Chapter 337: The Considerate Snake Spirit Ladies!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Exploding bodies filled the air with a dense mist of blood. In an instant, the entire grand hall was shrouded in the heavy stench of blood.
The many strong individuals present, finally snapping back to their senses, screamed in panic. They fled in every direction, no longer caring about the Heavenly Rank Dou Techniques. At this moment, escaping with their lives was the most important thing.
Spurt!
White Elder staggered, a sudden mouthful of blood spraying from his lips. Although his reflexes were relatively quick, he had been directly hit by the soundwave without any time to prepare. The backlash had injured him, forcing him to vomit blood on the spot.
"Damn it, you bastard!" White Elder and Black Elder turned their furious gazes on Lu Bu. At this moment, their hatred for him far surpassed their enmity with Xiao Yan.
But when their eyes fell on Lu Bu's group, they found something even more infuriating none of them were hurt. In fact, not a single hair on their heads was out of place, and even their clothing remained immaculate.
"Damn it… I swear I'll tear you all into pieces!" White Elder wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes bloodshot with rage. Ever since joining the Hall of Souls, when had he ever suffered such humiliation?
Hatred churned in his chest like a raging storm. At this moment, he wished he could leap forward and rip Lu Bu apart piece by piece.
"What does this have to do with me?" Lu Bu shrugged, his expression full of disdain. "You were the ones who carelessly awakened that skeleton. Why are you blaming me for your own incompetence?"
"Damn it, Hall of Souls, what the hell did you do?" A furious roar suddenly rang out. Tang Zhen, leader of the Burning Flame Valley, glared at the Black and White Elders, his voice filled with fury.
Though the Burning Flame Valley had not lost anyone, two of their elders had been gravely injured and were now completely incapable of battle.
This was even worse than death because it meant Tang Zhen would need to assign people to care for the injured, further weakening his forces.
Other strong individuals who had recovered their senses were equally outraged. Having lost so many comrades, they didn't care whether the Hall of Souls had caused this incident or not.
Under the gazes of dozens, nearly a hundred Dou Zuns and Dou Zongs, even the battle hardened Black and White Elders felt a chill run down their spines.
If this escalated into a group assault, the two of them might survive, but they wouldn't emerge unscathed. What's worse, they still needed to deal with the Dou Saint skeleton and the threat posed by Xiao Yan's group.
"It wasn't us! We're victims too!" White Elder pointed an accusatory finger at Lu Bu, shouting, "It was him! That pretty boy! He dropped a drop of blood onto the Dou Saint skeleton and awakened it!"
Shing!
All at once, countless eyes locked onto Lu Bu.
"You're talking nonsense!" Before Lu Bu could respond, a furious shout rang out from beside him. It was none other than Ya Zi, who was livid. "It was clearly the two of you who disturbed the Dou Saint skeleton by trying to capture it. And now you dare shift the blame?"
"You're simply trying to find a scapegoat because you don't have the courage to face the consequences!"
After her outburst, Ya Zi's expression softened as she turned to Lu Bu, her eyes filled with a gentle, water like radiance, clearly hoping for his praise.
Lu Bu rolled his eyes at her. This snake spirit… Compared to Her Majesty the Queen, her attempt at charming him was quite amateurish.
Xiao Yi Xian glanced at Ya Zi, then sighed softly. Such an incompetent Nine Nether Earth Python… Still, given how diligent Ya Zi was trying to be, Xiao Yi Xian decided to let it slide.
However, her gaze briefly landed on the other sister, Ya Rong, who stood stiff as a statue. Without comparison, there would be no harm done…
"Well said! The Nine Nether Earth Python friends are absolutely right!" Tang Zhen shouted in support. "You two don't even know who this person is, and you have no enmity with him. Pinning the blame on him out of nowhere what else could that be but scapegoating?"
"After causing so many deaths, you still want to shirk responsibility?"
The crowd's attention immediately shifted back to the Black and White Elders, their anger and killing intent palpable. Unless the Hall of Souls gave a satisfactory explanation, they wouldn't be leaving here alive.
Tang Zhen's furious expression gradually eased, replaced by a faint smile. As a five star Dou Zun, he had sensed the earlier clash between the Hall of Souls and Lu Bu. Who had actually awakened the Dou Saint skeleton didn't matter. Maybe it was the Hall of Souls, or maybe it was Lu Bu.
But… he couldn't afford to provoke the Heavenly Phoenix tribe. The Hall of Souls, though? That was another story.
And besides, wasn't this a perfect opportunity to build rapport with Lu Bu? Sometimes, playing dumb worked wonders.
Xiao Yan remained silent throughout, calmly observing the exchange. He wasn't interested in verbal battles, preferring to let his fists do the talking.
Whether it was dealing with the Hall of Souls or helping Lu Bu acquire the Dou Saint skeleton, both were tasks he considered necessary. The former was an enemy, and the latter… Well, if not for the fact that Lu Bu was holding his Soul Baby Fruit hostage, he wouldn't have bothered!
Damn it, so frustrating!
"Alright, enough squabbling! That Dou Saint skeleton is too strong. We're no match for it. Let's get out of here while we still can!" Lu Bu said with a casual wave of his hand.
As he spoke, he reached up and snatched one of the floating scrolls from the air, his palm emanating a powerful suction force. The scroll landed in his hand effortlessly, and he examined it with satisfaction.
His words immediately snapped everyone out of their rage. That's right if they couldn't win, they could at least run. Now that they had obtained their treasures, what were they still waiting for? The longer they stayed, the more danger they faced.
As for those who had perished earlier… Brothers, I swear I'll avenge you!
Upon hearing this, the Black and White Elders' faces turned ashen. If everyone else fled, they would be left to deal with the Dou Saint skeleton on their own. Whether they could handle it was highly questionable.
"No! You can't escape!" White Elder's eyes darted around as he urgently shouted, "That skeleton's remnant intent won't rest until every intruder in the ruins is dead. Especially those of you who've taken scrolls it won't stop hunting you down!"
"Really? I don't believe you!" Lu Bu sneered. "Who do you think you are? The skeleton itself? Stop pretending you know its intentions."
Seriously, Lu Bu mused, was this the same excuse used in the original story to convince Tang Zhen, Huang Xuan, and Xiao Yan to fight the skeleton? Such a lame reason…
"Hmph… I don't believe it either," Tang Zhen said dismissively. Come to my Burning Flame Valley if you dare. We have living Dou Saints there. You think we're scared of a mere skeleton and remnant soul?
"Me neither," Xiao Yan added, crossing his arms with a cold smile. This thing is already in Lu Bu's sights. Does it really think it can escape?
Ice River Valley's Ice River Sovereign swallowed nervously, wanting to add his voice to the conversation. As a major force rivaling the Burning Flame Valley, it would be embarrassing to remain silent.
But before he could speak, Lu Bu's mocking gaze swept over him, as if to say, A measly three star Dou Zun wants to sit at the same table as us?
Damn bastard… Ice River Sovereign clenched his fists, veins bulging on his forehead. Just wait. When the Heavenly Phoenix army arrives, I'll see if you can still act so arrogant!
Meanwhile, the Black and White Elders were trembling with rage. If they failed their mission, the Hall of Souls' master would surely have them killed.
Noticing the tense standoff, Ya Zi's eyes gleamed as she suddenly smiled.
"Elders of the Hall of Souls," she said sweetly, "I'll help you deal with the skeleton."
She turned to Lu Bu and added, "If it escapes, our Nine Nether Earth Python clan might not survive."
After all, she thought, if my master wants that skeleton, then it's my job to make it happen.
Lu Bu's eyes lit up immediately. What a considerate and understanding snake spirit lady! With this move, the Hall of Souls duo would have no choice but to join the battle. Hmm… He would have to find an opportunity to reward her later. Such a thoughtful and endearing snake spirit sister deserved to be appreciated!
As this thought crossed his mind, Lu Bu's gaze flickered. He had originally thought he desired Ya Zi and Ya Rong for their bodies and Dou Qi, but now he realized that wasn't the case at all. With such sensible and charming snake spirits, it was only natural they were so likable!
Before Ya Zi's voice even faded, a crimson skeleton emerged slowly from the blood mist:
"Intruders… must die."
A raspy and ancient voice echoed, causing everyone present to feel a chill down their spines.
The conflicted Black and White Elders immediately perked up upon hearing Ya Zi's words. Without hesitation, they shouted, "Good! Thank you, friends of the Nine Nether Earth Python clan. Let's attack together!"
With a loud roar, the two unleashed their power. Two chains shot forth, hurtling viciously toward the crimson skeleton.
"Little sister, follow me!" Ya Zi commanded in a low voice. Her delicate hand clenched as a vast wave of Dou Qi erupted, crashing down toward the crimson skeleton.
Though unsure of her sister's motives, Ya Rong gritted her teeth and followed suit, unleashing her own attack to assist Ya Zi in striking the Dou Saint skeleton.
Meanwhile, those who had managed to seize scrolls glanced around shrewdly before turning to leave. They didn't care about the Dou Saint skeleton; with the greatest treasures in hand, it was time to make their escape.
But as those few began retreating, others shifted their steps and silently followed. Killing others and stealing treasures was second nature to these people, and they had no moral qualms about it.
In no time, the grand hall that had previously been packed with nearly a hundred people was reduced to a sparse few. Most had fled, leaving behind only Lu Bu, the Hall of Souls, Xiao Yan, the Burning Flame Valley, the Ice River Valley, and a handful of others who remained to observe the situation.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Elsewhere, the combined furious assaults of the two six star Dou Zuns and the two five star Dou Zuns rained down on the crimson skeleton, their blows resonating like metal striking metal.
Sparks erupted as their attacks clashed against the Dou Saint skeleton, but even strikes powerful enough to split mountains left not so much as a scratch. However, the combined efforts weren't entirely in vain each blow caused the crimson hue on the skeleton to dim slightly.
Violent gusts of energy surged in all directions, sending chills down the spines of the onlookers. Some spectators quietly retreated, realizing that while the spectacle was captivating, being caught in the crossfire would be disastrous.
Boom!
A thick wave of black mist roared like a dragon, carrying a surge of terrifying force that crashed into the skeleton's chest.
Clang!
A deafening wave of sound erupted as the Dou Saint skeleton was forced backward, the immense power pushing it into the wall.
Crack! Crack!
Finger thick cracks spread like a spiderweb across the sturdy walls of the hall, while the blood red hue on the skeleton's body visibly faded.
"Quick! Press the attack it's almost done for!" White Elder exclaimed with joy, urging his companion forward as they charged toward the embedded skeleton.
The Nine Nether Earth Python sisters' faces also lit up with joy, thinking the battle was finally nearing its end.
"Retreat!"
Just then, Lu Bu's faint voice reached their ears, causing their expressions to freeze mid smile.
Though his voice was soft, it carried an overwhelming spiritual power that thundered through their minds, leaving them momentarily stunned. Without a second thought, the sisters abandoned their attack and swiftly retreated.
Crack! Crack…
"Great… Heaven… Creation… Palm!"
The Dou Saint skeleton's jaw moved slightly, and a deep, raspy voice echoed as if carried across the river of time from an ancient era.
In an instant, streaks of crimson light converged onto the skeleton's right hand. When the final trace of crimson vanished, a deep black dot formed. This dot exuded an eerie aura as though it could swallow not just light, but even the soul of anyone who gazed upon it.
Roar!
The moment the black dot materialized, the skeleton slammed its palm into the ground.
Screech!
In a heartbeat, the ground beneath disappeared, swallowed entirely by the black dot. The void quickly expanded outward, forming a black energy ring that devoured everything in its path, erasing objects from existence as though they had never been.
"Ahhh! Damn it!" The Black and White Elders, caught in the path of the black ring, were so terrified that they screamed and turned to flee. The black ring's speed grew with every second, its horrifying pull forcing them to strain every fiber of their beings to escape.
The Nine Nether Earth Python sisters wiped cold sweat from their brows, their hearts still pounding in fear. Lu Bu's warning had come just in time otherwise, it would have been them fleeing in panic, not the Hall of Souls.
*Heh heh heh… "You think you can come and go as you please?" Lu Bu smirked as he watched the Hall of Souls elders flee. His sleeve waved, and a grayish white puppet appeared, wielding a ghostly blade. It swung the massive blade down on Black Elder.
"Damn you!" Black Elder roared, his bloodshot eyes filled with rage. "Brat, I swear I'll kill you today!"
Clang!
The puppet's blade fell, forcing Black Elder to raise his arms to block. The impact sent his retreating body stumbling back, no matter how much he struggled.
"Heh, let's see if you're still alive by the end of this," Lu Bu sneered.
Black Elder's face twisted in horror, and a chill ran down his spine.
"Arghhh!"
The black energy ring consumed the lower half of Black Elder's body, leaving his upper half writhing in agonized screams.
"No!" White Elder's eyes widened in fury as he hurled his chain in an attempt to save his companion. But before the chain could reach him, it too vanished into the black void.
All he could do was watch as Black Elder's remaining body disintegrated, his screams fading into silence.
Though grief stricken, White Elder used the momentary pause in the black ring's advance to escape. The ring slowed briefly, then ceased its expansion, disappearing entirely.
"Brat, I swear I'll avenge this!" White Elder's voice trembled with rage as he glared at Lu Bu, his eyes bloodshot and filled with hatred.
"Ya Zi, Xiao Yi Xian, retrieve the skeleton. Xiao Yan, keep watch. If anyone dares to interfere, kill them," Lu Bu commanded calmly.
Xiao Yi Xian darted forward without hesitation, her grayish purple venomous aura manifesting into a massive serpent that charged toward the skeleton.
As for White Elder's wrath…
Lu Bu waved his sleeve, summoning ten radiant figures wreathed in interwoven gold and silver light.
In an instant, the imposing aura of the dark gold Sky Demon Puppet filled the hall, shocking everyone present.
"A… A six star Dou Zun at its peak?" The spectators' pupils contracted sharply in disbelief. How could there be a puppet this powerful?
"Kill him," Lu Bu said coolly, pointing at White Elder.
White Elder's fury dissipated in an instant, replaced by bone deep terror that sent chills coursing through him.
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