Chapter 325: Xiao Yan: Don't Even Think About Scamming Me!
Watching the warm exchange between the Burning Flame Valley group and Xiao Yan, Lu Bu froze for a moment before a smirk crept onto his face. So Xiao Yan had been using his name and now he'd landed himself in trouble.
"Heh heh... Let's see how you talk your way out of this one," Lu Bu muttered, rubbing his chin as if settling in to watch a good show.
Xiao Yi Xian and the small multicolored snake at Lu Bu's chest exchanged glances. The tense atmosphere between them eased slightly this girl clearly had no relation to Lu Bu. But both females quickly furrowed their brows, displeasure flickering across their faces. Xiao Yan borrowing Lu Bu's name for his antics was highly annoying.
If not for the poor timing, the two women might well have taught Xiao Yan a harsh lesson one that explained why flowers bloom red.
On the other side, Xiao Yan's reunion with the Burning Flame Valley party continued.
"In just one or two years, you've gone from a one star Dou Zong to reaching the Dou Zun stage. Your cultivation speed is truly awe inspiring!" Tang Zhen exclaimed, his tone filled with admiration. To leap an entire tier within the Dou Zong stage in such a short time was nothing short of terrifying.
Not only his Dou Qi cultivation but also his alchemy skills surely Xiao Yan had reached the level of an eighth tier alchemist. Such achievements were unparalleled, even Tang Zhen, the Valley Master, could hardly compare.
"Mr. Lu Bu truly lives up to his reputation as a master of the alchemy arts. His skills must also have reached the eighth tier by now, right?"
"Hahaha, you flatter me, Valley Master…" Xiao Yan laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. The weight of several piercing gazes made him feel as though needles were pricking his back.
No, he had to change the subject. Divert their attention!
Tang Zhen, having finished his musings, noticed Xiao Yan's awkward and unnatural expression. Suspicion flickered in his eyes had he arrived at a bad time?
"Haha… Valley Master Tang, let me introduce someone to you!" Xiao Yan threw an arm around Lu Bu's shoulder, laughing heartily. "This is a prospective elder of the Pill Tower, an eighth tier alchemist who successfully refined an eight colored pill long ago…"
"What!?" Tang Zhen's pupils shrank, his expression shifting drastically. When had the Pill Tower gained such an outstanding alchemist? Why hadn't he heard about this?
Even Tang Huo'er's expression revealed a flash of astonishment. Someone capable of refining such pills would surely surpass even the legendary Lu Bu in alchemy.
"Incredible…" Tang Zhen sighed, filled with admiration. While he was passionate about alchemy, his abilities extended only as far as extracting raw medicinal ingredients. He had to rely on true alchemists for the actual pill refinement process something far beyond his capabilities.
"Indeed. By now, he's likely able to refine seven or even eight colored pills," Xiao Yan added with a sigh. In his rush to divert attention, he nearly lost himself in his own exaggerated flattery.
"Oh, right. His name is "
"Valley Master Tang, it's an honor to meet you. My name is Lu Zi Qiao!" Lu Bu interjected smoothly, cutting Xiao Yan off. With a modest smile, he clasped his hands in a respectful salute. "I've spent years delving into alchemy, but my body is frail, and I'm not skilled in combat. This relic hunt is full of dangers, so I hope I can rely on your protection, Valley Master."
Lu Bu's self deprecating tone was so convincing, he might as well have sworn on the heavens that he'd willingly trade a third of his alchemy talent for an indestructible body or even just a healthy constitution.
Behind Tang Zhen, Elder Chi Huo's mouth twitched. Frail body? Not skilled in combat?
Wasn't this the same person who had obliterated Qing Hai Zun zhe in a few moves? Frail? Not skilled?
"Damn it… I should've told the Valley Master earlier about Lu Bu and Xiao Yan's relationship," Chi Huo thought, beads of cold sweat forming on his brow. All his focus had been on the Falling Star Pavilion and Feng Zun zhe, leaving this pair one possibly destined to become a Dou Di and the other a trickster completely out of mind.
In the distance, the Ice River Valley Master, Bing He Zun zhe, clenched his fists. If he weren't currently outmatched, he'd have slapped Lu Bu into the ground. Not skilled in combat? Then what was the destruction of his physical body supposed to be?
"Just wait until we're inside the relic. I'll find a way to finish him and rid myself of this grudge!" Bing He Zun zhe's fists trembled as murderous intent flared within him.
"Hahaha… Naturally, the dangers of this relic require cooperation. Helping each other is only right!" Tang Zhen laughed heartily, readily agreeing to Lu Bu's request.
