Chapter 335: Lu Bu: Xun'er Is So Wonderful, Always Saving Me from Peril…
Inside the ancient ruins, several figures moved swiftly, darting like lightning through a maze of winding corridors.
At the forefront of Lu Bu's group were the twin sisters of the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan, Yao Zi and Yao Rong. They had quickly adapted to their new roles, taking on the responsibilities of paving the way and leading the group.
As members of the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan, known for their expertise in intelligence, the sisters had managed to procure a map of the entire ruins not long after entering. They had found it in the scripture hall within the ruins.
However, that so called scripture hall truly was nothing more than a repository of books filled with philosophical musings and idle stories for leisure. There wasn't a single resource related to Dou Techniques or cultivation methods.
The only useful thing they'd found was a sheepskin map. Yet, by the time they had painstakingly tracked down the location of the alchemy storage, Lu Bu's group was already there. At that moment, the sisters had begun to question the value of the map in their hands.
And now, from a certain perspective, even that map belonged to Lu Bu.
Thinking of this, Yao Rong couldn't help but feel a wave of sorrow. Apart from a few herbs and scattered pills, they hadn't gained anything from this journey. Instead, they'd lost themselves in the process.
Meanwhile, Yao Zi maintained a cold expression, her demeanor stoic as she dutifully carried out her tasks. She resembled an emotionless tool… or, perhaps more aptly, a tool snake.
About ten minutes later, an ancient and imposing grand hall emerged into view.
The grand hall, entirely copper colored, exuded an aura of antiquity and desolation, having weathered countless years of wear and erosion. One could imagine that, when it was newly constructed, this hall must have been resplendent and majestic, brimming with power and grandeur. But with time, its brilliance had faded.
Inside the hall, many figures were already standing, including members of some of the most renowned factions of Central Plains. But more noticeably, there were many lone wolves those who were powerful yet unwilling to serve under any banner, forming loose alliances with others. While their top tier combatants weren't numerous, together they constituted a formidable force.
At the heart of the grand hall, ten enormous glowing orbs floated quietly. Within the faintly translucent orbs, one could discern scroll like objects radiating an unusual pressure.
"The Heavenly ranked Dou Techniques are within those ten orbs?" Xiao Yan's face lit up with joy and awe. If he could obtain one, his combat power would undoubtedly rise to a whole new level. Even if he still couldn't beat Lu Bu, at least he wouldn't lose so miserably.
Beneath the ten orbs was a tall stone platform. On the platform sat a white skeleton, silently poised with its hands forming a mysterious seal. The skeleton was as crystalline as jade, devoid of any flesh or blood.
"At last… we've found it." Gazing at the pristine white skeleton, Lu Bu's lips curled into a smile. The body for Tian Huo Zun zhe was finally within reach.
And once he obtained the Great Heaven Creation Palm, he could fully utilize the Devouring Ancestral Symbol, taking his combat strength to an even greater height.
Inside the hall, many individuals turned to look at Lu Bu's group with mixed expressions as they entered. Everyone knew before coming here that the pretty boy was an alchemist. They were also aware of the conflict he had with the Sky Phoenix Clan.
It made sense for him to travel with the members of Starfallen Pavilion, as the eight of them had arrived together and clearly shared a close bond.
But… what about the Nine Nether Earth Pythons? Why were they with this group? Could it be that Starfallen Pavilion, like the Wind and Thunder Pavilion forming ties with the Sky Phoenix Clan, had also started allying themselves with the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan?
For a moment, the hall was abuzz with speculation, with everyone's thoughts diverging.
"Wait a second… where's the Sky Phoenix Clan?" In a corner, the Ice River Valley's Binghe Zun zhe suddenly frowned, his pupils shrinking as a grim realization hit him.
His gaze darted around as he began scanning for Lu Bu's presumed enemies and his hoped for allies.
But to Binghe Zun zhe's disappointment, there was no sign of them. Not a single Sky Phoenix Clan member was present not even a stray feather.
"Damn it… what's going on? The Sky Phoenix Clan is known for their speed why aren't they here?" His face darkened. This was the central hall of the Dou Saint ruins, the most valuable location in the entire place. There was no way the Sky Phoenix Clan would just abandon it!
Could they have been eaten by the Too Void Ancient Dragon? No, that didn't make sense Lu Bu wasn't accompanied by that Too Void Ancient Dragon called Hei Qing…
"Damn it, how am I supposed to get my revenge without the Sky Phoenix Clan?" A bead of cold sweat slid down Binghe Zun zhe's forehead. Even at his peak strength as a Five Star Dou Zun, he had been utterly defeated by that bastard. Now, at Three Star Dou Zun, he stood no chance.
"Calm down… there's still the Heavenly Underworld Sect." Binghe Zun zhe took a deep breath, suppressing the fear in his heart. The Heavenly Underworld Sect's Yao Hua Xie Jun seemed to have an interest in the Poison Lady. With his lustful nature, he wouldn't let that pretty boy off so easily.
