Chapter 359: Everyone's Showing Off, Except Xiao Yan, Who's Getting Beaten Up!
"Xiao Yan?"
The crowd, still recovering from the shock of witnessing the emergence of a Dou Sheng Ancient Dragon, was pulled back into astonishment by Ling Quan's shout.
Countless gazes immediately turned toward Xiao Yan, Yao Chen, and Feng Zun zhe.
"That's Xiao Yan? The one with the Dou Di potential?"
"This guy looks so ordinary. Compared to the Black Abyss Troops' Grand Commander earlier, he's not even close. How dare he claim to have Dou Di potential?"
"Heh, you underestimate him. The ancient clans originally numbered eight. Now, there are only seven. Do you know which clan is missing?"
"Of course, the Xiao Clan... Wait, does that mean this Xiao Yan is from the Xiao Clan?"
Instantly, the Gu Stone Square erupted in commotion. Discussions and murmurs filled the air as countless people whispered about the implications.
The ancient Dou Di clans were inherently sensitive to the title of "Dou Di." They were the closest beings to a Dou Di in existence. For someone to claim Dou Di potential was, in their eyes, a direct challenge to their status.
And to make things worse, this person claiming to have Dou Di potential was from the Xiao Clan a bloodline that had already been discarded, a clan long fallen into decline.
The Gu Clan, Soul Clan, Yan Clan, Lei Clan, Yao Clan, and Shi Clan all cast unfriendly glances. Some were disdainful, others mocking. Each look carried its own meaning.
Outside of the Dou Di clans, even the many factions from Central Plains observed Xiao Yan, Yao Chen, and Feng Zun zhe with interest, eagerly anticipating their next move.
But...
Xiao Yan scratched his head and sighed helplessly. He understood the reasoning behind this situation, but the problem was... he didn't claim to have Dou Di potential in the first place!
What made it even more frustrating was that he couldn't outright deny it.
In other places, perhaps he could refute the claim. But here, in the Gu Clan, retreating or denying it would weaken his presence. Surrounded by the Black Abyss Troops and subjected to immense hostility, taking a step back would mean falling into an abyss.
"Damn you, Lu Bu!" Xiao Yan gritted his teeth in frustration. If only I were strong enough to take you on, I'd make you regret it so hard you'd see why roses bloom red!
"How dare you!" Ling Quan's eyes lit up with glee as he roared, "You dare insult the Grand Commander of the Black Abyss Troops? You're courting death!"
"Using someone else's reputation as a shield..." Xiao Yan rolled his eyes in annoyance, losing any interest in engaging with Ling Quan. Beating him up wouldn't feel satisfying not after witnessing the awe inspiring sight of a Taixu Ancient Dragon.
Besides, Xiao Yan thought, if I'm going to settle scores with Ling Quan and Yang Hao for our past grievances, it should be both of them at once. Taking on just one of them feels like child's play.
"Black Abyss Troops, arrest this arrogant fool!" Ling Quan shouted, ignoring Xiao Yan's reluctance to engage and preparing to strike.
"Hmph!" Xiao Yan let out a cold snort, releasing a surge of his powerful soul force that spread like a massive hammer, crashing into the Black Abyss Troops.
The soldiers' faces changed momentarily, but they were no ordinary fighters. Though Xiao Yan's soul force, at the Spirit Realm level, caused them to pause briefly, they quickly recovered, and one after another, strong auras burst forth.
But all Xiao Yan needed was that brief moment.
A jade token shot from Xiao Yan's hand, striking Ling Quan squarely in the chest. The impact sent a sharp pain through Ling Quan's chest, causing his face to turn pale.
"Commander Ling Quan, is this how the Gu Clan treats its guests?" Yao Chen stepped forward as he spoke, his Half Saint aura spreading instantly across the area.
Ling Quan let out a muffled groan, and his fury dissipated almost immediately. He suddenly remembered that Xiao Yan wouldn't come to the Gu Clan without a valid reason. If he was here at this moment, it had to be due to an invitation from the clan.
"My apologies, Senior Yao Chen..." Ling Quan took a deep breath and bowed slightly in apology.
"Haha, it's a trivial matter," Yao Chen waved his hand dismissively, showing no intention of forcing Ling Quan to apologize to Xiao Yan.