Elder Chi Huo pressed a hand to his face. He could only pray that Tang Zhen wouldn't feel too humiliated later or rather, that the punishment wouldn't fall on him.
At that moment, a cold glare swept across the scene. Lu Bu's brows lifted, and his gaze shifted to meet that of a white haired man.
"Oh, it's him… what's his name again?" Lu Bu scratched his head in thought. The white haired man was a member of the Tian Yao Phoenix Clan someone Lu Bu had encountered at Yu Jing Teng Jian. Back then, the man had abandoned Feng Qing'er to save his own skin, indirectly sparing her life.
Scanning the scene, Lu Bu noted that Feng Qing'er was nowhere to be seen.
"Tch… Looks like he's traumatized her," Lu Bu sneered, his tone dismissive.
Seeing the mocking expression on Lu Bu's face, the white haired man's fury exploded. His face twisted with rage, and a murderous aura surged around him, warping the surrounding space.
"Damn bastard! The humiliation I suffered back then I'll use your blood to wash it away today!" The white haired man clenched his fists, his killing intent boiling over.
Beside him, Huang Xuan frowned but said nothing. While this Lu Bu was a member of the Black Submerged Army, the dangers within the Dou Sheng ruins were immense. If something "unexpected" were to happen, how could the Black Submerged Army pin the blame on the Tian Yao Phoenix Clan?
Would they truly risk war with the Tian Yao Phoenix Clan for a single commander?
It was the perfect opportunity. Today, old scores could finally be settled.
High above the sky, cold killing intent flashed in Huang Xuan's eyes. Back then, he couldn't act against Lu Bu because they were outside, and his hands were tied. But now… this was the Beast Region, inside a Dou Saint's relic!
"This time, I'll see who can save you…" Huang Xuan sneered, his voice chilling. His killing intent boiled over as if he wanted nothing more than to rip Lu Bu's head off with one claw.
"Is this the supposed Taixu Ancient Dragon with a Black Submerged Army identity?" asked an old man in black robes beside Huang Xuan, his sharp, eagle like eyes scanning Lu Bu up and down, as if trying to pierce through him.
"Yes… this man is not simple," Huang Xuan replied solemnly. Though he desperately wanted to kill the pretty boy in front of him, the fact that Lu Bu had advanced from Dou Zong to Dou Zun in such a short time and had even forced Huang Fei into a humiliating retreat proved his terrifying strength.
"Hmph. So what if he's a Taixu Ancient Dragon?" the old man in black robes scoffed coldly. His piercing gaze erupted with an icy chill, and a strong, oppressive aura spread outward. "How dare he touch the Tian Yao Phoenix Clan's forbidden territory and secretly keep ancient phoenix blood? I will kill him!"
"This Dou Saint relic shall become his grave. Even the Black Submerged Army won't be able to take him out of here alive!"
As the man's words fell, a glint of purple gold light appeared in Lu Bu's eyes, and a tyrannical dragon's aura burst forth like a tidal wave, surging into the sky.
"Hmph!" A muffled grunt came from under the black robes, and a moment later, an icy gaze, brimming with boundless killing intent, shot forth like a blade. "Brazen arrogance! Courting death!"
This man was dangerous a threat that could not be allowed to live. If he survived, he would surely become a future calamity for the Tian Yao Phoenix Clan.
As this deadly thought took root, cold, bone piercing winds began to spread subtly from beneath the black robe, accompanied by an ever thickening murderous aura.
"He's clearly here with ill intent…" Lu Bu sneered coldly. The Tian Yao Phoenix Clan was getting more and more reckless.
Boom!
Suddenly, the entire mountain trembled violently. Before the enormous crimson hall, a strong gust of wind swept through, kicking up clouds of dust and debris.
"The relic is opening!"
The sound of excited exclamations erupted from the crowd, and waves of voices echoed across the mountain peak.
Creak, creak, creak!
The heavy, deep sound of grinding stone reverberated through the air as the enormous iron like stone gate, weighing tens of thousands of pounds, slowly began to rise. Gradually, it revealed an endless, pitch black passage shrouded in shadow.
The sight of this triggered a wave of excited yells as figures flickered, their bodies moving swiftly toward the passage like bolts of lightning.
"Hold on! The Dou Saint's relic isn't that simple…" Feng Zun zhe said gravely. He worried that this reckless Xiao Yan might rush in without considering the consequences.
"Heh heh…" Lu Bu chuckled softly. Holding Xiao Yi Xian's and Zi Yan's hands, he made no moves to rush forward.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Just as the first person entered the passage, the ground beneath them split apart without warning. Lava surged upward from the newly opened fissures, illuminating the dark passage with an eerie red glow.
