Chapter 361: Lu Bu: Xun'er, You Know Me Well...
Boom!
Deep blue and fiery red flames erupted in a raging storm. The scorching, violent energy evaporated every trace of moisture in the air. Even the supposedly indestructible arena cracked and split, leaving behind deep, charred fissures.
Lin Xiu let out a muffled groan as he was thrown backward by the firestorm. His body crashed out of the arena, his armor torn, and his hair and beard scorched. He looked utterly disheveled.
"Fusion of Heavenly Flames…" Lin Xiu's face turned grim. He had lost.
On the arena, as Lin Xiu fell, the firestorm gradually receded. Xiao Yan stood tall, hands clasped behind his back, his expression icy even as his face paled slightly.
With his strength, defeating Lin Xiu wasn't an insurmountable task, but it would have taken considerable effort and time something Xiao Yan didn't want. What he sought was swift and decisive domination, to make a statement and deter others.
Thus, he hadn't hesitated to use the Three Mysterious Transformations of the Heavenly Flame to boost his strength, delivering a crushing blow with his fused flames.
"The Third Commander… really lost," Yang Hao muttered, his fists clenched tightly. Though he had anticipated this outcome, the sight of Lin Xiu's defeat still left him deeply shaken.
Lin Xiu's loss meant that among the Black Abyss Troops, only the Second Commander, Gu Zhen, and the Four Commanders could potentially rival Xiao Yan. Oh, not to mention the Grand Commander, who could easily crush even the likes of Gu Yao his strength was utterly unfathomable.
"Hmph… he's just relying on the power of his Heavenly Flames and secret techniques!" Ling Quan sneered coldly. "Once we complete the coming of age ceremony and inscribe our clan markings, it'll be clear who's truly stronger!"
On the arena, Xiao Yan stood tall, his gaze sharp as a sword. He slowly raised his head, his eyes locking onto Lu Bu, Yang Hao, Gu Luan, and the other four Black Abyss commanders.
His goal had always been to surpass Lu Bu.
"You bastard!" Yang Hao's eyes narrowed sharply as rage surged. His Six Star Dou Zun aura flared up violently, and he prepared to strike back at Xiao Yan.
Boom!
Before he could make a move, the void rippled suddenly, and with a muffled explosion, two flames one deep red, the other a sinister purple black erupted out of nowhere, roaring like dragons and spiraling toward the sky.
"Ugh…" Xiao Yan groaned as his face turned even paler.
"Damn it… Lu Bu is this strong!?" A flicker of fear crossed Xiao Yan's face. From his perception, Lu Bu's towering aura was as unyielding as a mountain piercing the clouds, utterly insurmountable.
It was like the raging waves of an endless ocean, vast and boundless, leaving no way forward.
"Could this guy have advanced to Half Saint already?" Xiao Yan's mouth twitched as an absurd thought crossed his mind.
No, impossible. Absolutely impossible!
How could a nobody like Lu Bu be on par with his teacher's cultivation?
"Sure enough, a new flame…" In the private room, Lu Bu raised an eyebrow, a trace of surprise flashing across his face.
"This flame is intensely hot and concentrated, but strangely docile, lacking the violent nature of most Heavenly Flames…" Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully. The blood red flames were more intense than fierce, which suggested they weren't natural Heavenly Flames but artificially created ones.
"Could it be the Blood Demon Flame?" Lu Bu murmured to himself. Producing something like this would have required immense effort and resources. Could Yao Chen have invested so much in Xiao Yan?
While Lu Bu was lost in thought, the noise of the arena gradually faded. The battle between Xiao Yan and Lin Xiu was over, and the crowd dispersed.
Shrugging, Lu Bu offered a casual apology to the others in the room before leading Qing Lin back to his manor.
"Master…" Qing Lin clung to Lu Bu's arm, walking close by his side. "That woman was clearly trying to gather information. Why did you tell her about the Ancient Dragon Tribe's situation?"
Her delicate brows furrowed slightly as she spoke, clearly referring to Gu Luan. Qing Lin didn't trust her at all.
"Oh… what does it matter if the Gu Clan knows?" Lu Bu chuckled softly. With the Spirit Tribe's realm closed off and the major clans on edge, each suspecting the others of foul play, the likelihood of conflict breaking out was slim.
"Besides, I need the Ancient Dragon Tribe to back me up…" Lu Bu pinched Qing Lin's soft cheek with a smile.
"Stop that! Don't pinch me!" Qing Lin huffed, swatting his hand away with a pout.
…
In the towering central spire of Gu Sacred City, the Ancient Gu Clan's heart:
This place served as the office of Gu Shao, the most powerful figure in the city.
In a spacious meeting hall, three elders and three younger members of the clan sat together.
"Gu Luan, is this information accurate?" Gu Shao asked as he held a scroll in his hand. "Does the Ancient Dragon Tribe really have a supreme expert comparable to our clan leader?"
"Elder, this was what the Grand Commander stated. How could I verify its truth?" Gu Luan replied helplessly. What was she supposed to do, interrogate him?