When the time came, Binghe Zun zhe thought, he could add fuel to the fire and reap the benefits of their conflict. Clenching his right fist, his eyes gleamed with a mix of resolve and malice. There was still a chance!
"Sister Xiao Yi Xian, that Ice River Valley Dou Zun seems to have a grudge against you," Nalan Yanran whispered curiously, holding onto Xiao Yi Xian's arm. She was here to accompany Xiao Yan and broaden her horizons.
With her strength at Two Star Dou Zong, Nalan Yanran couldn't participate in the battles, much like Tang Huo Er from Burning Flame Valley, though one was following her husband and the other her father.
"Oh, Ice River Valley…" Xiao Yi Xian glanced lightly in that direction and said calmly, "Nothing much. When we first arrived in the Central Plains, we had some conflicts with them. Later, his physical body was destroyed. If he's alive now, it's because he rebuilt it."
"What?"
Xiao Yi Xian hadn't bothered lowering her voice, and those who had made it this far were no amateurs. Whether Dou Zun or peak Dou Zong, their keen senses easily picked up her words.
Immediately, shock rippled through the crowd. Even the Ice River Valley's valley master had his physical body destroyed? And that alchemist pretty boy was responsible?
On the other side, Binghe Zun zhe's face twitched violently. His eyes darkened with a stormy gloom. As the proud valley master of Ice River Valley, this humiliation felt like a slap in the face.
"Is that true?" Nalan Yanran's jaw dropped in shock. Then, frowning, she asked, "But how did his soul escape? You guys don't seem like the merciful type…"
She knew that when Xiao Yi Xian, Lu Bu, and the others first came to the Central Plains, her teacher Yun Yun must have been among them. With the Falling Heart Flame in their possession, alongside Lu Bu, destroying a soul shouldn't have been difficult.
"A Three Turn Dou Zun intervened probably Ice River Valley's Grand Elder," Xiao Yi Xian said indifferently.
"Three Turn…" Nalan Yanran's pupils shrank. Such a powerful figure would likely only exist in the Two Sects, as Starfallen Pavilion couldn't muster such strength.
"How did you deal with him?" Xiao Yan asked quietly, his expression shifting slightly as he looked to Lu Bu for an answer.
"This is all thanks to Xun'er," Lu Bu sighed dramatically, gazing upward. "Xun'er is so wonderful. She's saved me from danger so many times. I owe her so much."
Xiao Yan's lips twitched. He knew exactly what Lu Bu was doing using his status in the Black Abyss Army to scare off the elder. But still… he really wanted to punch Lu Bu right now!
That bastard was saying this on purpose. Definitely on purpose!
Of course, Xiao Yan knew that Xun'er wouldn't easily leave the Ancient Realm, as the elders of her clan wouldn't allow it. She'd barely been able to visit him, and even then, the Black Abyss Army had rushed over to retrieve her.
Xun'er would never intervene on Lu Bu's behalf.
But Lu Bu's smug face made Xiao Yan's fists itch. If only he could actually beat him…
Lu Bu chuckled softly, noticing Xiao Yan's frustrated and dejected expression. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, and his mood improved significantly. He then turned his gaze toward other parts of the grand hall.
Before the Dou Saint's skeleton stood a thick spatial barrier, separating the light spheres, the skeleton, and the Dou Techniques from the many powerful individuals present.
Within the spatial barrier, aside from the Dou Saint's skeleton and the glowing light spheres, there were also eight unassuming warrior puppets. These puppets were clad in armor, their skin grayish and desiccated, resembling stone. At first glance, they looked no different from statues.
Ancient Human Puppets… Lu Bu's eyes narrowed slightly. These were the special human puppets crafted by a Dou Saint.
These puppets were different from the Earth Demon Puppets used to guard the gates. The creator of these relics, the Sage of Creation, clearly valued these human puppets far more than the Earth Demon Puppets.
Not only had he taken them to accompany him in the afterlife, but he had personally placed soul marks on them. In the original story, Xiao Yan couldn't do much against these puppets. However, because of their low intelligence, they were easily lured away and didn't return possibly due to the erosion of their intelligence over time.
Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully. The reason Xiao Yan couldn't deal with these puppets was that he couldn't break the Dou Saint's soul imprint. But for someone like Lu Bu, who possessed the Devouring Ancestral Symbol, erasing soul marks was an effortless task.
"Why not… take one back to experiment with?" Lu Bu mused, rubbing his chin. He had no clear direction on how to craft a Devouring Sky Corpse, so he had to start from scratch, borrowing ideas from these puppet crafting methods.
If he could refine a Devouring Sky Corpse like the Devouring Master had… even Dou Saints wouldn't be a threat. A Devouring Sky Corpse was powerful enough to withstand a direct attack from the Demon Emperor.
Even after sustaining damage, the Devouring Sky Corpse could be repaired and still fight against top tier experts in the life and death Xuan Domain. Its strength was undeniable.
"Hahaha… Xiao Yan, Brother Zi Qiao, you two came just in time! This seal is already weakening and should dissipate entirely soon." A hearty laugh echoed through the hall as Tang Zhen, accompanied by Tang Huo Er and several other experts from Burning Flame Valley, strode in.