As a former member of a Dou Di clan, Yao Chen understood their pride. Forcing an apology out of them wasn't realistic unless someone like Lu Bu came along and completely crushed them into submission.
The only reason Ling Quan apologized to Yao Chen was partly out of guilt and partly out of respect for his alchemy skills. Toward Xiao Yan, however, there would be no such courtesy.
Besides, Xiao Yan hadn't suffered much. Ling Quan insulted him, and Xiao Yan retaliated. That made them even.
"Please proceed!"
Suppressing his anger, Ling Quan gave Xiao Yan a cold glare before formally inviting him into the city. He then arranged accommodations for the trio from the Falling Star Pavilion.
As Xiao Yan entered through the gates with Yao Chen, he turned to glance at Ling Quan with a meaningful look.
At first, Xiao Yan thought Ling Quan's hostility stemmed from their past grudges. But the man's rage and his apparent desire to tear Xiao Yan apart suggested something more than just their history.
"This... feels strange..." Xiao Yan's eyes glinted with suspicion. Something must have happened. Maybe I should ask Lu Bu he might know something.
After entering the Ancient Sacred City, Xiao Yan and his group, guided by a Black Abyss Troops soldier, arrived at a small manor in the city's western district. This area housed over a hundred identical small manors, all designed for hosting guests.
Except... for the grand, luxurious manor directly opposite theirs.
Xiao Yan's lips twitched as he looked at the extravagant estate. His soul perception confirmed it Lu Bu was there.
The Gu Clan wasn't treating him unfairly. Other guests from the Dou Di clans received the same type of manor as him. However, unlike the others, Xiao Yan's Falling Star Pavilion residence was directly across from the luxurious manor where Lu Bu's group was staying just a hundred meters apart.
"Those bastards... Was this intentional or just a coincidence?" Xiao Yan's eyelid twitched. The Gu Clan didn't seem to be deliberately targeting him, yet everything felt like it was aimed at him.
"No, I have to find Lu Bu and figure out what's going on!" Xiao Yan took a deep breath. He didn't like being left in the dark.
"What do you think of the Gu Clan's strength?" Zhu Xuan asked.
Earlier, the strongest among the Gu Clan experts led by Gu Shao was naturally Gu Shao himself, a late stage one star Dou Sheng. Aside from him, there were five or six high level Half Saints and about seven low level Half Saints.
That strength alone would have been enough to wipe out the Eastern Dragon Island before Zhu Gang's return. And that was just the Ancient Sacred City who knew how many Dou Shengs were hidden within the Gu Clan's spatial realm?
Of course, that didn't include the Dou Shengs Lu Bu had tricked into returning from the void.
"The Gu Clan..." Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully before responding:
"Their clan leader is a late stage nine star Dou Sheng. They also have an early stage eight star Dou Sheng known as the Black Abyss King, three seven star Dou Shengs, and plenty of six star and five star Dou Shengs not fewer than their seven star, eight star, and nine star Dou Shengs."
"Of course, these are just the publicly known experts. There could be even deeper reserves that we don't know about."
Hearing Lu Bu's assessment, Zhu Xuan and Zhu Gang's expressions grew increasingly serious. Even among the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, there wasn't a single nine star Dou Sheng apart from the legendary Old Dragon Emperor.
"As expected of a remnant of the Dou Di clans. Their strength is truly impressive!"
"Haha, Elder Zhu Xuan, why be so humble? Our own Dragon Emperor is a legendary Dragon Phoenix. Reaching nine star Dou Sheng is just a matter of time," Lu Bu chuckled.
"That's true..." Zhu Xuan's smile softened. Their Dragon Emperor, Zi Yan, was a unique existence that combined the powers of an Ancient Dragon and a Heavenly Phoenix. For her, achieving nine star Dou Sheng was merely a question of when, not if.
"Master, what exactly is the Black Abyss Troops? And how is it related to this Black Abyss King you mentioned?" Qing Lin asked curiously while reclining in Lu Bu's arms.
"The Black Abyss Troops are the Gu Clan's younger generation's assembled military force..." Lu Bu began explaining, giving Qing Lin and the two elders a detailed rundown of the Black Abyss Troops, including its four commanders and eight captains.
