Chapter 292: I Still Prefer Your Defiant Nature
Beneath the vast blue sky, unmarred by a single cloud, a gentle spring breeze caressed the earth, and the heavens gleamed like a flawless sapphire.
Amidst this tranquil scene, over twenty black silhouettes streaked across the sky, accompanied by the low rumble of wind and thunder. Upon closer inspection, the figures turned out to be Four Winged Unicorns, radiating an imposing aura.
Mounted on these powerful creatures were black armored figures whose majestic presence commanded respect and apprehension.
At the front of the formation stood two figures, their gazes fixed calmly on the horizon.
"Based on the intelligence we've gathered, the young lady should currently be at the Falling Star Pavilion," Yang Hao said calmly, his voice cutting through the wind that rustled his robes.
"Indeed." Beside him, Ling Quan nodded slightly, his gaze flashing with a tinge of malice. "For the young lady to disregard the clan's rules and leave the Ancient Realm, it must be for that Xiao Yan. I can't think of any other reason."
"Hmph! I warned him back then," Yang Hao said coldly, a sinister smile curling his lips. "Clearly, he didn't take my words to heart. This time, I'll make sure he understands what it means to truly suffer!"
"Cough, third brother, I understand your reasoning," Ling Quan interrupted, lightly clearing his throat. "But don't forget our commander likes using the name Xiao Yan. If the young lady…"
Ling Quan didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.
Hearing this, Yang Hao's expression stiffened, and his lips twitched. The infamous title "Dou Di Successor" had stirred up quite the commotion. When they first heard the arrogant claim, they were furious, itching to teach this Xiao Yan a lesson about the harsh realities of life.
But upon calming down and thinking it through… a chilling realization dawned on them: Could this Xiao Yan be our commander?
After some deliberation among the Black Submerged Army's commanders, they reached a consensus: the possibility couldn't be dismissed. After all, that memorable declaration from the Southwestern Region of the Central Plains still echoed in their minds:
"Even if I, Xiao Yan, carry the burden of the Black Submerged Army and protect countless soldiers, I remain invincible in this world!"
With such a precedent, it was impossible for them not to associate this name with their commander.
"Cough… Let's assess the situation before making any rash decisions," Yang Hao said cautiously, clenching his fist and coughing lightly.
Better safe than sorry. He had no desire to endure another round of their commander's devastating punches.
Ling Quan nodded in agreement, thinking, Third brother is absolutely right!
…
In the Tianxing Mountain Range, within the Star Realm…
"What do you want?" Xiao Yan asked with a resigned sigh.
"The Ascension Technique," Lu Bu replied, the corners of his mouth curving upward as he uttered the name.
This was Yao Lao's signature technique, something Lu Bu had coveted for a long time. However, the old man had guarded it fiercely, refusing to share it. But now… well, Yao Lao wasn't around to stop him.
"I knew it…" Xiao Yan's lips twitched. As expected, Lu Bu was after the most valuable treasure his teacher possessed.
"Are you giving it to me or not? If you think it's too expensive, I can forget it, I'm tired of repeating myself," Lu Bu said, rolling his eyes.
"Fine! But you have to give me real intel no tricks!" Xiao Yan said seriously.
"Then forget it. After all, it's not my teacher who's been captured," Lu Bu said indifferently, brushing off his sleeves as he stood to leave.
"Wait, big brother! You're my big brother, okay? Don't do this!" Xiao Yan hurriedly grabbed Lu Bu's arm, pleading desperately.
Sitting to the side, Xiao Yi Xian covered her mouth as she laughed softly. Lu Bu's antics were truly entertaining.
Opposite them, Xun'er gritted her teeth, glaring at Lu Bu. This bastard dares to bully Xiao Yan gege like this!
However, she held her tongue and didn't intervene. Matters between men should be decided by men. She could offer advice before or after the fact, but during the discussion, the final say had to be theirs.
"Well then, hand it over!" Lu Bu snorted, holding out his hand toward Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan's lips twitched, but he sighed and flicked his finger. A pale white scroll flew out of the Bone Spirit Ring and landed in front of Lu Bu.
"There, you've got what you wanted. Now, where's the intel?" Xiao Yan asked in a deep voice.
Grinning, Lu Bu took the scroll and inspected it briefly before nodding in satisfaction. "Your teacher is imprisoned in the Soul Hall's Ming City, located in the Western Region of the Central Plains."
"Ming City?" Xun'er's expression changed upon hearing this.
"Xun'er, do you know this Ming City?" Xiao Yan asked, noticing her reaction.
"Yes." Xun'er nodded lightly, her tone grave. "Ming City is one of the Soul Hall's twenty four Earth Fiend Halls. It's one of their more significant branches, with both the Hall Master and Deputy Hall Master likely being at the Heavenly Sovereign level or even stronger."
Given the Black Submerged Army's extensive conflicts with the Soul Hall, she naturally knew a fair amount about their organization.
