Chapter 159: Does She Like Me?
In the Inner Academy, the arrival of reinforcements from the Outer Academy instantly turned the tide of battle against the scum from the Black Corner Region. Without hesitation, the intruders fled as fast as their feet could carry them.
Han Feng, the instigator of this chaos, was fortunate enough to escape. As the one funding this operation, the Black Corner Region mercenaries had loyally ensured his safe retreat.
Despite the intensity of the battle, only Fan Lao had fallen on the Black Corner Region's side. As for the Inner Academy, apart from the disappearance of Lu Bu, there were no significant casualties.
Zi Yan stood silently near the Sky Burning Qi Refining Tower. Her lips were tightly pressed together as she watched Su Qian and the others repair the sealing formation. She didn't object, nor did she lend her support she was simply silent.
So silent it was unsettling.
"Little girl…" A cold breeze swept by as Elder Lei Ying approached her, his voice heavy with guilt. "We're sorry. It wasn't the Fallen Heart Flame…"
"No, Old Man Lei, you misunderstood." Zi Yan suddenly interrupted, turning to him with a smile. "Lu Bu will be fine. He's strong. There's no way he'll die. I was just wondering when he'll come out."
Zi Yan firmly believed this. Lu Bu's strength was sufficient to take on a Dou Zong. He even had Queen Medusa by his side, an actual Dou Zong, and a six star Dou Huang level puppet. Even if he couldn't defeat the Fallen Heart Flame, he could at least escape with his life.
Wait… the puppet?
Zi Yan's spirits lifted as she remembered something: Lu Bu had inscribed a teleportation array on that Azure Flame Puppet. The last time, he had used it to rescue her. Perhaps this time, he'd use it again to return!
At that thought, Zi Yan darted over to the heavily damaged puppet left behind by Han Feng and collected it.
Elder Lei Ying watched her with a heavy heart, his expression darkening. He thought Zi Yan was keeping the puppet as a memento, a way to remember Lu Bu.
To finally have a friend only to lose them so tragically… What a good kid Lu Bu had been. This was all because of their failures as teachers!
Elder Lei Ying's eyes turned red, and he took a deep breath before striding toward Su Qian, who was overseeing the completion of the seal. Standing before the Grand Elder, he declared, "Grand Elder, we cannot let this slide. I want to go after Han Feng!"
Su Qian was silent for a moment before nodding slowly. "Of course. This matter cannot end here. They will pay in blood!"
"Sigh… I just hope that child is alright," Elder Lei Ying muttered, looking skyward with a long sigh. "He must be feeling so desperate right now…"
"Teacher, do you think Lu Bu can make it out alive?" Xiao Yan asked within the Sacred Gate.
"...I don't know. I can't see through him," Yao Lao admitted. Lu Bu was simply too mysterious he had an uncanny understanding of both Yao Lao and Xiao Yan, always staying one step ahead. Even Yao Lao himself had been unknowingly manipulated, losing countless resources to Lu Bu and even working for him for free.
"I think he'll be fine," Xiao Yan grumbled, his face twitching with frustration. "If anything, it's the Fallen Heart Flame that's in trouble…"
"Forget about the Fallen Heart Flame," Yao Lao said firmly. "Whether or not Lu Bu survives, it's out of your reach now. Focus on the Sea Heart Flame instead. With Han Feng making enemies of Jia Nan Academy, we can take advantage of the situation to deal with him together."
"Even though things didn't go as we expected, our main goal hasn't changed."
"Understood, Teacher!" Xiao Yan replied.
Deep Underground, Within the Magma
Queen Medusa's graceful body trembled. Lu Bu's fingertips were cold, but his palm radiated warmth, making her heart race uncontrollably.
"Your Majesty, don't you have anything to say?" Lu Bu smiled gently, his tone soft yet teasing. "You know… we'll both be dead soon…"
"Say… say what…" Queen Medusa stammered, flustered. On one hand, the looming life or death crisis left her helpless, and on the other, the man's close presence threw her into complete disarray.
Though her beauty and reputation were unmatched across the Tagore Desert and beyond, this was her first time being so close to a man.
"You already have Yun Yun. Don't forget who you are…" Queen Medusa placed her jade like palm against Lu Bu's chest, trying to push him away. But as a Dou Zong powerhouse, her hand was surprisingly weak and powerless against Lu Bu, who wasn't even using Dou Qi.
With ease, Lu Bu closed the distance between them.
"What are you doing? Stay away from me!" Queen Medusa shouted, seemingly forgetting that as a two star Dou Zong, her strength was more than enough to crush Lu Bu in a fight or at least hold her own against him.
"Your eyes tell me you don't actually want me to leave," Lu Bu said with a smirk.
"Nonsense! That's… that's the Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python's influence!"
"Oh? The Heaven Swallowing Python can influence you like this?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow in genuine surprise. He had always thought its influence merely stopped her from killing him.
Lu Bu had assumed that the Heaven Swallowing Python only affected Medusa's actions. He hadn't expected it to influence her thoughts as well.
