Chapter 230: Even Soul Heavenly Emperor Can't Stop You. I Said It!
Jia Ma Empire, Black Mountain Fortress.
Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian stood side by side, leaning against the windowsill, idly gazing at the lush green scenery in the distance.
"This time, I won't be going with you… protect him well," Xiao Yi Xian said softly, brushing back a strand of hair that had fallen to her cheek.
This operation against the Soul Hall subdivision involved numerous spirit bodies. Since her poison Dou Qi would have little effect on such entities, Lu Bu had decided that Xiao Yi Xian should stay behind in the Jia Ma Empire.
"Don't worry. Lu Bu always plans things perfectly," Medusa replied with a light smile. For this battle, they had two Dou Venerable puppets, Lu Bu's Spirit Fire, Yun Yun's Falling Heart Flame, and the powerful spiritual form of Venerable Tian Huo. Taking down a Soul Hall subdivision wouldn't be too difficult.
More importantly, they had thoroughly investigated the Soul Hall's lineup: a two star Dou Venerable, eight to ten Dou Ancestor peak level spiritual entities, and other assorted Dou Ancestor and Dou Emperor level spirit bodies.
If the enemies had been standard Dou Qi practitioners, Medusa would have stopped Lu Bu from going at all costs, as it would be suicidal. But against spirit bodies… they weren't worth worrying about.
Lu Bu had plenty of methods to deal with them!
Xiao Yi Xian nodded slightly, though there was still a trace of unease in her heart. But after mentally comparing the strengths of both sides, she reassured herself. After all, Lu Bu was capable of using his spiritual strength to fend off a surprise attack from a four star Dou Venerable.
Creak~
The door to the sealed chamber slowly opened, and Yun Yun walked out alongside Lu Bu.
"Where's Zi Yan?" Medusa asked, glancing at Lu Bu's sides and behind him, not seeing Zi Yan following along.
"She's currently advancing…" Lu Bu said, his expression somewhat odd. Was the Heavenly Demon Phoenix's flesh really that tasty? Just one drop had pushed Zi Yan to advance in rank. Did this mean the Taixu Ancient Dragon truly hunted Heavenly Demon Phoenixes often?
"Shall we depart?"
"Yes. Yun Yun, let's go!"
"Be careful," Xiao Yi Xian said softly.
Lu Bu waved his hand with a smile, taking Yun Yun and Medusa with him. Together, they soared into the sky, disappearing among the white clouds above.
Misty Cloud Marsh, Soul Hall.
After days of observation and analysis, Soul Ya had gained some insight into the relationship between Lu Bu and Xiao Yan. He'd also learned quite a bit about Xiao Yan, but his understanding of Lu Bu remained superficial.
Apart from knowing Lu Bu's general identity, he had no knowledge of the man's cultivation techniques, preferred Dou Skills, or specialties in alchemy. Not even the types of pills he was adept at refining.
With Yao Chen's cunning, Soul Ya knew he would need to be extremely cautious to avoid being exposed.
"Tsk… this is really troublesome…" Soul Ya muttered darkly. The "key" to his mission wasn't as easy to acquire as he had hoped. Ever since arriving here, he'd been constrained at every turn.
If it were up to his usual methods, he would have already gone on a killing spree slaughtering indiscriminately and using his target's loved ones as leverage to get what he wanted. But in the Northwestern Continent, he'd realized things weren't so simple.
Swoosh!
A figure flashed into the hall. Xiu Tuo Zun Lao appeared, his face grim.
"Have you found any information about Lu Bu?" Soul Ya asked.
"No, but I've found news about Xiao Yan," Xiu Tuo Zun Lao said solemnly. "Recently, Xiao Yan allied with the Heavenly Snake House to annihilate the Lion Sovereign Sect. This included its leader, Lion Sky, and several Dou Ancestor level powerhouses. The sect lost almost all its high ranking combatants, even their Dou Emperors and Dou Kings."
"Hm? Xiao Yan did this?" Soul Ya's brows lifted in surprise, though his heart grew heavier. If this were true, then Xiao Yan posed a significant threat to the Soul Clan and needed to be eliminated at all costs.
"According to our intelligence, yes. However, the exact details of the battle are unknown," Xiu Tuo Zun Lao replied.
"Give me five of your Heaven ranked Protectors. I'll personally make a trip to the Jia Ma Empire," Soul Ya ordered immediately, determined to wipe out Xiao Yan's family. Whether or not he found the key, killing them would still be worthwhile!
"I only have six Heaven ranked Protectors left… but fine!" Xiu Tuo Zun Lao reluctantly agreed. Ever since Qin Tian's death, the headquarters had been indifferent about his division's losses. Instead of reinforcements, they had withdrawn two Heaven ranked Protectors. His division wasn't even operating at full strength. Still, if the envoy insisted, he couldn't refuse.
After all, with himself still present, the division should remain secure.
But before they could act, a cold shout suddenly echoed:
"Dark Demon Howl!"