As he spoke, he also introduced the Soul Clan, describing their strength and how they even surpassed the Gu Clan in certain aspects.
"Hmm?" Zhu Gang suddenly furrowed his brows. "Lu Bu, someone's here."
Before the words settled, Xiao Yan's voice came from outside. "Cough, cough… Lu Bu, are you here? I need to talk to you."
"You two have a chat," Zhu Xuan and Zhu Gang said, shrugging before heading off to separate rooms to train.
The reason they were here was simple: they were under orders to protect Lu Bu and back him up when needed.
Zhu Xuan and Zhu Gang had already figured things out Dragon Emperor Zi Yan valued Lu Bu far more than them. If Zi Yan were ever forced to choose between them and Lu Bu, it was obvious she'd choose Lu Bu.
This realization brought some helplessness to the Ancient Dragon clan, but it wasn't entirely unacceptable. After all, Lu Bu was someone who had rendered great service to their clan, and Zi Yan's decisions weren't going to change just to suit their feelings.
Rather than futilely worrying about it, they decided to let things take their course. Having someone like Lu Bu, an eighth tier alchemist, closely associated with the Ancient Dragon clan was nothing but beneficial.
With those thoughts, the two disappeared into their rooms, leaving Xiao Yan to enter slowly.
"What do you want?" Lu Bu asked, his tone carrying a hint of irritation.
"Haha…" Xiao Yan scratched the back of his head, offering an awkward smile. "It seems the younger generation of the Gu Clan doesn't like me very much. Do you know why?"
"I do. What's in it for me…? Forget it. You're broke," Lu Bu said, instinctively ready to ask for payment but immediately dismissing the thought. After some consideration, he realized there was nothing worthwhile left on Xiao Yan. Rolling his eyes, he sighed in resignation.
Xiao Yan's lips twitched. To be dismissed as a "broke man" despite being an eighth tier alchemist only Lu Bu could manage that level of disdain.
"It's simple. Xun'er publicly revealed her relationship with you to the Gu Clan. So… you can imagine," Lu Bu said with a shrug.
"So that's it…"
Realization dawned on Xiao Yan. No wonder the Black Abyss Troops acted like they were out for blood. No wonder Ling Quan seemed to bear a grudge as deep as the ocean. No wonder he'd been treated so differently.
It was because Xun'er had declared her feelings for him.
"That girl…" Xiao Yan took a deep breath, his eyes blazing with determination. No matter what lay ahead, he would press forward without hesitation.
"Who should I watch out for?" Xiao Yan asked after a moment, his fighting spirit ignited. He didn't resent what Xun'er had done. On the contrary, he admired her courage. But he wanted to know who his enemies were.
"Hehe…" Lu Bu's lips curved into a faint smile, his expression unchanging.
"How many leaders are in the Black Abyss Troops? Are there even stronger individuals above them?"
"Hehe…"
Lu Bu maintained the same smug smile, offering no further response.
Xiao Yan: "…"
"Forget it. I'm not asking anymore." Xiao Yan sighed in frustration. This guy never did anything without a price.
Lu Bu smirked. Would you want to give away answers for free? I wouldn't better pay up!
"Master, why don't we go for a stroll?" Qing Lin interjected, her tone filled with understanding. Seeing that Lu Bu wasn't interested in talking to Xiao Yan, she decided it was better to cut the conversation short.
"Sure," Lu Bu replied, smiling as he took her hand. Without a care for anyone else, the two headed outside.
"Master, what's over there?" Qing Lin asked curiously, pointing to a bustling area in the distance.
"Oh…" Lu Bu glanced over before understanding dawned. "That's a training ground, with some taverns nearby. It's a venue the Gu Clan provides for both visiting guests and the clan's elites to spar."
The Dou Di clans valued martial strength and often preferred to forge connections through combat. Apart from the Yao Clan, who weren't particularly skilled in battle, most Dou Di clans held sparring matches whenever they met friendly or otherwise.
"Let's go take a look," Qing Lin suggested, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
"Of course," Lu Bu said, leading Qing Lin toward the training ground.