"Yes… When the Heaven Swallowing Python first opened its eyes, the first creature it saw was you. It developed an intense trust and reliance on you. That emotion… has affected me…"
Before she could finish, Lu Bu gently tilted her sharp, delicate chin upward, just as he had done by the waterfall that one time.
Queen Medusa's long, narrow eyes slowly narrowed further, her gaze growing hazy and unfocused.
"Heh… Women!" Lu Bu chuckled softly.
Queen Medusa: ( ಠ_ಠ )
That expression… she recognized it. It was the same smug look she had given him when teasing him in the forest. Now she realized this man was avenging himself for that time!
Her icy, flawless face immediately hardened into a frosty glare. Raising her jade like hand, she slapped it firmly against the infuriating man's smug face.
Smack!
"Ouch!"
Lu Bu cried out, slamming against the protective shield created by the array. He slid to the ground, lying there without moving just like a lazy shut in who starts doing sit ups but ends up napping halfway through.
Propping his chin on one hand, Lu Bu gazed at Medusa's perfect figure from where he lay. His eyes gleamed with mischief.
Something was strange… Her heart had been beating so fast earlier.
"Does she… like me?" Lu Bu pondered. While he was confident, he decided it was better not to act rashly. After all, maintaining harmony within his future "harem" was essential.
Wait… does this make me sound like a jerk?
Lu Bu felt a twinge of guilt, but as he admired Medusa's enchanting figure and flawless face, he dismissed the thought.
Why should I hold back? If I don't make my move, someone else might… and that's unacceptable!
Smack!
Medusa, unaware that she had caught the eye of a "scoundrel," stomped on Lu Bu's back, grinding her heel into him.
"Get up, you bastard! How long are you planning to lie there?" she growled, her silver teeth clenched in frustration. "Tell me how do we get out of here? Or do you plan to spend the rest of your life in this magma?"
Her fury flared. If not for the Heaven Swallowing Python's influence, she would have already chopped him into pieces for his audacity.
"Oh… leaving? That's easy!" Lu Bu waved dismissively, pointing to the massive Invisible Flame Python coiled outside the array. "We just need to kill it."
"..."
Medusa's face darkened, her eyes filled with murderous intent. If it weren't for this Heaven Swallowing Python, I'd show you just how much trouble that sharp tongue of yours can get you into!
…
Under Medusa's icy glare, Lu Bu awkwardly laughed and added, "Ahem… I'm serious. The only way out is to defeat this thing. But don't worry, Your Majesty I'll handle it. I promise to get you out safely!"
Medusa frowned. She didn't trust him at all. The power disparity between Lu Bu and the Invisible Flame Python was too great. The mere aura of the beast made her heart race in fear, let alone its true strength.
And this was its territory the magma. How could they possibly fight it here?
Lu Bu paid no attention to Medusa. After replacing the nearly depleted sixth tier magic core at the formation's center, his figure flickered, stepping outside the protective barrier.
Surrounded by azure flames, he instantly isolated himself from the invisible fire and blood red magma that filled the area.
"Hiss…" The blood colored pupils of the Invisible Flame Python gleamed with excitement, and the invisible flames surrounding its body surged violently.
If Lu Bu had stayed inside the barrier, it wouldn't have been able to do much. But now... this was nothing short of courting death!
The Invisible Fallen Heart Flame coiled around him in an instant, wrapping Lu Bu tightly. It was determined to completely refine and devour the Green Lotus Core Flame!
Medusa's face changed drastically. Her palm rose, glowing with colorful light, but she didn't make a move. She was quite familiar with Lu Bu or at least understood him a little. She knew he wasn't the type to act rashly. Deciding not to complicate things, she chose to observe for now.
Just as the Invisible Flame Python thought it had Lu Bu in its grasp, Lu Bu let out a cold chuckle. A dark glow suddenly lit up at his Baihui Acupoint (the crown of his head), and a mysterious rune slowly emerged. Sometimes it took the form of a rune; at other times, it transformed into a black hole.
It exuded an ancient, eternal aura that made the Invisible Flame Python's blood colored eyes contract. Its instincts screamed at it to flee this thing was extremely dangerous. But... the Green Lotus Core Flame smelled so delicious. It couldn't bear to leave!
"As expected of a beast!" Lu Bu sneered. Sitting cross legged, he formed a series of hand seals. A surge of devouring power exploded outward, tearing at the python's body. Its energy, like a flood breaking through a dam, uncontrollably poured into the Devouring Ancestor Rune.
The previously smug Invisible Flame Python was suddenly filled with terror. It frantically struggled, attempting to escape. This person... he was dangerous. Extremely dangerous!
However, countless black threads of devouring power shot out like a forest of spears, piercing deep into the python's body and tightly binding it in place.
The devouring threads rooted themselves like unshakable trees. Each thread greedily absorbed the energy that the Invisible Flame Python had painstakingly accumulated over time. At this point, the Fallen Heart Flame had no chance of escaping.
As Lu Bu entered a state of focused cultivation, Medusa's red lips pursed slightly. She hadn't expected that beyond his flames and soul power, Lu Bu also possessed such a powerful treasure.
