Chapter 336
"Damn it, why does it seem like the Hall of Souls has such a deep grudge against Xiao Yan?" Tang Zhen muttered, his thoughts clouded with uncertainty as he observed the cold and vicious expressions of the Black and White Elders. They looked as though they wanted nothing more than to tear Xiao Yan apart.
Tang Zhen's brow twitched. First, it was Lu Bu and the conflict with the Sky Phoenix Clan, and now it was Xiao Yan and his feud with the Hall of Souls. Why was it so difficult to form an alliance with a loyal, humble, and highly skilled alchemist?
Wait.
Where was the Sky Phoenix Clan?
Tang Zhen suddenly froze, his pupils contracting sharply as his gaze quickly swept across the gathered crowd. Yet, no matter where he looked... there wasn't a single trace of the Sky Phoenix Clan not even a feather.
"Damn it… Could it be that Lu Bu wiped them out?" Tang Zhen's heart jolted violently as an absurd thought flashed through his mind.
No way.
That couldn't be it. After all, the Sky Phoenix Clan had come prepared, bringing not only three other major forces Wind and Thunder Pavilion, the Earth Tiger Clan, and the Silver Moon Wolf Clan but also three powerful Dou Zun experts.
Among them, there was a two star Dou Zun, a five star Dou Zun, and the mysterious black robed figure whose strength Tang Zhen suspected was even greater than his own. If such a terrifying lineup had been eradicated by Lu Bu...
That would be a huge problem!
Tang Zhen's heart sank. The Sky Phoenix Clan was infamous for its domineering nature and fierce loyalty to its members. Losing three Dou Zun experts in one fell swoop was an affront they would never tolerate. Most likely, they were already preparing to mobilize an overwhelming force.
And this was the Beast Region!
Tang Zhen's thoughts raced, his concerns deepening. It was highly likely that once this journey to the ruins ended, the Sky Phoenix Clan would descend with a full on invasion.
"Damn it… I thought I was offering aid during a blizzard, but this isn't a blizzard it's an avalanche!" Tang Zhen felt increasingly burdened. Lu Bu… well, he'd help if he could, but if things escalated beyond his control, he would have no choice but to let Lu Bu fend for himself.
Xiao Yan, on the other hand, was a safer bet. The Hall of Souls was indeed strong, but they lacked the sheer ferocity and madness of the Sky Phoenix Clan. If the Hall of Souls wanted to target Xiao Yan, they would need to send either their Great Heavenly Elder or one of their deputy hall masters.
But if they dared to dispatch a deputy hall master, then the Burning Flame Valley would have no choice but to unite with the Pill Tower to fight back.
Such mutual destruction wasn't something the Hall of Souls would gamble on lightly not for Xiao Yan. It simply wasn't worth it to alienate so many powerful factions over one person.
As his thoughts settled, Tang Zhen began formulating a plan. Since it was impossible to align with both Lu Bu and Xiao Yan, he would have to choose one. Still, he had to proceed carefully to avoid offending Lu Bu unnecessarily.
"Hall of Souls!?"
"The Hall of Souls is here?"
"And the ones who came are the infamous Black and White Elders?!"
As the Black and White Elders silently emerged, their cold, overbearing aura spread throughout the hall, causing everyone present to tense up and instinctively retreat.
These two figures had once been infamous across the Central Plains, their reputation for cruelty surpassing even that of the Star Plucking Old Ghost. Whenever they struck, the results were mass slaughter and annihilation. Numerous families and factions had been wiped out by them.
After joining the Hall of Souls, their notoriety only grew. It was said that several alchemists from the Pill Tower had perished at their hands, and even one of the Pill Tower's branches had been destroyed.
However, the crowd's relief stemmed from the fact that the Black and White Elders didn't immediately begin a massacre. Instead, their attention was fixed solely on Xiao Yan. Their sinister gazes carried an undeniable killing intent.
This was how the Hall of Souls operated brazen and ruthless.