At the same time, strange blue flames erupted from the walls and ceiling, forming deadly columns of fire. The unfortunate individual who rushed in first didn't even have time to scream before being reduced to ashes, his remains falling into the bubbling lava below.
"Tsk tsk… A Dou Saint relic, indeed," Xiao Yan muttered in amazement. He had experienced relic explorations before, such as the one in Black Corner Domain, but compared to this place, that one wasn't even worth mentioning it was utterly insignificant.
"Let's go. It's time to move," Lu Bu said calmly. With a wave of his sleeve, the purple black flames of his Three Thousand Burning Flames rose, forming a protective shield around Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan also waved his sleeve, summoning a dark black flame to envelop Nalan Yanran and three other elders of the Falling Star Pavilion, ensuring their safety before following after Lu Bu.
"Valley Master Tang, I'll go ahead," Xiao Yan said with a laugh. Leading his group of five, he stepped boldly into the fiery passage.
"I misjudged him… This Lu Zi Qiao is as extraordinary as Lu Bu," Tang Zhen murmured, his face serious. With a flash of silver light, the Nine Dragon Thunderflame surrounded the Burning Flame Valley team as they entered the fire path.
"Uh… Valley Master, I actually know something about this Lu… Lu Zi Qiao," Elder Chi Huo said hesitantly.
"Oh? Speak."
"…"
…
Within the fiery passage, two streams of flames one purple black, the other faintly black cut through the air, racing forward at high speed.
"This fire path seems awfully long…" Nalan Yanran muttered, her brows furrowing. Though the heat didn't bother her thanks to Xiao Yan's flame shield, the oppressive atmosphere made her feel increasingly uneasy.
"Speed up. The fire path shouldn't extend much further," Feng Zun zhe said after glancing around. His voice was calm but firm.
However, at that moment, Lu Bu, who was leading the group, came to a sudden stop.
"Lu Bu, what are you doing?" Xiao Yan asked, puzzled. This guy was always chasing treasures and wouldn't tolerate others getting ahead of him. For him to stop like this… Was something wrong?
"Heh… This fire path holds a hidden secret. If you keep going like this, you'll walk until the end of time and never reach the relic's core," Lu Bu said with a faint smile.
"What do you mean?" Xiao Yan and Feng Zun zhe both frowned.
"Look down. The lava," Lu Bu replied, pointing at the bubbling molten rock beneath them. With a sly grin, he continued, "The real entrance to the relic lies down there."
Xiao Yan's mouth twitched as he stared at the lava, which occasionally erupted in deadly jets of fire. Was Lu Bu seriously trying to trick him into diving into a death trap already, even before they'd entered the relic?
"Sigh… You people…" Lu Bu shook his head, his expression one of feigned disappointment. "Fine, I'll go first."
With a casual shrug, Lu Bu's purple black flames flared brighter as he wrapped them protectively around Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan. Then, with a decisive leap, he dove headfirst into the lava.
Splash!
In front of the astonished members of the Falling Star Pavilion, Lu Bu disappeared into the molten depths, leaving Xiao Yan and the others staring blankly in disbelief.
"Uh… uh…" Xiao Yan scratched his head, unsure if he had misjudged the situation.
"Ahem… Let's go. After all, we have Lu Bu leading the way," Feng Zun zhe coughed lightly, masking his earlier awkwardness as he quickly spoke up.
"Hmm… Feng Lao is right!" Xiao Yan agreed readily, choosing to follow Feng Zun zhe's suggestion rather than listening to Lu Bu.
With that, Xiao Yan led his group and mimicked Lu Bu's earlier actions, diving headfirst into the magma. The scalding heat surged toward them, but thanks to Xiao Yan's mastery of multiple Heavenly Flames, it had no effect on him.
As his faint black flame churned, a hint of pale white radiance emerged, instantly replacing the scorching heat inside the flame shield with a refreshing coolness.
"Feels like air conditioning…" Xiao Yan thought with a twinge of nostalgia, recalling memories of a certain invention from his distant past on Blue Planet.
After about half a cup of tea's time, the ground beneath Xiao Yan and his companions abruptly disappeared. They landed on a cold, hard surface. Above them, streams of crimson magma still flowed, with the faint silhouettes of people dashing through the fiery passage overhead.
"Eh? We actually made it through?" Xiao Yan exclaimed softly in surprise. For once, it seemed Lu Bu hadn't tricked him.
Should he… maybe listen to Lu Bu's advice next time?
"I thought we'd just keep walking forward…" Lu Bu's voice echoed faintly.
Xiao Yan let out an awkward chuckle and quickly changed the subject. If he didn't feel embarrassed, then it was someone else's problem.
