Chapter 291: I, Lu Bu, Am Dual Cultivated How Could I Be Obsessed with Women?
In the distant sky, the sound of wings flapping grew louder as the figures of the four winged unicorns came into view.
"Four winged unicorns?" Lin Yan muttered in confusion, glancing toward the approaching figures. The name sounded impressive, but he had no idea what they were.
"Four winged unicorns!?" Crimson Flame Elder's expression changed drastically, his face pale with shock as he turned to look at the source of the roaring wind. Unlike Lin Yan, he knew exactly what these creatures represented.
The Black Submerged Army!
Burning Flame Valley, while seemingly not as illustrious as the Flower Sect or Heaven Demon Sect on the surface, held a unique position among the forces of Central Plains. Even the Pill Tower and the Soul Hall dared not take them lightly.
Due to this unique status, Burning Flame Valley had access to information and secrets that far exceeded what outsiders would expect.
As a high ranking elder of Burning Flame Valley, Crimson Flame Elder was well aware of the Black Submerged Army, the terrifying organization supported by a powerful ancient clan. He also knew of their lineage, a direct descent from the most exalted beings in history Dou Di!
"So, this so called Dou Di prodigy Xiao Yan actually... Wait! During the earlier fight, he seemed to have used the Emperor Seal Technique?" Crimson Flame Elder's mind raced as his gaze fell on Lu Bu, his eyes widening in astonishment.
"No wonder this person has reached the Dou Zun realm at just twenty years old. No wonder he could fight and defeat a Two Star Dou Zun while only being a One Star. No wonder he treated the Soul Hall's threats as insignificant."
"He's from the Black Submerged Army. He's a member of the ancient clans!"
Shock waves rippled through Crimson Flame Elder's heart, and all his earlier doubts found their answers in an instant. For someone from the ancient clans, calling themselves a Dou Di prodigy wasn't arrogance it was simply stating a fact.
Meanwhile, Lin Yan noticed the elder's shocked expression and felt even more confused. What exactly was a four winged unicorn?
"Xun'er!" Xiao Yan exclaimed, his joy overflowing as he recognized the person he had longed to see. His heart surged with emotions, and for a moment, he felt tears welling in his eyes.
You've come at the perfect time! Lu Bu's bullying me again!
"Four winged unicorns..." Xiao Yi Xian glanced toward the horizon. Unlike the others, she was quite familiar with the Black Submerged Army.
Back when they were in the northwestern continent, Lu Bu had told her about the Black Submerged Army and the ancient clans, which had left her deeply shocked. The memory of that shock still lingered though the conversation itself had been cut short by Lu Bu.
A faint blush crept onto Xiao Yi Xian's delicate face. At the time, Medusa and Yun Yun had been away, and she had been alone with Lu Bu. He had tricked her into playing a game called "hugs but no kisses."
Later, that game evolved into "kisses but no touching." Then it became... well, it was best not to think about it anymore!
Her heart thumped wildly at the memory, and she quickly diverted her thoughts, conveniently catching Xiao Yan's shout in the process.
"Xun'er?" Xiao Yi Xian raised an eyebrow. She remembered hearing this name in Lu Bu and Xiao Yan's earlier conversation, and she recalled that Lu Bu's pricey cultivation technique had come from her.
Her gaze flickered with subtle caution. Xun'er must be a prodigy of the ancient clans, blessed with extraordinary talent and immense wealth. She was a woman not to be underestimated.
As the figures of the Black Submerged Army grew clearer in the distance, each person present had their own thoughts and reactions.
"Xiao Yan gege!" A soft, melodious voice called out, and a breathtaking smile lit up Xun'er's delicate, angelic face. Her ethereal presence and gentle voice were so captivating that it felt like time itself had paused.
"Sure enough... So Xiao Yan is from an imperial clan!" Crimson Flame Elder's eyes gleamed with realization. As expected of a Dou Di prodigy, Xiao Yan's origins were indeed extraordinary.
However, in the next moment, Crimson Flame Elder's jaw nearly hit the floor. The ethereal girl floated gracefully to the ground not in front of Xiao Yan, but in front of Lu Bu.
Her eyes sparkled with warmth and affection as she reached out to take Lu Bu's hand, her movements filled with reliance and tenderness.
If there weren't so many people around, Crimson Flame Elder wouldn't have doubted that these two young people might do something... overly affectionate.
"Wha what's going on here?" Crimson Flame Elder stammered, utterly dumbfounded. Could it be that Lu Bu was Xiao Yan? Was this supposed Dou Di prodigy actually Lu Bu in disguise?
He had already speculated about the relationship between Lu Bu and Xiao Yan earlier but hadn't thought much of it. Now, however, the truth seemed stranger than fiction.
"This is so confusing!" Crimson Flame Elder scratched his head in bewilderment. In all his years, he had never encountered such a peculiar situation.
