Chapter 383: Lu Bu? Just a Nobody!
The azure sky stretched endlessly, pure and clear like a flawless sapphire. A few white clouds drifted lazily, resembling ethereal streaks of light within the gemstone's depths, mesmerizing anyone who gazed upon it.
Whoosh!
A fleeting shadow darted through the void, piercing into the dense forest below with lightning speed.
"Huh? A stray soul wandering straight into our trap?"
"And such a powerful soul at that?!"
"Ke ke ke… What fortune! Searching high and low, only to have it delivered right to us!"
"Capture that soul for me!"
Within the thick forest, eerie, bone chilling laughter echoed repeatedly. The reverberations seemed like the ominous whispers of death itself.
In an instant, dark mist began to rise from the bushes, treetops, and even beneath the ground. Chains clattered with an unsettling metallic sound as they materialized, creating a sinister symphony that echoed throughout the forest.
Swish, swish, swish!
Suddenly, numerous black chains shot out, tearing through the air with sharp, menacing energy as they targeted the fleeting, phantom like soul.
"Hmph!"
Deep within the forest, an angry snarl erupted. The faint, translucent figure of Di Scorpion twisted into a menacing expression. With a cold harrumph, a surge of overwhelming soul force erupted like a hurricane, sending waves of destructive energy rippling outward.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The black chains shattered one after another under the soul's explosive power, breaking apart completely to the shock and horror of the Soul Hall guardians.
"This… How is this possible?!"
The Soul Hall guardians cried out in disbelief. They had hunted countless souls over the years, yet this was the first time a soul had not only seen through their tactics but effortlessly obliterated them.
"That's enough. Step back!"
A cold, commanding voice reverberated through the forest, accompanied by an oppressive aura that swept over the area like a tidal wave. The guardians immediately froze, silenced by fear.
"Greetings, Heavenly Sovereign!"
The guardians bowed deeply, not daring to move or even breathe too loudly.
"Di Scorpion, what has reduced you to this state?" The Soul Hall Heavenly Sovereign emerged, his expression dark as he studied the fragmented soul before him. "Was Yao Chen and his Starfallen Pavilion truly that formidable?"
"There was… an unforeseen complication," Di Scorpion replied grimly, his tone heavy with anger and humiliation. "Starfallen Pavilion was aided by the Pill Tower not only by one of the Eight Great Elders but also by a reserve elder. In addition, Yao Chen's disciple, Xiao Yan, was present. According to Blood River, Xiao Yan's bloodline has somehow been restored."
"On top of that, with Yao Chen, a Half Saint, supporting them, we were overwhelmed and defeated!"
"What?!"
The Heavenly Sovereign's face twisted in shock. "You're saying Xiao Yan's bloodline has been restored?!"
As a Soul Hall Heavenly Sovereign, he was well aware of the enmity between the Xiao Clan and the Soul Clan. It was no secret barely a secret at all, really. The Soul Clan had never bothered to hide it. For someone of his rank, accessing such knowledge was effortless.
But a Dou Di bloodline, once faded, could somehow be restored? How could that be possible?!
"What, Blood River didn't return and inform you?" Di Scorpion frowned. It didn't make sense if the Heavenly Sovereign of the Sky Underworld Sect, Chen, could escape, then Blood River, one of the Four Heavenly Sovereigns of the Soul Hall, should have escaped as well…
"Lord Blood River did return, but he was summoned away by the envoy, Soul Zhi…" The Heavenly Sovereign trailed off, realization suddenly dawning upon him. His face turned pale. "So that's why the envoy took him away because of this revelation?"
"What is the origin of this Xiao Yan?" Di Scorpion asked, his brows furrowing. "The Ancient Clans number seven, and the Xiao Clan isn't one of them, right?"
"Follow me. We must report this to the Second Heavenly Sovereign," the Soul Hall Heavenly Sovereign said gravely, his expression turning darker.
Without hesitation, he took the lead, guiding Di Scorpion's soul to a grand hall.