Elder Chi Huo trailed behind them, his face still bearing a vivid red handprint. It was clear how furious Tang Zhen had been earlier.
"Haha… Valley Master Tang, what a coincidence…" Xiao Yan's face showed a mixture of awkwardness and curiosity. It seemed he already knew Lu Bu's true identity, yet Tang Zhen still addressed him as "Zi Qiao." Why?
Tang Zhen, noticing Xiao Yan's gaze, remained calm and composed. As the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, Tang Zhen was far from a simple brute who only knew cultivation. On the contrary, he was intelligent both a Five Star Dou Zun expert and a master of feigned ignorance.
For him, Lu Bu was "Lu Zi Qiao."
"Gentlemen, both of you are renowned for your exceptional soul power. Can you tell which of the ten light spheres contains the true Heavenly ranked Dou Technique?"
Hearing their Valley Master's words, the Burning Flame Valley experts all turned expectantly toward Xiao Yan and Lu Bu. After all, both of them were Eight Tier Alchemists rarities in the Dou Qi Continent. They were almost as valuable as heavenly treasures like Heavenly Flames or Mystical Thunders. Perhaps they truly could see something others couldn't.
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, and a wisp of soul power spread from the center of his brow. However, his expression quickly darkened. "I can't see through it. There's nothing I can discern."
"This spatial seal is incredibly strong, blocking all forms of detection. As expected of a Dou Saint his methods are truly unfathomable. Lu Bu, what about you?"
"I can't see through it either." Lu Bu shrugged and sighed lightly. "To deal with a Dou Saint's techniques, you'd need a Dou Saint level expert."
"If only your teacher were here. Yao Chen is a Heavenly Soul Realm expert, whose soul power isn't inferior to an ordinary Dou Saint. If he were here, he'd definitely be able to discern something."
"…Is that so?" Xiao Yan's heart stirred, and he instinctively called out to his teacher in his mind.
"I can't see through it either. That brat is just messing with you!" Yao Chen's exasperated voice sounded in Xiao Yan's head. "At my peak, I was only a Nine Turn Dou Zun, not even a Half Saint. How could I possibly unravel a seal laid down by a true Dou Saint?"
"Haha…" Xiao Yan forced an awkward laugh. "So, Teacher, are you a Heavenly Soul Realm expert?"
If that were the case, his teacher would qualify as a Nine Tier Alchemist.
"No, I'm at the peak of the Spirit Realm but have taken half a step into the Heavenly Realm," Yao Chen replied. "If I could consume those two Soul Baby Fruits and undergo a rebirth during the process of restoring my physical body… I might have a chance of completing that step."
"Teacher, we will succeed!" Xiao Yan said solemnly. He and his teacher had already burned their bridges with the Hall of Souls. If this body forging process failed, it would mean death.
There was no third possibility not even Lu Bu could save the two of them.
Hearing both Xiao Yan and Lu Bu admit that they couldn't discern anything, Tang Zhen couldn't help but feel disappointed.
"It seems that taking one of the light spheres will ultimately depend on luck. Whether it's truly a Heavenly ranked Dou Technique will only be revealed afterward…" Tang Zhen sighed. A one in ten chance felt daunting. Moreover, with so many competitors, obtaining even one light sphere would make them targets for everyone else.
"Haha… Don't worry, Valley Master Tang. There aren't many here who can snatch anything from Burning Flame Valley," Xiao Yan said with a faint smile, glancing around the hall.
The Sky Phoenix Clan and the Heavenly Underworld Sect were already gone, while Lu Bu's group seemed more interested in the skeletal remains than the Dou Techniques. Burning Flame Valley's long standing rival, Ice River Valley, had already suffered a beating from Lu Bu and lacked the strength to challenge them. As for the scattered lone cultivators… they were nothing more than disorganized rabble.
However, at that moment, two cold and powerful auras suddenly rose in the grand hall. The faces of the many experts present immediately changed as they instinctively took a step back.
Before Xiao Yan could finish speaking, he felt two icy gazes lock onto him. The killing intent was bone chilling and suffocating.
"Hm?" Lu Bu, Xiao Yan, and Tang Zhen all turned toward the source of the auras, their expressions darkening. They saw two old men one clad in black, the other in white whose overwhelming power made the atmosphere heavy and oppressive.
"Oh?" A flicker of surprise crossed Lu Bu's face. Judging by their attire, there was only one possibility: the Black and White Elders of the Hall of Souls. If he remembered correctly, their strength even surpassed that of the Star Plucking Elder.
"The Black and White Elders?" Tang Zhen's expression shifted as he spoke in a low voice. These two were infamous Dou Zun powerhouses under the Hall of Souls.
"The Hall of Souls…?" Xiao Yan's face darkened further. He hadn't expected them to arrive so quickly.
In the corner of the hall, Binghe Zun zhe's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Hehe… No Sky Phoenix Clan, no Heavenly Underworld Sect, but… isn't the Hall of Souls just as good? Hehehe…"
(End of Chapter)
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