was indeed the three fierce members of the Xiong clan who had provoked him first, and their attack was ruthless. Lu Zhao's counterattack was understandable, both morally and logically. However, the force of this counterattack… was a bit too great. One dead and two seriously injured—this "accident" was rather excessive.

He walked over to Xiong Li and Hou San, examined their injuries, and his expression grew even more grave. Xiong Li's sternum was shattered, and his internal organs were severely damaged. Even if he were saved, his cultivation would be mostly destroyed, and his path to immortality would be severed. Hou San's spine was broken, and his cultivation was similarly destroyed. Yin Jiu was even more directly affected; his soul and spirit were completely annihilated, and he was beyond dead.

"Carry the injured away for treatment and collect the bodies." Lin Tian waved his hand and instructed the disciples behind him. Then he looked at Lu Zhao, pondered for a moment, and said, "Junior Brother Lu, although the other party provoked us first, you went too far, resulting in the death of one fellow disciple and the crippling of two others. According to the sect rules, you must also be investigated. Before the matter is clarified, please wait quietly in your cave and do not go out for the time being. Once we have found out the truth, we will report to the elders for their decision."

This means he's being placed under house arrest. However, Lin Tian's decision is fair. After all, someone has died, and there has to be a procedure to follow.

Lu Zhao nodded: "I will leave everything to Senior Brother Lin's arrangements. I believe the Enforcement Hall will handle this impartially."

"Hmm." Lin Tian gave Lu Zhao a deep look. This young man is decisive and ruthless, his strength is unfathomable, and his actions are always reasonable and well-founded, leaving no room for criticism. He is definitely not someone to be underestimated. It seems that the inner sect is about to undergo a major upheaval.

"Clean this place up. Junior Brother Lu, please return to your cave to rest." After Lin Tian finished speaking, he led the enforcement disciples to carry away Xiong Li's "corpse" and the unconscious Hou San, and then collected Yin Jiu's body before quickly leaving Tingzhu Xiaozhu.

The disciples who had been watching gradually dispersed. But as they left, their gazes toward Lu Zhao were filled with awe, fear, and deep apprehension.

Lu Zhao single-handedly fought three veteran Foundation Establishment Level 8 cultivators, killing one and seriously injuring the other with a single punch and finger strike! Such a feat and such ruthless methods instantly spread throughout the entire inner sect!

Everyone realized that Lu Zhao, the newly promoted inner disciple, was no lucky fellow, but a powerful and ruthless killer! Qin Wuyai had really bitten off more than he could chew this time!

The area in front of Tingzhu Xiaozhu quickly returned to calm, leaving only a mess that told the story of the brief but intense battle that had just taken place.

Lu Zhao stood in the courtyard, gazing in the direction where the three Xiong villains had disappeared, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"The effect of establishing his authority has been achieved," he thought to himself. After this incident, those nobodies should dare not harass him again. But the real trouble had only just begun. Qin Wuyai had suffered such a great loss and lost a capable subordinate; he would never let it go easily. As for the Enforcement Hall, although Lin Tian seemed fair, this matter involved fratricide, and the sect rules were strict; how it would ultimately be decided was still uncertain. That Golden Core elder from the Qin family would likely exert pressure as well.

However, Lu Zhao had no regrets. On the path of cultivation, one either advances or regresses, one either fights or perishes. Blindly yielding will only encourage others to take advantage. Since trouble has come knocking, then he will nip it in the bud with swift and decisive action! As for the consequences… he'll deal with whatever comes his way.

"Strength is the foundation of everything." Lu Zhao clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him. With his Foundation Establishment Ninth Level cultivation and the initial mastery of the "Nine Dragons Qi Control Technique," his physical body, spiritual power, and divine soul had all reached new heights. He was confident that even against Qin Wuyai, a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator, he could put up a fight! Even... defeat him!

"The selection battle... I'll be waiting for you, Qin Wuyai." A cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes as he turned and walked back to the meditation room. The protective barrier had been destroyed and needed to be reset. However, after the battle just now, no one should dare to provoke him again for a while.

He wanted to use these last few days to consolidate his cultivation, familiarize himself with his surging power, and adjust his condition to its best to prepare for the upcoming inner sect selection!

The news that Lu Zhao killed Yin Jiu with a single punch and severely injured Xiong Lihou San swept through the entire inner sect of the Diyuan Sect like a whirlwind, causing a huge uproar!