Level Up in Martial World

This meant that the demons and beasts still had strength left, while the human race had only a single expert in Formation and Separation.

But the demons and beasts were in another world, left behind by the mages—how could they even reach the human world?

Lu Zhen contemplated for a long time until red lanterns hung from the ceiling, and beautiful women in thin veils began appearing, gracefully serving the customers with swaying hips.

"Have they turned this place into a brothel?" he wondered, intrigued.

Just then, a woman with pink hair approached him with a seductive smile.

"Young master, would you be willing to spend time with Que'er?" she asked, her voice laced with a pitiful tone.

Lu Zhen glanced at her silently, then turned his head away.

"Young master, please be gentle with Que'er," she murmured shyly, leaning her head against Lu Zhen's muscular arm.

"Get away," Lu Zhen replied in a deep, rough voice.

"Y-Yes, young master," the woman stammered, her face turning pale with fright as she hurriedly left.

As she stepped outside, two women playfully blocked her path.

"I thought Que'er could charm that brute, but it seems her allure is a bit... lacking," said a woman with yellow braids, smirking.

Que'er's face flashed with irritation as she scowled. "If you two are so confident, why don't you try?"

"Forget it. That man looks like a beggar and a brute. Even if he's big down there, it'd be useless," the yellow-haired woman replied with a flustered expression.

Even though Lu Zhen's entire body was concealed beneath a black cloak, with his features completely hidden, there was still an undeniable allure about him that drew others in—even in a place like this.

This was the effect of his charm status, a magnetic appeal that went beyond mere physical attraction. It was a pull that seemed to resonate with the soul, captivating on a deeper level.

Otherwise, there would be no reason for anyone to feel drawn to a man wearing a tattered cloak like a beggar. In ordinary circumstances, they would likely regard him as a suspicious figure and keep their distance, disgusted by such a man.

This is the harsh reality of the world: if you are beautiful or attractive in any way, you naturally receive more advantages than someone who is less so. As they say, "the first impression is the last impression." Whatever people see in you at first glance is often how they will view you indefinitely.

As the brothel was being set up, Lu Zhen remained seated, casually sipping his beer. He had no interest in leaving just yet. Only after fully understanding the situation would he make his move.

Though there were few in this city who could pose a threat to him, Lu Zhen had recently sustained injuries…

"It's such an unpleasant feeling," Lu Zhen thought bitterly. If he hadn't been injured, he could carry himself with far more dominance and arrogance.

What was the purpose of strength if he couldn't do what he wanted—couldn't fight for his beliefs or protect his loved ones?

Hidden within his sleeves, Lu Zhen's hand clenched into a tight fist, his nails digging so deeply into his palm that blood began to seep through the hem of his robe.

"I have to rid myself of this cursed, invisible power—and soon," he muttered to himself.

Just then, the bustling noise of the tavern fell into complete silence, broken only by the sharp neighing of horses from outside.

The silence was so profound that even the nervous gulps of onlookers were visible.

One by one, a group of young people began to file into the room. Leading them was a young man with a cold expression, a crown resting on his head, dressed in a white robe intricately embroidered with dragons.

Behind him were numerous young men and women, all appearing to be in their twenties. They moved slowly, their gazes filled with disdain as they looked at the people around them, exuding an air of aloofness.

Lu Zhen narrowed his eyes; amidst the group, he noticed a familiar face.

"Hey, is that Brother Beggar?" called out the elegant man he had met earlier at the gate, his face lighting up with excitement.

Before Lu Zhen could respond, the man pulled him into the group. Lu Zhen followed quietly, offering no resistance.

"Hahaha, Qian Feng, I didn't realise you had such an... unusual friend," a woman at the front remarked with a chuckle.

"I just met this brother at the gate today," Qian Feng replied with a casual shrug.

Lu Zhen quietly followed as he was led up the stairs, making no attempt to resist. If anything dangerous were to happen, he was more than capable of unleashing brutal force, slaughtering everyone if needed, and escaping the city. Already, a plan was forming in his mind.

Suddenly, the young man at the forefront paused and looked directly at Lu Zhen. "Stop releasing your killing intent—I can sense it as clearly as daylight."

Everyone froze, their eyes turning sharply toward Lu Zhen.

"What killing intent? I don't sense anything," Qian Feng said, narrowing his eyes as he positioned himself protectively in front of Lu Zhen.

"Hahaha, it must have just been a fluke, then." The leading youth laughed, brushing it off, and continued up the stairs, leading them all to the top floor.

He gestured to a middle-aged woman standing nearby and sank casually into the plush front cushion. "Bring out your finest men and women," he ordered.

"We're supposed to sit on these cushions?" Lu Zhen's lips twitched in irritation; sitting on a cushion was uncomfortable for him and offered no benefit whatsoever.

While everyone else settled down, Lu Zhen remained standing for a moment. Then, with a slight smirk, he reached into his spatial ring, pulled out a comfortable chair, and seated himself directly in it.

Silence fell over the room.

"Brother Beggar, I didn't realise you were a martial artist," Qian Feng remarked, eyes wide.

Lu Zhen casually crossed one leg over the other, leaning back with a relaxed air. "Well, you never asked, did you?"

"Uh... yeah, I guess not," Qian Feng replied, giving an awkward smile. The others, however, were already visibly tense, their eyes fixed on Lu Zhen.