The Great Overlord: Simulating the Future, Dominating Speedrunning

Chapter 235 The Three Women's Joint Trial: Meeting the Martial Ancestor and Reuniting with Lin Jing!

"Propose marriage?"

Everyone in the hall was taken aback upon hearing this and looked at each other in bewilderment.

Lu Chen coughed lightly and said calmly, "Let's do as Senior Sister says, everyone, go together."

He then turned towards the outside of the hall: "Sister Tang Bing."

As the beautiful figure appeared at the palace gate, he continued to give instructions: "Prepare a scroll of the sacred-grade array diagram, the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Diagram; a peerless immortal-grade sacred artifact, the Xuan Tian Mirror; a method for refining the Eight-Part Pagoda; and three top-tier peerless divine abilities..."

With each betrothal gift announced, the expressions of the people in the hall became more interesting. When it came to "five thousand catties of each of the eight elemental spirit objects," even Mandala couldn't help but widen her eyes.

"..."

After all twenty-odd betrothal gifts had been announced, the hall was completely silent. Lu Chen waved his sleeve lightly: "We will depart for the Martial Realm in three days. Go and prepare."

The people in the hall seemed to snap out of their daze, rising to pay their respects. However, the shock in their eyes was impossible to conceal. Several elders were so astonished that they nearly knocked over the tables in front of them as they rose.

"I will obey the Alliance Leader's command."

The resounding responses echoed throughout the hall, but could not conceal the turmoil in everyone's hearts.

This is no ordinary marriage proposal! It's clearly an act that will shake the entire world!

The group exchanged glances, each secretly wondering which noble lady from the Martial Realm the Alliance Leader was planning to marry, given his current status. Why was he making such a grand display?

……

Half a month later,

In the southernmost region of the universe, the Martial Realm.

This is a vast blue continent, which lies quietly in the sea of ​​clouds like an ancient giant rock.

The entire continent was covered in lush vegetation, with sheer cliffs on all sides, as if carved by a knife and axe, and ancient, obscure array patterns engraved on the rock walls. These array patterns occasionally emitted a faint light, intertwining in the sky to form an invisible canopy that enveloped the entire continent.

The sea of ​​clouds rolls under your feet, sometimes like surging waves, sometimes like swirling gauze, making this continent even more mysterious.

"clang--"

Suddenly, a vast, ancient bell tolled from the depths of the continent. As the bell's sound passed, the sea of ​​clouds parted, and the ancient array patterns on the cliffs lit up with a bluish light.

"Boom!"

Space suddenly distorted, and a thousand-foot-tall spaceship soared into the sky. The nine-colored fire dragon carved on the bow was lifelike, and the eyes of the dragon were inlaid with Lu Chen's unique nine-colored spiritual fire.

The spaceship hovered outside the barrier, and dozens of figures could be faintly seen on the deck—it was the group from the Tianluo Alliance.

Just as the spaceship hovered, the invisible barrier that had enveloped the continent in the sky outside the Martial Realm slowly parted like a curtain.

Hundreds of streaks of light shot out from the Martial Realm, instantly forming an encirclement. The black-armored general at the head of the group, wielding a battle spear, shouted sternly, "Halt! The Martial Realm ahead is the front line against the extraterrestrial evil race. Anyone who trespasses will be killed without mercy!"

"If there is no urgent matter, please leave immediately!"

"Wait a minute."

Before the words were even finished, the space suddenly rippled like water. A white-robed man arrived, his robes fluttering and his long, flowing hair dancing in the wind. His handsome, almost demonic face caused several elders of the Heavenly Net Alliance to momentarily lose their senses.

"Second Master!"

The black-armored guards immediately lowered their spears and saluted, their movements perfectly synchronized.

The white-robed man flicked his sleeves, his gaze falling on the nine-colored fire dragon at the bow of the spaceship, and a slight smile appeared on his lips: "Alliance Leader Tianluo has come from afar; the Martial Realm has failed to greet you properly."