Watching the two stroll off without a care in the world, Xiao Yan sighed and shook his head in frustration. However, upon hearing Lu Bu's explanation, his eyes gleamed with interest.
Where there were people, there was information. And where there was information, there were opportunities for intelligence gathering.
"Let's go check it out," Xiao Yan murmured to himself, quickening his pace to follow.
As soon as Lu Bu and Qing Lin stepped into the training ground, several figures surrounded them. Ling Quan, Gu Luan, Shen Song, and Yang Hao had all gathered.
"Hahaha… Grand Commander, it's been a while!" Gu Luan greeted warmly. She was the only female among the Black Abyss Troops' leaders, a figure who embodied the phrase "heroine among heroes." She was also one of the earliest leaders Lu Bu had met.
"Indeed, indeed!" Shen Song added with a laugh. "It's been ages since we last witnessed the Grand Commander's greatness!"
"Ha… ha…" Yang Hao's mouth twitched slightly. This Shen Song sure knew how to flatter. Yet every time there was a mission involving Lu Bu, Shen Song conveniently found an excuse to dodge it. Unbelievable!
"Why are you all so enthusiastic?" Lu Bu asked, somewhat taken aback as he instinctively stepped back.
"Hehe…" Ling Quan grinned smugly. None of them had to worry about getting beaten up anymore, and now they could enjoy the sight of their Grand Commander teaching someone else a lesson. Why wouldn't they be happy?
"Greetings, sister in law!" Yang Hao said, clasping his hands respectfully as he addressed Qing Lin.
"Haha… Hello!" Qing Lin replied cheerfully. "Master's told me about you. You're the Fourth Commander, Yang Hao, right?"
"Yes, yes, that's me!" Yang Hao nodded repeatedly, his heart swelling with emotion. "The Grand Commander even mentioned me to you?"
Nearby, Ling Quan and the others looked regretful. Why hadn't they thought to greet her as "sister in law" sooner?
"Yeah, Master mentioned you. He said your fighting skills are just average not as good as Gu Yao's," Qing Lin said with a sweet smile.
Yang Hao: "…"
"Pfft… cough!"
"Hahaha… The sun's shining so brightly tonight."
"Exactly! The moon feels so warm, doesn't it?"
Ling Quan, Gu Luan, and Shen Song burst into laughter, quickly turning their gazes skyward or pretending to admire the ground, desperately trying to hold back their mirth.
"Haha… Grand Commander Lu Bu, do you remember me?" A hearty voice suddenly rang out as two men clad in silver robes from the Lei Clan approached.
"Hm? It's you?" Lu Bu said in surprise, recognizing one of them as the Lei Clan youth he had encountered in the Void Thunder Pool.
"I am Lei Chen. Thank you for saving my life, Grand Commander!" Lei Chen said sincerely, bowing deeply in gratitude.
"Lei Chen? You know our Grand Commander?" Gu Luan asked in surprise.
"I didn't before, but now I do!" Lei Chen laughed heartily. "The Grand Commander saved my life!"
"Oh? Tell us the details!" the Gu Clan members urged.
Lei Chen looked at Lu Bu for permission.
"Go ahead," Lu Bu said with a casual smile, unconcerned.
"Let's discuss it over drinks!" Lei Chen suggested, gesturing toward a nearby tavern.
"Great idea. Drinks and stories let's go!"
A lively group gathered around Lu Bu and headed for the tavern.
Not far away, Xiao Yan's lips twitched. Damn it… Who's the Gu Clan's son in law here?
Why does Lu Bu, an outsider, get treated like family while I'm treated like the enemy?
"Next match: Black Abyss Troops Third Commander Lin Xiu versus Falling Star Pavilion's Young Master, Xiao Yan!"
At that moment, an announcer's voice echoed from the training ground. On the stage, Lin Xiu stood with arms crossed, his expression icy.
Son in law? The Black Abyss Troops were here to teach Xiao Yan, the so called son in law, a lesson!
"Unbelievable!" Xiao Yan growled, his anger flaring.
Why does Lu Bu get to enjoy drinks and laughs while I have to work hard fighting people?
"Fine! Let's make an example out of him!" Xiao Yan snorted coldly, his fighting spirit surging. Did they really think he was easy to bully?
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