Chapter 362: Xiao Yan: I See Gu Yao as a Fool Marked for Death!
Three days passed in a flash. During this time, Lu Bu did not step foot outside his estate, instead enjoying Qing Lin's massages.
Of course, there were times when he would help massage Qing Lin as well. But the little girl was so delicate that even a few presses would leave her completely worn out. Hmm… clearly, she needed more frequent massages to improve her endurance!
Lu Bu's sole purpose in coming to the Gu Clan was to gain access to the Heaven Tomb. Of course, there was also the goal of flexing his "tiger skin" (or rather, his "dragon skin") to intimidate the Gu Clan. After all, when dealing with the ancient imperial clans, having a powerful background always trumped raw strength.
Thanks to his agreement with Xiao Xun'er, the elder council's obstruction had vanished, leaving only three remaining nuisances Gu Qingyang, Gu Hua, and Gu Xing, the other three commanders of the Black Abyss Army.
"I wonder how strong those three are…" Lu Bu muttered, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
At his current level as a First Rotation Dou Zun, as long as none of them exceeded Third Rotation, defeating them shouldn't be any more challenging than dealing with Gu Yao.
On the third morning, as sunlight pierced through the clouds and bathed the Gu Sacred City, the once quiet city erupted into a lively buzz.
For countless people across the Central Plains, the independent space said to have been created by a Dou Di was shrouded in mystery and filled them with endless curiosity. Everyone wanted to know what secrets lay within.
The Gu Realm was like a walled fortress those outside yearned to enter, while the "insiders" (or rather, its moles) yearned to leave!
Buzzz…
A deep, resonant hum reverberated through the city. Over a vast lake, a brilliant silver pillar of light emerged from the heavens, spreading an awe inspiring pressure like tidal waves.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Gu Realm is about to open. Its territory is vast, and those who wander recklessly will easily lose their way. I urge you to remain disciplined after entering. Otherwise, our Black Abyss Army reserves the right to treat unpermitted entrants as enemies and eliminate them!" Elder Gu Shao, who oversaw the Gu Sacred City, declared loudly as he hovered by the silver pillar of light.
"After entering the Gu Realm, personnel will guide you to the Ancient Sacred Mountain. Along this journey, you will pass through areas inhabited by Gu Clan descendants. Please do not disturb them, or the Gu Clan will not hesitate to execute offenders!"
Perhaps due to the presence of Dou Sheng level individuals among Lu Bu's group, duties that would normally fall to a Dou Zun elder had been personally entrusted to Gu Shao, a Dou Sheng.
"Master, who are the Gu Clan descendants?" Qing Lin asked curiously. It was her first time hearing the term, so her interest was piqued.
"They're the ordinary people of the Gu Clan," Lu Bu replied with a shrug. "After countless generations, not all members of the Gu Clan still possess a strong bloodline. The so called descendants are those whose bloodline power has almost completely faded, rendering them no different from regular people."
"Of course, lacking bloodline power doesn't mean they lack talent for cultivation. Nor does it mean their offspring can't inherit stronger bloodlines."
"These descendants still carry a trace of Dou Di blood. If they're fortunate enough to experience a mutation, they might even regain bloodline power. People like Ling Quan and Shen Song are outstanding examples who've risen from among the descendants."
"I see!" Qing Lin nodded in understanding. "No wonder the Gu Clan places such importance on their descendants… Hmm?"
Before she could finish speaking, Qing Lin's gaze suddenly sharpened. A chilling air swept through the area as her demeanor turned icy and dangerous.
Simultaneously, a sinister gaze settled upon them, cold and venomous, like a lurking snake ready to strike.
"Oh? Isn't this Hun Yu?" Lu Bu chuckled as he turned around. His tone was playful, though his eyes glinted with surprise as he observed the black robed man before him.
Hun Yu stood there with a bright smile on his face, but the murderous intent radiating from him was unmistakable. Flanking him were two other black robed men, both exuding an equally icy aura and maintaining an air of silence.
"Should I call you Lu Bu or Xiao Yan?" Hun Yu asked with a sly grin. His smile was all teeth, but his eyes gleamed with malice, making his intentions all too clear.
"Lu Bu is Lu Bu, and Xiao Yan is Xiao Yan," Lu Bu said with a nonchalant shrug and a light chuckle. "They're two different people, Hun Yu, so don't get confused."
"Is that so?" Hun Yu's grin widened, baring his sharp white teeth. "Well, in that case, it doesn't matter. I'll just kill both of you to be sure."
"Try me!" Qing Lin snapped coldly, her eyes glowing a brilliant green. A ferocious killing intent surged from her, spiraling upward like a raging storm.
The surrounding crowd froze in shock. Faces paled, and instinctive fear caused them to back away quickly.
How was this possible?
She looked like nothing more than a sweet and innocent girl, yet the murderous aura she exuded was like that of a seasoned killer drenched in blood. Who was she? How could someone so delicate possess such an overwhelming presence?
Hun Yu's smile stiffened. He had underestimated this girl, assuming she was merely a talented youth. But this… this was no ordinary individual.
"Lu Bu, opposing my Soul Clan will only bring you ruin!" Hun Yu sneered, attempting to regain his composure.