At the hall's center, on the main throne, sat a gaunt figure. His pale, skeletal visage was deathly white, as if carved from bone. Beside him hovered a bone white staff, its eerie glow casting sinister shadows around him.
The oppressive aura that emanated from him was chilling, discomforting anyone who dared to approach. His presence alone was enough to send shivers down the spine.
To his left sat another figure, the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign of the Soul Hall. His body radiated a cold, pale moonlight, but it was far from serene. It was a ghostly, sinister light like the cold moon over a haunted graveyard. The mere sight of him was enough to unsettle the strongest of men.
The Sixth Heavenly Sovereign was a peak Two Turn Dou Zun. Even Xiao Yan, with his clan mark activated, would find it hard to contend with him.
"Di Scorpion, recount exactly how you were defeated," Second Heavenly Sovereign Bone You said, his voice sharp and grating, like nails screeching across a chalkboard. It sent chills down the spine and made one's teeth ache, yet none dared to show discomfort.
Bone You didn't know the specifics of the Starfallen Pavilion battle. Blood River had been summoned away by Soul Zhi before he could provide a full report.
Although Bone You had gained recognition within the Soul Clan and was respected by many young Soul Clan members as an elder, he himself wasn't actually of the Soul Clan. His position was largely due to his sworn brother, the First Heavenly Sovereign, who was a true member of the Soul Clan.
Thus, Bone You wasn't always privy to sensitive information, such as the details of the Starfallen Pavilion battle or Xiao Yan's bloodline.
Hearing Bone You's question, Di Scorpion flinched before replying in a heavy tone, "I was defeated by a Five Turn Dou Zun named Lu Bu. He's a reserve elder of the Pill Tower, similar to Yao Chen back in his day…"
"He's irrelevant. Speak about Xiao Yan!" Bone You interrupted sharply, his bony face twitching with irritation. "The Pill Tower doesn't matter, and this so called Lu Bu is insignificant. Xiao Yan is what's important!"
Di Scorpion's chest tightened with frustration. He was on the verge of bursting out, I was beaten to this state, and you're telling me he doesn't matter?!
But alas, he was now just a soul, his strength gone along with his body. Against Bone You, he had no choice but to suppress his anger and comply.
"Xiao Yan is Yao Chen's disciple. He possesses four types of Heavenly Flames," Di Scorpion said, his voice dark. "He has a technique to merge these flames, which caught me and my brother off guard. His flames are strong, but his cultivation is only at the peak of Eight Star Dou Zun, nothing noteworthy."
"However, he has a secret technique that temporarily raises his strength to the peak of One Turn Dou Zun. During this transformation, a unique nine marked pattern appears on his forehead. Blood River referred to it as the Xiao Clan's bloodline mark…"
Bone You's gaunt face darkened further at this revelation. A cold, murderous intent filled the hall, silencing everyone.
The Sixth Heavenly Sovereign, Di Scorpion, and the Soul Hall Heavenly Sovereign all froze, too frightened to even breathe loudly.
"Xiao Yan must die!" Bone You declared coldly, his killing intent undisguised. As a member of the Soul Clan, how could he not understand the significance of bloodlines? Xiao Yan's Xiao Clan, after all, was the Soul Clan's mortal enemy.
"How did this brat restore his bloodline? And why does his clan mark have such strength?" the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign asked, frowning.
Bone You's expression turned even darker as he replied, "Half a year ago, the Gu Clan invited the world to their coming of age ceremony. Starfallen Pavilion was among those invited. If I'm not mistaken, Xiao Yan likely regained his Xiao Clan bloodline during that time."
The Sixth Heavenly Sovereign's face mirrored Bone You's, becoming as dark as the stormiest night. Six months ago, Xiao Yan had been a mere Five Star Dou Zun, someone any average Heavenly Sovereign could have easily killed.
If not for their preoccupation, how could they have allowed Xiao Yan to survive until now?
