C35 The War God's Trial

Three days later, the War God trials commenced.

It was an exceptional occasion, with nearly every family in Longjing meticulously preparing their young disciples for the event.

For the past few years, it had always been Lu Lengshuang who represented the Marquis Yongping Mansion in these trials. With the household's sparse population, she was the only notable figure, being the daughter of the Long Wu Army General.

But today marked a change.

Lu Yu, after paying his respects early in the morning, got ready to leave.

Madame Yurou was full of reminders and cautions, and although his sister Lu Lengshuang wished to accompany him, Lu Yu had to decline. He feared no strategy from the Crown Prince, but he wouldn't risk his family's safety.

Besides, his sister's powers had yet to stabilize, necessitating a period of quiet cultivation.

Clip-clop, clip-clop!

The carriage swiftly departed from the Marquis Yongping Mansion, making its way towards Skydome Mountain beyond the city walls.

"Have they already set their sights on me?"

Seated in the carriage, Lu Yu's keen soul instantly detected several figures stealthily trailing behind. They were cautious, but Lu Yu had effortlessly uncovered their presence.

"You'd all be wise to come at me together, saving me the trouble of hunting you down one by one," Lu Yu muttered, dismissing them from his mind as he closed his eyes to meditate.

The carriage sped along, and in roughly half an hour, it reached the base of Skydome Mountain.

From a distance, the majestic peaks of the mountain rose into the clouds, shrouded in mist, exuding an air of mystery.

"A geomantic formation!"

Lu Yu's gaze sharpened as he immediately discerned the mountain's secrets.

"Using Yin Qi to nourish evil deities—such potent Yin Qi here. I never imagined such a place could exist within a mortal realm," Lu Yu whispered to himself, his wariness heightening.

He had never before visited Skydome Mountain, only heard tales of the powerful Demonic Beasts that roamed and the rare, precious treasures hidden within.

Such machinations were beyond the scope of a mere mortal Crown Prince. This mountain must have always been this way, its true nature unseen by the unenlightened eyes of common folk.

"Marquis Yongping Mansion, arriving!" A ceremonial officer's booming voice suddenly jolted Lu Yu from his reverie.

Drawing back the curtain, he realized they had reached the site of the War God trials.

At the base of the mountain, the Imperial Court had erected a wooden platform, with flags billowing in the breeze.

Seated atop the platform were several of the court's generals, their expressions grave. The War God trials were crucial for selecting talent in Daliang, a matter of the utmost importance.

The mention of Marquis Yongping Mansion drew all eyes in its direction.

Yongping was, after all, the nation's founding hero. Despite the Emperor's deliberate indifference, his prestige in the court remained immense.

Expectations were for the ice beauty, the female general from Marquis Yongping Mansion, to emerge. Instead, out stepped a strikingly handsome young man!

"Lu Yu, how can it be him!?"

"Wasn't he born a simpleton? Why would Marquis Yongping Mansion choose him to represent them?"

"I heard Marquis Yongping Mansion paid a fortune for a Godly Doctor to cure his idiocy. But a fool remains a fool. He's barely at the first level of the Houtian Realm and he's daring to face the War God trials? Isn't he just asking to be beaten to a pulp? Haha!"

Despite the sneers and jeers directed at him, Lu Yu remained unfazed.

"Is the gentleman from Marquis Yongping Mansion?" inquired the official tasked with registration.

"Marquis Yongping Mansion, Lu Yu!" he declared, presenting the manor's token.

The official scrutinized the token, gave a nod of approval, and jotted down the details. He then motioned for Lu Yu to take his place among the others beneath the platform.

The area was crowded with contenders, many robed in the finest silks yet exuding a robust vitality and moving with assured strides—clearly, they were the martially trained scions of affluent families.

Lu Yu's presence sparked a flurry of whispers among those who recognized him, setting off a wave of murmurs.

Lu Yu, however, ignored the chatter completely.

His presence here was driven by one thing alone: to resolve an issue.

"Lu Yu, where's your sister? Did King Wei snatch her up, leaving her unable to leave her bed?" A mocking female voice wafted from behind Lu Yu, laced with sarcasm.