His gaze swept over the mountain of gilded chests piled up on the spaceship, a half-smile on his face: "I wonder what brings Alliance Leader Lu to such a grand spectacle?"

Lu Chen straightened his clothes, cupped his hands and said, "Greetings, Senior Lin Diao. I have come here to fulfill the promise we made years ago."

"Oh? What agreement?"

"Is this happening?"

Lin Diao blinked, and her beautiful, woman-like eyes momentarily stunned the members of the Tianluo Alliance.

"It was Aunt Ling who told me this back then..."

At that moment, Lu Chen recounted the agreement made outside of Dragon Phoenix Heaven.

Lin Diao then revealed a look of sudden realization, "Oh, you're the kid who said 'Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, never underestimate a young man'!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Tianluo Alliance immediately looked at their leader with expressions of amused curiosity.

Lu Chen coughed lightly, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his face, and said with a forced smile, "Please inform Senior Lin Diao that Lu Chen has come to visit and requests Senior Martial Ancestor to fight against him at the same level."

"No need," Lin Diao suddenly shook his head.

"Why?"

“My Jingya…” Lin Diao narrowed his eyes mischievously, “already has someone she likes.”

Lu Chen froze, his expression instantly hardening.

"Alright, little sable."

A clear, cool female voice came from the depths of the martial realm, like a clear spring, "Stop teasing him, Qingtan and Huanhuan are both waiting to see this kid..."

"Yes, sister-in-law."

Lin Diao smiled, cupped his hands in greeting, and turned to lead the way. The owner of that voice was none other than Ling Qingzhu, one of the two matriarchs of the Martial Realm.

……

Within the Martial Realm,

In the center of the continent, dozens of bluish-gray stone palaces rise from the ground. These buildings are not as exquisitely carved as ordinary palaces, but they have their own rugged and majestic beauty.

The Tianluo Alliance group slowly disembarked from the spaceship and, led by Lin Diao, marched towards an extremely spacious bluestone hall.

The group stepped into the main hall.

Inside the main hall sat three women with distinctly different demeanors.

The woman in the center was dressed in a white dress. She was tall and graceful, her face was covered with a light veil, and her smooth, silky black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall. She exuded a cool and otherworldly aura.

The Mistress of the Martial Realm, Ling Qingzhu.

To Ling Qingzhu's left was a woman with long, deep blue hair. Her skin was so white it was almost translucent, as if it could be broken with a touch. However, she exuded boundless coldness, as if capable of freezing everything in the world.

The Mistress of the Martial Realm, Ying Huanhuan.

To Ling Qingzhu's right stood a young woman dressed in a black robe. The edges of the robe were covered with mysterious dark gold patterns, and with every movement, she exuded a subtle yet solemn and noble aura.

Lin Qingtan, Master of the Martial Realm Punishment Hall.

Ling Qingzhu sat upright in the main seat, a slight smile playing on her lips beneath the light veil: "Little one, we meet again." Her gaze was gentle as she carefully examined Lu Chen, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.

"Aunt Ling." Lu Chen quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Ling Qingzhu gently raised her jade-like hand and turned to Lin Diao, saying, "Little Diao, take the other guests to the other courtyard to rest first."

After speaking, her gaze returned to Lu Chen, her eyes revealing a hint of meaning, and she slowly added, "The three of us sisters would like to have a private chat with young friend Lu. There are some things we would like to say that are not suitable for others to be present."

Lin Diao nodded knowingly, then turned and led the Tianluo Alliance members out of the main hall. After they left,

The entire hall fell silent in an instant.

At this moment, Lin Qingtan couldn't contain herself any longer. A playful smile spread across her face, and her big eyes darted around as she looked at Lu Chen and said with a beaming smile, "Hey, kid, call me 'Auntie' so I can hear it..."

"Qingtan..."