In just half a year, Xiao Yan's strength had skyrocketed, soaring to the peak of Eight Star Dou Zun. His combat prowess was so formidable that even Mo Yu couldn't compare. Moreover, with the restoration of his bloodline, it was as though a tiger had been granted wings. The threat he posed was undeniable.
"Gentlemen, please hear me out!" Di Scorpion noticed that both Bone You and the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign were solely focused on Xiao Yan. Growing anxious, he quickly interjected, "Your attention should be on that Lu Bu! He's the real danger!"
"It was all thanks to him that I ended up in this state!"
"Oh? Let's hear it," the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign said, showing a trace of interest. Di Scorpion's strength wasn't trivial, and ignoring him outright would be impolite.
As for Bone You, he seemed lost in thought, already strategizing how to eliminate Xiao Yan. Given how inseparable Xiao Yan and Yao Chen were, killing Xiao Yan meant first dealing with Yao Chen.
However, Yao Chen was a Half Saint with the overwhelming soul power of an Eight Peak Alchemist. Even if Bone You were to personally act, he wasn't confident in taking Yao Chen down completely. Requesting reinforcements from the clan especially a Dou Sheng wasn't realistic either.
The clan lacked sufficient manpower at the moment, and as a Half Saint, Bone You was already part of the top echelon.
Meanwhile, seeing that Bone You didn't even glance at him, Di Scorpion's soul rippled faintly with suppressed anger. Gritting his metaphorical teeth, he continued, "This Lu Bu is a reserve elder of the Pill Tower's Eight Great Elders. His Dou Qi cultivation has reached the Fifth Turn Dou Zun level, and his soul power is no weaker than my own!"
"Moreover, this man is exceptionally cunning and ruthless. He's not someone to take lightly. In my opinion, he's an even bigger threat than Xiao Yan!"
"Scorpion, you say you were defeated by him?" the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign asked, frowning slightly. "He's certainly capable, but he's only a Fifth Turn Dou Zun. He shouldn't be an opponent you can't handle…"
"That's why I say he's cunning!" Di Scorpion said, his tone solemn. "Despite being a Fifth Turn Dou Zun, he forced me to self detonate. That alone shows how terrifying he is!"
"How exactly did he reduce you to this state?" Bone You finally sat up straight, his interest piqued. If what Di Scorpion claimed was true, then Lu Bu was indeed a formidable figure who couldn't be underestimated.
"…Through a sneak attack!" Di Scorpion's throat tightened as he spoke. Had Lu Bu not exploited his younger brother's death to catch him off guard, he wouldn't have been defeated so miserably.
Both Bone You and the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign froze for a moment before their brows furrowed slightly, and a flicker of disdain crossed their lips.
That's it?
Their expressions made Di Scorpion's soul quiver with fury. They're looking down on me… He felt a surge of anger, so intense it almost drove him mad.
"Sixth Brother, take Brother Scorpion to get his body restored," Bone You said, his tone calm as he shifted his gaze. "The Soul Hall has never mistreated those who contribute. Brother Scorpion, you fought for the Soul Hall and lost your physical body. Even if there's no merit, there's hard work."
Di Scorpion was a Peak Eight Rank Alchemist. Having lost everything, he had no other refuge, and the Soul Hall was his only option. A person like him wouldn't simply be discarded; naturally, Bone You would have him restored to ensure his continued service.
"Thank you," Di Scorpion replied solemnly. "However, I can handle the task of crafting a new body myself. I only ask for the necessary materials to be provided."
As a Peak Eight Rank Alchemist, Di Scorpion was no stranger to crafting a physical body. Although he was slightly inferior to Yao Chen in alchemy, creating a body was well within his capabilities. After all, he was one of the infamous Scorpion Demon Trio no ordinary alchemist bound by conventions.
"Take Brother Scorpion and ensure he gets whatever he needs," Bone You instructed the Soul Hall Heavenly Sovereign. Meanwhile, the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign remained seated, unmoving.
Fetching materials for such a task wasn't something that required the involvement of the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign.