"The fact that the Ancient Dragon Tribe now has a new Dragon Emperor is troubling…" Elder Tongxuan frowned deeply. This seemingly simple piece of news carried profound implications.
First, the title "Dragon Emperor" clearly indicated the Ancient Dragon Tribe's hierarchical structure, suggesting a powerful royal bloodline capable of leading and uniting the dragons.
Second, the emergence of a new Dragon Emperor implied the retirement of the old one. But had the old Dragon Emperor died, or merely stepped down? If it was the latter… the Ancient Dragon Tribe might have a true sovereign among their ranks. Considering the strength of the dragons, this individual was likely at least a Five Star Dou Sheng.
Lastly, Lu Bu this Black Abyss Grand Commander seemed to share a close relationship with the new Dragon Emperor. So much so that they had assigned two Dou Shengs as his personal bodyguards.
It seemed necessary to reevaluate Lu Bu and the Ancient Dragon Tribe's true relationship.
"Elder Nanhai, what do you think?" Tongxuan turned to the elder who sat with his eyes half closed.
"The Ancient Dragon Tribe is powerful. Even I wouldn't claim I could hold those two dragons here if it came to a fight…" Gu Nanhai replied after a moment's thought. One of the dragons was at the early Three Star Dou Sheng level, while the other was a One Star Dou Sheng.
On paper, his strength might surpass theirs, but Ancient Dragons were notoriously adept at spatial manipulation and escape. Killing them was nearly impossible.
"And now, with tensions rising everywhere, how could the Gu Clan act rashly against the Ancient Dragon Tribe without knowing their true strength?"
"So… do we give him the Heaven Tomb slots?" Tongxuan asked, tapping the scroll against his palm thoughtfully.
"Why not? It costs us nothing to grant these slots, which belong to the Spirit Tribe anyway. If it helps foster goodwill with the Ancient Dragon Tribe, all the better," Gu Shao replied indifferently.
"Let's wait and see…" Gu Nanhai said calmly. "If they think two Ancient Dragons alone can pressure the Gu Clan, they've underestimated us."
"Elders…" Gu Yao coughed lightly, finally speaking. "If I know Lu Bu, he'll cause trouble if he doesn't get what he wants."
"What? Are you saying the Gu Clan would tremble before some Ancient Dragons?" Tongxuan sneered dismissively.
"No, I'm saying he'll make trouble during the coming of age ceremony," Gu Yao corrected.
"With his personality, he'll probably beat us up in front of everyone if we deny him. I don't mind I already know I can't beat him but if he humiliates the young mistress or Brother Qingyang, that'll be another matter entirely."
"Ahem, elders, Commander Gu Yao has a point…" Gu Zhen added. Lu Bu was entirely capable of such antics.
Hearing this, the three elders' brows twitched. This could be a problem.
In the eyes of outsiders, the Black Abyss Army's Grand Commander disciplining his subordinates or challenging stronger commanders was all within reason it wasn't baseless provocation. The Gu Clan couldn't outright forbid it, either.
The issue was that Lu Bu wasn't a member of the Gu Clan, and none of the Gu Clan's young elites could stand up to him. If word spread, the other clans would have a field day laughing at them.
And the worst part? They couldn't do anything about Lu Bu. With two Dou Sheng protectors from the Ancient Dragon Tribe at his side, the Gu Clan couldn't exactly strong arm him, could they?
"Damn it! Who brought him into the Black Abyss Army?!" Elder Tongxuan snapped in frustration.
"… The young mistress!" Gu Zhen responded quietly.
"Well then, never mind." Elder Tongxuan's mouth twitched, and he promptly shut up.
"And about the Heaven Tomb slots that Lu Bu wants…" Gu Yao pressed further.
"Pending!" Elder Tongxuan snorted, refusing to give a direct answer.
"Hmph…" Gu Nanhai nodded slowly in agreement.
Elder Gu Shao furrowed his brows. He didn't see the harm in granting the Grand Commander two slots after all, it cost the Gu Clan nothing and could help strengthen their ties with the Ancient Dragon Tribe.
However, with two elders opposing him, he couldn't overrule their decision on his own. So, he chose to remain silent.
Gu Yao's lips twitched. He cursed silently in his heart. Of course, it wasn't their faces getting beaten to a pulp, so they could afford to take their time deciding!
Damn it!
"What about the slots for the Xiao Clan? Some members of their clan have arrived this time…" Gu Luan cautiously raised her hand, bringing up a related issue.
"Hmph… Letting the Ancient Dragon Tribe act insolently is one thing, but the Xiao Clan dares as well?" Elder Tongxuan sneered coldly. I may not be able to deal with the Ancient Dragons, but the Xiao Clan? That's laughable!
…
In Lu Bu's room, Qing Lin's bare feet rested on his broad back as she worked to ease the tension in his muscles.
"Master, what exactly is this Heaven Tomb?" Qing Lin asked curiously. She lifted the hem of her dress slightly, revealing her slim ankles that shimmered with a soft, rosy hue.
"Hmm… It's a peculiar place. Three years inside the tomb equates to only six months in the outside world," Lu Bu replied lazily, enjoying the massage. "It's filled with the energy remnants of many powerful figures. If you can defeat these remnants, you can absorb their energy to strengthen yourself."