"Xiao Yan, huh? You've certainly made quite the name for yourself in my Hall of Souls," White Elder remarked coldly. "From the Great Heavenly Elder to the Second Elder, and down to the lowest ranked Revered Elders, your name rings loud and clear. In all these years, you're the first person to leave such an impression."
"Heh… Thanks for the compliment. It's an honor," Xiao Yan retorted with a cold smile, unapologetically accepting the backhanded praise.
His grudge with the Hall of Souls was already irreconcilable. Surrendering wouldn't save him, nor would begging for mercy ensure the safety of his father or teacher.
If that was the case, why bother with either?
Lu Bu had once told him: "If someone's killed, they'll die. Simple as that."
The Hall of Souls? The Soul Clan? Did they think they were invincible, like Dou Di?
A faint, dark flame began to dance around Xiao Yan's body as his thoughts grew more resolute.
"Good, you've got guts!" Black Elder sneered, his eyes glinting with cold light. "You're certainly living up to your reputation the one who destroyed my Hall of Souls branch and slaughtered our Dou Zun experts. Impressive!"
"You flatter me. It was nothing," Xiao Yan replied mockingly, his tone sharp and combative.
"Heh… That Heavenly Flame of yours it carries the scent of the Xuan Huang Flame. Did you kill Mu Gu?" White Elder's gaze sharpened as he stared at the dark flame surrounding Xiao Yan.
"Mu Gu's soul hasn't fully dissipated yet. It seems you and Yao Chen sealed him away. Not bad… ruthless enough!"
"You're the first person bold enough to treat my Hall of Souls this way!"
"???"
The smug defiance on Xiao Yan's face froze, and his eyes widened slightly. He could admit to fighting the Hall of Souls, but… Mu Gu's death wasn't his doing!
Nearby, Lu Bu glanced at Xiao Yan with a faint smile of sympathy. "Well, buddy, that's a fine mess you're in. Good luck with that."
Xiao Yan immediately glared at Lu Bu. "This is your fault! You killed Mu Gu what does it have to do with me?!"
Lu Bu rolled his eyes. "Then go ahead and explain it to the Hall of Souls. Let's see if they believe you."
The Xuan Huang Flame was currently in Xiao Yan's possession, after all…
Xiao Yan's mouth twitched in frustration. He felt like he'd been set up, but he couldn't even blame Lu Bu entirely. After all, it was his idea to target Mu Gu, and he was the one who wanted the Xuan Huang Flame.
"When this is over, I'll take your head and bring Yao Chen back to the Hall of Souls to atone!" White Elder declared coldly, his tone laced with murderous intent.
"Hmph… I'll be waiting. Do you think I, Xiao Yan, fear you?" Xiao Yan gritted his teeth, forcing a cold smile. At this point, there was no point in denying anything. The Xuan Huang Flame was already in his possession, and there was no way to explain his way out of it.
Besides, why should he explain?
Even though Lu Bu's smirking face was infuriating, it paled in comparison to the threat posed by the Hall of Souls.
"Ahem… The seal is starting to weaken. Let's focus on the Heavenly Technique instead," Tang Zhen interjected, coughing lightly. "Black and White Elders, why bother making things difficult for Xiao Yan? Such behavior is unbecoming of seniors."
Tang Zhen's words, though seemingly diplomatic, subtly indicated his support for Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan cast a grateful look at Tang Zhen. The Valley Master's support was heartening so much better than the trouble Lu Bu always caused him. This unexpected kindness was something he wouldn't forget.
The Black and White Elders' expressions darkened. Though the Burning Flame Valley was only one of the three valleys, its deep foundations likely surpassed even those of the Flower Sect and the Heavenly Underworld Sect.
If Tang Zhen was determined to protect Xiao Yan, things would become troublesome. With the help of the Nine Dragons Lightning Flame, Tang Zhen could hold off one of them, and taking down Xiao Yan would require considerable effort.
"The seal is breaking!"