In the next instant, a sharp, piercing soul soundwave erupted, slicing through the air like a scythe.
Both Xiu Tuo Zun Lao and Soul Ya turned pale. They were under attack!
Moments Earlier.
Within the dense, white fog and mists of the marsh, three white robed figures moved silently through the void, not disturbing a single wisp of mist.
At the front, one figure raised a slender, pale hand, signaling the two behind to stop. The sound of faint rustling followed as several brightly colored venomous snakes hissed and raised their heads toward the sky.
The lead figure tilted her head slightly, listening for a moment, then whispered, "There are Soul Hall sentries ahead…"
As soon as the words fell, a semi transparent phantom figure darted forward silently.
Moments later, the white mist rippled gently before settling back into stillness.
"Clear," Venerable Tian Huo returned, his spectral form reappearing.
Lu Bu nodded, tilting his chin forward to signal the group to proceed.
Ahead, Medusa inclined her head slightly, commanding the snakes to slither forward and scout for hidden sentries. Meanwhile, Venerable Tian Huo was responsible for quietly taking them out.
The group continued advancing steadily. Within a quarter of an hour, a grand, black hall emerged from the swirling mists, towering and imposing.
"This is the Soul Hall?" Venerable Tian Huo's expression revealed a hint of surprise. According to the intel, the hall didn't house many individuals beyond a handful of Protectors and one elder.
"It seems like they're holding a lot of souls here," Venerable Tian Huo muttered, his gaze darkening as he recalled Lu Bu's explanation. The Soul Hall's relentless collection of spirits aimed to extract their soul essence.
The thought of losing one's soul essence made Venerable Tian Huo's heart sink. Without it, a spirit would have no chance of reclaiming a body or reviving.
Clenching his fists, Venerable Tian Huo's eyes grew cold. The Soul Hall deserved annihilation!
"Elder Yao, it's time. Let's begin," Lu Bu said with a calm smile, gazing at the Soul Hall.
Venerable Tian Huo's eyes sparkled with determination. With a flicker, his spectral form shot high above the hall.
He raised his hand, and several golden formation flags imbued with invisible fire shot outward. In the blink of an eye, a glowing barrier of light connected the flags, sealing the entire hall within.
Yun Yun's Dou Qi wings appeared as her graceful figure descended to the array's core. With a clear shout, her Falling Heart Flame ignited, linking to the formation flags.
In an instant, a massive, invisible net of fire encompassed the Soul Hall.
At the same time, Lu Bu stepped forward, his white robes billowing. His expression turned cold as silver formation patterns illuminated beneath his feet. Above, a massive silver skull materialized in the air.
"Dark Demon Howl!"
A sharp, piercing sonic wave burst forth like a blade, sweeping through the entire hall.
Caught off guard, the many Earth ranked and Human ranked Protectors inside the Soul Hall had no chance to react. Most of them shattered instantly, exploding into fragments of light and disappearing into silence.
"Enemy attack !"
Shrill screams echoed one after another within the black hall.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Deep rumbling sounds, like rolling thunder, reverberated through the hall. Black runes and chains began to grow and spread along the walls, seemingly coming to life.
In an instant, it was as if a slumbering dragon had awakened. The terrifying aura caused the sky above to feel heavy and oppressive.
A gleam of light flickered in Lu Bu's eyes this was the Soul Hall's defensive formation. It wasn't meant to protect, only to attack. According to the information Xiao Yan had extracted from a Heaven ranked Protector, this formation, when controlled by the Elder of the hall, could rival a Heaven ranked Soul Hall Elder.
But… Lu Bu had long been prepared for this. How could he wait for the formation to fully take shape? His countermeasure was already in place.
A flash of golden light shot forward, and a golden figure stepped through the air, moving with dazzling speed. As it arrived above the Soul Hall, its shimmering golden fist pulled back, accumulating strength. Golden beams flickered and pulsed from the fist, twisting the surrounding space. Thin black cracks, no thicker than a strand of hair, appeared at the point of impact.
Boom!
The punch struck like a dragon's roar!
A massive, twisted pillar of air as thick as a leg roared outward, accompanied by a shrill, ear piercing whistle that made one's scalp tingle.
The terrifying force tore through the sky, ripping apart layers of void and leaving countless tiny spatial cracks visible amidst the white mist.
BOOM!
An earth shattering explosion erupted, and half of the Soul Hall was obliterated on the spot. The formation that had been slowly taking shape collapsed instantly into shambles.
Swoosh!
Ten or so figures darted out from the ruins of the hall. Leading them were an elderly man and a young man. The others were shrouded in black mist, their crimson eyes glinting ominously.
Xiu Tuo Zun Lao wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with a trembling hand, his gaze venomous and wolf like. That single punch had shattered the formation, leaving him injured. Never before in his years of guarding this branch of the Soul Hall had anyone dared to storm the gates like this!
