Chapter 166
Boom!
Dark clouds rolled across the sky, blotting out the sunlight as silver lightning serpents crackled and slithered through the heavens. A crushing, oppressive force descended, making the air itself feel heavy and prickling the skin with a sense of dread. Seeing this, Zi Yan let out a startled yelp, flapping her faintly purple Dou Qi wings as she fled to a safe distance.
Her strength was too weak to help Lu Bu in this situation. Instead, she'd only get in his way. Running far away was the most sensible choice. However, she left the spatial puppet behind to assist Lu Bu it was something he'd need.
The moment Zi Yan flew off, a soft swish broke through the air as two figures arrived. One was First Elder Su Qian, whose presence was no surprise. The other, however, was Xiao Yan, with a pair of purple brown Dou Qi wings on his back.
Zi Yan's large black eyes narrowed as she stared at him. This guy… when did he advance to Dou Wang?
And another thing… the aura she used to find tolerable was gone. Now it was dominated by flames, which she instinctively disliked. The urge to punch him grew stronger.
"Is that… Lu Bu?" Su Qian's eyes widened as he blurted out in disbelief. That brat was refining a seventh tier pill? And not just any seventh tier pill it was of superior quality?
"That's… a high level seventh tier pill?" Yao Lao's voice rang out in shock. He had known for a long time that Lu Bu's soul strength had reached the level of a seventh tier alchemist, but soul strength alone wasn't enough. True mastery required crafting an actual seventh tier pill.
Now, Lu Bu had done it. Not only was it seventh tier, but it was also high grade.
"Damn it!" Xiao Yan gritted his teeth, his jealousy once again pushing him to his limit. He felt like he was going to burst.
I'm so envious!!
He had just devoured the Ocean Heart Flame, ranked 15th on the Heavenly Flame list, and advanced to the Dou Wang realm. He had thought he wouldn't fall too far behind Lu Bu. Yet now, seeing this, his envy burned hotter, his eyes turning red.
"My apprentice," Yao Lao said with a chuckle, "if you can refine a pill that attracts lightning tribulation like this one, I'll consider you ready to graduate."
Xiao Yan was silent for a long moment before forcing a grin. "Teacher, I'll work hard!"
He had many things to accomplish, and they all required his mastery of alchemy whether it was crafting a new body for Yao Lao, saving his father, or taking down arrogant enemies like Yan Hao and Lin Quan.
"Hey, old man!" Zi Yan called out, her tone urgent. "If Lu Bu can't handle those lightning bolts, you better help him!"
"That brat…" Su Qian grumbled, feeling a pang of bitterness. Not only did he gain nothing from this, but now he might have to risk himself to block Dan Thunder for him. Too frustrating!
Still, he had to admit that Lu Bu's achievements were impressive, even worthy of admiration. This was good news for the Inner Academy having a seventh tier alchemist would give him something to brag about to the headmaster.
"We'll see. That brat might not even need my help," Su Qian waved dismissively, though he was ready to assist if necessary. Still, he grumbled internally, wishing Zi Yan would treat him more kindly so he might consider being nicer to Lu Bu in return.
As they spoke, the dark clouds above grew denser, rolling ominously as streaks of lightning illuminated the skies. The weight of the heavens seemed to press directly on Lu Bu's head.
"Hehe… Bring it on!" Lu Bu cracked his stiff knuckles, grinning as he stared up at the incoming Dan Thunder.
Zzzap!
The clouds churned, and a bolt of silver lightning as thick as an arm came crashing down. The blinding light illuminated the darkened sky, and the terrifying might of heaven's judgment made even the air crackle with electricity.
As the lightning descended, magical beasts, no matter how strong, shrieked in fear and fled in every direction. None dared to remain under the wrath of such heavenly power.
"Hmph, come at me!" Lu Bu sneered. His hands formed a seal, and a silver shadow surged from behind him. The puppet emitted an intense spatial energy, its glow growing until it shone as brightly as the descending lightning.
The puppet clenched its fist and swung upward, spatial energy sharpening into an invisible blade that sliced through the air to meet the lightning.
Boom!
The lightning serpent shattered into countless arcs of crackling energy that fizzled in the sky.
Xiao Yan's eyes reddened even further, his jealousy boiling over. Wasn't this the puppet that had been destroyed in his fight against Han Feng? How did Lu Bu get another one, and one so powerful at that?
Damn it, I'm so envious!!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Just as the first bolt of lightning was obliterated by the puppet, three more streaks of furious thunder descended. This time, their target was the massive crimson Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron. Inside, a cyan and white pill quietly rolled around.
Lu Bu's mind stirred, and the puppet's figure shimmered, its black surface glowing faintly. A black vortex seemed to form around it, faint yet ominous.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three lightning bolts struck in rapid succession, forcing the puppet back. Its body trembled as the sound of clashing metal echoed across the heavens.