Just as Tang Zhen finished speaking, shocked exclamations rang out. The spatial seal separating the crowd from the skeleton and glowing spheres began to crack, thin lines spreading across its surface like spiderwebs.
Crack! Crack!
Amidst the collective astonishment and anticipation, shards of the spatial barrier started to fall, their clear sound echoing throughout the hall.
At the same time, the ten glowing orbs floating above the hall suddenly erupted with blinding radiance. From within the intense light, ten scrolls shot out in different directions.
Boom!
In an instant, the hall erupted into chaos! The atmosphere grew heated as Dou Qi surged wildly. At the same time, around the central platform, the eight grayish, stone like humanoid puppets suddenly opened their eyes. A chilling, murderous aura spread out in an instant.
"The Heavenly Rank Dou Technique has appeared!"
Shrill cries rang out, and in the blink of an eye, countless eyes turned bloodshot. Shouts erupted as numerous figures shot forward like a swarm of locusts, frantically rushing toward the scrolls floating in the air.
"Hahaha! I got it!" A Dou Zun expert who managed to grab hold of a scroll threw his head back in laughter, overjoyed. In his excitement, he seemed to forget just how dangerous the current situation was.
"You want to die?"
"Hand it over!"
A dozen pairs of bloodshot eyes instantly locked onto him as one. Countless terrifying Dou Techniques came roaring forth, completely surrounding him from all directions.
Boom!
Blood mist exploded. The expert, unable to withstand the combined assault, was torn apart by the overwhelming attacks. The scroll flew free, spinning wildly through the air once more.
The chaotic scene caused cold sweat to run down the backs of many onlookers. The people here had completely lost their minds over the treasure. Anyone who truly managed to get their hands on a scroll would become the immediate target of a frenzied attack.
"Ahhh!"
Suddenly, a series of chilling screams echoed throughout the hall. The eight grayish puppets, armed with long swords and blades, began to move. Each swing of their weapons claimed a life, cutting down anyone trying to snatch the scrolls.
In an instant, bright red blood flowed around the platform, staining the area in a thick, metallic scent of death that made everyone nauseous.
"Xiao Yan, my young friend, shall we each make a move?" Tang Zhen smiled faintly. "Since we're here, we can't leave empty handed, can we? Let's rely on our skills to claim a scroll."
"Of course!" Xiao Yan licked his lips, his eyes gleaming as his soul force radiated from his brow, probing for the Heavenly Rank Dou Technique he desired most.
Nearby, the two Nine Nether Earth Python sisters hesitated as they watched the scrolls flying through the air. Each one of these scrolls represented a powerful Dou Technique. If they were lucky enough to grab a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique...
But they quickly dismissed the thought. Even if they got one, it wouldn't belong to them in the end.
The corners of their mouths twitched bitterly as they remembered their current predicament enslaved and bound. Such treasures were beyond their reach.
Lu Bu, however, paid no mind to their thoughts. He gently squeezed Xiao Yi Xian's soft, delicate hand before waving his sleeve. His soul force surged outward, forming countless fine threads that shot toward one of the ancient puppets.
Xiao Yi Xian's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly as she tapped her foot. A circle of gray purple poisonous gas spread out, isolating Lu Bu and herself from the chaotic surroundings.
At the same time, a streak of black light emanated from Lu Bu's brow, shooting straight into the forehead of one of the ancient puppets.
For a moment, the lifeless puppet still radiating murderous intent trembled. A glimmer of black light flickered within its eyes.
Then, its mechanical slaughtering movements abruptly stopped. The puppet stood motionless, completely still amidst the other puppets that continued their relentless killing spree.
Lu Bu raised his hand and calmly stored the puppet in his storage ring. His gaze then shifted toward the crystalline skeleton on the high platform.
Everyone else's attention was focused on the ten scrolls flying through the air. No one paid much mind to the fleshless Dou Saint skeleton… or so it seemed.
In reality, someone was watching.
Unlike the others who were frantically vying for the scrolls, the Hall of Souls' Black and White Elders didn't even glance at them. White Elder stepped forward, his palm forming a pitch black chain that suddenly materialized in his hand.