Ling Qingzhu shook her head helplessly, glanced at her sideways with an annoyance, and spoke with a hint of reproach in her tone.

Faced with this scene, Lu Chen remained calm and readily complied, calling out "Aunt" without batting an eye.

Upon hearing this address, Lin Qingtan beamed with joy, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, look how sensible and quick-witted this boy is."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Lin Qingtan seemed to have thought of something, her smile widening as she waved her hand dismissively, saying, "I agree to your marriage with our Jing girl!"

"I think there's no time like the present. When are you two going to hold your engagement party? I can't wait to make sure it's a proper celebration."

Ling Qingzhu rolled her eyes at her helplessly, then turned to look at Lu Chen with gentle eyes: "Lu Chen, don't mind her, Qing Tan is just like that, she's always been a bit of a troublemaker. Lin Jing has been spoiled by her since she was little."

"Now that you have come to the Martial Realm, we will naturally do our best to be your hosts."

Ying Huanhuan chimed in with a smile, "Yes, Lu Chen, the Martial Realm is not a place for outsiders. From now on, you can settle down here and just ask if you need anything."

Lu Chen respectfully clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern, elders. It is an honor for me to disturb you here."

Lin Qingtan blinked, then suddenly leaned close to Lu Chen and asked mysteriously, "Hey kid, tell me honestly, how far have things progressed between you and Jingjing? Have you been secretly holding hands?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen paused slightly, and the unforgettable experience in Dragon Phoenix Heaven instantly flashed through his mind.

At that moment, a flood of romantic images rushed into his mind, and he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, subconsciously raising his hand to touch his nose.

"Alright, Qingtan."

Just then, Ling Qingzhu suddenly spoke up to defuse the situation, saying, "Don't make things difficult for the child. When it comes to matters of the heart, just let things take their natural course. Lu Chen, don't be so reserved either; relax a bit while you're in the Martial Realm."

Ying Huanhuan chimed in with a smile, "That's right. In a few days, I'll take you around the Martial Realm so you can really appreciate its charm."

Lin Qingtan winked playfully and chuckled, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Seriously though, Jingjing hasn't bullied you, has she? I watched her grow up. If she dares to bully you, feel free to come and complain to your aunt."

Lu Chen thought to himself, "Does this kind of 'bullying' that's been delivered to my door count?" But on the surface, he replied respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, senior. Lin Jing has treated me very well and has never bullied me."

"We're all family now, why are you being so formal?" Lin Qingtan waved her hand with a smile. "Go find Jingjing, that girl has probably been waiting for you to come."

After Lu Chen left, Ling Qingzhu watched his retreating figure and said softly, "This child has a good temperament and is a good match for Jingjing."

The ice crystals that had formed on Ying Huanhuan's fingertips transformed into a small flower: "The two of you are very much in love, that's wonderful."

"That's natural!"

Lin Qingtan proudly raised her chin, "When has my Jingjing's taste ever been bad?"

She winked mischievously as she spoke, "I'm just waiting to drink their wedding wine."

The three women exchanged smiles, and the hall was instantly filled with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

……

After leaving the main hall,

Led by a martial arts disciple, Lu Chen arrived at a secluded courtyard.

Pushing open the carved wooden door, one sees ancient pines shading the courtyard, but no sign of the Tianluo Alliance members.

"Where are the others in my alliance?" Lu Chen looked around the empty courtyard, his brows furrowing slightly.

The disciple leading the way bowed respectfully: "Reporting to Alliance Leader Lu, this Qing Shi Courtyard was specially prepared for you by the Chief. The other distinguished guests are accommodated in the Ling Yun Villa on the east side."

Seeing that Lu Chen still had doubts, he explained, "When a Saint-grade Heavenly Sovereign cultivates, the throughput of spiritual energy is astonishing, and ordinary courtyard formations cannot support it. Only this Blue Stone Courtyard, based on the 'Devouring Array Pattern' personally carved by the Martial Ancestor, can withstand it."