"So this is Xun'er..." Xiao Yi Xian's gentle gaze shifted toward the girl.
Xun'er was undeniably beautiful, her features exquisite and her temperament ethereal, like a celestial fairy. Her fiery Dou Qi radiated intensity and purity, clearly marking her as an exceptional cultivator with extraordinary talent.
Despite her initial wariness, Xiao Yi Xian's eyes subtly flicked downward, surveying Xun'er's figure.
"Hmm... never mind, she's no threat." Xiao Yi Xian's gaze lingered briefly on Xun'er's chest before dismissing her concerns. While Xun'er's appearance was pleasing, she didn't quite fit Lu Bu's preferred type. Compared to Medusa or even Cao Ying, her impact was negligible.
Relaxing, Xiao Yi Xian's veiled face broke into a warm, radiant smile.
Suddenly, Xun'er's expression faltered. She felt a strange sensation, as if someone harbored ill intentions toward her. But when she looked up, she saw Xiao Yi Xian smiling at her with what appeared to be genuine kindness.
Xun'er's brows furrowed. Though the smile seemed friendly, why did it feel so... malicious?
At that moment, the sound of rushing wind grew louder, and a figure enveloped in a cyan glow shot toward them. The figure's powerful wind element Dou Qi commanded the attention of everyone present.
"Hahaha! Wind Venerable, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Crimson Flame of Burning Flame Valley!" Crimson Flame Elder stepped forward with a hearty laugh.
These youngsters can handle their own affairs. I'm better off greeting my peers.
As for who Xiao Yan or Lu Bu really was, it no longer mattered to him. All that mattered was which one of them could be useful to Burning Flame Valley.
"Lu Bu, where are we going now?" Xiao Yi Xian asked softly, her hand slipping into Lu Bu's. Her tone was full of warmth, though she already knew their destination was the Yi Snake Mountain Range in search of the seven colored rock.
But now that old acquaintances had appeared, she wanted to see how Lu Bu would handle the situation.
"No rush. Let's head to the Falling Star Pavilion first. A local guide can be quite helpful," Lu Bu replied with a faint smile, gently squeezing her soft, pale hand.
"Whatever you say," Xiao Yi Xian said, covering her smile with her hand. From her experience, Lu Bu likely had his eyes on something in Xiao Yan's possession.
Good. Seeing him bully others so casually puts my mind at ease.
The Tianxing Mountain Range lay in the southeastern region of the Northern Domain in Central Plains. This lofty mountain range was home to the Falling Star Pavilion's headquarters. However, unlike the majestic and towering Wind Thunder Tower of the Wind Thunder Pavilion, the area appeared to be nothing more than an endless stretch of wilderness. There were no grand buildings that one would associate with a major sect.
Those who truly understood the situation, however, knew the truth: the Falling Star Pavilion's headquarters resided within the Star Realm, a peculiar space constructed from meteorites and supported by a unique formation tied to the Tianxing Mountain Range.
Due to its natural formation, this space was highly concealed. Even if powerful enemies sought to invade, they might not even locate the pavilion's true core. Of course, an exception to this rule would be an organization as vast and omnipresent as the Soul Hall.
On a quiet peak, not far from a tranquil manor designated for receiving and accommodating guests, Lu Bu and the Black Submerged Army had been temporarily settled by Wind Venerable's arrangements.
Outside the manor, within a serene pavilion, Lu Bu was deep in conversation with an elderly man. Beside him, Xiao Yi Xian quietly poured him a cup of tea.
"Ah, you mean that old serpent in the Yi Snake Mountain Range…" The elder, Elder Qi, chuckled. "Yes, our Falling Star Pavilion does know a thing or two about him."
"Oh? Elder Qi, please share in detail." Lu Bu smiled as he poured tea for the elder.
Elder Qi was a six star Dou Zong, in charge of intelligence at the Falling Star Pavilion. Any and all matters, big or small, passed through his hands.
"Hoho... that old serpent's real name is She Hao. His clan established close ties with the Scarlet Training Vipers long ago," Elder Qi said with a smile.
"In his younger years, he was quite the hedonist. Despite his extraordinary talent, he indulged in women and had a penchant for picking fights. Strangely, his strength only grew the more he fought, and by the age of fifty or sixty, he advanced to the Dou Zong realm, becoming a formidable powerhouse in his own right."
"However, everything comes at a price. His indulgence in women eventually damaged his foundation. Even after reaching the Dou Zong level, he remained unruly, continuing his hedonistic lifestyle. Over the next one or two centuries, he barely managed to break into the Dou Zun realm. To make matters worse, he was repeatedly injured in fights, leaving him with numerous hidden wounds."
"The most serious injury was to his heart, which was struck by a heavy blow, disrupting his blood circulation and nearly killing him. If not for the resources of his clan, which brought him back from the brink of death, he would've perished."