"Lu Bu, what's next?" Xiao Yan asked, deliberately ignoring the teasing tone in Lu Bu's words.
"That way," Lu Bu said, jerking his chin toward a vast plaza not far away. The square was already dotted with numerous figures.
The eight of them flickered forward, landing gracefully on the plaza. Several other groups were already present, including ones from Ice River Valley, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, and Wind and Thunder Pavilion, as well as other smaller factions.
Among them, Xiao Yan noticed a group clad in the attire of the Sky Nether Sect. Two individuals at the forefront were fanning themselves leisurely, their expressions cold and detached.
"Uncle Yao, is that person from the Pill Tower?" Chen Xian folded his fan with a sharp snap, his eyes flashing coldly. After the incident with Song Qing, he had been pursued relentlessly by the Pill Tower. If he hadn't escaped quickly, he might not have made it back to the Sky Nether Sect alive.
As for Song Qing, Chen Xian didn't feel he had done anything wrong. So what if Song Qing had died? What gave the Pill Tower the right to target him?
"Heh… Even if he is, so what? If you want, killing him wouldn't be out of the question," Yao Hua Evil Monarch said with a faint smile. He had taken a liking to Chen Xian not only because of his appearance and cultivation techniques but even his fighting style and weapon of choice were remarkably similar to his own.
"He's a lot like me!"
"Haha… Thank you, Uncle Yao," Chen Xian replied with a faint smile, his fan snapping open again. "That Pill Tower brat has two decent looking women with him. If Uncle Yao were to enjoy them, wouldn't that be delightful?"
"Heh heh…" Yao Hua Evil Monarch chuckled faintly, though his eyes burned with a fiery intensity. Indeed, the white haired woman from the Pill Tower and the Falling Star Pavilion girl were quite appealing.
"He's just like me… even in tastes."
Not far away, the three Heavenly Demon Phoenix experts gazed coldly at Lu Bu and his group. Once inside the relic's depths, it would be their burial ground.
Meanwhile, Lu Bu scanned the Sky Nether Sect group, his brow furrowing slightly. Their hostility was evident, but… had he ever offended the Sky Nether Sect?
Wait… maybe he had, but they shouldn't know about it, right?
"Earth Demon Puppets…" Xiao Yan's surprised voice broke through Lu Bu's thoughts. At the far end of the plaza stood a thick stone gate, and before it, ten silver humanoid figures stood like spears, unmoving. These were Earth Demon Puppets similar to those Lu Bu had crafted before.
"Heh heh… Xiao Yan, why don't you give it a try?" Lu Bu grinned slyly, goading him. "You know the Earth Demon Puppets' strength they're no match for you. If you take them down, you'll be the first to enter the relic!"
Hearing this, Xiao Yan burst into laughter. "Haha… Forget it. My strength is too insignificant. Entering sooner or later makes no difference to me."
"Heh heh… These Earth Demon Puppets aren't ordinary. Aren't you even a little tempted to test yourself against them?" Lu Bu pressed, still smiling.
"Uh…" Xiao Yan scratched his head, feeling a flicker of hesitation. Lu Bu's expression at this moment was identical to when they had been in the fiery passage earlier.
Could it be… he wasn't tricking him this time either?
No! He couldn't think like that!
What if it was a trap? Lu Bu couldn't fool him!
"Forget it. It's not like I've never seen Earth Demon Puppets before. I'm not interested," Xiao Yan said, waving his hands dismissively.
"Sigh… you're hopeless…" Lu Bu sighed, a glint of cunning flashing through his eyes as he shook his head in mock disappointment.
Xiao Yan scratched his head again, conflicted. That expression was exactly the same as before in the fiery passage… Was Lu Bu really not trying to trick him?
No! He couldn't let Lu Bu fool him!
"Alright then, I'll do it." Lu Bu shrugged nonchalantly and, in front of everyone, stepped forward to stand before the Earth Demon Puppets.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan's previously firm resolve wavered once more. His face flickered with indecision. Was Lu Bu really going to act?
Just like in the fiery passage… was he really not trying to trick him this time?
Before he could finish the thought, an immense wave of soul power erupted from Lu Bu, surging like a tidal wave to envelop the Earth Demon Puppets in its entirety.
"No!" Xiao Yan's heart sank, and a sense of dread overtook him. Lu Bu's goal wasn't to enter the stone gate or be the first to enter the relic. It was to claim those Earth Demon Puppets for himself!
"Damn it! That bastard has been plotting this since the fiery passage!" Xiao Yan suddenly realized the truth, his face filled with regret and frustration.
Lu Bu had been toying with him the entire time, deliberately making him hesitate!
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