Watching Di Scorpion leave, the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign's expression gradually darkened. "Second Brother, what do you think we should do about Xiao Yan?"
"You and I cannot handle him," Bone You said plainly. "This matter must be reported to the Hall Master. Xiao Yan's Xiao Clan bloodline is no trivial matter. The Hall Master will undoubtedly have a plan."
"You're right, Second Brother." The Sixth Heavenly Sovereign nodded solemnly. "Neither Yao Chen nor Xiao Yan can be allowed to survive!"
"Indeed," Bone You agreed with a nod.
"What about that Lu Bu Di Scorpion mentioned?" the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign asked, shifting the topic.
"Lu Bu? Have you ever even heard of him?" Bone You replied, his tone dismissive.
"Never…" The Sixth Heavenly Sovereign shook his head but then hesitated. Wait… didn't the Ninth mention something? He vaguely remembered someone speaking of an alchemist who had just entered the Spirit Realm.
After a moment's thought, he dismissed the notion. It was likely unrelated.
"Exactly!" Bone You sneered. "He's just a nobody. Di Scorpion's defeat left him bitter, and now he's trying to manipulate us into seeking revenge for him… Ha! Does he take the Soul Hall for fools?"
"If he thinks Lu Bu is so important, let him deal with Lu Bu himself. As far as I'm concerned, someone from the Pill Tower is fair game to eliminate if the opportunity arises," Bone You said, his tone indifferent.
"Well said, Second Brother," the Sixth Heavenly Sovereign agreed with a nod. "No need to trouble ourselves with such trivialities. Di Scorpion can handle it. Meanwhile, the real threat is Xiao Yan. His restored bloodline has made him a greater danger than ever. He cannot be allowed to live any longer!"
Starfallen Pavilion, Heavenly Star Mountain Range.
After completing the alchemy and trade, Lu Bu didn't leave immediately. Well, it wasn't that he didn't want to leave Xiao Yi Xian and Nalan Yanran seemed to have things to discuss, so Lu Bu decided to delay his departure for a day.
With nothing better to do, Lu Bu wandered around the Starfallen Pavilion. He visited Mu Qingluan, a member of the Qingluan Clan. Her strength wasn't bad she was a Four Star Dou Zong and one of the faster cultivators among the younger generation.
He also went to the Starfallen Pavilion's rear mountain to check out the Star Energy.
It was indeed a mysterious force. As soon as Lu Bu approached, the powerful energy surged toward him, exciting the Three Thousand Starry Flame within him. Without hesitation, Lu Bu unleashed his flame, letting it absorb the Star Energy.
But just as he was getting comfortable, Xiao Yan and Yao Chen rushed over in a panic to stop him, claiming that the Star Energy was the foundation of the Starfallen Pavilion. If it was depleted, the entire Starfallen Pavilion would cease to exist.
Lu Bu rolled his eyes, completely unconvinced. In the original story, Xiao Yan absorbed it for an entire year, even using it to advance to Dou Zun, and the pavilion seemed fine.
So why can't I?
Still, he didn't argue. He was already used to the stinginess of this master disciple duo. It wasn't worth making a fuss over. At least the Three Thousand Starry Flame had grown a bit stronger from the brief absorption.
The day passed quickly. Xiao Yi Xian returned to Lu Bu's side with a radiant smile, clearly in a good mood, while Nalan Yanran looked utterly dejected, her expression like she was on the verge of tears evidently, Xiao Yi Xian had dealt her quite a blow.
"You… where do you learn these bad habits?" Lu Bu teased, tapping Xiao Yi Xian's forehead with mock disapproval.
"Hehe… Shall we leave, my lord?" Xiao Yi Xian giggled, dodging the question.
"Lu Bu, wait! I need to speak with you!"
Just as Lu Bu was preparing to leave the Starfallen Pavilion, an anxious figure rushed toward him it was Qiu Mao, one of the Eight Great Elders of the Pill Tower.
"Huh? Elder Qiu Mao, what's the matter?" Lu Bu asked, perplexed by the elder's urgency.
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