"Finally, about ten years ago, all those years of excess caught up with him, nearly ending his life. If not for the immense vitality of a Dou Zun, he wouldn't have survived. Even so, his strength suffered greatly. These days, even a newly advanced one star Dou Zun could easily defeat him, a two star Dou Zun."
"Yikes… that's tragic." Lu Bu clicked his tongue in amazement. Reaching the Dou Zong realm in fifty or sixty years was indeed a testament to extraordinary talent.
Before meeting Lu Bu, Yun Yun had taken over thirty years to reach the three star Dou Huang realm. It wasn't until Yun Shan went to great lengths to gather resources and Lu Bu regularly provided her with medicinal pills and later his life bestowing technique that she managed to keep up.
For an ordinary person without special circumstances, achieving the Dou Zong realm within five or six decades was remarkable. But for this She Hao to spend over a century after that just to step into the Dou Zun realm it was undeniably tragic.
As Elder Qi concluded his story, Xiao Yi Xian shot Lu Bu a pointed glare. See? Indulging in women is dangerous!
Lu Bu shrugged, thinking, Sure, indulging in women is risky. But fortunately, I, Lu Bu, am a dual cultivator. That doesn't count as indulgence.
On a serious note, She Hao's condition wasn't entirely unmanageable. The hidden injury in his heart could be treated with an eighth grade pill, the Heqiong Heavenly Ginseng Pill. This pill could not only heal a damaged heart but even regenerate one.
As for the weakened foundation caused by his indulgent lifestyle, that was a smaller issue. Restoring vitality lost to overindulgence? That was Lu Bu's specialty ahem something he had some knowledge of.
Clearing his throat, Lu Bu thought of the seventh grade Six Yang Yellow Essence Pill as a solution. The only challenge was finding the primary ingredient, the Six Yang Fruit, but given the She clan's ties to the Scarlet Training Vipers, it shouldn't be hard. Six Yang Fruits grew in areas rich in blazing yang energy the kind of environment the Scarlet Training Vipers favored.
"Thank you, Elder Qi," Lu Bu said with a smile, slipping an Ice Soul Pill into the elder's hand.
"You're too kind. As a friend of our Young Pavilion Master, it's only right that we assist you," Elder Qi replied with a warm smile. He didn't know much about Xiao Yan's background, but the fact that Lu Bu, a young Dou Zun, was so generous with his gifts left a strong impression. To casually give away a seventh grade pill? This was a truly wealthy individual.
"If there's anything else you need, just let me know, and I'll do my best to assist."
"Of course. Thank you, Elder Qi," Lu Bu replied courteously.
At that moment, a figure flew out of the nearby manor in a slightly disheveled state.
"Xiao Yan?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What happened? Did you get beaten up?"
"Cough… no, I just felt a bit uncomfortable." Xiao Yan's face turned awkward. He had been trying to spend some alone time with Xun'er, but the two elders trailing her were so protective that he couldn't even whisper to her. Frustrated, he had no choice but to leave.
"Tsk, tsk… how pitiful. Looks like Lin Lao and Guan Lao aren't too fond of you," Lu Bu teased with a smirk.
"Lin Lao and Guan Lao?" Xiao Yan's face darkened. Damn those old men! And why is Lu Bu so chummy with them?!
"Cough, Lu Bu, don't talk nonsense. How could I not like Xiao Yan?" A voice interrupted as Xun'er approached with Guan Lao in tow. Lin Lao had remained behind to oversee the other members of the Black Submerged Army, ensuring they didn't stir up trouble in the Falling Star Pavilion.
"Haha, Guan Lao, long time no see!" Lu Bu greeted warmly, waving his hand.
Xiao Yan's eye twitched. Damn it! Why is Lu Bu so well connected with the powerhouses of the ancient clans? This makes no sense!
"Xiao Yan gege, don't worry about them. Lu Bu fought alongside the Black Submerged Army recently, so they've met a few times," Xun'er said gently, taking Xiao Yan's hand to comfort him.
Xiao Yan nodded and smiled in understanding. He was aware of Lu Bu's identity as the Eighth Commander of the Black Submerged Army.
"Ahem… Xiao Yan, let's get down to business," Lu Bu said, his expression suddenly turning serious, his eyes gleaming. "Would you like to know where your teacher, Yao Chen, is?"
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression immediately turned solemn, and his gaze sharpened. "You know where my teacher is? Did you interrogate that Soul Hall Dou Zun earlier?"
He was referring to the Qinghai Dou Zun whose soul had been sealed by Lu Bu after their battle.
"Hehe…" Lu Bu smiled mysteriously, giving Xiao Yan a pointed look.
Standing to the side, Xiao Yi Xian couldn't help but chuckle softly. As expected, Lu Bu's setting his sights on something Xiao Yan has.
"Oh, I see... What do you want this time?" Xiao Yan's mouth twitched. This damned guy… He's always looking to profit from me!
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