"Really? I don't buy it." A soft chuckle rang out. It was Zhu Xuan, her eyes glinting with disdain as she spoke.
"Careful!" the elder behind Hun Yu shouted in alarm, his expression twisted with fear as black mist surged from his hands.
But before the black mist could fully form, Hun Yu and his two companions let out muffled groans. Their bodies trembled, and blood trickled from the corners of their lips as they were forced backward.
"To dare threaten my Ancient Dragon Tribe… You're the first," Zhu Xuan said mockingly, her tone laced with amusement.
"Stop this at once!" Gu Shao's voice boomed, arriving just a bit too late. "Today is a significant day for the Gu Clan. I ask that everyone show us some respect!"
"Just wait… When we enter the Heaven Tomb, I'll make you wish for death!" Hun Yu spat venomously, clutching his chest with a hateful glare.
In the distance, Xiao Yan's lips twitched. He didn't know who Hun Yu was, but one thing was clear Lu Bu was once again causing trouble under his name!
"Damn it…"
Boom!
At that moment, the heavens rumbled and the earth quaked as a massive spatial gate appeared over the lake.
"Everyone, please proceed. The gate to the Gu Realm is now open!" Gu Shao announced loudly.
"Let's go, girl," Lu Bu said with a gentle laugh, giving Qing Lin's hand a reassuring squeeze before leading her and his two Ancient Dragon guardians toward the gate.
…
Light flickered. The world spun. When stability returned, a vast and boundless landscape stretched out before them.
"What dense energy… Cultivating here is at least several times faster than outside," Xiao Yan muttered in awe. He took a deep breath, marveling at the unparalleled richness of the environment. Even the Pill Tower's Sacred Pill City paled in comparison.
"Heh… The Gu Clan has maintained the Gu Realm for countless years. This level of energy is hardly surprising," Yao Chen remarked with a chuckle.
Though Yao Chen had never visited the Gu Realm, his childhood in the Medicine Realm had exposed him to similar environments. When it came to wealth, the Gu Clan still couldn't compare to the Medicine Clan.
Boom!
Suddenly, a clap of thunder echoed across the sky. Xiao Yan turned to see a fleet of massive black warships approaching through the air like ominous storm clouds.
"They can walk on air…" Xiao Yan's gaze narrowed, his expression serious.
Such an ability was only accessible to those who had reached the Dou Zong level. Back when Xiao Yan first broke through to Dou Zong, he had endured unimaginable hardships.
Yet these warships could mimic the abilities of a Dou Zong?
"Hehe… This is a Soaring Void Boat. Its speed is so great that even a peak Dou Zun cannot compare. Its only drawbacks are its exorbitant cost and scarcity," a voice suddenly rang out as Xiao Yan stood in stunned admiration.
Turning his head, Xiao Yan saw a young man in red robes with a flame shaped mark between his brows.
"Thank you for the information!" Xiao Yan cupped his hands in gratitude.
"Hehe… No need to be so polite, friend of the Xiao Clan," the man said, waving his hand dismissively. "My name is Huo Xuan. Greetings to Yao Chen, senior."
"Nice to meet you. You two go ahead and chat," Yao Chen said with a slight nod, signaling them to continue while he observed quietly.
"Brother Xiao Yan, have you come here for the Heaven Tomb?" Huo Xuan asked with a faint smile.
"Heaven Tomb?" Xiao Yan looked puzzled. What was that?
Yao Chen's gaze also sharpened with curiosity. Though he had roamed the continent for countless years, he had never heard of such a thing. Could it be something exclusive to the imperial clans, outside his reach in the past?
"It's a unique place…" Huo Xuan explained with a smile. With a flick of his fingers, a thumb sized crystal appeared in his palm, which he then handed to Xiao Yan.
"This is an Energy Core, a product of the Heaven Tomb. It is equivalent to a high tier pill. You can absorb its energy simply by circulating your cultivation technique, and it doesn't have the diminishing returns seen with pills."
"What?" Xiao Yan exclaimed in shock, instinctively taking the crystal. As he circulated his cultivation technique, a surge of pure energy flowed into his limbs and bones before gathering in his dantian. He couldn't help but let out a low groan of satisfaction.
"Moreover," Huo Xuan continued, "three years in the Heaven Tomb equates to only half a year in the outside world. It's a rare and priceless training ground…"
Instantly, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up with excitement. He was determined to enter this place.
"Hehe… Brother Xiao Yan, if you manage to enter the Heaven Tomb, I hope you can look out for me a little," Huo Xuan said humbly.
"Brother Huo Xuan is too modest. We'll watch out for each other," Xiao Yan replied with a light smile.
After a few more polite exchanges, Huo Xuan turned to reunite with his companions, while Xiao Yan's eyes gleamed with determination, his breathing quickening.
"Teacher, how about we go find Lu Bu and see what he knows?" Xiao Yan asked. He knew that Lu Bu was the type who wouldn't show up anywhere unless there was something valuable to be gained. If he was attending the Gu Clan's coming of age ceremony, there had to be more to it.
"Alright," Yao Chen agreed after a moment of thought. He, too, was intrigued by the Heaven Tomb. If anyone could have detailed information about it, it would be Lu Bu.
With that, the three members of the Falling Star Pavilion moved quickly, silently boarding the same Soaring Void Boat as Lu Bu and his group.
…
On the boat, Lu Bu had already noticed Xiao Yan and his companions before they made their move.
"So the Energy Cores from the Heaven Tomb can be brought out?" Lu Bu's peripheral vision caught Huo Xuan handing an Energy Core to Xiao Yan, and his heart stirred with excitement.
If that were true, the potential for exploitation was immense!
"Hehehe…"
As Xiao Yan's group stepped onto the same boat, Lu Bu greeted them without hesitation.
"Lu Bu…"
"You're here to ask about the Heaven Tomb, aren't you?" Lu Bu said with a faint smile.
"Of course." Xiao Yan nodded. He wasn't afraid of being extorted anymore after all, he was practically penniless. Unlike his earlier days as a Dou Wang or Dou Huang, he didn't have much left that could catch Lu Bu's interest.
"You've already got a rough idea about it," Lu Bu said casually. "It's pretty much what Huo Xuan told you. However, entering the Heaven Tomb won't be easy…"
As he spoke, Lu Bu leaned over the edge of the boat, gazing down at the Gu Realm below. There, squads of black armored soldiers patrolled in neat formations. Their overwhelming presence and power far surpassed that of the Black Abyss Army in the Gu Sacred City.
Even some of the squad leaders had auras comparable to Gu Zhen, Lin Xiu, and Gu Yao. Of course, they were much older than those individuals.
Whoosh!
On a steep mountain peak in the distance, a figure stood with his hands behind his back, his black and white hair billowing in the wind. His gaze was calm and cold.
It was the Shura Commander, Gu Yao!
On other Soaring Void Boats nearby, members of the Thunder Clan, Yan Clan, Medicine Clan, and other groups looked equally shocked. Gu Yao? What was he doing here?
"Gu Yao…"
In the direction of the Soul Clan, Hun Yu clenched his fists, his chest heaving with rage. Despite possessing a ninth grade bloodline far purer than Gu Yao's, he had suffered a humiliating defeat whether at the hands of Xiao Yan or Lu Bu, it didn't matter.
Had it not been for that ambush, how could a mere Gu Yao ever hope to stand on equal footing with him?
"This time… I will wash away that disgrace!" Hun Yu's fists trembled as black energy flickered in his eyes, radiating icy killing intent.
"What a majestic Black Abyss Army!" Lu Bu remarked from the boat, his voice tinged with amusement.
"This time, if you and Gu Yao face off, will you intervene?" Xiao Yan asked, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves.
"I won't," Lu Bu replied with a roll of his eyes. "I'm not interested in Xiao Xun'er."
"Heh…" Xiao Yan smirked, the corners of his mouth curling into a sneer as he gazed down at the Black Abyss Army with a condescending air. "In my opinion, these so called Black Abyss troops are nothing more than a bunch of paper tigers."
"Oh?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow, nodding toward the mountain peak where Gu Yao stood. "See that man in white robes and black armor, standing with his hands behind his back? That's Gu Yao."
"I see Gu Yao as nothing more than a fool offering his head on a platter!" Xiao Yan clenched his fists and let out a cold laugh.
"Interesting… It seems you've got a few cards up your sleeve," Lu Bu said with a meaningful look. "If you can defeat Gu Yao, the Heaven Tomb slot will be yours."
"What's yours will always be yours. It won't run away… Oh, by the way," Lu Bu added with a smirk, "your ancestor Xiao Xuan, the one who failed to ascend to Dou Di, is buried in the Heaven Tomb."
"What?!" Xiao Yan's pupils constricted, and his thoughts raced before settling into resolute determination. He had to enter the Heaven Tomb no one would stop him.
Exhaling slowly, Xiao Yan forced himself to stay calm. Whether it was the Heaven Tomb's treasures or the chance to find his ancestor's grave, everything hinged on one thing: defeating Gu Yao.
Victory would lead to glory.
Defeat… would spell ruin.
"Oh, by the way, how do you plan to get into the Heaven Tomb?" Xiao Yan asked, frowning. He knew his qualification stemmed from the Xiao Clan's history as one of the Eight Great Clans, but Lu Bu had no such ties. None of the imperial clans would willingly grant him entry.
As for whether Lu Bu's goal was the Heaven Tomb Xiao Yan had no doubts. After all their years of interaction, he knew Lu Bu too well.
The man never acted without a clear profit in sight. If there was no benefit, he wouldn't have bothered coming to the Gu Clan at all.
"Oh, that's easy…" Lu Bu stroked his chin, his face breaking into a meaningful smile. "Xun'er will handle it for me."
"Last night, we had a little chat. She promised to secure two slots for me. All I have to do is wait…"
"...You're lying!" Xiao Yan's face darkened.
Impossible. Absolutely impossible!
Xun'er was pure and virtuous, the very picture of grace and propriety. Lu Bu, on the other hand, was a shameless scoundrel with countless wives and concubines.
It couldn't be true!
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