Chapter 363: If Xiao Yan Loses This Time... Kekeke!
"…You're lying to me!" Xiao Yan's face stiffened for a moment before he took a deep breath, forcing a disdainful smile.
"Am I... really?" Lu Bu dragged out his words with a meaningful smirk, his eyes sweeping briefly over Xiao Yan's hand. If you're so confident, then why are you trembling?
Beside him, Qing Lin rolled her eyes. Her lord really enjoyed teasing people.
Standing on the rear deck of the Soaring Void Boat, Yao Chen facepalmed helplessly. His disciple had so many admirable qualities unwavering determination, a clear sense of purpose, and incredible perseverance.
But… every time he encountered Lu Bu, he ended up at a disadvantage. Nothing had even happened yet, and Xiao Yan was already unsettled!
"This won't do. I need to distract him..." Yao Chen muttered inwardly. If this continued, Xiao Yan would be too weighed down to even focus on his upcoming fight with Gu Yao, let alone maintain his composure.
Around them, light and shadows shifted, and the towering peaks of the Ancient Sacred Mountains loomed ever closer.
Boom!
Suddenly, several oppressive auras surged forth, rumbling like thunder, as if the very space around them froze in an instant.
Yao Chen looked up, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. This was his chance!
The Gu Clan wasn't entirely bad they'd just given him a perfect opportunity.
Xiao Yan snapped out of his thoughts, Lu Bu's nonsense forgotten for the moment as a nameless rage surged within him. Clearly, this was the Gu Clan trying to assert their dominance with a show of force.
"Hmph!" Xiao Yan snorted coldly, dark red flames erupting around him like an explosion. The flames shot forth with blinding speed, colliding fiercely with the oppressive energy that seemed to freeze space around them.
Bang!
A muffled impact rang out. Xiao Yan's body trembled slightly but held firm. The oppressive energy, meant to cow him into submission, shattered instantly.
Whoever was behind this trying to intimidate Xiao Yan without even showing their face was clearly not strong enough to succeed. At least, not against Xiao Yan.
At that moment, near the Ancient Sacred Mountains, a fierce gale gathered, coalescing into a hideous, fanged beast of wind. It bared its teeth and claws in silent fury, lunging at the Soaring Void Boats carrying Lu Bu, Xiao Yan, and their respective parties.
"Tch... The Gu Clan really knows how to provoke people," Lu Bu muttered, his brows furrowing as a cold smile spread across his face. This repeated harassment was not only testing Xiao Yan's patience but his own as well.
"Is this how the Gu Clan treats its guests?" Yao Chen stepped forward, his vast Dou Qi exploding forth as the oppressive power of a Half Saint surged outward like a tidal wave.
Whoosh!
At the same time, a blood red flame appeared out of nowhere, engulfing the ferocious wind beast in an instant. With a pitiful howl, the beast was reduced to nothingness.
"So it really is the Blood Demon Flame," Lu Bu murmured, his eyes gleaming with interest. Yao Chen certainly spared no expense. This type of flame required the blood of over a thousand fire type magical beasts to create, with higher level beasts making the flame even more powerful.
Judging by the flame's might, a significant portion of the beasts used were at least eighth rank.
No wonder Xiao Yan was so confident... Lu Bu rubbed his chin thoughtfully. With four Heavenly Flames and a man made flame like this, Xiao Yan's Flame Fusion ability was formidable. Even Lu Bu would have to... well, no. There was no need to retreat or withstand it.
After all, he had the Devouring Ancient Symbol to protect him. Why bother resisting or dodging when he could just absorb it?
What? You think that's cheating?
Then what about Xiao Yan's Flame Mantra, the foundation of his Flame Fusion? Isn't that just another kind of cheat?
"Hmph… As expected of the Medicine Saint. Impressive abilities!"
A low snort echoed through the air. But before the sound faded, the fierce wind howled again. This time, a cyan longsword materialized amidst the tempest, shimmering faintly as it floated in the air.
Yao Chen's expression darkened. It seemed his opponent was intent on making a move.
"Kekeke... The Xiao Clan really isn't welcomed here, huh?"
"Hmph… It's not just the Xiao Clan. Defective bloodlines are despised everywhere!"
"Yao Chen, that old failure. Does he really think his accomplishments let him ignore the Medicine Clan? A defective bloodline is still just defective!"
On another Soaring Void Boat, three figures stood with their arms crossed, sneering as they watched the rising tensions. These three were none other than members of the Medicine Clan.
"They're all the same kind of trash," said Yao Xingji, his hands clasped behind his back as he spoke indifferently. "Not just Xiao Yan and Yao Chen, but also that Lu Bu. 'The Peak of Alchemy is Lu Bu'? Ridiculous!"
"Does he think having the Ancient Dragon Clan's support means he can do as he pleases? They're nothing more than a bunch of untamed beasts!"
"No rush," added Yao Yi with a faint smile. This man had clashed with the Black Abyss Army in the Southwest Region before. "Let them enjoy their moment in the spotlight. Once we enter the Heaven Tomb, they'll suffer for it."