Clink!
The chain let out a faint metallic clang as White Elder swung it toward the Dou Saint skeleton on the platform, pulling it toward him.
Meanwhile, Black Elder stood guard at his back. A mist of black fog swirled around him as he coldly scanned the room. His icy gaze warned everyone that any interference would result in death.
This skeleton was something their hall master had specifically ordered them to retrieve. They could not afford to fail.
Once they secured the skeleton, they planned to deal with Xiao Yan's group including that pretty boy Lu Bu!
Black Elder's frosty gaze briefly settled on Lu Bu. You're sticking so close to Xiao Yan? Well then, who else should I kill if not you?
Burning Flame Valley? I can't destroy them, but I can certainly crush a mere newly ascended Dou Zun pretty boy like you!
"Heh… how amusing," Lu Bu chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery. "Instead of focusing on Xiao Yan, the Hall of Souls seems more interested in targeting me?"
"This is how we do things," Black Elder replied coldly, showing no intention of concealing his intentions.
"In that case…" Lu Bu sneered, taking a single step forward as he raised his hand, forming a sharp blade with his fingers. With a sudden, forceful motion, he slashed downward.
"Then you'll die here today!"
Whoosh!
A silver light streaked forward a spatial blade slicing through the air with a piercing hum.
"What?! This kid is just a one star Dou Zun how can he…?!" Black Elder's pupils shrank in disbelief. The instant the spatial blade appeared, he felt as though his very eyes were being stabbed.
"Careful!" Black Elder shouted, clenching his right fist and punching forward.
Boom!
The black mist surged, morphing into a ferocious beast's head that roared and lunged at Lu Bu.
Clang!
The clash of forces erupted in a metallic screech, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Several bystanders screamed in agony as the residual force tore into them, leaving blood and wounds in its wake.
"Ugh!" Black Elder grunted, his shoulder trembling as he steadied himself with effort.
Sss!
Sharp energy raked across his robes, slicing them open. Even his face wasn't spared, a thin gash appearing on his cheek.
"Five star Dou Zun?!" Black Elder exclaimed, his voice filled with shock as he stared at Lu Bu. How was this possible? He clearly appeared to be only a one star Dou Zun!
"Heh…" Lu Bu smirked as he pulled Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan back a few steps.
Black Elder frowned, puzzled by Lu Bu's retreat. What was he up to?
But in his distraction, he didn't notice the drop of blood flung from his cheek by the shockwave. The droplet landed with a faint plop on the crystalline Dou Saint skeleton.
White Elder, who had been pulling the skeleton toward him, froze. A sudden wave of unease surged through his heart as he watched the bizarre scene unfold.
The droplet of blood slowly seeped into the seemingly impenetrable bone, as though absorbed by a sponge.
At the same time, an inexplicable vitality began emanating from the once lifeless skeleton.
White Elder's unease exploded into full blown terror. His instincts screamed danger immense, unimaginable danger!
"Damn it! Retreat!" White Elder barked, his voice tinged with panic. He kicked at the skeleton, sending it spinning through the air as he grabbed Black Elder and retreated at lightning speed.
But even as they fled, the spinning skeleton trembled. Its empty eye sockets suddenly flared with a blood red glow.
"Argh !"
The Dou Saint skeleton tilted its head back and let out a piercing, earth shattering howl that thundered through the hall like a sudden explosion.
The soundwaves, almost tangible, spread out in a circular ripple, slashing through the air like the scythe of death itself.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
One by one, the experts chasing the scrolls froze mid motion. A split second later, their bodies erupted into blood mist, leaving no remains behind.
"Heh…" Lu Bu chuckled softly as he landed gracefully on the ground.
The two Nine Nether Earth Python sisters stared at him, their scalps tingling.
H how…? How did Lu Bu know the Dou Saint skeleton was still alive?
How did he know that blood would awaken it?
(End of Chapter)
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