Chapter 162: Su Qian's Relatives Showed Up?
In the Black Emperor City's City Lord's Mansion, inside the meeting hall, the eight Dou Huang who had attacked the Jia Nan Academy except for the deceased Fan Lao were all present. Among them were Han Feng, the Gold and Silver Elders, Kuangshi Tie Wu, Su Mei, Yin Gu Lao, and Teng Xiao from the Earth Flame Sect.
In addition, several others who hadn't participated in the raid on Jia Nan Academy were also present. While they had no direct grudge against the academy, Han Feng's reputation as the "Medicine Emperor" in the Black Corner Region was formidable. His influence wasn't to be underestimated. Under his call, the Black Alliance gained an additional three to four Dou Huang. This not only compensated for the loss of Fan Lao but also further bolstered their strength.
Under the pressure from Jia Nan Academy and Han Feng's invitations, these individuals had allied themselves to resist the academy's counterattacks. Alone, any one of them would be courting death by facing the academy, but together, they stood a chance.
Being a group of opportunists and schemers, they fully understood this. None would give the academy a chance to pick them off one by one.
"According to the intelligence, Jia Nan Academy has slowed its assault," Kuangshi Tie Wu said in a deep voice. Despite his burly and rough appearance, his mind was as sharp as a thread of silk. His faction, the Kuangshi Gang, boasted a solid information network despite its brutish name.
"What's this? Jia Nan Academy's giving up?" Su Mei chuckled softly, her laughter carrying a subtle charm that stirred the emotions of the men present.
"Rather than giving up, it's more likely they're preparing a stronger assault," Yin Gu Lao said hoarsely. "The academy won't just stop halfway."
In truth, he was quite fearful of the academy's strength. More than once, he had contemplated backing out of the conflict.
But… it was too late.
If he withdrew now, even if Jia Nan Academy spared him, the Black Alliance would not. And realistically, the academy was unlikely to let him off the hook anyway.
"Why couldn't I resist the temptation of Han Feng's pills? Now I'm stuck on this sinking ship," Yin Gu Lao thought bitterly. If only he had held out a little longer, he might have avoided this predicament.
"Gentlemen, don't worry," Han Feng said from his seat at the head of the table, his gaze calm as he addressed the diverse expressions of the Dou Huang present. "Even if Jia Nan Academy attacks with full force, I have a way to make them suffer a crushing defeat at the gates of Feng City."
"We have two Dou Zong level forces on our side… As for who they are, apologies, but I cannot reveal that information just yet," he added, glancing at the room to preempt their inevitable questions.
Although Kuangshi, Yin Gu Lao, and the others were slightly dissatisfied, they said nothing further. Some powerful individuals did indeed have eccentric personalities. And as for the possibility that Han Feng might be lying to them… it wasn't likely.
Han Feng was the mastermind behind everything. He was the primary target of Jia Nan Academy's wrath. Even if they spared others, they would never let Han Feng go.
Having said his piece, Han Feng stood up and left. The others also dispersed, heading off to their respective defensive positions.
At the rear of the City Lord's Mansion, Han Feng's figure disappeared into the shadows of a secluded area.
"Protector Xuan, the enemy may be preparing to attack," Han Feng said. "Jia Nan Academy isn't an easy opponent."
"Hehehe… Relax, it's just Jia Nan Academy. If I wanted to, I could destroy them single handedly," came a sinister, bone chilling laugh from the shadows. The eerie voice made one's skin crawl. "Of course, I can help, but don't forget your promise. My aid doesn't come cheap."
"Don't worry. The pills you wanted I'll hand them over personally," Han Feng replied with a sly smile. "And as for the souls you requested, we'll secure them together."
"Hehehe… Han Feng, you truly are a good friend of the Hall of Souls!" Protector Xuan cackled approvingly. With a few more souls, he would be able to rival even two or three Dou Zong simultaneously.
As for Jia Nan Academy… they weren't worth worrying about.
At Jia Nan Academy
On a mountain peak within the academy grounds, Lu Bu was refining pills with precise movements. At his fingertips, flames danced within the Blazing Cauldron, enveloping a multicolored liquid that emitted a vibrant glow. The rich aroma of the pill wafted out, refreshing the soul and lifting the spirit of anyone nearby.
"Crunch, crunch… Lu Bu, what are you doing?" Zi Yan asked, her cheeks puffed out like a little bun as she stuffed pills into her mouth from a jade bottle she was holding.
If Lu Bu weren't focused on his alchemy, he might have been tempted to pinch her cheeks for fun.
"I'm helping an elder refine a pill," Lu Bu said with a smile. The Soul Nourishment Elixir was nearly complete, and with a flick of his finger, a snow white storage ring flew into the cauldron.
"Hahaha! Lu Bu, I'm deeply grateful. Consider this a favor I owe you… hahaha!" an old voice exclaimed joyfully from within the ring. The elder had entrusted Lu Bu with repairing his soul but hadn't expected it to be completed so quickly.
"No need for such gratitude, Elder Yao. The Five Wheel Flame Technique you've shared has already been of immense help to me. This is the least I can do," Lu Bu replied with a smile.
"Hahaha! My signature technique is indeed no trifling thing!" the elder, Yao Tianhuo (the Skyfire Sovereign), laughed. "Rest assured, Lu Bu. If you ever need anything, just say the word. I'll do all I can to help!"
"Then I'll thank you in advance, Elder Yao," Lu Bu said with a chuckle.
Having said his piece, the elder fell silent, fully focused on absorbing the Soul Nourishment Elixir within the ring.
Zi Yan, munching on her pills, watched the exchange and deduced that the storage ring housed a powerful soul that seemed to have a good relationship with Lu Bu.
Not long after, the Soul Nourishment Elixir was completely absorbed, and another figure approached from a distance it was Su Qian, likely coming to summon Lu Bu.
In the sky above the academy's inner forest, more and more figures began to gather.
The Dou Wang mentors would serve as the main force in the upcoming battle, while the Dou Huang elders stayed behind to protect the students from potential counterattacks. Still, a few Dou Huang, like the gatekeeping Elders Su and Qing, insisted on joining the attack to reclaim their lost honor after being defeated during Han Feng's previous invasion.
"Elder Su, you seem to be in high spirits," Elder Su observed. "Are you really that happy about defeating the enemy?"
"Do I? Hahaha…" Su Qian waved his hand dismissively, though the grin on his face betrayed him.
Elder Su: "…"
Your grin is almost reaching your ears!
Su and Qing exchanged confused glances. They couldn't understand why Su Qian's mood shifted so rapidly. It was almost as if… he had a visitor? But wait he's a man!
Finally, as Lu Bu arrived with Zi Yan in tow, Su Qian's previously excellent mood soured instantly. His face darkened as he barked, "Let's go! Leave that kid Lu Bu behind he can follow us on his own!"
Why does that brat get all the attention? Zi Yan's practically glued to him now! This is infuriating!
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