"This puppet is that sturdy?" Su Qian muttered in disbelief. He hadn't expected it to withstand the Dan Thunder, which even he, a three star Dou Zong, wouldn't take lightly.
On the other hand, Lu Bu frowned slightly. His puppet couldn't absorb Dan Thunder like a Sky Demon Puppet. It could only temporarily contain the lightning using devouring energy, which dissipated after a short while.
"It seems I really need to get myself a Sky Demon Puppet…" Lu Bu murmured to himself. That thing was practically a lightning rod perfect for refining pills without having to worry about Dan Thunder.
With Dan Thunder continuing to strike, the heavens roared as one bolt after another descended. Lu Bu calmly formed seals, his puppet faithfully intercepting each blast like a shield.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan could only grit his teeth in envy. He'd heard from Yao Lao how dangerous refining seventh tier pills was, especially the Dan Thunder at the end. Most alchemists would spend fortunes hiring strong warriors to block the lightning.
But Lu Bu had managed it all with just a puppet.
Even Su Qian felt a pang of jealousy. He'd initially thought he'd have a chance to show off in front of Zi Yan by stepping in to help, but instead, he was relegated to the role of a spectator.
"This is infuriating!"
Finally, after what felt like two or three incense sticks' worth of time, the Dan Thunder subsided. As the dark clouds faded, the bright blue sky reappeared.
With a casual motion, Lu Bu slapped the lid of the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron, sending a cyan and red pill flying out. He caught it effortlessly, examining it with a satisfied smile.
"A bit exhausting… but not bad," Lu Bu stretched lazily, loosening up his muscles with a content sigh.
Noticing the new arrivals, Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully. He had already decided this pill would go to Her Majesty, the Queen. After all, she was the only Dou Zong by his side no point sending it all the way back to the Jia Ma Empire.
She would like it, wouldn't she? Lu Bu mused.
Gesturing for Zi Yan to approach, he asked with a smirk, "Zi Yan, have you ever eaten a strength enhancing pill? Like a Dou Ling Pill or something?"
This girl is just at the Dou Wang level. Since I've already refined a pill for Her Majesty, I might as well make one for her too.
"Oh… that? I've heard of it, but I've never eaten one." Zi Yan pouted, her tone full of disdain. "The Inner Academy is dirt poor. They only have medicinal herbs, no pills!"
"And those herbs taste awful!"
Su Qian rolled his eyes. Advanced alchemists aren't as common as cabbage you can't just find them anywhere. Over the years, the academy's Alchemy Department has only produced a handful of fifth tier alchemists, with sixth tier ones being rare. As for seventh tier? They haven't had a single one.
"I'll refine one for you." Lu Bu chuckled. "What's your current strength level?"
"Six star Dou Wang!" Zi Yan grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes! You refine it, and I'll wait while guarding you!"
She desperately wanted a pill. After all, consuming pills was the fastest way to increase her strength. Why else would she gnaw on raw herbs? It's because there weren't any pills!
Watching the two stick together again, Su Qian huffed, flung his sleeves, and left without a word, his heart full of frustration.
Beside him, Xiao Yan seemed deep in thought. Lu Bu's words gave him an idea. That's right, there's such a thing as a Dou Ling Pill. I could get one too to speed up my cultivation.
But… not right now. It's not worth using at lower star levels. The effect will be better if I wait until I'm at higher levels.
With these thoughts in mind, Xiao Yan also turned and left, heading back to the Inner Academy.
It's been a while since I've seen Yanran… I miss her. And I need to focus on my training. While I'm still in the academy, I should use the Fallen Heart Flame to accelerate my cultivation. I've got more Fire Energy than I can use anyway, so I might as well make the most of it.
Seeing that the distractions were gone, Lu Bu reignited his flames and prepared the medicinal herbs. The still warm Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron roared to life as the Green Lotus Core Flame ignited once more.
The Dou Ling Pill, a medium grade sixth tier pill, wasn't particularly difficult for Lu Bu to refine. It was a process he could manage easily. Within two or three days, the pill was complete.
"Here, Dou Ling Pill!" Lu Bu placed a yellow pill in front of Zi Yan, smiling faintly.
"Wow wow wow…" Zi Yan grabbed the jade bottle and giggled foolishly, holding it like a priceless treasure.
"Find a safe place to take it. I'll stand guard for you." Lu Bu reached out and patted her head gently.
"Mm hmm!" Zi Yan nodded repeatedly, her face full of excitement.
With that settled, Lu Bu dusted off his robe and smiled. Having taken care of the little one, it was now time to tend to Her Majesty.