"Heavenly Sovereigns…" Xiao Yan clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging on his arms.
Unlike in the original timeline, Xiao Yan now had a better understanding of what Heavenly Sovereigns represented due to Lu Bu's influence.
A Heavenly Sovereign was equivalent to a five star Dou Zun or higher. Such power was on par with the likes of Tang Zhen, the master of the Burning Flame Valley, and far exceeded that of the Wind Venerable. It was a level of strength he could not hope to contend with at his current stage.
"Tsk, tsk… Xiao Yan, don't act rashly," Lu Bu said with a chuckle. "Your teacher is highly valued by the Soul Clan and has caught the attention of some big figures. If you alert them… they might transfer him to a more secure location."
"Transfer him?" Xiao Yan's eyes widened in alarm as he looked at Lu Bu.
"Of course. Did you really think the Soul Hall would keep your teacher in the same place forever?" Lu Bu said with a sly smile.
"Then… if they do move him, how will I find out where he's been taken?" Xiao Yan asked hesitantly.
Lu Bu's expression turned serious as he declared, "That'll cost extra!"
Xiao Yan's lips twitched, and he fought the urge to punch Lu Bu. If only I could beat him…
"Relax," Lu Bu said with a dismissive wave. "While intel may cost money, manpower doesn't. Consider this: I owe you a favor."
"What are you plotting now?" Xiao Yan asked suspiciously, his wariness heightened.
"Look, when the time comes for you to rescue your teacher, I'll help you free of charge," Lu Bu said with a grin. "After all, Yao Chen is a mentor to me in the path of alchemy. It's only right that I repay him by helping save him."
"…What are you scheming?" Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed further, not at all reassured.
Back in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, Lu Bu had also claimed to owe him a favor, only to drag him and his teacher into a fight with Wu Protector at Cloud Mist Mountain. In the end, Xiao Yan had been used as free labor while Lu Bu reaped the rewards, advancing to a seventh grade alchemist.
Recalling that incident, Xiao Yan found Lu Bu's current grin even more unsettling, like a cunning fox preparing to pounce.
"Hmph, fine! If you don't want my help, I'll just leave. Our deal is done, and we owe each other nothing," Lu Bu said, flicking his sleeves as he turned to leave.
"Wait, big brother! Please, don't do this!" Xiao Yan quickly grabbed Lu Bu's arm again. "Fine, we'll do it your way. You'll help me save my teacher for free!"
No matter what Lu Bu was planning, rescuing Yao Lao was Xiao Yan's top priority. With that in mind, he had no choice but to agree to Lu Bu's terms.
No matter how you look at it, I'm definitely not at a loss!
"Heh… I still prefer you when you're defiant and unruly. Go and recover for now," Lu Bu chuckled mischievously.
"Haha… Let's not talk about that. Earlier, you mentioned that someone important in the Soul Clan is paying close attention to my teacher. What's that about?" Xiao Yan laughed awkwardly, quickly changing the subject.
At these words, Xiao Xun'er's face turned solemn, and even the distant Elder Guan shifted his gaze toward them.
An important figure from the Soul Clan paying special attention to Yao Chen? Who could it be? And why hadn't the Gu Clan received any intel regarding this?
It wasn't too unusual for something like this to go unnoticed. However, the fact that Lu Bu had this information when the Gu Clan did not was deeply unsettling.
"Oh, that," Lu Bu said with a smile. "The person's name is Hun Xu Zi. He holds your teacher in high regard and believes he could serve the Soul Clan well. Hun Xu Zi is the Soul Clan's top alchemist, a figure of immense status and authority within their ranks. It's very likely he was the one who ordered the capture of your teacher."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression darkened considerably. So, the mastermind behind it all was this Hun Xu Zi!
In an instant, a chilling killing intent burst forth from Xiao Yan, cutting through the air like an icy wind that made everyone shiver.
Elder Guan's eyes glimmered with appreciation. Not bad, kid. Your killing intent is sharper than that of some of the juniors back in the clan.
"Xiao Yan gege…" Xun'er called out softly, her voice full of concern.
"Oh, I almost forgot to mention," Lu Bu suddenly added, as if remembering something, "Hun Xu Zi's strength is… at the six star Dou Saint level. He's also a ninth tier Mystic Pill Grandmaster, even stronger than the Hall Master of the Soul Hall."
Lu Bu grinned slyly. He had intended to say Hun Xu Zi was at the seven star Dou Saint level, but on second thought, he decided to hold back. Important information like this shouldn't just be handed out for free especially when the Gu Clan was also listening in. That would be too much of a loss.
Xiao Yan's killing intent faltered for a moment, only to be replaced by anger. "Lu Bu, could you not keep pausing for dramatic effect when you talk?"
"I'll try," Lu Bu replied, still smiling.