Lu Bu's gaze shifted to the young man standing beside Xiu Tuo Zun Lao, and his heart sank. Something was wrong.
He had never heard of a youth being associated with the Soul Hall. There had been no mention of such a person in the story, nor in the intelligence he had painstakingly gathered after arriving in this world.
But within the Soul Clan… there were indeed many young elites!
"Kill!" Lu Bu's eyes flashed coldly as he gave the order.
As soon as the word left his lips, Medusa flicked her finger. Her sword ignited with invisible flames, slicing toward the black mist covered Soul Hall Protectors. Simultaneously, a black puppet appeared beside her. Its silver runes shimmered, and the intense heat radiating from its distorted surroundings made the weaker Soul Hall Protectors instinctively retreat.
At Lu Bu's command, the puppet shot forward like a bolt of lightning, charging directly into the ranks of the Protectors.
High above, Venerable Tian Huo moved like lightning, holding a silver white scroll in his hands. Invisible flames roared from the scroll, transforming into a ferocious flame wolf that charged toward the enemies.
The wolf, lifelike and ferocious, glared with a sharp, intelligent gleam in its eyes.
"Get out of the way!" Xiu Tuo Zun Lao roared in terror. That puppet might only seem to be at the peak of the Dou Ancestor level, a match for a Heaven ranked Protector at most.
But the flames weren't ordinary. They carried an eerie, soul shaking resonance that made his very spirit tremble. The last time he had seen such flames was during the battle at Jia Nan Academy and he had been the only one to survive that encounter.
Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. Oh? He recognizes my Spirit Flame?
But it was already too late.
As Medusa and the puppet attacked, the Soul Hall Protectors cackled and lunged forward as if they were about to capture souls, just as they had done countless times before.
Yet the very next moment, shrill cries of anguish echoed through the battlefield. Medusa's fiery sword slashed through them, the puppet's fists pummeled them, and the flame wolf ripped through their defenses. In just one exchange, three Heaven ranked Protectors were killed on the spot.
Xiu Tuo Zun Lao's eyes turned blood red. Those were Heaven ranked Protectors peak Dou Ancestor combatants gone just like that!
"Damn this fire!"
"Bastard! Die!" Xiu Tuo Zun Lao roared in fury, the chains within his sleeves clinking sharply as they shot forward like venomous snakes, aiming straight for Lu Bu's throat.
Clang!
A flash of golden light appeared, and the Heavenly Demon Puppet intercepted the attack, its chest absorbing the blow with ease.
"You… Lion Sky…?" Xiu Tuo Zun Lao gasped in horror. But before he could finish, a ferocious punch sent his words back down his throat.
Lu Bu's gaze flickered to the young man standing amidst the chaos. The youth seemed utterly unperturbed by the carnage around him, his calm demeanor suggesting a hidden confidence.
He must be a member of the Soul Clan, Lu Bu thought grimly. This complicates things.
If even one person escaped from this branch, word would spread, and he'd face the full wrath of the Soul Hall.
But if he killed this young man, the consequences wouldn't be much better. The Soul Clan and Soul Hall wouldn't let one of their own die without retribution. Either way, Lu Bu would have to deal with relentless pursuit.
So troublesome!
But… since the result would be the same, there was no reason to let the young man live.
He must die. There is no other option.
Cold killing intent surged in Lu Bu's eyes. Even if the Soul Heavenly Emperor himself came, he wouldn't be able to save you. I said it!
"Well, well… this is interesting," the young man said with a smirk, his tone filled with amusement. "Someone on the Northwestern Continent dares to make such a bold move. So, it seems you intend to wipe out this entire branch?"
He chuckled, his smile mocking as his gaze lingered on the white robed Lu Bu. The sonic attack from earlier had clearly demonstrated Lu Bu's abilities his soul strength seemed to have reached the pinnacle of the mortal level.
"Show me your face," the young man taunted. "Maybe I'll spare your life if you amuse me enough."
"…A member of the Soul Clan?" Lu Bu asked coldly, his gaze piercing. The formless Spirit Flame around his hands coalesced, forming a blazing blade.
"Oh?" The young man's expression shifted slightly. How does this backwater peasant know about the Soul Clan?
"Tell me your name," Lu Bu sneered. "Are you Soul Jade, Soul Wind, Soul Cliff, or perhaps Elder Soul Lin?"
At the mention of these names, the young man's calm demeanor shattered, his face darkening instantly.
Soul Jade and Soul Wind were both nine star and god tier bloodlines within the clan, each with the potential to become the next clan leader. These were names even members of the Gu Clan knew little about!
"Who are you?" the young man demanded, his tone icy.
"Heh… foolish creature, die!" Lu Bu spat, flicking his sleeve. Another golden figure shot forth, its fist tearing through the air with terrifying force, smashing down toward the young man's skull.
The young man's face turned ashen. How is this possible?! How could a peasant from the Northwestern Continent have a second Dou Venerable puppet?!
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