"Relax. We don't even need to lift a finger. The Gu Clan elders have already taken action," said the elderly Medicine Clan leader with a calm smile.
Meanwhile, on another boat, Hun Yu and his companions exchanged cold, knowing glances.
"Kekeke... The Gu Clan sure lives up to its reputation," Hun Yu sneered. Hypocritical, opportunistic, quick to flatter the strong and trample the weak this was the Gu Clan in a nutshell.
Where was this courage when the Xiao Clan was still standing tall?
"Enough!"
Just as most of the onlookers prepared to enjoy the spectacle, a frosty voice rang out, cutting through the chaos. In an instant, the raging wind dissipated.
A graceful figure descended from the sky, flanked by two older women. Though her face was veiled in white, the icy chill radiating from her was impossible to ignore.
Beside her, one of the women none other than the one who had accompanied Xiao Xun'er the previous night waved her sleeve. The howling wind and sword vanished without a trace, as if they had never existed.
Lu Bu's eyes narrowed slightly. An advanced Half Saint… This woman was somewhat capable. Still, she was too weak for even Zhu Xuan to bother with, which was why she hadn't paid her any attention last night.
"Xun'er..." Xiao Yan's frustration melted away the moment he saw Xiao Xun'er, replaced by pure joy. All his previous grievances were forgotten.
"I'm sorry, Brother Xiao Yan. I came too late," Xun'er said softly.
For once, Xiao Yan usually the one arriving at the last minute to save the day was on the receiving end of a dramatic, last minute rescue.
As they spoke, the Ancient Sacred Mountains drew closer. Black Abyss soldiers approached, leading the guests to their respective accommodations.
Elsewhere, Xiao Xun'er brought Xiao Yan to his assigned residence.
"Xun'er, earlier, Huo Xuan mentioned the Heaven Tomb. Why does Lu Bu have a spot?" Xiao Yan asked casually, feigning nonchalance.
Xun'er tensed slightly, her eyelid twitching, but she quickly recovered. "A month ago, he expressed interest in a spot. We suspect he intended to rely on the Ancient Dragon Clan's support and his position as the Black Abyss Army's commander to secure one."
"But… I was worried he might interfere in your fight with Gu Yao, so I made a deal with him, trading a spot for his non interference."
"Xun'er, you're amazing," Xiao Yan said earnestly, taking her hand with gratitude.
Of course. Xun'er loves me. What was I even worried about? Xiao Yan thought to himself, as Xun'er leaned silently against his shoulder, sighing softly.
…
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the Ancient Sacred Mountains, the bustling sounds of activity began anew. The Gu Clan's coming of age ceremony was set to begin.
"Lord, why does the Gu Clan bother with these pointless ceremonies?" Qing Lin asked curiously, skipping alongside Lu Bu, her hand clasped in his.
In the distance, as the Black Abyss Army led various factions toward a grand square, many couldn't help but raise their eyebrows. They had all witnessed the young girl's terrifying aura when fully unleashed. That bloodthirsty, violent energy was still vivid in their minds, yet it was hard to associate that frightening presence with this playful and lively girl.
"The most important aspect of the Gu Clan's coming of age ceremony is for the elders to imprint their clan markings on the younger generation," Lu Bu explained with a smile.
"That's it?" Qing Lin tilted her head in confusion. "Then why invite so many people?"
"Of course, there are other purposes," Lu Bu chuckled. "For instance, giving the younger generation a chance to make a name for themselves or even arranging marriages among them. Attending the ceremony signifies that they're of age and ready for marriage. This is when other clans interested in forming alliances start making moves."
This was why Xiao Xun'er had publicly declared her relationship with Xiao Yan before the ceremony. If she hadn't, the Gu Clan might have begun arranging a marriage for her with someone like the Thunder Clan's prodigy, Lei Dong, Gu Yao, or someone else entirely. But whoever it was, it certainly wouldn't have been Xiao Yan.
As for why Xiao Xun'er, the daughter of the Gu Clan leader, a rare Nine Star Dou Saint peak stage powerhouse, couldn't simply choose her own marriage… well, Gu Yuan's leadership in this matter was remarkable.
He couldn't outright defy the opinions of the elders. He had to prioritize the clan over personal sentiments. At this thought, a trace of mockery appeared on Lu Bu's face. No wonder Gu Yuan was so highly regarded not just as a Nine Star Dou Saint but also as a master of playing dumb.
"I see…" Qing Lin nodded in understanding.
"Moreover, clan markings are no trivial matter for these imperial clans," Lu Bu continued. "The markings can concentrate their bloodline power and unleash immense strength in a short time, significantly boosting their cultivation levels."
"Kind of like a secret technique?" Qing Lin raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Exactly, but without side effects," Lu Bu explained. "The only drawback is a brief period of weakness afterward. But for these wealthy imperial clans, a few pills can resolve that in no time."
"How convenient," Qing Lin murmured with a sigh.