"Oh, by the way, how did Yao Chen get captured? Weren't you guys supposed to be careful?" Lu Bu suddenly asked, a trace of curiosity flashing across his face.
Yao Chen was as cunning as a fox and had always been exceedingly cautious. In the original story, if not for exposing himself to avenge Xiao Yan, it would have taken the Soul Hall many more years to capture him. So what had gone wrong this time?
"It was someone named Mu Gu," Xiao Yan replied grimly, his expression clouding over. "From their conversation, it sounded like he and my teacher knew each other, and there was no shortage of enmity between them."
Xiao Yan recounted the events of that fateful battle in a somber tone. Mu Gu had addressed himself as Yao Chen's junior brother and claimed that Flame Mantra rightfully belonged to him. If not for Yao Chen's desperate efforts and the timely arrival of the Wind Venerable, Xiao Yan himself might have been captured by the Soul Hall as well.
"Oh, and Mu Gu mentioned he was hunting for someone with a Heavenly Demon Puppet. What's that about?" Xiao Yan asked, as if suddenly remembering something.
That battle had left him more saddened than anything else, so he hadn't dwelled on it much. However, the mention of this detail now felt oddly significant.
"Ah… who knows?" Lu Bu chuckled awkwardly, avoiding the question. Then, with a flick of his finger, he sent a jade token flying toward Xiao Yan. "When you're ready to act, just crush this. I'll sense it and come find you."
With that, Lu Bu patted the dust off his robes and left with Xiao Yi Xian, heading back to the estate provided by the Wind Venerable. There, he found a secluded chamber to begin his cultivation.
Lu Bu intended to study the Ascension Technique he had just obtained, while also extracting information about the Soul Hall from the captured Hun Qinghai.
"Damn it! It's always you, you bastard, setting me up!" Xiao Yan muttered, his lips twitching in frustration. There's no way you don't know the answer to that question!
…
Inside the secret chamber, Lu Bu flicked his fingers, and an invisible Spiritual Flame surged forth, enveloping the entire room.
A jade bottle appeared in his palm, and the soul of Hun Qinghai flew out.
"Hahaha… huh?" Hun Qinghai initially thought he had been freed, but the next second, roaring flames engulfed him, their terrifying heat causing him to scream in agony.
It was only now that he realized he had simply moved from a small cage into a larger one.
"Tell me, what is Mu Gu up to? Why didn't he act personally and instead sent you to capture Xiao Yan?" Lu Bu asked with a smile.
By all logic, Mu Gu, knowing Xiao Yan possessed Flame Mantra, should never have delegated the task of capturing him. The allure of such a treasure would make it impossible for Mu Gu to entrust anyone else. If he did, it could only mean that something had happened to him.
Lu Bu's question made Hun Qinghai's face change dramatically. "How… how do you know that Elder Mu Gu was after… argh!"
Before he could finish his sentence, the Spiritual Flame surged again, its scorching heat tormenting his very soul.
"Answer my question," Lu Bu said coldly.
"I… I don't know…" Hun Qinghai panted, his voice trembling.
"Hmm?"
"I really don't know!" Hun Qinghai cried out in terror. "He seemed to have some important matter to attend to, so he left the task to me."
"Then why you? Why not someone else?" Lu Bu pressed, frowning.
Based on Xiao Yan's account, it had been the Wind Venerable who saved him. If the Soul Hall truly wanted to ensure success, they should have dispatched someone of a higher rank than Hun Qinghai someone at least on par with the Wind Venerable, if not stronger.
"There was no one else!" Hun Qinghai shouted desperately. "The Tiangang Hall had already sent most of its elites elsewhere. Elder Mu Gu was the strongest person I had access to there was no one else left!"
"Hmm?" Lu Bu's eyebrows rose. Could the Soul Hall really be this short on manpower?
It was possible that Hun Qinghai's limited rank prevented him from accessing information about the true elites of the Soul Hall, like the Nine Heavens Sovereigns. But one thing was clear: the Soul Hall's current forces were spread thin.
"Interesting. It seems I don't need to worry about any of the Nine Heavens Sovereigns or even stronger figures showing up for the time being," Lu Bu mused, his eyes gleaming.
Based on Hun Qinghai's testimony, the Soul Hall currently lacked the resources to send out their top tier combatants.
"Well then, Hun Qinghai, why don't you tell me the locations of all the Soul Hall branches you know?" Lu Bu said, grinning wickedly.
"What… what are you planning?" Hun Qinghai stammered, his face pale with terror.
…
Meanwhile, back in the Star Realm, Xiao Yan was taking Xun'er on a leisurely tour of the mountains. Having not seen her for so long, he couldn't help but pour his heart out.
But their peaceful days lasted only three short days.
Outside the Star Realm, the sound of rushing winds filled the air as the Black Submerged Army's signature Four Winged Unicorns once again appeared within the Falling Star Pavilion's territory.
(To be continued)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen