Chapter 358: Bowing to Lu Bu, But Striking Xiao Yan with Full Force!
In the Saint Dan Mountain Range, at Lu Bu's estate, a sudden tearing sound echoed across the azure sky. A pitch black crack abruptly appeared, its dark and profound nature standing out sharply against the bright blue sky and white clouds.
Simultaneously, two figures slowly emerged from the rift and descended silently to the ground.
"Another Taixu Ancient Dragon?"
"So powerful, I can't even discern their level!"
"With strength like this, they're definitely stronger than the Great Elder..."
"Uh, that's true, but... doesn't that Taixu Ancient Dragon look like it's in rough shape?"
"Really? ...Shh, quiet!"
The experts of the Small Pill Tower exchanged a few short words before retreating into silence, withdrawing their spiritual senses.
Within the estate, Lu Bu was guiding Qing Lin through incense rituals and bathing, preparing to welcome Elder Zhu Tao.
But unexpectedly, it wasn't Zhu Tao who arrived it was Zhu Xuan and Zhu Gang!
"Uh... Elder Zhu Gang, what happened to you?" Lu Bu asked, slightly dumbfounded. His attention wasn't on the stunning and elegant Zhu Xuan but on the disheveled appearance of Zhu Gang.
Zhu Gang's face was swollen and bruised, with both eye sockets blackened like a panda. His gaunt facial skin was puffed up and streaked with red lines, and even more absurdly, he was missing a front tooth. The sight was downright comical.
"Ahem... Nothing, nothing at all! I fell... Yes, I fell!" Zhu Gang quickly waved his hands and stammered his response to Lu Bu's inquiry.
Lu Bu: "..."
Why does this sound so familiar? Didn't Elder Zhu Li say something similar? How could it be such a coincidence?
"Lu Bu, Elder Zhu Tao is currently preoccupied, so the two of us are here in his stead," Zhu Xuan interjected, arms crossed as she took over the explanation.
"Uh... Why two of you?" Lu Bu scratched his head, not unwilling but genuinely puzzled. The Taixu Ancient Dragons only had so many Dou Sheng experts. Sending two at once could stretch their defenses against the Three Dragon Islands.
"Hmm... The young master makes a good point," Qing Lin also noted with concern. "We can't let anything happen to Zi Yan!"
"Oh, no need to worry," Zhu Gang reassured them, waving his hand. "The Great Elder has already awakened from seclusion, and another senior has returned from the void. With those two, plus Elder Zhu Tao overseeing things, we're more than secure... Hehe!"
At the mention of the others, Zhu Gang suddenly grinned broadly. Finally, I'm not the only one getting beaten up anymore!
"Indeed, that's the case," Zhu Xuan affirmed with a nod. "I haven't been to the Dou Qi Continent in a long time, so I figured this would be a good opportunity for a change of pace."
Zhu Gang's expression twitched. Didn't beating me up already give you a change of pace? Now you want more?
"In that case, let's head to the Eastern Region and the Gu Clan!" Lu Bu's lips curved into a faint smile. With two Taixu Ancient Dragon Dou Shengs backing him, he was confident the Gu Clan elders wouldn't dare ignore the opinion of the Black Abyss Army's commander.
"Haha! Let me take you there!" Zhu Gang laughed heartily. With a flash, he revealed his true form, unfurling across the skies above Saint Dan City.
In an instant, a colossal, thousand foot long dragon coiled majestically in the heavens, soaring through the sky and weaving through the clouds. Its head seemed to vanish into the horizon, its tail stretching endlessly into the distance.
The once bruised and battered old man was now a fearsome, awe inspiring Taixu Ancient Dragon, a supreme being of the magical beast realm!
In Saint Dan City, countless people felt their scalps tingle, overwhelmed by fear. An unbearable chill shot through their souls from their heels.
Qing Lin silently stopped her hand seals, abandoning the idea of summoning Yaoyan and Yaorong back.
With this Taixu Ancient Dragon around, who needs the Nine Netherworld Python?
Outside the mountain, Venerable Tian Huo's figure flickered briefly before vanishing back into the void. He decided to stay and protect the estate. Matters involving the ancient clans were far beyond what a five turn Dou Zun like him could handle.
"Lu Bu, Qing Lin, let's go," Zhu Xuan said softly, her tone carrying a trace of a smile.
With a wave of her sleeve, space distorted. Before Lu Bu and Qing Lin could even react, they found themselves standing atop the massive dragon's back, as if transported in an instant.
Just then, the four of them Lu Bu, Qing Lin, Zhu Xuan, and Zhu Gang seemed to sense something simultaneously. They looked up toward a certain point in the void. There, an elderly man in plain linen robes gradually appeared and clasped his hands in salute toward Zhu Xuan.
Zhu Xuan's expression turned solemn, and she returned the gesture respectfully.
Zhu Gang let out a low growl, his massive dragon tail swiping through the void as they vanished from sight. At the same time, the linen robed elder's figure dissipated as if it had never existed.
"Young master, who was that?"
"The Grand Elder of the Pill Tower, a nine star alchemist, with the strength of a two star Dou Sheng!"
"I see..."
…
The vast expanse of grassland stretched endlessly before them, lush and vibrant greenery filling their view. Tall grass swayed gently in the breeze, the rustling sound of leaves blending into the serene atmosphere. Among the grass, magical beasts occasionally appeared some grazing, others hiding in ambush, ready to pounce on prey.
Amid this lively, flourishing scene stood a magnificent and towering stone plaza, nearly a hundred feet above the ground. It was supported by countless massive stone pillars, exuding grandeur and might.
The sheer size of the structure defied imagination, resembling an island more than a plaza. It was immense, far beyond ordinary comprehension.
On the plaza were countless buildings, densely packed and innumerable. Shadows flitted back and forth, people bustling about, their movements making the area feel alive and vibrant.
Above the enormous stone plaza, the entire space seemed slightly distorted, adding a strange and mysterious quality.
Just then, a flash of silver light appeared within the distorted space, and three figures materialized at the edge of the plaza two elderly men and a young man.
"So this is the Ancient Stone Plaza..." Xiao Yan murmured, his heart filled with awe as he took in the sight.
As expected of an ancient Dou Di clan such grandeur was truly unparalleled!
"It should be," Yao Chen replied with a soft hum as he scanned the surroundings.
"Huh? You've never been here?" Venerable Feng raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"I'm a discarded clansman with a forsaken bloodline how would I qualify to represent the clan?" Yao Chen rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"Let's go. That over there is the Ancient Sacred City, and the entrance to the Ancient Realm should be at its center," Yao Chen said, pointing toward a majestic city in the east.
A look of excitement and joy appeared on Xiao Yan's face. Xun'er... I'm finally going to see you again!
The three figures shot forward like lightning toward the eastern city. As they neared its outskirts, they descended to the ground.
"This Ancient Sacred City is a relic from ancient times, said to have been built by the Gu Clan's Dou Di. It's imbued with traces of a Dou Di's power," Yao Chen explained to Xiao Yan, lifting his chin toward the city. "As a mark of respect for the Dou Di, flying is prohibited within a thousand kilometers of the city. We'll have to walk from here wait, what?"
Yao Chen's words were cut off as he suddenly looked up in shock. High above the city, the once impenetrable space of the Gu Clan trembled violently.
Tear!
Before Yao Chen could process his thoughts, a sound like fabric being ripped echoed through the air. A massive pitch black crack tore open in the sky.
"What!?" Yao Chen's expression changed drastically. The space here was so solid that even he, a half saint, struggled to distort it. Yet someone had just torn it apart!
How is this possible!?
"Could it be... the Hall of Souls attacking?" Yao Chen muttered, a strange thought flashing through his mind.
"This... shouldn't be the case, right?" Xiao Yan wiped the sweat from his brow. Why would those two massive forces just casually go to war?
"Who dares trespass in the skies above the Ancient Sacred City!?" a cold voice boomed. From within the city, numerous powerful auras erupted, shaking the heavens and causing the earth to tremble.
Before the words had fully faded, silver light flashed in the sky. A dazzling brilliance spread across the heavens, like a second sun rising in the firmament.
With the emergence of silver light, a massive and majestic figure, spanning over a thousand meters, slowly revealed itself, striding through glowing air currents and soaring amidst clouds and waves.
The expressions of the Gu Clan's many experts instantly shifted. Though the figure exuded neither hostility nor killing intent, its overwhelming presence made it impossible to dismiss.
As the silver light faded, a colossal dragon appeared before countless eyes. Its dark golden scales shimmered ominously, its gleaming white fangs exuded a chilling menace, and its pillar like limbs seemed to tread upon the void itself. The terrifying might emanating from its immense body carried the potential to destroy the heavens and the earth.
"Ta... Taixu Ancient Dragon!?"
"That's a Taixu Ancient Dragon!?"
Exclamations of shock erupted in succession. It wasn't as if they had never seen a Taixu Ancient Dragon before. The only one known on the Dou Qi Continent, however, was Hei Qing, who was merely an eight star Dou Zun. But the dragon before them now... this being was at least a Half Saint or possibly a Dou Sheng!
At this realization, the Gu Clan elders' faces turned pale. What was a Dou Sheng of the Ancient Dragon Clan doing in Ancient Sacred City?
On the ground, squads of Black Abyss Troops, clad in black armor and mounted on four winged unicorns, rushed out in unison. Though they were incapable of dealing with the situation in the sky, they could at least prevent opportunists from taking advantage of the chaos or creating disturbances.
"Honored elder of the Ancient Dragon Clan, I am Gu Shao, overseer of Ancient Sacred City. May I ask the purpose of your visit?" A middle aged man called out in a deep voice, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. A strong aura began to quietly spread from his body.
"Oh? A one star Dou Sheng? Not bad, not bad!" Zhu Gang's massive eyes swiveled around before he let out a chuckle and nodded slightly at Gu Shao.
Gu Shao's expression remained steady, but his muscles and nerves were instantly taut. Against a one star Dou Sheng of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan... not only would he lose, but he might not even have a chance to fight back.
"Haha, no need to be so tense, Elder Gu Shao we're on the same side!"
At that moment, a clear and cheerful laugh rang out, followed by the emergence of a black jade medallion and a jade tablet from the towering dragon's massive body.
"Huh?" Gu Shao was momentarily stunned. Reflexively catching the items, he examined them, and his lips twitched. "The Grand Commander? The Grand Commander of the Black Abyss Troops? Wait... Xiao Yan? Uh, no, this isn't Xiao Yan..."
Gu Shao had heard of this person Lu Bu, the Black Abyss Troops' Grand Commander and the one hailed as possessing the potential of a Dou Di. But this individual and the Xiao Yan mentioned by the young mistress were clearly two different people. Moreover, this Grand Commander was rumored to have close ties with the Ancient Dragon Clan.
Upon closer inspection, this wasn't just "close ties"; his status among the Ancient Dragons was evidently lofty!
Glancing at the colossal dark golden dragon coiled in the sky, dominating the vast heavens over the Ancient Sacred City, Gu Shao felt a deeper sense of respect for the Black Abyss Troops' Grand Commander.
"Hahaha, indeed, it is I!" Lu Bu laughed heartily. In a flash, he appeared in the sky with Qing Lin and Zhu Xuan by his side.
Qing Lin clung to Lu Bu's arm, curiously observing her surroundings. Zhu Xuan stood calmly beside them, smiling faintly as she gave a polite nod.
"Powerful!"
In the sky, many Gu Clan elders had subtle changes in their expressions, each feeling an overwhelming sense of pressure emanating from Zhu Xuan.
"The Grand Commander of the Black Abyss Troops? The one who captured Hun Yu?"
"This person is said to be named Xiao Yan... Is he the same Xiao Yan linked to the recent uproar about Dou Di potential?"
"No, no. The Grand Commander of the Black Abyss Troops is indeed the one who subdued Hun Yu, but his name isn't Xiao Yan, nor is he the same as the one with Dou Di potential. That's what the Gu Clan has clarified."
"Wait... so what is this Grand Commander's actual name?"
"No idea. Just that it's not Xiao Yan. That's what the Black Abyss Troops and especially their Four Commanders like Shura Commander Gu Yao, have said."
"Teacher, isn't flying forbidden above the Ancient Sacred City?" Xiao Yan couldn't help but ask, pointing toward Lu Bu with some disbelief.
Yao Chen raised a hand and smacked Xiao Yan's head. "If you had two Dou Shengs from the Ancient Dragon Clan supporting you, you could fly up there too!"