A colorful glow lit up the air as Queen Medusa appeared. This time, she wasn't dressed in her usual revealing attire but in a fitted, elegant purple robe that radiated grace and nobility.
"What do you want from me?" Queen Medusa asked, her crimson lips pursed slightly. There was a hint of unease in her expression.
Though she had been in a state of slumber and cultivation, she wasn't entirely disconnected from the outside world. The deafening thunder from earlier was enough to wake the dead, let alone her.
When Lu Bu called her out, she had a vague sense of what was coming. But… this was a Lesser Support Pill a high grade seventh tier pill capable of raising a Dou Zong's strength by an entire star.
It was far too precious.
In the Snake People Tribe, even fifth tier pills were rare treasures, let alone a seventh tier one.
She couldn't take it. Such a great favor would leave her with no choice but to repay it with her entire being. But… if it's Lu Bu… she found herself hesitating. A small part of her wanted to accept it. No, I don't want it!
Medusa was torn. She feared that Lu Bu wouldn't call for her, but she also feared that he actually would.
For a while, she considered ignoring his summons, pretending to remain in slumber. But in the end, against her better judgment, she appeared anyway…
It's all the Swallowing Python's fault! She's the one influencing me! This is her doing!
"Your Majesty, I have something to give you." Lu Bu's lips curled into a faint smile as he spoke softly, holding out a jade bottle containing a pill that shimmered with cyan and white hues.
So it's happening… Medusa's lips pressed together as she made up her mind. Her gaze steadied, and she shook her head firmly. "It's too precious. I can't accept it."
"Why would you say that, Your Majesty?" Lu Bu feigned surprise, then spoke solemnly, "Have you forgotten? We still have an enemy to deal with!"
"Hm?" Medusa's brows furrowed slightly.
"That four star Dou Zong we encountered in the forest," Lu Bu reminded her.
At those words, Medusa's expression darkened. She remembered now the arrogant fool who repeatedly offended her and dared to demand she follow him to some absurd sect.
"I killed his son. That man won't let me go." Lu Bu's tone turned grave. "You know me, Your Majesty. I'm just a frail alchemist with no combat power."
"Can't carry anything heavy, can't fight, and I'll collapse if the wind blows too hard or the rain soaks me… I can't protect myself at all!"
Lu Bu shook his head, feigning helplessness. "So, I have no choice but to rely on your protection. This Lesser Support Pill will enhance your strength, giving you an edge against that enemy from the Black Emperor Sect!"
"How can you refuse to accept it?"
With that, Lu Bu gently took Medusa's hand and placed the pill in her palm, his eyes earnest and unwavering.
A faint blush swept across Medusa's face but quickly faded.
Lu Bu was right. They shared a common enemy, and he needed her protection. As a powerless alchemist, it wasn't unreasonable for her to take the pill.
Seeing her hesitance and eventual acceptance, Lu Bu chuckled softly, wrapping her fingers around the jade bottle. "Your Majesty, please take it now. I'll stand guard for you."
Medusa sighed lightly but shook her head. "No. It would be a waste to take it now. I'll save it for later."
"Foolish!" Lu Bu lightly tapped her forehead, scolding her playfully. "You're the Seven Colored Swallowing Python with extraordinary talent. Unlike ordinary people, you don't need to worry about bottlenecks. Just take it now and see how much you can improve."
He turned to Zi Yan, who had been watching the scene with great interest. "Zi Yan, you too. Come over. I'll set up a formation to guard you both."
With a wave of his hand, yellow flags rose into the air, forming a protective barrier around the area.
The two beauties, one young and one mature, nodded in unison before sitting down to take their respective pills.
Lu Bu stretched lazily and prepared to wait, though his attention soon drifted back to the two of them. The surrounding magical beasts had already been scared off or killed earlier, so there wasn't much to look at besides the beautiful duo.
Half a month passed quietly. Eventually, Zi Yan let out a delicate cry and soared into the air, her aura rising rapidly until she stabilized as a seven star Dou Wang.
As if triggered by her breakthrough, Medusa opened her eyes as well. A powerful multicolored aura erupted from her, forming a pillar of light that shot into the sky. She had advanced three stars, becoming a three star Dou Zong.
"Brilliant!" Lu Bu praised. While his earlier words had been partly to persuade her, he truly needed their help to deal with Mo Tianxing.
However, just as he marveled at their breakthroughs, a towering pillar of blue light suddenly erupted in the northern Black Corner Region. It connected heaven and earth, sending shockwaves that rippled through the forest, uprooting countless trees.
"What's that… the northern Black Corner Region?" Lu Bu turned abruptly, his eyes wide with shock. If he remembered correctly, Mo Tianxing should be in that direction.
Could it be… they've found that so called secret realm?
His eyes gleamed with excitement. This is getting interesting!
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