"That sounds incredible…" Qing Lin exclaimed in amazement. No wonder her master was eager to enter it truly seemed like a rare opportunity.
"But will the Gu Clan really let us enter so easily?" Qing Lin asked again.
"They won't?" Lu Bu smirked coldly. "Then I'll beat them until they do."
"Ahaha, Master, you're so domineering," Qing Lin giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. Her legs swung playfully before she plopped herself down onto Lu Bu's waist.
"Hey, girl, don't mess around…" Lu Bu said quickly. This was the Gu Sacred City, after all, and the Gu Clan had eyes and ears everywhere. Who knew if some nosy old man was watching them?
And it wasn't just the Ancient Dragon Tribe's elders he had to worry about. The Gu Clan had plenty of Three Star Dou Shengs, and even Elder Zhu Xuan wasn't their match.
For all he knew, Elder Zhu Gang himself might be watching too.
"Hehe… What if I don't listen?" Qing Lin teased, leaning down against Lu Bu's back. Her pink tongue flicked out playfully, gently licking his ear.
"Girl, don't huh?" Lu Bu was about to stop her when a sudden sound of rushing wind caught his attention. His brow furrowed instantly. Someone was coming!
"Who's there?!" Qing Lin's eyes sharpened, her irises glowing with a green light as a fierce aura radiated from her small figure.
Whoosh!
In the next moment, two figures appeared in the room a graceful woman in green and a stunning beauty clad in white robes.
"Well, well… Xun'er?" Lu Bu smirked teasingly, clicking his tongue. "It seems the Gu Clan's young mistress has too much free time on her hands. Breaking into my room again… What is this, the third time?"
"I need to speak with you… Aren't you going to put on some clothes?" Xun'er's eyelid twitched as she instinctively glanced twice at Lu Bu's bare chest.
"This is my room. You barging in here doesn't give you the moral high ground, you know?" Lu Bu retorted playfully.
"Hmph… Master, let me dress you!" Qing Lin huffed, clearly displeased. She waved her delicate hand, summoning a robe and helping Lu Bu put it on.
This woman was obviously no good! Barging in was bad enough, but now she was shamelessly ogling her master? She couldn't let this woman take advantage of him!
"What is it? Speak." Lu Bu glanced at Xun'er and then at the white robed beauty beside her. His tone was indifferent.
The older woman was clearly a strong figure within the Gu Clan, but her strength was mediocre. Neither Elder Zhu Xuan nor Zhu Gang bothered to acknowledge her.
"You already know about my relationship with Brother Xiao Yan, don't you?" Xun'er asked after a moment's hesitation.
"Hmm, I've heard a bit about it." Lu Bu nodded. Partly from his knowledge of the story and partly from what Ling Quan and Yang Hao had told him it all lined up.
"I hope you won't interfere in anything between Brother Xiao Yan and Gu Yao," Xun'er said seriously. She was confident in Xiao Yan's abilities and didn't worry about others. But Lu Bu was a different story!
A month ago, Gu Yao and Yang Hao had returned from the Pill Tower with bruised faces, which spoke volumes.
Lu Bu was an unpredictable wildcard formidable, unconventional, and someone Xun'er couldn't afford to overlook.
More importantly, Lu Bu got along decently with Gu Yao and the other commanders. No one could predict what he might do next.
"Kehehe…" Lu Bu grinned mischievously. "Xun'er, you know me well. If I were to make a move, the one lying on the ground wouldn't be Xiao Yan it would be you."
Xun'er's eye twitched, and she nearly cursed him out. What the hell was that supposed to mean?
"So, if you don't want me to interfere, that's fine. But… you'll have to pay up!"
Of course… Xun'er took a deep breath to calm herself. "I'll secure the Heaven Tomb slots for you. But in return, you must promise not to cause trouble or steal Brother Xiao Yan's spotlight!"
She was truly going to great lengths for Xiao Yan's sake.
"Ke, ke, ke… If you can't even secure slots for Xiao Yan, how can you promise them to me?" Lu Bu sneered. "If you're so capable, why not just slap down everyone who opposes you?"
"Hmph… Seven Colored Clan Mark," Xun'er replied with a snort.
"Oh, right. I almost forgot…" Lu Bu chuckled, recalling how, in the original story, Xun'er had used her bloodline to secure the Xiao Clan's slots. In the Gu Clan, high level bloodlines could indeed accomplish anything.
"Well then, we have a deal!" Lu Bu grinned, agreeing readily. Having an inside agent was always helpful.
"Good. I'll take my leave now."
Xun'er nodded faintly, feeling relieved. Giving away something that didn't belong to her in the first place was a small price to pay to keep Lu Bu in check. If this troublemaker started stirring things up, it would be a disaster.
"Hold it!" Lu Bu called after her, his tone calm. "Xun'er, this is just a verbal agreement. Don't go backing out on me."
"Kehehe… You wouldn't want anything to happen to Xiao Yan, would you?"
Xun'er: "…"
Here we go again…
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