But... why would he use it in front of her? Wasn't he afraid that she might...
Medusa furrowed her brows, unable to figure out what Lu Bu was thinking. Did he trust her that much?
After pondering for a long time without reaching any conclusion, Medusa decided to begin cultivating as well. This time, however, she didn't let the Heaven Swallowing Python take control. Instead, she meditated herself considering it her way of standing guard for Lu Bu.
Time passed slowly. The trapped Invisible Flame Python could only watch helplessly as its hard earned power was steadily drained away, unable to resist.
On the surface, a month quietly slipped by.
For the Inner Academy, little had changed. Those who were cultivating continued their cultivation; those completing missions remained on their missions. Lu Bu's disappearance had not caused much of a ripple.
Zi Yan had taken over the Sacred Gate, declaring herself the sect master. Anyone who objected was welcome to "discuss it with her," and she promised to "reason with them."
The members of the Sacred Gate unanimously agreed. Without Lu Bu, some opportunists had begun eyeing the organization. While no one dared to act openly, some subtle schemes had emerged.
Zi Yan's presence became a stabilizing force for the Sacred Gate.
Of course, not everyone paid her actions much mind people like Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er, and Nalan Yanran. They knew how powerful Lu Bu was and naturally refused to believe that he had simply vanished.
As for Zi Yan's leadership of the Sacred Gate, they didn't interfere. After all, when Lu Bu had been around, it was as if the sect didn't even have a leader.
Xiao Yan remained calm. He spent his days accompanying his two girlfriends and his nights training alone. Why didn't he spend his nights with them? Well, because they didn't agree to it!
This peaceful routine continued until one quiet afternoon. The trio went out to play as usual. However, an hour later, only Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran returned. Both had grim expressions.
As for Xiao Xun'er... no one knew where she had gone.
After a brief inquiry by Hu Jia and Wu Hao, nothing more was said. They could infer from Xiao Yan's expression that the matter likely involved some powerful and unfriendly forces backing Xiao Xun'er.
From that day onward, Xiao Yan immersed himself in cultivation. His training became so intense that even the Sacred Gate's distributed fire energy couldn't keep up with his usage. Nalan Yanran followed suit, joining him in his rigorous training.
This frenzied pace continued for five days. Xiao Yan's strength advanced to Dou Ling, and three days later, Nalan Yanran broke through as well.
"Teacher, let's join forces with the Inner Academy!" Xiao Yan said gravely. "I need the Sea Heart Flame. I can't delay any longer!"
"Hehehe... very well!" Yao Lao chuckled lightly. This boy had finally come to his senses and understood what he needed to do.
"Teacher, I'm sorry for how I've been lately…" Xiao Yan took a deep breath, his voice heavy. Ever since his three year agreement had ended, he had become lax. Though he trained diligently, it wasn't with the same intensity as before.
The main reason? He lacked motivation.
Previously, Lu Bu had told him that the strongest members of the Hall of Souls were at the Dou Saint level. The sheer gap in power had left Xiao Yan feeling hopeless, even to the point of contemplating giving up.
"Hehehe..." Yao Lao chuckled softly. He had been fully aware of his disciple's shifting mindset. The recent appearance of the Black Submerged Army had dealt Xiao Yan a significant blow, reigniting his drive to train.
"Now that you've awakened, it's fine. You're not any worse than anyone else, and you haven't fallen too far behind. You have plenty of time to make up for it," Yao Lao said, pleased with Xiao Yan's renewed determination.
"I misunderstood my priorities before," Xiao Yan admitted seriously. "Lu Bu isn't what's important strength is. As long as I can grow stronger, trading with Lu Bu won't mean a thing!"
"Good. If you've figured that out, go speak to Su Qian and work with him."
"Yes, Teacher!"
In the Magma World Below
"Chiiii… hiss…"
A sudden, anguished hiss jolted Medusa out of her meditation. Opening her eyes, she saw that the massive Invisible Flame Python was gone, replaced by a small snake in Lu Bu's hand.
However, Lu Bu didn't intend to let the little snake off. A surge of soul power burst forth, slamming into the python's spirit. In an instant, its intelligence shattered, and it reverted to a mindless Fallen Heart Flame.
Lu Bu sensed a faint summoning force from deeper within the magma. If his guess was correct, it was coming from the Skyfire Saint.
"Lu Bu, did you... handle it?" Medusa hesitantly asked.
"It's done," Lu Bu replied.
"What's your strength now?" Medusa frowned, her tone curious.
Lu Bu chuckled, standing and stretching lazily. A powerful aura burst from his body, like a dragon awakening from slumber.
Eight star Dou Wang!
Medusa's eyelids twitched. This man was barely in his twenties, yet he had already achieved such strength!
"Your Majesty, there seems to be something below. I plan to take a look. Would you like to join me?" Lu Bu asked, holding the Fallen Heart Flame in his palm. Now a flame with spirit but no consciousness, it posed no threat to him.
Medusa arched a delicate brow, her red lips pursing slightly. After a moment of thought, she nodded and smiled. "Sure, I'll accompany you."
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