As he spoke, the disciple pointed to the blue stone platform in the courtyard. The array patterns covering the stone platform gleamed faintly in the sunlight, with the shadowy silhouettes of dragons moving among them.

Lu Chen nodded thoughtfully, "Thank you for your trouble." After a pause, he asked, "Which courtyard does Lin Jing live in?"

"You're looking for the young master?"

The disciple looked surprised, then shook his head and said, "Young Master's whereabouts have always been mysterious. How could we ordinary disciples know?"

"If there is nothing else, I will take my leave now."

Lu Chen nodded in acknowledgment: "Please go ahead."

……

Soon after,

Inside the quiet courtyard.

As night deepened, Lu Chen was meditating and cultivating on the bluestone platform. Suddenly, a gentle breeze swept by, and he abruptly opened his eyes.

"rustle--"

A night breeze rustled through the ancient pine trees in the courtyard, and a fallen leaf swirled as it landed on the stone platform. Lu Chen's gaze sharpened, and he suddenly felt ripples appear in the space behind him.

"Young man, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

A deep voice came from the night. Lu Chen turned around and saw that Martial Ancestor Lin Dong was standing under the moon, carrying two jars of aged wine.

He was dressed in plain robes, and there was no spiritual energy fluctuation around him. At first glance, he looked like an ordinary middle-aged man.

Only his eyes shone like stars, and the occasional glint of light made people realize that the person in front of them was the Martial Ancestor who was famous throughout the world!
"Senior." Lu Chen quickly stood up and bowed.

Lin Dong casually tossed over a jar of wine, tilted his head back, and took a swig: "Back when we first met, you couldn't even beat the Black Dragon Supreme."

A hint of reminiscence flashed in his eyes, "It was I who took care of the Boundless Ancestor for you..."

At this point, Wu Zu suddenly gritted his teeth: "But in the end, not only did you abduct the daughter I raised for eighteen years, but you also took my wife to live in the Great Luo Heaven Domain for a year!"

He slammed his fist on the stone table beside him, shattering it. "You brat, do you think I should beat you up?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen's forehead broke out in a fine sweat. But then Lin Dong suddenly smiled, a smile tinged with relief: "However..."

He shook the wine jar in his hand, the amber liquid shimmering in the moonlight. "You've managed to get even my two stubborn husbands to sing your praises..."

"Tomorrow at the martial arts arena, let me see what you're really made of!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen accepted the wine jar with both hands, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp. The wine, upon entering his throat, transformed into surging spiritual energy that coursed through his meridians. He clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and said solemnly, "It is indeed my wish; I dare not ask!"

Just then, the array patterns on the bluestone platform suddenly shone brightly. Countless rays of spiritual light soared into the air, weaving together images above the two of them—scenes that vividly depicted the moment when the young Lu Chen made his vow outside the Dragon and Phoenix Heaven!

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, never underestimate a young man's potential?" Lin Dong gazed at the scene in the light and shadow, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. "Quite ambitious..."

He suddenly narrowed his eyes: "Sometimes I really wonder if you're that guy surnamed Xiao's illegitimate son." He tilted his head back and took a swig of wine, then shook his head helplessly. "Unfortunately, I fought with him a few times, but that old bastard just wouldn't admit it."

Lin Dong tossed the empty wine jar aside, and his figure began to fade into the distance: "Tomorrow, let me see how much of his skill you've learned."

After the Martial Ancestor's figure completely disappeared, Lu Chen gazed at the empty courtyard and sighed softly, "Girl, all for marrying you..."

The moonlight was suddenly blocked by a shadow. Lu Chen looked up and saw a slender figure that had appeared on the courtyard wall at some point. Lin Jing, dressed in black, sat on the wall, swinging her legs and holding half a peach blossom pastry in her hand: "What? The dignified leader of the Tianluo Alliance, is already backing down?"

(End of this chapter)