She had her own ways of forcibly enhancing her strength, such as using the soul power of the ancient Heavenly Snake. But obtaining the Nine Headed Heavenly Snake's soul had been fraught with danger. First, Yun Yun had nearly been possessed by a powerful soul, and only after her lord stepped in to suppress and seal it was the creature brought under control. Finally, through the Dragon Tomb of the Ancient Dragon Clan, the Nine Headed Heavenly Snake was tamed.
The amount of effort, danger, and resources spent on this was immeasurable. Yet for the Gu Clan's descendants, all they had to do was grow up and wait for their elders to imprint their clan markings.
"Yeah, it's really convenient," Lu Bu said with a shrug. If he had been reborn as a member of the Gu Clan or any other imperial clan, achieving his current accomplishments would have been a breeze in comparison.
As they spoke, Lu Bu, Qing Lin, Zhu Xuan, and Zhu Gang arrived at the viewing platform. Now all that was left was to wait for the Gu Clan and Xiao Yan to put on their performance.
Lu Bu yawned. If it weren't for the Heaven Tomb, he wouldn't have bothered with this boring ceremony. Spending time cultivating with Queen Medusa or Xiao Yi Xian was far more appealing, wasn't it?
"Hehehe…" Qing Lin giggled, peeling a spirit fruit and gently feeding Lu Bu a piece.
"Qing Lin, you're the best…" Lu Bu murmured as he wrapped an arm around her slender waist, a smile unconsciously tugging at his lips. Obedient, thoughtful, and sweet Qing Lin was so much better than Xiao Xun'er, who always had that cold and haughty attitude.
But then again… if Xiao Yan loses this fight, doesn't that mean I might have a chance?
Lu Bu stroked his chin, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he began scheming. If Xiao Yan lost, he and Xiao Xun'er would likely be over. Gu Yao wouldn't stand a chance either, given Xiao Xun'er's standards. With his own strength, superior alchemy skills, and the backing of the Ancient Dragon Clan, Lu Bu could easily outshine the younger generation of all imperial clans except perhaps Hun Feng, whose strength remained an enigma.
Add to that his identity as an alchemist… hmm, it was looking promising!
As for whether Xiao Xun'er liked him… who cared? Lu Bu was after her family's wealth, not her heart or her body… Well, maybe her body too. Even if she was a bit on the smaller side, she was still acceptable.
And whether Xiao Xun'er agreed? That didn't matter either. The Gu Clan elders and even the clan leader would likely approve. They were terrible at external conflicts but absolute experts at sacrificing their own for alliances.
The only potential obstacle was the spies from the Soul Clan hiding within the Gu Clan. They wouldn't want the Gu Clan forming closer ties with the Ancient Dragon Clan…
"Forget it. I won't think about it now." Lu Bu shrugged. It all depended on Xiao Yan losing. Besides, the Gu Clan was a massive trap. He didn't want to get too entangled.
The last time the Gu Clan had an "alliance," it was with the Xiao Clan. And now, the once mighty Xiao Clan was reduced to a few hundred members barely surviving in the Jia Ma Empire.
Once a force capable of rivaling the Soul Clan, the Xiao Clan could no longer even contend with the subordinates of the subordinates of the Soul Hall.
Truly, the Gu Clan excelled at backstabbing allies.
What made it worse was that they didn't even benefit from it. The Soul Clan, instead of being weakened, remained strong enough to stand against the Gu Clan.
Damaging others while gaining nothing themselves.
Lu Bu had no intention of letting the Ancient Dragon Clan suffer the same fate as the Xiao Clan!
"Gu Yao, your turn!" A Gu Clan elder's voice rang out, snapping Lu Bu from his thoughts.
Lu Bu stretched lazily, his gaze shifting to the stage. Once the fighting was over, the Heaven Tomb would soon open.
"I'll need to figure out how to collect a few Dou Saint level energy cores…" Lu Bu chuckled to himself, rubbing his chin.
The Heaven Tomb's Dou Zun level energy cores no longer interested him. Only Half Saint or Dou Saint level energy cores were worth pursuing now.
And as for acquiring them? That's what Half Emperor Xiao Xuan was for. He'd make the perfect enforcer.
Lu Bu had plenty of bargaining chips to control Xiao Xuan.
Xiao Yan might be out of resources to squeeze, but Xiao Xuan was a different story he was loaded!
"No rush, elders. How about I go first?" Suddenly, Xiao Xun'er stepped forward, her figure flickering as she landed on the stage. Her voice was calm but resolute.
"Hm?" Lu Bu snapped back to attention, his interest piqued as he turned to the stage. What's this? Xiao Xun'er stirring up trouble again?
Gu Yao frowned but said nothing. Onstage, Xiao Xun'er placed her hand on the star disc, causing it to radiate a brilliant glow. In an instant, nine golden stars appeared, followed by a tenth under her soft murmur.
"Ten stars… God Tier bloodline!"
The crowd erupted in shock. No one could hide their astonishment not even members of the other imperial clans.
Lu Bu shook his head. Gu Yao hadn't even started fighting, and his aura was already three points weaker. Xiao Xun'er's actions were clearly paving the way for Xiao Yan, her efforts painstakingly deliberate.
(End of chapter)
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