On the ground, murmurs and whispers gradually broke out among the crowd.
Meanwhile, in the sky, Gu Shao felt his heart tighten, his mouth dry.
"Gulp... Ahem, honored guests, welcome to the Gu Clan!" Gu Shao subconsciously swallowed, then coughed lightly to cover his awkwardness before hurriedly saying:
"However, flying is prohibited above Ancient Sacred City, and unauthorized entry is also not allowed. May I request that the Grand Commander and the two elders from the Dragon Clan enter through the city gates?"
"Haha, no problem at all, Elder Gu Shao. That's entirely reasonable." Lu Bu waved a hand and chuckled. "It's already generous of you not to hold us accountable for breaking the rules. Thank you for your understanding."
With that, Lu Bu descended with Qing Lin and Zhu Xuan toward the city gates. Zhu Gang, meanwhile, burst into golden light, transforming into his human form. His face was now covered by a menacing dark golden scale mask. Combined with his fierce aura, the sight alone was enough to make onlookers' hearts tremble.
Seeing this, Gu Shao let out a sigh of relief. Thank heavens, this Grand Commander wasn't the type to abuse his status or behave arrogantly. He wasn't someone who would exploit his position to act tyrannically.
He's a good man, Gu Shao thought, feeling an inexplicable sense of gratitude. He waved his hand, motioning for the Gu Clan experts behind him to return to the city.
"This is just a minor misstep by the Dragon Clan elders, who have long been absent from the continent. Nothing serious. They have no malicious intent, and the Grand Commander is one of us. There's no need to make a fuss... but I should still inform the higher ups."
As Gu Shao mused, he flicked his hand, sending a streak of light into the void. Moments later, two elder figures appeared by his side, their expressions calm and unreadable, speaking not a word.
At the city gate, Ling Quan greeted them with a hearty laugh. "Grand Commander, you've finally come to the Gu Clan!"
"Oh? You're this happy to see me?" Lu Bu asked, half amused.
"Hehe... I can't speak for others, but I'm definitely glad!" Ling Quan grinned mischievously, his tone teasing. After all, he was already at the bottom of the pecking order, so any punches thrown would surely miss him.
But as for Gu Yao, Gu Zhen, Lin Qiao, and Yang Hao... they weren't so lucky. Having to face Lu Bu's infamous "dragon fists" would be tragic for them but utterly amusing for Ling Quan!
"Chaos, let's all fight... If the Grand Commander brawls with Qingyang Commander, Gu Hua, or Gu Xing, it'll be a spectacle!" Ling Quan chuckled darkly to himself.
"This is your sister in law," Lu Bu said, gesturing toward Qing Lin.
"Greetings, sister in law! Uh..." Ling Quan quickly bowed but froze when he saw Qing Lin. Wait, what's going on? This isn't the same one as before!
What's more, this petite girl radiated an aura as powerful as his own. How was that possible? Was she a prodigy from another imperial clan?
"What's with the surprise?" Lu Bu said irritably. "Didn't I tell you before? I have five soulmates."
"Ha... haha... hah..." Ling Quan laughed awkwardly. He'd thought that was a joke.
One soulmate is already a handful, and he has five?
At that moment, a soldier approached hastily, carrying Lu Bu's medallion and jade tablet.
"Grand Commander, your accommodations have been arranged. Here are your medallion and jade tablet," the Black Abyss Troops soldier said respectfully.
"Thank you." Lu Bu clasped his hands in thanks, then led his party of three toward Ancient Sacred City.
On a distant pavilion, several Gu Clan elders stroked their beards, smiling. "Not bad, not bad. This young man seems to have a good relationship with Gu Yao, Ling Quan, Yang Hao, and the others..."
"Hehe, they're all like minded commanders. Of course, they'd get along."
"Indeed, indeed..."
"Xiao Yan!? Who allowed you here!?"
Suddenly, Ling Quan's face darkened, and he shouted fiercely, unleashing the full might of his one star Dou Zun aura.
Xiao Yan's face twitched. Just a moment ago, they were nothing but deferential to Lu Bu, and now they're coming at me with full force?
This double standard was infuriating!
Outrageous!
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen